Chapter 18: Hogwarts Express

As the Potters soon cross the barrier to reach Platform 9 ¾, they soon find Ron and Hermione. The meeting, however, is short-lived as they must go to the Prefects' wagon. "Did you guys become Head Boy and Head Girl?" Harry asks.

"No and yes." Ron answers. "I didn't become Head Boy but Hermione became Head Girl."

"Be sure you'll give those slimy Slytherins a hard time." James asks.

"James." Lily scolds.

"Mum, Dad, why didn't Sirius come?" Harry asks.

"Knowing him, he stayed up late with some girl." James suggests.

"Harry, we must get in the train." Hermione says; glad to have an excuse to stop this awkward conversation.

Harry soon finds a compartment with Ginny, Neville and Luna. "Hi, Luna. Have you ever found a Crumple-Horned Snorkack?" Harry asks.

"Not yet, Harry." Luna sadly replies. "It took all the money the Daily Prophet gave my Dad in exchange for a copy of the interview you gave the Quibbler and yet we never found any." She then becomes happy again. "But Dad found some bloke who sold him a Crumple-Horned Snorkack's horn."

"Cool." Harry replies. Before anything else is said, they hear the door opening and find Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. "What do you want, Malfoy?" Neville bravely asks.

"Just doing my Head duties, Longbottom." Draco replies.

"You're the Head Boy!" Harry, Ginny and Neville ask in surprise. Only Luna seems unfazed by the news.

"Hey, I just noticed something." Luna says. "Harry's parents became a couple after becoming Head Boy and Head Girl. Will it…"

"NO!" Hermione yells.

"But I must admit it'll be fun to tease Weasel Boy about that." Draco replies. "Come on, Granger. We've got other wagons to check." Both Heads leave.

"I'm glad Malfoy is gone." Ginny comments. "I didn't want to admit teasing Ron was a good idea."

Speaking of the devil, Ron soon appears. "I saw Malfoy was here. Did he cause any kind of trouble?"

"No." Ginny maliciously replies. "He and Hermione are doing quite a good job together."

"What do you mean by that?" Ron demands.

"Only that they're doing a good job together." Ginny replies. Ron furiously leaves.

After that, somebody enters to deliver Harry and Ginny invitations to meet Slughorn.

At Slughorn's wagon, the Potions Master and former Head of Slytherin House is happy to see Harry and Ginny again. "Harry, how are you? And Ginny, interested in becoming a Harpy?" A few laughs are heard about this. "Gwenog got a good impression of you."

Soon the Heads appear. "Draco, Hermione, I see you both got my invitations."

"Actually we just came to inspect." Hermione explains. "We didn't know you were holding a meeting, Professor Slughorn."

"But I am and you both are invited." Slughorn replies, offering two seats.

"We'll get back after finishing our Head duties, Professor Slughorn." Draco politely replies. As he and Hermione are about to leave, Ron appears. "So, this is what my sister meant." He angrily comments and then leaves.

"This is going to be a long ride." Draco says with a malicious smile.

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