Diclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the matterial from the books. All of that is the property of JKR and I have made no money from the writing of this.

AN: Wow, I've gotten good response to the first two chapters so I've worked hard on this. I'd like to give a thanks to all those that reviewed, I love hearing what you have to say! Enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 3

Of trains and things

The clock at the train station chimed one as the train pulled up to the platform. Exiting the car the three teens made their way down the platform, intent on finding a place to rest till their next train left. "When does the train to Darby leave?" Rose asked, stiffening a yawn as she tried to keep up with the boys.

Stopping to look at the board Al quickly scanned it with his eyes. "There's a three ten to Darby leaving from platform two. Or there's a six o'clock leaving from the same platform. I think it would be best if we leave as soon as possible." Al said, slumping down on a near by bench. Running a hand over his face he tried to stave off his wariness.

Scorpius nodded, taking a set beside him. "I think your right. The less time we spend anywhere the better." he said, running a hand through his now dark brown hair. "I miss my hair." Rose giggled softly beside him, burying her head in his shoulder. "Hush, Red. Least you got to keep your color. My hair's short now too." His pout did nothing to deter her laughter. Allowing a smile to come to his lips he leaned against her, taking a small comfort in the presence of his best friend.

Merlin, it seemed weird to think of her like that but Scorpius couldn't help it, somehow the fiery Ravenclaw had become the most important person in his life. Even Al, who'd been his first friend in Slytherin, didn't matter as much to him. Sure he loved Al like a brother but there had always been something about Rose. Shacking himself out of his thoughts he looked down at her again, smiling when he saw that she was lightly sleeping on his shoulder. Gently brushing his lips against the top of her head he allowed his gaze to unfocus, and stare out over the platform.

"We're going to miss it!" Rose yelled as she barreled down the platform. The clock had just struck three when they had roused from their rest. Now with less then five minutes to board the train they were in a frantic run.

"We'll make it! A little less complaining a little more running!" Al reprimanded from behind her. Reaching the car out of breath none of them spoke to the ticket collector, instead climbing aboard and finding a compartment in silence. Slumping back against the garishly red seats they all attempted to catch their breaths, glaring at each other. "I told you we'd make it! We didn't even forget anything!" Rose simply rolled her eyes at him as the train began to lurch forward.

The train hadn't been moving for very long when Rose excused herself to head to the loo. Slipping out of the compartment she made her way down the slim hallway towards the restrooms. Once locked inside Rose tiredly leant against the sink, taking in her haggard appearance. "Not even twenty four hours away from home and already you look like crap." she mumbled to herself, turning on the sink. Splashing some water on her face to wake herself up Rose heaved another sigh. Things were turning out to be more complicated then she had expected.

Reaching for the handle she heard voices outside the door. Stopping short she decided to wait for them to pass before opening the door. Their voices were low but she could make out what they were saying. "Is everything ready?" a deep voice asked.

"Yes," a hissing female voice answered. "We've made our impression on the minestry. Especially with that Weasely gone. Everything is falling into place." Rose's eyes widened at the name Weasley. Surely it couldn't be he uncle, he'd gone missing according to Al, but the thought of him murdered sent shivers down her spine. More words had progressed in her absence, followed by a distinct pop of appartion. Heavy foot steps echoed down the hall, before drifting off into silence.

Resting her head against the door she tried to collect herself. Waiting a few more minutes to ensure that who ever had been outside the door was gone for good she quietly slipped from the restroom. Hurrying down the hall she ducked into the compartment, shutting the door directly behind her. "We have a problem."

Recanting the conversation had taken more time then Rose had expected but in the end she was left with more questions then answers. "Clearly who ever is behind this has more followers then we suspected. I didn't get a look at them but the fact that one apparted means that they were of age. The question now is what next?" Rose asked, leaning her chin against her knees.

Sighing Al looked at his clearly frightened cousin. "We get to Darby, we go to London. That plan doesn't change. When we get to King's Cross we meet up with the others. Then we tell them what we've found out. There's nothing else we can do right now." Al replied, Scorpius nodding along with him. Walking to the door he pulled down the curtain and latched the door. "We sleep in shifts. Scorpius was awake last time, I'll stay up this time." An affectionate smile crossed his lips as he knelt down to Rose's eye level. "Get some sleep, Rosie. You'll need it in the morning."

Returning to his seat Al watched as his friends drifted off to an uneasy sleep. Sighing he allowed his eyes to gaze out the window, taking in the blurred scenery as it passed him. He hoped they would get to London undeterred but the outcome of this was getting dimmer with every passing hour. With any luck, London would be a safe haven, if only for now.

tbc.

Next: Their arrival at King's cross exposes some interesting facts about what exactly they are trying to stop.

An: As always reviews are greatly appreciated. I should have chapter four up shortly. Also, as a new note, someone on Deviant Art did a piece of fanart for this chapter! You can find it at Deviant Art under the title The New golden Trio and it is by AmberSkys. The link is also up on my profile and will remain for sometime.