Chapter 24

The familiar scenery that the train passed brought the peace it always had. It was one constant that never changed anything about it. One could only hope that it stayed that way for many years to come, and that it brought the same feeling to many others.

"You look happy." Jude turned to James, a small smile on his lips. His friend shrugged, "Well, better than last year at least. I don't think I've ever seen you smile this much at the end of the year, and that includes first year."

"Considering the last two years have been nothing but torture and first year had me leaving the one place I felt where I belonged, I can definitely say this is the best I've felt in a while," Jude responded with an easy smile.

"Well I'm happy you're happy," Emma smiled. She smoothed out her skirt as she spoke, "This year was the first year no one got gravely injured after we stopped Lazarus' schemes."

James smirked, "And it's the first time Emma hasn't flinched when Lazarus' name is mentioned." He chuckled when she punched his arm.

Jude nodded, "This time we know he's out there, and even if we can't fully anticipate what he's going to try next, we know that we'll be ready." His smile grew a bit. "And Sherlock is out and free thanks to us, so that's another good thing that came from this."

"And Professor Harmon is back teaching," Emma beamed. "I'm so happy. Professor Alexander was becoming very depressed throughout the year. I hope she gets better now."

Jude let out a breath he was holding, "Okay, so I wasn't the only one who saw that, right?" James rolled his eyes while Emma's face became pinched. "What?"

"Anyways," James added in. "Next year is our third to last year. We're gonna have prefects in our year, and we all know who that's gonna be."

As if on instinct, Jude found his eyes moving to Emma. She blushed almost as red as her hair as she put her hands on her face, "You don't even know if that's true. Stop looking at me."

James smirked once more, "Not only that; we'll also have our new captain." He laughed at his friend's bashful gaze. He then groaned, "And we'll have O.W.L.s."

Emma perked up at that, "That's right. We'll have to study extra hard next year if we want to get the classes we want in 6th year."

Jude grimaced, "Finals are bad enough. Now we have even harder tests? I don't think I can handle all that on top of being captain."

"Olivia did it."

"True," Jude mumbled, scratching the back of his head.

"Don't worry, mate. You're not the only one who hates tests."

"We all know how much you tests, James. You don't need to remind us."

"And don't you forget it."

Jude smiled at his friends, happy that they could go back to the banter they always had even after the year they had. Sure, the year hadn't been as taxing and eventful as last year since most of the problems that came up were between the three of them instead of Lazarus' doing, but it was a year that showed the three of them that not everything bad that happened was going to be because of someone bad. No, it was most likely going to come from miscommunication.

As much as Jude hoped and wished that his friends would finally see their feelings for each other, he knew they wouldn't realize it until years later since James was so stubborn and Emma always got flustered at the mere talk of feelings.

He internally cringed at that. Was he the mature one in the group now? Ugh, that seemed like too much responsibility and he wasn't ready for that sort of commitment. He was already going to be quidditch captain, he didn't want to be the Mom Friend as well. Especially with these two oblivious dummies.

He loved his friends, he did. He just really wished they would see what was in front of them already.

A couple of hours later, the train came to a stop at Platform 9 ¾. The three of them gathered their luggage and made their way off the train. Once off the train, Jude stood with Hestia who was inside her cage and searched for Hannah. Neville was still in the train like usual; most likely going over next years plans with the other professors.

"Jude Porter!"

Even with the harsh tone in her voice, Jude couldn't help but beam at the sight of his surrogate mother. He rushed over to her, making sure not to topple Hestia's cage as he ran. He threw himself into Hannah and wrapped his arms around her tightly, "Mum, it's so good to see you."

Hannah stiffened in his arms and he wondered what he said wrong. She began stuttering for some reason, "D-Don't think this lets you off the hook."

Jude pulled back, staring at her with wide eyes, "I know I'm not. I'm just really happy to see you, Mum."

There seemed to be a struggle in Hannah's eyes before she wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his messy hair, "I'm happy to see you too, Jude. My boy." She pulled away and held his face in her hands. She smiled down at him with eyes so wet he was surprised tears hadn't fallen yet.

"There's my family!"

Jude turned, grinning at Neville who rushed over to hug them, "Hi, Dad."

Neville ran his hand through the younger boy's hair, "I don't think I'll ever get tired of that." He kissed Hannah's lips chastely, "Hello, love."

"Hello, darling," Hannah cooed as she kissed him back. She giggled when she heard Jude's humorous gags, "Quiet, you."

Jude simply laughed, burying himself back into the arms of the people who took him and loved him even when they didn't have to. This was his family now, and he was so glad to be home with them again.