A/N: Well… this chapter turned out to be the longest chapter I've ever written so far. I got a bit carried away. Oh yeah, a new Character will be introduced in the next chapter so you can look forward to that. Until then, Enjoy ; )
Chapter 32: Back to School
September 1st, 1998
It wasn't a familiar place, and it made him feel alarmed. The dark wooden stairs which led up to the second floor were creaking louder with every step. The house must've had centuries. The second floor was the final one and it only had one room which covered almost the entire floor, saving only some spare space for the narrow hallway. He was nearing the door slowly, fully aware that it was the last one which has not been opened yet. His heart started beating faster as he neared the room. He stretched out his left hand, ready for his palm to greet the small rusty door handle. His right hand was occupied by his wand, ready to strike in case if anything or anyone decided to jump out and attack him. It might've not been a wise desire, but he wanted someone to attack him. He needed to find at least one of them. One would be enough. Finally, his hand met the door and he slowly twisted the handle. The creak which came from the door was even louder than the stairs which he climbed. If there was anyone in this house, they would have definitely heard him. He gently pushed the door forward and allowed for another continued chain of creaking sounds to echo through the house. The room was dark and he had to wait for his eyes to register its surroundings. The darkness which filled everything around him was slowly starting to shrink until he could make out furniture and even some framed paintings on the walls. Moonlight was struggling to get through the curtained window. He knew that casting a simple 'Lumos' would solve his problem with vision, but he preferred the comfort of darkness right now. It was giving him the advantage of spotting others first if they decided to brighten up the area. As he entered the room, as carefully as ever, checking corners of the room first, he couldn't help but realise that there was a shadow in the centre of the room, right in front of a large opened wardrobe. He paused for a long moment, trying to make out what the shadow was. His heart stopped beating when he realised it was a body. But why wasn't it moving? Surely they would have heard the creak of the opening door. He could only come up with one explanation, it was a corpse. The only thing he didn't want to find.
Harry's eyes opened almost instantly as if he wasn't sleeping at all. He ran his hand through the sheets, quickly acknowledging that she wasn't in bed. His hand shot up to his nightstand where he located his glasses. After putting them on, he started to scan the bedroom, searching for her. She was not here.
"Hermione?" He called out, trying to calm himself down, knowing that he was in a large manor. There was no need to worry. Yet.
He jumped up from the bed and went straight to the bathroom. It was also empty. His pulse was starting to rise. This never happened before… she always woke him up when she got up. Starting his day with a lovely kiss on the cheek and running her hand through his hair. He turned away from the bathroom and apparated straight to the bottom floor of the Potter Manor. He let out a breath of surprise when music reached his ears from the kitchen. At a jog, he made his way towards the tune, now he could hear that it was accompanied by singing. It was a familiar voice, the most beautiful voice he knew.
All tension left him the moment he reached the kitchen. She was facing the stove, back to him. The smell of bacon made its way to his nostrils.
"Hermione" he breathed.
She turned around when she heard her name, though instead of a smile or a simple 'good morning', she looked frustrated. She sighed, "I was hoping you wouldn't wake up yet."
Hearing her voice snapped him back to Earth, he smiled in relief and rushed over to hug her. She squeaked as he lifted her slightly from the floor. "Hey, you missed me that much?" she laughed as he let her back down and buried his face into her neck.
He pulled away but was still close enough to hold on to her waist. "What are you doing?"
Hermione smiled, "Breakfast. I wanted to surprise you and bring it to bed for you, but you had to go and ruin my plans by waking up."
Harry gave a weak smile, "You didn't have to make breakfast for me. You know I could've cooked something up with Beemey."
Hermione nodded, "Right… but this time I thought I'd cook something for you. I think it's a cute way of showing someone you love them."
Harry's smile grew, he buried his face in her neck again and gave her another tight hug. "Thank you. I love you too."
She lifted his head from her neck and kissed him on the mouth. "You're not the only one who's allowed to do cute things." She answered. Her smile died down once she took in some of his features. "Harry, you look pale… are you okay?"
He pulled away from her and sat down at the kitchen table "Yeah, everything is fine… it's just… I had a weird dream." When it came to dreams, it was always different for Harry. He rarely got normal ones. And almost all his life, most of his dreams usually meant something. And almost every time, they meant something bad.
Hermione was all too familiar with his nightmares, he had plenty of them during the Horcrux hunt. "What happened in the dream?"
Harry closed his eyes, trying to remember everything he saw. "I'm in an old house… walking up a staircase. Somehow I know that this house has two floors. I don't know how, but I just do. Then, I approach a door and I open it. Behind the door is a large dark room. There is a big wardrobe in the centre and on the floor… there's a…" He opened his eyes, partially unwilling to finish the story.
Hermione came up next to him and sat on his lap, placing her hand on his cheek, looking deep into his eyes, "What is it, Harry?"
Harry looked back at her, trying hard to push away all dark thoughts "There's a dead body."
Hermione's eyes widened slightly as he answered. "Do you know who it might be?"
Harry shook his head, "No… it's too dark, I'm too far away and the body seems to be turned away from me, facing in the direction of the wardrobe."
Hermione nodded at his explanation.
"When I woke up, I couldn't find you… I got a bit nervous. That's probably why I'm a bit pale." Harry explained.
"Oh, I'm sorry Harry. I just wanted to-
"You don't have to explain yourself, love. You wanted to make breakfast, that's completely understandable. I guess I'm just used to always waking up next to you. So when you weren't there, I was a bit confused. But that's all." Harry smiled, "to be honest, I don't understand how you managed to sneak out without me waking up. Smells great by the way."
Hermione smiled back at him and then stood up from his lap and turned back towards the stove, "I had my fair share of cooking during our Horcrux hunt."
Harry sighed, but couldn't help grinning at her words, "Yep… you will literally never forgive me, will you?"
"Nope." She smirked, "I just don't understand how you had all of this culinary talent and not once did you think to say 'Hey Hermione, do you need some help?' It's just bizarre."
"Okay, I'm sorry. I promise that I'll try to make it up to you every day of my life." Harry laughed.
Hermione smiled, "How exactly will you make it up to me?"
"A couple of things come to mind," Harry answered.
"Sounds interesting. I'm looking forward to it." Hermione answered as she placed a plate of bacon and eggs in front of him.
"Thank you." Harry smiled as he grabbed a fork and knife.
"So, do you think this dream could mean anything?" Hermione asked as she cut through a piece of bacon.
Harry shook his head, "I don't know. I haven't had a dream of this kind since April and that was before we killed Voldemort." Harry was sure that dreams of this kind would stop now that Voldemort was gone. Not to mention that his dreams were always linked with him. But this one wasn't. Or maybe it was… Harry couldn't be sure. He was sure of one thing; Voldemort was dead.
"Maybe it was just a weird dream, it doesn't have to necessarily mean anything. People have weird dreams all the time." Hermione answered.
"Maybe… but I don't really have dreams of that kind. I have occasional nice dreams."
"Really? What are those about?" Hermione asked, interested.
"You, of course." Harry smiled.
Hermione's cheeks went pink, "I have nice dreams about you too."
She never mentioned anything of this type, it was nice to know that Hermione dreamed of him too. It made him feel less weird than he already felt he was.
"Okay and what about the weird ones, did you ever have a weird dream that wasn't linked with Voldemort?"
"No, never. This was the first one. It just feels strange because It felt like… like I was really there… just like in those old dreams I used to have." Harry explained.
"In most dreams, you feel like that, Harry. It's once you wake up that you realise they didn't actually happen." Hermione answered.
"Well, in my case, they did actually happen." He shivered at his own words. He didn't know who the dead body in his dream might belong to, but he didn't like it. Nothing good ever came of his dreams. Apart from the one which showed him Arthur Weasley. But in those dreams, he was a snake, or Voldemort himself. This dream was different, he was himself. He knew he was.
"We could speak to Professor McGonagall about it." Hermine requested.
Harry wasn't sure how Professor McGonagall would explain his dream, but it would be worth mentioning. Afterall, she was one of the very phew people at school who he trusted as much as Professor Dumbledore.
"I guess we could. But maybe you're right, Hermione. Maybe it was just a dream. I really hope you're right." Harry answered.
Hermione smiled at him, "I don't think there's any more true danger left for us in this world Harry. And if there is, we can fight it, just like we have before. I'll fight for you like I always have. I'll protect you."
Harry smiled back at her, "That makes me feel a lot more at ease. Knowing that there's a smart, strong and beautiful witch who has my back no matter what." He leaned closer towards her.
She leaned forward too, meeting him halfway across the table, "And she always will" she answered, before placing a kiss on his lips.
Harry stood up and collected their plates. "Alright, you cooked, I'll clean up."
As he said this, Beemey the elf appeared in the kitchen "Beemey could clean the dishes."
"No." Said Harry and Hermione at the same time.
"No Beemey, you have done enough for us already, you're such a hard-working elf. You deserve a vacation. Luckily enough, we're going Hogwarts so you'll be free from us until October." Harry smiled at the elf.
Hermione smiled at him, clearly pleased by how much care Harry placed on his house elf.
"Beemey doesn't want a vacation. Beemey doesn't want to say goodbye either." The elf answered, clearly unhappy.
"Are you going to miss us?" Hermione asked.
The little elf nodded, making her ears flap back and forth "Beemey will miss Harry and Hermione very much.
It was one of Hermione's recent victories; she finally managed to teach Beemey to call Harry and Hermione by their names without using the titles Master and Mistress. Hermione was very pleased.
"Well, in that case, I'll speak to Professor McGonagall. Maybe she'll let us visit you from time to time. I know that Harry will miss being at the Manor as much as I will." She looked over to Harry who nodded at the elf.
"That's right. And if you get very lonely, you can always visit us at Hogwarts. Remember, you're an elf so you can apparate to the school at will." Harry added.
Beemey smiled "Okay, Beemey will visit. And do come visit Beemey sometimes. Beemey will cook up something nice when Harry and Hermione come home."
"It's settled then," Harry answered as he turned towards the sink.
"Could Beemey help with drying the dishes at least?" the elf asked, hopefully.
Harry looked over at Hermione who laughed, "okay, Beemey, you can help him if you want to that badly. Honestly, why do you house elves hate resting so much?" She stood up and walked over to Harry. She placed her hands around his waist and kissed him on the neck, "I'm going to have a quick shower. Then we should probably start making our way to mum and dad. I promised to let them drive us to King's Cross.
"They do know that we can just apparate though, right?" Harry asked.
"Yeah… but mum said something about it being my last trip to school and how they want to be a part of it. I guess it makes sense in a way." Hermione explained.
Harry nodded, "I'll get these dishes cleaned, and then I'll be more than happy to join you in that shower."
Hermione smiled at him, "I'll start the water."
It was just a couple minutes past eight when they were out of the shower and dressed, ready to leave. It felt weird to be leaving the comfort of their home. Not a long time has passed, and yet the manor has become something of a personal sanctum for them. Harry walked down the staircase uniting with Hermione in the living room. His packed case was floating behind him.
"Ready to leave?" asked Hermione.
Harry came up close to her, taking a final look around the Manor's living room. He will definitely miss being here. It might've not been his favourite place in the manor when Hermione was here, but he enjoyed spending long afternoons on the sofa, staring into the flames which danced in the fireplace.
"More than I'll ever be, I guess." He answered. It felt weird to not want to go. He was usually ecstatic about going back to Hogwarts. But now… when he finally experienced what a real home is like… and when he found out how much joy can come from simply just being in the presence of a loved one, together, away from everyone else, he didn't want to leave anymore. But he knew that going back to Hogwarts was something he had to do. He wanted to finish his last school year. But most importantly, he wanted to be with Hermione.
Beemey appeared in front of them, smiling at them both. "Back to school!" she called. "Beemey will miss you both!"
Hermione smiled and went down on one knee, spreading her arms "Come here." She invited the elf.
Beemey looked slightly confused but followed Hermione's instructions. Hermione waited until she was within reach when she closed her arms around the elf, hugging her gently.
"We'll miss you too, Beemey," Hermione answered, slowly releasing the elf. Beemey smiled at her mistress, "Beemey likes hugs now. Will Harry give Beemey a hug too?"
Harry smiled, "Of course!" he went down on one knee next to Hermione and spread his arms open for the elf. Beemey hugged him too and then they both stood up. "Take care of the house, Beemey. We'll visit you soon." He told the elf.
"And remember, if you ever feel super lonely, you can always come visit us at Hogwarts," Hermione added.
Harry took hold of Hermione's hand and grabbed his case. He smiled down at the elf and admired his home once more. He really will miss this place.
They appeared outside Hermione's house after a brief second. She led him down the stone path towards the door. Hermione rang the doorbell and looked over at Harry.
"Everything okay?" she asked him.
He smiled at her, "I never thanked you, Hermione."
"For what?" she asked. But before Harry could answer, the door opened and Emma Granger was greeting both of them inside.
"You're right on time, perfect. Another reason to be thankful for having a daughter who knows magic." She smiled as they entered the house.
"How are you Emma?" asked Harry, happy to see Hermione's mum happy and well.
"September first has always been a very sad day for Dan and I. Most parents are usually grateful when school starts. But we've always been the odd ones out." She confessed.
"Why's that?" Harry asked.
"Hermione has always been the easiest child. She was rarely crying. Hardly ever naughty, always did her homework, and whenever she came back from Hogwarts, she would always find something to do. Spending the holiday with her was always a joy. Separating from her was always a challenge." Emma smiled at her daughter.
Harry laughed, "I understand that more than you think, Emma."
"Okay people, stop this. I don't want to cry." Hermione pleaded and walked up to the stairs, "I'm gonna go get my stuff."
Emma trailed after her "Let me help you, sweetie." She looked over at Harry. "Dan is in the living room. Go ahead and join him. I believe he wanted to speak with you about something. He said it was one of those 'man talks' so be prepared." She smiled at him before following Hermione upstairs.
Harry proceeded through to the living room. Dan was sitting on the sofa, reading up on a newspaper while simultaneously sipping some coffee. Harry was never intrigued by coffee. It wasn't necessarily the taste, but he genuinely never felt the need to drink it every morning. Perhaps that was something that would change once he grew up.
"Morning, Dan." Said Harry, walking over to shake his hand.
"Good morning. How are you doing, Harry?" asked Dan, shaking his hand.
"Not too bad… going back to Hogwarts." Harry answered, trying his best to sound optimistic.
"For the last time, eh?"
Harry nodded, not knowing how he felt about that.
Dan placed his coffee on the table and folded his newspaper. "Listen, Harry. I wanted to speak to you."
Harry expected nerves to kick in, but he was perfectly calm. At this point, anything Dan could say to him could hardly be any more of a challenge compared to their first conversation.
"What is it?" he asked.
Dan sat up in his chair and looked over towards the hallway, almost as if trying to envision someone being there. "You know that Hermione is extremely passionate and ambitious when it comes to her education."
Harry nodded and grinned slightly, "Yep, that's Hermione."
"You also know that this is her last year and her final chance to get whatever grades she desires," Dan confirmed. "I never really understood how exactly the education system for wizards works, but Hermione told me that her current exams will be the equivalent of A-levels."
Harry nodded again, "that's correct. They're called NEWTs."
"Right. Well… listen. I know what it's like to have a girlfriend at school, and I know very well how distracting that can be in lessons and revision."
Harry didn't know where this conversation was going, but he was ready to assure Dan that he too cares about getting good grades. It was his last year at Hogwarts after all.
"I would just like to ask you a favour." Dan requested, "If you see Hermione working in class, or studying for an exam… doing an essay or just some homework. Please, just try to give her the time and peace to focus on whatever she's doing."
"You don't have to ask me to do that Dan. That was my intention from the start anyway. These exams… Hermione told me they will be hard. I want to pass them and also get good grades. I wouldn't dare distract Hermione from her studies. It never worked during past years… and I really doubt she would crack this year." He smiled at Dan.
Dan nodded, "It might've not worked in the past, but now you're her boyfriend. We both know that when it comes to relationships, we can get our priorities all muddled up. But I believe you Harry, and I trust you." He patted Harry on the shoulder and gave a comforting smile. "Just… promise me that you'll take good care of her. She's one of the two most important women in my life and my only daughter. I want the absolute best for her."
Harry gave Dan a reassuring smile, "You and me both, Dan."
Hermione entered her room, to see her Case packed and securely locked on top of her bed. She had one more thing to add before she would be ready to leave. It was her new audition in nightwear.
"So, you're all good to go?" Emma asked.
Hermione nodded, "Just need to add one more thing." Hermione didn't know if she wanted her mother finding out about the shirt. But now she had no choice. She opened her enchanted handbag and pulled out the maroon shirt. Briefly running her hands over the soft fabric. She started to fold the shirt when Emma came over for a closer look.
"I don't remember ever seeing you in this shirt…" She examined the shirt before picking it up from the case and unfolding it.
"Hang on… why is it so large?" She turned the shirt over, revealing the large font saying 'Potter' at the top. She raised an eyebrow and smiled at her daughter. "This isn't yours, dear."
Hermione couldn't help smiling back. The shirt was bringing back some lovely memories, "Harry gave it to me."
"Did he, now? That's very nice of him. The fabric feels soft too. You like it?" she asked.
Hermione nodded, "Yeah. It's a really nice shirt." She couldn't imagine what would be Emma's reaction if she even had a remote clue what Hermione got up to wearing that shirt.
Emma folded the shirt carefully and handed it back to her daughter. "Wait till he gifts you a hoodie. I swear they are the most comfortable things in the world. I still have a collection of all the ones I stole from Dan somewhere."
Hermione laughed, "I'll ask him once I get bored of this one." She knew full well that it would be a while before that happened.
"Girls, It's coming up to half past eight. We should get going soon If you don't want to be late!" Dan's voice carried up the stairs.
"Alright, let's get going. You don't want to be late for the train and the traffic will be hectic on the way to London."
The car journey went quite slow, as expected. Harry enjoyed it though. He always liked travelling by car. He felt peaceful, looking at the land and farms as they drove through the motorway. Hermione was sleeping next to him, her head resting on his shoulder, tickling his face with her bushy hair. He wouldn't trade that for anything in the world. She always looked so peaceful when she slept and she had the right to be tired after last night. She must've fallen asleep halfway through their journey after a rather slow song played on the radio.
Soon enough, they arrived at King's Cross, Hermione woke up a few minutes before their arrival, probably because of how much louder the city was compared to a motorway.
Harry and Dan both extracted their cases from the boot of the car. Arriving at King's Cross felt strange, but also quite nostalgic. He could already see some other students in the area, entering the train station. He didn't recognise any of them though; they were all a year younger than him and Hermione.
They were in front of platform nine when Hermione turned to her parents. They couldn't cross past the magical barrier. A part of him wanted to give them some privacy but then he remembered her words 'You are part of our family now'. And so he remained. As Hermione hugged her mother, he looked over at Dan and shook his hand once more.
"I won't break my promise," Harry muttered to him.
Dan smiled before pulling him into a quick hug, "I know you want, son."
Harry and Hermione swapped places and Harry was hugging Emma now. "I hope you have a great year, Harry. Take care, the two of you."
"Thank you, Emma," Harry whispered.
"What for, dear?" she asked.
Harry smiled "For everything."
They waved their final goodbyes before Hermione walked through to the barrier. Harry turned one last time and smiled at both of her parents. It felt weird to be given such a nice farewell. It was something he never had before. He carried through the barrier and opened his eyes to see the enormous Hogwarts express. Children could be seen practically everywhere, some were boarding the train, whereas others were still saying goodbye to parents. He followed Hermione closely who seemed to have spotted someone.
As he looked ahead, he saw it too. The Weasleys were crowded around Ginny, giving her final hugs and kisses. Ron saw them first, he poked George on the arm and waved at them.
"Hey guys, we're were wondering when you'd show up," Ron told them, hugging them both.
"It's good to see you, mate." Harry smiled at him.
"Harry!" Mrs Weasley called as she launched at him with a bone-crushing hug. Harry always loved her hugs. Much like Emma's, they were very warm and motherly. It made him feel safe in a way. Mrs Weasley pulled away and cupped his face, "If you don't start visiting more often, I'll start taking offence." She smiled at him.
"I know. I'm sorry Missus Weasley, I promise I'll start coming over more." Harry answered.
Mrs Weasley went over to Hermione and gave her an equally tight hug. Harry proceeded to Mr Weasley and shook his hand.
"Good to see you, Harry." He informed, "You know… I've been meaning to speak to you about something."
A part of Harry was already suspecting what that could be.
"I recently got an owl from the Minister of Magic… Kinglsey would like to see you, Harry."
Harry nodded, "I've already received some messages from him myself. I've told him that I'll visit the ministry once school finishes."
Mr Weasley nodded, "Yeah, I figured he probably spoke to you already, I was confused as to why he reached out to me. He said that it might take some persuasion. But I see that you've made up your mind."
Harry nodded, "I have."
Mr Weasley smiled at him, "I think you're making a good choice, Harry. Trust me, you'll have enough time to get all mixed up in Ministry business. Right now, just enjoy yourself, and enjoy school. There will be time for other things."
"Thank you, Mister Weasley."
Harry saw Ginny from the corner of his eye, almost hiding behind George who was speaking with Hermione and Ron.
He walked over to her, taking a deep breath. He knew that things between them were still rather shaky and it would probably take some time before they got back to normal if they ever truly would.
"Hey, Ginny." He gave her a brief smile.
"Oh, hi Harry." She answered. She looked like she was deep in thought. Harry wondered if she was only pretending to be.
"Excited to go back to Hogwarts?" he asked.
"Yeah. Last year for both of us, I guess." She wasn't making any eye contact, looking everywhere else but his face.
"Ginny… is everything-
"Luna! Neville!" Called Ron.
Harry turned around and saw them both. Neville was holding Luna's hand. He looked happy. Harry never saw him smile like that. It was good to see how that despite all that happened and everyone they've lost. Happiness remained as part of their life.
Ginny skipped past him and moved over to hug Luna. Harry knew that he would have to speak with her in private at one point or another during their time at Hogwarts. He saw that she was sad about something and he wanted to know why. Finding a possible answer was not hard to imagine, but he wanted to hear it from her. She may not be his girlfriend anymore, but he still loved her… in a sibling sort of way. Similarly to how he loved Ron, and he wanted her to be happy too.
Soon enough, the Hogwarts express gave out its first horn, steam started to rise from the locomotive as the engine started to work. Mrs Weasley was giving final hugs to everyone.
Harry saw Ron, gazing up towards the Hogwarts express.
"Everything alright?"
Ron looked down, "It feels weird… seeing you leave for Hogwarts, me staying here. I don't really know what to make of it."
"You could always come with us. You know that Professor McGonagall won't have anything against that. We could buy everything you need at Hogsmeade." Harry explained. It was true, going back to Hogwarts without Ron felt strange. Ron was his best friend, they've been at school together every year since the very start. This was partially why going back to Hogwarts felt so strange.
Harry focused on Ron's expression. He was clearly in deep thought. For a split second, Harry saw a look of excitement, and wonder. But then Ron's eyes closed and his head fell back down. He let out a sigh and smiled at him.
"Nah. I think I've had enough of Hogwarts. When I think of going back. A part of me wants to go because I know that it would be just like the old days. You know, playing chess in the common room, going to Hogsmeade for a butterbeer… studying for exams and doing homework. Of course only after being forced by Hermione."
Both boys laughed.
"But… I think that's exactly why I don't want to go back. Because I want those memories to stay as something I can look back on. Don't get me wrong, Harry. I'd love to go back… but I think that chapter in my life has finished now, and I think going back would just re-open something that has already been concluded.
Harry patted Ron on his shoulder, "I understand, Ron. I won't lie. Going back to Hogwarts won't be the same without my best friend. You were always a good balance in our trio, and I think that's what I'll miss the most when I go back."
Ron smiled, "I'll miss that too."
The Hogwarts express gave its second horn. This one louder than the first one. This is when everyone started to board the train. Students were giving their final goodbyes to parents, and boarding the coaches. Harry looked back at his best friend.
"Promise to visit though. We could still go out for a butterbeer ever once in a while. Just let us know when and we'll be happy to meet at Hogsmeade." He told him.
Ron nodded, "It's a date then."
Harry opened his arms and smiled "Bring it here, mate."
Ron laughed as he embraced Harry, giving him a brotherly hug, "When did you get so sappy?"
Harry pulled back and laughed. Ever since I realised how much I appreciate all the important people in my life.
Hermione came up behind them, grinning. "Woah. I don't I've ever seen you hug like that. Harry is there something you want to tell me?"
"Oh, shut it. You're just jealous because Harry likes me more." Ron answered, making all three of them laugh.
Hermione pulled them both into a hug, "I'll miss being together like this. Ron, are you sure you don't want to come? I'm sure we could get everything you need at Hogsmeade."
Ron shook his head, "Yeah, Harry has already given me that idea. But I still think that it's time for me to move on. I might pop into the ministry, maybe try to train for an Auror. But I already promised Harry to visit you guys."
Hermione wiped at her eyes, "Okay… promise me you'll be careful!"
Ron smirked, "You know I will. Otherwise, you'll just bring me back from the dead and kill me yourself."
"Exactly," Hermione answered, trying to hold her smile. It was true, it really did seem like their trio was separating right here. They were taking different paths. Ones which would create distance between them. More than there ever was.
The third horn sounded and Harry knew it was time to get on the train otherwise it would leave without them.
"Have a good trip, you guys. Send me some owls when you get there. Tell me how the school is doing under McGonagall. Oh, and let me know who's the new defence teacher." He called to them as they embarked on the train.
"Sure thing!" Harry answered. They moved through the coach to the nearest window. Ginny, Luna and Neville were there too. They looked out to see the Weasleys smiling and waving at them all. Harry never liked goodbyes. But this one wasn't that bad. He knew that things were different now. None of them were in any danger anymore, and he knew that he would see them all again soon. Just as safe and just as happy. Soon enough the train started to move, the last person Harry saw was Ron. His smile was comforting. And Harry knew that everything would be okay. Ron would forever be one of the greatest people Harry ever knew. Ever since Ron's sacrifice back in their first year during their deadly chess game. From that moment, Harry always knew that Ron would be someone he could trust. And it was sad leaving him now. Knowing Hogwarts won't be the same without his best friend.
"Everything okay?" Hermione asked, studying him.
Harry gave her a sad smile, "I'll miss him."
Hermione returned his smile and wrapped her arms around his neck, "I'll miss him too."
"Should we find a cabin?" Neville asked. But then turned to Hermione, "Wait, you guys are the new heads right?"
Hermione nodded.
"I believe you have to go and meet with all the prefects in the main carriage."
"You're right. Hermione answered. I completely forgot." Hermione answered and took Harry's hand. "Hopefully it doesn't take too long. We'll join you when we're done."
"See ya," Neville answered, with Luna and Ginny close behind him.
Hermione led Harry through the train. Until they got towards the final coaches. They stepped through doors which revealed an open space with seats and tables at the sides. It was similar to the rest of the train, but the seats and windows were not separated by walls. Which made the whole carriage look like one big cabin.
No one was here yet, which meant that Harry and Hermione had time to put on their robes. Harry could see a small changing area in the corner of the coach. Soon enough, others started to enter the cabin.
Hannah Abbot was the first person Harry recognised. She must've also decided to come back for another year. She was accompanied by a boy who looked slightly younger, most likely in his fifth year. They would both represent Hufflepuff. Harry could recognise another student whose name was Graham, but he couldn't remember his family name. The boy was probably entering his fifth year now. He was with a blonde girl whom he didn't recognise. He knew that Graham was from Slytherin, the same probably went for her. They seemed to gaze up at Harry in a frightened sort of way. Almost as if they were expecting to be attacked by him or something. It made Harry uncomfortable.
"Hey everyone." Hermione smiled at them all. "I believe we have four more students to come before we can start. So for now, I would just like you all to write down your names on this piece of paper. As the head girl, I'd like to keep track of who the prefects are." She informed and placed a piece of parchment on the nearby table.
After a couple minutes the rest of the prefects arrived. Harry was surprised to see that one of them was Ginny. She was accompanied by Neville, another big surprise, Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil. Harry was almost certain that both of them were prefects previously for Ravenclaw.
"Ginny? Neville? You guys are prefects too?" Hermione asked, almost shocked.
"Surprise." Neville laughed. "I got my prefect's badge a couple weeks ago. I decided to keep it a little secret. Grandma was really happy."
Ginny laughed "Mum had a go at George for being the only one in the family who never became a prefect. Goerge said he will take it as an honourable title."
"But now that I think about it… why did Professor McGonagall choose some students from seventh year? Isn't it supposed to be fifth only?" Hannah asked.
Hermione seemed to be puzzled at that question too, "Your guess is as good as mine. Speaking of badges, Harry and I didn't actually get any."
Neville shrugged, "Maybe McGonagall wants to give them to you personally."
Once everyone's name was down on the list of prefects. She stuffed it inside her handbag. "Alright. Now that we're all here, I believe it's good that we all introduce ourselves properly. I'm Hermione Granger, most of you here already know me. I'm the new head girl. If you ever need anything you can come to me or Harry." She looked over at Harry.
"That's me. If you have a tough time remembering my name, I'm the guy with the messy hair, and a scar on his forehead. I'm not very popular so I know why remembering me might be rather tough."
A couple laughs rose in the room. Particularly from Neville and Hannah.
"I'm Neville Longbottom. You might know me as the guy who helped blow up the wooden bridge."
"And the guy who killed Voldemort's pet snake," Ginny added, making everyone chuckle. Even the Slytherins seemed to be amused.
"I'm Ginny Weasley. I'm a chaser for the Gryffindor Quidditch team." She didn't look sad anymore. But Harry was still waiting for her to make eye contact with him at least once.
"Correction. The best Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team." Harry added, which finally got her to look at him. He smiled at her, making her smile back briefly.
"Anthony Goldstein. Proud member of Dumbledore's Army." His words made Harry and Hermione smile. Harry always forgot how many people he taught back in his fifth year. Part of him missed it.
"Padma Patil. Another proud member of the DA. The smartest and more sensible twin sister of Parvati Patil." Harry laughed the loudest, remembering full well that Padma and Parvati were Harry and Ron's partners at the Triwizard Ball.
"Hannah Abbott. Don't interrupt me during exams, or I will fight you."
"Owen Cauldwell, the biggest collector of chocolate frog fards in Britain."
"Oh, I'm not a hundred percent sure that's true. I have a friend who might be a good contender." Harry answered, wondering what Ron would say if he was here.
"I'd like to see his collection," Owen answered, smiling at Harry.
"Graham Pritchard, Slytherin house, half-blood."
"Is there nothing else you would like to share?" Hermione asked, trying to encourage the boy.
He shook his head, "Not really."
"Amber Avery. Slytherin house." The girl looks almost terrified. Her surname ringed a bell in Harry's head, but he didn't know why.
Hermione was probably thinking about asking the girl to share a bit more, but she decided against it in the end.
"Alright. It was great to meet all of you. I'm sure we're all going to get along quite well as all of us pretty much know each other already. You can all go back to your friends now. We'll see you once we arrive at school.
Once Hermione was finished, everyone started to leave. Padma and Hannah left last as they both gave Harry and Hermione welcoming hugs.
"Well, that didn't go so bad, right?" Hermione asked.
"Went better than I expected, actually." Harry answered, still puzzled, "Does the name Avery ring a bell to you?"
Hermione thought about it for a second before answering. "I believe there was death eater called Avery. Why? Do you think Amber might be related to him?"
"I don't know," Harry confessed.
They both thought about it in silence. Then Hermione picked up her handbag and turned towards the doors.
"Alright. I think I'm ready to head back." Hermione told him.
They managed to find Neville and Luna without much hassle and got to the cabin just before the sweets trolley arrived.
Neville was reading up on the Quibbler with Luna.
"Where's Ginny?" Harry asked.
"She said she wanted to go say hi to some friends. Probably won't be back for a while."
Harry glanced at Hermione who was giving him a rather puzzled gaze. She then reached into her handbag and pulled out a book. She shifted on the seat resting her legs up.
"May I?" She asked.
Harry nodded as she laid her head on his lap and started to read. Harry smiled and started to gently run his hand through her hair. He looked out the window and admired the lovely country scenery.
He was coming back home. For the last time.
