Hello, Again

Fred

As I step onto the train, I'm overwhelmed. This is where it all started. All of us make choices on this train that shape our lives forever. Much like the first time, I head to the compartment that holds three of my closest companions throughout the war. I tap on the door and watch a silhouette draw closer through the blinds.

"Harry." I sign out as he pulls open the door. He arches his brow over the rim of his glasses.

"Do I know you?" Of course, he doesn't; he has no idea who I am. Harry barely knows himself at this time.

"No, but everyone knows you." I smirk and thank Merlin, he's famous." The infamous boy who lived." He shuffles on his feet uncomfortably.

"So I have been told." He turns to Ron sitting on the bench behind him. Scabbers propped on his lap, twitching uncontrollably. Ron waves at me excitedly and motions to the other bench in front of him.

"Emily!" I think back to the first time we met in Diagon Alley. He had been separated from his family, and my mother and I helped him find his mother. We spoke of quidditch during our brief interaction and how excited we were to attend Hogwarts. When his mother finally found us, we promised to find each other on the train before we parted.

"Ron!" I mock with just as much enthusiasm. I push my way past Harry and take my place in front of him. "I told you I'd find you." I know it might seem rude to push Harry aside. Still, I realize that he does not appreciate the spotlight from getting to know him over the years. The less you worship the ground he walks on, the more likely he is to like you, and right now, I need their friendship more than ever.

A first raps against the door, turning my attention away from Ron. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. This is it.

"Anything from the trolley dears?" An older woman slides the door open and stands in the doorway, an assembly of treats arraigned in front of her. I quickly stand from the bench, making my way towards her, and brace myself for impact as I step through the doorway. I squeeze my eyes shut and tense, remembering how the impact rattled me the first time. Nothing. I slowly open my eyes and glance around me. "You alright, dear?" The woman questions looking concerned.

"Oh! yes, I'm so sorry, we'll take 3 of everything, please." I reach into the pocket, pulling out 10 galleons and waving the woman off as she protests. I motion for Harry and Ron to help me grab everything with our arms loaded; we try to make our way back into the compartment, but I'm suddenly struck from the side, sending everything flying through the air. A body lands on top of mine, causing a grunt to leave my throat from the weight.

"Hello, I seem to have found myself falling for you." I gasp as a voice I never thought I'd hear again whispers in my ear. A lone tear slides from my eye.

"Fred."