Back In Time

Going Back?

The carriages were about to take the students to Hogsmeade station. To board the train. Back to Platform 9 3/4. And then they go back home. Except me. I'll be staying in the castle. For the Summer. Until September 1st. Then. I go home. Back to 1996.

But. Right now. I'm outside. Saying goodbye to my friends. I was sad. But. I didn't show it.

"Bye, Aspen. I'm going to miss you." Marlene gave me a hug.

I hugged her back. "I'm going to miss you too." She stepped away.

"Have a great Summer." Mary and Dorcas said. At the same time. Giving me a double hug.

"You too." Hugging them back. They stepped back. And went next to Marlene.

"I'm going to miss you terribly." Lily stepped forward. And wrapped me in a hug.

I hugged back to. Taking a deep breath. "I'm going to miss you too, Lils."

"How will I ever keep those girls in check?"

I laughed. "You'll find out a way. You're Lily Evans. Brightest witch out there. With me as a close second."

Lily laughed. "Good luck getting back home." She whispered.

I pulled away. And looked at her face. She had a twinkle in her eye. The same one I get. When I know more than I'm telling.

"So you do know about that?" I asked.

Lily just smirked. "Bye, Aspen." Was all she said.

"Bye." I smiled at her. She smiled back. Before turning to the other girls.

They gave me one last wave. And a smile. Which. I happily returned. And then. They all got in a carriage. And drove off.

"Thank Merlin, they are gone. We couldn't wait any longer. We were about to leave." I heard Sirius say behind me.

I smirked. And turned around. "Hello to you too."

Peter was the first to come over. He gave me a smile. And a pat in the arm. He wasn't really the hugging type. And. We weren't really that close. I smiled at him. And he stepped away.

Next came James. He gave me a hug. I returned. "Bye, Aspen. Have a good Summer. I'll miss you."

I smiled. "And I'll miss you too. Don't get into too much trouble while I'm gone."

He pulled away. And grinned. "No promises."

I rolled my eyes. But. Smiled. Nonetheless. "Get outta here." I lightly smacked the top of his head. He laughed. And went to stand next to Peter.

I turned to Remus and Sirius. And gave them a sad smile. "Come here you two." I opened my arms out. They smiled. And came forwards. Arms. Also extended. I gave them a big hug. Taking a deep breath. And. Maybe. Breathing in their scents. Don't judge me.

"I'm going to miss you boys. So much." I whispered.

"And you'll see us soon." Sirius whispered back.

"But it won't be the same."

"I know it won't, but just try." Remus whispered.

I pulled away. Looking at the two boys I've grown close with. I smiled. And turned to Remus. "Now. You take care of yourself. You're the wolf in charge now. And take care of him too." I jerked my head to Sirius. "Salazar knows he needs it. Try to keep him out of trouble."

Remus laughed. "I'll try, but, he normally doesn't listen to me."

"Yeah, besides, I don't need him to take care of me. I'm responsible. I can do things on my own." Sirius smiled.