Returning to Hogwarts

Harry

Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his hair for what seemed like the millionth time, as he began packing his suitcase. After a long drawn out debate with Hermione, Harry had reluctantly agreed to attend Hogwarts' special 8th year for those who had fought in the war and had missed their NEWTS. He was quickly coming to regret that decision. "Reducio" He whispered, shrinking the contents of his bag before trying to shove more into it. "Come on" He muttered, "Just a little more.." A knock on the door distracted him momentarily."It's open!" Harry called as Ron peeked around the corner."Hey mate, we're leaving in a bit.." Ron's eyes fell upon Harry's half packed bag and he began to grin. "You had better hurry up, don't let Mum catch you like this, or worse, Hermione!" He chuckled at the mention of his bookworm girlfriend and her temper. Harry laughed too, rolling his eyes. "Keep her distracted? I'm almost done anyways." He asked the redhead. "Sure" Ron replied, "Everyone is downstairs, George is seeing us off." A flash of pain echoed through his eyes at the thought his brother, and Harry felt a pang in his chest. It had really been hard for George, not having Fred there with him. They had always been more than brothers, they were best friends, soul mates even. They were really two sides of the same coin, and without his other half.. George hadn't been himself. The pranks that he and his twin had been so famous for had ceased, and the Burrow seemed empty without the resulting laughter. The twinkle in his eye had faded to a dull light, and no one knew if he would ever be the same. Ron forced a smile on his face and tried to continue as if nothing had happened. "Charlie is downstairs too, so hurry it up Harry" The Weasley took one last pointed look at Harry's bag before leaving the room.
He rushed to stuff all of his belongings into two measly bags, which wasn't that difficult a feat, and did a quick check to make sure he had gotten it all. The comforting feel of the house embraced him, and he would miss it, but he knew this wasn't home. He had spent almost all of his time after the war in his room at the Burrow, filling his days with anything it took to help him forget. He had studied more spell books than even Hermione would believe, and because the students who had participated in the war had technically graduated, he was free to practice magic as he wished. Harry Potter had definitely grown in his wizardry. Now extremely efficient in nonverbal magic, he was easily one of the strongest wizards of his age, and he had kept it a secret. Honestly he didn't really know why he kept the truth about his strength from his friends, it may have been because of his self doubt, maybe because of his fear. Why was he so adept at magic? What did this mean? He hadn't been like this before, had he?
Harry was shaken from his reverie by a tapping on his door. "Harry? Are you ready?" Hermione's muffled voice asked from the other side of the wood. "Sure 'Mione, one second!" Harry called out grabbing his luggage. "We are going to be late!" She answered, and he could hear the desperation in her voice. He opened the door with a sigh, "We have an hour until the train leaves, we'll make it." He watched as she rolled her eyes and grabbed his arm. "Between you and Ronald, I don't know how ill get anything done this year." She muttered dragging him down the stairs. He opened his mouth to protest but was silenced with a sharp glare. It was no use anyways, what she said was true. "Harry!" someone shouted, and he was jolted by a hard clap on the back. "How are you mate?" Charlie asked, his smile radiant. "Brilliant" Harry answered, plastering a smile on his face. The older Weasley seemed to buy into his facade and the conversation flowed easily, both avoiding the mention of those they had lost in the past few months. "Looking forward to school, then?" George broke in with a knowing smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course" Harry quipped back, his voice laden with sarcasm. "Come along Harry," Mr. Weasley interrupted "we must be off now." Harry nodded, waving his goodbyes before climbing into the Muggle car, the older man's newest toy. The talking and laughter of his companions faded into background noise as he relaxed against the seat. Hopefully this year would be a good one, hopefully.

"Sirius, no!" Harry jolted awake, heart beating frantically, as the last of his nightmare ebbed away. His eyes rapidly scanned the empty train car, half expecting to see the enraged faces of his godfather and his best friend. He sat up putting his head in his hands, trying desperately to block out the voices echoing through his mind. "Why couldn't you save us Harry?" They had screamed. "We died, because of you." Their cruel words caused tears to sting his eyes as he fought to keep his calm. This couldn't happen, not here, not now. Slowly he pulled himself together, making sure he was alright before setting off to find a distraction, perhaps he could find Neville or Luna. He slid open the door to the cab peeking out to take a look around, and was suddenly swept into a bone-crushing hug. "Look who it is!" The voice had an Irish brogue that was hard to mistake. "Seamus! Neville!" Harry laughed, face breaking into a huge smile. This was just the distraction he needed. They exchanged greetings and pleasantries, and soon the conversation turned to the trivial topics of school and girls. Harry let his mind wander, drinking in the feeling of normalcy knowing it wouldn't be like this for long.