The Poisoned Waters

10. The end of an era and the start of a new one

After 'linner' we gathered up all our luggage and marched down towards the train. Blaise on my left, Daphne on my right, while up ahead the twins were causing some commotion. As usual.

"See you next year, Hera." Daphne whispered and pulled me into a hug. Somehow, I don't really know when, we clicked, and that's how this friendship started. I gladly returned the hug, whispering a goodbye as well, and then she was off. Off to find my dormates, our dormates, and her sister.

That just left me and Blaise.

"It was a good year, Hera. I don't know how I'd survive without you when Draco's whispering in my ear the whole time." He said, a hand reaching up to the back of his neck.

Oh, screw it.

I pull him into a tight hug, squeezing the air out of him. He hugs back with just as much force. This boy knows me almost as well as Hermione. Well, a little less than almost, but close enough. I pull back and give him a kiss on the cheek, smirking when I see his face tint red. Boys are so easy to fluster.

"Same here." I ruffle his hair, walking side by side with him now. Then the train horn whistles.

"I better find my sister. You know how she is, 'being on time is being late' and all. I'll see you next year, yah?" I ask, grabbing his arm so he turns to face me.

"Yeah. I best get back to Mal-coy, Pattie, Dunkerhead One and Dunkerhead Two." He smiled his famous grin before backing away. "Careful out there, Granger." He winks, and he's gone, off into the sea of people. I let out an exhausted sigh before boarding my way home. I quickly found Hermione's compartment she was sharing with Ron and Harry. I sat down beside her, smiling at the boys.

"Ronald, Harry." I greet, nodding my head at them both.

"Hera." They say in union. After a few beats of silence the train begins to move, letting out a loud whistle. Once we've made it to the rolling hills, I break the silence.

"This was quite the year, wasn't it? Hard to believe we will be going back home to muggle life- no offense to us."

"Sure was." Ron said as Scabbers tried to get into his pocket.

"Hard to believe I will. Be going back to the Dursleys." Agreed Harry.

"Promise you'll write?" Asks Hermione, looking at the boys sternly.

"Of course." They say in union again. We sat in silence for a long while. Hermione was asleep against me, her head leant against my shoulder. At some point Harry bought treats from the trolley lady, and I woke up Hermione to eat something. Especially before we go home, where Mum and Dad will be stalking us in what we eat.

"I'm going to go find Fred and George." I smile at the trio, excusing myself quickly. After I exited the compartment I quickly hurried to the middle of the train, where I knew Fred and George would be sitting because- POP! Yep, definitely them. I had just managed to duck before a Whizzing Frizzbeeflew right where my head was before, and it came from a few compartments down on the left. Smirking, I crouched before sneaking towards the compartment.

I ripped open the door, and saw that Fred, George and Lee all jumped up in fright, which made me laugh loudly.

"You all looked like Ron when he got sucker-punched by a telescope!" I managed to say between my laughs. They just scoffed and each put a hand to their chest, seemingly offended.

"That was rude, Hera." Lee said, looking solemn; but of course, he was acting. That was his specialty.

"That's what Hermione said when you gave one of those punching-telescopes to Cedric." I scoff, and he frowned.