Mine Forever ( a Harmione fanfic )

Chapter 21

The morning of September 1st dawned bright and crisp, with the faint scent of autumn lingering in the air. Grimmauld Place was a flurry of activity as the Weasley family, along with Harry, Hermione, and their guests, prepared for the journey to King's Cross. Breakfast was, as expected, a chaotic affair.

"Harry, pass the toast, would you?" Ginny called from her seat, barely glancing up as she buttered a slice of bread.

Harry tossed it to her with a grin. "You could've gotten it yourself."

"Why waste energy when I have you?" she shot back.

"Yeah, Harry, you're basically her house-elf," Ron teased, shoving a piece of bacon into his mouth.

"Ronald!" Hermione exclaimed, glaring at him. "Don't talk with your mouth full. And you're one to talk—Harry did most of your packing last night, didn't he?"

Ron smirked, completely unbothered. "Perks of being best mates with The Chosen One."

"I should've left you to fend for yourself," Harry quipped, though his grin gave him away.

Amidst the banter, Molly Weasley bustled around, her voice rising above the clatter. "Ginny, have you packed your socks? Hermione, do you have enough parchment? Harry, where's your tie? Honestly, I don't know how you lot would survive without me!"

"We'd be fine, Mum," Ginny said with an exaggerated sigh.

"I wouldn't bet on that, dear," Molly retorted, her tone fond but firm.

Arthur, seated at the head of the table, chuckled softly. "Now, now, Molly. They're adults. They'll manage."

"They're still my children," Molly said, her voice wavering slightly. Her gaze lingered on Harry and Hermione, who exchanged a quick, knowing look. "You've all grown up so fast. It feels like just yesterday you were all on your first trip to Hogwarts..."

"Don't get her started, Dad," Ron whispered conspiratorially to Harry, earning himself a swat on the arm from Ginny.

As breakfast wound down, the group began the last-minute scramble to gather their belongings. Bill and Fleur were taking a car to King's Cross with Teddy, as Fleur wasn't in a condition to Apparate, and Teddy was too young for such travel.

"Don't forget to keep him warm," Molly fussed as she handed Teddy over to Andromeda.

"Ally!" Teddy called, reaching for Harry with a pout. His hair had turned a bright green, a sign of his distress.

Harry crouched down, scooping the boy into his arms. "Hey, don't worry, mate. I'll see you soon, okay? And I'll bring you some cool gifts."

Teddy's hair shifted to match Harry's black locks, a clear sign of his attachment. "Promise?"

"I promise," Harry said softly, kissing Teddy's forehead. His chest ached as he handed him back to Andromeda.

Andromeda smiled kindly. "He'll be fine, Harry. You focus on your year ahead."

"Thanks, Andromeda," Harry said, his voice thick with emotion.

At King's Cross, the group crossed the barrier to Platform 9¾ and found a secluded spot to say their goodbyes. Molly wasted no time, pulling each of them into tight hugs.

"Be safe. Write to us. Don't skip meals!" she rattled off, her voice thick with tears.

"Mum, we'll be fine," Ginny assured her, though her voice softened. "We'll see you at Christmas."

Molly sniffled. "All my children... grown up and off to the world..."

"Don't forget us, Mum," Ron teased, gesturing to himself and Bill. "We're still here to raid the pantry."