Along Came Trouble | Book 2

Chapter 18: I Love You

Cedric's funeral was the day after the final task. The way his lifeless eyes stared at me haunted me in my dreams. At least those eyes didn't belong to Harry.

"You know, I never thought I'd actually look forward to summer." His voice told me, as we curled up together in the common room.

"Neither have I. An entire 3 months of time with my family, and the best boyfriend ever sounds nice." I replied, snuggling closer to him.

"Your dad won't mind?"

"Nah, he thinks it's adorable."

He chuckled, and kissed the top of my head. "This year was pretty crazy."

"What? No way, I thought it was pretty ordinary." I said sarcastically.

"Well, for Hogwarts, sure it is. I'm sure next year will be just as crazy as this one. But, I have you, so that's okay." 

I smiled to myself, and closed my eyes. "You'll always have me, Harry."

"I love you,"

Well, that's a new one. Guess I better tell the truth. "I love you too." Ah, that felt nice. After that, we both closed our eyes, and went to sleep.

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It was finally time to leave Hogwarts for the summer. I was finishing up some last minute packing, while Hermione did the same.

"You and Harry get to have the whole summer together. I'm sure that's exciting." She told me, making my face go red.

"It's not like you and Ronald won't be seeing each other." I answered, tossing a shirt into my trunk. 

"Well, we're not going out."

"Yet,"

She shook her head, and grabbed her jacket. "Come on, then. I'm sure the boys are waiting for us."

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We were on the Hogwarts Express on our way to Kings Cross. My dad was picking Harry and I up, and taking us back home in his car. 

"Want anything?" Ron asked me, standing up to get candy from the trolley.

"No thanks,"

He shrugged, and got up. I stared out the window, thinking about the third task. I hadn't been able to get it off my mind since the moment I saw Cedric's dead body. His eyes, they scared me. They were lifeless, cold, and empty. Never before had I seen something so awful.

Then, I felt an arm wrap around my shoulders. "You okay?" Harry asked me, pulling me closer to his side. 

I nodded, leaning into him. Hermione smirked at me, but I ignored her. I felt him stroking my hair, and rubbing my shoulder soothingly, making my eyelids grow heavy. Soon enough, I fell asleep.

My slumber didn't last long, as I was woken up by Harry's gentle voice, telling me that we were already back at Kings Cross. I really didn't want to get up, but, I finally got to see my dad and my sisters! 

Once we said goodbye to Ron and Hermione, we searched for my dad. I found him standing with Amber on his shoulders, and Lauren on his hip. Oh, the poor guy.

Leaving my trunk with Harry, I ran up to him, and wrapped my arms around him. "Hey, dad!"

"Hey, little champ!" He said, ruffling my hair. 

"Hi, sissy!" Amber greeted me, waving.

"Hey, Amber!"

Considering Lauren was still learning to talk, she sort of just screamed, and babbled at me. Of course, I said hello to her too, before we all headed to the car. Harry and I walked behind the others, hand in hand.

"Aren't you two just adorable!" Dad teased, making my cheeks heat up.

"Stop, dad! You're rude!" I whined, making him laugh.

We loaded into his car, and he drove off. Amber insisted on listening to the radio, which must've been a new phase. We all sang along to the parts we knew, and Lauren had a few solos of screeching, and laughing.

I loved every moment of it. I was surrounded by the people I loved the most, and there was nothing more I ever could've asked for. For once, I actually had a feeling that this summer would be a good one.