The Aftermath

Chapter 11

The big day had finally arrived. Harry was walking into Kings Cross ready for his final year at Hogwarts. His career choice still up in the air so the only plan was to pass with good enough grades to be anything. He met up with Hermione and their Dracanis wasted no time playing with eachother. Before they walked through the door they leashed them though. It wouldn't do to have them running loose before even reaching Hogwarts.

Dean's mom came along with him. He tried to protest but she refused to give up her last chance to go through the wall at platform 9 3/4. She had no intentions of pushing out another child so unless one of her children birthed a wizard or witch this was it for her. Dean gave up the fight. He was old enough to drink, and drive, and move out on his own but yet his mom wanted to see him off to Hogwarts one last time. What harm could it be? That all changed when she pulled him into the biggest most embarrassing hug ever right before he got on the train. He saw Seamus trying even harder to avoid his mom. But Seamus was an only child so avoiding her smothering him wasn't going to happen. It actually made Dean feel like his hug wasn't too bad.

Harry looked over to see Ron with his more than in awe girlfriend. Clearly he did tell her and she had taken it well. Mrs. Weasley was there also. These were her last to children to go through Hogwarts and Ron's graduating year. She wasn't missing this. She ran down to Harry who she hadn't seen since Ron stopped being his friend.

"Oh, Harry. It's so good to see you. Have you been okay? You look like you've been eating good for a change. Much better than with your aunt and uncle. Anyone knew in your life? You have to stop by sometime. Don't worry about Ron. We'll figure something out." Harry just let her continue to ramble. He didn't have enough time to answer her questions so why try?

Harry was the last to enter the cabin. Hermione, Neville and Luna were already there. Ron, well none of them knew where he was.

"Ugh. I mean I love her and all but, that has to be the longest hug ramble combo she has ever given me. Ginny was trying her hardest not to laugh at it all. Even Ron smirked a bit but he thought I didn't notice. Just... I wonder if they let us drink now that we are of age. That would certainly make this train ride better."

"Harry we haven't even left the station and you are already planning a drink," Hermione scolded and Harry pouted. He wasn't entirely convinced it was that bad of an idea but he reasoned he could be responsible if he had to.

"Seamus has already singed his eyebrows. I don't even know what spell he was trying to cast. It was hilarious," Nevile said. He was sitting very snuggly with Luna. Harry was low key hating but more happy for them than anything.

"Dean laughed, Seamus threw a tantrum. Everything is as it should be." Luna added and Harry and Hermione nodded in agreement.

"Anything about Malfoy?" Hermione asked but no one had seen him.

"I was talking to Cho. She said something about Blaise being late. Maybe something happened and they are all heading straight to Hogwarts," Luna said. It wouldn't be unlike them to just do as they felt. They were Slytherins after all. Harry didn't think much of it. He just ran his fingers through his perpetually messy hair and tried to relax. He was a little anxious about his first full year at Hogwarts without the threat on his life. The daily prophet was already all over the story. From him hiding out in a muggle town to avoiding the press in Diagon Alley. His sexuality and something about being the hottest teen celebrity in the wizarding world. It was mad really that even after the war he was still a celebrity. He should just write a book. Capitalise on the fame. That could be a way to pass the time until he figured out what to do with his life.

"Viktor got the job, Harry," Both Luna and Neville were asleep so it was safe to talk about Viktor.

"He did. Good for him then. So he's quitting Quidditch. Ron will be really disappointed." Hermione laughed a bit at that. Ron would be more than disappointed. But Viktor was following his passions. Hermione was definitely down for that.