Pretty Kitty (completed)

Chapter 44: Epilogue

Harry stared out at the blurry scenery that whizzed on by from beyond the window of the train compartment. The Hogwarts Express had set off hours ago and was likely to reach Kings Cross soon. At least it meant Harry wouldn't have to sit down on a thinly-cushioned seat for much longer.

He winced and squirmed. Despite various healing ointments applied and downing a pain potion, he still ached in a very miserable way, a side-effect he hadn't thought about the night before. Then again, it was hard to rationalise when he was being touched again after months of no contact.

He smiled grimly out at the bright scenery. His time with the twins seemed quite bittersweet. Soon, he would be at the Dursley's, and the twins would be setting up their own joke shop. After the summer, he would be back at Hogwarts, and it would be exactly as it had been for the past months.

Harry wondered if Fred and George would even remember him when they had their joke shop up and running, taking up all of their time. After a lifetime of being cast aside by his relatives, Harry couldn't help but still have his doubts.

Thankfully, he was alone in the compartment, so no-one was there to see his brooding expression and try and cheer him up. Ron and Hermione were performing Prefect duties, and Fred and George were running around the train with Lee Jordan, playing various pranks that involved a large tarantula belonging to Lee, and the seventh year Hufflepuff girls.

At first, they'd been reluctant to leave Harry. In fact, ever since they'd heard of the prophecy, they'd barely left Harry's side, worrying just as much as their mother, Mrs Weasley, would, which made Harry smile.

He'd convinced them to have their last bit of fun at Hogwarts, and had even given them the idea with the tarantula, which they simply couldn't resist.

Harry smiled fondly to himself.

"Hey Harry." Harry turned to see Hermione and Ron entering, both looking flustered and not meeting his eye. Harry laughed as he took in the slightly ruffled clothing Ron's flaming ears.

"Hey guys. Have fun 'Prefecting'?" Hermione scowled at him and moved to hit him upside the head while Ron blushed brightly and mumbled something unintelligible, sitting down across from Hermione.

Hermione sat next to Ron, taking his hand unashamedly. Harry grinned, glad his friends had finally got their act together. "It's about time. I guess I owe Neville five galleons though..."

"Harry James Potter!"

XxXxXxX

Harry stepped out of the train, looking around himself as he pulled his trunk after him. He spotted flaming red hair in the crowd of wizards and witches, and grinned, beginning to make his way towards the Weasley family for one last goodbye before he searched for the Dursleys in the muggle part of the station.

"Here you are, kitten," a voice announced, and then George's arm magically appeared around his waist. Fred was on Harry's other side, a luggage trolley in front of him. He hauled Harry's trunk onto it and began wheeling it while George tugged Harry along.

"I can do that my-" Harry began to protest, but George spun him around and silenced him with a quick kiss. Fred grinned at him and, in once swift movement, darted in for a kiss as well.

Harry stared at him, absolutely stunned. His sensitive hearing picked up gasps from the people around him, and he paled noticeably.

"Fred," Harry snarled, looking around at wide eyes. Fred grinned and gripped Harry's hand, wheeling the trolley with his other, as they started forward again.

"Who gives a fuck what these nosey buggers think? It's our life," Fred announced, very loudly. Harry groaned and looked down, blushing a bright red. Trust the twins to find some way to embarrass him, just when he thought he was in the clear.