ALULA (VOL. 4)

30- to crumble & rebuild

to crumble & rebuild

{1997}

The Hogwarts Express - Platform 9 & ¾

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

The return home seemed mournful with the train having left only an hour after Albus Dumbledore's funeral. It felt, to Alula, that as she said goodbye to the great and magnificent castle that she might never return or feel the safety of it ever again. Within those walls, she learnt the consequences of rumour and the respect of friendship. She felt all love, heartbreak and betrayal. The girl had gained and lost. There were tears in that monument that she knew she would cry again while others had long dried up. There were cheers and thank yous; boos and goodbyes. Alula wished she could just stare at it one last time and whisper like she and Harry had with the Marauder's Map, but the mischief was not yet managed because the darkness had not yet ceased.

The trio joined by Alula, Ginny, Neville and Luna sat in their usual compartment with conversations that were rather bleak for no one really knew what to say. Games of Exploding Snap seemed less anticipating and no one bothered to trade Chocolate Frog cards or engage in 'Guess the Flavour' with Bertie Botts' Beans. Even the trolley lady had lost her usual spark as she told the group that each student was allowed one item each for free due to the events of the last term. Hermione spoke for everyone as she asked for seven Pumpkin Pasties. They ate them in silence. The only noise that came for a long time was the odd bird, the chugging of the train or whistle of the engine.

Finally, the train ceased it's journey as it came to a halt at Platform 9 and ¾. Bags, belongings and pets collected, everyone bustled off of the express and headed for their families. Huddled together and keeping an eyeful watch, there were a few members of the Order of the Phoenix.

"Oh, come on all of you!" Mrs Weasley smiled brightly, rushing over, ready to hug her children and the children who weren't hers too. "Hermione, here come your parents."

Mr and Mrs Granger had come over and greeted Hermione and everyone else before saying their goodbyes and being reminded about the wedding.

"Everything okay, AlulaNova?" Tonks asked as she watched her cousin gaze over at where Mad-eye and Lupin were telling Mr Dursley a lot of information that just seemed to pass over his head and not go in at all.

"I'm just going to say goodbye to Harry."

"I'll come too," Tonks smiled as the two cousin's walked over to the four males.

Mr Dursely seemed to turn his nose up at the sight of Tonks' brightly coloured hair as she shook his hand, also making a threat that would happen if Harry wasn't kept safe and then she turned to Harry.

"See ya, Harry."

"You too," Harry nodded and turned to Alula. "Stay out of trouble?"

"Is that a demand or request?" Alula laughed.