Train to Hogwarts

Hermione's Pov

'Time for another year...' I thought going through platform 9 and 3/4 . There were throngs of students saying their final goodbyes. The numbers were less than before the war but still a considerable lot, nonetheless. I soon spotted the Weaselys and Harry and joined them. I was instantly greeted with tight hugs and hi's .

"Hello everyone. " I breathed out with a huge grin on my face.

"Now, Hermione dear you've got everything you need, right, because it's time for the train to depart." The ever so kind Molly asked smiling at me gently.

"Yes Molly, I've got everything I need, " and hugged her for the last time before following Harry , Ron and Ginny who were already done with their goodbyes .

Moving through the various compartments we came upon one where Luna and Neville were already sitting .

" Hello Harry, Ron, Ginny, Hermione. Come, sit with us. " Said Luna in her usual light dreamy voice we had become used too. " Hi guys," said Neville.

"Hello Luna, Neville." We greeted simultaneously. "

" How was your summer?" Harry asked as we sat down.

"Good " replied Luna shortly before going back to the copy of 'The Quibbler' in her hand.

" Yeah, it's not been long since the war. But everyone's settling back. Although, my grandmother is still a bit freaked out, but I guess after-effects are unavoidable." Answered Neville. Neville's had a huge change. He is now tall and broad with sharp features. He has become so much braver .

I smile and said " Ofcourse everything cannot be forgotten but we can certainly move on." Everyone nodded . The boys and Ginny started talking rather excitedly about Quidditch and I took out Hogwarts:A history and curling my legs underneath started reading to pass the long journey back to Hogwarts.

It was hard to think that this was our last year . Hogwarts is equivalent to our homes where we created many memories, happy and sad. It's the sanctuary which we fought to protect.

I looked out the window and signed interrupting the others who turned to look at me.

"This is it. It's our last year at Hogwarts." I said smiling ruefully looking at them one by one. They mirror my expression and nod.

" It feels like saying goodbye to my only home." Harry said breaking the silence .

I nodded feeling my eyes tear up.

" Dunno about you all but I am going to miss those heavenly feasts the most " Ron said with water in his mouth and a dreamy look upon his face .

We all stared at each other for a second and then burst out laughing .

Typical Ron, I thought shaking my head.

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Draco's pov

Ignoring the various hostile glares I felt at the back of my head and wrapped my arms around my mother in a last farewell hug.

" Ok, mother, its time for me to say goodbye. I'll try to write as frequently as possible. Take care...and, uh, please keep me informed if you find something new and important about my uhhh... situation ..." I said or more like stuttered on the last part .

I was still not ready for this Veela thing and just wanted to have a relaxing year. That seemed impossible as far as me and my little situation were concerned.

"Draco, darling , take care. Just ignore what everyone says . Everything will work out just fine. You might even find your mate!" mother replied. She was a bit too excited for the last part for my liking.

" She might not even attend Hogwarts mother. She can be anywhere in the world for all I know. " I said all a bit exasperatedly.

"Now stop with the negativity, what did I tell you? Your mate is your fate. You can't avoid your fate forever."

She engulfed me in a last hug and waving I made my way towards the compartments.

'Look at those guts of that deatheater...'

'That slimy git ... he should be in azkaban...'

'Look at that bloody ferret walking like that...he must still be the dark lord's faithful servant...'

'How did he get so handsome...'

'Did he go through a tranformation.... I wouldn't mind getting a tase of that fine...'

I walked ignoring those meaningless comments but the last ones made me smirk .

As I passed through the many students I was suddenly attacked with a mouthwatering and irresistible smell of freesias , lilies and honey but the smell disappeared as fast as it had hit me.

Completely in a daze, I passed compartments after compartment and finally came upon one in which my best mate Blaise Zabini was sitting. I slid the door open and took a seat.

"Hello mate how was the holiday?" he asked.

I mindlessly nodded my brain still incomprehensible.

Maybe my mate did go to Hogwarts after all....