Chapter 15
The train ride back home from Hogwarts was never anywhere near as exciting as the journey too Hogwarts. Everyone was sad to be leaving although this year they all felt very relieved. The last few weeks of term, after Dumbledore had died, had been awful.
Hogwarts didn't feel the same anymore and Harry wondered whether it ever would. For now though they were heading back. The Weasley's had invited Harry and Hermione to stay for the whole of the summer and for this Harry was grateful. He wouldn't have to spend another summer with his Aunt, Uncle and Cousin and instead be with those who were truly his family.
They spent most of the morning silent, although cheered up a bit when the trolley came round at lunch and Harry treated them to as many Chocolate Frogs and Berty Bott's Every Flavour Beans as they could manage. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny sat in a carriage, talking, reading and practicing spells. They knew this summer as going to be good, but the thought of leaving the castle was always horrible.
Ron noticed the look on Hermione's face. She was staring out the window, knees hugged against her chest, a small tear rolling down her cheek.
'Don't worry Hermione, we'll be back soon enough,' He tried to reassure her.
'Yeah. But it just won't feel the same. Not without Dumbledore, and anyway we only have one year left. Maybe not even that. Without Dumbledore the castles not safe, what if it doesn't re-open again next year.'
'It will Hermione I promise,' He wiped the tear of her cheek and she smiled.
The train pulled into the station and Harry collected his and Ginny's trunks and walked off the train. Harry saw Mrs Weasley straight away, and she pulled Harry and Ginny into a hug, followed seconds after by Ron and Hermione. Although they weren't in any way, shape or form related, Harry felt like the Weasley's were more like his family than anyone else, including the Dursleys.
Harry loved the Burrow, other than Hogwarts it was his favourite place and he was glad to be back.
It was a sunny afternoon and so Harry, Ron, Ginny, Fred, George and Charlie were out in the orchard playing Quidditch as Hermione sat and watched. The boys and Ginny mounted their brooms zooming up into the sky, Harry, Ron and Fred at one end of the pitch, Ginny, George and Charlie at the other. Passing the quaffle around and trying to score.
Ron had finally had enough and flew down to were Hermione was sat.
'Hey,' he smiled his goofy grin at her and she smiled back at him.
'You don't have to stop just because of me,' she insisted, but Ron wasn't listening.
'Seriously Ron I'm fine just sat here, go and play with the others and...'
'Sssh!' Ron put his finger to her lips.
He took her hand and lead her to the other side of the orchard, far away from the Burrow. There Hermione saw a beautiful lake, with a large willow tree at the side. Hanging down from the willow tree was a long piece of rope. Ron led Hermione towards it.
He quickly took off his shoes, then his shirt and ran towards the rope. He swung on it for a moment before jumping off into the cool water below. Hermione quickly followed and soon the two off them were splashing about in the water.
Ron swam towards Hermione and brushed her hair out of her face, staring into her eyes.
'Ron this place is perfect,' Hermione smiled.
'Yeah, I used to come here loads when I was younger.'
'Well I love it.' Hermione replied.
'Well I love you,' he smiled.
'I love you too.' Hermione replied.
The two of them had had a horrible few months at Hogwarts, what with everything that had gone on, but it was good for them to be back together like normal. To be able to relax and have fun; feeling like nothing could ever go wrong.
Ron leaned forward and kissed Hermione. The moment was perfect and could have lasted forever. However it was broken by the splashing of water as Ginny jumped into the lake followed by Harry, soaking Ron and Hermione who just stood looking shocked.
'Don't think you can get away from us that easily,' Ginny laughed as she splashed Ron and Hermione.
'Thanks Ginny,' Ron groaned, but couldn't help but laugh with his friends.
Ginny took a deep breath before diving down into the water and doing a handstand her lakes waving around in the air. She stayed like that for a minute before jumping back out of the lake spraying water everywhere.
Hermione got out the water heading back towards the swing and swinging for a few seconds before jumping back into the cold water below.
The four only stopped when Mrs Weasley came out an hour or so later bringing sandwiches and drinks. Drying off and sitting at the edge to eat, they all smiled.
'Hey we're gonna go inside, see you a bit later,' Harry said, taking Ginny's hand. Ron and Hermione sat watching them run away. Ron took Hermione's hand in his. They were finally alone again. Ron turned to Hermione and kissed her. Nothing could ruin the moment again.
Ron closed his eyes, opening them suddenly at the sound of Hermione's scream.
Ahead of him were Fred and George, they had picked up Hermione and were running with her towards the lake.
'One.'
'Two.'
'Three.' They shouted before throwing her in the lake and quickly jumping in after her. Ron quickly ran after them wanting to check if Hermione was ok.
'You alright?' He asked her, but she was too busy laughing with the twins to reply.
'It's a good thing Prince Charming was here to save you or who knows what would've happened.' George said, turning to see Ron's face go bright red.
'Ignore them Ron, they're just teasing.'
After that Ron lightened up a bit laughing with the rest of them.
Hermione got out of the lake and sat by the edge, watching the boys splashing about in the water.
This summer was going to be perfect.
