Secrets

Epilogue

Kyra stood beside her friends on the Hogsmeade platform. Their trunks were already loaded onto the train, but they were all reluctant to part ways. This year at least, all of them would be able to visit with one another whenever they pleased, having earned their Apparition Licenses. That gave them quite a bit of solace, but they were still unwilling to accept the fact that another year had passed, leaving them just one more year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Justin had surprised Kyra the day before by taking a photograph of the two of them seated by the fireplace in his office. He'd framed one for each of them, and she had it safely tucked away in the pocket of her robes. She's share it with her friends once they were on the train, and then place it beside her bed in her room at home. They'd also exchanged telephone numbers. Justin's was so his mother could get in touch with him, but it would also be a handy way for them to keep in touch over the summer. The problem was going to be in keeping her little brother out of the loop, but they had planned to try and work around that as best as possible. Luckily, her Apparition License would help with that quite nicely.

The whistle sounded, announcing that the train would be leaving the station within a few minutes. Kyra heard her name called from around the corner of a maintenance shed and turned to look. Justin was standing there, hidden from view from everyone but her and her friends. She smiled at him and ducked behind the shed with him.

"In case I don't get a chance to talk to you for a few days," he murmured, "I wanted to say good-bye one last time."

Smiling into his eyes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. He pulled her close and returned the hug. "I love you," he whispered softly into her ear.

When she pulled back, there were tears in her eyes. She looked deeply into his, and replied quietly, "I love you too, Justin." It was the first time either of them had uttered those words to each other.

She glanced around quickly, and saw that her friends were watching, but no one else was around. Not caring whether or not they saw, Kyra pressed her lips to Justin's and they kissed each other like lovers who were parting for the very last time.

The Hogwarts Express sounded its whistle one last time, and they reluctantly parted. Dashing for the train, Kyra made it aboard just as it began to pull out of the station. Turning to look out the glass, she saw Justin waving at the departing train. She watched him until he disappeared from sight, and finally went to join Lisa, Noel, and Terry in their compartment.

They immediately began teasing her about the kiss, but Kyra didn't mind in the least. She pulled the photograph out of her robes, and their jabs turned into words of encouragement, reminding Kyra just why she considered them her best friends.

Fin (Finally!)

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! (Otherwise I'm guessing you wouldn't have read this far!)

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