The Troubles and Romances of Harry

The long journey home

The train had departed a long time ago and yet Harry felt that time had stopped at Dumbledore's funeral. He replayed those moments, every single second, and his hurt over his headmaster's death was too much for him. He felt lost and lonely. His eyes reflected his pain, and a cold sadness replaced the brightness his eyes once held.

Harry looked around him. The sky was clear and gleaming with stars. Opposite him sat Ron and Hermione, who looked very worried.

Suddenly the compartment door swung open, revealing a small girl with bright red hair. She walked purposely to Harry, ignoring the other occupants, and said, "Harry, we need to talk. Can we go somewhere more private please?"

Harry looked at Ginny but strangely enough, his stomach didn't do any somersaults.

"I'm sorry, but we have nothing to talk about. My decision is final, just leave me alone!"

Harry didn't mean to shout at Ginny, but he couldn't stop himself. He was angry with everyone and every small thing could make him explode. Without waiting for her reaction, Harry bolted out of the compartment and walked away.

Ginny sat down and sighed. Why is Harry so stubborn? I'm ready to fight but he won't allow me, but he let Hermione, didn't he? Why is Hermione so special?

Ginny looked at Hermione, and felt rather angry towards her. It just isn't fair. I finally had a chance to be happy. Harry ruined everything, or was it Hermione that ruined everything? It could be, after all Hermione was one of his best friends.

Hermione felt Ginny's gaze on her, but had no idea that Ginny's gaze was a hostile one; she looked up and said kindly

"Gin, I'm sure Harry will come round to your idea. Just give him some time. It hasn't been easy for him. Remember that Dumbledore was not only his headmaster, but also a very close friend."

"I don't need your advice! I'm perfectly capable of helping Harry. I know very well that this is a difficult period for him, that's why he needs his girlfriend now. Remember Hermione, I'm his girlfriend not you."

"Was, you mean."

"Oh please, I'm still his girlfriend. Harry didn't really break up with me."

"Are you sure? That's not the impression that I got," Hermione said heatedly.

Before Ginny had a chance to retort back, Ron, who had silently listened to their discussion, decided that it was better to intervene.

"Will both of you calm down? We all want Harry's well being and right now, it's best to give him his space. How about changing the topic of your discussion?" Ron said in a final tone.

"I'm going to the prefects' compartment. See you later." And with that, Hermione left the two siblings.

When Ron was sure that Hermione was out of earshot, he turned to Ginny and said, "Gin, what was all that about? Hermione is your friend. Why did you attack her like that? What's gotten into you?"

"I don't know. It's just that Harry doesn't mind Hermione joining him on his quest. He excludes me and breaks up with me too. Don't you think that maybe Hermione convinced Harry to break up with me?"

"What? Of course not, Hermione isn't capable of such a thing. Don't worry, Harry only loves you. Hermione is only his friend. Relax Ginny, and enjoy the trip; we may not be able to enjoy such peaceful times any longer now," finished Ron grimly.

"OK, I think I overreacted. Hermione certainly doesn't love Harry and neither does he. I'm sure that Harry and I will be back together by next week. Now how about a game of wizard chess?"

*************

"Harry, are you here?"

Hermione opened a compartment door and sure enough, Harry was slumped on one of seats, a vacant expression in his eyes. Hermione inched forward and sat on one of the seats facing Harry.

"Hey, I'm sorry for before. Is Ginny OK? I really didn't mean to shout at her like that, but she is so insistent. I refuse to get back with her; she would only be in danger."

Hermione thought back to her fight with Ginny but decided not to mention it.

"She's alright, but, Harry, maybe you should take into consideration her feelings too. She really wants to be by your side right now."

"What do you want me to do? It's impossible. I can't let her risk her life for me. You know perfectly well that Voldemort will do everything to injure her, if he got to know that Ginny is my girlfriend..."

"I'm sorry. You're right. Voldemort will stop at nothing," Hermione sighed heavily. She felt worried for Harry, her family and all her friends. Sometimes, she wished that she were a common Muggle.

Harry noticed her sorrowful expression. It pained him to see Hermione so worried.

"What's wrong Hermione? Please don't worry too much, maybe everything will turn out fine in the end. I promise you that I will do everything to protect you from harm."

Hermione looked at him; she didn't like the sound of the word 'maybe'. Harry had to defeat Voldemort; she couldn't survive without Harry. Her throat tightened at the thought of losing him, and before she knew it, tears started flowing from her eyes.

"Oh Harry, everything has to turn out fine in the end. Don't even think that you won't manage."

"Hermione, please calm down, you know I'll do everything in my power to defeat Voldemort. However, it's not easy to be positive about the situation, especially without ..." Harry couldn't bring himself to pronounce his headmaster's name, instead he embraced Hermione tightly wishing that Dumbledore was still alive.