Harry Potter and the Power of Emotions

Chapter 17: Taking the train home!

It was the last day of term and Harry had just finished double Potions. He's was walking hand in hand with Luna towards the Hogwarts Express... They already packed their trunks on the train, so they enjoyed the last minutes of the year at Hogwarts together.

Holding hands gave strength enough, for Harry to think he could take on the world if he needed to. That was a good thing, because he need not to take on the whole world. He only had to take on Voldemort, and if his love for Luna was strong enough to make him live to tell the tale, he would settle for it in a heartbeat. Harry and Luna sought and found a nice little empty compartment near the end of the train. Harry had a rather odd feeling. He was leaving his friends at King's Cross. Maybe they could get to Ottery St. Catchpole together, but for now, he and Luna were quietly talking about everything else. Harry was planning to help her prepare for her OWLs.

"I can' t help you with History of Magic. I kept falling asleep during Binns' classes, but I can help you in Defence, and maybe in Potions," said Harry. He didn't know what to say, or what to do now that he was going to spend a whole vacation at Luna's. It felt so strange. He was happy, in spite of the dark cloud hanging above him. For now, he decided that he wouldn't let Voldemort trouble him.

~^~

On the other side of the field, Hermione and Draco were walking towards the train. They were still together. He was thinking of plans on how to con his mother into thinking he was going to visit some friends, while secretly visiting Hermione. His father was still in Azkaban, so that wouldn't be a problem.

"And Draco," Pansy said. "Why are you talking to that Granger Mudblood?"

Hermione scowled.

"Well, we were speaking about prefect stuff. You know that crap that Dumbledore said, about having to unite the Houses. Well, this way he'll think that we're actually going along with it!" said Draco mischievously.

"You are so clever, Draco!" shrieked Pansy and gave Draco a kiss on his cheek.

While Pansy darted off toward the train, Hermione thought about what had just happened. She had heard Ron and Harry preach about her fraternizing with the enemy. She now saw that Draco was getting away with it all. This annoyed her, for she didn't know why he got away with it! "So why do you get away with this, while I have to endure Harry and Ron's sermons every day?" she asked

"Well I suppose that Saint Potter hates me too much, as does the Weasel. Weasley is not too keen on the fact that I stole his girlfriend, is he?" Draco said, "and as for my getting away with it... well it's just that they think I'm just playing along, and they are too afraid of my father and his boss! Pansy really is a stupid cow, but my father wants me to marry her. Yuch! As if I ever want to marry that bitch!"

"I'm glad you think so, but you must know that how much we may want a future together, it's never going to be. You can't get away with it forever. According to your family, I'm just a Mudblood. Even a Weasley would suffice better. And there are only two things worse then Mudbloods according to your creed: Squibs and Muggles!" Hermione said finally

"That's certainly true, I guess my father would disown me altogether if I tried to have a go at a Muggle. Heaven forbid! However, we Slytherins have busy times ahead. Next year there is a Mating Ball, and the, then Seventh year Slytherins, have to organise it. And since I am a Seventh year Slytherin next year..." Draco explained.

"I understand you won't have much time. Just drop by at least once, or write a letter! That would be enough," Hermione answered.

~^~

The whistle of the Hogwarts Express sounded and Draco and Hermione hurried to the train and caught it just in time. They walked hand in hand to the Prefect's carriage at the very front of the train. They made sure that everyone on the train was in good holiday cheer. Hermione waved at Harry and Luna, sitting in a private compartment in the middle of the train. Draco greeted Crabbe and Goyle in passing, mumbling something about going to meet Pansy.