Chapter 31

"The ones that love us never truly leave us." - Sirius Black

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The excitement was all over the next day, as everyone began frantically packing for the summer holidays. We would still get the occasional congrats but the excitement had shifted. Maybe it was for the best, as Neville wasn't used to receiving so much positive attention. No one could wait for the summer holidays, except Harry and I.

I wasn't particularly excited, because I felt that Father and I got along better with the distance. I loved being around my friends all year and the classes were so much fun, except history of magic. Harry, on the other hand was absolutely dreading the next two months. I didn't blame him, having to put up with the Dursleys. If it were another case I may have asked him to stay with me, but aside from the fact that I would turn six hundred and eighty-four before Father agreed, it would probably make Harry even more miserable. My second, more practical idea, was to stay with Harry, but something tells me that Uncle Vernon would not be too welcoming. Also, Father glared me down when I verbally expressed my idea. So I guess I wouldn't be seeing Harry for awhile.

The students would be taking the train home. Father suggested I apparate home with him, but I quickly declined the idea, knowing, one, he likely had some work to finish and wouldn't be leaving until later. Two, apparating made me sick to my stomach, and three, I wanted to spend a few more moments with Harry and the others.

Another reason I didn't want to mention is that ever since we faced Voldemort, Father has been keeping a VERY close watch on me. It's not like he's enjoying spending time with me, rather more like making sure I don't do anything he deems stupid. The more he watches me, the more likely I am to mess up. I really don't want to be punished.

I was mindlessly stuffing an armful of clothing into my suitcase when an all too familiar voice spoke up from behind me. "Pack properly!" I jumped a foot.

"F-father! How the bloody hell did you get in Gryffindor towers? And more importantly how did you get into the Girls' dormitories?!"

"Watch your mouth!" He glared sharply.

"Sorry, Sir." I flinched automatically. His expression softened.

"I asked Longbottom for the password."

"Two things: One, Neville actually remembered the password? And second, by ask, did you mean threaten?" I said innocently.  Father narrowed his eyes.

"Are you asking for punishment?" I shook my head violently.

"Of course not, Sir." I grinned. Father frowned.

"Just pack properly." I fake bowed.

"Of course master, I live to serve. Anything else you needed?" I laughed so hard internally. At this he briskly turned on his heel and walked out. I giggled. Right when he was about to leave he turned back around and I immediately composed a solemn expression. He had an evil glint in his eye.

"Actually, now since you offered, you may help me clean out my office." I pouted and groaned.

"Noooooooo!" I whined. "Please, I'm busy packing my own stuff." He scanned over my stuff.

"Be at my office in ten." I huffed and stomped away from him. I made it a quarter way across the dormitory before an invisible force dragged me back. I pushed back and tried to continue to walk away until I was dragged back to my original position. I spun back around and gave Father my angriest glare. He had the audacity to appear amused. I was never going to finish packing if I had to help him! But he wasn't gonna budge. I had no other choice. With a sniffle, I widened my eyes, letting them fill with tears. My lip quivered. The waterworks cascaded down my faced and I whimpered quietly looking straight up at father. His eyes widened and he took a step towards me. Now was time to play the gold card. I flinched and took a step back. "Please don't hurt me." He instantly took a step back.

"What- I wasn't going to do anything to you! Do I scare you that much?!" He sounded angry, but I wasn't sure if it was directed at me, or himself. I stopped acting.

"N-no." I whispered. "I'll see you in your office." He shook his head in disbelief.

"Just pack properly. I'll deal with the office myself." And with that he briskly walked out. I smiled to myself.

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Two hours later, I was heaving my trunk off the bed and into the floor. I looked around and let out a sigh. I'll miss this place for the next two months. Winter flew over and perched on my shoulder.I took one last glance around and dragged my trunk down the stairs to the common room. Bidding the fat lady goodbye, I carefully stepped out of the common room. On the way down to the entrance hall, I waved to everyone and wished them a good summer. As I was about to cross the Great Hall, I saw Draco Malfoy. He looked rather harmless today without his two bodyguards, so I skipped up to him and gave him a light tap on the shoulder. He turned and looked annoyed when he realized it was me but even he could not conceal his surprise. I grinned and chose my words carefully. "Hey! I'll really miss everyone here, even you! Don't get too boring over the summer!" He looked like he was about to stomp on my foot when I waved at him happily and sped away.

We all lined up in front of the entrance hall until Professor McGonagall opened the gates. We made our way across the lake and prepared to board the train. Up ahead, I could see Harry and Hagrid so I walked up to them. Harry was holding a leather book. Hagrid suddenly said: "Oh, I got sommat for you too!" He pulled out what appeared to be a long gold chain. It was a necklace locket. I opened it, and there was a picture of mum, dad, Harry, and I, as one happy family. I smiled. Then the picture changed. I stared at it in awe. I looked up at Hagrid.

"Thank you, Hagrid." I gave him a big hug. "We see you as soon as break ends." Hagrid nodded and wiped a tear from his eye.

He waved us off. "Now get on with yer, don't wanna miss yer train." Harry and I waved good bye and sped off. As the train left the platform we continued to wave, watching Hagrid and Hogwarts slowly disappear from our sights as the train treaded deep into the mountains.

-------------------------------------------------------Hey everyone!Ok! Book 2 will begin as soon as I create a cover, so let's say in 10 days? Could be sooner.

Lots of love,Lily