Chapter 1 - The Eighth Years

Ron stared at the letter bearing the Hogwarts crest on the front he had just taken from the delivery owl with his mouth slightly open in shock. 

“But…but…we defeated Him.  Surely they’re not going to make us redo seventh year?”

“Well Ron,” Hermione replied in her matter-of-fact tone, “we did miss out on an entire year of our formal education.  It really would be good to go back and finish.” 

“We’ll be in classes with people from Ginny’s year!” Ron shot back vehemently.

“And just what is wrong with that?” asked Ginny from the sofa where she and Harry were cuddling after an early breakfast. 

“Ginny…I didn’t mean…you and Luna are amazing…it’s just…”

“You feel like you’re too advanced for your little sis to be in the same classes?” 

“No, it’s just…a bit embarrassing.”

“Go on, Ron.  Open it.  I’ll bet you’ll feel differently once you do.  Trust me.  I’m more than happy to oblige Professor McGonagall and finish out my education,” Harry coaxed. 

“Easy for you to say!  It’ll just give you and Ginny more time together.”

“And just where do you think I’ll be during all of this?” Hermione asked, hands on her hips. 

“Fine.  I’ll open it.  But, I’m not making any promises, mind.”

“That’s better,” she replied. 

“I just don’t see the point of finishing, though.  Fred and G—I mean, George did alright for himself without finishing school.”  Ron still hadn’t gotten used to not saying Fred’s name in conjunction with George’s.  Even after two months, it just didn’t seem like he was really gone.  Despite his words however, he finally opened the letter and stared down at it’s contents.

“No WAY!” he exclaimed, “They’re going to let us live in Hogsmeade?  Yes!” 

“Well honestly, Ron.  How did you think they were going to fit eight years of students in the castle when it’s already full enough with seven?” Hermione asked, grinning at his change of attitude.

“I dunno, engorgement charms on the dormitories, maybe?”  All four of them laughed heartily at that. 

“Well, c’mon then.  Let’s tell Mum we’re going up to Diagon Alley to get our books and stuff.  We can make a day of it,” said Ginny, getting up from the sofa.

*  *  * 

September 1^st found Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny apparating onto Platform 9 ¾ with their trunks full of new books.  The sleek scarlet steam engine, the Hogwarts Express stood there puffing smoke as it always had.  Now, however, it had an extra car attached to accommodate the returning “Eighth Years”.

“Our letters said that we’re supposed to go to the Eighth Year car to receive special instructions about this year,” Hermione recited, looking apologetically at the younger girl.  She then moved off toward the front of the train. 

“I’m sorry, Ginny.  We’ll come find you for lunch, alright?” said Harry, also looking apologetic and a bit disappointed.  Ron nodded.

“S’okay, I understand.  Just look for the swinging radish earrings.  I’ll be sitting with Luna, I’m sure,” said Ginny with a sad little smile on her face.  She walked away down the train.  Harry watched her go, feeling slightly deflated. 

“C’mon, mate,” Ron said, clapping Harry on the back, “better not keep ‘Mione waiting.  You know how she can get.”

“Yeah…” said Harry, pulling himself together. 

They walked toward the first car on the train, which had a banner draped across the side reading “RETURNING EIGHTH YEARS”.  Hermione spotted them as they boarded and sat down.

“There you are.  I was beginning to wonder where you’d got to.”  She plopped herself down next to Ron and settled into his embrace. 

“Just keeping an eye on our lovesick companion here.”  He gestured at Harry.  “Harry probably would’ve missed the train watching Ginny go down the platform.”

Hermione smiled over at Harry, who tried valiantly to genuinely smile back.  He managed a pained sort of grimace. 

“Well, look who we have here.  The Golden Trio,” a familiar voice sneered.  “What’s the matter, Potter?  Lost your reason for living, now that the Dark Lord’s gone?”

“Do us a favor, Malfoy,” Ron snarled, “and get the hell away from us!” 

Hermione muttered something that sounded like a pacifying “Ron”, but Malfoy didn’t let her finish whatever she was about to say.

“So, Weasley, are you and Granger together now?  I didn’t think a weasel and a mouse could live happily together.” 

“WHAT did you just say to me?”  Ron was rapidly turning the same shade as his maroon socks in his anger.  Harry was escalating too.

“As I recall, Malfoy, you’ve always come out worse in any confrontation between you and Hermione, so I’d watch what I said about her if I were you,” he said scathingly. 

“What’s the matter with you, Potter?” Malfoy repeated.  “No rage?  No destruction?  Well, maybe the weasel’s sister is a good influence on you after all.”

Harry and Ron both stood up whipping out their wands, but at that moment, Professor Flitwick’s squeaky little voice rang out through the car. 

“All students, take your seats now, please.  The train is about to depart.”  Malfoy swaggered off to sit by Pansy Parkinson and his remaining crony, Goyle, leaving Harry, Ron, and Hermione in peace, for the time being.