(Harry Potter) Worthy of you: Chapter 9 - Parting ways

Chapter 9 - Parting ways

Summary: Old wounds resurface and new bonds are tested as unexpected faces reappear, changing the meaning of ‘home’ for Harry.

Harry was looking through the window at the students walking around the station and gathering their things to get on the train and go home.

The sun was high in the sky illuminating the entire station and reflecting off so many objects the students were carrying that it was hard for him to recognize them.

Just as he sighed and was about to give up on looking out the window, the door of the compartment he was sitting in opened.

Harry turned his head to see his best friend walking inside, or more like stumbling inside while struggling with her heavy luggage. He quickly jumped from his seat and ran to her side.

Hermione looked at him wide eyed and Harry shot her a smile in return and said confidently, "Let me handle this."

Hermione blinked twice before smiling as she said brightly, "Sure. Thanks, Harry."

Harry could just keep smiling as she let go of her suitcase and went toward the bench where he was sitting a moment ago with a book under her arm.

Harry turned his head back toward the luggage and pulled it inside, immediately his eyes bulged from the amount of force he had to apply to drag it barely a centimeter inside.

He considered asking for help for a moment before deciding to take a deep breath and put his back into it. Hauling the suitcase into the space right next to his own.

It took him a couple of tries before he finally managed to get Hermione's luggage in place, which caused him to drop back to his seat, panting.

Hermione glanced at him while reading her book, a small smirk on her face as she asked, "Are you doing well there Harry?"

Harry raised a thumb at her and said between breaths, "Just... Great." Hermione's eyes returned to the book, the smirk still on her face, but Harry had to ask, and he did once his breathing was under control, "What did you pack, the entire Hogwarts library?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and said with what she probably thought was an exasperated tone, though to Harry it sounded more like amused, "Oh honestly Harry, how could I do that?"

Harry noticed she didn't actually answer his question, but before he could point it out she changed the subject, "Where is Ronald? I thought he would be here by the time I would catch up."

Harry leaned back and shrugged, "He is probably with Fred and George, still helping Ginny settle. The twins told me they would probably spend the ride with her too, but they would send Ron to sit with us at some point."

Hermione shrugged as if she didn't have a single care and commented, "Well at least I will be able to read in peace until then."

Huh, that was not something Hermione ever said before, though he did notice that since their conversation about her being his best friend she was far more open and honest with him. Which on occasion was a little hurtful. He raised an eyebrow at her, "And where were you?"

"Huh? Oh, I was catching up with Daphne about some project we wanted to talk about during the summer break," Hermione replied absently, her eyes locked on the page in front of her.

Daphne... Daphne... Why does the name not ring any bells with Harry? It meant she probably isn't in Gryffindor. It does cut down the options, but barely.

He was about to ask when the door of the compartment opened again. Harry sighed mentally and turned his head, expecting to see Ron entering.

Harry was surprised however when instead of Ron two girls stood at the door. One was someone he recognized from their year. She had long, red hair. She was about Hermione's height, though her figure was less lean and more... mature. Her eyes were bright green, and her smile was small and shy.

Next to her stood someone that was obviously older than the other three, she was tall, with an athletic body. What really caught Harry's eye was her short, bright pink hair. Harry felt like he would remember someone with such a distinguished trait walking around the school. Still, the older girl had a wide smile on her face and she looked excited.

Both girls were wearing Hufflepuff robes and ties, so it was easy to know which house they belonged to, but Harry was a little ashamed admitting he had no idea what their names were. Still, he smiled sincerely back at them and said, "Hi."

The older girl skipped a step forward and said cheerfully, "Wotcher Potter. The name's Tonks. I'm a sixth year badger."

Okay so now Harry knows who the pink haired girl was, but... before he could wonder for too long Hermione closed her book and spoke, "Hello, Susan."

The red-head flinched a little and her smile faded off as she said shyly, "Ummm, Hi Hermione."

Harry looked at Hermione, wondering why she greeted the girl with such a steely voice, so he asked a little carefully, "You know each other?"

Hermione nodded, her face blank from all emotions as she responded, "Yes. I have met Susan Bones and Daphne Greengrass in the library last year. We studied together for a few months. Until Susan here took issue with me being your friend."

Susan looked down and Harry thought he saw tears shining in her eyes, but Tonks put a comforting hand on her shoulder and still with a smile said, "Okay, let's cool down. That's why we are here after all. We wanted to apologize."

"Oh? Is that right?" Hermione questioned still with the same steely voice. Harry began to wonder why she was so mad, even though he wasn't, and this entire thing was about him to begin with!

Tonks's smile turned a little sheepish as she tried to explain, "You know us 'Puffs, we're always told the most important thing is loyalty. But it has its flaws as well, when one of your classmates is deadset on something it's your duty to back him up as a loyal member of the house... and considering the house rivalry..."

"Tonks please stop." The older girl was cut off by her housemate, who seemed to gather all her courage and spoke, "I don't need excuses, I know what I did was wrong. I shouldn't have blamed Harry for just some rumors even if Ernie pushed the idea."

The name seemed to spark something in Hermione's eyes as she asked, her voice far warmer than before, "As in the Ernie you have a crush on?"

Susan's face went bright red and she yelped, "Hermione!" Tonks began to chuckle while Susan muttered under her breath, "Not like I still like him after this year, he's just an asshole."

Hermione smiled at Susan and said fondly, "Well I'm glad you are back to yourself Susan. Me and Daphne missed you."

Susan smiled back, causing Tonks to clap her hands and say cheerfully, "You see all our problems are caused by men. They suck, I would know. We should just stay with each other there is no better company than that of another witch."

Her last remark caused both the girls to flush for some reason while Harry felt insulted, but wasn't sure if he should point out he was right there and he was a guy.

Susan's face returned to its normal color and she smirked at Hermione before saying mischievously, "Well if you are talking about my crush, maybe we should talk about... Mmm"

Susan was forced to stop talking by the hand Hermione was pushing onto her lips, her face somehow even redder than before. Tonks doubled over with laughter. Harry just kept looking around dumbfounded, while electing to keep his silence until he was sure what situation he was in.

Tonks wiped a tear off her eye before saying happily, "You know, you kids are more fun than most people I hang out with. So how about it Harry, Hermione, care if we tag along for a little longer?"

Harry and Hermione glanced at each other before turning back to the two other girls with them and saying in unison, "Of course."

WOY WOY WOY

Harry was really enjoying sitting with the group of girls he found himself spending the last few hours with.

Hermione, he already knew how to hang around with, but even then, he felt like he was seeing a new side of her right now. She was laughing and enjoying herself as if she was just told the library just removed the checkout limit. He never thought she could glow this brightly without a book in her hand, and that just made the warm feeling he got when looking at her all the stronger.

Once Susan opened up and got over her shy stage, she was surprisingly assertive, charismatic and friendly. From Harry's experience with friendships maybe a little over-friendly, but he got used to it eventually. It surprised Harry to see how competitive the girl was, she would cheer like there is no tomorrow when she won and throw a small, amusing tantrum when she lost.

The red-head even had a mischievous side, though hers paled when compared to Tonks's. The girl was only a step behind the Weasley twins, the only reason no one ever heard of her stories is because they would never be linked to her, as apparently she was a sort of a shapeshifter. Which was equally cool and creepy in Harry's eyes, but then again he once used a Polyjuice potion to change his appearance so who was he to judge.

He also learned that Tonks was her actual last name and very few knew what was her first, those who knew and dared to say it out loud paid a dear price, something that Susan confirmed with a hunted look. Harry made sure to note to himself never to learn her first name so he could avoid such a scenario.

They were laughing when the door opened and Ron entered, he didn't even look around the compartment before beginning to whine, "I can't believe Percy forced me to look after Ginny until now, even Fred and George agreed to stay. Can you believe it mate?" He stopped when he saw Susan and Tonks before asking dumbly, "Umm, who are the chicks?"

Harry and Hermione frowned in disapproval. Susan blushed and looked away, back to her shy phase. Tonks's smile thinned a little, but she kept her cheerfulness as she stood up, took Susan's hand and said, "Well we should go back to our own groups, so see ya around Harry, Hermione."

Before either of them even had time to react the girls closed the compartment door behind them.

Ron took their seat and asked as oblivious as ever, "What's with them?"

"Honestly, Ronald." Hermione rolled her eyes and opened the book she abandoned when the girls got in. Without another word she went back to reading.

Harry let out a breath and closed his eyes while leaning backwards, it was a good time to take a nap.

WoY WoY WoY

Harry helped Hermione drag her luggage to the platform where he saw her parents waiting for her with a cart waiting.

He turned to smile at her and found her standing very close to him with narrow eyes, in a low voice so just the two of them could hear she asked, "You told anyone about your new summer arrangement?"

Harry shook his head and said with the same tone, "Just you, so please don't tell anyone."

Hermione gasped in offense, "You know I would never betray you like that Harry."

Harry could just chuckle, though in his heart he felt that strong warmth again, "I was just pulling your leg Hermione."

The girl pouted cutely for a moment before narrowing her eyes again and said firmly, "You better write me a lot this summer."

"I will do my best," Harry promised cheerfully.

Hermione smiled widely before looking back at her parents who made a motion for her to join them. Hermione turned back to Harry, and he could see she seemed to struggle with something before taking a deep breath and stepping closer to him.

Before Harry could even realize what was happening, he felt warmth spreading across his cheek. Hermione's face was red as she turned around, picked her luggage and began running toward her parents while calling over her shoulder, "I will be waiting, bye Harry."

Harry couldn't even muster a response, all he could do was stand there and hold the cheek Hermione just kissed. His heart skipped another beat remembering that moment.

He was shaken out of his daze when Hedwig landed on his shoulder and barked with outstretched leg. Harry saw a letter attached to it and took it off her, his eyes widened when he saw what was written there. 'Waiting for you on the other side of the barrier, better avoiding certain people. Remus'.

Harry looked around and saw Ron coming out of the train accompanied by his twin brothers, Percy and Ginny, when he heard the high voice of Molly he knew it was time to book it.

Without a second thought, he grabbed his own cart and began running toward the barrier while keeping his head down to avoid being noticed by anyone with red hair.

Once he was past the barrier he found himself more relaxed as he looked around until... A tall man with brown hair, a scar on his cheek wearing a classic brown suit stood not too far from the barrier with a gentle smile as he looked at Harry.

Harry pushed his cart in his direction and called out, "Remus."

The older man smiled and returned the greeting, "It's good to see you again Harry." He looked over Harry's shoulder and waved. Harry turned to see Hermione and her parents waving back toward the man before moving on to the exit of the station.

Harry looked back with a confused look at Remus who chuckled and said, "I had the pleasure of meeting Dan and Emma earlier and helped them get passed the barrier. It was a pleasure seeing Ms. Granger as well."

Hermione did look a little surprised seeing her parents on the platform now that Harry thinks about it. Before he could say anything in return a familiar shout came, "Boy!"

Harry's entire body stiffened after a lifetime of reflexes when hearing his uncle's voice, especially when he was so angry. Harry turned to see the fat man walking toward them with a fist raised and red face.

Vernon, not noticing all the attention drawn to him thanks to his yells went on, "You dare to make me wait here for your ungrateful ass, I will teach you a lesson when we get home."

Harry was pushed back and Remus took a step forward his smile gone, replaced by a scowl his voice dry as he asked, "Will you now Mr. Dursley."

Vernon froze in place his scowl deepened, "Who are you to protect that little freak?"

Remus smirked at the man, "I'm one of James's friends, and the one the court decided to transfer the care of Harry to after they found out about your... misconduct."

Vernon's face turned purple as he shouted back, "If you are that deadbeat's friend where were you when the little freak was forced on us?"

Remus's smirk faded into a strained smile as he replied, "I was unable to claim guardianship because of your status as Harry's first degree family, it of course changed after what Harry had to suffer through the years came to their attention." Then his voice became threatening, "And never let me hear you besmirch the name of a national hero who gave his life for this country like James did."

Vernon's fist raised higher and the purple color became even deeper, "You dare to insult my family? All we did was teach the ungrateful freak the place his kind should accept in the world, and neither you nor..."

The fat man choked on his next words when Remus casually drew his wand. The people around just looked confused as to why a piece of random wood caused the enraged man to stop screaming and turned his skin from purple to white.

A moment later Vernon collected himself and with a smirk said loudly, "You can't fool me you freak; you are not allowed to use that thing."

Again the people that were drawn to watch the interaction because of his uncle's loud voice were confused as to how someone was supposed to use a wood stick in a way that would be forbidden. Harry wanted to laugh as his uncle made a fool of himself. Without aunt Petunia to yank his leash in public, the fat man was exposing more of his dirty laundry due to his temper than Remus did.

Remus's return smirk was the sharpest he ever saw and his words were even more cutting, "I don't know if you noticed, but I'm not a schoolboy, which means there is nothing stopping me from doing something like Hagrid did. I'm sure you remember the lovely fellow."

Vernon's face turned even paler than before and he took a step back, his voice stuttering. Remus's eyes narrowed and he said sharply, "Now I believe you embarrassed yourself quite enough for one day. Harry is coming with me and will never set foot in your foul home again, so I suggest. You leave." The last two words were spoken with an odd growl Harry couldn't quite recognize.

Vernon turned and began running away. The people around seeing the show was over began to disperse as well. Though Harry did catch a couple of people saying something about reporting what they heard to the police.

Remus looked down at Harry with his gentle smile again and put his wand away while saying, "I believe we should leave as well, Harry."

Harry could only nod and followed the kind man out of the station. And for the first time in his life Harry didn't feel fear when he heard those words coming at the end of a day that he needed to go back home.