The excitement and chatter around the place increased as the clock got closer to 11 o'clock.

Harry stepped into the train and paused to look around. He then ran his fingers through his messy hair while grinning.

- Harry.

He looked back. Ron had gotten in behind him. "Where's Ginny?" Harry asked. "Talking to some old friends." Ron answered. "Let's go find a place to sit."

They started walking through the train's hallway, looking for an empty cabin. Along the way, they saw some familiar faces like Dean Thomas and Lee Jordan.

They stopped in front of Lee's cabin to have a chat with him. While doing so, George showed up behind him. His once ginger hair was now more brown and his eyes were tired, like he still hadn't recovered from his brother's death.

(A/N: Did I jump way too quickly into this?)

"Hey George!" Harry greeted him. "Doin' alright?" George gave a tired smile. "Alright."

After a bit more chatter, Harry and Ron moved forward and found an empty cabin. They sat down, facing each other. Harry then looked out the window. "Isn't it crazy? Last time we were here was like, more than a decade ago."

"Yeah," Ron also looked out. "I wonder if Hermione is here..." Harry looked at his best friend but didn't say anything.

Finally, the train started moving. The door of the cabin was open so the increase in talking and excitement could be heard clearly. Harry could also feel the butterflies in his stomach moving around with more speed. He couldn't stop his laugh and Ron gave him a confused look, though he was trying to stop his own laugh as well.

- Look who's here!

Both boys looked at the entrance of the cabin and saw Neville standing there.

- Neville!

Harry and Ron stood up and the three boys greeted each other warmly and then sat down.

"Neville! Been so long!" Ron said with an excited voice. "Tell us about yourself. Any major thing we missed out on?" Neville was looking pretty different than the last time they saw each other. Neville answered Ron's question happily. "Yeah I actually applied to teach herbology in Hogwarts. They haven't responded yet, I'll probably have a talk with professor McGonagall in person."

- Or maybe she was waiting for you to get there and tell you in person.

- Maybe. Now tell me about yourselves!

They told Neville about themselves and he got pretty excited when hearing that Harry got a job as an Auror.

After a while Dean Thomas joined the group and they talked about many things; from the first time they met each other to the present, and how Ron and Harry along with Hermione actually heard Dean talking to the goblins while on their mission to find the horcruxes. Then the trolley lady stopped in front of their cabin.

- Anything off the trolley, dears?

This brought a big amount of nostalgia for Harry. It reminded him of the very first time he was on the train and this lady showed up. But this time, Ron didn't refuse to buy anything because he had his corned beef sandwich.

After a while, Ron decided to have a walk around the train to see who else was around.

***

Hermione was sitting in the corner, listening to Luna and Ginny gossip.

- And then she asked me if I was using Felix Felicis!

- No way!

- I know right! Imagine working on a report day and night and then someone assumes you used a luck potion to get lucky and have it approved! It's just...

Hermione looked out the window. It felt nice to be back with her friends, but it was just not right. She felt like she couldn't fit in.

- ... Hermione don't you agree?

- Hmm?

She looked at the two girls who were looking at her.

- Umm... sorry I zoned out.

"It's probably the wrackspurts." Luna said calmly. "Maybe you should take a walk."

Hermione agreed. She had to see people one way or another. She got out of the cabin.

As she got out, for a moment she thought she saw a ginger haired head in the crowd. It disappeared quickly, so Hermione ignored it.

She started walking in the hallway, and saw some people on the way and said hi. They all seemed happy to see her and she was happy to see them, but it still felt weird. She'd probably have to get used to it.

Hermione kept walking. At one point, she decided to turn her head and at the same time, the person next to her also decided to turn his head. Their eyes met and they both stopped. It was Ron.

"Hermione!" Ron exclaimed happily. A big smile appeared on his face. On Hermione's face, a nervous smile appeared.

- H...hey Ron! Long time no see.

Ron laughed. "I'm so glad you're here!" Then he hugged Hermione. She was shocked at first and blushed. Then slowly, he hugged Ron back. After a moment, they both stepped back. "Harry's here too. He'll be happy to see you. Let's go." Ron took Hermione by the hand and they both started walking.

***

The door to the cabin opened. Harry looked up and saw Ron with Hermione.

- Look who I found.

- Hermione!

Harry stood up and hugged her tight. They hadn't seen each other for around eight or nine years.

When Harry pulled back, Hermione's gaze followed Harry's hand.

"Wait, is that..." She took Harry's left hand and examined it. His ring finger was occupied by a shiny silver ring. Harry waited patiently as Hermione realized. She then gasped.

- I THOUGHT GINNY WAS WEARING THAT AS NORMAL JEWELRY!!!

Harry and Ron both laughed at Hermione's reaction and she looked at Harry.

- Oh my God Harry I'm so happy!

"Just to let you know, they're just engaged. We wouldn't get a wedding without you now would we!" Ron said from behind her. Hermione closed her eyes and laughed. Harry and Ron smiled.

"Guys look!" Neville pointed out the window. "I think we're nearly there!"