Epilogue: Leaving

"This is it," Alicia said solemnly.

"Yes, this is it."

She and Angelina stood together on the platform at King's Cross, clutching their trunks and broomsticks and staring at the Hogwarts Express for the last time.

"I just can't believe we're not going to be on it next year," Alicia whispered, feeling a tear of sadness begin to roll down her cheek. "And I'm going to miss the old castle so much."

"Me too," Angelina said.

The two girls embraced each other and began to sob.

"Cheer up you two," said a cheerful voice from behind them.

"Shut up Katie," said Alicia mournfully. "You get to come back next year."

"Yes, but it won't be the same without you two drama queens!"

Angelina laughed, brushing away her tears. "Don't you worry, Kat! The year will fly by. And we'll make sure we have your room in our apartment fully ready when you finish."

Katie grinned with excitement and Alicia hugged her. "I can't believe you're going to be working in St. Mungo's," Katie said, shaking her head in almost disbelief. "And you," she said, looking at Angelina. "working in the Ministry. It seems like just yesterday that I met you two as young third year troublemakers!"

"Hey!" Alicia protested. "I don't make trouble! Trouble finds me!"

Katie raised her eyebrows. "Sure," she said sarcastically.

Angelina changed the subject before Alicia could launch into a protest. "It's definitely going to be a change from Hogwarts, that's for sure!"

"Yes," agreed Alicia. "No poltergeists, no trick steps, no changing staircases. Is it strange that I think I'll miss them? Merlin, I think I'll even miss Filch!"

The three of them laughed. Suddenly there was shout from across the platform. They looked up to see Fred and George charging towards them at full speed, identical looks of glee on their faces.

"There you are!" Fred cried, flinging his arms around them. "We've been looking for you everywhere!"

"What are you two doing here?" Katie asked, unable to suppress a smile.

"What do you mean, Kates? Why, we're here to celebrate leaving Hogwarts!" George said, looking affronted.

"You left Hogwarts a month ago, you idiot," Alicia pointed out.

"So? Doesn't mean we can't come here to reminisce and weep like you two," Fred said cheerfully. "Unless of course, you're referring to the fact that we are now worldwide famous entrepreneurs and wouldn't stoop to such levels?"

Alicia snorted. "Entrepreneurs? Is that what you're calling yourselves? I'd go for-"

"Hey!" interrupted Angelina. "Is that Oliver? What's he doing here? Don't tell me you've brought him to reminisce too!"

Fred frowned. "We didn't bring him. I don't know what he's doing here. He can't be coming to see you two," he said, jerking a thumb at Alicia and Angelina. "You're seeing him tomorrow at the Burrow."

Alicia glanced over at where they were looking and sure enough, there was Oliver striding through the crowds. With his height and broad frame, he pushed through the heaving crowds with ease.

At that moment something struck a chord in Alicia's mind. "Hang on a second!"

"What?" asked Angelina, turning to her.

"Tall, broad, brown hair, navy blue and gold," Alicia said slowly. Realisation dawned on Angelina's face.

They both turned simultaneously to Katie who had turned a delicate shade of magenta.

"Oliver?" they both half-shouted.

"Yes?" he said, with a grin, coming over.

"Oliver is the mystery man? Of course, navy blue and gold- the Puddlemere strip!" Alicia exclaimed. She looked wildly from one to the other. "You and Katie?"

He immediately looked guilty.

"Wait, what?" Fred said, looking thunderous. "You? And our little sweet Katie? Together?"

"When did this happen?" George said indignantly. "And why weren't we told?"

Katie and Oliver stood next each other, looking very sheepish.

"We…er…well, we wanted to keep it a secret. Just between us," Katie stuttered, looking uncomfortable.

"Well, not anymore," said Alicia, grinning. "This is so great, you guys!"

"I call maid of honour!" Angelina said at once, her face lighting up.

"Woah! Slow down there, Ange!" Katie said, looking alarmed. "I'm seventeen!"

She looked up at Oliver almost apologetically but he was just smiling down at her affectionately.

"Mum! Dad!" Angelina suddenly shouted excitedly, catching sight of her parents in the distance. She sprinted across the platform.

Alicia smiled fondly after her.

"So, where are you off to this summer, Ali?" asked Oliver, putting an arm around her shoulder companionably as they headed off towards where Angelina's parents were waiting to take them home.

"Yes, where are you going? You never told me," Katie said.

"Nor us," Fred said indignantly.

"Wherever it is, I note that we haven't been invited," George said resentfully. "Why so secretive? Where are you going?"

The four of them looked accusingly at Alicia, who reddened slightly.

"Romania."

A/N. This is it! The end of this story. Wow. Thank you so much for the lovely reviews and wonderful enthusiasm you've all given this story. It's really made writing it all the more worthwhile.

I'm working on the sequel at the moment so keep an eye out!

Thank you :) Love you all,

CN2 xxxx