Chapter 1:

The Hogwarts Express Part 1

"Regular Speech"

'Thoughts'

A/N: This is the updated chapter 1. I had started this story as a challenge submission, however, this is now my own work with my own plans for it, while still based on TheOnlyUrk's challenge. I have tweaked this chapter on 3/20/2019.

Harry's POV

Who would've thought that after so much has happened, I'd be here again? Harry thought as he emerged from the onto Platform 9 ¾. He looked around, his bright emerald eyes scanning the platform for a certain somebody. Harry had really grown in the last couple of months, after finally being able to spend time recovering from his year on the run, he filled out quite nicely. He now stood at a very commanding six foot three inches, with quite a bit of muscle mass put on.

The time spent living on his own and living a proper lifestyle has done benefits to his health.

"HARRY!" someone shouted from behind him, as he turned he was knocked over by a red-headed missile. This missile is non-other than his girlfriend Ginny Weasley.

"Hey Gin, ready for your seventh year?"

"I'm ready for whatever you are going to do this year, Harry." She said suggestively, Harry, knowing that people are around him, pushed her off, eliciting a yelp out of Ginny, and says, with burning cheeks

"Stop it you minx, there will be time later for that kind of talk." He got up and brushed himself off and Ginny pulled him into a hug. He could hear her breathing in his scent. "I missed you this summer Harry."

Pulling away, Harry looked up at her, observing her wide eyes, full of love for him, and yet he hesitated. When her gaze changed to puzzlement, he responded with "I missed you too." She smiled at him, and pulled him back in.

The moment was ruined by some very rude coughing from behind them, Harry turned, and saw Ron and Hermione standing there. Ron with a red face, and Hermione with a knowing smile. Ron hadn't grown nearly as much as Harry had, but he still stood taller than Harry was, and was still quite lanky, even with the muscle put on from his keeper training regimen he was putting himself through.

Hermione, however, was a respectable five foot five inches,

"Great to see you mate." Ron greeted, pulling Harry into a brotherly hug, "Remind me to punch you when you return for Christmas."

"Decided not to come then Ron?" Harry asked.

Ron chuckled, "No, I'd rather try my luck at quidditch or even the Aurors, since I'm sure they'd let me in based on the last year alone."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Honestly Ronald, I'm surprised you wouldn't want to spend a bunch of time with your girlfriend, who by the way is still mad at your decision." Ron went a little red at that, and replied, "C'mon Mione, I'm sure there are loads of other people not returning to the school, most of the bloody snakes are either in Azkaban or on house arrest anyways."

Harry nodded along with him, "He's right Mione, I doubt there will be a lot of people there, I bet it'll be mostly members of the DA that had to go into hiding during the year."

Hermione sighed, "Fine, well, we better get onto the train, looks like it is about to leave." Giving Ron one last hug each, Harry, Ginny, and Hermione boarded the train. Walking down the hallway, they found an empty compartment. After settling in, Ginny cuddled up next to Harry, with her head on his shoulder, and began talking to Hermione about the upcoming NEWTS.

"If you want to be successful you need to focus this year and get some NEWTS Harry." Hermione commented.

"I know Mione, I'm thinking that this year, since there isn't anything crazy happening, I can have a quiet year, focus on Quidditch, and my NEWTS. I'm already planning on taking Potions, Transfiguration, DADA, Herbology, Astronomy, and Charms."

"Astronomy Harry? Really?" Hermione asked, with a curious expression on her face.

"Yes, really Mione, I love the stars, always have, it connects me to Sirius, why not get a NEWT for the hell of it?" Harry shook his head. 'Just because I'm not testing in everything like you Mione, doesn't mean I don't care.'

"Look, I know what I want to do this year, and I plan on having it happen. Now don't we have a prefect meeting to attend?"

"Your right Harry," Hermione sighed, "That was inconsiderate of me to forget about Sirius, I'm sorry. Let's, change and go." After changing into their robes, and saying their good byes to Ginny, they stepped out of the compartment, and headed towards the prefect's carriage. Harry had been given the role of Head Boy because of, how did McGonagall put it? Oh yes, "Services to the School, and all-around likeability". As in he's Head Boy because he's famous Harry Potter, and with Harry Potter as Head Boy, people will feel safe to return to Hogwarts.

The thing that surprised Harry the most was that Hermione wasn't Head Girl. Since she had spent time the last year away, she technically didn't have the best grades after the year ended, however that wasn't the basis.

After their sixth year, the end of school exams had Hermione listed as second, with Harry in fifth behind Draco Malfoy in fourth, Padma Patil in third and Daphne Greengrass as the top student for their 6th year. Since Greengrass beat out Hermione in sixth year, she is Head Girl, and Hermione is the seventh-year Prefect for Gryffindor. Fighting back a sigh, Harry opened the door, and was faced with a pair of electric blue eyes, some of the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.

"Hello Potter, how nice of you to join us."