A/N: I'm just banging these up, aren't I? Well, to those of you who suggested that it was Draco who sent the flower and poem, you were right. And I seem to owe a few people a hundred Galleons. Just my luck. Ah well, enjoy this chapter! ((And don't worry, Tschubi-chan. I won't be too hard on Harry. ::evil grin::))

Of Emeralds and Dragons

Going Home

September first rolled around, and for Harry, it couldn't have come soon enough. He would be finally going to the only place he had ever considered home. Jumping happily out of the Dursleys' newest car, and ignoring it when it sped away, he grabbed a trolley, and loaded it with his trunk and Hedwig's cage. He walked through the barrier, and quickly spotted the Weasleys. Of course, you'd have to have been blind to not have seen them.

"Hey, Ron!" Harry yelled. Ron turned his head, spotted him and waved him over. Harry reached the group of Weasleys, a big smile on his face. Fred, George, Ginny, Ron and Hermione said their hellos to him.

"Harry, dear, so nice to see you," gushed Molly Weasley. She pulled him into a big hug. When she let go, Harry was a little red from embarrassment. A sound rang through the crowds, signaling the departure of the scarlet steam engine. Molly rushed six children on board, and waved tearfully at them as the train slowly moved forward.

Ron, Hermione and Harry found their usual compartment, and put their stuff away. Harry sighed, settling in his seat. He would finally be going home.

Hermione looked worriedly at him. He had never been this quiet. Nor did he ever looked this strained. He looked different somehow, but what, she couldn't figure out. "Harry, are you all right?" she asked him quietly.

"Yeah, just peachy. I've got a rejuvenated evil, cold blooded murderer after my blood, a godfather who's on the run from the ministry, several people out to kill me, I witnessed the death of a fellow student, lives everywhere are at stake and I'm powerless to do anything! So I'm perfectly fine," he snapped. He sighed, closing his eyes and rubbed his temples. "I'm sorry. I've had a lot on my mind." Ron and Hermione exchanged looks.

"Harry, it's no good to brood on what's happened. Cedric's death was not your fault." Ron looked just as worried.

"You don't understand. And I'd rather not talk about it."

"All right, Harry." Hermione said uncertainty.

"How about a game of Exploding Snaps?" Ron suggested.

"Yeah, all right." Outside in the corridor, a silver haired boy walked away from the compartment, deciding not to bother them. After all; he understood quite well.

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The game lasted until the arrival at Hogwarts, interrupted only by the lady with the food cart, and the need to change. Harry had put the black rose, which surprisingly had not wilted yet, inside of his robe pocket. He had felt strangely at ease, and carried it with him. Ron didn't notice.

Instead of Hagrid, Professor McGonagall was there to meet the first years. This wasn't surprising. He was probably still away on Dumbledore's assignment.

Finding an empty carriage, they got in and waited for the carriage to set off. The door was opened again by none other than Draco Malfoy.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" asked Ron, angrily. Draco shrugged.

"Everywhere else is full."

"Then walk." Ron eyed him with distaste.

"Whether you like it or not, I'm riding." He stepped into the carriage, and sat down across from Ron, and next to Harry. Draco crossed his arms stubbornly. Ron was about to say something but Harry cut him off.

"Be quiet, Ron. It's only for a few minutes." Ron gaped at him, but sat down and said nothing anyway. Hermione too, looked at him as if he belonged in St. Mungos. Draco just raised an eyebrow in Ron's direction, and smiled smugly.

Harry was looking out the window, his hand fingering the black rose idly. He pricked his finger on a thorn and hissed, bringing his hand out, and sucking on the injured finger.

"What did you do?" asked Ron, ignoring the fact that Draco was in the carriage. Harry turned startled to him.

"Huh? Oh, nothing."

"That was not 'nothing'." Ron eyed him suspiciously.

"I just- hurt my finger is all."

"How?" Ron was sounding more suspicious.

"I, um…" Harry was uncomfortable. He glanced at Draco. "Just… did," he finished lamely.

"Mmhmm." Harry sighed irritably.

"Fine, here, see?" He pulled the rose out of his pocket. Draco's heart skipped a beat.

"Oh, Harry," Hermione gasped, looking at it. "Were did you get that?" Harry shrugged.

"It was a birthday present." Harry carefully put it back in his pocket.

"You carry it with you?" Ron asked, looking like he was about to laugh. Draco wanted to punch him.

"I like it, alright?" Harry snapped, turning back to his window. Draco smiled happily inside. So; he had liked his gift.