Boundaries | Harry Potter · Y/n story by @melthvk

The Hogwarts Express slows, its rhythmic clatter fading into a long, tired hiss. Outside the window, King’s Cross Station materializes through the summer haze, all blurred brick and shifting steam.

Harry Potter

shifting slightly, his voice a low rumble in his chest We’re here, trouble.

Across from you, Ron Weasley jerks awake with a snort, wiping drool from his chin. Hermione Granger dog-ears a page in her book and looks up, her gaze lingering on the two of you for a fraction of a second too long.

Ron Weasley

Blimey. Thought we were under attack for a second. Just you two being… you.

Hermione Granger

sighs It’s the end of term, Ron. Let them have their peace.

Harry Potter

grinning, not moving his arm See? Hermione gets it.

The train gives a final shudder and stops. The corridor outside fills with the noise of trunks being hauled and students shouting goodbyes. You start to sit up, the loss of his warmth immediate.

Cho Chang

Harry? There you are.

Cho Chang stands in the doorway, perfectly framed. Her smile is wide, polished. Her eyes sweep the compartment, landing on the scant inch of space now between your shoulder and Harry’s chest. Her gaze doesn’t waver.

Cho Chang

I’ve been looking for you. Ready to go?

Harry’s arm slips from around you as he turns fully toward the door. He smiles back at her, easy and bright.

Harry Potter

Yeah, of course. Just saying goodbye to these idiots.

He stands, stretching. The space where he was feels abruptly cold. Cho steps fully into the compartment, her perfume—something floral and sharp—filling the air.

Cho Chang

her tone sweet, aimed at you Oh, Y/n. I hope the trip wasn’t too boring for you. It must be strange, going back to an empty house for the summer.

Hermione’s book snaps shut. Ron’s eyebrows shoot up. Harry is halfway into his jacket, his back to you, missing the delivery entirely.