VOLDEMORT HAD returned.

Jade had known it, and her friends had known it, but now the Ministry had made it official.

Fudge was in the process of resigning, and many members of the Ministry were worried about what could come out of his return. Ginny had been knocked out cold during the battle, and Hermione had nearly been killed. Neville broke his nose, but he was running through the castle on the last days before summer holiday, looking good as new.

Luna had been knocked out too, spending more time in the Hospital Wing than most of those who fought in what was now being called the Battle at the Department of Mysteries. Jade visited her everyday, sneaking in extra desserts from the Great Hall. After learning how to get into the kitchen from Ron and Ginny, she would visit every night, convincing the house-elves to whip up a couple extra treats.

She knew Luna would do the same for her if she had been in that battle.

The last days before holiday was depressing, even worse than it had been the year previous. Terry spent much of his time in his dormitory, never coming out except for meals. The one-year anniversary of Cedric's death had hit him hard, usually leaving him with teary bloodshot eyes and a runny nose.

Michael spent a lot of time with Su and Lisa, talking about plans for the holiday. Jade watched them talk sometimes, and she could tell from Michael's body language that he was completely invested in Lisa. He was always turned toward her, and every time she spoke, he was fully attentive.

Maybe he'll have more luck with her. She thought each time she saw them. She made a mental note to ask him when the group got together, and she made another mental note to tell Mandy about it.

On the last day, Luna waited outside the fifth year dormitories, luggage sitting next to her. She had her wand tucked behind her ear, her blonde hair pulled back in a low ponytail. Jade hadn't done anything with her hair, letting it stay in its natural curls for the day.

As she walked out of the dorm, Luna's face lit up, a smile growing on her face. She was wearing every necklace she had collected or made in the last year, and she had turnip earrings in.

"I love the jewelry choices." Jade said, pulling her in with one arm and kissing her forehead.

"I appreciate it. I couldn't decide what necklace to wear this morning, so I chose all of them." She fiddled with the red tulip charm, flipping it back and forth between her fingers.

Jade smiled back at her, then kissed her again.

The train ride back to the station had been long and quiet, the only noise coming out of Mandy and Anthony, who were both asleep in the corner. Luna was reading the Quibbler, holding the issue sideways to look at the picture of a creature named the Snarlpuff. The box next to it said that it was friendly, despite its name, and it was incredibly fluffy. The one in her magazine was a dark green, nearly blending in with the greenery around it.

As the train halted and Mandy and Anthony awoke, Jade felt her stomach drop.

She hadn't taken time to herself to comprehend everything going on in their world. She hadn't thought about Voldemort's return, and the impact it would have on her. She had been focused on getting Luna back to tip-top shape, and when she returned to that state, Jade hadn't thought about herself.

She kept the tears in, letting the lump in her throat get bigger and bigger as the group walked off the train, heading on to the platform. She squeezed Luna's hand tightly, letting out two deep breaths.

"Are you okay?" Luna whispered, pulling her in closer.

"I'll be okay, I promise." She answered, turning to give a sad grin to her girlfriend.

If there were noticeable tears in her eyes, Luna said nothing, instead opting for squeezing her hand back.

On the other side of Platform 9 and 3/4, everyone's parents stood, arms outstretched, waiting for their kids to come home for the holiday.

"I'll write you the minute I get home." Jade said, pulling Luna in for one last hug.

"I'll be writing too."

The two stood there for a few seconds, just holding each other in their arms. Their friends and parents weren't paying attention, instead focused on other happenings in the station.

"I'll see you in a couple of weeks." Luna mumbled into the crook of her neck.

"I can't wait until then."

They left their hug, then went back for a small kiss. Like every time they kissed, Jade could only think about how soft her lips were, and how lovely it was to have such a wonderful girlfriend.

"I love you, Jade."

"I love you too, Luna."

They separated for the final time, blowing each other kisses as they walked away. Jade exited the station the same time Luna did, but she couldn't find her anywhere in the crowd.

She would just have to wait a couple weeks, and then she would see her again.

END OF PART ONE.