QUICK NOTE: Hi everyone, I decided to change this story (Jan19) as I was not really happy with it before, I hope you all like this much better. Please Review. Thanks, HT188.

Chapter 1: The First Day

"That wand's more trouble than it's worth," said Harry. "And quite honestly," he turned away from the painted portraits, thinking now only of the four-poster bed lying waiting for him in Gryffindor Tower, and wondering whether Kreacher might bring him a sandwich there, "I've had enough trouble for a lifetime."

The battle was won and over but it had cost many lives.

Harry slowly opened his eyes and looked around him. He was in his old Hogwarts dormitory; there were the dusty old curtains, the small bunks, and the windows that looked on to the quidditch pitch. It seemed as if nothing had changed but everything had. Letting out a sigh of relief, Harry realized that it was finally over. No more battles, no more running, and most important no more being without Ginny! Remembering also brought back the bad memories; Remus and Tonks were gone! And Fred, Fred who brought the most joy into the Weasley's lives with his jokes, how could such a person as Fred be gone. Harry was devastated, it was all his fault, he couldn't even imagine how George must feel, or Ginny, did she blame him? Realizing he must face the day and everything that comes with it, Harry slowly got up and started towards the Great Hall.

Ginny couldn't even describe the conflicting feelings rushing through her over the past day. So many innocent lives had been lost; Fred's death was unreal. Her brother, the one who had always made her laugh even after Harry left, was dead and would never come back. These feelings of loss were accompanied with feelings of relief as Harry had survived and Voldemort was dead. Life without Harry was unimaginable. Thinking he was dead, and seeing him in Hagrid's arms had caused her to wish that she were dead as well. If the unthinkable had really happened and Harry was dead, she would have fought to the death to join him, taking as many death eaters with her as possible. She hoped he still loved her, what if he had met someone else? Or what if he had never loved her and just didn't want to hurt his feelings? Watching Harry walk into the Great Hall, their eyes meeting, she stopped questioning everything.

Everyone stared as he walked in, but all Harry could see was Ginny, her red hair glinting in the sunlight. He motioned for her to come with him. Not quite ready to face the rest of the Weasley family so soon after Fred's death. She followed him and they walked out of the massive front doors onto the ground of Hogwarts.

"Gin, its all my fault I never wanted anyone to die for me, I am so sorry about Fred's death, I should have never brought any of you into this."

Tearing up at the mention of Fred's name, "Harry, none of this was your fault, it was a war, and every one knew the risks even Fred."

"I am so sorry for everything I put you through the last year, I can't even imagine what you endured at Hogwarts this past year." Harry grabbed Ginny's hand as he said "Gin, I should have never broken up with you after Dumbledore's funeral, I was just being stupid and trying to keep you safe. What I'm really trying to say is, Ginevra Weasley, I love you and never want to be without you again. I just hope you feel the same way."

"Honestly Harry, I think you would know if I felt differently." She said as she leaned up and gave him a sweet passionate kiss. "I love you too, I always have"

Both considerably happier, but with gloomy thoughts still on mind, they walked back to the Great Hall hand-in-hand. Knowing they had time together in the near future, while now others needed them.

As soon as they entered the Great Hall, Hermione and Ron rushed to meet them, both of them embracing Harry. Hermione with a tight squeeze and Ron with a quick hug.

"Harry, where have you been, we have been looking everywhere for you?"

"Bloody hell mate, I'm glad you're here, I thought none of us would make it out safe yesterday".

Ron's mood slowly darkened as he thought about Fred, Hermione slowly put her arm around him. Quickly changing the topic, Hermione said: " Why don't we go sit down and eat breakfast, you two look famished." Steering the group to a table, they all sat down as the Great Hall slowly quieted.

McGonagall was walking up to the podium at the front. "Attention everyone, after all this turmoil and loss I feel that we could all use some good news and peace. I feel the need to reassure you that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will be open for returning students next September with reinstated precautions. To make this possible we will need volunteers to help restore the castle to its former glory. All help will be greatly appreciated. I would also like to give an opportunity for the seventh years from last year to return to Hogwarts to better their education. I would highly recommend this to all seventh years. We are currently looking for teachers in Defense, Muggle Studies, and Transfiguration, as I will be assuming the role of Headmistress. Thank You. There was some scattered applause, but most of the hall was silent as the information was sinking in.

Ron, Harry, and Hermione looked at each other and knew they should talk about this decision. Should they return to Hogwarts and repeat the year?