PROLOGUE:
Harry's Burden
The commodious room, although quiet and still, looked like a disaster. On the floor were several unfinished plates of Mrs. Weasley's cake from the previous day. Near the corner of the room lay Harry's belonging, and an empty bird cage, which was also stained with cake leftovers. Everything seemed untidy except the bed, situated in the middle of the room, in which Harry lay sleeping. His jet black hair was noticeably longer, and his feet protruded from the edge of the bed. Several hours ago, he had been celebrating, with Ron, Hermione, and the Weasleys, the wedding of Fleur Delacour and Bill. It had been quite fun.
The door creaked open and a head peaked inside the room. Hermione scanned the room and seeing that Harry was still asleep, closed the door again, and wandered off elsewhere. Harry's droopy eyes opened slowly, and his hand immediately extended out from under the blanket to retrieve his wand. Ever since his parting with Dumbledore, he had never been the same. He was always cautious now. Sore from the previous night's bash, Harry was careful to get up. He moaned as he sat upright, and put on his round spectacles.
After washing his face, he descended down the staircase to the main floor. The main floor was just as filthy and unkempt as the room he had slept in. Plates, bowls, mugs, and other kitchen objects were scattered all over the tables and desks. Ron lay extended on a couch, mouth wide open, snoring violently. Harry chuckled at the sight. Suddenly, his eyes caught view of another Weasley. His eyes widened as he looked at Ginny, who was slouched on an armchair in a deep slumber. He gazed at her for a while, and then walked toward her. His eyes remained fixed on her lips. A deep desire to kiss her took over Harry, but he refrained from doing so. He was afraid that if he did, he would forget about the task he must complete.
"Good morning, Harry." Hermione's voice called out from behind him.
Harry turned around to see an unchanged Hermione staring at him with, although hidden by a smile, a pitiful look on her face.
"Good morning." said Harry with a deep voice.
Looking into her eyes, he knew that she felt sad for him. She understood the pain he was going through, which comforted him. Her optimistic attitude always lightened him up.
"Good morning."
This time the voice was Ginny's. Harry blushed slightly, and turned around to see Ginny rubbing her eyes. He froze when looking at her smile at him. Before he could say anything in reply, she had already thrown herself into Harry's arms. He felt his chest grow warm, and did not dare let go of her embrace. Sorrow piled inside of him every second he was with Ginny. However, the truth remained that those close to Harry would suffer because of him. He immediately broke the hug at that thought. Without words, he passed Hermione, who had been watching silently, and darted into the kitchen.
Today would be the last day Harry could spend time with his friends. After that, he would not be able to see them for a long time. A journey lay ahead of him.