This is a story a posted on my other site. I will only post this one chapter and based on how positive the response is I will decide if I will post more.

I am not JKR. All characters belonging to the HP universe are not mine. All OC's the plot and invented spells that you don't recognize are mine.

And lastly. I am not making a single knut off this story.

This story is completely AU and is chocked full of spoilers.

Read and Review!

Voldemort was dead. The war was over... Now what?

Harry sat in the great hall as the body count grew. So many had died. Harry rested his head in his hands. So many people he grew to know.. all dead. Remus, Tonks, Fred, and so many others died... Sirius, Snape, Dumbledore, and that damned Colin.

Why the hell couldn't the boy just leave when he had the chance?

As he looked at the bewitched ceiling he could feel himself falling apart. His heart was breaking Even then he could feel his chest tighten. He wanted to cry. But how would that look for the chosen one to be having emotional break down?

It was then that a soft gentle hand grabbed his. He looked up as Ginny sat next to him. Her eyes were swollen…evidence of her sorrow.

"Harry, we should go into the common room." Harry nodded, and silently, he allowed himself to be led out of the Great Hall. Once they were safely in the common room...Harry broke down. He would have fallen to the ground had Ginny not thought ahead and led him to the couch.

Then the tears came. As she watched her former boyfriend weep, she stroked his back and she had to admit that she felt the same sorrow he was feeling. The war had taken away her big brother.

She was so glad the room was empty. She looked down at Harry who was still crying...at least Harry survived. She would have been devastated loosing him too.

She loved him...really loved him.

What would become of their relationship? Was there even a chance that they could be together again?

After what seemed like hours the tears subsided and Harry found himself lying in Ginny's arms. He felt loved when she held him. It was a new feeling for him. In the brief time that they were together they had never been like this in such an intimate position.

And at that moment Ron and Hermione came in. Harry lifted his head. He lwas slightly surprised to see he had an audience. Part of him was glad that his best friends didn't look much better. Ron's face spoke of grief and pain. Hermione eyes were puffy too. For a minute no one spoke.

Then Ron and Hermione sat on the table in front of the couch. Hermione pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to Harry who was making an effort to compose himself. When he finally lifted his head, Hermione squeezed his hand.

"Harry, the others are waiting downstairs for us. Let's get away from here. We've all seen too much death tonight. Let's get back to the Burrow." Harry turned his head to Ginny who silently pecked him on the cheek. He nodded at her and silently they all walked through the door.

As they entered the Great Hall Molly and Arthur Weasly hurried over to them. Molly briefly touched Harry's shoulder.

"I want you guys to get back to the Burrow before the media circus gets here. We need to tend to..." she paused..."Matters."

Ron nodded taking one last look where his brother lay. Fred's body was now covered up. Ron's chest tightened for a moment then taking a deep breath he led the way to the courtyard.Harry hesitated when he felt Ginny grab his hands. She pointed at the winged creatures that could be seen flying around the grounds.

"How long have they been there? Are those thestrals?"

He looked down at her. "Yes Ginny. The thestrals have been here all along. Ron and Hermione now had the same look of wonder on their face seeing the bony creatures for the first time.

Harry held Ginny close to him as he apperated them both home.

Once back at the Burrow they scavenged for something to eat. Ron and Harry excused themselves and retired to the living room as the girls hurried to find something suitable to eat...

Out in the living room Harry and Ron where in deep discussion.

"Do you really mind me going out with your sister?" Ron looked at his hands for a minute. Then rose his eyes to meet his friend's.

"Do you really love her?"

Harry nodded. Then Ron fixed his gaze on his friend. "I love my little sister. And I know that you are trustworthy. I would not let any one else touch her. We have all earned the chance to love." He paused and drew a deep breathe. "So, no, I don't have a problem with you two... just please no more jokes about tattoos."

Hearing this Harry laughed for the first time in many months. He had to admit that it felt good to laugh. Then he focused on Ron. "What about you and Hermione?" Ron grinned self consciously. "Harry, I love her very much. It killed me hearing her tortured. That is a sound I never want to hear again."

At that moment Ginny walked in. "Dinner's ready." Harry glanced at Ron and his friend hurried out. Harry rose and held out his arms. Ginny smiled and rushed into them.

It felt so good. After a moment Harry spoke. "I don't know where to begin. So much has happened tonight. I know we are all grieving and..."Ginny put her hand over his mouth. "Harry...There is nothing that needs to be said. I love you. All I want is to be with you.."she paused, not knowing what to say.

Harry looked down at the one he loved. She looked at him bravely. Harry finished for her. He leaned down and softly brushed his lips against hers. He felt her press her lips to his. Then he felt her wrap her arms around his neck leading him to wrap his arms around her body. They stayed like this for a moment and then Harry slowly moved his lips against hers deepening the kiss. He felt Ginny grip him tighter as she was drawn into their fist truly passionate embrace. Ginny moaned softly when Harry withdrew.

She desperately hoped their would be more kisses like this!

"I love you too. You have no idea how much it means to me that you waited for me." Harry said grinning. Then hearing his stomach growl Ginny lead him to the table where Hermione and Ron were busy eating. The other two acknowledged them with knowing looks. Not another word was spoken as they ate.

Later, after dinner Ron led Hermione out to the garden. The red head's mind filled with his thoughts. He had been wanting to get her alone for a long time now. How could he express how much he loved her? As they sat down on the bench. As Ron reached for her hand, Hermione gazed at him. She had never seen him looking so deep in thought. After a few more moments of silence, Ron lifted his head meeting her gaze.

"Hermione. I have been such an prat to you. All these years we were at Hogwarts I loved you. I didn't realize it untill that night at the Yule Ball. When you went on that tirade..."

He winced at the memory"

I deserved everything you said. It was all true. And I hate my self for waiting this long. The only reason I went with Lavender was because I was angry with you. I know now that all that was childish behavior. But when I heard you suffering at the hands of Bellatrix it killed me. I felt so helpless."

He paused.

"I'm done with hurting you. I want to be the wizard you deserve."

Hermione was quiet for a moment. Then she looked at him with her eyes sparkling.

"It's been a hard road. It has forced us to grow up. There is nothing to forgive...I love you."

Ron looked at her steadily.

"From this moment I swear to love you and make you the happiest witch in the world. I pledge myself to you."

Hermione smiled.

"From this moment I swear to you that I will love you in life and in death. I will strive to be the witch of your dreams. I pledge my self to you." Then Ron leaned forward and drew Hermione to him tilting his head. Hermione did the same and their lips met. It was a soft kiss that seemed to go on forever. Then finally they parted and rose to their feet and holding hands they headed back to the house.

Soon after, the surviving members of the Weasley family arrived at the Burrow. Mr. Weasley was silent and addressed his family. "It has been a long day. You all fought so bravely and I am proud of you."

He gazed at everyone in turn "I love you all very much. Fred has been moved to the morgue. In three days there will be a memorial service..." His eyes welled up with tears and his wife slipped her arm around her husband as he fought to compose himself. "We are Weasleys and we will move on."

Then he focused on Harry and Hermione. There was not much to be said. "Harry...Hermione...I am glad that you are part of our lives." Then he said nothing more. Molly looked at each of them in turn. "It's been a long day. We all need to rest. I will see you all in the morning."Then she turned at led her husband to the bedroom. Half way up the stairs she paused and looked at them "Goodnight."

All was quiet after that. Soon after, the other Weasleys all found places in the living room to sleep. Then the two couples trudged up the stairs.

At the door to the girl's room Harry drew Ginny aside and kissed her briefly. "Sweet dreams love." And then, after another brief kiss he watched as she and Hermione walked into the room.

It would be a long hard night for all of them.

These first few chapters will be short but once the story picks up they will get much longer!

For those of you who have seen this story on the other site, there will be slight changes added to this. (Since the rules here are not as strict)

See you next time!