Chapter 1


A/N: Before I get any more angry messages demanding I update immediately I want to improve the beginning chapters and the general quality of the writing prior to continuing with the storyline. I wrote this last summer and the development of my writing skills since then is quite extraordinary, if I do say so myself. Also I'm having a plot line malfunction so any help with that will be greatly appreciated too! So, if you're just starting to read this, don't be put off by how badly written the first few chapters are, I promise it gets better!


Harry turned on his heel and looked directly at his two best friends. There were so many things that he wanted to say, needed to say, but words were eluding him once again. Instead, he simply settled for a weak smile before turning and leaving Dumbledore's office.

Once on the other side of the door Harry came to an abrupt halt, what was he supposed to do now?

He knew there were many things that other people would inform him he was "supposed to do." The first of which would probably be to see Madam Pomfrey...or have a shower at least. In his own head, he knew that he was "supposed to" see Ginny. Supposed to talk things over with her, to apologise but, aside from the fact even the thought of facing her terrified him, speaking to her would entail returning to the Great Hall, something he was determined to avoid doing for now. His grief and guilt ate away at his insides and he wasn't sure if he could bear to look at any of the bodies littering the floors there.

So he trudged up the stairs to the Gryffindor boy's dormitories and found his old room, which now bore the legend 'Seventh Years' on the door. He sank down on the familiar four-poster bed pausing only to remove his glasses. His bed always had been fantastically comfy but after sleeping in rickety bunk beds for months it felt even more so. With only bed related thoughts in mind Harry felt himself relax as exhaustion finally claimed him.

However, sleep was obviously not meant to be for Harry as the dormitory door creaked open only minutes later.

Upon hearing the disturbance Harry was immediately woken up and sat bolt upright in bed, wand in hand.

'Who's there?' He demanded, squinting into the darkness.

'Easy! It's only me.' The answering voice was calm and familiar and as the figure approached Harry's bed he relaxed and, rubbing his eyes, put his glasses back on.

Ginny still had traces of her signature flowery scent and Harry found that that relaxed him more than he could have ever anticipated. As he focused on her though, sat at the end of his bed, he noticed not everything about Ginny was so familiar. Her eyes were red and puffy, her long, red hair was matted with a mixture of dirt, sweat and blood and several cuts were scattered across her exposed skin. Harry drank in her appearance and realised, even as she was then, he'd never truly appreciated her beauty until that moment.

Harry continued taking in her appearance, desperately attempting to remember every little detail, as he was sure this was it. He'd been so unbelievably stupid that he couldn't possibly expect her to take him back; he'd caused her so much pain and loss that he would never truly forgive himself, so how could he ever ask her to?

The silence was deafening as the both of them frantically searched for the appropriate words but after only a few more intense moments of quiet, Harry could endure it no longer, 'Look Ginny, I'm so sorry. I never meant for this to happen – I, I thought by breaking up with you I could protect you but, but…I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for this, for Fred for –,'

He stopped talking immediately at the darkening of Ginny's features when he mentioned Fred and resorted to staring determinedly at his hands, silently cursing himself for his lack of tact at such a time.

Whilst he was doing so, he didn't notice Ginny moving closer so was more than a bit taken aback when she enveloped him in a tight hug. 'You're right, you are stupid Harry. I know you didn't want this to happen, no one would ever blame you for any of this so don't you dare try doing it yourself!'

Harry noticed her voice was still shaky but he said nothing, just simply focused on enjoying her smell and her feel, something he'd longed to do for months.

They broke apart and Harry attempted words again, trying urgently to show her the depth of his sincerity in ways he could not voice, 'I'm sorry I ended it last year…I thought it was best, I just wanted to protect you.' He explained, still forcing himself to keep eye contact with her.

'But that's the problem! I didn't need protecting Harry! I wanted to be with you. Even without that, everyone knew we had been involved with each other, they would target me regardless, they targeted all our family, it's no secret how close you've been to us all you know!' Ginny argued, her frustration evident in her tone.

'I'm sorry Gin, I really am, I did what I thought was best, I didn't want to end it!' Harry retorted.

'I hated you Harry! You and your flipping nobility streak! I spent so much time sat alone, worrying and bloody crying about you! You know how much I hate crying!'

Ginny was shouting, she was angry and hurt and Harry was trying to understand but at the same time her comment reminded him, once again, just how much he had missed her and just how much he loved her, and he did, he was sure of that now and he felt a smile tug at the corners of his lips.

'Never hearing anything more than whispered rumours in corridors! You have no idea how that feels! No idea how much I wished I could move on! No idea how much I wished I could feel like this about somebody else, anybody else but Harry flipping Potter!' Ginny finished her rant, chest heaving as she fought back her tears of anguish, and Harry felt a pang of guilt before hurriedly and somewhat defensively replying.

'I missed you too! I didn't want to end it, every night I watched you on the map, for hours at a time, hoping that you could know I was thinking about you, wishing there was some way I could speak to you or even just to let you know that we were safe and know that you were too!'

'When I thought earlier…' she swallowed and continued meekly, 'when I thought you were dead, I just couldn't face thinking about my life without you. Seeing you like that…you can't imagine how horrible that was Harry, and I swear if you ever do it to me again I may have to kill you myself.'

He laughed coldly at her feeble attempt at humour, 'I'm sorry, I really am but I had to do that. Do you not think I wanted to be able to shout back at everyone, to let them know I was fine? And I wanted to comfort no one more than you Gin. Then you were duelling Bellatrix and that curse came so close I-well…' He shook his head and looked down at his hands again, deliberately avoiding her gaze.

'I'm sorry but I wanted to be with you Harry. I couldn't face living without you. When I thought you were dead, well, it made me think of all the things I was never going to get to say to you and that alone nearly killed me because, well, you're the only one I think I've ever, well…-loved.'

At her words, she immediately felt him tense up and noticed he stopped breathing for a few seconds. She waited anxiously for a reply until eventually one came,

'I...I'm sorry.'

Her heart sank, or plummeted may have been more accurate. She felt as though she had been shot and suddenly she simultaneously longed to be as far away from Harry as possible and to stay wrapped up in his arms forever. For in his arms, she could fool herself that it could still work, still happen for them, despite the fact he had just confirmed that it never could. She paused and considered her options but decided, in a rare moment of maturity and calm, to let it go for now, to ignore reality. If there was one thing Ginny didn't need at that time, it was reality. The war had taught her the vital lesson that reality was harsh, cold and cruel. Reality had torn her family apart and she wasn't letting reality win today, today was a day of victory, reality didn't have a place there.

'Promise me you'll never leave me like that again.' She said sternly, her heart beating erratically as she awaited his reply.

'I promise.' Harry whispered, stroking her hair lovingly.


The young couple lay together all day, only sleeping. And when their slumber was riddled with nightmares of the battle they cuddled ever closer savouring the feel of one another. They both slept more soundly than they had in months and Harry thought to himself that sleeping with Ginny was definitely something he could get used to.

At 4'o'clock Harry and Ginny still slept silently in each other's arms when once again the door in the dormitory was carefully and quietly edged open, and once again Harry, still over alert from the horrors of the past ten moths, jumped up with his wand in hand. Ron held his hands high in the air and Harry lowered his wand whilst mumbling apologies. From behind Ron, Hermione and the entire Weasley family emerged from the doorway.

They all looked a bit worse for wear, but it was obvious most of them had managed to get some sleep, some of them had even had showers and been bandaged up. Harry sat back down on the bed next to a now awake Ginny and became very interested in an imaginary hole in the bed sheets. He was very aware that all eyes were on him and internally wondered why no one was talking at him. As soon as the thought crossed his mind, however, he realised what his situation must look like from an outsiders eyes. He and Ginny hadn't been seen for hours and had now been found lying in bed with one another,both in varying states of undress. Of course, nothing had happened but the Weasley's didn't know that. Harry instinctively looked up at Ron who had a look of mixed anger and awkwardness plastered on his face, mirrored by every one of his brothers.

'Nothing happened you know this, um...' Harry felt his face grow hot and, even more embarrassed, trailed off resorting to pointing to himself and a thoroughly amused Ginny whilst frantically shaking his head.

It was Mrs Weasley that spoke first, 'Of course not my dear. We were all simply worried about you that is all. It doesn't do to hide away from everyone and mope. I'm glad you and Ginny had each other.' Harry gave a small nod.

Mrs Weasley sat down on the bed next to Harry and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, which she noticed seemed even broader than it had in the summer. 'In a few hours we'll all be going back to the Burrow. Of course, I'll understand if you want to make your own plans, you're seventeen now and I'm sure there's plenty of things that you'll be wanting to do, but you're more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you need? Even if you don't want to stay, will you at least stay for tea?'

Mrs Weasley rambled on, sounding slightly nervous. I was blatantly obvious to all in the room that she wanted nothing more than to insist Harry came back with them forever, so she could ensure he was kept at a weight and mental state she approved of, but she didn't. After all, as much as she felt he was, Harry wasn't really her son.

Harry felt a funny warmth in his chest and found himself grinning properly for the first time in ages, 'I would love to stay at the Burrow for a bit Mrs Weasley, as long as that's okay with everyone? Like you say, I don't think it's good for me to be alone.'

Mrs Weasley observed him for a second before smiling warmly back at Harry and pulling him into a rib-cracking hug that could easily rival one of Hagrid's.

After that was settled, everyone sat in the dormitory for some time finding that, despite their grief, the could chat and laugh more freely than they'd been able to in a long time. The atmosphere was so positive, Harry was excited to be going back to the Burrow and was reminded why he had had to do all this in the first place. So that he could spend time with the people he loved most. The thought alone forced him to momentarily forget his grief and anxiety. For, now, there would be no underlying worry or fear. They would be together as a family, spending precious time together whilst rebuilding their lives.


Knowing that he couldn't avoid it forever and with the reassurance of Ginny and Hermione, Harry made his way to the Great Hall. The majority of his time there was spent surrounded by hordes of people both congratulating and thanking him. Throughout these exchanges Harry smiled politely and made small talk with his admirers but the agonising guilt he was feeling multiplied with every weepy thank you he received.

The losses these people had sustained were so great and the simple, yet exruciating, fact fact that Voldemort had only ever wanted Harry echoed around his head, gaining volume with every new person that thanked him. Though he knew it was pointless, Harry couldn't help but think of several better, cleaner ways he could've carried out the entire operation and he was confident, even then at seventeen years old, that he would never cease believing that it should be him thanking everyone else.

After the crowds had dispersed, Harry realised that this was one of those rare occasions on which he would be rather glad to leave Hogwarts. The group had all gathered their belongings and shuffled over to the portkeys as Mrs Weasley bustled between them, checking everyone was present. Harry watched as her lips moved soundlessly as she said each member of the party's name to herself before looking around to ensure their attendance. The silent ritual was not new to Harry but as he observed he noticed her stop suddenly half-way through her recital and silent tears leaked from her dark, melancholy eyes. Harry thought he knew why. Fred wasn't with them now, and he never would be again. Arrangements had already been made for Fred to be buried at the Burrow but for now the healers from St. Mungos had taken him. Harry wasn't alone in noticing Mrs Weaslys despair and Mr Weasley tenderly wiped his wife's cheek and, with a reassuring smile, whispered in her ear. Mrs Weasley gave a decisive nod in response and, applying her brave smile once again, continued with her last-minute person check.

'Yep all here. Good to go now Edgar,' she finally declared. With the all clear Mrs Weasley was handed the portkey The group all scrambled to place a finger on the glowing goblet and with the familiar jerking sensation behind the navel, they all landed in a heap on the floor of the Burrow's living room.


The evening passed surprisingly quickly and after an extremely large and delicious meal Harry retreated back up to Ron's room to finish unpacking. Ginny sat quietly with everyone in the living room, curled up in her favourite squishy armchair as she sought out the person she needed to speak to most.

Hermione was lingering by the door with Ron and Charlie, obviously only half-listening to their conversation and looking quite distant. Seizing opportunity, Ginny approached Hermione and asked her to talk. Looking both intrigued and confused, she agreed and followed Ginny outside, setting herself down on the grass beside her.

'What is it?' Hermione asked.

'Well, umm…it's just…you see, after the battle I told… well I told Harry that I loved him.'

Ginny paused, waiting to establish Hermione's reaction but the older girl merely nodded at Ginny to continue.

Feeling the need to justify her actions Ginny blurted out her long-winded explanation, 'I know it was soon, but after all the sadness and worry of the past year and thinking he was dead I just thought it was the right time. But after I told him he, I thought he'd say it back but he didn't he...he just said that he was sorry. I mean, I thought he felt the same way Hermione and now I...I don't know and, well, you understand him better than anyone so, you know… what's going on with him?'

Hermione let a soft sigh escape her lips and closely examined Ginny, who looked as though she was on the verge of tears.

'Ginny, think about Harry's life.'

Hermione waited for a moment but upon seeing the confusion spread across Ginny's face, she promptly continued with her explanation, 'Harry has never told anyone that he loves them. Apart from maybe his parents but he can't even remember them! Can you imagine how scary that feels to him?'

'It was scary for me too you know! I've never told anybody that I love them either. Well at least not in the way that I love Harry!' Ginny snapped harshly.

Hermione calmly went on vindicating her words,

'Yes but to you the phrase "I love you" is much easier to say. All those times you absent-mindedly said it to your parents and brothers? Well Harry hasn't even had that! Also Harry is very emotionally scarred Ginny.'

Ginny felt a surge of boiling hot anger and immediately tried to interrupt but Hermione held up her hand to halt her before she had the chance,

'I know that you know that and I know that you love him and can deal with it, but you really do have to try and remember it. He has lost so much more than you or I can fathom and he's still terrified of losing people. I'm pretty certain that it will be some time before he will accept that you aren't going to leave him, it's going to take him a while to get over the shock of you taking him back now. If he tells you he loves you he's putting himself out there and, in his mind, putting you out there. By saying he loves you he makes it official, it's his first serious, complex relationship and that he doesn't have any family makes it all the more important to him Ginny. subconsciously he's going to think you'll leave him for a while, but he will always think he's going to be a target. And o a certain extent he's very right. I mean, we'd be mental to think that the escaped Death Eaters will accept Voldemort's death, stop practising his methods and hand themselves into Azkaban without a fight. He still thinks that someone will target you to try and get to him and he wants to keep you safe. However if you take the time to analyse all of these points you would realise that they all indicate the same conclusion. And that's that Harry is completely and utterly in love with you Ginny.'

Ginny stared unseeingly at a nearby tree as she attempted to take in all that Hermione had said. Admittedly, she still didn't fully understand but Hermione was so certain and she had learnt over the years, that though she may not alway want to, to trust Hermione's judgement.

So deciding to put it out of her head from the time being, Ginny rose from her place on the ground and ran to catch up with Hermione. As she fell into stride beside her, Ginny nudged her friend with her hip and grinned mischievously,

'You and my brother then, hey? Who would have thought!? I mean, seriously it is such a surprise to all of us, we had no idea that you two would ever be a thing!' Ginny deadpanned with such skill that, had Hermione not known her so well, she might just have been fooled.

Seeing the torn expression on her friends face Ginny burst out into peels of hysterical laughter and Hermione playfully swatted her on the arm before following her inside, wondering how long it would be before the teasing she and Ron had endured would stop. Upon reflection, Hermione decided that it was very unlikely that the Weasley's and Harry would ever stop teasing them and, with a small, content smile to herself, she realised that she didn't really want it to either.

A/N: So this is my first fanfiction, EVER and I'm feeling more than a bit frustrated with this story at the moment. This is the fourth time I've written this chapter now, this website obviously preferred the original as it's stopped me posting this one and deleted all my changes every five minutes!

Anyway, if you want another chapter, review. I lack motivation as it is, every time I get a review I write a bit more!

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed, if not tell me exactly why and how it's crap and that will be incredibly helpful too!

Love you all!