He didn't want to go. It was a waste of time when there were much more important things to do. A procrastination, a stall before moving on with what had to be done. He'd rather just get it over with, and this was a distraction. He didn't want to be distracted.

And yet… he did. Harry knew full well that this was not a waste of time, not a procrastination or a stall. A distraction, perhaps, but a welcome one. He did want to be distracted. And even at a time like this, especially at a time like this, there was nothing more important.

Bill and Fleur's wedding. Any moment now Ron and Hermione would show up to whisk him away to the Burrow. They'd both be wearing their dress robes, as was he. Maybe by this time they'd even be holding hands.

They had both finally realized their feelings, even if they hadn't yet fully admitted them. They realized that there is too much sadness and destruction, too much fighting, and the only way out is through each other. Through love.

Love.

He'd been so close, so close to loving her. He could be still. Was still. Is it better to break your heart by giving up or to have it broken by losing?

But the thing was done, his decision made, his resolve… well, he would have liked to think it was steadfast, but in all reality he knew better. This day could very well be the greatest test of will he would ever have to face.

He heard the crack of Apparition, and the shriek of Aunt Petunia, and he ran downstairs to greet his friends.

The first thing he noticed was that Ron and Hermione were in fact holding hands, and standing rather close. The second thing he noticed was the lump in his throat, and that he could not speak.

Then Ron and Hermione shared a glance, and there was another loud crack, and Aunt Petunia shrieked again and slumped against the wall.

"What—? How did—? Why are you—?" Harry stammered.

"Dress robes not withstanding, Harry," Ginny said, placing one hand on her hip, "you look much better when you're not gaping like a fish."

Harry snapped his mouth shut.

"Well, don't just stand there. Get your things. Mum'll hex us both if we're late."

He nodded dumbly and retrieved his trunk from his room, shrinking it for easy porting.

How unfair of them to spring her on him like this! This was more than a distraction, this was conniving, this was manipulative, this was…

Perfect.

She wasn't mad, and she didn't hate him, and Ron and Hermione obviously knew the whole story by now. Check those worries off the list. He would add the others later.

Ginny appeared in the doorway. She didn't smile, didn't show any emotion. She looked around and, seeing the room was empty of his belongings, walked to him, slipped her arms around his waist, and leaned her head against his chest.

"Ginny…"

"Take me home, Harry."

And he did.