Title: I Know Places
Chapter: All You Had To Do Was Stay
Author: dizzy - in - the - izzy
Rating: T
Disclaimer: I do not, nor have I ever, make money off the things I post on this site.
Summary: A war fought by children makes for broken adults, and broken adults can only handle so much. What happens when the most broken of all disappears? Post-DH, Epilogue Compliant. All canon pairings.


You were all I wanted... but not like this

Hermione Granger sat at the table in the newly fixed Burrow, looking at the paper in her hands. The news coming out of the Muggle world was confused and speculative, but she knew the truth. The news in the Wizarding community wasn't much different, however, as no one directly involved in the take down of Voldemort had talked to any reporters. The Burrow was heavily warded, and under constant watch by members of the hugely expanded Order.

Hermione sighed.

She was getting ready to leave for Australia, to find her parents. She had waited for the funerals to be over, for obligations to pass. She wouldn't let herself miss anything. She stood by her best friends, held their hands in silent support, and cried softly. The transition into a warm house had been difficult, and her nerves were constantly on edge. She could hardly sleep, which is how she found herself in the kitchen at 3am.

She heard footsteps on the stairs and looked up as Ginny Weasley walked into the kitchen. Her hair was in a messy ponytail and her eyes were somewhat haunted. She smiled as she poured herself a cup of tea, before sitting next to her older friend. Neither said anything as Hermione took Ginny's hand, squeezing it. Ginny let her head fall to her friends shoulder, and let out a deep sigh.

Hermione continued to read the Muggle paper she'd had an owl deliver. Her eyes were scanning the news out of Australia, apprehensive of any unrest there. She felt herself relax as the news was mostly positive, with some political unrest. She'd expected that.

Ginny shifted next to her and she turned to look. The redhead had her eyes closed and mouth in a tight line. She resemblance to her other was uncanny.

"Are you okay?"

The question hung in the air, piercing the silence they had enveloped themselves in. Ginny opened her eyes carefully, staring off into the distance. She crinkled her nose in thought.

"I suppose," she finally answered, taking a sip of her tea. Hermione took the answer without question and turned back to the paper. If something was bothering Ginny, she would eventually talk. Hermione had, over the years, learned how to talk her closest female friend. It was much like talking to one of her other friends, but she shook that thought.

"I could hear him again."

Hermione felt herself flinch at that.

"Harry?"

"Yes."

Hermione turned now, forcing Ginny to sit up straight. They shared a sad smile as Ginny took another sip of her tea. Hermione reached over and pushed a strand of hair behind Ginny's ear.

"I thought he'd placed silencing charms on his room," Hermione mumbled, and Ginny shrugged.

"You didn't hear him then?"

"Well, I have been down here most of the night," Hermione answered easily, and Ginny glared.

"Well, he's not getting any better," she snapped, and Hermione hung her head.

Shortly after the last funeral, Harry Potter had disappeared to his designated room. While Hermione and Ron had found the isolation difficult, and eventually moved into the same room, Harry had closed everyone off. His eyes were beginning to look sunken and his face was taut. The war had aged them all, but the burden Harry had carried for years had finally caught up to him. Years of fear, anger, and pain had worn him down, and Hermione could see the empty feeling in his eyes clear as day. At one point or another, everyone had tried to reach him, but he'd only pushed away farther. Mrs. Weasley had seemed to reach him the most, along with George, but as soon as they left, he disappeared again.

"I know," Hermione whispered finally, and Ginny sighed.

"I don't know what to do," Ginny said, her voice cracking. Hermione reached forward and took her friend in her arms, holding her tight. Ginny had stood by Harry at each funeral, pulling him to where he needed to go. She'd silently got him ready, keeping him anchored to her side by holding his hand. There had been a moment where Hermione was almost certain she'd seen a bit of Harry from their 6th year, his eyes lingering on Ginny's hair one night. But then something had flickered across his face, and the moment was gone.

Hermione had thought that, if anyone could help Harry, it would've been Ginny.

She hated that she was wrong.

(…)

Ronald Weasley watched as his girlfriend went over her checklist. The journey to Australia wasn't as easy as he'd thought, but he wasn't backing out now. Originally, Hermione had said she was going to go alone, but Ron was having none of that. He'd fought her, and eventually she'd conceded. Now, he was in on her plans, and he was making sure she stayed calm. She was scared, though she refused to admit it. Finding her parents was going to be difficult, and Ron knew the reunion was going to be emotional. He'd mentally prepared himself for it all, and now he just had to make sure he made it there in one piece.

"Ron, have you seen the paper? I just had it."

Ron reached over to where Hermione had thrown the paper down on the bed. It had been covered by one of her shirts that she was throwing around the room. He held it up carefully and she seemed to scold herself as she walked over to take it from him. She gave him a small kiss.

"Thank you," she said as she opened it again, reading over something. He watched as her brow furrowed in concentration, and then she looked at him.

"Did you hear Harry last night?"

The question came at him suddenly, and he looked at her in confusion. She shook her head, clearing a spot to sit next to him.

"Ginny said she heard him again," she began, running a hand through her hair.

"He has silencing charms on his room, and I sleep like a rock. You're asking the wrong person," he tried to tease, but she glared at him.

"Should we really leave when he's obviously not okay yet?" Hermione asked, her eyes swimming. Ron reached over quickly and pulled her to him, cradling her head against his chest. She let out a long sigh and he felt tears on his arm.

"Hermione, he's pushed us all away. I don't think trying to shove our way into his space is going to help. Mum has it covered, really. Her and Ginny are keeping a close eye on him," he said, kissing her forehead. She sniffed.

"I know that, it's just… he's not getting any better, and I know he's going to need time, but why isn't he letting us in? I would think he'd let us try to help, at least," she complained, and Ron fought himself not to roll his eyes.

"Mione, you know Harry. You've seen the look in his eyes. I know you understand why he's pushing us away. We know how he gets. And it's going to take a lot to pull him out of this, but you've heard him. He wants you to go find your parents, said so himself."

Hermione nodded, rubbing her eyes on the back of her hand.

"I know, it's just… I feel so bad for leaving him," she mumbled the last part, and Ron kissed her hair again.

"We're going to be back, and he has people here to take care of him. We can send him an owl while we're there," Ron said, hoping to lift her spirits. She seemed to take it, and leaned against him again.

(…)

Harry Potter walked down the stairs in a daze. His nights were filled with nightmares again, images of those lost flashing before his eyes in rapid succession. And, like most nights, those lost spoke to him, yelled at him, blamed him. He woke up in a sweat, crying out as his body shook. And after a quick shower, he would make himself presentable and face Mrs. Weasley.

She greeted him as he walked into the kitchen, placing a soft kiss on the side of his head as she passed. She did this every morning, and he wasn't sure how it started, but he knew it was her silent way of saying she loved him. Ginny smiled at him as he sat down next to her and he took a drink of the tea she'd set in front of him as she filled his plate with food he'd inevitably not eat.

"Morning," she said softly as she took his hand and squeezed it. He tried to smile at her, but his face defied him, so he nodded instead. He was glad to see no hurt flash across her face. He couldn't handle hurting anyone else.

"Morning," he responded as he picked at his eggs. She watched him for a moment before going back to her own plate. Molly sat down across from them and handed Ginny some mail.

"Good morning dear," Molly said, and Harry looked up to acknowledge her. She gave him a warm smile and looked pointedly at his plate. He felt guilty for his lack of appetite, so he gingerly took a bite of his eggs. It placated her for the time being, and soothed some of his guilt.

"Mum, when are Hermione and Ron leaving?" Ginny asked, and Molly looked at her youngest child.

"Sometime today, I suppose. Your father is coming home to wish them off, but other than that, they're leaving quietly. Hermione is going to check the wards later to make sure they'll be safe to leave. They're taking the portkey to somewhere in South Africa and then appariting the rest of the way."

Harry listened to this with mild interest, though he was pleased to hear that Hermione was finally going to find her parents. He'd had to convince her that he would be okay staying behind, to take Ron and go. He knew they needed some time together, time to be alone, and he didn't want to intrude on that. He zoned out as Molly and Ginny continued their conversation, his eyes gazing out the back window. The sun was high in the sky already, and it looked to be a warm day.

"I think I'll go flying today," he said suddenly, though he knew both women were listening. Ginny smiled at him.

"Do you want company?" she asked, though she didn't look too hopeful. Harry shrugged. Ginny touched his hand, silently telling him she'd ask again before he left for a definite answer. He wished he had one.

"That sounds like a brilliant idea Harry, just be mindful of the wards. Don't stray too far," Molly said, and Harry felt a tug in his stomach at how motherly she sounded. He nodded at her words, taking one last bite of his food before pushing the plate away. He mumbled goodbye as he left the room, heading upstairs quickly. As he was passing Ron's room he stopped, debating on going inside or not. But before he could move, the door opened and Hermione smiled at him.

"Harry, come here," she said, reaching out for him. He walked to her and she hugged him gently, mindful of his reaction. He had learned long ago that flinching when given a hug was a reaction people didn't like. So he wrapped an arm around her and let her hold him close. Ron smiled at him over her head, gesturing to the mess of a room he was in. Harry felt some amusement at that.

"Almost ready to go?" he asked, and Hermione pulled back to look at him. She looked apprehensive.

"Just about, yes. Ronald hasn't finished packing yet," she said, throwing a glare over her shoulder. Ron grinned.

"It wouldn't be a trip if I didn't procrastinated," he said, and Harry let out a dry laugh.

"Well, I'm going to go flying for a bit, it looks nice outside, but call me before you leave, alright?" Harry said, and Ron nodded.

"Don't want any company?" he asked, and Harry almost smiled at the gesture. The Weasley's always loved a good fly.

"No, thank you." he replied, and Ron took it. Hermione looked at him carefully, before giving him one last pat on the arm and moving towards Ron.

"Okay then, have a good fly, Ron can't join you anyway, he has to finish packing," Hermione stared at Ron, who offered her a sheepish smile.

"Right," Harry said, moving away from the door. He thought he saw Hermione shoot Ron a worried look as he moved away.

(. . .)

Ginny wrapped her arms around her brother's torso, hiding her face in his shirt. He chuckled at her, wrapping his arms tightly around her shoulders.

"Going to miss me, Gin?" he teased, and she pinched his back. He yelped and Hermione smiled.

"Of course she is Ron," she chided, and Ginny looked up at her brother.

"Yeah, of course I am, Ron," she teased him back, and he rolled his eyes.

"Have you seen Harry?" Hermione asked, and Ginny looked at her.

"You sent him a message, right?" Ron said, and Hermione nodded.

"And you sent it right?" Ginny asked, and Hermione glared at her.

"I know how to send a Patronus," she snapped, and Ginny just chuckled.

Molly walked into the room then, looking at the three people in front of her. She looked out over Hermione's shoulder, a smile lighting up her face. Everyone looked as Harry quickly walked up the back steps, his hair more of a mess than usual. Ginny let go of her brother and pulled Harry into the mix. She quickly reached up and patted his hair down, and he rolled his eyes.

"There you are! I was beginning to worry," Hermione said, reaching over and wrapping her arms around his neck. He hugged her back, trying his best to smile at Ron. His best friend wrapped an arm around Harry, and an arm around Ginny, and they stood together in the kitchen. Molly watched them as Harry took one arm off Hermione and wrapped it around Ron's shoulders. Ginny smiled at her mother.

"Okay, alright now, enough's enough, time to get going dears!"

The four let go of each other, but Ginny stayed close to Harry. Mr. Weasley had come by earlier, helping Hermione put the final touches on the portkey. Ron watched as Hermione checked over her bag one more time.

"Sure you have everything there?" Ginny said, and Harry shook his head as Hermione huffed.

"I'm sure of it," she replied, putting the beaded bag Harry was all too familiar with around her neck and hiding it down her shirt.

"Well then, we're all ready to go!" Ron said, grabbing Hermione's hand. He pulled her towards the back door, away from anything else she could possibly think she needed to bring. Ginny pulled on Harry's hand gently, and he followed her outside. Hermione had a book in her hand, which Harry knew was the portkey. He stopped walking next to Ginny, and she smiled at him warmly. He leaned against her, and she pushed back.

"Well, we're off then," Hermione said, and Molly smiled at them sadly.

"You'll owl me when you can, right?" she asked, and Ron nodded at his mum. She kissed him quickly on the cheek, and got Hermione as well. Harry was surprised to see she wasn't crying.

"We will mum, we will. Love you," Ron said, making a face at Ginny. She made one back, and Hermione rolled her eyes at them both.

"Okay then," Hermione said, holding the book up to Ron. He took hold of the other end, and they disappeared in a twirl as Hermione mumbled the spell. Ginny smiled as they disappeared, looking up at Harry. He didn't look any different.

"Are you hungry?" she asked quietly, and he looked down at her. His eyes were unfocused for a second, and she could have sworn she saw a glimpse of the young man she'd spent hours with hidden around the lake. But then his eyes focused and she saw the man standing in front of her.

"No, not really," he replied, his eyes not leaving hers. She felt a shiver run up her back despite the hot air around her.

"I'm going to have lunch, you can join me if you'd like," she said, stretching up to give him a soft kiss on the cheek. His eyes lit up slightly.

"Thanks," he replied, and his eyes darkened again. Ginny left his side, moving into the house after her mother. Molly gave her daughter a brief hug as she moved towards the sitting room.

Ginny poured herself a cup of water and warmed it quickly. She saw Harry streak across the sky towards the orchard and smiled. If there was anything in the world that could lift his spirits, it was a broom and open skies.

"Ginny, dear!"

Ginny perked up at the sound of her father's voice, turning around to smile at him.

"When did you get here?" she asked, walking up to him and wrapping her arms around him. He squeezed her tightly.

"A couple seconds ago, I need to talk to Harry actually," he said, and Ginny nodded.

"Well, he's outside, I'll go grab him," she said, and he nodded.

"I'll grab a cup of tea then."

Ginny walked out the back door, holding her hand up to shield her eyes from the sun. She looked along the horizon, seeking out Harry's silhouette. When she didn't see him in the immediate area, she walked over to the broom shed and grabbed one. Taking to the sky, she flew off towards the orchard.

She leaned forward on the broom and headed into the trees, maneuvering them from memory.

"Harry?" she slowed up as she called out his name, waiting for a response. When she didn't hear a response, she looked around.

The orchard felt strange, like something was off. Turning around, she headed back towards the clearing. Her stomach began to feel tight and she took a couple deep breaths. She stopped as she reached the pond, her eyes scanning the water. She was about to turn around when she spotted his broom in the grass by the shore. She quickly made her way to the broom, jumping off before she'd reached a full stop.

"Harry?" she called again, panic rising in her chest. She picked up his broom, holding it tenderly in her hands. She placed it back in the grass and frantically searched the surrounding area. She felt bile rise in her throat as she didn't find anything else, even footprints. On impulse, she turned on the spot.

"Dad!" she yelled as she appeared in the kitchen, her hands beginning to shake.

"Honey, what's wrong?"

"He's gone," she croaked, holding onto his arm as her eyes began to swim.

"Who- Harry? Harry's gone?"

"His broom is by the pond and there's nothing else! No footprints, no clothes, no sign of anything, he's just gone dad!"

Arthur pulled Ginny into his arms as Molly looked around the room in a panic.

"I'll get Minerva," she said, disappearing back into the sitting room to the fire.

"Dad-" Ginny croaked, and Arthur squeezed his daughters shoulders.

"It's okay, pumpkin, we'll find him," he said, punctuating his words with a kiss to the top of her head.


A/N: So, this if my first HP story. I'd lost my writing groove awhile back, but this story came to me with such ease that I've written chapters upon chapters of it. It feels great. The first couple chapters are set up, but it quickly moves into the substance of the plot. All typos are my fault, I've been staring at each chapter for so long I begin to miss the errors.

Also, with this story, I'm going to be exploring the aspects of PTSD and guilt. I feel a lot of people gloss over this subject when writing Post-DH stories, and it's important to me. There's nothing too bad until some later chapters, and I will warn at the beginning of the chapter if there's something more heavy.

Otherwise, enjoy the Harry/Ginny to come!

Reviews are always appreciated

-Izzy