Chapter One

Molly Weasley paced back and forth in the kitchen, holding a letter in her hand. She kept reading and rereading it, making sure that it was 100% true. She knew that when Harry and Ginny got back from their date, she'd have to tell them about it. And why shouldn't she? It's not her letter, not her business. But Molly was never the type not to mettle in her children's lives, or as she liked to call it, "enthusiastic parenting."

She heard the front door open and Ginny's laughter filling the hallway. "Oh, Harry. I can't believe that movie! So funny!" Harry laughed heartily next to her. Molly appeared around the corner suddenly, making Harry jump. "Sorry, Mrs. Weasely. You scared me." "Harry, dear, this came in the mail for you," Molly said, holding out the letter with a bit of a shaky hand. Harry took the letter excitedly, he'd been hoping for good news. He scanned the page quickly, then clapped his hands together loudly. "Yes! I've been accepted!" "Accepted to what, Harry?" Ginny asked. Oh, right. I never did tell her about it, Harry thought. Not that he wanted to keep Ginny out of his life; it was just that he didn't want to get her all worked up if it turned out that he wasn't accepted.

"Ginny," Harry said, sitting at the kitchen table and motioning for her to do the same, "I've applied and been accepted to University in the States. I'll be attending ASU in Tempe, Arizona. I know that I should've told you, but I – "Harry was interrupted by a punch to the arm. "Ow!" he said. "You big jerk!" Ginny yelled. "Why didn't you bother to tell me?!" "I'm sorry, I just didn't want you to get all worked up about it…..kinda like you're doing now." That warranted another punch from Ginny. Harry thought that by the end of all this he might very well have a sizeable bruise. "Well, you're not going. Simple as that. We have plans. You can't go," Ginny said, crossing her arms and frowning. "It's not an option, Ginny," Harry said, gently. "This is a great opportunity, and I can't pass it up. I know this will be hard for us, but I know we can make it. I'll write to you frequently, and you can always call me." Tears welled up in Ginny's eyes as she stormed out of the kitchen and up the stairs to her bedroom. Yikes. Harry knew this was going to go badly, but he didn't think it would be this bad.

"Oh, Harry," Molly said, pulling him into a hug, "don't worry about her. Everything will be all right. This is a wonderful chance for you. I'm so proud, and I know Arthur will be, too, once he gets home." "Thanks, Mrs. Weasley, it means a lot to me." Harry picked up the letter and read it once more. He got to the end of the letter and jumped out of his chair. "Blimey! Orientation starts in two days! I've got to get a plane ticket and pack and figure out books and all in two days?!" Molly smiled and laughed. "All taken care of, dear. Arthur and I suspected that you'd get accepted. After all, who wouldn't want our Harry?" Harry smiled back at her. "You're amazing, Mrs. Weasley. Thank you."

Harry walked up the stairs, passing Ginny's bedroom. He knew better than to bother her when she was in a mood like this. He went to his bedroom and began deciding what he was going to take with him to University. "Well," Harry said aloud, after packing all that he thought he would need, "guess that's about it." Harry headed down the stairs with his belongings and placed them by the front door, ready to be taken to the airport the next day. "So," Ginny said from behind him, her voice quiet, "you're really going then." "Come here," Harry said, holding out his arms to hug her. "Everything will be all right, I promise. Don't worry about me." "It's not you I'm worried about," Ginny said, looking up into Harry's eyes, "it's us."

Please review and respond! Feedback is much appreciated! Next chapter: Harry heads off to ASU. Will he and Ginny survive? And how will Harry handle being at a muggle school?

Eridium Blight