The beginning of the ending

Disclaimer: How I wish Harry Potter was mine, but alas, he belongs to JKR

Chapter 1

The Problem

Looking at the four friends sitting together in companyable contentment, having a late afternoon picnic by the small river that ran behind the Burrow, it is hard to imagine that just two days ago everything seemed hopeless to each of them, for different reasons.

Putting aside the fact that they were at war with the dark side, and that Professor Dumbledore, the only wizard they thought would be able to protect them against Lord Voldemort, had been killed at the hand of their own ex-Potions and this past years Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Snape. Dumbledore had put so much trust in him, had in fact counted him a friend. If Dumbledore could be hoodwinked so successfully, were did that leave them and the rest of the Wizardry community?

Aside from all that, they had not been together, each thinking their own thoughts and coming to their own conclusions as to what was to come next and what needed to be done.

Harry, to begin with, was of a mind to do what he had to do on his own. He knew that Ron and Hermione would help him find the remaining Horcurxes, and fight along side him, if he let them. He as much as agreed with them, when they assured him that they would go with him were ever it was necessary to achieve the fulfillment of the prophecy.

Nevertheless, for the same reason he broke up with Ginny, he could not allow them to do that. Nope, as much as he wanted their company, this is one time he should count only on himself. He refused to put anyone else's life in danger. Especially his best mates, Ron and Hermione. That was done too often in the past, but now he had an idea ahead of time what was coming, and he was choosing to do it alone.

He intended to leave the Dursley's as soon as he turned seventeen (staying that long only because it had been Dumbledore's wish that he remain with his family until he was of age), make an appearance at the Burrow for Bill and Fleur's weeding, then quietly leave to start his journey, by himself, as soon as possible.

He only wanted to see his friends, and those he considered closer than family. Say a proper goodbye to them, even though they won't know that's what he's doing.

In addition, Ginny. He needed to see Ginny's smile one last time before he left. Memorize it and take it with him, even if it killed him knowing that he might never see it, or her, again. It was what he had to do.

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At the same time, Ron was thinking of his rotten luck. Six years he has known Hermione, had loved her for close to three, one in denial, one scared to death of how it might change in their friendship if he told her his feelings, and the last one letting his jealousy make a fool out of him. Don't ask. He doesn't want to relive it. Suffice it to say, Lavender Brown had served her purpose, as in the end he came to realize that there could be no substitution for Hermione. What's' more, he now feels revolt ion at the thought of snogging Lavender or any other girl, for that matter. His dreams are only of Hermione in his arms, and of her lips pressed against his.

The problem now was the war, and the mission that they had to embark on with Harry. The more he thinks about it and analyzes it, the more he is convinced that Hermione has to stay behind this time. Therefore, it seems that anything happening between them has to be put on hold for now.

Moreover, there is really no question about him going. He has to. Harry needs him to stand by his side, watch his back, and fight along side him. It's what he has to do.

However, there was no reason why Hermione should endanger her life. He wouldn't be able to stand it if something happened to her. His plan was to talk to Harry, and convince him that they sneak away, as there was not a chance that she would knowingly agree to stay behind, her loyalty to their friendship would not let her. Ron was determined and as soon a Harry arrived, they will talk. Then at the weeding, he will drink in the sight of Hermione, burn her beautiful face into his memory, so that it will sustain him when they are apart.

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For Hermione it was a clear case of wanting to enjoy as much as possible for long as she could, she didn't even want to think of anything else besides the weeding.

She was definitely worried about Harry, and she knew that the time was very near when they would have to depart to continue on this war, but she decided that until the time was here she would collect as many happy memories as possible.

She was no fool. She new that there was every real chance that they will not all survive the mission; however, it was something that needed to be done. In the meantime, there was the weeding. One last chance to feel all is normal and right in the world, before it all turned too serious.

As far as Ron went, that was a dream she had to give up on. He didn't feel for her the way she felt about him, so she will continue to be as good a friend as ever to him, and not expect anything to develop between them. If ever he gets himself a girlfriend, then she will be happy for him, he deserves his happiness, even if it is not with her. Her plan is to dance and laugh with him at the weeding, so that when things become grimmer, she could pull these memories from her mind and bask in their sweetness.

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Ginny on the other hand, was having a terrible time. She hated being away from Harry for even a moment, and here she wouldn't be able to see him for several weeks. He'd said he would be at the Burrow for the weeding, but could not make it before his birthday, do to the fact that he had to spend time with his Muggle family.

After the weeding, she knew that he, Ron, and Hermione were planning to go on some mission to help in the war. They, apparently, had all decided that she couldn't go along. However, Ginny was determined to prove to them that she should be with them.

Starting with Harry. She planned that at the weeding she will demonstrate to him just how horrible it would be if they weren't together, especially now. Even if some of the things she decided were necessary for her to do were embarrassing, she will do them, as long as it worked towards her plan to be indispensable to Harry.