Disclaimer: The Harry Potter series is own by J.K Rowling. I am but a humble writer who really likes her work and makes use of her charactors for pleasure. This disclaimer holds true for all chapters in this story.

Chapter 1

The End of the Beginning

The last hour of school came with a whimper. You could taste the sadness and uncertainties in the air. An encouraging smile here and hug there were given by the strong. It was not uncommon to see or hear someone crying. The School Governors had met the previous night and the announcement was yet to be proclaimed, but we all knew. The school was to close until further notice. Plans would be sent out to students to complete their studies at home. Approvals would be obtained from the Ministry of Magic to allow underage magic outside the school grounds. O,W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s would be scheduled later. The passing of Albus Dumbledore was felt throughout the wizarding world. And the lack of hope and the building fear was spreading like a wildfire throughout the community.

As our last minutes approached, the bags and trunks were packed and taken away. Students and teachers alike mingled in the courtyard awaiting the carriages that would take them to the train or town. The physical devastation to the school was such that areas were restricted to prevent any unnecessary injury. I looked not on this as a foreshadowing of the future, but the ending steps of my life as a youth. I knew that when I left this school, my life as I had always taken for granted would be changed forever. With my parents, godparent and now mentor dead, it became my task, my goal in life to rid the world of the menace known as Lord Voldemort. Dumbledore provided me some of the knowledge I would need to destroy this tyrant, but not all. As I walked through the courtyard, the usual murmurs could be heard. Many parents had come to escort their children home, though none would be there for me. I didn't mind. The realization was that I was alone. Sure Ron and Hermione were adamant that they would join me on my quest. Knowing them, I believed every word of their plan. I had not told the Dursley's of this change. They did not know the school had been closed. I would apparate directly from the station to their backyard, stay for a day or two, and return to the Burrow.

I looked across the yard and Ginny was staring at me. Her brown eyes bored into mine, expressing her desire and a hint of her impatience with me. Mine looked back into hers letting her know it would be OK. I knew that I wasn't over her, and that I probably never would be. She is my first real love. I felt troubled that I broke up with her, but I knew she understood what with the war upon us. I didn't want her hurt. Hagrid walked in, looked at Ginny then at me, and moved over to Ginny. He bent down to speak to her, then stood up abruptly, with a look of determination. Towering over her small frame and taking her by the hand, he walked to me, grasped mine with gentle but firm manner, and clasped our hands together. He patted me on the head fondly, although I nearly fell over. Standing up to his full height, he surveyed the area and walked away, his job there done. My heart was beating faster as I looked into her eyes. My reflection shown back but that slowly changed. Her eyes reflected both of us together. Words seemed so pointless, because I finally understood. I knew I wouldn't be whole without her. No matter whether we were separated by distance, whether we ever spoke to each other, no matter how hard I tried to forget her, she would always be bound to me. She was in my mind, my heart and my soul. I could feel it right down to my toes.

Ron and Hermione walked in hand in hand and waved us over from across the court. Weaving through the crowd, we too moved hand in hand. The carriages had arrived and we reluctantly boarded the first one we could get too. I recognized members of the Order and many Ministry Aurors walking within the crowd. At the top of the steps stood Professor McGonagoll and Rufus Scrimgeour looking upon the mass. The Professor looked sad and the Minister concerned. The carriage door open suddenly and we sank into the shadows. Luna and Neville entered and sat across from each other. As the door was closing a gloved hand topped with a black cloak stopped it. Slowly pulling my wand, I held it at the ready. Neville, Ginny and Ron already had theirs out. Red hair blowed in the breeze as the face of Percy Weasley came into view. He held a scroll out to me and left without acknowledging anyone or saying a word. Although I couldn't see them, I heard Ginny hissing next to me, and knew Hermione was holding Ron back. As the carriage pull away, Minister Scrimgeour stepped forward and watched us pull away. We arrived at the station a short while later. No tears, no looking back but determination showed upon our faces. With such a subdued affair, Ron and Hermione did not go to the Prefects compartment; instead the six of us grabbed an empty compartment together at the end of the train. In the last 2 hours, no one had spoke until we boarded the train.

Surprisingly it was Neville who broke the silence. In an excited boyish voice he asked, "When are we meeting again?"

Looking at each of us in the eye in a very un-Luna manner, I almost thought she was someone else. Her tone was serious, and mannerism almost practiced. Luna patted his hand to calm him as she said "Well, we can't meet as a group until Harry has stayed with his Aunt and Uncle's for a bit, then we will meet when he changes the coin. So the question really should be not be 'when? but 'where?' stopping to look at Ginny, as if expecting her to know everything.

"While Harry goes to stay at his relatives, I am going to help Fleur with Bill. Charlie is coming home too. We are all going to be at the Burrow for Harry's birthday. Including Harry. We'll celebrate both our birthdays together since mine is 12 days after his on August 11th. By then, a plan should be put together." Ginny said with some finality gazing into my eyes again. Ron and Hermione looked at each other and nodded in agreement. I already knew Hermione was going home to see her parents.

As everyone turned to face me, with a nod of my head, I acknowledged the plan. Part of me wanted to scream, 'No', but my personal struggle lost out again as Ginny nudged my ribs. Acceptance of fate was the key, so in turn I stated as a matter of fact, "If we're going to have a multiple birthday party, it will have to be for three of us. Neville is one day older than me. We both turn will turn 17." I exclaimed with a cocky smile on my face.

Neville's head popped up quickly. "How did you know that?" he said in a very exasperated voice. "I never told anyone."

Chuckling Ron said "Well, what do you expect from the great Harry Potter, after failing Divination he sees everything now clearly. That's what you get for leaving your teacups laying around Neville. Harry knows everything about you now." We all laughed at that.

Even with a dark cloud following us, we still enjoyed each other's company and the return trip was more jovial after that. We filled our faces from the trolley and talked about the best of days in school.

When we finally pulled into the station, everyone disembarked but Ginny and I. I hadn't had a chance to talk to her alone yet. I wanted her to understand were we stood as a couple.

"Harry, before you say anything, let me talk." Her pause was deliberate and she stood up and paced before sitting down again facing me. Screwing up her courage she said in a hurried, but rehearsed voice "I know what you said at the funeral. I understand your feelings, but I don't think you understand mine. I am not afraid, I can take care of myself, and this is my fight too. You may have to be the one that take Voldemort down, but each of us has a stake in this. We all have a right to go after all of them. As for me loving you, well, your just going to have to live with that, because I not going away any time soon.

She pause, sat up straighter in the chair and continued, "I see my future and it rests with you. I can't live without you in my life. I don't think I ever will. You're a part of my mind, my heart and my soul. A part of me rests within you, and looking in your eyes, I know you know what I mean. If I can't go now, then I'll wait, but don't think you've gotten rid of me. I waited before for you, I can do it again. I know you have to go. You would never be happy or content to sit on the sidelines and watch. I don't see that in you, and I never would expect you to turn away from your destiny."

Pulling her hair out of her face she finished, "I love you, you prat, and don't you forget it. That's all I wanted to say." She looked at me straight in the eyes, I saw her swallow in worry, her eyes were watering, but the defiance was there.

Once again she was right. It was like she had read my mind hours ago. I stood up, then gathered her in my arms. She smelled of strawberries and mint. "Thank you for being you, for loving me and not letting me go. I do love you, and I always will." We held each other tighter and only let go when we heard Mr. Weasley clearing his throat in the door.

Climbing down the train with our bags, I was greeted by Remus and Tonks. I told them and Mr. Weasley my immediate plans while I held onto Ginny. Tonks shrunk my bags and put them in her cloak. I kissed Ginny, shook hands with Neville and Ron, kissed Luna and Hermione on the cheek and kissed Ginny on the lips again. I told them I would see them in a few days at the Burrow. I still planned on going to Godric's Hollow, but that would have to wait. I still hadn't read the note Percy gave me.

We disapparated and arrived in the back yard of the Dursley's. The three of us walked in after knocking and no one answering, we went up stairs to my room. Only after the door was closed and a silencing charm was placed on the room did I open the scroll and read it.

Mr. Harry Potter,

I think we have much to discuss. I have assets that can help you and you can help me. Mr. Stan Shunpike has been released and all charges dropped. Please take this invitation seriously. The future of the Muggle and Wizarding world is at stake.

Sincerely,

Rufus Scrimgeour

Minister of Magic

"You should consider this Harry." Remus said in a very serious tone while running his hair through his head. Tonks was looking out the window. "With the school closed, your are going to need all of the knowledge and training you can get."

Shortly after they both left through the front door, leaving me to think for the next three days. As I sat down on the bed, Hedwig arrived. I had put the note on the table but she flew over, picked it up and brought it to me. "Trying to tell me something, girl. Well maybe your right", I said stroking her feathers. With that I opened her cage, gave her some treats and water and lied down to sleep. The sun had gone down and all was quiet. I still hadn't heard from my Aunt and Uncle. As I closed my eyes, I could hear Ginny say my name. Yes, my heart, mind and soul were a part of her, and hers mine.