A Return to the Burrow

The Burrow stood in a secluded field not far from the village of Ottery St Catchpole. The odd wooden structure which had been the Weasley family home for decades, was nestled amongst lush green fields, with a small dirt path leading to a front door besieged by shoes and chooks. The house seemed to defy logic, with level after level reaching into the sky at strange angles; the few local muggles who had seen the house marvelled that it hadn't yet toppled over.

Behind the house was a garden full of overgrown plants, a large wooden shed that had been the cause of many disputes between Mr and Mrs Weasley, and a small track leading to the nearby pond. Strands of trees and hedgerows shielded its inhabitants from all but the nosiest of neighbours. Most local residents had simply forgotten about the odd family who lived quietly in the old house, as they were so rarely seen.

Inside a small stone outbuilding located beside the path leading to the Burrow, a 'popping' sound announced the arrival of Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley. A cloud of dust swirled around the two figures as one bent over double clutching their stomach.

"Are you okay, Gin?" asked Harry, suddenly remembering the disorientating feeling he had experienced the first time he had side-along apparated with Dumbledore.

"Uh huh," groaned Ginny as she brought her head back up.

Ginny felt a bit dizzy as she gently moved her head from side to side, making sure it was firmly attached to her shoulders. As normal feeling returned she looked around at the small stone structure they had appeared in. She gave a small laugh as she looked at the dust covered face of Harry.

"We're lucky," she said, grinning broadly, "Dad only just cleaned this out before we went into hiding, after Mum found his collection of fans in here."

"Oops," said Harry sheepishly, "I didn't think of that."

Harry gave a snort of laughter. Arthur Weasleys love of muggle objects bordered on the obsessive. He was fascinated by the ways muggles had found to get by without the ability to perform magic, and he admired their inventiveness.

Harry took in the sight of the young woman in front of him. Even covered in dust and holding her stomach while her queasiness passed, Harry thought she was the most beautiful creature in the world. She was the embodiment of the love and longing that he had held onto while on his quest to destroy Horcruxes; his reason to keep fighting when his mind and body screamed at him to give up. He reached out and put his hand on her cheek.

Ginny looked into Harry's eyes and she could see the hesitation. She could sense the longing he felt, she felt it too – but something else was at work in Harry's mind, something troubling him. This was something she would have to work on later. For now she felt content just being in his presence, and as Harry gazed at her she felt warmth start to spread through her whole body.

"Ginny…" Harry began.

Harry never finished. Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry and kissed him deeply and passionately. Harry responded in kind, giving in to the yearnings he could no longer ignore. Harry ran a hand down Ginny's back, his other hand buried in her long red hair. As their kiss intensified, Ginny began to move her body against him. Harry felt the world falling away from him… but a voice inside his head told him they must stop before they went any further. Without warning, a searing pain in his chest shot through him briefly. Damn, what's wrong with me?

"Ginny," he murmured, as he broke the kiss and felt reality return, "We need to talk before we go any further."

Harry felt the pressure of Ginny's body against him ease as she pulled back and looked up into his eyes.

"I know," she whispered, "but not tonight, my sweet Harry."

Harry was profoundly grateful. Ginny understood that while they would need to talk about all the events that led them to this moment, she also understood that there was a time for everything and this was not the right time to talk about the past.

Ginny continued to look into Harry's green eyes, noting that some of their old life had returned, "Why did you bring us into this shed, Harry?" she asked.

"I didn't think your parents would appreciate having to watch me kiss their daughter," said Harry, a look of mischief in his eyes.

"I don't care if everyone sees us," said Ginny, smiling like the cat that caught the mouse.

"And neither will I soon, Gin, but your parents have to worry about other things right now," said Harry as the smile faded from both their faces.

Ginny felt a sudden stab of guilt in her heart. Here I am kissing the man I love while my brother died only last night, she thought to herself.

"You're right, Harry. I was just so happy to have you back that I forgot about Fred for a minute. We had better get inside before Mum and Dad start wondering what's happened to us." Ginny took Harry's hand and led him out of the small stone shed and started walking up the dirt path towards the Burrow.

As they walked Harry suddenly turned to Ginny, "I love you Ginny," he said softly, "and please know I will love you always."

Ginny nearly threw herself at Harry again. She had waited most of her life to hear those words, not just from anybody, but from Harry Potter. "I love you too, Harry." Ginny threw caution to the wind and leaned into Harry, locking her lips with his in a long tender kiss.

With that they continued arm in arm up the dirt pathway to the front door of the Burrow. Neither of them noticed the half hidden face which had been observing their progress up the pathway, watching from behind the curtains of the lounge room window.

Arthur Weasley watched his daughter walk up the pathway hand in hand with Harry Potter.

Earlier, upon returning to the Burrow, he had remembered Ginny couldn't apparate yet, so had returned to the Hogwarts grounds to collect her, but found she had already disappeared. He had hoped one of the others had assisted his daughter and returned home.

On entering the Burrow through the back door, Arthur had found his wife at the kitchen counter preparing a meal for her family. He reminded his wife that they were due to return to Hogwarts shortly for dinner and it wasn't necessary for her to cook, but when she had turned around to face him her face was covered in tears. He had held his wife and comforted her, and he understood she needed to keep herself busy right now, so he left Molly to her cooking and checked on the rest of his family.

Bill, Charlie and George had not yet returned from the local mortuary, so he had sent Percy down to the village to see what the hold up was. As he had wandered through his house he had found Ron and Hermione sitting together on the couch, Hermione curled up against his son, both of them asleep and snoring softly.

He looked at his youngest son with genuine affection. Ron had lived in the shadow of his brothers and Harry Potter for his whole life. Now he had grown into his own man; when people at the Ministry spoke in hushed tones about Harry, Ron and Hermione, they had spoken his sons' name with awe, leaving Arthur with an immense sense of pride. Evidently not everyone had fallen for the spattergroit illness cover story about Ron.

Arthur stood at the front window of the living room watching the nearby fields for any sign of the only two people he couldn't find, Harry and Ginny. Arthur wasn't concerned yet. He knew Harry would take care of his little girl; after all, they had lived together like brother and sister for years, and Harry had earned his absolute respect, having saved the lives of various members of his family, including Ginny's life during her first year at Hogwarts.

As he watched the pathway he had been amused to see Ginny and Harry step out of the small stone shed together, wondering how Harry had managed to apparate so badly to a place he knew so well. As he watched his daughter and Harry approach he had been glad to see they walked together holding hands, comforting each other.

He had been truly surprised however, when they had stopped and exchanged words, followed by a very tender kiss that obviously had nothing to do with comfort and grief.

Ah, so I wasn't seeing things, Arthur thought to himself as he recalled what he had seen in the Great Hall just prior to their departure. He thought he had seen Ginny and Harry share a kiss as they held each other but he had not been sure until now. Arthur briefly considered informing Molly of this development, before deciding that right lay with Ginny.

Harry and Ginny entered through the front door of the Burrow, leaving their shoes on the doorstep. Both of them jumped as Arthur Weasley spoke from directly beside them.

"Trouble finding the place, Harry?" Arthur asked, trying to maintain a stern expression.

"Erm..." stammered Harry, as a hundred horrible scenarios ran through his head. How long had Mr Weasley been standing there? Did he see Ginny and I kiss? I wonder where Ginny learnt the Bat-Bogey hex.

"No Dad," interrupted Ginny, "I think the side-along apparation went a bit wobbly because it was Harry's first time."

Arthur raised an eyebrow as his daughter lied smoothly to him. He would have to remember to watch out for that in the future. At least Harry had the decency to blush and look at the floor, he thought to himself.

"Wobbly was it? Oh well, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it eventually, Harry," said Arthur encouragingly.

Arthur watched Harry and his daughter for a moment; they had suddenly seemed to find various interesting things around the room to look at. He suppressed a smirk which threatened to penetrate his stern gaze. He knew his little girl had suffered at Hogwarts this year, leading some kind of resistance from within; and Harry had endured horrors which most wizards never even dream of in their darkest nightmares.

Arthur Weasley made his decision - he would not stand in the way of the happiness these two deserved. He knew Harry would be kind and decent to Ginny, as Ginny would be to Harry. They would comfort and sustain each other through the difficult times that lay ahead. There would be funerals, trials, reporters, and questions, lots of questions. He wondered briefly if they realised what lay in store for them. He would not burden them with these problems now though. They could wait.

"You had better get cleaned up before we have to return to Hogwarts, Harry," said Arthur kindly.

"Yes, Mr Weasley," replied Harry, a look of relief spreading across his face.

"And Ginny, you will need to find something nice to wear if you are to accompany Harry as his partner tonight," said Arthur, beaming at his stunned daughter and surrogate son.

Harry and Ginny stood frozen. It had never occurred to either of them that their relationship would be revealed so quickly, or accepted so readily.

Ginny suddenly blinked back tears as she spoke, "I love you Dad. Thank you for understanding."

Arthur embraced his daughter and Harry, before the two of them started making their way across the lounge room. He watched as their hands came together and felt his spirits lift for the first time since the battle. As they reached the staircase he called out to them.

"I would advise you to inform Molly prior to our departure to Hogwarts. Don't worry, I'm sure she will approve." Arthur smiled then gestured towards Ron and Hermione who were still sleeping on the couch. "Besides, these two love birds are going to steal some of your thunder anyway."

Harry and Ginny both nodded but looked a little apprehensive at the thought of revealing their rekindled relationship to Molly Weasley. In fact, they were not even sure Mrs Weasley was aware of their relationship last year. Harry also worried if this might not be the best time as Mrs Weasley was still coming to terms with Fred's death.

Ginny looked from her father to Harry, and then down to Ron and Hermione asleep on the couch. "Come on Harry. Let's tell Mum now, before she finds out any other way."

In the cosy kitchen of the Burrow, scene of countless family meals, Molly Weasley was lost in her despair as she idly prepared a meal nobody would have time to eat. Her thoughts were tangled in her mind and she could not seem to concentrate on any one thing for more than a moment.

Random thoughts of her beloved children swirled through her head, and each time a memory of Fred entered her consciousness she felt her breath catch in her throat. Molly's throat burned and her eyes stung but the tears had finally stopped as she stood at her kitchen bench, her memories overcoming her.

As the second war had begun three years ago, Molly and Arthur had willingly rejoined the Order of The Phoenix, despite believing those days were behind them. They had risked much during the first war, all seven of their children having been born before it was finished. They had known their children could be targeted in an attempt by Voldemort to destabilise any resistance to himself and his followers.

Molly and Arthur had felt fortunate when the first war ended so suddenly after the attack on the Potters. They knew many other families who had been totally destroyed, or devastated by the loss of a member; including Molly's own brothers who had fallen during the war. Molly had been heartbroken at the fate of Lily and James Potter, and she had felt an overwhelming urge to protect their son, Harry; but Harry had been sent to live with his aunt and uncle in the muggle world, so she had put Harry Potter out of her mind and moved on with her life.

Of course, the legend of Harry Potter had grown despite his absence and his name was heard constantly in the Burrow after Ginny, at age five, declared she would one day marry Harry Potter. Occasionally Molly had enquired about Harry when Albus Dumbledore had visited their home, but all he would say was that he was still living with his aunt and uncle and it was best that he remained with them for now.

On Ron's first day of school at Hogwarts, Molly had bundled up her family and headed for the Kings Cross train station. She had completely forgotten that Harry Potter was the same age as Ron and would also be starting school that year. When a small black haired boy had asked her very politely how to get onto platform 9 and ¾, she had felt there was something familiar about the boy as she gave him instructions, but paid it no further mind as she tried to wrangle her own brood onto the platform. She had not realised who the boy was until Fred and George had come bounding back off the train to tell her who they had just seen.

The first letters home from Ron had spoken of his new friendship with the famous Harry Potter and their adventures together. Molly and Arthur were unsure if Ron and Harry were really friends, or if Ron's imagination was running a bit wild, as they were sure many parents were receiving excited letters from their children about their famous new classmate, Harry Potter.

Over time they realised Ron was not exaggerating as his letters became more and more detailed about his best friend. Ron had written with amazement about Harry; he had been surprised to discover that Harry had not known about his past until Hagrid had found him on his eleventh birthday, and told him all about the magical world. Of course, Ginny found the story all so romantic, and Molly had often found Ginny sitting at the kitchen table lost in daydreams of Harry. Molly had thought it was all rather sweet.

Ron had also written to Molly about the treatment Harry had received at the hands of his muggle relatives. Ginny had become very upset at this news and uttered her first curse word in front of her parents. Molly hadn't disagreed with her daughters sentiments and she had been furious with Dumbledore for allowing the mistreatment of an innocent boy to continue. She had confronted Dumbledore at her first opportunity, but Dumbledore had explained that for Harry's own protection he had to remain in the house of his relatives until he was of age. At the time Molly hadn't understood about the blood protection Dumbledore had invoked to keep Harry safe, but she was determined to do all she could for the poor orphan boy who had known only misery at the hands of those who should have loved him.

Molly had instantly added Harry Potter to the Christmas present list and began working on a knitted sweater for him. When the opportunity had arisen to visit her son, Charlie, in Romania during Ron's first year at Hogwarts, she had been glad to know that Harry and Ron would have each other for company over the Christmas holidays.

As the end of Ron's first year at Hogwarts approached, Molly and Arthur had discussed having Harry over to stay for the summer holidays. Dumbledore had then informed them of Harry's encounter with Voldemort, and Ron's part in it. She had known then that the Weasleys were going to be linked to Harry Potter forever so they may as well bring him into the family. The prospect of future danger didn't even cross her mind.

After their brief encounter with the Dursley's at the train station upon Ron and Harry's return from their first year at Hogwarts, Molly had started to discuss plans with Arthur to go to Little Whinging and rescue Harry from his relatives. In hindsight, she probably should have made sure Fred and George weren't in the room as she and Arthur had discussed those plans.

While Molly had been furious with Fred, George and Ron upon their return from flying an enchanted car across the country to rescue Harry, that evening she and Arthur had stood in the back garden, fits of laughter overcoming them as they discussed their boy's impulsive act of gallantry. They had been so proud of the boys, but decided it was in everyone's best interests not to let the boys know of their parent's admiration for what they had done.

During those two weeks in late summer, Molly had watched as Harry, with the encouragement of her sons, started to come out of his shell. Chasing gnomes and playing Quidditch had put a smile on Harry's face that she suspected had never been there before. She and Arthur had decided to treat Harry as one of their own from that time onwards. They knew Lily and James would have done the same for their children had the roles been reversed.

Molly had noticed Ginny becoming conspicuously absent whenever Harry was around, and she guessed her daughter's crush on Harry might be getting a little out of hand. She had talked to Ginny about it before she had left for school with Ron and Harry, and her other children; telling Ginny that she would get over Harry once she made some friends of her own. Ginny had been upset but Molly was sure she would get over it soon.

The attacks on muggle-borns at Hogwarts during that year had concerned Molly and Arthur, but they had no idea that two of their children would turn out to be involved in the events surrounding the Chamber of Secrets. Molly had felt conflicting emotions when she learned of what had happened to her children; she was distraught upon learning that Ginny had opened the chamber after being possessed by Voldemort through a diary, but she was so proud of Ron and Harry after they had won awards for their parts in Ginny's rescue from the chamber.

Ginny had returned home that summer a changed girl. Molly knew her daughter had been ashamed of what she had done, but she also noticed another change in her daughter. Ginny was hopelessly in love with the boy who had rescued her, Harry Potter. She no longer loved the story of Harry Potter, she loved Harry Potter. Molly was concerned about Ginny's feelings for Harry but her anxiety had slowly diminished as Harry had not shown any reciprocal feelings for her daughter.

Over the following years she had watched Harry as he suffered through trials most wizards never had to face; learning of his godfather, Sirius Black, and the Tri-wizard tournament resulting in the death of Cedric Diggory and the return of Voldemort. A second war was on the horizon and Molly Weasley now held grave fears for her family. She did not blame Harry but she knew her family's relationship with The-Boy-Who-Lived was going to once again make them targets. And this time her children would want to fight.

For two years the hidden war had threatened her family, and Molly had known they could not survive unscathed. But time and again Harry Potter had intervened to save the members of her family. She had dared to begin hoping that they may all live through the war yet.

Last summer, following the death of Albus Dumbledore, Molly's hopes had faded as the magical community now engaged in open warfare. She had known Harry, Ron and Hermione were planning to finish a mission given to them by Dumbledore, but her body felt numb at the thought of the three children, for she still considered them children, out their alone facing dangers she could not fathom. To further add to her worry, she had noticed Ginny and Harry share the occasional glance at each other, and while she still saw the same love for Harry in Ginny's eyes that had been there for years, she now saw a mutual affection for Ginny in Harry's eyes.

After the attack at Bill and Fleur's wedding Molly had held grave fears for Ron, Harry and Hermione, but she had been relieved that Ginny had not run away with them, and would be returning to school instead. The year had passed slowly with only sporadic news of Ginny, Ron, Harry and Hermione. Arthur would sometimes return home with snippets of information from the Ministry, but there was never any confirmed information.

As the end of the school year neared Ginny had arrived back at the Burrow. Molly had felt helpless as she learned of the damage inflicted upon her little girl, as she could see it had affected Ginny deeply. Ginny had always been headstrong, but Molly was worried that Ginny may now become reckless in her desire for revenge.

News of Harry, Ron and Hermione's return to Hogwarts reached Molly and she had left to join the fight. She could feel there was going to be a confrontation and terror gripped at her heart for her family's safety. Upon arriving at Hogwarts she had been horrified to discover Fred and George had brought Ginny with them, followed by elation at Percy's return. She had watched her husband and sons head out to fight with a mixture of pride and dread.

During a lull in the battle Molly had waited in the Great Hall with the other survivors, watching the doors intently as she involuntarily held her breath, praying for the safe return of her family members. Her spirits had risen as first Bill, Charlie and then Arthur had arrived unharmed. But her heart had broken as Percy entered the Great Hall, carrying the body of Fred with the help of other survivors. She had screamed Fred's name as she ran across the hall towards Percy as he laid Fred's body gently on the floor. She had been inconsolable as she wept over Fred's chest, devastated at losing a child. George had eventually entered the hall and joined her, cradling Fred's head on his knees, unable to even speak.

Molly hadn't noticed as the bodies of Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks were laid beside her. Her focus was purely on her son and her own suffering. The sorrow and rage she felt had built as the final assault took place, and she focused her hatred on Bellatrix LeStrange. This psychotic woman had killed so many for her own pleasure and now she threatened her children's lives. Molly would kill her gladly to protect her own, while knowing that she would be struck down by Voldemort for taking his most loyal supporter from him. She was going to join her son and that was enough for her.

But Molly hadn't died. Harry had saved her as he stepped forward to face Voldemort in a final duel. After the death of Voldemort her rage had subsided and she had returned to her grief.

And now Molly stood at her kitchen bench, the fragments of her memories reminding her how she had arrived at this point in her life. She knew she should be thankful that she had only lost one son, but her agony couldn't let her be grateful yet. Instead, she felt numb, all her joy and happiness taken from her in one single moment; and tonight she would be expected to celebrate her sons noble sacrifice.

Harry and Ginny approached Molly quietly, sharing a look of concern. They both began to consider whether this was perhaps not the best time to break their news to Mrs Weasley, but before they could leave the room Mrs Weasley had spotted them in the reflection of the small window above the kitchen sink and had turned to face them.

"Oh, hello dears," said Mrs Weasley weakly, "you made it back alright then?"

"Yes Mum," said Ginny, looking carefully at her mother. Ginny had never seen her like this before and she was worried her mother may collapse at any moment. "Mum, why don't you come and sit down with me and Harry?"

Mrs Weasley gave a small wave of her hand, "Oh don't worry about me. You two need to get ready for the dinner tonight. We'll be leaving soon."

"Mum, please. Come and sit down, we actually need to talk to you about the dinner." Ginny took a seat on the far side of the table. Harry, meanwhile, pulled a chair out for Mrs Weasley on the other side of the table before taking a seat back next to Ginny.

As Mrs Weasley took her seat, Harry glanced up at the magical clock on the mantel above the fireplace in the kitchen. The clock had nine hands on it indicating the current location of each of the Weasley family members. Harry noticed with another jolt of pain in his chest that the clock hand representing Fred was now pointing at 'Deceased'. Harry clutched Ginny's hand under the table as a wave of nausea passed through him. My fault, Harry thought to himself, wondering if Mrs Weasley could read his mind.

Molly Weasley sat down across the table from Harry and Ginny. Her shoulders slumped as she let out a small sigh. She looked at her daughter expectantly, "What about the dinner, love?"

Ginny bit her bottom lip, swallowed her nervousness, and looked her mother in the eye. "Harry and I will be going to the dinner tonight… together," she said rather quickly.

Mrs Weasley reached across the table and patted Ginny's hand, a small smile on her face.

"Well of course you will go together dear, you will both have a place of honour in the Great Hall."

"No Mum. I mean, Harry and I will be going together… you know… as a couple."

Mrs Weasley looked at her daughter and Harry quizzically, before comprehension dawned in her eyes.

"Oh… well… I see." Mrs Weasley got up from the table and began to pace back and forth between the table and the kitchen bench. As this was only about three steps she was basically spinning in circles.

Harry and Ginny watched Mrs Weasley carefully. Suddenly she turned back towards them, placed her hands on the table, and leant forward bringing her face level with theirs. Harry didn't think she looked upset, but her expression was certainly very serious.

"I want you two to think about this before you rush into anything. You are both tired and upset so you may be making choices without thinking them through properly." Mrs Weasley held their gaze as if waiting for an acknowledgement that she was right and they would reconsider their relationship tomorrow.

Harry swallowed, and found his throat was suddenly dry. "Mrs Weasley, I love Ginevra. I made a decision to end our relationship last year based on what I thought was best for Ginny's safety. Now that my reasons for ending our relationship are gone, I… that is, we… have decided we would like to restart our relationship."

Harry stopped talking and waited for the outburst. He knew his little speech had sounded forced but it was all he could do to keep talking at that point.

Molly knew her daughter loved Harry; and now she could see in Harry's eyes that he loved her daughter. Molly was stunned. They had come to her seeking approval and she knew it couldn't have been easy for Harry ... or Ginny.

Molly's grief was briefly eclipsed by wonder. With all that had happened to these two, the courage and defiance they had shown, and now they sat before her, frightened that she may not approve. Molly made her decision. She just hoped Arthur would understand.

Mrs Weasley looked at her daughter and Harry for a long moment before speaking again, "Oh Ginny, I'm so happy for you." Molly rushed around the table and leant down to hug her daughter. "This is what you've always wanted."

Harry couldn't see Ginny's face, but he could sense the embarrassment she felt as her mother tactlessly reminded her of her childhood fantasy.

"Oh, and Harry dear," Mrs Weasley said, moving further around the table to embrace Harry.

After her initial elation Mrs Weasley returned to the other side if the table and sat down glaring at Harry and Ginny, "Right you two, what exactly do you mean when you say you had a relationship last year?"

"That's a good question, Molly." Harry, Ginny and Mrs Weasley all jumped as they turned to see Arthur Weasley standing in the kitchen doorway. Mrs Weasley looked back at Harry and Ginny, waiting for an answer. "And what about Ron and Hermione?" asked Arthur, a grin on his face.

Mrs Weasley's head snapped back towards her husband. "What about Ron and Hermione? What are you talking about Arthur?"

Arthur held his hands up, "Go and have a look at the couch, dear."

With that, Molly Weasley stood abruptly, left the kitchen and headed for the lounge room with a surprising turn of speed.

Arthur turned his attention back to Ginny and Harry. "This should be fun," said Mr Weasley, a look of mischief in his eyes. "Molly will still want an answer to her question, but this should buy you a little time." Arthur got up and followed after his wife, as the sounds of two people being woken from a restful nap and asked to explain themselves drifted into the kitchen from the lounge room.

Harry and Ginny looked at each other smiling, shared a quick kiss, and burst out laughing.

As Harry had undressed to have a shower, he had been surprised when he went to take his wand out of his back pocket, but had instead drawn out two wands. Harry frowned for a moment until he remembered that the second wand was the Elder Wand. How do I put this back into Dumbledore's tomb without anybody knowing? Harry thought to himself. He tried to think of what he should do with the wand but the pain in his chest kept driving all other thoughts to the back of his mind.

Harry stood in the shower letting the warm water run over his aching body. He had kept his glasses on so he would be able to have a proper look at the mark on his chest. The random jolts of pain were starting to worry him, and he knew his friends were concerned.

The wound was still raw and weeping, and had shown no signs of improvement yet, but he hadn't really expected it to magically heal itself. Something told him this might be a serious problem later. As the pain intensified in his chest each time it surged through him he became increasingly fearful of what was causing it. He didn't think it was just the mark on his chest anymore.

Harry needed to be able to have somebody look at it for him who did not know about the connection between him and Voldemort. He decided he would ask Madam Pomfrey to look at it after the dinner tonight. Harry quickly finished washing and dried himself with a warm fluffy towel. It had been a long time since he had used a towel.

Dressing in clean casual clothes, Harry looked into the mirror which hung on the bathroom wall, and began to attack his long black hair. Despite his best efforts it steadfastly remained messy. Harry sighed, stepped out of the bathroom into the hall, and made his way into Ron's room. As he shut the door behind him he caught the scent of perfume in the room. Harry smiled to himself.

"Ginny," said Harry into the dark bedroom, "I know you're in here."

"How did you know?" asked Ginny as she stepped forward.

Harry could make out her silhouette against the window as the moonlight shone through. He watched as she leant over a bedside table and lit a small lamp. Harry looked at her in wonder as the soft light filled the room. Ginny was wearing only jeans and a sweater but Harry was still left nearly speechless, captivated by her beauty.

"It doesn't matter how I knew. I'm glad you're here though," said Harry.

Ginny smiled softly. She stepped to Harry and kissed him gently, lingering as she felt the yearning for Harry pull at her. She knew this wasn't the time for this so she broke away from Harry, and extracted a small glass bottle out of her pocket; its label read Essence of Dittany.

"Harry, I need you to take your shirt off." Ginny's voice was almost trembling as she spoke. She knew Harry may react badly to this request.

"Ginny, I...," began Harry, sudden fear gripping him.

"Harry, please," said Ginny softly, "I love you too much to lose you because you were stubborn."

Harry felt the protest rising in his throat, but the look of concern on Ginny's face cut the words off before he could utter them.

"Ginny...," Harry began again but hesitated. He nodded to Ginny. "For you."

With that Harry gingerly pulled his shirt off over his head as Ginny moved the lamp closer to him. He stood up straight and turned his body towards the light.

Ginny saw the ugly burn mark on Harry's chest and winced. It was no wonder he had been clutching at his chest all day. She uncorked the bottle in her hand and poured a tiny amount of the liquid onto a cloth, and reached out towards Harry's chest.

Harry drew a deep breath as Ginny's hand approached his chest. As the cloth touched the edge of the burn on his chest it immediately felt cool. Harry breathed out and Ginny began to dab the cloth around the edge of the wound. Without warning excruciating agony racked Harry's body and he collapsed onto the floor, the world fading to black.

"Harry Potter," hissed a voice behind his ear.

Harry opened his eyes to see only blackness. He spun around, startled and disorientated.

"Harry Potter," hissed the voice again, still coming from behind his ear.

Harry couldn't see anything as he tried to peer into the darkness. A shiver ran through him as he realised he couldn't see the ground at his feet either.

"Who's there?" Harry whispered.

Harry thought he could just make out shapes in the distance now. He began moving towards the shapes. After several minutes he realised that the shapes remained at the same distance away from him. Harry heard footsteps approach him but he couldn't tell from which direction. He looked around wildly, unable to locate the source of the footsteps.

Harry returned his focus to the shapes in the distance. They had become clearer, as Harry thought they now looked human shaped.

"Your fault," whispered the voice in his ear.

Harry didn't look behind this time. Horror was filling him as he watched the human shaped objects come into sharp relief. Albus Dumbledore was falling through the air in an endless plunge. Sirius Black was tumbling end over end into an abyss of inky blackness. Countless other bodies joined his mentor and his godfather. Harry shut his eyes as a high pitched laugh came from above him. He opened his eyes and looked up as a flash of green light struck him.

"NO," screamed Harry.

Harry clenched his eyes shut again as terror flooded him. When he opened his eyes again there was nothing but merciful darkness, and a calm peace filled him. He closed his eyes and let the darkness take him.

Blurred images filled his vision as he opened his eyes and looked around.

"Here Harry, put your glasses back on," said the familiar voice of Hermione.

Harry's mind raced as he tried to recall what had happened to him. He remembered Ginny beginning to apply the Essence of Dittany; he remembered the pain as he fell to the floor. After that he remembered only vague shapes that appeared to be bodies falling through empty space. He remembered hearing a high pitched laugh and seeing a flash of green light. Then nothing more.

"Would you care to explain what happened to your chest now Harry?" asked Hermione, in a tone that brooked no argument.

Harry put his glasses on and looked around at his surroundings. Posters of the Chudley Cannons Quidditch team on the walls told him he was still in Ron's room at the Burrow. Ginny knelt beside him clasping his hand, her face ashen as her bottom lip trembled, and Hermione stood over him, her arms folded across her chest as she cast a furious glare at him.

Harry glanced at his chest and noticed that it was still bare. He wondered why he was still on the floor and Mrs Weasley wasn't fussing over him.

"Where's your mother, Ginny?" asked Harry, his voice rasping a little as he purposefully ignored Hermione's question.

Ginny didn't get a chance to answer as Hermione spoke over the top of her.

"Mrs Weasley is unaware of this situation because your girlfriend here," Hermione inclined her head towards Ginny, "made me promise not to say anything to anyone before she brought me up here."

Harry looked up into Ginny's eyes and smiled at her.

"Thanks Gin."

Ginny leaned over and kissed Harry on his forehead. This was too much for Hermione.

"Oh, for goodness sake. This is not a game Harry. You have obviously suffered a severe injury and hiding it will not fix it." Anger filled Hermione's voice as she continued. "If you don't do something about it soon, I will; promise or no promise."

Harry felt the fear rise up in him again, along with another jolt of pain. He focused all his energy on concealing the grimace from his face. He sat up and tenderly touched the wound on his chest.

"Alright, Hermione, I was going to see Madam Pomfrey after the dinner tonight anyway."

Hermione looked doubtful but resigned.

"Make sure you do Harry. If this happens again I'm telling Mrs Weasley," said Hermione crossly as she turned and stalked out of the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

Harry stared at the door for a moment and shook his head, trying to clear out the last of the strange images still hovering on the edge of consciousness. He turned to Ginny but found she too was now looking very sternly at him.

"Hermione's right Harry" said Ginny sharply.

Harry understood the implied threat. Ginny would call in everyone she could think of if he collapsed again, and he couldn't blame her. She must have been frightened enough this time but she had still tried to maintain his privacy to a degree.

"I couldn't wake you so I went to get Mum, but I ran into Hermione first. Please get it looked at… for me," said Ginny, the urgency in her voice worrying Harry.

Harry put his forehead against Ginny's. "Promise me you'll come with me Gin. I don't want to go alone."

Ginny tried to blink away her sudden tears as she took Harry's face in her hands, placing gentle kisses on his cheeks, "I'll be with you forever… I promise. Just don't scare me like that again."

They held each other close for several minutes before the sound of Mr Weasley calling for them came from the bottom of the stairs. They quickly finished dressing and made their way down to join the rest of the Weasley family.

Upon Harry and Ginny's arrival in the kitchen, they found Bill, Charlie, and Percy seated at the table, the three brothers looking a little stressed. Harry was going to ask were George was but remembered the clock on the mantel. George's hand still indicated he was out.

"Hello Harry," said Bill, his long pony tail dropping over his shoulder as he stood up from the table, "it's good to see you again."

Harry went to shake Bills hand, but Bill would have none of it, instead embracing Harry and slapping him on the back. Charlie also stood and embraced Harry before they resumed their seats at the kitchen table. Ginny stood at the doorway grinning as her oldest brothers showed their affection for Harry. Percy, however, remained seated, focusing on the table top, lost in his own thoughts.

As Harry sat down at the table he noticed that Charlie's hands shone under the lamp light. Charlie's hands were covered in healed burn marks after years of working with Dragons in Romania. Harry thought it would be a good idea to ask Charlie if he knew of any remedies for burns. He would try just about anything to ease the pain and discomfort in his chest at this point.

Arthur Weasley entered the kitchen with Ron and Hermione following close behind. As Hermione entered she glared at Harry and Ginny, as Ginny took a seat next to Harry.

"Okay Weasley's, we'll be leaving as soon as Molly's ready," said Arthur, "so you have about five minutes to finish getting ready yourselves." Arthur looked at Ginny, taking in her casual dress. "Ginny, I thought you were going to dress up tonight?" he added hopefully.

Ginny merely shrugged her shoulders. "I wanted to match Harry tonight."

Bill and Charlie both leaned back from the table at that moment, years of Weasley instinct telling them both to sit back and watch the show, as a good argument was about to begin.

Instead, their father smiled at Ginny as he spoke, "As long as it makes you happy, sweetheart."

Bill and Charlie stared at each other for a minute. Harry and Ginny watched the two brothers nervously as they appeared to have some kind of silent conversation. Bill gave Charlie a slight nod of the head and Charlie winked in reply. Charlie rose from the table and went to the kitchen cupboard. He returned with a bottle of Firewhiskey and began to pour a small measure into each of the glasses Bill was conjuring. With their task complete Bill waved his wand and a glass slid to rest in front of each person gathered around the table.

As Bill went to lift his glass Molly entered the kitchen. Bill looked to his father with mild panic etched across his scarred features. Arthur gave Bill a small nod and watched his eldest son start to breathe again. Bill and Charlie fixed one more drink for their Mother and sent the glass to her. With that, Bill and Charlie stood and raised their glasses.

"Harry and Ginny," they both said in unison. They drained their glasses as the others seated around the table raised their glasses and followed suit. Harry was taken aback. He felt himself relax as the warmth spread through him. He was sure it wasn't just the Firewhiskey warming him either. Ginny's two eldest brothers had just accepted his relationship with their little sister without so much as a concerned look. Harry felt his respect for the Weasley family grow as he stood and shook hands with Charlie and Bill.

"Oi," Ron's voice interrupted the quiet moment being shared at the table. "What about me and Hermione?" he asked as he put an arm around Hermione's shoulders.

The two brothers shared another look, but this time mischief was in their eyes. Charlie refilled everyone's glasses with a second measure of Firewhiskey and raised his glass.

"Ron and Hermione," said Charlie and drained his glass. "Hermione, my sympathies."

Ron threw his empty glass at Charlie who, with a flick of his wand, turned it into a white rose and caught it in one hand, then presented it to Hermione. Hermione and the rest of the assembled family began to laugh, even Percy showing the first signs of life since the previous day.

At the back of the kitchen Molly beamed as tears filled her eyes. She knew Fred would have approved too. He had fought yesterday to preserve his way of life, and his life had always been about fun, laughter and love. Her family had already shown her that her sons sacrifice had not been in vain. She knew her sorrow would never leave her; that she would grieve for her lost son for a long time; but she would celebrate the joy and happiness that her family had also found.

"Okay Weasleys, time to go," called Arthur.

Ron looked around the kitchen, "Where's George?" he asked.

Bill responded, "George is staying with Fred at the mortuary tonight. He didn't want to leave his brother alone, so we have befuddled the local mortician and we will pick up George tomorrow."

Harry felt like he had received a blow to the stomach, all the air rushing out of him. George was devastated and there was nothing he could do to make it right. Ginny looked at the floor as she reached out and took Harry's hand in hers. Evidently she was upset by this development as well. A solemn atmosphere descended over the kitchen as they all thought of George and the loss he had suffered.

"Mum and Dad," said Percy formally as he stood from the table, "I will stay here in the event George returns tonight. I will assist him as best I can."

Molly came forward and embraced Percy, speaking in a hushed tone, "Thank you Percy. I think that's a good idea."

The rest of the Weasley family, along with Harry and Hermione, filed out into the back yard and went through the gate and out onto the dirt path, joined shortly by Molly.

"Alright everyone," said Arthur, "we can apparate directly into the grounds of Hogwarts, so let's all meet outside the Entrance Hall, okay?" Arthur received a series of nods. "Harry, you take Ginny, and try not to get lost this time," he said with a grin.

With a series of 'pops', they all disappeared into the cool night air.