Thank you for reading everyone! It has been YEARS since I wrote a Harry Potter story, and it feels great to be back. Please review and keep it on your favorites so you can get updates on the chapters!

…...

"Should we check on him?" Ron muttered to Hermione as she finished the last of her eggs in the Great Hall.

"I don't know," she responded sadly. "You know how he is. It would just make him angry."

"He can't just take off like that with some of the Death Eaters still out there. It doesn't feel right." Ron tapped his empty goblet on the table and stared at his empty plate. Even in his despair he was still debating if he should have seconds of hash and toast. Hermione was just as defeated. As much as she loved her best friend and knew he was hurting, there was still so much to do here. The Weasleys had lost their son, first and foremost. She could see George staring into the table appearing miserable, and Mrs. Weasley was trying her best to appear level minded. Only moments before the woman had cheerfully greeted them with warm hugs and declared that this was a new beginning for them all. If only she knew that Hermione had seen her break down outside the Hall the night before. Hermione's thoughts shifted to her parents in Australia. They had no idea what had happened over the past year, and she had a hole in her heart remembering her choice to keep them safe.

"I was thinking, Ron," She said with a stiff smile. "Now that the worst is over, say a few frightened Death Eaters, I was hoping that soon I could head to Australia and bring back my parents."

Ron smiled. "Yeah, good idea. You should probably have someone from the Ministry go with you though. That way you can reverse the charm without risking harm on their memories."

A true grin spread across her face. "Why not you, instead, Ron? If I can charm my own parents to forget that I even existed and travel to another country, I think I can revoke it."

Ron laughed as he finally made his decision to agree with a second helping of not only hash and toast, but eggs too. "Of course, how could I ever doubt your abilities?" Hermione giggled and she reached out to hold his hand. Ron truly did admire her, and he was pleased she returned the feeling. He squeezed her gently and replied, "It would be my pleasure to go with you."

Ginny could see the two of them from a distance in the Great Hall. She rolled her eyes in annoyance at the two of them and grew angry that they could just sit here while her brother was gone, and Harry was missing. Above all, her mother acted as if nothing terrible had happened at all.

"Ginny, dear, eat your meal. We are heading home today and plan on fixing up the house. Your father has already began working on it and says it should be ready by this evening!"

Irritated, Ginny folded her arms and looked away from her mother. "I am not going to leave Harry here alone. And what about Fred? Are you going to leave him here too?" She didn't need to see her mother to feel the eyes piercing her.

"Enough of that!" Mrs. Weasley hissed. "I am trying to keep this family together. ALL of us are heading home today, including you and Fred. I can only hope that Harry shows himself today so we can bring him to our home safely."

Ginny wished she could shed tears once more, but her sadness could not force anymore from her eyes. Of course she knew all what her mother had done to keep them all together. She knew how much her mother hurt. In a way, Ginny herself was grieving.

"I need to find him, Mum. I cannot leave him here."

Molly shifted in pity for her daughter and sighed. Moving closer to Ginny she replied, "Minerva says he's in the Shrieking Shack. Filch saw him run up to the Whomping Willow last night, poor thing, but with the way that tree was damaged, it was easy to do. Go to him, if you must, but be gentle on him. He does not know how to think right now."

Ginny could have kissed her mother. She looked at Ron and Hermione, but instantly thought against asking them to come with her. They were still holding hands and smiling to each other, completely oblivious to the world around them.

…...

Harry stirred from sleep and remembered immediately where he was. He could see the sun through the broken windows of the shack and the dust swirl across the floor where he laid. For once, Harry felt at peace knowing he was alone and calm. He had no regret of last night when he had grabbed every piece of furniture that he saw and threw it, broke it, and cut his hands on wood and glass. Of all the places, he could not understand why he went here, yet perhaps it was where his life changed for good. It was where his idiotic decision to not have Lupin and Sirius kill Peter Pettigrew on the spot cost them the resurrection of Voldemort himself. The destruction last night was full of regret and the obsession that plagued his mind again and again for four years. He could have lived with Sirius that Summer, learned about his family, and be able to feel as if he had a father again. It was eating him alive.

Harry sat up and glanced around at the destruction, feeling oddly relieved, and began picking at the remaining splinters in his hands. He could remember their faces plainly, and thought about that night years ago when he was thirteen. Snape, Sirius, Lupin, and that damn Pettigrew, all in one room. All killed, and the thought of all they had been through since then caused a lump in Harry's throat. He could not make up his mind on why this happened, or why that failed. Why couldn't Dumbledore just tell him what was going on? Why couldn't they just let him be in the Order? Was it all for the best after all, and it could have been worse? The questions tortured him.

The wind whistled through the glass, and Harry glanced up to see birds fly from the trees toward Hogsmeade. He supposed this was enough destruction for one day, and decided to listen to his stomach complain about food. He also wondered if he could eat in the dormitory and avoid everyone as he wasn't keen on talking about where he had been. Harry raised himself from the dusty floor but paused for a moment, thinking he had heard something through the tunnel. He grabbed his wand immediately and felt the fight or flight instinct kick in, which quickly dissipated when he heard a voice.

"Harry? Are you in there? I'm coming to get you!"

He knew it was Ginny. How she found his hideout was beyond him. The door creaked open and Harry could see her sad eyes light up at the sight of him. He remembered how beautiful she was, and undoubtedly, how angry she was at him for everything.

"Oh, Harry! We were wondering where you were." Ginny came close and wrapped her arms around him. Harry squeezed her and took in the smell of her skin, her hair, and immediately wanted to sob into her shoulders. He shifted this idea and smiled at her.

"Sorry I ran off. Just wanted to be alone, I guess. It's good to see you."

Ginny couldn't help but see how the tables were broken, and how he attempted to conceal his battered hands. "You know that it wasn't really necessary."

Harry shrugged. "Sounded good at the time. At any rate, I felt loads better. Yet, I take it you're here to bring me back to the castle?"

"Well, Mum says we are heading back home today. She wants you there, and frankly, I am not leaving Hogwarts unless you do, so."

Harry groaned inwardly and returned to shrugging his shoulders. "Look, I really don't want to bother your family. They are grieving, and you too. There was nothing I could do for Fred, and it would kill me to be in the same house with all of you."

Ginny didn't seem bothered by his statement. "Oh, I know you feel that way, so does Mum and Dad. Honestly they see Fred's death as an honor to the cause, you know? Mum wants you at our house, and she will not budge on it. We have to finish fixing the house anyway."

Harry perked up at this and remembered when the house was attacked. This was something he could finally fix. He would have to deal with the Weasley family regardless, he knew. Even George. "Fine. I will go to the Burrow. Maybe I can even help."

Ginny smiled broadly and dragged him into a fierce embrace. Once again he held her, loving every second of it. He suddenly realized he was alone in a room with a woman he loved, and it made him panic. The Weasley boys will definitely hear of this! "Hey, let's go. I am famished, and I need to make sure McGonagall is really fine about me leaving."

He didn't need to tell her twice.

…...

If Harry had been truly prepared for his arrival at Hogwarts, he would have remained imprisoned in the Shrieking Shack. He had completely forgotten about the students who remained at the school waiting to be brought home to their fearful families. Some parents would soon realize their child would not be returning home alive. It became quickly apparent as they approached the main doors of the castle, and Harry could see a first year and a sixth year weeping on the front steps, and the eldest looked straight into his eyes with intense fury.

"YOU!" Her wand was brandished from inside her robes. "He's dead because of you! Our brother is gone! How can I tell my parents that he died when you could have turned yourself in?"

Harry was stopped in his tracks, and he could not say anything. He felt his heart tug in fear and remorse, and he made no attempt to take the Elder Wand in defense.

"He did give himself over, Ruth!" Ginny shouted furiously. "Your brother defended Hogwarts, he should be treated like a hero, but do NOT blame Harry for this!"

"Oh, please! Everyone is saying HE is the hero. Like we didn't matter. How long did it take for you to turn yourself in, hero? Did you wait until our brother died?"

Ginny continued to puff up in defense, but Harry responded to confess. "I am not a hero. Trust me, I would rather be dead than all of these people. I lost three people close to me in a matter of hours. I would give my life to have them back. Tell your parents the truth, your brother was a hero, and died a hero."

Ruth lowered her wand but her anger did not leave her body. He knew it was not enough what he said. "Try telling that to my parents. He was their only boy. He was going to be something great. Get out of my sight before I curse you! GO!"

Harry replayed the girl's voice repeatedly in his head as he sat at the table. As if Ruth's words weren't enough, he was getting death stares from the Slytherin table. Their parents were now dead, imprisoned, or on the run, and it was because of him.

"We're leaving now, Harry," said Mrs. Weasley's voice from far away. He blinked. "Due to what Ginny had said happened with that girl, and threats from the Slytherins, it's best we leave now. Do you have your things?" Harry nodded and put his backpack on. He figured it was for the best since he had also rid the Wizarding world of the Elder Wand after he returned. It would only have brought more destruction. He was, quite literally, defenseless.

The Weasleys gathered together and Hermione took Harry's hand. "We are taking brooms to the Burrow. Aren't you excited?"

Harry tried to smile, "Of course, it's been forever." He didn't want to remind her that the last time he truly flew they lost Mad Eye Moody and his beloved owl, Hedwig.

Harry took the Firebolt from Kingsley, and gave him a confused look. Kingsley shrugged. "Donated for this purpose by the Ministry. They wanted to make sure we could be there as soon as possible."

"Okay everyone!" Mrs. Weasley chirped. "Let's go outside and head home!"

Kingsley pushed Harry forward to the middle of the group. "You remain on the inside. We can't have you vulnerable without a wand."

As much as Harry knew this made sense, he felt his anxiety pulse through his heart as they made their way to the grass. It was like leaving the Dursleys all over again. He was sure he was sweating.

"Hey, mate, you feeling okay?" Ron asked, nudging him with his arm. Harry could only nod. This was the only way they could leave, he had to do it. He did his best to ignore seeing Voldemort's scarlet eyes gleaming into his, and the sight of poor Hedwig falling to the ground. It made him so tense he was surprised his bones didn't snap.

"All right, everyone, I will take the rear," said Kingsley. "We do not expect an attack, but this is for prevention purposes. Please stay in your designated places and make sure you stay aware of your surroundings. Should only take us over an hour on these models. Everyone ready?"

Harry did not have a choice. The group lifted to the air, and the only thing keeping him on the broom was knowing it would soon be over.

…...

Arthur Weasley was a man of his words. With some assistance from Harry and the group, the home was finished down to the last nail before evening. Mrs. Weasely couldn't be happier, and routine at last came back to the family. Fred was arriving the next day, and the funeral would follow in the evening. It was enough to make Harry want to hide in the attic with the ghoul. Andromeda, Tonks' mother, would take her and Lupin from Hogwarts and have a private ceremony at the cemetery, and invited the Weasley family. All Harry wanted to do was hide, but he pretended to be strong for his friends.

"Mrs. Weasley," he said. "I can help pay for the funeral. I really want to make sure Fred gets the best!"

Molly teared faintly and patted his cheek. "No, darling. McGonagall is assisting all the families hurt from the attack. Hogwarts has a great deal of funds designated for this, and we cannot accept a single penny from you, darling. It wouldn't feel right."

Harry felt dejected. He wanted to scream at everyone that he felt truly responsible, and that all of his money should be used to make it all right. Yet, as true as he was feeling, Harry could only nod in defeat. He really wished he could say what he meant.

As the weeks went by, Harry felt as though he spent more time out of his body than in. He could barely remember Fred's funeral, let alone Lupin and Tonks'. He had attempted to give Andromeda funds to support baby Teddy, but she politely refused. "Don't worry, Harry. Between the two of them, Remus and Nymphadora had a healthy amount to help me support little Teddy. I couldn't take anything from you. We are alive because of you, I truly believe that."

Harry was simply more confused than ever. What was he supposed to do? What was his goal now that Voldemort was gone? For the first time since the war ended, Harry broke down into painful sobs when he left her home. He glanced up at the clouds before he Disappearated to the Burrow, and hated them for painting a peaceful picture.

…...

"You've been crying," Hermione said simply as Harry sat at the table when he returned. She was the only one downstairs, finally taking down the decorations from the funeral weeks ago.

"It doesn't matter," he replied. "It will be fine."

She snorted. "Heard that many times before from you. What did Andromeda say?"

"Apparently no one wants me to help them financially. I even tried to get Kingsley to open up an anonymous grant for the families involved and he refused. Said it was a Ministry issue. Nobody seems to understand that I need this."

Hermione could sense that he needed more attention, so she stopped what she was doing and sat across from him at the table. "Harry, I have known you for so long, and I know that you take things personally. The Ministry needs to make right what they have failed at. That is why Kingsley refused you. As far as Andromeda and the Weasleys, they do not believe this is your fault. Even George knows, Harry. As much as he ignores the family, he knows it was all because of Voldemort that we are missing our loved ones. No one wants you to pay for the fault of a madman, or the failure of the Ministry. You have to see it that way."

Harry could feel the tears coming back, but he held them in as much as he was able. He knew she was right. Yet he was so conflicted the feeling would not leave him. "I just want to make it better. I wasn't supposed to live—they were."

Hermione could see he was hurting. Just as he was as they traveled desperately the past year to find a shred of hope that they could win the war. Her instinct immediately went to comfort him, and she took his hands in hers. "We have been through a lot, Harry. We won, and I know you are trying to find your place. Listen to them. They want you to heal, take care of yourself, and find your role in life now after Voldemort. Your purpose in life was not just killing him, I can assure you of that."

He was brainstorming what she meant, and he knew that perhaps, if he tried, he would be able to make strides to move on. "Maybe I can fix up Grimmuald Place?"

"Of course! I overhead Kingsley saying they were going to make sure it was safe. This could be your chance to make it yours!"

She was always right. Damnit. Harry smiled and agreed. He would speak with Kingsley as soon as he could write the letter. Or... Harry stood up and gave Hermione a smirk. "I have a better idea. KREACHER!"

SNAP- The elf popped into the kitchen and promptly grasped Harry's leg. "Oh, Master Potter! Kreacher was so worried and hasn't heard from anyone in days! What can Kreacher do for you?"

Harry attempted to pry the inconsolable elf off his leg as he sat back down at the table. Hermione gave him a serious look. "Okay Kreacher, I have a question for you."

"Anything, Master Potter!"

"The house, has anyone been snooping around that you have noticed? Death Eaters or Ministry folk? I need to make sure it is safe to return to."

The House Elf snapped to attention. "Oh it is very safe! Kreacher closed the entry points and now no one can come in without Kreacher knowing! Haven't seen anyone at all, sir! Kreacher wants Master Harry to return!"

Harry gave Hermione a grin, which she did not return. His face fell. "You can't go back without the Minstry making sure, Harry. The Weasleys, I know, will not allow it."

Harry rolled his eyes. "The Ministry has been nothing but trouble for us. I can trust Kreacher better than a bunch of traitorous government employees."

"It doesn't matter, don't you see that?" Hermione's voice was raising dangerously. "There are still some of them out there, and we have had enough of grief for one day. You cannot go back until I know for sure you will be okay!"

A creak on the floorboards made them jump. "Go where?" It was Mr and Mrs. Weasley. Both had a frown on their pale faces. Harry could see they had been weeping. "What is Kreacher doing here?"

Kreacher hopped onto a chair and proudly made the announcement before Harry could shut his mouth. "The home is safe for Master Harry to return! Kreacher made sure of it!"

Harry managed a weak smile but it wasn't enough to take the shock off their faces. "Over my dead body!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed. "Kingsley has not given the approval for this, and I certainly will not allow you, Harry, to return there. Merlin knows what scoundrel could be lurking in the rooms of that place."

Harry did not want to push the idea any further. He could see his House Elf sag in his sadness. "Kreacher, thank you for keeping the house safe. I will be there when I can. Just head back home and keep doing a great job."

Kreacher perked up and bowed. "Of course, Master." With a snap he was gone.

Harry heard the loudest silence and gave Hermione an awkward glance. She gazed away and focused on a very interesting crumb of bread on the table.

Mrs. Weasley approached the table with her finger pointed threateningly, and he couldn't help but feel anger as she began to screech at him. "You are not going to that house! I am not going to risk anymore lives in this family! You are going to stay here until the Ministry makes sure that home is livable, and no planning things without us knowing!"

"What does it matter?" he yelled. "I can do what I want to do for once in my life! I'm not a child anymore, and I am definitely not one of yours!"

If the slap had come slower, Harry wouldn't have tried to stop her. However, Mrs. Weasley's hand hit his face with exquisite speed, and he silenced himself at once. With his eyes tearing, he saw her with tears in her own, but she could not utter a sound. It was Mr. Weasley who spoke for her. "Go upstairs, Harry. Dinner will be ready in an hour."

Harry found himself moving without wanting to. He bolted up the stairs and slammed the door shut, fuming. Harry picked up his backpack and threw it against the wall, tears falling from his face. He was scared of his own rage, hitting his own legs in frustration on the bed, screaming, and wanting to be a million miles away. When he calmed Harry noticed that he wasn't alone. Ron sat on the chair near his bed reading a Chudley Cannons magazine, gazing at Harry alarmingly. "Shit," Harry muttered. "Didn't know you were there."

"Um, are you okay? You don't look okay."

Harry became drowned in fatigue and nodded. "I do now. Sorry about interrupting your magazine. I am going to take a nap."

Ron stood up anxiously and headed towards the door. "Right, well, I was wanting a snack before dinner anyway. I'll be downstairs." He quickly left and shut the door and Harry could only sigh. Way to act like a nutter.