Chapter two

Charlie stepped out of the fireplace into the living room of Grimmauld Place and saw Harry having a massive nightmare. He ran over and shook his shoulders.

'Harry, Harry, wake up mate. Come on Harry.' Charlie kept shaking his shoulders, the hit his face gently a few times. 'Harry wake up.'

'What, I'm awake. What's going on?' Harry said as he slowly opened his eyes, and was breathing heavily. 'Charlie, what's wrong?'

'You were having a nightmare Harry.' Charlie sat beside him and noticed how bad he looked. 'You okay now?'

'Yeah, I'm fine Charlie. What are you doing here? I thought you were going to home to the Burrow?'

'I've been home and wanted to let you know I had this done for when I wanted to leave, but thought you might like to use it. It's an international portkey, set for my place. If you wanted to, you could go now. I still won't be there for a couple of weeks.'

Harry sat up straight, 'You wouldn't mind Charlie?' Harry asked hopefully.

'No of course not Harry. If you want to get away now, then go. I know you will be hounded by reporters or anyone else for that matter the moment you're seen. So if you want to get away, I understand.'

'I already was. I went to Gringotts just after I saw you. The moment I stepped back out of Gringotts, people were everywhere. I just quickly got out of there and apparated straight here.'

'Yeah, knew that would happen. You have always been hounded by reporters and now it will just get worse, seeing as you killed Voldemort.'

'I know, that's another reason I want to get away for a while. Here everyone will be throwing questions at me and I really don't want to answer any. Where in Romania I don't think it will be so bad. No one will be expecting me to just walk down the street. Maybe I could grow a beard, change my hair colour. What do you think Charlie? I could go Weasley red for a while.' Harry grinned at him.

'Well, I don't think you'd be recognised with red hair Harry. So are you going to leave straight away?'

'Yes, if you're sure, I would like to.'

'I'm sure Harry. Here take this, it's not set for a time. You just have to say the name and address.' Charlie handed Harry a piece of parchment and a small brush. 'As soon as you say the name it'll glow and you'll be transported there.'

'Thanks Charlie, for everything. Listen, give me a couple of hours, then could you tell Ron and Hermione that I've left, but don't tell them where I am. I know them, they will want to come get me and bring me back. Just tell them I need some time and if they saw the memory with Professor McGonagall, then hopefully they'll understand.'

'No problem Harry. I need to get back to the Burrow. Make yourself at home alright and I'll see you in a couple of weeks. Oh here take this. If any of my friends turn up, just show them this and they'll know I've given you permission to stay there. But what name should I put on it, I could just put Harry without Potter, but they might put it together.'

'Put James on it, I'll use my father's name for a while. Do you need a last name? Because if you do, I could use Black for Sirius.'

'No first names fine, my friends will know it's from me.' Charlie finished writing James on the parchment and handed it to Harry. 'Alright, I better go, take care Harry.'

'I will and thanks again Charlie.' Harry shook his hand and watched as he stepped into the fire. Harry went back up stairs and packed his things, then went back down stairs and into the kitchen. 'Kreacher, I'm going away for a while. If you want to stay here or go back to Hogwarts, you can.'

'I would like to stay with my Master Harry.'

'Are you sure Kreacher, I'm going to Romania for a while, to Charlie Weasley's place.'

'Yes Master, I can still look after you there.'

Harry smiled at the elf and thought it might be nice to have him there. 'Alright Kreacher if you want to. I'm taking an international portkey, how will you get there?'

'I can just apparate there Master. House elves just need to know where or whose place and we can go straight there.'

'Alright Kreacher, if you want to leave now. I'll be right behind you.' Harry said and the elf bowed, snapped his fingers and was gone. Harry looked at the brush in his hand and said Charlie's name and address and the brush glowed and Harry felt the jerk as he was pulled away. A few minutes later he arrived into Charlie's house, straight into the living room and saw Kreacher. 'I'm glad you wanted to come Kreacher. If I give you some gold, could you go stock up on some food and maybe some Firewhiskey as well?'

'Of course master Harry,' the elf bowed and waited. Harry took a heap of gold out of his bag and handed it to Kreacher. 'Is there anything specific Master Harry wants?'

'Nothing specific Kreacher, just food for dinner, breakfast, tea and coffee, you know,' the elf bowed, snapped his fingers and was gone. Harry walked through a door and saw Charlie's bedroom, so he walked through another and found what looked like a spare room. He put his bag down then went back out and looked around the rest of the place. It wasn't large, but it was comfortable. He saw the front door and noticed the back door as well. He went out the back door and just stood there looking around at the wooded area and heard how quiet it was.

'Yes, this place is perfect. Now he just had to write the letter to Ron and Hermione and hope they understand.' Harry looked around once more, then stepped back inside and got a quill and some parchment and started writing.

"Dear Ron and Hermione.

Please don't be angry with me, but I needed to get away and be on my own for a while. I'm sorry I never told you, but I knew you both would have tried to talk me out of it. I just need some time, away from the memories, not sure how long though. I will write and let you know how I'm going and I will miss the both of you very much. I hope you understand why I'm doing this since you would have seen Snape's memory. Having to walk into that forest and let him kill me was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but I was willing to die to stop anymore people dying. I was going to hang around and go to Fred, Remus' and Tonks funerals, but I couldn't. Please let all your family know how sorry I am about Fred and if you see Andromeda, tell her I'm sorry about Tonks and Remus as well, and I do want to get to know my godson. But I can't right now, I just don't have anything left to give. Please try and understand and that hopefully one day you will forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. I love you both very much.

Harry"

Harry could feel the tears again as he rolled up the parchment and waited for Kreacher to get back so he could go and send this for him. He really hoped they would forgive him for not telling them he was leaving. Harry sat back on the couch, and closed his eyes and he felt peaceful. Hopefully, he might not have any more nightmares but that was just wishful thinking, he knew he probably would.

At the Burrow, all the Weasleys along with Hermione were all sitting around the kitchen table. No one was talking or eating the food Mrs. Weasley had put on the table. They all drank their tea but that was all. Charlie looked around and thought it was time to talk to Ron and Hermione.

'Ron, Hermione, can you come outside with me for a moment?'

They both looked up at him and nodded, then followed him outside down towards their father's shed.

'What's up Charlie?' Ron said looking at his brother.

'I have something to tell you, about harry.'

'Harry, is he alright Charlie.' Hermione asked anxiously.

'He's fine, well, as fine as he can be at the moment. He's gone, he left for a while. He said he needed to get away and be on his own and he hoped after seeing the memory you would both understand.'

'Left, but why, is he at Grimmauld Place?' Hermione asked.

'Why, he just said he needed some time alone. But he's not at Grimmauld Place. He left the country and he doesn't want anyone to know where he is. He said he'll write to you and you can write back, but he just needs time.'

Ron nodded and saw Hermione looked upset. 'Hermione, after what we found out, I can understand why Harry wants to be alone. That would have been very hard on him.'

'I know Ron, but he knows we'll help him with anything. Why did he have to leave the country?'

'He knew you both would have wanted to either go with him or try and talk him out of going. Minerva spoke to me, and Albus believes that Harry will heal better if he was away from here. Away from all the memories of everything he's gone through and all the memories of the people who have died, even before the battle. Like his parents and Sirius. He needs to heal and Albus believes he can only do that away from the constant reminders and he wouldn't be able to go out if he stayed here. He told me he went to Gringotts and the moment he stepped out reporters and people were everywhere yelling questions at him. He doesn't need that right now, or for anyone worrying about him.'

'I can't stop worrying about him. When he said he wasn't coming back to the Burrow, that he was going to stay at Grimmauld Place, I knew he was having a hard time and I want to help him. We've always helped him.' Hermione said as tears fell down her face and Ron put his arm around him.

'Let's just give him some time Hermione. We'll write to him as soon as we hear from him okay. He suffered Hermione, we both know that. He's suffered his whole life and this would have been one of the hardest on him. Let's just give him the space he needs and if he wants to see us, then we go.'

'Alright Ron, but I'm going to miss him.'

'I will too Mione.' Ron said then looked back at Charlie. 'Is that where you disappeared to today?'

'Yeah, Minerva told me Harry wanted to speak with me. He just wanted me to tell you both.'

'What about Ginny, Ron. Should we tell her Harry's gone?'

'What's Ginny got to do with this?' Charlie asked.

'Harry and Ginny were dating before us three left. Harry said he broke up with her to protect her because if the Death Eaters or Voldemort knew Ginny was his girlfriend, that they would get her to get to him and he didn't want to take that chance. But Harry hasn't spoken of Ginny since his seventeenth birthday and he never spoke to her after killing Voldemort.' Ron said looking puzzled.

'With what he went through Ron, I don't think he was really thinking about anything. We don't know what affect all this has had on him. Hopefully when he's had time alone, he will be the same loving Harry we've always known. But we really don't know how he will be or if he will be different.'

'Yeah, I suppose your right. How did he seem when you spoke to him Charlie? The last time we saw him was not long after the battle.'

'He sounded down and looked terrible. He was having a nightmare when I got there and Minerva said he had a nightmare when she went up to talk to him. You said he's always had nightmares Ron.'

'Yeah, he has. Some will be just him thrashing about in bed and some he will yell different things. The worse was the one he had was the one about Dad, but that was more a vision than a nightmare.'

'This is why he needs time. If he had nightmares before, he will probably have worse ones now.' Charlie said. 'Let's get back inside and see about eating and try to get George to eat something. The next couple of days is going to be hard on all of us, but especially him.'

'Yeah it will, it's always been Fred and George, or the twins.' Ron said sadly and the three of them walked back inside.

Over the next week, they had Fred's funeral as well as for Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks Lupin. Ron and Hermione had received a letter from Harry and spoke to Andromeda about it. She said when Harry was feeling better they will be waiting to see him and she will introduce Teddy to his godfather.

Charlie stepped into the kitchen and saw his parents were already sitting there with Hermione.

'Morning,' Charlie said as he hugged his parents and sat down and he got morning back from all three.

'Charlie dear, when do you have to get back to Romania?' Molly asked her son.'

'I need to leave tomorrow. I wanted to stay longer, but I have to get back.'

'Oh, alright son, I was hoping you could have stayed longer, but we understand.' Arthur said putting a hand on his shoulder, then he turned to Hermione. 'Have you heard anymore from Harry Hermione?'

'No, just that one letter, Ron and I wrote straight back, so hopefully it won't be long before we hear something from him. I just wish I knew where he was. I miss seeing him and I can't help worrying because he's all alone.'

'I know you do Hermione, but when you showed us he's letter he sounded fine, just that he wanted some time alone. What I want to know is how's he really coping and how long it might be before he comes home.'

'Yes, I want to know that too. Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, I did want to ask you both something.'

'Anything Hermione.' Arthur said.

'Well, I need to start looking for my parents. I spoke to Kingsley and he said he'd organise an international portkey for me to go to Australia, but I was hoping that Ron could come with me. I really don't want to go alone.'

Arthur looked at his wife and nodded. 'Of course he can Hermione dear. You shouldn't be alone in a strange country. Do you know how long it might take you?'

'Kingsley said he was going to get someone to check some things out for me and when I organise the portkey he was going to let me know if they found anything. I hope it doesn't take long and they forgive me for doing that to them.'

'I'm sure they will Hermione. You were trying to keep them safe, once you explain everything to them, they will understand.'

The following day at the burrow, everyone apart from George was starting to come to terms with Fred. George was the one everyone was worried about as he never left his old room. Percy has been spending a lot of time with him, helping wherever he could. Everyone knew Percy could have gone back to his flat and job, but he just didn't want to leave George.

Charlie opened the door to Fred and George's old room and saw George sitting on Fred's old bed.

'George,' Charlie said as he walked in. 'I have to get going.' Charlie sat down beside his brother. 'You need to start getting out of this room George. Fred wouldn't want you to do this.'

'I know he wouldn't Charlie, I just miss him. It's always been Fred and me. I think the only time we weren't together was when we went on dates or used the bathroom, otherwise we were always together. I don't know how I'm going to cope with not having him here.'

'We know George, I think that's why Percy is trying to be here for you all the time. He know's he can't take Fred's place, but he wants to help you. Please try and get out of here for a while, even if you just go outside in the yard for an hour.'

'I'll try Charlie, so you're heading back to Romania.'

'Yeah, I have to. I was going to stay longer but they need me back.' Charlie stood up and George did as well and Charlie pulled him into a tight hug. 'Get out George, think of what Fred would want and do it for him.'

They let go of each other. 'I will Charlie, don't worry.' George gave his brother a small smile and watched as he left the room.

Charlie walked downstairs and say goodbye to his parents. 'I have to go now Mum, Dad.' Charlie hugged them as they stood up and his mother started crying. 'Mum, I'll be back for visits.' Charlie said and looked at his father. Arthur pulled his wife away and put his arms around her.

'We'll see you soon Charlie, take care son.'

'I will dad.' Charlie said then walked over and hugged Hermione and Ron. 'Kept writing to Harry, he's bound to get better and come home, but just give him time.'

'We will Charlie, take care mate.' Ron said and Hermione nodded.

Charlie picked up his portkey said his name and address and jerked away from the Burrow and landed in his living room.

'Harry, you about mate?' Charlie said as he walked through the house.

'Hey Charlie, I wasn't expecting you back so soon.' Harry said as he walked out of the kitchen.

'Yeah, I just needed to get away and get home. How are you doing?'

'I'm fine Charlie, it's so peaceful here. I've been spending a lot of time sitting out the back. Oh I hope you don't mind Charlie, but Kreacher wanted to come with me, he said he wanted to look after me.'

'I don't mind Harry. I'll just go put my things away and be back. But you look a little better than the last time I saw you.'

'Yeah I feel better and Kreacher is making sure I eat.' Harry said and Charlie smiled then walked into his room and put his things away, then walked back out into his kitchen.

'I could use a cuppa, how about you Harry?'

'I will make Mr. Charlie and Master Harry a cup of tea.' Kreacher said bowing then went about fixing the tea.

'He doesn't like anyone doing things he could do. Hope that's okay, it takes a bit to get used to.'

'I don't mind and I hate to cook anyway.' Charlie grinned as he sat down at his table. 'So Hermione and Ron, well more Hermione is waiting for you to write again. She's missing you Harry.'

'I know she is. I'll write soon. It's just that here, I'm calm and peaceful. The moment I think of there, I feel the tension and all the memories start to come back.'

'I understand that. One thing though, Ron and Hermione were talking about all you went through might changed you. Hermione hopes you will be the same loving Harry she's always known.'

'I can't really say at the moment. I do feel different than I was before. But I'm not sure with what or how, just different.'

'All you need is time and if staying here is helping, then that's what you need. And before you ask, yes, you can stay as long as you want Harry. You're good company anyway. Have you been down to the village yet?'

'I used my cloak once and went down. I didn't want to get recognised, at least not yet. It's a really nice village. I just strolled around, having a look. I do need to go and get some clothes though, so eventually I'll go and hope it's not too bad.'

'I think you'd be surprised Harry. Yes, even people here know who Harry Potter is, but it's not the same as England. You were there, everything happened there, Voldemort was there.' Charlie said and saw Harry instantly tense. 'Sorry.'

'No it's fine Charlie. But I get what you're saying. I might try in a few days see how it goes.'

Kreacher brought over a tray with tea and sandwiches on it, placed it on the table in front of the two men.

'Thanks Kreacher. Even if I don't ask, he makes sure I eat if it's breakfast, lunch or dinner time.' Harry said raising his eyebrows at Charlie.

'Well, it's working. You look better than you did and you've put on a bit of weight.'

'I feel good, so that's why I don't mind what Kreacher is doing.'

The two men sat and talked, they really got to know each other. Charlie saw a difference in Harry even though he never saw a lot of him before. Just on the occasional visits home. Minerva and Kingsley had told him what Harry had to do and asked if Charlie would keep an eye on him. He said he would, so he could see already that being here was helping Harry.

A couple of days later, Charlie walked outside and saw Harry sitting in the sun. 'Harry, you said you wanted to go get some clothes, why don't I go with you. I need to get a few things myself.'

'Yeah, sounds good. I'll just get my shoes on.' Harry got to his feet and walked inside and Charlie followed him. When he finished he turned to Charlie. 'Do you think I should bring my cloak, just in case?'

'I think it'll be fine, you'll see. I've lived here for a while, you'll be okay.' Charlie put a hand on his shoulder.

'If you sure then, I'll trust you on this. Let's go then,' they two men left the house and walked down the quiet lane towards the small village. 'Where about do you work?'

'A couple of towns away. Maybe one day I'll take you there, see all the dragons.'

'I'd like that, as long as I don't have to go near any. Twice is enough.' Harry laughed and so did Charlie.

They got to the village and Charlie took Harry into the men's clothes store and Harry picked out a heap of clothes. Some basic tops and shirt, lots of jeans, then underwear and socks, then bought himself some more shoes and boots. Charlie had been surprised at some of the styles Harry had bought. He'd never seen Harry in stylish or coloured shirts.

Harry noticed he got a few double takes when they spotted his scar, but they never stared or asked him questions and it made him relax more. They sat down at a café to have some lunch and just enjoy the warm day.

'I think you were right Charlie. Some have spotted my scar but they never stared or said anything. Now why can't it be like that back home?'

'Like I said before, that's where it all happened. Here, they just heard about it. I noticed after you had a few people notice your scar but they didn't do anything else, you instantly relaxed. You never got that back home have you?'

'No, all my life it's been staring or questions. I remember the first day I met Ron on the Hogwarts Express. When we introduced ourselves, he instantly asked about my scar. But I didn't mind with Ron, because we just got on instantly. But Ron and Hermione know how I hate people asking about it.' Harry said and Charlie saw him rub his chest.

'You okay Harry?' Charlie nodded to Harry's chest.

'Yeah, it's nothing. Well, it's something but not painful or anything.' Harry leaned forward and lowered his voice. 'I've got another one on my chest, same as my forehead, lightning shaped.' Harry sat back and shrugged and saw the knowing look on Charlie's face. 'Professor McGonagall told you, didn't she?'

'Yeah she did. She didn't tell me everything, she just said that you got hit with the killing curse again before Hagrid carried you out of the forest. She was worried about you and since you were going to be here, ask that I keep an eye on you.'

'I understand why she did that. Well I did get hit and that's why I've got another one.' Harry realised that he thought about it and it wasn't as bad as he imagined it would. 'I don't feel as tense, even though I just thought about what happened that night. I still don't like to think about it if I can help it though.'

'Well, I'm not going to pry or ask anything Harry, but if you ever want to talk, I'm here to listen.'

'Thanks Charlie, I really appreciate that.'

'There is one thing I want to ask about, on a completely different subject though.'

'What's that?'

'Ron told me that you were dating Ginny but you broke up with her for her safety. How do you feel about her now, do you still want to see her?'

'I don't think so Charlie. I do care about her, but now the only thing I feel for her is like a sister, like I feel about Hermione. Like I told you, after everything that I went through, I am different. Maybe that's one of the things. Do you think I should write to her, and explain that I don't see us getting back together?'

'Yeah, I think you should. I noticed whenever you're name came up she always sat up straighter. Maybe if she knew you didn't feel the same and since you're not going to be there for a while, she might be able to move on.'

'That's a good idea. I might write as soon as we get back. One thing I want to ask you. Your Mum used to mention that you had lots of girlfriends. If you ever want some space, just tell me and I'll make myself scarce.'

'I just told Mum and Dad that, so they wouldn't worry about me. Mum was always wondering when I was going to settle down and get married but I'm just not interested.' Charlie said and wondered if he should just tell Harry the truth. He might leave it for now and see how long Harry might be hanging around for. If he stays for a long time, he just might have to say something and ask Harry not to say anything to anyone, especially his family, because his parents wouldn't understand.

'You're deep in thought Charlie, nothing wrong is there?'

'No, just something I need to consider. I might tell you one day Harry. How about we head home and you can write to Ginny, maybe write to Hermione again too so she's stop worrying about you.'

'Yeah alright,' Harry grinned and they both walked back towards Charlie's place, still talking and getting to know each other. Harry felt very relaxed with Charlie and thought he might be able to tell him a few things in time.

Harry was sitting in his bedroom at Charlie's place trying to work out what to write to Ginny. He had a piece of parchment and quill, but just couldn't begin, so he sat there thinking about how he felt and how he used to feel.

"Dear Ginny

I just wanted to write and let you know that I won't be back for a long time and it would be better if you tried to forget about me. I do care about you Ginny, but I know it's not anything more than just friendly feelings that I have for you. I'm sorry if this hurts you and I never wanted that. But after some of the things that happened to me, I've changed. You have got a beautiful and kind heart Ginny and deserve someone that will love you fully and I can't do that. Find someone that deserves that beautiful and kind heart of yours, you deserve to be happy Ginny and that's what I want for you but it can't be with me. Again I'm sorry if I hurt you, I never wanted to ever hurt you. Please take care of yourself and remember. Find someone that will love and look after you.

Harry"