Chapter 2: The Next Day

The sun rose on Ottery St. Catchpole spreading its golden warmth gradually over the town, a bright reminder of a new day, a new era, an era wherein happiness prevails. The warmth washed away with it the feeling of insecurity and fear. Everyone slept peacefully that day, totally exhausted by the battle fought the previous day. Also among them were the occupants of the Burrow.

Ron:

Ron rolled over and stretched comfortably, taking in the smells of the morning. Lying on his back, his eyes still closed, he thought about all that had happened in his life. It seemed there were two distinct sections of his life. Before Voldemort and after Voldemort. The time before Voldemort, though harrowing, had its good points. His adventures with Harry and Hermione, and lately his sister Ginny. He thought about Harry, how happy he must be now that he had killed Voldemort and avenged his parents. He could not have been more wrong. His thoughts then drifted towards Hermione, the love of his life. He still could not believe that he had such a great girlfriend. He wondered what she was doing now. Right then he heard a scream. That was Hermione's voice, he thought sleepily. His eyes snapped open at this realization and he raced out of his room.

Hermione:

Hermione was sleeping peacefully dreaming about the day Harry, Ron and herself had thwarted Voldemort from obtaining the Philosopher's stone when the dream changed to a face with red eyes and a snake-like face with cold cackling laugh. She sat up in her bed, sweating profusely. Her eyes darting about everywhere. It was then that she realized she was dreaming. She mentally slapped herself  'Voldemort is dead, silly girl'. She let out a sigh of relief and looked towards Ginny's bed. Ginny was not there so she assumed Ginny was already up and about and in the kitchen having breakfast. As she was getting ready to go down, she saw something, a parchment, on Ginny's bed. She picked it up and started reading it. That was when she screamed and ran to the hallway.

Ron found her in the hallway clutching a parchment tightly in her hand. Her face was pale as if she had seen a ghost. She turned towards him and ran to hug him, all the time crying hopelessly. He asked her what was wrong. She continued sobbing and mumbled something. He asked again what had happened and she replied:

"She is gone, Ron. Both of them are gone."

He did not have to be told twice as to whom she was referring. He turned pale and read the letter himself. After perusing the contents of the letter his girlfriend and he went down to break the news to the family.

He headed towards the kitchen where his mother could be heard bustling about. They entered and saw almost all the Weasleys assembled there having their breakfast. They walked up to them with grim faces. Mrs.Weasley took one look at them and understood that something was not right. She ordered everyone to keep quiet and asked them what was wrong. Hermione was crying and Ron looked very pale indeed and was clutching Hermione tightly as she cried. He said:

"They are gone."

There was an instant uproar as realization dawned upon everyone. Mrs.Weasley started crying, Mr.Weasley looked grim, the rest had looks of disbelief on their faces. Everyone crowded to read the letter:

Dear Mum, Dad and all you loved ones,

         I'm sorry I had to leave like this. But Harry needs me to help him even if he doesn't realize it. I know he wants to get away from all this even if it is for just a while. I have to be there for him during his time alone or he will descend into this well of guilt he tends to fall into. Please understand. I haven't talked to Harry about it yet but I know I can reach out to him. And help cope with this. Please, I need to do this. For Harry's sake, for all our sake. I'm sure you wouldn't have been happy to know that Harry would be alone out in the world with no one to care for him. So I'm making sure I'm there for him in whatever he does, wherever he goes. Please be happy for our sakes. And remember on thing, "WE WILL BE BACK."

                                                                                               Love,

                                                                                                             Ginny.

(A\N: Sorry, I suck at writing letters. So kindly co-operate.)

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TheSecretCharacter: Thanks for the encouragement and the tips. I needed that.