Harry dropped to his knees by the headstone that bore Ginny's name. Hands shaking, he gently placed the journal onto the headstone, being careful not to cover any of the words. He had helped pick out what the headstone would say, since the Weasley's knew how much Ginny meant to him. Ginny, loved by all for her bright personality and loving attitude. You are loved, forever and always. Harry had read this saying so many times, but yet, it still made him cry.
Tears slipped out of his eyes and traveled down his cheeks, destined for the ground. "Ginny, I'm so sorry. I can't believe you've been gone a year. I just… I miss you. It's all my fault you're gone." Sobs racked his body and his breathing became ragged. "I know that you probably hate me for not being able to save you. I know your family hates me." Unable to help it, Harry dropped to his knees in front of the grave.
Brushing old leaves and petals off the grave, he was rewarded with an image of her beautiful face. "Oh Ginny…" He stroked her cheek, wishing he could just hold her one more time. Feel the warmth of her smile, and know why he was alive. "I don't know how I'm still here… I just don't understand this." His voice came out in choppy emotion ridden sentences. All of a sudden, he heard a branch crack. Knowing it was probably a wizard; he quickly wiped away his tears and stood. Practically running out of the cemetery, he caught a glimpse of red hair. Just as he had thought, Ron had come to see his little sister today.
Instead of leaving, Harry ducked behind a tree, staying hidden, so he could see who had disturbed him. As he had thought, it was in fact a Weasley. But what Harry hadn't noticed, was that Hermione and Luna were with Ron. How bizarre, Harry thought deeply, and then remembered they had all been friends at school. Turning o leave, Harry was struck by a thought. The journal. He had left the journal there, and now everyone would know… there was no way they wouldn't make the connection! He cursed at himself, and knew that they were just wondering where he had gone. After a year, he had finally been discovered.
Their long lost hero now returned. Without a doubt, they would all try to convince him to return to the magical world. But Harry had had enough with that world. Why did he have to be a wizard? Why couldn't he have just been a muggle, and not had to deal with being "The Chosen One" and "The Boy Who Lived". But worst of all, was losing so many people in a war cause by him. It still hit him as hard as the day it happened. All those lives, gone and it was his fault. Harry was startled out of his thoughts as he heard footsteps coming toward the tree.
"Oy, mate!" Ron flipped his overgrown red hair out of his eyes and continued toward the tree. Luna and Hermione followed closely, not wanting to crowd Harry. "Harry, please come out." Hermione always had a reasonable voice, and Harry almost came out. "Harry, let me see my hero again. Please." Luna. His heart stopped and he came out from behind the tree. "Well hello there…" Harry looked down at the ground and scuffed it with his toe.
Hermione couldn't control herself any longer, and ran to him, flinging her arms around his shoulders. Luna soon followed suit and Harry was drowning under a pile of limbs as Ron joined. "Ger'off me!" His face was shoved into someone else's limb. One by one, they pulled themselves off of Harry. "Harry, how have you been?" "I've missed you so much Harry, how could you do that to us?" "Mate, you have no clue how much you've hurt my mother." All three talked over each other, and Harry's head reeled as he tried to keep up.
"Can you guys take turns or something; I can't keep track of who's talking to me!" Harry just shook his head, rather confused as to what they had been saying. It was Ron that began, his eyes tearing up slightly. "Harry, you have no clue how much my mother has worried about you this past year. She realized how cruel she seemed to you, but really, she loves you. She just wants you to come home again so things can go back to normal." Ron patted Harry's arm rather roughly, wanting him to know how much he cared. Nodding at Hermione, he stepped back a bit, letting her have time to talk. "Harry, I don't know what to say. It was like… we lost you just as much as we lost our other friends. The Ministry of Magic needs you. After the war, they sort of fell apart. Everyone is lost; we just need someone to show us how things should happen. Please Harry, don't stay away from us, I don't think I could stand it." Hermione stepped back into line and patted Luna's back, giving her the floor.
Luna was wearing radish earrings that Harry had learned to love. "Harry, they've pretty much already said it, but we need you. We all miss you; we just want you to come back. I know you miss Ginny, and it doesn't seemed fair that you lose everyone you love, but you haven't lost us. So please, at least show the world that you are still alive, just so we can stop worrying." Harry found tears welling in his own eyes and held out his arms to embrace his three friends. "I've missed you guys so much. I knew, as soon as I left the wizarding world, that that was where I belonged. But, I can't go back. Not to the place that killed my sweet Ginny. Owl me, and we can keep in touch. I'll miss you guys, so much more than you know. Thank you for talking to me. But nothing you do or say will ever convince me to stay. I truly am sorry, but I just can't do it."
Harry pulled out of the hug and turned his back to them. He knew they were all shocked, but he didn't care. He was done, he had quit magic and he didn't intend to return, at least, not yet. Slowly, he walked away from them and headed to his car. Turning the key, he left the three of them standing in the cemetery, surrounded by the ruins of their hero's braveness.