After listening to Luna and her father chatter about Spackems for three hours, Harry was ready to find the house. It wasn't that he minded their conversation; it was just that Harry felt the need to be alone again.
"We're on your road, Harry!" Luna exclaimed.
Harry turned to look out the window. All he could see was rolling green hills, a few country roads, and houses dotted here and there. It was beautiful.
They drove for a few more minutes and finally came to a stop in front of a small cottage. It was made of stone and had green shutters on the windows. A crooked chimney sat atop the roof. Harry couldn't believe he was finally here. Hagrid had told him about the cottage and given him the key. He had said that James and Lily liked to get away from things every once in a while and he wanted Harry to be able to do the same.
"Would you like us to come in with you, Harry?" Luna asked.
"That's alright. You can just leave my stuff at the door and I'll manage from there." Harry began to carry his things to the cottage. His mind was swirling with memories and hopes. He turned and saw Luna's dad bringing up the rest of his articles.
"Thank you, sir." Harry grabbed the bags from him and set them down. Luna's father held out a hand and Harry grasped it, shaking firmly.
"You're a good boy, Harry," Luna's father told him.
Luna came up then. "It was lovely seeing you, Harry. I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for."
"I hope so, too," replied Harry.
"But things have a way of coming back to you, in some form or other." Luna stood up on her tiptoes to put her arms around him and give him a hug.
Harry looked at her, surprised. "Thanks for the ride. Goodbye, Luna. I'll miss seeing you at school in the fall."
Luna smiled up at him mischievously. "We'll see each other again. It's only temporary, after all."
Harry was confused. "What's only temporary?" he called after Luna.
"Good luck, Harry," Luna shouted to him before getting in the car. Harry watched the orange car take off down the driveway. Luna had waved one last time. Harry had waved back.
Harry shook his head and took out the key to the cottage. It was slightly rusty, but the door opened smoothly without any protest from the hinges. Harry stood back as the door swung open. He took a cautious step inward, dragging his things in from behind.
"HARRY!" a voice boomed from his left.
Hermione went home with the Weasleys from the train station. She was going to stay with them until her parents got back from a holiday in Spain. Mrs. Weasley was always happy to have Hermione over and had prepared a bunk in Ginny's room.
Almost the entire family was now seated around the dinner table. Charlie was helping Arthur with some secret project; Bill had brought Fleur home for a couple of days. Even Fred and George were there. They had come home at Arthur's request. They were needed for something to do with the Order; ever since Dumbledore had died, the twins had become increasingly involved with the Order. Percy wasn't there, for which most of the siblings were thankful.
Ron was happy to be surrounded by his family again. They were loud, and definitely annoying, but it was comforting in these uncertain times. Molly and Arthur had avoided bringing Harry up, because it inevitably started an argument and made everyone remember how awful everything was. Ron missed Harry, but was trying to understand and give him space. He heard sniffling from his right. He turned and saw Ginny fighting back tears. Arthur noticed it at the same moment.
"Ginny, what's wrong?" Arthur gently asked.
"H..H..Harry's gone," she hiccupped.
"We know," Charlie said, putting an arm around Ginny for a quick squeeze.
"No, you don't," Ginny said loudly, pushing Charlie's arm from her. "None of you understand!"
"Ginny, what the hell?" Ron asked.
"Shut up, Ron! I'm pregnant!" After blurting this, Ginny immediately covered her mouth with her hand. Her eyes went wide, as if she couldn't believe what she had just said.
"What?!" Charlie looked dazed.
Hermione and Fleur stared at each other in silent shock.
"I'll kill him!" Ron yelled.
"Oy oy oy!" Fred and George yelled together.
Mrs. Weasley had both hands covering her mouth, and was shaking her head back and forth.
"Excuse me?" Arthur said, his voice deadly quiet.
"I…I…" Ginny stuttered.
"You what?" Arthur asked menacingly.
Ginny regained her earlier fire and held herself up with dignity. She said calmly, "I'm pregnant."
Arthur let his breath out in a hiss. "The father?" he asked.
"Harry," Ginny replied, her voice wavering slightly.
"Why Ginny, you'll be famous!" Molly cried out delightedly.
"Hush, Molly." Arthur glared at his wife until she looked away. "This is most unfortunate, Ginny. You will dispose of it immediately."
"No!" Ginny screamed, panic evident in her voice. "I want it! I want it so badly--"
"Shame! Shame! Harlot!" Arthur yelled, cutting her off. He began to throw rose water on her.
"Arthur, stop," Molly begged.
"No daughter of mine will give birth to a bastard child!" Arthur thundered.
Fred jumped up from his seat. He pulled Ginny behind him and turned to Arthur. "Dad, stop it! This isn't you!" George also stood up and protectively held Ginny.
Arthur was quickly turning red from his rage. He opened his mouth to say something else, and then collapsed.
"Dad?" several voices asked.
"Arthur!" Molly screamed. She ran over and fell down beside Arthur. "Arthur!" she screamed again.