Thanks to those who reviewed and faced me with the problem of the Weasleys. Hopefully I've solved it to your happiness here. There's still the family to come though in their quest for acceptance in their love for each other.

To and Back Again

opening up

A portkey, it's as simple as a kettle, but there's more to it. Linked hand in hand in a circle each person grabbed onto whatever or whoever they could. They spun high lifting higher and higher to new places for a portkey was to drop them off all in their respective homes. The Weasley clan, or at least what was left of it had scattered back home like lost children in need of protection. It had been a hard day especially for those who had lost. The wizarding world had won against Lord Voldemort that's true, but many hadn't made it to see the pinnacle of their efforts transform into their triumph. Hermione and Ron were next to go. As they walked down through the clouds there feet scampered along the ground once more.

"Bye!" They waved smiling at those left. Harry wished to be the one next to Hermione, but it was not so. She had gone with Ron. He hoped she confessed sooner rather than later for with each passing second that he didn't have her in his arms he felt so lost, so broken. He just wanted to scream his love of her to the world right there at that very moment. Only one problem faced him. The Weasleys. How would they react, would their relationship with him and Hermione break with one simple truth? Probably.

The last to arrive home where Ginny and Harry. Landing softly on the grass in front of their garden porch Harry leaned in for a kiss. A time like this needed lies, comforting lies for life had never been so cruel. Yet, something seemed wrong as he planted his lips dry with blood on hers. She pulled away eyeing him with disbelief. It seemed Harry had been caught out once again, lies were never his forte.

"What?" Harry said blushing crimson red. He grinned sheepishly as Ginny greeted him with a chuckle.

"I know Harry. I've known for quite a while." She smirked, but still she hadn't mentioned what this was all about. Harry gave an expression of confusion at which saw a sign to hurry up to spitting out her findings. "It's Hermione, isn't it?" She said. It surprised him that she didn't seem gutted at all.

"How? I mean why?" He said correcting himself as he remembered the bet he and Hermione had on. Yet his patch over the truth seem transparent as Ginny smiled incandescently. At her expression his face flushed scarlet as he looked at his feet shuffling them around in embarrassment.

"Come on Harry. You don't fool me with you kisses. They're not the same…anyway…" Ginny said blushing at her own remark as Harry grinned sheepishly. "The way you look at her like you long for her to yourself…" She continued.

"How? In what way do I look at her differently." Harry mocked for he did not see anything Ginny had to go on with the comments she stated.

"Oh, Harry. You've been great, but… I see how you love her, how you wish her to be yours, and it's fine by me." She said, Harry looked at her disbelievingly, surely she has to be affected by Hermione's part in my life somehow. It can't just be sunshine and daisies for her to know this he thought. "Really, it's ok Harry. We haven't been the best couple out there, have we? She asked, Harry's slow nod confirmed her fears for she truly in her heart didn't want to let Harry go, but she knew it was the right thing to do.

"How long have you known?" Harry asked hesitantly for he did not want to know the true extent of her pain, but it would have to come out either way.

"Some time…" Ginny blushed. It had clearly been hard to keep her knowledge to herself, nonetheless it had come out in the nick of time for Harry really hadn't want to pull Hermione into the mess of telling her of their love. "Tell me Harry, how do you love her, like a friend or like something more? I really don't want to lose you to just some teenage feelings over one girl." She confessed she eyes welling up. Harry wiped them away with his thumb.

"Shhh, it's ok. It's perfectly alright to get upset. I do love her Ginny, more than I thought I could, it's not pretend this time. I want to be with her." Harry hushed as he pulled his old long-time girlfriend in for an embrace, a hug of comfort. With her tears drying up as she twisted Harry's rich locks around her long fingers she looked up at him, his eyes said sorry, but her heart wanted to tear him apart to shreds. Her thoughts where put aside when she remembered something she scolded herself for forgetting.

"Harry, I can't believe I'm so stupid to forget this, it happened today…" Ginny began. Harry encouraged her on with her story, her eyes lit up at his acknowledgement of her as he was not to run away from her any time soon for she needed a shoulder to cry on, especially at a time like this. For Harry, a death of a brother, a break up from the world's new pet who'd saved the day would be hard to stand up from. With Ginny's strong hold over her feelings he cuddled her in one tight bearhug as Harry gestured to the front door for the chills had started to get to him.

"Yes, Harry, thank you. Let's get inside before we catch a cold!' She chuckled regaining her spirits. Harry smiled happy to see Ginny back in her usual state.

Inside a warm fire greeted them, as they warmed up snuggling up together on the couch. Their feet intertwined as Ginny's head lay on Harry's chest. With each movement of his torso as he breathed Ginny lulled into sleep. Her eyes drifted off into a land of imagination as Harry stroked her long ginger hair. Both were frazzled, it had been a day filled of emotions that had exhausted them both out. Looking up at Harry, Ginny tossed from her slumber.

"Harry, it's Dean he came to me during the battle." She said calmly. Her story sounded as if its ending was going to be happy rather than the sadness that had evolved during the day's events.

"I have a feeling this is going to be good." Said Harry grinning from eye to eye. Ginny chuckled. His smile always brought laughter to her eyes.

"Well, he…uh." Stumbled Ginny for she knew what she was going to say would really have a huge effect on their relationship status. Harry though, encouraged her with a nod. "He's in love…with…ah…me!" She said ecstatically. Harry smiled, his eyes twinkled as he was truly happy for her, at least she still had someone out there that loved her.

"That's great, Ginny. I'm so happy for you!" Harry genuinely said for he was happy he hadn't stranded Ginny to be all alone to fend for herself. He continued, "And…uh… do you love him too? His smile shaky for this would not be as great as he thought if she didn't. Maybe he was the only one out there Ginny truly loved. His concerns were thrown away though when Ginny answered.

"I think so Harry. I'm so sorry, but I never think we would have turned out well as a pair." She murmured. Her head hang low for the worry of how Harry would react to what she had just said consumed her thoughts.

"Look Ginny, I'm happy for you, truly!" Harry said as he gently lifting up Gunny's chin so that her doe eyes could meet his. "We've both got what we wanted!" Chuckled Harry as his smile widened.

"Yeah, I guess so." Mumbled Ginny with a shaky smile.

"What's wrong?" Said Harry worried again.

"I'm just scared. What if … what if it doesn't turn out well again… like last time… and…all comes crumbling down between us." Said Ginny her whole body shaking from fear, and even her voice as she stuttered.

"I'm sure it won't Ginny. Anyway, he came all the way to you in the middle of chaos to say he loves you. Doesn't that mean something?" Said Harry assuring her that all would be fine.

"Probably," said Ginny still uncertain.

"Come on the guy could die, and he chooses to confess his love to you in the what seems the very end. That's something big and there's no doubt he truly does love you. The question is, do you love him as much as he does, are you brave enough to go back out there into the greater world where anything's possible?" Lectured Harry as he tried to beat the flustered Ginny out and back into her brave, wild, funny, optimistic self.

"Yeah Harry. I heard you the first time. I do have ears to hear you with," she said sarcastically.

"I know Ginny. But, seriously what's wrong with the risk taking side of you." He said wildly putting his thoughts out there. "You survived my love for Hermione, I'm sure you can face your own."

"I will, Harry," Ginny said succumbing to him. "But, you've gotta go get your girl then, come on!" She said nudging him as she scrambled to her feat from their cosy haven.

"Ow. Ok, ok. Fine!" Harry surrendered as he stood up. "But, one thing, if you need me I'm still here for you. I won't just abandon you for another" He said proudly for he would not let others suffer for his own benefit.

"Harry. Oh Harry! Don't you see I'm fine." Rebutted Ginny. "I've got Dean now," she smirked. "Now you've gotta get yourself that Hermione. I'll stand by you, but you've got to face Ron, your next Voldemort!" She teased.

"Yeah, yeah just lead me there." Harry said mockingly as he closed his eyes and wandered around.

"Eugh. Boys will be boys!" She teased as she pulled him towards her and kissed his cheek.

"Friends?" Asked Harry for it was still a mystery what the pair were now after love had entered the picture. Not just an ordinary love, a complicated one.

"Yeah, yeah. But, only if you get you butt over there and do what you've gotta do to get Hermione." Ginny mocked as she pushed Harry out the door. He looked like an innocent pup in the cold, damp midnight air, but Ginny wouldn't let that stop her in her fun revenge against Harry. To her she was just making sure Harry knew he was doing the right thing dumping her for Hermione. This was not like any other split in a relationship Ginny had experienced in her life. It felt was nice to be no longer labelled as the' Chosen One's girlfriend.' Still the world didn't know that for now! With a last glance Harry's way Ginny began to close the double oak front door.

Just before she closed it fully she said playfully, "Bye-bye Harry, good luck!" That was the last glimpse of Ginny Harry saw that night. Her face smirking through the gap in the door as she waved a goodbye at him.

"Thanks," said Harry as he turned away from the house, a simple one just for the pair of them really, but it seemed not anymore as Ginny had another as he did too. Under his breath he muttered, "I'll need all the luck I can to get Ron to understand." He was the man in this relationship, he couldn't just leave all the dirty work to Hermione so he'd decided to pitch in to help her confession and forget the challenge she had set him. All he wanted was to be free to proclaim his love of his one true partner to the world. The bet no longer meant anything to him, to win or to lose it didn't matter to him either way. Love was what kept him going, it fuelled his walk, the dreaded trip to Hermione and Ron's.

He ran around the back of his and Ginny's home, but he supposed it wouldn't be that way much longer. The shed, rusty and tattered met him. Opening the wood-planked door it creaked as Harry swiftly grabbed his old Firebolt broomstick. It had been a gift from Sirius at the end of his third year at Hogwarts. It was the only fragment of his godfather he had left. He wanted to share his life with Hermione for the rest of his days, but one hurdle lay ahead. Ron. More probably ahead even. The Weasley family, he guessed would be the hardest to break the news to. In time he'd notice his observations were correct, but maybe a little bland for the reaction of his love would be immense either way, good or bad. He hoped it leant on the better side, but all the odds of that happening were against him.

A starry night was rode that night as Harry made a trip over to Ron and Hermione. Worries and anxieties consumed his ride as they annoyed him with the consequences his actions would have. He flew overhead many houses, large and small, empty and full. Their lights flicked against those of the stars above. The city was asleep, he hoped Ron was too for he wished so hard that it frightened him that he wouldn't have to face his rage tonight of all nights.

He caught a glimpse of his destination, it was a country house, just simply a small cottage. The Weasleys had always been minimalistic, tight and loving. The little rickety cottage that was surrounded in gardens of buttercups, daisies, and all kinds of flowers showed all the characteristic of a Weasley dwelling. A light flickered within as it ate away at the darkness pulling Harry closer. He slowed his ride, his broomstick obeyed letting him off onto the meadow below. Walking ever so carefully he neared the house. Scurrying closer he peeked through the open window. Ron and Hermione laid in bed, a barrier seemed to separate them, the distance was so great, Ron on one edge with Hermione on the other. The voices travelled through the window and into the crisp breeze.

"Hermione really what's this all about?" Said Ron clearly frustrated. "Can't it wait till the morning Mione?"

"No, I think you really should know this!" Answered Hermione in desperation for Ron to hear what she wanted to say.

Peeking through the window Harry was astonished. This was one big fight, not just a mere disagreement. Just like Harry had told her Hermione was to confess to Ron her love for Harry. It seemed she'd kept her side of the challenge as right before his very eyes he saw the scene evolve from one of anger to a raging battle.

"Come on spit it out. What do you so badly need to tell me?" Ron said his voice bold and loud. He was the man of this house, and no secrets were kept from him.

"Oh…If you don't care…" Said Hermione, her voice growing weaker, quieter as each moment passed.

"I do care Mione, just tell me it please!" Ron pleaded for her recognition of his part in this conversation.

"No you don't!" Hermione screamed for the world to know her hatred of Ronald Bilius Weasley.

"Yes I do!" Rebutted Ron fiercely. "See," he said pulling her in for a kiss, passionate, but forced. Hermione though, pulled away beginning to cry. At first they were mere weeps, then she they were shrieks. Harry so wanted to barge into the room to comfort her, but he was glued to his spot outside as she shivered away because of the cold, and even through the pain that Hermione's agony brought him. To make matters worse Ron wasn't even trying to help as he just shook her intensely screaming, "Get a hold of yourself Hermione!" Oh how Harry wished he could kill Ron. Ron was utterly useless in his ordeal to silence Hermione.

In the midst of her howls of excruciation she let herself go. "I don't love you!" She murmured immediately silencing herself in the suspense for Ron's response. His jaw dropped as his mouth hang open it wasn't a pretty sight.

"What did you say?" Whispered Ron in disbelief.

It's unbelievable how quickly a conversation can switch directions. This particular one had gone from annoyance to rage and then finally silence that was kept at bay by the deadly whispers of shock.

"I don't love you, I loath you Ron!" She said out plainly, yet Ron still thought this all was merely a nightmare he'd wake up from to find Hermione his, all his right next to him. "I've never loved you Ron." It was like a sword to his heart for his love life as he knew it was gone. He muttered words, complete gibberish as he slunk back into his own world.

"There's someone else…" Ron murmured, his eyes innocently lost for nothing could explain the situation at hand.

"Yes!" Hermione replied her voice strong and sharp as it pierced Ron. "Someone you'll never compare to!" She teased. It wasn't a playful tone, but a serious one instead.

Ron looked up, his eyes welling up with tears. The man had emotions, that was new! Unlike Ginny he'd been affected by this new love in the complete opposite way. Harry thought Ron had seen him as he began to mutter a name over and over again like a broken record.

"Harry!" Ron yelled for that was the only person he knew of that he'd never be on the same level on. He was just Ron, ordinary poor Ron while Harry was the 'Chosen One', the whole world adored him and wanted him as their lover. It sucked to be a loner, and now he was one. Well, he supposed he still had Lavender out their, his own personal fan.

Hermione stormed out with a "Yes!" The smirk on her face shattered Ron's heart. One blow could be fatal, and this was one of those kind. It hurt to be alone. Harry looked apologetically in Ron's direction even though he wouldn't see him it would be better that way for who knows what would happen if the two met face to face. Ron crept back under the covers of his bed and cried. He shut his eyes and repeated over and over to himself. It's just a dream, I'll wake up and she'll be next to me. Unfortunately for Ron that would never be the case, his dreams were just fantasies that would never be spun into reality.

The door slammed closed, the front door to be exact as Hermione ran off. Where she'd go would be a mystery for there was no place for her anymore. The one person she wished would be there in her yard was Harry and it seemed magic that he actually was there. Maybe it was just a coincidence that they had been brought together at the time both needed each other. Nonetheless they were there in the same place at the same exact moment and that's what mattered. The second Hermione saw him there she ran towards his form. Their eyes locked as she her footsteps pattered his way.

"Hermione!" Muttered Harry as she fell into his arms. Combined in an embrace they were united in harmony.

Muffled within her weeps Hermione said, "I love you!" Harry looked down onto her helpless form as he stroked her her, taming its wildness. He was so sorry for dragging Hermione into this. It was his job, the hard work was meant for him, yet he forced it upon Hermione to tell Ron her feelings without him by her side.

"I'm so sorry Mione." Harry whispered as he breathed in the sweet scent of her chocolate hair. Together they held their hug of comfort for the worst was yet to come.

It was pure coincidence that Ron saw their little embrace as he had gone up to the window to close it for the night's breath of cold had been getting on his nerves. The sight before him was shocking. Harry had always been the one he knew, but he had thought Hermione was over him being with Ginny. Yet, he was in his garden with his girl in an embrace of comfort. Words of love, support and comfort were shared. It should have been Ron saying those words to her, but he had missed his opportunity. At least Hermione is with the one she loves even if it isn't me. I never deserved her anyway thought Ron as he returned to his bed and awaited his dreams to comfort him as he drifted of into a deep slumber. Outside the company of Harry and Hermione together in each others arms continued.

"I missed you!" Whispered Hermione as she slowly caressed his abs, his muscles. He was her one true love and he stood in all his glory before her.

"Me too." Agreed Harry as he rubbed the small of her back tenderly comforting her, relaxing her nerves that had been overworked in her debate with Ron.

"Hey! How did you get here anyway?" Said Hermione as she had been surprised at Harry's presence in her home she hadn't really asked how or even why Harry had travelled all the way to her place.

"My wonderful ride, and yours tonight my lady," Harry proudly said as he gestured to his firebolt that hovered on the overgrown lawn. "Ginny forced me to come and as she said 'go get you butt over there and do what you've gotta do to get Hermione' I quote." He chuckled at the thought.

"You told Ginny without my help, how brave of you!" She remarked earning a sheepish grin from Harry. "You've lost your bet there Sir Potter!" She smirked for he had promised not to tell a single soul about his love for a week, but it seemed he lied. Harry wiggled his toes, as he looked at his feet clearly ashamed. "What do you owe me then…? She teased.

"A romantic ride through the moonlight with none other than the famous Harry Potter?" Harry proudly proposed. It was definitely a 'yes' from Hermione as she hopped on the broomstick behind Harry. "I think that's a yes!" He announced happily.

"Of course it is," mocked Hermione.

With that agreed Harry kick started his ride with a bang. The firebolt model really lived up to it's name for it truly was fast as the stars seemed to run along with them as they cut through the midnight air. Harry spun his head around for a glance at the starstruck Hermione. Seeing his invitation she indulged in a kiss. It was passionate, lively, but short lived as someone had to steer their wild horse. Harry with his eyes back on the sky flew them over the city, and into the country once again. A hill was their landing. The grass was soft, but damp with dew.

Under his breath Harry muttered, "Accio picnic," and right before the pairs eyes the most romantic gesture came to life. A picnic under the stars. Quenching their hunger for one another they lay on the fuzzy checkered blanket tangled in sheets and pillows the pair were together in peace, completely alone for once in a very long time. Chaos had fled far far away, and life was gracious to them for the first time in forever. With their legs intertwined kisses were an overload as heaven was at their fingertips. They were not just ordinary snog, not quick and light, but intense as the two danced in the moonlight. The time for words was over as silence arose, not a deadly one, but one of bliss and pure joy. Passionate love lay between Harry and Hermione. This was what togetherness felt like. That night was their first together as one. It had been a day of achievements. Not only had peace been restored to the world, but harmony and love had been declared by the two, Harry and Hermione.

As they sat regaining their breath from their wild adventure that had took them far far away into different worlds they eyed the food that awaited them licking their lips at the sweets that made their stomachs churn for the tastes that would be relished. Delicious delicacies flew into their mouths as each and every of their hearts desire were satisfied. Life could never be this nice without magic involved. For both wished their love to never end there would always be enemies who stood in their way at every turn in their fun. This relationship was going to be a hard one to break to those close to them.

Together hand in hand too tired for another blast through the air the pair apparated back to the place they spent their previous christmas. Godric's Hollow. The old Potter manor covered in ivy, and torn to bits from its last battle between good and evil would have to do for their home for now. It would have to be restored noted Harry. Together they stepped through the shattered front door and found a resting place in the guest bedroom as many rooms had been destroyed and turned to rubble. In each others arms they slept. It was the best rest either had received in their lives. Both crept quietly into their dreams of which they lived happily in perfect harmony, but life wouldn't make it that easy of course. Revenge was coming their way.

I'm suffering from severe writer's block so if anyone out there has any ideas for what should happen next please don't be afraid to voice them.