A/N: From now on, Author's Notes will be at the end. FYI, I'm still with the story.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter and Bloomsbury and Scholastic own the publishing rights.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."

Anaïs Nin

Chapter 4

Moving On

At some point in life, you will start to wonder where your friends have gone, the pacts you have made, and the sweet things you used to have in life. Then you start thinking about what ifs things that could be and the truth is that the past is always going to be the past. When you make mistakes, you learn from it. To feel, think and make mistakes is what makes us human.

xxxx

Sometimes, life's sacrifice seem too little yet when we look back, there is so much we have lost along the way that it doesn't take a genius to feel the fraction of pain. That was what he felt now. It was certain that the insurmountable amount of courage that he gathered had disappeared in one moment of weakness. He was never one to show it but now, things had definitely changed. Cathleen's warm embrace saved him from the violent fall.

Harry stood up albeit slowly and walked towards the house he knew as the Burrow. With Cathleen as his crutch, he made it in and called for his children. Irene and Will were at his side immediately. They knew how much their father needed them ever since they found out about the cancer. Fortunately, it was nothing serious except for the slight symptom that showed a while ago.

As they entered, Harry gave a small smile to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley as well as Hermione but looked at Ron with a pained expression that mirrored his sadness. It hurt him that his best friend loathed him. At least, that was what he thought. Harry gathered his strength and told his wife that they were leaving.

Cathleen looked on helplessly and shared a look with Mrs. Weasley for help. Fortunately, Mrs. Weasley understood and took action. It was a relief for Cathleen for she knew that Harry had needed this very much.

"Harry dear, how about this. I'd very much like you to stay with us, at least for the night. It's been a long time and I would be very happy if you do stay for the night," Mrs. Weasley said.

"Mrs. Weasley, that won't be necessary. I don't want to trouble you."

"Oh, Harry it won't be a problem to us."

"Really, Mrs. Weasley; I don't think it's a good idea."

"Harry, let's just stay here for the night, alright dear? I'm very tired and you need rest. You're not fit to drive right now. Please Harry," Cathleen intervened.

Harry always had a soft spot for Cathleen and reluctantly relented. Mrs. Weasley showed them to their rooms and after a while, retired for the night.

xxxx

When Ron was little, he used to think how unlucky he was to have second hands and not able to be at the centre of attention. Now, he was not sure about it anymore. What he did to Harry surprised even himself and he felt that he deserved what he got from Hermione.

His conscience was eating him. How could he do that to a friend who lost everything, yet still found courage to be by their side? Perhaps he was just feeling self-centred at the time. Oh, what had he done?

Ron clearly remembered the last time they met before Harry's disappearance. It was right after the war and Harry was in his room as he always did whenever he came to stay at the Burrow. Nothing hinted that Harry would leave them the next day. Back then, everything felt normal for a while, even with the grief that clung to the air mingled with joy of victory over the Dark Lord and his followers. Then, Harry disappeared and he never heard from him again. The memory of it made Ron wince.

That night, he slept on the uncomfortable couch, feeling his back tense as he tried to stretch. Hermione had flat out refused to allow him to sleep with her until he had returned to his senses. The irony was that it worked as it always did most of the time.

Frustrated, Ron slipped off the couch and went straight to the kitchen. He filled up the glass with water and downed it in one gulp. The insomnia he was experiencing started to give him a headache. Merlin, he could not stand the guilt. His mind was telling him to do something but how can he ever get close to him after my foolish action?

Hermione's shadow crept closer. He could feel her presence in the same room he stood in. As much as he loved her, he could not bring himself to look at her face. He could not imagine how Harry had felt at the time. 'Bet it is much worse than what I am feeling right now,' Ron thought.

Meanwhile, Hermione felt rather displeased and disappointed at Ron's behaviour. She tried to sleep but her thoughts strayed to Harry and Cathleen's words earlier. Why did she say 'before it's too late'? Is something going on that I need to know? Questions that needed answers invaded her thoughts and after a while, she decided to go down to the kitchen for some much-needed hot chocolate.

Hermione was not surprised to see Ron standing with a glass half-filled with water when she entered the kitchen. She prepared her hot chocolate and settled on a chair. Occasionally, she sipped it and after a moment, she looked up to see Ron still standing. Hermione decided to make the best of the situation. At first, both were silent for an extended time before Hermione broke the silence.

"Ron, are you alright?" Hermione hesitantly asked.

"Of course I'm not! This day just got worse. Quidditch practice for the Cannons didn't go very well. I visit mom to see Harry yet I blew up on him and hurt his feelings, then, you gave me the couch. Nice day isn't it?"

"Ron, stop this. I was angry at what you did to Harry but I don't think you understand just how much you know about Harry."

Ron huffed. "Excuse me! We were friends since the first time we met. If anyone ought to know him, I would!"

"You know what; I'm trying to have a peaceful conversation. No screaming, no yelling, well, screaming and yelling are almost the same but not really the same. Are you still with me? However, my point is, I wanted to talk about him, about what is bothering you."

"I'm sorry. I've been thinking a lot about it, with the short space of time, I might add. I guess I just wanted to vent my anger that was inadvertently caused by my own guilt from my own foolishness."

"Just let me tell you this. I need you to listen to me but that's really up to you wouldn't it. If you really know Harry, you'd understand his reason for leaving. If you really were his friend, you'd try to be supportive. I feel awful for asking him to come when you obviously have no intention to welcome him in a proper manner. I don't expect a lot more from you than just to be nice but you needn't ruin it."

"I know I made a big mistake. This time, I'm not sure if I can fix it."

"Don't worry, he'll come along. Just try your best and talk to him. I think it's a lot to take in a day. I'm calling it a night. You're still sleeping on the couch and I'll be locking my door to make sure you don't come in. I think I'm going to visit Cathleen for a bit tomorrow at the Borrow after sunrise. You can come with if you want, maybe talk to Harry and work things out, catch up on things."

"I don't know. I'll think it over. Guess I'll just have to make do with the couch then. I hope you're in your best mood tomorrow. That way, I won't have to sleep on the couch anymore." In his mind, Ron was actually thinking about visiting Harry the next day.

"There's no way you're coming with me, mister. You'll be sleeping on that couch as long as Harry does not forgive you, which I doubt he would but it'll take time. Night, Ron."

xxxx

Morning came quickly and the sun had risen with a beautiful glow. It looked as if things will go smoothly today. One couple woke in each other's arms accompanied by the sound of children shouting. They decided to wait it out before...

"Irene, Will, stop shouting!"

"I think that's our cue," Cathleen said, her eyes alight with mirth.

"Yeah, I think so too."

It was then that both of them made it downstairs after they made themselves presentable. Cathleen went straight to the kitchen to help Mrs. Weasley but was shooed out and asked to ready the table instead. Harry, on the other hand headed straight to both of his children with the sternest expression on his face. His children, Irene and Will instantly put themselves in their places and kept quiet.

"What were you doing, shouting around the house?"

"It was his/her fault," they both simultaneously said.

"Right, what did you both do?"

"You see daddy, Will made me peek through your door to see what you and mother were doing. I didn't see anything, honest!"

"That's no true! You went to see for yourself after I clearly said no peeking!"

"Oh yes it is true! You were there too, aren't you? You couldn't resist." Irene shot back.

"Irene, Will, please explain yourselves."

"Umm... well..." Irene fumbled for an answer while Will fiddled with his fingers.

"Well, I'm waiting."

"Alright, I confess," Irene said.

"We both confess," Will continued.

"I was just worried," Irene said.

"Whether you were alright," Will said.

"You did look pale, daddy," Irene said.

"It gave us quite a scare," Will said.

"And we wanted to make sure that nothing's wrong with you," both of them said.

"You both are giving me a headache and a clear impression of Fred and George. However, I appreciate the fact that you both really care for me. I love you both."

"Breakfast is ready!" Mrs. Weasley called out.

"Right then, let's eat our breakfast," Harry told the twins.

They tucked into a pleasant meal. Things seem to go nicely by the time they finished breakfast. Arthur, who had joined them for breakfast much later and rather briefly too, had gone to work. Cathleen helped Mrs. Weasley clear the table and washing the dishes. It was a while after that Cathleen and Mrs. Weasley were engaged in a conversation while Harry took the time to play with the twins outside the house.

"Mrs. Weasley," Cathleen started.

"What is it, Lynn and please, do call me Molly."

"Err yes, Mrs. Weas... I mean, Molly. I don't know if I should tell you this."

"What is it dear, tell me."

Then, someone knocked the door. Mrs. Weasley excused herself and opened the door to find Hermione standing outside. She welcomed her and offered her tea to which she gratefully accepted. They situated themselves comfortably.

"So, what was it that you were trying to tell me?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"Maybe some other time, when the time is right," Cathleen answered.

Mrs. Weasley seemed satisfied with the answer and changed the topic before it became awkward.

"How is Ron?" Mrs. Weasley asked Hermione.

"Oh, he's doing alright. I gave him space and time to think about it last night. In fact, I gave him the whole week to think about it. I think that knocked some sense into of him."

Mrs. Weasley gave a pleasant smile. "I'm sure you did, Hermione. If anyone can knock some sense into him and set him straight, that person would be you."

Hermione only gave a small nod. "You can do that too, Molly. After all, you are his mother."

"Pretty much so," Mrs. Weasley quietly said.

Cathleen, who had been listening to the conversation decided to steer the topic off but Hermione was intent on discussing about it. They talked about what happened after they had gone home and Cathleen did not tell the whole truth about what happened to Harry during the night. Cathleen told them about the time she met Harry while studying at a university. They were so immersed in their conversation that they did not notice Ron's arrival. Ron felt grateful for it gave him time to talk to Harry.

Ron went to the back of the house and saw Harry with his children. He could tell that Harry seemed content with what he had in his life, a wife and two children to fill the void. From what he heard from Hermione, Harry now worked as a doctor at a muggle hospital. 'Still trying to save people," Ron mused, shaking his head.

Deciding to make his presence known, Ron stepped out of the shadows and headed towards Harry. As he neared him, Harry turned his head at the direction of the sound. Even though his reaction the day before was somewhat overboard, Harry gave him a knowing smile. Ron took this opportunity to sit next to him and make peace. Although how uncomfortable it may be, Ron spoke up first before the latter.

"So, how are you holding up?"

"I'm fine."

"You're still sticking to I'm fine after all these years. You don't have to lie to me. I know I hurt you yesterday. Admit it for once."

"I don't care what you say but I'm fine. I've learned to let go while I was away. Sometimes life doesn't go your way sometimes it does. When it happens, the only thing I can do is face it with what I have. I didn't expect you to accept me and forgive right away but I won't pretend I was hurt even though I was well prepared. I'm fine now."

"I guess we changed even though it might not be much. Forgive me for everything."

"I've done that." Harry hesitated before voicing his thoughts. "Ron, why are you here?"

"Well, besides the fact that this is actually my parents' home, I thought I'd like to see you. Maybe talk. Isn't it obvious?"

"Whoa you learned to be an itsy bit sarcastic. I wonder where you got it."

"Spend it in the presence of my friend, Sara and it will rub off on you. She is the good girl and never says things considered rude or curse but she can be pretty sarcastic if you rile her up."

"Who is this Sara you're talking about?"

"For starters, her name is Sarah-Lettia Hans, known as Sara but people occasionally call her Lettia, especially her in-laws. Her husband, Frederick Simmons is my teammate as well as his sister, Chudleigh. They are chasers. Quite a sharp concentration they've got there."

"I miss the old times. Back when we talked about quidditch, you swooning over Hermione and I went out with Ginny. By the way, what happened to Ginny?"

"Ginny? She's going out with this guy, Matthew and I think there are hints of them heading towards the altar."

"I'm happy that she's happy. At least she's found her significant other. Ron, I'm happy to have a wife who willingly married me even though I'm a wizard and two children who cared for me and light up my day whenever I'm down. My wife Cathleen... err Lynn actually influenced my decision to come here. If it hadn't been for her, I might not be here."

"At least you are living a happy life. I'm grateful for that and I'm thankful Lynn asked you to come here. Otherwise, we won't be having this conversation."

Harry brightened up a little and spoke, "Don't let her catch you say that. If she gives you the green light to call her Lynn, then you are free to do so. She doesn't let people call her Lynn unless she asks you to do it. It is something about a sensitive issue that came up during her schooling years. Anyway, when will you introduce me to your other friends? I'll be here for a week since my boss was so generous but I'll have to be back after because my patients can't wait any longer."

"I'll tell you soon. Don't worry; it'll be within the week."

"I'll hold you to your word," Harry said.

Will and Irene walked back to Harry and settled on the grass. Harry introduced them to Ron and Ron to them. It was quite clear that both of them knew a lot about Ron since they were told stories about his adventure and the friends he made while he was at Hogwarts. The twins were being their unusual self, bubbly and talkative. They seemed to share a sense of adventure their father had during his school days. Though their father never had to look for trouble, trouble always looked from him.

Time went on and it was mid-evening. All of them decided to go in and have a much-needed rest. The women in the house were surprised to see both of them together as if nothing had happened. Hermione recovered first as well as Cathleen.

"Umm... Ron, when did you come here?" Hermione asked.

"A while ago. I apparated here and slipped to the back when you were talking. You didn't notice me so I didn't make a point to let myself known."

"Uh-oh."

"So, did you have fun with your father?" Cathleen asked the children.

"No, all he did was spend the whole day smiling at us. What does it look like?"

"Shut up, Irene. It's mother."

"I don't know what happened but I'll let you go this time, Irene."

"Aww that's not fair. She always gets away with things."

"I do not!"

"Do too!"

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

"Stop, right now or you both are grounded. Be grateful that your mother here is a little lenient. Will, you too always get away with things," Harry admonished.

The other occupants in the room watched them with amusement. They reminded them of Fred and George without the sharp wit and sarcasm. That brought back a little bit nostalgia but before they could wallow in it, a knock on the door interrupted them.

"Let's call it a knocking day," Cathleen muttered as Mrs. Weasley got up to see who was at the door.

"See, I know where you two got your sarcasm," Harry told the twins.

"Watch it, dearest. I may be sarcastic but my counterpart without the sarcasm is more dominant. I can be sarcastic when I want but I seldom choose not to."

"I know, I know. That's why I married you. Your personality appeals to me."

As it turned out, Arthur was back from work. Arthur's arrival put an end to their playful banter. By the time Arthur had freshened up, it was already dark. Then, it was dinnertime. Dinner was a wonderful affair. At least everyone was having a good time and seems to get along. Even Cathleen, who had been a little hostile towards Ron earlier on, had softened considerably. She appeared to tolerate Ron throughout the night. When everyone had finished dinner, they turned to the living space although Harry and Cathleen had called it a night and went to bed. The twins, Will and Irene also went to sleep. Nothing went wrong all though the night which was a blessing.

xxxx

The next day, Hogwarts letters arrived for both Irene and Will. They were excited at the thought of attending Hogwarts. Harry had explained about Hogwarts to Cathleen, Irene and Will before and since they had shown magical abilities, he was not surprised when the twins came running to him with their letters. He could see happiness in their eyes and he felt happy for them. Harry felt Cathleen snuggling closer to him, feeling content that very moment.

END CHAPTER

A/N: I know it's sappy but I think I ought to tell you to brace yourselves for the next chapter. I hope I'll pack it up with loads of angst since many things will happen and the type of cancer will be revealed. There is a slight change of the plot if you have noticed due to the release of HBP –yes, I've read it. Draco did not make an appearance in this chapter because I wanted to ask you whether you want him to be good or bad.

P.S. This story contains spoilers from all Harry Potter books so if think you don't want to know, don't read. Now here comes the part where I think all readers and reviewers who had taken such wonderful time just to read and review this piece of fan fiction. I sincerely thank all of you and I hope your support will keep on coming. Responses to reviews can be viewed at my yahoo groups, which can be found on my profile page. In addition, I'm dreadfully sorry for not writing for about three months. Stress, exam and depressing after exam week are not a good combination. Add on with a block that caused some problems with working on the plot is not pretty. Moreover, the television show, House is keeping me occupied.