I can't believe she's gone. I can't believe she would just desert us without a word. I can't believe she actually believed we'd left her behind, and I can't help wondering if she's dead now.

It was just a quick reconnaissance mission. It was off-books, but Hermione would understand I couldn't just let that information sit on the Minister's desk. I had to pursue it. I knew no one else was going to pay it any mind, and it was important.

I needed a modicum of separation. I was tired of being sent on useless Auror missions that did nothing other than get me out of the way. I was tired of listening to the whisperings in my own kitchen in the middle of the night. I was tired of hearing Hermione and Narcissa bond over Draco Malfoy.

Ron's explosive row with Neville was unfortunate, but it provided us with the opportunity to skip out for a bit. I didn't have to say a word to Ron. We had perfected the art of silent communication.

Now that I think about it, I saw it in her face. There was a moment while Ron and Neville were throwing punches and shouting at each other. I tore my gaze away from them and spied Hermione standing eerily close to Narcissa. She had faraway look in her eyes, which alerted me to the simple fact, Hermione was thinking.

She was always thinking these days, but it was a calculated sort of expression, and that wasn't like her. Hermione Granger was always the sort of witch to refer to her library of boring books and leave rushing into the fray to me. I saw her lips move, and then the overwhelming relief etched in Narcissa's stoic features before she hid her feelings behind her practised façade.

I should have done something. I should have taken the time to speak with her, but I was distracted. I allowed Ron's personal issues with the Malfoys to take precedence, and that was a problem. I was constantly caught between my two best mates, and I realise now, I do have a tendency to choose Ron.

I can't imagine that makes Hermione feel particularly welcome and appreciated. She is, of course, she is, but you have to understand it's different with blokes. Hermione is a bit stuffy, and never truly understood the allure of burping the alphabet and out farting one another.

I'm making excuses, and I shouldn't. Hermione is family, and we left her behind without a word. I honestly thought she wouldn't notice. I must admit I was feeling a bit jealous. I'm an arse.

"Harry?" That soft soothing voice broke into my thoughts, and I felt my entire body relax.

I didn't get to see her nearly as much as I would have liked. It was dangerous and I wanted to protect her. Since Hermione's disappearance, she had taken to sneaking through my Floo after her dad set off for the Ministry.

"You shouldn't be here." I sighed, as I struggled to sit up in the four-poster bed. I had taken to sleeping in Sirius's bedroom. It made me feel close to him, in a strange sort of way.

"You always say that, but you never send me away." I swung my feet to the floor and shoved my spectacles onto my nose.

My mouth fell open and I blinked heavily. Ginny usually hovered in the doorjamb and I would join her in the sitting room or the kitchen. We'd managed a few stolen kisses, but I always averse to doing more.

I had broken up with her before the horcrux hunt debacle, and I still felt it was safer for her that way. I didn't want to be away from her, but I couldn't bear the thought of something happening to her because of me. I still felt immense guilt for numerous Order members' deaths. I couldn't have hers on my conscience too.

I started with a quick swallow upon the realisation Ginny had pushed herself between my knees. Her filmy dressing gown barely kissed her shoulders, and I had a sneaking suspicion she was nude beneath. I was quite thankful the heavy quilts were still bunched in my lap.

"Er, uhm…Ron is…" I stuttered, my eyes drawn to the freckled expanse of skin between her covered breasts.

"He's gone to the Burrow." Ginny leaned forward to whisper in my ear, while she untied the loose bow at her waist.

I wanted to be stronger. I tried, I did. I know you don't believe me, but that's fine. I actually managed to raise my hands to push her away, but they landed on her breasts. No man would have been able to resist after that.

"You're trying to kill me, Gin." I breathed, fighting with my resolve. She moaned, literally moaned.

I didn't know such a guttural sound could be so bloody sexy. I wanted to tear my hands from her breasts, but they were so soft. Ginny seemed to like the way I was touching them and shrugged the dressing robe from her shoulders.

"No, I'm trying to shag you." Ginny bit my earlobe and pushed me over.

I wasn't against the idea of shagging. I had done it before, but never with my best friend's little sister. He would absolutely murder me if he discovered I was romping his baby sister, but I couldn't force myself to care when Ginny straddled me.

"Wait…Ginny…I…" She cut me off with a searing kiss, and it was strange to be a victim of role reversal.

You would think I would be the predator and Ginny my prey, but no. My little Weasley had a definitive idea, and she wasn't going to allow me to dissuade her. I wasn't going to stop her. I was nervous, not stupid.

"Shut up, Harry." The sexy lilt to her voice shot straight to my cock, and I was through.

I couldn't argue with her. I didn't want to argue with her. I dragged her down against my chest and sighed as her breasts were flattened against me. I was absolutely certain it was the best sensation in the entire world.

I fumbled for a bit, and there were awkward moments, laced with a few grunts of displeasure, but we sussed it out. Ginny was definitely not a shy witch. She grabbed my hand and shoved it directly between her legs. I nearly died when she used my fingers to bring herself pleasure.

I didn't mind the instruction. I hadn't been concerned with a woman's pleasure the first time I shagged. Contrary to Hermione's opinion, I did enjoy learning new things.

I learned Ginny's nipples are particularly sensitive. She enjoys teeth grazing across them, followed by some suction. She does not enjoy digits anywhere in the vicinity of her bum, but she does pant rather loudly if I give her arse cheeks a bit of a smack.

I also learned Ginny is ridiculously loud when she is coming. I nearly had to cover her mouth with my hand, but I had a sneaking suspicion she would have bit me. Instead, I kissed her and she bloody well bit my lip, with her fingers digging into my shoulders.

I nearly came undone when I slid into her. She was absolutely beautiful. Her dark red hair was spread across my pillow and her pale skin had a blushed sort of look to it. She looked up at me and nodded slowly.

"I love you." I hadn't meant to say it. It just sort of escaped my mouth the moment I was buried to the hilt.

Ginny winced and I felt horrid for spouting off, but I realised it had nothing to do with my words. She adjusted her hips and I remained still. I didn't want to hurt her, and it was abundantly clear she was a virgin.

"You can't tell me that and mean it when your cock is in me, Harry." Ginny wriggled her hips, which spurred me on to move.

I was groaning, she was groaning. I couldn't recall either of us casting a Silencing Charm and there were fleeting thoughts of Arthur bursting into my room. The last thing I needed was Ginny's father discovering us in flagrante.

I shouted, at least I think I shouted when I came to my end. I managed not to collapse on top of her. I didn't quite know what to do. The last thing I had expected when I awoke was for Ginny to climb into my bed, but I wasn't about to complain.

"I mean it, Gin. I do. I love you." I ignored the sticky sweat and body fluids in order to recline beside her.

She cried. I made Ginny Weasley cry.


Narcissa wasn't speaking to me. I probably should have been thankful or something, but I wasn't. I was irritated. She was acting as if it was my fault Hermione disappeared. It wasn't. I didn't convince her to go off on her own.

I probably should have told her, Ron and I would be back within a few days, but even so. She could have communicated with us. She could have left us a note or sent an owl. Shit. We could have done the same. It seems we were all wrong, and I felt bad about it, I did.

There was a team of Aurors keeping their eyes open for her, but no one had picked up a trail. I was frustrated, but there wasn't much I could do. I was completely drowning in never-ending paperwork.

Kingsley Shacklebolt was absolutely determined our priority should be regaining Hogwarts. I didn't disagree, but I really wanted to concentrate on that last horcrux. I felt it was my responsibility. If anyone had a hope or a prayer to destroy Voldemort, it was me, wasn't it? It was always me, that's what I had always been told, but I couldn't help wondering…what if they were wrong?

"You're a terrible friend, Mr Potter." Narcissa was back to calling me 'Mr. Potter'.

We had made such progress in our friendship, our civility, whatever you'd like to call it. Yet, the moment Hermione had fucked off, I was Public Enemy Number One, in my own damn house. I needed to end all of this.

"You're right." There, that should set her on her heels. "I should have told her. I keep trying to protect her, which is stupid because she's so brilliant. I know you gave her a task, I'm not stupid either. You sent her on a rescue, didn't you?"

Mrs Horrible Black started screaming as the Floo roared to life, but I ignored all that. I was busy studying Narcissa Malfoy. I had come to know her quite well, and I knew she was filled with unease, simply from the way she was unable to maintain eye contact.

"Hermione narrowed down the locations of Nagini." Narcissa ignored my question and completely knocked me off my feet.

I literally staggered, while bracing my hands on the roll top desk in the study. My throat was suddenly scratchily dry, and I struggled to swallow. I was vaguely aware of Order members shoving their way into the study, and then vacating, in order to gather in my kitchen.

It was going to be a madhouse. I couldn't remember the last time we had all been gathered together, but I still wanted answers. Narcissa stepped backwards, as if to turn, but I leapt forward and grabbed her shoulder.

"Mrs Malfoy, we could use your assistance…" Minister for Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt smiled at her. He smiled at her! "If you're finished with Mr Potter, of course."

"Minister." Narcissa nodded, her eyes suddenly an icy blue as they dallied over my hand on her shoulder.

"I need a minute, sir." Kingsley nodded, but it was obvious he wished to deny me.

"Mr Potter, I shall not inform Ms Weasley's father as to her extracurricular activities, if you can hold your tongue concerning mine." Narcissa quipped easily and I was still.

I blushed furiously. I was absolutely furious and also blushing. Those things do not belong together in the least, but I couldn't help it. Narcissa Malfoy was blackmailing me! I should have expected such underhanded cunning from a Slytherin.

I should have said something, definitely something insulting, but I just stood there. My mouth was gaped open like a floundering fish, and Narcissa smirked at me. I knew that smirk. I hated that smirk, and of course, then she was smiling for the Minister and bustling about preparing tea.

The mood was incredibly sombre in the kitchen, and I didn't like it. All eyes turned to me, and I swallowed hard. Something was amiss, and then I caught sight of Ron. His blue eyes were exceedingly red, and Ginny was holding him close.

Kingsley was conversing quietly with Arthur Weasley and Dedalus Diggle near the back door. I strained to hear them, but nothing could be discerned over the sounds of Hannah Longbottom's sniffling.

Yeah, I forgot to mention it, but Neville married her. She volunteered to postpone their wedding when Hermione disappeared, but Neville was against it. I understood his reasoning, though he never spoke them.

We had to embrace the good while we could. There was no telling what day would be our last. Might as well spend those moments with those we loved, and I knew as well as anybody, how much Neville loved Hannah.

"Hannah love, you know you can't get this upset. It isn't good for you or the babe."

Well shit, that was news to me. It was strange to think of Neville becoming a father. I had often wondered what sort of father I would be, considering I'd never truly had one. I worried I'd be rather shit at it honestly, but, I still want to try my hand at it. Someday.

"There's been a sighting."

I saw the Minister's lip move. I heard his words, yet I didn't understand them. He repeated them, and I still, I only frowned.

"Where?" Narcissa interjected on my behalf, while she thrust a wickedly hot cup of tea into my limp hands. She forced me to sit at the head of the table, and finally, I blinked.

"Tell me." I expected Shacklebolt or even Diggle to regale me with some sort of story, but that's not what happened. It was Narcissa, and I couldn't help but feel betrayed by everyone I loved.

"Ms Granger and I had an understanding, a bargain if you will. Before your tempers get the best of you, you should know the Minister for Magic had approved our tête-à-tête. I offered my expansive knowledge of where Malfoy Manor is concerned, in exchange for her expertise. We formulated a plan…" Narcissa paused and cleared her throat.

"And then you rushed off and did whatever you like, without considering the consequences!" Ron shouted angrily, and Arthur was quick to restrain him.

"A wise woman once told me, it is better to ask forgiveness than permission." Narcissa blinked, and Ron fell silent.

I gripped the sides of the table and closed my eyes. Hermione. There had been a sighting of Hermione. I was a little slow on understanding only because I couldn't believe she had been so reckless. I had always been the one rushing forward, only to be scolded later. I had always been the one telling her, it was better to ask forgiveness than permission.

"We've set aside Hermione's notes for you, and we've agreed to allow you to assemble a team of your choosing." Minister Shacklebolt cleared his throat noisily, and I wanted to feel smug, but I didn't.

He hadn't believed me when I'd approached him with simply the possibility of a remaining horcrux. I was being irrational. I was clinging to the vestiges of Voldemort when there wasn't a need. However, have Hermione Granger compose a letter and offer a bloody tome of notes, and look how quickly the Ministry changed its tune.

"Where is she?" My voice was raspy, but not because my throat was parched. It was simmering rage.

Hermione was my family. She understood the plight of being raised by Muggles who didn't have the slightest interest in magic. She understood me better than I understood myself. She knew I would want to go with her. She knew I couldn't just stand by and watch her put herself in danger and…shit.

"We never considered the true possibility of her capture. We were arrogant and sure. Our contingencies plans didn't include this scenario. However, I suppose she must have assumed it could happen. I can't be certain. I take full responsibility, if it makes you feel better." Narcissa patted my shoulder awkwardly, and I flinched away from her touch.

"Where is the fucking snake?" I realised no one had bothered to answer my question about Hermione, but I would return to that later.

"Knowing Hermione as you do, I'm sure it does not surprise you in the least to learn she created a list." Kingsley sighed and even rolled his spectacularly dark eyes.

"I swear to God if you tell me the Chamber of Secrets is on that list…" I slammed my palms onto the smooth wood of the table and lurched to my feet.

At least Hannah had stopped sniffling, that was delightful. I dare say she looked a bit scared of me, which only made me feel more powerful than I am. I needed this. I was tired of hiding in the shadows, being a good little Ministry worker, and doing exactly what I was told.

Hermione might have connived behind my back with Narcissa Malfoy. She might have gone on some stupid mission to rescue Draco Malfoy. She might have made me feel betrayed and a little hurt, but she also gave me back my purpose.

"Harry, before you get your knickers in a twist, the Chamber isn't on the list, don't be completely daft." Kingsley read the first few lines decorating the parchment of Hermione's impressive book of notes, and I almost laughed.

"At least there's that. I couldn't face the idea of venturing back to Hogwarts and into that bloody Chamber. You do realise we've got to get Hogwarts back. There isn't a choice in the matter." I grit my teeth and it was a commanding performance, I suppose. At least I had their attention, which is more than I'd had lately. "Now, where is Hermione?"

"Harry, she's been gone for months…"

"Six. She's been gone for six months. She's not dead otherwise you lot would be completely howling. Something's happened, and you're afraid to tell me." I scratched my head and ignored Narcissa's snort.

She hated when I did that. She claimed I made more of a mess, but I begged to differ. It was my hair, and if I wanted to muss it, then I should be able too. It was never going to lay flat anyway. It was the one physical attribute that belonged completely to my dad, and I aimed to keep it.

"We found her wand in Wiltshire." Diggle had remained silent until now, and I appreciated that.

"Wiltshire, that's not really narrowing it down much." My fingers thumped against the table and Narcissa slapped my hand. She really was going overboard with the whole mothering shit.

"The Manor, Harry." Ron had managed to free himself from his dad's firm grip, with fire in his eyes. "They found her wand just beyond Malfoy Manor."

"She's gone to rescue him." I pressed my fingers to my temples and left the room.

I didn't want to discuss it anymore. I wanted to place that tidbit of information in the deep recesses of my mind, and focus on Nagini. That snake was the bane of my existence. If I could destroy the last horcrux, there was nothing stopping me from ending Voldemort and bringing Hermione home. They were joined together in a twisted web, I knew in my heart of hearts it was true.

I raced up the narrow steps while ignoring the screeching portraits, and threw open the door to Sirius Black's bedchamber. I missed him, but I didn't have the time to focus on that either. It was a simple matter to start throwing clothes into a worn leather bag I kept tucked beneath the bed. I didn't know where I was going. I didn't have a plan, but I couldn't just do fucking nothing, not any longer.

Constant Vigilance had been a way of life, once upon a time. It should never have wavered. We were complacent, and look where it had got us? You see…there actually were moments I listened to the raspy words of Alastor Moody. I sort of missed him too dammit.

"Harry James Potter, you best not even think of leaving without a word. I can't believe you. The rest of the Order is strategizing and you're packing. If you think you can just dismiss me, and leave me behind again…" Ginny was ferociously angry with me, not that I blamed her.

"Ginny…"

"Don't you Ginny me, Harry Potter!" Gods, Ginny was always glorious when she was angry, even if she was shouting at me. "Enough is enough. You can't take on the world alone. You're only one man, one wizard. Ultimately you could be the one to take down Voldemort, but what if you're not? What if it's a joint effort? What if it was always supposed to be a joint effort, but Harry bloody Potter thought hey, I'm the Chosen One and went off on his own and got blasted to bits?! We're the Order of the Phoenix, not the Order of Harry Potter. Pull your head out of your arse." I cut Ginny off with a bone-crushing hug and a quick peck to her open lips.

She was absolutely right. I needed someone to remind me, and considering Hermione was off channelling her…inner…me, it was only logical that it was Ginny knocking some sense into me. How on earth did I manage to survive all these years without them?

I'm not an idiot. I know I'm not, but there are these moments when my bravado rushes to the forefront and logic trails so far behind it's impossible to grasp it. I just want to live up to this legacy that was bestowed upon me from the moment Voldemort murdered my parents. I want my parents to be proud of me, which I know is a bit ridiculous at my age, but…oh bollocks. I fucking understood Draco Malfoy more than I wanted to now, and I didn't much like the similarities.

"Harry?" Ginny was staring up at me in adoration, and I definitely didn't hate it.

I was tired. I was tired of wasting time. I was tired of trying to wrestle the baddies into submission. Ginny was right. Hermione was right. Everyone was right. I didn't have to do this alone. I had family, and it was almost enough…almost.

"Marry me." My forehead gently touched hers while I waited for my words to reach her ears.

Her brown eyes widened, but then she frowned heavily, until I repeated myself. She's a Weasley. They're known for their stubbornness, which they get from both their parents. You'd think it would have just been Molly, but no, Arthur was fairly stubborn as well.

"You're…serious?" Ginny whispered and I loved that. I loved it when she was all…soft, with smooth lines. There was something endearing about her vulnerability.

"Yeah. Marry me. I can't face the idea of leaving you dangling again. I wasn't really protecting you. I was protecting myself and I realise now…I've got to stop trying to save the world. I mean, not this time obviously. I've got detailed instructions from the brightest witch of the age. She'd have my head if I did nothing, but I need you. I need to know you're here, waiting for me, loving me despite myself. Ginevra Molly Weasley, marry me."

Her shriek nearly took my ears off, but it was worth it. In case you couldn't guess, she said yes.