"Hi Ginny, what are you reading?" asked Hermione as she came out of the floo. "You look really engrossed in it.

"Oh hi. I'm just going over some stuff for my Ancient Runes course. It looks so interesting," said Ginny, moving some papers around so Hermione could join her at the table at the Burrow.

Hermione picked up one and started to read. "Wow, this does look interesting. Aren't you going to that talk from that Curse breaker today? Dr Jones? I've read his latest book, you know. He's done so much for such a young age."

Ginny nodded. "I know, I'm really looking forward to it. Hey, do you want to come too? Bill was supposed to come, but he got called away to Paris for work, so he and Fleur are staying over so she can see her family."

"Are you sure?" asked Hermione, sounding uncertain.

"Sure I'm sure. Oh, I suppose you want to spend as much time with Ron as you can before you leave for Hogwarts, don't you?" asked Ginny.

Hermione shook her head. "No. I mean yes, I do. This year will be so strange, not having Ron and Harry with me. What I meant was, Ron said he's helping George at the store again today and Harry is too. I guess I was going to go and help out too."

"Perfect. The lecture starts at eleven o'clock. What do you say we go to the lecture, stop off for some lunch and then we can go and see how they are doing. If they need any more help, we can stay," said Ginny.

"Sounds great,"said Hermione. "Am I dressed okay for a lecture?" she asked.

"You look great. Do you want to have a look at my course notes before we go? I told Mum I'd hang out some washing for her and do the dishes. I won't be long," said Ginny. She got up and headed to the laundry, returning with a basket under her arm.

"I'll get a start on the dishes, that way we can go earlier,"said Hermione.

"Great, thanks," said Ginny.

"Wow, that was so interesting. All those places he's been, all the treasures he's found," sighed Hermione, as they sipped their cappucinno's.

"He was a great speaker, wasn't he? I mean, it's one thing to do those things, but to be able to inspire others, well, that's a gift too. I really think it's the career for me," sighed Ginny contentedly.

"You're right, he was very easy to listen to, wasn't he?" asked Hermione.

"Not to mention, easy to look at," giggled Ginny. "Hard to believe he's nearly forty."

"Ginny!" said Hermione.

"What? You can't deny he was attractive, in a rugged sort of way," said Ginny, smiling.

Hermione shrugged, smiling. "What can I say? I like my men to be ginger haired and like Quidditch and chess."

Ginny rolled her eyes, but smiled. "Ron's nuts about you too, you know that, right?"

Hermione smiled. "I know, but I hate the thought that we'll be separated this year. What if he finds someone else? Someone prettier, someone closer, someone...who likes the Chudley Cannons?" she asked.

"Well, he will be meeting new people this year, that's inevitable, but seriously, you have nothing to worry about. Ron was already saying he plans to meet up with you on any Hogsmeade visits, and he'll come to any Quidditch matches, just so he can see you," said Ginny.

"That's sweet. I just really wish he was coming with me for one more year. Harry too. It would be nice to have one normal year," sighed Hermione.

"Not to mention, as Head Girl, you get your own private room," winked Ginny.

Hermione laughed, despite herself. "Ginny Weasley, you are so like Fred and George." She then smiled sadly. "Percy spoke to me about Ron, and the potions."

Ginny reached over and put her hand over Hermione's and squeezed. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I think just by telling Percy you've helped. Ron doesn't want anyone to know, especially your parents, but he's seeing someone, a counsellor. It's only been twice so far, but Ron said he thinks it's helping. He was quite embarassed that anyone knew. It's just another reason I hate to leave him," sighed Hermione, worriedly chewing on her lip.

"I think you need to tell someone. With you gone, it may be easy for Ron to fall back into bad habits. What about Harry, or George?" asked Ginny.

"Yeah, you're right. I'll talk about it with them. You know, you've really helped George. Harry told me about the picnic on the beach with George and Fred's friends. It was a great idea," said Hermione.

Ginny shrugged. "Sitting home at the Burrow wasn't doing him any good. He needs to be surrounded with friends. Some of them are probably at the shop helping now."

"You've helped Harry too," said Hermione. "You've managed to reach him in a way not many can."

Ginny shrugged again. "You and Ron were busy with your parents. I'm sure it would have been the two of you who helped him if you were here. I think him meeting Teddy has helped a lot too."

"He loves that little guy. It's been great to see how good he is with him. If you only knew what he'd been through at school and when he went back to ...them." Hermione's voice trailed off as she thought of the Dursley's.

Ginny sighed. "Hermione, I do know his upbringing. Sirius and Remus told me. I know what the Dursley's were like, and Harry's told me some things about his time at school."

"He has? Oh, well, good. I just don't understand why, if he doesn't want to start Auror training, why he doesn't return to Hogwarts. I know Ron would if Harry would,"sighed Hermione.

"Harry said Hogwarts has nothing to teach him anymore," said Ginny.

Hermione nodded. "He's right. I know he's right. I can't help but worry about him. What will he do?"

"You're a good friend, Hermione, but you have to let Harry figure that out for himself," said Ginny.

Hermione looked at Ginny. "He told me he asked you out."

Ginny flushed, then was annoyed at herself for doing do. "Oh?"

Hermione nodded. "He's really looking forward to your date, in fact, he's quite nervous. Came over and asked me for all kind of suggestions. He wasn't sure what you'd like to do. I gave him some ideas, but I don't know what he has planned."

Ginny shrugged. "I don't need anything fancy. I'm sure anything he comes up with will be fine."

Hermione eyed her. "You know what? I really think you're good for Harry. After Kreacher's death, I full expected him to fall back into a dark place. He told me you were brilliant about the whole thing. You're good for him, Ginny. Just please, don't hurt him."

"Hurt him? I have no intention of hurting him," said Ginny.

"He hasn't had the best of luck with girls. He liked Cho for so long, but she was with Cedric. After he died, they got together, but when Harry realised she still had strong feelings for Cedric, he broke it off. After Dumbledore died, they got back together. I think it was Harry's way of having something for himself, that was nothing to do with the prophecy or what he had to do. She was just a distraction from all of that. I know he never told her anything about that, or even about Sirius and Remus," said Hermione.

"Are you warning me off him," said Ginny.

"No! Just a warning, in general. Harry is a...I don't know...he feels deeply, that's all. He's still grieving all the losses," said Hermione.

"I know, Hermione. He's an amazing guy. I really like him," said Ginny, earnestly.

"I believe you," said Hermione."I really wish you'd been at Hogwarts with us all these years. You would have been so good for Harry back then."

"Nah, I probably would have been ignored, because I was Ron's little sister," scoffed Ginny.

Hermione looked sad. "I'm sorry that we did that to you in your first year."

"It's ancient history, Hermione. I'm sorry that I got you Petrified. I did write you a letter, but-"

"Ronald," sighed Hermione, shaking her head. "I know about the letter. Please, don't apologise. It wasn't your fault, it was Voldemort's.

"So tell me, Hermione. Why Ron? Why not Harry, or Neville even? They're both great guys," said Ginny.

Hermione shrugged. "They are great guys. Neville was so shy and quiet. Harry, well, I could tell even early on that Harry was different. He didn't like being touched, didn't talk about his family, or home life much. As we were both only children, I think I just slotted him in the 'brother' category, and that's where he stayed. And Ron..." She smiled dreamily as she thought of her boyfriend. "I don't know what it is. He infuriates me at times, but then he'll just be so...Ron, and I remember why I love him. Do you know, I once told him he had the emotional range of a teaspoon?" giggled Hermione.

Ginny laughed. "Good for you. Harry told me you only just got together during the final battle."

Hermione nodded. "He was worried about the house elves getting out of Hogwarts. It was the sweetest thing. I couldn't help myself. I just had to kiss him."

Ginny screwed up her nose. Hermione laughed at her expression. "I guess it's hard to hear about your brothers and their love lives."

Ginny nodded and decided to change the subject. "So, how are things going with your parents?"

Hermione sighed. "Okay, I guess. They were excited when they heard I was Head Girl. They understood what that meant, even in our school."

"Why do you try so hard to keep your two worlds apart?" asked Ginny.

"What do you mean?" asked Hermione.

"Well, apart from that first year when I started, Ron said you've got your books for school alone, or my Mum got them for you. How can you expect your parents to understand you, when they don't know this part of you?" asked Ginny.

"It's a bit late to start now, isn't it?" asked Hermione.

Ginny shrugged. "Why is it too late? Surely they still want to know their daughter. Will they see you off at Kings Cross on September first?" she asked.

Hermione shook her head. "Ron wants to take me," she said, blushing.

"You should bring them to the Burrow, have them stay the night. Mum and Dad will love talking to them. Then they can see you and Ron off in the morning," said Ginny.

"I don't know, Ginny," said Hermione, hesitantly.

"Think about it. You've still got a couple of weeks till you go," said Ginny, sipping her coffee which was now barely lukewarm.

"I know. The summer has gone so quick. Soon I'll be at Hogwarts, bundled up because of the snow," sighed Hermione.

"And loving every minute of it, Head Girl Granger," grinned Ginny.

Hermione grinned back. "Yeah, I will.

"What do you say we go see what the boys are up to at the shop?" asked Ginny.

"Sounds like a great idea," said Hermione. Time with Ron was precious, and she didn't want to waste a second of it.

Harry Apparated to the Tonks residence, and took his time strolling down to the granny flat. He was early, but he was just making himself more nervous waiting at the Burrow, where Ron and George were teasing him about taking out their 'ickle sister'.

He'd been laying on his bed, hands behind his head as he contemplated the night ahead and the witch he was taking out. 'What was it about Ginny?' he wondered for the millionth time. Would he have become close friends with her after the Chamber of Secrets incident, and if she had returned to Hogwarts? Would he have fallen for her, asked her to Hogsmeade? Would he have turned to her, not Cho after Sirius' death; after Dumbledore's death, or would he cling to her as his best source of comfort, as she had been in the last few few weeks. If they had gotten together at Hogwarts, would he have broken up with her when he, Ron and Hermione had left to find the Horcruxes? Would she have understood, and waited? What if, what if? It was doing his head in, so he decided to go to the Tonks' place.

Harry knocked on the door and waited only a minute or so till Ginny opened it up. "Hi. Come on in," she offered.

Tonks was feeding Teddy, who gurgled and pulled away from his bottle when he saw Harry. He waved his hands and his hair turned black.

Tonks chuckled. "I think you two have a mutual admiration society going on. Wanna feed him?"

"Yeah, sure," said Harry, eagerly. He sat in the chair next to Tonks, who handed Teddy over. Harry smiled at little Teddy, before Tonks handed him the bottle. Harry coaxed it into his mouth, and sat contentedly watching the baby drink.

"Ah, Harry? I wasn't sure where we were going, so I didn't know how to dress," said Ginny.

"Oh, sorry. Casual dress is okay. How does a movie in Muggle London sound? Then dinner after," asked Harry.

"Oh, I love the movies. Sounds great. I'll be right back," said Ginny happily. She left to go and change.

"Good choice," nodded Tonks, approvingly. "She and Sirius used to go to the movies a lot. Or watch those video things."

"They did?" asked Harry, surprised.

Tonks nodded. "We lived in a Muggle house, so we had electricity. 'Course our magic interfered with it at times, but for the most part, it was okay."

"Ginny's dad is fascinated by Muggles. She must get it from him," said Harry, sitting Teddy up and rubbing his back. He smiled when he got a nice loud belch from him.

"You're a natural at that. You'll make a good dad, when the time comes, I reckon," said Tonks.

Harry smiled at her. "Thanks. You know, I never really thought about having kids, or anything like that." He handed Teddy back to her.

"Not even about the way babies are made?" asked Tonks, with a wicked look in her eyes.

"I'm eighteen, not dead, Tonks," grinned Harry. "I did have a girlfriend at Hogwarts."

"Ah. So what happened with her? That is, I assume she's not in the picture now,"said Tonks.

Harry shook his head. "Nah, I broke it off when I knew I was going to have to leave Hogwarts to go and find these Horcruxes."

"How noble," said Tonks.

Harry shook his head. "I used her. She was my escape from the shit that was my life back then. There were never any deep and meaningful conversations. She really had no idea what I was going through, and to be honest, I never cared enough about her to want to know much about her. Not so noble, huh," he said wryly.

Tonks shrugged. "Teenagers get together for less sometimes. You were what, fifteen, sixteen. Carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, I suppose. If she didn't know that, then she was a bit naïve. You're not stuck on her or anything are you? Cos I don't want you playing with Ginny's feelings or anything."

"I wouldn't do that to Ginny. She's been great," protested Harry.

"Who has?" asked Ginny, returning to the kitchenette.

"Er, your Mum. So great to let me stay at the Burrow for so long," said Harry, thinking quickly. "You look really nice."

Tonks nodded in agreement. "Thanks. Shall we go? What are we seeing?"asked Ginny.

"A new movie. It's called 'Sliding Doors'," said Harry.

Ginny grabbed her bag and leaned over to kiss Teddy on his forehead. She kissed Tonks on the cheek too. "Bye."

"Have fun," called Tonks, as Harry waved goodbye to her, ignoring her wink.

"That was a really good movie. Makes you think, doesn't it? How circumstances can change your life. Sometimes, just by taking the train, or missing it," said Ginny, sipping her water as they waited for their dessert.

Harry nodded. In truth, the movie had hit a little too close to home for him. "I know what that's like," he finally said.

"What do you mean?" asked Ginny, twirling her straw.

"During the final battle, when I realised I was the last Horcrux. I knew I had to die, had to let Voldemort kill me; kill the last piece of his soul in me. So I did. I let him kill me," said Harry, almost in a daze.

Ginny seemed startled. "But...how? I mean, you're here...I don't understand," she stammered.

"Voldemort shot the Killing Curse at me," said Harry, ignoring Ginny's gasp, "and I died. Woke up and found myself at Kings Cross Station."

"What?" gasped Ginny again.

They were interrupted by a waitress bringing them their desserts. Harry looked helplessly at Ginny, who looked pale. Damnit, he shouldn't have brought this up. Especially not now. He spoke again after the waitress had left.

"Dumbledore came to me. Told me I had a choice. I could get on a train, which would take me...on. Or I could go back," said Harry, hurriedly.

"On? You mean, to your parents, to-to Sirius and Remus. To stay there, with them?" asked Ginny shakily.

Harry nodded, feeling shaky too. Ginny put her spoon down, unable to eat any of the delicious looking dessert in front of her.

"I thought about it. Going on, I mean. It sounded...peaceful, not to mention I'd see my parents. But I knew it wasn't the right thing to do. So I came back," said Harry.

He was startled to see a tear fall down her cheek and drop on to her slice of treacle tart. "Shit, Ginny I'm sorry." A waitress walked past, and Harry hailed her over. "Could we please get these to go?"

After one look at Ginny's face, the waitress glared at Harry, and snatched up the plates. "I'll be right back."

She was back minutes later. "Honey, are you okay?" she asked Ginny. Ginny nodded mutely, and again the waitress glared at Harry. "Is he bothering you? Can I call someone for you?"

"Hey," protested Harry, as Ginny shook her head. "Look, I'll just go and pay, all right. Then we can get out of here," he said to her.

Ginny nodded, watching him as he got up and went to pay for their meal.

He got back to the empty table, and looked around worriedly. The same waitress went past. "She's outside, waiting for you. Said she needed some fresh air. What did you do, cheat on her or something?"she asked nastily.

"No, I wouldn't," said Harry. "Look, you got this all wrong."

"I've seen a broken heart or two in my time, sweetie and that little girl just had a nasty shock," said the waitress.

"Look, I have to go, she's waiting. I promise you, I haven't broken her heart," said Harry. "We're just friends."

"Ahhh," said the waitress. "That would be it, then. Want some advice?"

Harry didn't know why he did so, but he nodded. "Let her go. She obviously cares a lot about you, and you don't feel the same way. Take her home and let her go."

"You've got this all wrong," said Harry, through gritted teeth.

"Oh, so you care for her and she doesn't for you? Honey, walk away. It'll kill you to see her with other guys. You'll end up hating her,"said the waitress.

"Here," said Harry, handing her some Muggle paper money. "Do me a favour and stop talking. Goodnight!" He grabbed the boxes and raced out the door.

"Well, really! I was just trying to help," huffed the waitress, stuffing the note in her bra.

Harry walked up to Ginny nervously. It was starting to get dark, but he didn't want the night to end, not like this. "Hey. I got our dessert. What do you say we go home?"

Ginny nodded. "Can I side-apparate you? I don't want to go back to the Tonk's place just yet."

Harry nodded, thrilled when Ginny put her arms around him. He closed his eyes as they Apparated to their spot at the Burrow, right next to the pond.

"I'm sorry," he blurted out. "I know that was a lot to lay on you. To this day, you're only the third person I've told about that."

Ginny thought for a second. "Ron and Hermione," she guessed. Harry nodded.

"Didn't you think that movie would bring up memories of that?" she asked softly.

Harry nodded. "I guess I didn't realise how I'd feel," he murmured.

"Why tell me? Why not...I don't know, Hagrid, or Mum and Dad? They all know you better than I do. They've all been there for you over the years. So why me, Harry?" she asked.

"Because I feel like you and I have missed the damn train, all right? I feel like I know you, but I don't. I feel like you get what I'm going through, in a way that no-one else can. I feel like, in another lifetime, where you went to Hogwarts, I would have realised how brilliant you are and made you mine. I would have-" Harry couldn't stop the words and emotions spilling out of him.

Ginny stepped up and kissed him hard. Harry was surprised, but sunk into the kiss. When she would have pulled away, he pulled her closer. Their kiss changed, from dominance to passion. Finally, they broke apart.

"Merlin, you are brilliant," puffed Harry, running his hands down her side and back up again.

Ginny sighed happily, her arms around his waist. "Did you really mean all that?" she asked.

Harry took her in his arms. "Yeah, I did. Ron and Hermione have been great all these years, don't get me wrong. They've been the best friends I could have asked for. But you, you know. Riddle, Sirius, Voldemort. You get it, in a way they just can't. You get me."

"You said you knew taking the train wasn't the right thing to do. How?" she asked.

"It wasn't finished. I still had to defeat him," he said simply.

Ginny shook her head. "I can't believe you did that. The courage to face him, knowing he had to kill you. Did you know you'd be given a choice?"

"No. I-I really thought I was going to die. Now, I'm so glad I didn't. I would have missed the chance to meet you again." He kissed her again, a kiss that quickly escalated into something so much more.

Ginny kissed him back, but then reluctantly pulled away. "I'm sorry, Harry, we need to stop."

"You're right. I should get you home. Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked, trying to cool his body down.

Ginny nodded.

He gathered her in his arms and side-Apparated them to the Tonks' residence. With their arms around each others waist, they walked to the granny flat. Tonks was at the door in a flash and invited Harry in.

"So, how was the movie?"she asked them.

"Interesting. All right," were the monosyllabic answers she received. She frowned, picking up on some tension in the air.

"So Harry, I heard you finally told Kingsley you weren't going to join the Aurors. Any ideas what you're going to do?" asked Tonks.

"Not really," said Harry.

"You should come back to the States with me and Gin" she said.

"You're leaving England?" asked Harry, looking from Ginny to Tonks in shock.

Tonks nodded, surprised that Ginny hadn't told him. "I got a good job offer back in the States. Ginny here, well, she and some friends were talking about travelling."

"What about your course? You sounded so keen to be a curse breaker," asked Harry, looking at Ginny.

"I do. I just want some time to travel," said Ginny. "I plan to do my course while I'm on the road. The curse breaker training wont start till next year."

"What about me? About us?" asked Harry.

Ginny shrugged helplessly. "I don't know. It all happened so fast."

Tonks grinned. "You two, really? Wow, that's great."

"What's so great? I finally find someone special, and she's leaving." said a petulant Harry.

Tonks grinned. "Easy. Come with us."

"What?" asked Harry and Ginny together.

"Come with us to the States. Travel, study. Live," said Tonks.

"Move...to America?" asked Harry, increduously.

"It doesn't have to be forever. You have time. Why not?" asked Tonks.

Harry turned to Ginny, who looked suddenly hopeful. "Why not?"she whispered.

Right then, Harry couldn't think of a damn reason not to monster in his chest purred.