Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any related characters. I own the plot only.

I have forgotten to put a disclaimer on a few pervious chapters.

Chapter 11:Hindsight

Harry prepared himself to leave for his horcrux quest; he found that he was strangely intense about the prospect of being one step closer towards the final battle. Anxiety hit him and he truly hoped that the light side would be successful and that the prophecy would be fulfilled. Taking a deep breath, he went downstairs to say his goodbyes to the Weasleys. He found this a great deal more difficult than expected, as many seemed to have changed their views on Harry's journey. Mrs Weasley for instance was blubbering at the idea of Harry putting himself in what she considered to be 'moral danger'. Ron and Hermione, although slightly nervous themselves appeared to be the only two still glad of the thought of one more horcrux.

'Good luck mate. Really hope you get it' Ron was shaking slightly as he spoke but Harry was glad that he had support.

'Don't worry Harry. Remus said that it wouldn't be difficult. He wouldn't lie to you would he? You'll be fine. We're going to be one step closer now.' Harry took note of the fact that Hermione's words, although aimed at him, appeared to be convincing herself rather than Harry.

As expected, Ginny was the hardest to say goodbye to. Though he knew that he had to find the horcrux, he felt saddened at the idea of leaving Ginny so shortly after their reunion.

'I love you Harry' Ginny whispered in his ear, 'please be careful.'

'Don't worry. I'll be fine' Harry tried to make sure that no one else could hear them.

Upon Remus' arrival, Harry made his final goodbyes and kissed Ginny lightly on the lips. The sensation gave him the boost that he needed to motivate him for the journey ahead. He was wondering how far they would have to travel and in fact, how they would be travelling. Harry's thoughts were answered when himself and Remus went to collect everything needed.

'Not much really Harry. Obviously your wand in case of an emergency; bet you're happy to be seventeen eh?' he chuckled. 'Although the ministry are too searching for Voldemort, they are still likely to be tracking our magic so we can't use our wands too often.'

'I can't believe the ministry. First they don't believe us when we say Voldemort's back and then when they realise that we were right, they still turn on us' Harry's angry streak was once again showing.

'Well they haven't exactly turned on us Harry. I think they are more envious that we have had a plan for longer and of course we have you, which is always a good thing. They also seem to be suspecting that our plotting against Voldemort will eventually lead to us overthrowing them, which is of course complete nonsense.'

Harry knew that Remus was often calm and rational; he never appeared to state the negative sides of others and for this Harry respected him. He decided not to press the matter further and gathered the small amount of objects that Remus felt that he needed.

After gathering his wand, broomstick (which had been minimized to pocket size for now), some money and his new invisibility cloak, Remus gave Harry something that almost send him to tears.

'R-Remus, where did you get this?'

'Trust me Harry, it's a very long story that I'm afraid we don't have time to go into.'

'B-but…'

'Harry please just take it. We must go after the horcrux.'

Harry pulled himself together and took the object that was being handed to him. After careful examination, he could confirm that the knife was identical to the one that Sirius had given him; it could unlock any lock and undo any knot.

Remus made sure that everything was a small size and as light as a feather to be carried in Harry's pockets.

'Hey Remus. I was wondering.'

'Yes Harry.'

'If the ministry are still tracking us, then why can we use magic in the Burrow?'

'Because it's a wizarding home. The ministry cannot expect people to live like muggles in their own homes. Places where magic is common are not monitored but it's places in distant places that are, as the ministry know that there is something going on. We can use magic in any home, at Hogwarts, in Diagon alley and places like that but not in remote locations, for example, a place in the countryside. Do you understand?'

Harry did understand but was still very confused about the lengths that the ministry were prepared to go to stop plots. Would they really prevent them in their attempts to stop Voldemort? Harry realised that yes, they probably would.

'So Remus' Harry began, 'How far are we actually travelling today?'

'Oh, I'd say a little over 5,000 miles' he replied calmly.

'5,000 miles?!' Harry did not act as placidly as Remus. 'How exactly are we planning on travelling that far without using much magic?'

'No worries Harry, no worries. We are in fact taking a leaf out of your book as it happens.'

'Huh?'

'We're using the same method of transport that you did on your visit to the department of mysteries.'

'Thestrals? Where are we going to find some of them?'

'Hogwarts Harry. We're travelling to Hogwarts first in order to get the thestrals. Hagrid is expecting us and has made sure that the thestrals will not need any treatment from us throughout our journey.'

'Oh. So how're we getting to Hogwarts?'

'Well if we leave the house then I'll tell you because we need to go now if we want to get your back before night.'

'Sorry' Harry looked slightly ashamed.

Harry and Remus both gave a fairly brief goodbye to the Weasley family and Hermione. They left the Burrow and Remus led them down a crooked road, which Harry had only ever been down when he was walking with Ginny. Harry, oblivious to Remus' watching gaze grinned manically as he remember that day. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to have found someone to be with, someone that meant so much to him.

In hindsight, Harry looked back on the reactions of the Weasleys when he and Ginny had arrived back at the Burrow. They both walked through the door feeling fairly nervous at the prospect of what they were going to do but were sure that everyone, after much questioning, would be happy for them. Fortunately, there was only Ron, Hermione, the twins and the parents to tell.

There were so many reasons to be nervous for the couple. The reaction of Ginny's parents was of course perhaps going to be the most anticipating. However, Molly and Arthur were usually very supportive towards their children and did like Harry a lot. Harry found himself more worried about Ron's reaction and with that, Fred and George's; Ginny's brothers were more likely to become defensive towards their sister. Harry truly hoped that they didn't.

When the announcement was made, both were relieved to find that everyone was happy for them and of course expressed it in different ways. Mrs Weasley wept and pulled the two close to her, making it hard for them to breathe. She said that Harry and Ginny were the perfect couple and that there was no one else suited better for her only daughter. Mr Weasley just grinned and shook Harry's hand, which although Harry hid it, made him feel slightly amused.

'Thank God for that' was Ron's reply, which made Harry sigh with relief, as he wanted Ron of all people to be happy for them. 'I'm glad that you two are back together. It was horrible seeing you all sad and stuff.'

'Thanks Ron' Harry grinned. Harry and Ginny jumped over perhaps the biggest hurdle as they approached Fred and George. Unsure of how to react, they imitated Mrs Weasley, who was still crying only a few feet away from them.

'Our little Ginny' they muffled between faking crying, 'oh how grown up she is. I just can't believe it.'

Harry was very happy that they had used humour, as he was unsure of what a serious reaction would be from them. He knew that if they had any objections, they would have let him know of this. Hermione moved and stood next to Ron, smiling at Harry and Ginny with a look that distinctly said: 'I told you so'.

'Harry are you actually even listening to me?' came Remus' slightly amused voice.

'Umm…yeah. Sorry.'

'I'm only joking Harry. I didn't even say anything' Remus chuckled.

Harry looked around and saw that they had walked a fairly long way away from the Burrow, in fact even further than he and Ginny had. He concluded that he really must pay attention to the rest of the journey if he was going to have any success.

What did everyone think? Please read and review. My apologies for the late update. I have been concentrating on my exams recently but as these are finished now, I am hoping to update more often.

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