Chapter twenty six

Charlie walked back down the stairs and went straight to the kitchen where everyone was sitting. He saw them all looking at him.

'He needs time, he's in a lot of pain and I think having just faced Ron has taken a lot out of him and he needs rest. Maybe we all could do with some rest, why don't you all head home and come back in a couple of days. When he's had some sleep and some proper rest, then you can see him. I'll be here keeping an eye on them, and I'm sure Ginny will understand if you don't say goodbye to her.' Charlie said wearily.

'Will you be alright Charlie?' his father asked knowing this had taken quite a toll on his son.

'Yeah dad, I'll be fine, I'm just glad it worked. We all have a long way to go and it's not going to be easy for any of us, especially for Harry and Ginny. But I'll be fine, really, you go, we've all had a very hard and long day.'

'Alright son,' Arthur patted him on shoulder.

'I'll see you tomorrow, but if you need us just call,' Molly said and leaned down and kissed him on the cheek.

Everyone said their goodbyes and left. He noticed William and Mark watching him. Then Mark walked slowly over.

'Is he alright Charlie?' Mark asked.

'Yeah he will be. I know it must have been hard on you both having to stand there and watch and not do anything, but it was all worth it in the end.'

'Yes, it was hard to watch him get put through that, but we had our orders, we were going to ignore them but we know you all cared for him, so we trusted you.' he smiled down at Charlie.

'Thanks, I appreciate that.' they nodded to Charlie then went back to stand guard at the fireplace.

Charlie lowered his head into his hand as he felt the tears coming to his eyes, he didn't want to put Harry through that, but he had no choice. He kept seeing Harry's battered and bruised body lying on the ground, then when he screamed, he felt sick. He ran to his bedroom and just got to the bathroom in time as he violently sick. He stood up slowly and walked to the sink, he rinsed his mouth and stared at himself in the mirror. 'I had no choice,' he said to himself in the mirror.

Ginny was worried about Harry, she could hear him throwing up when Kreacher walked in with a tray with tea on it, he placed it on the bedside table, when Ginny had a thought.

'Kreacher, could you go tell Charlie to come up and check on Harry for me please?'

'Of course Mistress Ginny, I'll be right back,' he snapped his fingers and was gone.

A few seconds later Charlie was running into their room. Ginny could see the tear streaks down his face.

'What's a matter Ginny, is Harry alright?' Charlie asked out of breath.

'I'm not sure Charlie, after he spoke with Ron, he got sick and ran to the bathroom, and I didn't want to take the chance of getting up. Could you please check on him for me?'

'Of course Ginny,' he walked to the door and knocked, Harry didn't answer. 'Harry, I'm coming in, alright.' he waited for a bit then opened the door. He saw Harry sitting on the floor crying hard, staring at his bottle of Firewhiskey but he wasn't holding it, just looking at it. Charlie closed the door and walked over to him. 'Harry, don't mate, everything will be alright, but don't go back to that.' he knelt down in front of Harry, but didn't touch the bottle, he wanted Harry to hand it to him. 'Give it to me Harry, please.' he waited.

Harry looked up at Charlie, 'I don't know if I can do it without it Charlie, I don't want to I just don't know if I can.' he looked back at the bottle but still didn't touch it. 'I haven't had any even though I wanted it, badly, if that's what you thought.'

'I know Harry, but you can't, if you do, you know what will happen, think of Ginny, know what she's already been through, do it for her, find the strength to do it for Ginny.' he put a hand out and waited.

Harry looked at Charlie's hand then back to the bottle. 'Take it, get rid of it all, I won't do anything to hurt Ginny anymore, but I'm going to need help Charlie, I can feel that I'm going to weaken, I don't want to ask Charlie, but I need help.' he looked up at him and Charlie saw the desperation in his face. 'Will you help me, I know I have no right to ask after everything I've done, but I am asking, will you, Charlie, will you help me.'

Charlie heard the pleading tone in Harry's voice and the desperation on his face. 'Of course I will Harry, I will help in any way I can, the first thing I need you to do it to call Kreacher for me, get him here.'

Harry knew what he what he wanted, so he nodded. 'Kreacher,' Harry called.

'Yes, Master Harry, what can Kreacher do for you.'

Harry looked at Charlie and he nodded again, then back at Kreacher, 'I need you to…' he hated to say these words but he knew he had to. 'I need you to obey Charlie as if he was your owner as well, can you do that Kreacher, it's what I wish for you to do.'

Kreacher looked at Harry for a moment then at Charlie. 'Of course Master Harry, anything you want I must do.'

'Thank you Kreacher,' Harry said, then looked at Charlie.

'Kreacher I want every bottle of Firewhiskey in this house throw away, and I don't want you to get Harry any more, Harry is sick Kreacher and this will help him. Can you do that Kreacher?' Charlie waited.

'Of course Master Charlie,' Charlie noted the change of name from Mistress Ginny's brother to Master Charlie. 'I will do whatever you ask just like Master Harry asked me to do.'

'Thank you Kreacher, take this one and go find all the others and get rid of them and you are not to buy any more for Harry no matter what he says to you. If he does come to you and ask for more, come and get me. Is that understood Kreacher?'

'Kreacher understands and obeys Master Charlie,' he bowed and took the bottle from Charlie and snapped his finger and was gone.

'That's the first step, next you have to get up, come on,' he walked over and helped Harry stand. He was very weak, and that sickened Charlie, knowing he had caused it. 'You need rest Harry then we'll start on the everything else, but not before.' he helped Harry out of the bathroom and to his bed.

'Harry,' Ginny said looking anxious, 'Is he alright Charlie?' as soon as Charlie put Harry down and swung his legs onto the bed and pulled the blanket over him.

'He will be Gin, but it's going to take time.' Charlie looked down at Harry and saw he was already asleep.

'How could you Charlie,' Ginny started crying. 'You beat the crap out of him, you hurt him. Did you hear the pain he was in when Poppy fixed his shoulder,' she put her hands over her face and sobbed.

Charlie walked around to her side of the bed and sat down and pulled her hands away from her face and held them. 'I had no choice Gin, if I hadn't we would have lost him.' she still looked angry. 'And we would have lost you, I couldn't let that happen Ginny, I love you and I love Harry, but he just wouldn't listen,' Charlie started to cry sitting there holding Ginny's hands. He let go and lowered his head into his own hands.

'Oh Charlie,' Ginny wrapped her arms around him holding him as he cried. They sat there until Charlie's tears had dried up. She might be angry at him for what he had done, but she still loved him.

'I'm sorry for that Gin, it just hurt so much to do that to Harry after everything he's been through, but I knew if we didn't he would have gone completely over the edge, I didn't want that to happen, or lose you. I know Harry would have died if you did, he loves you Gin, but right now it's not enough, he needs to heal his mind and heart. The next few weeks are going to be the hardest on him. I just found him on the bathroom floor, staring at a bottle of Firewhiskey, he's got a problem and on top of everything else he's gone through, this one will make him angry, hurt and he'll lash out, wanting a drink, but no matter what we can't let him touch it. Listen, let's talk about all this tomorrow, you need rest. If you have a nap now, then you and Harry can have some dinner, how's that sound?' Ginny nodded and lay down cuddled up next to Harry, his arms automatically went around her and he cuddled into Ginny while he slept. 'I'll bring you some dinner later, alright.'

'Thanks Charlie,' she smiled at him and he leaned over and kissed her forehead.

'You're welcome Ginny.' he smiled and walk to the door, turning once to look over at Harry and Ginny. They will get through this, with a lot of talk, a lot of patience and understanding, a lot of tears and with help. They will survive. He left the room and went back down to the sitting room and sat down leaning his head back closing his eyes.

Charlie's eyes snapped opened and looked around, Mark smiled at him. He must have fallen asleep he thought. He got up and looked at the clock, it was dinner time. He walked into the kitchen.

'Hello, Kreacher, how long before dinner?' Charlie asked the elf.

'In about 15 minutes Master Charlie.' the elf bowed to Charlie.

'Okay, I'm going to go check on Harry and Ginny, if there awake we'll get a tray ready for them to eat upstairs. I'll be back in a moment.'

'Of course Master Charlie,' the elf bowed again.

Charlie went into his room to freshen up, then walked up the stairs, he opened the door slightly and had a peek. Harry was awake, looking down at Ginny. Charlie walked in and sat on a chair beside Harry.

'How are you feeling Harry?' Charlie asked.

'I'm okay Charlie,' Harry said before looking at him. 'Really, a few aches and pains but they'll get better.'

'I'm sorry about that Harry, I didn't want to do it, none of us did, but I didn't have a choice. It was either hurt you so we could get you to save Ginny, or just kill you,' he saw Harry's look. 'I'm not sure if I would have done it Harry, but in all honestly, I couldn't tell you if I would or wouldn't have, it's just how I felt at the time, but I don't think I would ever have done that.'

'Charlie, I understand really, I mean you bloody hit hard, I felt like my whole head was being knocked off my neck. But you did need to do it, I would have done it to save her. I would do anything to save her. I don't like to admit it, but I think I would kill to save her. I know that's not a nice thing to say but I love her so much Charlie, I can't lose her again, ever, and I'll do anything to make sure she is safe and happy.'

'I know you will Harry, once you realise what you were doing and what you did, you stopped, that's the main thing.' he looked seriously at Harry. 'Harry the next few weeks are going to be hard on you, you do realise that. You will want to drink when everything starts getting to you again, I'll be here to stop you, and if you lash out I might just have to hit you again, I don't want to. All of us was pretty scared as to what you might have done if you could have gotten your hands free. We know how powerful you are and not having to use a wand made it that much more complicated. The anger you heard from us was real even if we didn't want to hurt you, but what you did to Ginny,' he took a deep breath.

'I know Charlie, I'm so disgusted and sickened with what I did. I didn't understand why I did it. It was like I had no control over what I was doing. You know I would never intentionally hurt Ginny,' Harry's sobs escaped his lips as tears started to roll down his face.

'I know, I read your thoughts, we all know you thought that having Voldemorts soul in you turned you evil like him, but it wasn't you Harry, it was your subconscious, not you.' he hesitated for a moment. 'There was something I wanted to ask you though, about something you said outside. I need to know if it was real, or if you just said it to hurt us.'

'Ask me anything Charlie. Some of what I said was based on truth, but I twisted it around. So ask whatever you want to ask, I will answer you even if I don't want to.'

'You said that on the night you…' he took a deep breath again, 'raped Ginny,' Harry winced and pain shot across his face. 'You said she was a virgin and you weren't gentle, was that true?' Charlie asked not really sure he wanted to know.

'Yes and no,' a sob escaped his mouth. 'She was a virgin, but I was gentle, even though I knew what I was doing was wrong and I knew I was hurting Ginny, something wouldn't let me stop. I'm so sorry Charlie, I'm sorry.' he buried his face in his pillow crying very hard.

Charlie put a hand on Harry's shoulder, he knew that it would have hurt Ginny anyway, being a virgin, but if he was gentle then hopefully it didn't hurt too much. He knew all girls go through pain the first time, he just didn't like the idea of his sister being forced. He was very angry with Harry, but he also cared for him and wanted to help him.

'I can't say I understand or even like it Harry, but I'm still going to help you. I care about you and my sister loves you. I want you to understand something Harry. I will never let you do anything to hurt her again, I don't care how powerful you are or what you could do to me. If you hurt her once more, you will regret it.' Charlie said savagely.

'I know you will, believe me I know. I would do the same thing to anyone that hurt her. I just want to get well so we can be happy, that's all I want now. I want me and Ginny to have a happy, safe life and then one day have some kids like we planned. That's what we both want, and I'm willing for you to do anything you have to, to help me get through these next few weeks, if you still want to help me that is?'

'I do, I want the same thing, you and Ginny belong together, your bond proves that. So I will help in any way I can.' he looked at his sister still sleeping before he turned back to Harry. 'I need to know something before Ginny wakes up. After you have both had time to heal your physical wounds, you will have to sit down and talk, I will be there to make sure you do it properly, and you have to be truthful about everything. What I wanted to know was, are you planning on telling her about the girl Harry, in the Leaky Cauldron, because if you do you know it will hurt her, but if you don't then you're not being open and honest about everything and right now you both need to open up about everything.'

'I'm not looking forward to causing her any more pain but I do want to have everything out in the open, you said that was the only way for me to heal, well, I know she will probably hex me but I'm going to tell her. I'm going to tell her everything, from now on, no matter what.' Harry looked at Ginny with so much love on his face. He knew he would do anything to keep her safe.

'Harry, when did you start drinking?' Charlie asked him as he noticed Ginny was starting to wake up.

Harry looked back up at him. 'Right after the battle, everything just got too much. When I went to Godric's Hollow, I found some still in a cabinet, at first I didn't have it, I was just looking around, but then I felt the weight of everything getting to me and I thought, it couldn't hurt. After I had the first one, I felt better, so I had more. Every time I felt myself getting down, I would just take another swig.'

Charlie watched him knowing now this was going to take a lot longer than he thought, and he knew Ginny could hear what was being said, she needed to hear this but he didn't know Harry had started so long ago.

'But what about when you were at the Burrow, when you and Ginny were planning the wedding?'

'I had some stashed everywhere around the Burrow. I had some transfigured into all sorts of things, so no one would notice.' Harry said is a quiet voice.

'I had no idea Harry, you know you are going to go through some serious withdrawals wanting it. I thought you just started Harry. I didn't know it has been going on for so long.'

'Yeah I know, I hid it well and I'm sorry. I was so happy with Ginny, I still am, I love her so much Charlie. But when we planned the wedding and even after the wedding, I still had some bouts of depression and it was the only thing that helped. I know it's going to be hard, I can feel it already. I want some now, desperately, but I won't do anything,' Harry's voice got hard, 'anything to hurt Ginny again. I won't lose her.' tears had started falling down his face as he turned back to look at Ginny and saw she was awake and watching him. 'Oh Ginny, I didn't want you to hear all that, not yet.' she didn't say anything just pulled him into her arms and held him as his sobs got louder.

Charlie looked at Ginny, she saw him looking and had a very anxious look on her face. He just shook his head at her.

'Well, Kreacher has dinner ready, so I'll go get him to prepare your trays and bring them up. If you need any help or just need anything, call Kreacher to come and get me. I'll be here to help in any way I can.

Ginny nodded to him but didn't let go of Harry, letting him cry into her shoulder. Charlie got up and walked out the door and down the stairs and into the kitchen.

'Dinner is ready Master Charlie, do you want to eat now?' the elf bowed at him.

'Yeah, thanks Kreacher, then can you prepare some trays for Harry and Ginny, there both awake and want dinner.'

'Of course Master Charlie,' he bowed again and brought Charlie's dinner to the table along with two others for the aurors. He went back to prepare the trays. As he walked out of the kitchen he turned to the aurors. 'You're dinners are ready Mr. Aurors.' the elf bowed and walked up the stairs to take his mistress and master their dinners.

Mark and William walked into the kitchen and sat down watching Charlie. They saw his face and knew he was worried about something.

'Is everything alright Charlie?' William asked.

'No, not really, I just found out that Harry has been drinking a lot longer than I thought. It started right after the battle, so he's going to have a harder time than I thought. I'm going to have to speak with Kingsley, can you contact him for me after we eat.'

'Not a problem Charlie,' the three men sat in silence as they ate. When they finished William walked over the fireplace to contact Minister Shacklebolt. He spoke with the minister for a few minutes then called Charlie. 'Charlie, Minister Shacklebolt is waiting for you.'

'Thanks William,' Charlie got up and walked over and put his head into the fire. 'Kingsley, sorry to disturb you, but we've got a bit of a problem. Harry's drinking problem started right after the battle, he's going to have very server withdrawals and I don't think anyone should be here for a while. I was wondering if you could have the floo closed for anyone coming in stopped, we'll leave it open for out just in case.' he waited while Kingsley answered. 'Thanks Kingsley, if you can do that straight away then I'll contact my family and let them know that they can only apparate here but not until I tell them too.' he thanked Kingsley again and withdrew his head. He stood up and turned back to the two aurors.

'I think you should leave as well, when this gets bad, and I know it will, he's going to lash out and he might also get violent. I don't want him to hurt anyone and I certainly don't want to hurt him. I think I should be able to keep him from doing that, but not if anyone is here watching him. It will just get harder for him to cope.'

'We understand Charlie, we'll leave now, but if you should need help, call us and we'll come straight back. We want to help anyway we can.'

'Thanks, I really appreciate that, but right now he's not going to be himself for a while. But I will call if I think I need help. Thanks again.' he walked to each and shook their hands and watched as they both stepped into the floo and disappeared.

Charlie saw Kreacher had come back and was in the kitchen. He walked over to him. 'How are they Kreacher?'

'Master Harry is still crying and mistress Ginny is trying to get him to eat master Charlie.' the elf bowed.

'Thanks Kreacher, I'll go up and see if I can help.' he walked slowly back upstairs and into the room. He saw Ginny rubbing Harry's back trying to soothe him. He walked over and sat on the chair near the bed.

'How's everything Gin?' knowing this has to be hard on her.

She just shook her head at him. Charlie looked at Harry. 'Harry, this is crucial, you need to eat and get your strength back. You're going to need it, please Harry.' he waited then heard Harry's cries ease.

He sniffed a few times then pulled slightly away from Ginny. He looked up at her and saw the tears in her eyes. He took her face in his hands and bent in and kissed her so gently, then looked back at Charlie.

Charlie saw Harry's hands shaking and knew his withdrawals were starting already.

'I know Charlie, I just didn't want Ginny to hear all that. I know she was going too sooner or later I just wanted her to be better before she did.' he turned back to Ginny. 'Don't hate me for that, please Gin, I just couldn't take anything, but I didn't want to worry you.' he looked pleadingly at Ginny.

'Of course I don't hate you, I could never hate you. I wish you would have told me though.' she leaned in and kissed him.

Charlie thought he better say something. 'I need you both to listen to me for a moment.' he waited until they turned and looked at him. 'You both need to heal before we get into this, so try not to talk about anything that's upsetting, I know it's going to be hard not to but you need at least a couple of days rest. Once you can do that and get some strength back then we'll sit down and discuss everything. Some of it will be hard for each of you to hear, that's why you need to be well first.' he hesitated before continuing. 'And I've also had Kingsley stop anyone from being able to floo here for the time being, and I'm going to tell the family to stay away for a while. Things are going to get rough, and I don't think Harry will need anyone here when he really starts going through this. I've also sent the aurors away, so it will be just the three of us for the time being.' he watched Harry and saw the look of relief come to his face.

'Thanks Charlie, what I've already done and said is bad enough, but I don't want them seeing any more of my bad behaviour, I really,' he looked at Ginny, 'don't want you seeing what I'm about to go through, according to Charlie, it's going to get bad Gin. I wish you didn't have to see it.'

'I know Harry, Charlie told me, but like he said, we need to heal first, then we'll deal with it. So, please let's eat and then you can help me shower if you're up to it.'

'Yeah, I'm up to it, the potions have worked on most of my injuries, so that's not a problem.' he gave her a small smile.

'Ok, will you need any help from me while you shower, if you're not sure about helping Ginny Harry, say so, don't pretend.'

'No Charlie, I'm fine, I wouldn't do it if I thought I would hurt her.' he looked at Charlie with determination on his face.

'Alright, I'll leave you to eat, but if you think you need me, just call Kreacher to get me.' he grabbed Harry's arm, giving it a squeeze then went round to kiss Ginny on the forehead. 'Remember, anything.' he nodded and left the room.

'Come on Harry, eat, please. You're going to need your strength if you plan on helping me to the bathroom.' he nodded and they both sat up and started eating. Ginny noticed Harry's hands were shaking but she didn't say anything, just like Charlie said. They would get worse before they got better. Neither of them ate very much, when Harry pushed his tray away.

'That's the most I can do for now, I'll try more later. Are you ready for your shower Gin?'

'Yeah, I am. Are you sure you're up to this though Harry, you still look terrible.'

'I'm okay, I'm still a bit sore but the bones have bended and my shoulder is fine, so it won't be a problem. What clothes to you want me to get for you before I get you up?'

'Some more knickers and just a t-shirt for now.' she smiled at him as he stood up.

He walked over to the dresser and grabbed her things and his own. 'I'll put these in the bathroom and set it up, be right back. He walked into the bathroom and as soon as he was out of sight of Ginny, he took some deep breathes. 'I can do this, I have to do this for Ginny.' he took another breath and set the shower up and walked over to Ginny.

'You ready Mrs. Potter.' she nodded and put her arms out to him.

'Ready Mr. Potter.' he pulled the blankets back and very carefully helped her up and held her to him not moving. Ginny held onto him for the longest time, 'Harry,' he looked into her eyes and smiled.

'It just feels good to hold you, come on, let's get showered and then back into bed.' he walked to the bathroom and sat Ginny down, helping her undress. When she had nothing on, he just stared at her beautiful body. 'God you look good,' he felt himself getting very aroused, then shook his head. 'I'm sorry Ginny.' he turned and started to undress as well.

'It's alright Harry, I want you to, very much, so we just have to be patients.' she couldn't help it, she was looking all over Harry's body and felt herself heating up. When she looked back into his eyes, she saw Harry smile at her. 'Do you think a cold shower would help.'

Harry laughed, actually laughed and it made Ginny's heart melt. 'Come on sweetheart,' he walked over to her put his arm around her and then helped her into the shower sitting her down.

The water was warm and felt good on both of them as they helped wash each other, knowing they were both turned on and couldn't do anything about it. Harry knew if he could just keep it together, everything will be okay.

Over the next few days, Charlie watched as Harry and Ginny both got better and stronger. Harry was coming down the stairs and helping Ginny walk down as well very slowly. Harry's mood swings were causing them both to be careful with what they said to Harry. He lashed out, swearing and using magic to break things and send them flying, then he punched the walls a few times. But Charlie already gotten all the potions from Poppy earlier, knowing he was going to need it. He had also put some special wards around so Harry couldn't go too far from the house.

He watched as Harry turned from loving husband to fits of rage within a few seconds. He could hardly hold anything, he's hands shook so bad. He'd pace around the room like a caged blast ended skrewt. Ginny was having a hard time just watching him. Then he wouldn't go near her, which was hard on her as well. Charlie watched Harry very carefully when his rage got out of hand. He didn't think he would hurt Ginny, but he wasn't taking any chances.

'I can't take this Charlie,' he yelled at him pacing around the room. 'I'm not going to make it.' he walked up to Charlie looking very angry. 'Just one Charlie, give me one please.' when Charlie shook his head, Harry took a swing at him. Ginny screamed. Harry missed and stumbled to the floor. He jumped back up glaring at Charlie. 'Give me one, now.' he screamed.

'No, Harry, it will only make things worse, it will get better. If you want to hit me, then go for it. I won't stop you, but I will not give you anything to drink.' he said calmly watching Harry.

'Harry, please.' Harry turned and glared at Ginny.

'Don't take it out on Ginny, Harry. This is not her fault,' Charlie said angrily and walked over and stood in front of his sister.

'Aaaaaahhhhhh,' Harry screamed and walked towards the door, then slammed his way out.

'Charlie, can't we do anything to help him, I hate seeing him like this.' she was crying watching Harry through the large window as he paced.

'No, we just have to be here for him, there's nothing we can do, it will get better. But for now we just have to watch and try to keep him calm.' Charlie said also watching Harry through the window.

The next two days got worse as Harry grabbed Ginny once shaking her very hard until Charlie forced him to let go. Then Harry did hit him, knocking him to the ground. Charlie thought at least he didn't hex him, then Harry stormed out of the house again.

Charlie got up and walked over to Ginny. 'Are you alright Ginny,' Charlie said kneeling down in front of her.

'Yeah, Charlie, he's never touched me like that, he's always been very gentle with me.'

'I know Ginny, it will get better. But next time I'll be right next to you, so he can't do it again, okay?' he pulled Ginny into his arms and let her cry while he watched and waited for Harry to come back into the house.

'How much longer Charlie, I can't stand watching him go through this.'

'It shouldn't be long, I saw Harry's forehead and it was sweating and so were his hands. Sometime today I think and he will probably calm down and well, he'll probably just cry or sit quietly, I just can't tell right now.' he noticed Harry storming back towards the house and Charlie stood up in front of Ginny, blocking his path to her.

Harry walked straight up to Charlie. 'Give me a drink Charlie.' he shouted in his face. Charlie shook his head. Harry walked over and punched the wall again. He turned back slowly and looked straight at Charlie, he slowly raised his hand, Charlie flinched but didn't move.

'Harry, please don't. Come here sweetheart.' Ginny said very calmly and softly. Harry didn't move, he just stood there with his hand raised. 'Harry, baby, come on, please. Can't you do it for me, come to me Harry.' she said. Harry lowered his hand, Charlie and Ginny noticed how badly it was shaking. He walked slowly over towards Charlie and Ginny.

Charlie looked at Harry wondering what he was going to do, then Harry's whole body started to shake and he collapsed onto the floor, shivering badly.

'Harry,' Ginny said getting up and going over to and kneeling down at Harry, she put his head in her lap, then looked at Charlie. 'What's wrong with him Charlie?'

'It's alright Ginny, this is the final part. It's nearly over Gin, don't worry. I'll go get a damp cloth and be right back.' Charlie turned and took a deep breath as he went to get a cloth. He wet it and walked back to Ginny and Harry. 'Here, put this to his forehead, just keep wetting it and wiping him down.' Ginny nodded and put the cloth to Harry's forehead as he shivered. Charlie went over to the couch and sat down watching. He knew the worst part was over, he just didn't know how long this would take. He knew it was different with everyone, he hadn't been drinking quite as long as Harry, so he just wasn't sure.

Kreacher walked into the sitting room. 'Master Charlie is Master Harry alright.' he looked down at Harry.

'Yes Kreacher, he will be, it's the last bit now, then Harry will be well again.'

'I wanted to let you know that dinner is ready, do you want me to put it on the table master Charlie?'

'Put Ginny's on for now, I'll have mine after hers.' the elf bowed and went back to the kitchen. 'Ginny, let me do that for a while, you go eat, you are still healing remember. Then you can come back to help.' when it looked like Ginny wasn't going to move Charlie got up and knelt down. 'Ginny, go, eat, I'll watch him. Go on now.' she nodded and Charlie helped her stand.

She wrapped her arms around Charlie. 'Thank you, for everything.'

Charlie hugged her tightly. 'You don't have to thank me, but you're welcome anyway. Now go and eat.' he pulled her back and pushed her gently towards the kitchen. Charlie sat on the floor and grabbed the cloth, wetting it again with his wand and started to wipe Harry down. He was shivering badly and knew it will get a little worse just before it eases.

As Charlie sat there wiping Harry down, he noticed his shaking getting more violent and his teeth started to chatter and he curled himself up into a ball.

'Accio blanket.' Charlie said summoning a blanket, then he covered Harry but kept wiping his forehead.

Ginny watched everything Charlie was doing for Harry and her love and respect for him grew more and more. She wondered where he learned what to do for someone with a drinking problem. She decided now was not the time to ask him. She turned to Kreacher.

'Thank you Kreacher, that was good, you can get Charlie's dinner for him now.'

'Yes mistress Ginny,' he bowed to her as she got up and walked over to Charlie and Harry.

'Charlie, you're turn, go and eat.' Charlie stood and walked into the kitchen as Ginny put a cushion down on the floor, putting it under Harry's head, then she lay down and wrapped her arms around his shivering body, holding him tightly and talking softly to him.

'Harry, it's almost over sweetheart, almost over, then you will be well again and we can start our new lives.'

Charlie sat and watched Ginny talk to Harry, knowing they still had to talk and get everything out in the open. He knew that some of the things Harry had to say to Ginny were going to be hard on her, but it was the only way for them to move on.

After finishing his dinner, he thanked Kreacher then went back into the sitting room. He saw that they were both asleep so he conjured a mattress and pillows, floated them both onto it and covered them up, then lit a fire. He could feel his own need for a drink getting to him, but he was trying to control it, he thought he should have got someone else here to help but he knew what Harry was going to go through and decided to do it himself. He sat there for hours thinking about what was still to come and knew it was going to be hard on them but also hard on him as well, he just had to stay strong.

He went to the fireplace and flooed the Burrow, 'Hey dad, how's everything?' asked Charlie.

'We're good, son, how's Harry doing?' Arthur looked worried, then Molly walked up beside her husband.

'Not too good at the moment, he's still got a lot more to go through yet, I just wanted to update you and thought when it was over that Ron might come and visit him, he's going to need a friend.' just then Hermione came into view.

'I don't think so Charlie, Ron's not doing too well with some of the things Harry said, he's even had some nightmares about them. I would but that might just make it worse, sorry Charlie.'

'That's okay Hermione, and I can understand. Ron always lived in Harry's shadow and Harry lashed out about that,' he saw the worried look on Hermione's face. 'It's fine Hermione, really, I'll be here for him. Listen I better go, I'll keep you informed with what's going on, but I still think you should just stay away for the time being.'

'Alright son, give Ginny and Harry our love and we'll see you all soon,' said Arthur. Charlie nodded and pulled his head back out of the fire.

He sat there thinking when he decided he needed to talk to his friend and put his head back into the fireplace and flooed Liam.

'Hey Charlie, how are you, your looking tired, everything okay?'

'Not really Liam, but it's not really me. You have heard of Harry Potter haven't you?'

'Of course, who hasn't.'

'Well, he's married to my sister and after the battle and Voldemort he started drinking heavily. None of us knew anything until recently. Harry and Ginny were going to have a baby, but they lost it and Harry completely went over the edge. I did what you did to me Liam, it worked, he's having a real hard time of it.'

'How long has it been since you started my friend?' Liam asked getting serious.

'Seven days now, I just needed to talk to you about it, there's no one I can talk to about this.'

'You still haven't told your family have you? I told you it would help if you did, but I understand why you don't want to Charlie, do you want me to come over and help.'

'No, I just needed to talk, it was starting to get to me and I didn't want to resort to having a drink myself. I've been so good and careful whenever anyone handed me one, they either didn't notice I wasn't drinking or else not noticing when I vanished it. This is just hard at the moment, and I feel sick knowing what I did to Harry. We all love him Liam, and he's been through more than anyone will ever know and I hated to hurt him anymore. He's suffered Liam, really suffered and I just knew I could help him, but I still didn't like what I had to do, it made me violently sick to my stomach the injuries I caused to him. I just made it to my bathroom in time. Anyway sorry to unload on you Liam, it's just you know what I went through and you helped me, I just wanted to talk that's all.'

'Charlie,' a voice came from behind him.

'Harry I thought you were still asleep,' he turned back to the fire. 'I have to go Liam, I'll talk to you later.' his friend nodded and Charlie pulled his face back out again. He got to his feet and saw Harry was standing up, swaying a little and he was still sweating but he looked better. 'How are you feeling Harry?

'I heard what you said Charlie, you went through this, that's why you knew what to do, how to help me, didn't you?'

'Come sit down mate before you fall down.' he grabbed Harry arm and led him to the couch.

Charlie took a deep breath then turned to Harry. 'Yes, after what happened with Annatalia, I drank, a lot. I did what you did, lashed out, tried to push everyone I care about away, hurt them with words I didn't mean. Then Liam come and helped, he was the friend I told you about.'

'Why didn't you tell me Charlie, this must be very hard on you. If I'd known I wouldn't have let you stay and helped me, I feel terrible.'

'Don't Harry, I knew it was going to be hard, but I was the best one to help having gone through it myself. As I told you, I never mentioned anything to my family, and I still don't want them to know, but I wanted to help you Harry.' he looked seriously at Harry. 'But how are you feeling, really, I can see you're still sweating, but it doesn't seem as bad, neither does your shakes.'

'I'm better, I still feel it and I still want to drink, but it's not like before. I guess you really know how I'm feeling right now.'

'Yeah, I do, but you're getting better. You'll never get over wanting a drink, especially when you're stressed, you just need to talk to someone. If you want to talk to me then you can, and I'll talk you through it, that's the most important thing Harry. Don't bottle things up, talk to someone, talk to Ginny, talk to me, do whatever you have to but do not under any circumstance go back to drinking.'

'I won't, I'll never put Ginny through this again, ever. I just wish she didn't see any of this, but I knew she wouldn't leave, just like I wouldn't leave if it was her. I want to thank you Charlie, you've given me my life back with Ginny. What about…what I have to tell her Charlie, she's going to be very angry, what if she leaves me because of it, I don't think I could handle that, and I'm worried I'll start drinking even though I don't want to. Do you think she'll leave me Charlie?'

'I really can't tell you that Harry, we just have to wait and see Harry,'

Harry lowered his head and cried, cried hard just sitting there with Charlie's hand on his shoulder.

Neither of the men noticed Ginny watching them or that she had heard every word. She didn't want to interrupt them and as she listened to what Charlie had said, tears for her brother and for what Harry was going to tell her, fell down her face.

After a few minutes Harry's sobs quieted and he looked back to Charlie. 'Sorry about that, I just can't seem to help it at the moment.'

'Nothing to be sorry about, and these moods swings will ease too, they will get better.' Harry nodded not saying anything.

'Hey,' Ginny said in a husky voice.

Charlie and Harry turned and saw Ginny sitting up on the mattress. 'I'll leave you two alone.' Charlie said and walked into his bedroom.

Harry walked over and lay down next to Ginny and pulled her into his arms. 'I love you so much Ginny. I'm so sorry for putting you through all this.' Harry said with his face buried in her hair.

'It's alright Harry, and I wouldn't be anywhere else.' she lay down flat pulling Harry on top of her. 'Kiss me Harry, I need you to kiss me,' she looked at him and he could feel what she was feeling.

Harry lowered his head and kissed her passionately and hungrily. He felt his body responding to her body. He jerked himself up and turned away.

'Harry, what is it, I can feel you upset about something, tell me.'

'I don't know Gin, it's just with everything I put you through, I think it's just too soon.'

Ginny stood up and held her hand out to Harry. She wanted Harry and knew he wanted her, but he was scared.

Harry looked at her hand then at her face. She nodded and he stood up taking her hand. She led him up the stairs and into their bedroom. She walked over to their bed and stood next to it.

'Harry, make love to me, please.' she put her arms around his neck and pulled him closer and kissed him fiercely. Her wanting was taking over her body and she pulled his body closer and she could feel his arousal.

Harry pulled away panting heavily, 'Are you sure you're okay Gin, I don't want to hurt you.'

'I'm fine, really, all healed, now,' she took her jumper off and then undid her buttons of her shirt, then she took her jeans and shoes and socks off. Then she slowly reached behind her and undid her bra then lowered her knickers and stepped out of them standing there and letting Harry look.

Harry stood there watching, feeling his arousal pulsing. He moved closer to her and put his hand on her breast, his breath coming in pants. He took all his clothes off and moved back towards her and pulled her close kissing her hungrily. His hands roaming all over her body and he led her to the bed, and lay down and pulled Ginny on top of him.

'Touch me Harry, please I need you, it's been so long.' she sat up looking down at her and took his hand and placed it on her breast. He ran her nipple between his finger and thumb then put his mouth over her, sucking and licking until she was moaning and moving on top of him. He flipped her over and lay on top of her still sucking her breast. His hand made its way down between her legs and he felt her wetness. He hesitated and looked up at her.

'Are you sure Gin, you're okay to do this?' she nodded and grabbed his hand and moved it back over her. Harry leaned down and kissed her fiercely as he's fingers started to play. He wanted her to enjoy this after all she'd been through, he quickly brought her to a climax and lifted himself up in between her legs. She was gasping and groaning under him, he entered her as he looked into her eyes, she winced slightly and he stopped. 'Gin, you're not alright,' he went to pull back out but she stopped him.

'No Harry I'm fine, it's just that it's been a while and with the healing I've gone through has made me a little tight that's all, now please, Harry, don't stop, don't stop.' he looked at her, feeling her feelings and she was telling him the truth, he entered her again very slowly until she was grabbing at him to go harder and faster. He moved with her and kissed her as their bodies kept coming together, again and again until they finally gave one final thrust and they both groaned as they came. He lay down beside her so not to put too much weight on top of her.

'Are you alright Ginny, tell me, please.' he was looking at her but his hands were running up and down her body.

'I'm fine Harry, Madame Pomfrey told me it would be like that after my body healed, its fine really. It felt so good, Harry, I've missed you so.' she pulled him back to her and kissed him fiercely. When they finished Ginny sat up, 'Let's go have shower,' she stood up and put her hand out and he took it and she led him into the bathroom.

Harry turned the water on and pulled Ginny up against him kissing her all over. He picked up the body wash, lathered some and started washing her body very slowly, then he rinsed her and she started washing him all over, when she reached his arousal, he groaned as she slowly washed back and forth then rinsed him again very slowly. She leant against him, with her hand wrapped around his arousal, when they heard Charlie's voice.

'You two alright in there?' Charlie asked thinking he knew what they were doing because he could heard their moans, but wanted to make sure they were both alright.

'We're fine Charlie, now go away.' Ginny said breathing heavily.

Charlie smiled, 'I'll leave you to it.' he walked out and back down to the sitting room. He sat down on the couch, thinking that they still had a long way to go, but this was a good start, but when they start talking tomorrow, it was going to be hard, especially for Ginny.

Harry's groans got louder now Charlie had left, then Ginny dropped to her knees and put her mouth over him. He didn't know how long he was going to last but he enjoyed what she was doing to him. He pulled her up and lifted her and moved her up against the wall. She wrapped her legs around him as he slowly entered her, but she didn't want him slow, she wanted him fast and hard. He went with her as their movements got urgent and fierce until they were both very satisfied. Harry lowered her down and pulled her back and kissed her passionately again.

'Come on Gin, let's get dried and go down stairs I'm a bit hungry. Have you eaten at all?'

'Yeah I ate not long before I fell asleep with you, so I'll just come and keep you company.'

They stepped out, dried off then went into the bedroom and got dressed. Harry took Ginny's hand and headed down the stairs. Charlie was sitting on the couch in the sitting room.

Harry and Ginny sat on the opposite couch, smiling at him. 'Sorry about that Charlie.' Harry said smiling sheepishly.

'Don't be sorry, I'm happy for you, I just was checking you were both alright and now I know. So don't think about it.'

Harry turned to Ginny, 'I'm going to get Kreacher to get me something to eat, I'll be back.' he leaned over and kissed her and got up and made his way to the kitchen.

'Everything alright Ginny, really?' Charlie asked looking at his sister.

'Everything is fine Charlie, everything is perfect.' she smiled and got up and sat next to Charlie and cuddled up to him. 'I want to thank you so much Charlie, for bringing him back to me.'

'Your very welcome Gin, but like I said you don't have to thank me. I'm just glad you're both okay.' he hesitated for a bit. 'Gin, you do realise that you both still have a long way to go, especially Harry. You both have to sit down with me tomorrow and talk, I mean really talk Gin. Everything has to be said, and some of it won't be easy to hear or say, but it's the only way both of you can really move on, and be happy.'

'I know Charlie, I just wanted Harry to know that as far as I'm concerned I'm here for him and I'm happy. That way he will feel more secure and safe.'

Charlie had a worried look on his face knowing that she might not feel that way when Harry tells her about what he had done. He hoped Ginny will handle it and not do anything stupid which could set Harry right back. Because if that happened he didn't think he would get Harry back a second time.