I know it's been a long time since I've updated and I'm terribly sorry about that. My second semester of college has been tiring and hectic. Thankfully in two more weeks I can take finals and it will be over and I'll be free to write all I want. Thank all of you readers who have waited patiently for me to continue.

This chapter is a buch of different scense in one. I hope all of you enjoy and I will update as soon as possible. Please keep reading and reviewing.

Chapter 36: Unwinding

Rion grinned. "You're going to have to do better than that," he said as he laughed.

Harry glared at him and swung his sword at the Jedi. Rion easily blocked the move and turned and thrust his sword at Harry. Harry wasn't quick enough and his sword flew from his hands. He stood up straight and stared at the sword lying on the ground. He looked up at Rion with a mock serious face. "You cheated."

"I did not," Rion said smiling.

"Did too."

"Did not."

"Did too."

"I did not cheat. It's your own fault for being too slow."

"I am not slow. Being slow is impossible for me."

"Why is it impossible?"

"Because I'm me," Harry said smirking.

Rion laughed. "That's such a cop out answer."

"How is that a cop out answer?"

"Saying that because you're Harry Potter, you're special. You could at least come up with a creative reason like, I don't know…"

Harry cut Rion off. "Hold on. You're trying to change the subject."

Rion looked at him innocently. "What subject?"

"YOU CHEATED!"

"I did not!"

The two were so busy fighting, they didn't see Lilia sitting nearby, casting a spell, causing a storm cloud to form over the two and start raining on them. The two looked at each other, then to Lilia and smiled evilly. "Get her?" Rion said. Harry nodded and the two ran after Lilia, who by now was racing down a nearby hallway, laughing.

They, along with everyone in the city, were taking the day off. It was the day before the attack was planned. Everything was ready, but for the past few weeks, everyone had been working hard and was at their wits end. For many this would be the final battle, and today was a day to live.

Harry and Rion followed Lilia, firing hair-coloring charms and other harmless spells her way. They ran outside, through the streets of the city. Kids were outside playing games like marbles and jumping rope. They followed Lilia into the town square. Many of the townspeople had gathered there and were listening to a group of men playing upbeat music.

Harry slowed down when he saw Ginny sitting in the square, listening to music, and made his way over to her. Rion caught up with Lilia and grabbed her around her waist and pulled her into him. She looked at him and smiled. "Hi," she said cheerfully.

"Hi yourself."

Lilia put her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. Rion whispered something in her ear and she laughed and let Rion lead her off down the street to find some privacy. Ginny was looking at the two, smiling. Harry sat down next to her as she spoke. "Those two are so cute together. They're so lucky. I wish I could find a guy and be like that."

Harry looked at her thoughtfully. "Like what?"

"Madly in love," she said, looking wishfully.

Harry looked at her and heard a slow song being played. "Ginny. Would you maybe…like to dance with me?"

She blushed, "I'd love to."

Harry led her out into the middle of the square. Ginny put her arms around his neck and he put his arms around her waist. Both swayed to the music, enjoying one another's company. Harry couldn't help but notice the way her body fit perfectly against his and the warmth he felt on his face as her cheek touched his.

Ron and Hermione were watching the two nearby. Ron looked at them thoughtfully. At one time he would have been ready to deck anyone who put their hands on his sister, but now he wasn't sure what to do. In his heart he knew Harry and she would be good for one another. Ginny had grown up. She was no longer the shy little girl, but a strong woman. And Harry. Harry had grown up too. Ron knew he would take care of his sister, but the future was still questionable. What if Harry didn't make it through the final battle? Ginny would be crushed. It was thoughts like these that would have made the old Ron want to march out there and rip the two apart. But the old Ron was gone now. The child had turned into a man and he knew better than to mess with love.

Mrs. Weasley sat alone in her bedroom. Everyone was out regaling and enjoying the peacefulness of the day. Ever since Harry had returned, she had something to do, somewhere to go. But today was different. She tried to find something to do to keep her busy; to take her mind away from thoughts that had plagued her for years, but there was nothing to do. The house was empty, her duties were done, and she had nothing to do but think.

She had walked around the house in a daze. It was hard to believe everything that had happened. Molly didn't remember walking up the stairs or crossing into her room. She couldn't even remember picking up the photograph and sitting on her bed. The picture was one of Arthur that was worn and frayed. It was hard to believe that it had been twelve years. Twelve years of not seeing his face or hearing his voice. She couldn't count the times that she had laid in bed, feeling the cold and emptiness of the spot next to her. She never cried though. Molly had to be strong for Ron and Ginny. Crying just made things worse. She tried not to think of them: Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Fred, George. Thinking was never a good idea, but in the dead of night, or in times like today, it was inevitable.

Molly thought back to the last times she had seen her children. She could hear Fred and George laughing as they pulled another prank. She could remember Bill's long hair and piercings, Charlie's burns and wild ways. She had disapproved of so many things in the past: the joke shop, the way they dressed, the danger in their lives. Their faces had become blurred in her memories. All of her photographs had been destroyed, save the one of her husband. She wished she could go back in time and have all of those moments back. She wondered what they looked like now.

Molly stared at the picture of Arthur. For many years, she didn't know if he was dead or alive. Then Remus had come and told her of her husband's fate. She had come close to crying then, but she didn't. Everyone was so happy and full of hope. It wasn't the time to cry. But today was different. The tears fell from her eyes and she didn't try to hold them back. Tomorrow, with hope, she would see her Arthur again.

Sirius felt Remus's hand on his shoulder. He had been sitting on the balcony of one of the buildings, watching a small group of people in the town square. Every since Pettigrew had arrived, he had been angry and had let the rat know his feelings. He had interrogated him and shown no leniency towards him. Why should he? It was his fault the world turned out the way it did. Sirius pushed his anger aside and buried his it in the back of his mind. He sat there subdued, trying to enjoy one last day.

Remus had shared his friend's anger. The wolf inside of him wanted the rodent dead, but his ever strong heart prevented this from happening. Remus had thought back to Harry's third year of Hogwarts. At the time he had agreed that James wouldn't have wanted Peter dead, but what about now? Twelve years ago, the world made sense. But that was twelve years ago. Peter was guilty for more destroyed lives now then ever before. The full moon was coming closer and the wolf inside of him growled in hate, but Remus ignored him. He sat down next to his friend. He looked out and saw Harry in the square, dancing with Ginny.

Neither of the friends said a word to the other. They only sat together enjoying the other's company. Tomorrow they would be separated. It was the full moon. The ingredients to the wolfsbane potion were scarce these days and no one was able to brew it. Remus would remain in the city, locked up away from anyone, and Sirius would follow Harry into battle. Both of the men refused to think of tomorrow though. There was a chance tomorrow would be the last day they would see each other, but that was far from their thoughts. There had been many possible last days for them. There was no point in fearing the future. They had seen too much and death would bring peace to them both. For now they sat in silence and felt content as they looked down at the one boy who had given their lives purpose.

Harry and Ginny danced for hours, late into the night. Ron and Hermione had left, along with many others, and Harry and Ginny were two of the few people still outside. It was late, but neither wanted to go home.

They walked through the streets, talking and holding hands. Eventually they reached the Weasley's home and stood outside the door. Harry stood close to Ginny and she looked at him bashfully. He stepped closer to her and put his hands on her hips, bringing her to him. Ginny felt his hair tickle her forehead as he leaned down, his lips coming closer to hers. Her eyes closed as she felt the warmth of his breath on her face. His lips touched hers and all thoughts were lost to pleasure.

Harry pulled away slowly and opened his eyes. He smiled as her and she at him. He lightly tucked a stray hair behind her ear, and lightly kissed her again. Ginny smiled and turned to open the door and step inside. The house was quiet and dark. Harry followed Ginny inside and watched as she tip toed up the stairs to her room. He took his regular spot on the couch, but sleep was the last thing on his mind. He didn't want tonight to end. He wanted to be with Ginny, but now was not the time his mind kept screaming.

It was hours later that Harry heard the creak of the stairs as someone walked down them. It was dark and he couldn't see their face, but he knew who it was. He felt her crawl onto the couch and lay next to him. Her body was small and warm. He curled his body so that he could hold her closer and stroke her hair lightly. After a while he could feel her body completely relax and her breathing slowed down as she fell into a peaceful sleep. Harry nuzzled Ginny's hair lightly, inhaling her scent. As he fell asleep, all he could think about was how he could do this for eternity.

I once again apologize for not updating sooner. Along with all the schoolwork I have had, I have also had a bad case of writers block. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. M y email is on my profile page. The next chapter is going to be a battle scene and since I have never written a battle scene, I am not sure how to go about it. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.