The sun was beginning to rise over the horizon. It shined brightly over the Forbidden Forest and covered the castle in golden light. That same golden light casted through the window of the 2nd Year Boys' dormitory in Gryffindor tower where Harry Potter lied awake in his four poster bed. He had been awake all night, tossing and turning, fighting for sleep. He wasn't the only person in the castle who had done the same thing. Ginny Weasley also laid awake in her four poster bed, tossing and turning all night.

Neither had slept through the night for nearly two whole weeks, not since the night they met in the common room, and fell asleep together on the sofa. Instead, they had to make do with finding sleep wherever and whenever they could, rather that be inside or outside the castle. It hadn't been all bad, since they got to spend a great deal of time together. They found that they were simply content with just themselves, without having much need for other company. They would go visit Hagrid regularly, they spent meal times making friendly conversation with Hermione, and they managed to live through Ron's glaring. It was hard to tell how Ron truly felt. Was really upset with them, or was he just jealous that Ginny had stolen his best friend? Either way, it didn't seem to bother them too much. Surprisingly, the twins had been their closest friends during that time period. They had let them in on a few pranks, and they had even scolded Ron for being so rude towards them.

But soon, all would hopefully go back to normal. Today was the day that they would be leaving Hogwarts. Due to exams and an entire class being cancelled following the events of the chamber, Dumbledore had decided it was best to let the kids go home early. Couple that with the overall chaos of the school year, it would do well to get the students back home to their worried families.

Though he was practically exhausted, Harry couldn't help but to be excited at the fact that he would be living with the Weasley's this summer. Not just this summer, but for every summer to follow! He still still felt a little nervous due to the fact that he and Ron hadn't made up yet, but he knew that eventually it would work itself out. Ginny must've felt his excitement and nerves, because he felt an array of joy and calmness through the bond, which in turn, made Harry relax. He felt Ginny stir, and decided that it was time to start making his way out of bed. He slowly swung his legs over his bed, stood up, and made for his trunk. Once he grabbed the necessary clothes he needed to change into, he tip toed to the boys bathroom. Closing the door softy behind him, he took a hot shower, brushed his teeth, got dressed, and silently made his way back out.

He made his way down the steps and into the common room, where he found Ginny yawning on the sofa. The light from the morning sun created a radiant aura around her long and fiery red hair. Harry looked at her and thought that there wasn't anything in the world more beautiful than her. She turn to look at him and caught him staring at her, which made her blush and giggle.

"Good Morning", she said softly

Harry smiled back at her, blushing slightly, "Morning".

Harry made his way over to her, and as he got closer, he could smell that flowery scent that gave him a feeling that could only be described as euphoric. Ginny giggled at the strong feelings he was sending through the bond, and she reached out her hand for him to take. He took it in his and helped her up, then wrapped her up in his arms, with her head on his chest, and his chin resting on top of her head. The warmth and comfort being shared by the two of them could've easily put them to sleep. If they weren't careful, they could've fallen asleep right then and there.

"Soon." He sent to her with a smile

Ginny knew immediately what he was referring to, and she smiled back. "Very soon."

Soon, they wouldn't have to worry about being separated at night. Soon, they would be able to sleep in each other's arms every night. Even if they did have to sneak, they didn't have to worry about being separated much longer, and both were over joyed by this fact.

They heard a door open, up the stairs leading to the girls dormitories, which broke them out of their blissful embrace. They reluctantly let go of one another, and wove their fingers into each other's hand. Through the portrait hole they went, giggling and smiling at one another as they made their way down to breakfast. The last breakfast they would be having before leaving Hogwarts' for the summer.

As they entered the Great Hall, they noticed that quite a bit more students than usual were present for breakfast. Being the last meal that the students would have before they're home, it wasn't uncommon for students to make sure they got their fill in before the ride. They also noticed that the staff table was full with all of their professors. The professors were all talking amongst themselves, so there was no eye contact to be made as they took their seats at Gryffindor table. Most of everyone they knew hadn't made it down yet, so they happily sat alone. Little did they know, as they busied themselves with filling one another's plates and glasses, they were being observed by their Headmaster.

Dumbledore carefully observed the young couple from his seat at the Headmaster's table. The old wizard couldn't help but to feel just a little happy when he saw the smile on Harry's face, coupled with a even bigger smile on Ginny Weasley's face. However, this newfound relationship between the two deeply disturbed the Headmaster. Although he passed the responsibility of keeping a close eye on the two to McGonagall, Dumbledore still observed them any chance he got. Even still, those times were quite limited. All he could ever see was two of them just enjoying one another's presence. There was the occasional staring into each other's eyes and reacting as if something had been said, but neither of them had spoke. Something very small, but it could have severe implications.

Dumbledore's one sense of comfort was the fact that Minerva had yet to report anything unusual happening between the two. If something peculiar was happening between them, then they would more than likely go to someone with their concerns. It was possible that Harry had reverted to Miss Granger, but a brilliant as she may be, there was no book in the library that would give her any answers. Plus, Miss Granger hadn't had her face buried in a book during meal times, and Harry and Ginny looked to be under no stress at all. Harry trusted Granger the most when it came to finding solutions to most of his problems. At least, Granger had always taken it upon herself to find the answers for him. But… It's still possible that He and Ginny could've explored other resources in order to find their answers. If this was indeed the case, then the only hopeful candidate for the both of them, would be their Head of House.

"Everything alright, Albus?" Minerva asked Dumbledore evenly, feigning concern for the sake of keeping things casual. She had noticed his intense musing, but she had also followed his gaze to the young couple sitting at her house table.

Dumbledore blinked out of his musing, turned his attention to his Deputy Headmistress, and gave her a genial smile and a nod. "Yes Minerva. Quite alright indeed."

Minerva looked at him curiously for a moment, then returned the nod. "Anything on your mind?"

Dumbledore returned to his bowl of porridge to ponder how to answer Minerva's question. He didn't necessarily want to confront her, but he needed to know if she for sure hadn't seen anything peculiar between Harry and Ginny. Rather, has she heard anything peculiar from Harry and Ginny. He respected her too much to use legilimens, even if he didn't, she was too clever of a witch to not notice the attempt. Besides, it wasn't as much about getting his answer, but seeing whether or not she wavered in her answering. Minerva put up quite the front of being unreadable but nobody is entirely so, and he knew her well enough to know what to look for.

"You wouldn't happen to have progressed on the task I gave you?" Dumbledore asked conversationally, faintly gesturing towards Harry & Ginny.

"No." replied Minerva evenly, but not too quickly. Two can play at this game. "they do spend a great deal of time together, but they seem to just make the other happy."

Dumbledore went thoughtful for a moment as he turned slightly to survey Minerva. She was buttering another slice of toast, and appeared to be acting like the normally stoic Deputy Headmistress that he always knew. Perhaps a little too normal… Why would she be trying harder to put up that front when this was nothing more than a pleasant conversation?

Dumbledore smiled softly. "Remarkable, isn't it?"

Minerva gave the faintest stutter in her movement, before she turned curiously to the Headmaster. "What is?"

Albus turned a little more towards her and smiled. He didn't notice anything that stood out in her expression, so he turned back to get a look at Harry & Ginny. "Out of all the outcomes we could've imagined from the events in the Chamber, who would've thought we'd get something so precious?"

"I know." Minerva sighed with a smile of her own. "It's better than we could've ever imagined". It was, after all, the greatest thing that could've come from that night, but now wasn't the time to reflect. The two of them were so happy together, and it was so amazing to see the two of them get along so well.

Albus and Minerva happily watched the young couple share smiles and giggles throughout their breakfast. They ate rather quickly, and not long after finishing, they exited the Great Hall hand in hand. Minerva released a happy sigh as she watched them exit the Great Hall, then she busied herself with the remainder of her breakfast.

Wait a minute… He knows…

Does he know? He had to have some speculation in order to make that particular comment, but how? The Headmaster has been rather busy the past couple of weeks, and Minerva thought she had been doing a well enough job with her reports on the matter. She knew he was brilliant, and she knew that he'd probably figure it out well before it was revealed; but it doesn't make any sense. Was she overthinking? Was this just a ploy to see if she'd crack? Either way, Minerva knew she had to be careful. The students would all be leaving soon, then she would be spending the rest of the day at the castle. She wasn't in the clear yet, and given that the students would arrive at King's Cross before her departure from the castle, that left plenty of time for the person on 'Potter Watch' to notice him not return to Privet Dr. She just hoped that the Weasley's would be punctual with their arrival and quick with their departure.

It was a beautiful summer morning in the Scottish highlands. The sun had risen above the peaks of the Forbidden Forest, and it's warmth radiated over the school grounds. Down by the black lake, Harry and Ginny spent their last morning at Hogwarts just as they had for the past two weeks. They sat up against the Beech tree, peacefully taking in all the sights that they had grown accustomed to looking at one final time. Their fingers were perfectly woven together, and they were filling each other up with extraordinary levels of calm and contentment. If they weren't careful, they'd doze off like they had so many times before.

Harry's gaze was broken from the grounds as Ginny pulled his hand into her lap, and he caught full sight of her. He often marveled at her beauty, probably more than normal, but he found it nearly impossible not to be taken by it. He had always thought Ginny was cute. She was a bit small, but not tiny. Her eyes were warm like melted chocolate, and he felt as if he were melting away whenever stared into them. Her freckles were probably the cutest part about her, but he knew that she was a bit insecure about them. His favorite, though, had to be her hair. Those fiery red locks that were always set ablaze by the sun were enough to start a fire inside of himself. Not to mention the sweet and flowery fragrance that filled him with all sorts of calm and euphoric sensations. And to think that she was his… He couldn't help but to shake his head in disbelief. It was almost as if he were in a dream. He wasn't the only one feeling that same immense level of joy.

A smile started to stretch across Ginny's face, her cheeks went pink, and she giggled at the excitement and joy Harry was filling her with.

"Enjoying the view?", Ginny asked him teasingly

Harry chuckled and went a bit pink, "Maybe a little"

Ginny gave his hand a tight squeeze, "I can't believe it's already over"

Harry didn't respond immediately. He turned his attention to the castle, and he thought back on all the school year had to offer. He couldn't believe it was already over either. At one point, he thought it would never end. As far as classes were concerned, things were as normal as you could ask for, besides the joke that was Defense Against the Dark Arts. He was fascinated by the subject, but Lockhart had made the class almost as unbearable as potions. His focus was hardly ever in the classroom this year. How could it be? His classmates and peers were being attacked by a monster that everyone believed to be a myth, then he was practically shunned by everyone because they believed him to be the one behind the attacks. Not only did he have the constant burden of not being able to clear his name, he also seemed to be the only one who gave a damn about stopping the attacks. Everything involved with this past year was so unbelievably complicated and frustrating that his head spun just thinking about it, but there was one thing that was unmistakably clear.

Tom Riddle, or Voldemort, was the true heir of Slytherin, and had been the one who originally opened the Chamber fifty years ago. He had the basilisk kill Moaning Myrtle, and framed Hagrid to clear his name. Then there was his diary that somehow had the power to possess people with the intent of opening the Chamber again. Voldemort had left it with one of his followers, Lucius Malfoy, so that he could victimize an innocent person and have them terrorize the school. Harry's blood started to boil at the thought.

"Harry." Called Ginny softly but worriedly.

Harry was too consumed with the bitterness and resentment within him to be distracted. The mere thought of someone so lowly and pathetic plaguing this world, and being able to do so freely, was just disgusting. And it wasn't just anyone that fell victim to their wickedness, it had been Ginny. His Ginny. She could have died! She could've-

"Harry!" Ginny cried, grabbing under his chin and jerking his face over to look at her. He was breathing heavily, and she had a death grip on her hand. His eyes were engulfed in flames, but they started to die down when they met her comforting brown ones. Through her concern, Ginny was still sending him all the calm that she could, and his breathing slowed and his grip relaxed a little.

"Harry." She called tenderly. "what's wrong?"

Harry took a deep breath to steady himself. He felt a bit ashamed of himself for causing her concern. "It's nothing." he breathed.

"I hate to break it to you." Ginny replied matter of factly. "but that's not going to work on me".

'Stupid bond.' Harry thought to himself. He looked into her welcoming brown eyes, gave her a soft smile, and took another deep breath before continuing, "I - I was just thinking back on everything that's happened this year."

Ginny stared at him for a moment before breaking her gaze from his, and she became tense as she began to think back on the horrors of this past school year. It had been her first year at Hogwarts, and it was memorable for all of the wrong reasons. She was thrilled to begin her first year at Hogwarts, especially after hearing all of the tales that her brothers would tell her about their time there. It hadn't exactly lived up to her expectations. She found it difficult to make friends, she was made fun of for her second hand robes and books, and she just felt so alone. Then there was the diary, Ginny shuddered and flushed at the memory of the diary, and how she had poured her heart out to it, how it made her do all of those things, how it used her to get to Harry-

"Ginny." Harry called, shaking her out of her reverie. He looked at her, and her face was completely blank of all emotion, but there were tears beginning to cascade down her cheek. Whatever warmth that her eyes held had vanished. Harry reached his hand up to her cheek and wiped away the tears with his thumb. The warmth of his touch was like a shock of electric current on her cold skin.

"I'm sorry." Ginny breathed, holding back a sob. "It's my fault."

Harry gave her a puzzled look, "What are you talking about Ginny?"

The tears were getting harder for her to hold back. She couldn't speak without her sobs drowning out her words. Harry sensed this, so he tried to get her to talk using mind speak.

"It's not your fault Ginny." He sent, sending calmness through their bond, "Riddle made you".

"But I did it." Ginny sent back in protest, starting to sob heavily, gasping for breath. "He forced me to, and I can still feel him."

Harry turned to her and forced his arms around her. He lifted her just enough to pull her onto his lap, where he leaned into her and wrapped his arms around her. She wrapped tightly around him and started sobbing into his neck. Harry rocked slowly back and forth, sending all the calm and comfort he could through the bond. He felt the strongest feelings of sadness and fear that he'd ever felt before.

"It's okay Ginny." Harry whispered into her ear. "You're going to be okay."

"I wasn't strong enough." Ginny sent hi"I tried Harry. I tried fighting, but he was too strong. He wanted you."

"Shhh", Harry shushed her, trying as hard as he could to calm her. "you were strong enough Ginny."

"No I wasn't." Ginny sent back in protest. "He wanted you, and I led you straight to him. He knew you'd try to save me. I told him you would, but you were stronger than me."

Harry didn't respond right away, but a thought struck him abruptly; surprisingly, he started to smile. Warmth started to fill him, and he was sending it through the bond to Ginny. Ginny sniffed back a sob and lifted her head to look at him. She was completely bewildered when she found him smiling, "Why are you smiling?" Her voice was shaky, but the calmness and joy was starting to have its' effect on her.

"You're wrong Ginny." said Harry softly. "you saved me."

Ginny's eyes went wide at Harry's statement, and she looked to be in some sort of trance. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Harry's smile only grew wider at seeing her confusion.

"You fought Riddle the entire year to prevent him from getting to me." Harry explained in astonishment, "Only when he knew that you'd do everything in your power to prevent him from getting to me, did he finally do something that gave me no other choice but to confront him".

"But Harry." Ginny shook her confusedly, "I'm the one who told him about you."

"I know Ginny." Harry replied, hardly containing his excitement. "but by you telling him about me, you caused him to pull his attention away from using the Basilisk to attack people. Then once he became obsessed with me, you fought as hard as you could to protect me. Just like my mum did."

Harry sat up straighter and put both of hands on the sides of Ginny's face. He looked deeply into her eyes, and he could see the joy that he was pouring into her cause them to melt. Harry was absolutely thrilled by the connection he had made, and by the newfound appreciation he had for his girlfriend. She wasn't just his girlfriend. She was his bond mate.

As he looked into the depths of her eyes and very soul, Harry calmed down to speak more softly, "Ginny - I may have killed the Basilisk and destroyed the diary, but you're the one who fought him every single day this past year. He discovered that your love for me would never allow him to get to me, so he had no choice but to overpower you and force me to try and save you. He thought he had won, but he made one of the biggest mistakes of his life." Harry then let his hands fall down her sides and settle in her lap, where he found her hands waiting for him to take.

Ginny stared at Harry in awe for a few moments. She was completely stunned by what he had said. Harry. Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived. The Savior of the Wizarding World. Her hero. He was calling her, helpless little Ginny Weasley, strong and brave for fighting back against Tom Riddle. She was his hero. Was she dreaming? She couldn't be. She could feel everything that he was sending through the bond. Their bond.

Ginny shook herself out of her trancelike state, and she looked into his emerald eyes. They were the same blazing emerald that she had always loved, and she could feel all the strength that they possessed. Harry was smiling wide at her, and he was sending an overwhelming amount of love, joy, and admiration through their bond. Slowly, her lips started to curl into a soft smile, and she started to send those same overwhelming emotions back to him.

Harry did save her life, but she had also saved his. Together, they had defeated Tom Riddle. Their love for one another gave them the power they needed to defeat him. Ultimately, it had been Harry who saved Ginny's life from actually ending, but Ginny prevented Riddle from ever getting close enough to harm Harry.

With their feelings over flowing within them, Harry and Ginny slowly leaned into each other. Their eyes closed as they leaned closer and closer until… fireworks.

It was just a soft kiss, but it burned with an intensity that rivaled that of the sun above them. It lasted only a few seconds, and when they pulled apart from each other, they sat there with their eyes closed for a moment. Each of them were soaking in and processing the incredible sensation that they had just felt. They may only be twelve and eleven years old, but they possessed a level of love that was foreign to the happiest of married couples. Harry leaned back against the tree, and pulled Ginny into him, her forehead resting on his.

"That was." Harry breathed heavily.

"Wonderful." Ginny breathed back just as heavily.

"Brilliant." Harry chuckled softly.

The two of them finally opened their eyes, and they smiled warmly at one another. Their faces were bright red, and they giggled softly at one another. In that moment, the world had done what it always seemed to do when they were together: fade away. As reality started to settle back in, Harry glanced down at his watch: 9:23 A.M. They still had some more time to enjoy their last morning on the grounds. Ginny readjusted herself in his lap, so that they were both looking out over the black lake. Harry wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder, and Ginny leaned her head into his. Pure bliss.

A few peaceful moments had passed when Ginny stirred slightly and became a little tense. Something had bothered her, like a thought had just disrupted her peace.

"What's the matter?", Harry sent her as he gave her a slight squeeze.

'Just like my mum.' These words kept echoing inside of Ginny's mind. At first, it was rather faint, but the harder she tried to silence it, the more pronounced it became. Ginny knew the tale of 'The Boy who Lived' and she knew how Harry had become an orphan as an infant. His parents died at the hands of You-Know-Who, and something strange had happened that night that led to Harry's survival and You-Know-Who's defeat. Did his mum sacrifice herself to save him? It had always been a mystery as to how he had survived, so was this the reason? If it was, then that was truly a remarkable thing, and it made it even more sorrowful to know how deep his love ran for a mother he never really knew. Harry then compared his mum's sacrifice to that of her's earlier in the year. That was an even more remarkable thing for him to say, but these facts weren't the most troubling things her mind was processing. Harry had drawn comparisons between his mum's sacrifice and her willingness to protect him from Riddle, but why?

"Harry?" Ginny sent him.

"Yes Ginny?" Harry sent back.

Ginny pondered her words carefully, then slowly she asked, "You mentioned that what I did was similar to what your mum did?"

Ginny felt him go a little tense throughout the bond, and she felt him give a slight nod against her neck so she continued.

"How was it similar?" Ginny sent, "She died for you and-" Ginny started to feel more uncomfortable with every word she spoke until they finally died out.

Harry had gone a bit tense by her curiosity, but he took a deep breath to steady himself. He nudged his chin into the crook of her neck and gave her another tight squeeze around the waist. Harry knew that she needed to know the truth. He hadn't known whether or not Tom ever revealed himself for who he really was, but now he had his answer. No matter how difficult it may be to tell her, or how difficult it may be for her to process, she needed to know that truth.

"Ginny." Harry sent carefully with another deep breath, "There's something you need to know."

Ginny started to tense a little, and Harry could feel the anxiety start to flow through the bond. It was almost as if she already knew, but she just needed to hear it from him to be sure. Harry sent calmness through the bond, which seemed to work as she relaxed a bit in his lap.

"Tom Riddle isn't just Tom Riddle." Harry sent slowly, "he was the 16 year old version of Voldemort".

Ginny's eyes went wide, her face flushed, and her entire body went rigid in Harry's lap. Her breathing started to grow quick and heavy, and the fear and anxiety that flowed through the bond was nearly overwhelming Harry.

Harry adjusted his grip to wrap around the outside of her arms, and he started to gently rock back and forth with her sending his love, joy, and calmness through the bond.

"Ginny, listen to me." Harry sent firmly, kissing Ginny on the top of her head. "It's okay. You're okay. He's gone."

Harry kept kissing the top of her head and taking in her flowery scent. He only hoped that the amount of calm he had was enough to steady her. This was the most frightened she had been since that night after the events in the Chamber.

"Harry."Ginny breathed shakily, tears streaking her face.

"Shhh." Harry shushed her quietly, then whispered, "it's okay Ginny. You're safe now. You're safe with me". She was safe with him. Harry would do everything that he could in order to protect her. Nothing, or no one, was ever going to hurt her as long as he could help it, and Ginny knew that as well. Not only was the intensity of his words and feelings great to her, she also knew that the safest she would ever be was in Harry's arms, just like she was right now. Ever since that night in the hospital wing, Ginny had felt safe and secure, and without even the faintest worry, whenever she was in Harry's presence. She understood that times would not always be perfect, and that she may still have her nightmares to deal with; but as long as she was with Harry, that's all she would ever need in life. New tears started to stream down Ginny's cheek, but instead of them being tears of sadness and fright, they were tears of joy and overwhelming comfort.

11 o'clock was fast approaching, and Harry was holding onto Ginny as he tried cutting a path for them through the straggling crowd at Hogsmeade Station. Ron and Hermione were one time, close behind them, but Harry could hear the beginnings of an argument so he imagined they fell back a bit. Their arguing was becoming more and more frequent, and Harry had a good idea as to why that was; but he didn't feel the least bit sorry. It did frustrate Harry though, because Ron just seemed to be unwilling to accept him and Ginny being together. Ginny seemed not to mind as much, as long as Ron left them alone, but Ron was supposed to be Harry's best mate. He needed to get over himself and grow up a little bit. If he didn't do it soon, then this summer was sure to be a long and stressful one.

'No it wasn't', Harry thought to himself. He wasn't going to let Ron ruin his summer, nor was he going to let Ron make things difficult for him and Ginny.

All of Harry's frustration with the crowd and Ron was being felt by Ginny

"Everything okay, Harry?", she sent to him as they inched closer to the train.

Harry smiled sheepishly over his shoulder before turning forward again, "I'm fine. Just ready to get on the train", he sent back.

Ginny returned the smile, then squeezed his hand to send him calmness, which he received gratefully. Ginny felt his pain, both figuratively and literally. This was twice as chaotic as King's Cross ever dreamed of being. Everyone was crowded around and saying goodbyes, as if they didn't have all the time in the world once they got on the train, but that wasn't the only thing frustrating him. Ron was being a prat, and he has been ever since the fiasco in the common room. He's barely even looked at Harry, much less actually talked to him. He's only ever around when Hermione forces him to be, and that usually turns into an argument between him and Hermione. Of course, Ginny knew what the real problem was with Ron, but she felt it wasn't her place to bring that up, lest she was ready for another row with her brother. Besides, she was completely content with the newfound freedom she and Harry had, and it was only going to get better once they were home. HARRY'S COMING HOME WITH ME! Ginny could hardly contain her excitement. They had just made it to the steps of one of the train cars when Harry started to laugh out loud at seemingly nothing.

"Someone's excited." He sent Ginny as he hoisted his trunk onto the train.

Ginny's cheeks started to turn pink. "Maybe a little." She sent back with a giggle.

Harry stepped up and into the train, and helped Ginny lift her trunk onto the train. Once both were on, they looked for an empty compartment. They got halfway through the first car when they found one that was empty. After getting both of their trunks, and a sleeping Hedwig, onto the racks, they went to the window to look for their friends. They spotted Ron and Hermione getting closer to the train car, and they looked to still be in the middle of arguing. Harry had half a mind to jerk open the window and start shouting at them in frustration, but he decided against it. That kind of act would only make Ron more upset, and it was unfair to Hermione.

Instead, Harry turned away from the window and settled itself down on one of the seats. Ginny soon followed him, equally frustrated with the way her brother was acting.

"It's okay, Harry." Ginny sent calmly. "He's just being a prat."

Harry took a deep breath and smiled at Ginny. "I know, but he doesn't realize that he's not being a prat to only us."

Ginny sighed, wrapped her arm around his waist, and rested her head against his shoulder. "I know, but he'll get over it eventually."

Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze. He let her calmness flow through him, and let in a deep intake of her flowery scent that always seemed to calm him down. Apart of him hoped that Ron would come around on his own, but another part of him said that he'd have to do something about it or else Ron never would. About that time, a bushy haired girl appeared in the compartment doorway, struggling with her oversized trunk.

Harry shot up to help Hermione get her trunk into the compartment and up onto the racks. There were no signs of a tall red head when he poked his head into the corridor, which could only mean one of two things.

"Is Ron not joining us?" Harry asked Hermione, sounding slightly disappointed.

Hermione went a bit sheepish, and that all but confirmed Harry's suspicion.

"He was behind me."Hermione answered thickly

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Why's he being such a prat?"

Hermione sighed. "I don't know honestly. He keeps saying something along the lines of, 'she's my sister' and 'he was my best mate', but he's just being ridiculous." Hermione said that last part quickly as to not upset Harry. She had failed.

"Great." Harry muttered as he took a seat next to Ginny.

Ginny started to circles around his back as she leaned into his side; It definitely seemed to have an effect on him, but she knew she needed to do more.

"Harry, listen to me." She sent. "He will get over it-"

"But what if he doesn't?" Harry interrupted.

"Then we'll have to confront him." Ginny sent quickly.

"Well, what if he's still made after that?" He sent back, leaning over to put his face in his hands.

"Then that's his loss."

Harry didn't respond immediately, he just sat there and let himself be comforted by her. He hoped he was as half as good at doing this for her.

"I'm sorry." He finally sent.

"For what?"

Harry sighed. "For letting it get to me." He paused for a moment before he continued. "He was the first friend I ever had."

Ginny felt the sadness start to well up inside of him, and she felt the sadness well up in her as well. She couldn't believe that Harry had never had any friends before coming to Hogwarts. It was such a shame, and now that friend was being an arse to him for seemingly no reason at all. And if Ron continued to act like this, then he'd take away the only other friend Harry ever had as well. Ginny knew she had to be strong for Harry. This wasn't just some sibling rivalry or silly disagreement, this was Harry's happiness, and he's someone who hasn't had a lot of that to begin with. Although she may be the greatest person in his life, she couldn't be the only person in his life. She wrapped tightly around Harry's waist and rested her head on his shoulder, then she sent all the love and joy she could muster. Everything will be okay, soon.

Harry & Ginny weren't alone in this moment. They were completely oblivious to the bushy haired girl that sat in the seat opposite them who was watching them intently.

At first, Hermione watched contentedly as Ginny comforted Harry. She knew that Harry would have a difficult time with Ron distancing himself and being unsupportive of him & Ginny being together. Ron was being ridiculous, and seeing the effect that he was having on Harry, made her even more frustrated with him. But as she continued to watch Harry being comforted by Ginny, she couldn't help but to be a little perplexed by what exactly she was seeing. Ginny would do something, and Harry would not only reciprocate the gesture but he would respond to it as well. Once Harry had responded and resettled, then Ginny seemed to respond to what he was doing. It was almost as if… No, they couldn't be. There's no way they could be communicating with one another, but that's what it looked like they were doing. She didn't have long to ponder, however, for Neville Longbottom knocked on their compartment door.

"Hi guys." Said Neville, half excited and half relieved. He seemed to have not been able to find a compartment.

"Hey Neville." the three said in unison.

"Do you mind?" He asked, gesturing to their nearly empty compartment. "The rest are already full."

"Of course Neville." Harry answered, wiping away Neville's worry. He then got up and helped Neville with his belongings.

Neville thanked Harry and them for relieving him of his trouble, and once settled, the four of them shared pleasant conversation with each other. They discussed some highlights to the year, avoiding all the more tragic things that happened, and they discussed their plans for the summer. Harry lied of course. He was keeping McGonagall's promise to keep everything a secret until they were ready to reveal it. It was a bit hard to conceal his enthusiasm, and it was even more difficult to withhold information from one of his best friends. In due time, things would be back to normal, or at least as normal as things could be. Once they were all talked out, they played a variety of games to keep them occupied throughout the rest of their journey to Kings' Cross.

As the Scarlett steam engine started to slow as it reached it's destination, the four of them started gathering their things from the overhead racks, and join the queue out in the corridor. Harry and Ginny's excitement started to reach new heights, and they kept sharing knowing glances and giggles at one another. When they finally reached the descending steps of the train car, they locked eyes with a beaming Mr. Weasley. He was waving animatedly at them, and beckoned them over to him.

"Hello you two!" Mr. Weasley called to Harry and Ginny.

"Hey Mr. Weasley!" Harry greeted the Weasley patriarch excitedly.

Ginny sat down her trunk and ran over to wrap her dad in a loving embrace. Harry could feel the nearly overwhelming joy coming through the bond. Standing next to Mr. Weasley were Hermione's parents, and he saw a flash of bushy hair streak across his view as Hermione ran over to her parents. It was then that Harry remembered that Hermione had been petrified, and he didn't have the faintest idea as to whether or not her parents knew of the incident. If they did, then what might they think? If they knew Hermione's life was ever at risk, then he imagined they'd be a bit mad to ever let her return to Hogwarts. Luckily though, her parents looked quite happy to see her, and not at all worried or concerned. He wondered briefly if they may ever know of what really happened this past year.

Harry was shaken out of his reverie by a slap on his back.

"Say Harry." It was Forge.

"Where's you muggle relatives?" Asked Gred curiously, peering around the groups of people on the platform for any sign of the Dursley's.

Yes. If anyone was happy or excited to Harry's muggle relatives, then it would be the twins. They had mentioned more than a few times how they felt terribly sorry for not having properly introduced themselves when they pulled the bars off of his bedroom window last summer. For them, it was an opportunity wasted, and they were more than keen to get another chance. Before Harry could answer, however, Mr. Weasley walked over to where the three boys were.

"Fred. George." He called quietly to them. "Harry's coming with us. I'll explain everything in a bit". His reply was quick and hushed, not wanting to be overheard. Harry and Ginny shared knowing smiles with one another.

The twins looked at their father in bewilderment. "Why can't we just-"

"I'll explain everything in a bit." Mr. Weasley interrupted firmly yet quietly.

The twins looked at each other and shrugged, which was the best answer Mr. Weasley could've hoped for. By this time, Percy and Ron had found their way over to them.

"Where's Mum?" Asked Ron as he let go of his father. This prompted the rest of the Weasley boys to turn to their dad with curious looks.

Mr. Weasley smiled at them all. "She's at home getting dinner ready."

There was union of positive exclamations from the Weasley children, minus Percy. The food at Hogwarts was great, but nothing beat the cooking of Mrs. Weasley.

After sharing goodbyes with the Granger's and a couple more friends, the Weasley's quickly made their way through the station. Once they had exited, Ron couldn't help himself.

"Harry?" Ron called awkwardly. "Where's your-"

"He's coming with us." Mr. Weasley answered his youngest son before he had time to finish the question.

Harry turned to Ron and offered an awkward smile. It was the least he could do, but Ron just looked away from him with an annoyed look on his face.

Harry just sighed inwardly, but he wasn't going to let this ruin the beginning to what should be the best summer he's ever had. Ginny turned and gave him a worried look, but he smiled reassuringly in return. "It's okay. It will be okay."

Ginny returned the smile. "Yes, it will."

"Here we are kids." Mr. Weasley called to the group as they approached the curb. There were two taxis waiting for them. "Percy, Ron, and I in the 2nd taxi. The twins, Harry, and Ginny in the 1st. Harry, do you mind?" He waved Harry over to him as he hastily reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of muggle pounds.

"Um…" Harry started unsurely. "We don't pay them until we get to where we're going."

"Oh."Mr. Weasley replied awkwardly as he shoved the muggle coins back into his pocket. "Help me when we get there, yeah?"

"Of course, sir." Harry replied with a soft chuckle.

"Great." Mr. Weasley beamed while clapping his hands together, "Let your driver know that take you to the shops on the corner of Charing Cross and Tottenham Court. We'll be flooing to the Burrow from the Leaky Cauldron." Mr. Weasley dropped his tone in case he was overheard by the muggle drivers.

Harry nodded in agreement and went to stow his trunk, but it had already been stowed by the twins. The twins were already climbing in, but Ginny was waiting patiently for him to take her hand, which he gladly took.

"Corner of Charing Cross and Tottenham Court." Harry stated to the driver as he filed in behind Ginny.

Harry was quite surprised to find that King's Cross was only a few kilometers from the Leaky Cauldron. It was a quick ride-a-long, which was probably for the best, since it gave the twins little to no time to come up with a way to prank the muggle drivers.

Once they all had climbed out of the taxis, Harry helped Mr. Weasley pay the drivers the proper amount for the trip. Apart from the odd glances they received from the drivers, all was well. Before they made their way inside, Arthur stopped Harry by the shoulder, prompting Ginny to stop as well.

"Here Harry." Mr. Weasley said quietly as he looked around for any muggles who may be watching, "I'm going to put a disillusionment charm on you so nobody sees you with us."

Harry nodded confusedly, and Mr. Weasley smiled as he flourished his wand in front of Harry. Harry felt as though someone had cracked an egg on top of his head, then nothing.

"You're invisible." Ginny sent with wide eyes.

Harry quickly looked down at himself. "I am?"

"You're not completely invisible." Mr. Weasley clarified through their confused looks. "You'll blend in with your surroundings. You'll come with me in the floo. Ginny will go with Percy."

Harry nodded, which seemed to have been visible to Mr. Weasley, because he took hold of Harry's shoulder and escorted him through the Leaky Cauldron. Once at the floo, Ginny walked over to Percy who had his pinch of floo powder already in hand. Ginny gave Harry one last smile and a wink before Percy threw the powder to the floor and stated clearly. "The Burrow" And with a whoosh, they were gone. Moments later, Mr. Weasley and Harry did the same.

HUGE THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE WHO HELPED ME WITH PROOF READING!

I had such a difficult time with a particular part of this chapter, but I am glad that it is complete so that I can move forward!