"Harry!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed when she opened the door, "How are you?" she asked him lovingly smothering in a hug.

But before he could even answer, Molly's eyes had moved on to the person next to him.

"So this must be the famous Rose Wood?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.

Rose blushed and held out her hand. Mrs. Weasley scoffed and brushed Rose's hand aside embracing her as well in suffocating hug.

"I'm so glad to actually meet you," Molly said.

"Oh, I know, me too! I've heard so much about you from everyone. I can't wait to taste your much raved about meals."

"Oh, dear, you do know how to flatter! I like you already! Come on in you two. It's getting rather chilly this September."

With that Harry and Rose exchanged a smile and stepped into the bustling Weasley household. After everyone had recovered the Weasley's decided to have a family get together, and of course Harry and Hermione were considered family.

Rose was completely overwhelmed. They must have been late because it looked like everyone was there. Harry walked her around the room introducing her to everyone.

First there was Charlie Weasley and his girlfriend Lish. Charlie was extremely muscular and sunburnt, even in the fall months. She was told that he worked with dragons down in Romania. Oh my god, dragons are real?! Rose exclaimed inside, but she pretended like it was the most normal thing in the world.

Then came Percy who she found sort of cold and snobbish. He was looking smart in horn-rimmed glasses, classy wizard robes, and a sophisticated smirk. She and Harry listened for a while as he boasted about his current position in the Ministry.

Finally, she was taken away and introduced to the much-loved Bill. He was dressed rather casually in jeans, a T-shirt, and a leather jacket, with a few piercings in his ear and long hair tied back in a ponytail. She was charmed by his intelligence and suavity and was completely jealous of his fiancée, Fleur Delacour who looked completely heavenly.

Harry explained later that she was part veela and veelas were known for their beauty and seductiveness.

By this time she was a little overwhelmed, but Harry assured her there was more. She then was brought over to Ginny, who by her side was the best looking man she ever sawwell, not counting Harry.

"Rose, this is GinnyDraco Malfoy," Harry said Draco's name with forced cordiality and Rose wondered what had happened between the two.

"Hi, Rose, it's great to meet you at last. I meanwe did rescue you, but I don't think that counts as a proper introduction."

Rose laughed warmly, "Oh, wellthank you for everythingI mean, I can't believe anyone would do that for me, especially since you didn't even know me."

Ginny returned the warm smile and placed a hand on Rose's arm. "Harry would have died if he didn't have you. And we'd do anything for Harry. Plus, no one deserves to be trapped and tortured. And thirdly, we also defeated the rising Dark Lord."

"Well, I guess if you put it that way" Rose replied feeling less guilty. She then turned her gaze to Draco who was watching them with cool grey eyes. Rose then suddenly remember tales she had heard about himMalfoy, the boy who always cheated during Quidditch. Oh well, she thought, maybe he's changed.

As if he was reading his mind he then stated with a smirk, "I'm sure you've heard wonderful things about me from Oliver."

Rose blushed and looked at the ground, "Wellhe was very upset about that whole Quidditch thing."

Draco chuckled, "Yes, well, that was when I was young and ruthless."

"Not to mention pig-headed and snobby," Harry added with a grin.

Draco shot him an evil look while Ginny slapped Draco playfully on the arm.

Rose laughed and stated, "Well, I'm sure Oli would be very happy to meet the new Draco Malfoy."

"Who wouldn't?" Ginny said with a smile and looked up into Draco's face. Draco smiled back and gave Ginny a lingering kiss.

Harry groaned in protest, "Uhh please! Not while I'm watching."

Draco turned to them with a smirk on his face. "Whatever, Potterscurry on and find something better to do." He then turned to Rose, "It was nice meeting you, Rose. Tell Oliver I said Hi', I'm sure it would make his day."

Rose chuckled and let herself get pulled away by Harry.

"Rose, baby! Coryou're looking a lot better then when we last saw you!"

That would be Fred. Rose smiled and took that as a compliment.

"Thanks, FredI can always count on you to make me feel great."

"But really, Rose," George added giving her a warm hug, "You really do look beautiful."

Rose blushed and playfully socked him in the arm, "You two" she sighed.

She looked up at Harry for a moment and saw that he was staring at her.

"Oh, no, Harry, not you too!"

"I'm afraid I've caught the Rose-looks-beautiful disease as well," he chuckled.

"Well, all of you are looking very handsome yourselves. And speaking of handsomedon't you have a fiancée to introduce me to, Fred?"

A look of solemnity came over his face, "It really sucks, but Angie had some family problemsher mom's really sick these days and couldn't make it. Things are really strained with her mother's illness and everything. I feel so bad for her. I don't know what I'd do without mumbut don't let her know I said that or she'll burst out in tears or something."

Rose smiled and gave Fred a hug.

"I'm sorry, hon, I hope everything works out."
"Thanks. I'm just glad you and Harry are together and happy."
"I knowI'm so surprised I actually got him!"

Rose chuckled and wound her arms around him.

"Seriously," George said, "It was quite obvious you two were nutters about each other. Suppose you two were just too dense to realize it."

But George's comment went quite unnoticed as Harry and Rose were gazing into each other's eyes and then began to kiss rather passionately.

Fred and George gave each other amazed looks.

"We'll just leave you two alone" Fred muttered and they both sauntered off.

Just when they parted Harry felt a hard clap on the back.

"Woah there, Harry, mum and dad are heredon't get too carried away," Ron said with a laugh and a glint in his eye.

Then Hermione came over and gave both of them a hug.

"So you've been introduced to the whole Weasley family?" she asked.

"Oh yes," Rose sighed, "I thought it would never end."

"Well, as they say," Ron philosophized, "The more the merrier."

"Indeed, I agree," Rose smiled.

"DINNER'S READY!" they heard Molly shout from the kitchen. So everyone slowly made their way to the table. Rose was squashed in between Harry and Fred and was completely overwhelmed by how much food there was.

Dinner went by with much laughter, eating, and general gaiety. Stories were told and jokes were cracked. Rose never felt to happy in her life, with the feeling of Harry's hand in hers under the table and the laughter of all these wonderful people. They were wizards, yesbut they were just like her deep down.

Rose looked at Harry he was laughing at Ginny's story about her and Draco's incident in Jamaica. He looked so beautiful, his glasses giving him a childlike ere and his green eyes sparkling with happiness, his mouth curved in a smile, his laugh, she didn't know quite how to describebut it was one of those laughs that made you want to laugh too, it was addictive.

Harry then looked back at her and she blushed. Then the noise of people slowly faded away and she felt their faces getting closer. She breathed in a deep breath and smelled the scent of Harry. It smelled like grass and pinea very woodsy smell. She smiled slowly when their lips met and let his tongue enter her mouth slowly caressing her with his tender hands. But suddenly the magic was interrupted when she felt a poke in the back.

"Now, don't you start that again," the sarcastic voice of Fred exclaimed, "I'm trying to eat."

Everyone laughed.

"I think it's cute," Ginny replied, "It just shows that they are hopelessly in love." She looked up at Draco and the two were about to kiss as well but Fred threw a bun at them hitting Ginny on the head.

"Fred!" she shot, "What was that about?"

"Malfoy, if you want to kiss my sister, please do it somewhere where I don't have to watch."

Ginny scowled at her brother and Malfoy cooly replied, "Excuse me, I just couldn't help myselfthis woman is just too beautiful."
Everyone awwwwed' and Fred rolled his eyes and slumped back in his chair.

"Miss Angelina?" Rose asked patting him on the arm.

"More than ever," he retorted, "Everyone's kissing, and my fiancée is off caring for her sick mum."

"Now, Fred," Rose chided, "That wasn't nice at all."

Fred looked down at his plate, "I know. I feel really bad, but I don't knowI just feel sort of lonely."

Rose smiled and kissed him on the cheek, "Hang in there, hon, it'll be alright."

Fred smiled and began to eat again.

"Well, one thing I can't complain about is this food," he said through a mouthful of mashed potatoes, "Brilliant job on the dinner, Mum!" he called down the table.

Rose finished dinner feeling completely stuffed. She was surprised she could actually get up from the table.

"Do you need any help with dishes?" she asked Mrs. Weasley politely.

Mrs. Weasley chuckled, "Oh that's okay, sweetie, just one flick of the wand and those babies are taken care of."

Rose marveled at how easy it seemed but then felt familiar hands wrapping themselves around her waste. She shivered as she felt Harry's breath in her ear.

"Why don't I give you a tour of the house," he whispered seductively. Rose knew what this was going to lead to but she found herself dying with temptation. She knew she was in another woman's house and shouldn't be fooling around, but really, how could she pass up a chance to be alone with Harry?

"Sounds incredible," she whispered back rubbing his arms.

Harry slowly led her to the stairs and she looked around one time. She saw Ron giving them a sheepish look before they made their way up the rickety steps.

"Don't mind him," Harry explained, "He's just mad we got free before he and Hermione could."

"So, these are the stairs"Harry started, lifting Rose's hand up and giving it a tender kiss.

"And this is the hallway" he continued leading her to the far room on the right.

"And this is Ron's room, where I usually stayed when I was here."

Rose looked around and took in the empty beds, cleared of their linens, the dusty chest and mirror balled up against the wall, and a ripped poster of the Chudley Cannons still plastered to the wall.

"Very nice," Rose commented, slowly making her way back to Harry and placing her hands upon his chest. He, in response, placed his atop hers and began to kiss her long neck.

Rose groaned in pleasure and tilted her head back as she played with his collar and tangled black hair.

His lips then went to her jaw line and his hands undid the clasp holding her hair. It fell down in blonde tendrils and his fingers played with each strand.

Rose had started to unbutton his shirt, having the burning urge to touch his skin.

"Rose," he murmured as he kissed her hair and she his chest.

But suddenly their intimacy was interrupted when they heard the door open and Percy walk in quite oblivious to the kissing couple.

"Oh dear!" he exclaimed, jumping slightly.

"Percy!" Harry said just as full of surprise. Rose turned her blushing face and started to giggle furiously.

"Oh, I'm quite sorryand uhhwell, I should be leaving nowI was just looking because Ron sent me to find youbut I have, and yes, well"

"Okay, Perce," Harry filled in smiling.

"Right," Percy muttered and closed the door.

Rose burst into fits of laughter and nestled her head into his chest. Harry felt himself cracking up as well and the two shook in laughter.

Harry sighed. "Percy, he's so cluelessthat was such a set up of Ron's."
"Just his way of checking up on us, I suppose," Rose commented.

"More like way of busting in on us," Harry growled sarcastically.

"Yes, for that I am very sorry," Rose soothed, sweeping some of Harry's stray hair out of his face.

"You're so beautiful," Harry whispered tracing her face with his fingers.

He then gathered her up in his arms and gave her a desperate hug. He didn't dare let goshe was everything to him. He had lost so much in his life, he couldn't loose her again.

But suddenly Rose tensed in his arms and gave a terrified squeak.

"Rose," Harry started, "What is it?"

Harry turned around quickly afraid of what he might see. Rose scrambled away behind him and Harry saw what it was.

"Hello, Harry Potter," the familiar voice of Rieltus sounded through the dusty room.

"Rieltus," Harry stammered, "What are you doing here?"

Harry noticed a sad look sweep across his face, before Rieltus looked toward the ground.

"What is it, Rieltus?" Harry asked more forcefully, dreading the answer.

Rieltus brought his glistening honey eyes back up to Harry's. "Princess Thaurthoniel has died."

Harry's mind froze. He felt Rose move behind him, but he could not move to do anything. He just looked at Rieltus with disbelief in his eyes.

"How?" Harry managed to stutter.

Rieltus looked down at the ground again. "No one quite knows whymaybe we could speak alone."

Rieltus was now looking past Harry at Rose. Harry turned slowly to face her. She looked very pale and unsure of what to do.

"Go, Harry," she whispered.

"I'm sorry about this Rose."

"Don't be, Harry," she persisted sweeping her hair out of her face and looking at him with sympathy. "Go with RieltusI'm so sorry this had to happen."

Harry looked upon Rose one more time and gave her a loving kiss on the forhead.

"I'll be back," Harry promised.

"I'll be here," Rose replied.

With that Harry turned back to Rieltus and the two left the room, shutting the door softly behind them.

************************

"How did this happen, Rieltus?" Harry asked more forcefully.

"I told you beforewe do not know. But, some say she died of a broken heart, at least that is what she said in her letter."
Harry's heart froze. She died of a broken heart. She loved him and he had refused herand now she had died. Harry suddenly felt nauseous.

"Are you alright, Harry?"

"Excuse me, for a moment," Harry muttered and ran to the bathroom where he threw up. Why had he left her? He didn't know this would happen! Was she that fragile?

Harry looked into the mirror as he washed his face. He looked pale, now. Quite different from the man he was fifteen minutes ago. He then felt Rieltus standing in the doorway.

"Why did you come for me, Rieltus?" Harry asked quietly.

"I thought you would want to know in personplus, I was wondering if you would like to come back with me to her burial. It is not everyday an elf dies, Harry. Elves are immortal beings. Thaurthoniel gave up her immortality of her own free will. She chose death. I can not understand."

Rieltus looked at the ground in confusion and sadness.

"You know she loved me, don't you?" Harry asked bitterly almost.

Rieltus looked up. "Yes, Harry, I do. That is why I came for you. I do not blame you, do not worry. No one does. Thaurthoniel was an elf no one could quite understand. She gave her heart to you, but you did not ask for ityou did not want it. She knew you did not, but" he sighed tiredly, "We all do strange things in the name of love."

Harry knew this only too well.

"I'll go with you, Rieltusjust let me-" Harry paused as he heard footsteps in the hall.

He saw Rose stand behind Rieltus looking at him with sympathy and question in her eyes.

Rieltus turned around slowly and stepped back so she could talk to Harry.

"Tell everyone I had an urgent request of business. Please, Rose, don't be worried. I'll be back soon."

He wanted to say he loved her so badlybut he couldn't. His present situation kept him from doing so.

Rose nodded slightly and slowly walked away.

Harry couldn't help but feel that she was reading his mind. Harry then turned back to Rieltus who was looking at him with kind eyes.

"Let's go."

******************

Rose walked down the stairs in a confused state. She really had no idea what was going on, but she had some idea that it had to do with Thaurthoniel. When she had hear Harry throw up in the bathroom her heart leapt for him. What had happened? She was dying to knowbut she cared too much for Harry to make him tell her. If he wanted her to know he would tell her.

Soon Rose heard the chattering of voices and merry laughs all the people downstairs. How fast a mood can change, she thought. Without Harry there, she all of a sudden felt very awkward and lonely.

She emerged into view, sauntering down the last crooked flight of stairs. Only Ron and Hermione were seated at the kitchen table drinking some coffee, the rest had congregated to the living room.

"Hey Rose. Where's Harry?" Ron asked conversationally as she completed the last step. Rose stood awkwardly for a moment and then lied as best she could.

"He was called on for an urgent business matter"

"Oh really" Ron teased, "Now, tell me, where is Harry?"

Rose gave Ron a confused look and Hermione slapped his arm.

"He's just teasing, Rose. But really, what are you talking about?"

Rose groaned inwardly. Why did they have to be so curious?

"Ummwell, he was uhhh calledI mean, this man came and said he had to come with himfor uhhfor businessand yeah, that's what I mean."

Hermione and Ron both stared at her for a long time with raised eyebrows.

"Why don't you have a seat" Ron said slowly.

Rose shuffled her feet over to a chair by Hemione and looked into Ron's questioning blue eyes.

"Now, Rose, no offense or anythingbut you suck at lying. We're Harry's best friends for Merlin's sake! I think you can tell us where he is."

Rose sighed and rested her head in her hands. Hermione patted her on the back while at the same time giving Ron a worried look.

"AlrightI suppose it couldn't hurt. To tell you the truth I really don't know why he left."

Rose paused sorting out the information she had in her head.

"Harry and I were in your room, Ron and-"

"What! Why?" Ron asked defensively.

Rose smirked for a moment and Ron rolled his eyes.

"Continue" Hermione prodded.

"Yes, I was saying, we were in Ron's room and then this man appeared. Actually he was an elf."

Ron and Hermione both exchanged glances.

"Rieltus. Sound familiar?" Rose asked.

"Oh yeah"Ron realized. "He was the elf who got Harry last time. What did he want?"

Rose blushed and looked down. "He said Thaurthoniel had died. And that he wanted to speak to Harry alone. So they left and went into another room. And then I heard Harry run to the bathroom and throw up, so I went to see what was happening and he said he had to leave and to tell you he had business."

"Wow," Hermione breathed, "That's really weird."

"You said Thauthoniel died?" Ron asked bewildered.

Rose sat down heavily beside Hermione.

"I don't know, Ron, that's what I heard," Rose replied exasperatedly.

Hermione patted her on the back comfortingly.

"It's okay, Rose. I have no doubt Harry knows what he's doing. I'm sure he just had to go to the elves and pay his respects."

Rose looked up looking relieved. "Yeah, I know you're right, Hermione. I just find myself getting so worked up about things lately. Sometimes I feel like Harry's like is just one roller coaster ride after another."

Ron gave Rose a sympathetic look and got up to get some coffee. "Yeah, well, that's what you get for being the Boy Who Lived."

********************

Harry had never felt so out of place in his entire life. Thaurthoniel's funeral was ethereal. Harry figured the whole kingdom was there. Harry couldn't help but feel that twinge in his heart, that twinge of guilt, about her. Why had she died? Was it really because of him? He felt like he was surrounded by her there, in Thinderfell. Every face he saw, every sound he heard, reminded him of her. He swore he heard a whisper on the air

But it was not a sad whisper, or a regretful whisperit was a whisper of comfort. A whisper of forgivenessa whisper of love.

The service was completely in Elvin, so Harry had absolutely no idea what was said. But even so, he could all things that were mentioned were with reverence and awe and deep sorrow that their beloved princess had to leave this world.

The service was held in what looked to be an outdoor chapel. A huge, glittering sliver chapel intricately carved in glorious designs of leaves and fairies. Harry was seated toward the back. He denied Orien's offer to sit beside him at the front, mainly for his own sake. He wanted to keep a low profile. He felt better as just a silent watcher, paying his respects subtly.

Harry looked up from his lonely seat to gaze appreciatively at a young elven boy who had stepped up to the front and had started to sing. Harry closed his eyes and just listened to that beautiful innocent voice. It was like an angle, clear and pristine. The Elven words made it sound even more mysterious and beautiful. Harry looked down and held back the tears that came to his eyes. He really didn't want to cry in front of all these elves. It was known that elves hardly ever criedthey kept their emotions within. They were a very internal race.

The funeral then finally ended, but Harry still felt so emptyas if he hadn't eaten for days. He just sat in his chair, his eyes lightly closed, the elven boy's song quietly playing in his mind.

He could faintly hear the shuffling of feet and the light chatter of the leaving elves, but he did not move; his mind was elsewhere.

Thuarthoniel died because of me. I know it wasn't my fault, but it was because of me she gave her life. I shouldn't have done anything with her, shouldn't have led her on. I should have just stayed home, never met herthen she would be alive and happy.

Harry sighed, and his thoughts moved to another subject.

And what about Rose? I couldn't bear to loose her. What if something happens? Mercananian has already found my weaknessnow everyone will be after her. She's in so much danger because of me. She almost died because of me. Because I'm cursed. It's not fair to Rose to keep her in a relationship in which she will live her life in fear. I can't bear to do that to her

Harry's stomach lurched and he let out a little sob, causing a few bystanders to look at him with concern and confusion. Harry ignored them, engulfed in his own grief and depression.

I can'tI don't want toIt's the last thing I want to doto leave her.

But I mustIt would be worse to see her die than to see her live without me. I have to sacrifice my own happiness for her safetyI love her too much to do anything else. If only I wasn't Harry Potter. Then I could love herI could love Rose and not be afraid.

A small tear trickled down Harry's face. He was so tired, so drained. He couldn't even move his limbsall he could do was think, and even thinking brought him even more pain and sadness.

Harry decided he should leavego home. But home meant Rose. And Rose meant that Harry had to tell her what he felt. He had to leave herbefore something else terrible would happen. Before he would loose her totally. At least now he could know that she would be alive and wellhaving a chance to live a good life.

Harry slowly moved out of the chair and stood. A wave of dizziness swept over him and he grapsed onto the chair for support.

"Are you alright Harry Potter?" Harry heard someone behind him ask.

Harry turned slowly to look into the eyes of Rieltus.

"I need to go home," Harry managed to murmur.

Rietlus gave Harry a look of utter sympathy and held on to his arm to give him support.

"As you wish," Rieltus said soothingly and as Harry leaned against his arm and listened to the Elven charm that would take him home, Harry's heart broke as he thought of the deed he was about to do.