(A/N: I surprised myself by being able to have time to write this chapter. Mind you it's short and there's not much happening in it...but it's something! Here are the responses for last chapter and the chapter beforehand. Keep reviewing, they keep me going! Thanks a million! Hugs, Haystack)

Smiles28: Thanks for reviewing, you reviewed both chapters! I appreciate it... I agree with your GO DUMBLEDORE motto...he always saves the day doesn't he? Lol...I'm glad you liked the slapping. It was getting rather serious, I had to add some-thing! Thanks for everything, glad your enjoyin it!

dracoisahottie13: I rather liked 28 better than 27 too...Hermione and Draco are easier to write than Harry/Ginny. Thanks for reviewing!

SOBs 4 Sirius 223: Hope the updating isn't too bad...Thanks for reviewing

SamboTheGreat: I'm terribly sorry for not replying to your review last chapter, I'm sure the situation you told me about has passed but if you still want my input then here it is: I wouldn't necessarily categorize him as a player but I'd definitely put him in the prat category. That's just low...if any guy had done that to me, I would have broken up with him. I'm sorry you're stuck in the middle, that's a terrible position to be put in I know, but hopefully all that shit in your life has lifted. Thanks for reviewing!

Courtney Anne: I love your enthusiasm! It brings a smile to my face, so thank you for that! Also, Thank you for making that comment about wanting to read about school and I agree....... Hogwarts is calling!!

Usual Disclaimer

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

CHAPTER THIRTY: BACK HOME

Harry's heart skipped a beat. There they were...his two best friends, the only people who had been there in the beginning and had stayed with him. The only people who knew him better than he knew himself, the only family he had.

Guilt temporarily settled in his stomach at the sight of them. Hermione's side was caked with dried blood, and cuts and bruises graced her once perfect skin. Ron was even worse, burn marks adding to the list of injuries that was evident he possessed.

But the feeling disappeared when Hermione looked up and noticed him, her eyes lighting up and a grin spreading over her face, and before he knew it, she was in his arms.

He picked her off the ground and spun her around, making his heart flutter at the sound of her laugh. God how he had missed that sound...

Setting her back on her feet, they smiled at each other. They knew what the other was thinking and words were useless; one look at their joyful expressions said it all. Turning their attention back to Draco who was still supporting Ron, Harry took a step foreword.

"Hey Ron" He said quietly

"H-Hey Harry" Ron said awestruck

Harry laughed. "Ron, I'm not a ghost or anything, so stop looking at me like I'm dead"

"I'm sorry mate but...wow. I-I wasn't expecting to see you ever again and now...well...it's a lot to take in"

The others nodded in agreement and Harry shifted his weight uncomfortably.

"Well I'm back" he finally said "And I'm not leaving"

To this Ron grinned, "To Hell your not"

"Ron, don't swear" Hermione muttered under her breath and the others all had to laugh. Things were back to normal and Harry and Ron embraced, Ron's face looking quite twisted as he pulled away, trying not to cry.

Slapping him on the back and grabbing his other side, Draco and Harry carried Ron over to where Dumbledore and the other Order members were waiting.

"Hello Harry" Dumbledore said, blue eyes overflowing with happiness at the sight of the messy black haired 17-year-old in front of him. "Hello everyone" He added, nodding to the other students in acknowledgement.

"Professor..." Harry began

"No need Harry..." Dumbledore interrupted "I already know"

Perplexed looks slowly appearing on the student's faces, they looked to Dumbledore for explanation.

"Yes, yes of course you will all want the full story. But now is not the right time to give such an explanation. We will wait until we're back at Hogwarts for that. Then I assume you'll all be off to celebrate"

"Celebrate?" Harry asked confused

"The defeat of the Death Eaters, and your safe returns" he explained enthusiastically. Then he bent down so that everyone could see the twinkle in his eyes "I'm sure your return will be especially celebrated Mr. Potter"

Ginny slipped her hand into Harry's, "Yes Professor I can assure you we will celebrate accordingly" She said, staring point blank at Harry who raised his eyebrows at her double meaning. She simply smiled innocently and nodded her head to Harry.

"So you're back then are you Potter?" A gruff voice asked

"Yes Professor Moody" Harry replied respectively

"Don't you 'Professor' me, boy! It's Mad-Eye!

He laughed, "I'll remember that"

"Harry?" A sweet voice sounded from behind. The group turned around to see Tonks, sporting purple hair today with a delicate nose and rosy cheeks alight with excitement.

"Tonks?"

"Oh Harry I'm so glad your back! Everyone will be so pleased! I can't wait to tell Remus!!" She squealed

"Lupin? Where is he?"

"Oh he's back home"

"Back home?" Harry raised his eyebrows at her

Tonks blushed, "Yes um Remus and I are engaged"

Once the surprised look had been wiped off his face, Harry beamed at Tonks. 'That's bloody brilliant. I can't wait to see him again"

"I'll let him know you said hi"

"Thanks"

"Harry?" Ginny, who had remained at his side the whole time, said "Dumbledore's activated the portkey already. The others have already left to be checked up by Madam Pomfrey. We better go."

"Alright" He said, and saying a goodbye to Tonks and the other members of the Order who had gathered, he grabbed Ginny's hand and kissed it before he felt that familiar tug behind his navel as they spun back to Hogwarts...back home.

(A/N: extremely short I know but if I feel obligated to do so, I'll see if I can update before the weekend comes)