Chapter One

Trying to do anything but fidget, Ginny anxiously brushed a stray lock of hair aside. Five years. Five long years since she'd seen them. The buzzing of her thoughts matched the low humming of the 747. Due to some recent accidents, the Apparation Stations were down. Questions consumed her mind. Were they even still alive? How were they? So much would have happened that she'd have missed. Would they still love her? Accept her? She hoped they'd be proud, she had crawled every inch of the way up the mountain that led to where she was now. Ginevra Weasley, one of the top fashion designers in France. Her clothing could be found in any well-respected store in Paris, London, Tokyo, or New York. She could only pray that it would be enough. Enough to make them finally realize that she wasn't some scared little girl anymore. She wasn't a pushover. She was strong, confident, and most of all proud. Proud for the first time to be Ginny Weasley. She was a new person, with no recollection of the shy little girl in the chamber, but a new Miss Weasley, one who was smart and quick as a whip. She just hoped that they would be proud too. She took a deep breath and felt someone's hand slide over hers. She looked up to see the same person who had always been there during her struggle. No, not Colin, he had to stay in Paris to help with business, or he would have been here. It was her boyfriend for nearly a year, her foundation and her love, Dean Thomas. He had been an auror for the French Ministry, and they'd clicked right away. Just like the early years. He leaned over and planted a kiss on her cheek. "Don't worry love. We'll be there soon." When her expression didn't change, he continued. "Ginny, they're your family. They'll still love you, and you'll still love them. I promise. Besides, how can anyone not love you?" He gave her a grin, and she smiled weakly in return.

"Ask the Boy Who Lived that question," she thought to herself. No, not again! She'd promised herself she would stop doing this. Harry Potter did not equal perfection, and his love was something she both had and lost a long time ago. His face had haunted her dreams for five years. Was she ready to see him, to see all of them again? Time could only tell.

"Please fasten your seatbelts and secure all stowed items. We will be landing shortly." Ginny took another deep breath, and it all came pouring back. Her old emotions, her supposedly forgotten fears of risk, all she thought she had left behind. Suddenly the strong shield of confidence was gone, and she was once again a scared little girl in the Chamber of Secrets. But she couldn't let her guard down, and as quickly as it had fallen, the façade was once again up. She had to be dignified. For her sake, and for the sake of all she had accomplished on her journey.

"GINNY!" screamed an anxious Mrs. Weasley as her daughter stepped into the terminal. "Oh, how she's changed," she sighed. Still a slender figure, she had now reached the fair height of 5'7". Her lightly highlighted auburn hair was layered, and fell barely to her shoulders. Her eyes were still a warm cinnamon brown, and her cheeks still rosy, but now she was different. She was proud to be herself. She was a woman.

As tears filled her eyes, Ginny ran to embrace her mother. Her father wasn't far behind. How long it had been? Too long. No matter, now she was here, she was with family. But was it truly home? Had it ever been? Pushing these thoughts aside she allowed herself to sink into their embrace. Finally pulling away, she backed up to see a large taped sign reading "Welcome Home Ginny" in an untidy scrawl. No doubt the work of her brothers. And there they were, all of them plus Hermione, lined up with giant smiles. Yes, she had missed them, but she had needed to leave. It was for the best, and she wouldn't allow herself to question that. She gave them each a giant hug in turn, and more tears were shed than Ginny ever thought possible. Even though, something nagged at a corner of Ginny's mind. One person was missing. Where was Harry? Then she saw a flash of raven in the corner of her eye. He was standing behind her, looking more exhausted and handsome than she had ever seen him. Harry Potter. Could she talk to him? Her heart raced faster with every step. She drew nearer. Five years had led up to this. Did she have the last piece of the puzzle; did she have the recognition of the Boy Who Lived? "Hello Harry," she said with a squeak. "Oh bloody brilliant!" she thought. "The first time you see him in five years, and all you can do is squeak! Wait a minute, why do I care anyways?" Shaking the thoughts from her head, she managed a smile. But something wasn't right. This wasn't the Harry she remembered. His eyes were still the same brilliant green, but seemed to have lost their sparkle. His hair was as unruly as it had always been, but had lost its luster, and he was now a sturdy 6'. He gave her a small smile.

"Hullo Gin," he replied. "Long time no see." At this they both grinned and hugged each other.

"It's been too long Harry," she replied softly, pulling away. He smiled back, until they heard a shout from behind them. A jovial Dean ran up to Harry.

"OY! POTTER! What's up mate?" he yelled, throwing his arm around his old school friend. Harry shot a confused look at Ginny.

Ginny turned beet red before quietly saying, "Harry you remember Dean from Hogwarts right? He's my, um, well, he's my boyfriend, and were really happy together!" she finished in a rush. She took a deep breath, and smiled confidently. Harry's expression fell, but he quickly gained his composure again.

"Well then. Ginny, I'm glad to hear it," he said sarcastically. "If you'll excuse me, I've got work to do," he bitterly finished. He nodded curtly to Ron, and then to Ginny. "I'm glad your home." As he walked off, Ginny couldn't help but feeling confused. What the heck did his reaction mean? Why did he act like he cared, and then suddenly run off? She could only draw one conclusion, that he was still the dumb arse that she had left half a decade ago. And what did he mean by "home"? Was this truly home? All she knew was that the answers weren't coming easily.

"Come Ginny dear, we must both your and Dean's things to take home. Hermoine's staying in your room, so you'll have to share, is that all right?" She nodded slightly, taking one last glance at Harry's retreating back before following her family out of the airport.

Harry walked briskly out to the car he had borrowed from the Ministry. Security from muggles was getting tighter and tighter, so the S.U.V. was the only option he had been given to get to the airport. He wrenched open the door and sank down into the seat of the car. Jamming the key into the ignition, he slammed the door shut again and began to mutter to himself. What the bloody hell had he been thinking! Like she would disappear, and then five years later suddenly show up again, still just as in love as she had been when she left? Bollocks! He had screwed up royally, tried to get her back, and failed. Besides, she was happy now. It was all for the best. Right? All he knew was that the answers weren't coming easily.

Okey dokey guys. That's chapter one. So, RR. tell me what you think. Good or bad, your input helps me to become a better writer, and hopefully I'll have some fun along the way! Happy Belated Single's Awareness Day (a.k.a. S.A.D., but commonly known as Valentine's Day)!

SmOoChEs,

Diamondqueen