Their feet crunched in the fresh snow. A trio of capped red hair and a bush of brown hair navigated through the maze of stones. It was a beautiful Christmas for everyone that year. The terrible storms and winds that plagued the country for the past weeks seemed to have left as quickly as it arrived. Everyone celebrated a gentle white Christmas as they cuddled up next to a warm fireplace, sipping on hot cocoa. The days after were as perfect as a postcard, with warm suns, clear white snow and picturesque clouds. It was a perfect day for sledding, building a snowman, or perhaps a good snowball fight. But for Ron, Hermione, Fred and George they chose to spend their New Year's Eve in a graveyard. It almost seemed sacrilegious to be there. Their footprints in the fresh snow were the only ones there, as if they trespassed on some seal comforting the dead.
The news of Harry Potter's return spread through the wizarding community like wildfire. Inevitable rumours did surface, but most news were of the positive kind, even though one article showed Harry slaying a dragon suspiciously looking like Marcus Scrimgeour. But the news of Harry was far from the minds of Ron, Hermione, Fred or George. They were going to spend some time with family.
They were silent most of the way, deep in thought. Only the sound of their footsteps busied their ears. So much had happened to them and they don't know what to make of it. Their world has changed again but where would they go on from here?
…I'm sorry Ginny…
Ron looked over at Hermione.
"Did you say something?" he asked.
She looked at him wondering why he was staring at her. Realizing it wasn't her voice he looked up ahead, they were only a few meters away. There standing in front of a gravestone was Harry, still in his red cloak. Beside him stood Kreacher, still wearing emerald robes far too big for him. He stood still like a sentinel. He looked a bit less old and fragile in the sunny snow, perhaps this time standing next to Harry as a companion rather than servant. They stopped a few feet away from him.
Harry looked up at the sudden stop in footsteps. Under the sun he looked better than when they saw him in the Minster's office. His messy black hair ruffled in the small gust of wind. His face looked alive, but also tired as if he just woke up from an unrestful sleep.
He bowed his head and turned to leave when Ron called out, "Harry…wait. Please."
Harry paused in his tracks and slowly turned back to look at the tombstone. They walked up beside him, feeling a bit of surprise that Kreacher didn't try to bar their way. They looked down unto the tombstone.
Ginerva Molly Weasley Potter
1981 - 2007
Precious Daughter
Caring Sister
Loyal Friend
Beloved Wife
"Hello Ron. Hello Hermione," said Harry, he turned his head slightly, still looking down, "Fred, George."
The Twins nodded. Ron and Hermione stood there silently. Moments pass as awkward tension rised slowly like the sun.
"We'd hope it was appropriate," said Hermione in an attempt to start conversation, "We couldn't think of anything else at the time."
"It's nice," said Harry, "I think she would have liked it."
Another moment of silence passed when Ron said, "Listen Harry…thanks for…saving us back there. In Scrimgeour's office."
Harry didn't respond feeling as if he was guilty of a crime. Kreacher shifted uncomfortably in the snow, trying to keep his feet warm. Hermione looked atthe strange little house elfin a peculiar way.
"You were at the funeral weren't you?" Hermioned asked Harry, "in the forest."
"Yes…I was," said Harry still avoiding their eyes, "I…wanted to say good bye to her properly."
"So," said Ron looking up at Harry, "Where are you staying? I mean…do you have a place to stay?"
"Sirius' old place," said Harry.
"I heard you got an offer to teach at Hogwarts," said Hermione.
"Yeah. They needed a teacher for second term. Defense Against the Dark Arts," explained Harry.
Hermione smiled, "We always thought you'd end up teaching that subject."
"Well then they have the best teacher for it," said George confidentially.
"Makes me wish I was still attending school. At least Dobby will get to see him though," said Fred.
Ron and Hermione looked back on them with a smile. Harry managed to look up at them in the eyes for the first time.
"Listen Harry," started Fred who started to look down at his shoes, "We didn't…we figured…."
"We never properly thanked you," said George, "for saving Fred's life. So…thanks Harry."
"Yeah Thanks," echoed Fred.
Harry gave a small approving smile, "You're welcome."
"Well then," said Fred, "We have better get back to the shop."
"Yeah," continued George, "It's going to be packed for New Year's Eve sale we're having. We're going to unveil some new products at Midnight."
There were about to turn to leave when they stopped.
"You should stop by the shop sometime Harry," said Fred.
"It still looks like you need some cheering up," said George, "Plus we need to ask you about some of your potions."
Harry looked up and smiled warmly, "Sure that sounds great."
The Twins smiled back; they walked a few steps until they turned around.
"Oi Ron!" shouted Fred, "You and Hermione should consider teaching at Hogwarts!"
"Yeah," said George, "You're not going anywhere with you job at the Ministry while Harry's here."
Ron gave them a glare as they roared with laugher and with a small crack they disappeared into the cold air, leaving behind the echoes of their laughs.
Harry looked at Ron and Hermione. Kreacher looked a bit impatient.
"We should leave, I have to pack for Hogwarts," he said as he began to walk off.
"Harry wait," said Ron.
He stopped in his tracks. Kreacher looked slightly annoyed.
"You didn't get a chance to spend Christmas with us," Ron started, "And we have some leftovers…and the Burrow's pretty empty now since Fred and George…well I don't know if you want to spend time alone…"
"Oh for heaven's sake!" said Hermione, "Harry…we're just wondering. If you'd spend New Year's with us. At the Burrow…with everyone."
Harry looked a bit apprehensive. The same thoughts of events of the past week that ran through Ron and Hermione's head ran through his. Can things ever be the same again? After all that happened? Kreacher sighed and just disapparated, perhaps to pack anyways.
"Come on Harry," said Ron in a light hearted tone, "It's New Year's Eve. No one should be alone on New Year's. It'll be like…a fresh start."
Harry looked into their eyes, and they were sincere. They were accepting. He felt a warmth was filling up his heart.
"Yes," he said with a small smile, "I would like that. I would like that very much."
Ron and Hermione walked over and hugged Harry. For that small moment, they felt like they did when they were best friends in Hogwarts. They felt all their adventures together flood back into their hearts, warming them on the spot.
"Welcome home Harry," whispered Ron.
They pulled back feeling more joyous than they ever had in years. Harry placed his hand on Ginny's gravestone looking at it with happy eyes.
"Good-bye Ginny," he said quietly.
With a series of crack that echoed in the cold winter air, Harry, Ron and Hermione disappeared. They were together, they would protect each other and most of all they were a family.
The End
Author's note: Well there it is folks. Finished a fanfic. I'd appreciate some reviews if possible and anyone can drop me a line, just look at my profile.
One thing that I'd like to have discussed is what can be imporved. Did I do anything wrong? Did anyone seem out of character or was the writing boring in any parts? How was the pacing? Should I have actually made Chap 6 into two parts? What was your particularly favorite part?