I-want-to-fly: I know it's a bit confusing but all will become clear...later. Thanks for reviewing.

Crydwyn: All will be explained eventually. Thanks for reviewing.

misfit2008: I play the French Horn... just not very well. Thanks for reviewing.

gaul1: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. The funeral is over so, well, I won't be dealing with it. You will meet Dumbledore in a later chapter I think though I'm not telling in what form.

Anna: I'm glad you liked it. Here's another update and I don't know when the next one's coming so enjoy.

skittles: I'm glad you like it. Thanks for reviewing.

Fk306 animelover: Thanks for the review; I hope you enjoy this chappie.

emuerz: I'm glad you thought it was "brilliant", Cheers.

AzureSky 123: No, not exactly... all will be explained. Hope you enjoy.

veronik: Glad you liked it. Ginny will play a roll in future but I don't think I'll put her under imperio. She's a bit too powerful I think.

Question: This is strictly for vanity but, am I British? Those who get the question right (or wrong depending on my mood) will get a cookie (in the figurative sense of course). Wish my Happy Birthday!

"Harry, Harry, Harry," the voice was rising in irritation; even in his near-dead form he could hear the heavy undercurrent of aggravation. The clouds around his mind slowly began to clear and he began to feel the rhythmic prod in his side. He wasn't exactly sure if it had been there before but it was getting rather annoying. Wearily, he batted the hand away but he knew it wouldn't desist. He knew that voice meant business.

Harry shook himself awake as best he could, still unable to get the girl in front of him into proper focus. "Here," Ginny handed him his glasses. "You're probably going cross-eyed trying to see."

"Thanks," Harry managed groggily. The formless blob morphed into his very attractive girlfriend before his eyes. Her eyes were laughing and her previously pursed lips were spreading into a smile.

"Mum's got breakfast ready downstairs. Today's the big prep day for the wedding." Harry nodded and Ginny exited the room. He looked around. To his surprise, Ron was up. It seemed he had slept more deeply than he had thought. He pulled himself up, stretching his aching back. Walking for hours on end, even with a weightless trunk, was hard work. He pulled a t-shirt over his bare chest and pulled his sweats up over his shrinking back side. He hadn't been eating properly for a few weeks and it was starting to show. He ran a weary hand over his face. It was going to be a long time before he could really eat properly.

Upon entry into the kitchen, Harry's nostrils were assaulted with a whole myriad of scents. Mrs. Weasley was standing at the counter, a ten tiered cake towering over her short frame. It was white and incredibly frilly. She turned when she heard his "ahem". Her hair was now almost completely gray, Voldemort managing to turn the last few strands of red which Fred and George had yet to gray.

"Oh, Harry dear. I'm glad you're awake. I didn't think it proper to wake you, you looking dead on your feet as you do."

Harry chuckled. She was something, Mrs. Weasley. He was just hoping that he didn't really become a walking dead man. "Thanks Mrs. Weasley. I haven't slept so deeply in months." He strained a grin. She sent him a sympathetic look that he thoroughly despised. Suppressing the emotion, he averted his eyes, blushing deeply.

"There's still some breakfast on the table dear. Ron and Hermione are helping set up in the orchard. After you've finished eating you can go out there too." She gestured a plate full of biscuits that sat invitingly on the table before turning back to the icing covered mammoth. Harry grabbed the largest biscuit he could and slathered liberal amounts of honey and butter on each side. He shoveled the it, dripping profusely, into his mouth before heading upstairs to change.

Fully clothed, he proceeding to the backyard. He could just make out a group of people in the distant orchard. Remembering fully the events of the previous day, he was not too eager to meet up with the Weasley boys again but he made his way toward them slowly none-the-less. "Oi, Ron, hand me that string of lights," Charlie ordered, pointing at a strand of fairy lights that lay at the foot of the chair on which he was teetering.

"Fleur said she only wanted yellow lights; these are blue," Ron responded warily. Charlie rolled his eyes.

"She can deal with it," was Charlie's reply.

"Fine, it's your funeral," Ron muttered under his breath, passing up the strand of blue lights.

"Thanks Ron." A bit of orchard had been cleared, leaving room for a dozen or so folding chairs and a flower-bedecked arch under which Fleur and Bill would marry. The apple trees had been charmed gold, giving the impression that one was stepping into a perpetual dusk. Fairy lights had been strung through the trees' branches and, even in the late morning sun, they glittered.

Fred, George, and Bill were setting up chairs in rows in front of the arch while Ginny was stringing orchids through its rungs. Hermione was straightening the lights Charlie had finished and Ron was clearing brush. Percy was "overseeing" everything from the far end. Fleur was out to pick up the dresses with her mother and sister. Ginny had insisted she was needed at the Burrow.

"Hey, can I help with anything?" Harry asked Ron softly.

"Oh, hello Harry. Long time no see! We thought you'd never wake. Here, you can help me clear this rubbish." Harry nodded curtly and began picking up twigs, throwing them into a bulging pile not too far from the wedding site. While they were doing so, Ron leaned over to him. "So, when are we leaving?"

Harry stiffened. He had avoided the subject even in discussion with himself. He had half thought he'd leave alone but Ron and Hermione wouldn't allow it. They'd put themselves at unnecessary risk trying to follow him. At least if they were with him he could do his utmost to protect them.

"Probably the night after the wedding," Harry answered hoarsely.

Ron nodded. "I can tell Hermione if you like." There was a bit of everything in his voice, fear, resolution, anticipation, worry, and, Harry could almost feel it, excitement. He smiled weakly at his best friend and continued picking up branches.

"I can do it or you can do it; it doesn't matter. She won't let us leave without her at any rate." Harry heard Ron let out a nervous chuckle but ignored it. Now was not a time for laughing.

By lunch time the orchard looked respectable and Fleur and her entourage were back. The French part veela had ordered a fashion show after lunch and the bride always got what she wanted. That was why Harry, Ron, Hermione, Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, Percy, Fred, and George were all sitting in the living room looking expectantly at the stairwell. Mr. Weasley had taken Bill out for a stiff drink.

Mrs. Weasley drew in her breath harshly as they caught sight of Fleur. She really was a sight to behold. Her dress was simple and ivory, skimming the top of her toes. It was cinched at the waist and had thin, woven straps. Her veil trailed down to the floor, spilling out over the train. Her lovely hair was pinned in such a way that her golden curls cascaded down her back, not even touching her shoulders. Gabrielle was next. She wore a knee length sage dress that flared out at the waist. The sleeves were thick and the neckline fell in a low v. Her hair was braided down her back and the similarity between her and Fleur was all the more striking. The last to come was Ginny who wore a dress identical to Gabrielle's. Harry had to admit though, that Ginny made the dress look much better. Her auburn curls fell everywhere, she had not pinned them back or up. Her eyes sparkled and Harry's heart melted.

"Oh, you all are so lovely," Mrs. Weasley murmured though her eyes had traveled over the two French sisters and on to her own daughter. Her eyes filled with tears that were soon spilling down her face.

"Mum!" Ginny exclaimed exasperatedly. "It's not like it's my wedding."

"I-I know," Mrs. Weasley sobbed. "It's just that-" she didn't finish but Harry could imagine what she was thinking. It was somewhat sad to be happy at such times. He knew the feeling. It was an odd juxtaposition, and was what he felt when he was around Ginny. He felt utter happiness with a steady, strong undercurrent of sorrow for those who would never feel the happiness he felt again. "Oh, you all are so lovely," Mrs. Weasley finished lamely.

"Don't you think that neckline is a bit low Mum," Charlie stated, casting a warning glance at Harry who had been staring fixedly at Ginny.

"Oh pish Charlie. You all are lovely," Mrs. Weasley repeated shakily, dabbing at her eyes.

After dinner, in the cool, golden dusk, Harry sat on the porch. He stared out across the breathless expanse wondering what tomorrow would bring. For the moment, though, he felt happy, or safe, whatever the feeling was exactly. The wind ruffled his hair softly and he could feel the pressure on his shoulders lifting. "I wish you were here Sirius," he whispered, pretending a passing lightening bug was his godfather. "It would make everything more. . . complete." He trailed off into silence and gently stroked his aching heart. He had never properly mourned his godfather's death. He had come to the realization that he couldn't beat himself up about it; he had "moved on" whatever that meant, but he had not mourned him. The sorrow he had felt continually since the night in the Department of Mystery's swept over him in a strong wave of grief and he felt his eyes prickle. A tear trickled down his thin face and wanted his godfather more than ever.

"If you're not careful your face will stick that way," a soft voice whispered in his ear, catching the trailing tear on her finger. He jumped and looked around. Ginny crouched beside him in a pair of yellow pajamas and a teal bathrobe. Her hair, still smelling of honeysuckle, was pulled up in curlers. She smiled at him in a sad kind of way. He smiled back.

"I was just thinking..." He seemed to realize that this was not a very complete answer and chuckled.

"About everyone," Ginny finished, sitting beside him and resting her fairly bumpy head on his knee. He knew then that he would never be able to keep anything from Ginny. By "everyone" he knew she meant Sirius.

"Yeah, about everyone." He let his hand run rhythmic circles over her back. She squeezed his knee and they sat like that for as long as it took for the two to watch the sun dip below the ever distancing skyline. The smells of summer hung heavy on the air and the perfume lulled the two into easiness.

"You're going to leave after the wedding," Ginny stated finally. Harry nodded.

"Yeah, I'm leaving after the wedding."

"And you're taking Hermione and Ron with you."

"Yes, they are coming," the easiness that had fallen over him swiftly slipped away.

"Be careful okay."

Whatever Harry had been expecting it was not that. He had expected her to demand to go along as well but she hadn't. She seemed to know that this was a journey for the trio only. "I'll be careful; don't worry. You take care of yourself too." He felt her nod against his knee and they fell back into silence.

It was not until Mr. Weasley came out, a stern look on his usually gentle face, that the two made their way up to their respective bedrooms. "Goodnight dearest," Harry whispered, kissing Ginny on the top of her head. He took in her scent before pulling himself away.

"Sweet dreams Harry." He wandered up the stairs and tumbled on his cot, falling instantly into a dreamless sleep.

The next morning was hectic. Harry went down to breakfast only to be shooed out moments later by the girls who had taken it over. Ginny shot him a grin before the door snapped shut. Somehow, a muffin had been shoved into his hand. The men could wait a bit longer to get ready and when they did, they did so a bit more calmly than the girls. They solemnly donned their dress robes and combed through their hair only speaking to ask for the deodorant and aftershave.

By three o'clock, Harry sat between Hermione and Remus, looking at the arch. The Weasley brothers stood in a row beside Bill who was waiting expectantly for his bride. His wolfishness had faded slightly but he looked very rugged. They all wore matching, green dress robes and they all looked clean and unnatural. Ron kept shooting suggestive looks at Hermione who kept blushing. "What's going on between those two?" Remus whispered, leaning over to him.

"Ron finally asked her," Harry answered simply. They're conversation was cut off by a plaintive tune that rose through the air. All eyes turned to the back. Gabrielle went first, walking slowly down the aisle. She looked even more beautiful than the day before as the sun reflected off her hair. A few brave souls intoned cat calls, receiving piercing glares from the Weasley matriarch.

The next to come was Ginny. Her hair lay in perfect ringlets that looked like tongues of fire in the afternoon sun. She would have looked the perfect picture of womanly poise except that she looked like she was about to burst out laughing. Harry found it hard to stifle his own chuckles. She clutched the gold roses in her hand tightly, stepping slowly toward her brothers. Harry noticed the imminent problem immediately. One of the buckles on her very high-healed shoe had come undone; this was going to be good.

Mrs. Weasley let out a sob and fell against her husband who looked equally distraught. Just as she was about to get to the front she tripped and was sent sprawling to the ground. There was a collective intake of breath and Harry jumped up to help her. He blushed deeply when he realized she was wearing a pair of very silky snitch underpants and made sure to avoid that end of her as the Weasley men were shooting daggers at him. He was now outwardly chuckling, a grin spread wide across his face. He helped her to her feet and she straightened her dress, blushing deeply.

"Not a word," she hissed and Harry stumbled back to his seat. After Ginny had situated herself at the front next to Gabrielle, it was Fleur's turn. Bill was transfixed along with the rest in attendance. She looked only slightly annoyed by Ginny's fall; mostly she looked nervous. Tears slipped down her face and Harry was made to wonder if he would ever know that look. Bill was also leaking tears along with, surprise, surprise, Ginny.

They exchanged vows and Harry caught Ginny's eye. "Will you love her and protect her through every trial?" the officiate read from her book.

"I do." Harry found his mouth moving with the words, Ginny did the same, tears streaming down her face. This time, Harry knew they were for him.

"Will you support her in sickness and health?"

"I do."

Looking around, everyone seemed to be echoing the sentiment. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were no longer gazing at their son; they were gazing raptly at each other. A surge of well being swept through Harry. This was what Voldemort didn't understand. He would never have this feeling; he had refused it. Somewhere, in the deepest part of Harry's psyche, he felt sympathy toward his nemesis. He didn't have a Ginny and never would.

The rest of the night was a blur for Harry. There was food and drink, music and dancing. The latter two were combined in rather alarmingly large doses with Percy who got very inebriated and did a deranged version of a fox trot on top of one of the picnic tables. Charlie, laughing heartily, had pulled him off finally, leading him over to a bucket of ice. Harry's heart was heavy and it showed apparently. More than once Remus had asked if anything was wrong. On the fifth time, Harry decided it was time for a chat.

"Professor, erm, Remus, can I have a word?" Harry shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. Remus nodded quickly and beckoned toward an out-of-the-way corner of the garden.

"What's the matter Harry?" The concern dripped from the man's voice and Harry was struck by how much the man cared. He had not really thought of Remus; never once had he attempted to fill the void in his heart where Sirius had been with Remus.

"Look, I'm leaving and I thought you should know." Harry blurted out very quickly, dreading the response. Remus sighed and ran his hands through his graying hair.

"I knew you would eventually," he replied wearily. "You wouldn't allow me to accompany you?" Harry stopped. He had never thought it would take that unexpected turn. Sure, it would be wonderful to have a fully trained wizard along but did he want to put him in danger? "Harry, before you start worrying about my safety let me remind you I've had dangerous missions before." Harry could hear the eagerness in his voice and felt profound youth emanating from him.

"I, I guess I can't stop you," Harry answered finally. A gigantic smile cracked on the tired werewolf's face. He looked younger than he had in years and that warmed Harry's heart. Perhaps the two could somehow better come to terms with Sirius' death together. He had suffered as much as Harry after all, perhaps more. "What about Tonks?"

"She's on a mission of her own I'm afraid," Remus replied his voice full of bitterness. Harry dropped the subject.

"We're leaving tonight after the ceremony. Ron and Hermione are coming and we have to sneak past Mrs. Weasley." Remus nodded, the grin back on his face.

"I'll be ready and Harry, thanks." Harry nodded curtly and the two parted.

The time had come, Harry knew it, the time he had been dreading ever since he decided on leaving in the first place. It was time to say goodbye to Ginny. He found her leaning against the refreshments table, a glass of punch hanging lazily from her fingertips. She was gazing at the starlit sky somberly. Harry though she looked prettier happy though the melancholy was not entirely unappealing.

"Hey Ginny," he greeted, sliding his arm around her waist and resting his chin atop her head. She sighed and Harry felt her body shudder. "I-I-"

"You've come to say goodbye," she finished shakily. "I wish it didn't have to be like this," she murmured desperately.

"Me too and, Ginny," he pulled her around to face him. "It will be different, I promise you that. I will make it all different if I have to die trying..." Ginny sniffled forcibly and buried her face in her hands.

"Don't say that, please Harry, whatever you do, don't die. I won't be able to bare it." It was then that Harry's instincts (what little he had inherited from his father anyway) kicked in. He pulled her into a kiss more passionate than he had ever felt before. The power of it quite took his breath away. An eternity passed before they broke away. The instincts and confidence he had felt only a moment before exited quickly.

"Goodbye dearest," he murmured before turning on his heal and walking toward the Burrow. He could hear her sobs follow him and knew the sound of them would be hard to forget. He had to make sure everything would turn out well like he had promised. He had to do it all for Ginny. . .

"Che gelida manina
Se la lasci riscaldar.
Cercar che giova?
Al buio non si trova.
Ma per fortuna
รจ una notte di luna,
e qui la luna
l'abbiamo vicina."

-La Boheme: Act One

A/N: Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know its been a while. I have some new direction now though so I hope updates will be more regular. Please review and tell me what you think. I know it was a bit fluffy but, well, there you go.