Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

I'm still here! Promise. I haven't given up on this story. I do apologize for the delay but sadly I can't make promises on being quicker in the future. When I got back from deployment I feel like I was away from home more often than not on TDYs and then the holidays. And in January, I got Short Notice Deployment orders and am now once again down range. So, don't get too eager. I will still hope to post what I can. I have the next few chapters planned but not written yet. This chapter alone took me about two months to actually write because I never had a chance to actually sit down and put words to thoughts. And I apologize if it feels jumpy because of that. I feel like there was a lot of emotions involved in this chapter and I'm not sure how well it came across. Maybe it was a bit much? Let me know.

Also, I'm being plagued by another story idea that is also taking my attention. Something completely different from what I've written before. A Dark/Grey Harry with a Harry/Voldemort pairing because I've read a lot of that recently and it's in my mind. I don't know. I'm testing it out and seeing what might come of it before I post it. I just know that I will not forsake this story because I still have plans for it and for everyone to finish healing. Thank you all for your patience, I really do appreciate it and it helps keep me going.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Harry sighed when he felt Patronus' warm tongue licking at his fingers to wake him. His head was pounding, his throat was a desert and he didn't want to deal with the days' activities. Today was Sunday Dinner at the Burrow. The first Harry would be attending since the craziness of summer started. He had been invited multiple times but something always seemed to come up.

There was no getting out of today though, the rest of the House minus the Slytherins were also attending. And it was the last Sunday before Hogwarts restarted.

It wasn't that Harry didn't want to spend time at the Burrow. The Weasleys had always been his family and he loved them all. He just didn't want to muster up the energy it would take to successfully make it through the day. He felt exhausted just thinking about it and would have gone back to sleep if not for Patronus now pressing his wet nose into his neck and promptly licking his face.

"I'm up," Harry croaked. The dog leaped off the bed, sat comfortably on the rug and stared intently up at him as Harry downed the Hangover Potion and glass of water waiting on his bedside table. "How do you think today is going to go?" Harry questioned. Patronus barked in response. "I hope you're right."

Dragging his feet, Harry showered and dressed quickly, not bothering too much with his clothes because at the Burrow no one cared how he was dressed. Breakfast was a quiet affair. Daphne sat to the side of him like always and thankfully things weren't awkward or tense between them after whatever it was that happened the other night.

After breakfast, everyone dispersed to spend their time how they wished until an hour after lunch when it was time to leave. During that time Harry went to his office to try to sort through the paperwork piling up on it. Luckily he'd be able to talk with Bill today about leading the Curse Breaker team for the properties, he had contacted Nadrig yesterday about the dates he and the Slytherins would be available to visit and sign the paperwork for joint access to the vaults, and he was meeting with the Private Investigator later in the week. So now his only focus was on the legislation he wanted to change or just simply get rid of.

Harry groaned and gripped his hair in his hands as he rested his elbows on the desk. He was completely drained looking at all of the paperwork, some of the legislation had been written decades ago if not centuries and it really showed in the writing and wording, headache-inducing was putting it lightly.

He had not anticipated his life becoming this. A year ago he wasn't even sure if he'd be alive or not. He wasn't even sure if Voldemort would still be running loose. This was a complete one-eighty to everything and it was difficult to contemplate. Honestly, keeping busy was helping him to cope. It probably wasn't healthy but it was better than dwelling on all that had changed.

A knock on his door had him glancing upwards with a resigned sigh, Patronus gave a slight whimper from his position at Harry's feet. "Come in."

Dudley poked his head into the office and gave a quick smile before fully entering. "You ready to go? I mean I figured you'd want to drop me off first before going to see the Weasleys."

"Oh, yeah, definitely," Harry said with a startled glance at his watch. He hadn't realized the time had passed so fast.

Dudley and Harry walked in silence towards the apparition point, with Patronus acting as a canine shadow at Harry's heels. As they approached Harry couldn't help but feel nervous and glanced at Dudley who didn't seem at all worried. Despite the fact that just over a week ago was when Dudley had gotten splinched due to Harry's apparition. But Dudley seemed completely calm and looked at him with complete trust. Harry swallowed against his suddenly dry throat. He knew he could apparate just fine, he had done it with Tracey, Greg, and Daphne earlier in the week. But this was with Dudley, the first person Harry had ever splinched and his cousin. A cousin he was reconnecting with. A cousin that might end up living with him permanently if the talk with his parents went well. That was another thing. He was taking Dudley back to Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, he couldn't injure their son again right before delivery. It would just set them more firmly against him, strengthening their claims that the delinquent freak was out to harm their precious baby boy.

"Ready?" Dudley asked and Harry realized this was probably not the first time the question had been asked as the two stood on the hillside. He gave a jerky nod and held out his arm. Dudley grabbed it without hesitation. "I'll be back boy," Harry told Patronus, the dog whimpered but calmed after a few strokes of his head. "OK," Harry breathed to himself and taking a deep breath he twisted and the cousins were sucked into the vacuum compressing void.

They landed in a dank alley that Harry recalled from one of the trips the Dursleys had been forced to take him on. Dudley had claimed that it was only two blocks from the current house Petunia and Vernon lived in. They walked in silence, Dudley half a step ahead to lead the way.

Harry was a bundle of nerves, his head on a constant swivel, the memory of their last trip together a week ago all too fresh. Finally, they stopped in front of a pale blue one-story house that had seen better days but certainly not terrible, with barely kept flower gardens edging the path to the front door. On either side of the blue house were similar sized houses of various colors and shades. It reminded him of a Caribbean postcard he had seen at a store years ago but instead of bright and sunny the picture before him was dreary and depressing.

"This is it," Dudley said, standing still in front of the driveway. Harry stood next to him and just nodded. There didn't seem to be another living soul on this street, all the windows of the houses were curtained over or had the shutters closed.

"I'll be by tomorrow morning, and you can let me know if you are coming then or not," Harry said quietly.

"Sounds good."

"Good luck," Harry whispered. His chest tightened in terror when he saw the front door of the blue house start to open. "See you tomorrow," he choked out before spinning on his heel and walking as fast as he could away and towards another alley to disapparate in.

"Oh, Dudders!" A shrill voice exclaimed behind him making him wince, but he refused to turn around. Dudley was one thing, Harry wasn't sure he'd be able to reunite with his aunt as well. Especially not when today was already going to be taxing on his mental and emotional capabilities.

Practically diving into the first alleyway he saw, Harry shuddered and took another deep breath to get a hold of himself. Before he twisted and disappeared from sight. Landing back on the hill he saw that Patronus was still there waiting for him and he could see the others already walking towards the hill. He didn't see the Slytherins, so he assumed everyone had already said their parting good-byes for the day.

Waiting at the top of the hill, he gave a small nod to everyone as they gathered. No words were spoken and soon they were all disapparating to the Burrow. Harry and Hermione were the last to leave. He glanced at his best friend and she gave him a small smile. "You ready? You know Molly will be going into a panic if we don't join the others soon."

Harry flicked a brief smile at those words. It was true. Taking another deep breath, Harry tried to center himself and mentally prepare for the afternoon ahead. His head was already starting to hurt and he was desperately wanting a strong drink. Maybe George would have something he could share? He thought briefly before Patronus barked and jolted him back. Grabbing his dog's collar, Harry gave one more nod to Hermione and then apparated to the Burrow.

The sight of the Burrow highlighted by the noonday sun, set against its trees and lake and overgrown garden ached at Harry's chest. He had missed the Burrow more than he had wanted to admit. The many redheads milling about and greeting the other residents of Peverell Manor was almost idyllic. There was a large picnic table, obviously lengthened by magic, standing off to the side with plates and empty glasses already starting to fill the spaces.

"Harry! Hermione! Oh, my dears!" Mrs. Weasley cried out elated, bustling over to them as quickly as she could and enveloping them in the tightest of hugs. "Oh, I am so happy you were all able to make it. Really, we have seen far too little of you."

"Sorry, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione began as she pulled out of the hug.

"Molly, dear."

"Molly, sorry. We are sorry we haven't been by more often," Harry continued with the correction.

"Of course we understand, you are still trying to save our world."

Harry couldn't find words to respond to that but Mrs. Weasley didn't seem to be expecting a response because she was already ushering them closer to the group with a hand on each of their backs as if to prove to herself that they were really there.

Everyone else started making their way over and welcoming Harry and Hermione into the fold. The House residents just waved and nodded, having just seen them. But the rest of the Weasleys and the few additional guests came over. Ginny still clung to Ernie's hand as they spoke with Terry Boot. Ron seemed to be talking to Padma rather intently as she stood with her sister Pavarti who was talking with Justin Finch-Finchley. Seamus and Dean were there as well talking with George and Lee Jordan. Percy was also there looking very out of place with a nervous looking woman clutching at his arm as they talked to Mr. Weasley. Charlie and Bill clapped Harry on the back while Fleur kissed his cheeks before dragging Hermione into a conversation about wizard banking.

"How are you, Harry?" Bill asked handing him a butterbeer.

"Alright, I guess. Trying to catch my rhythm with everything. You know?" He replied gratefully taking a swig of the butterbeer.

"Understandable," Charlie nodded.

"What are you still doing here anyway, Charlie? I figured you'd be off with the dragons by now."

Charlie snorted. "I wish, but I'm actually looking to maybe get transferred to the preservation in Magical Britain. It's more Welsh Greens and the like not the fighters like the Ironbellies and Ridgebacks but it'll keep me closer to home for now."

Harry nodded in understanding. "I'm sure you'll get the transfer," he said encouragingly. "And if you ever need to let off steam, just swing by the Manor we'll have a pickup Quidditch match."

Charlie visibly perked up at that. 'Sounds good, mate. All your Slytherins are still there right?"

"Yes," Harry replied, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at the redhead. Surprisingly Charlie smiled at this.

"Oh don't worry, Harry. I'm not against them. I actually wouldn't mind talking to a few of them."

Bill snorted at this comment and Harry became more puzzled when Charlie's freckled face reddened. He was definitely missing something. "Yeah, sure. I doubt they will turn down a conversation," he replied hesitantly. Charlie reddened further and nodded. "So, Bill," Harry said, trying to give Charlie a reprieve from whatever was afflicting him. "How do you feel about a Curse Breaking job?"

Bill raised his eyebrows in interest. "What did you have in mind?"

"I have a few properties that need to be completely wiped clean. I've already spoken to Gringotts and they said I'd need a full team. I'd like you to lead the team."

Bill looked like Christmas was coming early for him and he was salivating at the mouth. "Thanks, Harry! Which properties?"

"Two businesses on Knockturn Alley, and then Lestrange Manor and Mulciber Manor. Those two need to be completely wiped, children will be there."

The eldest Weasley sons' eyes were shining at the prospect. "I'd need to check out the properties but what is the deadline?"

"I'd like all of them cleaned out as soon as possible. Preferably by November but no later than Christmas. Lestrange Manor needs the top priority though."

Bill was almost bouncing on his heels now. "Right, right. Oh, Merlin, this is great. I need to go talk with Fleur but we should be able to meet up this week to look at them. Sound good?"

Harry shrugged. "Yeah, sure." The sooner the better in his opinion.

"Why do they need to be safe for children, Harry?" Harry glanced back and saw that Bills excitement had drawn a crowd, Seamus had spoken with his arm casually slung over Deans shoulder. Pavarti, Justin, Lee, Ginny, Ernie, and George looked curious too.

"It's for the businesses that the Slytherins need to make. Tracey and Greg are turning Lestrange Manor into an orphanage for all magical beings. I spoke with Kingsley and there are already 30 known children who need homes, that isn't including the muggleborns, Squibs, and werewolves that might need it. So that one is getting top priority. And Daphne is starting a primary school of sorts for all magical beings starting from the age of seven and on. It will also continue to educate werewolves, Squibs and the like after the other children go to Hogwarts."

"That's really what they came up with?" Pavarti whispered.

Harry nodded. "They are all doing well with their projects. Theo and Pansy are the only ones who haven't decided yet."

"That's actually pretty smart of them," Dean muttered, a frown on his dark face. "I know I would have loved a magical primary school. Getting to interact with magic and other magical kids before Hogwarts."

"You really trust those snakes with children though?" Justin asked spitefully.

Harry glared at the former Hufflepuff. "Yes, I do. Why shouldn't I? I fully support the idea of an orphanage or a school. It will only serve to better our world. Do you really think they are doing all of this work just to hex all the kids who walk through the door? They aren't the villains you make them out to be."

Justin's mouth twisted like he was sucking on a lemon. "Maybe not Davis, she wasn't so bad," Ernie commented, Ginny made a face at that but didn't negate the comment.

"I'm surprised by Goyle and Greengrass though," Seamus muttered.

"I would try not to judge them too much on last years actions. They did what they did to survive just as we did. You don't know what their lives were and until you do, you can't cast hatred so easily," Harry said quietly.

"Oh, Harry tell them about what Malfoy and Zabini are doing," Padma said coming up beside her sister with Ron close behind her.

"Yeah, we got them those shops in Knocturn but they never said what they would be doing with them," Ron agreed.

Harry glanced at his best friend. Ron had made incredible improvements over the summer in his acceptance of the Slytherins, the study sessions for the make-up N.E.W.T.S helping a lot on that front. But he had held his tongue while looking at shops with Draco and Blaise very well. And after he was injured Ron had managed to come by after his shifts after dinner a few times and was polite to all of the residents. Harry felt his chest swell with pride at his best friend.

"Well, Draco is starting an apothecary. But that's really just the front of it. He's looking to make a deal with St. Mungo's for discounted potions, he is going to brew free Wolvesbane every month too. So far he has the funds for fifty werewolves for seven years. I'm hoping that increases though. And he is working with my muggle cousin, Dudley, to make some muggle friendly potions for muggleborn and halfblood families and Squibs."

It was still bizarre to think that he was bragging about Draco Malfoys accomplishments but Harry was incredibly proud. It was ingenious work and Draco had really put his all into everything. It was a remarkable change and mark of growth in the blonde.

"Wow," Lee murmured. "That's actually pretty cool. And you said he was working with your muggle cousin?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, so is Blaise for his stuff. Dudley might actually be moving into the manor permanently." The group gaped at him, not really believing the Draco Malfoy they knew would lower himself to actually live and talk to a muggle.

"I've been working on the muggle-friendly potions," Padma chimed in. "We've gotten a Pain Reliever done and are working on a Pepper-Up, Calming Draught, and a Blood Replenisher. I think that will be it though."

"What's Zabini doing?" Ernie asked curiously.

"He's converting muggle technology to be magic friendly. He's already created a phone and we tested it and worked. And I'm not sure what he is working on now, but I think a television and a gaming system are in the works."

"Oh sweet!" Dean exclaimed. "I've really missed those since I came to Hogwarts. It will be great to use them again."

The wizard raised of the group looked confused and so Harry let Dean eagerly explain what all of the items were as he silently eased himself away from the group. He hoped this would help ease people's concerns about the Slytherins. They were really making incredible improvements and while their pasts would always be held against them, hopefully, it wouldn't be all they were remembered for.

Away from the group, Harry breathed deeply for a moment, trying to just enjoy the moment of being at the Burrow. He really had missed this place and the Weasleys themselves. "Harry dear, could you help me?" Mrs. Weasley called out to him sticking her head through the kitchen window.

Pleased to do something so that his thoughts wouldn't spiral too far, Harry nodded and quickly walked into the house. Immediately he was hit by the smells coming from the kitchen and was transported back to previous summers when the house was bustling with the lot of them. The bittersweet nostaglia formed a lump in his throat. He spotted the famous Weasley Family Clock and his gut clenched at seeing Fred'shand no longer there. He had known it wasn't there from seeing it at the beginning of the summer but it still hit hard.

"Oh, Harry dear, can you help me with the potatoes?" Mrs. Weasley asked him once he entered the kitchen. Nodding, happy to be of service, he picked up a peeler and went to the bucket of potatoes freshly washed. They worked in silence for a few minutes, Harry peeling the potatoes and watching everyone from the kitchen window. Enjoying the distance a bit as he watched his friends interacting and swapping stories. He spotted Patronus playing with Charlie and Lee, a rendition of Monkey in the Middle from the looks of it. "It's so good to have you back here Harry," Mrs. WWeasley'svoice brought him back.

"It's good to be back," he agreed softly.

"You know you always have a place with us, dearie. I know you have your own house now and you are forging your own life. And you must know how proud I am of you, Harry dear." The lump was back in his throat and Harry felt a sting in his eyes as he focused on the potatoes in his hands. "Now, I know I can never replace Lilly and I would never want to. But just know that I consider you one of my sons." Mrs. Weasleys voice wobbled at this and Harry put down the potatoes to face her. This was the first time they'd really been alone together since the war and Harry had a feeling that she had been wanting to say this for a long time. The motherly woman turned to face him as well, her eyes shining. "And when you came out of that forest, when he declared you de-dead...I-I just…" Harry's heart lurched at the sight of the woman and the lump in his throat felt permanent now and his vision was blurring. Silently he stepped forward to wrap his arms around the matriarch and she let out a watery gasp as she hugged him back tightly as though to reassure herself that he was safe and fine.

The two stood in the kitchen embraced in a silent hug for at least five minutes before Mrs. Weasley finally pushed herself away, making hasty wipes at her face. "Oh look at me," she huffed out. "I just want you to know I am here for you. Arthur and I both. It's when you are living on your own that you realize you need a parent the most I think." Her hands were wringing her apron out. "And we just want you to be happy, Harry dear. We are so proud of what you are doing but your happiness is important too. Are you happy?"

Harry thought the question over as he leaned against the table. Was he happy? He still felt that hollow ache in his chest and he was still constantly reminded of those he lost. But he was moving forward with his life and he thought it was in the right direction and he hoped those he lost would be proud. "Not yet," he admitted, looking down at the floor. "Not yet, but I think I will be eventually."

"Of course, dear. Of course," she nodded understandingly.

"How are you?" he asked quietly. It struck him he hadn't asked the mother how she was holding up. She knew at the beginning of the summer she had struggled and hadn't gotten out of bed some days but she seemed much better.

Her smile faltered but she looked fondly at him. "You always were such a sweet boy," she murmured, reaching out to hold his hand. "I will be fine. For a mother to lose her child...it is a pain that can never heal. But I've still got the rest of my children and you and Hermione. And our family will continue to grow as you all bring your chosen partner into your life. The pain will never fade but the love we continue to feel makes it bearable." She squeezed it gently. "So as you said, not yet but eventually."

They again stood in silence, absorbing the understood compassion and loss felt by the other, and Harry felt oddly lightened by the conversation. As if it had been what he needed to hear. "Our table is always open, no matter the time of day or night if you ever want a cup of tea." Harry nodded and gave a watery smile. "Now, speaking of tables. We must finish our preparations or we will have an empty one!" The matriarch tutted and turned back to continue cooking the four things under her control. While Harry went back to peeling potatoes.

"Actually, Mrs. Weasley-"

"Molly dear."

"Molly, I actually had something I wanted to ask you."

"Yes, dear?"

"Not for me, but Daphne. She had an offer for you." Harry heard a hum to show that she was listening and so continued. "You see, her project is a magical primary school of sorts. It will teach children from seven until they get their Hogwarts letters. But there will be Squibs and werewovles too that will remain there until they are of age. So they can remain in the magical world even if they can't go to Hogwarts."

"Oh that sounds like a marvelous idea!"

"I'm glad you think so. Because well, she is needing teachers." Harry heard Mrs. Weasley stop moving. "And well, she was hoping you might consider it? You raised seven children after all and so know how to teach young children, you see." Harry glanced over his shoulder to see Mrs. Weasley clutching a spatula to her chest, her eyes wide with hope and excitement.

"She actually wants me?"

"Of course! Like I said you have perfect experience already. Andromeda and Narcissa have also accepted. And Daphne was hoping to set up a meeting with you to formally ask you herself. But I offered to give you the heads up."

"When would it start up?"

"I'm not sure. The properties need a team of Curse Breakers and then they will have to be remodeled first. And there is a Magical Orphanage that is going to take priority but definitely up and running by this time next year."

Harry watched those kind blue eyes swell with eagerness over the idea and could already see her nodding. "I mean don't give me an answer yet. Daphne will kill me if I ruin her professional business stuff. So let her ask you, it will give you time to think it over too."

Mrs. Weasley smiled fondly. "Of course, we wouldn't want to upset Miss Greengrass. Thank you Harry for letting me know and tell her I will eagerly await her meeting." They went back to their respective tasks once again, Harry only had a couple of potatoes left. "So, Miss Greengrass is quite the pretty young thing isn't she?"

Harry spluttered, dropping the last potato he was peeling into the sink, and felt his face heating up. What the hell! No! No! Stop blushing! There is no reason for you to be blushing, he scolded himself firmly. It is a fact that Daphne is gorgeous, it was a common fact back at school and little had changed. "Ye-yeah, you could say that," he said trying to recover his wits. His mind transporting him back to sitting on the couch with her and drinking wine, feeling her silky hair in his hands, her expressive blue-grey eyes when it was just the two of them.

Thankfully Ron came into the kitchen calling Harry out for a game of Quidditch, so any further comment or thought about Daphnes beauty was dropped. Harry felt himself relax as he hopped on one of the spare brooms in the shed as the teams were divided. Luckily there was enough for full teams too. It was Harry, Ron, Pavarti, George, Lee, Neville, and Bill on one team versus Justin, Ernie, Ginny, Padma, Seamus, Dean and Charlie on the other team.

The game continued for hours with the rest of those at the party cheered from the ground and mingled together. Finally Mrs. Weasley called them all back to the ground where Hermione and Fleur were finishing setting the table outside while Mr. Weasley helped his wife carry out all the dishes.

Harry sat down between Neville and Charlie and across from George, Luna and Padma. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sat at either end of the table and Mr. Weasley stood once everyone was seated.

"I want to thank you all for being here tonight as we celebrate. Some of you are returning to Hogwarts for one final year, while the rest of you are making our way in the adult world and making tidal waves as you do." Harry flushed a little at this when those around him snickered and Neville elbowed him goodnaturedly. "No matter our chosen path, I want to wish everyone luck as they set forth. Know that there will always be a place for you here if you should seek it. This past year was one of fear and turmoil, we fought and lost bravely and still we are here today. We will always carry those we lost with us through all stages of life that we might yet face. I don't wish to put a damper on our festivities but if you could all bow your heads for a moment of silence for those who couldn't join us today." Those at the table dutifully bowed their heads and there was stillness, not even birds could be heard chirping. Images flashed in his mind, of Sirius throwing his head back laughing, of Lupin patiently listening, of Tonks and her bubblegum pink hair, of Dumbledores kind gaze, of Freds' mischevious smirk, of Lavendar giggling in the Common Room, of Collin's breathless excitement as he held a camera. "Thank you," Mr. Weasley said, dragging Harry from his thoughts. "Now, before the mood becomes too somber, let's dig in." A few people chuckled and then there was the contented murmur of people asking for dishes to be passed as the food was passed around.

Harry lost himself in the ease of the night. Stories were told about the old days and laughter was heard. It warmed Harry to hear it and to bask in the jovial atmosphere, he didn't laugh but a smile did stretch his lips a few times and Harry marked it as progress. All talks of the past year were pointedly ignored and George and Lee even told a few of the funnier stories of their mischief making with Fred and while George still couldn't say his twins name, Lee picked up for him and no one mentioned it.

After dinner, Harry joined George and the other guys out in the garden as they passed around a pint of firewhiskey. The burn was soothing now and it filled the gaps that were ever present in his heart and soul but the laughter eased the pain. Finally as the sun began to sink below the horizon people started saying their good-byes. Those that were returning to Hogwarts were offered well wishes and reminders to write. Whereas those not returning were told to visit on Hogsmeade weekends.

When Harry and the other members of Peverell Manor returned it was almost midnight and they all separated in silence to their individual rooms. Harry didn't even bother going to his room but went straight to the kitchen to start pouring the alcohol for when Draco and Tracey joined him. The day had been long and stress laden. There had been too many emotions felt and it was draining. The memories were rushing his mind now and the guilt was becoming too much now that he was on his own once more. Patronus barked but Harry shooed the dog away to his room. He didn't want to see the disappointment reflected in those dark eyes, it would hurt too much. When Draco and Tracey arrived they made no comment on the already half empty bottle.