Chapter Four- Home Again
Harry gently wiped the tears that were cascading down Ginny's face. The funerals were over, and it was time for them to go. Harry knew that the Weasleys would want to go back to the Burrow, but he wasn't quite ready for that. He didn't want to be in a place where nothing but happy memories were, he didn't want to tarnish them with all of this sorrow. He looked into Ginny's beautiful eyes, and saw she wasn't ready either. They didn't have to say a word to each other, but Harry could tell that Ginny was more upset than she was letting on. When Mrs. Weasley asked them if they were ready to go home, Ginny burst into tears and ran off. Harry told Mrs. Weasley that he would find Ginny and bring her home by side-along apparition, seeing as Ginny had not passed her test yet. Harry could tell that Mrs. Weasley wanted to argue, but she just gave a sad smile and joined the rest of her family, who were going by portkey to the Burrow. Harry waved goodbye then went off to find Ginny.
Ginny ran through the halls until she found a deserted corridor. She sank to her knees and sobbed hysterically. She did not know where she was, but she did not care. She didn't want to go home. She didn't want to see where Fred used to sit, or used the sleep. She was flooded with all of her memories of him. Ginny loved all of her brothers, but Fred was always the one that took the most care of her. When she was upset, he would make her laugh like no one else. When she was scared, he would calm her down. He had taught her to play quidditch and always found time to talk to her, even when they were both busy with exams or homework. She curled up in a ball and lay there, silently sobbing for what could never be again.
Ginny lay there for what seemed like an eternity, until she felt strong arms gathering her up. She looked up, and found a pair of brilliant green eyes watching her, filled with concern. Harry had found her, Harry had come to save her from drowning in her grief. Harry sat with his back up against the wall, and held Ginny in his lap. He stroked her hair, and whispered in her ear. "Gin, it's okay. It's okay now. It's okay to cry, I know you miss him. But you have to remember, he's always with you. He will be with you, guiding everything you do." Ginny nodded and pressed her face into Harry's shoulder. She felt him press his face into her hair, and they sat like this. They did not speak, each lost in their own thoughts, until McGonagall walked up. She looked down intently at them, with an expression of tenderness on her face. "Miss Weasley, Mr. Potter, a patronus has been sent for you. Your family would like you to return now". As they stood up, McGonagall uncharacteristically grabbed them both in an embrace. She let them go, gave them another sad smile, then hurried off. Ginny leaned back into Harry. "I really don't wanna go back, I can't take anymore memories." "I know, but I can't have your family think I'm not responsible, seeing as I don't plan on ever letting you go again", Harry said as he grabbed Ginny's hand tightly. "Oh really" Ginny giggled as the apparated back to the Burrow.
They were met with bright sunshine and a clean yard. They walked up to the porch and Harry hesitated before opening the door. He was unsure what they might find, and didn't want Ginny to get upset again if it wasn't good. Picking up on Harry's hesitation, Ginny pushed open the door. They were shocked with what they saw. Not only was the house in perfect condition, but there was food warming on the stove. Harry didn't know what he had expected, but it certainly wasn't this. Harry didn't see how the Burrow was in such good condition, he was sure it had been ransacked after the Weasleys went into hiding. But the answer came bounding up to Harry. Kreacher, who still had the locket gleaming on his chest, looked adoringly up to Harry. "Master Harry! You have finally come home! Come in, come in, but shoes off please. Kreacher has just washed the floors". Harry and Ginny obliged, and went to find the rest of the Weasleys in the sitting room. Ginny let go of Harry's hand and went to sit with her mum. Harry was sad that he could no longer hold her, but felt sure that Ginny just needed to be with her parents. Instead, Harry went over to the corner, where Ron and Hermione were sitting. Ron was propped up on his elbows, with Hermione's head in his lap. Harry smirked when he saw this, but said nothing. He was glad his friends had finally found each other. "So how did Kreacher get here?" Harry asked, not that he minded of course. He was glad that no more repairing was needed. "I don't know, he was already cooking when we got here" Ron replied, casually playing with Hermione's hair. They sat in a comfortable silence, enjoying not having to do anything. Ginny came up, and sat with Harry. They sat there until Kreacher announced it was dinner time. Harry smiled as he pulled Ginny up, and they walked hand in hand to the first good food they had eaten in a while.
