Walking through the corridors I was absolutely certain of three things.

1. That my head was telling me I needed to owl Kinsley Shakelbolt to see how the turn around at the ministry was going or if it was indeed 'going' .2. That my heart was telling me that I needed to talk to the Weasley's, whether it be just or if I could talk to George too, and three .3. my stomach was telling my that I was starving, so without further delay I made my way to the great hall to get some lunch.

Walking to the great all thinking all of this I started to tense up. Who would be in the great hall?? Would they blame me like I do?? Will they all just blame for the death of their loved me ones as I surely blame myself for Remus and tonks and Fred?? In truth it wasn't fair that someone so young had such pressure put on them, as a 17 year old to have the pressure of the entire wizarding world on your shoulders wasn't easy, and now even after everything I wondered what was going to happen to me. What would become of me and where would I end up??

We walked slowly yet surely in the direction of the great hall. And when we arrived my mouth dropped to a perfect 'o'. As we walked in and the large doors opened everyone stared up at us, due to the fact that no one had seen us, or me at least since the final battle perhaps I should have expected it but it was still rather shocking. After a few second of standing there looking awkward and looking but at Ron and Hermione people began clapping, it started with just McGonagall and then the teachers, the order, the Weasley's, the DA and soon everyone was clapping. it was a though I was confounded standing there looking dumbstruck, I just couldn't comprehend all of these people clapping for me. Its my fault that most of the families are a member short, yet here I am standing here while the continuously clap. I stood there, whether because I couldn't make myself move or because I actually couldn't move I didn't know, but the next second I found I was being dragged to the Gryffindor table on the far side by Ginny's hand which was still holding mine.

As we arrived at the table Mrs. Weasley looked up. Her eyes we still red and puffy but now when I looked in them all I saw was understanding. Knowing what I was going through and what I still needed to do looked at me not as a murderer but as a son. At that moment I knew I was in the right place, at that moment I was at home, sitting with my family and everything felt, right. They were perfect in my eyes and could do nothing wrong so I sat down next to who without hesitation began piling my plate high with as much food as it would contain. Opposite me however sat George. I don't think I ever saw someone look so grim, the air of amusement that usually hung over George was gone, his eyes were bright red and his face was in a permanent look of shock and sadness. I didn't know what to do; it was one thing for me to merely feel as though I was responsible it was another to actually see the toll that it was taking on him. Ginny possibly sensing something was wrong turned to look at me not sure though what she was seeing on my face as I wasn't even sure what was showing on my face, I merely looked back to her, not sure of what to say but knowing that the silence was only feeding whatever it was that Ginny was thinking.

However before she had time to say anything McGonagall got up in front of everyone and made an announcement that tomorrow evening right before the sunset there was going to be a memorial service for all the fallen and with that wished everyone a good day and went to leave the great hall. It was then that I noticed sitting at the head table looking somber was none other than Kinsley Shakelbolt the one man I wanted to speak to. So with questioning looks thrown at my back I got up and walked towards the head table.

As I approached the table Kinsley looked up and met my gaze, there was something in his eyes something I could distinguish….pride??

"hello harry, how are you today?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but I realized that I didn't know how I felt. I was unsure about everything. I mean I was sad and I knew that but I was also tired still hungry, happy, free, how do u express all of these things; I mean is it really possible. So I merely shrugged while a small smile played at the corner of my lips. This answer seemed to satisfy Kinsley though because he merely nodded.

"Kinsley I was hoping to talk to you about the ministry." I thought I best not push my luck as a lot would be expected to be kept under wraps but I thought I would ask anyway, I did really want to know what was going on.

"harry, I respect that you want to know and considering what you have done seems quite fitting, however not here, perhaps later I will contact you to discuss not only what is happening at the ministry but also if you could enlighten me as to what happened this past years so I could sort out some issues…particularly with the goblins"

I had expected this after all, the goblins were difficult to deal with and now wizards had successfully broken in and stolen something, but not juts wizards but teenagers barely of age. I agreed to this with a quick nod of the head, and walked back to my seat.

When I got back I continued eating and when I looked up I saw everyone staring at me. I smiled a soft but reassuring smile in all directions. This seemed to be enough for everyone, for now. Ron and Hermione were not satisfied however and I knew this and gave them a look, quite clearly saying we will talk later. Ginny on the other hand was much more persistent and kept glaring at me to get an answer. I eventually looked back at her with pleading eyes; I would talk to her about it. I was no longer going to pretend she didn't mean the world to me, I could lie to myself all I wanted but after last night, Ginny being my last thought, or I guess it was a couple nights ago now, my last thought before I was supposed to die. People say the last thing you see is your life flashing before your eyes, and they weren't lying, my life did flash before my eyes, Ginny.

After I had finished eating I said rather quietly but loud enough so that Ron and Hermione would know,

"Ginny?"

When she looked up I saw something in her eyes, so I kept on

"Could you maybe come with me so we can talk?"

The question made it quite clear what I wanted to talk about so hopefully she picked up on it, by the look on her face she did which gave me some hope that perhaps she still feels the same way. However by the look on Ron's face it was clear he to understood and he did not look happy, far from it.

Though despite this or maybe it was just Hermione holding him back, me and Ginny proceeded to walk out of the great hall, she once more grabbing hold of my hand. A few minutes later we were standing by the lake, a beautiful glowing coming from within looking more beautiful then ever before, however for the first time I didn't even notice the lake in all its glory, I was too focused on the dazzling site of the gorgeous person standing next to me.

I merely looked at her not knowing what to say. When suddenly:

"I thought you were dead"

It wasn't a question it was a statement in the hopes that I understood what she was feeling. Chocking out between crying, she continued softly,

"I thought you were dead…and all I could think of was how I would never feel you hold me again, and how I would never feel your lips brush mine"

My heart was caught in my throat, I didn't know what to do, what to say, and so I merely stood there listening to what it was she was trying to say.

"For a year harry, I thought about our last kiss, on my birthday and kept me strong, it reminded why we were fighting, why I was fighting, so I could have a better life….with you"

Without hesitation I softly placed my right hand on the nape of her neck and caressed her cheek with my thumb, she loved me and that was all that mattered. I leaned forward and when our lips finally touched I felt for the first time that I had won this war and that it was truly over. I was happy, yes there were so many more things I had to talk to her about and so many more things I had to face. But I had Ginny and to me that's what mattered