Hi! I hope you guys like this chapter! It's not the best one but there is a little surprise at the end.

I hope you enjoy!

Walking Free

Confessions

Harry stared once again at his reflection in the wardrobe mirror, his eyes scanning over the entire stretch of his torso. Scars everywhere. They were scattered and dotted all over his once smooth, pale skin, which was now a mess of angry marks and blemishes. As he examined himself in the mirror he failed to notice someone appearing at the door. He only became aware of their presence when a loud clatter of plates and cutlery hitting the floor shook him from his thoughts. He spun around to see Hermione in the door way, her hands covering her mouth. On the floor by her feet was an upturned tray which had been laden with breakfast plates and a cup of tea.

'Oh my god…Harry' Hermione whimpered her eyes filled with unshed tears. 'Oh, Harry…' Seconds later a panting Ron rushed in but stopped short when he noticed the spilt food and broken china.

'Hey, what happened, Hermione? Oh, hey, are you okay, baby?' Ron put an arm around her shoulders as she wept. The redhead looked up at Harry who was hurriedly pulling on a t-shirt to hide his body. 'Hi mate, are you feeling okay?' Nodding quickly Harry pulled on a pair of loose fitting jeans and tried to ignore the odd stars he was receiving from Ron.

'H-his b-back…' Hermione whispered to her boyfriend. 'his back is covered in…' She stopped as another round of tears cascaded down her flushed cheeks.

'What?' Ron asked, confused. 'What about his back? Covered in what?'

'In scars!' she cried. 'Harry, why didn't you tell us? Why didn't you let us know how badly they had hurt you? Oh god, we should have guessed.' She turned to Ron and thumped him in the chest. 'why didn't you make me check?'

'Check what?' the redhead scowled, rubbing his ribs. Hermione was thin and small but she could sure pack a punch.

'Ron, you are useless. Harry, why didn't you show them to us before? I could have tried to heal them or something.'

Harry, who had been watching the interaction awkwardly, now stared at Hermione with surprise. 'Why would I tell you? It's none of your business so why they hell should I let you know about it? I haven't seen you properly in almost four years and it's not like you've made an effort to come and see me since the trial. Why would I have asked for your help?'

'I could have tried to heal some of the scars.'

'What makes you think you could have done that? These scars are years old. If they haven't heal themselves by now there're never going to fade. This is how I'm gonna look for the rest of my life so I better get used to it.'

'But Harry, you shouldn't have to suffer alone and we have been trying to see you!' She added the last part somewhat frustrated at how their attempts to see him had, for the most part, been in vain. 'We care about you Harry and we are both immensely sorry for what has happened to you but...'

'I don't need your sympathy!' spat Harry and the two who had moved slightly awkwardly into the room.

The room fell silent as the three looked at each other. Harry stared at his old best friends intently. Ron had one arm slung around Hermione's shoulder whilst the other scratched the back of his neck, a habit he found himself doing in uncomfortable situations. He hadn't changed from the sixteen year old that Harry had been best friends with. His bright red hair was cut short and freckles still littered his arms and face. There was something different about his eyes though and it took Harry a moment to realise what it was; the blue orbs were older, wiser and more mature. They looked lovingly at Hermione and for a brief moment, Harry was jealous of his the man who stood in front of him. He envied the man who had been surrounded by love and affection for the entirety of his life. He was jealous of the man who had found love and who could look forward old age with excitement, anticipation and curiosity. The man standing tall in front of him did not have the daunting tasks ahead of him that Harry would soon have complete. He did not have the prophecy looming dangerously over him, weighing him down. He was not responsible for ridding the magical world of Lord Voldemort. However, the thing that hit Harry the hardest was not all of these but that the man in front of him was simply happy.

Hermione broke the silence after a while. She maneuvered herself out of Ron's arm and turned slightly to the door.

'I'll just clean this up and then we should have a chat.' With a quick Scourify, the breakfast tray righted itself and the bushy haired woman bend down and picked it up. 'I did have breakfast for you but...' she nodded her head to the now empty tray as she moved into the middle of the room.

'Err, right. Thanks' Harry said lamely and he made his way to the bed. When he had made himself comfortable on the squishy mattress, he gazed out of the window; his back now on the Ron and Hermione. There was another moment of silence before Harry spoke once more. 'Why are you here?'

'Well, you're ill, mate. We came straight over when Malfoy flooed us.' As Ron spat out the name in disgust, a violent shiver ascended Harry's spine.

He had forgotten that Draco was also living in the house. At the thought of the blonde teen, Harry felt slightly sick. When he had visited Harry in Azkaban, the blonde had told Harry that he was repaying him for what his father had done but now Harry was not so sure. The memory of the timid teen standing over him, wand poised, and his father, looming over the two of them, a smile plastered across his face, had caused Harry to rethink about the reasons for Draco Malfoy's actions. The boy had tortured him for what felt like hours and although it was clear that he had not been willing, he had not refused.

Anger boiled in Harry's veins as the memory floated on the surface of his mind. Malfoy had given him a lot of grief over what he had done for him and how he didn't really need to do anything for Harry. Now, now Harry knew and the Draco that Harry thought he had gotten to know over the last couple of weeks was a lie. Draco Malfoy had not turned himself around from his school days; he was still a manipulating, selfless little bastard.

'What's wrong with me?' Harry asked, not really caring as he stared, unseeing, out of the grubby window.

No one answered for a moment but even with his back to them, Harry knew that the two were sharing a look. He heard a slight movement before he felt the bed dip either side of him.

'Well, we're not really sure, mate. You, well, you sort of had a fit. It was really scary actually. Hermione wanted to take you to St. Mungo's at one point.'

'Right' was all Harry could manage.

'You feel alright now, though?' Hermione's voice almost pleaded and as an answer, Harry merely nodded his head jerkily.

'Look, Harry. I really think we should have a chat, about, well, everything really.'

Harry's eyes remained focus on something neither Ron nor Hermione could see and his voice was distant and quiet.

'Yeah.'

'I think we should start from the beginning, when you were sentenced to Azkaban.' Hermione's voice began a strangled whisper at the last word, as if saying quietly would mean that it never happened.

The three remained sitting on Harry's bed, one either side of the Boy Who Lived for several hours as they spoke, shouted, whispered and cried about everything that had happened since the disastrous summer three and a half years previously.

Remus Lupin nearly jumped out of his seat when the doorbell rang. He rushed to his feet and almost spri

nted into the hall way. He was hoping that maybe it was Harry, that he had finally decided to come back. Remus felt ashamed for the way he had behaved when all Harry was doing was trying to help. Tonks had also been rather upset as it had also been her own fault that the teen had left. She hadn't meant what she had said, she had just been in a bad mood because of the fight.

When Remus reached the door he flung it open expectantly but frowned when he was that it wasn't the boy.

'Expecting someone else?' Albus Dumbledore asked in a cheery tone. 'Sorry if you'd rather it was someone other then myself, I simply wanted to talk with yourself and your wife. May I?' the elder man asked, indicating the door.

Remus nodded and stepped aside to let the man in. Once he had shut the door he led the way to the kitchen where Tonks was feeding Teddy his lunch.

'Good afternoon, Nymphadora. How are you today?'

Tonks smiled despite the name and replied, 'Wotcher, I'm fine thanks, you?'

The old wizard chuckled and helped himself to a chair at the table. 'I am very well, my dear. I was just telling Remus that I was hoping to have a quick chat to the both of you, if that's okay with you?'

'Oh, umm, okay, yes…I'll just put Teddy down for his nap. Be right back.' She lifted the sleepy toddler and slung him gently onto the hip and made her way out to the stairs.

When Tonks returned to the kitchen the two wizards were simply passing pleasant comments between themselves. Tonks scowled when she saw that Remus still hadn't offered the elder man a cup of tea and she quickly went about making a pot.

'So, Albus, what was it that you wanted to talk about?' Remus asked somewhat nervously. He was sure the headmaster knew that Harry was missing. The man made it his life's mission to always know the whereabouts of the boy at all times. He probably knew that Harry had run off and had come here to tell Remus and Tonks how disappointed he was.

'Hmm, I simply wanted to have a chat about Harry. I know that you looked after him for sometime and I wanted to thank you. You have been of great help and I'm sure that Harry also appreciates it.'

Remus smiled stiffly, wringing his hands under the table. Tonks had been pouring a cup of tea for the headmaster but slipped when Harry's name was mentioned. Dumbledore looked up at her as she placed the cup and saucer in front of him. Her hand was shaking so much that the drink spilled from the cup and splashed onto the surface of the table.

'S-sorry.' Tonks mumbled and ran off to grab a dishcloth to clean the mess.

'It is quite alright, Nymphadora. Hmm, it's a shame that Harry isn't here to have tea with us isn't it?'

'Um, yes.' Remus stuttered. 'Yes, sorry, he just um…he just popped out for a bit…' The headmaster raised an eyebrow as he took a sip from of his drink. Tonks sat next to her husband at the table and held her hands in her lap, trying to keep calm. 'He'll be back shortly.'

'I see.' Dumbledore said quietly. The three adults sat in silence, each drinking their tea carefully. Remus and Tonks waited for the older wizard to speak again but he remained silent. Tonks soon began to fidget in her seat and Remus could tell that she was ready to burst.

'Albus, we-'

'I'm so sorry!' Tonks cut off her husband as she shouted loudly across the table. 'We didn't mean for him to run off! He just left and we didn't know until we came home and I'm really sorry cause I know that it was my fault. I just wasn't thinking at the time. Remus and I are really sorry! Please don't be mad, Albus! I-I…I-' Then suddenly the woman burst into a flood of tears, her body shaking.

Remus put his arm around Tonks' shoulders and pulled her close. 'I'm sorry, Albus. Harry and I got into a fight about a week ago and I stormed out. Tonks then had a go at the boy and when we came home he was gone. He and Malfoy had packed their things and left. We haven't heard from them since.'

Dumbledore nodded and placed his tea cup back onto the saucer. 'It's quite alright, I know where he is and he's absolutely fine. There's really no need to worry yourselves anymore.'

Remus and Tonks both looked up at the man in shock. He already knew? He must have been laughing at the both of them as they tried to act as if everything was normal.

'Where is he?' Remus asked once he had calmed down.

Dumbledore looked uncertain and shook his head. 'I'm sorry but I don't think that I have the right to say. Harry doesn't want anyone to know where he is staying and I shall respect that wish. Mmm, Nymphadora, any chance of another cup of tea?'

It was late in the evening and Harry found himself alone in the kitchen, cradling and now cold mug of tea. His

mind wondered as he sat hunched over on the wooden chair. The talk he had with Hermione and Ron had been a long and arduous one but successful nonetheless. The two had left earlier that afternoon to give him a bit of space; however, now that they were gone, he found himself in desperate need of company.

He did not shudder as the door bell rang and Mrs. Black's portrait began to holler. Instead, he groaned, stiffly got up from the chair and made his way to the hall where he silence the woman with a few coarse words and a wave of his wand.

He was somewhat surprised to find the youngest Weasley standing on his front door but as she turned to smile warmly at him, his heart fluttered and butterflies invaded his stomach.

'Ginny?'

'Hey, Harry. Can I come in?' She moved closer to the door even before Harry could reply and he guessed that she was not going to take 'no' for an answer. He moved aside and she hopped through.

'Um, let's go to the living room.' Harry asked tentatively as he closed the door.

'Yeah, alright' and she quickly made her way upstairs landing before entering the living room.

As Harry sat down, Ginny moved close to him and took his warm hand in her small one.

'I overheard Ron and Hermione talking about you just now. They said you were ill, Harry. They're really worried about you.'

'I, it's' but Harry couldn't lie to her. He couldn't tell her it was nothing because it wasn't and he needed to tell someone, to let it out. He needed to talk about it, not just the memories but the Horcruxes as well.

'Harry? Are you okay?'

'No, Ginny, I'm not,' As much of a wimp as he felt, he knew that she would not judge him and that made telling her slightly easier. 'I…it's these memories; they, they're coming back. I can remember some things and I…' Harry growled in frustration when the words would not come.

Ginny did not interrupt, though; she gently squeezed his hand to reassure him and waited patiently whilst Harry tried to collect himself.

'There are these…things, that well, they are keeping Voldemort alive and I, Dumbledore has told me about them and I'm supposed to find them and then destroy them so that I can kill Voldemort but I've got no idea what I'm supposed to be doing and Dumbledore is sort of keeping me in the dark but he still expects me to…' the words were coming out faster and faster and Harry found himself out of breath very quickly. Everything was building up and he didn't know how to deal with it. His emotions were all over the place recently; he was nearly always angry and when he wasn't he felt rather depressed and on top of that, his scar would never cease to stop prickling. Of course, there was also the relapse of memories to deal with and the new understanding of why Malfoy had helped him. Harry was not a weepy person but all of a sudden, everything spilled over in a torrent of emotion that he could not control.

Ginny stared in horror as Harry dropped to his knees, cradling his head in his hands. His shoulders shook and trembled as tears cascaded down his pink cheeks.

'I can't do this, Ginny. I can't do this anymore. I just…' Harry hid his face as more tears burned his skin. 'I'm just so scared.'

Ginny sunk to the ground and took Harry's head in her hands. Harry sobbed quietly, rubbing his red eyes with the back of his hand.

'Harry?' The raven sniffed pitifully but didn't look up until Ginny put a hand under his chin. 'Harry, you have every right to be scared.' Ginny laughed aloud at the look Harry gave her, tears finally spilling from her eyes. 'You have been so brave for so long, I think it's time you let it all go and showed some emotion. It's okay to worry and to be absolutely terrified, especially considering what you've been through and everything that lies ahead.' The redhead threw her arms around Harry's neck, holding his head still so that she could look at him properly.

'Gin, I...I don't know what to do.' Harry whispered, his voice quiet and fearful. 'I feel so alone and I don't know if I can keep going anymore.'

'Harry, you need to calm down, okay? Harry, listen to what I am saying. I will always be by your side, no matter what. I'm always gonna be here to help you out when you need me and you know that Ron and Hermione will always love you. I know that you three have had a hard time getting things straight but I know for sure that they will never let you down again. You mean far too much to them.' Harry looked up at Ginny with red, swollen eyes, his lips pouted slightly. 'You mean far too much to me too.' she added quietly.

'I-I do?'

'Of course you do. You have been one of the most important people in my life since I can remember. Even when I didn't know you I idolized you. I always wanted to be your friend, to get to know you and when I got that chance, you don't know how happy I was. Ron had finally done something right by making friends with you.' she joked. Harry also laughed but it caught in his throat. 'Harry, I've…I've always…loved you, you know that right?'

Harry didn't speak at first, just stared at the ground. He hesitantly looked up as Ginny smiled down at him awkwardly. The two made eye contact and smiled gently, blushing. Harry wasn't sure what to say and Ginny was certain that she had said too much. She stared to panic, thinking that she had freaked the man out. He continued to stare at her and she was about to apologize when Harry whispered.

'Really?'

Ginny sighed happily and laughed. 'Yes, I love you. I always have. Even when I was young I knew that what I felt for you was more than just friendship. I've always waned to be with you, Harry and even if you don't feel the same or whatever, I just want you to know that I'm here for you. No matter what happens, I'm right here for you.'

Harry smiled through his tears, choking back his sobs. 'Gin, I- I don't…I don't understand, I thought that you would never forgive me. I thought that you had moved on and didn't want anything to do with me.'

'What are you talking about? Harry, forgive you for what? You did nothing wrong and you know that! Look, forget about what happened, think about the future. There is no need to think about what happened in the past. I know that you were hurt and confused and I feel so bad about it but we all really need to move on but I don't want to move on without you. I love you Harry, you make me so happy. Just being with you makes me feel so much better about everything. No one else has ever made me feel the way you do.'

'So me having been in prison doesn't bother you?'

'Why would it? Harry, like I already said you did nothing wrong so stop trying to blame yourself or put me off because you don't think that you're good enough.' Ginny sat closer to the man and placed her head on his shoulder. 'I really love you. Please, tell me you love me back?'

'I…I do. I mean, I love you.' Harry stumbled over his words feeling rather embarrassed by the confession. Ginny smiled widely and took Harry's hand, stroking the soft skin. 'I want you, Gin. I never really thought about it until recently but I've always felt a connection between us. That doesn't sound too corny does it?'

The redhead laughed, hugging Harry around his shoulders. She waited for him to respond and soon enough his strong arms enveloped her in a gentle hug. They cuddled in silence, listening to each others racing heart beats. After a few minutes had passed Ginny pulled away and glanced shyly up at Harry, her brown eyes glossy with happiness. She moved in closer until their noses touched and giggled like a school girl. Harry grinned back, his hands still around her slender body.

'Oh for Merlin's sake, just kiss her already!'

The two looked over the room to where Draco was leaning against the doorframe. 'Get on with it, man! Hurry before she realizes what a big mistake she's making.'

Harry scowled but Ginny simply chuckled and didn't miss the small smile that flickered across Draco's lips. 'Piss off, Malfoy.' Harry muttered, not looking at the blonde. Draco turned and left the room, still mjnjnnnnnnn 'So, what now?' Harry asked sheepishly.

'Hmm, well I guess we could, you know, kiss.'

'Um, yeah.' Harry scratched the back of his head and coughed loudly to fill the silence. 'I suppose I should, you know,' Harry reached out a hand and placed it on Ginny's cheek. 'and then just, you know,' he muttered, leaning closer, his hands beginning to shake.

Ginny raised her arms and awkwardly set them on Harry's shoulders. 'Okay, so I'll um...'

The two blushed as they made eye contact but Harry relaxed slightly when Ginny gave him a reassuring smile. He stroked Ginny's cheek gently whilst wrapping his other arm around her slim waist. He pulled her closer, so close he could feel her breath on his skin. With his heart pounding wildly in his chest, Harry bent his head to join their lips in a sweet, tentative kiss. Neither moved, too afraid that they would ruin the moment. After a few seconds Harry made to pulled away but Ginny held on fast, slowly returning the kiss. Harry's breath hitched in his throat and he exhaled deeply through his nose. Ginny buried her fingers into Harry's messy hair, enjoying the soft touch. She tried not to laugh with glee when Harry nipped her bottom lip, asking for entrance. She complied and parted her lips.

Deepening the kiss Harry pulled the redhead closer to his body, feeling her warmth fill him as they both held on tightly. The two soon ran out of breath and Ginny's cheeks were flushed a sweet red, while Harry's hair stuck up in all directions, his mouth open as he panted slightly. Grinning at the young man before her Ginny brushed back an unruly lock of black hair behind Harry's left ear. She then ran her thumb over the soft skin of Harry's earlobe. Leaning in she planted another kiss on Harry's lips then tucked the man's head into her neck. The two stayed still, breathing slowly and evenly in each others arms. When Ginny felt Harry relax in her hold she turned her face and whispered affectionately into his ear.

'Silly Harry.'

It wasn't that great, i think i could have done better but never mind. Please all let me know what you thought about this chapter, especially the little kiss.

Allen Pitt- Thanks for the review. It was really bad that they never went to see him but they did try to sort some things out in this chapter and there will be some more of the three of them working things out in later chapters. Please review and let me know what you think! :)

Punk-Rebel-Chick- No, i think it makes him yummy! TeHe! Your review made me so happy! It was really lovely and much appreciated. Harry and Draco would be really cool if they were friends and they might become closer but as Harry has just remembered that Draco also too part in torturing him, they might have trouble getting on for a while. Please review! :)

Bob Hammilton- I am exactly the same. :p That also might be why i like his scars...hmmm

Caelhir- No worries, if you have anymore questions pease ask, i love to answer them! Yay! Harry an Ginny! :) I hope you liked them . I think that i made them a bit weird and Harry was all lame and girly. Gin was being the dude in that scene. I look forward to writing more about them later.

WeAreLoveStory- Aww, thank you! I sound like a drug! YAY! I'm really glad that you like it. I hope that this chapter was okay, i'm not too sure about it. Please review to let me know what you think. :)