1Once back at the Burrow, Ron turned to Harry and asked, 'What are you going to do for the rest of the day?'

'Ginny said something about going for a walk up to the stream this afternoon', said Harry.

'Great, let me go get my things together', said Ron.

'Ronald, I believe that Ginny and Harry would like to be left alone today. Why don't we go inside', said Hermione rolling her eyes.

Harry gave her a grateful look. 'Thanks Hermione', he said.

'Fine, just remember what I said', said Ron rounding on Harry.

Hermione blew out an exasperated breath, grabbed Ron by the hand, and dragged him into the house. Harry chuckled to himself and followed close behind them to look for Ginny.

He didn't have to look long. When he walked in the kitchen, she was sitting next to Molly with a cup of tea in front of her. When Harry entered, she looked up and smiled. 'You ready Harry?', she asked

'Yeah', said Harry.

Together, they made their way out the back door, through the back garden in the direction of the stream. Harry reached down and tentatively took Ginny's hand. He stole a sideways glance at her and saw that she was blushing. They continued their journey in companionable silence. Once they reached their destination, Harry pulled out his wand and conjured a blanket which they both sat on. They gazed out at the stream in silence for a few moments before Harry turned to Ginny.

'Ginny, I want to apologize to you', he said.

'What for, Harry?' she asked, confused.

'For ending things between us last year after Dumbledore's funeral', he said looking down at his hands.

'Harry. You don't need to apologize to me. I know why you did it. I wouldn't have expected anything different from you', said Ginny. 'I knew you had a job to do and you wouldn't be happy until you finished him once and for all.'

'Kingsley offered me and Ron jobs as Aurors today'. said Harry. 'I wanted to talk to you about it first. I want you to know that no matter what happens. No matter what dark wizard is lurking out there in the future, I won't leave you again.'

'Is this your way of asking me to be your girlfriend again?', asked Ginny, grinning. 'Because if it is, I accept.'

'Well in that case . . .'

Harry leaned over and kissed her. He kissed her as he never had before. He brought one hand up and gently cupped her face and wrapped the other around her waist. He tried to put a lot of unsaid things into that kiss. How sorry he was things had to end last year, how happy he was now and how much he truly cared for her. All too soon, the kiss ended. They sat there for a long while looking into one another's eyes in silence until Ginny spoke up.

'I love you, Harry, I've never stopped loving you', she said. Tears were spilling down her cheeks freely now.

'I love you too, Ginny. The thought of seeing you again is what kept me going last year. You know, I almost didn't go into the forest that night. I passed you on my way out of the castle. I didn't think I would have the strength to walk away from you.' Said Harry, tears also forming in his eyes.

'I sensed you that night. I thought I was going to die when Hagrid carried your body out of the forest', said Ginny.

'I'm so sorry I put you through that', he said. 'I did die that night. Voldemort hit me with the killing curse in the forest', he added, just above a whisper.

Ginny gasped.

'You d-d-died? You couldn't have, you're sitting right here!', said Ginny, becoming a little hysterical.

'A piece of his soul was inside of me' said Harry, pointing to his chest. 'When the killing curse hit me, it destroyed the piece of Voldemort's soul that was inside of me. I saw Dumbledore that night. I had a choice to come back', said Harry.

'What do you mean you had a choice to come back?', asked Ginny.

'I could have gone on. On to wherever it is you go when you die. I have to admit, the thought did cross my mind while I sat there with Dumbledore. It was so peaceful. But then I thought of you, and I knew I had to go back, I had to finish what I started even if I died trying. I had to make the world safe for you. You are the reason I came back', said Harry, tears still pouring down his cheeks.

Ginny reached up and wiped the tears off his face. 'You did it Harry. And we can be together now. I love you so much and I'll always be here for you', she said.

Harry gathered her up in his arms and held her tight.

'I love you', he whispered in her ear.

They sat holding each other until the sun started to set. 'Harry we should probably head back to the house. Mum will be worried', said Ginny.

'You're probably right', sighed Harry, still not letting go of Ginny. 'I could just stay like this forever.'

'I know, but we really do need to get back', said Ginny.

Grudgingly they stood and Harry banished the blanket with a wave of his wand. Together they made their way back to the Burrow hand in hand.

Harry could not remember a time when he felt happier then he did at that very moment.

When they finally made it back to the Burrow and entered the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley came bursting in with a frantic look on her face.

'Where have the two of you been? I've been worried sick!', she said.

Both Harry and Ginny blushed. Harry was trying not to look at Mrs. Weasley by concentrating on the laces of his trainers.

'Sorry Mrs. Weasley. We went up by the stream and lost track of time. It won't happen again', said Harry.

It was then that Molly noticed that they were holding hands. Her expression softened. 'It's ok kids, just let me know where you are going next time', she said.

Harry looked up at her guiltily. 'We really are sorry. I promise, we'll let you know next time', he said.

'Well, you two better get washed up, dinner's almost ready', said Molly. She was having an increasingly hard time covering her grin. 'Go on now', she said, waving the two out of the kitchen.

When the walked into the sitting room they came face to face with the rest of the family, including Hermione. They were all giving the couple a knowing look. Harry blushed and mumbled that he was going to get washed up for dinner and dashed up the stairs. Once out of earshot, Hermione turned to Ginny. 'So, tell me what happened' she said, practically bouncing with excitement. 'Later', hissed Ginny in her ear and she bounded up the stairs after Harry under the same pretense of washing up for dinner.

'Something's up with those two', said George with a mischievous grin.

'Now, don't go taking the mickey out of them', said Arthur.

'Wouldn't dream of it', said George, smirking. 'I'm glad they're together. Now if only another couple, and I won't name any names, would figure out they had feelings for each other.'

Both Ron and Hermione blushed, refusing to look at each other. Luckily at that moment, Harry and Ginny came back downstairs and Molly peaked her head in the sitting room to announce that dinner was ready.

'So what did Kingsley want with you three this morning?', asked Arthur once they were all seated for dinner.

'Oh, he wanted to let us know we wouldn't be charged for breaking into the Ministry and Gringotts and he offered us all jobs', said Harry.

'Yeah, He offered me and Harry positions as Aurors and Hermione a job with the Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures department', said Ron. 'Hermione accepted of course. Harry and I told him we'd think it over and get back to him.'

'I'm going to take it', said Harry. 'There's nothing else I ever really wanted to do.'

'I'm not', said Ron. 'I've had enough of chasing dark wizards all over the place. I think I want a quieter life', he added between bits of food. 'Actually, George, I was wondering if I might come and help you out at the shop.'

George looked up at Ron shocked. He had been dreading trying to find new employees. 'Sure little bro, I'd love to have you', he said.

'Great', said Ron. Turning to Harry he added, 'sorry mate. I just don't think I could handle it.'

'It's ok. I can't say I blame you', said Harry.

'You'll be brilliant at it. I just . . . it's just not for me' said Ron.

Harry nodded, showing Ron that he understood before turning his attention to Molly.

'Mrs. Weasley, can I borrower Errol to send mine and Ron's answers to Kingsley in the morning?', he asked. He had not yet gotten another owl. He couldn't bring himself to replace Hedwig.

"Sure dear" she said.'Now Ginny', she continued, turning to face Ginny, 'Your Hogwarts letter came today. When did you want to go into Diagon Alley to pick up your things?'

Harry glanced over at Ginny who had turned as white as a sheet. 'Actually Mum. I wanted to talk to you about that', she said. 'I don't think I'm going to go back to Hogwarts this year. I've been offered a position to play Quidditch professionally.'

The room fell silent. Everyone turned and looked from Ginny to Molly.

'WHAT?', exclaimed Mrs. Weasley. 'Ginevra Molly Weasley. You are going back to Hogwarts and that is that!'

'But Mum', said Ginny, 'I don't need NEWTS to play quidditch. It's the only thing I want to do. You can't make me go back!', she said, her face turning red.

'Oh yes I can young lady!', said Mrs. Weasley.'Now go up to your room. We will talk about this later.'

'FINE!', screamed Ginny as she stomped out of the kitchen and up the stairs. From downstairs they could hear the door slam. Needless to say, the rest of dinner was quite awkward. Harry was relieved when everyone decided to turn in early.

As he was passing Ginny's room on his way up to the attic bedroom he was currently sharing with Ron, he could hear Ginny crying. He stopped outside the door unsure of what to do when the door swung open. Ginny was standing there with her eyes red and puffy. Harry could think of nothing to do but pull her in his arms. 'It's going to be all right. Just talk to your mum. Maybe McGonagall will let you sit your NEWTS without returning for the school year', said Harry.

'You know, I didn't think of that', said Ginny, sniffling and wiping her tear stained cheeks. 'Do you really think she would let me do that?'

'It never hurts to ask. I think your mum's still in the kitchen. Why don't you go down and talk to her? I'll see you in the morning', said Harry. He gave her a quick kiss goodnight and made his way up the stairs, turning around once to give Ginny an encouraging smile.

The next morning he met Ginny in the stairwell as he was making his way downstairs for breakfast.

'Did you talk to your mum last night', he asked.

'Yeah I did. Mum agreed that if McGonagall will let me sit for my NEWTS then I wouldn't need to go back to Hogwarts', said Ginny. 'The only thing is, if she says no, I have to go back.'

'Well, what's the worse that could happen? You go back to Hogwarts and actually have an uneventful year for once? I almost wish I was going back', said Harry.

'Why don't you?', asked Ginny.

'I need to move on. I need to start my life now', he said.

He had considered the option of going back to school. He could actually have a normal year. But the more he thought about it the more he realized that he just couldn't go back. He couldn't go back. Not yet. The memory of what had occurred there was still too fresh in his mind.

'Lets get down to breakfast before Ron eats it all', said Harry taking her by the hand.

When they walked into the kitchen Ron, Hermione and George were already seated and started on breakfast. Ron looked up from his plate full of food as they entered.

'We were all thinking about going into Diagon Alley today. George wants to get the shop ready to reopen. You guys want to come?' he asked

Harry looked over at Ginny. She looked excited with the prospect of leaving the house for the day.

'Sure guys. When were you planning on leaving?', asked Harry.

'Right after breakfast if that's ok with you', said Hermione.

'How are we going to get there?', asked Ginny.

'Oh, I forgot to tell you. Kingsley gave Ron and me our apparition licences', said Harry.

An hour later the four of them were standing in the back garden preparing to apparate the Diagon Alley. Ginny looked over at Harry standing next to her and grabbed his hand. 'Could you side-along me', she asked.

'Sure Gin. I thought you would have you apparition license by now', he said.

'After we broke into Snape's office last year, part of our punishment was not being able to learn how to apparate', said Ginny.

'That's OK', said Harry, gripping her hand firmly. They turned on the spot with a loud 'crack' disappeared from the back garden. Once the four of them were in Diagon Alley they stood for a moment taking in their surroundings. Some of the shops were starting to reopen but a number of them were still boarded up. Harry noticed that Ollivander's appeared to be open once more. He made a mental note to stop in sometime and thank the wandmaker again for his help this past year.

Together they made their way to Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Upon entering the store, Harry noticed that there seemed to be a thick layer of dust covering every surface.

'When did you close the store?', he asked, turning to George.

'Right after Christmas. After Mum decided it wasn't safe for Ginny to go back to school and went into hiding. Fred and I decided it would be safer for us to join the rest of the family. By that time there had been quite a few disappearances and we knew that it would only be a matter of time before they came looking for us. Our family being known members of the Order and all', said George with a shrug. 'It won't take too long to clear all this off.'

For the next two hours, the four of them scoured every surface in the shop and rearranged all the shelves. 'Looks like we're low on Skiving Snackboxes', said George.

'I think I need some fresh air', announced Ginny. 'Harry, do you want to go for a walk with me? We can check out which shops are reopened', she asked.

'Yeah, sure. I actually need to go to my vault at Gringotts.'

Hand and hand the two of them made their way through Diagon Alley toward Gringotts Bank. As they wended their way through the groups of witches and wizards doing their shopping, Harry once again noticed that a lot of people seemed to be staring at them. A few of them even seemed to be snapping pictures. Harry gripped Ginny's hand a little more firmly and started walking more briskly toward the bank.

'What's wrong Harry?', asked Ginny as she attempted to keep pace with him.

'It just seems like everyone is staring at me', he answered. 'I just don't want to be on the front page of The Prophet any more.'

'I think it's going to be a while before that happens', said Ginny smiling. 'You're famous Harry, whether you like it or not.'

'I know', sighed Harry. 'Come on', he added, walking faster yet.

Once they reached the stone steps of Gringotts, Harry began to feel truly uncomfortable. Ginny, noticing the look on Harry's face, squeezed his hand and gave him an encouraging smile. "Don't worry. Kingsley said they forgave you', she said.

'Yea, but he also said they were quite hard to convince', said Harry.

As they walked through the entranceway to the bank it seemed as if all work immediately stopped and every eye was on them. The goblins all peered down at him from behind their counters.

'Right this way, Mr. Potter' said a familiar voice from behind where he and Ginny were standing.

'Griphook?', asked Harry, surprise clearly evident in his voice. He had not anticipated seeing the very Goblin that they had attempted to deceive mere months before.

'I shall accompany you and your guest today, along with some additional security', said the Goblin. 'We goblins may have forgiven you Mr. Potter, but we have not forgot.'

'Er, right', said Harry nervously, glancing at Ginny.

Once they were done at Gringotts and making their way back through Diagon Alley, Harry turned to Ginny, 'Am I ever glad that's over with', he said relieved.

'You're not kidding. I didn't think it would be that bad. It's not like you wanted to break into Gringotts for personal gain or anything to begin with', said Ginny. 'At least we won't have to do that again for a while', she added.

All of a sudden, they were surrounded by reporters, all snapping pictures and trying to talk at once.

'Mr. Potter!'

'Mr. Potter, who's your friend?'

'Mr. Potter, what are your plans now that You-Know-Who has been defeated?'

Harry and Ginny looked at each other panicking. 'Come on Ginny, lets get out of here!' said Harry.

He gripped her hand firmly and turned on the spot. A moment later they were standing in the middle of WWW.

'What happened to you two?', exclaimed Hermione.

'Reporters', said Ginny. 'I think it would be best if Harry and I went back to the Burrow. We'll see you guys later.'

Harry grabbed her hand and turned on the spot once more. As soon as they arrived back at the Burrow, Molly came rushing out the back door. 'Quickly, quickly. Get in the house.'

Confused, Harry glanced around the back of the paddock. There must have been a hundred reporters camped out. Not needing to be told twice the two of them dashed in the house.

'How did they find me here?', Harry asked Mrs. Weasley.

'No idea but when Arthur gets home, we're going to have to put some protective wards around the house.'

'I'm really sorry about this Mrs. Weasley', said Harry.

'Don't you worry about it. Arthur and I expected that it would be only a matter of time before they showed up', she said, gesturing to the back garden. 'I'm actually surprised it took them this long.'

'Alright mum. I'm going to take Harry into the sitting room', said Ginny, grabbing Harry's hand and pulling him into the next room. Once they were both seated on the couch, Harry pulled her into his arms. 'I'm really sorry about today. I was kind of hoping I could take you on a real date. I guess with all those reporters, that'll have to wait.'

'That's alright Harry, I'm ok right here', said Ginny, nuzzling closer to him.

'Oh, Ginny. Before I forget', began Mrs. Weasley as she came into the room. 'You received a letter from Professor McGonagall today.' She handed Ginny a thick envelope.

Ginny immediately sat up and ripped the envelope open. 'She says I can sit my NEWTS!', she exclaimed excitedly looking from her mum to Harry. 'She says that I can go up to the castle in a month to take the exams. She's included all the studying material here', she added, holding up a few sheets of parchment.

'This is great Ginny. I'll help you study if you want', said Harry.

Just then, the other three arrived home from Diagon Alley and walked into the sitting room.

'Mum, did you know there's about a hundred reporters outside?' asked Ron.

'They showed up right before Harry and Ginny got home. When your father gets home we're going to set up some protective wards around the house', said .

'They were surrounding the shop by the time we left', said George. 'We only just escaped.'

Harry groaned. Why couldn't he just live peacefully? 'We're probably going to be on the cover of the Daily Prophet tomorrow', he said.

Sure enough, when the morning post arrived the next day, staring back at them from the cover of the Daily Prophet was a picture of Harry and Ginny holding hands in Diagon Alley with the headline 'The Chosen One finds Love'.

Ginny and Hermione were sitting in the kitchen reading over the article. 'How can they write things like this without even knowing if it's true?', said Ginny as she slammed the paper on the table.

'What do you mean?', asked Hermione. 'It is true.'

'That's not the point', huffed Ginny.

'So it is true!', said Hermione, her eyes wide.

Ginny's face turned red. 'Well, yeah. It is. But it's private. I get what Harry was saying now. Why can't we just live our lives in peace?'

'I'm sure it will die down eventually', said Hermione

'What will die down?', asked Harry as he entered the kitchen.

'This', said Ginny, holding up the Daily Prophet so he could see the front page.

'Well, I don't want to say I told you so', said Harry. 'What's the article say?', he asked.

'Just that you found love with a mystery woman', said Hermione, smiling.

Harry ginned. 'Mystery women huh? Better not tell Ginny.'

Ginny smacked him playfully on the arm. 'I better be only women in your life', she said.

'Of course you are', said Harry, giving her a quick kiss.

'Come on Harry, let's go upstairs. I want you to help me study', said Ginny winking. She grabbed his hand and pulled him up the stairs and into her bedroom. The last time Harry was in this particular room was before he left to go horcrux hunting. Looking around he noticed how nothing had seemed to change except there was no white marquee when he looked out the window. Instead you had a great view of the back garden.

'You still have a great view', said Harry.

'I guess', said Ginny vaguely. 'Why don't you come over here with me?',she asked, patting the spot next to her on the bed.

'What if someone comes in?', asked Harry, glancing at the door. The last thing he needed was for Mr. or Mrs. Weasley to walk in to see their only daughter on a bed with him.

'They won't', said Ginny. 'Besides, they know we're dating. It's not like we're going to be doing anything with them downstairs anyway.'

Harry walked over to the bed. Ginny grabbed his wrist and pulled him down into a sitting position. 'I just don't want your parents to think that I would try to take advantage of you', said Harry.

'They know you would never do that Harry. You're not that kind of person', said Ginny. 'Now, help me study. I need to pass this exam. Mum will never let me play for the Harpie's unless I do.'

They spent the rest of the afternoon curled up in each others arms going over the packet of review material that McGonagall sent over. By the time they were called downstairs for dinner, Ginny was quite confident that she would have no problem with the exams.

'When would you start playing for the Harpies once you pass your NEWTS?', asked Harry as they made their way downstairs.

'Pretty much right away', said Ginny. 'I spoke with Gwenog again the other day and she wants me to start as soon as possible. She wants to have the whole team together so we can start practice.'

'You know, I was thinking about getting my own flat when I start working', said Harry. 'I think it's time.'

'That would be great', said Ginny. 'Have you told Mum about this yet?', she asked.

'No, not yet', he answered. 'I have a feeling she won't be happy about it.'

Sure enough, when Harry brought up the subject that night at dinner, Molly was not happy. She all but broke down in tears.

'Harry, why do you think you need to move out?', she asked him, only a little hysterical.

'It's nothing to do with any of you guys. I'm just ready to start my life. I promise I'll come and visit a few times a week', said Harry. 'I just don't want to impose any more. It's something that I have to do.'

'Are you sure you would be ok all by yourself dear?', asked Molly, 'we don't mind having you here.'

'I'll be fine Mrs. Weasley. I've actually already put the deposit down on a flat in London.' said Harry.

'When will you be moving then?', asked Mrs. Weasley.

'Next weekend. I start work the following Monday', said Harry.

'Well if you're sure dear', she said.

'I'll be fine, Mrs. Weasley. I promise. You know I'll still be coming around for dinner. I'm a terrible cook', said Harry.

Mrs. Weasley laughed. This must have been the right thing to say because the tension in the kitchen immediately lifted. The rest of the evening was spent discussing George's plan to reopen the shop and Hermione and Harry starting their new jobs at the Ministry.

When it was time for everyone to go to bed, Harry pulled Ginny aside.

'Ginny, I was wondering if you would like to go out tomorrow night?', he asked. 'I was thinking about it and we could go see a muggle movie, maybe even grab dinner at a muggle restaurant.'

'I'd love too, Harry. But what about the reporters?', asked Ginny.

'Well, I was thinking about it. I don't think they would expect me to go into the muggle world and with the wards your parents set up around this place, they won't even know we left.'

'If you're sure', said Ginny. She still looked a bit apprehensive.

'I've wanted to take you on a real date for a while now. I'm not going to let them ruin it', said Harry, gesturing outside to where they knew the reporters were still lurking, even though they couldn't see them. The protective charms seemed to be working well.

'Ok then. How's seven tomorrow evening?', she asked.

'Perfect', said Harry. 'Good night Gin.'

'Good night Harry', said Ginny. She stood on her tip toes and gave him a kiss. Only when they heard someone clearing their throat did they break apart.

'Ron, you're a prat!', said Ginny as she walked up the stairs and into her bedroom, closing the door behind her.

'Sorry mate. I just don't like seeing my baby sister snogging anyone', said Ron.

'That's ok mate. I guess if I walked up here to see you and Hermione snogging, I'd feel the same way', said Harry. He couldn't help but notice that Ron's face turned red.

'What's going on with the two of you anyway?', he asked.

'The two of who?',asked Ron, clearly trying to cover his moment of embarrassment.

'You and Hermione', said Harry. 'I couldn't help but notice that the two of you seem to be getting quite close', he said, trying to hide his grin.

'I'm going with her to Australia to get her parents in about two weeks', said Ron. 'She's just got to get all the portkey's arranged.'

'I almost forgot they were still there with everything that's happened', said Harry.

'Yeah, they've already located them. They're living in Sydney right now. Hermione's pretty confidant that she'll be able to reverse the memory charm easily, it's just explaining to them what happened that'll be the hard part', said Ron.

'I'm sure they'll understand', said Harry through a yawn. 'I'm going to bed. Good night'

'Good night', said Ron.

Harry sat down on the camp bed that was set up in Ron's room to remove his trainers. He looked up and saw that Ron was still sitting on this bed, fully dressed, staring off into space.

'What's wrong?', he asked.

'What if they don't like me?', blurted Ron.

'What if who doesn't like you?', asked Harry, confused.

'Hermione's parents. They're going to hate me', said Ron dejected.

'Ron, they're not going to hate you', said Harry.

'But how do you know?', asked Ron.

'Because you're a great guy. And if Hermione likes you, they're bound to', said Harry. 'Now get some sleep.'

"Alright, G'night', said Ron.

'Night.'

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A/N: Please review!!!!