Chapter 5 - Something there and Never (Prompts)

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The last time the Burrow was so quiet was when Arthur Weasley was attacked by Nagini. Funny how everything connects to him in some way or another.

The moment they entered the house, everyone had a place to be. Fleur led Bill into the kitchen, saying that she would make him and the rest of the family something to eat. Charlie and Percy sat to the side, talking in hushed tones while George stood silently looking out of the window. It took a while, but after much persuading, Arthur led his wife upstairs with gentle words. Harry noticed how absolutely exhausted she looked. Her eyes, which were red rimmed from hours of crying seemed sunken into her face.

Harry truly felt like an intruder now.

"Maybe I should go see if Fleur needs any help," Hermione said cautiously, her eyes roaming over everyone sadly.

Harry followed the path of her gaze, his eyes landing on Ginny as she sat beside Ron on the couch, her head resting sadly against his arm. She was probably waiting for him to go to her. "I think," Harry said softly, leaning towards Hermione, "I will stay at Grimmauld Place tonight."

Her expression immediately took on a look of utter panic. "You can't! It's no longer safe."

He shrugged half-heartedly, knowing that he couldn't stay here for the night. "Who's there to look for me now?"

"Hm. Let me think," Hermione snapped sarcastically. "Angry Death Eaters who would want revenge? We don't know who Yaxley showed Grimmauld Place to. You're still not safe."

"I've made up my mind, Hermione."

"Do you have to be so stubborn?" At his absolutely dead-set expression, she sighed. "How about my house? We can put up new wards and even ask Kingsley how to make me a Secret Keeper."

He looked at her pointedly. "We can do the same for Grimmauld Place."

Hermione opened her mouth to retaliate before she realized that he may be right. "Fine. Grimmauld Place tonight."

Harry would have basked in the knowledge of winning an argument against his best friend, if it weren't for how she said that last bit. "You're coming with me?"

She looked at him incredulously. "Of course! You didn't think I would let you be alone tonight, did you?" Besides," she said sadly, "it's not like I have any other place to go." When she looked him squarely in the eyes, she smiled softly. "You can never get rid of me, Harry. You can try and try; but after seven years, you're stuck with me."

Harry sent her a small smile back, hating to admit to her openly that he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I think I'll go help Fleur," Hermione said, standing up. "She might need some help." Almost of an afterthought she added, "Would you like something to eat?"

He shook his head. "Not really hungry."

"Are you sure? There might be something there that you could eat."

Harry shook his head again. He knew that Hermione worried about him, and he was grateful for it. But he just didn't have the appetite. Briefly he wondered, when he will.

With a small smile of encouragement, Hermione went towards the kitchen. Harry saw how Ron's eyes followed her, silently watching until she exited the living room. Then his gaze met Ginny's and he couldn't help but feel like he had let her down. She wanted him to comfort her; but he just didn't have it in him.

Suddenly feeling the suffocation of the empty space, Harry stood up and made his way to the backyard of the Burrow. He sat down on the rickety steps and looked out into the garden where they have had countless dinners and parties. And Bill and Fleur's wedding which seemed like a lifetime ago. He wondered if the gnomes were sleeping at that moment.

He had been sitting there, thinking of nothing in particular for some time before he felt a presence behind him. Silently, the visitor took one slow step at a time before sitting on a step just above the one he occupied. From the corner of his eye he could make out the long, flaming red hair and he felt his chest practically cave in at the knowledge of who was seated just behind him and why. He knew what she wanted from him. But he just couldn't give it to her. Not yet.

Harry squinted at the setting sun and waited for Ginny to speak. He didn't have to wait long.

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