A/N: My fellow readers. Please don't be too upset with me for not uploading this chapter sooner. As I mentioned earlier, I am back at work and I just got over a mountain of paperwork at work. That and I had a deadline to turn it in! Please forgive me ahead of time if there is a delay with the next chapter. Things are really busy these days at work. I will upload the next chapter as soon as I am able. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who favorited, followed or reviewed this story. Thank you all again for your patience! Here is now Chapter 5 with much ado...
Disclaimer: I don't own HP or its characters. They are all the brilliant idea of... J.K. Rowling!
Chapter 5: Friends and Order of Business
Ever since the incident at Hogwarts with Ginny, Harry had decided to stay at 12 Grimmauld Place. No matter how much Mrs. Weasley insisted. The truth was that Harry didn't want to face Ginny. However, he knew that sooner or later he was going to have to confront her during Fred's funeral. The least he could do is show up to his best mate's brother's funeral.
Harry sat there in the living room at Grimmauld Place. It was hard to believe that only a couple of months ago, he had been there with Ron and Hermione. Harry then felt a tapping on the window and he let the owl in. He took the letter from his beak. The seal on the back was that of Gringotts Bank. Harry's breath hitched at the realization that he, Ron and Hermione had literally broken into Gringotts and the goblins had pressed charges against him. He felt that he was going to have to face the Wizengamot real soon.
Harry broke the seal of Gringotts bank and opened the letter.
Mr. Potter,
We are full aware that you, Mr. Ronald Weasley, and Ms. Hermione Granger had broken into Gringotts. We got the truth and reason behind it from Minister Shacklebolt. However, we must still take into consideration that it was a break in and that future visits will require aurors to be at your side whenever you come to Gringotts on any business matter.
Regarding another matter, there are other business matters that we would like to discuss with you personally. These matters directly affect your vault here at Gringotts. Please come as soon as possible so we can settle this business matter.
Thank you,
Gregory Gringotts
Head Goblin Gringotts Bank
Harry could feel himself relax after reading the letter. He didn't have much to do before the funerals. He decided to go to Gringotts and take care of business immediately. Harry put on his black cape and apparated to the front steps of Gringotts.
Harry looked around Diagon Alley. It had changed a lot since the war.
"Harry!" said a voice.
Harry turned around to see Ernie MacMillan come his way.
"Ernie! How are you? I haven't seen you since the Second War at Hogwarts" said Harry shaking Ernie's hand.
"Blimey! Has it been that long?" asked Ernie, trying to do the quick math in his head.
At that moment Seamus and Neville walked up as well.
"Harry!" they said.
They gave each other a good manly pat in the back and a good shake.
"I was just telling Harry here that I can't believe it that it has been since the Second War at Hogwarts since we've seen each other."
Seamus gasped in surprise, "Has it really been that long?"
Harry and Ernie laughed before Harry said, "That is exactly what Ernie said here."
"How's Ron doing?" asked Neville.
"I don't know. I haven't been back to the Burrow since the war" answered Harry.
"Oh" and Neville realized and didn't ask anymore.
"So what brings you all to Diagon Alley? There's not much to do here these days since the death eaters did a lot of damage" commented Seamus, once more with his famous Irish grin.
"I had come to Gringotts to settle some business and you blokes?" asked Harry.
"Flourish and Blotts to search on some plants that I just planted in my grandmum's greenhouse and Seamus here wanted to read up more on explosions" answered Neville with a grin.
"You should be an auror as an explosions specialist Seamus. I mean you have been coming along with them since our first year at Hogwarts" said Harry with mischievous grin.
"Very funny Harry. Very funny" said Seamus as he chuckled.
"How about you MacMillan, what brings you to Diagon Alley?" asked Seamus now all the blokes looking in his direction.
"Also came to Gringotts on some business. Dad and Mum opened a vault in my name for my birthday" said Ernie with a sheepish smile.
"Ernie! Why didn't you tell us mate? Why don't we meet at the Leaky Cauldron in a couple of hours to celebrate Ernie's birthday with a couple of butterbeers" said Seamus giving Ernie another good pat on his back.
"I see that you've got your good old Irish customs back Seamus" said Harry as he giggled.
Neville smiled from Ernie to Seamus, "That sounds like a good idea. See you then at the Leaky Cauldron?"
They all nodded as Harry and Ernie made their way into Gringotts. Just then, he saw Ron, Hermione and Ginny over his shoulder. Harry stopped as he put his foot on the first step and his eyes locked with Ginny's, oblivious to Ron and Hermione who were walking ahead of her. Ginny looked beautiful but he could see that there was a deep pain in her eyes and he could see something more that he hadn't see before... bitterness. She suddenly turned her gaze away from him and kept walking behind Ron and Hermione.
Ernie noticed that Harry wasn't behind him when he reached the door handle of Gringotts and turned around, "Harry? Everything alright?"
Harry kept walking up to meet Ernie and nodded, "Yeah, you know, it's just hard not to look over your shoulder after the war" he lied.
Ernie frowned and nodded, "I know what you mean." Then the two of them proceeded to enter Gringotts.
Once Harry walked into Gringotts, sure enough, there were four aurors around him instantly with wands at his throat.
Ernie looked at Harry, "Harry, what's going on here? Why are the aurors pointing their wands at you?"
Harry answered as his eyes looked cautiously at the aurors' wands, "I sort of broke into Gringotts a couple of months ago with Ron and Hermione."
Just then a mean and stiff-looking goblin walked up and asked, "Mr. Harry Potter I presume?"
Harry slowly nodded his head, "Yes sir, that's me."
The goblin then nodded at the aurors and they brought down their wands.
Harry finally turned to Ernie, "It's alright Ernie, you go along. I'll me you here in a couple hours before we go to the Leaky Cauldron."
Ernie nodded and went on to do his own business.
The goblin then led Harry to two huge metal doors. Goblins were famous for fusing metals and Harry was surprised at their intricate work on the doors. There were intricate goblin designs of white, copperish, gray, and yellow metal on the door.
The goblin then stopped and looked up at Harry and said, "Please wait here Mr. Potter."
Harry nodded and then he turned to look at the two aurors who had followed him. Their emotionless faces showed nothing but their eyes were piercing and ready to spring at the moment's action.
The goblin disappeared behind the doors and minutes later he appeared before Harry and said, "You may now go in Mr. Potter."
Harry walked into the big office. At the other side was a Goblin on a metal-fused desk. He looked up from the many parchments that he had before him. He waved his index finger towards a table next to him and several thick files flew over to his desk in front of him.
"Please sit down Mr. Potter" said the Goblin.
"Sorry sir, but what's your name" asked Harry.
"I'm Gregory Gringotts. Owner and head goblin of this establishment. It has been in my family for several generations. Now, shall we get down to business Mr. Potter" said the elf with evil-looking and piercing eyes. He reminded Harry of his first day in Gringotts with Hagrid when they went to his vault.
Harry nodded, "Yes, sorry sir. Go ahead."
"It appears that you have many people who supported and admired you Mr. Potter. These files here are none other than testaments. They are from James and Lily Potter, Sirius Black, Severus Snape, Remus and Nymphadora Lupin, and Albus Dumbledore."
Harry sat up, "Excuse me sir, but I already got my inheritance from Professor Albus Dumbledore."
The goblin looked up, "Well, it appears that what you got was only a part of it. The rest was kept confidential at the time." The goblin opened the first file folder. "First here is from your parents James and Lily Potter. Turns out that you are heir to a lordship. The matter of the fact is that your father was actually known as Lord James Potter. Therefore you are his only son and heir and the title has been bestowed on you by blood line. There is also the matter of monetary and real estate value. Your parents have bestowed upon you a total of 200 billion galleons along with Potter Hall, Potter Manor House, the small cottage in Godric's Hollow and their flat in London."
Harry's eyes went wide, "Are you certain sir?"
The goblin nodded and then took the next file, "Next Mr. Sirius Black, was the only remaining Black relative so he bestowed on you Black Manor and 12 Grimmauld Place. The monetary inheritance is... 600 billion galleons. They were a very old and wealthy pure-blood family. Next we have Mr. Severus Snape. He has bestowed upon you two of his town houses. One here in London and the other in Edinburgh. The monetary inheritance is 3 million galleons"
Harry gasped. Even Snape had his good monetary fund.
The goblin continued, "Remus and Nymphadora Lupin have bestowed on you their home in London, 4 million galleons and the godfatherhood of their only son Theodore Lupin, metamorphmagus. He currently resides with his grandmother Mrs. Andromeda Tonks. Albus Dumbledore who is also from an old pure-blood line, has left you 200 billion galleons, Dumbledore House in Yorkshire, town house in Aberdeen, and his town house in London."
Harry was speechless. He had never thought that he would be so well off economically and with so many estates. Harry spoke up and said, "I would like to donate 10 million galleons to those who were victims of the Second War at Hogwarts and 100 million galleons in donation to the repairs of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The rest please put it in my current Gringotts Vault. I would like to deposit anonymously into four vaults. One in name of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Weasley, Mr. Ronald Weasley, Ms. Hermione Granger, and Ms. Ginevra Weasley. Please put 40 million galleons in each. Then 10 million for Mr. William Weasley, Mr. Charles Weasley, Mr. Percy Weasley, and Mr. George Weasley. With an extra donation of 10 million galleons to Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes."
The goblin nodded, "Very well Mr. Potter. May I assist you with anything else today?"
Harry still in shock shook his head and said, "No thank you. I think that will be all."
"Have a nice day Mr. Potter. It's been a pleasure doing business with you" said the Goblin.
"Likewise and thank you. You have a nice day Mr. Gringotts" said Harry
Harry then stood up and the aurors were once more waiting for him. They led him back to the front door where Ernie MacMillan was waiting for him.
"Everything alright Harry?" asked Ernie when he saw Harry's pale face.
"Yeah, everything alright Ernie. Just rather interesting business is all" said Harry.
Outside of Gringotts there were sudden flashes of lightbulbs from cameras and reporters surrounding Harry. Beyond the reporters, Harry once more saw Ginny she was outside looking at a book while Ron and Hermione were inside Flourish and Blotts. Their eyes met again. Ginny then turned around and continued reading the book in her hand. Harry's heart felt shattered to pieces as Ginny turned away from him after giving him an icy stare. He knew he deserved it after what he had done to her.
"Mr. Potter, how does it feel to be saviour of the wizarding world?"
"Mr. Potter, will you go back to Hogwarts to sit your NEWTs or will you do them separately?
"What are you plans? What are they if you finish your studies at Hogwarts?"
"Mr. Potter, why were the aurors escorting you out of Gringotts?"
"Rumors have it that you have exceptional seeker skills, will you play quidditch profesionally?"
Harry was suprised at how he was overwhelmed with questions from reporters. He lifted his hand and said, "Not today please. If you wish to do a personal interview, please send owls to my new flat in London. The Ministry will gladly provide that for you. Thank you all for your attention but I would now like to spend some time with my friends."
Harry then walked away with Ernie and they made their way to the Leaky Cauldron.
As far as she was concerned, Ginny didn't want to look or see Harry for the rest of her life. She knew however that she was eventually going to see him at Fred's funeral, at the Hogwarts funeral for the fallen and at Charlie's wedding to Portia. She was so thankful to Merlin that she had the book about quidditch in her hands so she could look away from Harry. She still had some shopping to do and she had to go buy robes for the funerals and to go with Portia who was going to join her later at Madam Malkin's for her bridesmaid dress.
Just then Ron and Hermione walked out of Flourish and Blotts
"Ginny let's go to Madam Malkin's to look for some robes for the funerals" said Hermione with a frown.
With a sad look on his face Ron then said, "I'll head on back to the Burrow then and tell mum that you two stayed to go buy some robes."
Hermione nodded and gave Ron a kiss on his lips, "You go ahead and do that."
Ginny then growled, "I don't understand Hermione. My brother is more thick-headed than that damn Harry Potter and he stayed with you throughout and after the war."
Hermione saw the pained look in Ginny's eyes and put her arm around her shoulders, "I don't understand either Ginny. I suppose Harry had too much and has become confused. I mean one moment he was in front of you-kno-who and the next he's dead. Then there are the people he loved that he lost during all these years. I know that it will be difficult for you to understand that. Just try to make the best of your days and try to move on Ginny. Just give yourself some time."
"I just don't know if time will help me forget. I have that awful pain inside of me all the time and I don't know if it will ever go away" said Ginny as a tear slid down her cheek and then she wiped it away quickly.
"You're strong Ginny. I'm sure you'll be fine when you least expect it. Come on, let's go get some dress robes for the funerals" said Hermione.
Ginny gasped and then remembered, "Hang on, I have to go to Gringotts. Mum said I could go there to get some money to buy some robes."
Hermione smiled, "Alright, let's go."
Once inside Gringotts, the same four aurors were instantaneously at Hermione's sides with their wands at her neck.
A fierce-looking goblin walked up to her and said, "Ms. Granger I believe?"
Hermione nodded and she slowly moved her hand to her wand and the aurors moved their wands closer to her and she stopped reaching for her wand. She then said, "Is this necessary?"
"Ms. Granger, you will do well to remember that you broke into Gringotts a couple of months ago" said the goblin confronting her despite his small height.
"I don't see why, I'm sure the Minister himself gave you the reason" said Hermione in defense.
"Yes he did. It was still a break-in so from this day forth until further notice, you will have two aurors at all times with you" replied the goblin and then he walked away.
"Blimey Hermione, that must have been some break-in" said Ginny with a suprised look on her face.
"Yeah, let's just go get your money" said Hermione as she scowled at the aurors.
When they reached the far end of Gringotts, the goblin looked up from his paper work, "Yes, how may I assist you today?"
"I'm here to make a withdrawal please" said Ginny.
"Very well, does Ms. Weasley wish to make a withdrawal from the family vault or from her personal vault?" asked the goblin.
"My what?!" asked Ginny in astonishment.
"Your personal vault Ms. Weasley. It was opened for you earlier today" responded the goblin.
"By whom?" asked Ginny with curiosity.
The goblin waved his index finger in the air and a piece of parchment flew from somewhere in the ceiling and landed on the goblin's desk, "It was opened today by an anonymous and generous benefactor. You happen to have this amount" the goblin wrote it in a small piece of parchment and then handed it to Ginny.
40 million galleons
Ginny's eyes went wide. She then looked back up at the goblin, "Are you certain that you don't have the name of this so called benefactor?"
The goblin shook his head, "No Ms. Weasley, the parchment only says anonymous benefactor. Do you still wish to make a withdrawal?"
Ginny nodded and the goblin called another goblin to take Ginny to her new vault. She walked inside and noticed that the vault was huge. She took out a pouch and put several galleons inside and then stepped out.
Moments later Ginny was in Madam Malkin's getting fitted with black robes. It was the most dreadful moment in her life. Harry had broken his promise, her brother Fred had died and now her brother Charlie was going to get married. Despite having close friends like Hermione, Ginny suddenly felt alone in the world.
After buying their robes, Hermione and Ginny apparated back to the Burrow and explained to her parents what happened at Gringotts.
"You say that a vault with a huge amount was opened in your name Ginny?" asked Mrs. Weasley in disbelief.
"Yes mum and they don't have a name, they just said that it was an anonymous benefactor" responded Ginny as she sat down at the table.
The Weasleys finished dinner and Ginny walked out of the Burrow and made her way to the tree at the edge of the Burrow. She hated it and at the same time loved that tree. It was the only place where she could find solace. She liked it because it's where she felt closest to Harry. Lying against the tree was almost like laying back against Harry's chest like she used to. Then again, she hated that tree because it was where Harry had ended everything for them. It was where her heart had been shattered and unless a miracle from Merlin happened, she had no idea how she was going to put the pieces of her shattered heart back together again.
"Hey Gin, enjoying the afternoon sun?" asked Charlie.
Ginny opened her eyes and looked up at Charlie with a smile. She then stood up and went to her brother and hugged him with all her might.
"Gin, are you alright?" asked Charlie as he kissed Ginny's head.
"Oh Charlie, I have tried. Really I have. No matter how much I try, I can't get Harry out of my mind" said Ginny and she began to cry into his chest.
"Look Ginny, I'll be away for a couple of weeks on my honeymoon. How about if you come to Romania for a week when I get back?" asked Charlie.
Ginny pulled back, "No Charlie, just like Hermione told me, I need to give myself some time. I'll be alright. For now just hold me Charlie" begged Ginny and that is what Charlie did.
Harry left the Leaky Cauldron after drinking a couple of butterbeers. He had a good time talking with Neville, Seamus, and Ernie. He looked at the parchment that the goblin gave him and apparated to his new flat in London. When he arrived, he was suprised when he apparated at the front door.
Harry's jaw dropped when he looked only at the entrance hall. It was about four times the size of the dormitory he had at Hogwarts. There were two gray marble tables at the sides. The ceiling was twice the height of his dormitory at Hogwarts. There were ornate white porcelain vases on the tables. As Harry continued to walk in, an elf suddenly apparated before him.
"Good evening my Lord James. It has been a long time since you came to your flat" said the elf and he bowed.
"Excuse me but my name is Harry Potter, what is your name?" asked Harry with curiosity as he looked down at the elf.
"I'm Creely sir. What can Creely do for Lord Potter?" asked the elf.
"Just call me Harry please" said Harry. He was already getting enough attention outside in the wizarding world and the last thing he needed was more attention in one of his houses.
"Forgive Creely sir but I and all elves in the Potter households have been ordered forever by one of your ancestors to call you Master or Lord Potter. If you like I can call you Master Harry" offered the elf and he bowed again.
"Oh alright Creely, Master Harry it is. Creely, could you show me around?" said Harry as he continued to look around.
"But of course Lord Potter" Harry gave him a look and Creely gave Harry a sheepish giggle.
A few doors down Creely opened the door to a baroque-designed sitting room, "This would be the sitting room sir." Creely then continued to show Harry, the red drawing room, the gold drawing room, the small ball room, the breakfast room, the formal dining room, which sat about 10 people, the two kitchens, and the balconies from the rooms through the french doors.
"Could you show me upstairs Creely?" asked Harry and Creely bowed.
Upstairs there were 4 bedrooms, each with their own sitting rooms, balconies and bathrooms. There was also a sitting room. All of them also decorated in the same baroque style as the downstairs rooms. Creely then took Harry to the Master Suite. There Harry loved how the red and gold colors had been intricately embedded within the baroque style. The Master Suite even reminded Harry of the Gryffindor Common room. There were two french doors. Harry went to open one of them and he looked and he had the view of downtown London.
"If Lord Potter wishes, the windows and doors have a special charm to show other scenery. Such as the ocean and the countryside. All you have to do is wave your wand and say the view you wish to see" commented the elf.
Harry walked back in, closed the french door and turned to face the elf, "Yes, I think this flat will do while I live here in London before I go off on holiday and before I go back to Hogwarts. Where is the study Creely?"
Creely answered, "The door on your left as you leave the Suite sir."
"Thank you Creely. I will eat supper in an hour. For now I have to tell the Ministry what my new address is and connect the fireplaces with the Floo Network" said Harry still looking around.
"Very well sir. I will let you know when supper is ready" said Creely before he disappeared with a popping sound.
Harry walked out and went to his study. There he sent an owl to the Ministry about his new address and then another owl to connect his fireplaces to the Floo network. By the time that Harry was done with the letters. Creely had apparated to let him know that supper was served in the formal dining room.
Harry walked back down to the dining room and saw that there was a display of different serving dishes and candlelight. There was a cloth napkin and a clean plate with elegant red and gold designs on its edges. As soon as Harry sat down at the head of the table, the food apparated suddenly on the serving dishes in front of him. There was champagne, red wine, and white wine for him to choose from. It was then that Harry had wished that he could share all of this with Ginny. He frowned at the thought and he just grabbed an apple and ate it. He then got up and Creely apparated.
"Oh Lord Potter, wasn't the meal to your liking? How can the house elves make it more pleasing to his lordship?" asked Creely with begging and worried eyes.
Harry shook his head, "No Creely, the food looks and smells wonderful. I just wish there was someone special here to share it with me. What's the use if they're not here" Harry lost his appetite and then just put the half-eaten apple down on the plate in front of him.
"Perhaps it is not Creely's place to ask sir but, does it by any chance have to do with a young girl?" asked Creely.
Harry gave a suprising look at Creely. Harry noticed that Creely was no novice to noticing when someone had interest or love for someone.
"How did you know that Creely? There is a girl I like. Actually, I love still love her, but things got too complicated and I couldn't keep my promise to her and now we're not together anymore" responded Harry as he sat down with a sad sigh on the chair that he was sitting in a moment ago. He then put his elbows on the table and then preceded to put his head in his hands.
"Your lordship, I remember when Lord James was in love with her ladyship Lilly. He didn't eat much either. His parents tried to convince him to talk to her. They had a very bad row when they were at Hogwarts and they didn't talk during the entire Winter holiday. Soon Lord James gathered the courage to talk to her and then they started to go out again. When he came home from his last year at Hogwarts, he came with her ladyship Lilly and announced that he was engaged to her in a dinner party in this very dining room. Master Lupin, Master Black, and other friends of his from Hogwarts were here that day" said Creely.
Harry finally looked back down at the elf and said, "Yeah well, I think that I would have been in the same situation if it weren't for that blasted Voldemort" responded Harry, now just staring at the food in front of him.
"Lord Harry, perhaps a good sleep would help. Would Master Harry be needing a sleeping potion?" asked the elf.
"Yes Creely. Bring it up to my bedroom" said Harry as he got up and then made his way up the wide grey marble staircase.
Harry stirred in between the sheets. He had never felt so comfortable. He stretched comfortably in the bed. His bed felt a little too comfortable compared to the one in Grimmauld Place. Harry opened his eyes are realized where he was. He was at the flat that his parents had left him in their testament. He turned his head and saw that the space next to him was empty. Harry frowned, how he would have liked to hold Ginny close to him throughout the night. The heavy ache had not left his chest. The same heavy knot was still there. He had hoped that once he went to sleep that it would go away but it didn't. Then it dawned on him that it was the day of Fred's funeral and the funeral at Hogwarts. The funeral at Hogwarts was for Severus Snape who in the end had given up his life for the wizarding world. Harry knew that upon going to the Burrow, he was going to run into Ginny. He just didn't want to see her. The pain was too much and suddenly he wished that the day was over with and that he would leave. He had wanted to go to Charlie's wedding but that would mean that he would have to go back to the Burrow. So instead, Harry sent an owl kindly refusing the invitation.
Harry got up and saw that his black robes were already hung and folded on a table nearby to the side of his bed. Harry got out of bed and got dressed. He knew that it was going to be a long day because he was going also to Lupin and Tonks' funeral. When Harry was done getting dressed Creely appeared with a popping sound.
"Your Lordship, your breakfast is ready in the dining room."
"Thanks Creely, I will be down shortly." Harry then turned to the windows and the french doors that surrounded his room. Harry then tried waving his wand and muttered, "the Burrow orchard" There before his eyes, was the Burrow with the tree and all! Harry sighed in frustration and then waved his wand and muttered, "London" and the city reappeared through the windows. Harry walked down to the dining room and sat down in his chair as usual.
"Master Harry needs to eat something. Breakfast is important before the start of a new day."
Harry chuckled, "Interesting that you said that Creely, my best mate's mum always says that when trying to get anyone to eat."
Creely gave a sheepish smile and disappeared again with a popping sound.
Harry again didn't have much of an appetite. He just ate a bit of his fruit salad and drank his orange juice before he went to the main entrance hall. There Harry took a deep breath and gathered his composure before apparating to the Burrow.
"HURRY UP EVERYONE!" called out Mrs. Weasley as she ran all over the Burrow trying to get last minute things ready.
Harry smiled upon hearing Mrs. Weasley's voice call out. How he missed hearing her voice and her delicious food. Yes, he liked the food that the elves cooked for him but, there was no food like Mrs. Weasleys. Just then Harry saw the tree where things had changed everything for him and Ginny. He walked over to the tree and stood there looking out at the orchard. Harry was lost in his thoughts when he suddenly heard footsteps and then a gasp. Harry quickly turned around. There was Ginny in beautiful black silk dress robes. Harry was glad to see that Ginny had used the money in her vault to buy something nice. Even if it was for Fred's funeral. They stood there looking at each other.
"Ginny, how are you?" asked Harry finally breaking the silence. Harry could now see more clearly the pain and bitterness in Ginny's eyes. Harry felt guilty that he was the cause of that. Gone were the lovely smile and the lively eyes that he had once seen.
"Harry, when did you get here?" asked Ginny with an emotionless tone in her voice.
"Only just" responded Harry, wishing more than anything that he could take Ginny in his arms and never let her go.
"I better head back to the Burrow" said Ginny and she turned around to walk back with the sound of the silk material ruffling with her movements.
Harry was going to go after Ginny and say something but he closed his mouth. He was lost for words and he didn't know what to do or say to soothe Ginny's pain and bitterness. Harry dropped his head in frustration. It was then that he noticed that there was even more reason for him to leave on holiday. He just didn't know what to say to Ginny. Harry gathered his strength for himself and then made his way to the Burrow down the familiar path.
He walked in through the door and Mrs. Weasley saw him at the entrance, near bottom of the stairs. She smiled and went over to give him a bone-crunching hug, "Oh Harry dear, we have missed you so much here at the Burrow. It's such a shame that you didn't stay with us and that you won't be coming to Charlie's wedding."
"Sorry Mrs. Weasley but I will be on holiday by then."
"Oh, where are you going off to Harry?"
"I will be going to the Canary Islands. I hear their beaches are very lovely this time of year."
"That's good Harry. You need a holiday after what happened at Hogwarts and all."
And after what happened with Ginny thought Harry to himself.
The Weasleys were at the cemetary plot on the other side of the orchard and there they buried Fred. George as usual was sobbing at the loss of his other half. There wasn't a Weasley who didn't have a tear on their faces. Even tears began to slide down Harry's face. He felt guilty that because of him, his dearest friends had lost one of their own. Harry then looked up and saw that Ginny was looking at him through tear-strained eyes.
She didn't cry or sob at the funeral, there were just silent tears strolling down her cheeks. Ginny didn't know why but somehow, despite Harry being on the opposite side, comforted her. The fact that he was there for the family made the dull ache on top of her stomach much stronger than ever. She just wanted to run up to Harry and cry into his arms. But no, she was not going to give the young man who shattered her heart into pieces that chance. His green eyes waited to see how she would react. She didn't smile or anything, she just turned her gaze back towards the ground where her father had just waved his wand to cover Fred's coffin with dirt. She then just walked up to the headstone and with her wand, conjured a small white wreath. She couldn't bare the pain any longer of not only having lost her brother but also the young man that she had learned to love with all her heart who was standing inches from her. She mustered her strength and left. She walked slowly back to the tree that in an odd way comforted her. She didn't sit down, she just leaned up against the tree and stood there looking over towards the orchard. There she sat as silent rivers of tears slid down her cheeks. She was just going to the Hogwarts funeral with her family and then come back. Ginny then made her way back to her bedroom and sat on her bed. It had been nearly a year since she hadn't cried for him. She had pretended to be strong for too long. Who was she fooling? Ginny suddenly let her face fall into her hands, she fell onto her bed and began to sob into her pillow. It was something she needed to do again and hadn't done it for a long time in efforts of attempting to be strong. Her life was full of losses but she was strong and she was going to eventually move on. Tomorrow was going to be an entirely different day. She then noticed that she needed to keep herself busy to keep herself from thinking about Harry. Starting tomorrow, she was going to work as hard as she could on helping her mother for Charlie's wedding.
The Weasleys finally made their way back to the Burrow with frowns and tear-strained faces.
Hermione then walked up to Harry, "Harry, you know, I noticed that Ginny was looking at you throughout most of the funeral."
"Please Hermione, that is a painful part of my life that I want to leave in the past. In fact, that is why I'm not coming to Charlie's wedding and instead I'm going on holiday. Then, if Hogwarts opens up for the new school year, I will come back to sit for my NEWTs." responded Harry.
"Harry, you have a right to feel upset too you know. If you want you can meet Ron later at the Leaky Cauldron for a talk. I think that it will help you to talk things out."
Harry then turned to Hermione, "What is there to talk about Hermione? There's nothing to talk about. Whatever Ginny and I had at some point is over. It's all in the past and that's where I want to leave it."
"Please say that you will talk with Ron?"
"No Hermione, after the Hogwarts funeral, I will go to Lupin and Tonks' funeral, then I'll go back to my flat, pack my things and leave for the Canary islands."
"Please Harry, reconsider talking about it with Ron" insisted Hermione.
"I said no Hermione!" said Harry almost too loudly because everyone turned around to look at him.
Hermione frowned, "Alright Harry but, if you need anyone to talk to, you know where to find us. Well, I will be rather busy because I'm waiting for the Ministry to tell me where my parents are in Australia."
Harry softened his face and looked at Hermione, "I wish you luck and I hope you find them soon."
Hermione gave him a sad smile, "Thanks Harry."
With that Harry disapparated and made his way to his flat to rest for a bit before the Hogwarts funeral.
Ron walked up to Hermione and asked, "Where did Harry go off to? Isn't he coming to the Hogwarts funeral?"
"Yeah, we'll see him there" responded Hermione and she then put her hand in Ron's and he smiled back at her.
At the Hogwarts funeral, Harry and Ginny tried to sit as far apart as they could from each other. After everyone knowing that they had separated, they would whisper things like
"When did they separate?"
"I thought they were still together"
"That's a shame, they were such a cute couple."
"Too bad, I thought that a few months later they would be getting engaged and then married."
Ginny swore that she would hex the next person to say something about her and Harry. As usual, the reporters were there because of Harry and the funeral. Some reporters had even gone up to ask Ginny if she was still in a relationship with Harry. She was so tired of answering questions and bearing down with the pain that she decided to not respond.
The funeral was going to take place inside within the Great Hall. To everyone's surprise, Hogwarts had been fully reconstructed and it would be ready for the new school year. The Minister stood up and said a couple of words.
"We want to thank you all for coming here today. Not only to honour our fallen but to also honour someone who had given more than his life for the sake of Hogwarts and our wizarding world. The person I speak of is of the late Headmaster Severus Snape. While some of us may have misjudged his actions, he was actually risking his life more than most of us to help us. In the end, he has left us and he will be remembered as one of our heroes." Kingsley looked down for a moment and then turned to Minerva McGonagall who stood to the side. McGonagall stepped up and then she spoke.
"Thank you Minister Shacklebolt. The late Headmaster Snape may have been head-strong and may have given us the impression of someone who kept to himself. However, he is one of the best potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts masters that we have ever had in the history of Hogwarts. As the new Headmistress of Hogwarts, we would like to commemorate the statue outside of the late headmaster himself. Professor Flitwick will now come up with his choir to honour our late Headmaster Snape."
Professor Flitwick stood up with his hands and began to direct a choir of student volunteers. It was a very powerful requiem which made almost everyone shed a tear. Harry suddenly spotted Ginny in the crowd. There she was in her beautiful black robes. Her beautiful red hair lightening her facial features. Not once during the funeral did she turn to look at him. Instead, she kept her head bowed and looked at the ground most of the time.
When the funeral was over McGonagal approached Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Ms. Granger, I hope we can expect you at Hogwarts to complete your studies" asked the new Headmistress.
"Yes, I'm coming back professor" Hermione being the first one to respond happily.
"As will I professor" responded Harry.
"And you Mr. Weasley?" McGonagall asked Ron looking at him.
"Well, I want to be with Hermione and also finish my studies so count me in professor."
McGonagall then gave a serious look and said, "I was wondering if I could talk to the three of you and Ms. Weasley for a moment in my office."
The three of them looked at each other before nodding their heads. "I'll go get Ginny" said Hermione.
Merlin! Just what I needed! Isn't there a time where I'm not with Ginny? he thought in frustration as Harry felt that all he had been doing was struggling to confront his heartache whenever he was near Ginny.
When Ginny came she looked briefly at Harry and then at McGonagall.
"I would like for the four of you to come with me to my office. There is an important matter I wish to discuss with the four of you."
Again the four of them nodded and they proceeded to follow the Headmistress to her office. McGonagall then took her seat behind the familiar desk.
"I know that normally I would make such a request sending it with your Hogwarts letters but, I thought since the four of you are here, I thought I would ask. You see, since the Second War here at Hogwarts, I don't want the school, the professors and much less the students to run through any sort of danger. I had given the matter some serious thought I thought about adding extra patrol in the corridors" started the new Headmistress.
"What can we do for you professor?" asked Hermione with an analyzing look on her face.
"Instead of having one head boy and head girl, this coming year and for the next coming years, I will be assigning two head boys and two head girls. I will also be adding two more prefects for each house. You of course will be allowed to apparate and disapparate within school grounds, should the need arise. I know that the four of you are from Gryffindor house but you four are also the most experienced students in defending yourselves against dark magic."
The four of them looked at each other and then back at McGonagall in surprise. They never thought that McGongall would be making such a request.
McGonagall continued, "You of course Harry, could resume your duties as quidditch captain."
Harry was speechless. However, he had learned to love Hogwarts very much and he wanted to finally live a peaceful year at Hogwarts, unlike the others.
"Very well professor, I accept your offer" answered Harry and then he looked down at his hands.
"I also accept your offer professor" said Hermione and then she looked at Ron.
"Well, I'm coming back and it would be nice to give back to Hogwarts. I also accept your offer professor" answered Ron.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione then looked back at Ginny. She was still thinking about the possibility of accepting the offer. However, that meant that she would be facing Harry almost every day. She had noticed then that she had become numb. The dulling ache wasn't as terrible as before. The bitterness was still there but, odd enough, she felt numb when she was around Harry. It seemed that having cried herself out that afternoon was exactly what she needed.
"I also accept your offer" said Ginny in a small voice.
McGonagall gave a small smile at the four students before her, "Good, I'm glad that you have all accepted. You will be getting further information in your Hogwarts letters along with the list of supplies."
The four of them nodded, thanked the headmistress and left the office.
Ron and Hermione kept walking on to the Great Hall but Harry got a hold of Ginny's arm and held her back. Harry didn't quite understand why Ginny had accepted the Head Student post.
He wanted to ask her.
Ginny shoved her arm away from Harry's hand in an icy manner and then gave him and ice-cold look. It was a look that Harry had never seen in Ginny. It was almost as if though she had changed suddenly.
"Ginny, why did you accept the post if you knew I had accepted it. It is obvious that we can't stand being around each other anymore" said Harry.
"Because it was offered to me and I decided to accept it. There is nothing more to say. Now leave me alone and don't ever talk to me ever again Harry Potter" said Ginny and then she turned around to walk away from him.
Harry had been totally blown away by Ginny's reaction. This was not the sweet, loving, and beautiful Ginny that he had known. Something had changed and he knew that it was his fault. Harry had never in his life regretted having broken the relationship with Ginny. He had found his Ginny, only to truly lose her once again. This time, it looked like forever. Harry could see that somehow Ginny had managed to move on with her life. No matter how difficult it would be for him, Harry was going to have to make an effort to move on with his life... without Ginny.
As Ginny made her way to the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts, she made her way to one of the corridors and then stood next to one of the many windows at Hogwarts. Who did Harry think he was? First he shattered her dreams, wishes, hopes and he wanted to talk to her? There was no way that she was ever going to let Harry back into her life... ever again. She was going to have to move on and make the best of her life as it was.
Ginny arrived at the Entrance Hall where her entire family and Hermione were waiting for her.
"There you are Ginny dear. We were waiting for you" said Mrs. Weasley as she smiled and the proceeded to herd the whole family outside so they could apparate back to the Burrow to continue their arrangements for Charlie's wedding.
"What did Professor McGonagall want Ginny?" asked Mr. Weasley as he put a fatherly arm around Ginny.
Ginny looked up at her father and answered, "She offered me the post of Head Student for the coming school year at Hogwarts dad."
"That is wonderful!" said Mr. Weasley.
The whole family finally apparated back at the Burrow and they all went to hug Ginny and congratulate her on her and Ron on their new post.
Charlie went over and gave her a tight hug and said, "Ginny, I'm so happy for you. Look at you! Already a head girl at Hogwarts!"
Ginny pulled away and smiled up at Charlie, "Thanks Charlie."