CHAPTER 18: THE COST OF MOVING ON

Flashback…

The walk back to the castle was much shorter than the journey to Hogsmeade. Harry trudged along, barely conscious of his surroundings. The wind tugged at his robes, but he hardly felt it. People greeted him, offering nods and waves as they passed by, but he didn't respond. His focus was solely on reaching the castle—on finding some semblance of solitude.

When he finally entered the dormitory, the room was empty, which didn't surprise him. It wasn't even 1 p.m., and the rest of the Gryffindors would still be reveling in their time at Hogsmeade. They wouldn't return for hours, not until the sun began to set. Harry dropped onto his bed, sinking into the mattress as if it could absorb the weight of his frustration. He stared blankly at the ceiling, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.

He couldn't stop the image of Ginny from replaying in his mind: her sitting in that tea shop, close to some other boy. The boy's face was unfamiliar—he was a sixth-year from Ravenclaw, that much Harry knew. But the details didn't matter. It was how comfortable they looked together, how effortlessly Ginny had let the boy hold her hand, the way she didn't pull away. Harry hadn't stayed long enough to see if they kissed. He had seen enough already. His stomach twisted, and before he could process it, he had bolted out of the shop and started the long walk back to Hogwarts, feeling sick with disappointment.

Every step felt heavier than the last.

Months. He had spent months holding on to the hope that Ginny might change her mind. That maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other. She had given hints, subtle gestures that had led him to believe there was still a chance. But it was all empty—just illusions he had allowed himself to fall into. She had changed her mind, all right—just not in the way he had hoped.

He clenched his fists, feeling the surge of anger bubbling beneath the surface. He wanted to scream, to punch something, to lash out at anyone or anything that could make this sickening feeling go away. He wanted to shatter the perfect, serene image of the dormitory around him, make it reflect the chaos inside his chest. But he didn't move. He didn't shout.

Instead, he closed his eyes, trying to calm the storm inside him. The truth was bitter, but undeniable: he should have seen this coming. He should have prepared himself for it. Deep down, he had always known Ginny might move on. But he had stubbornly held on to the belief that things would somehow work out—that everything would eventually fall back into place.

But they hadn't. And they wouldn't.

Harry let out another long breath, forcing the knot in his throat to loosen. He knew he was different now. Gone were the days when he would explode in anger, losing control of his emotions like he had so many times before. He thought back to the time after Sirius died, how he had destroyed Dumbledore's office in a blind fury, smashing anything within reach. He had felt nothing but rage and sorrow back then, like the world had betrayed him.

But now, that part of him felt distant, as if it had been washed away with Voldemort's defeat and the removal of the Dark Lord's soul from his own. He had become calmer, more measured, even in his pain. It was as if all the anger had been siphoned out of him when that cursed piece of Voldemort was destroyed. The burning rage that used to control him was gone, and in its place, there was only the heavy weight of disappointment and sadness.

But he couldn't credit Voldemort's defeat for all of it. No, Dumbledore had played a role in his change as well. Harry remembered the night of Sirius's death vividly, how he had destroyed every one of Dumbledore's delicate instruments in a fit of rage. He had expected punishment, maybe a harsh reprimand or a cold dismissal. Instead, Dumbledore had remained calm, watching Harry with a sadness that had mirrored his own.

And then, rather than rebuke him, Dumbledore had apologized. It was that moment, more than anything else, that had stuck with Harry. It was as if the older man had absorbed some of his pain, taken some of the burden from him. From then on, Dumbledore had become more than a mentor; he had become a steadying force in Harry's life.

In hindsight, Harry suspected that a part of Dumbledore had rubbed off on him. Maybe it was the old headmaster's quiet strength, his ability to face tragedy with grace, that had shaped the way Harry now dealt with his own pain.

But even Dumbledore's calm couldn't ease the ache in Harry's chest as he thought of Ginny. He sat up, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. He stared down at his hands, the hands that had once held hers, and wondered if he'd ever feel that warmth again.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Ron stepped in, his face flushed from the cold wind outside and his usual broad grin spreading as he saw Harry. "Back early, mate?" Ron asked, kicking off his shoes. "Thought you'd stay in Hogsmeade longer."

Harry forced a smile but didn't trust himself to speak.

Ron sat on the edge of his own bed and glanced at Harry, his brow furrowing as he took in his friend's quiet demeanor. "Something happen?" he asked, his voice cautious. "You look... off."

Harry hesitated, unsure whether to tell him. But it was Ron, after all. He'd understand. Or at least, he'd try to.

"Ginny," Harry said finally, his voice low. "I saw her with someone else. A boy. They looked... close."

Ron's expression froze, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. Then Ron sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah... I figured something like that might happen," he muttered. "She... well, she's been trying to move on. Doesn't mean she doesn't care, mate, but…"

"I know," Harry cut in, trying to keep his voice steady. "I know she's allowed to move on. It's just... I thought... I don't know what I thought."

Ron didn't say anything for a moment, letting the silence hang between them.

"You'll be all right, Harry," Ron said finally, his voice softer now. "It's hard, I know. But you'll be all right."

Harry didn't reply to Ron's reassurances. He wasn't so sure he believed them, not yet at least. It didn't change the harsh truth he was grappling with—he had lost Ginny. And that simple, brutal fact shifted everything in his world. Ron had often voiced his hope that Harry would make The Burrow his permanent home, and for a while, Harry had thought it was a wonderful idea. The thought of living with the Weasleys, the family he loved as his own, had brought him comfort, especially with Ginny there. But now, everything felt different—uncomfortable. The idea of returning, knowing he and Ginny had broken up, felt awkward. Worse, it promised to be painful.

Could he really bear living there, seeing her every day, knowing they weren't together anymore? The thought gnawed at him.

But he needed a place to stay, and for now, The Burrow wasn't something he was sure he could face. The only alternative? Grimmauld Place. Just thinking about it brought a cold, hollow feeling in his chest. The place was haunted with memories—of Sirius, of the Order, of days when the war loomed large, and the future seemed uncertain. He had been reluctant to go back there ever since Sirius died, knowing how much it would hurt to be surrounded by those memories. But right now, it was his only option.

With a resigned sigh, Harry made up his mind. He needed to figure things out, but first, he needed to make sure Grimmauld Place was safe. He couldn't risk returning there without knowing if it had been compromised by Death Eaters or their followers. Taking a deep breath, Harry stood up, brushing his hands against his robes as if that simple motion could shake off his frustration.

"Kreacher!" he called out.

With a soft pop, Kreacher appeared in front of him, bowing low as he always did. "Master Harry called Kreacher?" the house-elf asked, his voice hoarse but full of devotion.

Harry nodded. "Yes, Kreacher. It's time."

Kreacher's large, watery eyes blinked in confusion. "Time for what, Master Harry?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

"It's time for us to go home, Kreacher," Harry replied, his tone calm though the word "home" felt heavy in his chest.

For a moment, Kreacher froze, and then his face lit up in a way Harry hadn't seen in a long time. His bulbous eyes grew wide, and his voice shook with excitement. "We're— we're going back home, Master Harry? Back to my mistress's house?"

Harry inwardly cringed at the mention of "mistress." Kreacher still held onto the memory of Walburga Black, despite everything that had happened. Old habits die hard, even for magical creatures, it seemed. Harry forced a small smile, trying not to dampen Kreacher's enthusiasm. "Yes, Kreacher, we're going back. But before we do, I need you to do something important for me."

"Anything, Master Harry. Kreacher will do anything," the elf replied eagerly, his wrinkled face lighting up with anticipation.

"I need you to go to Grimmauld Place first," Harry explained, kneeling slightly so he was at eye level with Kreacher. "Do a thorough sweep of the house. Check for any jinxes, curses, or wards the Death Eaters might have placed inside. We need to make sure it's safe before we return. This is important, Kreacher. Our safety depends on it. Do you understand?"

Kreacher bowed low once again, his ears twitching with determination. "Kreacher understands, Master Harry. Kreacher will make sure everything is safe."

"Good," Harry said, relieved to see Kreacher taking the task seriously. "Take your time. There's no rush. I'd rather you be thorough than quick. Report back to me tonight, and we'll decide what to do from there."

Kreacher bowed even deeper, his nose nearly touching the floor. "Kreacher will not fail, Master Harry. Kreacher will protect his home." With another loud pop, the elf disappeared.

Harry watched the spot where Kreacher had vanished, feeling a mix of relief and tension. At least one problem was being dealt with for now. He just hoped that Grimmauld Place hadn't been tampered with too much. The idea of returning there was still daunting, but it was a problem he had to face eventually. He didn't have many options for a place to call home, and right now, that old, gloomy house was all he had.

He flopped back onto the bed, letting his body sink into the mattress. His mind was still spinning with the events of the day—the uncomfortable sight of Ginny with that boy, the realization that things between them were truly over, and now the thought of returning to Grimmauld Place. Nothing seemed simple anymore. His chest tightened with the weight of it all.

And then, there was Ron.

Harry hadn't told him yet. He knew he had to, but how? When? The thought of explaining why he didn't want to stay at The Burrow anymore—especially when it all stemmed from Ginny's actions—made his stomach twist. How would Ron take it? Would he understand? Or would he take it personally? The last thing Harry wanted was to make things awkward between him and his best mate, but there was no avoiding it. Sooner or later, he'd have to tell Ron the truth. He just hoped Ron could handle it.

Harry ran a hand through his messy hair and sighed. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting his mind settle. His life had always been complicated, but this—this felt different. More personal. More painful.

He thought about how easy things had seemed after the war ended, how hopeful he had been that life could finally settle into some sort of normalcy. But now, as he lay on his bed, staring up at the canopy, he realized that normal was still far out of reach.

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. It opened slightly, and Ron's head poked in, his usual grin faltering when he saw Harry's expression.

"Everything all right, mate?" Ron asked, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.

Harry sat up, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, just... thinking."

Ron eyed him curiously. "About...?"

Harry hesitated, knowing this was it. He had to tell Ron. There was no easy way around it. "About where I'm going to stay after the school year ends."

Ron frowned slightly and sat on the edge of Harry's bed. "What do you mean? I thought you were coming to The Burrow, like always. Mum's been going on about it for weeks. She's already planning what room to give you."

Harry swallowed, feeling the knot in his throat tighten. "I know, but... I'm not sure if I can do that anymore. Not after... everything with Ginny."

Ron's eyes darkened for a moment, but he didn't speak. Harry continued, hoping his words wouldn't drive a wedge between them. "It's just... it would be awkward, you know? I can't go back there, not after seeing her with someone else. It's too soon."

Ron stared at the floor, his jaw clenched. "Yeah... I get that," he muttered, his voice quiet. "I don't like it, but I get it."

Harry felt a wave of relief. "Thanks, Ron. I'm thinking of staying at Grimmauld Place instead—at least until I figure something else out."

Ron's face softened, and he looked at Harry with a small, sad smile. "You're always welcome at The Burrow, mate. But if you need space, I get it. Just... don't disappear on us, yeah?"

Harry smiled back, the weight on his chest easing just a little. "I won't. I promise."

Ron nodded, clapping Harry on the shoulder. "Good. Now, how about we go grab some lunch? I'm starving, and it looks like you could use a break."

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, I could."

Ron and Hermione exchanged confused glances as they sat down. Harry remained standing, pacing slightly, his mind racing to organize the torrent of thoughts that had flooded in since Ron's sudden confession.

"Ron," Harry began, rubbing the back of his neck, "I know you mean well, but you can't just go around punching people because they're talking to Ginny."

Ron's face reddened. "But Harry, he wasn't just talking to her. They were—well, it looked like more than that, alright? You're my best mate. I can't just let someone take her out when you two—"

Harry held up a hand. "Ron, listen. Ginny and I broke up."

There was a stunned silence. Ron's expression wavered between shock and disbelief, and Hermione let out a soft, "Oh no," as the reality of the situation sunk in.

"What do you mean you broke up?" Ron asked, his voice suddenly quieter, as if saying it out loud would somehow make it more real.

Harry sighed deeply. "We're over, Ron. We talked about it, and we decided to end things before—well, before it got more complicated. It wasn't what either of us wanted, but it's for the best."

Ron looked as if Harry had just struck him. "But why? I thought you two were—" He stopped, unable to finish the sentence.

Harry forced himself to remain calm. He had expected Ron's reaction to be intense, but the anger bubbling beneath his friend's words was making the situation harder than it already was. "I care about Ginny, Ron. I always will. But things between us changed. And that's okay. We're just not in the same place anymore."

Ron's fists clenched in frustration. "So, what, she's free to date some bloke behind your back? That doesn't sit right with me, Harry."

Hermione, who had been silent until now, leaned forward. "Ron, it's not behind his back. It's not cheating because they're not together anymore. Ginny has a right to move on if she wants to. And honestly, you shouldn't interfere."

Ron shot her a look. "This isn't about interfering, Hermione. This is about family. I can't just stand by and let—"

"No," Harry interrupted firmly, his voice louder now. "Ron, this isn't about you, or me. This is Ginny's life. She can make her own choices, and I need you to respect that. We're not together, and whatever she does is up to her. You hitting someone because of it? That's not okay."

Ron sat there, his face a mixture of anger and confusion. He opened his mouth to argue but then closed it, seemingly unsure of what to say. Finally, he muttered, "I was just trying to look out for you, Harry."

"I know," Harry replied, softening. "But you can't keep doing things like this. Ginny's not going to appreciate you stepping in like that. If anything, it's only going to push her further away."

Ron exhaled, looking defeated. "I just—everything's changing, and I hate it."

Harry sat down across from him, feeling the weight of Ron's words. He knew how Ron felt. Everything had been changing ever since the war ended. "I get it, mate. But we have to let things change, even when it's hard."

Hermione, ever the voice of reason, spoke gently, "Ron, Ginny will always be your sister, but she needs space to make her own choices, even if it's hard to watch. And if it's any comfort, she's strong—she'll be okay."

Ron stayed quiet for a long moment before nodding reluctantly. "Alright. I won't interfere anymore. But if that guy messes with her—"

"Then she'll handle it," Harry said firmly. "She doesn't need us to fight her battles."

There was a heavy silence in the room as the tension slowly drained away. Harry felt a small flicker of relief. This wasn't easy, but at least Ron understood now.

"Right," Harry said, standing up. "I think we all need some dinner."

Ron and Hermione followed him, and as they left the classroom, Harry felt a strange mix of emotions. Everything was changing, and there was no guarantee that things would go back to how they were. But for now, he had his friends, and that was enough.

on slumped into the chair, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Harry sat opposite him, his posture rigid, though his expression betrayed weariness.

"What is this all about, Harry?" Ron asked, glancing between him and Hermione. "Why here? Talk about what?"

"Shh, Ron! Let Harry speak," Hermione cut in, shooting him a quick glare.

"Thanks, Hermione." Harry took a breath, gathering his thoughts. His eyes focused on Ron. "This is about Ginny. And, well… a few other things, too." He hesitated, then pushed forward. "Ron, I already know she went on a date with someone else. I saw them together before you even knew."

Ron blinked, visibly taken aback. "So what did you do?" His voice had an edge of disbelief.

Harry's answer was simple. "Nothing. I went back to the castle. That's about it."

"Nothing?!" Ron's voice rose in disbelief. "You saw her with another bloke, and you just walked away? You didn't say anything?! What kind of a boyfriend does that?"

"Ex-boyfriend," Harry corrected quietly, his eyes not meeting Ron's. "And if you're suggesting I was a bad boyfriend, maybe you're right. But… there's a reason for that."

Ron leaned forward, his voice lowering but still full of frustration. "What reason, Harry? I thought you'd fight for her! I would have, if I were you."

"And I did fight!" Harry shot back, his voice tightening with emotion. "I fought for her, for you, for everyone! Before, during, and after the war. I fought so we could even have futures! What do you think would have happened if Voldemort had won, Ron? There wouldn't be any future for me and Ginny… or for anyone else."

"That's different," Ron muttered, his frown deepening. "This is about Ginny, not Voldemort. It's not the same."

Harry shook his head, frustration creeping into his voice. "It is the same in some ways, Ron. What future could I have given her if Voldemort was still out there, if I hadn't been fighting every day to survive, to keep all of you alive? There wouldn't have been time for a relationship. There wouldn't have been anything for us."

Ron's jaw clenched, but he stayed quiet, waiting for Harry to continue.

Harry rubbed a hand across his face, weariness seeping through his words. "Look, I'm not saying I don't care, because I do. I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel something when I saw her holding hands with him. I was angry, frustrated, disappointed… bitter. I waited months hoping she'd change her mind, that things would go back to the way they were. But it didn't happen. And now I realize that all that waiting was for nothing."

The silence between them thickened, the weight of Harry's words hanging in the air. Ron glanced at Hermione, who gave him an encouraging nod, though her face was tight with concern.

"And the truth is," Harry continued, his voice dropping lower, "I'm tired, Ron. I'm tired of being angry. Tired of the disappointment, the frustration, the bitterness. I've had enough of those feelings to last me several lifetimes." He let out a small, humorless laugh. "I should probably be thankful I haven't gone completely mad with everything that's happened."

Ron opened his mouth to respond, but Harry raised a hand to stop him. "I'm not going to dwell on it anymore. I've decided to respect Ginny's choice, Ron. I have to. She made her decision, and as much as it hurts, I've got to accept that. I've fought too many battles to keep fighting one that's already over. And I hope, for her sake, you'll respect her decision too."

Ron's face twisted with a mix of confusion and frustration. "You really think this is what's best, Harry? Just letting her go?"

Harry stared at him for a long moment, his voice soft but resolute. "Yeah, Ron. I do. I don't want to be someone who clings to a future that isn't there anymore. I care about Ginny, but I also care about myself. And it's not healthy for either of us to keep holding onto something that's already gone."

Ron sighed heavily, leaning back in his chair, his hands running through his hair. He looked over at Hermione again, who had stayed silent but was watching Harry with a look of deep understanding.

"I just… I don't get it," Ron muttered. "After everything you two went through together, I thought—"

"We went through a lot, yeah," Harry interrupted softly. "But we've been through a lot apart, too. Things have changed, Ron. We've changed. I can't force her to feel something she doesn't. And I don't want to."

Hermione finally spoke up, her voice gentle but firm. "Harry's right, Ron. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is let someone go, even when it feels like everything's falling apart. But it takes strength, too."

Ron let out a frustrated breath, but there was a trace of understanding in his eyes. "I don't like it, Harry. I don't. But… I get it. I guess I can try to respect her decision."

Harry gave him a small, appreciative nod. "That's all I can ask."

For a moment, the three of them sat in silence. The weight of the conversation had drained some of the tension from the room, but it hadn't entirely disappeared.

"So what now?" Ron asked, his tone resigned but curious.

Harry gave a half-shrug. "Now, we move on. We focus on what's ahead. We've got school, our futures… I've got to find something else to fight for, something that isn't just about the past."

Ron gave him a long look, then nodded. "Alright, mate. I'll back you on this. But just know… if you ever change your mind, or if you need me to punch some sense into that bloke, I'm here."

Harry chuckled for the first time, feeling a bit of the weight lift off his chest. "Thanks, Ron. I'll keep that in mind."

Hermione smiled faintly at the exchange, the tension finally easing. "It'll be alright, Harry. One way or another."

Harry nodded, though deep down, he wasn't sure if things would ever be truly alright again. But for now, it was enough. He wasn't alone, and that made the road ahead a little less daunting.

"Yes. I've already made up my mind. I won't go back," Harry said firmly, his voice resolute.

Ron sighed, running a hand through his hair. "So, I guess there won't be you and Ginny after this, huh?" His voice carried a note of bitterness, as if he had been holding on to some hope for reconciliation.

Harry shook his head, his gaze steady. "No. There won't. I'm sorry, Ron."

Ron let out a long breath. "Well, so much for hoping you'd officially be part of the family, Harry." His tone softened, though disappointment was clear. "But if that's your choice, I accept it."

"But I am part of the family," Harry insisted, leaning forward. "You, your family, and you, Hermione—you're all my family. I don't really have anyone else. Ginny and I may not be together anymore, but she can be my sister, just like Hermione is." He paused for a moment, swallowing hard. "I accept that."

Hermione, who had been quietly listening, beamed at him. "I've always seen you as a brother, Harry. Always."

"Thanks, Hermione," Harry said softly, grateful for her words.

Ron, however, wasn't ready to let it go. "Blimey, Harry. After what she did to you, you're still willing to be kind to her?"

Harry exhaled slowly, meeting Ron's gaze. "You have to remember, just like you and Hermione, Ginny gave me unwavering support before and during the war. I'm not going to forget that. People break up, Ron, it happens. I'm not going to turn her into an enemy just because of it. Besides, she had a valid reason."

Ron raised an eyebrow. "A valid reason?"

"She was traumatized, Ron," Harry explained, his voice steady but full of emotion. "All the danger, all the uncertainty… she couldn't keep living like that, wondering if the next threat would be the last. And let's be honest, danger and I go hand in hand. I'll never be able to separate myself from it. I can't put her through that anymore. I'm going to be an Auror, Ron. You know what that means."

Ron stared at him for a moment, taking it all in. "So, you've made your decision? You're really going to become an Auror?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah. I made that decision about… a minute ago."

Ron blinked in disbelief. "What the hell? You just made up your mind, like that?! In a minute?! Are you crazy?"

Harry shrugged, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Sorry. It just… came out of my mouth, I guess. But I already told you at St. Mungo's, Ron. I want to be an Auror. Everything that's happened, especially recently… it's just solidified that choice for me."

Ron crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair. "Well, good to know you've already figured out where you're heading," he muttered, though there was a hint of admiration in his tone. "We'll talk more about it when we get to the Burrow. Merlin knows I can't wait to get back home for the first time without worrying about the next bloody year."

Harry froze. The Burrow. There it was—the most sensitive topic he had been dreading. He hadn't expected Ron to bring it up so soon, and now he felt a knot forming in his stomach. "Uhm, about that..." he stammered, feeling unprepared. He glanced at Hermione, who looked at him expectantly, clearly sensing the tension.

"Well, what about it?" Ron asked, frowning as he noticed Harry's discomfort.

Harry shifted uneasily in his seat, knowing he had to address it now but unsure how to put it into words. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the weight of the conversation grow heavier. "I… I might not be going back to the Burrow right away, Ron. At least, not for a while."

Ron's eyes narrowed in confusion. "What do you mean? You're always at the Burrow. Where else would you go?"

"I… I just think I need some time," Harry said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "After everything that's happened, I feel like I need to be on my own for a bit. To think, to sort things out. You know… about Ginny, the war, the future… everything."

Ron's face fell slightly, but he tried to hide his disappointment. "Oh. Well… I didn't expect that." He paused, glancing at Hermione for support. "I just thought… we could all be together, like old times."

"And we will, Ron," Harry assured him quickly, not wanting to hurt his friend's feelings. "Just… not right away. I've been through a lot, and I think I need to figure things out before I can go back to how things used to be."

Hermione reached out, placing a comforting hand on Harry's arm. "That's understandable, Harry. We all need time to heal and process what we've been through. You should do what feels right for you."

Ron nodded slowly, though he still seemed unsure. "Yeah, I get it. It's just… we miss you, mate. The Burrow won't feel the same without you."

Harry smiled softly, his heart aching a little at Ron's words. "I'll be there, Ron. Just not right away. I promise."

Ron forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Alright, but when you do show up, don't think you're getting out of helping Mum with all the chores."

Harry chuckled, grateful for Ron's attempt at humor. "Wouldn't dream of it."

The tension in the air eased slightly, and for a moment, the three of them sat in silence, letting the weight of the conversation settle. Harry knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Ron and Hermione by his side, it felt just a little more bearable.

"Well," Ron said after a pause, stretching his arms over his head. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens next."

"Yeah," Harry agreed, a faint smile returning to his face. "We will."

Ron cocked an eyebrow. "What?"

Harry hesitated before speaking. "Well, Ron, let's just say I won't be going back to the Burrow this time."

"What?!" Ron's eyes widened in disbelief. "But we already made plans! You're not going back to Surrey, are you?"

"No, Ron," Harry replied firmly. "I'm definitely not going back to the Dursleys. I'm going to stay at Grimmauld Place."

"Sirius's old house?" Ron shuddered at the memory of the gloomy, ancient mansion. "You're not serious, are you? That place gives me the creeps. And I don't care how 'soft' Kreacher's gotten with you, I still don't trust that brat."

"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed, sounding scandalized. "That's an awful thing to say. We know why he acted the way he did. His loyalty changed, Ron! He's maybe a bit… quirky, but he's proven himself. You should at least give him the benefit of the doubt."

Ron shook his head stubbornly. "I really wish you'd stop with this SPEW nonsense, Hermione. He betrayed Sirius, remember?"

"And he made up for it!" Hermione shot back. "He helped us find Mundungus, he took care of us when we sought refuge, and he fought the Death Eaters during the war. And for the last time, it's not SPEW!"

Seeing the tension between Ron and Hermione rising, Harry stepped in. "Alright, that's enough, you two! I don't want to see another couple breaking up, especially not you two!"

Ron and Hermione immediately stopped bickering, both turning to stare at Harry in surprise.

Harry sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Hermione's right. Kreacher changed for the better. Sure, he still has some… quirks, but I'm willing to let that slide. He's an old house-elf; it's not like he can completely change his habits overnight. And Ron, you even said you kind of liked him by the end. Remember that?"

Ron scratched the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "Well, yeah, I did say that… after he started acting kindly toward us. But that doesn't mean I fully trust him."

"And that's good enough for me," Harry said with a smile. "Kreacher's my house-elf now, Ron. There are rules he has to follow, and he can't disobey them. I'll make sure of that."

He paused for a moment before continuing. "As for Grimmauld Place, yes, I'm going back. But it's only temporary, until I find somewhere more suitable to call home. I need a place to clear my head, to figure things out… and Grimmauld Place feels like the right spot for now."

Ron looked at him thoughtfully. "Alright, mate. If that's what you've decided, I'll respect it. But don't stay too long in that place. It's still a bit… dark, if you know what I mean."

"Yeah, I know," Harry said, his voice softening. "But it's part of my past now, and I need to confront it. I'll be alright. And it's not forever."

Hermione nodded in understanding. "Just promise us you'll come visit. You don't have to face everything alone, Harry."

"I won't," Harry reassured them both. "I promise."

Ron gave a small smile. "Well, if you need help with Kreacher, just let me know. I'll bring some chocolate frogs. Might win him over again."

"You could skip all of that and just call the Burrow your home," Ron added with a hopeful look. "This is about Ginny, isn't it?"

"Part of it," Harry admitted. "The Burrow will always be one of my homes, Ron. But I'm an adult now. I need a place of my own. You understand."

"One of your homes?"

"The other is Hogwarts," Harry said with a small smile. "But, of course, I'll be leaving here in a few days, so I can't really call it home anymore. Still, it's the place where I was happiest."

Ron sighed, realizing what Harry was saying. "Alright, Harry. I get it. Home's where you can be happy. And, given everything that's happened, maybe the Burrow doesn't quite fit that for you anymore. I'll accept your decision… but only if you promise to visit us from time to time."

Harry smiled warmly. He stood up and pulled both Ron and Hermione into a tight hug. "That's a solid promise, Ron," he whispered. "A solid promise."

As the trio left the empty classroom, it was nearly 6:30 PM. Dinner wouldn't be served for another hour, so they decided to head back to the Gryffindor common room. Ron and Hermione wanted to put away their purchases from Hogsmeade and freshen up before dinner.

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