It was a month after the final battle. Slowly, life was returning to some sort of normality. Charlie had returned to Romania and Percy was helping Kingsley at the Ministry. Bill had taken a couple of short term curse breaker assignments, but was reluctant to leave Fleur alone for too long. At his insistence, if he was away overnight, she either stayed at the Burrow or stayed with her family in France.

George was still struggling to deal with the loss of Fred, as was Molly. Arthur had returned to work on a part time basis, needing to get away from the stifling grief at the Burrow, but also needing to be there for Molly and George.

Ron and Hermione were struggling too. They had gone to Australia to find Hermione's parents and return their memories. They had been found easily enough, but the memory return had led to many family arguments when Mr and Mrs Granger were finally told everything. Ron and Hermione had returned to England a week later, with the Grangers needing time to decide if they were going to relocate back to England or stay in Australia.

Ron felt powerless to help Hermione as her parents anger at her escalated. He'd seen her wither under their anger, and for the first time since her first year, she seemed lost. When Ron told them she was considered a hero in the wizarding world for all she had done, her parents had looked sad.

"Maybe...maybe that's where you belong...without us," said her father. Beside him, her mother sobbed.

"What?" asked Hermione, shakily.

"You've never really needed us since you found out you were a witch. You rarely come home in the holidays to see us, and when you do, we can tell you can't wait to get back to that world. Now we find that you've been heavily involved in a war, for heaven's sake. A war!" said her mother, wiping her tears.

"Mum, Dad, I-"

"I think you should go, Hermione. We need time to think," said her father.

Hermione sobbed and turned her face into Ron's shoulder. He put his arm around her and looked at her parents. "What she did, it was to protect you. The Death Eaters wouldn't have hesitated to kill you, just for being her parents," he told them.

"Oh well, that makes us feel so much better," snapped her father.

"Please, just go," said her mother, wearily.

"Let's go, Hermione," he said.

She let him lead her away. At a reasonable distance, he side-Apparated them to the wizard hotel they were staying at. He took her to their room and she lay on the bed. "Cup of tea?" he asked her. His mum always offered that when he or his siblings were upset.

Hermione shook her head, sniffling. With dismay, Ron realised she was crying. He crossed to her bed and sat on it. "What can I do, Hermione?" he almost begged, feeling hopeless.

"Hold me. Please," said Hermione, needing his arms around her.

Ron lay on the bed and gathered her in his arms. "It will be all right, Hermione," he crooned.

He hoped for her sake he was right.

While he was helping Hermione deal with fallout with her parents, he was ignoring his own , the guilt he felt in leaving Harry and Hermione, and his inability to help Hermione and stop her from being tortured at Malfoy Manor. When they had returned to England he found the nightmares had started. He'd taken to casting silencing charms around his room, as he often woke screaming and sweating heavily.

Hermione had questioned him after a couple of days, seeing the dark circles under his eyes. He stared into her beautiful brown eyes and lied, telling her he was sad about Fred. How could he tell her the sounds of her screams tormented him, that in his dreams they were always too late to save her. He didn't need to add to her problems, he needed to be helping her.

Ron made a mental note to get some more Dreamless Sleep Potion when they next went to Diagon Alley.

Harry saw all these struggles and felt powerless to help them. His family, all finding it hard to move on. He'd had many long talks with George, on dealing with grief, on somehow finding the will to keep going, when all you wanted to do was crawl into someplace dark and never surface.

He'd guessed that things hadn't gone well for Hermione and her parents, not that she'd told him. Truthfully, he had been shocked by Hermione's decision to Obliviate her parents and send them away, but by the time he'd arrived at the Burrow, it had already been done. Neither she nor Ron had much to say about their time in Australia, just that her parents were considering their options.

Ron was quite protective of her, which amused Harry. Still, his best friend came downstairs every morning with dark smudges under his eyes. The two of them would wander off to the pond, holding hands. Harry didn't mind much, but it made him realise that they were now a couple and they were no longer a trio. He wondered what it would be like to have someone to comfort him, to turn to, to confide in. Bill and Fleur made it look easy as did Molly and Arthur. Harry doubted he'd ever find it for himself. Where would he meet someone who would understand all he had been through?

Harry himself was...getting by. One hour at a time, one day at a time. It was easier now that all the funerals were done, but then he'd feel guilty for feeling that way. He felt unable to help the Weasleys in any way, but he didn't want to leave the Burrow to return to Grimmauld Place. Kreacher had the house all readied, but Harry felt the need to be surrounded with feared what he may do if he was home alone with his dark thoughts. But his good days were starting to outweigh the bad ones, and for now, that was enough.

He was getting pressured by the Ministry to face the public, and had been offered a position as an Auror trainee. Mcgonagall had already told the three of them that they could return to Hogwarts for the new school year, in a tone to say she expected to see them all there. He knew Hermione was keen, but he didn't think Hogwarts could teach him anything now. He braced himself for that argument, wondering what Ron would do.

Harry knew he should be making plans. The future was now his, a luxury he hadn't allowed himself to think of before. As he looked around at the silent Weasley table, as they tucked into breakfast, he sighed. Tomorrow. He'd think about it tomorrow.

Just then, Percy looked up. "Is that...an owl?"

They all looked to the window. It reminded Harry of his second year, the first time he'd been to the Burrow. The old owl had smashed into the window, bringing Hogwarts letters for them all.

This owl was young and eager to show off. It came through the window, circling overhead twice before landing with a hoot next to Molly. She removed the parchment, and offered the owl some bacon rind. The owl ate it quickly before hooting in thanks and flying away.

"Who's it from, love?" asked Arthur, sipping his tea.

Molly read quickly then let out a small scream. Everyone at the table jumped, looking at her in alarm.

"Molly, what is it?" asked Arthur, urgently.

Molly beamed. "Oh Arthur, it's Ginny. She's coming home. Ginny's finally coming home."

Harry and Hermione shared a look of surprise. Around the table, Percy, Ron and George looked excited. "Gin's coming home. Can't wait to see her. Our little sister, finally."

Harry sat back and watched. He remembered meeting Ginny Weasley in this very kitchen for the first time. She came down the stairs, speaking to her mother. When she spotted Harry, he had said hello. She had blushed, backed away and ran back upstairs. Harry chuckled at the memory.

"I have to owl Bill and Charlie, they'll be thrilled. Oh Arthur, our Ginny," sighed Molly.

"Wonder if she still likes Quidditch. Hey Ron, do you want to check out the brooms later, she may want to go flying," said George.

Harry was amazed. George, who usually came downstairs, drank coffee then went back to his and Fred's room. George, who stared at the walls most of the day, or lay crying in Fred's bed. George was offering to check the brooms. It was incredible.

Ron frowned. "Ginny never liked Quidditch, and they don't play that in the States. She only had the one year of lessons at Hogwarts, so I don't even know if she can fly," he told his brother.

"She used to sneak into the broomshed and take your brooms for a fly," said Hermione, matter of factly. Ron's mouth dropped open.

George nodded. "Been doing it since she was about six or seven," he said.

Harry liked the sound of Ginny. The last memory he had of her was being led away by her parents out of Dumbledore's office, just after the Chamber of Secrets incident. He hadn't actually gotten to know her well her first year, a thought that had hit him the summer after his second year.

"No shit," said Ron, proudly. "I had no idea."

"None of us did. It's probably why she turned to the diary her first year," said Percy, solemly. He stood up and put his empty plate and cup n the sink. He returned to the table, kissing his mother's cheek. "I have to get to work. I'll see you at tea time. Goodbye all," he said.

"Bye Percy. See ya, Perce," said George and Ron.

"I guess I should be going too," said Arthur, getting up. "Does the letter say when she'll be home?"

Molly scanned the letter again. "A week. She's returning with Tonks and the baby."

Harry's heart jumped. Tonks was Remus' widow, and the baby was his godson. He'd met Tonks once, when she'd been part of the guard to escort him from Privet Drive to Grimmauld Place just before his fifth year. He didn't know how she'd react to seeing him, but he wanted to meet his godson. Theodore Remus Lupin.

"Oh, I have so much to do," beamed Molly. "I'll need to clean and air her room, oh, I know you're staying in there, Hermione. I'll have to start cooking some of Ginny's favourites. If I remember correctly, she really likes treacle tart. The garden needs de-gnoming too, boys," said Molly, looking at Ron and Harry.

"I'm helping George with the brooms," protested Ron, piling more food on his plate. Hermione shook her head fondly at him.

"I'll do it, Mrs Weasley," said Harry.

"Thank you,dear. You know, I'm sure Ginny will want to talk to you. You too, Hermione. I mean, letters are one thing, but if I know my Ginny, she'll want to speak to you personally," said Molly.

Harry and Hermione looked confused. "Why would she want to speak to us?" asked Hermione.

"What letters?" asked Harry.

Molly looked at them. "Why, about the Chamber of Secrets, of course. She really wanted to speak to you before she left, but we managed to get a Portkey practically straight away. It's why she wrote the letters to you."

Harry and Hermione exchanged surprised looks. "I never received a letter from Ginny, did you?" asked Harry to Hermione. She shook her head.

"But-Ronald, you were supposed to give Harry and Hermione the letters from Ginny. She owled Colin, Justin and Penelope, but you promised her you'd give them to your friends. You did do it, didn't you, Ronald?" asked Molly, worriedly.

"I was going to owl them, but you said we were going straight from Egypt to the Leaky Cauldro, so I was going to hand deliver them. They were in my bag, you know, the one I lost. Guess I forgot," he admitted.

"Oh Ronald," sighed Molly. She turned back to Harry and Hermione. "She wanted to apologise, for Petrifying you dear, and for making you come down to the Chamber, Harry. She was adamant about you getting those letters," she scolded Ron, who shrugged.

"It was years ago. I'm sure Harry and Hermione haven't even given Ginny another thought," said Ron.

Molly's face fell. "No, I don't suppose they have."

Harry felt sorry for Molly, and for Ginny. He was slightly miffed that Ron hadn't even thought to tell them that Ginny had written them. He had wondered over the summer how she was coping, especially when she wasn't included in the family photo of the Weasleys that had appeared in the Daily Prophet, announcing Arthur had won some money and was taking the family to Egypt.

"It's fine, Mrs Weasley.I'm just glad that your daughter was away from any harm at Hogwarts," said Harry. Hermione nodded, shooting Ron a frosty look.

"Wha-?" he asked, with a mouthful of food.

Harry sighed. Hermione picked up Ginny's note, scanning it quickly. "Mrs Weasley? This was dated nearly a week ago. Ginny should be home today or tomorrow, judging by the date."

"What? Let me see that?" said Molly, almost snatching the parchment from Hermione's hands. "Merlin, she could even be in England now. Ginny," she breathed.

"Calm down, Mum. Have a cuppa," grinned George. "Then, you can panic, getting the house ready for the prodigal daughter's return."

"I can go check out the Portkey arrivals if you like?" asked Hermione.

"I'll go with you," said Ron, thinking he could make a quick trip to the Apothecary in Diagon Alley.

"Just let me fire-call Andromeda. She may know a definite time they'll be back," said Molly. She went to the fireplace in the kitchen and threw some floo powder in. "Andromeda Tonks," she called.

Andromeda's face appeared. "Hello? Molly, is that you?"

Molly nodded. "Yes, Andi, it's me. I was just wondering if you know when Ginny and Nymphadora are arriving?"

Andromeda smiled happily. "They Portkey in later this afternoon. Four o'clock. I've spent the week cooking and cleaning, preparing our granny flat out the back. Tonks used to live in it when she was a teenager."

"Their rooms? Oh, Nympadora's and the baby's," sighed Molly, happily.

"Ginny's, too!. Nymphadora told me Ginny's staying with them. Didn't she tell you?" asked Andromeda.

Molly shook her head. "No, in fact, I just got the owl a half an hour ago. Hermione was the one who alerted me to the fact it was dated a week ago."

Andromeda frowned. "That's odd. Nympadora owled me a month ago. I can't wait to see them. My grandson is now three months old, Molly," she beamed.

Molly nodded, but her mind was all on Ginny. "Was there any mention of coming to the Burrow tonight?"

Andromeda shook her head. "No, but you know what International Portkeying is like. They might just want to get here and relax tonight, especially with the baby. I'm sure she'll get in touch, probably come over tomorrow."

Molly sighed. "I'm sure you're right. Thanks Andi. When you see her, tell her-" Molly's voice broke, "tell her we're so happy to have her home."

Andromeda smiled in understanding. "I'm sure you are. How long has it been?"

"Six years. She was only eleven when she left," said Molly, sniffing back a tear.

"It's a long time to not see your daughter," said Andromeda.

"I know. It's been so hard. Still, we'd do it all again, to protect her. When we got that threat, we just knew we had to get her out of England. I never thought it would be six years till we saw her again," said Molly.

George and Ron exchanged shocked looks. Harry guessed they didn't know about any threat to their sister.

"I best go, Molly. I still have lots to get ready. I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon. Bye," said Andromeda. The floo flared, then died down.

"What's this about a threat to Ginny?" asked George.

"Nothing for you to worry about now. Nothing came of it once we took Ginny to the States, so there's no need to dwell on it," said Molly, not meeting their eyes, "Oh, so much to do."

"Come on, Ron. Let's go check those brooms and come back and help Harry," said George. Ron grumbled but kissed Hermione on the cheek and followed him outside.

"How can I help, Mrs Weasley?" asked Hermione. When there was no answer, she looked at the older woman. "Mrs Weasley?"

"Oh Hermione dear, sorry. "Perhaps you could just go and clean your room. I mean, Ginny's room. Just in case," said Molly, hopefully.

"Sure.I shouldn't be long, so I'll come find you when I'm done," said Hermione. She got up and went outside.

Harry smiled at Mrs Weasley. "Guess I should get a start on de-gnoming."

"Harry, do you think it would be in bad taste to throw a party, so soon after..." Mrs Weasley's voice trailed off.

Harry shrugged. "I don't think so, but maybe wait and see what Ginny would like. She may just prefer to be around the family for a bit. Does she have any other friends around here?" he asked.

Molly nodded. "The Lovegood's live just the other side of the pond. Ginny played with Luna often. When Luna's mother died, she even lived with us for awhile. I know they have stayed in touch, even with Ginny being in the States. Same with a boy named Colin."

"Oh, I didn't know," said felt a bit guilty. Ron never mentioned Ginny at Hogwarts after her first year.

"Don't worry, dear. Now, off you go. Once you're done with the gnomes, I may get the three of you to pop to the shops later,"said Molly.

Harry nodded. "If it means you'll make a treacle tart, then I'd be happy to," he chuckled. He headed outside.

The sun was shining already, it was shaping up to be a beautiful day. In the distance he could see George and Ron talking and laughing while they examined the brooms. He looked up to see Hermione waving to him as she watched Ron from the bedroom window. Inside, Molly hummed as she set the cleaning spells to clean the house.

Ginny Weasley's impending arrival had certainly lifted the spirit of the Burrow. He wondered what she was like now, what sort of person she had become. Did the Chamber of Secrets still affect her, or had she left it all behind when she left England?

He guessed he'd find out in the next day or so.