Harry Potter and A New Chapter of Life

Chapter 2: Love Hurts

As the trio arrived in the Great Hall they observed that it had remained crowded in their absence with survivors, and families. The bodies of the fallen were still off to the side along one of the walls. Some of the ambulatory wounded did the best they could to socialize yet remain comfortable.

They found the Weasley family gathered tightly together near Fred’s body, each of their faces pale and full of loss. Molly sobbed heavily into Arthur’s chest, while George sat beside his expired twin with a firm grasp on Fred’s cold lifeless hand, his head buried beside Fred’s as he wept.

Harry and Hermione looked to Ron as his face paled and eyes full of pain became glazed over as tears began to build as he looked over his family and sighed deeply.

“Come on Ron let’s check on your family,” Harry stated urging Ron, who seemed hesitant, forward.

“Yeah, I’m sure Professor McGonagall won’t mind if we didn’t find her immediately,” affirmed Hermione gripping Ron’s hand more tightly but affectionately.

“Yeah, I suppose,” Ron replied quietly and they walked up to the grieving Weasleys. Molly was the first to notice their arrival as she quickly detached herself from Arthur and rushed towards them.

“Ron! You’re okay dear?” Molly wailed as she pulled Ron into a firm heartfelt embrace. Ron broke into sobs he could no longer control as he held his mother yet looked over her to the lifeless shell that once held Fred’s spirited soul.

“Yes mum I’m okay,” Ron assured his mother as she released him and turned towards Harry and Hermione.

“And you Hermione, and Harry?” She inquired giving each a concerned look and a warm motherly hug.

“Yes Mrs. Weasley we are okay,” Harry answered and he noticed Ginny’s head rise upon the hearing his voice. She had been seated at Fred’s feet her knees drawn up to her chest with her face buried in her arms. 

Their eyes met each full of sorrow and pain, but both brightened a bit when Ginny jumped to her feet and rushed over throwing her arms around Harry and burying her head in his chest as she began to sob. The Weasley family looked on with surprised expressions.

“Ginny love, I’m sorry.’’ Harry said as he firmly returned her embrace while running his hand through her hair and down her back and then back up. “I am so sorry I hurt you Ginny and your family…” Harry choked out.

“We can talk later Harry. Please just hold me for now.” Ginny cut in softly between sobs while holding onto Harry even tighter absorbing his warmth and the offered comfort.

The pair paid no attention to the Weasley family and Hermione who had watched the reunion closely yet each face was misted over and a soft smile had replaced the deep frowns that were there before. Everyone besides Ron and Hermione had been unaware of their previous relationship which appeared to have never ended. Each clinging to each other attempting to give everything to give comfort to the other while accepting the comfort the other offered.

Harry silently agreed with Ginny, they would have plenty of time to talk and that the only thing that mattered currently was that he was there for her and with her just as he had longed to be all year. They were together again and if Harry would have any say in the matter they’d be together forever if she’d have him. Harry then kissed the top of her head taking in the softness and the flowery scent of her hair that he had missed so much during his time away.

“I love you,” Harry whispered into Ginny’s ear as he closed his eyes trying to enjoy their embrace as silent tears fell from Harry onto Ginny’s ear, as he silently wept partially out of sadness for having hurt Ginny and partially out of happiness for having her in his arms again. How could I have ever left you? Harry asked himself.