Epilogue

Okay, so here is the last chapter. Hope it was how you wanted it ended.

As always, these characters do not belong to me

Two Months Later

Harry couldn't help but watch as Ginny shifted in her sleep, again. He smiled at her, knowing she was oblivious to his presence. He sat down beside her on the bed, gently placing his hand on her shoulder. She moaned and rolled away from his grasp.

'Had a late night, did we?' Harry asked innocently.

Ginny grunted and Harry smirked. He knew exactly how big of a night she had considering her team had an impressive win against their rivalry team. Harry himself had received several phone calls in the early hours of the morning, begging him to come over and see her at her new fancy apartment in the middle of town, even though he was there when she had purchased it weeks ago. He had arrived in time to carry her from the floor of the living room to her bed, dodge some (but not all) of her attempts to kiss him, listen as she replayed her night in-between sips of water he made her drink and then fall asleep when she had all but collapsed on top of his chest, preventing him from leaving.

Harry was happy that she was getting out and enjoying herself again instead of watching him struggle with the outcome of the events two months ago. The nightmares had become rare occurrences in recent days as did the stomach cramps from his overpowering guilt. After he was admitted in hospital and induced for a day to let his wounds heal, Kinsley Shacklebolt, the now spokesperson for the Order and high government official, had come to visit him, informing Harry that they had lost fifty people in the fight. Ron and Hermione were there, as was Ginny when Harry started crying at the news. It took three more days in hospital before Harry spoke to anyone or responded to the doctor's enquiries. Ginny had tried to stay by his side but after a rather heated argument with her mother, they agreed the family member's would take it in turns to sit with Harry so Ginny could get some rest also.

He was released from hospital a week after he was admitted and with no home of his own, stayed under the constant eyes of Hermione and Ron. Ron attended negotiations with the government and Order on Harry's behalf. Harry was brought in just as the deals were finalised but even then, Harry had felt a hollowness that should not have been there. Ginny had sold the house and her old apartment for more than what they were worth and bought another one in secret. It turned out that being infamous places meant nearly everyone wanted it.

Both Harry and Ginny copped an excessive amount of publicity from their abduction and victory and had to spend most of their time dodging the cameras. It meant they were unable to see each other very much and it increased Harry's level of depression. When she was around, Ginny encouraged him to talk to somebody about his issues which meant their time together was limited to one or two hours every odd day. He had to reluctantly agree to the counsellor's assistance in getting him back on his feet. He was slowly returning to his original self, smiling more; even managing to laugh.

Ginny had returned to her team even though the finals had been cancelled due to the fight. She trained excessively, explaining it was her way of working out her demons. The other teams decided to have a friendly knock-out carnival in honour of those who had fought and died for the cause of overturning the oppression. Ginny's team was doing impressively well; only needed one more win to make the final. Harry had gone to watch every game, although he never went as himself. After telling Ron and Hermione everything about his time in hiding, except for him and Ginny being together, Hermione was the one who suggested he got out and watched her play.

With the twins' creativity, Harry had four different identities and was able to roam around freely in public. Within the past two weeks, Harry had become yesterday's news after they realised being hunted for years, he had learned to vanish from the public eye. They had turned their attention to Ginny. Not that she minded, although the rumours circulated about her 'off the rails' partying and several different boyfriends had concerned her parents and brothers. In truth, she had only one boyfriend but his ability to change his identity for the public had everyone confused. Ginny assured her parents that she did have just the one guy in her life and they adamantly requested he was introduced to them. It so happened that the particular day of meeting was the one after Ginny's quarter finals.

'We're pretty lucky I still had some clothes here from my last visit, otherwise I wouldn't be wearing much to my big, 'meet and greet' with your parents today,' Harry continued, kissing her cheek. He trailed kisses along the exposed skin of her face and neck. She sighed in pleasure, smiling at the contact but then seemed to realise what he was doing and frowned, pushing him away.

'Harry,' she said groggily. 'I'm not in the mood.'

'You were last night,' Harry teased. His fingers traced up and down her bare arm to the beginning of her singlet. 'Do you want me to jog your memory?'

'Harry,' she repeated, annoyed. 'Let me sleep.'

'Alright,' he sighed dramatically. He sat up and then leant back down to whisper in her ear. 'Before you go back to sleep, I just want to let you know that your parents are expecting us in an hour.'

Ginny's eyes snapped open. 'WHAT?' she yelled at him.

He shrugged and gestured to the clock, a grin from ear to ear. She shot up from the bed when she saw he wasn't lying, flying into the ensuite bathroom quicker than what Harry thought was possible. Harry chuckled to himself, sitting on the edge of the bed, fixing up his shoes.

'Why didn't you wake me earlier?' Ginny screamed from the bathroom. 'You know it takes forty minutes to get there from here.'

'I don't think showing up drunk to your parent's house would be a good sign, do you?' Harry replied calmly. 'Besides, it doesn't take you that long to get ready.'

'I can't believe you, Harry,' she seethed. 'When this is over I am going to strangle you.'

Harry laughed nervously. 'Well, you might want to get in line because I am sure your brothers might attempt it first.'

'What are you talking about?' she exasperated.

Harry clenched his hands that were resting on his thighs. 'You know what I mean,' he said quietly.

Ginny poked her head around the corner, one of her eyes still smudged with eyeliner and mascara. The anger had left her face. She looked intrigued, her eyes softening when Harry finally found the courage to look at her. His earlier, playful banter was gone, replaced with his true feelings.

'You're nervous,' Ginny stated.

Harry stared at the edge of the bed, silent. He thought the expression on his face was answer enough. He heard Ginny move back into the bathroom. He sighed, running his hands through his hair. He stood, shaking out his agitation. He was fiddling with his glasses on his nose when Ginny came back out, dressed in dark skinny jeans and a tanned turtleneck sweater. The makeup was gone from her face and her hair was still loose around her face. She walked over to him, taking one of his hands.

'Harry, they already love you. I mean, I'm pretty sure Mum already thinks of you as part of the family. She will be thrilled, they all will.'

'This is different,' Harry blurted out before composing. 'I mean, they might have thought that but they surely won't when they realise I have been sleeping with you. I'll be Weasley enemy number one for tainting you.'

'Tainting me?' Ginny scoffed. 'Is that what you think?'

'Of course not,' Harry said quickly. 'But they will and I –.'

Ginny stopped him with a kiss. 'I don't care what they think. I'm tired of lying and sneaking around. Aren't you?'

'Yes, but –.'

'But nothing. We'll deal with them. Together.'

'Together,' Harry repeated quietly.

Ginny smiled at him and he couldn't help but smile back. She kissed him again, placing her arms around his waist. His hands went around her back, tracing the line of her spine as their kiss deepened. It was in these moments that Harry realised just how much he needed Ginny. If it wasn't for her, he didn't know if he would have started to overcome his guilt and depression. Ginny stopped moving and Harry felt her eyes pull together in a frown. Her hands at the small of his back gripped his shirt and then let go, resting against it. He pulled away to see her look down at his clothes and then back to him, confused.

'What on earth are you wearing?'

Harry looked down too, confused as much as Ginny was. He was wearing a white buttoned down shirt with black slacks, his black loafers shining after being polished. He didn't understand what the problem was until he gazed up and into the mirror. Short of the tie and coat, Harry appeared to be wearing a suit.

'Too much?' he asked innocently, facing Ginny.

'Just a bit,' Ginny said, stifling a laugh. 'We're going to lunch not a formal sit down. Change the colour of your shirt to a simple navy blue or black one and wear that V-necked sweater you left here for me. Jeans will do nicely and your sneakers are fine.'

'Sorry for wanting to make a good impression,' Harry muttered, untucking his shirt and undoing his belt.

'You don't need to, Harry,' Ginny consoled, going back into the bathroom.

'I think this is just a ruse to get me out of my pants,' Harry called out as his pants dropped to the ground.

'No, that's for after this drama.'

Harry shivered and not only because he was standing in the room in his briefs. He searched the room for his spare jeans, found them in the small section that was his in her walk-in wardrobe. He pulled them on; leaving the top loose while he unbuttoned his shirt. He skimmed the wardrobe for his sneakers and when he came up empty, grabbed his shirt and sweater, bringing them back out to the bedroom. He took off his shirt, fixed his jeans and then proceeded to find his sneakers.

'Ginny, have you seen my sneakers?' he called out after combing the room, his shirt still in his hand. After a few minutes, he still hadn't heard a reply from Ginny. 'Gin? He called out again. 'Gin, wha –.'

Harry turned towards the bathroom to find Ginny ready and dressed, leaning against the doorway. Her arms were crossed but her expression was one of sadness. Her eyes were on Harry but glazed over, her mind back on something that was troubling her. He threw the shirt over his head, fixing his glasses when they became loose and dropped the sweater back on the bed as he walked over to her. Once he placed his hands on her arms she focused back on him, giving him a small smile.

'Sorry,' she said softly. 'The scars … Caught me off guard.'

Harry said nothing but simply pulled her into his arms. Most of the cuts on Harry's back had healed and faded thanks to Dennis and the remedy he stole but the deeper lacerations were more pronounced. Harry had accepted the scars and even though he had insistently assured her that it wasn't her fault, Ginny struggled with her guilt. Harry had thought it was getting easier but sometimes he was reminded how much Riddle and his Death Eaters had affected her.

'I'm okay,' Ginny murmured against his shoulder. 'I'm okay,' she repeated louder, pulling away to smile at him. She rested her hand on his cheek when he appeared unconvinced. 'We're going to be late.'

'Are you sure you're alright?' Harry asked, grabbing his sweater before getting pulled out of the bedroom by his hand.

Ginny stopped, turned, gave him a quick peck, grinned and continued to lead him to the door. Harry pulled her against him as they walked, wrapping his arms around her waist. She laughed as he peppered her neck with kisses until they reached the door where Harry's sneakers were waiting for him.

Dennis met them in the lobby, nodding in greeting. Dennis had a rough time after Riddle was dead. The government insisted he was a Death Eater spy and he was arrested. He had to wait in a prison holding cell until Harry, who heard through Ron, left his hospital bed without clearance and demanded he was released with a pardon to everything. Harry wasn't sure if Ginny or Hermione was more furious with his hospital escape but he got what he wanted for Dennis. Trials were had for Death Eaters who were captured and arrested on site. Dennis testified to their involvement.

Harry, who feared for Dennis' safety after numerous threats were made against him, insisted he stayed close to Harry and a couple other Order members while the trial continued. He reluctantly agreed and was safe for the remainder of the trial. Afterwards, Dennis realised he needed find a job. Being an ex-Death Eater didn't sit well with a lot of employers and it was around the time Harry and Ginny were being heavily followed by the media and fans. It was he who suggested Ginny have security with her and it was that job which he elected himself in. Dennis let her have privacy and only stuck close when she was out in public. It was a relief to both Harry and Ginny that Dennis had found something to do and was still under their watchful eye as much as they were under his.

Dennis escorted them to Harry's car, gave them another nod and left to find his car so he could trail behind them. Harry and Ginny were quiet as they drove, each consumed in their own thoughts. Ginny reached over and took Harry's hand in both of hers, holding it securely in her lap. He turned to smile at her, squeezing her hand. Harry guided the car up the familiar driveway twenty minutes later, the Weasley house standing proud and a little lopsided in the sunlight. Harry killed the engine and breathed out a shaky breath, looking at the house with trepidation.

'Stop panicking. It'll all work out fine,' Ginny encouraged, squeezing his hand again.

Harry just nodded, not trusting himself to speak. She kissed him on the cheek before she climbed out of the car. Harry followed suit, though much slower than her. He met her on the passenger side, glad to know his legs still worked even when his knees were shaking. She held his hand as they crossed the front yard. Harry grew reluctant with each step. His hand slipped from Ginny's a metre from the front door as he tried to convince himself not to turn around and sprint back to the car.

He didn't understand why he was getting so freaked out about the lunch. He had faced death, faced the most lethal villain he could imagine and yet he was about to have a panic attack meeting a family he called his own. Ginny had entered her childhood home, not realising Harry was lingering outside. He heard Mrs Weasley greet her daughter happily, saying nothing but words of love. There was another indistinct murmur of voices clattered together.

What was he doing? He shouldn't be afraid of them. They were his family, now more than ever. Was he really about to let overprotective brothers stand in his way of happiness after fighting so hard for it? Harry steeled his nerves and just as Mrs Weasley was inquiring about her boyfriend's absence, Harry walked through the door.

He almost collided with Ginny in his haste to get it over with. Ginny caught his eyes and smiled so radiantly Harry thought his heart might burst with emotion. He had been so caught up in his own nerves that he hadn't even begun to think that Ginny might be just as nervous as he was. It was that smile of happiness and relief that had made Harry fall in love with her. They were caught up staring at each other that they had forgotten they had an audience. Someone coughed and Harry blinked and looked into the room for the first time. Mr and Mrs Weasley were in the kitchen. George and Charlie were in the middle of a game of cards with Fred in the process of slipping George an extra card. Percy was reading in an armchair and Bill was on the phone, no doubt to Fleur. They had all stopped their activities and were now staring open-mouthed and shocked at Harry. Harry shifted uncomfortably and then found Ron and Hermione at the table. Hermione was grinning softly and Ron didn't seem angry at all. Harry dared to hope but then Ron broke the silence. It would have only have been about twenty seconds since Harry burst through the door.

'Harry!' Ron said in surprise. 'I didn't know you were invited. You're just in time, we were about to meet Ginny's new boyfriend. Did you see …'

Ron trailed off, flickering looks between Harry and Ginny. Harry stood a little to the side, hands rising in a placating gesture as they watched Ron work out what everyone else already had. Ginny didn't stand for that. She boldly grabbed his left hand, linking her fingers through his. Harry looked at her startled as she stayed defiantly at her brothers, mainly Ron.

Bill raised an eyebrow but remained silent. Charlie dropped the cards he was holding. Fred bent down to whisper something in George's ear and they both came up smirking at the pair of them. Harry thought he saw money exchange hands. Percy shrugged, already giving his approval to Harry but Harry was more concerned with Ron. Ron's face went pale, and then changed to red then purple in quick succession, his face upturning to a snarl. Harry tried to smile apologetically as Ron's eyes burned into Harry's.

'Ron, it's not what you think,' Harry said weakly. Harry released Ginny's hand and he saw Ginny's shoulders tense.

'She's my sister!' Ron exclaimed.

'Oh dear,' Hermione whispered.

'No. I mean, I know. Please, I didn't. I mean, it just … happened,' Harry tried to explain, fumbling over his words.

'Did you get bored, hiding out?' Ron scathed, rising from his chair. Hermione rose with him, shaking her head frantically at Harry. Ron took a step closer. 'Thought you would have some fun with her, toy with her heart then leave her facing Death Eaters on her own?'

'Of course not,' Harry snapped before he tried to calm down. 'I would never do that to Ginny.'

'You seduced my sister while you were hiding out with her!' Ron growled. Harry was losing confidence.

Ron rushed towards Harry. Hermione screamed out him to stop as did Mr and Mrs Weasley. Bill leapt forward too, whether to aide or hinder his youngest brother Harry wasn't sure. The twins' looked excited, Percy shocked and Charlie groaned. Harry stood there, arms still slightly raised. He didn't want to fight Ron and although he would rather not get attacked, he could see it would be inevitable. Ginny noticed that Harry wasn't going to defend himself and stood protectively in front of him. Bill got there a second afterward, wrapping his arms around Ron to prevent him from tackling her by mistake.

'Ron, stop!' Bill yelled at him.

'But he's … she's …' Ron panted, struggling to break free.

'He's your best friend,' Bill reminded him. 'And have you ever seen Ginny smile at someone the way she smiled at Harry when he walked through the door?'

After that comment, everyone started talking all at once.

'I don't –,' Ron started.

'Ron, please,' Hermione interjected, coming to Ron's side. 'Harry knew how angry you would be but he's happy. Harry tell him –.'

'Aw Bill! You cost me the bet!'

'Fred!' Mrs Weasley scolded.

'I knew someone would save Harry! Thanks Bill!'

'George!' Mr Weasley admonished.

'He certainly is better than the last bloke she was with,' Charlie murmured.

'And the one before that,' Fred added.

'And that,' George added also.

'Boys!' Mr and Mrs Weasley said together.

'Can we wrap this up?' Percy asked. 'I'm getting a headache.'

'Enough!' Ginny yelled, causing everyone to fall silent. She directed her next words at Ron, still standing protectively in front of Harry. 'You are such an idiot. Do you really think I would have fallen for some stupid seduction, Ron? Harry is not exactly the seducing type.'

'Gee, thanks,' Harry said dryly, but fell silent from Ginny's glare.

'I could see Harry struggling to ignore his feelings for me, even when he tried to hide it. He told me himself he shouldn't get involved with me but I wouldn't stand for that. When we were kidnapped he did everything he could to make sure I wasn't tortured or hurt or killed. Have you seen the scars on his back? He took all of them so I wouldn't have shared the same torture. Does that sound like Harry was using me for sex? Now, we finally have a chance to be together and I will not let you ruin it, Ronald. I am sick of us being apart.' She rounded onto Harry. 'Do you feel the same?'

Harry nodded, partly awed and partly frightened by Ginny's stand-off with her brother. 'Always,' he choked out. Ginny smiled at him.

'Good. Now, can my family have lunch with my boyfriend or are we going to have more drama?'

Silence followed Ginny's statement until Mrs. Weasley burst into tears. She was sobbing as she pulled Harry and Ginny into a hug. Harry found himself looking across to Hermione, no doubt looking as dumbfounded as he felt. Tears were in her eyes as she smiled back at him. Harry's eyes shifted to Ron. Bill had let go of him but Ron appeared to not have noticed. He was looking at Harry, his face unreadable. Harry raised his eyebrows in question. After a few seconds Ron rolled his eyes and nodded, giving his blessing to the both of them.

Mr Weasley pulled Mrs Weasley off of them, shaking Harry's hand. The rest of the Weasley's and Hermione took their seats at the table as lunch was served. The room was filled with laughs and friendly arguments on both sides, everyone going on as if they hadn't been a near scuffle minutes before. Fred and George kept things entertaining; particularly when they placed extra hot chilli pepper on Percy's chicken. Hermione and Ron were whispering things to each other, both smiling softly. Mrs Weasley was reprimanding the twins while Percy was washing his mouth in the bathroom. Bill and Mr Weasley were engaged in a conversation with Charlie interrupting every now and then.

Near the end of lunch, Ginny took Harry's hand under the table, forcing him to end his conversation with Charlie and face her. She was looking at him strangely and when he gave her a questioning look, she sighed, smiled and leant closer.

'Is this really what you want?' she murmured.

'I want to be with you,' Harry told her honestly, squeezing her hand. 'If that means I have to include your entire family, then that's what I will do.' He smiled at her. 'Nothing will keep me away, not now that I have found the thing I have been looking for. You.'

The End

Author's Note

I would like to thank everyone who has read, reviewed or marked this as one of their favourite FanFiction stories. It was certainly a ride for me, having not expected it to be as big as it was. To those who stuck with this story until the end, I owe a huge thank you to all of you. It's always encouraging for a writer to know you were curious enough to read it in its entirety, even if you didn't agree with the ending. I should also thank J.K Rowling. Without her characters, I would not have been inspired to write this story for them.

Thanks again, and look out for more of my stories in the future.

The Backupkid.