Prologue:-

Harry stared around at the ruins of Hogwarts. People were running in all directions, helping the injured and removing the dead. Some walls of the castle were still crumbling as witches and wizards searched for people all over the castle.

He was glad he was wearing his Invisibility cloak. The past week had been a nightmare for him. Since his defeat of Voldemort, everyone wanted a piece of him. He'd had enough, he had nothing left to offer them. He knew he should probably be helping with the recovery and repair at Hogwarts, but his body and spirit needed time to recover from his ordeal.

To be truthful, he didn't really want to be around too many people right now. Even Ron and Hermione, his faithful companions and the best friends a guy could have. They been together non-stop these last few months, well, except when Ron had left them. He could see in their eyes the devastation that probably mirrored his own. Their health had suffered, and they, like him, were told not to do magic for at least a week. They were recovering at the Burrow, where Hermione was making plans to retrieve her parents from Australia.

First, however, was all the funerals to attend. Harry dreaded each and every one, knowing that the eyes of the Wizarding world were all on him. He just wanted to escape, be left alone. To ponder, and wonder. To recuperate and recover. To think about his future, a future he never dared to even dream about. Until his sixth year.

Till he realised he loved Ginny Weasley.

Which is why he'd broken up with her at Dumbledore's funeral.

She would never know how much thoughts of her had saved him on those long lonely nights. How looking at her little dot on the Marauders Map gave him hope. How, when Ron said he didn't have a family, it had ripped his heart open, for her image was the one that came to his mind. She was his family, and her family was his. How seeing her at Hogwarts prepared to fight had scared him, yet pushed him to succeed. He would do it for her, even if it meant giving up his own life so she could go on and have one of her own. The very fact that she was the last thing he saw before he 'died', showed him the depth of his love for her. And he had chosen to come back. For her.

She knew him so well. Even now, when he returned to the Burrow soon, he would disappear into the garden, find himself a little hiding place to be alone to think, or not to think. No matter what, she would find him, and somehow, she would know if he wanted to talk, to sit and say nothing, or just take his hand or lean on his shoulder. Harry didn't know how she did it. How did she know him so well; know what he needed? Not even he knew what he needed.

His mind was dealing with new information that had come to light. Information about his family. When he'd gone to Dumbledore's office to view Snape's dying memories, he'd not viewed them all at that time. In fact he'd remembered them only when Snape's body had been found and the Weasley's and Kingsley were deciding where to bury him.

He'd snuck back to Hogwarts to view the memories. It left him shaken, unable to believe what he saw. In a matter of seconds, his whole life had just changed was angry, so angry that this had been kept from him, and now, those that knew, were all gone; dead. He had no-one to go to for help, for answers.

It was later that night, after tea and talks of the upcoming funerals that Harry decided he needed to get away. Far, far away. Far away from Harry Potter, Saviour of the Wizarding World. He didn't deserve to go to these funerals, it was because of him that these people had died. Colin, Remus and Tonks, Fred. The list went on and on.

He went to his borrowed room at the Burrow, making plans. He'd need to go to Gringotts to take out money, probably wearing his invisibilty cloak. He'd need to leave a letter, explaining his departure, for who knew how long he'd be away. He couldn't ask them to accompany him. Molly needed all her children close right now, and Hermione was already planning to find her parents. No, he needed to do this himself.

It was nearly eleven and the Burrow was silent. Harry went to the loo, and came out. His hearing had picked up a noise, and he went to investigate. Standing outside Ginny's bedroom door he heard her muffled crying. With a heavy heart, he went inside.

He offered her the comfort she had given him. Held her as she cried for her brother, knowing their family would never be the same. He longed to tell her he was leaving, but he dare not. She would want to come with him and he was too weak to tell her no this time.

Words of comfort became lips seeking lips. It had been so long since they had kissed, and now, they couldn't get enough. Without even thinking it, Harry touched her in places he had longed to do for so long, and so did she. Lost in grief and seeking comfort only their bodies could give, Harry and Ginny made love. The first time was over quickly, too quickly for them. They both needed more. The dance began again, and as Harry thrust into her body he looked down at her upturned face. Her eyes blazed for him, offering him comfort, love and hope.

All the things Harry didn't think he deserved.

He left her sleeping, then went back to his room, gathered his belongings, including the letter he had written in a hurry. He tacked on a message for Ginny at the bottom, hating himself as he wrote it. Casting a Muffliato spell on his feet, he went downstairs, and without looking back, he went to the Burrow's Apparition point. Only then did he glance back, to a bedrooom near the top of the house he could have called home. Where the witch he loved slept, unaware of how her future was about to be changed.

Then, before he could change his mind, Harry Apparated away from the Burrow.

Seven Years Later-

Ginny rolled over in bed, glancing at the clock. She groaned. Whoever was knocking on her door this late at night better have a bloody good reason for it. She had just returned to Ireland from Australia a few hours ago, and the time difference was playing hell with her body clock. She was taking advantage of some rare alone time to catch up, even sleeping in the morning. This was a luxury she rarely had.

The insistent knocking continued. It was probably Seamus, checking on her. She'd sent her Patronus to him, letting him know she was back. He ran a bar, 'Finnegan's!', and lived in the flat above it. She lived in a cottage just down the road from him.

"Seamus, this better be bloody good," she cursed as she flung the door open. Only it wasn't Seamus Finnegan who stood there.

"Hello Ginny."

Ginny opened her mouth to reply but nothing came out. Standing there was the last person she expected to see.

"May I come in?" he asked politely.

Ginny hesitated, then stood aside to allow him entry. Harry paused, noting her hesitation. He tampered down the hurt, but he really shouldn't be surprised. He walked inside.

He looked around her small cottage with interest as he walked in. Ginny slowly shut the door, trying to gather her thoughts before she faced him again. She took a deep breath and turned.

"You were expecting Seamus? Seamus Finnegan?" asked Harry, his eyes narrowing.

Ginny nodded. "I've been away for work and he's kept an eye on the place. I thought it was him popping in to check up on me."

"It's after ten at night. Does he usually 'pop' over that late?" asked Harry stiffly.

Ginny looked at him. "Seamus is always welcome," she said. Her tone was clear. Seamus may be welcome but he wasn't.

"I see," he said. He gestured to her window. "May I?"

Ginny nodded and he opened it. He looked out then back around the room. "Nice place," he said.

"Why are you here?" she asked him, ignoring his comment.

"Straight to the point, hey Gin," said Harry, stuffing his hands in his pocket.

"It's been seven years, Harry. I don't think we have much to say to each other, do we?" she asked.

Harry arched his eyebrows. "No 'hi, how are you?', Gin?"

She quirked her eyebrow. "Would you tell me honestly if I asked where you've been, what you've been doing?" At Harry's shameful look she sighed. "Thought not. So, just tell me why you're here then you can go."

"You live here alone?" he asked, looking around.

Ginny hesitated. "Why?"

He swung around, and saw her bite her bottom lip. His eyes focused on that. That bottom lip had caused him a lot of anguish in his sixth year. He knew when she bit it like she was doing now, she was undecided about something.

"Harry," she said, her tone letting him know she was running out of patience.

"I came to ask you a favour," said Harry, finally. He walked around the room, picking up knick nacks, but really just noting the layout of her place. The place was clean and tidy, and a suitcase lay open, with her clothes and things inside. It confirmed her story, but he got the feeling she was holding something back.

"Really," drawled Ginny, seemingly amused. "After seven years you came to ask me a favour. I can't wait to hear it."

Harry tried to ignore her sarcasm, and tried to keep his temper. Time was of the essence. He had to get out of here before he was traced. This was no time to tell her he missed her, had dreamed of her, wanted her, wanted to tell her everything.

"I'd like you to look after a...package for me. Should only take a week or so. Please," he said, trying to come across as nonchalant, when truthfully, his heart was racing.

"A package? You want me to look after a package for you?" asked Ginny in amusement.

Harry nodded, taking out his wallet."I can pay you for your trouble." He began counting out money.

"Stop it. You know what you can do with your money," said Ginny, shrilly. She'd been horrified when he'd got out of his wallet. "Why me?"

Harry lay some money down on a table. "There's no-one I trust more than you with this," he said truthfully.

"Where have you been all these years?" demanded Ginny.

"America," said Harry, again, truthfully.

"So, where's this package?" asked Ginny. "Let's see it."

"It will only appear after I'm gone," said Harry. "Ginny, this is...so important. The most important thing to me."

Ginny felt a pang. 'Lucky package', she thought. "So, what do I have to do? Hide it, Disilluision it?"

"If it were that simple, I'd keep it myself. No, I think it will be very self explantory what you should do with it. Look Gin, I've already stayed too long. I have to go now, or risk being traced."

"Traced? There's people after you?" asked Ginny, suddenly worried.

Harry nodded. "I'm sure they won't think to look for me here. I mean, Ireland? Why, Ginny?"

Ginny sighed. "It's a long story. One you obviously don't have time for. Go. Just go. I'll watch your damn package for a week. One week, Harry. Then I'm tossing it out that window."

"Bet you don't" smirked Harry. He walked to the door and she followed him.

"GOODBYE. I'LL SEE YOU SOON,"he said loudly.

"Merlin Harry, did you have to shout? I'm right here, and for someone who thinks they may be traced you're making it easy for them to find you," said Ginny, grimacing. "I do have neighbours, you know." One of who was away at the moment, but Harry didn't need to know that.

Harry was riveted on a spot just over her shoulder. "I'm going, I'm going. Thanks, Gin. I can't tell you what this means to me."

"Hmpf," huffed Ginny. "Just something else you can't tell me. I'll add it to the list."

Harry smiled. She was still as feisty as ever."Thank you, Gin. Really."

Ginny swallowed at his softer tone. "One week, Harry."

He took a step toward her, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Merlin, she still smelled the same. "You've grown up to be a beautiful woman, Ginny." His voice and gaze were tender. "I've missed you." His hand ran from her hair down her cheek.

Ginny felt her knees quivering. Harry had gotten better with age, too, although he was still too thin. Come to think of it, he reminded Ginny of when she had first saw Sirius. You could see his body was once muscular, but had lost weight. A lot of weight. Harry seemed the same.

"I'll be in touch soon," he said, his eyes on her lips. She nodded, and he lifted his eyes to hers. She stifled a gasp at the darkened emerald green that burned into hers. She had only seen his eyes look like that once. The night they'd made love.

"I have to go," he said, huskily.

"So go," said Ginny, making him chuckle.

"Still the same Ginny, not taking shit from anyone," he said.

Ginny stepped back. "No. I'm not the same Ginny. I couldn't be, not after you left." She put her arms around her waist as if to shield herself.

Harry looked at his watch. "Damn! Gin, one day I will explain everything. For now, I-"

"Yeah, yeah, you really have to go. I get it. Go, already. Let me get back to sleep," said Ginny, feeling shitty. She knew that she wouldn't be able to sleep after he'd gone.

"I'm sorry," said Harry. "Really." He opened the door and went, shutting it behind him.

Ginny placed her hand on the closed door. She bowed her head. "Bye, Harry," she said, softly. She took out her wand and secured the door with the strongest shield and locking charms she knew. Now, to find this mysterious package.

She turned around and started in fright, drawing her wand. "What the-who are you?"

A little girl threw something out the window, then looked out after it. She waved sadly, before turning back to Ginny. Ginny guessed she was about four or five. Her emerald green eyes studied Ginny before she replied.

"I'm Wuby. Papa said I was staying wiv you for a while," she said bravely, her chin tilted as if in defiance.

"Oh, shit," exclaimed Ginny, unable to believe her ears.

Harry had left his daughter with her.