A/N: Yes, yes, yes. Sorry as usual for our horrendous updating habits. In our defense, crazzyredhead has three jobs and Wooster has two jobs and both of us have college to deal with. So…yeah. Anyway, here it is! The final chapter of "Hope's Rebirth", the first installment of the Hope Sequence. Enjoy. Notes on what's coming up are in the ridiculously long post-chappie A/N, so please read it!

Chapter 7

In Which a Hero Returns

Had Ronald Weasley taken a moment to think about it, he would trace the source of his large grin to the fact that the bustling in the basement of 12 Grimmauld Place reminded him strongly of the Burrow. His Hermione in particular seemed to be channeling his mother, rushing about making a big breakfast for everyone, worrying that everything was ready to go, and now fussing over Harry. George had happily slipped back in the role of general nuisance and was sneaking in smart-arse remarks between her instructions.

"Now Harry, make sure you remember to start up the D.A. right away."

"…did you pack extra pants? I know you always forget to pack extra undies…"

"And careful with those Quidditch moves, I don't know how many years you took off my life with careless stunts…"

"…make sure you wear two sweaters and a winter cloak. Those Scottish winters are brutal and we can't have you catching cold!"

"Don't you dare let Dumbledore anywhere near that damned ring."

"…make sure you write me letters every day! I don't care if your friends make fun of you I want to know my ickle Harrykins is safe."

"And finally, don't forget to have fun and if you say one more word George Weasley I will personally bake you into a pie!"

"Aye, aye Mrs. Lovett ma'am."

Harry clutched at his ribs, breathless with laughter. Ron and Ginny simply looked on fondly as Hermione punched George in the arm, which he responded to by clutching it and howling. For a brief, shining moment, the room rang with laughter. Finally, Harry pulled himself together and straightened up.

"I won't forget 'Mione. I won't forget anything. Thank you." He ran forward and gave her a hug. She hugged him back and promptly burst into tears. Ron rolled his eyes as he dragged his inconsolable wife away. "I swear, she's turning into my mum more and more with each passing day," he griped. He put her to work "double checking" (for the fiftieth time) the runes etched onto the floor for the return magic and quickly returned. "But seriously, Harry, good luck and all that. I believe in you. Always have. And if you remember nothing else, remember this: you're a hero second, and my best friend first." He gave Harry a brief, but strong hug and went to go help his wife.

"Well I guess it's my turn then," George grinned. "Lots of mushy stuff and inspiring words yadda yadda yadda." His face turned serious for a second. "I'm proud of you kid. Couldn't be prouder."

"Thanks George," Harry smiled.

George cleared his throat and backed up, giving a wink to Ginny.

"Hey," Harry said.

"Hey," Ginny said.

An almighty crash shook the room and a feeling of deeply penetrating cold permeated the entire house. Everyone felt a horrible sense of doom as the wards fell and a cold high laughter sounded from above.

It was George who broke the silence.

"He's here. He's found us." He turned to the others. "You need to get him out of here. I'll hold him off. Get Harry back!!!" He turned and ran warding the basement door as he did. The others stared after him in horror before they quickly shoved Harry into the middle of the runic circle and arranged themselves at the three points of the inner triangle.

The three chanted even through the crashes of Voldemort and his death eaters battering the wards. They chanted through the horrible sounds of George dueling. They chanted as they heard him yell "Fred" as his life was carried away in a whoosh of green light. And as Harry vanished, the last thing he heard was Voldemort's shocked cry of "Harry Potter!" and the last thing he saw was Ginny's warm smile and nod.

(12 years, 11 months earlier)

Harry Potter had been missing for a month. In that time, the wizarding world had rallied against the Minister, sparking a vote of no confidence. Defense was on everyone's mind. The Order was working overtime trying to prepare for the eventuality of fighting You-Know-Who without the aid of the Chosen One. Dumbledore himself took time off from his headmaster duties to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts personally.

Harry Potter had been missing for a month. And then, in the middle of fourth year Gryffindor DADA, he returned. In a flash of light. Right on top of Ginevra Molly Weasley.

"Hello, love!" He said with a grin, and kissed the shocked redhead straight on the mouth as the class erupted into pandemonium.

A/N 2: IMPORTANT SEQUEL INFO!

So, there you have it: the end of our first story in the Hope Sequence. Here's what's going on sequel-wise. The next installment in the Sequence is a one-shot dealing with what happened after Harry left the alternate future (because, if you'll remember, it's a separate reality from Harry's and will not be affected by his changing the past.) It will be entitled "Hope's Repercussions". Following that will be the official second story of the Sequence, which will be entitled "Hope's Return" and will continue from where this story left off. It will have a more light-hearted, action-adventure feel to it than "Hope's Rebirth" and will include humorous H/G fluff, prank-wars, an independent Harry who will exhibit some of his Slytherin side and LOTS of flashbacks that will allow you to see the training he underwent in the future. It will in all likelihood be much longer than this story, which was essentially set-up for it. We're looking forward to it, and we hope you are too. With love, crazzyredhead and Wooster.

A/N3: Also, crazzyredhead would like to note that for readers of her other stories, she will be updating the HP ones (not the xover) soon!