Chapter 1

Becoming Normal

Harry awoke from his slumber and sat up with a start, he was in his four-poster bed in Gryffindor Tower. He'd slept better and longer than he had in months. As soon as he had come up the stairs to his dormitory and seen the soft comfortable bed, it beckoned to him. It had been almost a year since he had seen it last and by then the impact of the last few days caught up with him. It felt so good to wake up well rested and in a familiar place. Obviously, Ron must have thought so as well, because Harry could hear him snoring loudly in his bed. He smiled as he put on his glasses and took in his surroundings.

Dean and Seamus were still asleep, but Neville must have woken up some time ago, since he was nowhere in sight. Harry groaned as he too got up. He shivered a bit as his feet touched the cold stone floor. He spied a set of clothes that had been set out for him at the foot of his bed. Harry grinned, 'Kreacher,' he thought. He picked up the clothes and made his way to the boy's dorm showers. As Harry walked, he felt in his pockets and took out his moleskin pouch, a very useful gift from Hagrid. He reached in and pulled out his newly repaired wand, noticing that there were two other wands still inside, Dumbledore's and Draco's. He would return Dumbledore's wand later, though, he didn't know what to do with Draco's wand.

Harry entered the shower room, closed the door, and doffed his dirty clothes. He had been wearing them for two whole days. They were ragged, with rips and tears all over. He noticed that there were some scorch marks on them as well. Harry vanished the clothes, he never wanted to see them again. After turning on the taps he stepped into the shower, letting the cool water soak down his aching back. As Harry scrubbed himself clean, he noticed all of the dirt and grime flowing down his legs before it swirled around and disappeared down the drain. Harry gingerly washed the sore areas of his body, noticing the damage of the last couple of days as he did so.

Harry dabbed at the burn marks up and down his arms from the cursed gold of the Lestranges vault. He delicately cleaned the cuts and scrapes on his hands and legs. He had acquired those from hours of holding onto the diamond hard scales of the Gringotts dragon as it flew across the countryside. Then there were his injuries from the battle itself. He had no idea where he had got them all, except the ones he had picked up from Voldemort.

He felt a painful stiffness in his joints from the torture he had suffered from the Cruciatus curse. He also noticed a rather large bruise on his chest, which hurt when he attempted to touch it. But the one injury that stood out the most to him was what the bruise surrounded. A small, lightning bolt shaped scar from where Voldemort had hit him with the Killing curse, which felt like it had been imbedded into his chest. Harry paused to look down at it, he noticed it was right over his heart. He didn't know what that meant.

He shook his head to clear his thoughts and then continued to wash himself. Once he was finished, Harry got dressed and looked in on his dormitory. Ron was still fast asleep, a small smile on his face. Harry wondered what Ron could be thinking about.

Almost as if he timed it, Ron muttered something in his sleep. It sounded like, 'Mione.' Harry clasped his hand to his mouth as he chuckled. Ron must have been happily remembering the kiss he and Hermione had shared during the battle. Harry laughed at the thought, it had taken a whole seven years, with a full war going on to get those two together. Maybe his two best friends could finally find some happiness, Harry thought to himself, and with the other no less. His thoughts soon drifted to his own happiness. Harry sighed. He knew what the key to that was, a certain redhead who he had foolishly broken up with almost a year ago. He just hoped she could forgive him.

Harry descended the stairs to the common room, only to find the place full of Weasley's. He hadn't known they were all staying at Hogwarts, but he should have figured as much. They were a very close family. The closest, Harry thought. He knew they would want to stay together at a time like this. He watched them all, crowded around the room.

Hermione and Neville were there as well. They were talking to Charlie, while Bill and Fleur stood nearby talking to Mr. Weasley. Harry's eyes sought George, the person who he thought had lost so much more than anyone else. He spotted George sitting on the sofa with a blank stare in his eyes. Mrs. Weasley, and surprisingly, Percy, sat on either side of him. Harry's heart reached out to him. He could not imagine what George must be going through. Harry watched him being held by his mother when his eyes found Ginny sitting beside them on the arm of the sofa.

Harry ached at the sight of her. He had longed to see her for so long. When he'd seen her before the battle in the Room of Requirement he had almost ran to her. Then he had remembered the danger she was in and wanted her to be as far away from him as possible. Now, as he watched her talking quietly to George, he realised how stupid he had been.

Ginny had been in constant danger at Hogwarts, but she still chose to fight back. She had helped to reform the D.A., and engaged in a rebellion against the Carrows. Ginny was a fighter, always had been. She was not the kind of person who could just sit idly by while others were in danger. During the battle, when he had asked her to leave the Room of Requirement and then come back, he should have known she wouldn't listen. There would have been no stopping her from entering the fray, especially when her whole family was fighting for their lives.

Harry now figured that she had only accepted his decision to stay away from her because it was for his own good, and not hers, as he had originally thought. Harry thought, at the time, he was being selfless, letting her go. Ginny had immediately accepted his decision and let him go without much of a fight. This made Harry wonder, maybe she had been the one who was selfless.

Harry took a deep breath and stepped out from the stairway, Hermione was the first one to notice him. "Harry," she called.

Harry pulled up as all eyes turned to him. He felt uncomfortable under such an intense gaze. He looked around and spotted Ginny. She began moving towards him, her expression hard to read. He braced himself for what was about to happen. Harry figured she would be angry, maybe even shout at him. He wouldn't blame her if she did. He deserved it for the way he had left things with her, he thought to himself.

Ginny stopped in front of him and stared into his eyes with a piercing gaze. Then, she reached forward and pulled him into a hug. His emotions were all over the place now. He felt the warm, comforting sensation of having her arms wrapped around him once more. Harry finally felt at ease and he fell into her soft, gentle embrace. He breathed in her scent. She smelled of that same flowery fragrance that she always did, the one that made his insides fill with happiness and contentment.

"Can we talk later," Harry whispered. He felt Ginny nod her head before she released him. Harry met her eyes and saw a light in them that he missed seeing. Her beautiful, deep, dark brown eyes showed him a range of emotions. Harry detected resolve, longing, and a small glimmer of hope all at the same time. He noticed that the feelings he was getting from Ginny, he was feeling in himself as well. Their gaze was finally broken by Mrs. Weasley, who had come over to give Harry one of her bone crushing hugs. She squeezed him tight and he winced at the pressure.

Mrs. Weasley immediately released him. "Oh my, I'm so sorry Harry."

"Don't worry Mrs. Weasley, I'm fine."

"Are you," she said, full of concern. "We can take you to Madam Pomphrey if-."

"No that's alright, I'm just sore is all," answered Harry.

"Alright, I'm so glad your safe." said Mrs. Weasley. She stepped back as her husband approached.

Harry stood there as Mr. Weasley came over and thankfully gave him a light, one-armed hug. "You did wonderfully Harry, your parents would be proud," he whispered.

Harry blushed under his praise, "Thank you Mr. Weasley," he said sadly. He thought back to his time in the forest, and the resurrection stone. 'They are,' he thought to himself.

Harry then received a kiss on both cheeks from Fleur, handshakes from Bill and Charlie, and a hug from Hermione. Before she could speak he said knowingly, "Ron's still asleep."

Hermione's face turned red. "I wasn't going to ask you about Ron, Harry," she said defensively.

Harry grinned, "Okay Hermione." She huffed at him and turned away, blushing as she did so.

Neville drifted over to him, "Hey Harry," he said.

"Hey Neville, said Harry. "You were brilliant," he told him.

Neville's cheeks turned red. "I just did what I thought you would've done Harry, that's all."

Harry smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "That's not all Neville. You were here all year, making sure everyone was safe. You're the one who got them all here and ready to fight. Don't forget, you're the one who killed the snake. No one could have done it better mate, including me," said Harry sincerely.

Neville cheeks became even more red, "Thanks Harry."

Harry grinned at him, "Anytime."

At last, as everyone began talking to one another once more, Harry came over to the sofa, and George. Ginny had taken back her spot on the armrest while her Mum got up to talk with Mr. Weasley. Percy noticed Harry coming closer, so he got up and shook his hand. After nodding towards him, Percy went to join his parents, allowing Harry to take the empty spot next to George.

"Hey George," Harry said softly. George didn't look at him, but remained silent. Harry had never seen him like this. He knew all of the Weasley's had tried their best to comfort George over the loss of Fred, but Harry also knew there was not much they could do. They were still his family, but they were not Fred. Harry looked on as George just sat, staring off into the distance, like he was searching for something that was not there. Harry didn't know what to do, there was nothing he could say to George that would make things any better. Harry glanced past him toward Ginny, looking for support, but she looked just as lost as he was.

She had a dejected look on her face, which told him that she had tried getting through to George, and received the same results. Harry tried getting him to talk, but he knew nobody could, because the only person George wanted to talk to, was Fred.

Harry looked sadly at Ginny and then at George. "That's alright George, we'll just sit here, you don't have to talk," he said.

Harry sat together with George for a while, just keeping him company and letting him know that he was there for him. George didn't seem to mind one way or the other. He remained unmoving, but Harry thought he sensed George's body relax a bit while he sat there in between him and Ginny. After about ten minutes, Bill and Charlie came over and smiled at them.

"Hey guys, why don't you let us sit with him for awhile, alright?" Bill asked.

Harry nodded, as did Ginny. She got up but Harry turned back to face George. "George, remember we're all here for you, okay. If you ever want to talk about anything, no matter how small, don't hesitate to ask," Harry said softly. He watched as George looked up and blinked at him, as if noticing that he was there for the first time. Harry felt encouraged by this. "I mean it George, anything. You can get through this. We can all get through this, together," Harry whispered.

He got up and George seemed to watch him as he walked away. Harry walked past Bill and Charlie, who smiled at him and patted his shoulder in thanks before sitting down next to their brother. Harry saw Ginny waiting next to the portrait hole and he made his way toward her.

He reached her and she pulled him into her arms once more. Harry relished in the contact, bringing her body closer to his. He felt as if Ginny was enveloping his body in warmth. They seemed to meld together. Her tiny figure fit so perfectly with him, he thought silently.

"Thank you for sitting with him Harry," Ginny whispered. "I've been so worried about him. George hasn't been talking to anyone. But he seemed to look better after you spent some time with him," she said softly in his ear.

"No problem, Ginny. I'd do anything to make George happy once again. He seems like he's shutting down." Ginny tensed against him. Harry gave her a reassuring squeeze. "But I know he'll come out of it soon enough. It's just too early to do anything about it."

"I hope so, I just hate seeing him like that. It just doesn't feel right."

"I know what you mean," Harry said sadly.

Ginny met his eyes, "We still have to have that talk."

Harry nodded at her, then he motioned out of the portrait hole. Ginny remembered the last time he had done that. It was right after they had kissed for the first time, in front of everyone in the common room. They had gone for a walk after and talked about so many things. It was then that Harry had finally revealed his feelings for her. It had been so amazing. Ginny hoped that this time, things would be similar.

No one called them back, so they exited the portrait hole and found the seventh floor corridor deserted. Harry and Ginny made their way through the castle, going all the way down to the first floor and into the Entrance Hall. On their way they couldn't help but notice all of the signs that a battle had been waged only a day earlier. There were broken windows, collapsed walls, and missing statues everywhere.

They found it odd to see empty paintings lining the walls, their occupants had long since fled to the safety of their neighbours elsewhere in the castle. They both knew there must be repairs going on because they had just used the mended staircases, though they had remained unmoving. The great oak doors were open for all once again, which meant the wards around the school must have been restored.

They looked into The Great Hall, it was still being fixed up by the house elves as they worked relentlessly. It would only be a few hours before lunch Harry thought. He wondered if the elves were getting the Hall ready to feed those still staying in the castle.

"They must be getting everything ready for lunch," said Ginny, reading his mind.

"Do you think they need help?"

"Yes, but do they want it?" Ginny countered. "We tried to offer our help earlier but they refused, they said we wouldn't know what to do anyways. I can't believe they are trying to fix everything all by themselves. Hermione was really upset about it."

Harry nodded but still walked over to the doors of the Great Hall. He looked in and spotted his house elf, Kreacher. He made his way over to him. "Kreacher," he said happily.

Kreacher looked up from his work, "Master Harry," he said bowing. "It is good seeing you well rested Master. Kreacher is bringing you clothes after you is falling asleep."

"Thank you, Kreacher, I'm glad your safe," Harry said. "Do you and the other elves need any help?"

"Master is too kind to Kreacher. No, Kreacher is not needing your help Master. Kreacher and the Hogwarts elves is working to make everything right again. Tis a tribute to all the elves who died serving the castle," Kreacher croaked proudly.

Harry nodded, a bit solemnly. "I understand Kreacher. I think that's wonderful. Please make sure you don't work yourself too hard will you? he asked.

Kreacher bowed again, the necklace Harry gave him, which had once belonged to Regulus Black, dangled brightly from around his neck. "Kreacher will make sure," he said, before immediately getting back to work.

Harry walked away toward the Hall entrance and back to Ginny. The school elves watched him as he walked, they stared at him in awe. As they all beamed at him, Harry was reminded of Dobby, and his large eyes the size of tennis balls. He almost became choked up. Ginny noticed this, she stepped forward and hugged him once again.

"What's wrong Harry," Ginny asked as she stroked his hair.

"The elves. They all died to protect the castle and everyone in it," Harry whispered in her ear. "But they didn't have to."

"I know Harry," she said softly. "They all love to serve more than anything in the world. It's like their deepest desire in life is to serve their 'Master' and make them happy," Ginny said sadly. She gave him a comforting squeeze, "Hermione told me about Dobby, Harry. I'm so sorry."

Harry let out a deep breath. "He saved our lives. He was such a good elf. He was so happy to be free. I just wish they all wanted to be. Kreacher would be devastated if I set him free."

Ginny held him closer. "He's much better then when I met him before. What happened?" she asked curiously.

"Hermione," Harry said simply. "She was right, we just needed to be kind to him. He's been used to brutal treatment from Wizards for years. Once we were kind to him, we started to understand him more. He was all alone for so long, he just wanted someone to take care of again. I think he finally got that chance last year when we stayed at Grimmauld Place," he stated. "It seemed to be good for him."

Ginny nodded. "Sometimes I think my Mum's the same way. She loves having people to fuss over and take care of."

"Yeah, they actually have a few things in common," he added. Ginny stared at him. "Kreacher's a really good cook too," Harry explained.

Ginny chuckled. They made their way outside onto the grounds. Ginny wondered if he would continue the conversation but he didn't. She sighed and continued on, letting him lead the way. They had nearly arrived at their destination before Ginny finally realised where he was taking her.

They were heading for the beech tree by the lake. During the end of their sixth year, that had become their 'spot.' It was their one place to be alone, away from all of the distractions in their lives, where nothing mattered except being with each other. Ginny smiled at the memory as Harry sat down against the tree. She sat facing him.

Harry saw her smiling and couldn't help but smile back. She looked happier now that they were outside and alone, rather than cooped up inside the castle. He had thought she would have been angry at him, but she was hugging him and seemed at ease in his presence. He hoped this was a good sign.

Ginny saw Harry smile back at her, he seemed different somehow, she thought. She wondered what that meant. The war had changed him, Harry had gone through such a long, dangerous journey. But he had come out alive. He had been through so much to get to this point, and Ginny thought he seemed, there was no other word for it, happy.

Ginny was ecstatic for him, he finally had a chance to live his life. He had the chance to grow up, and be free from the shadows of death. Although his past would always haunt him, with Voldemort gone, his future finally looked bright.

However, even though Ginny felt happy, sitting across from him, she couldn't help but feel nervous as well. The realization that Harry had changed, caused her to worry that maybe his feelings for her might have changed as well. Harry appeared to be enjoying himself, sitting across from her, but Ginny couldn't prevent the feelings of doubt that crept into her mind.

They had been apart for the better part of a year. She hadn't heard much about what he had been through in his year on the run, and that only served to escalate her fears. Harry might want different things now, his feelings might have changed. Maybe he wouldn't want her anymore, she thought horribly. Ginny desperately hoped that she was wrong. Because even if she tried, she could never change the way she felt about him.

Harry noticed her growing concern, he leaned forward, putting his hand on her knee. "Ginny?"

She bit her lip and looked away, trying to make sure Harry wouldn't see her like this. She was usually very confident in herself, but now, for some reason she was feeling quite insecure. Ginny tried to calm her nerves and slowly turned her head to face him, suddenly feeling very vulnerable.

Harry looked into her eyes, "Ginny," he said softly, taking her hand. He looked thoughtful. "I've never been the best at saying what I feel, but I want to try," Harry said nervously. He was about to pour his heart out to her, exposing the feelings that he had always kept to himself. He just hoped that whatever he was feeling for her, she felt for him as well.

"I've never felt anything like this before. When I'm with you, even sitting across from you right now, I feel happier than I've ever felt in my entire life." Harry lifted her chin with his hand, "I look at you, and I see beauty beyond words," he told her. Ginny blushed deeply, her gaze never leaving his. "You are so wonderful, I can tell you everything, my hopes, my fears, my dreams. I've never had any idea what my life would be like after Voldemort. I never even thought I would get this far. I have a future now Ginny, and-," Harry paused, "I'm hoping you still want to be a part of it. I still can't believe someone as good as you ever came into my life," Harry said truthfully. Ginny's breath hitched, but she remained silent as he continued.

"My life has always been a huge struggle, as you know," he said, trying to add a little humour. "But being with you, I don't know how to describe it Ginny, you make my life so much brighter. Being with you is the easiest thing in the world. I don't even have to think about it sometimes. You are just so perfect it makes my head spin," Harry said.

Ginny held her hands to her face as he spoke. She was very close to tears but Harry carried on.

"Ginny, you are the most amazing person I have ever met. I smile every time I think of you. I can't look into your eyes, without feeling something stir inside me. When we were apart, I longed to be with you. I used to stare at your dot on the Marauders map, and hope that you were okay," Harry said blushing. Ginny froze and her face flushed as she realised that he had been watching over her, even on the run.

Harry didn't seem to notice as he spoke again. "It drove me crazy Ginny, not being able to see you. I want you with me, I never stopped wanting," Harry finished, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. He felt like his emotions were to be pouring out of him.

Ginny was overwhelmed. She was trembling from the power of Harry's words. He was saying things to her that she had only ever dreamed he would say. He was returning the feelings she had felt for him since before she could remember. Ginny couldn't believe it. She was nearly hyperventilating from the waves of emotion that were flowing through her. Her breathing was becoming ragged as she tried to find her voice.

"Harry, I-, I feel the same way," Ginny spluttered. Her voice quivered as she struggled to find the words. She tried to calm herself. She had to say something to him, tell him everything she was feeling. Why hadn't she gone first! Finally after taking a few seconds to regain her composure, Ginny spoke more fluidly.

"I want to be with you too Harry. There's nothing I've wanted more. The time we spent together last year, those are the best moments of my life. I felt so happy and alive then. I never wanted it to end," she said firmly. "I was so devastated when you left, but it gave me comfort that I knew you didn't want to do it. I just hoped you would come back to me," Ginny said, though now her eyes were filling with tears. She almost never cried, especially in front of people, but being here now with Harry, she just couldn't help it. She could tell he was close to tears as well, which somehow made it better. His unwavering presence and the way he was still holding her hand, softly caressing it with his thumb, made her feel at ease.

She wiped her tears and pressed on, "Harry, I've missed you so much. I can't stand not being with you. I've hated not being able to hold you, touch you, kiss you. I, I-," Ginny stopped. She couldn't hold back any longer. She needed him. He must have been feeling the same way, because he leaned forward, his face moving close to hers. Ginny closed the distance, until finally, after an eternity, their lips met.

They kissed, softly at first, before Harry's hands snaked up her back and he pulled her toward him. Ginny responded by wrapping her arms around his neck, all the while relishing in the feeling of being with him again, at long last. She kissed him back with all the force and passion she could muster. Harry's hands found their way to her hair and she moaned against his mouth. She pushed forward and ended up on top of him. Ginny looked down into the most beautiful pair of green eyes she had ever seen.

He was gazing up at her with the most wonderful look. His twinkling emerald eyes seemed to stare right through her. They were full of desire, admiration, and something else Ginny could not tell. He had a big, sloppy grin on his face. She smiled, this was Harry, her Harry. The one she couldn't get enough of, the one she had been yearning for all year.

Harry stared up at Ginny. Her hair fell down to his face and it tickled his cheeks. It seemed to cover them both in a fiery red curtain. Harry reached up with his hand and cupped her cheek, she leaned into his touch. He pulled her head down softly until they were inches from each other. "Ginny," he breathed.

"Harry," she whispered. Then Ginny brought her lips down to his and kissed him tenderly. Her tongue sought entrance to Harry's mouth and when she whimpered his lips parted. She immediately slipped her tongue in and soon found it dancing with Harry's. They kissed passionately, and Harry groaned out loud in pleasure. Ginny found it very erotic and she moaned when Harry deftly flipped her over and began to trail kisses down the line of her neck. She bit her lip when he nibbled at her skin and then her hands fisted in his hair. She loved the feel of his unruly locks softly running through her fingers.

Harry couldn't believe everything Ginny was making him feel. She had her hands in his hair and it was making him dizzy, in a good way. Her body was pressed under him and he could feel heat radiating between them. The sensations it was causing him made him blush. Ginny's face was flushed and her eyes were the darkest he had ever seen them. She looked gorgeous! He fiercely kissed her and she responded cheerfully, even purring against his lips. Harry couldn't fathom ever hearing a more wonderful sound. He ravished her lips, they tasted wonderful and he nearly lost himself in them.

Ginny couldn't get close enough to him. Harry had her pinned to the ground, yet she felt a calmness, letting him be in control. She knew that he wouldn't push her past her limit and she figured that he would be the one to stop things before they went too far. She was so at ease that she wrapped herself around his waist tucking one leg around his. He looked at her in surprise and was about to ask her something so she grabbed his head and kissed him again, taking away his worries. But after kissing for a while longer Ginny felt like they should stop before her inhibitions got the best of her.

"Harry, I don't want to stop, but I think we should," Ginny said, breathing heavily. Harry was panting for breath, but he nodded at her in agreement. She smiled and gave him one last kiss, before resting her head on his chest, her arms wrapped around him. Harry had his arms secured around her waist. He held her to him, squeezing her so tight she thought she might burst. A surge of confidence ran through her as Harry nestled her close to him, she felt as if nothing could touch her. Ginny always told everyone that she could take care of herself, but right now with Harry holding her close, she enjoyed the feeling of being safe and secure in his strong, comforting embrace. After a short silence, she spoke again, "That was amazing, Harry. I've never felt anything like that before."

Harry loosened his grip and looked into her eyes. "I know Ginny, me neither. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too Harry. I wanted to be with you everyday, but I knew I couldn't."

"Me too. I wish we could have been together, but I never wanted for you to get hurt. I know now that I was stupid to do what I did. I thought it would keep you safe, but I-," Harry was cut off. Ginny had put her hand up to his lips in such a gentle touch that Harry just closed his eyes. He felt her caress his cheek and he sighed in contentment.

"Shh, It's okay Harry, I don't care about that anymore. None of that matters now," Ginny whispered. "Please, just hold me, like this."

Harry nodded and leaned back against the tree, Ginny once again snuggled up next to him. He ran his hands gently through her hair as he thought of all they had just shared. Harry had never come close to feeling anything like what he was feeling for anyone else. He wanted to feel like this everyday. He knew the rest of his life would not feel whole if he didn't have Ginny there alongside him. Harry felt comforted by these thoughts as he held Ginny close to his heart. He heard her breath even out as she drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

Harry couldn't believe how happy he was at this moment. He still felt sadness at the loss of all those who had died during the war, but having Ginny beside him right now seemed to make everything better. He grieved for them all, everyone who had died in the battle, especially those who he knew personally. Fred, Lupin, Tonks, and even little Colin, who had sneaked back into the castle, had all died fighting Voldemort. Before them, Dobby, Moody, and Hedwig had all died as well. But he was still alive. Normally, Harry thought he would have felt guilty, but things had changed after experiencing everything in the forest. he knew better now. They would not want him to feel guilty over their deaths. Harry understood that by doing so, he would be dishonoring their sacrifice. They had fought and died so that others may live, or at least have a chance to live. Harry vowed to do just that. He would make sure that their sacrifice was not in vain. Harry looked down to stare at Ginny, seeing the beautiful face that took away his breath. He would live life for them, and he would damn sure make the most of it. He kissed the top of Ginny's head, basking in the smell of her hair. He then noticed that a small grin had appeared on her face. He smiled. Harry gently held her close, he closed his eyes and soon drifted off into a deep sleep. His last thought being that as long as he had Ginny with him, life was definitely worth living.