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Harry Potter and the End of Illusions	By : Christina_Potter_09 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Harry/Hermione Views: 11159 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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-          CHAPTER SEVENTEEN –

New Life

The day after the revelation of Ginny and Malfoy's relationship, Harry and Hermione decided to go and find Ron. They knew their friend needed them the most in a time like this and both of them were willing to help him. After lunch, the couple found Ron in the Common Room during the afternoon break. Harry and Hermione moved closer to him, and Ron smiled at them.

'Lets go somewhere with less people around,' Harry said before Ron could even greet them. Harry's male best friend took the hint and nodded. The three friends left the common room and moved out of the castle. They started walking around the lake and Harry and Hermione decided through their bond that Harry should talk first. He stopped with Hermione and Ron did the same.

'Tell me what it is,' Ron said worried and Harry and Hermione glanced at each other a last time.

'Look, Ron, we found out what's wrong with Ginny.' Harry said and Ron looked at him with wide eyes. He soon looked away and then down at his feet.

'How did you discover it?' He finally asked and this time Hermione spoke.

'We saw them the previous night in a classroom. It doesn't matter, Ron. We want you to know that both Harry and I are here for you. If you want to break the news to the family, we're here to help you.' Hermione said and Ron smiled weakly and nodded. He looked away again and sighed.

'I don't know how to tell them such a thing. I caught them as well in another classroom when I was taking Luna to the Ravenclaw tower the other day. Me and Ginny had a huge fight and she just screamed at me that she's not gonna break it with the Ferret. I don't know how to tell dad and mom that Ginny is with a Death Eater. I don't know how George will react towards her. I don't know what mom and dad are gonna do with her… They're still devastated with Fred's loss and I know they won't accept Ginny with him… I don't wanna keep such a secret from my family but I also don't want to destroy it.' Ron said and Harry could hear the desperation in his friend's voice. Hermione moved close to Ron and hugged him. He moved closer and patted Ron's shoulder. Ron smiled at both Harry and Hermione and then broke the hug with her.

'Thanks guys. Only Luna knew about it and I'm happy you'll help me as well. I didn't want to say a word during the Christmas holidays. Everyone seemed so peaceful and a bit carefree and I didn't want to mess it up, but I warned Ginny that I'll talk to the family if she doesn't stop it soon.' Ron said and both Harry and Hermione nodded.

'She didn't seem to plan such thing…' Hermione said and Ron sighed again and nodded.

'I know, I just hoped things would be better if she just did. I mean, he's a Death Eater and she's stuck on him…' Ron said and Harry noticed his friend's ears getting redder.

'We understand, Ron.' Hermione said and the three friends started walking again.

'I think I'll talk to them on my birthday. The Easter holidays start that day so I'll be home.' Ron said and Hermione looked at Harry.

We have to be with him.

We will.

'Don't worry mate, we'll be there with you.' Harry said and Ron stopped and looked at Harry. Hermione stopped as well and looked between the two friends.

'Thank you, even when I let you down back in the tent you're still here for me.' Ron said and embraced Harry with a manly hug. Harry responded and patted Ron's back. The two broke the hug and Hermione spoke.

'I'm here too, you two.' Hermione said with feigned annoyance and both Harry and Ron hugged her rolling their eyes. The trio broke the hug and smiled at each other. They kept walking around the lake as Harry and Hermione tried to take Ron's mind off his problem. They talked about the classes and how hard they were now, about the end of the school in a few weeks and what they were going to do.

'I think, I want to help George with the shop, at first. I don't know about later, I know my N.E.W.T.s won't allow me to be an auror or a healer so I probably could start with George and then find something else.' Ron said and looked at Harry and Hermione. 'What about you?' he asked.

'I still want to be an Auror. I hope I can make it.' Harry said and Hermione smiled at him. Whether Harry wanted to admit it or not, he had become a very good student, with Hermione's help of course.

'What about you, Herms?' Ron asked and Hermione frowned slightly at the nickname.

'What? Harry calls you 'Mione. Herms is more modern.' Ron said and Hermione was ready to answer but Harry interrupted her mentally.

You'll explain the difference later. Don't start with the bickering over nothing. Herms is not that bad. Harry sent to her and Hermione glared at him and spoke.

'I think I want to become an Auror too. I think I can make it and I'd like the idea of helping people in that way. I don't want to be a Healer even if McGonagall said I could be a great one. I can't face injured or dead people every day but I'd like to try to capture evil wizards or witches. I won't stand for another Voldemort in my life.' Hermione said and Harry smiled at her. Those were the exact reasons he had.

Ron smiled at his friends with a knowing smile Harry wasn't used to seeing on his friend's face. 'You two are really alike... and mental,' He added and the three friends laughed.

Almost two weeks after, Harry and Hermione started their patrols like every other night around the castle. Harry was happy he had spent his afternoon with Ron and Hermione like in the old times. Ron had decided that he'd talk to his family on his birthday and Harry and Hermione had promised they'd be there for him no matter what.

Hermione held Harry's hand while her other hand was keeping her illuminated wand up to show the way through the corridors and the secret paths of the castle. When the couple reached the seventh floor, Harry stopped and looked at Hermione.

'You think the Room of Requirement is still working?' Harry asked and Hermione sighed.

'I don't know, love, but even if it is… I don't want to see the place where Crabbe died… I don't want to go in that room again. The last time we were there we almost died. It's enough for me.' Hermione said and Harry nodded and hugged her with one arm.

'You can't enter it, anyway. Crabbe's body is still in there. None could open it; No one from the ministry, nor McGonagall herself.' A voice said and Hermione pointed her wand at the source of the sound, Harry gripped his at once at the familiar voice. Draco Malfoy showed up from the shadows and walked closer to the couple.

'Lower your wand, Granger. I'm not here to fight you.' Malfoy said and Harry felt his blood boiling.

'Don't command her!' Harry said through clenched teeth. Malfoy turned to him; the blond, young man wasn't holding his wand.

'You tell her, then, Potter. I'm unarmed.' Malfoy said and Harry felt like exploding, Hermione lowered her wand and brought it closer to her body.

'What do you want from Ginny, Malfoy?' Hermione asked and Malfoy looked at her again.

'What do you mean what do I want from Ginny? What could I want from her? We're together, that's enough for me.' Malfoy said and Harry snorted.

'Tell us the truth for once in your life.' Harry said and Malfoy looked at him angrily.

'I do,' he responded and Harry saw truth in Malfoy's grey, cold eyes.

'I was trying to find you two alone since the night you saw me and Ginny in the classroom. I know you talked to her brother and I'm sure he'll talk to their family. I just wanted to ask you to stop him. If her family learns about me and her, they won't accept her back and you know it. I'm not a Death Eater and the war is over but our families were always on the edge. Don't let Ron cross that line,' Malfoy said and Harry couldn't stop himself. He gripped the collar from Malfoy's uniform and pinned the blond man to the closest wall, causing Malfoy to hit his head with force. Harry moved his head closer to Malfoy's and whispered angrily.

'You think the war is over? Just because your daddy is in Azkaban with you mummy? Have you seen the orphans and the dead that war left behind? Have you seen the Weasleys' faces at the memory of Fred? Have you seen your aunt Andromeda and your nephew, Teddy? Have you worried about them and how that woman will raise that kid with all her family dead?!' Harry asked in a furious whisper. Hermione moved close to Harry the moment he gripped Malfoy and she tried to stop him.

'Harry, please.' Hermione said softly as she touched Harry's tensed arms. The three could easily feel the wind around them blowing at Harry's lack of control on his powers. Something he did only when he was furious or was making love with Hermione and he couldn't control his powers easily. Harry didn't stop that time but let go Malfoy's clothes only to grip his left arm and lift his sleeve, revealing the faint Dark Mark on Malfoy's arm.

'As long as you have this, on you, Malfoy, you have to prove to us that we can trust you. If you care for Ginny so much, have the strength and show up on Ron's birthday. And don't try to come to me and Hermione behind Ron and Ginny's back for help!' Harry said and this time his voice was full of disdain and disgust for the man in front of him. Harry finally let Draco go and the blond man covered his left arm at once. Harry took Hermione's hand and started walking away. Hermione followed Harry with no protest and Harry knew she understood his anger for Malfoy and his care for the Weasleys.

The next day, neither Harry nor Hermione spoke to Ron about their encounter with Malfoy on the seventh floor. There was no reason to upset their friend even more, so the couple decided to keep their mouths shut. When the classes were over for that day, Hermione took Harry for a walk around the lake as they were used to doing so by now. The couple started walking around and Harry's gaze, many times, traveled to the tombs many feet away from him. He sighted and looked at Hermione who noticed his sad face and squeezed his hand. They sat under their favorite tree and fell into silence. Harry was sitting on the ground with his legs opened and Hermione between them, her head was resting against his torso and his head was rested against her shoulder. Harry was watching the lake and the students, walking around the grounds in peace. His mind couldn't be away from Malfoy and the pain the Weasleys would soon face. Ron's birthday was in less than a week and Harry wished he could just charm everyone not to feel pain once more.

'You can't do that, love. As long as Ginny's not changing her mind, nobody can change what'll happen.' Hermione spoke and Harry sighed and kissed the side of her head. He glanced at her and saw her eyes closed and her features relaxed. He could easily notice the black circles under her eyes.

'You're tiring your self with studying.' Harry said softly and Hermione opened her eyes and looked at him, surprised by the change of subject.

'I'm fine, don't worry. I would if a time turner was hanging from my neck once more. I'm not doing it again.' Hermione said and loosen her tie and opened a few buttons of her shirt so Harry could see she was wearing the medallion he had given her. Harry smiled and kissed her neck.

'I'm happy you're wearing it.' Harry said and Hermione smiled and kissed his lips.

'Of course I am. When you're not with me, I feel you closer with it on me.' Hermione said and rested her head on his chest again. Harry smiled and kissed her head, letting her shampoo's aroma fill his lugs.

'Don't tire your self. OK?' Harry said changing the subject again, Hermione elbowed his ribs and he chuckled. 'Promise you won't. I'm worried about you.' Harry said and Hermione sighed with closed eyes and smiled.

I promise. Was her answer and Harry tickled her ribs in response. They sat in silence for awhile and Harry's thoughts drifted away again. He wasn't sure what he'd do after school. The term was coming to an end in less than three months and he didn't know where he'd live with Hermione or what he'd do so he could be an Auror. Hermione made a cooing noise and spoke.

'I've spoken with McGonagall and she'll help us with our applications in the Auror training program which starts at the end of August.' Hermione said softly and Harry smiled, she always had the answers.

'Where you think we should live?' Harry asked and Hermione opened her eyes and looked at him from behind her shoulder with a grin on her face.

'We'll live together?' She asked and Harry grinned in response and hugged her, slipping his arms around her stomach.

'Of course we will. You're my girlfriend and we're adults. Besides, we already lived together in the tent and now in the Head tower.' Harry said and Hermione smiled and nodded.

'Very well then. We'll live together. But where?' Hermione asked and took her previous position with her head against Harry. Harry thought about her question. He didn't want to live with Hermione's parents again. He didn't want to be a headache to the Grangers even if they had accepted him with love and care. He also didn't want Hermione and himself to live at the Burrow as Mrs. Weasley would surely propose to them. He didn't know where he could live and start his life. He never thought of it before, he just hoped he'd survive and become an Auror, he hadn't thought of the details.

'Harry,' Hermione interrupted his thoughts. 'We can live, for awhile, in Grimmauld.' Hermione said and Harry looked at her dumbfounded. He had forgotten about that place. Of course it wasn't a place he wanted to live forever but Kreacher had said the house was ready for him to stay in and with spells, Harry could finally make Sirius' old house bearable for a young couple. On the other hand, Harry didn't want to live there again. With that darn portrait and so many memories of Sirius and the rest of the Order. He wasn't sure if he wanted to live in there and remember the start of the Horcrux hunt.

'It'll be only for awhile, we can find something else when the first money from the training will start being added in our vaults and I'm sure Sirius would be more than happy to give us his house, Harry. It won't be for long. We can make some changes during the Easter holidays, you know. I have bought a book with many spells a house could need, I think we can even take that portrait of Mrs. Black off the wall. We can stay at the Burrow for Ron's birthday and a bit more and then we can leave for Grimmauld. Maybe Ron and Luna want to help us; with the mood the Burrow will have after the things Ron has to say about Ginny. We can have their help and before the training's start; we can find something of our own.' Hermione said and Harry could see the logic in her words.

'OK, but we won't stay for long,' Harry said and Hermione smiled and nodded. 'Then we can find something of our own.' Harry said smiling and Hermione smiled widely.

'Something of our own.' She repeated and Harry kissed her lips.

The days till Ron's birthday went by in peace. A day before Ron's birthday and the start of the Easter holidays Harry and Hermione packed all of their stuff. They usually stayed in the castle during these holidays so they could study for their examinations but this time was different. Harry had asked for McGonagall to repeat the spell on Grimmauld and McGonagall had accepted to be the Secret Keeper. When they were ready, Harry and Hermione moved to the Entrance Hall to find Ron, Ginny and Luna. Ron had owled to the Burrow for their return via appration so the five started in silence out of the grounds of Hogwarts. Ginny didn't speak to anyone and the couples decided to stay in silence as well.

When they were out of the school's gates, Hermione apparated with Luna, Ron apparated with Ginny and Harry apparated alone. The next moment the five were outside of the Burrow's garden. Ginny let go of Ron's arm as soon as they landed safely and she moved first, pulling her trunk with effort. Harry helped Hermione with her trunk and Crookshanks and Ron helped Luna with her stuff. When the five reached the building, the door opened and Mrs. Weasley moved out smiling. She first embraced her children and then Luna. The older woman then turned at Hermione and hugged her tightly. She then moved closer to Harry and hugged him tightly as well.

'I'm so happy you're here. We all missed you two during the Christmas holidays,' Mrs. Weasley said and cupped Harry's cheeks as he greeted her. 'And as always my dear Harry, you have lost weight. No problem, no problem, I can handle that.' She said and Harry only smiled and nodded as he threw a pleading look at Hermione who was just smiling. They all moved inside and found Mr. Weasley and the much more pale and tired George. They greeted each other and then Mrs. Weasley told them to go and settle in the rooms they usually did. Everyone tensed up at the idea of Hermione and Ginny being in the same room but Mrs. Weasley thought that the couples wanted to be together.

'Ok, Harry and Hermione, you can take Percy's old room, he's back at his flat in London. Ron you can keep yours so Luna can come and visit since she lives so close to us. Ginny you still have your bedroom, dear.' Mrs. Weasley said and everyone breathed in relief. Harry and Hermione thanked Mrs. Weasley and moved up the stairs first, lifting their trunks with Hermione's spells. They entered the room and found many books about laws and parchments with random methods and changes about Ministry's laws. They didn't touch a thing and just put some clothes in the wardrobe.

When Harry and Hermione moved down, Mrs. Weasley was talking about how Ron's birthday should be. Mrs. Weasley had decided to have a small party since Ron didn't want a big celebration; so only the Weasleys, Harry, Hermione and aunt Muriel would be there, much to everyone's dismay.

'Harry, we should stop.' Hermione said breathlessly and tried to push Harry off of her. Harry grinned and protested, keeping her against the mattress. 'We have to stop, love. Mrs. Weasley will soon start storming in the bedrooms to wake everyone up. We have to be the first ones to give our gifts to Ron.' Hermione went on and Harry sighed and rolled next to his girlfriend.

'Fine!' Harry said sadly and Hermione chuckled and moved close to him.

'Stop acting like that; you should be more than satisfied with all of our 'activities' of the previous hours.' Hermione said teasingly and Harry grinned and hugged her with one arm.

'I just can't have enough of you.' Harry said and Hermione kissed his chest. She climbed on top of him and straddled his lap. She moved above Harry's bare body and her bushy hair surrounded Harry's face as she moved hers closer. Harry smiled at her; the only thing he could see was her beautiful eyes.

'Harry, I love you.' Hermione whispered and he smiled and pecked her lips lightly.

'I love you too, 'Mione.' Harry said and pressed her body against his, Hermione smiled and hugged him as well, resting her head on his shoulder and wrapping her arms around him. They stayed there for a long time till Mrs. Weasley's footsteps were heard and the couple sighed, not wanting to face the difficult day ahead.

When the couple moved down, Mrs. Weasley had already started cooking. Mr. Weasley smiled and greeted Harry and Hermione and the two young people found Ron and Luna outside, talking. Harry and Hermione greeted them and wished their friend a happy birthday. They gave him his gifts – a new pair of Quidditch gloves from Harry and a book about the Cannons from Hermione- and Ron thanked them. Mrs. Weasley called everyone for breakfast and all ate, talking and laughing about things. The only one who didn't utter a word was Ginny but not many people noticed.

After some hours, Bill and Fleur arrived, and greeted everyone. After a while, everyone was out at the backyard, Bill stood up and called for everyone's attention.

'I know this is Ron's day; Happy birthday, little brother.' Bill began. 'But Fleur and I have to announce something really important.' Bill went on and everyone looked at him with curiosity. Fleur stood up next to her husband and Bill smiled at her and spoke.

'We're pregnant.' He said and everyone gasped and then cheered for the couple. Mrs. Weasley was the first to greet the couple with tight hugs and tears in her eyes. Everyone stared congratulating the couple and drinking to the new baby. Harry glanced at Ron and he looked back at him. Ron only nodded and Harry felt a small ache in his stomach. A day started so nicely, wouldn't end in the same way.

The party went on and after awhile, aunt Muriel showed up and even though everyone frowned, Mrs. Weasley greeted the old woman and helped her to a chair. Harry, Hermione, Ron and Luna made sure that they were away from the old witch. Harry and Hermione were sitting close to a table and watched some of the couples dancing. Ginny was sitting alone, away from everyone else, and was staring into space. When Mrs. Weasley called everyone for the cake, Ron was the first to move closer. Harry and Hermione moved to their friend's left, behind Luna who was at Ron's side. On his right, the Weasleys were standing, singing 'Happy Birthday' and Ron blew out the candles on his cake. Ron first hugged his parents and then Luna. Harry and Hermione hugged their friend at the same time and the three friends' hug lasted the longest.

The party went on and Ron shared a dance with both Hermione and Luna, causing everyone to laugh and clap for the three friends. After that Harry took back his girlfriend and started a slow dance like the rest of the couples.

When do you think it's the best time? Hermione asked Harry as they kept dancing in each others arms.

I guess he'll nod to us. Lets wait. Harry said and Hermione nodded against him.

After the end of the dance, everyone returned to their seats and Ron indeed nodded to his friends. Harry and Hermione moved to stand next to him. Luna was already by his side. Ron cleared his throat and everyone looked at him. Harry was sure his friend was nervous. He glanced at Ginny who had just locked her eyes on the four people and waited like the rest.

'I didn't want to destroy the mood of the night, but I need to tell you something really important.' Ron started and everyone waited.

'Ginny and I are together.' Another voice heard and everyone looked at the source of it. Behind the seat Ginny was in, Draco Malfoy showed up and walked closer to the party, dressed in black. Everyone gasped and pinned their eyes on the blond man. Draco moved closer to Ginny and stretched his arm out, offering her his hand. Ginny hesitated for a few moments but then took Draco's hand and everyone gasped again. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stood up and moved closer to the young man and their daughter.

'What is that supposed to mean Ginevra?' Mrs. Weasley asked, her face a mask of anger. George moved close to his parents and looked at his little sister with obvious disdain.

'The death of our brother wasn't enough to prove to you what kind of people he and his family are?' George asked and everyone fell silent after that comment. Ginny glanced at Draco and then at her family, Harry, Hermione and Luna.

'He's the man I love and no one can change that. We love each other.' Ginny said and everyone held their breath at her words. Many people looked at Mr. Weasley. Even Mrs. Weasley looked at her husband for his response.

'I know the ways the Malfoys treat other beings, humans or not. I know their beliefs and their ambitions. Beliefs and ambitions I never taught to my kids. Ginny, I can't accept your relationship with the young Malfoy when your brother's death is still haunting everyone's memories.' Mr. Weasley said and Harry shivered at the older man's coolness. He could sense Hermione's similar feelings through the bond.

'Mr. Weasley, let me explain-' Malfoy started but Mr. Weasley lifted his hand to stop him.

'No, young Malfoy. I knew your father and I'm sure he has raised you like a clone of his. I can't accept you into my family. I can't trust you as a family member.' Mr. Weasley said calmly before turning to Ginny. 'My beloved daughter, I've never forbidden you a single thing, but that's going to change now. You will always be welcomed here, in your family's home, as long as you're without him. I don't want to see you hurt and I'm sure he'll hurt you; sooner or later.' Mr. Weasley said and everyone looked at Ginny. Harry could recognize her eyes feeling with tears. Malfoy and Harry's eyes met for a moment but then Malfoy looked back at his girlfriend, waiting for her answer. Ginny looked up at him and then at her family.

'As long as I'm with him, I have no family then.' Ginny said making everyone gasp and her mother sob. Ginny gripped with both hands Malfoy's arm and he hugged her and apparated both of them, leaving everyone in dead silence. Everyone was frozen, unable to utter a word. Hermione squeezed Harry's hand and he looked at her. They didn't expect such a turn of events. Harry had challenged Malfoy to show up and help Ginny but Harry never thought Ginny's feelings were so strong to abandon her family in the name of her love for someone like Malfoy…

George grunted and headed for the house, slamming the door closed with enormous force. Everyone looked around like the sound had just woken them. Harry and Hermione moved closer to the still dumbfounded Ron. Bill and Fleur said their goodnights and hugged Ron, Harry, Hermione and Luna before leaving in silence. Aunt Muriel started cursing and murmuring about Ginny's 'outrageous behavior' and how she'd handle such a situation if she was her mother. The old woman left without saying a word to anyone –not that anyone complained… Luna took Ron's hands and squeezed them. He looked at her and she smiled at him murmuring 'Everything will be fine.' Ron was ready to go to his parents when Mrs. Weasley started crying with sobs and gasps. Mr. Weasley hugged his wife and gestured to Ron gently not to move closer since he knew how to calm Ron's mother. Ron looked at Harry and Hermione and nodded for them to follow him inside the house. So they did. Ron, Luna, Harry and Hermione moved inside the silent house and moved up the stairs till they reached Ron's bedroom. Ron entered his chamber last and closed the door behind him. Harry could see his friend suffocating and remembered Hermione's idea.

'Ron, I know it's not the best time but Hermione and I plan to go and live in Grimmauld for awhile. McGonagall has sealed the house from the beginning and we want to use the house for awhile. Kreacher has kept it cleaned. We'll just use some spells to make it… more happy-to-live-in and if you and Luna want you-

'I do, I want to come with you to Grimmauld, as soon as possible. My parents need each other now. I want to leave with you.' Ron said, interrupting Harry. He and Hermione just smiled in agreement. Luna agreed to come with them as well.

'Then we can leave tomorrow morning.' Harry said and the decision was made.
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Harry Potter and the End of Illusions