Harry's POV

Growing up at the Dursleys, I had witnessed a lot of things that in my opinion, made absolutely no sense. For example, the phrase 'First impressions last", is something I heard from Uncle Vernon when drilling it into Dudley's mind since a child. I find the phrase to be unrealistic and from experience, completely untrue.

My first impression of Hermione was most definitely not a good one, she was arrogant, and snobbish and made you feel rather low about yourself. My first thought was to stay clear of her, which I had done successfully until the troll incident occurred. Despite it being traumatic and life-threatening, it was one of the best things that could have happened to me because that brought me closer to Hermione, showing the real her, the caring, funny, intelligent and determined young girl who hid behind her wild hair and a bossy attitude.

Hermione had been the only person to stick by me through thick and thin, despite the whole school turning against me or all the life-threatening situations we ended up in, her loyalty never wavered. I had never known what it was like to have a sibling, then, of course, the second year came around and I suddenly had a sibling bond with two girls, one being Ron's little sister which once again, released this jealousy that he can't seem to shake.

When Ron and Hermione started dating, I was happy for them but extremely protective of her. Of course, this was something that was bound to happen because anyone could see they had fancied each other for many years beforehand, so when it finally became official, no one was all that surprised. The arguments that occurred between them weren't something that I necessarily worried about because they spent the last seven years bickering, but then again, these arguments were nothing like I'd ever seen. They were angrier, more aggressive and more personal than they ever were and Hermione was always the one to get hurt in the end.

When we found out that Ron was cheating on her, there was this overprotective rage that built up inside me and after she stormed out, I made sure to hex him but not to the point of permanent damage, no matter how desperately I wanted to do so. When Hermione and Ginny decided to move away, my heart broke and I felt as if two parts of me were leaving forever. Did I resent them for leaving? Most definitely not. Was I even angrier at Ron for pushing them to the point of leaving the country? Yes, I was but I also knew, that this was something that would help them grow and for them to find themselves.

Of course, I visited and spent quite a lot of time there, and seeing them in their new environment was an eye-opener for me. Yes, I had a lot of responsibility in England but ever since the war, I had felt trapped and pushed in all these different directions that I quite frankly, don't want to be in.

As the little get-together at the Burrow was taking place, I couldn't help but think about all the times I had spent my holidays there whenever I was able to escape the Dursleys. I always felt at home and I remember feeling immense relief whenever I would walk through the doors, knowing that I was able to finally relax and enjoy the holidays the correct way. However, I also realised that I was never able to truly be myself, especially around Ron and Mrs Weasley, who was quite judgemental and stubborn when it came to their beliefs. So, seeing the way they were behaving towards their daughter, Hermione and their guests, quite frankly disgusted me. It made me see their true selves and it somewhat caught me off guard how angry, vile and bitter they truly could be.

As we port-keyed back to the pack house, my decision was finalised. I will be moving into one of the Potter properties that I found when requesting a full list of everything I've inherited. Potter townhouse wasn't overly large, nor was it box sized, it allowed many guests to stay but it also didn't make you feel as if you had to have a map just to navigate around the home. The amazing thing is, it's only a five-minute walk from the pack house to mine and is heavily warded. I'm sure Hermione and Ginny would be supportive of my decision but the fact that I'm leaving behind the chance to complete the Auror training will most likely concern them, knowing that I had always wanted to follow my father's career path.

Despite the obvious reasons for leaving England, the truth is that I feel some sort of connection to the small town of forks and La push. It was as if I am being pulled to the town, though at first, I thought it was because of the bond between myself, Hermione and Ginny, however, something deep down told me that wasn't the case.

Whatever the case, I will follow in my sister's footsteps and start a new chapter of my life away from England.

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We were all in the living room, enjoying bottles of firewhiskey or in the vampire's case, bottles of exotic dragon blood. The meal at the Burrow had drained every one of their energy, especially Hermione and Ginny, who had been the target of Mrs Weasley and Ron's anger and verbal abuse. It angered me that I wasn't able to stick up for them, but I and everyone around us knew that the girls were independent and would despise it if we got involved on their behalf.

"How are you feeling, sisters?" I asked them with a small smile as I watched them curl into their mate's chests. I hate to admit it, but I am envious of their connection and I had spent many years hoping that I would find someone who was perfect for me. Don't get me wrong, I am over the moon at the fact that they found their soul mates and I knew Paul and Sam would look after them until the very end.

"Tired" Hermione yawned before an adorable pout appeared on her face as her eyes fluttered closed.

"Me too" Ginny huffed, making those who knew her chuckle because a tired Ginny, is a moody Ginny and no one wants to be around when she's in that mood.

"Why don't you go to sleep? We can clear up" Arthur offered caringly as everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

"Thank you," they said in unison, their tones full of relief and gratefulness. Paul and Sam picked their mates up bridal style and left the room after a quiet goodbye, knowing that the two girls were already half asleep.

"How are you boys feeling? I'm sure it was hard for you all just as much as it was for them" Carlisle's question shocked the Weasley men because they were all so focussed on the girls that they hadn't necessarily thought about how the confrontation made them feel.

"Honestly? I feel ashamed..." Arthur's confession struck the hearts of everyone who resided in the living room, especially his sons and me, because he was one of the men in my life that had practically raised me and seeing him so hurt by what happened wasn't something I ever want to see again.

"Mr Weasley, you shouldn't feel ashamed of your wife's actions. I'm sure I can speak for everyone when I say that you put her and Ron in their places, you made it clear how you feel about their behaviour and even threatened them with divorce and disowning. Despite that, they continued to behave in such a horrific manner, whatever happens next is entirely their fault" I could see the tears well up in Arthurs's eyes as Blaise spoke, it didn't matter that at one point, the same boy was looking down on their family for reasons they couldn't control because ever since the war, none of that seemed to matter to anyone anymore.

"Call me Arthur, all of you and I appreciate your words, Blaise, it's just rather difficult to physically see the woman you fell in love with and yet, emotionally she was no longer there. Molly had always been a nurturing and loveable woman, despite her faults because if we're being honest, everyone has them, she always cared about her family and those who she brought into our large group" I couldn't help the sad smile that spread across my face, knowing that Molly had taken me in whenever I needed someone, but if I was being honest with myself, I didn't see that woman today... I was a completely different person that I simply couldn't recognise.

"If I may ask and I don't want to overstep, so forgive me if it seems so, but do you truly think that divorce is the best next step for you and your family?" Esme's question sent the oldest redhead into silence, I could see him taking in her words and pondering over all the answers that he could give her.

"I have never admitted this to anyone, Merlin I was feeling ashamed even back then but, it was about fifteen years ago when I found out that she was corresponding with another man over letters. In witch weekly, they had a dating owl service thing going on and apparently, Molly was curious about what it would be like. She had found a male that she connected with but when I found the letters, she claims she stopped writing to him instantly-"

"Why did you stay with her?!" Bill jumped up in outrage, a similar expression that we all had on our faces. However, Arthur simply sighed and rubbed the area between his eyes.

"I am not getting any younger, Son. I love your mother dearly and I was utterly heartbroken when I read their letters, but some of you were still in school and I would never want to put any of you in a position where you may feel like you'll need to pick sides"

"Arthur, your children love you and as long as you would have been there for them like a father should, they would never leave you. Yes, divorce may be difficult and at times, children get hurt in the process but knowing who you are, I am positive that you would have never allowed that to happen to any of them" I reassured sincerely, earning a watery smile from the man.

"Besides, you still have a long life ahead of you" I teased, making those around us chuckle as Arthur rolled his eyes fondly.

"But to answer your question, Dear, now that they are all grown up and living their own lives, I feel confident enough to finally take action and do something that has been in the works for a while. Disowning Ronald is a whole other matter, however, because despite the things he has done, he is still my son and I love him"

"How about, you give him a choice? Like you did earlier, you explained to him that being disowned is an option but this time, make it crystal clear that his behaviour must change towards others and his unhealthy views on life, otherwise he will indeed no longer be a part of your family" Draco's tone was soft but professional and I couldn't help but be quite surprised that such a tone could come out of the blonde boy's mouth. Despite clearing the air, putting aside our differences, and building a friendship along the way, some of his actions continue to shock me.

"You're rather intelligent, Draco. I will most definitely consider that"