DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all it's characters belong to J K Rowling.

Author's note: Please rate and review! Constructive criticism and thoughts on the story are greatly appreciated!

Chapter One

Harry passed through the wall and appeared on platform 9 3/4 with his head lowered and gaze trained on where he was fiddling with something on his trunk. Finally giving up on finding things to do to occupy his time, he looked up and saw the station for the first time in more than a year. With his eyes roaming around the platform, he looked like he was searching for something. Whatever it was that he was searching for, he couldn't seem to find it and after another moment of looking around he took a deep breath and let it out—though it didn't seem to make much of a difference to his posture. He looked to the entire world like someone who had been forced against his will to come to the station, and by extension, to his eighth year at Hogwarts. That being said, he also looked weary and on-guard with an innate level of confidence that he didn't seem to be aware of; confidence that hadn't yet transformed into arrogance. He walked behind his two best friends, dragging his trunk behind him, as they bickered softly to each other. Upon further listening, he saw that the topic of their conversation seemed to about the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes at school, or rather, about how Ron didn't seem to think that there was any point in attending them after their last year.

"It's still knowledge Ronald, there is so much that we don't know that we should. It'll help us-"

"Help us in what? There's not much left for us to defend against now, is there?"

"Not everybody goes through a war Ron. They still had those lessons; they've been having those lessons since lessons even started—it's precautionary, a 'just in case' for when something happens."

"But it's pointless."

"So is following the Chudley Cannons. That doesn't stop you."

"Don't even go there, Hermione. Just, don't."

She rolled her eyes at him. A gesture that Harry recognized even standing behind her like he was. He laughed softly to himself and automatically went forward to help Hermione lift her trunk into the carriage, waving off her thanks as he did so. He got in behind her and followed her down the carriage in search of an empty compartment, marveling at the normality of it. As much as he'd wanted a normal life before, he'd given up expecting it. A good thing too as he saw people turn around and follow his movements with their eyes as he walked, all conversation stopping as they looked at him. He pretended to ignore them and turned behind to talk to Ron, "I think she's right, I'll probably pick up DADA as well, for the knowledge more than anything."

Ron raised his eyebrows at him but didn't say anything. Once the found an empty compartment and got into it, he slumped down on a seat and lay back against the back of it. He looked up at the ceiling for a second and then looked back down straight at Harry, "I know" he said softly, biting his lips, "But will we learn anything?" he looked away to the window and closed his eyes.

Yeah, things would probably never be normal again for them, or for anybody who was linked to the war for that matter. But they would manage, as they always did—with each other. Hermione glanced at Harry with a small smile on her face and went and sat down next to her boyfriend. She reached out and took his hand in both of hers and he opened his eyes to give her a small smile of his own. Though they fought a lot and would probably need marriage counseling, if the marriage ever happened, they were still perfect for each other. Always had been, even when they were too stupid to realize.

Harry leaned against the window and looked out. He saw parents hugging their children and sending them off, tears and laughter, boys ducking away from the embraces and girls looking around in search of their friends. He laughed now, openly, and both Ron and Hermione glanced at him.

"We did it, didn't we? We saved the world. It really is worth it, worth everything that happened."

They looked out the window and saw what he saw. Ron smiled widely and Hermione let out a little giggle, "Yes, it really is" she said.

The rest of the train ride passed smoothly. People came by and talked to them, some to say their thanks and more to just say hi, something that Harry greatly appreciated. They laughed and bought enough chocolates to satisfy them for the term and generally had fun. Midway to Hogwarts, Ginny and Luna came in and sat down for a while. Luna, more quiet than she had been two years ago but still the same space-headed girl, and Ginny, quieter than normal but for a completely different reason. She glanced at Harry frequently, always about to say something but stopping before the words came out of her mouth. For his part, he met her glances but didn't call on them. He stared out the window trying to figure out how to address the situation. How exactly do you go about telling you sort-of girlfriend that you weren't interested anymore? That you didn't feel it any longer, not with her at least, and that whatever had happened between them before had passed.

Finally, he stood up and walked out of the compartment, gesturing for her to follow him as he did so. He walked down the carriage in search of an even mildly secluded area and chanced upon an empty compartment at the end of the carriage littered with wrappers. He walked in and leaned against the far wall of the compartment, staring at the bottom of the door and wondering how to begin. Ginny closed the door as she came in and leaned against it, crossing her arms.

She took a deep breath and started, "Are we getting back together, or aren't we, because I don't know what to think anymore, Harry."

He bit his lips and looked up at her. She seemed…resigned. Like she knew what to expect but didn't care for it. He took another deep breath and went for it.

"Would you believe me if I told you that I really wish I wanted to? Get back together, I mean."

"And you don't want to?"

He silently shook his head and waited for her reply. She contemplated his words for a few moments without a word. Unlikely as it seemed with her personality, she seemed to be considering the possibility as serenely as possible.

"Why?"

Harry shrugged, "I don't know. I wish I did, but I don't. I just … don't have the urge anymore. And I don't want a relationship where neither of us are getting what we want."

"So, we're not getting back together."

"No, we're not."

"Damn. Does Ron know?"

"He would if he's guessed it. I haven't told anyone directly. Same with Hermione."

"Damn" she said again. "I mean, I knew it was an option when you didn't come to me after everything got over, but I never really prepared for it I guess. Damn."

Harry wanted to go to her, to hug her and kiss the top of her head. To tell her that his decision had nothing to do with her and everything to do with how the war had changed him and how he really wished that he still wanted her. But, he wasn't sure how it would have gone with her and, so, he stayed where he was watching as a myriad of expressions flitted across her face. There was a little anger, and some indignation, but a lot more acceptance and resignation. Her face finally closed off and she looked up at him.

"I still love you. I'll always love you."

"I know. I'll always love you as well." And he would. Nothing would ever change the amount of love and affection he had for her. It just wasn't the right kind of love or affection. She blinked rapidly and straightened up.

"Damn. Now I don't have a date for the next Hogsmeade weekend. Who am I going to capture by then?"

He smiled slightly, "You're beautiful Ginny, it's not going to be very hard for you. I can ask Dean for you if you want."

She shuddered, "No, we broke up for a reason. And I have no idea how people will take my ex-boyfriend helping me scout for a new one."

He laughed, "True. Then, would you help me search for a new girlfriend? Or boyfriend?"

She blinked at him in surprise at that, but he stared back at her evenly, still smiling. She rolled her eyes at him, finally smiling a little, "You do realize that I have it tougher than you. You just have to help me with people from one gender; I have to help you with both. Or is it just one?"

He thought about it, "Both, I think, though girls are definitely prettier. Guys are hot though."

She nodded sagely, "That they are."

He finally straightened up as well and went to her. He put his arms around her and pulled her into a hug, burying his face in her hair.

"Thank you, for understanding" he said softly into her hair. She lifted her arms and hugged him back tightly.

"I know" she replied just as softly.

Fifteen minutes later, Harry was still in the empty compartment sitting on a wrapper-strewn seat. Ginny had left a while ago back to her own compartment after picking up Luna on the way. He didn't feel like going back to his two best friends, who were alone and most probably making good use of the time. With a grunt, Harry got up and went outside the compartment. Closing the door, he looked up to see one of the restrooms that were usually there at the end of each carriage. He went inside to wash his face and clean up a little before going back. Opening the tap, he scooped up some water and splashed it on his face. With water dripping from his face he stared at the falling water wondering if things were going to change now or remain the same as before. Hearing the sound of the door opening, he looked up at the mirror to see who was coming in. Grey eyes met green as Harry stared the boy who had just come in.

Draco Malfoy.