Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter that privilege belongs to J.K Rowling's

Warning: This story contains slash m/m, also mentions abuse.

Pairing: HP/GW, HP/SS, RW/HG, NL/LL

Author Notes: This is my first time writing slash, please be gentle (LOL). This story takes place after Voldermort has been killed. For the purpose of my story Professor Snape is still alive.

The story begins towards the end of summer just before they get on the train to Hogwarts for their final year. Harry never returned to the Dursley's after he defeated Voldermort.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna were sitting in the train compartment on the Hogwarts express in silence. It has been over a week since Harry had disappeared and no one has heard anything from him at all.

The Daily Prophet has been doing it fair share of speculation on Harry disappearance but like everyone else in the wizarding world no one knew where Harry actually was.

At first everyone had been upset that he had disappeared, then the anger came that he had not yet contacted them and now it was the worry as nobody as heard from him at all.

They had all silently hoped that Harry would have come home last night or even this morning so they could all travel together to Hogwarts for the final time but he didn't show at all.

Then the hope came that he might meet them at the platform but alas he never showed and once on the train Ron, Hermione, and Neville decided to search the whole train in case he was already on while Luna and Ginny got them a compartment but still there was no sign of Harry.

Ron gathered Harry trunk and his things and brought them with him, he knew Harry would have most of his school things with him after all they were in Diagon Alley getting there school supplies when Harry vanished.

When Harry never showed up last night or this morning Mrs Weasley called Professor McGongall and told her and she said that if Harry didn't show up at Hogwarts for the welcoming feast she would contact her and call the auror's to go look for him. Ron, Hermione and Ginny were a bit relieved but not much, after all Harry was there friend and they have been through a lot together and they were worried about him.

Ron and Hermione were extremely worried to put it bluntly, they knew he was still suffering, he was suffering more then anyone and yet at the time nobody saw it but since he disappeared they had time to think and realized if they were taking notice of Harry behaviour they would have seen all the signs that he was not coping very well and that something was seriously wrong.

Ginny on the other hand at first was upset that her boyfriend had disappeared and now was calling him every name under the sun because he had not contacted her and she thought it was rather selfish of him to just take off like that and not tell her or given her the opportunity to go with him.

Neville and Luna on the other hand didn't know much that was going on with Harry had been totally confused by what Harry had done. When they met up with him in Diagon Alley he seemed alright and was happy to join them for some ice – cream but as they entered the shop they noticed that Harry had gone and decided not to say anything until they heard that Harry had apparated out of the Leaky Cauldron and hasn't been seen since. They owled Ron and Hermione and told them of there meeting with Harry and they owled back saying that it was alright and explained a bit to them of Harry's behaviour.

"Do you think Harry will be at Hogwarts?" Neville finally asked

"Don't know mate, I hope so but with the way he has been lately you wouldn't know" Ron replied to Neville then looked across to his girlfriend who gave them a sad nod.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

Students entered the great hall filled with excitement of the coming year and the sorting ceremony.

Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville made there way to the Gryffindor table while Luna headed over to the Ravenclaw table. They all searched the hall for Harry but he was no where in sight.

"Where is he?" Ron said frustrated

"I don't Ron but remember what Professor McGongall said last to your mother that if Harry didn't show up tonight that they were going to send an auror's after him"

"I know 'Mione i just wish he was here"

"I know Ron me too" Hermione said sadly

"Well, well,well, what do we have here its the Weasel and the Mudblood" Malfoy sneered

"Sod off Malfoy" Ron said

"Not so tough without Potty are we?"

"And you think you're the big shot Malfoy do you? If it wasn't for Harry you will be sitting in cell in Azkaban prison" Hermione said matter of factly

"How dare you speak to me you filthy little mudblood" Malfoy stated arrogantly

"And who do you think you are Malfoy...a nobody! that is who. You lost everything so your no better then the rest of us then again you never were any better" Hermione stated then grabbed Ron by the arm and took a seat at the Gryffindor table leaving Malfoy standing there gapping.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

At the teacher's table the Professor were once again watching the students as they took there seats.

Professor McGonagall was on the particular look out for one in particular Harry Potter. But as the students came there was no sign of Harry Potter at all and thought to her self that after the feast is done she will call Molly and then contact the Wizangots to get a search on the way for Harry.

The doors to the back of the hall opened up with Hagrid coming in followed by the new lot of first year students.

After the sorting ceremony was done Professor McGonagall stood up and announced for the feast to begin.

Professor Flickwick was his usual excited self about the new term and turned to Professor McGonagall "The first years look keen Minerva"

"That they do Filius" Minerva said in a monotone voice

"Still no word on young Harry?" Filius asked

"No Filius. I hoped he would have shown up"

"Hmph" came from past Filius

"Do have a problem Severus?" Minerva asked sternly

"The problem is Minerva you are so caught in thinking inside the square instead of looking around you" Severus replied

"Severus in case you didn't notice but Harry gone missing and everyone is worried about him" Minerva replied angrily

"For Merlin sake woman, Potter is not missing he is here and if you look closely you will be able to see him to"

Minerva was stunned at Severus' statement that she stopped eating and looked down the Gryffindor table and still did not see Harry anywhere and did a quick glance and yet still did not see him

"I don't see him Severus"

"Oh Merlin sake woman, he is standing up in the far corner up the back of the hall" Severus said agitated

HPSSHPSSHPSS

Harry stood in the back of the hall watching. He arrived at school just before the students did and went to sit at the Gryffindor table and stopped.

He stood there for a little while contemplating on what was going to happen when the students arrive especially Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna and of course Ginny as well and he felt a wave of nausea overcome him and got up from the table.

He liked the opening feast and seeing the new students get sorted into there houses. So in the end he new the corner at the far end of the hall would hide him from everyone until the end of the feast where he could make his way up to the Gryffindor tower and then face the music.

He watched at the students filled the Hall and he spotted Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna and he felt a little guilty for what he did and not contacting them but he really needed the time away from them and then he saw Ginny and suddenly felt like he was getting very crowed. He hated feeling like this and while he was away he felt free, no one hassling him or wanting to get close to him and with the realization coming to him he knew he didn't love her like she loves him, hell he wasn't even attracted to her.

He watched as the student and faculty ate there diner when he felt that someone was watching him and when he looked up at the table who could see that Professor Snape had spotted him and with a sneer on his face he turned away and started talking to Professor Flitwick and McGonagall.

He watched them for a bit and whatever Snape said to McGonagall had her looking hard at the Gryffindor table and then she said something to him again and now she was looking in the vicinity as if trying to see him but in the end just shook her head said something to Snape and stood up.

"Can I have your attention please?" McGonagall said and the noise in the hall quietens down.

"Thank you" started McGonagall "Now i just need to go over a few things. First years note that the Forbidden forest is strictly out of bounds, there is to be no magic practised in the school corridors and the trip to hogsmead for third years and above will be place on the notice board in your house common room.

Also i like to welcome those students who came back to complete their seventh year studies. For those who have come back the staff and i decided that we would give you students extra privileges. Mind you these can be taken away from students who abuse these privileges and its only for the ones that are returning to the school and not for those who did there sixth year last year.

They are allowed to go to Hogsmead on either a Friday after lessons or Saturday. This also includes nights, however if you do chose to go out of a night you must inform your head of house by Thursday at the latest and be back on in your dorm by 1.30 in the morning. Anyone who breaches this curfew will lose this privilege for a month.

Now i like to introduce you to the new staff, Professor Kingsley Shacklebolt who will be teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts as Professor Snape has decided to go back to teaching Potions, Professor Kevin Zhivago who is taking over transfiguration classes.

Now as most of you are aware i'm now the new headmistress of Hogwarts and therefore i am no longer head of house for Gryffindor therefore Professor Shacklebolt has agreed to take over that position and Professor Snape will remain as head of Slytherin house as well as my new deputy."

Harry watched as the excitement went through the hall at the new news McGonagall gave them about visiting Hogsmead and Harry himself was excited to.

The students started filing out of the hall and Harry waited until everyone was gone before heading up to Gryffindor tower.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

"I can't believe it we get to go to Hogsmeade any weekend we like" Ron said excitedly

"Only on Fridays or Saturdays Ron" Hermione said matter of factly

"I know 'Mione but at least we can go out on dates" Ron was trying to say seductively

"At least Harry won't be going on any dates or to Hogsmeade when he got me to spend time with" Ginny piped up

"But Harry's not here" Neville said

"I thought he would have shown up by now" Ron added killing the mood he was in

"Well when he does i be giving him a piece of my mind" Ginny added

"Do you really think that is a good idea Gin, besides i think that is the last thing Harry needs at the moment" Ron said defensively about his friend

"It is exactly what he needs Ron he cannot go around treating people like this he..."

"HARRY" Hermione screeched when she saw Harry come through the portrait door and ran over to him and gave him a hug

"Oh Harry thank Merlin your alright" Hermione said happily

"Yeah mate glad to see you back" Ron said shaking Harry's hand and patting him on the back at the same time

"Thanks guys, good to see you again" Harry said wearily

"HARRY JAMES POTTER" Ginny screemed "WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?"

"I needed time away Ginny"

"TIME AWAY, DO YOU CALL DISAPPEARING AND NOT TELLING ANYONE TIME AWAY"

"I had to get away Ginny it was getting too much for me"

"TOO MUCH HARRY AND WHAT ABOUT ME, HUH? I HAVE BEEN WORRIED SICK OVER YOU, NOT KNOWING WHERE YOU ARE AND YOU COULDN'T EVEN OWL ME OR ANY OF US TO LET US KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE ALRIGHT"

"Look i am sorry i didn't owl you but i never had one and i just needed time alone to think and sort myself out"

"You could have told me"

"I tried Ginny but you wouldn't listen to me"

"LISTEN TO YOU! WHY WOULD I DO THAT WHEN ALL YOU TALK ABOUT IS THE WAR HARRY"

"BECAUSE I NEED TO TALK ABOUT GINNY"

"IT'S OVER HARRY SO GET OVER IT"

"EASY FOR YOU TO SAY, YOU DIDN'T SEE YOUR FRIENDS GET KILLED OR HAVE TO KILL VOLDERMORT. IT IS NOT SOMETHING I CAN JUST GET OVER GINNY"

"Harry there is not much we can do about it but move on, i mean i lost Fred but i'm getting on with my life just like you should do"

"THAT NOT FAIR GINNY AND YOU KNOW IT"

"NOT FAIR HARRY DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS NOT FAIR IS YOU TAKING OFF FOR OVER A WEEK AND NOT HEARING FROM and i thought you were suppose to love me Harry"

"You know what Ginny i don't have to put up with this" Harry said fed up and annoyed at the way Ginny was treating him like he belonged to her and the fact is Harry knew he was no longer or even attracted to her in the first place and he was going to break it off with her but he would not do it now because the last thing he wanted was her bursting out in tears.

"I'm going to bed" He stated and headed up to the boys dorm ignoring Ginny yelling for him to come back down.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

When Harry got into the dorm he saw that Seamus, Dean and Neville were all asleep and Ron was lying awake waiting for his return.

"So where were you?" Ron asked in tone that suggested he should have spoken to him before he disappeared

"No where" Harry simply answered

"Right, you disappear for a whole week without and communication from you to tell us you were safe or anything. Mum was worried and Dad spent ages trying to track you down and not to mention how upset Hermione, Ginny and I were" Ron said with his anger raising

"You know Ron i just got an earful from Ginny about this and i will tell you the same as what i told her i just need time away from everybody" Harry said having trouble containing his anger

"Blimey mate you don't have to bit my head off" Ron stated annoyed

"Yeah well i'm getting sick of everyone trying to do what they think what is best for me and yet they don't ask me what i won't" Harry started unable to hold his anger any longer "My so called relationship with Ginny is all about what she wants nothing about what i need at the moment. You have to know where i've been and why i didn't contact you or anyone. How could I Ron or have you forgotten that Hedwig was killed during the battle huh? I need time to get through everything. Unlike you i had no one to turn to, at least you had your family there with you after Fred died, Hermione went back to her family, Neville and Luna also went back to theirs and i was left alone to deal with my losses. Don't you see Ron when i really needed someone I had no one and now that it is convient for everyone to have me around you all pretend it hasn't happened! Well Ron it has happened and i need time to deal with it because you know why Ron? Do you? (Ron shook his head) Well i tell you why Ron i never thought i would survive the battle against Voldermort, i never ever thought i had a future, and for the first time in my life i am free to do what i what and i don't give a dam anymore about what people want me to do because i ain't doing it, I'm.....i'm getting out of here" and with that Harry left the dorms leaving Ron gaping and fuming at the same time.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

The next morning Ron met up with Hermione, Neville and Ginny

"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked

"I don't know" Ron said shrugging his shoulders.

"Don't tell me he's taken off again" Ginny added in a huff

"Well what do ya expect after the arguement Harry and Ron had last night" Neville added

"Arguement?" Hermione asked and looked towards Ron "What arguement Ron?"

"I asked Harry where he disappeared to and he flew off the handle at me and left" Ron said as if it was of no consequence to him

"RONALD, How could you?" Hermione asked agitated

"Look i didn't badger him like Ginny did last night i just wanted to know where he was and why he didn't contact us" Ron replied and unbeknown to Ron and Hermione Ginny has snuck out while the two look like they were going to get into an arguement

"Ron it the last thing Harry needed at the moment was his best friend having a go at him"

"That's was not i wanted to do Hermione, i mean Harry just doesn't seem to be himself lately"

"I know Ron and i think it best we give Harry what he wants"

Ron sighed he knew Hermione was right and he also knew Harry did need his space. He looked up back at Hermione and gave her a small smile before pulling her into a kiss.

"You're right Hermione. Wouldn't you agree Ginny?"

Silence.

"Ginny" Ron said again looking around for his sister

"Dam, she gone" Ron stated

HPSSHPSSHPSS

Harry waited outside the fat lady portrait but decided not to go in and headed down the corridor and waited until he saw Ron, Hermione and Ginny leave. Truth be told he didn't want any confrontation with them.

He didn't have to wait long when he saw the portrait open and Ginny came out and Harry made sure he was hidden so he didn't have to see her. Once she gone he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

Harry figured that once Ginny had left the other want be far behind and sure enough only a couple of minutes later Ron, Hermione and Neville and not long after Seamus came out.

Harry wasn't sure if Dean was still in or not but that didn't matter he needed to go in, have a shower and get ready for the day classes

HPSSHPSSHPSS

Harry made his way down to the great hall and sat away from his friends.

Ron saw him sit down away from them and just stared at him then turned back to his food. Hermione gave him a week smile and went back to reading her book.

Ginny was giving Harry a glare that would be worthy of Professor Snape, shook her head in disapproval and went back to eating her breakfast while still glaring at him constantly which made Harry very uncomfortable.

Harry only ate a slice toast and had a cup of coffee which he has only developed the taste for since he defeated Voldermort.

He could see that his new head of house Professor Shacklebolt who giving out the school tables and Harry was glad he was sitting away from his friends and for once make a decision on what he wanted to study without the influence of Ron, Hermione, and especially Ginny.

"Mr Potter" Professor Shacklebolt said in a heavy English accent

"Yes Sir"

"Headmistress McGonagall has asked me to tell you can you report to her office to discuss your timetable." He said

"Yes Sir" Harry replied and got up from the table

"Mr Potter" Professor Shacklebolt called out

"Yes sir"

"I hear you use to like lemon sheberts"

Harry just nodded his head know that the Professor was telling him the past word up to the Headmistresses and Harry thought it was ironic that Professor McGonagall used one of her predecessor favourite sweets.

While Harry made his way up to the Headmistresses office thinking about everything that been happening to him lately.

Firstly there was the constant nightmares he was having. He took to brewing dreamless sleep potion but unfortantly that was not working, he was still waking up every night screaming which is why he has also placed a silencing charm around him so he would wake anyone up. But it didn't matter last night since he slept in the room of requirements.

Secondly he had lost all his family member's or the last links to his family. His parents were killed when he was a baby, Sirius died at the end of his fifth year, Dumbledore at the end of his sixth year and then Remus and Tonks during the final battle and he had nobody left other then his friends.

Thirdly there was Ginny. When things settled down and he went back to the burrow Ginny ran to him and gave him a hug and broke down in his arms and for some reason which Harry still not could work out why he kissed her. He knew then it felt wrong and every time since then it felt wrong.

Lastly was his sexuality. He had dated Cho in his fifth year but ended in disaster and he has kissed a couple of other girls but he felt uncomfortable doing so. And then his current girlfriend Ginny who he can not stand been around anymore could not even arouse him.

He had noticed over the last couple of years that he has been checking out guys. Even in the showers, like this morning when he walked in while Dean was having a shower and he couldn't help himself and checked him out like he has also done with his quidditch team. After Dean got out of the shower he had a more pressing problem he had to take care of something that Ginny could not even do to him and how does the wizarding world react to homosexuality.

Harry arrived in front of the gargoyle, shaking his head and sighing he gave the password and headed up to the headmistresses' office and knocked on the door.

"Enter" came the stern voice of Professor McGonagall

"You wanted to see me Professor" Harry said quietly

"Yes Potter come in, have a seat"

Harry moved over to take a seat and declined the offer of tea from the headmistress.

"Well lets get to it then" McGonagall started and looked at Harry over her glasses and continued "How are you Potter?"

"Fine" he replied but the stern looked the headmistress was giving him basically said the she didn't believe him

"Mmm, Shall we try that again Potter and this time i want the truth"

"I'm fine Professor, Really" Harry once again said even though he knew he wasn't telling the truth and he could tell that McGonagall also knew he was lying

"Potter i don't believe you"

Before Harry could protest McGonagall raised her her hand and hushed him up with her finger and the stern look on her face and Harry thought she looked like a female version of Professor Snape.

"Potter, Harry you see here the thing is when you disappeared Molly wanted to call the auror's straight away to go out looking for you but i said not to. You see Potter i had a feeling you needed time away and that you would show up on the Hogwarts express but when you didn't come through last night after the feast had concluded i was going to come up and call Molly and tell her that you were still missing that was until Severus pointed out where you were and how in Merlin name he knew you were there was beyond me. Now i'm going to ask you again Harry and i want the truth this time How are you going?"

Harry sat there in silence for a while before he answered the Professor McGonagall.

"The truth Professor is i really don't know" Harry simply replied

"Potter i know you have had a rough time and i'm not going to sit here and give you all the advice or comfort that everyone thinks you need but i will be here for you when you do need someone and so will any Professor here at Hogwarts"

"Thanks Professor" Harry said feeling relieved that he didn't have to tell her what is really going on and was grateful that she was going to let him sort some stuff out himself before he will talk to anyone.

"Now about your timetable Harry, are you still interested in becoming an auror Harry?"

"I don't know anymore Professor, i really don't know what i want to do anymore"

"Well then, what subjects would you like to do then Harry?"

"I would like to do Potions, Herbology, Charms, Transfiguration, Defence against the dark arts, and i would like to also do ancient runes and arithmancy"

"Ok" Professor McGonagall waved her wand and gave Harry a piece of parchment with he schedule on it "There you go Potter, you may leave and head to your class"

"Thanks Professor"

"And remember Potter i am here if you need me"

Harry gave a quick smile and nod and headed off towards his class.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

McGonagall watched Harry as he left and from his short visit she could tell that Harry was deeply troubled by and not yet to fully recover from the war but she couldn't do anything until Harry was ready to except her offer of help.

She sat back in her chair and let out a big sigh.

"You did what you had to do Minerva, Harry won't open up easily" the portrait of Albus Dumbledore said

"I know Albus but he is deeply troubled and looks awful" Minerva said sadly looking up to her friend

"I whole heartily agree with you Minerva but you can't force him to talk he will do so when he is ready"

"Do you think he will, Albus?"

"I don't know Minerva I really don't" Albus said sadly

HPSSHPSSHPSS

"Looks who finally decided to grace us with his presence" Ginny said sarcastically after Harry entered the Gryffindor common room after a hard day of classes

Harry just glared at her and headed over to a table in the corner to start doing his homework

"Aren't you going to say something to me Harry" Ginny demanded

"LIKE WHAT" Harry turned and snapped at her

"Well for starter's Hello and a kiss would be nice Harry after all we are boyfriend and girlfriend" Ginny sternly replied

"Right and so just because i'm your boyfriend i meant to do what you say Ginny" Harry said annoyed

"Yes you are" Ginny said matter of factly

"Let me get this straight Ginny i meant to do what you say but you don't have to do what i ask" Harry said who is no starting to lose control of his anger

"Of course you have to do what i say that it what is expected of you"

"EXPECTED OF ME, HOW DARE YOU GINNY, I HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AND FOR ONCE I LIKE TO DO WHAT I WANT TO DO"

"LIKE WHAT HARRY, WHAT IS IT YOU WANT TO DO"

"I would like people to just stop expecting me to do things because they said i have to"

"Yeah right Harry, Nobody cares what you want, they only care if you met there expectations"

"EXPECTATIONS, EXPECTATIONS, AND WHOS EXPECTATION ARE THOSE GINNY, YOURS OR EVERYONE ELSES"

"EVERYONES"

"AND WHAT WOULD THOSE BE GINNY"

"To marry and have children preferably to me"

"WHAT"

"You heard me"

"Of course i heard, i just don't believe it"

"What do you mean Harry that you don't believe me"

"This exactly what i was talking about Ginny people expecting me to do something i don't want to do"

"You don't want to get married Harry"

"Of course i want to get married to the person i love and who loves me for me and not the boy who lived who defeated he who must not be named"

"I love you Harry, you know that"

"NO I DON'T GINNY. If you loved me like you said Ginny you would listen to what i have to say"

"Not that again Harry, all you ever talk about is the last battle"

"THAT'S because i need to talk about it Ginny, i need to get past this so i can continue on with my life"

"Well i DON'T want to hear it Harry i have had enough of hearing about the final battle"

"Thanks Ginny, thanks for nothing" Harry said agitated, grabbed his bag and started to head out when Ginny yelled at him

"RUNNING AWAY AGAIN HARRY"

"No Ginny i leaving before i do something i will regret" Harry said and unbeknown to Harry Ron and Hermione walked through the portrait but stopped in there tracks to listen to what was happening

"Like what Harry"

"Ginny you know dam well what i can do but the one thing i will do which is something i have been wanting to do for weeks"

"What's that Harry?" Ginny asked as if she was getting bored of this

"Break up with you"

"WHAT" Ginny screamed not expecting Harry to say that

"I said Ginny i want to break up with you"

"But Harry we can't break, I love you Harry"

"I don't love you Ginny, i never have"

"But Harry..." Ginny started through her tears

"But nothing Ginny i can NOT be with you, i don't love you and i never could. I'm sorry Ginny but i just can't lie to myself anymore" Harry said bowing his head and lowering his voice.

Before Harry could do anything Ginny walked up and slapped him across the face and ran off towards her dormintry.

Hermione ran past Harry stopping and looking at him angrily before saying "How could you do that to her Harry after she lost her brother and needed your support"

"But Hermione..." Harry started but didn't get anywhere before she ran up to Ginny

Harry stood there watching her until he felt someone shove him hard in the back

"What the hell" Harry said stumbling but didn't fall and turned to look at who pushed him only to be faced with one very angry Ron Weasley

"Ron"

"How could you hurt Ginny like that Harry"

"I didn't mean to hurt her Ron"

"If you didn't mean to hurt her then why do it"

"Because i don't want to be with her Ron"

"But she loves you Harry that should be enough and you need her"

"No i don't need her and I don't love her either Ron"

"HOW COULD YOU HARRY"

"I need time Ron"

"You know what Harry, Ginny is right the war is over and its time you should get over it. Hermione and i have done nothing but support you and then you go and turn your hurt Ginny"

"I'm sorry Ron but i have not gotten over it"

"Well get OVER IT HARRY"

"Ron i had to break up with Ginny" Harry said dejected

"NO YOU DIDN'T HARRY, YOU HURT MY SISTER AND I COULD NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THAT" Ron yelled and stormed past him but stopped when Harry yelled at him

"SO I GUESS AS LONG SHE HAPPY YOU ARE HAPPY AND I'M MISERABLE"

"YES"

"WELL SCREW YOU THEN RON" Harry yelled

Ron who was already losing his temper because Harry made his sister upset turned and punched Harry hard in the face and the force of the punch sent Harry backwards tripping on the stairs and hitting his head hard on the steps.

Ron stormed off and Harry slowly got up feeling a wave of dizziness come over him slowly made his way out of the portrait and away from Gryffindor tower.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

Harry spent the night wondering through the corridors of Hogwarts. Not particular caring where he went but as long as he was as far as way as possible from the Gryffindor tower.

He couldn't believe how things changed one minute he was arguing with Ginny and the next Ron was punching him in the face.

Harry was glad that he broke it off with Ginny, it wasn't exactly how he planned to break up with her but then again nothing went as he planned.

For the first time in a long time Harry felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders, he felt light, he felt free and he felt confused. He didn't understand why after all he and Ginny were going out for about two months and he felt no regret over breaking up with her in fact he felt happy about it which only seemed to put in place that he didn't like dating girls because after each break up he never felt any remorse about losing the relationship but he did feel bad that he hurt there feelings.

Harry spent hours wondering around Hogwarts thinking about his preference to both girls and boys and come to the conclusion that he wanted to explore his feelings towards men a lot more.

As the sun rose above the lake Harry couldn't believe that he had been out all night and never got caught by Filch or his stupid cat Mrs Norris or by Professor Snape.

Harry made his way to the great hall grabbed a slice of toast and disappeared before any of the faculaty saw him or anyone from Grynffindor came in. Or so he had thought.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

Severus Snape Hogwarts potion master had just got back to the main entance when he spotted one Harry Potter leaving the entrance eating a slice of toast.

'Typical Gryffindor come down for an early bite and then return later' was his first thoughts were that was until he noticed the state the young Gryffindor was in.

The way his clothing was hanging off him suggested he just went three round with a Hungarian horn tail, his face was swollen and bruised as if he just got into a fight.

He was about to confront the boy about it when he heard a racket coming from the direction of the Hufflepuff dormitory he went to investigate and decided that he will confront Potter later since he had the boy for potions.

HPSSHPSSHPSS

Harry had difficult morning with charms and transfiguration both classes Ron, Hermione and Ginny were in them. He sat away from them and ended up sitting with Blaise Zibani from Slytherin who at first was a bit apprehensive about but as the lesson progressed he relaxed and let him sit with him again in the next class as well while during both classes Ron, Ginny and Hermione spent the class whispering to each other then staring at Harry.

Harry was glad when lunch arrived and instead of going for something to eat he went up to the library to get started on his homework.

After lunch Harry headed down for his first potion class of the year. In a way he was looking forward to this class for the first time since his first year because during the summer he had been practising without anyone knowing and he could now understand why Professor Snape enjoyed brewing as he did now and he wanted to show his Professor how much he has improved.

Harry arrived just before the bell rang and Hermione instantly turn away from him then moved to the front of the class. Harry was a little hurt by this but once again took his seat away from her up of the back of the class.

"Hay Harry"

"Blaise"

"Still ignoring you?"

"Uh huh"

"Well in that case i sit here if you don't mind"

"Blaise no offense or nothing but why are you been friends with me?"

"Because everyone needs a friend Harry including you"

"But for the past seven years you and the rest of the Slytherins have hated me"

"Like most in Slytherin especially our year Harry our parents were followers of you know who and therefore drummed into us that we had to hate you because you were the chosen one, the one to bring down he who must not be named.

But truth is Harry i never hated you, i respected you but i could never tell you or show you because of who my parents were and now that they are finally locked away in Azakaban and now for the first time in my life i can be me and have the friends i want to have and not told to who i can have.

So here I am Harry offering you my friendship if you will expect it" Blaise said holding out his hand

Harry thought for a moment and remembered that when Malfoy offered his hand he turned him down and made the next seven years made of Harry's life hell. But this time Harry decided to except his friendship and shook his hand.

"This year as your last year of potion class and if you are in this class means you must be more then above average with potions" Professor Snape said as he walked down to the front of his class and scanned the class and stopped at Harry for a second before continuing on "You blow up a cauldron then you are instantly out of my class and earned yourself more study lessons and a receiving a 'T' for your N.E.W.T.S ."

Professor Snape turned to the board and with a flick of his wrist was instructions on the board to brew the draught of the living dead and turned quickly back to the class and continued on "I know you made this in your sixth year and out of all you only one succeeded in brewing this correctly, lets see if we can improve on that. BEGIN"

The class progressed silently, Professor Snape walked around the class and absolutely stunned that only one student had the potion correct but he wasn't ready to give out any praise.

"Bottle your potions and clean up" Professor Snape barked out.

Professor Snape watched the class, in particular Harry, he needed to find away to keep Harry back so far he hadn't done anything to warrant him to stay behind that was until he went to sit back down tripped and knocked over a heap of empty vials and they all fell to the floor and shattered on the tiles.

"POTTER" Professor Snape barked out "STAY BEHIND"

Professor Snape pulled out his wand and performed a quick Reparo and the vials were all backed together. He knew that Potter was not at fault, he actually saw Miss Granger push her bag out making Potter trip and could have made her stay back but he needed to speak Potter of what he saw this morning.

The bell went and every piled out of the classroom and Harry made is way up to Professor Snape's desk and stood there while watching his Professor make some notes before he looked up at him.

"Have a seat Mr Potter" Professor Snape sneered

"Yes sir" Harry said while taking a seat

"Explain your self Mr Potter" Professor Snape demanded

"Sir" Harry said confused at the question

"Mr Potter i saw you with the bruises this morning"

"What bruises sir" Harry said knowing that lying to Snape was not a bright idea

"Don't play me for a fool Potter" he said with malice and grabbed his wand "finite incantatum"

The glamour charm that Harry had on to hide the bruises was instantly removed and Snape could finally see what he was hiding

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING" Harry jumped out of the chair yelling angrily at Snape for removing the spell

"Sit down Potter" Sneered Snape

"NO" yelled Harry

"Potter stop acting like the spoilt brat that you are and sit down"

"I AM NOT A SPOILT BRAT"

"What would your fans say if they knew you were acting like a child"

"Tell you what professor you can have all my fans, the mail, the fame, the fortune, EVERYTHING CAUSE I DON"T WANT IT, i want to be just Harry not the boy who lived who defeated he who must not be named, i just want to be Harry" Harry said angrily but finished quietly trying to be hold back the tears that threaten to spill over

Professor Snape watched Harry and he could see just from that short outburst how much pain Harry had suffered, it was the same if not more then his own but he refused to show any sign of weakness.

"Potter i refuse to get drawn into an argument with you. Now what were you doing wondering out of the great hall spotting those bruises on your face?" Snape demanded

"I had breakfast early and if you must know i got knocked over last night and i hit my head" Harry told Snape although it was not a lie it was not the whole truth either.

Professor Snape could tell that Potter was not telling the full truth, he thought about using legilimens on him but decided it would not do him or Harry any good especially since Harry is so emotionally unstable instead he got up went to the store room and pulled a jar of healing salve out and sat back down directly in front of Harry

"Remove your classes Mr Potter" Professor Snape said but without his usual trace of malice in his voice.

Harry looked at Snape curious wondering if Snape was going to do something to him but truth be told Harry had started to respect him and trust him towards the end of the war when he found out what Professor Snape was doing for him and the order although he will never admit out loud or to him.

He removed his classes and placed them on the counter and turned back to face Professor Snape who he could not see very well without his classes.

Professor Snape put his finger's into the salve and started applying to Potter's face. On first contact Potter nearly jumped through the roof.

"Sit still Potter" Professor Snape sneered "And close your eyes"

Harry sat still and let Professor Snape apply the salve on his bruises and was at a lost to why Professor Snape would want to put the salve on his face instead of letting him do it.

"Put your glamour back on Potter and i expect to see you here before breakfast for me to apply the second coat on"

"Thanks Professor but if you give me the healing salve i can do it my self"

"Don't be stupid Potter, you need your classes off and due to you bad eye sight you would not be able to see what you are doing and end up putting this in your eye which would then require you go to the hospital wing as this stuff is not good for your eyes" Professor Snape said extremely agitated

"Oh" Harry said putting his classes back on and reapplying the glamour charm as well

"Your vocabulary never ceases to amaze Potter" Sneered Snape "Now out"

Harry got up quickly grabbed his bag thank Professor Snape and left.

TBC.........