Disclaimer: I don't own it… 'nuff said.

A/N: Just in case you missed it in the Prologue, this story is HBP compliant, but since a lot of things are left open at the end of that book, I've filled in the holes with my own theories. They have no real basis in fact, they are merely what I think (or hope) will happen. !HBP SPOILER WARNING!

Chapter One

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"It feels good to be back. It'll be nice to have a year at school when we won't have to worry about Voldemort, won't it?" Hermione said. Harry remained silent, staring into the space just above her head. "Harry? Harry. Harry!"

"Hmm…? Oh, yeah, great," he said absently.

"Were you listening to anything I just said?" she asked huffily.

"Sure," Harry said.

"Really? Then, what did I say?" she snapped.

"Erm… I don't know…" Harry replied, looking down at his plate of food. He hadn't eaten anything, but he felt that he'd pushed it around enough so that it looked as if he had. He excused himself and walked out of the great hall without waiting for an acknowledgement.

Ron stared after him. "What do you think is wrong with him?"

Hermione sighed. "I have no idea."

"It's not like he's got much to worry about, with You-Know-Who finally gone," Ron said, "I mean, we've got NEWTs this year, but… I don't know. He's never been this upset about marks before."

"Maybe we should talk to him," Hermione said.

"That's not a good idea," Neville stated.

"And why is that?" Ron said.

"Because… do you really think he'll tell you the truth? He won't ask for your help, and if you offered, he wouldn't accept it," Neville replied, "You'll only push him farther away if he thinks you feel sorry for him."

Ron scoffed, but it was in annoyance that Neville seemed to know more about his best friend than he did.

"Harry and me… we're sort of kindred spirits," Neville said, grinning, "I think I'm going to head up. See you guys around." He walked away, leaving Ron gaping.

"What do you think he meant by that?" Hermione said.

Ron shrugged. "Who knows?"

"I think he's right, Ron," Hermione stated, "We should just leave it alone for now. Maybe he just needs some time for the realization to sink in that it's all over."

"Maybe…"

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Ever-so-short, yes, and the next one is just as short. Sorry! After the first two chapters, though, they start to get longer, I promise. Until next time… Ciao!