Hey guys, here's chapter 2! Just so you know, I've got a rule that I won't post a chapter unless I have two written ahead of it, so my speed of posting is based off of my speed of writing. And Reviews always encourage me to write faster. SO PLEASE REVIEW and tell me what you think.

I also edited the first chapter a bit, so go look it over if you want.

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns everything.

Enjoy!

*Harry Potter POV*

"Harry." Ron nudged my arm, waking me out of my daze. I look around, noticing the entire class staring at me. Which recently, isn't that surprising, but judging by the look on McGonagall's face, I've probably done something wrong.

"Thank you for finally gracing us with your presence Mr. Potter." She snapped, quickly transitioning back to her lecture on… probably something to do with transfiguration.

Even though she took up the role of Head Mistress after Dumbledore and Snape's deaths, she's still headstrong on teaching transfiguration, refusing to give the job to anyone else.

She'd probably deny it, but I think she just loves teaching, no matter how much she refuses to show it.

"'Ay mate, you okay?" Ron muttered when the class' attention was back on the lesson in the front of the room.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I mutter, rubbing my face with my hands. "Just a little tired. Didn't get much sleep last night."

"Nightmares again?" He asks, keeping his eyes faced forward on the lesson.

"Yeah." I groan. It wasn't really, they left with Voldemort. But it's much easier to explain than wondering the halls, remembering what transpired in those exact spots only months ago.

"That sucks. Do you think it has anything to do with Voldemort? It could be one of his lackeys picking up where he left off or something."

"Nah, the war's over. They've given up. It's just some memories, or flashbacks, or… something." I sigh, putting my head on my desk. Indicating the end of the conversation.

"If you're sure…" Ron mutters, going back to doodling on his parchment.

I look around the classroom. The 8th years have been bunched together for most classes this year to keep organization and focus on the oncoming NEWTS.

Though sitting in the room, it's weird seeing all the different colored robes mingled together. When McGonagall spoke of enforcing interhouse unity, she wasn't joking. She's even crafted a rule that all students must switch tables in the Great Hall once a week.

Some students do what they can to ignore the rule. Primarily the Slytherins, who just stay in the same groups at the edges of each table, refusing to converse with anyone else.

The only exception is Malfoy, who's done a pretty decent job of keeping to himself. I've even seen him ignore Parkinson multiple times, which is impressive seeing how she's been glued to him since 1st year.

His silence has actually been pretty disturbing. I've become so used to seeing him and his cronies throwing insults at every corner.

I can't say I miss the petty arguments, but they were reliable. And unlike most of my life right now, even fighting with Malfoy seems pleasant, just to have a bit of normalcy.

But I guess the war affects all of us. He lost friends just like I did, and according to the paper, also both of his parents.

I don't blame him for what happened.

Like Snape, I just assumed wrong.

He was on the wrong side; but not by choice.

Lucius used his own son like he used Ginny all those years ago. His own son was just a pawn he used to follow Voldemort's bidding.

Malfoy must have felt pretty alone. Finding out his own parents had only been using him for years, and the only friends to rely on were other Slytherins, whose parents were blindly following the same maniac as his.

I was snapped out of my train of thought when Ron nudged my arm again, indicating the end of class.

"Harry, you swear you're okay? You've been pretty out of it lately." Ron said as we walked the Great Hall for lunch.

"Yeah, I promise I'm fine. I told you I'm just tired." I repeated.

"Alright…" Ron was about to continue when Hermione showed up outside of the entrance of the Great Hall, giving Ron a quick peck on the lips before leading us in.

We decided to sit with Luna at the Ravenclaw table, soon joined by Neville, Dean, Seamus, and Ginny.

Ron, Hermione, and I sat opposite of Luna, Ginny next to me and Dean next to her. Seamus sat across from Dean, next to Luna and Neville on her other side, the two have become a lot closer since the war, and at this point, we're all just waiting for them to finally get together.

This has become normal for us, the eight of us sitting together for meals. Ron and Hermione leaning on each other; Ginny trying to lean on me, and Dean struggling for her attention; Neville and Luna talking about whatever they talk about; and Seamus talking with whoever'll listen.

And while I crave normalcy, there's just something not right about this. I should simply enjoy being with my friends, I should be able to laugh, and be carefree like any other 18 year old boy. But something just isn't right.

There was a hole that isn't being filled. And guilt about the war, and Ginny, and the ghosts of students younger than me who have no clue what to do...

And worst of all, there are always people staring at me, asking for autographs, pictures, clothes!

Even Ron and Hermione are treating me differently, they have a sort of air of superiority, showing off that they are friends with the 'Boy Who Lived'. Condescending anyone who thinks they're worthy of approaching me.

It all just makes it worse, pushing the hole open until it's all that's left.

All I want is to be normal, to have friends, and be seen as any other teenage boy. I constantly say it, yet no one listen or understands. Thinking it's modesty, or that I'm just bragging. I just can't take it anymore…

"Harry, you've been so quiet. Is something wrong?" Ginny asks, wrapping her arms around mine.

"Yeah, I'm just tired. You know, nightmares… And stuff." I say hesitantly, scooting away from her as discreetly as possible.

She smiles sweetly, and starts rubbing my arm. "Harry… You know you can talk to me about anything. Are you sure there's nothing bothering you? Anything you want to talk about?"

At this point, the whole group is looking at us. As well as a few nosey onlookers nearby.

I know what she's hinting at, and we really do need to talk about this. Just not right now, not when I'm so messed up in the head, and definitely not in front of everybody else.

"No. I'm fine." I snap. Grabbing my things and standing up. "I think I'm going to go study in the library." I look over at Ron and Hermione who were scrambling to collect their things as well. "Alone." I state before storming off.

I know I'm being a jerk, and they don't deserve it. But I really just need to clear my head.

I stopped before entering the library, collecting my thoughts and tried to calm down. Taking a few deep breaths, I opened the doors and immediately regretted going in.

The library was packed, and the second I opened the door, all eyes were on me.

Alright, this is where the plot starts to thicken. I hope you guys enjoyed, and the next chapter should be up fairly soon so keep your eyes open. Reviews really do encourage me to write, and I criticism does help improve my writing, so please tell me what you thought!