A/N: I decided to post one more chapter so you can see what happens after Harry kicks everyone out. Each chapter will go between Harry and Draco so this time it's from Draco's point of view. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 2: A Hero in Despair

After being forced out of Harry's flat I went upstairs to my own rather slowly. I hadn't said a word to Weasley and Granger and I could feel the worry that was radiating off of them. Hell even I was worried beyond belief about Harry. At some point during the crying he had become Harry to me. Actually I think he had been Harry for quite sometime. Probably since the day he rescued me from the Room of Requirement. I should have perished in there along with Crabbe, but Harry's hero complex prevented that. I was grateful to him though even if I couldn't show it in an appropriate way. Actually I suppose I did by not terrorizing him during our last year of school, but the truth was I didn't just do it for him. I grew up a lot during the war and I realized that I made a lot of mistakes and I wanted to change them that year. I wanted to be a better person for myself and I guess Harry too.

That was part of the reason I moved into a building full of Gryffindorks and one loony Ravenclaw. I wanted to be close to Harry, to prove to him that I was a good person that I had changed. I think he noticed, but neither of us acknowledged it. I'm glad I was here though to notice what his friends obviously didn't. Harry was heading down a path that was nowhere near the one he should be on. I watched him close in on himself and shut out all his friends. He did it in such a way that it appeared that they had become too busy for him and yeah that was part of it, but it was also by Harry's hand. He was so depressed that he pushed away all the people that loved him.

I had finally reached my door without even realizing it. I unlocked it and walked in. I muttered several locking charms as I headed towards my bedroom. I had to write down the thoughts that were going through my head about him, about everything. I knew I wasn't going to sleep tonight once I got into bed. My mind would not stop going over and over the despair that Harry was in. I had never seen him like that. He was always so strong. No, he is strong and he'll get through this. Maybe that's what he needed to do, just cry it all out? Gods I hope so. I can't really imagine a life without Harry Potter. I don't think I could exist without him, whatever that means. I had to start writing before my mind became too jumbled and confusing.

I reached over to my nightstand and pulled out the journal I had bought at an antique store in Hogsmeade. It was made of coffee brown durable Italian leather with cream-colored Italian, hand cut paper. It had a curious insignia on the front that I had no idea what it meant, but it seemed to go perfectly with the purpose of it. It was expensive, but it was so durable and would last for years. I had only bought it a week ago because my other one was already filled. I had kept a journal for as long as I could remember and it truly helped to get things out of my head. It was very similar to a pensieve only a bit less evasive.

I sighed as I looked down at the cover of the book. I was always able to write no matter how keyed up I was, but for some reason tonight I just couldn't find the words to write. I reached into the drawer again and pulled out an expensive ballpoint muggle pen that I had found while shopping. I typically shied away from muggle things, but this pen was amazing so I made an exception. I brought the pen to the paper and began writing. My hand flew across the page as my feelings began pouring out through the pen.

July 31, 1999

Today was a very difficult day for me. It started out like any other day. I got dressed, had a muffin for breakfast and had some tea and then I got ready for work. I saw Leone on my way to the apparition point. I wanted to say more to him today, but I couldn't. For some reason now that we aren't against each other I can't form the words to talk to him. He looked really tortured today though. Far more than usual. I pushed it aside though because every morning I saw him he looked tortured and sad.

I didn't even think about it throughout the morning. Like I said, it was nothing different really. It wasn't until lunchtime, when I decided to go to this café in Diagon Alley that I remembered how he'd looked that morning. I saw someone from his past walk into the store he works at and it didn't take long for Leone to come out looking upset. Again I pushed it aside knowing what was causing him to be so upset. But then I noticed throughout the rest of the day that something was nagging at me and I didn't realize what it was until I was sitting in my flat, noticing the date and it hit me. I had this feeling that he was alone tonight and it didn't seem right so I decided to gather up some courage and go down to see him.

Sure enough he was home by himself and when he opened that door I swear I felt my heart break. He was obviously drunk and when I saw the alcohol sitting on his counter I knew that it was a nightly habit, but tonight seemed far worse. Any normal person would have been out by the first quarter of the bottle, but he was still standing albeit barely, but still standing all the same. He looked so sad and desperate for a break in the clouds. I suddenly felt nothing, but compassion for him. Yeah I know, me having compassion for Leone, doesn't make sense, but I did.

After I made a bit of small talk everything just went down hill. It was like a dam had broken and years of emotions and feelings came rushing out. All the pain, despair, desperation, all gushing from him like blood in an open wound. I literally broke inside I think as I watched him fall to pieces right in front of me. I had no idea what to do! I have never been in a position like this. Emotions in my family were held in and only brought out in private time, never in front of people. But then he let out this heartbreaking sob and I just knew there was no standing back. I knelt next to him and comforted him, well I tried anyway. We sat like that for so long and he just cried. I didn't think it was ever going to stop and then his friends showed up, Rosso and Folto and they looked at me like it was my fault! I didn't ignore their friend's needs and get so damn wrapped up in my own life that I didn't notice that he was closing in on himself more and more. Best friends are supposed to be there for you through everything, thick and thin, but they just ditched him. That pisses me off.

I tried to explain what happened, but the accusations never left their eyes so we just sat there while Leone cried. I've never seen him this way. Ever and I'd known him for quite a few years. Ugh, it was horrible. Finally after at least an hour he calmed down and wasn't crying anymore and I knew he could hear us talking. I said something and he just flipped. I can't recall him ever hurting my feelings like that, but it hurt, bad. Here I am trying to be the person he needs and he just tramples all over my heart like that, but I suppose it is expected. I'm sure I threw him for a loop with the way I was treating him. He kicked us out which was just shocking. Well not really for me because well it's me, but Rosso and Folto? That was just, I don't even know. I can't even explain it. So here I am, trying to get my thoughts out about all of this and I have no idea what to do. I am literally scared for him. I'm afraid that he's going to do something stupid. Why am I still sitting here? I need to go make sure he's okay.

I stood up quickly not even noticing the thump that my journal made when it landed on the floor. I was running full on out my door and running down the five flights of stairs to get to Harry's flat. I didn't even want to wait for the elevator like I always did. There was just something about tonight that seemed so final and I was worrying sick that he was going to hurt himself. I can't imagine life without Harry Potter in it. Never in a million years could I imagine it.

I skidded to a stop outside his door and began pounding on the door. I didn't care who I woke at this late hour with my pounding. I just wanted him to open the door so I could make sure he was okay. Where was this irrational fear coming from? Was I worried for purely selfish reasons because I can't exist without Harry Potter? Or was I truly worried about the Boy-Who-Lived? I didn't know at this moment. All I knew is that he wasn't opening the door and I was beginning to feel very hollow. I stepped back ready to blast the door open when it clicked open. I stared at it for a moment wondering if he had unlocked it and was standing on the other side or my mania unlocked it. I slowly pushed it open and stepped inside. I saw the shards of glass sparkling around the room and then I turned to the kitchen to see Harry lying on his side on the kitchen floor.

I stopped breathing then, my eyes stinging with tears. Had he done something to himself? Had the pain been too much for him? Was I ever going to see those sparkling emeralds again? I reached out for support and gripped a small table that was near the door. I stared at him for a long moment willing any part of him to move so that I knew that he was alive. I couldn't even tell through my tears if he was alive. I was about to give into my pain when he snorted rather loudly. I was so happy to hear it that I laughed out loud. I continued to laugh as I walked into the kitchen and sank down next to him. From this point I could see him visibly breathing. I was so relieved that I closed my eyes and let a few tears fall from my eyes. Harry was going to be around for another day to pester me. I vowed that I was going to talk to him more from now on and be there for him.

XXXX

The next morning I awoke with a horrible crick in my neck and my butt numb from sitting on the hard floor. I looked down and saw that Harry hadn't moved an inch in the night except that his arm was thrown over my legs in a way that looked like he was reaching for me. I smiled at this and I was pleased to see that he was still breathing. I stared at him for a moment further and then I slowly pulled myself away from him. I didn't make it far before he groaned and brought a hand to his face rubbing vigorously. I chuckled and he froze where he was. He turned his body, bones cracking as he moved and looked up at me. I gave him what I hoped was a gentle smile and he blushed before he pulled himself completely up.

"What are you doing here?" He asked his voice hoarse and deep from sleep and crying the night before.

"I was worried about you," I replied honestly.

He looked at me peculiarly and looked around his kitchen. He saw the shattered glass and he remembered just what had happened the night before. "I'm such an idiot," He whispered as he buried his face in his hands.

"No, not an idiot. You needed to get it out. I just happened to be the one to be here when it started," I replied.

"You shouldn't have seen that. No one should have. I'm so ashamed of myself," Harry muttered.

"Harry look at me," he looked up at me slowly and reluctantly, but looked all the same. "You've been holding it in far too long. I'm surprised it took this long to breakthrough. If you can't tell Weasley and Granger how you're feeling because you don't want to ruin their happiness or whatever then talk to me. I'm offering myself to you if you ever need an ear," I offered and I meant it. I hadn't really thought about it, but I truly meant it. I wanted to be there for him.

He smirked at me then. "You're offering yourself to me? That seems a bit suggestive, don't you think?" He said.

I stared at him a moment as I processed what he meant and then it dawned on me. "Pervert. Geez, just ruin my moment here. The Draco Malfoy has just extended his ear this time to thee Harry Potter and he makes a joke. When will we ever get it right?" I teased.

He laughed then. "Alright, I'll take your ear this time. Maybe later on I'll take your hand. I'm sorry about last night. I remember being rather rude to you and Ron and Hermione," He said to me all joking gone from his tone.

I shrugged. It didn't bother me. I understood where he was coming from. Okay, so it did bother me a bit with the way he reacted to me, but in the grand scheme of things I understood where he was coming from. "I forgive you and I'm sure they will too, but until then I think you need breakfast and a shower. We need to figure out how else we can help you get through all of this. I have a feeling that despite having my ear available that you won't always take it," I said to him.

He was about to protest my words, but I gave him a knowing look. He wasn't really transparent persay I had just been studying him for so long that I knew how he was when it came to talking to others. He nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're probably right. How do you get your thoughts all straightened out?" He asked curiously.

"I write in a journal. I have for years. It helps quite a bit actually. It might be something to try. I don't really see you going to a counselor or whatever," I responded.

He scoffed and shook his head. "Definitely not. That's a news story just waiting to get out despite doctor-patient confidentiality. Maybe I'll give it a shot. Thanks for, well, everything I guess," Harry said quietly. He looked up at me then with those green eyes of his and I saw him in a new light. It seemed that we had climbed over a huge mountain between us. I hoped that it was the case. It would be nice to be friends with him, if that's what he wants. I won't push him. He'd been pushed enough in his life especially by me. He smiled at me then and walked back towards where I imagined his room was. I watched as he closed his door behind him and I stood there for a moment just thinking about the change of events in less than twelve hours. I went from barely speaking to Harry to being there for his biggest breakdown ever.

I turned and quickly banished the broken glass and began looking through his kitchen trying to find something to make for us for breakfast. I settled on chocolate chip pancakes, my personal favorite and a killer hangover cure. I was hopeful that things would change for Harry and I just hoped that he'd let me help him through it all.