A/N: Hello again everyone. I apologize for this being a day late. My cousin was having a meltdown and calling me every ten minutes for help so I didn't have any writing time. Then my girlfriend came over and I was all "my readers are going to kill me!!" So Sorry! I hope you enjoy this chapter which is dedicated to TheMrsDannyJones for once again providing me motivation and kind words to continue. We say goodbye to Ginny and Hermione is her ever supportive, awesome self. I think I'll stick Luna in here somewhere too because she is one of my very favorite characters. Enjoy! Once again Harry's thoughts are in italics.

Chapter 2: And so Begins the Deeper Thought

"So you and Draco are friends now?" Hermione asked as she made her way with Harry to their DADA class.

"Slowly but surely, yes."

Hermione smiled. "That's fantastic Harry!" She hugged him and Harry was taken aback.

"So you're ok with it 'Mione?"

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be? You two have been circling around each other for years. It's about time you form some kind of relationship." Hermione smiled and Harry wasn't sure if he was comfortable with the amount of mischief in her eyes. She's up to something.

"You've forgiven him for the years of constant name calling and cruelty?"

"Harry, the war brought out the best in Draco. He may have been a complete twat when we were children but he was there when it really counted. If it wasn't for Draco's contributions as a turncoat, the war would have lasted much longer than it did. Also…well maybe it is too soon for that revelation. Got to go Harry! Best of luck talking to Ginny; I'm here for you if you need anything."

"Uh…wait Hermione! What were you going to say?"

"Never mind Harry." Hermione called with a wave as she disappeared around the corner.

"Why do people keep doing that to me?" Harry sighed and continued his trek to the DADA classroom.

A Few Hours Later in Gryffindor Common Room

"Ginny I think it is time we broke up and went our separate ways." Said Harry calmly and as gently as possible.

"But Harry we are so good together!" Yelled Ginny as tears began to roll down her face. Harry hated putting her through this but Draco was right before. If he didn't find his own happiness, he wouldn't ever have it.

"I am so sorry Ginny and I hate to see you cry but you are not the one for me."

"Was it something I did? I can change Harry!"

"No Ginny! I was not you at all. We just don't have that spark and chemistry. I know if you look deep enough inside, you would agree with me."

"No, Harry please reconsider? I love you!"

"Ginny, I just can't. I wish I could but I just can't stay with someone who isn't my soul mate. It would just hurt us both worse later on." Harry tried to rub her back comfortingly but she brushed it off and covered her face with her hands.

"Fine." She whispered muffled by her tears.

"Thank you Ginny." Harry said quietly. Ginny's sobs increased in volume. Harry tried to comfort her again but was once more brushed away. He decided to give her some space and made a hasty exit from the common room.

Once in the hall Harry broke into a run. He knew it was passed curfew but he had to clear his head. He didn't stop running until he reached the edge of the forbidden forest. He fell to the ground exhausted from running, leaned against a tree, and glanced up at the night sky.

Why does life have to be so difficult? I hate hurting my friends but it still had to be done. Any more random torture that needs to be sent my way before Karma is done with me? Ugh. What an awful day.

"Lost in thought Potter?"

Harry jumped in surprise and met the shining silver eyes of Draco Malfoy. "Hello Malfoy. What are you doing here?" Harry waved pathetically.

"I come here to think sometimes. So I am guessing that you ended your relationship with the Weaslette." Draco walked to sit next to Harry against the broad, ancient tree.

"Yeah." Harry answered returning his gaze to the brilliantly shining stars.

"How did it go?"

"Not so well. But it is over."

"Well that is one thing to be thankful about." Draco scoffed studying Harry's upturned features.

"I guess you're right." Harry looked at Draco and caught him staring. They both colored almost imperceptibly and looked away.

"Malfoy, you've given me advice twice now and you have yet to ask for any yourself." Harry took a chance and gently nudged Draco with his shoulder. Draco blushed but sadly Harry missed it.

"Well I guess I could tell you a little. However, if anyone but you comes to know about anything I say tonight, I will hex you until your grandchildren feel it."

Harry chuckled. "Alright Malfoy, I swear not to utter a word to anyone."

"Good." A few moments passed by.

"So are you going to tell me?"

"Give me a minute Potter. It's not often I open up to people about my problems."

"Sorry Malfoy." Draco ignored the apology and cleared his throat.

"Well ever since the war ended I've found myself suffering from strange misfortunes."

"Like the dragon chasing you?"

"Yes, but that was the worst. Other things have occurred such as crude messages being left in the place of missing class work, potions being sabotaged, and things appearing in my path to trip me. I even took a spill down the stairs two days ago."

"Who or what do you think is responsible for all these supposed misfortunes?" Harry asked worried once again about Malfoy's safety at Hogwarts.

"You would be surprised at how many people remain bitter after the war ended Potter."

"You think it is your housemates!?"

"I suppose so but I don't blame them. They see me as a traitor even though their dark lord is dead."

"That is ridiculous Malfoy. You should talk to Snape about all this."

Malfoy looked suddenly upset. "Don't you dare say a word Potter," He hissed, "My godfather has enough to worry about."

Harry sighed in resignation. "Fine, I'm going to try and help you though. You can't stop me from doing that at least."

"I can take care of myself Potter." Draco glared.

"I know Malfoy but it wouldn't kill you to accept a little help. It's you against who knows how many people."

Draco let the glare soften and disappear to be replaced by resignation. "Alright Potter. You win this time, but don't let it go to your head." Harry's face lit up and he compulsively threw his arm around Draco's shoulders. A few seconds of bliss went by before Harry realized what he had done and retracted his arm.

"Sorry Malfoy. It's a reflex I guess. Hermione is very affectionate. Guess I got it from her." Harry explained blushing heavily and getting to his feet.

"I won't melt away Potter. Contrary to popular belief I am capable of standing human affection." Draco was trying to cover his blush by turning his head. Harry looked at him in surprise. Did Draco just give me permission to be affectionate towards him? A smile bloomed on Harry's face.

"You are quite adorable like this Malfoy." Harry couldn't stop himself from blurting out. Draco looked up at him, astonishment clearly written on his face.

"Excuse me?" Draco managed to ask smoothly even though he could feel his blush to the roots of his blond hair. Harry met his gaze for a few seconds but remained silent. Many things passed between the two as their eyes held contact. Most things were still indiscernible, and others like trust and kinship were growing quickly. However, one emotion was clear and strong.

Harry held a hand out for Draco to grasp and pull himself up. After a moment of thought and hesitation Draco accepted it and allowed Harry to assist him. When Draco was on his feet their now intertwined hands caused a shiver of what felt like static or maybe magic gone haywire, travel through both of them. It wasn't unpleasant in the least. Their eyes met again.

"Wha…." Draco began to ask before he was almost thrown off his feet by the earth shaking beneath him.

An earthquake at Hogwarts? What's going on? This better not be anymore dark magic awakening. Now what did I learn about earthquakes from the telly? Harry tightened his hold on Malfoy and pulled him to his chest.

"It's better to stay close until this is over." Harry said sending his warm breath across Draco's neck.

"This isn't just some scheme to molest me, is it Potter?"

"Don't be so full of yourself Malfoy." Harry muttered halfheartedly. Is it bad that he fits perfectly into my arms? What the bloody hell is happening lately? Thinking romantically about Malfoy and now random earthquakes! What's next?

As the earthquake began to wane Harry released his hold on Malfoy.

"About time Potter."

"Oh shut up, I was trying to protect you."

"More like feel me up." Draco scoffed, turning his back to hide a blush.

"Ha ha Malfoy. Anyway we better head back."

"Yeah." Muttered Draco leading the way back to the Castle.

In Hermione's Room Overlooking the Forbidden Forest

"It's awakening." Luna stated as she peered out the window at Draco and Harry as they held each other close through the shuttering of the earth.

"What was that Luna?" Asked Hermione who was nearby also observing the scene with interest.

"Things are about to look up for our friends." Luna said as her eyes took on a spaced out look.

"Luna, are you alright?"

"Of course. The magic is finally coming full circle. It is finally time." Luna smiled broadly at Hermione, her eyes returning to their normal, fanciful look.

"Whatever you say Luna. This will be interesting magic or not. I always knew they would end up together."

"They still have much discovering to do."

"I think we can help with that a little." The mischievous look she gave Harry earlier returned to Hermione's eyes.

"How exciting!" Luna clapped happily. They exchanged smiles and watched as Harry and Draco made their way back to the castle verbally sparring the entire way.

To be continued…

A/N: Well I hope you liked this chapter. It's funny, I am so used to writing fan fiction based on Japanese anime that I keep having to stop myself from putting in Japanese words and expressions. If you ever catch a random "Gomen" or "Konbanwa" you will know why now. Lol! Well the next chapter will hopefully be up by Monday, if not sooner. I have a busy weekend but I really want to stay on track. I know how much it sucks having to wait for a story to update. Anyways reviews keep me motivated so please indulge me. Thank you as well to all the people who added this story to their favorites and story alerts. Drarry paraphernalia to all of you!