Ron and Hermione quickly located Harry who was heading towards the Gryffindor common room. They followed him through the school, keeping him in site at all times. Soon, they arrived at the corridor leading to the common room. "Harry, Harry!! Wait up, we really need to talk to you!" Ron yelled up the corridor. Harry just quickened his pace and began to clamber into the Gryffindor portrait. Hermione and Ron sighed angrily and sprinted down towards him. They quickly entered the common room and found Harry brooding near the fire place. He turned and scowled at the pair.

"Just bloody leave me alone!" Harry shouted as he stood up. Hermione took a step towards him and whispered, "Harry, please, we want to help you. If you'd just give us a chance." Harry looked at her furiously and howled, "Stupid, stupid Mudblood! You have no idea what I've been through. You never will! You will never be able to help!"

Ron stood staring, disbelieving at Harry. His old friend. How could Harry ever be like this? Turning towards Ron, Harry caught him staring and began to shout at him. "And you!!! You have no idea either. Stop staring at me! STOP IT!!" Ron was too shocked to look away or move and as Harry advanced towards him, he didn't move. Suddenly, Harry raised a clenched fist and hit Ron hard across the face. Hermione gasped as Ron fell sharply to the ground. Harry spat at him angrily and then turned away, heading towards the Boy's Dormitory. Bewildered, Ron sat up , grabbing his face and winching at the already forming bruise.

"I guess the real Harry really is gone, well, can you tell him that it was really great knowing him! Really great!" Hermione shouted angrily at the boy's retreating back.

Harry whipped around, his body shaking wildly. Hermione looked up and saw his eyes clear. She was sure he was going to break down but that moment passed quickly and he regained his composure. His eyes fogged over again and he sneered, "I'll be sure to!"

Hermione gasped through her pink, tear stained face and stepped back. Ron stood up, put one hand on his swollen face and wrapped the other arm around her shoulders. He looked down and led her gently away. Harry didn't move and as he glanced back at the two, Hermione's and his eyes met. They stared stonily at each other until she disappeared behind the corner. Out of site, Hermione let out another sob and Ron's grip tightened on her.

Harry pushed his sweaty hair out of his emerald eyes and glared at the floor. He fell backwards and connected with the cool wall before letting himself slide roughly down it. His eyes became moist with tears and he angrily wiped them away before sighing and laying his head too his bent knees.