Harry had barely slept that night.

Actually, he barely slept well at all since the fall of Voldemort not too long ago. It is not like he woke up consistently in a cold sweat as he used to when his scar posed a problem, but now it is like he now struggles to even close his eyes. Often, he would lie awake for hours, pondering so many things that kept his mind active to the point of severe unrest. He would lie awake thinking about the events of the battle, and how he was still even here after everything. Every place they visited, every face they saw – etched into his mind. Including those who he lost. Who they all lost. It was vivid, and yet it stirred so many emotions in him upon waking up. It was hard to believe that barely a week ago, he looked upon the bodies of his fallen friends. His family. Lupin and Tonks, as they died so close together. Fred Weasley, as he died fighting alongside his family. Hedwig, as she sacrificed herself for him. Alistair Moody, as he died ensuring Harry's safety. Lavender Brown, as she was murdered by Fenrir Greyback. Dobby, as he sacrificed his life to save them from Malfoy Manor.

How could Harry rest with the souls of the dead resting on his conscious? How could he sleep, when the horrors of that battle plagued his mind even during every waking minute? He could not bring himself to tell Molly that he was a burden to the family and that he was the reason her son was dead. He could not bring himself to face Teddy as he was the reason both of his parents were dead. He could not bring himself to face his friends, because they all suffered because of him. Hermione had to wipe the memories of her parents just to protect them and accompany Harry during his journey of finding the Horcrux. Ron left his family to join Harry, even if he was against the idea. He left Ginny, Neville, and Luna at Hogwarts while they were terrorized and tortured by the Carrows stationed at the school.

Harry was not strong enough to deal with this. Every day he has been trying to put on a brave face, even for Hermione. But he could sense even her difficulties in dealing with him. Harry felt like a failure. Now here he was, hiding once again. A fight that just never seems to end. Harry was tired. Tired of it all. Tired of running. Tired of being a target.

He defeated the darkest wizard of all time, and yet he still feels like he lost.

The following morning, Harry and Hermione ate breakfast in the Gryffindor Common Room. Much to Hermione's protests, Harry summoned some of the few House Elves still present at the school and requested breakfast within their room. At this point, there were only a few House Elves within the school grounds as school technically has not resumed, so there were fewer students and staff to provide for. They were saddened to discover that there had been some casualties, but most survived unscathed, and the remaining were more than ecstatic to be serving at Hogwarts once again.

Once they were content, they found themselves wandering alone through the deserted corridors seeking some kind of purpose. The Headmistress wanted them safe within their walls. But for how long? If it was one thing that frustrated Harry, was the feeling of being helpless. He did not like being a sitting duck or waiting for someone else to do a job for him. He was not that kind of a person. Hermione could sense his agitation, and she tried her best to make sure he did not go running senselessly into danger.

Eventually, Harry led Hermione to the Astronomy Tower. He needed somewhere to clear his head, even though this place bubbled a mixture of feelings for him. Like Dumbledore, he was always fond of this part of the castle. But it was also a place of terrible memories of the night he and Dumbledore disappeared in search of the locket Horcrux, which was also the night Dumbledore died and fell off the edge of the tower. It was hard to remember that the Dark Mark was also cast overhead by the Death Eaters smuggled in by Draco Malfoy that night. Echoes of Fawkes' lament still played in his mind.

Hermione sniffled, and Harry turned around to find a single tear streaking down her cheek. Once she realised Harry had noticed, she hastily brushed it away, "I'm sorry Harry. It is just hard to believe, isn't it? The three of us were here last year discussing leaving Hogwarts in search of the remaining Horcruxes."

Harry nodded, as he leaned on the railings and glanced at the morning sky. The Black Lake glistened in the distance. It was so serene…Quiet. Peaceful, yet eerie. "Yeah. A lot has happened. Everything's changed."

"McGonagall will have to hold the memorial service until this new problem is dealt with. They need to be laid to rest in peace, "Hermione drew in a deep breath and turned to Harry. "What are you going to do about Teddy?"

At first, Harry looked at her in confusion. The memories of war flashed within his mind and distracted him from remembering who Teddy was. Gosh, how could he forget? Remus Lupin had asked him to be Teddy's Godfather. The young Gryffindor was too overwhelmed with the recent losses, and it had barely come to his mind that Teddy had lost both of his parents in the war. Much like he had. Currently, Teddy was staying with his grandmother Andromeda, but there will have to be a time when Harry would have to be in his life. On the memory of Remus' life - He promised him that much.

But Harry was worried. He was not ready to be a parent in any form. Not now, not yet. He had just survived a war where he had to – literally – sacrifice his own life. He could barely keep himself together, let alone give up what he had to care for a child. That could not be normal for a seventeen-year-old. Especially if that teenager was the Chosen One…or was. A young man who risked every year of his life in danger from a sorcerer - A dark entity barely distinguished as a man. Now Harry was asked to care for a child.

He gritted his teeth as he struggled to subdue his wandering mind.

Harry clasped the railings tightly until his knuckles turned white, trying to come to terms with the current turmoil of his dilemma, "I – I don't know, Hermione. I really don't know. I'm not exactly fit to be a parent right now, am I? I'm not sure if Remus was in his right mind when he asked me. Surely there has got to be someone else out there more capable than I am to be his Godfather."

"He wouldn't have asked you if he didn't have faith in you. "

"It's just – I don't know if I can deal with that right now. Not now. Not yet. Right now, Teddy is safer with his grandmother. That's better than I can ever hope for."

"At least he still has family, and Andromeda will be able to raise him in a loving environment."

"He definitely has a better chance than I ever did."

"It'll be alright, Harry."

Harry sighed in frustration, "Everyone keeps saying that. Everything is not going to be alright. Not for a long while. Now we have more Death Eaters to worry about. It just never ends."

Hermione looked at Harry sadly, "I know. I just want to help, but I don't know how."

Shamefully, he lowered his head, feeling bad for himself, "I know. I'm sorry I've been so…agitated lately. But I'm really glad you're here. I haven't been doing anyone any good. I'm not exactly pleasant company these days. Half the time I just stare off into space. I can barely focus anymore."

"You've been through a lot, Harry. I know we all have, but you especially. You need to give yourself time. You seem to forget that you defeated Voldemort only a week ago."

"This just feels like one big nightmare that I can't wake up from."

"I know, " Hermione swung her arm over Harry's shoulders, and they stood there for a few moments staring out into the distance. "Maybe I can convince Ron and Ginny to stay with us here, and help keep you company?"

Yeah, I suppose. Maybe tomorrow. For now, I kind of just want a quiet day."

Hermione nodded in understanding, "Alright, Harry."

They turned to finally leave the Astronomy tower and made their way down to the lower floors of the castle. Once they turned down the corridor leading towards the Headmaster's office, they noticed Snape storming out of the entrance, and strode down the corridor with his all too familiar look of pure malice. Something had happened in that office, and Snape was clearly not pleased. He flew passed Harry without even a glance, not even to shoot him a look of warning. He looked directly ahead, not even daring to look in their direction. That was unlike him at all.

That was not the first time Harry noticed him avert his gaze from him. The same thing happened earlier that morning when he and Hermione made their way to the Astronomy Tower. They did not think much about it at first, but Snape had walked right on by without a word, or without a glance. Now it happened again in exactly the same way, and he couldn't help feeling that he was doing that on purpose.

"Harry – I think Snape's avoiding you, " Hermione whispered, once Snape disappeared from view.

"What makes you say that?" Well, Harry had several reasons, but he was more curious about Hermione's observations and honest perspective. He was too wary to think by himself at this point.

"It's obvious, isn't it? He's angry at you."

"Yeah, what's new? He has always been angry with me."

"Don't you see? For one, he is angry because you told McGonagall about him. Secondly, he likely still feels wrecked with guilt about everything."

Harry shrugged, "Yeah, well I had to tell her – You agreed that I should. Besides, what else can I do? It's Snape – I best let him be moody on his own. He'll figure it out."

"Harry, that is a terrible attitude to have. The man saved your life!"

Harry threw his hands up in the air in defeat, "I can't do a damn thing! He won't listen to me, Hermione. I don't know what you are expecting. He and I are not friends."

"Clearly. But you can at least try and make amends with him. Might help you feel less guilty. Him, too."

"Maybe I should ask Ron what he thinks."

"Frankly, Ron would probably tell Snape to shove it." Hermione sighed, "Are you even glad that's back? That he survived?"

Harry was rather stunned by the question. Was he? "I don't wish him dead if that's what you mean. I don't wish anyone dead."

"I only say this because I know you are conflicted. You make it sound like you don't care, and yet you already put this much effort into making sure he was okay."

"Well then, maybe I do. To an extent."

"Then Harry, don't pretend to be heartless. I know he has always treated you poorly, but he had his own reasons to. You've both suffered enough. He is, essentially, the last magical tie to your mother. Perhaps you could consider finding out more about her. He has no more reasons to keep things from you now."

Harry bit his lip, "I could. I just – I don't know what I want from him. He didn't expect to live, and frankly, neither did I."

"I keep telling you that you have more in common with each other than you think. I know you feel awkward about it all – But, this is a chance to be better and do better. We all have the capacity to change."

Harry nodded. She was right, as usual. "Maybe."

His thoughts were suddenly distracted by delicate wisps of light dancing in the air beside him. It was a Patronus in the form of a cat. The cat pounced in the air and hovered at eye level with both Gryffindors. Initially, the Patronus stared at each of them, but it suddenly began to transmit a familiar voice.

"Mr. Potter. Miss Granger. Please come and see me in the Headmaster's office immediately." It was Minerva McGonagall. Once the message was delivered, the Patronus faded away and disappeared.

Harry and Hermione doubled back to the corridor and made their way up to the Headmaster's office. Once they entered the office doors, they were greeted by five new faces, along with McGonagall perched at her desk and Kingsley Shacklebolt beside her in his familiar turquoise gown.

Kingsley greeted Harry with a warm smile and bowed his head in acknowledgment, "Ah, Harry Potter. Hermione Granger. I had hoped the next time I saw you, would not be to deliver somewhat grim news. Minerva previously informed me of your safety within Hogwarts grounds. It is imperative that you abide by this request until we can fully eradicate the imposing danger."

"You can't expect me to be stuck in here until then?" Harry exclaimed.

"I understand your frustration…After everything, we had hoped for a finite resolution. But the Death Eaters are resilient and cunning. They will not miss an opportunity to attack you, thus, they still pose a dangerous threat to your life." Kinsley could sense Harry's frustration, "I know this is difficult for you, Harry. But I assure you that we are taking extra measures to ensure this is dealt with swiftly and quickly. We hope to have Hogwarts running for the next school year, but we cannot do that until this is dealt with."

Harry nodded and looked around the room to see the other unfamiliar faces. He shook his head, "Minister, I don't want to have bodyguards following me around."

Kingsley gave a small laugh, "I know you wouldn't. I have assigned a group of Aurors hand-picked by myself, and led by Rowan Locke here, " The Minister beckoned towards a short, but stern-looking man with a tussled mustache and shoulder-length wavy ash-colored hair pinned back neatly. He wore a lengthy-cut maroon suit with cream-colored embellishments on his gown. He looked like a serious man, not one to be trifled with. The man gave a curt nod. "Rowan will be assigning each to scout the grounds and the boundaries of this castle in rotation, along with regular sweeps within these walls. We must take no further chances."

"Mr. Potter, it is crucial that you allow them to do their job. The sooner they can detain them, the safer we will all feel. In the meantime, under no circumstances, do you leave these grounds. Am I making myself clear?" Minerva McGonagall peered at Harry sternly over her reading glasses.

Harry nodded, "Okay, Professor." He knew very well he wouldn't.

"One other thing before I leave – If you by any chance have word on Severus Snape's whereabouts, it must be reported directly to me. I realise his situation is rather sensitive, but as an ex-Death Eater, he is still wanted by the Wizengamot to be tried for his crimes. By law, he must be put on trial. I'll have you aware that not everyone is in support of his actions, " Kingsley explained, seriously.

"But he helped me defeat Voldemort by giving me crucial information. He spent every year protecting me. He gave up everything just to see him defeated. That can't be fair, " Harry answered back.

Kingsley bowed his head, "As I said, his situation is sensitive. When we detain him, I'll be sure to give him a fair trial. Harry, I have always had a measure of trust for him, as I also trusted Albus' word. But now as Minister, I cannot be biased. He must be judged fairly and by law. I cannot simply let him go."

"We will do our best to keep an eye out for him, Kingsley, " Minerva answered. "Thank you."

"I'll do what I can, Minerva. Please take caution, "Kingsley bowed his head again and turned to walk out of the office with his Aurors trailing behind him. Once they disappeared from view and earshot, Minerva turned back to Harry with a look of worry.

"Harry, having Severus here is not a wise decision. If they find him – " Minerva looked stricken.

"- We'll try not to let that happen, Professor, " Hermione said. "If we need to, we'll take him back to the Shrieking Shack and hide him there."

"He did suggest that earlier. He is aware of our new guests, but it was the Minister's idea. He means well, so I couldn't refuse the offer. Severus is furious about the additional Aurors on our grounds." Minerva sighed. "What else could I do? I can only hope they do not find him. Severus is also a wanted man. The evidence will stack against him, and he will most likely end up in Azkaban regardless of his final good deeds to the wizarding community."

Harry sighed, "We'll do what we can." He turned to make his way out, and Hermione followed suit.

Harry couldn't fathom why so many Aurors were necessary to be stationed here at Hogwarts. It just seemed to be counter-productive, where their efforts could be spent out there searching for the Death Eaters. The thought of being forced to sit on his hands playing the waiting game was beginning to make Harry feel agitated. Perhaps that was also part of Kingsley's plan. To station enough Aurors to keep an eye on Harry and try and prevent him from running out into danger. They could not expect him to do nothing. Harry wanted to finally end this, and instead, they were in hiding. Yet again. Everyone knows that Harry cannot sit idly by while Death Eaters are planning an attack. He wondered if the Ministry even bothered to station Aurors at The Burrow. Surely Kingsley would have thought of that. He refused to put the Weasleys in any more danger. They had all been through enough because of him.

Both Harry and Hermione wandered back to the Gryffindor Common Room and settled there for the afternoon. Once Harry sat down, he pulled out the Marauder's Map and activated it with his wand. He watched as the map sprang to life – Ink work slowly appearing, outlining every inch of Hogwarts on every floor. He could see every room, and every hidden pathway in the castle, including every statue that indicated a point of interest. With the map now activated, moving images began to appear. Footsteps, as indicated by the tagged name, allowed Harry to keep track of who was around. It surely came in handy during his previous years, but this time, he had only a few names to keep an eye on. Minerva McGonagall was still at the Headmaster's office, seated at her desk. The Auror Rowan Locke was wandering the third corridor; With another Raphael Rosenhold scouting the seventh floor. The three remaining Aurors – Dawn Rheingold, Edward Blackmore, and Gilderoy Gibbins were observed to be stationed around the exterior of the castle. Hagrid was seen at his hut – Much to his relief. Filch was pacing the second floor. And Severus Snape was in the dungeons in one of the private potion labs.

"What are you looking for, Harry?" Hermione noticed Harry staring with interest at the map. She looked concerned, "You're not seriously considering sneaking out of the grounds, are you?"

"I'm not. Just keeping track of who is here, " Harry placed the map on the table beside them and began to point to various sections, "See here. The map doesn't extend past the start of the Forbidden Forest. If those Death Eaters were to suddenly show up, we'll know. "

"We don't know where they are, Harry. They could be anywhere. All we can do is wait for more information. It's not over yet, " Hermione pleaded. "They'll want to come after you, and they wouldn't pass up the opportunity to do it. I thought after everything we've been through…you'd finally stop running into danger."

With a determined look, Harry glanced up at Hermione, "I want them found and captured, so we can move on with our lives. Don't you want this all to stop, too?"

"I do, but not by risking our lives again!" Hermione was furious but then she noticed Harry's hands were shaking. When she finally looked up at his face, she was alarmed at what she saw. Harry's breathing had elevated, and his usually sunken pale cheeks were flushed with crimson. She noticed how dark his eyes looked; They were not as bright as they usually were. The dark bags under his eyes told her more than she needed to know. With a concerned expression, she placed her hand on Harry's arm in an attempt to calm him down. Her voice was soft and gentle. "Harry, listen to me. Please listen. I know you've been having difficulties dealing with…everything. I can see it has been affecting you deeply, and I'm very worried. We all are. You're obviously not sleeping well, and you've been avoiding…well, everyone. I'm not saying you can't take time for yourself. But for extensive periods of time…It's not healthy."

"How else am I supposed to deal with this? I can't sleep without seeing the faces of the people we lost, and those killed right in front of us. I can't relax when I blame myself for it all – " Harry choked back those last words. He shook his head. He really was going mad. His eyes welled up with tears, and he felt Hermione clasp his hands in hers. "Now with all of this happening, everyone is in danger again."

"It'll take time. We are still dealing with the aftermath. We'll get through it together."

"I'm really struggling. I didn't think this was going to hit me this badly. I just don't feel that anyone can really help me. Especially like this. People are offering to help, but I notice them walking on eggshells around me. Like I'm going to explode, or something. I think I scare people."

Hermione looked shocked, "Oh, Harry. You don't scare anyone. If anything, we are scared for you. We genuinely want to help. We can't take your pain away, but we can at least be there to make it easier."

"You should be there with Ron. Not me."

"Right now, my best friend needs me. So that's where I'll be, " Hermione gave Harry a small smile, as she squeezed his hands. "Besides, he'll understand."

"I hope so."

"I have an idea. You may not like it, but I think it'll help." Hermione shifted in her seat, "I was thinking we go down to the potions lab and see if Professor Snape can give you a Calming Draught and a Dreamless Sleep potion – "

"- I'm really not in the mood to be going down there right now."

"It will really help give you some kind of relief tonight. Besides, we can use the Map to avoid Aurors so we won't be seen going there. We'll go together – I'm not letting you out of my sight."

Harry sighed, "Fine. Okay. Whatever. " He was really too tired to argue at this point. His heart was still racing, and he could really do with something to take that edge off.

Hermione pulled Harry off the couch in the Common Room and lead him out of the tower and further down to the lower floors of the dungeons. Harry regretted giving Snape his Invisibility Cloak at this point, but that could not be helped. For now, he had the map, and that was as good as being invisible as he was ever going to get. It was drawing nearer to the evening, and he knew at this point the sun had already disappeared from the horizon. The dungeons were always a peculiar place. They were situated so low, that it was beneath the Black Lake. Some of the windows in the dungeons peered out into the lake, and Harry always seemed to find that fascinating. It usually cast a green glow on parts of the dungeons, which really was quite fitting for the Slytherins whose common room resided here. Once the sun did start to set, the green glow would disappear, and it would be dark and murky, and only illuminated by the torches which lined the corridors.

They finally found themselves in the Potions classrooms. There were usually several of them – Ranging from the larger rooms for the First and Second years, to the smaller rooms where the sixth and seventh years would take their class. Then, there were the smaller private labs, usually where Severus Snape would brew his own supplies, or some of the older students would take one of the private rooms for practice. The pair started to peer into each of the classrooms as they walked, not finding the dark-cloaked man anywhere. Hermione, still grasping Harry at this point, redirected him to the private rooms until they found who they were looking for.

Hermione released the breath she did not realise she had held and gently knocked on the door to the private lab. The door was slightly ajar and saw the man moving swiftly from each bubbling potion set on the table before him. When the man did not hear the first time, she knocked again, "Professor Snape…Sir."

Harry suddenly felt anxious. He really did not want to be here. He heard the man sigh and watched as he gently set down the pestle he was using to crush an ingredient. He turned around slowly to find the two young Gryffindors at his door.

"Surely you both have better things to do with your time." The man looked stressed. Harry noticed his gaze averted his own, and yet he was able to look at Hermione with intimidation as if she were still sitting in his class.

"Sir – I was wondering, " Hermione looked at Harry quickly, then back at the slightly furious-looking man, "Um…I was hoping, actually, if you had any available Calming Draughts, or Dreamless Sleep Potions prepared…Or anything else that may help."

Snape peered down warily at the young woman, making Hermione feel slightly uncomfortable. He gazed quickly at Harry, turned on his heel to the far side of the room, and opened the tall glass cabinet. Hermione and Harry walked into the room slightly hesitant and watched carefully as the man sifted through tiny vials of multi-colored liquids. Each one labeled and dated.

There was an uncomfortable silence as he did this. Harry looked at Hermione with a look of helplessness on his face – he was anxious. Harry found himself fidgeting with the hem of his jacket and trying his best to calm his still-racing heart. His eyes darted from Snape to the potion's ingredients littering the table, and then found a fixture on the wall to stare at. Eventually, Snape pulled out several vials and made his way to the duo.

He gently lifted up the small rounded vial of azure blue liquid, and handed it directly to Hermione, "Calming Draught. I presume you know the correct dosage?"

Hermione nodded confidently, "Two drops, sublingually."

Snape nodded, "Precisely." His eyes darted quickly to Harry, who was still staring off at the wall. Snape frowned slightly and turned his attention back to Hermione. He handed her another slightly smaller vial – This time with a liquid of deep plum purple.

"And that would be the Dreamless Sleep potion. Half a teaspoon half an hour before bed."

Snape nodded curtly, "Very good, Miss Granger. "This time he pulled up a third vial and held it up, showing its pearly sheen liquid. Something that Hermione could not recognise. Snape noticed her scrunch up her brows in confusion and handed the vial to her. "Take this. It is a…personal brew of mine. Animo Silentium. Or, Mind Cleansing elixir. Three drops of this, when you feel your mind is…too chaotic. It will work well with both potions I have given you."

Hermione turned the new vial in her hand, studying its contents with interest. She looked up at the man with a grateful smile, "This is brilliant, Professor. Thank you."

Snape's eyes darted back to Harry once more and noticed Harry still avoiding his gaze. "Potter."

Hermione looked back at Harry and gave him a slight nudge. "Harry."

Harry had been staring off into space ever since he walked into the potion's lab. He just could not focus or pay attention to what was happening. He barely remembered why he was even here, and for some reason, he felt so…disconnected. His heart was still racing in his chest, and he did not even know why. It is not that the man made his nervous. Usually quite the opposite, in fact. He also knew the man had been avoiding him ever since they smuggled him back into Hogwarts. Maybe Harry felt like he was intruding on the man's life. Or second life – whatever life you wanted to call this. Harry just felt like such a damn burden. Hermione should not be going through this trouble just for him. He was also surprised Snape did not question the need for the potions – perhaps the man knew that he needed them. He gathered that much from the snippets of the conversation, but he still struggled to focus.

"Harry." He felt a nudge again, and this caused Harry to blink several times and look at Hermione. He drew in a slightly shuddering deep breath. He nodded. What was the question?

"Perhaps, Mr. Potter is in need of a good night's sleep, Miss Granger, " Snape looked at Harry, who was still avoiding his gaze. He stared at the young man, taking in his dulled expression and spaced gaze, enough to remind him of the same expression Luna Lovegood often adopted during his class. Snape noticed him fidgeting with his clothes, and the labored breathing Harry Potter was now struggling to subdue. Worry started to etch slightly on the man's features. He was clearly not okay.

Hermione nodded sadly; The same worry still etched on her own face. Once she pocketed the vials, she placed her arm over Harry's shoulders and re-directed him to the door. "I'll be with him. Thank you for the potions, Professor."

Snape watched as Hermione led Harry out of the laboratory, and away from the torch-lit corridors of the dungeons. Hermione briefly turned back with a look of helplessness and found the man standing at the door, watching them leave. She could have sworn she noticed the saddest look on the man's face as they left, but it was barely dark enough to notice. She continued on her way and guided Harry back to Gryffindor Tower.

Neither one of them spoke a word, as she led Harry to his bed in the dormitory. As instructed, she gave Harry the recommended dose of each vial and watched as he began to finally drifted asleep. She found herself slipping into Ron's old bed and nestled there until she finally heard Harry snoring. It took her a while to drift off to sleep herself – She should have asked for an extra set of Potions. But she did not want to take away what Harry needed the most.

Finally, Hermione herself drifted off to sleep.