Chapter 1: Checkmate

"Are you coming to the New Year's Eve party tonight Harry?" It was Hermione that asked him the question this time around since everyone else had given up at this point, "Everyone else is going to be there and I think it would do you some good to go and-"

"No," Harry said flatly, keeping his eyes on the chessboard before him. Ron was kicking his ass again and he was determined to win. "I don't want to go. I'll only be bothered about the war."

He didn't miss the exchange of looks between Ron and Hermione but he ignored it, trying to focus on his next move. Deep down, he knew that they knew he was right. The war had just ended a mere seven months ago. Voldemort was dead. Majority of the death eaters had either been imprisoned or killed in their captures. Hogwarts was rebuilt. And the funerals had finally stopped. Everything was finally settling back to normal, or at least as much as it could. Harry's still bore the scars of grief and his heart continued to feel heavy over their losses. His losses. Sirius, Lupin, Fred, Hedwig, Tonks, and so many more.

Harry had refused to attend therapy with Hermione and Ginny, even though they insisted that it would be beneficial. Ron was reluctant but he eventually went with George, who still refused to talk to anyone about Fred except for his younger brother. Even though Harry had seen the improvement in them, he still refused to go. He didn't want to talk about what he endured with anyone he didn't personally know. It was hard to trust others with such private and delicate information, especially with Rita Skeeter bothering him week after week, asking for an interview for whatever bullshit book she was writing.

Harry was just ready to leave it all behind him and to start a new adventure in his life that didn't circle around a mass murderer. After all, he had Teddy to care for now and his Auror training would be starting in the next few weeks. He just didn't see a new beginning happening at a party where everyone would only fawn over him, ask to see his scar and bring up the memories he wanted to forget. Besides, the only reason he had come to visit Hogwarts for Christmas was to try and patch things up with Ginny. But the war had destroyed her more than he had initially thought. Being around him didn't seem to help so for the sake of her, Harry stayed away.

A sigh escaped from his lips as he tapped his chin, pulling his thoughts back to the board. Harry examined it again and a faint smile crossed his face. He moved his remaining bishop, making Ron's jaw drop. It was delightful seeing his king drop his sword in defeat.

"Checkmate."

While Ron grumbled and called him a 'bloody cheater,' Hermione tried talking to him once more.

"Harry," she said softly, "I know it's been hard. It's been hard for all of us but this party represents a new beginning. A new start. That's what you want right?"

"Yes," Harry admitted, "but they'll just bombard me with questions I'm tired of answering Hermione."

"I know but," She hesitated, "Perhaps talking about it would-"

"No." Harry said stubbornly, "I'm not going and you can't make me."

Harry wasn't going to that damn party and that was final.