It had been three years since the Battle of Hogwarts.
Three years since the wizarding world had lost so much and gained so much, and Harry still felt the loss burning inside of him every time he looked at one friend and saw the friends who were gone, every time he was at a Weasley family gathering that was missing Weasleys, every time he closed his eyes and saw death.
"You all right, mate?"
Ron nearly collided with him as he went up the stairs and Harry went down them. Harry swallowed. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine."
Ron gave his arm an awkward sort of pat. "Right. Well, er, tell me if you - if you need anything, right?"
"Right, thanks, Ron."
"Yeah."
They went their separate ways before it occurred to Harry that he should have returned the offer.
