Warfare

by krasinskisaurus

"Ten years later, not much had changed; they still had friendship and bravery and all the spaces in between. Perhaps time would come to let those spaces unfurl completely." Post-Hogwarts, Harry/Hermione, Rating: K

2. Chapter 2

'Mum asks after you every time I visit. I think she's a bit worried you can't cook for yourself…'

'She would be right,' said Harry, wryly, and Ron almost choked on his Butterbeer.

'But seriously, mate. I know the idea of having another awkward conversation with Ginny is probably terrifying, but y'know, you're always welcome at the Burrow.'

Harry tried to smile but it didn't quite meet his eyes. The guilt he felt for indirectly causing the Weasleys to lose one of their own was not easily forgotten.

'I'll come for dinner if you come and join me at the Auror office? Neville keeps spilling coffee on everything.'

'I can't leave George with the shop! Besides, the idea of all that paperwork…' Ron shuddered. 'Bloody hell, I think I'd rather sit through Gilderoy Lockhart rediscovering his autobiography.'

Harry and Ron never talked about the war; difficult conversation had never been their strong suit. But there was always something in the silence: an unspoken lament when they lifted their glasses. A promise to ensure that their fallen friends' sacrifice was never in vain.