Ron turned to me, a pout on his face. "I guess we should get out of bed…"
I sighed. "Do we have to?"
He exhaled slowly, pulling me to his chest tightly. "If I say no, can we stay?"
This was, without a doubt, my favorite place to be. This last six months has really done him well- his boyish face and body has become much more angular and sharp. Of course, Ron has always been handsome, but there was something about him now that is entirely different. He's probably grown a couple more inches or something else equally as biologically absurd…
"I suppose not…" I brushed the hair from his forehead and kissed his skin softly.
Pushing the blankets down, I slipped out of the bed and stretched as I stood.
"So what is it we're doing today exactly?" he asked.
"I don't know… perhaps Harry will show up this morning."
"Yeah, I hope so."
The truth is, Harry wasn't really his self lately. I can't imagine all the pressure he must be under. After the war, he really just needed some time to his self- to collect himself and his thoughts… still, it's been scary seeing your best friend in such a state. He would drop by every few days, but almost always reeking of liquor and unshaven, antisocial… it just isn't him. Regardless, it'd be nice to see if he's doing okay.
After showering (separately, much to Ron's distaste), and getting ready, I followed Ron and Ginny down the stairs to a big breakfast.
"It's about time you three are up," Mrs. Weasley scolded, taking a kettle of tea off the stove.
"G'morning to you, too, mum." Ron kissed his mother on the cheek before gathering a hefty plate of food.
"Harry sent an owl. Said he might make a visit this morning." Mr. Weasley remarked.
"Eh, we'll just see about that, won't we?" George popped in, also grabbing a plate.
Ginny, Ron, and Hermione shared a glance. As happy they would be to see Harry, they never quite knew what to expect. They ate breakfast together in silence.
A few minutes later, as Hermione helped Ron do the dishes, there was a distant crack and then the sound of footsteps. A knock on the door.
Ginny, who had been absentmindedly cleaning everything in sight as a nervous habit, jumped up to answer the door.
Hermione dried her hands and placed her hand on Ron's shoulder, a sympathetic look in her eyes. Ginny has been so strong and patient with Harry. Still, Hermione didn't know how she could handle him being so… different.
The door swung open with a creak. Hermione and Ron could hear the muffled sound of Ginny hugging Harry tightly.
"Hi there, Gin."
"I've missed you."
He kissed her forehead. "I know… I'm sorry. I… I've missed you, too."
She sighed, brushing his messy hair from his eyes. "Come in?"
It wasn't until Ron and Hermione saw him that it hit home. Harry wasn't doing well. His eyes were tired, hair was a mess and needed to be cut. He lacked the glow on his cheeks and the glimmer in his eye. The stress and worry aged him a few years… it had only been six months since the end of the war.
Hermione rushed to greet him, throwing her arms around his thinner frame. "We've been so worried about you."
He smiled weakly. "I know. I should have written more… I just… didn't get around to it."
She let go to let Ron have his turn but Ron simply held out his hand for a handshake. Harry shook Ron's hand as if he understood.
Ron was always supportive of Harry and Ginny's relationship, but as soon as Harry began to drift away, Ron's trust followed suit. As much as Harry was his best mate, Ginny was still his sister. Ron saw how much Harry was hurting her. It was hard to be angry at Harry, after all he'd been through, but Ron had to draw the line somewhere.
George, unlike most people, could understand Harry in a time like this. With the loss of his brother, George, too, had become a bit reclusive. He has been doing better, though, unlike Harry.
He gave Harry a sympathetic hug and playfully ruffled his hair.
Molly appeared with Arthur in tow and hugged Harry tightly, commenting on how skinny he's gotten, and offered to cook some more food if he wanted it, to which Harry declined politely.
"I actually wanted to talk to all of you. Uhm… can we sit?"
The group made their way to the livingroom, each sitting in a seat. Harry pulled up a chair.
"Look, everyone. I know… I'm not how I used to be. And I can't make any excuses other than the fact that I need help. I should have learned that pushing everyone away from me wouldn't save them. I know I've hurt you all by staying away. I want to apologize and… well, I want to be better."
Silence. Finally, George spoke up. "It takes a while, mate… I can't say that getting better will be easy. No, it's much easier to block everyone out, pretend life is beneath you.. But… I know now that's not living. I'm there for you, Harry."
Harry smiled and nodded. "Thanks, George. And… I don't expect all of you to feel the same. But I just wanted you to know I'm trying."
"Yeah, clearly the fact that you reek of firewhiskey is a sign of your efforts," Ron snapped.
"Ron!" Hermione scolded. "Don't talk to him like that!"
"No, Hermione. He's right. I admit I've taken a rough turn for the worst. But I'm done, starting now."
Ron sighed as he stood up, "I'll believe it when I see it," and walked out.
Hermione started to follow him, but Mr. Weasley stopped her. "Harry, I think you should talk to him."
Harry pondered this and nodded, following Ron outside the door and into the garden.
He found Ron sitting on a bench, looking quite red in the face.
"Ron…"
"Sod off, Harry."
"No. I won't. Now quit acting like a kid and face me, damn it."
"Me? Quit acting like a kid? I've done nothing of the sort for the past six bloody months. You leave and the nightmares come back for Hermione. You left, and Ginny jumps at the sound of anyone apparating, hoping this time it'll be you. That's been my responsibility since you left. Don't tell me to stop acting like a child when you've run away from everything!" Ron roared.
Harry sat, defeated. "I know."
Ron glanced at Harry quizzically.
"I know, you're right. I made some mistakes, Ron. I pushed everyone away. And I've lost my best mate. I'm sorry that you hate me now. But I want to fix it."
"The war was hard on all of us, Harry. We've all lost people we love."
"I know. And I don't mean to make your problems any less than mine, Ron."
Ron sighed, face in his hands. They sat for a few minutes in silence.
"I'm sorry I blew up at you." Ron mumbled.
Harry's eyebrows furrowed. "No, don't be. Everything you said was true."
Ron glanced at Harry hesitantly. "Promise me you won't do this again. Hermione and I… we can't handle losing you. And Ginny… she's been lost without you, mate."
Harry nodded. "I know. I promise. I need you all in my life."
Ron listened to the sound of distant chirping of birds, leaves swooshing in the slight October breeze. It's funny how life can go on as if none of this mess had ever happened. Somehow, in the midst of it all, the sun came up in the morning. Ron didn't know how he could have gotten through it without everyone around him, reminding him that love was still there. And life. Oh, yes. Life was still there, too.
"It's good to have you back, Harry."
Harry smiled and held out his hand.
"Bloody hell, Harry, just hug me." Ron embraced his best friend once again. And for the both of them, the future looked bright.
