Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Harry Potter, Harry Potter's Universe, and all things relating in any way to Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling and various publishing companies that I'm far too lazy to mention. I am making no money, unfortunately. This goes for every chapter. Anything you do not recognise belongs to me unless I tell you otherwise. This is fan fiction, meaning that I am a fan and do not own the materials that I am working with (though I suppose you could be a fan of yourself). Also, I do not support any illegal activities mentioned therein.

A/N: Ron's P.O.V.

Summary: Sometimes all the answers lie in the questions themselves. Post-War fic. Ootp spoilers. ?/? het.

I Walked Away – Chapter 4, Laughter

I don't have all the answers, but if I did I'd give them away. That would take all the fun out of life. Right now, I suspect we need all the fun we can get. I know why Harry gave the twins that money; and yes, I know that's where they got it. He's said it countless times during this war. "We could all use a laugh." He's said it after he set a Dungbomb off in the Common Room. He said it after he put those fireworks down Luna's shirt, and after he pushed Ginny into the lake. He said it after he used that love potion to make me fall in love with Mrs. Norris. I'm happy to be the bud of a joke if it will make just one person laugh. Because you see, even if the war is over, we could all use a laugh.

I see why he does it now; Harry. I see why he tries to cheer everyone up, even if he's feeling lousy himself. Like what he did for Hermione back in the Common Room yesterday. Yeah, I saw it. I'd just gotten up, and I was going to go out to the Quidditch Pitch for a while. It was too beautiful a day not to spend outside. Hermione took Harry up on the idea that she should stop studying for the day and snog me senseless, in case you were wondering. Very enjoyable, that. But I'm going off topic. I know why Harry does it, tries to make others happy even if he's down in the dumps. He's selfless.

You know, for once, I wish Harry would be just a bit selfish. He deserves to be happy after all he's been through. Harry's changed, but... Oh, I don't know. He seems older. Yeah, I know, he grew up, but that's not what I mean. I'm horrible with words. I mean... he looks more tired, weary, like he's seen too much to deal with and all he wants to do is go to sleep. Y'know, the Wizarding World expects too much of him. All the girls fawn over him, and I envied that at one time, but they don't love him. He knows that, and I see how he hates every minute of it. The people, the public, love the symbol that they've made Harry out to be, and Harry tries to fit into that image the best he can. The image is so big, though, and he's so small in comparison. I like the real Harry, but not many people do. They think he should be some great superhero.

That's not Harry, though, people. It's odd. He wants to be just Harry; not James Potter's son, not the kid with Lily's eyes. He wants to be just Harry, but he doesn't want to let people down, either. He doesn't want to be the hero, but if he isn't then people will be disappointed. I don't think that Harry realises that the people that love him – 'Mione and my family and Neville and Luna – love him for who he is. And, if he keeps trying to be someone he's not, Harry will never be happy. Harry is like a brother to me, and all I want is for him to be happy. You know, I think I'll ask him a really stupid question to see if I can wrench a smile from that weary man yet. Maybe it'll cheer him up a bit.

Hey, we could all use a laugh.