Written for Transfiguration, task 2 - Write an AU where a person has left the wizarding world and

ii. or unexpectedly meets an old friend/family member after several years (min. 5).

WC: 616

"Oh crap, I'm so sorry!"

Harry looks at the cup of coffee on his feet. The thing fell on his shoe, ruining it, evidently. But he can't exactly blame the man who he had runned into. He was the one looking at his phone.

As he raises his head to tell the man exactly that, he thanks Merlin that he doesn't have the cup on his hand, anymore. Because if he did, he'd have thrown the content on his face.

"Ron?!"

The red haired man looks at his former best friend and exclaims, "Harry!"

He hugs the boy who lived who, in return, after a few seconds of complete shock, reciprocates it.

"How—What—"

"It amazes me how eloquent you can be, Harry." Ron pats his friend on his shoulder, laughing at him.

Harry shows him his middle finger. "Says the guy who used to solve his problems screaming and throwing tantrums."

Ron's ears turn red at the comment.

"So, now that you've spilled all my coffee, care to buy me another cup so we can catch up?"

The boy who lived notices how Ron clenches his right hand.

"I mean, only if you don't have anything—"

Shaking his head, Ron answers, "Sure! Let's go inside this coffee shop so I can buy you another one."

Harry enters the place and go sit in a booth at the far end of the place. He watches Ron from where he's sitting and he notices how he's nervously taping his foot on the ground.

Ron, on the other hand, is wondering if maybe, just maybe, things can go back to what they used to be. If they'll ever be okay.

After a few minutes, he returns with two cups of coffee and sits in front of Harry.

"So, what have you been up to?" Ron asks and Harry looks startled at him.

"What I have been up to? Ronald, you disappeared for six years! What happened, for Merlin's sake?"

Ron shrugs, looking anywhere but at Harry, making the latter curious about it. He wonders if it's too late to take back the question. It's been six years, after all.

"It was too much."

For the second time, Harry doesn't know what to say. For a moment, he thought that Ron wasn't going to answer him. But he replies quietly, making Harry's heart break a little.

"After the war, after everything we lost… I just…" He trails off and Harry only nods at him.

His former best friend lost too much. First George died, then Arthur, Charlie and Molly. Fred, unable to cope with their deaths, drowned himself on alcohol and painkillers and is now locked in a facility to deal with his addictions. Gina is doing the best she can but, at night, Harry can hear her crying.

"I'm so sorry, mate."

Ron smiles at him. "You don't have anything to apologize for, Harry."

"I know." Harry says and puts his hand on his arm "But I still am."

"Do you think… I mean, maybe—"

"Who doesn't know what to say now?" Harry smirks at Ron who, in turn, flips his middle finger at him.

"I was wondering if maybe I can come back with you. You know, to see everyone else."

He's playing with the spoon that came with the coffee.

"Do you even have to ask?" Harry's smile is brighter than the sun and Ron tries to hold back some tears.

"So," The redhead starts, looking curiously at Harry "I heard that there's a ferret with bushy hair among us. Is that true?"

Harry howls in laughter and Ron looks at him with mirth.

It'll take time but yes, things will be okay.