A/N: Sorry for having such a long wait on updates! Here's one I wrote up in only a few minutes, so it may not be perfect! Please enjoy!
He is sure he didn't know how to feel until he tramped through the snow that one winter season, attempting to blend in with the shadows on his way to his brother's cottage. He finds this thought ironic, because he literally couldn't feel his toes on that journey.
That endless night, his mind kept racing to the two he deserted, his best friends - one perhaps being more than a friend nowadays. He never thought he'd leave them in favor of warmth and food – real, seeping amounts of food that he always loved. Life was cruel that way, tossing curves at people every now and then.
Mum used to become angry at his laziness and lack of emotion. "Really, Ronald!" her raw, careworn hands would be perched on her hips, a scowl upon her face. "Do you actually believe you'll get anywhere with that sense of attitude?"
He was a child then. Children were supposed to make mistakes, and then learn from them and avoid their repeats in adult life.
However, he wasn't sure what this was. A mistake or the correct choice? Abandoning his friends or doing what was best for them?
He makes it that night, and collapses into his brother's front hall frostbitten and shivering. His sister-in-law exclaims in French and hurries to warm him. Bill tries to talk secrets out of him, but he remains silent, too cold to speak. Plus, he can't tell him, even if he wanted to.
Christmas comes, and he sits down to a home cooked meal, aching to tend to his stomach's hungry growls.
They have nothing decent to eat there.
After dinner, he sits in front of a crackling fire and its heat waves envelope his body in warmth.
They only have a wand's scarce fire supply there.
Night arrives and he lies in a soft bed, his head sinking into the pillow.
They have poorly-sewn blankets there.
He gets little sleep that night, questioning what to do.
///
By the time December 26 dawns, Bill and Fleur Weasley wake to find their guest bedroom empty, a dirty plate on the kitchen table, and Ron Weasley gone.
The lady of the house appears worried, but Bill calms her with simple words.
"He'll be fine, Fleur," Bill sits down quietly at the kitchen table, the remains of his brother's breakfast in front of him. "My kid brother has finally done something for others. He's a man now."
A/N: Was that ending too abrupt? Please tell me if so!
Please review!