Fic: "Conversations" by Nolagal
Mar. 7th, 2010 11:42 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ginger_lustTitle: Conversations
Creator:nolagal
Rating: PG
Pairing/characters: Pre Ron/Harry, Ron/Hermione, past Harry/Ginny
Warnings/content: Highlight to read *none*
word count: ~1600
Summary: Tired of watching his uncle torment himself, Albus decides to help.
Notes: Thanks so much to my beta!!!
Albus stared out the window, resting his head against the chilled glass and wondering how long his uncle would remain outside this night. He could see Ron's lips moving, arguing it looked like. There was no one but the stars to answer him, but Albus knew to whom his uncle was talking.
It happened every night now. Ron Weasley would pace the large yard separating his home from Albus's and talk. Sometimes Hermione would go out to meet him with a cup of tea, but usually Ron was alone. It could be five minutes or hours. Once, Albus awoke to find his uncle still talking even though the sun had risen.
Tonight wouldn't be a night for company. Albus's aunt was out of town for business, and Albus's mother had long given up talking sense to her brother. No one else seemed to know exactly what had happened and, at least to his knowledge, no one wanted to discuss Ron's torment.
As had been the case many times over the last few weeks, Albus felt himself lost without his best friend. Hugo was spending part of the summer with Charlie learning about dragons, and Albus didn't have anyone else who'd understand. He'd thought about approaching Ron several times to point out how similar their situations were. But then, Albus's best mate didn't run off to America after declaring his love for him. But the loneliness, that Albus understood.
It wasn't as if his father's statement was a big shock to anyone with eyes. Hugo and Albus had whispered about it long before they really understood adult relationships. But apparently, Ron hadn't been prepared to hear the real reason Harry and Ginny were divorced.
Albus knew his father's answer to Ron's reaction was ridiculous, but he also thought it was understandable. Ron's harsh words had felt like a rejection, and Harry had taken it is as a final dismissal, not the temporary surprise it was.
The few letters Albus had received suggested his father would return soon. He had no grand plans of living in America and hiding forever. But it wasn't soon enough for Ron, but then Ron hadn't written to tell Harry that either.
Albus had spent much of the past few weeks being angry with Ron for what he said, for not contacting Harry, and for running Albus's father off, even it was only temporarily.
The anger was starting to fade to pity now. Albus had begun to suspect that Ron's real issue wasn't that Harry was in love with him, but rather that Harry had made real and official something that, perhaps subconsciously, had been agreed to stay buried.
In Albus's mind, there was no way Ron didn't feel the same way. Albus had seen the looks shared between them, the lingering touches, and the affection that was so much more than that between friends or brothers. The fact that Hermione seemed nonplussed by the whole thing just confirmed Albus's suspicions. He didn't know how so much time had passed or why they'd even married other people.
That's why he needed Hugo. Hugo'd remind him about the pressures after the war, and point out how much their fathers did love their mums. Hugo'd also know what to say to Ron.
Ron's pacing was faster now, and Albus sighed and pushed away from the window. Wrapping his cloak around him, Albus opened the door and stepped out onto the field.
Too caught up in his discussion with the stars, Ron didn't notice Albus until he was right in front of him. Albus didn't speak at first, just let his uncle get used to his presence.
"I was just taking a walk," Ron said defensively.
Albus nodded, deciding not to point out the obvious lie. "Thought I'd join you."
"Oh, well I was just heading back in."
"How 'bout you come to my house for tea?" Albus offered. "Mum's on a date, and Lily's staying with Fred and Roxanne."
Ron looked ready to refuse, but finally nodded and followed Albus back inside. Albus busied himself with the kettle for a moment, letting Ron settle in at the table.
Albus stared for a long moment, completely at a loss as to what to say now that he'd finally reached out to Ron. Instead, he sat across the table and wondered again how they'd all ended up in this mess.
Ron gave a long, shuddering sigh and stared at Albus, making Albus uncomfortably aware of just how much he looked like his father.
"Got a letter from Hugo," Albus said, struggling for a safe topic. "He's annoyed Uncle Charlie won't let him ride on a dragon."
Ron gave a weak chuckle. "He wrote me and his mum, too. He wanted us to give Charlie permission. Hermione 'bout had kittens."
"I also had a letter from Dad."
"Oh."
"You could write him, you know." Albus could see how uncomfortable his uncle was, but felt he had to press the issue. "He needs to hear from you."
"If he wanted to hear from me, he shouldn't have left." Ron's tone was bitter and defensive, and Albus buried the urge to reach across the table and shake him.
"Perhaps had you not screamed and yelled at him right after he bared his soul to you, he would still be here."
Ron glared at Albus. "I was shocked. I'm married and he was married. It's just ridiculous."
"Except that it's not at all. Since I know Aunt Hermione told you she's fine with everything. Which, by the way, makes her the coolest woman ever. And you and dad have been more in love than he and Mum ever were. It's obvious to everyone but you."
Ron spluttered for a moment then took a long sip of tea. Albus could see Ron's hand shaking as he set down the blue cup. "We're just mates."
"Yeah, 'cause most people stand outside and argue with the stars when their mate goes on holiday."
"He's not on holiday. He's run away." Ron's crossed arms and indignant expression reminded Albus so much of Rose in the middle of a fit that he giggled.
Bringing himself back under control, Albus said, "He's on a trip for work and just extended it a bit. We all know where he is, and why he left. He thinks you hate him."
"That's ridiculous."
"Of course it is. And we've been telling him that, but the only one he's going to listen to is you."
"So you think I should just write him and forget everything else."
The urge to strike his uncle returned, and Albus spent a moment fantasising about smacking Ron upside the head. "Actually, yes, I do."
Ron snorted. "It's not that easy."
"Dear Harry, I miss you. I love you. Come home. Love, Ron. Yep, I can see how difficult that could be." Albus gave Ron his most persuasive glare.
"But then what?"
"Then you deal with it when he gets home. Just because he told you how he feels doesn't mean you have to run off and shag the moment he steps in the door."
Ron blushed and stammered, confirming Albus's suspicions that Ron wanted to do just that. Sometimes he wondered how his dad and uncle saved the world, then he'd remember they had his Aunt Hermione with them.
Flicking his wand, Albus Summoned parchment and a quill. He silently pushed the paper over to his uncle.
There was a long pause, and Albus thought Ron was going to leave instead of write. But then Ron picked up the quill and jotted down a few lines. He folded the letter before Albus could read it.
"I'll send it by International Owl tomorrow." Ron stood and tucked the letter into his robes.
Knowing it'd never be sent if he let Ron walk out, Albus put his hand on Ron's arm. "The hotel he's staying at has a Floo connection. I'll hand it over."
Ron backed away. "No, that's all right. I'll just send it myself."
Thanking his Uncle George for teaching him such a thing, Albus deftly stole the letter from Ron's robes. Before Ron could realise what happened, Albus was at the fireplace staring into the green flames. Albus thanked the hotel clerk and passed the letter through.
Ron was clearly torn between anger and nausea, so Albus led him to the sofa and sat down with him. "It's going to be all right."
Ron stared, clearly not believing Albus. Albus had a terrifying thought that he'd be stuck on the sofa waiting with Ron until his father responded.
"Why don't you go on home and go to bed. I'm sure you'll hear from him soon."
Ron didn't make any move to respond. Instead, he stared at the fire as it flared green and a familiar head popped into view.
"I'll be home as soon as I can get a Portkey," Harry said, then disappeared as quickly as he appeared.
Albus's sigh of relief was echoed by Ron, and they both turned and smiled at each other.
"Thank you," Ron said, standing up and rubbing his palms against his robes.
Albus just nodded and patted his uncle's shoulder. "It really will be all right. I promise."
Ron's bright smile was a surprise. "I think it just might be."
Albus stared out the window, watching his uncle retreat back to his own home with a lift in his step. He smiled to himself, thinking that his uncle wouldn't have to talk to the stars any longer.
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Creator:
nolagalRating: PG
Pairing/characters: Pre Ron/Harry, Ron/Hermione, past Harry/Ginny
Warnings/content: Highlight to read *none*
word count: ~1600
Summary: Tired of watching his uncle torment himself, Albus decides to help.
Notes: Thanks so much to my beta!!!
Albus stared out the window, resting his head against the chilled glass and wondering how long his uncle would remain outside this night. He could see Ron's lips moving, arguing it looked like. There was no one but the stars to answer him, but Albus knew to whom his uncle was talking.
It happened every night now. Ron Weasley would pace the large yard separating his home from Albus's and talk. Sometimes Hermione would go out to meet him with a cup of tea, but usually Ron was alone. It could be five minutes or hours. Once, Albus awoke to find his uncle still talking even though the sun had risen.
Tonight wouldn't be a night for company. Albus's aunt was out of town for business, and Albus's mother had long given up talking sense to her brother. No one else seemed to know exactly what had happened and, at least to his knowledge, no one wanted to discuss Ron's torment.
As had been the case many times over the last few weeks, Albus felt himself lost without his best friend. Hugo was spending part of the summer with Charlie learning about dragons, and Albus didn't have anyone else who'd understand. He'd thought about approaching Ron several times to point out how similar their situations were. But then, Albus's best mate didn't run off to America after declaring his love for him. But the loneliness, that Albus understood.
It wasn't as if his father's statement was a big shock to anyone with eyes. Hugo and Albus had whispered about it long before they really understood adult relationships. But apparently, Ron hadn't been prepared to hear the real reason Harry and Ginny were divorced.
Albus knew his father's answer to Ron's reaction was ridiculous, but he also thought it was understandable. Ron's harsh words had felt like a rejection, and Harry had taken it is as a final dismissal, not the temporary surprise it was.
The few letters Albus had received suggested his father would return soon. He had no grand plans of living in America and hiding forever. But it wasn't soon enough for Ron, but then Ron hadn't written to tell Harry that either.
Albus had spent much of the past few weeks being angry with Ron for what he said, for not contacting Harry, and for running Albus's father off, even it was only temporarily.
The anger was starting to fade to pity now. Albus had begun to suspect that Ron's real issue wasn't that Harry was in love with him, but rather that Harry had made real and official something that, perhaps subconsciously, had been agreed to stay buried.
In Albus's mind, there was no way Ron didn't feel the same way. Albus had seen the looks shared between them, the lingering touches, and the affection that was so much more than that between friends or brothers. The fact that Hermione seemed nonplussed by the whole thing just confirmed Albus's suspicions. He didn't know how so much time had passed or why they'd even married other people.
That's why he needed Hugo. Hugo'd remind him about the pressures after the war, and point out how much their fathers did love their mums. Hugo'd also know what to say to Ron.
Ron's pacing was faster now, and Albus sighed and pushed away from the window. Wrapping his cloak around him, Albus opened the door and stepped out onto the field.
Too caught up in his discussion with the stars, Ron didn't notice Albus until he was right in front of him. Albus didn't speak at first, just let his uncle get used to his presence.
"I was just taking a walk," Ron said defensively.
Albus nodded, deciding not to point out the obvious lie. "Thought I'd join you."
"Oh, well I was just heading back in."
"How 'bout you come to my house for tea?" Albus offered. "Mum's on a date, and Lily's staying with Fred and Roxanne."
Ron looked ready to refuse, but finally nodded and followed Albus back inside. Albus busied himself with the kettle for a moment, letting Ron settle in at the table.
Albus stared for a long moment, completely at a loss as to what to say now that he'd finally reached out to Ron. Instead, he sat across the table and wondered again how they'd all ended up in this mess.
Ron gave a long, shuddering sigh and stared at Albus, making Albus uncomfortably aware of just how much he looked like his father.
"Got a letter from Hugo," Albus said, struggling for a safe topic. "He's annoyed Uncle Charlie won't let him ride on a dragon."
Ron gave a weak chuckle. "He wrote me and his mum, too. He wanted us to give Charlie permission. Hermione 'bout had kittens."
"I also had a letter from Dad."
"Oh."
"You could write him, you know." Albus could see how uncomfortable his uncle was, but felt he had to press the issue. "He needs to hear from you."
"If he wanted to hear from me, he shouldn't have left." Ron's tone was bitter and defensive, and Albus buried the urge to reach across the table and shake him.
"Perhaps had you not screamed and yelled at him right after he bared his soul to you, he would still be here."
Ron glared at Albus. "I was shocked. I'm married and he was married. It's just ridiculous."
"Except that it's not at all. Since I know Aunt Hermione told you she's fine with everything. Which, by the way, makes her the coolest woman ever. And you and dad have been more in love than he and Mum ever were. It's obvious to everyone but you."
Ron spluttered for a moment then took a long sip of tea. Albus could see Ron's hand shaking as he set down the blue cup. "We're just mates."
"Yeah, 'cause most people stand outside and argue with the stars when their mate goes on holiday."
"He's not on holiday. He's run away." Ron's crossed arms and indignant expression reminded Albus so much of Rose in the middle of a fit that he giggled.
Bringing himself back under control, Albus said, "He's on a trip for work and just extended it a bit. We all know where he is, and why he left. He thinks you hate him."
"That's ridiculous."
"Of course it is. And we've been telling him that, but the only one he's going to listen to is you."
"So you think I should just write him and forget everything else."
The urge to strike his uncle returned, and Albus spent a moment fantasising about smacking Ron upside the head. "Actually, yes, I do."
Ron snorted. "It's not that easy."
"Dear Harry, I miss you. I love you. Come home. Love, Ron. Yep, I can see how difficult that could be." Albus gave Ron his most persuasive glare.
"But then what?"
"Then you deal with it when he gets home. Just because he told you how he feels doesn't mean you have to run off and shag the moment he steps in the door."
Ron blushed and stammered, confirming Albus's suspicions that Ron wanted to do just that. Sometimes he wondered how his dad and uncle saved the world, then he'd remember they had his Aunt Hermione with them.
Flicking his wand, Albus Summoned parchment and a quill. He silently pushed the paper over to his uncle.
There was a long pause, and Albus thought Ron was going to leave instead of write. But then Ron picked up the quill and jotted down a few lines. He folded the letter before Albus could read it.
"I'll send it by International Owl tomorrow." Ron stood and tucked the letter into his robes.
Knowing it'd never be sent if he let Ron walk out, Albus put his hand on Ron's arm. "The hotel he's staying at has a Floo connection. I'll hand it over."
Ron backed away. "No, that's all right. I'll just send it myself."
Thanking his Uncle George for teaching him such a thing, Albus deftly stole the letter from Ron's robes. Before Ron could realise what happened, Albus was at the fireplace staring into the green flames. Albus thanked the hotel clerk and passed the letter through.
Ron was clearly torn between anger and nausea, so Albus led him to the sofa and sat down with him. "It's going to be all right."
Ron stared, clearly not believing Albus. Albus had a terrifying thought that he'd be stuck on the sofa waiting with Ron until his father responded.
"Why don't you go on home and go to bed. I'm sure you'll hear from him soon."
Ron didn't make any move to respond. Instead, he stared at the fire as it flared green and a familiar head popped into view.
"I'll be home as soon as I can get a Portkey," Harry said, then disappeared as quickly as he appeared.
Albus's sigh of relief was echoed by Ron, and they both turned and smiled at each other.
"Thank you," Ron said, standing up and rubbing his palms against his robes.
Albus just nodded and patted his uncle's shoulder. "It really will be all right. I promise."
Ron's bright smile was a surprise. "I think it just might be."
Albus stared out the window, watching his uncle retreat back to his own home with a lift in his step. He smiled to himself, thinking that his uncle wouldn't have to talk to the stars any longer.
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