1st December

It took time, of course.

No one can have their body and mind ripped apart by a dark wizard and be fine.

Ron left the hospital wing a few weeks later, insisting to Madam Pomfrey that he couldn't miss the first match of the Quidditch season because of mild brain damage and a little organ mutilation;

"All the bleeding's internal- that's where it's supposed to be, right?"

He was still slightly unsteady on his feet, pale, sometimes shaky. Hermione helped him down to the Quidditch pitch that morning, holding his good hand and supporting his back under his broken arm.

The sun was shining harshly.

The winter air had an edge.

The ground was hard.

Everything was contrasted against the sky.

It was the kind of weather that made you feel alive.

The Quidditch match was won by Gryffindor.

And Harry was fine with Ron and Hermione dating.

And d'ya know what?

All was well.