Comfort of a Friend
a Harry Potter story
by Tina
Ron Weasley sat at the table eating his breakfast, thinking with a smile of his plans to meet Harry for lunch in Hogsmeade. It still seemed strange not to see each other every day now that they were finished with school. They had made sure to meet for lunch at least once a month and they both really looked forward to these meetings. Often Hermione joined them but this month she was away. Ron was startled by a scratching noise at the window and looked up to see Hedwig perched outside.
Smiling he opened the window "Hullo Hedwig," he smiled, stroking the snowy owl's head."What's Harry got to say this morning hmmmm?" He removed the letter from Hedwig's leg and unwrapped it.
Ron,
Sorry, but I'm not going to be able to make it for lunch today. I'm feeling a little under the weather - just a bit of a cold nothing serious. Could we make it next week instead?
Harry
Ron frowned looking at the letter. He knew that Harry wouldn't cancel lunch for just a "bit of a cold" and he was now worried about his friend. Hedwig stood by waiting for Ron to respond to Harry's letter.
Harry,
Sorry to hear you're not well. You should definitely stay home in bed to rest. Hope it's ok if I stop over later with some lunch. And make sure you don't run around trying to clean up because I'm stopping over.
Ron
He attached the letter to Hedwig's leg and sent her off. Then he started making a list of things he wanted to pick up for Harry.
Harry was in bed sleeping when he heard Hedwig tapping at the window. He leaned over to let her in and read Ron's note with a smile. It didn't surprise him that Ron was stopping over, that was typical Ron - worrying about him and coming to make sure he was alright. He surveyed the flat, looking at the mess that had grown every day he was sick - piles of crumpled tissues, dirty dishes, dirty clothes just dropped at the side of the bed. He knew Ron had said not to clean up, but the place was a total disaster. He sat up on the edge of the bed determined to at least neaten up a bit. He started to get up, but sat back down as he was overcome by the need to sneeze,"HETCHOOO!!! ehhh ehhhhCHOOOO!! Etchooo!!! ETCHOOO!!!!!" The sneezes left him dizzy and reminded him how much his head was pounding and how sore his throat was. He decided to rest for a few minutes before cleaning up, and slid back under the warm covers, falling back to sleep almost instantly.
Harry was still sleeping when Ron arrived several hours later armed with chicken soup, tissues, and various items he thought might make Harry feel more comfortable. Ron knocked softly on the door and then let himself in. Looking around the flat he was surprised at the state of it, it was never overly tidy but it was clear to Ron that Harry had been sick for days. He peaked into the bedroom to check on Harry. He was sound asleep, snoring softly. Ron tiptoed over quietly to the bed to feel Harry's forehead - it was warm, but not too hot. He quietly left Harry to sleep and set about straightening up. He discarded all the old tissues, washed the dishes and picked up Harry's clothes setting then on a chair. He let him sleep for another hour and then decided to heat up the soup and some tea for him.
Harry awoke to find Ron sitting next to his bed, a tray with tea and warm chicken soup on the night stand. "How are you mate?" Ron asked with concern in his voice.
"Ron, " Harry smiled sitting up, "I'm alright, you didn't have to come over."
"Did you think I'd leave you here alone when you were sick?" Ron asked, almost offended.
"No, of course not," Harry smiled again. "But I don't want you to catch my cold."
"I'll be fine," Ron patted Harry's arm,"I'm worried about you. Would you like some soup?"
Harry nodded gratefully, he hadn't felt much up to cooking in the last few days and the soup seemed like heaven. He sat up in bed and reached for the bowl. It was divine,"Ron, it's wonderful... it tastes..."
"Just like my mum's. " Ron finished for him and Harry nodded."I stopped there before I came over and she made it for you. I was going to make some, but I knew it wouldn't be the same."
Harry smiled agin, grateful for the whole Weasley family. Suddenly his nose started to tickle. He didn't have time to grab a tissue(they were probably gone by now anyway he thought). He started to sniff, trying to fight off the sneeze. "Ehhhh....heh...." He felt Ron taking the soup bowl from him. "EHCHOOO!!! Hehchooo!!! ETCHOOOO!!! "He sneezed into his hands, then sniffled wetly. He opened his eyes to find Ron handing him a handkerchief, a nice soft new one which felt so much better on his raw nose than the rough tissues had. "Thanks", he smiled again.
"You sound bloody awful Harry, how long have you been sick?" Ron asked, again with concern in his voice.
"Just a day or so," Harry lied and Ron glared at him. "Ok, maybe all week."
"Harry, why didn't you let me know, I'd have come over sooner."
"I`m not dying you know, it's just a cold." Harry tried to sound convincing. Truth was felt like dying, he was so tired of the sneezing, the congestion and the fevers had been horrible at night.
"I know Harry, but you're my best mate and want to help you feel better."
Harry nodded, "I know Ron, thanks. And I really do feel better with you here, it's been a long week. "He started to reach for the soup, but stopped as he felt more sneezes coming, "HEHCHOOO!!! ehchoooo..HEHCHOOO!!" He blew his nose loudly on the new handkerchief, happy for it's softness.
"Bless you Harry," Ron said softly handing him back the soup bowl. Harry nodded his thanks and gratefully resumed eating the soup. It felt wonderful sliding down his raw, sore throat, and seemed to be clearing some of his congestion as well.
"Ron, your mother is an angel."
Ron tried to look indignant, "Her, what about me?" He demanded.
Harry grinned, "Well, of course you too. I thought that was just understood ."
"That's better. Now, what else can I get you Harry?" he asked serious again.
"Nothing really, "Harry shook his head,"This is just perfect."
They sat in silence for a while, Harry eating the soup and slowly sipping his tea. Ron noticed Harry start to look more tired, and noticed a change in his color and his eyes. He reached over and felt Harry's forehead "Looks like you've got a fever."
Harry nodded, "I think so, I'm starting to feel hot."
Ron helped him pull down most of the heavy blankets leaving him lightly covered. He brought the tray out to the kitchen, returning with some cool water for Harry. Harry gulped it which set him off on a long coughing spell. Ron sat at the edge of the bed, his hand resting on Harry's back, trying to offer some comfort to his friend. When Harry finally finished coughing he was exhausted. Ron helped him settle into bed.
"Ron, "Harry looked up at him, "You can go if you want. I mean, I appreciate you coming, but I'm alright. And it's not like I'm very good company at the moment."
"Harry, I'm not going anywhere until you're feeling better. And you don't need to worry about being good company, just rest when you need to. I'll be here when you need me."
Harry smiled, "I know you will Ron." He drifted off to sleep feeling secure, knowing that Ron would always be there when he needed him.
Obviously none of the characters are mine, I'm just playing.