The Brit & The Blonde

Chapter 16 - 256 Days (Harry)

HARRY

DAY 1

The plane ride back is rough. Harry feels like he's been on the plane for days. All he can do is think about Mac and what just happened. Did he really do that? Was this the biggest mistake in his entire life? But then his mind went back to reason, the reason he did this all. He knew this is the best thing for him. He needs to finish school. He needs to come out. He needs to find who he wants to be, what he wants to do, and most importantly if he really wants to leave all of this behind for Mac. Is it worth it?

His plane lands late at night and the second he makes it past security he sees his best friends, Hermione and Ron, standing there smiling.

"Harry!" Hermione runs at him and hugs him, squeezing him way too tight.

"Hey." Ron is quiet as they hug, but still smiling. "It's good to see you."

"Ron. Grab his bag." Ron does what she says. "Let's go. I have the car waiting outside."

Harry can't stop smiling, happy to see his friends again, but something in him keeps pushing Mac back into his mind. They get into Ron's family car, Ron driving and Hermione in the passenger seat. Harry looks at the two of them, laughing as Hermione yells at Ron for going into the wrong lane.

"What's up?" Hermione looks back at Harry.

"Nothing... it's just good to be back."

"Okay... so I talked to McGonagall and she said that as long as you catch up, with my help of course, then you're welcome back."

"Great." Harry doesn't know whether he's happy about that or not, kind of hoping he wouldn't be allowed back so he would have to go back to California.

DAY 10

The last week has been one of the hardest Harry has ever been through, but it was also great. He was so busy catching up on everything he missed that he had not time to think about Mac. Hermione has him on a strict schedule every day that plans to catch him up within just a month.

"Harry. Harry!" Harry snaps out of his daze by Hermione.

"Yeah?"

"Are you done reading that chapter? We need to move on to the paper."

'Oh... yeah, just a page left."

"God Harry, keep it together." Hermione looks frantic but happy to be doing all of this.

"Hermione." Ron walks in with a plate of food. "Breathe. Both of you need a break. Eat something." Ron and Hermione kiss, making Harry smile, happy to see them happy.

"Fine... but only five minutes." Hermione takes a large bite out of a sandwich.

DAY 34

Finally caught up, everything has gone back to a more normal pace. Harry goes to classes, hangs with his friends, and goes to bed thinking about Mac. At the moment he's hanging out with Ron and Hermione in their room, playing some card game. Hermione looks over to Harry, seeing him fade out and look out the window.

"Hey Ron. do you think you could get me something to drink?" Ron just smiles, stands up and leaves. "Harry..."

"Yeah..." Harry turns to her.

"What's wrong?"

"What do you mean?" Harry scoots to face her.

"Well... months ago you left out of nowhere to go to the states. You never told us why and we never questioned you, you seemed happy. But then you came back different, sad. We all promised not to nudge or ask any questions, but I want you to know that you can tell me if you want. Whenever you want."