Akikko: I wrote this story while I was away at camp. Hopefully you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the associated characters, obviously. The plotline is mine though. SO DON'T TAKE IT.

Chapter 1

Ron sighed. His summer was slowly trickling away, and the fact it was almost time to go back to Hogwarts wasn't comforting to him. He sat on his bed, and his Chudley Cannons' poster rustled against the wall because of the wind that was rushing through the open window.

"Oh, Bugger," he mumbled to himself as he began to shuffle slowly to the window. Ron, who wasn't really used to being worried for too long, had many things on his mind. Mostly, he was thinking about money.

Money had always been a bit of a problem for the Weasleys ('As Malfoy always loves to point out, the greasy git,' thought Ron with a growl), but their financial problems had only grown worse over the summer. Of course, hid older brothers – minus Percy – were trying to help out, but Mrs. Weasley wouldn't hear of taking her sons' money. Mr. Weasley was trying his best to work harder, but his position in Muggle Artifacts didn't really get too far— not to mention that the number of Muggle things that had been enchanted by wizards was particularly slow this time of year.

"Oh, Arthur," said Mrs. Weasley, a frown evident in her voice. "I just don't know what we're going to do about Hogwarts." Ron had overheard this conversation from a distance away, thanks to his brothers' Extendable Ears they lent to him.

"I'll think of something, Mollywobbles," his dad replied, but an obvious hit of worry laced his words.

But the fact was that it had been weeks since that conversation and Mr. Weasley hadn't come up with anything yet. The days were ticking away, and everyone was trying to think of what to do about the problem. Fred and George told Ron that they were close to getting a plan, but he was skeptical of how realistic of possible it would be.

Ron's silent reflection upon these thoughts were silenced when Pigwedegon zoomed in through the window and into Ron, nearly pushing him over.

"Calm down, Pig," said Ron irritably as the overly excited owl flew circles around his head. Ron grabbed the letter the owl had and began to open it as he reached to give Pig a treat. While Pig was happily munching away, Ron sat back down onto his bed and began to read the letter, which turned out to be from Hermione.

"Hello, Ronald," it began, "Fred and George told me about how they were having troubles with coming up for a solution to a certain problem. I was glad to help, of course, but I had to ask about exactly what their situation was… and that's when I found out about your family's financial problems." Ron's ears turned red with embarrassment as he continued reading. "Why couldn't you have told me? You don't have to be so proud all the time, you know."

Ron sighed and rolled his eyes at Hermione. The girl may be smart, but there are some things she'd never understand. "Anyway, Fred, George, and I have come up with some ideas. Since my family is in a bit of a financial rut too, I 'm going to be involved in these plans as well. I'm coming over soon, and Fred and George will explain to you what we picked out as the final option." Ron began to get a bad feeling in his stomach as he read the next few lines.

"It's not exactly an idea I'm comfortable with, but it works. It's the most realistic and the easiest thing we can get away with. Well… I'll see you soon." The letter was signed by Hermione, and Ron folded it silently as he began to think of what this idea might be. He closed the window, and when he turned around he saw the twins sitting on his bed.

"Bloody hell," said Ron, surprised. "How did you get in here so quickly?"

"We have our ways, Won-won," said George, grinning. "Anyway, judging by Pig's excitement, I guess you've gotten your letter, right?" added Fred, who was watching Pig fly around the room, waiting for Ron to write a reply, even though he wasn't going to.

"Oh, shove off," said Ron, waving his hand to Pig in order to get the owl to go into its cage. When he walked back to the twins, they were watching him with amusement. Ron was starting to feel nervous as he asked, "So, Hermione said you had an idea…?"

"Oh yeah," said Fred.

"We've got a good one," piped in George.

Ron looked from one to the other, raising an eyebrow. "Does it break any laws?

"… Not exactly," answered George.

"Is it dangerous?" asked Ron, a bad feeling forming in his stomach.

"Aren't our plans always?" asked Fred, his grin widening. Ron was about to say something when George interrupted him.

"Oh, come off it, ickle Ronnykins," said George, his smile giving off a vibe of danger. "You're not scared, are you?"

"Of course not!" protested Ron, his ears threateningly close to turning red. "Just go on and tell me."

Fred and George turned to each other, and Fred nodded. "Okay, George. Go on. Tell him."

George turned to Ron, obviously enjoying this. "Well, Ron, Hermione, Fred, and I decided that there was only one way to get through with this year. First semester supplies won't be hard to get, but in order to get things for next semester, you and Hermione are going to –"

"—Sell yourselves," finished Fred, waiting for Ron's reaction.

Ron's eyes widened. "Wh-what? Y-you mean… like…" Ron made a gesture with his hands, trying to get the message of "sex" across.

"No, no!" said George, laughing.

Fred nudged George. "Told you he'd take it that way." Ron's face flushed in embarrassment.

"Well with the way you two were acting—" began Ron, flustered.

"Oh, calm down, Won-won," the twins said together.

Fred coughed and began to speak again. "We meant, as in, doing things for people. As in… Hermione doing homework."

"Or you doing others' chores," said George.

"Anything someone asks," Fred nodded.

"But you get to draw the line," said George as he noticed Ron's mouth open as if he was going to argue.

Ron watched the two warily, weighing the consequences. "So…" he began, keeping his thoughts in order, "How would we go about doing this?"

"Well, anyone who wanted something done would come to us," said George, gesturing towards himself and Fred.

"Lee will be spreading the word about this," said Fred. "He'll get the process started. Keep in mind that some professors might find out."

"So would that mean we'd get into trouble?" asked Ron, walking close to the two.

George stood up and put his arm around Ron from the right side, and Fred stood on the left. "Ron, when have we ever worried about trouble?" asked George, glancing over to Fred.

Fred patted Ron on the back. "But, just because you're so worried, do you honestly think the professors will care? If anything, they'll just indulge in your services as well.

"So, what do you say, Ron?" asked George, nudging him.

"Hermy's already agreed to it, you know," added Fred, using Ron's pride to his advantage.

George began, "Are you in –"

"—or out?" finished Fred.

Ron sighed, shrugging his brothers off of him. If he could draw the line where he wanted… then that was good, right? It may end up that he wouldn't get as much money as he could have, but… it meant that there was less of a chance of ending up with creepy people or breaking laws. And if Hermione agreed to it… it must not be a horrible idea, right?

Ron took a deep breath. "I'm in," he said, after a moment's pause.

George and Fred gave each other a high-five. "Told you he'd agree to it," said George, winking at Fred.

"Well, that's all we needed to know," said Fred, walking to the door.

George followed after him. "The real thing begins at school," he said, and then the twins walked out of the door together, waving a goodbye to their brother.

When they left, Ron groaned and plopped down onto his bed. "What have I gotten myself into…?" he muttered to himself, his eyes fluttering shut.

But not even his vivid imagination could cover the half of it…

Akikko: I hope you enjoyed it so far! See you next chapter!