Hello everyone, this is my submission for Season 6 Round 12 of the QLFC. Thank you to TheOptimisticRover for betaing this. I do not own any rights to Harry Potter; the rights belong to J.K. Rowling.

QLFC Season 6 Round 12: Character Study – Ron Weasley

Team: Kenmare Kestrels

Position: Chaser 1

Task: Write about Ron's relationship with one of his siblings

Optional Prompts used:

(quote) If you carry joy in your heart you can heal any moment – Carlos Santana

(dialogue) "You have a kind of aroma about you."

(dialogue) "It's time to export that damn toy, I think."

Rating – K

Word Count: 1115


A few months after the Battle of Hogwarts, Ron had said that he would help George run Weasley's Wizard Wheezes until a suitable replacement could be found, and yet, two years later he found himself still there, as a business partner. He remembered how those first few months, after Fred's death, had been hard on the entire family - especially George. Even at the shop, he would lock himself away working on new products, only coming out for breaks.

It hurt Ron to see George without Fred, and it was even worse to see George looking so lost. He'd give anything to have them winding him up, making fun of him again. He'd do anything, to hear them joke around and make everyone laugh again. He didn't think that that George would ever come back but he was to be proved wrong during that first Christmas without Fred.


Sales had been booming as new products raced off the shelves, but Ron had had enough of seeing one product still on the rack, untouched.

"George, it's time to export that damn toy, I think," Ron grumbled as he entered the back room.

"Which one?" George asked, not looking up from the piece of parchment he was drawing a design on.

"The bloody eye sore that isn't selling," Ron said, putting the bottle on the desk with a deliberate thud. "This thing."

George finally looked up and noted the bottle before inhaling deeply. Then, burst out laughing as he looked at his brother.

"What's so funny?" demanded Ron, even as he inwardly marvelled at the sound of George's hearty laughter. When was the last time he had heard it?

"Well, little brother, it's that you have an aroma about you."

Ron went beetroot red when he smelt the rancid egg smell. "That isn't me, I swear, George." Ron leapt backward with a yelp as his nostrils were assaulted by something that smelt like rotten eggs. "Bloody hell! Where's that smell coming from?!"

"It's coming from you," George said, grinning. Ron could see that his smile was now forced. "Did you by chance open the lid of the bottle?"

"Yes, but nothing came out," Ron said.

"That's because it's a gas. Once the bottle has been opened it encases the owner in either a nasty or pleasant smell for the short duration that it lasts. Although, it may change depending on who the person is around. Think of it as a gas version of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, it's simply the luck of the draw, what you'll smell like once you use it. There's only that one bottle - it's a tester. I've been working on the name and slogan and I think I have it now: Weasley's Elusive Body Spray – will you smell like roses or rotten eggs? Are you willing to take the chance?"

"Oh, I'm going to get you for this," Ron said but then started to laugh when he saw the funny side to it. Once they had both calmed down Ron, though a little hesitant, added, "This is the first time I've heard you laugh in a while."

George smiled slowly. "I think I've needed it, so, thank you."

"For once, you're welcome. Why don't you name it Fred Weasley's Elusive Body Spray? I think he would have loved that."

George's eyes shimmered for a moment before he nodded and grinned. "Yeah, I think I will."

Once the labels had been put on the bottles, George said, "This lot are ready to go on the shelves."

"Right." Ron levitated the bottles into the shop and onto the empty shelf. Too engrossed in his work, he didn't hear the jingle of the doorbell until he heard a familiar voice at his ear.

"You smell good, Mr Weasley, like fresh pine and ginger," Theo said huskily.

Ron chuckled. "It's a new aftershave," he lied.

"Well you should wear it more often," Theo said. Once he made sure the shop was empty, the sandy haired man kissed Ron slowly, making his heart pound.

"Are you still coming over tonight?" Theo said between kisses.

"Yes, you owe me that rematch on Wizard's Chess remember?"

"Mmhmm I do. I was wondering though, when are you going to introduce me to the family? Hermione and Harry are fine with it, and you're finally getting along with Draco, Blaise and Pansy; though I think Draco's attitude is partly Astoria's doing."

"I think you're right about that," Ron replied, his arms around Theo's waist, looking into his brown eyes. He tried to think of a suitable answer to Theo's question but all he could come up with was a meagre, "Soon."

"Introduce who?" George asked as he came into the shop, a knowing look in his eyes as he glanced between the younger men.

"George, you remember Theo. Well, we're together."

"So, this is who you'd sneak off at school to see? Fred and I always wondered why you were so excited about those Hogsmeade weekends."

"How did you even-" Ron spluttered.

Theo grinned.

"We figured it out during your second year but never said anything. I'm glad that you've found someone, Ron," George said, shaking Theo's hand. "It's good to meet you properly, Theo. Are you free this Sunday?"

"I should be, yes."

"Good, come to the Burrow for dinner. Oh, and, Theo, if you hurt my little brother I can easily make your life hell."

Theo chuckled then. "Of that I've no doubt, but I don't intend to hurt him. I love him."

George smiled. "Go on and have your lunch break together, I can handle the shop for an hour."

"George…" Ron said, biting his lip. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, now go, before I change my mind."


After that day slowly George improved and the bond between him and Ron was strong. Ron knew he wouldn't replace Fred – not that he wanted to. He was just happy to be there for George during his good days and bad, to talk to him and remind George that Fred would always be there with them in spirit. In turn, Ron had been able to talk freely about his love life to George who never judged him.

George finally found a new lease of life, not just because of the shop, but also because of Angelina. Ron never admitted to it but he did have a part in bring them together. George and Angelina soon welcomed their son into the world, who they'd aptly named Fred.

Ron was glad George was truly happy now. It was times like these that a Muggle quote came to mind: if you carry joy in your heart you can heal any moment.


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I'll see you all soon,

Sunset Whispers x