Silence echoed around the room.
Ron found the power of speech first.
'I'm sorry, I think I heard you wrong Professor...did you just say six months at a muggle school?'
'No, Ron, you heard me correctly. Today is the Friday 23th of September and you will leave on Sunday, you will return to Hogwarts on the Sunday 25th of March, exactly six months.'
'I will not have my son go to a muggle,' Malfoy spat out the word "muggle" – remembering to say "muggle" in the presence of Dumbledore. 'School, his education will be ruined. You will be hea-.'
'No, Mr. Malfoy, your son, and yours Molly, will receive extra work on the subjects that they are taking here and in fact I believe that their education will be broaden, for they will be able to see how muggles live and work and see that they are not very different from us. And Mr. Malfoy, I know that your money may get you power within the Ministry but I am the headmaster of Hogwarts and this is my school and I give out the punishments. You could give me all the money in the world and I would not even reduce your son's punishment by an hour.'
'Well, I think that it is a perfect idea Albus, you have my full support.' Molly smiled at the headmaster. 'Will Ron need anything special, any new books or a new uniform?' Asked Molly, worrying about how she was going to afford new books or clothes. Albus shook his head.
'No need to worry Molly, as this is my punishment and you should not be affected by it, both boys will be given the books and uniform.' Malfoy tutted. 'But if you wish to buy them any extra supplies...you may not do so.' Dumbledore gave the Malfoys a stern look. 'They will just need their own clothes for after school and weekends and any other private and personal items that they wish to take with them.'
'Where will they be staying Albus? Is the school like Hogwarts?'
'No Molly, the schooling hours are from eight twenty-five until three thirty. For this reason they will be staying at a house which I have personally chosen. The family are two squibs, a Mr and Mrs. Jones and their two children, a five year-old son, Bradley, and a three year-old daughter, Alexia.' Dumbledore smiled at the memory of the two children, both were very polite, fun and thought of the old man as a granddad.
'I will not-.'
'Mr. Malfoy, for the last time, you cannot change or effect what the punishment is. I can assure you that Mr and Mrs. Jones are two very lovely people who will take care of your son as though he is their own.' Malfoy just glared at the old headmaster.
'Will they be allowed contact with their families, Albus? Friends?' Professor McGonagall answered; she was fed up of being quite.
'We thought about this subject and decided that they would be allowed contact with one parent, one other family member and one friend of their choosing if they wish. Once that family member and friend have been chosen they cannot be changed. Owls will not, of course, be able to fly into a muggle street without attracting unwanted attention so letters will be given or owled to Albus, Severus or me. We also decided that the son will be able to see their parent and family member once a month, if they wish. I will be in contact with Ron throughout the period of punishment and Severus will be in contact with Draco.' Molly nodded at this and thought it was fair; Ron shouldn't have got into fights to start with.
'Can we choose now, Professor?' Asked Ron, McGonagall nodded.
'I'd like Mum – Molly – to be my parent and err...Bill, to be my other family member.' McGonagall wrote down the names on a piece of parchment.
'Is your brother in England now?'
'Oh yeah, Bill's here. And my friend to be...err...can I come back to you on that one?' Smiled Ron, McGonagall nodded. Choosing only one friend would be hard. He could get it down to a few; Harry, Hermione, Seamus, Dean or Lavender.
Harry was his best mate but he would probably just complain about how Ron wasn't there to be in Quidditch team, blah, blah, blah; Hermione would just ask questions, how was the work, was he doing his homework, what classes did he have, did he know the answers, the list of possible questions for her to ask was endless; Seamus and Dean would be alright, but Seamus and Dean were Seamus and Dean, you couldn't speak to one or about one without referring or talking to the other, they were like twins; Lavender would probably ask questions but they would be more exciting and less in quantity than Hermione's and he knew that she would reply quickly to his letters, Lavender was actually rather organised and a good writer...when she wanted to be.
'Malfoy, do you wish to make your choices now?'
Unlike Ron, Draco didn't have a clue who to choose; he only had two parents – that was his family, so he could pick both of them but he didn't really want to waste time by writing letters to his Dad, especially because he wasn't speaking to him at the moment. And what friend? Draco couldn't name any close friends. Sure there was Crabbe and Goyle but could they even write? Blaise probably wouldn't bother to ever write back and probably wouldn't care; Theo wouldn't care or even think about writing back; and Pansy would just get on his nerves. For the first time in his life Draco realised he didn't have something. A best friend.
'No.' That was it. McGonagall just nodded; she was smart and could tell exactly what the boy was thinking.
Word quickly spread of what the punishment was. Some said they deserved, some thought it was harsh, others complained to their Heads of House about it.
And soon it was Saturday night.
'I 'spose I'll see you guys in six months then.' Smiled Ron sadly; he'd miss his friends. They had all gathered in Ron's dorm for a mini goodbye party. It was just them, some stolen food and drink from the kitchen and music playing quietly in the background. It was just Ron, Hermione, Harry, Neville, Dean, Seamus, the Patil Twins and Lavender, and Ginny had invited herself along.
They knew that they would miss their friend; Ron wouldn't realise how much he meant to them and how much life would change without him there. He was their sunshine; no matter what situation they were in, Ron could make a joke or a smile or a laugh.
Things would change and for the worst. This would be the longest six months of their lives.
Draco sat alone in his dorm; Crabbe and Goyle were pigging out in the kitchens and hadn't invited Draco, Pansy was having her weekly gossip, Blaise was with his newest girlfriend and Draco didn't know where Theo was, probably somewhere up to no good.
He was silently packing his case and he remembered dinner; his last dinner at Hogwarts for six months.
The Hall was full as usual but it was more joyful than usual. Weasel was having a send-off dinner. All of Gryffindor had brought stupid paper hats off of the Weasel Twats; they were louder and more obnoxious than usual. They sung and joked and the Weasel Twats made some "funny" speech about Ron and even some Slytherins had smiled at it. Even Ravenclaw and Huffelpuff seemed to be involved with this party. The professors, minus Snape (of course), had all smiled at the celebrations and Dumbledore had worn one of those humiliating paper hats. And at the end of dinner, Ron had been hugged by, what seemed like, every member of Gryffindor and even some Ravenclaw and Huffelpuff students seemed to hug him; a few of the giggly – hot – girls had started to cry.
And what had Draco got? Nought. Nothing. He didn't even think that they had remembered that he was leaving tomorrow. No one said anything. No speeches about him. No smiles. No ridiculous paper hats. No hugs. No crying.
For the second time in a few days, Draco had felt lonely. And it hurt.
Both boys had decided on an early night; Draco got his, Ron didn't. Ron stayed up until three in the morning just talking. Ginny, the Patil Twins and Lavender had left first at around eleven; Neville turned in shortly after; and Dean and Seamus had left for bed at one.
The trio had sat on Ron's bed and had cast spells around the bed so that they didn't disturb the sleeping beauties. They had talked of all of their adventures of the years, of Fluffy, of Sirius Black, of Gryffindor, of Quidditch, of Hogwarts, of lessons, of Professors, of class-mates, of each other; they talked of everything and anything.
Until Hermione had realised the time.
She had sent them both to bed, before hugging and giving Ron a kiss on the cheek – to which Harry had held in a laugh.
Ron strolled towards the Great Hall, which Dumbledore said would be open early so that both boys could eat their breakfasts before they left.
Ron yawned after every fifth step and his brain was in auto-pilot; it was six on a Sunday morning! They had to be on the Hogwarts express at seven forty-five if they were to leave at eight and Ron still had to pack.
They would be taken to Platform 9 ¾ where they would meet Mr and Mrs Jones. Apparently, the driver, who was now 110, was going to retire this year and his replacement, which was finishing off his training, would be driving them; it would be the replacement's final test.
The elves were busily apparating in and out of the Hall, preparing for the main breakfast which started later on Sundays. They waved him a cheery hello, since Ron was a regular guest at the kitchens.
Ron gazed over to Slytherin to see Malfoy delicately nibbling a piece of toast.
But there were two other people in the room.
One of Ron's neighbours, Luna Lovegood, who had always seemed to him as a bit odd.
'Hello there Ronald.' She called out dreamily. 'I do hope that the Bed-Bugs did not wake you.'
'Ermm, no they didn't.' She smiled at him and carried on staring blankly into space; Ron didn't have a clue as to what Bed-Bugs were.
'Hi Ron.' And the other person in the Hall was Hermione.
'What are you doing up this early?'
'A "hello" would have been nice.' She muttered. 'I'm always up this early; I always have a lot of work to get done.' She added matter-of-factly.
Ron didn't try and start an argument with her – she always did her work the night it was set! But instead, he sat down next to her and started to pile food on to his plate.
Draco glared at Weasel and Granger as they talked. How could any two people be so joyful and talkative at six o'clock on a Sunday morning?
They laughed and joked. And smiled and chatted away like nothing was wrong, like it was just another morning; really it was the worst morning in the history of the wizarding world.
Draco was going to leave everything he had ever known throughout his entire life, to go somewhere which he hated and despised. And he was going there with Weasel. What could be more enjoyable?
Dumbledore graced in.
'Ah, Ron, Draco I do hope that you had a good night's sleep. Hello Luna and Hermione, it is nice to see you both looking so awake on such a beautiful morning.'
"How is the old man so bloody happy? It's half six in the morning! Does no one understand the concept of 'Sunday Mornings'?" Thought Draco to himself.
Loopy girl skipped out past the professor and said something about "wrack-a-lacks".
Dumbledore walked towards Draco, who was sitting on the end of Slytherin.
'Good Morning Draco, isn't it just a fine morning?'
'If you say so.' Grumbled Draco under his breath.
'Have you chosen what parent, family member and friend you wish to be allowed contact with?' Said Dumbledore smiling warmly.
Draco panicked.
'Good Morning Ron, Hermione.' They both smiled and returned the warm welcome.
'Have you chosen the friend that you wish to contact?' Hermione gave Ron a look.
'Oh, I haven't told you have I. We're allowed contact with one parent, one other family member and one friend.' Hermione nodded and continued to look at him.
'May I ask who Malfoy as chosen, Professor?' Asked Ron politely.
'Why of course! I do not see why such details should be kept from you, you will be sharing a bedroom with him...oh, I haven't told you that yet have I.' Dumbledore chuckled as Ron's face fell. 'Well, Draco has chosen to have contact with his mother, Narcissa.'
'What about the other family member and friend?' Enquired Hermione curiously.
'He did not wish to choose anyone else.' Ron nodded but secretly felt sorry for the other boy; Ron had lots of family which he could have chosen and as to the friends, he had plenty in that department too, it seemed that Malfoy didn't have any actual friends.
'Well, I've got Mum and Bill to be writing too; I don't think my hand could survive writing another letter, so I won't have a friend. Just Mum and Bill, please.' Dumbledore smiled and nodded warmly at the teenager, his eyes praising Ron.
'It's best that I'm off Ron, the library opens in five minutes and I want to get my favourite seat before some Ravenclaw takes it.' Hermione stood up, glancing at her watch, five to seven.
'Well, let me walk you, I've just got to finishing off my packing.' Ron offered Hermione his arm, she smiled but took it and both walked out arm-in-arm.
Draco glowered as Weasel and his Mud-Blood girlfriend left, arms linked, laughing.
He stalked out of the Hall and made his way to his room.
Draco just had to fold up and place a few more items neatly into his case, which only took five minutes.
Draco realised he had around half an hour before he had to leave to get to the train. He had plenty of time to burn. So he opened up the book he was reading, A Wizard's Wrath, and carried on reading, allowing himself to be dragged another world.
Ron raced around the dorm as quickly and quietly as he could. He had twenty minutes to pack everything he would need and want over the six never planned ahead and started to wonder if he should start too.
Five years of his life were scattered around this room and he had to find the important things and put them into the case he had been given. The objects and clothes were thrown in, with no thought for their well-being; all that mattered was that they were in there, their condition couldn't be worsened.
His trousers were worn, faded, too small, ripped and grass-stained. His tops were too small, worn, faded, plain, stained and too tight. His socks all had holes at the soles and big toes. His jumpers were just the ones that his Mum and other female family members had knitted him for Christmases and birthdays. All of his clothes were second or third hand; the only things that were new were his boxers and even they were getting too small, but Ron didn't want to make a fuss and he didn't want his parents to buy things for him; they were the poorest pure-blood family in existent.
His quills were all broken, but still in working conditions and all seemed to have stains on them, which were probably food stains. The pieces of parchment were torn and had stains on, which was once again probably food stains.
All of the smaller, personal objects were all broken in some kind of way; a small stone dragon that Charlie had got him only had one ear and three legs; Bill had brought him a small toy sphinx in Egypt, had been nibbled at by Pig and now only had one front paw and was missing half of its tail; and Percy had brought him a small owl figure with had had small jewel eyes, one of which was now just a hole.
The only things that he owned that were in good condition were his photos. His parents had brought him a huge photo album five years ago, because they knew how much their son loved photos and the memories that they conjured up. This was in mint condition and the photos in it were creaseless and neat. They were in chronological order and next to each one was a small title, phrase or word, a date and the names of the people in that photo. The photo album was Ron's pride and joy, he wouldn't go anywhere without it and if anything was to happen to it, Ron didn't know what he would do. Even the Twins wouldn't mess with it.
He placed the photo album gently into the case and wrapped it in his jumpers to give it a protective layer.
Ron sat on his case and with the help of a few jumps, he managed to close it.
He breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at his watch.
7:45.
On time, Draco made his way calmly down to the platform and Snape greeted him. Snape led him to a compartment, which apparently he was going to be sharing with Weasel for the three and a half hour journey. Draco pushed his case on the rack above his head and got comfy on the long seat, his book in hand.
'Ah, hello Draco, I'm glad to see that you're on time and ready to leave.' Professor Dumbledore slid open the compartment door and smiled at the reading teenager.
'Hello,' muttered Draco, not happy at being interrupted.
'There may a slight delay; it seems that Ron has not yet arrived.'
"That Weasel has more money than common sense!" Said Draco to himself, not daring to voice what he thought of Weasel in front of Dumbledore; that old fool loved the "Golden Trio".
'I'M HERE!' Yelled a voice; Weasel. Draco rolled his eyes; could he not have just announced his arrival quietly?
Weasel ran onto the train with his case and stopped just before he hit Dumbledore.
'Sorry sir.' Puffed Weasel, he put his hands on his knees and took deep breaths; he must have ran all the way. Draco thought this impressive but wasn't going to show it and certainly wasn't going to say it.
'That is quite alright Ron; at least you're here now. Take a seat.'
'No, Ron, in this compartment.'
'But Malfoy is in here.'
'Yes, I can see that Ron.' Chuckled the professor. Weasel didn't protest but walked around the professor and lifted his case onto the opposite rack to Draco, before he collapsed in the seat opposite.
'Now, I wish you both good luck at the school and I hope that you enjoy your time there. You will meet Mr and Mrs Jones on the platform and they will take you to your home for the next six months. Just remember your pleases and thank you's.' Dumbledore nodded at them both and shut the compartment door before he left the train.
The Hogwarts Express slowly rolled into life.
