A/N: Sorry for the wait. I've been bogged down by deadlines on my assignments. Anyways, I know I promise you the final chapter here but because of its long length, some of my fanfic writing friends have asked me to split it into two parts and I concur. Please bear in mind that I wrote this back in early 2010 so it's like eight, almost nine years since then.
I can't say more although I will say this, just push on until the end.
As always, thank you for the lovely reviews and support. Love you guys.
Disclaimer: I believe HP belongs to JK Rowling
Ron's Last Case: The Prestige (Part One)
"What the hell is going on?" Ron whispered to Petrov as he dragged him out of the room. "Who the hell is Rose?"
"That's what I wanted to tell you," Petrov whispered as he stared at Ron anxiously. "This is what James needed help with. Apparently, after they had Harry, Lily became pregnant in early December. James never told a soul because with the prophecy on Harry, he didn't want anyone to suspect that there was another child, one the enemy might use against them. For the child's safety, James and Lily kept it a secret which was easier, I suppose, since no one was allowed to visit them."
"Damn it, Potter, couldn't you keep it in your pants?" Ron sighed exasperatedly. "But Rose can't exist. Harry never had a sister!"
"Are you sure?" Petrov asked. "You know Harry better than anyone. Could he maybe have forgotten?"
"Of course I'm sure!" Ron snapped. "I roomed with him for six years not to mention the number of times we slept next to each other at the Burrow. Harry had visions of his past all the time. Believe me; I would know if Rose existed."
"Then something must have happened. Maybe during the night of the attack…"
"Are you saying that Rose died during the attack?! She's just a baby, for Merlin's sake!"
"A baby that never existed." Petrov sighed as he stared back at Ron. "Look, I know that this doesn't seem fair?"
"Fair? Fair?!" Ron whispered loudly as he glared at Petrov. "James and Sirius dying weren't fair. This is cruel! For Merlin's sake, she's a baby!"
"I know!" Petrov snapped back before softening his expression. "Look, maybe she didn't die. I mean, Aurors swept this place, right? They would have found something."
"No, Hagrid came first and then Sirius," Ron replied slowly, using his mind to calm himself down. "I don't see Hagrid or Sirius keeping this quiet. You're right. Whatever happened to Rose, we can be sure that she didn't die here."
"Ron…I…"
"Hey, guys?"
Ron and Petrov turned to see James standing at the top of the stairs. I didn't even notice him walking past Ron thought as he and Petrov were deep in conversation. Yet, Ron noticed two things about James that made him uneasy. The first was that the usually jovial Potter was now glaring daggers at them. The second was a wand pointed directly at the pair.
"Mind telling me why there's a dead body in my living room?"
….
Ron watched as Petrov took a step forward. "James, listen…"
"No!" James yelled, his eyes blazing. "I want answers. And I want them now. Who is that down there?"
"It's more complicated than you think," Petrov said gently, hoping to calm James down. "Look, I can explain but you have to put down the wand."
"Are you guys really who you say you are?" James said as he eyed Ron suspiciously.
"We are! James! It's me, Ivan!" Petrov cried. "You did the spell, remember."
Ron could see James turning his attention back to Petrov, his wand lowering slightly. That was the moment Ron was looking for. Before James knew what was happening, Ron whipped out Boris's wand and cast a Disarming Spell.
"Expelliarmus!" Ron cried as he caught James's wand and pointed it towards him. "Get inside the room."
"Lily!" James yelled out, hoping to distract Ron. "Lily, watch out!"
"Oh screw this!" Ron said as he pushed himself into Lily's room. He could see Harry's mother looking at him with fear in her eyes while she cradled the two babies in both hands.
"James, go to your family," Ron ordered as he pointed James's wand towards him. James hesitated for a moment, glaring at Ron before walking slowly towards his family, taking Harry into his arms while Lily held Rose.
"Seamus, what the hell are you doing?" Petrov cried, aghast at the situation.
"Petrov, bring me a chair," Ron said as Petrov brought one for him. Nearly collapsing into the chair in exhaustion from the earlier fight with Boris, Ron threw down one of the wands as he fumbled his fingers into his pocket before pulling out his wallet. Removing a photograph, Ron passed it to Petrov to give to Lily and James.
"I don't think –"
"Just trust me," Ron replied firmly as Petrov sighed before passing the photograph over to Lily and James. He could see their eyes widening as they stared at the photograph with confused looks.
"That's Harry and me during our training days for the Aurors."
"That's Harry?" James cried in disbelief.
"Here's another one," Ron said as he handed another photograph. "This is a picture of Harry, Hermione and I at King Cross station right after the end of the Second Wizarding War."
"The Second War?" Lily spoke, her green eyes as wide as saucers.
"What are you saying, Seamus?" James asked, his anger vanishing only to be replaced by confusion.
Ron gave a loud sigh. It was a risk to do this, but one he was willing to take. "There's a lot you don't know. For starters, my name isn't Seamus. It's Ron. Ronald Bilius Weasley. And that's not Ivan Petrov. It's his son, Lukas."
"Ron!" Petrov cried in horror.
"Wait, Ronald Weasley?" Lily cried in astonishment. "You're Molly's son?"
"Impossible!" James roared. "I met Arthur's kid before. You're only just a baby."
"To you, yes," Ron spoke gently as he gave James a sympathetic look. "But I'm not the Ron you know now. I'm the Ron from my time. I'm an Auror from the future and I was tasked, together with Petrov here, to hunt down a time-travelling sociopath." Ron said as he told them about Boris.
"Wait, are you're saying you time-travelled? Come on!" James cried though Ron could sense the uneasiness in his tone. "That's nonsense."
"James, the first time you met Lily and Severus was on the Hogwarts Express where you and Sirius taunted Snape. You then went on to do great things at Hogwarts and one of those great things was that you, together with Remus, Sirius and Peter, invented the Marauder's Map which is a magical Map of Hogwarts. To use it, you had to say that you solemnly swear you are up to no good. Your code name was Prongs. You turned into an Animagus, which is a stag so that you and your friends could keep Remus company during the full moon where he turned into a werewolf and was placed inside the Shrieking Shack. You and Lily started dating in your seventh year."
"How did you…" James said as all colour drained from his face.
"Lily," Ron said as he turned his attention towards her. "You and your sister first met Severus Snape at a playground close to Spinner's End and you became friends with Snape. Incidentally, that was the time he fell in love with you. He was the one who told you it didn't matter if you were Muggle-born. Your sister called you a freak but she tried to get to Hogwarts, only for Dumbledore to write a letter that it was impossible for her to come to Hogwarts. You used to hate James, calling him an arrogant toerag, and then you hated Snape when he called you a Mudblood. You and James started dating in your seventh year."
"Merlin's beard." Lily cried in horror as she stared back at Ron. "How did you know all of that?"
"I told you already. I'm from the future." Ron replied as he threw James's wand back at him. "Now, do you still want to duel or would you rather I tell you what happens in the future to your son?"
James and Lily exchanged looks before nodding.
Ron heaved a sigh. "This is going to take a while."
….
If there was one thing Ron was good at, it was summarising stories. Unlike Hermione who had the ability to write a five-foot essay when she only had to write three or Harry who would go through every detail of his Auror report, Ron had fancied himself a big-picture guy and thus, could tell you a story without going through any fine details. Despite this, telling the story of Harry Potter to his dead parents took nearly an hour, with Petrov even finding the time to make tea. Ron knew Petrov was against him telling James and Lily as doing so may have adverse effects on the timeline but he had a plan. He could see that both James and Lily were captivated with the story and so too was Harry, looking curiously at Ron though he had no idea what was happening. Rose, on the other hand, was sound asleep in a cot next to Lily.
"Merlin's beard…" James said as he stared with concern at Harry. "Harry has to go through all that? Losing his godfather? Being tortured? Dying?"
"Unfortunately, yes." Ron sighed as he looked at Harry who was smiling cutely at him.
"Ronald…" Lily began.
"Ron, please."
"Ron…" Lily said as she smiled sadly at Harry. "You haven't told us anything about how we…err…"
"Yes." Ron sighed as Petrov cleared his throat.
"Ron, I must insist…"
"It's okay, Petrov." Ron cut him off as he turned to James and Lily. He had deliberately avoided explaining that part to the pair. "If anything, the timeline should be affected now but it hasn't. Which means my plan will work."
"What plan?" Petrov asked curiously.
"Lily, James," Ron said, ignoring Petrov's question. "Less than three months from now, on Halloween, You-know-who will come for you. James, you will die trying to get your family to safety and Lily, you would sacrifice yourself to protect Harry out of love after You-know-who spares you, thus ensuring that the curse will rebound off Harry and setting up the Horcrux that You-know-who unknowingly cast on him. That's how Harry survived the Killing Curse, James. That's why Harry survived both killing attempts."
"So when Harry went off to willing die…Voldemort kills the Horcrux and not Harry." James said as he pondered over Ron's words. "How did Voldemort even find us?"
"Because of Peter."
"Peter? As in little Petey Pettigrew?" James asked, sounding defensive. "What does Peter have to do with it?"
"Peter is his spy, James. He's the one passing information to You-know-who." Ron replied. "About a week prior to Halloween, Sirius will give up his Secret Keeper's duty as an attempt to throw the Death Eaters on a false trail to Peter who will then reveal to You-know-who where you are. No one will know about this as the Secret Keeper can willingly hand his duty to another without the need for the caster of the Fidelius Charm to know of it."
"Are you suggesting Peter betrays us? Peter is our friend!" James cried out.
"No, James!" Ron snapped. "Peter is a coward. He's no Gryffindor. It's because of him that You-know-who finds and kills you both."
"Not quite," Lily interjected before James could retort. "You said You-know-who spares my life? Why would he do that? I'm nothing but a Mudblood to him."
"Because of Snape."
"Snape?!" James and Lily cried in unison.
"Yes, Snape. He has already defected to our side." Ron replied as the pair looked at him in disbelief. "Lily, Snape still loves you. When he heard that You-know-who intends to kill you both, he begged Dumbledore to protect you, thus the Fidelius Charm being cast. Because of Snape's services to You-know-who, You-know-who accepted the request to spare your life should it ever come to it. Because you weren't supposed to die, you were able to invoke a sacrificial protection charm out of your love for Harry, allowing the curse to rebound back towards You-know-who. Snape was an arse to us as a Professor but he did save our lives."
"Oh, Severus." Lily sighed as James shook his head. "No, no. What you're saying is that I owe Harry's life to my worst enemy in Hogwarts while the deaths of myself and Lily are because of one of my closest friends? Are you serious?"
"James, I told you things about yourself that I couldn't possibly know. I did the same for Lily. I've even shown you evidence. What more can I do?" Ron asked as he glanced at Harry who stared back at him with his bright, green eyes.
"I believe him," Lily said as tears streaked down her face as she picked Harry in her arms. "I'm so sorry, Harry."
"No, wait," James said as he started to pace the room. "You just told us how to kill Voldemort right? Why don't we just do that right now? I can even tell Sirius not to change Secret Keeper. We can save them all!"
"James." Ron sighed as he stood up from his chair. "You can't do that. In fact, you won't do that. If you did, the timeline would have changed by now. But it hasn't. What has happened will happen. You can't change the past."
"Like hell, we can't!" James snapped as he glared at Ron.
"No, you can't!" Ron spoke with a tone of determination. "Because before I leave here, I will modify your memories. So that you don't remember all of this."
"And the timeline stays intact!" Petrov blurted out randomly. "Ron, that's brilliant."
"You want another round?" James said as he levelled his wand at Ron.
"What for? We both know that I'll win." Ron said as he dropped his wand to the floor. "James, Lily, I know this is hard to take in. Hell, I myself have been debating over and over about what needs to be done. Even if this is an alternate timeline, where I could go back and save all of you, consider this. What happens if you hunt down the Horcruxes, James? They might not be at the right hiding places, not yet. And how will you get close enough to kill him? You-know-who might also start hunting you much more ruthlessly than he did before and what then? How many lives will be lost? Remember the prophecy. This is and will always be Harry's destiny. You can't change that."
"Wait!" Lily spoke as she looked between Ron and James. "What about Rose? What happens to her?"
Ron and Petrov exchanged looks. "We don't know, Lily," Ron replied as he turned back to her. "There's no mention of Rose at all. Not anywhere in history and even with Harry's flashbacks, he has never mentioned her. It's like she doesn't exist."
"You mean Voldemort kills her?" Lily asked, her voice filled with trepidation.
"No," Petrov replied before Ron could answer. Ron turned to see Petrov giving Lily a warm smile. "I've been thinking about that. I think I know a solution that works with the timeline. You see, since Rose was never mentioned before, it can only mean that she went into hiding. But being Harry's sister, this isn't something that can be kept quiet. So it can only mean that Ron and I took her in. Maybe even bring her to our time when the world is more peaceful."
"You want to take our daughter from us?" James gasped
"To keep her alive, James. If we leave her with you, we are just dooming her towards an inevitable death." Petrov replied.
Ron could see both Lily and James exchanging concerned looks. Sighing to himself, Ron walked over towards them before waving at Harry. Ron could feel a tear streak down his face as Harry grabbed his thumb while smiling at him. He turned towards Lily and James who were staring at him.
"James, Lily, I wish I could turn back time and change things. Believe me, I would want nothing more in this world than to save people I've lost due to the war. I lost my brother, Fred, during the Battle of Hogwarts and all believe me when I say there is not a single day that goes by that I don't miss him or wish to Merlin that he was still alive. But I can't do that because it is what has happened. When I look at the man Harry is now, I've always wondered what he would be like if you both were still alive. But then, it would be different, wouldn't it? For all the bad things Harry had to go through, there were good things as well and the war is finally over. In my time, Harry's going to get married to my sister."
"Harry's getting married?" James spoke in a low whisper.
"Yes, to my sister," Ron said happily as he wiped a tear from his face. "He's happy, he really is. Despite everything that has happened to him, Harry is finally at peace. I will do everything in my power to take care of Rose as well. I can make sure that they're reunited, both of them. Harry can take care of Rose and I will help him. Believe me, I don't want this. I really don't want to do this. But I can't change things. I just can't." Ron finished as he realised tears were dropping freely from his face. "I'm so sorry. So bloody sorry."
"It's ok, Ron," Lily whispered as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "You took care of our children. You helped our Harry."
"Yeah." James sighed as he gave Ron a smile. "If this is how it's supposed to be, then at least I know that my children are safe."
"Won."
All eyes in the room turned towards Harry who was smiling at Ron while clapping his hands.
"Hey there, little guy." Ron chuckled as James and Lily laughed.
"Won-Won," Harry spoke as Ron cringed a little.
"Not my favourite nickname but sure, Won-Won it is," Ron said as Lily gave Harry a kiss on the cheek.
"You know how to modify memories?" James asked as he turned to Ron.
"I've been taught by the brightest witch in my time," Ron replied. "I'm going to remove the memories of our visit here, any knowledge of Petrov and myself and by extension, removing any thoughts and memories you three have of Rose."
"So I'm not going to remember my own daughter?" Lily asked as she walked over to the cot with James. "Not even being pregnant with her?"
"I'm afraid not," Petrov said as he stood next to the cot. "Any memories of Rose might trigger you to change the timeline."
"Give me a moment," James asked as he picked up Rose who was crying in his arms. Ron and Petrov distanced themselves as Ron stared at James who held both Rose and Harry in his arms. He could see tears falling from the face of Harry's father.
"Harry, Rose, you both are too young to know this nor will you remember anything of what I just said but I don't care. I want you to know that I love you very much, both I and your mother do. In such a short time, you have given us such unimaginable joy and it is that happiness which is giving me the strength to do this. Harry, remember that your mother and I love you and that no matter what happens, never give up and always strive to be your best. I wish I could see you grow up to face all those challenges that you will face. I love you so much, Harry.
Rose, your mother and I wish we could have more time with you but unfortunately, time is the one thing we don't have. Rose, I hope that whatever happens to you, you will always remember to be the good and wonderful girl that both your mother and I know you will be. Harry will take care of you and Ron will help. Ron seems like a good guy and I trust him as he has already taken care of your brother. Maybe one day, when you grow up, Harry could walk you down the aisle with you. I wish I could be there every step of the way with you guys. I love you so much, Rose. Both of you, I love you so, so much."
As Ron heard the soft sobs coming from Petrov next to him, he turned to face the window, not wanting anyone else to see him cry as he pictured the loss of loved ones that had haunted him all his life.
….
"Why do we have to put them to sleep?" Ron asked as he watched a sleeping James and Harry lie next to each other.
"You can modify their memories when they're awake but it's easier this way," Petrov explained as he cleaned up the last pieces of evidence that Lily was ever pregnant.
"Petrov, I just realised something," Lily spoke as she looked at him with concern. "If Rose is born, wouldn't there be some magical record like at Hogwarts which has her name?"
"No, it wouldn't," Petrov answered. "Rose was born under the Fidelius Charm which prevents any magical detection. Since such records can only exist at the time of birth, taking Rose out of the Charm will not change anything. Once she's back in our time, we can register her officially."
"They look so peaceful," Ron remarked as he stared at James and Harry sleeping next to each other.
"He does look so much like James, doesn't he?" Lily remarked as she smiled down at her boys. Ron gave a light chuckle.
"Must be a wizard thing. Mom always says I look more and more like Dad every day."
"I'm going to go downstairs to deal with our Boris situation," Petrov said as he started to leave the room.
"Lukas, wait," Lily spoke as she stared at the wizard. "Is it possible for me to time travel with you guys to your time? Not to change anything, of course, but just to observe?"
"I'm afraid not, Lily." Petrov sighed. "The device only works if the person in the future is supposed to be alive and since you're supposed to be…well…it wouldn't work. I'm sorry, Lily. I wish there was another way."
"Thank you, Petrov, for everything," Lily said as Petrov offered her a smile before leaving.
"I can't begin to imagine how difficult this must be for you…" Ron said as he stared at Rose.
"Yet, it must be done." Lily sighed as she looked up to smile at Ron. "If there is anyone I can trust to do that, it is Harry's best friend. He's lucky to have a friend like you."
"I'm not so sure." Ron sighed as he told her about the Horcrux Hunt. Instead of the tongue lashing that he expected to receive, Lily offered him a smile.
"But you came back, Ron, and you saved his life. Not only that Ronald, but you've always been there for Harry whenever he needed you. You gave him a family, a home and you watched out for my son. In many ways, you are the parent that Harry never had."
"More like an older brother." Ron laughed as Lily giggled before looking down at Rose.
"I've always wanted a girl, Ron." Lily sighed as she brushed against Rose's orange hair. "Someone I could spend time with whenever James and Harry would be out playing Quidditch. Someone she could come to for advice on schoolwork, makeup…boys. Ever since I found out I was pregnant with a girl, I've been dreaming about all this and now…now I won't even get to see her grow before her first birthday."
Ron said nothing as he watched Lily kiss Rose on the cheek.
"I need a favour from you, Ron."
"Anything."
"Don't modify my memories," Lily spoke as Ron could see tears dripping down her face. "I won't tell James or Harry about what happens and I will play my role until the end but please don't let me forget my child. I was pregnant with Rose for nine months, Ron and a mother can never forget her children."
Ron could sense the pain and despair from her words. With a smile, Ron nodded his head.
"Thank you, Ron," Lily said as she gave him a peck on his cheek. Turning her attention to Rose, Lily wiped the tears from her face as she beamed down on her baby.
"Rose, Mummy loves you. Daddy loves you. You're going to be safe, Rose. You're going to be away from this wretched world and into a place where you will be safe and happy. Your brother is going to look out for you and so will Ron. Mummy will never forget you, Rose. Mummy will miss you so very much. Be good for Mummy, okay?"
Kissing Rose on her forehead before handing her over to Ron, Lily whispered a final goodbye as she drank the Sleeping Potion before nodding off to sleep.
"Is it done?" Petrov said as he re-entered the room. Ron could see a bone in his hand.
"I transfigured Boris's body. Easier to carry." Petrov replied.
"Yeah, it's done. We should go to St Mungo's." Ron said as he held the sleeping baby Rose in his arms. Turning back to face the Potter family sleeping together peacefully, Ron gave a bittersweet smile before he and Petrov left the room.
…
"Oh for the love of Merlin!"
Ron and Petrov walked down the corridor of St Mungo's where a Healer's assistant laid on the ground picking up files from her overturned carriage. Petrov handed Rose over to Ron as he helped the witch pick out the files that were strewn from the floor.
"Oh, thank you so much." The witch replied. "I don't how it could have overturned. One minute I was pushing this carriage, the next thing I know is that I hit something and everything fell on the floor ."
"Lukas and it's quite alright," Petrov said as he smiled at the witch. "Say, you wouldn't happen to know where Ivan Petrov is? My friend and I were looking for him. It's for our child."
"Ohhh, she's so precious." the witch replied as she stared at Rose. "Are you the father? A single father, perhaps?" the witch spoke as she looked at Ron with flirty eyes. "My name is Sandra, by the way."
"Ron and no, unfortunately," Ron said as he looked away, embarrassed.
"Sandra, my name is Lukas and we really need to find Healer Petrov," Petrov replied as Sandra turned to face him, also with flirty eyes.
"Well, since you two young man helped me out, I could do you a favour. I just need to find my clipboard…." Sandra said as she looked around. Ron felt something next to his right shoe.
"Is this it?" Ron said as he motioned towards the clipboard.
"How did that get there?" Sandra said as she picked up the clipboard. "Ahh, it seems he's at the Weasley ward on the third floor, room 237."
"Weasleys?!" Ron and Lukas cried in unison.
"Yes, do you know them?" Sandra asked, sounding mildly curious.
"You could say we're practically family," Ron whispered under his breath.
"What are the Weasleys doing here?" Petrov asked.
"Probably having another baby today," Sandra replied as suddenly Ron was hit another thought. He had been distracted by Boris and the Potters and though the 10th of August had no meaning for him, the next day, however, was one that was very important to the Weasley family.
"Ginny, my baby sister, is being born today!" Ron whispered excitedly to Petrov while Sandra gave them curious looks. Ron turned to Sandra. "Thank you!"
"No problem. It's sad though." Sandra said as she looked down on her clipboard. "I don't know the Weasleys but I've heard the mother really wants a girl. Too bad, it's a boy."
"A what?" Ron cried as he nearly dropped Rose.
"Sandra!"
The trio turned towards a witch waving frantically at her.
"Sandra, I need your help getting some medical supplies. Petrov's having issues with the baby. The poor thing is critical."
"What?!" Ron roared as both witches flinched under his tone.
"We're family friends," Petrov said quickly. "What's wrong with the baby? Please, we need to know."
"All I know is that Healer Petrov has sedated the mother immediately once she had delivered the baby and told the rest of the family to wait outside. No one was allowed in, not even the father." Sandra's colleague replied. "The baby going through a dangerous magical phase called Magicae Ablatione. It sometimes happens when a mother or father has been exposed to Dark magic. Most of the time it doesn't manifest itself and we can save the baby but in this case…I'm sorry…" the witch replied as she gave both of them a sad look. "But it doesn't look good."
"What are you saying?" Petrov said.
"The baby would most probably not make it."
Ron gasped. "Are you saying the baby will die?"
"More like disappear. The dark magic in his system will consume his body and well, the baby will be gone… I'm sorry, sirs, but I really have to go." the witch said as she grabbed Sandra's arm.
"Wait, and the baby is a boy?" Petrov asked.
"Yes."
"And the family, they're the Weasleys?" Ron asked.
"Yes." the witch replied as she looked confused at them for the moment before taking Sandra and herself out of sight. Petrov turned to Ron, whose face was just as blank and clueless as he was.
….
"Ron, think!" Petrov cried as he closed the door of the office. Ron placed Rose in a nearby cot as he and Petrov stood across each other inside Ivan's office. Ron still could not wrap his head around it. The Weasleys could not have had another boy. Today was Ginny's birthday, Ron was sure of it.
"Ron, can you recall any details about Ginny's birth?"
"Actually, yes," Ron spoke as he tried to recall his father telling him about Ginny's birth. "I remember my dad telling me about how he and Mom didn't want to know the gender of the baby. It was kept a secret until Ginny was born." Ron said before smacking himself on the forehead. "I completely forget about what your dad said before he left. He said that he was in charge of a couple who didn't want to know the gender of their child. How could I have missed that?"
"What else did your father tell you about Ginny?" Petrov asked as Ron tried to think. His father never went into great detail after that but Ron recalled having seen Ginny's St Mungo's medical certificate inside his father's cupboard during one time when he had tried to sneak in to take some Chocolate Frogs his dad had kept hidden. "If I'm not mistaken, she was born at a quarter past five in the morning."
"It's five o'clock now, Ron," Petrov replied.
"Maybe your dad used some sort of spell to change her gender?" Ron asked as Petrov shook his head.
"It's too dangerous to cast a gender switch spell on a newborn. And why in the world would my dad do something like that?" Petrov replied, shaking his head.
"Then how do you explain that Ginny, my baby sister, is now a boy? Who might also be dying?" Ron asked as he stared at Petrov. He could see Petrov working something out in his head before a look of horror came over him.
"No, it can't be."
"What?" Ron asked.
"No, no, no…" Petrov whispered as he shook his head repeatedly.
"WHAT?!" Ron snapped as he walked over towards Petrov.
"What colour are Ginny's eyes, Ron?" Petrov asked, surprising Ron.
"What does that have to do with…"
"Please, Ron! What colour are her eyes?" Petrov asked, sounding desperate.
"Brown!" Ron exclaimed as Petrov shook his head once more.
"Ron, don't you find it a little coincidental that Rose was born on the exact same day as Ginny?" Petrov whispered as Ron turned to face Rose.
"What are you saying?" Ron said as a growing fear started to emerge within him.
"Ron, listen to me. The thing about time is that you have to close all the loops. Rose was born after midnight, less than two hours from now." Petrov said as he stared at Ron. "She was born under the Fidelius Charm so there was no magical detection. Rose also has your red hair, courtesy of Lily's hair and her eyes are brown, like Ginny's and James's."
Ron stared blankly back at Petrov. "So?"
"So just as we enter the hospital, we find out that your mother is having a boy instead of a girl. A boy who might and will probably die soon, and will no longer exist and yet, in our timeline, you have a sister named Ginny with red hair and brown eyes. Don't you see it, Ron? The loop we need to close?"
"No…no…" Ron whispered fearfully.
"We wondered how come we never heard of Rose? Maybe we have, Ron. Maybe Rose did exist all this time but just under a different name. A name that was given to her by the family we gave her to. You ask me about how Ginny could be alive and be a girl when a boy who's supposed to be your brother is dying and would not exist. Your parents have been trying for years to get a girl. Do you really think they would get lucky on this seventh attempt?"
"What are you saying?"
"That Rose Potter is Ginny Weasley."
Even though he had been anticipating such a statement, Ron froze in horror as soon as Petrov mentioned those words. No, NO, IT CAN'T BE! Ron thought as he stared at Rose.
"Are you fucking insane?! Do you realise what you're saying?" Ron cried in anger as he grabbed Petrov by his shirt.
"I know it's crazy but it's the only thing that makes sense! Look at her, Ron and tell me she doesn't look like your sister?"
Ron growled in anger as he removed his hands from Petrov.
"Ron, this is why you were chosen to come. If we do this, we can preserve the timeline."
"SCREW THE FUCKING TIMELINE!" Ron roared angrily as he kicked a table. The loud noise woke up Rose who started to cry. Ron, however, paid no heed as he glared at Petrov.
"This is all just bullshit! It can't be true! You're saying that the reason I have a sister is because we took her from Harry's parents and gave it to mine? That the girl that I remember growing up with, caring for, fighting with, doing everything together is actually not my sister?!"
"Right now, the chances are that my dad is the only one who knows about the gender of the baby," Petrov spoke as he cradled a crying Rose in his arms. "I doubt your mother even got a good look and your father was outside. Anyone else we can modify their memories. And we have Rose. All we have to do is convince my father to pass off Rose as Ginny. That way, your parents would be celebrating the birth of their daughter instead of grieving over the death of their son."
"This cannot be true! Do you realise the implications of this?" Ron retorted, not willing to back down. "All this time, I gave Harry a hard time for dating my sister when in actual fact, it was his sister to begin with…oh, Merlin help me…Harry! Harry's in love with my… with his sister. He's going to marry her…" Ron stammered as he started to feel sick.
"Ron…I'm sorry…but maybe it's not that bad. Rose here will have a good life." Petrov said as he tried to calm the redhead down.
"Not all that bad? Harry can't marry Ginny now! It's incest!" Ron yelled. "It's just completely sick! They can't get married and they can't have kids. Think about how their children would look!"
"Maybe not," Petrov said as he managed to calm the baby Rose down before laying her in the cot. "Ron, remember what I told you about Boris and his pureblood family? Although Harry's not a pureblood, you and Lily said he looked a lot like his father. Which means that Harry's dominant genes are his father which would lessen the chances of deformities to his kids and miscarriages significantly. Add to the fact that Harry has been exposed to Dark Magic, altering his genetics, and well, the chances of anything going wrong with their kids would be rare."
"Those are just theories, Petrov, and do you realise what you're implying? That I lie to my best friend and my sister and just allow them to get married?" Ron said as he buried his face in his hands. "I can't do that!"
"Then tell them the truth! Once we get back, tell them the truth, Ron. But we need to do this. It's the only way that makes sense. You've wondered what you had to do with the timeline and now here's your answer. Your role to play." Petrov sighed as he placed a hand on Ron. "I'm so sorry but we need to do this, Ron. We don't have time."
Ron said nothing as he picked up Rose in his hands. Could I really be holding Ginny right now?
"Ron, we have to do this. This is Ginny's origin story." Petrov whispered as Ron handed Rose over to him before heading for the door.
"Ron, Ron, where are you going! We only have twenty minutes!" Petrov cried as he cradled the baby.
"I need time to think," Ron said as he closed the door of the office.
…
"Hermione acts as an older sister, not a younger one and trust me, there's a world of difference there. Brothers and sisters pick on each other all the time. They compete for affection. Living with a younger sister, not to mention the family favourite, not only meant I had to look out for her but also have to deal with pranks, jokes and all sorts of crap!"
Ron recalled the words he had shared with Harry yesterday. He recalled the moments when he first found out that Ginny and Harry were dating, how angry it made him. Yet, once again, it seems that his feelings towards his sister were meaningless not because it was none of his business, according to Ginny, but because Ginny wasn't his sister.
The thought of Ginny being Harry's sister made Ron positively ill. Ron stood for a moment against a window, hoping that the waft of fresh air would do him some good.
How could Ginny be Harry's sister?! Ron thought angrily. Though his heart was determined to convince that this was all a mistake, his mind, however, agreed with Petrov. Strangely, the voice in his head sounded like Hermione.
If you don't do this, Ron, Ginny doesn't exist.
But I can't do this, Hermione. Do you know how wrong it is? SHE'S MY BLOODY SISTER FOR MERLIN'S SAKE.
No one is denying that Ron. Ginny will always be your sister no matter what. She's the one whom you protected against those Muggle bullies when you were younger. She's the one whom you tried to teach chess to. She's the one that pulls pranks on you and you do the same. She's the one whom you help comfort when Harry broke up with her. No matter what time or blood ties say, Ginny will always be your sister. But she can't be your sister if you don't let her be.
Hermione, if I do this, that means Harry and Ginny can't get married. What am I supposed to tell Harry or Ginny? Neither of them might talk to me again.
Maybe not. But if you don't do this, there won't be a Ginny. And that can change everything. Think about how important Ginny is to the story of Harry. From the Chamber of Secrets to his fiancée, you will be depriving Harry of all those experiences and that could change the timeline.
Hermione, I really don't want to do this…
I know, Ron. But you already know you're going to do it, aren't you? The timeline hasn't been affected which means that you will do this. I'm sorry, Ron. I wish there was another way
Hermione, please…
Hermione?
"Bloody hell!" Ron yelled as he pounded against the window. He heard the glass break as he gave a slight yelp in pain, having cut himself. Staring at the trickle of blood dripping down from his hand, Ron sighed once more before looking out the window as he began to reminisce about his fondest memory of his sister.
…
"Ron?"
Ron looked up from his bag which he had just packed his books. He could see ten-year-old Ginny Weasley staring at him with her brown eyes as she entered his room.
"Ginny, what did we say about you entering my room?"
"Sorry," Ginny said as she took a step back. "Can I come in, Ron?"
"You may," Ron said as he gave his sister a curious look. "Are you okay, Ginny? Normally, you insult me before walking away whenever I say that."
"I just don't feel like fighting today."
"Okay," Ron said as he held up his new wand. "It looks new, doesn't it?" Ron said as he admired the wand.
"Wish someone would give me a wand. I ask Percy but he just told me that it's against the rules." Ginny sighed as Ron laughed at her.
"He's right. You can't have a wand yet. Not unless you go to school." Ron said as he threw himself on the bed. Ginny sat next to him, watching him as he played with his wand.
"Ginny, do you think I'll get into Gryffindor?"
"Of course, you will. Everyone else has."
"And do you think I'll be on the Quidditch team?"
"Only if they're like really awful." Ginny sniggered as Ron playfully nudged her.
"Do you think I'll make friends?" Ron sighed as he stared up at his ceiling which he and Ginny had spent last month painting Chudley Cannon figures. "I hope I can find like someone fun! Not like Percy, urgh. And not crazy like Fred and George either. Just someone like…Ginny…?"
Ron turned to his sister who was looking away from her. Turning her around, Ron could see Ginny sniffing as her face was wet with tears.
"Ginny, what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Tell me."
"No!"
"Ginevra!" Ron said cheekily, knowing how much Ginny hated that name. Instead of an angry reaction, Ginny did nothing as she turned around to press her face against the pillow.
"Are you okay, Ginny?"
"No, you prat!" Ginny snapped as she glared angrily at him. "I'm angry at you."
"What did I do?"
"You just want to go, don't you? Just can't wait to leave us here while you're happy, making friends and practising your stupid magic with your stupid friends!" Ginny growled as she started to hit Ron though her hits were mere taps rather than powerful blows. Without hesitating, Ron scooped up his sister in his arms.
"Ginny, I'm only going to be gone a year. I'll come back from Christmas and everything."
"But you're not going to be here with me!" Ginny said as she struggled to hit him.
"Is that's what bothering you?" Ron asked as he grabbed her hands. "Ginny, you're my best friend. I'm not going to replace you. You 're my sister and I promise I will write to you every day. Then next year, we will be going to Hogwarts together!"
"What if I'm not in the same house? What if I go to…Slytherin?" Ginny gasped.
"You won't go to Slytherin, Ginny!" Ron said as he laughed at the thought. "You're too good for Slytherin."
"You will write every day?" Ginny said as she wiped her tears. "You won't forget me."
"Never, Ginny. Like Dad said, we're family. I will always take care of you."
"You better not replace me with some other girl!" Ginny said crossly as she folded her arms. "No girlfriends until I come."
"Ewww, please!" Ron said as he made a face. "I don't even think I'll be friends with a girl."
"I'm going to miss you, Ron." Ginny spoke as she gave him a hug. Ron pulled his tiny sister into his arms as he held her tight. As he cradled his baby sister in his arms, only one thought came through his mind.
"You will always be my girl, Ginny. And I'm always going to look out for you."
"You promise?" Ginny said as she stared at Ron with hopeful brown eyes.
"Promise," Ron said as he gave her a smile. "What are older brothers for?"
"Good," Ginny said as she gave Ron a kiss on the cheek before running out of the room, screaming. "Mom! Ron says he will do my degnoming for me!"
"GINNY!" Ron yelled as he chased after her. "That's not what I meant!"
"You okay, mate? That looks like a bad cut you got there."
The voice of someone speaking from behind him drew Ron away from his thoughts.
"No, it's okay. Just a minor cut, that's all." Ron said as he wiped the blood on the windowsill before turning around. "Thanks for you con…OH!"
Staring back at him, with his familiar red shade and blue eyes, was Arthur Weasley.
…..
"Sorry," Ron said as he stared at his father. Arthur looked almost as he did though he did look older with some strands of grey hair in his otherwise crimson top. He had a few wrinkles as well as a neatly trimmed short boxed beard. He also had a few more pounds on his sides but in spite of all that, Ron could see his young father staring back at him with concern. "I was just deep in thought."
"Need help with that cut?" Arthur said as he took out a bottle of Dittany. "I keep this on me at all times. Never know when an injury might happen."
"Thank you," Ron said gratefully as Arthur dabbed a few drops of Dittany on his cut which healed almost instantly. "I didn't catch your name."
"It's Arthur, Arthur Weasley," Arthur said with a smile on his face.
"Seamus Finnigan," Ron replied as he shook his father's hand. "You wouldn't happen to be the Arthur Weasley who works in the Ministry for the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office?"
"Yes, that's me!" Arthur exclaimed as he beamed at Ron. "How did you know that?"
Shit, Ron thought as his mind raced to fabricate a backstory. "I'm an Auror in training. Just recently transferred. I'm from Ireland, originally. Just got back from the States."
"I see," Arthur said as he nodded, giving Ron a moment of relief. "Well, can't say you're back in the best of times but I'm glad to have another Auror in Britain. Merlin knows we need all the help we can get."
"Definitely. You-know-who can be a handful." Ron replied as he and his father started to walk down the corridor. "What brings you to St Mungo's, Arthur?"
"Just waiting for the birth of my seventh child."
"Seven?! Wow…that's…that's amazing."
"I know, I know." Arthur laughed. "It's a bit much but you know what they say, the more the merrier."
"Couldn't agree with you more!" Ron said as he laughed along. "Boy or girl?"
"Hoping it's a girl but whoever it is, I love him or her just the same," Arthur said as he shrugged his shoulders. "My wife doesn't want us to know. She really wants a girl. My wife is a determined woman, she is."
"Sure sounds like it," Ron said as he stared at his dad. He could see the joy on Arthur's face as he spoke about his kids. Little by little, Ron's walls started to crack.
"Seamus, are you okay?" Arthur asked as he stopped talking to look at Ron. Ron could feel tears forming around his eyes as he tried furiously to blink them away.
"Don't worry, Arthur. Just some issues."
"Would you like to talk about it? My wife says I'm an excellent listener."
"Thank you but it's okay," Ron said as he stared at Arthur. "Shouldn't you be getting back to her?"
"She's sedated according to the healer." Arthur sighed as he looked at Ron, sizing him up. "My baby has some type of magical critical condition. I won't know anything unless Healer Petrov lets me back in the room."
"I'm sorry to hear that. What kind of condition?"
"The very bad kind," Arthur said as he slumped down on a chair. "My wife is okay but they don't think my child is going to make it. My wife you see… because of this war…she's been a victim of Dark magic."
"That's horrible," Ron said as he gave Arthur a sympathetic look.
"Yes, it is." Arthur sighed as he buried his face in his hands. "But my wife, she's a strong woman. I hope that my daughter or I wish it was my daughter, can survive it. But if not, well, I don't what to do."
"You'll figure it out, Arthur," Ron said earnestly as he gave his father a comforting pat on his shoulder. "You seem like a good man."
"What about you, Seamus? What's your story?" Arthur asked as he turned to Ron. Ron gave a mirthless laugh as he sunk into the chair next to Arthur.
"My story is too far-fetched to be believed. Sometimes, I just feel like I've been doing this job for the longest time."
"I thought you were an Auror in training?"
"Here. Back in the States, I've been involved in quite a bit." Ron said hastily.
"You're a little too young to be so involved in so much," Arthur replied gently as he stared at Ron sympathetically.
"Well, believe it. I feel like I've been hunting monsters all my life to suddenly become one." Ron sighed.
"What's wrong, Seamus?" Arthur asked. "You can tell me."
"I don't know…"
"Give me a shot. I'm a stranger so you don't have to worry about bumping into me again if you don't want to." Arthur chuckled as he smiled at him. Ron looked at Arthur, wondering what his dad would really say if Ron were to tell him about Rose and Ginny. Yet, he needed guidance and who better than his dad? Ron contemplated for a moment before speaking.
"Arthur, what if you don't know what's the right thing to do?"
"What do you mean?"
"It's like this." Ron sighed as he stared at Arthur. "I got this unusual unsolved case back in America. Okay, it's kind of solved just for the last bit. There was this Dark wizard hunting down a boy and his sister. So they had to be separated."
"Why?" Arthur asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Because of security reasons. Anyways, I finally take down this wizard when I found out that the boy, having never met his sister, falls in love with her without knowing who she really is. And now, well, they're about to get married."
"Merlin's beard. That is a pickle." Arthur said as his eyes widened with realisation.
"I'm just here to double-check the information but my sources tell me that I'm accurate. So what do I do? Do I tell the boy? Do I keep it a secret?"
"Well, obviously you have to tell them right? I mean, if they were to have kids for instance…."
"Let's just say they have a condition that prevents any issues with regards to incest. Do I tell them?"
Arthur thought for a moment. "Wow, and I thought my life was complicated."
"Tell me about it. I have no freaking clue what to do." Ron sighed as he buried his head into his hands.
Arthur looked at Ron before patting him on the back. "Seamus, I don't know what to say but I do know this. Life is full of choices and it's easy when it comes to choosing between what's right and wrong. But the problem with life is that not all decisions are black and white. Sure, going against Death Eaters and You-know-who isn't easy but the choice to do so if one is morally upright is. Yet what you are facing here is a dilemma where both choices may be wrong and right. One is biologically and in the face of many faiths, wrong and should not be allowed and yet, if you kept mouth shut, two people would still be in love and isn't that the point? It's time like this where I would just turn to my heart and allow it to decide for me. The mind is good at deciding and thinking rationally but it's also a problem because we tend to overthink, convince ourselves to the point of hubris that we are right and even sometimes blind ourselves in the course of our beliefs. For the heart, sure, it might not be the right choice but at least, you'll know you can live with the consequences. So what does your heart say, Seamus Finnigan?"
"My heart?" Ron said as he turned towards Arthur who offered him a sympathetic smile. Before he could say a word, Petrov came bursting in front of them.
"I'm sorry but…er…we need you. Like right now."
"Okay, sorry Arthur, but I got to go," Ron said as he turned to shake Arthur's hand.
"Quite alright, I need to leave myself. Remember, Seamus." Arthur said as he got up to walk away. "Follow your heart."
Ron watched as his father departed down an adjacent corridor before turning to Petrov. "Thanks, Dad."
"So, are we doing this?" Petrov said as Ron stared at the blonde- haired wizard. Before he knew it, Ron pictured images of his younger sister in his head as a feeling of warmth overcame him. Without saying a word, Ron heaved a sigh before smiling at Petrov.
…
"Congratulations once more!" Ivan Petrov said as he beamed down on the couple currently cooing over their newest member of the Weasley family. Ron smiled as he listened to the scene from the Extendable Ear he always carried with him. Beside him, Petrov gave Ron a smile as he listened as well.
"Thank you so much, Healer Petrov. We owe you a great debt." Arthur said as Ivan laughed.
"Nonsense! It's my job and trust me, nothing brings me more joy than to bring joy to my patients."
"Oh Arthur, look at her cute brown eyes. And look! She has red hair!"
"That's how I tell that she's mine, Molly!"
"Oh stop it, you!"
"Right, I will be outside. Do you wish for me to call your family?" Ivan asked.
"I've sent them an Owl. Had to send them home just now when I feared for the worst but I'm glad to give them the good news!" Arthur laughed.
"I will be right back. Give you all some time together." Ivan said as the door creaked open. Ron and Petrov sprung away as quickly as they could, so as not to be seen.
"Dad, there's something we need to do first. It's about a letter." Petrov said to Ivan before looking at Ron. "Ron, let's go. Ron?"
But Ron had not heard him. Instead, he was busy listening in to the sound of cheerful voices and the soft crying of his baby sister.
…..
.
.
.
"And so that's it, Minister. We went back to the Time Portal room where I used the Imperius Curse to send Boris to Godric's Hollow where Ron took care of the problem." Petrov said as Kingsley nodded while staring at Ron. Ron, however, was only half-listening as his eyes grew weary at the thoughts running through his head.
So what do I do now, Hermione?
It's up to you, Ron. Like Arthur said, follow your heart.
But this is wrong, isn't it? Letting them stay together when I know they're related.
Is it wrong? Yes. But you heard what Petrov said. There will be no consequences. The only persons that will know the truth are you and Petrov.
So I should just let it be? Just keep the truth inside?
It's up to you.
Bloody hell! You're not like my girlfriend at all.
Honestly, Ron! I'm just a figment of your imagination and can you please stop swearing.
"…I would also like to add that Auror Weasley behaved professionally and handled the whole matter as effectively and responsibly as he could." Petrov said. "I understand that the use of the Imperius Curse and the death of Boris might be subjected to investigation…"
"Under normal circumstances, yes." Kingsley interrupted as he gave Ron a look of concern. "But these are hardly normal circumstances. So how about we just let this be for now? I will still need a report, Petrov. Ronald, are you alright?"
"What…I…." Ron sputtered as he pulled himself away from his thoughts. "Sorry, Kingsley…I mean Minister…I'm just…tired, I guess."
"You look like you could use some time off," Kingsley said as he patted Ron on his shoulder. "Take a week. I'll talk to Robards for you."
"Thank you, Minister," Ron said as he and Petrov left Kingsley's office. Walking back towards the Auror Department, Petrov turned to Ron.
"So, what are you going to do?" Petrov asked.
"What do you mean? " Ron said before Petrov stopped him in his tracks.
"Ron…" Petrov sighed as he placed his hands into his pockets. "Are you going to tell Harry or Ginny?"
"Honestly, I don't know." Ron sighed as he pushed past Petrov. Petrov ran after, catching Ron in his long strides.
"Ron, if you need me for support about anything we went through, just ask, okay? I know this must have been really tough for you."
"You can say that again." Ron sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. "Or not. Maybe let's just forget about this whole thing."
"You sure?" Petrov asked with concern as he and Ron entered the office.
"I'm sure." Ron said as he gave Petrov a smile. "So guess that's it for our adventure, huh. No more time travel."
"Maybe not," Petrov said as he flashed a dangling time device in front of Ron. "It's Boris's one. While you were off in your own head, you might have missed the part where I said that Boris's time device was destroyed as well. Kingsley has the other one, of course."
"Wicked," Ron said as he smirked at Petrov. "Guess you can go visit your dad some more if you like."
Petrov shook his head. "No, time travelling to see my father is just too emotional for me. I get to say goodbye to him and that's all I ever want. I thought of giving this to you."
"Me?"
"Yes, you." Petrov smiled as he handed the device. "You've shown me how well you can handle time travel. With everything that's happened, I can think of no one better."
"I'm not sure if I want it." Ron sighed as he stared at the device in his hand.
"Well, then destroy it. But it's yours."
Ron opened his desk drawer before throwing the device in. Turning around, he could see Petrov smiling as he admired the pictures on his desk.
"You have a lovely family, Ron, and friends."
"Thank you," Ron said as he smiled at the pictures on his desk. "So what now? Back to the Department of Mysteries?"
"Maybe not," Petrov said thoughtfully as he gave Ron a smirk. "I might want to try new things. Maybe even be a healer. After all, I delivered a baby twenty years ago."
"Man, that's a long time. You sure you're ready to go back?" Ron said as he extended his hand.
"I think it's time," Petrov replied as he shook Ron's hand.
"Ron!"
The pair turned to see Harry approaching him. "I'm going to go to Bulgaria to give Boris back to his family. See you soon, Ronald Weasley."
"Right back at you," Ron said as Petrov walked away as soon as Harry reached.
"Who was that?" Harry asked.
"My contact for my case," Ron said.
"So when are you going?"
"Going?" Ron repeated before realising what time it was. "Oh, my case is over."
"Really?" Harry said, sounding surprised. "Because it's only been like a few hours. Or did Robards throw you off the case?"
"Trust me, Harry, it was more like twenty years to me." Ron laughed as he dropped to his seat. Ron looked up at Harry, realising just how remarkably similar he and James were.
"Ron?" Harry said, looking puzzled. "You okay, mate?"
"Yeah, just wondering," Ron said as he reached for his wallet and pull out the photograph of Ginny in makeup. "Harry, do you love my sister?"
"What?!" Harry said as he gave a confused laugh. "Ron, why are you asking me this?"
"Just answer me."
"Ron…"
"Mate, please."
Harry sighed as he pulled up a chair and sat next to Ron. "Ron, do you remember our sixth year? When I first started dating Ginny?"
"Not my finest year." Ron sighed.
"Well, back then besides the Horcruxes and me stalking Malfoy, I was going crazy thinking about Ginny. Not in that way, mind you but just thinking about dating her, asking her out. But there was this big problem in the way in the form of her loving but incredibly overprotective brother who happened to be my best friend. And trust me, Ron, the scariest thing that I ever had to face in my life and I've faced a few scary things like Voldemort, Death Eaters, Snape, but none came close to ever having to face you if you found out that I like your sister. But then it occurred to me that because I love her, it would be worth the risk. And despite being more scared than I ever was in my life, I asked Ginny out because my love for her would always be greater than anything in this world. Ron, I promise you that I will never, ever, even imagine hurting Ginny in any way and if I did, I know you'll come running. But it was worth the risk then and it's worth the risk now. I love Ginny, Ron, more than anything in this world because she's everything I ever want in a girl. She even has parts of you and Hermione in her, your sister. And there's nothing, nothing in this world that will keep me from ever loving Ginny Weasley."
"I have to go," Ron said abruptly as he stood up.
"What?!" Harry said as he nearly toppled over. "I just poured out my heart to you and you have to go? Go where?"
"The Burrow, you git," Ron said as he took out his wand. "I have to apologise."
"Was it my speech?" Harry said as Ron ran out of the office.
"You wish you were that persuasive, Potter!" Ron yelled as he left.
…
Ginny sat on her dressing table, sighing as she went through the wedding seating plan once more. Molly had invited Aunt Muriel as well as other relatives that made Ginny wish that she could just elope. At least Harry's side was easy to do, with only friends to invite. Before she could decide where to put Aunt Muriel so that she wouldn't have to face the obnoxious bird, the door to her room flew open as a familiar voice shouted out.
"GINNY, WHERE YOU AT?!"
"Ron!" Ginny yelled as the seating plan flew off her desk. "You prat!"
"Ginny, I…ARGHHH" Ron yelled as he covered his eyes upon seeing his sister. Ginny only had a white bra on along with her shorts as she glared at Ron. "Cover yourself up, woman!"
"Why should I? You're my brother, you idiot!"
"Just put on a top or something! You practically stuffing your bits in my face."
"Well, then, don't look at them!" Ginny roared as she covered herself with a white shirt. "Or better yet, get out of the room."
"No, not until I had a chance to speak," Ron said as he peeked between his fingers before putting his hands down.
"Well, if it's about our fight, then forget it! I'm not going to apologise just because you're being a baby."
"How was I a baby?" Ron retorted as he glared at his sister. "You're the one that keeps calling me an annoying prat even though you should be respecting me. You keep calling me names, taking the mickey out of me!"
"So?" Ginny fired back, glaring at her brother. "It's not like we've been doing this for…I don't know…all our life?!"
"Everyone treats me like I'm stupid, Ginny. Oh, Ron can't do this. Ron's going to overreact. Ron's just been an annoying prat. I get it from you. I get it from Harry and Hermione, heck from everyone. So just once why can't you just give in?" Ron snapped.
"Merlin, are you done with your pity fest? Because, unlike you, I actually have a wedding to prepare for."
"There you go again!"
"What do you want me to say?"
"You know what? Never mind." Ron sighed as he reached for the door. "I'm sorry for being a prat. I'm sorry for ruining your day. I'm just sorry, okay."
"Fine, I forgive you" Ginny sighed as her expression softened. "No, really, I guess I'm not the best person to live with, either."
Ron said nothing as he walked towards the door. Ginny sighed as she picked up her wedding seating plan before she heard Ron speak once more.
"I'm sorry, Ginny."
"Ron, we're good. I told you that…Ron?"
In all the years Ginny knew her brother, she had only seen him cry twice. The first was during Dumbledore's funeral where she recalled seeing her brother in tears and the other was, of course, when Fred died. Yet despite knowing that Ron had cried many times previously, the one thing her brother never did in his life was to cry in front of her. Seeing the tears cascade down Ron's face, Ginny felt a tug somewhere deep in her heart.
"Ron, it's okay," Ginny whispered as she approached her brother cautiously. She didn't really know what to say but Ginny knew what she should do. Because he was at least a foot higher than her, Ginny awkwardly wrapped her arms around him as she leaned her head against his chest. "Ron, Ron, please don't cry. You're going to make me cry." Ginny whimpered as the sight of her tearing brother made heart grow heavy. Ginny felt Ron's arms wrapped themselves around her as the two siblings stood in silence while embracing each other as strongly as they could.
….
"Sorry for all that," Ron spoke, breaking what seemed like an eternity of silence, as he pulled away. He sat on the foot of Ginny's bed as his sister sat next to him.
"It's okay. You don't have to apologise, Ron." Ginny replied as she smiled at him. "I've been a prat too. And you're right. I have been quite hard on you all these years, sometimes even a bit much. I'm sorry about that."
"It's okay," Ron said as he smiled back at his sister. "It's just this case I just ended. Took a lot out of me."
"I can see that." Ginny sighed. "Sometimes I wish you and Harry would find like other jobs. I don't like having to worry about both of you."
"You worry about me?"
"Of course I do, you prat. You're my favourite brother." Ginny laughed. "Trust me, Ron. If Hermione ever hurt you, I'm hunting her arse down, best friend or not. You're not the only one who's protective, you know."
"Speaking of Hermione." Ron said as he looked at Boris's wand, making a mental note to tell Hermione about purchasing a new one "You think she'll be okay if I…I don't know…find some other job?"
"Trust me, Ron, she'll be fine. In fact, I think she'll be very happy knowing you're safe. So will I." Ginny added.
"What's that?" Ron said as he pointed the seating plan.
"Ahh, I'm just trying to figure out where to seat everyone." Ginny sighed as she picked up the plan. "Can you believe how many relatives we have?! Makes me wish I was just like Harry for once."
You have no idea Ron thought as he gave a shaky laugh.
"You wouldn't happen to know where to seat Aunt Muriel, would you?" Ginny said as Ron shook his head. "There's just so much work to do."
"You'll get through it. Why don't you just pass this over to Hermione?"
"Because your girlfriend's already taking over most of the work, Ron," Ginny replied as she shook her head. "Believe me, you don't know how lucky you are. Or maybe not. Can't wait to see how you deal with Hermione on your wedding day."
"That be awhile." Ron laughed before sighing. "Can't believe you're getting married to Harry, Ginny."
"I know, right?" Ginny said as she smiled at him. "Every day, it feels like a dream and yet…."
Ron sat there staring at his sister as she talked about Harry. He stared at her red hair which only hours before was a peach fuzz and the brown eyes, so reminiscent of James. He stared at the girl who was laughing and smiling as she told him stories about her Harry's proposal to her. Ginny looked every bit of girl in love, finally having the boy of her dreams and deservedly so, after everything they had been through.
Ron knew it was wrong. He could feel every fiber in his brain screaming at him to tell Ginny the truth. Harry and Ginny would just have to understand. They might not believe him but a simple walk through his memories, not to mention Veritaserum should be enough to convince them. Harry might not speak to him for a while and Ginny, Ginny would probably avoid him at all costs but eventually they would all move past it and be married to different people. It wasn't like their love was forever. Was it?
"Ron?" Ginny said as she stared at him.
Almost at once, Ron saw his baby sister in makeup. He saw his baby sister begging for him to not forget her as he went to Hogwarts. He saw his baby sister waving goodbye as he rode the Hogwarts Express for the first time. He saw his baby sister through the rock gap he made as Harry pulled her from the Chamber of Secrets. He saw his baby sister as she kissed Dean Thomas and when she kissed Harry. All those memories, everything about Ginny were coming to him at a frantic pace. From her first curse word to the first time she rode a broom to the first time she came to him crying about a boy, Ron could remember everything he had ever experienced with his sister. No matter how far she went or how old she would get, she would always, always be his sister.
And older brothers took care of their baby sisters.
Almost at once, Ron could hear both Arthur and Hermione's voices speaking simultaneously inside his head.
"Follow your heart."
"Ron? Are you even listening to me?" Ginny said incredulously as she stared crossly at her brother.
"Were you talking about…the Chudley Cannons?"
"Urghhh, just when I think we were having a moment…"
"Ginny!" Ron said abruptly, cutting her off before she could rant at him. "Do you want to go for dinner? My treat." Ron said as he stood up and extended his hand.
"You want to bring me for dinner? I don't know…" Ginny said as she looked at her wedding plan.
"Come on, we can do the wedding plan when we're there. I help you." Ron said as Ginny beamed at him.
"You mean it?" Ginny said as she took her brother's hand.
"Yeah," Ron replied as he pulled Ginny to her feet. "We'll go to that Muggle café you're always talking about."
"Sure, just let me dress up a little," Ginny said as Ron headed for the door. "Do you want to ask Harry and Hermione to join us?"
"Nahhh" Ron said as he shook his head. "Let it be just us." Ron said as Ginny smiled widely at him before nodding her head.
…
"Ron, that really was a lovely speech," Hermione said as she danced with Ron on the wedding floor. The wedding ceremony had been nothing short of a success as the tent, used previously for Bill and Fleur, was decorated with an assortment of ribbons and flowers, white tables and chairs and glittering chandeliers. The mood was filled with cheers and boisterous laughter as the magical community celebrated the marriage of Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley. Hermione had been in tears as she watched her two best friends get married although her boyfriend seemed to be a little off tonight. Nudging him slightly, Ron stared back at her as he jolted out of his thoughts.
"What, in Merlin's name, is on your mind, Ronald Weasley?"
"Nothing," Ron said hastily as he stared into the crowd. "Just wondering…"
"What about?" Hermione said, sounding concerned. She and Ron had always talked about his missions when he was an Auror but something about his last case had left Ron more of a mess than he cared to talk about. "Is it about your last case?"
"No!" Ron snapped before throwing Hermione an apologetic look. "Sorry, I was just thinking…about Aunt Muriel?"
"You were thinking about Aunt Muriel?" Hermione said as she raised her eyebrow.
"Yes, I have a theory…that…er….Aunt Muriel is a Horcrux."
"A what?!"
"Think about it, Mione! She's like super old and she makes everyone who comes into contact with her miserable and dead inside."
"Ronald, she IS your aunt!"
"Whom I will gladly sacrifice to save the world."
"Honestly, Ron!" Hermione giggled as Ron wrapped himself around her. "You should really just work at the joke shop. Did Robards take it well?"
"I think he's just upset that with me gone, he'll see less of you at the office," Ron grumbled as Hermione gave him a kiss on the cheek before nudging his shoulder. "I think Harry needs us."
Ron turned to see Harry surrounded by a sea of redheads, laughing politely at their jokes while shooting desperate glances at their direction. Ron snickered as he shook his head. "It's okay, Hermione. Harry just needs time to adjust to being a Weasley."
"Doesn't sound too bad to me," Hermione whispered into his ear as Ron turned back to press his lips gently onto hers.
…
Come on, Ron! Don't be a prat! Harry thought desperately as he laughed and nodded as another one of Ginny's family started asking questions about his battle with Voldemort. Luckily for him, an angel in red appeared to steal him away.
"I just need a moment with my son in law!" Arthur cried as he dragged Harry away from the guests.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley." Harry sighed in relief as Arthur led him to two chairs and handed him a Butterbeer. "I just really need some time away."
"Think nothing of it, Harry," Arthur laughed as he motioned across the tent. Harry turned to see Ginny giggling together with Luna Lovegood and Parvati Patil. His heart leapt at seeing his redhead wife turn to smile at him. Harry couldn't believe it. He was actually married to Ginny Weasley.
"She's my little girl, Harry. Can't believe she's your wife now." Arthur sighed as Harry waved at Ginny who waved back. "Can't believe how much she's grown up."
"She's always going to be your little girl," Harry said sincerely as he turned to face his father in law, offering a comforting smile. "I'm always going to make her happy."
"That's good, Harry. You know… it's important to keep the promises you make to your wife." Arthur said as he sighed while staring at Ginny. "I remember when Molly was about to give birth to Ginny, there were a few complications."
"What kind of complications?"
"The kind one gets when exposed to Dark Magic. Molly and I have it because of the war, the things we had to endure. When Ginny was born, she had this magical condition called Magicae Ablatione. It translates to the disappearance of magic. Basically, when Ginny was born, her body started to phase between reality and non-existence as the magic forces in her fought against the Dark residue. She very nearly died, Harry."
"That sounds horrible!" Harry remarked as he stared at Ginny who was laughing at something Hermione said. He couldn't even contemplate a life without her.
"Luckily for us, our Healer managed to save her. But remember what I said about promises, Harry? I promise my wife that I would always be by her side no matter what and though she was asleep, I wanted to stay in the room. But the Healer wouldn't allow me to. Something about the possibility of myself being exposed to Dark magic. But Molly had told me before they sedated her to keep an eye for Ginny. I promised her I would."
"So what did you do?" Harry asked as he looked at Arthur expectantly. Arthur turned his attention away from Ginny as he gazed at his wife who was locked in a conversation with Andromeda Tonks. Harry could see Arthur's lips turn up slightly as he smiled at the sight of his beloved wife.
"I had a promise to keep, Harry, and so I stayed," Arthur replied as he turned to face Harry. "I never left the room."
…
A/N: I knew it was only a matter of time before someone guessed how the story is going to go although it's not done yet so for those of you, who might be turned off by the subject matter, do not fret.
I took a risk choosing 10th August as a date despite it being just a day before Ginny's birthday but there really was no other way. I thought of another random date and making Ron and Petrov time jump with a faulty device but since, this is just a short story and it wouldn't make sense as the time device had been working perfectly, I figured I would just take the risk. Kudos to those who guessed that.
For those of you thinking that Harry and Ginny are related, well, just read the last part again. Everything will be explained soon. Thank you for reading!