Another chapter but this one is for '79AvadaWeasleyKedavra'! :) I thought that we had not got very far in eight chapters, so I've decided to kick the pace up at bit and skip a few months. I've wanted to make longer chapter for a while so enjoy!


Slowly, but surely, things became more normal but at the same time, they managed to become more strange. A routine was soon picked up and school became more natural. Ron's friendships became stronger and assured, Draco's, also, started to become friendships; he found that Casper was much like him, even if he was a Muggle, Smithy reminded him of Crabbe and Goyle, but he had more heart and laughter, and Alfie was a kind soul, who could find goodness in anything and anyone. They began to fit. Brad and Lex became like brother and sister to Ron and he enjoyed reading to them before they would fall into a happy and peaceful sleep, Draco became closer to both of them, not so much as Ron had, but close enough for someone who had never had siblings to feel like he now had two. Bell, they found, was actually very motherly and maternal, she looked after them well and paid high attention to what they liked, disliked and what they could and could not do; she believed that she was beginning to know them well, and in truth she was. Jones was as ever kind, relaxed and a good listener and was always there when either boy need a hand. This new life began to feel old and like it had been this way for many years: that is what was strange. But also Ron's and Draco's attitudes towards each other also became somewhat strange; they became friends.

To many outsiders looking in, two teenage boys who have been put in a situation which is strange and new to both of them, would seem natural and normal; nothing could have been stranger for these two boys. They had been brought up to hate each other, despise the other's existence and they had never been given a reason to do so; it had always been that way and it seemed that it would be that way forever. But the time when you ire a teenager is the time when you rebel against everything you've ever been taught and you start to find out who you truly are. And that is what both Ron and Draco were doing; the ignored their families hate of each other and became too except who the other was and found out that the other was actually not so bad and that they could be friends. Draco found that there was more to people than just their status, he now had friends who were poorer than him and who were Muggle, and he loved those friends because they were his friends; they didn't care for his status, his family name or his money, they cared for him. He found that he could be rather arrogant and snobbish at times and that he could be unapproachable to strangers or people who didn't know him that well. Ron found out that Slytherins weren't as bad as he had been told and maybe, he shouldn't always trust what he was told; he should find out for himself. He discovered that he was smarter than people said he was and when he put his mind to something he could accomplish it to a good standard, he could cook well, he could make people laugh easily and people seemed to trust him almost instantly.
At first, both had been very sceptical about the proposed punishment and could see no way in which it could help them but now they both knew that Dumbledore was very smart and wise in his decision and his choosing of their placement was well suited to them and placing them together was a great move. In all, Dumbledore couldn't have done a better job of it.

It was now December, they had broken up for the Christmas holidays, the final shopping rush was on and it was the 23rd of December, Christmas Eve's Eve. Ron had just completed his month's owl to his Mum and Bill's had been done beforehand; they were allowed to send another owl on Christmas Day, since it was known that they, especially Ron, would find it hard away from their families at Christmas. He handed it with a smile to Jones who had just finished unpacking Christmas food; at Christmas time, food was always over brought like the shops wouldn't be opening for months, when in reality it was a day, and people would just eat and eat and eat and then fall asleep. Draco had finished his earlier and from the time it took him, it was very simple, very short and had little detail in it. Ron's were much longer than Draco's with a good amount of detail; he always managed to get everything he wanted said in his letters and always remembered to answer questions that his Mum or Bill had asked in their last letter, he also kept all of his received letters and had a habit of coping out his own sent letters, so that he could remember what he had sent. Draco never bothered to kept his Mother's, they would just get thrown in the bin and he would just skim-read what they said, not really taking much care in the words. It was just a letter.

Both Lex and Brad were excited and it took four reads of their chosen story before they went to sleep; Ron wondered how long it would take them to get to sleep tomorrow night. Young children, and even the older ones, adored the magic of Santa and the buzzing feel of Christmas – and of course, there were the presents – it took them forever to fall asleep and that would usually be ended at a stupid time in the morning. Children loved Christmas and Christmas loved children.

Ron was like them and was excited for Christmas; it wasn't just the presents for him – his family didn't have much money so presents were either home-made, second hand or if from the Twins, would be something you already owned, just taken from your room and wrapped up – but it was how the whole family came together and without a doubt, it was the huge amount of filling and delicious food that would be laid out in front of him. Unlike many other families, rowing was nonexistent in the Burrow on Christmas Day, even the Twins would manage to keep their pranks and jokes down to a minimum level and if they did, it would be a prank that the family could enjoy, not just the Twins. But this year, there would be none of that; he wasn't at the Burrow and he felt as though he was intruding on the Jones's, he felt he shouldn't be there with them, yet there was no other choice.

Draco, on the other hand, didn't really like Christmas, minus the presents; he would get expensive gifts, their quantity as high as their quality. The food the elves prepared was of a higher standard than usual but that was the only differences. There was no family atmosphere or joy; the house would be as decorated to the minimum that the Malfoys thought they could get away with. Christmas spirit and delight never entered the house – it was a house, not a home – and so, it never reached the inhabitants. And he was glad that he wasn't there this Christmas, for once in his short life, he would have a happy and family Christmas, one that many people thought normal and had had all of their lives. It would be full of company and happy people, not the lonely and depressing one he was used too.

Christmas Eve past in a fast and eager blur. Lex and Brad weren't as bad as Ron thought they would have been; the old threat of "Santa won't come if you're awake" worked a treat and soon both children were asleep, impatiently awaiting the morning. Draco dropped straight off; nevertheless he was excited to see what tomorrow held. Ron, however, took longer to get to sleep; it would be weird not being with family on Christmas – he had spent it at school before with Harry but Harry was like an adopted brother, he was "family" – an owl would not be the same as actually seeing them in person, but it was much better than nothing and he was grateful that Dumbledore had said they could owl and Ron was allowed to owl each family member, Harry and Hermione, because he would have a different message to send to each. He knew that Draco would probably owl just his Mum as usual – or Mother as he called her, Ron realised that their seemed to be no emotion or love in their relationship; they were just a Mother and a Son –and it would probably just read "Hello Mother, Merry Christmas, love Draco", maybe with a kiss at the end, maybe there wouldn't even be a "love"; it was all 'maybe's and 'probably's. Ron thought he had Draco figured out but then he would do something that Ron wasn't predicting. Ron just shook his head, trying to throw thoughts from his head and make it stop doing over-time, so that he could get some sleep. After counting, what felt like, a million dragons flying over trees, he fell asleep.

Ron was awoken early on Christmas morning by a blur of excited child, which was shaking him franticly.

'It's Christmas!' Ron shook his head, throwing his tiredness around the room.

'Whaa?' Zombie Ron moaned; he didn't do mornings and even on Christmas morning, he still didn't do mornings.

'Christmas!' The blur ran from the room, almost skipping out.

And almost instantly, Lex and Brad wondered in, their little faces full of Christmas and it seemed that they had already been at the mince pies. Ron hoped they hadn't scoffed the lot. Ron liked mince pies.

They pulled him from his warm, cosy pit down the stairs into the living room, where Jones was hugging a dark coffee.

'Merry Christmas Ron,' he yawned, Ron yawned after he did and said exactly the same words, just changing the "Ron" to "Jones". Lex began the torrent of "can we open out presents now?". It seemed that they had filled out many "only if you..."; they'd had their breakfast, got changed, woken Mummy, brushed their teeth, woken Ron and had sorted all of the presents into piles for each person.

'Ok, ok...but has Ron had breakfast yet?' Smiled Jones, obviously trying to delay the opening until his wife was ready and it was a suitable time of the morning; opening presents at 5 o'clock in the morning did seem a tad strange. Ron shook his head and was then dragged into the kitchen, made a tiny breakfast and was made to eat it as fast as he could.

The children pulled Ron back in, saying he'd had his breakfast. But of course, Ron had not brushed him teeth or got changed yet and had Draco done any of these things, well if they didn't know, they should go and check. Soon the house was filled with calls of Draco.

Ron shook his head and wondered off to get changed. He sleepily got changed and went to grab a last item of clothing, which was usually at the end of his bed.

That was when Ron was hit by a brick wall.

The brick wall of I'm-not-at-home-for-Christmas wall.

His home-knitted jumper full of love and care from his Mum was always at the end of the bed when he went to get changed on Christmas morning; they all had one. It was tradition. Suddenly, Ron felt a pang of loneliness and home sickness. He wanted his Mum. But before he could think anymore, there was a loud and determined knock on his door.

'You bes' be changed 'cause I'm comin' in,' called a voice.

'Yes Lex, I'm changed,' Ron called back, trying to make his voice sound its usual happy self.

'You sad? Why sad? It Christmas. No one sad on Christmas!' Protested Lex; children were good at noticing small changes in people close to them and Lex was no different. 'I'm telling Mummy!' She said it like Ron had just committed the worst crime and it was her public duty to tell the highest authority and of course, the whole street in the process.

'MUUUUUUUM, RON'S SAAAAD! AND YOU NOT-,' she didn't get any further due to a small friend of hers putting his hand over her mouth.

'Shhhh, Lex! Maybe Ron doesn't want people to know he's sad, I don't when I'm sad,' Brad said while he looked up at Ron; in true child fashion, Lex hadn't gone to get her Mum and inform her quietly, she had just turned around and screamed her news. Ron gave Brad a small smile and nodded to him, showing he was the same.

'Anything the matter?' Bell wondered out of her bedroom.

'Didn't you hear Mummy? Lex told the world!' Bell shook her head, like most Mums she had stopped actually listening, she had developed the skill of hearing but not listening; the tone of her child's voice could normally tell her the whole story.

'What's wrong? Lex?' Lex huffed and looked at her Mum.

'Presents now?' She pouted. Bell sighed, rolled her eyes but nodded. The two children practically flew off.

'Are you alright Ron?' She said gently and touched his arm.

'Yeah, yea- no,' Ron knew he had to tell someone, Bell gave him the "what-is-it-Hunnie-you-can-tell-me" look and he obeyed her unspoken order. 'It's just stupid but my Mum makes me a jumper every year for Christmas and every Christmas, when I go to get changed, it's there every year... and this year, it's not. I know she'll send me one... she promised,' Ron paused and smiled slightly. 'But it's only just really sunk in that I won't be there.' Bell said nothing, knowing that nothing needed to be said, she just hugged him.


Draco had been up very early and after waking Ron up, he had rushed down and been sitting in the same place in the same position in the same excited mood. It was a secretive spot, where one could sit and not be seen. He didn't know why he had decided to sit there, he just had and that was where he stayed. Until children's voices had filled the house, he had quickly left, hoping that they wouldn't ask where he had been; he liked it being his secret spot. They were too busy thinking of presents to care about where he had been and he quickly answered their questions before they'd run off again.

Draco made his way down the stairs and was greeted by Jones.

'Good morning Draco and a Merry Christmas,' Draco returned the greeting and Jones walked off, perhaps he was off to find where everyone else had gone.

It had just been him until the rest of the pack filtered in; it seemed as though Jones had been successful on his Hunt. First Jones, then the Two, then Bell who had greeted him warmly and then finally Ron, who looked slightly different but Draco couldn't tell what was different, it was probably just nothing.

Lex and Brad sat on the floor and handed out different piles to their owners. It seemed that Lex was now in command.

'You've got to open Santa's first, the ones in red with the Rudolphs on dem,' it was simple instruction but it made Draco smile. 'I go first and then Brad!' Lex said that Ron and Draco must have been naughty to get none because they got the same as Mummy and Daddy and they got none because they didn't let Lex have whatever she wanted and Santa doesn't like Parents.

Presents from family were next. They opened their whole pile before moving on and there was now four extras, so the order changed; Jones, Bell, Draco, Ron, Brad then Lex.

Jones got a book each from Lex and Brad, a DVD – whatever that was, but apparently they could watch it later – and some "Lynx" deodorant from Bell, Draco had got him some chocolates and Ron gave him a photo frame with a picture of the whole "family" in it. Each had received a warm comment, thanks and a small hug.

Bell got a shower gel and moisturiser from Lex, a pair of pyjamas from Brad, a pair of slippers and a pair of shoes – which she had been wanting for a month now – from Jones, Draco gave her a bottle of wine – supplied by Jones', which was apparently her favourite – and Ron got her a small, but beautiful sliver necklace, it had a small fire orange pendent hanging from it and when you looked at it in a certain light, you could see the Gryffindor lion standing proud. Each received a praising comment, a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Draco was next but when Bell handed hers to him; she leant to his ear and whispered,

'You've got some more, I'll give you them later.'

Bell and Jones gave him some chocolates, which he had once remarked that he liked them, Lex and Brad gave him a book entitled "101 recipes with chocolate", while they smiled like Cheshire cats at him, hinting that he should make all of said recipes and let them "check" the end products for him. But Ron's was one that surprised him the most; it was a wizard photo frame – luckily the Two weren't paying attention to Draco, so didn't noticing a seemingly normal photo change. The first photo was the same that Ron had given to Jones, followed by one of Draco with his now close friends and the last one was the one that touched Draco the most. This photo stayed up for the longest; it was one of him and Ron.

'Thanks,' he murmured, smiling as they changed. Draco got up and gave Lex and Brad a joint hug, Jones a small but warm hug, Bell a hug with a kiss on the cheek and he gave Ron the longest of all.

'Thank you Ron.'

Ron just gave him a smile and a small laugh. 'No need to thank me.'

The rest of Draco's presents, which would be from his family, would be given when the children were asleep or distracted, the latter being the most likely.


Ron waited patiently until it was his turn; they had the same idea at the Burrow and Ron, being the youngest son, was always the last and by then everyone else, minus his parents and maybe an older sibling or two, would have left.

Lex and Brad gave him a copy of the two books that he had first read to them, "Each Peach, Pear, Plum" and "Peace at Last" – Ron said he had always wanted a copy of them, which was true... if you counted "always" from when he had first read them. Jones gave him a Lynx deodorant and shower gel, due to the fact that Ron had began to use Jones' own supply of shower gel. Bell gave him a book entitled "Amazing Dragons & Where to Find Them"; she knew he took after an older brother with his love of them and it was a great book for him, the Two just assumed it was a story book. Draco smiled as he gave Ron his present.

'I don't think it's as good as yours, sorry.'

Ron opened it to find it was a book, but just any book, but a photo album. Ron smiled as he turned the pages; unlike his, which had been just three normal pictures which changed, this was many different pictures, each with a caption, a date and somehow, Draco had managed to get them to be wizarding photos; they moved. There was one of him and Draco standing next to each other on their first day at school, giving glares to each other – which now seem strange and alien. Him with his new friends, pictures of him with Dumbo, Travis, Andy and Piper in turn, one of him with the "family... and many, many more.

'No, Draco, it's better. Thank you,' they shared another hug, which now Ron thought about it, would have caused a huge wave of shock at Hogwarts. He wondered what he and Draco would have to do when they returned to Hogwarts; could they stay good friends?

'Oh and Ron,' Bell walked out into the kitchen, all faces confused. 'Before I forget, I thought you'd want it now.' She smiled warmly as she handed it to him, now everyone looked at Ron and the present.

Ron carefully opened it. A tear came to his eyes when he saw what it was. He nodded his thanks with a huge smile.

His Mum's jumper.

The others passed onto Brad now, but there was a small note with the jumper. Ron read it in his head slowly.

Hello Ronnie, Dumbledore doesn't know about this note, so shhh! I'll miss you so much this Christmas! You were the only one who helped me! It will be different without you here but don't worry, we won't forget – I won't let the others! Harry and Hermione are both coming over, it seems strange that you won't be here with them but Harry needs to be with us at Christmas because he doesn't really have a family and that's what you need at Christmas and Hermione... well, she's Hermione! You may be the youngest Ronnie but you're definitely not the least! You're my baby, always have been, always will be! I'll talk more in my letter to you. I do hope that everyone writes to you like I told them, even if it's just a few sentences! Just in case, we do all miss you and want you back, don't worry it's only three months if you don't count the rest of this month! I shall be counting down the days until it's the 25th of March and I can have you back where you belong. Love and a million hugs and kisses, Mum xoxoxoxoxX

Both Brad and Lex seemed very happy with this year's haul and went straight into play-with-whatever-is-nearest mode and began happily playing with their new toys.

Ron put on his jumper with a huge smile; it smelt of home and it smelt of his Mum.

'Ron, come with me,' Jones whispered in his ear and led Ron up and into his and Bell's room.

Ron hadn't been in their before but it was exactly as he had imagined it.

It was a simple cream colour, with a simple coloured carpet, the bed was simple, the two wardrobes were simple, the bedside table was simple, the dressing table was simple and tidy but the walls had many pictures covering them. Memories were treasured by both the couple.

Jones dropped Ron off before he wheeled back around and ran back down before the Two noticed him gone; someone had to be there to keep the Two under control, calm and down stairs.

'These are the presents sent from your parents,' there were two different piles and Ron could immediately tell which was whose. One pile was smaller and the wrapping paper was different each time and mostly of a poor quality, each present had a different letter on, each with different writing. Ron's pile. The other was larger, by quite a bit, the wrapping paper was of a high quality and they had all been wrapped neatly (unlike Ron's, minus Hermione's present to him, of course) and only one letter lay on the pile. Draco's.

'I would suggest that we take it in turns but I'll be finished a bit before you,' smiled Ron and for once, he didn't mind that he seemed "poorer" than Draco because he knew that each present had been chosen for him and the letters would hold a greater value to him now then the presents and he had more of them then Draco.

Ron set to work on his; he would unwrap the present then the letter, hoping that due to the fact that he had more letters that he would finish in around about the same time as Draco.

First was the Twins, they had got him a book on the "best pranks for beginners", which they had got him last year and happened to be exactly the same copy. Ron smiled; the same Twins as ever.

Ickle Ronniekins, we thought we'd just send the same present as last year because you might be able to use it now you've got that slimy snake in the same house as you. We do really hope that he isn't giving you too much trouble, but we did hear from a small birdie, that you'd got yourself into another fight – well done! We're guessing it was against the Snake and we're guessing you won. So well done! Our business is taking shape and we've had to get in first years since you're not here for us to test on. Your girlfriend A.K.A Miss Hermione Granger is being all fussy about it, so tell her not to be! School's alright but there's this new teacher called Professor Uxor and she is a F.I.T.T.Y. Seriously, Defence has never been sooo good! But sadly, you're not here! She came just after you left and is co-teaching with Umbridge. And she does the Defence detentions! Score ten for us! Anyway, hope you'll continue to beat the ferret up and maybe you should that wise book we sent! Until later, it's a goodbye from him and a goodbye from me. Merry Crimbo! We prefer Crimbo to Christmas, Christmas is sooo overused and boring and we're neither! From the Twins – I wrote this by the way, Fred, because George can't write. Can too! Don't listen to him Ron, I, George, wrote this, he couldn't spell "dargon" if it was written in front of him. BYEEEEE.

Ron grinned at their letter and George's ironic misspell of "dragon" and doubted if a new teacher had really arrived and knew that it was probably just to get Ron annoyed. And Ron could notice at intervals that the handwriting had changed slightly; they had both written bits.

Ron picked up a smaller package next. It was a small pocket-sized book of "Passing O.W.L.s"; Percy.

Hello Ron, I do hope that my letter reaches you in good health and my present reaches in good condition, you never can tell with Imperial Owl now. You should find it useful due to the fact that you are not at Hogwarts at the present time even when it is a crucial time for you in your education! Yes Ron, I do not agree with this ridiculous punishment that Professor Dumbledore has set for you. I did hear that you got yourself into a fight – on the first day! – but I then heard, from the Minister of Magic that you were actually defending Draco Malfoy and that you went to find him when he disappeared for a bit! And I must say that I am impressed, not to doubt you as a person Ron, but I thought you would have been as ignorant and stupid as the rest of the family and carried on this stupid tradition of hating Slytherins! But you've proved me wrong and I'm glad for it! One can only hope that you are now friends and stay that way – do not listen to anyone else if they say otherwise! I hope Muggle schooling is treating you well, it must be rather interesting – you must visit Penny and me when this joke is finished! You have probably made friends; I do not need to hope for that! They are probably a nice bunch of boys, have you made friends with any girls? Have any "taken your eye"? I know it sounds funny coming from me, but it had to be asked and I know that Bill and Charlie will be all crude about it!
I have been well in myself and I have asked Penny to marry me and she said yes! I fainted! Don't tell the Twins though! On the subject of family, I have had a rather large disagreement with Arthur and Molly and I am not really considered "family" anymore, so it may just be you representing Weasleys at the wedding! I am not too fussed if I'm honest; I have never got on with the rest. We have not yet set a date but it should be sometime next year! Of course, I wish for you to be my Best Man but I shall ask you in person before you give your answer!
I do so look forward to reading your letter to me, I know you would have made it detailed, that's the type of person you are!
A Merry Christmas to you and a wonderful new year – in case we do not speak until then.
Love your wisest and smartest brother,
Percy (and Penny) xxx

Ron told Bell his good news about Percy and carried on; he would get through it in the end and thanked Merlin that he didn't have to reply to all of these.

To carry on the order, he opened the present which had the letter that looked like it had been written by Bill or Charlie; their writing was more similar than the Twins'!

It was a few photos to add to his brotherly photo album – all of which were of when they had been young, so if figured they had been having a good rummage through their old boxes of mess.

Ron! It's us – Bill and Charlie! We thought we'd save parchment and just go together; we wanted to say roughly the same thing anyway! Hope all's well and you're doing well, but we don't think we really have to hope with you Ron; you're always well! Nothing can kill you! Malfoy's probably being an arse but ignore him, he's always been an idiot and always will be. Have fun! Don't bother in lessons; you're never going to use what they teach you! Focus on what really matters! Chicks.
Yes Ron. We do hope that you've had your eye on some lovely Muggle ladies! Shove Hermione! Yeah, we know all about Mum trying to get you two together! But have you seen that hair? You need a better looking girl! Send us word of your new found "friends". We're sure you've made some great new mates as well and their probably not as arrogant as Harry, so they're probably better too! Yes, we've never really liked him, but don't say anything! – That's mostly from Charlie, Bill get letters!
Charlie's got nothing new, minus a few new scars and burns and he broke his right arm just after you left – sorry Bill forgot to say before in his letters (idiot)! Hope you don't mind! Since Bill last owled, he's met up a few more times with Miss Fleur and now is in L.O.V.E. BUT DON'T SAY IT. We know you won't say it but just to be sure... Bill doesn't know when he was but now he is and would like to spend the rest of his life with said woman. And speaking of M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E., we just happened to hear a rumour that old Percival was engaged! We didn't even know that he had a girlfriend, but he's always like you best! You best tell us in your next letter to Bill, Ronnie! We hope we've got one each from you. Mum's making us all sit down so that we can all read your letters as a "family"! Thanks a bunch Ron.
Happy Christmas!

Love,
Bill & Charlie xx

Ron smiled at their reference to Hermione, her hair and his Mum's matchmaking. He glanced over to Draco who was nearly half way through and he was nearly half-way through himself; he'd opened three presents and their letters and now had four to go!

He went for Ginny's next; it was a new pair of Chudley Cannons socks and suddenly, Ron remembered Quidditch! In everything, he had forgotten it; the sports he had lately were football and rugby.

Hey Ron, I hope everything is well where you are. Everything's fine here. Mum misses you like anything and I think we all do; the Twins complained that you were late for dinner before I told them that you weren't here. Idiots. School's been boring. Umbridge is a right... thing! She's horrid, but don't worry! We're fighting back... well me, Harry, Hermione and a few others, by few I mean around twenty! It's called the DA and we do practical because Umbridge makes us only to theory – you only had a few lessons so you might have thought she would have done some later. But she refuses! It's going quite well; I'll have to show you some new things I learnt when you get back! I'm on the Quidditch team now! I'm chaser! I think Harry was secretly hoping that you'd be on the team this year but then you got kicked out! And guess whose keeper? Guess... got a name... its NEVILLE. Yes seriously! It was him or this second year; there was no choice of a good keeper now that Wood's gone! He's alright but luckily Harry's been giving him a bit of intense training and he's getting good! Our last game is with Slytherin and that's after you come back, so maybe you'd be allowed to join in, I hope so! Neville is good and all but it's nowhere near great and to beat Slytherin we'll need a great keeper... you're great at keeper, aren't you?
See you in March Ron! Happy Xmas.
Love,
Ginny x

Ron smiled at the two mentions of Harry; he'd always known that she liked him, even if she didn't know herself. He wouldn't mind it but it would be a bit strange...

Ron decided to finish off the family letters before Harry's and Hermione's. Ron shook his head with a smile as he thought how long his Mum's letter would be; he had no present from her. The jumper had been her present and Ron knew that his family was in need of money more than it had ever been before.

Hello Ronniekins, I hope nothing has changed since you last owled me! I doubt it has, you're a very good boy! You've probably had my other small letter with the jumper so this one will be slightly smaller than it could have been; you're away from the Burrow, my letters need to be as big as my love is for you!
When I send this, we won't have opened our presents but we got them and your letters this morning and I'm sure we'll all be happy with them and the others will be glad to hear from you – I'll make them all write a thank you to you at the end of my next letter to you. I'm sure they're all love to do it! I hope you like your present, I know we get the same every year but I know how much you love that jumper. I'm not giving the Twins jumpers this year, I dread to think of what happened to the poor things last year! As I said before, I hope everyone does write to you and get you a decent present – I can't think that the Twins will, but I can always be optimistic! I haven't checked what they've said and if they've even sent anything, I should have checked but I thought it was only theirs and your business and that I shouldn't know anything! I know Hermione has written to you, I saw that she did! She is a lovely girl, Hermione. She has been so helpful and kind to me now that you're away. You would always help with Christmas dinner and Hermione promises that she'll help – Ginny would, but she's ever so clumsy and she really cannot cook, but don't tell her I said so, I'm her Mother and should always encourage and be proud, but I know I can talk to you Ron, like I can to no other of my children or your Dad for that matter! I hope the dinner they give you is good – you've told me of how nice the food is and what nice people they are, but Ron I just wonder if it'll be as good as it is at home! I just hope it doesn't make you miss us too much!
It's nice to hear that your new school friends got you presents, I like the sound of them and I would invite them over but I think your father would get too excited about having Muggles in the house. He'd want to keep them. But you best make sure that you keep in contact with them, you never know when you might need a Muggle's help and think about it – you'll have four!
I meant to say something in my last letter but I didn't, so I shall say now. I'm so very proud and delighted that you are becoming friends with Draco Malfoy, I think he's different to the rest, I can feel it in my waters! And Malfoy's do have a lot of influence and things, so it will help you in the future. But I don't know what the others would think or your Dad or your House for that matter, they would probably take the negative view! But won't you be laughing when you're rich because of a job Draco got you and they have nothing! You're my son and I will love you no matter what so don't think that this friendship will make methink any different of you! I love you!
I best try and finish this letter now because you may be given this before Christmas dinner and I don't want to make you late for that! Remember eat everything that you're given and leave nothing! I know you won't because you're a good boy but I like to remind! I hope the jumper fits you and that you like it. Send the family my best wishes and a Merry Christmas from all the Weasley family and send it to Draco too – oh, it does feel weird calling him Draco but right somehow. I love you, know that always! I miss you!
Merry Christmas Ron!
Love, a million Mum hugs and big kisses,
Mum (and Dad) xoxoxoxoxX
P.S. I hope Draco likes the present I sent him.

Ron was confused but then on cue, Draco coughed.

He held a certain garment up to Ron.

A jumper.

It was bright green colour with a large Slytherin crest sewn in to it; the crest was rather good considering Molly hadn't had to do a Slytherin one before. Ron said nothing but laughed. Draco made a face, but to Ron's surprise, put the jumper on!

'How in Merlin's beard did she know my size?' Ron shrugged with a smile before answering.

'I don't think we'll ever know,' Ron glanced at Draco's pile; he only had a few to go and Ron had two more presents to do.

He picked up the nearest one to him, not minding or caring which one out of Hermione's or Harry's he opened first; it was Harry's. Harry had sent him two boxes of Honeydukes best chocolates with a card of "good luck". Ron smirked, same old Harry.

Hey mate, hope you're well and Malfoy is being less of a git that usual! It's been alright my end, Quidditch has been, well, frankly rubbish but I think Ginny said she would talk to you about that, it saves me the hand cramp! Umbridge is a B.I.T.C.H., no offence to female dogs. We've set up the DA (Ginny's already mentioned it? And Hermione will probably do you an essay – good luck if you haven't read hers yet!), its going well but its weird not having you by my side. You're always there! Always! I've tried to turn and talk to you when Hermione's in a book, but I turn and you're not there! I find it hard being the teacher but Hermione's got stuff covered in that sort of department. But seriously, I didn't think I miss you this much mate! I knew I'd miss you but I've been taking you for granted! There have been these moments when we've need a joke or laugh to break the tension and there's no one who can do it, that's your job!
And I'll tell you something else that's been weird. Slytherin have been nice! Well, not actually nice, but, well, I've had no grief from them and from what I've heard, no one else has! So that proves it, Draco Malfoy is Satin.
And on that bombshell, goodbye! Enjoy the chocolates, one box is from me and the other is from Dean, Seamus and Neville. Have fun mate!
Merry Christmas!
Harry.

Ron knew that he would certainly enjoy the chocolates and that he would have to give this DA some more thought; he had thought nothing of it before but now maybe it needed more consideration. But the one thing that surprised him the most was the fact of how much they seemed to be missing him! He knew that his Mum would miss him and maybe Harry and Hermione would miss him a bit, but not as much as Harry had implied! He had always assumed that he was just a background figure, someone who was there but you never fully acknowledged or really noticed; it seemed he was wrong. But Harry might just be being nice because he hadn't actually noticed that Ron was gone until Mum had told them to write to him.

Ron prepared himself for the final hurdle, but this one would probably be the biggest; Hermione couldn't do short and to the point. She'd write him an essay and a half. He hoped that maybe half of it had been lost. Draco was now on his last two presents but Ron thought it would take more than the opening of two presents to read this letter.

He opened her present to him and saw it was a small sliver "healing" bracelet – it was once believed by pure bloods (especially Weasleys) that these were made by Merlin and blessed by him and that those who wore them would be protected against all pain, evil and darkness. The pattern on the outside was a simple flowing 'S' shape but on the inside Ron noticed that it had an inscription; "To Weasley King, never stop laughing, from Bookworm."

It was a simple message but one that made Ron smile; it referred to a conversation that the two of them had been able to have before Harry had arrived at Grimmauld Place. They had never really had time to actually talk together because Harry was there but then they were able to have a really good talk with each other. They learnt about each other and it brought them closer than anyone thought they actually were. They'd been laughing late one night about a silly little thing and Sirius's mother had been set off and they had been reduced to crying giggles; the next morning, Molly had asked everyone if they knew who had been laughing and talking last night – of course they denied it all, saying they were clueless. That mystery had stayed that way, a mystery, except to them two. Ron had no idea where the nicknames had come from but they had. It must have been those nights and days before Harry arrived. And no one else knew of them, it was their secret and no one else would ever know. Ron was Weasley King and Hermione was Bookworm – fitting nicknames Ron thought.

Dear Weasley King, I know what you're thinking "she's going to write me an essay!" but I'd like to prove you wrong there, I have got a clear plan of action for this letter and I will follow through with it.
Firstly, I hope that you liked the present and its inscription! It's rather a special one, because only you (and me) can see its message and when you wear it, it become invisible and if someone touched where it was, they wouldn't feel it! I got the charms from a new book that my parents brought me as an early Christmas present! I do know how long they'll last but I'm sure we'll know when they're fading and I can just recast them! But, of course, I am able to see through the charms, so I'll know whether you're wearing it or not!
Lessons have been interesting as usual – which means that you would have found them boring. The DADA teacher (Professor Umbridge) is absolutely horrendous. She can't teach! But I'm sure you have already heard from Ginny, Harry and maybe the Twins about her – so I do not need to explain. I'm sure you know the ins and outs of the DA too, so nothing to write there!
It's been well and truly strange without you here! We're normally a trio – you, Harry and I – but now it's just Harry and I and I don't think that Harry and I have ever really had time to bond like you and I have. There are too many awkward silences sometimes and I really do hate it! You could always bring us two together with a joke or witty comment but there is none of that now! And it feels wrong to be at the "Burrow" without you with us; we seem to have no connection with the house. Before we were your friends but now we are no one's friends, in the same sense. I only came because I knew that Harry would go and I didn't want to leave him alone, but part of me thinks that maybe I should have; he and Ginny have been getting really close and I think they may get together but apparently Harry is dating Cho Chang – has he said anything to you in his letter? I heard it from Lavender (Brown, you know her, The School Gossip.) so I don't know if there is any truth in her words but I don't have clue how to approach him about it and what if he is asked why I wanted to know, well I would be stuck there! Oh Ron! Why do you have to be away? I need you here!
It really isn't the same at Hogwarts without you and everyone misses you. I even had a first year ask me where the funny tall Prefect was – see even a first year knew you and they know nothing! Hurry up Sunday the 25th of March – see I remembered your Hogwarts homecoming date!
See it wasn't that long! But I've probably forgotten something!
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Bookworm xxxx

Ron smiled as he read Hermione's words but he was annoyed that she thought that he knew all about the DA! Why couldn't she have just done her usual and written him an essay on it! And as she had written "Burrow", Ron guessed that they were back at Grimmauld Place, so at least Harry would be with some sort of family member this year but why hadn't he mention Cho Chang? Maybe Lavender was confused or had got it wrong... but Lavender never got her gossip wrong! Ron pushed it from his head; it could wait.
Fortunately as he looked up having finished Hermione's letter, Draco finished looking at his parent's letter.


I hope each letter was not a bore to you but I believe that they had to be done as they were mentioned previously! Don't worry, I'll do Draco and his presents in the next chapter but I think this has been a nice long chapter and I don't wish to overload you