Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

A/N: When you plan a chapter out, give it a framework, and stick to that framework… you end up with a chapter that really should be divided into two. The problem with that is that there are a series of letters in this chapter framing the storyline and plot that would organize terribly into two chapters. Therefore you get one very long chapter.

Chapter 9: Daddy

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
Albus Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

"Sirius?"

The man turned to see Ron standing in the doorway of his room. The boy was wearing a shirt a size too small for him, bless poor Molly's soul, and worn down pants with tiny rips along its length. Sirius gestured for Ron to come in and join him. The boy did so hesitantly. He seemed very uncertain about approaching him on his own, no doubt use to Harry's constant presence whenever they talked. Hermione had no such qualms. He rather enjoyed her boldness.

Ron sat on the edge of the bed rather than directly beside him, frowning not at Sirius himself, but at some point behind him. Glancing back curious, Sirius raised an eyebrow when all he saw was a blank wall, clearly they were not seeing the same thing. His lips twitched, threatening to turn upwards in a smile when the young boy continued to stare off into space.

"Was there something that you wanted Ron?" Sirius asked.

His lips really did turn up into a smile when Ron jerked and looked at him with ears burning with embarrassment. They had been in the same house together for several weeks yet rarely talked to each other. Sirius tended to discuss Order business with the incoming and outgoing members while Ron had been forced to spend to spend all of his time either doing summer school work or avoiding the twin's unmerciful amount of pranks.

Sirius didn't agree with the situation at all. Locking up two seventeen year olds, a sixteen year old and fifteen year old all summer in a house was borderline torture in his opinion. Even he had managed to sneak out a few times.

"I've been thinking a lot." Ron began. "Well I mean… There's been something I've wanted to ask you… something you might consider private. I don't want to make you mad or anything so if it's too personal you can tell me to shut up."

"It's fine Ron. I'm sure I won't be offended." Sirius tried very hard not to laugh. Really, the boy reminded him of Remus so much sometimes. Well… Remus with Molly Weasley's famous temper anyway.

"It's just… It's about Peter Petigrew." Ron mumbled, clearly expecting him to blow up.

"What about him Ron?" Sirius asked in his calmest voice.

"Well… he's the reason why You-Know-Who is back right? He did that ritual that brought him back. You and Harry's dad and Lupin and wormtail were all really good friends though… I mean what caused him to… do you know why he did it? Why he betrayed you guys?" Ron asked quietly.

Sirius hesitated, not quite expecting that.

"This is something that Remus would be able to explain much better than I. Both James and Remus always told me I was too trusting. I just think that I don't pay enough attention. I never saw the signs like they did Ron. That is why when Remus discovered Peter to still be alive he immediately suspected foul play. To me I saw nothing until after it was too late. The behavior Peter showed that night was so different and cowardly it shocked me." Sirius answered honestly.

"Oh…" Ron said quietly.

Sirius scrutinized Ron carefully. The boy was tugging at his too short sleeves with a hard glint in his eyes. Once again he was looking everywhere, but at Sirius.

"Why do you ask Ron?"

The boy looked up at him, his lips thinning into a straight line, before looking down at the floor again.

"I just keep thinking… is there something that could break me like that? There had to be something that happened right? You don't just betray your friends. What if a second war does come and I'm not strong enough…" Ron gestured outward, as if to encompass everything that he couldn't imagine a war would bring.

Sirius moved forward and gripped Ron's shoulder tightly, kneeling down and forcing Ron's eyes to meet his.

"You know what I see when I look at you?" Sirius asked sharply.

Startled, Ron shook his head, eyes never leaving his.

"I instantly think of Remus. Flustered Remus who doesn't understand why we spent so much time perfecting animagi forms to be with him when he transformed so he didn't have to be alone. You think there's something wrong with you and don't understand why people would stand by you even though you wouldn't hesitate to stand by them. I see the boy who stood before me on a broken leg to say I had to go through him to get to his best friend. I see the person who was placed at the bottom of the lake because you are the person who Harry considers most important in his life. Not me or Hermione or his crush of the moment; his best friend." Sirius told him sternly.

Ron opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it and looked away from him. His grip on the boy's shoulder tightened. Sirius reached out with his left hand and firmly gripped Ron's chin, forcing it towards him again.

"I didn't see the signs in Peter, but neither can I remember a time when I was proud of him either. Maybe that was a sign in itself. You though… I trust you to watch my godson's back. I'm proud of the many things I've not only seen you do, but what other people have told me. The things that you've done for so many people including Harry… Peter never did that. And don't you ever think you're not strong enough."

There was a loud crashing sound from downstairs. Both Sirius and Ron jumped a bit from surprise. Molly Weasley's loud voice boomed through the hallways all the way up to the bedrooms followed by Hermione's much higher pitched voice.

"Hermione's here." Ron said unnecessarily.

Sirius grinned, letting go of the boy and standing up, before offering Ron a hand. Ron took it readily.

"You should go greet her then." Sirius told him gently.

"Yeah." Ron walked to the door, but paused before leaving. Ron didn't turn around to face him as he added. "Thank you. I mean… you didn't have to."

"No, I most certainly didn't. And I wouldn't have given you the time of day if I didn't think it was true. You can ask Remus if you like. I'm quite the shallow bugger." Sirius announced.

Hermione's voice sounded again, much closer than before, but Ron didn't seem in a hurry to greet her. Sirius was taken aback by the deep gaze Ron gave him when he did turn around. It was the look he'd been giving the wall and floor before, but fully concentrated on him.

"I really don't know how anyone could have thought you betrayed them Sirius." Ron told him sternly, honesty dripping from his entire being.

Then he was gone.

Sirius sat heavily back on the bed, leaning back to stare up at the ceiling. The former Azkaban prisoner sniffled.

"Oh bugger. I hope no one heard that."


Harry paced nervously back and forth. The other Auror trainees waiting for their exam further down the hallway. He and Hermione hadn't been able to study the codes or correct procedures for handling criminals or any of the negotiation tactics… He was going to completely fail the written portion of the exam. Not to mention that while they were going on missions few people were telling them how they were supposed to conduct the said missions. Even if he and Hermione accomplished their goals that didn't mean how they accomplished them was how the Auror examiners wanted them to do it. They were royally screwed.

Harry's pacing increased in speed. He hadn't had time! He and Hermione spent their week off taking care of Teddy and researching the prophecy he received from Tralawney. Then Kingsley had sent them on more missions and they just… they didn't have time. Who'd even heard of having an exam at the end of October! Weren't they supposed to get at least another month! Ridiculous traditions.

"Harley?" A voice boomed.

Harry jumped and looked back to see one of the other young men get up nervously and follow the proctor into the room. Sighing and running his fingers through his hair Harry sat down in one of the chairs, much to the relief of the other Auror trainees. Harry couldn't help, but chuckle into his hand.

Apparently seeing the boy who lived pacing because of a test had the others freaked out.

So when a giant light suddenly burst out of nowhere a dozen men and two women jumped out of their skins with wands raised including Harry himself.

Panic faded away as he recognized Ron's patronus. Putting his wand away Harry signaled to the others that it was alright. The terrier excitedly circled Harry wagging its tail before sitting in front of Harry obediently. Happiness filled Harry as he stared at the light creature before him. It had been a while since he'd seen the tiny dog. When Ron's voice came from the dog Harry's smile turned into a full blown grin.

"Private message for Harry Potter."

The voice was hoarse and low, but beautifully familiar. The voice of a person he hadn't heard in several months. Harry immediately got up to follow the dog into a private room. His grin fell a bit as he noticed a trail of darkness intermingling with Ron's patronus. The backside of the dog seemed to be deteriorating, fading in and out of existence, even as they walked. It left a bad taste in his mouth as Harry was reminded of Tonk's patronus; A dejected wolf. A patronus reflected the state of a person's mind.

Now incredibly worried Harry stepped up his pace and closed the door behind him. The dog's tail appeared to be wagging very fast, but since it was breaking apart before solidifying it was difficult to tell. Harry nodded to the patronus. The dog opened its mouth to deliver the message.

"Hey mate. I know you're freaking out right now, but you'll be fine. I'm sorry I'm not there for you right now, but you just have to remember that this test is nothing. It's just people who want you to demonstrate your skill and answer some questions. It's not the end of the world if you don't pass a paper test the first time. You've been really busy doing more important things. Kingsley isn't going to suddenly take you off the squad and ban you from becoming an Auror if you can't tell him how to be nice when talking to prisoners. You don't need to be perfect mate. Whatever those bozos… ignore them. Give yourself a break. You don't need to be Auror of the year… few months after starting training… honestly okay if you have to take the test a second time Harry. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You'll be…"

The dog had been getting more and more unstable the longer the message went on until it finally disintegrated. Harry was torn between worry about what that could mean to a feeling of deep gratitude and relief towards Ron. He felt better. A great deal better in fact.

Everyone from Mrs. Weasley to Kingsley told him that he would pass with no effort. They expected him to be able to do everything and still be on top as well. They had absolute confidence in his abilities. The press had been unbearable lately. Badgering him about when he would become a full-fledge official Auror. Ginny reassuring him that he would do 'magnificently' at being an Auror and that he would pass all of his tests easily.

And here was Ron telling him that if he didn't pass the first time it wouldn't be the end of the world. Here was Ron telling him that it was okay if he didn't get it right immediately. Here was Ron reminding him that he was only human and he didn't have to do anything at all. He wasn't just Harry Potter boy who lived… he was a person who could choose and who made mistakes. He wasn't perfect. His breath came out shakily.

Head in his hands Harry was distinctly reminded of all the times he and Hermione had put Ron down for reminding them of that fact. Ron who always shot down their ideas when they were unrealistic and they called a pessimist because of it. Ron telling Hermione that the world wasn't going to change immediate and exactly how you wanted it to in concerns to the house elves. Ron telling him that he couldn't do the Hocrux hunt by himself. That he was being silly for thinking that the war revolved around him. He always reminded them when they were trying to take on too much too quickly. Where Ron knew his limitations both he and Hermione would keep pushing till they broke.

Looking at the spot where the patronus had been Harry stood up. He hadn't even known how much he needed those words. He knew that Ron had known about the exams, but to know exactly what to say when he wasn't here was reassuring in itself. Ron was still his old self. He knew that of course, Ron wasn't going to change just because he was in a different country away from them, but it felt good to hear confirmation. It felt good to hear his best friend's voice again after so long.

"Potter!" The gruff voice called.

Startled Harry walked out of the room and towards the proctor. He was relaxed now. This wasn't a big deal. He would be okay even if he didn't get the best marks. He just had to keep that in mind. Harry smiled politely at the man before walking through the door with a confident and proud air. As the door closed he could have sworn he'd seen a small dog wagging its tail in approval.


Harry, I've been trying really hard to find a way to tell you and Hermione something, but I honestly just didn't have the guts to for a while. I really like working in the hospital. I quit Strategy training and want to continue interning here. That's it. That's what I wanted to say. I'm not going to classes anymore, but I'm not coming home anytime soon. I like being away from all the after war stuff. It's really peaceful here. I hope you can forgive me. –Ron


"Can't believe that you've never celebrated Halloween before." Ron muttered as he fixed the witch's hat on Rose's head. "I mean I know you're a squib, but that's no reason not to."

Rose pulled away grinning at Ron and twirling in her black dress. They were both in the hospital, in the large room they use to share before Ron was moved into one of the inpatient rooms. Rose had been suffering difficulty breathing and had been admitted for an overnight stay.

"Poor kids stuck in a hospital on Halloween night. It ain't right I tell you." Ron bemoaned to the nurse.

The nurse ignored him and continued to fidget with the potions equipment beside Rose's bed. She'd been assigned to Rose's care that night because the girl's regular nurse was home sick. Ron gave the woman an irritated glance at the lack of care before turning to Rose again.

"Are you going to get in trouble again?" Rose whispered giddily.

"Not if you don't say anything." Ron told her with a mischievous wink.

He had turned her hospital gown black when he wasn't supposed to be doing magic anymore. The patronus he'd sent to Harry had caused him to black out. Apparently the treatment had weakened him to a degree that it was actually dangerous for him to perform magic now. A little spell wouldn't hurt though. Ron himself was dressed in warm winter socks, thick sweat pants, his maroon sweat shirt and his blue hoodie.

Doctor Blake had upped his pain potion dose when Ron told him he was experiencing back pain yesterday despite the medicine. He was scheduled for another examination and the third treatment towards his lungs would be postponed if his back was in greater need of taking care of.

It wasn't something he was particularly keen on. It would mean he would have to deal with his recovering chest and a fresh open wound on his back. Sleeping would be even more miserable than it already was.

"Come on. Mopsy told me that she has a surprise for us." Ron whispered.

Rose grabbed his hand excitedly, the increase in breathing causing a deep wheezing sound along with each intake.

"She needs her potions Mr. Weasley." The nurse snapped. "And it is not good for her to be walking around."

Ron stopped. He gave the woman an irritated glare.

"She doesn't take the potion for another forty five minutes. We're going to the cafeteria." Ron told her, pointing down the hall to show how ridiculous she was being. "So we'll be back when she needs it."

"But she shouldn't be walking." The nurse insisted stiffly.

Ron looked down at Rose whose face was crestfallen before glancing back at the woman. Rose was still wheezing. The nurse looked triumphant, happy to put Ron in his place. Just like Percy looked when he thought you were about to fold to his wishes. He knelt down beside Rose and smiled reassuringly. Wrapping his arms around the back of her legs Ron lifted her up into his arms. A sharp pain split through his back, but Ron grunted and sucked in a breath to keep from yelping.

"Mr. Weasley you should not be…" The startled nurse began shrilly, but stopped at the withering glare he sent her way.

"We are going down the hallway. We are going to celebrate Halloween. We are going to be back. It's NOT a big deal. Just because we're sick doesn't mean we should stop living." Ron growled.

He felt Rose's arms wrap around his neck and smiled at her. Leaving the room with as much dignity as he could muster Ron made sure the cafeteria doors were fully shut before putting Rose down. The moment her feet touched the ground Ron fell beside her breathing hard.

"Are you okay?" Rose asked faintly.

Ron nodded hurriedly.

"Yeah… just being an idiot." Ron said stretching out.

"Oh Mr. Weasley are you okay?" Squeaked a voice.

"Fine. I'm fine." Ron announced, getting up.

"Well if Mr. Weasley says so." Mopsy said uncertainly. "Come! Come! I have special treat for Halloween. Mrs. Olsen is already in kitchen!"

"Mrs. Olsen's here too?" Rose wheezed happily.

"And Master Sulto says he will come too." Mopsy sang happily, overjoyed at the abundance of people she could oversee tonight.

"Oh joy! Sulto the bitcher…" Ron trailed off at Rose's curious look. "…ah… bitter. Sulto the bitter old man. Sounds fantastic."

"What does bitcher mean?" Rose asked as they were lead into the kitchen.

A table with several different deserts sat on top of the table set out for exactly four people. Mopsy threw out her hands proudly.

"Oh look Rose! Mopsy made mint cake! That's your favorite." Ron proclaimed.

A look of utter delight spread across the little girls face as she practically jumped into one of the chairs and beamed back at him and thanked Mopsy.

"That was a close call Mr. Weasley." A man muttered as he passed Ron into the kitchen.

"Ahehe… hi Mr. Sulto."


I honestly don't know what to say. This isn't like you at all. You've always wanted to be an Auror, haven't you? Quitting and leaving me and Hermione... Merlin Ron this is gonna tear her apart. What are you doing mate? This is… if you want to work at a hospital that's fine. You know we wouldn't have any problem with that you git. If you wanted to do that you should have just told us, but you can work at the hospital here. Please just… whatever your problem is just… either tell us what it is or get over it and come home.

-Harry


You can't be serious. Ron how could you? You promised me… us that you would never leave us again. You promised! You said you'd never leave us like you did last year. Now you're… You want away from the after war stuff? This is your home Ron! Running away isn't going to make the problems go away. You know that! You know that it takes hard work, but we have each other! So what if you want to heal people instead of being out on the field you nit! We don't care… we've never cared. We would never be mad at you for picking a different career than us! Dear lord, why do you have to be so dense?

-Hermione


Stop freaking out. I'll still be gone for the same amount of time. It's just a different career field. You're making a big deal of out of nothing. –Ron


Antea had been quiet lately. The boisterous, borderline rude, young woman walked around with a contemplative look on her face. Ron didn't mind though, as of late he'd found it tiring to talk for too long. Dr. Blake was getting frustrated with him. He wasn't eating enough. Didn't pay enough attention to when he needed to take his medicine. Didn't drink enough to keep himself hydrated and he was vomiting up everything he did manage to eat. He'd been informed that if he continued to lose weight that his privileges concerning leaving the hospital would be taken away.

So their afternoon walk was taken in silence. Neither wanting to talk, but being comfortable without conversation none the less. Ron let her lead. They took a lot of breaks, stopping at park benches and shops along the way, until they eventually ended up in an old cemetery. Ron didn't ask why they were there, just thankful to be away from the bleak hospital room. When Antea finally stopped in front of one of the graves Ron felt as if the air had been punched out of his lungs.

Hugo Cecily

"I thought he was a year ahead of me in Auror training." Ron said quietly.

"He was." Antea told him with a shrug. "He just never finished."

"Why'd you take me here out of the blue like this?" Ron asked.

"Yee look like me brother. I told you that when we first met remember? Just whiter. He was really tall and lanky too. Big hands like yours." Antea said.

"Why'd you lie? You said you came here because you had no one else." Ron said, trying to understand. "You told me how he was doing whenever I asked. You said he was doing great. You've been telling me that you go to visit him all the time."

"I don't have anyone else and I do visit him a lot. I didn't feel like tell'in ya the truth, but today I felt like com'in here with ya. Wanted you to be here with me for his birthday." Antea told him with a shrug.

Ron opened his mouth and closed it. When Antea sat on the ground Ron found himself sitting next to her. Gently Ron placed his hand around her shoulder in a one sided hug. He felt a deep shock reverberating inside of him, but at the same time he wasn't the least bit surprised. He wasn't surprised by her, but the fact that a person he'd been hearing and talking about as if he was alive was dead. This way of revealing it was so undramatic and simple that now that it was done with Ron couldn't' imagine Antea doing it in any other fashion. She was the complete opposite to Hermione in that way. So rather than make a big deal of it Ron just sat there with her until both their butts were far passed numb.

"So you only started talking to me because of my dashing good looks?" Ron asked eventually.

Antea chuckled humorless.

"'Fraid so boyo. You're lucky your charm didn't scare me away." Antea said softly.

"Why didn't it?" Ron asked raising both eyebrows.

"It's the coffee boyo. Who'd get rid of a friend that can get them free coffee in the wee hours of the morn'in?"

"You have to have nerves of steel to drink that shit."

Antea smiled, a genuine one this time, eyes going back to the grave.

"I guess that's why I keep you around boyo. Not many o people be willing ta sit here for three hours while I stare at a grave with a hand around me shoulder. Yer a good kid."

Disgruntled Ron gave her a light shove.

"Do I sound like a kid? I'm eighteen, I've got a deep voice and I'm six foot two thank you very much." Ron grossed.

"Didn't mean to offend your masculineliness boyo. I should 'ave known you'd be sensitive abou' that." Antea said, holding up her hands in surrender.

"I'm not sensitive. What do you mean you should have known?" Ron asked incredulously.

"Well I think it's obvious you're lacking in certain manly parts. Them boxers were a size too small to give much of anything air to breathe eh?" Antea said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Anybody would be 'sensitive' about such an issue."

Ron's ears burned bright red as he looked at her in horror.

"That's… how could you… that's not right!" Ron sputtered indignantly.

"Traux would have thought it was funny." Antea sniffed.

"Traux thinks anything picking fun of me is funny. I don't see why I'm friends with either of you." Ron muttered.

"Hm." Antea answered, spreading her legs in front of her. "I should have brought flowers."

Unperturbed by the rapid change in topics Ron simply nodded. They fell into silence again, but felt no need to break it. As the tip of the sun touched the earth spreading an abundance of color across the sky Antea spoke up again in a hushed voice.

"What's it like to have such a big family? Where ya know that you'll never be alone?"

Ron pressed his lips together in thought.

"It's like… this deep reassurance that if you ever screw up, if something awful happens to you, you can always go home. Not a physical home… just… their all homes that you can go to." Ron said slowly, picking his words carefully.

"Why aren't they here Ron? Why aren't they with ya?" Antea demanded quietly.

Ron looked at her in surprise. Antea rarely ever used his name.

"Me brother didn't owl me. He was in the hospital for two weeks after getting hit by a nasty curse and he never got anyone to get me. He just kept bleeding from this horrible wound along his leg and 'e never… the bleedin' idiot never sent for me and he died alone." Antea admitted bitterly. "Only person in the whole world I got and 'e's got to be a damn fool. Dying without me like tha.'"

"You can't live your life around a grave. Moving all the way here just so you can visit a grave? Antea… that's…" Ron trailed off sadly.

"Can't have a family o me own boyo. I got nothing better to live life around." Antea said, pulling grass from the ground absentmindedly.

"What do you mean?" Ron questioned.

"Infertile. Can't 'ave any kids of me own. I don't want to adopt. I want a lass or lad o me own and of me own blood." Antea growled. "I want me brother back. I want a family so big I don't ever 'ave to worry about being alone again." She tossed the grass outwards where it fluttered uselessly onto the ground.

Ron didn't know what to say so he just stayed quiet. His mum would have been devastated to be infertile. It would be worse than death for her.

"I've been thinkin' for a while boyo… about all the things you've said about your family. It don't add up boyo. I'm gonna ask you again and I want you to be honest. Why aren't they here?"

Ron flinched.

"I've seen you writing them letters, them death notes." Antea sent him a sharp glare. "I've seen write your will. I see you reading their long letters to you over and over again. I heard you talking to Traux the other day, discussing the merits of telling your lass, that Hermione that she should move on. It makes me think that they don't know a damn thing about what's going on."

Ron eyes turned hard before looking away from her.

Antea's fists clenched.

"You had best not be saying what I think you're saying boyo." Antea hissed. "You look me in the eye and tell me they know."

"They don't know." Ron spoke coldly, detached.

Antea breathed in sharply. Standing up and dusting herself off she motioned for Ron to do the same. He did after a long moment. They didn't say a word all the way back to the hospital or as she signed him back into their care. When Ron finally looked up at her she turned to him.

"You can't live your life around a grave." Antea repeated firmly, looking Ron in the eye. "You think you're any different from me Ron? You're preparing your family for the worst. You wrote out all those long letters saying goodbye. You're distancing yourself from them. You wrote your will. You want to break up with your lass to make it easier. You're doing all these things for when you die not if. It's you whose living your life around a grave."

Ron couldn't say anything to that.


We were okay with the Strategy Training because it could only be done in Australia. This is something that can be done right here while your with us. Stop being such an idiot.

-Harry


I don't understand why you're doing this Ron, but I urge you to think carefully about what you're causing. Please just reconsider… This will tear Harry and Hermione apart. You showed so much regret when you left them last time, yet you're doing it again?

-Bill


"Alright. Open them." Ron's voice commanded.

Rose did as she was told and gasped as she spotted the giant beast several feet ahead of her. Giant black wings ruffled themselves, stretching out from a lithe lion like body, intelligent bright gold eyes peering steadily at her from an eagle head. She shivered in pleasure as the wings unintentionally pushed air around her. The great creature tilted its head curiously at her in such a way that it was difficult not to giggle at how cute he was.

"I need you to do exactly as I tell you alright Rose?" Ron's voice whispered in the darkness.

Rose jerked in surprise, having forgotten the redhead was even there in her amazement of the creature in front of her.

"Yes." She squeaked. "I mean… I will."

Ron's chuckle echoed roughly through the air reminding Rose of the fact that he had vomited dinner up last night. It wasn't a very nice feeling when your throat hurt because of the acid. She'd had to have her mother heal her throat several times because of it. She knew Ron just had a healing a few days ago for the very same thing.

"Hippogriffs are very proud and above all else they appreciate manners and respect. You understand Rose?" Ron asked from beside the large creature. He only continued when she gave him a sharp nod. "You need to take a few steps forward… slowly! Then bow to him. Stay bowed and wait for him to bow back. If he doesn't then I want you to back away quickly okay?"

She nodded again slowly, but the grin on her face betrayed the feelings of excitement inside of her. Her mother rarely allowed her to go out because she was afraid that Rose would get hurt. Even though she lived in the magical world Rose only ever got to see house elves and goblins. She took a small step forward and another. At the third step she allowed her head to fall forward and curtsied like she saw the princess do in storybooks her mom showed her. Taking a deep breath she waited.

The gold eyes blinked before the head tilted forward in a bow. Holding back a squeal she looked at Ron for the go ahead. Ron smiled at the ten year old and gestured to come closer slowly. The light of Ron's wand flickered unsteadily making Rose pause beside him and peer at him worriedly. His magic was fluctuating again and her mama had told her that it hurt Ron when it did that, but Ron hadn't even flinched.

"His name is Scathac." Ron informed him, ignoring her concerned eyes. "Antea named him. This one is one of her 'babies' from Ireland."

Ron's large shaking hand gently took her small frail one and brushed her fingers along the great beast. The hippogriff crooned like a bird in pleasure. Rose giggled. The feathers were unbelievably soft. Ron's hand guided hers to the fur to stroke. The fur was even softer.

"Do you want to ride him Rose? I'll take you." Ron asked her.

Rose turned to Ron with wide disbelieving eyes. The grin on Ron's face told her that he wasn't lying to her. She felt a grin split her face so wide that it actually kinda hurt.

"No way!" She exclaimed quietly, afraid to upset the hippogriff.

"I already got Antea's permission and everything." Ron told her with a grin of his own.

She lifted her hands up without another word. Rose felt the medical band around Ron's wrist dig into her side as his long arms wrapped around her and lifted her from the ground. She felt them struggle for a second, her feet dropping a few inches, before Ron brought her all the way up and onto the back of the hippogriff. She didn't say a word about how much effort that took him though.

Just like she never said anything about how his hand's constantly trembled and about how much weight he'd lost the last few months. She tried not to think about the time she accidently walked into the room during one of his treatments and freaked because of his screaming. She tried not to remember the sound of his ragged breaths during the day or how he tossed and turned every night in his bed at the hospital.

She said nothing because she knew. She'd been sick for a long time and knew all about how horrible it was to not be able to perform the simplest of tasks. She knew about pain and vomiting and nightmares and how people looked at her when she walked through the streets. She was thinner than was naturally and easily bruised so it looked like her mama hurt her. She often had dark and yellow circles under her eyes and her breath often had a nasty wheezing sound to it.

Rose felt Ron get onto the back of the hippogriff behind her. Arms moved around her to grip the hippogriff and secure her.

"Are you ready?" He asked her, his own voice laced with excitement.

The feeling of people looking at you and just waiting for you to die was scary. Ron understood that. They looked at him the same way. Customers at the café had turned Ron away as a waiter before because of how he looked. They thought that he was going to infect their food. Rose remembered the anger and embarrassment on Ron's face and understood.

"Definitely." Rose answered back confidently.

"Do you mind taking us up Scathac?" Ron asked politely, making the signal Antea taught him.

A single gold eye looked back at them before taking off into the air.

Rose screamed in surprise and joy.

When he brought over her hot cocoa a little while later she'd held his hand and asked him to stay with her. She'd told him about how the other children at school didn't want to play with her because they thought that they were going to get what she got. They told her that they didn't want to be 'ugly.' And when she broke down crying in the middle of the café he brought her upstairs and let her sob into his chest. He told her that the other children were awful for saying that and that she was a beautiful little girl.

And then he had forced her chin up from his chest and told her that he would be honored if she would let him call her his little sister. He said it was the duty of all big brothers to watch out for their little sisters and that they should make it official instead of pretending otherwise. He had whipped out his wand, put her hand over his, and in a big dramatic voice dubbed her Rose Ruth Weasley Salen.

"Wow!" Rose exclaimed over the wind as earth disappeared beneath them.

The stars still shone brightly even as they began to fade with the lightening of the sky.

They had gotten up super early for this.

Rose Ruth Weasley Salen. Could she have a crush on her brother? She had fervently denied it when her mama teased her about having a crush on Ron, but she couldn't help it. He was so cute and strong and brave. It was wrong to have a crush on a brother though. Rose debated this as she sat on the floor with her head buried deep into Ron's chest with tears still leaking out of her eyes. Ron just held her close and told her all the benefits of being an official Weasley.

The powerful wings sliced through the air leaving her heart in her throat as the hippogriff dived sharply. Behind her she heard Ron yelp in surprise.

It was absolutely fantastic.

"Good thing I've got noth'in in my system." Ron muttered a few inches above her ear.

She decided it didn't matter. She'd take him as a big brother if she couldn't marry him. No one besides her mama was ever as kind to her or as patient as Ron. When she got angry about being trapped in a hospital bed so much he understood and entertained her. When she threw a tantrum he didn't get mad, but stayed with her and talked to her until she felt better. When she was unbearably lonely because most children didn't want to interact with her then she went to him. No matter what he was doing he stopped in order to eat lunch with her or play a game with her. When she was scared Ron would tell her stories. When she was in pain and her mama wasn't there then he pulled her to his chest and let her squeeze his hand as hard as she wanted even when his hand was badly bruised.

Ron was a patient like her. They were trapped in the hospital all the time together. Not only that… they were the only ones who were so young. Most of the patients that stayed in the hospital were middle aged. Ron was a teenager and she was just a kid. Mama had said that it was very rare for people as young as her and Ron to get so sick, especially in the wizarding world where they were more capable of fixing illnesses.

Scathac drifted out over the ocean just as the sun began to pour over the horizon. This time it wasn't just her breath that was taken away, she heard Ron gasp as well. Colors of all shades seemed to spread out and banish the remaining stars in the sky in one fell swoop.

Scathac looked back at her with a look that Rose swore was saying 'See? I can see this all the time. I pity you humans who have no wings.' Feeling obligated to agree Rose nodded to the creature.

"He just bloody smirked!" Ron exclaimed. "You see that?"

Rose's answer was a howl of laughter.

"I'm telling you he did!"

Nearly five months they had been each other's company in the depressing silence of the hospital walls. Only her mama came to visit them. She wondered how Ron managed it when she and her mama weren't in the hospital. Rose knew that Ron had made a few friends close to the hospital who visited, but Antea and Traux had work and Auror training to go to. It made her sad to think of how much time he must spend alone and in pain.

Since he'd been made a fulltime inpatient he'd been forced to spend even more long hours alone. She had been getting better and required less overnight stays. Pretty soon she wouldn't need to go back at all. He'd even been forced to give up his part time job at the café because it was too much of a strain. Her mama had told Ron that he could come anytime he wanted just to spend time with them. Sometimes her mama would go up to the hospital and escort Ron to the café so he didn't' have to spend all day alone.

When they landed Ron gently set her onto the ground with badly shaking arms. Following her to the ground he went straight to sitting on his knees.

Rose knelt beside him worriedly.

"Ron?"

He was holding his chest where she knew they'd done the last few treatments.

"Ron?"

Her voice was scared this time despite trying to hide it.

"Can you… can you go get Antea for me? She's… she's just inside that tent over there." Ron told her between labored breaths.

When they first met Ron explained to her that he only had a forty percent chance of surviving even with the treatment. Rose had nodded, but didn't really understand what that meant. Her mama told her that it meant that Ron wasn't very likely to live another year. She understood then. Ron was sicker than she was.

Yet Ron worked and went to classes. She hadn't understood. When you are sick you're supposed to stay in bed until you're better. That's what her mama told her. So she asked why Ron didn't stay in bed and if he was a bad boy for not listening to the rules. She had gotten a very sad look on her face and stroked Rose's hair for a while before answering.

"Adults are different than children dear. They still need to stay in bed, but adults have to pay for the bed. Ron needs to work in order to pay for medicine and a place to stay."

"But Ron's a teenager. He's not an adult!" Rose replied crossly.

"He's eighteen sweety. He's just a kid, but in the eyes of the law he's responsible for himself."

She hadn't understood at all. Where was Ron's mamma and daddy? Shouldn't they have been taking care of him? Mamma's didn't stop caring about their children after they grew up right? She crawled into Ron's hospital bed one night while he was sleeping and gently woke him up to ask him these questions. She knew he wouldn't mind, but it did take a while for him to understand what she was saying. When he finally did Ron's eyes got misty and he smiled at her even though it looked painful.

He'd told her that England had suffered from a horrible war and that it had taken a while to make a bad man go away forever. He explained that a lot of people, like him, were hurt by the war. Some people even died. Ron softly told her that one of the people who died was one of his brothers. His family was hurting very badly from the loss. His family was struggling to pull themselves together again and be happy.

Ron hadn't told his family he was sick. He didn't want them to have to deal with him on top of everything else. His family didn't need to watch him die slowly right after they lost one of their own so he hadn't said anything to them about it. He'd told them he was going to study Aurorship in Australia and left them. They thought Ron was a mean person for leaving.

"Antea!" Rose cried as she burst through the tent doors.

The young woman known as Antea jumped with fright, dropping the Thestral hooves onto the ground.

"Antea! Ron's hurting. He told me to get you." Rose announced more loudly than intended.

The woman was out the door before Rose could turn around. The morning light making the dark skinned woman stand out distinctly among the white sandy area.

"It's not that bad." Rose heard Ron yell out breathlessly. "I didn't mean to scare her or you, but I don't think… I can make it back to the tent."

Rose arrived to see Ron leaning heavily against Antea barely holding his head up. They stumbled towards her tent; a magically modified and expanded living space. Once inside Antea set Ron down on her bed where he gratefully slumped against the many pillows piled up,

"What's wrong with him?" Rose asked fearfully.

Ron opened up one eye to peer at her tiredly.

"Nothing. It just took a lot… out of me is all." The redhead murmured. "I'll get you home soon as I rest a bit. I promised… your mum I'd get you there… before breakfast. She just got home from having the baby… wouldn't want her to be worrying."

"Yeah well I'll be doing tha' as soon as ye gets you're medicine boyo." Antea announced.

Ron turned his face into his pillow before bringing his legs under him and sitting up slightly.

"You don't need to do that. I got it." Ron insisted.

"It took you a week and a half o kissing me arse to convince me to let you take the kid on me baby so I say nay Mr. Ronald. You'll stay where I say and no 'if' 'ands' or 'buts' about it." Antea said, winking at her.

Rose giggled. She liked Antea.

"You should listen to your mamma Ron." Rose told him petulantly.

"Wha.. Oi! I just took… your shrimp butt on a hippogriff... Show some appre…ciation!" Ron barked incredulously between breaths.

Rose outright laughed this time. She watched as Antea sat beside him with a gruesome looking potion, holding it to Ron's lips. Ron didn't even grimace. He took it into his severely shaking hands and gulped it down without complaint.

"Th… thanks." Ron told her gratefully.

"I have ta change yer bandages too." Antea told him sternly. "Part of the deal for releasing you temporarily into me custody is that I help you do this stuff."

Ron did grimace this time.

"It can wait till I get in the hospital Antea. It's nasty… and you don't need to be worrying about it. I really… appreciate you willing to help me, but that's… too much." Ron told Antea.

"Why is it too much?" Rose asked curiously.

She had never seen anyone change Ron's bandages before. Her nurse always took her out of the room when they did it in the hospital.

Rose watched as Antea turned to Ron with a glint in her eyes.

"Yes Ron dear, why IS it too much?" Antea asked, falsely cheerful.

Ron shifted uneasily, sending a glare towards Antea, before turning towards her. His breathing was leveling out again.

"Rose… You know how you…" Ron paused, clearly wanting to pick his words carefully. "You bruise very easily because you're sick?"

Rose nodded slowly.

"Well I'm like that… only it's centered around the treatment area and it's not just bruising… it's something that's not very nice to look at. Like… like… when an apple starts to rot and you cut it open." Ron explained.

Rose's nose wrinkled. She still didn't understand. She looked towards Antea, but the woman wouldn't look at her.

"Sorry. I shouldn't o pushed." Antea muttered to Ron before turning to Rose. "Lass… can you be a big gal for me and wait outside for a few minutes?"

Rose nodded. She knew when adults didn't want her to see something. Walking out of the tent Rose heard Antea perform a silencing charm on the tent. Nearly twenty minutes passed before Antea walked out of the tent to smile tiredly at her.

"It didn't hurt him did it?" Rose asked.

"A little." Antea said honestly. "Sometimes blood sticks to the… eh. Foot in mouth Antea, foot in mouth."

Rose felt her lower lip tremble, but bit it gently to stop. Evidently her effort to hide how upset she was hadn't been good enough because Antea pulled her into a strong hug. A hand lay lightly at the back of her head in a soothing manner.

"I know it must be scary ta see this lass. It scares us adults to see it, so ta kids it must be something fierce to face." Antea pulled back, her hands coming up to Rose's face and wiping two tear tracks away with her thumbs. "It's worse when it takes ya by surprise isn't it? It's scary cause Ron acts so tough and then he's suddenly not?"

Rose nodded sharply, her lip losing the battle and spilling out a scared, choked sob. Antea gave Rose another long, tight hug before pulling away.

"Would you like ta see him before I take you home?" Antea asked quietly. "You'll have to be quiet because he's asle…"

Rose was already inside. Ron was passed out on Antea's bed. Not only was Ron's large hoodie gone, but also his shirt was off with the bandages covering the entirety of his torso. Rose flinched at the sight of how thin Ron was. She could clearly see his hipbones where the sweat pants began and Ron's too thin arms seemed scarier without the thick cloth to cushion everything. And the skin directly under the white bandages on his torso was heavily bruised. She knew from experience how sensitive an area like that could be.

Walking up to the bed Rose sat beside it. The reality that she really could lose him crashing down hard as she listened to the wheezing breath from the teenager she'd come to see as a big brother. No… not even that. She'd moved passed having a crush on him a while ago and never once thought of him as a big brother. He had become her daddy.

He did everything that she imagined a daddy would do. She still remembered his warmth as he carried her to bed each night when he worked at the café. She remembered him returning her stuffed frog to her when he thought she was asleep and tucking her in. He held her when she cried and told her stories and was there for her no matter what. He danced with her to the radio late at night in the hospital the night before she needed to have a piece of lung repaired. He told her how great a big sister she was going to be.

Rose put her head in her lap and cried softly. She couldn't lose her daddy. She wanted Ron to be her daddy. It didn't matter if her mamma didn't love him like that. They didn't have to get married. Ron could just come live with them. Rose wiped her eyes and grabbed Ron's still trembling hand in hers. Leaning forward Rose placed a kiss on his cheek under the dark circles she knew meant he never slept well.

Standing up and letting go of his hand Rose turned and ran to Antea. Throwing her arms around the surprised woman's waist she stole one last hug from her before nodding. Glancing back at Ron just one more time and silently begging whatever higher power her mamma called on daily that they would not let him die.


I'm staying here Harry. Hermione can look for someone else if she wants. I'm not gonna date anyone, but I'm not gonna make her wait. Tell her that. –Ron


What are you doing Ron? I'm not telling her that! After everything that's happened between you two… you're breaking up with her now? Ron what the hell… shit… she's found the letter mate.

-Harry


You giant, insufferable git! You are by far the biggest idiot I've ever met! I am not and will not be seeing anyone else. If you honestly think I'm incapable of waiting when it took you so many years to man up and kiss me you have another thing coming! You idiot! And… AND… ! It is so much easier to be angry with you when I can just yell! You… just… I'm sending you a howler!

-Hermione


Ron grit his teeth. Just one more week. Seven more days and then his chest would be healed enough for it to be safe to perform treatment on his back. He just needed to endure the pain for seven more days. Ron breathed out deeply. Pulling the covers further around himself in an attempt to bring heat to his body. Then it came. Ron for the first time dreaded hearing the familiar sound of pattering feet entering his room.

"Ron?" Rose's soft voice asked.

Ron clenched his teeth harder against the pain, but didn't say anything. If he opened his mouth he'd start crying and he couldn't cry in front of Rose. A small body crawled into the bed with him and Ron begged her to go away. She couldn't see this. It wasn't right.

"Ron can I sleep with you tonight? I had a nightmare." Rose whispered tearfully.

Ron's jaw trembled with the effort to keep his mouth shut. His entire body was trembling, but like his hands Rose would never say anything about it. She just accepted it. Small hands touched his face, startling him.

"Ron… why are you crying?" Rose asked franticly.

He was crying? Opening his eyes Ron stared into brown irises that were mere inches away from him. Ron let out a choked gasp and shook his head at the little girl in front of him.

"Rose, I need you to go back to your own room okay?" Ron asked in a tight voice.

"You're hurting." Rose stated, her small hands grasping his own held tightly against his chest.

"Yeah." Ron choked out.

"And you're so cold." Rose murmured.

"That too." Ron gasped out as another wave of pain took him.

Little arms wrapped around his neck and a head snuggled against his still healing chest.

"I can be your Froggy tonight." Rose whispered. "When I hurt I hold Mr. Frog against me and he keeps me warm and makes me feel better…. And I make his nightmares go away for him." She added softly.

Ron choked on a sob. When he unclenched his arms from his chest it was like he hadn't moved his muscles in years. Gently wrapping her in a hug Ron kissed her forehead the way his mother did when he was little. He felt hot tears rolling down his cheeks and did his best not to whimper when his back burst in a rapid succession of pain. Resting his head against the top of hers he closed his eyes and willed his body to fall into unconsciousness. The small body against him snuggled further into his thick hoodie, hands clenched around the cloth.

He knew that pretty soon a nurse would be frantically running around the hospital ward looking for Rose with a fast asleep baby in her arms.

He knew that he should send her back to bed.

He knew that he should be strong and stop crying in front of this little girl.

He didn't have the energy to yell for a nurse walking by his open door.

He couldn't bring himself to send her back either.

And if he could stop the tears or the cries of pain periodically escaping him then they would never have fallen in the first place.

So he laid there willing himself to sleep while holding the small fragile bundle in his arms and riding out wave after wave of throbbing pain. Ron stared out across his room long after Rose's breaths evened out in sleep, the tiny beating heart loud and warm against his slow, freezing body. When the strongest surge racked his body Ron buried his face in Rose's hair and hugged her against him. A loud sob broke out of his throat, but Rose slept on.

It was not in fact the nurse that found Rose, but her very panicked mother.

"She had a nightmare." Ron explained, damning himself for the crack in his voice.

Mary stared at him for a long moment, hand over her mouth, before she nodded. Rather than reach to pick up Rose from his arms she sat down in the chair beside his bed and began to stroke his own hair. It was surprisingly comforting. At some point she left and came back with a thick blanket, tucking them both in, but Ron had already drifted off to sleep.


Dear Ronald

Ronald, I know I'm not someone who can really tell you what to do, kettle calling the pot black and all that, but I believe that you are making a grave mistake. Speaking from experience I think you need to step back and consider if this decision is worth giving up your family. Not to say that anyone will disown you… you can come back at any point. That is to say that we wouldn't turn our backs on you, you know that. I just think that you should come home. Remember how angry you were at me for not coming home? For upsetting mum and dad? That's what you're doing now Ronnie. Mum cried when she heard that you didn't plan on returning any time soon. Please don't make the same mistake I did.

Sincerely

Yours Truly

Your Brother

With Love

Percy Weasley


Pot calling the kettle black? So now I'm a traitor who ignores fathers after they nearly die and uses his little brother's ties to a celebrity to get on the ministers good side huh? You know nothing so don't act like you do. You were gone all throughout the war and you think just because you showed up at the last possible second that you suddenly know? Don't write again. –Ron


Rose knew something was wrong about forty five seconds before the screaming began. Ron, who'd been listening to her complain about the homework they gave her to do, suddenly dropped the steaming mug of tea into his lap with a look of shock on his face. The herbal drink spilled over the thick blanket before trickling over the side of the bed to splash onto the floor. Ron gripped the bars on the side of the bed with such force that it looked painful. In the final ten seconds he looked directly into her eyes, lips moving as if he were trying to say something, and his entire body trembling as if it were trying to shake itself apart.

At the same moment she made it to the door to yell for help the magical strings of light monitoring Ron all turned bright red. The sound of an alarm going off was overpowered by sudden agonized screams tearing through the hallways. Even as she turned to see Ron withering in agony on the bed several healers were pushing passed her towards into the room.

"Ron." Rose whispered in horror.

His body was being forced down by two of the healers while a third used a spell to remove all the layers of clothes Ron had taken to wearing in order to keep warm. Rose rushed to the bed wanting to hold his hand and tell him she was there.

"Daddy." Rose called out desperately.

The clothes were off revealing dark, vein like trails spreading across his back. Another scream echoed through the air drowning her out. One of the healers accidentally bumped into her. Glancing down the woman scowled.

"Somebody get this kid out of the way!" She yelled out into the halls.

Ron's back arched and his mouth opened wide, but nothing came out. A silent scream. Tears were across his tears and sliding down his forehead as he convulsed in pain.

"Daddy!" Rose shouted in terror.

Arms wrapped around her and pulled her away from the hospital room. She screamed and fought calling out, telling them that she couldn't leave him, begging them not to let her leave her daddy alone. When her mama came bustling into the room and swept her into her arms Rose wept into her chest.

"That's not your daddy sweety … that's Ron remember." Mary whispered.

Rose shook her head, snot and tears sliding down her face, before she looked up into her mama's brimming eyes.

She had snuck out of her room again to tell Ron about her day.

Ron listened like he always did.

Rose tried explaining this to her mamma as she was rocked back and forth in her own hospital bed. She told her about all the things that Ron did all the time. The things her mamma didn't see Ron do like tucking her in and showing her magic tricks even though he wasn't supposed to. She told her about all the times Ron told her stories and taught her things about the magical world. She talked about how Ron and her celebrated Halloween, about being taken up on a Hippogriff, the short trip to the bakery down the street where Ron and her shared a pastry. Rose wasn't even sure if half the things were recognizable as words because she started hiccupping and stuttering. Still… she tried to tell her mamma that Ron was her daddy because he did all the things that people said daddy's do.

When she was finished speaking though, her mamma looked at her like she was about to cry. Eventually Rose had to ask… she had to know.

"Is da…" She paused feeling her mama's body tense. "Is Ron going to be okay?"

"Sweety… I don't know. I hope so, but I don't know." Mary Salen answered in a shaky voice.

"Can he be part of our family mama?" Rose asked, even quieter.

"It doesn't work like that sweety. Ron can be your friend… he can even be like your big brother, but he can't be your daddy. He's a teenager Rosey. He's just like you… he's very sick and very frightened and it's not okay to put that kind of… it takes a lot of work to be a daddy and you can't ask him to do that when he's so sick sweety." Mary tried to explain.

"He already does all the things a daddy does though…" Rose insisted, she became irritated when she noticed that the wheezing quality had returned to her throat again.

"Oh sweety… I'm not explaining this right. It's like… if your baby brother started to call you mamma because you do nice things for him, big sister things." Mary explained wearily.

Rose frowned up at her mama.

"I don't care what he is… I just want him to be okay." Rose mumbled.


"The Minister of Magic from England personally offered me a job in interrogation. He said you spoke highly of me…" Traux murmured. "Said you were a high ranking individual who he highly respected. My barely eighteen year old Auror trainee mate from England is some badass member of the Aurors highest branch in his country and I didn't even know."

A hollow laugh echoed through the room.

"You gotta wake up so I can thank you mate. You can't go around speaking to Ministers about me and getting me high ranking jobs without letting me thank you. It's just not polite." Traux told the figure on the bed.

The redhead turned his head and mumbled, but didn't wake. Sweat dripped down his pale face.

"You're not going to be happy when you wake up smelling like you haven't showered in weeks." Traux warned him. "Being feverish and sickly doesn't mean you have an excuse to miss our Friday poker night either. Me and Antea will just split your Oreos between us I swear!"

Traux jumped as the light over Ron's mouth flashed red again as his breath hitched.

"If you don't wake up so I can thank you I'll kiss the job goodbye you know? It's not right to accept it if you don't thank the person who got you the job. My mother would never let me hear the end of it."

Traux rubbed his face before glancing at the clock. He'd have to leave for class soon.

"They want me to spend my whole winter break in England doing work. They're offering about three times as much than I would get anywhere around here. They're desperate. Minister Shacklebolt told me you two lost some friends who were their best interrogators… you never told me that. Then again you don't talk about the war at all."

A nurse passed by the open door.

"They told me, the staff I mean not the Minister, they told me that this was bad. You didn't recover enough of your own magic before they had to perform emergency extraction treatment on your back. They said we almost lost you. You've been out three days straight mate."

At ten minutes to seven Traux finally admitted that if he didn't leave now he'd be late.

"You'd best be up when I see you tomorrow morning."


You are the world's biggest git. I absolutely can't believe you. Whatever you're hiding is not worth this ya giant wanker! You tell me what's going on or so help me I'll come down there and drag you back myself! I know that story about a disaster was total bullshit! This shit that your pulling has got to stop and I will stop it here and now!

-George


Fred's not there to occupy your time so you're bothering me? Get a life George! –Ron


Fuck you. – George


"Morning sunshine!" A woman's voice sang.

"Go away." Ron mumbled grouchily. He was beyond exhausted, everything hurt, and if he moved an inch he was hit with a bout of nausea that was far too strong for someone who didn't have anything in his stomach.

"You had better sit up or I'll feckin' make you." Antea snapped, plopping down on the end of his bed.

Ron cracked an eye open to glare at the thing in his bed.

"I've got all sorts o treats from the café and you're going to eat a least one of them." Antea announced.

Antea ripped his blanket from him causing Ron to curl into himself for warmth.

"You've been awake for four days and haven't eatin' a feckin' thing. A nurse is comin' in to take that damn tube out so you can eat proper." Antea went on, ignoring the moan coming from him.

"I don't want to. Please… I'll eat later." Ron begged in his raspy voice.

"I'll get Rose in here and you know she'll tear up if she sees you like this… no feckin' meat at all now. Get up or I'll do it!" Antea threatened.

"That's so wrong." Ron rasped.

"She'll be crying and askin' ya 'why Ron why? Don't leave me alone!' she'll say." Antea went on.

"Alriiiiight." Ron whined as he forced himself to sit up. "Merlin that's just sick."

His entire body felt like lead weight. A dizzy spell hit him forcing Ron to use the backboard of the bed as support. Blinking rapidly three Antea's became a single fuzzy one.

"If you're strong enough to write your letters then you can eat too."

"I'm just gonna vo…" Ron's voice faded into nothing.

Antea looked up to see Ron fast asleep against the backboard with his knees up to his chest and arms under his head.


Thanks Harry. I love having my letters passed around to the whole family. I really appreciate it. Since this is apparently going to be seen by everyone I want you all to know that I really don't care what you have to say. I'm staying. -Ron


Son you've made quite a mess of things here. Everyone is very upset. Do you want to tell me why you've been purposefully angering your family and closest friends? I had to drag George raving drunk out of a bar last night and all I could get out of him was that he wanted to hit you the next time he saw you. I never thought you of this kind of behavior my boy. Your mother is absolutely devastated by the things you've been saying. Harry and Hermione are at their wits end. Bill is very disappointed in you young man. They all deserve an apology from you Ronald.

Dad


I'm not the one whose blowing this up dad. It isn't that big of a deal. They'll be fine without me. It will be okay. You all aren't going to fall apart without me. –Ron


"It doesn't make any sense at all." Harry growled irritably.

"Barty Crouch Jr. took Moody's place for a year without anyone being the wiser Harry." Kingsley reminded him softly.

"But why pretend to be someone who everyone knows is dead. It doesn't make any sense." Harry spat.

"The Auror department knows, the Malfoy's know, Death Eaters know… but what about the general public? Most of them are not even aware that the man was still alive the first time around." Kingsley reminded him.

"Out of all the people in the world why Wormtail though? Why would anyone want to take Wormtails place?" Harry yelled in exasperation.

"Unfortunately that's what part of the Aurors job is about, finding that sort of stuff out." Kingsley stated knowingly.

"But why can't we simply take their memories and look into them? No one would ever be wrongly accused. No one would ever be falsely put into jail because we would know!" Harry said with a sigh. "Going around and interrogating all of these Death Eaters for hours is like being mind fucked. Their all twisted… and trying to get them to admit to anything is like getting Hagrid to choose fluffy bunnies over dragons."

"A memory has to be willingly given Harry. It's simply not possible to force a memory out of someone. Besides that, we would descend to the level of the criminals themselves by ripping memories out of people."

"But these Death Eaters know how to evade Veritaserum! Every last one of them is filled with some many evading half-truths that nothing we get from them is definite or useful." Harry grossed.

"The same problem happened last time Harry. This time there is a great difference though… Last time the Ministry wanted to be done with everything as quickly as possible. They made grave mistakes. I have made sure that we will go through every single individual. Every person who is willing to give up memories in their trial to prove imperius has been set free. It says a great deal of those still held doesn't it?" Kingsley mumbled the last part softly.

"They never gave Sirius that chance." Harry stated bitterly.

"How things could have been different if they had." Kingsley stated tiredly. "So many people could have been spared. "Hagrid never would have been sent to Azkaban either if they had simply asked him to testify with the pensive."

"Why couldn't they have? I would gladly have given them my memory of Voldemorts return or the attack of the dementors if they'd asked." Harry stated quietly.

"When people are raised a certain way they do not like to question that way! Tradition in the magical world is so steeped into the bones of wizards that the thought of change is simply unimaginable. That's what made the Weasley so detested by others for such a lone time. Their love of muggles, the willingness to change with the world, their lack of care concerning pure bloods or wealth… simply unheard of." Kingsley explained. "The pensive was only invented a few years before you were born Harry. Wizards live much longer than muggles and thus they are more unwilling to adapt to change. In wizarding terms a pensive is on the same level as the computer thing that has come out in the muggle world. It's brand new and the older generation simply didn't want to use it."

"That makes no sense." Harry muttered.

"Indeed it doesn't. Tradition rarely makes any sense to anyone other than the person who first invented it."

"So what are we supposed to do? Keep interrogating Death Eaters in case one of them knows something about the imposter when we know they aren't going to talk." Harry demanded.

"I heard that the program Ron was involved in has a trainee whose specializing in interrogation." Kingsley said thoughtfully, not noticing Harry's body tensing at the name. "I was thinking of bringing him out here to practice on our prisoners over the winter break. He's been highly recommended by both the program and Ronald."

"You've talked to Ron?" Harry demanded. "In person?"

Kingsley jerked guiltily.

"You have!" Harry accused angrily.

"Ron and I have been in communication yes." Kingsley admitted slowly. "I was scoping out possible Aurors for the department since we've lost so many people in the war. Ron told me about several people whom he believed capable of joining our ranks."

"So he's acting as your little scout? Have you been asking him to do other things for you?" Harry snapped.

"I understand that you're angry with Ron right now Harry, but that is no reason to be angry with me for having contact with him." Kingsley spoke sharply.

"I'm angry that he'll see you, but wants nothing to do with me!" Harry screamed. "I'm angry that he's being such a prat to his entire family, but he seems to be perfectly honky dory with you!"

Kingsley's features softened.

"Harry…"

"Why can you go see him, but I can't?" Harry demanded, banging his fists on the table.

Harry looked up at the man pleadingly. He needed to know what was going on with his best friend. Kingsley sighed heavily.

"He didn't want anything to do with me." Kingsley spoke honestly. "We had quite the argument, but there was some things I needed to know that only Ron knows about. It took quite a while and some blackmailing just to get him to talk to me."

Harry deflated instantly.

"How… how was he? I mean how was he doing?" Harry asked quietly.

"He looks like he hasn't slept in a year." Kingsley admitted, not willing to outright lie. "And not to sound like Molly but he could use some meat on his bones. He's made some good friends though."

Harry stared down at the table in silence. Kingsley leaned forward across the table and his voice lowered to a whisper.

"He keeps his deluminator and a picture of the three of you under his pillow. I caught him asleep with both in his hands once. You two are always on his mind. Always." Kingsley stated firmly.

Harry gave Kingsley a small grateful smile.


Ron… whatever you did just… fix it, okay? You're brother's a mess. He's gone out drinking three nights in a row. Percy's been helping him get home and I take care of him in the morning, but I think you should suck it up and say sorry.

-Lee Jordan


What do you expect Ron? You just up and out of the blue declared you're staying in another country to study at a hospital when there's a perfectly good one here to study at. I assumed you were telling everyone and wanted to talk to Hermione and George about it to try and convince you otherwise when I find out you haven't said anything to them! It's not my fault it spread like wildflower! Stop blaming it all on me.

-Harry


At the end of the second week since Ron went into emergency treatment Kingsley couldn't help but cringe as he entered the room. He wasn't a squeamish person in any way, but there was something about the sound of another person being sick that made his own stomach roll. It was a fact that Tonks had often teased him about mercilessly whenever they walked into a hospital or the Auror trainee examination room. He straightened his shoulders and walked into Ron's room to take a seat beside the teenager puking his guts out into a bucket in front of him. When he was finished Ron pushed the bucket onto the table before tiredly pulling his knees up and laying his head on them. Turning his body Kingsley's way Ron gave him a rueful smile.

"Haven't puked in two days and you show up now." Ron rasped with a tiny shake of his head in exasperation of the man.

"What can I say?" Kingsley shrugged. "Great timing comes with years of practice."

Leaning back heavily into the many pillows Mary had seen fit to drag into his room Ron winced as his eyes looked directly into the light above.

"How is everyone?" Ron rasped, dragging his fingers roughly over his face.

"They are rather upset and angry about certain letters coming from a certain someone. Apparently you haven't been very nice to them." Kingsley stated, giving the young man a disapproving look.

"I honestly didn't think they'd be this dramatic about me being away. I mean I knew that Harry and Hermione would be upset, but I didn't expect everyone to be jumping down my throat." Ron moaned out.

"My dear boy I'm afraid that you've missed out on the little known fact that all Weasleys possess a small temper problem. I'll make sure that you get the memo next time. We can't be having you being so misinformed." Kingsley stated teasingly, a twinkle in his eyes.

"Oh you're absolutely brilliant. Why didn't I think of that." Ron said dryly, but there was a lopsided smile on his face giving him away.

"It's that experience again." Kingsley stated knowingly.

Ron laughed but it turned into a grimace as another wave of nausea hit. He buried his face in his pillow, taking deep breaths, willing the feeling to go away.

"Medicine still affecting you badly then." Kingsley asked sympathetically.

"I didn't even bother to ask them what it is there giving me this time." Ron finally muttered when he had his stomach under control.

"Excuse me sir." A nurse sounded stiffly from the doorway. "Visiting hours for all, but family are over for today. You're more than welcome to come back in the morning."

"I don't think Pam likes you." Ron whispered with a chuckle.

"Hestia put both of us on her hate list I'm afraid." Kingsley whispered back as he stood up.

Ron's eyes shined with curiosity at that statement.

"Apparently she doesn't like Aurors because they have the ability to get private information."

"Knew I liked that woman." Ron rasped with a cheeky grin.


I told mum and dad so they wouldn't freak out about seeing my hand on the clock pointing at hospital so much, but it wasn't anyone else's business! Hermione's of course, but why would you tell George! –Ron


I know this is hard to believe Ronald, but Harry and I have both stayed in contact with your family after you left. We wanted to be there for them.

-Hermione


Trying to walk after three weeks of being bed ridden was much like having a charm placed on you that turned your bones to rubber. His legs wouldn't cooperate with him, instead choosing to turn in strange and random directions when the tiniest bit of weight was applied. He'd even tried performing a very small strengthening charm, but it just succeeded in making them feel unpleasantly tingly.

His rehabilitation to learn how to walk again didn't technically start till tomorrow, but he'd been suffering the horrifying humiliation of being 'taken' to the bathroom for three weeks and if he had the ability to crawl he would not endure it again. So sliding down to the ground as carefully as possible he prayed none of the nurses would be alerted to his movements because being found crawling on the ground was not very far below his list to someone helping him take a piss. The magical strands wrapped around him were designed to move with him so even while he moved across the floor they still swirled around him. It was three o clock in the morning and he'd been woken up twice by nightmares, three times by people waltzing into his room to 'check' on him, and once by the damned tag on his wrist getting caught between the metal of the bed railings. Chances were he wouldn't be sleeping for the rest of the night.

Ron was glad for the thick socks and warm sweat pants because the tiles were icy cold to his hands. Dragging himself across the floor as quietly as he could Ron made it to the small bathroom attached to his room. Roughly closing the door shut he did his business as quickly as humanly possible while stilling every time the sound of someone walking down the halls echoed. All those involved to his case seemed determined to force him to be as dependent on them as possible. They heavily frowned down upon a patient who wanted to keep something so unheard of as 'privacy' and 'pride' in tacked.

Laying his wand down beside the small tub given to long term patients Ron wished he could perform a silencing charm for the room. The unfortunate truth was that he simply wasn't strong enough anymore to chance something like that. Turning on the facet Ron made sure not to make the water too warm. The pain potion that chilled him caused his body to go into shock if he took hot baths. He learned that the hard way after the dosage was raised. Stripping, Ron settled down into the water with great pleasure, both for the privacy and the feeling of washing the cold sweat off his body.

He dragged the cloth slowly over his front, enjoying the feel and allowing himself to relax a little bit. He never felt relaxed in the hospital. It was one giant stressor. There were people walking around all the time while he tried to sleep, coming in and out of the room, causing him to jerk awake constantly. Armed individuals while his magic barely worked. This was one of the main reasons he didn't want to live in the hospital. It was… frightening. He'd spent so long on the run from death eaters on high alert that he didn't know how to turn it off. Every tiny movement woke him up and no matter how many times he told himself that no one was after him he still laid alert for hours before falling back to sleep.

He wondered how Harry and Hermione were doing. All they'd been doing this past month was arguing back and forth. They hadn't told him how they were and he hadn't said anything to them. It left a giant hole inside of him, like a part of him had been hallowed out without any warning. He made the resolution to tell them everything going into the ritual operation, but waking to Kingsley had scared him more than he ever imagined.

He was suddenly aware of how disgusting he looked being so thin and sickly. He was suddenly hit by every little thing he needed help with and all the things he wouldn't be able to do in the future. The gap between how far Harry and Hermione were in their Auror training and how behind he was suddenly seemed impossibly big. The thought of forcing them to help him became unbearably clear and seemed so cruel. It didn't feel like he would be telling the truth. It felt like he would be whining like an attention seeking child.

'Woe is me! I'm sick so drop whatever you're doing and come help me!'

And it would be forcing them. He knew Harry and Hermione better than they did most of the time. They'd feel obligated to help him. They had this hero complex that made them think that every problem in the world was their personal problem. They would drop out of Auror training if it meant being there for him. They wouldn't understand that he didn't need their help. They wouldn't understand that he didn't want them to give up their dreams or put them on hold for him. All he needed was to be able to see them. All he wanted was to spend time with them. They were both too bloody caring for their own good though. They wouldn't simply leave it at that.

It wasn't just him suffering the nightmares, he knew, Harry's were even worse. They were dealing with the paranoia of post-traumatic stress disorder the same as him, but they were in England where there were still Death Eaters roaming free. They were in the middle of the propaganda and all the expectations that came with being war heroes. He'd read their letters about people dogging them and the letters from the whole family telling him about things Harry and Hermione wouldn't have wanted him to know.

So when the time came to tell the truth to his family, when Kingsley sat before him, he couldn't do it. He couldn't tell them what was happening or fix the things he wanted to fix. The moment he stepped over that line and told them all, there wouldn't be a way to take his words back, they would be out in the open.

What would happen if he told them?

He honestly wasn't sure. He was in Australia after all. Traveling to Australia by international port key was rather expensive. It wasn't something a normal person could do more than once every several months. There was a reason why his mum and dad only saw Charlie once every other year when he lived in Romania. There was a reason why no one had been able to visit him yet and why it took so much planning on Harry and Hermion's part when they set up the plans to see him. It was one of the reason's they'd been so angry and insistent with him.

Traveling such distances, even in the wizarding world, took time to book and more money than the average person. If any wizard could simply move from one part of the earth to the other then a hell of a lot more wizarding families would have left the moment the second war started. So what would Harry and Hermione do? He knew it would be drastic. He knew it would be dramatic and uncalled for. That was just how they were.

Ron sunk under the water, keeping his nose above to breathe, and just laid there for a while. The water was starting to get unpleasantly cold due to his own body chilling it. Merlin what he would give just to feel warm again. He almost wanted to experience the pain of living without the potion for a little bit just so he could feel some kind of heat inside of him. At this point though… Dr. Blake informed him that his body was in too bad a shape to stop taking the pain potion. It would be exactly like the time he'd fallen unconscious for two days and hadn't been able to take it. He'd woken up in agony, not able to move at all.

The sound of the bathroom door opening startled Ron into sitting up. A male healer was in the doorway staring down at him with a frown. Ron scowled at him, his ears turning bright red as he attempted to cover his private parts, but didn't bother saying anything. Convincing the man to allow him to get dressed without him there was about as worth wild as convincing Hermione that books weren't useful. Generally speaking they allowed him to take baths alone and get dressed, but since the emergency treatment he'd been on strict watch.

"If you wanted to take a bath you should have alerted someone Mr. Weasley." The healer informed him kindly.

Stupid healers.

Ron finished wrapping the towel around his waist while he searched for his clothes and ignored the man. The staff was very much aware of how much he hated being watched while he dressed. It was degrading and creepy. They could spout out however much mumbo jumbo they wanted about the dangers that came with him 'exerting' himself too much. It was still wrong.

Finding a clean hoodie and hospital attire Ron pulled them on while expertly avoiding exposing any of his parts for anyone to see. He'd been at this for three weeks after all. Well… to be fair he'd been unconscious for the first week. Two weeks was still quite a few attempts though. Gingerly putting his feet on the ground Ron tested if he'd be able to walk by himself even though he knew it was useless. It made him feel better to at least try before allowing someone to help him to the bed.

The male healer, he couldn't for the life of him remember the man's name, simply gave him an amused smirk. Ron scowled at him as his legs shook dangerously. Refusing to look at the man Ron held out one of his hands. The healer brought Ron's arm carefully over his shoulder and placed his other hand around Ron's waist pulling him up all the way. Ron was eight inches taller than the man, but was easily lifted and carried the short distance to the bed. Ron alternated between glaring at his feet, which were more sliding than walking for him, and sending the healer an irritated look. The man just smiled.

Stupid healers.

All those designated to his case not only knew he didn't like this kind of stuff, but thought it was hilarious. He'd heard them talking and snickering about him before. Even Pam, that traitor, had laughed at a few of their stories. Never would he suffer more of a humiliation than the time he'd been perved on by one of the older female nurses. Apparently he had a fine ass.

The healer set him down in the bed, but backed off of helping Ron put the covers over him when the red head gave him a dirty look. He would not allow a grown man to tuck him in. Ron ripped the blanket up and around him. Sending one last glare at the man before turning his back on him to lay down Ron sighed at the sound of retreating footsteps.

"Thanks." Ron groused out, voice still clearly annoyed.

The healer chuckled.

"You're welcome Mr. Weasley."

Stupid healers.


Stop showing Hermione letters I write to you Harry. Godric I might as well be addressing your letters to the whole bloody family. –Ron


Rose shouldn't have been out of bed. She shouldn't be walking and really shouldn't be away from her mother. She hadn't seen Ron in days though, not since her mother brought her to see him, but he'd been asleep. She told her mamma that it was easy to wake Ron up and that it just took him a few minutes to understand you afterwards. Her mother hadn't been happy at all to hear that though. She'd been rather angry to find out that she woke Ron up a lot. She tried explaining to her mama that Ron didn't mind, but she wouldn't hear it. So Rose had to sneak out while her mama had gone to pick up the baby from his daycare center.

She'd woken that morning with a deep wheezing breath that scared her mother. It felt as if she had stuff sloshing around in her lungs. The mediwitch that examined her hadn't been happy at all and her and her mama had talked in hushed voiced for a long time. That was something else she really hated. The fact that they wouldn't tell her what was going on. She was the one who was sick. She'd been sick since forever and she could deal with whatever it was that they had to say. They expected her to do what they wanted without telling her why she had to do it. It was annoying and it really hurt her feelings. She wasn't a thing that they could just push around whenever they wanted.

A nurse turned the corner. Rose ducked under a nearby medical trolley squeezing Mr. Frog tightly to her. Looking at it she smiled. Ron told her once that it wasn't right that they called it a trolley. Trolleys were supposed to carry goodies like candy and snacks. She remembered him imitating her nurse's voice, saying 'And here's your one hundredth potion for your digestive system. It may look like someone vomited in it, but let me assure you! It tastes marvelous.' She even remembered the one he was talking about. It didn't taste 'marvelous' at all. The taste was vile and so powerful it made you want to vomit. The only thing that kept it down was the knowledge that if they threw it up they'd just have to take another dose.

Rose entered Ron's room to find him carefully writing a letter on the bed. She placed Mr. Frog on the bed first before pulling herself up. The eighteen year old looked up at the sound and frowned.

"Rose you shouldn't have walked here. I would have come if you told your nurse you wanted to see me." He told her quietly.

She smiled through her wheezing and shook her head.

"I like… your room better." She told him.

"Then you should have asked to come here. Don't make excuses." Ron said sternly, but he patted the spot beside him anyways, moving so that she could sit beside him.

"Who… are you… writing?" Rose asked breathlessly.

"George, one of my brothers, I said some hurtful words and now I have to apologize." Ron explained.

"Why'd you say them?" Rose asked curiously, she'd seen Ron argue with Traux and Antea, but he never said anything mean.

"I was scared he was going to come down here. That's no excuse, but when you let your emotions rule you, you do stupid things. That's why I'm apologizing. It doesn't erase what I said, but I hope it will make it a little better for him." Ron told her gently.

"Do you think that me and my brother will get along?" Rose asked.

"Sometimes, but other times you probably won't like each other much. They'll always be there for you though, even when their being pigheaded. Siblings are sort of like… lifelong partners. You've got this contract with them, but instead of marriage where you promise to always be there and love each other romantically, you have one that says that no matter what they do or say they always have the right to be forgiven and loved. They always have you whether you like each other or not." Ron tried to explain.

"So we might… not like each other?" Rose asked, confused.

"Uh… well… I'm sure Ryan will love you. You each have your own personality though don't you? So I can't say for certain how well you'll get along, just that you'll love each other." Ron tried again.

"That makes… sense." Rose said with a nod.

Rose watched Ron finish writing his letter before tugging on his thick hoodie.

"Can you tell me a story? One about your big brother George?" Rose asked.

Ron thought for a long minute before nodding.

"Yeah… There was this time that all of us were playing hide and go seek…"

Rose leaned against Ron's shoulder as he told her about his big brother. His stories were always exciting. She loved listening to her da… to Ron talk.


George, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have dragged Fred into this. It was wrong. Drinking isn't gonna bring him back and you're just gonna feel awful when the buzz is off. I'm sorry and I know that saying sorry really isn't going to make it up to you. Everybody is probably telling you that Fred wouldn't want this, but… honestly I think we don't understand what the fuck Fred would want in this situation. Only you do. You know what Fred would want you to do. We each would want different things from the people we leave behind I think. If I died tomorrow… I would want you all to just forget me. Fred and you though… You'd want people to remember the good times you had with us right George? Fred always struck me as someone who'd want us to remember his cleverest tricks whether they were good or bad. He always got a kick out of that. You and him would want different things though right? You're different people. My point is that even though you know what Fred would want you to do doesn't mean you have to do it. You have to do what you think will best help you. Don't think about what Fred would want. Everybody wants you to be all better immediately, but that's not gonna happen. Their all just a bunch of optimistic buggers is what it is. It's probably not gonna be alright for a long time. It's probably gonna be really hard and you're going to want to give up because it's easier. It really would be easier, but none of us would have gotten anything in life if we took the easy way out, right George? The wars over and we're still fighting and it doesn't seem fair. It isn't fair. But one day we'll all make it and be all recovered and stuff and be able to… we'll be okay. –Ron


You're still a giant git. –George


Thanks Ron. George's still is having a few drinks, but he's not been drinking himself into a stupor. I don't' know what you said but… Thanks.

-Lee Jordan


The new prison designed for the detainment of prisoners after the disbandment of the dementors and partial destruction of Azkaban sat beneath a lake in Scotland. All besides the Minister of Magic himself, the Auror department, and the Order of the Phoenix were completely in the dark to its existence. There were rumors of course, there were always rumors, but its location was completely unknown.

Harry Potter walked the halls with an air of familiarity learned from weeks spent coming in and out with captured Death Eaters. An intimidating roar was heard throughout the building denoted to the dragons nest sitting just by the lake. Charlie Weasley was officially its new permanent caretaker. The design of the prison itself had been something Moody created during Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts; a precaution due to the suspicions that the dementors were on Voldemort's side.

The Wormtail imposter causing so much trouble for the Ministry had escaped another ambush. The man was hunting other Death Eater escapees and searching for information. What that information was and why he was taking the form of a dead Death Eater was still unknown. There was a Death Eater recently brought in though who'd been seen with the real Wormtail several times during Voldemort's second reign. Harry's job was to interrogate him for information.

For once Harry had read one of the books Hermione suggested; a book on how to question prisoners and what to look out for. He still didn't feel like he was the least bit prepared. Catch a criminal? He was quite talented in that. Interrogating them once they were caught was an entirely different ball game. The problem was that most of the talented individuals in England worked in Azkaban and were subsequently butchered during the raid which freed prisoners like Bellatrix and Lucius. Moody and Tonks, Harry was told, were also brilliant at interrogation. The Auror department had found itself in the peculiar position of having an entire section completely wiped out. Tracking, defense, guards, containment, reconnaissance, assault, the rescue division… no other section had been so thoroughly massacred.

Therefore people like Harry were shoved into rooms with prisoners and told to 'try their best' until people who fit the position better could be found. Opening up the large iron door to one of Death Eater's holding cell Harry scrunched up his nose in distaste as a smell hit his nose. It was a hulking beast of a man who sat crossed legged in the corner of the room. The smile he gave Harry displayed brilliant wide teeth and pure malleus. The man had been happily waiting for him.

"Heard I'd get you." The man said, good naturedly.

Harry grimaced. It was always a lot worse when they were in a good mood.

"I don't suppose you'd be willing to just tell me the answers to my questions then huh?" Harry asked tiredly. "I want to know everything you know about Wormtail."

"Ministry doesn't bargain. I have no plans to say anything to anyone if I don't get anything out of it. What's the point?" The man said with a shrug. "I already know I have more evidence against me then the Dark Lord had enemies. The moment I was caught there was no point."

"Why not just give us the answers then? You don't care about your fellow Death Eaters so why not turn them in?" Harry tried.

He had never questioned someone so… casual. It was extremely unnerving.

The man grinned at him toothily.

"I might as well make this fun for me eh? I got nothing better to do. Giving up my fellow Death Eaters would mean that you finish up cleaning faster and then I'll get no more visitors." The man announced amiably.

Harry shuddered. He really hated questioning the ones that clearly weren't there anymore. It was much better to question the angry ones that would let something slip. These ones though… they were just gone. They were far more sadistic and cunning than the others and therefore knew that nothing they did would get them out. This was not like the first time where people like Malfoy could get out if they sold out enough people. Kingsley wasn't letting a single one of them walk unless the person was proven innocent of all charges.

Harry looked down at the man's file; Ray Spinsor. Captured two weeks ago in France. This was the man who spent so much time with Wormtail. The man whom both he and Ron saw die by the hand Voldemort gave him for hesitating to kill him.

"If you don't give me anything I'll make sure you never see another soul again." Harry threatened. "I can't give you any bargains, but I sure as hell can make things worse."

Spinsor's grin only widened.

"I imagine so Potter, but not all of my chips have been taken either. I still have things that can make your own life much worse." The man said jovially.

"You have nothing." Harry said with a snort.

Spinsor tapped his head.

"I have things in here that would break you." Spinsor said quietly. "The way you walked into this room… the way you look at my file with no recognition. It gives me all the power in the world."

Harry closed the file, narrowing his eyes at the man, eyeing the magical chains that kept Spinsor from coming anywhere near him. The man just smiled.

"Is there a reason I should recognize you?" Harry questioned in disbelief.

Maybe he was one of the snatchers in black hoods that captured them and took them to Malfoy Manor. Perhaps he was one of the many countless faces he'd fought in the battles. He could even just be a delusional man who thought too much of his own name.

"You have no idea, do you?" He asked in glee.

"I'm rather tired of your games so unless you spit it out I'll leave you to rot where you belong." Harry told him irritably.

"Harry Potter, the boy who lived, attaching himself to a family of blood traitors like a lost puppy. Everyone in the wizarding world knows about how fond you are of that family. Especially the youngest ones, no?" Spinsor asked.

Harry stiffened. Spinning around and eyeing the man furiously Harry had to hold himself back from smashing his fist into the man's face.

"The little red headed girl you must of fucked by now? Your bestest friend in the whole world… what was his name? Ah… I remember. Ron." Spinsor went on, eyeing his fingernails.

Harry forced himself to relax. The man was just messing with him. Everyone knew about the Weasley's taking him in as if he was their son. Spinsor stopped looking at his nails, eyes bearing into his with fiery intensity. The large bear of a man held up his fingers to show an inch of space.

"During the quidditch world cup I was this close to her. Her neck was so pretty and… delicate. I was gonna snap it, but Dolohov grabbed me and said we had to go." Spinsor told Harry lazily.

Harry grit his teeth to the point they creaked.

"I'm going to make sure that you're placed in the deepest dungeon we have where you won't even get rats for company." Harry hissed.

Turning to leave Harry heard Spinsor say something that froze him to the core.

"Interesting scars Ron has aren't they? Nasty large one at the shoulder. Crisscrossing ones all over his arms and back."

Ron hated his scars. He went out of his way to make sure that no one outside of the family knew about them. In the final year at Hogwarts Ron had gone to ridiculous lengths to make sure Seamus and Dean never saw them. Only those who'd gone to the battle of the Department of Mysteries knew about them. And the scar caused by Hermione splinching Ron was something that only Order of the Phoenix members knew about.

Harry turned back the slightest bit, eyes blazing in hatred already. His mind felt like it was moving a hundred miles an hour as he tried to figure out how this man had seen Ron's scars or knew about them. If he knew about the shoulder scar it would mean that it had to have been after the Hocrux hunt… after Ron left for Auror Strategy training.

Harry suddenly felt sick. Had this man encountered Ron in Australia? Oh god. What if that explained why Ron suddenly didn't want him and Hermione to come visit him? What if that was why Ron suddenly started acting like such a prat and didn't want anything to do with any of them? Spinsor smiled knowingly at the horrified expression slowly making its way onto Harry's face.

"We had so much fun together." Spinsor said wistfully. "Listening to him scream as I ripped his nails off with clippers. Watching him wither in pain under the cruciatus."

Harry felt an animal like rage creep into his soul as he roared out a curse at the man before him. The man slammed against the wall behind him, chains pulling agonizingly with the force of the curse, before a loud crack sounded from the man's head hitting the floor. Realizing what he had done a half second too later Harry bent down to check the man's pulse. Steady. Spinsor had just been knocked out cold. He couldn't bring himself to feel regret though.

Kneeling on the floor Harry stared emptily off into space. Ron had been tortured. His best friend had been tortured and he had to learn it from the mouth of his tormentor. Ron had been distant and angry. Ron had been pushing him and Hermione away for months. Ron had been hold up working nonstop in a hospital and ignoring all the people that loved him… Something clicked. With a start Harry remembered what Spinsor said.

"Listening to him scream as I ripped his nails off with clippers."

Ripped off nails. Harry suddenly felt like the world had been twisted again.

"Imagine losing fingernails, Harry! That really puts our suffering into perspective, doesn't it?"

Ray Spinsor never stepped foot into Australia.

"They weren't the brightest. One of them was definitely part troll. The smell off of him…"

Ray Spinsor was one of the Snatchers that had gotten ahold of Ron. No… Spinsor was a Death Eater. Ron hadn't been caught by Snatchers at all. Ron had lied to them about what really happened. Ron hadn't gotten away with giving them a fake name. They had figured out who Ron was and had tortured him for information… or just tortured him. Looking down at the unconscious Death Eater Harry stood up and left the dungeon. He'd have to come back later. Hands shaking uncontrollably and legs feeling like jello Harry made it all the way up to the upmost level before vomiting in the bathroom.


Ronnie I know that things have been strained between you and the family lately, but I really want you home for Christmas this year. Bill and Charlie's birthdays are both coming up as well. I know you're busy, but they would both love to see you there. We all would.

- Your Mum


Mum… Maybe. It depends on what my shifts are. They're pretty short staffed, but I'll try to make it. –Ron