Chapter 12

"So, did you learn your lesson, Weasley?" Greengrass asked.

I snorted. One would think that the scene of four people visiting their friend-slash-ally in the hospital wing after surviving a troll attack would have been warm. I imagined it would also have gentle talks that had empathy, gifts, and easy smiles.

Not for Slytherins, apparently.

"Yes, m'lady," I replied cheekily. "Never bring you anywhere because you're bad luck."

Tracey laughed as Greengrass looked like she swallowed a lemon. I smiled with a certain smugness. It never got old to rile up Greengrass.

"The troll must have hit you harder than we thought," she replied stiffly. "If I recall, you were with Potter and Granger. And if I remember correctly, the last time you landed here was because you were idiotic enough to race Potter in a broom race."

"With school brooms," Zabini added helpfully.

Greengrass smirked. "So far, it shows that Potter is your bad luck charm."

I smiled. "Lady Greengrass, I have to insist that jealousy doesn't suit you. Should I proclaim my undying love for you before you let the whole Violet issue go?"

Her eyes twitched with annoyance. "You are lucky you're in that bed, Weasley."

"I completely understand," I teased. "It must have been, what, two days since you pinched anyone, right? You must do something about that addiction, m'lady. It doesn't suit your stature."

Tracey laughed loudly this time, while Zabini looked slightly amused. Millicent though, had a frown.

"You can always do it when he gets released," she suggested, much to my surprise and horror.

"Millicent!" I exclaimed.

Greengrass snorted. "And send him back here so he can do this again, safely?" she asked, ignoring my outburst. "No. However, it gives me an idea." She grinned.

"What are you planning?" I asked warily.

"Whenever I feel like it, I will hurt you," she replied simply.

"You already do that," I deadpanned.

"From now on, I will be by your side, even in classes or during meals," she continued. "Every time you do something stupid, I'll hurt you. You say something stupid, I will hurt you. You show anything less than impeccable manners—"

"—you'll hurt me," I finished for her, rolling my eyes. "Want me to invite you to the dorms as well, Greengrass, so you can pinch me if I snore too loudly?"

"Don't tempt me," she replied.

"Whatever m'lady feels best," I replied with a shake of my head. Tracey had laughed again, while Zabini was chuckling. Once again, Millicent looked dead serious.

"Are you okay, Millicent?" I asked, a little worried. I almost leaned back when she glared at me. I raised my hands in surrender. "Okay, in all seriousness, what's wrong?"

"You shouldn't have gone," she replied before looking down. "I shouldn't have let you go or stopped your brothers from going after you. It was my fault."

That killed the mood around us. Both Tracey and Zabini stopped smiling, while Greengrass grimaced. I looked at the big girl for a moment, before shaking my head.

"Don't be stupid," I bluntly said. That earned me quite a few looks from the others, but I ignored them in favor of Millicent. "It's not your fault."

"Agreed, Weasley," Greengrass replied. She looked at Millicent. "You know why you had to stop them. The professors just vanished after the Headmaster told us to return to our dorms. Without their help, we wouldn't have been able to inform them." She looked at me. "Besides, if there's anyone to blame, it's Weasley. His stupidity is the most likely contender why he keeps landing in the Hospital."

"Well, I had to make good on my promise to Tracey about getting her a troll this year."

Tracey smiled. "Prat."

"You are impossible, you know that?" Greengrass muttered as she shook her head. "You almost died. Again. How many accidents do you plan to take head-on?"

I looked at her. "I'm not entirely sure they were accidents to begin with."

Zabini blinked. "What are you talking about?"

For a moment, I debated telling my thoughts to them. I had almost nothing but gut-feelings, and everything that proved any sort of wrongdoing was circumstantial at best. However, I remembered that these four were my friends. If someone was targeting me, it was no leap in logic to think they would be vulnerable as well.

I couldn't let that happen. If I lost them either because they thought me crazy, or too dangerous to be around, I would take it.

"I think someone's trying to kill me," I said steadily. "The troll might have been the second attempt."

My four Slytherin friends blinked before looking at me. I was expecting some chuckling, derision, and doubt. However, I seemed to have underestimated them. Greengrass' eyes suddenly narrowed before looking at Zabini. He looked somewhat thoughtful before nodding. Millicent's frown took an even uglier aspect as Tracey bit her lip.

"Would it be correct to say that you believe our first flying lesson was the first attempt?" Zabini finally asked.

I nodded.

"What makes you say that, Weasley?" Greengrass asked, sounding a little serious. "It could have been an honest accident. Hogwarts brooms, after all, are badly maintained."

"Bad maintenance doesn't explain why the handle of my broom was cut more than halfway through," I replied. "A cut that mysteriously appeared as I was riding the broom."

Zabini's posture straightened up. "What happened during Samhain that had you thinking it was another attempt at your life?"

"Exit slammed on my face before I could leave," I explained. "I tried to do a few spells on it, and it reflected them back. The troll's cudgel had the same protection." I paused. "You're all actually taking me seriously."

Tracey sighed. "Professor Snape may have implied the same thing."

I raised an eyebrow at that. "Oh?"

"He didn't say it directly," Millicent replied. "Though he specified that we shouldn't travel alone anymore. That there had been too many accidents where Slytherin students were concerned."

"Very subtle of him," I droned.

"It was, actually," Greengrass said. "You've been sleeping for two days so you don't know what's been happening. Your fault, mostly."

"My fault?" I asked, amused. "Hope you don't make a habit of blaming me for everything, m'lady."

"Shut it, Weasley," she growled. "This is serious. Rumours have been spreading."

"Rumours always spread," I replied with a shrug.

"Yeah, well, you're not going to like it because it's been about you," Tracey said. "The other Houses have been talking about how Slytherin has been teaching advanced curses to First Years and that you're proof of it."

"Me?" I asked slowly. "And how did it come to that?"

Greengrass took a breath. "They investigated the bathroom, trying to figure out how the troll got in," she replied. "I think that's where Professor Snape got the idea that someone was trying to kill you."

"They probably found out about the protections on the door and cudgel," I assumed.

Zabini nodded. "They also found out that that someone's been throwing out something similar to Reductor Curses," he added before looking at me pointedly.

"How strange," I replied. For some reason, that had Zabini and Greengrass grinning. Millicent and Tracey looked more curious, though.

"Ron," Millicent began, "is it true you know how to cast a Reductor Curse?"

I blinked. I never expected a direct question, especially considering how I knew Slytherins acted. Part of me wondered if I was about to be accused of something. "Why would they say that? That's really an advanced curse, right? I mean, I read about it, but I don't think I can cast a Fifth Year spell."

Greengrass smiled. "Good. Stick to that story."

"It's not a story, Greengrass. You can't possibly believe—"

Zabini raised a hand to stop me. "Look, Weasley, we get it. We're just honestly curious. Is there any possibility you can cast that particular curse?"

They all seemed to be eager to know, and I looked around to make sure we were alone. Millicent and Tracey apparently understood what I was trying to do, and actually stood up and looked at blind corners.

"Clear," Tracey said.

I snorted. Slytherins. Fine, I could play that game too. "Well, one couldn't be blamed for reading in advance. And one couldn't be blamed to try and practice any spells they would find."

Apparently, that was enough for them as they all nodded. "Of course not," Zabini replied with a smirk.

"Is there an inquiry?" I asked.

"Officially, they ruled that you used accidental magic to kill the troll," Greengrass said. "Or at least, that's what Professor Snape declared when he gave his warning about not going out alone."

Tracey nodded. "Something about how we couldn't depend on accidental magic to save our lives."

Well, that was a weight off my back.

"Still, the rumors are persistent," Zabini added. "Apparently, when someone uses advanced potions, while somehow taking down a mountain troll with a spell similar to a Reductor Curse, and exhausting your magical core in the process, it doesn't take long before there are claims that we're being trained to the Dark Arts really early."

"I'm surprised you were able to say that straight without taking a breath," I commented. "I'm impressed, Zabini."

"Take this seriously, Weasley," Greengrass said.

"I am," I replied before sighing. "You'd think that they would take into account that I saved a student."

"Potter and your twin brothers actually pointed that out," Millicent replied. "However, they are Gryffindors."

"Which means?"

"That they don't know what they are saying," she continued. "That they are only defending you because you tricked them or because you are family."

"So they get sympathies, while they claim that we're all being trained to be the next dark lords and ladies?" I asked, somewhat amused.

"Welcome to Slytherin," Zabini replied with a small smile. "Anything bad associated with us turns ten times worse by the time the story spreads."

"It's not all bad, mind you," Tracey said. "It's really amusing to see the other Houses jump out of the way when you sneak up behind them."

I smiled. "Is the Unloved Second getting her taste for power?" I looked at Greengrass. "Watch out, m'lady. A bit more and our Second will try to overthrow you."

Before Greengrass could tell me where I could shove it, the heavy doors of the infirmary opened with a loud creak. Suddenly, everyone around me tried to change their expressions into neutrality. It was highly amusing to see. I didn't even bother, openly smirking at Greengrass.

"I'm sorry, what were you about to say?" I asked. Her eyes just narrowed in annoyance.

"Mr. Weasley," Madam Pomfrey called as she walked to my line of sight. When she saw my visitors, she took a stern stance. "What did I say earlier? No more than three visitors."

Before any one of them could reply, I said, "Madam, you'll have to excuse my friends. They have been so worried, especially Greengrass. She was so lost without my presence that she decided to risk your ire." In the corner of my eye, I could see the amused expressions on Millicent, Tracey, and Zabini. Greengrass' arms were shaking, though.

"Isn't that sweet?"

I blinked as I saw Pandora and Luna suddenly come to view. The rest of my friends just stared at me for a moment before turning to the new visitors, probably a bit curious as to who appeared. They were given their first glimpse of Luna Lovegood as she dashed towards the bed with a wide smile, practically launching herself at me.

"Ron!" she shouted as I was enveloped into a warm hug. "You're okay!"

"Pandora!" Madam Pomfrey declared, probably scandalized that her rules were being broken so blatantly.

"Come on, Poppy," Pandora replied with a small smile. "You've just said to us that he's only here to recover his magical energies. There's no harm in having more than three visitors, is there?"

As I hugged the excitable Luna back, I saw the jaws of Millicent, Tracey, Zabini, and Greengrass drop, while Pomfrey raised her hands in surrender as she moved out of view. Merlin, this was turning out to be a really amusing day.

"Hey, Luna," I said softly. "And yeah, I'm okay."

"I missed you," she said. "They said you were hurt!"

"Only a little," I assured, patting her back.

"From what I heard, it wasn't only a little," Pandora said with a worried smile. She looked at my friends and offered her hand. "Hello, little ones. I'm Pandora Lovegood."

Tracey stood up first, shaking the woman's hand. "Tracey Davis."

Zabini and the rest followed suit. When Greengrass introduced herself last, Pandora gave her a wide smile.

"It's nice to see Ron has some really good friends," she said. "Especially those that would risk Poppy's temper."

Greengrass smiled stiffly. "Of course. Weasley has been a… good friend."

Tracey stifled her chuckle, earning a look from Greengrass. Pandora didn't seem to care though, as she looked at Luna with a bit of exasperation.

"Luna, dear, why don't you introduce yourself to Ron's friends?" she asked.

Luna finally released me before looking warily and shyly at the rest of my Housemates. "Hello," she said. "I'm Luna Lovegood."

Tracey giggled. "Oh, aren't you cute? I'm Tracey Davis."

After another round of introduction, Pandora nodded in satisfaction before turning to me. "I hope you don't mind us visiting, Ron," she said.

I chuckled. "Of course not. I've been missing my Luna-Hugs." Luna replied by hugging me again, squeezing a bit harder. "How did you know I was in the infirmary, though?"

"Your dad let me know that you were here. Apparently, your twin brothers owled him that you were in the Hospital Wing for the second time."

"I thought the School sent the owls," I said.

"I asked Poppy about it, and she confirmed they did send two letters," Pandora replied. She frowned. "Somehow, your parents missed those."

"Odd," I replied softly.

"Yes it is," she replied. "Your father wishes you a speedy recovery, and wanted to apologize for not having time to visit."

"He's always busy," I said, nodding.

Pandora paused before her smile turned a little wintery. "Your mother is also preoccupied and couldn't find time to visit. I'm sure she sends her love as well."

"Of course," I replied neutrally. Shaking my head, I turned to Luna. "So, how do you like Hogwarts?"

"It's amazing!" Luna exclaimed as she finally let go. She began to move her arms as she continued, "I saw ghosts, the rows of armor, and also the Great Hall! It's huge like you said in your letters!"

I laughed. "Yes it is. When you get here next year, I'll see if I can show you everything I discovered so far."

Luna squealed adorably. "Promise?"

"Cross my heart," I replied.

"I'll do my best to get to Slytherin!" Luna exclaimed. Then, she paused. "How do you get into Slytherin, anyway?"

"That's for you to find out later, Luna," Pandora interjected. She gave me a wink. "After all, you don't want to spoil your Sorting now, do you?"

"But I want to go with Ron!"

"Now, now, Luna," I said, rubbing her back gently. "Even if you're in a different House, I'll still show you around."

"You're better off in Gryffindor, little one," Greengrass interjected, earning Luna's attention. "He's friendlier to them than he is to us."

"Don't listen to her, Luna," I replied with a roll of my eyes. "Lady Greengrass is a little jealous that I didn't fight a troll for her."

"As if, Weasley."

Luna though didn't listen to her reply as her eyes went wide. "Are you a real Lady?"

That brought Greengrass short. She looked at Luna for a moment, stumped. "What?" she asked.

"A real Lady of an Ancient House," Luna clarified.

Greengrass smiled. "I am the Heiress of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass, yes."

"So you're like a Princess?" Luna continued.

"No, Tracey's the princess," I replied. "She's so spoiled that she doesn't even like flying."

"Excuse me?" Tracey asked in an offended tone. "I do like flying!"

"Lady Greengrass," I continued as if I didn't hear her, "is the leader of our group. She's essentially our Queen. Drama Queen, that is."

Greengrass stiffened. "Once you're out of bed, Weasley, I'll show you drama queen."

"As you can see, she'll be doing her queenly duties and punishing those that disobey her," I finished, smiling as I hugged Luna a little closer. Out of her view, I stuck my tongue out to Greengrass.

"Out of that bed," she repeated.

Tracey still looked a bit put off, but Millicent and Zabini were smiling. I was glad to see them somewhat relaxing after the earlier solemness. Pandora was amused, judging by her own grin and her attempt to stifle a chuckle. Luna looked a little confused, but happy at my hug.

"Hey, Ron," another voice called from behind Pandora. The woman blinked, before turning sideways, revealing Violet and Hermione beside her. I glanced at my Housemates, like earlier, suddenly schooled their expressions, though they couldn't keep the suspicion out of their eyes. I also noted Violet and Hermione's expression.

Both of them went bug-eyed and slack-jawed as they saw me and Luna hugging it out in the bed.

"Hey Violet, Granger," I greeted.

"W-wha—?" Violet stammered while Hermione's face darkened.

Knowing I had to defuse her temper, I made the introduction. "Hey guys. Meet my friend, Luna Lovegood. Luna, that's Violet Potter and her best friend, Hermione Granger."

It was Luna's turn go wide-eyed. "The Potter-That-Lived?"

Violet, unlike Harry, didn't flinch at her title. However, what Luna said seemed to have finally untangled her thoughts as she smiled at Luna. "Yes. I'm Violet. You're Luna, right?"

Nodding, Luna could only mumble, "Wow." She looked at Pandora. "Mom! It's Violet Potter!"

"Mom?" Hermione asked, shocked, turning towards the adult present in our group. "Wha—? Ho—"

"Hermione," Violet interrupted sharply. "Don't be rude." She turned to the woman and offered her hand. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Lovegood. I'm Violet, and this gobsmacked girl is Hermione."

"Hello," Hermione greeted in a distracted manner.

"Nice to meet you both," Pandora replied, shaking both their hands. She turned to me with a smile in her eyes. For some reason, I felt that she was about to tease me about something.

"So," I suddenly declared, garnering everyone's attention to me as I looked at Violet. "Is this your way of making up for not visiting me here last time?"

Violet smiled. "Maybe. I also wanted to bring Hermione here because she wanted to say something."

"Oh?" I asked, looking at Hermione. She looked stiff and stilted, making me wonder how Violet even got her to come.

"Yes," she began. Then, she went silent until Violet sighed and elbowed her. Hermione gave her a glare. "Weasley… I wanted to apologize for not treating you fairly."

Wow. That must have taken a lot for her. Part of me wondered if I should poke at her a bit, but shook my head inwardly. "I accept your apology," I replied instead.

After another uncomfortable moment of silence, Violet asked, "And?"

This time, I could see Hermione grit her teeth. "I also wanted to… thank you for helping Violet rescue me from the troll." I was about to reply, when her eyes hardened. "However, that doesn't mean we're friends."

With a hard turn, Hermione walked out. Violet sighed before turning to Greengrass. "Was that enough?" she asked.

"As long as she will treat him civilly," Greengrass replied.

"Don't worry, she will," Violet said with a nod. "Excuse me, it seems I have a best friend to cheer up."

"Violet," I called.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks," I replied. "I don't know what that cost her, but… yeah."

Violet blinked before chuckling. "Yeah, well, in exchange for swallowing her pride, Hermione ordered me to kick Slytherin team's—uh," she looked at Luna, "bottoms in Quidditch." She smirked at Greengrass. "I hope you aren't a big supporter, Greengrass."

Said girl didn't bother to reply, and Violet didn't seem to expect any as she just waved goodbye and disappeared from view. After a moment, it seemed my Slytherin friends breathed a little easier. Pandora looked highly amused at the whole exchange, smile never leaving her face.

"You have a really interesting collection of friends, Ron," she said.

"Life would be boring otherwise," I replied with a shake of my head. "So, Luna, want to know more of what I found so far?"

She just nodded and I began to regale her of a few secret passageways that I 'discovered'. Zabini and Tracey took interest, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were taking notes. Millicent just seemed content, while Greengrass watched us with an odd expression.