He could feel the bile rising from his stomach as the deafening cheers from the crowd rang his ears. His hands shook uncontrollably and so he gripped on the broom handle tightly to lessen his nerves. Seeing Madam Hooch motioning them to come down, all players from both teams descended and landed safely on the pitch.
As Ron got down, both Fred and George came forward, their angry faces still evident. Fred grabbed Ron with his robes and demanded, "What are you playing at, Ron?"
"Quidditch if you haven't realised," retorted the youngest Weasley son, unable to hold his tongue and grabbing Fred's wrist.
"Don't go talking to me like that, you –"
George held his twin back, but he was still as unamused as Fred. "Stop it." He faced Ron and said, "Why? Did they force you on this?" he gestured roughly to the other Sltherin members who were seen smirking.
"They didn't force me, George."
"Then why the bloody hell are you on their team?!" spat out Fred. George gave him a warning look. It was clear that despite being twins, there were distinct differences between the two; Fred being more impulsive and hot-headed, while George the more cautious and rational.
"Because I wanted to play Quidditch, that's why!" said Ron angrily, shutting his older brother up. "Because I wanted to, even just once. This is why I couldn't tell you two or Ginny because I knew you'd go ballistic!" breathing heavily, he continued, "It's not like I'm betraying you -"
"It feels like it," grounded out Fred. George didn't say a word.
His words stung but Ron forcibly let it slide. "If you're going to talk to me like shite just because I'm playing for my House's team, I don't think there's anything else I can say to either one of you." He said coldly. "And I'm not going to let your team score just because I support you. You'd better win because you did it on your own terms."
Madam Hooch approached them just on time and asked briskly, "No problem, I assume?"
"Nothing from me." Ron said shortly before turning away and walking off, standing with the Slytherin team but not close.
"Great job riling your brothers, Weasley –" lauded Warrington but Ron cut him across.
"I didn't do it for you or for anyone," snarled Ron. "I only agreed because I wanted to play. I'm here only for myself."
Draco opened his mouth to say in retaliation but Montague threw a warning glare at him. It was part of the agreement should Ron agree that he wouldn't have to deal with Draco Malfoy and his goons. "Just focus on the gameplay. I will not stand for bullshit tripe from any of you, even you Weasley." He said forcefully.
"Captains, handshake first!" called out Madam Hooch.
Montague and Gryffindor's Angelina Johnson stepped forward and moved their hands to proceed. It looked as if both were trying to break each other's fingers.
Once done, both teams kicked off from the ground and positioned themselves as the crowd returned to its noisy and euphoric state. From below, Madam Hooch held the Quaffle firmly and eyed on all players sharply. Adrian Pucey and Katie Bell were at the center, eyeing on ball while watching each other warily.
"On my whistle – three – two – one -" as she blew the whistle, the Quaffle was thrown into the air and both Pucey and Bell rushed to catch it.
"And the game has begun!" stated Lee Jordan from his seat. "Bell has gotten the Quaffle – atta girl – and passed to Johnson – he and Fred Weasley went to the ball together last year – sorry, sorry Professor – and the three with Spinnet are going the other side to score!"
Both Crabbe and Goyle were hovering on their brooms, wielding their bats menacingly. Speeding just behind the three Gryffindor Chasers were the Weasley twins. A Bludger came zooming in and Fred, his raged face showing, hit it with a force, aiming it at Ron.
"Oi your bleeding trolls, hit it back!" commanded the redhead Slytherin as he anticipated it, his anger to his older brother building up.
Draco scowled at him but Montague shouted, "Do as he says! Stop acting like a pair of statues! Get it going!"
Goyle did as he was told and swung his bat at the incoming menace. The Bludger was aimed instead at Johnson who had no choice but to get out of the way, effectively disrupting their formation. And then Warrington swooped in the grabbed the Quaffle from Bell's hold. The Slytherins from the stands were cheering in frenzy.
"Goyle's aiming – most likely a lucky hit – stopped the Gryffindor team from getting their first point –" announced Lee Jordan in grimace. "Warrington passed the Quaffle to Pucey passing to Montague – and back to Warrington – come on Gryffindor team!"
Ron watched the events from his spot, his mind whirring. Then, he sped over to the other side. Draco saw him and flew over him, sneering. "What the bloody hell are you doing, Weaslel? Get back to your spot!"
"Shut it, Ferret! They won't be able to score!" he snarled. "They need to distract McLaggen and the twins!"
Draco opened his mouth to retort but seeing as it was becoming clear they won't be able to score as well, he gritted out, "I'll do something about it. You get back or Montague will have your head!" Ron didn't understand what the Malfoy heir was going to do until he saw him lording over Crabbe and Goyle and began to speed up in the air.
"And Malfoy is now on the move! Did he see the Snitch?" exclaimed Jordan, while some of the students watching from the stands gasped. The Gryffindors were shouting indignantly while the Slytherin spectators began to cheer. Harry was seen tailing on Draco and without the others' notice, Crabbe and Goyle flew on the side of their Chasers, ready against any retaliation. From above, Draco took a dive, swerving and narrowly avoided the Bludger supposed to hit him.
"McLaggen! Above you!" hollered Johnson.
"No, he's bluffing!" said George loudly from a few feet away.
McLaggen's eyes fleeted from the incoming Chasers and Draco diving at his direction. "Deflect him, you two!" he said angrily at the twins. However, Draco didn't seem to slow down even as he dodged another Bludger at him. As Montague was fast approaching with the Quaffle in his hand, the blonde Slytherin Seeker was coming close. McLaggen forced to move on the side to avoid getting crashed, and speed up to attempt blocking the incoming Quaffle to pass through the middle hoop. But it didn't happen as Pucey grabbed the large red ball and shot it on the right-side hoop.
The Slytherins stood up and let out a deafening roar. "And Pucey scored! Ten-nil, tough luck on you Gryffindor team."
Warrington and Montague were seen clapping on Pucey's back, as well as to Draco who was smirking. Ron rolled his eyes at the sight. He glanced over to the Gryffindor team who didn't look happy at how it turned out; Fred and George were glaring at McLaggen who was mouthing off at something before Johnson shot him a silenced glare.
"We need to score at least forty more before we get the Snitch." said Montague to all. "That means you," he emphasized the last word as he look over at Ron, "need to block their chances on the score. At least a fifty score gap. If we let them feel the pressure too early, they'll be looking for the Snitch sooner than expected."
Draco scowled at this. Everyone knew Harry Potter was the greatest Seeker in their age. "I can get the Snitch before he can even realise it's there." He said bitingly.
Upon hearing the whistle, everyone got back to their positions.
"McLaggen tossed the Quaffle to Johnson – to Spinnet – back to Johnson – then Bell – what an amazing formation – Weasley aiming a Bludger at Warrington, and Crabbe returned it – Bludger's about to hit Spinnet – good block from Weasley – I think it's Fred –" informed Jordan to everyone present. "And it looks like Potter has seen the Snitch!"
"It's a fluke, Malfoy, but do make it look like you fell for it!" yelled Ron at the blonde Seeker.
"You don't tell me what to do, Weaselbee!" snarled Draco but sped after Harry.
Ron set his focus at the incoming opposing team's Chasers, flanked with their Beaters. Who's going to shoot? Which they're going to aim? He decided to watch their hand movements instead of their expressions, expecting feints. Johnson seemed to look ahead at the middle hoop but her hands moved to pass the Quaffle to Bell whose eyes fleeted from the middle to the left-side hoop while Spinnet watched left and right as the three moved around in perfect synchronisation. They're good, thought Ron. But, they're not good enough.
Ron pretended to move up the middle hoop and the moment he saw Spinnet tossing the Quaffle to Bell to aim the left-side hoop, he swooped in and intercepted the ball. This garnered more cheers from the Slytherin crowd and groans from the Gryffindor side.
Without wasting anymore time, he threw the ball in the air. "Go get it!" he shouted.
Pucey pursued it with the Gryffindor Chasers tailing him behind, however both Montague and Warrington blocked their path with Crabbe batting a Bludger in their wake, delaying them. "Pucey caught the Quaffle after Weasley tossed it in the air – and they're going to try and shoot – stop them guys!" said Jordan in a panicked tone. Professor McGonagall didn't seem to reprimand him with his side-comments as she was also engrossed in the match.
With Pucey holding the Quaffle, he and the others were flying toward the Gryffindor posts. McLaggen looked furious. Draco stopped tailing Harry and tried to go back to his team but Harry decidedly blocked him to stop him from interfering.
"Aim the Keeper!" ordered Montague at the Slytherin Beaters who grunted in response.
"Get your act together, Weasley!" said McLaggen angrily.
"Shut it, you! We're already doing our jobs!" growled Fred at him. A Bludger zoomed in and he hit it with the strongest we could muster, targeting Montague who was supposedly to receive the Quaffle. The Quaffle was dropped, and all of the Chasers from both teams dived to retrieve it.
"And all are going down for the Quaffle – blimey, Potter took it!" yelped Jorden.
Harry was seen holding the Quaffle and he threw it at Spinnet's direction. She caught it before Warrington could even reach for it and flew halfway across the pitch. "And Spinnet is flying fast to the other side – is she going to shoot – no, she passed it to Johnson -"
Ron was all alone with no one to help him. It was his moment. His eyes glanced at the two and his instincts were telling him to watch out to his right-side. He saw Johnson making an aim, and on that moment from the corner of his eye, saw Fred Weasley hitting a Bludger at him.
He didn't think twice. Ron went to block the Quaffle from passing through the hoop, and the Bludger came in contact, hitting him squarely on his left shoulder. He let out a roar of pain but forced himself to ignore it as he managed to grab the Quaffle with his right hand. He didn't manage to see Fred's face turning white from shock.
A whistle blew across the stadium and Madam Hooch flew beside Ron's side. "Penalty to Gryffindor! Sytherin will get a Penalty throw!" she announced upon inspecting Ron's wound. "Your shoulder blade seems to be fractured. Can you still play?"
Ron grunted. "Can still play. Madam Pomfrey can mend this in a second, right?"
"That, she can." She assisted him down on the pitch where a miffed Madam Pomfrey stood. As Jordan announced the foul created by the Gryffindor team, the Slytherin team flew down and approached them.
"You're mad to take on that Bludger." said Montague at Ron.
"Is that supposed to be compliment?" said the redhead Slytherin sarcastically before wincing as the school Healer mended his bones. "Thank you, ma'am." He flexed his shoulder, feeling his bones. It was still sore but it was something he could manage.
"Do be careful, Mr. Weasley." Said Madam Pomfrey wearily.
"Come on, we're still leading. We can't be careless now." barked Pucey.
Ron rooled his eyes but followed them. Before he could take off, he saw George approaching him. "Ron, are you alright?" he asked, concerned.
Ron glanced over to Fred whose back was facing him. His blood boiled. Did he really want me injured? "I'm fine," he replied rigidly.
George saw him looking over his twin and grimaced. "Don't think he did it on purpose – he thought you'll duck –" sighing, he placed a hand on the younger Weasley, and said, "Fred – he feels betrayed but don't let it get it to you. He'll realise how stupid this is."
"And you're not angry?"
He gave a grim smile. "Just like Fred, I'm hurt with this," Ron flinched at this, "but you have your reasons and you have always supported us since the beginning. And besides, after the end of this, it's still a game. What doesn't change is that we're family." Clapping him on the back lightly, he said, "Be more careful, Ronniekinns."
Ron snorted. "As if I don't know that." He flew into the air and stationed in his spot, looking more determined than before.
The whistle blew once again. Montague was the one for the Penalty throw. He flew fast, straight and fast. He swerved hard on the right, his right hand about to throw the Quaffle. McLaggen did so as well, blocking the path with his hands outstretched, however the Slytherin Chaser smirked and tossed the Quaffle in the air before chasing it up and batting it through the middle hoop with the tail of the broom.
It went through and the Slytherin crowd cheered.
The Gryffindor team didn't look happy at all. McLaggen was seen scowling and muttering that caused the others to glare at him.
"Resuming the match, with twenty-nil to Slytherin, McLaggen passed the Quaffle to Bell – she's going up in the air – spectacular maneuvering to avoid the Bludger from Goyle – and now she's diving! Johnson and Bell are coming to her – they look like they're gonna crash – nope! They're synchronised once again with Spinnet holding the Quaffle now! Weasley aiming a Bludger at Pucey – duck it Ange – she has the Quaffle – Warrington and Montague blocking and getting the Quaffle – it's now passed to Bell again! Are they going to make a score this time?" dictated Lee to the audience.
Ron watched their movements, his eyes narrowed as the scuffle got closer. "Oy Crabbe, take out Spinnet before she could get the Quaffle!" he ordered the other Beater.
Crabbe flew approaching the Bludger but George got there first and hit it, targeting Warrington.
Warrington dodged the Bludger flung at him on time, but this gave an opening to Johnson, ducking another Bludger courtesy of Goyle and closing the gap between her and Ron.
"Shite!" cursed Ron under his breath, his senses on high alert. On each other side, Bell and Spinnet soon followed. Left, right or middle? He thought.
Then, Johnson passed the Quaffle to Spinnet as she made a cross to the left side, with Spinnet flying to the right side. Ron reacted by moving to the right but his eyes widened as he realised his own mistake: Johnson never did pass the Quaffle to Spinnet. She tossed it in the air, making it seem she was passing and with the two switching places, it gave that illusion.
The Gryffindors, even those from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, drew an enormous cheer. "And they finally scored! By no other than Angelina Johnson, everybody! Excellent feint with Alicia Spinnet – wonderful, indeed –" came Lee Jordan's announcement.
"I can't believe you fell for that trick, Weasel." sneered Draco.
Ron flipped him the finger in response. "You try guarding the posts and decide which one they'll shoot. If not, shut it." He got the Quaffle back and upon hearing the whistle, he threw the ball up into the air with all his might.
The match continued. Slytherin managed to score twenty more points, done by Pucey and Montague, and the Gryffindor team managed to score another point. Both Harry and Draco were feinting against each other, all the while causing distractions to the other teams. "One more score then you, Malfoy, start looking for the Snitch before Potter does." said Montague with a tone that sounded like 'If you fail again, something bad will happen to you.'
Draco nodded tersely. He'd had better start looking for the Snitch more seriously without giving away to Harry.
"Slytherin is still in the lead by twenty points – my house shouldn't even be having this hard time against them – sorry, sorry, Professor – Warrington and Pucey are pushing forward – looking quite aggressive now – Bell grabbed the Quaffle from Pucey, but Montague got it back – it's now with Warrington –" relayed Jordan. "Weasley aimed a Bludger at him – good one Fred, er is it George? And the Quaffle's got caught by Malfoy – git – and back to Montague..."
Ron watched the skirmish from his post, although slightly farther so he could see better. It was hard to tell who would win in this match. He didn't manage to place bets since he was dragged into this mess (which he didn't mind much). Then something caught his eye.
The Quaffle was in the air, going to his direction. The Chasers from either team were chasing it now but considering the distance, he had a better chance catching it.
He took the chance.
"- Weasley returned the Bludger Crabbe sent to Johnson – Bell is going for the Quaffle but Warrington blocked her way, bugger – wait, Keeper Weasley is also going after the Quaffle! Risky move!" cried Jordan to the megaphone. "Who's going to get it first?"
Ron leaned forward and sped up, his eyes glued onto the now-falling Quaffle. He was closer his right hand outstretched, but an incoming Bludger was making its way towards him and Spinnet who was coming closer. He narrowly dodged but doing so caused him to nearly fall over his broom and clung on the handle with both his hands. But he wasn't giving up just yet.
He swung his right leg forward, kicking the Quaffle before Spinnet could even take hold.
"And the Quaffle is flying through the other side – kicked by Keeper Weasley, another Bludger aimed at Johnson for attempting to chase it – and McLaggen's looking prepared – he's reaching for it...and it went through. Blimey, the Quaffle went in! This never happened before at Hogwarts!"
Amidst the cheers, from the rightmost end corner of the pitch, two players took a steep dive. As the crowd began to take notice of them, the cheers and the excitement grew.
"Both Potter and Malfoy are pitted against each other! Which one will get the Snitch?" bellowed Lee Jordan.
Draco gritted his teeth, his eyes furiously set on the fleeing Snitch. Beside him was Harry and he was gaining the upper hand due to his Firebolt. I can't lose to Potter! Not this time! He leaned forward, gaining more speed downward and the two were on even footing once again.
It was dangerous as the gap to the ground narrowed to less than twenty feet. Ten feet before getting crashed, the Snitch took a stiff turn and zoomed away to East. Draco steered his broom hard, stopping momentarily before shooting up. Harry, naturally talented on a broom, did a Wronski Feint variant and avoided getting crashed. Draco scanned the area until he saw a faint glint near the Ravenclaw stands.
At the same time, Harry charged. The Malfoy heir swore and chased after him and the Snitch. "And the chase continues! Both Potter and Malfoy are neck to neck, neither are budging! Goyle swung a Bludger but Weasley deflected it! This is intense, ladies and gents!"
Montague was seen scowling at the sight and barked at Warrington and Pucey, "We have to keep scoring so even if Potter gets the Snitch, we'll still win!" He shot a hard glare at Crabbe and Goyle and said, "You keep hitting those Bludgers at the Chasers and Potter if you get the chance!"
As the others moved in, Ron stayed in front of the goal posts, observing everyone. He decided to be more assertive whenever the other team gets too close, but otherwise managed to do his job at being Keeper. Slytherin got forty more points while Gryffindor managed to gain a total of forty points after twenty minutes. Both Draco and Harry were still relentless in search of the golden Snitch. When Pucey scored another goal to a total of hundred points, Harry broke free from Draco and began to take speed. The screams and cheers coming from the stands.
"Potter is gaining the lead – amazing broom he has and of course his skills – Both Crabbe and Goyle did a Dopplebeater Defence! Bell dropped the Quaffle because of it – Warrington caught it, blast – Come on McLaggen, block it you bugger! Sorry again, Professor – er, right, another ten points to Slytherin..."
Another ten minutes and Slytherin garnered overall hundred-forty points. Both Fred and George were looking murderous at the Slytherin Chasers and McLaggen. As for the Seekers, they are still trying to shake each other off whenever one of them had seen the Snitch.
A whistle blew out of nowhere.
"Time-out for Gryffindor!"
Harry stopped abruptly and headed back down with the rest. "...still in the lead once Harry catches it," Fred said to everyone.
"Well, we hope he catches it or we'll be dumped with the number of goals they got from us." said Angelina as she shot a glare at their Keeper.
"Hey, don't you pin the blame on me! If all of you are doing your jobs better, then we'd be in the lead!" said McLaggen angrily, pointing all of them in a demeaning posture. "If I were captain, this –"
"If you don't stop talking, I'll show you exactly how we do our jobs." said George in a steely tone, showcasing his Beater bat at him.
"Would've been nicer if your brother's sorted in Gryffindor, then he'd be Keeper instead." Sighed Alicia, gesturing toward the redhead Slytherin with the other team.
Fred set his jaw and decided to keep quiet while George grimaced. McLaggen, however, snorted. "Him? He's not even that good. I doubt he could outmatched me." He sneered.
"And he managed to score a goal against you earlier, mind you." shot back Katie. "Dangling, in case you forgot."
"Stop, all of you," said Angelina sharply. "Harry, you'll just have to catch the Snitch faster than Malfoy. I know you can do it. Katie, Alicia, we'll have to confuse the younger brother in order to score more points. Twins, don't hold back. And you," she faced McLaggen with a scowl, "Do block the Quaffle, will you? Let's go."
And the match resumed. The Gryffindor team became more aggressive, and managed to score thirty more points, with Fred and George targeting the Slytherin Chasers with every chance they get.
Montague and the others were furious. Draco was doing his darnest to find and catch the Snitch but Harry was giving him a hard time. The moment Montague got a goal for their hundred-fifty score, Draco finally spotted it. He took a steep turn and flew over to the other side of the pitch, even disrupting the formation of the Gryffindor Chasers.
"Malfoy stopped tracking Potter and ruined the formation of Gryffindor Chasers! Where is he heading to – is that the Snitch?" inquired Lee Jordan.
Harry stopped and his eyes widened at the realisation, steering his Firebolt toward Draco's direction. As Harry closed in, Draco scowled. The Snitch was in sight, reachable by a feet. "You won't be able to catch it, Malfoy." Said Harry, flying beside.
"Saint Potter thinks he's going to redeem his team by catching this the Snitch? Dream on." Sneered Draco. As they were about to pass by the Hufflepuff stands, he said, "Glad to see Bones getting cosy with McMillian. Shame for you, Pothead."
Harry didn't look it bothered him but a moment later, he took a quick glimpse. Draco smirked in triumph and sped up before leaping to grab the golden ball. Falling from the broom, Warrington dived to catch him. "Malfoy jumped from his broom but did he get it?" Jordan's voice came asking what everyone was thinking.
Draco raised his right fist, showing everyone the Snitch which was struggling to escape.
The Slytherins from the stands were the loudest, cheering and chanting as some were casting green sparks like fireworks. "And by some miraculous chance, caught the Snitch before Potter could." announced Jordan with a distinct disappointed tone. "Slytherin won with a total of three-hundred points, against Gryffindor with only seventy points. Better luck next time, guys."
"Party at the common room!" hollered Montague at the Slytherin crowd.
Ron descended to the pitch, and let out a sigh. Before he could go straight to the locker room to change, he saw Ginny sprinting toward him and slapped him across the face.
"How could you do this to Fred and George?" demanded Ginny, tears welling up in her angry eyes. Ron didn't speak, feeling the sting from his left cheek. "This wasn't like you to go behind our,backs and betray us like this!"
The word 'betrayal' struck him like a cord and glared at her. "I didn't betray you –" he said angrily.
"It looks like it from where I'm sitting earlier!" she retorted. Luna arrived and her usual dreamy demeanor seemingly vanished as she witnessed the scene.
"Don't talk like you know everything! What I do is none of your business! I decided to join because I wanted to! Did you see me complaining when you tried out for Gryffindor? No, because I supported you! You and the twins!" sooner after, Fred and George were approaching them.
"This is different! Don't change the subject, Ron!"
"How is this different? Because I'm a Slytherin, is that it? Because I'm not allowed to play Quidditch? Because anything I do will be against you or everyone in the family? That what? I'm an enemy?" Ron had struggled to keep his feelings in control and all of the doubt, his kept thoughts were now pouring out.
"Ron –" George tried to placate him but failed.
"And you!" he rounded on Fred, his face masked in anger. "You really wanted to hurt me back then! I saw your face the whole time!"
"I didn't mean to!" said Fred defensively.
"Stop lying, you're all thinking the same! You don't trust me at all! Just because of –"
"What were we supposed to think anyway?" shouted Fred. "You weren't telling us anything! You're hiding a lot from us!"
"Fred!" George gave him a hard look. "Stop it, all of you –"
"Am I supposed to report to you on every single thing I do? All this time, is this what you're thinking about me?" He looked at all three of them. "A traitor waiting to be revealed just so to prove yourselves right?" he turned away.
"Where are you going?"
"Away from you lot."
Ginny opened her mouth but Luna held her back and shook her head. "You hurt him. Your words."
"What he did hurts us too!" she reasoned stubbornly.
"But all of you have given light to his fears." She said with a sad smile. "That is most painful." Looking at Ron's retreating back, she continued, "Just give each other some space. I'm sure deep down, you wanted this all left behind."
It had been three weeks since the Quidditch match which Slytherin won. Ron did all he can to avoid his siblings, adamant to even see an either of them as their words hurt him more than he imagined. Throughout those weeks, he focused on his schoolwork and his Occlumency training which he found rather useful to calm himself. On other times, he visited Damon. He really wished his familiar could stay inside the castle instead.
Both Daphne and Theodore were wise not to bother him and let him be on his own devices. And with that gesture, he was grateful. Until it ended by those two.
On the last Monday of November, Ron found himself cornered by both Theodore and Daphne. "Alright, we've given you more than enough space to sulk." stated Daphne with her hands on her hips. Theodore looked mildly amused. "Pull your act together."
He scowled at her. "Give me a break, Gree –"
"Three weeks which you already have. That's a long break." She said pointedly. "And it's Daphne." Then she pinched his arm.
Ron yelped. "Stop it, will you? Bloody hell, you're worse than Mum sometimes." He grumbled, massaging the spot where he was pinched. "What do you two want?"
"It's almost three months since we last gathered any information," began Theodore. "Especially your visions."
"I know." He nodded. "OWLs have occupied our time and I haven't had much time snooping around. Also with the Occlumency training." He wasn't complaining about having training with Dumbledore as your mentor. "I'll get something soon."
Daphne inclined a nod. "I suppose." Glancing at him, she asked, "Have you been reading the Daily Prophet?"
The question surprised him. "No. Was there something interesting in it?"
"There was a small article about an attempt break-in to a 'highly-guarded' Ministry room, as they described." She told him with a tone which clearly indicated she believed it was highly secured.
"Who attempted to get in?"
"Sturgis Podmore." It was Theodore who answered this time. "I know he was a Gryffindor before he graduated. So we can safely assume he's under Dumbledore's orders."
Ron frowned at this. "Why would Dumbledore order Podmore to get in to a room? It doesn't make sense." Looking around, he said lowly, "Let's go somewhere. We look suspicious all huddled here."
"Indeed, Mr. Weasley." An all-too familiar silky voice spoke from their behind. They turned around and saw Snape in his billowing black robes, still as menacing as ever. "Some might think you three...are up to something." He finished with his obsidian eyes boring on them.
Ron felt a faint prod in his mind and became more alert. "We're not planning on something, sir." He said neutrally, building his Occlumency shields up.
"...very well," he said silkily, giving the three students a calculating look. "I suggest you return to the common room and finish your homework there. I expect all three of you to still perform at your best." Without another word, he left with his robes billowing reminiscent of a huge bat.
"Let's head back," said Ron as the three of them went downstairs toward the dungeons. As they passed by the Entrance Hall, he saw the twins chatting merrily with Lee Jordan. The two older brothers saw but and before either one could say anything, Ron was out of sight.
Daphne gave him a look but didn't dare to say anything about his actions. "Have you finished your workload?" she asked instead, her question directed to both boys. Their earlier discussion was somehow forgotten.
"I still have Arithmancy and Transfiguration left. Weasley?" answered Theodore shortly.
"Muggle Studies and the one in Astronomy. Nearly done with Ancient Runes, though." responded Ron, glad she and Theodore didn't mention anything about the tension he had with his siblings. "Pureblood." He said irritably and the stone wall opened up for them. Five years at Slytherin and he still hated their choice of passwords.
All three went to their dormitories to grab their books, parchment, quill and inkpot and huddled together in one corner of the common room. The only good thing that happened after the Quidditch match was that the snide remarks from the other Slytherins (particularly the older students) lessened considerably before of his performance. Still, it didn't stop Draco and his stalwart cronies from what they're used to. Other than that, it was a nice change.
Ron pulled out his Ancient Runes homework to finish it up, adding some sentences and then scratching off some words. After a couple of minutes, he was satisfied with his output. Holding his wand, he pointed at his homework and said, "Erado Erraum." The scratched out words vanished. "Constituo Sententiam." The spaces which the errors used to occupy were now filled as the sentences moved to make everything neater. He was glad to have learned the two spells as it made everything easier for and less costly.
The three didn't speak much as they were too focused on their own work. Ron felt the boredom crawling up so he took a break and looked around. Everyone present in the common had their own business to attend to, but he saw Pansy with Millicent, shooting glares at someone who was in fact Daphne as her back was facing towards them.
He frowned. Before he could open his mouth, Daphne said suddenly, "What is it, Ronald?" Her eyes were glued on the Muggle Studies book she was currently reading.
"Er," he began. "Are you having some kind of feud against Parkinson?"
She looked up and gave a soft sigh. "It's been like that since last December." She told him.
"December?"
Daphne nodded. "She's accusing me for fraternizing with the enemy of Drakey." She said, mimicking Pansy's tone with a faint mockery.
Ron stared her. Was it Potter? But he didn't see her talking to the Boy-Who-Lived at least once. Then, it struck him. "You mean me?"
"No, I meant Potter." She scoffed. "Of course it's you."
"Oh." He noted. "So-"
"Don't even apologise, Ronald." She interrupted him. "If anything, I don't have to pretend I follow her like some slave. I'm my own person. Besides, I can still hold on my own in this House. My family's still neutral."
"But you're alone –"
"I still have Tracey with me. You do remember she's a Half-blood, right?" she shrugged. "Better company than Millicent or Pansy."
Ron looked at her doubtfully but nodded anyway. "Right."
On cue, Tracey approached their table. "I've been looking all over for you." She said exasperatedly to Daphne. "Do you mind if I sit down with you?" she asked briskly, looking at Theodore then to Ron with a scowl.
"Of course you can." said Daphne, speaking for the group.
The other female Slytherin sat down between Daphne and Theodore who looked somehow tense (or was Ron imagining). "She's driving me up the wall, mind you. Draco this, Draco that. I wouldn't be surprised if she turned into a parrot repeating his name." She ranted as she took out her own homework. "Would be nicer if we have a dorm of our own."
"We got used to her rambling for four years, Tracey. We'll get by for another three."
The brunette rolled her eyes, before moving her hand to grab a book. Ron didn't notice her hand and went to take the other book underneath. His fingertips grazed on her's and his surroundings blurred.
"I can't believe you'd enjoy using that!" said an older Tracey in disgust. She was in what seemed to be the girls dormitory, and she was not alone.
"What did you expect, Davies? If anything, those Blood-Traitors deserve every ounce of pain for siding with filthy Mudlboods and Muggles!" shrieked Pansy with a malicious grin.
"You used an Unforgivable!" refuted Tracey. "The best course of action is to keep our heads down in this political climate! Right now, it feels like I'm living with a would-be murderer."
"You're only saying that because you're a Half-blood." sneered Pansy. "And right now, you sound like you're siding with them and that's clearly a violation in the Slytherin House." She took out her wand. "As Headgirl, I have every right to correct anyone who is not aligned with the New World Order's campaign. I'm sure Headmaster Snape and Professors Carrow will understand my actions. Crucio."
Her screams echoed his mind, haunting him. Ron couldn't help but stare at her, his freckled face paling considerably fast. "Is there something on my face, Weasley?" asked Tracey testily, snapping him back to reality.
"N-nothing." lied Ron. "I just remembered something." Both Daphne and Theodore shared a knowing look, figuring out that the redhead just got a vision. He hastily took a book about electricity he borrowed from Hermione and refocused on finishing his homework while trying very hard to tune out the screams reverberating his head.
By the time the week reached Saturday, it was already Hogsmeade weekend. Despite the harrowing period with You-Know-Who's return, the school staff would like to keep everyone from being scared. This also entailed more security at hearty wizarding village where a couple of Aurors were stationed in different location. Ron didn't feel like going but Daphne insisted, explaining it would do him good instead of brooding all day.
At first, he rejected the idea because he didn't want to see any of his siblings, but when she said he could always use the Disillusionment Charm, he relented. "Are you going there as well?" he asked the blonde Slytherin. They were inside the boys' dormitory. He was already dressed, with a maroon scarf in hand.
"I will," she nodded. "I need to do some match-making –"
"A what?" Ron turned, giving her a confused look.
"Never mind," she said airily. "Just helping out someone. Nothing you need to worry about." She finished plaiting her locks and looked at herself in front of the mirror. "And you, Theodore?" she asked, looking over to the dark teen.
"I might stay here," he shrugged. He was reading a small yet thick book with undecipherable title he guessed would be German.
Daphne's eyes turned steely. "No, you should come as well." She said with a wide smile.
Ron stared at her oddly. "You're pushy."
"I thought it's better if all three of us go together." She reasoned with a shrug. "A different scenery is good once in a while, even if it's Hogsmeade."
The redhead highly doubted it was that reason but decided to let it go. "I'll go ahead now."
"Alright." She said with a small nod. "Have fun."
Ron left the Slytherin dungeons and set off to Hosmeade. As he passed through Filch's inspection, he was finally put of Hogwarts grounds. He was already wearing his maroon scarf and as much as he didn't want to agree with Daphne, he felt more at ease as he could see the wizarding village as he walked.
Feeling more relaxed, he got to enjoy himself as he looked and visited the shops. He bought himself Honeyduke's famous chocolate, munching on it as he lounged at the Three Broomstick, drinking Butterbeer.
He watched everyone, a habit he developed since First year. He finally saw Daphne with Theodore and, unsurprisingly, Tracey. She saw her looking around, and her eyes fell on him. She smiled. "Good to see you here, Ronald." She greeted, pulling Tracey with her. Theodore followed the two behind with an unreadable expression.
Ron contained his snigger and opted to nod before taking a sip. "Makes yourselves comfy," he said. The other three sat down with Daphne sitting between Ron and Tracey and she had Theodore beside.
"You're quiet."
Theodore grunted in response.
Ron leaned on Daphne and whispered, "What are you planning?"
She rolled her eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about." She said loftily. "Theodore and I just happened to bump into Tracey on the way here."
"I was so sure I heard you say –"
"I'm going to buy some Butterbeer." said Tracey abruptly, standing up. She looked like she wanted to hex someone.
"Could you get one for me?" asked Daphne nicely. "How about you, Theodore?"
"Not in the mood."
"Pity." As she left, Theodore shot Daphne with a glare, very unlikely of him. "If you wanted to say something, say it." She said bluntly, removing the scarf from her neck.
"I believe you know exactly what I'm thinking right now." He said tersely. "I suggest you drop it."
"You're accusing me of something I haven't done." She tutted. "Very unlikely of you."
The exchange amused Ron who found himself smirking. He felt considerably better than the last few weeks. However, outside the window, something caught his attention. "I'll...just go get something." said Ron
"Where are you going, Ronald?"
But he didn't reply immediately as he was already outside. There was a hooded figure, his face covered from the cloak he wore. "Viktor, is that you?"
The figure gave a small jerk and gestured him to follow. Ron tried to catch up but each time he was close, the hooded wizard moved further. He began to be suspicious. As they reached the edge of the wizarding village with the closest shop was Hog's Head, Ron had his wand at ready. "Alright, you're obviously not Viktor. Show yourself." He growled.
The unknown wizard stilled. Out of nowhere, a red flash came from Ron's behind. The redhead managed to dodge and shot a curse in return. He just realized there was another wizard lurking. The hooded wizard finally moved, taking out his wand shooting another curse at him.
"Two against one? Oh isn't that great!" snarled Ron, casting more spells at the two. He didn't ask himself what the two werr planning against him, as he was focused on eliminating them. "Stupefy! Corvus! Oppugno! Expelliarmus!"
The two wizards weren't students as they were skilled at dueling and were capable of non-verbal casting. As for the lacking presence of any Aurors, he could only deduced they were already incapacitated before he was lured to this spot. The moment Ron managed to crumble the other wizard, an unfamiliar voice shouted elsewhere. "Crucio!" The Unforgivable struck him from behind and it was something Ron had never experienced in his life. He fell on the cold ground and a pained scream escaped from his lips.
"That's enough, Jugson." A silky voice ordered. "We don't have much time. Wake up Crabbe."
The curse was lifted. Breathing heavily and feeling the pain erupted all over his body, Ron couldn't make out the wizard who spoke. From a distance, he heard Daphne's voice. "Ronald, where are you?"
"Let's go." Blinking hard, the blurry vision became clearer and saw the face of Lucius Malfoy pointing his wand at him sneering. "Stupefy."
And he went unconscious.
I'm finally done!
I wanted to apologize for making you all wait for this chapter. I did my best writing the Quidditch game and I tweaked the rules a bit having Pomfrey stationed to check on the teams. Professional-level, obviously not applicable.
It's rather unfortunate that Ron was having a hard time with his siblings (don't hate them) and the kidnapping after having a good time.
No, Tracey is not joining them but she's like Ginny in canon in terms of role. And yes, I like TheodoreXTracey because of reading On The Other Side starring Astoria Greengrass with Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, and Blaise Zabini. Great read. Also enjoyed reading Red Knight, another Ron-centric story involving time-travel and parallel universe.
Just to let you know, I managed to finish this while studying for JLPT N4 and I only have less than 2 weeks to study haha. Risky , I know.
So I just hoped finishing this chapter while reviewing is worth it in some sense. Of course, I'm glad I got this done.
Reviews are welcome.
