"It was a house-elf named Dobby," said Harry after several days when they had a moment of peace from homework. He, Ron, and Hermione were sitting together in the common room.

"He's the one who stopped us from getting onto the train and the one who sent that Bludger after me."

"Why'd he do it though?" said Ron confused. "I wonder if his master used to work for You-Know-Who? Maybe he has a thing against you."

"Dobby doesn't seem like he wants to kill me though," said Harry. He leaned in so he could whisper.

"He said terrible things are about to happen at Hogwarts."

Ron and Hermione both became wide-eyed.

"But Dumbledore isn't leaving or anything, is he?" asked Hermione nervously. "I mean, how can anything bad happen while he's here?"

"I don't know, but you remember Colin Creevey? I saw him the other night as stiff as a board in the hospital wing with me. It was like he'd been turned to stone, except he still looked the same."

Hermione gasped.

"Why would somebody attack him?" asked Ron incredulously.

"I don't know that either," said Harry gloomily. Ron and Hermione exchanged nervous glances.

(a couple of weeks later)

Harry had been asked by Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington to celebrate his deathday with him at a party, which, coincidentally, was on Halloween. Harry agreed, only because he felt like he owed Sir Nicholas a favor for helping him avoid detention one night. He told Ron and Hermione about it. Surprisingly to him, they were glad to come along. Harry assumed they both saw it as a date night opportunity, despite how gloomy and grotesque the atmosphere would be.

Upon arriving, however, they almost instantly regretted it. Ghosts roamed the corridor outside, and the dark dungeon that was the setting for the party was particularly creepy with ghosts everywhere. Hermione and Ron shivered upon entering. Ron grabbed her hand to try and provide some solace. Harry, although uncomfortable, was mostly set on making an appearance with Nick to prove that he'd shown up (so they could leave early).

"Harry, m'boy!" said Nick when Harry finally got his attention. "So, so glad you and your friends could make it!"

"Er, thanks, Sir Nicholas," said Harry.

"Are you enjoying the festivities?"

"It's...uhhh...a very unique experience," said Harry, forcing a smile. Ron and Hermione copied his smile nervously.

"Well I hope the food is not too rancid for your palates," said Nick. Then he sighed. "Alas, it usually is. Ahh well. I'll just blame the Bloody Baron. That always makes me feel better. He claimed to have had some Slytherins help him bring it, so of course the food would be extra rancid. Anyways, I'm glad you could make it. Now I have proof to him that I brought living guests. Then they'll never deny me membership in the Headless Hunt!"

He said this braggadociously, but before Harry could respond, Nick turned to the white translucent forms before him and said, "Attention! Attention everyone! I have a little speech I would like to make!"

Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other. Harry whispered to them, "After this, I think we can leave." Ron and Hermione nodded their heads enthusiastically, still shivering. It was unusually cold in the dungeon.

Nobody seemed to be paying attention to Nick, which Harry thought quite rude. Nick had become distracted, trying to join in in other conversations to avoid feeling left out of his own deathday party. Harry noticed that the Bloody Baron seemed to be the life of his little party of apparitions.

When Nick swooped off, another ghostly figure appeared in his place.

"M-m-moaning Myrtle!" croaked Ron. Ron's hand was shaking in Hermione's now. Harry had a confused look.

"I prefer Miss Warren or just Myrtle, if you don't mind," said the teenage ghost bitterly. "Hey, wait," she said, fixing her eyes more closely upon them. "Don't I know you?"

"Uhhh...maybe?" said Hermione, avoiding her gaze.

"Yeah I do!" said Myrtle. "I remember you two. Hmmm...what are you doing here?"

"J-just came for the f-festivities is all," croaked Hermione.

Myrtle eyed them through her thick spectacles. "Well, then. I'll just leave you to it then. Don't cause any more trouble on my corridor, or I shall know." Then she winked and gave an oddly girly laugh and whisked out of sight to see the Grey Lady of Ravenclaw.

Harry looked confused. "What was that all about?"

"We sort of ran into her one time," said Hermione awkwardly.

"We?"

"Er, Ron and I."

Harry rolled his eyes, but smirked. "C'mon, Nick's gone to the corner of the room. Let's get out while we still can." They nodded fervently.

They snuck out, walking up the staircase back into an empty corridor of the castle.

"Guess everyone is having a good time at the Halloween dinner," said Ron glumly, still holding Hermione's hand.

"Is there still time to make it there?" said Hermione, grabbing Ron's arm with her other hand.

"I doubt it," said Harry.

"I'm definitely doubling up on eggs and bacon tomorrow," said Ron as his stomach grumbled.

"Well, let's at least try and go back to the Great Hall to see if any food is left," said Hermione. "C'mon. Isn't it this way? I'm hungry too."

"Your guess is as good as ours," said Ron. "Let's go."

"Wait a minute," said Harry. "I hear voices."

Truly, Harry did hear voices. They sounded like they were all coming from a man with the most high-pitched, harsh voice he'd ever heard.

"I smell blood! I smell blood! Dirty blood! Kill! Kill! Kiiiiiiiillllllllll!"

"Do you hear that?!" said Harry shocked, his eyes wide with horror.

"I don't hear any voices, Harry," said Hermione, still shivering.

"Me neither," said Ron.

"I'm hearing it as clearly as I hear your voices. It keeps saying "kill." It's like it's coming through the walls or something. How can you not hear it?"

"I don't know! How can you hear it?" said Ron nervously.

"Just follow me, I think it's moving or something," said Harry.

"Ugh," groaned Ron. Harry made a dart for the opposite direction.

"Wait up Harry! Not so fast!" said Hermione.

But as they made their way, Harry stumbled onto the most horrific sight he'd seen since encountering Voldemort down the trap door last year. There was writing written in the blood of Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat. The writing was very clearly coated on the castle wall:

The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir beware.

Hermione gripped Ron's hand in fear so tight that Ron said, "Ow!"

"S-sorry!" said Hermione. "What do you think it means, Harry?"

"I bet it's connected to what I heard, but I have no idea what the Chamber of Secrets is or who the 'heir' is."

"I think we should get out of here," said Ron.

"Good idea," said Hermione. But before they could go, the halls had burst forth. Apparently, a whole slew of students had left the Great Hall at the same time. Soon there were a few screams and heads turning to whisper to one another as Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood frozen on the scene. Ron awkwardly let go of Hermione to avoid PDA.

Upon hearing the commotion, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape had all arrived on the scene.

"Siiiiiileeeeence!" said Dumbledore, loud enough to be heard but not harsh. "Everyone will proceed to their dormitories, escorted by their prefects. Everyone...except...you three," he said, looking upon Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Ron groaned.

Filch came onto the scene too, presumably to get someone in trouble. However, his face showed anger and confusion as he saw the sight before him.

"M-Mrs. Norris?!" he said incredulously. He turned to Harry.

"W-WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO 'ER?!"

"Mr. Filch, I swear, we didn't…"

"YOU-YOU'VE MURDERED MY CAT! I'LL...I'LL KILL YA!"

"Argus!" said McGonagall fiercely. "Patience, please! We must have answers, first!"

"Can you recall your course of events for the evening for us, please?" asked Dumbledore, looking at Harry.

Harry was nervous. He could hardly think straight, fearing expulsion again. Nevertheless, something in his mind told him to stick to the truth as much as possible. After all, he wasn't the murderer. Right?

"W-we were coming back from Sir Nicholas' deathday party," began Harry.

"You were not at the Halloween feast?" said Snape slowly, his cold eyes piercing through Harry.

"N-no," said Harry. "We were, er, invited by Sir Nicholas to go to his deathday anniversary party, and so the three of us went. We, er, just left, less than 10 minutes ago, and we decided to come this way back to Gryffindor Tower."

"A rather unusual detour to take to Gryffindor's quarters," said Snape, narrowing his eyes.

"I...uhh…" stammered Harry. He almost told Snape about hearing voices in the walls, but something told him that was a detail that needed to be spared. "I...We were feeling a little adventurous and wanted to explore this part of the castle, but then we arrived on this scene as it looks. We didn't touch or move anything. We merely stopped and read the writing on the wall before a large group of people came by."

Snape eyed him coldly. McGonagall's expression was hard to read. Dumbledore seemed oddly passive, as if deferring to Snape's interrogation.

"Perhaps," said Snape slowly, still appearing sinister, "Potter and his friends were at the wrong place at the wrong time."

Harry couldn't believe his luck.

"The reason I suggest this," said Snape, walking over to Mrs. Norris, "is that it appears that this cat is still technically alive."

"What?!" said the three of them together.

Snape frowned at them harder than ever. "She appears to be petrified, sir," he said, now turning to Dumbledore. "I don't believe three Gryffindor second-years would even know how to petrify anything, much less have the magical ability to do so."

"Ahh," said Dumbledore, now frowning himself. "Petrification: the same issue as with Mr. Creevey," said Dumbledore. Harry couldn't help but notice that Dumbledore looked worried.

"What should I tell the rest of the staff?" asked McGonagall.

"Tell them the truth. Tell them…." then Dumbledore whispered something into her ear. "Then," said Dumbledore, "Tell them that there is a possibility that school will have to be closed early this year."

"No!" said Harry and Hermione together.

"What about these three unlucky souls?" said Snape, his lips curling into a small smile. "Shall we punish them for wandering the corridors unattended?"

"Not this time," said Dumbledore, his half-moon spectacles lowered at Harry. "However, I must ask the three of you to use proper discretion when navigating the castle."

"Yes, sir," said the three Gryffindors. Dumbledore turned back to Snape.

"Innocent until proven guilty, Severus. Have you been working on the antidote for Mr. Creevey's petrification?"

"Yes, headmaster," said Snape. "Unfortunately, it is a potion of the highest complexity. It will take a few more months to brew, at minimum. I assure you, I am using my best cauldrons and stores for the highest efficiency in brewing time. I am also working with Professor Sprout on the status of her Mandrakes, which are a vital ingredient in the potion."

"Thank you Severus," said Dumbledore. "And I will still expect weekly updates on the status of the potion. I might suggest you make extra batches for a worst-case scenario," he said darkly.

"Yes, headmaster," said Snape.

"Thank you," said Dumbledore. "Now," he said, turning to the three Gryffindor second-years. "Off you go."

The trio left the scene and walked, in the correct direction, back to Gryffindor tower.

"Can you believe our luck?" asked Ron.

"I know, right?" agreed Hermione.

"Should I have told them that I was hearing voices? Something told me that that was a weird thing to say," said Harry.

"Good call mate," said Ron. "It's not normal to hear voices, even in the wizarding world."

"You...you do you believe me?" asked Harry, sounding worried.

"Of course we do," said Hermione consolingly. "Or, at least, I do."

"I do too!" said Ron defensively. "I know Harry's, you know, a little different from the rest of us."

Harry frowned at him.

"I didn't mean anything by it," replied Ron. "I'm just explaining why you could be hearing voices and we aren't."

"I almost wish I wasn't hearing them," said Harry.

"C'mon, let's just sleep on it and talk about it tomorrow at breakfast," said Hermione, trying to cheer Harry up.

They made their way back to the common room and left for their respective rooms without saying another word to each other. It wasn't until Harry and Ron got into their bunks that they started talking again. Dean and Seamus were still downstairs in the common room as it was only 8 o'clock. Neville was still conspicuously absent almost every night.

"Have you ever heard anything about the Chamber of Secrets?" whispered Harry, laying in bed.

"I heard Bill mention it before I think," said Ron softly, his hands behind his head. He squinted, as if thinking hard. "It's some kind of secret dungeon for dark arts training or something."

"You mean, defense against the dark arts? Right?" asked Harry nervously.

"No, I mean like the dark arts themselves," said Ron. "At least I think. It's all speculation and myth. I bet it's not even in Hermione's Hogwarts: A History book. That's how obscure it is. The whole thing could be real or it could be rubbish."

"Sounds pretty real to whoever petrified Colin and Mrs. Norris," said Harry.

"Right…" frowned Ron. "But, like Hermione said, Dumbledore's here right? How could anything seriously bad happen while Dumbledore's here?"

"Normally, I would agree," said Harry. "But seeing as how Colin's in the hospital right now stiff as a rock, I'm starting to have my doubts."

Ron winced. "Yeah…"

"What did the voice sound like, Harry? The voices in the walls?"

"It was like a man's voice but it was high pitched in a creepy way. Like he was weak, but he sounded scary. It's hard to explain. It was kinda similar to Voldemort's voice on the back of Quirrell's head."

"Blimey, Harry, but that's impossible. You-Know-Who fled Hogwarts right? He left Quirrell's body and then...sort of….died again or something, right?"

"It's hard to explain with Voldemort…" said Harry.

"Ugh...again with the name Harry…" said Ron annoyed.

"Get over it, mate. I'm never not gonna say his name," said Harry, equally annoyed.

"Oh, whatever," said Ron resignedly. "So you think it's You-Know-Who in the walls or something?"

"That would be so creepy," said Harry. "But, I don't know who else it could be that has a personal vendetta against me and/or this school. So right now, Voldemort's my top suspect, even though he should be dead or whatever, but we all know he's really not.."

Ron shuddered.

"Well…sweet dreams," said Harry sarcastically.

"Haha…" said Ron with a fake laugh.

(The next day)

Breakfast was a feast for Harry, Ron and Hermione, who were all very hungry after missing dinner the previous night. Ginny had joined them as well, although she looked rather frazzled, as though she had hardly slept the night before.

"I heard my roommates gossiping about you three this morning," said Ginny, joining them. "What happened last night?"

"We saw Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat, petrified and hung on the wall and her blood used to write a message about the Chamber of Secrets. Do you know anything about it?" said Harry.

Ginny looked appalled. "Uhh...N-n-no I d-don't. That sounds awful, Harry."

"It was. We think it was the same person that petrified Colin Creevey," said Harry.

"Oh," said Ginny sadly.

"Harry's been hearing voices as of last night too," said Ron.

"Voices?" said Ginny nervously.

"Yeah," said Harry. "But I'm not mental. I just heard voices in the walls of the castle right before we saw Mrs. Norris' body."

Ginny gulped.

"Ginny?" said Ron slowly. "Where were you last night? I don't remember seeing you at all yesterday."

"Well, it's not like my location is on a constant-need-to-know basis for you," said Ginny. "I was...uhh...hold on…I was in class, and then I went to the library and then…uhh...I think I went to my room."

"You think?" said Ron.

"Yeah!" said Ginny defensively. "I...can't completely remember."

"You can't remember what you did yesterday?" said Ron in disbelief.

"Oh, let Ginny have some peace," said Hermione. "Sometimes even I can't remember everything I did the previous day."

"Okay," said Ron, softening at Hermione but still giving Ginny a stern look.

Harry thought it was a little suspicious too, but he didn't make a comment. He didn't want Ginny thinking that he always sided with Ron in their arguments.

"We have History of Magic today," said Hermione.

"So?" said Ron.

"So…I was thinking about asking Professor Binns about the Chamber of Secrets to see if he'll tell us anything."

"Worth a try," said Harry. "If you do that, I won't fall asleep in class for once."

Ron grunted in laughter.

(Later that day)

"And so…" said Professor Binns, continuing his long litany of events of the Goblin revolt of 1170, "Goblins were confined to their ghettos and forced to operate within the confines of Transnistria until the Restoration of…"

A hand went up in the classroom, which was so rare, it broke Professor Binns concentration, an equally rare feat, seeing as though he, as a ghost, would usually be the one to cause flinching in humans rather than be the one that flinched.

"Uhh...yes, Miss…?"

"Granger, sir. Hermione Granger."

"Yes? You have a question about the Restoration of the Goblins Charter?"

"Er, no," said Hermione sheepishly. "But it is about your lecture from the last time we met when you mentioned a Chamber in Durmstrang. Is there, in fact, a secret Chamber in Hogwarts?"

"But my dear Helga, This is a question that is not of relevance at the moment," said Professor Binns, turning his nose up.

"But sir," said Dean Thomas, who suddenly seemed to have snapped out of a dull trance, gaining rapid interest after Hermione's question. "We are curious. Did you see the writing on the wall that took…"

"I did in fact see the writing on the wall, Donald," said Professor Binns curtly. "I, for one, believe the Chamber of Secrets is a load of hogwash. Whoever is partaking in such nonsense must have a cruel sense of humor."

"But sir…" said Ron, coming to Hermione's aid. "Could we at least hear the story of the Chamber of Secrets? Even if it isn't true?"

"My dear Reginald," said Professor Binns, "Is this not a history class? I am not interested in the discussion of hearsay and speculation. This is a class grounded in fact and…"

"But professor," interrupted Lavender. "We're all dying to know about it. We know it might not be true, but perhaps its relevance could still be historical given what happened to Colin?"

Perhaps it was the sweet tone of voice that Lavender used, or the fact that every eye was fixated on Professor Binns in a most unprecedented fashion, but the Professor gave up his lecture to change course.

"Oh….very well very well," sighed the Professor. Ron gave Hermione a wink and grinned. Hermione winked back.

"The Chamber of Secrets, according to legend and myth," began Professor Binns, "was not originally part of the design of Hogwarts' castle. You know, by now, that Hogwarts was founded by the four top wizards of the age, all of whom held considerable power over their respective lands. They were, if you recall, Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin. The four founders came together to create a school of magic that would rival the Muggle universities emerging in Europe at the time. Most scholars believe that Hogwarts was founded sometime in the late 10th century. The founders each had their motives for founding the school, however, they came together in the creation of one school because they saw merit in the other ideas of the other founders. They each valued and favored certain traits in potential pupils. Gryffindor valued bravery and selflessness. Hufflepuff valued egalitarianism and justice. Ravenclaw valued wisdom and studiousness, and Slytherin valued ambition and cunning. The emerging of these values into one school was a belief that the four founders believed would create the greatest opportunity for wizards and witches through the coming centuries. Hogwarts, in my not so humble opinion, did in fact, become the greatest school in the wizarding world because of the efforts of these founders. However, as some of you may know, Salazar Slytherin began to become puffed up with pride and started to believe that his house was superior to the other three. In this historical truth there lies speculation and rumor. The rumor... is that Salazar Slytherin himself constructed a Chamber that holds a monster of his own choosing that would be used to wipe out the existence of the other three houses when a so-called "heir of Slytherin" would come to the school and take control of the monster."

Everyone was frozen in their seats, wide eyed and deathly afraid. Hermione was almost as pale as Professor Binns.

"Well don't look so petrified," said Binns ironically. "Naturally, the school has been searched many times. I myself, both in life and in the afterlife have wandered the school at my leisure and have never found such a Chamber. I assure you, if it was real, the Daily Prophet wouldn't let our beloved headmaster hear the end of it."

"But sir," said Hermione nervously. "What sort of a m-monster is inside the chamber, theoretically speaking of course?"

"No one knows, Helga," said Professor Binns. "That adds to the speculation. If such a monster existed, surely it would be dead by now, or it would have made an appearance in the last few centuries." However, as Professor Binns made this last statement, he had an oddly worried look on his face.

Everyone in class looked panic-stricken. Neville looked as though he wanted to cry. Dean and Seamus were pale, as was Hermione. Ron and Harry exchanged nervous glances. Parvati and Lavender were fidgeting and looked scared.

"Now, if you don't mind, it would be prudent if we finished the Restoration of the Goblins' Charter before class ends today," said Professor Binns unsympathetically.

The remainder of the class was torture to sit through. No one could pay attention, not even Hermione.

"Harry," whispered Hermione in a serious voice as they were exiting the classroom. "We need to talk tonight, the three of us," she said. "We usually see each other, but, just to be sure, meet Ron and me in the common room at 8 o'clock tonight. Okay?"

"Okay," said Harry.

(That night)

The trio was huddled up in the corner. Harry kept looking for Ginny, but she was nowhere to be found.

"Harry," said Hermione. "What did you think about Professor Binns' lecture today?"

"It was very disturbing," said Harry.

"I agree," said Hermione. "So you also believe that the Chamber is real?"

"I mean, if we could ask Colin, that would help things a lot," said Harry. "But for right now, yes I do."

"I think so too, and here's why," said Hermione. Ron grabbed her hand for support.

"You're hearing voices that no one else can hear, and you're hearing them through the walls. I mean, isn't that just a strange coincidence that you of all people would have that ability? And the fact that the sounds are coming from through the walls? And the fact that no one has supposedly ever found the Chamber? I mean, the Chamber must have a hidden entrance or something that none of the teachers have deciphered. Plus, and here's the real kicker, You-Know-Who was in Slytherin, Harry."

Harry gulped. "You're right Hermione. I-I forgot."

"So, isn't it just a massive coincidence, then, that you, the Boy Who Lived, the one who stopped him, is at this school now, and the Chamber has been dormant all these years until you show up. And You-Know-Who's idea of a perfect world would include a Hogwarts dominated by Slytherin, just like Salazar. And the fact that you stopped him last year proves that this is another ploy by him to kill you and to kill people who think like you," said Hermione. "I mean, honestly, did you see the look on Binns' face after he made that last statement? He knows something and he's not being totally honest. There's no way that the writing on the wall in blood is a coincidence. I mean, come on."

"Hermione's right," Ron agreed.

Harry paused. "I told Ron awhile back that I thought Voldemort might be a suspect for who's opening the Chamber. But it still doesn't make sense. From what Dumbledore told me last year, I thought he was far away from Hogwarts by now, if he's even a person at all at the moment. Ugh. He's such a confusing...whatever he is. How could he be operating the Chamber?"

"That's what I don't understand either," said Hermione. "Unless he's got a spy or an agent like Quirrell."

Harry's eyes narrowed in concentration.

Ron piped up. "So….Dobby...?"

Harry turned to him. "I'm convinced that Dobby is a dunderhead at times, but he's not out to kill me. He just...doesn't seem dark like Voldemort. He's legitimately trying to help me, even if his methods are weird or even dangerous."

Hermione frowned. So did Ron.

"Snape?" suggested Harry.

"Oh, c'mon. You saw where that got us last year. Plus, he's making the antidote to help Colin and Mrs. Norris remember?" said Hermione.

"Right," said Harry glumly. He really wanted an excuse to hate Snape even more.

"I've got one," said Hermione.

"What?" said the two boys together.

"Malfoy?" she suggested.

"Of course!" said Harry, a little too loudly.

"How did we not see it before?" asked Ron.

"I...I have an idea of how we could figure out if it was Malfoy or not," said Hermione, "but it would be extremely risky and we would be breaking like 50 school rules."

"Hermione!" gasped Ron sarcastically.

"Oh shut it," said Hermione, smiling at him.

"Well what is it?" asked Harry.

"I've vaguely heard of it, but I need to go to the library first. I think it's called Polyjuice or something? It's like a way to disguise yourself to look like someone else, if I remember correctly."

"Okay," said Harry, eyeing Ron and Hermione's hand holding and wishing that Ginny was downstairs with them. "I-I think I'll be going to bed now."

"Okay, Harry, goodnight," said Hermione.

"See you in a bit," said Ron.

Ron and Hermione were left alone in their little corner of the common room with only a couple of older Gryffindors on the opposite side of the room.

"Ron?" asked Hermione, her voice much softer and weaker now.

"Yes?"

"Can...can I use your head as a pillow again?"

"Of course. Come here," he said, putting his arm around her as she rested into his bosom, their bodies facing towards the fireplace from afar.

"Ron...I'm so scared now," she whispered, squeezing his hand.

"I won't let anything happen to you, Hermione," said Ron, squeezing back. Hermione sniffed a few times and began rubbing her thumb on his holding hand.

"I want to look strong in front of you and Harry, but it's all so hard sometimes. I wish this wasn't happening," she said weakly.

"I wish it wasn't happening either," said Ron, kissing her forehead furtively. "I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty scared too. I think you're onto something about Malfoy. He's a good suspect."

"Th-thank you," sobbed Hermione, who had small tears falling quietly down her face. "You have no idea how much I need you, Ron."

"You have no idea how much I need you either," he said. "We have each other, and that's so important. Harry needs us too, as much as we need him."

"R-right," croaked Hermione.

"I promise," said Ron. "We're gonna do what it takes to put a stop to this rubbish and put Hogwarts back on track."

Hermione squeezed his hand again and sniffed again, finding it hard to speak.

"I love you," said Ron softly.

"I-I love you too," said Hermione weakly.

They sat there for a minute, leaning on each other.

"Thank you again, for everything," said Hermione, standing up slowly to go to bed.

"No, I should be the one thanking you," said Ron.

Hermione checked to see that the Gryffindors weren't looking their way, then she gave him a quick peck on the cheek and whispered, "Goodnight, my Mr. Protective."

"Goodnight, love," said Ron softly, his ears still turning pink.