I have read one review describing Daphne as the ice queen while Theodore as cold-blooded.
While I do acknowledge that most writers portrayed Daphne Greengrass as the typical ice queen but sweet once you get to know her, my Daphne is definitely not described as the ice queen. She is pretentious at best, likes to use your full name not nickname because she thinks it's more appropriate to address with their given name, thinks too highly of herself, dislikes anything messy, and she can be very pushy just to get what she wants. She doesn't speak vaguely and is certainly not imperturbable. She's the typical spoiled pureblood witch but she's loved by her parents and sister.
As for Theodore, he's not cold-blooded (he hasn't killed anyone in this story!). He's aloof and calculating, but not heartless. While it's been hinted a couple of times (consider this a spoiler of sorts), Theodore doesn't have much of a childhood ever since his mother passed away. His compassion (yes he has some) definitely comes from his mother while his distant composure and the way he thinks about things was developed by his father. Besides, he fancies Tracey Davis who's a half-blood.
Anyway, that's all I wanted to address for a bit.
"We can't dawdle anymore, Mr. Weasley." Ron followed Snape's voice. "Prepare yourself." Ron nodded and breathed slowly, calming himself. He couldn't lose control while in enemy territory. A lot of things were at stake and he had to do his best.
As they stepped onto the entryway, the doors swung open. "Severus," greeted Narcissa Malfoy.
"Narcissa." Snape acknowledged.
"Professor Snape." Ron's ears pricked as he heard Draco's voice with footsteps becoming louder. The Malfoy scion arrived and he shot a sneer at the redhead. "Weasel."
He could feel Snape discreet glare on him but kept his cool. "Malfoy," he said coolly, forcing a smirk on his face. Ron might as well rile his fellow Slytherin up while he was here. He tapped his forefinger on his temple, reminding the blonde wizard what he had said.
Draco's face paled slightly but was determined not to let his thoughts reflect on his face. Narcissa noticed the exchange and gave Snape a questioning look.
"Let's go now, Weasley."
"Of course sir," nodded Ron. "Later, Malfoy."
"What were you implying to Draco just now?" hissed Snape, pulling Ron in the corner.
"Nothing, just reminding him that he's not coming out unscathed," shrugged the redhead. "He's not as smart as he makes himself out to be. If anything, he's a Flobberworm."
"Do I need to remind you again that you can't go off on your own, especially here?"
"No, you don't need to sir. I already know what I'm supposed to do. It doesn't mean that I have to let someone like Malfoy walk over me," answered Ron defiantly. "I know why I'm here, but I also know I need to make things go my way."
Snape gave him a long, hard stare. "Then I expect you to make it out here unscathed."
It was a challenge. Ron should have known to keep his head down but the Malfoys and the rest of the Death Eaters were the kind Ron couldn't stand. It was his pride and heritage as a Weasley and blood-traitor to go against what the other side were campaigning for. "I understand, sir."
The two walked again and entered the main room of the manor where the Death Eaters held their meetings. As usual, the place was exactly as Ron last remembered and yet this time he had to make things go his way. "My lord," greeted Snape, kneeling and bowing down, facing directly on the floor. Ron did the same. "I have brought the youngest Weasley male with me."
"Well done, Severus." acknowledged Voldemort. "I must say, I am surprised to see him this…obedient."
"I have prepared him to be on his best behavior." murmured Snape impassively. Ron, on the other hand, kept his composure and stopped himself from repulsively gagging at the words he was currently hearing right now. He breathed through his nose slowly, easing the tension in his body and kept his mind clear.
"Both of you may stand." Immediately, both Snape and Ron stood up. Ron looked ahead, ignoring the jeering onlookers within his surroundings. "Ronald, it's been a long time since you've been here. I believe you're studying for your OWLs."
"Yes, my lord."
"And so compliant. Do you have change of heart?"
This was the moment Ron had to step up. "I won't deny I was angry and afraid, but after a lot of thinking and with Professor Snape's guidance, I now believe your lordship instead has given me salvation." Hearing the scoffs from the others inside the room, this fueled his lies. "For the past few months, I've had visions. The Order is destined is fail. Dumbledore's death is evident."
The murmurs vanished. All the occupants inside the room stilled. "Dumbledore will die?" repeated Voldemort, his red eyes gleaming.
Ron looked straight in the dark wizard's gaze. "He will. If I have it right, it will happen within the year or two."
A moment of silence and Voldemort's lips formed a cold smile. "You do not lie. Indeed, he will be gone, and we'll make sure it'll happen. Ronald, you have proven yourself." Voldemort turned to Snape and questioned, "Severus, does the old wizard know about our young wizard's gift?"
"No, he does not my lord." lied Snape smoothly.
"That is good to hear," Voldemort swept a look to the rest of the occupants and said, "We all know that victory is in our midst. Ensure that you do not fail."
"Yes, my lord." Everyone answered.
The Death Eater meeting continued, and Ron sat beside Snape throughout it all. Ron merely half-listened and only paid attention to things that interested him. As soon as the meeting ended, he was blocked by someone he remembered called Avery. "What?"
"Bunch of lies I've heard tonight, Weasley." Sneered the older wizard.
Ron smirked. "Are you saying that our lord was fooled by a mere 16-year old?" he suddenly grabbed the man's wrist and got a short vision.
He saw Avery writhing in pain for a particular failure he had done and You-Know-Who was furious.
"You, on the other hand, are going to displease him." He took a side-step and walked away, satisfied as Avery's face went white.
"Y-you're lying!"
"If that helps you sleep well at night, sure." drawled Ron. He and Snape left the Malfoy Manor premises and he didn't have to be subjected with the Cruciatus Curse. It was his night. Check.
As they have returned to Hogwarts, Snape said to him, "You told them of the headmaster's death."
"I didn't tell them how. And it's not going to happen." Refuted Ron.
"The dark lord will make sure it'll happen all the more since you, a seer, had told him."
"We'll make it look like Professor Dumbledore is dead when the time comes," said the redhead confidently. "I've thought about it, and the answer is easy. I've managed to fool You-Know-Who and I'm certain we can fool everyone."
Snape gave him a calculating look and nodded. The two continued to walked inside until they have arrived in front of Dumbledore's office. "Mr. Weasley, you have done well." Ron seemed to have glowed in pride after hearing the Potions Master's words.
Daphne nearly jumped in surprise as she heard the entrance to the Slytherin dungeons open. "Oh good, you're back." She said, standing up and approaching the redhead with Theodore trailing behind. "You're not hurt, are you?"
"Not this time," grinned Ron, looking at the two.
"Tell us what happened," ordered Theodore.
"Let me sit first, will you?" They huddled together at the rightmost corner of the common room. "So I decided to play along with them and pretended that I was 'disillusioned' about everything–"
"You mean you're going to act as if you're dark magic-loving mini-Death Eater?" interrupted Daphne with a frown. "Are you sure about that?"
"Oi…I'm not tiny! And I'm sure. You-Know-Who fell for it. I've managed to block him at least and made him think that I'm siding with him." Still seeing their unconvinced looks, he said, "Look, I know at least that it's gonna take more than that to fool everyone but as long as he believes that I'm brainwashed by Snape and I'm willing to help them, then that's good enough for now. Snape's gonna help me become a better spy and Dumbledore says my Occlumency shields are improving."
"As long as you're careful, then we'll believe in you," said Daphne finally. "Anything you'd like to add, Theodore?"
"Just don't do things on your own." said Theodore shortly.
Ron nodded slowly, hearing Theodore's reminder once again. "I know, I'll be more careful than ever."
"Good. Now that's settled, we need to discuss something equally important," said the long-haired blonde Slytherin seriously. "OWLs."
Ron groaned while Theodore let out a low chuckle.
The Easter holidays went by quickly and Ron couldn't believe it was already Career Advice week. He saw all of the fifth-year students from all Houses holding brochures and pamphlets given by their Head of House. Ron already had his and was considering what both Daphne and Theodore suggested: becoming a future Warder. He still didn't change his mind on other career options like an Auror, Curse-Breaker, or even a Ministry employee. He knew that he wasn't the type to work for someone.
He understood that anyone capable could erect their own wards in their home, but he was also aware that not everyone knew all the kinds of wards that could be used to protect their homes.
By the time it was his turn to be called in Snape's office for his session, he finally made a decision. "Mr. Weasley," began Snape. "Have you thought of your what your career would be?"
"I'm still not sure up until now, sir." Replied Ron as he sat straight in his chair. "But I was told I could be a Warder."
"A Warder?" repeated Snape. "Did Miss Greengrass and Mr. Nott tell you about becoming a Warder?"
"They made a suggestion," shrugged the redhead. "I don't see myself becoming a Ministry employee, or a Curse-Breaker, even an Auror. I also don't want to spend most of my time working at a shop. My talents aren't in Potions either."
The Potions Master picked up a piece of parchment and took a short glance on it. "So far, you are only getting Es on Ancient Runes while you sometimes get either an E or O in Charms." He placed down the parchment on the desk. "Professor Babbling noted that you have great aptitude in the subject but you need to put more effort if you truly decided to pursue becoming a Warder. There are very few wizards specializing in Warding who accept apprenticeships and they prefer to accept those who they believe have the right moral fiber and work ethic. Professor Flitwick has mentioned in passing that you also need to put more focus in Charms. To get the apprenticeship, it's best to get an Outstanding in both Charms and Ancient Runes."
"While it is not required in Warding, however I expect that you still aim high on Defense Against the Dark Arts and other subjects. The higher credentials, the better chances of getting the apprenticeship. Still, I expect you to get an Outstanding in Potions despite not a requirement for your opted career choice. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir."
"You may leave."
Ron left the room, feeling a bit steadier even if he wasn't sure of his choices for his life after Hogwarts and for the moment, it was all that mattered to him.
The next couple of weeks were utterly draining. While the professors gave out less homework, all fifth-year students were mostly found either in their common room, the library, or somewhere there was no noise. Ron had to search for his old notes from the past four years of all his subjects and review every single one of them. Daphne and Tracey were seen throwing review questions on Transfiguration at each other, Theodore was at the corner of the common room surrounded by books and notes, and whenever someone was within six feet they would be hexed for invading his space. The other Slytherins like Draco Malfoy were poring over books looking frazzled.
From what Ron heard and saw, the other fifth years from other Houses seemed to be having it even worse.
Hannah Abbott was having panic attacks and claiming she was too dumb to be able to pass any of her OWLs, Ravenclaws were on a verbal match over a simple detail of their notes, and Hermione Granger was looking more hectic than ever, with her hair becoming bushier and wilder by the day and muttering words 'I should've began studying five months ago'.
At Daphne's suggestion, she, Ron, Theodore, and Tracey (the brunette half-blood didn't want to study alone so she tagged herself along) decided that maybe studying at the grounds would be a better environment conducive for reviewing. Theodore had to be dragged outside; he became paler and crankier due to his secluded studying. "It's too bright," grumbled the weedy teen.
"We're not vampires," tutted Daphne. "Besides, a little bit of fresh air and change of scenery will do wonders."
Both Ron and Theodore had doubtful looks while Tracey snickered at the two.
Daphne chose the shade of the mahogany tree near the Black Lake and all four of them settled down with their notes. Theodore sat down where there was the most shade and opened his book. Tracey chose the spot closest to the lake beside she could feel the coolness of the lake. Ron used his robes as a mat and lied on his back, using the Levitation Charm on his notes a way to block the sunlight while reading. Daphne was beside Tracey and perused her notes with her hair tied in a ponytail.
They stayed there for less than two hours before they all agreed to return inside. While he didn't want to admit, Ron appreciated Daphne's pushiness. It was not every day that he could have some sort of peace, even if he had to study for OWLs.
Unfortunately, that peace ended quick as Ron and the others encountered some of the sixth year Gryffindors. While there were fewer fights, it didn't mean House Rivalries had stopped. They were waiting to explode. "Slimy snakes studying for OWLs?" sneered one of them.
All four Slytherins stiffened but didn't respond, decidedly ignoring the Gryffindors as they walked. Ron fingered his wand that was hidden in his sleeve, preparing himself. He had a feeling this wouldn't end well. "Let's hurry," whispered Tracey, moving her lips as little as possible without looking towards them.
"We all know they'd cheat their way through," said the other Gryffindor. "They're nothing but a group of cheaters."
"And mini Death Eater scum."
Ron gritted his teeth, and Daphne grabbed his arm. "Move," she hissed.
Taking huge breath, Ron suppressed his anger and moved his legs but he stopped when a red light flashed by and Tracey got hit from behind, letting out a small cry. Ron growled and took out his wand but Theodore was faster and shot a Stunner right at the culprit who was now unconscious, his face in cold fury.
"Tracey!" gasped Daphne, kneeling beside her friend who was now covered in scales.
Three more spells came their way but Ron was prepared and erected a Shield Charm, while Theodore shot back hexes without missing a beat. Two more Gryffindor crumpled on the floor, leaving two standing.
"She never did anything, yet you cast the first spell." snarled Ron. "And you call yourselves Gryffindors."
The other Gryffindors were too stunned by how fast the dark-haired Slytherin retaliated. "Don't try to act high and mighty," sneered back of them who happened to be Cormac McLaggen. "You may be a Weasley, but you landed in Slytherin so you're just shite."
"Says the person who couldn't even save a single goal!" shot back Ron, ignoring the jibe at him.
Red-faced due to the reminder of the first match, he said while taking out his wand, "You'll pay for that!"
"Expelliarmus." said Ron coldly and McLaggen's wand was knocked away from his hand. "You were saying?" He noticed one spell coming at his direction and deflected it. "What? Are you calling for reinforcements?" He glanced over to Daphne and Tracey and said, "Pull back and keep your wands out."
"No need to tell me," said Daphne angrily. "Two more at 10 o'clock." She made a swift jab and one of the assailants fell on the ground. Out of the three, she was the first one to accomplish nonverbal spells.
As they were making a counterattack, other Slytherins such as Draco Malfoy arrived. "Well what do we have here?" drawled the blonde Slytherin.
"If you're going to join them, I'll hex you right now Malfoy." Growled the redhead.
"Everyone knows I hate you," acknowledged Draco. "But I hate Gryffindors more. Stupefy!" he quickly turned around and managed to land a shot.
"Slytherins protect each other."
Draco assumed on Theodore's left while Blaise stood beside Draco. Both Crabbe and Goyle were in front of Tracey and Daphne to stand guard, and Pansy at the rear end.
It was becoming a full-blown fight between Gryffindors and Slytherins with the latter taking the advantage. Both Ron and Theodore were swift with their hex, and Daphne had shown creativity in using spells. Even the Slytherin Quidditch team joined in the fray. The other House's Quidditch team on the other hand, didn't help. "Why are you just standing there?" barked McLaggen.
Angelina Johnson shot a glare at her team. "None of you are joining unless you want us to lose this year's Quidditch Cup. Fred, George, don't even think about it!"
"We're not, relax Angie." said Fred but his gaze fell on Ron, who stood in the middle ordering everyone on what to do. "Besides, this is not the Prankster way of getting detention."
"What's going on?"
Professor McGonagall arrived, her lips thinner than ever. "It was them, professor! They tried to hex us!" said McLaggen.
"You piece of Flobberworm shite!" snarled the redhead Slytherin. "You hexed Davis first when we didn't take the bait of you insulting us."
"He's lying, professor!"
"That's enough!" Professor McGonagall raised her voice and all of them fell silent. She strode over and checked everyone. She saw Tracey covered in scales and said to Daphne, "Bring her to the Hospital Wing, Miss Greengrass." She revived the others who were knocked out and said, "Put away your wands and come with me. We'll be heading to the Headmasters' office."
Ron and Theodore shot hard glares at the Gryffindors and followed the Transfiguration professor, discreetly holding their wands in their sleeves in case something else would occur.
"Snape's gonna murder us." said Blaise grumpily, his usually tidy hair mussed up.
When they arrived in the headmaster's office, they saw Snape was already inside. Snape's expression didn't change but his black eyes cut into them as if telling them that they would be punished for breaking one of the rules of House Slytherin. "Minerva, what do I owe you the pleasure?" greeted Dumbledore before giving a sweeping look of the students present.
"I found these students engaging a duel in the hallway." answered the Transfiguration professor in a clipped tone.
"A duel? Well then, let us hear their explanation." The Gryffindors were given the stage first, and Ron had to force himself not to punch McLaggen in the face for the lies he had to hear. When they were done, Dumbledore regarded Ron and the other Slytherins and said, "I'd like to hear your side, Mr. Weasley."
Sighing in relief, Ron launched into his version of what really happened: Starting from the time he, Theodore, Daphne, and Tracey studying at the grounds up to the moment Tracey got hexed from behind after they ignored the insults thrown at them, and until the full-blown fight that erupted between the Gryffindors and Slytherins.
"…we just fought back because Davis got hurt. And Slytherins protect each other." Ended Ron, quoting Draco's words earlier.
"I see." Dumbledore regarded all of the students inside his office, and said finally, "I do not condone duels inside the castle, all of you understand that well enough. For the Gryffindors, you will be given two weeks' worth of detention which your Head of House will decide, and 50 points will be deducted from each one of you." The Gryffindors looked they were going to protest but one look from McGonagall shut them up. "As for the Slytherins, since only four Slytherins were initially in the fight while the rest joined in to help them, with the exception of Miss Davis who didn't join in the fight, Mr. Weasley and Nott and Miss Greengrass will be deducted 50 points each as well and one week's worth of detention -"
"That's unfair!" blurted out McLaggen.
"It is also unfair to start a duel by hexing someone in the back, Mr. McLaggen," responded the headmaster. "For the rest of the Slytherins, 25 points will be deducted each and three days' worth of detention. Professor Snape will be overseeing your detention."
"I dearly hope all of you understand how disappointed I am with you." Said Snape in his silky yet dangerous voice.
All the Slytherins winced under Snape's glare. "Yes, sir." Everyone answered.
Upon dismissal, Snape ordered them to follow him to his office. Once inside, Snape sat down behind his desk and glared at them without a word. Then, he said, "You do know the first thing I said to you was that if you find yourself in a fight, you shouldn't be seen by anyone." Ron held his head down in shame. "While I admire that others decided to come to help their fellows, I am under the impression that both Misters Weasley and Nott and also Miss Greengrass could've handled it on their own."
"50 points to you three for defending your fellow Housemate." Ron and Theodore didn't say anything, but internally relieved. "As for the others, 15 points will be given for coming to aid." The other Slytherins looked pleased to hear upon their Head of House's words. "However, you will still be having detention."
"But the OWLs are three weeks away!" cried Blaise in horror.
"Our NEWTs, sir!" voiced out Warrington.
"Be thankful that the headmaster has only given you three days' worth of detention, or I'll be adding that to make it one week." Said Snape dangerously, easily silencing the students. "I suggest you make it your best effort to manage your time, all of you. And Mr. Montague, I expect our House will get that cup this year."
Montague and the other Slytherin Quidditch players gulped. "Yes, sir. We'll do our best to win the cup."
Snape nodded. "I'm glad we all have an understanding. You are all dismissed."
"One week detention?" repeated Daphne incredulously.
Ron and Theodore had gone straight to the Hospital Wing after leaving Snape's office. The fight between Gryffindors and Slytherins would have spread throughout the whole castle by now. Daphne was sitting beside Tracey who had curtains surrounding her bed. Ron told them what happened after; Learning she had earned detention, Daphne was indignant to say the least.
"I'm not supposed to have detention!" she groaned. "What would my parents think of me?"
"Er…that you put your reputation on the line to save Davis?" suggested Ron slowly.
"That's not the point, Ronald," she threw an exasperated look over her shoulder and sighed. "I'm the heiress to the Greengass family, and as the eldest I'm supposed to have a spotless record here at Hogwarts. What would my future clients think of me when they find that I got myself in detention?"
"….I'm sorry?" said Ron in a questioning tone.
"You shouldn't be the apologize for this," Daphne stood up and paced back and forth. "That – that jerk -" both Ron and Theodore both raised an eyebrow, considering that they have never heard her swear, "- should be groveling for forgiveness. He should pay for this."
"Remind me not to get on her bad side." muttered Ron.
"In case you forgot, you already did back in third year." reminded Theodore.
Tracey couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the three. "Thank you." she said to them, garnering their attention.
"What for?" said Ron dismissively. "They shouldn't have started something they couldn't even win."
"Yes, and I'm a half-blood and you three are purebloods." pointed out Tracey.
"Don't be silly, Tracey. You know we're always here for you. We're Slytherins." said Daphne airily. "Isn't that right, Theodore?" she eyed on the weedy teenager standing at the back.
Theodore stood stiffly and but nodded. "Always."
Tracey flushed a little but gave a small smile. Ron snickered at him but earned a glare. Daphne rolled her eyes at the two.
Okay, so this is where I stop. I'm already 5 pages in the next chapter anyway (should be included here but it's too long).
Next Chapter will cover OWLs until The Only One He Ever Feared I think (but possibly until the first half of the Department of Mysteries). So that's six chapters to cover. Because there's no Umbridge, this will be more straight-forward. Well, it really depends. I'm still figuring out how Harry and Co. will end up in the Ministry of Magic.
I think 2 more chapters and it's all over. It's almost the end of 2020. Let's hope for something better next year (please).
