Hermione was buried in books and the scent of sand was stronger than ever around her. She seemed quite stressed and Ron was concerned that whatever was going was over her head.
Even as she made time to help them search through Wizarding law books to attempt a way to fix the Buckbeak issue, she couldn't quite focus. Harry was also admittedly distracted as well.
Ron crossed his arms and sat back, okay, well it was time for an intervention. "How about we go to the kitchen?" he said.
They both looked at him owlishly and considered their height was about equal he found their stares amusing. He grinned "come on," he said then stood; Hermione sighed and Harry followed after Ron pulled him up.
He nearly pushed them toward the kitchens. The house-elves all looked up despite their preparations for the next day's food. "Could you get them a snack? A cookie or something, please?" Ron said.
"Oh yes," one of the elves agreed "Tonkle will be getting some sweets right away." Hermione huffed.
"Ron, you can't just order them around," she said.
"Hermione, regardless of what you think, they work here. Their job is to feed the students and they like visitors" he said. He'd come here often if he was feeling famished.
Tonkle brought a plate of brownies for Harry and Hermione "will Weasley be needing anything?"
He was interested that they knew so quickly but then he'd met many of the elves since his first year so they knew him a bit. "A cup of tea for all of us would be lovely. Thank you very much, Tonkle" he said.
Tonkle smiled "it is with pleasure," he said, hurrying off.
Harry didn't take anything as he sat in a chair that made him seem like a giant. "Don't make me shove it down your mouth Harry, I saw you avoid dinner," Ron said.
"It's not the same when your not with us at meals" Harry muttered.
Ron hadn't expected that, yes he'd not bothered to sit at most of the meals because he didn't need anything but if Harry wanted him to. "Fine, I'll go to all of them if it makes you feel better now eat," he said.
Harry took a brownie "what is wrong with you two? No, scratch that. I know what's wrong with Harry. Hermione, it's time you told us" Ron said.
Hermione paused in another bite of her brownie "what?"
"I can smell sand on you all the time. You disappear then reappear oddly, so tell us what's going on" he said.
Hermione brushed a strand of hair behind her ear nervously. "I don't know what you mean,"
"Oh, insult our intelligence then," Ron said.
"I could get in trouble for telling you," Hermione said.
"Well that's nothing new, when have we not been in trouble?" Ron asked and Harry nodded solemnly.
Harry nodded "at this point, most of the secrets we keep could all get us in some serious trouble. In comparison, yours must be pretty minor."
Hermione sighed then reached into her shirt and pulled out a necklace. Ron's eyes widened, that explained the smell of sand. It was a time turner "I have 12 classes and some of them are at the same time. Professor McGonagall vouched for me at the ministry and I'm permitted to use this to get to my classes" she said.
Ron sighed as Tonkle came back with their tea "thanks" he said as he hurried away to continue his work.
"You have your class schedule?" he asked and Hermione pulled it out and laid on the table.
Harry unfolded it and stared at it:
DADA
Charms
Potions
Transfiguration
History of Magic
Herbology
Astronomy
Arithmancy
Ancient Runes
Care of Magical Creatures
Muggle Studies
Romanian
"Hermione, why are you taking Muggle studies?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Ooh but it's so interesting, Harry. Seeing the wizard perspective on muggle technology" she said.
"Yeah, well it's clearly running you into the ground," Ron told her.
"I'm fine," she said straightening.
"You've been so stressed, you can hardly focus," Ron said, "Hermione, I know you can handle it but you need to think about your own sanity."
"You've been really chewing at the bit" Harry admitted.
"And Muggle studies are really not going to do you any good. And for that matter, neither is Care of Magical Creatures. You are an academic, Hermione" Ron said.
"It could be useful," Hermione said.
"Hermione, if we know you then you'd rather do something like ministry official or whatever for a job. You won't need it."
"What if I work in that department?" Hermione suggested it.
"It's not required, you can check but I really think you need to drop some classes. You can't go on like this" Ron said.
Hermione was quiet for a minute "I'll think about it" she said.
"Alright," Ron sighed, he didn't push it further. He glanced at Harry "now on another topic, Harry, you keep all that inside you and your bound to explode."
Harry stared at the floor "I don't what I'm supposed to say."
"Maybe we all need to eventually have a chat about keeping things from each other" Hermione said and they all nodded.
Xxx
In the next few days, Don instructed Ron on how to formulate his speech to sound more intelligent especially for an audience to command respect. It was a bit eye-opening because it explained how some Slytherin's spoke the way they did.
"But if you intend trust, dropping formalities in your mannerism is important also. You have charisma Ron, your natural ability to see humor in a situation can draw people to you. Have you ever thought to watch Dumbledore?" Don asked.
He hadn't but he did think back, Dumbledore was beloved by his students because of his laid back eccentric attitude. He was respected however because, in the times where he was required to command a room, he could do so with a simple raise of his voice.
"Think carefully, talk intentionally, and stand with confidence; these are the things that will force people's attention to you. Your age will mean something to people however they may be impressed that you are capable of such mannerism" Don said.
"Yes sir," Ron said.
"Excellent, now I had an idea on your hippogriff dilemma," Don said then brought out a book on Romanian magical law. "Hippogriff are incredibly important to the Romanian Ministry, protected actually. Perhaps getting in contact with a Romanian Magical Creatures department may be beneficial" Don suggested.
They'd been pouring over pages and pages of English law enforcement they hadn't even considered Romanian.
Xxx
Dear Mr. Quellis Balan of the Romanian Department of Magical Creatures,
I introduce myself to you as a Mentee of Donovan Grey. Under his training and guidance, he's suggested I ask for your help concerning the life of a healthy young hippogriff. In a situation concerning a foolish young man, the hippogriff attempted an attack because of clear disrespect on part of the young man. A week from today, there will be a hearing on if the hippogriff should be put to death. Clearly, I am in opposition to this and am aware of the hippogriff's status as being a protected magical creature. Any guidance on the matter would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ronald Weasley of the Silver Wolves."
Don looked up at Ron "how did I do?" he asked nervously, he'd gone through so many drafts to phrase it correctly.
"Excellent, this should do well." Don agreed then he folded it up into an envelope and let wax pour then pressed his seal down. It left the silver wolf print.
"Does the seal do something?" Ron asked.
"It means it is a priority, he will respond tomorrow" Don assured him.
Xxx
Ron was dressed in his best attire for the hearing today. In trousers, a grey shirt and vest; he also wore a thick velvet cloak. Don has swept his hair so it gelled slightly, he felt a little selfconscious with his bangs off his forehead.
His eyes became the most prominent feature "you will do fine" Don assured him.
"You aren't coming?" Ron asked.
"No because I have not a doubt in my mind you will do brilliantly" Don replied.
Ron was nervous as he accompanied Hagrid to the courtroom. He was able to calm down because Hagrid was so nervous. "It'll be fine" he assured him.
The hearing started with Lucius Malfoy stating Buckbeak's supposedly dangerous behavior and how such a creature should not have been around students in the first place.
Then Hagrid being called as witness and he was so nervous he could hardly speak. Ron waited until he saw an opening. "Anyone in opposition to have the rogue hippogriff set to death speak now," Amelia Bones announced.
Ron stood up "I oppose" he said and everyone turned to him.
"I see, state your name and your case."
Ron didn't wait to be allowed to take the floor, he did so. "Ronald Weasley, I am currently in place to represent Quellis Balan of the Romanian Department of Magical creatures," he said.
"You have an official document that states such?" Ron walked to the podium and handed over the paper with the official stamp and signature.
"I see you do" she said.
"Objection, your honor, this boy is underage and of English citizenship and therefore unable to represent Romanian government standards" Rosen, the man who interrogated Ron in Dumbledore's office stood.
"I agree, it is also ridiculous to think that a vampire can represent wizarding law as he is not a wizard." a woman with a face like a frog spoke up in a high voice.
Ron ignored the rush of anger he felt at being told such a ridiculous thing. It was the same argument that Purebloods told about Muggleborns. Like having muggle parents meant you were less of a witch or wizard. He was almost considered less than that.
"My status as a wizard was not revoked the moment I became a vampire" he replied, forcing an even and smooth tone in his voice. Then he noticed his eyes glowed against the reflective tile of the podium. He blinked to force the light out of them. "And there are rules against a minor making a case," he added.
"The objection is dismissed as Mr. Weasley is in attendence to Hogwarts school of Witch and Wizardry. Henceforth as a practicer of magic, he is a wizard reguardless of his humanity," Bones said.
He cleared his throat then held up another paper "per an agreement between Romanian government who sanctions Vampire law and English Ministry I am considered to have dual citizenship."
"Yes, because of your status of vampirism and one of the rightful successors of Donovan Grey. I was aware" she nodded, "state your claim."
"Yes, your honor. By Romanian law, hippogriffs are under strict protection. Also in section 6 of Magical law, if the animal in question is provoked by manner of circumstances understandable, it becomes unlawful to subject them to punishment."
"Explain."
"The natural behavior of a magical creature needs to be taken into account. Hippogriff are proud, easily offended creatures similar to a dragon. It was explained in clear detail by our Professor that day and the student who was attacked was clearly offending it. Approaching any wild magical creature with no air of caution is a mistake not well rewarded."
"Therefore it was the fault of the student?" she prompted and he nodded.
"I was one of the students directly involved and stepped in front of the other" Ron replied.
"You would step in front of a fully grown hippogriff?" she asked.
"Er. Yes, ma'am" he flushed, trying to focus again.
"Mm, alright, continue," she said.
"Regardless however, it is unlawful to slay a protected magical creature by Romanian law. Why the English MM should heed a Romanian law, well that depends on how much you wish to keep the friendly relations between Romanian Magical Creatures department, the largest and most equipt department in the world, or not."
"Thank you, all who wish to vote in opposition to end the life of the hippogriff in question, raise your hand."
Xxx
Ron put a smile once the meeting adjourned, Buckbeak was free. "Ron, I can't thank yeh enough" Hagrid said "since when did you learn to talk like that?"
"My mentor might have given me some pointers" he replied.
"Clearly I underestimated you" he dropped his smile to face Lucius Malfoy, he stood up straight. He jolted a little when a hand came down on his shoulder and his dad stood behind him.
"Lucius," he greeted icily.
"Arthur, I had no idea you had come" Malfoy responded.
"I stood in the back, I'm very proud of my son so if you wouldn't mind giving us a moment?" Arthur asked.
"Of course," he said turning around to stalk off.
"Dad," Ron said "oh Merlin, I'm sorry I forgot to write to tell you I was coming" he said.
Hagrid cleared his throat "I'll give you some time, I'll just be waiting" he said. Dad turned to him then.
"Yes, I was surprised when someone mentioned they thought they'd seen you. Said they hardly recognized you so I had to come" Dad said then touched his jaw. "You look so different, it's like you've grown up suddenly."
"Don helped me dress up, I'll be back to normal soon" Ron replied.
Dad shook his head "it's not just that, your attitude. I'm proud of you" he said and Ron beamed at him and he was pulling into a hug. "I was terrified you would be chewed up by the Wizengammote, but you held your own."
"I was scared too" he laughed "hows mum?" he asked as he pulled away.
"Missing all of her children but knitting up a storm of christmas sweaters," Dad laughed. "How's your siblings?" he asked.
"Fred and George are the same always and Ginny's doing much better. She's made some friends" Ron replied.
"Ron!" they turned and Percy was there too, in his Ministry garb. "You never told us you were coming" Percy looked annoyed. Ron smiled fondly, still a prat as ever.
"Sorry" he said.
"You look good but where did you get those clothes?" Percy asked.
"Uh, Don kept his sons clothing from when he was my age. He gave me them" he said.
"Hm," Dad said looking worried all of a sudden.
"What's wrong? Should I not have taken them?" Ron asked them, he'd felt confident wearing this but suddenly it felt wrong.
"No, that's not it. Never feel bad recieving something you were given out of affection. I just wish I could afford to put you in these robes myself" Dad said and Ron shook his head.
"I'd never ask that" Ron said.
"I know you wouldn't but you never ask for anything and there's something a little sad about that. You can ask for things alright? Maybe we won't get them right away but your allowed" Dad replied.
"Pretty sure any of us older brothers would help too," Percy said.
"So what are these?" Dad changed the subject to the cuffs on Ron's wrist.
"Oh, Don got me those because of um the accident a week ago" he flushed.
"When your necklace broke?" Percy asked, he nodded. "I'm glad he's looking out for you. Your fine now though?"
"Yeah, I'm better, you can barely even tell. My face was all ashy until a couple days ago" he said.
"Your mother nearly left for Hogwarts as soon as she got the letter. She was worried sick until you wrote back saying you were fine" Dad sighed.
"I'll try not to worry her" Ron said and Percy snorted.
"You, not worry anyone? I'd like to see it" Percy said.
"Encounter a troll first year and a basilisk the second, let us hope there no more surprises," Dad said "well you better be getting to Hogwarts then," he said pulling into another hug. Percy also did so, he really was more touchy-feely than he's ever been with him.
They both left and he thought he had better god find Hagrid.
"Mr. Weasley" he certainly was popular today, he turned to find Amelia Bones.
He strained "Madam Bones, thank you for taking me seriously today," he said. She shook her head with a smile.
"I was rather impressed with your professionalism even in the face of such childish remarks. Not many 13-year-olds could have acted like that in front of the Wizengamote, you were better than most adults twice your age" she said.
Ron flushed "thank you, I think it's better that I get used to being judged. Actually it's more that I am used to it" he said.
"Perhaps one day, you can make them regret underestimating you," she said.
"I will hold on for that day, Madam Bones," he said.
"Your mentor is a great man, it is just too bad that with such prejudice among the Ministry that he didn't get nearly the response he deserved. Vampires potentially have a great deal to offer and yet the misguided ideals force wizards to be isolated," she said.
Ron wasn't sure how to answer that, she was right though. They were isolated; was it different in other places. Was there anywhere that wizards didn't seclude themselves to their own kind?
"Mr. Weasley, against my fear to put too much on your shoulders I have a slight expectation for you. You are the first Wizard to be turn Vampire in a hundred years. You have the perspective of both kinds. I sincerely hope that your future is one of politics, you can change things for yourself and generations after" she said, taking his hands for a moment then letting go.
Ron's head was suddenly spinning and he couldn't think of a thing to say. He thought of his whole situation as unlucky, he was the 6th son before the girl his mother's always wanted.
Everything he was given was given only after everyone had their share. His rat, his wand, his pants, his shirts. The only two things in the world; chocolate frog cards and Christmas sweaters were his, not anyone elses.
He was just another Weasley until that night. Everything had changed, Don by his side seemed to flip everything around. Don seemed to want to give him the world and he couldn't except everything. Why? He wasn't sure. Maybe he hadn't excepted himself, after all, sure he learned from Don. He liked him and he also liked that Don seemed to be fond of him in return.
He buzzed as he faced Amelia Bones "I'll do my best" he admitted.
"I see" she smiled.
Xxx
Ron arrived back to the Gryffindor common room at 4 o'clock. Hermione and Harry pounced him, begging for the result then cheered when he annonced Buckbeak would live.
"Ron? What is it?" Hermione asked "you look distracted" she said.
Ron sat on the couch, his nerves were vibrating, how could he possibly explain how he felt right now? He shook his head and patted on both of him. Harry and Hermione sat on either side, getting his meaning.
"Do you like who I am right now?" he asked.
Hermione took his hand into her lap "yes, I do" she said and Harry sighed, leaning against his shoulder.
"What kind of question is that supposed to be?" Harry asked and Hermione cocked an eyebrow "of course. Ron, we like you for who you are right now and whatever you will be in the future so long as you're not a prat" he said.
"Harry" Hermione laughed and Ron laughed then breathed deeply.
"I wasn't sure I liked me," Ron said and they both looked to him. "Actually sometimes I really don't like myself and when someone compliments me I'm not sure how to react."
"Ron, because Harry most likely won't say it, I have to. We don't like you, Ron, we love you. I can't imagine my life without you two in it" Hermione said. Ron flushed, he knew she didn't mean it in a romantic sort of way but he was embarrassed anyway.
So was Harry for the matter but he nodded anyway, ducking his head. "Right uh so was that all?" Harry asked.
"I think I've been avoiding being myself. Whether I wanted it or not, I'm a vampire now and things are different. I think I need to let myself be what I am and just ignore what anyone says about it" Ron said.
"I agree" Hermione beamed "and I think everyone's had a moment where they don't like themselves. It takes another person to say they like who you are to except it" she added.
Ron felt lighter even if he hadn't told everything he'd been feeling these past few months. "I won't explain everything tonight but when I want to, will you listen? We'll do the same for each other" he said.
"Yes" they agreed and Ron nearly fell asleep from how comfortable he felt sitting next to them soaking in the warmth of the fire.
It was only when he was beginning to feel parched that he gathered the will to stand up. "You guys, I need some dinner and frankly you do too," Ron said and they both sighed.
"Can't we sleep?" Harry said, considering the bags under his eyes, it was definitely the second thing he needed besides food.
"As soon as you eat something" Ron agreed "come on" he headed to the great hall.
Later that night, Harry admitted how he felt about this whole Black business. How he was so terrified of every angle that could out of this. Unsure what to believe because they didn't know the full story.
Ron and Hermione, of course, assured him they were going to be there always.
