Harry was so excited to see Ron again; it was odd not being around him for the last two years, they'd been together over the holiday. Besides seeing Ron, he was excited to go out of the country. Sirius had gotten dress robes for both of them and paid though Harry argued that he had plenty of money from his parents. It was Christmas Eve, finally, and they waited patiently for Hermione to step through Sirius' fireplace.

Hermione stepped through, wearing a long raincoat and hoodie that had Harry tilting his head, and Sirius smiled. "Hello, Hermione, it's good to see you again," he said.

Hermione smiled "good to see you too, Sirius, can I leave my coat here?" she asked.

"Sure," Sirius nodded, and she unzipped it revealing her cream-colored gown with embroidered swirls all along the bottom and on her sleeves. She also had a white fur shawl.

"Hermione, what was with the raincoat?" Harry wondered.

"To keep my dress from getting ash all over it," Hermione said, "it's nearly white," she said.

"Ah," Harry said, "well, you look nice," he said, offering a hug, and she smiled, pulling him in.

"Thanks, you look rather handsome. I wonder what Ron will be wearing," Hermione mentioned. Harry had no idea what he'd be wearing, but he suspected something lavish judging by what he wore before he left.

Ron, at the beginning of the year, had threadbare cloaks and slightly dusty cheeks. Before he'd left, he was immaculate, looking at home in the expensive clothing. Whatever Ron wore, he was sure it wouldn't disappoint. "Hermione, shouldn't we mention it to Sirius since um, it might pop up at the ball?" Harry said.

Hermione looked to Sirius "that might be best," she agreed.

"What?" Sirius asked, concerned.

"Well, Ron is more than just an accidental vampire. He's um a lot more important than that," Harry said.

"To vampires, we mean, actually to wizards to since the Romanian MM is very close with Vampire Government," Hermione added.

"Spit it out, please," Sirius requested.

"Ron's the vampire Prince," Hermione and Harry said then looked to each other.

"He's next in line to take the throne because his mentor is the current Patriarch," Hermione added, gauging Sirius wide-eyed look.

"And the entire British Ministry of Magic is unaware?" Sirius asked.

"Yes, well, there's not a great relationship with British and Romanian MM because well..." Hermione hemmed.

"Fudge is an idiot? Yes, I get it," Sirius said then laughed. "I hope you know the British Ministry may have an implosion when words get out," he said.

"We promised we'd keep this a secret," Harry said.

"Secret or not, those eventually get out, prepare for it. The Weasley's don't know?" Sirius asked, and they both flushed. "Your Ron is in big trouble."

XXX

Ron was retrieved from his bed at eleven o'clock by two girls about 17 or so who spoke French and Romanian separately. One of the girls was brunette with a curled ponytail and the other had a short blonde bob.

Ron felt as though Don might have only wanted to test him as they refused to talk about anything else but their chosen language.

They led him to a room where they ran a hot bath and reached for his clothes. He argued with them ( in rapid French which he fumbled through and then in Romanian) that he was capable of bathing himself.

He caught a few words like 'ceremony' and 'tradition' in their arguments. In the end, he lost, and they took off his clothes for him, he stepped in the tub. Suddenly a bottle was poured over his hair, and the Romanian girl began to scrub vigorously at his scalp.

Then the French girl scrubs his back, and by the end of the bath from Hell, he felt so clean he was surprised they hadn't taken some skin off him. They dried him with towels and brought out a glass bottle and cloth to spread on his skin.

He detected eucalyptus with his sharp nose, it smelled nice, but it felt strange. He considered a win when he stopped them from spreading oil further than his hips by keeping a towel at his privates. As the French girl rubbed some type of hair tonic in, the Romanian girl began clipping his toes nails and then moved on to his fingernails.

He was reasonably sure he'd never been so clean in his life. His hair was dried and styled back, off his forehead to one side. They brought in his clothing. Arguing quite a bit, he was allowed to put on his underwear, and then they swooped, placing him first in black pants and white shirt. They button it to his neck.

Then a doubled breasted black cloak went over it that went to his thighs. It was also buttoned to his neck, and they connected ties from one side to the other of silver chains. The Romanian girl placed a pair of thick, black leather boots on him, and then his bar earing.

"Last touches," the French girl said, bringing over a long blood-red cape which attached to his silver shoulder pads.

The Romanian girl opened a box to reveal white gloves with the Wolf emblem in black. She insisted on putting them on him herself, and he let her do it. At last, they stood back, making him look in the mirror.

Ron swallowed at the sight of himself; he didn't truly recognize himself. It looked like somebody else, not an insecure, poor underage wizard but someone powerful and majestic.

Ron allowed himself a minute before he turned to the two women and then bowed as gracefully as his training allowed him. "Thank you," he said. He tried not to look embarrassed.

They both beamed at him, "your so welcome, Prince," the French girl replied in English.

"It is truly a pleasure," the Romanian girl replied in English, and he stared in shock. "We had heard you spoke both our preferred languages, so we thought we'd create some mischief. We didn't think you spoke it so well, but we think you will make a good prince," the Romanian speaking girl said, "allow me to leave my name, Hattie Lameh," she greeted.

"And I'm Zoey Lameh," she said.

"Sisters? No twins," he said, they looked to each other and laughed. Looking at their faces now, he had no idea why he hadn't guessed it. Sure, they had different hair colors, but their faces were similar. He sighed, "thanks for helping me get ready against my will, I suppose," he said.

"You have to allow someone else to do it; its tradition," Zoey said, then they shared a glance, and suddenly Ron's neck hair rose. A shared glanced betweens twins was never a great thing. They both came to his side and kissed his cheeks.

Ron reddened at two older girls, both very pretty, kissing his cheeks. "Au revoir," Zoey said then "la revedere," said Hattie, then headed out of the room. Ron sighed; his life was plagued with mischief.

xxx

Once Ron was free to stroll to the main hall, he was surprised to find the tables were spread out to the walls instead. Grey tablecloths spread out on them, and the building decorated to the nines with silver rotating snowflakes and upside-down Christmas trees.

The window especially lit up brighter than usual, and it seems like all the murals in the castle were excited waiting in the main hall for guests to arrive. "Ron," he turned to find Don walking towards him in blue and black and silver, of course. He wore a modest circlet. "You dress befitting a prince," Don said with a grin.

"Imagine that, but are the gloves really necessary?" Ron asked.

"For the ceremony, they are, but for now, you don't have to wear them," Don said, and Ron pulled them off and placed them into his pocket. "Do you feel ready?" Don asked.

"No, I don't. Are guests aware of stuff?" Ron asked, wishing that it wasn't so painful to bite his lip with how sharp his canines were. It gave him something to do, and he couldn't gorge himself on food to stress eat either. His outlet became reduced to combat training or dancing practice.

"Yes, they are aware of… "stuff." A new prince will be presented as it is customary for the two chosen successors to begin the ball. You must accept your title to do that. Don't worry; those who've attended in the past are well aware of the ritual," Don explained.

"Alright," Ron said, "then what should I do while I wait for people to show up?" Ron asked.

"Well, you could have a glass of breakfast? Unfortunately, most tasks are taken care of as the decorations are set. I'm sure you can find something to occupy yourself with," Don said.

Ron blinked, there was nothing he had to do? No practice or training to attend? "Right, I'll um go look for something to do," Ron said, then turned around and walked back toward his room.

Ron flopped on his back, wearing the suit and shoes. He was done with his Christmas break homework a while ago, and there was no physical thing he could do wearing a suit. He sighed then sat up to find a book in his growing pile of Sol's book recommendations. Now was as good a time as any to begin it; Pride and Prejudiced by Jane Austin.
He suddenly wished he was wearing more comfortable clothing to sit and read, but didn't dare take it off but did unbutton the collar a bit. Several hours of reading intertwined in Elizabeth Bennet's crass commentary and Mr. Darcy's ridiculous uptightness had him annoyed.

But even more annoying was Mr. Bingley's fascination and romance with Jane then able to leave as if she was nothing more than an arm warmer. A knock at the door had him slam the book closed, but not before he bookmarked it "come in" Ron snapped then realized his mood had translated into the real world.

Sol popped his head in with a frown, "um? Bad mood?" Ron sighed and held up the book with a glare. Sol grinned, "ah, what do you think?"

"Are these people daft? Can't Darcy and Elizabeth figure out they're the perfect match if they'd, I dunno" Ron couldn't explain his frustration.

"So you've already figured out why it's called Pride and Prejudiced? Good, then your well ahead of most people who read the book for muggle school. Keep reading," Sol said. "Now, have you eaten?" Sol asked.

Ron shook his head, and Sol held up a bottle, and Ron set his book aside, ready to get fed before he had to stand in front of a crowd. Sol insisted he is cautious when he handed him a glass. Ron nodded, drinking his through a straw then set the cup aside carefully.

It was 5:40 pm, so the guests would be showing up soon, which meant Ron and Sol had to be within view to greet them. Ron followed Sol to the door, "just do what I do, and you'll be fine, okay?" Sol said. Ron nodded swallowing.

Raya and Don stood together then looked to each other "open the doors," Raya said, and the two servants on either side and they both pulled open the massive doors. Raya and Don walked outside.

Surprisingly there were lots of people waiting on the bridge. Don stepped out and took out his wand and shot a Patronus into the air. It was a wolf, of course, and the wolf made a lap. "Welcome!" the wolf said, then burst into light. People approached then.

"Good evening," an older man greeted Ron, "the new prince?" he said.

Ron smiled and nodded, "good to meet you," he said.

He must have offered a million phrases like that when it was difficult to keep track. "Don't worry, we don't have to greet all the guests, just the early ones" Don whispered to him, he hoped he didn't look like he was struggling. It was a relief.

Xxx

Hermione was suddenly immensely glad her mother insisted she wears skin color dance tights under her dress and wears the fur shawl over her shoulders. Others, she would surely be freezing in the harsh climate.

She waited as Sirius suggested once the doors had been open, and they could see him when they were the last ones. It wasn't too long, thankfully, and Sirius helpfully cast a warming charm over them.

As the crowd dispersed, she caught sight of Ron and sucked in a deep breath. Ron had gotten a haircut; it was much shorter than it had been before he'd left. It left his ears in full view, pointy with a bar across one ear?

"He pierced his ears?" Hermione commented to Harry. Her chest felt tight, and her face felt hot.

"Hm? Oh, he did," Harry said, surprised, "can't imagine Mrs. Weasley will be pleased about that when she finds out."

Hermione nodded; she liked the effect it had on him, not that she had ever was attracted to dangerous guys, but she liked Ron's new illusion to it. He looked even taller and leaner in black, which before the attack and Don, she'd never seen him in black.

The hand me down robes he wore as a uniform were no longer black but a dark grey. His red hair set off the-

"Hermione, let's go," Harry whispered after nudging her, and she snapped back to reality. She flushed high in her cheeks and hoped it was hidden by how cold it was outside. They walked closer, following the last couple of people before them.

"Welcome," Don said, then his brow rose at them "well, hello, come to see Ron?" he asked. He glanced at his mentee, and Ron was speaking to a short few people who wanted to greet him.

"We thought we'd surprise him," Harry said with a smile.

"I'm sure he'll be happy to see you," Don said, then a strikingly beautiful woman stepped to take Don's arm. "Ah, Raya, this is that charming and intelligent girl I wrote about, Hermione Granger. And with her is a skilled young man whom I'm sure you are well aware of," Don said.

"Harry Potter," the woman nodded sagely.

"Harry?" Ron's voice carried over, and they all glanced at Ron. "Hermione, too?" he asked.

"We thought we'd surprise you, but it looks we were surprised instead," Hermione said. Ron beamed at them and pulled them both into a hug.

"Thanks for coming; I can't believe you came all this way," Ron said with a smile that sucked the air from her lungs. Ron never smiled with teeth anymore; he was too afraid that his teeth would scare people. But she thought he looked at his best with a wide grin, and truthfully, she felt the fangs were cute.

"Of course we would," Harry assured him, and Ron flushed with happiness.

"So your Ron's friends he writes to," a smooth voice carried to them, and a boy stepped next Ron. He had long hair tied back with a braid and dark skin, which set his amber eyes off. He wore garb similar to Ron, so she immediately made the connections; this was Donovan's son. "I'm Sol," he said.

"It's nice to meet you," Hermione said.

"Pleasure is mine," Sol said, he took her hand and kissed it. She flushed high in her cheeks as he let go of her. They were led inside and ogled the decorations and murals that were vastly different from Hogwarts.

Hermione got to see for a couple of minutes before several people came up to Ron. She was floored as they took his hands and spoke in Romanian; she only caught a few words. They wanted to talk to Ron specifically, and she could scarcely keep the surprise from showing on her face.

"Cleans up nicely, doesn't he?" Sol commented, "considering his face, that's not hard to do so long as his hair is kept neat. Are girls at Hogwarts blind?" he asked, Harry, coughed, flushing. Sol appraised him, "hm, not quite on my caliber, but you'll do nicely."

Harry gaped, she'd never met someone so apparent with his thoughts. "Ron does catch the attention of girls, but he never notices," she replied, calm composed.

"And I'd bet a beautiful witch at his side is good repellent," Sol said, and Hermione blinked, "oh dear, I forget how closed you British are. I much prefer the American's outlook. Straight to the point," he said.

Hermione was flabbergasted; she'd been complimented and felt also insulted in one fell swoop. "I have never warded away girls from Ron, we're friends," she said, ignoring Harry's raised brow and Sirius' laugh as he went to go find refreshments. "And we British are taught to hold our tongues to avoid conflict."

Okay, they taught it to her, but that didn't mean they kept it in practice. Gryffindors were the obvious ones; a bunch of lions kept in close quarters. Moody, impulsive, catty, and protective were some traits that came out mixed with bravery. Hermione was never good at holding her tongue.

"Ron seems a bit better at that than you," Sol said, and Harry stifled a laugh.

"You haven't seen him when we're arguing," Hermione said, and that somehow earned her a smile from Sol.

"I've decided I like you," Sol said, she nodded, unsure what else to say. "And Harry Potter, it's good to meet you," he said, offering a hand. Harry shook it. "I've heard much about you but not what you're like, but let's let introductions rest, right?" Sol said.

"Right," Harry stared.

Xxx

Ron loved that Harry and Hermione had come to see him for Christmas, overjoyed. Right now, he didn't have time to see what Sol was speaking to them about because he occupied himself with speaking with guests.

"It is a pleasure to meet the newest Prince of the Grey's," an old man said, followed by his young attendant, he bowed at the waist slightly, and Ron placed his hands at his side and bowed to copy him. Don had taught as many international greetings as he could.

He had told him that if he encountered a greeting, he hadn't seen or heard before to just mimic. Fortunately, Donovan taught him this one, and he recognized the garb he wore as being Japanese. "Hello, I'm Ronald Weasley Grey, and the pleasure is mine," he said.

"Clever boy, I am Ayumu Okajima," he said.

"Minister, I have not seen you in so long" Sol's voice was suddenly at his ear, and Ron knew he was saved. He was concerned about what would happen if he could not say who this person was. This must be the Minister of Magic for Japan.

"Ah, Kitsune-san. It has been a while," Mr. Okajima, the man looked delighted with Sol's presence. "We must have a game while I visit," he said.

"If it's a game you want, then you must play Ron as well," Sol said, placing an arm around Ron's shoulder. Ron looked to Sol, startled at being volunteered for something. "Ron's the best player my age I've seen; he'll beat my mother in time."

Mr. Okajima's eyebrows rose "that is high praise; you must grant me the pleasure then," he said, looking to Ron. It was then that Ron noticed a pin on the man's robes, the pin was of a white raven with black wings.

He recognized it as the symbol for the Wizarding World Chess Championship or WWCC. The raven was the symbol for chess because ravens often sat still and analyzed their targets until it was the right moment like a good chessplayer should.

"It would be an honor to play someone affiliated with the WWCC," Ron replied.

"Why don't we play right now?" Sol asked.

"Now?" Ron asked "I don't think-"
"It would entertain guests while people arrive and before we begin a ceremony. You are both skilled enough for a speed round, right?" Sol asked. Ron was beginning to wonder what Mr. Okajima's nickname for Sol meant. If it had anything to do with mischief, he was on the nose.

"Alright," Ron agreed, and Sol smiled.

Suddenly, Ron sat down with a large board in front of him. It was big but not as big as McGonagall's chess set. The pieces were about 15 centimeters tall each. The set must have cost a fortune to have made.

The pawns were all wolves and the rooks mini Nacht Castles. Bishop was a figure in a cloak with the staff, and the knight held an orb. The Queen was a womanly figure with long hair, and the King was the most interesting with silver and gold eyes. The expensive part was that all seemed to be of a magical crystal of sorts.

The guests all came around to see the match, and Ron flushed as guests watched him curiously. He played white while Mr. Okajima played black. The game began, and Ron quickly understood just what it took to be a chess champion. He had an aggressive playing style that he had an excellent handle on.

Ron struggled with every move, and only in the end after he made a sliver of a mistake, did he lose his match. Ron sighed; he had expected to lose; after all, that was one of the most challenging games he'd had. He was surprised when their audience clapped thunderously for them.

"Very excellent, it's been quite some time since I witnessed such a beautiful match," a middle-aged man suddenly approached Ron with dark hair and broad shoulders. The man wasn't quite so big as Hagrid, but he was quite tall even compared to his brother, Bill.

"Thank you very much," Ron replied; at some point, he hoped he'd be released to go see his friends, but knew what he was supposed to do. "Minister," he added, his face sparked his memory, and he could remember the man was Pharoh Tomas, the Romanian Minister of magic. Sol was entertaining the man, and he hoped that he soon could learn to be as effortlessly charming as him.

It seems he was meeting important people left and right. Mr. Okajima walked back to him. "I thank you for the match. Have you entered any competitions?" he asked.

"No sir," Ron said, truthfully the entry fee was too much for most competitions so he'd never asked his mother if he could enter. He knew what the answer would be to that.

"Then you must soon, alright? You are a- hm I believe the English call it a technical player? Your grasp of the game is astounding," the man said.

"Thank you, sir," Ron said, "um, what was it that you called Sol earlier?" he asked.

"Kitsune," the man replied with a smile "they are the nine-tailed fox from my country, they are clever creatures and known for causing trouble. I call him this out of fondness for his playing style in chess and personality," he explained.

"Hm, sounds about right to me," Ron agreed.

"Perhaps if he is a fox, then you are a wolf. Very proper for your crest, hm?" Mr. Okajima wondered. Ron was reminded then of the wise old Dumbledore.

"I don't think I've seen a red wolf before," Ron said.

"They are rare, but they exist. Don't let me keep you too long then, if you should find yourself in my country or if you need my assistance, let me know," Mr. Okajima offered his hand, and Ron shook it.

"Thank you, sir."

Mr. Okajima walked away, and Ron walked to the Romanian Minister. As much as he wanted to see Harry and Hermione that moment, he knew he had to make a good impression with the man. "Ronald Grey, very well played," Minister Tomas said.

Sol stepped away, and Ron had no time to ask where he went because the Minister continued, "tell me, is it correct that Sol will not be the one inherit the first throne?" he asked.

"Yes," Ron replied.

"Hm, I had always assumed that it would Sol to claim his right," Minister Tomas said. "Tell me, do you think you can do better than someone who has known vampires and their ways his entire life?" Ron's blood pressure spiked.

His instincts were to stammer, but he held his tongue until he was ready with a concise answer. "A society cannot progress on tradition alone," Ron replied, the Minister's eyebrows rose.

"I'm a wizard, Minister, a born pureblood one whose family sides with muggle-borns and half-bloods. We are called blood traitors for demanding equality. I'm a vampire now, which suddenly makes me a second class citizen even as I stand before you as a prince. I think what we need is fresh ideas, and that won't come from swimming around with similar fish," Ron explained. "I don't know if I'm a better answer than Sol, but I'll do everything I can."

Minister smiled, "I believe, your highness," he said with conviction, "that you have made an excellent point, I wish you luck," he said.

"Minister, I have someone here who you might like to meet," Sol said, he was pulling Harry into their circle. Harry flushed, as the Minister recognized him and offered his hand. Sol pulled Ron towards him by putting an arm around his shoulders. "Go spend some time with your girl, alright?" Sol whispered in his ear.

Ron nodded then went to see Hermione, who stood, looking striking in her nearly white dress. She seemed too good to be true; he walked towards her. "Hermione," he said with a smile, "sorry I keep getting pulled into things," he said.

"That's alright; I figured the ball might be busy. That's why Sirius, Harry, and I planned to stay in the village until tomorrow. You can spend time with us then if tonight is hard," Hermione said.

"Yeah, how's the break been?" he asked.

"Wonderful, it's good to be home for a little while. I um explained the vampire thing to my parents," Hermione said.

"Oh," Ron said, if vampires in books were blood-sucking monsters, then it's a wonder how her parents felt about him.

"Don't worry, and I explained that it's not like…"

"Dracula?" Ron suggested.

Hermione's eyes widened. "Dracula is popular among wizards?" she asked.

Ron snorted, and then he remembered Sol nor Don would approve of him doing that. "Merlin, no. I read it recently because I went out into the muggle village with Sol. His friends were talking about books and stuff," he explained.

"So you really read it, then? What did you think?" Hermione's brows knit, and he felt like he wanted to reach out to smooth them.

"I think it was pretty sexist, I could be wrong, but part of it seemed like implying that men are bloodsuckers (not literally) of women. Dracula only went for the women, which I don't think is right. Then there's other stuff. I dunno, there was a lot," Ron replied, and Hermione stared open-mouthed.

She then shook her head and smiled, "I'm kind of proud you read something of your own volition, Ron," she said.

"I read," he said, and she raised an eyebrow. "I do! I've read Edgar Allan Poe, Frankenstein, Pride, and Prejudice. I mean, I just started that one but still," he said. He didn't mention that he didn't do any of that until he got here. That didn't matter, though.

"And what do you think?" Hermione asked.

"Frankenstein was bloody depressing," Ron replied "Poe is genius, his stuff is terrifying and Pride and Prejudiced. Well, Elizabeth has a rod stuck up her arse."

"Darcy insulted her right away, of course, she'd be cross," Hermione said.

"He's like Percy. Too quick to judge," Ron said, and that began them talking about Pride and Prejudiced. He got her to himself for a little while before the crowd seemed to get very silent.

He turned to the front, and Don was standing on the steps now. "I better get there, the ceremony, well, you know," he said. Hermione nodded, and he went to the front, he met Sol at the bottom of the steps of the throne.

"Ready?" Sol asked with a grin.
"No," Ron admitted, and Sol only squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.

"Nothing to this as it's a formality. Just act royal," Sol replied.

"Like you then," Ron replied, and Sol grinned with all teeth, something Ron rarely dared to do. The ceremony involved Don accompanying Rayna up the steps to the thrown, for once Rayna stood in front of it. Sol went up after, and Ron felt uneasy because he couldn't ask for advice this time.

Predictably, the ceremony was all said in Romanian. Ron was suddenly very relieved that he could follow along quite smoothly. His Romanian had gotten so much better since regularly speaking with Sol and others.

"Sol Grey, the expectant Patriarch. Will you do all in your power to guide the next King and thus continue the line for the good of vampires?" Raya asked.

Sol gave a sweeping bow with a grace that Ron could not have the hope of replicating. "I, Sol Grey, born of Raya and Donovan, will do my part in establishing myself for the good of the vampires."

"Stand," Raya said, and Sol did so. Don stepped forward with a gilded box, it opened, and a pair of bright sapphire earrings glinted as Don offered them to Sol. He put them on; they suited him perfectly.

He took three steps down the stair, Ron swallowed and approached Raya.

XXX

Harry didn't understand Romanian, but judging on how attentive and solemn everyone was, it was necessary. It was after Ron stepped up did he realize this was his coronation of sorts. His best mate was a prince. Would Ron still be at Hogwarts after this year?

Would he have duties that pulled him away from him from Hermione? He swallowed as Ron turned around in the glinting ruby earrings that made his hair seem like a red beacon. Ron had become unreadable lately, even standing up there, Harry couldn't tell what he was feeling.

He looked good though, like one of the photos in a magazine where you thought that no one's eyes could ever be that bright in real life. Harry had sensed for a long time that Ron had felt shunted and ignored by everyone. Just another Weasley.

Harry felt some chaotic emotion settle in his stomach. The pride that Ron was finally getting recognized then worry over what he would do with it. Would he grow to hate the fame that being a prince brought him, or would he end up like Lockhart? Harry shook his head at the stupid thought. Ron hated people who lorded power over others.

Of course, he did. He'd been a victim of it for his entire life, considering how everyone treated his family. He was taking this the wrong way, Ron was his best friend. They couldn't just break away from each other so easily.

He jumped when a hand reached out for his shoulder and squeezed, Sirius. Harry flushed; had he looked that worried? "I dunno what you're worried about, but I expect it's not as bad as your thinking," Sirius whispered to him.

Harry sighed and watched as they finished Ron's ceremony, and then Don commenced the ball. Suddenly the castle's great hall lit up with brighter lights as chandeliers shined.

Ron stepped down from the staircase, and a crowd swarmed him. He smiled, close-lipped, like a bureaucrat, and shook hands with people. "He feels older," Hermione said, "he's matured lately, a lot."

"Um yeah," Harry agreed. Ron seemed so comfortable in his own skin lately, more so than he'd ever been as just Ron Weasley, the human wizard. "What do you think it means for us?" he asked.

"I don't know," Hermione admitted, and Harry saw the nervousness on her face. He wondered if he looked like that; they would have to talk about it with Ron.

A voice had them moving over, a tall man stood behind them, "British then? Excuse me," the man said, and they moved aside. The imposing man stepped forward, he wore a fur coat and had thick eyebrows and a sturdy jaw.

"I think that was the Headmaster of Durmstrang," Sirius commented, and they turned to look at him. "Karkaroff, I think."

xxx

Ron never expected anything seamless in his life; he wasn't like Hermione, who, he could only guess, had parents who had structured her life early. She'd said a little about it, going to school since she was five years old, and every year around the same time, she went on a family vacation.

Hermione loved order, punctualness, and the like, must be Merlin's irony that her hair had never seen orderliness. Even in the tight buns that she liked to keep it tucked into, several stands got loose and flew around her head. Even so, orderliness was tremendous and feasible for the brilliant Hermione Granger.

Shame that she kept two of the most disorderly blokes around for company. Harry was a mess just like hair, and Ron wasn't on time most of the day unless his stomach growled, signifying it was at least breakfast, lunch, or dinner time.

So no, Ron never expected order, but he didn't expect that such a beginning to his day turns around with such a contrast to blow up in his face. Everything was great, and then it was on fire.