Runaway Fox

Chapter Four: The Eligible Bachelor

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.  In case, you've been living under a rock, J.K. Rowling is the one who owns Harry Potter and all the characters.  I own Simon Scott and whatever characters that didn't show up in the book.  As well as some of the concepts.  I give any broomstick making techniques I come up with to Ms. Rowling. 

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            Harry and Ginny got something from Owl Post that was most curious.  It was a long brown package.  "What is this?" asked Harry.

            "I don't know.  The address says it's from Warp Speed Technologies Limited.  Harry, what's that?" asked Ginny.

            "It's a company from America.  They make some of the fastest and most expensive broomsticks around.  Actually, it's the best company," said Harry as the he looked at the red fox logo on the box.

            "Don't tell me you ordered a broomstick without consulting me first.  And one from this company," said Ginny already with her eyebrow arched.

            "I didn't order anything.  I don't know what's inside the box," said Harry.

            "Then open it," said Ginny impatiently.  Harry opened the box and immediately a broomstick was hovering out of the box.  It had a dark mahogany handle with bristles at the end that was like spun gold.  Harry's name was burnt into the wood of the handle with a serial number and the fox logo as well.  "'With our compliments, Mr. Potter.' That's what the note says," said Ginny.  Harry looked at it as if it were the first broomstick in all of Creation.

            "I don't believe it.  Why would they just give me a broomstick?" asked Harry out loud.

            "I don't know.  Maybe, it's 'cause it's you, my love," said Ginny as she kissed him on the cheek. 

            "But…but…wow.  It's beautiful," said Harry as he reached for it.  The broomstick came to him.  He blinked.  "Wow."

            "I remembered when you used to look at me like that," said Ginny with a pout.  "Harry?  Harry?  Great.  All I did was give you a daughter."

            The sounds of knocking came from the door.  Ginny left to go answer the door.  It was Fred, George, Percy, and their parents.  "Mum.  Dad.  Hi everyone," said Ginny with a smile as she hugged her brothers and sister-in-laws.  They brought their kids and it was going to be a family gathering.  Hermione, of course, was invited but she declined. 

            "Where's Harry?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

            "In the kitchen with his new love," answered Ginny.  Mrs. Weasley looked at her quizzically.  "Come with me.  I'll show you."  They followed Ginny to the kitchen.  Fred and George's jaw dropped. 

            "Oh my!" exclaimed Fred.

            "I got it today.  Warp Speed sent it.  I don't know why," whispered Harry.

            "I don't believe it.  Is it really from Warp Speed?" asked George.  Harry passed it to him to see, and he passed it long as if it were either Excalibur or the Holy Grail.  "Look.  It's the Fox."

            "If only Ron could see this, it would blow him away," murmured Fred.  He remembered how much Ron liked just looking at Harry's old Firebolt.  "What's it called?"

            "There's a reason why there's no specific name for it.  Look at the specifications on it.  It's a custom made.  The Ministry keeps logs on the different kinds of broomstick ever since Warp Speed started making specific kinds for specific positions," said Percy looking at the specifications.

            According to the specifications, the broomstick was made for especially for a seeker.  But that wasn't all, it was built just for Harry.  It had his height down in the specifications and what speeds the broomstick had to travel at.  And there was also a special booster placed into the core of the broomstick.

            "A custom?  That means it's worth even more," said Mr. Weasley. 

            "Men," muttered Mrs. Weasley and Ginny underneath their breaths.  That was until Fred's wife, Angelina, who was one of the chasers for Gryfinndor back at Hogwarts came into the kitchen.  Then everyone, had to look at the new broomstick.  Harry didn't get it back for at least an hour.

~*~

            Ron was getting ready to leave for New York City in the next twelve hours, but he wanted to get to Diagon Alley and look around.  After talking with Hermione, he found out that all of the Weasleys would be gathered at the Harry and Ginny's house, so he thought that he could get away with going to Diagon Alley.  Simon decided to join him.

            "I've never been to Diagon Alley.  Maybe, I can see this joke shop of your brother that you've been telling me about," said Simon.  He knew all about Ron's family even if he hadn't met them.

            "Well, I don't recommend you eat anything if you really don't want anything to happen to you," warned Ron.  They went through the Leaky Cauldron with anyone noticing Ron at all. He was dressed in wizard's robes just like Simon.

            They were looking around here and there.  And despite Ron's warning about not consuming anything from Fred and George's shop, Simon was plucking off yellow feathers.

            "I don't care what you say, Ron.  It was a good pastry.  What's it called again?" said Simon with a laugh.

            "Canary Creams.  I've made it a point never to eat anything that my brothers hand to me.  Even with drinks," said Ron with a laugh.

            "Well, if it isn't the Weasel," said someone with a low drawl from behind them.  I know who that is.  God.  Figures, other than Hermione, who else would I run into?  Ron and Simon turned around to see someone as tall as Simon, who was 6'1", with platinum blonde hair and gray eyes.  He looked very pale.

            "Malfoy," snarled Ron.

            "Well, what are you doing back on British soil?  I thought that you wouldn't come back here.  Aren't there enough Weasleys in this country?  I thought you were the one exiled out," sneered Malfoy.

            "I thought that you'd be in Azkaban by now.  Who did you sell out? Daddy?" asked Ron calmly.  This threw Malfoy off.  The Ron he remembered would be more than red at the ears by now, and someone would have to be holding his collar back to prevent him from attacking.  He looked absolutely cool. 

            "No.  I'll have you know that the Ministry has extended mercy to me.  I'm now at the Ministry.  Say, where is Potter and Granger?  You're usually not anywhere without them.  Who would have thought that Potter's sidekick could venture out on his own without his protection?" said Malfoy.

            "I can fight my own battles, Malfoy.  Besides, I don't have time for this.  The Americans have a saying: 'Time is money.' And I don't want to waste either talking to you," said Ron calmly. 

            "Why don't you go off and get some sun?  Or are you some kind of vampire who'll burn up? Besides, he's wor—" started Simon, but Ron held up a hand to keep him quiet.  Simon knew who Draco Malfoy was from just looking at him.  The Malfoys were one of the families that were into the Dark Arts.  Simon guessed that the Ministry had him working there just to keep an eye on him. 

            "Well, look who went to America and grew a spine.  Bravo.  Now, I see you have a sidekick.  You've moved up in the world, Weasley.  I suppose I should passed this on to Potter and Granger," said Malfoy.  Ron felt his heart stop for a moment.  No.  He had to do something to stop him.  Ron walked up to him.  Malfoy reached for his wand.   "Watch it, Weasley," he added.  Simon had his hand on his own wand waiting for Ron to ask him to help.  He knew better than to infer with Ron's fights.

            "Expelliarmus," Ron simply whispered without drawing out his wand.  Like the Memory Charm, it was one of the spells he could do without using a wand.  It was something he learned in Ellsinore.   Malfoy looked surprised.  Without his wand he hand to come up with something else.  Ron had his wand in his left hand.  He was close enough, so Malfoy attempted to punch Ron.  Ron caught his fist with his right hand.  He held it tightly, and it was obvious that he was stronger than Malfoy.

            Malfoy was brought to his knees.  He could feel the bones in his hand being crushed.  Who knew that Weasley was that strong?  He was able to give him a black eye before, but this was different.  He could feel the blood being cut off completely and he felt bone snap.  Ron let go of him finally.  He looked up at Ron who towered over him with supremacy. 

            "Goodbye, Mr. Malfoy," said Ron smoothly.  He turned to walk away as Malfoy looked at his hand.  Ron walked up to Simon who was still facing Malfoy.  There was a crowd of people collecting.  "Mr. Scott," said Ron; he never called him that unless in a professional capacity.  He handed Malfoy's wand to Simon.

            "Yes, Mr. Weasley," followed Simon.

            "Take care of this mess," said Ron as he walked off. 

~*~

            Hermione was back at her flat.  Her cat, Crookshanks, was with her.  She was rubbing his belly while she read a book.  Finally, she had a day off.  And she was by herself.  However, her thoughts weren't on her reading, but rather on her meeting with Ron.  Was it possible for someone to change that much in five year?  Had she change as well? 

            An owl came to her window with the latest issue of Witch Weekly.  Crookshanks jumped off her lap so that she could go and get it.  She paid the owl five Knuts and it left.  Something caught her eye on the front cover.  "Most Eligible Bachelors in the World" which was written by Rita Skeeter.  "Great.  What did she do now?" murmured Hermione in annoyance.  She opened it to read the article.  It was a countdown from the bottom to the top.  Hermione skimmed through the articles.  One of the men was Viktor.  That didn't surprise her.  What surprised her was the number one bachelor on the list.  "OH MY GOD!" exclaimed Hermione in shock.  She surprised Crookshanks.

~*~

            The Weasleys were enjoying a nice family picnic in the backyard of Harry and Ginny's house.  They were having fun while the kids were running around causing mischief.  Fred and George's kids were probably the most dangerous.  Percy's kids fell victim to the tricks that they were playing.   An owl dropped a copy of Witch Weekly and was ignored.  Hermione apparated to the house and knocked on the door.  Harry opened the door.

            "Hi Hermione.  It's nice to see that you changed your mind about coming," said Harry happily.

            "That's not why I'm here, Harry.  Has anyone see the latest issue of Witch Weekly?" she asked.

            "No.  I don't think so.  Why?" asked Harry. 

            "Good.  I saw Ron yesterday," answered Hermione.

            "You did?  That's wonderful news," he said with a large grin on his face.

            "And I'm pissed off at him," she said as she walked off to the backyard.

            "What?" said Harry as he followed her to the backyard.

            Everyone looked up to see Hermione as she stormed in.  "Why, hello Hermione," said Mrs. Weasley.

            "Where's your Witch Weekly?  Here passed my copy this way around the table," said Hermione as Percy handed her the copy that was there.  She flipped to the page where the article was.  And handed to Harry.  The first person who read the article was Ginny.  She looked absolutely shocked.  "RON!" she exclaimed.

            "What is about Ron?" asked Mrs. Weasley anxiously.  Ginny handed the magazine to her mother.

            "I'll read it out loud for everyone else," said Harry.

Number One Bachelor in the World

By Rita Skeeter

We've had a Quidditch player.  We've had a scholar.  We've had some very rich men.  What does it take to be the number one bachelor not only in the wizarding world, but also with the Muggles?  For our top bachelor, we feel he must be a combination of all the other bachelors under him.  The only man to fit the bill is Ronald Weasley.  He's got money, power, brains, and throw in sex appeal. 

This sumptuously sexy selection was born and raised in England.  Ronald Weasley is the second to youngest child of Arthur and Molly Weasley.  He graduated from Hogwarts.  He is a self made millionaire; upon last year's estimates he is worth around 10 million galleons.  He is also one of the top seekers of all time after the World Quidditch Cup three years ago, when he captured the Golden Snitch, defeating the Russians.  Although, Ron has played for the Americans, he still found time to go to school at the very exclusive hybrid university, Ellsinore in Northern California near San Francisco.  Mr. Weasley has a degree in Business and Economics with a minor in Philosophy.   Mr. Weasley also graduated second in his class.  However, he's still number one on our lists.

Don't complain about Quidditch ladies.  It's Quidditch that helped build Mr. Weasley up in more ways than one.  It's helped build some of those muscles on him and his bank account.  This red head is the owner and founder of Warp Speed Technologies Limited, the top broomstick manufacturers in the world.  And he's only twenty-three years old.

Mr. Weasley was not available for comment because he is notoriously known for avoiding the press.  He is highly elusive and reclusive.  It is unknown if he is even currently dating anyone. His love life isn't known at all.  However, it's all the challenge, ladies, that makes this man worth catching.  Can any snare this fox?  I have a feeling we'll have to hunt him down first.

            While Harry read the article surprised gasps escaped most everyone's list.  They were all dumbfounded by the end of the article.  "So, this is Ron's been up to," said Harry.  He looked towards the house to where the new broomstick was.  Fred, George, and Percy looked downright surprised.  "Here's a picture," said Harry.  It was a still shot.  Obviously a Muggle photograph.  Ron was looking out at a sea wearing white.  The photo was in classic black and white, capturing Ron's features perfectly.  It wasn't hard to tell that he was tall and muscular.  He had a white shirt that was partially unbutton.  His hair was tousled.  And it looked like he hadn't shave for the picture.  There was something powerful about the photograph.  The shadows seemed to sculpt around him and he had a sleepy look on his face.  It was very serene. 

            "Whoa.  This is Ron.  I barely recognize him," said Fred as he looked at the picture of Ron. 

            "Um…this is a surprise," said George. 

            "I can't believe it," murmured Percy.  How could his youngest brother be like this?  He thought he knew his siblings very well.  Mr. Weasley was re-reading the article.  Mrs. Weasley looked rather pale as she looked over his shoulder to look at the picture of her youngest son.  It had been so long since she even saw a picture of him that she was getting misty eyed. 

            "I had no idea.  I mean I knew he liked playing Quidditch, but I didn't know he liked broomsticks so much.  What about your new broomstick, Harry?  Let me see it," said Mrs. Weasley.  She hadn't seen it when everyone else was looking at it.  Before, it was just some broomstick, but now it was a creation of her son.  It was the tangible thing that he sent to his best friend.

            "No wonder, you got that broomstick.  Ron must have ordered it to be sent to you," said Mr. Weasley with a smile.  He always thought that Ron was destined for something great, but he didn't what.  Arthur could hardly contain his paternal pride when Ron won the World Cup.  His co-workers at the Ministry had to listen to Arthur for days on end after that. 

            Harry went to get the broomstick and came back quickly.  The children were now looking at a picture of "Uncle Ron."  "Is it true, Daddy?  Is Uncle Ron really that rich?" asked Paul.

            "I think it is.  Look at the broomstick your Uncle Ron had made for your Uncle Harry," said Percy.

            Mrs. Weasley touched the broomstick lightly and traced her fingers over the fox logo on it.  She smiled.  "I'm glad that he's doing so well.  But, I do wish he'd send word home.  Imagine, we had to read a magazine to see how he was doing.  Of all the inconsiderate things.  Well, he only has time to send presents and that's it.  Why doesn't he just send himself home?" said Mrs. Weasley.  "Making me worry about him.  Well, if he's too busy to come home, then we'll have to pay him a visit," she added firmly.

            "Actually, I decided to check if Rita Skeeter's information is correct.  Actually, um…I did see Ron yesterday.  And damn him for not saying anything.  And I've been doing some background checking on him," admitted Hermione.

            "You saw him?" asked Ginny.

            "Yes, I was having lunch at a café, and he came to my table.  He and I talked for a while.  And he said that he worked at Warp Speed, but he didn't say what job he had.  All I know is, he paid for my lunch even though he only should up and had dessert.  He was dressed in Muggle clothes and knew how to use Muggle money very well.  Right down to the tip for the waitress.  Who I might add was looking at him.  He didn't even seem to notice.  Come to think of it," said Hermione.  That last part about the waitress was something she wasn't really going to say, but now that she thought about it.  Ron didn't pay any attention to the waitress.  That was a relief to her.  Why?  She didn't know exactly. 

            "Who knew?  All this time.  We should have let him build our broomsticks for us.  But, that's not a good idea.  I mean I've seen how much those broomsticks cost.  We couldn't afford to pay him," said Fred with a smile.

            "Maybe, he'd be willing to give a family discount," said George thoughtfully.

            "Or trade for some lovely jokes for it," said Fred.

            An owl came from the Ministry and dropped a letter for Hermione.  She opened a large envelope. "It's the inquiries I made just before coming here.  Okay.  Everything about his education is confirmed as for his gross wealth.  Um…the article is wrong," she said.

            "Well?  How much is Ron worth?" asked Harry.

            "Thirteen and a half million galleons," answered Hermione.  "I am mad right now.  He didn't tell me anything.  He used some diversionary tactics."

            "What kind of diversionary tactics?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

            "He asked about everyone else.  That's how he did it.  I had to answer so many questions about all of you that I couldn't ask any questions about him.  Damn him!" growled Hermione.  She was outsmarted by Ron.  Now, that's something she never thought would happen.  However, like everyone else it seemed that they underestimated Ron Weasley.

            "Hermione.  I know that you're mad, but please.  He's my son," said Mrs. Weasley.

            "Sorry, Mrs. Weasley.  It's just that…ARGH!" said Hermione in frustration.

            "There, there, Hermione.  There's no need to get so mad at him," said Mr. Weasley.  It wasn't everyday someone made Hermione mad enough to scream out in frustration.  At least that's what Harry thought, but Ron and Hermione were always good at pressing each other's buttons.  Now Hermione was more determine to do something to Ron.

~*~

            Ron was packing his stuff to get ready to go back to New York City.  He preferred to do his own packing.  He was glad the visit to England was over.  He had left Simon to deal with Malfoy back in Diagon Alley.  There came a knock at the door.  "It's open," hollered Ron. 

            "Hey, man.  I have something to tell you," said Simon, seriously. 

            "Is Malfoy all right?" asked Ron without looking at him.

            "Yes, I mended the bones in his hand.  You broke two bones in two of his fingers, Ron.  I used a Memory Charm and returned his wand to him.  But, there's something else," said Simon nervously.  He had a copy of Witch Weekly behind his back. 

            "What?"

            "Don't Avada Kedavra me," said Simon as he handed the magazine to Ron.

          Ron took one look at the article and exclaimed, "WHAT THE HELL?!"

AN: Um…I'll stop here.  There is something more to the plot.  I know I put drama, but there's always going to be some fun.  Yes, Ron's very rich.  I would also liked to thank all of you have reviewed, and this part's for you.  I hoped you guys like this chapter.