Oh sweet Jesus. I am so very very sorry for taking 3 months to update!!!
I moved, and then I was scheduled to work every single day, and then I just
putzed. I'm really sorry guys. I hope I can make it up to ya.
A/N: I don't own a damn thing
Summary: When we last left our story, Ron had decided to raise a little hell. There were no bad seeds in his family, and by God it was time there was. Oh, and Lupin's back! * big smile *
~*~
Ron aimlessly walked through the corridors of Hogwarts on his way to the Gryffindor Commons room after eating quite a bit less than normal. Half awake, half dreaming, Ron thought of the year ahead and how different it would be. How different HE would be. Without even noticing, Ron had reached the Pink Lady.
"Password?"
"Oh bugger, what was it?" Ron had been so deep in thought the whole feast, he had missed the new password.
"Toad lips?"
The Pink Lady shook her head.
"Rusty Cauldron?"
The Pink Lady huffed out a "NO".
"C'mon, can't you just let me in? I didn't hear the new password earlier."
The Pink Lady just turned up her nose. She was starting to get annoyed.
"I'm RON. Ron Weasley! I've been here a thousand times! Surely you know I'm a Gryffindor!" Ron's ears were getting hot.
The Pink Lady was obviously starting to loose interest when Ron exploded.
"Listen, you pink cow, I am a Gryffindor! I have been going in and out of this door for SIX years now, and I am not about to let some tattered painting with an attitude stop me!"
The Pink Lady went pale.
"SO, unless you want to feel the wrath of Ron Weasley, let me in!"
The Pink Lady's eyes narrowed, and she spoke very calmly. "Are you, by any chance, related to those two Weasley boys, Fred and George?"
Still fuming, Ron sputtered, "Yes! What the hell does that have to do with anything?"
"I KNEW IT!" The Pink Lady almost jumped out of her painting, she was breathing so hard. "I cannot even begin to tell you how many times those, those BOYS have made my life a living - one day they turned me around so I couldn't see the children! They even went so far as to threaten me with paint thinner! I can't remember how many times I went to Professor Dumbledore about them - "
Ron's chin hit the floor. His first attempt at being intimidating had failed miserably. Fred and George still outshine him, even when they're not here! He was about to let her have another taste when Neville Longbottom emerged from around a corner.
"All right there Ron?"
Ron let out a heavy sigh and unclenched his fist. "NO. Do you know the password by chance?"
Neville smiled, "Sure, it's Pumpernickel."
Now pacing back and forth within her painting, the Pink Lady was so busy listening to her own voice that she didn't even hear the password. Neville and Ron looked at each other in confusion.
"Isn't the door supposed to open now?" Neville whispered.
"I'm afraid I may have put her in a foul mood." Ron's face went red.
" - and then in their fourth year, they drew a mustache on me!" She turned to point at Ron when the Pink Lady finally noticed Neville. "Oh!" Clearing her throat and regaining her composure, "Password?"
Neville was trying hard not to laugh. His words coming out in short spurts. "Pum-per-nickel."
The door swung open and Neville and Ron made their way in. The Pink Lady's voice calling out from behind them. " - Those horrid boys!"
Ron let out a sigh of relief as he plopped himself down in one of the chairs, glad it was finally over with. "Thanks, Neville."
"No worries, Ron. Wouldn't recommend getting her that hot again, though." He laughed as he tromped up the stairs towards the dormitories.
Ron bitterly laughed to himself. "Yeah, wasn't even ME who got her mad." He closed his eyes and thought that maybe Fred and George had done enough hell raising in their days at Hogwarts for Ron to continue. "That's an act I don't think I can follow." He yawned and sulked deeper in the chair, his eyes heavy. Starting to drift off, Ron's thoughts began to swirl around and around - till there was only darkness.
~*~
- Suddenly, Ron found himself outside. Becoming more aware of his surroundings, he looked to be in the Haunted Forrest just next to the school. Before he could ask what he was doing there, a scream echoed throughout the woods. "Harry." Ron started to run, but his legs wouldn't move. Pulling harder, Ron began to move, but he felt as if he was surrounded by mud. Harry screamed again. "Harry! I'm coming!" Pulling harder, Ron's muscles burned like fire. 'Why can't I move?!', he thought. He was sinking. Desperate now, Ron grabbed out for something to hold on to. His hand landed on something - a foot. Terrified, Ron looked up. A pair of red eyes glared down at him as a hand shot out for him -
~*~
Ron was startled awake by a screeching outside. Just then Harry and Hermione rushed into the common room, slamming the painting behind them.
Ron's heart was pounding, his brow doused with sweat. What a dream!
"What was HER problem?" Hermione breathlessly asked Harry.
"That would be my fault, I'm 'fraid." Ron squeaked out from his chair, catching his breath.
"Ron! Didn't see you there." Harry's face lit up.
"Yeah, that was sort of the plan."
"Mione, all right if we finish talking later?" Harry nodded towards Ron.
Catching on, "Right. See you then. Night Ron, night Harry." Hermione gracefully made her way towards the dormitories. Not even realizing it, Ron followed her every step, mouth slightly agape. It wasn't till Harry plopped down beside him did he snap out of his trance.
Harry's look was grave, almost like he was nervous.
"Ron" "Harry" They laughed.
Ron smiled, "you first."
Harry, relieved to have his friend smiling again, continued.
"Listen, Ron - about what happened earlier - on the train."
Ron shook his head, "It's all right, Harry. Really."
Harry interrupted him. "No, Ron. It's not. I feel really bad 'bout what I said." Harry looked down, his fingers fidgeting slightly. "I was so pissed at Draco for saying what he said - especially about my parents." His voice wavered.
"Harry-"
"But I took it out on you, and I shouldn't 've." Harry's eyes met Ron's. "I'm sorry."
Ron smiled. "Harry, it's all right. I'm not mad!" He scooted closer to his obviously distraught friend. "What you said did me some good, actually."
"Calling you a pussy did you some good?" Harry looked confused.
Ron let out a loud laugh. "Yeah! It did. Sort of." He shifted uncomfortably in his chair as he continued, "I've made a decision."
Harry leaned in closer, signaling Ron to continue.
Ron didn't know where to begin, so he just started talking. "You know, when you found me on the floor of the train?" Harry nodded. "Yeah, well, that's where it hit me - there on the floor - I looked back at what I've done with myself, and there was nothing there."
Harry was confused, how could he say something like that? "You're not nothing, Ron."
"Yes, Harry, I am. Er, rather, I was. Rather, I won't be - soon."
"What are you taking about?"
Ron was getting flustered. How could he make Harry understand? He was somebody, Hermione was somebody, hell, even Neville was somebody. They had all made names for themselves.
"The Pink Lady, you know how she was screeching at you?"
Harry spoke slowly, "yeah-"
"I didn't know the password, and so I tried to make her let me in." Ron's face was getting red. "So I threatened her."
Harry's brows clenched. "You what?"
"I threatened her, Harry. I mustered all the anger I could, and I threatened her. And you know what she did? She started ranting and raving about Fred and George!"
"Wait, you're mad because she started talking about your brothers?"
"Yes!" Ron stammered, slamming his hand against the chair. "No, I mean - I'm mad because I didn't even phase her. Harry, I didn't scare her at all!"
Harry started chuckling.
"Don't laugh, it's not funny."
"Ron, I'm sorry but, yes it is."
"No, Harry, no-" Ron could feel tears welling up inside him again. "I knew you wouldn't understand." He sank back into the chair, his arms crossed.
"Ron, I'm trying. But you're not making any sense." Harry leaned in towards him.
Ron shot up, "I'm making myself perfectly clear, Harry. You just don't understand." He moved around the chair, his back to Harry. "You can't understand. If it had been you instead of me trying to get into the commons room, the Pink Lady would've let you in."
Now Harry was standing, "No she wouldn't of."
Turning towards Harry, Ron continued. "YES, Harry, yes she would've. She probably would've bowed or curtsied too!" Mimicking the Pink Lady's voice, "Password? Oh my, it's Harry Potter, why of course you can go in, you're famous!"
"Is that what this is all about?" Harry's voice went soft, "You're this upset because you're not famous?"
Ron silence was all the answer Harry needed. "Ron, it's not all it's made out to be."
"Right." He laughed condescendingly, "Sure Harry, it's horrible having everyone know who you are."
"Yes, actually, it is."
"How can you say that? You should be happy that people know you. But no, all you do is bitch and moan about it."
"You do remember how it is I came to be famous, don't you Ron, or do I have to remind you?" Harry's tone had gone bitter.
Ron was silent.
"Let Voldemort kill your parents and see how famous you become." And with that, Harry stormed upstairs.
~*~
Ron paced back and forth in front of the fireplace. He was getting tired, but there was no way that he could go upstairs. Not with Harry still fuming. It was getting close to midnight, and Ron's eyes were starting to droop. Frustrated with the situation he had gotten himself into, Ron plopped down on the couch with a huff.
"If only I could get him to understand-" Ron head was in his hands. "He wouldn't be so pissed." Unfortunately, Ron's stubbornness wouldn't let him admit to himself that he was wrong. Ron laid down on the couch, prepared to spend the night there.
Thoughts crept in and out of Ron's drowsy mind. 'Who needs Harry Potter as a friend, anyhow?'
As he drifted off, Ron glanced at the windows. If he hadn't been so sleepy, he would've seen the pair of eyes looking back at him.
~*~
A/N: I don't own a damn thing
Summary: When we last left our story, Ron had decided to raise a little hell. There were no bad seeds in his family, and by God it was time there was. Oh, and Lupin's back! * big smile *
~*~
Ron aimlessly walked through the corridors of Hogwarts on his way to the Gryffindor Commons room after eating quite a bit less than normal. Half awake, half dreaming, Ron thought of the year ahead and how different it would be. How different HE would be. Without even noticing, Ron had reached the Pink Lady.
"Password?"
"Oh bugger, what was it?" Ron had been so deep in thought the whole feast, he had missed the new password.
"Toad lips?"
The Pink Lady shook her head.
"Rusty Cauldron?"
The Pink Lady huffed out a "NO".
"C'mon, can't you just let me in? I didn't hear the new password earlier."
The Pink Lady just turned up her nose. She was starting to get annoyed.
"I'm RON. Ron Weasley! I've been here a thousand times! Surely you know I'm a Gryffindor!" Ron's ears were getting hot.
The Pink Lady was obviously starting to loose interest when Ron exploded.
"Listen, you pink cow, I am a Gryffindor! I have been going in and out of this door for SIX years now, and I am not about to let some tattered painting with an attitude stop me!"
The Pink Lady went pale.
"SO, unless you want to feel the wrath of Ron Weasley, let me in!"
The Pink Lady's eyes narrowed, and she spoke very calmly. "Are you, by any chance, related to those two Weasley boys, Fred and George?"
Still fuming, Ron sputtered, "Yes! What the hell does that have to do with anything?"
"I KNEW IT!" The Pink Lady almost jumped out of her painting, she was breathing so hard. "I cannot even begin to tell you how many times those, those BOYS have made my life a living - one day they turned me around so I couldn't see the children! They even went so far as to threaten me with paint thinner! I can't remember how many times I went to Professor Dumbledore about them - "
Ron's chin hit the floor. His first attempt at being intimidating had failed miserably. Fred and George still outshine him, even when they're not here! He was about to let her have another taste when Neville Longbottom emerged from around a corner.
"All right there Ron?"
Ron let out a heavy sigh and unclenched his fist. "NO. Do you know the password by chance?"
Neville smiled, "Sure, it's Pumpernickel."
Now pacing back and forth within her painting, the Pink Lady was so busy listening to her own voice that she didn't even hear the password. Neville and Ron looked at each other in confusion.
"Isn't the door supposed to open now?" Neville whispered.
"I'm afraid I may have put her in a foul mood." Ron's face went red.
" - and then in their fourth year, they drew a mustache on me!" She turned to point at Ron when the Pink Lady finally noticed Neville. "Oh!" Clearing her throat and regaining her composure, "Password?"
Neville was trying hard not to laugh. His words coming out in short spurts. "Pum-per-nickel."
The door swung open and Neville and Ron made their way in. The Pink Lady's voice calling out from behind them. " - Those horrid boys!"
Ron let out a sigh of relief as he plopped himself down in one of the chairs, glad it was finally over with. "Thanks, Neville."
"No worries, Ron. Wouldn't recommend getting her that hot again, though." He laughed as he tromped up the stairs towards the dormitories.
Ron bitterly laughed to himself. "Yeah, wasn't even ME who got her mad." He closed his eyes and thought that maybe Fred and George had done enough hell raising in their days at Hogwarts for Ron to continue. "That's an act I don't think I can follow." He yawned and sulked deeper in the chair, his eyes heavy. Starting to drift off, Ron's thoughts began to swirl around and around - till there was only darkness.
~*~
- Suddenly, Ron found himself outside. Becoming more aware of his surroundings, he looked to be in the Haunted Forrest just next to the school. Before he could ask what he was doing there, a scream echoed throughout the woods. "Harry." Ron started to run, but his legs wouldn't move. Pulling harder, Ron began to move, but he felt as if he was surrounded by mud. Harry screamed again. "Harry! I'm coming!" Pulling harder, Ron's muscles burned like fire. 'Why can't I move?!', he thought. He was sinking. Desperate now, Ron grabbed out for something to hold on to. His hand landed on something - a foot. Terrified, Ron looked up. A pair of red eyes glared down at him as a hand shot out for him -
~*~
Ron was startled awake by a screeching outside. Just then Harry and Hermione rushed into the common room, slamming the painting behind them.
Ron's heart was pounding, his brow doused with sweat. What a dream!
"What was HER problem?" Hermione breathlessly asked Harry.
"That would be my fault, I'm 'fraid." Ron squeaked out from his chair, catching his breath.
"Ron! Didn't see you there." Harry's face lit up.
"Yeah, that was sort of the plan."
"Mione, all right if we finish talking later?" Harry nodded towards Ron.
Catching on, "Right. See you then. Night Ron, night Harry." Hermione gracefully made her way towards the dormitories. Not even realizing it, Ron followed her every step, mouth slightly agape. It wasn't till Harry plopped down beside him did he snap out of his trance.
Harry's look was grave, almost like he was nervous.
"Ron" "Harry" They laughed.
Ron smiled, "you first."
Harry, relieved to have his friend smiling again, continued.
"Listen, Ron - about what happened earlier - on the train."
Ron shook his head, "It's all right, Harry. Really."
Harry interrupted him. "No, Ron. It's not. I feel really bad 'bout what I said." Harry looked down, his fingers fidgeting slightly. "I was so pissed at Draco for saying what he said - especially about my parents." His voice wavered.
"Harry-"
"But I took it out on you, and I shouldn't 've." Harry's eyes met Ron's. "I'm sorry."
Ron smiled. "Harry, it's all right. I'm not mad!" He scooted closer to his obviously distraught friend. "What you said did me some good, actually."
"Calling you a pussy did you some good?" Harry looked confused.
Ron let out a loud laugh. "Yeah! It did. Sort of." He shifted uncomfortably in his chair as he continued, "I've made a decision."
Harry leaned in closer, signaling Ron to continue.
Ron didn't know where to begin, so he just started talking. "You know, when you found me on the floor of the train?" Harry nodded. "Yeah, well, that's where it hit me - there on the floor - I looked back at what I've done with myself, and there was nothing there."
Harry was confused, how could he say something like that? "You're not nothing, Ron."
"Yes, Harry, I am. Er, rather, I was. Rather, I won't be - soon."
"What are you taking about?"
Ron was getting flustered. How could he make Harry understand? He was somebody, Hermione was somebody, hell, even Neville was somebody. They had all made names for themselves.
"The Pink Lady, you know how she was screeching at you?"
Harry spoke slowly, "yeah-"
"I didn't know the password, and so I tried to make her let me in." Ron's face was getting red. "So I threatened her."
Harry's brows clenched. "You what?"
"I threatened her, Harry. I mustered all the anger I could, and I threatened her. And you know what she did? She started ranting and raving about Fred and George!"
"Wait, you're mad because she started talking about your brothers?"
"Yes!" Ron stammered, slamming his hand against the chair. "No, I mean - I'm mad because I didn't even phase her. Harry, I didn't scare her at all!"
Harry started chuckling.
"Don't laugh, it's not funny."
"Ron, I'm sorry but, yes it is."
"No, Harry, no-" Ron could feel tears welling up inside him again. "I knew you wouldn't understand." He sank back into the chair, his arms crossed.
"Ron, I'm trying. But you're not making any sense." Harry leaned in towards him.
Ron shot up, "I'm making myself perfectly clear, Harry. You just don't understand." He moved around the chair, his back to Harry. "You can't understand. If it had been you instead of me trying to get into the commons room, the Pink Lady would've let you in."
Now Harry was standing, "No she wouldn't of."
Turning towards Harry, Ron continued. "YES, Harry, yes she would've. She probably would've bowed or curtsied too!" Mimicking the Pink Lady's voice, "Password? Oh my, it's Harry Potter, why of course you can go in, you're famous!"
"Is that what this is all about?" Harry's voice went soft, "You're this upset because you're not famous?"
Ron silence was all the answer Harry needed. "Ron, it's not all it's made out to be."
"Right." He laughed condescendingly, "Sure Harry, it's horrible having everyone know who you are."
"Yes, actually, it is."
"How can you say that? You should be happy that people know you. But no, all you do is bitch and moan about it."
"You do remember how it is I came to be famous, don't you Ron, or do I have to remind you?" Harry's tone had gone bitter.
Ron was silent.
"Let Voldemort kill your parents and see how famous you become." And with that, Harry stormed upstairs.
~*~
Ron paced back and forth in front of the fireplace. He was getting tired, but there was no way that he could go upstairs. Not with Harry still fuming. It was getting close to midnight, and Ron's eyes were starting to droop. Frustrated with the situation he had gotten himself into, Ron plopped down on the couch with a huff.
"If only I could get him to understand-" Ron head was in his hands. "He wouldn't be so pissed." Unfortunately, Ron's stubbornness wouldn't let him admit to himself that he was wrong. Ron laid down on the couch, prepared to spend the night there.
Thoughts crept in and out of Ron's drowsy mind. 'Who needs Harry Potter as a friend, anyhow?'
As he drifted off, Ron glanced at the windows. If he hadn't been so sleepy, he would've seen the pair of eyes looking back at him.
~*~