The Blood of Ronald Weasley
Hey guys and dolls, I'm so happy to finally be spending some quality time with my fanfic after a long, painful, hot, sticky, boring first day of school. So here goes…Oh, by the way, I'm not JKR and I don't own any of the characters but I wish I could at least have Fred Weasley…
CHAPTER NINE: WHAT A WAY TO START THE DAY
Sunday passed without incident and the friends soon found themselves at breakfast bright and early Monday morning.
The usual mass of owls swooped in from the windows and most of the students searched the sky for their owls.
Ron was surprised when an owl he didn't know landed beside his pumpkin juice and nipped at his hand. Ron untied the letter from his leg, gave him a bit of bacon, and opened the letter to read.
Harry, Hermione, and Ginny watched as Ron's face lit up with happiness.
"What is it Ron? Who's it from?"
"Here, let me read it out loud."
"Dear Ron and Ginny—
How's school going? The joke shop is doing well, we've actually turned a profit this month! Do you like our new owl? Isn't he spiffy? We traded two bags of dungbombs for him, and I think we got the better end of the deal…
Anyway, on to the best news of all—George has finally asked Katie Bell to marry him! He came home one night all misty eyed and grinning and I knew immediately what he'd done, because I looked the same way! Yes, you guessed it! That very night I popped the question to Angelina! We didn't do it on purpose, but great minds do think alike.
We talked it over with the girls and decided to have a double wedding. We'll wait until June so you and Ginny can come easier. I suggested we just do it that night as a sort of surprise, but Katie and Angelina yelled at me. Something about there not being enough time to plan or something…I'm a little worried about what they're planning because the shop hasn't been doing that well. I told them if it's anything like Percy's wedding, they can forget it. Women, who can figure them?
Anyway, Harry and Hermione are invited as well, of course. Hey Hermione, maybe little Ronniekins will get some ideas…(At this, Ron's ears turned bright red, and Hermione flushed scarlet.) And Harry will have to be careful that our little sister doesn't rush him into anything. Oh and Harry, if you try anything with my sister, I'll have to hurt you mate. Just kidding.
That's about all I have to say now. George told me I had to write the letter because he had a date with Katie. Jeez, some blokes have no self control. I don't know any, but I'm sure some do. (Other than Percy, I mean.) Have a good term and run the teachers raged. I don't think they've been pressed enough since we've left.
Love,
Fred"
Ron looked up from the letter. "Isn't that something, Fred and George having a double wedding?"
"I think it's sweet. I always thought they would anyway. They've done everything else together, why not get married at the same time?" Ginny asked smiling.
"Yes, I agree, Ginny. It's sweet and romantic," Hermione said. "Look, you've got a letter as well."
Ginny then noticed the owl sitting patiently beside her breakfast plate. "Hermes!" she exclaimed as she undid the letter and opened it up.
"Well, what does Percy have to say?" Ron asked. "Read it, then."
Ginny cleared her throat.
"Dear Ginny and Ron—
Have you got an owl from Fred yet? If you haven't, I will not spoil the news, but if you have, you must be as happy for them as Penny and I. I got an owl from mother this morning as well. Apparently Fred, George, Angelina, and Katie Apparated to the Burrow last night to tell them in person. She was beside herself with joy. She wanted to know if Penny would help plan the ceremony. That's why Penny and I Apparated over there this morning to tell them our good news in person as well.
I won't leave you in suspense. Penelope is going to have a baby! I'm going to be a father…It's quite a scary prospect, I'll tell you that much. She told me a few days ago, and it's taken me that long to get over the shock enough to word a coherent letter to my brothers and sister.
I hope my letter finds you all well and studying hard in the new term. Say hello to Harry and Hermione. If any of you have any suggestions for names, please feel free to add to the pile. We have lots of choices, but none of them really speak to us. I left this part out of Fred and George's letter for obvious reasons. Have a good rest of the term and I suppose I'll see you all at Christmas.
Love,
Percy"
"Oh, what wonderful news!" Hermione said.
"Oh, I'm so happy for Percy. This letter was quite a bit looser in form than they usually are. Usually he signs them 'Best regards' instead of 'love'," Ginny said.
"Ron, your parents must be beside themselves. Two of your brothers are getting married and one is having a baby," Harry added.
"Yeah. Well, they'd better enjoy it while they can. None of the rest of the Weasleys are getting married or having kids anytime soon." Ron laughed at the prospect and he didn't notice Hermione's slight pout.
"You never know, Ron," Ginny said.
"WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? YOU'RE NOT—HARRY DIDN'T--"
"Ron, have a care. I'm sure that's not what she meant," Hermione soothed. She ran a hand up and down his arm to calm him.
"I just meant that Bill and Charlie are still single. They always have girlfriends, maybe one will fall in love," Ginny said indignantly. "I resent the fact that you think of me as some kind of…of scarlet woman. And I think you should apologize to Harry for accusing him of getting me pregnant," she hissed. And with that, she stood abruptly and stalked out of the great hall.
"I'm sorry, Harry. I didn't mean—after what you said last night and then what she said…I dunno. I'm a stupid prat, I admit it. Do you think I should go talk to her?"
"No, you've done enough damage. Let me speak with her first," Hermione said gently. Then she stood and walked out of the great hall as well.
"Hey, Ron, it's okay. I understand that you're protective of her, but so am I. I care about her too, so that should mean something to you," Harry said.
"It does Harry, it does. And for what it's worth, I'm glad she fancies you. Better you than someone like—like Malfoy."
"That's not much of a compliment, Ron."
"You know what I meant. Jeez, what a way to start the day. First Fred and George, then Percy, and then that scene. And detention with McGonagall to look forward to tonight," Ron said sarcastically.
I was so happy when I found a way to incorporate Fred and George in this story, and Percy too. I LOVE FRED WEASLEY. I'm toying with a plot bunny about Fred and Angelina…any suggestions? Please review.