Sooner or Later
By: AngelDusterBuster
Disclaimer: Let's face it. We all know I don't own any of the characters from the Harry Potter books. So if you see something here that was ever mentioned in the books remember that I was only given the material I didn't create it!
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Chapter Six: Growing Up Isn't Always Easy
"Did you see the look on his face!", Hermione laughed so hard finding it hard to breathe.
"That was really stupid you guys!", Ron walked out of the restaurant redder than he had ever been in his life.
"Oh come on Ron you have to admit she got you bad", Harry grinned as the three made their way down the street.
"It's not even my birthday!", Ron exclaimed.
"That's the funny part", Hermione put her arm around Ron, "It's your own fault stupid bragging about how nobody could ever trick you"
Harry rolled his eyes as the two went into further arguing. Replaying in his mind what had just happened. Hermione had told both Harry and Ron that she was taking them both out to get something to eat. So they did and everything went normal. But then it turned out in order to get back at Ron she'd paid some of the waitresses to sing happy birthday to Ron.
Looking down at his watch Harry tried to break up the fight, "You guys it's getting late maybe we should….Ron? Hermione?"
Turning his head to view everything in his surroundings he soon was hit with the realization that Ron and Hermione weren't behind him anymore.
"Hermione!", Harry ran back in the direction he'd just come from.
"Harry!", he heard another voice yell, "Harry thank god there you are…we were arguing and…"
"It's okay", Harry noticed Ron had his arm around Hermione, "He's fine aren't you? Yes see he's fine"
"I know but…maybe we should just go", Hermione sighed, "I'm sorry I ruined the night you guys…I shouldn't have done that…"
"Hermione it's okay already!", Harry accidentally snapped at Hermione, "I'm fine I just wasn't paying attention. Now come on let's…."
"HARRY?"
"Ron", Harry whispered, "Please tell me there's nobody standing behind me"
Ron looked up and shook his head, "Want me to lie?
"Just what are you three doing out here! Even if it was a Hogsmeade weekend…which it isn't….how could you be so stupid Harry! With everything going on….", Sirius Black rambled on furiously grabbing ahold of Harry's arm, "come on were leaving"
"Wait just one minute! With everything going on? What the…what is that supposed to mean?", Harry pulled away.
"We'll talk about this later", Sirius commanded noticing a crowd hard arrived around them.
"People are staring Sirius", Ron stared at the ground even redder than he'd been earlier.
"I want to know what's going on Sirius", Harry demanded, "and what are you doing here by yourself this late at night anyway!"
"That's beside the point, now come on we are leaving"
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After the events at Hogsmeade Harry felt the relationship between him and Sirius suddenly slipping away again. Sirius hadn't mentioned what happened that night in later weeks when he saw Harry. The two would always simply exchange a hello. Now of course Harry was curious as to why Sirius was at Hogwarts as often as he was, but he wasn't going to be the one to ask.
"Quidittch practice tonight", Ron shook Harry awake one chilly evening in December, "Come on we need you"
"Ron you are aware that it's freezing outside!", Hermione exclaimed pointing the sweater she was wearing, "You'll all get sick"
"That's a chance we have to take. Malfoy's got something up his sleeve I know he does…we have to get out there practicing", Ron kicked Harry, "Now get up!"
"I'm up I'm up…", Harry groaned rushing upstairs to change.
"Good going Ron…you know he hasn't slept much lately", Hermione snapped concerned for her friend, "in two days he finds out if he gets to stay on the team or not. He's stressed out as it is, can't this wait until after that?"
"There not going to kick him off Hermione. They don't have the guts to do that to him", Ron sat down waiting for Harry, "I've got it all figured out"
"Oh do you? Well newsflash Harry's not on anyone's great side these days. He's already exhausted with keeping up with his studies and now quidittch starting….one can only handle so much you know", Hermione looked up when she heard Harry coming down the stairs.
"Ready", Harry yawned jumping down the stairs his firebolt gripped in his hand.
"Honestly Harry you could have any broom in the world and you still keep that old thing", Ron shook his head, "Why?"
"Because it's my firebolt Ron! I can't just throw it out because there's something better", Harry looked down at his firebolt. Ron was right about one thing, it was looking pretty wore down.
"Okay let's go! The faster we get out there the less chance we have of running into Max on the way done", Ron laughed. Max Burrows was a great chaser but he was darn annoying otherwise. The team consisted of a four seventh years which made them wonder what would happen next year. There was Ron as the keeper, chasers Colin Creevy, Lavender Brown, and the only other sixth year Jenny Andrews. Harry of course was the seeker, and the fifth year mirrors to Fred and George Weasley, Max and Cody Burrows were the beaters.
Ron and Harry made their way toward the quidittch pitch when they heard a voice behind them, "RON!"
Ron turned around and groaned, "Ugh…it's Lavender hide me"
"You don't like her then?", Harry suddenly remembered his promise to Lavender.
"What are you kidding?", Ron tried to be polite waving as she came closer, "Of course I don't"
"Oh hi Harry…didn't see you there", Lavender gave him fake smile.
"Come on we're only allowed out until eleven", Ron pointed out obviously wanting to get onto the field away from Lavender.
"Ron since when is it eleven?", Lavender spoke up trying to make conversation.
"Since I asked Professor McGonagall if we could go out past the usual curfew", Ron sighed in annoyance making Harry walk between him and Lavender.
A little uncomfortable Harry was glad when they were finally outside Ron throwing out instructions. This was the one place Harry always felt at home. Once he got over the fact that winter seemed to have come early and it was freezing cold out.
"Come on Ron", Max begged about an hour later, "were freezing our butts off can't we just call it a night?"
"If anyone should complain it's me. None of you are giving even fifty percent effort", Ron quickly grew frustrated with the team, "Look I know it's cold out, and I know you'd rather be inside but we have to be ready for whatever Malfoy has up his sleeve"
"You are insane!", Jenny walked toward Harry putting her arm around him, "Harry's freezing up there…worse then the rest of us"
"I'm fine Jenny", Harry shrugged her off, "it's not that bad"
"If you're so determined to win maybe you need a new team", Jenny tugged on Harry's arm, "come on let's go inside"
"I'm fine. Ron's right we need to practice. Malfoy's always cheating you know that", Harry looked down at the shorter girl.
"Really Ron were not that bad. I'm with her", Cody walked beside Jenny, "and were going inside"
"Sorry", Max shrugged following them.
"Ron", Harry was the next to speak up.
"What you're leaving too Harry?", Ron snapped obviously frustrated.
"No Ron I…maybe we should just call it a night", Harry wished he'd followed the others while he could. The later it got the more the temperature seemed to drop.
"Fine everyone just go", Ron waved them off, "we'll just have to wait and not start practicing again until spring like everyone else"
"Just go", Harry whispered to Dean and Lavender.
"Are you sure?", Dean whispered back as if Ron were some type of killer.
"I'll take care of it", Harry watched them walk away, "What's going on Ron?"
"I'm just having a bad day", Ron shrugged picking up some things he'd brought out.
"A bad day is why you just went psycho on the entire team?", Harry stepped toward Ron, "What is going on Ron"
"Nothing is going on. I just wanted too practice that's all! Is that so much to ask for?", Ron looked up at Harry furiously.
"Something happened today didn't it?", Harry refused to give up. Ron would never give up on him.
"I don't want to talk about it okay?", Ron started walking.
"You'd make me tell you", Harry yelled.
Ron froze in place. And when he turned around he saw something he never saw on Ron. Tears.
"What happened Ron!", Harry ran to catch up with him.
"I…I have to go home tomorrow. Tomorrow morning", Ron turned his back so Harry couldn't see him.
"Why? What's going on?"
"It's…there was an accident ….", Ron finally got out.
"An accident? Ron what happened….", Harry put his arm around his friend for comfort.
"It's…it's Fred", Ron rubbed his eyes.
"No…", Harry gasped feeling as if an arrow had just hit his heart.
"I'm sorry I blew up it's just…I have to be strong for Ginny…"
"I'm so sorry Ron", Harry jumped up hearing a noise.
Ron who obviously hadn't heard anything continued, "Harry I know what your thinking….it wasn't anything to do with Voldemort"
"I…wasn't…I mean…", Harry felt at a loss for words.
Trying to regain his usual self Ron took a deep breath, "I thought you should know why I'm not here tomorrow that's all"
"Ron I'm…I'm so sorry", Harry still hadn't taken in the information.
"Mum said you could come if you wanted too. But I don't think it's a good idea", Ron explained.
Harry felt rejected at hearing this, "But Ron…"
"No Harry I don't want you or Hermione to come", Ron snapped furiously before slamming the entrance doors in Harry's face.
Sitting down on the steps Harry tried to gather the information he'd just received. Fred Weasley, his fellow ex quidittch member, someone who had introduced him to so much was gone.
"Rough night?", Harry heard a voice behind him.
"Who's there?", Harry jumped up immediately.
"Cody…don't be so jumpy Harry", Cody rolled his eyes.
"Sorry it's just…"
"I know I overheard part of the conversation. I was just going to bring you each some hot chocolate", Cody added reluctantly.
"It's okay", Harry said wanting more then anything to be alone right now.
"Hear drink this, it'll make you feel better", Harry felt a glass shoved into his hands.
"Thanks", Harry looked up at Cody and suddenly something hit him. Cody reminded him so much for Fred and George.
"Hey it's okay Harry", Cody took a seat next to Harry, "It's okay to not always be strong"
"Tell that to Ron", Harry took a drink, "Thanks for this by the way"
"No problem, I just wanted to make sure Ron wasn't having you running laps or something", Cody joked standing up, "well we should probably go it's past curfew", and I don't know about you but I don't want a detention"
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Five minutes later Cody and Harry walked toward the common room entrance. But they weren't the only ones there.
"There you are Harry", Sirius walked toward Harry.
"I'll see you tomorrow", Cody whispered before disappearing inside.
"So what's up?", Harry asked weakly, "I thought you weren't coming until--"
"Harry have you seen Ron?", Sirius took a step toward Harry.
"Well at practice yeah…."
"How long ago what that?", Sirius continued.
"Look this is stupid if you want to talk to Ron I'll go get him", Harry took a step toward the door when Sirius grabbed his arm.
"Harry how long has it been since you've seen him!", Sirius said almost with anger in his voice.
"Maybe a half hour I don't know! What's going on? And don't lie!", Harry stared up at Sirius.
"His parents came here to get Ginny and him. Nobody can find him Harry…if you know where he is you better tell. This is important. I know you want to cover for you friend but….", Sirius stopped when Harry interrupted.
"Cover for my friend? I don't know where Ron is! I haven't seen him since he slammed the door in my face and ran off…oh gosh we have to find him Sirius his--"
Sirius put a hand on Harry's shoulder, "Harry I want you to go up to bed okay? Let the rest of us worry about this"
"What are you nuts? You can't just tell me my best friends missing and then send me off to bed!", Harry suddenly only wanted to find Ron and make sure he was alright.
As if he were expecting this Sirius shut his eyes and sighed, "On one condition. Don't leave my sight, I don't want you wondering off"
"Thanks", Harry felt more relieved then ever in his life, "Now come on let's go!"
Sirius and Harry walked up and down the corridors for fifteen minutes unable to locate Ron. Everyone in the castle was on the lookout for him so Harry couldn't see how it was possible they hadn't found him. He was starting to get worried until he saw something that gave him hope just as much as it frightened him.
Bending down to pick up something Harry's eyes went wide in horror. Sirius had no clue why, "What is it Harry?"
Not answering Harry through the jacket on the ground rushing up the stairs to the astronomy tower. He heard Sirius screaming behind him to stop, but he knew he couldn't.
"RON", Harry yelled as loud as he could, "RON"
"I'm right here", Harry heard a soft voice behind him, "I wanted to but…I couldn't"
Stopping to catch his breath Harry stared down at the pale boy, "What were you thinking? I mean…I'm no good at this stuff Ron…I just can't believe…"
"Can't believe that I was going to kill myself? That Ron could be such an idiot? What Harry what is it?", Ron asked almost sounding angry with Harry.
Harry sat for a moment staring at his friend unable to think of something to say. Then he heard Sirius, "Harry? Harry where'd you go?"
"In here", Harry finally found his voice, "I found him"
"Why'd you do that!", Ron glared at Harry.
"You're going to have to face this eventually. You can't hide up here forever, you have a family that has enough hurt inside them right now that they don't need to lose you right now. I don't care if you hate me for saying this but you don't forget that Ron. Don't ever forget that", Harry took a deep breath standing up as he heard Sirius enter.
"Ron…your parents are worried sick", Sirius turned his attention to Ron immediately, "Harry I'm going to trust that you'll find your way back to bed okay"
"I'll be fine", Harry muttered, "I guess I'll see you later Ron"
"Whatever", Ron snapped as Sirius guided him down the stairs. Harry watched as they disappeared slowly down the corridor. He knew Ron had reason to be acting the way he was but still he couldn't help but be hurt by his friends behavior toward him.
"What a terrible night", Harry knelt down against a wall glancing down at his watch noticing that it was midnight. He buried his head in his hands and sighed, "And tomorrow isn't looking any better"
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Author's Note:
Before you hate me for killing a Weasley twin please remember that things like this happen in life. One minute everything is perfect in your life and the next you can suffer an incredible loss.
But on a lighter note thank you for all the reviews you sent me. Sadly I start school on Tuesday. I'm starting High School whoa I'm getting old! But anyway this could slow down my updates a little bit. I know it took me a little longer than usual to get this one out already but I made it a little longer than usual. I thought you'd appreciate that.
Don't expect anything until at least Thursday because I'm obsessed with American Idol and the finales on this week. Kelly Clarkson better win! She has the best voice in the entire competition! (Like you guys needed to know that) Well hope to hear from you all again soon!
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Sons- If you look back it's a make up quiz. But that's an easy thing to miss! Yeah Sirius probably was covering up…I'll have to ask him for you. Ha wouldn't it be great it I could? Well thanks for reviewing as always!
Bookworm2000: I double checked that I typed "worm" ha! Everyone expected something major to happen in Hogsmeade. Which is exactly why I didn't have anything big happen there. Outside of them getting in deep trouble with Sirius. But I hope you enjoyed that just as well!
Nicky: Hey Nicky's back! I haven't heard from you in a while. That's good that you noticed that…I really actually never thought anything of it when I typed it. But thanks for reviewing!
Nobody In Particular- Well I'm glad to make your day. Hopefully my favorite author updates on Tuesday…. Well anyway it's good to hear that someone appreciate that I do my own review things because they really do take a long time. Probably because I ramble on…. Well thanks for reviewing!
Dark Luna Angel (x2)- Don't worry like I always say as long as eventually you find time to review I'll be happy as ever. And ugh yes I'm dreading school…I'm starting a new school which kinda sucks. Well thanks for reviewing!
Pathetic Invader: You know whenever I write my Malfoy things I'm always thinking of you! Since your so obsessed with the character… Well hope to talk to you again soon! I start school on Tuesday though….grrrr.
Anaticulapraecantrix- Thanks for understanding. I have to tell you I was going to update Pathways but I had a computer problem and lost the chapter somehow. So now I have to start all over! Grrr I hate computers. Latin you say? Well that'd be why….well hope to hear from you again soon!
Rory: Ha that's kinda funny. We'll see what happens. I have an idea for what I'm going to do with the whole Sirius/Harry problem but let's just say it won't be a step closer to solving. Guess you'll have to keep reading to find out!
Mrs. Moony: Okay I will! Just as long as you keep reviewing!
Harrystwin: What is it with you people! I get the feeling you don't want Harry to be happy….ha. Well there's more fighting coming I'm just not sure what chapter it'll be placed in yet. So guess that means you'll have to keep reading!
Black Dreamz: Are you serious? I'll have to read chapter four again now! Well hope to hear from you soon!
Sky Brooks: They know his weakness….j/k really Harry deserves to go out and have fun every once in a while too. So he did. The night just didn't end as he planned.
Princess Kattera: Yeah about the whole Ginny/Harry thing….he was kind of rude but then it wasn't very nice of her to tell him that he doesn't have time to have fun. So they were both meanies! Well thanks for reviewing!
Velondra: Hey I don't think I've heard from you in a while! Sorry if I don't type much but see above….my hands are getting tired! The sooner you review the more I type for you because my hands aren't tired yet.
Ginny5: I guess he was I dunno…I just think he wanted to have fun for a change. Well thanks for reviewing and hope to hear from you soon.
Cissy: Hmmm I dunno. That would be the predictable thing to happy that's probably why. I don't want to be predictable!!!! Well hope to hear from you soon and thanks for reviewing!
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*Email: AngelDusterBuster@msn.com
(Please note my email address recently changed)
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Until next chapter remember to review this one! The more reviews I get the faster you'll see the next chapter. So why wouldn't you review? Hmm…that sounds pretty good to me!