Chapter Four
Back To The Burrow (and the Problems)
Ron fell into routine as weeks went by. He woke up early and helped his Grandfather with housework. When they would finish they'd play Wizard's Chess. Even though Ron beat his Grandfather the majority of the times, it was a challenge to play him compared to his friends or his brothers. Ron had all of his assignments done within the first two weeks of holiday.
Halfway through August, Ron received three owls. He thought this was strange, as he hadn't any owls within the past six weeks. The first owl was from his family. It was sent with Percy's owl, Hermes.
Dear Ron,
Your Grandfather says he has seen a significant change during your stay with him. Harry and Hermione just arrived, and they are anxious to see you. Please forgive me and come home. I know you're still mad at me, but Grandfather even agrees it was for the best, and that you have changed for the better. Your Grandfather said he'd pay for your fare to take the Knight Bus home, whenever you want to come. Just let him know, and you can come home. We miss you terribly! Please forgive me and come home! I love you!
Love always,
Mum
Ron wasn't sure what to think. He had gotten so adjusted to his home at Grandfather's that he couldn't just leave. He felt that leaving would be like abandoning his Grandfather. On the other hand, Harry and Hermione were waiting for him at the burrow, as were Toby and Sabrina. There weren't many wizards or witches around Grandfather's. None his age for miles as a matter of fact, not to mention that Ron worked so much of the day, he didn't have time to meet anybody.
Ron looked at the next owl, it was from Harry sent with his owl Hedwig. There were two letters tied to her foot. Ron read the first letter from Hermione.
Dear Ron,
I've come straight to the burrow from Bulgaria, and I found that you weren't even home. You have an owl, I don't! You should've written to me and told me you were going on vacation to your Grandfather's. I mean Harry had no idea either. I hope you didn't have too much fun and forget about your holiday assignments. Once you get home, there won't be a lot of time to get them done, because Harry and I are here. Your brothers are extremely loud too, and you'd never be able to concentrate.
I've had a splendid time at Viktor's over the summer. I got to watch him practice Quidditch with the Bulgarian team, and I even got great seats to a few of his games! It was a great experience. I knew nothing of all these Quidditch teams, with the exception of Quidditch Through the Ages and what you and Harry have told me. Really, books can't tell you anything about what I've watched. It's like a muggle concert. It's better live than on television, because you're actually there!
Sorry about bragging, it's just been a great summer. It's gone too fast in my opinion. It's good to see Harry and your family again. It's a shame, because I can't say the same about you yet. Tell your Grandfather to send you home! The twins are making up the wildest tales about your Grandfather. They claimed the reason Harry and I haven't been receiving letters all summer was because he killed you. I can't imagine a violent Weasley like the twins describe your Grandfather to be.
Come back to the burrow so we know you're still alive! The twins are very convincing; unfortunately for them Harry and I have known them longer to believe their clever lies. Harry's got a lot to tell you about his summer. I don't think he'll write everything. I can't believe he's writing anything. What if his owl was intercepted and read? Really, the chances some people will take…
In more positive news, I've been made a Prefect! Harry has been as well! I was surprised by that after all the trouble you two have gotten into, and not having those type of grades. I wouldn't be surprised if they made you a Prefect. You and Harry are on the same level in a way. Let me know, by coming home and telling us in person, whether you're a prefect as well!
Harry reckons they only made him a prefect, because he's been through so much. Harry even admits he doesn't have the grades to be a prefect, and being on the Quidditch Team doesn't necessarily make you a prefect, as the twins are beaters and they're not prefects. Then again, the twins cause way too much mischief to hold such a title.
Well, I wrote enough for now. Come home already, won't you? I brought you back something. Please come home. Your mum misses you terribly, not to mention Harry and me. Come home!
Love from,
Hermione
It did surprise Ron that Harry was made a prefect after all of the rule bending they did, but then again Harry wasn't ordinary at all. He deserved it after everything he went through, especially after the TriWizard Tournament last year.
Ron looked at the second piece of parchment tied to Hedwig's leg. It was from Harry. Ron read it.
Ron,
I can't believe you're not at the burrow! I'm done my holiday work already, and I've already heard about Hermione's trip to Bulgaria. I've locked myself in your room to get away from your brother's trick sweets. I've polished my Firebolt, and I've flown around your paddock a few times. It's not a lot of fun without someone to fly with. The twins are too busy with their pranks to fly outside. With a family as big as yours, it seems impossible to imagine being bored a second, but I find myself bored now. It would be nice to have my best friend back. Please come home, I've got some really major news to tell you. Hermione doesn't think I should write it, incase the letter is intercepted. So I can tell you a few things, but I can't go into detail or say everything I want to.
One, I'm a prefect. Can you believe that? Have you been made one? I don't know why I've been made one. I study a little more than you do, but still I can't imagine why they've made me a prefect. Snuffles is proud. He's visited me on more than one occasion. I know why I've been staying on Privet Drive every summer, but I can't explain until you come back. I've got so much to tell you! You haven't owled me all summer. You never even let me know you were going to your Grandfather's! You have to come back soon! I'm getting bored, and I miss my best friend. I hope to see you soon!
-Harry
Ron started to get homesick, but he didn't want to leave his Grandfather. He finally took the parchment from the last owl. It was from Hogwarts giving a list of school supplies he'd need for next year. Not surprisingly, he wasn't named a prefect.
"I've told your mum how well you've been under my care. You're free to go whenever you choose to leave." Grandfather said, interrupting Ron's thoughts. Ron turned to find his Grandfather standing in the archway of the kitchen.
"I'm not sure I'm ready to leave yet." Ron says.
"Your friends and your family miss you." Grandfather says.
"Yes sir, but what about you?" Ron asks.
"Don't worry about me." Grandfather says.
"I'm so used to everything around here now." Ron says.
"You will always have a bed here." Grandfather says.
"I'll miss you." Ron says.
"That's good, I was afraid you'd leave hating me." Grandfather says.
"That would be easier." Ron says.
"You'll be leaving on the Knight Bus tonight." Grandfather says.
"I better pack then." Ron says.
After a long goodbye, Ron found himself carrying Pigwidgeon's cage and his trunk off of the Knight Bus and into the burrow. He brought all of his things upstairs into his room and unpacked before going downstairs and finding his family. Everyone was in the kitchen. His father was home. Everybody was sitting at the table eating.
Ginny spotted her brother first. "Ron!" Ginny exclaims.
"You're alive?" Fred asks.
"How'd you survive?" George asks.
"Ron, are you all right?" Mr. Weasley asks with concern.
"Yes sir, I'm fine." Ron says.
"Oh Ron, I'm so glad you're home!" Mrs. Weasley cries trying to hold back tears. She got up and hugged him, but he only returned it politely, as one would hug somebody to console him or her, not as a son would embrace his mother.
Mrs. Weasley realized this and let go. "Are you hungry? I'll make you up a plate…" Mrs. Weasley started, wiping her eyes.
"No, thank you. I've already eaten. May I go over Toby's? You're all in the middle of dinner, and I just want to let him know that I'm back." Ron says.
"No, that's what sent you over to your grandfather's in the first place." Mrs. Weasley says pulling herself together.
"No, my attitude from hanging out with Sabrina sent me to Grandpa's in the first place. It was never Toby." Ron corrects her. "Now may I go, please?"
"No, I don't want you around him. Ever since you were little when you were friends with him, you'd cause too much trouble." Mrs. Weasley says.
"No more than Fred and George make." Percy says.
Mrs. Weasley glares dangerously at him. Percy quickly becomes interested in his plate.
"Well, he does have a point. Nobody causes more havoc and chaos than us." Fred says.
"Keep your mouth closed when you're eating." Mrs. Weasley snaps.
There was a knock on the front door.
"May I answer the door please, since you're all eating?" Ron asks.
"I don't think there's any harm in answering a door." Mr. Weasley says with a nod gesturing for Ron to go. Ron leaves for the door.
"Unless Toby's on the other side." Mrs. Weasley mutters.
"Mrs. Weasley, may I ask why you don't like Toby?" Harry asks.
"Who is Toby?" Hermione asks.
Just then, Toby enters the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley looks at Ron and then to Toby.
"Mrs. Weasley, sorry for catching you in the middle of dinner like this, I was wondering if it was possible to talk with Ron for a few minutes." Toby asks.
"Its Ron's first night back, could it possibly wait until morning?" Mrs. Weasley asks.
"Mrs. Weasley, I don't mean to push on this, but I only need a minute of his time. My sister and Sabrina have driven me insane, and Ron's the only person who could bring back sanity, since Cedric's passed on. I'm only asking for a minute. Please?" Toby asks.
"Five minutes. In the living room." Mrs. Weasley says.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley, that's all I need." Toby says.
Toby and Ron headed into the living room; where everybody in the kitchen quieted down to hear their conversation.
"Ugh, I thought you'd never come back. There are too many girls around! Sabrina's practically moved in. I'm not kidding either! She's over our house every night. I think her parents are fighting or something. I mean there's got to be a logical reason as to why she's over there every night. Tabitha is one reason, but not a logical reason." Toby says.
"There wasn't a logical reason as to why I was there every night before we started Hogwarts." Ron says.
"Of course there was, and it was me. No explanation needed." Toby says.
"Nobody could explain you if they tried, my friend." Ron jokes.
"Hey!" Toby says.
"No, but before I got shipped off, Sabrina and Tabitha were always talking at the kitchen table." Ron says.
"Yea, but Tabitha doesn't go over to Sabrina's at all, except when she helps convince her parents to let her stay the night. Sabrina doesn't even go home. All her owls come to our house!" Toby says.
"Maybe its because owls are smart and scent that she's there?" Ron asks.
"Still, it's scary having two girls in the house, it's bad enough with just Tabitha." Toby says.
"So what has Sabrina been up to, since I've been gone?" Ron asks.
"You know her." Toby says.
"Fast and free." Ron says.
"She's a flirt though. I think that's what I hate most about having her stay with us. She hits on me constantly." Toby says.
"Isn't that what you wanted?" Ron asks.
"I thought that's what I wanted, but she's like Scarlett how she uses people for what she wants and then moves on. You remember Scarlett from that muggle movie, based on a book? We had to read it in primary school. It was based on that American war, what was it the Civil war?" Toby asks.
"Oh! Gone With the Wind, that book got me into so much trouble." Ron says.
"Oh yea, I remember, you said you wanted to curse the author and she was already dead, and your mum overheard you and chased you around with a broom." Toby says.
"I forgot about that. I was mostly thinking of how badly I hated reading, and that was the biggest book I ever had to read and how I got so frustrated it kind of sailed across the room on it's own." Ron says.
"The teacher had no idea what you did! But he blamed it on you anyway and sent you into a week of detentions for being disruptive." Toby says.
"That teacher hated us. I think he secretly knew we were related to wizards and could do magic. That's why we were best friends with the Headmaster." Ron says.
"No, I always thought he hated us, because you were related to the twins, and they were pretty bad back then, and I was your best friend." Toby says.
"Oh well, I hated that teacher as well. I can't even remember his name, don't want to either." Ron says.
"So, how was your grandfather's? You didn't sound happy in your owls." Toby says.
"It was unbelievable there, compared to here. I had to work for everything, not to mention I had to do everything the muggle way." Ron says.
"What do you mean?" Toby asks.
"If I wanted breakfast I had to cut the lawns and take care of the gardens first. Then I had to cook my own breakfast. I had to learn how to cook too." Ron says.
"That doesn't sound too bad. Not that I do any of that, but it could be worse." Toby says.
"That was only before breakfast. After breakfast I had to fix up his house. One day he went after me, because I told him to fix his own roof. I had to nail all the shingles on to the roof, and if I messed up, I had to do it again. Another day I'd have to paint the side of his house. I'd have to clean out his attic and basement and storage room. It's not like he couldn't do anything. But he worked me so hard I was actually looking forward to doing my homework assignments. Even then, after I did them, he'd rip them up, because they weren't perfect." Ron says.
"He must've changed you. You never liked picking up a pencil, and you looked forward to doing homework assignments? You must've worked until you were delirious." Toby says.
"Yes, well luckily I'm back now. How's your father? Have you seen him at all this summer?" Ron asks.
"Unfortunately. He stops by once a month. He doesn't give anything to my mum, not even a sickle. I hate him, but Tabitha still loves him." Toby says.
"You hate your father?" Ron asks.
"My mum can't spend enough time with us, because she has to spend more hours at the Ministry to raise us. She works herself to exhaustion everyday. Then she wakes up to it the next morning again. She deserves better than that. Tabitha needs my mum. She's always complaining how she never sees her. Yet, she loves the reason why my mum doesn't have time for her!" Toby says.
"Your mum's got as much dignity as my parents. Even if your dad did want to help her out, she wouldn't take it. I mean maybe your mum wouldn't accept it, and just didn't tell you." Ron says.
"No, my dad won't help her out with anything. He said if she wants help, for us to live with him, but she won't let that, and I wouldn't want that. I'd only go to him, if she was desperate." Toby says.
"If things ever got that bad, you could stay here first. I don't care how crazy things got. If I had to move back with my Grandfather's for you to stay here, I'd do that." Ron says.
"Ron, I know I'm better than a brother and all, but you would never sacrifice a muggle labor life with your grandfather for me." Toby says.
"Well, we've come to a better understanding over the six weeks I was there." Ron says.
"Really?" Toby asks.
"Well, I'm alive, aren't I?" Ron asks.
"You seem to be breathing, and everything seems to be all right, except your face, it looks like you got eaten by the lawnmower." Toby says.
"How?" Ron asks.
"Look at yourself in a mirror." Toby says.
"What do you mean? My face was never harmed." Ron says.
"Well it sure looks to me like you fell down an ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down." Toby teases.
Ron punched Toby in the arm.
"Ouch!" Toby says.
"Toby you've gotten weaker over the years." Ron says.
"No you've gotten stronger. Probably from working over the summer." Toby says.
"Yes, well good old Grandpa says I don't have the brains or talent to make it as a wizard, so I might as well try to succeed in a muggle world." Ron says rolling his eyes.
"Your grandfather needs to remember your only fifteen, and you do have brains and talent, only they're being held back. You've got brains. You just use them when you choose to. You've got talent I saw it. They're just distributed out equally or not stronger than the other." Toby says.
"Why thank you Tobias." Ron says sarcastically.
"I'm serious Ron." Toby says. He stands up. "Look, I better get going, because you need to catch up with everybody. Send me an owl when I can come visit you. You don't want to come to my house. You want to stay as far away from Sabrina as you can. I mean, what got you sent over to good old Granddaddy's in the first place?" Toby asks.
"Right, well thanks for coming over. I'll owl you as soon as I can." Ron says.
"Good seeing you." Toby says.
"You too. Bye." Ron says.
Toby left and Ron went back into the kitchen. "Just thought I'd let you know that Toby left." Ron says to his mother. "May I go upstairs to my room please?" Ron asks.
"Since when do you ask to go to your room?" Ginny asks.
"Oh yea. Sorry, keep forgetting where I am." Ron says.
Ron leaves the kitchen and runs up to his room. He sees a bed's moved in there for Harry, and he lies down on his own bed, feeling grateful and comfortable. Ron felt more relaxed than he had in a while, laying in his own bed, without worrying about tomorrow's chore, or his Grandfather. He fell asleep.
As everybody started cleaning up downstairs, Ginny brought up a realization that she had noticed.
"Has anybody noticed how quiet Ron's been?" Ginny asks.
"You don't think he's snuck out again?" Fred asks.
"It didn't seem like he had a whole lot of fun at Grandfather's. I don't think he'd risk going back there just when he got back." Percy says.
"Go check, Percy." Mrs. Weasley says.
"You don't honestly believe he would do something so stupid again, do you?" Percy asks.
"Of course not, I meant just check on him." Mrs. Weasley says.
"Right." Percy says.
Percy left the kitchen and ran up the stairs to Ron's room, to find him sound asleep.
When he returned downstairs Hermione was talking.
"Ron's snuck out before?" Hermione asks.
"Yes, at the start of summer." Fred asks.
"That's what got him sent off in the first place." George says.
"No, his attitude and his actions with Sabrina sent him off in the first place." Mrs. Weasley says.
"He was sent to his Grandfather's as a punishment?" Harry asks.
"Yes, our Grandfather's completely the opposite of our dad. He's extremely strict and everything must be perfect." George explains.
"Well, did Ron sneak out?" Fred asks seeing Percy.
"No, he's asleep." Percy says.
"What?" George asks.
"He's dead to the world." Percy says. "He fell asleep with his clothes on and everything, like he just laid on the bed and fell asleep."
"Do you think Grandfather let him have a bed there? After all, he does hate Ron." George says.
"Your Grandfather doesn't hate anybody! He's just disappointed when people don't live out to their potential. He doesn't like games, nonsense, and people fooling around. He doesn't like how Ron can be lazy, and either do I for that matter." Mrs. Weasley says.
"Then why doesn't he like dad?" Fred asks.
"He loves your father, even he knows that. He just knows your father has enough potential to be the Minister of Magic, and he's disappointed that he never chose to be at a higher place, but you all know that it's your father's love for his job and muggles that keeps him there. I mean if he didn't, nobody would look out for them, and our code of secrecy would be broken." Mrs. Weasley explains.
"Why doesn't he like us?" George asks.
"I can name a few reasons." Percy says.
"Mrs. Weasley who's Sabrina?" Hermione asks.
"Sabrina Fawcett." Fred answers simply.
"Who?" Harry asks.
"Oh, I heard of her, isn't she the girl who- Oh!" Hermione says with a gasp. She covers her mouth with her hand in disbelief. "Ron was with her?" Hermione asks still in disbelief.
"I don't understand, whose Sabrina? What's wrong with her?" Harry asks.
"She's known for… sleeping around." Hermione whispers.
"Wait, Ron-" Harry starts, but Hermione kicks him in the shin with a nod.
"Yes, Ron was out of control at the beginning of summer. I'm not sure who encouraged his behavior, Toby or Sabrina, but I sent him to live with his Grandfather to get away from them. Supposedly, he has changed." Mrs. Weasley says.
"Hopefully he hasn't changed too much." Mr. Weasley says.
"We'll see how much he's changed." Fred whispers to George.
Later that evening, Harry went up to Ron's room to go to bed. He didn't want to wake Ron, but to his surprise, Ron was awake and writing in a small book.
"Hey, I thought you were asleep." Harry says.
"Yea, I just laid back in my bed, and crashed." Ron says.
"Ron, did you really do what everyone says you did with Sabrina?" Harry whispers.
"Whose everyone?" Ron asks.
"Your family." Harry says.
"I was stupid and let my hormones control me, yes, I slept with her." Ron says.
"Why on earth would you do something so insanely stupid?" Hermione asks entering, and shutting the door behind her.
"Hello Hermione how was your summer?" Ron asks.
"It was great, thank you. What on earth were you thinking? Even I know of Sabrina's reputation!" Hermione says.
"I don't regret doing it, I regret doing it with her, because she just used me. I wouldn't have minded if I had been going out with her, or if she actually liked me." Ron admits.
"You're so stupid! You're only fifteen." Hermione says.
"You don't understand. My hormones were controlling me Hermione, not my brain. I can't think of the logical or right thing to do at compromising situations, Hermione. It was a mistake, a very big mistake." Ron says.
Harry and Hermione looked at each other. Hermione knew he regretted it now. Hermione and Harry both silently wondered why it took Hermione to make Ron truly sorry.
"Well, are you two still speaking to me? I came home to see you two. I had hoped my mum wouldn't tell you. I didn't know what I was doing at the time and I'm sorry." Ron says.
"I never stopped talking to you. She just took over." Harry says.
"Well even though I do think that's wrong, I do believe you're sorry, and as you can plainly see, I am still talking to you." Hermione says.
"Thanks, Harry what was the big news that you couldn't tell me in your letters?" Ron asks.
"Oh, I found out the reason I have to live with my aunt and uncle the majority of the summers." Harry says.
"Well, go on tell me. I knew there had to be some reason Dumbledore kept you with those horrible muggles. What is it?" Ron asks.
"Well, I always thought Ms. Figg was just a muggle neighbor of mine, but she's really a witch that uses Polyjuice Potion for a disguise. If the Dursley's knew, they'd move away, and then Voldemort could easily get me if he wanted too. Ms. Figg's an auror, a very powerful witch, and nobody can touch me on Privet Drive, because of her powers." Harry says.
"So why can't she protect you from the muggles, or at least take you in?" Ron asks.
"I don't really know her." Harry says.
"How were the Dursley's?" Ron asks.
"They were crueler than ever to me, after the Ton-Tongue Toffee incident last year, I'm lucky they let me live. They didn't take Snuffles as a threat. He's still a fugitive in the muggle world too. They said they'd have the police there so quickly if he even stepped foot on Privet Drive. They said it wouldn't matter that he was a wizard, all they'd need to say was that I make contact with him. I didn't want to risk losing contact with Snuffles, so I've kind of been their slave." Harry says.
"I thought you saw Snuffles a few times." Ron says referring to Harry's letters.
"Oh I did. He snuck in as Padfoot when the Dursley's were asleep. He also was at Ms. Figg's house as well." Harry says.
"Oh, have you been made a prefect?" Hermione asks.
"No, but that's not a surprise." Ron says.
"It is a surprise. I've been made one. We get into the same amount of trouble, me even more sometimes." Harry says.
"Still you have better marks. Besides, your trouble always rewards you. Breaking all those rules to protect the Sorcerer's Stone, sneaking into the Forbidden Forrest to help Hagrid, and then entering the Chamber of Secrets saving my sister. You were out after dark and in the Forbidden Forrest, and in the shrieking shack, all to save Buckbeak and Snuffles. You didn't do anything wrong last year Harry. That was all set up. Not to bring up a bad memory, but it wasn't your fault Cedric died, it was You-Know-Who's." Ron says.
"Ron, maybe you've forgotten, but you were there all those times with me." Harry says.
"No, I didn't make it all the way when trying to save the Sorcerer's Stone, I didn't get through the rocks to help Ginny, I got knocked out when you freed Buckbeak and Snuffles, and you were the only one of us in the Tri- Wizard Tournament." Ron says.
"Maybe that's why you were made a prefect, because of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. I mean you were the champion." Hermione says.
"No, he makes good marks, and he's the best seeker in ages, I never doubted he would be made a prefect." Ron says.
"You should ask Dumbledore." Hermione says.
"You should ask McGonagall, she's the head of house, and she decides who's a prefect and what, but you don't have to. You're one of the best students, and you're one of her favorite students." Ron says. "Hermione is the best student and her favorite though." Ron quickly adds.
"Thank you. Well, I'll talk to you two in the morning. I'm going to bed." Hermione says.
"Goodnight." Ron says.
Hermione stopped at the door and turned around. "Goodnight." Hermione says awkwardly.
As Hermione left, walking down the stairs, she thought about it, and realized that Ron had never said Goodnight to her ever before, and it made her feel awkward. She wondered if his Grandfather had taught him to say sweet things, or was it part of his manipulation scams that Ginny had told her about. Perhaps, he had remembered how to be sweet after having such a tough time at his Grandfather's. Ginny had said the reason why her father was more of a friend than a father, was because his father was too much of a father, way too tough.
Hermione brought herself back down to earth. 'Snap out of it'. She told herself. Hermione suspected that the reason she was losing it and feeling awkward around one of her best friends, was because of her secret breakup with Viktor leaving her feeling vulnerable. She saw boys in a whole new light. For some reason though, she had only felt awkward around Ron. When she heard about what he did with Sabrina, she was mad at him, but she couldn't help feeling jealous of Sabrina for some reason either. Hermione had a crush on one of her best friends. Hermione had a crush on Ron, but why? It made no sense. He was completely the opposite of her, and they were always bickering. Hermione took out a book and started reading. 'Books are far less complicated than boys.' She thought.
Meanwhile, Ron and Harry were talking while playing Wizard's Chess. "So who's Toby?" Harry asks.
"Toby's an old friend of mine. We went to Primary School together. We stopped talking before we entered Hogwarts, because we didn't think we'd be allowed to talk to each other once in separate houses, and we thought we'd be in different houses, which obviously we are, because his family was always sorted into Ravenclaw, and mine, obviously Gryffindor." Ron says.
"But Hermione says that families aren't necessarily always going to be sorted into certain houses. I mean look at the Patil twins, and I was almost sorted into Slytherin." Harry says.
"Yea, but we didn't exactly know. We only knew what the twins told us, which of course, were all lies." Ron says.
"You haven't exactly spoken of him over the past four years we've been friends." Harry says.
"I haven't spoken to him over the past four years, we've been friends, either. We ended our friendship before Hogwarts began, and then I met you. I mean I only ran into Toby at the start of the Holidays. I was really upset about something stupid and I guess I needed a friend who could understand, and you had enough problems with everything from last year. It was just convenient I ran into him." Ron says.
"Ron, friends tell each other everything. You should've written to me! It's like you chose Toby to tell everything too, and nothing to me!" Harry says jealously.
"He was close by, and he would understand, besides I didn't want you to have anything to worry about." Ron says.
"What wouldn't I understand?" Harry asks.
"Nothing. Look my problems are pathetic compared to yours, but I still have problems and Toby wouldn't consider my problems pathetic. They're the same kind of problems he has." Ron says.
"Oh, now I understand… because his problems aren't as complicated as mine he's a better friend." Harry says.
"What? I never said he was a better friend! I just didn't want to bother you with something so stupid, because I was afraid you'd think less of me! I went to him, because he won't judge me, and I have nothing to lose. He's not my best friend, Harry, you are. He's just a friend who understands me!" Ron says frustratingly.
"I thought I was your best friend, but I was wrong. If you had a problem you should've written to me, but you didn't! You just so happen to run into your old pal Toby and you tell him!" Harry says.
"I can't have more than one friend now? He was my best friend before Hogwarts. You're my best friend now." Ron says.
"You're probably only friends with me, because I'm famous!" Harry says.
"What?" Ron asks in disbelief.
"You're probably only friends with me, because your family likes me, and because they don't like Toby. I mean you always want their acceptance in something. What? Am I being used for your acceptance in having made such a famous friend?" Harry asks.
"What the hell are you on about? I can't believe you'd say something so absurd. I knew coming home, I'd be coming home to trouble with Toby and Sabrina, but because of your letter I risked it anyway." Ron says.
"You came home to see Toby. The instant you got home, he knew about it. You didn't write me one letter all summer, but I bet he got quite a few." Harry says.
"If he got owls they weren't from me, I was restricted from sending owls, even to my own family! You never sent me one owl either you know! Not until you got to the burrow. I knew I shouldn't have come back here. I wanted to let Toby know I was alive. He knows my Grandfather and how strict he is. I'm not talking to my parents right now. I hate them for sending me to my Grandfather's. I wasn't hungry, and I needed to talk to somebody. You were eating, and the Knight Bus probably alerted the whole village. That bus is crazy." Ron says.
"You wanted to let Toby know you were alive, not me or Hermione." Harry says.
"You saw that I was fine! You know what, forget it." Ron says irritatingly. He walks out of his room and slams the door. He runs down the stairs and out of the burrow.
Fred, who had just come from the kitchen, saw Ron storm down the stairs and out of the house. Fred ran into the kitchen.
George was just standing up to leave. Percy had been drinking tea with his parents and Ginny at the table.
"I think there's something you should know." Fred says unsure if he should tell.
"What?" George asks.
"Err… maybe I shouldn't." Fred says thinking it would be best not to tattle on his younger brother. Something was obviously upsetting him. He'd be back eventually. But what if he's running away again?
"No, you better tell, what is it?" Percy asks.
"Ron just left. I don't think he's running away, but he just stormed out of the house." Fred says before he could stop himself.
"Which direction?" Mr. Weasley asks.
"Straight, out the front door." Fred says.
"I'll owl Mrs. Lovegood. Percy, would you mind apparating over to the Fawcetts, and have them on alert that Ron has runaway and just to send him home if they see him." Mrs. Weasley asks.
"I can't believe he wants to go back to Grandfather's so badly." George says.
"He's not going back to your Grandfather's." Mr. Weasley says.
"Yes, he is." Mrs. Weasley says.
"He's our son. I'm his father, I'll take care of this." Mr. Weasley says.
"Well there's a first." Mrs. Weasley says. Fred and George covered their quick sniggers for a look of suspense.
"I've taken care of Ron before." Mr. Weasley says.
"If you had been here more, he might take you somewhat seriously." Mrs. Weasley says.
"I've been here every moment I can, but I've had to work to support this family." Mr. Weasley says.
"You've never punished the boys, not once! I had to come up with the plan to send him to your father's. You've always been too indulgent with them. When you were home, you always found an excuse for them! When they were at school, who sent the howlers?" Mrs. Weasley asks.
"Who was sent the owl with what they did wrong? I never got a report of their behavior, not once. I only hear about it from you. You want to take care of everything. You always say, oh don't worry; I've already taken care of it. I'll take care of it now. You've been the one in charge since they were born; I've never had to worry about them, because you've had everything taken care of. It was decided that I'd work and you'd stay home with the kids. You decided that, and I trusted you, because you were always smart with decisions, and I've always trusted your decisions, but sometimes I give the boys breaks, and you. You scream yourself hoarse when you get mad. I would never undermine your authority, and that's why I'm saying I don't want Ron to go to my father's now. I won't allow it." Mr. Weasley says.
"What's your alternative?" Mrs. Weasley asks.
"We don't even know that Ron has run away. I mean nobody's left to check anything yet. For all we know, he could just be out front. Or he could have come back and just went up the stairs. Or he could just have gone for a walk to blow off steam, Fred did say he stormed out, and that must mean he was upset about something." Mr. Weasley says.
"Ginny dear, go check upstairs and make sure Ron's not up there, before we all start looking. George, Fred why don't you two go look around out front? Not too far it's after nine, and it's too dark for anybody to go through the forest, especially Ron. It's too dangerous anymore. Remember the owl your father got sent halfway through the summer." Mrs. Weasley says.
Ginny and the twins leave the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley gets a piece of parchment and quill and starts to write the Lovegoods.
"Surely, You-Know-Who must've been spotted elsewhere by now. I mean Dumbledore wouldn't have allowed Harry to come if he was still a threat. Dumbledore must know about the threats, right?" Percy asks.
"The warning was never lifted. Perhaps they forgot to or something. Perhaps, he was just never spotted elsewhere, but the warning remains." Mr. Weasley says.
"Ron doesn't know about the warning, does he?" Percy asks.
"No." Mrs. Weasley says looking up with worried eyes.
Percy grabs his owl, Hermes from his perch and brings him over to his mum on his finger. "Bring that to Mrs. Lovegood, won't you?" Percy asks as Mrs. Weasley tied the parchment to the owl's leg. Hermes nipped at Percy's finger reassuringly, before it took off, flying out of the kitchen window.
Ginny could be heard coming down the stairs and she ran into the kitchen. "He's not upstairs. Harry says they got into a fight, and he thought he just went downstairs." Ginny says.
Fred and George run back inside the house out of breath.
"I went as far as the forest, and didn't see him." Fred says.
"I looked down the path and didn't see him. We searched the border, but neither of us saw him. Is he upstairs?" George asks Ginny.
Ginny shakes her head. "No." Ginny says.
Mrs. Weasley looks at Percy who nods, "I'm on my way now." Percy says and disapparates with a pop.
Three hours later, a little after midnight Percy apparated home. "Well?" Mrs. Weasley asks.
"Not at either house. Mrs. Lovegood plans to be in Toby's room tonight to make sure Ron doesn't sneak in, and I spoke with Mrs. Fawcett, and she and her husband plan to be up all night watching Sabrina's every move, incase Ron runs there. They'll stun him and owl us the minute they spot him." Percy assures them.
Back To The Burrow (and the Problems)
Ron fell into routine as weeks went by. He woke up early and helped his Grandfather with housework. When they would finish they'd play Wizard's Chess. Even though Ron beat his Grandfather the majority of the times, it was a challenge to play him compared to his friends or his brothers. Ron had all of his assignments done within the first two weeks of holiday.
Halfway through August, Ron received three owls. He thought this was strange, as he hadn't any owls within the past six weeks. The first owl was from his family. It was sent with Percy's owl, Hermes.
Dear Ron,
Your Grandfather says he has seen a significant change during your stay with him. Harry and Hermione just arrived, and they are anxious to see you. Please forgive me and come home. I know you're still mad at me, but Grandfather even agrees it was for the best, and that you have changed for the better. Your Grandfather said he'd pay for your fare to take the Knight Bus home, whenever you want to come. Just let him know, and you can come home. We miss you terribly! Please forgive me and come home! I love you!
Love always,
Mum
Ron wasn't sure what to think. He had gotten so adjusted to his home at Grandfather's that he couldn't just leave. He felt that leaving would be like abandoning his Grandfather. On the other hand, Harry and Hermione were waiting for him at the burrow, as were Toby and Sabrina. There weren't many wizards or witches around Grandfather's. None his age for miles as a matter of fact, not to mention that Ron worked so much of the day, he didn't have time to meet anybody.
Ron looked at the next owl, it was from Harry sent with his owl Hedwig. There were two letters tied to her foot. Ron read the first letter from Hermione.
Dear Ron,
I've come straight to the burrow from Bulgaria, and I found that you weren't even home. You have an owl, I don't! You should've written to me and told me you were going on vacation to your Grandfather's. I mean Harry had no idea either. I hope you didn't have too much fun and forget about your holiday assignments. Once you get home, there won't be a lot of time to get them done, because Harry and I are here. Your brothers are extremely loud too, and you'd never be able to concentrate.
I've had a splendid time at Viktor's over the summer. I got to watch him practice Quidditch with the Bulgarian team, and I even got great seats to a few of his games! It was a great experience. I knew nothing of all these Quidditch teams, with the exception of Quidditch Through the Ages and what you and Harry have told me. Really, books can't tell you anything about what I've watched. It's like a muggle concert. It's better live than on television, because you're actually there!
Sorry about bragging, it's just been a great summer. It's gone too fast in my opinion. It's good to see Harry and your family again. It's a shame, because I can't say the same about you yet. Tell your Grandfather to send you home! The twins are making up the wildest tales about your Grandfather. They claimed the reason Harry and I haven't been receiving letters all summer was because he killed you. I can't imagine a violent Weasley like the twins describe your Grandfather to be.
Come back to the burrow so we know you're still alive! The twins are very convincing; unfortunately for them Harry and I have known them longer to believe their clever lies. Harry's got a lot to tell you about his summer. I don't think he'll write everything. I can't believe he's writing anything. What if his owl was intercepted and read? Really, the chances some people will take…
In more positive news, I've been made a Prefect! Harry has been as well! I was surprised by that after all the trouble you two have gotten into, and not having those type of grades. I wouldn't be surprised if they made you a Prefect. You and Harry are on the same level in a way. Let me know, by coming home and telling us in person, whether you're a prefect as well!
Harry reckons they only made him a prefect, because he's been through so much. Harry even admits he doesn't have the grades to be a prefect, and being on the Quidditch Team doesn't necessarily make you a prefect, as the twins are beaters and they're not prefects. Then again, the twins cause way too much mischief to hold such a title.
Well, I wrote enough for now. Come home already, won't you? I brought you back something. Please come home. Your mum misses you terribly, not to mention Harry and me. Come home!
Love from,
Hermione
It did surprise Ron that Harry was made a prefect after all of the rule bending they did, but then again Harry wasn't ordinary at all. He deserved it after everything he went through, especially after the TriWizard Tournament last year.
Ron looked at the second piece of parchment tied to Hedwig's leg. It was from Harry. Ron read it.
Ron,
I can't believe you're not at the burrow! I'm done my holiday work already, and I've already heard about Hermione's trip to Bulgaria. I've locked myself in your room to get away from your brother's trick sweets. I've polished my Firebolt, and I've flown around your paddock a few times. It's not a lot of fun without someone to fly with. The twins are too busy with their pranks to fly outside. With a family as big as yours, it seems impossible to imagine being bored a second, but I find myself bored now. It would be nice to have my best friend back. Please come home, I've got some really major news to tell you. Hermione doesn't think I should write it, incase the letter is intercepted. So I can tell you a few things, but I can't go into detail or say everything I want to.
One, I'm a prefect. Can you believe that? Have you been made one? I don't know why I've been made one. I study a little more than you do, but still I can't imagine why they've made me a prefect. Snuffles is proud. He's visited me on more than one occasion. I know why I've been staying on Privet Drive every summer, but I can't explain until you come back. I've got so much to tell you! You haven't owled me all summer. You never even let me know you were going to your Grandfather's! You have to come back soon! I'm getting bored, and I miss my best friend. I hope to see you soon!
-Harry
Ron started to get homesick, but he didn't want to leave his Grandfather. He finally took the parchment from the last owl. It was from Hogwarts giving a list of school supplies he'd need for next year. Not surprisingly, he wasn't named a prefect.
"I've told your mum how well you've been under my care. You're free to go whenever you choose to leave." Grandfather said, interrupting Ron's thoughts. Ron turned to find his Grandfather standing in the archway of the kitchen.
"I'm not sure I'm ready to leave yet." Ron says.
"Your friends and your family miss you." Grandfather says.
"Yes sir, but what about you?" Ron asks.
"Don't worry about me." Grandfather says.
"I'm so used to everything around here now." Ron says.
"You will always have a bed here." Grandfather says.
"I'll miss you." Ron says.
"That's good, I was afraid you'd leave hating me." Grandfather says.
"That would be easier." Ron says.
"You'll be leaving on the Knight Bus tonight." Grandfather says.
"I better pack then." Ron says.
After a long goodbye, Ron found himself carrying Pigwidgeon's cage and his trunk off of the Knight Bus and into the burrow. He brought all of his things upstairs into his room and unpacked before going downstairs and finding his family. Everyone was in the kitchen. His father was home. Everybody was sitting at the table eating.
Ginny spotted her brother first. "Ron!" Ginny exclaims.
"You're alive?" Fred asks.
"How'd you survive?" George asks.
"Ron, are you all right?" Mr. Weasley asks with concern.
"Yes sir, I'm fine." Ron says.
"Oh Ron, I'm so glad you're home!" Mrs. Weasley cries trying to hold back tears. She got up and hugged him, but he only returned it politely, as one would hug somebody to console him or her, not as a son would embrace his mother.
Mrs. Weasley realized this and let go. "Are you hungry? I'll make you up a plate…" Mrs. Weasley started, wiping her eyes.
"No, thank you. I've already eaten. May I go over Toby's? You're all in the middle of dinner, and I just want to let him know that I'm back." Ron says.
"No, that's what sent you over to your grandfather's in the first place." Mrs. Weasley says pulling herself together.
"No, my attitude from hanging out with Sabrina sent me to Grandpa's in the first place. It was never Toby." Ron corrects her. "Now may I go, please?"
"No, I don't want you around him. Ever since you were little when you were friends with him, you'd cause too much trouble." Mrs. Weasley says.
"No more than Fred and George make." Percy says.
Mrs. Weasley glares dangerously at him. Percy quickly becomes interested in his plate.
"Well, he does have a point. Nobody causes more havoc and chaos than us." Fred says.
"Keep your mouth closed when you're eating." Mrs. Weasley snaps.
There was a knock on the front door.
"May I answer the door please, since you're all eating?" Ron asks.
"I don't think there's any harm in answering a door." Mr. Weasley says with a nod gesturing for Ron to go. Ron leaves for the door.
"Unless Toby's on the other side." Mrs. Weasley mutters.
"Mrs. Weasley, may I ask why you don't like Toby?" Harry asks.
"Who is Toby?" Hermione asks.
Just then, Toby enters the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley looks at Ron and then to Toby.
"Mrs. Weasley, sorry for catching you in the middle of dinner like this, I was wondering if it was possible to talk with Ron for a few minutes." Toby asks.
"Its Ron's first night back, could it possibly wait until morning?" Mrs. Weasley asks.
"Mrs. Weasley, I don't mean to push on this, but I only need a minute of his time. My sister and Sabrina have driven me insane, and Ron's the only person who could bring back sanity, since Cedric's passed on. I'm only asking for a minute. Please?" Toby asks.
"Five minutes. In the living room." Mrs. Weasley says.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley, that's all I need." Toby says.
Toby and Ron headed into the living room; where everybody in the kitchen quieted down to hear their conversation.
"Ugh, I thought you'd never come back. There are too many girls around! Sabrina's practically moved in. I'm not kidding either! She's over our house every night. I think her parents are fighting or something. I mean there's got to be a logical reason as to why she's over there every night. Tabitha is one reason, but not a logical reason." Toby says.
"There wasn't a logical reason as to why I was there every night before we started Hogwarts." Ron says.
"Of course there was, and it was me. No explanation needed." Toby says.
"Nobody could explain you if they tried, my friend." Ron jokes.
"Hey!" Toby says.
"No, but before I got shipped off, Sabrina and Tabitha were always talking at the kitchen table." Ron says.
"Yea, but Tabitha doesn't go over to Sabrina's at all, except when she helps convince her parents to let her stay the night. Sabrina doesn't even go home. All her owls come to our house!" Toby says.
"Maybe its because owls are smart and scent that she's there?" Ron asks.
"Still, it's scary having two girls in the house, it's bad enough with just Tabitha." Toby says.
"So what has Sabrina been up to, since I've been gone?" Ron asks.
"You know her." Toby says.
"Fast and free." Ron says.
"She's a flirt though. I think that's what I hate most about having her stay with us. She hits on me constantly." Toby says.
"Isn't that what you wanted?" Ron asks.
"I thought that's what I wanted, but she's like Scarlett how she uses people for what she wants and then moves on. You remember Scarlett from that muggle movie, based on a book? We had to read it in primary school. It was based on that American war, what was it the Civil war?" Toby asks.
"Oh! Gone With the Wind, that book got me into so much trouble." Ron says.
"Oh yea, I remember, you said you wanted to curse the author and she was already dead, and your mum overheard you and chased you around with a broom." Toby says.
"I forgot about that. I was mostly thinking of how badly I hated reading, and that was the biggest book I ever had to read and how I got so frustrated it kind of sailed across the room on it's own." Ron says.
"The teacher had no idea what you did! But he blamed it on you anyway and sent you into a week of detentions for being disruptive." Toby says.
"That teacher hated us. I think he secretly knew we were related to wizards and could do magic. That's why we were best friends with the Headmaster." Ron says.
"No, I always thought he hated us, because you were related to the twins, and they were pretty bad back then, and I was your best friend." Toby says.
"Oh well, I hated that teacher as well. I can't even remember his name, don't want to either." Ron says.
"So, how was your grandfather's? You didn't sound happy in your owls." Toby says.
"It was unbelievable there, compared to here. I had to work for everything, not to mention I had to do everything the muggle way." Ron says.
"What do you mean?" Toby asks.
"If I wanted breakfast I had to cut the lawns and take care of the gardens first. Then I had to cook my own breakfast. I had to learn how to cook too." Ron says.
"That doesn't sound too bad. Not that I do any of that, but it could be worse." Toby says.
"That was only before breakfast. After breakfast I had to fix up his house. One day he went after me, because I told him to fix his own roof. I had to nail all the shingles on to the roof, and if I messed up, I had to do it again. Another day I'd have to paint the side of his house. I'd have to clean out his attic and basement and storage room. It's not like he couldn't do anything. But he worked me so hard I was actually looking forward to doing my homework assignments. Even then, after I did them, he'd rip them up, because they weren't perfect." Ron says.
"He must've changed you. You never liked picking up a pencil, and you looked forward to doing homework assignments? You must've worked until you were delirious." Toby says.
"Yes, well luckily I'm back now. How's your father? Have you seen him at all this summer?" Ron asks.
"Unfortunately. He stops by once a month. He doesn't give anything to my mum, not even a sickle. I hate him, but Tabitha still loves him." Toby says.
"You hate your father?" Ron asks.
"My mum can't spend enough time with us, because she has to spend more hours at the Ministry to raise us. She works herself to exhaustion everyday. Then she wakes up to it the next morning again. She deserves better than that. Tabitha needs my mum. She's always complaining how she never sees her. Yet, she loves the reason why my mum doesn't have time for her!" Toby says.
"Your mum's got as much dignity as my parents. Even if your dad did want to help her out, she wouldn't take it. I mean maybe your mum wouldn't accept it, and just didn't tell you." Ron says.
"No, my dad won't help her out with anything. He said if she wants help, for us to live with him, but she won't let that, and I wouldn't want that. I'd only go to him, if she was desperate." Toby says.
"If things ever got that bad, you could stay here first. I don't care how crazy things got. If I had to move back with my Grandfather's for you to stay here, I'd do that." Ron says.
"Ron, I know I'm better than a brother and all, but you would never sacrifice a muggle labor life with your grandfather for me." Toby says.
"Well, we've come to a better understanding over the six weeks I was there." Ron says.
"Really?" Toby asks.
"Well, I'm alive, aren't I?" Ron asks.
"You seem to be breathing, and everything seems to be all right, except your face, it looks like you got eaten by the lawnmower." Toby says.
"How?" Ron asks.
"Look at yourself in a mirror." Toby says.
"What do you mean? My face was never harmed." Ron says.
"Well it sure looks to me like you fell down an ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down." Toby teases.
Ron punched Toby in the arm.
"Ouch!" Toby says.
"Toby you've gotten weaker over the years." Ron says.
"No you've gotten stronger. Probably from working over the summer." Toby says.
"Yes, well good old Grandpa says I don't have the brains or talent to make it as a wizard, so I might as well try to succeed in a muggle world." Ron says rolling his eyes.
"Your grandfather needs to remember your only fifteen, and you do have brains and talent, only they're being held back. You've got brains. You just use them when you choose to. You've got talent I saw it. They're just distributed out equally or not stronger than the other." Toby says.
"Why thank you Tobias." Ron says sarcastically.
"I'm serious Ron." Toby says. He stands up. "Look, I better get going, because you need to catch up with everybody. Send me an owl when I can come visit you. You don't want to come to my house. You want to stay as far away from Sabrina as you can. I mean, what got you sent over to good old Granddaddy's in the first place?" Toby asks.
"Right, well thanks for coming over. I'll owl you as soon as I can." Ron says.
"Good seeing you." Toby says.
"You too. Bye." Ron says.
Toby left and Ron went back into the kitchen. "Just thought I'd let you know that Toby left." Ron says to his mother. "May I go upstairs to my room please?" Ron asks.
"Since when do you ask to go to your room?" Ginny asks.
"Oh yea. Sorry, keep forgetting where I am." Ron says.
Ron leaves the kitchen and runs up to his room. He sees a bed's moved in there for Harry, and he lies down on his own bed, feeling grateful and comfortable. Ron felt more relaxed than he had in a while, laying in his own bed, without worrying about tomorrow's chore, or his Grandfather. He fell asleep.
As everybody started cleaning up downstairs, Ginny brought up a realization that she had noticed.
"Has anybody noticed how quiet Ron's been?" Ginny asks.
"You don't think he's snuck out again?" Fred asks.
"It didn't seem like he had a whole lot of fun at Grandfather's. I don't think he'd risk going back there just when he got back." Percy says.
"Go check, Percy." Mrs. Weasley says.
"You don't honestly believe he would do something so stupid again, do you?" Percy asks.
"Of course not, I meant just check on him." Mrs. Weasley says.
"Right." Percy says.
Percy left the kitchen and ran up the stairs to Ron's room, to find him sound asleep.
When he returned downstairs Hermione was talking.
"Ron's snuck out before?" Hermione asks.
"Yes, at the start of summer." Fred asks.
"That's what got him sent off in the first place." George says.
"No, his attitude and his actions with Sabrina sent him off in the first place." Mrs. Weasley says.
"He was sent to his Grandfather's as a punishment?" Harry asks.
"Yes, our Grandfather's completely the opposite of our dad. He's extremely strict and everything must be perfect." George explains.
"Well, did Ron sneak out?" Fred asks seeing Percy.
"No, he's asleep." Percy says.
"What?" George asks.
"He's dead to the world." Percy says. "He fell asleep with his clothes on and everything, like he just laid on the bed and fell asleep."
"Do you think Grandfather let him have a bed there? After all, he does hate Ron." George says.
"Your Grandfather doesn't hate anybody! He's just disappointed when people don't live out to their potential. He doesn't like games, nonsense, and people fooling around. He doesn't like how Ron can be lazy, and either do I for that matter." Mrs. Weasley says.
"Then why doesn't he like dad?" Fred asks.
"He loves your father, even he knows that. He just knows your father has enough potential to be the Minister of Magic, and he's disappointed that he never chose to be at a higher place, but you all know that it's your father's love for his job and muggles that keeps him there. I mean if he didn't, nobody would look out for them, and our code of secrecy would be broken." Mrs. Weasley explains.
"Why doesn't he like us?" George asks.
"I can name a few reasons." Percy says.
"Mrs. Weasley who's Sabrina?" Hermione asks.
"Sabrina Fawcett." Fred answers simply.
"Who?" Harry asks.
"Oh, I heard of her, isn't she the girl who- Oh!" Hermione says with a gasp. She covers her mouth with her hand in disbelief. "Ron was with her?" Hermione asks still in disbelief.
"I don't understand, whose Sabrina? What's wrong with her?" Harry asks.
"She's known for… sleeping around." Hermione whispers.
"Wait, Ron-" Harry starts, but Hermione kicks him in the shin with a nod.
"Yes, Ron was out of control at the beginning of summer. I'm not sure who encouraged his behavior, Toby or Sabrina, but I sent him to live with his Grandfather to get away from them. Supposedly, he has changed." Mrs. Weasley says.
"Hopefully he hasn't changed too much." Mr. Weasley says.
"We'll see how much he's changed." Fred whispers to George.
Later that evening, Harry went up to Ron's room to go to bed. He didn't want to wake Ron, but to his surprise, Ron was awake and writing in a small book.
"Hey, I thought you were asleep." Harry says.
"Yea, I just laid back in my bed, and crashed." Ron says.
"Ron, did you really do what everyone says you did with Sabrina?" Harry whispers.
"Whose everyone?" Ron asks.
"Your family." Harry says.
"I was stupid and let my hormones control me, yes, I slept with her." Ron says.
"Why on earth would you do something so insanely stupid?" Hermione asks entering, and shutting the door behind her.
"Hello Hermione how was your summer?" Ron asks.
"It was great, thank you. What on earth were you thinking? Even I know of Sabrina's reputation!" Hermione says.
"I don't regret doing it, I regret doing it with her, because she just used me. I wouldn't have minded if I had been going out with her, or if she actually liked me." Ron admits.
"You're so stupid! You're only fifteen." Hermione says.
"You don't understand. My hormones were controlling me Hermione, not my brain. I can't think of the logical or right thing to do at compromising situations, Hermione. It was a mistake, a very big mistake." Ron says.
Harry and Hermione looked at each other. Hermione knew he regretted it now. Hermione and Harry both silently wondered why it took Hermione to make Ron truly sorry.
"Well, are you two still speaking to me? I came home to see you two. I had hoped my mum wouldn't tell you. I didn't know what I was doing at the time and I'm sorry." Ron says.
"I never stopped talking to you. She just took over." Harry says.
"Well even though I do think that's wrong, I do believe you're sorry, and as you can plainly see, I am still talking to you." Hermione says.
"Thanks, Harry what was the big news that you couldn't tell me in your letters?" Ron asks.
"Oh, I found out the reason I have to live with my aunt and uncle the majority of the summers." Harry says.
"Well, go on tell me. I knew there had to be some reason Dumbledore kept you with those horrible muggles. What is it?" Ron asks.
"Well, I always thought Ms. Figg was just a muggle neighbor of mine, but she's really a witch that uses Polyjuice Potion for a disguise. If the Dursley's knew, they'd move away, and then Voldemort could easily get me if he wanted too. Ms. Figg's an auror, a very powerful witch, and nobody can touch me on Privet Drive, because of her powers." Harry says.
"So why can't she protect you from the muggles, or at least take you in?" Ron asks.
"I don't really know her." Harry says.
"How were the Dursley's?" Ron asks.
"They were crueler than ever to me, after the Ton-Tongue Toffee incident last year, I'm lucky they let me live. They didn't take Snuffles as a threat. He's still a fugitive in the muggle world too. They said they'd have the police there so quickly if he even stepped foot on Privet Drive. They said it wouldn't matter that he was a wizard, all they'd need to say was that I make contact with him. I didn't want to risk losing contact with Snuffles, so I've kind of been their slave." Harry says.
"I thought you saw Snuffles a few times." Ron says referring to Harry's letters.
"Oh I did. He snuck in as Padfoot when the Dursley's were asleep. He also was at Ms. Figg's house as well." Harry says.
"Oh, have you been made a prefect?" Hermione asks.
"No, but that's not a surprise." Ron says.
"It is a surprise. I've been made one. We get into the same amount of trouble, me even more sometimes." Harry says.
"Still you have better marks. Besides, your trouble always rewards you. Breaking all those rules to protect the Sorcerer's Stone, sneaking into the Forbidden Forrest to help Hagrid, and then entering the Chamber of Secrets saving my sister. You were out after dark and in the Forbidden Forrest, and in the shrieking shack, all to save Buckbeak and Snuffles. You didn't do anything wrong last year Harry. That was all set up. Not to bring up a bad memory, but it wasn't your fault Cedric died, it was You-Know-Who's." Ron says.
"Ron, maybe you've forgotten, but you were there all those times with me." Harry says.
"No, I didn't make it all the way when trying to save the Sorcerer's Stone, I didn't get through the rocks to help Ginny, I got knocked out when you freed Buckbeak and Snuffles, and you were the only one of us in the Tri- Wizard Tournament." Ron says.
"Maybe that's why you were made a prefect, because of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. I mean you were the champion." Hermione says.
"No, he makes good marks, and he's the best seeker in ages, I never doubted he would be made a prefect." Ron says.
"You should ask Dumbledore." Hermione says.
"You should ask McGonagall, she's the head of house, and she decides who's a prefect and what, but you don't have to. You're one of the best students, and you're one of her favorite students." Ron says. "Hermione is the best student and her favorite though." Ron quickly adds.
"Thank you. Well, I'll talk to you two in the morning. I'm going to bed." Hermione says.
"Goodnight." Ron says.
Hermione stopped at the door and turned around. "Goodnight." Hermione says awkwardly.
As Hermione left, walking down the stairs, she thought about it, and realized that Ron had never said Goodnight to her ever before, and it made her feel awkward. She wondered if his Grandfather had taught him to say sweet things, or was it part of his manipulation scams that Ginny had told her about. Perhaps, he had remembered how to be sweet after having such a tough time at his Grandfather's. Ginny had said the reason why her father was more of a friend than a father, was because his father was too much of a father, way too tough.
Hermione brought herself back down to earth. 'Snap out of it'. She told herself. Hermione suspected that the reason she was losing it and feeling awkward around one of her best friends, was because of her secret breakup with Viktor leaving her feeling vulnerable. She saw boys in a whole new light. For some reason though, she had only felt awkward around Ron. When she heard about what he did with Sabrina, she was mad at him, but she couldn't help feeling jealous of Sabrina for some reason either. Hermione had a crush on one of her best friends. Hermione had a crush on Ron, but why? It made no sense. He was completely the opposite of her, and they were always bickering. Hermione took out a book and started reading. 'Books are far less complicated than boys.' She thought.
Meanwhile, Ron and Harry were talking while playing Wizard's Chess. "So who's Toby?" Harry asks.
"Toby's an old friend of mine. We went to Primary School together. We stopped talking before we entered Hogwarts, because we didn't think we'd be allowed to talk to each other once in separate houses, and we thought we'd be in different houses, which obviously we are, because his family was always sorted into Ravenclaw, and mine, obviously Gryffindor." Ron says.
"But Hermione says that families aren't necessarily always going to be sorted into certain houses. I mean look at the Patil twins, and I was almost sorted into Slytherin." Harry says.
"Yea, but we didn't exactly know. We only knew what the twins told us, which of course, were all lies." Ron says.
"You haven't exactly spoken of him over the past four years we've been friends." Harry says.
"I haven't spoken to him over the past four years, we've been friends, either. We ended our friendship before Hogwarts began, and then I met you. I mean I only ran into Toby at the start of the Holidays. I was really upset about something stupid and I guess I needed a friend who could understand, and you had enough problems with everything from last year. It was just convenient I ran into him." Ron says.
"Ron, friends tell each other everything. You should've written to me! It's like you chose Toby to tell everything too, and nothing to me!" Harry says jealously.
"He was close by, and he would understand, besides I didn't want you to have anything to worry about." Ron says.
"What wouldn't I understand?" Harry asks.
"Nothing. Look my problems are pathetic compared to yours, but I still have problems and Toby wouldn't consider my problems pathetic. They're the same kind of problems he has." Ron says.
"Oh, now I understand… because his problems aren't as complicated as mine he's a better friend." Harry says.
"What? I never said he was a better friend! I just didn't want to bother you with something so stupid, because I was afraid you'd think less of me! I went to him, because he won't judge me, and I have nothing to lose. He's not my best friend, Harry, you are. He's just a friend who understands me!" Ron says frustratingly.
"I thought I was your best friend, but I was wrong. If you had a problem you should've written to me, but you didn't! You just so happen to run into your old pal Toby and you tell him!" Harry says.
"I can't have more than one friend now? He was my best friend before Hogwarts. You're my best friend now." Ron says.
"You're probably only friends with me, because I'm famous!" Harry says.
"What?" Ron asks in disbelief.
"You're probably only friends with me, because your family likes me, and because they don't like Toby. I mean you always want their acceptance in something. What? Am I being used for your acceptance in having made such a famous friend?" Harry asks.
"What the hell are you on about? I can't believe you'd say something so absurd. I knew coming home, I'd be coming home to trouble with Toby and Sabrina, but because of your letter I risked it anyway." Ron says.
"You came home to see Toby. The instant you got home, he knew about it. You didn't write me one letter all summer, but I bet he got quite a few." Harry says.
"If he got owls they weren't from me, I was restricted from sending owls, even to my own family! You never sent me one owl either you know! Not until you got to the burrow. I knew I shouldn't have come back here. I wanted to let Toby know I was alive. He knows my Grandfather and how strict he is. I'm not talking to my parents right now. I hate them for sending me to my Grandfather's. I wasn't hungry, and I needed to talk to somebody. You were eating, and the Knight Bus probably alerted the whole village. That bus is crazy." Ron says.
"You wanted to let Toby know you were alive, not me or Hermione." Harry says.
"You saw that I was fine! You know what, forget it." Ron says irritatingly. He walks out of his room and slams the door. He runs down the stairs and out of the burrow.
Fred, who had just come from the kitchen, saw Ron storm down the stairs and out of the house. Fred ran into the kitchen.
George was just standing up to leave. Percy had been drinking tea with his parents and Ginny at the table.
"I think there's something you should know." Fred says unsure if he should tell.
"What?" George asks.
"Err… maybe I shouldn't." Fred says thinking it would be best not to tattle on his younger brother. Something was obviously upsetting him. He'd be back eventually. But what if he's running away again?
"No, you better tell, what is it?" Percy asks.
"Ron just left. I don't think he's running away, but he just stormed out of the house." Fred says before he could stop himself.
"Which direction?" Mr. Weasley asks.
"Straight, out the front door." Fred says.
"I'll owl Mrs. Lovegood. Percy, would you mind apparating over to the Fawcetts, and have them on alert that Ron has runaway and just to send him home if they see him." Mrs. Weasley asks.
"I can't believe he wants to go back to Grandfather's so badly." George says.
"He's not going back to your Grandfather's." Mr. Weasley says.
"Yes, he is." Mrs. Weasley says.
"He's our son. I'm his father, I'll take care of this." Mr. Weasley says.
"Well there's a first." Mrs. Weasley says. Fred and George covered their quick sniggers for a look of suspense.
"I've taken care of Ron before." Mr. Weasley says.
"If you had been here more, he might take you somewhat seriously." Mrs. Weasley says.
"I've been here every moment I can, but I've had to work to support this family." Mr. Weasley says.
"You've never punished the boys, not once! I had to come up with the plan to send him to your father's. You've always been too indulgent with them. When you were home, you always found an excuse for them! When they were at school, who sent the howlers?" Mrs. Weasley asks.
"Who was sent the owl with what they did wrong? I never got a report of their behavior, not once. I only hear about it from you. You want to take care of everything. You always say, oh don't worry; I've already taken care of it. I'll take care of it now. You've been the one in charge since they were born; I've never had to worry about them, because you've had everything taken care of. It was decided that I'd work and you'd stay home with the kids. You decided that, and I trusted you, because you were always smart with decisions, and I've always trusted your decisions, but sometimes I give the boys breaks, and you. You scream yourself hoarse when you get mad. I would never undermine your authority, and that's why I'm saying I don't want Ron to go to my father's now. I won't allow it." Mr. Weasley says.
"What's your alternative?" Mrs. Weasley asks.
"We don't even know that Ron has run away. I mean nobody's left to check anything yet. For all we know, he could just be out front. Or he could have come back and just went up the stairs. Or he could just have gone for a walk to blow off steam, Fred did say he stormed out, and that must mean he was upset about something." Mr. Weasley says.
"Ginny dear, go check upstairs and make sure Ron's not up there, before we all start looking. George, Fred why don't you two go look around out front? Not too far it's after nine, and it's too dark for anybody to go through the forest, especially Ron. It's too dangerous anymore. Remember the owl your father got sent halfway through the summer." Mrs. Weasley says.
Ginny and the twins leave the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley gets a piece of parchment and quill and starts to write the Lovegoods.
"Surely, You-Know-Who must've been spotted elsewhere by now. I mean Dumbledore wouldn't have allowed Harry to come if he was still a threat. Dumbledore must know about the threats, right?" Percy asks.
"The warning was never lifted. Perhaps they forgot to or something. Perhaps, he was just never spotted elsewhere, but the warning remains." Mr. Weasley says.
"Ron doesn't know about the warning, does he?" Percy asks.
"No." Mrs. Weasley says looking up with worried eyes.
Percy grabs his owl, Hermes from his perch and brings him over to his mum on his finger. "Bring that to Mrs. Lovegood, won't you?" Percy asks as Mrs. Weasley tied the parchment to the owl's leg. Hermes nipped at Percy's finger reassuringly, before it took off, flying out of the kitchen window.
Ginny could be heard coming down the stairs and she ran into the kitchen. "He's not upstairs. Harry says they got into a fight, and he thought he just went downstairs." Ginny says.
Fred and George run back inside the house out of breath.
"I went as far as the forest, and didn't see him." Fred says.
"I looked down the path and didn't see him. We searched the border, but neither of us saw him. Is he upstairs?" George asks Ginny.
Ginny shakes her head. "No." Ginny says.
Mrs. Weasley looks at Percy who nods, "I'm on my way now." Percy says and disapparates with a pop.
Three hours later, a little after midnight Percy apparated home. "Well?" Mrs. Weasley asks.
"Not at either house. Mrs. Lovegood plans to be in Toby's room tonight to make sure Ron doesn't sneak in, and I spoke with Mrs. Fawcett, and she and her husband plan to be up all night watching Sabrina's every move, incase Ron runs there. They'll stun him and owl us the minute they spot him." Percy assures them.