Alesco
Chapter Nineteen---Turning Point
*
"Pilgrim, how you journey
On the road you choose...
You cannot change what's over
But only where you go...
Pilgrim, in your journey
You may travel far,
For, pilgrim, it's a long way
To find out who you are...."
Enya--Pilgrim
*
Hours, days, and weeks passed, and it seemed as though Ron's life had become a continual routine...waking, sleeping, class, Professor Forester, and sleeping. For a very long time, Ron had trouble getting out of bed in the mornings...especially without Hermione beside him.
He had to admit that life had gotten better in the past couple of days. The professor had shortened the length of their sessions considerably. Ron had a feeling that the professor was going easier on him since he'd owled the letter to his parents three weeks ago. Professor Dumbledore may have said something to her, he thought. He wasn't certain if that was the case...or if the mind-bonding process was nearly over. Either way, Ron couldn't be more pleased.
His spirits had also risen ever since Harry had spoken to him. Ron had at first been very surprised at Harry's previously distant nature, and figured (at that time) that his friend was angry he couldn't play Keeper for the team.
Hermione had told Ron that Harry was in denial about what the Siren's brain had done to Ron. She had told him it was another way for Harry to cope with the evil of You-Know-Who.
Now, Harry was waiting for Ron to finish putting on his clothes before going down to the common room. Ron was pleased that Harry was beginning to pay attention to what he was going through. As Ron pulled on his trousers and jumper, he thought back to everything he'd learned...about Professor Forester, his brother, and the terrible existence of a Siren.
For over a month, Ron had tried to push the memories aside. He had to admit that he understood why the professor had done some of the things he had seen. He remembered vividly the vision of Professor Forester's mother being killed. The professor had seen the entire thing, when she was only 12 years old.....
~*~
Ron had floated in the hot, miserable wasteland of their combined memories.
Ron had seeing Professor's Forester's mother use her powers to steal, cheat, lie, kill, and bed any man she desired. Ron realized her mother allowed her to watch, because she felt that when the professor became old enough, she would assist her mother in the crimes.
At one point, muggles had apparently gathered enough evidence to charge her mother for several murders that had happened in the area.
In that session, Ron's mind focused on one particular memory, and he saw himself lying in the bed of a house Professor Forester and her mother went to when muggles and wizards alike began to suspect the worst of her.
"Mrs. Forester......you can come out now! This is the police! You are under arrest!" A loud voice came from outside.
Ron, as Professor Forester, sat up in bed. Ron watched as her mother burst in through the bedroom door, and started to scream at him. She reached into the professor's bed, Ron inwardly yelped when she grabbed a handful of his hair. Dragging him to the window, she pointed outside.
"Look at that, girl! Too many of them. Can't get away unless we do what I planned. Okay?" Her mother spat at him, and took out a long knife. Ron remembered looking at it in horror, and then she placed the blade directly on his neck.
The next thing he knew, he was being pushed into the hot summer night air. The "police" were shouting at them, and Ron knew that her mother's powers would be useless here. She could only use her powers on one person at a time.
Several white and black automobiles were surrounded by muggles in funny uniforms, apparently holding weapons. Professor Forester's mother was dragging him toward her car, and screaming at the "police" that if they didn't put down their "guns" she was going to kill the girl. Ron felt immense fear, the same fear the professor must have felt.
They made it to the car, but when her mother tried to start it, nothing happened. She started to scream. Ron sat and stared in fear as the men began to surround the car. They were all around now, their weapons raised. They asked Professor Forester's mother to get out of the car.
Instead of doing as they wished, she grabbed up the knife and looked around desperately. Finally her gaze fell on Ron, and she let out a terrifying yelp. Sweat was on her brow as she raised the knife over him, and he closed his eyes and screamed.
Multiple loud sounds erupted at that moment. Ron felt something hot and wet splatter on him, and when he opened his eyes, he saw......
~*~
He didn't want to think about what he had seen.
Ron was able to piece together that from that point in the professor's life, things improved greatly. She met a father she'd never known, and he was kind to her. He put her into school in order to learn about the wizarding world.
Nonetheless, seeing her mother's death had been one of the most disturbing moments Ron had witnessed, narrowly worse than the images of what the professor had done to his brother.
Ron closed his eyes and put all those thoughts aside. He finished dressing by pulling on his school robe, and then he picked up a pile of books and walked with Harry to the common room.
Harry was grumbling about Gryffindor's loss to Slytherin the week prior, and Ron tried to concentrate on what he was saying. Draco had been the typical git...and he'd been especially rude seeing Ron watching the game. The students had been told Ron had been replaced because he had too big of a class load...an excuse Ron thought was very weak; and apparently Malfoy had, too.
Ron didn't want to think about all that right now. He tried to shake his head of the memories, of wanting to hit Draco after the game. Hermione had been there, to hold him back, but it was a good thing Harry hadn't seen. It would have made their loss even less bearable.
Ron and Harry continued to walk down the dormitory staircase. Hermione was waiting for them, as usual.
Today, she didn't have the upbeat face she had tried to put on recently in the presence of Ron. In fact, Ron was certain she had been crying. He looked at Harry, and could see the concern reflected in his eyes.
The very moment Ron and Harry reached the floor of the common room, Hermione stood up and walked toward them anxiously. She turned to Ron and reached for him, and he instinctively pulled her into his arms.
Her body was shaking a little, and Ron said, his voice cracking, "What's wrong?"
Hermione pushed away from him, and said sadly, "It's Crookshanks. Professor Sprout found him outside this morning, under the Whomping Willow. He's really hurt, but Hagrid told me he'll be all right."
"What happened to him?" Harry blurted beside Ron.
Hermione shook her head, looking at the floor. "Hagrid's not sure. Professor Sprout thought that the Whomping Willow got him, but I know Crookshanks is too smart for that."
Ron nodded, feeling drained. "Yeah, I mean, he knows all about that tree."
Hermione looked back and forth between Ron and Harry, and then said, "You know...Crookshanks has been acting a little odd recently. He refuses to stay in the common room at night. It's almost as though he's hunting for something."
"Crookshanks is a cat, you know." Harry muttered beside Ron. Ron looked at Hermione and raised an eyebrow.
Hermione looked like she was about to say something else, but then shook her head and looked at her watch. "We'd better get down to breakfast if we plan to make Potions in time." She headed out the portrait hole, with Ron and Harry in tow.
Hermione fell in line with Ron in the hall, and she leaned up against him while they walked. She slipped her hand in his, and then whispered to him. "You okay, Ron?"
"I'm getting better every day." He looked down at her and gave her a wan smile. "Let's just worry about getting Crooks back into shape, eh?"
Hermione looked tired, but pleased, and clutched his hand tighter. A warm feeling burst in his heart, and he realized he couldn't have survived everything without Hermione near him. Maybe it was time to let her know he trusted his own power enough to let her back in.
~*~
Ron, Hermione, and Harry were sitting in the Great Hall when Errol swooped in and narrowly missed slamming directly into Ron's head.
"Ruddy bird." Ron muttered, as he pried open the envelope lying in front of him.
"It may be news about Bill." Hermione said eagerly, and gave Ron a hopeful look.
Ron unfolded the parchment and read silently.
~
Ron;
Dear, I hope you are doing well. I understand how difficult this ordeal must be for you, but Professor Dumbledore feels this is the best thing for you. We know that Bill is against it, but we have faith in the Headmaster's judgement.
As for Bill, we have not heard any news. Your father has been visiting with aurors every day, and they have come no closer to finding your brother. I am sorry to pass along this sad news, but we really do not know why he was taken.
I wasn't going to let you know this, but your father insists I put this in the letter. He told me he feels he's being followed every time he goes outside the Ministry building. He has informed Ministry officials, and he hasn't been attacked, mind you--but he wants me to tell you to be very careful. I hope you heed his advice.
I am seriously considering informing Professor Dumbledore not to let you go to any Hogsmeade visits this year. I'll let you know what I decide before the visit on 20 November--which, is next week.
Please let Ginny know; as I might not let her go, either.
Love,
Mum
~
Ron sighed in frustration. He shoved the letter across for Hermione and Harry to read, and started shoveling food into his mouth irritatedly.
When he was done chewing and swallowing, he said angrily, "First I lose Keeper, now my mum wants me to lose out on Honeydukes. And why the hell haven't they found Bill?" He picked up his glass of pumpkin juice a little too eagerly, and juice slopped all over his hand and arm. "Shite!" He put the glass down and shook his arm about.
"Ahem!" Hermione shot him an arch look, took her wand, and performed the drying spell. It not only dried his arm, but the spots on the table. She went back to reading Ron's letter, and he mumbled a thanks.
Harry and Hermione put down the letter, and then Hermione said quietly, "Maybe it's for the best, Ron."
"Not in my opinion." Ron growled angrily.
As he ate, his thoughts wandered. He thought about the powers he had--the powers he despised. Several times within the past weeks, Ron had caused people to do little things he wanted them to do...without even trying. Now, he had to hold those feelings back. He now realized he could control the powers much better then he had in the beginning.
If his mother were here right now, he could make her let him go do Hogsmeade. It would not be difficult for him to allow him to go. He shoveled more food into his mouth, and thought on this next aspect of his training.
The professor had asked him to purposefully "try out" his powers--responsibly, of course. Ron found himself looking around the Great Hall, trying to see who he would experiment with today.
His gaze dropped on Neville, who was, at that moment, raising a glass to his lips.
"Put it down." Ron pushed out with his mind, and Neville put the glass down immediately. Neville looked around, a little surprised, then picked the glass up again. Once again, Ron thought, "Put it down." This time, Neville put it down so fast that liquid lapped over the edge. Neville looked frustrated.
Ron burst out laughing. Harry and Hermione looked up at him in surprise.
"Sorry." Ron glanced at Harry and Hermione, and tried not to look at Neville, who was mopping up juice with his napkin. Ginny leaned closer to Neville and began to fuss over him. Ron growled and put more food into his mouth.
Hermione gave him another arch look, and Harry appeared puzzled.
Ron looked around again. This time, his gaze fell on Professor Snape at the head table. He was apparently cutting into a slice of ham. Ron pushed out to him, "Eat it whole." The professor folded the piece of ham with his fork and knife, then shoved the whole thing into his mouth.
This time, Ron laughed much louder. Professor Snape's mouth was bulging, and juices were dripping out of his mouth. He didn't even appear concerned about the mess he was making. Professor Forester, who was sitting beside Professor Snape, gave Ron a cool look.
But Ron knew her better now. Behind that cool gaze, he could swear he saw a smile tugging the sides of her mouth and at the corners of her eyes. Ron just shrugged at her innocently, and went back to his food.
Then, he looked up at Hermione. He couldn't deny there were many things he would like for her to do. Maybe reach over and kiss him, hold his hand...possibly run her leg across his under the table. He'd never make her do that to him, though. He would never forgive himself for forcing her to do something she didn't want to.
It was going to be hard to let her back in again, he realized. He was going to have to exert more control than he ever had. He decided he would ask Professor Forester later if there was a better way to control these desires.
Before packing up to go to Potions, Ron dared a look at the head table. He was stunned to see Professor Forester and Professor Snape arguing about something. In fact...if he didn't know better...he'd say they were having a spat.
Ron vaguely remembered some of the visions he'd seen where Professor Forester had spent a lot of time staring at Professor Snape. He'd felt....uncomfortable with it. He couldn't quite pinpoint the feelings the professor had toward their Potions Master.
Hermione was tugging at Ron's arm, but then she looked up and saw the two professors glaring at one another. Her mouth fell open, and she gave Ron a surprised look.
Ron shook his head at her and picked up his belongings. The three began to trudge to Potions, where Ron was sure Snape was going to be late.
He closed his eyes, wishing he could see into the future at will. Ever since the mind-bonding began, the flashes of future events he had been having had lessened more and more. Within the last week, he had only one. He only saw himself going down to the common room about ten minutes before it really happened. The professor had stated they may start working on this particular skill within the coming weeks.
That could only mean that he might be able to choose to see the future. This was one part of his training he was looking forward to.
~*~
Once they were all sitting in Potions, Ron sat close to Hermione and was about to again reassure her about Crookshanks. He didn't have a chance. A familiar, heated voice was talking right behind them.
Malfoy and his henchmen, Crabbe and Goyle, were sitting behind them. Malfoy was saying something unpleasant to Harry about Quidditch. Ron turned around and glared at Malfoy, wishing he would shut his filthy mouth.
Malfoy stopped talking in mid-sentence. He looked confused, and then afraid. He stood up, and tugged at his pal's robes.
"Let's sit back there." He pointed to the back of the room, where the three normally sat. He gave Ron a narrow look. "We've got our eyes on you, Weasley!" Malfoy shook as he spat the words. He dragged Crabbe and Goyle to the back, and they sat down.
"What did you do?" Hermione was looking at Ron in awe.
Ron pursed his lips and looked down at the table in front of him. "What do you mean?" He tried to say it as innocently as possible.
"You did it, didn't you?" He risked a look at her, and she was smiling. He was astonished.
"I wanted him to shut it." Ron muttered. "He went away on his own."
Harry was smiling now, as well. "Good one, Ron. I'm surprised you didn't punch him, with that look on your face."
"Would have really hurt." Ron said in an undertone.
Hermione was about to say something, but then the door to the classroom opened, and Professor Snape walked in.
Ron thought for someone who was angry, Professor Snape didn't appear as he normally did when he was cross. Ron really couldn't judge his expression....but the only approximation he could make was he had a look of satisfaction.
No matter what had happened between the two professors, the class progressed as normal. Snape glowered at everyone's Deafening Potions, and said something inferior about them. He was including the Slytherins today, which come as a surprise.
Hermione, Ron, and Harry finished their potions and went to the front of the room to present them to the unenthusiastic professor. As Ron brought a sample of his potion to be tested, Snape gave him a low nod and said deeply, "Mr. Weasley."
Ron looked up in surprise. Snape was testing his potion, and soon deemed it acceptable. Ron meekly nodded to the professor, and proceeded to pack up his belongings with Harry and Hermione.
As he walked out of the room, he turned to see Professor Snape staring at him. The professor didn't have the typical cross look in his eyes.
Ron could swear the look in Snape's eyes was one of pity.
Chapter Nineteen---Turning Point
*
"Pilgrim, how you journey
On the road you choose...
You cannot change what's over
But only where you go...
Pilgrim, in your journey
You may travel far,
For, pilgrim, it's a long way
To find out who you are...."
Enya--Pilgrim
*
Hours, days, and weeks passed, and it seemed as though Ron's life had become a continual routine...waking, sleeping, class, Professor Forester, and sleeping. For a very long time, Ron had trouble getting out of bed in the mornings...especially without Hermione beside him.
He had to admit that life had gotten better in the past couple of days. The professor had shortened the length of their sessions considerably. Ron had a feeling that the professor was going easier on him since he'd owled the letter to his parents three weeks ago. Professor Dumbledore may have said something to her, he thought. He wasn't certain if that was the case...or if the mind-bonding process was nearly over. Either way, Ron couldn't be more pleased.
His spirits had also risen ever since Harry had spoken to him. Ron had at first been very surprised at Harry's previously distant nature, and figured (at that time) that his friend was angry he couldn't play Keeper for the team.
Hermione had told Ron that Harry was in denial about what the Siren's brain had done to Ron. She had told him it was another way for Harry to cope with the evil of You-Know-Who.
Now, Harry was waiting for Ron to finish putting on his clothes before going down to the common room. Ron was pleased that Harry was beginning to pay attention to what he was going through. As Ron pulled on his trousers and jumper, he thought back to everything he'd learned...about Professor Forester, his brother, and the terrible existence of a Siren.
For over a month, Ron had tried to push the memories aside. He had to admit that he understood why the professor had done some of the things he had seen. He remembered vividly the vision of Professor Forester's mother being killed. The professor had seen the entire thing, when she was only 12 years old.....
~*~
Ron had floated in the hot, miserable wasteland of their combined memories.
Ron had seeing Professor's Forester's mother use her powers to steal, cheat, lie, kill, and bed any man she desired. Ron realized her mother allowed her to watch, because she felt that when the professor became old enough, she would assist her mother in the crimes.
At one point, muggles had apparently gathered enough evidence to charge her mother for several murders that had happened in the area.
In that session, Ron's mind focused on one particular memory, and he saw himself lying in the bed of a house Professor Forester and her mother went to when muggles and wizards alike began to suspect the worst of her.
"Mrs. Forester......you can come out now! This is the police! You are under arrest!" A loud voice came from outside.
Ron, as Professor Forester, sat up in bed. Ron watched as her mother burst in through the bedroom door, and started to scream at him. She reached into the professor's bed, Ron inwardly yelped when she grabbed a handful of his hair. Dragging him to the window, she pointed outside.
"Look at that, girl! Too many of them. Can't get away unless we do what I planned. Okay?" Her mother spat at him, and took out a long knife. Ron remembered looking at it in horror, and then she placed the blade directly on his neck.
The next thing he knew, he was being pushed into the hot summer night air. The "police" were shouting at them, and Ron knew that her mother's powers would be useless here. She could only use her powers on one person at a time.
Several white and black automobiles were surrounded by muggles in funny uniforms, apparently holding weapons. Professor Forester's mother was dragging him toward her car, and screaming at the "police" that if they didn't put down their "guns" she was going to kill the girl. Ron felt immense fear, the same fear the professor must have felt.
They made it to the car, but when her mother tried to start it, nothing happened. She started to scream. Ron sat and stared in fear as the men began to surround the car. They were all around now, their weapons raised. They asked Professor Forester's mother to get out of the car.
Instead of doing as they wished, she grabbed up the knife and looked around desperately. Finally her gaze fell on Ron, and she let out a terrifying yelp. Sweat was on her brow as she raised the knife over him, and he closed his eyes and screamed.
Multiple loud sounds erupted at that moment. Ron felt something hot and wet splatter on him, and when he opened his eyes, he saw......
~*~
He didn't want to think about what he had seen.
Ron was able to piece together that from that point in the professor's life, things improved greatly. She met a father she'd never known, and he was kind to her. He put her into school in order to learn about the wizarding world.
Nonetheless, seeing her mother's death had been one of the most disturbing moments Ron had witnessed, narrowly worse than the images of what the professor had done to his brother.
Ron closed his eyes and put all those thoughts aside. He finished dressing by pulling on his school robe, and then he picked up a pile of books and walked with Harry to the common room.
Harry was grumbling about Gryffindor's loss to Slytherin the week prior, and Ron tried to concentrate on what he was saying. Draco had been the typical git...and he'd been especially rude seeing Ron watching the game. The students had been told Ron had been replaced because he had too big of a class load...an excuse Ron thought was very weak; and apparently Malfoy had, too.
Ron didn't want to think about all that right now. He tried to shake his head of the memories, of wanting to hit Draco after the game. Hermione had been there, to hold him back, but it was a good thing Harry hadn't seen. It would have made their loss even less bearable.
Ron and Harry continued to walk down the dormitory staircase. Hermione was waiting for them, as usual.
Today, she didn't have the upbeat face she had tried to put on recently in the presence of Ron. In fact, Ron was certain she had been crying. He looked at Harry, and could see the concern reflected in his eyes.
The very moment Ron and Harry reached the floor of the common room, Hermione stood up and walked toward them anxiously. She turned to Ron and reached for him, and he instinctively pulled her into his arms.
Her body was shaking a little, and Ron said, his voice cracking, "What's wrong?"
Hermione pushed away from him, and said sadly, "It's Crookshanks. Professor Sprout found him outside this morning, under the Whomping Willow. He's really hurt, but Hagrid told me he'll be all right."
"What happened to him?" Harry blurted beside Ron.
Hermione shook her head, looking at the floor. "Hagrid's not sure. Professor Sprout thought that the Whomping Willow got him, but I know Crookshanks is too smart for that."
Ron nodded, feeling drained. "Yeah, I mean, he knows all about that tree."
Hermione looked back and forth between Ron and Harry, and then said, "You know...Crookshanks has been acting a little odd recently. He refuses to stay in the common room at night. It's almost as though he's hunting for something."
"Crookshanks is a cat, you know." Harry muttered beside Ron. Ron looked at Hermione and raised an eyebrow.
Hermione looked like she was about to say something else, but then shook her head and looked at her watch. "We'd better get down to breakfast if we plan to make Potions in time." She headed out the portrait hole, with Ron and Harry in tow.
Hermione fell in line with Ron in the hall, and she leaned up against him while they walked. She slipped her hand in his, and then whispered to him. "You okay, Ron?"
"I'm getting better every day." He looked down at her and gave her a wan smile. "Let's just worry about getting Crooks back into shape, eh?"
Hermione looked tired, but pleased, and clutched his hand tighter. A warm feeling burst in his heart, and he realized he couldn't have survived everything without Hermione near him. Maybe it was time to let her know he trusted his own power enough to let her back in.
~*~
Ron, Hermione, and Harry were sitting in the Great Hall when Errol swooped in and narrowly missed slamming directly into Ron's head.
"Ruddy bird." Ron muttered, as he pried open the envelope lying in front of him.
"It may be news about Bill." Hermione said eagerly, and gave Ron a hopeful look.
Ron unfolded the parchment and read silently.
~
Ron;
Dear, I hope you are doing well. I understand how difficult this ordeal must be for you, but Professor Dumbledore feels this is the best thing for you. We know that Bill is against it, but we have faith in the Headmaster's judgement.
As for Bill, we have not heard any news. Your father has been visiting with aurors every day, and they have come no closer to finding your brother. I am sorry to pass along this sad news, but we really do not know why he was taken.
I wasn't going to let you know this, but your father insists I put this in the letter. He told me he feels he's being followed every time he goes outside the Ministry building. He has informed Ministry officials, and he hasn't been attacked, mind you--but he wants me to tell you to be very careful. I hope you heed his advice.
I am seriously considering informing Professor Dumbledore not to let you go to any Hogsmeade visits this year. I'll let you know what I decide before the visit on 20 November--which, is next week.
Please let Ginny know; as I might not let her go, either.
Love,
Mum
~
Ron sighed in frustration. He shoved the letter across for Hermione and Harry to read, and started shoveling food into his mouth irritatedly.
When he was done chewing and swallowing, he said angrily, "First I lose Keeper, now my mum wants me to lose out on Honeydukes. And why the hell haven't they found Bill?" He picked up his glass of pumpkin juice a little too eagerly, and juice slopped all over his hand and arm. "Shite!" He put the glass down and shook his arm about.
"Ahem!" Hermione shot him an arch look, took her wand, and performed the drying spell. It not only dried his arm, but the spots on the table. She went back to reading Ron's letter, and he mumbled a thanks.
Harry and Hermione put down the letter, and then Hermione said quietly, "Maybe it's for the best, Ron."
"Not in my opinion." Ron growled angrily.
As he ate, his thoughts wandered. He thought about the powers he had--the powers he despised. Several times within the past weeks, Ron had caused people to do little things he wanted them to do...without even trying. Now, he had to hold those feelings back. He now realized he could control the powers much better then he had in the beginning.
If his mother were here right now, he could make her let him go do Hogsmeade. It would not be difficult for him to allow him to go. He shoveled more food into his mouth, and thought on this next aspect of his training.
The professor had asked him to purposefully "try out" his powers--responsibly, of course. Ron found himself looking around the Great Hall, trying to see who he would experiment with today.
His gaze dropped on Neville, who was, at that moment, raising a glass to his lips.
"Put it down." Ron pushed out with his mind, and Neville put the glass down immediately. Neville looked around, a little surprised, then picked the glass up again. Once again, Ron thought, "Put it down." This time, Neville put it down so fast that liquid lapped over the edge. Neville looked frustrated.
Ron burst out laughing. Harry and Hermione looked up at him in surprise.
"Sorry." Ron glanced at Harry and Hermione, and tried not to look at Neville, who was mopping up juice with his napkin. Ginny leaned closer to Neville and began to fuss over him. Ron growled and put more food into his mouth.
Hermione gave him another arch look, and Harry appeared puzzled.
Ron looked around again. This time, his gaze fell on Professor Snape at the head table. He was apparently cutting into a slice of ham. Ron pushed out to him, "Eat it whole." The professor folded the piece of ham with his fork and knife, then shoved the whole thing into his mouth.
This time, Ron laughed much louder. Professor Snape's mouth was bulging, and juices were dripping out of his mouth. He didn't even appear concerned about the mess he was making. Professor Forester, who was sitting beside Professor Snape, gave Ron a cool look.
But Ron knew her better now. Behind that cool gaze, he could swear he saw a smile tugging the sides of her mouth and at the corners of her eyes. Ron just shrugged at her innocently, and went back to his food.
Then, he looked up at Hermione. He couldn't deny there were many things he would like for her to do. Maybe reach over and kiss him, hold his hand...possibly run her leg across his under the table. He'd never make her do that to him, though. He would never forgive himself for forcing her to do something she didn't want to.
It was going to be hard to let her back in again, he realized. He was going to have to exert more control than he ever had. He decided he would ask Professor Forester later if there was a better way to control these desires.
Before packing up to go to Potions, Ron dared a look at the head table. He was stunned to see Professor Forester and Professor Snape arguing about something. In fact...if he didn't know better...he'd say they were having a spat.
Ron vaguely remembered some of the visions he'd seen where Professor Forester had spent a lot of time staring at Professor Snape. He'd felt....uncomfortable with it. He couldn't quite pinpoint the feelings the professor had toward their Potions Master.
Hermione was tugging at Ron's arm, but then she looked up and saw the two professors glaring at one another. Her mouth fell open, and she gave Ron a surprised look.
Ron shook his head at her and picked up his belongings. The three began to trudge to Potions, where Ron was sure Snape was going to be late.
He closed his eyes, wishing he could see into the future at will. Ever since the mind-bonding began, the flashes of future events he had been having had lessened more and more. Within the last week, he had only one. He only saw himself going down to the common room about ten minutes before it really happened. The professor had stated they may start working on this particular skill within the coming weeks.
That could only mean that he might be able to choose to see the future. This was one part of his training he was looking forward to.
~*~
Once they were all sitting in Potions, Ron sat close to Hermione and was about to again reassure her about Crookshanks. He didn't have a chance. A familiar, heated voice was talking right behind them.
Malfoy and his henchmen, Crabbe and Goyle, were sitting behind them. Malfoy was saying something unpleasant to Harry about Quidditch. Ron turned around and glared at Malfoy, wishing he would shut his filthy mouth.
Malfoy stopped talking in mid-sentence. He looked confused, and then afraid. He stood up, and tugged at his pal's robes.
"Let's sit back there." He pointed to the back of the room, where the three normally sat. He gave Ron a narrow look. "We've got our eyes on you, Weasley!" Malfoy shook as he spat the words. He dragged Crabbe and Goyle to the back, and they sat down.
"What did you do?" Hermione was looking at Ron in awe.
Ron pursed his lips and looked down at the table in front of him. "What do you mean?" He tried to say it as innocently as possible.
"You did it, didn't you?" He risked a look at her, and she was smiling. He was astonished.
"I wanted him to shut it." Ron muttered. "He went away on his own."
Harry was smiling now, as well. "Good one, Ron. I'm surprised you didn't punch him, with that look on your face."
"Would have really hurt." Ron said in an undertone.
Hermione was about to say something, but then the door to the classroom opened, and Professor Snape walked in.
Ron thought for someone who was angry, Professor Snape didn't appear as he normally did when he was cross. Ron really couldn't judge his expression....but the only approximation he could make was he had a look of satisfaction.
No matter what had happened between the two professors, the class progressed as normal. Snape glowered at everyone's Deafening Potions, and said something inferior about them. He was including the Slytherins today, which come as a surprise.
Hermione, Ron, and Harry finished their potions and went to the front of the room to present them to the unenthusiastic professor. As Ron brought a sample of his potion to be tested, Snape gave him a low nod and said deeply, "Mr. Weasley."
Ron looked up in surprise. Snape was testing his potion, and soon deemed it acceptable. Ron meekly nodded to the professor, and proceeded to pack up his belongings with Harry and Hermione.
As he walked out of the room, he turned to see Professor Snape staring at him. The professor didn't have the typical cross look in his eyes.
Ron could swear the look in Snape's eyes was one of pity.