Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the Harry Potter universe, that privilege goes to J.K. Rowling.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Chapter Two: Betrayal *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ron Weasley sat behind a large pile of papers on his desk. He stared at the pile, hoping that it would miraculously disappear. But it wouldn't, these were registration papers for every muggleborn witch or wizard in England. They had to register for everything these days, register for employment, register for a broom, register for a home. It really wasn't fair considering that "Purebloods" didn't have to go through this much paperwork, and as Ron could see, the registration process was time consuming. As a result, muggleborns were passed up for jobs, homes, and whatever else just so people didn't have to deal with all this paperwork. They were slowly being pushed down the socio-economic ladder, so why had they done it? Cornelius Fudge. Tricky bastard played off the fears of every witch and wizard since the return of Voldemort, by issuing a registration system for muggleborns. He insisted that it was for their safety, it was a way for the ministry to keep a closer tab on them, since they were the most in danger. It would offer them safety, their floo networks would be watched over and guarded against, their homes monitored and watched over for any danger to them or their families. He even called it the Muggleborn Protection Act, and under that title it was passed. Muggleborns were now beginning to see the consequences of this, but save for a few protests were powerless to stop this. In a way, it did work, their homes were watched over and their floo networks were secure. There had been few Death Eater attacks against muggleborns, but to Ron and a few select aurors it didn't make sense.
Yes, Ron was an auror, and worked in the Ministry of Magic. However, due to the lack of Death Eater activity, aurors were now assigned to paperwork desk jobs, floo network monitoring, and home inspections. All leading to mountains of paperwork. But it didn't make sense; Death Eaters could easily attack, regardless of how many "precautions" were taken. And there were no shortages of Death Eaters, that was a fact. The only action the aurors received were the skirmishes between Death Eaters and resistance groups. Apparently, there were select group of people who did not swallow the bullshit the ministry was feeding them, and had taken it upon themselves to deal with the Death Eaters and the Ministry. One group in particular was a thorn in everyone's side, they called themselves the Underground. They were covert operatives with spies everywhere, elite fighters, smart and highly dangerous. Quite a few aurors could attest to that, having gotten to know St. Mungos quite well after an encounter with them. Their sole purpose seemed to be to ruin Voldemort's day and humiliate the Ministry. Ron had to agree that they were good goals at that.
He leaned back in his chair and stared out the window at the gray sky. It was a cloudy and overcast day. In fact, he really couldn't recall the last time sun did shine down on London.
"Ha, ha, ha! Check it out!" Colin Creevey slapped the Daily Prophet onto Ron's desk. "My best work yet!"
There on the front page in large print was the headline: Minister Exposed! And underneath was a picture of the unveiling of the new statue of the Cornelius Fudge in front of the Ministry of Magic building. It was supposed to be a grand event; members of the ministry were invited, as well as prominent wizard families. All gathered around the covered monolith that was to be Fudge's greatest achievement, his pride and joy. Naturally of course, someone had taken the liberty of adding a few special touches to the final product. After listening to the minister drone on and on about himself, and the lie that everything was going to be okay, that things were looking up from here on out, the curtain fell. There in all its magnificent glory, in front of newspapers, wizards and witches alike, stood the golden self-proclaimed icon of the wizarding world, Cornelius Fudge. An anatomically correct Cornelius Fudge. An anatomically "small" correct Cornelius Fudge. The newspapers had a field day with it. There in the picture on the front page was Cornelius Fudge, so red he was nearly purple with anger and embarrassment. He was gesturing wildly to the crowd, "Who did this?! Who did this?!", while his assistants in the background were frantically trying to cover the statue back up, with much difficulty.
A smile broke out on Ron's face as he watched the picture. "Oh he's going to be in a great mood today." He put the paper back down on his desk.
"Do you have any idea who was behind this?" Colin asked.
"Who do you think?"
"The Underground?"
Ron didn't say anything. Colin shrugged his shoulders, and then started to walk out of the office. He opened the door, then paused, the expression on his face was apprehensive.
"You should really look at that picture." And with that he walked out and closed the door.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Ron picked the paper back up, leaned back into his chair and propped his feet up on his desk. He scanned the photograph, what was he looking for? Suddenly, he sat straight up. There in the crowd, barely noticeable, she stood watching the scene unfold in front of her. Hidden away in shadows in a black cloak, but he knew it was her, her knew her too well. He knew those eyes, those lips.
He stood up and walked toward the window, propping his forearm against it as he stared out, his other hand against his hip. It was Hermione Granger. One of his best friends, no scratch that, ex-best friend. He would never forgive her.
*****************************
He opened up the door to the boys' sleeping quarters to find Harry rummaging through his trunk for his invisibility cloak. Night after night he had listened to Harry's nightmares about his stepfather; he had heard the longing and sadness in his voice. He knew that Harry was going to go after Pettigrew, and he had every right to. As far as Ron was concerned, he had earned the right to. Pettigrew betrayed Harry's parents and was responsible for Harry missing Sirius for the majority of his life. Yes, Harry was due. And as his best friend, he was going to stand by his side.
"Do you have the map?" Ron asked.
Harry found the cloak and stood to face him.
"You don't have to come with me."
"I want to."
After all, Peter had betrayed him too, by posing as his pet for 12 years.
Harry gave Ron a grin. "Alright then, let's get Hermione and go."
But Hermione didn't go. She had tried to stop them. He couldn't believe that she, of all people, wouldn't stand by Harry at the moment he needed her. She even went as far as bringing up Sirius' death to rub in Harry's face. That, was a low blow, and most definitely uncalled for. And although he thought Harry had lost his mind when he stuffed her in the closet, he felt that she had deserved it. Even though a small part of him did admit that she had a good point.
They were standing a good safe distance away from the lashing branches of the whomping willow when Harry stopped walking. He turned to look at Ron.
"Go. Go back and get Dumbledore" he told him.
"No. No way, I'm not leaving you to do this by yourself."
"I'm not going to. I'll wait for you inside the tunnel. You need to go and find Dumbledore. Tell him everything and bring him back here. I promise I won't go and do something stupid."
Ron hesitated.
"Go!" Harry demanded. "Go and get Dumbledore, I'll just wait in the tunnel. That's all, I promise!"
Reluctantly, Ron turned and ran back to the castle. He was running down the corridor to Dumbledore's office when he heard voices. He stopped and hid behind a pillar. Crap! Was it Filch? He cautiously peered around the pillar.
His jaw dropped.
It was Hermione and Malfoy. Kissing! His mind seemed incapable of processing this information, as he closed his eyes and shook his head then opened them again. No, it wasn't some twisted hallucination, he was kissing her. And she was kissing him back! A rage filled within him. Hermione, the girl he's had a crush on since fourth year, was kissing his greatest enemy. They broke the kiss, and Ron stepped behind the pillar again.
"Now, Hermione" he heard him say, "Where can I find Potter?"
No, no, no he pleaded silently.
"The shrieking shack" she answered. Damn it!
"Good girl. Now, I know you know a shortcut. Where is it?"
"The whomping willow. Prod the knot with a stick, then go down the hole."
Urgh! You fucking bitch!
He heard footsteps running his way and he quickly ducked into the shadows. He stepped back out as Malfoy ran past, and walked toward Hermione. She was sitting on the floor staring at the wall opposite her. How could you do this? How could you betray Harry like this? You practically delivered him to Malfoy, future Death Eater in training. He stared at her in disgust, but he could still prevent this, he could still stop Malfoy. He turned and sprinted after him.
He ran after him, reaching the Whomping Willow just as Malfoy had slipped into the tunnel.
"NO! Harry!" he screamed.
A branch of the willow knocked him of his feet, he had been standing too close. He had to find the stick; he searched the ground with his hands.
"Where is it? Where is it? Come on! Aha!"
He grabbed the stick and poked at the knot at the base of the tree. It immediately froze. He was just about to run under when he saw two figures emerge from the mouth of the tunnel. It was Malfoy and Harry, struggling against each other punching, kicking, dragging and pulling. Ron ran in to join the fight.
"Get off him!" Ron yelled as he pulled Malfoy off Harry.
The tree unfortunately started moving again, and knocked all three of them clear of it. Ron landed with a thud nearby, Harry landed next to him, and Malfoy not far away. He groaned and picked himself up, as Harry struggled to his feet. He walked menacingly over to Malfoy to start another fight, but Ron stood in between them, holding Harry back.
"You asshole. I knew it" Harry growled at Malfoy. "Come to save your fellow Death Eater's skin?"
Malfoy let out a small laugh. "You really are an idiot, aren't you? You were walking into a trap, Potter."
"Oh really? And how would you know?"
"Wouldn't you like to know? Go ahead, go back and walk in to find out for yourself. I already told Dumbledore, read the prophet tomorrow if you don't believe me."
"How did you know where I was then?" Harry asked bitterly.
"He didn't" Ron interrupted. "He was told where you were."
"Setting your spies on me now, huh Malfoy?"
Malfoy just smirked at Harry. "Wouldn't you like know."
"Hermione told him" Ron blurted out. The smirk was instantly wiped from Malfoy's face.
"WHAT?!" Harry rounded on Ron.
"It's true. I went back to the castle for Dumbledore like you told me to, that's where I saw them in the hallway. Together."
"Together?"
Ron hesitated to continue, for Harry's expression was getting dangerous. "They were kissing."
"You're lying!" Harry turned back to Malfoy. "She would never kiss you! Never!" Ron could hear a bit of desperation in his voice. "Tell me he's lying! Tell me!"
Malfoy just looked at Harry, then his smirk grew back on his face. "A gentleman never tells."
Harry didn't say anything, no one did, he and Malfoy just stood there glaring at each other. Suddenly, Harry drew his fist back then slammed it into Malfoy's face, knocking him to the ground. Harry then spun around and stormed toward the castle. Ron ran to catch up with him.
"Harry. Harry what are you going to do?" He had been struggling to keep up with Harry as he stormed toward the common room.
"No, no. She wouldn't do this to me. She couldn't" Harry kept ranting to himself.
"Harry. Harry talk to me"
"Fizzing whizbee!" he shouted at the portrait. He didn't even bother for a reply, just yanked the portrait door open.
"Young man! You need some manners…" the pink lady scolded, but he ignored her and stormed into the common room.
Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing as Harry and Ron walked in, stopping in front of Hermione who was surrounded by our friends.
"Harry—" Neville began, but Harry cut him off.
"Everyone go upstairs" he said with authority never taking his eyes off Hermione.
The Gryffindors all looked at each other, confused.
"But, Harry—" Ginny began.
"NOW!" he shouted.
Everyone jumped as glass shattered and goblets exploded. Harry was radiating powerful magic. Suddenly frightened, everyone scrambled up to their dorms. Everyone except Hermione. Harry stood there staring down at her, a pained expression on his face. It was that moment that Ron knew, no he always knew, this just confirmed it. Bringing it painfully to realization, that Harry Potter, his best friend, was in love with his other best friend Hermione Granger. He had always known that there was something going on between them, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. But everything was clear now, it was as if a light switch had suddenly switched on. Unfortunately for his best friend, it seemed as if his light switch had chosen this moment to make its presence known. He saw the look on Harry's face, for he knew it well, it was the look of heartbreak.
"Ron, you too. I would like to talk to Hermione alone" he said coolly.
Ron nodded and headed upstairs. As he opened the door, a flood of questions hit him.
"What's going on?"
"What happened?"
"Is everything okay?"
But he ignored them as he headed straight for his bed, climbed on top, and pulled the curtains shut. He felt numb inside as tears began to sting his eyes. He felt so bad for Harry and he felt sorry for himself. They had both fallen for their best friend, who wouldn't, she was Hermione after all. But she betrayed them both, betrayed them with Malfoy, of all people. Anger surged in him again. She had hurt him, but she had broken Harry. She hurt his best friend, he was so angry with her for it.
Harry didn't come up for awhile, everyone was asleep when he walked in, but Ron was still awake. Ron didn't say anything to him, he just watched him pull his Firebolt out of his trunk. He started to walk back out of the room but stopped and looked back at him.
"Goodbye, Ron."
He walked out and was never heard from again.
************************************
Ron looked down at the picture in the newspaper again. Yes, it was her. He never spoke to her again after that night. He blamed her for driving his best friend away. A sadness filled his heart, he needed to take a walk. He walked over to the door and grabbed his cloak. He stopped as he reached for the door handle and looked once more at the paper in his hand. He threw it in the trash and stepped out.
"Ron! Ron!" a voice whispered excitedly.
He was immediately ambushed as he walked out the door by none other than Remus Lupin.
"Come on, let's go for a walk" he said in a voice very low.
"What's going on?" Ron whispered as Lupin practically pushed him forward.
"We're going to the Leaky Cauldron."
"What? Why for?"
"Shh! No more questions, let's just go."
They arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, where Lupin directed him upstairs into one of the rooms. The room was dark except for a single lamp lit on the table in the room. Ron gave him a questioning look, then rolled his eyes and walked in. Lupin followed locking the door before casting a silencing charm on the room.
"Would you mind telling me what's going on?" Ron asked impatiently.
"Sit down first" Lupin looked like Christmas had come early.
Ron didn't budge. "Lupin" he warned.
"Okay, okay. Well remember years ago when…No, no. Okay, something happened… Oh, where do I begin?"
"Perhaps, I should explain" a voice came from the shadows.
"Who is that?" Ron asked squinting into the direction of the voice. "Come out where I can see you."
He heard movement coming from the corner. Ron squinted his eyes to make out a shape in the darkness. A man stepped into the light, wearing a cloak, its hood covering his face.
"Who are you?" he asked.
The man lifted back his hood to reveal his messy raven hair, brilliant green eyes, and a lightning shaped scar on his forehead.
Harry Potter was back.
