Disclaimer: I don't own.....Ha....Har....Harr.....Harry......P ......POTTER!
Bless me, I think I might have a cold.
Chapter 18
After about an hour into the Potions lesson, everyone was just getting finished. It took Ron about a half an hour and was the only one who had finished early. While waiting for everyone else to finish, Ron avoided unnecessary small talk with Neville (which mainly consisted of "what's wrong, Ron?") and spent much of his free time thinking and mulling over his unfortunate luck. He had no choice but to think of a way to get out of this time constraint. Unfortunately, this was something he thought he couldn't do alone, he desperately needed the help of his best friends.
Finally, Snape had returned to grade the potions. He looked around at the Slytherins and once again he gave the Slytherins the exact same half smile as he did before. Ron was starting to really get sick of this particular routine.
"Now is the time where we will see how many of you have the skill to be a potion's brewer," Snape said turning toward Neville Longbottom with an evil looking grin on his face.
Ron sighed, lowered his head and rested it on his arms where he watched waiting and observing. He had to bite the insides on his cheek to keep from falling asleep.
"Well lets see, first we will test Granger and Brown's," said Snape.
For the seventh straight time, Hermione received a full ten marks, while Lavender again received the same seven marks. As soon as Snape had finished grading Hermione and Lavender, Hermione looked at the second piece of parchment Ron had given. Ron had written down her's and Lavender's grades on the parchment. Hermione's eyes again went as wide as saucers. Ron would have laughed at her if he weren't so disheartened. Instead, Ron gave her an I-told-you-so look and shrugged.
Harry and Seamus were both next to be tested and both got five marks each for their potions. Again, adding way too much octopus tentacle (which caused them both to exhale smoke) were the result of their downfalls. As soon as Harry recovered from his coughing fit, he too took a look at his parchment. It was just like what he had written down for Hermione, except Ron had Harry's and Seamus' marks written down instead. Harry looked up at Ron and wore another look of amazement. Again, Ron gave an I-told-you-so look and shrugged.
Snape was now on his way over to Ron and Neville's table. Still having the same glint in his eye, most likely because Snape figured Neville would fail his potion dreadfully.
"Drink Weasley's potion, Longbottom, and lets see how well he did," said Snape with a smirk.
Neville drank Ron's potion and he had shown all the right symptoms required after drinking a properly brewed Cruxtitions potion. To everyone's surprise but Ron's, he had received a full 10 marks on his potion. Snape was shocked and Ron was bored
"I don't believe it," muttered Snape and gave Ron a suspicious look. "This is most unexpected Weasley."
Ron didn't show any signs of happiness. He merely nodded to Snape, sat back onto his stool and continued looking miserable.
Snape then took Neville's Cruxtitions potion-filled goblet and shoved it in Ron's hands.
"Drink, Longbottom's potion, Weasley, NOW!" hissed Snape.
Ron took a big gulp from Neville's goblet and let Snape observe him. Snape took a while to see how Neville's potion had affected Ron. To Snape's surprise the potion was not perfect but at least it was adequate. Ron obviously didn't pass out like before, but the only problem Neville's potion had been the sensitivity factor the drinker was suppose to show. Snape gave Neville a seven at which it made Neville look ecstatic. Ron didn't fully help Neville with his potion but had done enough not to make the potion a total disaster.
"Good job Neville," said Ron dully.
"Thanks Ron," replied Neville, looking delighted with his potion's mark.
"This is the best I've seen from you Longbottom. I knew you had to get something right one of these days," said Snape. Again he didn't sound like his hateful self, nor did he sound pleased.
Snape was about to head over to another table but the bell rang right on time.
"I'll test the rest of the potions next class," growled Snape.
"Thanks again for the help Ron," said Neville before leaving.
Ron gathered his things into his backpack and walked out of the classroom as fast as he could and not bothering to wait for Harry or Hermione.
When Ron got to the History of Magic classroom, he took the furthest seat from the front and just sat there looking like it was the end of the world. Two Ravenclaw girls whom Ron didn't know, decided to take a seat and join Ron at his desk.
"What's the matter Ron? You look, um, well, you don't look like yourself," said the blond Ravenclaw girl.
"Is there something we can do to cheer you up?" said the brunette Ravenclaw girl.
"No thanks, I'm just feeling a bit off today, that's all," said Ron.
"Well if there is anything we can do, let us know," said the blond, giving a playful smile.
"Sure," said Ron, "um, I don't mean to be rude or anything but I'm actually saving these two seats for Harry and Hermione."
"Hermione Granger right?" said the blond raising her eyebrows and sounding put out.
"Um, yeah," said Ron.
"Well, we'll see you around," said the brunette and they both got up and left.
"Why didn't you wait up for us?" asked Harry, finally getting in and taking a seat next to Ron.
"And what did those two want?" asked Hermione looking annoyed.
"I just didn't feel like answering all your questions right now, not yet anyway," said Ron ignoring Hermione's question.
"Well when are you going to explain how you knew what you knew in Potions?" Harry asked.
"I already told you guys why I know these things," said Ron, rubbing his forehead.
"Well I-I don't get why this is happening to you and not everyone else," said Harry.
"I'D LIKE TO KNOW THAT TOO!" snapped Ron.
"Don't you dare snap at us, it's not our fault you're having a THIS day," said Hermione fervently.
"In case you didn't know, I've been having THIS same bad bloody day for a while now!" Ron returned.
"Well, we're only trying to help you, Ron," said Hermione.
"You're right," Ron sighed, "I'm sorry for snapping at you back there Harry."
"It's okay mate, I know this must be hard to cope with," said Harry.
"You have no idea."
"You know it'll help if you told us more," said Hermione.
"I know, I'll tell you everything you want to know after this lesson is over," said Ron.
Ten minutes later, Professor Binns floated through the chalk board, into the class and started his lesson.
"Don't bother taking notes Hermione," whispered Ron, reaching over and taking her quill.
"But this is important material, it could very well come up on the test," hissed Hermione.
"Listen, by this time tomorrow you'll get another chance and do this all over again, so don't worry about it."
"And what if tomorrow really does come?" asked Hermione.
"Then I'll tell you everything you need to know. Believe me, I've heard it so many times I know it like I know my Cleansweep.
Hermione looked as though she was fighting an internal struggle, but she gave in and decided to just sit back and listen.
"Today we will be covering several topics," droned Professor Binns.
"Binns is going to start off the lesson by discussing the Witches of the 11th century," said Ron.
Sure enough, Binns did start off the lesson with Witches of the 11th century, just as Ron had dictated. Ron had to stop Hermione several times because she kept reaching for her quill wanting to write down everything Binns was saying.
"Next Binns will move onto the first Minister of Magic," Ron whispered to both Harry and Hermione.
"Now turn to page 712, where we'll discuss the very first elections held for Britain's first Minister of Magic," Professor Binns started.
"I told you," whispered Ron.
"What's he going to discuss after the first minister?" asked Harry.
"The Goblin War," said Ron quietly and dully.
"Which year? There are hundreds of different goblin wars." Hermione asked.
"The year 12--" Ron was cut off by Professor Binns.
"Who can tell me who the first Minister for Magic was?"
Just like the other times, Hermione was the only one to raise her hand. Ron thought about telling Harry that he knew this would happen but somehow he knew Harry wouldn't be too surprised.
"Yes Miss Granger?"
"Syrian Kraal was this country's first Minister of Magic," said Hermione.
"Yes that is correct Miss Granger, 5 points to Gryffindor. Now who can tell the class what Minister Kraal was particularly famous for? Besides the fact he was the first minister," said Professor Binns.
Not a single person raised their hand to answer the question, not even Hermione.
"No one?" asked Professor Binns.
Knowing nobody would answer, Ron put up his hand.
"Yes, Mr Weasley."
"Minister Syrian Kraal served only four years in office and he was forced to resign after it was discovered that he was receiving bribes from Damian Regal, the head of Gringotts Bank."
"Yes, you are correct Mr Weasley 15 points to Gryffindor," said Professor Binns and he went on talking about the great scandal.
"How did you know that?" asked Hermione.
Ron gave Hermione a menacing glare.
"Oh, right, sorry," said Hermione.
The rest of the lesson continued without Ron speaking another word to Harry or Hermione. Professor Binns again continued his lessons and discussed the Famous Witches of the 11th century and the great Goblin war of 1247. Ron, however, never paid any attention to the amount of detail Binns was giving. Ron just rested his head on his hand and began to daydream.
When the bell rang ending the lesson, Ron, Harry and Hermione rushed out the door wanting to leave and to help with Ron's time restriction.
"Okay Ron this is really starting to get kinda scary, I think you should go see Dumbledore about your, um..... unique situation," said Hermione walking down the steps.
"I think she's right, Ron, this is really starting creep me out. You need to see Dumbledore right away," Harry added.
"It's no use, I already visited Dumbledore and there's nothing he could do. He doesn't have a clue what the hell is going on with me," said Ron irritably.
"When did you see him?" asked Hermione.
"A few days ago."
"But I don't recall you going to see Dumbledore," said Hermione.
Ron gave her a look that could have shattered a diamond.
"Don't you pay any attention to a damn thing I've been saying?!" he said, outraged.
Harry looked rattled and Hermione's eyes filled with tears.
"I'm-I'm sorry I-I for-forgot," said Hermione, her voice trembling.
Ron's face fell.
"Merlin, I'm really sorry Hermione. I didn't mean to snap at you like that," Ron whined, "I'm just so stressed from all this and I can't control what I say. Please forgive me."
"That's alright Ron, I-I know you didn't mean it," said Hermione consolingly and placing a hand on his shoulder.
"You know Ron, you don't have to go to Care of Magical Creatures if you don't want to. We could skip the class and head back up to the common room. You can tell us everything there," said Harry.
"You know I think you're right Harry, I don't much feel like continuing classes. Let's head down to lunch and then we'll sneak back up to the common room."
"Agreed," said Harry.
Ron and Harry shot Hermione a look of confirmation. She appeared to be torn between skipping or going on to the rest of the lessons.
"But we're Prefects Ron," Hermione scolded.
"But I need you help Hermione," Ron whined.
"Fine," Hermione muttered before letting out a breath.
"Well, well, if it isn't weasel, on your way to the Great Hall for lunch?" sneered Malfoy.
Ron closed his eyes, rubbed his forehead and sighed.
"What do YOU want Malfoy?" said Harry angrily.
"That's none of your concern Potty," said Malfoy turning toward Ron.
"Merlin, look at the state that you're in Weasley. Early practice on looking like a beggar for when you grow older?" said Malfoy as he laughed, "oh well, at least you don't have to practice much, you have enough experience already."
"This is new," thought Ron, who was a little surprised.
"It's lucky Hogwarts don't charge money for the food they serve here, you're pitiful parents wouldn't be able to afford to keep you alive. In fact, I can't believe you are able to afford school supplies in the first place." Malfoy taunted as his fellow Slytherins laughed.
"Well there it is. That's his usual," Ron said to himself.
Ron was so used to Malfoy's regular speech, it didn't even irritate him anymore.
"Shut up Malfoy!" said Hermione furiously.
"What's the matter poor-boy, no snappy comeback this time?" Malfoy continued to taunt.
Ron merely shrugged.
"Go away!" warned Harry.
Ron knew where this was headed. Malfoy was inevitably going to get to the part about Sirius, which would hurt Harry greatly.
"C'mon let's get out of here," said Ron dragging Harry and Hermione to the Great Hall.
"Pathetic," Malfoy scoffed.
"Ron I can't believe you just let Malfoy off like that," said Hermione sitting down next to Ron.
"What, you rather I beat his face in?" said Ron still using his depressed tone.
"Well...no, but you usually get angry whenever Malfoy insults you and we always have to hold you back," said Hermione.
"Well I've heard it all before Hermione, it's always the same speech......everyday," said Ron dejectedly.
"Well don't worry mate, we're going to do everything we can to help you," said Harry.
Ron gave a very weak smile, which was the first time today.
"Thanks you two, it means a lot," he said.
"What means a lot?" asked Ginny who was joining the trio at the Gryffindor table.
"Well Ron's been--" Harry begun.
"Ill, just a little ill," said Ron quickly and interrupting Harry.
"What's the matter?" asked Ginny.
"Er, I'm feeling...um...I-I have a headache," Ron stammered.
"Well...." said Ginny giving Ron a strange look, "you do look like a mess. Why didn't you bother to shave this morning, or comb you hair for that matter. Your robes look terrible, you should--"
"Never mind that Ginny, let's just eat," said Ron.
"So Harry, do you think Alicia will let you try that new manuver Ron and I've been working on for you," asked Ginny taking a bite out of her apple pie.
"I don't know, I hope she does. I think it's a terrific move and would be great for game time," replied Harry.
"What time did she say practice was tonight?" Ginny asked.
"It doesn't matter, Harry and I aren't going," said Ron quietly.
Ginny looked shocked.
"What? Why not?" she asked.
"I told you I'm not feeling well and don't want to be exposed to the cold," said Ron.
"But what does that have to do with Harry?"
"Yeah?" asked Harry.
Ron took a good long look at Harry before looking back at Ginny.
"Harry has SOMETHING important to help me with," said Ron shooting Harry a warning glare.
"OH! Oh yeah, I promised Ron I would, uh, er, I would....."
"Help do some research for their Divination assignment," Hermione filled in.
"Oh," said Ginny raising her eyebrows, "Alicia's not going to be pleased with the two of you."
"Just tell her to use the reserves for today. It's just the seeker and keeper," said Ron.
"Like I said, Alicia won't be too happy. The back up keeper and reserve seeker is dreadful," sighed Ginny.
"Well, tell her to just deal with it," said Ron angrily.
"Harry isn't allowed to die tonight. I need his help," Ron thought.
"Hi Ronald," said a dreamy voice behind him.
Ron's face scrunched and gave a look of loathing before turning around and returning the greeting.
"Hello Luna," said Ron rubbing his head for the hundredth time today.
"I hope you have a nice practice today. I hear there's going to be bad weather coming," said Luna.
"Yeeeah, thanks for the tip Luna, Er, um, well, I'll see you around," said Ron trying not to sound mean.
"That's the sixth time she's come up to me RIGHT here at this exact time and said hi," said Ron aggravated.
"What are you talking about? Sixth time?" asked Ginny.
Harry and Hermione exchanged nervous looks.
"I meant..... that's the sixth time today," lied Ron.
"Oh, I see," Ginny said slowly.
"Well, I better go find Alicia and tell her about you two," said Ginny.
"Oh, and don't forget to go look for Natalie. I have a feeling she's going to forget about practice," said Ron.
"Yes, you're right, she's been acting funny lately. I'll see if I can find her."
"Just do me a favour," said Ron looking stern, "while you guys are out on the pitch practicing, the first sign of a storm hitting, call off the practice right away and come straight back to the castle."
"Er, yeah, sure Ron." said Ginny looking perplexed.
"Promise me."
"Yes, yes, I promise," said Ginny grinning, "bye you three,"
"Why don't you want your sister to know about what's happening?" asked Hermione.
"Because she won't understand. She'll just act weird and give me a hard time about how crazy I am," answered Ron.
"Well lessons are about to start in 10 minutes, we should head up to the common room," said Hermione.
"Yeah we don't want to get caught by a teacher. I'm anxious for you to fill us in," said Harry.
"Well, i'll tell you everything you want to know," said Ron dismally.
A/N: Thanks for all the great Reviews on the last chapter. That was GREAT!!!
Next chapter we'll hear Ron explain to Harry and Hermione what's been going on with him.
Q: Will he tell them (especially Hermione) about his walks?
Also, Dumbledore makes another appearance next chapter.
Again I really appreciate all the great reviews I've been getting, please keep it up!
Take Care.
Bless me, I think I might have a cold.
Chapter 18
After about an hour into the Potions lesson, everyone was just getting finished. It took Ron about a half an hour and was the only one who had finished early. While waiting for everyone else to finish, Ron avoided unnecessary small talk with Neville (which mainly consisted of "what's wrong, Ron?") and spent much of his free time thinking and mulling over his unfortunate luck. He had no choice but to think of a way to get out of this time constraint. Unfortunately, this was something he thought he couldn't do alone, he desperately needed the help of his best friends.
Finally, Snape had returned to grade the potions. He looked around at the Slytherins and once again he gave the Slytherins the exact same half smile as he did before. Ron was starting to really get sick of this particular routine.
"Now is the time where we will see how many of you have the skill to be a potion's brewer," Snape said turning toward Neville Longbottom with an evil looking grin on his face.
Ron sighed, lowered his head and rested it on his arms where he watched waiting and observing. He had to bite the insides on his cheek to keep from falling asleep.
"Well lets see, first we will test Granger and Brown's," said Snape.
For the seventh straight time, Hermione received a full ten marks, while Lavender again received the same seven marks. As soon as Snape had finished grading Hermione and Lavender, Hermione looked at the second piece of parchment Ron had given. Ron had written down her's and Lavender's grades on the parchment. Hermione's eyes again went as wide as saucers. Ron would have laughed at her if he weren't so disheartened. Instead, Ron gave her an I-told-you-so look and shrugged.
Harry and Seamus were both next to be tested and both got five marks each for their potions. Again, adding way too much octopus tentacle (which caused them both to exhale smoke) were the result of their downfalls. As soon as Harry recovered from his coughing fit, he too took a look at his parchment. It was just like what he had written down for Hermione, except Ron had Harry's and Seamus' marks written down instead. Harry looked up at Ron and wore another look of amazement. Again, Ron gave an I-told-you-so look and shrugged.
Snape was now on his way over to Ron and Neville's table. Still having the same glint in his eye, most likely because Snape figured Neville would fail his potion dreadfully.
"Drink Weasley's potion, Longbottom, and lets see how well he did," said Snape with a smirk.
Neville drank Ron's potion and he had shown all the right symptoms required after drinking a properly brewed Cruxtitions potion. To everyone's surprise but Ron's, he had received a full 10 marks on his potion. Snape was shocked and Ron was bored
"I don't believe it," muttered Snape and gave Ron a suspicious look. "This is most unexpected Weasley."
Ron didn't show any signs of happiness. He merely nodded to Snape, sat back onto his stool and continued looking miserable.
Snape then took Neville's Cruxtitions potion-filled goblet and shoved it in Ron's hands.
"Drink, Longbottom's potion, Weasley, NOW!" hissed Snape.
Ron took a big gulp from Neville's goblet and let Snape observe him. Snape took a while to see how Neville's potion had affected Ron. To Snape's surprise the potion was not perfect but at least it was adequate. Ron obviously didn't pass out like before, but the only problem Neville's potion had been the sensitivity factor the drinker was suppose to show. Snape gave Neville a seven at which it made Neville look ecstatic. Ron didn't fully help Neville with his potion but had done enough not to make the potion a total disaster.
"Good job Neville," said Ron dully.
"Thanks Ron," replied Neville, looking delighted with his potion's mark.
"This is the best I've seen from you Longbottom. I knew you had to get something right one of these days," said Snape. Again he didn't sound like his hateful self, nor did he sound pleased.
Snape was about to head over to another table but the bell rang right on time.
"I'll test the rest of the potions next class," growled Snape.
"Thanks again for the help Ron," said Neville before leaving.
Ron gathered his things into his backpack and walked out of the classroom as fast as he could and not bothering to wait for Harry or Hermione.
When Ron got to the History of Magic classroom, he took the furthest seat from the front and just sat there looking like it was the end of the world. Two Ravenclaw girls whom Ron didn't know, decided to take a seat and join Ron at his desk.
"What's the matter Ron? You look, um, well, you don't look like yourself," said the blond Ravenclaw girl.
"Is there something we can do to cheer you up?" said the brunette Ravenclaw girl.
"No thanks, I'm just feeling a bit off today, that's all," said Ron.
"Well if there is anything we can do, let us know," said the blond, giving a playful smile.
"Sure," said Ron, "um, I don't mean to be rude or anything but I'm actually saving these two seats for Harry and Hermione."
"Hermione Granger right?" said the blond raising her eyebrows and sounding put out.
"Um, yeah," said Ron.
"Well, we'll see you around," said the brunette and they both got up and left.
"Why didn't you wait up for us?" asked Harry, finally getting in and taking a seat next to Ron.
"And what did those two want?" asked Hermione looking annoyed.
"I just didn't feel like answering all your questions right now, not yet anyway," said Ron ignoring Hermione's question.
"Well when are you going to explain how you knew what you knew in Potions?" Harry asked.
"I already told you guys why I know these things," said Ron, rubbing his forehead.
"Well I-I don't get why this is happening to you and not everyone else," said Harry.
"I'D LIKE TO KNOW THAT TOO!" snapped Ron.
"Don't you dare snap at us, it's not our fault you're having a THIS day," said Hermione fervently.
"In case you didn't know, I've been having THIS same bad bloody day for a while now!" Ron returned.
"Well, we're only trying to help you, Ron," said Hermione.
"You're right," Ron sighed, "I'm sorry for snapping at you back there Harry."
"It's okay mate, I know this must be hard to cope with," said Harry.
"You have no idea."
"You know it'll help if you told us more," said Hermione.
"I know, I'll tell you everything you want to know after this lesson is over," said Ron.
Ten minutes later, Professor Binns floated through the chalk board, into the class and started his lesson.
"Don't bother taking notes Hermione," whispered Ron, reaching over and taking her quill.
"But this is important material, it could very well come up on the test," hissed Hermione.
"Listen, by this time tomorrow you'll get another chance and do this all over again, so don't worry about it."
"And what if tomorrow really does come?" asked Hermione.
"Then I'll tell you everything you need to know. Believe me, I've heard it so many times I know it like I know my Cleansweep.
Hermione looked as though she was fighting an internal struggle, but she gave in and decided to just sit back and listen.
"Today we will be covering several topics," droned Professor Binns.
"Binns is going to start off the lesson by discussing the Witches of the 11th century," said Ron.
Sure enough, Binns did start off the lesson with Witches of the 11th century, just as Ron had dictated. Ron had to stop Hermione several times because she kept reaching for her quill wanting to write down everything Binns was saying.
"Next Binns will move onto the first Minister of Magic," Ron whispered to both Harry and Hermione.
"Now turn to page 712, where we'll discuss the very first elections held for Britain's first Minister of Magic," Professor Binns started.
"I told you," whispered Ron.
"What's he going to discuss after the first minister?" asked Harry.
"The Goblin War," said Ron quietly and dully.
"Which year? There are hundreds of different goblin wars." Hermione asked.
"The year 12--" Ron was cut off by Professor Binns.
"Who can tell me who the first Minister for Magic was?"
Just like the other times, Hermione was the only one to raise her hand. Ron thought about telling Harry that he knew this would happen but somehow he knew Harry wouldn't be too surprised.
"Yes Miss Granger?"
"Syrian Kraal was this country's first Minister of Magic," said Hermione.
"Yes that is correct Miss Granger, 5 points to Gryffindor. Now who can tell the class what Minister Kraal was particularly famous for? Besides the fact he was the first minister," said Professor Binns.
Not a single person raised their hand to answer the question, not even Hermione.
"No one?" asked Professor Binns.
Knowing nobody would answer, Ron put up his hand.
"Yes, Mr Weasley."
"Minister Syrian Kraal served only four years in office and he was forced to resign after it was discovered that he was receiving bribes from Damian Regal, the head of Gringotts Bank."
"Yes, you are correct Mr Weasley 15 points to Gryffindor," said Professor Binns and he went on talking about the great scandal.
"How did you know that?" asked Hermione.
Ron gave Hermione a menacing glare.
"Oh, right, sorry," said Hermione.
The rest of the lesson continued without Ron speaking another word to Harry or Hermione. Professor Binns again continued his lessons and discussed the Famous Witches of the 11th century and the great Goblin war of 1247. Ron, however, never paid any attention to the amount of detail Binns was giving. Ron just rested his head on his hand and began to daydream.
When the bell rang ending the lesson, Ron, Harry and Hermione rushed out the door wanting to leave and to help with Ron's time restriction.
"Okay Ron this is really starting to get kinda scary, I think you should go see Dumbledore about your, um..... unique situation," said Hermione walking down the steps.
"I think she's right, Ron, this is really starting creep me out. You need to see Dumbledore right away," Harry added.
"It's no use, I already visited Dumbledore and there's nothing he could do. He doesn't have a clue what the hell is going on with me," said Ron irritably.
"When did you see him?" asked Hermione.
"A few days ago."
"But I don't recall you going to see Dumbledore," said Hermione.
Ron gave her a look that could have shattered a diamond.
"Don't you pay any attention to a damn thing I've been saying?!" he said, outraged.
Harry looked rattled and Hermione's eyes filled with tears.
"I'm-I'm sorry I-I for-forgot," said Hermione, her voice trembling.
Ron's face fell.
"Merlin, I'm really sorry Hermione. I didn't mean to snap at you like that," Ron whined, "I'm just so stressed from all this and I can't control what I say. Please forgive me."
"That's alright Ron, I-I know you didn't mean it," said Hermione consolingly and placing a hand on his shoulder.
"You know Ron, you don't have to go to Care of Magical Creatures if you don't want to. We could skip the class and head back up to the common room. You can tell us everything there," said Harry.
"You know I think you're right Harry, I don't much feel like continuing classes. Let's head down to lunch and then we'll sneak back up to the common room."
"Agreed," said Harry.
Ron and Harry shot Hermione a look of confirmation. She appeared to be torn between skipping or going on to the rest of the lessons.
"But we're Prefects Ron," Hermione scolded.
"But I need you help Hermione," Ron whined.
"Fine," Hermione muttered before letting out a breath.
"Well, well, if it isn't weasel, on your way to the Great Hall for lunch?" sneered Malfoy.
Ron closed his eyes, rubbed his forehead and sighed.
"What do YOU want Malfoy?" said Harry angrily.
"That's none of your concern Potty," said Malfoy turning toward Ron.
"Merlin, look at the state that you're in Weasley. Early practice on looking like a beggar for when you grow older?" said Malfoy as he laughed, "oh well, at least you don't have to practice much, you have enough experience already."
"This is new," thought Ron, who was a little surprised.
"It's lucky Hogwarts don't charge money for the food they serve here, you're pitiful parents wouldn't be able to afford to keep you alive. In fact, I can't believe you are able to afford school supplies in the first place." Malfoy taunted as his fellow Slytherins laughed.
"Well there it is. That's his usual," Ron said to himself.
Ron was so used to Malfoy's regular speech, it didn't even irritate him anymore.
"Shut up Malfoy!" said Hermione furiously.
"What's the matter poor-boy, no snappy comeback this time?" Malfoy continued to taunt.
Ron merely shrugged.
"Go away!" warned Harry.
Ron knew where this was headed. Malfoy was inevitably going to get to the part about Sirius, which would hurt Harry greatly.
"C'mon let's get out of here," said Ron dragging Harry and Hermione to the Great Hall.
"Pathetic," Malfoy scoffed.
"Ron I can't believe you just let Malfoy off like that," said Hermione sitting down next to Ron.
"What, you rather I beat his face in?" said Ron still using his depressed tone.
"Well...no, but you usually get angry whenever Malfoy insults you and we always have to hold you back," said Hermione.
"Well I've heard it all before Hermione, it's always the same speech......everyday," said Ron dejectedly.
"Well don't worry mate, we're going to do everything we can to help you," said Harry.
Ron gave a very weak smile, which was the first time today.
"Thanks you two, it means a lot," he said.
"What means a lot?" asked Ginny who was joining the trio at the Gryffindor table.
"Well Ron's been--" Harry begun.
"Ill, just a little ill," said Ron quickly and interrupting Harry.
"What's the matter?" asked Ginny.
"Er, I'm feeling...um...I-I have a headache," Ron stammered.
"Well...." said Ginny giving Ron a strange look, "you do look like a mess. Why didn't you bother to shave this morning, or comb you hair for that matter. Your robes look terrible, you should--"
"Never mind that Ginny, let's just eat," said Ron.
"So Harry, do you think Alicia will let you try that new manuver Ron and I've been working on for you," asked Ginny taking a bite out of her apple pie.
"I don't know, I hope she does. I think it's a terrific move and would be great for game time," replied Harry.
"What time did she say practice was tonight?" Ginny asked.
"It doesn't matter, Harry and I aren't going," said Ron quietly.
Ginny looked shocked.
"What? Why not?" she asked.
"I told you I'm not feeling well and don't want to be exposed to the cold," said Ron.
"But what does that have to do with Harry?"
"Yeah?" asked Harry.
Ron took a good long look at Harry before looking back at Ginny.
"Harry has SOMETHING important to help me with," said Ron shooting Harry a warning glare.
"OH! Oh yeah, I promised Ron I would, uh, er, I would....."
"Help do some research for their Divination assignment," Hermione filled in.
"Oh," said Ginny raising her eyebrows, "Alicia's not going to be pleased with the two of you."
"Just tell her to use the reserves for today. It's just the seeker and keeper," said Ron.
"Like I said, Alicia won't be too happy. The back up keeper and reserve seeker is dreadful," sighed Ginny.
"Well, tell her to just deal with it," said Ron angrily.
"Harry isn't allowed to die tonight. I need his help," Ron thought.
"Hi Ronald," said a dreamy voice behind him.
Ron's face scrunched and gave a look of loathing before turning around and returning the greeting.
"Hello Luna," said Ron rubbing his head for the hundredth time today.
"I hope you have a nice practice today. I hear there's going to be bad weather coming," said Luna.
"Yeeeah, thanks for the tip Luna, Er, um, well, I'll see you around," said Ron trying not to sound mean.
"That's the sixth time she's come up to me RIGHT here at this exact time and said hi," said Ron aggravated.
"What are you talking about? Sixth time?" asked Ginny.
Harry and Hermione exchanged nervous looks.
"I meant..... that's the sixth time today," lied Ron.
"Oh, I see," Ginny said slowly.
"Well, I better go find Alicia and tell her about you two," said Ginny.
"Oh, and don't forget to go look for Natalie. I have a feeling she's going to forget about practice," said Ron.
"Yes, you're right, she's been acting funny lately. I'll see if I can find her."
"Just do me a favour," said Ron looking stern, "while you guys are out on the pitch practicing, the first sign of a storm hitting, call off the practice right away and come straight back to the castle."
"Er, yeah, sure Ron." said Ginny looking perplexed.
"Promise me."
"Yes, yes, I promise," said Ginny grinning, "bye you three,"
"Why don't you want your sister to know about what's happening?" asked Hermione.
"Because she won't understand. She'll just act weird and give me a hard time about how crazy I am," answered Ron.
"Well lessons are about to start in 10 minutes, we should head up to the common room," said Hermione.
"Yeah we don't want to get caught by a teacher. I'm anxious for you to fill us in," said Harry.
"Well, i'll tell you everything you want to know," said Ron dismally.
A/N: Thanks for all the great Reviews on the last chapter. That was GREAT!!!
Next chapter we'll hear Ron explain to Harry and Hermione what's been going on with him.
Q: Will he tell them (especially Hermione) about his walks?
Also, Dumbledore makes another appearance next chapter.
Again I really appreciate all the great reviews I've been getting, please keep it up!
Take Care.