Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter but to add to the ever growing list of things I do own, I picked up a copy of "The Simpsons, season 3" today. If you're not still stuck in the dark ages and own a DVD player, I suggest picking up this DVD. Classic season to a classic show.
Disclaimer 2: In fact, I suggest you go buy the DVD as soon as you read this chapter and Review.
It's really funny. I have Family Guy volume 1 and 2 too and it also gets my recommendation.
Oh yeah, as of this writing I still do not own Harry Potter yadda, yadda, yadda.
Disclaimer 3: There are no bonus Easter eggs to find in this chapter. However, you will be treated to yet another Writer's Commentary.
Disclaimer 4: Commentary rated PG.
***February 2***
Chapter 20
"Ron, wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast. It's 8:30," said Harry.
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry did his usual February 2 morning routine. Harry grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat, we're going to be late." he said again for what seemed like the millionth time.
For what seemed like an eternity, Ron has been trapped living February 2 where every day is just a copy of the previous. For years (technically) Ron tried all he could to get out but in the end he never could find the solution to his harrowing problem. Everyday was just like the last, which meant no aging, no worry's about the future, no danger, no fun and no hope. Ron desperately wanted out and for years, dedicated himself to finding a way.
No matter what books he read, no matter what he tried, every day was just like yesterday and it was becoming quite clear to Ron that he could never leave. He was trapped and there was nothing he could do about it. He tried everything he could possibility do, all except one last desperate action. This was NEVER something Ron would ever intend on doing. However, after losing count of the many days he'd spent trapped in February the 2nd, it looked like his only escape. He was tired, considerably depressed, and he felt in his own heart that there was no other way but to do the only thing left to do. It was right then and there Ron decided to end his life and put an end to his misery.
He came to a reasonable conclusion. Since all of this was happening to HIM only, this time lapse can't keep going on without him. He was the key and if he goes, the time lapse goes with it. If bringing everything back to normal meant sacrificing his life, then he was more than happy to do it. As far as Ron was concerned, death is a blessing compared to what he was facing while he was alive.
"Ron, did you hear me? I told you a half an hour ago, GET UP! We're going to be late enough as it is and you're not even dressed," said Harry exasperatedly.
"You know Harry, I'm getting too old for this. I think it's time it stopped," said Ron in an usually strange but sad tone.
"What are you talking about, Ron? Look, let's just get up and go to class," said Harry heatedly.
"What's the point?" asked Ron, "I've been going to the same classes for eons."
Harry looked totally baffled.
"Come off it Ron, we don't have time to fool around. We're already five minutes late for Snape's lesson. So c'mon let's go," said Harry impatiently waving with his hand and signalling Ron to move.
Ron shook his head, sighed, put on his shoes and lastly, his cloak.
"Ron why aren't you wearing socks, or school cloths?" asked Harry.
"Because I don't want to," said Ron in a hollow voice. He pulled out his wand and then whispered, "I'm sorry,"
"Listen I don't know what's gotten into you but we don't have time to......."
"Obliviate!" shouted Ron pointing his wand straight at Harry's face. A burst of bright white light shot out of Ron's wand and hit Harry squarely in the face. Harry doubled back, stumbled around drunkenly, and then fell onto Seamus' bed looking dazed and confused.
"Huh, wha-wha-what's going on?" Harry said very slowly. It was as if Harry sounded like a 4 year old.
"Nothing's the matter so don't worry," said Ron.
"Um, who are you?" Harry asked.
"I'm Ron,"
"Oh, and um who, who am I? I can't remember anything," Harry said.
"Don't worry, it was only a minor spell. You'll be fine in a couple of hours."
"Spell?" asked Harry.
"Harry, I want you to stay here for the remainder of the day," said Ron dully. It was as if Ron simply didn't care whether or not Harry had permanent memory damage. In truth, Ron had done this plenty of times to Harry. It was a form of past time. Harry never suffered permanent damage and was always back to normal the next day.
"Who, who's Harry?" said Harry sounding like he had never heard the name before.
"You are," said Ron, "I want you to stay in here in THIS room for the remainder of the day. Don't leave."
"Harry? My name is Harry? That's kind of strange isn't it?" Harry started to chuckle.
"Listen, do you understand what I'm telling you Harry?" said Ron sounding like he was talking to a child.
"I-I mean I'm not even harry anywhere on my body, why is my name Harry?" laughed Harry surveying his body. "Look, no hair, see?" said Harry showing Ron his bare chest.
"Yes, yes, I know. Let's just put--"
"What did you say your name was again? Are you sure YOUR name is not Harry? Here let he see your chest."
Harry tried to make a move toward him but Ron immediately took out his wand again and pointed it Harry's own chest.
"Confundo!" said Ron impatiently.
Harry stopped dead in his tracks and stood completely still. His eyes were wide and it looked diluted. Harry looked as though he was in a state of shock. Ron snapped his fingers and Harry immediately came too.
"I don't want to waste time Harry, sorry."
"Whaaaaaaaaa," said Harry in a monotone voice while looking stupidly at Ron.
"Ok, now that you are completely cooperative Harry, I'm going to ask you to stay here for the remainder of the day," said Ron depressingly.
"Whaaaaaaaaa," was all Harry could say.
"Don't worry, the spell will wear off in a few hours and you'll be all right," Ron told Harry.
"Whaaaaaaaaa," said Harry as he began to heavily drool all over his robes.
"Mobilicorpus!" said Ron pointing his wand at Harry again. Harry was lifted up into the air and then was directed to his own bed.
"I can't let you get in my way Harry, I'm sorry. You can't see what I'm going to do," said Ron extremely low-spirited.
Harry didn't look like he understood a word Ron had said. It didn't matter anyway, Harry was in no condition to do anything but just lay down. Ron had put the Locomotor Mortis charm on Harry just for good measure and before he left the dormitories, he covered Harry with the invisibility cloak.
"Goodbye Harry."
Ron was halfway down the boys staircases when all of a sudden Hermione came out of nowhere and stopped him.
"Where on earth have you been?!" Hermione scolded, "I had to sneak out of a very important Potions exam to see if you two were ok!"
"I-I uh, I didn't uh..."
"I can't believe you and Harry decided to skive this mornings lesson and not tell me,"said Hermione.
Ron didn't say anything, he just stared at Hermione. In his mind, this would be the last time he would ever see her again.
"Ron, what's going on? You look like a mess," said Hermione calming down slightly.
Ron closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Ron? Is there something wrong? Is it Harry?"
"Harry's going to be fine, it's me," he said sadly.
"What's the matter?" Hermione asked.
"I'm tired Hermione, I just can't do this anymore," Ron said sounding joyless.
"I-I don't understand," said Hermione looking worriedly.
"You will," said Ron.
"Just stop acting moronic, Ron! Why are you acting like someone died?"
Ron ignored the question.
"I can't live like this anymore," he whispered.
"Ron, you're not making any sense!" said Hermione shaking her head fervently.
"Hermione, I've come to the conclusion that I am doomed and there is absolutely no way I am ever going to get out. I have to put a stop to this and I have to stop it the only way I know how."
Ron was starting to sound even more bizarre and by the expression on her face, Hermione looked genuinely frightened for him.
"I-I don't get it," she said.
"I want you to know that we had a wonderful day together once," said Ron looking into her eyes mournfully.
Ron could see that tears were starting to form in Hermione's eyes but he couldn't understand why.
"I have to go, I'm sorry," he said leaving a frightened looking Hermione and walking out of the portrait hole.
The early morning had brought a chilly front but that wouldn't be enough to stop him now. Ron walked all the way down to the edge of the lake where he stood for several minutes before Hermione came running down calling his out his name.
"RON!" he heard her shout. He was about to walk further toward the lake but Hermione's shouting had stopped him.
"Ron, stop," Hermione panted.
Ron looked at the exhausted Hermione and sighed.
"Don't.....do.... this...please.... I ...don't...... understand.....why....you--"
"Hermione, when you wake up tomorrow, you'll understand why I have to do this."
"NO!" she shouted grabbing Ron's cloak and not letting him go.
Ron pulled out his wand and said "Confundo!"
Hermione immediately let go and just stood there staring straight ahead. It wasn't a particularly powerful spell as Ron could see that Hermione was beginning to come around. Ron gave a confused Hermione a quick kiss on the cheek and then started walking into the cold lake.
"Goodbye," he whispered as he began slowly descending into the lake.
The lake was so cold that for a split second, Ron started to have second thoughts. It was too late to try another method now. His drenched robes began to pull him faster and faster until his complete body was submerged in freezing cold water. As he sank lower and lower into the depths of the freezing lake, all Ron could see was a dark and foggy landscape that was getting closer and closer.
As a school of fish sped passed him, his final thoughts raced through his head. Images of his mother and father, his brothers, his sister Ginny, Harry and Hermione all raced through his mind as his air supply started to rapidly drain. His lungs quickly began to fill with water and as he began to lose consciousness, his last thought was of finally being at peace.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry did his usual February 2 morning custom. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat, we're going to be late."
"Ah nuts," said Ron sighing heavily and rubbing his face.
"Nuts to what?" asked Harry sarcastically, "c'mon let's go, get up!"
Ron couldn't believe he was still alive. He got out of bed, took out his wand and conjured a long piece of thick rope. As he stood there making the noose, Harry got a little tense.
"Ron, what are you doing with that rope?" he said slowly. Ron didn't say anything, he just stood and kept working the rope.
"Um Ron, I-I think it's time to go down to breakfast, here let me have that rope--" said Harry holding out his hand.
"No, you go. I'll stay here," Ron replied.
"Uh....on second thought, I'm not really all that hungry....um, I'll stay and wait for you," said Harry almost nervously.
"Suit yourself," said Ron.
"Come on! Just tell me what's up," said Harry getting really worried, "what's with this all of a sudden?"
Ron didn't respond to Harry's question. With one last tug on the rope, Ron was finished. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at Harry's face.
"Ron, what are you doing!?" Harry shouted.
"Stupefy!" said Ron. Harry fell onto the floor and was knock out cold. With Harry out of the way, Ron was able to do this without interference.
Ron tied the rope on the support beam of the ceiling, put the noose around his neck and jumped off from his trunk. Death came instantaneously.
*****************************************************************************
February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry did his usual February 2 morning habit. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat, we're going to be late."
He jumped out of bed, grabbed his wand, put on his cloak and stormed out of the boys dormitories leaving Harry flabbergasted.
Hermione was in the common room waiting as usual. She was about to compliment Ron on his hastiness until she saw the state he was in.
"Ron, what's your hurry?" said Hermione as he ran right past her and went through the portrait hole.
In the boys bathroom, Ron discovered Mr Filch scrubbing the toilets while his cat Mrs Norris looked on.
"What is it?!" Filch snarled, "Use the loo on the third floor, this one is being sanitized!"
Ron took several deep breaths, took out his wand and then decided to cast a spell on Mrs Norris.
"Incendio!" Ron said pointing his wand at Mrs Norris.
Filch could only watch as his beloved cat caught fire. Filch quickly threw some water and doused the flames but it was too late, he underestimated the intensity of Ron's spell and was unable to save Mrs Norris.
"Wha-what have you done? Y-you killed my cat," Filch said unbelievingly and holding the dead cat up for Ron to see. Filch was trembling so hard it looked as though he was having a seizure.
Ron said Nothing. Mr Filch's face quickly turned from a shocked expression to a look of pure malice and furious anger. The caretaker was showing the murderous rage Ron was counting on.
"I'LL KILL YA, I"LL KILL YA!" screamed the caretaker.
Ron closed his eyes, took a deep breath and waited for the inevitable.
Filch put the charred remains of his cat down, pulled out a long jagged edge knife and charged at Ron.
The knife had pierced Ron's stomach and the pain was searing. It took only a few seconds for Ron to turn cold and drift off into unconsciousness.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning assignment. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
Ron sat up, surveyed his stomach area and then fell back onto the bed sighing. He then got up and slowly dressed; he looked miserable.
Ron walked over to the window and just stared at the sight outside.
It looked like the same bright and sunny magnificent February morning that Ron had been reliving for over a decade. The clear blue sky and beautiful mountains covered with pure white snow still after all this time dominated the scenery.
He looked up at the sky and noticed the same exact three snow birds flying in the sky over Hagrid's cabin and when he looked down at the cabin, he noticed that Hagrid was carrying the same monstrous sized boxes as he always does.
The scenery had lost its appeal however, Ron had not been able to enjoy anything for a while let alone scenery.
With one giant disheartening sigh, Ron set out to try again.
"Wait," said Harry.
"Yeah?" said Ron, barely audible.
"You're not going out like that are you?" Harry asked.
"Yes I am, why," said Ron sounding bored.
"Well, I don't mean to sound like a jerk but you look like shit," said Harry.
"Well, I'll take my chances," said Ron gloomily.
Ron and Harry found Hermione in the common room waiting for them as usual.
"Good morning guys," said Hermione.
"Morning," said Harry.
Ron nodded and the trio walked out of the portrait hole and headed down to breakfast.
"Hey Ron, where are you going? I thought we were going down to breakfast," said Harry.
"I'm not hungry," said Ron, "I'm going up to the astronomy tower."
"Why would you do that?" asked Hermione, "we don't even have astronomy today."
"I've got something to do up at the tower," said Ron. Harry and Hermione both looked oddly at Ron.
"Like what?" she asked.
"Like jumping off it," said Ron shrugging nonchalantly.
Harry and Hermione both laughed but when they saw that Ron wasn't laughing with them they quickly stopped.
"Y-You're joking right?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, I'm only kidding," said Ron in a non convincing tone as he left the two and headed in another direction.
"Do you need us to come with you?" Ron heard Hermione ask.
"No," said Ron.
When Ron got to the very top of the astronomy tower, he proceeded to the very edge where he decided to spread his arms out and jump.
*****************************************************************************
February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning practice. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
Ron sat up from his bed yet again, unscathed from any type of injury. Not a scratch anywhere.
"Hey Ron, cheer up mate, the day is not that bad," said Harry.
Ron gave a Harry a piercing look which immediately wiped the smile off of his face.
"What's with you?" Harry asked.
"You know, I'm getting really sick of you asking me that," said Ron maliciously.
"What?!" asked Harry looking stunned.
"You're always asking what's WITH me," said Ron, "I can't stand it!"
"But--" Harry tried to say.
"You wanna know what's WITH me?" Ron asked bitterly.
Harry nodded.
"Look out the window," said Ron.
"What am I looking at?" Harry asked while staring out.
"You see what the day is like?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, it looks like a great day," Harry responded.
"No Harry, you are dead wrong. You see that day out there? It's going to be cold, it's going to be miserable and it's going to last you for the rest of your life."
Harry looked absolutely speechless. He slowly backed away from Ron, walked to the door and left the boy's dormitories.
***Half hour later in Potions class.......
"Pop test," said Snape,
The class groaned.
"Today, you will be brewing the Cruxtitions potion. If you read your chapter last night as you were told to, then you should know what ingredients are needed to make this complicated potion. I trust that you already know that I will be selecting potions at random and testing them on students, so get into pairs because you have to test your partner's potion. You have half of this class to prepare your potions. Then the next half will be used to test them."
45 minutes later......
"Ron, are you sure we need all these ingredients?" asked Neville looking throughly bewildered.
"Just keep quiet and pass me that beaker of raven bile," said Ron impatiently.
"Um, which one is that?" asked a nervous sounding Neville.
"The beaker of purple solution with the number 12 written on it," said Ron.
Neville passed the beaker over to Ron and remained looking unsure of what was going on.
"Ron, what on earth are you doing over here?" came Hermione's voice.
"Mixing a potion," replied Ron coldly.
"I can see that, but why are you using all those unnecessary ingredients? You know your Cruxtitions potion will fail miserably," said Hermione.
"Mind your own business," said Ron sounding rude.
Hermione gave a "humph," and left Ron and Neville's table.
"You know, I think she's right Ron," said Neville who's voice was quivering slightly.
"Finished," said Ron cheerlessly and ignoring Neville.
The brewing process of his potion was now complete. After mixing 3 drops of snake blood, a quarter beaker full of raven bile, 4 crushed spiders, and 1 wing of a bat, Ron's potion was ready for ingestion.
With a deep breath he took the goblet filled potion and pressed it against his lips. Before he could take a sip however, Neville had stopped him.
"Shouldn't you wait for Snape?" he asked, "and what about me? I thought you were going to help me with my potion."
"I just want to test this first," said Ron.
"Well at least tell me what it is," said Neville.
"It's poison," said Ron casually.
"Oh," Neville said slowly and nodding his head, he then realized what Ron had told him, "it's WHAT!?"
Neville tried to take the potion away from Ron but it was too late, he had drank the entire contents of the goblet.
Everything went dark and within a matter of minutes, Ron collapsed and fell face first onto the floor of the classroom.
*****************************************************************************
February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning task. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
Ron didn't even get up, he grabbed his wand from his night stand and blasted a spell toward Harry. Harry flew 10 feet across the room and landed on top of Dean's Muggle model aeroplanes.
He didn't back get up.
"Serpensortia!" said Ron. The end of his wand exploded and a long black snake shot out of it.
Ron didn't even flinch a little. He calmly said "Engorgio!" and watched as the snake grew into a anaconda like size. With the transformation complete, Ron sat up on his bed and welcomed the snake.
*****************************************************************************
February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning custom. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
***12 hours later......
"You three are late. And this weather is not looking too good at all. I want to get in as much practice as we can," said Alicia harshly.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," said Harry as he mounted his Firebolt and took off into the air.
"Hey where's Natalie? I don't see her here," said Ginny talking about her fellow fifth year Chaser.
"I don't know where the hell she is and I haven't seen her in days," said Alicia irritably. "You're her friend, do you know where she is?"
"I haven't seen her since breakfast and she hasn't been attending her lessons in days. She's pretty behind in her studies and I'm starting to get worried about her," said Ginny grimly.
"I'll have to see what's going on with her I suppose. Well what are you two waiting for? Get up in the air and I'll explain everything," snapped Alicia.
Ginny mounted her broom and took off into the air, Ron remained grounded.
"RON!"Alicia shouted, "GET UP THERE!"
Ron mounted his broom and flew into the air. However he didn't fly over to the goal area like he was suppose to. Instead, he flew over to the centre of the pitch, tilted his broom upwards and took off high into the sky. He kept flying higher and higher until to was too much to handle. The air was getting dangerously thin and before Ron could stop, he passed out and fell back down to earth.
*****************************************************************************
February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning errand. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
***5 hours later in Care of Magical Creatures......
"Now who `ere can tell me what this is?" said Hagrid.
"It looks like a normal cat," said Harry.
"No, no I can assure you it's not a normal cat Harry," chuckled Hagrid.
"No one?" asked Hagrid holding the creature closer to his chest area. "Well this `ere creature is called a Tongustian. It lives mostly in the mountains like I said before and there are about six thousand of em' living in Great Britain alone. Now don't let the size of this creature fool yeh, they're extremely efficient at and defendin themselves. They `ave this special ability to . . ."
Ron stood at the front of the class looking irritable and waited for the big one to happen.
"Ah, ah, ah, AH, ARRRR CHOOOOOOO!"
As soon as Hagrid sneezed on cue, Tango immediately jumped out from under his grasp and instantly transformed itself.
It was mass pandemonium, everyone was running in every direction screaming and shouting for help. Ron however stood still as he watched Tango chase Dean Thomas.
"AHHHHHHHH, HELP ME, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE, SOMEBODY HELP ME!" Dean screamed in terror.
"Lumos!" Ron shouted as he started waving wand over his head. It had worked, he had caught Tango's attention.
Ron closed his eyes and took another deep breath as Tango started her run toward him. In the background of all the terrifying screams from his fellow students, it was no trouble to hear Harry calling out to him.
"RON, NO!" Harry shouted in horror.
Ron turned to look at Harry but as soon as he did Tango had pounced on top of him. Just like that Ron was gone.
*****************************************************************************
February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning chore. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
***8 hours later in the Great Hall for supper......
"Are you sure you're not going to go practice with us?" said Harry.
"Yeah Ron, Alicia is going to be furious with you," Ginny added.
"Yes, I'm sure," said Ron, "you two go on." Ron was actually clean shaven and dressed properly today. It was a first in a long time.
As Harry and Ginny walked out of the Great Hall, Ron turned to Hermione.
"Hermione, I had a revelation," said Ron. He still sounded and looked depressed, but tone was not as dark as before. In Ron-fashion, this was the happiest he looked in a while.
"Really? A revelation huh?" Hermione laughed, "well go ahead, enlighten me."
"I am the most powerful wizard of all time," said Ron modestly, "even more powerful than Merlin himself."
Hermione looked neither shocked nor taken aback. Her reaction was blank.
"And?" she asked.
"And what?" Ron replied.
"AND..... I'm waiting for the punch line to this joke....." said Hermione.
Writer's Commentary:
Before I start the commentary, I just wanna say thanks for all the great Reviews on the last chapter. That was super!!!
Whew, that was a tough chapter. I hope nobody was seriously depressed by that. It was meant to be both sad and funny. Harry getting repeatedly hexed by Ron was added in this chapter for a little laugh.
I hope nobody was confused by all the day by day changes. If you've seen the movie you'll understand. If you didn't, well, it's really not that hard to understand. It was the only way I could figure out how to show Ron dying day by day.
I wrote this chapter (and basically the whole story) with Bill Murray's character in mind (minus the asshole part of him), so if you've seen the movie Groundhog Day, just picture Murray's facial expressions.
Anyway, I really appreciate all the great reviews I've been getting, please keep it up!
Take Care
Disclaimer 2: In fact, I suggest you go buy the DVD as soon as you read this chapter and Review.
It's really funny. I have Family Guy volume 1 and 2 too and it also gets my recommendation.
Oh yeah, as of this writing I still do not own Harry Potter yadda, yadda, yadda.
Disclaimer 3: There are no bonus Easter eggs to find in this chapter. However, you will be treated to yet another Writer's Commentary.
Disclaimer 4: Commentary rated PG.
***February 2***
Chapter 20
"Ron, wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast. It's 8:30," said Harry.
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry did his usual February 2 morning routine. Harry grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat, we're going to be late." he said again for what seemed like the millionth time.
For what seemed like an eternity, Ron has been trapped living February 2 where every day is just a copy of the previous. For years (technically) Ron tried all he could to get out but in the end he never could find the solution to his harrowing problem. Everyday was just like the last, which meant no aging, no worry's about the future, no danger, no fun and no hope. Ron desperately wanted out and for years, dedicated himself to finding a way.
No matter what books he read, no matter what he tried, every day was just like yesterday and it was becoming quite clear to Ron that he could never leave. He was trapped and there was nothing he could do about it. He tried everything he could possibility do, all except one last desperate action. This was NEVER something Ron would ever intend on doing. However, after losing count of the many days he'd spent trapped in February the 2nd, it looked like his only escape. He was tired, considerably depressed, and he felt in his own heart that there was no other way but to do the only thing left to do. It was right then and there Ron decided to end his life and put an end to his misery.
He came to a reasonable conclusion. Since all of this was happening to HIM only, this time lapse can't keep going on without him. He was the key and if he goes, the time lapse goes with it. If bringing everything back to normal meant sacrificing his life, then he was more than happy to do it. As far as Ron was concerned, death is a blessing compared to what he was facing while he was alive.
"Ron, did you hear me? I told you a half an hour ago, GET UP! We're going to be late enough as it is and you're not even dressed," said Harry exasperatedly.
"You know Harry, I'm getting too old for this. I think it's time it stopped," said Ron in an usually strange but sad tone.
"What are you talking about, Ron? Look, let's just get up and go to class," said Harry heatedly.
"What's the point?" asked Ron, "I've been going to the same classes for eons."
Harry looked totally baffled.
"Come off it Ron, we don't have time to fool around. We're already five minutes late for Snape's lesson. So c'mon let's go," said Harry impatiently waving with his hand and signalling Ron to move.
Ron shook his head, sighed, put on his shoes and lastly, his cloak.
"Ron why aren't you wearing socks, or school cloths?" asked Harry.
"Because I don't want to," said Ron in a hollow voice. He pulled out his wand and then whispered, "I'm sorry,"
"Listen I don't know what's gotten into you but we don't have time to......."
"Obliviate!" shouted Ron pointing his wand straight at Harry's face. A burst of bright white light shot out of Ron's wand and hit Harry squarely in the face. Harry doubled back, stumbled around drunkenly, and then fell onto Seamus' bed looking dazed and confused.
"Huh, wha-wha-what's going on?" Harry said very slowly. It was as if Harry sounded like a 4 year old.
"Nothing's the matter so don't worry," said Ron.
"Um, who are you?" Harry asked.
"I'm Ron,"
"Oh, and um who, who am I? I can't remember anything," Harry said.
"Don't worry, it was only a minor spell. You'll be fine in a couple of hours."
"Spell?" asked Harry.
"Harry, I want you to stay here for the remainder of the day," said Ron dully. It was as if Ron simply didn't care whether or not Harry had permanent memory damage. In truth, Ron had done this plenty of times to Harry. It was a form of past time. Harry never suffered permanent damage and was always back to normal the next day.
"Who, who's Harry?" said Harry sounding like he had never heard the name before.
"You are," said Ron, "I want you to stay in here in THIS room for the remainder of the day. Don't leave."
"Harry? My name is Harry? That's kind of strange isn't it?" Harry started to chuckle.
"Listen, do you understand what I'm telling you Harry?" said Ron sounding like he was talking to a child.
"I-I mean I'm not even harry anywhere on my body, why is my name Harry?" laughed Harry surveying his body. "Look, no hair, see?" said Harry showing Ron his bare chest.
"Yes, yes, I know. Let's just put--"
"What did you say your name was again? Are you sure YOUR name is not Harry? Here let he see your chest."
Harry tried to make a move toward him but Ron immediately took out his wand again and pointed it Harry's own chest.
"Confundo!" said Ron impatiently.
Harry stopped dead in his tracks and stood completely still. His eyes were wide and it looked diluted. Harry looked as though he was in a state of shock. Ron snapped his fingers and Harry immediately came too.
"I don't want to waste time Harry, sorry."
"Whaaaaaaaaa," said Harry in a monotone voice while looking stupidly at Ron.
"Ok, now that you are completely cooperative Harry, I'm going to ask you to stay here for the remainder of the day," said Ron depressingly.
"Whaaaaaaaaa," was all Harry could say.
"Don't worry, the spell will wear off in a few hours and you'll be all right," Ron told Harry.
"Whaaaaaaaaa," said Harry as he began to heavily drool all over his robes.
"Mobilicorpus!" said Ron pointing his wand at Harry again. Harry was lifted up into the air and then was directed to his own bed.
"I can't let you get in my way Harry, I'm sorry. You can't see what I'm going to do," said Ron extremely low-spirited.
Harry didn't look like he understood a word Ron had said. It didn't matter anyway, Harry was in no condition to do anything but just lay down. Ron had put the Locomotor Mortis charm on Harry just for good measure and before he left the dormitories, he covered Harry with the invisibility cloak.
"Goodbye Harry."
Ron was halfway down the boys staircases when all of a sudden Hermione came out of nowhere and stopped him.
"Where on earth have you been?!" Hermione scolded, "I had to sneak out of a very important Potions exam to see if you two were ok!"
"I-I uh, I didn't uh..."
"I can't believe you and Harry decided to skive this mornings lesson and not tell me,"said Hermione.
Ron didn't say anything, he just stared at Hermione. In his mind, this would be the last time he would ever see her again.
"Ron, what's going on? You look like a mess," said Hermione calming down slightly.
Ron closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Ron? Is there something wrong? Is it Harry?"
"Harry's going to be fine, it's me," he said sadly.
"What's the matter?" Hermione asked.
"I'm tired Hermione, I just can't do this anymore," Ron said sounding joyless.
"I-I don't understand," said Hermione looking worriedly.
"You will," said Ron.
"Just stop acting moronic, Ron! Why are you acting like someone died?"
Ron ignored the question.
"I can't live like this anymore," he whispered.
"Ron, you're not making any sense!" said Hermione shaking her head fervently.
"Hermione, I've come to the conclusion that I am doomed and there is absolutely no way I am ever going to get out. I have to put a stop to this and I have to stop it the only way I know how."
Ron was starting to sound even more bizarre and by the expression on her face, Hermione looked genuinely frightened for him.
"I-I don't get it," she said.
"I want you to know that we had a wonderful day together once," said Ron looking into her eyes mournfully.
Ron could see that tears were starting to form in Hermione's eyes but he couldn't understand why.
"I have to go, I'm sorry," he said leaving a frightened looking Hermione and walking out of the portrait hole.
The early morning had brought a chilly front but that wouldn't be enough to stop him now. Ron walked all the way down to the edge of the lake where he stood for several minutes before Hermione came running down calling his out his name.
"RON!" he heard her shout. He was about to walk further toward the lake but Hermione's shouting had stopped him.
"Ron, stop," Hermione panted.
Ron looked at the exhausted Hermione and sighed.
"Don't.....do.... this...please.... I ...don't...... understand.....why....you--"
"Hermione, when you wake up tomorrow, you'll understand why I have to do this."
"NO!" she shouted grabbing Ron's cloak and not letting him go.
Ron pulled out his wand and said "Confundo!"
Hermione immediately let go and just stood there staring straight ahead. It wasn't a particularly powerful spell as Ron could see that Hermione was beginning to come around. Ron gave a confused Hermione a quick kiss on the cheek and then started walking into the cold lake.
"Goodbye," he whispered as he began slowly descending into the lake.
The lake was so cold that for a split second, Ron started to have second thoughts. It was too late to try another method now. His drenched robes began to pull him faster and faster until his complete body was submerged in freezing cold water. As he sank lower and lower into the depths of the freezing lake, all Ron could see was a dark and foggy landscape that was getting closer and closer.
As a school of fish sped passed him, his final thoughts raced through his head. Images of his mother and father, his brothers, his sister Ginny, Harry and Hermione all raced through his mind as his air supply started to rapidly drain. His lungs quickly began to fill with water and as he began to lose consciousness, his last thought was of finally being at peace.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry did his usual February 2 morning custom. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat, we're going to be late."
"Ah nuts," said Ron sighing heavily and rubbing his face.
"Nuts to what?" asked Harry sarcastically, "c'mon let's go, get up!"
Ron couldn't believe he was still alive. He got out of bed, took out his wand and conjured a long piece of thick rope. As he stood there making the noose, Harry got a little tense.
"Ron, what are you doing with that rope?" he said slowly. Ron didn't say anything, he just stood and kept working the rope.
"Um Ron, I-I think it's time to go down to breakfast, here let me have that rope--" said Harry holding out his hand.
"No, you go. I'll stay here," Ron replied.
"Uh....on second thought, I'm not really all that hungry....um, I'll stay and wait for you," said Harry almost nervously.
"Suit yourself," said Ron.
"Come on! Just tell me what's up," said Harry getting really worried, "what's with this all of a sudden?"
Ron didn't respond to Harry's question. With one last tug on the rope, Ron was finished. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at Harry's face.
"Ron, what are you doing!?" Harry shouted.
"Stupefy!" said Ron. Harry fell onto the floor and was knock out cold. With Harry out of the way, Ron was able to do this without interference.
Ron tied the rope on the support beam of the ceiling, put the noose around his neck and jumped off from his trunk. Death came instantaneously.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry did his usual February 2 morning habit. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat, we're going to be late."
He jumped out of bed, grabbed his wand, put on his cloak and stormed out of the boys dormitories leaving Harry flabbergasted.
Hermione was in the common room waiting as usual. She was about to compliment Ron on his hastiness until she saw the state he was in.
"Ron, what's your hurry?" said Hermione as he ran right past her and went through the portrait hole.
In the boys bathroom, Ron discovered Mr Filch scrubbing the toilets while his cat Mrs Norris looked on.
"What is it?!" Filch snarled, "Use the loo on the third floor, this one is being sanitized!"
Ron took several deep breaths, took out his wand and then decided to cast a spell on Mrs Norris.
"Incendio!" Ron said pointing his wand at Mrs Norris.
Filch could only watch as his beloved cat caught fire. Filch quickly threw some water and doused the flames but it was too late, he underestimated the intensity of Ron's spell and was unable to save Mrs Norris.
"Wha-what have you done? Y-you killed my cat," Filch said unbelievingly and holding the dead cat up for Ron to see. Filch was trembling so hard it looked as though he was having a seizure.
Ron said Nothing. Mr Filch's face quickly turned from a shocked expression to a look of pure malice and furious anger. The caretaker was showing the murderous rage Ron was counting on.
"I'LL KILL YA, I"LL KILL YA!" screamed the caretaker.
Ron closed his eyes, took a deep breath and waited for the inevitable.
Filch put the charred remains of his cat down, pulled out a long jagged edge knife and charged at Ron.
The knife had pierced Ron's stomach and the pain was searing. It took only a few seconds for Ron to turn cold and drift off into unconsciousness.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning assignment. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
Ron sat up, surveyed his stomach area and then fell back onto the bed sighing. He then got up and slowly dressed; he looked miserable.
Ron walked over to the window and just stared at the sight outside.
It looked like the same bright and sunny magnificent February morning that Ron had been reliving for over a decade. The clear blue sky and beautiful mountains covered with pure white snow still after all this time dominated the scenery.
He looked up at the sky and noticed the same exact three snow birds flying in the sky over Hagrid's cabin and when he looked down at the cabin, he noticed that Hagrid was carrying the same monstrous sized boxes as he always does.
The scenery had lost its appeal however, Ron had not been able to enjoy anything for a while let alone scenery.
With one giant disheartening sigh, Ron set out to try again.
"Wait," said Harry.
"Yeah?" said Ron, barely audible.
"You're not going out like that are you?" Harry asked.
"Yes I am, why," said Ron sounding bored.
"Well, I don't mean to sound like a jerk but you look like shit," said Harry.
"Well, I'll take my chances," said Ron gloomily.
Ron and Harry found Hermione in the common room waiting for them as usual.
"Good morning guys," said Hermione.
"Morning," said Harry.
Ron nodded and the trio walked out of the portrait hole and headed down to breakfast.
"Hey Ron, where are you going? I thought we were going down to breakfast," said Harry.
"I'm not hungry," said Ron, "I'm going up to the astronomy tower."
"Why would you do that?" asked Hermione, "we don't even have astronomy today."
"I've got something to do up at the tower," said Ron. Harry and Hermione both looked oddly at Ron.
"Like what?" she asked.
"Like jumping off it," said Ron shrugging nonchalantly.
Harry and Hermione both laughed but when they saw that Ron wasn't laughing with them they quickly stopped.
"Y-You're joking right?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, I'm only kidding," said Ron in a non convincing tone as he left the two and headed in another direction.
"Do you need us to come with you?" Ron heard Hermione ask.
"No," said Ron.
When Ron got to the very top of the astronomy tower, he proceeded to the very edge where he decided to spread his arms out and jump.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning practice. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
Ron sat up from his bed yet again, unscathed from any type of injury. Not a scratch anywhere.
"Hey Ron, cheer up mate, the day is not that bad," said Harry.
Ron gave a Harry a piercing look which immediately wiped the smile off of his face.
"What's with you?" Harry asked.
"You know, I'm getting really sick of you asking me that," said Ron maliciously.
"What?!" asked Harry looking stunned.
"You're always asking what's WITH me," said Ron, "I can't stand it!"
"But--" Harry tried to say.
"You wanna know what's WITH me?" Ron asked bitterly.
Harry nodded.
"Look out the window," said Ron.
"What am I looking at?" Harry asked while staring out.
"You see what the day is like?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, it looks like a great day," Harry responded.
"No Harry, you are dead wrong. You see that day out there? It's going to be cold, it's going to be miserable and it's going to last you for the rest of your life."
Harry looked absolutely speechless. He slowly backed away from Ron, walked to the door and left the boy's dormitories.
***Half hour later in Potions class.......
"Pop test," said Snape,
The class groaned.
"Today, you will be brewing the Cruxtitions potion. If you read your chapter last night as you were told to, then you should know what ingredients are needed to make this complicated potion. I trust that you already know that I will be selecting potions at random and testing them on students, so get into pairs because you have to test your partner's potion. You have half of this class to prepare your potions. Then the next half will be used to test them."
45 minutes later......
"Ron, are you sure we need all these ingredients?" asked Neville looking throughly bewildered.
"Just keep quiet and pass me that beaker of raven bile," said Ron impatiently.
"Um, which one is that?" asked a nervous sounding Neville.
"The beaker of purple solution with the number 12 written on it," said Ron.
Neville passed the beaker over to Ron and remained looking unsure of what was going on.
"Ron, what on earth are you doing over here?" came Hermione's voice.
"Mixing a potion," replied Ron coldly.
"I can see that, but why are you using all those unnecessary ingredients? You know your Cruxtitions potion will fail miserably," said Hermione.
"Mind your own business," said Ron sounding rude.
Hermione gave a "humph," and left Ron and Neville's table.
"You know, I think she's right Ron," said Neville who's voice was quivering slightly.
"Finished," said Ron cheerlessly and ignoring Neville.
The brewing process of his potion was now complete. After mixing 3 drops of snake blood, a quarter beaker full of raven bile, 4 crushed spiders, and 1 wing of a bat, Ron's potion was ready for ingestion.
With a deep breath he took the goblet filled potion and pressed it against his lips. Before he could take a sip however, Neville had stopped him.
"Shouldn't you wait for Snape?" he asked, "and what about me? I thought you were going to help me with my potion."
"I just want to test this first," said Ron.
"Well at least tell me what it is," said Neville.
"It's poison," said Ron casually.
"Oh," Neville said slowly and nodding his head, he then realized what Ron had told him, "it's WHAT!?"
Neville tried to take the potion away from Ron but it was too late, he had drank the entire contents of the goblet.
Everything went dark and within a matter of minutes, Ron collapsed and fell face first onto the floor of the classroom.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning task. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
Ron didn't even get up, he grabbed his wand from his night stand and blasted a spell toward Harry. Harry flew 10 feet across the room and landed on top of Dean's Muggle model aeroplanes.
He didn't back get up.
"Serpensortia!" said Ron. The end of his wand exploded and a long black snake shot out of it.
Ron didn't even flinch a little. He calmly said "Engorgio!" and watched as the snake grew into a anaconda like size. With the transformation complete, Ron sat up on his bed and welcomed the snake.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning custom. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
***12 hours later......
"You three are late. And this weather is not looking too good at all. I want to get in as much practice as we can," said Alicia harshly.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," said Harry as he mounted his Firebolt and took off into the air.
"Hey where's Natalie? I don't see her here," said Ginny talking about her fellow fifth year Chaser.
"I don't know where the hell she is and I haven't seen her in days," said Alicia irritably. "You're her friend, do you know where she is?"
"I haven't seen her since breakfast and she hasn't been attending her lessons in days. She's pretty behind in her studies and I'm starting to get worried about her," said Ginny grimly.
"I'll have to see what's going on with her I suppose. Well what are you two waiting for? Get up in the air and I'll explain everything," snapped Alicia.
Ginny mounted her broom and took off into the air, Ron remained grounded.
"RON!"Alicia shouted, "GET UP THERE!"
Ron mounted his broom and flew into the air. However he didn't fly over to the goal area like he was suppose to. Instead, he flew over to the centre of the pitch, tilted his broom upwards and took off high into the sky. He kept flying higher and higher until to was too much to handle. The air was getting dangerously thin and before Ron could stop, he passed out and fell back down to earth.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning errand. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
***5 hours later in Care of Magical Creatures......
"Now who `ere can tell me what this is?" said Hagrid.
"It looks like a normal cat," said Harry.
"No, no I can assure you it's not a normal cat Harry," chuckled Hagrid.
"No one?" asked Hagrid holding the creature closer to his chest area. "Well this `ere creature is called a Tongustian. It lives mostly in the mountains like I said before and there are about six thousand of em' living in Great Britain alone. Now don't let the size of this creature fool yeh, they're extremely efficient at and defendin themselves. They `ave this special ability to . . ."
Ron stood at the front of the class looking irritable and waited for the big one to happen.
"Ah, ah, ah, AH, ARRRR CHOOOOOOO!"
As soon as Hagrid sneezed on cue, Tango immediately jumped out from under his grasp and instantly transformed itself.
It was mass pandemonium, everyone was running in every direction screaming and shouting for help. Ron however stood still as he watched Tango chase Dean Thomas.
"AHHHHHHHH, HELP ME, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PLEASE, SOMEBODY HELP ME!" Dean screamed in terror.
"Lumos!" Ron shouted as he started waving wand over his head. It had worked, he had caught Tango's attention.
Ron closed his eyes and took another deep breath as Tango started her run toward him. In the background of all the terrifying screams from his fellow students, it was no trouble to hear Harry calling out to him.
"RON, NO!" Harry shouted in horror.
Ron turned to look at Harry but as soon as he did Tango had pounced on top of him. Just like that Ron was gone.
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February 2
"Ron wake up, we're gonna be late for breakfast, it's 8:30."
Ron opened his eyes, blinked several times and before he could get up, Harry (again) did his usual February 2 morning chore. He grabbed all of Ron's blankets and threw them onto his own bed.
"Get up you stupid prat. We're going to be late," said Harry.
***8 hours later in the Great Hall for supper......
"Are you sure you're not going to go practice with us?" said Harry.
"Yeah Ron, Alicia is going to be furious with you," Ginny added.
"Yes, I'm sure," said Ron, "you two go on." Ron was actually clean shaven and dressed properly today. It was a first in a long time.
As Harry and Ginny walked out of the Great Hall, Ron turned to Hermione.
"Hermione, I had a revelation," said Ron. He still sounded and looked depressed, but tone was not as dark as before. In Ron-fashion, this was the happiest he looked in a while.
"Really? A revelation huh?" Hermione laughed, "well go ahead, enlighten me."
"I am the most powerful wizard of all time," said Ron modestly, "even more powerful than Merlin himself."
Hermione looked neither shocked nor taken aback. Her reaction was blank.
"And?" she asked.
"And what?" Ron replied.
"AND..... I'm waiting for the punch line to this joke....." said Hermione.
Writer's Commentary:
Before I start the commentary, I just wanna say thanks for all the great Reviews on the last chapter. That was super!!!
Whew, that was a tough chapter. I hope nobody was seriously depressed by that. It was meant to be both sad and funny. Harry getting repeatedly hexed by Ron was added in this chapter for a little laugh.
I hope nobody was confused by all the day by day changes. If you've seen the movie you'll understand. If you didn't, well, it's really not that hard to understand. It was the only way I could figure out how to show Ron dying day by day.
I wrote this chapter (and basically the whole story) with Bill Murray's character in mind (minus the asshole part of him), so if you've seen the movie Groundhog Day, just picture Murray's facial expressions.
Anyway, I really appreciate all the great reviews I've been getting, please keep it up!
Take Care