A/N: To those of you who reviewed, THANK YOU! Unfortunatly that would make you only two of the people who did review. Anywho, I'm
flying right on by now with chappies, seeing as I'm getting into it more. Anywhos, no one's reviewing that much and that makes me ANGRY and sad.
:
About two hours later, Ron was begging his father to let him call Iris, as she had given them the number of her cell phone.
"Awww, Ickle Ronniekins has a crush!" Fred mocked.
"I do not!" Ron said, though his ears were very red.
"Yeah, right. We all saw you turn as red as humanly possible when she wrapped her legs around yours and then saw you smile at it!"
George said, making Ron redder.
"Leave your brother alone, boys. He can fancy anyone he wants to," Mrs. Weasley said, putting sandwiches on plates for everyone.
"Please, Dad? Just for a little while, Harry can show me how to use it! We'll be very careful!" Ron pleaded.
"Arthur, let the boy call his crush," Mrs. Weasley said distractedly, and Fred and George smirked.
"I do not fancy her!" Ron protested.
"Then why are you so intent on calling a girl you just met so very recently?" Charlie said, taking a long swig of coffee.
"Oh, and where's Fleur nowadays, huh, Charlie?" Ron snapped at him, making him blush.
"Well at least we both know that I like her, and at least I'm not a weird stalker who wants to talk to her every two seconds!' Charlie
snapped at him as he buried himself in the Daily Prophet.
"Two hours!" Ron yelled at his brother.
"All right, you two, that's quite enough! Arthur, if you do not let Ron call Iris, then I shall be quite mad at you for quite some time," Mrs.
Weasley threatened, and Mr. Weasley nodded, looking a bit pale. Ron dragged Harry along with him as he ran through the house to the basement,
which was quite and very cluttered with anything imaginable. Toasters, screwdrivers, knuts, bolts, waffle irons, rubber ducks, headphones, and any
other Muggle thing. Harry couldn't believe what Mr. Weasley had done to a computer, taking it completely apart, even the smallest pieces of it were
in - er - even smaller pieces!
"All right, Harry, you know how to work it, just show Ron and then both of you come back upstairs," Mr. Weasley said chipperly, looking
proud that he knew how to work it. Harry dialed the number and told Ron not to yell and to simply ask for Iris.
(CONVERSATION)
Iris: Hello?
Ron: Er - Hi?
Iris: Um, may I help you?
Ron aherm Um, yes, I'm looking for someone. Pause
Iris: It would probably help me a bit more to know who you're looking for.
Ron: Er - Iris Mead? I-R-I-S ….
Iris: Yeah, that would be me. Who's this?
Ron: Weason. I-I mean Ronsly. I mean - er - I'm not sure.
Iris: giggles All right. Just say your name. It's that simple.
Ron: Ronsly Weason! pause
Iris: Er - I'm going to call the cops, okay?
Ron: What's a cops?
Iris: The people who are going to find out just who you are and why you're calling me.
Ron: But you know why I'm calling you!
Iris: I really don't.
Ron: Yes, you do.
Iris: I seriously don't know.
Ron: Yes, you do!
Iris: All right, cop time, buddy.
Ron: No! Nonononono! Hang on a second!
Iris: And why should I?
Ron: Because I want to ask you if you can come over to my house later!
Iris: I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU!
Ron: YES, YOU DO!
Iris: What's your problem?!
Ron: I don't know! What is my problem?!
At this point, Harry was laughing so hard, tears were streaming down his cheeks, and this was only from listening to Ron talk. Taking pity
on him, he took the phone from him.
Harry: Iris?
Iris: Who the ruddy hell are you two?!
Harry: It's Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. He's just too dumb to say his name.
Iris: I don't think I should believe you.
Harry: Why not?
Iris: Because Ron Weasley is very smooth and he doesn't stutter like that!
Harry: Yeah, you only met him for a few hours. He's really a weirdo.
Iris: How do you know how long they stayed over?
Harry: Because I was over!
Iris: Prove it.
Harry: sighs Let's see, Fred took you up on your new broom and you ran to Ron.
Iris: pauses Sorry, Harry, I'm just a paranoid weirdo who thinking she's going to die.
Harry: chuckles No problem.
Iris: Every day.
Harry: laughs harder
Iris: Is Ron going to be okay?
Harry: Well, right now he's having some sort of an attack or something.
Iris: What?
Harry: Well, he's kind of pale, and he's shaking kind of bad.
Iris: Then you should tell his parents or take him to a hospital or something!
Harry: Nah, I think he's just weird.
Iris: Are you sure? He could be dying, for all you know. He could have a medical condition!
Harry: Only stupidity.
Iris: Are you positive he's going to be all right? He sounded pretty shaken up.
Harry: Yeah, he's weird like that, you'll get used to him.
Iris: So, just curious, why did you two call in the first place?
Harry: Oh, hang on. Pause Ron wanted to ask you if you still have to get your school things.
Iris: Well, yeah. I mean, I only found out last night.
Harry: He also wants to know if you'd like to accompany us tomorrow.
Iris: All right. I'll have to ask Maggie though.
Harry: That's all right.
Iris: So, what? Am I going to meet you lot somewhere or shall we forever wander, looking for one another?
Harry: Er - How about the one where we don't wander forever?
Iris: I did hear about this one place. Um, the Leaky Cauldron?
Harry: Sure. Perfect.
Iris: What time?
Harry: What time what?
Iris: sighs What time should we meet at the Leaky Cauldron?
Harry: Oh. Oh yeah. Um, three?
Iris: All right. See you there.
Harry: Okay. Bye.
Iris: Bye Harry. Tell Ron I hope he's feeling better.
Harry: sniggers Oh, I will. Bye.
He hung up the phone, turned around, and began laughing. Ron was pounding his head against one of the basement walls, though not hard
enough to cause any permanent damage.
"I'm a loser!" he declared.
Harry walked over and put a hand on his shoulder. "Yes. Yes, you are. But that's why you have me, right?"
Ron turned around and glared at him. "You're not helping, Harry."
"Relax, mate. Tomorrow we'll meet Iris at the Leaky Cauldron at three," Harry assured him.
Ron sighed and slid against the stone wall until he was sitting, his head in his hands. He looked miserable. "As always, Potter gets the girl
and the sidekick is lonely."
"What are you on about?"
"Harry, she obviously likes you more than she likes me."
"What? Ugh! Me and Iris? No way! Have you seen her ears?!" Harry said, looking disgusted.
Ron looked up, glaring at him. "D'you have holes for eyes?!"
"What'll your kids look like? Red hair with - with those ears!"
"What's wrong with Iri's ears?" Ron demanded, getting to his feet, his ears a nasty shade of scarlet.
"They're - they're like some animal's ears, all right?" Harry blurted out.
"SO?!" Ron thundered. "JUST BECAUSE YOU DON'T LIKE HER EARS, IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THEY AREN'T AS PRETTY AS THE REST OF HER,
OKAY?!!!" He blushed furiously.
Harry suddenly felt bad. "I didn't - I didn't mean that you might not like them."
"Yeah, well, if you could stop fucking insulting my friend, then I might not yell again," Ron said, shocking Harry. Ron rarely used the 'f' word
at all, even when he was at his angriest, he never said that.
"WHAT IS GOING ON DOWN THERE?!" bellowed not Mrs. Weasley, but Hermione. She hurried down the stairs and slapped the both of them.
"Just what the hell do you think you two are yelling about? Mrs. Weasley's afraid that you two aren't going to talk to each other ever again and not
talk to the rest of the Weasleys because in their basement is where it happened and you two will become Percys! Now, you two will shut up,
apologize to one another, and then help Mr. Weasley make Mrs. Weasley stop crying!" Hermione bellowed at the two, who each had a red hand print
on their faces.
"Sorry," muttered Harry.
"Sorry," Ron said even quieter.
"NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME! DO IT OVER!" Hermione yelled at them.
"Sorry for making fun of Iris's ears in front of you."
"Sorry for … What am I supposed to be sorry for? You insulted one of my best friends!" Ron said, his ears turning red again.
"RONALD!!" Hermione yelled at the top of her voice, so all of the people upstairs came down there to see what exactly was going on. The
Weasleys, Lupin, Tonks, Moody, Dumbledore, Hagrid, and McGonagall came down, and crying was heard from two people: one being Mrs. Weasley,
and the other being Emma.
"Wha's goin' on down here? Yer makin' Emma and Molly cry!" Hagrid said, looking at the three sternly.
"THEY'RE BEING JACKASSES! No, Harry apologized, RONALD didn't because he thinks it's all Harry's fault and I just wanna beat you both into
that wall!" Hermione bellowed, looking very hassled. She was panting and looked ready to pop as the two boys backed against the wall.
"S-S-Sorry for making s-such a b-b-big d-deal 'bout it," Ron whispered, not taking his eyes off of Hermione.
"THAT'S ALL I ASKED FOR! AND YOU COULDN'T HAVE JUST SAID IT IN THE FIRST PLACE, COULD YOU?!" Hermione bellowed at Ron.
"S-S-Sorry for that, t-t-too," he squeaked, looking like if he pressed himself against the wall anymore, he'd go right through.
"'Kay. That's better. I need to go hit something," Hermione said, and as she started up the stairs, everyone made a very large pass way
for her to go through. Harry's face suddenly turned pale when he looked at the phone.
"Oh no. Ron, Ron, look!" he said, looking as pale as Nearly Headless Nick. Ron turned and looked at the phone, which was off it's dial thingy.
"So? You forgot to put it back right?" he said, his color coming back slightly.
"Ron, that means that the last person who used it, could have heard the entire conversation! And the way we were bellowing, she probably
could've just heard it from the orphanage without any help at all!" Harry said loudly, making Ron go pale.
"Oh no. Oh no. Then she might know that I - erm, uh…" Ron said, his voice trailing off as he slunk to the floor.
"Yeah, well, at least you didn't say that she had animal ears. GREAT! Just our luck, huh? She thinks you're some kind of weird stalker that's
in love with her, while she thinks I'm the most horrid person on the face of the Earth!" Harry said, sitting down next to him.
"You b-boys get on your brooms and fly right over there to make sure the poor dear is all right. First one horrid thing and then a better
thing, and then she hears Hermione all angry so she knows that it has to be bad! You two, bundle up, get on your brooms, and I don't want to see
either of you two back here without each other and not for at least two hours, understand?" Mrs. Weasley said, dangerously quiet. Without a word,
the two ran up to their room and pulled on their cloaks and gloves, and hurried out of the house with their brooms.
The two flew for about an hour and then saw the old, large Victorian house. They landed lightly, though Harry doubted that his hands
wouldn't be completely frost-bitten by the time the two got back to the Burrow. They knocked on the door, brooms slung over their shoulders. It
now seemed as if the weather was changing only when they needed it least. When they were flying against the cold wind, it seemed even colder.
Now that they were fighting to take off their warm gloves, it seemed to get hotter, to say the least.
Maggie smiled at them when she opened the door. "Harry, Ron, what are you two doing back so soon? Not that it's unwanted."
"Er - Maggie? Can we talk to Iris? I have to apologize for something," Harry said, sighing. Maggie looked at him quizzically.
"Well, she's not in here. I saw her take her notebook, a few pencils, her pillow, her blanket, and her smaller blanket outside. She takes the
smaller one with her when she's upset, so I didn't want to upset her even more. Ms guess is that she's out there, right by the forest," Maggie said,
looking slightly worried.
"Thanks, Maggie," Ron said, and the two were off for the small forest that was in the farthest corner of the property. They went one until
they reached a very large, twisted old tree, with some of the thickest branches Harry had ever seen. On the trunk of the tree was a letter that was taped with clear Scotch tapeA/N: Why I included this, nobody knows…shifts eyes nervously.
Harry picked up the note and read aloud:
Harry and Ron,
I don't know why you two were talking about me like that. Though I didn't hear Ron insult me, I heard him say something
about my ears and how they're not as pretty as some other girl's. But Harry was just plain out cruel. Ears like an animal's, hmm? Well maybe I don't
like how your… your hair's always so messy! Why don't you just cut it a bit and then use a few hundred bottles of gel?! And then I head Harry talking
about red hair and ears. MY FATHER? You are insulting my father? He's a wonderful man and you know he is! If it wasn't for him, the war would have
gone to hell the first instant Voldemort came back! And if you don't like him, then you can just go right to hell! I knew your mother and father, Harry,
and trust me, they were nothing like you! Your father and mother were best friends with my dad, who also happens to be a werewolf! So, if you've
got any more snide comments about him, then why don't you just add that in, too? And if it helps you to find more insults about me, my teeth are
quite pointy and sharp, just like a werewolf's! That's one side-effect of having a father that's a werewolf.
If you didn't like me then you could've just backed off a bit. You could've not taught me how to fly. You could've acted a bit more
meaner, like Percy. I hope I never seen either of you ever again, and if I do pass you in school, run. Run as fast as you can carry your fat asses.
Because if I see either if you in the hall, it only takes a second to kick a guy in the nards hard enough so he cries. If you show this to Hermione and
Ginny and everyone else there, make sure they know that their company was lovely, and I can't wait to see most of them at school. I wanted to be
in Gryffindor at first, but now I want to be in any other house possible. I'm going to ask Professor Dumbledore if I can be Sorted again, into a
different house.
I don't need people like you in my life.
Iris
Harry stared at the letter in disbelief. He deserved this, but Ron didn't. He looked paler than ever. It was hard for Harry to understand what
it would be like to never see someone that you'd like to get to know better ever again.
Suddenly, Harry realized that there was a familiar noise coming from somewhere near him. Sobbing. Someone was crying. Harry looked over
at Ron, and saw that hew as just as confused as he. The two boys looked up and saw someone laying down in the tree, with a blanket covering
them and a pillow beneath their head. Harry and Ron nodded at each other, and mounted and kicked off on their brooms. Iris was laying down in the
tree as if this was her bed, a pillow and a large blanket and even a smaller blanket. Harry took it to be a bit of a security blanket or something of
that sort. It was then that he realized that Iris was crying in her sleep. Had they really upset her all that much? Harry now felt like a complete ass.
He had gotten mad at his best friend, made someone hate him for possibly the rest of her life, and had ruined all of Ron's chances of love with Iris.
'Well, Potter. What else can you do to screw up others lives? Hmm, maybe I could burn Mrs. Weasley's cookies… No, they're too good.' Harry thought
to himself.
"Merlin," was all that Ron could mutter. "I feel so horrid. We made her cry, Harry! Cry in her sleep, even!"
"Yeah, I know. Listen, she won't talk to me, and I don't blame her. But you still have a chance. Go on," Harry said, pushing him in the
direction of the sleeping/sobbing girl.
"What? Me? What makes you think that she'll listen to me?" Ron said, his eyes wide.
"Because she likes you more. Go on."
"What'll I do?"
"I dunno. Lay there with her for a while. That branch is big enough for the both of you," Harry said with a shrug.
Ron looked nervous, yet pleased with this idea. "But - but what if she wakes up and pushes me out of the tree?" he fretted.
Harry put his hand on his best friend's shoulder. "Well then, I'll see you at St. Mungo's." Harry leaned forwards on his broomstick and flew
off.
Ron sighed and looked at the tree. The branch that Iris had chosen was rather high, so he flew up to the branch quietly. He settled his
broom on another thick branch.
"Iris?" he said cautiously. Nothing was heard. Ron felt horrible as he watched tears slide down this beautiful girl's cheeks. She looked so
fragile, so delicate, as if a single feather would shatter that delicate face. Ron crouched down and gently put his forefinger to her cheek. He took
his finger away and looked at the bit of moisture on his fingertip. Ron wiped it casually away on his robes.
"Iris Mead, I have never been sorrier in my life," Ron said softly. Iris did not wake. "I'd never, ever mean to hurt you like I did. And when
you think I said that your ears weren't as pretty as some other girl's, you're wrong about that." Ron lay down next to Iris, pulling the blanket over
him as well. "I think that they're beautiful. Harry doesn't, but you misheard him. He only said that he didn't like your ears, Iri. And when you wake
up, you can hate me forever, but that's okay," Ron said, and he kissed her on the forehead.
It was only then that he realized that Iris had stopped crying. Her lips turned up in her sleep. "I believe you." Ron smiled and held Iris close
to him. He liked the feeling of her body warmth against him. He sighed, and soon fell asleep.
An hour passed, and Iris woke, keeping her lids closed (trapping the pools of turquoise behind them) in an attempt to savor her comfort. It
took her a few moments to realize that someone's arms were wrapped tenderly around her. Iris blinked in confusion. She saw none other than the
red-headed Ronald Weasley, sleeping peacefully next to her underneath the covers. Iris then wondered if her dream of Ron apologizing to her wasn't
just a dream.
Then Iris's eyes widened in horror. Her ears perked up as she looked underneath the blanket in worry. Phew. They were both still fully
clothed. Well, Ron had somehow managed to lose his shoes, but it seemed to be nothing related to what Iris was worrying about.
Iris smiled and lightly brushed a few strands of hair from his face. He was so cute. Before Iris even left, she knew that she wouldn't be able
to stay mad at them. She was so bad at being mean.
"Ron," she said, gently pulling him nearer. Iris wrapped her arms around him, leaning her head against his chest. "Ron, wake up," she said, a
bit louder.
Ron blinked a few times. "Wha'? Huh? Oh. H-hi, Iri," he said, blushing slightly when he realized that if they were any closer to each other,
they'd be wearing the same clothes.
"You're so sweet to come after me," Iris said, finding him almost -- irresistible.
Ron felt a surge of courage speed through him, making him say --
"Irisyou'reallIeverthinkaboutandyou'refunnyandprettyandwillyoubemygirlfriend?"
Ron was sure he'd spoke too fast, but Iris smiled and hugged him tighter. "Of course I will, Ron. You're the sweetest man I've ever met,"
she said.
Ron grinned like mad and kissed the top of her head. "I really hoped so," he said, and hugged her back. Iris smiled and closed her eyes,
and rested her head against his chest once more.
Suddenly Iris's eyes popped wide open as she felt something push at her lower thigh. She gasped and pulled back. "What?" Ron asked,
looking at her curiously.
"Y-Your pants!" she said, pointing at the bulge that was now near his kneecap. Ron looked at it in wonder as it started to move about in
his pants.
"W-What the hell?" he said, as the bulge hooted. "P-Pig? GET OUT OF MY PANTS, YOU FILTHY FOWL!" Ron bellowed as he held onto the
bulge and got it out from his pants leg. Pig flew frantically away to a nearby branch.
The two looked at each other in shock and confusion, they began laughing. "W-What was your owl doing in your pants?" laughed Iris, as
Ron blushed brilliantly. There was another hoot and Hedwig landed on Ron's hip. "Why are all of these owls obsessed with your ass?" she laughed,
nearly falling out of the tree.
"Dunno. Hey there, Hedwig. Brought something for me? Oh, well, thank you," Ron said as the owl stuck her leg out to him gracefully. He
took the large piece of parchment and saw Dumbledore's neat handwriting. He silently read:
Ron,
The Burrow's been attacked and Harry's been injured. We've recently found out that there are more Death Eaters less
than one mile away from the orphanage. We've already had Maggie round up all of the children and Flooed them here. I had her destroy the fireplace
so that none of the Death Eaters would follow. Your mother thought that you were already on your way back by now, but when Iris wasn't with
Maggie, I knew she'd be with you. It was then that Maggie remembered that she was in a tree earlier, and that she had probably fallen asleep. IF
YOU ARE NOT WITH IRIS DO NOT GO BACK FOR HER. You would risk your life for another's, which is brave, but Iris is very powerful and strong, she
can fend for herself.
However, if Iris is indeed with you, you'll have to take her new broom to get to Hogwarts faster. You have to run inside
and take only what would be perfectly necessary. I would also like for each of you to make somewhat of a survival kit for yourselves. Do not worry
about clothes, cleanliness is not needed while on the run. I would prefer for you to write only once a day and switch between the owls that we send
to you. To make sure that you're not followed, try to find a forest of deserted place far from there where you can stay for a while, and then move
on only a few miles at a time, understand?
Make sure you two use your food sparingly, for you do not know how long you shall be out there. Your mother will
occasionally send food, I'm sure of that. Double back a few times when you finally start off for Hogwarts, just in case you're being followed. Your
mother's worried sick about you and Harry and Iris. Harry was put under one of the strongest curses that the Ministry would consider legal. He's
very ill and injured badly. Madam Pomfrey is tending his wounds the best he can, but she's having difficulties with this, seeing as this curse has
barely been used at all since the Middle Ages.
This is all of the help I can offer you, I fear. Fawkes will be checking up on you occasionally. If there is any trouble with
you, then he shall stay. Try to stay hidden and out of trouble. You are allowed to go into a very small town or preferably a village, and buy some
food. Go into the house and grab Maggie's purse if you have to. Go straight away and destroy this letter once you've read it. We'll all in my office at
Hogwarts, and the password is 'Fickle Fairies'.
I wish you the best of luck and a safe return,
Albus Dumbledore
flying right on by now with chappies, seeing as I'm getting into it more. Anywhos, no one's reviewing that much and that makes me ANGRY and sad.
:
About two hours later, Ron was begging his father to let him call Iris, as she had given them the number of her cell phone.
"Awww, Ickle Ronniekins has a crush!" Fred mocked.
"I do not!" Ron said, though his ears were very red.
"Yeah, right. We all saw you turn as red as humanly possible when she wrapped her legs around yours and then saw you smile at it!"
George said, making Ron redder.
"Leave your brother alone, boys. He can fancy anyone he wants to," Mrs. Weasley said, putting sandwiches on plates for everyone.
"Please, Dad? Just for a little while, Harry can show me how to use it! We'll be very careful!" Ron pleaded.
"Arthur, let the boy call his crush," Mrs. Weasley said distractedly, and Fred and George smirked.
"I do not fancy her!" Ron protested.
"Then why are you so intent on calling a girl you just met so very recently?" Charlie said, taking a long swig of coffee.
"Oh, and where's Fleur nowadays, huh, Charlie?" Ron snapped at him, making him blush.
"Well at least we both know that I like her, and at least I'm not a weird stalker who wants to talk to her every two seconds!' Charlie
snapped at him as he buried himself in the Daily Prophet.
"Two hours!" Ron yelled at his brother.
"All right, you two, that's quite enough! Arthur, if you do not let Ron call Iris, then I shall be quite mad at you for quite some time," Mrs.
Weasley threatened, and Mr. Weasley nodded, looking a bit pale. Ron dragged Harry along with him as he ran through the house to the basement,
which was quite and very cluttered with anything imaginable. Toasters, screwdrivers, knuts, bolts, waffle irons, rubber ducks, headphones, and any
other Muggle thing. Harry couldn't believe what Mr. Weasley had done to a computer, taking it completely apart, even the smallest pieces of it were
in - er - even smaller pieces!
"All right, Harry, you know how to work it, just show Ron and then both of you come back upstairs," Mr. Weasley said chipperly, looking
proud that he knew how to work it. Harry dialed the number and told Ron not to yell and to simply ask for Iris.
(CONVERSATION)
Iris: Hello?
Ron: Er - Hi?
Iris: Um, may I help you?
Ron aherm Um, yes, I'm looking for someone. Pause
Iris: It would probably help me a bit more to know who you're looking for.
Ron: Er - Iris Mead? I-R-I-S ….
Iris: Yeah, that would be me. Who's this?
Ron: Weason. I-I mean Ronsly. I mean - er - I'm not sure.
Iris: giggles All right. Just say your name. It's that simple.
Ron: Ronsly Weason! pause
Iris: Er - I'm going to call the cops, okay?
Ron: What's a cops?
Iris: The people who are going to find out just who you are and why you're calling me.
Ron: But you know why I'm calling you!
Iris: I really don't.
Ron: Yes, you do.
Iris: I seriously don't know.
Ron: Yes, you do!
Iris: All right, cop time, buddy.
Ron: No! Nonononono! Hang on a second!
Iris: And why should I?
Ron: Because I want to ask you if you can come over to my house later!
Iris: I DON'T EVEN KNOW YOU!
Ron: YES, YOU DO!
Iris: What's your problem?!
Ron: I don't know! What is my problem?!
At this point, Harry was laughing so hard, tears were streaming down his cheeks, and this was only from listening to Ron talk. Taking pity
on him, he took the phone from him.
Harry: Iris?
Iris: Who the ruddy hell are you two?!
Harry: It's Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. He's just too dumb to say his name.
Iris: I don't think I should believe you.
Harry: Why not?
Iris: Because Ron Weasley is very smooth and he doesn't stutter like that!
Harry: Yeah, you only met him for a few hours. He's really a weirdo.
Iris: How do you know how long they stayed over?
Harry: Because I was over!
Iris: Prove it.
Harry: sighs Let's see, Fred took you up on your new broom and you ran to Ron.
Iris: pauses Sorry, Harry, I'm just a paranoid weirdo who thinking she's going to die.
Harry: chuckles No problem.
Iris: Every day.
Harry: laughs harder
Iris: Is Ron going to be okay?
Harry: Well, right now he's having some sort of an attack or something.
Iris: What?
Harry: Well, he's kind of pale, and he's shaking kind of bad.
Iris: Then you should tell his parents or take him to a hospital or something!
Harry: Nah, I think he's just weird.
Iris: Are you sure? He could be dying, for all you know. He could have a medical condition!
Harry: Only stupidity.
Iris: Are you positive he's going to be all right? He sounded pretty shaken up.
Harry: Yeah, he's weird like that, you'll get used to him.
Iris: So, just curious, why did you two call in the first place?
Harry: Oh, hang on. Pause Ron wanted to ask you if you still have to get your school things.
Iris: Well, yeah. I mean, I only found out last night.
Harry: He also wants to know if you'd like to accompany us tomorrow.
Iris: All right. I'll have to ask Maggie though.
Harry: That's all right.
Iris: So, what? Am I going to meet you lot somewhere or shall we forever wander, looking for one another?
Harry: Er - How about the one where we don't wander forever?
Iris: I did hear about this one place. Um, the Leaky Cauldron?
Harry: Sure. Perfect.
Iris: What time?
Harry: What time what?
Iris: sighs What time should we meet at the Leaky Cauldron?
Harry: Oh. Oh yeah. Um, three?
Iris: All right. See you there.
Harry: Okay. Bye.
Iris: Bye Harry. Tell Ron I hope he's feeling better.
Harry: sniggers Oh, I will. Bye.
He hung up the phone, turned around, and began laughing. Ron was pounding his head against one of the basement walls, though not hard
enough to cause any permanent damage.
"I'm a loser!" he declared.
Harry walked over and put a hand on his shoulder. "Yes. Yes, you are. But that's why you have me, right?"
Ron turned around and glared at him. "You're not helping, Harry."
"Relax, mate. Tomorrow we'll meet Iris at the Leaky Cauldron at three," Harry assured him.
Ron sighed and slid against the stone wall until he was sitting, his head in his hands. He looked miserable. "As always, Potter gets the girl
and the sidekick is lonely."
"What are you on about?"
"Harry, she obviously likes you more than she likes me."
"What? Ugh! Me and Iris? No way! Have you seen her ears?!" Harry said, looking disgusted.
Ron looked up, glaring at him. "D'you have holes for eyes?!"
"What'll your kids look like? Red hair with - with those ears!"
"What's wrong with Iri's ears?" Ron demanded, getting to his feet, his ears a nasty shade of scarlet.
"They're - they're like some animal's ears, all right?" Harry blurted out.
"SO?!" Ron thundered. "JUST BECAUSE YOU DON'T LIKE HER EARS, IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THEY AREN'T AS PRETTY AS THE REST OF HER,
OKAY?!!!" He blushed furiously.
Harry suddenly felt bad. "I didn't - I didn't mean that you might not like them."
"Yeah, well, if you could stop fucking insulting my friend, then I might not yell again," Ron said, shocking Harry. Ron rarely used the 'f' word
at all, even when he was at his angriest, he never said that.
"WHAT IS GOING ON DOWN THERE?!" bellowed not Mrs. Weasley, but Hermione. She hurried down the stairs and slapped the both of them.
"Just what the hell do you think you two are yelling about? Mrs. Weasley's afraid that you two aren't going to talk to each other ever again and not
talk to the rest of the Weasleys because in their basement is where it happened and you two will become Percys! Now, you two will shut up,
apologize to one another, and then help Mr. Weasley make Mrs. Weasley stop crying!" Hermione bellowed at the two, who each had a red hand print
on their faces.
"Sorry," muttered Harry.
"Sorry," Ron said even quieter.
"NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME! DO IT OVER!" Hermione yelled at them.
"Sorry for making fun of Iris's ears in front of you."
"Sorry for … What am I supposed to be sorry for? You insulted one of my best friends!" Ron said, his ears turning red again.
"RONALD!!" Hermione yelled at the top of her voice, so all of the people upstairs came down there to see what exactly was going on. The
Weasleys, Lupin, Tonks, Moody, Dumbledore, Hagrid, and McGonagall came down, and crying was heard from two people: one being Mrs. Weasley,
and the other being Emma.
"Wha's goin' on down here? Yer makin' Emma and Molly cry!" Hagrid said, looking at the three sternly.
"THEY'RE BEING JACKASSES! No, Harry apologized, RONALD didn't because he thinks it's all Harry's fault and I just wanna beat you both into
that wall!" Hermione bellowed, looking very hassled. She was panting and looked ready to pop as the two boys backed against the wall.
"S-S-Sorry for making s-such a b-b-big d-deal 'bout it," Ron whispered, not taking his eyes off of Hermione.
"THAT'S ALL I ASKED FOR! AND YOU COULDN'T HAVE JUST SAID IT IN THE FIRST PLACE, COULD YOU?!" Hermione bellowed at Ron.
"S-S-Sorry for that, t-t-too," he squeaked, looking like if he pressed himself against the wall anymore, he'd go right through.
"'Kay. That's better. I need to go hit something," Hermione said, and as she started up the stairs, everyone made a very large pass way
for her to go through. Harry's face suddenly turned pale when he looked at the phone.
"Oh no. Ron, Ron, look!" he said, looking as pale as Nearly Headless Nick. Ron turned and looked at the phone, which was off it's dial thingy.
"So? You forgot to put it back right?" he said, his color coming back slightly.
"Ron, that means that the last person who used it, could have heard the entire conversation! And the way we were bellowing, she probably
could've just heard it from the orphanage without any help at all!" Harry said loudly, making Ron go pale.
"Oh no. Oh no. Then she might know that I - erm, uh…" Ron said, his voice trailing off as he slunk to the floor.
"Yeah, well, at least you didn't say that she had animal ears. GREAT! Just our luck, huh? She thinks you're some kind of weird stalker that's
in love with her, while she thinks I'm the most horrid person on the face of the Earth!" Harry said, sitting down next to him.
"You b-boys get on your brooms and fly right over there to make sure the poor dear is all right. First one horrid thing and then a better
thing, and then she hears Hermione all angry so she knows that it has to be bad! You two, bundle up, get on your brooms, and I don't want to see
either of you two back here without each other and not for at least two hours, understand?" Mrs. Weasley said, dangerously quiet. Without a word,
the two ran up to their room and pulled on their cloaks and gloves, and hurried out of the house with their brooms.
The two flew for about an hour and then saw the old, large Victorian house. They landed lightly, though Harry doubted that his hands
wouldn't be completely frost-bitten by the time the two got back to the Burrow. They knocked on the door, brooms slung over their shoulders. It
now seemed as if the weather was changing only when they needed it least. When they were flying against the cold wind, it seemed even colder.
Now that they were fighting to take off their warm gloves, it seemed to get hotter, to say the least.
Maggie smiled at them when she opened the door. "Harry, Ron, what are you two doing back so soon? Not that it's unwanted."
"Er - Maggie? Can we talk to Iris? I have to apologize for something," Harry said, sighing. Maggie looked at him quizzically.
"Well, she's not in here. I saw her take her notebook, a few pencils, her pillow, her blanket, and her smaller blanket outside. She takes the
smaller one with her when she's upset, so I didn't want to upset her even more. Ms guess is that she's out there, right by the forest," Maggie said,
looking slightly worried.
"Thanks, Maggie," Ron said, and the two were off for the small forest that was in the farthest corner of the property. They went one until
they reached a very large, twisted old tree, with some of the thickest branches Harry had ever seen. On the trunk of the tree was a letter that was taped with clear Scotch tapeA/N: Why I included this, nobody knows…shifts eyes nervously.
Harry picked up the note and read aloud:
Harry and Ron,
I don't know why you two were talking about me like that. Though I didn't hear Ron insult me, I heard him say something
about my ears and how they're not as pretty as some other girl's. But Harry was just plain out cruel. Ears like an animal's, hmm? Well maybe I don't
like how your… your hair's always so messy! Why don't you just cut it a bit and then use a few hundred bottles of gel?! And then I head Harry talking
about red hair and ears. MY FATHER? You are insulting my father? He's a wonderful man and you know he is! If it wasn't for him, the war would have
gone to hell the first instant Voldemort came back! And if you don't like him, then you can just go right to hell! I knew your mother and father, Harry,
and trust me, they were nothing like you! Your father and mother were best friends with my dad, who also happens to be a werewolf! So, if you've
got any more snide comments about him, then why don't you just add that in, too? And if it helps you to find more insults about me, my teeth are
quite pointy and sharp, just like a werewolf's! That's one side-effect of having a father that's a werewolf.
If you didn't like me then you could've just backed off a bit. You could've not taught me how to fly. You could've acted a bit more
meaner, like Percy. I hope I never seen either of you ever again, and if I do pass you in school, run. Run as fast as you can carry your fat asses.
Because if I see either if you in the hall, it only takes a second to kick a guy in the nards hard enough so he cries. If you show this to Hermione and
Ginny and everyone else there, make sure they know that their company was lovely, and I can't wait to see most of them at school. I wanted to be
in Gryffindor at first, but now I want to be in any other house possible. I'm going to ask Professor Dumbledore if I can be Sorted again, into a
different house.
I don't need people like you in my life.
Iris
Harry stared at the letter in disbelief. He deserved this, but Ron didn't. He looked paler than ever. It was hard for Harry to understand what
it would be like to never see someone that you'd like to get to know better ever again.
Suddenly, Harry realized that there was a familiar noise coming from somewhere near him. Sobbing. Someone was crying. Harry looked over
at Ron, and saw that hew as just as confused as he. The two boys looked up and saw someone laying down in the tree, with a blanket covering
them and a pillow beneath their head. Harry and Ron nodded at each other, and mounted and kicked off on their brooms. Iris was laying down in the
tree as if this was her bed, a pillow and a large blanket and even a smaller blanket. Harry took it to be a bit of a security blanket or something of
that sort. It was then that he realized that Iris was crying in her sleep. Had they really upset her all that much? Harry now felt like a complete ass.
He had gotten mad at his best friend, made someone hate him for possibly the rest of her life, and had ruined all of Ron's chances of love with Iris.
'Well, Potter. What else can you do to screw up others lives? Hmm, maybe I could burn Mrs. Weasley's cookies… No, they're too good.' Harry thought
to himself.
"Merlin," was all that Ron could mutter. "I feel so horrid. We made her cry, Harry! Cry in her sleep, even!"
"Yeah, I know. Listen, she won't talk to me, and I don't blame her. But you still have a chance. Go on," Harry said, pushing him in the
direction of the sleeping/sobbing girl.
"What? Me? What makes you think that she'll listen to me?" Ron said, his eyes wide.
"Because she likes you more. Go on."
"What'll I do?"
"I dunno. Lay there with her for a while. That branch is big enough for the both of you," Harry said with a shrug.
Ron looked nervous, yet pleased with this idea. "But - but what if she wakes up and pushes me out of the tree?" he fretted.
Harry put his hand on his best friend's shoulder. "Well then, I'll see you at St. Mungo's." Harry leaned forwards on his broomstick and flew
off.
Ron sighed and looked at the tree. The branch that Iris had chosen was rather high, so he flew up to the branch quietly. He settled his
broom on another thick branch.
"Iris?" he said cautiously. Nothing was heard. Ron felt horrible as he watched tears slide down this beautiful girl's cheeks. She looked so
fragile, so delicate, as if a single feather would shatter that delicate face. Ron crouched down and gently put his forefinger to her cheek. He took
his finger away and looked at the bit of moisture on his fingertip. Ron wiped it casually away on his robes.
"Iris Mead, I have never been sorrier in my life," Ron said softly. Iris did not wake. "I'd never, ever mean to hurt you like I did. And when
you think I said that your ears weren't as pretty as some other girl's, you're wrong about that." Ron lay down next to Iris, pulling the blanket over
him as well. "I think that they're beautiful. Harry doesn't, but you misheard him. He only said that he didn't like your ears, Iri. And when you wake
up, you can hate me forever, but that's okay," Ron said, and he kissed her on the forehead.
It was only then that he realized that Iris had stopped crying. Her lips turned up in her sleep. "I believe you." Ron smiled and held Iris close
to him. He liked the feeling of her body warmth against him. He sighed, and soon fell asleep.
An hour passed, and Iris woke, keeping her lids closed (trapping the pools of turquoise behind them) in an attempt to savor her comfort. It
took her a few moments to realize that someone's arms were wrapped tenderly around her. Iris blinked in confusion. She saw none other than the
red-headed Ronald Weasley, sleeping peacefully next to her underneath the covers. Iris then wondered if her dream of Ron apologizing to her wasn't
just a dream.
Then Iris's eyes widened in horror. Her ears perked up as she looked underneath the blanket in worry. Phew. They were both still fully
clothed. Well, Ron had somehow managed to lose his shoes, but it seemed to be nothing related to what Iris was worrying about.
Iris smiled and lightly brushed a few strands of hair from his face. He was so cute. Before Iris even left, she knew that she wouldn't be able
to stay mad at them. She was so bad at being mean.
"Ron," she said, gently pulling him nearer. Iris wrapped her arms around him, leaning her head against his chest. "Ron, wake up," she said, a
bit louder.
Ron blinked a few times. "Wha'? Huh? Oh. H-hi, Iri," he said, blushing slightly when he realized that if they were any closer to each other,
they'd be wearing the same clothes.
"You're so sweet to come after me," Iris said, finding him almost -- irresistible.
Ron felt a surge of courage speed through him, making him say --
"Irisyou'reallIeverthinkaboutandyou'refunnyandprettyandwillyoubemygirlfriend?"
Ron was sure he'd spoke too fast, but Iris smiled and hugged him tighter. "Of course I will, Ron. You're the sweetest man I've ever met,"
she said.
Ron grinned like mad and kissed the top of her head. "I really hoped so," he said, and hugged her back. Iris smiled and closed her eyes,
and rested her head against his chest once more.
Suddenly Iris's eyes popped wide open as she felt something push at her lower thigh. She gasped and pulled back. "What?" Ron asked,
looking at her curiously.
"Y-Your pants!" she said, pointing at the bulge that was now near his kneecap. Ron looked at it in wonder as it started to move about in
his pants.
"W-What the hell?" he said, as the bulge hooted. "P-Pig? GET OUT OF MY PANTS, YOU FILTHY FOWL!" Ron bellowed as he held onto the
bulge and got it out from his pants leg. Pig flew frantically away to a nearby branch.
The two looked at each other in shock and confusion, they began laughing. "W-What was your owl doing in your pants?" laughed Iris, as
Ron blushed brilliantly. There was another hoot and Hedwig landed on Ron's hip. "Why are all of these owls obsessed with your ass?" she laughed,
nearly falling out of the tree.
"Dunno. Hey there, Hedwig. Brought something for me? Oh, well, thank you," Ron said as the owl stuck her leg out to him gracefully. He
took the large piece of parchment and saw Dumbledore's neat handwriting. He silently read:
Ron,
The Burrow's been attacked and Harry's been injured. We've recently found out that there are more Death Eaters less
than one mile away from the orphanage. We've already had Maggie round up all of the children and Flooed them here. I had her destroy the fireplace
so that none of the Death Eaters would follow. Your mother thought that you were already on your way back by now, but when Iris wasn't with
Maggie, I knew she'd be with you. It was then that Maggie remembered that she was in a tree earlier, and that she had probably fallen asleep. IF
YOU ARE NOT WITH IRIS DO NOT GO BACK FOR HER. You would risk your life for another's, which is brave, but Iris is very powerful and strong, she
can fend for herself.
However, if Iris is indeed with you, you'll have to take her new broom to get to Hogwarts faster. You have to run inside
and take only what would be perfectly necessary. I would also like for each of you to make somewhat of a survival kit for yourselves. Do not worry
about clothes, cleanliness is not needed while on the run. I would prefer for you to write only once a day and switch between the owls that we send
to you. To make sure that you're not followed, try to find a forest of deserted place far from there where you can stay for a while, and then move
on only a few miles at a time, understand?
Make sure you two use your food sparingly, for you do not know how long you shall be out there. Your mother will
occasionally send food, I'm sure of that. Double back a few times when you finally start off for Hogwarts, just in case you're being followed. Your
mother's worried sick about you and Harry and Iris. Harry was put under one of the strongest curses that the Ministry would consider legal. He's
very ill and injured badly. Madam Pomfrey is tending his wounds the best he can, but she's having difficulties with this, seeing as this curse has
barely been used at all since the Middle Ages.
This is all of the help I can offer you, I fear. Fawkes will be checking up on you occasionally. If there is any trouble with
you, then he shall stay. Try to stay hidden and out of trouble. You are allowed to go into a very small town or preferably a village, and buy some
food. Go into the house and grab Maggie's purse if you have to. Go straight away and destroy this letter once you've read it. We'll all in my office at
Hogwarts, and the password is 'Fickle Fairies'.
I wish you the best of luck and a safe return,
Albus Dumbledore