Sorry about some of the formatting, I find I can never get things to look how I want on
Chapter 5
As Harry drained the last of his butterbeer Mrs Weasley bustled into the tavern with Ron in tow carrying school things, "Are there you all are" She greeted him "Hello Hagrid"
"'Ello Molly" Hagrid said with a smile
"Alright kids here are your things" She passed around packages, Harry frowned at the weight of his books and glanced over at Hermione who naturally was beaming and already trying to read the book that sat on top of her pile. "Now come on we better be getting back to the burrow" They nodded and waved goodbye to Hagrid then followed Mrs Weasley to the fireplace.
"Have a good day Ron?" Harry asked conversationally as he waited his turn.
Ron whimpered a little in response. "Ronald had a bit of a shock today, we ran into Mr Malfoy who gave him quite a scare" Mrs Weasley said before prodding Ron toward the fireplace, Harry was about to ask what happened but he was been handed his floo powder and was soon stepping into the fireplace.
There was still enough sunlight left in the day to enjoy afternoon tea out on the lawn. Mrs Weasley made some fresh lemonade and encouraged everyone to sit around and eat some cakes and enjoy a drink before the eldest boys would apperate home. Hermione was already reading the school books Mrs Weasley had purchased as she sipped on her lemonade. Harry was chatting away with bill about quiditch. Ron was sitting on the grass looking forlornly into his drink. Ginny was idly playing with Hermione's hair and pretending to read a book on charms, every so often she interjected into Harry and Bills conversation.
Charlie chugged down the last of his lemonade and stood up "Thanks Ma" He said, giving Mrs Weasley a kiss on the cheek "But it's about time I be off" Mrs Weasley smiled and made him promise to owl before he disappeared with a pop, then Bill too stood up and made his exit, leaving the rest of the family sitting on the lawn in the diminishing daylight, Mrs Weasley went about clearing away the dishes and headed off to start preparing the dinner. Hermione looked up from her book and over at Harry "Back to Hogwarts tomorrow" She said smiling at the dark haired boy
"You get to see Draco tomorrow" Ginny added in a singsong voice.
Harry coloured slightly "Yes well, we're all looking forward to it aren't we?" He looked at Ginny "After all the head girl gets a private room doesn't she?"
"Come on Harry we should go find an empty compartment" Hermione dragged Harry onto the train.
"Where's Ginny?" Harry asked as they found a compartment and settled in
"She's catching up with some friends, she'll come find us" Hermione glanced out the window, glancing around to check who was still outside the train before leaning close to Harry "I've been thinking about Ron" She said quietly "And about Voldermort"
Harry looked at her nervously "You think there might be a connection"
"We know there's some big thing coming; it's quite possible that Voldermort tried to get to you through Ron"
"I spose it's possible, it would explain his odd behaviour, I guess" Harry frowned then glanced up at the door as it slid open.
"Hey Harry" Draco said as he slipped inside "How are you?" He moved and sat down next to Harry, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek.
"I'm ok, a bit worried about … things" Harry replied, taking Draco's hand. Draco nodded and squeezed his hand. "Ron's gone daft over the holidays"
"Ron?" Draco asked, glancing at Hermione who nodded confirmation "How did he go daft, he's got a whole heap of ignorant pricks just waiting to jump right back into things this year" He paused and absently scratched at his arm "More So"
"Nobody knows what happened, he's gone all strange, he's quiet and good or blubbering and apologising" Harry explained
"We think it must have something to do with Voldermort" Hermione piped up, noticing Draco shudder at the use of his name. There was a loud whistle indicating that the train was about to head off. "Come on Draco we better do a quick check around the train"
Draco and Hermione left the room and headed out to make sure no-one got left behind. As the train shudder to life the door to the room opened and a Weasley popped their head through, though not the one that Harry was expecting
"Can I sit here?" Ron asked the floor
"Sure Ron" Harry replied, watching as the other boy shuffled into the room and sat opposite the boy who lived. "Ron, can I ask you some questions" Ron started to sniffle, "And could you not cry"
"I'll try" Ron sniffed again then looked up at Harry "I'm sorry, you know"
"I know Ron, I know you're sorry, I'm just not sure why"
"I was a prick, my sister, she's my sister and I rejected her, I let people get hurt, I encouraged people to hurt others." Tears were streaming down his face "I'm as bad as Voldermort wanting to get rid of mudbloods" He was sobbing so much Harry barely heard his last words "He told me so himself."