Chapter 10: Return to Hogwarts
The necklace. Ron had completely forgotten about the necklace. He bound to his feet, holding the necklace reverently. Here was his proof. Here was all the proof he needed that Hermione was alive. She had to be. If she was dead the stone would be glowing an intense, deep red. But it wasn't, it was a strange sort of pinkie grey color. Ron had no idea what that meant, but at the moment it didn't matter. The only thought running through his head was Hermione was alive.
Not knowing what to do or who to contact first, Ron ran around the room looking for the cloak that he had discarded this afternoon before he went shopping. He found his cloak lying, crumpled in the corner of his room. Not caring that it was wrinkled and unkempt he threw it on over his shoulders. He slipped the necklace over his head and tucked the end underneath his shirt before he misplaced it again.
All right, Ron thought to himself, if I was Harry where would I be? It took him a minute but it came to him eventually. With a loud crack he apperated right into the middle of the Leaky Cauldron.
Ron quickly scanned the room, looking for a head of jet black, rumpled hair. Spotting his objection in the corner talking to Neville Longbottom, Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas, Ron rushed over to him. "Harry!" He called excitedly, shoving his way uncaringly through the crowd. "Harry! She's alive. I've found it. I can prove it now."
At the sound of his best friends voice Harry turned with a scowl on his face. But the moment he saw the look on Ron's face the scowl disappeared. He hadn't seen a genuine smile on Ron's face in almost two years. "What are you on about?" He asked when Ron was close enough to here him over the loud din.
"I've got it, Harry." Ron said as he came to a stop along side Harry's table. He pulled the necklace out from beneath his robes and off over his head. "I found this when I was cleaning off the bookshelves?" Harry looked down at the necklace in his hand with bewilderment. "It was in the envelope Hogwarts sent me. Remember?"
"The one you set on the shelf without opening?"
"Exactly. This was inside of it. Don't you see what this means?" He asked eagerly when Harry didn't react.
Harry looked up at Ron with wide, uncomprehending eyes. "Sorry mate, I think you lost me. What exactly does this necklace prove?"
"That Hermione's alive." Ron said excitingly, finally sinking in to the seat next to Harry that Neville had pulled up for him.
"I still don't get it, Ron. How does this prove Hermione's alive?"
Ron sighed exasperatedly. "All right," he took a breath to help calm his nerves. "The night before the last battle I gave Hermione a necklace just like this."
"So…?"
"Let me finish." Ron said impatiently, slapping the worn table in his excitement. "I made one for each of us. It works the same way as my mum's clock. This one tells me what's happening with Hermione, while hers does the same for me."
"So wait," Harry's green eyes widened with the first realization of what Ron was trying to tell him. "This necklace tells you what her feelings are?"
"In a way. It tells me the usual, if she's mad, or happy, or sad. But it also tells me if she's sick, or in pain, or in grave danger. You can tell by the color of the stone."
Harry took the crystal from Ron to look at it more closely. "So what does a grayish, pinkish mean?"
"I don't know. But that's not what's important right now. What's important is that it isn't red."
"Because red would mean…?"
"That she's dead." Ron's voice rose to a fevered pitch with excitement. "Don't you see? This proves she isn't dead."
"Holly Shiet." Seamus muttered from the other side of the table. "You mean it don't you? She's really alive?"
"Yes." Ron said taking the necklace back from Harry. "I almost stopped believing. After what you said tonight, Harry. But there you go. Now I have proof. She's alive. There's still a chance we can find her."
"But Harry said the Ministry called of the search." Neville looked at the other faces sitting around the table.
"What are you going to do now?" Dean asked, scooting closer to the table.
Ron looked at the other boy thoughtfully, "I thought I would pay a visit to Dumbledore. If anyone would know what to do it would be him."
Ron turned to Harry. "I thought maybe you'd want to come with me." He gave the other boy a knowing look. Harry smiled mischievously as he tossed some coins on the table to pay for his tab.
"Sorry gents." Harry apologized as he gained his feet. "I've got somebody more important to see."
"Harry, you dog." Seamus cat called while Dean hollered and egged him on from behind.
Harry shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Grow up, you wanker." He yelled back before he and Ron disapperated.
The two boys rematerialized just off the Hogwarts grounds, right outside the school gates. They stepped through the iron portal and set of briskly towards the castle's front doors. Harry looked around him achingly. It still felt strange for him not to be going to school here any longer. To him this place was still home.
Ron stopped half way across the grounds unable to move any farther as memories from that day came rushing back at him. He felt a cold sweat gather on his brow when his eyes landed on the stone wall and the spot just beyond where it had happened. He took several calming breaths trying to recapture his composure.
Sensing what was going on in his best friend's head, Harry rested a hand on Ron's shoulder. "You all right, mate?"
Ron nodded. "Yeah, it's just difficult coming back here."
"Come on." Harry nudged him toward the castle doors. "The sooner we get this done the sooner we can leave."
Clapping Ron on the back, Harry set off towards the castle the red head following at a distance behind. They both looked up at the school with longing and wonder. The old building was still as opulent and splendorous as it had been the first time they had seen it as first years. After several minutes at a brisk pace, they reached the brightly lit castle doors. Harry, who has visited the castle often since graduation, pulled at the handle without hesitation and stepped inside. Taking a deep breath to bolster his courage Ron followed, slipping through the large panel a moment before it pushed closed.
The entrance hall was empty and quiet. Dinner had finished hours ago and all the students were more than likely tucked away studying or relaxing in their respective common rooms. Harry turned to the steps leading to the second landing. he had just placed his foot on the bottom rung when he heard his named shrieked in delight from above.
"Harry!"
The bespectacled head snapped up and a broad grin extend across his lips when he saw a slender girl with a sheet of ginger hair that feel halfway down her back, standing at the top of the staircase.
"Ginny!" he called, already bolting half way up the stairs to meet Ginny. She flung her arms around him with delight, nearly knocking him off his feet which would have resulted in a nasty tumble down the stairs. Miraculously, Harry kept his footing and was able to hold on time as she clung to him and kissed him hungrily. Harry accepted her kisses willingly as her wrapped tighter around her, bringing her into closer contact with his body.
Finally when the two pulled away they rested their foreheads against each other. "I missed you." She said softly, pressing another chaste kiss to Harry's lips.
"I missed you, too." He said brushing tendrils of hair off her face. "How did you know I was here?"
Ginny grinned happily as she pressed a kiss to his neck. "I was using the map when you and Ron arrived."
"Why were you using the map?"
Ginny shrugged. "I don't know. I was bored," her teeth grazed against his ear, "I missed you, so I thought I would pull out the map."
Harry grinned wickedly at her. "I for one, am glad you did."
Ron came up and stood beside them just as Ginny gave a delighted giggle. "Why don't you two go find a quiet corner somewhere? I'll meet up with you after I talk with Dumbledore."
Harry looked over and Ron sheepishly, reluctant to take his eyes of the young redhead in his arms. "You sure, Ron?"
"Yeah. Have some fun." He patted Harry's shoulder affectionately. "Just don't get caught."
Harry turned back to Ginny, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "We'll be careful."
Ron walked away rolling his eyes. "Yeah, I know you will." He murmured under his breath.
Walking quickly up the steps with a renewed vigor, Ron made his way to the entrance of Dumbledore's office smiling at the familiar stone walls and rows of empty armor. He let his fingers run across a patch of cold stone. He had to admit Harry was right. Hogwarts really was home.
When the tall redhead finally reached the passage that lead to Dumbledore's office he turned the corner and saw that the stone gargoyle who guarded the entrance to Dumbledore's office was still waiting in attention. He came to a stop in front of it and stared dumbly. Now that he was here he didn't know how to get in.
Almost as if answering his silent prayer the gargoyle jumped aside to reveal Dumbledore standing there. "Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore looked over his half moon glasses, a twinkle in his eyes and a welcoming smile on his lips. "I thought you might be visiting today. Won't you come in?" The old man stepped aside allowing a surprised Ron access to the stairs.
Ron stepped onto the moving staircase and let it carry him high into the tower. When he reached the top he stepped aside and waited for the older man to pass and open the door so that he could follow him inside.
Ron looked around him in wonder. It didn't matter how many times he had been in the Headmaster's office the odd gadgets he always had twittering about never ceased to amaze him.
Ron snapped back to attention at the sound of Dumbledore's familiar voice.
"Now, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore made his way around the side of his desk and sat down in the large, majestic chair, indicating Ron to take the other seat, "what can I help you with?"
Ron sank into the proffered chair. "I think you know why I am here."
Dumbledore nodded his head as he folded his fingers together. "Miss Granger."
Ron nodded slightly. "I imagine you know that they called off her search today."
"As a matter of fact I do. I am also aware that the Ministry has seen fit to declare her legally dead, am I right?"
"Yes sir."
"But you have reason to believe that this might not be the case."
"Yes, sir." Ron moved his chair closer to his old Professor's desk. "I found this today." He said lifting the necklace gently from around his neck and handing it to the old wizard. "I made one for Hermione and myself before the battle here on the grounds." Dumbledore lifted the crystal close to his eyes to inspect it while Ron continued to explain its use. "I made them so that Hermione and I would know what was happening to the other during the final battle. In case we got separated. After I woke up," he explained, "I was so overwhelmed by all that had happened, the shock of loosing Hermione, the knowledge that the war was finally over, everything, that I completely forgot about its existence. And in the shuffle of so many people coming in for treatment the hospital wing lost it. I got my belongings back a few months ago but I didn't open the package and stuffed it on a shelf. I didn't open it until tonight, and that's when I found this."
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, yes. I understand my boy." He set the necklace down on the desktop between them. "So it appears we now have proof that Miss Granger is alive."
"Yes, sir."
"And you want to know if there is something I can do to help you."
"Yes sir." Ron said again, feeling a sense of dread settle on his chest.
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, his soft blue eyes never leaving Ron. "I'm afraid there is nothing I can do, Mr. Weasley." Ron's heart plummeted with the confirmation of his fear. "I've already done everything I can within the Ministry. I've tried pulling the strings I have that Mr. Potter missed or did not have. But I'm afraid there is nothing more I can do in that arena."
"What can you do?"
"I can tell you what your options are."
"And they are?"
"You can continue your search and eventually, hopefully, find her."
Ron felt a wave of annoyance crash over him before he forced it away. "And the other?" he asked through gritted teeth.
"Mr. Malfoy." The old Wizard answered simply.
Ron looked away angrily. "I will do nothing to lesson Malfoy's sentence."
Dumbledore smiled sadly. "I didn't think you would."
"So I just continue with what I've been doing?"
"Yes," Dumbledore settled back contemplatively in his chair. "I believe you've been following leads that you've gotten from Mr. Potter and thet you've found yourself."
"Yes, sir."
"You've tried everything magically possible to locate her."
"Everything that I know of, sir. That's where I thought you could help."
"Now that things have calmed down, I promise I will focus more of my attention on her case. I will make it my own personal mission." Dumbledore handed the necklace back to Ron and waited for him to slip the chain over his neck before speaking again. "How are you holding up, Mr. Weasley?"
Ron sighed. "I've been better. How have you been?"
The old wizard sighed heavily. "I'm getting old, Mr. Weasley. If I'm alive I'm doing well." Ron couldn't help but chuckle at Dumbledore's odd sense of humor. Even so he frowned at the old man. His skin was paler than he remembered and he looked tired and worn out. His eyes were still the bright blue they had always been and they still sparkled with that special luster he remembered, but it was quiet obvious the man was getting old.
"You know Ronald, from the first time I saw you and Miss Granger interact I knew there was something special between the two of you."
"Really?" Ron asked skeptically.
The old man nodded. "You seemed to have a special connection. A connection, unless I'm mistaken, that has only grown stronger through out the years."
Ron smiled longingly. "I miss her, sir."
"I know." Dumbledore got up and came around the desk to lean against it. "But that isn't a reason for you to stop living, Ronald." The red haired boys head snapped up in surprise. "Hermione wouldn't want you to give up the things you love; your friends, your hobbies, in what some would call a futile attempt to find her." Ron's fingers curled tightly around the necklace.
"Sir," Ron asked stubbornly, holding out the end of the necklace, "what do you suppose this color means?"
Dumbledore took the warm stone between his long fingers. "Humm." His eyes squinted slightly as he contemplated the odd color. "Well," he finally said letting the stone drop against Ron's chest, "taking into account what we know of the situation, I would imagine the grey coloring might suggest that Miss Granger is lost and confused."
"And the pink?"
The old wizards brows furrowed in thought. "Contentment, perhaps even happiness."
Ron looked at the stone and tried to fight down the swell of melancholy.
"Be pleased, Ronald," Dumbledore continued. "Where ever she is, Hermione is safe and happy. Now you just need to find her and bring her home."
"How am I supposed to do that?"
"I don't know, Ronald. But if anyone can figure it out, you can."
Ron nodded and turned his head away, letting them wonder about the room, giving himself time to blink back the tears that were threatening to come. His eyes ceased their aimless search and settled on a large book sitting on a pedestal that he had never seen before. "What's that?"
Dumbledore turned his head. "Ahh." He said rising to his feet and walking across the room, motioning for Ron to follow him. "This is the book that records the birth of all magical children born in Great Britain."
Ron looked down at the mammoth leather bound book with awe. He reached out to touch it just as a bewitched quill rose off the pedestal. The book flipped open and the pages flew with a whoosh until they landed on the current month. The quill touched to paper and in neat, extravagant script the name Aurelia Weasley appeared on the page. Ron did a double take.
"Aurelia Weasley!" Ron looked up at Dumbledore with delight. "Bill and Fleur must have just had the baby."
The old wizard's eyes twinkled with delight. "Congratulations, Mr. Weasley."
"Wow." Ron let his finger run lovingly across the name. "You know Charlie's wife Sarah is due soon as well."
"Two Weasleys in one year." Dumbledore chuckled merrily. "Let's hope they don't have the same knack for trouble the twins had. Or dare I say you and Harry."
Ron's eyes hadn't left the book and he was now reading through the names that were magiced onto the page. "What is this book doing in here? I thought McGonagall was in charge of keeping it."
"Normally, yes. However, Professor McGonagall asked me to watch over the book while she is away."
"Where did she go?"
"Her sister's health is failing so she is staying with her for the time being."
Ron flipped through the pages continuing to read silently as Dumbledore looked at him with a strange smile on his lips. Ron's eyes widened when he reached the month of October. There had been many more baby's born in that month than all the others. Ron did some quick calculating and realized that October was nine months after the fall of Voldemort. Ron smiled. Obviously Bill and Charlie were not the only ones to celebrate the down fall of the dark side with a good shag.
Flipping another page Ron's eyes froze on two names on the top of the page for the first of September. Hero Doe and Helena Doe.
"Hero?"
"Ahh yes." Dumbledore looked fondly at the name. "Hero, from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing."
"And Helena?"
"A Midsummer Nights Dream."
"I think Hermione liked Shakespeare. I think I remember seeing an entire shelf of books in her room with his name on them." Ron's brow furrowed in thought. "I'm not familiar with the name Doe. Is that a wizarding name?"
"No." the aged wizard shook his head. "There are no wizarding families by the name of Doe."
"So they're muggle born." Ron smiled wistfully. "Hero and Helena. They sound like names Hermione would have chosen."
Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Yes, I agree. They sound distinctly like names Miss Granger would choose." Dumbledore set a comforting hand on Ron's shoulder. "Do you need a room for the night? You're welcome to stay in the castle."
Ron shook his head as he closed the book, admiring the fine leather cover with the Hogwarts crest emblazoned on it in gold. "No, I think I'll head back to my flat."
"And Mr. Potter?"
Ron looked at Dumbledore out of the corner of his eye and saw the sparkle in his companions. "To be honest sir, I have no idea what Harry's plans are for the night."
"Well, if you see him. Please remind him that while he no longer may be a student here, other are and still have rules to abide by."
"Yes, sir." Ron stifled his laughter while he and Dumbledore shared a knowing look before shaking hands. "Thank you for seeing me, Professor."
"Anytime, Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore assured him as he walked him to his office door.
Knowing that an owl would be waiting for him when got back to the flat announcing his niece's birth, Ron hurried from the castle and across its grounds so that he could apparate home. As expected there was an owl waiting for him. He removed the scroll quickly and read the note. Writing a quick message to Harry, letting him know where he was, Ron threw on new clothes before apparating to St. Mungos.
"Mum, Dad." Ron pressed a quick kiss to his mother's frazzled cheek before shaking his father's hand. "How is she?"
"Everyone's doing wonderful." Mrs. Weasley whipped a happy tear from her eye. "You should see the baby, Ronald. She's beautiful."
"Where is everyone?"
"Your brothers were already here. They brought their wives home about an hour ago. They'll be back in a while to get your brother and bring him out to celebrate."
"Can I see them now?"
"Yes of course." Molly Weasley wound her arm through Ron's and turned towards the door. Knocking softly before opening it and peeking her head inside. "Are you ready for another visitor?"
"Always." Bill strode forward and opened the door the rest of the way. "Come in." He hugged his mother excitedly before moving to Ron. "Ron. Good to see you." Bill wrapped his brother in a tight hug. "Come on in." He released his brother and walked back to his wife's bedside.
Fleur lay on the bed, silvery white hair disheveled, looking exhausted but excited. "Hello, Ron." Fleur held her hand out to him. "Vould you like zu meet Aurelia."
Ron smiled happily. "I would love to meet her." He walked forward and accepted the small pink bundle from Fleur's arms. "Hello, Aurelia." Ron settled the small bundle more comfortably into his arms, moving the blanket aside so that he could see the perfect features of the baby's face. She had her mother's straight nose and iridescent skin, but her father's fiery red locks which stood out pronounced against her white skin.
"Well, aren't you a pretty little girl." Ron coed as he rocked the baby gently. "You're going to be a heart breaker someday, aren't you little Aurelia?" For a response the baby sighed and snuggled closer to Ron's chest.
Ron looked up to see his oldest brother sitting on the edge of his wife's bed, one arm flung protectively around her shoulder, his head resting on top of hers. "She's beautiful.
"Tank you Ron." Fleur said as her eyes drifted close.
"Should we leave?" Ron asked awkwardly.
"Non."
Bill pressed a kiss to his wife's brow as he smoothed some of her hair back from her eyes. Ron shook his head. Even after giving birth Fleur still looked perfect and beautiful.
"So, Ron," Bill asked in a softer voice so as to not wake his wife, "Are you going to come out with us tonight."
"Tonight? What's tonight?"
"A celebration of course. All of us Weasley men are going to go out and get pissed." Ron hesitated for a moment. It had been such a long day already. "It would mean a lot to me if you came." The look of expectation on his brother's face as well as Dumbledore's words from earlier that night had the affect of making all excuses he had seem insignificant and petty.
"Yeah," Ron nodded. "I'd love too."
Bill's face lit up with delight. "Brilliant."
Ron grinned back at Bill. "Yeah." He nuzzled the baby's cheek softly with his nose. "Brilliant."
