A/N Heyyy guys! I generally do not write long author's note but I wanted to clarify something. If anyone thinks that I'm making Draco Malfoy the good guy here, you are mistaken. My aim is to simply show his side and make an arc for him in which he has to question his beliefs. He is not a good guy at all. He is, fundamentally, selfish and mean and is a bad guy. Still, bad guys can do good things.
Secondly, like the author Fire The Canon says, "We live in a world where the Draco Malfoys are preferred over the Ron Weasleys." (check out her stories). I am not romanticizing Malfoy. Nor am I making Ron Weasley perfect. Ron, as he is in canon, is my favorite character, not inspite his problems but also due to them. With Harry being made as this selfless messiah, Ron seems more...real. I won't write a long essay here on this, partly because a lot of the points are already out there. If I take any potshots at ships like Harmony or Dramione, do take offence.
Third, this involves teenage drinking, which looks quite improbable but is not. Many of my classmates started drinking around this age, or rather they claim to do so. Also, H&R are from the future , so they don't even count. Just don't get irritated about this.
Enjoy and Review!
Chapter 10: Find the Firewhiskey and Bring the Butterbeer
It had been a horrid week. The vision due to the Hogwarts 'trigger' had sucked all life out of Harry. He was progressively getting worse and the only reason I even knew of Harry's vision was because I had been there and I remember the bad memory of the castle. Harry hadn't seemed fit to tell us himself. Hermione didn't know. She, also, didn't know that I knew.
He had been in the hospital wing for three days now. Madam Pomfrey had commanded that he stay till friday, at the minimum. It had been a boring start to the week, anyway. Seeing him in the hospital wing, again, was infuriatingly familiar. His nimbus had, again, been destroyed but this time he didn't bat an eye. His eyes were glazed and he looked to be in shock. After three days of continuous chocolate, when I went to visit him before breakfast, he even smiled a bit.
I need to talk to Hermione too. She needs to know, so that she does not start badgering him when he returns.
Why does my life revolve around the library and the hospital wing? The first, I can understand, but the second is just plain misery. The sight of the whole team around him, looking pale and scared. I had never seen Fred so white, under all the mud.
The focus was, of course, on Ron. He looked so small and scared, even though he towers above me. I felt left out between them. It had not been so prominent first but, after their time travel thing, it has been blatant.
Ron was in the hospital wing as I made my way down the stairs to breakfast. I set out both of our teas and piled bacon on his plate while I fixed a bowl of porridge for me. I noticed Lavender looking at me from the corner of her eye and then the seat besides me. I ignored her.
A lot of people were looking at me. Or rather, at the empty seat beside me, the seat of Ron Weasley. I borrowed the Daily Prophet from the first-year besides me and, to my horror, read the article.
If as it was clockwork, as soon as I finished, someone snatched it out of my hands.
Not someone.
It was Ron.
His eyes traversed the article and without a word, he walked out of the hall. I followed behind him, carrying some bacon in one hand. I glared at Malfoy who looked oddly happy and smug and ignored Nott who looked as if he had been made the Minister of Magic.
The day had not gone better. The effect of the dementors while minimized, due to the castle e walls and charms, was still prevalent. It was obvious to Ron, as he had spent a lot of time in their presence, though not by choice.
It was Thursday evening and they were supposed to be scheming or just skiving off in the common room or eating dinner but Ron was in the hospital wing with Harry, who looked loads better than how he was when he was brought in.
"You remember how you were feeling guilty that you risked her?" Ron asked nonchalantly but Harry froze and looked up from his chocolate frog card.
"Well, I haven't forgiven you for that"
Harry looked as if Voldemort had appeared in front of him.
"But, if you were to talk to me regarding everything, I will. See, I'm excellent at making deals" He grinned mischievously as Harry nodded reluctantly. Ron tried to do a privacy charm, failed, and instead used muffliato around the hospital wing doors and Madam Pomfrey's office
"It was Teddy and Victoire-"
"I knew it!"
"Do you want a medal?", Ron looked sheepish and muttered a 'sorry' as Harry continued.
" I know you were there, so there is no point in rehashing everything but I can't just get it out of my head. It's irritating. It's like I'm living two lives, having two personalities. I feel guilty that I don't remember Teddy and when I do, I feel guilty that I couldn't save him. A part of me wants to forget those personal connections, to only remember facts but then it feels wrong to think that because if I forget them, they are gone. That's the only link left with them."
"If it's any consolation, I feel the same way. I feel more guilty because I'm also forgetting Hermione. I loved her all my life and even though now I can't even remember what is love, it feels wrong to want to forget her and-"
"I know", Harry tried to be consolable but it was difficult. How could he console Ron when he himself didn't know what to do?
" So, what's the matron's diagnosis?"
Harry snorted, " Excessive shock, dementor insomnia, blah blah blah. I need to get out of my head. I-"
"If you are going to just drown yourself every time over the mission, then it's not healthy."
" Ron Weasley, emotional mentor?"
"Really, scarface, I'm only trying to help. You have been doing it for as long as I remember you, and if this is really a new start, let's make changes to ourselves. I know it sounds cheesy but be better?"
"Easier said than done, carrot-top. If you want me to speak up, I demand the same from you. I don't exactly like your shower of insecurities to slow us down."
Ron gave an exasperated glare at this.
"No, seriously. I'm not saying it's easy or it will be quick. God knows, it is difficult for me to think clearly, and to properly prioritize, to make sense and everything, to deal with my shit; but it's the same with you. Don't assume things, alright? Especially not with her. I can't watch your ritual dance-off around each other for five more years."
"Really, so you want me to snog her right now?"
"I don't know. Can you?"
"No."
Neville sat at dinner alone. He was with Seamus and Dean, sure, but they didn't exactly include him in the conversation, but he was used to it. Plus, he listened for they were huge gossip for school news. They were Parvati and Lavender in boys, so to speak.
Seamus was the charmer, the heartbreaker, the ladies man. Relatively, of course. He was one of the boys, apart from Michael Corner, who even had a girlfriend, and he was the only one who had kissed 3 girls. It was a huge number, since his experience beat all the boys in their years combined.
Dean was the wingman, according to Neville. He had heard the term being used by one of the seventh year boys last year when they talked about going to bars and 'hitting'. Dean fit the mold too. He was a nice guy, he helped Neville with his charms essay yesterday, and he was quite good at art.
" Li asked me out," Seamus said as he ate a piece of the apple pie.
"Really?" Dean seemed impressed, and a bit jealous, Neville noticed. " I thought you were interested in Brocklehurst?"
"Who wouldn't? Still, she seems to want Ron, though I can't imagine why?"
"Hey"
"I know, I know. He is a nice guy, alright ,and I like him, but him over me? No girl in their right mind would choose that"
Neville disagreed. He knew for a fact that if a certain girl had heard Seamus say this, she would have hexed him into next week. They, then, started talking about the article posted about Mr. Weasley and Neville tuned them out.
He knew a smear article when he saw one. His gran had told him about it, and used the ploy several times, herself, in order to play politics with the Wizengamot. Neville didn't like it at all but said nothing.
He, instead, focused his gaze on the Hufflepuff table.
"That's your brilliant idea. To drink ourselves into stupor?", Harry said.
Ron frowned, " I won't exactly frame it that way, mum. I meant getting drunk. Use the word 'drunk' "
"Seriously, Ron. You have been saying for fucking months that we are thirteen boo-hoo, and now you want to get drunk. Geez, you must be hell-of-a-responsible father in the future"
"I didn't get the chance, did I? " He whispered with a glare. Harry mellowed at this, a little.
"See, that's the point, Harry. We get drunk and forget our worries for a night-"
"We shouldn't forget our worries, mate. The whole point-"
"Like I said. Prioritize."
"But, thirteen. Last week, you were saying how you feel guilty that you do not miss the future-her because you are thirteen."
"Shut up, I told you that in confidence"
"I know, there is no one here, genius and if someone is actually eavesdropping on us, knowing about your emotional worries would be the least of our problems"
"So, drinking?"
"Are you sure you are doing this for me? You are pushing it an awful lot-"
"I need it too, alright" Ron hissed. "The dementors affect me too. And the boggart incident..." He broke off and placed his hands on his face. Harry gave him a minute, after which he said, "okay"
Ron grinned as he removed his hands and thrusted his fist up in a whopping gesture
"But first, how do we get the alcohol?"
"Madam Rosmerta"
"How do we get to Hogsmeade? We need the Marauder's Map to make sure we don't get caught. Also, speaking of the marauders, I need to tell you something."
"What?"
"So, I met Remus the day you love-birds went on a date. And…"
"You know just because Ron is not here to drag you off to dinner, does not mean you should skip it"
Hermione turned her head so fast, she sprained her neck. Massaging it, she sat down and quirked her eyes at Ginny, who sat down too.
"I'm not feeling hungry"
"Ron too, your cycles really match up"
Hermione coughed and turned another page of her book. "How are you? With the newspaper article and everything?"
She seemed so small and alone. "I'm fine. No one in their right mind would accuse Dad of corruption. I just don't know why they are targeting him."
Hermione knew, and she felt guilt bubbling in her stomach. She tried to pass it off as hunger and got up, marching out of the library. Ginny accompanied her to dinner.
People stared at Ginny as she walked to the great hall. Ernie Macmillan shouted something to Ginny but Hermione steered her away.
"Wow, we really need to talk to Remus too then."
Harry nodded as he rested his head on his knees. "I'm going to ask the twins for the map and claim it as a birthright or something. Telling them that my dad and his buddies-"
"Plus the rat"
"-made them. So, when do we go?"
"Tomorrow evening. After dinner. It's Friday so we can easily stay up late and wake up late without any interruption."
"It's sweet that you believe that. Did you forget our lovely and caring best friend?"
"What? Should we offer her some too?"
"Ron, you are going to get us killed in our beds"
It was a relief to return to the noise and bustle of the main school on Friday, where he was forced to think about other things, even if he had to endure Draco Malfoy's taunting about falling off his broom. His behavior has returned to pre-Buckbeak and, if possible, he was meaner than ever.
Nott was almost beside himself with glee too, Harry noticed. He had read the article and seethed about it to Ginny, who had come to the hospital wing to visit him.
The day was boring as usual with the only highlight being Ron's responses to people.
"Hey Pansy, were you born like this or did you fall on your face first?"
"Jugson, I found your mom at the pound yesterday and, whew, is she a looker"
And the best was-
"Shut up, Ernie. I'm going to ram your wand so high up your ass, they will be fining you 20 galleons for defiling private property."
Harry had uncontrollably laughed at this while Hermione had tried to hide her snigger and horror. Even, the ever diminutive Professor Flitwick had gasped in surprise at this and the only reason Ron was not in detention was because he had already finished his classwork. He only cost Gryffindor 30 house points.
DADA had been great, though Professor Lupin looked ill, due to the recent full moon, and Harry passed him a chit saying they will talk later. Lupin had nodded at it. They were trying to think of a way for them to get together to talk frequently without arousing suspicion.
"Anyway, we know it by heart," George had said when Harry had asked for the map and explained how he knew about it. "We bequeath it to you. We don't really need it anymore."
"Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs," George had sighed , patting the heading of the map. "We owe them so much."
"Noble men, working tirelessly to help a new generation of lawbreakers," Fred had solemnly proclaimed. They were quite happy when they knew Harry was the son of one of them.
Come Friday evening, after a lengthy dinner with Ron goading Hermione to eat more to 'find energy to spend more time in the freakin' library' , they had given her the slip in the common room and went about to sneak out to Hogsmeade using the Honeydukes entrance.
Harry flagged down Madam Rosmerta for a glass of Ogden's scotch. Ron had declined, stating that he would start in the dormitory but Harry needed a drink before going back near the Hogwarts boundary.
"Rich blood, boy, it's seven galleons a mug," Rosemerta said.
"A gross mark up. Nothing later than 1945 should be seven galleons a mug. You are lucky I have a liking for your pub"
She merely rolled her eyes as Ron ordered several bottles of firewhiskey to go.
When she had given them the order, Ron was surprised that Harry started haggling with her. Perhaps the scotch has already started its work, he thought, or maybe he needs some conflict to get it out of his system.
"You'll pay the total and not a knut less! What is it with Potters and their charms?"
"Oh, alright, Madam, but you can wager that I'll be taking my future patronage to Mr. Dumbledore over at the Hog's Head. A nobler man has never been born. Only when he finishes will I enter this establishment!" Harry set some coins on the bar and walked towards the door with a swagger that was a throwback to the era of James Potter and Sirius Black.
"He has overpaid," She said to an amused Ron.
"Gratuity, Madam. And a guarantee to keep this between ourselves. After all, we are innocent kids, are we not?"
Rosemerta shook her head. "Just like his father, god save us all."
The trek back to the castle had been a fun one. Harry, it turned out, was not drunk. He had merely enjoyed haggling with her, something which he had done many times after graduating from Hogwarts.
"Dean?" Seamus drawled as Harry and Ron walked into the boys dormitory.
"Yeah, mate?" Dean responded from his bed.
"I'm sad, make me smile"
Dean tossed Seamus a lighter, who started laughing maniacally as he opened it. Neville rushed forward to take the lighter from Seamus.
"Are you mad?" he asked Dean as he returned the lighter while Ron started chuckling. "That's all we need now. For him to set our bloody kneecaps on fire"
The tension broke as everyone started laughing.
"You know, I need a favor" Seamus addressed the rest. " Do you know anyone who can teach me how to play the trumpet?"
"Why?" Ron asked, interest peaking.
"I want to wander around the dungeons and annoy the Slytherins" Seamus responded to general laughter.
"Don't forget Potions Master Snivellus" Ron added as he rolled on his bed.
" Technically, you don't need to know how to play it for that" Harry supplied thoughtfully.
Seamus grinned widely. " Harry, m'boy, you have opened my eyes"
"I can't imagine the look on old greasy's face when he finds Finnegan blowing out his brains at 2 in the fucking morning." Ron said as he pulled a half-full flask of butterbeer.
"Blowing off Snape? I'm pretty sure the guy's never seen anything. No wonder he is so-" Dean broke off as he laughed.
"I can't imagine Snape with a sex life" Seamus asked thoughtfully.
"Why would you?" Neville asked in a small voice, clearly appalled at the direction in which the conversation was moving.
"Turn to position 394" Seamus said in a creepy imitation of Snape as Ron spitted out half a mouthful of butterbeer. On Harry.
"Fucking hell" Dean said as he fell on the floor while Harry just wiped his face.
"No shit, Ron. You ruined the taste of Butterbeer. How gross is your mouth?"
"You are asking the wrong person, Harry." Seamus started with a grin. "Maybe someone like our little Miss Perfect would-" he was interrupted with a pillow slamming into his face.
"Alright boys, let no one says that Harry Potter isn't generous, '' Harry said as he pulled out flasks of butterbeer and firewhiskey. Seamus grinned while Dean and Neville looked appalled.
"How the hell did you get this?" Dean asked.
"The Potter & Weasley charm" they both replied with identical grins.
Harry handed Dean a bottle of butterbeer who shook his head. He offered the firewhiskey, and seeing the indecision on his face, Ron laughed. Dean took a swig of butterbeer and relaxed.
Neville on the other hand was still shocked. He took the butterbeer and sat on his bed while Seamus walked towards the duo.
"You plan to get pissed without me?" Seamus looked upset at even the thought. "Why would you leave me out of the festivities?"
"Because you are underage" Harry said as he conjured multiple shot-glasses.
"So are you. Plus, we start early in my household" He gave a goofy grin to Ron, who filled three of their glasses with firewhiskey.
"What are we celebrating?" Dean asked as he took another long swig.
"Why do we have to celebrate something to drink?" Harry asked, laughing as he rolled over to give Seamus space to sit on his bed.
"Yeah. Can't we just drink for the hell of it?" Ron said as he sat in front of Harry.
"Well, you two apparently can," Dean answered as he finished the bottle of butterbeer.
Neville, in an odd moment, asked Harry to give him diluted firewhiskey. Harry obliged, after confirming that it was neither the butterbeer talking, nor the peer pressure. He poured a tiny sip into a glass of butterbeer.
"Well, mates, a toast! Courtesy of me cousin Fergus: Here's to a long life and a magical one. A quick death and an easy one. A pretty witch and an honest one. A cold pint-and another one!"
"Here here!" the room cheered as everyone drank.
"Merlin's balls, mate, that was something" Dean coughed.
"Another one, come on guys" Harry said as he refilled.
"Guys, we have got classes on Monday-" Neville started.
"But do ya know what we're studying?" Ron interjected, eyes alight at the very thought.
"Turning vinegar into wine!" Harry cheered and back-slapped Neville.
Neville took a small sip but Ron shook his head. "An owl with one wing can't fly, mate"
"What does that mean ?"
"It means drink up!"
Harry laughed drunkenly as he and Ron stumbled into the common room and hid behind the couch. No one had noticed them yet, since the other rowdier roommates were in the washroom. Dean was probably washing his face while Neville and Seamus relieved themselves.
Harry took out the Marauder's map and Ron laughed. They were properly pissed now.
Ron wildly jabbed his wand on the parchment, "I promise I'm gonna fuck shit up"
Writing started to appear on the parchment.
would like to ask Mr. Weasley why he thinks such foul language is necessary to accomplish mischief.
Mr. Wormtail would like to inform Mr. Weasley that he is getting warmer.
Mr. Padfoot would like to high five Mr. Weasley.
Mr. Prongs would like to have a pint with Mr. Weasley as he seems just like his kind of person.
They started laughing wildly as Dean called them back while Colin Creevey who was sitting on the couch jumped up at the crazy laughter. Hermione just rolled her eyes and went back to her Ancient Runes project as the duo went back up to the landing.
"You know, Ron, your sister is-kinda-hic-cute." Seamus drawled.
"She is also kinda young, you perverted idiot" Ron retorted with a glare. Harry actually shoved Seamus though no one thought it was anything more than a 'brotherly instinct'.
"Ron, Brocklehurst is interested in you" Dean remarked.
"Eh?"
"Give her the message already, would you? Leave her for the rest of us" Seamus said as Ron blushed. Harry rescued him with another round of shots. " To friendship"
The drinking increased and Dean was the first one to start rambling. "I don't understand why no one can pronounce my name. U can't understand why she can't peonnounce my name. Its dean.. Lik-e mean. , g-reen, teen, lean. But no, she is de-an. Ita not de-an, for f uck'd saake. How am I supposed to talk to you if you can 't prronoumce my name, whichh even my 2 uear old coUsin can say."
He promptly collapsed and Neville, along with Seamus, laid him on his bed, face down and placed a bucket besides his bed. Butterbeer was not that strong but Dean had had a lot of it.
"When do we stop?" Neville asked seriously and it sobered Harry. For a minute.
"Neville, if you want to stop right now, you can . There is, literally, no pressure. We are only doing this for fun. You do not have to prove anything to anyone."
"Yeah mate" Ron said. "Even if you are not drinking, stay with us. I trust you to keep us from doing anything stupid. "
Seamus tripped and started laughing on the floor.
"Too stupid, actually."
"So, Seamus, have you snogged someone yet?" Ron asked as Seamus tried to get up from the floor. Upon his nodding, he prodded ahead, "Howsit?"
"Brilliant." He had a goofy grin on his face as if he had won the lottery.
Back to refilling their glasses, They began making extravagant toasts: to snogging, to Rosmerta, to fresh firewhiskey, and to — "Harry Potter!" bellowed Ron, slopping some of his eleventh shot of firewhiskey down his chin as he drained it.
"Yes, laddy," cried Seamus a little thickly, "Parry Otter, the specky Boy Who — well — didn't die or something," he mumbled, and drained his mug too.
"Hey! I'm a tall boy. Very tall." Harry said with great gusto.
"No, you are not. You are twitchy and small, not good small but bad small." Ron mumbled.
Seamus staggered off to piss or puke, and Neville went behind him, to prevent him from drowning in the toilet.
"Ginny is good small" Harry said dreamily. Ron scowled a little, but took another shot and grinned.
"The thing is." Ron started, refilling his glass with an experienced ease. "The thing is...heh..the thing is what?" He pouted with confusion.
"It's something but it's not nothing" Harry contributed helpfully.
"Ah, the thing is..you know Ginny, right?"
Harry nodded vigorously, his whole body following him, as he dribbled firewhiskey all over his robes.
"Ginny-winny, she is my schister. No, my-sister. And I'm her...brother. And you, you are my best mate, ,my buddy, my man. And! I don't mind that you want to date her. Why is that?!"
"I know why this is," Harry said smugly. "Ish because Hermione, right? She is ... my sister-"
"Not" Ron interrupted with indignation. "Hair's too different."
Harry looked momentarily flummoxed, as if someone had told him that Santa was not real. He shook his head and tried to focus on one of the many redheads floating in his vision.
"I don't mean by...blood," he waved his hand, knocking his wand off his bed. "Oops, it hit my hand. So...yes, Hermione an' me, we are like...If I had a sister, it'd be her. And...if I didn't have a you, she'd be my you. Only not as good."
"Too much books, " Ron nodded sagely, with the air of a man who had finally solved one of the greatest mysteries of his age.
Harry nodded and said, "Where is she anyway?" He bent to pick up his wand and looked beneath their beds, "Hermione? Hermione? RON, she is not here"
Ron jumped and started calling for her. He opened a window and started but Neville pulled him down.
"What are you doing?!"
It was surprising how they were still functioning, Neville thought, as Ron and Harry started singing. Neville had stuck to Butterbeer only, while Seamus had puked and rebooted himself.
"I'm gonna downstairs and chat up someone" Seamus said smugly as he exited the dormitory. Neville had half a mind to follow him but let it go. His attention was on Ron and Harry.
"Y'know," Ron said thoughtfully. "This is nice. I like this"
"Yeah, me too. Blimey, it burns" Harry chuckled as he took another shot.
"Nah. I mean...this. Us"
"Are you hittin' on me?" Neville snorted as Harry continued. "Because I'm flattered mat-"
"No. I mean, us bein'...us. Drinkin' our worries away. I like us. Because you are my best pal but...it's a bit sissy to say that, innit? So, if Ginny's my sister-"
"She is, isn't she?" Harry asked mysteriously.
"I dunno. Is she?" Ron asked nervously. "Oi Neville, Gin is my sis, right?"
Neville nodded as Ron relaxed. "See, I told you, you owe me a galleon"
"What fucking galleon! You take your knut and go fuck yoursel-"
Neville intervened, thumping both of their backs, to stop them before they became too handsy in their fighting.
"Right...so, Gin is my sister, and you like Ginny, right?"
Neville watched openly, he knew neither of the other two realized that he was listening, Harry nodded.
"So, where was I...Yes, Ginny is my sister and you are Ginny's girlfriend and Hermione's your sister, and Hermione's my...something." He paused dramatically. " That means that you are my...my...my sister-in-law!" He finished triumphantly with happiness evident on his face.
"That's so cool," Harry's eyes widened as he clambered to his feet." I've always wanted a sister!"
Seamus made an opportune return at that moment. "To sisters!"
Another round of shots firewhiskeyed.
Neville closed his eyes to rest, lying down on his bed as Seamus acted out his dramatic innuendoes and the other two hooted. He drifted off.
And up he went. The room was quiet. And he heard laughter outside.
"-ometimes, I fucking hate god. I mean , come on, look at them" said Ron from the landing above the common room with Harry and Seamus besides him.
"Yeah, I mean one ugly mug is enough but two of them!" Harry said with mock sadness as Seamus and the rest of the room laughed.
The twins responded something but Neville was busy berating himself. The three drunks were in full view of the common room, and after their loud somethings, were the center of attention.
At Least the the first three years are in bed, Neville thought. It was also exceedingly lucky that nearly all the upper classes were at a dorm party in the Hufflepuff common room. Though not everyone had gone, the twins were still bantering with the drunk duo. Before Neville could even contemplate taking them back upstairs, the situation worsened.
"What is happeni-RON! What are you doing? Harry? ARE YOU GUYS-" Percy roared, his head boy badge pinned on his pyjamas. He was wearing some party robes, though they weren't fully on. It was obvious he had rushed downstairs upon hearing such loud laughter.
"Oh bugger! Here's perfect Percy" Ron grimaced.
"Prefect Percy!" Seamus tittered. Ron glared at him.
"Nope, not prefect Percy. Headboy Highness Percival" Harry bowed with a flourish.
"Would you two stop with your shenanigans? And you Finnegan! Don't you care what this looks like? You wai-"
"Shenanigans? Is that what they call it these days, Ron?" Harry sniggered.
"Perfect Percy is gonna meet perfect P at the party" Ron said in a sing-song voice.
"Who is she?" Lavender asked, clearly intrigued by this new piece of gossip.
"No one. They are drunk and cl-" Percy hastened to explain but was cut short by Ron.
"Nope, it's all very clear Percy. Isn't it?"
"Yup, as clear as water, sir" Harry said with a grin.
"Five points from Gryffindor!" Percy said tersely, fingering his badge. "And I hope it teaches you a lesson! No more of these stupidities, or I'll write to Mum!" And he strode off, the back of his neck as red as Ron's ears.
As Percy walked out of the Gryffindor common room to go to the party, Fred and George followed him, taking their dates- Angelina and Alicia with them.
Merlin, this is like a stage, Neville thought, as he realized that the common room was filled with third-years and a lone fourth-year-Katie Bell. Seamus and Ron had started putting each other down then with the common room as their audience.
"Weasley says that he has to be funny at school or else he will get eaten alive." Seamus started. "We will need a bloody big appetite for that, mate" Ron bristled at the fat comment while Harry was sniggering uncontrollably.
"Well, as you all know Seamus is a very suave and charming guy" Ron retorted. "At the rate he is going, I wonder whether he will have more ex-girlfriends or O.W.L.s" The room tittered as Ron shot a smug smile. It would have worsened had Katie not changed the topic.
She realized her predicament and stood up to depart but not before asking the drunkards to start some sort of personal interrogation by the rest of the gossip hogs.
"Who do you think is the prettiest girl here?"
Lavender and Lillian looked positively giddy upon hearing this. Even Hermione who had been pretending to read a book for the last fifteen minutes froze, eagerly awaiting the answer.
"Well, I gotta say all you ladies are charming" Seamus started with a saucy grin.
"Charming, Seamus" Katie replied, smirking.
"But, I gotta say, Lavender, you are one hell of a-" Seamus ended muttering something else. It seemed the firewhiskey had finally hit the mark. Ron didn't notice it.
"I can't penounce her name. Harry, how do we say he-er name….fuck. It's some sort of...She is you know..she has hair like this...beautiful hair" He smiled a goofy grin as he mimed a huge bush of hair behind her. Hermione flushed a bright red as Lillian sent her a glare. Seamus promptly fell down the landing, which shook Neville from his stupor.
"Hey, Seamus, mate you alright?" Ron enquired and he promptly joined Seamus. He staggered upright and raised a hand at Harry. "Hey, you alright, mate? I didn't hurt you, did I?"
Neville felt that this was enough for the night, so he told people to go to sleep as he carried Seamus up to his dormitory. Nearly all the girls departed after that, as Harry came downstairs.
Only Hermione was left, sitting besides the squashy armchair near the fireplace.
"You know this is one of the most idiotic things you have ever done-" She was stopped as Ron drunkenly placed a finger on her mouth. "Shhhh, you worry too much"
She was way too distracted by his new intimacy to focus on his admonishments. Ron seemed very relaxed. And so did Harry. It was a far cry from the tense coiled personas they were in for the past week. Maybe...it was fine that they did drin-No! Hermione nipped that thought in the bud. Drinking your problems away is never a good idea, and they were just kids. I mean her dad didn't start drinking till he was 24.
But then again, didn't her dad live a normal muggle life, going to university and medical school? While Ron and Harry fought for their lives every year, fighting a war. She couldn't compare them both could she? But then...It was all too confusing.
The mood had changed as she remained silent. Ron had retreated his hand, and he and Harry sat facing each other and Hermione sat on the separate sofa, between them.
They reclined on their armchairs and they looked so morose and sad. They looked so lost, her heart broke for them.
"I miss them so much, Ron" Harry's voice was that of a 11 year old.
"Me too. I don't want to forget Rosie, Harry, but I will, won't I? " Ron's voice croaked. "She is gone. Just a memory now."
"Why did they have to die? Why, Ron? They are gone. All gone. I didn't want them to go. It's just the two of us. "
"It's always the two of us"
They took another shot of firewhiskey and then poured the last shot.
"I miss it, you know. The time after the war but before James and everything went to shit. It was nice and peaceful. Family. It was the best thing living with her, being with her. Then, Rose came into the picture, and it was beyond a dream, it was everything I ever wanted, could have wanted...and it fell-ll apart. Why did it have to end? There was no reason for it to end...No reason. It wasn't supposed to happen. It wasn't supposed to happen. It wasn't supposed to happen…"
He tapered off...still looking off at a distance. His gaze was blank. It scared Hermione. He looked so old, it seemed scary that a thirteen year old could look like that.
He didn't notice her. To him, he was alone right now. Or at least he was aware of Harry's presence. Harry, however, noticed her and gave her a sad smile. She returned it with a grimace, focusing on Ron .
"The Daily Prophet is a piece of shit. It is a rag which never reports news, only half-cooked rumors and cocked-up reports of various fuckery that happens in our grand wizarding world." Harry ranted. Ron had gotten up to use the common room washroom when Harry had seen the Daily Prophet and started tearing into it.
"Can you believe that people actually think that what scum like Rita Skeeter writes is too?" Hermione could only nod along as Harry continued. "I hated this paper with all my heart when I was in school. It made a crazed attention-seeking whore to a hero to a fucking murdered to a crazed messiah. I hated it even more when it vilified you."
She was shocked to hear that. It was inconceivable to even imagine that they would...demean her? Destroy her reputation?
"But what really irked me was how they treated Ron. It made my heart break every fucking time because without the both of you, Voldemort would have been ruling our world, millions dead because of that delusional idiot. Yet, they think Ron as a bumbling idiot, someone who latched onto you and me as a leech. They made me a hero, you the smartest witch of her age while Ron and the rest of the Weasleys were gold-diggers, talentless manipulative bastards who used us to improve their social standing. What a load of bullshit! It hurts to see that, you know. They wrote that the only reason that I am friends with him is because I get a family."
"It hurts me, so imagine Hermione, how much it hurts him. He says stuff like it doesn't matter but it matters. I want people to realize that without him, I would have failed. That he is brilliant. That Mrs. Weasley had no ulterior motive. She cared about me because I needed it. She sent a Christmas sweater because my best mate didn't want me to not have any gifts for Christmas, not because it was part of some grand plan. That he stayed with me over holidays, so that I won't be alone. If he had been a gold digger, would he have ever refused to let me buy anything for him? Even after knowing him for a lifetime, his first response is to always pay and never accept my money. I have to trick him over his birthdays and Christmas to get him things that he wants and needs."
His hands were wildly gesticulating now while Hermione maintained a stoic demeanor.
"It's not right and it's bloody unfair. It's unavoidable and it's stupid-"
"What's stupid?" Ron had returned from the washroom.
"The Daily Prophet reporting"
"Yeah, it's a pile of dung. Remember what they wrote about you after the war?"
"Regarding what?"
"Your relationship escapades, of course" Ron replied with a smirk. "Let me recollect."
"Wait a minute, wasn't he , and you for that matter, trying to hide any relationships of the future from me?" Hermione whispered to Harry as Ron sipped his firewhiskey in deep thought.
"I was against it. There is no danger in telling you that but he didn't want to…"
"Why?"
"He was worried that it will change things"
"What things?"
"Hermione, I know, alright. And you know that I know what I am talking about, don't give me that look. It's just he doesn't want you to be influenced by the facts. He is just insecure about it."
"So, aren't you going to try and stop him?"
"Why? I have a reason, I am drunk too, aren't I?"
"What? What kind of a friend-"
"Don't fret. You want to know it. Plus, he won't remember any of it, anyway. He is too drunk."
"And you will?"
Harry pointed to his forehead. "The horcrux helps. The only buggering use it has"
"AHA- What are you guys whispering about?" Ron asked. They both shook their heads while Ron started with a wide grin, like he was being given a bucket of chocolate frogs.
"So, some people think Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy are made for each other"
"What?" Hermione giggled while Harry glared at Ron.
"Yeah. I mean people are so thick. Even if Harry is interested in the dark arts-"
"Fuck you, Weasley."
"I'm the wrong Weasley to be saying that to, mate"
"Bugger off. This is stupid. Pairing me off with Draco Malfoy? Who's next? Theodore or how about barkin' Severus Snape? I'm not gay and even if I would have been, these guys are pieces of shit. Shut up, Ron, I know that he saved my life and I know what I said. Still, that does not mean these are good guys, let alone...ugh...romantic partners"
"Yeah, those aren't good guys at all, are they?" Ron said with a grin. "Still, you like bad guys, anyway."
"What about me?" Hermione asked, wishing that Ron will finally tell her about their...relationship. Ron and Harry grimaced at that.
"You are the most successful and the brightest witch of your age" Ron said as he tilted the whole glass of firewhiskey in his mouth. "You are linked with every brilliant wizard of your time. Obviously, that means the fucking boy-who-lived"
"Eww"
"Hey! I'm not ugly."
"No, I mean-"
"I know. You are a sister to me. And I'm like your brother. The problem is that the rest of the idiots of this world do not understand that."
"Yeah. After the boy-who-lived, comes the buttface Malfoy-"
"What the...NO! Why would I ever do anything like that? I won't even be his friend...let alone something like that. I hate him and...ugh...this is horrible."
"Pure bullshit, that's what it is. You and Malfoy can't be together. It's inconceivable. It does not make any sense." said Harry.
"What do you thin- Ron" Hermione sighed. Ron had fell asleep.
"I'm married to him, aren't I?"
"Happily" Harry smiled. "Though was or will be or some tense married, not in the present."
"Do you think he thinks if I know about this, then I won't be with him out of my own choice?"
"Something like this. He is crazy that way."
"Don't worry, I won't tell him."
"Hmm. I think I'm gonna go up and enjoy a full day of beauty sleep."
"Sure" Hermione said as she got up and raised her bag. "We have a DADA class tomorrow morning at 9" She giggled at Harry's look of horror as she went up to her dormitory.
Soooo, how was it? And don't worry, I do have a plot. Quite a big one, but I have wanted to write a chapter like this for a long time. Next chapter, big strides will be taken. Also, I don't know when it would be posted, it's not complete yet.
Also, reviews are appreciated, I will carry them over to the next chapter. Thank you!
Also, I have a storyboard idea of another 3-part series fic. With HP in Gryffindor, RW in Slytherin and HG in Ravenclaw and near-canon first 3 years and ahead. Let me know whether you think I should do this.
REView, favorite and follow please
Bye!
