Ron dashed back to the entrance hall, hoping he hadn't missed McGonagall's return with his impatient wandering. In hindsight, he'd been an idiot to leave. How was anyone supposed to find him to tell him what was going on if he was roaming the castle?

Of course, Ron thought, if McGonagall was already back, he at least wouldn't have to wait to hear about Harry. He put on an extra burst of speed anyway. Pacing in the entrance hall all night would be worth it to know what had happened to his best friend. He hoped desperately that Harry was okay, and that his head of house had been able to help.

Ron knew that McGonagall meant well, and he would gladly take back all the negative thoughts he'd had about her. If only she would bring Harry back.

Coming round a corner at a sprint, Ron barely managed to stop himself in time. Staring in shock at the three people who had appeared in front of him, he opened his mouth to speak. Nothing came out. How had they found him? And why was Percy with them?

Hermione picked at her food morosely. She wished Ron hadn't run off like that. She knew the best place to be was here, where Professor McGonagall had left them. That way, she would easily be able to find them when she returned.

Hermione understood why he had left of course; it was hard to sit here doing nothing, even for her. But there was simply nothing they could do, and all he'd done was left her here alone. She sighed and fidgeted with her knife and fork.

"Hi," a quiet voice said beside her.

Hermione jumped. Looking round, she saw that Ginny had sat down in Ron's vacated space next to her.

"Oh, hello. You surprised me."

"Oh, yeah, sorry about that. You seemed pretty distracted. I was hoping you could maybe tell me what's going on? All my brothers left, and they've been acting strange all summer."

Hermione felt bad for the girl. She supposed that she'd been left out of the loop by her siblings, and it must have been difficult dealing with all the tension and not even understanding what it was all about. Hermione knew she would have hated not knowing. Then today, on a day which was supposed to be very special for her, her brothers had left her without a word.

"I'll tell you as much as I know," Hermione said kindly, smiling at the younger witch, "and congratulations on being sorted into Gryffindor. I'm sure your brothers are really happy about that. They're just... Well, pretty distracted."

Ron gaped at his brothers in surprise.

"You might want to close your mouth, little brother," Fred joked, "you never know what could be flying through these corridors."

"Right," George agreed, "you wouldn't want Peeves using it as target practice."

Ron sputtered. The sudden and rapid changes of emotion from worry, to shock, and then to amusement had left him truly baffled. After a second to catch his wits, he finally succeeded in producing somewhat coherent words.

"What? How? Where? Why?"

"Ah yes, the usual questions," Fred commented, "people are always asking us those. Not who so much. I suppose we're just so handsome and famous that everyone knows who we are."

"More like infamous," Ron and Percy muttered in unison.

Ron looked at Percy. He seemed very serious, which was normal for him. But he also looked... Flustered? Embarrassed perhaps?

Ron shook his head, trying to free himself from his confusion. He had more important things to think about than whatever scheme the twins were enacting. He didn't even feel any anger towards Percy anymore. In this moment, he only had space for one thought and one emotion in his mind. The thought was about Harry. The emotion was hollowness.

"Have any of you seen McGonagall?" he asked pleadingly, "is she back? Is Harry here?"

"Sorry, we haven't seen them," Percy replied, sounding sincerely apologetic, "can you two look for them on whatever it was you were using to track Ron?"

Ron raised an eyebrow at this. They'd been tracking him? Later, he would need answers about that. For now though, if they could use whatever this thing was to find Harry, he really didn't care what it was.

"Can you?" he asked the twins hopefully.

Fred and George exchanged looks, then nodded simultaneously. Turning away, and using George as a shield to block Ron's view, Fred drew something from a pocket. A few minutes later, he replaced it and turned back, shaking his head disappointedly.

"No sign of McGonagall or Harry. She's probably still looking for him or something," he confirmed, then, eyes brightening, he continued, "I've got a good idea that will make sure you don't miss her though."

Percy kicked off the ground with his brothers. Fred was right, there was no way they could miss seeing Professor McGonagall's return from the air. He would normally have strongly disapproved of taking brooms from the shed like this without permission. But then, they were all practiced flyers, so there was no danger really, and he'd already done enough damage by trying to be responsible.

Percy watched Ron intently as he rose beside him. Flying could be a bit of a risk for him in this state. He intended to keep a careful eye on Ron, in case his unstable emotional state led him to somehow mismanage his already unreliable school broom.

Ron's eyes disturbed Percy. He would have even preferred the fiery rage that had previously filled them whenever Ron looked at him to their current dull state. He supposed finding out that Harry really wasn't at school had been quite a shock.

Percy really wasn't sure what to think about Harry at this point. The twins had explained their suspicions to him, and certainly if they were correct then Ron's fears would be fully justified. Percy just couldn't shake the feeling that this could all just be some big misunderstanding, or perhaps an exaggeration. Regardless, he still owed Ron an apology. It was clear that Percy's handling of the situation and reluctance to hear out his younger brothers sooner had at the very least caused some emotional turmoil.

Awkwardly clearing his throat, Percy began, "Ron? I... I apologise for any of my words or actions that may have perhaps upset or offended you with regards to Harry. It was not my intention as I was not fully aware of the situation. And while I think it's still quite possible that Harry is simply experiencing the typical feelings of angst and rebelliousness, I do accept that as the older and more responsible brother, I should have handled things differently and endeavoured to speak to you calmly on the matter."

Ron appeared to be slowly processing his words without truly taking them in, Percy observed. George wore a slight frown, but said nothing. Fred looked between them all uncertainly, opening his mouth to speak, and then deciding against it.

After a moment, Ron scowled, then sighed. Percy wished he was better at reading people. At times like this it would be immensely helpful. What could his brother be thinking?

"Look, Perce. I really appreciate your apology, even if you did sound like a pompous prat. But you just don't get it!"

Taking a deep breath, Ron continued with a fragile calm, "I really hope you're right Perce. If you are, I'll definitely admit that I was the prat this whole time. But seriously, could you just—"

"Hey, look," George interrupted, pointing off to the side, "there's an owl. Not many people would bother sending a letter on the first day of school surely."

Percy followed George's finger, glad for the distraction. It seemed that he'd managed to once again put his foot in his mouth, despite his careful wording.

At this point he just didn't know what to do. It was clear that one of them was completely misunderstanding things. But which of them was it? Surely no one would prevent a child from going to school, and if Harry's relatives really didn't like him, wouldn't they be glad to send him away for most of the year?

While Percy had been thinking, the others had flown closer to the owl. He noticed absently that the bird was listing slightly to one side. He really hoped that his brothers didn't intend to accost the creature. Taking broomsticks out without permission was one thing, but taking and reading someone else's mail was quite another.

"I might not know exactly what's going on here, but you can't just go through other people's correspondence!" he called out sternly, still determinedly staying away.

Ron looked back and rolled his eyes. Percy scowled. Really! He'd apologised hadn't he? There was absolutely no need for such disrespectful behaviour.

To Percy's surprise, however, the owl stopped of its own accord, right in front of the trio. Ron reached out and took the letter from the owl's beak, encountering no resistance.

"See!" Ron shouted back triumphantly, "it is for me after all!"

Percy scoffed. As if anyone would just happen to send Ron a letter that would arrive just as he was flying in the air waiting for information. Still, he supposed if the owl had given Ron the letter, there was nothing to be done about it. He watched stonily as his brothers flew back to him and the owl continued on its way towards the castle.

Ron hastily opened the letter and began to read aloud. Percy flushed with embarrassment, thinking that this could perhaps be a letter to a professor and the owl was simply confused.

"To whoever it may concern," Ron read calmly.

Percy felt a spike of relief. The letter may not be intended for them, but at least it didn't seem like a personal letter to anyone in particular.

"My name is Dudley Dursley, and I'm writing this because I'm not sure what else to do," Ron continued, his voice beginning to quaver slightly.

Percy wondered what could be troubling him. Who was this Dudley Dursley? Something about the name rung a faint bell, but he couldn't for the life of him remember why.

"It's my cousin. He's never really fit in at home. I think my parents don't like your lot much," Ron's ears reddened as he spoke, and his voice now clearly trembled with fury.

Percy paled. No! This couldn't be! Could it? Dursley... He did know that name!

"The Dursleys don't really bother much with Christmas," he remembered Harry explaining when he'd asked him why he was staying at Hogwarts. How had he not thought that Harry referring to his family in that way was strange?

"I used to just go along with it. He was always just a freak. But now my parents have locked him up, and I don't think they're ever going to let him out. I'm scared. We've never got on, but they're not giving him much food, and I think he could die."

At this word, Ron's voice broke and he stopped reading.

Percy had been listening in growing shock and horror to the words flowing from Ron's lips. It was true! It was all true! Through his actions, Percy had condemned Harry to weeks of captivity and starvation.

Ron was crying and the twins were talking, but Percy heard none of it. His ears were ringing and his vision was blurring. He felt a wave of dizzying emotion wash over him, and barely maintained his grip on the handle of his broom.

He fumbled with his badge, somehow succeeding in unclipping it with shaking fingers. He didn't deserve this. He never had. How could someone as foolish and oblivious as him possibly set a good example? How could he claim to care for the younger students when he clearly couldn't look past his own ego and ambition?

Percy made to toss the badge to the ground, then thought better of it. The rightful owner didn't deserve to be given a damaged badge. He pocketed it instead.

"What was that about Harry just being a rebellious kid who just didn't have time to write?" Ron's sharp voice cut through Percy's inner turmoil.

Percy attempted to form a response, but the words wouldn't come. What could he possibly say?

Ron continued relentlessly, his voice oddly soft, "a typical period of rebelliousness, I think you said? To busy for you, you said. Of course he's fine Ron. Don't be stupid, Ron. What do you know?"

Percy stared, gaping like a fish. Ron's glare at that moment rivalled any he'd ever seen before, the reddened eyes and tear streaked face somehow adding to its ferocity.

"Well I'm his best friend damn it! I know him better than anyone!" Ron brandished the letter in Percy's face, "you see this? Even Harry's bullying pig of a cousin helped more than you! He said... He said..." Ron stopped, once again breaking into ragged sobs.

"I'm sorry," Percy whispered in a strangled voice, "I was wrong. I'm sorry."

They embraced in the air, balancing precariously on their broomsticks as they clung tightly to one another. Percy felt so grateful that Ron had seemingly forgiven him. He knew he didn't really deserve it, but he also knew now that he could not handle being outcast from his family any longer.

Percy felt his broom stabilise a little at the same time as he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking round, he saw that Fred was attempting to hold both Percy's and Ron's brooms steady on one side, and George had a hand on each of their shoulders on the other. He smiled softly. This was how it should be. All of them together.

"Everything's alright now," George said soothingly, "McGonagall will have found Harry at the Dursleys' house by now surely. She'll be back with him any minute."

Percy and Ron separated, allowing Fred to let go. Ron nodded, looking a lot better than he had in a while, despite all the tears marking his face. Percy now felt oddly numb.

"We should take that letter to Dumbledore," Fred said, taking the now rather crumpled letter from Ron's hand, "he'll know what to do."

George nodded. Percy reached into his pocket, drawing out the prefect badge. Dumbledore should get it back as soon as possible to give him time to find a more suitable replacement. Percy had something else he needed to do.

"Here, if you're going to see the headmaster, give him this. Tell him I'm not worthy of the position. He'll need to find someone else who can take the responsibilities more seriously."

George took the badge, frowning at him.

"We'll do that, but I'm sure he'll agree with us that you're being stupid," he said as he held the badge.

"Right," said Fred, "there's no one in the school who takes the prefect position as seriously as you do. This just proves it."

"Nevertheless," Percy replied, smiling sadly, "Professor Dumbledore should be made aware. I'm sure he will see reason."

"So are we," Fred and George chorused stubbornly before flying off.

"So what now?" Ron asked uncertainly.

"Now," Percy said purposefully, "I have a letter to write. You'll be alright on your own for a little while, won't you?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine," Ron responded confidently, "I'll go and wait by the gates I think."

"Good plan," Percy agreed, "do let me know... Let me know how Harry is, if that's okay."

"Course," Ron said, "go and write your letter and I'll tell you as soon as I know something."

Percy nodded and turned towards the ground. Before landing, he turned back up to Ron.

"You're a really good person, Ron. I'm proud to be your brother."

Ron blushed with pride, "err, thanks, Perce. You are too, you know. I know that now."

Percy smiled, shaking his head. Ron was so generous and forgiving. He was ashamed that he hadn't noticed sooner.

Landing and discarding his broom, Percy strode back to the school. He had a very hard letter to write, so he needed to start immediately.

"I think that went quite well," Fred said to George as they walked back into the entrance hall.

"Yeah, it did actually. I knew Percy would realise he was being a bit of a prat eventually, and that Ron would realise that actually he's not as much of a prat as he thought. Percy I mean. I just wish..." he trailed off sombrely.

"Yeah," Fred agreed, his hand clenching round the letter he was holding.

He'd been trying not to think about the letter. He especially didn't want to think about the last sentence Ron had read. Surely Harry would still be okay... The owl couldn't have taken that long to arrive. Could it?

"We'll give it to Dumbledore like we said," George said reassuringly, "he and McGonagall can sort things out, and when they do and Harry's safe, we'll find a way to get back at those muggles. It'll be the best prank ever. They won't know what's hit them."

Fred grinned wickedly. George always knew what to say. They'd make those horrible, evil people pay. Still distracting himself with thoughts of sweet revenge, he walked with his twin into the great hall.

Ron urged his broom to go as fast as it could, which wasn't very fast at all. His attention was mostly on the ground, his eyes only flicking up to make sure there were no obstacles ahead. He hoped he hadn't missed McGonagall when he'd been distracted with Percy.

Ron wondered who Percy could be writing a letter too. His brother confused him sometimes. First he gives an awkward, pompous apology that totally misses the point, then he hands in his badge and says he's proud of me, Ron thought. He smiled at the memory. He didn't think anyone had ever said anything like that to him before. It made him feel warm and appreciated.

Ron's mood darkened again as he remembered what had brought about Percy's change of heart in the first place. The letter. It had continued after the sentence at which Ron had stopped reading, but he hadn't been able to go on. Not after he'd read the word 'die'. Harry could die!

Severus stood in the shadows by the gates, looking up at Weasley flying above. He'd heard raised voices earlier, but not what was said. The boy was probably angry that Potter had left him out of his little scheme. Or perhaps he was worried that his little brat of a friend was about to be discovered by Minerva.

Severus sneered. He was sure she and the headmaster believed that something had happened to the boy. He looked forward to their reactions when they found out that they were wrong. When they would finally see that he was right.

He heard a loud crack close by. It seemed that he wouldn't have long to wait. A triumphant smile twisted his face as he looked to the gates.

They swung open, revealing Minerva. Severus's eyebrows rose in shock. She was carrying the boy in her arms. He looked like a corpse.

Severus heard a shout from overhead. Glancing up, he saw Weasley diving straight for the ground. Muttering under his breath about the stupidity of children and the foolhardiness of Gryffindors in particular, he drew his wand and prepared to cushion the idiot child's landing.

Ron plummeted head first towards the ground. His mind was awash with shock and horror, and he couldn't think. Harry looked dead.

Remembering the ground a little late, Ron was only able to turn up in time to prevent landing on his head. Hitting the ground with surprisingly little force, he rolled to his feet quickly. He was met with two glares. Where had Snape come from?

"Ron Weasley! What did you think you were doing! If Severus hadn't been here you might have broken your neck!"

Ignoring this completely, Ron stepped forward to get a closer look at Harry.

"Professor, please. Harry, is he?" Ron couldn't bring himself to finish the question.

Visibly softening, McGonagall replied, "he passed out when we apparated. He needs a good sleep and proper meals, but I'm sure he'll recover."

Ron felt himself relax. His stomach unknotted and his shoulders slumped in relief. Harry was going to be alright!

"I'm taking him to the hospital wing. You may accompany me if you wish."

Ron nodded eagerly. Now that he wasn't laser-focused on Harry, he realised that McGonagall was levitating Hedwig's cage ahead of her. He also noticed that Snape wasn't wearing his usual sneer. He seemed rattled.

McGonagall nodded briskly and strode quickly to the main doors. Ron followed. He had some important questions to ask.

"Professor, what's going to happen to the muggles? Harry won't have to go back there will he?"

Nostrils flaring, she responded firmly, "he will not. I will not allow it. As for what will happen to them... I will be returning to their home in due course."

Ron grinned. Harry was free from his horrible relatives at least. He was also sure that McGonagall would not let their abuse slide. He only wished he could see what she was going to do to them himself.

They walked in silence back into the school. As they passed the door to the great hall, Ron remembered Hermione. He felt guilty. She didn't know what had happened.

"Professor, I should tell Hermione that Harry's here. She'll want to see him too."

Ron caught a wiff of food from the feast. He suddenly realised that he was absolutely starving. His stomach rumbled loudly, reminding him that he'd hardly eaten before he'd left.

"Of course, do tell her. I'm certain Poppy will understand," McGonagall said, more gently than usual, "and Weasley," she added as he turned to enter the hall, "do take some time to eat something while you're in there. We wouldn't want Mr Potter being woken up by your stomach."

Ron laughed. His head of house really wasn't that bad after all. Still grinning, he walked up to where Hermione sat tensely at the Gryffindor table. He couldn't wait to tell her that Harry was safe.

Diary Entry: 1st September, 1992

Tom, you'll never guess what happened today! Harry Potter didn't come to school! Professor McGonagall asked Ron and his friend Hermione about it, and then she left to look for him. Apparently, she brought him back but he had to go straight to the hospital wing. I do hope he'll be okay. I got sorted into Gryffindor, so when he's out of the hospital wing I should be able to meet him! That'll be amazing won't it? I'll tell you all about it!

Replacement Entry: 1st September, 1992

This is very interesting. I wonder what could be wrong with the boy? Thank you for telling me this Ginny. Please keep me updated. I'm very interested in Harry Potter. I do hope you get to meet him.

A/N:

Truthweaver: Hi guys, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I had a lot of fun writing it. How do you all feel about Percy now? Who do you think he's writing to?

I also just want to thank you all so much for your continued support of this fic. I never thought we'd have over 250 followers and 100 favourites at this stage, if ever. It means so much that you all enjoy reading what we write.

CrypticSpren: I just want to echo this. I'm completely blown away, and I hope that this fic will only continue to be interesting and enjoyable.

I hope you have a good week, and we'll see you next Wednesday with some reactions from a number of characters.