Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or It's a Wonderful Life.

AN: This second chapter might seem too hurried (it did to me), but I was working under a pretty tight schedule, and Santa brought me a heaping case of strep throat this year. So, I'm making excuses. Enjoy! Merry Chrismukkah, everyone!

Ron blinked, and suddenly he and Sir Nicholas were out of the cold winter air. They stood instead in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. At first it looked the same as he remembered, but there was something slightly off. It seemed darker, somehow, and when Ron looked up, he immediately saw why. The ceiling was no longer enchanted. No stars hung brightly, merely standard wrought-iron chandeliers with flickering candles. It had none of the magic and wonder Ron remembered; it looked almost medieval.

"Bit of a change, isn't it?"

"Oh, I get it. I was never born so the ceiling's not enchanted," Ron said scathingly. "Oh my, how will the wizarding world survive?"

"Not exactly," Sir Nicholas said, ignoring his sarcasm. "This is simply one stop on our journey tonight. I thought you'd like to see your old stomping grounds. It's just a bit duller, no?"

"Well, if this is all, let's move on."

"No, this isn't all," said Sir Nicholas. "Look beside you and you'll see some familiar faces. Don't worry, standard rules apply. They can't see or hear you."

Ron looked to his left and gasped at the figures he saw there. It was Fred and George. They were cleaning the floors, but were using soap-filled buckets, not wands.

"I think they deliberately do this," Fred grumbled. "Any one of these professors could scourgify this room in seconds, but no. And the students, oh they know who's cleaning the floors. Extra spills, every day."

"Do they have detention?" Ron asked. "Did we go back in time?"

"I'm afraid not," Sir Nicholas answered. "This is the present, how it would be if you'd never been born."

"So why are they cleaning? Is this some sort of joke? They look weird. Older than they were at the party."

"Just watch," said Sir Nicholas.

"Oh, they absolutely do, Fred," George said. "I was just telling Argus today that he was right all along. The old methods are the best. I've no doubt that the Headmaster will soon agree."

"Knew you'd see it my way, boys," Filch said, ambling into the Great Hall. Mrs. Norris was right behind him. She went to Fred, who absentmindedly scratched her ears. Ron looked scandalized. "Now when you're finished in here, the Owlery needs tending to. Some second years set off a few dungbombs."

"If I catch them at it, it'll be the last thing they do," said George. "We'll be done here directly, sir."

Ron had seen enough. "Okay, what is this rubbish?"

"It's hard to find work when you've been expelled from Hogwarts and stripped of your wand," Sir Nicholas answered calmly.

"What?"

"I'm afraid so, Mr. Weasley. It was right at the beginning of their sixth year. They tried their luck in the muggle world, but eventually came back to Hogwarts. The headmaster agreed to hire them to help Mr. Filch. As you can see, they've adapted nicely."

"That's utter crap," said Ron. "There's no way Dumbledore would expel the twins."

"No, no, dear boy," said Sir Nicholas. "Dumbledore is no longer Headmaster. He has not set foot in Hogwarts in ten years."

"Well, he is dead," said Ron.

"Once again, you are the paragon of empathy. However, Dumbledore is not dead in this reality. You might think that's an improvement, but I assure you it's not. Dumbledore is in hiding."

"There's no way," Ron scoffed.

"I'm sad to report it's the truth," Sir Nicholas said. "Following the basilisk attacks, Dumbledore was removed from the school, and since they were never resolved, he was not reinstated. Professor McGonagall, likewise, was fired as his replacement."

"Yeah, right," Ron said. "Who in blazes would fire McGonagall? And Harry took care of the basilisk."

"Your Mr. Potter and this reality's Mr. Potter are two very different men," said Sir Nicholas. "Most of the victims, like your Miss Granger, were restored to full health. But a girl died, and Dumbledore was not allowed back. The attacks stopped after he left, which is certainly what Lucius Malfoy and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named wanted."

Ron swallowed hard. "A girl died?"

"I believe you can guess who."

Ginny.

"But how can Harry let that happen?" Ron exclaimed. "Surely he would have found some way to save her! He's a hero. They're going to be married. This can't be right."

"Mr. Weasley, perhaps we should go back a little bit."

Ron blinked again, and now they were on the Hogwarts Express.

"You'll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there."

Ron watched, dry-mouthed, as eleven-year-old Harry shook Draco Malfoy's hand and walked away from a stricken-looking Neville Longbottom.

"Tell me that didn't just happen. Not even in bizarre world would that happen. Harry would never be so cruel."

"You forget, Mr. Weasley," said Sir Nicholas, "that Mr. Potter did not have positive experiences with muggles, nor did he know much more than Hagrid told him about the wizarding world. Perhaps if Mr. Malfoy had not approached him, things would have been different. It's not too hard to believe, though, is it, that he would welcome the first person who offered friendship? That he would bury himself in Slytherin?"

"I don't believe that!" said Ron. "Okay, so what if I never met Harry on the train? He still knew how bad Voldemort was. Hagrid told him! He told him all about his parents."

"And when young Malfoy filled his head with stories of Hagrid the savage? He knew he'd defeated the most feared wizard of all time," Sir Nicholas said. "In Slytherin, that would make him very powerful. He and Malfoy ruled that House from day one. He wasn't too broken up about the capture and subsequent death of some little blood traitor."

Ron could barely breathe. He pushed the contents of his stomach back down with some difficulty. "Okay, you've convinced me. I don't want to see anymore. You were right, I was wrong. Can we go back, please?"

"Are you sure?" asked Sir Nicholas. "Do you not want to see the lives of the rest of your friends? I got the idea that your feelings of inadequacy mainly stem from Miss Granger."

"She's too good for me," he blurted out. "Okay, so I see Harry needed me to keep his head straight. For Ginny to die without me, well… I can't even talk about that. But Hermione - well, she recovered from the basilisk, right? She would have been fine no matter what. And she could have met some nice, brainy, even-tempered guy."

"I believe you recall the personality of Miss Granger your first year of school? Before you and Mr. Potter saved her from the troll?"

"Did the troll kill her?" Ron asked in horror.

"No, she had no reason to hide in the bathroom without your cruel comments," said Sir Nicholas.

"Do you see what I mean?' Ron said. "We drive each other crazy."

"Indeed," said Sir Nicholas. "As I was saying, without the friendship of you and Mr. Potter, Miss Granger remained slightly more high-strung. Bossy, some might say, although still a brilliant witch. She did thaw a bit during her fourth year, when she attracted the attentions of Viktor Krum."

"Good old Vicky," said Ron disdainfully. "I guess nothing can stop that. It's surprising, though, that they held the Triwizard Tournament without Dumbledore."

"The new Headmaster, Severus Snape, would not miss such an opportunity to hobnob with the Ministry," said Sir Nicholas. "It was wonderful publicity. Even more so when young Mr. Diggory won."

"Cedric living, that's an improvement in this reality," Ron said absentmindedly. "But there's no way that greasy bat made Headmaster."

"Lucius Malfoy is head of the board of school governors," Sir Nicholas said sadly. "He appointed Professor Snape. The Bloody Baron's been intolerable ever since. He did get rid of Peeves, though."

"This just gets better and better," Ron grumbled. "Are you sure this isn't just some put-on to make me feel bad? I assure you it's working."

"Certainly not, Mr. Weasley. Every single person has a destiny, a role to play. When you refuse that role, horrible things happen."

"Okay," Ron sighed. "What about Hermione? Did she marry Krum?"

"They were engaged," said Sir Nicholas. "Two weeks before the wedding, Krum was killed by Death Eaters."

"But I thought Voldemort was gone," said Ron. "Did Tom Riddle sneak out of the diary?"

"He did not," said Sir Nicholas. "He continued to be imprisoned, despite Miss Weasley's death. Actually, Mssrs. Potter and Malfoy restored He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named to full strength. They are the leaders of the younger brand of Death Eaters."

"I don't believe you," Ron said. "Mind, you, I can believe it of Malfoy. I've never trusted him, not even since his supposed reform, but Harry? No matter what, that's impossible. What about his parents?"

"A mudblood and a blood traitor," said Sir Nicholas. "Mr. Potter thanks You-Know-Who of ridding the world of them. Oh, and Mr. Weasley, in the world you were so willing to abandon, Mr. Malfoy has reformed. You are robbing him of the chance to do so."

"Bugger Malfoy," Ron said. "Where's Hermione? I want to see her."

"I'll show you."

Malfoy Manor, cold, grand, and deadly suddenly loomed before Ron and Sir Nicholas. This could not even remotely be good. Ron had long suspected that Draco harbored a soft spot for Hermione, or rather an unhealthy attraction. If she was here, there were some very dark things happening. Piled on top of horrible things that had already been revealed, Ron felt that his sanity was going to very soon be threatened.

"Come on, Granger," Ron heard Draco say, as the walls of the manor melted and became Draco's bedroom. "Get dressed for a change. I know it kills you to leave my bed, but you have a big day ahead of you."

"I know, Draco," Hermione said, clad in a skimpy green nightgown. Ron moaned at the sight of his beloved sharing a bed with Draco effing Malfoy. "Give me three seconds."

WHAP! Hermione's head flew back with the impact of Draco's strike.

"Try that cheek with the Dark Lord and it'll be Cruciatus," Draco warned her. "Watch your mouth, mudblood, or I'll be the one doling out Unforgivables. If you play your cards right today, you'll get in good with the Dark Lord. I don't mind sharing you with him. He knows, like I do, that mudbloods are good for a few things."

"You're right, Draco," Hermione said dully. "I'm sorry."

"And that's the Dark Lord only, you slut," Draco said menacingly, taking a step toward her. "If I even get a whiff that you've been shagging Potter again, you'll beg for death."

"I know, Draco," she said again. "I'm not doing anything with Harry. I never was. He's your best friend. I know my place here, Draco. I'd never do that."

"Let's hope for your sake you're telling the truth."

"Sir Nick," Ron gasped. "I'm going to be sick."

Sir Nicholas looked on calmly while Ron retched onto the floor of Malfoy Manor, which faded again until they were outside once more.

"It's not pleasant," Sir Nicholas agreed. "Not quite how it looks, though. When Krum was killed, probably on young Malfoy's orders, Hermione joined a resistance group."

"The Order?"

"A shell of the Order," Sir Nicholas said. "She is working from the inside to bring down the Death Eaters."

"As a whore?" Ron spat the words out. "The Hermione I know-"

"This is not the Hermione you know," Sir Nicholas reminded him gently. "She is doing what she thinks is best. She's playing on Mr. Malfoy's weakness for her, but she's underestimated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. She is also sleeping with Mr. Potter, which is why Malfoy is telling You-Know-Who that Potter is a traitor. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has long had the Chosen One Prophesy in the back of his head. Young Malfoy's obsession with Miss Granger gives him an excuse to kill Mr. Potter."

"Voldemort's going to kill Harry?" Ron whispered.

"Yes," said Sir Nicholas, "and Miss Granger, too. He can't afford to have Malfoy care about anyone but him."

"What can we do?" Ron asked. "This is madness."

"You can stop all this self-indulgent bullshit, quit feeling sorry for yourself and get back on track," Sir Nicholas said. "You've got a great life: wonderful girl, fulfilling job and family and friends who love you. Knock this rubbish off."

Ron took a deep breath. The horrors he had seen tonight did more than Hermione's reassuring words of love ever had, but he knew from this day forward he would believe everything she said. He was heartily ashamed of his behavior. He was a good man, with a good life. It was time to live it.

"Done," he said, raising his eyes to Sir Nicholas.

In a wink, Sir Nicholas was gone and Ron found himself outside the Burrow. It had never looked so warm and inviting before. He raced inside, calling for his mother. Mr. Weasley was at Hermione's party, but Mrs. Weasley, citing last minute Christmas duties, had stayed home. She looked up at surprise at the sudden intrusion of her youngest son.

"Mum," he gasped, out of breath. "Can you go get it, please? I need it right now."

"Oh, Ronnie," she exclaimed, knowing exactly what he was talking about. "As soon as you're done, you both come right back here. Bring everyone with you."

"I will," Ron said. He paced back and forth, waiting, while his mother went upstairs. Moments later, she flew down the stairs, holding a small ring box.

"I love you, Ronnie," she said, tears right below the surface. "You're a good boy."

God, how could he have been so blind to the love in his life? It would not happen again. He grabbed his mother in a fierce huge. "I love you, too. We'll be back soon."

Without another word, Ron apparated back to the party. He looked for Hermione, and was crushed anew to see her sitting forlornly by herself at table.

I am such a prick, he thought, and the self-hatred threatened to wash over him again. Images of Hermione in Draco Malfoy's bed were enough to push it back down. You are done with this crap. Now go get the girl.

"Hermione?" Ron said tentatively, walking over to her. She looked up in surprise, and her eyes looked very bright, as if tears would erupt any second.

"Ron? What are you doing back here?"

"Apologizing," he said, kneeling in front of her. "Baby, I am so sorry I've been acting like such a jerk lately."

"Hallelujah," Ginny said from behind them. Ron looked up in surprise. Ginny stood with her arms crossed, shooting daggers at him.

"Butt out, Ginny," said Harry, sliding up beside her. She glared at Harry, then Ron, but said nothing more.

"No, she's right," Ron said. "I've been unforgivable lately, Hermione, and the only thing I can say is I'm sorry, and it's not going to happen again. Well, of course I'll probably be a prat sometimes, it is ingrained, after all, but I'm going to remember that you are the best thing in my life."

"You really hurt me," Hermione said, still holding back tears. "This was a big night for me."

"I know, sweetie, and if you'll let me, I'd like to make it even bigger." He pulled the box Mrs. Weasley had given him out of his pocket. Opening it, he pulled out his great-grandmother's heirloom diamond ring. "Do you think you would give me the chance to make it up to you for the rest of my life?"

Ginny gasped and Hermione started crying in earnest. The rest of the party stopped. All eyes were on Hermione and Ron.

"Hermione, I realized tonight that I was born to be with you. You're the best thing that ever happened to me, and I am beyond blessed that you see fit to love me. I'm nothing without you, and I think it goes both ways. We were destined for one another. I love you, and I want you to marry me."

Hermione flew into his arms. "Yes!!!"

The crowd went wild. The band struck up a jaunty Christmas tune and everyone descended upon them to offer congratulations. Ron even got a sincere handshake from Draco Malfoy and thought about what Sir Nicholas had said. If he was really reformed, he'd give this whole forgiveness thing a try. He offered back an equally sincere 'thank you.'

When some of the excitement had died down, (the 'Congratulations Hermione' banners now said 'Congratulations Hermione and Ronniekins'), Ron turned to his only sister.

"You were right, Gin," he said, engulfing her in a hug. "I've got my head straight now, though. I love you."

"I love you, too, big brother," she said. "But don't muck this up, or I'll kick your arse."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Ron replied, grinning at her. He turned from Ginny to greet Harry, who already had his arms slung around Hermione.

"This is the second happiest I've ever been in my life," Harry said, his eyes bright and his smile wide. "First, of course, was when Ginny said yes to me. My two best friends getting married… Well, words can't express my feelings right now, so let's settle for a three-way hug."

They stood there for a long time, arms wrapped tight around each other, feeling happy, safe and loved. When at last they broke apart, Hermione kissed them both, then grabbed Ron's hand. She looked over her shoulder to see Mr. Weasley, Fred, George, Charlie and Bill smiling at her. They had all hugged and congratulated her already, but seeing them, her new family, all together, made her start crying again. Laughing, Charlie pulled her away from Ron and into another hug.

"Well, little sister," he said fondly. "You are entering into a scary new world. You're going to need to set aside at least twenty hours per week for in-depth wedding sessions with Mum, Ginny and Fleur. Think you can handle it?"

"Well, after defeating the Dark Lord," she laughed, "this will be…easily the scariest thing I've ever done, and that includes defeating Voldemort."

"Hey," Ginny cried. "Weasley women aren't that bad, Hermione. You'll see. You're one of us, now."

"She always has been," Mr. Weasley offered, earning him a dazzling smile from Hermione.

"Alright, Weasleys, Potters," Ron said, clapping his hands together. "Away to the Burrow. Mum's waiting for us."

He clasped Hermione's hand and whispered "Happy Christmas" in her ear as they apparated.

"I love you, Ron," she responded.

"I love you, too," he said. It was going to be a very happy New Year.