Hiya everyone!

So yes, it's been a long time and I apologize for the wait - I hope you all haven't forgotten about my story! But I wouldn't blame you if you did.

I'd just like to personally thank Jeni-Tall for being an excellent fanfiction author – it's been an honour to be your beta and if not for you, I most likely would not have continued this story. Your dedication is inspiring!

Also, thank you to Kayla, Evil-is-Sxxy13, no.1dracolover, iluv2dance, alexia1huff, Sarah, Malfoy-Jacky, and BlackPetals! Your constant reviews have encouraged me to continue writing!

Finally, I'd like to thank Vadim – we may not be speaking right now, but I appreciate your interest in my work. I hope you're alright, whatever you're doing (corrupting Tim's mind, getting Mark to do your dirty work…but hey, we all need a hobby right?)

Anyway – (finally!) on with the story –

Chapter 12: Falling At Your Feet

Not long after Ron had borrowed the Marauder's Map and headed out of the Gryffindor dormitory, Harry found himself staring wide-eyed at the top of his four-poster bed. He clutched his scar, wincing painfully; it throbbed angrily, making his skull feel like it would burst at any moment. He had almost bitten through his bottom lip in the attempts to stifle his agonized scream upon waking from the nightmare.

Voldemort had murdered Hermione's grandparents.

Harry knew that these were the grandparents that knew nothing of Hermione's entrance into the Wizarding world, for Hermione's parents had feared that they'd disown their granddaughter. Hermione had only ever mentioned them once to him in passing, well out of ear shot of Ron. Obviously she had felt that if Ron knew she had grandparents, who possessed ideas similar to the Malfoys and Dursleys, he would immediately demand that she never speak to them again. Unfortunately things weren't that simple, even in the Muggle world—Hermione loved her grandparents despite their prejudice. Harry knew that they still must be good people – unlike his relatives, who cared nothing for him nor ever would.

But Harry did not dwell on that any further as he tossed restlessly in his bed. He wondered why Voldemort had murdered Hermione's grandparents – in the dream, it had happened so suddenly; Harry had no idea whether Voldemort had known they were Hermione's grandparents. But why would Voldemort go after Hermione now?

He had to tell Dumbledore, but he would not go to him in person. He felt that a meeting with Dumbledore would only drain him. He would of course be there when Dumbledore told Hermione, who would probably be in tears. Malfoy should be there as well. Dumbledore wouldn't know that…

Well, Harry thought, grabbing his broom from his trunk and casting a casual glance towards Ron's bed. Dumbledore knew everything, so he'd probably expect me to bring Malfoy along as well.

Harry squinted in the darkness when he realized that Ron's figure was not there and he stood up to his full height, feeling the weight of his feelings close in upon him.

Where the hell was Ron? And why the hell couldn't he find his Marauder's Map?

Great, Harry sighed, climbing onto his broom, setting off for the Owlery. If that git is out doing something stupid, it'll serve him right.

It's not like Harry cared at the moment. Well, that's what he told himself anyway.

In the Slytherin dungeons, Ron Weasley crept silently along the walls—his wand lit as he gazed down intently at the Marauder's Map that showed him where Snape's private quarters were. He almost screamed when he felt his finger brush against the thick body of a spider; it scurried down the wall, out of the light of the wand and Ron shuddered in revulsion.

Bloody hell, would it kill them to keep this place decent?

In the thick of things, Ron really had no idea what was going on.

His best friend had slept with his mortal enemy, his other best friend seemed to be falling for said enemy, and his entire family seemed to be obsessed with first said best friend.

Then again, the latter wasn't exactly a new occurrence. Ginny had been in love with Harry from day one, George had fallen for him this past summer, and Fred was just trying to keep Harry in check.

And what about him?

Ron's fingers clenched as he peered around a dark corner. He didn't trust his feelings at that moment. Harry seemed in a completely different universe these days and Ron was always the last to know about everything. It seemed almost cruel to take Harry away from him so early in their lives, with the dark times and the war that most of them would not live through.

They were all growing up—too fast for Ron's liking and it hurt him deeply to realize that he seemed to be, like always, the one being left behind. After growing up in a large family, living in the shadows of successful, good-looking, intelligent, and comedic older brothers it seemed as though Ron would never find his ground. Yet, he had been lucky enough to end up in Harry's year and because of Harry, he was given the opportunity to shine like he never had before in all the years of his life.

He was drawn to Harry, much like everyone else. Yet, unlike most people, who wanted to be near Harry to be something they weren't, Ron wanted to be with Harry so that it could bring out the best in him.

Looking back to 4th year – when McGonagall had taken him and Hermione up to Dumbledore's office to be put into a state of unconsciousness…

The thing he'd miss the most…

The feeling that had filled him then had been unlike any he had never known. He wondered if he'd ever experience that kind of feeling again. He knew, no matter what happened that he and Harry would remain best friends forever. Ron ignored the other thoughts that plagued him in his sleep and gazed down at the map again.

Not much further.

When he finally found the door to the Potion's Master Chambers, he tapped silently, his insides twisting uncomfortably as his ears picked up the approaching footsteps from within.

When the door open, Ron lifted his gaze to Snape's. Their eyes held and locked and suddenly, Ron felt no fear.

"I need to talk to you about, Harry."

Without a word, Snape let Ron into his office, shutting the door quietly behind him.

Outside on the grounds, Ginny had run after her twin brothers and follow them down the path that led to the Quidditch pitch, her red hair blowing wildly behind her.

"Alright you two!" she panted, stopping not far off from the stands. Her brothers also seemed out of breath and the three of them rested there a while, gazing up at the night sky.

"I don't suppose you'd mind filling me in on what's going on these days, hm?" Ginny asked them, eyes hard and questioning.

Fred let out a long sigh and plopped down onto the grass, George following barely a second later. Ginny stared down at them, hands on her hips, quite similar to their mother.

"Well Gin," Fred began, stretching his arms behind his head,

"It's like this," George continued. "To make our recent product we had to do a bit of dirty dealing and unfortunately we managed to get mixed up with Lucius Malfoy."

"Accidentally, of course," supplied Fred.

"Of course," agreed George.

Ginny stared at them, wide eyed.

"How on earth could you manage to accidentally get mixed up with the man who almost had me killed?"

Silence.

"Er well, he polyjuiced himself," said Fred.

"Aye!" exclaimed George, sitting up quickly. "He looked like a dirty smelly old man!"

"You two are such idiots!" cried Ginny, kicking them both hard against their sides. They both winced and narrowed their eyes up at Ginny.

"We needed our product! We'd never do anything to hurt our friends. If we really thought he was dangerous, we wouldn't have got the damn egg from him. Right, George?"

"Right, Fred."

"So how did Harry get involved in this?"

"Well, Harry was sleeping with that Malfoy bint. I don't know what the hell Malfoy's cooking up. Hermione seems to know an awful lot about it though. Her and Snape send owls to each other."

"Really?" Ginny's interest was peaked. "About what?"

"There's some master plan of course, isn't there always? Hermione says we're not supposed to say anything. But she doesn't know much either, because Snape still hasn't a clue as to what Lucius meant by giving us the egg," said Fred exasperated.

"And if you ask me, it really seems like he's done a shoddy job of it. Giving it to Hermione when his son was sleeping with Harry…" George trailed off, shaking his head.

"He couldn't have known Hermione and Draco would start shacking up! And as for the person Harry's in love with…"

"Yes?" Ginny and George asked in unison. Fred looked pained then.

"Well, never you mind. Malfoy would have no way of knowing. The only way he could know is if his son knew. And trust me, Malfoy definitely doesn't know. But I'm sure he has his suspicious…"

"I don't see why you just can't tell us," George asked, bitterness creeping into his voice. "It's not like it makes a difference to me anymore."

Fred sighed and brushed off invisible dust on his clothes, avoiding his brothers' hurt expression.

"Look, Harry's family. You don't tell each other's secrets. Not these secrets," Fred said hastily, noticing Ginny about to protest. "It's actually kinda cute."

Ginny smirked and George rolled his eyes.

"Speak of the devil," muttered Fred as they saw a broom fly over head and circle the pitch. "Maybe we should leave."

"No," Ginny murmured quietly, eyeing Harry far above them. "I have a better idea."

When Harry arrived in the Owlery, he called for Hedwig and she came to him immediately, nipping his finger affectionately.

"Hey girl, how're you? Do you mind delivering something to Dumbledore for me?" Harry pulled out a piece of parchment and wrapped it around Hedwig's leg. She hooted pleasantly and flew off into the night.

Harry sighed and looked around the dark room, shivering despite his thick coat. He hated feeling alone and he did not look forward to the morning to face Hermione's grief. He knew he would get no more sleep tonight and so he mounted his broom and headed off towards the Quidditch pitch, in hopes of clearing his mind of all his worries.

Unfortunately, when he reached the pitch, memories of his youth came back to him full force and he felt tears sting his eyes as the emotions washed over him. He remembered when it had all began, when he first arrived here—all the prospects of the future bright and hopeful.

Things were so different now. His friends were growing up and he knew he had to face the darkest wizard in history in a battle that could potentially destroy their world forever. It was truly amazing, Harry thought, moving his broom into a dive towards the ground, that the fate of the Wizarding world rested on his shoulders and what was he doing at that very moment?

Flying.

Seemingly without a care in the world, weightless and free.

It was glorious. And he laughed. He laughed so hard he cried as the wind whipped his face violently. He could feel Voldemort's anger inside him rage but he pushed it down, feeling the happiness rush through him like a warm blanket after a night in the cold. He laughed at Voldemort, for the love that he would never know and would never possess.

And yes, even after all these years, he still felt sorry for him.

Harry landed in the stands and lay on his back despite the discomfort of the hard seats. He stared up at the stars and sighed, feeling his heavy load return to him once more. But it didn't bother him so much just then as he lay there, breathing in the cool night air. Yet, thinking of the future he faced, and the perils that his friends, his love and even himself would have to go through.

Harry could not suppress the wracking sobs that shook his body with silent tears. They rolled down his cheeks, causing his teeth to chatter from the cold.

But he didn't care.

He repeated the name of his love over and over again in his head, and without realizing, the stars in the sky began to glow brighter.

Underneath the stands, close to Harry, Ginny, Fred and George watched in awe as the stars began to move precariously across the sky and shape into a name. The wind roared in their eyes and the sounds of Harry's sobs died away.

Their eyes locked on the name that was now glowing in the heavens. Fred's face remained expressionless; George's features were sad but almost content, and Ginny's eyes sparkled with happiness.

"So," she whispered softly so that only her brothers could hear.

"He'll be a Weasley after all."

Professor Snape took careful pains to collect his thoughts as he walked with his back towards Mr. Weasley towards his desk. He wondered why the boy had suddenly decided to visit him tonight of all nights. He had been debating with himself on how he was going to get Lucius to reveal the reasoning behind giving the Weasley twins that Ashwinder egg. He'd left it so long, the date of Lucius' arrival was upon him and he was still without any possible means to get Lucius to reveal the truth, without Severus having to sacrifice his cover as a spy.

But that did not matter at this particular moment – the matter at hand was Harry.

Then again, it was always Harry.

As Severus turned around to face the red headed young man, he was surprised to find the boy already seated, without any word from him. He noticed the determined look in his eye and how he held his back straight. Severus knew then that Weasley had finally accepted whatever it was between him and Harry and now he had come to discuss it man to man.

"Alright, Mr. Weasley," began Severus, gracefully sitting down into his chair. "What would you like to know about Mr. Potter?"

"I...I want to know if he's in love with you."

There was a very long pause in which Severus felt time slow, as though this very question represented the most central point in his life and his answer would define his personhood. The words seemed to weave within his mind, taunting him maliciously, as though they wished him to deny the Weasley boy all answers, to shape a reality that he had so long wished to come into existence.

Yet Severus knew better.

He immediately got a firm hold on his feelings and forcefully pushed them out of his mind.

When he pronounced the word 'No', Severus felt that he had sentenced himself to death and cursed himself for his own weakness. He saw Weasley's face relax slightly, the colour returning to his cheeks, which had been deathly pale only moments before. Despite himself, Severus felt glad that he could offer such a small piece of good news to someone. He only delivered bad news to Dumbledore.

And to Harry.

"This relieves you then," Severus said quietly, his voice betraying nothing.

Ron looked up from his lap, where he had been distractedly tapping his fingers, and shrugged a shoulder nonchalantly.

"If he was, I would have accepted it."

Severus raised an eyebrow. "But not Malfoy."

Ron gave a twisted smile and sighed very quietly. "Malfoy and I have a history."

"Well thank you Mr. Weasley," Severus said.

Ron looked confused. "For what?"

"For realizing that my attitude towards you is nothing personal. It is simply your lack of interest and general incapability within my classroom."

Ron couldn't help but laugh. "I am rather horrible at Potions."

"That's putting it lightly," Severus said, a slight smile gracing his mouth. Ron goggled.

"We're...having a decent conversation."

"Indeed. Potter has that way with people."

There was something about the words that caused Ron to stare directly into Snape's eyes.

"I should have changed my question around," he remarked very quietly.

Severus regarded Ron very seriously before looking away and whispered, "It is of no consequence."

Ron swallowed and said reassuringly, "I know how you feel."

Severus glanced quickly at Ron. Ron looked back at him with an awkward, bashful smile.

"I've been struggling with this for a long time. I think Malfoy sent me over the edge."

"Weasley—" began Snape, before he was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps outside. He stood up and listened intently, wondering which one of his brainless students was carelessly running past his door at this hour.

As though reading his thoughts, Weasley answered, his voice and face revealing his immediate confusion,

"It's…me."

Severus whipped around and looked down at the map in his hands. There, on the piece of parchment, was Ron Weasley's name hurrying up the stairs. Unlike the other names, it was written in red.

He watched the blood red scrawl turn a corner and the map unfolded itself accordingly.

The figure was heading towards the Astronomy Tower.

Severus was half-way out the door before Ron shouted "Hermione!" and bolted after his Potions Master.

"I think I've always known," breathed George heavily, his emotions getting the better of him as they began their descent from the stands. Harry was on his broom again, circling the Quidditch pitch.

The three Weasleys headed back towards Hogwarts, each of them lost in their own thoughts and emotions.

George felt a dull weight settle on his chest, while Fred was feeling torn between his twin and wondering if Harry would ever find true happiness.

Ginny was beaming.

"Cheer up George, it's not so bad!" exclaimed Ginny, skipping around.

"What are you so happy about anyway?" growled George.

"Why aren't you? Harry's basically family! And sooner or later he will be."

George and Ginny began a heated argument about Harry's happiness – not paying attention to the fact that they were headed towards the foot of the Astronomy Tower.

"All I'm saying is that that idiot has no idea how to appreciate him."

"That idiot happens to be your brother!"

"Well we'll just see about THAT!"

"QUIET YOU TWO!" shouted Fred, listening hard. "Don't you hear that?"

They listened. They could barely make out angry voices coming from the tower.

Suddenly, very clearly, they heard,

"It's not Weasley, it's—"

"SHUT UP!"

"Bloody HELL!" the three of them exclaimed when they heard Hermione's blood-curdling scream pierce the night air. Like the sound of hummingbirds, they heard a broom whiz high above their heads, its shadow moving over their bodies, causing them to look up in time to see a figure hurtling off the Astronomy Tower—and into the outstretched arms of one very special Harry Potter.

"Look!" shouted Ginny, pointing up at the sky. "It's Harry! He's got Malfoy!"

When Ron arrived in the Astronomy Tower, he immediately noticed three things:

Malfoy hurtling to his death; himself pointing the wand, and Hermione crumpling to the ground.

Ron and Severus ran forward—Severus grabbed the other Ron and tugged him forward. Ron bent down to pick Hermione off the ground, clutching her tightly as he peered over the side. Looking down, he noticed his older brothers and younger sister. Waving and cheering.

He looked up and saw Harry, Malfoy clutched tightly in his arms, safely on Harry's broom. He sighed in relief and was about to turn to speak to the culprit when his eyes were immediately drawn to the stars.

He gasped. He then felt a strong hand on his shoulder and turned to look up at Severus.

Severus murmured softly, "Your answer, Mr. Weasley."

Safe in Harry's arms, Draco groaned.

"Goddamnit Potter, I've had enough of your heroics."

Harry chuckled as he began to swerve his broom in the other direction, facing the Astronomy Tower. "My heroics saved your life, Malfoy. Perhaps you might be more appreciative, given the fact that you'll now actually live to see yours and Hermione's children."

Harry felt a strong thwack to the side of his head and he swerved dangerously. Harry would have laughed, but having another body on his broom was severely throwing off his balance.

"Hit me again and I'll drop you," Harry growled, zooming towards the Astronomy Tower, four figures coming into his vision.

"Why didn't you the first time!" Draco whined pathetically, clutching the Gryffindor tighter as Harry managed to land perfectly on the edge that Draco recently had fallen over.

"Potter, you're the worst hero I've ever met. You couldn't have landed over there? Severus! Oh thank Merlin. Pansy tried to kill me!"

Harry looked around and finally noticed that there were two Rons standing in the Astronomy Tower. He looked from one to the other and then glared angrily at the one Severus was clutching onto.

"You're lucky I was here, or you might have killed him."

"If you hadn't been, I would have," Pansy growled in response. Harry still had Malfoy in his arms, but if he hadn't, he would have jumped off the ledge and attacked her.

"Potter get down. And bring Draco with you, as he seems to be safely lodged in your bosom."

Malfoy glared at his godfather and then at Harry. "Do I look like I need to be carried?"

Harry smirked. "Would you like to get down then?" Draco looked terrified and muttered something hatefully.

"What was that Draco? Didn't catch it," Harry grinned down at the blond. Draco barred his teeth.

"You know I'm afraid of heights."

Ron would have laughed if he wasn't feeling as though he'd like very much to push Draco off the edge again.

Potter jumped down and allowed Draco to stand on his own two feet again. Draco made a show of brushing himself off, as though he thought Harry to be extremely repulsive.

"Hermione!" Draco rushed forward to the unconscious girl, who was still in Ron's arms.

"Honestly Weasley, didn't you think to enervate her?" Draco said, exasperated, pulling out his wand.

Ron glowered. "Too busy worrying about whether or not you died Malfoy."

They all looked at him; Severus was amused, and Harry's eyebrows rose so high they hid behind his fringe. Draco merely looked stunned. Then, collecting himself,

"Ugh," Draco made a face, "Weasley caring about me? I think I just threw up in my mouth."

"I was being sarcastic!" shouted Ron forcefully, clenching his hands. Harry burst out laughing and walked over to Ron, slinging an arm around him good-naturedly.

Suddenly, Ron's face turned bright red and he stiffened under Harry's touch. Harry looked at him oddly and turned to look at Severus when suddenly he noticed the sky.

And how Ron was staring at it.

"Bloody hell."

"Language, Mr. Potter. But, if I may say so, you really have put your foot in it this time," Severus stated, amusement laced clearly within his tone.

Draco had just casted Enervate on Hermione, but was immediately distracted by Severus' words.

"What? What the hell does that—" and then he stopped midsentence when his eyes caught hold of the name in the sky.

"Bloody hell," was all he said. Then, all of them heard footsteps and suddenly Ginny, Fred and George came into view.

"Harry saves the day once more!" was their exclamation.

They all rushed forward and congratulated him, shoving Ron out of the way. Ron glared at them and crossed his arms, shuffling his feet uncomfortably, his eyes flickering to the sky every so often and then to Harry's face.

Harry was trying not to look at him, but the tension was beginning to unsettle him.

"Oy! What the hell, two Rons? What's going on—" exclaimed Fred, but stopped when he noticed that the figure began to change.

"I knew Ron didn't have a twin," whispered George as Pansy Parkinson stood before them, in Gryffindor robes.

"Detention! Suspension! Expulsion!" shouted Fred and George at the same time. Suddenly, a groan came from Hermione and all eyes turned to her.

"What happened? Oh my god, Draco!" Hermione nearly strangled Draco when she realized he was standing right in front of her. "I don't understand, I thought you were dead, I saw you fall…"

She looked around and suddenly saw Ron and frowned. Draco shook his head and nodded towards Pansy.

When her eyes fell upon the Slytherin girl, she understood.

In a hard tone, Hermione said, "I may be a mudblood, but at least I've never tried to kill someone."

Draco smiled and pulled Hermione into his arms, away from Pansy. Hermione hugged him tight; when she opened her eyes, she caught sight of the name in the sky and pulled away slowly, still staring at it with a curious expression on her face.

All eyes followed hers. Severus, however, rolled his.

"Bloody hell, indeed."

Please review. Pretty please?

Madi Black