Author's note. I'm glad people enjoyed the blood brothers explanation, I wasn't sure if it would work but it seems to. I am trying to move this story along at a good pace but it isn't easy as there are quite a lot of things happening and I'm trying to be realistic meaning the trio can't just save the world within a month.

A couple of chapters, back, it was pointed out that McGonagall was rather OOC for offering her door to the trio when she never did it before. The reason I had her do that is that I think Voldemort is something entirely different to say, a troll. Virtually no one can say his name, he's that feared and considering three First years were confronted by him and almost killed, I think that would have shocked her enough to make that offer. Normally, wizards and witches are kinda expected to get on with things if they meet a dark creature but because Voldemort's in a league of his own, yeah, I think he would say that. Hope that makes sense.

I've created a teacher based on an unnamed male teacher wearing a beret that's seen in the films who teaches art, a canon extracurricular subject. I got the name from an eighteenth century French painter and he shall be French. As I don't know many French people, I'm going to base his character on my favourite literally Frenchman, Passepartout from 'Around the World in Eighty days', written incidentally by a Frenchman.

Thank you to all those who have given me suggestions, they've been a big help.

Enjoy and please review.

Ron had no idea how long they'd been there but he didn't care. Dumbledore had announced that Professor Quirrel had been forced to leave due to an accident and so Defence lessons would be cancelled that week. He assured them that they would be getting a substitute teacher very soon and hopefully, a more permanent replacement before long. So really, they were only missing Potions, they could go to Herbology after lunch.

They hadn't really talked, Harry didn't feel up to it but the silence wasn't unbearable. It was a beautiful day and it was nice just to lie there, relaxing in the sun. At some point during the couple or so hours they were there, Harry fell asleep, lulled by the peace of the autumn day. Neither Ron nor Hermione bothered to wake him up, he'd probably need all the sleep he could get. Ron only hoped Harry could find a way to cope with Cedric's 'reappearance' or there would be problems.

Not least because Harry would probably end up having horrible nightmares and difficulty sleeping, which only be the start. Harry felt that he had to be in control and if he felt that he was losing control, he could suffer a bit of a mental breakdown. There was so much pressure on all three of them but Harry would have the most pressure. He'd defeated Voldemort once...and now he had to do it all over again.

Ron sighed and glanced down at the parchment in front of him, quill in hand. For the last half hour or so, he'd been trying to think about what to write to Ginny. He'd remembered his promise to write and now was as good a time as ever to do it. It was just a question of starting it.

He considered the paper before dipping the quill and started to write.

Dear Ginny

See, I did send you a letter, bet you thought I wouldn't. Bet its quiet at the Burrow without all of us there. At least we'll see each other at Christmas, that's not very far away, is it?

Okay, I know you probably want me to get to the good stuff so I will. As Percy has no doubt informed you, I got Sorted into Gryffindor along with Harry and Hermione. You'll remember them won't you? I'm only kidding Gin, obviously you'll remember them especially Harry who is single by the way...joking, joking. Well, we're still friends and I'm hoping that both can visit our home at some point, they live with Muggles so they've no idea how wizards live. Can you imagine that?

Anyway, not much to say about lessons yet, although their better than I expected. You know, I was the second person to Transfigure a match into a needle? I can't believe it, I thought I'd be rubbish at that stuff but I'm not. By the way, watch out for Snape, the Potion's teacher, everything the Bill and that told you is true, even the pickling students bit. Ask Fred and George if you don't believe me.

My hamper went down really well, you should do one yourself next year. You and mum can do that, you'd definitely have a head start on me. The food here is great, not quite as good as mums but no one is better than mum. The feasts are the best and I can't wait for the Halloween feast, I've heard there's going to be loads of puddings. Save your pocket money for the train ride Ginny, they had loads of great sweets.

How are things at the Burrow? Anything new happening? Let me know if there are, I don't care what it is. I don't have much more to say I'm afraid, the spells and things we're learning are really basic and stuff. If you've got any questions, you can always put them in your letter. I'm using Harry's owl Hedwig, I'll make sure she hangs around long enough for you to write a letter but don't be surprised if she steals the bacon.

Really missing you

Love Ron

"What are you doing?" Hermione asked curiously, she'd been buried in a book while Harry slept between them.

"Writing to Ginny," he answered causally. "I promised I would, the twins never bothered writing and Percy's letters were too pompous."

"Oh, that's really good," Hermione beamed. "I wish I could write to her but I don't know her yet."

"She wouldn't mind if you wrote her something," Ron said reasonably. "Or if Harry did, she'd adore that."

Hermione considered this before exclaiming.

"Maybe that's exactly what Harry should do."

As he looked at her, she explained.

"You remember how she was with him...she came across so shy and Harry didn't really know what to do. If they could write to each other, she could get to know him and it wouldn't be so awkward when they met up. They could become friends."

"Huh, that might work," Ron said, it was so simple and yet he hadn't even thought it. Then again, Hermione was very good at coming up with ideas like that. At least it would distract Ginny from the fact she was the only Weasley child left at the Burrow.

Hermione smiled before saying.

"She'll certainly be less jealous of you if we go write."

"Jealous of me?" Ron exclaimed, completely taken aback. When had beloved Ginny ever been jealous of him? He wasn't at all like his other brothers who had all achieved things worthy to be jealous of.

"Of how easily you made friends," she explained. "She told me she was always jealous of how the three of us just seemed to click instantly."

"But we didn't," Ron said slowly, remembering the Troll incident.

"To her, it seemed like we did," Hermione reasoned. "You made friends with Harry first day on the train and then I become your friend after only a couple of months at school. It took her a lot longer to make friends and she always envied how close we were."

As Ron considered this, Hermione added.

"There was also all the adventures we went on, even if people didn't know the full story, they still got a gist of what we were up to. Imagine how you'd feel if some of your siblings did half the things we did even if you only heard a quarter of it."

"I never thought of that," Ron mumbled, thinking of how jealous he was when Bill and Charlie went off to do exciting things. He never realised that Ginny was jealous of him; she always seemed rather scathing of him. She had a tendency to only give it to him straight when he was messing up somehow. And she would appeared to be far too amazed when he did something right.

Hermione now smiled and said.

"It's really sweet you're trying to make her feel better."

"Thanks...I don't want to repeat any mistakes I made," he said with a wry smile. "Me and Ginny used to be best friends but I always got annoyed when she got away with stuff and I didn't. The twins never seemed to pick on her either."

With a very sympathetic look on her face, Hermione took his hand and squeezed it. Feeling strangely confident, Ron continued.

"We played a lot together, if our brothers were too busy for us. We'd like...hunt fairies in the garden, brew potions in the kitchen...with whatever we could find."

Hermione giggled at this but not in a mocking way, more of a delighted way.

"We also used to make magic wands," Ron continued, enjoying how Hermione was leaned towards him. "We'd imitate mum when she used her, or try out spells we heard the others talking about. Bill would sometimes tell us about jinxes and curses he knew and we'd try to copy them."

"Sounds good," Hermione murmured softly, she seemed to be even closer.

"Yeah, it was fun," Ron said with a shrug, adding shyly. "Better than lessons..."

Hermione made a sound of fond exasperation and he grinned, leaning in himself. Her eyes started to close slightly and his own eyes seemed to slowly lower as they raised their lips towards each other...

"Potter...Weasley, what are you doing?"

With a gasp, Hermione flinched backwards and Ron resisted the urge to swear loudly. Turning, he saw that Snape striding towards them, black robes billowing madly. Ron groaned, of all the teachers to come look for them, it had to be Snape.

"And what do we have here?" Snape said silkily, glaring down at them while Harry slept oblivious. "Three little Gryffindor First years who think they're so superior to everyone else that they can skip two classes."

"I thought Defence was cancelled," Ron couldn't help but point out.

"Ten points from Gryffindors for insolence," Snape said instantly. "Care to explain why you felt unable to attend my class?"

"Because you're a git," was the answer Ron wanted to give but instead, allowed Hermione to answer.

"Please sir, Harry had a...panic attack and he couldn't face class. We thought it best to stay with him until he recovered."

"Recovered?" Snape sneered, looking down his hooked nose at Harry. "It looks to me that Mr Potter preferred to nap over studying."

"He only fell asleep a short while ago," Hermione said earnestly. "Sir, he's been having horrible flashbacks to the night his parents died."

"Hah, that'll get him," Ron thought smugly as Snape's sneer turned into an ugly grimace.

"Don't be ridiculous Miss Granger," Snape said curtly. "How could Potter have a flashback, he was barely one year old when it happened."

"But he does remember something sir," Hermioen said quietly. "A flash of green light...a pain on his forehead...and laughter, horrible, horrible laughter, sir."

An odd look crossed Snape's face; Hermione had just described perfectly an attack by Voldemort. Seeing her advantage, Hermione pressed on.

"Ever since Harry found out about how his parents died, he's been thinking about them quite a bit, imagining how they must have died. And now we've just come face to face with the monster who killed them...it affected Harry more than he thought. Especially now that he knows exactly what his parents looked like," she finished quietly, shooting Harry a sad look.

"And he needed both of you here to hold his hand?" Snape asked coldly.

"No but we wanted to be with him," Ron said hotly. "He told us to go to class but we didn't want to go without him."

"How touching," Snape said contemptuously. "Perhaps we should ask, Potter!?"

This last word was said in a half shout, making Harry jerk and sit up, a photograph slipping through his fingers. Before he'd fallen asleep, he'd been looking through some of the new photographs he'd been given, particularly the ones he hadn't had first time round. Snape's eyes followed it and narrowed as he saw that it was a Muggle photo of Lily. Harry rubbed his face, pushing his glasses up before blinking up at Snape in some confusion.

"Sir? He questioned, a little bemused about what was happening.

"You and your little sidekicks missed class," Snape said without preamble, staring hard at Harry. "Care to explain why."

Harry frowned before looking away, in the direction of the Lake. He suddenly seemed very tired and a lot older than his eleven year old body suggested.

"You ever wonder sir...what life might have been like...if certain people had lived."

Ron frowned, Harry must be really down if he was answering honestly like that. Not that he always lied to people like Snape but he wasn't usually that candid. He almost never admitted that things were deeply affecting him. Grimly, Ron knew that they'd have to throw themselves in a new project, something for Harry to focus his abilities on while getting used to the idea of Cedric being alive and blissfully unaware.

"There's no point in wondering," Snape said scathingly, which made Ron silently scoff. He might not be the best at feelings but even he knew that Snape probably spent a lot of time wondering what could have been. "When people die, they die and that is an end to it."

Harry's lip twitched into an ironic smile as he said.

"Is that really true sir? I've never known my parents, but I still think about them. I still...love them and want them to be proud of me. Their dead and yet there still out there."

He could be wrong, but Ron thought Snape was looking a little bit uncomfortable. To the untrained eye, Snape looked as he always did, sour and sneering but Ron was sure Snape was affected by Harry's speech, if only a little.

There was a pause and then Snape said curtly.

"Be that as it may, the three of you still missed class and will receive detention."

Harry nodded, readily accepting this.

"If you are feeling up to it," Snape now said sarcastically. "You will go to lunch and then proceed to your next class without delay. Also, you will write an extra two feet on the essay I assigned this morning."

"We will sir," Harry promised, shifting and getting to his feet, Ron and Hermione copying.

Snape's eyes fell on the Potion's book Hermione had been reading and he grumbled something under his breath.

"Well, get going," he snapped. "You will not be using the excuse that you felt too faint to attend class. You shall receive notification of your detention later today."

"Yes Professor," they all said before heading towards the castle, Snape following them in case they decided to disobey.

"Where have you been Ron?" Percy demanded as soon as they entered the Great Hall and came over to the Gryffindor table. It seemed the others had mentioned their absence from Potions.

"About," Ron said evasively as Fred said.

"I can't believe you skipped Snape's class of all things."

"Yeah, he's probably going to cut you up for ingredients," teased George.

"It's been nice knowing you, little bro," Fred said in a mock serious voice as Percy scowled.

"It's not funny," he snapped. "Ron, you should never skip class, never."

"What if I'm ill?" Ron couldn't help but ask causing Percy's ears to go red.

"Use your common sense Ron, I thought you were going to act more appropriately at school, especially with the good reports I have received from Professor McGonagall," Percy said seriously, shoulders back as he stared at Ron with disapproval.

"I'm not going to repeat it," Ron said in exasperation as the twins made noises of disappointment. "Look, this was something important but it won't happen again Percy, you don't have to worry."

"Just what was so important that you had to miss Potions?" Percy demanded.

Ron couldn't help but glance at Harry slightly before saying.

"Look, it's nothing for you to worry about Perce, okay?"

"Ron, I want to know...," Percy began but George interrupted.

"Leave him be Perce, their wanting to get their lunch."

Percy huffed but allowed them to settle down. The expression on his face however, suggested that he wasn't going to let the subject drop completely. Ron ignored him and started helping himself to lunch as Harry looked a little concerned.

"Everything okay?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah, it's not a big deal," Ron assured him, already munching on a bit of cottage pie.

"If you're sure," said Harry, he didn't want a rift to grow between Ron and his brother.

The rest of the day was fairly ordinary, they went to Herbology after class and then to dinner. In the middle of it, when the Great Hall was packed, Dumbledore stood up and waved for silence.

"As you are all aware, Professor Quirrel has met with a tragic accident and will not be able to continue teaching," Dumbledore said gravely.

No one really moved, Quirrel hadn't even been teaching a month and coupled with his nervous stammer, wasn't going to be missed much. In a slightly more cheerful tone, Dumbledore said.

"However, I am delighted to say that we have a temporary Defence teacher which some of you might recognise."

He gestured to his right and a man with a neatly trimmed beard and beret waved. Harry recognised him as the art teacher but he'd never taken a class so hadn't interacted with him. As far as he was aware, he was a good teacher who everyone seemed to like, those who had taken his class that is.

"Professor Perronneau has kindly agreed to substitute until we have a more permanent teacher for the post. Which means Defence classes will be running from tomorrow I'm afraid."

He said this last part with a twinkle as a few students looked rather disappointed.

"That's all, enjoy the rest of your lunch," he said jovially, sitting back down again.

"I'm glad we've got a new teacher," Hermione said in relief. "And we've never had him before, this should be interesting."

"It'll be different," Harry agreed and Ron knew what he meant. After some rather useless and boring Defence lessons, this new teacher would definitely be a refreshing change.

And maybe it would take Harry's mind off things.

Dear Diary

You remember how I wrote that Ron was doing better than I imagined? Well, I'm not so sure about that now even though he's still getting good reports from his teachers. This morning, he skipped Potions and if Defence hadn't been cancelled, probably would have skipped that too.

What worries me is that he won't say why he skipped class but it's clearly something to do with Harry Potter. The boy seems harmless enough, very polite and appears to be quite intelligent but I don't know. There's something about his eyes, I don't know what it is but I do know, I don't see it in other students' eyes. And...it's something I've occasionally spotted in Ron's eyes, ever since he had that nightmare. Ron has changed and I thought it meant he was taking responsibility, trying to be more adult now he's going to Hogwarts but now I'm not sure.

I've no idea what this could all mean but I'm worried Harry or even Hermione Granger might be a bad influence on my brother. How, I do not know, Ron has been achieving good marks and even defended me against the twins, which I can't complain about. But to skip class, completely out of the blue and for no good reason...I believe that I should keep a closer eye on my little brother.

I won't write to mother and father about this, not unless Ron skips again but I will take action if he continues to change.

Percival Wealsey

"I can't believe how messy that was," Hermione said as they headed for Defence against the Dark Arts.

It was Wednesday and the trio had just finished Herbology which had involved mixing a lot of smelly manure and compost to create fertiliser. A lot of girls had been squealing over handling the dirt and dung: although Harry had to admit it was just as well they wore protective gloves. Neville looked like he'd enjoyed it, a rare moment of seeing him fairly relaxed in a classroom setting.

Harry hoped that this new teacher would be a good one; it would be nice to see Neville enjoy a class that wasn't Herbology. Although he actually did quite well in Charms, Professor Flitwick was so cheerful and Charms a fun subject, nearly everyone had a good time.

"It wasn't that bad," Ron said, unconcerned as he flicked a bit of dried dirt off his robes.

"Lavender wouldn't agree," Hermione said with a small laugh, listening as said girl complained loudly to Parvati up ahead.

"Pft, she didn't have detention with Snape," Ron retorted casually, making Harry smile wryly.

Snape had made them prepare some of the most disgusting ingredients imaginable the precious night, which had included skinning, gutting, disembowelling, decapitating and various other things, including pulling out slimy gloop with their hands. It had been very disgusting but compared to other detentions, rather tame. Snape was obviously trying to put them off the idea of ever doing anything to earn detention ever again and Harry had to admit, to a normal First year, it would be pretty effective.

The other Gryffindors had been very curious about why they'd skived off Snape's class but they'd managed to deflect questions so far. Some people seemed to think they were acting arrogant because of how well they'd be doing in class, while others thought they were merely being daring. However, since they'd been punished with such a seemingly unpleasant detention, no one was holding a grudge.

They dutifully filed into class, taking their seats and waiting for their new teacher to appear. He didn't keep them long but swept into the room with a swept of his dark red cloak, complete with matching beret.

"Good morning children how are you this fine day?" he asked with a clear accent.

Everyone replied, a little unsure as he was an unknown. He chuckled before saying.

"Forgive me; my classes are a lot more...shall we say, casual as they are not part of the main curriculum. You do not achieve an Owl or Newt grade but you do receive a certificate detailing your achievements so if any of you are tempted to take this class in Third year..."

He broke off, chuckling as he said.

"But I am getting ahead of myself, trying to entice prospective future students to my course when I have not even introduced myself."

Drawing himself up proudly, he said.

"I am Professor Jean-Baptiste Perronneau, your temporary Defence teacher. I achieved a fair grade on the subject so while my lessons might only impart very basic information, it is better than nothing, no?"

Harry was smiling, Professor Perronneau seemed like a genuine person, unlike Umbridge who had been sugary sweetness it's self.

"I have been thinking how best to teach you," Perronneau continued, gesturing slightly with his wand. "And since I know a lot about art and a little about Defence...why not combine them?"

He waved his wand and a covered easel suddenly flew forwards, its sheet lifting up to reveal a beautifully painted unicorn. As the students watched in awe, the unicorn suddenly tossed its head while seeming to look straight at them. It then kicked its back legs before galloping around its frame, becoming smaller and then larger as necessary.

"Cool sir," Dean declared, being a talented artist himself, he loved this.

The boys were in awe of the magic while the girls loved the picture of such a beautiful animal; even the trio were pretty impressed. Looking very pleased, Perronneau said.

"I have had this piece for a couple of years, I managed to see a unicorn in the forest and paint it."

Waggling a finger at them, he said.

"I had Hagrid with me on that occasion and it is forbidden for you to enter the forest, however if any of you take Care of Magical Creatures, you will be introduced to unicorns at some point."

This certainly made a few girls take note, which amused Harry. None of them had any idea that not all the creatures they'd be meeting would be beautiful or harmless but they'd learn soon enough. Now Perronneau was beaming as he said.

"Of course, I'm not showing you this picture to show off, it is an example of what you will be doing."

As everyone gasped in surprise, he said.

"You will all be learning to draw and paint your own magical creature...which will be animated at the end."

This caused excited muttering as he added.

"Of course, for homework, you will be researching your assigned animal and I shall expect a little report on its particulars. I am hoping that this will occupy you until a more qualified teacher presents themselves."

"You're really going to teach us to paint like that?" Parvati asked in awe.

"I will try," Perronneau said modestly. "But remember, this is just for fun and a little lesson in research for you...and perhaps a not so subtle attempt to entice you towards art."

"But come, we are losing precious time, let us begin."

He waved his wand and their desks were flown to the side of the room while different easels and stools replaced them. Each easel had a supple of pencils, charcoal, paint and various art materials. Perronneau summoned an easel for himself and began to show them how to get started. He told them they weren't going to work on their creature today but first learn how to work with paint. Once they were more confident, they could learn how to enchant their paintings to move.

At the end of the lesson, everyone had painted something which Dean's being the best of course. Perronneau then offered around a floating hat which they each had to take a slip of paper which would show them their designated magical creature. Harry took his and almost laughed out loud...a Hungarian Horntail. Well, he'd have no trouble imagining what one of those looked like.

"For homework, you must research your chosen animal," Perronneau said enthusiastically as the bell went. "Find out how they move, how they act and most importantly, you must bring an image of the animal. Off you go now."

"That was good," Harry said to his friends as they left. "I dunno if I'm much of an artist though."

"Same here," Ron said with a shrug. "But it's different. But did you see what I got?" he added with disgust, brandishing his slip of paper which said 'Acromantula'.

"Look at mine," Hermione said, showing her slip which said 'Nundu'. "It's meant to be one of the deadliest animals there is...thank goodness its native to Africa."

"Don't say that," groaned Ron. "The blasted thing will probably turn up now."

"I don't think so," Hermione said with a smile. "It's very difficult to track down and impossible to control."

Ron just made a scathing noise, glaring at his slip. Of all the things he had to paint, why did it have to be this thing? Harry just laughed before saying.

"Think he's doing something similar with the other years?"

"Possibly but it would have to be more Defence based for the older years," Hermione reasoned. "Especially the Newt students, they'd need to be studying curses and defence spells. But perhaps he is having them draw out the movements, what the curses look like and perhaps, their affects."

"I wouldn't mind him teaching that instead of this," Ron stated, waving his paper around in frustration as his friends laughed.

However, what none of them noticed was a figure watching them worriedly from just around a corner. A figure which horn rimmed spectacles.

Author's note. Things start to move in the next chapter as the trio take on Scabbers the rat but how does that go? Find out next time, until then.