A.N Chapter 14. Enjoy. – N
Classes began with a bang, almost entirely new after the year before. The first year level was double the size it should've been, due to all of the Muggleborns who missed out the year before being in this year's class. Ginny was starting to run on autopilot, moving from Transfiguration to Defence, to Charms then a free period before lunch, finishing with Care of Magical Creatures and Muggle Studies, as well Astronomy. Thankfully everything had returned to the coursework of before the time of the Year of Terror, and so Ginny could once again enjoy her schoolwork. Afternoons were currently spent out by the lake, doing her homework and enjoying the early autumn weather before it disappeared on her. After that she would go and eat dinner, before heading to the tower to finish off the homework she had begun by the lake. She had always been one to hang out with the girls or discuss the previous weekend's Quidditch match with the guys, but this year just felt different. None of the guys actually tried to talk to her, which made her feel that now she was off the market, she wasn't good enough. And the girls were all jealous that she was with Harry, or would just constantly ask her about Harry. She had found a sort of comradery in Hermione and Luna, but neither of them lived in the same dormitories as her, and therefore it made it hard for her to spend time with them. It was about to get harder too, as she had been made Quidditch captain for the team this year, and so she therefore would need to start scheduling practices before the game against Slytherin in six weeks. But first, first she needed to organise trials.
She was sitting under her favourite tree, out near the lake, when she heard someone approaching from behind. Still on alerts, she jumped up with her wand out. Thankfully, it was just Hermione.
"You know you can relax a little here. The wards are stronger than ever before. Hogwarts is truly safe again."
"Hogwarts may be, but I can't guarantee I am. Anyway what're you doing sneaking up on me?"
"I went to the tower to find you, but couldn't, so assumed I'd find you here as Quidditch hasn't begun yet."
"Is something wrong?"
"Huh? Why would something be wrong?"
"Because you came looking for me. I just figure no one would come looking for me if there wasn't something wrong, to be honest."
"Oh shush, nothing is wrong. I'm sorry I have been absent, I've just been trying to get into the swing of things." Well, that wasn't the whole truth but it still was, but Hermione didn't feel like telling Ginny that now. "Anyway, what have you been up to?"
"Classes, food and homework. Not necessarily in that order, either. Yourself?"
"Classes, food, homework, Head duties. You heard from Harry or Ron much?" Hermione added Ron, because she'd only received one letter from him, and it was only three sentences long."
"Yes, actually! Well, Harry at least. We write each other every day. But Ron? I haven't heard from him since I sent a letter in the first week of school, and never received a reply. Have they been writing to you?"
"Harry writes weekly, but to be honest, I haven't heard from Ron in weeks. And Harry hasn't mentioned anything. I'm a little worried. He was hitting the booze hard before I even left for school, but now I'm not even there to keep an eye on him. Part of me has wanted to ask Harry, but I just feel that he wouldn't betray Ron's confidence like that."
"I could ask. Harry, that is. He is more likely to tell me something. And that isn't a dig at your friendship – he may not want you to worry about what is going on at home, so doesn't want to tell you. But me? I'm his girlfriend, I don't get a choice. So I'll ask him, if that'll help put your mind at ease?"
"If it isn't too much trouble, I would appreciate it. I just don't know what to do. He doesn't respond to any of my letters, Harry doesn't offer up much information about him in his letters. It is just hard, when I am here and they're there." Ginny didn't miss that Hermione said 'they're' instead of 'him', but left it alone because she knew that Hermione would definitely be having trouble getting used to being at Hogwarts without the boys. They were her comfort zone and now she didn't have that.
The two girls spoke for a while longer, about Ginny needing to organise Quidditch trials and Hermione needing to book a performer for the Yule Ball. They made their way to the Great Hall together, ready to feast upon Hogwarts' delicacies, before going their separate ways to their dormitories, Ginny in the Gryffindor Tower and Hermione in the Head's Dorm.
That night, as the other girls fluffed around brushing their hair a million times or gossiping about which boy had the cutest ass, Ginny wrote home to Harry.
Harry,
I hope your day has gone well. Mine wasn't too bad. I started the theory work for a charm that transfigures your head into that of a shark's in Transfig! Then in Defence, Professor Cardini discussed Grindelwald, and his prison Nuremburg. Charms was eh, just more book work as usual. Care of Magical Creatures was fun – Hagrid says hello by the way, and that you have to come see him. But to let him know when so he can make you rock cakes again! Muggle Studies was interesting, we learned about 'gaming consoles' today! Have you ever heard of Nintendo? The have these weird characters called Mario and Luigi, who race cars. You need a tellyvision for a Nintendo to work though, so I don't think we could ever have one! Potions was good! Professor Slughorn has been randomly testing our ability with certain potions that we would've learnt throughout our whole time at Hogwarts – today we had to brew Amortentia. Sounds incredibly soppy, but I could smell your shampoo, and your cologne. I just really miss you, Harry. Hogwarts isn't the same without you. I have Astronomy tonight though, so I'll be awake for a while longer. Just going to keep working on my homework, make sure I get it all done. Holding try-outs tomorrow afternoon, by the way! Gotta find almost a whole new team! Two chasers, a beater, a keeper and a seeker! We only have a beater and a chaser right now! Godric, this will not be fun!
Also, have you seen or spoken to Ronald at all? Hermione said she hasn't heard from him in a bit, and she is really worried about him Harry. So tell me, is my brother doing something stupid?
I hope your day was well, give that gorgeous Theodore a big hug and kiss from me.
I love you,
Ginny xx
Ginny read over the letter, before sealing it and calling her owl, Mars, to send to Harry, hoping that he would give her a prompt answer about Ron. Once she had watched her bird fly off into the distance, she got back onto her bed, continuing to ignore the other girls and focused on her write up of the shark-head spell for Transfiguration.
The weekly Prefect's meeting ended on a high-note, or so Hermione felt. The patrol roster she had put together was still working well and the houses were cooperating with each other in regards to booking the Quidditch Pitch for try outs (Gryffindor was first up, for the next night) as well as co-ordinating this year's rounds. The traditional Gryffindor-Slytherin match for first round was a must, and the Prefects all agreed that it should stay that way. There were no issues raised and the meeting ended earlier than usual. Hermione made her way to the dormitory on her own, as Ernie had decided to go and see his Hufflepuff friends for a bit. She didn't mind being alone though, because it meant she wouldn't get distracted from doing her work.
She entered the common room, which bore both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff colours, and one banner each, which hung alongside one large Hogwarts Coat of Arms banner. Her room was up the stairs on the right, and she was sure she was running a track into the steps from where she was constantly going up and down them. Unlike her previous years, Hermione spent a lot of time either in her dorm or in the library. She had tea with Hagrid twice a week, and saw Ginny a few times a week. But aside from those times, and during mealtimes, Hermione was devoting herself to her studies. This year was so quiet. She'd never had a normal, quiet year at Hogwarts, and so she quite often found herself questioning what she was actually meant to do in her spare time. If she were honest with herself, she would admit that she was struggling with not having the boys at Hogwarts with her. She missed smacking Harry upside the head when he got too cocky after a Quidditch match, or telling Ron off for leaving his homework to the last minute, every time. She missed hearing Harry laugh because of some joke Ron told. She missed having the boys there whenever she needed them. She missed them reminding her to have fun, to let loose once in a while. Ginny was great, but she wasn't the boys. And other than Ginny, Hermione did not have anyone else. So so far, her seventh year at Hogwarts had worked out to be a very lonely one indeed. But hey, at least she would get excellent results on her NEWTs.
She decided to write to Harry. There was no point in writing to Ron, he wouldn't respond anyway. Harry though, always replied. She just needed to feel like she was talking to one of her boys right now.
Hello Harry,
How are you? I hope you're doing well, and that Teddy is okay! He still has all limbs and digits? How is the house looking? You said in your last letter you were beginning to fix up Grimmauld Place – I don't think you can be without a project!
How're the boys? Loving their training? I saw Neville earlier – he is really enjoying his training with Professor Sprout. Give it a few more years and she will be able to retire! Speaking of people I saw, I had tea with Hagrid yesterday and he misses you! You should come visit him soon – I know he would appreciate it!
Quidditch should be starting soon – the teams are conducting tryouts over the next week, then a few weeks for training. Gryffindor v. Slytherin for the first match, so you should come see it! I'll even save you a VIP seat with the rest of Gryffindor!
Okay Harry, I'm going to go finish my Ancient Runes homework. The wicked do never rest! I'll write to you once you write me back, give Teddy my love!
Love,
Hermione xo
Hermione looked over the letter, before attaching it to the foot of her owl, Venus, and sending her off to find Harry. After that was done, she looked back down at her Ancient Runes homework, barely noticing the two spots where her tears had landed from thinking about her boyfriend, and what he was doing while she was away. Crookshanks came to the rescue however, curling up on the desk in front of her, batting at her hand with his paw while she was trying to translate an Ancient Egyptian scroll into modern English.
Teddy was asleep in his crib, worn out after a day spent at the Burrow with Molly and Fleur. The two women doted on him, and he was treated like a grandchild and nephew by all in the family. Harry had decided to fix up Grimmauld Place, still not sure if he wanted to live in Potter Manor or leave it as a holiday home. He loved the Manor, and could appreciate the history it had within his family, but he was so used to Grimmauld Place, and he held some very fond memories there.
Assured that Teddy was asleep and safe, he ventured to his study where he found both Mars and Venus sitting on his desk, waiting for him.
"Hello, you two. I take it they both remembered me tonight. Well, jump into the cages, I'll give you some treats and you can fly back tomorrow morning." Harry took the letters from around the owls' feet, led them into the cages he kept for extra owls and treated them before closing the cage doors and leaving them to sleep off their long journey from Hogwarts.
He sat down at his desk and reached for Ginny's letter. He enjoyed their daily letters, as it made him feel still connected to her even though they couldn't see each other often. While he had amused her idea of getting special permission to see her at school, he didn't feel right using his position to gain benefits other people didn't have. So instead, they wrote to each other. Her day today had seemed pretty mundane though, just schoolwork and homework, as her school life had become. However, the fact that Quidditch was starting back up was a good thing – something to distract her and keep her busy. However, the last part of her letter led him to believe she was already distracted by something else. Surely Ron's current way of life hadn't reached Hogwarts. It hadn't been in the media, and the boys had all agreed to keep it quiet, so how could anyone at Hogwarts even know about it? He decided to fire off a quick letter to her, not lying to her but also not telling her the truth completely.
Hey Gin,
Today was good – got a good start on Regulus' room. It is almost cleaned out of all of his stuff, should be able to finish it up tomorrow.
Ron? I haven't actually spoken to him much lately – he has been busy with the roundup and I've been busy with the clean out and Teddy. If I see him though, I'll remind him that his girlfriend wouldn't mind actually hearing from him once in a while.
Tell Hagrid I'll set up a time with him soon, once I've got a clear day!
Anyway, it is late and I have an early morning with a big day ahead! I'll give Teddy your hug and kiss when he inevitably wakes up at the crack of dawn! Good luck with tryouts baby.
I love you,
Harry x
Yeah, that worked. Truthfully, he hadn't spoken to Ron much lately. Honestly, Harry was busy with the renovations and with Teddy. Not so truthfully was that Ron had been busy with the round up. What he had been busy with was running up a tab at the Leaky Cauldron, that Harry and George had been taking turns in paying weekly, just like they'd been taking it in turns to go and pick him up. Tonight was Harry's turn, which is why he was still awake at ten o'clock. He knew he would receive a patronus from Tom around half past eleven, and then he would ask Kreacher to keep an eye on Teddy and Apparate down to the Cauldron to pick Ron up, Apparate to the Burrow, knock on the backdoor where Arthur would be waiting for him before they float him up to his bed, leaving Pepper-Up on the nightstand and a glass of cooled water next to it. Then they would say goodnight and Harry would come back to the Manor and get a few hours sleep before being woken up by Teddy in the very, very early morning. In the meantime though, Harry could read and possibly respond to Hermione's letter.
Her letter made him laugh, due to her doubt at his baby-caring duties. Of course Teddy still had his limbs and digits. Oh, and someone else ganging up on him about Hagrid. Godric. As for the first Quidditch match of the season, well, he hadn't seen a Quidditch game in a while. He decided to respond, as hers was only a short letter and he didn't have to answer too many things or perhaps write the wrong thing, even though he felt it was the right thing to tell her.
Hey Hermione,
I am well, and so has Teddy! I laugh at your doubt of my baby-caring skills – he still has the one arm and three fingers he had when you left!
Dean and Seamus are loving it – they're getting slammed on the practical assessments and physical training though. I can't wait until next year to start! Yeah, I saw Neville for dinner the other night and he said he is enjoying it. Perfect job for him though – with people and plants! His too favourite things! And yes, I am aware of Hagrid. Ginny is also on my back about going to see him – I will soon though. Might even bring Teddy along – but I'll let you know when so we can catch up too.
Don't think I can say no to Gryffindor v. Slytherin. Add to that it is Gin's first game as captain, I think I should be. How do I go about that? Just contact McGonagall?
Yeah, you enjoy those runes. Actually, learn them in case we need to go on a hunt for an evil mummy who is trying to eat the brains of the local Muggles. At least then, you'll know the Ancient Egyptian spell in hieroglyphics and English!
Talk soon Herms,
Harry x
There, the perfect letter for Hermione. Questions answered, and no mention of Ron. As he sealed the letter and wrote her name on the front, he saw the blue flash in the corner of his eye. He turned to face that Patronus that materialised.
"Mr Potter. Come quick. It is really bad this time."
Harry rushed out of the study, calling Kreacher as he put his shoes on in the bedroom.
"Yes, Master Harry?"
"Kreacher, I need to go get Ron. Can you keep an ear out for Teddy?"
"Of course, Master Harry. You go help Master Ronald."
"Thanks, Kreacher. I'll be back in a couple of hours."
Harry raced back into the study, where he's fireplace had been set up on the Floo Network. He grabbed some powder and stepped into the ashes, calling out "The Leaky Cauldron" as he did. He stepped out onto a wooden floor in the office that belonged to Tom. The bar's owner was not in there, so Harry ventured into the main area where he found Tom wiping up a table.
"Tom?"
"Ah, Mr Potter. Right this way." Tom led Harry towards the accommodation are, ascending the steps to the next level. Tom turned back to Harry and explained. "He requested a room. I don't know why, but I thought it wise to get you to come get him and take him home."
"It is no problem, Tom, really. And let me know how much the room is – I'll pay for it as I'm sure you've turned away a customer due to him having it."
"No, no, don't worry about it. It is a quiet night for reservations anyway!" They reached the room, when they heard a female screaming inside. Harry had his wand out while Tom opened the door. Harry was ready for a fight on the other side, but instead he faced something that he least expected.
Ron was in the room, on the bed, completely naked, while a tan, brunette girl sat straddled atop him. Harry assumed she was the screamer. Neither of them had noticed the two intruders yet, so Harry shouted Ron's name. Ron finally looked up.
"Oh hey, Harry! Come to join the party 'ave you? I'm sure my friend 'ere can find you someone you'd like." Ron's grammar was shot and he was slurring his words. Typical behaviour from him of late though.
"I think I'm good, Ron. But your friend here is looking a bit tired. Perhaps it would be time for her to go home and get some rest." Harry made eye contact with the girl, trying to convey through a look that she should leave.
"Nah, Harry, Carrie and I are just getting ac-ac-acquainted."
"Yes, well, Carrie looks exhausted. I'm sure you can rekindle your acquaintance another night."
"Oi, fuck off Harry! I'm just havin' some fun! Just because Ginny 'as you wrapped around her finger so tight! Do you even 'ave your balls anymore, mate?"
"That's it, mate. Carrie, I suggest you get off him, grab your shit and get out. Now." Harry stared the girl down and ignored Ron's protests until she was out of the room. Ron was out of the bed then, and had put some pants on. He was pulling his shirt back on when Harry decided to speak to him again.
"Right, you royal twat, I really didn't want to do this but you've left me no choice."
"Do what?"
"This." Harry waited til Ron had his shirt on properly, then pointed his wand at him and simply said "Petrificus Totalus". Ron froze on the spot, his legs becoming stiff as boards and his arms sticking to his sides. He fell on the floor, but Harry had no sympathy for him. He looked at Tom, apologised for Ron's behaviour, again, telling him he'd be back in the morning to pay the tab, again and to enjoy the rest of his evening. He then picked up Ron's jumper and shoes, before grabbing hold of his best mate and spinning on the spot, taking them both to just outside the fence of the Burrow.
He floated Ron down the path to the back door, where Arthur was waiting with an exhausted look on his face.
"Sorry, Arthur."
"It is I who should be apologising to you, Harry. I can't tell you how appreciative I am that you help George out – I would go and collect him myself, but I don't like to leave Molly alone at night."
"I know, and I understand Arthur. I wouldn't ask you to leave Molly alone. I've at least got Kreacher to keep an eye on Teddy for me."
George had made his way downstairs by then, and with Harry's help got his younger brother into bed. The Pepper-Up and glass of water was there, waiting for the morning when Ron would need it. Harry removed the charm he'd placed upon him and exited the room, Ron's snores filling it already.
Once back in the kitchen, George asked Harry about what had happened that night, and why he had needed to basically paralyse Ron to get him home. He wasn't normally that much trouble to get home.
"I found him in one of the rooms, and he didn't want to leave."
"Did he say why he didn't want to?"
"Didn't have to. I walked in on him screwing some random bird." George just looked at Harry, once again not even close to envious of the position Harry had been placed in that night.
"Are you going to tell her?"
"It's not my responsibility. I'll come see him tomorrow, and remind him of what happened tonight. Hopefully he'll make the right decision. Either way, I really don't want to talk to him right now. We can't keep doing this George. We're losing sleep, and money! You and I pick up the bill every night. I manage to keep it out of the media. Tom is getting shitty with his behaviour and attitude problems. Not to mention I got a letter from Gin today saying Ron hasn't spoken to Hermione in weeks and she is getting worried about him. So I lied to my girlfriend about what is going on with him, and then when responding to the letter Hermione sent me, I need to reread it three million times just to make sure I haven't slipped up and said something I wasn't meant to! Do you think he even realises what he is doing to those around him who are trying to help him?"
"I know mate, I know." George didn't know what else to say to Harry. He too had lied to Ginny in letters about how Ron was. He and his father were both lying to his mother, telling her that he was just working late. Truth was, he hadn't worked in almost a month. But they were just trying to protect Ron. Maybe it was time they stopped, and let the pieces fall where they may. Both Harry and George shared a sad, knowing look, and bade each other goodnight.
That night four people fell asleep while crying. A Head Girl who couldn't fit in now her comfort zone had been ruptured. A Quidditch Captain who couldn't handle the loneliness and stress. A Boy Who Lived who was stuck in a position that was causing him to hurt, and yet there was nothing he could do. And a prankster who needed his other half to help him work out this new challenge and show their brother how he should be living.