A/N: Thanks for all the reviews, I really appreciate the support
I got a review, from someone asking how long this is going to be…
I have no idea, I'm trying to make sure that it doesn't get too long. I don't want to turn this into a zombie fic where I'm just writing pointless stuff that goes nowhere. I want to keep it as simple as I can, I promise. I'm aiming to keep it below 20 chapters, 15 ideally. We'll see how it goes.
Usual apologies
Disclaimer: See previous chapters
Severus had just turned back to his desk when there was a knock at the door. A slight frown pulled at his lips.
"Enter."
He called, the door opened and in stepped Harry Potter. The potions master resisted the urge to blink in surprise wondering what on earth the Potter brat could want when he suddenly remembered that he'd given the Potter brat detention the night before.
What with teenage pregnancies and what-not it must have slipped his mind. Too bad, he'd planned on finishing his marking before retiring to his room for an early night for once. But no he just had to give in to his inner Slytherin and give the teen detention.
He really is his own worst enemy, isn't he?
"Mr Potter." Severus glanced over to one of the brass cauldrons he had in the back of the class to catch the reflection of the clock and folded his arms across his chest. "Early, for once."
Potter paused he looked like he wanted to say something but thought better of it and instead just walked further into the room.
"Good evening professor."
"Hmm." Severus hummed sparing the teen one more look before walking over to his desk, "You've had detention enough times that I'm sure you know how this works by now. Second year cauldrons are in the sink. I expect them to be spotless by the time detention period is over."
Harry didn't argue, just walked over to get started and Severus settled in to get started on his marking. The dark lord hasn't been quite as demanding as of late. That could either be a very good or a very bad sign. He hasn't gotten word from Lucius about any new developments so he hoped that things were at the very least stable.
He put the dark lord out of his thoughts for the moment though and allowed himself the moment to indulge in some idle thoughts.
Ronald Weasley and Blaise Zabini.
Severus never thought he'd see the day. Never even came close to thinking of it.
The Weasleys seemed so stubborn in their beliefs and the Zabinis well… let's just say that Severus is looking forward to seeing just how Alexis would react to having a blood traitor carrying her grandchild. Not that she really cared about such things, but for the lady of the Zabini family, there was a certain image that needed to be maintained and Alexis Zabini was very good at maintaining it.
When he was young, back in his own Hogwarts days, he knew her simply as Alexis Beaumont. A typical pureblood princess from a typical pureblood family. They didn't know one another very well. She was one of the many students in Slytherin house that would associate with him simply because she recognised his talents. She'd give him a few galleons and he'd do a few of her assignments for her. They were brief and simple transactions but she never shied away from conversing with him either, despite the fact that he was a half-blood. Alexis was also quite fierce, she had a sharp tongue and she was unapologetically vain.
It came as a surprise to no one when she married into the fabulously wealthy Zabini family shortly after graduation. No one was surprised when she continued to marry into wealthy families after the passing of her first husband. Though it was somewhat odd that she always kept her first husband's name, regardless of who she married. Of course, her husbands consistently passing after a year's marriage was also quite concerning but that's something else entirely.
Still, for her son to become involved with a Weasley.
Oh dear gods, the horror!
Severus almost let out a snort at the thought.
Tomorrow will be very interesting indeed.
That being said, he has no doubt in his mind that Alexis would accept the child regardless of the person carrying it since it would be her grandchild after all.
Severus knew for a fact that Alexis adored children. Honestly he's surprised she managed to have only one child in her lifetime so far. It was well known that Lady Zabini doted on her son, spoiled him and made sure that he could never want for anything, simply because he was her only child.
Lady Zabini accepting the child was never a question in Severus' mind. That's why he encouraged Ron to tell Blaise. He knew that regardless of how the young wizard reacted his mother would never allow Ron to go without assistance or support of some kind. Though Severus can't deny that he was relieved to realise that Blaise seemed to be accepting of the pregnancy. Salazar only knows what potions master would be forced to deal with if the boy decided to be a bastard about it.
And then there was Ronald Weasley.
Honestly, when he spoke to the teen that morning he could tell that he was absolutely terrified and Severus couldn't blame him. It was a terrifying situation for one so young to find themselves in. Especially since it was clear that the teen didn't even know that he was a carrier to begin with. Why Molly and Arthur decided to keep such important information from their son is beyond him but there's a lot about Molly and Arthur did that Severus didn't quite understand.
But really, what authority does he have over how two capable adults choose to raise their children? He doesn't have any experience in that arena. He doesn't have any children of his own and his parents…
His mother tried but their circumstances weren't ideal towards raising a child and his father wasn't much of a father. Severus didn't consider Tobias Snape to be his father. He was simply the man that contributed towards his conception. But I digress.
Ronald was terrified. For a moment Severus felt sorry for the teen. The foetus couldn't be aborted, he had to carry it to term. There was no way out of it. It's a lot for a teenager to bare. But again, he knows Lady Zabini well enough that he knows that the child will be cared for. If Ron decides to give it up for adoption, then Alexis will take the child, that much Severus didn't doubt and Ron won't have to feel guilty about giving the child away.
And yet, after seeing the teen earlier he realised that here was a good chance he might want to keep it. If that happened, surely Molly and Arthur would support their child. He didn't see any of the Weasleys disowning one of their own over a teenage pregnancy. It would take some time to adjust but, Severus was sure that they'd be fine.
He's been a bit kinder to the redhead since finding out that the teen was a pregnant carrier. Call it, a sudden and unexpected bout of empathy. He could sympathise. Honestly, Severus doesn't know what he would've done if he'd actually let-
"Professor."
Severus looked up and found Harry standing in front of his desk.
"I'm finished."
The potions master glanced over to the cauldrons that were set aside to dried on the opposite side of the room before looking down at the parchment before him. He's gotten through almost half the stack without noticing.
Years of doing much of the same I suppose.
He looked over to a page he'd set aside, it was full of corrections and fresh ink and he wasn't sure whether he wanted to laugh or cry at the fact that the dunderheads he taught were still such dunderheads that he could recognise their mistakes without really paying attention to them.
"I see." Severus said. Usually he'd get up and inspect the instruments once students were done with detention to make sure they were actually clean but, Severus just wasn't in the mood. He decided that he'd just cast a cleaning spell over the cauldrons later and be done with it.
Severus brought his attention back down to the assignments before him, "You're excused."
He expected the teen to turn around and leave. There was nothing else to say after all and as far as he knew, Harry Potter despised him and that was just fine.
Albus wanted him to start tutoring the teen in legillemancy but Severus just wasn't in the mood to spend any more time with the teen than he already has. He could inform the brat and begin the torturous sessions some other time.
But Harry didn't leave.
Severus lifted his head and found the teen standing there, his eyebrows drawn together in thought and his lips twisting as he seemed to try and find the right words.
The older man resisted the urge to sigh in exasperation.
"I know that Gryffindors can be a bit slow sometimes Mr Potter but I would hope that you would know that when I say 'you're excused', I mean for you to leave rather than continue gracing me with your presence."
Harry looked up and there was a flash of anger in his eyes before he let out a sigh.
"Professor… what was Ron doing here?"
"Excuse me?"
"I ran into him just before detention, he said he came to see you and I was wondering-"
"I fail to see how that would be any of your business." Severus said curtly and Harry blinked.
"I'm his best friend-"
"You're a student. What I choose to discuss with another student really has nothing to do with you."
"But-"
"What did Mr Weasley tell you?"
"He said you're making potions for him… for the baby."
Harry lowered his voice at the last part. Almost like someone else might hear him. Severus arched a brow at the teen. So he's been told. Severus briefly wondered about exactly how much Harry's been told.
"Well, if he's told you that much then I fail to see why I would need to contribute anything else." The older man said bringing his hands together to fold in front of him. "A word of advice Mr Potter; keep your nose out of other people's affairs. I'm sure that must be very difficult for you, but if Ronald really is your best friend as you say then there's no need for us to be having this conversation is there?"
"But-"
"If he really is your friend, then I'm sure he'll tell you exactly why he's been coming to see me."
Harry frowned, "You mean this wasn't the first time?"
Severus blinked, "I'm assuming Mr Weasley didn't tell you who the father of his child is."
"You know?"
Severus had to stifle a snort, "You're excused Mr Potter."
"But-"
"You. Are. Excused." Severus said picking up his quill again and bringing his attention back to the essays.
He heard a sharp intake of breath, he could almost hear the teen grinding his teeth before he suddenly stomped out of the room and slammed the door behind him. Severus allowed himself a scoff and a shake of his head. Potter is so similar to his father it's almost nauseating.
The older man took a deep breath an odd ache throbbed softly in his chest that he quickly squashed. It was easy, the simpleton that wrote the next essay thought adding doxy shells to an already explosive potion would be a wonderful idea
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It was about an hour before dinner, though Molly could barely focus on preparing dinner that night, not after Albus' fire call.
It was… a shock.
Ron was-… He's-
A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts just as she was setting the table and frowned. She set the dishes on the table and walked to the door. Arthur and the twins were set to come home soon, but it didn't make sense for them to knock and she certainly wasn't expecting any company.
When the door opened, Molly froze.
"Percy?" for the moment Molly was thrown for a loop. "What're you doing here?"
It's been months since they last spoke, mostly because Percy was avoiding them. Because every time he was there things would erupt into an argument. He didn't come to the twins' birthday party, didn't come to Bill and Fleur's engagement party. He stopped calling, sending letters and visiting. Molly thought it was for the best. She couldn't condone his behaviour, it wasn't appropriate. She never tried to contact him, never tried to talk to him and now he's standing at the door.
"Mum." Percy said with a stiff nod holding a brown file in his hands. "Is Dad home?"
"He's…not."
Molly answered simply, she didn't know what else to say. Percy didn't seem all that sure either which is probably to be expected. The young man looked away.
"Will he be home soon?"
"Yes."
"Fred and George?"
"Yes," Molly said and couldn't stop herself from adding, "You'd know that if you didn't-"
"Mum, just don't." Percy said shortly his hands clenching on the file, "I didn't come here to argue with you about my career."
"Then why are you here?" Molly answered just as shortly. Percy's eyes snapped up to lock onto her own and Molly had to fight against the urge to flinch.
"Is Ron a carrier?"
Molly's eyes went wide, "How do you-"
"St Mungo's wanted permission to release his blood line documents to Hogwarts." Percy didn't look away for so much as one moment, Molly had to look away even as the boy continued. "He is, isn't he? Did you tell Ron? Did you tell anyone? Why didn't you tell us that we could have blood inheritances?"
Molly's flight instincts kicked in hard and she had to turn away, walking back into the house with the door still wide open.
"Carrier… what on earth are you talking about?"
She heard the door close, heard the footsteps following her back to the table. She picked up one of the plates from the stack, wiped it off on the washcloth she'd flung over her shoulder to set aside.
She needed to stay busy, needed to get away.
"I've seen the papers mum." Percy said clearly as he tossed the file he'd been holding on the table in the centre, "It has your signature on it, dated the day that Ron was born."
Molly stopped and just stared at the file as Percy continued, "Did you tell him? Did Ron know that he was a carrier before he got pregnant?"
And then Molly whipped around, her eyes even wider than before. Percy let out a heavy sigh.
"What other reason would Madame Pomfrey suddenly be enquiring about Ron's inheritance for? Did he know?"
Molly turned away again, this time heading for the kitchen and she could hear her son following after her, "Mum, please tell me that you told him and he didn't suddenly discover this after falling pregnant."
There was a pause, Molly opened her mouth to speak but Percy beat her to it.
"You didn't tell him did you?" he sounded shocked, outraged, "Why in Merlin's name wouldn't you tell him something this important?!"
Molly took in a deep breath and then turned to face him, "This has nothing to do with you."
Surprisingly Percy's face was expressionless, "Does dad know?"
"Of course he does! Why would you think-"
"Because headmaster Dumbledore's signature is on his test results instead of dad's."
Molly visibly recoiled before walking around him back to the table, panic was quickly washing over her, the same cold chill that ran down her spine when Albus called her.
Percy still followed after her.
"He doesn't know does he? You hid it from him. You hid it from all of us! Why would you do that?! Why keep it a secret-"
"Why do you suddenly care?!" Molly almost screeched at the top of her lungs as she spun around to face him forcing him to stop, her face was flushed from anger or anxiety, she wasn't sure which.
"Months you've spent tending to your precious minister and now you suddenly care about your family? Now, we're good enough? Why do we suddenly matter to you?!"
Percy's jaw visibly clenched, "I came here because I saw Dumbledore's signature and I was hoping to Merlin that you wouldn't be so blinded by your devotion to the greater good that you would intentionally withhold crucial information from your own son. That Ron wouldn't possibly be shocked and terrified at the prospect of suddenly falling pregnant because you had warned him that that was a possibility. I'm here for my brother, Molly, not for you."
The door suddenly opened and Arthur came walking into the house. The older man let out a heavy sigh as he set his bag aside.
"Molly I'm-" Arthur stopped when he saw Percy in the living room. The air was tense as it usually was whenever Percy and Molly were around one another. "Percy, what're you-"
"Headmaster Dumbledore plans to meet with you and Mum soon, about Ron. I stopped by to inform Mum of the fact that I'd be coming as well. I thought informing you beforehand would prevent any unnecessary tension."
Molly looked up at Percy in shock and Arthur frowned, "Ron? Why would Albus need to see us? Did something happen? Is Ron OK?"
Percy gave her a pointed look, Arthur took a step forward. "Molly?"
She said nothing and Percy shook his head, "I'm sure the headmaster will explain everything tomorrow." The boy then looked away reaching over to pick up the file on the table, "I should go."
He made to leave but Arthur stopped him before he could, placing a hand on his son's arm.
"Wait Percy," Arthur gave a sheepish smile, "You can't stay for dinner? There's more than enough room-"
"I really should go, Dad." Percy said and Arthur's expression seemed to fall. He let out a sigh before he moved in to quickly give his father a hug before pulling back. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Alright."
Percy gave a slight nod before he turned and left the house, shutting the door behind him. Arthur frowned, looking back at his wife.
"What was that all about?"
Molly brushed her hair behind her ear and shook her head, "I'm not sure."
"And Albus? What did he say about Ron? Did he explain what was wrong?"
Molly simply walked by her husband to take the washcloth she set aside, "He didn't say. It's probably nothing though dear. I'm sure it'll be fine if I go on my own, you don't have to miss work over Ron."
"No." Arthur let out a deep sigh, "If Albus is calling us to Hogwarts it must be serious. Missing one day won't kill me." Arthur didn't notice Molly tense ever so slightly as he shook his head, walking over to press a kiss on his wife's cheek before he spoke. "In any event, it was good seeing Percy after so long. Maybe we can convince him to come over for dinner tomorrow."
Molly didn't say anything as Arthur left the room, going up the stairs. She paused just after he turned the corner at the top of the stairs, taking a deep breath as her hands twisted in the washcloth.
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The next time he went back to Azkaban, it was to see Rodolphus and not Rabastan. He had another appointment scheduled at the prison, it's important for him to go back as often as possible after all to write his article. But going back to see Rabastan again was too...
He just couldn't do it. Rabastan was crawling under his skin again and Lee had no idea why, he couldn't stop it. He couldn't go back to see him just yet, so he decided to pay Rodolphus a visit instead.
"Well well well, I see my brother hasn't broke you just yet."
"Excuse me?"
"He's so fond of breaking his toys, I'm surprised that he's managed to keep you for so long." Rodolphus said as he approached the bars of his cell just like before. Lee frowned.
"How many toys has he broken?"
"He didn't tell you? That's strange, he usually loves bragging about it. It's one of the main differences between he and I."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm a private person. I don't like parading my affairs out in the open." Lee could see Rodolphus lean his head against the bars, eyes flashing in the shadows cast around the prison cells from the torches. "He's probably told you about that though hasn't he. About my very particular… proclivities."
Lee blinked, "How can you be so sure?"
"Rabastan hates to share. That's how I know he told you. He's trying to scare you into obedience, hoping that you'll stay away." Rodolphus paused, "Interesting that you came back."
"Your brother doesn't rule over me."
Rodolphus let out a bark of laughter, the guards behind Lee shifted uncomfortably.
"So he did tell you to stay away, and you disobeyed him. You are an interesting one aren't you Lee."
"Mr Jordan."
Rodolphus smirked, "Was there something you wanted to ask?"
Lee took in a deep breath, looked down at his notepad. "Are you aware of the amount of people that your brother has killed?"
"There are three, unless there were more that I don't know of." Rodolphus answered without a missing a beat, "But that's not the question you wanted to ask me is it Lee?"
Lee blinked only for his eyes to go wide when there was an explosion, somewhere in the distance. Far enough away that that they weren't in any immediate danger but still close enough that Lee could feel the shudders of the impact rock through the prison.
"What was that?!" Lee asked in alarm. The guards shared a look before one of them spoke.
"Stay here. Don't get close to the cells."
"What-"
"Stay here!"
They left, running off in the direction of the hallway where they entered to get to Rodolphus' cell. Lee's eyes all but bulged out of their sockets and his heart started to race.
'What on earth?'
"Don't worry. The dementors are probably just acting up again." Rodolphus suddenly said and Lee turned to face him again.
"Acting up?"
"It's been happening quite often." The older man explained lazily, "They start trouble and go off to places where they have no business being. Rumour has it, it has something to do with the Dark Lord."
Lee almost stepped forward but stopped himself, "Really?"
Rodolphus scoffed, "You didn't come here to ask me about the Dark Lord. You came here to ask me about Hogwarts, didn't you?"
Lee swallowed hard but said nothing, Rodolphus' head tilted to the other side.
"Go on. Ask."
Lee looked down at his notes, his heart still racing. He could still hear explosions, now further away but it wasn't any less unsettling. But he pushed on, he can't stop now.
"Rabastan said that he killed someone at Hogwarts when he was still in school. Is that true?"
"Yes." Rodolphus answered again, without missing a beat. Lee paused.
"Who?"
"Another student, in Slytherin."
"Why?"
"You'll have to ask him that, I'm not really sure myself. I only found out about it later in the headmaster's office."
"Headmaster… You're saying that headmaster Dumbledore knew?"
Rodolphus chuckled, leaned forward so his head was more visible through the bars.
"Come closer, Lee."
"Why?"
"This is very sensitive information, you don't expect me to just blurt it out in the open do you?"
"We're hardly out in the open."
"I still want you closer." Lee didn't move, Rodolphus lifted his hands through the bars. "I won't hurt you. I can't, remember; Azkaban magic and all that."
Lee swallowed hard, he looked back to where the guards disappeared. It had gone silent by then, they'd be back soon if they weren't already on the way.
"You're wasting time." Rodolphus said and Lee looked back at him with a glare.
"You can't expect me to come anywhere near you."
"Scared? What would I possibly be able to do to you in here? Unless…"
"Unless what?"
"Unless Rabastan is a better master than I gave him credit for. Such an obedient pet."
"I am not his pet."
Rodolphus just stared back at him. Lee took in a deep breath, giving one more glance to the hallway before he stepped forward. If his heart was racing before it's going even faster now, but he tried not to show it. He kept his breathing steady as he approached the bars and stopped just a foot away, just out of reach.
"Closer."
"You can't touch me. Azkaban magic." Lee said.
"Then there's no reason why you can't come closer."
After squashing down the voice that told him what an idiot he was being, Lee took one more step closer.
"There, what were you going to tell me?"
Rodolphus stood up straight and this time Lee could see his face perfectly. He looked terrible.
Shaggy dirty hair, a long unkept beard. He looked dirty, his clothes were torn in odd places. But what got Lee more than anything else were his eyes. They were too bright, as much as Rabastan's eyes were too dark. He was also struck by the older man's size as he straightened out to stand at his full height, looking down at the younger man and Lee was nevermore grateful that there were a full set of bars between them.
"Interesting." He said and suddenly he reached out. Lee's eyes went wide but he didn't step back. He was barely surprised when he felt nothing but a whisper of air when Rodolphus touched him, fingers going around his jaw to lift it. Lee almost missed it when the older man spoke.
"There was a time when the Dark Lord wasn't quite the creature that he is today. There was a time when he was simply a man, a man that wanted to change the world."
Lee frowned, "What does that have to do with-"
"In those days, he didn't have many followers, even the Lestranges had yet to fully pledge our alliance with him. We liked his ideals, however a Lestrange's loyalty is something that's hard to earn. At the time we were being courted by another… interested party, and though our ideals didn't quite line up this other party was offering something more concrete. It was a time of limbo, where the Lestrange family was not neutral until one day when the youngest heir took the life of another."
"Rabastan?" Lee asked and Rodolphus' lips twitched up ever so slightly as he brought his other hand up to the other side of Lee's face.
"The heir was called to his headmaster's office along with his older brother and the headmaster made them an offer. To help them cover the young wizard's mistake, pretend as if all was well, all in exchange for loyalty."
"What-"
"Thankfully, the heir's parents caught wind of this and put a stop to it. So even though the heir's dilemma had been, dealt with. The Lestranges escaped servitude. Apparently the headmaster had more skeletons in his closet than anyone knew possible. Multiple murders and attacks on school ground, dark creatures being allowed to live among innocent children."
"That-No…" Lee shook his head. Rodolphus paused.
"You seem like a clever young man Lee. If you don't believe me then I'm sure you could find a way to prove me wrong." And then he suddenly leaned in and Lee's eyes widened for the thousandth time that day.
But he still didn't move.
Why hasn't he moved?
Rodolphus leaned his head through the bars, towards the side of Lee's face and his hands slipped down to the younger man's neck
"Anything else?"
His voice was just barely above a whisper, Lee felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Has the Dark Lord, really returned?" he couldn't stop himself from whispering back, somehow he couldn't raise his voice any higher.
It was quiet. Rodolphus ran his nose up the side of Lee's face up to his ear.
"Say my name."
"What?"
"Say my name and I'll tell you whatever you want."
Lee took in a deep breath, his heart felt like it was about to leap out of his chest. Rodolphus' left hand moved down from his neck onto the collar of his shirt.
"Say it."
"R-…" He stopped himself and then. "Rodolphus…"
There was a shuddering breath, "Yes, Lee."
His voice dropped even more, "Has – Has Voldemort returned?"
"Yes."
Suddenly there were footsteps and Lee immediately pulled away, suddenly finding his feet as he returned to his previous position. Rodolphus stayed where he was, just letting his arms hang through the prison bars.
"We're so sorry for that." one of the guards said as they returned, clearly tired and out of breath. "We had an-"
"It's fine."
"But-"
"Is it alright to leave now, I want to go." Lee said quickly, trying to make eye contact with the guards and just barely managing. The man frowned at him, the other seemed to still be catching his breath.
"If that's what you want."
"Yes, I want to leave."
The man's frown deepened but he nodded all the same. "Alright."
They turned to leave, Lee made to follow when Rodolphus suddenly spoke.
"A pleasure to see you again, Lee."
Lee stopped clutched the notepad in his hand a little tighter and started walking away, slipping passed the guard in front of him to walk faster. The guard looked back at Rodolphus who simply slinked back to the shadows of his cells without another word.
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Ron stepped into the office, it was empty. The redhead let out a deep breath. Honestly when he was called to the headmaster's office he'd expected to see his mother right there fuming and with a wooden spoon in hand, ready to give him a piece of her mind when he walked in. Thankfully he doesn't have to deal with any of that just yet.
Dealing with Harry that morning already had him exhausted.
His best friend had suddenly gone mad.
I mean, what other reason would there be for the raven-haired teen to asking him if Snape was the father of his baby? He had to be mad, insane. Ron told him as much.
They were in the dorms alone. Seamus and Dean had already run off for breakfast, Ron had literally just stepped into the room after taking a shower. He was just drying his hair when Harry decided to accuse him of the most preposterous thing he'd ever heard in his entire life.
"Snape? Are you insane?!"
Harry sighed, "Nothing else makes sense. We spend all our time together, the only time we don't is when you have detention sometimes-"
"So what? You think I suddenly lost my mind and let Snape bugger me for extra points during detention one night?!" Ron tried not to screech in horror, he failed miserably. Thank goodness the walls at Hogwarts are so thick. "Oh Merlin, I almost pictured it…"
Harry was flushed red, Ron didn't care.
"Why in heavens name would you-"
"I went to the infirmary last night. I wanted to check up on you but you weren't there. I asked Madame Pomfrey and she said she didn't have any plans to see you last night." Harry said and Ron suddenly deflated when those green eyes locked onto him, "If Snape is just making potions for you, then why not tell me?"
Ron swallowed hard, his mind suddenly going blank.
He didn't know how to answer.
"I have not before, nor will I ever sleep with Snape. He's…" Ron wanted to insult the professor, make it absolutely clear to his best friend that there was absolutely nothing even remotely romantic between him and the potions master but somehow he couldn't. Snape has been oddly helpful as of late, he was less of a prat than normal and Ron honestly felt better when the Slytherin head of house talked him down. Things seemed easier to deal with after they spoke.
"Look, nothing is happening between me and Snape… I – he's not my baby's other father."
"Then why haven't you told me who it is?"
"Because I – it's…" Ron took in a deep breath, "It's Zabini, alright?"
Harry just stared, "What?"
"Blaise Zabini." Ron admitted letting the towel slip from his neck, "He's the one I, you know."
"Zabini?"
"Yes."
"Malfoy's, Zabini?"
Ron cringed, "Yes."
"How… when?!"
"Two weeks ago, I went for a walk and it was late and he was on the pitch and-" Ron cut himself off to let out a heavy breath, "It just happened."
"Zabini?!"
"Yes."
"He's in Slytherin."
"I know."
"He's a prat!"
"I know!"
"I just…" Harry shut his mouth, his jaw clenched, "I don't understand how this could just happen."
"I don't either." Ron leaned over to pick up the towel from the floor and tossed it onto his bed, "He just, he made it all feel so easy at the time. Effortless, you know?"
Harry watched him in silence before he spoke, "Do you love him?"
Ron's eyes went wide, "What – I – No! It's not like that, right now. He just, I was with him last night."
Harry's eyes widened as well, "That's why you were in the dungeons."
Ron nodded, "He managed to get Snape to let us use the potions lab. We just talked about what we were going to do about the baby."
"You said he didn't take it well earlier."
"It was better last night. We talked and, we're going to keep the baby."
"You are?"
"Yes."
"Together?"
"Yes?" Ron started to frown, "He said he wanted to be part of the baby's life and so do I. I'm not really sure what it'll mean for everything else but things are OK for now. But I'm not… I'm not in love with him. We're just fine, that's all."
Harry didn't say anything, he looked down at the floor, lips pursed together Ron swallowed hard.
"Harry? Please say something."
"I'm not sure what to say."
"Fair enough." Ron said forcing a smile.
Harry dragged a hand through his hair, "I just, I thought-"
"You thought what?"
Harry looked up at him for a moment before he got up from his bed and shook his head.
"Nothing."
"Harry-"
Harry stopped by Ron's side and pushed his glasses up his nose with a smile. "Nothing really. We should get to breakfast soon."
Harry was weird all through breakfast, Ron couldn't figure out what was wrong. You know, besides the obvious. It just didn't seem like the obvious was actually the problem. Fortunately or maybe not so fortunately, he was called to the headmaster's office just after breakfast. He didn't have much energy to think about Harry's behaviour once he found out that his parents had arrived.
Ron slowly walked into the room, looking over the hundreds of trinkets and books littered all over the room only to pause when he saw the sorting hat, up on one of the higher shelves and couldn't help but step closer but that's only because the hat moved and looked down at him before it suddenly spoke.
"Ronald Weasley, what an interesting surprise."
Ron frowned, "It's not the first time I've been in here."
"It certainly isn't, but that's not what I'm surprised by dear boy." The hat explained, "It seems that you've gotten some green in you since the last time I touched your mind."
Considering recent events, Ron couldn't help but feel like the comment was vaguely dirty.
The redhead flushed, "Excuse me?"
The hat seemed to ignore him, "Yours was an interesting sorting. The choice was as simple as it was complicated. On the one hand you were a perfect candidate for Gryffindor. Brave, stubborn and yet… what an interesting addition you would have made to Slytherin."
"Slytherin?"
"You have ambition boy, so much passion and desire. So much want. Slytherin would have turned you into quite the fascinating creature."
Ron frowned as he stepped closer, "But… why did you sort me into Gryffindor?"
The hat seemed to twist a little, "Well… you seemed to have your heart set on it. The same can be said for most of your siblings even though your bloodline is set in Slytherin."
The redhead blinked, "What?"
"You didn't know? The Prewett and Weasleys were Slytherin families. From my understanding that only changed with your parents. It's the main reason why the Prewett and Weasley fortunes sealed off. Lord Weasley wanted to encourage his son to stay on the right path and Lady Prewett wanted to discourage her daughter from taking a match that she didn't approve of. With the final loss of Fabian and Gideon Prewett you and your siblings are the end of the bloodlines. All inheritances were to be sealed off unless-"
"Unless what?"
The hat suddenly stilled and Ron's frown deeper, "Hello?"
"Ah, Mr Weasley! Right on time." Headmaster Dumbledore walked in through a hidden door behind the bookcase wearing colourful blue and white robes. Ron looked up a at the man but couldn't help but glance at the hat one more time.
"I-"
"Is something wrong?" Dumbledore asked and Ron shook his head.
"No, nothing's wrong."
"Well then," the man said clasping his hands together and turning towards the doorway where he entered. "Your parents and the Zabinis have arrived. I think its best we joined them. Come along."
"Yes, headmaster."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Ron he's… he's pregnant but how?" Arthur asked in disbelief and the raven-haired woman sitting across from them gave a humourless snort.
"I think we all know how that happened." Lady Zabini said with a low growl still looking straight ahead with her arms folded across her chest.
Arthur looked over to the woman but he couldn't even bother trying to get upset. He was just so confused.
"Forgive me Albus, but Ron is male. There's no way he could have possibly-"
"Oh dear Merlin!" Lady Zabini glared, "How is it possible that no one in this family is aware of the fact that one of the children is a carrier, not even the boy's parents?!" The woman sat up to look over to Arthur and glare.
Ron frowned from his seat, Blaise let out a sigh as he reached out to take the woman's hand, "Mother please."
Alexis kept ranting, "As far as I'm aware, you don't have to pay to get a blood trait test. But for some reason you never bothered to have your child tested?"
This time Arthur glared, "Not that it is any of your business Lady Zabini, but we had Ron tested as we did with all our children. They came back clean. No inheritances or blood traits for any of our children right Molly?"
Molly didn't say a word and Arthur suddenly realised that she'd been sitting there silently the entire time. Arthur's eyes went wide.
"Molly?"
"None of that matters now." Albus said raising his hand in a placating manner, "What matters is how we are going to deal with the situation now that it's been placed before us." The headmaster then laced his fingers together and placed them on the table. "Carrier pregnancies entail binding the magical core of the foetus to the core of the father, making it impossible to terminate without harming the father as well. That's why adoption is the best option for the child. There are many young couples looking to adopt a healthy magical baby and I'm sure it won't be any trouble-"
"Oh absolutely not." Lady Zabini suddenly cut in, sitting up even straighter in her seat. "Under no circumstances is my grandchild to be raised by random strangers."
"Lady Zabini, both Ron and Blaise are very young and-"
"And nothing. I'm well aware of my son's age headmaster and I can't say that I'm exactly thrilled at the circumstances of this conception but I will not have his child handed off." The woman said with finality, waving her hand dismissively in the Weasley's direction, "This child has Zabini blood flowing through its veins. If the Weasley boy wants no relationship with the child then it'll be all the better. Blaise will take full parental rights. The child will be raised in the Zabini manor."
Albus blinked, "Well, that's not unreasonable."
"Hold on, who said I wouldn't be part of my baby's life." Ron suddenly said incredulously as he sat up against the table.
Lady Zabini looked over to him with an arched brow, Arthur took a deep breath and reached over to take his son's hand.
"Nothing's been decided yet Ron, we're still just talking but. I think we need time to just think about all this and-"
"Fine." Molly said and Arthur looked at her with wide eyes.
"Molly?"
"If they want to take the child then that's fine, they can take it."
Ron shot up from his seat, "Mum-"
"Ron sit down-"
"No, I-I don't want to give the baby away." Ron said stuttering a bit as his face flushed with heat. "I want to keep it."
"To do what with Ronald?" Molly's voice was ice cold, Ron pause at the sound of it and the room seemed to quiet with a chill as the teen's lips pursed together.
"Nothing! I just. It's my baby, I don't want to give her up-"
"A baby you shouldn't have in the first place!" Molly stood as well. "You Ronald Bilius Weasley are a child! Not only that but you're a man as well, you have no business running about with boys getting yourself pregnant with some cur like a cheap tart and I will not have you jeopardising your future because of it!"
Ron flinched back, "Mum-"
"If they want the child they can have it. If I had it my way that spawn wouldn't make it to term."
The room was stunned silent, Arthur could barely believe his ears, Ron's hands clenched tightly into fists and tears started welling in his eyes, "We are not keeping it-"
"I don't see why the boy would ever need to ask your permission."
Lady Zabini suddenly spoke drawing everyone's attention. The woman's eyes were burning with fury even as she sat perfectly still. Blaise looked over to his mother though his hands were clenched on the table as well and his jaw was locked tight.
"Excuse me-"
"If the boy wants to keep the child then I see no reason why he should not. Really I'm surprised with you Weasley. An entire litter of children and yet you object to your son having one of his own?"
Molly glared, "This is none of your business-"
"Your son is carrying my grandchild, I believe that this has everything to do with me." Lady Zabini then looked over to Ron, looking the teen right in the eye, "If you want to keep the child and stay in its life then you should. It is your body, your child. Do what you see fit."
"Not under my roof."
"Molly that is enough!" Arthur said standing up as well, staring at his wife in horrified disbelief, "What on earth has come over you?!"
"Then he won't be under your roof." Lady Zabini said evenly and Blaise blinked.
"Mother-"
Lady Zabini looked away straightening out her skirt as she shifted in her seat, crossing one leg over the other.
"You honestly didn't think I'd ever allow my grandchild to live in your presence for any length of time did you? Since, Ronald is carrying a future Zabini he would need to live in the Zabini ancestral home and remain under our care during his pregnancy anyway. But if you insist on making this difficult then I see no reason why that arrangement couldn't be more permanent."
Ron's eyes went wide, "What-"
"Ron is my son." Molly growled, Lady Zabini seemed unfazed.
"You certainly don't behave like his mother. I heard that the Weasleys had degenerated to a group of unruly savages but I certainly didn't expect behaviour like this."
Albus intervened, "Now, now I think it's time that we all calmed down. There's no need for such hostilities and I'm sure Molly and Arthur would much rather have Ron with them during this time than-"
"What they want is irrelevant." Lady Zabini cut in, "As head of the house of Zabini, I hereby invoke the blood rights to the heir of the Zabini bloodline on behalf of my son Blaise."
A/N:
Yeah
Percy will be in the next chapter, he's just arriving a bit later
Please review