All You Need Is Ron

by JamieParker

Inspired by the movie Edge of Tomorrow. Ron Weasley was brought up a Slytherin and so, believes that all Muggleborns are scum. But when Ron gets stuck in a time loop, he will be forced to work together with a certain, bushy-haired witch and her famous best friend. A story about love, heroism and choices. Mostly canon-compliant. AU.

3. Chapter 3

A/N: I'm sorry. The last time you saw me, I was in great health and well, certain things happen which landed me in the hospital. Writing fanfiction was the furthest thing from my mind.

Anyways, thank you for your reviews. I appreciate them all especially those that show how much my story means to you. I was already typing a week ago. This chapter, for me, was especially tedious because I wanted to portray a realistic yet believable time loop for Ron. (Otherwise, the poor guy will be repeating time loops for a year each time!).

So do enjoy the story and thanks for sticking around!

CHAPTER 3: HOW TO WIN A WAR

October 12th, 1996

Dumbledore sat in his office, his eyes focused on the unusual necklace that Snape had brought in. Even without touching it, Dumbledore could sense the raw Dark magic emanating from the object. Dumbledore grimaced at the sight of it, mentally cursing himself. He and Severus had been keeping an eye on Draco Malfoy for some time now and yet, he had put a student's life at risk. If poor Katie Bell had held on to the necklace for a few minutes longer, Dumbledore shuddered at the thought of her death.

Maybe I underestimated Severus Dumbledore thought as he recalled Snape telling him about his unsuccessful efforts to reach Draco. It seemed that Draco, despite being just a child, was adamant about pursuing his task, seeing Snape's efforts to help him as an attempt to undermine him to the Dark Lord. Instead, Draco had chosen to distance himself away from his professor, finding solace within his friends Crabbe and Goyle as well as his cousin Ronald Weasley.

Ronald

If there was a chance, a need to, Dumbledore would have to approach the youngest Weasley boy for help. Yet Dumbledore was under no delusion about how Ronald felt towards him. Even with their meeting earlier this year, the boy seemed to want nothing to do with Dumbledore himself, retreating to an isolated state rivalling that of Draco's. Of course, there was a chance, every chance that Draco had told Ron about becoming a Death Eater and about his task but Dumbledore had decided against telling Ron or bringing him into this. Forcing him to choose a side might just push Ron further away.

Dumbledore never put much faith in coincidences. To him, a coincidence was simply the work of forces beyond his understanding, putting related events together either for a purpose or just for their own amusement. As such, when Dumbledore first heard a surprising knock on his office's door and the individual let himself in, he couldn't help but be slightly amused at the situation.

A weary-looking Ronald Weasley entered, his eyes seemingly dazed from a lack of sleep or something on his mind as without waiting or asking for permission, Ron plopped himself down on the seat in front of Dumbledore.

"Why, hello there, Ronald," Dumbledore said, surprised by the wizard's appearance. Ever since the fiasco early in the year that had landed Ronald in the hospital due to some allergic reaction, he could sense that Ron was actively trying to avoid him for the past few months. "What can I do for you?"

"Tell Professor McGonagall that she may come back later and that you've been intending to give her the new list of offices for the upcoming year. The parchment is in the black drawer at the bottom of your desk."

"What are you –" Dumbledore spoke, dumbfounded by Ron's request as there was another knock on the door. In came Professor McGonagall who looked equally surprised by Ron's appearance.

"Oh, pardon me, Headmaster, I didn't realise you were with a student. I only came to ask for the list of offices for next year. Binns has been pursuing me, you see…"

"Of course, Minerva," Dumbledore said as he gaped slightly at Ron who merely shrugged his shoulders. Reaching for the black drawer at the bottom of his desk, Dumbledore was surprised to see that indeed, the parchment was there.

"Here you go," Dumbledore said as McGonagall thanked him before reaching for the door. Suddenly, Ron turned his head.

"Professor, I believe Peeves is now on the seventh-floor trying to throw water bombs. I would suggest instead of leaving the safety of the office, you should wait at least a minute before going out."

McGonagall eyed Ronald strangely. Before she could say anything, Dumbledore nodded at her, dismissing McGonagall from his office.

"Ronald, what is –" Dumbledore started as he turned to Ron who pulled his chair away from his left-hand side.

"The kettle's an old brand and is a copy, not an original," Ron spoke as, upon cue, the kettle next to Dumbledore suddenly exploded as drops of coffee landed all over where Ron had previously seated. Dumbledore nearly leapt in surprise as Ron offered a handkerchief to the wizard.

"Thank you," Dumbledore replied as Ron shrugged his shoulders again. "Don't mention it. And don't worry about that yell. Hagrid's just mad that Fang and some wild creature decided to have a romp in his now newly destroyed pumpkin patch."

True enough, a loud yell coming from outside the Hogwarts grounds made its way to Dumbledore's office as the older wizard made a beeline for his window. Dumbledore caught sight of his gamekeeper running after a large dog while raising his fist and pointing to his pumpkin patch which was now filled with ruined pumpkins.

"My dear boy, how on earth did you know all of this was going to happen?" Dumbledore asked, wondering if Ron had developed some sort of Seer ability.

"No, I'm not a Seer." Ron sighed as he read Dumbledore's thoughts. He was exhausted, not so much physically as he was mentally. The past several times had been quite the experience but now, Ron was completely sick of it. Everything, everything he did had come up against a wall. It was now time to seek Dumbledore's help once more.

"What I'm about to tell you might sound strange," Ron spoke as Dumbledore made his way back to his desk. "But you have to believe me. People's lives are at stake."

"Well then," Dumbledore said as he put a fresh kettle on to brew. "Start from the beginning and I assure you, Ronald, that you have my complete and undivided attention."

Ron gave a mirthless laugh. "The beginning…well…that might be a little tricky."

….

What. The. Fuck.

Those exact words ran through Ron's mind as he held on to Tracey's hand. Here he was surrounded by his mates and Draco, whom Ron was eager to explain things when who should enter but Dumbledore himself. For a moment, Ron could just gape at the sight of Dumbledore who other than a tired look in his eyes, looked very much alive with his twinkling blue eyes, long beard, and gentle face.

"Headmaster!" Ron exclaimed at the sight of Dumbledore. "I thought you were dead! You died! In front of me!"

"Severus, would you escort your student back to their classes? I need a word with Ron in private."

"Out!" Snape barked as the Slytherin students each said their goodbyes to Ron with Draco giving him a warm smile. Ron took a moment to study his professor's face, frowning at the sight of the man who killed Dumbledore. Snape looked slightly dumbfounded for the moment before returning back to his usual glowering demeanour. As everyone left, Ron sat up quickly in bed and stared at Dumbledore.

"Sir, what is going on? How are you still alive?"

"I assure you, Ronald, that the tea you drank wasn't poison. I suspect you might have had an allergic reaction to it."

Tea?! Allergic reaction?! Ron could only stare in disbelief at his headmaster. What in Merlin's name are you talking about, old man?! I'm talking about Snape snuffing you out at the Astronomy Tower! Why would you be talking to me about tea?! The last time I drank the bloody thing was in your…

Ron felt something drop in his stomach as his eyes widened to the size of saucers.

"Ronald?" Dumbledore spoke with concern.

Ignoring the wizard, Ronald looked frantically around. He recognised the bed, the place where he was. Tracey. Draco. Snape. This was where he was a year ago! When he was affected by the cup of tea that Dumbledore offered him. Seeing a copy of the Daily Prophet on his bed stand, Ron snatched the paper as his eyes stared at the date before him.

"Sir, isn't today the 1st of August 1997? Or the 30th of June 1997?"

Dumbledore gave Ron a bemused stare as he shook his head. "No, today is a Sunday, the 8th of September 1996. Why would you ask me that?"

Ron gaped at his Headmaster as his lips tried to mouth words but to no avail. Only two words floated about Ron's mind as he tried to comprehend his situation.

Bloody hell.

….

"So you time- travelled," Dumbledore said as Ron nodded.

"Yes, apparently after what happened in the Astronomy Tower, once you died, I felt intense pain and found myself back almost a year ago," Ron replied.

"I see, well Ron, if I may…"

"Yes," Ron said as he waved a dismissive hand. "You were going ask me about what happened the first time round before I time travelled."

"My apologies," Dumbledore spoke as Ron stared at him. "I assume you have already told past versions of me this story multiple times."

"Yes…" Ron said as he looked curiously at Dumbledore. "This is the first time you've apologised though."

"Manners make us who we are," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Please, go on."

As Ron told his entire story of his sixth year, Dumbledore listened intently while at the same time becoming more and more fascinated with the wizard. Merlin, you are something else, aren't you, Ronald Weasley? Dumbledore thought as soon as Ron finished his story.

"And I supposed you told this story to me the first time you time travelled," Dumbledore spoke as Ron nodded.

"But you didn't believe me," Ron said as Dumbledore gave him a sympathetic look.

"Forgive my past self. Despite my appearance, I am known to be quite sceptical especially when it comes to issues like time travel. In fact, if not for what you showed me before we sat down to talk, I might have found all this hard to believe."

"Why do you think I did all that?" Ron replied dryly. "Anyways, so yeah, the first time, not so good. And so I realise that if I had to get you to believe me, I would need proof. Irrefutable proof. So I choose an event that happened, that would happen, in the week that was to come."

Dumbledore frowned as he tried to recall events in September before letting out a sigh. There could only be one event and judging from Ron's sombre expression, Dumbledore had guessed right.

…..

"Tracey, enough," Ron said as he pushed Tracey off his lap. Tracey pouted in disappointment as Draco rolled his eyes at Ron who flipped him off in return. They were all seated in the Slytherin common room, sharing the couch with a couple of third years with whom Draco had helping him with his essays as Crabbe and Goyle 'supervised' the pair.

"Ron!" cried the voice of Pansy Parkinson as she entered the dormitory. On her, Ron could see the flashing badge of Prefect shining brightly on her robes. Malfoy had spoken to Snape about switching prefect roles but Snape was adamant in Draco for taking them on, telling him that he had a better chance at becoming Head Boy next year, a strange suggestion considering Snape knew about Draco's task.

"Dumbledore wants to see you now. He's here." Pansy said as she stuffed a note into his hands. Reading it and thanking Pansy, Ron made a beeline out of the common room and towards the fourth-floor classroom where Dumbledore was. As he made his way to the fourth floor, an unusual sight waited for him outside the classroom.

Hannah Abbott, the green-eyed, blonde pigtailed witch with an impressive bosom was engulfed inside a tight embrace with an older woman sharing similar features. Ron watched as Hannah hugged her mother tightly while crying into her robes.

"Oh, thank Merlin!" Hannah cried loudly as her mother kissed her on her forehead.

"Thank Dumbledore, my dear." Violet Abbott said to her daughter though she too was weeping. "If it wasn't for him, Kingsley and Alastor, who knows what could have happened to me?"

"I don't what I would do without you, mom." Hannah wept as Violet continued to console her. "I wouldn't have wanted to stay at Hogwarts."

"You need to be strong, Hannah," Violet whispered as Ron passed the pair. "I'm here. I'm safe. Don't worry about me, alright?"

"I will always worry about you."

Ron kept his face hidden, his eyes staring down as he entered the classroom, not wanting to interrupt or intrude on the pair's private moment. As he entered the classroom, he could see Dumbledore standing in front of two men. The first, a blonde-haired man with a slight stomach and a haggard look in his brown eyes, was being comforted by the other, a tall, dark and bald man, one Ron recognised from news clippings as the Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"Here he is, Marcus. This is the boy, Ronald Weasley." Dumbledore said as he motioned for Ron to come forth.

"This is he? A Weasley?" the blonde man gasped as Dumbledore nodded. "He saw what happened?"

Ron gave Dumbledore a confused look as the bearded wizard laughed. "Yes, Ron is a Seer. Without his vision, I can only imagine what might have happened."

A Seer?! Before Ron could say a word, he felt himself being engulfed in a tight hug as the blonde man cried softly into his ear.

"Oh, bless you, thank you, Ronald Weasley!" Marcus exclaimed as Ron was taken aback by the gesture. "Forgive me, I'm just being too emotional. You saved my wife. You saved my family. I will never, ever forget that."

"You're…welcome?" Ronald said as he patted the blonde-haired wizard awkwardly. A loud grunt from Kingsley brought Marcus to his senses as he removed himself from Ron with a sheepish look on his face.

"I'm sorry," Marcus said as Ron shook his head.

"I know what it's like to lose a parent, Mr Abbott," Ron said as he stared hard at Dumbledore. "Hannah shouldn't have to go through what I did."

"For what it's worth, Ronald," Marcus spoke gently as he gave Ron a sympathetic look. "You will always be welcome in my home. I owe you a debt that I can never repay."

"It's nothing, really," Ron said, feeling quite embarrassed. Once again, Kingsley came to Ron's rescue.

"Why don't you go and spend some time with your family, Marcus? Albus and I have some things to discuss with Ron."

He knows my name?! Ron thought happily before realising that Dumbledore had introduced him. If there ever was a person Ron idolised, other than Quidditch players, it was Kingsley Shacklebolt. Fearless and powerful Auror with a reputation of handling the Ministry's toughest cases. Add to the fact that he was a Pureblood and one could understand why Ron admired the wizard greatly.

"Of course," Marcus said with a last smile to Ron.

"Remember our deal, Marcus. Not a word to anyone, not even your family." Dumbledore said as Marcus nodded before leaving the room.

"So, Ronald Weasley, the new Seer?" Kingsley said with a bewildered look at Dumbledore. "Why is the first time I'm hearing about this?"

"Because, Kingsley, Ron's abilities didn't manifest until the start of his sixth year," Dumbledore replied coolly. "He is, after all, becoming a man and such abilities take time."

"Better than Trelawney, I suppose." Kingsley chuckled. "So, you're the new Chosen One," Kingsley said as Ron grimaced at the nickname.

I am not like Potter!

"Relax, kid," Kingsley said with a laugh, noticing Ron's face. "I must say I haven't heard much about you though I do know your brothers, particularly Bill who works as a Curse-Breaker for us and Percy in the Ministry. I always thought you would take after the latter. But then again, I knew your parents. Guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree, after all."

"I…suppose?" Ron stammered, unsure of what to say.

"We could use you in our department. Once this is all over, I could put in a good word."

"You mean it?!" Ron cried as a smile broke onto his face. "I can be an Auror?!"

"So long as you meet our requirements, I'll put in a good word," Kingsley said as Ron nearly swooned on the spot.

"Easy now, Kingsley," Dumbledore spoke as Ron almost forgot about his Headmaster's presence. "I would think that before Ron decides on his future, we need to settle a few things first."

"Of course, Albus. So I supposed I'm to keep the boy secret as well." Kingsley said as Dumbledore nodded. "Well then, consider it done. I have a few Death Eaters to interrogate so gentleman, if you would excuse me. It's good to meet you, Ronald."

"Thank you, Sir!" Ron exclaimed as Kingsley gave him a smile before exiting the room.

"Quite an impression you've made there, Ronald." Dumbledore chuckled.

"An Auror! I can be an Auror!" Ron cried.

"Is that like a dream of yours?" Dumbledore said as Ron turned his attention to the wizard who gave him a knowing look.

"Yes! I've always dream….Wait." Ron said as he stared curiously at Dumbledore. "You know! How did you…"

"I have my sources," Dumbledore replied as Ron suddenly scowled. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not a Chosen One," Ron said adamantly as Dumbledore gave him a puzzled look. "Look, I'm okay with the whole Seer thing if it keeps my cover but I'm not the Chosen One. I'm not some bloody hero, okay?"

"Of course not!" Dumbledore remarked out loud. "You're a weapon."

A weapon?! Ron did not like the sound of that. Still, with the knowledge that he might be an Auror fresh on his mind, Ron was more than willing to move on.

"So, Sir, I guess you believe me now?" Ron asked as Dumbledore's face turned serious.

"Yes, I do," Dumbledore said gravely. "Ron, this has to stay between us. You must not tell a single soul about what you know, do you understand?"

"Of course," Ron replied, slightly intimidated by the older wizard. "So what is going on?"

Dumbledore's smile returned as he let out a tired sigh. "Tomorrow morning, meet me at my office. I will explain things then. There are still aspects that I do not understand but I assure you, tomorrow, you will have the answers you seek."

"Okay," Ron said, slightly baffled by the wizard. "So why call me here then? Just to get Mister Abbott to thank me? Or to introduce me to Kingsley?"

"Both. But the latter did surprise me a little." Dumbledore chuckled as the pair exited the room. Turning down the corridor, they could see the Abbott family huddled on a bench. Ron stared at young Hannah, who sat in between her parents, both of whom hugged her as their heads rested on each other.

Something was stirring inside of Ron as he felt a tug deep within his chest. The sight of the Abbott family, all safe and sound did bring him joy at having helped to accomplish that but also it brought about pain. For a moment, Ron pictured the faces of his dead parents, both of whom could never sit that close to Ron, comforting him as Hannah's parents were doing.

"I have to go," Ron said as he took off, not wanting Dumbledore to see that his eyes were glistening. He stared at the ground as he walked, his tears streaking down his cheek. For a moment, Ron considered going to Ginny, a silver lining to having time travelled back, and yet, he felt an overwhelming desire to be alone. Entering the Slytherin dormitory, Ron ignored the cries and calls of his friends as he made his way into his room. Throwing himself onto his bed and closing the curtains, Ron let the tears drop freely around him as he started to weep.

"Ron, you okay?" Draco called out from behind the curtain. Ron hastily wiped his tears away as he reached, wanting to pull the curtains open. Yet he couldn't bring himself to do so. Ron could make out the shadow of Draco, who seemed to reach for the curtains, only to come to the same conclusion as he made.

"Whenever you're ready, I'm here for you, mate," Draco whispered before walking away. Now, all alone, Ron reached for his pillow. Putting his hand inside its covers, Ron removed a picture from which he had placed since the first day he came to Hogwarts.

A tall, fair-skinned wizard with sparkling green eyes, a slight stomach, and red hair stood next to a much shorter, plump red-haired woman with bright brown eyes and similarly fair skin in a field next to a rickety, old house. Ron had stared at this picture many times, the pair constantly laughing, kissing, smiling and waving at him as they frolicked about in the picture had given him many a laugh and often brought a smile to his face. Yet today, it only brought about a sense of longing as Ron felt the pain pierce through his heart.

Feeling his eyelids starting to droop, Ron rested his head on the pillow, the picture next to him as he laid down to sleep. As he slept, images of the Weasley children, from Ron and Ginny in their Hogwarts uniform to Bill and Charlie in their work clothes all laughing and mingling about as their parents watched with pride. Ron pictured his father showing off his latest Muggle contraption as his mother came over to pinch his cheeks before pressing her soft lips onto his. As one by one, the Weasley children start to disappear, Ron felt both his parents placing their hands on his shoulder.

"We're so proud of you, son," Arthur said in a soft voice as Ron felt a squeeze on his shoulder.

"We love you so, so much," Molly said as Ron turned to his mother, having to bend down as she placed a kiss on his forehead. "You're our darling baby boy."

"Mom…" Ron whispered, his voice breaking as Molly gave him a smile. "Mom, I…I wish you were here. I wish you were alive."

"Shhhhh, it's okay, Ronnie, it's okay," Molly whispered as she beamed at him. "We're always here with you, Ronald."

"Yes, Ron." His father spoke as Ron turned to him. "Just because we're gone, doesn't mean we're gone forever. We're always going to be part of who you are."

"I don't even know who you are," Ron said as Molly and Arthur looked at him sadly. "I mean, I know you're my parents but…I don't know who you are. I never got the chance…I never got to…Oh, fuck!"

"My, precious, baby boy," Molly whispered as she pulled a sobbing Ron into a tight hug as Arthur tapped her on her shoulder.

"It's time," Arthur said as Molly pulled herself away. Ron could only stare as the pair stood in front of him.

"Time? Time for what?"

"Time for you to get up, Ron."

"Get up?" Ron asked as Molly and Arthur disappeared from view. All Ron could see was darkness in front of him. As he frantically tried to move, Ron could hear a disembodied voice shout something familiar.

"Wake up, you lazy oaf!"

Ron's eyes sprung open.

…..

"So you went back to that Sunday on the eighth of September?" Dumbledore remarked as Ron nodded.

"The first time that happened, I had no idea why. I thought it was a mistake, that maybe there was something I missed. So I followed what I did again, trying to see if it would work, if I could wake up the next day and everything would be as it should." Ron replied quietly as Dumbledore nodded.

"But it didn't, did it?" Dumbledore sighed. "It didn't change anything."

"No," Ron said as he suddenly glared at Dumbledore. "I even remember begging you to tell me what was going on but all you kept saying was that you were working on it. So when the cycle repeated itself once more, I had enough."

….

"So, Sir, I guess you believe me now?" Ron asked as Dumbledore's face turned serious.

"Yes, I do," Dumbledore said gravely. "Ron, this has to stay between us. You must not tell a single soul about what you know, do you understand?"

"I do. But there is something you need to know." Ron replied as he explained his situation. Dumbledore's eyes widened larger with every detail.

"And that's why I can't wait for tomorrow," Ron exclaimed with as much force as he could muster. "I need to know. What is happening to me?"

Dumbledore looked uncertain for a moment before heaving a sigh.

"Well, it appears that you're experiencing what is known as a time loop."

"Gee, that thought never occurred to me," Ron muttered sarcastically.

Ignoring Ron, Dumbledore continued his explanation. "It seems that the concoction used to treat my arm must have splattered into the cup which you drank your tea in. You never had an allergic reaction to my tea, Ronald. If you can recall, the potion I used for my arm makes use of the Meduza, which reverts back to its younger form whenever it gets too old. When you drank the tea, the potion must have latched itself onto you, creating a form of bond between us."

"A bond? Like our lives are stuck together?" Ron asked, not following what Dumbledore was saying.

"More like our souls. It seems that our souls have intertwined with each other, Ronald."

"So why am I back in the past?"

"Well, judging from the story you told me about what happened that night on the 30th of June, I would say that when I was hit with the killing curse, it caused a reactive response from the potion. Since I was already dead, the potion worked its way on the other soul that was very much alive."

"Me," Ron exclaimed as Dumbledore nodded.

"Since it couldn't affect me, it affected you. The potion, coupled with the time-travelling substance, launched you back to its original state with you, that is when you first reacted with it."

"I see," Ron replied as he scratched his head. "But why do I keep waking up back in the past?"

"I'm afraid, I'm not too certain of that yet," Dumbledore said. "I will need some time. In the meantime, why don't you try to see if you can stay awake till the next day? Maybe we just need to pass a certain time?"

….

"But it didn't work," Ron said as Dumbledore nodded. "We tried everything. From me not seeing you on that particular date to even involving the Ministry in helping to save Mrs Abbott. But nothing worked. Each time, each day, every single time I slept, I would wake up back to where we started."

Dumbledore stared at the young wizard. There was a tone of resignation in his voice as Dumbledore looked deep into his tired, blue eyes. Ron had lived that moment countless of times and each time, he ended up back where he started. There was nothing Ron could have done, nothing at all except…

"Ronald, I'm so sorry," Dumbledore whispered as realisation dawned on him. "I'm so sorry."

Ron looked at Dumbledore with tears welling up in his eyes. "It was by accident. I was just so tired, so exhausted with the loops that I decided, well, to not do anything. Not tell you. Just live my life. And she died. She died because I was too tired to say anything."

"Ronald…" Dumbledore started, only to stop himself at the sight of Ron's raised hand.

"It all happened so fast. All I remember from that week was that I didn't tell you and that night, on the day that I was supposed to meet you in the classroom to see you, her father and Auror Shacklebolt, I went to bed instead. I woke up the next day and then, news filled the castle that Hannah lost her mother. I should have said something."

"You did, Ronald. You did so many times." Dumbledore replied as Ron shook his head.

"But she's gone, Dumbledore. She's gone and there was nothing I could do to prevent it. I tried to go back to that time, I tried to. But it didn't work. No matter what I did, no matter how far I went, nothing worked. Not even…"

"Not even what, Ronald?" Dumbledore asked as Ron stared at him. "Ronald, what did you do?"

"That," Ron said as he pointed to the necklace on the table. "It belongs to Malfoy."

"Yes, I know," Dumbledore replied. He could see a slight look of surprise in Ron's eyes for a moment before reverting back to its poignant gaze.

"I thought that if I got sick again, maybe even the slightest, I would have a chance to go back to the past. As you said, the potion would try to revert me back to an earlier state. And so, I went to find it, I took it and…I held on. Only thing was…I held on too long."

"You died!" Dumbledore gasped as Ron nodded. "What happened next?"

"I woke up. Only this time, it was back at the start of the day itself, not the eighth of September." Ron said as Dumbledore's eyes widened.

"So the potion brought you back to when you last slept, back to that moment before you died. That is…interesting." Dumbledore exclaimed. "I think I may have an idea of why that happened, Ronald."

"Okay, but I should probably tell you the rest of my story first," Ron said as Dumbledore nodded. "You see, once I realised I couldn't go back and I couldn't even die to change my fate, I decided to take things in a different direction. Use my powers for a different purpose."

"What was it?" Dumbledore asked as Ron gave him a sad smile.

…

September 13th, 1996

"Did you guys hear the news?" Blaise said as soon as Ron and Draco sat down at the Great Hall. Ron could see everyone discussing and chatting excitedly at the Slytherin table. It was the same for the Gryffindors and the Ravenclaws but for the Hufflepuffs, the entire House seemed to be subdued. Ron stared at the empty seat at the Hufflepuff table where Hannah Abbott used to sit.

"Everyone's heard of it," Pansy said as she and Daphne walked over towards the group. Tracey followed behind the pair before sitting next to Ron. Crabbe, Goyle, Bulstrode and Nott soon joined them as well.

"Why attack the Abbotts? Aren't they Purebloods?" Daphne asked.

"They were," Nott replied. "Right until Marcus Abbott decided to marry a Mudblood."

Everyone, with the exception of Ron, made faces at that remark.

"Don't call her that," Ron whispered under his breath. Fortunately for him, no one was listening.

"Hey, Malfoy!"

Draco and Ron turned to see Urquhart and Vaisey approaching them.

"Come down to the pitch tomorrow. You too, Weasley. And you two." Urquhart said pointing to Crabbe and Goyle.

"What for?" Malfoy asked.

"Potter's having try-outs. I want to see who he's picking." Urquhart said as Ron grunted.

"Waste of time if you ask me."

"I don't give a fuck what you think, Weasley." Urquhart snapped. "Rumour is your sister is trying out and by Merlin, sister or no sister, you better not let in any goals from her. That goes the same for you two idiots!" Urquhart said as he glared at Crabbe and Goyle.

"Please, you think we don't have better things to do?" Draco cried. "Potter's gonna pick Weasley and Longbottom because they're his friends. Chances are Bell will be there too. Anyone else shouldn't bother us. Our team is miles better than they are."

"Maybe except for our Seeker," Vaisey exclaimed as he smirked at Malfoy. "What? You've never beaten Potter despite how many times you keep saying he sucks. Maybe you Malfoys are just full of shit."

"You watch your mouth, you half-blood git!" Draco growled as he stood to his feet.

Vaisey sneered as he took a step towards Malfoy. "Or what? You're going to run off to daddy? Last I heard, he's rotting in a cell in Azkaban. Can't seem to do things right, not like the ones who took care of Mrs Abbott."

"Why don't you just fuck off?!" Ron roared as he stood to his feet, clenching his fists. Vaisey glared as he took a step, only to be held off by Urquhart who smirked at the pair.

"Gentlemen, save it for the Quidditch. Good on you, Weasley. I like the intensity. See you guys at the pitch tomorrow." Urquhart said as he dragged Vaisey away.

"Fucking prick," Ron growled as Draco echoed his sentiments. "Crabbe, Goyle, do us a favour. One of you hit a Bludger at him during training. Maybe that's the only way to get some sense knocked into him."

Draco laughed slightly as Crabbe and Goyle exchanged grins.

"I don't see why Flint made Urquhart captain," Tracey said, eager to get on Ron's good side. "He's not even that good of a Chaser."

"He sucked Flint's balls, that's what I heard," Theo exclaimed as the girls looked disgusted while the boys sniggered. "What? It's true."

"So I guess tomorrow you'll be at the pitch?" Pansy asked Draco who exchanged a look with Ron.

"No. I had work to do. Screw Urquhart." Draco replied.

"You have to come up with a reason though," Pansy said thoughtfully. "You can't just skip it."

"Maybe I'll get detention," Draco replied.

"Or maybe, you can say you're in mourning," Zabini said as he pointed to the Hufflepuff table. Two of Hannah's friends, Ernie Macmillan, and Susan Bones were sharing an embrace, the latter being comforted by the former. "I heard that some of the Hufflepuff students are allowed to skip classes and attend sessions with Madam Pomfrey."

"Do I look like I could pull something like that off, Zabini?" Draco retorted as Zabini smirked at him.

"Yeah, I can see it now…Hi, Madam Pomfrey, I'm here because I miss my friend, Hannah. It's just…I can't believe they killed her Mudblood mother…Oops!" Zabini mocked as the entire group with the exception of Ron broke out in laughter.

"Drop it," Ron said as he reached for a sandwich. "Let's just change topic or something."

"Awww, Weasley here feels sorry for Hannah." Theo mocked. "I don't blame him. Not seeing that pair of great tits would bother me too!" Theo laughed before being elbowed by Tracey.

"You boys are disgusting."

"If you ask me, they were asking for it," Zabini said as Ron slammed his fist on the table, startling everybody.

"What?!" Ron exclaimed in anger as he glared at Zabini who looked back at him in shock. "How could you say something like that?"

"Why the fuck not?!" Zabini replied, getting over the temporary shock of seeing Ron's reaction. "Don't tell me you feel sorry for poor lil' Hannah."

"She just lost her mother," Ron whispered angrily. "But how would you know? It's not like you've lost anyone close to you."

"To be honest, mate," Theo said with a laugh, hoping to defuse the tension. "Zabini has lost countless dads."

"That's because his mother kills them. We all know that. The entire magical community knows that!" Ron snapped.

"At least my mother wouldn't resort to marrying a Mudblood." Zabini retorted hotly. "The Abbotts were a Pureblood family, one of the Sacred 28th and Marcus just couldn't keep it in his pants, could he? Had to fuck a Mudblood. Well, I say he deserves it. Hannah deserves it. At least now they be better off without having to see that whor –"

Whatever Zabini was going to say next was anyone's guess, as Ron leapt to his feet before punching him across the table. Zabini crash to the floor, his faces a bloody mess as plates of food and goblets clattered to the floor. The entire Great Hall went quiet as all eyes stared at the Slytherin table.

"What the fuck is your problem, Weasley?!" Theo roared as he went to the aid of Zabini. "Are you out of your fucking mind?"

"Don't you ever say something like that! Ever!" Ron roared. With the help of Theo, Zabini got back on his feet, his nose bleeding profusely but his eyes glaring daggers at Ron.

"You filthy blood-traitor! What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"HER MOTHER DIED!" Ron roared. "And you're fucking taking piss out of it."

"Oh, and you feel bad for her?" Zabini exclaimed. "Take a look at that, people! Ron Weasley, the Slytherin Mudblood Lover!"

"Shut the fuck up, Zabini," Draco exclaimed as he grabbed at Ron's robes. "Go wash your face. Don't let your disgusting half-blood blood dirty our eating area!"

"Defending your cousin, eh Malfoy? Guess you're one as well, huh." Zabini cried as Draco took a step towards him.

"I'll watch my mouth if I was you, Zabini. If my father is a Death Eater, I hate to see how he would react if he knew about what an idiotic half- blood tried to say about us." Without waiting for a reply, Draco turned to Ron as he whispered into his ear.

"Snape's coming. Get out of here. I'll cover for you. Just go."

Ron nodded gratefully before making a beeline to the entrance of the Great Hall. He could see the Slytherin girls each staring at him in shock while on the other side of the room, Potter and his gang had equally puzzled looks. Not wanting to talk to anyone, Ron made a beeline back to his bedroom.

As soon as he entered, Ron went straight for his chair, grabbing it by its handles and flinging it onto the floor. The impact shattered the chair into pieces as Ron went into a frenzied rage, smashing and kicking all of his items.

"It's not my fault. It's not my fault." Ron heard himself saying. Despite that, his heart refused to believe it as his mind kept playing the scene of the Abbott family coming together and comforting each other. Hannah would never get to do that again, Ron thought bitterly. She's out of Hogwarts and I doubt she would ever come back.

Marcus Abbott would be a broken man. Ron doubt that the emotional wizard would ever be the same again.

A family destroyed in pieces.

As for Violet…she would never get to see her daughter graduate. Never get to see her daughter take up a job. Never get to see Hannah get married. Never get to grow old and become a grandmother.

All because she was a Mudblood.

Ron grabbed his pillow and pulled out the photograph of his late parents.

"IT'S NOT MY FUCKING FAULT!" Ron yelled at the photograph. "I didn't ask for this! I didn't want this! I couldn't save her, alright, no matter how many fucking times I tried to go back. I couldn't save her. So stop asking me too!"

In the heat of the moment, Ron crumpled the picture before flinging it onto his bed. Crashing on his mattress, Ron felt his face growing wetter by the second.

"What am I supposed to do?"

Why was he feeling this way? He didn't care about Hannah before this. Hannah, as Theo and Zabini and the rest of them had pointed out, was just another witch, a disgrace to her house because of her mother. Prior to this, Ron would have done exactly as the rest did. Just ignore it, have a few laughs and think nothing of it.

"In the real world, people die and no matter how angry or how upset you feel, you can't change that." Ron thought. It was true, wasn't it? He was hung up over something he couldn't change, something that he should have just left alone. It wasn't like his life was all that secure. He had other concerns besides trying to save a dead woman. Concerns that he had pushed aside, for Dumbledore, for others.

Is this my reward for trying to do something good?

Perhaps it was time to focus on reality, to focus on what still mattered to him. Ron thought of Ginny, one of two people whom he cared about. He should really just focus his attention on her. Sitting up onto his bed, Ron made up his mind. He would put all his attention on his loved ones, those who mattered to him and were still very much alive. He would need a plan to deal with Ginny and to come up with a way to get them to stay on talking terms. He would do anything to keep her safe.

Eying the crumpled picture on his bed, Ron snatched at it before walking over to the window. Staring out into the dark night with nothing but the light from the stars and Hagrid's Hut, Ron decided on his new course of action. He couldn't be beholden onto the past any longer.

"I'm sorry," Ron whispered to the wadded up picture. "But I'm done with the past. It's time to focus on what's important now."

With one last look at the photograph, Ron pulled back his arm and threw it out as far as he could. Watching it sail through the air before it disappeared from view, Ron vowed to himself to do what was necessary to protect those he loves, regardless of anything else. Good or bad. Right or easy. None of that mattered. Only Ginny and…

"Merlin, Ron, what the fuck?!"

Ron turned to see Draco gaping at the mess in the room.

"Sorry, got carried away."

Draco waved a dismissive hand. "Eh, I've done worse. Besides, nothing a little Reparo Charm can't fix. But what the hell was that back there, mate? I mean, don't get me wrong, I've been meaning to punch Zabini for a while but it sounded like you actually felt sorry for Hannah's mother."

"I've just been going through some stuff," Ron said as Draco raised an eyebrow. "Relax, mate, don't worry. It's been taken care of."

"Well, luckily for you, Snape seems to be on your side when Zabini told him what he said about Hannah's mother. Who would have thought Snape would feel sorry for someone like that?"

"He's probably trying to get on your good side," Ron said as Draco nodded in agreement.

"That's true. Can't stand being dethroned by a younger, more good looking Death Eater." Draco said as Ron gave a laugh. "Anyways, I can't come down tomorrow so cover for me with Urquhart?"

"Always," Ron said as Draco beamed at him. From the corner of his eye, Ron stared at the brown package beside Draco's bed, picturing the contents that laid inside.

…

"So you decided to focus on what mattered to you," Dumbledore said as Ron nodded. "Draco and Ginny."

"Well, if you're dying at the end of the year," Ron replied calmly. "That means He will win and the Death Eaters would reign supreme. All I care about is protecting those close to me, by whatever means necessary."

"Survival of the fittest," Dumbledore replied. "How very Slytherin of you."

"What choice did I have?" Ron said as he stood to his feet. "I spend too much time trying to change the inevitable. It was time to accept it."

"So what did you have in mind for young Miss Weasley and Mr Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked.

"My sister was easy," Ron explained as he stood up and started to pace in front of Dumbledore. "So long as she stayed away from Dean Thomas and didn't do anything drastic, I could protect her. All I needed to do was break them up and that, well, would come down to when I meet her later this year. Just have to do it nicely so no one walks away upset. At least that way, I can keep an eye on her."

"And Mr Malfoy?"

"Draco is much harder," Ron admitted. "At first, I thought of telling him about the time loops. About how you were inevitably going to die so he can relax on that front. I did convince him but you can probably guess what happened."

"You went back in time," Dumbledore replied.

"Yes. So I figured if I can't tell him, then all I have to do is help him." Ron explained. "You see, I know my cousin, and despite what he says, he's not a killer. Back in the original timeline, Draco told me about Bell and Longbottom and how even though, nothing happened to them, he did feel bad about it. So I decided to help him out."

"You tried to deliver the necklace yourself," Dumbledore said as Ron nodded. "But I take that it didn't work."

"Neither did me delivering the mulled mead. No matter what I did, I kept waking back up." Ron sighed. "Then I tried to intervene by helping Draco fix the Cabinets and again, I kept waking back up."

"I see."

"I even destroyed the Cabinets." Ron blurted out as he stopped pacing to stare at Dumbledore. "I mean, Draco only needed the Cabinets to find an escape route out of this castle once you were killed and yet, I kept waking up back in the past. So I had enough. I decided to tell Draco that you were dying, that I saw you use the potion and that despite the potion, you will not survive the year."

"And let me guess, you woke up in the past," Dumbledore replied as Ron nodded. Dumbledore studied the young wizard's face.

"Is that why you're here? You want me to convince Draco?"

"Yes," Ron replied with a stoic look on his face. "I want you to help me convince Draco. You owe me this, Dumbledore. You said so yourself."

"I see," Dumbledore said as his blue eyes twinkled from the light of the fireplace. "Well, Ronald. I would love to help you, believe me I would, but I can't. The minute I tell Draco, you will go back to the past without this entire conversation ever taking place."

"You don't know that!" Ron snapped as Dumbledore raised his hand.

"Actually, I do. You see, Ronald, I've already figured out what is happening to you."

"You have?!" Ron asked as he took his seat.

"Yes," Dumbledore replied. "Tell me, Ron, what do you know of time travel?"

"I've had experience." Ron said sarcastically as Dumbledore smiled at him.

"True but you don't understand it. You see, my former past counterpart did get it right. We are bonded by the potion and yes, you did travel in time. But time, you must understand, is quite fickle."

Dumbledore waved his wand as out of thin air, a chalkboard appeared in front of his desk. Dumbledore stood to his feet as he drew a straight line, placing the date he died on one end and the date Ron first woke up on the other.

"Now, what happened the first time around, my past self has already explained to you. Due to the unique nature and combination of the potion, the jellyfish and the time-turner liquid, you were sent back in time at the moment of my death as part of the defensive mechanism of the potion. Now, here is where it gets interesting."

Dumbledore drew a cross on the line and labelled it as Violet Abbott.

"Now it seemed that, when you first came back, you and my past self tried to intervene to prevent Violet's murder. In doing so, you created a temporary alternate timeline."

Dumbledore drew a line from the cross away from the original line. Turning around, Ron could see Dumbledore giving him a sympathetic look.

"Unfortunately for you, you've learnt the hard way about one of the absolute rules regarding time travel. You see, Ron, as long as a person travels back in time, he or she will most definitely create a form of change that otherwise didn't exist in the previous timeline. Take for example, if I were to travel back ten hours today and stood in the corner of my empty office for a second and then travel back, what changes would I have caused?"

"I don't know," Ron replied as he shrugged his shoulders. "Did you spit or something?"

Dumbledore gave a laugh. "Precisely. Or more likely, the dust that was on the floor would have been disturbed by my presence. But such changes do not alter the timeline because their impact is minimal. And that's the thing, we are allowed to travel back in time but only if our impact on time does not change the timeline drastically. In other words, one cannot alter the original timeline."

"So what are you saying?"

"Mrs Abbott was always supposed to die. It had already happened and changing it would have impacted on the timeline so greatly that an alternate one had to be made. And that, Ronald, is what cannot exist. An alternate timeline cannot exist." Dumbledore said as he wiped away the alternate timeline from the board.

"So when I kept waking up back at the hospital wing…" Ron spoke.

"It was Time's way of telling you that you cannot change the past," Dumbledore said with a smile. "You can alter it slightly if the impact is minimal but if the impact alters the timeline, then time will simply reset itself for you. If we could change the past, don't you think someone would have time travelled back to when Voldemort wasn't as powerful and tried to kill him?"

"So that's what's happening to me. I keep resetting." Ron said as Dumbledore nodded. "Wait…that also means that…Hannah's mother…"

"There was nothing you could have done," Dumbledore replied gently. "Her death was inevitable. Which is why when you did not inform me about what was to happen, nothing did and so Time saw no reason to reset you back to that previous moment in the hospital wing. Violet Abbott was too important a milestone in the timeline."

"Are there any other milestones I should know of?"

Dumbledore paused for a moment before placing crosses on the original timeline. "Well, that is up to Time to decide. But we already know some of it. This necklace incident. The poisoned mull mead. The Cabinets. It seems that anything to do with Draco Malfoy would be off-limits. It seems that we have to play by Time's rules, right until we get to that moment in the Astronomy Tower."

"But would that end the time loop?" Ron asked excitedly. "Would that mean that I won't be travelling back in time?"

Dumbledore gave Ron a strange look as he waved his wand, the chalkboard disappearing from behind him.

"Did you say that my past self referred to you as a weapon?" Dumbledore asked.

"Err…yeah?" Ron said, sounding confused. "Why are you asking that?"

"Ronald, this ability you have. It isn't a curse." Dumbledore said as his blue eyes twinkled brightly. "It's a gift. Used properly and we all might stand a better chance. I will need your help, Ronald Weasley."

"With what exactly?" Ron asked as Dumbledore gave him a look of incredulity.

"Why, winning the war, of course."

…..

As Ron stepped out into the Hogwarts grounds, he could see that evening had soon arrived. A rumbling in his stomach reminded him of his need for food. Heaving a sigh, Ron decided to take a walk around the castle, the cold air filling his lungs as he tugged on his robes. Luckily for him, it was a Saturday which meant that he could easily explain his absence to Draco or Pansy by saying he was taking a fly around the gardens.

If Ron was being honest, he was not proud of his answer to Dumbledore. But it had to be done. A war was coming, if not already here, and Ron needed to pick a side. Considering what was to come, Ron could only see one option in front of him, one he had made about a month ago in another time.

"So that's it?" Ron said as soon as he and Dumbledore left the Pensieve. "You think he made a Horcrux?

"No, Ronald," Dumbledore said with a smile. "I think he made Horcruxes."

Ron looked startled for a moment. "More than one? But…but…what are Horcruxes?"

"I'm afraid, Ronald, I cannot tell you more unless you agree to help me out."

"Help you, help you with what exactly?" Ron asked as he crossed his arms.

"Defeating Lord Voldemort once and for all."

"You mean, killing him?"

"Yes," Dumbledore said grimly.

"Wouldn't that change the timeline?" Ron asked as Dumbledore shook his head.

"Not if you kill him after I'm dead."

Ron couldn't believe his ears. "Are you insane?! How am I supposed to kill the Dark Lord?!"

"It won't be you who hits the killing blow, Ronald but you would be helping Mr Potter and the community tremendously," Dumbledore said as Ron gaped at him.

"Harry's supposed to kill Voldemort?! How?!"

"That is between me and Harry, I'm afraid," Dumbledore said as Ron stared at him blankly for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"I assure you, Mr Weasley, I am not joking," Dumbledore replied in such a serious tone that Ron shut up instantly. "You have, within your power, an ability sought by Voldemort himself. You cannot die this year, Ronald. Time will not let you as evident by when you held on to the necklace. You can fix any mistake you've made simply by turning back. Do not let these powers go to waste."

"I'm not," Ron said with a smirk. "I was thinking of using them…for exams…and Quidditch."

Dumbledore gave Ron a sad smile. "While I may understand the appeal of that, there are more pressing matters in the world. So help me, Ronald, help me stop him. Be a hero."

Ron stared at Dumbledore for a long moment.

"No."

Dumbledore gave a start. "Why not, Mr Weasley? Or are you for His side?" Dumbledore asked as unknown to Ron, he gripped his wand ever so slightly. Dumbledore silently reminded himself that Ronald Weasley was an enigma to him, a wizard raised by the Malfoys, one of the darkest families within the community.

Ron gave a laugh. "You think this is about pureblood supremacy?! This is about survival, Dumbledore! Didn't you recall me telling you that there were only two people that mattered to me, two people who mean everything to me!"

"Your sister and Draco Malfoy," Dumbledore replied. "But surely you must see how defeating Voldemort would help their situation?"

"You mean, IF, we defeat Him," Ron exclaimed as he glared at his Headmaster. "The only reason why the Dark Lord hasn't taken over the world is because of you. With you out of the way, there is nothing that will stop him. And you believe in Potter?! Of all people?!"

"Harry is the only one who can."

"Then we're fucked."

"Mr Weasley, language, please…"

"Language?!" Ron exclaimed, cutting Dumbledore off. The nerve of the old man! "You're the one putting your faith in an underaged wizard against the most powerful sorcerer of all time and you're telling me to watch my language?! If I help you out, then that means I become a traitor and anyone close to me will get punished! Let's face it, without you around, he will win. And at least, as a Slytherin and a Pureblood, I will know how to survive in that world and how to take care of Draco and Ginny."

"I can't say much for Mr Malfoy, but your sister…"

"You forget that I can time travel?" Ron barked. "All I have to do is keep repeating the cycles, making sure my sister is safe using whatever means at my disposal. Even if it means having to keep her safe far away from here. And as for Draco, being a Death Eater would assure me that he would still be alive."

"Ronald Weasley," Dumbledore spoke, at last, his voice trembling with every word. "I assure you that if Lord Voldemort indeed rises in power, then your sister and Draco will never be safe. Your sister will keep fighting on because she believes in doing what is right and Draco, well Draco, will always have to watch his step so as not to anger Voldemort. Sooner or later, they will be punished as well. Not to mention, the thousands of witches, wizards and innocent lives that will be lost in this war. You can save them all, Ronald."

"Just like Mrs Abbott?" Ron said as he shook his head. "Even if I wanted to, the odds would still not be in our favour. It's like playing chess without your most powerful pieces. No, Professor, I'm sorry. But I have to think about my family now."

"Ronald, please. I assure you that if you help me, we would stand a much better chance of winning."

"I'm sorry, Professor," Ron said as he stared at Dumbledore poignantly. "But last time my family followed your plans, I lost my parents. I don't have faith in you, Dumbledore."

The words hit Dumbledore like a brick as the old wizard felt a sharp pain pierce through his heart. For a moment, he found himself back at Ariana's funeral where his younger brother, Aberforth, threw a punch at his face. Staring at the redhead in front of him, Dumbledore felt a wave of guilt rushing over him.

"May I be excused, Headmaster?" Ron asked as Dumbledore nodded. As Ron made his way to the door, a thought struck Dumbledore as he called out to Ron.

"Ronald," Dumbledore spoke as Ron turned around. "The key to ending the time loop is to do…nothing. Let the same events as the previous timeline unfold."

"Okay…" Ronald said with an astonished look on his face. "But why are you telling me this? Or is this to guilt me into helping you?"

"No guilt, I swear," Dumbledore said as he raised both hands in the air. "Ron, I know that this is difficult for you to understand but please hear me out before you fall asleep tonight. I'm not a perfect man, Ronald, I've made mistakes. And because of who I am, the consequences from my mistakes tend to be more severe. I know you think that without me, it is futile to fight and while that may look so, you cannot be further from the truth. I didn't stand a chance of stopping Voldemort back when he was in power. Nothing I did stopped him until a young baby boy came about and did what I could not do. And here we are once again, Lord Voldemort is on the rise and once again, fate has shown me that it is not me who will bring his downfall."

Dumbledore placed a hand on Ron's shoulder before continuing to speak.

"When I can look at you, I see a boy who underestimates himself greatly. Who doesn't see what I see. That deep down, he is a good man. A good man who nearly went to Gryffindor because he possessed all the traits that Gryffindor believed in. A man who would sacrifice himself for his cousin, who would refuse to let anyone hurt his sister and who would even try on countless occasions to save a stranger. I believe you, Ronald, are the person destined to help Harry in defeating Lord Voldemort. I believe that with you, and only with you, do we stand a chance of winning. You're a good person, Ronald Weasley."

Ron snorted at the words as Dumbledore smiled sadly at him.

"But it doesn't matter what I believe. It doesn't matter because, in the end, this is your choice. I've been trying to control your life ever since the first day and look where that's got us. Everything that happens now is in your hands. I have faith in you, Ronald Weasley."

"Hey, Ronald."

The dreamy voice dragged Ron out of his thoughts as he saw Luna Lovegood seated in one of the stone benches on the Hogwarts grounds. Her wand was lit as Luna stared at the empty space in front of her, the bacon sandwiches by her side forgotten as she seemed focused on looking at something.

"Hey there, Lovegood," Ron spoke. On any other day, he would have walked past Luna without so much as acknowledging her presence but Ron needed to get his mind off Dumbledore. Deciding that Luna would be at the very least, a good distraction for him, Ron took a seat next to the witch.

"What are you doing here?" Ron asked as Luna gave a sigh.

"I thought I saw a family of Blibbering Humdingers. Must have been a false alarm." Luna replied, her voice sounding distant. Ron snuck a glance at the bacon sandwiches next to her, his stomach growling at the sight of them.

"You can have them if you like," Luna spoke, though she did not turn to him. "I had my fill anyways."

"Thank you," Ron said as he gratefully took a bite on one of the sandwiches. The sweet taste of bacon filled his lips as Ron let out a grateful sigh as Luna gave a giggle.

"You're hungry," Luna remarked with as dirty-blonde haired witch stared back at him with her silvery-white eyes. The longer he stared at her, the more uncomfortable Ron felt. He could recall calling her names as the strange Ravenclaw walked down the hall. Her dreamy-like state would often irked Pansy the most as despite the constant taunts and jeers by his housemate, Luna appeared unaffected by it.

"Yeah, sorry about that," Ron said as he placed the empty sandwich wrappers into his pocket.

"It's okay," Luna said as she started to hum. "You needed it. Besides, I can always get more from the elves."

"Elves, huh? You sneak food from the kitchens too?" Ron exclaimed as Luna gave a laugh.

"No. It's their way of thanking me for helping get rid of some of the clothing. Poor Hermione." Luna said.

"Granger?"

"Sometimes, she can be a little bossy," Luna said as Ron nodded. "She wants to free the elves so she's been leaving behind clothing down in the kitchen in the hopes that one of them would pick it up. I want to tell her that the elves consider it an insult but that would hurt her feelings."

"Serves her right." Ron scoffed. "Helping elves? What a load of dung."

"That's quite unkind of you to say. Hermione's heart is in the right place. She just doesn't know how to do it." Luna said as Ron stared at her.

"She wants to free elves, Luna. Elves!"

"Why shouldn't elves be free, Ron?"

"Because…" Ron spluttered. "They're elves!"

"I see," Luna said as she leaned into him, her face inches away from Ron. "I guess you and Hermione do have differences, after all."

"You thought I'm like Granger?!" Ron said with a scowl on his face. "I'm nothing like Granger!"

"Well, you both would do anything for your best friends, you take care of the people you love and you're both stubborn, strong-headed people," Luna spoke as if she was explaining an answer in class.

"Believe me, we are not the same," Ron said, emphasizing his last word.

"Pity. You two would make a good couple."

Ron nearly choked at the mention of this statement.

"Couple?" Ron said, in disgust. "You must be loony!"

"Then why did you kiss her?"

"I didn't kis…Wait?!" Ron half-yelled as he stood to his feet. "You knew about that?!" as Luna burst into giggles.

"You look like the backside of the Crumple-Horned Snorkack!" Luna laughed as Ron stared wordlessly at her. "Yes, I did see the picture. Your sister showed it to me."

"Who else has seen it?!" Ron demanded as he made a mental note to confront Hermione.

"Only myself, Ginny, Harry, Hermione, and Neville….I think." Luna said as she stared at him. "You know, I wouldn't mind kissing you myself."

"Luna…I…err….Arghh!" Ron cried as he started to pace in front of her, cursing under his breath.

"Ron, don't move!" Luna cried suddenly as Ron was startled by the witch leaping in front of him, her nose nearly touching his, only for her face to drop as she looked away.

"Luna, I don't want to kiss you!" Ron cried as he took a step back as Luna shook her head.

"No, Ron, I thought I saw a Humdinger. But not the Blibbering kind. It was a Sparkling Humdinger."

"What the hell is a Humdinger?!" Ron said before shaking his head. "You know what? Never mind! I need to go anyways."

"Do you really?" Luna sighed as she smiled at him. "I like talking to you. You're nice."

Ron snorted as he straightened his robes. "Luna, in case you've forgotten, you and I aren't friends. You're friends with Potter and Granger."

"So?"

"So we can't be friends!"

"That's just a silly thing to say. You're nice to your sister and she's friends with Harry and Hermione."

"That's because she's my sister. I love her." Ron said as Luna shook her head.

"You care about her but you don't love her, Ron."

"What do you mean?!" Ron snapped as he glared at Luna.

"Well, if you love her, why do you keep insulting her friends? They're her family, Ron." Luna said as Ron snorted.

"They're not her family. I'm her family."

Luna shook her head. "Family are people who care about you and love you unconditionally. But they're also people who want what is best for you and support you whenever they can. You say you love her but you don't support her beliefs. You didn't support her when she wanted to follow us to the Department of Mysteries earlier this year."

"She could have been killed!" Ron cried. "Potter nearly got my sister killed!"

"She chose to go, Ron."

"Then, the more I have to protect her, especially with the war that is coming." Ron sighed. "I can't lose her, Luna. Ginny's everything to me."

"But you already have," Luna whispered as she placed a comforting hand on his arm. "Ginny is going to help Harry no matter what you do or say to her."

"But she'll die," Ron whispered. "And you'll die too, Luna. The Dark Lord is going to win."

"Maybe," Luna replied as she gave a shrug. "But Harry's going to try to stop him, I know that. And Ginny, Hermione, Neville and I will do whatever we can to help him, no matter what."

"What's with you Gryffindors?!" Ron barked in frustration. "Do you all have a death wish or something?"

"I'm a Ravenclaw," Luna replied though Ron ignored her.

"I'm just trying to keep her safe, Luna." Ron cried exasperatedly as Luna stared at him with a confused look on her face.

"How can you keep her safe if You-know-who wins? Wouldn't she always be in danger?" Luna replied. "She's chosen her side, Ron, a long time ago.

Ron sat back on the bench as he buried his face into his hands. He recalled how stubborn Ginny was when she defied him to go to the Ministry with the DA. It seems that no matter what he did, Ginny would always be in danger. I'll just have to convince her, don't I? Maybe I'll tell her truth? Ron thought before snorting out loud. He knew his sister. Other than using the Imperius Curse, Ron doubt he would be able to prevent Ginny from doing anything she wanted to do.

No matter what, I have to protect Ginny

I have to protect Draco

Composing himself, Ron stood to his feet and straightened his robes before turning to Luna.

"Thanks, Luna. I'm going to leave. There's something I need to do."

"Oh, where are you headed to?" Luna asked.

"Just going to the seventh floor." Ron sighed. To his surprise, Luna stood to her feet.

"I'll come with you. I have to get back to my dormitory anyways." Luna said as she and Ron walked towards the Entrance Hall.

"Don't you want to stay? See your Humblingers or something?" Ron asked as Luna gave a giggle.

"Blibbering Humdingers, Ronald and no, I don't think I'll catch any. None of them will show up if a Sparkling Humdinger appears and it seems that the creature is attracted to you."

Ron decided to play along. "Why would the creature be attracted to me?"

"I don't know," Luna said as she gave a shrug. "No one had seen one in centuries, apparently. It's only back in medieval times when my father said they would appear but they can be very tricky especially their ability to stay out of sight. Father says they're only attracted to a certain type of people."

"Which type?" Ron asked, humouring Luna a little further as she gave him an odd look.

"Knights."

…..

"A Horcrux is a word used for an object in which a person has concealed part of their soul."

"I don't quite follow…" Ron said as Dumbledore raised his hand. Ron could see from the wizard's face that he quite detested talking about it.

"A Horcrux is created when a person splits their soul and hide that part inside an object. That way, should one be attacked or destroyed, one cannot die for a part of their soul remains earthbound and undamaged. But to exist in such form is a horrifying thought indeed."

"But that would mean that a person would be…immortal," Ron whispered as his eyes lit up. Bloody Hell!

"In essence, yes. But the person would have paid a terrible price. The only way to split one's soul is to commit the most supreme act of evil. Murder. Killing rips the soul apart." Dumbledore explained.

"Wait…so that means…He's…immortal?" Ron said as his mind let out a mental groan. Great! This just keeps getting better and better.

"So long as he has his Horcruxes, Voldemort cannot die," Dumbledore replied.

"Wait…Horcruxes? As in more than one?!"

"Well, if my theory is proven, I would have to say…there are seven."

"Fuck me!" Ron cried as Dumbledore frowned at his use of language. "Sorry," Ron replied instantly as he tried to compose himself. "But destroying one Horcrux, let alone seven."

"I am glad to see you appreciate the magnitude of the problem," said Dumbledore calmly. "But firstly, no, Ron, not seven Horcruxes: six. The seventh part of his soul, however maimed, resides inside his regenerated body. That was the part of him that lived a spectral existence for so many years during his exile; without that, he has no self at all. That seventh piece of soul will be the last that anybody wishing to kill Voldemort must attack — the piece that lives in his body."

"Okay, so we have six?" Ron exclaimed as Dumbledore smiled at him.

"Ronald, you need to understand something about Lord Voldemort. Lord Voldemort liked to collect trophies, and he preferred objects with a powerful magical history. His pride, his belief in his own superiority, his determination to carve for himself a startling place in magical history; these things, suggest to me that Voldemort would have chosen his Horcruxes with some care, favouring objects worthy of the honour."

Dumbledore raised his hand. "Two of the Horcruxes have already been taken care of. The first would be Marvolo Gaunt's ring in which I have destroyed. The second is a diary belonging to Lord Voldemort. Both items have now been destroyed."

"How did you destroy these Horcruxes?"

"The ring was destroyed by me during my visit to the Gaunt Shack. It had a terrible curse upon it too. Had it not been — forgive me the lack of seemly modesty — for my own prodigious skill, and for Professor Snape's timely action when I returned to Hogwarts, desperately injured, I might not have lived to tell the tale. However, a withered hand does not seem an unreasonable exchange for a seventh of Voldemort's soul. The ring is no longer a Horcrux."

"So that's why you needed the potion!" Ron said as he eyed Dumbledore's blackened hand. "Okay, what about the diary? How was it destroyed?"

The question seemed to unnerve Dumbledore as the Headmaster hesitated for a long moment before speaking. "It's a long story but rest assured, the diary is gone. And with that, only four Horcruxes remain. Now, remember, Lord Voldemort liked to keep trophies. Can you recall from the memories any items which might fit this description?"

"The locket!" Ron exclaimed loudly, "Hufflepuff's cup!"

"Yes," Dumbledore said, smiling, "I would be prepared to bet — perhaps not my other hand — but a couple of fingers, that they became Horcruxes three and four. The remaining two, assuming again that he created a total of six, are more of a problem, but I will hazard a guess that, having secured objects from Hufflepuff and Slytherin, he set out to track down objects owned by Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Four objects from the four founders would, I am sure, have exerted a powerful pull over Voldemort's imagination. I cannot answer for whether he ever managed to find anything of Ravenclaw's. I am confident, however, that the only known relic of Gryffindor remains safe."

Dumbledore pointed his blackened fingers to the wall behind him, where a ruby-encrusted sword reposed within a glass case. Ron gave a whistle. He had seen pictures of it before in the Malfoy Library. The Sword of Gryffindor.

"Do you think that's why he really wanted to come back to Hogwarts, sir?" Ron said as he recalled the memory of Voldemort's visit to the castle. "To try and find something from one of the other founders?"

"My thoughts precisely," Dumbledore said. "But unfortunately, that does not advance us much further, for he was turned away, or so I believe, without the chance to search the school. I am forced to conclude that he never fulfilled his ambition of collecting four founders' objects. He definitely had two — he may have found three — that is the best we can do for now."

"Even if he got something of Ravenclaw's or of Gryffindor's, that leaves a sixth Horcrux," Ron said, counting on his fingers. "Unless he's got both?"

"I don't think so," said Dumbledore. "I think I know what the sixth Horcrux is. I believe it's his pet snake, Nagini?"

"The snake?" Ron said, startled. "You can use animals as Horcruxes?"

"Well, it is inadvisable to do so," said Dumbledore, "because to confide a part of your soul to something that can think and move for itself is obviously a very risky business. However, if my calculations are correct, Voldemort was still at least one Horcrux short of his goal of six when he first fell. But nonetheless, I believe Nagini is the six Horcrux."

"Okay, so what do you want me to do?" Ron asked as Dumbledore beamed at him. From under his desk, Dumbledore pulled out a bag.

"Here," Dumbledore said. "Inside, you will find copies of my memories as well as notes and articles about Voldemort's past history. What I need you to do is help me find them. Find the Horcruxes, Ronald, and destroy them except for the last one, the one that resides in Voldemort himself."

"So you want me to look for the locket, the cup, an unknown Horcrux and Voldemort's snake?!" Ron cried incredulously.

"Perhaps you may leave Nagini out of it," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "Just three Horcruxes. Look into his past, find them and destroy them."

Ron took the bag from Dumbledore. "You know this is a suicide mission, right?"

"Luckily for us, you cannot die." Dumbledore chuckled as Ron scowled a little before a thought occurred to him.

"Wish I didn't have to work at this alone," Ron grumbled before catching the expression on Dumbledore's face. "What?"

"There is someone whom can help you. I've given it much thought and I believe she can be of much assistance to your mission."

"Who?"

"Miss Hermione Granger."

Ron nearly fell off his chair. "Granger?! Why her, of all people?"

"Well," Dumbledore explained as he smiled at Ron. "You see, I intend to inform Harry of the Horcruxes soon during the year. I would guess that he would share that information with Mr Longbottom and Miss Granger. Now, if you recall the timeline, you would note that there are certain events in which you cannot change and I believe that if we choose to involve Harry this early, it would be detrimental. Likewise, for Mr Longbottom, his incident with the poisoned mead would also make him unsuitable for this task. In which case, that leaves us with Miss Granger. I myself cannot get involved as I would need to play my part in order for the timeline to remain intact."

"But…Granger…"

"Is a very resourceful witch who will no doubt help you with her research. As an added bonus, I've decided to recognise her organisation, the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare, as an official club within the school. Organised clubs, such as the Gobstones, are permitted to leave school grounds for official school business and since Miss Granger is of age, I can waiver off the need for a professor to be present."

Ron stared blankly at Dumbledore. "You want me to join SPEW?!"

"Yes," Dumbledore replied. "And you will need to convince Miss Granger on your own accord. I fear that should I force her on my part, it would affect the timeline as well. Being of age, Miss Granger is out of the Trace and that should help you tremendously in your mission."

"I rather do this alone," Ron grumbled as Dumbledore offered him a sympathetic look.

"No one can survive in this world without help, Ronald."

"You do realise you're asking me to befriend not just a Gryffindor but Hermione Granger herself?" Ron cried as Dumbledore gave a laugh.

"You know what they say," Dumbledore exclaimed with a twinkle in his eye. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

….

October 13, 1996

Though he felt sore throughout his body, Ron was grateful for Urquhart's training session. The harsh training had prompted Ron to take a shower before throwing himself to sleep for a short nap. Waking up just a few hours before dinner, Ron made an excuse with Draco and his friends to go to the library where he was sure a certain bushy-haired witch was.

The nap was his contingency plan as just in case things didn't go according to plan, Ron would be more than prepared to jump out a window so as to restart back in an hour. He didn't quite fancy having to spend days trying to convince Hermione.

As he entered the library, his eyes locked upon the quartet of Potter, Granger, Longbottom and his sister gathered around the desk. For a moment, Ron wondered how he would get Granger alone. He forced a group of first-years to abandon a desk that kept the group within sight as Ron hid behind a large book.

As his mind delved into the different plans to separate Granger from her friends, it seemed that fate was on his side. His sister soon stifled a yawn as she stood to his feet, pleading for the group to follow her out for a fly at the Quidditch Pitch. Despite Granger chastising, the other three members began packing their things before leaving.

Ron shut his eyes as he took a deep breath. Opening them, he was shocked to see that the table was empty.

Rushing to the table, Ron peered down the aisles of the library. She must be getting a book or something Ron thought as he grumbled at the prospect of having to hunt her down. Ron soon made his way through each shelf, peering in each lane to see if he could find her.

"Where the bloody hell is she?!" Ron muttered as he reached the last stack of shelves at the dark, isolated part of the library. Cursing under his breath, Ron turned around before giving a yelp. Standing behind him was a glaring Hermione whose wand, Ron noticed, was out in her hand.

"Why are you spying on me?!" Hermione snapped as Ron's shock of seeing the witch began to subside. Ron gave a scoff as he sneered at Hermione.

"Spying on you? You're not that good to look at, Granger."

"Oh please." Hermione spat. "I saw you enter the library and how you tried to hide behind that book. You were spying on us. Why? What have you got up your sleeve?"

"Listen, Granger," Ron said as he grew weary of their conversation already. "I wasn't spying on you, but I do need your help."

"Hah! That's rich." Hermione said derisively. "What could Ronald Weasley possibly want from me?"

"Spew."

"You're disgusting!"

"No, not spew! S.P.E.W!" Ron said as Hermione looked shocked. "Listen, I know this may be hard to believe but I want to join your cause. I want to be part of your club. I've even asked Dumbledore to make the club official and I want in. So what do you say? Can I join?"

Hermione gaped blankly at Ron.

"Hello, Granger! Are you there?"

"You want to join S.P.E.W?"

"Yes."

"You, you want to join?!"

"Yes!"

"Join S.P.E.W!"

"Oh, bloody hell! Yes, you git! I want to join!" Ron growled in frustration. "So are you going to waste your breath asking me again or will you let me join your idiotic, stupid club?!"

Hermione stared blankly at Ron for a moment before a smile crossed her lips. Ron blew a sigh of relief.

Thank Merlin! Now that wasn't so –

WHACK!

Shit!

…

So that's it for this chapter. I promise the next one won't take as long. I will try to get it up ASAP. Thanks for reading!