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.

1. Chapter 1

A/N: Hello.

The idea for this story came to me the other day when I was rewatching Edge of Tomorrow, starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. If you haven't seen the movie, go watch it or at least catch the trailer. For those of you who want to know, EOT is a story where the world is at war with aliens. The aliens possess a power where after an event has happened, the aliens can repeat that same day at the start but with the knowledge of what is going to happen. Like a time loop. So in the movie, Tom's character manages to get similar powers and Emily's character basically helps trains him while getting him to help them win the war by dying and repeating the days over and over again. Back to this story, so the fanfic is inspired by the movie which is, in turn, an adaptation of a Japanese anime All You Need is Kill which gave me the idea for the title.

That night after the movie, I had a dream picturing Emma Watson as Emily with Rupert Grint as Tom and I couldn't help laughing to myself at how absurd it was before realising how much I would love to see something similar but in a HP story. While this story will take bits and pieces from the movie's and anime's plot itself, it will be quite different as well.

I wanted the story to start from that point but I thought it would be important for you to know what Ron is like first and his relationship to Hermione. This chapter will contain snippets of Ron's life in the first five years at Hogwarts.

That being said, I hope you enjoy this story and please give me reviews. I will be updating on a weekly basis and each chapter will vary in length. This story is AU but will follow canon mostly except for CC. Happy reading!

CHAPTER 1: THE FIRST FEW YEARS

….

1982

It seemed almost like a cliché that bad and sad things tend to happen on a rainy day.

Albus Dumbledore wiped away a tear as he watched the wizards and witches who had gathered around raising their wands in the air, shooting out pure beams of white light. From across him, he could hear the loud crying of two babies with red hair while the other Weasley children appeared to do their best to remain strong.

Death is but the next great adventure.

Dumbledore grimaced at his own words, words he had spoken to many students over the years in order to reassure them; their young, impressionable minds were a concern for him. Dumbledore himself could recall his own experiences with death, none more so than his sister Ariana, whose death soon sparked the greatest wizarding duel the world had ever seen. Even now, decades after the incident, Dumbledore could still recall the screams of his brother as he stared down at the lifeless eyes of Ariana looking back in shock.

"Dumbledore."

Albus turned around to see Amelia Bones, a newly appointed Wizengamot and official within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Though the square-jawed witch had jet black hair, Dumbledore could see strains of grey starting to spout off the top of her head.

"Amelia," Dumbledore replied as he stared at the witch. Amelia was known for her serious and stoic expressions and yet here, Dumbledore could see her crumbling, her face a mixture between sadness and apologetic.

"I tried but…the Ministry had overruled me."

"I owe it to them, Amelia. Both of them." Dumbledore said as Amelia noted his serious tone. Heaving a sigh, Amelia removed a piece of parchment from her cloak.

"I did manage to get us the best possible option," Amelia said as Dumbledore read the parchment. "As I already spoke to you before, they've already decided that Bill and Charlie will join us, considering their educational needs. I had to do a little bit more pushing and I've managed to secure Fred, George, and Ginny."

"Percival and Ronald?" Dumbledore asked. Amelia shook her head.

"Believe me, this was the best I could do. The Purebloods wanted them all but I convinced the Wizengamot to let us keep five. Separating the twins would be disastrous and well, I had to choose between Ronald and Ginny."

"And you picked the girl?" Dumbledore asked as a tear streaked down Amelia's face.

"It was either that or lose them both. I don't like this any more than you do, Albus but this is Ministry Law. The family is part of the Sacred 28 for Merlin's sake and unless Molly and Arthur have another closer living relative, other than unstable Aunt Muriel, crazy uncle Bilius or just anyone with the means to take care of all the children, I would have forced the Ministry to send them there. Unfortunately for all of us, the people most suited and next in line happens to be the Blacks."

"Why not Andromeda? Why can't we push for this?" Dumbledore demanded.

"You know how it is, Albus. The war is over and now the Purebloods want their place back into society. Andromeda's marriage to a Muggle would cause anarchy within their ranks. Any attempt to take Percy and Ron will seem like a form of prejudice against them and could cause civil unrest, given that the Weasleys are one of the oldest Pureblood families. Trust me, Albus. This is the best I can do."

Seeing the resigned look on the witch's face gave Dumbledore pause as he heaved a sigh. On one hand, Dumbledore knew that leaving the two Weasley boys to the Purebloods was the last thing he ever wanted to do. On the other, it could mean placating the Purebloods and allowing for peace after years of war. Deep within the recesses of his mind, he could hear a young eighteen-year-old boy whispering the words he knew all too well.

For the Greater Good.

"So Narcissa has both boys?" Dumbledore spoke grimly. To his surprise, Amelia shook her head once more.

"She's petitioning to let Percy be raised by the Parkinsons once the paperwork has been finalised. Ronald, however, would be raised by her as well as her sister-in-law Morgana Malfoy."

"Is that allowed?" Dumbledore asked as Amelia nodded her head. Dumbledore shook his instead and turned his attention back to the funeral at hand. He could see both coffins being lowered as several of the Weasleys were now crying openly. He could see the blue eyes of Ronald staring back in confusion and fear at Bill who was holding him while sobbing hard at the sight. A lump soon formed inside Dumbledore's throat as he felt his own face getting wet as the rain helped masked his tears.

"We are going to lodge another appeal. And I'm going to see to it personally that none of the Weasley children ever break ties or forget each other." Dumbledore spoke as Amelia nodded before joining the mourners herself. Dumbledore kept his gaze on the surviving Weasley members, his heart aching in pain as he recalled the lives of two of his dearest friends who gave up everything for the war.

"I'm sorry, Arthur. I'm sorry, Molly." Dumbledore whispered to no one in particular as the rain kept pelting down on him.

…..

.

.

1991

"SLYTHERIN!" The Sorting Hat roared as its decision drew a mixed reaction from the crowd. The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were whispering furiously amongst themselves as some of the Gryffindor students shot dark looks at him. The whispers grew louder as Ron left his seat to the uproar and applause from the table of wizards and witches in green.

"Isn't he a Weasley?!"

"I thought he'll be in Ravenclaw like Percy."

"He's Malfoy's cousin. What did you expect?"

As Ron took his seat next to Draco who gave a large pat on his back, his eyes drifted towards the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw tables. He could see both Fred and George giving him dark looks while his brother Percival gave a curtsy nod in his otherwise indifferent look. Ron turned back at Draco who was beaming at him.

"Looks like I beat you. The Hat didn't even land on my head before shouting Slytherin!" Draco cackled as Ron gave his adopted cousin a playful nudge.

"Bloody Hell, the stupid thing kept saying a lot of tosh! I didn't even listen to its rubbish." Ron grumbled as he felt his stomach churning. "Merlin, when's the feast?! I'm starving!"

"You're always starving!" Draco said as Ron laughed before landing his eyes back on the Gryffindor table. He soon spied the two individuals he was looking for.

"Check out the Mudblood and Potter," Ron whispered as Draco turned his attention to the bushy-haired girl and the raven-haired wizard with the famous scar. "Can't believe you wanted him to be our friend, Draco."

"It's Father who told me to do it," Malfoy whined as he glared at the pair. "Can you believe that tiny bloke actually beat the Dark Lord? What a load of dragon dung."

"Well, if he keeps associating himself with the likes of Granger, we will have to do something, won't we?" Ron said as Draco laughed, his mind already racing with pranks to pull on the two.

"What about Longbottom?" Draco said as he spied the timid Gryffindor student seated next to Harry.

"If Longbottom stays out of my way, I have no issues with him," Ron replied. "Love his sweets, though."

"Wish you share it with us," Crabbe whispered as Ron turned to the pair of Goyle and Crabbe, two young Pureblood wizards that Draco already marked as his cronies. Ron scoffed at Crabbe as he reached down into his robe to bite the head of a Chocolate Frog.

"Scabbers was hungry," Ron replied indifferently. His eyes soon turned to the bushy-haired witch next to Potter, his blue eyes meeting her brown ones before the pair exchanged glares and turned away. Despite this, Ron couldn't help himself to sneak one final look at Granger, his disgust for the haughty Muggleborn witch rising. At the back of his head, he could hear the Sorting Hat speaking to him once more.

"What a conundrum I'm in!" the Sorting Hat spoke as Ron felt a wave of uneasiness rush over him. He had been worried that the Hat would not put him in Slytherin as he wanted. Instead, the Hat spoke of Hufflepuff as it deemed him to have loyalty and Ravenclaw for having a strategic mind.

"Slytherin, please. I want Slytherin!"

"Really?" the Hat exclaimed, its voice filled with pity. "I admit you do possess more values that are endearing to Salazar's cause and yet, I find myself wanting to put you in Gryffindor. If it is, Slytherin you want, then so be it."

"Wait!" Ron cried before the Hat could announce his house. It was curiosity, more than anything else that made Ron ask the question.

"Why do makes you think I should be in Gryffindor?"

"Because, you have the one quality that Godric prizes above all else, Ronald."

"Which is?"

"Courage, my boy, courage."

…..

.

.

1992

"Where you're going, mate?" Draco asked as he and Ron left the Quidditch Pitch. Around his arm, Ron had a package wrapped in green as he winced from the aching pains in his body. Since Draco's appointment as Slytherin Seeker, Ron together with a few of their Slytherin second- years had banded together to help Draco improving his Seeker abilities. With the holidays approaching, only Ron, Crabbe, Goyle and Draco with some of the Slytherin girls were the only ones staying behind. Draco's father was still under investigation and Ron had volunteered to stay back with his cousin.

"Going to see my sister. Give her my gift." Ron said as Draco nodded. Despite them all living apart, Ron and his siblings often met each year on certain occasions in order to foster and remember their family ties though truth be told, Ron only felt a connection with his older brother Percival and Ginny. While the rest of his brothers shunned him and Percival being as indifferent at times as a stranger could be, Ginny was the exception. Her adopted family was poor and Ron, having the beneficiary of being raised a Malfoy, often spoilt her with gifts and coins. Being Ron's sister also had other benefits like the Slytherins being warned off from making fun of her.

"Hope she likes it," Draco said as he clapped Ron's back. Ron smiled back at his cousin. In many ways, Draco was his only true brother. Having been cousins, the pair had started off tumultuously until Draco, being an only child, felt the loneliness of it all and started warming up to Ron. Ron knew most of Draco's secrets and vice versa, the pair nearly inseparable. Ron knew that Draco liked Ginny too and though Ron would never admit to this, secretly wished that Draco and Ginny would get together someday, cementing his relationship with Draco.

Ron and Draco entered the Great Hall as Draco made a beeline towards the Slytherin table. Dinner had arrived and Ron ignored the grumblings in his stomach. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see his brothers Fred and George shouting to students to get out of Harry's way, calling him the Heir of Slytherin. Scowling at the two prats, Ron approached Ginny who was strangely isolated at a far corner of the table.

"Ginny," Ron said as he beamed at his sister for a moment before his expression turned to shock. Instead of a bubbly and lively eleven-year old, Ron was faced with a pale and sick imitation of his sister, slowly staring into her bowl of mushroom soup.

"Ginny, are you okay?" Ron said as he sat across his sister, who looked like she was near death. Ginny looked up from her soup, her brown eyes looking lost as she stared back at Ron. Ron could see her clutching her bag tighter to her chest.

"Ron, I…yes…I am fine." Ginny replied after a momentary pause, his eyes seemingly resigned to some sort of fate.

"You look far from fine, Ginny," Ron said as he grabbed his sister's hand, surprised by how cold it was. He could see what appeared to be blood and dirt being lodged under her fingernails. "Ginny, what's wrong? You can talk to me."

"Nothing's wrong, Ron," Ginny whispered. "I've just been stressed."

"You look like you need a trip to Madam Pomfrey. Have the twins not been taking care of you?" Ron said as his eyes glinted dangerously at his elder brothers.

"I'm….I'm…." Ginny stammered before breaking down in tears. Instinctively, Ron rushed to the side of her table, holding his sister in his arms. It broke his heart to see his sister like this. Ron felt a wave of brotherly love coursing through his veins. Why had Ginny succumbed to this? Ron thought before his eyes turned to his two brothers. Anger now grew in him as Ron glared daggers at his brothers who were now seated with Potter, Granger, and Longbottom.

"I wish you were in Slytherin instead. No one would hurt you there, Ginny."

"I have to go!" Ginny said suddenly as a terrified look came across her face. Pulling herself away, an unusual red glint in her eyes made Ron pause for a moment before watching his sister depart from the Great Hall. Guilt coursed through within him as Ron watched his sister leave. How he wished Ginny was in Slytherin! His guilt soon turned to anger as Ron turned his attention back to the Gryffindors. Gripping tightly to the package that he had brought for Ginny, Ron marched his way towards the laughing Gryffindor students as he slammed the package onto the table.

"What the fuck are the two of you doing?!" Ron demanded as the entire Hall suddenly grew silent. Both Fred and George had shocked expressions on their faces while the trio of Longbottom, Potter, and Granger looked warily at him. Ignoring the looks, Ron took a step forward, his full height putting him level with the twins.

"I said what the fuck are you doing?! Have you not seen our sister?! You two prats are supposed to be taking care of her, you bloody fuckers!"

"What did you call us?" George whispered dangerously as Fred took out his wand. Ron scoffed at the twins, his temper very much in control.

"I called you fuckers! Because I thought, that even though Ginny had to go to Gryffindor, you two miserable gits who take care of her. But she looks like hell, you bloody wankers!" Ron said as he slammed his hand against a bowl of mashed potatoes.

"You're one to talk!" Fred growled. "Busy having fun with your Slytherin pureblood mates, have you?"

"Don't you dare accuse us of not caring when you've turned your back on this family," George added.

"This family!" Ron mocked as he shook his head. A look behind the twins showed no Professors and faculty members present and this gave Ron a much-needed boost. "You talk about family when you don't even take care of the one who Mother apparently loved the most. Mother would be ashamed."

A gasp from Hermione told Ron that he had taken it too far as Fred pointed his wand at him. Instead of doing the same, Ron threw his wand on the ground.

"Pick it up and face me, you Slytherin coward." Fred hissed as Ron glared back.

"I don't need a wand to beat the shit out of you, Fred," Ron said as he clenched his fists. "What the hell have the two of you been doing, huh? You're supposed to be her brothers! I know the two of you don't give a shit about me but Ginny? She's a child, for Merlin's sake."

"YOU'RE HER BROTHER TOO!" George roared as he threw his wand on the ground. "Don't act so high and mighty just because you're a Malfoy!"

"Don't you fucking turn this around. What have the two of you been doing? Bullying her?!"

A sarcastic grunt made all three boys turned around to the source as Hermione Granger glared back at Ron.

"You're one to talk. You and your Slytherin gang have been bullying us for the past two years!"

"No one asked your opinion, you Mudblood." Ron turned to see Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle, together with a few Slytherin students behind him. Harry and Neville leapt to their feet, both glaring towards Draco.

"Don't you dare call her that!" Neville roared.

"Oooh, I'm so frightened. The little Blood Traitor suddenly grew a spine." Draco taunted as cackles and laughter broke amongst the Slytherin.

"Perhaps you should be, Malfoy." cried a wizard by the name of Dean Thomas. "Rumour is Harry is the Heir of Slytherin."

"Not to mention, he owned your arse at the Duelling Club," George replied as the other Gryffindor students started to laugh.

"Please," Ron said, at the defense of his friend. "No Heir of Slytherin would ever be best friends with a Mudblood."

The mention of the name drew shock and gasps amongst the crowd. Ron, despite being Draco's best friend, often left the Mudblood insults to Draco, choosing to leave such taunts between his fellow Slytherins. Ron felt a pair of arms grabbed his collar.

"I never thought I'll see the day, brother." Fred spat as Ron pushed the former off his robes. "For the first time, I'm glad Mom and Dad are gone. If they could see just what you've become, it would kill them."

"Maybe if they had chosen to be who they are, they wouldn't be dead," Ron spoke as another gasp came across the crowd. Ron could see George about to throw a fist towards his head before something splattered across his face. Draco let out a howl of anger as Ron wiped off the remnants of the mashed potato that someone had thrown at him.

Nothing but the sight of Ron dripping with mashed potatoes could have pulled Fred and George out of their rage. Instead, a temporary look of shock came over the twins before both started to howl in laughter. Ron turned to the culprit who held the bowl of mashed potatoes in her hand.

"I'm sorry but you were just so mean that I had to...AHHHH!" Hermione screamed as a roast beef sandwich landed on her face. Ron turned to see Draco getting high-fives from Crabbe and Goyle.

"FOOD FIGHT!" the twins yelled as all chaos and pandemonium broke loose. Students from all four houses were grabbing and pelting each other with bits of food while a few of the younger students cowered underneath the table. Through the melee, Ron spied Hermione whispering something to both Neville and Harry. Without warning, the pair leapt across the table, throwing themselves at Ron and Crabbe.

"What the fuck?!" Ron roared as Neville Longbottom appeared to be trying to yank his red hair off. Kneeing the boy in his groin, Ron pushed off the groaning Neville as he tackled Harry to the floor.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!"

The booming voice of Minerva McGonagall echoed throughout the Hall as the Hogwarts students dropped everything and turned to face her in horror. Behind the Deputy Headmistress, were Professor Snape, Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout with a cheery Lockhart clapping his hands in glee.

"Ahhh, a pre-Christmas celebration. Did you know that in my travels, I once came across a village tha-"

"Quiet!" Snape snapped as Lockhart made a face before quietening down. Ron watched as McGonagall and Snape approached the group, their stares as intimidating as they could be.

"Who started this?" McGonagall asked. Before Ron could answer, Draco spoke up instead.

"It was Granger, Professor," Draco exclaimed as he pointed his finger towards the witch. "She threw a bowl of mashed potatoes at Ron."

"Is this true, Miss Granger?" McGonagall spoke as Hermione gave a squeak of distress. Everyone knew that McGonagall was Granger's favourite teacher and the disappointment on her face gave Ron a strange kind of pleasure.

"Malfoy and Weasley threw things too!"

"Oh, shut up, you telltale!"

"Don't talk to us, you family traitor!"

"It was the Nargles, Professor Flitwick!"

"SILENCE!" Snape roared as the protests from the students disappeared underneath the tone of his voice.

"Never…" McGonagall spoke, her voice seething with anger. "Never in the thousand years of Hogwarts and in all my years of teaching have I ever such a foolish and disrespectful display of actions. Do any of you see the kind of mess you've made in the Hall?! You are students of Hogwarts and yet you behave no better than a wild group of chimpanzees! I should vote to cancel all Hogsmeade future visits as well as give everyone here detention!"

Ron could see the other students exchanging looks of worry as the older ones appeared to be in disbelief over what the Professor had said.

"As far as I'm concerned, to give you all detentions would be punishing the faculty and I see no reason why we have to suffer for the stupidity of all of you. This fight couldn't have started without cause so I want to know, who are the two or more individuals responsible for this mess?!"

Ron watched as Hermione raised her hand, her eyes glaring at Harry, Neville and the twins. She appeared to be whispering something to Potter who merely sighed before nodding his head. McGonagall then turned to her attention to Malfoy who looked terrified. Realising that Malfoy could lose his place on the Slytherin Quidditch team, Ron raised his hand quickly.

"Weasley? What did you do?" Snape asked as Ron cowered slightly under the gaze of his House professor.

"I kneed Longbottom in his parts and shoved Potter. I also threw some food at Granger."

"Why would you do that?" McGonagall asked though Snape appeared to have a hint of a smile.

"Because they're idiots," Ron said as he glared at his brothers.

"Was it an act of retaliation?" Snape said as his eyes twinkled with glee. "Because, if so, then Minerva, we mustn't punish Weasley for defending his housemates."

Ron couldn't explain the reason for what he said next. Perhaps it was the way he felt somewhat guilty for starting the mess. Perhaps it was his guilt for taking care of Ginny as much as he should. But as Ron stared at Hermione Granger, with bits of mashed potato dropping down her hair and her face looking close to tears at having disappointed her favourite teacher, a slight tug in his chest made him feel something for called her a Mudblood.

Guilt? Ron thought. Nevertheless, it needed to be said. If not for nothing, Ron took pleasure in having to be able to hold this over his brothers, with all their talk about how Gryffindors were supposed to be brave.

"It was me, Professor. I started it."

…

I'm in hell Ron thought as he shuddered at the task in front of him.

In the absence of Dumbledore who was off in some meeting, Professor McGonagall took charge of their punishment. To say that she was angry was an understatement. McGonagall ordered all those who took part in the food fight to clean up the entire Great Hall with no magic. Despite protests from Draco, the Slytherins had no choice but to join in as well and Ron was grateful for Draco whose spiteful remarks about Potter and his friends drew the Slytherins' attention away from him. Yet, McGonagall had bestowed the worst of all punishments to both him and Granger, a punishment so horrifying that Ron wouldn't even wish it upon his worst enemy. Ron glowered at Hermione, whom unlike him, seemed to be revelling in the task at hand, her face pink as she continued to scribble away on the parchment.

"Wonderful, Hermione, wonderful!" Professor Lockhart cried as Hermione's face reddened under the compliment. "Well, this certainly sounds like me. It can be difficult, you know, being so famous. Ronald, you need to write more than two sentences. My fans demand something for their adoration and we mustn't disappoint them." Lockhart said as he gave Ron one of his famous smiles while handing back the thank you note that Ron had passed to him.

"Please kill me." Ron sighed as he wished McGonagall had asked him to clean trophies with a toothbrush or having to help Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest. From what he heard, Draco had a horrible time last year in his detention though Ron doubted it could be as bad as this.

"Suck up!" Ron whispered harshly as Hermione glowered at him. A sneak peek at the front desk showed Lockhart admiring himself in the mirror, a task which took a minimum of a half hour.

"Oh, shut up!" Hermione said rudely as she turned away from him. "Don't you even dare think about copying off me, Weasley."

"Wouldn't dream of it, Granger," Ron replied as he turned away from her. "I don't need to see those mushy, sick love letters you write."

"Professor Lockhart is a well-respected wizard and this is honestly the best detention we could ask for," Hermione said matter-of-factly as Ron turned to gape to her.

"Are you serious, Granger? Or have you forgotten our first class with him? Or our lessons? Or the Duelling Club?"

"People make mistakes."

"Lockhart's a mistake. Someone should Obliviate him just so he can spare us from spreading his stupidity." Ron snapped as Hermione turned to face him, her eyes glaring.

"Merlin, you've really are a horrible person, aren't you? Don't you have anything nice to say?" Hermione said as Ron opened his mouth to protest, only to be cut off by the witch. "Oh I forget, you're a Slytherin who thinks all Muggleborns are Mudbloods. My bad!"

"What's it to you, anyways, Granger?" Ron retorted. "It's not like you lived in our world long enough to be affected by the term. People call me traitor, a snake, a coward and all sorts of horrible things each day, you don't see me acting out."

"Just because I've only been in this world for a short period of time, doesn't mean I don't understand when someone's being a racist!" Hermione snapped. "But what do you know, you oaf? You and your Slytherin friends love taking advantage of those you think are beneath you, favouring your kind above all others."

"And you don't?!" Ron whispered harshly. "How about last year when you and your friends stole the Cup from under us? All those points added by Dumbledore just because he had a soft heart for Potter."

"That's because we stopped a certain Dark Lord from taking the Stone and saving the school, you moron!" Hermione replied as she glared at him. Ron stared at her before giving Hermione a smirk.

"Stopped the Dark Lord? Please. You and your friends were rescued from him when Dumbledore returned. I heard you couldn't even get past the chess set."

"How did you know about that?!" Hermione said sharply. Ron remained silent, recalling how Snape had complained out loud to his House about the truth behind Potter's antics last year.

"Whatever!" Hermione cried exasperatedly. "Like you could have gotten past it, anyways."

"Of course, I could," Ron growled back. "I've been playing chess long before you can imagine. All it takes is about knowing who to sacrifice."

"And I supposed you would do that, right?" Hermione scoffed. "Sacrifice yourself."

"Of course, I would!" Ron roared. "Why did you think I took the fall for this instead of Malfoy?"

"Because you, Ronald Weasley, are nothing more than a stooge who believes in all this pureblood nonsense and you would do anything to ensure that your cousin continues in his vile ways." Hermione cried. "I bet you don't even know why you hate Muggles!"

"Muggles persecuted our kind, didn't they?" Ron snapped. "Burn them at the stake, hanged them. You really want to defend your kind that caused two wars and nearly destroyed the planet?! No, instead, you choose to mate with them, causing our magical roots to be tainted over the years until finally, it's all gone. Do you even know why Salazar build the Chamber? To get rid of all of you before Hogwarts becomes infested with the Muggle disease and our kind dies out."

"Is that why Malfoy's been attacking Muggleborns?" Hermione demanded as Ron gaped at the bushy-haired witch.

"Malfoy?!" Ron exclaimed in disbelief before sniggering. "You think Draco is behind this? I thought you were the smart one, Granger. The Chamber had been open fifty years ago and someone died. The Heir has nothing to do with Malfoy?"

"Maybe Malfoy's related to the Heir," Hermione said as Ron shook his head.

"Don't you think that if Malfoy had such power over the Chamber, he would wait to unleash it this year? Besides, the Slytherin lineage ends in either Selwyn or Gaunt. Every Pureblood knows that. But neither one has a student in Hogwarts right now."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because…" Ron said as he stared back at her. "Because Malfoy is my brother and this entire rumour about Potter supposedly being the Heir is making him go crazy. At least this way, you can tell your goons the truth and maybe the rumours will stop."

"You really care about Malfoy, don't you?" Hermione said, her tone no longer unfriendly. Instead, it had a curious element to it, almost as if she was starting to assess something.

"Of course, I do. He's like my brother and I always stick by family."

"Not Fred and George, though."

"Those prats had it coming to them!" Ron snapped. "Just because they hate me, doesn't mean they should neglect their duties to Ginny."

"Why can't the lot of you just get along?" Hermione whispered softly as Ron let out a grunt before scowling at her.

"There's no point in me explaining that to you, Granger. Even Potter and Longbottom couldn't understand me and they both lost their parents as well. I was brought up by Aunt Narcissa and Mother and I'll be damned if I turn my backs on them now. Ginny was the only one who cared about me and I'm not going to turn my backs on them either. No matter what they do, no matter how horrible or unforgiving, they're my family. But my brothers, even Percy, they can just go to hell. Always picking on me and giving me those looks like I'm a monster. Forget them!" Ron said as he threw his quill on the floor, his actions not caught by Lockhart who seemed to be in the process of perfecting his next smile.

"Draco's my brother, just as much as Ginny is my sister." Ron sighed, his anger slowly dissipating as he thought of Ginny and how, once things were sorted, he was going to have a long talk with her. Just like Lockhart, Ron was so caught up with his thoughts that he hardly even noticed Hermione staring back him in silence with puzzlement in her eyes as she tried to figure out the enigma that was Ronald Weasley.

…

1994

To say that Ron Weasley was angry was an understatement. He, Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle together with Pansy, Daphne and Tracey had gone down to watch Buckbeak being executed only for McGonagall to turn them away. Watching the great beast die would have been the reward he deserved for having undergone a wretched year in Slytherin from having Granger's cat kidnap Scabbers, Sirius Black entering their dungeons and standing over his bed with a knife and Slytherin losing the Quidditch Cup. Ron blamed everything on the stupid Prophet article that forced the Weasleys to gather together at the start of the year in order to chronicle the life of the Weasley siblings.

More than anything else, Ron was angry that retribution hadn't been given to the Golden Trio, the school's so-called nickname for the trio of Longbottom, Potter, and Granger. He and Granger had been at each other's throats all year round, his anger boiling over on two occasions; when he found Crookshanks' hair near where Scabbers was and when Draco told them how Granger had hit him. Only the comfort that Buckbeak was to be executed gave Ron pleasure in knowing how the Trio would feel having to lose a pet.

It was perhaps, coincidence, that Ron bumped into Colin Creevey, the second year who worshipped the ground that Potter walked on. Taking his camera from him and pushing the wizard aside, Ron made a beeline for Hagrid's Hut. If he was lucky, he could at least take a photo of the headless beast. Ron was surprised to see Snape pushing past him, the professor not noticing Ron as he ran out of the castle. As Ron walked about the outskirts of the Forest, he spied an unusual sight hidden behind the trees near Hagrid's Hut. Ron was surprised to see Buckbeak still alive and sniffing for worms on the ground. Ron had assumed that Macnair and Fudge had seen to the beast's execution but it seemed that Potter and Granger, the pair who stood next to Buckbeak had decided to save the creature. Smirking to himself, Ron snuck quietly behind the pair, careful to not let the Hippogriff catch him before taking out his wand and clearing his throat.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Ron said as Harry and Hermione jumped at the sound of his voice.

"Don't even think about it, Potter." Ron snarled as Harry reached for his wand. "All I have to do is shoot sparks and yell and your precious animal here gets his head cut off."

"Weasley…" Harry growled though he remained still, his eyes darting to Buckbeak who appeared not to care about what was happening. Ron turned to Hermione, who to his surprise, had a look of fear on her face.

"Think I'll just let you off the hook for letting your cat kill Scabbers?" Ron said as Hermione's eyes darted from him to the direction of the Whomping Willow.

"Ron…you don't understand…" Hermione said as she exchanged looks with Harry.

"Don't call me that, Granger!" Ron said, disgusted that Hermione would use his first name. "All I wanted was for my pet to be alive and you and your stupid cat killed it. But guess what? There's no retribution for you, is there? The Great Granger and Potter, breaking rules and doing whatever the fuck you want!"

"Scabbers isn't dead, you bloody git!" Harry snapped as Ron turned to face him, his wand aimed directly at his head.

"Give me a reason, Potter."

"Like you need one, Weasley."

"Oh, that's right. I've already had one. This is for Scabbers!" Ron said as he turned his wand upwards into the night sky. Hermione gave a loud cry.

"I'm sorry!" Hermione said as she stood in front of Harry. "Listen, please listen to me. Crookshanks didn't kill Scabbers. Scabbers is not a rat, he's an Animagus!"

"What?!" Ron cried.

"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed.

"Shut up, Harry!" Hermione spoke desperately as she turned to face Ron, her eyes brimming with tears. "Do you want to know why Sirius broke into your dormitory? He wanted to kill Peter Pettigrew, the true form of Scabbers."

"What?!" Ron cried in disbelief as he shook his head. Peter Pettigrew was the man who Sirius Black killed all those years ago although Aunt Narcissa often scoffed at the story, though Ron was unsure why.

"If you don't believe me, then how about this?" Hermione said as she pointed at the Whomping Willow. "In about a few minutes, Pettigrew will emerge from the tree with Professor Lupin and Neville."

"Emerge from the tree?" Ron repeated as Hermione let out a cry of frustration.

"There's a secret route linking the tree to the Shrieking Shack," Hermione said as she pointed at the tree once more. "It's used for Professor Lupin who is a part werewolf."

"Geez, Hermione, why don't you just tell him everything?" Harry cried indignantly.

"That's old news. Snape's already told us that weeks ago." Ron said as Harry and Hermione gaped at him. Harry looked to Hermione, his face imploring her to not say anything else but Hermione ignored Harry as her eyes laid upon the camera around Ron's neck.

"Here, I'll prove it," Hermione said. "In a matter of minutes, those three will come out and I'll snap you a picture. You can even take my wand if you like."

"WHAT?!" Harry cried.

"Shut up!" Ron and Hermione cried in unison. Ron eyed the witch as he processed what she was telling him. It seemed unlikely and yet, Granger seemed confident of what would happen. Having her wand would be an advantage.

"You owe it to Harry, at least. For saving your sister last year." Hermione spoke as Ron was stunned by her words. Though the thought disgusted him, Harry Potter was credited with saving Ginny's life though the mystery as to how she was possessed still remained to him. Begrudgingly, Ron nodded his head as he handed the camera over with Hermione throwing over her wand.

After a few minutes, a loud ruckus was heard as the trio stared in the direction of the Whomping Willow. Sure enough, Professor Lupin emerged with Pettigrew in hand while a wounded Longbottom was being helped by the two.

"I can't believe it," Ron said as Hermione snapped a photograph before standing right in front of him.

"Here," Hermione said as she handed him the photograph. "Now, please leave."

"Wait!" Ron said as he glared at her. "I never agreed to walk away!"

"But you know that Pettigrew's alive so you know that I'm telling the truth! What more can you want?!" Hermione cried as she continued to block his vision by holding the photograph to his face. Pushing Granger aside, Ron tried to stare at the Whomping Willow.

"Get out of my way, Granger!" Ron said as he tried to push Hermione away, only for the most unexpected thing to happen.

Hermione Granger threw her arms around Ron and planted him with a kiss on his lips.

Ron froze in shock as he felt Granger tug her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. There was something about her, a scent of lavender shampoo that Ron found to be not too intolerable. His arms, while frozen at first, appeared to now be around her waist as a sound of a camera clicking broke Ron from his trance.

"What the hell?!" Ron said as he pulled away, wiping his lips furiously. Looking up, he could see both Harry and Hermione pointing their wands towards him, Buckbeak blocking him from the view of the Whomping Willow.

"Turn around and go back to the castle," Harry whispered as Hermione stared at him. Perhaps he was seeing things but it seemed like Granger's cheeks were flushed while the tips of his ears felt kind of…hot. "If you breathe a word about tonight, we will distribute this picture to everyone in Hogwarts."

"What?!" Ron fumed. "Granger kissed me, not the other way around!"

"Try telling that to your mates," Harry said as he showed Ron the photo. Indeed, it seemed that Ron was enjoying himself, the thought of him getting cosy with a Muggleborn sickening him. Letting out a cry of frustration, Ron turned around as he ran away, focused on getting washing his lips as soon as he can.

"I can't believe you kissed him!" Harry said as he stared at the departing Ron.

"I panicked!" Hermione cried as she grew disgusted about what she had done. "Imagine if Ron had seen our past selves, how would we explain that we were at two places at the same time?"

"Hermione…" Harry cried as Hermione watched an idea dawned upon her friend. "Come on! I think I know how to deal with the Dementor problem!" With that, Harry took off leaving Hermione alone with Buckbeak, who seemed to be judging her with its Hippogriff eyes.

"What?!" Hermione cried indignantly as she glared at Buckbeak who merely grunted at her. Hermione felt herself shudder at the thought of her kissing Weasley was more than enough of an excuse to have a thorough shower and brush once the day was over. As she raced after Harry, Hermione couldn't help but feel slightly disturbed about the faint stirring in her stomach, the source of it from a redhead wizard with blue eyes.

….

.

.

1995

Despite Madam Pomfrey's best efforts, Hermione could still feel the itchiness on her skin. The boils from the undiluted Bubotuber pus were gone but it still made her want to scratch at her arms. A week after Rita Skeeter's story was published and still, the hate mail was coming in. If not for her friends Harry and Neville and the Tournament itself, Hermione would have seriously considered asking Professor McGonagall if she could just finish her semester over the holidays.

"You're heading to the library, Hermione?" Harry asked as the trio headed down the first-floor corridor. Hermione nodded her head, trying to ignore the stares and glares that the other students were giving her.

"Ignore them, Hermione," Neville said as he glared at a couple of Hufflepuff second years who ran off in the opposite direction. "You know how news is. Sooner or later, it will blow over."

"Easy for you to say," Hermione muttered under her breath as she rolled her eyes at a Beauxbaxton girl. "Don't you all have anything better to do?!" Hermione hollered as some of the students looked away while a few others merely sneered at her. Hermione soon felt two arms gripping her as Harry and Neville pulled her away.

"Let me go!" Hermione said as she pulled herself off, Harry. "Sorry, Harry," Hermione replied as soon as she noticed his slightly abashed look. "It's just with all the rumours going on, the last thing my reputation needs is for me to be seen being whisked away by Harry Potter."

"Right," Harry replied, looking sheepish. "My bad."

"Why don't we all just go to the library? We could look for more spells that will help Harry in the Final Task?" Neville spoke, eager to move on. A nod from Harry showed that he shared similar sentiments. However, Hermione shook her head.

"I think I need some time alone for now. You're right, Neville. News does eventually die out but I think it's best if I had some space, at least for a week. We'll still spend time, just that, I'm going to need some time to myself."

Harry smiled at Hermione as he nodded his head. Neville, on the other hand, looked ready to protest.

"Nev, it's not that I don't want to spend time with you. It's just that if I do spend time with you alone, can you imagine Rita and her fans will think? And you thought me stringing along two guys were bad?" Hermione said.

"But what if someone were to try something?" Neville exclaimed.

"It's Hermione, Nev. She'll be fine." Harry chuckled as he grabbed Neville's arm. "Come on, Nev, we can go down to the kitchens or something."

Hermione smiled as she watched her two best friends depart. Sometimes she wondered if she should have some female friends instead of just hanging around Harry and Neville all the time. Of course, she did have Parvati and Lavender but the two were just acquaintances at best. She was close to Ginny Weasley but the girl seemed too young to be her friend at the moment although she did recently help Hermione out of a tough spot.

If there was one thing that Hermione hated the most about Rita's article, even more than hate mail, vicious stares and undiluted Bubotuber pus, it was that it took from Hermione one of her favourite places in the castle. The Hogwarts Library was like a sanctuary to her, like how the Quidditch Pitch was to Harry. It was at the library that Hermione felt the most comfort, where people kept to themselves and was, all in all, a safe place for her to do her work in peace.

Yet the article had caused her to become a minor celebrity, all for the wrong reasons. As soon as she entered, Hermione could feel all eyes on her. Though silence was a rule for any library, Hermione could still hear the whispers and soft chattering as she passed through the tables towards the shelves. Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione could see the table where she first talked to Viktor Krum. She walked past a group of sixth-year Gryffindor boys who were snickering at her bushy hair while over at the far side of the library, she could see a group of fourth-year Slytherin girls pointing fingers at her.

Walking at a brisk pace, Hermione made her way to the tables at the back of the library. It was mostly empty as the place had poor lighting yet Hermione didn't mind. It was better for her that the place was dark, that way no one could see her cry. After a minute of crying to herself, Hermione pulled herself together as she reached into her bag for her books. A soft clearing of the throat startled Hermione as she turned around to see her face to face with Ron Weasley.

"Why are you here?" Ron asked as he stared at Hermione. "Wait, have you been crying?"

"Of course not!" Hermione snapped as she composed herself from the surprise of seeing the redhead. Throughout the year, while Draco and his goons had prided themselves on continuing to mock and torment Hermione and her friends, Ron was unusually quiet though he did partake in laughing and sneering at her. This is the last thing I need today Hermione thought as she narrowed her eyes at him. "The library doesn't belong to you, Weasley. I can be here if I want!"

"I know that!" Ron barked as his eyes darted around her. "Are you waiting for Krum or something?"

"Waiting for Krum?!" Hermione cried indignantly. "Why would I be waiting for Krum?"

"Because, Miss Granger, do you know what students do at this part of the library specifically?" Ron said as he smirked at her.

It took Hermione two seconds before she cursed herself for being so stupid. Over the years, Hermione had recalled how she often reported to Madam Pince about the certain salacious activities that students had been doing at this part of the library, much to the chagrin of many.

"Guess I'll leave you and Krum to it, then?" Ron said as soon as a brunette haired witch with green eyes and a slim figure came out from between the aisles.

"Ronnnn, where did you go? I was…what's Granger doing here?" Tracey said as she glared at Hermione while putting her arm around Ron. Hermione rolled her eyes at the display before reaching for her bags.

"Whatever, enjoy yourself," Hermione said as she packed her things. Her arms started to get itchy once more as Hermione continued to scratch. Noticing that, Ron whispered something to Tracey who nodded her head and disappeared.

"Granger, are you okay?" Ron asked as Hermione let out a sigh of frustration at her books falling to the floor.

"I'm fine! I'm just dandy, okay." Hermione grumbled as she reached for a book, only for the itch to worsen. "Oh, for Merlin's sake!"

Tracey returned as she handed something to Ron who gave her a peck on the cheek before the former left the pair of them.

"Here," Ron said as he handed Hermione a black bottle. "This will help to take care of your itching problem."

"No thanks," Hermione said as she continued to scratch her arms. Ron shrugged his shoulders before opening the black bottle and dipping a little of the black liquid on his fingers. Grabbing Hermione's arm before she could protest, Ron dipped a little of the liquid on her skin.

"Let go of me, Weas –" Hermione said before realising that the part of her arm where the liquid had touched was no longer itchy. "What is that?"

"A concoction made from mandrake roots and the liquid of a bezoar amongst other things," Ron said as he held up the bottle. "Aunt Narcissa gave me and Draco a bottle each. Considering how often we would get into scraps while playing Quidditch, even Essence of Dittany wouldn't be enough. Here, follow me." Ron said as he held out his hand.

"What? Where are we going?" Hermione asked as she stared at Ron's hand warily.

"Can't see much here, can you? We're going over there where there's better lighting." Ron said as he pointed to a set of tables on the far side of where they were. "Come on, leave your things and follow me."

"How do I know you're not like tricking me or something?" Hermione said as Ron pulled back his hand before rolling his eyes at Hermione.

"Why, you don't trust me, Granger?"

"Do I really need to answer that question, Weasley?"

"Fine, whatever," Ron said as he pocketed the bottle before turning around. As Hermione watched Ron about to leave, another surge of itchiness caused her to call out.

"Okay, fine!" Hermione said as she grabbed Ron and headed over to the tables. Hermione watched as Ron gently rolled up her sleeves before dabbing his hand into the bottle and applying the liquid carefully on her skin. Hermione felt a slight shiver go up her spine as she felt his large hands gently caressing and massaging the liquid into her skin. If Hermione had to be honest, it did feel good to have Ron's hands on her arm though Hermione's brain continued to remind of just how much she detested the redhead. Before she could dive into the issue further, a soft chuckle broke her away from her train of thought.

"Can you imagine what Skeeter would write about if she could see this?" Ron said. "I'll reckon she'll blow her top."

"One can only hope." Hermione sighed as she narrowed her eyes at Ron. "Why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?"

"Don't play dumb. Why are you helping me?"

"Why shouldn't I help you?"

"Because you hate me?"

"True," Ron said as he rolled her sleeves back up. "But why shouldn't that mean I don't want to help you? It is possible for someone to help someone despite still hating that person."

"Only if they feel sorry for that person," Hermione replied as she sighed at the relief of having the itchiness disappear from her arms. "How long until the itchiness comes back again?"

"It won't," Ron said as he stoppered his black bottle. "The effects of this are permanent. You won't feel a thing unless you get injured again, of course."

"Well…thank you," Hermione said as she looked at Ron who merely shrugged his shoulders.

"It's okay. I just can't stand that Skeeter cow myself. She was the one that did the article on me and my siblings if you recall?"

"Wait, that was her?" Hermione said as Ron nodded.

"No one, literally no one asked her to do it but you know how Skeeter is, always wanting something shocking to write about, either in the Daily Prophet or Witch's Weekly. Let me guess, someone send you something through the mail?"

"Undiluted Bubotuber pus." Hermione sighed as Ron nodded his head.

"Figures. Plenty of women read Skeeter's articles. It was always bound to happen. You should just burn all the mail, you get."

"Can't burn Howlers, though," Hermione said.

"No, you can't." Ron agreed as he took a seat next to her. It was then that Hermione realised just how mesmerising his eyes were, the iridescent blue glittering through his gaze.

"Is it true, though?" Ron asked as Hermione gave him a puzzled look. "You and Harry. I mean, I know you went to the Yule Ball with Krum and all but I figured if you were to date anyone, it would be Harry."

"No, Harry and I are just friends," Hermione said as Ron scoffed at her words. "What?!".

"Yeah, right," Ron said as he shook his head. "You might be friends for now but sooner or later, you're going to fall for him."

"And what makes you so sure of that, Ronald Weasley?" Hermione asked indignantly as she folded her arms.

"Because you're best friends, ain't you?" Ron said as he folded his arms while giving Hermione a smirk. "Guys and girls can't be best friends without someone falling for the other. At least, that's what Nott keeps telling me."

"That's so not true!" Hermione snapped.

"Really? So then why didn't you just go with Neville to the Yule Ball as friends?" Ron said as he smirked at Hermione who looked nonplussed at his statement. "Isn't that the reason why he went out with my sister because you rejected him?"

"I did not reject him!" Hermine replied sharply. "I merely pointed out that…er….if I did agree to go with him to the Ball, Harry might feel left out."

"Bollocks!" Ron exclaimed. "You didn't want to go out with him because you don't like Neville in that way."

"Fine!" Hermione cried. "I don't like Neville like that."

"Right," Ron replied. "Because you like Harry."

"I don't like Harry that way!" Hermione huffed. "Why am I explaining myself to you? What are you, an expert on love or something?"

"Seeing that I have a girlfriend while you're crying in some corner, I say I'm much more of an expert at the moment," Ron said as his grin grew larger. Hermione let out an internal groan of frustration. If there was one thing she hated more than arguing with someone, it was arguing with someone who actually made sense. Still, Ron didn't need to know that.

"Oh, and I suppose you getting one of your groupies to be your girlfriend was some sort of romantic quest?" Hermione said as she recalled the brunette witch. Somehow, the image of the fair-skinned, green-eyed girl unnerved Hermione more than it should.

"Please, Tracey and I were friends, she's not my groupie," Ron replied dismissively. "She told me that she thought I was cute at the start of the year and things progressed from there. No biggie."

"Wait, her name is Tracey Davis, right?" Hermione asked as Ron nodded. Having memorised the Sacred 28 from memory, Hermione was surprised the thought didn't come sooner. "She's a half-blood?"

"Pure on her mother's side but her father's a Squib," Ron said. "Why?"

"But she isn't a Pureblood?" Hermione cried incredulously. "I thought part and parcel about being a Malfoy is that you only mate with other Purebloods?"

"Mate with other Purebloods?" Ron repeated in disbelief. "What do you think I am, some sort of creature in need of proper breeding?"

"Well, yes!" Hermione cried. "If you marry her, doesn't that mean your kin won't be considered Pure any longer?"

"Who said anything about marrying her?!" Ron cried exasperatedly. "Bloody Hell, you're worse than my Mum or Aunt Narcissa. I'm only fourteen and she's only my girlfriend, for Merlin's sake!"

"Exactly!" Hermione said sharply. "She's your girlfriend, and given another three years, she could be your wife!"

"Not everyone thinks as far ahead as you do, Granger! I like Tracey and we're going out. That's all there is to it." Ron said before averting his gaze from Hermione. "Besides, if we continue to fall in love, who's to say I won't marry her?"

"Even if she's not a Pureblood?"

"Should that matter? At least she's not Muggleborn." Ron replied. It was strange to hear those words from Ron, given how much Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle often boasted of their Pureblood lineage. While Ron had anti-Muggle sentiments, Hermione didn't doubt that Ron would marry Tracey, putting an end to his Pureblood lineage even though she doubted that the Malfoys would approve.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ron asked curiously as Hermione shook herself from her thoughts.

"Nothing! I'm just…forget it. Yes, as long as she isn't Muggleborn, I supposed you'll be alright marrying her." Hermione replied curtly as Ron glared at her. "You know, I still don't understand why you hate Muggleborns so much."

"Didn't we already have this discussion two years ago?"

"No, I get the old why Purebloods hate Muggleborns argument. I'm asking why you hate Muggleborns so much?" Hermione said as she smirked at him. "Or are you just another blind follower, eager to please the Malfoys?" Hermione felt a sense of triumph behind her statement. Knowledge had taught her that racism and prejudice often found their roots in bigotry and most people who were racist were often unable to describe or explain why they felt such anger towards particular groups. While she expected Ron's face to turn red in anger, Hermione was surprised to see Ron staring back in confusion at her.

"You mean, Ginny never told you?" Ron said as he tried to make sense of her words. "I mean, of course she was too young when it happened, so was I, but I thought Bill or Charlie would have told her the truth. Unless…Merlin…they didn't know…I can't believe it…after all this time…"

"Know what?" Hermione asked, curious as to what Ron would say.

Ron fiddled with his fingers as his eyes turned down to the ground. "Percival told me when I was young. I thought it was a lie, just something his Pureblood family would say to him but then, he showed me proof."

"Proof of what?"

"Of how our parents died."

"Your parents died in the war. That's what's written in the papers." Hermione replied as Ron shook his head. He looked back at Hermione, not as the cocky and smug Slytherin she known him to be but as a sad and poignant fourteen-year-old having to come to terms with something horrible."

"The war ended when the Dark Lord fell although there were many of his loyal followers still on the loose," Ron said. "Back then, after the Longbottoms were tortured, many people were on the lookout for Dark Wizards. My father and mother were on a mission, the first time for my mother ever since Ginny was born. One day, they met up with the wizard who was a black market dealer for magical artefacts and a Voldemort supporter. He was trying to sell something bad to this Muggle man. My dad intervened and potentially saved the Muggle's life from having been cursed or something. And do you know how the Muggle repaid my parents?"

"How?" Hermione asked softly, her tone fearful of the answer.

"He shot them both before either one had a chance to raise their wands," Ron replied darkly as Hermione unexpectedly reached out for his arm. "Imagine that. My father, defender of Muggles and Muggleborns only to be killed by one."

"Ron…I'm so sorry…I didn't know." Hermione said as she threw her arms around him. Surprisingly, Ron pulled her into a hug. Feeling his large arms around hers as Hermione pressed her head into his warm chest, Hermione couldn't help but appreciate just how nice it felt. Almost as if it was comfortable. She could even feel his arms pulling her tighter as all thoughts of Rita Skeeter and her recent troubles disappeared from her mind. The pair sat there, each holding on to each other until Ron pulled away. Merely inches from his face, Hermione could see the tiny freckles across his nose as his beautiful blue eyes glisten back at her. Hermione could feel her cheeks burning slightly as she noted how the tips of his ears turned pink as well.

"Right..er…sorry." Hermione cried sheepishly as she released her arms from him. She could see Ron staring back at her for a moment before looking away awkwardly.

"Right…well…yes…" Ron fumbled for words as he scratched his head, a gesture that Hermione found cute for some reason. She stifled a giggle that was bursting to come forth, instead Hermione composed herself as she looked at him.

"So only you and Percy know the truth? What about Dumbledore? Or the Prophet?"

"That was a story manufactured to keep us from the truth." Ron sighed as Hermione nodded.

"And Ginny?" Hermione asked. As soon as she did, Ron gripped her arms suddenly, nearly startling her.

"Never tell Ginny what I told you. Promise me, Granger!"

"I promise!" Hermione said as Ron let her go, embarrassed by what he had done.

"Sorry." Ron sighed once more. "It's just…it's Ginny, you know? She's the one person in this world that I love more than anything else. When we were young, us Weasleys were supposed to meet up at least twice a year to form ties but Ginny…well, considering that Mother and Aunt Narcissa both had a thing for her, given that they both didn't have daughters…Ginny was allowed to visit as much as she wanted. She's all I have from my first family, Hermione and I swore that I will never let anything hurt her."

The use of her name was like a jolt to her senses as Hermione stared at the wizard, who had been a bane in her life for four years, now reduced to a boy burdened by his past. Placing a hand on his shoulder, Ron accepted the gesture momentarily before pushing her hand away gently.

"Granger, can I ask you for a favour?" Ron said before whispering something into her ear.

…

Hermione Granger emerged from the Fat Lady's portrait as she saw Ron leaning against the wall. A few metres behind him stood his group of Slytherin years with Draco Malfoy and Tracey Davis glaring at her as she emerged. The unusual group also drew stares from the Gryffindors walking along the corridor as some eyed Hermione with suspicion.

"Here you go," Hermione said as she handed him the photograph of her and Ron kissing in their third year. Without thanking her, Ron snatched the photograph from her hand and placed an Incendio charm on the picture, prompting it to burst into flames.

"You're welcome," Hermione said sarcastically as Ron stared at her, his expression changing from a blank expression to a sneer.

"Can't believe you actually bought it, Granger," Ron cried out loud as he walked towards his group of cackling Slytherins. Draco clapped Ron on his back while Tracey gave Ron a peck on his cheek, leaving Hermione stunned and dumbfounded.

"Hermione!"

Hermione snapped out of her trance to see Ginny, Harry, and Neville approaching her. Harry and Draco exchanged dark looks before the Slytherin group disappeared down the corridor.

"Why were you talking to my brother?" Ginny asked suspiciously as the trio gathered around Hermione. Hermione sized up the situation. On one hand, she didn't want to betray Ron's trust yet Ron's actions in the last few minutes had perplexed her. Unable to control herself, Hermione soon explained the story to them. As she did, she could see Ginny's face turning darker while Harry and Neville exchanged uneasy looks between them.

"Hermione, I can't believe you actually fell for my brother's story!" Ginny exclaimed. "Oh, that prat! I'm so going to get back at him."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked as Ginny stared back incredulously at Hermione.

"Hermione, I thought you were supposed to be the smart one! My brother just lied to you about how our parents died! That's not how they died!"

"Wait…WHAT?!" Hermione yelled.

"Our parents were killed by Dark Wizards. There was even a Daily Prophet article on it and Dumbledore himself told us!" Ginny said.

"But…no…he said that Percival told him the truth...that it was all a cover-up."

"From Dumbledore?!" Ginny cried incredulously. "I understand you might have issues with reporters, Hermione but don't you think Dumbledore would keep something like this from us? From Bill or Charlie?"

"But…but…" Hermione stammered.

"Hermione." Ginny sighed as she placed her hand around the witch. "My brother and Draco invented that story years ago when they wanted to fool me into joining their Pureblood cause. I know this because Draco came to tell me, only for my brother to get cold feet and admit to their deception. And here's the other thing." Ginny said as she grabbed Hermione's hand. "That liquid that Ron gave you, he asked me that from me three days ago."

"What?!" Harry, Hermione, and Neville cried in unison.

"I've got that for a gift ages ago. Ron knew I had it and asked it from me. I'm betting he saw what happened to you and took advantage."

"For all we know, he might have sent the Bubotuber pus to you as well!" Neville cried angrily as Harry nodded his head.

"I don't know about that," Ginny said slowly as she flinched at the thought of Ron doing something so horrible. "But I do know that he and Tracey recently became attached. If you ask me, that's why Ron hasn't been as bad to you as the others. He knows you have the photograph that could ruin his entire reputation and well, seeing an opportunity like this was too good to pass up. Most likely, he seduced you in order to get what he wants."

"Excuse me!" Hermione cried indignantly. "He most certainly did not seduce me!"

"Really?" Ginny said. "Because from what you've told us, it looked that way to me."

"Don't feel bad, Hermione," Harry said. "He's Malfoy's cousin and right-hand man. I bet Malfoy helped him orchestrate the whole thing."

"Yeah, you can't trust any of them." Neville agreed.

"Don't forget, Hermione," Ginny said with a sigh. "He may be my brother and I do care for him but he's a Slytherin. Cunning and all that, remember?"

Hermione was stunned as she tried to process everything that had been said. Slowly, she could feel her anger rising as she let out a cry of frustration. HOW COULD I BE SO STUPID?! Hermione roared in her head as she threw her bag on the floor.

"We should get back at him," Neville said as Harry reached down to pick up her bag. "Teach him a lesson."

"Let me handle it," Ginny said. "He's my brother, after all. I'll take care of it."

"No," Hermione said as she took her bag from Harry. Hermione Granger had had enough. As far as she was concerned, Ron Weasley wasn't worth the effort of getting revenge anymore. Inside, she could feel a new sensation rising, one that she didn't know she had.

Hatred.

"Let's just focus on the Tournament," Hermione said grimly as the group walked towards the staircase. "I'm done with Ronald Weasley."

…

1996

Like everyone in Umbridge's office, Ron Weasley was fascinated by Hermione Granger's performance as he held Seamus Finnigan in a half nelson. Millicent had pushed Granger off as soon as the latter burst into tears. Neville was staring and trying to mumble something to her although Crabbe held on tight to him, less tightly than he would have liked after being told off by Professor Snape. Ginny appeared to have stopped trying to step on Pansy's toes, now staring at Hermione and even Luna, whose didn't seem to care much about being caught, looked mildly surprised. Ron could see Harry looking equally shocked as well as Ron exchanged a look with Draco, who looked to be just as dumbfounded as he was.

"The…the weapon," Hermione said as Ron stared at the witch. Having done his fair share of bluffing as well, Ron could see that Granger's face didn't seem to be as wet as it should be.

She's lying! Ron thought as Umbridge continued to demand on the nature of the weapon.

"What kind of weapon is it?" Umbridge said harshly, her stubby hands still tight on Hermione's shoulders.

"We don't r-r-really understand it," Hermione said, sniffing loudly. "We j-j-just did what P-P-Professor Dumbledore told us t-t-to do . . ."

Umbridge straightened up, looking exultant. "Lead me to the weapon," she said.

"I'm not showing . . . them," Hermione said shrilly, looking around at the Slytherins through her fingers. For a moment, Ron and Hermione's eyes met. Yet there was nothing there but pure disgust for him.

"It is not for you to set conditions,"Professor Umbridge said harshly.

"Fine," Hermione said, now sobbing into her hands again as Ron shook his head. Fucking brilliant performance! Ron thought as Hermione continued to speak "fine . . . let them see it, I hope they use it on you! In fact, I wish you'd invite loads and loads of people to come and see! Th-that would serve you right — oh, I'd love it if the wh-whole school knew where it was, and how to u-use it, and then if you annoy any of them they'll be able to s-sort you out!"

These words seemed to have a powerful impact on Umbridge. She glanced swiftly and suspiciously around at her Inquisitorial Squad, her bulging eyes resting for a moment on Malfoy, who was too slow to disguise the look of eagerness and greed that had appeared on his face. Umbridge stared at Ron too for a moment as she contemplated Hermione's words.

After a long moment, Umbridge spoke again in a strange motherly-type voice. "All right, dear, let's make it just you and me . . . and we'll take Potter too, shall we? Get up, now —"

"Professor," Malfoy said eagerly before Ron could protest. "Professor Umbridge, I think some of the squad should come with you to look after —"

"I am a fully qualified Ministry official, Malfoy, do you really think I cannot manage two wandless teenagers alone?" Umbridge asked sharply, much to Ron's relief.

"In any case, it does not sound as though this weapon is something that schoolchildren should see. You will remain here until I return and make sure none of these" — she gestured around at Seamus, Ginny, Neville, and Luna — "escape."

"All right," Malfoy replied, looking sulky and disappointed.

"And you two can go ahead of me and show me the way," Umbridge said, pointing at Harry and Hermione with her wand. "Lead on. . . ." Umbridge spoke as her voice trailed off.

"Let me go!" Seamus croaked once more as Ron relinquished his hold, only for him to grab and throw Finnigan to the floor, aiming his wand at him. The gesture seemed to shock everyone, except Luna, who went back to not caring once more.

"Alright, what the fuck is going on?!" Ron barked as Seamus glared at him.

"What are you doing, mate?" Draco said as he stared at Ron in confusion, only for Ron to glare at him.

"Come on, Malfoy. Don't tell me you can't see it?! Granger was faking! You and I both know how she reacts when she cries and her story is just a load of dragon dung."

"Seems like you're an expert on lies, aren't you Weasley?" Neville said before Crabbe landed a punch on his chest as Neville dropped to the floor, wheezing in pain.

"Neville!" Ginny cried as she tried to help, only for Tracey to point her wand at Ginny. "Ron, do something!"

"Tell us the truth, Ginny," Ron said. "Why was Granger lying?"

"How do you know she's lying?" Ginny said as Ron narrowed his eyes at his sister.

"Fine. Maybe I can't read Granger." Ron said as he moved closer to Ginny. "But I know you, Ginny. So tell me, is there really a weapon?"

Ginny glared at Ron for the longest time before speaking. "Yes."

"You're lying," Ron said with a smirk as Draco and the Squad now aimed their wands at the other captors.

"Well, how do we get the truth from them?" Pansy asked as Draco grinned evilly. Staring at his sister who seemed to be looking at the fireplace, Ron made his decision.

"Who was Potter trying to contact?" Ron asked as Ginny stuck out her tongue at him. Angered by his sister's immature response, Ron grabbed her hand before motioning for Tracey to hand over her wand.

"The rest of you stay in the office. I'm going to interrogate my sister outside."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Tracey asked before shrinking as Ron growled at her in response.

"Ron…"Malfoy spoke as Ron turned to face him. Ron could see what was happening. Malfoy had always been the leader of the Squad and with Ron at his right-hand man making a decision, it seemed as if his authority was being questioned. Not wanting to waste time, Ron pleaded with Draco.

"Mate, please. We can't let Potter and Granger get away with it." Ron said as he stroked Malfoy's ego. Pleased that Ron seemed to be asking for permission and the repulsive thought of Potter and Granger getting one over them, Draco nodded his approval. Dragging a protesting Ginny who now tried to stamp his toes, Ron hoisted his sister onto his shoulders before pulling her out and into the corridor.

"Ginny, stop it!"

"Let me go, Ronald!"

"Fine, fine. I'm letting go!" Ron barked as he released his grip on his sister but kept both their wands trained at her. Ginny stared at the gesture before giving a derisive laugh.

"Oh, like you've trained well enough in the DADA!" Ginny scoffed. "Not to mention, we both know you won't hurt me."

"Bloody hell, Ginny!" Ron snapped as he lowered his hands. "Are you out of your bloody mind?! Whatever Potter and Granger got cooking up, it can only lead to doing something stupid. Not to mention, bloody fucking dangerous?! How can you even be friends with them?! Do you really want to get hurt?!"

The mention of his last statement froze Ginny for a moment before she narrowed her eyes at Ron.

"Ron, I'm going to ask you one last time. Do you know what really happened to Bill?"

"Not this again!" Ron groaned, as his thoughts went to his eldest brother who was hurt inside the Department of Mysteries. "I told you this before, I don't know what happened to Bill! All I know is that he got attacked!"

"And you have no idea who attack him?!" Ginny asked, clearly not believing him. "He's our brother, Ron!"

"Exactly! So why would I want to see him hurt?"

"Because you hate him!" Ginny screeched as her eyes blazed in anger. "You're always sprouting insults about him and our family!"

"JUST BECAUSE I HATE HIM, DOESN'T MEAN I WANT TO SEE HIM DEAD!" Ron roared back, his body shaking in anger. "You honestly think that I would know something about his attack and not do anything to prevent it?!"

"You and the Malfoys – "

"Oh, this nonsense again!" Ron cried. "I told you, I haven't heard anything from my aunt and uncle for months! Not to mention, mother placed me at our summer home for the past summer and the upcoming one. I have no idea what the adults are planning, Ginny! All I want is to graduate well, starting with my OWLs and then my NEWTs, not unlike our two brothers who just split!"

"You must think I'm the biggest idiot, Ron!" Ginny retorted, not wanting to give an inch.

"Ginny, I swear…" Ron sighed, no longer as angry as he was. "All I care about is my grades and my family. I have no intentions of doing anything bad to hurt anyone. Just please, Ginny, tell me what's going on."

Ginny stared at Ron, contemplating his words.

"We think Harry's godfather is about to get hurt. Harry wants to go and save him."

"Save him from what? At where?" Ron asked

"At the Department of Mysteries. From…from Voldemort." Ginny said with a shudder as Ron's face turned pale.

"Don't say that name!" Ron cried out loud as he looked about the empty corridor. "I'm…I'm confused. Just start from the beginning." As Ginny began telling a simplistic version of events leading to Harry's arrival at Umbridge's office, Ron's face started paling by the minute. As impossible as it seemed, Ron did have an inkling that the Dark Lord had truly returned, especially with Mother's refusal to let him stay at Malfoy's Manor.

"Ginny…" Ron said as soon as she finished explaining. "You…you can't go! I won't let you!"

"It's not up to you, Ron!" Ginny snapped. "My friends are in danger and I need to help them."

"But you'll get hurt!" Ron begged. "If what you say is true, then the chances of the Dark Lord being there is too high a risk. He won't care if you're a Pureblood or not."

"I'm sorry, Ron," Ginny said as she shook her head. "I have to help."

"But Ginny – "

Before Ron could say anything, he felt himself being thrown in the air before crashing against the hard, stone walls of the corridor. As he felt his body crumpled underneath the pain, he could make out his sister screaming as he heard footsteps emerging down the stairs. Ron was seeing stars, his eyesight shrouded in darkness though he could make out his sister reaching for her wand as she yelled at Seamus Finnigan.

"He had both wands, Ginny!"

"I had it under control, Seamus!"

"Guys, we don't have time! Harry and Hermione could be in trouble!" Neville roared as he disappeared down the corridor, with Seamus following suit. Ron felt a light hand touch his forehead.

"He's breathing, Ginny. He'll be alright." spoke the gentle voice of Luna Lovegood before Ron heard her footsteps walking away as well. A soft pair of lips touched his forehead as he heard Ginny whisper into his ear.

"I'm sorry, Ron, but I have to go," Ginny whispered as Ron felt his hair being brushed before all contact with Ginny disappeared along with her figure down the corridor. Aching in pain, Ron stared down the empty corridor, groaning one last time before the darkness took him.

Ginny, don't!

…

.

.

.

The events that happened at the Ministry that day changed the wizarding community. First came the news that Lord Voldemort was back and soon, everyone began to panic. Ron, however, wasn't privy to most of this first hand, the only news he had all summer came from letters as he stayed in the Malfoy's summer home in Greece. Whatever was happening back home, Ron only knew from newspaper articles as well as the letters he received from Ginny and Draco.

For some reason, Draco's letters were subdued, Draco only sharing stuff about Quidditch and simple day to day activities. Any questions about his health as well as Ron's aunt and uncles were dismissed as were Ron's questions to his Mother who told him not to worry. Ginny's letters to him were also similar though Ron suspected the reason for this to be because of the death of Harry's godfather as well as the injury to Seamus Finnigan. Apparently, Ginny had been visiting Seamus every day with Seamus's friend, Dean, something that irked Ron greatly. Nevertheless, not wanting to lose contact with his sister, Ron played along, promising to do all he can to dissuade Ginny from dating the Mudblood.

Potter was now a star, something that both he and Draco hated greatly. Potter's picture in the paper as some sort of hero made Ron angry, considering he had nearly caused Ron's sister her life with their crazy antics of flying into the Ministry. The news of what happened at the Department was kept silent by the Ministry although Ron had a suspicion of what might have happened. He had overheard during a surprise visit from Percival and the Parkinsons that some of the more fanatic Pureblood families had gone back to the Dark Lord's side although Ron refused to acknowledge the truth until it was told to him personally. A lifetime of denial for his adopted family's sake was a price Ron gladly paid and accepted until the very first ride on Hogwarts.

It wasn't that Draco hugged him tighter than usual that made Ron concerned but rather his disinterest with speaking to Pansy, his avoidance of Crabbe and Goyle and even his distaste for Blaise's stories which often made the pair laugh. Ron avoided the gaze of Tracey Davis, whom he had not spoken to since the end of last year, his feelings for her fading as he worried about Draco. A tiny motion for Draco's head signalled that he wanted to speak to Ron in private. Following Draco into an empty compartment with Draco looking out before pulling down the curtains, Ron observed his cousin who looked to be very much worse for wear.

"Merlin, Draco, you look like crap, mate," Ron said with a grin, hoping his attempt at humour could help stifle some of the tension as Draco paced about the compartment.

"Trust me, Ron. I feel like crap." Draco said before dropping onto his seat.

"So what did you want to talk about?" Ron asked before Draco lifted something from his pocket and threw it onto Ron's hands. A look at the object caused Ron's eyes to bulge as he stared back at Draco in disbelief.

"Take it," Draco said, answering Ron's question before it can be asked. "I'm going to inform Snape when I get back."

"You want me to be a prefect?" Ron said as he stared at Draco's prefect's badge. Ron had often felt a little jealous at Draco being appointed prefect but then again, as the de-facto leader of their group, no one else would have been suitable. Still, Ron couldn't help but feel a little resentment for it, an emotion that he had to quash daily. As far as he knew, Draco loved having authority and power.

"You always wanted it," Draco said with a rare smile on his lips. "I personally can't think of anyone better to replace me."

"Replace you?!" Ron cried. "Why the hell would you want to be replaced?"

"Because Ron," Draco said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I don't think I'm going to be staying in Hogwarts for much longer."

"WHAT?!" Ron exclaimed loudly, earning a glare from Draco. "Sorry, but why would you say that? Are Uncle and Aunt taking you away or something?"

"Or something…" Draco trailed off mysteriously as Ron stared at the wizard. Ron couldn't believe his ears. No way Draco Malfoy would give something like this up, not without good reason.

"Draco, mate, what's going on?"

"Nothing, all right?!" Draco snapped as Ron flinched under his tone. "You finally get to be a prefect, mate! Enjoy it! Treasure it! Do whatever the fuck you want, I don't care!"

"Draco!" Ron said as he threw the badge back at him. "Mate, just tell me. You've been acting weirder than usual today, not to mention your letters sounding dodgy as hell. What's going on, mate? You know I always have your back, no matter what, don't you?"

Draco stared hard at Ron, his grey eyes narrowing at Ron's face.

"You promise? No matter what, you have my back?"

"Mate, have I ever let you down?" Ron replied. "Look, I'm not Crabbe, or Goyle, or Pansy or that idiot Zabini. This is Ron, you're talking to. And you know how I always got you, mate, no matter how bad things can get."

Ron watched as Draco appeared to open his lips before clamming them shut. With a grave look on his face, Draco's eyes trailed down towards his sleeve. Ron watched with trepidation as the wizard reached for his sleeve before pulling it down towards his elbow.

Ron stifled a gasp. Despite what he had seen in books and the image of it in the sky during their fourth year, Ron could only gape in awe and fear at the sight of it on Draco's trembling hand. Even in his wildest thoughts, Ron could never comprehend just what made Draco do it.

And yet there it was, on his arm, as plain as it could be.

The Dark Mark.

…

END OF CHAPTER ONE.

Next up with be Ron's sixth year which will be an important year and chapter for the plot of this story. Thanks for reading!