AUTHOR'S NOTES: Here is the next Chapter! I've listened to advice of a few people and decided to shorten the paragraphs so that it doesn't look as cluttered and overwhelming. Also for those who are asking whether the story will keep resembling The Red Knight, I'm happy to inform you that the story will become very different from here on out. The Ron of my story isn't half as skilled or prepared as the Ron from The Red Knight, and he will struggle quite a bit more to complete his mission.
As for those who are asking for Pairings, I'm sorry to say that I haven't thought about that just yet. Ron's focus is on his studies and more importantly, on his mission. If I do bring in some romance, it won't show up for a little while... Sorry guys but Ron is an eleven year old. Not many Eleven year old boys go looking for love...
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, and I do not intend to make any money off of this. Harry Potter is the intellectual property of J. K. Rowling , and I take no credit of it whatsoever.
I was also inspired by Demon Eyes Laharl's: THE RED KNIGHT! and also from Random-Fruitcake04's: CHOICES! I hope you check them out as well because they are genuinely very good stories.
Fate
Chapter 4 - Hogwarts
Ronald Weasley's POV
Once Pandora and Ron had finished their breakfast in the Leaky Cauldron, they made their way into Diagon Alley. It was busy as ever with its shops bursting with customers, people on the way to work, and all manner of magical wonders happening in and out of the shops. Ron loved Diagon Alley. The cobblestoned alley of wonders always taken his breath away and this time it was no different. He felt a smile stretch across his lips as he gazed at the crowds of people walking in and out of the shops in hurried and excited manners. They all had smiles and laughter on their faces, Ron noted. Guess I'm not the only one who loves this place. He felt Pandora take his hand and he looked up to her. She was gazing forward and she still had that mischievous grin planted on her face. Ron was a little worried but also a little excited because of it. Pandora and her antics always cheered him up in some way, and when she made up her mind about something then nothing could stop her. Ron admired that last trait above all others. He wanted that kind of determination. He needed it.
Pandora led Ron into the busy streets of Diagon Alley while he looked around, taking in the wonderful sites. There were a lot of children out today, no doubt because Hogwarts was going to open soon. That made him even giddier about going to the school. Maybe amongst this horde of children were his future friends. People he would grow up with, and perhaps stay friends with for his entire life. Ron recalled the vision where he had learned that Harry Potter would be in Gryffindor. If he was, then Ron wanted to be his friend. Having the famous Boy-Who-Lived for a friend sounded amazing. Ron could only imagine how noble and powerful Harry Potter must be. To defeat the most evil wizard of all time as just a toddler, Harry must truly be a great wizard.
A small part of Ron also understood that having such a powerful ally would certainly help him in his own quest to save his brother. It was a little selfish, he knew that, but it may truly become necessary one day. I shouldn't keep thinking about this. I should just enjoy my time here with Pandora. When he broke out of his thoughts, he noticed that they had stopped in front of a shop. Not just any shop too. They were in front of Ollivander's, the famous wand shop. Ron's chest tightened a little because of his current predicament with having a second hand wand. Why are we here? Ron looked over to Pandora, confused and a little irked, but she was just grinning. "Pandora? Why are we… here?"
"We're here to get you your wand, Ronald" she replied in the most casual tone, as if talking about the weather. Ron's eyes widened at her words. What…?
"I already have…" but Pandora cut him off with a soft voice.
"Ron, listen to me, a wizard's wand is the most important possession he will ever come across. And every wand chooses its own master. Your brother's wand, which I'm sure is magnificent, won't serve you half as well as your own wand will. I can promise you that." She finished with a hint of finality. She had a passion for wand lore and when last night she had overheard Ginny telling Luna that Ron was being given his brother's hand-me-down wand, Pandora had almost marched down to the Burrow in fury. She didn't care that the Weasley's weren't the most financially gifted family. Ron deserved his own wand. That was all there was to it in her mind. So she had hatched a little plan, with the help of her husband, to get Ron brand new school supplies without his family's consent or knowledge. If she got caught and got in trouble with his family, then so be it.
"But… Pandora, my mum will not be happy about this… my dad too…" he stopped and looked at his shuffling feet. Pandora felt Ron's little hand start shaking slightly in hers. So she tightened her grip.
"Then we just won't tell them." Ron looked up and saw her gentle smile turn into a grin again. The sight made his lips curl up into a small smile of his own. "Now come along, Ron." And with that she marched into the shop and Ron followed behind her, hand in hand.
"Welcome to my shop" greeted an old man with fair skin and silvery eyes. "Ah Pandora my dear, come to browse my books on wand lore once again?" he beamed at her. She smiled back before answering.
"No my friend, I'm here to purchase a wand! This is Ronald Weasley" she said as she guided Ron in front of her and put her hands his shoulders. "He will be needing a wand for Hogwarts this year, Ollivander." Ron stared at the old man named Ollivander. Is this really alright? I'm going against my parents… If mum finds out, she'll go mental for certain. And dad will be so disappointed…
"Another Weasley" the man chuckled. "I remember giving your brothers their wands as if it was only yesterday! Come, step forward and let me look at you." Ron did as he was told slowly. The old man gazed at him thoroughly and Ron just stood there, feeling naked and uncomfortable under that sharp gaze. This old codger is freaking me out! "Interesting… very interesting indeed" the old man spoke as if he had seen something no one else had seen. Ok, now I'm just plain scared…
With that the old man went into the back of his tiny shop and came out with a few black boxes. They then began testing for Ron's wand, and Ron had to admit that his worries were replaced by excitement very quickly. They tried wand after wand but none seemed to do the trick. They all felt cold and empty in his hand. The longer this went on, the more Ron felt himself starting to get scared. What if… what if I can only use Charlie's old wand now? And then the old man took in a sharp breath and broke Ron out of his thoughts. "I know… Oh that has to be the one… It has to…" Ollivander mumbled as he quickly disappeared into the back of his shop again. After a few moments, the old man came running back to Ron in a very excited state. "Here" Ollivander whispered softly, as he presented an open box with a wand inside it to Ron. "Try this one, Ronald…"
Ron looked at the wand within the open black box. The wand was absolutely beautiful. It had a charming and light brown texture that made it shine. The wand also had flowery patterns carved into it. It was a little longer than Charlie's wand. Its handle was a shade darker than the rest of the wand, and it had barely noticeable dents for fingers to fill. There was also a smooth round circle at the base of the wand that was thicker than the rest of wand and the circle was hollow in the middle. Ron thought about how he could put his finger through the hole and spin the wand in circles around his finger.
He slowly reached for the wand with his right hand and gently picked it up. It felt so warm in his hand that his whole body just relaxed. He could feel the hum of magic emanate from the wand and travel up his arm, and from there it went throughout his whole body. It felt so soothing. As if he was being comforted by the magic. Ron knew right there and then that this was his wand. He wouldn't care about what Ollivander had to say, this is the wand he would leave the shop with. "Go on boy, give it a flick" Ollivander said in a very excited voice.
Ron did as he was told and bright sparks flew out of the tip of the wand. The sparks were a variety of colors including red, yellow, green, and blue. Ron heard Pandora give a delighted squeal from behind him and she began clapping her hands excitedly. "This wand has chosen you as its master, young Weasley" Ollivander said in a soft voice, and Ron thought for a second that Ollivander's voice was laced with pride. Why the old man would be proud of a stranger, Ron didn't know, but he was certain that he was right about Ollivander's voice. Then the old man beamed and looked to Pandora. "Cypress, phoenix feather, fourteen inches long, and unyielding" he declared. Pandora gasped and Ron looked to her feeling a little confused. Is that bad? But she was looking at Ron with awe and absolute pride in her eyes. Ok… so not bad? Why did she react like that?
Pandora was slightly taken off guard by the wand's properties. She loved wand lore, and as such she knew what the properties of this particular wand could mean about Ron as a person. And that knowledge made her heart swell in pride and maternal love for the young boy who had saved her. Those who wielded Cypress wands were known to be noble, heroic, brave, and self-sacrificing by nature. The great medieval wand-maker, Geraint Ollivander, had written that he had always felt honored to match a wizard or witch with a Cypress wand, because he knew that he was meeting a person who would die a heroic and noble death. That thought had scared her a little, because she couldn't bear to see Ron get hurt, but she knew that the Wizarding War was long over and that had comforted her.
The phoenix feather was another surprise, mostly because it was one of the rarest core types out there. Phoenix feathers were known to be capable of the greatest range of magic, however the wands that contained phoenix feathers were also the hardest to win the allegiance of. The flexibility of Ron's wand had also surprised her a little. It was unyielding? That meant that Ron's feelings about the things he believed in were set in stone. This wand would not stray from Ron's beliefs and as such if someone else ever tried to use it, it wouldn't work properly and generally be a pain. She knew that Ron was a good and kind person, so the wand's unyielding trait made her very happy.
All in all, she couldn't have been prouder of Ron for being selected by such a beautiful and strong wand. He deserved it completely, at least in her eyes. "Pandora, are you all right? You're looking at me in a really strange way" Ron said as a blush creeped onto his face. His ears were also turning red from being stared at.
"I'm fine, Ron. I'm just very happy that you have your own wand now, that's all" Pandora beamed. She didn't want to bore him with wand lore, but her knowledge in wand lore had confirmed her beliefs about Ron. He really was a brilliant boy. She knew it now more than ever. She paid for the wand, a jar of wand oil, a soft cloth used for cleaning wands, and even got Ron a wand holster. She didn't want him sitting on the beautiful wand and breaking it, which she made sure to warn Ron about. She then took his hand and guided him to their next stop, Madam Malkin's Robes. Ron had protested some more, but she had just smirked and dragged him along anyway. She had him fitted for new school robes and had even asked for enchantments that would allow his robes to grow with him. She also bought him a new pointed hat, new dragon hide gloves, and a new winter coat for his school.
After finishing up in Madam Malkin's they took a small break and had lunch. Ron had shown off his wand to her, and seeing his childish joy had made tears sting Pandora's eyes. After lunch they went to get Ron some new books but he had adamantly refused. He told her that he was more than happy with using his brothers' hand me down books because they had notes scribbled all over them. She had teased him about cheating, and the grin he responded with had made her laugh. With all of the shopping done, they returned back to The Rookery.
They spent the rest of the day painting whatever they felt like on their own blank canvases. Ron had painted his new wand and she had painted her daughter. During that time painting, Ron had mentioned his worries about his parents finding out about him going behind their backs. To his shock, Pandora had already planned the whole thing out. She informed Ron that he would leave his new wand and belongings with her for safekeeping until the day he had to board the Hogwarts Express. She would come to see him off at the platform where they would trade his old things for his new ones. She would then keep the old hand me downs at her home while he attended Hogwarts. This way his mother and father would be none the wiser. Ron then questioned her about his siblings seeing him use his new things and telling his parents. She had told him to be careful around his siblings and that if he did get caught, she would take all the responsibility. After all, Arthur and Molly couldn't really ground her for breaking the rules.
In the end, she had managed to convince Ron that everything would work out. She had also noted, to herself, that he was quite paranoid for a boy his age. He was always trying to cover all his bases and that was a strange quirk for a person this young to have. When she was his age, she just did whatever she wanted without even considering what others may think. She concluded that Ron's desire to be loved as much as his siblings had made him very self-conscious about what others thought of him. In the evening, Luna and her father returned from their 'hunt'. Luna had been ecstatic to see Ron and had jumped on him, making him blush fiercely. Xenophilius too was excited by Ron's presence because it confirmed that his wife's scheme had worked out. That had made him happy because he liked Ron. When his wife had come to him last night spitting fire and brimstone, they had sat down and planned out everything.
Ron joined the family for dinner before making his way back home via floo. He had to leave his wand behind and he could feel its loss already. It felt as if he had left a piece of himself behind. He quickly went into his room to avoid his parents. He was still feeling guilty for what he done that day.
Eventually the much awaited day came. Today he would board the Hogwarts Express and begin his journey to become a proper wizard. To say that he was excited would be a huge understatement, Ron was over the moon. His family made their way towards the platform in a rush. Ginny had taken a while to get ready that morning and that had made them pressed for time. "Come on you lot" his mother all but shouted. "Don't get left behind. We don't want to be late getting to platform 93/4 or we'll miss the train to Hogwarts." She then narrowly missed a muggle man. "Look at all these muggles, always in such a rush they are!" If she keeps this up, we can kiss the Statute of Secrecy goodbye…
They finally got to the barrier and stopped abruptly. His brother Percy went through it first, followed by the twins who teased their mother about not being able to tell them apart. He was about to do the same when a small boy with untamed, raven-black hair and round spectacles approached them. "Excuse me…" he spoke meekly. Ron noticed that the boy's clothes were old and much too big for him. He looked so frail. "Can you… can you show me how…" he pointed to the barrier.
"Oh of course dear" his mother chuckled. "First time I see, don't worry about it too much, it is Ronnie's first time too." She just called me Ronnie to a stranger… The smaller boy looked at Ron with a glint of hope in his stunning green eyes, and Ron found himself smiling at him. He is so worried… "All you have to do is run straight at the wall." The boy's eyes widened upon hearing that. Ron had to stifle a laugh because he could imagine how weird that be for a muggle-born to hear. Ron didn't know that the boy was a muggle-born but he was dressed like one so Ron just assumed that was the case. "Go on Ronnie" ugh… again "show him."
Ron did as he was told and went through the barrier and found himself staring at the Hogwarts Express. He cleared the way for those behind him and just marveled at the large red train. Woah… He was then joined by his mother and sister. The small boy was standing next to them with an awestruck expression as he gazed at the train. I know how you feel mate! The family and the boy moved to put their things on the train and Ron started to worry a little. He slowly broke away from his family and went back near the barrier. Where is Pandora? She has my things… As if on cue, he heard her call out his name. He turned around quickly and saw her rushing up to him.
"There you are" she began "come with me quick." They moved over to one of the large columns that decorated the station. She quickly pulled out his new school clothes from a tiny bag that seemed to be bottomless. Noticing his confusion, Pandora chuckled and informed him that the bag was charmed. Brilliant. They traded the school clothes and once Ron had sealed his trunk back up, the train let out a loud whistle that it was about to start leaving. "This is it Ron." She sounded a little sad, but oddly happy at the same time. She handed him his wand, which rest in its holster. He was about to hand over Charlie's wand but she told him to keep it just in case. Then she pulled out a handkerchief from the sleeve of her robes and rubbed the side of his nose in a scrubbing manner. "Sorry but you had some dirt there" she giggled.
"Goodbye Pandora, and thanks again for everything" he said as he gave her a parting hug. She hugged him back tightly and gave him a quick peck on top of his head.
"Don't forget to write Ron. I'm very excited about your sorting. Also Luna wanted you to owl her at least once a week."
"I will, I promise." With that they broke apart and Ron waved to her as he joined his family again. I'm gonna miss her and Luna. I might even miss Xeno.
"There you are Ronald, where did you trot off too?" His mother looked sad just like Pandora was. "Quick on you get" she said as she gave him a quick hug and ushered him on the train. "Do you have Scabbers?"
"Yes mum" he said as he patted his jacket pocket which contained his family's pet rat.
"Ok honey, best of luck! Make sure you study hard Ronnie!"
"I will mum" he said as he turned to go find a compartment. The train began to move forward with a jerk and he almost fell over. Wow, I cut it close. He quickly positioned his trunk in front of himself to navigate the thin corridors of the train. He found the closest window and looked outside. Parents were waving and yelling goodbyes to their children. He saw his mother and she saw him too, and she waved at him. He waved back until the train turned around a bend, and he lost sight of the station and the people on it. He then tried to find a compartment with some room in it. It was not an easy task.
Ron walked away from another full compartment. Bloody hell… how many people are going to Hogwarts? He opened another compartment's door and to his relief it was empty. Well, almost empty. It had one other person sitting at the window gazing outside. "May I sit? All the other compartments are full" Ron said. His voice startled the boy sitting alone, and the boy turned quickly to face Ron. Hey, it's the same guy as before. The thin boy in the round spectacles seemed to remember him as well, because he nodded and flashed Ron a quick small smile. Ron moved into the compartment and put his trunk under the seat opposite the boy. Then Ron sat down facing the smaller boy. "I'm Ron by the way, Ronald Weasley" he said just as he extended a hand towards the boy. The boy took it slowly and flashed another quick small smile.
"I'm Harry… Harry Potter" the boy said clearly and quickly. Ron felt the wind get knocked out of him at the revelation. THE HARRY POTTER?! Sensing Ron's change in demeanor, Harry used his other hand to move his fringe away from his forehead. There it was, that world famous lightning scar. Ron was in awe, shock, and a little bit of denial. This skinny little guy is THE Harry Potter…?
"Bloody hell…" was all Ron could manage to get out. The boy chuckled and they broke their hand shake. Ron stared, mouth slightly open, at the boy for a few more seconds. This seemed to be making Harry a little uncomfortable so Ron shut his mouth with a snap and smiled. "You're like the most famous wizard to ever live!"
"That's what everyone keeps telling me… I didn't even know I was a wizard until a couple of months ago." That confused Ron greatly. How did he not know that? He defeated you-know-who didn't he?
"Really? I mean you defeated…" Ron stopped, and then spoke in a whisper "you-know-who didn't you?"
"I was just a baby at the time Ron, so I don't remember" Harry said as he gave a shrug. You defeated the most evil wizard of all time… and you don't even remember it… Ron slowly shook his head.
"Well… that's just… wow" Ron finished lamely. Harry chuckled. A woman pushing a trolley of sweets interrupted them by opening their compartment door. She asked them if they wanted anything from the trolley, to Ron said no as he showed her his corn beef sandwich. He hated corn beef and just thinking about it had made him grimace. Harry noticing this had pulled out a bunch of galleons from his pocket as if it was nothing and offered to buy the lot. Harry even kindly shared his treats with Ron so Ron had given him his sandwich, which Harry accepted enthusiastically much to Ron's delight. Better him than me… Corn beef ugh… After that Harry had turned to Ron with a sheepish look and asked him a question.
"Do you know anything about Hogwarts? The truth is I don't really know a thing about being a wizard."
"Oh! Well Hogwarts is a school that takes in young wizards or witches and teaches them how to use magic properly" Ron started. Harry leaned forward and was listening intently. "They'll teach us how to do spells and…" Ron was cut off by an eager Harry.
"Do you know any spells?" Harry was quite excited and it made Ron chuckle. Oh he knew some spells alright. One could say he had an arsenal of them.
"Yeh, I do actually. But I haven't used my wand yet. Guess I could now, considering we are on the train to Hogwarts" he mused. Harry looked at him expectantly. Does he want me to show him something? I mean I can try. Hope I don't embarrass myself in front of Harry… Ron took out his wand from its holster. What spell should I do? He looked over to Harry and noticed that Harry's glasses had a crack running through the left lens. I know what I should do…
He pointed the wand at Harry's face, whose eyes widened in fear. "Don't worry mate, I'm just going to fix your glasses for. Do you trust me?" Harry looked at him for a moment with his eyes still wide. After a moment he relaxed and gave Ron a slow and cautious nod. Ok, here I go… Please Merlin don't let me kill Harry Potter….
Just as he was about to cast the mending charm when their compartment door flung open and a girl's voice rang through it. "Have any of you seen…" she stopped abruptly at the sight in front of her. Two boys around her age were sitting there, and one of them was pointing a wand in the other's face. "What are you doing?" Ron noticed she had a bossy voice and she even had on a bossy posture. Her hands were on her hips and she had her eyes narrowed on him. She had wild bushy hair and fair skin. Her front teeth were also a bit large.
"Um… magic…" he replied lamely. She perked up at the sound of that and lost her suspicious look immediately.
"Is that so?! You wouldn't mind showing me then?" She didn't wait for an answer and sat down next to Ron. She was watching him expectantly. Ron and Harry exchanged confused looks with one another. Nice to meet you too, I guess... She was still watching… Ron cleared his throat.
"Reparo" Ron spoke clearly, and did the wand movements. Ron felt his wand's magic flow through him. It was warm and he had truly missed holding it the past few days. The cracks in Harry's left lens disappeared. Bloody hell it worked… that was awesome. Ron smiled proudly as Harry took off his glasses and looked at them slack-jawed.
"That was brilliant" the girl shrieked excitedly. Ron didn't know her but it felt nice being called brilliant by her nonetheless. So he flashed her a smile and gave her an appreciative nod.
"She's right, Ron that was brilliant!" Harry was still inspecting his glasses in awe. Then he put them back on and beamed at Ron. "Where did you learn to do that?" Ron was about to answer but the girl with the bushy hair cut him off.
"He must've read it in the 'The Standard Book of Spells: Grade 1', I've read it too. It's the mending charm." She spoke as though she was quoting something rather than talking to people. Ron was irked at being interrupted like that. When he and Harry shared a quick look, Ron knew Harry felt the same way. "I'm Hermione Granger by the way" she added quickly. She sounded a little guilty. Must've realized how rude it is to cut people off…
"I'm Harry Potter" Harry introduced himself and put his hand forward for a shake. Hermione gasped loudly, which made Ron jump slightly.
"YOU'RE HARRY POTTER?!" Harry gave a shy smile and nodded to her. She took his hand and immediately went off about knowing him from various books that she had read, and started explaining her findings to Harry. Harry looked almost mortified but Hermione didn't stop. Ron sat there listening to her with wide eyes. What is her deal? She is totally mental… When she was finished she turned to Ron and looked at him expectantly again. "And you are?"
"I'm Ronald Weasley, pleasure to meet you" Ron said as he put his hand forward. She smiled and shook it.
"Well, I have to go now" she said as she stood up abruptly. "A boy named Neville has lost his toad… I imagine you haven't seen it?" Harry shook his head. Ron could see the relief on Harry's face and he had to stifle a laugh. She went full barmy on poor Harry. "Oh well…" she said as she turned to leave the compartment. Ron had an idea right before she made her exit.
"Wait… I can find him for you if you want" he said as he stood and walked over to her.
"How?" She sounded suspicious, which made Ron wonder why. He only wanted to help her… She's mental she is…. Ron cleared his throat again and pointed his wand out into the corridor.
"Accio Neville's toad" he said clearly. Nothing happened. He stood there, feeling embarrassed. Hermione was looking directly at him. Just as a blush started to creep onto his face, he saw it. A toad came flying and landed in his left hand. The toad gave Ron a loud croak. Thank Merlin… that was going to be so embarrassing if it didn't work… I have to thank Charlie via owl as soon as I can. He went to hand Hermione the toad but the look on her face made him stop. She looked awestruck. It unnerved him a little. So he turned to look at Harry instead but found the same look on his face as well. I should probably not show off advanced spells… Nah…. I'm gonna show off… With that he put on a smirk and handed Hermione the toad. She murmured her thanks, but the awestruck emotion was still on her face. After that she walked off as if she was in a daze, Ron came back and sat in his chair.
"Wow Ron" Harry started, his voice was low and sounded a little shaky. "Is… everyone as good as you? I… don't even know a single spell…" Harry trailed off. He looked worried. Very worried. Ron felt a pang of guilt for showing off and making Harry feel inept. Harry had no idea that Ron was technically cheating because his seer gift had driven him to learn things earlier than planned.
"No… It's just that my brothers all came to Hogwarts before me and they um… taught me a few spells" Ron said in his most reassuring voice. He didn't want to make Harry feel bad about not knowing any spells. He wanted to be Harry's friend. "I doubt anyone else knows many spells in our year."
"Oh… are you sure they don't? I really wish I knew I was a wizard before…" Harry's voice was still low and shaky.
"Hey mate, don't worry so much. You're gonna be fine I'm sure. Also there will be a lot of muggle-borns in our year and they didn't know about magic just like you. You've got no reason to worry, I'm sure of it" Ron finished. Harry gave him a wide smile. Good, he's calmed down.
"Thanks for being… you know…" Harry trailed off. Ron smiled back awkwardly. He really wasn't very good with other people's emotions. So Ron decided to lighten the mode with a joke.
"Hey, I'm the one who should be thanking you." At that Harry gave him a confused looked. "You're the one who saved us from you-know-who." Harry let out a chuckle.
"Well in that case, you're welcome." Ron chuckled as well and they drifted into a casual conversation. Ron told Harry more about Hogwarts, about its different houses and what they represented, and that according to his twin brothers they would have to fight a troll to be sorted. Harry was shocked to hear that but Ron quickly assured him that the twins had a habit of lying and pulling pranks.
"Which house do you want to be in, Ron?" Harry had relaxed completely and the conversation had become quite pleasant. Ron didn't even give the question any thought before he answered.
"Gryffindor. My whole family has been in Gryffindor for generations." He smiled proudly when he said that. "But if I had to choose another house other than Gryffindor, it would have to be Ravenclaw. My friend Pandora always tells me I'd make an excellent Ravenclaw. What about you Harry? Got any preferences?" Ron already knew the answer to that though. After all he heard it loud and clear from Dean's mouth. What a tosser…
"I don't really know… Gryffindor does sound nice. And it would be cool if we both went there." Harry sounded hopeful.
"Yeh that'd be great I reckon. Just don't go to Slytherin and you'll be fine." They talked a little more before deciding to change into their robes. Ron was extremely happy with his fresh new robes. He had never worn something as nice as this clean uniform. It made him smile with pride to wear it. Thanks Pandora. He had so much to be thankful for when it came to her. She had given him so much and he felt a little guilty when he thought about it. I'll make sure to repay her someday. Ron was ripped from his thoughts when their compartment door flung open for the third time that day. What did this poor door do to deserve this…? A pale boy with platinum blonde hair strode into the compartment. He was followed by two boys who looked more like baby gorillas rather than human children. Ron and Harry turned their attention to the blonde boy who seemed to be looking down his nose at them.
"They had told me that Harry Potter was coming to Hogwarts, I just never believed them" the blonde boy said in a pompous tone. Great… another fan. Can't a guy just have a conversation with poor Harry without nut-cases just walking in? "I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy and these two are my confidants Crabbe and Goyle" he continued, but stopped when he heard Ron snigger. Confidants? Who talks like that? I was right about the nut-cases. Draco turned and sneered at Ron. "Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford." Ron flinched at the insult.
His family's wealth was something of a sore spot for him, especially after he learned that his parents couldn't afford to buy him a wand. And even though he was eternally grateful to Pandora, her generosity had inadvertently made him feel even more upset with his own family's poor state of affairs. Ron clenched his jaw as he stared Malfoy down. Malfoy sneered back and turned to Harry. "You'll come to learn that some wizarding families are better than others. When you do, I'll help you pick the right ones." Malfoy stuck his hand out to Harry to shake. Harry just stared at Malfoy with a blank expression.
"I think I can make that decision by myself, thanks…" Harry replied coldly, not even bothering to look at Malfoy's hand. Harry hated bullies more than anything. After all, he had been bullied his whole life. And he liked Ron. Ron had been kind to him, and had even comforted him when he felt insecure and small. Only friends did that, and Harry already considered Ron his friend. So when Malfoy had insulted Ron, he had also insulted Harry. Malfoy the sneered at Harry in disgust and then quickly walked away in anger. His gorillas followed after him, but not before cracking their knuckles at Harry and Ron. Bloody hell… what a tosser. There was silent in the compartment for a few moments. And when it was close to becoming uncomfortable, Ron decided he should lighten the mood.
"It's good to see we're both already making enemies already…" Harry looked at him for a second in disbelief, and then laughed. Ron joined him as he thought about how quickly that conversation had gone to hell.
"It's all right though… Coz we're friends… right?" Harry said sheepishly. He had never had a friend before and he really wanted to be Ron's friend. Ron smiled at Harry and said something Harry had never heard before.
"Yeah mate, we're friends. After the way you blew off Malfoy, I think we might even be best friends." Ron had chuckled at the way Harry had put that pompous git Malfoy in his place. So he missed the look of pure joy on Harry's face. Harry felt so happy that he could cry. He had a friend. He finally had at least one friend. Coming to Hogwarts may have been the best decision he'd ever make.
The train finally stopped and Ron was almost pinging off the walls in excitement. He had waited so long for this. Harry was just as excited as they both made their way off the train. They were joined by all the students in the train and Ron had never seen so many children in one place before. There was a lot of chatter coming from the students and Ron even had trouble hearing what Harry was saying right next to him. But all that noise died immediately when a thundering voice echoed throughout the station. If Ron was being completely honest, it had scared him. "Firs' years" the voice bellowed "yeh're with meself! The res' of yeh're wit' yer prefec's!" Ron hadn't understood much but that didn't matter. Because when he saw who was speaking, he almost feinted from shock. It was a man of a monstrous size. What do they feed this guy…? Merlin, I would barely reach his knee…
"That's Hagrid, by the way" Harry said from beside him. Ron looked at Harry in disbelief.
"You know who he is?" Ron was shocked because Harry had told Ron that he didn't know about the wizarding world. And yet he clearly knew this mountain disguised as a man.
"Yeh, he is the one who took me to Diagon Alley and told me I was a wizard." Ron didn't know what to say to that so he just followed his fellow first years who all trailed behind the giant man named Hagrid. They eventually got to some boats that were docked on the beached area of the surrounding lake. Ron noted that the water looked black. That's not ominous or terrifying in the least… Which boat is Hagrid going to fit on?
"Ge' in to yer boa's firs' years" said Hagrid in what he probably considered his inside voice. It wasn't an inside voice at all. The first years all hoped into the boats made to take on four people at once. Harry and Ron stuck together, and were joined by Hermione and a very timid boy. They boy was a little pudgy and he looked like any minute he was going to vomit. Best keep my distance from him… Ron was also a bit concerned about getting into a boat with Hermione. Last time he had seen her, she had that look on her face. And just before that she had gone berserk on Harry with an encyclopedia on the poor boy's life. But now that they were in the boats and slowly sailing across the lake, with Hagrid leading them in his own large boat.
They all gasped in pure awe as the famous school of witchcraft and wizardry came into view. It was magnificent. It had towers that reached into the sky and Ron could just tell by looking that this castle was absolutely ginormous. Ron had peeked a look at the faces of his boat-mates, just to make sure he wasn't the only one gaping like a fish. He wasn't. Hermione looked just as awed and enchanted with the castle as he did. The pudgy boy had awe on his face too but his quivering lips made it look like he was terrified. Harry was just staring at the castle with a massive smile on his face that threatened to split his face in two.
They finally docked at a boat shack and Hagrid led them up the castle and stopped in front of a massive door. He spoke quietly with a black haired witch who wore emerald colored robes. She had a stern face and thin lips. And when she gazed over the first years, Ron looked down at his feet feeling nervous. 'First years, you will wait here while we prepare for you" she spoke in a commanding voice, and the small chatter between the students died immediately. "Keep your noise to a minimum, now excuse me." With that she turned around and marched towards the small gap in the giant door. No one said a word for a few moments. Then someone tugged his sleeve from behind and he turned around only to come face to face with Hermione.
"Hi" she said in a haughty tone. What's her deal? "Neville here" she pointed to the pudgy boy from the boat "wanted to thank you for finding his toad." Ron looked at the boy named Neville and smiled.
"It's no worries mate" he said casually. Neville gave him a nervous smile and a shaky nod. Someone chuckled from behind him and Ron turned to see a smirking Malfoy. This tosser again…
"Well done Weasley, perhaps chubby here will give you a finder's fee. We all know your family could use the money" he said smoothly. A few people started snickering, no doubt Malfoy's flock. Ron blushed and felt his temper flare but he pushed down his anger. Making a scene here would be just plain stupid. Especially because that stern professor from before would be coming back anytime now. So instead he decided to use some of that quick wit that he had picked up from Pandora over the last year.
"If he does give me a finder's fee Malfoy, I'll be sure to donate it to you. Maybe you can finally buy yourself a sense of humor" Ron replied coolly, even though he wanted to hex Malfoy in his smug face. The first years all broke into sniggers and quiet laughs, even some of Malfoy's flock. Malfoy's face flushed red and he started walking at Ron in a threatening manner, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him dead in his tracks. The scary professor from before stood there looking at Ron while holding Malfoy's shoulder from behind. Her lips thinned as she scowled a bit.
"Quiet down" she said even as she kept staring at Ron. It made Ron feel a little queasy. "We are ready for you now." They all followed her into the massive hall, and Ron could feel a lot of eyes looking at him. He ignored them and just followed the professor. They hall was grand, and it was packed with older students sitting in their assorted houses. At the other end of the hall, sat the staff. They had their eyes fixed on the first years and most were wearing welcoming smiles. They were halfway through the hall when something in Ron's head just clicked. He knew this place… it was so familiar. Where had he seen a massive hall before? A massive hall… Fred's corpse flashed in his mind and it jarred him.
He stopped immediately and someone bumped into him from behind. They said something but he didn't hear them. All the noise was just distant to him. His hands started their slight shaking again and he felt a cold sweat on his brow. This is where he… This is where so many people… Why here? Someone had put their hand on his back and pushed him forward. So he started walking but he didn't think of who it was and why they had done it. All he could do was go through his blazing thoughts. He had a million questions and not even one answer. What had happened to the school? How far away was this future calamity that would claim his brother's life? Where were the teachers in all of this? And where was Albus Dumbledore? He was the most powerful wizard alive and yet his school would become a place of death and destruction. Where was he? Why didn't he protect those under his care?
Ron didn't even notice that he had stopped and that a hat was singing a song. How did it get that bad? Why had everything come to that? His heart beat was irregular and he had to loosen his tie so he could breathe properly.
Harry too was distracted. He too missed the song from the hat and even missed the fact that people were being called up to be sorted. All he could think about was his friend. Ron had just stopped walking and Hermione had bumped into him from behind. She told him to watch it, but he hadn't responded. When Harry saw Ron's face, he immediately grew worried. Ron was pale, much paler than he already was. Even his freckles had become pale. Ron's eyes were wide and his eyes told Harry that Ron's mind was troubled. So he had given his friend a push forward. He even had to stop Ron or his friend would have surely walked straight into the staff members. When he heard his name being called he was forced to leave Ron's side. But not before he shook Ron slightly, pulling the troubled boy out of his thoughts. Ron looked at him, feeling a little dazed by the fact that he missed so much of the sorting ceremony. Harry gave Ron a final reassuring smile and then marched forward to be sorted.
Ron watched as Harry climbed the step towards a hat, which sat on a stool. The stern professor lifted the hat as Harry sat down on the stool. She then placed the hat onto Harry's head of untamed hair. The hat gasped and spoke which made Harry flinch. "Harry Potter, oh my… isn't this a surprise." Ron just stared at the hat, eyes wide. The bloody hat spoke… This was the sorting? I completely blanked out during it. I need to calm down. Just relax. That vision is years away Ron. And I know now that I can change it. And I will. No matter the cost… With those thoughts, he steeled his mind and clenched his hands to stop their shaking. Harry's sorting took about five more minutes. The hat sat there on his head, making faces while Harry did the same. They aren't even talking… The hall seemed to become restless. Even Dumbledore had sat up and leaned forward. Ron smiled at Harry reassuringly every time their eyes met. In the end, the Hat grumbled something inaudible and the said "Better be… GRYFFINDOR!"
The hall erupted in cheer and Ron heard the twins shouting that they got Potter. Harry looked at him with a wide smile and stood up from the stool as the stern professor removed the hat from his head and she gave Harry a faint smile. Ron beamed at Harry and gave him a thumbs up. Harry quickly trotted down to the Gryffindor table. Ron watched him go, and also spotted Hermione and Neville sitting on the table. So they're Gryffindors too. I can't wait to join Harry! Harry Potter… wants to be my mate… He snickered in disbelief. He waited for his turn almost impatiently. During that time he contemplated about how scared of the hat he would've been just three years ago. A talking hat… But now? After the things he had done and seen, he knew he would never be afraid of a hat. The stern Professor called out his name and he marched up with confidence. He noted on the way that none of the staff looked particularly interested. Of course, I'm just another Weasley after all…
Ron sat on the stool as the hat was placed on his head. It sat still and didn't utter a word for a few seconds. "Well, well, well…" a voice rang through Ron's head. Ron was immediately alert and he straightened his back.
"Who's there?" He questioned.
"Me, of course" the voice was thick with sarcasm.
"Who's me?"
"The hat boy… you aren't very clever, are you?" the voice drawled.
"You're in my head? How?"
"Magic my dear boy…. Magic." Ron rolled his eyes. Clever… "I heard that. I told you Ronald, I'm in your head."
"I heard you… Can you kindly leave please?"
"No… no I can't my boy…" The voice sounded sadder now.
"Why? You aren't stuck are you?" Ron felt a jolt of panic go through him. He looked around the hall. He was facing the entire student body. He gazed over to the Gryffindor table. Harry and his brothers, Percy and the twins, were watching him. The twins smiled and gave him a wave, while Percy just gave him a small smile. Harry sat there with an anxious look on his face.
"Relax Ronald… I am not stuck. But we do need the privacy. We have so much to discuss."
"We do?"
"Yes. I told you that I am in your head. That means I have seen everything inside it as well." Ron's eyes went wide and he paled. The tremors came back and he immediately clenched his hands.
"Everything…?"
"If you are referring to your secret, then yes my boy."
"DON'T TELL ANYONE PLEASE! I'M BEGGIN…."
"Calm yourself Ronald. I have much to talk to you about, and your constant whimpering and interfering will only make this take longer than necessary." Ron tried to calm down, but he was having trouble doing that. He felt like he was back in that room with Pandora, watching her choke to death on her own blood. "Nasty business that. But you succeeded. That is all that matters now."
"You know my secret…?" The hat let out a heavy sigh, which made him worry even more. All of his brothers were now staring at him with wide eyes. He also noted that many students were starting to stare. Harry looked a little scared as he also stared at Ron. But Ron didn't care about that right now. This hat knew his damn secret and he was completely at its mercy. "You know I'm a seer?"
"I fear my child, that things are far more complicated than that… You see I can access the minds of all the people whose heads I am placed upon. Not even occlumency can hide your mind from me." Ron didn't know what occlumency was. "It is a type of training that prevents other wizards or witches from entering your mind." The hat answered to clear his confusion.
"You said there were complications? What did you mean by that?" He was getting scared now. He was supposed to be sorted into Gryffindor already, and yet here was. Talking to a hat that had figured everything out. What if it told everyone? What then? His mission to save Fred had would have died on the first day of Hogwarts.
"Stop being so melodramatic Ronald. Your secret is safe with me." Ron perked up and waited for the voice to continue. "I am enchanted to keep the memories and experiences of the students a secret. Even the Headmaster cannot compel me to speak of them. What we discuss today, will remain between us forever. You have my promise on that." Ron started to calm down at that. The hall was abuzz with whispers. Everyone was wondering what was happening. It had been five minutes and still no verdict… They all knew that Weasleys only ever went to Gryffindor.
"So you can't tell my secret to others? THAT'S GREAT!"
"No I cannot, and even if I could, I would never dare to. My duty is to the students first and foremost. But I digress… We are going off topic and we don't have much time. I have to speak to you about your 'visions' Ronald." Ron perked up and nodded his head, his face becoming fully serious. The whispers got even louder. "As I said, no one can hide their mind from me. For a thousand years, since the Founding Members created me, it has been so. And yet for the first time, I cannot see something." Ron's eyes widened in shock.
"Why? Why can you not see all of mine? What can't you see?"
"I cannot see or access your 'visions' Ronald. There is a… force in your mind. And it is more powerful than even my makers… It blocks me with ease. It is as if there is a safe in your mind where your visions stay. And it seems… only you have the key." Ron contemplated the words of the hat. He didn't even know what to think of this.
"Do you… do you know what this force is?" Ron didn't like the sound of this force making a home in his head…
"I'm afraid not… but do not fear. It seems that it's only purpose is to protect your visions from prying eyes. I believe it is an ally."
"An ally? THIS THING IS ALIVE IN MY HEAD?!"
"No, not alive. It is like me almost… an entity made by magic, with only one aim. You have nothing to fear from it." The whole school was now openly talking. They were staring at him and even the teachers were talking amongst themselves. But Ron ignored them.
"Easy for you to say... Wait… you said you can't see my visions. Then how do you know about them?"
"I may not be able to access your visions Ronald, but I can access the memories of you writing in your journal."
"Well… This force isn't all that useful then, is it...?" The hat laughed on top of his head. Everyone was silent immediately, happy that a decision was finally made.
"Hold on for a moment Ronald. I have to buy us some more time." The hat then spoke loudly for everyone to hear. "Such courage, such intelligence, and with fierce loyalty to boot. And such strong ambitions… You are a complicated one to sort, aren't you?" This reignited the entire hall. Even the Slytherins had started talking to one another now. Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor houses were embroiled in heavy discussions.
"Sorting Hat is there some…" began a gentle voice from behind him but the Sorting Hat cut the voice off quickly. It forced Ron's head to turn and look behind him as it spoke.
"Do not interrupt me Albus" the hat snapped. Ron saw the Headmaster's eyes widen a bit, but the great wizard quickly regained his composure. "Ronald here is a difficult one to understand… even for me". Ron saw the staff look at him in disbelief and maybe even with a hint of wild curiosity. All except Dumbledore whose eyes were twinkling like stars in a clear night sky as he stared, with amusement etched on his face, at Ron.
Ron locked eyes with a man he had respected and revered above all others since he was in diapers. He had been raised on stories about this man. The moment felt like an eternity to him. As if this moment… would perhaps one day chart Ron's life? He didn't know how, but he felt it. It was just as he had felt when he had first gazed upon his wand. He had just known. The hat turned Ron's head back towards the student body, who were discussing things within their own houses. They all shot him quick looks and kept on discussing. His ears went red from all the attention and his blush was hot upon his face. His hands started trembling again when he saw his brothers at the Gryffindor table, talking animatedly to one another and staring at Ron with shock etched on their faces.
"I fear that our time is coming to an end Ronald… at least for tonight."
"No wait, I have more…"
"Hush Ronald, You. Must. Listen. To. Me… You are no seer…" Ron couldn't help but gasp. What? The visions, though? They were of future events… He didn't understand. "A seer goes into a trance when their mind's eye gives them access to prophecies. Prophecies that they make to others without any control over themselves. You clearly get put into someone's future memories. No trance, no prophecies, and you certainly don't possess the mind of a seer. I would know. I have met, and spoken with too many of them over my long existence. But you my boy… you are something I have not encountered yet."
"I… Don't understand. I'm just Ron…" Ron was in pure denial. The hat was making no sense and it felt like someone had torn the carpet out from under him. For the past one year he had believed that he was a seer. It had comforted him, and seeing Pandora alive always renewed his faith in saving his brother Fred. But the hat had taken that away from him. The hat had taken his faith in himself away. Ron didn't know anything about himself… He knew nothing about this entity in his head… He knew nothing at all. He had no answers. And that scared him. The fear must've been etched onto his face because the stern professor, who had put the hat on his head, placed her hand over his shoulder gently and squeezed.
"You are Ron, my boy. I have no doubt. But you are also someone who can make a huge difference in our inevitable future."
"What future…?"
"It is clear to me from your journal. Your notes on your first vision… they remind me of a darker time… a time of war. I believe that war is coming to the world of wizard-kind." Ron's heart clenched. "A war that will take your brother's life…"
"NO! NO, IT WON'T! MY BROTHER WILL SURVIVE, I'LL MAKE BLOODY SURE OF THAT! SO DON'T YOU EVEN DARE SAY THAT ME!" Ron was furious. This hat had no right… no right to tell him that his brother would die. No right to dig through his head and throw his worst fears in his face. "I saved Pandora, I will save my brother, and I WILL protect my family."
"Is that so… but can you do that though? We both know it was pure luck with Pandora, Ronald. I'm not trying to discourage you, my boy. But… sometimes… one has to sacrifice in order to save. What would you sacrifice for your family Ronald?" Ron thought about his mother and father. He thought of his brothers. He thought of Ginny. And not surprised, he thought of the Lovegoods. He thought about the love they all shared with him. All of them, in their own ways. His relationships weren't perfect, but they were his. And he loved his bonds with all of them. And he had the power to save their lives. To save them from a war that was coming, according to the hat anyway. Ginny would never survive a war. She was just a little girl. So was Luna. They would die…
"Sacrifice? What do you mean by that?"
"If you chose to run around changing the future Ronald, then you will be put in incredible danger. Many times over I might add. Are you willing to put your life on the line?"
"For my family… yes. You already know that because you are in my head."
"You are brave… and even intelligent due to your two brothers' teachings… your loyalty for your loved ones is admirable. These are fine qualities my boy. But your ambition to change the future… to make a better future… that Ronald is your greatest quality. Which is why… I am going to place you in Slytherin house…"
"WHAT?! Seeing someone like me made you senile?! Slytherin? Are you insane? My family would disown…"
"Enough! Your other qualities would make you a fine addition to any house, but it is in Slytherin that you have the greatest chance to succeed."
"PLEASE EXPLAIN THEN! How does becoming a slimy snake help me? My family… the ones I want to protect… would disown me. They would never speak with me. Ever. Again."
"Perhaps… or perhaps not… I am not the one who can see the future…"
"You're making jokes? This is funny to you?!"
"No my dear boy, it certainly is not. Our time is at an end now, Ronald. So please listen, and listen well. Slytherin house is not the evil house that many have branded it to be. Slytherin demands nothing but excellence. And excellence is what you need to have. You will not survive for long, Ronald, if you don't embrace what Slytherin house embodies."
"What they embody? They are evil gits… Bigots who supported you-know-who…"
"Many in Slytherin did. And many in Slytherin did not. But if you intend to do this alone, as I know you do, you must master cunning, resourcefulness, cleverness, and most of all, you will need determination to carry though no matter what. These are all the traits that Slytherin embodies. Do you understand?"
"No… My family will…"
"Sacrifice Ronald… sacrifice… What you aim to achieve… it is something that will require much more from you than even you can comprehend. Embrace Slytherin's better teachings. They will be the difference between life and death. For you. For your brother. For all those who you wish to keep from harm." Ron just sat quietly… He looked around the hall.
Students were now past discussing and were just sitting there waiting. He had probably set a record for the longest sorting in all of Hogwarts history. And in the end, the hat was going to send him to Slytherin. The one house he never, ever, thought he would be a part of. A house that spat on everything his family stood for and believed in. And it was this house that the Sorting Hat believed would help him the most. Its words had made sense to Ron. But Ron still didn't want this. His family… how could he even look them in the eyes after this? He wanted to beg the hat to reconsider. He wanted to cry out to it and beg it to not do this. He knew the hat sensed his despair and desperation. But he also knew that it would not change its mind.
"I have made my decision…" the Sorting Hat spoke in a loud voice. Everyone seemed to perk up at this. Even his future housemates. "Forgive me for this Ronald. But it is for the best. One day you will understand. Don't stop fighting my dear boy. Don't ever stop fighting. I believe that not only will your family need you, but we all will. Fight, Ronald." "Better be… SLYTHERIN!"
AUTHOR'S NOTES: I'm sure many of you saw that coming! Yes this is a Slytherin Ron story, but since Slytherin is a house that wasn't really expanded on, I've taken the liberty of making every character in Slytherin very unique. They all have their backstories and characteristics. So get keen for some Slytherin side-characters who I hope you will all come to love!