AUTHOR'S NOTES: Two big ass chapters back to back man... I'm spent. Haven't slept in almost twenty four hours... RED BULL FTW!
Now a few things:
1. I would prefer it if you read both chapters 6 and 7 back to back. They were meant to be one chapter but the file was HUGE at the end so split it.
2. I love Mama Weasley, but she can be a petty woman sometimes. So bear with it for the time being. The future isn't set in stone.
3. I've made my own school time-table for Ron's first year. For the story's sake so it flows better.
4. I LOVE THE TWINS! They are my favorite Weasleys after Ron, so please be patient coz they will come around (maybe, haven't decided fully). This is a story about growing up and learning from your mistakes. The Twins are only 13 at this point, so they don't have the maturity of grown people. Ron's maturity has been boosted by his powers and trials, but the twins are still the twins.
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 6 – The Black Sheep
Ronald Weasley's POV
Ron woke up the next morning in high spirits. He recalled his previous day and sighed in relief. Things weren't completely hopeless, now all he had to worry about was his family and about finding out more about his abilities. If he wanted to succeed in his mission to save Fred, he knew that he had to know as much as possible about the source of his powers. This mysterious force in my mind… It hasn't hurt me in any way yet so I can safely assume that it has no plans to… yet. With that, he hopped out of comfortable bed and walked into the adjoining bathroom to wash up and dress for the day. He had D.A.D.A (Defense Against the Dark Arts) first period, followed by a period of Transfiguration. Then after lunch he had a period of Charms, and after dinner tonight they had Astronomy. Ron thought it was unusual to have a class so late, but he figured that they needed a clear view of the stars to even do Astronomy. Ron had all the knowledge he'd need about the constellations and their meanings for at least the first two years of Hogwarts, but he was keen to find out how much Zabini knew.
Ron also decided to not show Zabini up in class because he didn't want to lose Zabini as an ally just yet. Once he was dressed and ready, he walked down to the common room and waited for his allies to join him. Nott and Zabini were the first to join him, having woken up while Ron was getting dressed. They said their greetings and sat down to wait for the girls. It took ten long minutes before they showed up together and quickly greeted the boys. Muttering his thanks to Merlin under his breath, Ron walked to the Great Hall for breakfast. They took their seats and Ron was surprised when Greengrass took a seat to his right rather than across from him. Nott didn't mind sitting in her usual spot however.
Breakfast began and Ron tried his best to eat his food with etiquette but it was hard for him. He was used to inhaling as much food as possible and as quickly as he could. Greengrass reminded Ron about his meeting with Snape which made Ron groan in displeasure. Bloody hell… I really don't want to be yelled at by him. Just then Ron noticed a familiar owl flying towards the Slytherin table and directly at him. Errol! What's that menace doing here?! Then it hit him. His parents had no doubt heard about his sorting and were probably trying to contact him, and of course interrogate him as well. Ron's stomach sank when Errol crashed straight into the platter of hash-browns in front of him. This is it… I'm actually a little scared. Ron took the letter attached to Errol's claws while the Slytherins snickered and laughed at Errol's landing. This is it… With that, Ron opened the letter and began reading. He could never have been prepared for its content.
RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY
I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED WITH WHAT I'VE HEARD ABOUT YOUR SORTING! HOW COULD YOU BETRAY EVERYTHING THAT YOUR FATHER AND I RAISED YOU TO BELIEVE?! I SHOULDN'T EVEN BE SURPIRSED ONE BIT! EVER SINCE YOU STARTED USING PANDORA TO BUY YOU ANYTHING YOU WANTED, YOU HAVE BEEN NOTHING BUT A SPOILED CHILD! YOU HAVE BROKEN YOUR FATHER'S HEART AND MADE ME FEEL SO ASHAMED! THE FIRST WEASLEY TO BE SORTED INTO SLYTHERIN, AND HE IS MY SON… I HAVE NEVER FELT AS HUMILIATED AS I DO RIGHT NOW! YOU WILL ANSWER TO ME AND EXPLAIN YOURSELF YOUNG MAN! I DON'T WANT YOU SPENDING ANY TIME WITH THOSE LITTLE DEATH-EATERS! AM I UNDERSTOOD?! HOW COULD YOU BE SO SHALLOW AS TO ACTUALLY BE PLACED IN THAT HORRID HOUSE?! I AM ABSOLUTELY FURIOUS WITH YOU!
MOLLY WEASLEY
Ron finished reading the letter and his eyes were stinging with tears by the end of it. He did his best to hold them in and actually managed to, but his eyes were wet and going red. His cheeks burned with shame, and even dread at his mother's anger with him. Disgusted… I humiliated her…? I broke Dad's heart…? Ron's hands were starting to shake again, and being completely absorbed in his own painful thoughts, he missed Greengrass going over the letter from his side. Her eyes widened in sympathy for the first time in her life, and all she wanted to do was snatch that letter away from Weasley and burn it. How could his mother say something like that to him?
"I have to go" Ron muttered in a broken voice as he got up and left the table quickly. He didn't care that his allies were looking at him oddly. He didn't care that his brothers were looking at him with concern and worry. He didn't care that Snape had gotten up to and was following him out of the Great Hall. He just didn't care. His whole body felt numb, his hands shook violently, his head had a dull ache, and he could feel the contents of his stomach rolling around and trying to escape him. Ron stopped when he felt a strong hand on his shoulder.
"Mr. Weasley, need I remind you that…" Snape stopped abruptly, as he gazed at the boy. To say that the boy looked distraught would have been wrong, he looked like he was facing the headman's axe. "Mr. Weasley what is the matter?" Snape said softly, as he took in and analyzed the boy's body language. Ron was shaking and his hands seemed to be cause of it. In his left hand the boy was clutching a piece of parchment in a death grip, wrinkling the paper. When Ron didn't say anything and kept staring at his feet, Snape decided that he had to see what that piece of parchment said and then decide what to do with the boy. "Follow me to my office Mr. Weasley, and don't get left behind." Snape then marched towards the dungeons, his robes billowing behind him as usual. Ron did as he was told without even thinking. As a matter of fact, Ron was doing his best not to think. It hurt too much.
Once they were inside, Snape sat Ron down on a chair in front of Snape's desk and then stood in front of Ron. "Show me the parchment, Mr. Weasley" Snape said softly while holding out his hand. Ron shook his head slowly, which irritated Snape. "I want to help you boy, but I cannot do that if I do not know what the problem is." Snape finished strongly and with authority. Ron handed the parchment over slowly and felt his face burn with shame. He'll know everything my mum said… As Snape began to read, Ron couldn't bear it anymore because he was hurting so much. Ron broke into a cry and started sobbing rather loudly. Snape didn't seem to care or even notice as he kept reading the letter from Ron's mother. Ron didn't know the fact that behind his professor's mask of indifference, Snape was actually feeling furious with the Weasley matriarch and just didn't show it.
When Snape finally finished reading the letter, he was stunned by its contents. Stunned and furious. Molly Weasley was well known to be a very loving and coddling mother to her children. And yet her reaction to her son's sorting forced Snape to think twice. Was his house really that hated even by people like the Weasleys, who were accepting of all? What was this boy's relationship with his parents going to be like because of that prejudice? Snape found himself damning the Dark Lord once again. That evil fool had ruined the good name of Slytherin beyond repair it seemed.
"Please… don't… tell anyone" Ron said between sobs that racked his little body. Snape was pulled out of his thoughts and felt a swell of pity for the boy. So Snape calmed his mind and donned his mask of indifference.
"Mr. Weasley, I have already told you that you can trust me as your Head of House. As long as you are in Slytherin, you can come to me for any of your needs." Ron started crying in earnest again when he heard that. Snape did nothing to comfort the boy however, he didn't even know how to. So Snape stood there quietly while the boy cried. Snape only noticed the boy's shaking hands when he handed the letter back to the boy. That made him decide that he needed to intervene. He let out a small sigh and then spoke softly. "Wait here, Mr. Weasley." Snape walked over to his desk and pulled out a vial with a light blue liquid in it. He walked back over to Ron and knelt down to the boy's height. "This is a Draught of Peace" Snape said "it will calm your nerves and help you move on with your day." Ron looked at the potion and then at Snape. If it makes me feel even a little better then I'll take it. I can trust Snape… I don't know how but I know I can.
Ron nodded and accepted the potion, drinking it all down in one gulp. It was a little bitter but as soon as he drank it, a sense of calm seemed to envelope him. Ron found that he didn't even worry when he thought of his mother's anger or his father's disappointment. Even his hands had stopped shaking and he had stopped sobbing too. Woah, Percy was right… Potions are amazing! He hadn't felt so calm since he had been eight. Ron broke into a soft smile and relaxed in his seat, while the tall professor sat down behind his desk in his own chair. "You may skip your first class of the day Mr. Weasley" Snape began "I will write you a note for it and speak with Professor Quirrell personally. I will not tell him anything of this meeting however, I assure you." Ron smiled at Snape which made the professor frown slightly.
"Thank you sir" said Ron in an airy voice. "I really like this potion" Ron giggled, causing Snape to raise an eyebrow at him. "It sucks that I didn't really know about it till now. It could have been soooo useful" Snape frowned at Ron's casual behavior with him, but understood that the potion was mellowing the boy out.
"Do you know many potions, Mr. Weasley?" Snape's voice was laced with disbelief and Ron could see a slight sneer on the man's face.
"I know loads sir! I've already learned everything about the potions we will go over in the first two years of Hogwarts. I've even brewed a few of them with a potions kit that Pandora bought for me. I miss Pandora" Ron hummed while smiling to himself. Snape's eyes widened for a split second before he regained his composure. He didn't know what to say to this odd boy, but decided he would question Weasley just to be sure that the boy was telling him the truth.
"Consider me intrigued, Mr. Weasley" Snape began, his voice soft and slightly sarcastic. "What are the three most crucial ingredients in a Forgetfulness Potion?" Ron stopped smiling and stared directly into Snape's eyes. Snape was intrigued by Ron's sudden seriousness.
"I forgot" Ron said. They held eye contact for a silent second before Ron burst into giggles, clutching his sides. Snape had to swallow his anger at this boy, who was clearly pulling Snape's leg. Snape couldn't stop his frown though and was about to deduct points for cheek, Draught of Peace be damned. But then Ron stopped his immature behavior and looked into Snape's eyes again with a serious expression.
"The key ingredients are Lethe River Water, mistletoe berries, and Valerian sprigs, sir." Ron said, then he smiled to himself and started gazing around the room with clouded eyes, all the while explaining how to make the potion and its two separate stages of brewing in great detail. Snape just listened in awe, but kept his mask of indifference planted on his face. That potion was supposed to be the first years' final exam. And Weasley already knew everything he needed to know about it. How was that possible…? When Ron finished he could see Snape's lips twitching upwards and that got him giddy. I've impressed him. My brothers have no idea how cool Snape is! He even helped me calm down and actually relax…
"Ten points to Slytherin Mr. Weasley, for displaying knowledge beyond your years in potion making" Snape said softly. Ron grinned at Snape, but this time Snape didn't mind. They boy had impressed him, and Snape finally understood why that ghost Binns wouldn't shut up about Weasley. But the question remained, how did Weasley have this knowledge? "Mr. Weasley, do you mind telling me how you know so much about this potion?"
"My brother Percy taught me" Ron spoke in an airy voice. "He is the smartest person I know! So I got him to teach me all about Hogwarts before I came here." Snape knew that Percy Weasley was a bright young wizard and he sensed no deceit in Ron's voice. With that question answered, Snape relaxed a bit as well.
"Mr. Weasley, what is your honest opinion on the wondrous art of potion making?" Snape was now more curious about the boy than he had been after the boy's sorting. All the teachers, Snape noted to himself, were actually very interested in Weasley after the sorting ceremony. But now he also knew that this boy was going to blow them out of the water. The thought made Snape smile inwardly. Slytherin may have just gained a prodigy at the peak of their winning streak for the House Cup.
"I didn't like Potions at first" Ron answered quietly, still smiling at nothing. "But after Percy showed me how fun and useful Potions can be, it's become my favorite subject. Along with Defense Against the Dark Arts that is…" Snape had to clench his teeth to stop his own smile from spreading on his face, because it seemed that Weasley was a boy after Snape's own heart. "Oh and Percy says I might be a natural at charms too, but I'm not so sure about that" Ron added quickly.
"After what I saw yesterday with Mr. Malfoy, I might believe the same thing" Snape said softly, but his tone wasn't as authoritative as usual. Ron looked down sheepishly and swung his legs back and forth guiltily.
"I'm sorry Professor Snape, for you know… for jinxing Malfoy" Ron mumbled, which made Snape raise his eyebrow again. "He insulted my dad and my family… It made me… angry" Ron finished lamely. The truth is that Ron wanted Snape to like him, because he liked the professor too right now. Snape had helped him and even promised to keep the contents of that horrid letter to himself.
"Yes Mr. Weasley that was indeed a very foolish thing to do, because you have now turned a member of a wealthy and powerful family against you. You must think before you act… Be cunning and clever. Slytherin demands as much and expects you to deliver. Remember that." Snape wasn't happy that Weasley had jinxed his godson, but from what he had heard so far from the prefects and now Weasley himself, it was clear that Draco deserved it. Snape had always hated bullies and he wasn't blind to his godson's entitled and nasty behavior towards others.
"Your first class is almost finished Mr. Weasley" Snape continued as he looked at his clock. "You are dismissed. Make sure to attend your next classes and perform to the best of your abilities, or I will know why." Ron gave a nod and began departing the Potion Master's Office with a smile plastered on his face once again. Right before Ron reached the door, he stopped and turned to face the professor. He had to say one more thing to Snape just to show him that Ron was grateful to the professor for his help.
"I promise Professor Snape that I'll earn our house even more points than I did yesterday" Ron finished confidently. He didn't care that he had called Slytherin his house again, the potion made him not worry about a thing and it felt liberating. Snape and Ron held eye contact for a second before Snape nodded his head once, his mask of indifference still in place. Ron then turned and walked out of the office to head to Transfiguration. Once Weasley was gone from the office, Snape finally relaxed into his chair and smiled to himself. He would keep a sharp eye on this boy's progress, and maybe even mentor him if Weasley asked. After all, Snape appreciated talent.
Ron had made it to his Transfiguration class before anyone else and was standing outside waiting for the others. He figured they were probably on their way from D.A.D.A, and the fact that he had missed his favorite class didn't even bother Ron one bit. I already know everything… why should I even worry about missing a class? Ron was smiling at his own thoughts when he noticed his allies and the rest of the Slytherin first years towards walking towards him. They were joined by Gryffindor house. Harry… I should try and be friendly with him. Who knows what he really feels? Maybe he'll give me a chance!
His allies circled him quickly and asked if he was alright to which he just smiled, eyes slightly glazed over, and nodded his head. Then he told them that he was just scared to meet Snape and that's why he had run away so abruptly. They all bought it, except Greengrass of course. She knew what that letter had actually said and she hadn't told the rest of the group in order to respect Weasley's privacy. He was a potential ally and she didn't want to lose him by giving away information that he might want to keep secret. She wasn't going soft at all, but his odd behavior was getting the better of her and she just wanted to ask what had really happened with Snape.
The door to the class opened from the inside by itself and the students warily entered the class room. It was just an ordinary classroom except for the Tabby Cat that was sitting on the teacher's desk, staring the students down. That cat is so cute… I should pet it if I get the chance. Ron giggled at the thought and his allies just gave him shocked glances, as if he was completely mental. Even some of the Gryffindors, including Harry and the bushy haired girl named Hermione, looked at him with the same look. Malfoy had just scoffed and pushed past Ron. When Nott and Ron were about to sit together, Greengrass walked over and whispered something in Nott's ear. Nott gave her a confused look, shook his head, and then sat down next to Davis. Greengrass sat down next to Ron and stared at him with narrowed eyes. "Are you feeling all right, Weasley? You are acting very strange" Greengrass questioned.
"Oh I feel great, best I've felt since I was eight" Ron hummed as he smiled at her, which made her eyes widen. She tried to smile back but she was a little too shocked at Weasley's glazed stare and wide smile. Something was definitely not right with Weasley, she just knew it.
"What do you mean since you were eight?" Ron blinked at her question. Damn… Need to be careful here. I'm just so relaxed though. Need to think things through before I speak.
"Oh I started my studies when I was eight. I studied a lot, so right now I'm just feeling relaxed because… um we don't have much work… from classes that is" he finished lamely. I can't even think… This potion is not good for my secret. Greengrass furrowed her brow at him. She really wanted to question Weasley now, but class would start soon and she knew that he would be able to think of an excuse or more during that time. She needed to catch him off guard. So she huffed in irritation and looked forward. What's her deal? That huff is quite cute though… she is such a spoiled brat haha.
He saw movement ahead of him, and turned to face the Tabby Cat who was now strutting on the teacher's table. The cat then pounced off the table and turned into the stern female professor from their sorting, all in midair. She landed gracefully and the whole class let out awed sounds of disbelief, including Ron. The professor introduced herself as Professor McGonagall, and informed the class that she would not tolerate any messing around because of how dangerous transfiguration was. Anyone she caught would be punished and even removed from the class, which made everyone a little scared. Everyone but Ron that is, who was still smiling like a buffoon right at Professor McGonagall. She is a cat professor. I doubt she'd let me pet her though… it would be a little creepy if she did. McGonagall noticed his odd behavior but chose to ignore it.
The class went on and McGonagall asked many questions on the Transformation Formula. No one seemed to know the answers to any of these questions except for Ron and Hermione. They both answered question after question, and the class could see that Hermione was doing her best to compete against Ron and win. They could also see that Ron didn't even seem to care that Hermione was trying to beat him, he was just smiling like he was in his happy place. When he gave Hermione a thumbs up for getting a question about 'wand power' correct, the whole class broke into giggles at Hermione's gaping face. McGonagall was extremely amused at this red headed boy and his lack of concern that he was being competed against, but she hid it behind her stern demeanor. She was also immensely proud and glad that someone as bright as Hermione was in Gryffindor. By the end of the questions about theories of Transfiguration, both Ron and Hermione had earned twenty points for their houses respectively. Hermione was glaring at Ron and his stupid smiling face. She wanted to win. She had to win. Why was he so calm and happy?!
"Well done, Mr. Weasley and Miss. Granger" Professor McGonagall started. "Now can someone else please try and answer the questions next time?" She looked around the class and no one met her eyes. "We still have fifteen minutes, and in these last few minutes I will show you what Transfiguration is truly capable of. Observe" she said and then pointing her wand towards her desk, she turned it into a pig. The whole class was awed including Ron. I could turn a table into a pig and then cook it. Wait, would that work? Or would it turn back into a table inside my stomach? Ron shuddered at the thought of getting splinters inside his stomach.
"Now, you will all be given a chance to try your own hand at Transfiguration. You will turn a match into a needle. This is one of the most basic spells in Transfiguration, but do not be alarmed if you do not succeed. Practice makes perfect, after all." She then flicked her wand and matches appeared in front of every student. Professor McGonagall taught them the spell to use and its wand movement. Ron just smiled to himself even more. I already know this spell… Charlie put it in the journal. I should really owl Charlie, I want to know if he has been burned by a dragon yet. That would be such a cool scar to have… A loud cough broke him out of his thoughts and Professor McGonagall was standing in front of him. He just kept smiling and looked up to her.
"Mr. Weasley are you smiling because you have successfully transfigured the match, because I see no needles on your desk…" Professor McGonagall said sternly. "Now, I have seen two types of Weasleys come through my classroom. Those who are studious and those who are better at making more trouble than they can handle. Do you care to show the class which one you are?" McGonagall finished with her lips tight and her posture stern. There were stifled laughs from all over the class, most likely originating from Malfoy. Ron removed his beautiful wand from its holster and aimed it at the matchstick. He spoke the spell under his breath, because Charlie had told him that it was more important to say the spell right rather than loudly, and flicked his wand at the matchstick. The matchstick transformed into a needle. Greengrass gasped from beside him, and McGonagall's eyes went wide at the sight of the needle.
"I'm the only Weasley of my type, Professor" Ron spoke in an airy voice. "You can confirm that with the Sorting Hat." He smiled at the bewildered Professor, before he realized he was giving too much away. This potion… I'm gonna end up telling everyone my secret by the end of the bloody day if this keeps going. Professor McGonagall was lost for words. How had he done that? Perfect incantation and perfect wand movement from a first year? The class seemed to share her disbelief, as they were all awed and shocked. Hermione looked like she had sucked a lemon. Ron gazed over to Harry who was also in awe and was sitting next to Neville Longbottom, who was equally awed. Ron waved at Harry and smiled genuinely at the boy he had made friends with on the train. I don't care that I'm in Slytherin, I'll just be his friend anyway!
He loved how free he felt right now, without his nerves constantly on edge as they had been for the past three years. He hadn't realized just how stressed he had been until today. Harry waved back, his awed look still etched on his face. Professor McGonagall looked back and forth between the two boys.
"My word… Mr. Weasley, well done. You have quite the gift for Transfiguration it seems" Professor McGonagall spoke softly. There was a tight smile across her lips that made her look much kinder and nurturing than her usual demeanor. "Twenty points to Slytherin for a spell well performed Mr. Weasley… well done once again." With that she began moving around the class to check on her other students.
"Weasley… how did you do that?" Piped up Greengrass' voice. Ron looked at her while smiling and his eyes glazed over.
"Listen and I'll explain, my 'ally'…" Ron said and started giggling. Greengrass knew for certain now that Weasley had gone mental because of the letter from his mother. It had definitely broken the poor boy, she just knew it. But she listened intently as he began explaining the importance of wand movement, clear incantation, and the fact that she had to picture the needle in her mind as she cast the spell. She failed five more times and on her sixth attempt she succeeded in turning her matchstick into a needle. She jumped in joy, losing her ladylike composure in moment of triumph. She quickly realized this and sat back down, blushing furiously. Professor McGonagall walked over to her and saw the needle.
"Well done as well, Miss. Greengrass" she said softly, unable to believe that two first years had successfully done the spell. This had never happened in all of her years teaching the subject.
"Actually… Professor… um Weasley showed me how to do it" Greengrass said in a shy voice. McGonagall was surprised that the boy could also teach the spell to others and even have them do it successfully, all the while smiling like he didn't even care if a fire broke out.
"I see. Fifteen points to Slytherin Miss. Greengrass for your success, and five more points to Slytherin as well Mr. Weasley for helping your fellow students." McGonagall turned around and walked away, slightly shaken and very bewildered by the youngest Weasley son. Why wasn't he a Gryffindor? He would do wonders in the House of the Brave, she just knew it.
"Thanks for the help, Weasley" Greengrass said, her shyness completely gone. Ron looked at her with a confused look and she seemed to understand why. "Oh please, I'm not some meek shy girl Weasley, you would do well to remember that. I only spoke like that and mentioned you so that we could get more points for Slytherin out of her." She smiled her sly smile at Ron, and he returned it with his genuine one.
"House of the Cunning indeed, Greengrass" Ron chuckled. He was starting to grow fond of Greengrass. She seemed to always get her way, no matter what. Ron could only wish for that kind of luck. Greengrass gave a slight blush and looked right at Ron.
"You may call me Daphne, I've decided" she said, her voice was a little pompous but Ron knew it was an act. "You have proven to me that you are indeed useful. I will keep you around for the foreseeable future." She then huffed and turned her face forward. Ron just kept smiling and slowly turned his face forward too. If it wasn't for this potion, I doubt I would have even helped her. And I probably would have lost my temper with what she just said. If it wasn't so bad for my secret, I might actually start brewing this potion myself…
"Then you can call me Ron" he said in an airy voice. "I've decided that you're fun to be around." He saw Daphne give a quick nod from the corner of his vision and he didn't miss that her cheeks were red again. The class ended shortly after that. The students packed their things, and began to leave the classroom. Only Ron and Daphne had succeeded with the spell. Hermione had managed to give her matchstick a sliver texture and even make it pointy. It wasn't completely transfigured though. Professor McGonagall gave everyone who hadn't succeeded extensive homework on the spell. Ron then made his way towards the common room to put away his books with a massive smile threatening to split his face. His allies were walking behind him and no doubt questioning his sanity. He didn't care though, he had kept his promise to Professor Snape. I got us forty five points already. Now I just have to keep them, or anymore I might get today. I don't want to lose a single point I've decided. I should set a record for most points earned in one day by a first-year!
Ron and his group took their seats at the Slytherin table, and Ron sat with Nott and Zabini by his side again. Ron quickly started piling a lot food onto his plate, which made Nott sigh loudly. "Give me a break, Nott" Ron whined, still smiling "I'm really hungry and I didn't even finish my breakfast." Nott just chuckled while shaking his head, and then started to serve himself.
"Are you going to teach us…?" Came Bulstrode's voice, it was quieter than usual and maybe even shy. Ron couldn't tell though because he was humming under his breath.
"Teach you what?" Ron asked while smiling at the big girl. She just frowned at him and crossed her arms.
"She is asking about the spell we just went over in Transfiguration" Davis piped in casually. Ron was a little surprised because he hadn't even thought of or considered teaching the rest of his allies. This potion was really dulling his reasoning and he knew that it had to go. Even if it meant losing his happy and calm state of mind.
"Of course!" Ron answered, a little too loudly. "We can go over it tonight, before Astronomy class. Just bring a matchstick to the common room and we can even sort out the homework you all got as well." This made Bulstrode beam and nod frantically. Even Davis let out a relieved sigh and give Ron a smile which he returned. Nott patted his back in thanks, while Zabini just gave a courteous nod and a small smile. Lunch proceeded as normal for only a few minutes before Ron noticed a lot of glances being shot his way. Especially from the Gryffindor and staff tables. Daphne seemed to notice Ron's sudden realization.
"They are talking about you again" she started "word spreads quickly in this school remember. You have earned Slytherin another forty five points today and even managed to impress McGonagall." She gave Ron a sly smile. "If you keep this up Ron, you might just be labeled as a prodigy. A Slytherin prodigy, of course." Ron was a little shocked by her words, but he couldn't help but feel proud. He had never been extraordinary like his brothers, but so far it was looking more and more like he would surpass them all quickly. This made Ron think of Pandora's words to him. She had called him brilliant and told him to think that of himself as well. Pandora… I have to write to her today. I don't even know why I haven't done that yet. She deserves to hear about my sorting from me!
"Did you just call him Ron…?" Zabini cut in, knocking Ron out of his thoughts. Daphne huffed in her usual cute way and looked at Zabini.
"I did indeed" she said, her voice dripping with annoyance at being questioned. "Ron helped me in Transfiguration and I decided that he was useful enough to keep around. That of course meant that he and I should be able to use our first names." She finished and started eating her food quietly. Ron also looked down and started eating.
"You can call me Tracey" Davis chuckled. "I'll call you Ron." So much for asking permission…
"Millicent…" Bulstrode grunted out. Ron smiled at her and noticed her lips twitch upwards quickly before coming back to normal.
"Well…" Nott jumped in. "Seems like the girls like you Weasley so who am I to argue. Call me Theo and I'll call you by your first name as well. Is that alright?" Ron smiled at the weedy boy and nodded.
"That's fine with me, Theo" Ron answered. Theo gave his usual smirk and went back to eating. Zabini gave a loud sigh, making Ron and the girls look at him. Theo just chuckled and kept eating.
"Blaise" was all that Zabini said. But Ron understood well enough. Things really were looking up. Now he just needed to fix his family issues and figure out more about this entity in his mind. Thinking about his family made him look at the Gryffindor table. There they were, all three of his brothers. The twins were talking with Harry and Neville, but Percy noticed Ron looking and immediately looked back at him. He looks worried… Then Percy did something that nearly made Ron cry out in joy.
Percy gave him a sad smile and a small wave, as if to say hello and tell him that he didn't care about Ron being in Slytherin. At least that's what Ron had hoped for anyway. A really stupid plan began forming into Ron's head, one that he didn't even give a second thought to before executing. He had to know. He had to know if he had lost Percy just as he believed that he had lost the twins. Ron had come to truly love Percy and Charlie during their studies and exercises respectively. They were the whole reason as to why he had been able to amaze everyone around him, as to why he had managed to gained friends in Slytherin, and even as to why he had found the strength to keep pushing forward. They had taught him discipline, which had helped him immensely when he tried to save Pandora. They had taught him the benefits of a healthy body and mind. They had taught him so much and never asked for a thing in return. So he had to know.
Ron stood up abruptly, causing his friends to look at him and then to where he was looking. Ron heard their protests only for a short moment as he began walking towards Percy, who was now looking at him with wide eyes. I have to know… Ron kept thinking that over and over as he got closer to Percy. And before he knew it, Percy was sitting right in front of him and looking at him with surprise etched on his face. "Perce… can I… can I please talk to you?" Ron was feeling a little nervous, which made him realize that the potion's effects were starting to wear off. He didn't really care about that right now though. Percy opened his mouth to speak but another voice cut him off.
"He doesn't want to see you… you slimy snake" Fred hissed at Ron, making him flinch. Ron kept his pleading eyes on Percy's though. So he missed the fact that the whole Hall was quiet and watching the scene unfold.
"Fred don't…" George cut in, putting his hand on Fred's arm. "That's still Ronnie…"
"No he isn't" Fred growled. "He betrayed everything mum and dad taught us growing up. He's just a little Death-Eater…" Fred was cut off immediately by Percy.
"Shut up Fred!" Percy was staring right at Fred with anger clear on his face. Percy then got up and took Ron's hand in his and marched them both out of the Hall, which ignited with chatter about what was going on. As the two brothers made their exit, a pair of twinkling eyes watched them go with genuine concern. The owner of these eyes really hoped everything would work out between those two, and the family they belonged to. He cared a great deal about the Weasley family.
Percy led Ron out of the Great Hall and into the courtyard. He then took Ron to a secluded corner of the courtyard for some privacy. Once there, he turned around and faced his little brother. "Ronnie" he started "what's wrong? Are the Slytherins bullying you?" Ron shook his head slowly and looked down at his feet. "Talk to me, please." Ron was silent for a few seconds.
"Do you… hate me now Perce?" Ron still hadn't looked up at his brother. The question shook Percy and he answered it immediately.
"No Ronnie, never. I don't care that you're in Slytherin… I mean I am interested about your sorting but… No, no I don't hate you at all Ronnie." Ron looked into Percy's eyes, and Percy saw that they were wet with tears.
"Fred hates me now… He just… called me a Death-Eater" Ron choked out. Ron didn't want to cry but Fred's remark had really hurt him. It reminded him of what his mother had said about the other Slytherins. Why has the potion started wearing off now…? My luck is the worst.
"Fred is an idiot… and he is angry Ron. George is doing his best to bring him around, but he feels like… ugh it doesn't matter what he feels. He is acting like a prat!"
"Mum also… said the same thing about… about the other Slytherins" Ron started crying. He looked away from Percy and down at his feet. Percy was so shocked at what Ron had just said that he didn't even think of comforting his little brother.
"Ronnie, what do you mean when you say mum said the same thing?" Percy couldn't believe his ears, his mother would never say something like that. He was sure of it. He was quickly proven wrong when Ron pulled out a letter from his robes and handed it to Percy with trembling hands. The more Percy read, the more horrified he became. This couldn't be real… Percy knew that their mother hated Slytherin because she had lost her brothers in the last war at the hand of Death-Eaters, but this… How could she could say this to Ronnie? Percy knelt to his brother's height and hugged him tightly. Ron slowly embraced Percy too and started crying slightly louder. It felt like only a short few moments before George ran in on them at full tilt. When he saw Ron crying he quickly hugged him too. They stopped after a few more moments and Percy handed George the letter. George read it quickly and was wide eyed by the end of it.
"Bloody hell… Mum's gone mental she has…" George muttered, looking down at Ron who was finally calming down. "I didn't tell her Ronnie, I swear!"
"Neither did I" Percy frowned. "It had to be Fred. He took your sorting harder than both George and I."
"You were angry with me yesterday" Ron piped in, looking at George. George closed his eyes and sighed heavily.
"Yeh I was… Fred managed to convince me to get angry at you… but when I saw you this morning… you know after Errol… I couldn't blame you for the Sorting Hat's decision little bro. I was being a git and I'm really sorry." That made some sense to Ron. Fred had always been the rasher and bolder half of the twins. George was the more cautious and thoughtful one. "Can you please forgive me Ronnie?" Ron nodded and hugged George again, who returned the hug and ruffled Ron's hair.
"Look I don't care what mum says Ron" Percy began. "I don't agree with her on this. The war ended over ten years ago and she shouldn't be holding onto so much hate. I'm fine with you being in Slytherin as long as you are careful and don't get in trouble. Do you understand?" Ron nodded quickly, relief flooding him. They don't hate me. I still have George and Perce!
"From what I've been hearing, little Ronnie here is doing quite an amazing job so far" George laughed. "People are saying our little bro here, is a prodigy!" That made Percy laugh a little as well. Ron just scowled at his brothers for taking the mickey out of him already.
"I don't have a hard time believing that for even a second" Percy beamed. "I would know, I helped teach you everything." Ron smiled back at Perce. Everything will work out in the end… I'm not alone. They talked things out a little more, and then decided to head back inside before the second half of the day started. Percy even cleaned up Ron with a flick of his wand, much to the younger brother's awe. As they went into the room just before the Great Hall, they came face-to-face with five Slytherins who were waiting for Ron. Blaise, Millicent, and Theo had their eyes fixed on Percy and George, while Tracey and Daphne were looking at Ron with concern.
"Everything alright Ron?" Daphne broke the silence. She was looking at him for an answer and she got it when he smiled at her. Percy and George were surprised by this confrontation. The Slytherins were actually watching out for Ron? They gave each other a quick look and then walked past the Slytherins, leaving Ron behind. Right before they entered the Great Hall, they turned and smiled at Ron. George gave Ron a wink while Percy gave him a wave, then they disappeared into the Great Hall. Ron was a little surprised by his allies' commitment to him, but he was also grateful to have them watching out for him.
"You do care about me" Ron joked, which got him a laugh from Tracey. Daphne and the others just rolled their eyes at him.
"It'd be a shame if we lost our investment because he was strangled by his brothers" Theo smirked. "I'd hate to go back to Draco and grovel, it's that simple." Blaise, Daphne, and Millicent nodded at that. Bloody hell that's cold…
"It doesn't matter" Blaise cut in. "Charms will start soon, and I hear we are with Gryffindor again." That caught Ron's attention. Harry! Ron then recalled waving to Harry while he was under the potion's influence. He cringed at the memory. He must think I'm bloody mental… "It's good to see that you're back to normal…" Blaise continued. "I was starting to think Snape permanently damaged your mind for hexing his godson." Ron gave Blaise a confused look.
"He means Draco" Theo said. "Yeh, not such a smart move now, was it?" Theo and Tracey chuckled at Ron's wide eyed face. Bloody hell…
"What did happen with Snape?" Daphne asked him with an authoritative voice. She had her hands on her hip which made her look bossy. "You didn't tell us that. You only mentioned being worried about your meeting with him." Damn I can't tell them about my mother's letter… Or that Snape knows about it too. How do I even explain that I was on a Draught of Peace and why I was on it…?
"Oh… yeh that… um nothing much. He just told me not to throw hexes at other Slytherins and that it was really stupid to hex Malfoy. You know… because he's from a wealthy family… yeh that's all" Ron finished lamely. That was the worst lie I have ever told. Please buy it…. They didn't buy it, but at least they decided to respect his privacy and leave it at that. All except Daphne, who had her eyes narrowed on him and was eyeing him with suspicion. Why is she being so nosy? Even Theo backed off and he seems to love riling me up.
"Whatever" Daphne huffed and walked away towards the Slytherin common room. The others, including Ron, gave her a quizzical look and followed behind her.
They got their books and made it to Charms just in time to be joined by the Gryffindors. Ron shot a quick glance at Harry and noticed that Harry was talking to Neville. They seemed to be in the middle of discussing something important because Neville was listening intently, and nodding at set intervals. Ron's curiosity was peaked and he couldn't help but try to eavesdrop, so he slowly shifted towards the Gryffindors without anyone noticing. He didn't get to hear anything though because a certain bushy haired girl noticed what he was doing and she coughed from behind him. Ron quickly turned around blushing and came face-to-face with a rather bossy looking Hermione. "You shouldn't eavesdrop" she whispered in a haughty tone. "It is incredibly rude and an invasion of others' privacy." Why does she sound like a teacher?
"Um… I wasn't trying to… eavesdrop" Ron smiled sheepishly at her. That made her narrow her eyes on his, her brown eyes were barely visible through the slits.
"Yes you were… I saw you so don't lie." Damn… so much for being a slippery snake. What is her problem anyway? "You Slytherins need to leave Harry alone. Why are you bullying him for no reason?" She sounded angry enough on Harry's behalf and Ron couldn't help but think that Harry had made friends with this mental girl.
"Wait… who's bullying Harry? I haven't seen anyone…" Ron was cut off by Hermione, whose tone had risen from whispering.
"Stop lying" she said, shooting him a death glare. OK… WHAT IS HER DEAL?
"I don't know what you're talking about?!" Ron shouted, his temper flaring at being called a liar again. Ron's shout had startled her and everyone around them. They were all looking at them with curious and amused looks.
"Look at that" came Malfoy's pompous voice from the Slytherin section. "Weasley and Granger are having a marital dispute." This got laughs from some of the Slytherins and, to Ron's shock, even a few Gryffindors. "Let me guess Granger, Weasley wants to wear the dress instead?" The Slytherins, including Ron's friends, laughed at that. Ron's ears went red and he blushed furiously. Damn that git… Hermione wasn't faring any better, because she blushed hard and walked away to sulk away from everyone. That was odd to Ron, so he turned to face the Gryffindors and see why she wouldn't join her own house. Every single one of the Gryffindors, except Harry and Neville, were laughing at Hermione more than him. Isn't she their friend? I mean my friends are tossers so I understand them laughing at me, but isn't Gryffindor supposed to be better? The door to the charms class swung open and a short professor hobbled out.
"Quiet down" he said, his voice was a bit shrilly. "Come inside first years and take your seats." With that he hobbled back inside, followed by snickering first years. Once they were all seated, Ron being with Blaise, the class commenced. "Today, we will be looking at the theory behind the mending charm" began the professor. "Oh, how silly of me. I am Professor Flitwick, Head of House to Ravenclaw and your Charms professor. Now who can tell me what the mending charm is used for?" Fixing Harry Potter's glasses… Ron chuckled at his own thought and raised his hand. He also saw Harry giving him a quick smile, which made Ron feel quite proud of showing the spell to Harry on the train. There's still a chance of us becoming friends. The class then proceeded as usual, with Ron answering as many questions as he could. Hermione was neck to neck with him again, and by the end of the class, they had both earned fifteen points each. Ron was happy enough with that but Hermione was shooting him glares again, much to his confusion. Seriously, what is her deal? Is she just mental or does she just hate me? What did I even do…?
The end of the class was signaled by a loud bell and students began packing their quills and parchments. Ron didn't take any notes however, he already had Perce's notes stashed in his trunk and they were extensive enough. As Ron and his friends were heading to the common room, Ron remembered something that he had promised himself that he would do. He had to owl Pandora and Luna, he had to let them know of his sorting and his school life so far. So he excused himself from the group, after reassuring that he would help them with their homework, and departed for the Owlery. Once he got there, Ron wrote a quick letter which was addressed to both mother and daughter.
He told them about his sorting and about how he was finally starting to settle into Slytherin. He told them about his new friends, and about Snape. He even managed to joke about not being in Ravenclaw or Gryffindor, hoping his joke would remind Pandora that he was still Ron and not a slimy snake. He also made sure to leave out any details about his family's reaction to his sorting, he didn't want to start a fight between anyone. With his promise fulfilled and the letter sent, Ron walked the long walk back to the Slytherin common room. He was grateful that Astronomy class wouldn't happen till after dinner, because he was exhausted by the long and emotional day he had gone through. When he finally walked into the common room, he found a rather peculiar sight. Blaise, Millicent, Theo, and Tracey were sitting on the floor in front of the fire with their Transfiguration books open, while a smug looking Daphne sat on a couch near them. Ron had to stifle a laugh at the looks everyone was giving Daphne, especially Theo who looked genuinely annoyed at the smug girl.
"Ugh finally…" grunted Millicent when she saw Ron. "Now can you help us with this nonsense? Daphne won't say a word on how to do this spell." Daphne gave a fake and smug laugh at that.
"Hardly my fault for you not understanding such a basic spell Millie" Daphne grinned. You didn't understand it either… I showed you how… Ron shook his head and smiled at Daphne's smug antics. She really was a spoiled brat.
"You didn't know it either" Theo growled. "You took my spot next to Weasley and he showed you how…" Weasley? Guess we're back to being just 'allies'.
"Don't worry Nott" Ron sighed. "I promised I'd show you all how and I will. Did you all bring a matchstick?" Nott gave him a narrowed look at that.
"I thought I told you to call me Theo…" Nott said.
"You just called me Weasley not even thirty seconds ago" Ron frowned. Theo looked a little taken aback.
"Oh… sorry about that. I was just being annoyed by Daphne and I didn't really think anything through…" Ron hid his joy at hearing this. He knew it was a bit wrong for him to be this excited about making friends with Slytherins, but he also knew that he didn't want to be alone. Growing up in such big family meant that when you were alone, it was pure torture. "Yes we all have matchsticks" Theo continued, tearing Ron from his thoughts. Ron taught them the same way he had taught Daphne, and one by one they all managed to get the spell right. All except Millicent who was looking very frustrated. Ron didn't give up though. He sat next to Millicent and calmed her down, telling her that he himself took a long time to learn this stuff.
It was the truth, Percy truly had his work cut out for him while he taught Ron everything for the first year of Hogwarts. Ron was lazy at the start and never held his concentration for long. But Percy had solved the issue with the promise of sweets, so Ron decided to do the same. He knew that Millicent liked chocolate frogs, because he had already seen her eat plenty of them in the last couple of days. And as luck would have it, Ron had five stashed in his trunk. So he promised to give her one if she just relaxed, and then pictured the needle in her mind before she cast the incantation. Much to everyone's shock, including Millicent, the spell actually worked. Woah that actually worked… thanks again Perce!
Millicent was beaming in joy as she held the needle in her hands, no one had ever been patient enough to teach her because they would all just labelled her as stupid. But Ron hadn't… He had even offered his own chocolate frog to her if she got the spell right. Millicent decided, though she would never tell anyone, that she would have Ron's back from that day on. She didn't care about playing these 'Pure-Blood games' that her other friends played because she was never any good at them anyway. She would stick with Ron because he was friendly and kind, rather than because he would be useful to have around.
Ron kept his word and handed Millicent a chocolate frog from his own stash, which she gratefully accepted with a small smile and nod. Ron then sat down on the couch next to Daphne and the others also made themselves comfortable. "Have you considered a career in teaching, Ron" Blaise said aloofly. "You seem to be quite adequate at it."
"Not really" Ron replied. "My brother Percy would make a good teacher though."
"Who cares about teaching Blaise?" came in Theo's amused voice. "Ron wouldn't even earn a Knut from it. Teaching is a job for people who aren't good enough to make it in the real world. So they stay in school and become teachers instead." Ron could see how wrong Theo truly was but he didn't say anything. Teachers were masters of their trade, hence they were seen as fit to teach it to others. Clearly they all just care about money though. I mean like money but it isn't everything…
"Don't ever let Professor Snape hear you say that" Tracey chuckled. "You'll be cleaning cauldrons for the next seven years otherwise." Theo looked at her and grinned.
"Snape is different. He is the youngest Potions Master in Great Britain. He could make a lot of money if he wanted to." Theo then looked at Ron with a grin. "Ron, what are your… ambitions? The Sorting Hat did say that you had great ones." Ron froze at the question. He couldn't discuss his ambitions without being labelled as a mental case that needed a padded room in St. Mungo's. Think Ron, make something up… Something believable…. Then an idea clicked in his brain. This could work…
"I have many, I suppose" Ron began his lie. "I want to become a Chess Master, I want to become a well renowned duelist, I want the wizarding world to respect me, and I want wealth and influence. And so on." It wasn't a complete lie, Ron did want these things, but there was just something that he wanted more. He wanted his family safe and sound in the upcoming war. The others looked at Ron for a second before giving him slow nods.
"That's quite a few ambitions Ron" Daphne smirked. "Too many for one person in my opinion." Damn I overdid it… "You said you wanted to become a Chess Master?" Ron nodded slowly at that, slightly cautious of where this conversation was heading. "You must be quite good at chess then?" Daphne kept her smirk plastered on her face. Ron was now getting worried.
"I am" Ron responded, his voice low. "I mean I haven't lost a match before, even against the adults in my family."
"Impressive" Daphne cooed mockingly. "You don't mind playing against me then?" Is she serious? Ron almost broke into a laugh. She had no chance against him, he already knew that. Chess wasn't something you were good at just because you were the heiress of a wealthy and powerful family. Chess was about heart and mind. It required focus and foresight. It required strategy.
"Of course not. We still have time before dinner." Ron got up and walked towards his dorm to fetch the chessboard Pandora had bought him. It'll be fun to knock her down a peg. Once got back he set the board up, with Daphne quickly laying claim to the white pieces. Ron couldn't help but notice that the others seemed to be smirking or stifling chuckles. As if they knew something that Ron didn't. With everything in place, Daphne made the first move looking very sure of herself, but as the match kept going, her look of confidence became more and more like a look of pure shock. Ron had to admit that she wasn't half-bad, it was just that she played to win as early as possible. She was so sure of herself that she didn't seem to second guess her own moves let alone Ron's, which made it easy for Ron to bait her and corner her strongest pieces while taking minimum casualties himself. In the end, Ron ended the game with a checkmate, as Daphne's king was now cornered by Ron's bishop, knight, and queen. Ron gave her a satisfied smile which she didn't return, she just huffed and said that Ron wasn't too bad.
"Not too bad?" Tracey said, clapping her hands for Ron. "Daphne, he absolutely destroyed you." Daphne shot Tracey a death glare to which Tracey responded with a laugh and a wink.
"I have to agree with Tracey" Theo chimed in. "Ron is quite good, and he was in charge of the game the whole time." Blaise nodded in agreement and Ron could see that even Blaise was somewhat impressed. Millicent was smiling at Ron and gave him a nod when he looked at her.
"I really didn't expect that…" Daphne whined. Ha, take that you spoiled princess. "Who taught you how to play Ron?"
"My grandfather taught me and gave me his old set when I was little" Ron responded, smiling fondly at the memory of playing chess for the first time. "He passed away shortly after..." Ron trailed off. He really did miss his Grandfather. Whereas everyone doted on a little Ginny during family gatherings, his grandfather always talked about chess with Ron. His grandfather's love of chess, and Ron, is what started Ron's passion for the game.
"I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather" Daphne mumbled. She looked a little guilty if Ron could believe his eyes. Why would she be guilty though, she didn't know the man…?
"It was a long time ago" Ron reassured her.
"Well, who knows" Theo started "maybe one day you really can be a Chess Master! Just like Daphne's father." WAIT… WHAT? Ron's head snapped to Daphne, who was smiling a sly smile.
"My father is Sebastian Greengrass" Daphne spoke proudly. "He earned the title of Chess Master in his twenties. He absolutely loves chess as well, and I think you two would get along just fine." Ron was dumfounded. It was true that he didn't know anything about the professional chess scene, but to be friends with the daughter of a Chess Master was… amazing. "He taught me when I was young" Daphne continued. "That's why I challenged you, didn't think I'd lose though." Daphne pouted and did her signature huff of annoyance.
"That's what happens when you underestimate someone" Blaise said aloofly, earning an annoyed look from Daphne. "If there is one thing I've learned over the last few days, it's that underestimating Ron isn't a wise policy. We were right to ally with you." That got a few nods from the others, and Ron felt his cheeks flare up. Was that a compliment from Blaise? It sounded a little selfish and arrogant but still…
"I have to admit Ron" Tracey cut in. "That is a very beautiful chessboard. You said that your grandfather gave you his old one, this can't be it right?"
"Oh… no this one is the one Pandora bought for me after…" Ron trailed off. Easy there… Can't tell them about saving Pandora. That is too close to the truth of my secret. With that question answered, they sank into a conversation about chess, with Ron talking enthusiastically about the game. His brothers and sister never cared to listen to his rants about the wonderful game, but his Slytherin friends were rather happy to listen to the history of the game and different strategies created for the game. Daphne seemed to be genuinely listening in as well. Ron could tell that she appreciated his knowledge and that made him happier than he thought it would.
They went to dinner and their conversation shifted to trivial things like favorite foods and sweets. Ron wasn't surprised when his friends listed things he didn't even know existed. What the hell is Pasta with Lamb Ragu…? Whatever it was, Blaise sure seemed to love it. Ron also took the time to gaze around the Great Hall. Fred was still ignoring his existence, which hurt a little, but George and Percy gave him kind smiles and even waved to him. When Ron's eyes moved over to the staff table he managed to get a glimpse of Professor Snape, who even gave him a curt nod before continuing his conversation with Professor Flitwick. This surprised Ron and put a grin on his face. He knows I kept my promise. Dinner ended and Ron, along with all of Slytherin, made their way to the common room.
The rest of the Slytherins were going there to relax and socialize, but the first years had to get their books for Astronomy. They waited until midnight and talked about more trivial things. Ron was surprised to learn that his Slytherin friends almost seemed… human. They all had genuine hobbies like reading stories about great heroes throughout the ages (Tracey), gardening with her mother and sister (Daphne), eating fancy foods (Blaise), sneaking into his father's library to read forbidden books (Theo), and collecting chocolate frog cards (Millicent). When midnight came around, they made their way to the highest level of the Astronomy Tower for their class. The Tower itself gave Ron a very eerie feeling in his stomach. Something horrible has, or will happen here. I can feel it…
He put those thoughts away however, when Professor Sinistra introduced herself and told them about what their studies would entail. They then learnt about Jupiter and its moons in vague details, and Ron found himself surprised at how much Blaise knew about the planet. Ron only knew the basics that were taught to the first years at Hogwarts, but Blaise really seemed to be passionate about Astronomy. His aloof demeanor was gone, and it was replaced by a focused and keen one. So Ron wasn't surprised when Blaise earned twenty points and Ron only earned five points. It didn't upset Ron one bit, because overall Ron had earned seventy five points for his house today, if he included the ten points Snape had given him this morning which he did.
He had kept his promise and more importantly, he had once again shown off his value to the rest of his house. Ron had finally decided that in order to survive in the House of the Cunning, Ron would have to make himself into a valuable piece. No one would ever sacrifice a knight for a pawn, it was just that simple. By the time class ended, most of the Slytherins, including Ron, were nearly falling asleep right there and then. When they finally got back to the dormitory, Ron passed out without a word to his roommates. His day had been too long and too taxing. Scabbers nibbled at his robes, as if telling him to change before going to sleep but Ron was already gone by then.
Dumbledore's POV
The last two days of Hogwarts had been quite exciting for him. He had finally witnessed Harry's sorting, which he had been waiting eleven years to see, and he could not be happier. Harry would make Gryffindor proud, of that Albus had no doubt whatsoever. And yet, he was completely caught off guard by the sorting of another first year, one he could never have predicted. The sorting of a boy who was no doubt getting ready for his Astronomy class right now. Ronald Bilius Weasley... A Slytherin…? Not only did the sorting take over twenty minutes, but the Sorting Hat had actually snapped at Albus for inquiring whether or not there was a problem. That was unheard of, as far as Albus knew anyway. His staff had come to him later that night with questions that he didn't even know how to answer. And that was hard for him to admit.
And then this boy had gone and shown off a level of knowledge that had reminded Albus a great deal about another student he had seen a very long time ago. Albus shuddered at the memory of a young Tom Marvolo Riddle. Ronald is nothing like Tom. He can't be… I will not allow it. And yet the similarities were still there in Albus' mind. Both had a poor background, they both wanted to show off and impress the staff, and they both had the talent to do so. Not to mention that Ronald was placed in Slytherin, despite his family's strong ties with Gryffindor. Even Severus is impressed with the boy! How is that even…? The chatter of the four Heads of Houses brought Albus out of his thoughts.
"I must admit" Flitwick started. "The boy impressed me quite a bit with his knowledge on the mending charm. He spoke as though he had done the spell before, I just know it!"
"He was quite average in Herbology" Sprout grumbled, clearly upset. "But it did feel like he was distracted, it was like he wasn't very interested in the lesson or the subject in general. What a shame." She let out a deep sigh.
"Albus" McGonagall said, looking straight at the man. "He managed to transfigure the matchstick I gave him into a needle on the very first attempt." This caught everyone's attention and made them wide eyed, all except Albus and Snape. Albus' eyes twinkled in merriment while Snape just smirked as he usually did when one of the Slytherins did something impressive. "I can't help but agree with Professor Binns… This boy may be a prodigy. I thought Binns was just excited that someone payed attention in his class for once, but after everything I've heard and seen…" She let out a frustrated sigh. "Why did he have to be the first Weasley to not be sorted into Gryffindor? He would have done so well with…" She was cut off by Snape who scoffed at her. "Do you have something to say, Severus?" Her voice laced with annoyance at the man's rudeness. Snape looked at her with indifference.
"The boy is a Slytherin" Snape drawled. "The Sorting Hat doesn't make mistakes."
"The Sorting Hat claimed that he could have been placed in any house" McGonagall argued.
"He should be in Ravenclaw" Flitwick piped in, earning a scowl from Snape and a surprised look from McGonagall.
"Ravenclaw?" McGonagall questioned. "I have no doubt that he is intelligent but the Weasley family has always been sorted into Gryffindor. It is just natural that he…" She was cut off again by Snape.
"Please Minerva" Snape spoke in a dead tone. "You bring up family traditions quite quickly when it suits you, yet you scorn those in Slytherin who do the same…" McGonagall took in a sharp breath. Her anger was evident in her face.
"How dare…" she was stopped by Albus who clapped loudly to stop the argument that was brewing. This is not helping any of us. I need answers, not more arguing from my staff.
"How many points has he earned for Slytherin so far Severus?" Albus questioned the Potions Master. Snape looked into the Headmaster's twinkling eyes for a long second before responding.
"Thirty five yesterday" Snape began but was cut off by Albus.
"You told us at dinner yesterday that it was forty. Did something change?" Albus inquired.
"Yes well… Mr. Weasley cast Tarantallegra on Mr. Malfoy yesterday after a… small altercation" Snape finished in his usual cold way of talking. Flitwick gasped at the information.
"That is supposed to be the exam for the first year students in my Charms class…" Flitwick whispered. The other Heads of Houses, excluding Snape, gasped at that. How could he possibly have the knowledge to cast that spell? Why is he so intriguing to me? Even Tom didn't show spell-work like this when he first started Hogwarts…
"Severus" Albus spoke "please continue telling us how many points he has already earned. I must know how well he is performing for Slytherin." Snape gave a curt nod to Albus before beginning again.
"He earned thirty five points yesterday, and today, so far, he has earned seventy points. He, of course, hasn't gone to his Astronomy class yet." The other Heads of Houses shook their heads in disbelief, and maybe even jealousy. That made Snape smirk. The boy had kept his promise to Snape and in doing so, earned a small amount of respect from the Potions Master. Albus could see that Snape wasn't telling the complete story.
"Seventy…" McGonagall said in disbelief. She had given him forty five points in her class, she knew that, but upon hearing this made a small part of her regret giving so many points to the boy. She shook the thought out of her mind. The boy had earned those points fair and square, there was no questioning that. "He earned forty five points from me" McGonagall explained.
"He earned fifteen from me" Flitwick provided.
"That leaves ten points unaccounted for" Albus finished for them.
"Who gave him ten points?" Sprout questioned, still a little upset at Ronald's lack of interest in her subject.
"I did…" Snape spoke softly, turning the heads of everyone in the room. "This morning…" Snape drawled, clearly disinterested in stating why. Albus looked at Severus to continue, but after a few moments of silence he knew that Severus was done explaining.
"This morning…?" McGonagall began. "Did he seem… alright to you? It's just that…" She stopped and thought back to young Ronald's behavior during her class. It wasn't that he was overly confident, it was just that he was… so detached from the world.
"What is it Minerva?" Albus inquired, clearly interested in gaining more information on the boy.
"Albus, he was acting strange" McGonagall whispered, just loud enough for everyone to hear. "It looked as if… as if he didn't care one bit about his environment, or the people around him. Like nothing mattered to him whatsoever. Then there was something that he said which… which jarred me in all honesty…" The twinkling in Albus' eyes was gone and replaced with a hint of terror. No, he will not be another Riddle…
"What did he say?" Sprout asked, clearly worried at her friend's shaken mood.
"After I questioned what type of Weasley he was… he performed the Transfiguration spell perfectly… then he just looked me right in the eyes… Albus… he said that he was the only Weasley of his type… and that I could confirm that with the Sorting Hat…" McGonagall let out a shudder as she remembered his odd smile and the way he gazed right at her, but didn't quite seem to even see her. It had made her feel as if he thought she was nothing. Snape sighed loudly and everyone immediately turned to him.
"Forgive me Minerva" Snape said in a calm voice. "But the boy's aloof behavior is partly because of me. I gave him Draught of Peace this morning to calm his nerves." Everyone stared at Snape wide-eyed. Then Albus broke into a hearty chuckle, from both relief and the lack common sense that Severus had displayed.
"Severus…" McGonagall began, she sounded offended. "You let the boy go to classes after administering a potion which has a reputation to turn even the most strongminded people into simpletons?" She was beside herself. Everything made perfect sense now… The boy wasn't detached from the world… the boy wasn't even in his right state of mind. How could a Potions Master be this careless? Both Sprout and Flitwick were trying to stifle laughs at their friend's shocked anger towards the Potions Master.
"I did nothing wrong" Snape told them. "He was distraught, I administered a potion which calmed him, and then I sent him on his way. What more was I meant to do? Coddle him on my lap for the remainder of the day." Albus had to bite his cheek to keep from bursting into a fit of laughter. Oh dear Severus… "Either way it hardly matters" Snape continued. "Mr. Weasley may be a prodigy, or he may not. One thing is for certain, he is in Slytherin for a reason. And as such, he is under my supervision." Snape finished strongly, leaving no room for argument.
"May I ask why he was distraught this morning?" Albus asked, finally regaining his composure. Snape stared hard into Albus' twinkly eyes with his own black ones.
"No" was all Snape said. Albus nodded in understanding. If it was truly important, then he would tell me. With that he bid them all goodnight and once they were gone, Albus relaxed into his chair. The twinkle in his eyes was gone. I will keep an eye on young Ronald. And if I get even an inkling that he is turning to the Dark… I will drag him back to the right path. By force if necessary… This world will not suffer through another Voldemort… or Grindelwald… not as long as I draw breath.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: C'mon... did you really think Albus Dumbledore wouldn't keep his eyes on Ron? Big things are in motion, and Ron doesn't even know it yet.