AUTHOR'S NOTES: I'm back people! And here is Chapter 12! Now a couple of things before you start:
1. I added the Pure-Blood dinner but in all honesty, it was literally trash... Only one major thing happened during it, and that is touched on during this chapter quite a bit. So I talked about the dinner in another way, sort of like past tense.
2. An old acquaintance makes a return!
3. This chapter has a few POVs, so enjoy.
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 12 – The Voice and The Mirror
Ronald Weasley's POV
Christmas dinner last night had been nothing short of amazing! Ron had eaten more than his fair share, and he didn't even care that Professor Snape was staring at Ron like he was an animal. Ron was a little surprised to see Harry wearing a green Weasley sweater, just like his own. It made Ron feel a little annoyed but after Harry asked Ron to thank his mother for him, Ron decided to swallow his bitterness. It turned out that the twins had owled their mother and told her that Harry had a rotten family, which made Ron feel a little guilty for being annoyed at Harry. All-in-all however, the dinner was splendid and it was a real treat seeing some of the professors get a little tipsy from their wine. Professor Snape didn't touch any alcohol, of course.
Ron woke up the day after Christmas feeling rejuvenated and excited to spend some more time with his brothers and Harry. After breakfast ended, Harry pulled Ron aside in a hurried manner. "Quick Ron" Harry said, his voice laced with excitement. "I need to tell you something that you can't tell anyone!" A secret… Ron's ears perked up instantly at the sound of that. Harry Potter wants to share a secret with me! Harry dragged Ron into an abandoned classroom, and quickly shut the door behind him. "Last night, I was in the restricted section!" Harry began, making Ron gape at Harry's blatant openness about rule-breaking. Hermione was right… Harry has a vendetta against rules…
"Why were you in the restricted section?" Ron asked before even thinking. Harry blinked at Ron, and Ron could tell that Harry was thinking of an excuse. "Doesn't matter, what did you want to tell me?" Ron decided not to push Harry, and Harry looked more than relieved to be able to avoid that conversation.
"So as I was saying" Harry started again. "I almost got caught by Filch and his cat, and while I was running away I ended up finding this room that had a magic mirror in it! The mirror had my parents inside Ron! My parents and some other people I didn't know. I think they were my family! My real family!" Harry then took in a deep breath and laughed in joy. What is he on about…? Why would his parents be in a mirror? Didn't they die? Ron was just staring at Harry, a confused look marking his face. Harry stopped laughing abruptly when he noticed that Ron was just plain confused about what Harry had just told him. "You do believe me, right?"
"Um… yeah Harry… sure" Ron muttered lamely. He's lost his mind… Harry frowned at Ron, clearly not convinced from Ron's response.
"I'll show you! Tonight when dinner ends, don't go to sleep. Meet me at the entrance of the library at midnight, and I'll show you the mirror." Harry finished strongly, forcing Ron to give him a slow nod.
"Ok… Midnight…" Ron mumbled. A mirror with his entire family in it… Does he mean a portrait? No, he said mirror… How can a mirror have people in it?!
The day passed way too slowly for Ron's liking after Harry told him of the mirror, all Ron wanted to do was see this mirror. As soon as the clock hit midnight, Ron snuck up to the library. Despite his fears of getting caught, he made it there safely and found that Harry wasn't there yet. So Ron went to hide in a dark corner but a hand tapped on his shoulder from behind, making Ron jerk around to see who it was from. There was no one there, and Ron went pale from fear. "Hello…" Ron whispered, his voice cracking a little. Ron took out his wand, ready to hex the first thing he saw right into oblivion. Then another hand tapped his shoulder from behind and Ron turned around quickly, pointing his wand at thin air. "Merlin…" Ron prayed, he was starting to freak out and was just about ready to bolt back to the common room.
"Ron, is everything alright?" came Harry's voice from behind him, making Ron jump a little but then relax. Ron turned around to face the Gryffindor, only to see Harry grinning ear-to-ear.
"You… You were tapping my shoulder!" Ron accused in a loud whisper, making Harry stifle his laugh. "Bloody hell Harry… Why couldn't I see you?"
"Tada" Harry announced softly, as he presented a cloak to Ron. Ron blinked at Harry, then he looked back at the cloak in confusion. Harry then swung the cloak onto his own back and his body disappeared, leaving behind Harry's seemingly floating head. Ron went wide-eyed at the realization of what Harry was showing off.
"An invisibility cloak…" Ron muttered in disbelief. "Those are really rare Harry, where did you get it?"
"Someone sent it to me for Christmas" Harry beamed. "Gred and Forge told me that they are extremely rare as well, and made me promise to let them borrow it every now and then."
"You showed the twins…" Ron sighed, he knew that they would use it for the worst sorts of pranks.
"Yeah, but the twins have been great to me so far! I didn't show Percy though…" Harry trailed off. I wonder why… Oh wait I know! Percy would totally confiscate it.
"I understand, believe me. So where is this mirror?" Ron asked, unable to hide his curiosity anymore. Harry put the cloak on completely and invited Ron to join him, which he did after a little hesitance. Harry then led them down a few corridors and then into an unlocked classroom.
Ron stepped into the abandoned room and immediately noticed a giant ornate mirror in the middle of it. It had clawed feet, and a gold frame that had odd inscriptions carved into it. This is the mirror with Harry's parents… Was he telling the truth? Bloody hell… How do we get them out! Ron stepped out of the cloak and slowly approached the mirror, with Harry quick on his tail.
"See Ron" Harry said, his tone boastful. "My parents are in there! C'mon have a look!" Harry said as he overtook Ron and jumped in front of the mirror. Harry looked hungrily at the reflection in the mirror, while Ron stood just a little behind Harry. All Ron could see was Harry, but it was clear to Ron that Harry saw much more as the boy-who-lived had tears welling up in his eyes.
"Harry…" Ron said softly, making Harry turn and face him. "Harry, I don't see your parents in there… just you." Harry looked at Ron in bewilderment, and then Harry shook his head hard.
"No Ron, they're right there! I can see them!" Harry implored, his voice was strained. "Come here" Harry said quickly as he pulled Ron into the spot that Harry was just now occupying, right in front of the mirror. "Ok, now look into the mirror…" Ron gave Harry a quick smile, though Ron felt quite sad at seeing Harry so desperate for something. Ron then turned and looked into the mirror. What he saw within brought tears into his eyes, and a terribly sad smile upon his lips.
Ron's reflection was surrounded by his loved ones, and his loved ones were all older than they were now. Fred was standing right behind Ron, alive and happy, and he had his arm draped around Ron's shoulders. Around them were the members of the Weasley and Lovegood families, all of them were beaming at Ron. They looked so happy, so content, and so full of life. Ron felt his own hands tremble slightly and he gave a wet chuckle at the sight. They're all alive, and unharmed… Fred is alive! I did it!
Ron felt hot tears fall down his cheeks as he reached out with his right hand, trying to touch the beautiful reflection. Harry was saying something in the background, but Ron just zoned him out. Whatever Harry had to say didn't matter to Ron right now, all that mattered was his happy and full family. George has both his ears! And Luna looks so happy hugging Pandora! They all look so happy… Ron's hand touched the mirror's surface, and a wet sob broke out from his throat. I didn't fail… I saved them…
Ron's whole body suddenly became cold, and he felt like he couldn't move even an inch. The sides of his vision began to darken, like the whole world was closing in on him. He tried to move, but his body remained as still as a statue. Panic started bubbling in his stomach, accompanied by the strongest sense of fear he had ever felt in his life. "Lies" something hissed from behind Ron, its voice was icy and hollow. Ron felt as if cold, lifeless tendrils were wrapping around his body, trying to squeeze the life out of him. His breathing just stopped and he could feel his body trying to tremble with fear but unable to. "False promises" the voice hissed again, Ron had never heard such a disturbing voice before. It can't be human… IT CAN'T! "The mirror deceives you, Champion" it spoke a little louder, its voice echoing in Ron's head. WHAT ARE YOU?! "It will corrupt your dreams, and drive you MAD!" the voice shrieked the last word, breaking Ron out of his horrifying trance.
Ron fell on his back, tears cold on his cheeks and his whole body aching. Harry ran to Ron's side in a heartbeat. "RON WHAT HAPPENED?!" Harry yelled, his voice terrified and panicking. Ron was shaking uncontrollably from what he had just felt, his mind working at the speed of lightning. WHAT WAS THAT?! WHAT COULD SPEAK WITH A VOICE LIKE THAT?! Ron shot panicked looks around the room, and all he saw was a panicking Harry sitting next to him. "Ron talk to me please!" Harry begged. "What happened…?" Ron remembered both the terror he had just felt and that horrible voice again, it made him retch hard. Harry jumped back in a panic, his eyes wide and filled with fear for his red-headed friend. Once Ron stopped gagging, he tried to stand up on shaking legs. Harry immediately ran to Ron and supported him up.
"We… we shouldn't be here… that mirror…" Ron stuttered, still shaking from the slowly fading fear. I have to get out of here… I don't want to be here! Ron tried walking but with Harry still trying to hold him up, it was extremely difficult. "We can't let anyone know we were here…" Ron said, as if talking to himself. Ron's scared voice and shaking body were starting to terrify Harry as well, all Harry could think about was why had he brought his friend down here. Ron then stopped moving, removed his wand and pointed it straight at the vomit. "Scourgify" Ron whispered as he waved his wand in the shape of an 'S'. The vomit began to close in on itself and then disappeared completely. Harry would have been amazed, if he wasn't terrified for Ron right now.
"We have get you to Madam Pomfrey!" Harry said as he began moving with Ron towards the door. Ron stopped them both abruptly.
"NO! No…" Ron said, his breathing was still uneven but his body had stopped shaking. "No we will both get into even more trouble…" Ron reasoned, but he could tell that Harry wasn't convinced.
"Ron what happened… please tell me?" Harry's voice cracked, he was still scared because of the terrible pain that Ron looked like he was in.
"I… I don't know…" Ron muttered, staring at the floor with wide-eyes. "I don't want to stay here Harry… please." Harry was quiet for a second and then he started hauling Ron towards the door. Once they got there, Harry picked up the invisibility cloak and placed it around the duo. Harry then led the way, still holding Ron up with his shoulder. Ron was heavy at first but the further they got from the room, the lighter Ron's weight got. By the time they reached the moving staircases, Ron was walking without any help. "Good night… Harry…" Ron muttered. Then without even waiting for a reply, Ron began walking down to the common room. What was that voice? Who was that voice? It called me 'Champion'? There was no one else in that room but Harry and I… I checked! What is happening to me? Am I going insane?
Ron was in complete panic by the time he got into the common room, his hands were trembling with a terrifying vigor. His whole body ached, and the taste of vomit tainted his mouth and breath. Ron drifted up to his dorm as if in a trance. The moment he stepped through the door of his room, Ron ripped off his clothes and headed straight for the shower. Once he was in, he turned the hot water on and just stood under it. His body still felt cold, and the ache seemed to be coming from his bones. What's happening…?
Ron looked down at his body, and the sight made him freeze. His blood became jagged ice in his veins, and his eyes almost popped out of their sockets. There were dark bruises all over his torso, arms, and legs. And they were shaped like… tendrils. As if the Giant Squid from the lake had squeezed him… The cold tendrils I felt… Ron let out a scared whimper, and saliva rolled down his chin. The more Ron looked at the bruises, the more he shook from fear. Tears fell down his face as he let out a panicked cry. What's happening to me?! THAT VOICE! It did this to me?!
Ron stood there in the shower, crying quietly, till his body began to prune, after which he finally managed to pull himself out of the shower. He put on his pajamas, still crying softly but now because of the terrible pain in his bones. Ron then managed to limp towards his bed and he fell onto it hard. Scabbers was startled by Ron's landing but sensing the boy's pain, Scabbers ran towards him and tried nibbling at his right ear. Ron figured his pet was trying to cheer him up, or show concern. But Ron was too far gone to pet his faithful companion. "Someone… help me please…" Ron sobbed, hugging himself tightly and hoping that the pain and fear would stop. Darkness took him quickly after that…
Ron woke up the next morning, and he immediately noticed that there was no pain in his body. He slowly sat up and took in his dorm, it was still empty but Ron no longer felt any fear. Was it all a bad dream? Ron then walked into the bathroom and lifted his pajama shirt, he instantly became pale. The bruises were right there, it wasn't a dream at all. Ron put his shirt down, and stared at his reflection. Where did that voice come from? Was it the mirror? If so… Why was Harry perfectly fine?
A trickle of fear began coursing through his body again and Ron quickly washed his face with cold water, hoping to snap out of it and not panic again. He took deep breaths while looking at his reflection, and he could feel his hands trembling by his sides. Ron slowly walked out of the bathroom, trying to calm down as much as possible. He paced around the dorm, his arms crossed against his chest. I can't go to breakfast like this! C'mon Ron, just calm down and breathe…
"Good morning Ronald" came a voice from Ron's bed, it was cheery and a bit loud. Ron jerked towards the direction of his bed, and reached for his wand holster which wasn't on his arm like usual. "Beautiful morning today" said the Sorting Hat, which was sitting upright on his bed. WHAT THE HELL?!
"YOU!" Ron shouted, pointing an angry finger at the hat that had almost ruined his life. BLOODY BASTARD!
"Yes me!" the hat chuckled. "You asked for help Ronald, and I came as soon you woke up!" Help? When…? "Well go on boy, place me on your head so we may speak without causing all this ruckus." Ron glared at the hat for a few seconds, before he sighed in defeat and yanked it off the bed. "Easy there boy, I'm no spring chicken and if you tear me… Well… You will have to answer to the Headmaster!"
"Sorry" Ron gritted out, extremely pissed off at the hat. "But the last time we spoke… you ruined my life!"
"Did I now? I have heard exceptional tales about you so far… From what I have gathered, Slytherin house has done well for you. You have cunning allies who are teaching you many new things, you have slain a Mountain Troll, and even your mother and father are accepting of you! Doesn't sound so bad to me." Ron just blinked at the hat. How does he even know all this?!
"And how do you know all this, may I ask?" Ron spoke in a cold voice.
"Well Albus told me about the first two, he is quite intrigued with you my boy. As for your parents, well I spoke with them after you put down that nasty troll. They were hard to convince, but I managed to get it through their thick skulls that Slytherin house was the only house in which you would reach your full potential! Pandora of course was already convinced after you slew a troll to save your little friends…"
"Oh…" Ron managed to reply. "Thanks… for that…"
"You are most welcome, now place me on your head before I bite you!" Ron quickly did as he was told, and he could feel the Sorting Hat looking at his memories. "Hmmm… quite the adventures you've had since we last spoke. Ah, a nice punch that was my boy! You certainly showed young master Malfoy!" Ron felt his cheeks flush red and his ears felt hot.
"So you saw that huh?" Ron asked, feeling a little embarrassed that the hat had seen him lashing out at other students.
"Hmmm… by the founders…" The hat gasped inside Ron's mind. "Boy take me to the bathroom and show me your bruises." Ron hesitated in doing that. "NOW!" Ron jumped a bit and quickly ran into the bathroom and lifted up his shirt for the Sorting Hat. "By Rowena's wisdom… Ronald… who did this to you?"
"I don't know… There was this voice… Merlin that voice was so horrible… and a mirror." Ron couldn't go on, his fear and panic were coming back.
"Calm Ronald. You are safe my boy. Nothing will harm you here, I promise…" The Sorting Hat's voice sounded kind and tender. "Ronald… I'm going to try and look more into this memory. You won't feel a thing. I must do this in order to determine what could possibly do such a thing." Ron just nodded his approval. There was a long silence, neither the hat nor Ron spoke a word. After a few minutes, Ron began to lose his patience. He wanted answers and he wanted them now!
"Did you find anything? Do you know who… what that thing was?" Ron asked, both scared and hopeful at the same time.
"Ronald, do you remember what I told you about your visions the first time we spoke?"
"You said that I wasn't a seer, and that my visions were protected by an enti…" Ron stopped dead in the middle of his thoughts. "The entity in my mind…"
"Yes Ronald, I felt the exact same presence in your mind the first time we spoke. It was guarding your visions from any and all outsiders, and it overpowered me with no effort… I felt the exact same entity in that room with you and young master Harry. Your friend didn't hear anything Ronald, only you did… I believe that it was the entity in your mind that spoke to you last night… And I believe it was the cause for your injuries too…" Ron almost fainted at the hat's explanation, his legs however did give out and he fell on his arse with a thud.
"It can hurt me… even kill me…" Ron felt tears of fear blur his vision, and he quickly rubbed them out. "What do I do?! How can I even stop this thing…?" The Sorting Hat was silent for a moment.
"Ronald… I believe that it is best… that we involve the Headmaster."
"Are you insane?! This thing can kill me, and you have no idea how horrible it was! It's voice…"
"I know my boy… I heard it speak in your memories… Albus Dumbledore is a great and powerful wizard Ronald. He might be the only man in England that can help you. Please consider this my boy… for your own safety I beg you."
"What safety? There is something evil in my head! It tried to kill me last night! What if it murders me the moment I decide to tell Dumbledore?!"
"Ronald… I do not believe that killing you was its intention… and I do not believe that the entity is… malevolent." Ron went wide-eyed when he heard that.
"What do you mean?"
"I believe that the entity was trying to help you…"
"HELP ME?! ARE YOU BARMY?!"
"It called you 'Champion', Ronald! It told you that the mirror was showing you lies and false promises. It even told you that the mirror would drive you mad if you weren't careful… Do you know what that mirror was?"
"No… Harry said his parents were inside it. But that isn't what I saw. I saw…"
"You saw your family, safe and sound. You saw that they had all survived the coming war, without as much as a scratch on them. The mirror you and young master Harry found last night Ronald, was the Mirror of Erised!"
"Mirror of what?"
"The Mirror of Erised, Ronald. It is a powerful magical artifact, and it shows a person their deepest desire. Your deepest desire is your family's safety and good health. And it seems that Harry's deepest desire is to have a family. Countless witches and wizards have been driven into absolute madness because of its allure! Many of them being former students of this very school."
"The entity… was trying to save me? Then why did it hurt me?!"
"I will not pretend to understand this… this thing in your mind Ronald. But I do believe that it wants you to succeed in your mission to save your brother Fred or any others… Although why it wants this, or what its agenda is… that is beyond even me."
"Is it… is it human? Like a spirit? If it wants me to succeed, maybe it's… friendly…?"
"NO! No, it is most certainly not! You must not try and befriend this being Ronald. It is dangerous, and more powerful than any witch or wizard I have ever encountered. We must exercise caution above all else! And I would know if this thing was a human soul or spirit of some sort… IT IS NOT! It is something that I have never before encountered in almost a thousand years!" Ron paled at the hat's words and his head started spinning.
"What did I do to deserve this…?"
"My dear boy… I am sorry that this burden has been placed upon you. But you need not bear this alone. Please… tell Albus about this. He can and will help you, I promise this to you!" Ron thought about the hat's pleas for a good long minute, in the end he decided not to involve Dumbledore… He didn't want the entity to kill him, and he wasn't sure that it wouldn't. It clearly had no problem causing him pain. What if it killed Dumbledore as well?!
"Sorry Sorting Hat… But you know why I can't… If there is a war coming, then we need Dumbledore! And my visions could help save lives… I've already proven that twice now! It isn't worth the risk… I'm not worth the risk…"
"Your life is worth it dear boy… Why do you see yourself in such a dim light? You have saved lives Ronald…"
"It doesn't matter… If this thing kills Dumbledore… Then how many lives will be lost? I still have no idea what this war is about, or who started it? All I know is that Hogwarts is going to burn, and my family will be in the middle of it… I will not risk their lives, just on the off-chance that Dumbledore can help me get rid of this thing!" There was a long silence after that. The hat sat quietly on his head, while Ron contemplated the entity and the war.
"I respect your decision Ronald, as it does have reason behind it. But you are mistaken if you think you are alone… If you ever need me Ronald, simply call for me and I will come to you! I believe that you have an important part to play in the coming war, and I will do everything in my power to help you succeed. I give you my word." Ron was awed by the hat's words, and he couldn't have been more grateful. He was glad that he didn't have to face this all alone.
"Thank you, Sorting Hat… thank you."
"Here is some parting advice Ronald." Ron sat up straight after hearing that. "Destroy your vision journal…" Ron blinked in confusion.
"Why should I do that?"
"Because we both know that you can already see your visions with perfect clarity within your own mind. I believe that the entity allows you to do this. That journal of yours… is evidence! If the wrong people were to find it, then I fear that your secret will be lost. I do not wish to know what will happen then."
"You mean the entity could…"
"Yes Ronald… and if the entity doesn't, then you must understand that there are many others who would. Your power is a danger to many witches and wizards Ronald, especially to those that wish to start a war. If your journal is discovered… your life will change drastically! Remember my words dear boy, exercise caution above all else. Be wary of this entity, and keep your secret close to your heart. If you ever wish to speak to me again, for advice or for comfort. Do not hesitate for even a moment!" Ron nodded in understanding, and was amazed when the hat simply disappeared into thin air.
Ron sat on the bathroom floor for a few more minutes, trying to digest everything that the hat had told him. Then Ron stood up and marched to his trunk, he picked up his vision diary and marched back into the bathroom. He placed it on the floor and used 'Incendio' to light the journal up in an orange flame. Ron watched his brother's gift to him burning, and it gave him a pang of guilt. After the journal was nothing but ash, Ron used 'Scourgify' to clean up all the evidence. If you're listening to me, entity… FUCK YOU!
Severus Snape POV
Severus strode towards the Headmaster's office with absolute purpose. Enough is enough. Albus has to see reason! He quickly muttered another ridiculous password to the stone gargoyle and once it moved out of his way, Severus marched right into the Headmaster's office without even knocking. He had no time for niceties today, he had a mission to do. "Ah Severus, welcome" Albus spoke from behind his desk, his eyes twinkling at the Potions Master. That twinkle… Can he never be serious?
"Albus" Severus curtly greeted. He wasn't worried about calling Albus 'Headmaster' as he usually did, because whenever they were alone they spoke as equals. "I want to have another discussion about Mr. Weasley." They had been talking about Ronald for quite some time now, always arguing on what was the best course of action to take with the boy.
"Of course" Albus sighed, but his eyes were still twinkling. Then Albus flicked his wand and sealed the room away from prying eyes and ears. "Come, take a seat. Would you like a lemon-drop?"
"No" Severus replied icily. He knows I'll never accept one so why does he keep offering them? "I wish to use Legilimency on the boy." Albus sighed again when he heard that.
"Severus I have told you, it is illegal for a professor to use such means on a student…" Severus cut Dumbledore off at that.
"Spare me Albus… I can use it if I think the student is a danger to others, or to himself. And I do believe that to be the case this time. I am done waiting for answers…" Severus bit out. How long had they been arguing around in circles? Months!
"This time?" Albus rose an eyebrow at Severus. "Severus what have you discovered?" Snape was quiet for a moment, but then he spoke in his clear, low voice.
"I have spent the last five days watching the boy, whenever possible. He is constantly jumping at shadows, he barely eats, and judging from the marks under his eyes I can guess that he barely sleeps. Something is bothering him deeply and I wish to know what." Severus finished strongly. Albus has to see reason this time!
"Sounds like you care for the boy?" Albus chuckled, deeply happy to see such care from Severus.
"Spare me your games today, Albus. This is serious. The boy might be in danger again, and you know I don't make those claims lightly."
"Again…" Albus muttered, his twinkling eyes being replaced by stone-hard ones. Eyes that Severus respected. "Young Ronald has led quite the life, hasn't he? We've learned that he saved Pandora Lovegood, with no regard to his safety…"
"Sheer dumb-luck…" Severus muttered. "The boy had no idea what he was doing, that much is clear."
"Yes, but he did know what he was doing against the troll…" Albus then paused, looking directly at Severus. "Severus, I have a confession to make to you" Dumbledore said somberly. Severus sat up a bit more, steeling his mind for the confession. What has he done? "I have already used Legilimency on the boy…" Albus said in a low voice.
"When? And why did you not tell me?" Severus bit out, his anger building up. More secrets…
"It was on the night that Ronald defeated the troll, when I asked him where he learned such a powerful curse. Do you remember what he said?"
"Yes" Snape said softly, urging Dumbledore to continue. What did you learn Albus?
"I used light Legilimency on Ronald, to see if he was telling the truth. And he was, Severus. Ronald did not lie to us about anything however…" Albus stopped, putting his right hand on his chin. He looked as if he was contemplating something important.
"What is it Albus?" Severus asked, genuinely curious as to what his old friend had learned.
"There was a conflict of emotions within the boy… There was shock, which was to be expected. But there was also relief… relief at successfully getting there on time…" Albus spoke, his voice soft and slight confused.
"Getting there on time? What do you mean by that Albus?" Does he mean getting there in time to save those pathetic Gryffindors, or does he mean getting there in time to kill the troll…?
"His emotions were chaotic… The potion certainly didn't help as it muddled the boy's mind, but Severus I believe that… I believe that Ronald wasn't just searching for his friends, I believe he was searching for the troll… with the intent to kill." Albus finished with a frown. Intent to kill… Severus was a little shaken at hearing that. He still remembered what the troll looked like after Ron had finished it off. He intended to do that?
"Albus, please see reason… We need to keep a closer eye on this boy. Allow me to use light Legilimency on him at least, just enough so that I can find out what's bothering him. The Hogwarts Express leaves tomorrow morning, once the other students get here… I will be unable to focus on Ronald completely." Severus finished, hoping this was enough to convince the Headmaster. Albus was quiet for a long moment, and then he looked Severus dead in his eyes.
"Only light Legilimency, Severus. Do not push deeper into the boy's mind, as that may leave behind lasting damage. And if there is a problem, you are to come to me first before confronting young Ronald. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Albus…" Severus agreed, somewhat annoyed at having Albus looking over his shoulder. Does he not trust me completely yet? After everything we have accomplished together?
"I trust you, Severus" Albus said softly, with a hint of sadness in his voice. "But I must warn you as well, if we push too hard with young Ronald we may find ourselves fulfilling our own worst fears about him… I have learnt that the hard way, in my long life…" Albus finished, and Severus could see the unspoken regret in his friend's eyes.
"I will be careful, Albus. And I will not push Ronald too far, just enough to see if something is bothering him." With that Severus rose out of his chair, and walked towards the door. He stopped when he heard Albus chuckling from behind him. "What is it?" Snape asked, without turning around.
"You have begun to call him Ronald, I noticed. That is a wonderful thing Severus!" Dumbledore chuckled, no doubt his eyes were twinkling like stars at the moment. Snape just growled before marching out of the office. This old man is going to annoy me into an early grave…
Tracey Davis POV
Tracey sat in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express, and she was joined by both Millie and Daphne. The last week had been hectic to say the least, with Christmas and the party that the Greengrass family had thrown. The party itself wasn't too bad, and Tracey loved that she got to see her friends before the break ended. Well, not all of friends… Tracey smiled as she thought of Ron, and she hoped that he had enjoyed the Christmas break at Hogwarts with his brothers. She had loved his Christmas gift to her, her parents would never allow her to have dung-bombs or any other Zonko product. Theo and Blaise had even helped her set one off inside the Selwyn's carriage, much to Daphne's ire. But that wasn't all that had happened at the party… This is going to be so damn awkward…
The party had been coming to an end when Pansy Parkinson had come over to their group and asked to speak with Daphne. Daphne had obliged, much to Tracey's annoyance… Tracey had never liked Pansy, because the pug-faced girl was nothing but cruel to Tracey and Millicent. Pansy was always bullying the two of them, and Pansy even acted like she was better than Daphne most of the time.
All because Pansy had a crush on Malfoy, and she believed that Malfoy returned those feelings and so that gave her the right to act like a bitch. Tracey really hated the two of them, and now Daphne had gone and agreed to let Pansy into their group… Tracey didn't know what they had talked about but for once in her life, Tracey completely disagreed with Daphne. Pansy couldn't be trusted…
"Trace, are you alright?" asked Daphne, pulling Tracey out of her memories.
"No…" Tracey pouted at Daphne. Daphne frowned at Tracey when she heard that. She is wearing that hair-clip again… It looks really nice.
"Tracey… please. We have a chance to make peace here" Daphne explained, clearly doing her best to convince the others.
"She called Ron a 'Filthy Blood-Traitor', Daphne" Millicent piped in, talking about Pansy. "Do you really expect him to just let that slide?"
"No, I don't" Daphne said stubbornly. "But I will tell him to… and he will listen to me, I just know it."
"Is that so?" Tracey said slyly, a grin forming on his face. Someone has a crush!
"Stop…" Daphne muttered, her cheeks becoming red.
"Merlin… you really do have a crush on our fearless leader?!" Tracey all but shouted, making Daphne go crimson. Millicent just chuckled at Daphne.
"No… no I don't… and you're insane…" Daphne stuttered, clearly embarrassed.
"So you don't mind if I confess to him then?" Tracey asked, her voice slick with childish glee. Here it comes!
"Tracey, stop picking on her" Millicent said in between her chuckling. Daphne was giving Tracey a death glare, which made Tracey laugh. Haha this is amazing! I have to tell Ron!
"I know that look Tracey…" Daphne said, in a menacing tone. "Don't tell him, and if you do I swear to Merlin… I'll actually kill you!" Tracey put her hands up in surrender, while laughing at Daphne's crimson face. "And it isn't a crush... I just... I don't know." Oh this is perfect! I wonder if she has even taken that clip off in the last few days. There was a soft knock on the compartment door, and then it slowly slid open to reveal Pansy Parkinson. Ugh… this bitch…
"Hi..." Pansy said sheepishly. She looked quite subdued, and Tracey liked seeing her like this. No Malfoy to back you up, huh…
"Hello Pansy" Daphne greeted, somehow composing herself in a matter of seconds. I could never do that… But then again I'm normal… I think.
"Hi" Millicent greeted curtly, and then she began petting Misty while looking out of the window. Wish I had a cat to pet…
"Come in, Pansy" Daphne smiled at her reassuringly. Pansy sat smiled back and sat down next to Daphne, and across from Tracey. Tracey had no intention of hiding her displeasure at the girl who had bullied her for almost two years. If it wasn't for Daphne, Tracey wouldn't even be friends with any of these Pure-Bloods. Well maybe with Millie, and Theo… and Blaise… they haven't ever brought up my blood status… But then again, they aren't as stupid as Malfoy and Parkinson… So who knows how they really feel about me.
"Hi, Tracey" Pansy muttered, pulling Tracey out of her miserable thoughts. Tracey just glared at the raven-haired girl.
"Tracey…" Daphne said softly. "Stop being rude…"
"Oh am I allowed to speak? I didn't get permission from Madam Pure-Blood…" Tracey retorted, her voice turning bitter by the end. Pansy flinched at Tracey's words.
"I'm sorry" Pansy muttered. "For being… for being how I was to you… and to Millie" Pansy spoke, she sounded remorseful enough.
"I'm sorry for being a Half-Blood" Tracey spat out, feeling annoyed at the apology from Pansy. I don't want her apologies. I want her to know how bad it feels to be judged just for being born!
"Tracey that's enough!" Daphne screeched.
"Maybe I shouldn't be here…" Pansy said, staring at Tracey with shock on her face.
"No Pansy, you said that you wanted to stop the fighting right?" Daphne said, placing her hand on Pansy's shoulder. Pansy just nodded meekly. "Well then you have to face up to some of the things you've done in the past. Like picking on the rest of us, and acting superior." Tracey couldn't help but notice that Daphne sounded a little bitter too.
"I accept her apology" Millie spoke, still looking out of the window and petting her cat.
"Hmph" Tracey huffed, and looked away towards the compartment door. Yeah, just let her back in like nothing happened… There was a long silence inside the compartment, and after an hour it was Pansy who broke it.
"That's a beautiful hair-clip Daphne" Pansy said softly, while smiling sheepishly. "Was it a Christmas gift?" Daphne blushed a little and nodded. Finally some fun!
"Ron got it for her" Tracey said nonchalantly, trying to make Daphne uncomfortable. It worked wonderfully because Daphne went red in the face.
"Oh" Pansy managed. "How did he afford…" she trailed off, when Tracey glared at her. Go on… give me a reason Parkinson!
"He has been making money off of us and the other Slytherins by placing bets and beating us in chess" Mille provided, finally looking at everyone else. "He can be quite shrewd when he wants."
"I see…" Pansy said softly. "What if he doesn't…?" Pansy trailed off, clearly worried about Ron not accepting her.
"Ron isn't Malfoy!" Tracey said a little loudly, making the other girls jump. "He doesn't treat other people like dirt!" Pansy looked down sheepishly at that. Daphne gave Tracey another annoyed look.
"I will talk to him, ok?" Daphne said, trying to comfort Pansy. "Don't worry, he will listen to me. I just know it." Pansy looked up and smiled at Daphne.
"Are you two…?" Pansy began insinuating. That made Tracey and Millie chuckle because Daphne went as red as a tomato.
"NO! No we are not!" Daphne blurted out quickly and loudly. Tracey laughed in earnest at seeing Daphne lose her composure like this. How have I lived this long without seeing her like this?! It's amazing!
"Just remember…" Millie said, stopping her chuckling abruptly. "That Ron hates bullies… So if you really want to turn a page, I suggest that you put your bullying days behind you. I'm telling you this right now that if Ron tells us to throw you out, we will in a heartbeat." The atmosphere lost its jolliness at Millie's words, and even Tracey felt a little uncomfortable at that. Way to murder the mood Millie… This is going to be so awkward…
Ronald Weasley's POV
Ron was sitting at the edge of the courtyard, looking down at Hogsmeade Village. It was quite far away, but he could still see the Hogwarts Express pulling into the station. They're here! Ron had missed his Slytherin friends quite a lot, though he would never admit it to them. Or anyone for that matter… Ron was especially excited to see Theo and Blaise, mainly because he didn't want to be alone in the dorm at night. He hadn't slept more than four hours a night because every time he dozed off, he was back in that room with the Mirror of Erised. And that voice was there, holding him down, hurting him… He would wake up screaming and in a cold sweat. Even eating was an effort and Ron was jumping at shadows, constantly vigilant and waiting for the entity to hurt him.
Suffice it to say, Ron was looking more like a corpse at the moment rather than a person. He had bags under his eyes, his pigment was paler than usual, and he was utterly exhausted. His brothers and Harry were constantly fretting over him, Harry especially. But Ron had told them that he was just missing his friends, but they didn't really believe him. But now that his friends were here, he wouldn't be alone anymore. That was the only comfort he had to look forward to. Ron tightened the cloak, which Daphne had gotten him for Christmas, more snuggly around himself. It's so soft and warm… hmm… Ron took a seat on a nearby bench and decided he would wait for his friends to come to him, so that he could greet them as soon as they were on Hogwarts' grounds.
Ron waited for almost thirty minutes before he heard students walking towards the courtyard, they were all talking excitedly and Ron could already feel his spirit returning. Finally! He wasn't alone with this entity anymore. Ron stood on top of the bench and looked at all the faces coming through the courtyard entrance, hoping to spot his friends.
"HEY RON!" a girl's voice called out to him, and Ron spotted Tracey in the middle of the crowd and she was waving happily at him. He grinned and waved back to her, and he almost started laughing when Daphne started telling Tracey off for some reason. Probably about acting not 'lady-like' or some other Pure-Blood nonsense. Ron then hopped down and waited for his friends to push their way to him.
"He still lives" exclaimed Theo with a smirk, as he pushed a first year Hufflepuff girl out of his way. Ron frowned and apologized to the girl, who gave him a quick smile and then scowled at Theo before walking away. "What… she was a Hufflepuff" Theo grinned. Blaise and the others were behind Theo. They all looked relatively happy to see him, which made Ron giddy. Why am I being so desperate…? Oh wait I know… Living in fear does that to a person…
"Good to see you guys" Ron beamed, taking Theo and Blaise a little by surprise.
"It's good to see you too!" Tracey exclaimed, before marching up and hugging Ron tightly. Ron went beet-red instantly. Woah… ok then… Ron returned the hug a little awkwardly, the only girls who hugged him were his sisters or mothers. He didn't even know how to hug another girl properly, but Tracey didn't seem to care. Ron managed a look over Tracey's shoulder, and what he saw froze his blood. He had never seen Daphne so red, and her nostrils were flaring… actually flaring. I'm gonna die here… Ron quickly, but softly, pushed Tracey back and gave the girl a sheepish smile. Tracey turned around and upon seeing Daphne, Tracey let out a mischievous giggle. I don't know what going on, but I do know that Tracey did that to get me into trouble… Crazy bint!
"Can I talk to you, Ron?" Daphne bit out, clenching her jaw. Oh bloody hell… what was that, two whole minutes before I got in trouble with her? Ron then greeted the rest of his friends as they all walked past him and made their way into the castle, all of them grinning at him for getting into trouble already. Even Millie… Traitors…
"Hey Daphne" Ron said meekly, getting ready for the barrage of abuse. But it never came, and Daphne only looked him over.
"You're wearing the cloak I got you" she said, a pleasant smile on her face. SAFE!
"Yeah" Ron said eagerly. "It's great, and I love it. It's so soft and warm, I've been wearing it every day since I got it." Ron finished strongly, grinning ear-to-ear at not being in trouble.
"Every day?" Daphne asked in a whisper, her voice was soft and it confused Ron. Why is she whispering?
"Um… yeah. Thank you for it by the way, it's quite amazing." Ron then noticed that Daphne was wearing his golden hair-clip. "Hey… You're wearing the pin I got you, it looks great on you!" I'm glad she liked it, because I had no clue on what to get her…
"You think so?" Daphne asked, her cheeks turning red. "I've been… wearing this… every day as well" she finished, smiling at Ron. SUCCESS! Well done Ronnie old boy!
"I'm really glad you like it… I wasn't too sure if it was… you know too personal. It's just that you always wear your hair" Ron pointed at her head "like that."
"No… No, I love it. Thank you Ron" she smiled, her blush was still on her cheeks. Ron wondered if she was cold, maybe it was best if they went inside.
"Do you want to go inside, it's pretty cold out here." Ron said, as he moved towards the castle. He stopped when Daphne grabbed his arm to stop him. He turned around and looked at her, she instantly jerked her hands back.
"I need to talk to you… about something" Daphne said softly. "It's really important…" Ron was instantly alert because of her tone. Did something happen? What happened? I bet it was Malfoy, I JUST KNOW IT!
"Daphne, what's wrong?" Ron asked her, trying his best to sound calm.
"I've um… I may have invited…" Daphne paused and looked at the ground sheepishly.
"Daphne you are freaking me out here… What happened? You can tell me anything…" Ron spoke to Daphne in the same tone, and way, he did to Ginny when she was hiding things from him. It worked because Daphne looked up and smiled at him faintly. Ron returned her smile, hoping that was enough to coerce her into talking.
"Ron I've invited Pansy to join our group… and she accepted. Actually she asked me and I said yes, but it's the same thing really…" Daphne blurted out. Ron just blinked at her, this certainly wasn't what he was expecting.
"Pansy…" Ron said, looking at Daphne with surprise. "Pansy Parkinson… Isn't she with Malfoy?"
"She is… was… Ron she told me that she missed her female friends… and we have all been friends since we were kids…" Daphne trailed off for a second before restarting again. "I know she talks and acts superior to everyone, but I think she mostly did that to impress Draco… I mean her parents were neutral in the last war, so they aren't really fanatics about blood-purity… So I think she just said whatever she could to please Draco… Ron, she looked really sad when I met her at the Christmas party…" Daphne trailed off again.
Christmas party? Whatever, that doesn't matter… It's true that she did look really sad when Malfoy walked away from me… And she has been moping around lately, now that I think about it. Not to mention I'm the one who stole her friends in the first place… Ron let out a guilty sigh at the memory.
"She is your friend Daphne" Ron started, making Daphne look at him hopefully. "Why are you even asking me for permission?" Ron chuckled, taking Daphne by surprise. Daphne just stared at Ron with wide-eyes, and Ron started feeling self-conscious. "Did I say… something stupid?" Ron asked, grinning sheepishly. Daphne just nodded slowly, but a smile was creeping onto her lips.
"You did." she giggled. Did she just giggle…?
"What?" Ron asked, smiling at her cute giggling.
"You really don't know a thing about Pure-Bloods, do you?" Daphne continued giggling.
"Can't Pure-Bloods be friends with people without permission from their other friends…?" Ron asked, slightly irked that such a stupid rule even existed.
"No, not that. But you are the leader of our group, so we need to consult with you before we add more people. It's just common manners." Daphne said, her giggling dying down. Leader?! I'm not their leader… Should there even be leaders amongst friends… sounds terrible!
"Daphne… I'm not your leader…" Ron said, feeling a little uncomfortable at the thought.
"Of course you are." Daphne tutted, highly amused at Ron's lack of knowledge about their world. "You are the strongest wizard amongst us and you are also the most knowledgeable, at least in schoolwork anyway. Not to mention that even the older students and professors like you. That makes you our leader." Daphne finished, looking as if everything she had just said made perfect sense. It didn't make any sense to Ron. These other Pure-Bloods are so weird compared to us…
"Well, I don't see it that way. I just see you as my friends, not my… followers… And you don't have to agree with me on everything either. If you want Pansy to be a part of the group, then I think that's completely up to you. I trust you Daphne…" Ron finished, still trying to figure out these Pure-Blood 'rules'. Daphne went wide-eyed at Ron's words. Then she smiled at him and gave him a tight hug. Ron stiffened like a board and went completely red. It happened again! What is going on here?! Daphne quickly jumped back and smiled sheepishly at him.
"Sorry…" she mumbled meekly. "That wasn't appropriate…"
"It's ok… I don't mind…" Ron stuttered out, still red in the face. They both stood there smiling at each in embarrassment, until Ron couldn't take it anymore. "Do you want to… um… head inside?"
"Yes, please" Daphne replied. They both then made their way in, and immediately noticed that people were heading into the Great Hall. "Guess, it's time for dinner… We were outside for a while, huh."
"Um… yeah we were." Ron said, still reeling from her hug. Then something clicked in his brain, he hadn't assured her that he would try his best to welcome Pansy yet. "Listen Daphne…"
"Yes, Ron" Daphne cut in, she was smiling again and seemed to have moved past hugging him.
"I'm more than happy to let Pansy join us, and I promise to be on my best behavior. I don't want to get in between you guys…" Ron finished, as he scratched the back of his head. I've already ruined Theo and Blaise's friendship with Malfoy, let's not ruin Daphne and Pansy's…
"Thank you Ron, that means a lot. And I promise that Pansy won't say those… things… about you. Or anyone else, she promised me!" Daphne finished with a massive smile on her face. She couldn't help but smile when she thought about his words. He had somehow made her and the others become his friends so quickly, and Daphne knew that it was because Ron was just a noble person. A very naïve and foolish person, but a noble one.
Ron and Daphne joined the others inside the Great Hall, with Ron sitting between Theo and Blaise while Daphne sat between Millie and Pansy. Pansy was looking away towards the staff table, no doubt nervous about being with another group. Ron looked to Daphne, who just smiled at him again. What do I even say? 'Hello Pansy, remember me! I'm the filthy Blood-Traitor… How were your holidays?' Ron also noticed that Tracey, who was sitting on the other end from Pansy, was looking a little unhappy about Pansy being there. Tracey kept sending glares towards Pansy, which were not very subtle at all.
"So…" Theo muttered. "I'm pretty hungry…" Theo's voice was so nonchalant, given the current situation and awkwardness.
"Still have to wait for Dumbledore to give his address…" Blaise provided.
"Great…" Ron added in. "So we can eat next year then…"
"Or we can just eat Millie's cat" Theo grinned. The mood was starting to lighten up, and even Tracey was starting to smile. Pansy's shoulders were beginning to relax.
"Leave Misty alone" Millicent frowned, defending her cat in a humorous voice.
"I have to admit… I've thought about eating Misty before" Tracey joked, a smile finally breaking out onto her face.
"Tracey…" Daphne tutted. "I thought I was the only one!" Daphne added with a smile.
"Leave my cat alone you freaks!" Millie giggled. Now this is more like it… Ron smiled gently at his friends who continued their banter. I'm not alone anymore… I'm safe… Ron then looked over to Pansy, who was smiling and watching the exchange. And then Pansy noticed him looking, so she looked over to him still smiling. He gave her a nod, hoping that she understood that he was more than happy to have her here. As long as she doesn't spew her filth that is… But Daphne did say that she only did it to get Malfoy's attention.
"Attention" McGonagall said, and then she tapped her glass with a spoon. The Hall went silent, and everyone turned their attention to the staff table. Dumbledore stood up and beamed at the students.
"Welcome back, to another term at Hogwarts" Dumbledore spoke merrily. "I hope you all enjoyed your holidays, and received many gifts. I myself was given a pair of wonderful… socks!" Many of the older students groaned at this, but it didn't stop Dumbledore. "Now that your schooling has recommenced, I expect you all to continue your studies with a renewed vigor. But that is for later, for now let us enjoy a magnificent… feast" Dumbledore clapped his hands at the last word, and tons of food appeared on all the tables. Finally! FOOD!
Ron dug right in, feeling his appetite returning to him now that he felt a lot safer. He knew that if the entity wanted to kill him, it would do it without anyone being able to help. But the fact that his friends were around to distract him was comfort enough, for now at least. As Ron demolished the food on his plate, everyone around him just watched with mixed feelings. Pansy was horrified, Theo and Blaise were annoyed, Tracey and Millie thought it was great, and Daphne for some odd reason found it rather cute.
"Ron…" Theo sighed. "Have you forgotten your training?" Ron looked up at Theo with a frown.
"I'm not a dog, Theo…" Ron muttered after swallowing his food.
"Could have fooled me" Blaise chuckled. "The way you eat, that is." Ron turned his frown to Blaise, who looked back with a sly smile.
"So much judgement!" Ron pouted in a mocking manner, earning a laugh from Tracey.
"Leave him alone, and let him enjoy his food" Daphne said, shocking everyone on the table. Especially Ron, who stared at her wide-eyed. "What?" Daphne huffed, annoyed that everyone was looking at her like she had five heads.
"You have never defended Ron and his barbaric methods on the dinner table before…" Millie spoke, although she knew exactly why Daphne had defended Ron. But it was still weird. BARBARIC?!
"I'm not barbaric!" Ron jumped in.
"You are a little barbaric… while you eat anyway" Pansy piped in, making everyone look at her. Those were the first words she had spoken all night. There was a short pause in the conversation, and Ron could see that it was going to become awkward really fast. Quick… Do something funny!
"I'll show you barbaric" Ron grinned. Then he reached over with his fork and stole an untouched sausage off of Pansy's plate, immediately biting into it with exaggerated satisfaction. "Mmm… so good" Ron said as he chewed, making Pansy go wide-eyed. Tracey and Theo burst into laughter, which resulted in the others chuckling at the scene as well. Pansy just stared at Ron in disbelief, before a smile creeped onto her face.
"I was saving that for later" Pansy mock-scolded.
"Rule number one, Pansy" Ron started, missing the fact that he was using her first name. "When you eat near me, you need to eat quickly, and you need to guard your plate. Just ask them" Ron lied, still grinning and highly amused. Pansy looked over to the others, who nodded and joined in on the lie.
"It's true" Theo managed to say in between laughs. "Ron will even steal food from little children, I've seen him do it." That made Pansy gasp, she didn't know whether they were joking or not. She had never seen this kind of behavior in her life, and it scared her that her friends were just used to it. This isn't how their parents raised them, etiquette was everything.
"I once caught him eating Misty's food" Millie piped in, trying to stop her grin. Ok that's too far… time to stop this before Pansy thinks I need to be locked up in Azkaban…
"Ok stop… We were only kidding…" Ron started but was cut off by Tracey this time.
"He always sneaks down to the kitchens to force the elves to feed him as well" Tracey said before laughing at Pansy's horrified expression.
"I DID THAT ONCE!" Ron shouted in his defense. Pansy gasped again, staring at Ron in horror. OH MERLIN! "I didn't force them! They wanted to help me, and they chose to feed me! I swear to Merlin!"
"Come now Ron" Blaise tutted, amused but still sounding aloof. "We have to warn Pansy early…"
"Don't listen to them! THEY LIE!" Ron shouted at Pansy, who was staring at Ron with wide-eyes and a smile on her face. A lot of the Slytherins were looking at the group, some amused while the others annoyed at the noise. Malfoy was glaring at Ron with absolute hatred, which Ron and his group missed because of their yelling. From the staff table, Snape was frowning at Ron in displeasure for acting like some Gryffindor dunderhead. While Dumbledore watched the scene with twinkling eyes, and a soft smile.
"Do I have to hide my sweets…?" Pansy asked Blaise, jumping in on the joke. She didn't know why, but she was feeling oddly happy at not being forced to hold back her joy. Is this how they all felt all the time?
"Oh yes, Pansy" Blaise answered, trying to stop his smile. "If Ron even smells them on you… you might as well say goodbye…"
"I'M NOT A DOG!" Ron said in a panic, annoyed at how this was turning out. "I'm eating with Carey and her friends…" Ron whined as he got up to leave, but no one made a move to stop him like he had planned. So he sat back down in a huff. This made everyone laugh at him, including Pansy. Glad she's happy at least…
"You guys are the worst…" Ron whined as he began eating his food again. The others laughed a little more and then began their own conversations. Pansy was even openly talking with Daphne and Blaise, while Theo regaled Millie and Tracey with stories of his holiday break. Ron just ate his food quietly, but he was quite happy that things were normal on the table again. He was even happy that Pansy was starting to relax more around him and the others. This is good… the entity won't hurt me… I'm safe… I'm safe with my friends… Ron kept eating, while also trying to keep himself from freaking out. The entity's voice was still fresh in his mind days later, and Ron wasn't sure that he would ever forget it. A chill ran up his spine at the memory of it.
Unbeknownst to Ron, Daphne had been shooting him quick glances throughout dinner. At first it was because of some childish need to see him, but the reason quickly became concern. Something was bothering Ron, he had gone quiet as a mouse and was looking at his plate as if there was nothing there. She looked at his features properly, and finally noticed that he was extremely pale and had bags under his eyes. What had happened during the holidays? Was it his parents again? Or his brothers this time?
Daphne felt anger towards whatever had put Ron in this state. And she felt anger at herself for not noticing sooner, he had called her his friend and she hadn't even noticed that something was amiss. He would have noticed if she was in such a state… Daphne wanted to comfort Ron right there, but she decided not to. It would be selfish because he had just made a fool of himself, just so that Pansy could feel more at ease. If she brought this up now, she knew that he would just get angry like he always did when he felt that his privacy was being breached. So she decided to wait… at least for a few more days. And once Ron was feeling better, then she would talk to him about it. He would open up to her then, just like he had about his mother's first letter.
Severus Snape POV
Severus entered the Headmaster's office with the grace of a feline predator. It was around eleven 'o'clock, and Albus had summoned him to talk more about Ronald Weasley. Severus didn't care about the late hour, as he was beginning to believe that Ronald truly was hiding something from the people around him. Severus had used Legilimency on the boy tonight at dinner. Albus needs to know about this now… "Albus" Severus greeted the Headmaster, who was currently writing something down on a piece of parchment.
"Ah, Severus. Come and sit down with me" Albus greeted the Potions Master with a soft smile. "Lemon-drop" Albus offered. Again…
"No" Snape replied curtly, as he always did with this annoying offer. "Can we discuss the boy now, or are you going to keep offering me treats like I am some toddler…" Snape bit out, annoyed at the old wizard's antics and still on edge from what he had discovered. Dumbledore looked at Snape for a moment, and then he reached under his desk and brought out a jar of licorice wands.
"Licorice wand?" Dumbledore offered, his eyes twinkling brightly. Snape had to bite his tongue in order to not cuss at his mentor. This damn old man! Snape made to stand up and leave, but Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Forgive me Severus, surely you would allow this old man some jolly good fun once in a while."
"Why the Dark Lord ever feared you is beyond me…" Snape said with a frown, and then he sat back down.
"It is joy that the Dark Lord feared, Severus" Albus said in a sagely voice. "Happiness and love is a gift that he could never comprehend, and it was his downfall. A life without love and laughter, is a fate far worse than death. It is my great hope that you will one day understand this." Dumbledore finished with a kind smile. Downfall?
"You and I both know that the Dark Lord isn't defeated yet" Snape said, cursing his old master in his mind. I hope he suffers for eternity…
"Yes…" Dumbledore whispered, his eyes becoming hardened. "Now, tell me what you have discovered about young Ronald. Why has the boy been in such a horrid state these past few days?"
"I used Legilimency on the boy, just like we discussed" Severus began, his voice cold and to-the-point. "I discovered a chaotic torrent of emotions coming from the boy's mind. One emotion in particular stood out from the others… Albus… it was fear." Severus finished, making Albus rub his chin the way he always did when he was thinking.
"Fear? Fear of what, Severus?" Albus asked, concerned that Ronald was in danger.
"I do not know…" Severus said softly. "When I noticed his fear Albus, I decided to look a little deeper."
"Severus we discussed this…" Albus cut in, sounding like a parent scolding their child.
"If you had felt that fear Albus, then you would have done the same. It was genuine fear, the kind no boy his age should be feeling… He was afraid for his life Albus, I could not wait idly by and do nothing!" Snape bit out. Dumbledore looked at Snape with intrigue.
"I understand, please Severus keep going."
"As I was saying, I decided to look a little deeper into the boy's mind. I had hoped to pinpoint the reason behind that fear, but I could not…" Snape trailed off.
"Could not? What do you mean by that, Severus?" Albus asked, his voice was as serious as it had been during the war.
"Albus…" Snape started, and then paused. "Albus something stopped me from looking in… it felt like an Occlumency shield, but… different…" Snape finished, thinking about the horrible sensation he had felt in his own mind during his peeking. It felt like something tried to seize me, and barely missed… A shudder ran through his body at the unpleasant feeling he had felt in that moment. "It felt like a void… trying to grab me… trying to pull me in… Albus, I have never seen or felt this kind of mind magic before…" Albus had gone pale by the end of the Snape's story. What could this mean? How had an eleven year old boy overpowered Severus' Legilimency prowess? It wasn't possible…
"He… he overpowered you?" Dumbledore asked, trying to analyze the situation from every angle. Snape looked down at his hands, a frown on his face.
"No… no the boy was not even aware… I would know if he was actively defending his mind from me" Severus muttered, feeling just as confused as Albus at the enigma that was 'Ronald Weasley'. "It was something else that stepped in…"
"Something? Not someone?" Albus all but whispered, his fear growing steadily. Not another Dark Lord, not again!
"It didn't feel human… Even the Dark Lord's mind felt more… pleasant… compared to the emptiness I felt within the boy's." Snape said, shuddering again at the empty void that had tried to grab him.
"This cannot be…" Albus said softly. Then something clicked in his mind. "Sorting Hat" Albus called, summoning the hat onto the table.
"You summoned me, Headmaster?" The hat spoke merrily, not reading the tense mood around it.
"Tell me everything you know about Ronald Weasley" Dumbledore commanded, his voice was still controlled but the authority in it was unmistakable. The hat sat there quietly for a few moments before responding.
"No" it replied curtly. HOW DARE THIS THING REFUSE THE HEADMASTER!
"Speak hat, or I will set you ablaze" Snape growled.
"No" was its reply again. Snape began removing his wand but stopped when Albus put his hand up at him.
"Severus, calm yourself. We must remain focused." Then Albus turned his attention to the hat. "Sorting Hat, please. Ronald is hiding something from us, and we wish to know what. You know why we must ask you this, don't you?"
"Tom Riddle…" the Sorting Hat spoke, its voice regretful.
"Yes, Tom…" Albus said, remembering his old student. "We cannot risk another Dark Lord, and you saw through the boy's mind on his first day. I beg you, tell us everything you know." The hat remained silent for a few more moments.
"If you think young master Ronald" the hat began "is anything like Tom Riddle, then you are both blind and foolish." This arrogant little… Snape had to steel his mind just to remain calm. Focus…
"Please, explain as much as you can" Albus smiled at the hat.
"Young master Ronald… is not a perfect person. He is prone to fits of rage, jealousy, and insecurities… But he has a noble heart" the hat said proudly. "I did not lie when I claimed that he could fit into any of the houses, because he most certainly could. He is nothing like the monster that Tom Riddle was when he first attended Hogwarts. Ronald understands love, compassion, and is willing to put the needs of others before his own. He is very similar to young master Potter in that regard, which I believe is the reason behind the two of them becoming friends even though they are placed in separate houses. Fear is blinding you both… Clear your minds, and look to Ronald's actions. Then and only then, can you both claim the right to judge his character." The Sorting Hat finished, and disappeared right after. Severus and Albus sat in a contemplative silence for more than a few minutes.
"Perhaps we are acting too soon" Albus broke the silence. "Ronald has given us no reason to doubt his character, perhaps the Sorting Hat is correct."
"The hat looked through the boy's mind… and nothing hindered its progress. And yet, when I attempted the same thing…" Snape trailed off. Something is not adding up. How could the hat not have felt what I felt just a few hours ago?
"Do you believe that the Sorting House is lying to us?" Albus inquired.
"It could be…" Severus said in his low voice.
"It was not. The hat is charmed to obey the Headmaster of Hogwarts without fail." Albus provided, then he flicked his wand and two goblets filled with wine were conjured onto the table.
"It just disobeyed you not ten minutes ago" Snape remarked, and then he reached over and took one of the goblets. He sipped the wine, and he felt it calming his nerves. Wine with a calming charm placed upon it. Clever… Dumbledore sipped from his own goblet before continuing.
"The hat's first priority is to the students of our school. It can only reveal information about them if it believes that they intend to harm others. Clearly that is not the case with young Ronald." Albus finished, taking another sip of the soothing wine.
"Good… That is one problem avoided at least, for the time being" Snape drawled, and then he drank from his wine goblet.
"There is still the matter of Ronald's fear… and this thing that tried to harm you…" Albus sighed. The wine was helping, but there were still too many unknowns. "For the time being, I am taking Legilimency off of the board. We shouldn't risk another encounter with…" Albus trailed off. He took another sip before continuing. "We must focus our attention towards Ronald's fear."
"His friends seem to be alleviating those fears" Snape provided. Albus chuckled at the memory of tonight's delightful dinner.
"Yes, he was in high spirits tonight."
"He was acting like a buffoon. He might as well have been sorted into Gryffindor" Snape sighed, and then he finished his wine. Why can that boy not act like a Slytherin?
"Do you think that Ronald's fears stem from the same thing that attacked you?" Albus asked, finally calm as he finished his wine. He then flicked his wand again, refilling both their cups with more calming wine.
"Perhaps… The truth is that Ronald is quite the enigma" Snape said, glad to have more wine. We both need it…
"That is quite true" Albus chuckled. "Let us wait this out for the moment. Keep an eye on Ronald, make sure he is not in any danger. I will do the same, and I will also research into this… 'Thing'… that attacked you. I also need you to keep an eye on Ronald's friends, we cannot risk their safety as well."
"Pansy Parkinson sat with them today" Snape provided, feeling his nerves fully relax under the wine's influence. He took another sip.
"Yes" Albus chuckled. "This is good, Severus. I have not seen such a merry band of Slytherin first-years in a long time. Ronald is a good influence on them." Albus finished with a smile. He means fools… That boy is turning the others around him into morons.
"It is revolting…" Snape drawled, making Dumbledore's eyes twinkle.
"Now, now Severus. Tell me that you do not wish to see your godson just as happy and carefree." Albus said, taking a winning sip from his wine. That was low… even for you… But Snape did not answer at first. He did want to see Draco be a happy child, just for once. And not just his father's clone…
"What I want is irrelevant. Draco and Ronald come from different worlds… Any hope of a friendship between them was doomed from the start" Snape finished, taking a big sip of his wine at that.
"Friendship… true friendship… it knows no barriers Severus. You and I are proof of that" Albus chuckled, toasting to Severus. Severus didn't toast back, but instead he looked at Dumbledore's Phoenix. It's always sleeping whenever I'm around…
"The boy's friendships within Gryffindor… they will not end well for him" Snape said, feeling an odd sense of remorse on Ronald's behalf. This wine… it was a good idea. Snape then finished his goblet, and wasn't surprised when Albus refilled both their cups again.
"Perhaps not" Albus said softly, he too felt remorse on this. "But fate may surprise us, Severus." Snape looked back at Dumbledore with an indifferent mask on his face.
"There is still another matter… Quirrell…" Snape said, and he felt his jaw clench. That stuttering fool may doom us all yet…
"Yes, I know. He is after the stone, for Voldemort no doubt."
"Do you want me to eliminate him?"
"No… we cannot risk your position with the Dark Lord. Should he return Severus, I fear that I may need you to risk everything… once again. Forgive me" Albus finished, his tone was saddened greatly by the end. Old man…
"Do not apologize… I understand. We must use everything at our disposal, or the world will burn…" Snape said, trying to pull his mentor out of his somber mood. He didn't feel comfortable with the regret that engulfed Albus every time Snape risked his life for the Order. Death is no less than what I deserve… for everything…
"It is hard to believe that one day soon, all the students within this school will have to face a war" Albus said, his eyes hardening once again. Albus then let out a sigh. "We should watch Quirrell for now and once he goes after the stone with clear intent, only then should we step in and capture him. Let him believe that we are ignorant of his true allegiance. It will lower his guard." Snape nodded in agreement, sipping his wine and thinking of the day when he would curse that fool. It brought a faint smirk to his lips. "Do you have time for a game, Severus?"
"Of course" Snape said. Albus flicked his wand and a chessboard appeared on the desk.
"I will not go easy on you, Severus" Albus chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
"You never do. And I would be insulted if you did" Snape remarked. I will beat you this time, Albus…
They played well into the night, and Snape did not win a single match.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Here you are, I hope you enjoyed it. Now I know that a few of you really want to see a Hermione POV, I'm sorry to say that she won't get one for a little while... However, she will start getting quite a lot of them as time progresses, especially because she is Ron's closest Gryffindor friend. She will get one at the end of Year One, one during the Holidays, and then she will get several during second year and many more as the story continues. Please, be patient as this is a long story. I will do right by Hermione!