AUTHOR'S NOTES: I'm getting slower and slower with these updates... Damn! Anyway... Here is Chapter 13! Again a couple of things:
1. The first book has huge time-gaps in it during the second half, and there aren't really any confirmed dates. Only a handful. As such, I decided to say screw massive time-skips.
2. I've decided to add three separate arcs that will take place between January and April. They will be more focused on Ron and his own group.
3. I want to sort of push the group a bit, mainly because their friendship with Ron is tough thing to maintain. Especially because of his family's blood-traitor status. So get ready for the FEELS! (i hope).
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 13 – A Most Repulsive Man
Ronald Weasley's POV
The next few days passed quite quickly for Ron, he was a lot more relaxed and far less prone to jumping at shadows. He even managed to sleep fully each night, which restored his features back to their usual self. Things within the group were still a bit tense because of Pansy's presence, but they were changing for the better every day. Pansy was slowly opening up more and more, and she even began making jokes. Tracey was a bit put off at first but after seeing Pansy joke around, Tracey too started to let go of her vendetta.
On the night before the Hufflepuff vs. Gryffindor match, refereed by none other than Professor Snape, the common room was ablaze with arguments on which team would win. Ron was on the side of Gryffindor, much to his house-mates' annoyance. He was joined by Theo, Blaise, and three other older boys. It was legitimately an argument between six people and an entire house. Ron and his team argued that Gryffindor's lineup was much more skilled and adept at Quidditch when compared to Hufflepuff's lineup. The other house-mates argued that they had seen this match before and that Snape would make damn sure that Gryffindor lost this match. Ron also heard Malfoy call him a 'Disgusting Blood-Traitor' amongst the shouting, which made his blood boil. So Ron had done something incredibly stupid, he had made the claim that Harry would catch the snitch and win Gryffindor the match before Snape could sabotage the team's chances of winning. The house went quiet at that claim, until a seventh-year boy suggested that they make a wager.
Ron, being too stubborn to back off, had agreed in a heartbeat and put forward every galleon he had saved up. Theo and Blaise, although annoyed at Ron's lack of cunning, decided to back him up anyway and too put in fifteen galleons each. The older three boys on Ron's side joined in as well, matching the younger students' galleons. Many of the house-mates who were supporting Hufflepuff decided to not waste their money, but eighteen of them placed in fifteen galleons each. Malfoy then joined in too, no doubt trying to put Ron in his place and Malfoy placed in thirty galleons. Ron's blood boiled at the thought of the platinum haired tosspot being able throw so much wealth around with not a single worry. In the end, the Galleon Pool was: sixty galleons from Ron's side, and three hundred galleons from Malfoy's side. Whichever side won, would no doubt profit. But Ron's side had far more to gain, and Ron had a lot more than galleons to lose. If he lost this bet, then Malfoy would no doubt try to turn the other Slytherins into his enemy again.
On the morning of the match, Theo and Ron were starting to lose their resolve quite quickly. Snape was in a horrible mood at breakfast and that did not bode well for Gryffindor. Blaise however, told them to 'man up and keep your smirks plastered onto your faces'. Which Ron did quite terribly because the girls, including Pansy, cracked up in laughter. Then they all marched down to the Quidditch pitch, and took their seats on the stands. Ron prayed to all the gods in existence that he would win the wager, and that Harry would pull through for him.
As the match got underway, Snape called foul after foul on Gryffindor for the most stupid reasons. Ron and Theo gave each other pitiful looks every time, while Blaise kept saying 'it isn't over yet' to reassure them and himself. And then just as the fifth minute of the game was approaching, Harry caught the snitch and won Gryffindor the match. Ron almost passed out from relief while Theo yelled and cheered at the top of his lungs. But everyone knew that Theo's cheers were aimed at the deity that had won him a lot of money, and not Harry Potter. Blaise was giving an arrogant smirk, and shaking hands with the three older boys who had backed Ron up. Following Ron's lead had paid off in a wealth of galleons.
Ron sat in the common room with Theo, Blaise, and the three older boys. "I knew Harry would pull through for us!" Ron exclaimed, giddy at seeing so many galleons in one place. The three older boys were splitting the galleons up evenly, with fifty galleons per person. So much money…
"I never lost faith" Theo chuckled, earning a smack on his arm from Blaise for his lying.
"Oh please, you and Ron were shaking in fear the entire day. We all saw it, I was the only one who didn't falter" Blaise said in his aloof voice, earning a mock-glare from Theo. He was chanting nonsense the entire game… Didn't falter, my arse…
"What is he on about, Theo?" Ron asked, grinning mischievously.
"I don't know, Ron" Theo joined in.
"I think spending the day in the sun is affecting you, Blaise" Ron went on, earning an annoyed stare from Blaise.
"There was no sun today, you moron. It was a cloudy day" Blaise said, getting annoyed.
"By Merlin's beard, he has lost his mind" Theo said, with fake concern.
"We should take him to Madam Pomfrey" Ron said while nodding at Theo.
"I'll send you two to Madam Pomfrey if you don't shut up" Blaise bit out. His temper made Theo and Ron chuckle, they had broken his composure. Haha that was fun… I love annoying Blaise.
"Alright then lads" one of the older boys said, he had an Irish accent. "We get forty five each, and Weasley gets seventy five. Is that alright with you lot?" Wait what? Ron got even more confused when Blaise and Theo nodded their approval.
"Wait, why am I being given more?" Ron asked, curious as to the reason behind this generosity.
"You started the bet Weasley, it's only fair that we each give you ten-percent of our share for your foresight. Think of it as a… gift" the Irish Slytherin said, a sly grin on his face. "And the next time you make a similar move, remember our gift… and let us join in." With that the three boys got up and left, each giving Ron a thankful nod.
"Was that a normal thing to do?" Ron asked, confused at the behavior of his fellow Slytherins. I wouldn't have shared a single Knut…
"Bribes are an efficient way to buy loyalty, Ron" Blaise said aloofly, and then started packing up his share. Ron and Theo started doing the same.
"Why do you think Blaise and I backed you up this time?" Theo asked.
"Because you're my friends?" Ron replied, but he knew he was wrong because Theo just laughed at his answer.
"We are… but we have also lost a lot of money to you" Theo said, chuckling at Ron's naïve nature. "Business is business Ron, it is just that simple. If you can't beat them, join them." Makes sense… It's still annoying, but it makes sense… Ah, who cares? I won seventy five galleons today! And with my fifteen galleons from before, I'm back on ninety galleons again!
"I see you are replenishing your wealth" came a slightly high-pitched voice from behind the boys. They all turned and saw a smile Daphne. She is wearing my pin again. I'm really glad I got it for her, she seems to love it.
"You should've joined in" Theo grinned, his voice boastful.
"Next time, I will" Daphne grinned back, but then she slowly regained her composure. "Ron, can I talk to for a second… alone?" Crap what did I do?!
"We'll be in the dorm if you need us" Blaise told Ron, and then both Theo and Blaise got up and left. Daphne then sat down next to Ron, a little closer than he was comfortable with. Not even Theo or Blaise sit this close to me… what is she doing? Ignore it… Let's just see what she wants.
"Is everything alright Daphne?" Ron asked, giving her his best smile. Her cheeks got a little red and she managed a faint smile in return.
"Oh, I'm fine… I was worried about you actually…" she said softly. Me? Why?
"Why were you worried about me? Was it the bet I made?"
"No… It's just that when we first came back from the Christmas break… Ron you looked really out of it" she finished as strongly as she could. She still wasn't sure if he would get angry with her for prying.
"Oh that…" Ron said, remembering his haggard appearance. She caught on… What should I say? Can't tell her about the entity… It might kill us both… A shudder ran through his body at the thought.
"Ron… Did something happen while we were away? Was it your… family?" She braced herself just in case Ron lost his temper.
"What? No… no they had nothing to do with it. I just… I just missed you guys, a lot." Ron knew that he was only partially telling the truth, but it still felt like he was lying to her. I can't tell her the truth… so just get on with it. "I was alone in the common room for the entire holidays… it got gloomy that's all" Ron finished with a faint smile.
"You missed us? Really?" Daphne sounded glad, rather than suspicious. Ron was more than glad about that. "I mean you do look a lot better now than you did before…" she mused.
"Yeah I just needed some company… that's all" Ron said, glad that she was buying into it.
"What about your brothers?" she asked.
"It isn't the same… I wanted you guys" Ron added on, he knew this sappy angle was working well. I'm the worst person alive… But this is for her own good. Daphne beamed at Ron.
"That's really sweet Ron" Daphne said with a smile. "I missed you too." Ron's cheeks went a little red at that, especially because Daphne had been nothing but great towards him these past few days. And he still thought about their hug every now and then. It had just felt… different…
They then slipped into an easy conversation about her time at home, and she regaled him with tales of her house. Ron genuinely enjoyed the easy conversation, and was really glad that he and Daphne were finally connecting more as friends. All their previous private conversations would always end with shouting, with either her telling him off, or him telling her off. So it was a nice change to just speak and laugh about their lives and the people they shared it with.
January was coming to a close, and Ron was doing his absolute best to keep his top spot amongst the first-years. Hermione was right at his heels, and he was beginning to worry that she might just overtake him. That fear redoubled his efforts, and he even started his third year studies in his spare time. Percy had happily given Ron his notes once again, with the exception of the two electives that Ron hadn't yet selected. He was certain about selecting Divination as an elective, but he was torn between Care of Magical Creatures and Muggle Studies. In the end, Ron decided to focus on his current studies and the third year subjects that he knew he would be doing. This resulted in him being extremely busy with his studies, and he spent most of his days studying in the library.
Hermione joined him there almost every day, and the two enjoyed sharing their notes and studying together. Ron however, did not tell her of his third year studies in order to maintain his advantage. He enjoyed the feeling of being a few steps ahead of someone as smart as Hermione. Hermione would often drag Harry and Neville in with her, and then Ron and Hermione would help the other two Gryffindors with their homework. Hermione was stubborn about it, and she refused to share her answers with the two. But Ron would often sneak Harry and Neville the answers under the table, something that the two Gryffindors were extremely grateful for. Harry and Ron's friendship improved greatly in January, as did Ron's friendship with Neville. The chunky boy was more outspoken then he used to be, and he was beginning to trust Ron as a friend.
Ron was truly beginning to see the library as his second common room. And every time he went into his real common room, he would sit and help his Slytherin friends with their homework while also making sure that everything he had done was done properly. He focused mostly on Millie because she needed the most help with her studies, but he also focused a lot on Pansy. Her grades weren't very good because she didn't have anyone to study with for last few months, and this was because Malfoy was lazy while the gorillas were incompetent. With all the attention he gave to Pansy, she in turn became much friendlier with Ron. They could even talk to each other if they were ever alone now, which was something that Ron had never imagined happening.
It was right after one of those long study sessions that Ron collapsed on the couch with all the grace of a Mountain Troll. "Ugh… I'm so tired…" Ron complained, putting his hands over his face. "Kill me please…"
"Ron, you need to slow down" Daphne tutted. She was growing more and more worried about her… friend. "You have been pushing yourself way too hard over the last month. Do you even sleep?"
"I do… and I dream of books…" Ron joked, but no one laughed. Yeah, it's no laughing matter…
"Ron, I agree with Daphne on this" Blaise added. "You are of no use to anyone if you can't even stay awake. Why are you burning yourself out?"
"I have to…" Ron sighed out, he was absolutely spent. "You lot don't have Malfoy trying to turn the house against you… Two different Slytherins called me a 'Blood-Traitor' just last week…" His friends flinched at that. "Not to mention that Hermione is always at my heels in the classes… I want to go home." Ron let out a dry chuckle at the end of his tired rant.
"I'm sorry about Draco" Pansy muttered, she always apologized for Draco. "He is being… difficult… He yelled at me last week for betraying him as well. And then Crabbe pushed me…" Ron instantly jerked up at that and when he saw Pansy rubbing her slightly bruised wrists, he almost exploded with rage.
"What…?" Ron asked through gritted teeth, the vein in his head popping out. Pansy put her hand over her mouth when she realized that she had spilled too much. "Why didn't you tell me… or any of us?" Ron demanded, moments away from starting a fight with Malfoy. That bloody bastard… I'll kill him this time!
"She did tell us" Blaise said, sighing at Pansy's clumsiness. "We handled it…"
"And when were you going to share this with me?" Ron glared murder at Blaise, who just stared back in his indifferent look.
"We weren't" Theo provided for Blaise. "You tend to have a… explosive reaction to these things. So we handled it discreetly."
"Well forgive me" Ron spat out sarcastically. "But when someone attacks my friends… I like to use force to teach them a lesson." Ron shook his head in irritation. How could they not tell me this? What else do they hide from me? Explosive reaction… I should show them what an explosive reaction really is… Ron completely missed Pansy and the other girls smiling at Ron's overprotectiveness. Blaise sighed in defeat, while Theo just decided to zone out.
"You attacking Draco and his gang doesn't help us… it hinders us." Blaise said, trying to drive some sense into his red-headed friend. "We told the older students of what happened with Pansy, let them deal with Draco. He loses face with the older students, and we gain the trust of the older students for trusting them to handle this discreetly. If you go and hex Draco, then everyone in the school finds out and Slytherin is seen negatively."
"The other three houses already think we are Dark Wizards and Witches in training" Theo added. "We shouldn't give them anymore reasons… This was for the best, don't you agree Pansy?" Ron looked at Pansy for her answer. She smiled meekly at Ron before replying.
"Theo and Blaise are right… You shouldn't start fights over me" Pansy said. "We would all just get in more trouble, and I don't want that…" She still acts like she is an outsider… I know how that feels… She thinks that if we get in trouble for helping her, we'll throw her away… Not on my watch!
"You are our friend Pansy" Ron said calmly, making sure to sound comforting but stern. "If someone goes after you, they go after us… Don't think for one second that we won't stand by you if you get into trouble" Ron finished, with a forced smile. He was still fuming. Pansy smiled more widely at him and gave him a nod. "And please don't keep things from me" he said to everyone around him, slightly irked. "I can't help you if I don't know something is wrong…" Everyone was quiet for a bit. But Tracey decided to ruin another peaceful moment.
"Ah, where would we be without our fearless leader?" Tracey cooed, making Ron's ears go red.
"Shut up…" Ron said, trying not to smile at her words. The others giggled at Ron's shy reaction.
"Aw… he's blushing" Mille giggled at Ron, and Ron felt a small laugh come out of him.
"Not you as well, Millie" Ron smiled. The mood lightened up a great deal and they all talked about anything but school for the next twenty minutes. Ron was not too surprised to learn that Pansy's favorite pass-time was going shopping in Diagon Alley. She even owned dresses that she had never worn before, and only bought because they looked 'cute'.
The peace was disturbed by a pair of animals running around the common room, causing all sorts of havoc. These animals were none other than Ron's rat, Scabbers, and Millie's cat, Misty. Scabbers ran up Ron's leg and jumped onto his shoulder, then hid himself behind Ron's right ear. He squeaked and hissed at the cat, which Ron tried shooing away from them both. "Millie your cat is trying to kill Scabbers!" Ron exclaimed, panicking for his companion's life. What is this cat's problem?
"Misty stop, behave Misty" Millie scolded, and then she bent over and picked up the angry feline. Misty hissed violently at Ron and Scabbers, making Millie go wide-eyed. "Misty this isn't you, what's wrong?" Millie tutted at her cat, trying to calm the blood-thirsty feline down. Mille then took off to the female dorms, with the hissing monster still clawing at Ron and Scabbers over Millie's shoulder. Dear Merlin…
"Bloody hell…" Ron muttered, looking around at his surprised friends. They were all slightly disturbed at the violent behavior that Misty, a very calm cat, was showing all of a sudden. "Did she hurt you Scabbers?" Ron asked his pet, and then Ron reached over with his left hand and scratched the rat's head. Then Ron's head started feeling light, and he felt like he was floating. A vision?!
Ron stood in a dark forest and his surroundings were colorless, giving the forest a terrifying atmosphere. The trees were crooked or broken, and Ron could tell that it was nighttime because the moon was full in the sky. He heard a loud howl which made him jump in surprise, and then turned to face the direction it came from. Merlin… this is scary. Who am I seeing a vision about? Is it one of my friends? Ron looked around himself, but he was clearly alone. "PETER! COME BACK HERE YOU FUCKING COWARD!" came loud yell from behind Ron, the voice was strained and filled with rage. Ron quickly turned to face the direction from where the voice had come. Peter?
Then Ron saw lights flashing from behind the crooked trees, and Ron instantly focused up. There's a fight happening! Ron ran towards the flashing lights, passing through the trees as if he was ghost. That's wicked… Finally Ron moved past the trees and found himself on one of the shores of the Black Lake at Hogwarts. Ron looked towards the castle, and he smiled in triumph. It is someone from Hogwarts then! Must be one of my friends. Need to keep looking! Ron looked around, and he spotted a figure running into the trees further down the shore. Need to catch up…
Ron ran full-tilt towards the figure, excited to be having another vision after so long. He completely forgot about the entity for the time being. All he felt was the thrill of running through the woods, and the excitement of another adventure. Who can I save this time?! Finally Ron reached the spot where he had last seen the figure. Now where…
"PETER PETTIGREW! ANSWER FOR YOUR CRIMES LIKE A FUCKING MAN!" a voice yelled, Ron recognized it as the voice from before. Who is Peter Pettigrew? Ron chased after the voice, and the sounds of a magical duel got louder and louder. Ron sprinted through the trees and then suddenly came to a stop, his eyes-widened at the scene. Two men were engaged in an amazing display of magical prowess, at least to Ron anyway. The magic from their wands was clashing in the space between them, and both men were digging their heels into the ground in order to maintain their footing. This is amazing…
Ron looked over to the man in color, and it shocked Ron to see that he had never seen this stranger before. Why is my vision about some short, grubby skinned, and hook nosed man? I don't know who this is… Ron then turned his attention to the other duelist, and realized that this man was also a stranger. The colorless man had a gaunt and sunken face, with long matted hair, and he was bearing the most vicious look Ron had ever seen on a person. Like a mad dog…
"THAT ISN'T YOUR WAND PETER! NOTHING WILL SAVE YOU FROM ME!" the colorless man bellowed, his eyes glinting with rage. The sight sent a shudder through Ron's body. Not his wand? Ron approached the colored man, who was clearly called Peter. Ron gazed at the wand in Peter's hand, and Ron's heart stopped beating.
"THAT'S MY WAND!" Ron yelled, anger tearing through his stomach and out of his mouth. "Why does he have my wand?! Who is this Peter?!" Ron's rage induced rant was cut short when a small explosion happened between Peter and the colorless man, which sent Peter rolling on the ground away from Ron. Ron was taken by surprise but he quickly regained his focus, and started analyzing the scene. Why is my vision about someone that I have never seen before? My visions are always only about people near me… Could my powers be increasing in strength? I need to ask the Sorting Hat if that is even possible…
"Would you look at that?" came the colorless man's strained voice. "No Muggles to save you this time you fucking rat…" the colorless man spat out. He stood with his wand pointed at Peter, who was spread out on the ground.
"Sirius… please…" Peter squeaked from the ground, clearly in agony. Ron didn't know who to help in this situation. He didn't know either of these people, and this Peter had clearly stolen Ron's wand. That thought boiled Ron's blood. Pandora gave me that wand!
"Begging again… you truly are pathetic…" the man named Sirius said. "Crucio!" Sirius screeched, as he jabbed his wand towards Peter. The screams that tore through Peter's throat made Ron fall back on his arse. What kind of spell is that?! Peter wailed in agony, tears and snot rolling down his face as he writhed like a fish out of water. The screams were horrifying, and Ron covered his ears to hide from them.
"Stop! STOP! YOU'RE KILLING HIM!" Ron screamed at Sirius, who had a maniacal grin on his face. Ron held his hands over his ears, and watched the sadistic man with wide-eyes. Ron then turned to the writhing Peter, and Ron's stomach felt as heavy as lead. No one deserves this… Then all of a sudden Sirius stopped the spell, and Peter let out a tortured gasp for air.
"This is nothing compared to what you did to me Peter… TWELVE YEARS!" Sirius bellowed again. "IN AZKABAN! TORTURED BY THE DEMENTORS EVERY FUCKING DAY!"
"Sirius… please… I'm sorry…" Peter wheezed out. Ron was never more confused as he was in this vision. What is happening here? And where do I even fit in? Why did Peter have my wand?
"You're sorry? YOU'RE SORRY?!" Sirius screamed, his voice sounded torn. "What about James? What about Lily? YOU GOT THEM KILLED, PETER!" Who?
"I didn't mean to…" Peter cried, tears falling down the sides of his face. "The Dark Lord tortured me… for days… please believe me Sirius…" The Dark Lord?! Ron's blood froze at the mention of you-know-who.
"LIAR! You were their secret keeper! Torture couldn't be used to pass the information of their whereabouts! But you knew that, didn't you?!" Sirius spat out, and then he kicked Peter hard in his side. Peter wheezed and fell flat on his stomach, crying from the agony. "You knew that when you gave them up willingly!" Sirius kicked Peter again, making the rat-looking man flip onto his back.
"He would've killed me! What was I supposed to do?!" Peter screamed. "What would you have done?!"
"I WOULD HAVE DIED! I WOULD HAVE DIED TO SAVE MY FRIENDS!" Sirius screamed, tears falling down his cheeks. "I would have done the same for you Peter…" Sirius let out a strangled cry, but he held his wand pointed at Peter. "We would have all died for you…"
Peter just lay there on the ground, crying softly. Both men looked broken beyond words, and Ron felt a swell of pity for them both. But Ron also felt bitter anger at Peter for betraying his friends. Ron did not know these people, but anyone who would sell out their own friends for their own safety were nothing short of revolting in Ron's eyes.
"Please don't kill me…" Peter begged, his voice was a mere squeak. Oh no… He is gonna kill Peter, isn't he?
"This is all you deserve…" Sirius said, but there was no sympathy in his voice anymore. "Avada ka…" Sirius didn't get to finish the spell because Peter kicked him in his stomach. The gaunt man toppled over and fell on his back, his wand rolling out of his hand. Peter quickly moved and grabbed the wand before Sirius could and pointed it at the gaunt man.
"I win again, Sirius" Peter gloated, no longer sounding like the whimpering weakling he was just a moment ago.
"Fuck you, Peter" Sirius said menacingly. "My godson will avenge me… he will avenge Lily and James… and you Peter, you will die just as you have lived… A coward… I've already told Remus of your treachery… The letter I left him, will put him on your trail till the end of your days… May you rot in hell forever…" Ron shivered at the intensity with which Sirius spoke. This Peter is a pathetic, vile man… But Sirius is as sadistic as the Death-Eaters from dad's stories…
"After I kill you, I'll kill your godson… I'll even kill Remus if I have to" Peter spat out, sounding more and more repulsive. "Actually you know what, Sirius?" Peter said, with an evil glint in his eyes.
"What?" Sirius bit out.
"I'm not going to kill you…" Peter grinned. Thank Merlin… "But they are" Peter said with a chuckle, making both Ron and Sirius look in the direction of where Peter was looking. Black cloaked figures were floating down from the sky towards Sirius and Peter. The trees and grass around the trio began to freeze over, and Ron could feel the temperature drop to un-survivable levels.
"No…" Sirius muttered, fear etched on his face. "Not them…"
"Goodbye, friend..." Peter grinned as he stepped away from Sirius, but kept his wand pointed at him. Just as the black cloaked figures grabbed Sirius, Peter turned the wand to his own head and cast a non-verbal spell. Much to Ron's shock, Peter began shrinking and then he disappeared in his clothes. What was that spell? Then further to Ron's shock, a small patchy grey rat came crawling out of Peter's clothes. The rat squeaked loudly and then scurried off into the woods. Scabbers… What… How… That was… Scabbers… Ron was jarred beyond words, and he just stood there slack-jawed.
Ron could hear Sirius from behind him, screaming and shouting. But Ron couldn't even turn his body around. What is happening…? Ron's head was spinning and his vision was blurring. And then Ron was standing in the Slytherin common room again. There was a squeaking noise coming from his right shoulder, and Ron slowly turned and came face to face with a small patchy grey rat with black eyes. Peter…?
"Ron?" came Daphne's concerned voice. "Ron, you've gone pale… What's wrong?" Ron turned to face a concerned Daphne, his face etched in shock and disbelief. None of this makes any sense… Daphne then went wide-eyed. "Ron… You're bleeding!" she shrieked. I am...? Ron then felt something wet on his upper lip, so he touched it with his left hand. He then examined his hand to see if it was blood. It was…
"Daphne…" Ron whispered, his ears beginning to ring. His vision started getting dark, and Ron fell forward. The last thing he heard was Daphne screaming his name, and Theo and Blaise jumping out of their seats to help him.
Ron woke up in an unfamiliar bed, and he slowly sat up while rubbing his eyes. Ugh what happened? Where am I? Ron looked around the room, and realized that he was in the Hospital Wing. It was nighttime, and the whole room was empty except for three sleeping patients. Creepy… Ron lied back down, trying to recall how he got here in the first place. Then it all hit him at once. The vision, Scabbers/Peter, his bloody nose, and Daphne screaming his name. Ron sprang up and looked for his wand, he found it on his bedside table. Ron picked it up quickly, and felt its warmth hum through his body. My wand… My beautiful wand…
Ron spent the next few minutes calming himself down, and trying to figure his vision out. Who is Scabbers/Peter? Why was Scabbers a person? Or was Peter disguising himself as Scabbers? How did he get my wand? There was just too much to process, so Ron started from the beginning. Was it possible for witches or wizards to turn into animals? Yes, it was… McGonagall had proven that to Ron during his first Transfiguration Class. So did that mean that Scabbers was always a person? And if so, why the hell was he living with Ron's family and pretending to be a rat? Ron decided that the Sorting Hat might have answers, because he himself was completely lost. "Sorting Hat… if you can hear me… I need your help" Ron all but prayed, his eyes closed and his hands in the air as if he was worshiping something.
"Hello Ronald" came the hat's merry voice. Ron opened his eyes in surprise, only to find the Sorting Hat sitting on his lap.
"That was bloody fast…" Ron said, shocked and awed at the hat's speed.
"I did promise to help you, did I not?" the Sorting Hat chuckled. "If any student calls for me, I will come to them as quickly as possible!"
"Thanks… I guess" Ron muttered.
"My word dear boy… pray tell why you are inside the Hospital Wing…" the hat said, intrigued at its surroundings.
"I… don't know actually. I had a vision and then I blacked out. Woke up in this bed just a few minutes ago."
"A vision dear boy? I don't recall you blacking out from visions before…" The hat hummed in contemplation. This hat literally knows everything about me, doesn't it? Except for the things I need answers for…
"Yes… and this vision was… confusing to say the least."
"Well what are you waiting for then Ronald, place me upon that giant head of yours!"
"What?! I don't have a giant head…"
"Of course you don't" the hat said sarcastically. Stupid hat… Ron then picked up the hat and placed it on his head. "Ah, back inside this giant head once more…"
"SHUT UP… My head is normal sized…"
"Relax Ronald… I was only trying to cheer you up. Now tell me about your vision, as you know I cannot see it myself." Ron then began explaining the vision piece by piece. He didn't leave out a single detail and by the time he finished, the Sorting Hat was humming in contemplation again.
"Do you know who Peter Pettigrew is?" Ron asked.
"Hmm… Little Peter Pettigrew…" the hat hummed inside Ron's mind. "He was a student here at Hogwarts not long ago… He was placed within Gryffindor, and went on to fight in the Great War. He was believed to have been murdered by none other than Sirius Black! Clearly that is not the case…"
"He turned into Scabbers, my pet rat. Is that possible?"
"It is. Have you ever heard of the word Animagus, Ronald?"
"Um… no."
"An Animagus is a witch or wizard that can choose to transform into an animal" the hat said, as if quoting something.
"That's wicked… So Professor McGonagall is an Animagus?"
"Indeed dear boy! I believe that so is Peter, yet how he learned to become one is beyond me… He wasn't a very bright boy when I sorted him."
"So my pet rat… who has been in my family for ten years now… is secretly an Animagus wizard who was believed to have died in the Great War… WHAT THE FUCK?!"
"Language Ronald… Cussing is a sign of poor character" the hat scolded Ron.
"Sorry… but what do you expect me to say?! He sleeps in my damn BED!" Ron felt lightheaded at the thought. "I might be sick…"
"This is very disturbing my boy… What will you do?"
"What can I do? I need to expose him obviously! I can't let him stay near my friends or family… And I don't plan to share my bed with this damn creep…"
"I agree with you. Peter is a danger to this school and its students. From what I've heard you say… it is clear that Sirius Black is an innocent man… How will you proceed?"
"I… don't know. Care to weigh in?"
"Of course my boy. I believe that you should approach your Head of House, Severus Snape. Tell him that you have been reading about Animagus theories and that you suspect your rat to be one. Ask him for his help in proving your theory."
"Okay… two problem though. One, how do I convince him that I have reason to suspect Scabbers? And two, how do I explain my sudden interest in Animagus theories…?
"That is simple my boy, I can see in your memories and I know that you have started your third year studies already!"
"So…?"
"You will learn about Animagi in your third year studies. In the class of Transfiguration, that is. Tell Snape that you were studying ahead and you learnt about Animagi. As for your suspicions… how long has Peter been in your family?"
"Ten years…"
"And how long do common garden rats live for?"
"I don't know" Ron muttered.
"One or two years my dear boy! Awfully long life span that your rat has, doesn't he?" Ron nodded at the Sorting Hat's words. This could just work…
"Thank you… Sorting Hat" Ron said, feeling pure gratitude.
"You are most welcome Ronald! Now, I believe you ought to rest. You have a long few days ahead of you. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Sorting Hat." The hat then disappeared off of Ron's head, and Ron slowly lay back down. I'm coming for you Peter, you damn creep…
Ron woke up the next morning, and was instantly swarmed by people. His Slytherin friends, his Gryffindor friends, and his brothers. "Good morning" Ron greeted, a happy smile on his face. Damn, I need to go after Peter… not sit around in this bed…
"Good morning?" Daphne muttered, her face blank. "Good morning he says" she muttered again. Then she leaned over and pinched his arm.
"OW! Why?!" Ron complained, rubbing his arm.
"Because you scared me! US!" Daphne screeched at him.
"I don't even know what happened…" Ron provided.
"I'll tell you what happened" came Madam Pomfrey's annoyed voice from behind his friends. They all moved out of her way and she marched up to Ron, a scowl on her face. Merlin what did I do this time…? "You suffered a seizure Mr. Weasley… your magical core was exhausted! You have been pushing yourself too hard. Your friends told me everything!" She then flicked her wand at Ron, casting some non-verbal spell.
"A seizure? And what did you all tell her?!" Ron asked his friends, annoyed that they had shared information about him.
"Don't give us that look" Tracey said, her voice was soft and scared. "You were shaking so hard Ron… And you bit your tongue and there was so much blood…" She shuddered at the memory.
"You're lucky that Carey Ductu and her friends were there to carry you up here…" Daphne said in a low voice. They did…? I should thank them when I get the chance…
"It was horrible" Pansy piped in, she too looked rather worried. Crap I scared the life out of them, didn't I?
"I'm sorry…" Ron apologized.
"Don't apologize" Madam Pomfrey scolded him. "Rest, and stop pushing yourself so hard! You are much better now, and I suggest you go down and have some lunch." With that she patted his head, and then turned around and left to tend to another patient.
Ron pushed himself out of his bed, and the twins instantly moved to his side. "Tut tut, Ronnie…" Fred said in a mock-scolding voice.
"Didn't you hear the good nurse" George piped in.
"You need your rest!" Fred added
"So let us worry about you getting to the Great Hall" George grinned. This can't be good… The twins then hauled Ron up, and put his thighs on their shoulders. Ron let out a disgraceful squeal which made all of his friends and even Percy break into a laugh.
"Hey… Let me down" Ron said in a shaky voice. They are gonna drop me… I'm gonna break my neck and Peter will keep creeping around my house!
The twins then marched with him on their shoulders all the way to the Great Hall. Along the way, many students from all the houses laughed at the sight. Ron even began to laugh at how insane the twins were, carrying him around like he was some king. So he began waving at the students like they were his subjects, and most of the waved back laughing. Once they reached the Great Hall, the twins put him down and ruffled his hair. "Please take it easy, little bro" Fred said with a smile.
"We'd rather you not expire" George added in, smiling as well.
"Who would we prank if you weren't around?" Fred said grinning.
"Percy" Ron provided. The twins laughed at that, while Percy frowned at Ron. His brothers then said farewell to him, and marched off to the Gryffindor table.
"I'm glad you're okay now, Ron" Hermione said, as she stepped in front of him. Harry and Neville stood behind her, and they too looked relieved. Hermione had a kind smile on her face, which Ron couldn't help but return. "You missed Charms and Transfiguration Classes this morning, so… I made you a copy of the notes…" she said, her cheeks turning slightly red by the end. That's helpful! And to think she once hated my guts…
"Thank you Hermione! You're the best" Ron said, smiling happily at the bushy haired girl. She beamed at him, her cheeks becoming even redder. She then reached into her book bag and took out two rather long parchments of paper. She handed them over to him, and said her goodbyes. Then the three Gryffindors marched to the Gryffindor table to have lunch.
"The best huh?" Daphne said from behind Ron, her voice was rather menacing. Ron turned around to face her, but she held a mask of indifference. When he opened his mouth to talk, Daphne huffed loudly and walked past him. His friends chuckled at his bewildered expression, and they then guided him to their usual spots.
"You had us worried there" Blaise said, as they all sat down in their spots. "Also here, you left this behind." Blaise then handed Ron his wand. Bloody hell… I forgot my own wand… No wonder Peter had it in his possession. Ron tucked the wand into his robes. Thinking of Peter brought Ron's plan to the forefront of his mind. I need to act…
Ron looked over to the staff table, and to his relief he found Snape sitting there. "Ron, what's wrong?" Millie asked, worried that Ron was going to start pushing himself again.
"Nothing… I just need to talk with Professor Snape" Ron replied. Then he got up and began to move towards the staff table.
"Ron…" Daphne said, her voice laced with disbelief. Ron turned to face her. "Can you please just stop for one minute? You are scaring us…" She sounded so meek that Ron had to fight the urge to sit back down. No I need to do this… I can't let that repulsive man be near them for another second!
"Ron, just eat something at least" Theo said, a sympathetic smile on his face. That looks so out of place…
"I'll be right back" Ron said, and then he marched towards Snape. He didn't wait to hear his friends out because he knew they would end up convincing him to just relax. And this wasn't the time to relax. Ron approached Snape, who turned to face him just before Ron got to the table.
"Mr. Weasley" Snape drawled. "What is it?"
"Professor, may I please have a moment of your time?" Ron asked, trying to hide the desperateness in his voice. He didn't hide it well enough for Snape to be fooled. Professor Snape stared at Ron for a moment, and then gave him a curt nod. Then the professor stood up and moved to the closest corner, followed closely by Ron.
"Now… What is it?" Snape asked curtly. Okay… here I go… Wish me luck Sorting Hat!
"Professor I've been reading through my third year notes…" Ron started but Snape cut him off.
"Is this the reason behind your exhaustion and seizure? You have been studying third year subjects when you already have your current studies to attend to?" Professor Snape sounded rather annoyed at Ron, which jarred the red-haired boy. I already messed this up…
"Yes, sir…" Ron answered meekly. At least he doesn't suspect me having visions of the future now… Great going Weasley you twit…
"Mr. Weasley… Explain yourself. This instant" Snape's voice was low, and laced with menace. Ron's hands started trembling again, so clenched them into fists. It didn't stop them from shaking.
"Sir… I just want to be at the top… and this the only way I know how…" Ron muttered, looking down at his feet. "I'm not… smart like the others in my class. So I study ahead and come prepared…" Ron felt his ears burning at having to confess his incompetence to Professor Snape. Great… now that I've thrown my dignity into the dirt… Can I please warn you about the creepy man who sleeps in my bed? Bloody hell my life is a bad joke…
"That is… admirable" Snape said, keeping his face in a mask of indifference. But deep down he was rather impressed with the boy's drive to be better. It was rather refreshing.
"It is…?" Ron asked, looking up with a faint smile. Is he serious?
"Don't make me repeat myself" Snape frowned, wiping the smile off of Ron's face. "Now tell me, what did you want to talk about?" Back in the game!
"As I was saying sir, I've been reading through my third year notes which Percy gave me. And I happened upon Percy's notes on Animagi…"
"I see, and what is it that you want from me? Shouldn't you be speaking to Professor McGonagall?" Snape said, as he narrowed his eyes on Ron. Merlin did he want to use Legilimency on this odd boy.
"That's the problem Sir…" Bloody hell where do I even start? "Sir, I'm just going to say it outright… I believe my pet rat Scabbers is an Animagus" Ron finished with all the strength he could muster. Snape's eyes widened at Ron's claim.
"An Animagus?" Snape asked, bewildered by the boy's oddness. Why was this boy so intriguing to him? He wakes up from a seizure and doesn't even seem to care. Then he brings this up like it's absolutely nothing… Snape had to fight the urge to use Legilimency on Ron, and he only managed to stop because of his mentor's wishes.
"Yes, sir… He is a garden rat, you see. And garden rats are only supposed to live for one year… but my rat has been in our family for ten years! It doesn't make any sense to me… and when I read about the Animagi in the notes, I couldn't help but wonder." Ron then took a breath before continuing, ignoring Snape's piercing eyes. "Please sir, I just need someone to help me confirm this… I don't feel safe with Scabbers being near my friends…" Ron finished. PLEASE MERLIN HELP ME CONVINCE THIS MAN!
"Ten years…" Snape said softly. That was odd, how could a garden rat live so long? If it wasn't an Animagus, then it was certainly enchanted. Either way it might be unsafe for his students, so he had to act. "Very well, Mr. Weasley. Bring your rat to me, I will be in my office. Also here" Snape said as he pulled out a vial with a dark purple liquid in it. "Administer this to your rat before you bring it." He just carries this around… Wicked! Snape is so cool!
"Thank you sir, I will be right down." With that Ron gave Snape a thankful nod and marched towards the common room. He didn't even get past the door of the Great Hall before he was stopped. Oh for Merlin's sake…
"Ron, what are you doing?" Blaise asked, the rest of Ron's friends behind him. They all looked annoyed and worried at the same time.
"Ron, please just sit down" Pansy said, her eyes were a little wet which Ron found really odd. She is that worried… for me? Ron then noticed that the other girls too looked just as distraught. Daphne more than any of them. He sighed from deep guilt. I can't stop… I can't let him stay near them…
"Please… just trust me…" Ron pleaded in a low and soft voice. "I'm doing this for you… for us…" Then Ron turned around and marched down to the common room. His friends didn't follow him, no doubt confused and jarred by his odd comment. Don't stop… just move… Snape is already making his way down to his office.
Ron entered the dorm, and immediately noticed the rat on his bed. It was asleep, which made Ron breathe out in relief. Ron then quietly opened his trunk, and took out some rat treats. He doused the treats with a bit of the potion, hoping that it was enough to knock the bastard out. "Here Scabbers…" Ron said, as he scratched the rats head to wake him up. Dear Merlin this is a grown man I'm tickling… Ron had to fight to stop himself from gagging. Scabbers woke up and squeaked. "Do you want some treats boy?" Ron offered, and then he put forward the laced treats. Scabbers started eating them without a second thought. I got you now you disgusting vermin… That's for snuggling up to my Ginny… I'll make sure you go to Azkaban for that!
Scabbers ate up all the treats, and then he slowly drifted off. Ron poked him with a finger, but there was no response and for a second Ron feared that he killed Peter Pettigrew by overdosing him. But then he noticed that the rat was breathing, so it was just asleep. Ron then picked Scabbers up and ran full-tilt towards the Potion Master's office. Ron knocked on the door, and waited for a response.
"Come in" came Snape's voice. Ron pushed the door open and walked in, then he closed the door quietly.
"I've brought him sir!" Ron exclaimed, excited to get rid of this revolting man. Ron then walked up and placed the rat on the professor's table."
"Put in on the ground" Snape bit out, annoyed at Ronald's lack of common sense. Ron smiled sheepishly and did as he was told. "Now step back and if you are correct, I want you behind me at all times. Is that understood?" Snape said in a low voice, and Ron nodded in return. Ron then stood behind Snape, grinning ear-to-ear. Finally! I hope Snape curses him good!
Snape then pointed his wand at the unconscious rat. And then a bright blue light emanated from Snape's wand, and the rat began to hover into the air. Then all of a sudden the rat's limbs started to crack and grow, its head began to grow in size, while its torso squished and then began to expand. Snape's eyes almost popped out of his skull at the sight and he went deathly pale.
"This can't be…" Snape muttered, shocked beyond words. And then, the rat was no longer a rat but instead he was a man. The man lay on his stomach and with his face away from Snape and Ron. Snape stumbled back a step, but then regained his footing. He immediately shielded Ron with his spare arm, and pushed the boy behind him.
The man on the ground had colorless hair with a bald patch on in the middle of his head. And Ron knew that this was Peter Pettigrew. I have you now Peter… You'll pay for using my family… for tainting my home, and my bed… For snuggling my sister… I'll make sure personally that you rot away in Azkaban forever! Not to mention James and Lily, whoever they are. Your betrayal of them won't go unpunished! Ron was ripped out of his thought when Snape non-verbally conjured up ropes and tied Peter up. Then Snape slowly started to turn around and Ron knew he had to put on his best act.
"You were…" Snape said, his eyes showing his astonishment. "You were correct in your assumptions…"
"Professor Snape…" Ron said, doing his best to sound afraid and even making his hands tremble. "Who is that man?" Ron then looked to the tied up Peter Pettigrew.
"I don't know." Snape said, turning back to sleeping man. Snape then slowly approached the man, and flipped him over with a flick of his wand. Who he saw nearly stopped his heart. "How…? No it can't be…" Snape then bent down and grabbed the man's left arm and lifted up the man's sleeve. Ron slowly approached from behind and looked over Snape's shoulder. There was a faint blemish of sorts on Peter's left inner forearm. What is that? Looks like a… tattoo…
Snape then stood up quickly, making Ron jump back in actual panic. It helped his act because Snape looked at the scared boy with concern. Snape then put a steady hand on Ron's right shoulder, making Ron go wide-eyed.
"Listen to me Ronald, stay behind my desk and if that man wakes up… do not speak to him. No matter what! Is that clear?" Snape said in low but commanding voice. Ron nodded quickly and moved towards the back of the table. Snape then marched to his fire-place and threw in some floo powder.
"Headmaster's Office" Snape said clearly. When the fire blazed green, Snape put his head through the fire. "Albus come to my office at once. I need your assistance." Then Snape pulled his head out and turned to face the man on the ground. Snape took a few steps closer to Peter, aiming his wand directly at the man.
The fire-place blazed green and Albus Dumbledore stepped through, his wand at the ready. "What has happened, Severus?" Dumbledore asked, his voice was so serious that Ron actually felt tense. This is what he is really like, isn't he? Not some loony old man… Dumbledore then stopped when he saw an unconscious man on the ground, tied in magical ropes. "Severus?"
"Albus… look" Snape said softly. Dumbledore looked at the man more closely, and Ron had never seen someone go so pale so quickly.
"How is this possible? Severus, explain yourself" Dumbledore said, somehow still maintaining his calm voice. Snape just looked towards Ron, who went pale himself. Bloody hell… This isn't good… Dumbledore looked in the same direction as Snape, and was clearly taken by surprise because his eyes widened at Ron. "Ronald… what are you doing here?"
"Headmaster" Snape started, regaining his composure and some calmness. "Mr. Weasley is the one who brought him to me." Dumbledore looked at Snape in disbelief. "He came to me this afternoon, and he told me that he believed his rat to be an Animagus. When I checked for him, well…" Snape was cut off by loud grumbling from the tied up man.
Peter stirred and once he noticed he was in binds, he started looking around in open panic. "What is this?!" Peter shouted. Then Peter noticed Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape looking down at him. Peter opened his mouth to talk but no words came out. Instead he started whimpering.
"Hello, Peter…" Dumbledore said, his face tightening slightly in anger. "I see you are still amongst the living. Care to explain yourself to me?" Ron could literally feel the magic emanating from around the Headmaster, and it scared him. It felt heavy, and volatile. This is Dumbledore… THE Dumbledore… bloody hell what have I gotten myself into here?
"I… I…" Peter stuttered. "I was in hiding Headmaster! Yes, hiding! Sirius… he wanted to kill me! He killed all those poor Muggles Headmas…"
"Enough of your lies…" Snape snarled, pointing his wand more intently at the coward. "I have seen the Mark on your arm, traitor." The mark? Does he mean that blemish?
"Severus, bring some Veritaserum" Dumbledore said in a deadly calm voice. "I will stay here with Peter." Professor Snape billowed past the Headmaster and went into the room which was placed behind his desk. Ron just stood there, watching everything unfold around him as if he was a ghost.
"Ronald…? Ronald is that you?" Peter's voice came, making Ron face the sniveling man. "My friend…" Ron ignored the pathetic man. He had already seen that Peter's sniveling was just an act. An act that had fooled Sirius and gotten him killed in Ron's vision. You won't get out of this… not because of me. "Ronald please… You shared food with me, I'm your companion. Talk to me…" Peter kept sniveling and it made Ron sick to his stomach. He would beg anyone right now… And he betrayed his own friends to save himself… Ron's face darkened and he looked right into Peter's eyes with absolute disdain. Making the sniveling coward go wide-eyed from the sheer hate being sent his way.
"I'm not your friend… I know a manipulative coward when I see one" Ron said in a low menacing tone. He let his friends die, just so that he could live… He stole my wand… He hid amongst my family, and ate with us… We loved him, and he used us! He slept in the same bed as my SISTER! Ron felt his stomach turn at the sight of this disgusting man, how could someone be like this?
"You don't deserve to live…" Ron said in his most grim tone, without even thinking about it. He could feel icy hatred flowing through his veins. How could this man do such horrible things… and still beg for forgiveness?
Dumbledore looked at Ronald with a calm exterior, but inside he felt nothing but a trickling sense of dread. Did Ronald even understand what he was saying? Of course he did, the hate in the boy's voice was evident and Dumbledore could even feel the boy's magic crackling.
"You… YOU" Peter yelled, angered now that he knew his ploy wasn't working.
"Enough!" Dumbledore said, turning his attention to the cowardly man. Snape billowed back into the room with a vial of Veritaserum. "Severus, administer the potion. I have questions for Peter." Snape did as he was told, and he did it rather harshly. Snape grabbed Peter by his throat and squeezed tightly, making Peter open his mouth as he attempted to gasp for air. Then Snape dripped three drops into the man's mouth. Snape only let go when he saw Peter swallow the potion. Peter's eyes became glazed over, and his body relaxed.
"Is your name Peter Pettigrew?" Dumbledore asked calmly.
"Yes" Peter replied.
"Did Sirius Black betray the Potters?" Dumbledore asked. Potters? Like Harry? Ron felt a little confused but he tried to keep his focus on what was happening around him.
"No..." Peter muttered.
"Was Sirius Black the Secret Keeper for the Potters?" Dumbledore continued.
"No, I was…" Peter spoke through gritted teeth. Ron didn't miss how dark Professor Snape's expression became at this information.
"Did you frame Sirius Black for the murder of the Potters, and the twelve Muggles?"
"Yes, I did" Peter whimpered.
"Are you a Death-Eater?" Snape jumped in with his own question.
"Yes…" Peter whimpered again. Ron's eyes almost popped out of their sockets at that. This is a Death-Eater… We had a Death-Eater living in our home?! Ron's head spun a little from this revelation, and his knees felt shaky.
"Severus" Dumbledore said, turning his attention to Snape. "Contact the Ministry at once. Take Peter with you and hand him over to Amelia Bones. No one else." Snape gave a curt nod, and then he fired a red colored spell at Peter non-verbally. The spell knocked Peter out immediately. Was that 'Stupefy'? "Ronald… come with me." With that Dumbledore marched through the still open fire-place. Ron followed after quickly. Damn… This time it's Albus Dumbledore that I have to convince…
Ron stumbled through the fire-place and into the Headmaster's office. At least I didn't fall on my arse… "Ronald take a seat" Dumbledore's voice came, the Headmaster was already sitting behind his desk. Ron did as he was told and took a seat at the table. "Now… tell me everything from the start."
Ron told Dumbledore the same story he had told Snape, making sure that there were no differences in the two explanations. He didn't want Albus Dumbledore of all people on his case. When Ron finished, Dumbledore nodded slowly.
"You have marvelous perception, Ronald" Dumbledore said, a faint smile on his lips. But his eyes weren't twinkling…
"Sir… I just thought it odd that Scabbers… Peter… was alive for so long. He was supposed to be just a garden rat and they aren't meant to live so long." Ron reiterated, hoping Dumbledore was buying this.
"But you suspected him of being an Animagus… before you suspected any sort of enchantment. Why?" Dumbledore asked, his voice kind and soft. But Ron knew that this was an interrogation. And even if it wasn't, Ron would treat it as such. His own paranoia demanded it.
"Because I've already seen one Animagus, Sir" Ron provided, deciding to use McGonagall. Dumbledore stared at the boy in wonder, and he fought the urge to use Legilimency on Ronald. Dumbledore still needed to find out more about this void that Snape had felt. It was still too much of a risk.
"And where did you see an Animagus, Ronald?"
"Professor McGonagall, Sir. She showed us her cat form in our first Transfiguration Class. I've always thought that was amazing and it was still fresh in my mind… So I guess I may have aimed that at Scabbers." Dumbledore nodded slowly. The boy at least had a basis for his theory… Not to mention that he was studying third year Transfiguration while still in first year… It was no wonder that he had suffered from such severe exhaustion and that his magical core was depleted. Was he practicing third year magic as well?
"Most brilliant, Ronald. You are most brilliant!" Dumbledore said, his eyes beginning to twinkle once more. Whatever the case was behind Ronald's actions, he had saved another life today. Sirius Black was innocent and he needed to be freed. Dumbledore felt his chest tighten with guilt at the memory of Sirius being dragged away like some mad animal. Dumbledore knew that he should've pushed for a trial, but he hadn't. And an innocent man had lost ten years of his life… And now Ronald had done the impossible, and paved the way to freedom for Sirius.
"Thank you… Sir. But I was just guessing… I didn't know anything for certain…" Ron thanked Dumbledore lamely. He was taken completely off-guard by the Headmaster's high praise and his cheeks flushed red. Dumbledore chuckled at the sight. Not ten minutes ago, Ronald had made Dumbledore feel dread, and now… now he looked so innocent and child-like. How did someone's personality shift so quickly? Ronald Weasley was indeed an enigma, one that Dumbledore would solve!
Ron sat in the Headmaster's office, and waited while the Headmaster summoned his Heads of Houses. McGonagall was first through the door, and she had brought Ron's brothers with her. "Headmaster, is everything alright?" she asked, her voice was laced with concern. "This is most odd, after all lunch classes are still underway…"
"Please, Professor McGonagall" Dumbledore chuckled. "Come, and sit all of you." They all did as they were told, and Ron smiled at his brothers who were looking at him in concern. They're probably wondering what I've done this time… I seem to worry people constantly… Ron felt a pang of guilt at the thought, because he knew it was true. He was constantly throwing himself into situation that he had no handle on…
Once all the Heads of Houses were present, Dumbledore told them word for word the same story that Ron had told him. Before Dumbledore could reveal anything about Peter Pettigrew, McGonagall asked him to pause respectfully. Then she turned to Ron, her eyes showed her awe at the boy.
"Mr. Weasley, in all my years… Third year Transfiguration?!" She said, her voice laced with disbelief. "And you suspect your own rat?" All Ron could do was smile sheepishly at her, and then at Percy who was staring at Ron with wide-eyes. "Please Headmaster, continue." Dumbledore gave her a faint smile and nodded.
By the time Dumbledore had finished the whole story, everyone in the room had gone deathly pale and they were all horrified. Percy looked more green than pale. Ron and Dumbledore were the only people who were calm in the room, mostly because they had overcome their own shock at the discovery.
"Albus…" McGonagall said in a whisper, losing her composure at the troubling news. "Sirius…" she stopped when Dumbledore raised his hand in a calming manner.
"Severus has already departed with Peter to the Ministry of Magic" Dumbledore said calmly. "He may have already handed Peter over to Amelia Bones. She will set up a trial for Peter, and then we can free Sirius from Azkaban." Dumbledore then turned to Ron. "Ronald, you will be expected to give a statement to the Wizengamot because of your direct involvement in Peter's capture." Ron nodded strongly at that. Anything to make that rat pay for using us!
"We must contact their parents" Professor Flitwick started. "Arthur and Molly need to know about Pettigrew…"
"I will send Fawkes" Dumbledore said. Then Dumbledore turned to the crimson and gold bird sitting on a bird perch. "My friend, travel to The Burrow and bring back Arthur and Molly Weasley. This is of the utmost importance." Fawkes, the crimson and gold bird, gave a loud chirp and then burst into flames. When the flames disappeared, Fawkes was gone. Bloody hell that was wicked… And to think I got stuck with Scabbers…
After almost ten minutes of uncomfortable silence there was roar in the fire-place and Ron's parents stepped through. His father looked tense while his mother was beside herself with worry. "Is it Ronnie? Is my boy alright?!" Molly all but shrieked as soon as she stepped through the fire-place.
"I'm fine mum…" Ron said, feeling embarrassed by her assumption that he had done something. Well she isn't exactly wrong to suspect it was me… It's always me…
"Ronnie!" Molly shrieked again, and then she walked up and embraced him tightly. So tightly that he was gasping for air in seconds. Dumbledore chuckled at the sight, which annoyed Ron greatly. Do something… before she kills me!
"Arthur… Molly… Please sit, there is much that we need to discuss" Dumbledore said in an ominous tone. Ron's parents nodded slowly, and did as they were told when Dumbledore conjured up more chairs. Dumbledore then told them of Scabbers being Peter Pettigrew, and that it was Ron who figured it out.
"No… no, Pettigrew died over ten years ago" Arthur muttered in disbelief.
"And how long has this pet rat been in your family?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes twinkling.
"Almost… ten years…" Molly said, then she gasped loudly. "Arthur the children! It played with them… IT SLEPT IN THEIR BEDS MORE THAN ONCE!" Don't worry mum… He'll sleep in Azkaban from now on! Arthur went red with rage at the realization that this "man" had defiled his home.
"Where is he?" Arthur gritted out, making the Weasley children slink into their chairs. They had never seen their father filled with so much rage.
"Calm yourself, Arthur" Dumbledore said sagely. "He has been handed over to the authorities and I will make sure that he faces the Dementor's Kiss for his crimes." Dementor's Kiss? I've heard that before somewhere…
"And it was Ronnie who figured it out?" Molly asked in a whisper.
"Yes" McGonagall said, placing her hand on Molly's left shoulder. "Ronald made the connection because he was studying Third year Transfiguration, and he suspected the rat's long life. He is truly gifted with strong perception" McGonagall said, and Ron could hear pride in her voice. Ron couldn't help but smile at that.
"Ronald was instrumental in Peter's capture, as such he will have to speak to the Wizengamot soon" Dumbledore added in. Arthur nodded his agreement, and then placed a strong hand on Ron's right shoulder. Ron looked to his father and saw the man smiling down at him with pride. Ron smiled back weakly. They think I'm some genius… but I know the truth. I'm just lucky…
They all sat there and discussed how everything would proceed over the next few days, and an hour later Professor Snape had marched into the office and reported that Peter was successfully in custody. The Aurors had confirmed his identity and locked him up in the Ministry Dungeons to await trial. Snape also told them that he had relayed all the information on Peter's capture to Amelia Bones, and that she had specifically asked about Ron giving a statement. Dumbledore then told Ron that he would be sent a letter by tomorrow morning from the Wizengamot, and that he should just tell the full truth. Ron nodded, but deep down he felt a pang of guilt for lying to everyone.
Dumbledore then dismissed the children from the room, and Ron could feel Dumbledore's stare as he left the office. When Ron and his brothers were past the stone gargoyle, the silence was broken by Fred.
"Merlin's beard… A man… A man was living in our house for ten years…" Fred said, still pale as a ghost.
"And to think we played with him… like he was a pet…" George added, looking more green then pale.
"This is my fault…" Percy muttered to himself, looking like he was going to retch. If he does, I need to jump out of the way…
"Perce…" Fred started but was cut off by Percy himself.
"NO!" Percy shouted, making his brothers jump in surprise. "No, I brought him into the family… How did I not notice anything?! I'm a complete idiot!" Perce… The younger brothers looked at Percy with sorrow, his eyes were red because of his tears and his anger at being used. At being deceived completely. Everyone in the Weasley family knew how much Percy loved Scabbers, and just how much he doted on his pet rat. All of that love… it was a lie… Percy sobbed and sat down on the ground. He didn't care if his robes got dirtied… Ron and the twins watched Percy crying for the first time in a long time, and it made all three of them teary eyed. Percy… Without thinking Ron slowly walked up to Percy's slouched figure and he hugged his brother tightly from his left side. The twins followed Ron's lead and sat down with Percy. Both of them putting comforting hands on their big brother and trying to soothe his pain.
They four brothers sat in front of a stone gargoyle, and supported each other. They didn't care if someone saw them, and they didn't care that it might look weird. Ron and the twins knew that Percy needed them there, and they wouldn't let him down. He might be a prat, but he was their prat. And Percy could only sob at being so foolish as to never suspect Scabbers' long life. His little brother had figured it out in less than six months, and made the connection of Scabbers being an Animagus. Whereas Percy had done nothing but be deceived. He was such a fool! Percy the Foolish! He didn't deserve to be in this family… He had brought that man into their home… Percy sobbed for almost twenty minutes, and his brothers didn't leave his side for even a second.
Ron entered the common room just before dinner was about to start, and he instantly caught the attention of his friends. "There you are!" Daphne screeched as she marched up to him. She was about to berate him, but stopped short when she saw his haggard appearance. "Ron…?" Daphne muttered. Ron gave her a forced smile. He had no clue that his eyes were bloodshot, and his skin was deathly pale.
"Hey Daphne… How's your day been?" Ron asked, completely exhausted both emotionally and physically. I need to sleep… or eat… or do both…
"Bloody hell, Ron" Theo said as he approached the red-head. "What happened to you?" Ron was now surrounded by his concerned friends, even Blaise looked a little concerned which made Ron rather happy. What happened? Oh I just found out that a damn Death-Eater was sharing my bed for six months… Great day…
"Long story short" Ron said, deciding that he couldn't be bothered right now to tell the whole tale. "I figured out that my pet rat Scabbers was actually an Animagus… And it turns out that he was also a Death-Eater whom everyone believed was dead… I helped apprehend him. That's why I wasn't in classes today…" Ron finished with a sigh. His friends just stared at Ron like he had grown several heads.
"What's… an Animagus?" Millie asked slowly.
"A witch or wizard that can turn into an animal" Blaise muttered, still too shocked to even think about Ron's story. Was he actually telling the truth?
"Look… I'm tired…" Ron all but whispered. "Can we just go to dinner…? We can talk about this tomorrow…" His friends nodded slowly, except for Daphne who was looking at Ron very oddly. Her eyes were wet, and turning red. Is she about to cry? Why? I'm the one who went through the grinder… Ron then shook his head in a tired fashion and walked back out of the common room, followed slowly by his friends.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Oh damn! Didn't see that coming did ya? I was going to keep Scabbers around for longer but his discovery fit perfectly well within what the other arcs require. Also I want people to understand that this story isn't following the conventional formula anymore! It always bothered me when things stayed the same during Slytherin!Ron stories. I promise that it is my goal to provide something refreshing, and extremely different from the original tale! Coz let's face it, Harry's life would be truly something else without Ron! Will try to post faster, want to get as much out as possible before University starts again in March... =( Also Ron's visions will be showing this alternate future in more detail further in the book.