AUTHOR'S NOTES: BOOM! Here is Chapter 14 everyone! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
I also used horizontal lines to break the chapter apart. Just so it looks more tidy and is easier to follow. Let me know what you think!
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 14 – Chocolates and Heartaches
Ronald Weasley's POV
Ron was moments away from entering the Courtroom, which was found within the lower dungeons of the Ministry of Magic. His mother and father were by his side, doing their best to encourage him to be brave. He didn't need their encouragement, he needed Peter Pettigrew gone. And that alone gave him the resolve to push through and face the Wizengamot. For the last five days, all Ron had thought about was this trial. His every waking moment was spent thinking about what Peter had done to his family, and his silent anger was eating him up. Every time he saw Percy's fallen face, Ron heard his own heart thumping in his ears.
His friends were still reeling from the discovery as well, and they were growing increasingly more concerned about Ron. They could see that Ron was barely keeping everything together, especially with his studies taking their toll on him. They didn't understand that those studies were the only thing keeping Ron from losing his mind and exploding in rage. He needed those books to distract him. But after today… after today Ron would finally be rid of Peter Pettigrew.
"They are ready for you, Mr. Weasley" A woman in her middle ages said. Ron gave her a nod, and along with his parents, he entered the Courtroom. The first thing he noted was Peter Pettigrew tied to a chair with magical binds, and he seemed to be gagged. Ron smirk inwardly at the sight. The next thing he saw was Sirius Black who was in a cage right next to Peter, and all he was doing was staring murder at Pettigrew.
"Ah, Mr. Weasley" came Dumbledore's sagely voice. Ron turned to it and he saw Dumbledore sitting on a podium, with around fifty people split evenly to his sides. Everyone was wearing formal black robes, and they all had funny black hats on. Take a deep breath, and just do this. "Mr. Weasley, please step into the middle of the Court" Dumbledore requested. Ron did as he was told immediately, and now he was in between Peter and Dumbledore.
"Mr. Weasley" Dumbledore continued, making Ron look up at the old wizard. "You are here as an eye-witness to the capture of one Peter Pettigrew, and as a witness to his confessions under the influence of Veritaserum. As such, please inform us of everything that you witnessed." Ron gave Dumbledore a strong nod.
Ron then listed everything from suspecting Scabbers to the events within Snape's office, finally finishing strongly with an account of Peter's confession under Veritaserum. Dumbledore's soft smile had given Ron the strength to keep speaking in a clear, strong voice. The Headmaster wouldn't let him down, Ron was certain. "The evidence against the accused is overwhelming" Dumbledore began again. "Does the accused have anything to say in his defense?" With that, Dumbledore flicked his wand and ungagged Peter Pettigrew.
The first thing Ron heard from Peter was sniveling, and it made him sick to his stomach. Bloody coward… "I… I was under the Imperius…" Peter began but Sirius launched himself at the bars of his own cage, trying to grab at Peter.
"LIAR! HE LIES!" Sirius yelled, making Ron jump a little.
"SILENCE!" Dumbledore said, his voice amplified by a spell of some kind. Ron jumped again because of it. Bloody hell… maybe I should start screaming too…
"I was under the Imperius Curse… I swear it!" Peter yelled pathetically. "The Dark Lord used the Curse on me himself! Please… Please…" Peter sniveled. It was the most pathetic sight Ron had ever seen.
"You confessed under the influence of Veritaserum that you were the Secret Keeper to the Potter family's whereabouts" Dumbledore said, his voice was calm and normal once again. "The Fidelius Charm would never allow you to divulge that information unless it was divulged voluntarily. Even if the Unforgivable Curses were used on you, you would not be able to divulge the information. What say you to this?"
"Please… Please show mercy…" Peter cried, looking to Dumbledore with wet, beady eyes.
"You are also accused of murdering twelve Muggles, a crime that you framed Sirius Black for" Dumbledore continued. "The Aurors used Legilimency on you when you were first interrogated by them. Madam Bones, please give your account of the accused's memories on the date of the First of November, 1981." Legilimency…?
A woman with a square jaw and a monocle stood up. "The memories of the accused exposed him as the culprit who cast the Blasting Curse which killed the twelve Muggles" Madam Bones spoke in a booming voice. "The accused also used a Severing Charm to cut of his own finger, and then escaped in his Animagus form." With that, Madam Bones sat back down.
"What does the accused have to say to this?" Dumbledore asked calmly. Just send him to Azkaban already… We all know that he is a Death-Eater!
"Mercy… mercy…" Peter cried, he had snot and tears all over his face and it was all dripping down his chin. Ugh…
"Given the overwhelming evidence and no plausible defense from the accused, the accused is hereby found guilty of the crimes of murder, fraud, being an unregistered Animagus, and aiding the Dark Lord and his Death-Eaters" Dumbledore finished, making Peter cry louder. "As the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, I hereby sentence Peter Pettigrew to the Dementor's Kiss. Sirius Black is also to be set free from Azkaban, and to be compensated for wrongful imprisonment for the last ten years. All in favor?" Dumbledore asked, looking around to see the votes. Every person in the black robes put their hands up.
"The vote is unanimous" Dumbledore continued, and then he used his gavel to make it official. Ron turned around and smiled at Sirius Black, Ron just couldn't help it. Ten years of Azkaban… while that bloody coward ran and hid with my family… At least he is free now. And he gets to see Peter pay for his crimes! Sirius let out a strangled cry and fell to his knees, sobbing with joy and relief.
Dumbledore flicked his wand and the cage slowly disappeared into thin air. Sirius Black was finally a free man. Sirius looked to Ron, still on his knees and in tears. "Thank you… Thank you…" Sirius managed to choke out. His gaunt, sunken face contorting as he wept with joy at finally being set free from Azkaban, the most atrocious place in Wizarding England. Ron couldn't help himself as he slowly approached the broken man, and placed his right hand softly on Sirius' left shoulder.
Ron smiled at Sirius and they both held eye contact for a short moment. Ocean blue eyes gazed into hollow grey ones, and in that one short moment Ron came to firm conclusion. His powers were a gift. A gift that he would use to save anyone, not just those he cared for. Seeing the joy and relief in Sirius' eyes cemented Ron's resolve. This is right. This is what I was given this power for. Cameras flashed around Ron and Sirius, but neither of them paid any attention to the flashes. "Thank you… for my life…" Sirius whispered in a cracked voice, and then he put his right hand over Ron's left one.
"I'm sorry you lost so much of it…" Ron whispered back, smiling sadly at the gaunt man.
Ron waited at the Floo Network Hub within the Ministry of Magic, and he was joined by his parents. "You did a wonderful thing today, sweetheart" Molly cooed, pinching Ron's right cheek.
"Mum stop…" Ron said as he tried to get his face away from her hands, but he didn't want her to stop. He was loving this attention from his mother. Things had become rocky for them after his sorting, but their relationship was finally becoming normal again. If anything, it was even becoming stronger than before. Guess that letter wasn't all bad…
"I'm very proud of you son" Arthur said smiling widely, and then he ruffled Ron's hair. Ron shrieked at the realization that his father had just undone Daphne's work. She had pinned him down and combed his hair with extreme pleasure and joy. And now it was ruined… She is going to murder me! That was when Dumbledore entered and saw them, with Ron trying to dodge his parent's pats and pinches. It brought a smile to his old features.
"Are you ready to say goodbye, Ronald" Dumbledore said softly as he approached the family. "We'd best get you back to Hogwarts before your friends miss you too much." Ron nodded at Dumbledore with a smile, but he still had to make sure of one thing.
"What will happen to Mr. Black?" Ron asked, looking up at the Headmaster. Albus gave a sad smile to the red-haired boy.
"Remus Lupin, a friend of Mr. Black's… he was here to pick him up" Dumbledore provided. "Do not worry for Sirius, Ronald. He will be fine from here on out." Dumbledore couldn't help but feel another pang of guilt. Sirius' imprisonment could have been avoided, if only Dumbledore had acted differently. He was so furious about the Potters' fate that he had felt nothing but disgust at Sirius, who was not the Secret Keeper as the Order had believed, and as such he had decided to ignore Sirius when Barty Crouch Snr. had sent him to Azkaban without a trial. And now an eleven year old boy had to repair his mistake.
"That's good. I'm ready to go now" Ron said, happy that Sirius would be alright. He has been through enough already.
Ron and Dumbledore then bid Ron's parents goodbye and then used the closest fire-place to Floo back into Albus' office. "Here we are" Dumbledore said in a soft chuckle when he saw Ron stumble and fall on his bum.
"Ugh… I hate using the Floo…" Ron complained as he stood up and began dusting his robes. Dumbledore chuckled a little more at that. Yeah… laugh at a child who has the grace of a troll…
"You are thinking too much Ronald, the flames cannot harm you. Relax your mind, and just step forward as you usually would. I assure you, your feet will find solid ground" Dumbledore said in his calmest voice. "Sometimes… we just need to have faith." Ron was confused at Dumbledore's last few words, but he chose to ignore them. Crazy old loon…
"Thank you for the advice, Sir. May I please be excused to my common room? My friends are waiting for me."
"Certainly, have a pleasant Saturday. I am very proud of you, Ronald" Dumbledore said softly, making Ron blush red. ALBUS DUMBLEDORE IS PROUD OF ME! I need to tell Luna and Ginny about this!
Ron said his farewells to the Headmaster and marched to the Slytherin common room in high spirits, today had been a good day. But as he passed through the entrance of the common room, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous. I took down a former Death-Eater… Is this going to have a negative effect on my standing within Slytherin? He could not have been more wrong because as soon as his house-mates noticed him, they gave him smiles and nods. Some of them even patted his back and congratulated him for showing Slytherin in a good light once again. Ron smiled and accepted the kind words, and he felt himself release a breath that he didn't even know he was holding. Thank Merlin… at least they won't strangle me in my sleep…
Ron then joined his friends on the couch, and the girls gave him warm smiles whereas Theo and Blaise looked closed off. Is something bothering them? Ron was about to ask but a particularly enthusiastic Tracey planted herself next to Ron on the couch. "Our fearless leader returns!" Tracey exclaimed, making Ron go a bit red at her closeness. "Death-Eaters beware…" she chuckled, making Daphne frown at her.
"Trace, give him some space" Daphne said in a haughty tone. "He's had a long day." Daphne then turned to Ron and looked at him with a smile. "How did it go Ron?"
"Peter Pettigrew was sentenced to a Dementor's kiss" Ron started. "And Sirius Black has been set free and found innocent of all charges." Ron smiled at the memory of Sirius crying with joy. I'll help them all. No matter what! "I was worried, you know" Ron continued, looking at each of his friends. "I thought some Slytherins might not be too happy with what I did today. I was wrong, they all seem to be glad." His female friends looked at him sadly when he said that, which made his heart skip a beat. "What is it?"
"Ron…" Daphne started but stopped. Okay… now I'm getting worried. What did I miss? Why are Theo and Blaise so serious about something?
"Stop being so naïve Ron" Blaise said curtly, his face blank as always. "No one is stupid enough to openly support Death-Eaters… So don't mistake their words for praises. There are a fair few Slytherins who would love nothing more than to call you a Blood-Traitor to your face right now." Ron paled at that. What…?
"Blaise is right Ron" Theo added in. "I overheard some fourth year boys talking about you this morning after you left. They… They planned on attacking you if they ever caught you alone…" Ron's eyes widened at that. What the hell…? "Not to mention that Draco is using this to drive home the fact that you are 'scum', and associate with 'Mud-Bloods', to every Slytherin with ears. Ron you need to be careful" Theo finished strongly, leaving Ron stunned.
"Are… are you guys in trouble again… because of me?" Ron said, feeling a tight knot in his stomach. I'm bloody screwed…
"No… not yet" Theo said, and then he sighed. Do they… do my friends feel the same as the other Slytherins? They can't…
"Do you all feel like the other Slytherins do?" Ron asked in a whisper, he knew that he wouldn't be able to bear it if they did. "You're all with me on this… right? Peter Pettigrew was a Death-Eater, he got what he deserved… You understand that, right…?"
"Yes, without a doubt" said Tracey without delaying for a second. Ron smiled at her, he had known for certain that she would be on his side for this. Ron then looked to each of his friends, and they didn't look so sure. Ron felt his stomach drop at that. Please don't…
"I'm with you Ron" Millie said after a second. "I don't care what my parents say, you've been… you've been kind to me. And you've never pushed me around or picked on me…" she trailed off, blushing with embarrassment. But when Ron smiled at her, she smiled back. Millie!
"Me too Ron" Daphne said, smiling softly at him. "My parents…" she trailed off for a second, but then continued again. "They've never told me or my sister to be like that. I don't even think that they are like that anymore… I don't care about what the other Slytherins say…" This is good… I'm not going to lose them over this. I refuse to lose them just like that! Ron then looked to Theo, who was looking at down at his own hands. Please… Theo please…
"Ron…" Theo said after a long moment, his voice turning a little grim. "We… I was raised to…" Theo sighed, and then he did the worst thing he could have. Theo shook his head whilst holding his stare on his own hands. Ron felt his heart clench tightly in his chest. Ron then looked to Blaise, who was just looking to the fire. Blaise's eyes had gone hard and the fire's reflection danced within them. They… I always knew but… After everything… "I'm sorry Ron… but I can't see them as our equals… they are barbaric scum" Theo gritted out, making Ron go wide-eyed. Theo then looked up at Ron, and Ron could see the conflict in his eyes. Then Theo just stood up and left.
"Theo!" Tracey exclaimed. But when he didn't stop, she went after him. Ron was left staring at the spot on which Theo had been sitting. His head was spinning, and his hands began to tremble lightly. I lost him… I lost Theo… What is happening? Everything was fine before I left…
Blaise then got up as well, and Daphne stood up and grabbed his hand. "Blaise… don't…" Daphne said, her voice was becoming strained. They're leaving me…
"This… this can't work" Blaise whispered to Daphne, making sure that Ron couldn't hear him. "I will lose everything… I thought I could change him… to make him see as Theo and I do… That we Pure-Bloods deserve magic more than… them… But he won't Daphne… After what he did today… My mother will never allow me to be his friend. I will lose it all if I chose him. So I can't…"
"Blaise… please don't…" Ron managed to say, and then he looked at the dark skinned boy. Don't leave me… I need you! They both looked into each other's eyes, and Ron felt that moment last forever. And then Blaise blinked and just walked away, his face blank. Ron's chest clenched again and he let out a shaky breath. This isn't happening… I lost them…
That left only Pansy and Ron looked to her slowly, his eyes becoming increasingly more wet. "And you…?" Ron said, his voice shaking.
"You took me in after… after everything. I'm not going anywhere. We're friends, and you said that we would stick together" Pansy finished with a sad smile, and then she sniffled loudly and rubbed her eyes. "My parents… they were neutral in the last war…" she trailed off, and then she sniffled again. "I'm not going." Ron gave her a smile, and he felt tears run down his face. He quickly wiped them away.
Out of all of his friends, he considered Theo and Blaise as his best ones. They were the first to approach him, the first to show him that Slytherin was more than just a house of gits, and they had been by his side throughout everything so far. But not anymore… They wouldn't continue their morning runs, or him teaching them different spells by the lake, or them playing chess till all hours into the night. They were gone… And Ron was the reason. He had pushed them over and over with his choices. How long could they stick around? How long could they keep taking the heat from my actions? I did this… I lost them… And suddenly he felt like he always had when he saw his mother and sister playing together, he felt like he didn't deserve to join them…
Ron put his hands on his face, he didn't want the girls to see him cry. He did his best to not make a sound, but every now and then he would release a sob. The girls didn't leave though, they sat with him and comforted him quietly. They too felt the pain of losing Theo and Blaise… and when Tracey came back from chasing after Theo, she joined them.
The days leading up to February the fourteenth were slow and painful for Ron. Things were tense between Ron and the other Slytherins at first, but after the Daily Prophet had named him in both their articles 'Boy Prodigy Saves Sirius Black' and 'Peter Pettigrew receives the Dementor's Kiss', things only got worse. Malfoy had already convinced about half of the younger Slytherins (fourth year and below) against Ron, just on the basis of Ron's beliefs. And after the articles came out, Malfoy had garnered even more support.
And to make matters worse, Theo and Blaise still hadn't said a word to him since the day of the trial. They didn't join up with Malfoy either, much to Ron's relief, but instead spent their time together. They always seemed to be in a heated debate about something and every time Ron looked in their direction, they would do their best to avert their gaze. That alone was enough to cut Ron deeply. Then there was the problem of sharing a dorm with two people who didn't even talk to you… Merlin that was awkward. So Ron had started going to bed earlier and waking up before they would. It was the only way to avoid the awkwardness.
Ron's relationship with the Gryffindors also began to suffer, as he knew that associating with them would get him into more trouble. So Ron started avoiding the library, and only talked with his three Gryffindor friends if they approached him. He even distanced himself from his brothers, mostly because he knew they would start a fight with the Slytherins on Ron's behalf. That was the last thing Ron needed. And then Harry had gone and thanked him in public for saving Sirius Black, and told him and everyone around them that Sirius was Harry's Godfather. Ron was very happy to hear this, but he didn't enjoy the looks he was getting from the surrounding Slytherins. Ron knew that Harry had just done him in without even realizing it.
Ron only had two things going right for him during those days. The first thing was the girls. Daphne, Tracey, Millie, and Pansy never left his side and were always trying to cheer him up. Ron in return did the same thing for them, because he understood that he wasn't the only one hurting. The second thing was that Carey Ductu, and many of the older students (fifth years and above), still treated Ron as they always did. Ron even overheard Carey Ductu give out a detention to a fourth year Slytherin boy, because the boy had called Ron a 'Mud-Blood lover' behind his back. It was a small relief to know that he still had allies he could rely on.
And then, it was Valentine's Day at Hogwarts. Ron sat on the breakfast table, with Daphne to his right and the other three girls across him. This was their new seating arrangement lately. I miss the old one… Ron ate as much as he could stomach, which wasn't a lot because the stress from his studies and 'other' problems did nothing to help his appetite. "Ron, you should eat some more" Daphne said, smiling kindly at him.
"I'm not really hungry" Ron muttered, smiling a hollow smile at Daphne.
"Ron, you've eaten one piece of toast…" Pansy said softly. "You are going to start losing weight at this rate." She's right… I'm just worrying them for no reason. Then an idea clicked in Ron's head. Ron gave a sheepish grin to Pansy, and then stole bacon off of her plate. "HEY!" she exclaimed, laughing at Ron.
"You'd better remember the rules Pansy!" Ron said as he took a bite out of the stolen bacon. "I was only pretending so you'd let your guard down!" Pansy laughed at him, and the other girls joined in. That's better, they shouldn't be upset… Ron then tried stealing food from the other girls and breakfast turned into a battle of speed and skill. All in all, Ron would say that was the most fun he'd had in a while. After breakfast ended, Ron decided that he was done trying to please the Slytherins and earn their fickle loyalties. If they didn't like him for who he was, then they could just shut their gobs and move on. He already had friends and he didn't need more.
Ron was fully back to his normal-self by the end of the first two periods, much to the relief of his friends. He even went over and talked to Hermione, Harry, and Neville just before lunch started, not caring one bit about who was watching. Let them watch… I'll hex whoever tries anything against me…
He sat down with the girls for lunch with a massive smile that he didn't need to fake, and he felt his stomach growl. I'm starving! Wonder if they have a special Valentine's Day themed lunch. They did not, but Ron wasn't put-off because he was still starving. Ron ate to bursting and ignored the girls who seemed revolted at his vicious eating techniques. Once he was finished, he let out a burp and instantly had to move because Daphne tried to smack him.
"Hey!" Ron exclaimed, a grin forming on his face.
"You are an animal Ronald Weasley" Daphne huffed, trying to stop her smile. "Eating like a Mountain Troll in front of Ladies of Noble Births."
"Noble Births…?" Ron said, grinning at Daphne. "You?" Daphne huffed in indignation and scowled at him.
"Yes. Me. I come from the…" Daphne started, but Tracey cut her off.
"Those are a lot of owls!" Tracey exclaimed, pointing them out. Ron looked to where she was pointing and he saw dozens upon dozens of owls flooding the Great Hall. Merlin… maybe something bad has happened… Ron instantly got serious and alert at the thought. What could have happened? Did he miss something that his visions could have changed?
"They are delivering chocolates and love notes… It's Valentine's Day" Millie explained, slightly concerned with Ron's change of demeanor. She had noticed something odd about Ron which she had never brought up. His demeanor tended to just… change. One second he would be laughing and joking… and the next second he would be dead serious and a little scary… The same had happened just before he had turned in Scabbers/Peter Pettigrew… Not to mention that he had said nothing about Scabbers and then out of the blue he had caught onto the rat… It didn't make sense to Millicent.
"Oh…" Ron said, slowly relaxing. "Wait we could order chocolates? When did that happen?"
"The Headmaster told us a few days ago…" Daphne scowled, looking put off for some reason. "Boys…"
"Chivalry is dead!" Tracey joked, earning a laugh out of Millie and Ron but not from Daphne and Pansy.
"If chivalry means that I have to give out chocolates rather than eat them myself… then yeah it's dead!" Ron said with a laugh. Tracey and Millie laughed at that, while Pansy and Daphne scowled at him.
"So unromantic…" Pansy said with a huff. Daphne then huffed as well, pouting like a spoiled brat. Haha she's so cute! Then he looked to the owls who were dropping packages all over the place. And much to his shock, quite a few owls were flying right at him. What the…? Before he could finish that thought, nine different packages landed on him and on his plate. Woah…
"Ohhh…" Tracey cooed. "Someone is popular!" Ron went beet-red. I got so many… Who would send me chocolates? Ron then looked around to see his female friends and noticed that they had all gotten chocolates too. Millie had one box, Tracey and Pansy had three boxes each, and Daphne had four boxes. Ron smiled at his nine boxes. I… don't know what to say… Ron then looked to Daphne who was staring at his nine boxes with a dark look, it scared Ron a little.
"Daphne… are you okay?" Ron asked, bracing himself for a smack. Daphne turned her dark look to him.
"I'm fine" Daphne spat out, making Ron flinch. But he did not flinch from her words, instead it was because he knew what jealousy sounded like. What is she jealous about? That I got more than her? She can literally buy a building full of chocolates with her family's money… Spoiled princess…
"Hey, I didn't send these to myself… So don't get mad at me" Ron said, getting annoyed. "I didn't even know that we could send out chocolates…" That was apparently the wrong thing to say because Daphne's look got darker and she huffed loudly, got up, and just left with her own boxes. "What the hell…?" Ron asked his other friends, who were trying to hide their gazes from him. There was an awkward silence. What is happening?!
When no one said anything for a minute, Ron decided to open his boxes and see what he got. He recognized eight of the chocolate boxes because he had seen the different brands in various sweet shops before, but one box of chocolates seemed foreign to him. "Have you seen these before?" Ron asked, showing the remaining three girls the box. They all analyzed the box.
"No" Pansy and Mille said after a moment. Damn… Ron then looked to Tracey who looked like she was remembering something.
"Cadbury… I've seen these before!" Tracey said with a smile. "These are Muggle chocolates, Ron! Now I wonder which Muggle-Born would send you chocolates…" Tracey said in a sly tone. Ron knew this wasn't something that he would enjoy hearing.
"A certain bushy-haired girl perhaps…?" Pansy joined in, grinning at Ron's ever increasing blush. "Awww… this is so cute!" No bloody way she would… Wait… Would she? Ron then peeped over to the Gryffindor table, and he saw Hermione talking with Harry.
"Nine boxes though…" Millie piped up, making Ron look at her. "I knew you were popular but that is a lot of girls." Ron felt his ears burn in embarrassment. That is a lot of girls…
"I'm not too surprised" Pansy provided.
"I am" Ron retorted. "I mean the only girls I talk to are you guys and Hermione… So who would send me all these…?" Pansy looked at Ron as if he was daft, making Ron shrink a bit into his seat.
"You are such a duffer, Ron" Pansy said in a giggle after a short second. "You were just in the Daily Prophet, not to mention everything else you've done so far at Hogwarts. You're quite famous… or infamous… amongst the four houses."
"And girls loooove a notorious man" Tracey cooed, and then she laughed at Ron's horrified face. Really…? Never thought about this… This still doesn't explain Daphne's anger at me? What was she jealous about?
"Is that why Daphne is mad?" Ron asked slowly. "That I got more chocolates than her?" The girls looked at Ron like he was an idiot… again. Then they broke into giggles and looks of disbelief.
"No one can be this stupid…" Pansy laughed at Ron. Hey…
"Ron clearly is" Tracey laughed as well. HEY…
"I'm sorry Ron, but you really are silly sometimes" Millie joined in with the other girls. HEY!
"HEY! Ease up, yeah?" Ron said, getting irked at being called stupid. The girls just laughed at him some more. And they kept laughing as Ron struggled to carry his nine boxes of chocolates down to the common room.
The group spent the rest of the day, after their lunch classes, eating chocolates and doing homework. Ron did his best to make it up to Daphne, but she would just shoot him dark glares and he would instantly shrink away from her. He was at the end of his wits, and only then did Tracey tell him what he had to do. Turns out, all he had to do was get Daphne some chocolates because she had gotten him some. Ron figured that Daphne was just annoyed because she had gotten him some, but he hadn't even bothered to think of her. Ron felt a little embarrassed at the thought of buying a girl, that wasn't one of his sisters, chocolates but he knew that he would rather do that than face Daphne's ire. So he ordered some in the Owl Mail Order before going to bed.
Ron was eating breakfast the next morning when an over-eager owl flew down in full-tilt at him. Ron had to duck for cover just to avoid losing an eye, and the sniggering of his house-mates and friends turned him beet-ret. Damn owl is worse than Errol! The owl then came back around and this time it dropped a package on Ron, which Ron caught with surprising dexterity. The package was completely covered with brown packaging paper. Ron knew what was underneath the brown paper, so he chose not to open it. I'm not giving her chocolates in front of the whole school… they'd mock me for the next seven years! His female friends, with the exception of Daphne who was eating quietly, were quite curious about it but he refused to tell them what it was. I don't even know why Tracey is acting like she doesn't know, she told me to get them…
Once breakfast ended, Ron traveled down to the common room for his books whilst still hiding the package from prying eyes. It was only when he was in his dorm did Ron finally tear off the brown packaging, revealing a box which contained heart shaped boxes. Merlin… kill me… Ron then hid the chocolates under his blanket and left the dorm. Time to go get Daphne… I'm really nervous for some reason… C'mon Weasley! You've killed a Mountain Troll! This is nothing… His thoughts helped settle his nerves a bit, but his palms were getting sweaty.
"Daphne" Ron said, catching the blonde girl's attention. She isn't wearing the golden pin I got her…
"What is it?" Daphne bit out. It isn't too late to run away Weasley… No just do it!
"Um… can I talk to you?" Ron asked, trying to smile but failing horribly. Just bloody relax…
"We are talking" Daphne said, raising an eyebrow at him sarcastically. It made him feel so… tiny. Was she always this scary?
"I meant… I meant in private… please" Ron pleaded. Daphne narrowed her eyes at him, and then after a second she huffed loudly.
"Fine."
"Thank you" Ron almost jumped for joy. Halfway done Ron! Keep going. Ron then led Daphne up to his dorm, and told her to wait outside. She gave him a curt nod, still holding her dark look. Ron then quickly ran into his room, grabbed the chocolates and hid them behind his back, and then he ran back outside to her.
"Well?" Daphne asked, still glaring at him. Ron gave her a sheepish smile, and then presented the box of chocolates. Daphne stared at them and her eye-widened a bit.
"I… I didn't know about the chocolate thing… I've been really distracted, and I'm sorry…" Ron muttered, turning bright red in the face. This is worse than the troll! THIS IS SO MUCH WORSE! "I would have gotten you chocolates if I knew… I swear." Please believe me… I know I'm lying but still… Daphne still hadn't said a word, and she was still staring at the chocolates. Just take them you evil bint! Take them and save me from this anxiety! When Ron noticed a smile creeping onto her face, he almost sighed in relief. It's over… She accepted…
"Ron…" Daphne whispered, sounding like Millie when she cooed at her cat. "Thank you" she said, smiling happily at the box. She then took the box from him and gave him a huge smile. "Did you really mean it?"
"Are you asking if I would have gotten you chocolates if I knew?" Ron asked, a little worried that this wasn't over yet. She nodded, still smiling. LIE! "Yes, I meant it." Daphne beamed at Ron, and then she did the one thing that he could never have predicted. She leaned forward and gave him a kiss on his left cheek. Ron's anxiety tripled and he almost passed out from shock. What… just happened?
"Good" Daphne said, smiling as happily as he'd ever seen her. Then she turned around and started walking back to the common room. Ron stood rooted to his spot, not sure about what had just happened. Right before she was about to disappear through the door she stopped, then she turned around and looked at him. Her cheeks had a stronger blush on them now. "You'd better not forget next year" she said, still smiling happily. Then she was gone. Next year? What…?
Blaise Zabini POV
Blaise,
I won't be around for the Easter Break Holidays. Devon is taking me to Paris! I am so very excited about this! I will make sure to send you a souvenir!
I expect that you are doing well in school. Make sure that you impress Draco Malfoy with your grades. His father is a powerful man, Blaise. He will take you far if you play your cards right.
As for your Holidays, you have my permission to spend it with the Nott family again. Make sure that you behave, and show them that I raised with respect. I have also put more money inside your trust account.
Best Regards,
Clementine Zabini.
Blaise put the letter down, holding his mask of indifference in place. Paris… I haven't seen her in over a year now… Blaise tossed the letter away with minimum effort and then he stared up at the ceiling, admiring the patterns that the Library's ceiling had. I need to talk to Theo about staying over at his… Not that it matters. His father will probably be drunk the entire time we are there, so he won't even notice. Blaise let out a tired sigh. His 'mother' didn't even care to find out who he was friends with apparently, because she believed that he was still following Draco around…
Blaise wasn't surprised in the least though. He was used to it. He didn't have a mother, he had a stranger who put money in his trust account… Blaise had spent more time in Nott Manor and Malfoy Manor than in his own home, which was barely used anymore by even his mother. She was always out looking for strong, wealthy men to ensnare with her smiles. Damn fools… My mother is incapable of love…
Blaise wasn't a fool however. Some would even say that he was quite intelligent, when he put the effort in. He knew all about his mother's streak of husbands, and the only thing that he didn't know was which of them had sired him. I think it was number two… or maybe three… Who cares? The only thing that he did know about his father was that he was a Pure-Blood. His mother would never reproduce with anyone who had 'dirty blood'. The thought made Blaise's skin crawl. Why did she even have me?
The only good memory he had with his mother was when he was five. He had gotten sick, and she had spent the whole day nursing him by herself. Once he was feeling better, she had taken him outside and the two of them had sat under the stars. She had told him beautiful stories about the stars and who they were named after. His love for Astronomy was born that day. At first he had wanted to show her his own knowledge but after she had rebuffed his offer too many times to count, he simply gave up on that. Instead he learned more and more about the stars as a way of reliving that one beautiful night that he had spent with her. The one night that he felt like he had a mother.
Blaise was taken out of his happiest memory when a loud bell rang through the library. It was the end of his free periods, and now he had to go back to the common room to get ready for lunch. He was not looking forward to that… February was coming to an end, and he had spent the whole month with only Theo for company. He enjoyed Theo's company, there was no doubt about that, but he did miss his other friends. He missed Ron… That sense of longing had taken Blaise by surprise himself. Blaise was used to not expecting anything from anyone, but Ron had been… different. Ron gave far more than he took, and Ron never expected to be paid for his help. Ron helped because he wanted to, and that was something Blaise couldn't fathom. And now that was the one thing that Blaise missed the most.
Blaise had spent the whole month with Theo, and both of them had argued on most days. Theo was conflicted between keeping his own friendship with Ron and his utter hatred for Muggles, and that had made Theo volatile to say the least. Theo was usually calm and conniving, but seeing Theo in such a state had put Blaise in a situation that he had never been in. How was he meant to help Theo? Blaise had never helped anyone before, he was the one who was helped… Helped by Draco, then helped by Theo, and then helped by Ron. Blaise was not keen to go to lunch at all. He knew there was another fight ahead… I should never have left Ron… But Theo needs me.
Blaise and Theo ate in silence, and for that Blaise was grateful. I'm too tired to argue with Theo today. But Blaise couldn't help but notice how subdued Theo looked, like he had just given up. This can't go on… We need to choose and we need to do it soon.
Draco had wasted no time in approaching them after their split from Ron, promising them that he would look past their 'previous mistakes'. Theo had rejected Draco politely and then just walked away, leaving Draco shocked. But Blaise understood why Theo had refused the Malfoy heir, Theo was unsure of what to do. Theo still wanted to be friends with Ron but he knew that Ron would never accept his hatred towards Muggles. But all of that didn't matter now, they needed to choose soon because two people couldn't survive by themselves within Slytherin. They needed allies, or they would both become outcasts…
Blaise was ripped from his somber thoughts because of laughter. More specifically, laughter coming from the first year Slytherin girls. Blaise looked over to his former group of friends with as much subtlety as he could muster. He's at it again… making them laugh themselves silly… Ron was talking animatedly with Daphne about something, and all four girls were laughing hysterically. Blaise then looked away towards the older students, and the sight made Blaise clench his jaw.
Some fourth years were glaring murder at Ron, without the red-head's knowledge. This is bad… Why is he doing this? Blaise had noticed that around Valentine's Day, Ron had started to come back to his normal self. Ron openly associated with the Gryffindors, and he made as much noise as he always did on the dining table. It was as if Ron was challenging the other Slytherins to say something about it. He is going to turn himself into Undesirable No. 1 if he doesn't stop…
Blaise then looked at Theo to see if his weedy friend had noticed the same thing, Theo had noticed. Sensing Blaise looking at him, Theo turned his attention to him. Blaise and Theo held eye-contact for a few seconds, and then Theo proceeded with his meal. Blaise had to fight himself just to hide his annoyance at Theo.
"So that's it…? We're just going to ignore those looks?" Blaise said, bracing himself for another argument. "They are going to go after Ron… and you're just going to eat your chicken?" Here it comes… Theo then put his fork down, and looked at Blaise with an angry glare. Ugh… Should've kept my mouth shut…
Ronald Weasley POV
Ron said his goodbyes to Harry, Neville, and Hermione as he departed from the library. They had just gone over their essays on the 'Antidote to Common Poisons' potion. Ron had enjoyed his time comparing notes with Hermione and getting the best possible essay prepared. Though he did feel bad for Harry and Neville because they weren't very good at Potions. Harry isn't too bad… It's just that Snape hates him. But Neville… Neville is a menace in Potions. Ron found himself musing on why Snape hated Harry so much, and it bothered Ron a bit. Snape was being unfair, there was no doubt about that. But why? Maybe Snape is just a bully…? Ron didn't like that thought very much, mostly because he liked Snape. But Ron hated bullies, and if Snape kept this up, Ron wasn't sure what he would think of the Potions Master.
Ron was halfway down to the dungeons now, and he wasn't very keen on getting back. He still had to help the girls with their essays and he was utterly spent already. Maybe I can convince them to wait until after dinner? Then at least I won't be starving as well as exhausted. Ron finished coming down the stairs and he was now officially in Slytherin territory. Ron walked through an empty corridor whilst musing on how to convince the girls to give him a break. Daphne will be the hardest to convince… "Well, well" came a boy's voice from behind Ron, making him jump slightly. Ron turned around and came face-to-face with three Slytherin fourth years, two boys and one girl. The fourth years were looking down their noses at him, and Ron felt the hair on the back of his neck prickle. What's this about? I don't like it…
"The famous Troll Slayer" the girl spat out, her voice was shrilly and it grated Ron's ears. "Where are your Gryffindor friends? I just saw you in the library with them…" Ron couldn't help but notice the bitterness in her voice, and it annoyed him greatly. What's her problem?
"I imagine they went to their common room" Ron answered coolly, hoping to keep things civil. His tone and answer seemed to annoy the three older students.
"Draco Malfoy was right about you" the boy from before said, he had black hair whereas the other boy had light brown hair. "You are just a Blood-Traitor." Ron clenched his teeth at that, while the girl let out an annoying cackle. I'm outnumbered… I need to get out of this… But I can't just turn tail and run!
"The older students may like you because you make a lot of house points… But they won't be around forever…" the light brown haired boy said in a menacing tone. "The Triumvirate won't be there to protect you next year." Wait… what? The Silver Triumvirate is looking out for me? Why? Who are they?! I still don't know anything about them…
"I don't know why they bother" the girl spat out, smirking at Ron. "Slytherin always wins the House Cup anyway… we don't need trash like you…" Ron just stared at her in annoyance. Someone's jealous… I can see it clear as day.
"Perhaps they need 'trash' like me" Ron said with his own smirk, which caught the three older students off guard. I'm no one's punching bag! If they want a fight, then I will give them one! "Tell me, how many points have you three morons earned in total? Not many I'd wager…" Ron trailed off on purpose, smirking at the angry girl. "I'd even wager that you want to be the Silver Triumvirate in your seventh year… but I doubt you'd make the cut… Even 'trash' like me can see that."
"You arrogant little shit" the black haired boy bit out. Then he removed his wand quickly and pointed it straight at Ron's chest. "Petrificus Totalus" the boy yelled, making Ron go wide-eyed from shock. White light shot out from the boy's wand and it went straight towards Ron. Shi… Ron couldn't even finish the thought before the light reached him. Just as the curse was about to hit him, it bounced off and went straight at the boy who cast it. The boy froze in his spot and then fell over, paralyzed by his own spell.
"How…" muttered the girl, her eyes popping open in shock as she stared at her paralyzed friend. What just happened…? Ron then felt something hot on his middle finger, on his right hand. Ron looked down slowly and noticed that the runes on the ring which Pandora had given him for Christmas were faintly glowing golden. The ring! Pandora said it had Runes of Protection or something… WICKED! Ron slowly moved his right hand behind his back, hoping to hide the ring from the two shocked Slytherins.
"How did you…?" muttered the brown haired boy, who was also staring at the paralyzed Slytherin. Relax… play this right Ron! Don't give anything away!
"How did I what?" Ron asked in his most innocent voice, but a small amount of excitement showed through. This was just too good to be true! The two Slytherins looked at Ron, and his faint smirk must have scared them because they started stepping away from Ron slowly. "Are you two scared?" Ron asked in his innocent voice again. Time to send a message! "I suggest you spread the word… Don't come after me or my friends. It won't end well for you…" Ron threatened in a calm and collected manner. Then Ron turned around and continued his walk to the Slytherin common room. This ring is so wicked! I love Pandora!
Ron ate dinner with a grin on his face, the memory of putting those fourth years in their place being the culprit. Daphne was pouting because Ron had decided not to help her with her essay until after dinner, and Ron thought it was hilarious. She is so spoiled!
"You'd better help me after this" Daphne snapped, noticing his grin being pointed at her.
"Ahem… help us?" Tracey said, frowning at Daphne.
"That's what I meant" Daphne said, returning Tracey's frown. Bloody hell they are going to start fighting… That'll ruin my fun.
"Of course, I'll help" Ron said, trying to turn his grin into a smile.
"Good" Daphne said in a huff. Ron looked over to Tracey, who was still frowning at Daphne.
"Tracey?" Ron said, hoping to ease her mind. Tracey looked over to him and her frown turned into a faint smile.
"Thank you, Ron" Tracey said, a sudden mischievous glint appearing in her eyes. "I've been having trouble with Transfiguration as well… so after the essay, can you please help me with that… in private" Tracey said, her voice was shy but Ron could tell that that her shyness was an act. Her ever growing grin gave it away. What's she up to now? I swear these girls are going to kill me at this rate…
"Sure thing, Trace…" Ron said slowly, hoping to Merlin that he wasn't walking into a trap. As Ron was staring at Tracey with apprehension, he missed Daphne's features growing dark.
"Thanks Ron" Tracey said, batting her eyes at Ron. Ok what the bloody hell is this… Why do I feel like something horrible is about to happen to me?
"Daphne are you alright?" Millie asked in genuine concern. "You look really pale…"
"I'm fine… Millie…" Daphne said in a low tone, making Ron shiver. She doesn't sound or look fine… "Let's just eat our dinner and then do our homework, is that alright with everyone? Good… let's do that…" Daphne said in her low voice, Ron had to note that she sounded really creepy.
Dinner ended shortly after that, and Ron felt ever increasing dread from Daphne's demeanor. Once they were all sitting in their favorite spot, Ron started helping them with their homework while also checking for any errors in his own essay. The mood was getting better slowly, but Ron couldn't help but notice the glares Daphne was shooting Tracey every other minute. Tracey however, was just grinning ear-to-ear. Ron was thoroughly confused and in the end, he decided to just ignore it. The girls have all been acting so weird lately… Especially after Valentine's Day. What a stupid day!
Once their work was finished, Ron looked to Tracey who was packing away her quills and parchment. "Do you still need help with Transfiguration? I've got some spare time…" Ron asked. Tracey looked at him with a smile.
"No it's alright Ron" Tracey said, smiling at how slow Ron was. He was a genius… but he was so slow! "I'll figure it out myself, shouldn't be too hard I reckon!" Ron gave her a slow nod, confusion marking his face. Whatever… I'm tired and I want to sleep anyway. Ron then bid the girls goodnight and marched off to his dorm. As soon as he went through the door, he spotted Theo standing in the middle of the room.
"Hi…" Theo said, looking at Ron sheepishly. Ron had the air knocked out of him. Did Theo just… Did he just talk to me?
"Hi…" Ron said after a short moment. There was an awkward pause where both boys were just looking at each other. Ok… this might be worse than being ignored…
"I heard something at dinner" Theo said suddenly. "Some fourth year girl was raving about how you deflected a curse without even moving a muscle…" Theo paused at that, smiling faintly at Ron's brilliance. Theo wished he was born with some of it… If he had been, then maybe his mother would still be alive…
"I did…" Ron said. I'm not really lying… But I'm going to keep the ring a secret. Only a fool gives away their move before making it…
"Bloody hell…" Theo muttered in disbelief.
"Charming language" Ron said, faintly smiling at the memory of Theo and Ron's earlier interactions. Theo must have remembered too because he let out a small chuckle. Then Theo looked at Ron seriously, his eyes were hard and he seemed to be steeling himself for something.
"Can we talk? Just you and me?" Theo asked firmly. Ron gave a strong nod. I can win them both back… I have to try!
Daphne Greengrass POV
"Why do you always do that?" Daphne asked, her voice shaking with irritation. She is always pushing me for no reason! They were back in the girl's dorms after finishing their packing from their study session with Ron.
"Do what?" Tracey asked innocently, her sly smile grating Daphne's nerves. SHE KNOWS WHAT!
"You know that I like Ron… and you always throw that in my face!" Daphne snapped. "You've been doing it more and more this last month!"
"Have I?" Tracey asked, putting her index finger on her own chin. "I haven't noticed…" UGH! Daphne glared murder at her best friend.
"Please don't fight…" Millie piped in, she was sitting on her bed.
"Millie is right" Pansy jumped in, trying to calm down the tense atmosphere. "We can just talk about this in a civil way. We are all Ladies…"
"Are we?" Tracey said, shooting Pansy a glare. "I didn't think that you saw me as a 'Lady', Pansy." Pansy flinched a bit at that. Pansy still felt out of place with the girls. Tracey was far more hostile behind closed doors than in front of Ron.
"I didn't mean…" Pansy started slowly, but she was cut off by Daphne.
"What is your problem Tracey?!" Daphne shouted. Why is she acting like such a… such a bitch!
"I don't have a problem" Tracey said, looking at Daphne with a mask of indifference. It took Daphne by surprise because it looked so out of place on Tracey. "It's you that has a problem…" ME?!
"Really? Enlighten us all then Trace!" Daphne challenged, getting more annoyed at Tracey.
"You have been acting like Ron belongs to you… like he is just some possession that you don't want to share…" Tracey said in a calm, but cutting voice. What… That's not even true!
"What are you talking about?" Daphne questioned, getting angry at how preposterous Tracey was being.
"Just ask them" Tracey said, nodding towards Pansy and Mille. Daphne looked at them, but they looked away from her. Are they… avoiding my gaze? Do they agree with Tracey?!
"WELL?!" Daphne asked, anger getting the better of her. Pansy and Mille jumped a little at that, but they didn't say anything. I don't treat Ron like that!
"See…" Tracey said calmly. "Even they agree…"
"I don't do that…" Daphne grit out, almost ready to hex her best friend.
"Yes you do…" Tracey said immediately. "Ever since you got your little crush on him, you've become increasingly more possessive of him. If he doesn't pay you any attention, you pout and take out your frustrations on us. And ever since we lost… Since Theo and Blaise left, you've become even worse" Tracey paused, and then started again. "He is our friend as well, not just yours" Tracey said firmly. Daphne was lost for words for a few seconds. They all feel that way…? It's not true though!
"I'm not possessive…" Daphne said in a whisper, still reeling from Tracey's tongue-lashing.
"You are a bit…" Millie piped in, shocking Daphne. Millie never stood up to people…
"Just a bit…" Pansy said, smiling awkwardly at Daphne. What?!
"See!" Tracey exclaimed. "Even they agree with me! Do you remember Valentine's Day? Because we all do! Even with everything that Ron was going through, you didn't care one bit! All you cared about was if he got you some stupid chocolates! And then you treated him like dirt the entire day! What's wrong with you Daphne?! Can't you live with the fact that you can't own everything?!" Tracey was fuming by the end, and Daphne felt her eyes stinging. I'm not like that…
"Not to mention that you don't even let us sit with him" Tracey continued. "You glare murder at poor Ron if he ever spends some time alone with us! Can't you understand how unreasonable that is?! He doesn't even see you like that!" Tracey finished in a yell, her face completely flushed with anger. She hated yelling at Daphne, but someone had to do it. Daphne was just piling onto Ron's problems and Tracey wouldn't stand for it. "Stop piling more problems on him Daph, or I swear to Merlin…" Tracey gritted out. Then she turned around and marched into the adjoining bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her.
Daphne was stunned into silence after witnessing Tracey so angry with her. Was she really adding to Ron's problems? He's been so loud and happy lately… Did I miss something again? "Give her some time to cool off, Daphne" Millie said in a soft tone. "Some third year Slytherin girls were picking on her today…" They were?
"When?" Daphne muttered, still looking at the bathroom door.
"Just after Ron left to go to the library… Millie found Tracey being harassed in the girls' bathroom…" Pansy said, feeling guilty for no reason. She had done nothing to Tracey since joining the group, but that didn't excuse her actions prior to joining.
"I don't… I don't act like that with Ron… Do I?" Daphne whispered, unsure of her own actions. When Pansy and Millie didn't say anything, Daphne's question was answered. No… I just… He doesn't mind… does he?
There was a short awkward pause, and after that all three girls got into their beds. Trace still hasn't come out yet… Daphne waited for another ten minutes before she heard the bathroom door open and then shut. Tracey then climbed into Daphne's bed and hugged her best friend from behind. "I'm sorry Daph" Tracey whispered, her voice sounded cracked like she had been crying. Daphne shook her head, and let out a guilty breath.
"I'm sorry too…" Daphne whispered back, and Tracey hugged her more tightly. Tracey slept in Daphne's bed that night, like she had done so many times before Hogwarts. But Daphne didn't sleep for another two hours. Why didn't she say anything about being picked on…? And then Tracey's own words rang through Daphne's head. Stop piling more problems on him… Is that why she didn't say anything? She didn't want to worry Ron?
Daphne felt a pang of guilt when she compared Tracey's selfless actions compared to her own bossy and needy ones. I was horrible to him… over chocolates… He told me he was distracted, but I didn't care one bit. Daphne felt another strong pang of guilt, and her eyes teared up again. I'm horrible…
AUTHOR'S NOTES: And there it is! I know this was probably a depressing chapter, especially because of the group being torn up because of expectations and family values... but I had to do it. This is one of the themes of this story, choosing your own place in the world. Standing by what you believe is right! Hope you enjoyed Blaise and Daphne's POVs. See you on the next one!