AUTHOR'S NOTES: Another One! Chapter 20 is here! and it was a hard one to write...

1. It is rather... depressing...

2. Just be ready for flash-backs and stuff...

3. Enjoy?

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, and I do not intend to make any money off of this. Harry Potter is the intellectual property of J. K. Rowling , and I take no credit of it whatsoever.

I was also inspired by Demon Eyes Laharl's: THE RED KNIGHT! and also from Random-Fruitcake04's: CHOICES! I hope you check them out as well because they are genuinely very good stories.

Fate

Chapter 20 – The Awakening

Fred Weasley's POV

It was July the Thirteenth, and Ronnie still hadn't woken up from his coma…

The last month had been the most difficult and painful month that Fred's family had ever endured. Ron had been attacked by the spirit of you-know-who over a month ago… and he still hadn't woken up.

When Fred and his brothers were called into the Hospital Wing after their Quidditch match against Ravenclaw, they had found their mother wailing by a bed and their father crying quietly beside her. None of the brothers had seen their parents so distressed before, and it scared them. When they finally approached the bed and had a proper look at the person occupying it, George had fainted while Percy and Fred had vomited. It was their little Ronnie on the bed, and he was covered in bloody bandages from head-to-toe. There was barely any skin showing, and the skin that was showing had a bone-white texture to it. It was the most horrible thing Fred had ever seen… and it was his little brother.

The shock had been too much for all of them and they had just stayed in the room quietly, fixed in a trance of despair. Their mother hadn't stopped wailing for even a minute, and when her throat couldn't make a sound, she had just sobbed quietly. And then Dumbledore had stepped out of the corner and Fred realized that in his horror, he had completely missed the teary eyed Headmaster standing there the entire time.

Fred had exploded in rage at the sight of the man, he couldn't understand how Ronnie could be so badly hurt under Dumbledore's supervision. How could the Headmaster let this happen? Why hadn't they been told sooner? He had let them go play a game of fucking Quidditch while their brother was dying inside the castle? George and Percy had held him back as he yelled curses and obscenities at the greatest wizard since Merlin. And Dumbledore just stood there, taking the abuse without uttering a single word in his defense. Fred didn't care how old and tired Dumbledore looked, all he cared about was his broken brother…

After yelling and screaming at the old man for a long minute, Fred had broken down in tears and wails of his own. His twin joined him, while Percy just sobbed quietly. Their father had gotten off of his chair and tried his best to comfort his sons, telling them that Ronnie was going to live, that he was going to recover, that they had to be strong for him… everything Fred heard come out of his father's mouth sounded like excuses being made for Albus Dumbledore's incompetence when it came to protecting his own students. And then Dumbledore had finally spoken, his voice was gentle and sympathetic.

Dumbledore told them that the Dark Lord's spirit had survived ten years ago… and that it was the reason why Ron was in that bed. It turned out that Ron had been attempting to save the school from a calamity. A powerful artifact was being kept in the school, and the Dark Lord had attempted to steal it. Harry, Hermione, Neville, and Ron had stopped him. But Ron had been attacked by you-know-who, and he had been badly tortured. The Weasley family was utterly stunned, and then horrified. THE Dark Lord had done this… The most evil wizard of all time had tortured Ron for getting in his way. It was all too much… just too much.

Madam Pomfrey had contacted St. Mungo's, and healers had come to move Ron to the hospital. The Weasley family followed them, all except their father. Their father had gone home to collect Ginny, and Fred's stomach had twisted terribly at the thought of letting her see Ron like this.

Ginny had been inconsolable… She had screamed and shouted, then she had cried so loudly that the nurses had dosed her with a pinch of Sleeping Draught for her own good. And then the Lovegoods came around, and Fred had seen their entire family cry for Ron like he was their own. Even the aloof little Luna had put up a fierce fight when the nurses had refused to let her hug Ron. Her mother had held her tightly, and cried at Ron's bloody, bandaged body.

The next two weeks had gone by just like that. All of their things had been delivered back by Hogwarts, and they had started an early 'holiday'… They would all go to St. Mungo's every day and just cry at Ron's bedside. And when the medi-witches and healers declared Ron to be in a coma, Mrs. Lovegood and their mother had cried senseless. Neither of the women had left the hospital since then. Luna and Xenophilius Lovegood came over to the Burrow, and they started staying there. Luna stuck to Ginny like glue, while Xenophilius helped their father with the household. Charlie and Bill also came around shortly after the Lovegoods had moved in, and they were both barely in the house. They spent most of their days in the hospital, and only came home to sleep.

Halfway through the third week, Sirius Black and his friend Remus Lupin had also shown up to the Burrow. Fred was quite shocked to meet the two strangers so randomly. He had come downstairs for breakfast, and they were just there… Both of them talking with his father in hushed, sad tones. Sirius Black had been paying Ron's hospital bills, and he wanted to see Ron. Their father obliged, and took them all to St. Mungo's again. Fred didn't enter the room with everyone this time, he could no longer bear the sight of Ron in that fucking bed… he just couldn't. Every time he thought about Ron, his throat clogged up and his eyes burned with tears.

The fact that Ron could be in this coma for years was killing Fred… and Fred knew that every one of the Weasleys and Lovegoods felt the same way. What had they done to deserve this misery? Why did Ronnie have to be attacked by you-know-who? And why the fuck couldn't they tell anyone this?! Why had their parents forbidden them to speak of it?! Fred's entire world felt like it was collapsing in on itself. None of them had felt anything but pain for the last three weeks… and this could go on for years… No one knew when Ron would wake up… if he would wake up… and Fred was just emotionally numb now. All he wanted was for Ron to wake up…

By the start of the fourth week, Hogwarts had officially ended until September. And Ron's friends had immediately come by. Fred and George had been in the room when they had all entered, accompanied by their parents. The girls in Ron's group had cried in genuine anguish, while Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott had just stared vacantly at Ron, who was still bandaged and had a tube going into his mouth for potion delivery… Fred noted that neither Blaise nor Theodore's parents were with the two, and they had come with the Greengrass family. Though Fred would never admit it openly, deep down Fred was touched by Ron's friends and their sadness over his current state. It seemed that Ron was closer to his friends than Fred had previously imagined.

Ron's friends visited him regularly during that week, bringing flowers and gifts. But they always left dejected, and often in tears. Fred's mother and Mrs. Lovegood had started to speak to Ron's friends openly, and would often ask for stories about Ron. Fred was quite surprised to learn that they all saw Ron as their leader, and someone they could rely on. It appeared that Ron had integrated himself into Slytherin so much so that the entire house respected him and this baffled Fred, it was like he didn't know Ron in the first place. And upon reflection, Fred had come to the realization that he had spent more time pranking Ron rather than getting to know him. Fred cried himself to sleep that night, mourning the brother who he had never taken the chance to know…

It had been Thirty-eight days since Ron was attacked and left in a coma, and the Weasley family was having dinner with the Lovegoods, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin. His mother and Mrs. Lovegood had also joined them for the night, though they kept shooting glances to the fireplace. They want to go back to his room… As if that will help him… Fred didn't want to admit it, but lately he had just given up… It hurt so much to think of Ron that he had just stopped, he couldn't bear it any longer…

His father was talking with Sirius Black and since no one else was talking, their conversation was easily heard. "Sirius… you don't have to do this" Arthur said softly, his father looked so tired.

"Yes I do, Arthur" Sirius said softly, his voice somber. "Your son did so much for me… He saved me from that place. I have to do this." They're probably talking about the hospital bills again… Why doesn't dad just let Sirius pay? He clearly needs to!

"But we don't know how long…" Arthur trailed off, the words feeling like poison in his mouth. His boy was all but gone… He had never felt this much pain before in his whole life. Sirius put a hand on Arthur's shoulder and smiled sadly.

"I know… and I don't care" Sirius said softly. Arthur could only nod in return, he didn't want his children to see him crying again. He had to be the rock for his family. They ate in silence after that, until that silence was broken by Helios. He is acting up again…

"Fred dear, can you go see if he is okay?" Molly said, her voice as exhausted as her appearance. She's lost more weight…

"Yes mum" Fred answered, and then he got up to check on Helios. He was glad to leave the table, it didn't feel the same without all of them there. Charlie and Bill had once again left for their jobs, unable to take more time off. Both of them had spent so much time with Ron, and they were heart-broken when they had to leave. But life has to keep going… That last thought felt bitter in his head, and he grimaced to himself.

When he reached Helios' cage in the living room, he looked at the fierce owl with sad eyes. Helios seemed to sense something was wrong with his owner, and he had been acting out violently. He would attack his cage and try to escape, but Fred's father had told them to keep the Eagle-owl in his cage. His father no doubt expected Ron to come home any day… but a month had gone by, and Ron was not coming back any time soon. Fred's chest ached at thinking that, and his eyes burned again. Helios brought Fred back to reality when the fierce Eagle-owl head-butted the cage, and then hooted loudly and extended its wings widely. Fred was shocked to see this kind of behavior.

"You must be angry" Fred murmured to the Eagle-owl. "Being locked up in here…" Helios hooted again, and then slammed his head on the cage again. Fred jumped back, growing worried for his brother's pet. Helios began hooting loudly and kept attacking his cage.

"Fred!" came his father's voice. "Fred, is everything alright in there?" Fred went back to the dining room quickly.

"Dad, Helios is acting really violent" Fred said worryingly, and his father quickly got up to go check. When they entered the living room, they were all shocked to see the cage door broken open. And Helios was gone.

"Where did he go?!" Arthur asked in a panic, afraid of losing another piece of his son.

"Arthur" Remus Lupin said clearly. "The window is open… I think he went to go stretch his wings."

"Fierce little bugger" Sirius smiled, thinking of the angry bird he had gifted to Ron.

"He'll come home, right mummy?" Ginny asked her mother, and her mother smiled at Ginny as best as she could.

"Of course, love" Molly said softly. "He'll be back…"

Helios' POV

The humans were lying to him, he knew it all along! They would coo at him, and tell him that Ronald would come home soon. But those were lies! Helios could feel his master's absence in this world keenly, and it disgusted him that he wasn't being let out to go find Ronald! He had to find his master, nothing else mattered.

He flew high into the night sky, looking at the open plains beneath him. Somewhere out there, his master was waiting for him. They would be together soon, Helios could feel it! He had sensed his master faintly tonight, like Ronald had stirred somewhere… Helios just had to find where, and then they would be together again! Master and servant, reunited…

Ronald was a good master to him. He would feed Helios from his own plate, and tickle his chest. And Ronald's friends would sneak him treats to eat when Ronald wasn't around. And Helios hadn't seen them for a long time either! They would all be together once again, and Helios would see his mission done! He would reunite them all!

He felt it then, his master's presence… it had fully returned! Helios turned in its direction and flew as fast as he could. Soon! I am coming Ronald! Wait for me!

Ronald Weasley's POV

He felt cold… like he was naked in the middle of winter… His body was a weightless existence in an ever-expanding Universe, and he was floating amongst the stars. It was so dark, and they were the only source of life and light. Where was he? Who was he? Why was he here? All these questions felt pointless in this place… Nothing mattered in this place…

"Champion" came a woman's voice, it was beautiful and it washed over Ron like a warm breeze. "Champion, wake up… You have rested enough, you are needed once more… Wake up, your duty has not been fulfilled yet… You will rest once it has, I promise…"

Ron's eyes opened slowly, and he couldn't see a thing. As his eyes slowly adjusted to the dark, he looked around groggily. Where am I? I feel so weak… What happened? Ron didn't recognize his surroundings, and it began to worry him. And then he felt something in his mouth, something that was long and going down his throat. He gagged and grabbed the tube, pulling it out slowly. His eyes burned due to the odd sensation of choking and feeling this thing come out of his stomach and up his throat. It tasted disgusting… What the bloody hell is going on? Ron sat up, and his body ached terribly. Gritting his teeth, he looked around again.

The room was clean, white, and smelled like cleaning alcohol. I've been in a place like this before… ST. MUNGO'S! He remembered his trip here when he had saved Pandora. How did I get here? Where are Hermione and Neville? Where is the Stone?! Ron jerked out of his bed, and his naked feet touched the cold floor. When he went to stand, his legs just gave out and he fell forward. Ugh... fuck… My legs aren't working… He had never felt so exhausted before. And yet the stone was the only thing he could think of… Had it been destroyed? Or was it still out there? What had happened to him?! He couldn't remember anything of how he had ended up here. He slowly, and painfully, pushed himself up and sat on the cold floor.

Ron tried his best to remember what had happened. I was in the potion chamber with Hermione and Neville… and then, Dumbledore came in! Yeah, he was in a rush and told us to wait right there… I remember panicking because I thought that the stone would remain intact because of Dumbledore… And then… then what happened? Ron's head ached horribly, and he winced in pain. I'm so thirsty… Ron then spotted an open bathroom attached to his room, and he licked his dry lips. He crawled with great effort into the bathroom, and then hoisted himself up with even greater effort. He quickly turned on the tap and drank hungrily. The water soothed his body, until it felt like it was coming right back out. Ron vomited hard in the sink, and his vomit was more colorful than he had anticipated.

Ron then washed his mouth out, and drank some more water. What the hell happened to me? How did I end up in St. Mungo's Hospital? He looked at his reflection and nearly screamed in horror. He was covered in bandages all the way up to his neck, and he was naked! His manhood was in full view and Ron let out a dry chuckle. Thank Merlin I'm alone… Would've been quite the sight to see… Then Ron looked at his own gaunt and pale face. Bloody hell… what happened?! Ron looked at his bandages and grimaced, and then he slowly undid them. They came off quite easily, and Ron wished instantly that he had never undone them.

His chest bore a long diagonal scar that stretched from his right shoulder to his left hip, and he had scars all over his arms and legs… Scars in the shape of tendrils… And then it all came back to him in a wave of absolute fear. THE DARK LORD! He was there! He came after me… I shot that Blasting Curse and missed... and then… Horrible images of pure agony flashed in his head and he let out a scream. Tears fell down his face as he screamed at the memories of what had happened to his body. What the Entity had done to him! His bones were crushed slowly and he had felt them snap! His insides had burned and the pain had been so fierce that he had screamed and begged for death! And he had heard the Dark Lord screaming just as loudly inside his own mind! The Entity had attacked them both in an attempt to end their lives!

Ron looked at his terrified and scarred reflection, and sobbed violently. It destroyed my body… It tried to kill me… It can kill me! Now I have no doubts… It will kill me! Ron fell to his knees with a thud and hugged his disfigured body, crying in earnest. He couldn't stop thinking about that night, and the pain that he had endured… it had been the single worst thing that he had ever felt in his whole life! I don't want this… I DON'T WANT THIS POWER! SOMEONE TAKE IT FROM ME! Please… someone help me… Ron wept quietly as he fell into a fetal position. He lay there crying for an hour before a nurse walked in, and she gasped at the sight and quickly covered him. She held him tightly and comforted him while he cried his eyes out.

As the nurse was guiding him back into the room, a loud tapping came from the window. A tapping that became louder and louder, until the nurse put him in his bed and walked over to the window to open it. The moment she did, a light grey Eagle-owl with black spots flew in and started hooting wildly. The nurse screeched in fright at the sight of the angry looking bird, and was shocked to see the bird perch itself on the boy's shoulder all the while hooting loudly.

"Helios…?" Ron muttered, looking at his loyal companion. "Helios it is you!" Ron smiled, and then he let out a choked sob. Ron rubbed the bird's chest lovingly, and Helios in turn rubbed his head against Ron's. Helios… how did you find me?

"Your mother should be here any minute, Mr. Weasley" the nurse smiled at him kindly.

"My mother?" Ron asked, confused at the nurse's words. "She knows I'm here?"

"Yes, of course. She comes back around this time of night and sleeps on the couch" the nurse said, pointing the couch out. Is that often?

"How long… how long have I been here?" Ron asked, scared of the answer. I look so pale and skinny… Must have been years… Ron felt his panic rise.

"You've been here for a month or so" the nurse said, and then she put a soft hand on his left cheek. "I have to go tell the healers that you are awake, welcome back Mr. Weasley." With that, the nurse gave him another kind smile and then left. A month… Hogwarts was supposed to end near the end of June… I missed the House Cup and Leaving feasts… Ugh… who cares?! What happened to the fucking stone?! Did Dumbledore destroy it? I know that the Dark Lord didn't get it… I think… I need answers now!

Ron sat there petting Helios for ten minutes, and then his room's door slammed open and Ron shrieked like a little girl. He looked to the door and saw his two mothers standing there, teary eyed and smiling ear-to-ear.

"Ronnie…" Molly muttered, taking in the sight her son and his pet owl.

"Hi, mum…" Ron smiled back. "Hello, Pandora…" The women broke into crying and rushed him, holding him together and squeezing the life out of him. Ouch… But Ron didn't complain, and he even stayed quiet as the two women showered him with kisses and held him even tighter. Their crying made him teary eyed too, but he didn't cry. He had done enough crying for tonight, right now he was just happy. So happy, and safe…

After the longest cuddling session he had ever been put through, a healer had forced the two mothers to relent. They had done so begrudgingly, and the healer had then taken a few tests. He cast a few non-verbal spells on Ron and jotted things down on his board, and then he smiled widely at Ron.

"Now Mr. Weasley" the healer said kindly. "I must take a blood sample, just a drop… We need to see if your magical core has fully healed. Is that alright?" Ron nodded immediately, the sooner this was done the better. He needed to write to Harry and learn about the stone!

"I'm going to go floo Arthur" Pandora said softly, and then she left in a hurry. Ron couldn't help but feel that she didn't want to be around for this, but he decided to ignore it… for now. Ron then pulled up the sleeve of the garment that the nurse had given him, and he heard his mother let out a quiet sob. Um… what? Then Ron looked down at his right arm, and he felt extremely self-conscious. His middle finger was horribly scarred just above the knuckle, and the back of his hand was also badly scarred. Not to mention the tendril like scars travelling up his arm… The sight made Ron feel sick, and he slowly offered his hand to the healer. The healer took a drop of blood and levitated it onto his board, and Ron immediately covered his arm and sighed in relief. He didn't even know what to think of his scars… He just knew that he hated them. He had just seen them, and he hated them so much…

Helios hooted loudly, and flew down onto his left shoulder and nipped at his ear playfully. That brought a faint smile to his face. The healer frowned at seeing the bird, but chose to ignore it. This boy needed something to keep him occupied…

"Good news, Mr. Weasley" the healer smiled at the results. "Your magical core has recovered, and is developing as it should be." Ron's mother let out a relieved sigh at that and nodded slowly.

"Thank you healer…" Ron smiled at the man, and the healer gave a slow nod to Ron.

"I will leave you for the night" the healer said. "Your therapy sessions will start tomorrow afternoon." Therapy sessions?! What therapy sessions?

"Therapy?" Ron asked.

"Physical therapy, Mr. Weasley" the healer provided. "You have been in a coma for over a month, your muscles are in a weakened state and we must strengthen them again. I have also made you a diet plan. I hope you enjoy hospital food" the healer joked, and it flew right over Ron's head.

"I've never had hospital food…" Ron said slowly, confused by the healers tone. The healer chuckled at hearing that.

"Then you are luckier than everyone in this place. Goodnight, Mr. Weasley. And welcome back" the healer said with a smile, and then he left the room. Ron turned to his mother, and she was beaming at him and her eyes were brimming with unshed tears. Ron smiled as well, and lay his head back against the bed rest.

"Sorry for… this" Ron apologized, feeling guilty at putting his family through so much worry.

"Don't apologize Ronnie" his mother said softly. "I'm so proud of you… Dumbledore told us what you did." He did? And what did I do? "You were trying to save the school… and you succeeded. I'm just so happy that you are back" his mother's voice cracked at the end, and she moved over to his bed and sat down. She cupped his cheeks with her hands, and smiled widely. "My brave boy…"

Pandora walked into the room, followed by Ron's family. Ginny and Luna darted to his bed and jumped him, they squeezed him tightly and he couldn't help but draw parallels between them and his mothers. His brothers didn't wait for the girls to finish and just joined in, all of them squeezing onto that one bed. Ron heard the adults laugh and sniffle at the sight, and Ron smiled happily. Everything he had been through had just become worth it… all because of this one moment. Him and his siblings laughing and crying together. His heart swelled with so much joy that it felt like it would burst. Once his siblings finally gave him some room to breathe, Ron noticed his father standing next to two strangers. Strangers who were looking at him with genuine love and happiness. Who are they?

"Welcome back son" Arthur said softly and then he embraced Ron. Ron heard his mother give out a wet laugh, and his father squeezed him tighter than ever before. So much so that he had trouble breathing. "Son" his father said as he broke the hug. "These two gentlemen are Sirius Black and Remus Lupin" his father said, pointing the two strangers out respectively.

Ron looked to the two men in shock. He hadn't recognized Sirius Black, the man looked transformed. Instead of his ragged, gaunt and matted appearance, Sirius now had clean short hair, a groomed beard, and a full, younger face. Remus Lupin on the other hand, was a pale man with premature lines on his face, and he had light brown hair that were flecked with grey ones. Both men however, were dressed in clean, sharp wizard's robes.

"Lord Black" Ron greeted with a firm nod, his inner Daphne coming out. "It is an honor to meet the Lord of the most Noble and Ancient house of Black." To say that his family was stunned was an understatement. Even Sirius went wide-eyed at Ron's sudden change to formalities. And then Sirius let out a hearty laugh, taking Ron by surprise.

"Merlin!" Sirius said laughing. "He even talks like a Slytherin!" Then Sirius walked up and embraced Ron, putting a soft hand on the back of Ron's head. "You had us all worried kiddo…" Ron was quite shocked, but he kept his composure. He even hugged Sirius back a little, which made the older wizard hug him tighter. Then Sirius broke the hug and just stared at Ron with a wide smile. "I've been waiting to do that. It's good to finally meet you again, Ron."

"It is good to see you as well, Lord Black" Ron replied, returning his smile.

"Please, call me Sirius" Sirius said softly. "Lord Black was my father…" Ron couldn't help but notice the slight bitterness in Sirius' voice, but he ignored it. No need to antagonize him… He looks so much better now though!

"Very well… Sirius" Ron said, and Sirius grinned at him. "Fresh air has done you wonders, I see." Sirius laughed loudly again and ruffled Ron's hair. Ron's mother just tutted, but she was smiling at Ron.

"And he has a sense of humor!" Sirius said, and then he beckoned Remus Lupin to come to them. "Ron, this is my good friend, Remus Lupin. But you can just call him Remus!" Ron looked to the man with the three scars on his face, and smiled at him.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Lupin" Ron greeted, remembering Daphne as he did so. I should send them all letters too. Helios has a lot of work to do…

"Please, Remus is fine" Remus smiled and shook Ron's right hand firmly. Ron didn't miss Remus quickly looking at his scarred hand, and Ron felt self-conscious again. I'm disfigured… Sensing something was wrong, Remus quickly spoke again. "I've heard amazing things about you Ron, I'm glad we can finally meet one-another. Tell me, do you like chocolate?" Ron nodded at that, smiling at the odd question. Remus then reached into his robes and pulled out a chocolate bar, and gave it to Ron. Ron let out a chuckle and took the chocolate.

"Thank you" Ron said gratefully. Ron then broke the chocolate into three pieces, and gave the bigger ones to his sisters while he ate the smaller one himself.

"What? We don't get a piece" Fred laughed.

"Clearly Ronnie has favorites" George laughed as well. Ginny stuck her tongue out at the twins.

"We are Ron's favorites…" Luna said airily as she nibbled on her piece. "He always tells us so." Ginny grinned wolfishly at the twins, who were now feigning hurt.

"What about me?" Percy asked, sounding humorous for once. All of his worries had been lifted today, and he could finally relax. Ronnie was back, and Percy was never letting him out of his sight.

"Ron likes us better" Ginny answered for Ron, grinning at Percy who just chuckled. Ron just smiled as he watched the exchange. Yeah… it was worth it… Now I just need to find out more about the stone.

"Where are Bill and Charlie?" Ron asked, looking back at Percy who was pushing his wheelchair. Ron's legs were far too weak to carry him, and he needed to get to his first therapy session. The twins were accompanying Ron as well, but the girls had fallen asleep. They had been up all night and were exhausted, just like Ron's mothers. Ron's father, Sirius, and Remus had left for the Ministry to handle some 'official' business. They had all spent the night together but once day broke out, certain 'things' had to be taken care of. I'll find out soon enough, right now I need to focus on this therapy thing so I can bloody walk.

"They stayed for a while" Fred answered for Percy.

"But they had 'jobs' to do" George added in.

"What's the point of getting a 'job' if it just gets in the way of family?" Fred questioned his twin.

"None my dear brother" George answered Fred. Um... I'm still here… don't just cut me out.

"Ignore them Ron…" Percy said with a frown. "Jobs are essential for our economy to work. Every respectable wizard needs one." The twins blew raspberries at Percy when they heard that. Percy just frowned at them more deeply.

"Will they come back?" Ron asked softly. "Now that I'm awake…" The twins became a bit subdued, but Percy just clicked his tongue.

"If they don't" Percy replied. "Then I'll go and drag them here…" Drag Charlie… haha! Good one Perce! Ron let out a chuckle and Percy nudged his head lightly. "I could you know… Easily!"

"Come off it, Perce" Fred laughed at his older brother.

"Charlie eats more than you weigh just during breakfast" George added in with a laugh.

"And he wrestles Dragons!" the twins said together.

"He doesn't wrestle Dragons…" Percy corrected with a frown.

"Yes he does" Ron said, trying to tease Percy. "He told me himself!" Here it comes!

"How could he possibly wrestle a fifty foot lizard with wings, Ron?!" Percy huffed out, getting annoyed. "Dragon's weigh tons!"

"But Charlie is really strong" Ron said innocently, making the twins snigger. Percy realized what was happening and he just sighed.

"Ron…" Percy said slowly. "You're forgetting that I'm driving this wheelchair…" Ron paled at that.

"I was just kidding…" Ron muttered. Please don't start running…

"Too late…" Percy chuckled, and then he started running full-tilt. Ron squealed like a girl, while the twins broke into laughter and chased after their brothers.

"That's it" the nurse said kindly. "You're doing great, just a few more steps." Ron grunted in pain as he took a few more steps, his legs were shaky and his muscles burned. They were in the middle of their therapy session, and his brothers were sitting quietly in the corner and observing. Ron knew that they were worried and saddened to see Ron like this, but right now all he cared about was crossing that damn yellow line. "There! Well done, Ronald" the nurse said happily as he crossed the yellow line. She quickly ran up to him and helped him into his wheelchair.

Ron let out a grateful sigh as he finally sat down. He was sweating hard, and his legs ached terribly. How many of these damn sessions must I do? The nurse handed him a turquoise colored potion, and he chugged it down. He gagged at the taste and looked at her in confusion.

"What was that?" Ron asked in a wheeze. Merlin it tasted horrid…

"Strengthening solution" the nurse said with a chuckle. "It will aid your muscles and your recovery, only a couple more sessions ought to do. You weren't gone for too long, so your muscles aren't completely ruined!"

"Weren't gone for too long?" Fred questioned, his voice turning bitter. The nurse smiled at him sadly.

"Fred…" Percy scolded.

"I'm sorry" the nurse said politely. "Working in this place can… change how you see things. Your brother is doing very well, and he will be able to go home soon." Fred and George beamed at that, with Fred forgetting he was angry a second ago. Percy just smiled at the nurse.

"Thank you" Percy said politely. "This is great to hear!" The nurse gave him a smile and a slow nod.

"You can take him now" the nurse told Percy. "We've done enough for one day." Ugh… I have to do this again…

Percy took a hold of Ron's wheelchair and guided him out, followed by the twins. They made their way back to Ron's room, and Ron grew excited when he thought of his bed. He could finally sleep!

"You did well today, Ron" Percy congratulated him. "A couple more sessions, and then you can come home! Isn't that great?" It really is… I hate this place…

"About time too" Fred said cheerfully.

"The house isn't the same without you" George added. Ron felt a blush creep onto his face.

"I mean… the dining table doesn't look like a war-zone anymore" Fred chuckled, and Ron's blush was swapped with a frown. I have etiquette now… I'll show you!

"I'm just looking forward to wearing actual clothes…" Ron muttered. "These hospital robes are too big for me…"

"They're meant to be like that" Percy said. "To make you feel comfortable!" At least they cover all my scars… I don't want people to see them…

The twins opened the door to his room, and Percy guided him in. Who they saw inside shocked them all. There, standing idly by the window and looking out of it, was Albus Dumbledore. Ron's stomach twisted at the sight, and he knew that he was about to get interrogated. Ron was quick to decide that he had a story to stick to. He was there to help the Gryffindors, and he had no clue about the Dark Lord and his plans for the stone. He was just helping his friends, and that was it! Dumbledore turned around and smiled at Ron.

"Ah, Ronald" Dumbledore said, his voice sounded happy and relieved. "I am glad to see you awake. Might I have a word with you?" And there it is… Another interrogation…

"Good afternoon, Headmaster" Ron greeted politely, and Dumbledore smiled more widely at him. "And of course, what can I help you with?" Sod off you old codger… I just want some damn sleep…

"I was hoping to speak to you… alone" Dumbledore said softly, and Ron heard Fred mutter something under his breath.

"Why?" Fred questioned the Headmaster, earning a scowl from Percy.

"Fred!" Percy scolded. "That is the Headmaster of Hogwarts, show some respect!" Dumbledore raised his hand to stop Percy.

"No… no" Dumbledore said softly. "It is not my place to come between you all… You may all stay, if Ronald is alright with it?" Did he just… turn this on me? THEO DOES THAT ALL THE TIME!

"Of course they can stay… I have nothing to hide" Ron said with an innocent smile. I've played this game before… I need to make sure I have an advantage here. With my brothers around, he won't question me as openly.

"Then please, all of you should sit down for this" Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling at Ronald. The boy was clever, that was for certain. Perhaps the Sorting Hat had chosen wisely indeed. Ron's brothers sat down by his side, and Ron kept up a smile. Dumbledore returned the smile and sat down as well.

"Is everything alright Headmaster? I'm not… expelled am I?" Ron asked, with a hint of genuine worry. Getting thrown out of Hogwarts would be bad… no, it would be a disaster.

"No, Ronald" Dumbledore chuckled. "Why would you be? After all, you helped save the school from a terrible evil. I simply wanted to thank you personally for your services to Hogwarts." Ron's cheeks reddened at that, and he smiled sheepishly. Perhaps I'm too paranoid…

"Thank you, Headmaster" Ron said with a sheepish smile.

"No, thank you Ronald" Dumbledore said, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Although… I do have some questions to ask you…" AND THERE IT IS! Bloody hell…

"Questions, Headmaster?" Ron asked slowly, preparing himself and his 'story'.

"Yes, Ronald. First and foremost, how did you know of the stone's existence within Hogwarts?" Dumbledore asked, still sounding amused.

"Harry, Neville, and Hermione told me sir" Ron replied. "They approached me and asked me to keep an eye on Professor Snape, they thought that he was planning to steal the stone."

"Is that so?" Dumbledore chuckled. "So you were there to help your friends?"

"Yes, Headmaster. I saw them acting oddly on the day we went to save the stone. So I followed them… And then everything happened…"

"I see" the Headmaster said slowly. "So you did not know that Lord Voldemort was going to be there?" Ron and his brothers flinched at the name.

"No sir…" Ron said softly.

"But you did run into him before you went after the stone… When you served detention in the Forbidden Forest, did you not?" Dumbledore said, his eyes losing their twinkle. Snape had told him this, and Albus had been shocked to say the least. Why had Ronald not said a word about it to anyone? And then Neville Longbottom had told Albus that Ron was there before them! None of this added up. The boy was lying…

"I did…" Ron muttered, starting to sweat under his armpits. The old codger knows everything! I'm in trouble here… His brothers let out shocked gasps and just stared at Ron in disbelief. "But I wasn't sure that it was you-know-who… Firenze told me that it was… but not clearly."

"I see…" Dumbledore said softly. "Why did you not inform the staff?" Because I don't trust you! Why did you have that damn stone in the school in the first place?!

"I did not want to make a scene… especially when I had no proof…" Ron said, trying to stay calm. "The Dark Lord was dead for over ten years, no one would have believed me." Dumbledore nodded slowly at that.

"That was wise…" Dumbledore said softly. "However, your choice to not alert the staff nearly cost you your life Ronald… I wish that you had trusted us to have faith in you." Ron felt like he had been slapped right across his face, and his temper flared. The same staff that was hiding such a terrible thing inside the school?! Or the staff that didn't notice that bloody you-know-who had entered the castle?! Ron couldn't stop himself, and he said something rather blunt and mean-spirited.

"Perhaps you should not have endangered student lives by keeping the stone in the castle in the first place…" Ron said bluntly, and he felt satisfied at Dumbledore's eyes-widening a little.

"Ronald…" Percy scolded. "Don't speak to your Headmaster with such disrespect…" Then perhaps the Headmaster should leave… Because I'm sick of his questions… Ron stared right at Dumbledore, who gazed back at Ronald.

"You are right, Ronald" Dumbledore said, his voice regretful. "I should not have been so careless… Forgive me. It was never my intention to cause any student any harm. But rest assured, the stone is no more. I had it destroyed…" Ron was taken by surprise at that, and Dumbledore noticed. "You don't agree with my actions?" Dumbledore didn't want to believe that Ronald wanted the stone for himself, but that ugly thought had occurred to him. Why was he there before the three Gryffindors? Was Neville Longbottom lying?

"I agree with your actions" Ron said, and then he sighed in relief. This is great… with the stone gone, the Dark Lord can never return! "I was… I was planning to destroy the stone myself…" Ron decided to add, he needed to convince Dumbledore that he wasn't the villain here. Dumbledore kept his composure, but he was taken aback by this.

"Is that so?" Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes twinkling again. "And why would you want to do that Ronald?" To save Fred's life…

"Firenze…" Ron said, knowing that he had to be careful here. He could potentially poke holes in his story if he wasn't careful. "Firenze told me that the Dark Lord was weakened… that he was drinking Unicorn blood in order to survive…" Dumbledore leaned forward in his seat for this, this was it! Ronald was now speaking the truth… "And then Firenze hinted at the stone being something that the Dark Lord wanted… And I decided to destroy. So that he couldn't use it to become immortal." Dumbledore felt relief inside his chest at hearing this, Ronald wasn't trying to steal the stone for himself after all.

"Why did you not inform your friends of this?" Dumbledore asked, but he was smiling happily. "I spoke with Harry Potter, and he said that you were helping him stop Professor Snape…" Don't fuck this up, Weasley!

"I did not wish to alarm them" Ronald said smoothly. "They wouldn't have believed me anyway, because everyone believes that the Dark Lord had been destroyed. If I told them… then they may not have let me help them." Dumbledore nodded slowly at that. It was making sense now, except for one thing…

"What did you plan to do if they didn't let you destroy the stone?" Dumbledore asked out of curiosity. Ron thought about that for a few moments, and Dumbledore waited patiently. In the end, Ron decided that lying was a stupid idea. He had already spilled everything, why not convince Dumbledore once and for all that he wanted to destroy the stone.

"Then I would have taken it… by force…" Ron said with an emotionless voice. His brothers were just staring at him like they didn't know him at all. But Dumbledore smiled softly, and then he nodded.

"Thank you, Ronald" Dumbledore said in a sagely voice. "For telling me the truth… Alas, you may have helped stopped Lord Voldemort for now but there are other ways he can come back." What… what other ways? Ron paled at that, he hadn't changed a fucking thing? The Dark Lord could still come back?! HOW?!

"How…?" Ron asked, feeling his hands tremble. This isn't right… all of that was for nothing? I went through all that pain… and he can still come back?!

"The Dark Arts are as limitless as they are vile, Ronald…" Dumbledore said, feeling a swell of pity for the boy. He didn't want Ronald to feel like everything he had been through was for naught, but he chose to not lie to the boy. After all, Ronald had shown him that respect as well. "But you need not worry about that now, and you should try to focus on your recovery for now, so I will not bother you anymore with an old man's inquiries… Here Ronald, I kept this safe for you…"

Dumbledore then took Ron's right hand with his own, and placed Daphne's serpentine ring on Ron's palm. Ron looked down at the ring, and then at his disfigured middle finger. His eyes burned with hot tears, he had been mutilated for nothing… He was now a broken and scarred little boy, and it was all for nothing… Dumbledore saw Ron's pained expression, and he felt his chest tighten. Dumbledore closed Ron's palm and squeezed his hand in a comforting way.

"I am so sorry, Ronald" Dumbledore whispered, his voice strained. Ron wanted to say something back, but he just couldn't. He was moments away from having a breakdown, so instead he tried to keep his features from contorting. Ron shook his head and looked down at his hand… his disgusting, scarred hand… His tears escaped and ran down his face. I'm fucking useless… All of that… and I still fucking failed…

Dumbledore stood up straight, and placed a soft hand on Ron's head. Dumbledore felt pure regret once again, and he cursed himself to hell. And then, the Headmaster left because he knew that he had done enough… Ronald was forever scarred, and Dumbledore's arrogance had been the cause… He should never have underestimated Tom…

Ron was sitting up on his hospital bed, and was writing letters to his friends to tell them that he was awake. He had decided to send one to Daphne, and one to Hermione. He'd just ask Daphne to tell the others in their group for him because Helios could only carry so many letters at once. The Eagle-owl hadn't left his side for a second since he had his chat with Dumbledore. Once Dumbledore had left, Ron had lied to his brothers and told them that he was tired, and that he wanted to sleep. He was tired, but he knew that he'd get no sleep anytime soon… He had so much on his mind.

His father still hadn't returned from the 'official' business at the Ministry, and his mother had taken Ginny and the others home for the night. She had told Ron that she would be back once everyone was asleep, and that she'd bring actual food for him to eat. At least Ron had that to look forward to, he had missed his mother's cooking terribly. But the main thing occupying Ron's mind was the Dark Lord himself… He could still come back! Dumbledore's words about the Dark Arts rang through Ron's head once again, and he wondered just how powerful the Dark Arts really were. Limitless… That's what Dumbledore said. Limitless and vile… Ron rubbed his forehead with his right hand, he could feel a head-ache coming on.

"Son?" came his father's voice from the door. Ron looked up to see his father entering with a soft smile on his face. "Good, you're awake. I wanted to talk to about something."

"Is everything alright dad?" Ron asked, keen to investigate this 'official' business his father was on.

"Of course, everything is perfectly fine." Arthur said, and then he walked up to and sat next to Ron. Arthur then slowly took out a wand and handed it to Ron. Ron took it, and his heart skipped a beat. My wand… the one Pandora got me… Bollocks!

"Dad…" Ron started but his father shushed him.

"It's okay Ronnie" Arthur assured his son. "Pandora told your mother and me everything. We aren't angry with you." Arthur then smiled sadly at Ron. "I just wish I could have gotten you your own wand…" Oh Merlin… this is awkward…

"I'm sorry for not telling you" Ron opted to say, he didn't really know what else to say anyway.

"No, I'm the one who is sorry… Listen Ronnie, there are some things I need to tell you… Promise me that you will listen to everything I say, and then we can talk about it."

"Okay… I promise" Ron said slowly, his stomach feeling queasy. What's happened now? I swear it's always something...

"Ronnie, the Ministry was quite 'interested' in your attack… But Dumbledore convinced them that you were attempting a spell that backfired." Ron was shocked to hear this, but his father continued. "I need you to say that Dumbledore was right… If anyone asks, tell them that it was a badly executed spell that hospitalized you… and not the Dark Lord." What? Why? "You see son, the Dark Lord has been believed to be dead for the last ten years. Ten long, peaceful years… If word got out that he is still alive and that he had attacked a student inside Hogwarts itself, there would be panic… Mass panic… And there would be many who would… actively search for the Dark Lord…"

"These people Ronnie" his father continued. "Those people would come after you… they'd besmirch your name, or openly attack you… If word got out that the Dark Lord attacked you, it could make you a target. So I need you to stick with the story that I've just told you… I need you to lie…" Arthur felt disgusted with himself. He was turning his son into a deceitful person, something that he never wanted to see in his children. Ronnie had just woken up, and now he had to deal with this mess…

"Tell me son, is that alright with you?" Arthur asked Ron. Is it alright for me to lie about my attack? NO! Why aren't we telling people that the Dark Lord is out there? He needs to be hunted down now! While he is weak!

"I think we should tell them the truth" Ron said firmly, and his father sighed. "If people know he is out there, then we can hunt him down and kill him." Arthur went wide-eyed at Ron's words, this wasn't the way Ronnie talked. There was hatred in his words, and he wanted someone killed?!

"Ron" Arthur said slowly. "Killing is not something to be spoken of lightly… The Dark Lord was an evil and revolting man, but that does not mean that killing him is alright to speak of. Murder is the vilest act anyone can commit, no matter who the victim is…"

"And how many lives has the Dark Lord taken?" Ron simply asked, unable to understand the meaning behind his father's words. "Isn't killing one person better than letting hundreds die?" People like Fred! Your son, and my brother! Whose life is more important? Because I know the answer already!

"If you kill one person Ronnie, then the number of killers in the world stays the same…" Arthur said softly, feeling a little jarred by Ron's words. What if I kill every Death-Eater? Then it balances out… The Dark Lord may not have scarred me, but it was his fault! I'm just supposed to ignore that and pretend like it's all my fault? Piss on that! Dumbledore just wants to save face!

"Ronnie, are you listening to me?" Arthur said a little more firmly, he didn't want his son thinking this way. "I don't want you thinking this way… it isn't the right way to think. You should never think that the 'ends justify the means'… No one should think like that. It's thinking like that which makes people become like the Dark Lord… He killed whoever he pleased, all because he believed that he was in the right. That he was making the world a better place… But he wasn't Ronnie, he was destroying our world. So don't ever think like that. Promise me that."

Ron looked at his father, but he couldn't promise it. If it came down to it, he'd kill the Dark Lord himself to save Fred. His family meant more to him than some evil, would-be dictator. It was just that simple in his mind. So he stayed quiet, and his father just gazed at him with a kind of pain only a parent could feel. Arthur felt like he was losing his son again, this time to darkness.

"He…" Ron broke the silence, deciding to do something rather grim. "He did this to me…" And then Ron pulled back the sleeve on his right arm, showing Arthur his scarred hand and arm. Arthur winced and shut his eyes tightly, feeling like his heart would shatter again if he saw Ron's arm. "Look at me…" Ron bit out harshly, his bitterness taking over his insecurities. But Arthur didn't look, and Ron slid his sleeve back down. Even he can't stand the sight of me…

"My whole body is covered with these…" Ron grit out. "I'm… I'm disfigured… Ugly… Even you won't look at me… And you want me to say that it was all my fault? Just because Dumbledore asked you to?" Damn Dumbledore… Damn this fucking Entity… And damn the Dark Lord…

Arthur felt lightheaded from Ron's words, from the pain his son was in… And yet he couldn't look Ronnie in his eyes… He was the worst father to ever walk this earth, that's what Arthur felt like in that moment. He should never have asked Ronnie to lie about his… his scars…

"I'm sorry, Ron…" Arthur whispered, his voice cracking a bit. "I'm so sorry…" And then he got up and left, and Ron could hear him crying on his way out. Ron's chest tightened from guilt, but he was just so angry right now that he didn't stop his father. He's sorry? I don't want his pity… Ron felt bitterness as ugly as his own body, and his eyes burned with tears. I'm ruined… Every time people see me, they'll be disgusted… My friends… Even my family… All of them will think the same thing.

Daphne Greengrass' POV

Daphne stared at her reflection, and then she smiled at the golden hair pin parting her hair. But then her smile fell… This particular act had become a habit of hers over the last month. Every time she saw her golden pin, she'd smile happily at how good it looked on her… and then she would remember who gave it to her. And that he was still in a coma… And just like that, she'd spend the day in mourning.

After Slytherin's triumph at the House Cup feast, Daphne had spent the last two weeks before the holidays waiting for an owl to tell her about Ron. All of them had just been waiting… and waiting… and waiting. But no owl came, and they all started panicking. They knew something was horribly wrong, but no one gave them a straight answer. Snape was dismissive, the Headmaster was always out on important business, and their owls to the Weasley family had gone unanswered. None of them said it, but they had all formed a suspicion that Ron was dead. It was a horrible feeling… To think that one of your friends was dead, and that people were covering it up just to save face…

Daphne had lost her nerve eventually, and sent a desperate letter to her father. She had told him everything, defying Snape's orders. She had begged her father to go investigate St. Mungo's for Ron, and to tell her that everything was alright. She didn't sleep for two days while she waited for her father's response. And when it did arrive, they all huddled together to read it.

It turned out that Ron was in a coma, and he was showing no signs of waking up anytime soon. Even Blaise and Theo had cried after reading the letter. While Daphne had just felt like she was in a nightmare. Ron was gone… Just like that… One day he was with them, laughing and studying… And then he was gone. The realization that they may never get to see him again nearly destroyed the group. Theo and Blaise seemed to just disappear for hours on end, while the other three girls barely spoke. But Daphne couldn't fault them, she herself would spend her days in the library. She read every book on comatose patients, desperate to find a way to wake up Ron. But she had found nothing. It turned out that the Healing Arts focus more on physical trauma, and far less on trauma of the brain… And since Ron was effectively braindead, there was nothing to be done. She had screamed herself hoarse in the girls' bathroom near the dungeons, and Tracey had found her in her deranged state.

Tracey then took action and brought the group together, forcing every one of them to stick together. At first it felt wrong, but after a couple of days, they all started to open up to each other. And then they all grieved for their friend, the one who had changed their lives so much in just one year. He got along with them all, and he felt like the heart of their group. He made stupid jokes alongside Tracey. He practiced every day with Theo and Blaise. He spent countless hours studying with Millie. He included Pansy in everything and made sure to make her feel like she was one of them. And he put up with Daphne…

Daphne wasn't a fool, she knew that she could be truly spoiled and act bratty at times. Tracey reminded her of that every now and then, but Ron always found a way to ignore it. If he ever shouted or lost his temper at her, he'd come back to her and apologize eventually. Then she would act all high-and-mighty and 'take him back in'… Like he was some puppy that she was angry at. It made her feel horrible now that she thought about their friendship… She should've been better than that. At least towards him… And now she may never get to be…

The day before the school was officially about to close, the Daily Prophet had made Ron's coma public knowledge. Rita Skeeter had somehow learned of Ron's current situation, and she had released an article titled 'SLYTHERIN PRODIGY In a Coma, Dumbledore to Blame?'… The train ride home had not been pleasant because of this. People kept barging into their carriage to give their 'sympathies', and when Granger had entered to do the same, Daphne had lost her mind. She had tried to attack Granger, and Theo and Blaise had to intervene to stop her. Daphne had screamed foul obscenities at Granger and her two idiot friends, all the while Theo and Blaise had held her back. If the Dark Lord had attacked Ron, then the boy-who-lived was clearly involved… The Golden Boy of the Wizarding World was a liar! His fame and legend were all lies! The Dark Lord still lived, and he had taken Ron from them!

Once Daphne had gotten home, she had barely spoken to her family. Her mother and father decided to give her some space, but Tori had no idea what was happening. So Daphne's little sister had constantly questioned her about Ron during dinner, and Daphne had lost her temper again. She had screamed at Tori and told her to 'Shut Up', and then Daphne had run off crying. She spent the entire night crying on her bed, feeling guilty about everything. Guilty about losing it at Granger, guilty about losing it at Tori, and guilty about losing Ron…

The next morning, her parents had taken her to St. Mungo's where she had met up with all of her friends. They went to Ron's room, and Daphne had nearly passed out. Ron's upper body was completely covered in bandages, his face was extremely gaunt and pale, and he had a tube inserted into his mouth. It was a horrid sight, and Daphne and the other three girls had cried their eyes out. Theo and Blaise seemed to have gone into silent shock, and they hadn't uttered a word all day. After they spent the day just staring at Ron's lifeless body, they had all gone home. Tracey, Pansy, Mille, and even Theo and Blaise had come back to Greengrass Manor. They had decided to spend most of the holidays together, it was easier to cope with loss in a group…

They had visited Ron several times since then, and they had all made a bond with Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Lovegood. The two older witches desperately wanted to hear about Ron's school life, and it helped the group to speak about him. It felt like they were reliving their school year once again, and it gave them all a small sense of comfort. And deep down, Daphne would always feel like Ron was listening in. He was just lying there, so close to them and yet he was farther away than ever…

Daphne sighed at her reflection once more, and then she went downstairs for breakfast. She entered the dining room, and was greeted with the sight of all of her friends and family. Except Ron… She took her seat next to Tori and gave her sister a pinch on her chubby cheeks. Tori beamed at her.

"Good morning Daphne" Tori giggled, and Daphne smiled hollowly at her sister. I'm glad she forgave me…

"Good morning Tori" Daphne replied. "What are your plans for today?"

"Theo and Blaise want to teach me curses!" Tori said loudly, and Theo smacked his own forehead.

"Gentlemen…" her Lord father said, looking at Theo and Blaise with a blank face. "Is this true? Are you attempting to teach my youngest daughter the Dark Arts?" Theo and Blaise shrunk into their seats, while Tori giggled at getting the two boys in trouble.

"Sir" Blaise muttered. "We would never…" Yes, you definitely would… Daphne couldn't help but shake her head at her friends. They had been causing havoc around the Manor alongside Tori.

"Sebastian" Daphne's mother scolded in a playful tone. "Stop picking on the children…" Sebastian Greengrass let out a chuckle at that.

"Sorry" he said humorously. "But Tori is too young to be learning such things…" he added more seriously.

"Guess we need to do something else then…" Theo muttered, and then he looked at Lady Greengrass. "May I help you in the gardens again, Lady Greengrass?" Daphne's mother smiled at Theo kindly.

"Of course Theo, and you can just call me Mary" Lady Greengrass said softly. "I've known you since you were four…" Theo smiled back at her.

"Blaise, you can join us today" Pansy said with a faint smile. She had taken Ron's absence rather badly, and barely ever spoke now. "We were planning to go through Lord Greengrass' library, to look for something that can help Ron." Blaise simply smiled at her and nodded softly. He doesn't want to think about that Pans…

And then a knocking came from their window, a knocking that got louder and louder. Lord Greengrass frowned, and then he flicked his wand at the window, opening it. Daphne was shocked at the sight of the familiar light grey Eagle-owl, and Helios flew right to her. He hooted loudly and presented his leg, and Daphne's heart began beating faster and faster. She quickly took the letter, and then began petting Helios as she read it.

Greetings Lady Greengrass (was that formal enough?)

This is Ron, and I'm awake… Can you please let everyone know (Helios could only carry so many letters), and come visit me please? This Hospital is really doing my head in… I'd like some decent company at least.

Oh and bring actual food with you! This Hospital is feeding me stale garbage!

Can't wait to see you all again!

Your Friend and ally,

Ronald Bilius Weasley.

P.S: Don't show this to your Lord Father, I don't want him thinking ill of me!

Daphne smiled in true joy for the first time in a long while, and she rubbed her eyes. Then she let out a relieved laugh and turned to her friends. They were all looking at Helios and her, and she could see the hope in their eyes.

"Ron's awake…" Daphne said with a laugh. "And he wants us to visit!"

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Well there it is! In all of its depressing glory... But things will start looking up again, I promise! I didn't want to gloss over the consequences of the last chapter, so it had to be this way...

I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter, and I will see you all again in a couple of days!