AUTHOR'S NOTES: Here is Chapter 33! I pumped it out with the utmost urgency! Now, just a couple of things!
1. This chapter is just under ten-thousand words... Sorry, but there a lot of action in here to make up for it!
2. I did a lot of research on the politics of Hogwarts Board system... But if there are errors, forgive me, I'm only human!
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 33 – Dueling Club
Neville Longbottom's POV
December 13th, 1992 (Breakfast)
"I just need to stir it a bit after breakfast" Hermione huffed. They were currently eating breakfast, and Hermione was already lecturing them. They had managed to steal the Bicorn Horn and Boomslang skin from Snape's Office yesterday, and now their potion was almost complete! In a week or so, they'd finally learn who the Heir of Slytherin was…
"We can go right after breakfast" Harry yawned, he was always tired these days. Too many Quidditch practices… Neville shot a quick look towards the Slytherin table, this had become a habit of his. He wanted to keep an eye on them, he wanted to keep an eye on Ron… Ron was currently laughing loudly as he ate with Luna Lovegood.
"What's Luna doing at the Slytherin table again?" Neville asked Harry.
"She's Ron's sister…" Hermione said slowly, it sounded like she thought that Neville was braindead…
"She looks really happy with him" Harry muttered. He's feeling guilty again… Yeah, me too. Neville may have pushed his friends to look into Ron, but Neville was actually beginning to hope that Ron wasn't the Heir. Ron may be a liar, and he may be secretive, but he wasn't a bad person… At least not to Neville, and definitely not to Harry and Hermione.
The last month had been difficult for all of them… But especially for Hermione. Neville knew that she was feeling like a traitor, and as such she had become extremely temperamental. But Neville didn't mind, she was in pain and he would respect that. Harry had begun brooding even more, and he had become increasingly obsessed with this Heir of Slytherin person. Neville wasn't sure if Harry's obsession came from the need to clear his own name, or Ron's… Either way, Harry constantly theorized on who the Heir could be. And Harry always claimed that it had to be Malfoy!
"Who knew?" Hermione said in a cold tone. "The Heir of Slytherin loves his sister…" Neville flinched a bit because he knew that Hermione was talking to him, and not Harry.
"Hermione, don't…" Harry sighed. "I can't fight about this again… Please…"
"We should be ashamed of ourselves…" Hermione bit out, her face was turning a dark shade of red. "He's our friend…"
"And we are doing this to make sure that he is still our friend" Harry snapped back. "Give it a rest…"
"Please don't fight" Neville sighed. There was a short awkward pause between the three.
"I'm going to go look at the Potion…" Hermione said quickly, and then she got up and left. As Hermione exited the Great Hall, Harry too stood up.
"We shouldn't let her go alone" Harry said with a tired smile.
"You're right" Neville smiled back, and then they both left the Great Hall. Neville missed two cold eyes looking at them as they left…
"The sooner this Polyjuice Potion plan is done, the better…" Harry sighed. "I'm sick of suspecting Ron… We haven't talked to him in over a month…"
"Me too" Neville agreed. "I really hope Ron isn't the Heir… I don't even want to think about what Hermione will go through…" Neville then pushed the door to Myrtle's bathroom open. "Hermione, how is…" Neville stopped halfway. What happened? Hermione was standing in front of their cubicle with a broken expression. "Hermione?"
"It's been… destroyed…" Hermione muttered, her eyes turning red because of unshed tears. WHAT?!
"Destroyed?!" Harry yelled as he ran up to her, and then he peered into the cubicle. Harry's face blanched, and Neville slowly moved up to them. The cauldron was blown into pieces, and the cubicle was covered with the remains of the potion. Neville felt devastated, and utterly shocked. They had worked so hard on that potion…
"This couldn't have happened…" Hermione said meekly. "It was perfectly fine… I checked the book…"
"I don't think it was the potion's fault…" Harry said softly. "Look at those scorch marks on the cauldron, they're on the outside…"
"Someone did this? Who?" Neville muttered.
"Good morning!" came a shrill voice from behind them. They all turned quickly, and they came face-to-face with Moaning Myrtle.
"You?!" Harry accused, he was quickly turning red. "You destroyed our potion!"
"I did no such thing" Myrtle laughed, and this immediately put them on edge. She's not crying after being yelled at… What's going on here? Who did that to our potion?! "But I know who did…" Myrtle giggled.
"Who?" Neville asked, and Myrtle laughed out loud. It was a horrible cackle, and it put Neville's teeth on edge.
"I'm not saying a word!" Myrtle laughed, and then she flew straight into one of the toilets. A torrent of water blew out of the toilet, and it covered the Trio from head-to-toe.
"EW!" they all yelled.
"Toilet water! Yuck!" Neville exclaimed, he was drenched.
"Ugh!" Hermione groaned. "I hate her so much!"
"Who cares about being drenched?" Harry grimaced. "Someone destroyed all of our hard work… Someone knows what we were doing! What if they turn us in?!"
"We could be expelled…" Hermione muttered. "No… No, we weren't meant to get caught…" Who could have known about this? Who would even come here? And then it clicked in Neville's head… I only know one other person who has been here other than us…
"Guys…" Neville muttered, and both Harry and Hermione turned to him. "I think… I think Ron came back here… And I think he found the potion…"
"JUST STOP IT!" Hermione shrieked loudly, she was crying. "Ron did this, and Ron did that! STOP IT!" With that, she ran out of the bathroom in tears. She worked so hard on that potion…
"Why did you say that?" Harry frowned at Neville.
"Because it makes sense…" Neville muttered as he looked at what was left of their cauldron. "He's the only person that we know of who has come here, not counting us… And, you also said that he saw you yesterday when you threw that firecracker…"
"That doesn't mean he did this" Harry fumed. "You know what, Nev… I think Hermione is right… I think you just want Ron to be the Heir…" Harry walked away without a second look, and Neville stayed behind.
It was Ron, Neville was certain of it… But he wasn't angry… A part of Neville was glad that they didn't have to travel down to the serpent's lair. A part of Neville was glad that they couldn't make sure that Ron was the Heir… Neville would hate to see what Harry and Hermione would go through if Ron was indeed the Heir of Slytherin, it would destroy them. Neville didn't want that to happen to his two best friends…
Ronald Weasley's POV
December 14th, 1992 (Greengrass Manor)
"Welcome back, Ron" Lady Greengrass smiled as he walked through the fireplace.
"Good morning, my Lady" Ron smiled back. I really wish I could have brought Daphne along… She'd better stay in the common room until I get back!
"Come, my Lord Husband is waiting for you" Lady Greengrass said, and then she began leading him towards the study.
"Where is Astoria?" Ron asked with a polite tone.
"She is upstairs" Lady Greengrass replied, even the way she spoke was regal. "We have important things to discuss today, and she is not old enough yet." Ron nodded at that, they did have important things to discuss. Ron had sent a letter with Marty to Lord Greengrass right after he had told his friends about the Trio's plans. Lord Greengrass had sent a reply within ten minutes, and the reply instructed Ron to keep his distance from the Trio.
"Will you be joining us, my Lady?" Ron asked Lady Greengrass.
"Of course" Lady Greengrass smiled at him. "You are one of us, Ron. If they go after you, they will have to go after us as well." Ron was touched by her kind words, did they really like him that much?!
"Thank you, Lady Greengrass" Ron said softly, his emotions were still raw. He had spent all of yesterday avoiding the Trio completely. Even during his D.A.D.A class with them, Ron had somehow managed to keep his distance. He didn't want them to know that he was onto them, not yet… They'll pay for betraying me. They'll pay for going after Daphne!
"We're here" Lady Greengrass said as she opened the door to the study. They both walked in and found Lord Greengrass standing in front of the small fireplace. He had a dark look on his face, and Ron wasn't sure that he wanted to see Lord Greengrass' angry side. He is already really intimidating…
"Hello, Ron" Lord Greengrass greeted, but he kept his eyes on the small fire. "Take a seat, we have a lot of things to discuss." Ron did as he was told, while Lady Greengrass sat in Lord Greengrass' seat. "Now tell me everything in full detail. How did you find out about this plot against you and my daughter?"
"It was during Potions Class" Ron started. "Harry threw a firecracker into Goyle's cauldron, and the cauldron exploded. A lot of students were hit with the Swelling Solution, including Daphne…" Lady Greengrass frowned darkly.
"And you saw this?" Lord Greengrass asked, his voice was cold.
"Yes, my Lord" Ron nodded at his mentor's back. "I also saw Hermione Granger sneak into Snape's Office, and I think she stole some ingredients."
"For their Polyjuice Potion?" Lord Greengrass asked.
"Yes" Ron replied. "I followed them after class, I wanted to confront them! I used the Disillusionment Charm to hide myself as I trailed them…"
"The Disillusionment Charm?" Lady Greengrass asked with a slightly surprised look. "That is advanced magic, Ron. How did you learn it?"
"Victor Burke taught me" Ron replied honestly, he didn't plan on lying to these two. "As I was saying, I followed the Trio into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. I saw them talking about their plans, and they had no idea that I was even there."
"And what of the potion?" Lord Greengrass asked.
"I destroyed it…" Ron replied. Lord Greengrass turned around with a frown on his face.
"That was foolish…" Lord Greengrass scolded. "You destroyed the very evidence that we needed…"
"I'm sorry…" Ron said sheepishly, he could feel his ears burning. "I lost… control…"
"It's alright, Ron" lady Greengrass smiled at him. "They were your friends, and you were hurt by them. We understand, don't we?" she asked her husband. Lord Greengrass simply nodded once.
"What are your plans, Ron?" Lord Greengrass asked. "I'm assuming you have something in mind…"
"I do, my Lord" Ron said, his features becoming dark. "I want to humiliate Harry Potter… I want them to know that my friends are off limits… I want the whole school to know what they were planning to do! I want to make sure that the Gryffindors realize that they have no right to act all self-righteous, and spit on the rest of us…" Lord Greengrass slowly nodded.
"And why did you come to me?" Lord Greengrass asked. "Why not go to Dumbledore, or Severus Snape?"
"Professor Snape can only do so much" Ron sighed. "And Dumbledore… I don't trust him. After I was attacked, he was more interested in keeping me quiet than he was in helping me…"
"Attacked?" Lady Greengrass asked, and Ron blinked at her. He didn't tell her?! Shite… I might as well tell her now…
"I was attacked by you-know-who…" Ron said softly, and she gasped. "That's why I ended up in a coma, and why I was left with these" Ron finished by showing her his left forearm. Lady Greengrass looked at his left forearm in horror, and he felt his face flush. He quickly covered up his arm. "Please don't tell Daphne about my scars… Though she already knows about the attack…"
"Ron…" Lady Greengrass muttered, she had gone a bit pale.
"Can we please get back to my plan?" Ron asked softly, and Lady Greengrass nodded as she regained her composure.
"Tell me something, Ron" Lord Greengrass said softly. "How do you plan to accomplish all of that? Do you want him expelled?"
"No…" Ron sighed. Harry can't be expelled… He has a big part to play in the upcoming war, I know that much already! "There is a Dueling Club starting in Hogwarts tonight, Harry has signed up for it."
"Go on…" Lord Greengrass said.
"I have also signed up for it" Ron said coldly. "I intend to put him in his place in public! I will show everyone that Harry Potter is just some boy who is famous for just being alive… That he has no talent in Dueling… That he survived the Dark Lord because he got lucky…"
"And you think you can win?" Lady Greengrass asked. "Are you absolutely sure?"
"I'm sure" Ron replied calmly, he had Pandora's ring and the Tome backing him up! Harry doesn't stand a chance against me…
"Ron, your plan has some problems" Lord Greengrass sighed. "For one, you can't hurt another student and just get away with it. Secondly, this is Harry Potter… A world famous hero… Attacking him will not win you any favors within the Wizarding World. And lastly, Dumbledore won't allow that to happen…"
"I have thought this through, my Lord" Ron argued. "That is why I need your help… Your help, and the help of the Board of Governors…" Lord and Lady Greengrass blinked at Ron. And then, Lord Greengrass let out a chuckle.
"Very crafty, Ron" Lord Greengrass smiled widely. "Very crafty indeed…"
"Husband?" Lady Greengrass asked.
"That is why you came to me directly…" Lord Greengrass said with a smile. "Dumbledore can't punish you if we stand behind you! Harry Potter has committed enough crimes against the school that he warrants an expulsion. Once you do whatever you intend to do, I come in and protect you… If you go, Harry Potter goes…"
"Yes, my Lord" Ron smiled widely. "And I will make sure everyone knows about Harry's little plot, and what he did in Snape's classroom. That alone will turn some of the staff against him. Slytherin will definitely back me up, and maybe the Ravenclaws too…"
"Now I truly regret you destroying that potion…" Lord Greengrass sighed. "We needed that evidence to turn the Board in our favor."
"Use his memories" Lady Greengrass interjected. "If we show the Board proof of what Ron has claimed, they will believe him. Lucius is the Chairman of the Board, and he already wants to out Dumbledore. We can use his personal vendetta in our favor." Woah… Guess she isn't just some house-wife… But what does she mean by my memories?
"Hmm…" Lord Greengrass hummed softly. "You're right, love. With Ron's memories, we have proof of Harry Potter's wrongdoings. I can strong-arm Dumbledore with that proof… I doubt that he wants to lose the precious boy-who-lived. This can work, but I need to act now. Ron, come here." Ron stood up and walked over to Lord Greengrass. Lord Greengrass took out his wand and placed in on Ron's left temple.
"My Lord?" Ron asked with wide-eyes.
"Relax" Lord Greengrass assured. "I'm going to extract two memories from your mind; the one where you saw Harry Potter throw that firecracker, and the one where they were discussing their plans. Now, I need you to remember those memories Ron. Think of them as hard as you can." Ron did as he was told, and Lord Greengrass muttered something before he pulled his wand away from Ron's temple. Ron felt a soft headache as this happened, and then Ron saw two silvery threads floating around Lord Greengrass' wand. "Love, I need two flasks…"
Lady Greengrass conjured two flasks and held them in front of Lord Greengrass, and Lord Greengrass flicked his wand at the flasks. The two silvery threads floated into the separate flasks, and Ron was left in awe. What kind of magic is this?! Are those my…memories? Bloody hell…
"My wife and I watch these memories, Ron" Lord Greengrass said firmly. "Just to make sure we got the right ones…"
"And how will you do that?" Ron asked, and Lord Greengrass smirked as he flicked his wand at a bookcase. The books parted, and a shallow marble basin floated out towards Lord Greengrass. The basin had gleaming gems on its sides, and it was covered with runes and strange symbols. What is this thing?
"This is a Pensieve, Ron" Lady Greengrass smiled. "We put your memories into that, and then we can experience them for ourselves."
"Take a seat, Ron" Lord Greengrass ordered. "My wife and I will watch these, and then we'll let you know if we got the right memories." Ron did as he was told, and he watched as Lord Greengrass tipped the contents of one of the flasks into the Pensieve. The silvery thread floated into the Pensieve, it wasn't wholly liquid nor gas… Ron hoped to Merlin that he had given the right memories, the last thing he wanted was to reveal too much about himself. Or the Entity…
Ron waited patiently while Lord and Lady Greengrass watched his memories. Ron had concentrated hard on Snape's classroom and Harry's firecracker stunt. And then he had concentrated hard on his discovery within Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. He had also concentrated on the pain he had felt at being betrayed, and on his anger towards Harry Potter. I'll show them how it feels… Ron's blood boiled again at the thought of the Trio, they were the real snakes! He had given them nothing but his best, and they had spat on his face… Ron stewed in his own anger for almost twenty minutes before Lord Greengrass broke him out of his thoughts.
"We have the right memories" Lord Greengrass said softly, Ron could hear the cold anger in his voice. "I have to go and set up a few meetings, Ron." Ron nodded, and then he looked to Lady Greengrass. She was looking at him with a mixture of sadness and concern. I guess they saw my… breakdown…
"Do you think the Board will side with me?" Ron asked, he wanted to move past this uncomfortable moment.
"They will, I assure you" Lord Greengrass nodded once. "Here is what you must do… Go back to Hogwarts after I leave, and stay away from those three. When the Dueling Club starts, do whatever you feel is necessary. Embarrass Potter, but do not harm him fatally or permanently. That is essential! Make sure his wounds can be healed easily enough… After you finish with him, send Marty to alert me. I will have all the firepower I need to strong-arm Dumbledore by then! If they confront you, say nothing! Wait for my arrival, is that clear?"
"Yes, my Lord" Ron nodded. "What if they confront me right after the Dueling Club?"
"Don't give them that opportunity" Lady Greengrass interjected. "Once you've embarrassed that vile boy, leave immediately. Go to the common room, and send Marty to us." Us?
"Okay" Ron nodded.
"I promise you, Ron" Lord Greengrass said firmly. "I will make sure that those three pay for what they did to you, and I'll make sure you get away with everything without as much as a warning." Ron nodded and smiled gratefully, at least someone had his back! He's always had my back!
"I don't want them expelled" Ron said softly. "I just want them punished and humiliated…"
"I understand" Lord Greengrass said firmly. "They won't be expelled, but they will wish that they were… Now, I have to get to work. Love, send Ron on his way…" Lady Greengrass moved to Ron and guided him out of the study. They walked back to the fireplace in silence, but Lady Greengrass stopped Ron abruptly.
"Lady Greengrass?" Ron asked, and then she surprised him by cupping his cheeks. She pulled him in slowly and kissed his forehead. She smells really nice… What was that for?
"Everything will be just fine, Ron" Lady Greengrass hummed. Ron relaxed at her words, he knew for certain that they wouldn't betray him… Lord and Lady Greengrass would stand by his side, and everything would work out for Ron.
December 14th, 1992 (After Dinner)
"Everyone know the plan?" Ron asked his friends, and they nodded. They had skipped dinner tonight because Ron had decided to include his friends in his plan. Their job was simple, but probably the most important one…
"This is crazy, Ron" Pansy said in awe. "You'll be declaring war against the Gryffindors if you do this, you know that right?"
"I do" Ron said firmly. "But they went after us first… The way they treat us, the way they look at us… I'm sick of it!" Blaise and Theo let out chuckles as Ron finished.
"This is going to be great!" Theo said excitedly. "I can't wait to see you humiliate Potter!"
"Please be careful" Daphne said with a soft smile.
"Don't worry about me, Daph" Ron smiled back. "I'll be fine."
"Make sure you show Potter what a real wizard can do" Millie ordered with a smirk. Oh, I will…
"I'm so damn excited" Tracey giggled.
"Alright, we're almost there" Blaise said with a smirk. "Keep calm, and don't give anything away…" They all entered the Great Hall together, and it looked completely different. The long dining tables had been removed, and in their place, a grand golden stage had been set up in the middle of the Great Hall. It was lit up by thousands of floating candles. The ceiling was completely black tonight, and most of the student-body seemed to be packed under it. Every student was talking excitedly, and they were all holding their wands eagerly. This is it! I can do this! I can do this!
Ron and his friends made their way towards the section reserved for the Slytherins, and this is where they all split up. Ron stood in the middle of the Slytherins by himself, while his friends moved around and talked to the other Slytherins. Their job was to make sure that every Slytherin knew what Potter and his two stooges were planning to do, and what they had done in Snape's classroom. They would also tell the Slytherins to keep quiet and to not alert Snape, Ron had to face Potter no matter what!
"Gather round, gather round!" came Lockhart's excited yell. "Can you all see me?! Can you all hear me?! Excellent!" Lockhart was standing on the stage in deep plum colored robes, and Snape stood next to him in his usual black ones. Ron smiled at Snape's look of disgust.
"Now!" Lockhart yelled again. "Headmaster Dumbledore has allowed me to begin this little Dueling Club in-order to train you all up, just in case!" Lockhart grinned widely. "It is my sworn duty to teach you all on how to defend yourselves against the worst of the worst, as I myself have done on countless occasions! For more details, read my published works!" Ron rolled his eyes, and so did Snape.
"Let me introduce you all to my assistant, Professor Snape!" Lockhart yelled out with a grin, and Ron had to stifle his laughter. Ron then shot quick looks around, and he saw that his friends were busy spreading the word. "He tells me that he knows a little bit about Dueling, and so he has offered me his assistance. Don't worry children, you'll all still have your Potions Master after I'm through with him!" Lockhart laughed, and Snape clenched his jaw tightly. Lockhart is going to die today…
Lockhart and Snape turned to each other, and then they bowed. Lockhart did a fabulous bow, and he twirled his hands as he did so. Snape's bow was more like an irritated head jerk, a dark sneer on his face. Lockhart should bolt… I would if Snape gave me that look... Then both professors held their wands like swords in front of themselves.
"As you can see, we are both now in the accepted combative stance" Lockhart said with a grin. Stop grinning you idiot, Snape is going to kill you! A small part of Ron feared for Lockhart, a very small part. "On the count of three, we will both fire our spells! We will not be aiming to kill, of course!" Tell that to Snape! "One… Two… Three!" Lockhart yelled. Snape moved at lightning speed as he swung his wand up and over his own head.
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Snape chanted with a powerful voice. There was blinding scarlet light, and Lockhart was sent flying off of the stage. The grinning fool slammed into a wall and slid down it to sprawl on the floor. HAHA! OH SHITE! IS HE DEAD?! Ron and the other Slytherins broke into wild cheers for their Head of House, and Snape just smirked at Lockhart's sprawled form. Lockhart slowly stood up, his wavy hair was now all messy. Lockhart then limped onto the stage with a grin, and Ron was bewildered.
"There you have it!" Lockhart yelled. "That was the Disarming Charm, as you can all see, I've lost my wand!" Lockhart then took his wand from a gushing Lavender Brown. "Thank you, Miss. Brown. An excellent idea showing them that, Professor Snape. But… It was rather obvious what you were planning to do there… If I wanted to stop you, it would have been far too easy!" Lockhart grinned, and Snape looked completely murderous. Lockhart seemed to notice Snape's terrifying look for a change, and he quickly turned to the student body. "Enough demonstrating! I will now pair you all up, and you can all have a go! Professor Snape, if you'd like to help me…"
"Psst…" someone whispered in Ron's left ear. Ron turned to see Carey Ductu, the female prefect, standing next to him. "I heard something rather bizarre just now. Your friend Tracey Davis told me a wild story about Potter and his gang, is it true?"
"It is" Ron replied honestly, and Carey cocked an eyebrow at him.
"Interesting…" Carey said softly. "So it's also true that you're planning to put Potter in his place in public? I thought you two were friends…" Ron chest tightened at that.
"I thought so too…" Ron said softly, his voice was a little shaky. "But he betrayed me, and he planned to go after my friends… All because of the fact that I'm a Slytherin…" Carey nodded slowly, and then she smiled slyly at him.
"I hope you have a plan, Ron" Carey said as she put her hand on his shoulder. Why is she touching me? "That's Dumbledore's Golden Boy you're going after… You could get expelled if you take things too far…"
"Trust me, I have it all sorted" Ron smirked, and Carey chuckled softly.
"I'm excited for your Duel then… Good luck" Carey said, and then she walked back to her own friends. Ron looked back at the stage, and he saw that Neville Longbottom was going up against some Hufflepuff boy. Neville and the Hufflepuff boy both failed terribly at casting the Disarming Charm. And then all of a sudden, a scarlet light shot out of Neville's wand and the Hufflepuff boy went flying across the stage.
"Well done, Mr. Longbottom!" Lockhart laughed. "Alright, next pair! Miss. Brown and Miss. Davis!" Ron looked at Tracey climbing onto the stage, and he gave her a reassuring smile. She gave him a sly grin, and Ron knew that Tracey was up to some mischief.
"On the count of three" Lockhart grinned. "One… Two…"
"Expelliarmus!" Tracey yelled as she fired the scarlet spell. Lavender's eyes-widened for a split second before she was sent flying backwards. She landed hard and groaned.
"I said on the count of three" Lockhart sighed.
"I'm sorry, Sir" Tracey said sweetly. "I just got… scared…" HAHA! What a cheeky witch!
"Very well" Lockhart smiled at Tracey. "Next pair! Mr. Finnegan and Mr. Goyle!"
"If I may" Snape interfered. "Finnegan's wand is a serious hazard to even his own wellbeing… Perhaps it would be wise to… forgo… this pair."
"Very well, Professor Snape" Lockhart smiled, and Ron could see Finnegan pouting. Hermione was standing right next to Finnegan, and she was looking at Ron. Ron's eyes suddenly locked with Hermione's, and they both just stared at each other. They hadn't spoken for over a month, and recently, they had even stopped looking at each other. Ron felt his stomach floating about as he stared at her, and she stared back. NO! She betrayed me! She had no problem turning her back on me! Ron broke his eye contact and looked back at the stage. The twins were currently Dueling each other, and they were evenly matched.
"Alright, enough!" Lockhart yelled after two minutes of watching the twins. They were both firing the exact same spells at the same time, and this would go on forever. "Next pair! I think…"
"If I may?" Snape interfered again. "Shall I suggest a pair?"
"Of course" Lockhart grinned.
"Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, get up here" Snape said as he turned to Malfoy. FUCK! Malfoy looked at Snape with a blank expression.
"Sir, I hurt my wrist during Quidditch practice" Malfoy said in a dead tone. "Weasley can take my spot…" WHAT THE FUCK?! Ron looked at Malfoy, and Malfoy looked back at him with his blank expression. Did he seriously just… help me?! Even Snape was utterly bewildered, but he quickly regained his composure.
"Fine…" Snape said slowly. "Mr. Weasley, come." Ron turned his head and cracked his neck, and then he got on the stage. Snape was giving Ron a wary look, what was going on here? Why did Draco just give up his chance at Potter? And why was there such a dark look on Ronald's face? Snape was getting a bad feeling about this, but he chose to ignore it. They were both just children… What's the worst that could happen?
There were whispers and murmurs from the students around the stage. Ron stared right at Harry as they slowly approached the middle of the stage. There were butterflies in Ron's stomach, but the longer he looked at Harry, the angrier he got. Fucking traitor! I gave you everything… And you spat in face! I'll teach you a lesson you will never forget… Ron shot quick looks to the Gryffindors, and he liked what he saw. Hermione and Neville were looking scared… Good! Percy and the twins were looking on with blank expressions, while Ginny was looking right at him with a concerned look. She doesn't think I can take him? She always did worship Harry fucking Potter… Just watch Gin, I'll show you what I'm capable of… And then, Harry and Ron stood face to face.
"Ron… we need to talk…" Harry whispered.
"Shut up" Ron whispered coldly, and Harry's eyes widened. "When I'm done with you, you'll never even look in my general direction again… Fucking traitor…" Harry blanched.
"Ron…" Harry muttered.
"I'm going to destroy you, Potter…" Ron whispered coldly, his heart was thumping wildly. "You think you can go after my friends… after Daphne… I'll teach you a lesson…" Harry gulped as his head began swimming. How did Ron know all of this?! Was he onto them the entire time?! Neville was right! It was Ron who destroyed their potion! Ron's dark look was starting to scare Harry a little, he didn't think that Ron was capable of such a bloodthirsty look…
"Now, step ten paces away from each other and bow" Lockhart grinned, utterly oblivious to the look on Ron's face. Many of the surrounding students saw Ron terrifying look, and they hushed everyone around them. There was utter silence as Ron and Harry parted ways, and then they turned to each other. They both bowed, and then they took the combative stance.
"On the count of three" Lockhart said merrily. Ron's stomach was floating around due to his own nervousness, and excitement. This is it… I already have everything planned out… I'm ready! "One… Two… Three!"
"Expelliarmus!" Harry shouted, his voice cracking. Ron didn't even raise his wand as the scarlet light flew at him, instead he backhanded the spell with his left hand. Ron felt Pandora's ruin ring burn hotly for a split second, and then Harry was sent flying back. The crowd went dead silent, all of them staring with slacked-jaws. Harry lay on the ground, groaning… Ron lifted his arms up at his sides, and then he grinned. Time for some humiliation…
"The great Harry Potter!" Ron mocked loudly, his voice echoing around the silent Great Hall. "I don't even need a wand to put him in his place!" The Slytherins began laughing and cheering at the top of their lungs, and Ron's grin widened maniacally. He felt so damn powerful right now, all of his worries had just vanished. Ron's siblings were looking at him with utter shock and disbelief, while Neville and Hermione were just horrified at Ron's behavior. Neville was certain now that Ron was indeed the Heir, and Hermione's entire world was beginning to crumble. Harry stood up slowly, red with rage. The boy-who-lived picked up his wand and glared murder at Ron's smug face.
"I said disarm only!" Lockhart yelled, he was beginning to catch on.
"Locomotor Mortis!" Harry yelled, and a purple light flew straight at Ron. Ron slapped it right back with a massive grin on his face, and Harry's legs snapped shut together. The boy-who-lived fell face first on the ground as he lost his balance, and the Slytherins howled with laughter. Ron laughed out loud as well, how did Potter not know any defensive magic? Because he didn't have Charlie there to teach him! Because he doesn't have Pandora on his side! They're on my side!
"He isn't even worth my wand!" Ron mocked loudly, and then he pocketed his wand. Harry was trying to stand still, but his legs were stuck together. "Brachium Colubrum!" Ron chanted with a mad grin, and an ethereal serpent shot out of his left sleeve and bound Harry. There were loud gasps, and even the Slytherins were utterly shocked.
"Mr. Weasley!" came Snape's firm yell, but Ron ignored it. Time to teach Potter a lesson… No one goes after my friends!
Before anyone could say or do anything, Ron had already closed the distance between Harry and himself with terrifying speed. Harry was helpless as Ron's right fist crashed into his face, and there was a loud, sickening crunch of cartilage shattering. Harry fell on his back hard, and he was utterly dazed. The students yelled in protest and horror, and Ron ignored them completely. He had a job to do, and that was to teach Potter a harsh lesson on what happens to those who betray their friends… To those who betray ME!
Ron's second punch landed right on Harry's temple, and his third one broke Harry's glasses. Ron ignored the pain in his own right hand as he kept punching Harry's head. Harry was still bound by the ghostly serpent that was attached to Ron's left wrist, and so he had no means of defending himself. Ron just kept throwing punches, not planning to stop until he was forced to…
"STOP HIM!"
"HE'S KILLING HIM!"
"RON, WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!"
"HARRY!"
"MERLIN SOMEONE STOP HIM!"
"FUCKING HELL!"
Ron's fist landed right on Harry's jaw as a strong hand grabbed Ron and threw him back. It was Snape, and he was horrified at Ron's actions. The ghostly serpent disappeared as Ron quickly stood back up, a defiant look etched upon his face.
"MR. WEASLEY, EXPLAIN YOURSELF!" Snape bellowed in pure-rage, but Ron didn't even flinch.
"I don't owe you anything" Ron spat, and then he turned around and walked away. Snape was utterly stunned, but he quickly turned around to tend to Potter. The boy was wheezing, his face bloody and bruised. What the fuck had just happened?!
Ron marched with a hurried pace as he disembarked from the stage, his friends joining his side as soon as he came down. Ron made his way towards the exit, he needed to act fast! He had just pulled off the first half of his plan, and now he needed to get Marty! Some of the older Slytherin students moved with Ron, and the other houses got out of their way. Ron spotted Harry being tended to by Snape, Neville and Hermione by his side. Ron's eyes locked with Neville's for a second, and Ron smirked at him. Fucking traitor… You're next! Ron then spotted his brothers and a few Gryffindors moving to cut off Ron's exit.
"Stop those Gryffindors, I can't afford to slow down" Ron told his friends and the older students. They all but ran ahead and blocked the Gryffindors. Angry shouts broke out as the two houses clashed, and Ron walked right out of the Great Hall. He shot a quick look back over his shoulder, and he spotted the twins fighting against a couple of Slytherin boys. Ron decided to ignore this, he had a job to do! Ron quickly took his wand out and cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself, and then he broke into a run. He ran straight into the Slytherin common room, and then he broke his Disillusionment Charm.
"Marty, I need you right now!" Ron called, and a loud crack came from behind him.
"Master, Marty is here!" Marty bowed.
"Get Lord and Lady Greengrass, tell them it's done…" Ron ordered, and Marty smiled widely as he disapparated. Phew… Done! Merlin, I really hope Lord Greengrass pulled in the Board… Or I'm fucked! Ron heard footsteps coming from the entrance of the common room, and he turned to face whoever was coming through. It was his friends, and few other Slytherins.
"Ron!" Blaise called, his expression was furious. "What the fuck have you done?!"
"They're going to expel you for this!" Tracey exclaimed.
"What happened to just humiliating Potter?!" Theo asked in anger.
"I did exactly as I planned" Ron said calmly, but deep down he was anything but calm. His stomach was flipping around and he was sweating from his armpits. There was too much adrenaline in his system…
"Ron…" Daphne said in shocked voice. She had no idea that he was capable of doing something like this… It had been hard to watch Ron beat Potter senseless…
"Be quiet!" Samuel Byrne yelled. "Weasley, start explaining right the fuck now! Tell me why I took a punch from your older brother!" Ron noticed a bruise forming on Samuel's left cheek.
"Percy clocked you?" Ron asked in shock.
"YEAH!" Samuel exclaimed. "What the fuck, Weasley?"
"This is all part of the plan" Ron smirked. "I have the Board of Governors on my side… They'll put Dumbledore and his Golden Boy in their place! And I'll walk away without as much as a warning…" Merlin, I fucking hope so… Please Lord Greengrass, don't fail me now!
"The Board?" came Malfoy's voice, and Ron turned to face the Malfoy heir. "My father is…"
"The chairman, I know" Ron smirked. "Thanks, by the way… For letting me teach Potter a lesson…" Malfoy just blinked at him, and then he nodded slowly. Why was his father helping Weasley?! And since when did Weasley start beating Gryffindors into bloody pulps? "Where is Snape?" Ron asked.
"He took Potter to the Hospital Wing" Pansy answered. "Ron, are you sure this is going to work?"
"I have faith in Lord Greengrass" Ron replied, and he saw Daphne's eyes widen.
"So that story about Potter trying to break in here is really true?" Fabian Cunningham asked. "Is that why you did this?"
"Nope…" Ron shrugged. "I mean, that story is true but it isn't the reason why I beat the piss out of Potter."
"Then why did you?" asked Clara Martyris.
"He went after my friend…" Ron replied, and then he looked right at Daphne. Daphne's cheeks went a bit rosy, and she smiled softly at Ron. "My friends are off-limits… It's just that simple." Ron then walked over to a couch and sat down. "Now… I have to wait…" Ron's friends sat down around him, while the older students went about their own business.
"Ron…" Blaise muttered. "How did you do that?"
"Do what?" Ron asked.
"All of that…" Millie replied for Blaise. "You repelled his spells without a wand… And then you used that weird snake…"
"Remind me to never piss you off" Theo chuckled.
"The Gryffindors were shouting that you're the Heir of Slytherin…" Daphne said softly.
"Well, they're wrong" Ron said firmly. "You believe me, right?"
"Of course" Daphne said as she put her hand over his. "Ron… your hand!" she gasped. Ron looked down and noticed that his glove was bloody.
"Shite…" Ron muttered.
"I doubt Pomfrey will heal you after what you did…" Tracey sighed.
"It'll heal in time" Ron shrugged. "One more thing, we all have to stick together like glue from now on. Do you understand?"
"We aren't stupid, Ron" Pansy frowned. "The Gryffindors are not happy with us…"
"What about the other houses?" Ron asked.
"The Hufflepuffs are running off to their 'safe-spaces'…" Blaise sighed. "The Ravenclaws… I don't know…"
"They probably don't know what to think" Daphne mused.
"Once word gets out about Potter and his friends" Ron started. "They'll choose me…"
"How are you so sure of that?" Millie asked.
"Because he bought them off…" Theo guessed. "Not to mention that we will be telling everyone what a shite friend Potter is…"
"Ron!" Carey Ductu called from the entrance. "Snape is coming… He looks pissed…"
"Wish me luck" Ron smiled at his friends, and they smiled back. Ron stood up and walked towards the entrance, he exchanged a quick look with Carey. Snape then billowed in, a terrifying sneer etched upon his face.
"With me… NOW!" Snape yelled at Ron, and then he turned around and billowed away. Ron released a deep breath, and then he followed after Potions Master. They walked out of the Dungeons in utter silence, until Ron got tired of it.
"Sir, where are we going?" Ron asked softly, and Snape stopped walking.
"Foolish boy!" Snape roared as he turned around and towered over Ron. Fuck… He is terrifying! Stay calm, Weasley… Wait for Lord Greengrass… "I am taking you to the Hospital Wing, where the Headmaster is waiting with Potter. You will be expelled… tonight!"
"I rather doubt it…" Ron smirked, and Snape blinked at him.
"What did you say?" Snape asked in a dangerous whisper, it made Ron shudder.
"I said that I won't be getting expelled…" Ron kept his composure. "I have nothing to fear from Albus Dumbledore…"
"Be careful, Ronald" Snape snarled. "Be very careful…" And then Snape turned around and re-started his march. Ron followed with a deep frown, where the hell was Lord Greengrass?! As they got closer to the Hospital Wing, Ron began to panic internally. Don't tell me he betrayed me as well?! Please… Merlin, not again! Stay calm! He'll come for me… Snape pushed the doors open and they both walked in.
Ron spotted Dumbledore and McGonagall talking to Harry, whose face was still bruised. Neville and Hermione were sitting on Harry's bed as well, and they looked rather sad about their friend. And then, Ron spotted his siblings. The looks on their faces turned murderous when they saw Ron.
"HOW DARE YOU?!" Ginny yelled as soon as she saw Ron. Ron was taken aback for a second, and then he got angry. She had been ignoring him for months while he fretted over her non-stop. And now here she was, yelling at him for attacking her precious childhood crush! Her crush that betrayed her brother!
"Mind your tone with me…" Ron snarled at her, and she instantly looked scared. She knew now what her brother was capable of. Ron was a monster…
"Don't talk to her like that!" Fred yelled.
"How could you do this to Harry?!" George joined in.
"Ron… please explain" Percy said softly. "I'm losing my mind here…" Ron looked at Percy, and his older brother wasn't glaring at him like the rest of his siblings. Percy looked confused, and he looked worried. Worried for Ron…
"Mr. Weasley!" McGonagall huffed. "Explain yourself this instant!"
"No…" Ron said coldly, and she blinked at his apparent lack of respect for authority.
"Ronald…" Dumbledore said softly. "Why did you do this?"
"He's the Heir of Slytherin!" Neville shouted, he looked consumed with rage. "He's been attacking people! We all saw the serpent he summoned!" Hermione let out a pained whimper at Neville's accusations.
"That doesn't make me the Heir, you fat fuck…" Ron smirked. Everyone went wide-eyed, except for Dumbledore and Snape.
"Ronald, mind you language" Dumbledore said, his voice was hard. Ron wasn't going to lie to himself, he was on the verge of running away. WHERE IS LORD GREENGRASS?!
"Why? You're going to expel anyway, right?" Ron said bitterly, and Dumbledore sighed.
"I do not want that…" Dumbledore said calmly. "But your actions cannot go unpunished."
"I think they will" Ron challenged, and Dumbledore looked right at Ron. Their gazes clashed, and the room was heavy with tension.
"Ahem…" came a cough from the entrance of the Hospital Wing, and Ron turned to see Lord and Lady Greengrass marching in. Ron almost began crying from relief, they hadn't left him to fend for himself. Lord Greengrass was holding a few parchments in his right hand. What are those?
"Sebastian Greengrass, and Mary Greengrass" Dumbledore smiled at them.
"It is good to see you once again, Headmaster" Lady Greengrass smiled at Dumbledore.
"To what do we owe the pleasure of your company tonight?" Dumbledore smiled, his eyes were now twinkling.
"Well, I'm here to fire you" Lord Greengrass smiled politely, and the whole room just went dead silent. Wait, what?! That wasn't part of the plan!
"Is that so?" Dumbledore chuckled.
"Indeed" Lord Greengrass said as he put his left hand over Ron's right shoulder. Ron felt Lord Greengrass squeeze his shoulder in a comforting way, and Ron's nerves began to settle. He was safe now… Lord Greengrass was here to save him…
"You can't" Harry yelled, his bruised face held a furious look.
"The adults are talking, Mr. Potter" Lord Greengrass smiled at the boy-who-lived. The boy's face made Lord Greengrass wonder what Ron had done to him… "Be silent, please."
"This is preposterous" McGonagall frowned at Lord Greengrass.
"I'm afraid it isn't" Lady Greengrass said calmly.
"The Board has already signed off on it" Lord Greengrass smiled, and Ron began panicking again. This wasn't the plan! We need Dumbledore! There is a killer on the loose! "Here, read for yourself" Lord Greengrass said as he handed one of the parchments to Dumbledore. Dumbledore fixed his half-moon glasses as he read the document, and then he chuckled.
"It appears that I'm being suspended until further notice" Dumbledore chuckled, and Ron wondered why the old loon was so calm. "And what are the other parchments for?" Dumbledore asked in an amused tone.
"These…" Lord Greengrass smiled. "These are expulsion notices for Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom…" FUCK! NO! Ron barely kept his composure, what the hell was Lord Greengrass doing?! Hermione started crying, and her body heaved with each sob… McGonagall held her tightly as she glared murder at Lord Greengrass.
"On what charges?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes had become hard again.
"Ronald provided the Board with proof of their criminal behavior" Lord Greengrass said, there was an evil glint in his eyes. Dumbledore looked at Ron with a blank expression, and then he looked back at Lord Greengrass.
"What criminal behavior?" Dumbledore asked. Lord Greengrass looked at the parchments with a dark smile.
"Miss. Hermione Granger: For stealing from one Professor Snape, for illegally brewing a Polyjuice Potion at school with stolen supplies, for intent to harm another student, for attempting to kidnap another student, for attempted break-in and trespassing, for endangering lives with an explosive during a class, and for slandering a fellow student" Lord Greengrass read softly. "She is hereby expelled from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…" Hermione wailed louder, and Ron's insides squirmed from the guilt. This wasn't part of his plan, why was Lord Greengrass doing this?!
"This is… not true!" McGonagall snapped.
"Oh, it is" Lady Greengrass smiled pleasantly. "We have memories that have been verified by Obliviaters, and they show what these three Gryffindors were up to. They caused the explosion in Professor Snape's classroom, and they did it to steal from his personal stores. They planned to make a Polyjuice Potion with those stolen supplies, which they would then use to break into the Slytherin common room… They targeted Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, and Daphne Greengrass. My daughter…"
"Is this true?" Dumbledore asked Harry with a calm voice.
"Professor…" Harry muttered, he had tears in his eyes.
"Shall I read out Mr. Potter's expulsion notice?" Lord Greengrass asked politely.
"No…" Dumbledore said softly, he knew he couldn't do anything at this point. Harry and his friends were clearly guilty of these crimes… Even the Headmaster couldn't legally stop the expulsion of students if the entire Board of Governors made a case against them… These charges could land the three Gryffindors in a juvenile criminal program… Dumbledore had to settle this somehow… And he didn't have any leverage…
"Please…" Hermione sobbed. "Please don't expel me…" she was beginning to hyperventilate, and Ron was moments away from cracking.
"What do you want?" Dumbledore asked in a tired voice, and Lord Greengrass smiled hungrily.
"I will tear up these documents right here if my conditions are met" Lord Greengrass said coldly. "These documents are only valid if I decide to turn them in, which I haven't done yet."
"This is blackmail!" McGonagall accused.
"This is justice…" Lady Greengrass said coldly. "What right do these three have to pull a stunt like this? I see that the House of Gryffindor is as self-righteous as always…" The two women locked eyes, and the room's temperature dropped.
"I want Ronald to be excused of all charges, he doesn't even get a warning…" Lord Greengrass stared right into Dumbledore's eyes. "And I want these three punished… They will serve detention every single day for the remainder of their second year! You can figure out with who… I want them each to be docked of their House-points. Oh… and Mr. Potter loses all of his Quidditch privileges."
"WHAT?!" the twins shouted.
"Be quiet!" Snape hissed at them. He was furious with the Trio! They caused that explosion in-order to steal from him! They deserved to be expelled! Snape glared at Potter, and any pity he had felt for the boy was now gone! But Snape knew that Dumbledore would never allow Potter and his friends to be expelled…
"These are extreme demands" Dumbledore said softly.
"They are the only ones that you're going to get" Lord Greengrass replied. "They can either serve a lot of detentions, or they can pack up their things…"
"I'll do the detentions!" Hermione sobbed. "I don't want to leave…"
"We accept…" Dumbledore said softly, and then he looked at Ron with a disappointed look. Ron looked back, and his heart began to calm down. This was all part of his plan! He scared them into accepting his terms… Lord Greengrass tore up the documents with a smile, and then he turned around to leave.
"Ronald, a word please" Lord Greengrass said as he and his wife began to leave. Ron followed after them, but he shot a quick look to his siblings before he left. Percy was just staring at Ron with utter shock. The twins were shaking with rage, and Ginny was looking at her feet. Ron's heart twisted at the sight, but he decided to ignore them. After everything he had for the Trio, their betrayal had caused him an extreme amount of pain. He had just given that pain back… Nothing more, and nothing less… Ron was done apologizing for just existing…
Ron followed after Lord and Lady Greengrass, and his head was feeling light. His vision blurred a bit, and his stomach turned. Ron felt his mouth become more and more wet, he was going to vomit! And then he did… He threw up in the corridor, and all of his strength slowly left him. He was exhausted… Ron felt Lady Greengrass rubbing his back softly.
"It's alright, Ron" Lord Greengrass comforted. "Just let it out…" After Ron was finished, Lady Greengrass cleaned his face with a handkerchief.
"I thought you had abandoned me…" Ron muttered, his hands shaking. Lady Greengrass pulled him in and hugged him tightly. Ron rested his head against her breasts, and she squeezed him tightly.
"I am sorry for the delay, Ron" Lord Greengrass said softly as he put his hand on Ron's back. "Lucius wanted me to file these charges, but I only wanted to use them as leverage… Convincing him took time…"
"Thank you…" Ron whispered.
"Shhh" Lady Greengrass hummed as she squeezed him in a loving manner. "You're one of us…" Ron closed his eyes and smiled…
Severus Snape's POV
December 14th, 1992 (Hospital Wing)
"Drink, Miss. Granger" Poppy said as she gave the girl a sleeping draught. Longbottom and Potter were both already dozing off… Severus looked at his mentor pacing back and forth, the old man had been taken off-guard. Ronald… He planned this whole thing? How could a twelve year plan this? It must have been Greengrass…
"Severus… Minerva" Albus said softly. "Come with me…" With that, Albus led the way out of the Hospital Wing. What a mess…
"Albus, you cannot give in to their unreasonable demands!" Minerva said in exasperation.
"I'm afraid that I must…" Albus said as they walked through the dark hallways.
"Weasley beat Potter senseless… And he doesn't even get a warning?" Minerva exclaimed. "And my Gryffindors are to be…" Snape decided to cut her off. He had no patience for Gryffindor self-righteousness tonight…
"Your Gryffindors got what they deserved" Snape said in an icy voice. "They knowingly put my whole class in danger by exploding a cauldron full of boiling Swelling Solution! And then, they stole from me and planned to target my Slytherins…"
"Albus?!" Minerva called for the Headmaster.
"Severus is right…" Albus said in a tired voice. "Their actions have left me no choice…"
"What about Weasley's actions?!" Minerva argued. "He just gets to walk away? Did you see how he spoke to us? What if Longbottom is right?!" That buffoon? I doubt it…
"Innocent until proven guilty…" Snape said icily. He felt the need to defend his students, but he was also angry with Ronald. That boy had insulted every adult in the room… Even Albus Dumbledore… He needed to be put in check…
"Minerva" Albus said softly. "Tell the other Heads of Houses what has happened… Tell them that the three Gryffindors are to be given detentions for the remainder of the school year… And tell Oliver Wood to find a new seeker…" Severus smirked a little at that, at least something good had come from this debacle. Minerva looked like she had sucked a lemon, but she didn't argue. Instead, she broke off from Albus and Severus.
Snape and his mentor both traveled to the Headmaster's Office in complete silence. Snape knew that Albus was thinking about everything from every angle, and Snape had no intention of disturbing the old man's thoughts. Snape had thoughts of his own… How could twelve year olds cause so many headaches! Draco… He was in on this… He gave his spot to Ronald without any arguments… Snape's talks with Draco had been progressing well, his godson was finally learning to keep his own ego in check. But this momentary alliance between Draco and Ronald was completely unforeseen… Snape and Albus entered the office, and they took their usual seats.
"Ronald" Albus chuckled suddenly, it took Snape by surprise. "He certainly has a flare for being dramatic, doesn't he?"
"Is this a joke to you?" Snape hissed. "If you had seen the murderous look on his face, you would not be laughing…"
"No, Severus" Albus sighed. "This is no joke… Ronald outmaneuvered us, and he got away with his crimes without even a warning… This is very disturbing."
"It was Greengrass" Snape said coldly. "He was the one behind this little plan…"
"I'm not so sure" Albus argued. "I believe they both came up with the plan… But I know for certain that Ronald is the one who approached Sebastian."
"How can you know that?" Snape asked. "Did you use Legilimency?"
"I did not need to" Albus answered. "Today was Saturday, and those documents were forged today. Ronald came back from his work extremely early today. I believe that he went to Sebastian with a plan of sorts, and Sebastian put the whole thing in motion after…"
"It doesn't matter anymore" Snape shook his head softly. "What are we going to do about this?"
"There is nothing left to do" Albus smiled softly. "The terms of our agreement must be followed, Sebastian Greengrass is a cold man. He will expel those children without a second thought…" He wouldn't stop there… He'd make sure to ruin their lives completely… Does Ronald even know what Greengrass is capable of?
"Severus…" Albus whispered, he had a sad look on his face. "We're losing Ronald… I can see it. He is slipping out of our fingers…"
"His friends just betrayed him" Snape grimaced. "He is emotionally unstable, but that doesn't mean that he is turning Dark…"
"It is often in our loneliest moments that we make our worst choices…" Albus whispered with a sad smile. Snape was sure that Albus was talking about himself, but Snape could also relate to those words. Lily… When I lost her… That's when I became a Death-Eater… No! Ronald will not become me! I will drag that boy to the right side…
"I will keep my eyes on him" Snape said softly. "And I will speak with him every week… Just like I do with Draco…"
"Ronald has a bright mind" Albus started. "Losing him will not benefit this world… I believe it is time that we throw our caution to the wind… Tomorrow, I will use Legilimency on him…"
"No" Snape frowned. "Let me do it instead…"
"You are more important than me, Severus" Dumbledore smiled. "I will be the one to take this risk… I wish to see this… 'Void'… for myself."
"This is not a wise move, Albus" Snape warned.
"Sometimes, being foolish is the wisest policy" Albus smiled sagely, and Snape blinked at him. Tomorrow then… Tomorrow, we look into Ronald's mind…
AUTHOR'S NOTES: And there it is! I know that many of you were keenly awaiting for this Arc to happen, and now it has! The fallout from this is going to be HUGE! Ron went full goddamn psycho on Harry! The entire school will be shaken up by this! Not to mention Ron's own family and friends...
See you guys soon!