Fate

by TheTrueSpartan

When Ron discovers that he can see the future, his entire fate is thrown off of its course. A story about adventure, friendship, growing up, and pushing forward through hardships. This story will get darker as it progresses, just like the original Harry Potter novels. It will cover all Seven Years of Hogwarts, but mostly from Ron's perspective. No Mary Sues, no Character bashing.

53. Chapter 53 - Diagnosis

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 53 is here, and it's a little late. Sorry about that, but I have midterms and I overestimated myself a lot. Studies turned out to take up most of my time, and I was having trouble with this Chapter. Now a couple of things:

1. I decided not to rush to the end of Second year just yet, instead I focused on the first week back.

2. No Draco or House-Cup, sorry.

3. With this week done, I've sort of implemented Ron's new system at School. Now I can more easily fast forward time, as I believed that rushing his return to Hogwarts wasn't right.

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.

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Fate

Chapter 53 – Diagnosis

Ronald Weasley's POV

Sunday 5th April, 1993 (Great Hall – Welcome Back Feast)

Ron sat on the Slytherin table alongside his friends and house-mates, all of them eager to hear Dumbledore's welcome back speech so that they could start eating. And yet, mostly every single eye within the Great Hall was trained on Ron. People were whispering things about him, some of them even smiled and waved at him. Even the Professors were shooting him subtle looks, but at least they were visibly pleased to see that he was alright. Ron honestly had no clue about how he should deal with his sudden fame and popularity. So he figured that he'd just be friendly, and do his best not to get a big head. His mission to save the future required a lot of secrecy, and being loud and obnoxious would not benefit him at all. He needed to stay hidden, at least for now.

While Ron had become a celebrity over the Break, and he and Daphne had gotten closer than ever, his friends were not so fortunate. Tracey was visibly annoyed by how her Break had gone, her main problem being that her father embarrassed her by constantly hounding after Theo. Theo himself had not enjoyed said hounding, and he was probably not going to stay over at Tracey's anytime soon. Blaise had told them all about Malfoy lying to his family, and then about his stay with his mother. He too did not have a decent experience, mostly because she constantly talked about him needing to stay friends with Ron (Much to Ron's surprise). As for Pansy and Millie, well they actually enjoyed their Break somewhat. Pansy had ended up spending her entire Break at the Bulstrode Family Manor, and she and Mille had bonded quite a bit. They were even sitting together right now, all smiles and giggles. Ron was extremely happy about that, he didn't want Pansy staying with her 'mother' for a moment longer than necessary.

"Welcome, welcome" Dumbledore spoke loudly from his golden podium, and all the whispered died down. "I hope you all enjoyed your Easter Break, I certainly enjoyed eating copious amounts of chocolate. But alas, all good things must come to an end." The Professors frowned at Dumbledore for encouraging the students' annoyance at coming back to school. "Now I know that many of you are eager to begin our delightful feast, but I do have some important announcements to make. First and foremost, I speak to all fifth year and seventh year students."

"You're tutoring by me is no longer optional, I expect you all to turn up for your revision lessons" Dumbledore went on, and there were loud groans from the fifth and seventh year students. "The D.A.D.A classes in particular are mandatory, and those who skip them, will answer directly to their Head of House." Why are they groaning and complaining? They're getting private lessons from Albus Dumbledore himself. "Now, onto happier news. I would like to congratulate Mr. Ronald Weasley for his spectacular win at this year's Junior League Chess Tournament." The Slytherin table erupted in cheers, most of the students yelling just to show Ron off to the other houses. Ron himself was a bit stunned, but he put on a grateful smile and let the praise wash over him.

"A truly outstanding win, well done" Dumbledore said over the cheers, his eyes twinkling at Ron. The other houses cheered and clapped as well, some more than others. "Your Championship Trophy has been delivered to us, and placed within the Trophy Room besides your other Trophies. You have mine, and the Professors', appreciation for representing Hogwarts once again." There were some whistles, and Theo gave Ron's back a firm pat. "Now one last thing" Dumbledore said as he raised his hands for silence. "This applies to all students who wish to participate in our daily Quidditch matches. I have heard rumors that the Quidditch Teams have been 'hogging the pitch far too much', and I hope that this is not true. Therefore, Madam Hooch will now coordinate with the Heads of Houses to give everyone a fair chance to play." The Quidditch Teams were visibly annoyed by that, especially the Quidditch Captains.

"Now, let the feast… begin" Dumbledore said in his usual way, and he clapped his hands to summon mountains of food onto the tables. Ron dug right in, respectfully of course, and so did his friends.

"Merlin, I missed this food" Blaise sighed.

"You were in Italy" Pansy blinked at him. "How did you not eat amazing food every day?"

"My mother's standards in food are on par with her standards when it comes to men" Blaise replied coldly, his response making them all slightly uncomfortable. Only Blaise could say something so disturbing with a straight face.

"Wait… Didn't you say that she liked me?" Ron asked slowly, and Blaise smirked at him. "Tosser…"

"All jokes aside" Blaise said after he swallowed his bite. "You should take my warnings seriously, my mother is only interested in your fame. That's just how she is… If she sees anyone excel at something, she comes out with her hands put together. She will definitely tell you what you want to hear, and she'll make sure that we stay best friends."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Ron asked.

"Also, I'm his best friend" Theo quickly interjected.

"You're both my best friends, now please answer me" Ron chuckled.

"What about us?" Tracey frowned at Ron. Shite, I've started something bad.

"You're all my best friends, now can we please let Blaise answer" Ron fought the urge to roll his eyes.

"That's a coward's answer, Ron" Millie interrupted. "You can only have one best friend. That's what the word 'Best' means. There can only be one person who's the best at something." Fucking hell… The Entity is my best friend! There! Now nobody wins!

"Then Marty is my best friend" Ron shrugged, and they all blinked at him.

"Marty doesn't count" Pansy retorted. "He's your servant, it's completely different."

"I'm going to start throwing punches if you guys don't let Blaise answer" Ron frowned, and the girls all huffed. Except for Daphne, she was just smiling to herself as if she was already sure that she was his best friend.

"Anyway…" Blaise rolled his eyes. "My mother is slippery, and not to be trusted. She turned her back on Malfoy the moment she read that exclusive of yours, and that's because she only likes people who can benefit her. The moment she finds someone else to benefit off of, she'll turn her back on you as well. This is just a temporary solution, but I'm working on finding a more permanent one."

"You could always just tell her that you want to be my friend" Ron suggested, and Blaise frowned.

"Don't be naïve, I depend on her" Blaise responded coldly, and Ron hid his hurt with a smirk. Would he leave if his mother told him to? Even after I fought so hard against my parents just to stay in Slytherin with them? Ron didn't want the answer to that, mostly because he feared that Blaise would indeed leave. Both Theo and Blaise had left Ron before, and sooner or later, they'd all have to pick a side. Just keep working on them, Blaise already told me that he doesn't really care about Blood-Purity anymore. Just keep your eyes fixed on the future, that's all you need to do. Ron felt a cold sweat at the thought of losing his friends to the wrong side, and he looked down at his plate to hide his worry.

"You alright, mate?" Theo asked slowly, and Ron nodded.

"Yeah, just… I'm just a bit under the weather" Ron lied as he took in a deep breath in order to calm his nerves.

"Are you recovering from the Veelas?" Tracey asked gently, and Ron nodded. After a few seconds, his 'stress moment' had passed and he looked back up. Theo and Blaise seemed to look rather indifferent, while the girls showed some worry for him. Daphne was staring right at him, and he shot her a weak smile to let her know that he was fine.

Dinner progressed as usual from there, with all of them bantering and talking about classes. Ron decided to retry in making them interested in self-defense classes, but only Millie agreed to join him. After the dinner bell rang, Ron and his friends made their way down to the Slytherin common room. He could hear his name being muttered, and a lot of nonsense about why his eyes were the way they were. He mostly just ignored the voices, but he could see that his friends were trying to listen in. Once they were in the common room, Ron guided his friends to their favorite spot as quickly as he could. He really didn't want to get cornered.

"So…" Theo broke the silence, a grin forming on his face. "We're famous around Hogwarts now, aren't we?"

"We?" Millie and Pansy asked together.

"There is no 'we', Theo" Pansy added quickly. "Ron's the one that they're all talking about."

"Yeah, but we're his friends" Theo told them, and everyone looked to Theo for what was clearly going to be a crazy explanation. "What's the point of him being famous if we don't get something out of it?"

"Wow…" the girls all muttered.

"Theo, even I think that your way of thinking about this is rather selfish" Blaise said aloofly.

"Ron went through a lot, Theo" Daphne stated in a threatening tone. "Don't you dare ruin this for him, or I'll murder you."

"Woah, ease up" Theo chuckled. "I was only joking…"

"Really?" Tracey blinked.

"No, not at all" Theo sniggered, earning himself multiple eye rolls. "Ron, mate" Theo looked to Ron. "You don't mind if I throw your name around a little, do you? I'm sure that some girl will go for the smarter best friend."

"Sure, mate" Ron laughed as he stared into the fire, and Theo grinned widely. "Just don't set me up with any of them, and you can do whatever you want." That earned him a variety of looks. Blaise and Theo just blinked, but didn't say anything. Tracey was glaring at Theo, who didn't even seem to notice her. Daphne was somewhat blushing, and trying to contain her smirk. While Millie and Pansy exchanged slow looks, and then stared at Ron. "Merlin… I'm so tired…" Ron yawned as he stared into the fire, completely oblivious to their reactions.

"Ronald" came a sweet voice from behind them, and Ron turned in his seat to look at Clara. "Do you have minute to spare for little old me?"

"For you, always" Ron smirked, and Clara smiled widely at his response. Ron then got up, and looked to his friends. "I'll be heading to bed after this. I'll see you girls tomorrow morning, yeah?"

"Goodnight, Ron" the girls all said with pleasant smiles, and Ron smiled back. After that, he followed Clara away from his friends.

"Goodnight, Ron" Clara mimicked the girls in a sweet voice, and then she tangled her left arm with his right one. People were watching them, but Ron was sure that that was what Clara wanted. "You little devil, Ron. So popular with the ladies, I'm quite jealous."

"Why? Want to take them off my hands?" Ron chuckled, and she let out a giggle. Merlin, she smells nice. And I can feel the side of her chest with my arm!

"I am not jealous of you, I am jealous of them" Clara clarified with a wicked smile. "You're not cheating on me, are you?" Ron blushed slightly at that, which only made her smile more wickedly. "You're so cute. Except for your eyes… Your eyes are rather creepy."

"Thanks" Ron sighed. "Words hurt, Clara…"

"Aw…" Clara cooed. "I'll be sure to make it up to you then. Tell me, what would you like me to do to make it up to you?" Ron felt a little lightheaded from her tone, and from her closeness. "There's the full blush that I wanted."

"Where are we going?" Ron asked as they suddenly turned towards the girls' dorms. "I don't think I should be in here…"

"And who's going to tell you off when you're with me?" Clara asked as she tightened her hold on his arm, her soft chest squeezing against his upper arm. Daphne fucking Greengrass, that's who. She'll kill us both, trust me. "Don't worry so much Ron, I'm taking you to my room."

"You… Your room?" Ron stammered, a cold sweat running down his back.

"To talk, Ron" Clara giggled. "You're so dirty minded."

"I'm dirty minded?" Ron asked as he gave her confused look. "Have you ever met this girl named Clara Martyris?"

"I think I have" Clara hummed. "I hear that she's an excellent kisser, and that she has quite the figure."

"I've heard some things too" Ron teased, and she gave him another wicked smile.

"What things?" Clara whispered in his ear, and he swallowed thickly. "Go on, Ron. Tell me what you've heard about Clara Martyris." Merlin, I'm getting aroused… Turn your pelvis, you fool. No wait, she'll see you turning. Oh fuck me, I'm buggered… "You've flushed scarlet, Ron. What's wrong?" she asked with an innocent voice. SHE KNOWS I HAVE A SEMI! Why didn't I wear my fucking school cloak?!

"Nothing…" Ron muttered as he flushed even more, and he looked ahead and thought of anything but Clara. Go down you fucker, stop waking up!

"Ah, here we are" Clara suddenly announced, and Ron stopped when she did. "I'll go in first, while you… calm down a bit." Ron's eyes nearly popped out of his head from embarrassment, but Clara just smiled. "Don't worry Ron, I just have that effect on every boy in this house." With that, she turned around and walked into her room. Ron honestly felt like drowning himself in the Black Lake, this couldn't possibly get any worse. You can resist Veelas, but you can't stop me from getting stiff? Entity, you're a proper cunt! Ron paced up and down for almost a minute, and then he knocked on her door.

"Come in" came Samantha's voice, and Ron entered and closed the door behind him. He noticed that Samantha was the only girl in the room, and that she was wearing her school uniform loosely. She had no tie, her two upper buttons were undone, and she wasn't wearing her cloak. She had a nice figure, even if she was a little too skinny. But her long legs made Ron blush, despite the fact that they were covered with black stockings.

"Hello" Ron greeted lamely, his eyes quickly scanning the room. There were three beds, two really tidy and one rather messy. I bet I could guess which one is Clara's. Wait… Are those her panties on her bed?! What the fuck?! Ron quickly averted his gaze from the black lace panties, and he looked straight at Samantha. Her eyes quickly drifted to where Ron's were just a moment ago, and she frowned deeply.

"Sorry about her" Samantha smiled slightly. "She can be a massive slob."

"I heard that" came Clara's voice from the bathroom, and then both she and Carey Ductu stepped out in their pajamas. Carey was wearing green silk pajamas that were similar to Daphne's silver ones, but Clara was simply wearing tiny green shorts and a black tank top. Good lord above, her tits are huge! And she has great legs as well! "Eyes up here, Ron" Clara giggled, but she made no effort to hide her assets.

"Then stop flaunting them in his face" Samantha sighed. "And clean your bed, we just got back to Hogwarts."

"What did you all want to talk about?" Ron asked quickly as he decided to stare at the ground in front of him. I am not getting another semi in front of Clara again, much less in front of Carey and Samantha.

"Ron, it's rude to stare elsewhere when you talk to your friends" Carey said in her silky voice. "Look at me." Ron slowly looked up to her, and he saw her leaning against her bed-post. She had a serious look on her face, like she was studying his face. "Merlin, your eyes are haunting…"

"Yeah, sorry about that" Ron replied as he rubbed the back of his head.

"What happened?" Samantha asked him. "We read the Daily Prophet just like everyone else, but we don't care about rumors or lies." All three girls were now looking at him seriously, even Clara.

"I suffered a… a Subconjunctival hemorrhage" Ron replied as he remembered the words, and all three girls drew in sharp breaths.

"Why? Was it from their allures?" Carey asked.

"Yes, and no" Ron replied. "To resist their allures, I had to concentrate really hard. That raised my blood pressure so much that I bled from my nose, and the blood vessels in my eyes burst."

"Fucking hell" Clara gasped.

"How did you concentrate that hard?" Samantha asked. You don't want to know, believe me.

"I wanted to win" Ron shrugged, making sure to keep his eyes away from Clara's tempting body. It was a losing battle because his eyes kept wandering towards her.

"So you made history by resisting over fifty of them?" Carey laughed a hollow laugh. "Ron, you're just… Wow." Ron blushed at that, and he shot her a weak smile.

"What about your mouth?" Clara asked. "Was that from your blood pressure too?"

"No, I bit open the inside of my cheek" Ron told them. "It helped me focus on something other than their allures, so I kept biting my wound."

"Merlin, Ron" Samantha muttered, and Ron blinked because he had never seen her like this. He failed to notice Carey walk up to him, and he flinched a bit when she put her hands on his cheeks. She turned his face to hers, and she examined his eyes with a concentrated look.

"So that's blood in your eyes right now?" Carey asked him, and Ron flushed because of how pretty she looked with her hair down.

"Y… yes" Ron replied.

"Is this permanent?" Carey asked, a tinge of worry in her voice.

"No, the Potion they used to heal my eyes is slowly fixing this" Ron replied, and she smiled gently.

"Did it hurt? Resisting them?" Carey asked with a tender voice, and Ron nodded.

"It hurt so much that I couldn't even stand…" Ron whispered, a shudder passing through him as he remembered the agony that he was subjected to. Carey smiled sympathetically, and then she leaned forward and kissed his forehead. Ron tensed at that, mostly because her odd behavior caught him off guard. But he relaxed as he smelled the soft vanilla fragrance emanating from her, and when she pulled back, she was smiling almost sadly.

"I'm sorry you went through that" Carey whispered as she rubbed her thumbs across his red cheeks, and Ron nodded dumbly. "You wouldn't mind if we started spreading the truth about what you went through, would you? We want to dispel all the rumors with facts."

"What?" Ron blinked, and then it clicked. "You want to show me off, don't you?"

"Don't say it like that" Samantha replied from behind him. "We want everyone to know that Slytherins can be brave too, and you can help us prove that."

"But it's entirely up to you" Clara spoke up, and Ron's eyes traveled to her tempting figure again.

"What do I get?" Ron asked as he looked back into Carey's eyes, and she smiled more widely.

"You get to be the brave hero who fought tooth and nail for his win" Carey whispered, her soft hands still on his cheeks. "No one will be able to argue that after we're done, do you understand?" Ron thought about her words for a few seconds, and then he nodded lightly.

"You don't want another 'Malfoy problem' again" Ron guessed, and Carey nodded slowly.

"The Triumvirate will be too busy with their exams, and so they've asked us to keep the peace" Samantha told him. "And we intend to pass their little test."

"And when we're the next Triumvirate…" Clara added.

"We will make sure to reward you for your efforts" Carey finished for her. Do they share one brain? How are they so in sync?

"I… I understand" Ron agreed, this would save him from any 'Malfoy problems' too. "You can spread what I've told you."

"Thank you" Carey smiled, and then she kissed the right corner of his lips again. As Ron flushed beet-red, she let him go. "Goodnight Ron, make sure you rest your eyes as much as possible." Ron nodded dumbly as he put his gloved hand at where she had kissed him. She kissed me like that at the party too. I can't understand these girls, they're way too… complicated.

"Goodnight" Ron responded, and then he turned around and left their room. As he was walking back towards his dorm, he couldn't stop thinking about them. Clara's voluptuous figure, Samantha's long legs in black stockings, and Carey's near kiss and her scent. "Fuck…" Ron muttered as he glared down at his oncoming erection. Ron immediately ripped out his wand and cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself, and then he snuck out of the girls' dorms. He spotted his friends still sitting by the fireplace, and so he made his way towards his room in a hurry. He went into the bathroom immediately and locked the door behind himself, he needed some 'alone' time with images of the three older girls.

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Monday 6th April, 1993 (Charms Class – Last Class of the Day)

It had been a strange day for Ron, especially his classes. Professor Sprout had smuggled him a bag of chocolate frogs during Herbology, Professor Binns had talked about Veelas and their allures out of nowhere during History of Magic, and Professor Flitwick had handed him a Cherry Pop as he was entering the Charms Class. And to top it all off, multiple witches had greeted him with wide smiles all day. Most of them were first, second, third, and fourth years, but some of them were in higher year-levels. Ron would be lying if he claimed that he didn't enjoy the attention, but he didn't act on it. His mind was preoccupied with his Mind-Healer session today with Pomfrey, and he kept looking for reasons to not go. But his promise to Lord Greengrass held him in place.

"Mate, you've spaced out again" Theo nudged him, and Ron blinked. "What's the matter with you today?" Theo whispered. "You've barely answered any questions, and you keep disappearing in your own head."

"I was just in Paris, and now I'm in this class" Ron lied. "I'm just not feeling up to studying." Theo nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on Ron's.

"You've gotten rather good at lying, you know that right?" Theo smirked slightly, and Ron rolled his eyes. "I won't pester you again, I just wanted to let you know that Bones and Abbot are looking at you again." Ron looked over to them, and they quickly turned their heads away. That was so subtle… "Fancy either one? They've spent all of Charms Class shooting looks at you. Frankly, it's pissing me off."

"Why?" Ron smirked, and Theo grinned.

"C'mon mate, you've been approached by dozens of beauties today" Theo whispered. "And you did nothing but greet them politely… Seeing you not take advantage of your new fame is annoying me, it isn't right."

"I appreciate their interest, but I'm not interested in them" Ron shrugged, his eyes trying to dart towards Daphne. Luckily, he stopped them in time. Theo's way too clever to miss that. But why did I feel the urge to look at her? Oh shite… She probably isn't taking this extra attention that I'm getting well, I should talk to her about it. Just to let her know that I'm not interested in them, I don't want her to feel jealous or hurt.

"You're not interested in any of them? Not even Brown, nor the Patil twins?" Theo frowned slightly. "Ron, you're not… Look… I won't judge mate, trust me. But are you…"

"Theo, please stop" Ron sighed, why did everyone always question his sexuality? Because they don't know that unlike them, I've actually kissed a girl before. And not just any girl, I've kissed Daphne Greengrass.

"What? I just want to know" Theo whispered, a genuine smile on his face. "Who cares who you're into, it's your business mate. But seeing as we're friends…"

"Theo, I will punch you in the head" Ron warned, and Theo put his hands up in surrender.

"Alright, alright…" Theo muttered, his smile still in place. "Just take your time."

"I'm not gay, you idiot" Ron sighed again. "I just have other things to worry about…"

"Like what?" Theo asked. "And by things, do you mean big…"

"I will end you if you finish that sentence" Ron warned, his eyes digging into Theo's. But then, his eyes started itching wildly. He blinked rapidly, but he didn't touch them because he had been warned not to.

"Oh shite…" Theo suddenly jerked back a bit. "Professor!" Theo called out as Ron felt something warm trickle out of his eyes. Shite, the pooled blood is coming out again. Flitwick stopped talking, and he looked over to Theo.

"Merlin!" Flitwick exclaimed as he spotted Ron, and Ron heard multiple gasps. He couldn't see shite though, his vision was blurry and red.

"I'm fine, it doesn't really hurt" Ron said as he searched his pockets for a handkerchief.

"Mr. Nott, please take him to Madam Pomfrey" Flitwick ordered, and Ron felt Theo tug at his cloak gently. Damn, my session will probably start right after she cleans out my eyes. Ron got out of his chair, and he tried to grab his books.

"Leave them, I'll take them to our room" Theo told him, his voice slightly muffled by the loud chattering in the classroom. I bet I've scared the Hufflepuffs witless.

"Thanks…" Ron muttered, he didn't like making a scene. Or grossing his classmates out. Theo led Ron out of the room, his hand gripping Ron's right forearm firmly. As they made their way towards the Hospital Wing, Ron had to physically fight the urge to rub his eyes clear.

"Look at us" Theo sighed. "One minute we're talking about your sexuality, and the next minute we're holding hands. You work pretty fast mate, even I have to admit that."

"You're a tosser, and we're not holding hands" Ron glowered at Theo's blurry, red back. Theo moved his hand down and held onto Ron's gloved one.

"We are now… lover" Theo laughed, and Ron jerked his hand free. "Hey! I'm trying to help here."

"Help this" Ron said as he gave Theo the bird, and Theo burst into another laugh.

"Alright, fun's over" Theo wheezed. "Give me your arm mate, we need to get you to Pomfrey." Ron frowned, but he did as he was told. They walked down to the Hospital Wing quietly, except for Theo's whistling. And then, Theo pushed the doors to the Wing open. "Madam Pomfrey!" Theo called, and Ron saw her blurry figure come into view.

"Good heavens…" Pomfrey sighed deeply. "Why is it always you, Mr. Weasley?"

"I like to see you, and this is the only way that I get to do that" Ron grinned, and Theo chuckled as he let go of Ron's arm.

"I see that your tongue has not dulled in the slightest" Pomfrey huffed, and then she walked up and grabbed his left hand. "Thank you Mr. Nott, you may return to your class." Theo nodded, and he left the Wing quickly. "Come, let me wash out this blood." She guided Ron to an empty bed, and she filled a basin with water from her wand. After she soaked a clean cloth in the water, she began dabbing his eyes and face gently. It took a few minutes, but Ron's vision eventually cleared up.

"I can see again" Ron told her as she cleaned the blood off of his cheeks.

"Open your eyes as wide as you can" she ordered, and Ron did as he was told. She examined his eyes, and then she nodded firmly.

"There is less blood in them now" Pomfrey smiled very slightly. "Enough for just one more incident."

"Can I go back to class then?" Ron asked, he really didn't want to start his session just yet.

"Class ends in five minutes, Mr. Weasley" Pomfrey told him as she dropped the bloodied cloth into the basin. "And don't think for a second that I don't know what you're trying to do."

"And what am I trying to do?" Ron asked innocently. Damn, she's smarter than I thought.

"Mr. Weasley, please step into my Office" Madam Pomfrey gestured towards it, and Ron sighed. "I've already cleared away an hour for you."

"An hour?!" Ron's eyes widened, and she nodded firmly. "I don't even know what we'll be doing…"

"I will explain it… in my Office" she said sharply, and Ron fought the urge to throw a temper tantrum.

"Fine…" Ron managed as he hopped off of the bed, and then he made his way into her Office. It was small, but cozy. There was a soft-looking brown sofa, a small desk with a white chair, and colorful finger paintings on the white walls. "This is neat, I like the finger paintings."

"Thank you, now take a seat on the sofa" Pomfrey said as she closed the door behind her. Ron sat down with his hands in his lap, and he watched her take a seat on the white chair. She then pulled out a file from her table, and glossed over it as she turned to face him. "Mr. Weasley, please relax."

"I'm totally relaxed" Ron lied, and she nodded slowly. "So… How does this work? Do you look into my mind with Legilimency?" I fucking hope not, for your own sake.

"You know of Legilimency?" Pomfrey quirked an eyebrow, and then she smiled knowingly. "I forgot that you aren't just any ordinary thirteen year old boy, forgive me. And to answer your question, no. You are a minor, and Legilimency on minors is illegal." What? But Dumbledore… Wow. Clearly laws don't apply to him, and he can do as he pleases. Ron frowned deeply at that, he didn't appreciate Dumbledore's 'boldness'. "Mr. Weasley? What is the matter?"

"Nothing" Ron replied curtly. Just because he's the most powerful wizard alive shouldn't excuse his blatant law-breaking. But then again, he paid for it in the end. Though I have to wonder, does he do that to other students? What about my friends? How much has he learned about me through them?

"Mr. Weasley? Did you hear me?" Pomfrey asked, a look of concern marking her features.

"Sorry, Madam Pomfrey" Ron replied as he shook his head clear. "I was in my own head… What did you say?"

"I tried to ask you about where your thoughts led you" Pomfrey replied.

"Just some… stuff" Ron shrugged, and she nodded slowly.

"Mr. Weasley, allow me to explain how this works" Pomfrey started, and Ron listened intently. "The purpose of this is to enlighten you about what's really causing you your high levels of stress. My job is to help guide you through your troubles, and to help you find a stable and healthy way of living. Do you understand?"

"I do" Ron nodded. I already know what's stressing me out, so this is pointless.

"But you are in charge of this journey" Pomfrey added on. "And it will only work if you make an effort. So please, do try to give this a fair chance. What we discuss will be just between us, not even your family will be privy to our conversations."

"Alright" Ron sighed, feeling a little guilty at avoiding her questions. "So do we just… talk? Like how my day was? Or the weather?"

"Not the weather, no" Pomfrey smiled. "But let's talk about your day instead. Tell me, how has your return to Hogwarts been so far?"

"Um… Well, I'm back at school and now have homework" Ron replied after thinking about her question, and she looked for him to go on. "And um… I've been getting a lot of attention from people all over school, so that's nice…"

"What kind of attention?" she asked.

"Just people saying hello to me, or waving at me" Ron replied. "Most of them are girls though, which I guess is pretty nice." Pomfrey nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing a bit.

"You don't care about getting attention from young witches?" Pomfrey asked.

"I do, but I just… I don't know" Ron shrugged.

"You have more important things to think about?" Pomfrey provided, and Ron nodded with a soft smile. Finally someone gets it, and doesn't just assume that I'm gay.

"I like that they're interested, believe me" Ron went on. "But I just don't have time to waste on them."

"Is that really true, Mr. Weasley? Do you really have no time spare?" Pomfrey asked, and Ron blinked at her. "You are in second year, and you are very young. You don't even have exams at the end of this school year, nor do you have any upcoming Tournaments. So what is occupying your time?" Preparations for an upcoming war.

"Studying…" Ron said defensively, and she nodded slowly. "Practicing Chess, my friends, school life, and family stuff. I have plenty going on."

"What are you studying besides your course-work?" Pomfrey asked, and Ron fought the urge to frown. He didn't enjoy answering so many questions, especially questions that were getting to close to his secrets.

"I like to read" Ron replied curtly.

"What do you like to read?" Pomfrey asked.

"Things that are none of your business" Ron replied coldly, and Pomfrey just stared at him.

"Alright, then let's move on" Pomfrey smiled. Move on? Just like that? What is she playing at? "How often do you practice Chess?"

"As often as I can" Ron replied.

"Can you be more specific?"

"Just… Whenever I get the time" Ron replied irritably. Relax, just think your answers through.

"Whenever you get the time" Pomfrey repeated as she wrote it down, and Ron's eyes flashed to the file. "Mr. Weasley, do you ever feel the need to take a break? To relax once in a while, or just spend time socializing?" No, not lately anyway. Too much to do.

"I socialize" Ron forced on a smile. "I spend a lot of time with my friends. We eat together, study together, we go for morning runs together, and we even practice some spells together." Take that.

"I see" Pomfrey smiled a little sadly, something that made Ron worry about answering her wrong. "Mr. Weasley, children your age would generally not classify these interactions as relaxing or socializing. The way you spoke about these interactions makes me wonder whether even you enjoy them."

"Are you saying that I don't enjoy being with my friends?" Ron grit out, the nerve of this witch.

"That is not what I said, Mr. Weasley" Pomfrey replied clearly. "I stated that you don't sound like you enjoy your 'relaxing activities' very much."

"Well, I do" Ron gave her a scathing look as he sat upright. "I enjoy running, I enjoy eating, I enjoy learning more about the World around me, and I enjoy practicing spells."

"So in other words, you enjoy pushing yourself to be better?" Pomfrey asked, and Ron smirked.

"Exactly" Ron told her.

"Then can you see why you are so stressed, Mr. Weasley?" Pomfrey asked, and Ron frowned as he realized that she had just turned his own words against him. "You are pushing yourself to your limits every day, and sooner or later, your mind will leave your body in a ruined. You will burn yourself out, Mr. Weasley."

"I already know that" Ron responded. "Healer Bernard made that quite clear."

"And yet, you don't sound like you plan to stop" Pomfrey observed. "Why is that? It is clear to me that you are intelligent enough to realize the danger you are putting yourself in. So why keep going?" Because I can't afford to be weak! Like those other idiot Rons that failed! Ron bit back his irritation with her questions, and he took a deep breath.

"I would rather be a little stressed than to be unprepared" Ron replied.

"Unprepared for what?"

"Life" Ron shrugged.

"That's a very vague response, Mr. Weasley" Pomfrey said as she wrote it down.

"I don't think that it is" Ron retorted. "I want to be successful, and to be ready for anything. Life is unpredictable, and I don't plan to get caught off-guard and fail."

"Success is often defined differently by different people" Pomfrey said, and Ron felt the urge to roll his eyes. There she goes again, twisting my words. "Would you not say that success is defined by perspective?"

"Success is success, and failure is failure" Ron said curtly. "If you have a goal in mind, and you don't achieve it. Then you have failed, and that's that. There is no 'oh, things were out of my control', or 'I'll do better next time'. You either win, or you lose." You either make the right choices, or you watch your loved ones die.

"To me, failure is a part of success" Pomfrey said in a musing tone, and Ron exhaled impatiently. "Those who don't fail never learn from their mistakes, and therefore can't really achieve true success."

"That sounds like a convenient excuse to me" Ron all but sneered. "What if failure is not an option? What if failing means that you lose everything?" What happens to you if I fail? I bet you'd die during the assault on Hogwarts that killed my brother.

"Do you believe yourself to be in such a situation?" Pomfrey asked. Shite, I need to calm down. Don't reveal too much.

"Sometimes" Ron replied, his tone slightly calmer. What Ron didn't know was that Pomfrey noticed his change in demeanor, and so she knew that he was hiding things again.

"Do you wish to elaborate on that?" Pomfrey asked.

"No" Ron replied. "Madam Pomfrey, how is this supposed to be helping me?"

"I'm just trying to learn more about you right now, Mr. Weasley" Pomfrey replied. "This is only our first session after all."

"And what have you learned?" Ron couldn't help but ask.

"That is for me to know, Mr. Weasley" Pomfrey replied.

"Well, that's hardly fair" Ron crossed his arms and slouched in his seat. "How do I get better if you don't show me how?"

"This is not like studying" Pomfrey told him. "There are no right or wrong answers, and I will help you if you give me time. I myself need to learn more about you first in order to help you create a plan to navigate your stress."

"And talking about what success means tells you who I am?" Ron asked, his tone more condescending than he intended.

"It does indeed" Pomfrey replied.

"How?"

"It shows me a glimpse of your mindset" Pomfrey decided to answer. "For example, I can now better understand why you chose to put yourself through so much pain just to win the Junior League Tournament."

"Is that so?" Ron smirked, he knew that she wouldn't get the right answer on this. If she does get it, then I'm bolting for the door.

"You felt like your future depended on your success" Pomfrey replied. "You realized that failure was not an option for you, and that if you did fail, you would lose much more than just the Tournament." Ron blinked rapidly, she was awfully close to the mark. The only thing she didn't get right was the Entity, or the need to control my own life. These were the reasons why I needed to succeed. "What I don't understand yet is why you came to this conclusion, but I hope that after we spend some more time together, I'll come to understand you better. And in doing so, do my best to help you."

"What if I chose not to come back?" Ron asked, he didn't need her sticking her nose into his life. Or the Entity's. If she pisses It off, we'll both be too dead to care about my stress levels.

"That is entirely up to you" Pomfrey replied. "Though judging from what I've read about your diagnosis, I highly recommend that you keep seeing me."

"You mean the brain damage, right?" Ron asked bluntly.

"Yes, Mr. Weasley" Pomfrey nodded. "If your Chronic Stress is left unchecked, it will ruin your life. Your future." My Cycle…

"Isn't there some Potion that can just help me stay 'unstressed'?" Ron asked, and Pomfrey shook her head slowly.

"Using Calming Draughts, or other such Potions, is not a wise solution" Pomfrey told him. "You would be trading in one issue for another, and becoming dependent on Potions will lead to many other issues down the road." Pomfrey then narrowed her eyes on Ron, and he shifted slightly under her gaze. "Why are you so against this kind of treatment, Mr. Weasley? You are an intelligent young man, and I know that you understand the benefits of this. And I know that you don't want your life ruined by your condition, but it feels like that you don't want this to work. Why is that?" I don't want to answer your invasive questions, my secrets are my own.

"I never said that I didn't want it to work" Ron replied.

"And yet, you have been looking at the clock every other minute since you got here" Pomfrey stated. "And you clearly want an easier way out rather than confronting your troubles, which from what I've witnessed and heard so far, is very unlike you. It leads me to believe that you don't want this type of therapy. Why is that?"

"Aren't you suppose to figure that out for me?" Ron asked.

"No, Mr. Weasley" Pomfrey sighed. "I told you at the start of your session that this only works if you put in an effort, which you are clearly not ready to do. I can only help you if you want my help, and from what I've seen so far, you don't want my help."

"I have been doing just fine so far, and I'm only here because other people keep telling me to be here" Ron retorted.

"If a majority of people tell you to do something, do you not think that they might have a valid reason behind it?" Pomfrey asked.

"And who are the people in this majority?" Ron asked sarcastically. "Albus Dumbledore? A man whose irresponsible actions landed me in a coma and left me with permanent scars. Or my parents? Two people who have never given me a second thought until I started making something of myself." Pomfrey wrote down his response, and Ron grit his teeth as he glared at the file. She keeps writing everything down, and it's pissing me the fuck off. Pomfrey then looked to Ron, and she let out a soft exhale.

"Mr. Weasley" Pomfrey started. "I can see now that perhaps the direct approach is not what's best for you, so let's try something else instead. Lie down on the couch please, and just relax your mind as best you can." What is this? Ron slowly did as she had asked, and he lay down on the couch and closed his eyes. Relax, think of anything that isn't stressful. Like food, or the Sanctuary. "Now I'm going to give you a topic, and you just give me your thoughts on it. Reveal only as much as you deem necessary, how does that sound?" Um… Much better, though how this helps me is beyond me.

"So I just talk? And what do you do?" Ron asked.

"I will listen to you get your thoughts out, and try my best to help you sort out how you feel" Pomfrey replied. "This is a safe-place Mr. Weasley, what you say here will not leave this room."

"Alright" Ron breathed in deeply. "What's the topic?"

"Let's talk about you" Pomfrey replied. "Tell me about yourself."

"What do you want to know?" Ron asked for clarification.

"Whatever you want to share" Pomfrey replied, and Ron turned his head and gave her a confused look. She just smiled and waited for him to start talking, so Ron turned his head back into place before starting.

"I'm Ronald Bilius Weasley" Ron started. "The sixth son of Arthur and Molly Weasley, and the only Weasley to be sorted into Slytherin…"

---

Forty Minutes Later

"I've been thinking about sending Charlie more letters, mostly because I miss him and don't ever get to see him" Ron went on, he had been talking about his childhood and siblings for almost forty minutes now. He much preferred this kind of therapy, and it was definitely because he could hide his secrets from her. Not to mention that it's just like talking to myself.

"You two have a very close bond, don't you?" Pomfrey asked, and Ron smiled softly as he thought about his 'toughest' brother.

"Yeah, Charlie and I have always gotten along" Ron replied. "I mean, we had problems with our age gap and all… But then again Charlie had that same problem with Ginny and the twins as well. But he taught me a lot, and never treated me badly. Except for a few bruises, and the occasional scolding. He's the one who taught me how to fly, actually…"

"You said that your father taught your brothers to fly, but Charlie taught you?"

"Dad was busy with Ministry work, and I was just bothering him…" Ron sighed. "Charlie overheard me, and he volunteered to teach me. I wasn't happy about it then, but we had a lot of fun together. I did my first barrel-roll after Charlie spent a week teaching me, but mum was furious when she saw us from the kitchen window." Ron grinned at the memory of Charlie being yelled at for almost ten minutes straight.

"You two sound quite close" Pomfrey noted. "Is there a reason why you don't send him letters often?"

"Um… No, I guess not…" Ron mused. "I just have a lot going on in my own life, and I don't really think about him that much. Usually when I'm in bed, I think about all the things that I should be doing. And Charlie being in Romania pops up in my mind. But by the time the Sun rises, I'm back to my own life and I forget him…" Ron felt a pang of guilt at that, he owed Charlie a lot. But I can't even spare ten minutes to send him a letter?

"What if you started sending him a letter every Monday from now on?" Pomfrey asked. "It would help alleviate any guilt you may be feeling, and you'd get to keep in contact with him."

"So I just send him a random letter every Monday?" Ron asked. "I guess it would help us stay in contact, and I wouldn't feel so bad about not trying hard enough."

"That's good, Mr. Weasley" Pomfrey replied. "And most conversations are often times just about 'random' things. You can just tell him about your school life, or your friends, or even something as simple as what the weather is like here."

"Yeah… Yeah, I'll do that" Ron nodded to himself, his eyes fixed on the white ceiling. "I'll write him a letter after we finish up here."

"I think we can end the session on that note" Pomfrey said, and Ron looked to her. "It's been an hour, and we've made stellar progress today."

"We have?" Ron asked, all he had done was talk about his childhood.

"Certainly" Pomfrey nodded with a smile. "Unlike most of my other patients, we already have a diagnosis for you. Which means that we can start working on making you feel more in control of your own life. Not to mention that in just one session, we have found a system that seems to work for you."

"I guess it wasn't so bad" Ron responded. "And I do feel rather… calm." It's like I've got less to worry about tonight, especially after I send Charlie a letter.

"That is good to hear, Mr. Weasley" Pomfrey said as Ron sat up. "I want to set up another session for next week, same time and day. Is that alright?"

"Um… Yeah" Ron nodded. "Is it going to be like this one? I just lie down and… vent?"

"Yes, Mr. Weasley" Pomfrey smiled. "Though we will discuss another topic."

"Alright, then I'll see you next week" Ron responded as he stood up and moved towards the door.

"One more thing before you leave" Pomfrey stopped him, and he turned to face her. "I want you to try a calming exercise from now on. Whenever you feel overwhelmed in any way, I want you to count to ten and take a deep breath with each number."

"And that'll help?" Ron asked, he was a bit skeptical about that.

"It will help lower your blood pressure, and it will lower your stress and anxiety" Pomfrey replied. "Can I count on you to try that?"

"Yeah, I'll give it a go" Ron promised.

"Then I will see you next week" Pomfrey smiled. "But if there is an emergency, and you feel the need to come and see me, please do not hesitate."

"I won't" Ron replied. "See you next week, Madam Pomfrey." Pomfrey nodded at that, and Ron left her Office feeling a little less burdened. It was an odd sensation, to just talk for an hour, but somehow feel better because of it. He had shared more of his childhood with her than anyone, and even mentioned that he often felt lonely as a child. Me sharing my feelings with someone that I barely know, who would've thought that was possible?

Ron stepped out of the Wing, and he turned to walk towards the common room. But just as he was about to head down there, he decided that he wanted to go his Sanctuary instead. I want to talk to Marty, and the Hat. My friends, other than Daphne, are probably wondering where I've been this entire time. I need to come up with an excuse that is believable. As Ron made his way up towards the Sanctuary, he wondered about his session with Pomfrey. It certainly wasn't what he was expecting, there wasn't even a single spell uttered. Not to mention how badly it started off, but that was mostly just his own fault. Once he had been given control over what he disclosed, he had sang like a canary and told Pomfrey all about growing up in The Burrow. He could still hear Pomfrey writing things down, but it didn't bother him as much as before because he couldn't see her doing it. Maybe this can work out better than I thought it would, and I'll definitely try out that breathing exercise.

Ron paced in front of the Sanctuary entrance, and the door slowly materialized. Ron smiled widely, and he pushed it open. This room was like his own personal home within Hogwarts, and he loved it. Ron shut the door behind him, and his tranquil mood was suddenly interrupted.

"There you are!" came Tracey's voice, and Ron looked over to see his friends sitting on the couches. So much for my own personal home… "Where have you been, Ron?!"

"I was at the Black Lake after Pomfrey cleaned out my eyes" Ron lied with a smile, and everyone but Daphne frowned deeply. Daphne just shook her head and looked away from him, something that made him worry a little. Is she angry with me? She knows that I had a session with Pomfrey.

"What were you doing there?" Millie asked, her tone revealing her irritation.

"And it didn't occur to you to inform us?" Blaise asked before Ron could answer.

"I didn't know that I had to" Ron chuckled as he moved over to his favorite seat, which they had left unoccupied on his behalf. "The Heir and the Basilisk are gone, remember?"

"Ron, we spent thirty minutes looking for you" Pansy replied. "And we went to the Lake, and you weren't there." Fuck.

"Did you look in the woods? Where I usually try out my spells?" Ron asked calmly, and Pansy let out a sigh.

"I told you guys that we should've gone there" Pansy frowned at the others.

"You couldn't spare five minutes to let us know that you were alright?" Tracey huffed. "Five minutes Ron, that's all it would've taken."

"What Tracey means to say is that your eyes bled mate, and then you disappeared" Theo said calmly, his eyes meeting Ron's. He doesn't believe me, does he? Damn him, and his keen intelligence. Ron took in a deep breath, and then he smiled apologetically.

"I'm sorry, I just wanted some alone time" Ron told them. "All this attention that I'm getting… I'm not used to it…" The girls' expressions softened at that, but Theo and Blaise's didn't. They knew him better than that. Daphne just looked at anything but Ron, and that was starting to worry him. Things had been going great with her, and he didn't want her to be angry with him. When Daphne and I do fight, it's usually rather vicious. "Did I miss anything?" Ron asked them, his eyes lingering on Daphne.

"Not much" Tracey sighed, she wanted to clock Ron for disappearing again. "The Hufflepuffs told a bunch of people that your eyes bled in public, and you already know how fast gossip spreads around this school. We also ran into the 'Golden Trio'… Granger all but demanded that we take her to you… I don't know why you even like her, she's so bossy." Yep, that sounds like her. But it comes from a good place, she was just worried about me.

"You also missed a speech from Snape, by the way" Blaise said aloofly, and Ron looked over to him immediately. "He told us second years to start thinking about our electives in advance, we need to choose a minimum of two by the end of the year."

"Electives…" Ron muttered, he hadn't really thought about that yet. I have the notes from the girls, I should look through them and see what interests me.

"Ron, did you tell people about your Subco… the hemorrhage?" Millie asked suddenly, and Ron shook his head. Those three have started spreading the word then, that's good to know. "Well, people are talking about it… A lot of people are talking about it. Word of it has even reached the Professors." Damn, they're good.

"This school has a habit of gossiping" Ron shrugged as he gazed into the fire. "And who cares if they know? It won't change anything for me, it's not like I was trying to hide that fact." Theo and Blaise exchanged quick looks, and they both knew that Ron was behind this. Someone as private as him would've been annoyed at this spreading around the school, and the fact that he didn't care proved that he already knew about it. They both decided to hold their tongues.

"So it doesn't bother you?" Tracey asked with narrowed eyes.

"Not really" Ron replied, and he missed her grimacing at him. Something didn't seem right about his recent behavior, and it was annoying her. And why wasn't Daphne saying a damn word?

"Do you guys want to do something?" Pansy asked, she was sensing some unwanted tension building up. "We can get started on our homework? Or we can go down to the courtyard, and watch the Sun-set?"

"I'm not really a 'Sun-set' person" Blaise replied. "I'd much rather just sit here and relax."

"Same" Tracey and Theo said together.

"I'll go down with you" Millie told Pansy. "We can work on our Charms homework, I know you don't like that subject much."

"Really?" Pansy beamed. "Thanks, Mills. Does anyone else want to join us?"

"Not really, I need to write a letter to my brother Charlie" Ron replied with a smile. "Maybe next time."

"Daphne?" Pansy asked, and Daphne shook her head.

"Not in the mood to study" Daphne replied. So she speaks?! She's definitely pissed about something.

"I guess it's just us then" Millie told Pansy as she stood up. "Let's go and get our books, then we can head to the library."

"Let's study in the courtyard instead" Pansy suggested as both girls began to leave.

"Fine, but you better not get distracted" Millie told her, something that made Pansy chuckle. As they both left the room, Ron found himself rather amused. They're certainly getting along better. It's nice. When Ron heard the door shut, he got up and walked over to the desk near the bed. There was an ink-pot with a quill inside it, and some parchment laying around. Just talk about anything and everything, that's what Pomfrey said. Ron began drafting the letter, and he could hear his friends talking about electives. All of them except Daphne. It took Ron around ten minutes to finish up his letter, and once he was satisfied with it, he left it behind on the table to send later.

"Do you guys want to practice some spells?" Ron asked his friends, and they stopped mid conversation. "I can show you guys the difference between the three 'Explosive Curses'. It'll be fun." And then maybe we can do some dodging practice too, and help Tracey with her Shield Charm.

"Um…" Tracey stammered, her face showing her hesitation.

"We were just about to head down to the courtyard" Theo lied. "To study with Pansy and Millie… We figured that it was probably smart to stay ahead…"

"Oh…" Ron muttered. They're lying, and not very well. "I can just help you guys with your homework afterwards, it's no problem."

"Thanks, Ron" Blaise said aloofly. "But we should probably try our own hand at it first, otherwise we won't learn anything." Blaise got up at that, and so did Tracey and Theo. "We'll see you at dinner, yeah?"

"Yeah" Ron replied in dejected voice. Why won't they just try a little? I'm even offering to help them with their homework after. It doesn't make any sense, I've told them about the Dark Lord's return. But they just keep saying that it won't happen. "Maybe we can practice later?"

"Sure mate" Theo forced on a smile, and then all three of them left in a bit of a hurry. Ron felt both annoyed and hurt by their actions, he was only trying to help them. What more do I need to do in order to convince them? Maybe I should ask the Hat? Ron sat down in his seat, and he let out a tired sigh. They're so… lazy!

"Here" came Daphne's voice, and Ron looked over to see her trying to hand him a vial with a pink Potion in it. Shite, this Potion again.

"Um… Do I really…" Ron started, but she cut him off abruptly.

"Drink the Potion, now" Daphne ordered, and Ron took it from her. "I didn't get the chance to give it to you yesterday, mostly because you disappeared so suddenly." Ron's cheeks flushed a bit at that, mostly because of how his night had ended. Ron drank down the Potion, and he barely resisted the urge to gag.

"Merlin, that's the worst…" Ron grimaced at the empty vial, and then he looked to Daphne. She was looking away from him again, and Ron found himself rubbing his forehead. "Daphne, are you angry about something?"

"Yes" she replied curtly, and Ron sighed.

"What's the matter?" Ron asked.

"You" she replied as she glared at him, and Ron blinked.

"What did I do?" Ron asked tiredly.

"It's what you haven't done that's annoying me, Ron" Daphne huffed, and Ron gave her a confused look. "Why do you keep refusing to tell the others about your Chronic Stress?"

"This again…" Ron exhaled.

"Yes, this again" Daphne said harshly. "I just spent the last hour lying to them for you. They were worried about you, and I couldn't tell them a thing. Instead, I wasted an hour 'searching' for you with them." Now I understand why she's upset. That does sound rather vexing. "I just can't understand why you're hiding something so important from everyone."

"I don't want to tell my friends that I'm brain-damaged, is that really so hard to understand?" Ron asked.

"I'm not telling you to do that" Daphne shot back. "I'm telling you to tell them about your Chronic Stress instead, and about Pomfrey. Tell me something Ron, are you seeing her again soon?"

"Yes…" Ron sighed, he knew where this was going.

"So I'm supposed to lie again?" Daphne frowned. "And how do I keep explaining your disappearances to them? How do I keep explaining to them that you're fine, or that you aren't getting yourself in trouble? How do I explain to them why I have to give you Nutrition Potions? Or why I always carry around a vial of Calming Draught with me?"

"You do that?" Ron asked suddenly, and she nodded curtly.

"I have to, just in case you have another panic attack and you don't have your Potion with you" Daphne replied. "Now answer my questions." Ron looked away to the fire, he really hadn't thought about her position in all of this. "Did you even think about me in all of this?" When Ron didn't reply, she drew in a sharp breath. "Your little lie about the Black Lake was pathetic, and no one bought it. They know that you're hiding something… But if you just tell them, then all of your problems will vanish."

"I don't want them to see me like that…" Ron muttered.

"Like what?! As human?!" Daphne snapped, and Ron frowned at her for yelling at him.

"As damaged" Ron glared at her. "I don't want them to think that I'm weak, alright?"

"You really have that little faith in them?" Daphne asked, and then she blinked as if she realized something. "Would you have told me if I didn't find out from Healer Bernard?" Ron knew the answer to that, but he didn't want to say it. His silence seemed to add fuel to her anger, and she shot out of her seat with a menacing glare. "You… You…" she stammered, her hands clenching into fists.

"Daph, please just calm down" Ron said gently as he got out of his chair.

"Don't tell me to calm down!" she yelled at him, and he was honestly shaken by her outburst. "You have no faith in any of us, do you?!"

"It's not like that" Ron tried to tell her, but her glare was getting to him.

"Yes, it is!" Daphne accused. "You think that we'll just judge you, don't you?! That we're so petty that we won't even try to understand you! Well, you're dead wrong! I haven't once judged you for your condition, and all I've done is do my best to help you! I even bought a book about dealing with stress to help me help you! I've been reading it constantly in secret! Merlin, I can't even read it in public because you're so pigheaded that you'll probably tell me off for trying to help you!"

"Daph…" Ron said weakly, he had no idea that she was going to such lengths for him.

"Friends don't hide things like this from each other!" Daphne went on, and Ron felt smaller by the second. "And you've made me into someone who lies to her friends, just like you!" Ron felt like he had gotten slapped, and all he could do was look down at his feet. "And you know what the worst part is?! I'll keep doing it for your benefit! But you can't even trust me enough to tell me the truth once in a while?!"

"I do tell you the truth, more than anyone" Ron replied meekly.

"Only when you have no other choice, Ron! Only when you want something from me, or when you get tired of us being angry at each other! That's when you open up a little, and it's only because you know that I'll get over it once you tell me what's bothering you!" An uncomfortable silence fell onto the room, and Ron thought about her words. She… was right. If he had to choose between keeping his secrets, or telling her the truth, he'd always pick his secrets. His mission was too important, and he needed to keep his powers hidden. "I'll keep going with your stupid little plan to not tell your own friends that you need help, but I'm not going to tell you that you're right" Daphne broke the silence. "I'll keep giving you your Potion, but only because I don't want you to get worse. You… You're selfish… And you're so pigheaded that it beggars belief…"

"You can't keep being angry with me…" Ron all but whispered. "Not in front of them…" Daphne just shook her head in disbelief. How could someone be so secretive? Why was he like this? Daphne couldn't even begin understand his reasons.

"Fine…" Daphne said coldly. "I'll keep pretending that I'm not upset with you around them, but I won't pretend when we're alone. I'll leave you to yourself now, you clearly prefer that over having friends…" Daphne turned around and stormed out, and Ron just watched her leave. Once she slammed the door shut behind her, Ron sank back into his seat, his mood thoroughly spoiled. Am I making a mistake by not telling them?

---

Monday 6th April, 1993 (Sanctuary - Before Dinner)

He had thought about Daphne's words in silence, while also contemplating all the times that his friends had surprised him. He had shown Theo and Blaise his scars, and despite their initial shock, they had quickly moved on. They had even made sure to keep his scars hidden from the girls, something that he hadn't really given them any credit for. As for the girls, Daphne knew all about his scars and condition. And she had been nothing but compassionate, and trustworthy. Pansy had seen his hand, and even she was kind and made sure that he didn't feel embarrassed. And although Pansy hadn't seen all of his scars, he knew deep down that she would never mock him or make him feel embarrassed. As for Millie and Tracey, Ron was quite sure that they wouldn't mind his scars either. Millie would probably become even more protective of him, while Tracey would lighten the mood and make him laugh.

But this brain-damage stuff was different, it was more personal. Everyone could potentially see his scars, for better or worse, but his Chronic Stress and brain-damage… That was something that he had to show others, and Ron really wasn't good at revealing things about himself. He preferred keeping his strengths, and weaknesses, to himself. He had been hiding things for so long that it was engraved into his brain, and overriding that need to keep himself hidden was difficult. It was uncharted territory, and Ron being someone who was obsessed with being prepared, didn't enjoy being in a position where he was 'flying blind'. Why couldn't Daphne understand that? Why did she have to be angry with him? Because you've never told her any of this, and she's not psychic.

"Marty" Ron called, he needed a break from thinking about this. There was a loud crack, and Marty popped into view. He looked… upset.

"Master Ronald called Marty?" Marty asked, his eyes slightly red from crying.

"Marty? What's the matter?" Ron shot out of his seat, and he was crouched down in front of the Elf before he knew it. "Did someone hurt you? Tell me their name, I'll teach them a fucking lesson."

"No one hurt Marty" Marty quickly replied, and then he shrank a little. "Marty has been sold by Master Greengrass to another Family… Marty no longer serves the Greengrass Family, and Marty does not understand what he did wrong…" Ron blinked at that, and he felt the need to break his own nose for neglecting Marty for so long.

"Marty, Lord Greengrass did sell you" Ron smiled tenderly, and the Elf met his eyes shamefully. "But he sold you to me because I asked for you. You are officially my Elf now. You're a Weasley." Marty blinked rapidly as he processed Ron's words, and then he let out a wail that made Ron jump a bit. "I… I didn't mean to upset you, I thought that you'd be happy…"

"Marty is happy!" Marty wept, and Ron found that hard to believe. "These are tears of relief, Master Weasley! Marty thought that he had shamed his ancestors by being fired, you see… But now Marty knows that he didn't! Marty is truly overjoyed!"

"Oh" Ron muttered, and then he smiled widely. "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, but I wanted to surprise you."

"Well, Marty is surprised" Marty gave a toothy smile while being covered in tears, and Ron found himself chuckling at the sight. "Marty promises to serve the Weasley Family faithfully, and to always put Master Weasley first." Maybe I should promise something as well.

"I promise to be a good Master to you" Ron promised, and Marty listened intently. "I will never abuse you, or treat you in a disrespectful manner. I will protect you, and treat you like a member of my family. And I will see to it that all of your needs are met. If you ever need, or want, something, I expect you to come to me without hesitation. And if it's within my power to give, then you will have it." Marty smiled ear to ear, and then he hugged Ron tightly. Ron was taken aback for a moment, but then he put his arms around Marty's tiny body and hugged him back. "Welcome to the family, Marty." Marty sniffled and hugged him more tightly.

---

Monday 6th April, 1993 (The Great Hall – End of Dinner)

Dinner had been… odd. Ron's mood was greatly improved because of his chat with Marty, but then it had dampened at the dinner table. His friends had been their usual selves, and the banter was rather amusing, but Daphne was 'ignoring him but not ignoring him'. That was the only way that he could describe her behavior. She responded to him, passed him the bread-rolls, even laughed at his jokes. But the way she looked at him was different, it cold and unfeeling. No one else seemed to notice, but Ron had spent a lot of time with her recently, so it stuck out to him like a bright red flag. She was angry, but she was still going along with his plan. Her loyalty made him cringe with guilt, and so he tried to limit his interactions with her on the dinner table. Ron was more than happy when the school bell went off, and he all but shot out of his seat.

"Want to play some Chess, Ron?" Theo asked, and Ron smiled and nodded. Although Theo would never admit it, he felt a bit guilty for running out on Ron before. But none of them were in the mood to practice spells for hours on end after their long first day back.

"Sure, want to bet money?" Ron asked, and Theo chuckled.

"Sod off with that, I'm not stupid" Theo replied.

"Ron…" came a voice from behind them, and they all stopped just short of exiting the Great Hall. It was Justin Finch-Fletchley, and he had a box of Chocolate Frogs in his hand.

"Justin?" Ron asked. "What can I do for you?"

"Oh, nothing really" Justin smiled pleasantly, something that made Ron's friends cock their eyebrows. "I just wanted to see if you were alright after… you know…"

"Oh, yeah I'm fine mate" Ron smiled back. Knowing his house, he's probably genuinely worried about me.

"That's good. Here" Justin said as he handed Ron the box of Chocolate Frogs, which Ron took slowly. What is this? "It's from the Hufflepuffs, mostly just us second years. Everyone was worried about you, and the older Hufflepuffs suggested that we get you something to cheer you up."

"Um… Thanks, Justin" Ron blinked, this was new. "And thank the other Hufflepuffs for me, this is a kind gesture."

"I will, take care" Justin smiled widely, and then he walked off towards his friends. Ron gave them all a friendly smile, and they smiled back.

"Hufflepuffs…" Theo muttered as he rolled his eyes.

"I think that was sweet" Tracey told him. It was sweet, they're a good lot. I should make an effort to befriend more of them, it will help me in the long run.

"Plotting something?" Blaise smirked at Ron, and Ron smirked back. "The look on your face was rather conniving."

"Have the Slytherins ever made an effort to befriend the Hufflepuffs?" Ron asked as they re-started their journey back to the common room.

"Not really" Theo shrugged.

"Our house doesn't get along with others" Millie added. "And the Hufflepuffs have always been on Gryffindor's side. We're more like the Ravenclaws."

"Maybe we ought to change that" Ron smiled as they climbed the steps leading out of the Entrance Hall.

"We?" Pansy asked. "Ron, we can't go around making friends with Hufflepuffs. Everyone will mock us, and we'll be made into a joke."

"I'd like to see someone try and mock me" Ron said flatly, and his friends exchanged looks. "C'mon, they're a kind and loyal lot. Look at this" Ron said as he showed them the box. "They were worried about me, a Slytherin. That's got to count for something, and keeping them at arm's length is just foolish."

"You'd know all about that" Daphne muttered under her breath, but Ron and the others heard her clear as day.

"Daphne?" Tracey gave her a confused look, while Ron just frowned to himself. Really? Is she that angry that she's just letting it out in public?

"Ron!" came Hermione's voice from behind them, and Ron turned to see her waving at him. Harry and Neville were behind her, but unlike Hermione, they weren't waving at him enthusiastically.

"Merlin, then there's her…" Tracey rolled her eyes.

"You guys go ahead, I'll join you after I've spoken with them" Ron smiled, and then he handed Millie the box of Chocolate Frogs. "Don't let Theo and Blaise eat these, and I'll give you half."

"Deal" Millie grinned, while Theo and Blaise scoffed. Ron gave them both a sly grin, and then he climbed back up the stairs.

"Hello" Ron greeted the Trio with a smile.

"You're alright" Hermione sighed out. "We heard what happened, but we couldn't find you anywhere. Where did you disappear off to? Even your… friends… didn't know where you went." What was with that delay? Just ignore it.

"I was at the Black Lake after Madam Pomfrey fixed me up" Ron shrugged. "And don't worry so much, it didn't hurt at all. The Potion that's healing my eyes is just letting the blood out."

"That's kind of gross, Ron" Harry smirked.

"Yeah, it's pretty gross" Ron chuckled. "How are you guys? Enjoying school?"

"Yes!" Hermione exclaimed, while both Gryffindors shook their heads behind her back. "It feels great to get back into my studies, and without this Heir business looming over us. It's a shame that they canceled the exams though…"

"How is that a shame?" Neville asked, and Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Because they won't be testing us on what we've learned this year" Hermione replied.

"The only thing I've learned this year is that Cornish Pixies don't belong in a classroom" Ron joked, which earned him a laugh out of Harry and Neville. "Bloody Lockhart…" Hermione looked a bit sheepish at that, while Harry nodded enthusiastically.

"He was the worst" Harry said. "He'd corner me at every opportunity, and just embarrass me and himself."

"Did he grin the entire time?" Ron asked.

"Merlin… Yes!" Harry exclaimed. "He had the most arrogant grin on the planet, and he was utter fraud in the end."

"Can't say that I'm surprised, the man was a tosser" Ron shook his head.

"Ron, he's still an adult" Hermione scolded.

"One that's being sent to Azkaban on Friday" Neville jumped in. "I'm sorry Hermione, but stealing other people's memories and taking their hard-work for yourself is rather disgusting."

"I never said that it wasn't, just that he's an adult and should be respected" Hermione responded.

"Not everyone deserves respect" Ron told her, and she blinked at him. "Respect has to be earned, not just freely given because someone's passed a certain age."

"My Gran says the same thing" Neville beamed. "Well, sort of… She says that everyone should be open for critique, no matter who they are." That sounds just like Lord Greengrass. And I agree with them. No one respected me until I earned it, and it should be the same for everyone. "I told her that you've accepted her invitation, but she hasn't replied yet."

"I look forward to seeing her again" Ron admitted, he was positively ecstatic at the prospect of making another strong ally. I should do more research into the Ministry, she brought that up last time and I had no clue on how to respond.

"By the way" Harry jumped in. "You remember when we agreed to… spend more time together?" Harry asked, his tone slightly embarrassed.

"Yeah, I remember" Ron nodded.

"I was thinking that we could go flying sometime this week" Harry said. "Are you free?"

"Yeah, as long as it's not Saturday" Ron replied, and the Trio smiled widely.

"What about Wednesday?" Harry asked, and Ron nodded.

"Sure, Harry" Ron replied. "We can see who the better seeker is on Wednesday."

"You're on" Harry grinned. He is going to destroy me, there is no doubt about it in my mind.

"I was thinking of starting our study group again" Hermione piped in, her eyes revealing her excitement. "Are you free on Friday?" The study group, eh? That could be useful in befriending the Hufflepuffs. I did invite Susan Bones, so maybe I should tell Justin to bring over whoever wants to come along. Oh, and I should invite Padma! I haven't spoken to her in too long.

"I'm free on Friday" Ron agreed. "Are you two coming along?" Harry and Neville closed their eyes tiredly, and Ron felt a pang of guilt for putting them on the spot.

"They're coming" Hermione answered for them. "Harry got an E in Potions before the Break started. An E, Ron!" Yeesh, but then again… Snape does have it out for the Gryffindors.

"Snape hates me" Harry defended himself.

"You blew up your cauldron, Harry" Hermione huffed. "Don't blame Professor Snape for that."

"That was my fault actually…" Neville smiled sheepishly.

"So you agree then that you both need to be there?" Hermione smiled victoriously. "Good, we'll all be there." Ron shot them both an apologetic smile, and they just shrugged in defeat.

"Mr. Weasley" came a cold voice from the stairs leading into the dungeons, and then Snape came into view. Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. "Why are you idling about in the middle of the castle? Dinner is finished, and you should be in your common room." Snape's eyes then shot towards the Gryffindors, and he sneered slightly. "Five points from Gryffindor for lurking about after Dinner has ended, each…" The Gryffindors didn't even bother arguing, they knew that Snape would just take more points from them. That was just mean, especially because I'm doing the same thing as them and he didn't take points from me.

"Were you looking for me, Sir?" Ron asked, he didn't want to stick around now.

"Yes, I was" Snape drawled as his gaze fell back on Ron. "The Headmaster wishes to speak with you, follow me." Snape then began to leave, and Ron began to follow after him. He wasn't even surprised by Dumbledore wanting to see him, they had been meeting up more and more.

"Professor Dumbledore wants to see Ron again?" Harry couldn't help but ask, and even Ron was dumbfounded by Harry's utter disregard for his own well-being. Snape stopped, and he turned around slowly. His glare cut right through the three Gryffindors, who all averted their eyes from his. They're dead, Harry fucking Potter killed himself and his own friends…

"Go back to your Tower" Snape hissed. "And never ask me questions outside of class again, Potter. Ten points from Gryffindor for your insolence." Snape turned back around and started walking again, and Ron followed him after shooting Harry a sorry look. Hermione was frowning at Harry for losing them more points, while Neville was just patting his back in a consoling manner. They made their way towards Dumbledore's Office, and the silence wasn't really comfortable like usual. "You have something to say, Mr. Weasley?" Snape asked, he could sense that the boy was thinking about something.

"I don't want to be disrespectful, Sir" Ron replied, there was no way that he was pissing Snape off too.

"You have my permission to speak freely, just this once" Snape responded. Alright, here goes then.

"You were a little too harsh with Harry and his friends" Ron said in a subdued voice, and Snape looked at him.

"It's Harry now, is it?" Snape asked coldly. "After all of that drama, you've just moved on?" Drama? It wasn't drama to me, it fucking hurt.

"I saw no advantage in staying on bad terms with Harry Potter, Sir" Ron replied a little more firmly, and Snape cocked an eyebrow.

"Another powerful friend to add to your ever-growing collection?" Snape asked, his voice low and smooth. "Even a slightly intelligent person would think that you're… up to something."

"I'm securing my future" Ron replied, his reply was technically true.

"Well, I doubt Potter will prove useful to you" Snape said bitterly as he looked forward again. "The boy possesses no real talent besides flying a broomstick, and even his fame is not something that he earned. It was just given to him for simply being born."

"He lost his parents for it…" Ron said softly, and Snape jerked to a halt. Ron stopped too, he knew that he was fucked now. But instead of tearing into him like Ron was expecting, Snape started walking again. The Potions Master didn't utter another word for the remainder of the trip, and he only broke his silence to give the stone gargoyle its password.

"He is expecting you…" Snape said, and then he billowed away without even saying goodbye. Did I say something that upset him? Can he even get upset? Ron shook his head clear, and then he made his way up to Dumbledore's Office. He knocked on the door firmly, and the Headmaster responded.

"Come in" came Dumbledore's voice, and Ron entered and shut the door behind him. "Ah, Ronald my dear boy. Come and take a seat, let me pour you some tea." Wow, that's a rather warm welcome. Thank him, you dolt. Hasn't Daphne taught you anything?

"Thank you for your heartfelt hospitality, Headmaster" Ron smiled politely, and he took a seat.

"I think you've earned yourself an extra biscuit for your manners" Dumbledore chuckled heartily as he conjured tea and biscuits. Dumbledore then began pouring the tea by hand while Ron waited, his eyes travelling around the room. They stopped on Fawkes, who was staring right at him. Ron's stomach dropped at the sight of the majestic Phoenix, the Entity's words ringing through his head.

"What a weak little creature" the Entity hissed in Ron's mind, and Ron's breathing stopped. Entity? "Shall we show you something, Champion? Here, watch this." Fawkes suddenly let out a shrill cry and flapped his wings, something that made Dumbledore's head jerk up.

"Fawkes?" Dumbledore asked as he moved over to his faithful companion.

"Watch its pain Champion, and know that we told you the truth" the Entity laughed, and Ron felt his eyes begin to sting. Stop it! Stop hurting him! Fawkes suddenly relaxed, and he ruffled his feathers in confusion. Ron quickly rubbed his eyes clear while Dumbledore was looking away, his heart beating frantically. Ron had to clench his hands in order to stop them from shaking, and he felt a lump form in his throat. How?! How are you able to do this?!

"What's the matter, my friend?" Dumbledore asked Fawkes, his voice laced with concern. Fawkes let out a soft cry, and Dumbledore nodded slowly. "Just rest, Fawkes. I'm sure that it was nothing." Fuck… Fuck! Ron did everything in his power to calm himself down, and he even started counting to ten and breathing deeply. It was telling the truth… It put me in Slytherin… It's been controlling my life… "Ronald, are you alright?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes shooting between him and Fawkes.

"Y… yes…" Ron croaked, something that made Dumbledore blink at him. "I didn't like seeing him in pain, that's all… Does he do that often?" Sensing Ron's pain and growing panic, Fawkes flew over and perched himself on Ron's right shoulder. Please don't do that… I don't deserve it… Fawkes pecked his right ear gently, something that calmed Dumbledore down. For a second, Dumbledore had thought that Ron was causing Fawkes his pain.

"No, he doesn't" Dumbledore replied as he moved back over to the desk. "It certainly is curious, maybe his wings were in an uncomfortable position. Here, Ronald" Dumbledore said as he put a cup of tea in front of Ron, his eyes still shooting between Ron and Fawkes. "Ronald, are you sure that you're alright? Fawkes can sense your uneasiness." Shite! Fuck you, Entity! You utter bastard!

"Just… I'm just having a moment" Ron muttered as he took in another deep breath. "Seeing Fawkes like that triggered it… That's all."

"Triggered?" Dumbledore asked as he sat down, a look of worry on his face. "Is there something that you wish to tell me? Something that might be important for your Headmaster to know?" Ron felt conflicted at his question, telling Dumbledore was probably important in gaining his trust. But I haven't even told my own friends yet. Just tell him about the Chronic Stress. No, don't show any weakness. What if he deems you too weak to join the Order?

"Tell him, Champion" the Entity hissed, and Ron went visibly pale. YOU FUCKER! GET OUT OF MY HEAD! "Tell him, make him sympathize with you. Use him, we have already earned you his trust."

"Ronald? You are beginning to worry me" Dumbledore said as he stood up. "I am summoning Madam Pomfrey."

"No, just wait…" Ron said quickly, his eyes meeting Dumbledore's. Dumbledore looked older than usual, his face marred with worry. "I'm just having a… a 'stress moment'. It'll pass… Please don't call her…" Dumbledore sat back down slowly, his eyes fixed on Ron's.

"Tell me what's happened" Dumbledore ordered, his usual merry demeanor gone. Ron's eyes widened a bit at seeing this Dumbledore again, the Dumbledore that Ron hadn't seen since capturing Pettigrew. Tell him, and then deal with the Entity. Just do it!

"I was diagnosed with Chronic Stress" Ron averted his gaze as he slumped into his seat, Fawkes still on his shoulder. Dumbledore closed his eyes for a moment, his heart clenching at the news. Ronald was only thirteen, and yet he was diagnosed with something so serious.

"I am sorry, my boy" Dumbledore offered his sincere sympathies. They both sat in silence for a few minutes, and Ron eventually started drinking his tea. Fawkes eventually noticed that Ron had started calming down, and so he flew back onto his perch. It feels oddly good to just tell someone, and not just anyone, but Dumbledore himself. Maybe I need to tell my friends too.

"Did you need something, Headmaster?" Ron asked after he finished his tea, and Dumbledore smiled weakly in response.

"I wanted to know how your meeting with Madam Pomfrey went" Dumbledore replied, and Ron nodded in understanding. "Who diagnosed you? Even Poppy isn't capable of diagnosing someone after just one session."

"A Healer named Bernard diagnosed me after Daphne told him of my behavior over the last two years" Ron admitted. "He was the one who was nursing me back to health after my Tournament days."

"I see" Dumbledore nodded. "Thank you for telling me this, Ronald. This is far too important to keep bottled up inside." Ron managed a weak smile at that.

"I'm seeing her again next week" Ron told Dumbledore. "We didn't start off well, but she found a way to make me feel comfortable. And I was able to… open up a bit. It felt nice to just talk to someone about… things."

"I am very happy to hear that, Ronald" Dumbledore relaxed significantly. "More tea?" Ron nodded at that, and Dumbledore refilled his cup by hand.

"Thank you, Headmaster" Ron smiled gratefully, and then he sipped the hot tea. He was still feeling jittery, and he kept feeling sudden rushes of anxiety because of the Entity. It clearly enjoyed putting Ron through pain, and Ron hated it so much for that. One day, you bastard… I'm going to figure out a way to get rid of you, just you wait.

"How did your parents take this ill news?" Dumbledore asked, but he already knew the answer to that. The Weasley Family was extremely close, and they would all be devastated.

"Not well" Ron replied with a shrug. "Mum cried, while dad just threw up… But it's given us a chance to try and work things out again…"

"Good" Dumbledore responded, his eyes twinkling a little. "Where there is family, there is love. And you have an extraordinary family, Ronald."

"I haven't told my siblings about my diagnosis" Ron admitted. "Or about my scars…"

"I can understand why you haven't" Dumbledore smiled kindly.

"You can?" Ron asked. "You don't think that I'm being selfish?" Daphne's words were still ringing in his head.

"No, I don't" Dumbledore replied truthfully. "But I hope that eventually, you can find it in yourself to finally tell them."

"Why? What good will come from it?" Ron asked, he dearly hoped that Dumbledore had the answers.

"The same good that came from your parents finding out" Dumbledore replied. "In times of crisis, families have a way of coming closer than ever. They have a way of supporting one another, to give one another the strength to keep fighting. Love, Ronald… Love is the most powerful kind of Magic there is. It is what binds you to this Universe, and it is what binds us all together as a result." Ron thought about Dumbledore's words in silence, his resolve to keep this a secret weakening. "And family does not end with blood Ronald, it just starts there." Ron looked up at that, and he saw the old wizard smiling in a sagely manner.

"My friends…" Ron whispered to himself. I don't know how he knew about them, but I'm not surprised that he does.

"Give them a chance to surprise you" Dumbledore advised in a tender tone. "Give them a chance to show you their love." Ron put down his empty cup and relaxed into his seat, his eyes on Dumbledore's.

"Thank you, Headmaster" Ron smiled. Tomorrow then. I'll tell them tomorrow.

---

Tuesday 7th April, 1993 (Sanctuary – After Classes)

Classes were over for the day, and Ron was making his way towards the Sanctuary. His friends were already there by now, they had gone up ahead because he needed to use the loo. But the truth was that he wanted to look himself in the mirror and give himself a pep-talk. He had thought about how to tell them all night, and he figured that he needed Daphne by his side. She was better at this sort of stuff than him, and he hated how angry she was with him. He also decided that he'd sleep in the bed that he was about to make. If they saw him as weak, or damaged, then he would just live with that. They deserved the chance to show him their love for him, and if it wasn't there, Ron would not hold it against them. He loved them, and that would have to be enough.

Ron pushed the door open, and he entered quickly and shut the door behind him. His friends were sitting on the couches, talking to each other about menial things like homework or Lavender Brown's new make-up. Time to do this. Just walk up there, and win Daphne over. Let her help you like she's been doing from the moment this shite started. Ron walked up to Daphne, who was currently talking to Tracey about Witch Weekly's latest entry.

"Daphne" Ron greeted, and she looked to him with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Ron, can I help you with something?" she asked.

"Can I have my Nutrition Potion please?" Ron asked, and Daphne blinked. Her eyes shot to Tracey's confused face, and then back at Ron's.

"Nutrition Potion?" Tracey asked, and everyone stopped talking and looked to them. Ron just stared at Daphne with a pleading look. Please help me.

"It's for my well-being" Ron replied to Tracey, and she gave him an even more confused look. "Daphne knows more about it than me."

"What do you mean by 'for your well-being'?" Blaise asked, and Ron turned to everyone else. Daphne was just stunned, and Ron figured that he had fucked that up too. Just tell them yourself, it's not that hard.

"I saw a Healer while I was in Paris" Ron started slowly. "And… And he diagnosed me with Chronic Stress…" I did it! Fucking hell, that was so hard. Ron looked around the room to survey their reactions, and they each had different looks on their faces. Tracey was looking to a stunned Daphne for answers, Pansy was just staring at Ron with wide-eyes, Millie had a look that suggested that she was already thinking of ways to do something about this, Theo was looking at him with a furrowed brow, and Blaise looked like he was piecing things together. "I didn't go to the Black Lake yesterday…" Ron told them, a lump forming in his throat. "I was with Pomfrey, she's my Mind-Healer…"

"Why did you lie?" Tracey asked slowly.

"I was being selfish…" Ron muttered. "I was scared… Scared that you'd all see me as…" Ron trailed off, his eyes stinging.

"See you as what?" Theo asked, his brow even more furrowed.

"Weak… Damaged…" Ron sniffled, he couldn't stop himself from tearing up. He wasn't sure what was causing him to start breaking down like this. Maybe it was the fear that he may have been right all along, or maybe it was the fear that they would be insulted by his lack of faith in them. Whatever was the right reason, his anxiety had just tripled and he couldn't bear it. "I'm sorry for lying…" Tracey got up and hugged him tightly, something that stunned Ron silent.

"What is Chronic Stress?" Blaise asked, his eyes fixed on Ron.

"Um…" Ron muttered, Tracey's tightening hug making him lost for words.

"It means that Ron is in a constant state of stress, and even panic" Daphne provided as she stood up to stand next to Ron.

"What's causing it?" Millie asked, her voice slightly panicked. Ron wanted to answer that, but he was just listening to Tracey whisper to him that 'everything was going to be alright'.

"A lot of things" Daphne replied, she was trying to contain her pride at Ron coming clean. "School, work, social life, and other responsibilities. All that matters now is that we help him manage it, because he does need our help." Some proud part of Ron stirred, and he wanted to deny needing help, but he instead just returned Tracey's hug. It was calming him down.

"How do we help him?" Pansy asked as she got up and walked to hug Ron as well.

"Minimize his stress" Daphne replied as a teary-eyed Pansy walked past her. "Make sure that he isn't pushing himself too hard. Make sure that he eats properly, and that he has company. I also want everyone to carry one of these with you at all times" Daphne said as she showed them her vial of Calming Draught. "Ron has a high chance of having more panic attacks, and if he does have one, he needs this as soon as possible. I have a box full of them from my mother, and I will give you each five. Have at least one on your person at all times."

"And what's the Nutrition Potion for?" Theo asked, his eyes glued to Ron. Millie stood up and joined the group hug, and Theo just watched a stunned Ron in the middle.

"It's to help him keep up his strength" Daphne replied. "Chronic Stress causes severe fatigue, and a Nutrition Potion a day makes sure that Ron has enough strength to last the full day." Ron himself didn't know that, he just drank the Potion because Mary wanted him to.

"Fucking hell" Blaise muttered as he finally looked away from Ron. "How do you know all of this, Daphne?"

"I've been reading about it" Daphne replied. "Just to be prepared for Ron's sake."

"So you knew where he was yesterday?" Theo asked, and Daphne nodded.

"It wasn't my place to tell you" Daphne replied. "I only found out because I was there when he was diagnosed. And he didn't want to tell anyone. He still hasn't told his own siblings."

"Why?" Blaise asked as he stood up, his eyes back on Ron. Did he really have no confidence in his own friends?

"He didn't want anyone to worry on his behalf" Daphne replied, and Blaise blinked at her. "He didn't want to cause us any trouble by making us worry over him, so he planned to just go through it alone."

"That's just bloody…" Theo muttered, and then he let out a sigh. "That sounds just like him, so I'm not even surprised. Noble prick…" Daphne smiled a little at that.

"So why tell us now?" Blaise asked, he didn't know whether to comfort Ron or smack him.

"Daphne told me that I was wrong to hide this" Ron finally spoke up, the girls hugging him was just pure relief. "She told me that I was being selfish, and after I thought about it, I realized that she was right."

"You're damn right that she was right" Theo snapped. "You stupid fuck, you could've gotten really hurt. What if you had another panic attack near one of us? We'd have no damn clue on how to help you. Not to mention how guilty we'd feel after…"

"Theo…" Blaise said, stopping Theo's anger short. "Daphne, give me my share of Calming Draughts."

"Me too" Theo frowned at Ron, his eyes betraying his demeanor and showing his worry.

"Us as well" Pansy sniffled as she hugged Ron from behind. To say that Ron was touched would be an understatement. He felt his heart swell at their words, and despite their annoyance, he could see just how much they cared for him. That thought alone made him feel happier than he had felt when he had won this year's Junior League Tournament. Daphne and Dumbledore had been right, all he needed to do was have a little faith. Now all he had to do was eventually tell his siblings, but he would tell Bill and Charlie first because they weren't in Hogwarts. Sending a letter was easier than telling them in person.

"Thank you…" Ron said to his friends. "I'm still… me. But thank you."

"You can count on us, Ron" Tracey said firmly. "We won't let you down, I promise."

---

Daphne Greengrass' POV

Wednesday 8th April, 1993 (Quidditch Pitch)

Ron was a mystery to her sometimes. Of all the people that Ron called his friends, Daphne prided herself as being the one person that he truly trusted and opened up to. And after yesterday, she had been so happy and proud of him. But then this morning, Ron had somehow managed to anger her again. She didn't know how he did that, but he always managed to catch her off-guard. They had come up with a simple plan yesterday, and that plan revolved around limiting Ron's worries. Chief among them being his constant fight to be accepted by the other Slytherins. Ron had agreed wholeheartedly, grinning ear-to-ear at seeing everyone looking out for him for a change.

And then he had just casually dropped the fact that he was going flying with Harry Potter today, and now here she was, watching Ron get destroyed by Potter as they both tried to catch the Golden Snitch. It wasn't even a competition, Potter was outmaneuvering Ron at every turn. I hope lightning strikes Potter's broom. And then I hope it strikes Ron's thick skull. Not only was Potter destroying Ron at being Seeker, but it was in front of a small audience of Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. Their teams would be playing in an hour or so, and right now they were gossiping to each other animatedly. Word of Ron getting beaten by Potter would spread, and yet, the red-haired oaf was flying around with a happy grin. She'd punch him in the face if he wasn't so damn cute.

"Ron seems to be enjoying himself with Potter" Pansy mused, her eyes fixed on both boys. Daphne looked over to her, they were currently in the Slytherin stands. Blaise and Theo were on the pitch, getting ready to join Potter and Ron.

"He shouldn't be" Daphne huffed indignantly. "Those Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs are going to tell everyone about this. And then not only will the Slytherins be upset with Ron for associating with Potter, but they'll also be angered at him for losing."

"You're right" Tracey frowned. "Why does he even want to be friends with Potter after all that happened? We all saw how hurt he was when Potter went behind his back, and yet he always goes back to them."

"Goes back to him" Pansy muttered, and then she and Millie exchanged looks. Why do they keep doing that?

"What's up with you two lately?" Daphne asked, and both girls looked to her with slightly panicked looks. Okay, now I need to know. "Start talking… What are you two hiding?"

"Oh good, so I'm not the only one who's noticed their whisperings and odd looks" Tracey grinned at Millie and Pansy. "Are you two dating now?"

"What? No" Millie frowned, and Tracey broke into a chuckle.

"Daphne and I won't judge, we've tried kissing and stuff together" Tracey lied, and both Millie and Pansy were shocked. Daphne smacked Tracey immediately, and her best friend melted into giggles.

"She's lying, now spill the beans" Daphne said firmly. "Why do you two keep exchanging looks whenever you talk about Ron?"

"Alright…" Pansy started, an apologetic look on her face. "Have you noticed how Ron doesn't even react when we hug him, or give him kisses?" He reacts when I do, but go on.

"I suppose…" Tracey narrowed her eyes slightly.

"And now he has all these girls who are openly interested in him, but he isn't even lifting a finger about it" Millie jumped in. He isn't doing that because I'd break that finger. "I saw Lavender Brown batting her eyes at him for almost twenty minutes during History of Magic, and he only smiled at her in a friendly manner. What boy wouldn't at least be excited by a girl as pretty as Brown showing an interest in him?" A boy that has a much prettier girl showing an interest in him. Daphne fought the urge to smirk arrogantly.

"And when have you seen him really look at any girl 'in that way'?" Pansy added on. Alright, where are they going with this?

"He's flirted with me a few times" Tracey shrugged, and Daphne immediately tensed. What? When? Why? And why didn't you stop it? Daphne glared at Tracey, who immediately gave her a sheepish grin. "It's only happened a couple of times, that's it. And it's all in fun, neither of us mean anything by it."

"Then you shouldn't do it at all" Daphne said, her tone barely coming out as tolerable. Traitor!

"Daphne, she said that neither of them mean it" Pansy said slowly. "Millie and I were talking about Ron resisting all those allures… And we think we might know how he managed it." Both Tracey and Daphne leaned in instinctively, this was far too interesting.

"So? How did he do it?" Tracey asked with bated breath. Pansy and Millie exchanged looks, and then they both nodded.

"We believe that Ron is gay" Millie said with a dead-serious face. Pardon?

"What?" Tracey blinked, a look of pure disbelief marring her features. Daphne just stared at Millie and Pansy, her own brain trying to process what they just said. Were they joking? No, they looked dead-serious and even apologetic towards Daphne. Were they insane? Most definitely. Images of Ron blushing scarlet from her kisses bombarded her mind, and a laugh escaped her throat. She put her hand on her mouth to stop it, but the shocked looks on Pansy and Millie's face broke the dam, and Daphne released a cackle unlike ever before.

"What?!" Daphne laughed. "Gay! HAHAHAHA!" Daphne's eyes immediately began to sting, and she shot an apologetic look to both Pansy and Mille. Both girls were just staring at her with open mouths, their eyes wide from her reaction. "Oh Merlin! Ron! Gay! HAHAHAHA!" Her lungs ached slightly, and she tried to take in more air. But it was pointless, every time she thought about their dead-serious faces, a louder cackle escaped her throat. Even Tracey started laughing, but not nearly as hard as Daphne. Control yourself, Ladies don't laugh like this! "I'm sorry… I'm sorry" Daphne wheezed, and then she looked at Millie and Pansy.

"It's true, Daphne" Pansy said apologetically, and Daphne broke out in another laugh. Ron?! Gay?! Trust me, he is not gay! Merlin, they're both bloody insane! Daphne tried to control her breathing, her jaw and cheeks were beginning to hurt. Her mind raced back to Paris, and the dozens of kisses that they had shared in secret. Daphne had to press her hands over her mouth to stop her mad cackles.

"Are you two insane?" Tracey laughed, and Daphne found herself barely stifling her laughter. This was gold, and her father had taught her to never fail an opportunity. Maybe I should exact some revenge on Ron? I'm still a bit angry with him from Monday, and this will teach him to never anger me again.

"Ron isn't gay" Daphne coughed, and then she cleared her throat. I'm going to destroy Ron with this.

"Daph, I know that you like him a lot" Millie said gently, and it took everything in Daphne to not start cackling again. "And that you're still crushing on him, but we're friends. And so we thought that it was best to tell you now. Before you spend too much time pining for someone who can never see you that way." DON'T LAUGH IN HER FACE, DAPHNE! CONTROL! Daphne's face shook slightly because of how hard she had to clench her teeth, and their sorry looks were not helping.

"We can't just assume something like this" Daphne managed to say, her lips twitching upwards.

"Daph… Don't do this to yourself" Pansy put her hand on Daphne's lap. Merlin! I can't keep it in! Ron… Gay! HAHAHA! Daphne's entire body shook from her stifled laughter, and she fought with all of her strength to stop. Pansy exchanged a worried look with Millie, both of them knew that Daphne wasn't going to take this well.

"You two are certifiably insane" Tracey wheezed. "Completely off your rockers… And I'm with Daphne, we can't just assume something like this."

"We need to test it" Daphne managed. "I can't believe it otherwise…"

"Same" Tracey breathed out, her eyes dancing with laughter.

"Alright Daphne, if that's what it takes" Millie sighed. "But I just want to warn you… If we are right about Ron, I won't let you get angry with him. I won't let you lash out at him just because he can't return your feelings." Trust me, you have nothing to worry about. The only person who should be worried is Ron. This is going to be great!

---

Wednesday 8th April, 1993 (Great Hall – Dinner)

Daphne slowly nudged Pansy, a clear signal that they should start their test now. Pansy shot her a look, and then she sighed softly. Ron was eating his food with gusto, having worked up an appetite from being destroyed by Potter on the Quidditch Pitch. Theo and Blaise was sulking, but oddly enough, Ron didn't seem to care about his loss.

"Ron" Pansy called out his name gently, and Daphne pressed her lips together to stop another bout of hysterical laughing. Ron looked up from his plate with a smile that made Daphne's stomach fill up with butterflies. He's so cute.

"Yeah, Pans?" Ron asked after he swallowed his bite.

"Brown was asking me about you" Pansy initiated their plan. "She wanted to know if you're free anytime soon, she wanted to talk to you." This was a complete fabrication created by none other than Daphne herself.

"Talk?" Ron raised an eyebrow, his eyes shooting towards Daphne for the shortest of moments. To anyone else, it probably seemed like nothing. But Daphne knew that he was thinking about her instead of Lavender Brown.

"I think she likes you" Pansy told him, and Ron nodded slowly.

"I'm not really interested in Lavender" Ron responded, and Daphne fought the urge to smile.

"What about someone else?" Daphne asked, and Ron looked slightly conflicted. Just the reaction that I wanted. "Any other girls strike your fancy?" Theo and Blaise looked at her with disbelieving looks, while Ron shifted in his seat.

"No, not really interested in any girls" Ron said softly as he looked back down to his plate. He's averting his gaze! Haha! So adorable! Theo and Blaise slowly shifted away from Ron, they didn't want Daphne exploding on them. They knew how she felt about him, so Ron was the only one on the table who didn't know that he was a dead man. Pansy shot a meaningful look towards Daphne, and Daphne shook her head ever so slightly. Pansy frowned, and pushed on.

"So you and Potter are friends again?" Pansy asked, and Ron looked back up.

"Um… Yes…" Ron replied slowly. Time for my own little plan. Daphne extended her right foot, and she tapped Ron's left leg. Ron shifted in his seat again, his eyes moving between each girl. Daphne kept a straight face, Ron was no doubt trying to figure out whose foot was touching his shin.

"Potter isn't so bad" Pansy mused, and Ron blinked. Even Theo and Blaise shot her odd looks, and Daphne took the opportunity to start moving her foot up and down Ron's leg. She didn't mind the innocent game of footsies with Ron, mostly because she was looking for a desired reaction. She wanted him to blush when he spoke about Potter. Ron's eyes met hers for a second, and she quirked her lips up slightly. His entire demeanor changed to one of panic, what the fuck was she doing?! "What do you think of Potter, Ron?" Pansy asked.

"Um…" Ron swallowed as he tried to move his leg away, but Daphne's foot followed it. "He's a nice bloke… A little too self-righteous, but not a bad person…" Even Tracey, who was completely against Millie and Pansy's theory, was now studying Ron's face. There was a hint of a blush on it, and Daphne decided to redouble her efforts. She pulled her foot back, used her other foot to take off her shoe, and then started playing footsies with Ron again. His blush became slightly more visible when she touch his leg with a shoe on, and he tried to move his leg again.

"He's not bad-looking either" Millie provided not so subtly, and all three boys gave her confused looks. "What do you think, Ron?" Millie asked, and Daphne kept rubbing her foot up and down his shin. Ron was clearly uncomfortable, and he was going redder by the second.

"I guess he isn't" Ron muttered, his cheeks rosy and his ears red. Tracey was just staring at Ron in disbelief. "Do you like him?" Ron asked Millie, trying his best to ignore Daphne's foot. He planned to interrogate her later, and probably tell her off for being an idiot.

"What? No" Millie quickly denied. "But if someone did… Then they should go for it… Hiding your true feelings is never a good thing." Theo just stared at Millie like she was insane, while Blaise looked like he was struggling to keep up. And Ron… Ron was blushing just like Daphne wanted. Stay calm, and keep at it. Daphne used the sole of her foot to rub the side of Ron's calf, and he jerked slightly.

"I guess it isn't" Ron responded to Millie. Half of him was confused by Millie's cryptic message, while the other half was wondering what the fuck had gotten into Daphne.

"I don't believe it…" Tracey whispered to herself, Ron's blush when talking about Potter was hard-proof. Daphne moved her foot back at that, and she put her shoe back on. My work here is done. Ron looked back down at his plate, a look of confusion matching his heavy blush. Pansy shot Daphne a quick apologetic look, while Millie just concentrated on her plate. She hated doing this to Daphne, but it was for her own good. Tracey didn't even know what to think, but she knew that she'd support Ron no matter what. And Daphne… Daphne fought the urge to break out into another mad cackle.

---

Thursday 9th April, 1993 (Morning Free Periods – Sanctuary)

Ron was doing what he always did during the Thursday free periods, he was practicing his Spellwork against the dummies. He was dodging their Jinxes, blocking or deflecting any that he couldn't dodge, and then he'd try to disarm the dummies as fast as possible. It was impressive to watch, and Daphne certainly didn't mind seeing him practice. But her attention was elsewhere right now, she was trying to focus on Pansy and Millie's conversation with Tracey. They had spent all night in utter shock, even Pansy and Millie was surprised to see Ron blush so much. None of the girls, except for Daphne, had seen him like that before.

"You reckon he'll ever ask Potter out?" Tracey giggled, her eyes darting towards Ron. They lingered on Ron as he disarmed two dummies in quick succession, and they widened a bit when he wiped the sweat from his brow. His shoulders and chest were heaving up and down as he caught his breath. "It's a shame that he's gay…" Daphne shot her a scathing look on instinct, but she quickly pulled in her jealousy. "What Daph? He's gay, I can admire him out in the open now." What does she mean by 'out in the open'? Does she 'admire' him secretly?!

"He isn't the most handsome boy in our year, but he is rather attractive" Pansy joined in. What is this?! Do they think that they can just start eyeing him now that he's off-limits? Well, he is off-limits! He's mine! Daphne had to fight the urge to snarl at her friends like some savage beast.

"Strong, and tall" Millie nodded. "And definitely the best wizard in our year, if not all the lower years."

"And he's so sweet as well" Tracey added on. "Damn, why is he gay?" Tracey, I will throttle you in your sleep tonight.

"How are you doing with all of this, Daph?" Pansy asked in a comforting tone, and Daphne shot her a defeated look.

"I'm fine…" Daphne muttered dejectedly, her inner-self grinning in a manner that would frighten even Astoria.

"I'm really sorry, Daph" Tracey said as she put her arm around Daphne and squeezed her lovingly. "There's plenty of guys in our year that like you, but Ron just isn't one of them."

"You reckon we should tell Theo and Blaise when they get here?" Millie asked, her eyes looking at Daphne with worry.

"No, not yet" Pansy whispered. "They'll just get scared, and probably confront Ron. I don't want Ron getting hurt." Oh, he'll get hurt alright. And so will you lot now that I know that you all 'admire' him.

"What are you girls up to?" came Ron's voice, and all of their eyes went towards him. He was wearing his running gear, and he was sweating profusely. But he's wearing a jumper to keep his scars hidden.

"Nothing" Tracey replied quickly, and Ron nodded slowly while eyeing her. "How was training?"

"Just taking a break" Ron replied. "And I was wondering if any of you wanted to join me?"

"I'll join you for a bit" Millie smiled sympathetically, and Ron beamed.

"Really?!" Ron smiled ear-to-ear.

"I'll join you too" Tracey joined in. "You can show me that Shield Charm again, and I'll get it right this time."

"Yes, yes of course" Ron laughed, his eyes swimming with joy. Wow, he really wants us to join him that badly? Daphne felt a small sting from guilt, maybe he did feel lonely like Healer Bernard had told her. And I always said no to his training sessions. "We can start right now" Ron offered excitedly, and the girls all stood up. Daphne however, decided to remain seated. She felt guilty, but she had a plan to finish.

"I don't feel up to it" Daphne said dejectedly. "You guys go on without me." The girls gave her understanding looks as they made their way towards the practicing area, while Ron gave her a worried look and stayed in place.

"Daph, is everything alright?" Ron asked, he was genuinely worried.

"I'm fine…" Daphne replied. "Ron, can we please talk during lunch? Just you and me?" Ron nodded slowly.

"Alright, we can talk here after everyone else leaves" Ron replied, a comforting smile on his face. Daphne almost felt bad about her prank. Almost…

---

Thursday 9th April, 1993 (Lunch-time - Sanctuary)

"You guys go on" Ron smiled widely at his friends. "And well done, Trace. You did a great job at learning to block those Jinxes."

"Thanks, Ron" Tracey smiled proudly, it wasn't so hard anymore. At first she just wanted to be there for him, but his patient and kind demeanor really helped her get it.

"We'll see you in the Great Hall?" Theo asked, and Ron nodded. Daphne looked over to them from the couch, Merlin she had been bored witless. Theo and Blaise had joined Ron and the girls when they showed up, and this left Daphne all by herself. But it'll be worth it now. Yes… Millie shot her a meaningful look, and Daphne smiled softly. Millie bought her innocent act, and she left with their other friends. This left only Ron and Daphne behind, and Ron rushed over to her.

"Daph, tell me what's wrong?" Ron asked quickly, and even she was slightly taken aback by his worried expression. "Did someone say something to you? Who was it? Give me their name, I'll make them pay. Was it Malfoy again?" He was that worried this entire time? Damnit… I made him stress, didn't I?

"No one said anything, Ron" Daphne smiled weakly, and Ron blinked.

"Then what's wrong?" Ron asked as he sat down beside her.

"We can't do this anymore, Ron" Daphne initiated the final part of her plan.

"Do what?" Ron asked.

"Kissing… and flirting…" Daphne sighed, and Ron seemed to just stop in time.

"What?" he asked meekly. "Did… Did I do something?"

"I know the truth now, Ron" Daphne looked him in the eyes, and she saw that he was hiding his hurt.

"What truth?" Ron asked with a whisper.

"That you're not into girls" Daphne told him, and all of his hurt just vanished. It was replaced with utter confusion. There it is! Haha, YES!

"What… the… fuck…?" Ron mumbled. "Who the hell told you that?" Daphne couldn't stop her smile from spreading across her face, and Ron eyed her in a shocked manner. "Daph, what the hell is going on? Does this have something to do with your actions last night at the dinner table?"

"Millie and Pansy told me that you were able to resist the Veelas because you might be gay" Daphne replied innocently, and Ron looked at her like she was an idiot.

"What the fuck, Daphne?" Ron asked. "You know that that's not even remotely true."

"Then why did you blush so much when we asked you about Potter?" Daphne asked, she was barely able to contain her glee.

"Blush? Potter?" Ron asked, and then his eyes widened. "Oh Merlin… I blushed because you were…" He looked her right in her eyes, and she burst into laughter.

"THEY THINK YOU'RE GAY NOW!" Daphne laughed, and she clutched her sides as she guffawed like a mad-woman. "OH MERLIN, ALL THREE OF THEM ARE FULLY CONVINCED OF IT!" Ron just stared at her with utter shock and disbelief. Her questions, her game of footsies, and her dejected demeanor all made sense now. She was playing them, and him, for fools. And she had convinced the girls that he was gay.

"Daphne, what the fuck?!" Ron yelled as he shot out of his seat, but she just rolled onto the couch laughing.

"I couldn't help myself…" Daphne wheezed. "They think that you and Potter are going to become an item! Merlin, save me… HAHAHA!"

"This is not funny!" Ron snapped. "How could you do this to me?! Stop laughing!"

"I'm… I'm trying…" Daphne tried to stifle her laugh. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help myself. I was… I was still angry… And I just had to… HAHA!"

"Oh fuck" Ron muttered as he thought back to Tracey's reaction during training. "I ended up touching the side of Tracey's chest by mistake, and instead of tearing me in half, she just smiled and said that it was fine. She said that she didn't mind as long as it was me doing it… And I've just been thinking about that like some idiot… She didn't mind because she thought I was… That I am… gay…" Daphne's laughter came back with full force, and she had to bury her face in the couch because her lungs were starting to hurt. "Daphne… I am going to kill you!" Ron bellowed, and he moved forward to grab her. But he stopped midway, his expression darkening. "You know what?"

"What?" Daphne coughed as her laughter died down.

"You're right…" Ron nodded slowly, something shifting in his eyes.

"About what?" Daphne asked.

"We shouldn't do this anymore" Ron told her, a dead-serious look on his face. Pardon?

"Do what?" Daphne asked, her laughter all but dying out.

"Kissing… and flirting…" Ron mimicked her bitterly, and then he turned around and began to leave. Panic seized her.

"It was just a practical joke, Ron" Daphne frowned as she followed after him. "You're taking it too seriously. Ron just stop…" Daphne said as she grabbed his arm, but he jerked his arm away. "Ron…"

"You think it's funny to spread lies about me?" Ron turned on her. "I'll teach you a lesson, just like I taught Potter" Ron towered over her, and she shrank back with wide eyes. His cold blue eyes were just seeing through her rather than seeing her.

"Ron…" she managed to mutter. The look on his face scared her, it was cold and lifeless. He turned back around and marched out of the Sanctuary, and Daphne felt a pit in her stomach. Follow him! What are you doing? Daphne willed her feet to move, and she followed after him. "Ron it was just a joke… I swear! Why are you taking it so seriously?"

"Because I have to now convince my friends that I'm not actually gay" Ron snapped. "Go away, Daphne."

"We're both going in the same direction, genius!" Daphne bit out, and then she instantly regretted it. "Ron, I'm sorry. I'll tell them that I was behind it, alright?! Just don't be so angry over a joke." Ron ignored her as he made his way down to the Great Hall, and so she tried to stop him again by grabbing his arm. But he jerked it away again and quickened his pace. And before she knew it, they were both entering the Great Hall. She schooled her features, but just barely. She followed after Ron, and he took his usual seat between Theo and Blaise.

"Ron, you alright?" Theo asked, and Ron broke into a friendly smile.

"Yeah, I'm fine" Ron replied with ease, something that made Daphne blink in shock. He just… He's that good at lying? "Pansy, you remember what you said yesterday?" Ron asked, and Pansy smiled at him.

"About?" she asked.

"About Lavender Brown?" Ron reminded, and even more panic gripped Daphne. He wouldn't…

"Um… yes" Pansy replied. "What do you want with her?"

"I've been thinking about it, and I've decided that I want to talk to her" Ron smiled as he piled food onto his plate. "I think I'll ask her out." Daphne just froze, her mind going blank. Pansy and Millie both blinked, while Tracey's mind went straight to the 'training incident'.

"Oh fuck…" Tracey whispered to herself, her face turning red. She had said something very misleading to him.

"Lavender, mate?" Theo grinned, and then he patted Ron's back. "Great choice!" You wouldn't dare! Daphne kicked Ron's leg under the table, but he didn't even seem to register it. So she kicked harder, and pain flashed across his face for a split second. Damn his high tolerance for pain.

"But… but I thought…" Pansy stammered, while Millie just looked at Ron with wide-eyes.

"Where are you going to take her?" Blaise asked with a smirk. "We're second years, so we can't go to Hogsmeade."

"The Black Lake" Ron shrugged. "I'll ask her to go on a walk with me tomorrow after classes."

"Nice" Theo grinned. "Finally, you're doing something with your fame." All four girls were in utterly different places. Tracey was just mortified by her own comment from earlier, Pansy was trying to figure out how to tell Ron that it was a lie, Millie was regretting ever listening to Pansy, and Daphne was shaking with anger. "Just talk to her after Potions, she's been eyeing you in every class anyway."

"You're right, Theo" Ron smiled coldly. "After Potions, I'll ask her out for tomorrow." IT WAS JUST A JOKE!

---

Thursday 9th April, 1993 (After Potions Class)

Potions had been hell for Daphne, especially the last half of it. Ron had waved to Brown during class, and that stupid bimbo had waved back with so much enthusiasm that Daphne worried for a second that her hand was going to fall off. Daphne had also spent the majority of the class glaring at Pansy and Millie, and both girls were doing their best to hide from her glare. Tracey was just red in the face for the first half because she was partnered with Ron, but then they had started talking and now she was laughing as usual. Whatever her worries were, Ron had put them out. But Daphne's worries were just piling on, especially because she knew that she was the cause of Ron's actions.

When the bell finally rang, Ron made his way over to Lavender Brown while Daphne struggled to even move. He won't do it. He would never do that to me. As Ron spoke with Brown, who was just batting her eyes at him, Daphne felt her chest tighten painfully. And then suddenly, Daphne felt the urge to run forward and clock Brown. But just as she took a step forward, Brown squealed excitedly.

"Then I'll see you after classes tomorrow, Ron" Brown squealed, and Daphne just stood there with her eyes fixed on Ron's back. He gave Brown a parting nod, and then he began making his way out of the classroom. Brown started talking to Parvati Patil excitedly, and Daphne felt bile at the back of her throat. He… He actually asked her out…

"Daph" came Tracey's voice, and Daphne felt herself being nudged. "Are you alright?"

"No…" Daphne mumbled, her chest hurting. She then looked over to Ron smiling proudly as he left the classroom, and she found herself gnashing her teeth. How could he do this over a fucking joke?! Daphne suddenly found herself moving without willing it, and pretty soon, she was hot on his trail. She could feel the girls following her sheepishly, especially Millie and Pansy. But she couldn't care less right now because she wanted to rip Ron's face off. She followed him and the boys into the common room, and then she followed them towards their dorm. She entered right behind them, and that's when they realized that she was trailing them this entire time.

"Daphne, what are you…?" Theo started, but Daphne cut him off.

"Get out!" she snapped at him, and Theo frowned at her and raised his eyebrow.

"Theo, Blaise" Ron said calmly. "Can you give me and Daphne a second? I think that we're about to fight." Theo and Blaise exchanged quick looks, and then they sighed tiredly.

"Don't break anything" Blaise warned, and then he made his way out with Theo in tow. They closed the door behind them, and Daphne locked it angrily. She turned around with a teary-eyed glare, her clenched fists shaking from anger.

"IT WAS A JOKE!" she screamed at him, and he just blinked. "How could you do that to me?!"

"Do what?" Ron asked calmly, and Daphne blinked. She felt her tears escape, but she was slightly confused his question so she didn't care.

"You asked Brown out… and she said yes…" Daphne replied with a strained voice. "I was just joking… But you actually asked her out…"

"I only asked her to join my study group tomorrow" Ron stated with an innocent voice, and Daphne just stared at him. "It's after classes. Parvati is also invited, and so are a bunch of Hufflepuffs and Padma. You should come along as well."

"Wh… what?" Daphne stuttered.

"Consider us even now" Ron laughed, and Daphne just stared at him. "The girls know that I'm not gay now, and I got you back for hurting my feelings as well. Damn, I'm good."

"Your feelings?" Daphne asked, her brain was trying to process everything.

"What? You think that it didn't hurt me when you said that you wanted to stop being… whatever we are?" Ron asked, and Daphne just blinked again. "It hurt a lot, and now we're even. I didn't ask Lavender out, I don't see her that way. Tell me, did you really believe that I'd get so angry with you?" Daphne felt her blood boil at his shite-eating grin, and she charged him without a second thought.

"You arsehole!" Daphne yelled, and Ron's eyes widened in fear.

"DAPHNE!" Ron screamed as he turned to run, but she jumped onto his back and put him in a headlock. "Oh fuck! Get off me!"

"NO!" Daphne screeched she choked him with her right arm, and she pulled his hair with her left.

"AH!" Ron screamed, but he was clearly laughing as well. "Get off me!"

"I'm going to kill you!" Daphne felt the urge to bite him as well. "Do you have any idea how much that hurt?!"

"I do! Please get off!" Ron laughed, and then he winced. "My beautiful hair! Show mercy, woman!"

"Ron!" came Blaise's voice from outside, and then there was a knock against the door.

"She's lost her mind, Blaise!" Ron howled with laughter as he swung about, and Daphne swung around on his back. "Save yourself!"

"Stop laughing, you arse" Daphne hissed. "I hate your guts…"

"I'm unlocking this door!" Theo called. "Alohomora!" The door burst open after that, and all of their friends stared from the door as Daphne tried to strangle a hysterical Ron. Their eyes were wide with shock, especially the girls.

"Get her off me!" Ron guffawed. "She's so heavy, my spine is bending out of shape!"

"Are you calling me fat?!" Daphne shrieked.

"NO!" Ron laughed loudly. "You idiots want to help or what?!" Theo and Blaise rushed in at that, and they began trying to separate the two of them.

"What's the matter with you two?" Blaise hissed as he tried to pry Daphne off Ron.

"Fucking hell, she's breaking my neck" Ron coughed.

"What the hell are you doing, Daphne?" Theo asked as he pulled at Ron. "Let him go, you psycho." The girls just watched from the entrance in absolute horror, Daphne's mind had officially snapped. But deep down, she was just overjoyed.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Friday 10th April, 1993 (Lunch-Time - Dungeons)

Never tickle a sleeping Dragon, this was the Hogwarts motto. Ron now had his own motto, never piss off Daphne fucking Greengrass. It left you with a bruise around your neck, and with scratches on your face. Not to mention pulled hair, and a sore back. But it had been so fucking worth it. Ron had laughed for twenty minutes straight while Theo and Blaise had restrained Daphne, but that wasn't even the best part. Ron had told them all that Daphne had just attacked him for no good reason. All he had done was ask Lavender and her friend Parvati to join his ever-growing study group, and Daphne had attacked him for it. He pretended to be ignorant of her reasoning, and Daphne was forced to apologize to him in order to hide their secret relationship.

To his friends, Daphne came across as a crazy person who had attacked Ron for showing feelings towards another girl. While Ron came across as the poor guy who had chickened out at the last second from asking Lavender out, and had therefore invited her to his study group instead. It had all worked out, except for the bruises. Oh, and Daphne was furious. That wasn't a win either, but Ron figured that she'd get over it. She pranked him, and so he pranked her. They were even now, and even if she wouldn't admit it, Ron knew that she felt the same way. Their friends however, were annoyed with Daphne for her behavior. Especially Theo and Blaise, who had labeled her as a 'psychotic bint'.

They were all heading to Lunch right now, well not exactly. All of Ron's friends were heading to Lunch, while Ron followed them with a Disillusionment Charm. He had snuck off right before they had all decided to leave, and told his friends to go on. This way, he could pull Daphne aside and they could talk. Ron tiptoed towards Daphne, who was walking on the opposite side of the boys, and he tucked at her robes. Daphne stopped immediately, and she looked around.

"Daph?" Tracey stopped as well, and so did the others. "You alright?"

"Yeah" Daphne mumbled, her eyes darting around her. Ron bit back his snigger, Merlin he loved this Spell. "Thought I felt something…"

"Crazy…" Theo clicked his tongue, and Daphne shot him a glare. "Crazy how much draft there is in this castle, eh?" Theo corrected himself, and Blaise rolled his eyes. Ron tugged at Daphne's robes again, and she looked in his direction. Her eyes widened for a second, and then she relaxed.

"I knew it" Daphne sighed. "I forgot something back in our room, I'm going to go and get it now."

"Forgot what?" Millie asked. A certain red-head.

"My tennis bracelet" Daphne lied, her arms fully covered by her school cloak. "I don't like to be without it, you guys go on ahead." Daphne then started making her way back, and Ron followed after her with a smile. Their friends just shook their heads, sighed, and began making their way back to the Great Hall. Ron followed Daphne all the way to an abandoned classroom in the dungeons, and he followed her inside. "Ron?" Daphne called after the door closed, and Ron lifted the Charm. She gasped when he just appeared right behind her, and then she let out a sigh. "Merlin, that's so scary."

"Tennis bracelet? That was your best excuse?" Ron grinned. Even Luna can lie better than that. Which is saying something.

"Yeah, not my best…" Daphne sighed. "But you try and come up with something when you think a ghost is trying to pull one on you." Her expression softened when she looked at his neck, and then she looked extremely guilty when she saw the scratches on the left side of his face. "I'm sorry…"

"For attacking me?" Ron laughed, and she nodded.

"Why aren't you angry?" Daphne asked as she took a step forward, and then she turned his head slowly to look at the scratches. She drew in a sharp breath at how red and visible they were. "I'm so sorry for attacking you, I just…"

"Just what?" Ron asked, an amused smile on his face.

"I don't know… I was so angry, and so happy…"

"Happy?" Ron asked with a bemused expression. "If that was happy, Merlin help whoever truly pisses you off." Daphne let out a dry chuckle, but her face morphed back into a guilty one. "Are you actually just upset? I thought that you were angry with me."

"I'm angry at myself" Daphne sighed. "I shouldn't have done that" she said as she looked at his neck. The bruise wasn't that bad, his scratches were worse.

"Eh, don't worry" Ron shrugged. "I grew up with five older brothers, and Ginny Weasley. This is nothing." They both just stared at each other for a few seconds, and then Daphne broke the silence.

"Did I really hurt your feelings when I said that I didn't want us to be… what we are?" Daphne asked, and Ron nodded slowly.

"Is that so hard to believe?" Ron asked.

"No" Daphne shook her head. "I just thought that I'd have my laugh, and then explain everything. I'm not… I'm not very good at pranks, am I?"

"What? Even I have to admit that convincing the girls that I was gay was actually quite brilliant" Ron laughed, and Daphne blinked at him. "You're a natural, trust me. You just need to learn how to stick your landings. And how to take a prank yourself."

"I guess you were pretty clever… when you convinced me that you asked Brown out" Daphne smiled softly. "Is that why you made sure to emphasize that it was happening today after classes?" Ron nodded with a grin. "I underestimated you…"

"Many have made that mistake" Ron shrugged. "Peace?"

"Peace" Daphne agreed. Ron then leaned forward and pecked her lips, something that caught her slightly off-guard. He barely ever initiated the kissing.

"Haven't done that since Paris" Ron smiled. "I've missed it."

"I missed it too" Daphne smiled widely, and then she gave him a long kiss in return. When they broke apart to catch their breath, Ron gave her a massive smile.

"The only girl that I like… is you" Ron said as he averted his gaze a bit. "And I'm not good at telling you that… But there you go…" Daphne beamed at him, and then she kissed him again.

"Let's not do that to each other again" Daphne suggested as she put her arms around his lower back. Ron slowly put his arms around her upper back, this was an odd sort of hug. It felt more… intimate.

"How about we prank each other, but never hurt each other's feelings" Ron suggested, and she nodded in agreement.

"So you admit that you have feelings for me?" Daphne asked, half teasing and half hopeful. Just tell her the truth. The truth you felt when she said that we needed to stop.

"I do" Ron admitted, and Daphne leaned up and kissed him hard on the mouth.

"You'd better watch your back from now on, Weasley" Daphne smirked after they ended their kiss. "I'm going to prank you so hard."

"That's your trash talk?" Ron chuckled, and she pouted adorably. "Bring it on Greengrass, I'll show you everything that I've learned from the twins." They narrowed their eyes at each other, and then they smiled competitively.

"But don't prank me in public" Daphne quickly added. "I don't want to be embarrassed in front of people."

"Same."

"No, I can prank you wherever I want" Daphne disagreed, and he laughed from disbelief.

"Why would I agree to that?" Ron asked humorously.

"Because you like me" Daphne hummed, and Ron rolled his eyes with a smile.

"Fine" Ron agreed, and Daphne smiled widely.

---

AUTHOR'S NOTES: There you have it! It was a big chapter to make up for the fact that I was late. But studies come first, sadly... Anyway! I hope you enjoyed that, and that you enjoyed their little 'fight'.

Next Chapter will be the one that ends Second year now that Ron has a basic routine to follow.

Now for the hints: Hermione's study group (That Ron has filled up with people that he wants to ally with). Wonder how she'll take that. Draco and Ron confrontation. Ron and Lord Greengrass. Maybe some pranks? House-Cup ceremony. Train ride home.

See you guys on Sunday! I need around three to four days for each Chapter now.