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.

57. Chapter 57 - Departure

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 57 is here, and I know that I've been gone for almost a week. If you don't know, I have exams coming up and I'm working on them most of the time. I've put this Chapter together over my breaks, but since I don't get much time off these days, it took a while to complete.

Please enjoy the Chapter!

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 57 – Departure

Ronald Weasley's POV

Sunday 7th June, 1993 (Dumbledore's Office – Late Afternoon)

"First things first, Ronald" Dumbledore said as his expression hardened, something that made Ron lean forward. "What we discuss here will remain between us three, no exceptions. You will not tell your friends, your parents, your siblings, or anyone at all. You will take these secrets to your grave, if necessary." Ron swallowed at that. Grave? I guess I can do that, considering that it nearly happened a month ago.

"I agree" Ron nodded firmly.

"Good" Dumbledore said in return. "Secondly, you will never mention your powers to anyone. It doesn't matter who they are, your power to see the Future will never be discussed."

"I understand" Ron replied, and Dumbledore cocked an eyebrow. "If I tell anyone, then it is no longer my secret. Someone could use Legilimency to find out the truth about me, and that could put me in danger."

"Legilimency, torture, the Imperius Curse… The possibilities are endless" Snape interjected, and Ron nodded in understanding.

"Thirdly, Ronald" Dumbledore jumped back in. "If we are to work together, then we will need to lay our secrets out on the table." Does he want me to hand over my visions? Yeah, that's not happening.

"With all due respect, Headmaster" Ron started, and both men looked at him to continue. "I have already given you a lot, but you haven't given me anything in return."

"That is a fair point" Dumbledore smiled in a sagely manner, and then he nodded at Snape.

"Mr. Weasley, look" Snape said, and Ron turned to see Snape rolling up his left sleeve. Ron's eyes widened when he saw the faint red blemish on Snape's left forearm, and Ron looked into Snape's eyes for answers. The Dark Mark?!

"What is this?" Ron demanded.

"I was a Death-Eater" Snape told him, it sounded like he had been preparing to say those words. What the fuck?! Ron looked to Dumbledore, and the old wizard just stared at Ron.

"Bloody hell…" Ron muttered as he shook his head. "I told you about my power to see the Future… I'm such an idiot…"

"Do not blame yourself too much, Ronald" Dumbledore told him, and Ron blinked at the old wizard. "But from here on out, there can be no more mistakes like that. You told us that we've failed four-hundred and sixty-three times, so if we are to succeed in this 'Cycle', then we cannot afford to make any errors."

"You were a Death-Eater?" Ron asked Snape, he couldn't believe this. What the actual fuck?! Why is he allowed to teach at this school?! Snape nodded, his eyes becoming slightly distant.

"I made mistakes, and I paid dearly for them" Snape said coldly, and then he pulled his sleeve back down. "And before you even imply it, I know where I stand now. And it is against the Dark Lord."

"I have to ask…" Ron started, his voice coming out as bemused. "How did you end up becoming a Professor at Hogwarts? Why aren't you in Azkaban?"

"I vouched for Severus, and I offered him his post as the Potions Professor of Hogwarts" Dumbledore answered for Snape, and Ron looked at him with narrowed eyes.

"You're also the person who hired Lockhart" Ron said, and Dumbledore chuckled while Snape smirked slightly. Does he just hire the most unlikely people to be the Professors of this school? Crazy old codger.

"Severus has proven his loyalty a hundred times over" Dumbledore assured him. "He has also kept in contact with previous Death-Eaters, those not locked away in Azkaban that is."

"Why?" Ron asked.

"They still believe him to be loyal to the Dark Lord, and that allows him to keep his eyes on their movements" Dumbledore explained.

"You're… a spy?" Ron asked Snape, and he nodded curtly. Wicked. "So I'm guessing that you already know that Nott Snr is leaving the country again, mostly likely searching for the Dark Lord." Snape looked to Albus with a tired look, and Dumbledore sighed. "You didn't know?" Clearly he isn't a very good spy.

"I warned you about this, Albus" Snape said in an icy whisper. "Nott does not trust me." Snape then looked to Ron with a dead-serious look. "How do you know of this? Was it a vision?"

"Daphne told me" Ron replied, and Snape blinked. "Theo is staying over at Greengrass Manor during the Holidays, and Daphne confirmed that his father was indeed leaving the country again."

"Did she tell you any specific dates?" Dumbledore asked, and Ron shook his head.

"I can ask around, and let you know" Ron replied. "But what are we going to do about Nott Snr? Also, why is he so intent on bringing about the Dark Lord's return?"

"His wife, Theodore's mother, was killed by a Muggle" Snape informed Ron. "She died in front of Theodore, something that left both father and son scarred. Nott Snr wasn't so loyal during the last war, but after his wife's murder, he began to truly believe in the Dark Lord's mission. But by then, it was too late because the Dark Lord was already gone. But now Nott has a chance to bring him back, and he'll never stop trying." Bloody hell… Theo… Ron had all but zoned out after hearing about how Theo had seen his own mother die right in front of him. I'm so fucking sorry, mate.

"Ronald?" Dumbledore called, and Ron shook his head clear.

"Sorry, but Theo is a close friend of mine" Ron managed, and both men nodded in understanding. "I had no idea…" And then something occurred to Ron, something that Theo had said last year. "Theo once mentioned that all Muggles were 'Barbaric Scum'… Now I know why he said that…"

"Blaming the masses for the mistake of an individual is unjust" Dumbledore told Ron.

"I know that" Ron frowned, his heart clenching at the thought of a 'younger Theo' watching his mother die right in front of him. "But he lost his mother to a Muggle… He has the right to be angry."

"He does, but if that anger ever turns into vengeance, he will need to be stopped" Dumbledore responded, and Ron blinked at him. What the fuck is that supposed to mean?

"You will not harm him" Ron warned. "Because if you do, then you will need to find another person who can see the Future." And I'll find some way to set the Entity on you both. I can promise you that.

"No one will harm Theodore" Snape interjected in a drawled out tone. "But once the Dark Lord returns, Slytherin House will become a recruitment den for future Death-Eaters. Make sure that your friends stay away from that, they are your responsibility." Ron nodded firmly at that. "Can we get back to the matter at hand? Or are you two just intent on wasting my time?"

"Nott Snr…" Dumbledore said as he rubbed his chin. "I believe that we should let him continue his search, at least for the time being."

"Why? Ron asked. "The sooner he finds the Dark Lord, the sooner we all end up in a war. I say that we stop him as soon as possible, and buy ourselves more time."

"I am in agreement with Mr. Weasley on this" Snape said, and both Ron and Dumbledore looked to him. "Albus, we've already discussed how our current strategies always fail. Stopping him now will buy us the time we need to start spreading the word. The Ministry is considerably weaker than it used to be, and as for the Aurors… There's barely a handful of them left."

"You can't play a game of Chess with only half of your pieces" Ron said, and Snape nodded at him.

"We will get overrun, it's just that simple" Snape added on.

"If we stop Cornelius, then your position is compromised" Dumbledore argued. "You and Lucius are the only ones who know what Cornelius is planning, and if he escapes and brings back Lord Voldemort, then you will not be safe. We need eyes within Voldemort's camp, which was the real reason why we lasted as long as we did the last time." Why is he saying the Dark Lord's name so openly? Merlin, I hate it.

"And how many of your spies were eventually caught?" Snape asked. "All of them except for me, and I only got away because I turned my back on the Dark Lord near the end of the war."

"Can't you involve the Ministry?" Ron interjected, though he really wanted to know more about Snape's life as a spy. "You're Albus Dumbledore, people listen to you. Tell them that you have reason to believe that the Dark Lord might return, start building an army now."

"Things are not so simple, Ronald" Dumbledore sighed, and Ron leaned forward a bit. "The last war… It is still a fresh scar within the minds of most people, and they can only cope with it because they believe that Voldemort is dead. If we tell them otherwise, then we risk tearing the public into different factions. Most people will not believe us simply because they don't want to, and those who do believe us, will all fly into a panic. Not to mention the Ministry's reaction…"

"Cornelius Fudge will not take responsibility for this" Snape piped in, and Ron blinked at him. Why? "He is a coward, one who is more interested in keeping his job than doing his job. He will not want to risk taking the blame for the Dark Lord's return happening during his term. But that is not a problem that we need to solve today… Right now, we need to do something about Nott Snr."

"Ronald, do you have any visions that might help us?" Dumbledore asked, and Ron thought about it.

"No…" Ron admitted shamefully, and both men nodded. None of my visions explain how, or when, the Dark Lord returns. For fuck's sake, Entity. You and your damn obsession with controlling me has fucked me over. You could have shown me visions that mattered, rather than visions that would haunt me.

"That is fine, Ronald" Dumbledore smiled in a kind manner. "You have already helped more than enough by telling us of Cornelius' actions. The fact that he is doing this in secret is indeed worrying, he might actually be onto something. Try and find out more from your friends, especially young Theodore. If we know where his father is going, then we can plan accordingly."

"One more thing, Mr. Weasley" Snape interjected. "We believe that the Dark Lord is currently hiding within the Forests of Albania."

"Albania?" Ron asked, what made them come to that conclusion? "Why Albania?"

"That is where Quirrell found him, or at least that's what we believe" Snape replied. "Quirrell was serving the Dark Lord, and he mentioned Albania frequently during the stories about his 'adventures'. And no, we cannot go looking for him. He will simply hide himself if we get too close."

"Hide himself how?" Ron asked.

"Possession, most likely" Dumbledore answered. "If he possesses an animal, then we would never be able to tell the difference. And in his current form, he cannot truly be destroyed." 'A wraith on this world', that's what the Entity said. "Which brings us back to Nott Snr… We must find out what we can, and then act accordingly. If he is looking in the wrong place, then we can leave him be."

"And if he is looking in the right place?" Ron asked.

"Then we will continue this conversation another time" Dumbledore replied, and Ron nodded. "Now, before you go. Is there anything else that you wish to ask us? We are partners in this now, so we must share our knowledge." We? Or me? It won't be that easy to coax out my secrets, I'm not blind to your actions like everyone else. You're still the man who told me to lie to everyone to hide your own debacle with the Stone.

"I want some assurances from you both" Ron started, and Dumbledore leaned forward in his seat. "Firstly, you will provide my friends and family with the Order's protection…"

"The Order was disbanded" Snape interrupted, and Ron looked to him with a deadpan look.

"My visions have shown me otherwise" Ron stated, he had reason to believe that Blaise joined the Order from his vision of Pansy's death. Snape and Dumbledore exchanged looks, and Dumbledore smiled in a sagely manner. "Like I was saying, I want them to be given the Order's protection. That includes housing, security, and acceptance. My Slytherin friends are to be treated as people, and not with the same prejudice that goes on in this school. Not all of us are like Malfoy…" Snape tensed a bit at that, and Ron looked to him. "He was helping the Order when I saw him die, so I know that it's possible for you both to house my friends."

"If they come to me, I will do everything in my power to protect them" Dumbledore promised.

"Secondly, I want my family to be kept as distant from the war as possible" Ron said, and Dumbledore blinked.

"I'm afraid I don't have that kind of power over them" Dumbledore said gently.

"Yes, you do" Ron argued. "They respect you, and listen to you. I know that my parents, and even siblings, will want to fight for the Order. And that's fine… But I want them to be given relatively safe missions. Lie to them if you need to."

"You want us to favor your family over other people?" Snape asked, and Ron shrugged.

"I vowed to protect everyone that I could, but I know which lives matter more to me" Ron admitted. "It might be selfish, but I've learned to accept being a little selfish every now and then. Oh… And this also applies to my friends. I will work hard enough to make up for them all, if that means anything." Dumbledore looked like he wanted to argue, but he instead nodded once.

"Anything else?" Dumbledore asked.

"I will share my visions only when I deem necessary" Ron told them, and both men exhaled loudly. "The Entity is cruel, I would even call it evil incarnate… But it never lies to me. It may hide things, but when questioned, it tells me the truth. And it has told me that you are not to be trusted with my power. I am taking a leap of faith on you, but I'm not going to hand you the reins. You will simply have to come to terms with that." Snape clenched his jaw, they were being given edicts by a thirteen year old. And they could do nothing about it because they needed him. They needed his power. "Those are my three requests, and if you honor them, then I will happily help you. Otherwise, I'll keep doing this on my own."

"Very well" Dumbledore responded, and he gave Snape a nod. Snape took out a piece of parchment from his robe pocket, and he handed it to Ron. "Those are next year's passwords for my Office, they change weekly. I had them all written down for you, come to me if you ever need to discuss anything."

"Thank you" Ron smiled gratefully as he pocketed the parchment. "If you ever need to ask me about my visions, don't hesitate to call on me. I will share them if they are relevant to our plans."

---

Albus Dumbledore's POV

Sunday 7th June, 1993 (Dumbledore's Office – Late Afternoon)

Albus watched Ronald leave the Office, and once the door was closed behind him, Severus let out a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. That went well, Ronald provided us with valuable information. But his demands… He is still only a teenager. Albus didn't know whether to find comfort in that, or to worry about the Future. He knew that if some Celestial Force choose Ron as its 'Champion', then it did so for a reason. The boy had an important part to play in the war to come, and he was clearly still unprepared.

"So that's it?" Severus asked with a clipped tone. "We are now following the edicts made by a child?"

"He would argue that he isn't a child, and we'd be fools to argue that" Albus smiled at his friend, but Severus just frowned. "Ronald has made staggering achievements, and he clearly doesn't plan to stop. Not to mention the things he's been through… He is far too experienced to be taken as a child."

"His demands were foolish" Severus spoke in his usual icy voice. "If we are to build 'an army', then we can't play favorites so blatantly. People don't respond well to being treated as less valuable than others."

"He doesn't understand war, Severus" Albus said in a sagely voice, and Severus nodded. "Despite his… ordeals… He is still far too young to grasp such matters, but he will learn."

"And if he doesn't?" Severus challenged. "What do we do if his demands don't change?"

"They will change" Albus smiled knowingly. "He will learn, because we will teach him." He must learn, for all of our sakes.

"And by 'we', you mean me" Severus scoffed, and Albus' smile turned slightly sly. "Wonderful…" Albus couldn't help but chuckle at Severus' eye roll, he was certainly in a mood.

"I also need you to contact Lucius" Albus instructed. "Just in case Ronald doesn't learn anything."

"I know" Severus said as he stood up, his eyes fixed on Albus'. "Anything else, Albus?"

"Just one more thing" Albus readjusted in his seat. This is necessary. I cannot afford to make the same mistakes that I know I've been making in the previous Cycles. "Tell Minerva and the others that I wish to elaborate more on what we all saw in the Chamber. I've done some research into the kind of Magic used by Tom in order to create that Diary, and I have a hunch." Severus' eyes gleamed, and he nodded firmly. "Come to my Office tonight, after dinner." Severus turned on his heel and walked out of the Office, his stride displaying his purpose.

Albus leaned back into his seat, and he let out a long breath. So this is it, isn't it? We're changing our current course of action in order to survive annihilation. A world where Tom always emerges victorious… A shudder passed through his old body, and he gripped the handles of his chair. I must reform the Order in full force, just as Ronald said. The earlier the better. I will also travel to Albania in these coming Holidays, there has to be some sort of trail that I can follow.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Sunday 7th June, 1993 (Common Room – Late Afternoon)

There was an obvious skip in his step, and why wouldn't there be? Dumbledore and Snape had 'let him in', and they had met his demands. His friends and family would be safe for the most part, and that brought the widest smile to his face. He had even chatted to a few Ravenclaw fifth years on the way down here, and they had been rather pleasant to him because of his jolly mood. Sure, his friends and family weren't guaranteed to survive just yet, but he would keep working harder and harder for them. Ron slowed down when he spotted Samantha sitting by herself near the boys' dorm, her head buried in a book.

"Good afternoon, Samantha" Ron beamed at her, and she looked up with a dull expression. But when she saw his wide smile, she decided to give him a soft smile in return.

"Good afternoon, Ron" Samantha returned his greeting as he stopped. "Why the massive smile?"

"Things are just going my way" Ron laughed happily, and she smiled more widely. "What are you reading?"

"Oh, this…" Samantha rolled her eyes. "Just a book on Runes."

"Runes? I'm taking Runes next year" Ron said, and she nodded in approval. "I have your notes" Ron whispered, and she giggled at his behavior. Ron almost began glowing when he heard her laugh, it was quite the sight. I don't want to tell her to smile more often, but she really should. It really suits her.

"Are you planning to cheat in order to get ahead?" Samantha asked, her voice showing her amusement.

"Never" Ron replied, but he nodded his head fervently.

"Good boy" Samantha laughed, her left hand covering her mouth.

"I'll let you get back to work" Ron grinned, and she nodded again. "Have a nice day, Samantha." With that, Ron made his into the boys' dorms. Samantha watched him leave with a slightly confused smile, at least her day was slightly brighter because of that interaction. Ron made his way into his room, and he saw Theo writing a letter at his desk. Where's Blaise?

"You're back" Theo turned in his chair as he heard Ron shut the door. Theo… Ron immediately remembered Snape's words, and his smile faltered slightly. "Mate? Stop staring…" Ron blinked at that, and he fixed his smile. Ron then walked over to Theo without even thinking, and Theo watched him warily. His poor mum… I never knew that he suffered through something so horrible.

"Can you please stand?" Ron asked, and Theo blinked.

"Why?" Theo asked, his suspicion taking over his confusion.

"Please?" Ron smiled a little more genuinely, and Theo slowly stood up.

"You're starting to…" Theo was cut off as Ron hugged him tightly. "What the…?" Just this once. I'll hug a bloke outright, just this once. "Ron?" Theo asked, and Ron squeezed more tightly. Theo let out a chuckle after a couple of seconds, and he patted Ron's back. "Alright big guy, you can let go now…"

"This doesn't really surprise me one bit" came Blaise's voice, and Ron let go of Theo and turned to see Blaise standing by the bathroom door. He had a smirk on his face, and he cocked an eyebrow at both Ron and Theo.

"I can't give my friend a hug?" Ron grinned.

"Best friend" Theo corrected as he sat back down, his eyes fixed on Ron. "Ron, you're in a good mood. What happened? Was it Daphne? We saw you two giggling with each other in the corner." Oh shite.

"We were discussing me coming over to stay at Greengrass Manor for a week or so" Ron explained, and Theo nodded slowly. "You're going to be there, right? Daph told me."

"Daph?" Blaise smirked more conceitedly, and Ron snorted.

"Come off it" Ron waved a dismissive hand.

"Yeah, I'm staying over during July" Theo sighed. "Father is leaving the country at the start of July, and he won't be back until the end of July. I think he's planning to start a business overseas." Oh, you could say that. That business being us getting shafted. At least I know when he's leaving, now I just need to know where.

"Overseas?" Ron asked casually. "So like… Albania, or something?" Fuck! That was smooth, Weasley.

"Albania?" Theo gave him a confused look. "No, he's heading over to Denmark." Oh thank Merlin. Ron felt his mood elevate even higher, and he beamed at Theo. "Stop with the creepy smile" Theo chuckled, while Blaise sniggered from his bed. Ron made his way over to his own bed, and he opened his trunk in order to take out Samantha and Carey's Rune notes.

"What's that?" Blaise asked, his eyes scanning the parchments in Ron's hands.

"Notes for Runes next year" Ron admitted, he trusted them with this secret.

"Do you have notes for all subjects?" Theo asked, a greedy glint in his eyes.

"Hmmm" Ron hummed as his smile turned coy. "Perhaps…" I should share them. It'll help them be better.

"Do have notes on Muggle Studies?" Theo asked as he hopped out of his chair.

"Why are you doing Muggle Studies again?" Blaise asked Theo, and the weedy boy shrugged.

"Tracey is doing it, and she's already got it all down" Theo smirked. "Easy marks, you know?" Ron and Blaise shared a look, and Theo rolled his eyes. "Suck a cock, and give me the notes."

"In that order?" Ron laughed, and Theo snorted. Ron then reached into his trunk and got the notes out, and then he held them in front of Theo. As Theo went to grab them, Ron pulled them back. "You will share these with Tracey and Millie, clear?"

"Yeah, yeah" Theo huffed, and then he took the notes with a greedy smile.

"Blaise, we're both only doing Runes and Magical Creatures" Ron turned to the dark skinned boy who was just lounging on his bed. "I'll keep our notes with me." Ron then reached back into his trunk, and he got all of the notes out. Okay, let's sort this out. Theo is doing Muggle Studies, and Arithmancy. Daph and Pansy are doing Care of Magical Creatures, and Divination. Tracey is doing Divination, and Muggle Studies. Millie doing Care of Magical Creatures, and Muggle Studies. Blaise and I are doing Care of Magical Creatures, and Study of Ancient Runes.

Ron handed Theo the Arithmancy notes, which he took greedily once again. I'll hand Daphne notes on Divination, and then tell the girls that Theo has notes on Muggle Studies. I'll also tell them that I have notes on Care of Magical Creatures. If we're all prepared for next year, then we can all reap the benefits as a team. Ron turned around and headed for the door, only to stop when Blaise called out.

"Where are you off to?" Blaise asked as he yawned.

"I'm going to give the girls notes on Divination, and let them know about the other notes too" Ron smiled, and Blaise nodded. Ron made his way out, a skip in his step once again. Things were really lining up, weren't they? I'm making a positive change alongside Dumbledore and Snape now, the Entity is no longer haunting me, I've kept my temper in check for almost three weeks, Daphne and I haven't argued since our talk in her room, my friends are finally working hard at training, and things are going well with my family. Ron's smile widened as he thought of his flying plans with Ginny tomorrow after Pomfrey's session. Ron came to a halt in front of the girls' door, and he knocked a little too enthusiastically.

"Who is it?" came Tracey's voice.

"A handsome prince" Ron chuckled, and Tracey opened the door.

"Well, where is he?" Tracey looked around, and Ron laughed.

"He ran away when he heard you're voice" Ron shrugged, and Tracey sniggered.

"Not bad, Weasley" Tracey smiled as she moved aside, and Ron walked in. Tracey held back a laugh as she saw him literally skip, this was new.

"Ladies" Ron smiled in a happy manner, and all the girls looked to him. Daphne and Pansy were on Daphne's bed, while Millie was studying at her desk. "I bring gifts."

"Gifts?" Tracey and Pansy asked together, and Ron held out the Divination notes. The girls' smiles fell away at the sight of parchment.

"These are the notes for Divination Class" Ron told them. "Both year three and four. Interested?" Tracey, Pansy, and Daphne went wide-eyed, and Daphne quickly hopped off of her bed.

"Where did you get these?" Daphne asked as she took from Ron.

"I have my ways" Ron smirked, and Daphne cocked an eyebrow. "Theo has the notes on Muggle Studies, which he will be sharing with you both" Ron looked to Millie and Tracey. "I have notes on Care of Magical Creatures, which I will also be sharing. I reckon we should all try and be ahead of everyone else. Make Slytherin proud, and all that nonsense."

"Thanks, Ron" Pansy smiled widely as she looked at the notes in Daphne's hands.

"These are really detailed" Daphne said as she scanned through them, and then she frowned a bit. "What's with these demented drawings? Clara Martyris…" Daphne read the name off a piece of homework, and then she looked to Ron. "The sixth year girls gave you their notes?"

"Yep" Ron smiled. "I also have the notes on normal classes, and I will gladly share them."

"You're in a jolly mood today" Millie said as she stood up, a wide smile on her face.

"Things are going well for me lately" Ron admitted. "Well, I'll leave you all to it." Ron then turned to leave, but he stopped himself. "What are you guys doing right now?"

"Nothing much" Tracey sighed. "Daph, Pans, and I were reading Witch Weekly, while Mills was studying." Ron turned to Millie and gave her an approving nod, something which made the big girl smirk at the others. "Booooriiiiing…" Tracey drawled, and then she grinned. "Want to do something fun, Ron? It's not often that we get one of you boys visiting us." Leave it to Tracey to flirt with me in a room full of people.

"Tracey…" Daphne frowned slightly. "At least try and be more Lady-like…"

"Ladies are boring, and Ron agrees with me" Tracey laughed.

"They can be" Ron shrugged, an easy smile on his face. His eyes went to Daphne for a second, and he noticed her trying to hide her knowing smirk. "Why don't we go for a walk? Without Theo and Blaise, that is. And you can tell me all about 'Witch Weekly and the latest gossip'." Bugger it, I'm in a great mood lately. I should share it with my friends, even if it is spent talking about dresses and so forth.

"Wow, you are in a good mood" Pansy laughed as she quickly locked her arm with his. "And a walk sounds like fun." Ron looked to Daphne, and she smirked.

"We can go for a walk… after you have your Potion" Daphne hummed, and Ron's smile fell a little.

"Daph…" Ron whined, but she shushed him playfully.

"No moaning or groaning, this is compulsory" Daphne said as she pulled out a Nutrition Potion from her trunk, and Ron's eyes widened when he saw that she had dozens in there. Bloody fuck! Daphne held the Potion in front of Ron, and he took it with his gloved hand. He uncorked it, and then downed it in one go. As it slid down his throat, Ron gagged because of the foul taste.

"If I scooped up a handful of Troll shite and shoved it in my mouth, it would still taste better than this fucking Potion" Ron shuddered, while the girls all reacted differently to his comment. Tracey let out a loud laugh, Daphne pulled a face at the imagery, Pansy gasped as if scandalized, while Millie shook her head with a soft smile.

"One of these days, I will shove a bar of soap into your mouth" Daphne sighed as she took the empty vial, and Ron wagged his eyebrows at her. That made her giggle, but she stopped it immediately. That was funny, just laugh. I know you want to. Daphne pressed her lips together, and she kept her composure. Damn, she's too good at that.

"Shall we head out?" Ron asked Pansy, who was still just wide-eyed. She shook her head clear, and smiled widely.

"Let's go to the Lake" Pansy announced, and then she dragged Ron with her as the girls followed them.

---

Severus Snape's POV

Sunday 7th June, 1993 (Dumbledore's Office – After Dinner)

"Nott Snr leaves for Denmark at the start of July, and will return near the end of July" Snape read from the note, and Albus nodded. Ronald had slipped him this note during dinner, something that had annoyed Snape at first. But the boy was nothing if not careful, he had been doing this for far too long to be anything else.

"Ronald certainly works quickly" Albus chuckled, no doubt in a better mood now that he knew that Nott was wasting his time.

"Indeed" Snape drawled. "But it is only a matter of time before Nott finds a trail…"

"Severus, sometimes it is just better to take the win" Albus smiled, and Snape fought the urge to roll his eyes. "Now, when are the other Professors…" the old man was interrupted by a knock at the door, and Snape quickly got up and moved to a dark corner. Albus frowned at him, and then he called them in. It's better this way…

"Albus" Minerva greeted, and then her eyes flew to Snape. "Good, you're already here Severus." Pomona and Filius entered from behind Minerva, and Pomona closed the door and locked it. "Albus, we need to talk about what happened in the Chamber" Minerva said as she took Snape's old seat, while Filius and Pomona took seats next to her. He already knows, and he better give us something.

"The Diary" Albus nodded, and Minerva pursed her lips.

"Headmaster, I've been thinking about it extensively" Filius jumped in, and all eyes went to him. "It would take a terrifying amount of power to create such an artifact, and if that young boy in the Chamber was indeed You-Know-Who, then that Diary was created when he himself was that age. Unless he figured out a way to transfer his 'younger self into an object, which is just… unheard of."

"You are right in a way, Filius" Albus sighed as he took on a more ashen look, and Snape listened keenly. "I believe that Tom did indeed create that Diary when he was a young man, and he did it within this very castle." Filius and Minerva leaned forward, while Pomona released a small gasp. "Fifty years ago, when the Chamber was opened, Tom was a student here. And there was a death… Myrtle Warren. I believe that is when the Diary was made."

"He was capable of such Magic at that age?" Pomona asked with disbelief. "He must've been no older than sixteen at that point…"

"There have been very few wizards and witches half as capable as Tom, Pomona" Albus said in a grave tone, though Snape could almost detect a hint of respect in there. "As for what the Diary was… I believe that it was the product of an old, and a very dark, type of Magic." Albus then drew in a deep breath, and he looked at his Heads of Houses with a foreboding look. "What do you know about Horcruxes?" Horcruxes?

"Horcruxes?" Filius asked, his eyes shooting towards the other Heads. None of them had heard about it, but that didn't surprise Albus. This was a type of Magic that was not only hidden by Dumbledore, but even the Ministry. Albus waved his hand, and a black leather Tome flew out from one of his shelves. Albus showed the Tome to the Heads of Houses, and Snape read the title in his mind. Secrets of the Darkest Art… Snape's eyes widened at that, he had seen this book in the Malfoy library. It was gifted to Lucius by the Dark Lord himself.

"I had this book removed from the Forbidden Section, but not before Tom read it as a young man" Albus sighed as he put the book down. "This Tome, and its other copies, are the only books in the World that explain what a Horcrux is."

"And what is a 'Horcrux'?" Minerva asked, her eyes fixed on the Tome.

"It is an object that houses a part of the caster's soul" Albus replied, and everyone went wide-eyed. "Yes… One must split their soul in order to create a Horcrux…"

"Split their soul?" Pomona asked with a shaky voice. "How?"

"Murder" Snape found himself saying, and everyone turned to him. Snape looked to Albus, and the old man nodded slowly. "He killed that Warren girl in order to split his soul, and he created the Diary…"

"Yes, Severus…" Albus breathed out, he looked older than usual. Merlin help us all… This is the kind of man that I used to serve? Snape felt a powerful pang of self-hatred as he remembered how happy he was when he was branded by this monster, and how proud he used to feel to be a part of his following. Lily was right… She was always right.

"He killed a student when he was sixteen…" Filius shook his head in disbelief. "So he was always… a monster."

"Why split his soul and create such a vile object?" Minerva asked as she used her Gryffindor strength to break through her horror.

"As long as a portion of his soul survives, he cannot die" Albus explained. "He created the Diary in order to become immortal." Snape looked back up at that, his mind racing with memories of the Dark Lord's boasting. He always claimed to be beyond death, but we just thought that it was all propaganda. He really was immortal, wasn't he? In a twisted, disgusting sort of way… but still immortal.

"But the Diary was destroyed" Minerva said quickly. "Does that mean that his immortality is broken?"

"Perhaps…" Albus leaned back into his chair. "I do not know for certain… All I know is that his incredible durability in the last war came because of this Diary. His soul cannot move on whilst a part of it lingers on in this World."

"So if we found him now, and destroyed him, he would die?" Pomona asked, and Albus took in a tired breath.

"Perhaps…" Albus repeated. "I do not know for certain, but I will be leaving for the Forests of Albania during the Holidays."

"Alone?" Snape asked before he could stop himself. This is a foolish course of action!

"I am in agreement with Severus" Minerva said, her voice hardened. "Albus, let us join you. We fought him together in the Chamber, and we can do so again."

"He is in a weakened state, right?" Filius added. "If the five of us confront him, we could destroy him once and for all."

"No, I will go alone" Albus said firmly, his eyes darting towards Snape. He doesn't want to compromise me? So why not just take the other three and leave me behind?! Damn fool! "We fought a fragment of his power, and he almost overwhelmed us."

"He had a fifty foot Basilisk helping him" Pomona argued, her protective instincts kicking in. "Headmaster, please don't go alone. This is too dangerous…"

"I have already made up my mind" Albus smiled in a kind manner, his eyes falling on his Heads of Houses. "I am only going there to look for a trail, or to root him out. But if I do not return… Minerva will take my place as the Head of Hogwarts." Snape wanted to slap Albus out of his martyrdom, but he instead used his Occlumency to calm himself down. This conversation isn't over, old man. "Now that I've told you what that Diary was, you must promise me to never speak of it again. We cannot allow Tom to realize that we know his secret." The Heads all nodded, but they did so reluctantly. Snape figured that just like him, they were still stuck on Albus throwing himself in such a dangerous situation.

"Could he have made more of these Horcruxes?" Filius asked suddenly, and everyone looked to Albus with bated breath.

"There is no record of anyone creating more than one Horcrux" Albus admitted. "So I truly do not know… It might not even be possible to create more than one."

"How do we find out if he has?" Snape asked. "These objects could be anything… anywhere."

"Magic… Dark Magic… Tends to leave traces" Albus told them. "Once I return, I will look more into this."

"If" Minerva frowned deeply, but Albus just smiled in his usual way.

"Remember, this conversation does not leave this room" Albus told them, and Snape bit back a retort. If he dies, we might as well line up at the chopping block.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Friday 12th June, 1993 (Breakfast – Great Hall)

Greetings from France, Ron.

I have wonderful news to share with you! I have been made an apprentice by the well-known French Chess Master, Frederick Laurent! He saw our match at the Finals, and he told he me that he admired my spirit! He says that I embody the 'Beauty of Chess'!

I am so very happy about this, and I wanted to share this with you as soon as it happened. Master Laurent has his own Chess club, filled with players that he himself trains, and I am a part of it now! Isn't that wonderful? Mother and father are very proud of me, and even the Madame congratulated me in front of the whole school. (She sends her greetings to you).

How are things in England? Are you and Daphne getting along? I only tease, of course. Please send her my regards. Also, how are things with your mentor? Are you competing in any competitions any time soon? Let me know.

Eager for your response,

Your friend,

Amanda DuPont.

Ron smiled widely at the letter, he was really glad for Amanda. He had read about Frederick Laurent, and he knew that she was in good hands. The man was rather old, but his 'Academy of Chess' was quite spectacular from what Ron had read about it. He was also glad that Madame Maxime had not forgotten him, her friendship was important to Ron.

"Good news?" Daphne asked, her eyes on the letter.

"Amanda has found a mentor, and she is officially an apprentice level player" Ron replied as he tucked the letter into his robe pocket. "She sends her regards, by the way." Daphne nodded as she began eating her food again.

"So when will you be an apprentice level player?" Millie asked as she put marmalade on her toast.

"When I turn fifteen" Ron replied. "I'll compete in one more Junior League Tournament next year, and then in the Apprentice League after that." I should send Amanda a gift in order to congratulate her. But what should I get? "Pans, can I get some help?" Ron asked, and Pansy looked up from her plate.

"Of course" Pansy replied with a smile.

"What is an appropriate gift for a fifteen year old girl?" Ron asked, and Theo and Blaise groaned.

"Here we go" Theo muttered darkly as Pansy's smile widened tenfold.

"It has to be related to Chess" Ron quickly added, and Pansy blinked.

"Nice save" Blaise whispered, and Ron hid his relieved smile. We could've been here for days. Choose your words carefully, Weasley.

"I don't know much about Chess" Pansy admitted, but she didn't give up. "Maybe you should gift her a new set? Something exquisite, but not obnoxious."

"There is a shop in Diagon Alley's upper district that Father likes" Daphne put in, and Ron looked to her. "It has some wonderful sets, both Muggle and Magical. I have a brochure in my trunk that you could use."

"Thanks, Daph" Ron beamed, and she nodded with a faint smile. Why does she have that brochure though? She's horrible at Chess. The bell rang, and they all stood up.

"Yay… Classes…" Tracey groaned. "You know, I'm feeling like it's a sick day today…"

"You certainly look sick" Millie chuckled, and Tracey grinned.

"Ohhh… Millie wants banter, does she?" Tracey wagged her eyebrows at the big girl. Ron's eyes fell towards something a little more interesting, and he zoned out his friends. He watched as Ginny left the Great Hall with Colin Creevey, the mousy boy talking animatedly as Ginny laughed with slightly rosy cheeks. Hmmm…

"Excuse me" Ron said to no one in particular, and then he quickly made his way towards Ginny and Colin. He saw them leave for the Courtyard, and that only made him more curious. Don't they have class? Ron quickly caught up to them in the Courtyard, but they didn't spot him just yet. Ron took out his wand and cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself, and then he walked up behind them slowly.

"So I've got loads of pictures of Harry" Colin admitted proudly, and Ginny smiled at him.

"Doesn't he… mind?" Ginny asked, and Colin shrugged.

"I don't think so" Colin said slowly. "He never says that he does, so I think that it's fine." Harry?

"What else have you photographed?" Ginny asked, she sounded rather interested. Colin smiled widely as he clutched his camera.

"I've got photos of the whole castle" Colin beamed. "The Whomping Willow, the Great Hall, the moving staircase, the Dungeons, Gryffindor Tower, and even the Library. Though Madam Pince yelled at me for that."

"She's just insane, don't worry about her" Ginny giggled, and Colin nodded fervently. She's… making friends again. Something in Ron's chest felt soothed at that, Pomfrey's help was clearly working for Ginny. She has been a lot more like herself lately. This is great! Though I should probably leave for class. But not before I invite her to join the study group today. She could make even more friends this way. Ron lifted the Disillusionment Charm, but they didn't notice him because he was behind them.

"Hello" Ron greeted with a smile, and both Gryffindors jumped.

"Ron!" Ginny frowned deeply, and Ron sniggered as he watched Colin jump in front of Ginny in a protective manner. Brave lad. Ron liked that Colin's first instinct was to protect his friend. The mousy boy had grown on Ron over the last month because of their study group.

"Where did you come from?" Colin asked with wide-eyed as Ginny moved past him and punched Ron's arms. Ron barely even registered the hit, his tolerance for pain had improved quite a lot over this year.

"I just wanted to say hello to you two" Ron shrugged, a wide grin on his face. "And to ask you two why you aren't going to class?"

"We have a free period" Ginny replied haughtily, her hands going to her hips in a defiant manner. Awe, she's adorable.

"And I was just telling Ginny about my photos" Colin said in a placating manner.

"And we don't have exams, so what's the point of worrying about studies?" Ginny asked, clearly annoyed at being interrupted.

"Actually, I wanted to invite you to join my study group today" Ron said, and Colin began to smile. "Colin is a part of it, and so are a lot of other people."

"It's great, Ginny" Colin jumped in, his smile turned towards Ginny. "We all help each other with our homeworks, though I'm the only first year there."

"Harry mentioned it once" Ginny said in a thoughtful voice, and Ron blinked.

"When?" Ron asked.

"We practice for Quidditch sometimes" Ginny shrugged, though her voice betrayed how happy that made her. Potter… What are you up to? Ginny noticed Ron's darkening mood, and she rolled her eyes. "It's just Quidditch, Ron" Ginny said, what was his problem? "And if I do join, can I bring Luna?"

"Of course, bring whoever you want" Ron nodded. It's just Quidditch, don't make mountains out of molehills. Just breathe, and move on. "It's after classes today, Colin can show you where. I'd best be off, I have to get to Charms." Ron left at that, his mind preoccupied with keeping his irritation at bay. Just Quidditch, huh? What did Sirius say again? 'Let my Godson spread his wings a bit'? Well, spread them somewhere away from my sister.

---

Friday 12th June, 1993 (Library – After Classes)

Ron sat with Luna, Ginny, and Colin as he helped them work through their Charms homework. Flitwick had turned the exam into an essay instead, and Ron was looking over their work on the Dancing Charm. Colin had the best amount of detail on it, and its uses. Ginny had only written as much as needed, and not listed any uses. Luna had written far too little about what the Charm did, and far too much about what it did to made up creatures. All in all, Colin was the only one of them that took his work seriously. That made Ron both annoyed, and frustrated with his sisters. Ginny was lazy, and Luna was… whatever Luna was.

He could see people, mostly the girls in the group, eyeing Ron helping the first years. They looked rather happy with Ron, so Ron didn't mind too much. The Hufflepuffs had warmed up a lot more towards him, and even towards Daphne and Millie. The Ravenclaws didn't mind sharing theories and answers with Ron anymore, but they still didn't talk much to Daphne and Millie. Lavender and Parvati always found ways to study alongside Ron, and they did study seriously. While Hermione still had her own little group within the overall study group which consisted of her, Harry, and Neville. A group that Ginny clearly wanted to be in, judging by the quick looks she was shooting towards Harry.

"Colin, can you help Ginny with her list of uses?" Ron asked, and Colin nodded.

"I was…" Ginny started, but stopped. "I was hoping to get Hermione's help, actually."

"Hermione's help?" Ron blinked, and Ginny nodded. "Alright…" Ron forced on a polite smile in order to hide his hurt, and Ginny quickly grabbed her things and moved over towards Hermione's group. Why doesn't she want my help? Ron watched Hermione smile at Ginny as Ginny took a seat across from Harry, and that gave Ron his answer. Fucking hell, that makes more sense. Her stupid crush on the 'Boy-Who-Lived' is still running strong? "Colin, help Luna instead please."

"Alright" Colin nodded as Luna stared at Ron. Her eyes followed his gaze, and a small smile graced her face.

"She's making friends" Luna whispered to him, and Ron turned to her.

"Who?" Ron feigned ignorance, but Luna just smiled knowingly.

"Ginny" Luna replied, and Ron gave a weak nod. "This is good for her, please think about that." Ron stared at her for a couple of seconds, and she stared back with her aloof smile. She's right, Ginny needs this. Stop being so needy, you git.

"You're right" Ron forced another smile, and then he looked to Colin. "If you need me mate, I'll be over there" Ron pointed towards Daphne.

"Sure" Colin smiled, and then he turned to Luna. "Luna… What are Nargles?" Ha, have fun with that. Ron walked over towards Daphne as Luna excitedly started telling Colin about her delusions.

"Hi, mind if I sit here?" Ron asked Daphne, and she looked up at him with tired eyes. Ron took a seat, and he gave her a worried look. "Daph, what's the matter?"

"That" Daphne jerked her head towards Millie, and Ron looked to see Millie discussing cats with Lavender. Yeesh. "They've been going on for twenty minutes, Ron… I can't take it anymore. I have half a mind to murder their cats tonight."

"Merlin" Ron pulled a face, but Daphne just stared at him.

"Do something to entertain me, I'm bored" Daphne huffed, and Ron bit back a chuckle.

"We're here to study, Daph" Ron told her.

"About cats?" Daphne asked with a deadpan voice, and Ron looked over to see Parvati studying with the Hufflepuffs.

"We can join them" Ron said as he kept his gaze on the Hufflepuffs, and Daphne looked over to them as well.

"No thanks, I don't like the way Macmillan looks at me" Daphne huffed again, and Ron looked to her with a confused look.

"How does he 'look' at you?" Ron asked.

"Like he wants to ask me out on a date" Daphne shrugged, and Ron tensed involuntarily. Daphne noticed him tensing, and a mischievous smile found its way onto her face. "Jealous, Ron?" she asked sweetly.

"No" Ron lied bluntly, there was no humor in his voice anymore. "Do you like him?"

"Hmmm" Daphne's smile became even more mischievous. "He isn't so bad, and he's a Pure-Blood as well. Maybe I will join them, now that I think about it." Daphne got up to leave, fully expecting Ron to stop her. But when he didn't, she walked over and joined the Hufflepuffs and Parvati who welcomed her with smiles. So friendly, aren't they? Ron's eyes went towards Macmillan, and the stout looking boy was certainly pleased with Daphne joining them. Despite being a bit stout, Macmillan definitely had a more handsome face than Ron's, something which sent a jolt of anger and jealousy through Ron. Great, first Ginny ditches me for Harry, and now Daphne's left me here with Lavender and Millie.

Ron looked away from the Hufflepuffs, he was being unreasonably needy for some reason. What's wrong with me? I'm here to study, and to make allies with these people. And things are going in my favor. Ron looked around to see everyone getting along well, but he still felt vexed because he was sitting alone. If I join Daphne, that's just going to make it clear to her that I'm jealous of Macmillan liking her. I'm not giving her that satisfaction. Ron got up and went to find a book to read. Maybe something on Wandless Magic? Yeah, definitely. I'm getting better at it, but not fast enough. He found himself perusing through a shelf in the Records Section, there were a lot of choices to pick from. Hmmm, it's a shame that I won't have these books around when I'm back home.

"What are you doing?" came Daphne's voice from behind him, and he jumped a bit.

"Bloody hell" Ron sighed as he turned around, and he saw her eyeing him with a frown. "I'm trying to find a book to read. Don't have any homework to do."

"I don't care about that" Daphne huffed. "Why didn't you join me?"

"You looked fine" Ron turned back to the shelf, and Daphne stomped over to him.

"I wanted you to come with" Daphne told him, and he turned back around. "Or to stop me from leaving." What?

"Then why would you leave to join them?" Ron asked. "Oh wait, you were trying to have some fun at my expense."

"Not fun" Daphne blushed, but kept her face straight. "You really didn't feel even a bit jealous? Not even a little bit?" Ron blinked at her, she looked rather annoyed… and troubled.

"No" Ron lied, and she blinked at him.

"Why?" Daphne asked, her voice coming out meeker than before. "I feel jealous when every girl pesters you for 'help'…" Why would she admit that so openly? What's wrong with her?

"Um…" Ron managed, what was he supposed to say to that? "I… I'm lying… I did feel a little… jealous…" Daphne suddenly smiled widely, and Ron nearly punched himself in the head. For fuck's sake, why am I so stupid?

"Awww" Daphne cooed. "That's sweet, Ron."

"Daphne, why are you doing this?" Ron frowned. "Are you trying to spoil my mood? What's the point of making me look like an idiot for no reason?"

"An idiot?" Daphne looked taken aback. "Ron, I wasn't trying to do that. I just wanted you say that you didn't like Macmillan liking me…"

"So why not just ask how I felt about it?" Ron frowned more deeply. "I'm not good at this stuff, you know that."

"But we play around like this all the time" Daphne blinked, and then she took on a more concerned look. "This isn't about me, is it? What's wrong?" Ron turned back to the shelf, all he wanted was to read a book and not deal with Daphne's 'games'. "You can't ignore me, Ronald Weasley. I won't leave until you tell me what's got you so wound up." Ron glared at the books in front of him, and Daphne suddenly pinched his side. Ron jerked upwards, and then he turned around to face her.

"Nothing is bothering me, I just want to read a book on Wandless Magic" Ron said, and Daphne rolled her eyes.

"Do you remember our deal?" Daphne reminded him, and Ron huffed. "You said that you wouldn't keep bottling things up, and you promised that if you couldn't talk about it, I had the right to pester you about it."

"I remember" Ron muttered, and Daphne took a step closer to him. "Daph… We're in a public place…"

"So? Tell me what's wrong, and I'll step back" Daphne smirked.

"Ginny…" Ron mumbled, and Daphne gave him a confused look.

"She looks fine to me" Daphne said as she stepped back. "Happier than I've seen her in a while, actually."

"Harry and she are playing Quidditch together…" Ron averted his gaze as he shuffled in his spot. "She's been practicing with me as well, but she never once mentioned Harry… Now I know why she often practices without me… And just now… She ditched me to study with him instead…" Daphne smiled genuinely, and she reached forward and pinched his left cheek. "What was that for?" Ron rubbed his left cheek.

"You're worried about her" Daphne told him, her voice gentler now. "Whenever Tori starts acting like she prefers Tracey over me, I get really worked up too. You want your sister to pay attention to you rather than your friend."

"I'm being stupid…" Ron rubbed the back of his head. "And needy…"

"You are" Daphne nodded, and Ron's shoulders slumped. "But you have that right, Ron. She's been through a lot, and you want to be the one who helps her through everything. But she's finding her own way to deal with it, and you feel left out." Ron nodded weakly. I'm being an utter girl about this, but it's been bothering me all day. Ever since she told me about Harry and her playing Quidditch, I keep finding ways to get annoyed.

"What do you do about Tori?" Ron asked Daphne, and she leaned against the shelf to her right.

"I let her enjoy Tracey's company" Daphne admitted. "Tori spends all day at the Manor by herself, and I know that it must be horribly lonely for her. So I swallow my pride, and I let her play with Tracey to her hearts content."

"So I shouldn't be bothered by her liking Harry more than me?" Ron asked, and she clicked her tongued.

"I didn't say that" Daphne replied. "What I'm saying is that Ginny needs this, and as her brother, you should respect that. You can't be the one to always fix everything. That's not how things work. She's been through the worst year of her life, and she is finally moving forward in a meaningful way. Just because you aren't needed right now doesn't mean that you won't be needed later. Sometimes you just have to step aside, even if it makes you feel left out." But why Harry? He's a danger to her. He is connected with the Dark Lord, and that could endanger Gin. "And she doesn't like Potter more than you. You're her brother, and that can never change." Ron looked up at that, and he smiled a little.

"You're right" Ron nodded slowly, and she shrugged. "I'm still her blood, and I can still help her. All she has to do is ask."

"There you go" Daphne smiled. "Feel better?" I do, actually. She is making friends, and not being an introvert anymore. That's what matters, right? I shouldn't hold that against anyone, much less Ginny herself.

"Thanks, Daph" Ron took in a deep breath, and then he stepped forward and pecked her lips.

"Ron… Public place, remember" Daphne said as she looked behind her. "What if someone saw that? Normal friends don't give each other pecks like we do… Everyone with a brain knows that."

"Sorry" Ron shrugged with an easy smile. "You always find some way to cheer me up… And I'm really grateful for that…"

"Well…" Daphne's cheeks became rosy. "It's no worries…"

"Want to head back?" Ron asked, and Daphne nodded.

"Remember what I said" Daphne said as they began walking back. "If Ginny needs you, she'll come to you. Don't pressure her, or make her worry."

"I won't" Ron agreed. If she needs me, she'll come to me. And I'll help her in whatever way I can.

---

Friday 19th June, 1993 (Library – After Classes)

There it was again, Ginny was once again spending her time in Hermione's little group. Ron had spent the last week noticing that Ginny was hovering near the Golden Trio more and more, and although that bothered him, he kept it to himself. Despite trying too hard to be friends with Harry's group, Ginny was also quickly becoming popular with the girls in her year. She laughed more often, argued her opinions, practiced Quidditch on her Comet 260 as often as she could, and she even dragged Luna around with her everywhere she went. She was slowly returning to her usual self, and Ron took joy in that fact. But due to her ever increasing activities, she stopped even looking in his direction. Luna joined Ron for breakfast often, but Ginny had completely stopped.

"Ron, you're staring" Millie whispered, and Ron blinked and looked to her.

"Sorry?" Ron asked.

"You're staring at Granger's group" Millie whispered. "What's the matter?" Nothing, I'm just being an idiot.

"Nothing" Ron shrugged, and he looked to the Hufflepuffs. Ron, Daphne, and Millie were studying with the Hufflepuffs, and it was going well. The Ravenclaws were helping Luna and Colin with their work, especially Padma who adored Luna.

"I don't get why Professor Dumbledore is giving us more and more homework lately" Susan Bones groaned, and the Hufflepuffs nodded in agreement. "We're leaving in a week anyway…"

"Who do you reckon is going to be our next D.A.D.A Professor?" Justin asked, and then he looked to the Slytherins. Ron had noticed that Justin kept looking to them in order to include them, and Ron kind of liked that. Justin, and the other Hufflepuffs, were quite alright in Ron's books. Even Macmillan, despite his constant smiles towards Daphne, is a good bloke.

"Maybe Professor Snape" Millie suggested, she was also enjoying the Hufflepuffs' warm demeanors.

"I hope not" Hannah Abbot blurted out, and then she went a little wide-eyed. "Sorry…" she said to the Slytherins, and Ron held back a laugh. Snape is a menace, you won't find me arguing that.

"He can be… unfair to the other Houses" Daphne said with forced politeness, and the Hufflepuffs blinked. She was doing her best not to roll her eyes at their constant whining because this was clearly important to Ron. "But if you do your work properly, he usually doesn't bother you." Well, she's putting up with them at least. And I know that it's only for my benefit. All the Hufflepuffs suddenly went wide-eyed, and then they averted their gazes like frightened rabbits. What the…?

"Mr. Weasley" came an icy voice from behind him, and Ron turned around with a wide smile. Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

"Good Evening, Sir" Ron greeted Snape, who was currently eyeing Ron's study group with disgust. "Were you looking for me?"

"Yes" Snape looked to Ron, his face morphing into an expressionless mask. "Come with me." With that, Snape turned around and began walking away.

"I'll take your books down" Millie offered, and Ron nodded with a smile.

"Thanks, Mills" Ron said gratefully, and then he began following Snape. He noticed people looking at him and Snape, especially the Trio and Ginny. Damn, it must be urgent if he's coming to me in public. Ron followed Snape towards the Headmaster's Office, and he broke his silence when they were alone. "Sir, did something happen?"

"Yes" Snape replied, and then there was silence.

"What happened?" Ron asked after waiting for a few seconds.

"The Headmaster is leaving Hogwarts tonight for some urgent business" Snape replied. What urgent business? Does this have something to do with the upcoming war? "Rainbow Bites" Snape said to the stone gargoyle. "Up you go, Mr. Weasley. I will not be joining you tonight."

"Why not?" Ron blinked.

"Because I cannot stomach being near him right now" Snape replied in a venomous tone, and then he billowed away. What the fuck? What's happened? Ron ran up the steps, and he knocked on the door firmly.

"Come in, Ronald" came Dumbledore's voice, and Ron walked in and shut the door behind him. Dumbledore was wearing a traveling cloak, and he was standing by a suitcase. What the…?

"Headmaster? Are you truly leaving?" Ron asked as he approached the old man, and Dumbledore chuckled heartily.

"Yes, I am" Dumbledore admitted.

"Where?" Ron asked. "The school year isn't finished yet? Does this have something to do with the Dark Lord? Why is Professor Snape so angry with you?" Dumbledore raised a hand to stop Ron, a kind smile on his face.

"I am traveling to the Ministry first for some Wizengamot business, and then I will be leaving for Albania" Dumbledore replied, and Ron went wide-eyed. Albania? Where the Dark Lord is?

"Why? Did something happen? Is he on the move?" Ron asked quickly.

"No, nothing of that sort" Dumbledore replied. "But your words have changed my outlook on many things, Ronald. I thank you for that. I now know that I have become victim to inaction, and that it will be the end of us all. I will travel to Albania, and try to find Lord Voldemort. He is weakened, and I might be able to capture him."

"Might?" Ron muttered, his panic rising. "Capture?" Not kill?

"I will not blindly confront him, of course" Dumbledore assured Ron. "I will try and find out where he is hiding, and should I find out where, then I will plan and act accordingly. There must be trail for me to follow." Ron just stared at Dumbledore like he had five heads, and Ron felt his own breathing become shallower by the second. What if he dies out there?!

"Headmaster… You could die…" Ron managed. "Why haven't I heard anything about this until now?" Dumbledore gave him a paternal smile in response. "Don't go… If you die, everything could fall apart…"

"You place a much higher value on my piece than I deserve" Dumbledore said with his smile in place. "You were right, Ronald. We waited for far too long… I waited for far too long. And no, I have no intention of dying just yet. I simply wish to lure him out of hiding, or to capture him if fate smiles upon me."

"Capture?" Ron asked again. "Why capture him instead of killing him outright?"

"I believe that that is someone else's role" Dumbledore replied, and Ron blinked. Dumbledore then adorned a more serious look, and he looked into Ron's eyes. "If I do not return, Minerva McGonagall will take my place. I have left instructions for her just in case I do not return. You must tell her what you told me. Promise me that." Ron could only stare in utter disbelief, his mind lagging behind. "And remember this. Harry is the key to the Dark Lord's downfall, I truly believe that. But he will need your help." Dumbledore then reached to grab his suitcase, and Ron grabbed onto Dumbledore's free arm out of some childish need to stop him from leaving. Dumbledore looked to Ron with a hint of surprise, but then his features softened considerably.

"Don't go alone at least… Please…" Ron all but begged, his eyes fixed on Dumbledore's. "Tell the Ministry… The Aurors…" Dumbledore put his suitcase down, and then he put a firm hand on Ron's right shoulder.

"Ronald, I have told you that I cannot turn to the Ministry… yet" Dumbledore said gently as he squeezed Ron's shoulder in a paternal manner. "This is only the first step towards our war against him."

"We'll lose the war if you die before it even starts" Ron argued, his tone slightly bratty.

"In war, people die" Dumbledore told him, and Ron's eyes stung a bit. "War is violent, it is unforgiving, and it does not care for the sorrow of people. But if we are to fight in another one, then we must fight with steeled resolve. I may or may not return, but I will tell you this again… I do not intend to die just yet. Your Future is what you make it, Ronald. You of all people must understand that." Ron was about to plead some more, but Dumbledore's Office was breached by Hagrid who rushed in from the front door.

"Dumbledore Sir… I jus' heard that ye migh' be leavin'…" Hagrid's voice boomed, he was clearly out of breath. Hagrid's eyes then fell on Ron and Dumbledore, and then to Dumbledore's hand on Ron's right shoulder. "I haven' interrupted nothin', have I?"

"No, Hagrid" Dumbledore smiled as he let go of Ron's right shoulder. "And yes, I am indeed departing for some Wizengamot business. I'm afraid that I will be gone for some time." Hagrid nodded slowly, whilst Ron focused on keeping his composure. Why won't he at least ask for someone for help? And what happens if he does die? Everything will be ruined! I should never have told him anything!

"How long?" Hagrid asked.

"As long as it takes" Dumbledore replied, and Hagrid nodded slowly again. Dumbledore then turned to Ron with a kind smile. "You may return to your day, Ronald. Until we meet again." Ron cursed Hagrid for his timing because now he had to keep up appearances.

"Please take care, Headmaster" Ron said as firmly as he could, and then he walked past Hagrid's large frame. Ron marched down the steps, and he stopped at the stone gargoyle. Fucking fuck! Snape's Office, that's where I should go. I need to ask him to do something about this. Ron began making his way down to the Dungeons, and after a few minutes, he found himself in front of Snape's Office. Ron knocked on the door a little too hard, and Snape answered.

"Come in" came Snape's voice, and Ron walked in. But he stopped when he saw Malfoy sitting across from Snape, the two were clearly having a conversation about something. Great, this twat chooses now to have a chat with his Godfather. Malfoy turned to see Ron, and he instantly sneered at the red-head. Ron felt the need to roll his eyes, but he kept himself in check. "Mr. Weasley, can't this wait?" Snape asked in an icy tone. Fuck no!

"Of course, Sir" Ron sighed as he stepped back out of the Office. Ron then closed the door behind him, his head hurting from irritation. Malfoy and Hagrid, both of them have the worst timing in history.

---

Harry Potter's POV

Friday 19th June, 1993 (Dinner – Great Hall)

"May I have your attention please?" came McGonagall's voice, and Harry looked towards the staff table. McGonagall was standing at Dumbledore's podium, whilst the Headmaster was still missing from the Great Hall. "I have announcement to make on behalf of the Headmaster. Headmaster Dumbledore has been called away on some important business, and as such, he has departed already. His D.A.D.A classes will not run next week, as he is not expected back for quite some time." There were loud murmuring at that, and Harry looked to his friends with a worried expression. Important business? He was here at breakfast, and now he's just gone? Harry looked to the Slytherins to see their reactions, and he frowned when he saw that they didn't even look like they cared. But then he spotted Ron, who was just looking down at his plate indifferently, and Harry's gaze lingered on his friend.

"You will have spare periods during those classes" McGonagall went on, and Harry looked back to McGonagall. "I will be acting as temporary Headmistress during the final week, so if you have any inquiries, come to my Office. That is all, please continue with your dinners." McGonagall left the podium at that, and she took her usual seat. Harry watched Dumbledore's empty seat with a slight frown. He wouldn't just leave out of the blue, would he?

"Where do you think he went?" came Seamus' voice, and Harry looked to his housemate.

"Probably something to do with his Ministry work" Hermione answered, and Harry looked to her with a confused look.

"He works at the Ministry? How do you know that?" Harry asked, and Hermione smiled widely at the chance to give information out. Seamus and the others in their year rolled their eyes at her enthusiasm, and Harry found that rather vexing. Leave her be, you gits.

"I read about it in the Daily Prophet" Hermione replied with a matter-of-fact tone that didn't match her wide smile. "He is the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Harry." Oh right, he oversaw Sirius' trial didn't he? Hermione saw that Harry had remembered Dumbledore's part in Sirius' trial, and she mentally patted her own back.

"Strange though" Neville said to himself. "Why would he just leave out of the blue? I haven't read about anything happening in Wizarding England that requires his attention." Harry looked to Neville with a curious look.

"Maybe it's a ruse?" Harry whispered, and Neville blinked. "What if there is something else going on?"

"Maybe…" Neville said slowly, clearly not having the same train of thought as Harry.

"Remember the Stone?" Harry whispered, his mind trying to find some connection to explain Dumbledore's sudden disappearance.

"Shhh" Hermione shushed him with a panicked look. "Harry, there are people around us…" Harry looked around to see everyone talking to each other animatedly, none of them even looking at the Trio.

"Hermione, no one is looking at us" Harry said with a slight frown.

"No, but they might be listening" Hermione frowned back. "We can talk about this later, when we're alone."

"I agree with her, mate" Neville said gently, and Harry sighed and nodded. Alright, I'll wait. Harry looked over to Ron again, and this time, Ron was looking back. Harry blinked, but he didn't look away from the red-haired boy. Ron seemed to be staring right at him, and then, he just looked down at his plate again. What was that?

"Harry?" Hermione nudged him, and Harry looked to see her giving him a sympathetic smile. "I didn't mean to sound so harsh… Sorry." What?

"Oh, no" Harry smiled back. "Don't worry about it… I just saw Ron staring at me, and it was a weird look as well. He looked… confused for a second."

"Maybe he's wondering the same thing as you?" Neville suggested as he shot a look back towards Ron, who was now talking to Nott about something. Maybe.

"What do you reckon Snape wanted with him today?" Harry asked, and both Neville and Hermione shrugged.

"Slytherin business maybe" Hermione replied. 'Maybe'… It's always maybes wherever Ron is concerned. Harry didn't want to admit this, but he still found himself questioning Ron's behavior at times. Despite everything that had happened between them, they had both decided to stay friends. Harry knew that he wasn't blameless in the mess that was this year, but Ron had shown a side of himself that Harry genuinely never wanted to see again. But it's still there, and it always will be. And what's happening with him and the adults? And even Dumbledore? I have so many questions that I want to ask him.

"Mate, aren't you hungry?" Neville asked, and Harry looked down at his empty plate.

"Yeah, just thinking is all" Harry replied as he began putting food on his plate.

"About Dumbledore?" Hermione asked, and Harry nodded.

"Dumbledore, Sirius and Remus… Ron…" Harry sighed, and Hermione's ears perked up at the mention of Ron.

"What about Ron?" Neville asked before Hermione could.

"Just… him in general" Harry replied slowly, and both of his best friends blinked. "I just feel like we don't know anything about him at all, you know." Neville nodded at that, while Hermione looked over at Ron eating his food quietly. "I don't know… I want to ask him more about himself, but I don't want to overstep."

"Harry, that's great to hear" Neville smiled at Harry finally controlling his overzealous curiosity. "And I have similar thoughts about him, but I know now that he isn't a bad bloke. I think he deals with things that we don't fully understand, and our lack of contact with him doesn't help us."

"Exactly" Hermione beamed, and Neville smiled a little more. "I think we should try and talk to him more often." I don't think that's what Neville meant at all, but I do agree with her. He doesn't really look like he fits in with the Slytherins.

"The Break starts next Friday, Hermione" Harry shrugged. "We're all going home, and you're going back to Muggle London."

"I can visit whenever I want though… right?" Hermione asked, and Harry nodded firmly.

"Please do, or I'll be bored to death" Harry reassured her, and she smiled widely.

"Then I'll visit as often as I can" Hermione said happily, and Neville sniggered. "What?"

"Nothing" Neville shrugged, and she narrowed her eyes at him. "Come to Longbottom Manor too please, I'd appreciate that."

"Oh, of course I will" Hermione nodded. "And you'll both come visit me too, right?"

"Yes, Hermione" they both answered together, and she looked ecstatic.

"Ohhh, I can show you my favorite places" Hermione said, talking more to herself than them. Harry and Neville exchanged looks, and they bit back their laughter. Hermione's excitement was almost contagious, mostly because she didn't get this excited often.

---

Saturday 20th June, 1993 (Hagrid's Hut – Midday)

They had discussed Dumbledore's disappearance, but come up with nothing at all. The truth was that they didn't really know much about what Dumbledore got up to when he wasn't teaching D.A.D.A, and that bothered Harry a little. Dumbledore, other than Hagrid, Sirius, and Remus, was perhaps the only adult that Harry truly admired. And yet, he knew nothing of the man save for his love of sweets and ten-pin bowling. There were other adults that Harry admired of course, but Dumbledore was certainly the highest on his list. Sirius, Remus, and Hagrid were close seconds however, followed by Arthur and Molly Weasley and Augusta Longbottom. Basically the adults that treated him with genuine concern, and didn't assign him homework. The sound of knocking broke Harry out of his thoughts, and he saw that Neville had stepped up and knocked on Hagrid's Hut.

"Hello, ye three" Hagrid beamed as soon as he opened the door, and Harry could smell the fresh pot of tea. "I just made some tea, hop on in." The Trio moved past Hagrid, and he closed the door behind himself. Harry took his usual spot near Hagrid's chair, while Neville and Hermione sat on the couch together. Fang sat in between them, and Neville immediately started giving the big dog a rub behind the ears.

"How are you, Hagrid?" Hermione asked politely, and their massive friend smiled at her.

"Just the same as las' time, I reckon" Hagrid chuckled. "How're ye three?"

"Excited for the Break" Harry admitted, and Hagrid looked to him with a curious look. "Remus and Sirius, Hagrid… I live with them now, remember."

"Oh" Hagrid mumbled, and then he chuckled heartily. "Ye had me worried there fer a momen', Harry" Hagrid laughed as he began pouring tea into four mugs, and Harry smiled widely. I can't wait for the Break! How crazy is that?! Harry felt giddy at the prospect of actually going back to a family that loved him. "Any plans fer the Holidays?" Hagrid asked as he handed out the mugs. "I also got some rock cakes, if yer feelin' hungry." No, thanks.

"We saving space for lunch" Neville smiled. "I'm going to miss the food that they serve Hogwarts, that's for certain." Hagrid nodded with a smile as he took his seat, and the chair creaked almost as if in pain.

"So, plans?" Hagrid asked again.

"I'm staying with my parents, of course" Hermione announced. "But I'll be visiting Harry and Neville often, and they'll be visiting me too."

"I'm probably going to spend most of my time trying to dodge Sirius' endless pranks" Harry said, and he masked how excited he was for that.

"And I'll spend most of my time in the gardens back at the Manor" Neville shrugged. "What about you, Hagrid?"

"Oh, just mindin' the school fer the Professors" Hagrid replied. "Probably wait fer the Headmaster to come back." Harry's ear perked up at that, as did Hermione's.

"Do you know where he went?" Harry asked quickly, and Hagrid blinked.

"Some Wizengamo' business in…" Hagrid stopped. "Important Ministry business." He knows! Harry looked to his friends, and they had picked up on Hagrid's reluctance as well.

"Does it have something to do with his position as the Chief Warlock?" Hermione asked, and Hagrid nodded. "How do you know for certain?" Harry fought the urge to smile, Hagrid tended to let things slip if he was questioned from different angles.

"Well, he told me didn' he?" Hagrid chuckled as he sipped his tea, and then he frowned at himself. "I shouldn' be telling ye this… No more questions abou' the Headmaster's business, alrigh'?"

"But Hagrid, we're just worried" Harry said gently, it was true.

"Worried abou' wha'?" Hagrid asked. "This is Albus Dumbledore yer talkin' abou', not yer average wizard. He'll be fine, trust me."

"What if he's going to a dangerous place?" Neville asked.

"Albania's not so bad…" Hagrid started, but then he frowned at them. "Yer three…" Albania? Why Albania?

"What's in Albania?" Hermione asked, and Hagrid shook his head.

"I don' know, and I didn' ask" Hagrid told them. "Headmaster Dumbledore is the greates' wizard in all of history, he can handle himself jus' fine. He's only goin' to attend some meetin' anyway. Now enough abou' that… Tell me about yer plans fer the last week." We won't get anything else out of him now that he's onto us.

"I'm practicing Quidditch later today" Harry sighed out, he wanted more out of Hagrid.

"With Ginny?" Neville asked.

"And the twins" Harry nodded. "They saw us training together, and they weren't happy that Ron bought Ginny a better broom than their current ones."

"Ron?" Hagrid asked, and they all looked to him. "I saw a strange thing before the Headmaster left, he was talkin' with Ron in private." Huh? Harry looked to his friends, and they looked equally as bewildered. "Now that I think abou' it, I've seen Ron with the Headmaster before. Talkin' to him alone abou' somethin'…"

"About what?" Harry asked immediately, his previous curiosity about Ron and Dumbledore's 'friendship' waking up.

"I don' know exactly" Hagrid shrugged. "Sounded importan' is all…" What were they talking about? What does Dumbledore need to discuss with him in private? And he before he leaves as well? So Ron knew that Dumbledore was leaving… That's why he didn't look surprised last night. But why did he stare at me like that then? What's Ron's deal? Why is he always in such weird places all the time? What's happening with him and the adults? Ugh… I have a million questions, and they always come back to him somehow. Whilst Harry was lost in his own mind, his best friends were looking at him with worried expressions. Harry's curious nature was getting the better of him, but this time, they both wanted answers too.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Saturday 20th June, 1993 (Snape's Office – Evening)

Ron stepped through the fireplace, and his eyes immediately fell on Snape behind his desk.

"Mr. Weasley, welcome back" Snape drawled, his eyes on his work.

"May we speak, Sir?" Ron asked, and Snape looked up and gave a curt nod. Ron took a seat in front of him, and Snape put away his quill. "The Headmaster left for Albania…"

"Indeed" Snape replied icily.

"Alone…" Ron sighed, and Snape took in a deep breath.

"Is there a point to this? Or do you simply enjoy the sound of your own whining?" Snape asked in a harsh tone, and Ron flinched a bit because of Snape's sudden ire. "What do you want me to say? Do you want to ask me about why I didn't stop him? Because I tried. All the Heads of Houses tried, but he was set on this. It's now clear to me that your words affected him deeply, just as they did me." Alright, a lot to process there.

"So the Heads know as well" Ron stated, and Snape nodded curtly.

"He has signed on for genuine business within Albania to hide his true goal, but it required his immediate departure" Snape informed Ron. "All the staff know where he is going, he made sure to tell them. He did not tell them of his true purpose however, he only shared that with the Heads of Houses. And I imagine that you're the only student who knows where he's going, and why." I see.

"What did you mean by 'my words affecting you'?" Ron asked, and Snape sneered slightly. Fuck, I just kicked a sleeping Dragon didn't I? Snape suddenly relaxed, and his expression changed to one of indifference. That was weird.

"Has Draco bothered you recently?" Snape asked, and Ron blinked.

"No…" Ron answered slowly, and then he realized what Snape meant. "You told him to leave me alone?"

"I told him to look in the mirror, and he himself did not like his reflection" Snape replied. "I did not do this for your benefit, but for his." Alright, what's his problem with me?

"Did I do something to vex you, Sir?" Ron asked, his own temper flaring. Snape's face darkened at Ron's tone, but Ron didn't back off. "I have been nothing but polite, I even left yesterday when I saw you with Malfoy… So what is it?" Snape and Ron stared at each other, and for some odd reason, Ron didn't feel any fear at all. Why would I? I've faced the fucking Entity, and Snape's a kitten compared to it.

"I wish you never told me" Snape suddenly broke the silencing, and Ron let out an understanding sigh. "I wish I never learned of what awaits us, what truly awaits us… A World where he always wins."

"He won't win this time" Ron said softly, and Snape frowned slightly.

"You are not like the other children within this school, I will grant you that" Snape said in a cold whisper. "But you are far too young to truly fathom what kind of war awaits us all. Men, women, children… all dead. Their bodies in the streets, or missing. Spending every moment wondering who you're going to lose next." Snape then looked into Ron's eyes, and Ron held back a shudder. "You don't know war, boy."

"True" Ron admitted, and Snape cocked an eyebrow. "But if it wasn't for me, you and the Headmaster would still be living in a fairy-tale. I told you what you needed to hear in order for you to wake up and smell the shite heading our way. To stop sitting around, and to do something." Oh fuck, I can't believe I said that! Entity, you'd better get ready to save me if he loses his temper. Snape just stared at Ron with his cold eyes, and Ron did his best to not panic.

"How are things with your parasite?" Snape suddenly asked, and Ron found himself confused by his sudden inquiry.

"Are you asking me if it's still torturing me?" Ron asked, and Snape nodded once. Shite, I can't tell him that the Entity has disappeared. I can't let them know that my surface thoughts are safe to read now. "It… it comes and goes…" That was a pathetic. Snape's eyes widened a bit, and he swallowed.

"It… It won't kill you, will it?" Snape asked, his voice much softer now.

"It's tried before" Ron admitted, his own thoughts travelling back to his worst moments with the monster in his head. "I suppose it could whenever it decides that my Cycle has failed… or if it gets bored." Snape shifted in his seat a bit, but Ron didn't notice because he was remembering the time when the Entity broke his leg for fun. And then when the Entity broke his teeth in a fit of rage. And then the time when Ron faced the end of his life, and made his peace with death. Ron's grip tightened on his chair's handles, and he eyes became unfocused.

"We will make you beg for mercy! Death will seem like a welcome embrace after we are done with you!" the Entity's terrifying voice rang out from Ron's memories, and he jerked out of his daze. His heart was beating in his throat, and he looked to see Snape looking at him with wide-eyes.

"Mr. Weasley?" Snape said. "Ronald? What is it?"

"Nothing…" Ron lied as he averted his gaze, his hands now trembling horribly. "I should go…" Ron stood up slowly, and he walked out of the Office almost as if he was in a dream. He didn't see Snape looking at him leave with a worried look. Snape had seen enough people suffering from Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder from the war to not miss its signs, Ronald had just had an episode of some sort right then and there. In the middle of a conversation… Snape clenched his hands into tight fists for being so stupid as to bring up the Entity to the boy.

"Severus, you fucking imbecile" Snape muttered to himself, and then he looked to see that Ronald had left the door open.

Ron walked towards the common room, and he shoved his shaking hands into his pockets. Fucking calm down, breathe! Just breathe! It can't hurt you! Ron stood in front of the Slytherin entrance, and he stared at the wall. Why wasn't it opening for him? Ron took in a shaky breath, and he grit his teeth in frustration. Why won't you calm down, you damn weakling?! Open already!

"Open!" Ron hissed, and the wall moved aside. Ron quickly walked inside, and he made a beeline straight for his room.

"Ron, you're back" came Millie's distorted voice, and he looked over to see the girls and Blaise sitting near the fireplace. Ron then looked around to see that the common room was filled with people minding their own business. Too many people, go to your room. Ron walked off towards his dorm, while his friends just stared at him as he left. Ron walked into his room and closed the door behind him, and he felt his stomach heave. I'm going to be sick… What's wrong with me? Calm down, just breathe like Pomfrey showed you. Ron took in a deep breath, and that's when he noticed Theo staring at him from his desk.

"Ron?" Theo said as he gave Ron's face a quick study. "Mate? You're looking pale, you alright?"

"I'm fine" Ron replied as he made his way to his own bed, and he missed Theo going wide-eyed. "I'm going to take a nap, please just wake me up for dinner." Ron closed the curtains of his bed, and he slid into his emerald and silver covers. You're fine, you're safe. It's gone, and it hasn't even muttered a word since 'She' saved me. Breathe, and think of Chess. Dumbledore will be fine too, he'll come back safe and sound. And we'll win. We'll save so many lives. Think of positive things.

---

Daphne Greengrass' POV

Saturday 20th June, 1993 (Common Room – Evening)

"What was that?" Millie asked as Ron disappeared into the boys' dorm section. What was that indeed?

"Blaise, can you please go check on him?" Pansy asked, and Blaise sighed tiredly.

"He's fine, and Theo is currently writing a letter to his father" Blaise said as he sank more into his chair. "If something is wrong, Theo will come and get us." Daphne kept her composure, but she shot another look towards the boys' dorm.

"You don't think he's having another… moment… do you?" Tracey whispered to Daphne, and Daphne looked to her with a calm expression.

"I don't know" Daphne replied. "But I'll go and check." Daphne went to stand up, but then she saw Theo emerge from the boys' dorms with a confused look. Yeah, something is definitely off. Theo walked up to them, and then he just stood there with most confused look Daphne had ever seen.

"Theo? Was it Ron?" Tracey asked, and Blaise opened his eyes to look at Theo.

"Yeah…" Theo muttered, and then he shot a look towards the boys' dorms. "I just asked him if he was alright, and he replied… in Parseltongue…" Parseltongue? Daphne immediately stood up.

"I'm going to check on him" Daphne told them, and they all just nodded. "Are you lot coming?" They all just gave her weird looks, and she found herself frowning at them. They still don't know how to handle his stress moments, do they? None of them read the book that I let them borrow, did they?

"I'm still reading through the book" Pansy admitted. "I haven't had a chance to finish it yet…"

"It's not that long" Daphne said, and Pansy nodded.

"I'll finish it soon" Pansy promised.

"There's nothing special about it" Daphne told them. "He just needs someone to listen to him most times, is that so hard?" Daphne then marched off towards Ron's room. Pansy's had that book for over two weeks now. Daphne knocked on his door, but there was no answer. She took in a deep breath, and she let herself in and closed the door. He hasn't had a moment in a while, so I just need talk to him about what brought this on. "Ron?" Daphne called, and she saw that his bed curtains were closed. Daphne approached them, and she grabbed the curtain. "Please don't be naked…" Daphne whispered to herself, and then she opened the curtain. He was just lying there, asleep. He had cocooned himself in his blankets, and he was still wearing his shoes.

"Ron?" Daphne whispered as she slowly sat down on the bed, but he didn't stir. Daphne noticed that he was looking a little pale, and that he was sweating in his sleep. Daphne let out a breath that she didn't even know that she was holding, and then she put her palm on his forehead. He's slightly warmer than he should be, but nothing to worry about. How did he fall asleep so quickly? Was he exhausted from work? Probably. Father doesn't seem to understand that Ron is only a human being. I'll write to mother about this, and let her sort him out. Daphne stood up, and closed the curtain again. "I'll come and get you for dinner."

---

Saturday 20th June, 1993 (Boys' Room – Before Dinner)

"Ron, wake up" Daphne shook him, and he groaned in his sleep. "Ron, dinner is about to be served." The word 'dinner' seemed to do the trick, and Ron's eyes opened. Should've figured that that would do the trick. Ron looked over to her, and then he shot up and tried to cover himself. Daphne giggled as she saw him wiggle about in his self-made cocoon.

"Daphne, what are you doing in here?" Ron asked. "Where are Theo and Blaise?"

"They left for the Great Hall" Daphne told him, and then she gave him a concerned look. "Ron, how are you feeling? Did you have another stress moment?" Ron escaped his cocoon, and then slid out of his bed.

"Um… yeah, sort of" Ron admitted as he went into the bathroom, leaving Daphne to wait for him. He came back after a couple of minutes looking considerably fresher, though still a bit paler than usual. "Want to head down to dinner?"

"Sure" Daphne replied as she got up, and they both left the room. He's avoiding my question, but that's fine. I'll just ask in a more subtle way. "How was your day with father?"

"Really good, actually" Ron smiled widely as they crossed into the common room. "I almost beat him today, and he was really pleased by that. But then he destroyed me anyway. It's like he can read my mind or something. Tori and Mary went shopping for the day, and yes they got you something as well. Lord Greengrass and I had the Manor to ourselves, so we played Chess in the Living Room."

"That sounds nice" Daphne smiled, but she quickly composed herself as they left the common room. There was no need for other people to see her smiling like a moron.

"Are you trying to find out when, and why, I had a moment?" Ron asked, and Daphne nearly frowned at being caught. "I think I'm on to you" Ron chuckled as he nudged her lightly.

"You haven't had one in a while, so what happened today?" Daphne asked, her voice coming out as more concerned than she intended. If she was being perfectly honest with herself, a small part of her disliked having to watch over Ron like this. Most girls her age worried about their looks, grades, or Witch Weekly's latest trends. But Daphne had to worry about Ron's mental state, and it sometimes overwhelmed her.

"Nothing happened, it just came on for some reason" Ron sighed out. "So I figured I'd take a nap, and save you guys the headache of dealing with me." Daphne stopped dead in her tracks, and Ron stopped shortly after. "Daph?" Ron asked as he eyed her with a confused look.

"Headache of dealing with you?" Daphne repeated, and Ron chuckled to himself.

"I know that I can be a handful when I'm like that" Ron shrugged. "It's why you're here, but the others are already at the Great Hall." No… Daphne's stomach tightened at his words, had he realized that the others avoided him when he was having his moments? The small part of her that disliked having to care for Ron's mental state vanished, and it was replaced by a need to yell at her friends. "Thanks for getting me, by the way" Ron said casually. "I'm pretty hungry, and I'd hate it if I missed dinner."

"They're still learning how to handle your moments" Daphne blurted out, and Ron blinked at her. "I… I gave them my book, and they're reading through it. They don't avoid you because of any bad reason, they just don't know how to help you yet." Why did I just defend them like that? They've had that book with them for almost a month, and none of them have even tried to finish it.

"Daph, it's fine" Ron smiled and shrugged. No, it's not. "None of you signed on for dealing with something like this, and I don't mind being avoided because of it. And I can be a real prat when I'm like that, you showed me that." Why does he look so… not hurt by this? They're avoiding him, and he's fine with it?

"Well, you have me to watch out for you" Daphne said firmly, and Ron blinked again. Then he broke into a grin.

"I know" Ron nodded, and then he offered her his arm. "May I escort you to dinner, my Lady?"

"You may" Daphne said as she took his arm, but she wasn't sharing his playful mood. "How is my sister doing?" Daphne decided to change the topic, she didn't like how angry she was beginning to feel on his behalf. I'm going to rip into them the moment I get them alone. She could understand why Pansy and Tracey didn't want to be around Ron when he was in a mood, he could say some really hurtful things when he was like that. But Millie? Theo and Blaise? Theo probably didn't want to ruin his standing with Ron, while Blaise didn't fix things until they broke. As for Millie, she would fight anyone to defend Ron. And yet, she clearly thought herself inept at dealing with something like Ron's own mind turning on him.

"Tori's doing great, and she's really excited for the Break" Ron smiled widely at the thought of Daphne's crazy sister. "She got told off again for kissing and cuddling me. I reckon your mother is at her wits end with Tori's behavior, especially because she's starting Hogwarts soon."

"I'm not surprised" Daphne sighed. "Tori has no intention of letting anyone dictate her behavior or life, that's just how she is."

"I like that about her" Ron admitted. "I don't think I could stand up to Mary if she was telling me off about something."

"You and I both" Daphne responded as they went down the steps leading into the Entrance Hall. "We should probably let go of each other now."

"You sound disappointed" Ron teased, and she huffed as she freed her arm.

"You wish, Ron" Daphne said coldly, and he just laughed at her tone. Okay, maybe a little disappointed. They made their way inside, and judging from the looks that most people sent their way, they were a bit late. "I think we're late" Daphne whispered.

"Astounding perception, my Lady" Ron teased, and she held back a laugh. They took their usual seats, with Ron in between the boys and Daphne across from him with the girls.

"About time" Theo smirked. "Did you get lost?" No, his roommate is a self-serving coward.

"No, I was just showing Daphne your panty collection" Ron shot back, and everyone but Daphne sniggered at Theo.

"Why so much pink, Theo?" Daphne asked, and he shrugged with a grin.

"It suits me, that's all" Theo replied.

"Great way to start dinner" Tracey jumped in. "Most of mine are yellow." Merlin! That's actually true! "As for the other girls…" Tracey went on, but Millie elbowed her in the ribs.

"No please, go on" Blaise smirked, and all the girls except for Tracey gave him deadpan looks. Daphne looked to see Ron already making his plate, clearly more interested in food than in panties. Hmmm… I don't know if that's a good thing or not.

Dinner progressed as usual after that. Tracey and Theo bantered the most, Blaise made wisecracks every so often, and the others jumped in whenever they had something to say. Ron also ate four plate full of food, something that they all teased him for. But he didn't seem to mind anymore, he just ate as much as he pleased without a care in the world. Daphne herself ate two plates, but thankfully no one noticed that. She didn't want to be teased for eating more than a girl her age should. She was already self-conscious enough about her ever expanding chest, and the fact that the rest of her body wasn't catching up fast enough. It made her look, and feel, disproportionate. Her self-loathing stopped when the bell rang, and they all began to leave.

"I think Potter wants to talk to you, mate" Blaise said to Ron, and Ron gave him a confused look. "I caught the three leeches looking at you a dozen times over."

"And you didn't say anything?" Millie asked Blaise, and he shrugged.

"I'm saying something now" Blaise replied indifferently. They made their way out towards the Entrance Hall, and almost instinctively, they made a wall of sorts around Ron.

"Subtle" Ron sniggered, and Daphne rolled her eyes. Either everything is a joke to him, or he stresses and burns out. And then, almost as if on cue, the Trio quickly caught up to them.

"Ron, can we talk to you?" Granger asked, and they all stopped. Bushy-haired hindrance. Do us all a favor and dropout already. They all turned to face the Trio, and Daphne felt the urge to frown at their expectant looks. Like dogs looking for scraps. Even if Daphne had told Ron to step aside and let Ginny make her own friends, Daphne still didn't appreciate Granger's own little group within the study group. And the fact that Ron's own sister was keener to join Potter rather than her own brother rubbed Daphne the wrong way. It might be good for her, but it's still annoying. Where is her sense of loyalty?

"Talk about what?" Ron smiled, like he always did.

"It's um… private" Potter replied, and Theo let out an exaggerated sigh.

"They don't trust us" Theo pouted, and Tracey sniggered. The Trio looked rather vexed by Theo's comment, much to Daphne's joy.

"Ron!" came another voice, and they all saw Percy coming out of the Great Hall. "I need to talk to you about…"

"There he is!" one of the twins shouted, and Daphne saw Ginny following after them. She looked rather furious with the twins, while the twins looked mildly annoyed.

"A word, Ronnikins?" one of the twins asked.

"Leave him alone" Ginny snapped at them, while Daphne just looked around to see that they were all clogging the steps.

"He bought her a gift, it has nothing to do with you two" Percy frowned at the twins, and then he looked to Ron. "Ron, ignore these idiots please." What gift? What is going on here?

"What gift?" Ron asked.

"Her broom, and her gear" one of the twins replied.

"She doesn't even play Quidditch" the other one said.

"We play Quidditch" they said together. Merlin, that's annoying. And which one is which one?

"He doesn't have to get you two anything" Percy's frown deepened.

"Hold on…" Ron muttered but no one heard him.

"Can't this wait, we need to talk to Ron before he goes down to the Dungeons" Granger rolled her eyes at Ron's siblings.

"About what?" Pansy asked.

"Not your business" Granger shot back.

"I think it is" Blaise stepped in, clearly tired of this mess already. "I don't think I like you three getting him into trouble with your stupid schemes."

"He won't get in trouble, I promise" Longbottom said in a placating voice. "We just need a minute of his time, that's all."

"Wait your turn" one of the twins said.

"Family first" the other one sniggered.

"Ronnie, you missed our birthday" one of the twins said.

"No, I didn't…" Ron blinked at them. "I got you gifts from Paris, remember?"

"Damn, we missed that" one of the twins clicked his tongue.

"Ron, let's just go" Daphne whispered to him, and he looked at her with a blank stare. He was getting paler with all voices around him, and Daphne knew why. She had read about people recovering from stressed fueled moments in her book. And he was currently recovering from a moment, and they were overwhelming his senses with all the noise that they were making.

"Okay…" Ron nodded, and he turned to leave.

"Mr. Weasley" came Snape's voice, and Daphne nearly groaned from annoyance.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Saturday 20th June, 1993 (Entrance Hall – After Dinner)

Too many voices, smells, and people at once. They were smothering him, and all he could do was stare at them. The twins were upset with him for buying Ginny new gear and a new broom, but he had done that a while ago. Percy was annoyed with the twins for being annoyed with Ron, while Ginny was just defending her belongings by defending Ron's actions. Too many voices, smells, and people at once. What did the Trio want from him? And why were his friends starting an argument with them? Didn't Ron ask them to stop? Ron could feel his breathing becoming unsteady, but he tried his best to look normal. Everyone was here at the same time, and he couldn't give his problems away. Too many voices, smells, and people at once. And they were all aimed at him.

"Ron, let's just go" Daphne whispered to him, and he felt her warm breath brush his right cheek. He looked to her, and she looked back with her composure in check. She's worried, I can see it in her eyes. Maybe I should just leave, it's better than being smothered by everyone.

"Okay…" Ron nodded, and he turned to leave.

"Mr. Weasley" came Snape's voice, and Ron felt Daphne tense. All the voices stopped, and Snape walked past everyone. "Come with me, I wish to speak with you." Ron looked at the expressionless face of Severus Snape, and he nodded. Snape then turned to everyone else, and he sneered at them. "Don't you all have common rooms to be in?" Snape hissed. "Get out of everyone's way at once." Percy woke up at that, and he noticed that they were clogging the way for other people. Ron missed Percy flying into action because Snape slightly nudged Ron to move towards the Dungeons.

Ron did as he was told, and he left the large group behind. His friends trailed after Snape, while Ron walked ahead of everyone. He was already feeling better, and the cold atmosphere of the dungeons was helping him. Ron's friends turned to leave for the common room, while Ron walked with Snape towards his Office. Snape moved ahead and unlocked the door with a flick of his wand, and he let Ron inside.

"Feel better?" Snape asked suddenly, and Ron looked to him with a blank look.

"I do" Ron admitted.

"Take a seat, I'll get you something to help your nerves" Snape said, his voice still cold despite offering help. Ron took a seat, and he watching Snape pour some sort of Tonic into a glass. Why is he being… nice? He wants something from me, doesn't he? Snape handed him the glass with the light purple Tonic in it.

"What's in this?" Ron asked, and Snape frowned.

"It is not poison, if that's what you're referring to" Snape said with a blunt voice, and Ron blushed a bit.

"I didn't… Sorry" Ron apologized, and then he drank down the Tonic quickly. It was sweet, and really cold. "Woah… That was nice…" Ron breathed out as Snape took the glass from him. "What was that?"

"My own creation" Snape answered. "A Tonic consisting of powdered Moonstone, and Syrup of Hellebore."

"Those are two of the four ingredients used in the Draught of Peace" Ron noted, and Snape turned to face Ron. "You gave me one last year, and I looked into it" Ron shrugged, and Snape smirked slightly.

"Potion Crafting is an art that not many can master" Snape said, his voice almost boastful. "Knowing the properties of the ingredients used is a key factor that determines who's an amateur, and who's a master." And I don't know much about ingredients. I just know which Potion requires which.

"Sir… Why did you pull me away?" Ron asked, his stomach feeling nice and cool. Snape walked over and sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed on Ron's.

"I wished to apologize" Snape stated, and Ron's mouth hung open. "Close your mouth, or are you aiming to catch flies?" Snape snapped, and Ron closed his mouth immediately. Snape breathed out loudly, his greasy hair swaying back and forth. "I am sorry for bringing up… the Entity."

"Oh…" Ron managed as he shifted in his seat.

"I was out of line, and I apologize" Snape apologized. Bloody hell, this is a historic day.

"I accept your apology" Ron responded, and Snape nodded curtly. "And I'm sorry for being so… rude to you when we spoke about the Headmaster's departure." Snape nodded again, and he relaxed into his seat. "He'll be fine, won't he?" Ron asked before he could stop himself. Snape stared at Ron for a few seconds, while Ron cursed his childish inquiry.

"He is not a fool, and he is more powerful than you can imagine" Snape replied. "He may act like some crackpot, but he is the man who defeated Gellert Grindelwald in a three hour long Duel. He is also the man that kept Wizarding England in one piece during the last war, and helped put it back together." Ron nodded, feeling slightly better. "He will be fine, Ronald."

"Thanks" Ron managed a weak smile. He didn't trust Dumbledore completely, but he liked the old man nonetheless. Dumbledore was a constant source of warmth, one that had seen Ron's troubles long before he was diagnosed. And despite Ron's annoyance at Dumbledore's inaction, he was the first person that Ron had thought to turn to about the Future. "He said something rather odd to me before he left."

"What did he say?" Snape asked.

"Something about Harry being the key to the Dark Lord's destruction" Ron replied, and Snape rolled his eyes. "Do you know what he meant by that?"

"You should ask him when he returns" Snape answered, clearly not keen on discussing Harry. He really doesn't like Harry much, does he?

"And if he doesn't?" Ron asked, and Snape frowned.

"He will" Snape replied. "Albus Dumbledore has survived far worse than a weakened Dark Lord."

"This is the Dark Lord" Ron said.

"That's what people said about Grindelwald, and yet, Albus defeated him."

"Alright" Ron nodded, he could do little else but trust Snape on this matter. "Is there anything else, Sir?"

"No" Snape replied, and Ron stood up. "Goodnight, Mr. Weasley."

"You can call me Ron… if you want" Ron suggested, and Snape just stared at him for almost ten seconds. Did I overstep?

"Very well… Ron" Snape said, it sounded slightly forced but Ron didn't mind at all.

"Goodnight, Sir" Ron smiled widely, and Snape frowned slightly at Ron's annoying 'smiling habit',

---

Monday 22th June, 1993 (Pomfrey's Office – After Classes)

"You weren't at the Great Hall yesterday during meal-times" Pomfrey stated. "Is there a reason why?"

"Um… not really" Ron lied, and she just stared at him. Damn, she's onto me. Ron had spent yesterday avoiding people, and so he had spent all day in his room going over notes for next year. Marty had brought him his meals, so he didn't go hungry at least. "Alright… I was avoiding people."

"Did you feel overwhelmed?" Pomfrey asked.

"I had another moment on Saturday" Ron told her, and she nodded in understanding. "I know that I haven't had one in a while, but it just came out of nowhere." Just like Dumbledore's decision to pack his bags and leave.

"That's alright, Ron" Pomfrey assured him. "What matters is that you've handled it without causing too much damage to your routine."

"Daphne said the same thing" Ron smiled, and Pomfrey smiled back. "She was worried that I was going to take it out on everyone, but I just took a nap instead. And then I spent yesterday studying, and now I feel much better."

"Well done, Ron" Pomfrey said in a genuine voice, and Ron patted his own back mentally. "Did you go for your run yesterday?"

"I did, but it was before anyone was even awake" Ron nodded. "Theo and Blaise joined me as usual, they're getting rather good at it." They're all making progress in positive ways. Even Tracey is working hard to improve her Dueling, and she isn't just giving up. I just need to be patient.

"That's good to hear" Pomfrey stated. "Now, let's talk about what's on your mind instead." Ron lay down on the couch, and he relaxed.

"I have thinking about next year, and what it might entail…"

---

Monday 22th June, 1993 (Pomfrey's Office – End of Session)

"Our time is up" Pomfrey stated, and Ron looked to the clock.

"That hour went by fast" Ron said as he sat up, and Pomfrey nodded. He was finally opening up more and more, but the Break had her concerned for his progress.

"Ron, as you know already, the Holidays are coming up" Pomfrey said, and Ron nodded. I had no clue, please tell me more. "And that means that our sessions will have to wait until the next school year starts."

"Oh…" Ron muttered.

"However, if you ever feel the need to talk, I stay at the school during the Holidays" Pomfrey stated, and then she handed Ron a note. "Give this to Professor McGonagall. She is also staying behind during these Holidays, and the note will let her know that you might sometimes use her fireplace to floo into Hogwarts in order to see me."

"So I can just come in whenever I feel… overwhelmed?" Ron asked.

"Yes" Pomfrey smiled. "I would highly recommend that. Though I do volunteer at St. Mungo's on the weekends, so you may need to think about that."

"Thanks, Madam Pomfrey" Ron smiled. "I really appreciate this. And if I don't see you before the Break starts, please enjoy your Holidays."

"Same to you, Ron" Pomfrey smiled back, and Ron made his way out of the Office. She's actually pretty great. I should hand McGonagall this note right now, before I end up forgetting about it. She's probably in her Office, so I'll go straight there. Ron began making his way towards McGonagall's Office, which was on the first floor. But luckily for him, he spotted her near the Entrance Hall. She was scolding a pair of older Ravenclaw girls about 'indecent behavior' in public, and so Ron waited for her to finish. Once the girls were properly reprimanded, they walked off with deep blushes on their faces.

"Professor, may I have a word with you?" Ron asked politely, and McGonagall turned to him with a slight frown.

"Of course, Mr. Weasley" McGonagall nodded, and then she beckoned him to come forward.

"Here" Ron said as he handed over Pomfrey's note, which she began reading immediately.

"I see…" McGonagall stated, and then she fixed her gaze on him. "Mr. Weasley, are you not already able to floo into Professor Snape's Office?"

"Well, yes I am" Ron replied.

"You may continue using that for your needs" McGonagall said. "I will speak to him myself, and explain the situation."

"What if he says no?" Ron asked, and she pursed her lips.

"Has he refused you yet?" she asked, and Ron shook his head. "Then you have nothing to worry about. Now, anything else? I am currently very busy."

"No, that's it" Ron smiled. "Take care, Headmistress." I bet she'll like that. She gave him an odd sort of smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. She knows about Dumbledore's mission, but not of my involvement. I bet she's worried about him too.

"I will see you at dinner, Mr. Weasley" McGonagall said, and then she was gone. Hmmm, now what? I could go to the Sanctuary and practice my Dueling, or I could enjoy the day and relax with my friends. Hmmm… Sanctuary it is. Ron turned to start heading up to the seventh floor, but something caught his eye. It was Ginny, and Harry. They were both wearing their Quidditch gear, and had their brooms with them. But neither of them were talking to each other, which wasn't surprising because Ginny tended to close up near the Boy-Who-Lived. They were coming down the steps, and unfortunately, 'Hawk-eyed Harry' spotted him.

"Ron!" Harry called out, and Ron waved at him. Fuck me, I'm still not up to socializing. Harry hurried down the steps, and Ginny followed after him with her eyes locked onto Ron.

"Where were you yesterday?" Ginny demanded. "Luna was looking for you, but none of us found you. You didn't even come to eat at the Great Hall."

"I was sick" Ron lied. "And bed-ridden. My friends brought me food." Ginny cocked an eyebrow at his response, while Harry saw through Ron's lie. Shouldn't have put in the part about my friends, I'm really not in the mood to deal with people. "Okay, fine… My friends didn't bring me any food."

"Figures" Harry muttered under his breath, but Ron didn't miss it. He did however, choose to ignore it. "I wanted to talk to you about something important, mind if I do it now?" Yes.

"No, mate" Ron smiled. "Go ahead." Harry looked to Ginny at that.

"Can we meet up at the Pitch? I won't be long" Harry said, and Ginny blinked at him. Ginny nodded curtly, and then she looked at Ron with an odd look. And then, Ginny walked off. Ron watched her with a bewildered expression, she was upset about something. She always walks with her nose held up when she's annoyed. What did I do? Harry didn't seem to notice anything out of the ordinary, but Ron knew that his sister wasn't happy about being sent away.

"What did you want to talk about?" Ron turned to Harry.

"Well…" Harry shuffled his feet, and Ron just stared at him.

"Mate, just say it" Ron said gently. "You don't want to keep my sister waiting, trust me." Which you should do, by the way. Ron felt a pang of jealousy, and even anger towards Harry, but he shoved it down. Remember what Daphne and Luna said, this is good for her.

"Did Dumbledore tell you that he was leaving?" Harry asked, and Ron blinked at him. Wait, what?

"No" Ron lied. "I spoke to him before he left, and he was wearing a traveling cloak. I didn't think much of it, but then I heard at dinner that he had left for 'important business'."

"I see" Harry nodded slowly. "What did you talk about?" What's with these questions? Lie, but do it with a casual demeanor.

"Nothing much" Ron shrugged. "He made some lame jokes about playing Chess with me next year, that's all. Oh… And he wanted me to keep representing Hogwarts in any competitions that I competed in." That was good, and he looks like he's bought it. But why is he asking me these questions?

"But you didn't look too surprised when you heard that he had left, I saw you" Harry stated, and Ron just stared at Harry.

"I was just surprised at myself for not realizing it sooner" Ron lied again. "You know, because he was wearing a traveling cloak and talking about next year."

"So you don't know where he went?" Harry asked, he knew that Ron wasn't telling the full truth.

"Some Ministry business, I'd wager" Ron replied, and Harry nodded slowly. "Where do you think he went?" Harry blinked at him, but he didn't reply. "You know something, don't you? C'mon mate, share with the class." What the fuck does he know? And how?

"Hagrid said something about Albania" Harry whispered, deciding to trust Ron. WHAT THE SHITE FUCK?!

"Albania?" Ron said with a confused face, but his confusion came from Harry knowing part of the truth. "Why Albania? The Ministry has no business with them, do they?" Keep talking, I need to know what you know. Fucking Hagrid, why would he tell Harry this? Wasn't this meant to be a secret from the students?

"Hagrid said that they do, and Dumbledore is taking care of it" Harry whispered again, Ron didn't seem to know about Dumbledore's destination. Harry, for some reason, felt elevated because of that. He knew something about Dumbledore that Ron didn't.

"Well, the more you know" Ron put on a smile. "You should head out to my sister before she gets angry, she can be pretty scary when that happens." Harry nodded at that.

"Take care mate, and don't tell anyone what I told you" Harry said with a smile, and then he walked off towards the Pitch. Fuck me, I need to tell Snape about this. Ron turned on his heel, and he all but ran down to Snape's Office. Once he was there, he knocked on the door.

"Come in" came Snape's voice, and Ron went inside and shut the door behind him. "Mr. Weas… Ron, how may I help you?" Snape asked in drawled voice.

"Harry knows about where Dumbledore went" Ron said bluntly, and Snape looked up with a surprised look. And then, the Potions Master sneered.

"You told him?!" Snape demanded, his face contorting in anger.

"I didn't do shite, bloody Hagrid told him" Ron said quickly. "Harry just came up to me and asked me what I knew, and I obviously lied to him. But then he told me that Hagrid told him of where Dumbledore went. He doesn't know why Dumbledore went there, but he does know that the Headmaster is in Albania. And if he knows, then so do Hermione and Neville."

"Damn that gigantic oaf!" Snape snapped, and then he took in a deep breath. "How many times have I told Albus that that moron cannot, and should not, be relied upon? But does he listen? Never."

"Is it that bad that Harry knows?" Ron asked. "I mean, Dumbledore did leave on genuine business right?"

"Genuine business that only the Wizengamot knows about, and us because he trusted us" Snape replied. "If word gets out, and people like Nott Snr hear about it, we'll have another problem on our hands. Albus used the Wizengamot in order to avoid suspicion from the Ministry, and that was fine because former Death-Eaters don't get to be a part of the Wizengamot. There was a reason why he left so quickly, and that was because he didn't want even the Wizengamot questioning him."

"Great" Ron sighed out. "So now what? Harry and his friends know, and they'll definitely tell Sirius and Remus. Hagrid clearly can't be trusted to keep his mouth shut."

"Black and Lupin…" Snape muttered, and then he nodded to himself. "They are both part of the Order, and I can tell them to keep Potter and his toads from asking anymore questions. As for the oaf, I will deal with him when Albus returns. Well done on bringing this to my attention, Mr. Weasley." Ron. Also, Sirius and Remus are a part of the Order. That's fucking wicked. Those two are so bloody awesome.

"Right…" Ron nodded. "Good luck with that, let me know if you need my help with anything." Snape nodded curtly, and Ron left the room. If Dumbledore tells Hagrid about my secrets, I'll be so fucked.

---

Thursday 25th June, 1993 (Great Hall – Cup Ceremony)

Everyone knew that Gryffindor had already won, mostly because the House of Lions was currently making a barbaric amount of noise. Those four hundred points that Harry and Neville had stolen were too much, and nothing could be done about that. The two thieves were currently being patted and praised by everyone on the Gryffindor table, including Ron's siblings. It made Ron sick, and he could feel his anger beginning to bubble. They had stolen from him and his friends, and that was all that Ron could think about right now. They looked so pleased with themselves, especially Potter, who had Hermione and Ginny smiling widely at him.

"Ron, if looks could kill, Potter would be dead right now" Theo whispered, and Ron looked away. "Mate, just don't think about it."

"They stole our credit" Tracey butted in.

"We gave them the credit to protect ourselves" Daphne said firmly.

"No, we didn't take any rewards to protect ourselves" Pansy corrected her. "They, despite being so 'chivalrous', didn't have the decency to admit that we did all the work. All Potter did was say one word."

"It benefited them to accept the reward, and so they did" Blaise said aloofly. "We'd have done the same if we were in their shoes. And it's just a Cup."

"It's the House Cup" Millie frowned. "And we all but handed it to them. That's what annoys me the most about this. We all but assured our own House's loss by involving them."

"We needed Potter to speak Parseltongue" Theo whispered. "Especially after Ron was taken out of the picture."

"May I have your attention please?" McGonagall announced as she tapped her glass with a golden spoon. Everyone quieted down and looked to her, and she gave them all a rare smile. She's just happy that her House won. "Before we begin the Leaving Feast, we have to determine who's won the House Cup this year."

"We already know who…" someone muttered from the Slytherin table, and Ron shook his head.

"Now, here are the points for this year!" McGonagall's voice boomed suddenly. "In fourth place, Hufflepuff with seven-hundred and thirty points! In third place, Ravenclaw with eight-hundred and ninety-five points! In second place, Slytherin with nine-hundred and ten points! And in first place, Gryffindor with one-thousand two-hundred and twenty points!" The moment she finished, the Gryffindors began cheering with deafening intensity. Eight-hundred and twenty points, that's what they should've had. Third place is what they deserved, not the fucking House Cup. "Gryffindor House Wins!" McGonagall announced, and then with a flick of her wand, she turned all the banners into Gryffindor ones.

"Utter nonsense" Ron whispered to himself as he saw the Gryffindors cheering like they had just solved the meaning behind life. Fucking twats. His eyes met the twins', and he cocked an unamused eyebrow at them before looking away. "I'm not really hungry, can I leave?" Ron asked his friends, and they shook their heads.

"Just ignore them please, and eat properly" Daphne said gently, but Ron barely heard her over the Lions shouting. Ron looked over to see Snape giving McGonagall a respectful nod, and that intrigued Ron a bit. They're friends in secret, aren't they? I remember them talking about Lockhart when I was trying to find the Entrance to the Chamber in the dead of night. Mountains of food suddenly appeared before them all, and Ron quietly made his plate. His appetite was increasingly being ruined by their obnoxious cheering, but when they started slamming their goblets on their tables, Ron all but threw away his cutlery.

---

Friday 26th June, 1993 (Hogwarts Express – Midday)

The train shook, and Ron eyes opened. He immediately felt the left side of his head against the compartment wall, and so he sat up with groggy eyes. Blaise was sitting ahead of him, while Daphne sat to his right. They all looked rather glum, but Ron couldn't blame them. Other than Blaise, everyone in the group felt like they were the reason behind Slytherin's loss, and in a way, they were. And it certainly didn't help that the Gryffindors were rubbing it in even now. They were throwing another blasted party in their carriage, and everyone but the Slytherins were invited. Let's all celebrate Slytherin's streak being broken, because they never deserved to have one. I bet that's how they all think. Ron looked at his Rolex, and he frowned. Midday. Damn, I'm feeling a little hungry.

"Do you guys want anything from the Trolley?" Ron asked his friends, but they just shrugged. "My treat." That woke them up, and Ron was slammed with multiple orders that he simply missed. "Um… I caught none of that."

"I caught it" Daphne said, and Ron nodded.

"Let's go?" Ron asked, and he waited for her to leave first. He followed her out, but not before looking to his friends. "Sweets will fix us up" Ron forced a smile, and the girls smiled back. Ron then closed the compartment door, and he turned to Daphne. "Did you really get their orders?"

"Of course" Daphne smirked. "I'm amazing, remember."

"And oh-so-humble" Ron managed an actual smile. "Now, where is…" Ron stopped mid-sentence when he finally noticed that a bunch of Slytherins were loitering the carriage, most of them looking annoyed. What's this?

"Something is wrong" Daphne looked around, and then she called out to some third year girl. "Jenny, what's going on?" The girl named Jenny looked to them with a frown.

"The Trolley is in the Gryffindor carriage, and so we're just waiting for it be sorted out" Jenny replied. "It's been twenty minutes…" Great, now what?

"I guess we'd better wait" Daphne whispered to Ron, but he just frowned.

"I'm hungry, and I don't want to wait" Ron said back, and then he began making his way towards the Gryffindor carriage.

"Ron, wait" Daphne quickly caught up. "Don't go alone, just let the older students figure it out."

"Daph, they're not going to lynch me for wanting some food" Ron rolled his eyes. "Sure, our Houses don't get along. But they won't start anything with me for wanting to eat." And if they do, then I can still use my wand because we're on the Hogwarts Express. Though I will get lynched in the end, so let's hope it doesn't go rotten. "Am I going alone?"

"Ugh… Why are you so stubborn?" Daphne huffed, and Ron smirked.

"I thought you liked that about me?" Ron whispered.

"Not right now, I don't" Daphne frowned. They made their way to the edge of the Slytherin carriage, and they could hear the music blasting from the adjacent Gryffindor carriage. As Ron neared the door, he spotted Carey, Clara, and Samantha by the door. They were talking to each other animatedly, and they looked to be arguing. That's new.

"Hello" Ron greeted, and they looked to him.

"Ron, do you need something?" Carey asked, her voice not as silky as usual. Figures, it's been a disappointing few days.

"I was just heading for the Trolley, don't mind me" Ron said politely, but they stepped in his way.

"Ron, that's the Gryffindor carriage and they're busy" Samantha sighed. "Just give us another ten minutes or so to make a plan, and then you can get your sweets." What plan? Just go there and get them, they aren't demons. I've met a demon, trust me.

"What about the seventh years?" Daphne asked them, and they looked to her. "Why aren't they planning on how to get the Trolley back?"

"No one wants to see their faces" Clara smiled at Daphne. "Their poor leadership lost us the House Cup." Ron fought the urge to flinch, they weren't to blame. I am, and so are my friends. And the thieves who stole our points. Ron felt something stir in his chest, but he smothered it with a deep breath.

"I'm going to go get the Trolley" Ron said as he moved forward, but Carey put a hand on his right shoulder.

"Ron, don't be narrow-minded" Carey said in firm voice. "They aren't alone in there, some Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs are in there too."

"I'm getting something to eat, not walking into a war-zone" Ron blinked, and then he looked to her hand. Remove your hand, or I'll do it for you. She moved her hand back immediately, almost as if she read his mind. "Daph, stay here please. I'll ask the Trolley Lady to come here for us all."

"Thanks" Daphne smiled in gratitude. She may admire his bravery, but she didn't share his lack of self-concern. Ron opened the door, and he headed into the Gryffindor carriage. The first thing he noticed was the overwhelming noise, and the loud cheering. It set his teeth on edge, but he ignored it. All he wanted was some food, and to ask the Trolley Lady to serve the Slytherins who were too scared to come here. Ron felt both annoyed by their irrational fear, and annoyed from the fact that they felt the need to have it at all. The more he thought about it, the more he hated the concept of House Rivalry. This rivalry means nothing, and will help no one when the Dark Lord returns.

Ron side-stepped a few people, most of them blatantly staring at the Slytherin. Ron noticed a fair few Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, but most of them were younger students. They were clearly here to just have a good time, and Ron could relate to that. What he couldn't relate to were the stares that he was getting. They're uncalled for, I just want some damn food. As Ron spotted the Trolley, he also spotted that there was line. The Trolley Lady looked rather happy, mostly because her business was booming. Just get in line, and be polite. Ron got in line, and he ignored the stares and the whispering. The music was still loud enough that Ron couldn't hear anything, but he was grateful for that.

"Ron?" came a voice from next to him, and Ron turned to see Justin Finch-Fletchley just standing there. "What are you doing in here?" Justin looked around with wide-eyes.

"Getting some food" Ron shrugged, and Justin nodded slowly. "And I'm here to ask the Trolley Lady to come to our carriage. A lot of Slytherins want to eat, but they don't feel safe coming here."

"Oh, that's a shame" Justin replied, his eyes still looking at the people staring at Ron.

"Relax, mate" Ron gave him a reassuring smile. "I'll be out of here soon, and there's no need to worry about anything. What are you doing here?"

"Just…" Justin stopped as soon as he started, and Ron nodded in understanding.

"Enjoying Slytherin's loss" Ron said, holding back a deep frown.

"Sorry, but it's been a while since any other House won" Justin smiled sheepishly. "Or that's what I hear anyway."

"You've heard right" Ron sighed. They wouldn't give a shite if we had won, they'd actually be annoyed by it. And yet, here they are. Something once again stirred in his chest, but he once again smothered it with a deep breath. Don't ruin your chances of getting the Trolley by getting angry.

"I'm going to go find Susan and Hannah, they're around here somewhere" Justin said, and then he walked off into the crowd. Damn, it's a tight fit in here. Ron looked back ahead, and he saw Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet in front of him. They were staring at him, and so he gave them a polite smile.

"Hello" Ron greeted them, but they just cocked their eyebrows at him before looking back ahead. Alright then. Didn't they tell me off once for sneaking around on the seventh floor? Oh yeah, they did. It was after Daphne and I fought after Christmas. The move forward was slow, so Ron decided to think about what he wanted to say to the Trolley Lady. I need to be polite, but still a bit forceful. Maybe guilt her with the fact that there are hungry students in the Slytherin carriage. Hopefully, that will…

"I think you're on the wrong carriage, mate" came a humorous voice that Ron didn't recognize, and he looked to his right and saw some random Gryffindor sniggering at him with his friends. Ron recognized the girl in the group as Katie Bell, but he didn't know who the three blokes were. Ron gave him a polite smile, and looked back ahead. Just ignore it, he was probably just joking. I'm the 'Calm Ron' now, the one who doesn't lose his temper without a reason to.

"He didn't hear you, Cormac" one of the boys sniggered.

"I said you're on the wrong carriage, mate" the boy named Cormac said more loudly, and his mates kept sniggering. Ron looked back at 'Cormac', and he studied the boy. He looks like he's a year or two older than me, but we're the same height. I'm definitely in better shape though, but he is slightly larger. Cormac had short, neat blonde hair, and a rather handsome face.

"I'm here for the Trolley, that's all" Ron replied, and he saw Katie Bell nod slowly. "You're Katie Bell, right?" She looks reasonable.

"Me?" Bell asked, and Ron smiled and nodded once. "Yeah, that's me."

"You're on the Gryffindor Quidditch team with my brothers, and you're a good Chaser from what I've seen" Ron said politely, and she smiled back. There, her ego is now sated. Now get your dogs away from me please.

"Well, everyone must look good from what I've seen of your team" Cormac sniggered, and his mates joined him again. Wow. Just slapped Katie Bell in the face, didn't he?

"Thanks, McLaggen" Katie hissed, and then she stepped away from the confused boy. She then looked to Ron. "You should get what you need and be on your way, otherwise you might run into morons who are enjoying themselves too much." McLaggen frowned at the word 'moron', while Ron gave her a polite nod. Katie Bell then walked off to find some better company, while Ron looked back ahead. This damn line won't move.

"Oi, what was that?" McLaggen asked his mates, but none of them replied. "Hey Slytherin, I'm talking to you." Ron looked back at him, his temper flaring at being called 'Slytherin' in such a tone.

"What was what?" Ron asked, and McLaggen frowned deeply. "You insulted your friend, and she left. That's not on me." 'Calm Ron', that's me. Breathe, and mind your own business like Pomfrey taught you. McLaggen's frown deepened, and he went slightly red in the face.

"Yeah, you're done mate" McLaggen said firmly. "Be on your way, this isn't your carriage." Fuck!

"I'm here for the Trolley, and I'll leave once I've gotten what I want" Ron replied, his voice firmer and less polite than before.

"Alright, tell me what you want" McLaggen stepped up a bit. "I'll get it for you, and then you can be on your way."

"Mate, leave him" one of McLaggen's mates said. "He's just here for some sweets, it hardly matters."

"Then I'll get him what he wants so he can leave" McLaggen said, and Ron felt his dislike for this particular Gryffindor rise. No one else cares that I'm here, what's this twat's issue with me?

"I'm also here to ask the Trolley Lady to come to our carriage because a lot of Slytherins are hungry" Ron told them honestly, but that didn't sit well with any of them.

"Right" the guy from before muttered, and then he sat back down with a disbelieving look.

"Why not ask their orders, and get them in one go?" McLaggen asked. I'm not a God, I have a human's memory. Ron looked forward, and he noticed both girls in front of him looking back with some interest. They looked back forward when he looked at them, and that vexed him slightly. Um… Help?

"Too many people" Ron replied, keeping his eyes ahead. He was starting to tense a bit, mostly because McLaggen wouldn't stop pestering him. "Look, I just want some food. Let me have that, and let me talk to her. If she doesn't want to leave, then I won't force her."

"There are more people here, so why would she?" McLaggen chuckled arrogantly.

"Because that's her job" Ron replied, and McLaggen stopped laughing. The Slytherin was right, and she would totally leave the Gryffindor carriage if he asked her to.

"Right, off you go mate" McLaggen ordered, and Ron looked to him with a deadpan look.

"Pardon?" Ron asked.

"I said you're not welcome here, this is a winner's carriage" McLaggen smirked. That hit a nerve with Ron, and he couldn't stop his frown from showing.

"You don't look like a winner to me" Ron retorted. "Just some show-off who probably didn't earn his House a single point." Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson sniggered, and Ron felt rather pleased by that. I'm guessing his House-mates don't like him either. "Judging from their reactions, I'd say that I just hit the mark."

"Ohhh" McLaggen's mates hollered, and the boy went red in the face again.

"He's the little brother of the twins, McLaggen" Johnson turned around. "I'd leave him be if you were smart, or they'll turn your life into a living hell."

"I know who he is" McLaggen spat, clearly getting more vexed by his friends egging him on by laughing at him. "The Weasley who turned traitor and joined Slytherin." 'Calm Ron' can fuck off and die, I'm back! Ron looked at McLaggen with a cold glare, but McLaggen was certainly not backing off. He was surrounded by his House-mates, and Slytherins were notorious cowards. Ron turned his head and cracked his neck, and damn it felt good to do that again.

"I didn't turn traitor, and I don't appreciate you saying so" Ron told him as he turned to face McLaggen. "And if you say something like that again, you can forget about what the twins might do to you, because I'll break your fucking legs myself." Ron's comment seemed to stop all the conversations around them, and because of that, the music slowly died down. Most of the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs didn't understand what was going on, so they started looking around.

"Is that so?" McLaggen sneered.

"I'm guessing you weren't around for the Dueling Club" Ron said, his face expressionless. Johnson and Spinnet frowned deeply at Ron, and then they left to find his brothers.

"I was there, but I'm not Potter" McLaggen said.

"Which is why I won't hold back" Ron glared into McLaggen's eyes. "Get out of my face, I won't warn you again." C'mon cunt, give me a fucking reason to belt you one. I'm no damn traitor, and I've faced far worse than some twat on a winning high.

"Sod off, Weasley" McLaggen stepped in front of Ron, his slightly taller build aligning his nose with Ron's forehead.

"Cormac mate, just leave it" one of his mates said as he put a hand on McLaggen's left forearm, but McLaggen jerked his arm free.

"Sod. Off" McLaggen said more firmly, and Ron pulled his head back and slammed his forehead into McLaggen's nose. There was a horrible crunching sound, and Ron felt his forehead break something on McLaggen face. McLaggen fell on his arse, and began howling in pain instantly. "My fucking nose! Fuck!" Ron just stared at him as people gasped and stepped back from shock, but Ron simply looked to McLaggen's mates. My fucking forehead! Ow!

"Problem?" Ron asked, his heart thumping in his throat. Don't show any weakness, Ron. If he gets up again, put his arse on the ground. And beat the shite out of anyone who steps forwards to defend him. McLaggen's mates just stared at Ron for a moment, and then went to help their friend. Ron turned to the line, and he noticed everyone staring at him. Ron walked forward, his right hand holding his wand in his pocket. The Trolley Lady just blinked at him, and Ron gave her a forced smile. "The Slytherins have been waiting for you for a while, could you please come to our carriage."

"O… Of course" she muttered, but she didn't move.

"Now" Ron ordered with a firmer voice, and she began pushing the Trolley. Keep calm, fucking hell… My chest is about to explode, I need to get the fuck out of here before they lynch me! Ron followed after her, his eyes forward but his mind ready for an attack. Just remember that you have Pandora's Ring with you. If people take their wands out, fucking bolt out of here. As Ron passed McLaggen, who was sitting up looking dazed and in tears, Ron stepped on his ankle for good measure. I'm no traitor, and I'm not some coward either. Remember that. McLaggen winced, and people gasped. And then, Ron left the carriage with the Trolley Lady in front of him.

"Ron, you got…" Clara started excitedly, but she stopped when she saw the Trolley Lady's worried look.

"I get to order first" Ron said, his voice slightly shaky. Calm down, don't show them weakness. But fuck me, I'm so glad that I got out of there. "Daphne, do you remember their orders?" Ron asked, and she nodded with a furrowed brow. Ron gestured her to start, and then he stood next to her.

"I'll… um…" Daphne just stared at the Trolley Lady, but then she forcefully fixed her composure. "I'll have four licorice wands, ten chocolate frogs, three boxes of flavored beans, three cherry pops, and five cauldron cakes." Merlin. Just ask her for the damn Trolley next time.

"I'll take two licorice wands, and a ham sandwich" Ron smiled. "Sorry about my… temper. But he insulted me gravely, and despite my warnings, he refused to back off. Oh… And I'll be paying for us both." Ron then took out his Gringotts Pouch, and he took out ten Galleons which he gave her.

"That's too much" the Trolley Lady told him, a paternal frown on her face. "And don't go around attacking people, it's not polite." Polite? No, I guess it isn't. Daphne tensed at that, and she glared at Ron with genuine anger.

"Please, accept it" Ron said, his voice sounding forced. "And don't leave, or else I'll have to come and get you again." She frowned, but nodded as she took his Galleons.

"Kids these days…" the Trolley Lady muttered in utter disbelief, and then she began piling things into Ron's arms. Okay, this is a bit too much to handle. It's spilling out! Daphne quickly took some of the load, and they both turned to leave.

"What did you do?" Daphne whispered in an angry tone, but he just shrugged.

"Ron, what was that about attacking people?" Carey asked him as she stepped in his way.

"I broke some Gryffindor's nose, and probably sprained his ankle" Ron replied, and she went wide-eyed. Daphne nearly popped a blood vessel from anger right there, but Ron couldn't care less. His heartbeat was finally slowing down, and he had given ample warnings. McLaggen was out of line, and it felt good to let out some anger. There was some inkling of regret that was trying to grow, but Ron killed it immediately. I'm not some traitor, and I refuse to let arseholes get away with saying so. Smug cunt deserved worse.

"Are you insane?" Daphne whispered as they moved past a stunned Carey Ductu.

"He called me a traitor, and despite me telling him to back off, he kept stepping into my face" Ron told her. He felt the need to crack his neck again, and so he did it a little more forcefully than usual. Oh, that's nice.

"So you broke his nose?" Daphne hissed.

"I could have done worse" Ron looked her dead in the eyes, and her expression went from angry to tense immediately. Ron then looked back ahead, and he missed Daphne shuddering. He opened the compartment door, and his friends grinned at seeing all of their orders.

"About time" Theo exclaimed. "Where did you go for them? Diagon Alley?"

"Gryffindor carriage" Ron sighed as he began handing out the orders with Daphne's help.

"What?" Blaise asked, suddenly aware again.

"Yeah, it didn't go well" Ron sighed again.

"He broke someone's nose" Daphne suddenly snapped, once again losing her temper with Ron.

"What?!" most of them exclaimed.

"Ron, what the fuck?" Theo frowned.

"He was a twat, and I warned him to sod off" Ron defended himself. "And I will not hear any of your complaints about it. Just eat the food that you all wanted me to get for you." Ron took his seat at that, and an eerie silence filled their compartment. Not a single 'thank you'… Whatever. I don't care. Ron looked out of the window as he ate his sandwich in silence. His friends started talking after a minute or so, but Ron was excluded from the conversation. Their compartment door suddenly slid open, and Ron looked to see a pissed off Percy glaring at him. Oh shite.

"Get out here, now!" Percy snapped, and Ron stood up slowly and left the compartment. The moment Ron shut the door behind him, Percy was in his face. "What was that?! Answer me right now!"

"What was what?" Ron asked innocently.

"Don't!" Percy warned loudly, his face turning almost purple. Ron spotted the twins, Luna, and Ginny behind Percy, and the Trio behind them. Wow, he brought everyone with him. "I just fixed McLaggen's nose and right ankle, and all but begged him to not take this any further! What were you thinking?!"

"He called me a traitor in regards to our family, and I did warn him to back off" Ron replied, and he decided that he wasn't going to apologize for McLaggen's behavior. Or his own. "I warned him, his friends warned him, and so did Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson. He was looking for a fight, and he found one. Just ask them."

"We did" the twins said together.

"Percy, leave him alone" Fred said, much to Ron's surprise.

"McLaggen is a tosser to everyone, and everyone told us that he started it" George added. The twins grinned at Ron, and he smiled in return.

"We'll be taking care of him from now on" the Twins said together, and Percy turned his glare to them.

"Shut up!" Percy yelled, something that made the twins go wide-eyed. "You encouraging his behavior is not helping."

"Percy, please calm down" Ginny muttered meekly. All I wanted was a damn sandwich, and now I'm standing out here and listening to this shite. The twins know that I'm right, but Percy is too rigid to see that Family trumps rules. Ron turned his head again, and this time the crack was sickeningly loud. Ron almost melted from how good it felt to let loose for a change.

"Ron, don't" Luna suddenly stepped up to him, and then she turned to Ron's siblings. "Leave, now. I'll talk to him, alright?" There was an urgency in her voice that stunned everyone, including Ron. "Go!"

"This isn't over" Percy frowned at Ron. "I'll be telling mother and father about this, I promise you."

"Fine" Ron replied. "But Perce… You should learn to put your Family before your need to suck up to authority figures… Or I'll teach you that lesson myself." Percy went wide-eyed at that, and even the Trio gave Ron guarded looks. And you three can fuck right off. I don't need you telling me how you would've handled it, I already know that kidnapping someone is your first response.

"Ron, stop it" Luna turned to him, and she grabbed his gloved hand and tugged him away from everyone. Ron made sure that Percy had heard him clearly, and judging by his stunned look, he had. There is a time to kiss arse, and a time to stand by your Family. If he doesn't learn that before the war, then I'll beat it into him. Luna dragged Ron towards the Ravenclaw carriage, and they both went inside. It was relatively abandoned, mostly because of the Gryffindor party.

"Luna, where are you taking me?" Ron asked, his voice coming out harsher than planned. Fuck. "Sorry…"

"Don't be angry, please" Luna pleaded, and then she turned to face him. Ron blinked at her, but she gave him a rather worried look. Ron decided that he preferred her aloof expression more. And then, she hugged his middle tightly. Oh shite, my back…

"Luna…" Ron sighed out, and then he slowly put his arms around her. Bloody hell, she's so small. "What's come over you?"

"Just stop being angry, let it go" Luna spoke into his chest, and Ron shifted uncomfortably. He then spotted some people look his way, but they looked away when they saw who it was. Everyone knew of Ron being Luna's 'brother', mostly because she told everyone with ears.

"Luna, people are around" Ron gave her a light squeeze, and she let go. But she grabbed his gloved hand again, and dragged him into an empty compartment. What the hell? "Luna, what is going on with you?"

"I want to talk to you" Luna said as she sat down, and then she patted the seat next to her. Ron bit back the urge to frown, and he sat down slowly. "Are you alright?"

"Am I alright?" Ron asked, and she nodded. "Luna, I'm fine."

"Really? That's a lie" Luna blinked at him, her expression slowly becoming aloof again.

"No, it isn't" Ron said with forced politeness.

"People who are alright don't attack other people, and then act like it's nothing" Luna stated. "Everyone was shocked into disbelief, but you're too calm."

"Too calm?" Ron blinked. Is this her crazy 'Xeno' side? Merlin, I'm not up for that right now.

"Too calm" Luna nodded. "Violence is never the answer, Ron. Mum will be shocked when she hears about what you did, just like I was." You don't look shocked? And sometimes violence is the answer, especially for cunts like him. Are you going to hug a Death-Eater into submission?

"He deserved it" Ron looked away from her, his voice becoming hard. "I warned him over and over again, but he kept running his mouth. It isn't my fault that he's weak."

"Weak?" Luna muttered, and then she frowned at Ron for the first time. "Ronald Weasley, no more of this!" Ron jumped a little because of her high-squeaked yell, and he looked at her with a bewildered look. What the fuck was that? She then patted her lap firmly, an adorable frown on her face.

"What?" Ron just stared at her, and she patted her lap again and frowned more deeply. DON'T LAUGH AT HOW CUTE SHE LOOKS!

"Put your head here" she ordered, and Ron just stared at her. "Now!" My eardrums! Ron slowly put his head down on her lap, and he put his legs up on the seat. Um… This is weird, and I'm getting up. Ron tried to sit up, but she pulled his head back down. Ow, my neck. Don't yell at her. Breathe… Ron found himself facing the seat in front of him, his head resting on Luna's slightly uncomfortable lap. She was small, and a bit skinny, so her lap wasn't all that soft. She suddenly started giving his head a massage, her nails scratching his scalp in a manner that made him tense at first, but then relax completely. Oh, this feels nice. Shame about my hairstyle though, but still… Hmmm.

"Luna, what's this?" Ron asked with a more gentle voice, he was almost purring.

"When I get angry, mum does this to make me calmer" Luna hummed. Luna gets angry? I'd love to see that. Ron fought back a chuckle. Luna began humming a tune that Pandora always hummed when she was painting, and Ron just lay there. I hope no one walks in, it'll be so hard to explain this. But her nails feel great on my head. Hmmm.

---

Ten Minutes Later

Ron was struggling to stay awake, and Luna's humming wasn't helping. He was being lulled into sleep, but he didn't fight back at all. Her nails were now scratching the back of his neck and head, and every so often Luna leaned down and kissed his head. It was great to spend some time with her, and Ron had completely forgotten about his earlier actions. He wasn't angry, or vexed in any way. He was just… sleepy. But he had to tell her something important, something that he needed her to believe.

"I'm not a traitor" Ron whispered, and Luna stopped momentarily before starting again.

"I know" Luna smiled widely, but Ron had already closed his eyes at that point.

---

Friday 26th June, 1993 (Hogwarts Express – Evening)

"Ron, the train's stopped" came Luna's voice, and Ron stirred. "Wake up please." Ron opened his groggy eyes, and he sat up. Ugh… My head. Ron looked to Luna, and he saw her smiling at him. "We're here, so you should go and get your trunk."

"I fell asleep?" Ron asked as he yawned.

"You slept the whole way" Luna hummed, and Ron remembered everything. "My feet are tingly now."

"Sorry" Ron chuckled, but Luna just shrugged.

"Do you feel better?" Luna asked, and he gave her a slow nod.

"I do… Thank you" Ron said softly, and then he stood up and stretched.

"Your friends came, and so did your siblings" Luna informed him.

"Our siblings" he corrected her without a second thought.

"Our siblings" she repeated with a smile. "They all came, and left after seeing you asleep. Percy wanted to wake you up in order to talk to you, but the twins got really serious and told him to leave you alone." They did? Wow, that's new.

"Did Harry, Hermione, and Neville come?" Ron asked as he opened the compartment door.

"They did, but they left pretty quickly" Luna replied as she got up on legs that were asleep.

"Need help?" Ron asked, and she shook her head.

"I'm fine" Luna hummed. "I'll see you outside, alright?"

"Right" Ron nodded, and then he left for the Slytherin carriage. Ron made his way to the compartment that he had been sharing with his friends, and he noticed them stepping out. Blaise had Ron's trunk in one hand, and his own in the other. "Hello" Ron greeted them, and they sighed in relief when they saw him.

"Here, take your trunk" Blaise said as he handed Ron his trunk. "Was worried that I'd have to carry this around for you while you napped away."

"How are you feeling?" Tracey asked.

"Really sleepy" Ron shrugged, and she nodded. Ron then stepped back, and he gestured his friends to move out. "We can talk outside. Right now we're just blocking other people's way." They nodded, and started making their way out. Ron didn't miss Daphne narrowing her eyes at him, and he figured that she was still annoyed with him for belting McLaggen. Ron decided to wait before talking to her, mostly because he didn't want to fight with her in the middle of the Slytherin carriage.

"Ron, clear the goop in your eyes" Blaise told him, and he blinked at his friend's back before doing as he was told. "My mother might be dropping by to 'surprise me', and meet you at the same time."

"This again" Ron sighed. "What do I say?"

"Be polite, and accept her invitation if she makes one" Blaise shrugged, and Ron nodded. They stepped off of the train, and then turned to each other.

"This is goodbye then" Theo drew in a deep breath. "For the time being, at least."

"Remember to come over to mine whenever you want" Daphne told them, and they all nodded. "I'll arrange some things, and maybe we can spend a few days at the Manor together."

"Please do" Pansy all but pleaded. "I'd rather not waste my Holidays listening to mother's nagging."

"Just come to mine if you need" Millie offered, and Pansy nodded firmly. Ron saw people passing by them, and a few of them shot him wary looks. I'm guessing word got around.

"Do we all hug now?" Tracey joked, and they all sniggered.

"Take care you lot, we'll meet up at Daphne's soon" Ron told them, and then they all began parting ways. Ron and Daphne walked in the same direction, but they didn't speak. That is until Daphne got sick of it, and she shot him a glare.

"Idiot" Daphne said, and Ron chuckled involuntarily. "Don't laugh at me."

"I'm not" Ron controlled himself, but just barely. "It's just how you blurted that word out that made me laugh."

"McLaggen's family is influential in Wizarding England, Ron" Daphne said, her composure back in place. "His uncle works in the Ministry, and commands a lot of respect."

"Shame that he didn't teach his nephew that 'respect'…" Ron retorted. "I'm not apologizing for hitting him. He was warned by everyone around him, and no one came to help him after except for his mates. Now can we please not argue about this here? I'll be coming over for work tomorrow, and we can talk about it then."

"What's there to talk about?" Daphne nearly frowned at him. "We can't go back in time and stop you from being dropped on your head as a baby." Ron sniggered at that, but Daphne was dead-serious.

"Does this mean that I'm uninvited from the slumber party?" Ron asked, and Daphne rolled her eyes.

"No, but we won't be talking during it" Daphne told him, and Ron shrugged again.

"I'll just spend my time with Asto…"

"I'll kill you if you finish that sentence" Daphne warned him, and Ron grinned to himself. Ron then spotted his family, and Daphne's family. Together… "What's this?"

"I don't know" Ron replied slowly, and he saw that his siblings weren't here yet. "Mum, dad!" Ron called, and they looked to him and smiled widely. Ron and Daphne approached their families, both of them questioning their families' behavior.

"Father, mother, Tori" Daphne greeted them with a formal curtsy, and then she looked to Ron's parents. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, it's a pleasure to see you again." Molly Weasley smiled a little too widely for Ron's liking, and then she hugged Daphne tightly. WHAT THE FUCK?!

"Hello, dear" Molly said to Daphne, and then she let the bewildered girl go. But Tori took Molly's spot right after, and Daphne was once again occupied. Ron looked to his own father with a confused look, but Arthur just smiled at Ron.

"Dad, explain this?" Ron whispered.

"We met them here, and invited them to dinner tonight" Arthur replied as he gave Ron a paternal one-armed hug. "Sirius and Remus are also coming with Harry, as are the Lovegoods with Luna. We'll be eating outside, of course." Wait, Daphne and Tori are coming to our house? Some odd sort of panic engulfed him, and he suddenly felt rather self-conscious. Sure, Daphne had been in their Dining Room before, but now she might see his room. And that fucking ghoul!

"That's great" Ron forced on a smile, and his father chuckled. Ron then looked to Mary and Lord Greengrass. "Lord and Lady Greengrass" Ron greeted them politely, and they greeted him back.

"Oh, Ronnie" Molly suddenly hugged him tightly, and Ron nearly screamed when he saw Daphne and Tori snigger. There were stopped by their parents, but they were still rather amused. RONNIE?! NO! "How have you been, love? Look at you" Molly let him go and then eyed him with distress. "You've grown so much! But you're getting a bit gangly."

"Mum, please stop" Ron's ears turned red, and he flushed when Daphne mouthed the word 'Ronnie'. NO! She's going to tell all our friends too! "And I'm not 'gangly', I'm in good shape."

"Of course you are, dear" Molly petted his cheeks, and he felt like he was two years old again. Ron's siblings started showing up after that, and Molly Weasley embarrassed them all one by one. Ron slunk away towards Lord Greengrass during this.

"My Lord, are you really coming over tonight?" Ron asked, and Lord Greengrass smirked.

"Of course, Ronnie" Lord Greengrass replied humorously, and Ron sighed deeply. Even him? Great. "Who am I to refuse such an invitation? Although… it sounded more like a command than an invitation."

"That's my mum for you" Ron shrugged.

"She has taken a strong liking to Daphne, by the way" Lord Greengrass told him, his smirk still in place. "Especially after you had your seizure, and Daphne all but carried you to safety." Oh… Now that explains the hug.

"That's… good…" Ron said slowly, and Lord Greengrass patted his back firmly.

"Stop being so tense, Ronnie" Lord Greengrass said. "We're all going to finally taste your mother's cooking tonight. Your father spent ten minutes talking it up, so I'm very excited." Kill me, please. You hear that Entity? Fucking end me. Ron looked at Mary talking to her daughters, she was no doubt giving them instructions.

"There he is!" came a particularly happy voice, and Ron's face broke into a wide smile. Ron turned to see Sirius marching up to him, while Remus and Harry were behind him. Remus had an arm around Harry, and the two were talking animatedly.

"Sirius!" Ron greeted, and then both gave each other a firm hug.

"Look at you, pup" Sirius smiled as he looked Ron up and down. "What do they feed you down there in Slytherin?"

"I'm not that tall" Ron grinned arrogantly, and Sirius barked out a laugh.

"Humble, aren't you?" Sirius laughed.

"Ron, it's good to see you" Remus greeted him, and Ron gave the man a firm hug as well. Ron noticed Harry staring, no doubt because of what Ron had done earlier. "Oh, stronger than you look" Remus chuckled after Ron gave him a tight squeeze.

"I hear you're all coming over for dinner tonight" Ron said to Sirius and Remus, and they smiled widely.

"Your mum's cooking is just… divine" Sirius grinned. "I eat there pretty much every day anyway. Beats the shite that Remus puts together any day." Ron and Harry sniggered at that, while Remus frowned at Sirius.

"You burnt our kitchen down, which is why we eat there all the time" Remus glared, but Sirius just shrugged.

"Ron, we're heading off for now" Lord Greengrass came up from behind Ron. "We'll see you tonight."

"Certainly" Ron turned around, and nodded firmly. "Take care, my Lord." Lord Greengrass then began leaving with his family, but not before Tori ran up and hugged Ron tightly.

"See you tonight, Ronnie" Tori giggled, and then she followed after her family. Damn you Mum, damn you…

"Hmmm" Sirius hummed, and Ron shot him a frown.

"Don't even say it" Ron warned him, but he just grinned.

"Sirius, behave" Remus sighed out.

"I haven't said shite" Sirius chuckled. "You two are the ones who have your minds in the gutter."

"So the Greengrass family is coming over tonight as well?" Harry asked suddenly, and they all looked to him.

"It appears so" Sirius smiled, and then he moved over and put his arm around Harry. "How about we head home too?"

"Can we please? I need to use the loo" Harry smiled, and Ron himself smiled at the sight before him. He was glad that Harry didn't have to go back to those Muggles that kept him locked up, Ron could never forget that. They had him locked away like an animal. Disgusting bastards.

"We'll see you tonight, cub" Remus gave Ron's right shoulder a squeeze, and then they too left. Ron rejoined his family, and he noticed that the Lovegoods were here too.

"Pandora" Ron smiled widely, she was talking to her husband about something that was clearly amusing. Ron walked up to her, and when she turned to him, he hugged her tightly.

"Hello, Ron" Pandora hugged him back, her hand rubbing his back. "You just keep getting bigger, don't you?" Ron squeezed her tightly, and she let out a chuckle.

"I've missed you terribly" Ron whispered.

"I've missed you too" Pandora whispered back, and Ron let her go. He was slightly taller than her now, and she was rather happy to see that.

"Hello Ron, how are you?" Xeno asked, and Ron smiled widely.

"Same as usual" Ron shrugged, and then he gave Xeno a quick hug. "Are you all coming tonight?"

"We are" Xeno replied. "Have to celebrate you children coming home safely, don't we?" Well, it has been a dangerous year. So I guess that's fair.

"Come, love" Pandora said suddenly. "I want to help Molly prepare, so we don't have much time to get Luna ready." She then looked to Ron with a motherly smile, and she put a soft hand on his right cheek. "I'll see you tonight, alright?"

"Of course, Pandora" Ron smiled back, and she patted his cheek before turning to leave. The Lovegoods quickly left after that, but only because they'd be seeing the Weasleys in an hour or so. That's when Ron finally spotted Percy talking with their father, and Arthur Weasley was looking rather pale. He told them, didn't he? Right before this big dinner too. Ron looked over to see his mother fretting over Ginny, and he figured that Percy had only told their father.

"This… is going to be a long dinner…" Ron muttered to himself, and then he walked over towards his family.

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AUTHOR'S NOTES: So here you guys go! This will be my last update for about a month, and I'll start the Holiday Arc when my Holidays start. Kind of cool, right?

See you guys in a month! (I will miss you all)