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.

63. Chapter 63 - A Golden Idea

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 63 is finished, somehow... I'm juggling a million things at once, it's quite crazy!

Please Enjoy!

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

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

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Fate

Chapter 63 – A Golden Idea

Sebastian Greengrass' POV

Friday 24th July, 1993 (Albanian Ministry – Midday)

Lovegood's trial was about to be held, and because of that, the entire Albanian Ministry was filled to bursting. Diplomats from all around Europe were here to attend the meeting of the International Confederation of Wizards, and they had each brought their own team of journalists with them. The Albanian Aurors had their hands full keeping everyone at bay, while the Ministry workers ran from point to point. All in all, it was complete mayhem.

Sebastian, Black, and Lupin hadn't made things any easier either. They had managed to squeeze in roughly five-hundred people from the Magical settlements, just to make a point of Lovegood's innocence. They even planned to make a scene once Lovegood was being transferred through the Atrium. None of them were allowed into the Courtroom of course, so Sebastian wanted to make use of the journalists on the other side of the Atrium.

"Remember people, when they bring out Xeno, start making noise" Black told the people around them. "Pass that around, make sure that everyone knows it." Black then looked to Sebastian with a grin, looking rather excited for a man whose friend was on trial. "We'll make enough noise for them to hear us in their Courtroom, that's for certain."

"Just enough noise for those journalists to hear will do" Sebastian said, watching people pass on Black's message. I should have brought ear-plugs.

"Is this wise?" Lupin suddenly asked. "We are inciting a mob at Xenophilius' trial… I don't want to do anything to hurt his case."

"We're not hurting his case, we're helping build it" Black assured his friend. "And it's too late now, I've already sent the word out."

"They're bringing him out!" came a woman's voice, and everyone looked to the lifts. Ajola Smith came out with three of her Aurors behind her, and right in the middle of them was Lovegood, his injuries perfectly healed. Damn, I was hoping that they wouldn't heal his injuries.

"Sly buggers" Black snarled, looking to the people from the settlements. Black then signaled them to start making a scene, while Lupin and Sebastian mentally prepared themselves. This could get rough.

"XENOPHILIUS!" people began cheering, taking even Lovegood by surprise. The eccentric man just stared at the mob with widening eyes, while the Aurors brandished their wands. Please throw out some Curses, that'll save us an entire trial.

"HE SAVED US!"

"HE CAME BACK FOR US!"

"GET THOSE CUFF OFF OF HIM, YA BASTARDS!"

"WHERE ARE THE TRUE CULPRITS?!"

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THE MINISTRY DOING ABOUT OUR HOMES?!"

Sebastian felt someone run into his back, and he braced himself on Lupin's arm. Lupin quickly pulled him out of the way with surprising strength, and a large crowd of people rushed through where Sebastian had been. The entire mob was rushing towards the Magical Barrier, yelling and screaming for 'True Justice'. The Aurors all strengthened the shield, the mob's sudden frenzy completely taking them by surprise.

"LET HIM GO, YOU CUNTS!" Black yelled, grinning like a mad-man. "START THROWING THINGS!" What? Some angry young lad grabbed a nearby bin and hurled it at the Magical Barrier, and others began following his lead. And before Sebastian knew it, people were throwing furniture and anything else that they could get their hands on.

"HE'S INNOCENT!"

"IF YOU HAD LISTENED TO US, THEN OUR FORESTS WOULDN'T HAVE BURNED!" There was a loud uproar at that, and people starting banging on the Magical Barrier. The journalists, much to Sebastian's joy, were frantically taking photos of the scene. It's working! Sebastian then saw a man to his left try and remove his wand, and Sebastian immediately grabbed his hand.

"No Magic!" Sebastian yelled at the man. "Don't give them a reason to blame this on Lovegood!" The man blinked, and then nodded dumbly. "Find anyone else who might be getting ideas, and stop them!" The man nodded fervently, rushing off with his mates to do as he was told.

"It's working!" Lupin yelled over the mob, and both Sebastian and Black nodded at him. Lovegood was just staring at the mob, a smile creeping onto his face. But the moment he stopped moving, one of the Aurors pushed him forward. Lovegood stumbled a bit, but he didn't fall over.

"THIS IS ABUSE OF POWER!"

"THIS TRIAL IS A SHAM! WHY AREN'T YOU HELPING US SMALL-FOLK?!"

"SET HIM FREE!" some woman yelled, and people began yelling the same thing.

"SET HIM FREE!"

"SET HIM FREE!"

"SET HIM FREE!"

"SET HIM FREE!" Lupin and Black joined them, yelling at the top of their lungs. Set him free so I can go home to my wife and daughters. I never want to set foot in this country again. Sebastian suddenly felt someone nudge him, and he looked over to see Black gesturing him to join them. Sebastian drew in a deep breath, and then he yelled at the top of his lungs.

"SET HIM FREE!"

---

Albus Dumbledore's POV

Friday 24th July, 1993 (Albanian Ministry – Midday)

The Courtroom was ablaze with chatter, the sounds of a mob had put everyone on edge. Everyone but Dumbledore of course, who was rather pleased with the idea of a mob trying to help Xenophilius. It would make his job easier, and he'd be able to keep his word to Pandora. She'd have her husband back by the end of the weekend, he'd make sure of it.

The last week had been difficult, to say the least, and Albus had once again been reminded that his 'good intentions' didn't always mix well with his multiple positions of power. The destruction of the Forests, and all the life within them, weighed heavily upon his conscience. Not to mention the other debacles; Xenophilius' temporary imprisonment, Tom escaping once again, a potential Muggle-Wizard war looming over them all, Severus' anger towards him, and Ronald's power being lost to them. Too much had gone wrong too quickly, and Albus knew that he was to blame.

Severus had been right all along, Albus had been driven into a panic by Ronald's warning. He didn't like to admit it, but everything relating to Ronald and his powers scared Albus. He wanted to understand the 'Entity', and the other Forces like it, but it was all just too much for him. So Albus had aimed his fear at Tom, hoping to change his focus onto something that he could understand. But Tom had reached levels of madness not thought possible by even Albus. What he did to that boy… What he's done to himself… There can be no forgiveness for that.

"We ought to do something about that mob, Albus" Fudge whispered, standing up from his seat to Albus' right. "They'll break into here before long…"

"Calm yourself, Cornelius" Albus said gently, smiling in an assuring way. "Minister Shala's Aurors will do their duties without fail, of that I'm certain." Albus then looked to Agron Shala, who was seated to Albus' left.

"They will" Agron assured Fudge, his voice almost strained. How long has it been since he's had a proper rest? Probably not since the Inferno. The entrance to the Courtroom opened, and Albus smiled when he heard the yelling, which was shortly followed by the sight of Xenophilius and his escorts. The Aurors quickly shut the large door behind them, and then they began casting Noise-Canceling Charms as Xenophilius was escorted to the middle of the room by Ajola Smith.

Xenophilius was placed on the wooden chair in the middle of the room, and all the diplomats began eyeing him critically. Xenophilius averted his gaze, no doubt uncomfortable with the unwanted attention that he was getting, and Albus found himself feeling rather regretful once again. But he refused to look away from Xenophilius, the man who was paying for Albus' mistakes. Ajola Smith used her wand to summon Magical Binds, which quickly attached themselves to Xenophilius' ankles, wrists, and neck.

"Is there really a need for that?" Albus asked Ajola, utter silence following in wake of his voice. Ajola didn't seem to be fazed by the question, while Xenophilius looked up at Albus with a hopeful look. Albus could it see it in the man's eyes, his need to go home to his family, and that twisted a knife in Albus' gut.

"We are in their Courtroom, Albus" Fudge whispered again, shooting an apologetic look towards Shala. A look that was met with slight confusion from Shala's end.

"Ajola, undo the binds" Shala ordered with a mild-mannered voice. "Mr. Lovegood is not a danger to anyone in this room." Ajola gave a curt nod before doing as her Minister had commanded, while Albus gave Shala a grateful nod. He believes Xenophilius' innocence. Good.

"Thank you, Minister" Xenophilius piped up, rubbing his sore neck. The binds had been so tight that Xeno feared that he wouldn't be able to speak.

"Wizards and witches of the International Confederation of Wizards, we will now commence the Hearing of Xenophilius Lovegood" Albus announced, looking to all the diplomats on the benches. They each nodded, keen to get this meeting started. "Minister Shala has informed me that Veritaserum was used to interrogate Mr. Lovegood when he was first brought in, and therefore, we will not be using it at this hearing. We already have a detailed account of Mr. Lovegood's actions, and any inconsistencies will be followed up immediately. Are there any objections to this?"

"Nay!" Good. Veritaserum only catches people out who know that they're lying. I made the right call by Obliviating and altering his memories.

"Excellent, then let us convene" Albus said, looking to Xenophilius. You will be home before you know it, I promise. "Mr. Lovegood, why were you in the Albanian Forests on the night of the Inferno?"

"I was looking into the deaths of several Unicorns, Supreme Mugwump" Xenophilius replied. "I heard a rumor that many Unicorns had been murdered within the Forests, and I was there to find evidence for my Magazine; the Quibbler."

"What kind of evidence?" a witch asked.

"Pictures, accounts from the locals… that sort of evidence" Xenophilius replied, still choosing to either avert his gaze or look only to Albus. "I wanted to raise awareness about Unicorn slayings…"

"I would ask if you have any witnesses, but I feel that that would be redundant" Albus said, trying to remind Xeno that he wasn't alone. That he had a mob preaching his innocence just outside this very room. It seemed to work a little, judging from Xenophilius' humble smile.

"Walk us through these events" Fudge ordered. "How did you hear such a rumor when even the Albanian Ministry was unaware of such a thing?"

"With all due respect Minister Fudge" Shala jumped in. "We did have several reports from the locals within that area, but our investigations were not fruitful. We decided that the rumors were baseless…" He is owning up to his own Ministry's failings in front of all the diplomats.

"Go on, Mr. Lovegood" Albus said, deciding that he liked the middle-aged Albanian Minister.

"I have… I have contacts all over the World" Xenophilius explained. "People who, like myself, love the creatures of this World. We often discuss known, and unknown, creatures together…"

"And you have one of these contacts within Albania?" a wizard asked.

"No, Sir…" Xenophilius shook his head. "My friend, Mr. P., told me of these rumors."

"Mr. P.?" another wizard asked.

"We use pen-names, Sir" Xenophilius replied, Albus could see the sweat on his forehead. "Our views are not always met with… enthusiasm… Once I read his letter, I shared it with my wife and daughter. At their request, I came to Albania…"

"So your wife and daughter sent you here?" Fudge asked. "You yourself had no desire to come to Albania?"

"I did, and I did not" Xenophilius replied slowly. "My wife is with child, and I did not wish to leave her side, but my wife and daughter wanted to help raise awareness about the Unicorn murders as well. So they asked me to look into it. That is how I found myself in Albania…" Soft chatter broke out amongst the diplomats, who were no doubt discussing Pandora's pregnancy. Exactly. Why would a man who has a child on the way do something like this?

"Did you know of his wife's pregnancy?" Fudge whispered to Albus, and Albus felt a strong pang of guilt.

"How could I have, Cornelius?" Albus asked in return, and then he looked to the diplomats. "We will continue the Hearing, so please quiet down." The chatter died immediately, and many sympathetic looks were sent towards Xenophilius. "Tell us what happened once you reached Albania?"

"I travelled around Muggle Albania for a few days in order to better understand Albanians customs and traditions, I did not wish to stand out too much" Xenophilius replied. "After that, I began traveling to the various settlements near the Forests' borders. Many locals were wary of me, but a few were kind enough to tell me to stay away from the Forests. They told me that something Dark was happening within the Forests…"

"Something Dark?" a witch asked, looking towards Albus for a second. "Are you referring to the ritualistic killings of the Unicorns?"

"I am, Miss." Xeno replied. "I eventually met a man… John Proctor…" Xeno choked slightly, and Albus knew why. In order to cover his tracks, he had made a memory of 'John's' death in Xenophilius' mind. It had been a cruel thing to do, but it was necessary because so many locals had seen them together. "He was a traveling wand-for-hire, and we joined forces in order to help one another… Two head are better than one…" Xeno repeated his dead friend's words, his voice pained and filled with sorrow.

"And what happened to this 'John Proctor'?" Fudge asked. "Did he die in the Inferno?"

"He did…" Xenophilius replied, looking down at his lap. "His shield gave out… But it bought me enough time to apparate away…" Xenophilius hated thinking about John's death, and yet he had spent a majority of his time within Albanian custody grieving for his companion. His brave companion, who had lost his life, but managed to save Xeno's in the process.

"Tell us of this Cult" an African wizard requested. "What kind of rituals were they performing?"

"Dark, and disturbing, ones" Xeno replied. "They were harvesting the organs from the Unicorns that they murdered, and then leaving the carcasses hanging from the trees. It had an odd effect on the Forests… The other creatures were terrified, so much so they simply hid in their burrows or nests. No birds sang, and we couldn't even hear the insects."

"By the Moon…" the African wizard muttered, shaking his head in disgust.

"They were defiling the land…" a witch all but hissed. "How did the Albanian Ministry not find any clues? How did Mr. Lovegood and Mr. Proctor succeed where your entire Ministry failed?"

"We believe that our Aurors fell victim to Confundus Charms…" Shala replied. "And… And a thorough search was never implemented…"

"You ignored your own people, and now we all face a war because of it" a German wizard accused. "The Statute of Secrecy is severely…"

"That is enough" Albus stepped in. "We are here for Mr. Lovegood's Hearing, not to point fingers at who failed to do what." The room fell back into silence, and Albus used that opportunity to push the Hearing on. "Mr. Lovegood, tell us of your encounter with the Cult."

"It happened at night…" Xeno started, looking back into his 'memories'. "John and I buried one of the Unicorn carcasses that we found, and as we searched for a place to camp, we happened upon the Cult."

"Do you remember their attire? Anything that could help us find them?" Fudge asked.

"They wore red robes…" Xeno tried to remember. "I'm sorry… It was all just a blur…"

"His memories are somewhat damaged, but that can be explained by the trauma he suffered" Shala said, and Albus fought the urge to breathe out a breath of relief. I was scared that someone might catch onto my work, but it seems that it all worked out. "Go on, Mr. Lovegood."

"They spotted us, and a Duel broke out amongst us" Xenophilius started. "John and I held our own, and when the tide began to turn in our favor, one of the Acolytes cast the Fiendfyre… I don't think that he knew what he was doing, nor did he understand what sort of Curse he was unleashing upon us all… He died immediately after casting it, his own Flames burned him alive. John and I tried to run, but we couldn't outrun the Flames… So John put up a shield to protect us… But it wasn't enough…" Xenophilius finished with a sniffle. "I saw him die as I apparated away…"

"Why didn't you both apparate away?" Fudge asked.

"One of the Cultists cast an anti-apparition ward around us" Xenophilius replied, looking back down at his lap. "I undid it while John held the Flames at bay… If I had been a little faster, a little more skilled, we could have both lived…" Albus hid his shame, while the other members of the Confederation respected Xenophilius' pain.

"You apparated back to one of the settlements?" a witch asked, and Xeno nodded weakly.

"I had to warn them of the Inferno that was coming for them" Xenophilius replied. "They joined forces with me in order to save their homes, while some of the more experienced wizards and witches apparated to nearby settlements in order to spread the word. We fought the Inferno all night…"

"Your bravery will not be forgotten, Mr. Lovegood" Shala said, truly grateful that a foreigner had chosen to help his people when he himself had failed to do so.

"And the mob outside… It consists of these locals?" a witch asked, and Shala nodded. "I believe that I have heard enough, and so have the others…" The other diplomats nodded, they now knew for certain that Xenophilius had just been at the wrong place at the wrong time.

"Then let's take a vote" Albus said, giving Xenophilius a kind smile. "All in favor of conviction?" Not a single hand was raised, and Xenophilius was visibly relieved. "All in favor of clearing the accused of all charges?"

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Friday 24th July, 1993 (The Burrow – Dinnertime)

There was dead silence in the house, and it was only broken by the sounds of cutlery. Pandora and Luna were the most on edge out of all of them, but that was completely understandable. Xenophilius' trial was held today, and not a single word about the outcome was known. Ron himself was extremely tense, but he was adamant about the fact that Dumbledore would save Xeno. That old fool had put Xeno in danger, and by Merlin, he'd better succeed at pulling Xeno back out. Because if he didn't… then somewhere down the line, Ron was going to kill him.

It wasn't just the fact that Dumbledore had broken his promise that angered Ron, it was the fact that Dumbledore wasn't supposed to endanger people with such ease. Dumbledore was the Leader of the Light, and yet he had acted in such a cold manner in regards to Xeno that Ron found himself utterly shaken. He had once worshiped Dumbledore, and he had even forgiven the old man for telling him to lie about his scars, but now Ron was completely disillusioned with Dumbledore.

Ron could, and would gladly, forgive Dumbledore for his mistakes, but only when those mistakes affected Ron. His family, and friends, were off-limits, and Dumbledore had crossed a line by endangering Xeno simply because he 'needed a tracker'. Not to mention that the Dark Lord is now missing. We knew where he was, but instead of taking a small force with him, Dumbledore ran off alone. Now we're facing another war… Or is this the war that I've foreseen? Merlin, what if Dumbledore started the war?!

"Ron, you're not hungry?" Ginny asked, and Ron broke out of his increasingly more disturbing thoughts.

"What makes you say that?" Ron asked, looking at Ginny's flawless features. Is she trying on make-up? I swear that she used to have freckles. I guess I never noticed how pretty she was until recently. I bet all those Gryffindor boys will be head over heels for her… It's a shame that they'll have to go through her brothers first.

"You haven't even finished one plate yet" Ginny replied, watching Ron move his fork about.

"I'm just…" Ron started, but the sound of the fireplace coming to life stopped him. Pandora stood up, looking to a surprised Arthur Weasley. Xeno?! And then, Remus walked into the kitchen with a wide smile.

"Remus?" Arthur said, standing up alongside his wife. "You're back? Is Xeno with you?"

"No, he's still in Albania" Remus replied, and Pandora sat back down with a crestfallen look. "But he's been cleared of all charges!" Ron had never heard sweeter words before, and he let out a long breath of relief. Thank Merlin! And his beard! Ron heard Pandora release a joyous sob, and when he looked over to her, he found her holding her hand over her heart and praying.

"Dad's not in trouble anymore?" Luna asked, looking happier than she ever had.

"No, he's not in any trouble whatsoever" Remus replied, a massive smile still on his face.

"Tell us everything" Molly said, getting out of her seat and helping Remus into it.

---

Fifteen Minutes Later

As it turned out, Remus had had quite the adventure in Albania. Sirius, Remus, and Lord Greengrass had spent their time collecting people from the settlements that Xeno had helped save, and then they had turned those people into a mob within the Albanian Ministry. Not only was Ron really impressed, but he and the twins had had a good laugh about that. Even Percy seemed amused, though he didn't like the idea of such chaos within a Ministry.

Xeno had been cleared of all charges, much to Pandora and Luna's joy, but he wouldn't be returning until the end of the weekend. As it turned out, the International Confederation of Wizards would staying on in Albania for the foreseeable future. Xeno was still expected to appear before the Muggle Prime Minister tomorrow in order to give his account of what had happened, but after that, Sirius would bring Xeno home.

Lord Greengrass had returned to his own family, and he had sent Remus with a message for Ron. Ron was expected to be at work tomorrow, and for that, Ron was grateful. He really didn't want to spend another day doing just his exercises, reading his old books, and comforting upset Lovegoods. They all needed a break from their worries, and Ron's break would be a day filled with Chess. That, and he'd get to see his friends for a bit.

As for Remus, he planned to stay at Grimmauld Place… alone. He had told everyone on the table that he just needed a moment of peace before Sirius came back, but the adults and Ron understood the real reason why. The full-moon was approaching, and Remus was already looking paler and weaker than usual.

"See, I told you that everything would work out" Ginny said to Luna, who was smiling for the first time in almost a week. "No one could be stupid enough to believe that your dad would hurt animals." The children were all sitting in the Living Room, while the adults spoke about 'important matters' in the kitchen. As far as Ron was concerned right now, the only important thing was that Luna and Pandora would have Xeno back by Sunday. And truth be told, Ron was over the moon at the prospect of seeing Xeno again.

"So no more crying, little Luna" Fred smiled, relaxing into his chair. Both twins couldn't be happier right now, they no longer had to do anything to keep the house running. Their mother would take over the house once again, and they couldn't be more grateful to her for all the things that she did for them.

"No more crying" Luna promised, her airy smile back in place. Ron just smiled at her, thanking Merlin that everything was back to normal. All it takes is a really horrible week to make you realize how good you have it.

"So you seriously have to go back to work tomorrow?" George asked Ron, keeping his voice low.

"Yeah" Ron nodded.

"Sorry about that, little bro" George sighed, but Ron simply gave him a wide smile.

"Don't be, I couldn't be happier about it" Ron admitted, and George blinked at him. "I missed my routine…"

"You should still go over your old books" Percy piped in, but his eyes were on Ginny and Luna who were talking to each other animatedly. "Make that a part of your routine, Ron. I myself still…"

"Boring" George sighed, rolling his eyes at Percy. Percy simply frowned at George, electing to return to his book over arguing with George.

"Don't worry Perce, I won't stop reading my old textbooks" Ron promised. If I can find even one useful Spell in them that I don't already know, then it'll be worth it.

---

Saturday 25th July, 1993 (Greengrass Manor - Morning)

Ron hadn't slept so well in ages, and he was in a great mood because of it. Sure, he was still reeling from Dumbledore's idiocy, but at least Xeno was going to be alright. Ron had decided not to think too much about Dumbledore or Snape, just to keep himself from getting angry. Everyone was happy back at home, and Ron didn't want to ruin that by having a sour mood. He would think about them after seeing Xeno.

"Ron!" came Tori's voice the moment he stepped out of the flames, and Ron braced himself. Tori greeted him excitedly, kissing his cheek as she hung off of his neck. "You're here!"

"That I am" Ron chuckled, giving her a kiss on the cheek in return. As Ron set her down, he saw Daphne, Millie, Pansy, and Blaise come around the corner. "Hey guys!"

"Ron!" Pansy and Millie beamed, while Blaise and Daphne simply gave him welcoming smiles. He decided to greet them all with hugs, Merlin he had missed them. Pansy and Millie were more than happy to hug him back, they were far too used to it. Daphne's hug had been slightly reluctant, but when he had noticed her arms almost fall onto his lower back, he knew that she wanted to hug him in her own way instead. As for Blaise…

"Woah, I'll settle for a firm handshake" Blaise said, stopping Ron from hugging him. Oh… Ron shook Blaise's hand firmly, while the girls rolled their eyes at Blaise. Wait… I'm missing two hugs.

"Where are Tracey and Theo?" Ron asked, smiling at the girls.

"Theo went back to his house, and Tracey did the same" Blaise replied, and Ron blinked at him.

"Really?" Ron asked, slightly disappointed. I wanted to see Tracey again… I haven't seen her since I Dueled Madam Roberts.

"They had a fight" Tori told Ron, who turned to face her with a confused look.

"Tori!" Daphne exclaimed, glaring at her sister. Millie and Pansy just sighed in defeat, while Blaise frowned slightly at Tori.

"What kind of fight?" Ron asked Tori.

"I'm not sure, but Daphne started it" Tori shrugged, shooting her sister a grin. Daphne started a fight? What? Ron looked to Daphne, who was all but snarling at Tori.

"Care to explain?" Ron asked Daphne.

"Tori, you can't do that!" Daphne exclaimed instead, nearly frothing at the mouth.

"Why not?" Tori asked innocently. "This way, you can all talk it out and be friends again. Isn't that what's important?" Daphne blinked at Tori, and even Pansy and Millie were slightly taken aback.

"If you were in Slytherin, and you ran your mouth like that, I'd make sure to exclude you in everything" Blaise said rather coldly, staring at Tori until she lost her grin.

"Don't talk to her like that" Daphne huffed at Blaise, who rolled his eyes at her.

"Pick a side, Daphne" Blaise told her, and then he looked to Ron. "I'll fill you in, walk with me." Ron nodded, and both boys walked off together.

"Blaise, what did Daphne do?" Ron asked. From one problem to another; the life of Ronald Bilius Weasley.

"Ugh…" Blaise groaned. "It's nothing that bad, mate. We had an argument, something that isn't too uncommon, but we all made up. Except for Theo and Tracey, of course… They both left."

"Wait… Theo left for home? His father is back?" Ron asked, and Blaise nodded. Great… Should I let Snape know? Just in case he doesn't know it yet? Ron buried the problem deep within himself, he'd deal with it after seeing Xeno.

"So anyway, it's nothing to worry about" Blaise assured him, something that was actually true. They had all made up within two days, but by then, both Tracey and Theo had left. They didn't hear Daphne apologize for her behavior, or Millie comforting her about Ron's current state of mind. Truth be told, Pansy had told them that Tracey had made some sort of remark about her Blood-Status. Which had then led to a fight between Theo and Tracey, but Blaise really didn't want to bring up Blood-Status near Ron, he rather liked Theo in one piece.

"Blaise… It was bad enough to send two people home" Ron sighed, not believing Blaise's words. "Please don't lie to me, you know that I depend on you for advice…" Ron had truly meant that, Blaise had been the one to pick Ron back up multiple times during the last school year. When it came to emotional advice, Ron went to Pomfrey. When he needed to vent, and to be comforted, he went to Daphne. But when Ron needed advice about people, he went straight to Blaise. If it wasn't for Blaise, Ron may have adorned a far more 'Malfoy-like' attitude.

"I know" Blaise said, his tone expressionless.

"Well?"

"Mate… You're just going to get angry…" Blaise rubbed his forehead.

"Tracey's Blood-Status was brought up?" Ron figured, stopping dead in his tracks. Theo wouldn't… Not with Tracey.

"It was" Blaise sighed, slightly irked by how sharp Ron could be. "But not by Theo… Tracey had a fight with Daphne, and then she aimed some remark about her own Blood-Status towards Theo and Pansy, and then Theo and she had a fight that led to them both leaving…" Wow.

"So Theo made no remark about Tracey's Blood-Status?"

"No" Blaise replied. "Not that I know of."

"Alright" Ron nodded, he was certain that Theo wouldn't. He and Tracey get along really well, and I doubt that Theo would ruin their friendship by saying something so stupid.

"You're not mad at Theo?" Blaise asked slowly, surprised by Ron's calmness.

"From what you've told me, Tracey brought up her own Blood-Status" Ron started walking again. "And I'm not going to blame Theo for that… It's just a shame that they fought, because you know, they get along so well." Too well. They'd make a cute couple, I reckon.

"Every friendship has its ups and down" Blaise responded, feeling almost proud of Ron for being so unbiased. There was a time when even the word 'Blood-Status' would send Ron into a rage, and he would have directed that rage at Theo regardless of whose fault it was.

"And Daph?" Ron asked.

"What about her?" Blaise asked.

"Tori mentioned that Daph started the whole thing" Ron replied. "So… What did she do?"

"That's between you and 'Daph'…" Blaise smirked, earning a light smack on the arm from Ron. "This is your stop… my Lady."

"Someone's feeling rather snarky today" Ron chuckled, stopping in front of Lord Greengrass' study. "Did you have nails for breakfast? Or are you simply missing your sexy moth…"

"Finish that sentence, and you'll have my fist as your breakfast" Blaise warned, his lips twitching upwards. "Bloody pervert…" With that, Blaise waved goodbye and left to find the girls. I'll talk to Daphne during lunch. It shouldn't be too suspicious if I make a good excuse. Ron knocked on the study door, waiting patiently for his mentor's permission.

"Come in, Ron" Lord Greengrass called, and Ron entered the study and closed the door behind him. He always knows when it's me. I find that oddly suspicious. Lord Greengrass was standing by the fire, and Ron made his way over to him. "Take your seat Ron, and we'll get started."

"Just one quick thing" Ron said, and then he hugged Lord Greengrass. Protocol be damned, he helped save Xeno from Albania. Lord Greengrass was clearly shocked, the man's entire body had seized up, but Ron didn't care. "Thank you for what you did for Xeno, my Lord."

"It's… You're welcome" Lord Greengrass relaxed slightly, the boy was growing like a weed. Ron felt Lord Greengrass pat his back awkwardly, and so Ron broke the hug.

"I know I said it once, but I'll say it again… You smell really nice" Ron grinned, earning an eye roll from his mentor.

"Just take a damn seat so we can get started" Lord Greengrass said, hiding his amusement completely.

"It was a complement" Ron assured his mentor.

"And I thank you, but don't think that I'll take it easy on you today" Lord Greengrass smirked.

"Please don't" Ron chuckled. "I'm so keen to practice some chess."

"Good man."

---

Saturday 25th July, 1993 (Greengrass Manor - Lunchtime)

"Daphne, can I talk to you about something?" Ron asked, and all the eyes on the Dining Table went to them. Daphne blinked at him, and then she nodded slowly. That was as subtle as a tiptoeing Troll. Nice one, Weasley.

"Well?" Daphne asked, shooting a look towards her smirking mother.

"Oh, in private" Ron stated, standing up. Daphne looked to her father before standing up, who gave her an approving nod. Daphne then stood up, and they both left the Dining Room together. The moment they stepped out of earshot, Daphne smacked his arm. "Ow… Why?" Ron asked.

"What were you thinking?" Daphne frowned slightly. "You might as well start dancing in my father's face, all the while singing about our 'special relationship'." What the fuck?

"Daph… He wouldn't think that…" Ron muttered, rubbing his sore left arm.

"Yes, he would" Daphne huffed. "A Gentleman asking to see a Lady in private… on the Dining Table no less… My father will interrogate me tonight, I assure you."

"I'm a Gentleman?" Ron smiled genuinely, and she frowned at him.

"It's a… never mind… What did you want to talk about?" Daphne asked.

"Can we talk in your room?" Ron asked, and Daphne blinked at him. And then, she started smiling with a rebellious glint in her eyes.

"Of course, Ron" Daphne hummed, locking her arm with his. She thinks that I want to share kisses? I do, but after I question her about this fight. Daphne led them towards her room in a hurry, they hadn't even talked since their Garden stroll. And that night had ended a little more awkwardly than Daphne had planned, or liked. The moment they entered her room, Daphne let go of Ron and locked the door behind them. "We don't have much time…" Daphne started, taking a step closer to Ron.

"What happened between you and the others?" Ron asked, making Daphne stop.

"Huh?" Daphne muttered in a rather unladylike manner.

"Why did you guys fight?" Ron clarified. "I just want to know why Tracey would throw around her Blood-Status like that… She wouldn't do if she wasn't hurting…" Daphne sighed deeply at that, taking a step back.

"She and I had a row…" Daphne replied. "And we both said some… some really stupid things… But she ran off before I could apologize. I've sent three letters to her house, but she hasn't replied to even one of them."

"Did you say something about her Blood-Status?" Ron asked slowly. "Did you say anything about her mother?"

"No!" Daphne quickly defended herself, she loved Mrs. Davis. "And don't even imply that I would, Ron. I'm warning you."

"I won't" Ron assured her, he just wanted to know if Tracey was alright. "Tell me what happened."

"I was just worried about you" Daphne huffed, looking at anything but Ron.

"Me?" Ron blinked.

"And I came across as… unwelcoming…" Daphne admitted. "Tracey called me on it, and when she made a remark about my crush on you, I made one about… About something that she cares for." Confessions be damned, she wasn't telling Ron about Tracey's secret crush on Theo. She couldn't betray Tracey like that.

"So you were worried about me, and due to that, you alienated the people around you?" Ron asked, and Daphne was genuinely taken aback by his grasp on things.

"Yes…" Daphne replied slowly. "You sounded really smart just then."

"I channeled my inner Pomfrey" Ron joked, making Daphne smile a little. "I'm sure that things will work out between you two. Tracey loves you Daph, and she knows that you love her too."

"Did you hit your head?" Daphne asked.

"What?" Ron blinked. "Daphne, I'm not that emotionally stunted…" Daphne cocked an eyebrow at that. "I have my moments, woman! Let me have my moment!" Daphne started giggling at that, seeing Ron in such high spirits was relieving, so much so that she couldn't help but laugh.

"I was so worried about you" Daphne said, and then she hugged his middle tightly.

"Everything's fine now" Ron put his arms around her, resting his chin on top of her head. "Xeno is coming home, safe and sound."

"Did you have any stress moments?" Daphne asked, talking into his chest.

"Too many…" Ron admitted. "I even had two panic attacks…" Daphne tightened her hug, her arms traveling to his lower back. When she pressed down on his bruise, Ron let out a sharp wince. My arse!

"Ron?" Daphne pulled her head back, looking at him with a worried expression.

"I fell on my tail-bone" Ron lied. "And it's bruised."

"Oh, sorry" Daphne apologized, moving her arms back up. "So…" Daphne started.

"Do you want to kiss?" Ron and Daphne asked at the same time. They both blinked at each other, and then Ron grinned.

"Don't grin like that" Daphne giggled.

"We have time for one or two long kisses, or several quick pecks" Ron informed her. "We've been gone for a bit too long."

"Long ones, please" Daphne smiled widely.

---

Pansy Parkinson's POV

Saturday 25th July, 1993 (Greengrass Manor – Bedtime)

Blaise and Ron had both left the Manor, and so now it was just the girls. Astoria had once again gone to bed extremely early, she was having trouble even keeping her eyes open during dinner. Lord Greengrass had carried her upstairs in his arms, and Pansy thought that that was the sweetest thing that she had seen in a while. Seeing a man who slightly scared her be so gentle with his daughter had made Pansy swoon. Was it wrong to have a little crush on your friend's father? Maybe… But Pansy didn't care.

"So, what did your father want with you?" Pansy asked as she brushed Daphne's hair. Millie was currently reading a book on 'Muggle boxing' as she lounged on Daphne's bed, a book that Pansy thought was too unladylike. But I won't say that to her. I don't want her to feel uncomfortable for liking something that I don't, that's not how friends should be. That's something that my mother would do.

"He asked me invasive questions about my talk with Ron" Daphne rolled her eyes. What really bothered her was that he was clearly uncomfortable doing it, but he had done it because it was the traditional thing to do. And now, it's my turn.

"So… What did you and Ron talk about?" Pansy asked, and she heard Millie laugh from the bed.

"Really, Pans?" Daphne gave her a deadpan look from the mirror's reflection.

"What? I'm just a bit curious, that's all" Pansy smirked, tugging out a knot in Daphne's hair.

"Ow!"

"Sorry" Pansy hummed. "So… What did you and Ron talk about?"

"He wanted to know about our fight" Daphne replied. "I told him the truth. That it was my fault, and that Tracey and I had a really bad row. He took it well, and he told me that Tracey would come around. I'll send her another letter tomorrow, and if she doesn't reply to this one, then I'm going to her house."

"So… Nothing juicy happened?" Pansy pouted slightly. Why are our lives so boring? The rumors I hear at Hogwarts make me think that we are doing something wrong within our group. Where is the controversy? The sizzle?! Where is it?!

"Juicy?" Daphne pulled a face.

"She means snogging!" Millie called out.

"Thank you for your input" Daphne sighed.

"You're welcome!"

"You two really didn't do anything?" Pansy asked Daphne. "Not even a hug?"

"We hugged…" Daphne replied slowly, deciding to throw Pansy a bone. It might make her stop.

"That's it? Ugh… This group is so boring…" Pansy moaned, earning a wary look from Daphne.

"What's boring about hugging a boy?" Daphne asked. "How many have you hugged?"

"Blaise, Ron… even Theo… Oh, and I hugged a Ravenclaw boy on a dare" Pansy gloated. Malfoy let me hug him once, but I'm not going to count that.

"You're welcome!" Millie called out.

"Wait, you two dare each other to hug boys?" Daphne blinked.

"It only happened once…" Pansy shrugged. "Millie hugged a Hufflepuff."

"Which one?" Daphne asked, turning her head towards Millie.

"Wayne Hopkins" Millie replied, still reading her book. "He was kind of cute."

"And you?" Daphne asked Pansy.

"Michael Corner" Pansy replied. "He was shocked, and before he could say anything, I just walked off."

"Merlin… That's kind of… immoral, don't you think?" Daphne blushed slightly.

"Hardly" Pansy replied. "Most girls our age have already had their first kisses! I heard that Lavender Brown kissed Terry Boot on a dare. All I did was hug someone." According to Witch Weekly, we're falling behind the witches our age.

"But you don't even know him…" Daphne muttered, averting her gaze. Pansy found Daphne's reaction to be rather cute, but she didn't know that Daphne was feeling bashful because she had outdone her friends in the 'immoral department'.

"We're nearly third years, Daphne" Pansy chuckled, taking Daphne's hair in a bundle and tying it into a ponytail. "Hmmm, Millie what do you think?" Pansy asked, and Millie looked at Daphne's new hairstyle.

"Not my cup of tea" Millie shrugged. "Her hair is naturally straight, so I reckon it would look better if was styled around that. It looks good right now, but it would look better loose."

"You're learning" Pansy smiled widely, but Millie just snorted and looked back to her book. That snort killed a part of my soul, but I'll get her there.

"Maybe I shouldn't change my hair?" Daphne mentioned her doubts. "I've had the same style for six years, and it works…"

"It used to Daph, but six years is too long" Pansy told her. "We witches have to constantly change it up, or the braindead boys around us won't notice us." Pansy suddenly blinked at her own words. "Oh Merlin, I've become my mother…"

"No, you haven't" Daphne laughed. "You're far too nice to ever become your mother."

"That means a lot" Pansy admitted, shaking her head clear. "But I'm only nice to you lot."

"As it should be" Daphne nodded. "You really think the boys will notice if I change my hair."

"He totally will" Pansy assured her friend.

"He? Really, Pans?" Daphne frowned slightly.

"Did you know that pretty much all the Slytherin girls, and the girls from the other Houses as well, start dating in third year?" Pansy asked, ignoring Daphne's ever growing frown.

"Subtle" Millie laughed from the background.

"It's completely natural" Pansy hummed.

"Is this about your bet with Tracey?" Daphne demanded.

"What bet? I'm just stating facts, that's all" Pansy replied innocently.

"Your facts are slightly vexing" Daphne's lips twitched upwards. Alright then, I'll stop playing nice.

"The truth hurts, isn't that the saying?" Pansy hummed. "But you should ask Ron out if he doesn't find his own spine."

"WOW!" Daphne exclaimed, while Millie broke into a hysterical laugh. "Just outright abandoning your subtlety now, aren't you?"

"I know you still like him… Even though you told me that you don't" Pansy smirked. She totally does. Why else would she take his absence so badly? We all had a great time together, but even after rejoining us, she was still somewhat distant.

"Pansy… I'm not going to do that…" Daphne mumbled.

"Then I'll just spread a rumor around Hogwarts claiming that Ron is looking to date" Pansy shrugged, and Daphne gaped at her from the reflection. "I'm not losing one hundred Galleons to Tracey. She'll brag about it until I'm grey…"

"You wouldn't…" Daphne paled slightly. If Pansy did that, then every harlot around their age would come knocking, Daphne was certain of it!

"Our parents taught us to take what we want" Pansy leaned down and kissed Daphne's left cheek. "The weak wait for scraps, while the strong…"

"While the strong feast…" Daphne finished, shifting in her seat.

"If you don't find the courage to do it, then someone else will" Pansy hummed. "And I really don't plan to lose that bet, so I might just light a fire under you." Daphne gulped at that, but Pansy simply smiled at her blonde friend. "Are you willing to eat scraps, Daphne?" Daphne shook her head slowly. "Then you'd better pluck up the courage. Idiots wait for their turn, while we simply cut the line." Daphne nodded at that, staring at her reflection.

"Find me a good hairstyle" Daphne straightened her back. That's my girl.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Sunday 26th July, 1993 (Greengrass Manor – Morning)

"Did you eat any sweets this week, Mr. Weasley?" Madam Roberts asked.

"I didn't" Ron replied truthfully, and Madam Roberts looked into his eyes. Ron could feel her trying to dig the truth out of him, but he wasn't too worried. He had followed the rules, so he knew that he was safe.

"Well done" Madam Roberts nodded curtly. "Now, the bruises… Take off your clothes." What?!

"My clothes?" Ron blinked.

"Are you deaf?" Madam Roberts frowned. "Or are you disobeying a command from a superior Officer?" Superior Officer?

"Nope, not disobeying" Ron quickly assured her, he didn't want to get hit by that fucking baton ever again. She knows about my scars already, and I have shown her my arms. Just do it. Or she'll add to your already bountiful collection. Ron took off his Training Top, revealing his upper body. Madam Roberts didn't even register his scars, she only had her eyes peeled for the two bruises on his upper body.

"Right forearm, check… Lower back, check…" Madam Roberts nodded, and then she looked at him again. "Right thigh?"

"Check" Ron sighed, lowering his pants enough to show her. Thank Merlin I'm wearing underwear. I don't reckon I could look her in the eyes if she saw my cock. Cock… What a disgusting word. 'Hey, have you seen my cock?!' Seriously, who named it that? What's a less vulgar word for it? Penis, manhood, wand, peepee, shwing-shwang…

"Mr. Weasley?!" Madam Roberts snapped in his face. "Pull up your pants already, I won't ask you again."

"Sorry" Ron flushed slightly, hurrying to do as he was told.

"Let's start with a warmup" she said as Ron put his top back on. "And stretch before you start." Or that's a warning. "Or that's a warning." Charming woman.

---

Sunday 26th July, 1993 (Greengrass Manor – Past Midday)

"Color me impressed, Mr. Weasley" Madam Roberts said with a thin-lipped smile. "Not a single warning, not a single complaint… You even made sure to keep your form perfect during the later sets."

"Thank you" Ron panted, his muscles burning from the stress that he had put them through.

"Take a seat, we'll start your treatment while your muscles are still sore" Madam Roberts said, and Ron walked over and lay down on a couch. Is it wrong that I'm looking forward to this? It just feels really good… I just need to think of anything that will stop me from getting aroused. Great Aunt Muriel… Madam Roberts began the treatment from his left foot again, and the moment she did, Ron had to hold back a groan.

"So… How was your week?" Ron asked, trying to keep his mind occupied. The cool feeling seemed to be pulsating throughout his left leg, and that made him relax completely.

"My week?" Madam Roberts asked, she despised idle chatter.

"Mine was really stressful" Ron told her, a pleasant shiver passing throughout his left leg. Great Aunt Muriel's saggy chin!

"Lovegood" she figured, and he nodded. "Well, it all worked out from what I've read in the Daily Prophet." She knew what he was doing, and just because he had done so well today, she decided to spare him his oncoming embarrassment. "Except for the mess that all the Ministries are in… We might all be fighting in a war soon."

"Yeah…" Ron sighed, for once he didn't mind her blunt nature.

"The Muggles will obliterate us" Madam Roberts said, moving onto the boy's left calf muscle.

"They would?" Ron asked.

"They have weapons built to level entire countries, Mr. Weasley" Madam Roberts informed him, and Ron just stared at her with utter disbelief. Entire countries? What the fuck kind of weapon does that? "They call them 'Nuclear Warheads'… This war, if you can call it that, will be short and devastating for our kind."

"Bloody hell…" Ron mumbled, still stuck on 'Nuclear Warheads'. Are Muggles better than us in everything? Maybe we've grown too reliant on Magic, and because of their struggles without it, they've surpassed us.

"But enough about that, you are still too young to think of such things" Madam Roberts said, moving onto Ron's left thigh. I've been thinking of such things since I was eight. "Tell me, what made you strengthen your resolve? Last week, you whined constantly." It wasn't constant. I only whined after you started swinging that baton like a mad-woman.

"I… I decided to push myself even harder, that's all" Ron admitted. "You told me that it would be worth it, even if I hate it right now. So I want to see that for myself… I want to be powerful."

"And you will be" she told him, glad to hear the honesty in his voice. "If you push through the pain." Another shiver passed through him, and Ron grit his teeth. Why does it feel so much better than the last two times? AUNT MURIEL'S CHIN HAIR!

"How long have you been an Auror?" Ron asked, his breath hitching slightly.

"I'm not really an Auror" Madam Roberts informed him, and he was momentarily shocked. "The Department of Magical Law Enforcement is divided into several different branches. The Aurors make up one of the three main branches, or divisions as we call them. I'm part of the Hit Wizards sub-division. We work very closely with the Aurors, but we're not a part of them. We work with our own set of principles and methods."

"Hit Wizards?" Ron asked, he hadn't heard of that sub-division before.

"We get mistaken for Aurors, but we're a step above them" she replied, moving onto his abs. "If Aurors are the Elite Police Force, then we're the Elite Soldiers. Many Aurors try and transfer into our division once they get tired of the red tape holding them back."

"Elite… Elite Soldiers?" Ron exhaled, he was losing his battle with his own manhood. You traitorous bastard.

"We go after targets that are too dangerous, targets that need to be put down instead of being put in a cell" she replied. "We answer directly to the Head Auror, or the Department Head. Sometimes even the Minister, but that hasn't happened for a while."

"Can I say that your job is really cool?" Ron smiled sheepishly.

"I killed a man three days ago, Mr. Weasley" she replied coldly, and Ron lost his smile. "Still think that my job is 'cool'?" I put my foot in my mouth so often that it's a wonder that I haven't digested it already.

"Why did you kill him?" Ron whispered. "You don't have to answer that… Sorry… I'm just…"

"He was hunting Muggle women" she replied. Hunting women? What the fuck? "Enough questions."

"Alright…" Ron nodded weakly. She killed a man three days ago… Fucking hell. Ron wasn't going to lie to himself, he was rather scared of this woman. She had this air of self-assurance around her, and that intimidated him. As she moved onto his chest, Ron tensed from the pleasure.

"Stop tensing, you're making things more difficult" she bit out.

"Sorry… I'm not sure that I like this treatment…" Ron lied, he enjoyed it a little too much. I'm a pervert.

"I've never heard anyone claim that" she said in a monotone voice. "Mr. Weasley… When was the last time that you masturbated?" WHAT?! Ron tried to sit up, but she pushed him back down with a deep scowl.

"Don't do that again, or I might end up injuring you!" she snapped at him, making him flinch. "That's a warning for next week." Shite! "Now answer the question." What the fuck?! Why is she like this? Who asks that question with a straight face?

"I… I don't feel comfortable talking about this… No offence…" Ron averted his gaze, his heart beating in his throat.

"Fine, if you end up climaxing from this, then you can live with that" she told him.

"Climaxing?" Ron gaped, going pale in the face. Words can't describe how uncomfortable I am right now.

"You just thrust your pelvis forward without even realizing it" she informed him, and Ron nearly passed out from embarrassment. "Now stop being so pathetic and answer the question."

"It's… It's… been a while…" Ron mumbled, turning his head away from her. He hadn't touched himself since he learned about Xeno's imprisonment, he had been too busy to even think of such a thing.

"That is unhealthy for a boy your age" she said, shaking her head slightly. She then restarted the therapy, ignoring Ron's discomfort. "From your absurd height, I can easily assume that you're going through puberty. You will not endanger your progress by neglecting proper health procedures, am I clear?"

"You're telling me to…" Ron chuckled mirthlessly. "Merlin… Normal adults don't ask these kinds of questions…"

"Maybe if they did, then you wouldn't be so easily rattled" she said, moving to his shoulders. "Discipline your mind." Someone please kill me.

---

Twenty Minutes Later

It still hadn't gone down… Ron had thought about fixing it himself in the shower, but in the end, he had refused to sully Madam Roberts' suitcase in such a manner. So here he was, cold and hard…

"Can we never speak of this again, please?" Ron muttered, following her with a dazed expression. I ended up thrusting again… Twice… Fucking hell, I'm genuinely ashamed of myself.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of, boy" she said in an annoyed voice. "I've met ten years olds with more maturity than you."

"I'm mature" he quickly defended himself. "I just don't like talking about my genitals with other people." Did I just say that?

"Do you want a medal for your service?" she asked him, and Ron frowned at her back. Mean old witch. "Just do yourself a favor, and fix your pants. You don't want to give those young girls a fright, do you?" I have never felt an urge to clock an old woman before, but right now, I really fucking want to. Ron put his left hand into his pants and fixed himself, flushing slightly in the process. I can feel my ears burning. They exited the suitcase, and Ron shot quick looks around himself. Clear. I'm heading straight for a bathroom.

"See you next week" Ron said, walking straight for the door. Madam Roberts gave his back a smirk, and then she packed her suitcase and left for the Ministry. Ron shot a look out into the hallways, and then he quickly moved for the nearest bathroom. Ground floor, just around the corner from here.

"Ron!" Pansy called out, and Ron stopped dead in his tracks. Fuck!

"Hello" Ron greeted as he turned around with a forced smile. Pansy was walking over to him, wearing a t-shirt that showed him a small part of her mid-riff. Now that I think about it, Pansy's rather good… NO! FUCK! "I have to go!" Ron said, turning around and walking towards the bathroom.

"Wait! I just want to have a quick word" Pansy caught up to him.

"I have to use the loo really badly" Ron lied.

"Oh…" Pansy stopped walking. "Well, just come and find me in the Dining Room after you're done."

---

Five Minutes Later

"Oh, that was quick" Pansy smiled at him, she was loitering about in the Dining Room. That was quick? Well, it certainly was. But can you blame me? I was so far gone that I was thrusting at the air… "Ron? You're zoning out on me" Pansy pouted.

"Sorry, Pans" Ron smiled. "What did you need from me?"

"Daphne told me that you eat right after your training" Pansy smiled, looking him up and down. "She told me about how crazy your exercise regimen is."

"It is… crazy" Ron replied slowly, he had a bad feeling about this.

"We're eating out in the Gardens right now, you should join us" Pansy suggested.

"I'd love to, but… I should really be getting home" Ron said. "Xeno might be there, and I really want to see him."

"Surely you can spare thirty minutes" Pansy said, she was failing at her job.

"Pansy, he was imprisoned in a foreign country…" Ron reminded her. "I've thought of little else besides him for the last week, and I want to see him as soon as possible."

"Five minutes?" Pansy smiled sheepishly.

"What is going on?" Ron asked her, and she lost her smile.

"Millie and I just wanted to spend some time with you" she replied, half-lying and half-truthful. What she really wanted was for Ron to be dazzled by Daphne's new hairstyle.

"I'll come back tomorrow" Ron promised, and she nodded weakly. Sorry Pansy, but this is too important. "Walk back to the fireplaces with me?"

"Of course" Pansy replied, moving forward and tangling her arm with Ron's. They began making their way to the fireplaces, and Ron felt a small pang of guilt for not staying.

"I'll be back tomorrow, I swear" Ron said suddenly, and Pansy blinked at him. "I don't want to make anyone feel bad, but it's just that Xeno has been… You know…"

"I understand" Pansy said, giving his left cheek a kiss. She suddenly squeezed his left bicep, and then she squealed in a rather girly manner. "Do you have a six-pack?"

"A six-pack?" Ron asked. "Are you asking if my abs are visible?"

"Yes" she grinned.

"Only if I hold my breath, but they're getting there" Ron shrugged, trying not to sound boastful. But truth be told, he was rather pleased with his physique. He was the tallest boy in the class, and he wasn't gangly or weedy like the other boys. He was broad-shouldered, and his muscles were developing nicely. "My morning runs and sparring sessions have helped me quite a lot in that regard."

"Witch Weekly says that wizards with abs are a must have for any sensible witch" Pansy giggled, making Ron blush a bit.

"Is that so?" Ron asked. What about wizards covered in grotesque scars? Are they a must have too?

"So are you going to be really muscular because of your new training regimen?" Pansy asked.

"Not too muscular, I hope" Ron replied. I'm already a massive target, I'd really rather not become as big as Charlie. But then again, Charlie is the shortest of us brothers. So maybe he just looks bigger because of that.

"No, you should get muscular!" Pansy urged him. "Girls love muscles!"

"What else do girls love?" Ron chuckled, he had missed Pansy. If Witch Weekly told her to kill one of us, she'd probably do it.

"They love boys with tidy hair" Pansy replied, looking at his head. "I'm cutting your hair tomorrow, Ron. You've let it grow out too much."

"Alright, be my guest" Ron smiled, stopping in front of a fireplace. "This is where I leave you, Lady Parkinson."

"No, this is where I leave you Ronald" Pansy smirked, turning around and leaving without saying a proper goodbye. Cheeky bint. Ron turned to the fireplace, took a pinch of floo-powder, and then called for the Burrow as he hurled into the fireplace. Once the fire blazed green, Ron stepped through it and entered the Burrow.

"Hello, Ron" came a familiar voice, and Ron's eyes immediately went to Xeno who was sitting with his wife and daughter. Xeno? Xeno! Ron's parents and siblings were also in the room, looking quite relieved and grateful.

"You're back?" Ron blinked, his heart jumping into his throat. "You're back!" Ron smiled from ear-to-ear, and then he walked over to Xeno. The eccentric man stood up, and they hugged each other tightly. Ron wasn't planning to let go of Xeno anytime soon.

"It's good to see you again, dear boy" Xeno said, squeezing Ron as tightly as he could.

'Welcome home!"

---

Sunday 26th July, 1993 (The Burrow – After Lunch)

Xeno's adventure in Albania had everyone transfixed, even the twins hadn't made a sound while Xeno had been regaling them. Everyone had questions after he was finished of course, but unlike the others, Ron had kept his to himself. Ginny wanted to know more about Albanian settlements, Luna wanted to know if her father had found any new creatures, the twins wanted to know about Xeno's Duel with the Cult, while Percy wanted to know about the Albanian Ministry and its workings.

Ron personally wanted to ask more about the ritualistic killings, and about how Xeno had banded everyone together, but he instead held his tongue. Ron knew that recalling traumatic things tended to put a strain on a person's mind, and judging from Xeno's clear discomfort, there were some things that Xeno didn't want to tell them. Pandora, Molly, and Arthur had also noticed Xeno's discomfort, and so they had made sure to keep Xeno talking about simpler things. One of them being The Quibbler…

"I'm going to sell it to the Daily Prophet" Xeno told them, looking to his wife with a slightly resigned look. Sell it? Pandora simply blinked at him, she was truly lost for words. The Quibbler was her husband's life work, why would he want to sell it? She distinctly remembered him being bullied at school when people found out about his dream to publish 'The Quibbler', and she remembered how he hadn't let anyone discourage him. It's why she had set her eyes on him in the first place.

"Sell it to the Daily Prophet?" Arthur asked, reeling from the revelation. "Why?"

"You won't be writing about creatures anymore?" Luna piped in, just staring at her father.

"I will be, love" Xeno quickly assured his daughter. "The Daily Prophet will publish The Quibbler in an entirely new section, and I'll be able to put whatever I want on it."

"Just one section?" Molly asked, looking to a stunned Pandora. It was odd to see Pandora, who was the sharpest woman that Molly knew, be so dazed by someone's words.

"They are paying me a lot of money to purchase The Quibbler, and I still get to keep it alive" Xeno explained. "I will still get to highlight what the Daily Prophet doesn't…"

"Children, can you please give us the room?" Pandora asked, breaking out of her daze.

"Dad, you can't sell The Quibbler…" Luna started pleading. "Who will inform the World about its wonders if not you?"

"Luna…" Xeno started, giving her a conflicted look. He doesn't want this? So why is he doing it?

"Children, upstairs" Molly ordered, this was far too serious a conversation for children to take part in. The twins slowly got up, followed by Ginny and Ron.

"Luna…" Ginny started, but she was cut off by Luna herself.

"I'm staying" Luna told them, still staring at her father in utter disbelief.

"It's alright, she can stay" Xeno said to Ginny. "This decision affects her as well…" Damn, I really want to know why Xeno is doing this. He sounds like he doesn't want to, and yet, he is more than willing. Is this about the money? Ginny nodded at Xeno, and then she began leaving the room with Ron and the twins. Percy didn't move from his spot, eager to hear of Xeno's reasons.

"Percy, you too" Molly said, and Percy blinked at her.

"Mother, I'm an adult too" Percy told her, taken aback by her asking him to join the 'other children'.

"You are not seventeen yet" Molly reminded him.

"I'll be seventeen in a month" Percy tried, but Molly simply tutted him.

"Son, please go upstairs" Arthur said, giving Percy a weak smile. Percy frowned slightly, and then he stood up and marched up the stairs. The others moved out of his way, the twins sniggering behind Percy's back. Ron and Ginny shot one last look at Luna, and then they too left for their rooms.

Ron however, had no intention of going to his room. Instead, once he was out of sight, he removed his wand from his robes and cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself. After taking a look at himself, and becoming certain that he was hidden from sight, he snuck back downstairs. Navigating the creaking floorboards was simple enough, he knew which of the floorboards to avoid. And then, he parked himself in a corner and observed. Do the Lovegoods really need money that badly? If so, maybe I can help them?

"Who will write about the Unicorns?" Luna asked, sounding rather upset.

"I still will, I promise" Xeno replied, looking to his wife for help.

"Love, please let your father explain" Pandora said, looking to Xeno for answers.

"I've… I've been thinking about it since we learned of the baby" Xeno told them, fidgeting with his hands. The baby? Of course! He needs the money for the baby. The Rookery can't hold them all, it's too small. "We don't have enough money saved away, and The Quibbler costs a lot to print… We just manage to make ends meet, but with another Lovegood, we can't sustain our way of life."

"Can't you print less copies?" Arthur asked, unsure if Luna should be in the room for this.

"It's our main source of income" Xeno replied. "If I start printing less copies, then we won't make enough… Not to mention the subscriptions… I would still need to print enough for them…"

"What if you increased the amount that it costs to subscribe?" Pandora asked, still trying to get her head around Xeno's decision.

"The Daily Prophet costs one Knut" Xeno sighed. "If The Quibbler costs more than that, then people will start going over to the Daily Prophet. I'd lose my readers and our income…"

"I could start working again…" Pandora started, but Xeno gave her a hurt look.

"Our child will need you, and you promised me that you wouldn't…" Xeno said. She promised to not work?

"The accident was three years ago…" Pandora tried, but Xeno shook his head. Damn, she stopped working after that? Did she create Spells for a living? Something clicked in Ron's head, and he put it aside for the time being.

"It isn't just about sustaining our lifestyle…" Xeno said, and then he gave Luna a sorry look. "Do you remember when you asked us where the baby's room would be?" Luna blinked, and then she nodded slowly. "The Rookery is too small… Pandora and I sleep in her old lab, Luna has her own room, and that leaves only the kitchen… Where is the child meant to sleep? They will need their own room… Not to mention the repairs needed for the house…"

"Why didn't you say anything?" Pandora asked as she held his fidgeting hands.

"We were so happy… I didn't want to ruin that…" Xeno smiled sadly, relaxing slightly because of his wife's touch.

"I'm sorry, Xenophilius" Arthur sighed, rubbing his forehead. "How much will it cost to fix up the Rookery?"

"Around fifteen hundred Galleons…" Xeno replied, and both Arthur and Molly went slightly pale. That's it? I could pay for that… No… No, that would be insulting. I hate being given charity, so I can't go around doing the same thing. Not to mention that Xeno still needs a higher income.

"And the Prophet is paying you that much?" Molly asked, and Xeno nodded.

"They are paying me two thousand Galleons, and they're giving me a steady job" Xeno replied. "I'll be writing The Quibbler section for the Daily Prophet… They're even willing to pay for my trips."

"That's one way to kill any competition" Molly frowned.

"The Quibbler won't die" Xeno said quickly. "It will still exist… I will still write about the same things in The Quibbler section. Just… not as much as I'm used to…"

"The Quibbler is your dream…" Pandora said.

"There are more important things" Xeno smiled, looking at Pandora's stomach. Pandora leaned forward and kissed her husband, and then she buried her head in his shoulder. "Everything will be fine." Luna got out of her seat and approached her father, looking down at her feet as she shuffled them. "Luna?"

"I understand" Luna said softly. "You're doing this for us." Xeno took her small hand with his free one, giving her a loving look.

"We'll still go on trips together" Xeno assured her. "And since the Prophet is paying for it, we can even bring back lots of souvenirs." Luna smiled weakly at that, though it still hurt her to know that her father's magazine was being taken away. Arthur and Molly, and Ron, watched the Lovegoods with sad smiles. Maybe I can help them in some way? Without giving them charity and insulting them. I don't know much about The Quibbler, but I hate seeing Xeno like this.

"When are you going to sell it?" Pandora asked, her heart clenching at the prospect of Xeno losing his life's work. She knew that the Prophet was going to strip The Quibbler down and turn it into something that conformed to their concept of journalism.

"By the end of August" Xeno replied. "I still want to publish my article on the Unicorn killings."

---

Monday 27th July, 1993 (The Burrow – Early Morning)

The Lovegoods had left for the Rookery last night, and as sad as the Weasleys were to see the Lovegoods leave, they understood why. With Xeno finally being back, they all wanted to be together as a family. Ron actually wasn't too bothered by them leaving, they were only a floo-jump away from him as far as he was concerned.

Ron's little eavesdropping session, as much as it shamed him, had given him a few ideas that he wished to implement. First and foremost, he wanted Pandora to teach him about making Spell-Creation. If she did it for a living at some point, then she was skilled enough to teach it too. The prospect of creating his own Spells excited him greatly, and he was willing to give it his very best. And knowing Pandora, she'd teach him in a heartbeat.

The second idea was still unrefined, but it related to Xeno's magazine. Ron understood just how valuable information could be, thanks to Slytherin House, and he also understood that the person who controlled that information was powerful. Xeno had actual readers, and he had them all over the country apparently. If the Prophet wanted to buy The Quibbler in order to gain Xeno's readers, then why couldn't Ron?

Ron had no clue about news outlets of course, but he did know that he wanted to spread his influence in key areas. Maybe he could even shine a light on Knockturn Alley, and people like Pricilla who suffered in it. And maybe… Just maybe… He could also shine a light on the upcoming war. If Ron somehow convinced Xeno to become his partner in publishing The Quibbler, they could both benefit from it. Xeno would get to keep living his dream, and Ron could finally start being more active.

He still thought of Pricilla from time to time, especially when he was dining with the Greengrasses. They were so bloody wealthy, but as far as Ron knew, they didn't do anything to help people like Pricilla. A girl who was born a Squib, and then forced to sell her body in order to just survive. A girl who was around two years older than Ron himself, but she had to rely on people like Victor Burke to feed her… Ron had once vowed to help as many people as he could, and he planned to keep that promise.

The only problem with buying The Quibbler was that Xeno still needed a higher income, and if they raised the price of the subscription, then Xeno may lose a lot of his readers. And then there was the fact that The Quibbler was utter garbage… at the moment. Ron had borrowed a couple of Luna's old copies yesterday, and even he had found most of the content laughable at best. And at worst, straight up insulting. Either Xeno was a comedic genius, or he more brain-damaged than Ron himself.

In the end, Ron decided to do some actual research first. If he was going to become someone's partner in something, then he planned to pull his own weight. He would ask people for their advice, he would keep reading the Daily Prophet in order to understand their type of journalism, and then he'd come up with his own ideas to pitch to Xeno. He already knew that he wanted a more 'serious' magazine, one that didn't have insane tripe written all over it, but he also knew that Xeno would want to keep The Quibbler as it was. Ron would need to change his mind…

"Where are you going, Ronnie?" Molly asked as she saw him head for the Living Room.

"I'm going to Hogwarts to see Pomfrey" Ron replied, his siblings were still asleep so he didn't mind saying that out loud.

"Pomfrey?" Molly blinked, and then she adorned a worried look. "Are you feeling overwhelmed, love? Do you want to talk about it?" Not with you.

"I just need some… help" Ron replied, and Molly nodded slowly. "The last week was really stressful, and I just want to vent about it a little. Pomfrey told me to come straight to her if I ever needed to do that."

"I understand" Molly smiled, slightly disappointed that he didn't want to talk to her about his troubles.

"Oh, and after that, I'll be staying at Greengrass Manor for a few hours" Ron said. "Pansy and Millie are expecting me, and I haven't seen much of them lately."

"You and your girlfriends" Molly chuckled, shaking her head at him. My girlfriends? Ha!

"They're not my girlfriends, mum" Ron assured her. "They're my friends, who happen to be girls."

"Just be back by dinner, alright?"

"I will be" Ron promised, heading for the fireplace. Once he was there, he took a pinch of floo-powder and cast it into the fire. "Severus Snape's Office, Hogwarts." Thank Merlin that Snape opened a channel connecting to the Burrow, otherwise I'd have to floo twice. Ron stepped through the green flames, appearing within Snape's Office once again.

"Mr. Weasley" came a cold voice from behind the desk, and Ron looked over to see Snape reading a copy of the Daily Prophet.

"Sir" Ron nodded curtly, walking towards the door. I'll tell him about Nott once I've spoken with Pomfrey. And then, I'll get going. I'd rather not stare at his hooked nose for longer than necessary.

"Lovegood has been returned safely to you" Snape said, and Ron stopped dead in his tracks. "He has been cleared of all charges."

"He told me" Ron turned to face the Potions Master, who was staring back at him. "Nott is also back in the country."

"I know, I met him" Snape responded. Figures. Ron then turned to leave again, but he stopped when Snape spoke again. "Aren't you going to ask me about him? Or is our partnership over?"

"Let me guess, he wants to take advantage of the mess in Albania?" Ron looked to Snape. What else could he want to do? He wants to pick a fight with the Muggles, and he plans to bring back the Dark Lord just to do that.

"You've thought about it… Good" Snape leaned back in his seat, gesturing for Ron to sit down.

"I'm here to see Madam Pomfrey" Ron told him, turning to leave. Ron pulled at the door, but it didn't budge. He locked it? Ron turned back to face Snape, who was just staring at Ron. "Unlock the door, Sir."

"After we've talked" Snape replied, gesturing Ron to sit down again.

"We have nothing to talk about" Ron said coldly, getting annoyed with Snape. "I want to talk to Pomfrey."

"The last time you were in this room, I was worried that you would hurt yourself" Snape told him, and Ron blinked at the sudden change in topic. "You struck yourself over the head repeatedly… Quite hard, if I remember correctly."

"I was distraught" Ron gave Snape a deadpan look. "A person who I put my faith in broke my trust." Snape's expression didn't even change, but Ron could feel the temperature dropping. I used to be scared of this man once, but now… What is he compared to the horror that lives inside my head? Nothing.

"Sit down" Snape ordered in an icy tone, getting irked by the boy's attitude.

"And what will you do if I don't?" Ron asked.

"Whatever I have to in order to get you into a chair" Snape replied, fully intent on using force if necessary.

"An honest answer" Ron chuckled. "That must be new for you."

"Enough!" Snape snapped, standing up and glaring at Ron. Ohhh, scary…

"What do you want?" Ron asked. "Do you want to know if you can still rely on my help? Look… I'm not an idiot, and I know that if I see something beyond my skill, I'll have to come back to you. And I will. But right now, I have nothing to offer you. So unlock the door…"

"Arrogant boy" Snape hissed, walking around his table and straight up to Ron. Ron made sure not to move a muscle, not planning to give an inch. What's he going to do? Hurt me? Taunt me? Terrorize me? No, he won't do that. And even if he does, I'm rather used to pain.

"Arrogant?" Ron repeated after Snape.

"You think that your family is going to make it through the war unscathed? Is that it?" Snape asked, deciding to teach Ron some harsh truths about life.

"Which war? The one that the Dark Lord starts? Or the one that Dumbledore started?" Ron asked for clarification. "Wait… They might be the same war… I'm not too certain on that one."

"Mistakes happen in war, boy" Snape told him. "And we are already at war… Albus will fix his mistakes, and then we'll continue our work. Now answer my question… Are you truly so foolish as to believe that you won't lose a single loved one in the war?"

"I won't" Ron promised, but Snape just scoffed.

"I don't know what gave you such a delusion, but let me shatter it for you" Snape said icily. "People die… All it takes is one errant Spell, or one cocky mistake… And people die."

"Whose cocky mistake? My loved one's, or Dumbledore's?" Ron asked in return. "You think that I'm angry at him because he endangered Xeno? I am… But it's more than that. He ran off alone like some idiot! And then, he started a fight with the Dark Lord that resulted in an entire Forest burning down! Thousands of creatures were burned to ash! The Muggles want to start a bloody war with us! A war that they're going to win quite easily from what I've been told! Oh… And the Dark Lord is now missing!"

"Albus chose to save your precious 'loved one' over capturing the Dark Lord" Snape told him, staring into Ron's eyes.

"Am I supposed to commend him on that?" Ron asked in a scathing voice. "Xeno wouldn't have been there in the first place if Dumbledore hadn't decided to use him like some tool."

"So in your mind, using people with certain skills is wrong if those people are your 'loved ones'? You are far too entitled…" Snape told him, his disgust apparent. Entitled? So I'm entitled because I love my family?

"Have you ever loved someone?" Ron asked Snape, who just stared in response. "You have… Tell me, are they dead?"

"Careful" Snape hissed, removing his wand and jabbing it into Ron's neck. "Be. Very. Careful…"

"Tell me, Sir… If you had to choose between the people that you love, or some stranger… Who would you pick?" Ron asked in a calm voice. "Who would you choose to prioritize?" Snape just stared at Ron, half-seething with rage and half-thoughtful. He would chose Lily… He had done it before, and he would do it again.

"You think that I'm entitled because I want my family to live?" Ron continued as he pushed his neck forward, Snape's wand digging into his neck. "You think that I'm arrogant because I don't plan to lose the people that I care about? Fine… I'm both then. I'm not going to apologize for choosing the people that I know over the people that I don't know. Now answer my question… Who would you choose to prioritize?" Snape didn't reply however, he simply drew his wand back and sheathed it.

"Let me shatter a delusion for you" Ron continued, staring right into Snape's eyes. "I will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. This all started for me when I saw my older brother's corpse and the misery that my family was in at the sight of it. I have been in this war since I was eight, and I have seen my fair share of corpses. And my family will not join them…" Ron then turned his head and cracked his neck, something that made Snape blink. "I'll kill anyone who tries to take them from me. Anyone… Now unlock the door…"

Snape just stared at Ron for a few seconds, but Ron didn't even blink. Snape then flicked his hand, unlocking the door with Wandless-Magic. Ron turned around at that, and he left the room without uttering another word.

---

One Hour Later

"The worst is behind you, Ron" Madam Pomfrey said in a gentle voice, trying not to startle him further. Ron had ended up breaking down about how difficult the previous week had been, talking so openly about it made him feel like he was reliving it. Ron had brought up his stress moments, his panic attacks, told Pomfrey that a friend of his had broken his word to Ron, and he had even told Pomfrey about Madam Roberts' teaching methods. "Things will go back to normal now that Xenophilius is back. Your routine will fix itself."

"Are you sure?" Ron sniffled, looking down at his lap. "I still have to go through Madam Roberts' training sessions… I told her that I'm all in, but it's still so daunting… No one else has to go through them… Just me…"

"You have the choice to say no, Ron" Pomfrey said, but Ron knew that he didn't. I can't keep my promises if I'm weak. "Do you feel like you don't?"

"Sometimes" Ron replied. "I just feel like I have to do this. That I have to be the best… You can't be the best if you don't work harder than your competition."

"Ron, my job is to help you manage your stress" Pomfrey started. "And therefore, I would advise you to stop this training regimen."

"Why?" Ron looked up.

"You are a thirteen year old boy" Pomfrey told him. "Other children your age spend their time pursuing their hobbies. Hobbies like playing Quidditch, gossiping, shopping, eating good food, learning new languages, playing instruments, reading novels… Do you see where I'm going with this?"

"I don't do any of those things" Ron replied, and she nodded with a faint smile.

"Chess was once your hobby, but you've turned that into your job" Pomfrey said. "Tell me truthfully, do you still play Chess for fun?"

"No…" Ron admitted. "I play to win…"

"You are pushing yourself to your limit in every aspect of your life" Pomfrey said, making Ron fidget with his hands. "I know that you feel like you have no choice but to do it, many who aspire to be the best feel that way, but that kind of thinking leads to a burnout."

"What should I do then?" Ron asked.

"I want you to spend more time with your friends" Pomfrey told him. "And when you are at home, I want you to try and get closer to your siblings. Your burdens are isolating you from the people around you, and since we humans are social animals, being isolated is not good for you. We cannot let your brain-damage progress any further, Ron. That should be your only concern."

"I'm seeing my friends today" Ron told her, and she looked pleased about that.

"Good" Pomfrey said. "Enjoy your day with them, and try to not think of your worries. Now… Is there anything else that you'd like to discuss?" We've been here for just over an hour. She's never let me go overtime before.

"I just need your opinion on something" Ron replied, deciding to get some advice for The Quibbler.

"Of course."

"Have you read The Quibbler before?" Ron asked, and she nodded slowly.

"One or two issues, yes…" Pomfrey replied. "Not my cup of tea, if I'm being honest."

"It's too bizarre, isn't it?" Ron asked, and she nodded. "My thoughts exactly… It's filled with nonsense that no one in their right mind can believe, and just like the Daily Prophet, it doesn't take into account the issues that plague our society."

"Are you thinking of becoming a journalist, Ron?" Pomfrey asked with a smile, he had just sounded like a politician. "Or perhaps a politician?"

"Maybe" Ron chuckled, rubbing his eyes clear. "But truth be told, I'm thinking of becoming Xenophilius' partner in publishing The Quibbler."

"You are?" Pomfrey blinked, she was taken completely off-guard. What kind of thirteen year old wanted to own a news outlet?

"He wants to sell it to the Daily Prophet, and in return, they'll give him a steady job" Ron sighed. "The Daily Prophet is rather biased from what I've read… They talk about things like the latest gossip, Quidditch scores, who's in trouble for breaking the Statute of Secrecy… But they haven't said a word about the Werewolf unemployment issue, or Knockturn Alley's sleazy practices. They're not even covering the story about Albania properly. They're just fear-mongering about an upcoming war, but giving no insight into what's actually happening within Albania."

"Ron… Please give me a moment" Pomfrey requested, and Ron just blinked at her. She had no idea where this was coming from, and she wanted some context. "Where is this coming from? You've never mentioned anything like this before."

"I didn't really think about it until recently" Ron admitted. "I… I went to Knockturn Alley…" She won't tell anyone, I know that for certain.

"You did?" Pomfrey asked, going slightly wide-eyed. "You are far too young to be going to such a place."

"Isn't that part of the problem?" Ron asked, thinking of Lady Longbottom's words. "It's right next to Diagon Alley… And yet, no one does anything to help the people who live there. I… I met a Squib girl there… She was two, maybe three, years older than me… She was an underage prostitute…" Pomfrey drew in a sharp breath, shocked by Ron's venture into Knockturn Alley. "Why does the Daily Prophet choose to report on 'Stylish Wizards' rather than people like her? She might be a Squib, but she shouldn't have to sell her body just to survive…"

"Ron, this is a very complicated issue…" Pomfrey started, but Ron quickly cut in.

"I know that" Ron quickly assured her. "But in the end, it simply boils down to people scratching each other's backs while people like Pricilla are simply forgotten about. It's wrong, and I know that I can't change it overnight, but I just want to do something. Anything… Even if it's something as small as shedding some light on the issue. And not just this issue, but things like hundreds of Werewolves losing their jobs because someone passed some legislation to benefit themselves. Not all Werewolves are bad, some of them might just want to live normal lives… But that's impossible for them now, and all because some woman in the Ministry wants to stand out."

"And you wish to report such issues in The Quibbler" Pomfrey figured, rubbing her forehead. No wonder the boy's stress was getting worse, he spent his time thinking of issues that have plagued the Wizarding World for centuries.

"I didn't even know of these issues until I stumbled upon them by chance" Ron said. "I think that there are thousands of people out there who don't know about these issues, and if they did, they might be inclined to help fix them."

"Partnering with a business is not a simple thing to do Ron, and you are already taxing yourself severely" Pomfrey said. "We just spoke about your ever increasing stress, and if you buy into a business, then you're going to increase that stress tenfold. Not to mention the change in your relationship with Xenophilius if you two become partners. Would he be willing to write about these issues? Who would own more of the shares in The Quibbler? Who would make the decisions that need to be made? While you study at Hogwarts, does Xenophilius take over the business? Have you thought about any of this?"

"I've thought about whether or not he would write about these issues…" Ron replied, thinking about her questions. "But that's all…"

"I think that you should concentrate on your school life, and when you come of age, then you can try and tackle these issues" Pomfrey advised. "Don't be in such a rush to grow up Ron, or you'll miss out on a lot of amazing things that only children can experience." Is dying horribly in a war one of them?

"I… understand" Ron mumbled, slightly put off.

---

Theodore Nott's POV

Monday 27th July, 1993 (Nott Manor Gardens – Morning)

Theo hated drama… Drama tended to cloud people's judgement, and it often resulted in verbal spats that did nothing to help either party. There was no gain to be had by falling victim to drama, and yet, the girls in the group often tried to find it. Tracey tended to find it… At least where he was concerned.

Blaise had sent him a letter the day after he had left Greengrass Manor, informing him that Daphne had taken responsibility and made amends. Theo was glad about that, but he still refused to return. For one, he had missed his father's company. Secondly, his spat with Tracey had left him in a sour mood. And thirdly, her words had been ringing in his head for the last few days. According to Tracey, even thinking about Blood-Purity made you a bigot… which had simply pissed Theo right off.

Theo did think about Blood-Purity. He thought about it every time he saw Granger strut up to Ron, expecting him to give her an audience like she was entitled to it, all the while looking down her nose at the rest of them. He thought about it whenever he saw the Muggle-Borns coo at every piece of new Magic, while not acknowledging the fact that it was probably a Pure-Blood wizard or witch who created said Spell. He thought about it every time he overheard Muggle-Borns poke fun at Wizarding Traditions, as if they could even understand the fact that Wizarding-Kind existing long before they joined it. He thought about it often, and every day. But he never preached his beliefs to others. He kept them to himself, and he didn't try and create drama where there was none.

He never pretended like he had the moral high ground, which is exactly what the Muggle-Borns all over Hogwarts did. If they couldn't understand something, then they simply played the 'Muggle-Born Card'. If their notions of how the World should be were challenged by traditions that were centuries older than them, then everyone who believed in those traditions was a 'bigot'. If you didn't take time out of your day to approach them, then you were 'cold and alienating'. Instead of appreciating the World that they were now a part of, they sought to change it to their old one. They were happy to ignore what was in favor of creating what helped them feel more at home, and that irked Theo greatly.

Theo wasn't an idiot, of course. He understood that people like Malfoy, who openly bullied and spewed propaganda everywhere, fed the Muggle-Borns' victimhood complex. Which is why he kept his beliefs to himself. If something bothered him, he avoided it. If some Muggle-Born wanted to make him understand how special they were, much like Granger and her constant need to show off, he simply ignored them. Hell, he did these things with anyone. Including his own friends.

And yet, he couldn't ignore Tracey's words. She had looked like she was in genuine pain when they had fought, and despite his best attempts, Theo couldn't stop feeling guilty. He himself didn't care about her Blood-Status. Truth be told, none of them did. Sure, Pansy used to act superior to Tracey constantly. But that was before Ron had shown up and stirred everything up. Pansy now cared about Tracey, and she respected Tracey's opinions. The only person who didn't respect Tracey's opinions… was Tracey herself.

Tracey was so damn insecure about being the only Half-Blood amongst them that she constantly thought about it, Theo was certain of this. And the worst thing was that Half-Bloods weren't even looked down upon. At least not as much as the Muggle-Borns were, but as Theo knew, most Muggle-Borns set themselves up to be hated. Why would anyone care about a group of people who constantly tried to discredit traditions that they didn't even bother to try and understand?

Theo genuinely liked Tracey, and he even wanted to try and understand her better. But the girl was hell-bent on bringing up her imagined shortcomings, and Theo would often be the first person that she released her frustrations on. And why? Because he thought like a 'bigot'… This is why plants are better than people. They don't call me and my father bigots simply because we believe in the Old Ways.

"Son, drink this" came his father's voice, and Theo turned to see his father holding a glass of cold lemonade. Theo stood up, his clothes covered in dirt, and he took the glass with a smile. As Theo drank down the cold beverage, his father ruffled his hair. "It's far too early for a boy your age to be toiling in the dirt, don't you think?"

"The Gardens are in a sorry state, father" Theo replied, feeling much cooler already.

"The Elves kept them in proper order, you're simply too hard to please" Nott Snr chuckled. As Theo finished his drink, his father looked around the Gardens with a proud look. Iris would be so proud of their son, he had her green-thumb.

"I'm hard to please?" Theo smirked, and his father chuckled again. "How many merchants have you berated in public for selling 'subpar wine'?"

"Mind your cheek, son" Nott Snr said, failing to hide his amusement. "Now hand over that glass so I can send it back to the kitchens." Theo did as he was told, and his father banished the glass with a flick of his wand. Why didn't he just send a servant?

"Do you have something on your mind, father?" Theo asked, noticing that none of the Elves were around.

"Sharp as always" his father stated. "I've been thinking of hosting a party here, we haven't hosted any of our allies for a long time."

"Too long."

"Exactly" Nott Snr gave a curt nod. "I wanted to let you know so you could invite your friends. It's important that they see the power that you will one day wield."

"Trying to intimidate my friends, father?" Theo chuckled, sitting back down in order to tend to his Dragon-Flowers. My friends? Does that include Tracey and Ron?

"Not intimidate my son, just impress" his father replied, watching Theo work with flowers with a soft smile.

"Am I allowed to invite them all?" Theo asked, feeling slightly tense all of a sudden.

"You are referring to the Half-Blood and the Blood-Traitor, aren't you?" his father asked, and Theo tensed even more. Their names are Tracey and Ron. "You may invite the Half-Blood, but her parents will not sully our home. As for the Blood-Traitor…" Nott Snr drew in a deep breath. "I want you to limit your contact with him." What? Theo turned around and looked up to his father, but the old wizard had a stern look on his face.

"Father, I have told you of his power…" Theo started, but Nott Snr cut him off by raising his hand.

"Theodore, you can find better allies than him" his father told him. "Choosing a Blood-Traitor over the Malfoy heir was foolish, but there is still time to fix your mistake." Ron isn't a mistake… He's my friend…

"Draco Malfoy is a moron, one that is looked down upon within our House" Theo stated. "He is entitled, arrogant, and he refuses to change."

"Then make friends with older students" Nott Snr sighed, he hated arguing with his son. "As for Malfoy… Their Family's power lies outside of Hogwarts. What will the Weasley brat offer you once you all graduate?"

"Father… Please…" Theo stood up, he truly didn't want to lose Ron's friendship. "If you meet him, you will see that he is nothing like you imagine him to be. He is clever, and he has a habit of making powerful allies. He has even received a letter from Madame Maxime of Beauxbatons."

"The Headmistress?" Nott Snr blinked, and Theo nodded sharply.

"He turned her into his ally, even after what happened in the Junior League Chess Tournament" Theo said. "Please don't make me cast him aside… He is too valuable to me at Hogwarts. And… And he is my friend." Father and son stared at each other for a few moments, and then Nott Snr turned to leave. No…

"He will not come here, and that is final" his father ordered. "But you may keep him as your 'friend'… for now. However, I expect you to start finding 'friends' who are worthy of your name. Is that understood?"

"I… I understand, father…" Theo replied, frowning at his feet. Nott Snr left for the Manor at that, leaving Theo behind with an ever darkening mood. Theo sat back down and began working with his Dragon-Flowers again, his good mood spoiled. Why can't people be like plants? Why does everyone feel the need to create drama when there is no need for it? And I don't want new friends. I like the ones that I have now. Even if one of them thinks that I'm a 'bigot'. Theo let out a tired sigh, why wouldn't Tracey's words leave his mind?

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Monday 27th July, 1993 (Greengrass Manor – Late Morning)

Ron closed in on the door that led to the Gardens, excited to spend some time with the girls. Blaise had left for his own house, which was a shame, but Ron understood that he was the one who hadn't spent a week at Greengrass Manor. Blaise no doubt missed writing his poetry, the thought made Ron snigger. Ron pushed the large door open, and he immediately spotted the girls having tea on the balcony.

"I'm here for my free haircut!" Ron announced, and the girls all looked to him with slightly surprised looks. Tori beamed at the sight of him, Pansy and Millie smiled at seeing him again, and Daphne… What the hell? Her hair! Daphne sat there with a startled look, her hair no longer parted down the middle and framing her face. Instead, her hair was longer and parted from the right side. Instead of her hair framing her face, it was tucked neatly behind her ears and ran down her back. I like it… But then again, I think I'd like her in any hairstyle. Unless she was bald… Bald Daphne would give me nightmares.

"Come and join us, Ron" Millie called him over, and he nodded dumbly. Ron slowly made his way over to a free seat, staring at Daphne as she stared back at him. She looked completely out of sorts, her cheeks turning rosy. This is not how she wanted to show him her new hairstyle, a hairstyle that a lot of effort had gone into.

"I like your new hairstyle" Ron admitted, smiling a little. "You look very pretty…" Ron bit his tongue, that wasn't supposed to come out until they were alone. Dumb fuck, are you trying to get caught?

"Thank you" Daphne said, taking a sip of her tea in order to hide her flushing face behind a teacup. Millie just smirked at Ron, while Pansy resisted the urge to start grinning.

"Would you like some tea, Ron?" Tori asked, trying not to shoot a dirty look at her sister.

"Um… Yes, please" Ron nodded, breaking out of his surprise. I can stare when we're alone. Tori poured him a cup, and then passed the cup over to him.

"Sugar?" Pansy hummed, smiling widely at Ron.

"No thanks, not allowed to have sugar" Ron replied, taking a sip of his bitter tea. Tastes gross. I should have declined Tori's offer.

"Is that because of your training regimen?" Daphne asked, regaining her composure. So what if her surprise had been ruined? He had still called her 'very pretty', and that counted as a win in her books.

"It is" Ron replied. "No sugar, lots of vegetables, topped off nicely with some crippling depression." The girls giggled at that, and Ron took the opportunity to scan Daphne's face again. Her hair used to hide her amazing cheeks bones. They suit her nicely.

"But it'll make you powerful, so it'll be worth it in my opinion" Millie stated. "I've been thinking Ron, and I think I'd like to join you for your morning runs at Hogwarts."

"Really?" Ron looked to her, and she nodded. "Great, the more the merrier. We usually slip out at around six in the morning."

"Great" Millie smiled, and Ron smiled back. Why can't they all be like Millie? Out of us all, she's improved the most over the last two years.

"Millie, running isn't very…" Pansy started, but Millie just rolled her eyes at Pansy.

"I don't want to be 'ladylike', I want to be a powerful witch" Millie said firmly. That's what I like to hear!

"You girls can also join us" Ron suggested, looking to Daphne.

"No" Daphne and Pansy said together.

"Running is only useful if you're trying to get away from the scene of a crime you've committed" Tori sniggered, earning wary looks from the others. Little monster. "Are you spending the day here, Ron?"

"I am" Ron nodded. "Pansy and Millie missed me terribly."

"You wish" Millie snorted.

"I did miss you, Ron" Pansy admitted. "Now hurry up and finish your tea, I want to tidy up your hair as soon as possible."

"Alright" Ron said, drinking his tea down in one go. "By the way, where are Lord and Lady Greengrass?"

"They left to meet some friends" Daphne replied. Friends? "Though father seemed to be dragging his feet for some reason." Odd.

---

Monday 27th July, 1993 (Greengrass Manor Gardens – Late Afternoon)

"We should play hide and seek!" Tori announced.

"Hide and seek?" Pansy asked. "I haven't played that since I was eight."

"I'll pass" Millie said, her eyes fixed on her book. A book on Boxing. Millie sure knows how to irritate Pansy.

"It's so much fun though" Tori urged them, she hated that they were just lazing about. Daphne was talking to Ron and Pansy, Millie was just reading her book, and this left Tori feeling excluded. "Tell them Daphne" Tori said, looking at her sister with a pleading look.

"It is fun" Daphne admitted. "You're allowed to hide anywhere in the Gardens, and the person who is searching can ask the Fairies for help."

"That does sound fun" Ron said. "I haven't spoken to Fairies before."

"So can we play? Please?" Tori asked, looking to Millie. "I don't get to play with other people often…" Tori…

"We can play" Millie quickly put her book down, while Daphne fought the urge to gape at her sister's manipulative nature.

"Ron can search for us" Pansy suggested.

"Why me?" Ron asked.

"You're the only boy here" Daphne smirked, earning a deadpan look from Ron. Blatant discrimination.

"If you get caught, you have to come and wait back here" Tori announced, and then she ran off towards the Greenhouses. The girls giggled at Tori's excitement, and after giving Ron a smirk each, they too ran off. What the hell?

---

One Hundred Seconds Later

Ron stopped counting, and then he began his hunt. Unfortunately for the girls, none of them had stated that he couldn't use Magic. And he just happened to have his wand on his person. Ron grinned in an evil manner, and then he cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself. Ready or not, here I come.

He had seen Tori run off towards the Greenhouses, and so he decided to start there first. He planned to use his 'invisibility' as a means to make the girls think that they were safe because he 'wasn't around'. So when they tried to move spots, he'd simply catch them out. He had played this game often enough with his siblings, so he knew just how difficult it was to stay in one spot for too long.

As Ron got closer to the Greenhouses, he started spotting bright green Fairies darting about. They were 'chirping' animatedly, and Ron could tell that they were excited about something. Should I talk to them? I'd have to break my Disillusionment Charm. The Fairies suddenly looked in his direction and began 'chirping' more loudly, some of them even pointing fingers at him. Wait… They can see me?

"A hidden young boy comes to find our Princess" a Fairy sang into his right ear, and Ron took a step away from her. They can see me! How?!

"How can you see me?" Ron whispered, sounding rather shocked and panicked.

"We see your Magic" the green Fairy sang, while the others began darting about again. "It is evil, and it reeks of pain." Ron froze at that, just staring at the Fairy with a 'hidden' dumb look. Evil?

"Evil?" Ron whispered, his heartbeat rising.

"A void… One filled with light… How odd…" the Fairy flew circles around him before perching herself on his right shoulder. "Darkness looms over you, we see it." Void? Darkness? Is she referring to the Entity? Oh fuck!

"I… I don't know what you mean…" Ron muttered, feeling an urge to grab the Fairy and crush her in his hands. She'll tell them… She'll tell the Greengrasses…

"You made our Princess laugh, we saw it" the Fairy sang, ignoring Ron's increasing dread. "You adored our light, we saw it. Your scars burden you, we saw it." Ron jerked awake, and he tried to grab the Fairy. But she was too quick…

"You were spying on us?" Ron hissed, snarling at the little green tart.

"You were in our home, we simply watched over you and our Princess" the Fairy sang, spinning circles around Ron again. "Scars are just flesh, do not let them upset you."

"Don't talk like you know me" Ron glared at her, slowly reaching for his wand. "And my scars are none of your concern."

"Anger is poison" the Fairy sang, perching onto his right shoulder again. "Your wrath… You can get lost in it…" The Fairy then kissed his right ear lobe, making him flinch. What the fuck?! "A good soul, I can taste it. We will help you find them."

"I don't need your help" Ron said, shooing her away with his hand.

"Very well" the Fairy sang. "Come back to us if you ever lose your way." With that, the Fairy flew off to join her kin. Why did she sound so cryptic just then? Damn creeps, watching Daphne and me like that. Wait… She knows about us. They all do. What if they tell Mary?! Ron looked around himself, eyeballing the Fairies who were happily minding their own business.

Ron quickly moved into a Greenhouse, eager to get away from the Fairies. What the fuck was that about my Magic anyway? Evil? Reeks of pain? Did she sense the Entity? Or was she referring to me? Ron frowned deeply at the thought, he wasn't a bad person. It has to be the Entity. I'm not evil. She said that I had a good soul, whatever the fuck that means. Ron quickly began looking about the Greenhouse, keen to leave this area as soon as possible.

Just as he was about to give up on this location, he saw a little blonde head pop out from beneath a table. Astoria slid out from behind thick pots, looking around with a gleeful look. Well hello there, little bunny. Ron quickly pushed the Fairies out of his thoughts, and he watched Tori tiptoe towards him. He had an inkling to scare her, but he decided to hold back. She might lead me to other great hiding spots, and then I'll catch them all out. Tori walked right past Ron, who was just grinning at her as he stayed dead still.

Once Tori was a little further away from him, he began following her slowly. The little blonde was giggling to herself as she tried to keep an eye out for Ron, something that Ron found rather adorable. The little green Fairies began 'chirping' loudly when they saw her, flying around her and planting kisses on her face.

"No…" Tori laughed. "I'm trying to hide, and you'll give me away." Too late. Ron spotted some of the Fairies looking at him, and then laughing at Astoria, but he simply ignored them. Tori certainly didn't seem to catch on, she was too busy being coddled by them. Tori then began sneaking towards the flower-beds, and Ron kept up his pursuit. Just as they were making their way towards a large shed, Ron spotted Pansy sneaking towards it from another direction. That makes two.

"Tori?" Pansy called out in a hushed voice.

"Pansy, what are you doing here?" Tori asked, barely keeping her voice in check.

"Daphne already took the maze" Pansy replied, and Ron smiled from ear to ear. That makes three. Daphne is probably trying to get to the center of the maze. She wants me to work hard in order to catch her.

"Well, I'm taking this shed" Tori said, and Pansy pouted.

"Tori, we can just share" Pansy said. "Don't you want to cuddle together with your big sister Pansy?"

"Fine, but don't make a sound" Tori relented. "I want to win, and if you ruin that, I'll make you pay."

"Scary" Pansy giggled. You should be scared. Theo can attest to that. Both girls then made their way towards the shed, with Ron following behind them. He closed the distance between them, syncing his footsteps to theirs. Maybe Pansy or Tori know where Millie is as well. I'll wait for now. As they entered the shed, Ron snuck in as well.

"Should we close the door?" Pansy asked.

"No, it was open before we came in" Tori replied. "If he saw it already, and we close it, then he'll know someone is in here."

"Clever" Pansy said. "Now, where do we hide?"

"Behind those barrels" Tori pointed out several large barrels. The girls quickly made their way over to them, crouching behind them snugly. Ron simply stared at them, doing his best not to make a sound. Tell me where Millie is, I plan to win this. "Don't make a sound, Pansy."

"I won't" Pansy chuckled, surprised to see that Tori was so competitive. Both girls sat in silence for around thirty seconds, and Ron began to lose his patience. That is until Tori reached over and squeezed Pansy's right breast. WOAH! "Tori! What was that?!" Pansy exclaimed, and Tori shushed her.

"Why are yours smaller than my sister's?" Tori asked, and Ron bit his tongue. Don't fucking laugh. Don't do it! Pansy flushed immediately, covering her chest with her hands.

"Every girl has their own size…" Pansy mumbled, her cheeks turning scarlet. "And you shouldn't squeeze them… They're sensitive…" I did not need to hear that. Time to put an end to this before Tori further embarrasses Pansy. But… I think I'll embarrass her a bit myself. She was rather cheeky yesterday.

"I didn't know that they were sensitive" Ron said, and both girls stilled. Pansy and Tori then began looking around, their eyes widening. Ron suddenly broke his Disillusionment Charm, and both girls shrieked so loudly that he had to cover his ears.

"RON?!" Pansy yelled, and then her eyes widened even more. She had just said something very embarrassing, and Ron had heard her.

"You can't use Magic!" Tori stood up with a frown. "That's cheating!"

"You never said that I couldn't use Magic" Ron smirked at Tori, and he grinned at Pansy. "You have to specify the rules, otherwise it's your own fault. Right, Pansy?"

"Merlin…" Pansy mumbled, her hands still covering her developing chest. Ron looked down at them, and she shrieked as she turned around and hunched over, hiding her head between her legs.

"HAHAHA!" Ron bellowed, ignoring Pansy muttering to herself about suicide. "That's two!" Ron then turned around and marched out of the shed with Tori hot on his tail.

"You cheated!" Tori accused, sounding rather whiny. Ron turned to face her, and he pinched her cheeks with a massive grin on his face.

"We Slytherins use whatever tools we have at our disposal, and if our opponents slip up, we take advantage of that" Ron told her, and she crossed her arms. "As long as you're not endangering other people, feel free to do as you please."

"Find Daphne next…" Tori muttered, pouting miserably. "She's in the…"

"Maze, I know" Ron smirked. "Why do you want me to find her next?"

"I don't want her to win" Tori huffed.

"Because you didn't?" Ron asked, slightly taken aback by Tori's request. Tori stuck her nose up at Ron's words, looking away from him. "I'll see what I can do." With that, Ron cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself again.

"Woah!" Tori suddenly laughed, clapping her hands at seeing Ron just vanish. "That's so cool!" She goes from being upset to being so excited in a heartbeat. Adorable. Ron pinched her cheeks again, making her giggle as she reached out for his face. Ron didn't let her find his face however, instead he let go of her cheeks and left for the maze. "Find my sister first!" Tori called out.

Once he was at the maze's entrance, he drew in a deep breath and stretched. Time to find the center. Daphne may have already found it, and if she has, then this might take some time. Ron suddenly heard some leaves crunching from his right, and he looked to see Millie walking towards the entrance. Thank you Merlin! As Millie got closer to him, Ron broke the Disillusionment Charm.

"Oh fuck!" Millie yelled, jerking away from Ron and nearly falling over. Ron began laughing hysterically, whereas Millie failed to try and control her breathing. "Ron, what the hell? You're cheating!"

"No one said that I couldn't use Magic, and you know the Slytherin code" Ron shrugged.

"Use any means to get ahead…" Millie grunted, frowning deeply.

"I've never heard you swear before" Ron grinned. "It was refreshing."

"Shut up" Millie huffed, making Ron snigger. "Who else have you caught?"

"Pansy and Tori" Ron replied, looking back into the maze. "Just one person left."

"I'm going to go read my book" Millie said, leaving for the balcony.

"You nearly won!" Ron called out, and she stomped off with a faster pace. Ha! Just Daphne left now. Ron cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself, and then he began his journey to the center of the maze.

---

Ten Minutes Later

It was easier to navigate the maze when he wasn't running. He had time to map out familiar routes in his mind, not to mention asking for directions from the purple Fairies. They had been frightened of him, mostly due to his 'evil' Magic, but they had helped him along nonetheless. Ron in turn had been polite to them, even giving them a forced smile. And before long, he was standing at the entrance of the center.

He smiled widely when he saw Daphne, her back facing him. She was speaking to the golden mermaid on top of the fountain, and they were not conversing in English. Is that French? I think it's French. Ron walked up to her slowly, not making a single sound along the way. Daphne let out a cute laugh at a joke that the mermaid made, and Ron's smile widened. Cute. He stopped right behind her, gazing at her long hair which was nestled between her shoulder blades. It wasn't this long the last time I saw her.

Ron flicked the end of her hair up, and Daphne turned around with a startled look. She looked around herself, her right hand traveling to her back. There's no one here. The golden statue asked her a question, and Daphne replied as she looked back to it. Maybe I should learn French. Pomfrey did say that I don't have any real hobbies, and Daphne could teach me. Ron blew air on Daphne's left ear, and she turned around again.

"Ron…" Daphne said, relaxing immediately. "Show yourself." Not yet. Ron moved to her right, and then he ran his index finger through her hair. She let out a giggle as she tried to grab him, but he jumped back in time. "Stop being scared, I won't hurt you. I might even reward you for finding me." Bribery, eh? As Daphne took a step in his direction, Ron circled around her. Should I hug her from behind? I've done it once, back at my house, but I had the Calming Draught helping me a bit. She didn't mind the last time…

"Gloria won't tell anyone" Daphne said, and Ron looked to the golden statue. It was smiling at Daphne, and Ron found himself amused at the fact that Daphne was friends with a statue made of gold. "She saw us during our stroll, and she's promised to keep our secret to herself." Is that so? More bloody witnesses. Ron decided to trust Daphne, and he hugged her from behind. Daphne squealed for a moment, and then she quickly grabbed his hands. "Got you!"

"That's my line" Ron chuckled, his Disillusionment Charm breaking as he relaxed his mind. "I love your new hairstyle."

"Really?" Daphne asked, snuggling her back into his chest. She didn't mind!

"I do" Ron admitted, bending over and putting his chin on her left shoulder.

"Good, I changed it to impress you" Daphne admitted, not feeling the need to hide that due to her success. "You called me 'very pretty' in front of everyone."

"I know, I couldn't hold it back" Ron said, amused by the fact that she felt the need to impress him. "Did you grow it using Magic?"

"Mother helped me, though she thinks that I just wanted to change my hair" Daphne replied. "And Pansy styled it for me."

"Can we kiss near this statue?" Ron whispered in Daphne's ear.

"Her name is Gloria, and she won't tell a soul" Daphne replied, turning her head and planting a quick kiss on his lips. "She saw us sneaking around at night, and she saw us holding hands. She also saw me kiss your scar. Let me introduce you to her." Was the statue pretending to be asleep? Or did we wake it by talking? Ron let go of Daphne at that, and he turned to face the smiling statue. "Ronald, this is Gloria. Gloria, meet Ronald."

"Ah, jeune amour!" the mermaid said, her voice was oddly pleasant considering that she was a statue.

"Um… A pleasure to meet you" Ron gave a polite bow, and so he missed Daphne gesturing the mermaid to not say anything else.

"She only speaks French, but she can understand us perfectly" Daphne told him. "Mother Charmed her to be this way. Gloria served as my French tutor for a while, but that ended when my father learned that I had made friends with Gloria. She and I wouldn't really study, instead she'd play her harp for me while I practiced dancing."

"You dance?" Ron smiled.

"I do" Daphne replied. I really have no hobbies, do I? Oh well… I don't have time to waste anyway.

"Thank you for not telling anyone about us" Ron looked back to the golden mermaid, and she smiled down at them in response.

"Am I the last one?" Daphne asked, and Ron nodded. "I win!"

"You won amongst the girls, but I won the whole thing" Ron corrected her, but she just poked her tongue out at him. Wow. I would pay to watch her do that in public. The Ice-Queen acting so… emotional. It would make quite the scene. "Also… The Fairies saw us too."

"I know…" Daphne sighed. "But they won't tell anyone. Not even my mother."

"Are you sure?" Ron asked, and she nodded. "Is it because you're their 'Princess'?"

"They just call me and Astoria that" Daphne snorted. "The Fae serve a Queen, and they've begun to see my mother as their Queen. They lost their own Queen right before they moved here."

"I've kissed a Fairy Princess?" Ron chuckled, and Daphne smacked his stomach.

"Stop it" she giggled, and then she began rubbing her hand. "Why is your stomach so hard? I poked it at the Burrow, and I nearly broke my finger."

"I'm in good shape" Ron grinned.

"Arrogance doesn't suit you" Daphne smirked.

"It's not arrogance if it's fact" Ron shrugged, he had worked hard enough to be a little arrogant. "Shall we head back?"

"Hmmm, no" Daphne declined, a sly smiled appearing on her face.

"Daph… It's the middle of the day" Ron said, tensing slightly as she put her arms around his lower back. "Anyone could walk in…"

"Three kisses only, I promise."

---

Monday 27th July, 1993 (The Burrow – Dinnertime)

"You're back!" Molly said, sounding a little too relieved.

"Where were you all day?" Ginny asked him. "I was so bored…"

"Sorry Gin, but I was spending some time with my friends" Ron told her, taking his seat on the dinner table.

"Welcome home, son" Arthur said, looking away from his paper for just long enough to give Ron a smile.

"How was your day, dad?" Ron asked.

"We confiscated an enchanted car" Arthur replied, and the children sniggered.

"Enchanted car…" Molly grumbled, shooting a frown at her husband.

"Mollywobbles" Arthur sighed. "I've told you already, it's perfectly legal for me to have the Ford Anglia. I put that in the legislation."

"It was a very criminal thing to do" Molly began lecturing.

"Don't you mean clever?" Ron whispered to himself, but everyone heard him. I do love the taste of my own feet, don't I? Molly and Arthur just gave Ron odd looks, while the twins and Ginny seemed to agree with Ron. Percy, on the other hand, was most displeased.

"You shouldn't cheat the Ministry like that, father" Percy told Arthur, earning an approving smile from his mother.

"It's too bad the Ministry doesn't mind cheating its people" Ron stated, making his plate of food. "They'd rather report on the 'most stylish wizard' than the slums of Knockturn Alley…" I wonder if Pricilla ate anything today. It's pretty cold out too… Bloody hell, why am I doing this to myself?

"No politics on the dinner table" Molly said quickly, sensing an argument coming. She then looked to Ron with a worried look, and then she looked to her husband who was just staring at Ron.

"A letter came for you today" Ginny broke the silence, looking between Ron and her parents. "It was from Harry… You're invited to Neville and Harry's joined birthday party on Friday the thirty-first of July. It's at Longbottom Manor."

"You read my letter?" Ron looked up, losing his humor completely.

"N… No…" Ginny lied.

"Don't ever do it again" Ron told her, annoyed at her for invading his privacy in such a manner. I'd never do something like that to her, why can't she show me the same respect?

"We're also invited" the twins piped in. "Well, all of us children except for Percy."

"I'm not a child" Percy frowned at the twins, who just rolled their eyes at him.

"Can't you children just get along for one dinner?" Molly asked them, and the twins shook their heads. "Arthur…"

"No more arguing children" Arthur said, shooting another look at Ron. They all began eating in silence, and Ron made sure to put a lot of vegetables on his plate.

"Anything else happen at the Ministry today, father?" Percy asked suddenly, eager to hear about his future workplace.

"Pius Thicknesse won the Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw today" Arthur shrugged. "But not much else…"

"Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw?" Ron asked. "How many Galleons?"

"Seven hundred" Arthur replied, taking a rather large bite of his steak. They have seven hundred Galleons to just throw away? Subscription costs only one Knut, so how do they have so much money?

"Bribery is a powerful tool" Blaise's voice rang through Ron's head, making him look back down at his plate with a dark look. If they spent even half that amount on the poor folk of Knockturn Alley, they could change a lot of lives.

"How much does it cost to print newspapers or magazines, dad?" Ron asked, earning multiple confused looks.

"Not much…" Arthur replied slowly, lowering his fork. "You pay a printing company a certain amount of money for a certain amount of papers, and then you hope to sell enough copies to turn a profit."

"And every Wizarding family has a subscription to the Daily Prophet, which in turn helps them turn a profit" Ron nodded, the gears in his brain turning. If Xeno and I get a larger reader base, we'll make far more money than the initial cost of printing. He could have an increased income, and I'd be able to do something to spread the word about key issues. Issues like the upcoming war, or even just the fact that there are hundreds of pissed off Werewolves lurking about due to the Ministry's inner politics. Ron ate his dinner in silence that night, and then he spent a majority of his night reading his old textbooks and thinking of new ideas to pitch to Xeno.

---

Friday 31st July, 1993 (Longbottom Manor – Mid Afternoon)

A pack of Weasley's came rolling out of the fireplace, each of them dressed completely differently. Ginny was wearing a brand new sleeveless dress, curtesy of Molly Weasley. The twins were wearing casual clothes, not really interested in their appearance. And Ron was wearing freshly cleaned black velvet robes. The twins had been calling him their 'Lord Brother' from the moment they saw him, but Ron didn't take it as an insult. That only served to irk them, much to Ron's delight.

"Welcome to Longbottom Manor" Lady Longbottom greeted them, and Ron saw Neville standing beside her with a polite smile. No Harry? That's fair I suppose, it's not his house. But it is his party…

"Thank you for having us over, Lady Longbottom" Ron bowed respectfully, and then he presented her with another bottle of Sherry. "A gift from my Family for hosting us all." A gift from me, to be more specific.

"I thank your Family for their polite gesture" Lady Longbottom gave a thin-lipped smile, taking the Sherry from Ron. It was the same one that he had gotten her last time, something that pleased her greatly.

"Welcome to the party, you guys" Neville greeted them all.

"Thanks for having us over, mate" Fred said.

"We have not come empty handed" George gave Neville a wink, something that made Neville smile widely. The twins had gotten Harry and Neville their own presents, while Ginny and Ron had come together to buy Harry and Neville's presents as a team. Ron had payed, while Ginny had picked out the gifts. Harry was going to get a professional broom cleaning set, while Neville would be getting a box fitted with every gardening tool available.

"Please, feel free to join the others" Lady Longbottom gestured them towards the Living Room. "My nephew will join you shortly." They all nodded, and then began making their way towards the party. Ron's fears had come true the moment they all entered the Living Room, which was filled with people from the other Houses. Not a single Slytherin in sight.

"Guess you'll be spending your time by yourself, my Lord" Fred whispered to Ron.

"Try not to pull any sneaky acts" George sniggered.

"Ron will be with me" Ginny huffed, grabbing Ron's arm and dragging him towards the gift pile. Once they put their presents down, Ron turned to Ginny with a smile.

"I'll be fine, Gin" Ron told her. "I'll just spend my time with Harry, Neville, and Hermione."

"And me" Ginny added. Of course. Why wouldn't she want to hover near the Boy-Who-Lived?

"Alright" Ron said, deciding not to ruin her night by telling her to 'act normal' around Harry. That would just be hurtful. She's been really excited for this party.

"Ron!" came Hermione's voice, and Ron turned in time to be hugged by the studious witch. "And Ginny!" Hermione then hugged Ginny as well, who gave Ron a confused look over the girl's shoulder. Hermione is hugging people so openly? Why?

"Hello, Hermione" Ron said as she turned to face him. "You're certainly in a cheery mood."

"Oh…" Hermione muttered, losing her enthusiasm. "Was it too much? Sirius told me to be approachable… He said that people like it when you're enthusiastic and spontaneous."

"Yeah… You shouldn't listen to him" Ron chuckled, making Hermione smile a little. "Sirius is one of a kind, I'd say."

"I love your dress" Ginny piped in, looking at Hermione long pink dress. She's wearing a dress again. I don't know why, but this look doesn't really suit her. It looks… forced…

"Thank you, Ginny" Hermione said. "I also love your dress." Yep, she sounds like she has no clue about dresses. I guess we have that in common. Ron took the opportunity to look around, and he noticed Sirius having a chat with Harry nearby.

"I'll be right back, excuse me" Ron said, breaking away from the two girls. Ginny did her best to not look annoyed, she didn't want to be left alone with Hermione. All Hermione did was talk about books, and the Muggle World. Ginny didn't even know how to talk to her.

"What are you two conspiring about?" Ron asked, and both Harry and Sirius looked to him with smiles. Sirius' smile looked joyful, while Harry's looked like one of relief.

"I was just telling Harry here that he should spend some time introducing himself to the witches at this gathering" Sirius chuckled, patting Harry on the back.

"Sirius… These are my friends…" Harry groaned as he looked around. "Alright, some of them are my friends… More like acquaintances, really." The Golden Trio is an exclusive club, isn't it?

"Don't be shy, Harry" Sirius said firmly. "This is your party, and you have to be a good host… Now go and find yourself a witch to talk to."

"I'll be with Hermione and Ginny" Harry told Ron, eager to get away from Sirius. My sister?! You fucking cunt! Harry quickly left to join the two girls, while Ron eyed Sirius.

"Happy now?" Ron asked. "Now he's going to go flirt with my sister."

"I hope so…" Sirius said, looking at Harry with a smile.

"Then you can take him home in a body bag" Ron frowned, glaring at Harry's back.

"Relax, pup" Sirius chuckled. "Harry is a little too shy to do that. It's odd considering how tough he is… But Harry has trouble talking to girls."

"He is best friends with one" Ron stated.

"Hermione is more like a sister to him" Sirius shrugged. "Plus, I don't think that she knows what flirting is." I can believe that.

"Thank you" Ron said suddenly, deciding to put Harry out of his mind for now.

"For what?" Sirius asked, looking to Ron with a slightly confused look.

"For helping Xeno the way you did" Ron replied. "I'm truly grateful, Sirius. Thank you."

"Don't think on it" Sirius smiled, giving Ron's shoulder a squeeze. "Bloody hell, kid… You're shoulders are too tense."

"I stress a lot" Ron grinned.

"Not funny" Sirius said. "I know a place in Diagon Alley that gives great massages, we should go there together."

"Massages?" Ron asked.

"Yes, massages… from beautiful witches" Sirius grinned.

"Pass" Ron told him, making Sirius frown slightly. "Is Remus not here?"

"No…" Sirius clicked his tongued. "He's… recovering."

"I understand" Ron nodded. "Sirius, what's Remus doing for work?"

"Pardon?"

"What's Remus doing for work?" Ron repeated. "The Werewolf Legislation is probably causing him a lot of problems, right?"

"Of course you know about" Sirius shook his head. "Don't worry about Remus, pup. That man is the toughest bastard that you will ever meet. He won't let something like a stupid legislation get in his way. Now, instead of discussing politics with me, why don't you follow my Godson's example and flirt with someone?" Flirt? Ron turned to see Harry talking to Ginny, who was listening to him with a content smile.

"Cocksucker…" Ron grit out, making Sirius bark out a laugh.

---

Five Minutes Later

Ron had noticed that people were looking at him warily. Mostly those looks came from people who he had never really spoken to, but even some people from his study group were shooting looks at him. Ron figured that it was because he was the only Slytherin here, so he decided to let it go. He was the odd one out, and if he made a scene about it, he'd ruin everyone's fun. This is Harry and Neville's birthday party, and Neville is my 'eternal friend'. I won't ruin this for him, no matter what happens.

"Sorry about them" Neville whispered to him, they were both standing with Hermione, Harry, and Ginny. "They're just wary of you because you beat up McLaggen on the train."

"I see" Ron nodded in understanding.

"Some of them believe that you were angry about losing the House-Cup, and so you attacked a Gryffindor as a way of getting revenge" Neville sighed.

"Wow…" Ron rolled his eyes.

"What are you two whispering about?" Hermione asked them with narrowed eyes.

"We were just saying that you look good… Tulip" Ron smirked, making Hermione gape. Neville and Harry held back their sniggers, while Ginny looked between Ron and Hermione.

"Ron, don't be mean to other people" Ginny told him off.

"It was a compliment" Ron assured her, and Neville and Harry began laughing.

"I'm going to go get some more juice" Hermione muttered, quickly leaving the group.

"See what you did" Ginny glared at him, and then she followed after Hermione.

"She's not actually upset, is she?" Ron asked Harry and Neville.

"Probably" Harry sniggered.

"Or maybe not" Neville shrugged.

"Helpful…" Ron said in a deadpan voice.

"Yeah… We try to not make jokes at her expense" Neville told Ron. "Sometimes she laughs them off, but sometimes she takes things to heart." Oh… noted.

"So you guys don't banter?" Ron asked.

"Neville and I banter sometimes" Harry replied. "But we don't usually try to poke fun at each other. Do you banter a lot with your friends?"

"Constantly" Ron replied. One wrong move, or one stupid remark, and that's it… Everyone is going to take the piss out of you. No one is safe. "Keeps you on your toes" Ron chuckled.

"Merlin…" Neville suddenly muttered, noticing his Gran eyeing him critically. "I should go and socialize properly, otherwise my Gran will kill me. Let's go meet more people."

"That's fair" Harry sent a sheepish smile at Lady Longbottom.

"Give me a minute, I'll join you after" Ron said, deciding to talk to the old witch. She could give me great advice on my Quibbler problem.

"Alright mate, we'll be with the others" Neville said, and they parted ways. Ron approached Lady Longbottom, who was standing with Sirius. He looks miserable.

"Is the party to your liking, Ronald?" Lady Longbottom asked.

"It is, Lady Longbottom" Ron replied truthfully. Sure, I'm the odd one out… But I'm still enjoying myself. "I was hoping to talk to you about something that is on my mind."

"I'll give you two your privacy" Sirius excused himself, eager to get away from the stern woman. She had been lecturing him about getting a wife, and telling him that a Lord needed a Lady to keep him 'honest'. Sirius hated being honest… And he hated being called a 'Lord'. Sirius left them and headed straight for the food table, grateful to Ron for the save.

"That man needs to grow up" Lady Longbottom remarked, frowning at Sirius' back. "He has a child now, and that should be his only priority." I'd really rather not comment on that. I like Sirius the way he is, despite a few annoying traits. "Now, what did you wish to discuss with me?"

"I wanted to continue the conversation we had over dinner" Ron replied, and Lady Longbottom cocked an eyebrow.

"A child who wants to discuss politics while the other children laugh and play? You are a rare one. Very well, I will oblige."

"I've been thinking about the Daily Prophet, and about how it fails to spread word about the issues that are hurting our society" Ron started, and Lady Longbottom listened intently. "You told me to learn what I could, and then to apply that knowledge in any way that I could. I've thought of a way, but I'm uncertain about how to implement it."

"You work quickly" Lady Longbottom gave him a rare smile. "Tell me Ronald, perhaps I can offer you the insight that you need." Thank Merlin for this woman!

"Xenophilius Lovegood wants to sell The Quibbler to the Daily Prophet" Ron whispered, and Lady Longbottom nodded slowly. "This is just between us, right?"

"Of course, I will keep your secrets" she assured him.

"Thank you, my Lady" Ron said gratefully. "The Daily Prophet has offered him two thousand Galleons, and a steady job writing the new 'Quibbler section'."

"And how do you know this?" she asked with a smirk.

"I'm in Slytherin" Ron grinned. "We tend to lurk about when it suits us. Anyway… I was thinking of buying my way into Xeno's magazine, and then reforming it slightly."

"Slightly?"

"A lot…" Ron corrected himself, making her chuckle for a moment. "He'd still get to keep his… writing… But I would like to add a few different sections in there."

"Will he be willing to sell to you?" Lady Longbottom asked.

"I will do my best to convince him" Ron replied. "I plan to offer him three thousand Galleons, and fifty percent of the earnings. That is a lot better than what the Prophet is offering him."

"The Prophet is offering him a steady paycheck, you are not" she told him, and Ron nodded in understanding. "I imagine that he needs the money for his new child?"

"He does" Ron replied, not even bothering to ask how she knew of Pandora's pregnancy.

"You will need to prove to him why selling to you is better" she instructed, and Ron began taking mental notes. "For one, you will let him write whatever he pleases. I know of his work, and the Daily Prophet will not let him write conspiracy theories about the Ministry or anyone else of note. You may call that section 'Xenophilius' corner'… Or whatever pleases him. Secondly, you need to market the change in The Quibbler's direction. Most people tend to laugh at The Quibbler… My words are harsh, but they are true."

"I myself laughed reading it" Ron admitted, and she nodded in understanding. Coming to her was a good move. I prefer honesty over honeyed words.

"You'll have to spend a bit of money before you begin turning a profit, but that is to be expected with any business" she informed him. "Perhaps if you tell him that you are willing to pay for the costs of re-advertising as well, he may listen to you. Unlike the Prophet, you won't shackle him behind a desk. Oh, and secure over half of the total shares in The Quibbler. That will make you in charge of it. Xenophilius can write his section and continue his… good work, while you do your business with the rest of the magazine. And I suggest that you hire proficient journalists too. I doubt Xenophilius will know how to write about underage prostitution." Ron flinched at her last few words.

"You still think of the girl?" Lady Longbottom asked, and Ron nodded. "Good, it means that your intentions are noble. And because of that… You may rely upon me for help whenever you need."

"Really?" Ron asked.

"I will council you, and aid you in any way that I can" she promised. She could see the benefit of having a paper that actually shined a light on the truth instead of just being the Ministry's mouth piece. "I have contacts, Ronald… And I will put you in a room with them. Your idea could be the next big thing, and some of them may even invest in it. You and Xenophilius could help change how this country thinks, and make a lot of money doing it." Money is always good, but helping those in need trumps money any day of the week.

"Thank you for this, Lady Longbottom. It means a lot to me" Ron gave her a respectful bow, and she gave him another smile in return.

"We will speak of the finer details at a later date" she promised. "For now, you should rejoin my grandson. He has been looking at us with no subtlety whatsoever."

"I understand" Ron said. "Thank you for hearing me, and for helping me get a better grasp on my idea." With that, Ron excused himself from her and rejoined Harry and the others. Harry, Neville, and Hermione were speaking with Padma, Parvati, Lavender, Finnigan, Thomas, and Justin.

"Guys, you know Ron right?" Harry said, putting arm around Ron's shoulders. Too much touching.

"We happen to be in his study group" Padma chuckled, and then she smiled at Ron. "It's good to see you again."

"You too, Padma" Ron smiled back. "Hello Lavender, Parvati, Justin… How are you guys?"

"Quite well" Justin replied, giving Ron's upper left arm a pat. What's with all this contact?

"Hi, Ron" Lavender smiled widely, and Ron spotted Hermione rolling her eyes.

"How have your holidays been?" Parvati asked him. Images of wooden batons, panic attacks, and old textbooks flashed in his mind.

"They've been great" Ron replied. "What about you guys?"

"I went hiking with my parents" Lavender replied immediately. "We went to upper Scotland, and we spent two weeks in the woods. It was unpleasant at first, but then I got rather used to it. I even fed some wild animals."

---

Ten Minutes Later

It was quite clear to Ron that he wasn't very popular at this party. The twins had run off with Lee Jordan. Ginny was the only first year here but she was a Gryffindor. And Ron… Ron was the Slytherin who was getting eyeballed by all the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs who weren't standing near him. Finnigan and Thomas had broken away from their group in order to find better company, and while that irked Ron, he didn't say a word about it. He even assured Harry and Neville that it didn't bother him whatsoever.

"Just ignore them" Hermione said to him, they were currently talking to each other while the others discussed Quidditch. Ron wanted to discuss Quidditch too, but he also didn't want to show support for his House's team. That would piss people off, and he knew it. Plus, I don't really support the Slytherin Quidditch team. I just want them to win for the House-Points.

"Can you ignore someone who is ignoring you?" Ron asked Hermione.

"They aren't ignoring you" she said in a challenging voice, giving him a smirk.

"I wish they were" Ron chuckled. "Being eyeballed is so much worse than being ignored. But then again… I did clock that git on the train."

"Which was extremely irresponsible" Hermione scolded. "It doesn't matter what he said to you, you should know better Ronald." I'm not a damn traitor. And if he says it again, I'll break his other bones as well.

"You're right" Ron replied, not keen to start an argument at someone else's party. Hermione blinked at him, and then she smiled in a rather conceited manner.

"Of course I am, fighting is wrong" she said firmly. "Even if someone deserves to be hit."

"You think he deserved to be hit?" Ron asked, failing to hide his smirk.

"Well… Sort of…" she mumbled, she had just backtracked by mistake. "But it doesn't matter what he deserved, you have to do what's right in those kinds of situations."

"But who determines what's right and wrong?" Ron asked her, enjoying pulling her leg.

"The rules do, and the people who made them" Hermione replied. "Teachers look down on fighting, and since they are in charge, we should respect their authority. By hitting McLaggen, you proved his point about you."

"His point about me being a traitor to my Family?" Ron asked, and she blinked at him again.

"I didn't say that" Hermione replied.

"No, but he did" Ron shrugged.

"Violence is never the answer, Ron" Hermione said. "Violence breeds violence, I read that in a book about the Romans. They conquered so many nations, but all that did was incite more fighting. And in the end, their empire was destroyed because of it." I have no fucking idea about what empire she is speaking of, but I can understand what she's trying to prove.

"Violence breeds violence… I can see how that works" Ron nodded, and she smiled victoriously. "Which is why you hit the other person so hard that they can't get back up again…" Hermione's smile fell at that, and she just stared at him with a slightly horrified look.

"Ron, that's horrible…" Hermione all but whispered, and Ron blinked at her.

"Just something my brother once said to me" Ron lied. "Think nothing of it." She nodded slowly, not really believing his words. She had never truly seen Ron the same way again after he had attacked Harry like some wild beast, and every now and then, he tended to say something that made her worry about what went on inside of his head. She preferred the kind and gentle Ron from first year, not the person he was slowly becoming. Not the person Slytherin, and his friends, were turning him into. She had read that a person's environments helped shape their personality, and that made her worry for him. She would definitely be spending more time with him in the upcoming school year, for his own benefit.

---

AUTHOR'S NOTES: That's the end of the Chapter! I hope you guys enjoyed that, a lot was happening during this Chapter. And for those who are wondering, Ron does indeed practice Wandless Magic in his spare time. More on that in the next Chapter.

Now, I'm going to be taking a few days off for some personal reasons, but I will be back by next Wednesday at the latest.

See you guys soon!