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.

66. Chapter 66 - Matters of Money

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 66 is done, and now posted. A LOT happens in this chapter, so keep your eyes peeled. Also if people are confused about the italics, here is a guide.

This refers to People's Thoughts.

This is Ron thinking in Parseltongue.

This is the Entity.

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 66 – Matter of Money

Ronald Weasley's POV

Wednesday 19th August, 1993 (Longbottom Manor – Afternoon)

The contract had been written up, as well as the shareholder agreement, and Ron had even managed to find his first investor. Theo had agreed to buy up five percent of the shares as a friendly favor to Ron, but Ron first had to get Xeno to sign over The Quibbler to him. In all honesty, Ron felt that convincing Xeno would be the hardest part about this venture due to a variety of reasons.

Firstly, Ron was a thirteen year old, and despite how prepared he was, people underestimated him due to his age. They didn't know that Ron had probably seen horrors that they couldn't even fathom, or that Ron had genuinely punched a God in its face. To the outside world, Ron was just another kid who went to Hogwarts. And therefore, no adult was going to take him seriously when he came to them with an offer to buy their business.

Secondly, Ron's parents would most likely think that he was insane. Ron was certain that his mother would step in and attempt to tank the deal, mostly because she would refuse to let him waste his money. His father would no doubt bring up his 'fragile' mind, and try and talk him out of making such a big decision. And when Ron would refuse them both, they'd start taking extreme measures to 'protect him'. It was an old dance, and Ron was getting sick of it. He didn't need people getting in his way every time he made a move, and he certainly didn't need people to act like they knew his limits better than he did.

Thirdly, Xenophilius might genuinely object to Ron becoming his boss. Xeno wasn't like most of the adults that Ron knew, Xeno was far more open-minded than he was proud. All three Lovegoods were extremely open-minded, but truth be told, that open-mindedness had its limits. Despite trusting and loving Ron completely, Xeno also understood that Ron was 'just a child'. Naming Ron the Godfather of his unborn child was one thing, but becoming reliant on him was another. Ron, of course, had no intention of offending Xeno's pride, small as it may be, but he truly needed The Quibbler. And he was willing to twist Xeno's arm a little for it. Xeno could either work for Ron, or he could get a two thousand Galleon pay out and be jobless. Ron's deal was a Merlin-send compared to what the Daily Prophet was planning, and Ron planned to use that fact if necessary.

Fourthly, Ron's busy lifestyle was no doubt going to be brought up. Ron was a student, a professional Chess player, in the market for a new Dueling tutor, and now he was aspiring to run a business as well. Normal people would be easily daunted by such a busy lifestyle, and Ron was too, but Ron was also driven by something that he couldn't tell anyone about. And since he couldn't tell them why he was pushing himself so hard, everyone who knew him just assumed that he wanted to jump into an early grave. His brain-damage and Chronic Stress were bound to come up, and Ron had no idea about how he was going to navigate that mess.

And lastly, Ron had little to no time on his hands. Xeno was apparently flying through his work, and he fully planned to sign over The Quibbler once his latest issue was published. This gave Ron roughly ten days to get everything in place. There just wasn't enough time to do everything that needed to be done, and so Ron was starting to stress more and more. There were parties to attend, work to go to, books and supplies to buy, and a legitimate presentation to come up with. Not to mention talking to potential investors before he was shipped off to Hogwarts, all the while tackling the obstacles that were going to be thrown in his way.

"Ron?" came Neville's voice, and Ron looked over to him. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to…" Ron started, but he stopped when he saw Harry and Hermione poke their heads out of the Living Room. They're visiting him? Fair enough, I'm only here for Lady Longbottom anyway.

"Ron, what are you doing here?" Hermione asked, repeating Neville's question. There was a growing smile on her face, but Ron paid it no mind. He was here to show Lady Longbottom his contracts in order to get more of her advice, and to potentially convince her to be a shareholder.

"And why do you have that briefcase, and that bottle of Sherry?" Harry cocked his head as he and Hermione walked up beside Neville.

"The Sherry is for Lady Longbottom, and the briefcase has some important documents in it" Ron replied, and the Golden Trio nodded slowly. Thank you for the briefcase, Gornuk.

"What important documents?" Hermione asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. I should keep that to myself for now. I don't want Harry to tell Sirius, who will then tell my family. Sirius is the last investor that I'll speak to, mostly because I don't trust him to keep quiet about this.

"Just some personal stuff" Ron shrugged, and then he looked to Neville. "Is your Grandmother here? I wish to see her."

"Gran?" Neville blinked. "She's in her study…"

"Mind taking me there, I don't know the way" Ron said, and Neville nodded dumbly. Why did Ron need to see his Gran? And what were these documents?

"Follow me" Neville said, and they both began making their way towards the study. It didn't take long for Harry and Hermione to catch up.

"Why do you need to see Neville's Gran?" Harry asked.

"I need her advice on some important matters" Ron replied, and something flashed behind Harry's eyes.

"What important matters?" Harry asked. "Maybe we can help as well." I rather doubt it.

"It's nothing to worry about, mate" Ron shot Harry a smile. "I just need ten minutes of her time, and then I have to go anyway." I promised Daphne that I'd help her with her party decorations. And I need to speak with Lord and Lady Greengrass about this.

"Really?" Neville asked. "You can't stay for a chat?"

"It'll be fun, Ron" Hermione piped in. "We can talk about which subjects we're taking this year."

"Hermione's taking them all" Harry said, ruining her surprise. She's taking them all?

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, looking both upset and angry.

"Wait, don't the subjects clash?" Ron asked Hermione, but she was just glaring at a sniggering Harry.

"They do, but she plans to work extra hard" Neville replied for her, and Ron nodded slowly. "I think she's going to burn herself out."

"I will not" Hermione said haughtily. "I'm perfectly capable of doing it, and the teachers agreed."

"Well, good luck I suppose" Ron said, wondering whether or not he should follow her example. No, I'm already too busy. I don't need that headache as well.

"Which subjects are you taking?" Hermione asked him.

"Care of Magical Creatures and Study of Ancient Runes" Ron replied, and Hermione beamed.

"Have you read 'Ancient Runes Made Easy' yet?" Hermione asked, and both Harry and Neville groaned. "It's so fascinating! Did you know that the Egyptians used to perform their Magic solely from Runes? Or that…"

"Here we are" Neville announced, stopping Hermione from going off on a rant.

"Neville, you cut me off" Hermione narrowed her eyes on him, and he smiled sheepishly. Thank Merlin for that, I don't have all day. I need to get my arse moving here.

"He said that he was in a hurry, Hermione" Neville reminded her, and she frowned to herself.

"Mate, once you're done in there" Harry whispered, and Ron leaned in to hear him properly. "Come to the Living Room for like five minutes. We're talking about 'Dumbledore's mission in Albania', alright?" Why won't he just leave it alone? He's like a dog with a juicy bone. Bloody hell, I should at least hear him out just in case. What if he's figured something else out? I'll need to warn Snape and Dumbledore.

"I'll do that" Ron nodded his agreement, and Harry smiled and patted his shoulder.

"See you then" Harry said, and both he and Hermione left for the Living Room. Neville however, stayed and knocked on the study door.

"Come in" came Lady Longbottom's stern voice, and Neville opened the door. Ron entered behind Neville, and he waited for Neville to announce him.

"Gran, Ron is here to see you" Neville said, and Lady Longbottom looked up from her work. She was writing something down on a piece of parchment, and Ron figured that she was working on her businesses.

"Ah, Ronald" Lady Longbottom gave a rare smile, something that made Neville blink repeatedly. "Come in and take a seat."

"Good afternoon, my Lady" Ron greeted her with a smile, and then he walked over and sat down from across her. Alright, let's do this. Think before you speak, and keep your manners in check.

"You may rejoin your friends, Neville" Lady Longbottom told her Grandson, and Neville left with a parting nod. Once the door was closed, Lady Longbottom looked to Ron. "What brings you here, Ronald?"

"I came to speak with you about my business plans" Ron replied, and then he stood up and offered her the bottle of Sherry. "A gift for your excellent advice, the Goblins really helped me get everything started."

"When it comes to matters of Gold, there is no one better" Lady Longbottom said, accepting the bottle and putting it on the shelf behind her. "Thank you for the Sherry, Ronald. You have truly found my weak spot. Now, what's in your briefcase?" Ron smiled and sat back down, and then he opened the briefcase on his lap.

"These are two contracts that I had drawn up" Ron replied, handing her the documents. "And this folder has the relevant information about my business' structure" Ron said, handing her the blue folder as well.

"Let's have a look, shall we?" Lady Longbottom said, her eyes scanning the documents.

---

Five Minutes Later

"This is well detailed" Lady Longbottom said, putting down the papers and looking at Ron. "And structurally sound. I commend you on your efforts."

"I had a lot of help" Ron smiled, pleased at hearing her words.

"One question though… Why are you giving Xenophilius twenty percent of the shares?" Lady Longbottom asked. "It is an awfully large amount for a man who will just be writing three pages."

"The Quibbler is his life's work" Ron replied. "And… And I don't want him to struggle with money. Ever. His unborn child is to be my Godson, or Goddaughter."

"Is that so?" Lady Longbottom asked, nodding in understanding. "Congratulations, Ronald. I hope you understand just how important that responsibility is."

"I do" Ron said, already eager to meet the baby. I'm going to spoil them so much.

"Everything seems to coming together well" Lady Longbottom said, looking back down at the papers. "Your Goblin was smart to cap share-buys at five percent for each Family, too many businesses tend to get bought out by wealthy Families."

"That's what Gornuk said" Ron told her. "He wanted to cap Families over individuals in order to stop multiple Family members from buying separate shares. He said that that would also help give my business credibility because multiple Families will be investing in it."

"Speaking of which…" Lady Longbottom interrupted his train of thought with a thin-lipped smile. "You want the Longbottom Family to invest as well?"

"I do" Ron replied honestly. "I can't give out shares until after Xeno signs the contract, but I would like some assurances nonetheless. Hogwarts is going to be starting very soon, and once it does, speaking to potential investors will become an issue for me."

"I understand, Ronald" Lady Longbottom said. "Do you have any assurances yet?"

"One, my friend Theodore Nott" Ron replied. "He will be using his Trust Account to buy five percent of the shares for his Family."

"The Notts…" Lady Longbottom said. "Are you sure that's wise? Given their Family history?" I didn't ask his Family, I asked him.

"He is my friend, and ally" Ron replied. "And I trust him completely. And even if he backs out, once I've payed him his investment back, I can just find another investor to take his spot."

"It's not his investment that I'm questioning, it's his beliefs" Lady Longbottom said. "Do you truly want him to have a say in what you put out?"

"Only I will decide what I put out" Ron replied. "Every week, I will oversee what my staff wish to put out for the upcoming Quibbler issue, and if I don't like it, then they'll have to pitch another idea."

"A dictatorship?" Lady Longbottom asked, and Ron nodded.

"I'm paying the bills, so I decide what happens" Ron replied. "I think that's fair."

"Good" Lady Longbottom nodded her approval. "You'll need that backbone in the future, I assure you." Believe me, I know. "Very well, Ronald. You've convinced me." YES! TWO DOWN! "But I will not be buying the shares, my Grandson will."

"Neville will be buying the shares?" Ron asked, slightly surprised. Why?

"He will do as he is told" Lady Longbottom replied. "I want him to start thinking about these things, and to get his head out of the clouds. And his pot-plants, for that matter."

"I see…" Ron nodded slowly. "Then I have to ask a favor of you."

"Name it" Lady Longbottom said.

"Don't tell him about this until after I get Xeno's signature" Ron requested. "He will tell Harry, who will tell Sirius, who will tell Xeno. I need time to prepare, and if Xeno finds out too early, he might end up going to the Daily Prophet."

"I understand" Lady Longbottom gave him a nod. "I will keep your secrets." That phrase again? Is that a Longbottom saying, or something?

"Thank you, Lady Longbottom" Ron said as he stood up, and she handed him the documents.

"I will say this outright, Ronald" Lady Longbottom started as Ron was packing his briefcase. "I'm not a woman who hides what she thinks, and I think that my Grandson could use someone like you influencing him."

"Influencing him?" Ron asked, holding his briefcase in his right hand.

"Neville needs to transition into becoming a young man" Lady Longbottom said in a stern voice, and Ron couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for Neville. "He spends his days playing with flowers, and when he's not wasting his time with them, he spends it following Harry and Hermione around. His grades are lacking, with the exception of Herbology, and he is the least talented of his friends. He sorely lacks confidence, and therefore he lacks the strength to take charge." Merlin, why don't you Avada his toad as well while you're at it?

"And you want me to help him improve?" Ron asked. How's that my problem? He's a part of the Golden Trio, which basically means that he's under Dumbledore's constant protection. It's my Slytherin friends who need me.

"I want you to show him that he can be more than what he is settling for" Lady Longbottom replied. What he's setting for? She's being a little harsh, isn't she? I mean, Neville might not be the brightest… Or the strongest… But he is still respectable. He stood up for my friends, and in doing so, he went up against his own friends. That took balls, especially because he was scared of losing Harry and Hermione to me.

"I will see what I can do" Ron said, deciding to keep his answer vague.

"That is all I ask" Lady Longbottom said. "Goodbye, Ronald. I wish you luck in your endeavor."

"Thank you" Ron gave a parting nod, and then he began making his way out. Right before he opened the door, he decided to defend Neville just like Neville had defended his friends. You owe him that much.

"Did Neville tell you about the Stone?" Ron asked, he knew that he had. Why wouldn't he? The Trio tend to run their mouth.

"He did…" Lady Longbottom replied slowly, watching Ron with a curious look.

"Did he tell you that I was there?" Ron asked, and Lady Longbottom nodded again. "When we got trapped in the Devil's Snare, none of us knew what to do. All of us began panicking, me most of all. But Neville didn't panic, he instead used Bluebell Flames to drive away the Devil's Snare. He saved all three of us singlehandedly, and while we escaped, he held the Devil's Snare at bay alone" Ron finished strongly, and Lady Longbottom just blinked at him. Didn't know that, did you? "He found his strength when it really mattered, thought you should know. Have a pleasant day, Lady Longbottom." With that, Ron left the study and closed the door behind him.

Ron then made his way towards the Living Room in order to hear what Harry had come up with this time. He personally didn't like the idea of 'influencing' Neville into being more like him, mostly because he knew that it wouldn't work. Ron had slowly come to value Slytherin's more noble traits, whereas Neville strongly disliked the House of the Cunning in general. It had taken Ron well over a year to fully embrace his House, and he had only managed it due to his friends. Trying to turn Neville into a Snake would be impossible, especially because he clearly loved being a Lion. Hell, there were times when Ron still hated his own House, and the pompous idiots in it.

"Hello" Ron greeted the Golden Trio as he entered the Living Room, and they smiled in return.

"Finally" Harry said. "What were you doing in there?" Does privacy mean nothing to him?

"Like I said, I needed her advice on something" Ron replied, taking a seat next to Hermione. "Now, what did you want to discuss Harry? I'm in a bit of a rush."

"I think that the 'Cult of Fanatics' was just a cover up" Harry said, and Ron felt the immediate urge to strangle the Boy-Who-Lived. This cunt has someone whispering in his ears, doesn't he?

"Harry, do you even hear yourself?" Hermione rolled her eyes, making Harry frown deeply. "He's been going on and on about this for days, and it sounds more and more silly each time."

"Hermione, just let him say his piece" Neville sighed, though he himself was sick of hearing it.

"It's gibberish…" Hermione huffed, why would the Daily Prophet make up such a story? It would be illogical to publish it if it wasn't true, and they had actual evidence proving their story to be true. Harry only had guesses and conspiracies.

"Just tell me, please" Ron looked right at Harry. "Let me be the judge of what I want to believe."

"Right" Harry said, looking right at Ron and ignoring his best friends. "So we know that Dumbledore went off to Albania on a secret mission, right? And then, out of nowhere, the Inferno happens. I told you that he was hunting Voldemort a while back, and I think that Dumbledore actually found him." Ron cringed at the name, which earned him a deadpan look from Harry.

"Why would You-Know-Who be in Albania, Harry?" Hermione asked. "Why would Dumbledore go alone?" Because I lit a fire under his arse. "And why would hundreds of people lie?"

"Maybe this Cult was working for Voldemort?" Harry shot back. Why does he say that name? Is he mental?

"You think the Dark Lord started the Inferno?" Ron asked, trying to sound skeptical.

"He could, couldn't he?" Harry asked back. "He's the most powerful Dark Wizard of all Time."

"Why would he do that?" Neville asked. "No one died in it, Harry. And Dumbledore wasn't even in Albania when the Inferno happened."

"He could have flown back on a broom" Harry pointed out.

"Harry… Mate…" Ron started, and Harry groaned because of Ron's tone. "What about Xeno? He was there, his memories were tested, and he didn't even mention Dumbledore once."

"Exactly!" Hermione exclaimed, eager to use this new argument. Harry took in a deep breath, trying to think of Xenophilius Lovegood's part in all of this. "Professor Dumbledore was at Mr. Lovegood's trial, and he had to go there from England. It was in the Daily Prophet, Harry. You're trying to find reasons for Professor Dumbledore leaving Hogwarts without telling you, and so you're making up outrageous reasons to explain why he didn't tell you." Oh… Going for the low blow, I see. She knows that Harry hero-worships the old codger, doesn't she? But I have to admit, her words do make a lot of sense. "I'm sure Professor Dumbledore does a lot of things without telling you, so why are you so fixed on this?"

"I'm 'fixed' on this because I want to know what's going on with Voldemort!" Harry snapped, making everyone flinch. My ears…

"Don't yell his name" Ron frowned at Harry.

"It's just a name" Harry rolled his eyes. "Voldemort. Voldemort. Volde…"

"I'm leaving" Ron shook his head as he stood up. "I have more important matters to attend to anyway." Ron then looked to Neville and Hermione, who were both just frowning at Harry. "Good luck with him." With that, Ron left for Greengrass Manor. I should tell Snape and Dumbledore that Harry is literally on the Gold with this, and that if they want their secrets to be kept secret, they need to stop him from bringing this up to the adults. If Harry caught on, then someone else is bound to. Ron made his way over to fireplaces, and then he flood back to the Burrow. From there I'll go to Greengrass Manor, and then to Snape's Office.

"Oh, hello Ron" came Luna's voice as soon as he stepped through the fireplace, and Ron found himself in a Living Room filled with Lovegoods and Weasleys.

"Hello…" Ron said slowly, eyeing everyone in the room. Everyone is here?

"I'm glad you're here son, you should join us" Arthur smiled at his boy, and Ron blinked at him.

"What's going on?" Ron asked, his eyes lingering on Xeno as his hold on his briefcase tightened. What's he doing here? Did they catch onto me? Impossible. I was nothing but careful.

"We're just spending some family time together" Molly replied, waving a pack of cards for him to see. Ah… Safe.

"I would love to join you, but I have some important things to do" Ron said, and then he grabbed a pinch of floo-powder. Everyone in the room just blinked at him, what was his hurry?

"Wait… What important things?" Molly asked, surprised by Ron's haste.

"Daphne needs my help with her party planning" Ron replied. "Greengrass Manor" Ron said clearly as he threw the floo-powder into the fireplace. It blazed to life, and Ron walked through it before anyone could stop him. Blood hell, that was scary. I thought that they knew what I was up to, and that they planned to shut me down. Why was Xeno there? Probably just taking a break from his work, judging by how worn he looked. Worn, and stressed.

"Ron, you're here!" came Pansy's voice, and Ron looked to see Pansy and Millie carrying a table between them. What the hell? Why are they lifting a table?

"Can you give me hand with this?" Millie asked. "Pansy has noodles for arms."

"I'm a Lady, and this is beneath me" Pansy frowned at Millie. "Why is Daphne making us carry tables? She could hire help, you know…"

"Why is she making you carry tables?" Ron asked, deciding to find out before he flooed away.

"Something about wanting to see the Ballroom without any furniture in it" Millie shrugged, and then she lowered the table onto the ground.

"Thank Merlin…" Pansy moaned, rubbing her arms with a pout. "I resent this."

"We just got started, Pans" Millie sighed, and Pansy stomped her feet.

"I'm going home" Pansy threatened, and Millie groaned at her. "Don't groan like that, it's so degrading."

"Your noodle arms are degrading" Millie shot back.

"Yeah, well…" Pansy started, but Ron cut in to stop their childish spat.

"Is Daphne in the Living Room?" Ron asked, and both girls nodded. "Let me have a word with her, she's clearly going mental." Ron began making his way towards the Living Room, and the girls followed after him.

"What's in the briefcase?" Pansy asked.

"My will" Ron lied, earning a laugh from Millie.

"Are you leaving me anything?" Pansy asked, tangling her right arm with his left one.

"Just a lock of my hair to remember me by" Ron replied.

"That's just creepy" Millie pointed out. "Seriously though, why are you walking around with a briefcase?"

"It's got some important papers in it" Ron told her, and Millie nodded in understanding. He clearly wanted to keep this private, and so both girls decided to not poke their noses into it. "Is Tracey here?"

"Yeah, she's here" Pansy replied. "And she's also panicking… Actually, I think she's the reason why Daphne's gone off the deep end as well."

"What's wrong with them?" Ron asked.

"It's just what 'Ladies' do, Ron" Millie shook her head. "They start throwing tantrums before their parties, claiming that nothing is as they want it to be."

"Great…" Ron groaned. Daphne is definitely going to take her frustrations out on me. They entered the Living Room, and all three of them stopped dead in their tracks. Daphne was looking over some papers, while Tracey was leaning forward on the table in an attempt to reach for something that was far out of her reach. But in doing so, her skirt was riding up and showing some of her yellow panty covered rear. NICE!

"Ron, don't look" Millie covered his eyes. Oi! I was enjoying the show!

"No, let him" Pansy smacked Millie's hand away. "This is good for a boy his age, it'll get his blood flowing."

"What the fuck?" both Ron and Millie asked Pansy, and she frowned at them.

"Flowing to where?" Millie asked, and then she gaped at Pansy. "Pans… What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I read it in…"

"Witch Weekly" both Ron and Millie groaned, and Pansy scowled at them.

"That magazine is corrupting witches, I swear" Ron shook his head, and then he shot another look at Tracey's arse. Yellow? Not green? Hmmm, a bit skinny but not bad. Very pale compared to the rest of her body.

"Ron, stop being a pervert" Millie shoved him, but he barely moved.

"Tracey, I can see your arse!" Ron called out, and Tracey turned around within a flash. Daphne just looked over to them with a confused look, while Tracey fixed up her skirt in a frantic manner.

"Great, you ruined it for us all" Pansy sighed, letting go of Ron's arm. Huh?

"Ignore her, Ron" Millie gave Pansy a deadpan look. "That magazine has rotted her brain beyond saving."

"Ron, what are you doing here?" Tracey asked, her face completely flushed already.

"And why are you looking at Tracey's… behind?" Daphne hissed, narrowing her eyes on Ron. Whoops.

"Couldn't not see it" Ron shrugged as he approached them with a grin. "Yellow?"

"Oh my god…" Tracey shrunk in on herself, her hands still pulling her skirt down. Odd, she's usually rather open about this sort of teasing. Don't tell me that she's all talk? And why did she say 'Oh my god' instead of 'Oh Merlin'? Must be from her Muggle school days.

"I told you that your skirt was too short" Daphne frowned at Tracey, her jealousy turning her blood into acid for a moment. "And you're late, Ron. Where were you?"

"I had stuff to do, and I have more things to do actually" Ron replied, and Daphne waited for him to go on. "I need to see Pomfrey for like half an hour."

"Oh…" Daphne blinked, her flaring temper collapsing. "Then why are you here being a pervert instead of being with her?"

"I want to know why you're making Millie and Pansy lift tables" Ron replied.

"Tracey and I want to see the open space so we can allocate where everything will go" Daphne replied, looking to a flushed Tracey. "Do you mind helping out after you get back?"

"Not at all" Ron replied. "Just wait for me to get back, and I'll do the whole thing. With Millie, that is."

"So I'm free?" Pansy asked, a smile appearing on her face.

"Pansy, can you help me with the music?" Tracey asked, avoiding looking at Ron. Haha! This is almost as funny as 'Pansy's sensitive breasts'.

"Definitely" Pansy agreed, eager to get out of physical labor.

"Want me to wait for you to get back?" Millie asked Ron, and he nodded. "Suits me, I'm taking a nap." With that, Millie walked over to the nearest couch and dropped onto it unceremoniously.

"Alright, I'll be back shortly" Ron said, making his way over to Living Room fireplace. This Manor has way too many fireplaces. Ron grabbed a pinch of floo-powder, and he tossed it into the fire as he called for Snape's Office. The fire blazed green, and Ron stepped through it and into Snape's Office. The moment he came through the fire, he saw Snape hunched over a cauldron. "Good afternoon, Sir" Ron spoke in a polite tone, even though he really didn't want to.

"Mr. Weasley" Snape said curtly, still concentrating on his Potion.

"What are you brewing?" Ron asked.

"Blood Replenishing Potion" Snape replied, and Ron nodded slowly.

"Is the Headmaster here?" Ron asked, and Snape turned to look at Ron for a moment. He's sweating, and his hair is greasier than usual. It's actually quite hot in here, now that I think about it.

"He is not, but you can tell me what's happened" Snape said. "Did you have an important vision?"

"No…" Ron replied, wondering why he wasn't getting visions anymore. Has the Entity simply given up on me? Or is something wrong with it? I saw it get sealed away, and the Hat confirmed that. But still… Where the fuck is the 'help'? "I do bring some annoying news, however."

"Annoying news?" Snape cocked an eyebrow, and then he turned back to his Potion.

"Harry thinks that the Dark Lord set the Inferno off, and that there is no Cult" Ron replied, and Snape stopped stirring. "Hermione and Neville are starting to call him mental, and I think that he might go to an adult soon. He won't let this go for some reason, and I think that it might be because Dumbledore didn't tell him that he was leaving for Albania." Bloody hell, I need to sit down. I've been walking around all day, and my muscles are sore from my Circuit Training.

"Albus has to answer to Potter now, is that it?" Snape scoffed.

"No, but Harry feels that he deserves answers whenever the Dark Lord is involved" Ron shrugged, taking a seat without permission. Snape didn't really care, and even if he did, he didn't say anything about it. "He actually snapped at me for telling him to not say the Dark Lord's name…"

"He openly says the Dark Lord's name?" Snape asked, not even surprised by Potter's arrogance.

"Yeah… It's pretty unnerving" Ron replied, resting his briefcase on his lap and rubbing his forehead. Shite, my head is hurting because of this heat. I need to stop stewing in it and get a move on, too much left to do. "Didn't you say that you were going to put a stop to that?"

"I already told his incompetent caretakers to shut him up" Snape replied. "Other than Obliviating him, I really can't do much else."

"Get Dumbledore to do it, he seems to be an expert at it" Ron remarked, and Snape used his Occlumency in order to stop himself from cuffing the sharp-tongued boy on the back of his head. "Where is he, by the way? Is he still taking care of his Gaia Project?"

"How…?" Snape started before stopping, that project wasn't even announced yet. "Your visions…" Nope, my Elf.

"Yeah" Ron lied, his headache increasing slightly. "It's really hot in here… So much so that I can't even breathe properly." How does he live in this lab?

"Then leave, you've said what you came to say" Snape said in a cold whisper, and then he turned back to his Potion once again. Fair enough. Ron stood up to leave, but his legs lost the strength in them and he fell forward onto Snape's desk. "Mr. Weasley?" Snape called, and then he was by Ron's side instantly. "Ronald?"

"I'm… fine…" Ron shook his head clear, a weak ringing noise filling his ears. What the fuck? Ron tried to stand up, but once again his legs gave out. Snape caught him and guided him onto the chair, and then he began observing Ron's face with a serious look. Ron's spatial perception became slightly distorted, and he began feeling queasy because of it. What is happening? I feel like I'm still falling forward…

"Ron?" Snape called again, his voice much softer now. "Lean back in the chair." Lean back? Ron did as he was told, but for some reason, it felt like he was falling off of a cliff. And so he jerked forward with a panicked look, but Snape grabbed his shoulders in order to steady him. "It's alright, you're not falling. It's just Spatial Disorientation. Don't be scared…" Snape said as he eased Ron into a leaning position.

"What's happening?" Ron mumbled, feeling utterly spent. And then he simply dozed off before he could hear Snape's response.

---

Ten Minutes Later

Ron's eyes opened slowly, his vision completely blurred. Where am I? What happened? Ron tried to sit up, but his body didn't move. I'm exhausted… Ron tried to sit up again, but all he managed was a weak groan.

"You're awake" came Snape's voice, and Ron noticed the Potions Master coming out of his stores. "Can you move?"

"No…" Ron replied. What's happened to me?

"You're not panicking, which itself is a symptom" Snape said, putting a bunch of Potions on his desk.

"Symptom?" Ron asked.

"Spatial Disorientation, mental fatigue, physical fatigue, flashes of heat…" Snape listed the symptoms that he had deduced. "Is your head hurting?"

"No… But it was…" Ron replied, closing his eyes again. A little more rest…

"Wake up, Ron" Snape said, making sure to not shake the boy. "You are showing symptoms of brain-injuries. Have you had these before?"

"I've had headaches" Ron replied, opening his eyes a little. "And both kinds of fatigue… Spatial Disorientation is new…" Why is this happening now? I have work to do. I need to get back to the girls, and then I need to speak with Lord and Lady Greengrass.

"Ron?" Snape called for the third time, and Ron opened his eyes a bit more. "Drink this" Snape said as he put a vial to Ron's lips, and then helped him drink the Potion down. The Potion was rather bitter, but bearable. Better than my Nutrition Potion, that's for certain.

"What are you giving me?" Ron asked.

"Something to stop your left hand from trembling" Snape replied. It's trembling? "You don't feel it?"

"No…" Ron replied, his eyes travelling to his left hand. It was still shaking, but the tremors were slowly beginning to subside.

"I know you've had seizures before, and luckily, you didn't have one this time" Snape said, picking up another vial. "Drink this too." Ron did as he was told, and he didn't put up any sort of resistance. He couldn't even if he wanted to.

---

Thirty Minutes Later

Ron woke up with a desperate need to vomit, and before he could even process what was happening, he had shot out of his seat and thrown up all over Snape's desk. Once he was finished, he fell back onto the chair with a tired groan. Fuck me, what was that?

"That's one way to wake up" came Snape's voice, and Ron turned his head in order to see Snape. The Potion Master was watching him, while also stirring his bubbling Potion.

"I'm sorry…" Ron apologized, still feeling a little queasy. I just ruined his desk. Bloody hell, why did I vomit like that?

"Think nothing of it" Snape said, his expression unreadable. Snape then brandished his wand at the vomit, and he cleaned it up non-verbally. "The Potions did their work, and you should be able to move around now. Though I do caution restraint."

"What Potions?" Ron asked, slowly standing up and looking for his briefcase.

"I left your briefcase by the fireplace in order to save it from your sickness" Snape told him, and Ron looked to it. There it is.

"Thank you, Sir" Ron said, making his way over to his briefcase. Walking felt odd for some reason, and Ron was getting lightheaded by just doing it. "I'd hate for it to get soaked too."

"Slow down" Snape ordered, watching Ron with a curious eye. Did his symptoms mean nothing to him? Or did he simply have them so often that he was used to them? Or was he having trouble catching up to what had just happened due to mental fatigue? "What's the last thing you remember?"

"Um… We were talking about Harry" Ron replied, picking up his briefcase and holding it to his chest. The contracts are vomit-free, thank Merlin. "And then I had symptoms of brain-damage…" Shite, that's bad right? Fuck, I don't need this right now. If mum and dad find out, I can kiss The Quibbler goodbye.

"Come, we need to take you to Pomfrey" Snape said, leaving his Potion to simmer.

"No" Ron quickly refused. "I'm fine, and this happens sometimes…" Snape just stared at Ron for a few seconds, and then he looked to his briefcase.

"Whatever is in that briefcase means very little when compared to your life, boy" Snape told him, and Ron tightened his hold on the briefcase. Snape drew in a calming breath, and this time he spoke with a slightly gentler voice. "At least sit back down."

"I have important things to do…" Ron told him, he really had no time to waste. "How long was I here for?"

"Around forty five minutes" Snape replied, and then he gestured for Ron to stay still as he left for his stores. Forty five minutes? Damn, Daphne is probably waiting for me to get back. I'll quickly help her with the furniture, and then I can talk to Lord and Lady Greengrass. Snape came back out of his stores with two vials of his personal Calming Tonic, and he handed them to Ron.

"Um… Thank you" Ron said, taking the vials with a slightly confused look.

"One a day only, understand?" Snape said, and Ron nodded slowly. "And stop pushing yourself needlessly. I don't know what you're up to, but your ability to see the Future is still very much needed."

"I… understand" Ron nodded slowly, pocketing the vials. Hear that Entity? Do your fucking job, please.

"Now open your mouth" Snape ordered, and Ron blinked at him. "Open." His bedside manner is atrocious. But then again, I did just vomit all over his desk. Ron opened his mouth, and Snape quickly took out his wand and cast a Fresh-Breath Charm inside of Ron's mouth. The minty flavor hit the back of Ron's throat rather harshly, and it made him start coughing.

"Thanks…" Ron wheezed, but Snape simply walked back over to his Potion.

"If you've developed a new symptom, then I recommend getting a checkup" Snape said, turning the heat up on his cauldron. "Take better care of yourself, Mr. Weasley."

"I will…" Ron said. "Um… Thank you, Sir… For helping me…" Snape didn't respond in any way, and Ron took that as his cue to leave. He took a pinch of floo-powder, and he cast it into the fireplace as he called for Greengrass Manor. Once the flames were ready, Ron walked through them and entered the Manor's Receiving Hallway. Using the floo-network made his head spin terribly, and Ron leaned forward on his knees in order to catch his breath. Why now? I know that I'm stressing a lot lately, but I've been through worse amounts of stress before. Ron straightened his back once again, groaning as he did it. He then made his way over to the Living Room, eager to take a seat and rest for a moment.

"Ron, you're back!" Pansy called out, she was sitting on a loveseat with Tori. Tori had a copy of 'A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration' in her lap, and she quickly looked away from it in favor of smiling widely at Ron. Where are Tracey, Daphne, and Millie?

"Ron, can you help me study?" Tori asked as Ron dropped on a seat unceremoniously.

"I promised to help your sister first" Ron replied.

"Actually, you don't have to" Pansy informed him, and he looked to her with a confused look. "Lord and Lady Greengrass cleared the whole Ballroom with a couple of Charms. Daphne wasn't very happy about it though, she wants to do this all by herself."

"How is asking us for help any different from asking them?" Ron asked, glad that he didn't have to lift tables and chairs.

"We're her friends, so our help doesn't count as help" Pansy shrugged, and then she looked him over properly. "Ron, are you alright?"

"I'm really tired, that's all" Ron replied. "Where are Lord and Lady Greengrass?"

"They're in the study, I think" Tori replied, looking back to her boring book. "Since you don't have to help Daphne anymore, you should help me instead."

"I will" Ron said as he stood back up. "But I need to speak to your parents first."

"What about?" Tori asked, looking back up to Ron.

"This thing called 'None of your business'…" Ron grinned, making both girls giggle.

"That's not even funny" Tori grinned as well.

"You still laughed, so I win" Ron shrugged, and then he made his way out of the Living Room. As he was making his way towards the study, Pansy suddenly caught up to him. "Are you sure that it's wise to leave Tori unattended?" Ron asked her.

"She's not that wild, Ron" Pansy replied, an odd sort of smile on her face. What's she up to? "Plus, her father is cracking down on her for not taking her studies seriously. Trust me, she won't be pulling any troublesome stunts any time soon."

"I see" Ron said, eyeing Pansy carefully.

"Careful Ron, or you'll make me blush" Pansy smirked.

"Pansy, why are you following me?" Ron asked.

"Can't I spend time with my friend?" Pansy asked innocently, and Ron fought the urge to smile at her antics. "My tall friend… who has a six-pack…" Now I see, she wants to see it.

"Pansy… No" Ron refused in advance, and Pansy feigned hurt.

"Just one quick look" Pansy pestered him as she clung onto his arm in order to stop him. "I was looking forward to watching you lift tables, you know. You'd get all sweaty and then be forced to take off your shirt." What the hell?

"Pansy, I'm worried about your mental state" Ron told her, half-bantering and half-serious. "That magazine is doing a number on you." Merlin, girls are crazy. Even Daphne has moments where she gets really… excited. "And I'd never take off my shirt… You know why, don't you?"

"Your scars…" Pansy whispered, and Ron nodded. "Scars can be sexy on a lean body, Ron. I personally wouldn't mind seeing them again." My scars are not 'sexy', they're haunting. "Please, I haven't seen abs on an actual boy yet."

"I'll show you my abs if you show me your 'sensitive' chest" Ron said, and Pansy blinked at him.

"I can't do that!" Pansy exclaimed, letting go of Ron's arm.

"Exactly, now you know how I feel" Ron said, grinning because of his small victory.

"What if I show you my stomach instead?" Pansy asked, quickly recovering from her shock. "That's fair, right?" She had no problem with her body image, her stomach was perfectly flat due to her careful eating habits.

"I've already seen your stomach" Ron reminded her.

"When?" Pansy asked, trying to remember when Ron could have done that.

"You were wearing a t-shirt that showed a part of your midriff" Ron replied. "It happened the last time you asked me to show you my abs."

"Oh, damn…" Pansy frowned, remembering her tight t-shirt. "Then you have to show me your abs, one for one."

"I showed you my entire upper-body when I revealed my scars to you lot" Ron countered, and Pansy hung her head.

"I was too… shocked… to properly see them" Pansy whined. "You're being mean, Ron."

"How so?" Ron chuckled, restarting his journey towards the study.

"Well…" Pansy quickly followed after him. "You're breaking a young maiden's heart by refusing."

"Young maiden?" Ron sniggered.

"AND…" Pansy cut in. "How many other boys do you know who also get such attention from a pretty girl? You're being ungrateful by not showing me your abs."

"Do you honestly believe your own words?" Ron asked, stifling a laugh.

"No, but is it working?" Pansy giggled.

"Nope" Ron replied, stopping in front of the study door. "Oh look at that, end of the line."

"Hardly" Pansy smirked. "I'll be waiting right here when you come back out."

"Persistent, aren't you?" Ron shook his head, amused by her outlandish behavior. "We'll see what happens…" Ron then turned around and knocked on the door, waiting for permission to enter.

"Come in" came Mary's voice, and Ron opened the door and entered the study.

"I'll see you soon…" Pansy whispered ominously, a mischievous smile on her face. Ron closed the door, trying not to snigger at Pansy's 'warning'.

"Ron, what can I do for you?" Lord Greengrass asked, his body facing the cozy fire.

"I need to speak with you both, actually" Ron replied, and both Greengrasses looked to Ron. Mary was sitting in her husband's chair, a book in her hands as usual, whereas Lord Greengrass was having some of his Brandy by the fire.

"About what, love?" Mary smiled at him, and he smiled at being called 'love'.

"About buying The Quibbler from Xenophilius" Ron replied, casually taking his usual seat and unlocking his briefcase. Lord Greengrass turned to face Ron with a bewildered look, while Mary just stared at him like he had five heads.

"Never a dull moment…" Lord Greengrass whispered to himself, eyeing Ron carefully.

---

Ten Minutes Later

"This is quite intriguing, Ron" Mary said, reading through the shareholder structure. Their confusion had turned into amusement at first, and that amusement had now turned into genuine intrigue. Both of them knew that this could work, and Ron had clearly put a lot of effort into it. "How long have you been planning this?"

"From the day Xenophilius came home" Ron admitted, deciding to let them in on his plot. They have untold experience in such matters, and with their help, I could actually pull this off. "I overheard him telling his Family that he was going to sell The Quibbler to the Daily Prophet, and I decided to intervene."

"And why do you need a News Outlet?" Lord Greengrass asked, putting down the contract. He was still trying to get his head around the fact that a thirteen year old was plotting something so big under their noses, and none of them had caught onto it. It said something about Ron's character that he could lie and hide things with such ease, for better or worse.

"I want to influence how people think" Ron replied, and both Greengrasses waited for him to go on. "I went to Knockturn Alley…"

"You went to Knockturn Alley?" Mary's eyes widened, while Lord Greengrass just frowned at Ron.

"I did" Ron nodded, not dismayed by their reaction. "I met a girl there, Priscilla, and she was only two years older than me. And she was a prostitute."

"Merlin…" Mary went pale in the face, while Lord Greengrass rubbed his forehead. "Please tell me that you didn't do anything sexual with her." What? No!

"I didn't" Ron assured her. "And that's not what I'm trying to tell you. I met a girl who is old enough to be a Hogwarts student, and instead of going to a school, she has to sell her body just to stay alive. I find that to be… unacceptable. She doesn't deserve that kind of life, no one does."

"Was she a Squib?" Lord Greengrass asked, and Ron nodded. "So you're buying a News Outlet to inform the world about a Squib whore?"

"Sebastian!" Mary exclaimed, looking to her husband with an aghast look. Wow… That is a disgusting thing to say about someone. Ron wasn't going to lie to himself, he had half a mind to clock his mentor.

"Tell me, Ron…" Lord Greengrass said, keeping his eyes fixed on Ron. "Are you doing this just because you felt a moment of guilt when you learned of this girl's story?"

"No" Ron replied. "I'm doing this because there is far too much misinformation out there. The Daily Prophet is keen to report on Pure-Blood scandals, but I haven't read a damn word about the hundreds of unemployed Werewolves who were sacked from their jobs solely because a fat woman wanted a better position within the Ministry's corrupt ladder." Damn, that was a mouthful. "I'm doing this because I myself didn't know about these things until I ran into Priscilla. And now that I know that the Wizarding World is facing these issues, I want to help. And I believe that like myself, there are plenty of people out there who want to help as well. They just don't know it yet."

"And you'll inform them via The Quibbler" Lord Greengrass said, looking to his wife with an unreadable expression.

"Ron, isn't this a bit too… drastic?" Mary asked, trying to sound gentle. But the truth was that she was too rattled by the suddenness of all of this.

"I don't think it is" Ron replied, keeping his mind as calm as he could. "I think it would be a crime to do nothing. Xeno is going to lose his life's work, and then he's going to get booted out on his arse. The Daily Prophet will sell The Quibbler for parts, and despite whatever they've told him, their only goal is to kill any potential rival. Magazines like Witch Weekly and Seeker Weekly don't report the news, but The Quibbler sometimes does. Lady Longbottom told me that they already have a new layout ready…"

"Lady Longbottom?" Lord Greengrass asked. "Augusta Longbottom is in on your scheme?"

"She is, and it isn't a scheme" Ron frowned slightly. "I'm doing this to help Xeno, and by doing that, I can help a lot of other people too."

"By reporting on them?" Mary asked, her head spinning slightly. Ron was secretive… Too secretive for someone his age.

"By spreading facts and verified information" Ron replied. "There was a time when I wouldn't even think twice before sneering at you both, and that's because I was misinformed. I was raised to believe that Slytherin House was a blight upon Hogwarts, just like everyone that was sorted into it. I mean seriously, how many people always think of our House when Dark Wizards are brought up? I certainly did. It wasn't until I spent a long time in Slytherin that I realized that most of the students there care more about their grades than about serving some Dark Lord. Sure, there's no denying that we have a handful of idiots, but that can be said about any House." Except maybe Hufflepuff, but they're too nice. So much so that it can be annoying.

"But people still look down on us" Ron continued. "And it's because they don't know any better. They don't have all the facts, and so they rely on speculation and rumors. For Merlin's sake, most of the school genuinely believed that I was the Heir of Slytherin until I was petrified. And why? Because 'the Golden Trio' of Gryffindor was spreading that nonsense around. I have been a victim of misinformation, and that taught me that information is a powerful weapon. And with the right information, I can help people like Priscilla."

"That… was rather inspiring" Lord Greengrass admitted. "But your business structure says nothing about employees, printers, distributors…"

"That's all coming along" Ron cut in, and Lord Greengrass blinked at him. "I have a Goblin helping me put all this together."

"A Goblin?" Mary asked. "Ron, you cannot trust their kind."

"And I don't" Ron admitted. "I'm paying him for his services, and Marty told me that once Goblins see Gold, they'll chase it to the ends of the Earth. He is working for me, and he will do right by me. And if he doesn't, I'll break his neck with my bare hands." Mary's eyes widened, while Lord Greengrass just blinked again. "I'm letting you two in on this because I want your Family to invest in my business venture. I'm not here to be told that 'I'm too young' to be doing this. I am here as your Family's ally, Ronald Bilius Weasley, and not as Ron, your daughter's friend."

There was complete silence in the room, and Ron used it to eye both Lord and Lady Greengrass. Lord Greengrass seemed to be getting impressed, but Mary was looking more shaken than pleased. Ron figured that it was because of how he had threatened Gornuk's life, and truth be told, if Gornuk betrayed him then Ron would send Marty to kidnap the Goblin and take him to the Chamber. And then Ron would beat his Gold out of the beady-eyed little shite.

"You want my assurance that I'll invest in five percent?" Lord Greengrass broke the silence, unable to hold back his smile. This 'businessman' side of Ron was something that Sebastian could get used to seeing more often. Though threatening the Goblin's life was unnecessary because Sebastian knew that Ron would never follow through with it.

"I do" Ron nodded, his body relaxing considerably. "With your assurance, I will have three investors down. That will leave only ten percent behind, which I will promptly find investors for."

"Then you have my assurance" Lord Greengrass said, handing Ron back his documents. "Who else is joining you on this venture?"

"Lady Longbottom, and Theo" Ron replied.

"I see" Lord Greengrass nodded in understanding. "I will buy the shares in the Greengrass name, and then leave Daphne in charge of them. Is that alright with you?"

"It is" Ron agreed, he had no problem with which Greengrass he would be dealing with. If anything, having Daphne in charge of the shares helps me. I can just talk to her at school. "I would really appreciate it if you two kept this to yourselves for now" Ron said as he packed up his briefcase.

"Planning to blindside Lovegood?" Lord Greengrass smirked, and Ron nodded.

"After you've brought this up" Mary started, breaking out of her shock. "Your parents will ask us if we knew about this. What do you suggest we do about that?"

"Lie, of course" Ron grinned. "Tell them that you had no idea whatsoever, and that you are just as shocked as they are. Why create drama when you can just avoid it, right?"

"Right" Lord Greengrass chuckled, while Mary smiled and shook her head at him. "Take Saturday off Ron, and spend that time polishing this plan of yours."

"Really?" Ron asked, and Lord Greengrass gave him a nod. "Thank you, my Lord. You have no idea how much stress you've just saved me from." That's an entire day that I can spend fixing up my structure. I'll see Gornuk on Saturday in order to find out what he's come up with. And then on Sunday, I'll talk to Xeno. Ron then excused himself and left the study, leaving Lord and Lady Greengrass to discuss what he was up to.

"Finally, I was getting bored" Pansy said as soon as he closed the door behind him, and Ron gave her a sheepish smile. Bloody hell, she actually waited for me.

"You actually waited out here?" Ron asked.

"Of course, I'm a Lady of my word" Pansy smirked, sticking her nose up. "Now take off your shirt."

"Wow… I never agreed to do that" Ron chuckled, making his way towards the Ballroom.

"Aw…" Pansy whined, accompanying him towards the others. "One of these days, Ron… One of these days…"

"Why is this so important to you?" Ron asked her, trying to get a read on her motives.

"It's not important, I just want to have a gander" Pansy shrugged. "Are they really firm?"

"Merlin…" Ron sighed. "Stop reading Witch Weekly, Pansy. It's turning you into a fiend." Should I read it too? Theo does, and he seems to know more about what girls like than I do. Even Ginny knew what a love bite was, and I didn't.

"What are you thinking?" Pansy sang, poking his bicep. "You suddenly got all serious."

"How much does a subscription to Witch Weekly cost?" Ron asked, and Pansy blinked at him. And then, she smiled like a Cheshire cat. Uh-oh.

"It costs three Knuts a week, or a sickle a week if you get the special editions like I do" Pansy replied sweetly. "But you don't have to get a subscription Ron, you can have my issues. I have them all cataloged in my room, and if you want, you can borrow all of them." I don't have time to read millions of magazines. "Or, I can just tell you all about them. Well, the parts that you actually seem to be interested in."

"And what parts am I interested in?" Ron asked, knowing that he'd regret his words.

"How to win over witches, of course" Pansy replied, and Ron mentally slapped his own forehead. "You wouldn't need to work very hard in my opinion. After all, you're quite famous around Hogwarts. Not to mention that you were featured in Wizard's Chess Weekly this week." Ah, that… They put a picture of me mid-match on the front cover. Mum already went and framed it, and now it's just hanging in the Living Room. "So, do you want my tutelage?"

"No thanks" Ron declined. "I reckon I'll keep clear of that magazine." And then get Theo to hand over his issues when we get back to Hogwarts. I don't want the girls to know that I'm reading it.

---

Friday 21st August, 1993 (Greengrass Manor – Late Evening)

The guests were slowly showing up while Ron made sure that everything was in order. Daphne and Tracey had handed him a list of tasks to complete, most of them just being check-offs. The musicians had their instruments tuned, the Enchanted Glass Doves were flying overhead as planned, the food was all set up and had Preserving Charms on it, not a speck of dust could be found anywhere, the Fairies were awake and ready to entertain anyone who would step outside, and most importantly of all, Ron was wearing an emerald green tie in order to match Daphne's dress. That last thing was a bit weird, even for Ron, but he had decided to do it anyway in order to appease her. It was her birthday after all.

Ron's Family had been invited, but much to his relief, they had declined. Ron wasn't ashamed to admit that his Family had no business being here. They were all labeled as Blood-Traitors, and if Lord Greengrass invited them all to his home, there'd be problems for him in the future. And yet Lord Greengrass had invited them anyway, no doubt for Ron's sake, but his Family was smart enough to decline. They knew that they wouldn't fit in with, or be welcomed by, the other guests. Not to mention the fact that the twins, Ginny, and even Ron's mother, had turned their noses up at such a 'Pure-Blooded affair'.

His Family not being here was the reason why Ron was the only child in the Ballroom at the moment. His friends would all be coming with their parents, with the exception of Tracey whose parents were already here and greeting the guests. Oddly enough, Tracey's parents were both rather skilled at upholding the Old Ways. Ron could understand Mr. Davis being good at it, but the fact that Tracey's Muggle-Born mother was just as adept as her husband baffled Ron. And it made him respect her. She was here for her daughter's sake, and despite the high chance of running into unsavory morons, she had no intention of backing down.

"Could you please keep the door leading to the Gardens open?" Ron asked a helper, and they nodded. Good, that'll let the Fairies come inside if they want. Alright, next item. I have to make sure that the Enchanted Crystal Snakes are 'alive'.

---

Five Minutes Later

"Excuse me, waiter" came Theo's voice from behind Ron, and so Ron turned around with a smile. "Could I get something to drink? I'm parched."

"Haha" Ron mock-laughed. "Your sense of humor could be compared to Snape's, you know that right?"

"It wasn't my best, but I think you're being too critical" Theo chuckled, he was wearing long black robes that made him look like a vicar. Nice robes.

"Where did you get these?" Ron asked, feeling the fabric with his left hand. Smooth and soft. Very nice.

"Father bought them for me in Denmark" Theo smirked.

"Your father is here?" Ron asked, and Theo gave a nod. "Where is he?"

"No doubt looking for a drink" Theo replied, sounding a little vexed. "Want to meet him?"

"Maybe…" Ron replied, unsure of how he felt about meeting the idiot who was going to get them all killed. "I doubt he wants to meet me anyway."

"He doesn't" Theo admitted. "He even asked me if you were attending, and when I told him that you were, he actually frowned for ten minutes straight."

"Fair enough…" Ron said, turning back to observe the Crystal Snakes slithering on the walls. I don't want to meet that old cunt anyway. I might knock his teeth out by mistake.

"Hey, don't be that way" Theo poked his side, and Ron turned back around with a frown. "One Nott isn't enough for you?"

"More than enough" Ron replied, resisting the urge to smile at Theo's doe-eyed look. "I could even argue that one is too many."

"Yay… Ron hurt my feelings" Theo sing-sang, and then he smirked at Ron as the red-head rolled his eyes. "What are you doing, by the way? And why are you walking around with that parchment?"

"Tracey and Daphne asked me to make sure that certain things were in order" Ron replied, looking back at the list. "Only two things left to do, and then I can relax and enjoy myself."

"You're acting as the help?" Theo sniggered, and Ron nudged him lightly.

"I'm being helpful, which doesn't make me a servant" Ron replied. Though I do feel like one at the moment. "I need to go into the kitchens and talk to servers. Want to tag along?"

"Sure" Theo shrugged, an easy smile on his face. They both began making their way towards the kitchens, smiling politely at any guests that they passed. "So… I spoke with Blaise yesterday about your business venture."

"You did?" Ron asked. "He came back from his trip early?"

"He did" Theo nodded. "I went to have dinner at his house last night, and sweet Merlin, his mother looked even sexier than the last time I saw her."

"Did she?" Ron grinned. "What was she wearing?"

"A black strapless dress that was rather form-fitting" Theo replied, mimicking Ron's grin. No, concentrate on Blaise.

"Lucky bastard" Ron chuckled. "And what did Blaise say about my plan to buy The Quibbler?"

"He was genuinely baffled, mate" Theo replied. "It's always a treat to see his illusion of indifference collapse. He thought I was joking at first, but then I told him that you wanted him to invest too. He said that he wanted to talk to you first, and then he'd decide. How did Lord and Lady Greengrass take it?"

"They were shocked too, but they quickly recovered and jumped on board" Ron replied.

"That's two investors down" Theo said.

"Three, actually" Ron corrected, earning him a curious look from Theo. "Lady Longbottom has also given me her word. She plans to buy five percent in Neville's name."

"Longbottom?" Theo asked, and Ron nodded. "She wants you to involve him? Why? Is she trying to better your friendship with him?"

"She is" Ron replied, not surprised that Theo figured it all out that quickly.

"Great… Can we expect to see more of 'Potter's shadow' from now on?" Theo asked. "Will he be eating with us too?"

"Don't be an arse, Theo" Ron replied. "Neville's alright… Don't forget that he stood up to defend you from Harry's accusations after I had my seizure." Seizure my arse, that toad-eyed twat tried to off me.

"That was so noble of him" Theo said in a mocking manner. "I'd actually swoon if he wasn't the moron who accused you of being the Heir of Slytherin. Dumb cunt…"

"Language, Theo" Ron scolded, imitating Daphne's voice. "Don't worry… I have no intention of bringing Neville around. If I do spend time with the Trio, it'll be away from you lot."

"Thank you" Theo nodded firmly as they entered the busy kitchens. "Merlin… It's chaos in here." Shite, that's a lot of people and Elves running around.

"Excuse me" Ron said, gaining the attention of a young waiter.

"Yes, Sir?" the waiter asked. Sir? I like that.

"Lady Greengrass sent me" Ron told the waiter, who nodded and waited for instructions. "She says that if a dish isn't ready in time, then you mustn't serve its accompanying dishes either. Wait for it to finish, and then serve it together as intended. Also, can you get some people out there to serve drinks? The guests are showing up faster than expected."

"Certainly" the waiter nodded, and then he went off to gather a crew of servers.

"Have I told you that you're incredibly handsome when you take charge like that?" Theo smirked, and Ron frowned lightly.

"Stop flirting with me, Theo" Ron said, and Theo sniggered.

"Sorry, that's Daphne's job" Theo remarked, and Ron rolled his eyes.

"C'mon, one more thing left to do" Ron said, leaving the kitchens alongside Theo.

---

Five Minutes Later

"Are you done counting the tables?" Theo asked, growing increasingly bored of Ron's chores.

"Done" Ron said as he pocketed the parchment, glad that he could now relax. "Girls, mate… They're insane."

"You will find no arguments here" Theo said as he noticed a dark-skinned boy. "There's Blaise." Ron turned around and looked to him as well, noticing that Blaise was observing the Glass Doves.

"The Locomotion Charm" Ron said as they both approached Blaise, who looked to Ron and Theo with a faint smirk. "It's good to see you again, mate."

"You too" Blaise said, shaking Ron's hand rather firmly.

"How was Italy?" Ron asked.

"Same as the last time I went there" Blaise replied, not keen to discuss his trip with his mother. "So, Theo tells me that you are planning to become a businessman."

"I'm looking to further my reach" Ron replied, earning a chuckle from Theo.

"You've been spending too much time with Lord Greengrass, Ron" Theo said, and then he gave Blaise a meaningful look. "I've already decided to buy in, and you should too."

"How much is up for grabs?" Blaise asked Ron.

"Five percent per Family" Ron replied. "Theo, Lord Greengrass, and Lady Longbottom have all given me assurances."

"Lady Longbottom?" Blaise asked.

"She's been helping me put this together" Ron replied. "She's named me her Family's eternal friend for saving Neville's life back in first year."

"Makes sense" Blaise said, Ron would be lying if he said that he didn't miss Blaise's indifferent voice and demeanor. "How much for five percent?"

"One hundred and fifty Galleons" Ron replied.

"That cheap?" Blaise asked.

"How's that cheap?" Theo frowned at his mates. "You two need to learn to respect the value of money."

"I'm buying the business for three thousand Galleons, and five percent of that is one hundred and fifty Galleons" Ron explained. "I'll keep fifty five percent, while Xeno has to buy back twenty percent."

"Leaving twenty five for your investors" Blaise nodded. "I'll buy the shares, Ron."

"Just like that?" Ron blinked. No speech needed?

"Ron had a sales-pitch ready, Blaise" Theo smirked. "You've ruined everything."

"It's hardly that much money" Blaise shrugged. "And if his business becomes successful, I'll make five percent of the profits. And if it fails, it won't really put a strain on me financially. So yeah, I'm in."

"That was a cold way of saying that you want to help your friend" Ron remarked, glad to have his fourth assurance. Only Sirius left.

"There are no friends in business" Theo pointed out, quoting his father. "There's mutual benefit, and that's it."

"I agree" Blaise smirked. "Have you told the girls about your plans?" Yeah… No, I haven't.

"I haven't" Ron replied, and Blaise cocked an eyebrow at him.

"That'll go over well" Blaise said, and Ron smiled sheepishly.

"I reckon it was the right move" Theo said. "Lord Greengrass no doubt plans to buy the shares in his daughter's name, Tracey would fall asleep if something as boring as business was brought up, Pansy has no interest in the real World, and Millie hates numbers."

"And Theo is a mean prick" Ron added on, which earned him a grin from Theo and a chuckle out of Blaise.

"But I'm right, aren't I?" Theo asked. "You haven't told them because you'd rather plot things with us two instead of them."

"Please don't say that near them" Ron gave Theo a deadpan look. "It's not even remotely true, and you'll just hurt their feelings needlessly. And then, they'll hurt me."

"Ron's right" Blaise piped in.

"I know, it just feels nice to be higher on the food chain" Theo shrugged. "Speaking of the girls… I see Pansy and Millie. And Pansy's mother… Excuse me." Theo then turned around and left, earning confused looks from Blaise and Ron.

"What was that?" Blaise asked.

"I was hoping you could tell me…" Ron replied as he watched Theo disappear into the crowd. Ron then looked to Pansy and Millie, and their Families. The Bulstrode were looking large, yet also refined. The Parkinsons were… Bloody hell, why is Pansy's mother frowning like some shrew? And is Lord Parkinson drunk already? He's gotten fatter too.

"We should go and greet them" Blaise suggested, watching the two Families split up.

"You can go do that, I'm fine right here" Ron said, staring at Lady Parkinson. She killed Pansy in my vision... Vile whore, I'll take her life if she touches Pansy. Ron turned his head and cracked his neck, making Blaise shudder at the grotesque sound.

"Why do you do that?" Blaise asked, and Ron blinked at him. "Why do crack your neck that way?"

"I don't know… I just feel the need to…" Ron replied slowly, he himself wasn't too sure of why he did that. "It's just a habit I picked up… You should go and greet them, and then bring the girls here."

"Ron, it'd be rude if you saw them and then elected to ignore them" Blaise said. "All you have to do is greet them, and you'll save the girls a headache." He's right. Pansy's mother is already on her case about being friends with me, and if I give her more reasons to hate me, she'll keep pestering Pansy.

"Fine" Ron agreed, not sounding too happy about it.

"Just ignore Lady Parkinson, everyone else does" Blaise said, and Ron nodded curtly.

"By the way, where is your mother?" Ron asked as they began making their way towards girls.

"She went back to Italy shortly before I came here" Blaise replied. "She… She met someone." Oh…

"Where are you staying then?" Ron asked.

"Parkinson Manor" Blaise replied, and Ron nodded slowly. "I have money to buy my own books, and they've agreed to drop me off on Platform 93/4."

"Alright" Ron said, not sure about what else to say. Blaise himself decided to stop discussing the fact that his mother had pawned him off in order to spread her legs for an old Italian wizard, one that she no doubt planned to 'marry'. The wizard was old as sin, had no kin or heirs, and he lived alone in a villa within Tuscany.

"Lord and Lady Parkinson" Blaise greeted Pansy's parents, while Ron gave them a smile and a polite bow.

"Ah, Blaise" Lady Parkinson smiled, though it made her look like a Harpy eyeing a juicy morsel. "It's good to see you again." Lady Parkinson then offered Blaise her hand, and he kissed her knuckles. What did she call Blaise in my vision? Oh right… A filthy Blood-Traitor. Also, she's outright ignoring me.

"How are you, young man?" Lord Parkinson chuckled, his face slightly flushed from drinking prior to the event.

"I am doing well, my Lord" Blaise replied, while Ron just stood there. Should I interrupt? No, that'd be rude. Guess I'll just stand here like Blaise's manservant.

"How are you, Ron?" Pansy asked, noticing that her parents were ignoring her friend. Ron didn't miss Lady Parkinson's quick frown, and it brought a smile to his face.

"I'm doing well" Ron replied, keeping his eyes on Pansy. "You look lovely, by the way. Purple suits you."

"Thank you" Pansy smiled, doing a quick twirl to show Ron her new purple dress. "You look very handsome yourself, and your tie matches Daphne's dress." It does, she made sure of it.

"I believe congratulations are in order" Lord Parkinson piped in, stepping beside his daughter. "Well done on your most recent triumph, Mr. Weasley."

"Thank you, my Lord" Ron smiled at the portly man, shaking his hand firmly. Filthy fucking Death-Eater. I know for a fact that he'll rejoin the Dark Lord once he returns.

"My daughter made sure that we both heard of your victory, didn't she love?" Lord Parkinson looked to his wife, who broke away from her conversation with Blaise in order to give Ron an expressionless look.

"She did" Lady Parkinson replied, trying her best not to sneer at the filth in front of her. "Husband, I believe that we should let the children spend some time together." With that, she just turned around and left. Lord Parkinson chuckled for no reason, and then he followed after his wife, leaving the 'children' behind.

"That went better than I thought it would" Pansy confessed, and then she gave Ron a sorry look. "Sorry about her, Ron. She's just… difficult." Try rude, and in need of a beating.

"Not your fault" Ron smiled at Pansy. "Let's go and get Millie, alright?"

"Alright" Pansy agreed, glad that Ron wasn't too upset with being disrespected in such a manner. It was one thing to make snide remarks, but it was entirely worse to just ignore someone's presence. "Have you got your things, Blaise?"

"I do" Blaise replied, moving to Pansy's side so that she was in between him and Ron. "Lord Greengrass had an Elf collect them for me, and I'll get them back when we're ready to leave."

"Great" Pansy smiled at him. "It'll be good to have someone to talk to besides my parents." Blaise gave her a nod, more interested in the decor than spending a week at Pansy's.

"By the way" Ron started, getting Pansy's attention. "Why did Theo run off when he saw your mother?"

"Oh… That…" Pansy sighed. "Mother and father visited Lord Nott at his Manor, and my mother embarrassed both herself and Theo by telling him that I was 'allowed to date'."

"You and Theo?" Ron chuckled, and Pansy nodded.

"A match made in heaven" Blaise smirked. "If your parents don't mind you dating another girl, then you should go for it." Ha!

"Theo's a girl…" Ron sniggered, and Pansy rolled her eyes.

"I got that, Ron" Pansy said haughtily. "And no he's not. I'm sure he'll make some girl very happy one day, it just won't be me. No matter how hard my mother tries to pawn me off to the richest bachelor."

"Does she seriously want to do that?" Ron asked. Mum would never do such a thing to Ginny. What's wrong with that mad cunt?

"She wants me to marry right out of Hogwarts" Pansy told them, and they both just shook their heads.

"Start saving up money in your trust account, and then run away once you graduate" Blaise advised. "It's what I'm doing." Yeah… That's not happening. A certain Dark Lord has his own plans, and they involve subjugating the World.

"Is that so?" Pansy smirked at Blaise. "I'll need a partner in crime if I'm to do that. Are you volunteering, Blaise?"

"We'll go to the States" Blaise smirked back, and Pansy giggled. And Ron felt like he was intruding. Merlin, are they flirting? He's going to knock her up, and then she's going to die. No wait… That won't happen because I know it will. That's what the Entity said. Bloody hell, why am I not getting any visions anymore? It's driving me insane. Ron was broken out of his thoughts when his friends suddenly stopped, and Ron realized that they had reached Lord and Lady Bulstrode.

"Ah, your friends have come to steal you away" Lady Bulstrode said to Millie, and then she looked at Millie's friends. "Blaise, Pansy, and Ronald. Wonderful to see you all here." She didn't ignore me. That's a win in my books.

"Likewise, Lady Bulstrode" Blaise said, giving her a small bow. Ron did the same, while Pansy curtsied out of respect.

"How are you boys doing?" Lord Bulstrode asked.

"I am quite well, my Lord" Blaise replied.

"As am I" Ron added on. These two support the Dark Lord in secret? Either Snape is wrong, or these two know how to hide in plain sight really well. "How goes your day, my Lord?"

"It is getting better" Lord Bulstrode smiled at Ron.

"My husband is eager to get started on emptying Sebastian's larders" Lady Bulstrode joked. "Good to see you all again, come along husband. Let us get some food in you." Lord and Lady Bulstrode left at that, leaving their daughter with her friends. Mille was wearing a black dress that covered everything but her head, and Ron was surprised to see that she was less bulky than she used to be. She was still on the heavy side, but she looked… sturdier. I guess I haven't seen her in a dress for a long time.

"Sorry about them, but they've been really busy with work all day" Millie told her friends. "Wait… Where's Theo?"

"Hiding from his mother in law" Ron grinned, and Pansy smacked his arm. Ow. Worth it.

"That was good" Blaise chuckled, earning himself a smack from Pansy as well. "But we should find him before she does."

"You reckon we could both be best men?" Ron asked Blaise, and Pansy groaned.

"Don't groan Pansy, it's really degrading" Millie smirked.

"I hate this group…" Pansy sighed, while her friends sniggered at her expense.

---

Theodore Nott's POV

Friday 21st August, 1993 (Greengrass Manor – Late Evening)

"Hello" Theo said as Tracey came out of the restroom, and Tracey jumped from fright. "Sorry about that."

"Theo…" Tracey turned around with a frown, glaring at him as he leaned against the wall next to the restroom door. "What are you guarding the door to the ladies' restroom?"

"I'm not" Theo said, pushing himself off of the wall. "I was waiting for you to finish up. I saw you excuse yourself from greeting your guests."

"I had to use the loo" Tracey told him. No you didn't, you just got sick of standing around in one place. Theo looked her over approvingly, she looked good in her silver dress. Emerald green for Daphne, and silver for Tracey. Neat. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"You look nice, that's all" Theo replied truthfully.

"Thanks…" Tracey said slowly, and then she turned back around. "I need to get back to greeting my guests."

"Or you could come with for a second" Theo suggested, and she turned back around.

"Come with you?" Tracey asked, watching him with a guarded look.

"You greeted me rather poorly at the reception" Theo said, and Tracey rolled her eyes.

"No, I didn't" Tracey denied. "I greeted you the same way I would have greeted anyone else."

"Exactly" Theo said with a teasing smile. "I'm not just 'anyone', am I?" Ease up, Theodore. Don't make her angry. Again.

"Theo, what do you want?" Tracey asked him, getting tired of his games. He always had to outwit people with his words, didn't he? Why couldn't he just say what he wanted for once?

"I wanted to give you your present" Theo admitted.

"My present?" Tracey blinked. That got her attention. Good. Now reel her in.

"The others are probably looking for me, and your parents are waiting on you" Theo said, and Tracey gave a slow nod. "So just give me a minute, please?"

"Why can't you give me my present in front of other people?" Tracey asked.

"Because I went through a lot of effort to get it, and I don't want them to know that" Theo replied. The last thing I need is for people to start thinking that they can expect better things from me. And I want to apologize to her in private. I could have handled her being upset a lot better.

"Scared of losing your reputation as an arsehole?" Tracey smirked, and Theo nodded.

"So you'll come with me?" Theo asked, smiling genuinely.

"Alright, I'll come with you" Tracey agreed, and Theo offered her his arm. She took it, and they both began making their way to an unoccupied room. "I like your robes, by the way. They suit you."

"Thanks" Theo said, pleased that she was pleased. Don't tell her that father bought them.

"We should hurry up, my parents will get mad if I take too long" Tracey told him.

"We both know that you don't want to go back, Trace" Theo said. "Which is why you ran away from the reception in the first place."

"Oh no, I've been caught" Tracey laughed. "You're right, of course. My brain nearly shut down from the boredom of just greeting people that I've never really spoken to before. I think I gave Lady Parkinson a small stroke by just being here."

"She's a bitch, and everyone knows it" Theo said.

"That's Pansy's mother you're talking about" Tracey giggled.

"Pansy would be the first one in line to say that, trust me" Theo chuckled, and then he opened the door for Tracey. "In you go."

"Thank you" Tracey said, entering the empty room. Theo followed her in, and he closed the door behind him. "Well, here we are… All alone in an empty room…" Tracey then shot him a playful smile, and Theo couldn't help but smile back. "So, what did you get me?"

"I got you this" Theo said, taking out the 'Walkman' from his robes and showing it to her. Tracey stared at it for a few seconds, and then she gave him a bewildered look.

"This is a Muggle device, Theo" Tracey stated, clearly confused as to how he got it.

"I know" Theo nodded. "I went to Charing Street in Muggle London to get this."

"Do you even know what it is?" Tracey asked.

"It plays music, right?" Theo asked, and Tracey nodded slowly. "I know that you like to sing and dance, you certainly don't hide that. And with this, you can listen to music whenever you want."

"You really got me a Walkman?" Tracey asked, sounding more awed than grateful.

"I did, and buying it was quite awkward actually" Theo admitted. "I don't know how Muggle money works, and I gave the clerk way too much. She thought that I was mentally unstable, especially because of the millions of questions that I asked her. I wanted to get you a Muggle gizmo, but I wasn't sure about what to get. Luckily, she was very helpful. Despite asking me if I was from 'overseas'…"

"Theo, this is really sweet…" Tracey said, a massive smile breaking out on her face as she took the box from him.

"The box has… Um… What were they called?" Theo tried to remember. "Um… Earphones! Yeah, that's the word. The box has earphones, and a bunch of 'cassettes' too. The clerk helped me find Muggle music that's popular with the Muggles our age, and she packed it into the box for me." Tracey just stared down at the box, too touched to say anything. "I hope you know how this thing works, because I've forgotten the instructions."

"I'll figure it out" Tracey said, and then she smiled at him. I should apologize now.

"I'm sorry about what happened the last time we saw each other" Theo said, and her smile faltered for a second.

"Pardon?"

"I've been thinking about what you said" Theo admitted. "And I think I handled the situation poorly… I shouldn't have gotten angry like that, especially because you were upset about something that I did. I should've told you about why I didn't stay at yours for the Holidays. The truth is, I did enjoy staying at yours. And your mother was very good to me during my stay. I'm sorry if I made you think that I don't respect her, because I do. And… I don't care about her Blood-Status like my father does. That's his problem to deal with, and I shouldn't have put that ahead of our friendship. So… I'm sorry, Tracey." Got it word for word. Practicing in front of a mirror was the right call.

"I see…" Tracey said, looking back down at the Walkman box.

"Right…" Theo said after a couple of seconds. "We should head back to the party, your parents are no doubt waiting for you." Theo turned to leave, but Tracey quickly moved into his way.

"I'm sorry too" she blurted out, and Theo blinked at her. "I'm sorry for acting like… Like I was a 'victim'. No one in the group even brings up my Blood-Status, and if they did, Ron would kill them. I was just feeling… insecure, and I took that out on you and Daphne. I had no right to question your views when you've never questioned mine. I just… I don't want you to hate people like me, or my mother."

"I accept your apology" Theo said, and she smiled weakly. "Friends?"

"Friends…" Tracey said slowly, her eyes going back to her new Walkman. "Theo…"

"Yes?"

"Do you… Do you like me?" Tracey asked, looking back up with a guarded look. Is she asking me if I would date her? Yes…

"Of course" Theo smiled, deciding to steer clear of 'the talk'. It wouldn't work, and then things would just become awkward between us. "Out of all the girls, you're my favorite. You're fun to be around, Tracey. Believe me."

"I didn't mean that kind of 'like', I'm asking if you like me" Tracey clarified, her face becoming slightly flushed. Oh Merlin, this was not planned. What am I supposed to say to that? Yes, I do like you. But my father… He'd never let it happen. He'll throw me out on the street before he accepts something like this.

"I… I do…" Theo whispered, looking down at his feet. Fucking idiot, what did you just do?

"I like you too" Tracey admitted, her own plans of not confessing going out the window. "But it wouldn't work between us, right?" Theo looked back up with a sorry look, and he nodded.

"I'm sorry…" Theo apologized, feeling a strong pang of guilt. It's her birthday party, and I'm just ruining it.

"No, it's alright" Tracey smiled, and Theo just stared at her because of his growing confusion. She's fine with it? "I understand why it wouldn't work, and now I know for certain that you don't judge me for being a Half-Blood."

"I don't" Theo said quickly, and she smiled a little more widely.

"We're too different, and if we date and break up, that'll just hurt the group" Tracey said, and Theo nodded in agreement.

"So what do we do?" Theo asked, unsure of how he was feeling at the moment. On the one hand, he was ecstatic about the fact that she liked him too. On the other hand, he understood that dating her would be next to impossible for him. He cared about Tracey, and he respected her mother, but he still detested Muggles. He didn't even know how to stop hating them for killing his mother, and he wasn't sure that he wanted to stop. He could either blame the Muggles for Iris Nott's death, or he could blame the useless son who did nothing to save her.

"We should just stay friends, and eventually, we'll both move on from our feelings" Tracey replied. "I asked my mother for advice, and this is what she told me." Do nothing? He couldn't deny that he felt disappointed with that idea, but he also knew that doing nothing was for the best. Logically speaking, it was for the best…

"Then let's stay friends…" Theo smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. Tracey gave him a weak nod in return, and then she leaned forward and pecked his right cheek.

"Thank you for the amazing gift, Theo" Tracey said. "I'll always cherish the fact that you went through so much trouble to make me happy." With that, Tracey turned around and left to complete her duties. While Theo just stayed behind in the room, both upset and relieved at the same time. This is for the best… At least this way, I still get to keep her as a friend…

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Friday 21st August, 1993 (Greengrass Manor – Late Evening)

"I'm surprised that Crabbe and Goyle aren't here" Millie said, and everyone but Ron nodded. They were each currently making themselves a plate of food, with Blaise being the person who picked what they were going to eat. I only care about the Shepard's Pie though. Look at it, it looks delicious.

"I'm not surprised" Pansy said. "Lords Crabbe and Goyle both openly support Lord Malfoy, and since Lord Malfoy isn't invited, they probably chose to decline their invitations."

"It's for the best" Blaise said, putting some foreign looking dish onto Pansy's plate. "If Malfoy and his goons were here, there'd be this awkwardness in the air. Especially for us."

"Is it true that Lord Greengrass is targeting Lord Malfoy's investments?" Millie asked Ron, who just shrugged in response.

"I know that he's bought Malfoy out from some of his favorite shops, but that's about it" Ron replied. "I think they're both just having a pissing competition, but neither one of them wants to openly declare hostilities. Especially because the Ministry will crack down on them. And since Malfoy has a lot of influence in the Ministry, Lord Greengrass is probably being cautious."

"Wow… That was a rather detailed response" came Theo's voice from behind them, and they all turned to face him.

"Where have you been?" Pansy asked him, trying not to frown at him for running off for almost twenty minutes.

"Sorry, beloved" Theo smirked, making Ron and Blaise snigger. "I had to take a shite."

"Ew…" Pansy grimaced, while Millie's lips twitched upwards.

"Blaise, would you mind making me a plate?" Theo asked, and Blaise turned around to do that. "Please put normal food on it, and not that weird shite you like to eat."

"Sure" Blaise said, though he had no intention of doing as Theo asked.

"What's that?" Theo asked Ron, looking at his plate with a guarded look.

"Duck… I think…" Ron replied, shooting Blaise a frown. It looks gooey… I don't want to eat gooey duck…

"I wonder when Tracey and Daphne will finish up, this place looks almost full" Millie said, looking at all the adults and little children. "You guys see those two girls over there" Millie pointed out, and they all looked. Ron eyed the two girls, who were both wearing the same green dress and holding each other's hands. They're twins. Bloody hell, they look exactly alike. Hair, dress, height, expressionless mask for a face. All of it.

"That's Flora and Hestia Carrow" Pansy told them, and Millie nodded.

"We had them over for dinner a week ago" Millie started. "They're starting Hogwarts this year, same as Tori. I've already told them about her, and they seemed 'eager' to meet her."

"Why did you say 'eager' like that?" Ron asked.

"Look at them, mate" Theo replied for Millie. "They seem to be rather… controlled."

"I'd say creepy" Ron remarked, and Pansy tutted him.

"Don't be mean, Ron" Pansy clicked her tongue. "They're just minding their own business, that's all."

"Anyway…" Millie jumped in. "I'm going to introduce Tori to them tonight, and hopefully, Tori will start Hogwarts with some allies."

"That's awfully nice of you, Millie" Pansy smiled. "I think that's a wonderful idea."

"Tori really has no friends that are her age?" Ron asked, and all of them shook their heads.

"Lord Greengrass is very protective of her for some reason" Theo pointed out, and Ron nodded slowly. He is, isn't he? I had no idea that he kept her locked up in this Manor though. Something is clearly wrong with her health, judging from what I've seen. But should I really stick my nose into their Family business? I do care about her, but does that give me the right to interfere?

"Hello?" Theo waved his hand in Ron's face, breaking the red-head out of his thoughts. "You zone out a lot, Ron. You know that, right?"

"Sorry…" Ron smiled sheepishly, and then he shot another look at the Carrow twins. "Millie, I agree with Pansy. I reckon you're doing a really sweet thing for Tori."

"Thanks" Millie smiled, mentally patting her own back. She had been unsure of her actions at first, but when she thought about Tori feeling lonely at school, she had steeled her resolve.

"What if they're not in Slytherin?" Ron asked.

"They'll be in Slytherin" Blaise replied, handing Theo his plate. Theo looked down at it, and then looked up with a miserable look. "Finish that."

"It looks…" Theo started, but Blaise cut him off.

"Trust me, it tastes good" Blaise said, and then he looked to Ron. "Those two are Carrows, and the Carrow Family has never been sorted into any other house. They might be the only Pure-Blood Family out there that can claim that achievement, and they certainly love flaunting it around."

"Are they… believers of Blood-Purity?" Ron asked, and his friends exchanged quick looks. "That's a yes…"

"They're just kids, Ron" Millie said. "And Tori needs friends."

"And Tori doesn't really care about that stuff, you know that" Pansy assured him.

"I know" Ron nodded. "And I was just asking. I don't have any right to tell her who to be friends with." Let's just hope that she doesn't start thinking like them.

---

Five Minutes Later

"Finally" Pansy smiled widely as she saw Daphne and Tracey approach them.

"Merlin, I'm so tired of 'smiling'…" Tracey sighed, looking utterly spent.

"It wasn't that long, Trace" Daphne smiled at her, and then she looked to the rest of them. "Enjoying the party?"

"We are" they all replied, something that pleased both Tracey and Daphne.

"I love your dresses, by the way" Pansy gushed. "Really clever use of our House colors."

"It was Tracey's idea" Daphne admitted, and Tracey smirked victoriously.

"Don't they look beautiful?" Pansy asked the boys, and they nodded immediately in order to avoid Pansy's wrath. They really do though. Especially Daphne. Ron eyed her form fitting emerald green dress, noting that Daphne's chest was surprisingly big. Never really noticed that until now. But now that I have, she looks almost… disproportionate. Ron couldn't help but remember the 'older Daphne' from his visions, and that brought a massive smile to his face. Daphne's going to grow up to be so sexy! And I managed to get her! I'm a God! If everything goes right, she'll fill out in all the right places! Lovely chest, amazing arse, soft-looking thighs, nice hips, and that face… Merlin, that face!

"Ron, why are you smiling at me like that?" Daphne asked, feeling slightly embarrassed by his blank stare. Their friends were just eyeing Ron too, but they were more amused than embarrassed.

"Oi, wake up" Theo nudged him, and Ron was ripped out of his exciting thoughts.

"Sorry, what is it?" Ron shook his head clear.

"You were staring at Daphne in a rather creepy manner" Tracey laughed, amused by Daphne's visible embarrassment.

"Was I?" Ron grinned sheepishly. "Sorry about that, I was zoned out." I swear to Merlin, I'm going to make sure that Daphne grows up to look like the version that I saw of her. I do this for the benefit of Wizarding-Kind. And me. Mostly me. I want to date a witch that's way out of my league. Wait… Was I dating her in the Future? She certainly cared a lot about me, but so does my current Daphne. And if we were dating, why didn't she know what I was up to? Why am I even thinking about this? That vision no longer holds any weight now that I've seen it. Which is why I have to make sure that Daphne grows up to be that sexy! Don't worry Entity, I won't let your vision go to waste!

"Ron?" Millie nudged him, and Ron blinked at her. "What's the matter with you?" Ron looked at his friends, and he noticed that they looked more concerned than amused now. Even Daphne was just staring at him with a worried look.

"Sorry, I've got a lot on my mind" Ron told them, deciding to tell the girls of his plans. Just to save myself any drama. "Speaking of which, there's something that I have to tell all of you."

---

Ten Minutes Later

"So, what do you guys think?" Ron asked with a smile.

"Is this why you were carrying around a briefcase?" Millie asked, unsure of what else to say.

"Yeah, it was" Ron replied, and then he looked to Daphne. She was just staring at him, and Ron couldn't really read her expression. So Ron looked to Tracey and Pansy instead, both of whom looked rather bored. "What about you guys? What do you think?"

"Oh…" Pansy blinked, and then she smiled at him. "I think that it's quite amazing Ron, and I know you'll do really well."

"Same" Tracey said, she had actually zoned out when Ron had started talking about numbers.

"And you plan to raise awareness about certain issues that the Daily Prophet is neglecting?" Daphne asked, how long had he been planning this? And why didn't he tell her? She would've loved to help him.

"Yeah, that's the plan" Ron nodded. "I just have to get Xeno to sign over The Quibbler, and then I can get started."

"Ron… This seems like a difficult thing to do" Millie started. "Are you sure that you want to put yourself through that? Especially considering the fact that Hogwarts is starting in ten days."

"I'll be fine" Ron assured them. "I'm getting a lot of help from various people, and for the first six months or so, I'll just be advertising the new Quibbler. Publishing won't start for a while, and in that time, I'll headhunt a staff as well."

"And he's got us to help him as well" Blaise said, not sounding very eager to help however.

"Hi, guys!" Tori suddenly showed up, smiling widely at all of them. "What are you lot up to?"

"Tori, volume" Daphne scolded, but Tori just giggled. That is a really pink dress, but it looks good on her. "Did father finally let you go? Or did you sneak away?"

"He let me go" Tori sighed. "He's showing me off to everyone… 'Look at my daughter, she's going to Hogwarts this year'… It's was mortifying. And mother was the worst… She got all upset about it, and she hid it rather poorly."

"They're just proud and worried, that's all" Daphne told her sister. "And don't worry, I'll be there to watch over you."

"I think I'll be fine" Tori smiled at her sister, though it was a devious-looking smile. Maybe… I don't she really understands that Hogwarts isn't like her house. If she tries to prank people, or throw her weight around, she'll turn herself into a target within Slytherin. I mean seriously, people like Carey won't tolerate her behavior. And she has no idea about Snape.

"Speaking of Hogwarts…" Millie smiled at Tori. "Come with me for second, Tori. I want to introduce you to a couple of people who are your age."

"My first allies?" Tori smiled widely, her excitement evident to all.

"They will be, if you play your cards right" Theo told her. "Millie, mind if I join you?"

"Of course not" Millie replied. "Pansy, can you come as well?"

"Of course" Pansy agreed. "See you guys in a bit." With that, they all left to find the Carrow twins. This left Ron, Daphne, Blaise, and Tracey behind.

"I'm hungry" Tracey said, rubbing her stomach. "Daphne, do you want to come get some food with me?"

"I'm fine, thanks" Daphne declined, not wanting to fill up on food. The last thing she wanted was for her stomach to protrude out in this dress.

"If you're getting food, let me join you" Blaise said, eager to show Tracey which dishes had earned his seal of approval.

"Sure" Tracey agreed, and then they both left as well.

"You're not hungry?" Ron asked, and Daphne shook her head. "Are you sure? Some of the dishes are really good." Like that gooey duck. Damn it tasted good, despite looking like a wet turd.

"Want to go for a walk?" Daphne asked, and Ron blinked at her. Am I in trouble?

"Sure…"

---

Five Minutes Later

"Daphne, is everything alright?" Ron asked her as she closed the door. They were in Lord Greengrass' study, and Ron didn't feel right being in here without his mentor.

"First thing first, how are you?" Daphne asked him.

"I'm fine…" Ron replied slowly.

"Really?" Daphne asked, and he nodded. "Your plan to go into the World of business isn't stressing you too much, is it? It can be really daunting, Ron. Just hearing about it made me feel overwhelmed."

"I'm fine, Daphne" Ron smiled genuinely, touched that she was worried about him. "I mean, I am stressed… But I really want to do this."

"Alright" Daphne nodded in understanding, and then she gestured Ron to sit down. Ron took his usual seat, and Daphne walked over and squeezed herself in as well.

"Daph…" Ron muttered, shifting a little to make her more comfortable. "There's an empty seat right there…"

"Oh no, I must've missed it" Daphne smirked. "This is a tight fit, isn't it?"

"We're getting a bit too big for one seat" Ron noted. "Especially me…"

"I can sit on your lap if you like" Daphne smiled mischievously. Merlin, do we have to do this in here? This is where I work with her father.

"Um… I don't know about that…" Ron mumbled, trying to stop himself from turning red at the thought.

"Are you sure?" Daphne asked. "We can just try it, and if you don't like it, I'll get off."

"Alright…" Ron relented. Despite being uncomfortable with the idea of defiling his workplace, Ron couldn't deny that he wanted to try it. Daphne got out of the chair, and once Ron moved back to the center, she gently planted herself on his lap. Not as heavy as I imagined.

"I'm not too heavy, am I?" Daphne asked.

"Not at all" Ron replied honestly, and she smiled widely. "You look great, by the way."

"Thank you" Daphne said as she shifted to make herself more comfortable. Merlin, I have a girl on my lap. Sirius, if you can hear me, I've done you proud. "You make a surprisingly comfortable chair, Ron."

"Thanks" Ron sniggered. "Never thought that I'd hear such a sentence."

"How long have you been planning to take over The Quibbler?" Daphne asked him, and Ron tensed slightly. She's trapped me! Fuck!

"Um… Since Xeno got back" Ron replied, and she nodded slowly. "I'm sorry for not telling you sooner."

"It's alright" Daphne said, and Ron blinked at her. "What? I'm not that irrational, Ron. We've both been really busy, too busy to even spend time together. And I know that you're not the sort to sit around doing nothing, and once you set your mind on something, you do it secretly and efficiently. I just wish that you told me before you told Theo."

"I see…" Ron nodded, feeling slightly guilty.

"It's alright, Ron" Daphne smiled at him, turning a bit more to the side in order face him more easily. "I'm not too bothered by it. In fact, I think that you're doing something amazing."

"Really?" Ron smiled, looking her eyes.

"You'll have genuine influence in the outside World, which in turn will give you influence within Slytherin" Daphne replied. What about the people that I'm helping?

"And I'll be helping people" Ron pointed out, and she just smiled at him.

"And you'll be helping people" she said, and then she leaned forward and pecked his lips.

"Should we be doing this in here?" Ron whispered. "I work with your father in this room, Daph… This feels wrong."

"You don't like it?" Daphne hummed before kissing him again.

"I… I do… But still…" Ron stammered, scared that Lord Greengrass would suddenly show up and belt him.

"But we haven't kissed in ages" Daphne whispered. "And it's my birthday." She loves risking getting caught, doesn't she? Is that what she wants? For us to get caught and be outed as… whatever we are?

"People will notice that you're missing… Your parents and our friends…" Ron whispered back, his breathing becoming shallow because of how close her face was. She smells so nice. What is that perfume? She should wear it all the time. Ron couldn't help but wonder if 'Future Daphne' wore this perfume, and the thought excited him far more than he wanted it to.

"We'll just lie to them" Daphne said as she put her arms around his neck, and then she pulled him into a barrage of quick pecks. Merlin… I can feel my pants getting tighter…

"Daph…" Ron breathed out, his entire face flushed. "I'm… It's happening again…"

"Do you want to stop?" Daphne whispered.

"No…" Ron admitted. "But you're sitting on my lap… And you know…" It'll start poking you before long.

"Alright, we can stop" Daphne said, and then she gave him a really long kiss.

When they broke off, there was a smacking sound and Ron was left feeling lightheaded. Daphne then got off of his lap, making sure to not look at his oncoming erection. She didn't want him to feel embarrassed, and she certainly didn't want to give him a reason to start avoiding her tonight. She planned to stick by his side all night, and to pretend like they were a couple in her mind. It was childish, but she was still going to do it.

"Could you look the other way for a second?" Ron asked while averting his gaze, and she did so without questioning him. Ron quickly fixed his trousers, all the while trying to steady his breathing. Damn, this is so bloody embarrassing... "We should head back out…"

"Wait, you've got lipstick on your lips" Daphne said as she pulled out a clean handkerchief from her left sleeve. She then proceeded to clean his lips, while he thought of anything but her. "Ron, it's alright."

"I know…" Ron smiled weakly. "I'm just… I'm being an idiot…"

"No, you're not" Daphne told him. "You're a boy, and this happens to boys when they get excited. There's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"How are you so… mature… about this?" Ron asked her. "I don't get it…"

"It's impractical to be embarrassed by something that you can't control" Daphne replied, though she herself was embarrassed by her 'eager to grow breasts'. She's right, but still…

"Could I burrow the book that your mother gave you?" Ron asked. "If you're finished with it, that is." Don't be sorry, be better. Learn more about this stuff so you don't get rattled so easily.

"I am, and you can" she replied with a smile. "Are we alright?"

"Of course, Daph" Ron replied, feeling a bit less embarrassed. "I just need to get over it. We had fun together, and we stopped before it got out of hand."

"We were responsible" Daphne giggled, amused by him bringing up their previous conversation. Daphne then hugged him, her arms tangling around his lower back. "Thank you for helping me with everything tonight, I really appreciate it Ron."

"You're welcome" Ron smiled as he hugged her back. "Bloody hell, you smell nice." Daphne snorted at that, which in turn made Ron laugh.

---

Saturday 22nd August, 1993 (Gringotts Wizarding Bank – Midday)

Ron's Family was getting suspicious, he could see it in their eyes. His frequent visits to Diagon Alley were something that they had all noticed, and Ron feared that they'd start asking him questions very soon. Luckily for Ron, this would be his last visit to Diagon Alley until he needed to get his books.

"Take a seat, Mr. Weasley" Gornuk said as he sat down himself, and Ron did as he was told. "How goes your business?"

"I haven't asked him yet" Ron replied, and Gornuk nodded slowly. Tomorrow. I'll talk to him tomorrow.

"Then you should make haste" Gornuk advised. "I've read that The Quibbler's latest issue is coming out in eight days. Which means that he's finished writing it."

"I will speak with him tomorrow" Ron assured the Goblin. "Now, how are things on your end?"

"I have made inquiries, as was part of our deal" Gornuk replied. "Fletcher's Printing Company seems to like the idea of printing for a consistent magazine, and they aren't asking for much. Fifty Galleons a year is a bargain, and I highly recommend partnering with them. As for the advertising campaign, it will cost fifteen hundred Galleons for a six month run."

"Five hundred Galleons less than expected" Ron smiled, and Gornuk nodded. "Well done, Gornuk."

"You paid me for my best, and that is what I've given you" Gornuk smiled a sharp-toothed smile. And you want to impress me because you want to work for me.

"Are you still looking to be my Logistics Officer?" Ron asked, and Gornuk gave him a nod.

"I have many contacts, Mr. Weasley" Gornuk boasted. "And I am good with numbers, far better than any witch or wizard."

"But you'll still be working here, is that correct?" Ron asked, and Gornuk nodded.

"I can work both jobs with ease, I assure you" Gornuk replied. Marty told me that the average pay of a Goblin is three hundred Galleons a year, which is why Gornuk makes dirty deals. His ivory earrings, that golden pin in his tie… He enjoys the luxurious life, and so he wants two full paying jobs. I need to set the rules for him early on. If he tries anything dirty with me, there will be consequences.

"And I'm willing to hire you, and pay you four hundred Galleons a year" Ron started, pleased to see Gornuk's greedy smile. "But I expect loyalty… Absolute loyalty. Do you understand?" They respect strength, just remember what Marty told you.

"Of course, Mr. Weasley" Gornuk assured him, his smile faltering slightly because of Ron's cold stare.

"If you cheat me, Gornuk" Ron started, cracking his neck in a grotesque manner. "I will find out. And I swear to Merlin… I will make you regret it. Is that clear?"

"It… It is, Mr. Weasley" Gornuk replied, completely taken aback by the change in the boy's demeanor.

"Good" Ron said as he stood up, suddenly smiling 'politely' at the Goblin. "Once I have the signature, I will be back. And then we can start sorting out the paperwork."

"Certainly" Gornuk said, hopping out of his chair as well. "Good luck with your endeavor, Mr. Weasley."

---

Remus Lupin's POV

Saturday 22nd August, 1993 (Hogwarts - Midday)

Remus stepped through the Headmaster's fireplace, his mind stuck on the letter that Dumbledore had sent him. What private matter does he need to discuss with me? It has to do something with the Order, I can't think of anything else. Is the Dark Lord on the move once again?

"Ah, you are here" came Dumbledore's voice from behind his desk, and Remus smiled at the kind old wizard.

"Good afternoon, Headmaster" Remus greeted the man who gave him a chance to learn Magic when no one else would have.

"Good afternoon, Remus" Dumbledore greeted back, gesturing Remus to take a seat. "You don't have to call me Headmaster, my friend. You are no longer a student here."

"I don't think anyone ever really stop being a student of Hogwarts" Remus said as he took a seat, and Dumbledore chuckled heartily.

"I suppose you are right" Albus agreed. "How have you been?"

"I'm getting by" Remus replied, the truth was that he wasn't 'getting by'. Even in Muggle London, he faced constant rejection. His scars didn't belong in the civilized World, and most business owners had suspected him to be a criminal. Remus was planning to return to his little shack after Harry boarded the Hogwarts Express, at least he could find work in the country.

"And how is Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

"He is well" Remus replied, unable to hold back his smile. He grew two inches during the Holidays. "And safe."

"Good… Good" Dumbledore nodded, and then he adorned a more serious look. A look that he wore often during the Great War. "I fear that Harry will not be safe for long, Remus." Remus' breath hitched at that, and he just stared at Dumbledore for a few seconds. Not safe?

"Why?" Remus asked.

"Lord Voldemort is once again on the move, and I believe that his return is imminent" Dumbledore sighed. You-Know-Who is on the move? Remus swallowed thickly, his mind immediately fixated on protecting Harry. Remus could even feel Moony preparing himself to defend his cub, and that gave Remus a small amount of comfort.

"Do you need me to track him?" Remus asked. "I have contact with various Werewolf encampments, and if I go to them, we might be able to pinpoint any sightings of the Dark Lord."

"Thank you for your offer, Remus" Dumbledore smiled in a grateful manner. "That would indeed be very helpful."

"I will get started immediately" Remus said, but before he could get up, Dumbledore raised his hand to stop him.

"I would like one more thing from you" Dumbledore said, and Remus waited for Dumbledore to continue. "The position of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor is currently open, and I was hoping to hire you for the job." What?

"Work here at Hogwarts?" Remus blinked, he was certain that he had misheard Dumbledore.

"As the D.A.D.A Professor, yes" Dumbledore replied. Remus was genuinely lost for words, and all he could do was stare at Dumbledore. "Remus?"

"Um… Headmaster…" Remus stammered, his mind going into overdrive. A job… An actual job. And a job at Hogwarts? I… I don't know what I've done to deserve such a gift… "I'm a Werewolf…" Remus muttered, averting his gaze from the kind old man. "I don't belong near children…"

"You are also a man, my boy" Dumbledore smiled kindly at him, and Remus looked back up. "And one of the finest that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. You have actual experience in the field, and from I what I remember, you were the sharpest student out of your friends."

"That's not much of an achievement" Remus smiled weakly, and Dumbledore chuckled.

"Don't sell yourself short" Dumbledore said.

"The Legislation against Werewolves… Hiring me will cause you problems with the Ministry" Remus pointed out, mentally smacking himself for listing the reasons why he shouldn't be hired. "I don't want to cause you any problems, Headmaster."

"There will be no problems, I assure you" Dumbledore said. "The Legislation doesn't forbid me from hiring you, it simply states that I need to provide you with the Wolfsbane Potion. Luckily for us, we have a Potions Master in this school." Snape?

"He'll never help me…" Remus said, remembering the 'prank' that Sirius had played on Snape. "I nearly killed him when we were students here…"

"Severus is a good man, and he will do it if I ask him to" Dumbledore assured Remus. "And if he doesn't, then I will use the school's budget to buy you the Potion." He'd do that for me?

"Why me?" Remus couldn't help but ask.

"I need someone that I trust working in that position" Dumbledore replied. "Lord Voldemort will return soon, and I fear that we've all grown negligent as of late. I want you to teach the students to combat the Dark Arts."

"Combat the Dark Arts?" Remus asked, slightly unsure of what that meant.

"Last year, we opened up a Dueling Club at Hogwarts" Dumbledore replied, and Remus nodded slowly. "I would like you to resume that Dueling Club, alongside Severus. And… I need you to begin training Harry."

"Training Harry?" Remus blinked.

"Lord Voldemort will come for him one day, and he must be ready" Dumbledore replied, and Remus swallowed once again. Dumbledore's right. The Prophecy referred to Harry as being the one who destroys the Dark Lord. "He trusts and loves you. And I want you to give him private tutoring in the Order's ways. Patronus Charm, skirmish tactics, and how to lead."

"So Harry will truly lead the Order one day?" Remus asked.

"I know that he is our true hope of destroying the Dark Lord" Dumbledore replied. "But he must be prepared." Remus didn't even have to think twice about his answer, not when Harry needed him.

"I accept."

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Sunday 23rd August, 1993 (The Rookery – Dinnertime)

This was it. This was the moment that Ron had been both dreading and anticipating. They had eaten dinner, Ron had drank Snape's Calming Tonic to help settle his nerves, and now Ron was sitting with the Lovegoods. They had no idea what Ron was about to do, and that gave him sort odd sort of comfort. He was in charge, he was in control, and they didn't even know it.

"Thank you for the dinner, Pandora" Ron smiled at her, and she smiled her airy smile in return. "It was really amazing."

"You're welcome, Ron" Pandora hummed. "It was nice of you to drop by like this."

"You're always welcome here, dear boy" Xeno smiled as well.

"Why didn't Ginny come with you?" Luna asked.

"Because I didn't tell her that I was coming here" Ron replied, and Luna looked visibly confused. "Only dad knows that I'm here. No one else." If I told mum, or anyone else, there would be questions.

"Why?" Pandora couldn't help but ask.

"Because I wanted to speak to Xeno about something important" Ron replied. "And if my Family were here, they'd make this needlessly difficult."

"Talk to me?" Xeno asked, a curious smile on his face.

"Are you still planning to sell The Quibbler to the Daily Prophet?" Ron asked, and the Lovegoods just blinked at him.

"Um… Yes, I am…" Xeno replied slowly.

"You shouldn't" Ron said firmly, Snape's Tonic keeping his mind and nerves relaxed. Time to get this started. Be decisive, and don't fucking stutter. Explain everything step by step. And if need be… use a bit of coercion.

"Ron?" Pandora asked, utterly taken aback by him. "This is not…"

"They plan to boot you once you've signed over The Quibbler" Ron told Xeno, and the man's mouth dropped open. "Two thousand Galleons, but no job."

"How do you know about the money?" Pandora asked him, and then it hit her. "Your sudden interest in my husband's magazine…"

"The Daily Prophet already have their new layout ready, but they won't be hiring you" Ron told Xeno, ignoring Pandora for the time being. "They plan to sell most of The Quibbler for parts, and then use the name to publish whatever rubbish they want. If you sell them The Quibbler, you'll lose it forever."

"Who told you all of this?" Xeno asked, looking to his equally confused wife and daughter.

"I have contacts, and they've given me all the information that I needed" Ron replied. No need to tell them that I spied on them. That'll just make them upset.

"Contacts?" Pandora asked, and then she looked to Luna. "Luna, my love, please go to your room."

"But…" Luna started, but her mother's sudden serious demeanor closed her throat. "Alright…" Luna sighed, and then she slowly left the room. Before she disappeared upstairs, she shot Ron a worried look. Don't be worried for me, I plan to win.

"Ron, explain yourself" Pandora said, she couldn't believe her ears. What was Ron up to? Why had he been asking questions about The Quibbler? Who were these contacts? She felt like her head would explode if he didn't give her the answers.

"I'm going to be blunt here" Ron told them, his eyes traveling between Pandora and Xeno. They look baffled. Good. "I want to buy The Quibbler."

"Excuse me?" Xeno asked, his usual eccentric tone completely gone.

"I want to buy The Quibbler" Ron repeated. "I don't want the Daily Prophet to get it, and I have plans for it. Plans that can help a lot of people. We can help a lot of people, Xeno."

"Ron, that's enough" Pandora said, she needed to call Molly here. Ron had clearly lost it, and he definitely needed to see Pomfrey tomorrow morning. Shite, time to hit them below the belt. I'm sorry about this.

"You made around three hundred Galleons last year" Ron pointed out, and Xeno's eyes nearly popped out of his skull.

"How…?" Xeno started, but Ron cut him off.

"I have contacts" Ron replied. "And believe me, what I plan to offer you is going to change your life. Now you can either hear me out, or you can be jobless within a week. Or you can keep The Quibbler to yourself, but something tells me that that isn't really an option for you. Why else would you sell it?"

"Merlin…" Xeno muttered, and then he looked to his wife. "He's possessed…" What the fuck? Actually… Xeno's right. Hear that, Entity? You got caught, you smarmy fuck.

"I'm not possessed, now please just hear me out" Ron said as he stood up, and then he snapped his fingers. Marty sent him his briefcase from Hogwarts, just as planned. Pandora and Xeno went pale at the Wandless, non-verbal Conjuration.

"Who are you?" Pandora demanded, and Ron blinked at her.

"Pandora, I'm not possessed" Ron frowned slightly. "Just because I don't show my skills doesn't mean that I don't have them. Go on, ask me something that only I would know."

"What was the first thing that you ever painted with me?" Pandora asked.

"It was a drawing of me on a broom, and I was wearing a Chudley Cannon Uniform" Ron replied, and Pandora relaxed slightly. She was still eyeing him warily, but she was slowly starting to calm down. Ron opened up his briefcase, and he took out the documents. "These are contracts that I had drawn up, as well plans for The Quibbler. Here, read them" Ron finished, handing Xeno the documents. Xeno took them slowly, his eyes fixed on Ron. For fuck's sake, I'm not possessed.

---

Ten Minutes Later

"I don't understand…" Xeno mumbled, his eyes fixed on the shareholder's agreement.

"What don't you understand?" Ron asked gently.

"How long have you been planning this?" Xeno asked, looking to Ron with a guarded look. Lie!

"Since you told me that you planned to sell The Quibbler" Ron lied.

"That's impossible" Pandora said, looking up from Ron's plans.

"Not for me" Ron said, and Pandora blinked at him. "I immediately decided that I could use The Quibbler for good, but I also knew that my time was limited. So I started planning this immediately, and then with help of a 'friend', I put all this together."

"What friend?" Xeno asked.

"A Goblin named Gornuk" Ron replied, and both Lovegoods just stared at him with utter disbelief written on their faces. "I had to hire him, of course, but he's done right by me. What do you think of the new Quibbler?"

"It's… Ron, this is too sudden" Pandora said, looking back down at the plans. She was having trouble even thinking straight. She couldn't recognize this boy in their kitchen, no matter how much he looked like her son.

"It had to be" Ron told them. "The Daily Prophet planned to dupe Xeno, and so I had to act fast. But I have everything sorted already, as you can see from the documents. All I need is your signature, Xeno."

"Ron, this is amazing work…" Xeno started. "But you are just a child… I appreciate…"

"Do not underestimate me" Ron hissed, and Xeno looked up with a slightly scared look. Calm down, Ron. It's alright. He's right to doubt your age. Ron drew in a deep breath, and then he smiled at the Lovegoods. "I might be thirteen, but I have accomplished impossible feats. I singlehandedly slew a Mountain Troll when I was eleven. I made history by resisting over fifty Veelas. I am yet to lose a single Tournament… And I survived the Dark Lord not once, but twice." Pandora and Xeno exchanged slow looks, and then they just stared at Ron with wary looks. "So please, tell me your honest thoughts on my proposition."

"It's generous" Xeno admitted. "Three thousand for The Quibbler, and then I get to keep four pages out of the twenty for my own section…"

"Xenophilius, you can't be serious?" Pandora asked her husband, shocked that Xeno would sell his life's work to a child. Ron was brilliant, but he was still just a boy.

"Look at this, love" Xeno swallowed thickly, showing her the shareholder agreement. "I get to keep twenty percent of The Quibbler… I didn't even know what shares really were, but he does…"

"You will be paid a yearly salary of four hundred Galleons plus twenty percent of the profits" Ron told Xeno, who nodded slowly. "Once you sign over The Quibbler to me, you can sign the shareholder's agreement. Both are Magically Binding Contracts, and once signed, they're permanent. Once you sign them, the appropriate sums will be transferred between our accounts. The Quibbler will become mine, and then I can go to the investors."

"Investors?" Pandora asked.

"Lady Longbottom, my friends Theo and Blaise, Lord Greengrass, and Sirius" Ron replied. "Sirius is the only one who hasn't given me his assurance, but the rest have agreed to be investors. They will collectively own twenty five percent, while you will own twenty. And I will own fifty five."

"Ron, what's brought this on?" Pandora asked. "This is a lot money that you're giving away."

"I'm not giving anything away" Ron replied. "This is a business deal, not charity. As for what brought this on, well… I just got sick of the garbage that the Daily Prophet calls news. They talk about scandals, and about 'stylish wizards'… But not once have the reported on the slums of Knockturn Alley, or the hundreds of jobless Werewolves. Or the fact that there is an underage prostitution problem in Knockturn Alley, which by the way, is right next to Diagon Alley."

"Underage prostitution? In Knockturn Alley?" Xeno asked, he had never ventured into that place before.

"You've been there?" Pandora asked, her mouth dropping open and her brow furrowing. "Ronald…"

"Neither of you knew about it, did you?" Ron asked them. "That's fine, it's not your fault. There is so much misinformation out there because of the Prophet, and since they won't do their jobs properly, I'll do it for them. I want to use The Quibbler to inspire people, I want action to be taken against these issues. The Quibbler is perfect for this, but if you don't give it to me, then it will go to waste. I have the means to turn it into a viable source of news, and an even more viable business. All I'm asking for is a chance."

"And your parents?" Pandora asked him, while Xeno just read over the contracts again. "What do they have to say about this?"

"They don't know anything about this, and if you tell them, then this deal is off" Ron replied. "They'll show up here, and then they'll force me to throw these contracts away. Xeno will be forced to sell to the Daily Prophet, and he'll lose his life's work in the progress. This deal… It's a Merlin-send, and you know it."

"It says here that I can't work for the new Quibbler until I sign the shareholder's agreement" Xeno pointed out, and Ron nodded.

"I turned your shareholder agreement into a work contract, and as long as you choose to be a shareholder, even I can't fire you" Ron replied. "This is to make sure that you always have your name associated with The Quibbler." It was Gornuk's idea, but I'll just steal it to impress them. "Xeno, this deal gives you everything that you want and more." He's buying it, I can see it. He knows that there is no better alternative, he's only holding back because it's me who's presenting this deal.

"I… I need time…" Xeno said, putting the contract down. Damn.

"No" Ron said firmly, and Xeno and Pandora blinked at him. "I either leave with the signed contracts, or I don't. Too many complications will arise once mum and dad find out, and they'll shut this down because they think that they know best. So no, Xeno. Make your choice right now. You either sign this deal, or you lose everything."

---

Five Minutes Later

Ron and Xeno both felt an odd sensation once both contracts were signed, and Ron smiled contently. He had won. The Quibbler was now his, and he could get on with his business.

"Did you feel it too, Xeno?" Ron asked, and Xeno nodded.

"So it's done?" Pandora asked, and they both nodded.

"The funds are probably being transferred as we speak" Ron replied. "Xeno will get three thousand Galleons, and then I will get six hundred back for his investment."

"Then you can leave" Pandora said, looking down at Ron's plans. She couldn't help but feel like Ron had manipulated her husband's desire to protect his Family's future, and in doing so, taken over his business. But she also knew that Ron had saved Xeno from becoming jobless, and he had given them far more than what the Daily Prophet had offered. And so she was left feeling conflicted, and she knew that she needed Ron to leave. She needed to talk to her husband alone.

"Ron, please return home" Xeno smiled weakly, and Ron nodded slowly. What's with this reaction? I just saved them so much money, and gave Xeno a permanent job. Ron drew in a deep breath, and then he packed up the documents in his briefcase.

"Xeno, this is going to work" Ron smiled at the man, and then he put his hand forward for a shake. Xeno shook it, though Ron could feel the lack of enthusiasm in Xeno's grip. "Once you really think about what we're going to be doing, you'll understand why I pushed so hard for this. Goodnight." The Lovegoods both nodded slowly, but they didn't say anything back. Ron decided not to make a big deal out of their lackluster reaction, and he went home quietly. He'd worry about the problems to come tomorrow, because tonight he planned to celebrate his victory.

---

Monday 24th August, 1993 (Gringotts Wizarding Bank – Morning)

Ron wasn't going to lie, he had chosen the cowardly path. He had woken up, done his morning run, showered, and then bolted for the Bank. He knew that the Lovegoods were going to show up at the Burrow in order to inform his parents of what was happening, and since his father was at work, he didn't want to deal with his mother alone. Ron would go to the investors from here, and then return home at night once he was certain that his father was there to calm his mother down. But truth be told, he didn't care about his mother's reaction. He was spending his money, and she had no say in what he did with the money that he had earned by working his arse off. Her controlling nature be damned.

"Mr. Weasley, please take a seat" Gornuk 'smiled' at Ron, and Ron sat down with a smile.

"I got the signature, Gornuk" Ron told the Goblin, who nodded eagerly.

"I transferred the funds myself" Gornuk said. "I am in charge of your vault's care, after all." The Quibbler is mine. Yes! "I have also taken the liberty of writing up my own contract, as well as the contracts for the rest of the staff. You'll need to headhunt them, of course. But the paperwork is ready."

"When did you get this done?" Ron asked, he was rather pleased to hear this.

"As soon as I finished transferring the funds" Gornuk replied. "Here you are, Mr. Weasley." Gornuk then took out a bunch of contracts and handed them to Ron, and Ron began reading them one by one.

---

Thirty Minutes Later

"This is all satisfactory" Ron said after he had finished reading them for the fourth time. No tricks, and no devious ploys to milk more money out of me. Good, my threat stuck with him. "I am willing to sign your contract of employment right now if you are."

"I most certainly am" Gornuk said, taking out a quill and inkpot. Ron handed him his contract back, and then he sealed the others away inside of his briefcase. Gornuk signed his name on the contract, and then handed it back to Ron in order for him to sign it as well. Ron did so happily, overjoyed that his plans were coming to life.

"Done, you are officially my Quibbler's Logistics Officer" Ron said, handing the contract back to Gornuk.

"By my honor, I'll do right by you Mr. Weasley" Gornuk said, sealing the contract into the lockbox behind him. "I will open an account for the new Quibbler today, and we can fill it with the funds needed to pay the salaries and other costs. Six thousand five hundred Galleons will suffice. I will also contact Fletcher's Printing Company, and the advertisement firm. We should aim to start the campaign at the start of October, and let it run for its entire duration."

"Fantastic" Ron smiled.

"Tell Mr. Lovegood that he has to publish his final issue before the thirtieth of August, otherwise any profits that he makes will go directly to the new Quibbler."

"I will, Gornuk" Ron replied. "Is there anything else?"

"No, Sir" Gornuk replied.

"Then I'll head off" Ron said as he got up and began to leave, but he stopped right before he left the Office. Make sure he knows that he can't outsmart you."Gornuk…" Ron started, turning to face the Goblin. "Remember my words. If you betray me, I will find out. And then, I'll beat you to death." Unbeknownst to Ron, his eyes had gleamed a terrifying shade of red, something that made the Goblin's blood turn to ice. With that, Ron turned around and left the Office. Time to talk to my investors.

---

Monday 24th August, 1993 (Longbottom Manor – Morning)

"Come in" came Lady Longbottom's voice, and Ron opened the door and entered her study. "Ronald, what brings you by?"

"I have good news" Ron smiled at her as he closed the door behind him. "May I take a seat?"

"Of course" Lady Longbottom replied, and Ron sat down from across her.

"Xeno has signed over The Quibbler to me" Ron told her, and she smirked at the news.

"Congratulations, Ronald" Lady Longbottom said, and then she stood up and turned to the shelf behind her. "We must share a drink to celebrate." Alcohol? Can't I have some juice instead?

"Thank you" Ron said, deciding not to offend her by refusing her kind gesture. She fixed them both a small glass of Sherry each, and then she handed Ron his.

"Drink it slowly" Lady Longbottom gave him a rare smile, and Ron took a small sip. Yeesh… "Don't worry, it gets easier over time. Now, tell me… Have you brought my shareholder agreement with you?"

"I have" Ron replied, opening his briefcase and handing her the document. "Five percent for one hundred and fifty Galleons." While she read her contract, Ron sipped his Sherry. It tastes so different from the Apple Brandy that Lord Greengrass sometimes gives me. I think I prefer the Brandy.

"You have my signature" Lady Longbottom broke the silence, and then she signed the agreement. "I will tell my Grandson of the good news when he gets home."

"Where is Neville?" Ron asked.

"He is spending the day with Harry and Hermione" Lady Longbottom replied. "At Grimmauld Place."

"I see" Ron nodded. "I'll see him before you then, I need to speak to Sirius about his investment."

"Ronald…" Lady Longbottom said, and Ron waited for her to continue. "I spoke to my Grandson about what you told me, and he confirmed the story." Good. "I had no idea that he had done such a thing…"

"He is quite something, isn't he?" Ron asked, and she nodded slowly. Why does she look so conflicted?

"I know that I'm harsh on him, but it's because I feel like I need to be" Lady Longbottom confessed, and Ron thought that her words were a load of dung. Calling him weak won't make him strong, it'll just degrade him.

"I often hide things from my parents" Ron confessed, and she cocked an eyebrow at him. "It's not because I want to make them feel bad, or because I don't respect them. It's because I know that they will try and take away my control… They probably think that they know what's best for me, and that kind of thinking leads them to get in my way. Calling your Grandson weak isn't going to help him, it's going to get in his way. He stood up for my Slytherin friends, and in doing so, he went up against Harry and Hermione. That right there is someone that I can respect, and someone that I'll gladly call my friend. He didn't get sorted into Gryffindor for nothing, the Hat doesn't make mistakes." With that, Ron drank down his glass and stood up. That dramatic sip was a mistake! Oh Merlin, my taste buds!

"Thank you, Ronald" Lady Longbottom said, giving him a polite nod. "I will… take your words into consideration. Good luck with Sirius, and the rest."

"Have a pleasant day, Lady Longbottom" Ron smiled at her. "I hope I can continue to count on you for your counsel."

"You are always welcome here, Ronald" Lady Longbottom assured him. "Farewell."

---

Monday 24th August, 1993 (Grimmauld Place – Late Morning)

Ron stepped through the fireplace, and he looked around the empty Living Room. No one? Odd. Ron then made his way towards the kitchen, and once again, he found no one. Maybe they aren't home? Sirius and Remus may have taken them out for the day. But why would they leave the floo-network open?

"Is anyone home?!" Ron called out, and a sudden crack came from behind him.

"Another Blood-Traitor in the House of Black?" Kreacher, the Black Family House-Elf, snarled.

"You…" Ron frowned at the disgusting thing before him. The old Elf had a bulbous, snout-like nose, bloodshot eyes, and way too many folds of skin. "Where is your Master?"

"Master travelled to the Burrow with his man-wife…" Kreacher hissed, eyeing Ron with malice. "The mother of the Blood-Traitor children came through here, raving like some banshee…" Oh shite. I'm guessing that Pandora and Xeno went to her shortly after I left.

"And Harry?" Ron asked, ignoring Kreacher's filth. Sirius told me that Kreacher was a miserable old bat, and that I should just ignore him.

"Gone to Diagon Alley with the fat child and the Mud-Blo…" Kreacher started, but Ron backhanded him right across the face. The old Elf went tumbling to the floor, utterly dazed.

"Mind your tongue, slave" Ron hissed, glaring murder at Kreacher. "Or I will rip it out of your head."

"A thousand apologies…" Kreacher mumbled, getting up and bowing his head.

"Off with you" Ron dismissed him, and the Elf disapparated. "Vile old cunt…" Ron then walked back into the Living Room, took a pinch of floo-powder, and tossed it into the fire. "Greengrass Manor." The fire blazed to life, and Ron stepped through it and appeared in the Greengrass Receiving Hallway. Ron then made his way towards the Living Room, putting Kreacher out of his mind. Why does Sirius even keep him around? All he does is spill his bile everywhere. And how dare he call Harry's guest that word.

"Ron?" came Daphne's voice, and Ron turned to face her with a smile. Just relax, and forget about that sorry sack of skin. "What are you doing here?" she asked with a smile, happy to see him again.

"I came to see your mother and father" Ron replied. "I got The Quibbler, Daph."

"Did you really?" she smiled widely, and Ron nodded. "Congratulations, Ron. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks."

"But mother and father aren't here…" Daphne told him, and Ron blinked at her. "Um… Lord Black came here, and they left with him." Is that so? Fuck, they're probably at my house right now. Damn, that's two investors that I can't get to without running into my mother. "I'm guessing that it has something to do with you?"

"It does…" Ron groaned. "Mind if we go to your room? I need your help with something."

"Of course I don't mind, let's go" she replied, holding out her left hand. Ron took it with his gloved one, and they began making their way up to her room.

"Is Tori around?" Ron asked, and Daphne shook her head.

"She's went to her tutor's house" Daphne replied, and then she smirked at him. "So it's just you and me."

"I like the sound of that" Ron admitted. "But first, I need your help."

"And what can I do for you?" Daphne sang, tightening her hold on his hand.

"I need you to send your owl out to Theo and Blaise" Ron replied. "I need them to sign their shareholder agreements, and then to send their agreements back to me."

"That's simple enough" Daphne said, eager for some alone time with Ron.

---

Five Minutes Later

"There, all done" Daphne said as she sent her Owl off, and Ron smiled at her from her bed. She looks amazing today, but then again, she always looks amazing. Damn, I really am smitten with her.

"Thank you, Daph" Ron said, and she turned around with a smile.

"Come here" Daphne cooed, and he did as she asked. When he got to her, she put her arms around his lower back. "Why did Lord Black come here for my parents?"

"I didn't tell my parents about what I was up to" Ron sighed, giving her a tired smile.

"Ron…" Daphne sighed back, bumping her forehead into his chest. "Ow…"

"Ha" Ron chuckled.

"Why didn't you tell them?" Daphne asked him.

"Because they would've shut me down" Ron replied truthfully. "That's what they always do… If I do something that they don't approve of, they start getting in my way. They won't ever bother with listening to my reasons, they'll just start ruining everything. My sorting, my fight with Harry, my mother's letters, their ploy to pull me out of Slytherin, and my mother's recent attempts to rip my career away from me… I'm sick of the roadblocks, Daphne. Xeno has signed the contract, and now there's nothing that they can do to stop me."

"They'll be angry with you" Daphne looked up at him, but Ron just shrugged.

"I don't care anymore" Ron admitted. "They want some other version of Ron, but that Ron doesn't exist." Not in this Cycle anyway.

"Well, I like this version of Ron" Daphne smiled, and then she leaned up and pecked his lips.

"And this version of Ron likes you" Ron chuckled, making her giggle a bit. "Let's not talk about the shite-storm that's waiting for me at home. Let's do something together instead. What do you say?"

"Hmmm" Daphne hummed, and then she nodded. "Want to dance?"

"Dance?" Ron asked, and she nodded again. "I'm not a good dancer."

"Have you tried it before?" Daphne asked.

"Nope, which is how I know that I'm not a good dancer" Ron replied.

"Then I'll show you" Daphne said, taking his gloved hand into hers. "Now put your left hand on my lower back." Ron did as he was told, and Daphne put her left hand on his upper left arm. "Good. Now straighten your back, and let's move around a bit. I'll show you the movements, so follow my lead."

"Yes, Ma'am" Ron smiled at her, content with spending his day dancing with Daphne. I'll worry about my Family when I get home. Until then, I'm going to enjoy my victory with someone who appreciates me.

---

AUTHOR'S NOTES: And it's finished! Ron got The Quibbler, but now he has to face the consequences of his devious ways. I know this is a bit of a cliff-hanger, but I loved the idea of ending the chapter with Ron and Daphne dancing together whilst enjoying his victory. Hope you guys enjoyed the Chapter, and have a good one!

I will see you guys on Tuesday!