Fate Chapter 71 - A New Lead, a harry potter fanfic

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 71 is finished earlier than planned, and instead of waiting until Monday, I figured that I'd upload it now. No one likes waiting, right? Anyway, a couple of things before you can read on:

1. As it turns out, I've been messing up my punctuation for a while now. Sorry about that. To the reviewer who pointed this out to me, thanks! Starting from the next chapter, I'll do my best to keep the punctuation right and proper.

2. Criticism is always welcome, especially when it's constructive. So please, don't hesitate to point out any errors that you find. I want to make this story a fun-read, and bad grammar does put people off sometimes. So once again, thank you to the people who are helping me improve my writing. This is a team-effort people!

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.

Fate

Chapter 71 – A New Lead

Ronald Weasley's POV

Friday 4th September, 1993 (Potions Classroom – Before Lunch)

"What the hell?" Ron mumbled, staring at his reflection. The areas around his eye sockets were pitch black, almost as if they were engulfed by shadows. And in the middle of his shadowy features were two crimson, toad-like eyes. "What the hell?" Ron mumbled again, looking towards Snape with a panicked look. "What the hell?!" Snape didn't even respond, he was too busy staring at Ron with a slightly ajar mouth.

"They're back…" Snape suddenly whispered, blinking at Ron as if he had never seen the boy before. Ron quickly looked back into the mirror, and much to his surprise, his ocean blue eyes were back. What?

"Tell me that I didn't imagine that" Ron said, looking back to Snape.

"You didn't…" Snape said, still eyeing Ron with a shocked expression. "Ron… What was that?"

"I don't know" Ron slowly shook his head, and then he stared back into the mirror. "I don't know…"

"Has that happened before?" Snape asked, his Occlumency failing him.

"No…" Ron shook his head again. "Not that I know of…"

"The Headmaster…" Snape suddenly said, and Ron looked back to him. "We need to speak with Albus right now."

Ten Minutes Later

"This cannot be a good sign" Dumbledore sighed, rubbing his chin. Snape and Ron had all but rushed up here in order to speak with the old wizard, who himself was left rather disturbed by their tale.

"Is it trying to take control of the boy?" Snape asked Dumbledore, who simply just sat there.

"The boy?" Ron asked, shooting a frown at Snape. "I'm right here, Sir. And no… It can't do that."

"How do you know this?" Snape asked, looking towards Ron. "This… demon… is an unknown variable to us all. None of us know what it's truly capable of."

"It can't possess me" Ron repeated. "Fate would smite its arse into oblivion… Again."

"Fate?" Dumbledore asked, breaking out of his thoughts.

"Um… Yeah" Ron nodded slowly. "I spoke with the Entity yesterday, and it told me that it was bound to me by 'Fate'. I don't really know what that means, but I'm guessing that she won't allow it to possess me."

"Alright…" Dumbledore started, his old features paling slightly.

"This is insane…"Snape muttered under his breath.

"Let's put this 'Fate' business aside for a moment" Dumbledore went on. "You mentioned that the Entity was injured by 'Fate'… When did that happen?" Shite, I need to be careful.

"Last school year" Ron replied, and both wizards waited for him to go on. "The Entity tried to kill me because we got into an argument, and then out of nowhere, this pillar of light slammed down on it… It clearly hurt the Entity, judging by its screams, and I was sent back to the real World." That's actually true. Let's just keep its imprisonment to myself.

"Real World?" Snape asked.

"It's a little complicated, and I don't really understand it myself" Ron admitted. "But there's this Hogwarts inside of me…"

"Is it colorless?" Dumbledore cut in, and Ron blinked at him.

"Yeah… How did you know that?" Ron asked, eyeing the old man carefully.

"Is that where you ended up being trapped when you used Legilimency on him?" Snape asked, and Ron quickly caught up. So that's where he ran into the Entity? Bloody hell.

"It was" Dumbledore nodded. "This makes sense…" It does?

"Can you please tell us?" Ron asked. "I'd like some answers about that place."

"In a way, that Hogwarts is your mind Ronald" Dumbledore replied, and Ron nodded because he already understood that much. "It seems to me that the Entity has shaped your mind into a fortress, because despite Hogwarts being a school, it was created to be a fortress. Perhaps it did this for your benefit, or perhaps it did this to satiate its own ego. But regardless, this 'Hogwarts' is your mind."

"And what if this 'Dream Hogwarts' was… damaged?" Ron asked, and Dumbledore blinked at him.

"Is it damaged?" Snape asked quickly.

"Pretty badly…" Ron said slowly, and Snape looked towards Dumbledore with a grave look. "It's all twisted and cracked…" What did the Entity say? Oh yeah… It 'damaged my subconscious in an effort to heal my brain-damage'. I need to get a checkup done soon.

"It was in perfect condition when I went there" Dumbledore whispered, his eyes becoming heavy. He went there after my Duel with Harry. Was I made 'insane' before that, or after? If it was after, then maybe the Entity was right. Fate may have actually caused my brain-damage when she 'healed' me.

"So it's bad, huh?" Ron sighed, rubbing his face with his hands. Fucking hell, I'm in some deep shite. Ron suddenly felt Snape pat his back, and he looked to see the Potions Master giving him a serious look.

"We will figure something out, Ron" Snape said, and Ron gave him a weak smile. Dumbledore just watched the exchange quietly, a faint smile coming to his lips. "Albus, how do we proceed?"

"A checkup is needed, in my opinion" Dumbledore replied. "We need to determine if Ronald's brain-damage is getting worse."

"And if it is?" Ron asked. Didn't the Entity heal the damage caused by myself? Can it still keep doing that? It looked to be in a really sorry state the last time I spoke with it.

"Then we will know that your brain-damage is linked to the Hogwarts inside of your mind" Snape replied. "After that, we'll do everything in our power to keep it from getting worse."

"What if… What if there's nothing that can be done?" Ron asked. What if it's already terminal? Didn't Healer Bernard say that? That it could kill me?

"Don't think like that" Dumbledore told him, his expression showing his concern.

"I have to think like that" Ron countered, looking right into Dumbledore's eyes. "I need to be certain of my own Future if I'm to help change everyone else's. And… And if I'm going to be dead before long… Then there are a few things that I need to get in order, don't I?" I need to tell them about my new visions. Maybe they can find out who R.A.B is. And this 'locket'.

"I have to tell you both something" Ron went on, deciding to let them in. "When I was having my 'headache', I saw things… Visions of myself… But here's the thing, the Entity can't see my Future. I'm an 'anomaly in Time', and therefore, I'm exempt from its power."

"So it shouldn't be able to give you visions about yourself?" Snape asked slowly, trying to get his head around the odd terminology.

"Exactly" Ron nodded. "I don't think that those visions were of me. I think that I was seeing my past lives."

"Why do you suspect that?" Dumbledore asked.

"There was a Hufflepuff version of me that died in an explosion of some sort" Ron replied, and Dumbledore let out a sigh. "And there was another version of me… I think that he was in Ravenclaw… He was killing his fellow students for some reason."

"What?" Snape asked, his eyes widening slightly. The Ron in the black suit.

"Susan Bones, Cho Chang, Cedric Diggory, Max McDean…" Ron tried to remember some of the bodies. "I could barely recognize them because of how damaged their corpses were. Susan had her head in her lap…"

"Merlin…" Snape breathed out, pinching the bridge of his long nose.

"I'm sorry that you saw something so grotesque, Ronald" Dumbledore piped in.

"I'm used to it" Ron shrugged, thinking back to his other visions. "I'm used to seeing death… Anyway, we're getting off topic. There was one version of me that said something that stuck out to me. R.A.B…"

"R.A.B?" Dumbledore repeated, and Ron nodded.

"I think that those are initials" Ron said. "Whoever this R.A.B was, he wasted that Ron's time and effort."

"R.A.B" Snape muttered. "I know those initials…"

"You do?" Ron asked, looking straight at the perplexed Potions Master.

"Regulus Arcturus Black" Snape replied, and then he looked to Dumbledore. Black?

"Sirius' younger brother" Dumbledore remembered, and Ron gaped at him.

"Sirius has a brother?" Ron asked.

"Had" Snape corrected, and Ron blinked at him. He's dead? "Regulus disappeared at the end of the Great War. No one knows what became of him, but in my honest opinion, he died."

"He can't be dead" Ron said. "He got in the way of a past version of me. And this version of me was older than I am."

"Perhaps he went into hiding?" Dumbledore suggested, and Snape looked rather bewildered.

"He wouldn't do that" Snape replied. "I was one year above Regulus, and we shared a friendship of sorts. A friendship born from our mutual disdain of Sirius Black." I'm so confused right now. "Regulus was a fanatic when it came to the Dark Lord. He worshipped the Dark Lord his entire life. He, like myself, took the brand right out of Hogwarts. But then we began playing our part in the war, and Regulus… He didn't take the reality of the war well."

"He didn't flee?" Dumbledore asked.

"He had nowhere to go" Snape shrugged. "None of us did. I only came to you because of…" Because of? "No, he didn't flee. He went on a mission with the Dark Lord, and then I never heard from him again."

"What was the mission?" Ron couldn't help but ask.

"No one knows" Snape replied. "It was something top secret, and Regulus was extremely tight-lipped about it. And then, he was just gone."

"Then he is most likely dead" Dumbledore nodded slowly. Poor Sirius. I didn't even know that he had a brother. "But this raises the question… Why was a past version of Ronald thinking about him?"

"Actually…" Ron started, doing his best to recall his 'vision'. "That Ron had something in his hand. A locket…" A locket?! Same fucking locket?!

"A locket?" Dumbledore asked, watching Ron's eyes widen as he came to some realization.

"Today, in class, I heard this voice…" Ron started. "It was my own voice, and he was grieving because someone had died because of him. He also mentioned a locket…"

"You had a vision in my class?" Snape asked. "And you didn't tell me?"

"What was I supposed to do?" Ron asked Snape. "Oh hey Professor, don't mind the crowd around us, but I'm hearing things again. I think I'm having a vision, you know, because I'm possessed by an Old God…" Bloody moron. "Anyway… I heard this other version of me sobbing about a locket. I think that it might've been the same locket."

"What did this locket look like?" Dumbledore asked.

"Um… It was gold…" Ron remembered. "Yeah… That's all I can remember. Sorry, I was in a lot of pain."

"A golden locket…" Dumbledore mused, rubbing his chin once again. "One that two separate versions of you tried to find. And then there is the R.A.B connection… Severus, we might have another Horcrux on our hands." A Horcrux?

"Another one?" Snape asked, the Dark Lord had split his soul twice?

"Excuse me?" Ron raised his hand. "What's going on? I'm kind of lost…"

"Albus, what makes you think that this locket is a Horcrux?" Snape asked, his face dead-serious now. What is a Horcrux?

"Why else would two separate versions of Ronald look for it?" Dumbledore asked in return. "It's clear that Ronald's life is tied to the Dark Lord's demise, and therefore, it stands to reason that this locket is tied to the Dark Lord. Perhaps Regulus played some part in its creation… A Horcrux cannot be made without murder."

"That makes sense" Snape nodded slowly.

"Um… Please let me in on this" Ron raised his hand again, and Dumbledore looked to him. "What's a Horcrux?" Dumbledore went to reply, but he stopped himself.

"Lunch will begin soon" Dumbledore said, and Ron blinked at him. "Ronald… Severus… Come by my Office tonight after dinner. We have plans to make."

"I have Astronomy" Ron pointed out.

"Use my note" Snape told him, and Ron nodded slowly. Guess I'll skip class then.

"Alright…" Ron said. "And what about my appearance and voice changing? What do we do about that?"

"We will discuss that tonight as well" Dumbledore replied. "Come, let's eat."

Daphne Greengrass' POV

Friday 4th September, 1993 (The Great Hall – Lunchtime)

"So he just wants me to get better at Dueling?" Daphne asked Tracey, who shrugged in response. Daphne was currently trying to figure out what Ron's real problem with her was, and thankfully, Tracey had done some investigating for her.

"I think that Ron felt upset with your lack of motivation" Tracey replied, and Daphne blinked at her. "Not that you don't have any… It's just that you… You were a bit snobbish, truth be told."

"Snobbish?" Daphne repeated, and Tracey shrugged again. "I was upset at being embarrassed in front of the entire class. Why can't he see that?"

"Actually…" Tracey started, giving Daphne a sheepish smile. "He knows that you were upset because of your defeat." So he knows? "He just doesn't feel the need to pamper you…"

"Pamper me?" Daphne asked. "He said that?"

"What? No" Tracey shook her head. "Daphne, what do you want to hear? He doesn't like people being lazy, we all know that, and you were, in a way, being lazy. And you know Ron, he has a fetish for people who work hard. And Granger, despite being insufferable, clearly worked hard to learn Non-verbal Magic. He respects that about her, and when you made that comment, he snapped." Ron does love the concept of hard work. Wait… Is that why he's always friendly with Granger? He doesn't like her, does he?

"Hello" came Ron's voice, and Daphne jumped a little. Merlin, my heart nearly exploded.

"Why are you sitting over there?" Pansy asked, staring at Ron as he sat in between Theo and Blaise. "Ron… I put on that perfume again for you…" This bitch…

"Theo, move" Ron ordered, and Theo gaped at him.

"Um… Suck my cock?" Theo suggested instead, and Daphne quickly pushed that image out of her mind.

"Theo, you're really vulgar" Tracey sighed, and then she grinned at him. "I love it."

"This is why she's my favorite" Theo told the rest of them, giving each of them a 'sad' look. Do you two want to start snogging already? The rest of us are just waiting here.

"What did Snape want?" Millie asked Ron.

"Well, he put Hermione in the Potions Club" Ron started, and everyone blinked at him. "So I guess I'll be spending every Wednesday evening with her. We're both the only third years there, so he'll definitely partner us up." What? Daphne felt a tightness in her chest at that, and she barely kept her face straight. No… I barely get to see him as it is.

"So Granger is officially a part of his exclusive club?" Blaise asked, and Ron nodded. "That explains why she's practically bursting with joy." Ron shot a look towards the Gryffindor table, but his expression didn't even change.

"Good on her" Ron said, looking back down at the food in front of him. Good, he doesn't seem very happy about it. Damn it, Daphne. Get a hold of yourself. Ron likes you, and you alone. He's said that multiple times, and we've already crossed a few lines together.

"Daphne? Are you alright?" Pansy asked, shooting Daphne a look of concern.

"I'm fine" Daphne replied quickly, noticing that Ron was more interested in making his plate than looking at her. He's still upset with me. He's not going to crack this time, I can feel it.

"So… What do you guys want to do after lunch?" Tracey asked the group. "We all have a free period next, and Astronomy isn't happening until ten tonight."

"We have Ron's study group" Millie said, and then she looked towards Theo. "Make sure that you behave, Theo."

"Me?" Theo asked. "Why me in particular?"

"You have a penchant for being a smart-arse" Pansy replied for Millie, who simply gave a curt nod.

"Your lack of faith disturbs me" Theo stated, feigning hurt.

"You stole that from Star Wars" Tracey blinked at him, and everyone looked to her.

"What is 'Star Wars'?" Ron asked slowly.

"A Muggle movie…" Tracey replied, looking back down at her plate. "Never mind…"

"What's it about?" Theo asked, and everyone looked to him. "It sounds interesting… Mind telling us, Tracey?" Is he…? Wow. He's actually being really sweet right now.

"I don't know…" Tracey mumbled. "It's a long story, and you probably wouldn't understand it."

"Is it about Stars fighting one another?" Daphne asked, trying to help her best friend open up.

"Um… No" Tracey replied.

"Does it have something to do with the Stars?" Blaise asked. "Like Astronomy?"

"In a way, yeah…" Tracey nodded slowly.

"Go on" Blaise said, his interest riled up.

"Alright…" Tracey said slowly, and then she took in a deep breath. "Basically, it's about…"

Friday 4th September, 1993 (The Sanctuary – After Lunch)

Ron had decided to restart his 'Circuit Training' because he had been neglecting it all week, and so everyone had followed him up to the Sanctuary. Tracey, Theo, Blaise, and Daphne were currently doing their History of Magic homework, while Pansy and Millie were just relaxing on the couches. But truth be told, all four girls were focusing their attention on Ron as he started his third set. It was a… thrilling… sight.

"He looks really hot under his clothes" Pansy noted, a sly smile on her face. "Look at him… He's sweating so much." Uh-huh. "I'm just saying that he'd find it easier to exercise if he wasn't wearing his top."

"Go tell him that" Tracey said, outright eyeing Ron as if he was a piece of meat. "Please."

"You reckon he'll let me train with him?" Millie asked, watching Ron's exercise with an analytical eye. "I should probably just stick to running for now. Maybe once I get used to that, I can start this 'Circuit Training' with him.

"Tracey, what did you get for…?" Blaise started, but Tracey shushed him with a deep frown.

"I'm trying to watch here" Tracey hissed, and then she looked back to Ron. Daphne figured that she'd feel more jealous if she herself wasn't 'watching' Ron. I'll be jealous later. Merlin, how many pushups has he done so far?

"Wow…" came Theo's voice, who was now looking between Ron and the girls. "He's a human being, so stop drooling over him as if he were a morsel."

"Whatever, skinny…" Pansy waved him off, her eyes fixed on Ron's arse.

"Fucking Ronald Weasley…" Theo sighed, looking back to his homework.

"Daphne, go ask him to do some more squats" Tracey nudged her, and Daphne broke out of her intense staring contest with Ron's arms.

"What was that?" Daphne asked, shooting Tracey a quick look.

"Ask him to do more squats" Tracey repeated. "I want to see them again."

"What if he stops?" Daphne asked, watching Ron go up and down.

"Oh… You're right" Tracey nodded quickly, feeling some odd tingle in her stomach as she watched Ron's intense expression. "Doesn't he look like he's in pain?"

"Probably is…" Daphne shrugged, not really caring about that right now. I bet his muscles are burning up. Hmmmmmm.

"Ron! They're perving on you!" Theo yelled, and Ron stopped mid pushup.

"You fucking prick…" Tracey hissed, all of them looking away from Ron. All of them except for Millie, who wasn't really perving on Ron.

"You're an arse…" Pansy hissed, glaring murder at a smirking Theo. Daphne slowly looked back towards Ron, and he was staring back at her. Oh no. Ron's lips twitched into a smirk, and he continued his pushups. What was that? He doesn't mind? Wait… I think he likes it… That's enough permission for me. Daphne resumed her watch, glad that Ron wasn't stopping because of such a minor inconvenience.

"And he's back" Tracey grinned, planting her head on her palms.

Thirty Minutes Later

Ron had finished up his Circuit Training, and now he was practicing against three dummies at once. Daphne could see that he was exhausted, and that he was barely managing to stay ahead of the Jinxes, but he was still trying his best. It definitely impressed her, and oddly enough, it made her feel a bit ashamed. Maybe making that comment wasn't exactly appropriate. I mean, Granger did perform Non-verbal Magic. And that's no joke. She probably spent hours practicing that, and I probably came across as a bit… bitchy… for neglecting that fact.

Daphne shook her head clear, refocusing her attention on Ron. He was bloody quick, even in his tired state, but Daphne could see him slipping. He was just dodging Jinxes at this point, the combined assault of three dummies was too much for him. But then, Ron suddenly fired a quick Stunner towards one dummy, knocking it to the ground. Daphne's eyes widened as Ron swirled in his spot, a Stinging Jinx flying past his head. Ron then brought up his wand and fired another Stunner, taking down the second dummy. He's going to win!

Just as Daphne felt giddy at Ron's incoming victory, the redhead's left foot slipped. Ron immediately took a Jinx to the chest, which sent him rolling onto his back. Ouch! Ron however, rolled back and recovered his footing. Daphne saw Ron's mouth move as he pointed his left hand at the last dummy, and a green ethereal serpent fired out of Ron's hand. Wandless Magic? Wait… I've seen him cast that Spell before. How did I never notice until now? The ghostly serpent bound the dummy, and Ron yanked his left arm back as hard as he could.

"YAGH!" Ron yelled, and the dummy was literally shattered into a thousand pieces. The sound of wood exploding made everyone jump in their seats, and all eyes went straight to Ron. Sweet Circe… Daphne's eyes widened because, for just a second, she thought that Ron's eyes were red. Was that because of the lighting?

"Ron?" Millie called, and Ron looked to them. Daphne looked straight into his blue eyes, and her heartbeat relaxed slightly. I was just seeing things. "Is everything alright?" Millie asked slowly, and Ron blinked at her. His chest was heaving in and out, and he was glistening because of his sweat.

"Yeah…" Ron said, looking back to the shattered dummy. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Bloody hell" Tracey whispered in Daphne's ear. "Imagine if that was a person…"

"I'd really rather not" Daphne whispered back, Ron was a bit too scary sometimes. Isn't that the Spell that he used against Madam Roberts? He could've easily killed her if he wanted to. She underestimated him, and he nearly beat her. A voice in the back of Daphne's head told her that she had underestimated Granger, and that's why she had lost.

"He is going to smash through this Dueling Club, isn't he?" Blaise asked, a smirk creeping onto his face.

"I'm going to go join him" Millie said, but Daphne quickly shot out of her seat.

"Actually… Can I join him instead?" Daphne asked Millie, who blinked at her. "Please?" What am I doing?

"Okay" Millie nodded, deciding to let Daphne make up with Ron.

"Thanks" Daphne said, and then she began making her way over to the sandpit. What do I say? Should I apologize? No, that would just show weakness. What if I ask him to help me learn from my mistake? I really don't want to lose to Granger again, and maybe he'll respect that.

"Ron? Can I talk to you?" Daphne asked, walking right up to his back. Ron turned to face her, his face expressionless and sweaty. There was some sand glued to the right side of his face, and Daphne felt the intense need to clean it off.

"Everything alright?" Ron asked, and Daphne looked to the shattered dummy.

"It's nothing compared to that" Daphne joked, but Ron didn't laugh. Stop being so nervous, Daphne. You are a Greengrass. Stand tall and show some courage.

"Daphne, I'm trying to train here" Ron said, why was he so damn tall? No, I like his height. And his broad shoulders. And his arms. Oh! And his arse! It kind of big for a boy, but I can tell that it's all muscle because of his morning runs! Merlin, we haven't kissed in days. "Daphne? Are you there?"

"I wanted to join you" Daphne told him, straightening her back. "I've thought about what you said, and you were right. I shouldn't make excuses for my shortcomings, not when I can concentrate on fixing them." Ron blinked at her, but his expression didn't change. "So, can I join you?"

"Sure" Ron said, turning to face the shattered dummy. "Depulso" Ron chanted, swiping his wand at the dummy's 'corpse'. A white light fired out of Ron's wand, and the dummy and its pieces were sent flying into a nearby wall. Daphne jumped a little because of the loud clattering noise, while Ron turned back to look at her. "Take off your robes, they'll get in your way."

"I'm wearing a skirt underneath…" Daphne whispered, not keen on giving Theo and Blaise a show. Theo and Blaise only? I guess I don't mind showing Ron a little… Mother would be so ashamed if she heard my thoughts.

"Fair enough" Ron said, gesturing her to take up position. "One dummy?"

"I can handle two" Daphne lied.

"Let's start with one, and then work our way up" Ron said, walking over to a knocked over dummy. Ron then effortlessly lifted it up, planting it firmly on the sand. "Remember… Shields are a last resort. Dodge, and wait for your moment."

Thirty Minutes Later

"Ow…" Daphne cried, bending over and sticking her left hand into her stomach. That hurt! That really hurt!

"Stupefy" came Ron's voice, and the dummy that had hit her with a Stinging Jinx was knocked to the floor. Daphne didn't even bother looking at it, her eyes were already starting to sting as badly as her left hand. This was the fifth Stinging Jinx that she had taken in thirty minutes, and she desperately wanted to stop this torture. My entire body is hurting! "Daphne, you alright?" Ron asked, bending over to look at her hidden hand.

"It's fine…" Daphne replied, her voice cracking slightly.

"Show me your hand please" Ron said, and Daphne slowly did so. Her eyes watered up even more when she saw the red welt on her otherwise flawless pale skin. "Episkey" Ron chanted, aiming the tip of his wand on her injury. Her hand felt really hot, and then really cold. And then, the pain was gone. Maybe he should use that Spell on my left tit and arse cheek too…

"I can go again" Daphne panted, and Ron just stared at her. Please just smile already. Just one bloody smile. Stop looking at me like that.

"I think that's enough" Ron said, walking back over to the dummy. What? Daphne wiped the sweat from her brow, a salty smell burning through her nostrils. Merlin, is that me? Ron lifted the dummy up, and once again planted it onto the sand.

"I can go again" Daphne said more firmly, her wand already at the ready. But I really don't want to. My thighs are killing me, and my left tit is so sore. Damn perverted dummy.

"Daphne, everyone has already left for the common room" Ron told her, and Daphne blinked at him. She then looked to the couches, and found them empty. "The bell will ring any minute now, and I really don't plan to get caught being on the seventh floor."

"Alright…" Daphne relaxed, doing her best to hide how glad she was. "Any tips for me?"

"You need to watch your left side" Ron replied, pocketing his wand. "You mind your right side because you're right handed, but every time a Spell comes at you from the left, you move too slowly." That explains my sore spots.

"I'll do that from now on" Daphne said, unsure of what else to say. He's still not happy with me. Even after I got pelted by that dummy.

"We should head out now" Ron said. "I'm wearing my Training Outfit, and we're both covered in sweat." Daphne felt slightly self-conscious because of that, she didn't want Ron to smell her right now. How can he not? I'm losing brain cells here because of how bad it is. I need to run straight into a shower. Daphne made her way over to the giant door, and Ron followed after her. Once she reached the door, she turned around to face him. Bugger it.

"Are you still angry?" Daphne asked. "I just spent thirty minutes being smacked around by an angry dummy, the least you could do is to talk to me." Ron cocked his eyebrow at her, and she felt her stomach tighten. "Please."

"Why were you training with me?" Ron asked, and Daphne blinked at him. "Was it to appease me? Or was it because you genuinely wanted to practice your skills?"

"I… Both" Daphne replied. "Of course I want you to stop giving me the cold shoulder, but that doesn't mean that I wasn't trying my hardest out there. Look at me, Ron. I have sweat and sand in my damn panties!" There goes my dignity.

"I see" Ron said, and then he smiled down at her. He's smiling? He's smiling! "I'm proud of you, Daphne. I could see that you wanted to stop five minutes in, but you kept pushing forward. You were amazing."

"Then why didn't you say that?" Daphne asked, her lips twitching upwards.

"I was enjoying the sight of you throwing caution to the wind for once" Ron shrugged, and then he began walking forward. Is he trying to kiss me? Daphne quickly put her hands against his chest, effectively stopping him.

"Don't… I'm really sweaty…" Daphne told him, but he simply cocked his head.

"Me too" Ron grinned.

"Ron, I'm serious" Daphne said. "I smell…"

"And?" Ron asked, and she blinked at him.

"And it's gross" Daphne replied.

"For some odd reason, I really don't think that" Ron shrugged. "Truth be told… I couldn't stop staring at you while you were running around." Daphne felt her face heat up at that. "Just like you were staring at me while I was training."

"I wasn't staring" Daphne lied, her stomach feeling light.

"Theo was a little too late with his warning" Ron chuckled. "I knew that you lot were staring, but I didn't mind."

"Is that why you smirked at me?" Daphne asked, and Ron nodded.

"It's not weird, is it?" Ron asked, and she slowly shook her head. "If anything, it pushed me to work harder."

"Trying to seduce your friends, Ron?" Daphne asked.

"Just one of them" Ron replied, and Daphne slowly pulled her hands back. Ron quickly pulled her into his chest, his face hovering just above hers as he bent his neck forward. Daphne tensed when her sore breast pushed into his chest, but her face didn't show any signs of pain. Instead, she just stared up at him with a keen sense of anticipation. "Still don't want me to kiss you?" Ron asked, half-teasing and half asking for consent.

"No, I want it" Daphne whispered, staring into his eyes. Ron leaned down and planted his lips against hers, and she relaxed into his arms. Finally. Her head began feeling light rather quickly, and so she broke the kiss with a smacking sound. "I just… I need a second to catch my breath…"

"It's alright, we'd best be off anyway" Ron said, letting go of her. Aw! "Cast the Disillusionment Charm on us, Daph."

"Why me?" Daphne asked.

"Because I want you to do it this time" Ron smiled, and then he took her left hand in his gloved one.

"Alright" Daphne smiled, taking her wand back out. She quickly cast the Charm on the both of them, hiding them from the rest of the World. She then tightened her grip on his hand, and when he did the same, her smile widened. They both exited the Sanctuary at that, and began making their way down to the Slytherin common room hand-in-hand. Maybe this 'hard work' business isn't so bad. I'll just need to get sand proof panties from now on.

Ronald Weasley's POV

Friday 4th September, 1993 (Slytherin Common Room – After Classes)

"Here" Ron said, handing Sebastian his Nimbus 2001. "Don't damage it."

"Woah!" Sebastian cooed, looking the shiny broom over with an awed look. Derek and John were also eyeing it, while Michael just stood there with his book bag around his shoulder. "I didn't think that you'd actually do it, Ron! This is amazing!"

"Don't worry about it" Ron smiled genuinely. "Now take that to your room, and come back with your books. We need to get going." Sebastian nodded quickly, and then he ran towards his dorm.

"He's going to break it, you know" Michael drawled.

"I'm sure he won't" Derek said in a placating manner.

"He looks careful enough" Ron shrugged. Plus, it's only a broom. I don't even fly it. "Where are the girls?"

"Here!" came Tori's excited voice, and Ron looked to see her rushing towards him. Ron wheezed slightly as Tori smashed into his stomach, her arms wrapping around him. John and Derek averted their gazes, while Michael just eyed Tori.

"Stop that" the Carrow twins said as they walked up with Lysandra, giving Tori's back their dead-eyed looks.

"From now on, this is how I'm going to greet you as well" Lysandra winked at Ron, and he 'smiled' at her. Daphne may let Tori get away with this, but you… They won't even find your corpse.

"Alright, that's everyone" Ron said, noticing Sebastian coming back with his books. "Off we go. Oh, and remember to behave."

"Or no Spells?" Michael asked, and Ron nodded firmly. "We'll behave.

Five Minutes Later

"Go inside and take your seats" Ron ordered, and the first years nodded before leaving. Ron then looked to his friends, who had been waiting for him to catch up.

"Look at you" Tracey smirked.

"So authoritative" Pansy smirked as well.

"So sexy" Theo chuckled, and the girls eyed him. "What? You got a problem with that?"

"Nope" Tracey and Pansy sniggered.

"So how are we doing this?" Blaise asked Ron.

"You go in, and you study" Ron replied.

"And who do we sneer at?" Theo asked, and Ron frowned at him.

"No one" Daphne replied.

"Why?" Pansy giggled. These arseholes…

"Are you trying to give me a headache?" Ron asked, and Pansy nodded.

"Guys, be serious" Millie told them. "This is important to Ron, so it's important to us."

"Thank you, Mills" Ron smiled at her, and she gave him a firm nod.

"Brown-noser" Theo smirked at her.

"You want a red nose?" Millie asked him, and Theo sniggered.

"And she's back" Theo announced, and Ron smacked his own forehead. Kill me, Merlin. Just fucking end me please.

"How about we group with the Hufflepuffs?" Daphne asked. "They are actually quite welcoming."

"Did Daphne just say that?" Tracey asked everyone.

"They are" Daphne told her. "Just… Just get in the damn library."

"Touchy" Tracey laughed, making her way into the library. Millie, Pansy, Blaise, and Theo followed after Tracey, while Ron took in a deep breath. Peaceful thoughts. This is going to work. I mean, I've never juggled so many people before. But it'll work. I reckon once we all get past the initial barrier of being in different Houses, people will realize that we're all just students of the same school.

"I'll see you inside?" Daphne asked, and Ron nodded. "Alright." With that, Daphne too headed inside.

"Ron!" came Cedric's voice, and Ron turned to see the handsome Hufflepuff walking over to him. He had Max McDean with him, and two other girls in their year. "We're not late, are we? We were waiting for Justin and his friends, but it turns out that they had already left."

"No, you're right on time" Ron smiled back, unable to resist Cedric's happy face. What a nice bloke. "Max, how are you?"

"I'm well" Max shrugged, smiling casually. "Oh, these two lovely ladies are Amanda and Beatrice."

"Nice to meet you" Ron gave them each a nod.

"Nice to finally talk to you, Ron" Amanda smiled at him, she was slightly pudgy but still cute.

"We've heard a lot about you" Beatrice smiled as well, her thick black curly hair done up in a neat bun.

"Then I'm at a disadvantage" Ron smiled his best smile. "I look forward to learning more about you both. Please, head inside and join the others." The girls nodded, and then made their way inside.

"You're a smooth talker" Max pointed out. "Beatrice is my girlfriend, so try to not learn too much about her."

"But Amanda is single?" Ron joked, earning a snort from Max. I wonder how my Amanda is. I'll send her a letter tonight.

"Uh-oh" Cedric said suddenly, his eyes shooting towards someone behind Ron. Ron turned to see Cormac and his lot walking up to them, and Ron hoped that they just needed to borrow a book.

"So he's really doing it?" Cormac smirked, eyeing Ron up and down. "He's holding a tea party for all the rejects." So much for borrowing a book. I can't lose my temper here, I don't want people leaving the group.

"Then you'd fit right in" Max chuckled.

"Are you parched?" Cedric asked, both Hufflepuff boys just smiling at Cormac.

"Cormac, mate…" one of Cormac's friends said. "Why are you being an arse? Leave the kid alone." Oh, so he's the only twat around.

"Didn't you already blow your chances with Katie because of this?" another one of his mates asked, and then he shot Ron an apologetic smile. "Sorry about him, he's just sore about you knocking him down from his perch."

"Right…" Ron said slowly.

"He sucker-punched me" Cormac snapped, glaring at Ron. Actually, it was a head-butt.

"My, my…" came a devious voice from behind Cormac's friends. "Look at this happy lot, George." Oh fuck.

"Here for Ronnie's study group" George added, and then both twins made their way to Ron. "Our little brother…"

"The leader of a gang of misfits" Fred smirked at Ron. The twins then turned to Cormac.

"McLaggen!" they both greeted him, identical grins on their faces. "Still trying to sneak your way onto the Quidditch Team?"

"Piss off" Cormac frowned at them, thoroughly put off.

"Piss off he says" Fred sniggered.

"While harassing our dear brother" George added, something shifting behind his eyes.

"Is he bothering you, Ronnie dearest?" Fred asked Ron.

"Not really" Ron lied, deciding to defuse the situation.

"We would certainly hope not" Fred said, looking back to Cormac and his mates. "You've all got memorable faces…"

"Such distinctness" George added on.

"We'd never forget them" the twins said together, and Cormac's friends stepped away from him. "Run along now."

"Tossers" Cormac frowned deeply, and then he turned around and left. His mates followed after him, clearly afraid of the twins.

"Thanks" Ron smiled at his brothers, who just sniggered to themselves.

"Don't thank us, little brother" Fred said, and then he tried to pinch Ron's left cheek. Ron quickly moved his head away, afraid that Fred would pinch too hard.

"We were just… in the neighborhood" George said, his voice rather dangerous. And then suddenly, there was a loud bang from a nearby corridor. What the fuck was that?!

"BLOODY MERLIN!" came Filch's yell, and Ron stepped away from the twins.

"That's our cue" Fred laughed.

"You never saw us" George told them, and they all quickly nodded. The twins then left with a quickened pace, their sniggering easy to overhear. Did they blow up a classroom? Mum and dad are going to go mental about this.

"Your brothers are terrifying" Max noted, watching the twins' retreating backs with a wary look.

"Indeed…" Ron muttered, wondering how Percy was going to take this. He's going to lose all of his hair at this rate.

"We'd better get inside" Cedric suggested. "I don't want Filch to blame us for this."

Thirty Minutes Later

Things were going swimmingly, and Ron couldn't be happier. Ron's friends, despite being arseholes outside, were genuinely making an effort. Millie and Daphne had already put the Hufflepuffs at ease by attending the previous study sessions, so the others joining in didn't really bother anyone. Cedric and his group were doing their own work, and occasionally helping the first years, regardless of House. Ron's first years were behaving for the most part, with the only exception being Lysandra who was eyeing all the 'cute' boys.

Oddly enough, it was the Gryffindors that were the only 'problem'. They weren't being rude, or anything of that sort, but they were sort of being… exclusive. Hermione still had her own little group, filled with Harry, Neville, Ginny, and the Gryffindor first and second years. Parvati, Lavender, and Fay had joined Ron's personal group, which consisted of everyone except the Gryffindors who were with Hermione. But all in all, it was all working out. Except for that arsehole who keeps whistling. Where is he? He's not sitting with us, so it has to be some twat from the higher years. This is a library, go whistle somewhere else.

"Excuse me, can you help me with this?" a female Hufflepuff first year asked Ron. "Everyone else is already busy…"

"Sure thing" Ron smiled at her. "What's your name?"

"Beth…" she replied, sounding rather shy. She was a tiny thing with long blonde hair that was tied up in pigtails.

"Alright Beth, what's troubling you?" Ron asked, moving over behind her.

"I don't know why a Forgetfulness Potion would be useful…" Beth said, her voice barely audible. "Professor Snape wants us to list three uses, but I can't even think of one." I remember this question.

"Well, let's work it out together" Ron said, and she nodded meekly. She's a bit shy, isn't she? "If something really bad happened to you, wouldn't you want to forget that?"

"I guess…" Beth replied. "Oh…"

"The Forgetfulness Potion is often used by Healers to help patients forget trauma" Ron told her, and she listened intently. "So that's one right there." Beth quickly wrote it down, her neat writing impressing Ron. My handwriting is utter garbage compared to hers. "Now, you think of one."

"Okay…" Beth said, biting her bottom lip. "What if I wanted to forget a movie that I watched? So I could re-watch it for 'the first time'?" Movie? Is she a Muggle-Born?

"That seems like a good reason to me" Ron chuckled, and she smiled a little before writing it down. "My turn?"

"Yes" she replied, her voice more audible now.

"What if someone saw me do something naughty?" Ron asked. "Like steal something?"

"You'd want them to forget" Beth replied, smiling up at Ron. "Thanks. What's your name?"

"Weasley, Ronald Weasley" Ron introduced himself.

"Thanks, Ronald Weasley" Beth said, and then she wrote down her answer.

"Um… Can you help me as well?" a boy from Ravenclaw asked, he was sitting across from Beth. "I'm from the Muggle World, and I don't even know what Goblins are…" Goblin rebellions? Binns' first year class.

"Sure, mate" Ron smiled, moving over to him. From the corner of his eye, he spotted Luna smiling at him. She's getting along well with her new Ravenclaw friends. Xeno's article really helped her out, I hope he knows that.

One Hour Later

He had spent the last hour helping the first years, each of them asking for help on a different matter. Ron had decided to put his own work on hold, he'd just do it in his own time. And truth be told, helping the first years was rather… therapeutic. They were eager to learn, they were polite, and most of all, they seemed to like his method of teaching. He'd help them with their answers, while explaining to them why those answers were right. And then, he'd make them answer a similar question to make sure that they understood the theory behind the question.

That was the one thing that Ron hadn't done until recently, and he had only done it because Daphne had pointed out the flaw in his learning technique. So he made sure that the first years didn't make the same mistake that he had, otherwise they'd have to reread the textbooks again. And slowly but surely, the Gryffindor first and second years had started coming over to his group. They'd overheard Ron helping the others, and while Hermione was more intelligent than him, she lacked his kind demeanor.

He didn't really feel bad about taking members of her group. After all, this entire thing was being done in order to promote House Unity. Not to mention that he was keeping his distance from Hermione, but that was mostly because of his own issues. He hated that he didn't feel guilty about attacking her, and every time he noticed her looking towards him, he wanted to hit himself for being such a coldhearted cunt.

Blaise's opinion of Hermione had gotten to him, and he could now fully see why she was so unpopular with a lot of people. But that didn't mean shite… She was a person, even a good person deep down, and he had nearly ended that. He clearly needed to get his head checked, because he knew that someone who could attack people and not feel a thing, was a person who was extremely dangerous. And yes, he understood that he wasn't in the right state of mind at the time, but that time was long past. So why was he still so unaffected by his actions? Why was it that if he stopped beating himself over it, he'd get over it in a heartbeat?

"I'll be right back with a book on the Ministry's Establishment" Ron told all the first years, and they nodded at him. I'm like the first year whisperer. Ron then made his way towards the History Section, eager to get back to 'his students'. As he was picking out a book, he spotted someone follow him into the aisle.

"Can I talk to you?" Ginny asked, and Ron looked to her with a smile. She's not smiling.

"Sure, Gin" Ron replied. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Are you avoiding Hermione?" Ginny asked, and Ron blinked at her. What? How does she know that?

"Why would I do that?" Ron asked, his composure unshaken.

"Well for one, you're refusing to help find the person who is targeting her" Ginny pointed out, her hands going to her hips.

"I didn't refuse to do that" Ron defended himself. "I asked her if she wanted me to look into it, and she said no. I'm not going to invade her privacy, Ginny."

"Like you care about such a thing" Ginny scoffed.

"As a matter of fact, I do" Ron said.

"You told her to spy on me, remember?" Ginny reminded him, and Ron sighed deeply.

"I'm sorry I did that" Ron apologized. "I was just worried about you, but it was out of line… I've stopped doing that."

"Someone is targeting your friend, Ron" Ginny said, a slightly bitter edge to her tone. "Don't you care?"

"Ginny, Hermione has the answers" Ron started. "But she doesn't want us involved in her affairs."

"Friends need to protect each other" Ginny told him.

"At the cost of ignoring each other's wishes?" Ron asked. "Maybe you should have a little faith in her, she's not so easily beaten."

"Someone from your bigoted House is probably mocking her for her Blood-Status, and you just don't care" Ginny accused, and Ron chose to ignore her insult to his House. "Mum and dad raised us to stand against such behavior, Ron."

"No one is targeting her for her Blood-Status" Ron said, and Ginny blinked at him. Fuck. Nice going there, Ron.

"How do you know that?" Ginny asked.

"Because if they were, then I'd be the first person they'd mock for being her friend" Ron replied, losing some of his patience. "Ginny, allow me to let you in on a secret… I've been targeted dozens of times for being friends with Harry, Hermione, and Neville. But you know what? I put up with it because I do like them."

"Poor you" Ginny rolled her eyes. "If there are people mocking you for being friends with three genuinely kind people, then maybe you should learn to ignore the nay-sayers. You know, maybe grow a spine?"

"I am not a coward" Ron said, and then he took in a deep breath. Don't ruin your hard work, Ron. The study group is going well. People are slowly getting along. Don't be your usual self for once. "Why don't you help Hermione if you're so keen? Go on. See how she reacts when she finds out that you're going behind her back like this." Ginny frowned at him, while Ron cocked an eyebrow at her. "No? Not planning to ruin your chances with them?"

"My chances?" Ginny hissed. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, please…" Ron drawled. "You're clearly trying to turn the Golden Trio into the Golden Quartet…"

"How dare you?" Ginny demanded, her slender frame shaking with rage.

"How dare I?" Ron asked her. "You're standing there and accusing me of being spineless, when you yourself aren't doing anything to 'help' her. Harry? He's not doing anything. Neither is Neville. But you know what all three of you are doing, you're making me into your personal janitor. 'Ron, come here and clean up this mess. We would do it ourselves, but we don't want to anger Hermione'. And trust me, if I do go against her wishes, she'll be pissed."

"So you are spineless" Ginny accused again.

"No, I'm just not keen on tying your shoelaces every time you trip" Ron told her. "If Harry and Neville want to help her, then they can do it themselves. But they won't. They're not going to risk angering her. So instead, they came to me."

"Or maybe they came to you because they foolishly believe that you're their friend" Ginny suggested, and Ron bit back his anger again. She's just insulting me constantly. No argument, no reasoning… Just insult after insult.

"I… I need to get back to the study group" Ron said, deciding to leave before he lost his temper. Ron picked out a book on the Ministry's History, and then began to leave. But he was forced to stop when Ginny stepped into his way.

"If you know who is targeting her, then you can just tell me" Ginny crossed her arms, her resolve showing on her face. No one targeted her. She's an over-sensitive… individual… Calm, Ron. Stay calm.

"Ron? What's taking you so long?" came Blaise's voice, and both Ron and Ginny looked to him. He was standing at the end of the aisle, his aloof expression fixed on Ron. Did he overhear us? "The first years are eagerly waiting for you to come back. All of the first years."

"Right…" Ron nodded.

"I'm talking to my brother" Ginny told Blaise, who simply ignored her.

"Well, are you coming?" Blaise asked, still looking at only Ron. Ron moved past Ginny and made his way over to Blaise, and he heard Ginny mutter something under her breath. Just ignore it.

"Thanks" Ron whispered once he reached Blaise, who simply turned around and began to leave. Both boys made their way back to the first years, and Ron noticed that some of second years had joined the first years.

"Don't let one person ruin your work here, mate" Blaise whispered, and then he went back to his seat. So he did overhear us. Great

One Hour Later

"We're doing this again same time next week" Ron said as everyone packed up their books. "Feel free to come back." Most of the first and second years nodded, glad that most of their homework was finished. There were obvious advantages to studying in a large group, especially a group filled with intelligent older students.

"This was good, Ron" Cedric said, shooting Ron a smile. "I feel like it really helped the younger students."

"Who clearly adore you already" Amanda pointed out.

"Thanks" Ron smiled at them. "I'm sorry that we didn't get to talk much."

"It's alright" Amanda chuckled. "This is a study group, you know."

"I know" Ron said, glad that the older Hufflepuffs had enjoyed themselves.

"All set" Max McDean said, holding his girlfriend's books as well.

"Right, we'll see you next week then" Cedric told Ron, giving him a friendly pat on the back.

"Take care" Ron waved them off as they all left, his eyes fixed on the large group of students leaving the library at the same time. That's everyone, I think. Ron was left behind with his Slytherin friends, who were all stretching and groaning.

"Two and a half hours of study" Tracey groaned. "I'm actually pretty proud of myself."

"You guys did great" Ron turned to face them, shooting them a grateful smile. "Thank you for behaving."

"Of course we behaved, Ron" Pansy smirked. "Was there ever any doubt in your mind about that?" Sort of, yes.

"You know, the Hufflepuffs were a decent lot" Tracey said, nodding to herself. "It felt nice to not be hated for once."

"I preferred the Ravenclaws myself" Blaise said. "They were just flying through their work, and because Padma was sitting to my right, so did I."

"Padma, eh?" Theo smirked. "On a first name basis already?"

"Shut up" Blaise smirked, looking all too pleased with himself. Wait… We're missing a person.

"Where's Daphne?" Ron asked them.

"She went to the bathroom ten minutes ago" Millie replied, jamming her books into her book bag. "She'll be back any second now. So Theo… You certainly looked like you were enjoying yourself."

"It was alright" Theo shrugged.

"Right…" Pansy smirked. "You and Hannah Abbot certainly became fast friends."

"She helped with a question" Theo shrugged again. "And she was incredibly polite about it, so I simply showed her the same courtesy."

"Sure…" Millie smirked, and Theo rolled his eyes.

"Fine… The Hufflepuffs may have won me over a little" Theo admitted, and Ron couldn't help but smile a little. "They were just so… welcoming… It's sort of a new feeling, that's all."

"Theo's finally experiencing love" Blaise chuckled, and Theo smacked his arm.

"Sod off" Theo frowned at his friends.

"Hey…" Daphne whispered from behind him, and Ron quickly turned around.

"Merlin… You scared me" Ron sighed.

"Your sister is waiting outside the library" Daphne told him, and Ron blinked at her. "Ron, she looks pretty annoyed."

"Is she alone?" Ron asked.

"No, the Trio is with her" Daphne replied, and Ron genuinely groaned. "Everyone saw her glaring at you, Ron. It made some of first years pretty uncomfortable. What happened between you two?"

"Nothing…" Ron muttered, rubbing his forehead with his gloved hand. "She just sees me as some spineless coward who doesn't deserve to be friends with the Trio."

"She said that?" Daphne asked, her expression darkening immediately.

"She might as well have" Ron sighed. "I'm going to go put this book back, and then we can head out."

"I'll pack your books for you" Daphne said, and Ron shot her a weak smile. At least Daphne doesn't think that I'm a coward. That has to count for something. Ron left for the History Section at that, and as he was putting the book back, he heard faint whistling again. This arsehole is still whistling! Ron had half a mind to find this person in order to smack them over the head, but he held himself in check. Just ignore it, I'm leaving anyway. Ron made his way back to his mates, only to find out that they had left without him.

"Are you serious?" Ron frowned at the empty tables and chairs. "They bloody left me?"

"We're right here, Ron" came Pansy's giggle, and Ron blinked. The Disillusionment Charm?

"What are you lot doing?" Ron asked the air in front of him.

"Sneaking out" came Tracey's voice. "Too tired for a confrontation."

"That… is an excellent idea" Ron smiled slowly, and then he took out his wand. Sorry Ginny, but I'm not letting you ruin my good mood.

Harry Potter's POV

Friday 4th September, 1993 (The Great Hall – Dinnertime)

"You guys barely finished any of your work" Hermione tutted them, all the while cutting up her kidney pie. Even though she was scolding them, she had a happy smile on her face. As a matter of fact, she's been smiling ever since Potions ended.

"Hermione, why are you in such a good mood?" Harry asked. "Not that I'm complaining… It's just that you were really upset yesterday…"

"And now you're the giddiest person in Hogwarts" Neville said, shooting Harry a nod. "Did something happen?"

"Alright, I'll tell you!" Hermione perked up, her smile widening. "Professor Snape invited me to join his Potions Club today!" Harry and Neville blinked at her. And how is that a good thing? Snape is a git.

"Congratulations…" Neville said slowly, and Hermione rolled her eyes at them.

"He only accepts fifth years and above" Hermione told them, and they exchanged looks. "Ugh… I'm a third year that he personally handpicked to join his extremely exclusive Club! This is a big deal, you two!"

"So you'll get even more homework?" Harry asked slowly, doing his best to not irritate her.

"I guess, but that's fine with me" Hermione shrugged, smiling once again.

"But you'll be stuck there alone… with Snape" Harry pointed out. "And he probably has a bunch of Slytherins in his 'Club'… This could turn sour, Hermione."

"I can handle myself" Hermione scoffed. "Plus… I won't be alone." Please tell me that she isn't planning to make us join as well. "Ron will be there as well."

"Snape picked him as well?" Neville asked, and Hermione nodded.

"What's this about Ron?" came Ginny's voice, and the Trio looked to see the redhead breaking away from her conversation with a classmate.

"Ron will be in the Potions Club with me" Hermione told her, and Ginny nodded slowly.

"It's an exclusive Club" Neville told Ginny. "Only fifth years and above allowed. But Snape handpicked Ron and Hermione regardless."

"Is that why he asked you both to stay behind after class?" Harry asked, glad that she wouldn't be alone. Ron will keep her out of trouble. Or at the very least, keep trouble away from her.

"Um… Sort of" Hermione replied, and they waited for her to go on. "Ron was already picked for it… I just got picked today." Then why did Snape ask Ron to stay behind?

"Don't let that bother you" Ginny quickly assured Hermione. "My brother's in Slytherin, and Snape favors that lot. It's got nothing to do with you, Hermione."

"I know that" Hermione shrugged. "I'm just glad that my efforts have paid off."

"Good for you, Hermione" Harry smiled. "You deserve to be in that Club."

"Thanks" Hermione beamed, and Harry mentally patted his own back. I said the right thing.

"Weird that Ron didn't tell us about him being in this Club though…" Harry noted.

"I'm sure there's plenty of things that my brother doesn't tell you guys" Ginny said, shooting a frown towards the Slytherin table.

"Like what?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.

"He knows who's been targeting Hermione" Ginny said, and both Harry and Neville blinked at her.

"Not this again…" Hermione sighed. "No one is targeting me, alright? Can you all just let it go?"

"He knows?" Harry asked, ignoring Hermione.

"He does" Ginny nodded. "I spoke to him in the library today, and he was really tightlipped about it."

"Ginny! You spoke to him about me?" Hermione asked, feeling slightly angered with the girl. Ginny was the closest thing to a female friend that Hermione had, which only annoyed her more. 'Girlfriends were supposed to have each other's backs'. That's what Hermione had read.

"It's not right for you to be bullied for simply existing, Hermione" Ginny replied. "So I spoke to him about it, but he already knew everything."

"He told you this?" Neville asked.

"I know my brother" Ginny replied. "Trust me, I can tell when he's hiding something." Why wouldn't he tell us then? Harry shot a look towards Ron, who was currently laughing with Nott and Zabini. Is he trying to protect the person who went after Hermione? He'd only do that if it were one of his 'mates'. Harry eyed Nott and Zabini, it was probably one of them. Or maybe one of the girls? They're always nasty towards Hermione.

"You were really upset after Runes, right?" Harry asked Hermione, who lost her smile.

"Harry, stop it" Hermione warned him. "You're being really… You're being rude!"

"We're trying to stand by you, Hermione" Harry told her. "Friends watch over each other." Hermione's frown faltered a bit, she didn't know how to argue against the 'friend card'.

"Hermione, do you really not want us to intervene?" Neville asked her, and she nodded firmly.

"It's my business" Hermione said firmly, and Neville sighed in defeat. Oh c'mon… Why does he always just give in to her? She clearly needs our help.

"We'll stay out of it then…" Neville said, sounding less than enthusiastic.

"Mate…" Harry gaped slightly.

"She's clearly not upset anymore…" Neville gave Harry a sheepish smile.

"That doesn't mean that she wasn't harassed by someone" Ginny jumped in.

"Thank you, Ginny" Harry said, glad that at least someone could see his point of view. She was bullied, and if we let it slide, it'll just happen again. I never want to see her that upset again. "Neville, you know how much it hurts to be bullied…" I know you do.

"Harry…" Neville sighed, he knew that Harry himself had spent the better part of his life being abused by his terrible relatives. Which is also why he knew that Harry wouldn't let this go. Harry despised bullies, and so it didn't matter to him who was being bullied, Harry would always jump in to help the victim.

"Don't discuss things about me as if I'm not here!" Hermione snapped, and people around the table shot her frowns. "Harry, friends respect each other's privacy. And you're not respecting mine. So until you do, I'm not going to speak with you."

"Hermione…" Harry sighed, he didn't want the cold shoulder from her.

"Hermione, you're being too harsh" Ginny pointed out. "We're only trying to help…"

"The same goes for you, Ginny" Hermione said haughtily, and then she glared at Neville.

"I'm all about respecting privacy…" Neville mumbled, looking back down at his food.

"This topic is closed" Hermione told them. "I don't want to hear anything about it again."

Friday 4th September, 1993 (Gryffindor Tower – After Dinner)

"I'm going to go down to the library" Hermione said, and Harry and Neville gave her confused looks. "I want to burrow a book on Advanced Potions. I really don't want to give Professor Snape a reason to throw me out of his Club."

"Hermione, it's after dinner" Harry pointed out.

"I'll be quick" Hermione said as she stood up, and then she quickly left the common room.

"We should go with her" Harry said, giving Neville a meaningful look. "It's after dinner, and I really don't feel right letting her go out there by herself."

"You're right" Neville nodded. "Let's go." Both boys followed Hermione out of the common room, and within a few seconds, they were hot on her tail. "Hermione! Slow down!"

"Neville?" Hermione asked, turning to face them. "And Harry."

"Figured that we'd join you on your nightly stroll" Harry shrugged with a smile. "Classes are way over for the day…"

"Actually, the Slytherin third years have Astronomy right now" Hermione pointed out, and Harry blinked at her. How could she possibly know that?

"Did Ron tell you that?" Neville asked, wondering the same thing as Harry.

"Um… No" Hermione replied.

"So how would you know that?" Harry asked, giving her a suspicious look.

"Just… I saw their timetables" Hermione 'casually' shrugged. "When Professor McGonagall was helping me with mine, that is. We um… We were trying to figure out where all of my classes would go…"

"Why did you need help with that?" Neville asked, and Hermione blinked at him. "I mean, the electives are the only classes that clash. And since you're doing them all, you'd simply have to skip one to go to the other."

"I know that" Hermione 'laughed', and Neville shot Harry a look. Yeah, she's being weird. "Library?"

"Sure…" Harry said slowly, and Hermione quickly turned around and began walking towards the Moving Staircase.

"That was weird" Neville whispered to Harry, and Harry nodded his agreement.

"You know… She's being really weird about her classes this year…" Harry whispered back. "I mean, she wouldn't even let us see her timetable…"

"You're right" Neville whispered, but he stopped when Hermione suddenly jolted to a stop in front of a corner.

"Hermi…" Harry started, but she shushed him quickly as she looked around the corner again. What is it?

"It's… It's Ron" Hermione whispered, and Harry and Neville cocked their eyebrows. "He's walking towards… He's heading for the Headmaster's Office…" What? Harry quickly walked up behind her, and he too stuck his head around the corner. And there was Ron, walking in the opposite direction of the Moving Staircase and Gryffindor Tower. What is he doing up here this late? Is he actually heading for Dumbledore's Office?

"Doesn't he have Astronomy?" came Neville's voice from behind them.

"He does" Hermione replied, her eyes fixed on Ron's back. "Quick… He's turning the corner." Just as Ron turned the corner, the Trio quickly, but quietly, gave chase. He's heading right towards Dumbledore's Office. What's he up to? It's nearly curfew, and he has a class coming up.

"What is he doing?" Harry whispered, looking around the corner and seeing Ron walk up to the stone gargoyle.

"Doesn't he need…?" Neville started, but he stopped when the stone gargoyle moved aside. "A password…"

"He has the password for the Headmaster's Office?" Hermione asked, speaking more to herself. "Only Professors and staff have that privilege." As Ron disappeared up the spiral staircase, Harry felt an incredibly strong pang of jealousy. Dumbledore gave him the password? I barely get to see him, but Ron just gets to go up to his Office on a whim? What are they up to? Is this about playing 'Chess'?

And there it was again… All the questions that Harry had about Ron were once again bouncing around his head. What was Ron's deal? Why was he always involved in things that he had no business being in? Why was it that he was having meetings with people like Neville's Gran? Or Dumbledore? Or Snape? What was that weird document that Sirius had signed for Ron? Why were his parents so angry with him? Why had he taken over Hermione's group? And why was he lying to them about the person who had targeted her?

"Harry?" came Hermione's voice, and Harry broke out of his thoughts. "Are you coming? Madam Pince is going to close the library any minute now?"

"Um…" Harry started, but then an idea popped into his head. My cloak! I'll use it and wait for Ron to come back out. He and Dumbledore are up to something, and I want to know what it is. "You guys go on… I'm not feeling too well."

"You sure?" Hermione asked, her features softening.

"Mate, it's probably nothing" Neville nudged him, giving him a sorry smile. Both Hermione and Neville knew about Harry's close bond with Dumbledore, a man whom Harry saw as a Grandfather of sorts.

"Yeah, I know…" Harry lied. "I'm going to head back to the Tower. I'll see you guys tomorrow morning."

"Alright" Hermione said softly, rubbing Harry's upper right arm in a loving manner. "Goodnight, Harry."

"Goodnight." I need to be quick. I don't want him leaving before I get a chance to follow him.

Ronald Weasley's POV

Friday 4th September, 1993 (Dumbledore's Office – Past Curfew)

"So you're telling me that he exists in more than one place?" Ron asked, this Horcrux business was rather grim. "That's… That's bloody disgusting…"

"It is indeed" Dumbledore nodded, a grave look on his face. Killing people to make your own life longer? Who the fuck thinks like that? Fucking crazy cunt.

"This locket…" Ron started. "A part of his soul exists in that?"

"That is our suspicion" Snape replied. "Which is why we need to find it as soon possible."

"Alright, where do we start?" Ron asked. "I suggest we follow this R.A.B connection."

"I'm with you on this" Dumbledore agreed. "I did not think it possible that one could split their soul more than once…"

"This is the Dark Lord we're discussing" Snape pinched the bridge of his nose. "There are no limits with him."

"How many can he make?" Ron asked. "Can he just make hundreds of these?"

"No, that would be impossible" Dumbledore replied. "Even for him… I imagine that he's made around three, or maybe four. The soul can only be split so much before it withers into nothing."

"And it could be any object?" Ron asked.

"Indeed" Dumbledore replied, and Ron chuckled mirthlessly.

"We're so fucked" Ron stated, and neither wizards disagreed with him.

"Perhaps" Dumbledore said, and then he reached into his drawer and pulled out a burnt book.

"What's that?" Ron asked.

"This was one of his Horcruxes" Dumbledore replied, and Ron went wide-eyed. What? They've already destroyed one? "A Diary that he no doubt was quite attached to."

"How did you find it?" Ron asked, eyeing the burnt Diary with a keen eye. Bloody hell, that's been there this entire time?

"It was responsible for the events of last year" Snape replied, and Ron blinked at him. "The Chamber, Ron…"

"I don't get it" Ron said slowly. "What does this Diary have to do with the Chamber?"

"It contained a part of his soul, Ronald" Dumbledore replied. "A part that possessed your sister, and then compelled her to unleash the Basilisk upon this school." And then it all clicked in Ron's brain.

"He didn't possess her, but a part of him did" Ron muttered, and Dumbledore nodded slowly. "Ginny had a Horcrux on her person at all times? How did my sister get a damn Horcrux?!"

"That's… complicated" Snape said slowly, looking to Dumbledore with a meaningful look. How's that even possible? Where would she find it? Wait… Is that the Diary that she left behind by mistake? The Diary that resulted in Harry and I being late to the Hogwarts Express? And then that Dobby Elf blocked the fucking barrier.

"She had the Diary before we came to Hogwarts" Ron said.

"Then it has to be him" Dumbledore told Snape, who sighed tiredly.

"Who?" Ron asked. "Who gave her that Diary?" There was genuine rage bubbling in his stomach, someone was going to pay for this.

"Lucius Malfoy is our prime suspect" Dumbledore replied, and Ron's face tightened for a moment. Malfoy? He did this?

"Lord Greengrass suspected him of being behind the Chamber's reopening…" Ron hissed coldly. "That's why he started targeting his businesses."

"We believe that Lucius delivered the Horcrux into your sister's belonging, and it took a hold of her quite quickly" Snape said slowly, his eyes fixed on Ron.

"That…" Ron started, his fists tightening. "That filthy little mongrel!" Dumbledore went wide-eyed, while Snape shot out of his seat. "He gave Our sister a Horcrux?!"

"Ronald…" Dumbledore called, and Ron looked to him with a murderous glare. "Merlin… It's true then. Ronald, what did you mean by 'our'?"

"Our?" Ron blinked, and Dumbledore looked to a genuinely startled Snape.

"His eyes are back to normal…" Snape said, his wand brandished at Ron's head. Back to normal? Why is he aiming his wand at my face?

"It… It happened again?" Ron asked, and then he felt a slight headache start at the base of his skull. "Ow… My head…" Ron grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Did you go to Poppy for a checkup?" Dumbledore asked, his wand ready under the table. Ron's change had frightened even him, he couldn't deny that.

"No…" Ron admitted. "I had my study group today…" Ron suddenly started hearing whistling once again, and he looked around the room with a bewildered expression. It's that whistling again! Same fucking tune and all!

"Ron?" Snape called, still standing up.

"Do you hear that?" Ron asked them, and they slowly shook their heads. "You don't hear whistling?"

"No, we do not" Dumbledore replied, he was starting to get worried. "Ronald, why don't we call it a night? You look like you need rest."

"I'm fine, Headmaster" Ron said, he could still hear that fucking whistling. It's connected to my new visions, isn't it? Fuck me, I'm just the gift that keeps on giving… to myself. "That Diary… Why did Lucius Malfoy give it to my sister? Why would he do such a thing? She was just eleven years old last year?"

"Your father's Muggle Protection Legislation cost him a large sum of money" Snape replied, slowly sitting back down. Money?

"No…" Ron shook his head, he couldn't believe this. "No, she was just eleven. She was tiny and… And completely harmless. Why would he do that?"

"Ronald, you know why" Dumbledore said slowly, he himself was utterly disgusted by Lucius Malfoy's plot.

"He wanted to hurt my father?" Ron asked, and Dumbledore gave a weak nod. "He wanted to hurt my father, so he nearly killed my sister… My little sister, who had never even met him before… A little girl that had never done a wrong to him…" Dead. He's dead. His Family is dead. He wants to play it like that? Fine. We will teach him pain. We will tear out his heart and feed it to his Family. And then, We'll wipe every trace of them from this Earth.

"The Dark Lord gave him that Horcrux?" Ron asked, his eyes glazed over.

"I believe so" Dumbledore replied. "I imagine that Lucius had no idea what it truly was, otherwise he'd have never given it out. He most likely believed it to be a Cursed Object capable of opening the Chamber, and so he planned to use it to strong-arm me out of the school."

"And to kill Muggle-Borns" Ron added, his glazed eyes fixed on the burnt Diary. "To kill innocent people… Children…" How is a man like this allowed to walk free? How is he allowed to whisper in the Minister's ears?

"What matters now is that the Diary has been destroyed" Dumbledore said, his eyes fixed on Ron's expression. Dumbledore had seen that expression before. He had seen it during war-times. He had seen it on the faces of the Aurors, who would break into a Family's home and slaughter them for their affiliation with the Dark Lord. This was not a look that he wanted to see on Ronald's face.

"We are down one Horcrux" Snape said, he too was watching Ron carefully. "And now we have a lead on another."

"I'll look through Grimmauld Place" Ron said, just staring at the Diary. "Sirius' brother no doubt had a room in there, and it may hold some clues. I'll go there next weekend, and I'll need a note."

"I will write you one" Dumbledore said. "If you do find something, bring it straight to us."

"I will" Ron replied, slowly standing up. Ron then turned his neck and cracked his neck loudly, and then he made his way over to the fireplace. "I'm tired. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Ronald" Dumbledore said, but Ron had already flooed back to Snape's Office. Lucius Mafloy… Just you wait… We are coming for you. It doesn't matter how long We have to wait. By the end of this, you will be dead. We swear it.

Saturday 5th September, 1993 (The Great Hall – Early in the Morning)

"Millie, you genuinely look like you're about to die" Ron noted, and she frowned at him.

"Thanks, Ron" Millie huffed. "Nice to know what you think of my appearance."

"I didn't mean it like that" Ron rolled his eyes. "I'm just saying that you look utterly spent. Mills… Even Theo and Blaise don't join me on my Saturday morning runs."

"Their loss" Millie shrugged, buttering her toast. "I've made a commitment, and I'm staying true to it." That's admirable.

"Alright" Ron said, finishing up his eggs. "So… Why are you suddenly into this whole running business?"

"My father wants me to live up to the Bulstrode name" Millie replied, and Ron waited for her to go on. "We Bulstrodes started off as Mercenaries, Ron. An ancestor of mine led a company into one of the first Goblin Wars, and when he singlehandedly destroyed multiple garrisons, he was given a title and land by the other Pure-Bloods. He established our House, and it has stood tall ever since."

"That's… pretty fucking awesome" Ron admitted, and Millie snorted.

"I know right?" Millie chuckled. "Anyway… My father wants me to become a powerful witch, one that's worthy of taking leadership of our House one day. This is the time to prepare for that."

"I'm happy for you, Millie" Ron said truthfully. "If anyone can live up to that standard, it's you." That explains why she tries harder than the others. Her parents aren't pampering her. They want her to be powerful, and that's driving her forward.

"Thanks, Ron" Millie smiled at him. "It means a lot coming from you."

"From me?" Ron blinked.

"Yeah, you" Millie chuckled. "You've helped me a lot… Probably more than you know." I see…

"No worries, I guess" Ron said, deciding to accept her gratitude. If believing that helps her, then I'll accept. "Plus, you'll be turning the head of every boy when you're in charge of your House."

"Yeah… Boys…" Millie's smile faltered, and then she turned her attention to her food. Um… What? Did I say something wrong? "Ron, can you pass me the marmalade?"

"Sure" Ron said, doing as he was told. "You alright, Mills?"

"Yeah, I'm fine" she shot him a smile, and then she began putting marmalade on her toast. Okay then.

"Right…" Ron nodded as he stood up. "I'd best be on my way. Work awaits."

"Enjoy your day" Millie said.

"I will, sweetheart" Ron chuckled, making Millie snort once again.

"Be home in time to put the kids to bed" Millie joked, and Ron laughed as he waved his goodbye. Yeah, something wasn't right there…

Saturday 5th September, 1993 (Greengrass Manor – Lunchtime)

"She's behaving now, my Lord" Ron said, trying to defend Tori's earlier behavior.

"She'd better be" Lord Greengrass frowned, walking towards the Dining Room with a quickened pace. "Keep your eye on her, Ron. Please."

"I will" Ron assured him.

"Human Transfiguration…" Lord Greengrass muttered under his breath. "She could've seriously hurt another child…" It's great that he cares so much, but I'm the one who ended up paying the price for Tori's actions. He's worked me like a mule all day. Ron wasn't going to lie, Lord Greengrass had been nothing short of brutal today. Conundrum after conundrum, and then multiple games of Chess. Games that Ron had lost for one reason or another, and then listened to lectures that bordered on verbal abuse. "And how is Daphne? Is she focusing on her studies?"

"Daphne is doing well" Ron replied. "And yes, she is trying her best." She was quite amazing yesterday. Let's just hope that her new attitude sticks. Ron and Lord Greengrass entered the Dining Room at that, and they both stopped dead in their tracks because of the sight before them. Mary was sitting in her chair, and she was chatting with Sirius. Sirius? What's he doing here?

"You're here again" Lord Greengrass frowned at Sirius, and the man looked over to them with a grin.

"Ron! Come here, pup!" Sirius beamed, quickly shooting out of his seat.

"Sirius? What are you doing here?" Ron asked, walking up to Sirius. The man quickly pulled Ron into a tight hug, and Ron hugged him back with equal ferocity. Bloody hell, I've missed him.

"I've missed you, big man" Sirius chuckled, and Ron let go of him.

"I've missed you too" Ron smiled widely. "What are you doing here though?"

"He's been dropping by every second day in the hopes of scoring a free meal" Lord Greengrass answered, taking a seat by his wife's side.

"It's not like that" Sirius grinned. "I just enjoy Mary's company, she's far more likeable than you."

"On that, we agree" Lord Greengrass said, gesturing Ron to sit down. Ron took a seat by Sirius' side, and they both began making their plates.

"So you're scoring free meals off of them?" Ron asked, doing his best to not laugh at Sirius' antics.

"Not just us" Mary chuckled. "He spends his nights at your house, Ron."

"Molly's Kitchen is the best restaurant in England as far as I'm concerned, and I have a VIP pass" Sirius laughed. "By the way, Ron… Your mother wanted me to ask you how you were, and she wanted me to be subtle about it."

"I'm sure she's regretting that request right now" Lord Greengrass quipped, and Sirius gave him a wink.

"I'm doing well" Ron lied, he was anything but well. I barely slept last night. All I can think about is Lucius Malfoy attempting to murder my sister for something as petty as money.

"You look well enough to me" Sirius nodded, looking at Ron's face with a sharp gaze. "What that growth on your face?"

"Growth?" Ron asked, feeling his face with his gloved hand.

"Oh wait… That's just your nose" Sirius 'relaxed', and Ron rolled his eyes. "That thing's a weapon, pup. Do you need a license to carry that around? Might poke someone's eye out if you're not careful."

"Don't give me any ideas" Ron muttered, focusing on his food. My nose isn't that big. Is it? Wait… Even Daphne's mentioned that I have a big nose a few times.

"Sirius, don't make fun of him" Mary frowned. "Boys his age are going through certain changes, and they don't respond well to that sort of humor."

"Oh, sorry" Sirius chuckled, patting Ron's back gently. "Puberty's a bitch, eh?"

"Black, language…" Lord Greengrass sighed. "This is a dinner table…" I don't think Sirius understands the notion of table etiquette.

"Sorry" Sirius grinned. "Puberty's a female dog, eh?"

"I… That's acceptable…" Lord Greengrass rubbed his forehead. It genuinely disturbed him that he was getting used to Black's constant juvenile behavior.

"How is puberty treating you, Ron?" Mary asked, her mirth written all over her face. Ron genuinely gaped at her, his eyes darting towards Lord Greengrass.

"Well?" Lord Greengrass asked, and Ron gaped even more. What in the fuck?! "Don't keep us in suspense, Ron?"

"Have your balls dropped yet?" Sirius asked. Wait a second!

"What?!" Ron exclaimed, looking at every adult in complete panic. "My… My balls… My testicles are… What?"

"His voice is getting deeper" Lord Greengrass noted, and Mary nodded in agreement. "Congratulations, Ron." FOR WHAT?! WHAT THE FUCK?!

"And congratulations to your balls" Sirius toasted. This… This isn't happening… Wait... It wouldn't happen. Lord Greengrass is far too levelheaded for such a conversation.

"You planned this" Ron realized, a shaky breath leaving his lungs. Sirius barked out a laugh, while Lord and Lady Greengrass chuckled to themselves. "This is so not funny… I was literally moments away from a stroke… Why?!"

"My idea" Sirius admitted, still laughing hysterically. "The look on your face, kid… Oh Merlin… Did you see him?"

"We did" Mary chuckled, her left hand covering her mouth. "Ron, you're completely red."

"I'm telling Daphne about this" Ron said, a chuckle escaping his throat.

"Nah! You laughed" Sirius wheezed. "You can't tattle if you laugh as well."

"What the fuck?" Ron let his laughter out as he shook his head. Alright, that was pretty damn funny. "I was both embarrassed and terrified… I can't believe you went along with this" Ron said, looking to Lord Greengrass.

"I figured a laugh every now and then is necessary" Lord Greengrass shrugged, smiling kindly at Ron.

"Bloody hell" Ron chuckled, covering his flushed face with his hands. "You got me…"

"So how's school, Ron?" Mary asked, her face completely full of life. "Are my daughters behaving?" Are they behaving? Ron looked to Mary, and he spotted Lord Greengrass eyeing him critically.

"They are" Ron lied. "Tori is settling in well, and Daphne is… Daphne."

"This is wonderful news" Mary sighed in relief, and then she smiled at her husband. He smiled back at her, and Ron knew that he hadn't told his wife about Tori attempting Human Transfiguration in her first class. She'd probably go insane. Tori has been tormenting Mary for over eleven years now.

"Daphne is Daphne?" Sirius asked with a smirk, and Ron blinked at him. "What does that mean?"

"It means that she's well-behaved, and tries her best in her studies" Ron replied. Daphne is Daphne means that I have trouble finding something negative about her. She's a bit spoilt, but she is also kind and caring. When it really matters, she puts other people ahead of herself. And that trait alone is something that I can't get enough of. I can't think of how many times she's sat down with me and helped me out when I was in a full blown panic.

"Oi, kid?" Sirius called, and Ron blinked.

"Huh?" Ron mumbled, and Sirius just chuckled.

"How's your… social life?" Sirius asked again, wagging his eyebrows. This guy…

"It's pretty good" Ron replied. "I have a lot of friends, and my study group went swimmingly yesterday."

"Uh-huh…" Sirius nodded slowly. "But how's your… social life?"

"Any girls, Ron?" Mary asked, and Ron sighed in defeat. Yeah, your daughter. "Or boys?"

"We don't judge" Lord Greengrass added on.

"I'm thirteen" Ron said. "No. No girls. Or boys."

"What?" Sirius asked, looking extremely offended. "Kid… If I had your build at thirteen… I'd be the father of a dozen children by now…"

"There is a Contraception Charm over Hogwarts" Mary told him, and Sirius blinked at her.

"Really?" Sirius asked, and Mary nodded.

"There's a reason why there are no teen pregnancies at Hogwarts, Black" Lord Greengrass said.

"How do you know this?" Sirius asked, and then he smiled slyly. "Personal experience?"

"As a matter of fact, yes" Mary smirked at him. Wow… Just… Wow.

"Nice!" Sirius grinned at Lord Greengrass, who was just smirking to himself.

"I'm trying to eat here" Ron said, imagining Mary's adventures. NO! That's your girlfriend's mother and father, Ron. But still… I can imagine those perfect brea… Wait. Did I just refer to Daphne as my girlfriend?

"He's blushing again" Mary chuckled, and Ron hid his face.

"Why is this happening to me?" Ron asked the Universe.

"Sex is fun, kid" Sirius laughed.

"Alright… That's enough" Lord Greengrass intervened. "I think we've taken this too far. He looks incredibly uncomfortable." Why did I think of Daphne as my girlfriend just now? It's probably because I can't call her anything else. We're pretty much a couple already, except we pretend like we aren't. Actually, that's not correct. I know that she wants to genuinely date me. It's me that's pretending otherwise. And why am I doing that exactly? I'm not embarrassed by our closeness, not anymore at least. If anything, I love being handsy with her. Hmm… Why not make it official? Then we wouldn't have to hide. And we could… go further.

"Ron?" Sirius called, shaking Ron slightly. Ron looked to him, his thoughts coming to a pause. "Are you alright?" Sirius asked, looking a bit concerned. "Look, we were only joking. There's no need to feel uncomfortable."

"Right…" Ron nodded slowly, looking to Lord and Lady Greengrass. They were just watching him, and he shot them a reassuring smile. "I was doing some homework in my head." Homework, Ron?

"Homework?" Mary asked, that was unexpected.

"Yeah" Ron lied. "I'm learning… new Spells… and stuff."

"New Spells?" Sirius asked. "Remus is actually teaching you guys something?"

"Um… I skipped his class" Ron admitted, and Sirius sniggered.

"I'm so proud right now" Sirius admitted, while Mary and Lord Greengrass frowned lightly.

"Ron, your education is not optional" Lord Greengrass said.

"What would your father say?" Mary asked. Damn, I can't tell them that I was 'sick'. They'll just make a big deal out of it.

"Want to see what I'm learning?" Ron asked them, and Sirius nodded. Ron grabbed Sirius' glass with his left hand, his focus bearing down on it. "Glacius" Ron chanted, and the glass froze completely before shattering.

"Bloody hell!" Sirius exclaimed, shooting out of his chair.

"Was that Wandless Magic?" Mary asked, while Lord Greengrass cocked his eyebrow at the shattered glass. "Ron, your hand?"

"It's fine" Ron said, showing her his icy palm. "Pretty neat, right?" I need to test out Incendio Wandlessly as well.

"That's… That's fucking amazing!" Sirius laughed, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the shattered glass. Ron felt his cheeks warm up, it felt nice to be given some recognition for his efforts.

"Wandless Magic at thirteen" Lord Greengrass muttered. "A Prodigy indeed…"

Draco Malfoy's POV

Saturday 5th September, 1993 (The Slytherin Quidditch Locker Room – Before Lunch)

Draco's back hit the wall hard enough that it completely winded him, and as he bent over to wheeze, Flint grabbed him by the collar and pinned him against the wall.

"Twenty three minutes!" Flint yelled in his face, while Draco whimpered without even thinking about it. His breath is foul… Fuck, it's so foul…

"Please…" Draco choked, turning his head to the side and shutting his eyes as hard as he could. Maybe if he pretended like he was alone, they'd just disappear.

"Twenty three fucking minutes!" Flint yelled again. "That was your fastest time today!"

"It… It was my best…" Draco wheezed, his lungs refusing to take in air.

"Potter can catch it in five minutes!" Flint yelled. "How the fuck are we going to beat that with you as our Seeker?!"

"I… I don't want…" Draco started, but Flint punched him in the stomach. Draco's entire stomach twisted, and vomit shot out of his mouth and nostrils.

"Fuck!" Flint yelled, jumping away from him as he fell onto his knees. Draco's meager breakfast was now on the floor, and on his Slytherin Uniform. "Look at this sorry prick…"

"Fucking embarrassing" Cassius Warrington laughed, he was one of the starting Chasers. Draco knew that he was supposed to feel utterly mortified because of how disgusting his current state was, but right now, he could feel little besides fear. He's going to hit me again.

"You two" Flint looked to Crabbe and Goyle, who were just watching this from a corner. "Kick him around a bit, but only aim for his stomach. No visible bruises, do you understand?" What? Draco managed to tilt his head and look up at his former friends, but they were just giving him dead-eyed looks.

"Don't do this…" he heard his own voice, it almost sounded like the Draco of old. Almost. Crabbe was the first to move forward, and when his boot landed on the side of Draco's stomach, Draco was actually lifted off of the ground for a second. He was winded again, his eyes almost bulging out of his head. It hurts…

"Your turn" he heard Flint's voice, and then he felt another kick. He barely registered it because of his desperate need for air, but he did notice that he was lying back down on the floor now. Draco's breathing was completely labored, and he genuinely feared dying because of a lack of oxygen. His blurry vision was suddenly darkened by a shape, and he felt someone grab his lower jaw.

"Next time, you'll find that Snitch in ten minutes" came Flint's voice. "Or I fucking swear to Salazar's ghost, I'll jam a broom up your arse. Got it? Answer me!"

"I'll catch… it…" Draco sobbed, and Flint pushed his head away as he let him go.

"The rest of you…" Flint took in a deep breath. "We're going back out there to practice. This fucking useless piece of shite is our weakest link. If we can buy him time to get his head out of his arse, we might actually beat Gryffindor this year for once. You two, I want you on Potter. Chase him down like a dog, and cave in his skull if you get the chance. The rest of you, you'll be with me. We win with points if we can. And you…" Flint looked down at Draco, who was zoning out already. "Not a fucking word of this to anyone, do you understand? You have no one in this school, and I own you. By the way, your mother's cakes were quite the treat…" What? Draco tried to turn his head, but his vision darkened. And then, he was out.

Twenty Minutes Later

He woke up with a jerk, and the first thing he noticed was the rank smell. The smell of vomit… And the smell of piss. Draco turned on his side, and the pain in his stomach made him take in a sharp breath. Where am I? Draco was completely unaware of his surroundings, but slowly, he began to remember. Flint beat me. Crabbe and Goyle… They… Draco willed himself to stand up, his eyes scanning the mess around him.

There was vomit on the ground, but not as much as he had initially thought, which made sense because he had skipped dinner last night and barely eaten this morning. Draco limped towards his school uniform which was on a nearby bench, and he pulled out his wand from it. Within seconds, all the vomit on the ground and on his Quidditch uniform was cleaned up. As he was cleaning up his uniform, Draco noticed a dampness in between his legs and on his thighs. I… I wet myself? Shame gripped his heart immediately, and he frantically cleaned up the mess.

"They probably saw it…" Draco sniffled, his embarrassment amplifying tenfold. Draco grabbed his school uniform and quickly limped out of the locker room, completely forgetting his once cherished broom. The walk up to Hogwarts was excruciating, but Draco did his best to walk as normally as he could. There were only a handful of students outside, no doubt enjoying the Sun and relaxing after a week of grueling classes. Draco didn't pay them any mind, and they in turn ignored him as well. He didn't know if that was a blessing or a curse, but either way, no one bothered to notice just how miserable he looked.

As Draco finally crossed the Courtyard and entered the castle, he could hear loud chattering coming from the Great Hall. It was lunchtime, and Draco was actually starving. But even though his mouth watered at the prospect of eating a hot meal, he turned and left for the Slytherin common room instead. I'm in no state to show my face to others. If the Professors see me, they'll ask questions. And then Flint will… His own powerlessness twisted his heart painfully, but he did his best to numb himself to it. By the time he got in front of the Slytherin common room entrance, his stomach could no longer be ignored.

"Dragon's Blood" Draco gave the password, his stomach twisting from a mixture of pain and hunger. The wall slid aside, and Draco limped inside. I have food in my room. Mum sent me cakes. He was genuinely glad that the common room was empty, he couldn't afford to be spotted by his sharp House-mates. He purposefully limped towards his dorm, which felt more like a prison cell, and once he reached the door, he barged right in and shut the door behind himself. Safe. I made it back.

Draco threw his uniform onto his bed, too far gone to hang it up in a tidy manner. Draco finally relaxed, and in doing so, he let out a pained groan as he bent over. My stomach… Fuck… Draco straightened his back, and then he pulled up his top in order to look at his stomach. It was bruised pretty badly, especially the right side of his lower stomach. Against his unusually pale skin, the dark bruises looked rather terrible. Draco let his top fall back down, he didn't want to look at his stomach for a second longer.

"I'm so hungry…" Draco groaned, limping towards his trunk. His mother had sent his weekly delivery of cakes yesterday which she'd baked herself, and his mouth watered at the thought of them. Narcissa Malfoy, despite being raised to never lift a finger, baked her son cakes with her own hands. No Magic, no assistance from the Elves, and no Charms to amplify the taste. They were completely natural, and she sent them every Friday morning without fail. Draco opened the trunk, but much to his surprise, the box was missing.

"Where are they?" Draco blinked at the empty space in his trunk, and then he started moving his neatly packed clothes around. "They were right here… I left them right here for today…" Draco quickly shot looks around the room, and his eyes spotted a bit of crumpled parchment on the ground. What is that? Draco quickly stood up, and when pain shot up his stomach, he mentally cursed his own stupidity. Draco then limped to the parchment, and after picking it up, he smoothed it out.

To my Dragon,

Mum.

Draco stared at the neat handwriting, his mind trying to process what had happened. And that's when he remembered Flint's comment about his mother's cakes. Crabbe and Goyle… They took the cakes from my trunk… Draco reread the note from his mother over and over again, and he only stopped when his eyes were too filled with tears to make out the words. Those were his cakes… His mother had toiled to make them just for him… They weren't meant for Crabbe and Goyle to steal… They weren't meant to satisfy Flint and his gang of thugs…

"I want to go home…" Draco sobbed, crushing the note in his hands. "I hate this school… I hate being here so much…"

He spent the next hour crying on his bed, and he knew that no one was listening. No one cared enough to even try.

Ronald Weasley's POV

Saturday 5th September, 1993 (The Hospital Wing – Before Dinner)

Seeing Sirius had been a treat, and although he wanted to bring up R.A.B, Ron had decided against doing so. For one, it wasn't something that he wished to discuss in front of Lord and Lady Greengrass. But more importantly, if Regulus Black was indeed dead, then Ron didn't want to bring up any painful memories for Sirius. Regardless of who Regulus Black turned out to be, Ron understood that Sirius probably loved his brother. Ron's given mission wasn't as important to him as Sirius, and making the man relive horrible memories was something that he could never bring himself to do.

But sooner or later, he'd have to do something with the information that he had. This Horcrux business was absolutely disgusting, and what disgusted Ron even more was the fact that the Dark Lord's selfishness had put the whole World at risk. He had achieved 'immortality', but it had come at the cost of pissing off Death itself. Ron understood now that he had to find these objects first, and only when they were destroyed, could he act against the Dark Lord. Even Dumbledore couldn't harm the Darkest Wizard of all Time without first dismantling his 'protections'.

"Ronald, I have your results" Pomfrey said as she stepped into her Office, and Ron stood up to greet her. He had come straight to her after his long day, it was well past time that he got a checkup.

"And?" Ron asked, bracing himself for any bad news.

"Your brain-damage has worsened…" Pomfrey said, her own worry written over her face. I see.

"How much worse?" Ron asked, his throat tightening.

"Not much" Pomfrey replied. "Not enough to harm you… yet. But if the damage keeps spreading… It will become terminal… I'm sorry." I could potentially die in the middle of the war? No… No, I can't let that happen.

"So it's not terminal yet?" Ron asked, a horrible pit forming deep in his gut.

"No, it isn't" Pomfrey replied, showing him the results of the scan. "The newer damage is miniscule at the moment, but there are far too many factors that can increase its size." Ron stared at the black and white picture of his brain, his eyes fixed on black spots on the front of his brain. I can count only one extra small dot from the previous pictures. Entity, did you really heal me? Speak to me. Please.

"How… Ahem… How do we proceed?" Ron asked, trying his best to keep his expression controlled.

"The treatment that we are giving you already is our only course of action" Pomfrey replied, and Ron nodded slowly. I forgot that there's no cure for this. "I'd like to see you more often from now on, if that's alright with you."

"I can do Mondays and Thursdays" Ron said, and she nodded.

"Very well" Madam Pomfrey agreed. "Come straight here after classes end for the day. I'd also like you to start taking two doses of the Nutrition Potion from now on. One in the morning, and one after classes end for the day."

"Alright" Ron agreed. "Is there anything else that can help me?"

"I'd like you to focus more on yourself from now on" Madam Pomfrey replied, and Ron blinked at her. "Your health should be your only priority, Ronald. I know that you tend to worry about things quite often, but from now on, perhaps a more… detached… outlook may help you."

"Detached?" Ron asked. "You want me to be self-absorbed?" I can't do that. The war doesn't just affect me, it's coming for everyone. My ability to see the Future is a responsibility that I can't put second. And since the war is my biggest 'worry', that bit of advice is useless to me.

"Not self-absorbed" Madam Pomfrey replied. "Just focus more on your own needs instead of the needs of others. Your friends and Family don't have brain-damage, Ronald. You do. You are the one who needs attention right now."

"I… I understand" Ron lied, he knew that he couldn't just change the way his brain had been operating for nearly six years. I'll need to tell this to Dumbledore and Snape. My brain-damage affects our work together.

"Do you want me to contact your Family?" Pomfrey asked.

"No" Ron replied immediately. "I don't want them to know."

"Ronald…" Pomfrey started, he cut her off.

"They are going to turn this into some huge deal, and in doing so, cause me a lot of stress" Ron said, and she nodded slowly. "What really stresses me is when people start behaving irrationally near me, and my parents… They have a record of going overboard."

"I understand" Pomfrey admitted, she had seen just how distressed both Weasley parents tended to become when it came to their children's wellbeing. Seeing them in such a state probably wasn't going to help Ron. He was the sort to start worrying about them, and forget about himself in the process.

"Right…" Ron said, taking in a deep breath. "I'll… I'll see you on Monday then…"

"Very well" Pomfrey nodded, and Ron knew that she'd respect patient-healer confidentiality. Ron left the Office at that, heading towards the Great Hall. Dinner would no doubt start soon, and Ron mentally prepared himself for seeing his friends. I can't give them a reason to worry about this. It's out of their control, and it's already bad enough that they have to deal with my problems.

As Ron made his way down the Moving Staircase, something popped into his mind. The Nutrition Potion. Daphne is the one who gives it to me every morning since she has my whole supply. Damn. Should I get Marty to go and buy me my own supply? Ron's mind jarred to a stop at that. Part of him wanted Daphne to know, and it wasn't because it affected her. He wanted her to know because he wanted someone to talk to. Someone his own age… Someone who'd give him comfort in the form of hugs and kisses. No! Stop it! Don't put that on her because you're too weak to stand on your own!

"Ron?" came Harry's voice, and Ron realized that he was almost inside the Great Hall. Bloody hell, was I just walking around without even looking? Ron then looked to Harry, Neville, and Hermione, who seemed to be waiting for him outside the giant doors. Ron's eyes landed on Hermione for a second, and once again, his brain jarred to a stop.

"Ron? Are you alright, mate?" Neville asked, and Ron shook his head clear.

"Sorry, I'm just tired…" Ron replied, looking to Neville.

"Long day at work?" Hermione asked, and Ron nodded. Her smile faltered slightly because he was clearly trying to not look at her. Had she done something to upset him?

"How was Astronomy last night?" Harry asked, he wasn't in the mood to make idle conversation.

"I… I didn't go to Astronomy" Ron replied truthfully. How do they know that I had Astronomy last night? Maybe they overheard someone.

"Really?" Harry asked. "Why not?"

"I wasn't feeling well" Ron lied. "My fever was acting up again."

"I'm sorry to hear that, murderer" Hermione said, and Ron looked to her with a shocked look.

"What?" Ron muttered, had he misheard her?

"I said that I'm sorry to hear that, Ron" Hermione repeated, eyeing his slightly scared expression with a bewildered one.

"Oh…" Ron blinked. "Right…"

"Were you bedridden?" Harry asked, and Ron looked to him. My head… I think I'm getting another headache. I swear that she called me a 'murderer' just then.

"Ron, you really don't look well" Neville cut in, this interrogation was over. He had put up with it because Harry was clearly upset with what they had seen last night, but Ron didn't deserve to be questioned like this. "Maybe we should take you to Pomfrey. What do you say?"

"I… I just came from there" Ron replied, not thinking his reply through. I just need to sit down. I need a moment to collect myself.

"Was it related to your fever?" Harry asked, and Ron nodded slowly. "So you were bedridden last night?"

"I was" Ron lied, and something shifted behind Harry's eyes.

"Right after dinner?" Hermione asked, unable to hold back her curiosity. They had just caught him in a lie.

"Yeah…" Ron lied again, he couldn't really tell them about his work with Dumbledore. "I… I need to go sit down. Excuse me." Ron walked into the Great Hall at that, the base of his skull hurting slightly. Entity, I need to speak to you. Can you bloody respond? Please?

Saturday 5th September, 1993 (Dumbledore's Office – After Dinner)

"I'm sorry to hear this, Ronald" Dumbledore admitted, his expression softening considerably. Fawkes let out a meek shrill before nipping at his right earlobe.

"It's only miniscule at the moment" Ron said, rubbing his forehead with his left hand. "It isn't terminal, nor does it affect me in any major way."

"But it can if it's left unchecked?" Snape asked, and Ron nodded. "I see…" Snape said, his expression unreadable.

"I need to start taking an extra dose of the Nutrition Potion every day" Ron told them, and then he looked to Snape. "Sir, is it possible if I can pay you to get me some?"

"There will be no need for payment" Snape said. "I'll begin making a batch once this meeting ends. You will get everything that you need." Oh…

"Thank you" Ron said, genuinely grateful for the help. "I saw Sirius today."

"You went to Grimmauld Place?" Dumbledore asked.

"No, he was at Greengrass Manor" Ron replied, and Dumbledore nodded slowly. "I… I didn't bring up Regulus Black…"

"That was probably wise" Snape told him. "Black is a sentimental fool, and he'd start asking questions that you cannot answer."

"Sirius is not a 'sentimental fool'…" Ron frowned slightly, he didn't like Snape badmouthing Sirius like that. "But yes… He'd ask questions that I couldn't answer. I plan to go to Grimmauld Place next Sunday. Once I'm there, I'll excuse myself for one reason or another. And then, I'll find Regulus' room and look for clues."

"I doubt that Black kept the room as it was" Snape pointed out. "It's most likely been cleaned out."

"Any suggestions?" Ron asked them.

"Does Black still have that vile piece of filth Elf?" Snape asked, and Ron nodded.

"Kreacher is his name" Dumbledore added. "And yes, he does. I had the misfortune of running into him when Harry's guardianship was under debate."

"He's a bitter old twat" Ron pointed out, remember the abuse that Kreacher often hurled at him and his Family. "He openly calls Sirius, his own master, a 'filthy friend of disgusting Blood-Traitors'…" Why Sirius keeps him around is beyond me.

"That Elf often trailed behind Regulus" Snape told them.

"He was loyal to Regulus?" Dumbledore asked, wondering why the Elf would choose to serve the second son instead.

"Fanatically so" Snape remembered. "Regulus was… kind to the Elf, as far as I can tell. He even brought the Elf to some of the meetings, much to the Dark Lord's disgust. If Regulus' room yields nothing, try and speak to the Elf. He might know something about Regulus' fate."

"Alright" Ron nodded. "Let's just hope that he listens to me." I mean, I did smack him pretty hard. Not that he didn't deserve it.

"If you happen upon anything, no matter how minor, bring it to us" Dumbledore said, and Ron nodded his agreement. "And don't hurt Kreacher, Ronald. He is who he is because of the people that he has been enslaved to. He is to be pitied above all else."

"Yeah…" Ron started. "I don't care about some random Elf… If he talks, I'll listen to him. But if he holds back on me, then I'll beat the information out of him."

"Ronald…" Dumbledore started, but Ron cut him off.

"You do things your own way, and I'll do them my way" Ron said. "I'm not interested in half-measures. I can't afford them."

"I agree with Ronald" Snape piped in, and Dumbledore gave him a slight frown. "That Elf often 'interrogated' Muggle-Borns because his Master lacked the stomach for it. He is no victim, Albus. Ronald… Do what you must. That locket is our only priority." Great. So Kreacher is not only a bitter old cunt, but he's also tortured people. Sirius needs to get rid of that bastard before he lives to regret it.

"Just be safe" Dumbledore sighed, he was clearly outvoted on this. Ron nodded, and then he stood up.

"I'm going to head to bed" Ron said. "May I?"

"Yes, please rest" Dumbledore replied. "You certainly look like you need it." Ron walked over to the fireplace, and Snape followed after him.

"Severus Snape's Office" Ron called, casting a handful of floo-powder into the fire. Once it blazed green, both Snape and Ron walked through it. "Goodnight, Sir."

"Wait a moment" Snape said, and then he walked towards his storeroom. Ron waited for the Potions Master's return, and when he finally came back out of his storeroom, he had three vials of his Calming Tonic in his hand. "Take these, Ron" Snape said, handing Ron the vials.

"Your Calming Tonic?" Ron asked, pocketing the vials.

"For your use only" Snape replied. "The moment you feel overwhelmed, drink one. Once you run out of them, come back to me and I will brew you more." That's really nice of him. What's going on here?

"Won't I get addicted to these?" Ron asked.

"No, but if you drink them often enough, their effects will dull over time" Snape replied. "These aren't exactly as powerful as the Calming Draught, or even the Draught of Peace, but they will provide some relief."

"Thanks, Sir" Ron smiled, and Snape blinked at him. What?

"Yes…" Snape said, looking a bit lost. "You may leave now." Right. Ron turned to leave, and just as he was at the door, Snape called out to him. "Your promise to me about my Godson… Does it still stand?" My promise? Ron turned around and looked at Snape, who was just staring back at Ron.

"My promise to make sure that he makes it through the war?" Ron asked, and Snape gave a curt nod.

"He doesn't deserve to be punished for his father's actions" Snape said.

"But my sister deserved to pay for my father's?" Ron asked.

"He is not Lucius" Snape replied. "The look on your face yesterday told me everything that I need to know… You plan to kill Lucius Malfoy. Not now, but eventually. I want to know if Draco is now on your list as well." I… I don't know. Probably. I can't kill his father without him trying to exact revenge. "If you go after Draco, then I will stop you myself. I will not let you harm my Godson."

"I am not Lucius Malfoy" Ron said, coming to a decision. "I will not become him by killing his 'innocent' son for his actions, but if your Godson does come after me for it… I will defend myself."

"I understand" Snape said, his eyes fixed on Ron's. "Goodnight, Ronald."

"Goodnight, Sir."

Sunday 6th September, 1993 (The Black Lake – Late Afternoon)

"Reducto!" Ron yelled, and a streak of blue light shot out from the tip of his wand. It smashed into the tree that Ron was aiming for, and it blew a massive chunk right out of it. The remaining wood cracked loudly, and the tree toppled to its side. Nice.

"That was so awesome!" Tori squealed, while the other Slytherin first years whistled and cheered. Ron turned to face them with a friendly smile, and much to his surprise, even the Carrow twins seemed excited.

"One Spell!" Mathew cheered, his face flushing from excitement. "One bloody Spell, and he toppled a tree!"

"Is that the Spell you used to kill the Mountain Troll in your first year?!" Derek asked, his chubby hand tightening around his own wand.

"No, the Spell I used to slay the Mountain Troll was far deadlier" Ron admitted, and the first years let out laughs and cheers. I'm not really surprised by their excitement. I myself went mental when I first tried out this Spell. It does feel nice to have them cheer for me though.

"Can we try it?" John asked.

"In a bit" Ron said, and they nodded eagerly. They studied hard this morning, but safety precautions need to be set in place. "First, you will all promise me that you will not use this Curse against your fellow students. Not only will it seriously maim them, but they could potentially die. And you'll be in Azkaban before you know it."

"We're not the stupid, Ron…" Tori frowned slightly.

"This coming from the girl that attempted Human Transfiguration in her first class" Ron reminded her, and she smiled sheepishly.

"Ha! He got you" Lysandra giggled.

"Shut up, Lysandra…" Tori pouted.

"We will be careful" Flora said, while her sister nodded. Ron could tell them apart because of only one feature; their hair. Flora wore hers to the right, while Hestia wore hers to the left. But other than that, they were pretty much the same person. They even wear the same dresses as each other.

"Secondly" Ron restarted. "What I teach you stays with you. You will not teach it to other people. I don't want people losing hands because you lot decided to teach something that you haven't mastered yet. And lastly, you will follow my instructions to the letter. This is dangerous stuff, and your safety comes first. Understand?"

"We got it" Sebastian replied quickly. "Can we please try our hand at it now?"

"Michael, come here" Ron ordered, and the boy all but ran up to him. "The rest of you watch carefully."

"Why him?" Lysandra asked.

"Because he has the best grades out of you lot" Ron replied, and Michael smirked arrogantly.

"It's been one week" Hestia pointed out.

"And so far, he has the best grades out of you lot" Ron repeated. "Now… Watch."

Thirty Minutes Later

Ron watched the first years run around with a smile on his face, they were currently throwing rather harmless Jinxes and Hexes at each other. Ron wasn't really surprised that all of them had managed to cast the Reductor Curse on their first attempts. He himself had managed to do that, and unlike them, Ron wasn't exactly academically gifted. They all wanted to cast it again, but Ron had warned them of the fatigue that resulted in casting powerful Spells at their age. So they had instead settled for skirmishing with each other under his supervision, all of them excited to finally let loose and try out their wands.

"Mind if I join you?" came Daphne's voice from behind him, and Ron turned his head to look at her. She had a silver tray in her hands which looked rather heavy, and Ron immediately wondered what was on it.

"Of course, take a seat" Ron said, and Daphne carefully set the tray on the ground before joining him on his makeshift seat.

"Can't say that I've used a small boulder as a seat before" Daphne said, and Ron chuckled.

"I hear it's good for your back" Ron joked, eyeing the sandwiches and jug of pumpkin juice on the tray. She brought us food. "Daph, you didn't have to bring us food."

"I know" Daphne shrugged. "But I figured that Tori and her friends could use some fuel. You do tend to push people to their limits."

"None for me then?" Ron asked, and she smirked at him. "That's just mean…"

"They look like they're having fun" Daphne said, turning her gaze to the first years.

"I'm going with the gentle approach with them" Ron admitted. "Where did you get the food?"

"Marty delivered it to me while I was coming down here" Daphne replied, and Ron nodded slowly.

"He listened to your orders?" Ron asked.

"He still does" Daphne admitted. "But when it comes to you, his loyalty is unwavering. If I had asked him to tell me where you were, or to look for you, he'd probably just ignore me."

"You told him that the food was for me" Ron figured, and Daphne smiled innocently.

"He thinks that you should eat more" Daphne told him, and Ron genuinely laughed.

"If he got his way, I'd be the size of Crabbe" Ron remarked.

"Can I tell you something strange?" Daphne asked, and Ron nodded. "He calls me Mistress…"

"And that's bad?" Ron asked, unsure of why that was strange.

"You're his Master, Ron" Daphne replied. "And in Elf culture, the wife of a Master is called Mistress."

"He thinks that you're my wife?" Ron asked, and she nodded. Wow.

"Either that, or he wants me to be" Daphne replied. Daphne as my wife. That would be something, eh?

"But you are my wife" Ron smirked. "Or have you forgotten?"

"We were fooling around, Ron" Daphne reminded him. "This is more serious."

"You… You don't like it?" Ron asked, trying to sound casual. I mean, we are way too young for that sort of commitment. Plus, I really can't imagine having a wife in the upcoming war. Too much to do, and no time for distractions.

"Let's settle for dating first" Daphne chuckled, and Ron managed a weak smile. Dating? I haven't really given that topic much thought since yesterday. Me dating Daphne. I do like the idea of that.

"Are there any couples in our year?" Ron asked, and Daphne blinked at him.

"Um… Yeah…" Daphne replied, trying to think of them. "I've heard that Justin confessed to Lisa Turpin, and they're dating now."

"Justin?" Ron smirked, and Daphne giggled. "You're on a first name basis with a Hufflepuff?"

"The Hufflepuffs are growing on me" Daphne admitted. "They're very polite, and they don't take this House Rivalry stuff too seriously. I kind of like that about them." Good. I hope the others are starting to think like Daphne as well.

"Remember back in first year, when we used to make fun of them?" Ron asked.

"We never spent any time with them before" Daphne replied. "Your study group, Ron… I'm sorry if I ever doubted it. I can see now why you were trying so hard to piece it together. You're doing a good thing."

"Thanks" Ron smiled, his cheeks flushing slightly. Why do her compliments turn me into a little girl? "Um… Any other couples?"

"Terry Boot started dating Mandy Brocklehurst over the summer" Daphne replied. "Finnegan and Brown were supposedly caught snogging by Filch on Thursday…"

"Snogging?" Ron asked, and Daphne smirked at him.

"Does that bother you, Ron?" Daphne teased, and Ron remembered their attempt to snog. "Anyway… They aren't dating or anything, but they do seem to enjoy playing with each other." So they're like us, but they've gone further. "I've heard that some of the older Gryffindor girls have labeled Brown as a slag because of it."

"A slag?" Ron asked. "She's thirteen… Give her a fucking break." Slag? What a fucking disgusting word. I can't believe that Malfoy once called Daphne that. If he did it now, I'd fucking rip his cock off and shove it down his throat.

"Most of them probably did the same things when they were younger" Daphne sighed. "It's easy to judge the people that we don't know. I'm… I'm starting to see that now. I thought very little of the Hufflepuffs, but after spending a bit of time with them, I can see now that their lack of ambition is made up for by their love of community. They are happy with what they have, and they want to share that with others. Isn't that beautiful, Ron?"

"It is" Ron smiled, genuinely surprised by her actual opinion on the Hufflepuffs. "You know… I didn't think that you held the Hufflepuffs in such high regard."

"I like their way of thinking, but not them individually" Daphne said. "I don't know them enough to have an opinion of them."

"You don't know Hermione enough either" Ron pointed out, and Daphne frowned immediately.

"I know that she threw you to the wolves after the Dragon business" Daphne said. "I know that she turned the Gryffindors against you. I know that she expects you listen to her opinions without having earned that privilege. I know that she orchestrated an explosion in Potions Class that resulted in me having a second degree burn on my chest. And I know that she tried to drug and kidnap me. Those are the actions of someone who thinks themselves above the rules. And since she seems to love preaching the rules to other people, her attitude comes across as nothing short of arrogant."

"You and Blaise really don't like her, do you?" Ron sighed, he didn't even know why he had brought Hermione up.

"We all dislike her, and it's not because we're prejudiced against her" Daphne told him. "Her own House-mates dislike her as well. If everyone can't stand you, then there is something genuinely wrong with you as a person."

"Any other couples?" Ron asked, deciding to stop this conversation. It's my own damn fault for bringing it up.

"No, not that I know of" Daphne replied, taking the lifeline that Ron had thrown her. "Michael Corner fancies Padma Patil, but she clearly has her eyes on someone else."

"Who?" Ron asked.

"Someone unavailable" Daphne replied, and Ron gave her a confused look. "You, Ron… You dolt." Me?

"We get along, but that doesn't meant that she fancies me" Ron chuckled, she was way out of his league. But then again, so is Daphne. I mean, even I know that I'm not the most handsome bloke in our year. Blaise, Malfoy, Anthony Goldstein, Wayne Hopkins, Dean Thomas… Those are the good looking blokes in our year. And Theo, if he isn't sneering or smirking.

"Why wouldn't she fancy you?" Daphne asked, not liking his tone in regards to himself. "You're a foot taller than all the boys in our year. You're thirteen, but you could easily beat the Magic out of a seventh year. Oh, and you are the only boy in our year with muscles. Actual muscles… Have you seen your bum, Ron? It's so round and firm looking."

"Ease up, pervert" Ron laughed, and Daphne giggled at him. Now I'm shy and whatnot. She likes my arse?

"Doesn't feel good, does it?" Daphne smirked. "To be looked at like that."

"I stand by my words about your physique" Ron quickly told her. "And I'll fight you if you disagree with me. 'My chest is too big'… Utter nonsense. You should've seen it bouncing on Friday, it was…" Daphne smacked his arm, and Ron yelped. "Sorry…"

"Does my father know that you sexually harass me like this?" Daphne asked, her lips twitching upwards.

"Does your father know that you 'can't hold back on me sometimes'?" Ron smirked, and Daphne's cheeks turned rosy. "Hmmm… I remember that day. You pinned me down and…"

"I remember…" Daphne whispered, something shifting behind her eyes. "Finish up with the first years, and then come up to the Sanctuary." Huh? Oh… OH!

"Done" Ron nodded, and Daphne quickly got up and left. Ron stood up and walked closer to the first years. "OI! That's enough of that!" The first years stopped and looked to him, all of them sweaty and panting. "Who's hungry?" Ron asked them, pointing towards the sandwiches.

Ten Minutes Later

Ron all but barged into the Sanctuary, and as the door closed behind him, his Disillusionment Charm broke away. He looked to the couches, and then to the sand pit, and then to the bed… But there was no Daphne in sight.

"Where is she?" Ron panted, slightly out of breath. I bloody bolted up here. Don't tell me that I beat her up here somehow.

"About time" came Daphne's voice from behind him, and Ron suddenly felt someone jump onto his back. Ron quickly grabbed her thighs as she clung to his back, her arms tied around his neck. "What took you so long?" Daphne whispered in his right ear.

"The first years wouldn't shut the hell up" Ron replied, his body tensing slightly as Daphne started planting kisses on his right cheek. "Were you waiting behind the door?"

"I wanted to surprise you" Daphne replied, kissing up to his right ear. She then did something rather strange… She lightly nibbled on the top of his ear, and a shudder passed through him. Fuck… That feels really nice for some reason… Ron walked over to the bed, and Daphne kept nibbling at his ear. Ron slowly sat down on the bed, and Daphne let go of him. He quickly turned to face her, and she had a challenging smirk on her face.

"Biting isn't fair" Ron smirked back, but she simply cocked an eyebrow.

"Playing fair isn't my thing" Daphne retorted. "Come here…" Ron slowly pinned her down, hovering over her once again. "Closer…" Ron put his weight on his elbows, and now their faces were only inches apart.

"What made you bite me?" Ron whispered, planting a kiss on her lips. "It felt… good. Made my stomach light, and my body tense."

"Do you know what a love bite is?" Daphne asked, and Ron nodded. Witch Weekly magazine? Pansy's still letting her borrow her collection?

"You shouldn't try and leave one on my ear" Ron chuckled. "People would see that."

"So… I can leave one elsewhere?" Daphne asked, her eyes glazing over.

"Uh…" Ron blinked, wondering what had gotten into her. "Wait… Before we do something… new… I just want to be sure that this isn't just you not being able to hold back on me."

"Worried that I might regret it later?" Daphne asked, leaning up and pecking his lips.

"Yes, actually" Ron replied, and Daphne blinked at him. "Remember our promise? We'd always make sure that we were alright with this sort of stuff."

"You're sweet" Daphne smiled, her right hand slithering up to his left cheek.

"I am?" Ron smiled back.

"You really are" Daphne rubbed her thumb over his cheekbone. "I'm sure about this, I promise." So we're doing it? Isn't it a bit more risqué than a French kiss? Not that I mind. I really, really don't mind.

"You want to leave your mark on me?" Ron asked, bumping his nose against hers. "Any particular reason why?"

"There is one reason" Daphne whispered, planting two quick pecks on his lips.

"And what is this reason?" Ron whispered back.

"I want you to know that you're mine" Daphne told him, and Ron pulled his face back a bit. I didn't see that coming. It sounded a bit too… possessive. Daphne put her left arm around his back, and she stared right into his eyes. "Trelawney made some insane allegation that you had your eyes on Parvati Patil, and that girl is constantly shooting you glances" Daphne whispered, the look on her face was a mixture of naughtiness and anger. "I don't like her looking at you like that, and I don't like that she's building up the courage to ask you out. You're mine, Ron. Only mine."

"Um…" Ron swallowed thickly, both aroused and scared at the same time.

"Please…" Daphne whispered, still stroking his cheekbone with her thumb.

"Will it prove to you that Trelawney is insane for thinking that?" Ron asked, and she nodded. Fuck it. I really want to try it. Ron pulled back a bit, and then he undid the top three buttons of his shirt. "Is shoulder alright with you?"

"Yes!" Daphne beamed, and then she pulled him back down. "It might hurt a little, but it should feel good as well." If you say so.

"Alright…" Ron swallowed again, his entire body jittery with excitement. He felt Daphne move his collar aside, and the air touch his now naked left shoulder. And then, he felt her mouth on him. It was an odd feeling, having someone suck on a part of you. And it did hurt a little, but for some reason, it gave him goosebumps as well. "Fuck…" Ron groaned, doing his best to stay in place. Her lips are really soft. He felt her teeth graze him a little, but when he tensed, she stopped doing that. After thirty or so seconds, she pulled her head back.

Ron raised himself at that, he could feel the remnants of her saliva on his left shoulder. Daphne was actually panting, her face and neck more flushed than he'd ever seen them. Ron looked down at his shoulder, and there was a deep bruise in the shape of her mouth in the middle of his shoulder and neck. There it is. Her mark. Ron suddenly realized that his breathing was labored, and that his pants were feeling rather tight.

"Did you enjoy it?" Daphne asked, sounding more curious than sure.

"I did…" Ron breathed out, and then he looked to her. She was staring at her mark on him, an odd sort of smile on her lips.

"Do… Do you want to give me one?" Daphne asked, and Ron nodded slowly. Daphne pulled the collar of her beige wool jumper aside, revealing her right shoulder to him. Ron just stared at her naked skin, completely transfixed. This might be the greatest moment in my life. So far. "Ron?"

"Sorry" Ron blinked, eyeing the green strap on her naked shoulder. "Your bra strap… It's in the way…"

"Oh…" Daphne muttered, using her left hand to move it out of the way. "Your turn…" Ron nodded slowly, and then he leaned down, his face hovering above her bare skin. "Just suck on the skin… Don't bite me please."

"I won't" Ron promised. And then, he planted his mouth in the middle of her neck and shoulder. The first thing he noticed was how soft her muscles were compared to his own, and the next thing he noticed was how nice she smelled. Ron sucked on her muscle as if he were a baby, always making sure to keep himself in check. He didn't want to do anything that would cause her pain, and judging by her breathing and weak moaning, he was doing a good job.

"Use your teeth a little…" Daphne panted, and so Ron scraped his teeth against her skin. She tensed and groaned, her arms tightening around his back. "Keep going please…" Ron did as he was told, and he gave her a minute long love bite. After the minute had passed, he decided to stop before it caused an injury. When Ron pulled back, he came face to face with a bright red Daphne. Her chest was heaving up and down, and her eyes were completely glazed over. "How does it look?" Daphne whispered, smiling rather seductively.

"Like it hurts" Ron replied, eyeing the deep dark bruise on her.

"It does hurt…" Daphne hummed, her hands sliding up to his face. It does?

"I'm really sorry… I tried being gentle…" Ron said, feeling a pang of guilt.

"Don't be sorry" Daphne felt up his face with her hands. "I really enjoyed that… Come here…" Ron leaned down, and Daphne moved her hands to the back of his neck. Ron gave her a peck, but she suddenly pulled him down in order to smother his lips with hers. It took less than a second for Ron to do the same, and it felt like pure bliss. There were no Horcruxes here, nor was there any talk of brain-damage. Right now, Ron felt like any other teenager his age. He felt normal, and that feeling brought him to a decision. Daphne was his, and he was hers. And he was done hiding that.

Ten Minutes Later

Their lips were bruised, but they were both smiling like idiots. It hurt, but it also felt nice. They had kissed and cuddled for ten minutes, but it was about time that they returned to their friends. Otherwise, people would start asking questions. Ron had decided that he'd first bring up his new decision to Dumbledore and Snape, as his love-life could impact their work. If they gave him the go-ahead, he'd talk to Lord and Lady Greengrass next. Once he had their blessing, he'd ask her out.

"Episkey" Ron chanted, healing Daphne's bruised lips.

"Episkey" Daphne chanted, healing his bruised lips. They both sheathed their wands, still smiling like morons. "Doesn't it excite you to know that your mark is on me? No one will know, not even our friends."

"I think I'm really starting to like your rebellious side" Ron sniggered, giving her another peck. "Let's head back down to the Dungeons."

"Wait…" Daphne said, and then she reached forward and did his buttons up. "I'm not letting some random witch see my merchandise."

"Your merchandise?" Ron laughed. "Am I just an object to you?"

"No, but you are mine" Daphne smirked. "All mine."

"You're a bit scary, you know that right?" Ron chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. He then began to walk towards the giant doors, but Daphne spanked his arse rather hard. "OW! My arse, woman!"

"Hehe" Daphne giggled, rubbing her right palm with her left hand. "It does feel amazing! I knew it!"

"You couldn't have given me a pinch or something?" Ron laughed, and Daphne smiled slyly. "No… Get back!" Ron ran towards the door, but she quickly cornered him.

"Snip snip" Daphne giggled, pretending like she had crab-hands. Bloody hell, she can be so cute.

"Daphne, no" Ron said, but the laughter in his voice betrayed him. "My left cheek is actually stinging."

"Then present me with your right one" Daphne laughed. "Give up the cheek, and no one gets hurt!"

"Good lord!" Ron shrunk against the door. That's when he heard someone grab the handle from the other side, and Ron immediately stepped by Daphne's side. The door swung open, and their friends walked in. Fuck! If they had come in a minute earlier, they'd have caught us on the bed together.

"Oh…" Theo muttered, nearly walking into them. "There you two are…"

"What are you doing up here?" Tracey asked them, while Blaise shut the door behind them.

"Ron's been feeling a bit… out of it" Daphne lied, her expression lacking any emotion. How does she do that? My heart is beating in my throat.

"Really?" Pansy asked, eyeing Ron with a worried look.

"It's just my Chronic Stress…" Ron lied, giving her a sorry smile. "I sometimes feel… alone…"

"Ron, you're never alone" Millie gave him a comforting smile, and then she nudged Theo.

"Yeah, mate" Theo agreed. I'm an utter cunt, but it's better than us getting caught out.

"Do you want to do something together?" Blaise asked, clearly trying his best to sound compassionate. Merlin, that tone really doesn't suit him.

"Let's play cards" Pansy smiled at Ron. "You enjoy playing Wizard's Poker, right?" Daphne told her about that?

"Daphne told us that you beat her a few times at it" Tracey smiled at him. She fucking lied to you. She destroyed me.

"Wizard's Poker sounds nice" Ron admitted, and they smiled at him.

"I'll go and grab my cards" Theo said, promptly leaving the Sanctuary.

"Come and sit with us, Ron" Pansy said, clinging to his left arm. She suddenly leaned up and kissed his left cheek, while Tracey clung to his right arm. The girls dragged him towards the couches, while the others followed after them. Ron managed to shoot a look back, and he saw Daphne smirking victoriously. She's something else, isn't she?

Monday 7th September, 1993 (Care of Magical Creatures – After Lunch)

Ron and his friends walked down to Hagrid's hut together, with the exception of Tracey and Theo, both of whom weren't taking Care of Magical Creatures. It was a nice day out, one with a cool breeze and a pale grey sky. A perfect day for an outdoors class. As for Ron, he was rather interested in seeing Hagrid as a Professor. The giant man was rather loud-mouthed when it came to being an agent of the Order, but there was little he could go wrong with when it came to teaching a class. Or so Ron hoped.

"Has anyone tried to open these books?" Pansy asked, staring at her closed copy of 'The Monster book of Monsters'.

"I did…" Blaise sighed, staring at his own copy. It was Spell-o-taped for some reason.

"Ron, how did you open yours?" Millie asked, a jump rope tied around her copy.

"I haven't opened it yet" Ron replied. "I was grounded, remember? It's just been sitting in my trunk until now."

"Well, don't open it" Daphne warned him, a Magical rope tied around her copy. "It comes to life when it gets opened, and then it tries to eat you."

"Really?" Ron asked, staring down at his 'asleep' copy. Um… I don't want to hold this thing. Death by carnivorous book is not how my Cycle ends.

"Thank Merlin I kept mine closed" Pansy muttered, staring at her book with a squeamish expression.

"C'mon, now!" came Hagrid's booming voice, and they all looked up to see him standing at the foot of his hut. He was wearing his moleskin trench coat once again, and Fang was sitting by his leg.

"Are those dead mole-rats around his neck?" Pansy asked, going slightly green. They are indeed. "I think I picked the wrong class, you guys."

"Want to hold my hand?" Millie chuckled, and Pansy quickly took a hold of it. "I was kidding…"

"Huh?" Pansy muttered, giving Millie a slightly scared look.

"Never mind" Millie sighed, holding her squeamish friend's hand.

"Got a real treat for yeh today!" Hagrid beamed at them all. "A great lesson comin' up! Everyone here? Right, follow me!" Hagrid then began leading them towards the Forest, and the class quietly followed after him. The Golden Trio had quickly taken the lead, walking right behind the giant man. The other Gryffindors followed right behind them, and they were followed by the rest of the students. Ron and his friends stuck closer to the back, just barely ahead of Malfoy and his apes.

"Is he taking us into the Forbidden Forest?" Blaise asked Ron, who dreaded the idea of that. I'm never going back in there. That place is all sorts of fucked up. Hagrid suddenly veered off of the path, and he led them into an empty paddock.

"Right!" Hagrid exclaimed, beaming at them all again. I do like that he's smiling at us. That already makes him a better Professor than Binns. "Everyone gather around the fence here! Make sure that yeh can see inside! Now! Open up yer books, and we'll…"

"Professor Hagrid, how do we open these books?" Hermione asked, her emphasis on the word 'Professor' made Hagrid smile more widely. But all of a sudden, his smile faltered.

"Hasn' anyone been able ter open their books?" Hagrid asked, looking rather crestfallen. Everyone slowly shook their heads, and Ron smiled a little. That means that no one has read ahead of me. Thank you, Universe. "Yeh've got ter stroke 'em" Hagrid said, sounding rather patronizing. "Look…" Hagrid took Hermione's book, and he tore away the Spell-o-tape. The book tried to bite him, but he stroked his meaty finger along its spine. The book purred, and then it opened up.

"How were we supposed to know that?" Daphne whispered, and Ron shrugged. I'm just glad that I didn't open mine.

"Now…" Hagrid smiled slightly. "All of yer do the same…" The class did as they were told, and everyone's books followed Hermione's books' example. It's like having a pet. "Sorry abou' yer books… I though' they was funny, was all…"

"They are funny" Blaise whispered. "I opened mine near mother, and she all but leapt up to the chandelier." Ron sniggered to himself, the image of Clementine doing that was rather funny.

"Righ' then" Hagrid said, losing some of his gusto. "Yeh've got yer books, and now yeh need yer Magical Creatures… I'll go and get 'em…" Hagrid then strode off towards the forest, disappearing behind the trees.

"Why do the 'Golden Trio' look so upset?" Pansy asked.

"Hagrid's their friend" Ron replied.

"Of course he is" Millie rolled her eyes.

"Hi, Ron" came the voice of Parvati Patil, and Ron and his friends looked to her. She was smiling at him, and so he smiled back.

"Hello, Parvati" Ron greeted her back. Is this about Trelawney's nonsense? Also, why are Lavender and Fay giggling to themselves? Wait… She's not about to ask me out, right?

"Ron, I was wondering" Parvati started, but Daphne jumped in.

"Ron, can you hold my book for me?" Daphne asked, and Parvati blinked at her. "My right shoulder is feeling a little sore." Right shoulder?! Wow… That's some grim shite. Talk about a power play.

"Sure, Daph" Ron said slowly, taking her book from her. Daphne then gave Parvati a cold look, and the girl backed away slightly. Tone it down, woman!

"I… I should get back to my friends" Parvati said, shooting Ron a weak smile. "I'll talk to you later?"

"Sure" Ron replied, giving her a weak smile in return. Parvati left at that, her friends eyeing her with confused looks.

"Your shoulder was sore?" Millie asked. "You couldn't think of a better lie to get rid of her."

"It served its purpose" Daphne said, looking back into the paddock with an expressionless mask. Once again, I am both scared and aroused. Though I do feel a bit bad for Parvati. But then again, if some bloke approached Daphne and tried to ask her out, I'd probably start frothing at the mouth.

"Woah!" came Justin's voice. "Look at that!" Everyone looked to see Hagrid coming back out of the Forest, and trotting behind him were a dozen bizarre looking Creatures. Hippogriffs. Charlie mentioned them a few times. Didn't he help Hagrid with them in his spare time? Hagrid led the Hippogriffs into the paddock, and everyone stepped away from the fence.

"Look at their talons" Lavender pointed out, and Ron did so. Bloody hell. They could shave a spider's arse if they wanted to. They're so sharp that they're gleaming. All the students eyed the part-horse and part-eagle hybrids with wary looks, but none of them could deny that the Hippogriffs had a regal air about them.

"Hippogriffs!" Hagrid laughed happily. "Beau'iful, aren' they?" Some of the students nodded, their eyes fixed on the Hippogriffs' regal coats. Oddly enough, Pansy was one of those students. "So… If yeh wan' ter come a bit nearer…" Everyone took another step back, while the Golden Trio walked right up to the fence. Well, if they're doing it, then so can I. I'm sure Hagrid will keep his beasts under control. Ron slowly stepped up to the fence as well, but his friends didn't join him.

"What can yeh tell me abou' Hippogriffs?" Hagrid asked the class, but none of them replied. Not even Hermione. "Oh wai'… None of yeh read the book yet…"

"They can fly" Neville said slowly, and Hagrid beamed at him.

"They can!" Hagrid roared, making Neville jump a bit. "Five points ter Gryffindor!" For that? Actually… None of us made that observation. I suppose it's fair. "Besides flyin', there's plenty tha' yeh need ter understand abou' Hippogriffs. And mos' importan' of all is tha' they are proud beasts. Easily offended, Hippogriffs are. Don' never insult one, 'cause it'll be the last thing yeh do." Noted. "Now! Let's talk abou' approachin' 'em!"

Five Minutes Later

The Hippogriff burst into a run after Hagrid slapped its arse, and Ron watched with wide-eyes as Harry barely clung onto it. And then, the Hippogriff named Buckbeak flapped his massive wings and took off. Bloody hell, I hope Harry doesn't fall down and crack his neck. The rest of the class just watched in awe as Harry rode the Hippogriff towards the castle, most of them hoping that they weren't next.

"Have to give Potter props" Blaise said, watching the Hippogriff fly off into the distance. "His balls are probably made of reinforced steel."

"Brave to the point of recklessness" Ron said. "That's why he's in Gryffindor." The rest of the class broke into chatter, and Ron took the opportunity to hand Daphne her book back.

"Thanks, Ron" Daphne smirked, and Ron chuckled.

"My left shoulder was starting to hurt" Ron quipped, and her smirk turned into a smile. Ron was about to go on, but he suddenly spotted something that completely caught his attention. Who are those kids? Ron narrowed his eyes at them, and much to his shock, it was Harry and him. Am I seeing things again?

"Ron? Where are you looking?" came Daphne's voice, but Ron ignored it. His attention was fixed on the two boys, both of whom were wearing the Gryffindor uniform. They looked younger than Ron, and he figured that they were probably second years. They're walking into the Forest? This has to be one of my past lives. I don't remember ever doing this with Harry. The two boys were clearly following a trail, judging by how their eyes were fixed on the thinking, Ron started walking towards them.

"Ron?" came Hagrid's voice, and Ron suddenly felt a meaty hand land on his right shoulder. Ron stopped immediately in order to look at Hagrid, who was eyeing him carefully. What's with that look? "Everything alrigh', Ron?" Hagrid asked.

"Yes" Ron replied, looking back towards his past-self. The two hallucinations walked into the Forest together, disappearing into the trees. Why would two second years go into the Forbidden Forest? "Professor… Is there something in that direction?" Ron asked, pointing towards spot where his hallucinations had disappeared. "Something other than the Forest?"

"Probably all manners of beasts" Hagrid replied, deciding to keep Aragog's lair to himself. "Do yeh need ter sit down? Take a break?" What? Ron looked back to Hagrid, and the giant man was looking down at him with genuine concern. "Yer head ain' hurtin', is it?" My head? Dumbledore told him about my brain-damage?! Why?!

"My head is fine" Ron replied, seconds away from losing his temper. Why would he do that? He told Hagrid of all people about that?

"Alrigh' then" Hagrid nodded, his demeanor relaxing a bit. "Yeh come straigh' ter me if yeh feel unwell, understan'?"

"Yes" Ron replied, and Hagrid slowly left towards the paddock. Ron looked towards Daphne, who was eyeing with a hint of concern. "Dumbledore told Hagrid about my… mental issues."

"Oh…" Daphne blinked. "He probably had to, Ron. Hagrid is a Professor now, and you're taking his class. He needs to know about your condition for your own safety." Ron couldn't really argue against such a valid point, but it still annoyed him greatly. If he talks to the Trio about my condition, I'll make it my life's mission to have him fired. Ron suddenly heard two boys screaming from the Forest, and he turned around immediately. What the hell was that? Is someone hurt?

"Ron?" Daphne called, now she was starting to get really worried. "Ron, what are you looking at?"

"Nothing…" Ron replied, there was nothing there. The screams stopped. Was it my past-self and Harry who were screaming? Did they…? Did they get attacked by something?

"Harry's coming back!" Parvati exclaimed, and both Ron and Daphne looked to the sky. Buckbeak was flying down towards the paddock, and Harry was still on his back. That's a wind-beaten face if I've ever seen one, but at least he's safe.

Monday 7th September, 1993 (Madam Pomfrey's Office – After Classes)

"After Harry hopped off of the Hippogriff, Professor Hagrid asked the rest of us if we wanted to have a go" Ron said, he was telling Pomfrey about his day.

"And did you?" Pomfrey asked.

"Merlin, no" Ron replied. "That thing looked dangerous, not to mention that we had to bow to it first. I'm not bowing to an overgrown chicken. Anyway… Hermione and Neville tried to pet the beast, but it started screeching at them. It nearly ripped Hermione's face off."

"Hippogriffs are dangerous when riled up" Pomfrey noted, she was rather shocked that Hagrid would show a bunch of third years a beast with a 'XXX' rating. "I hope no one was hurt."

"No… No, Professor Hagrid stopped the lesson when Hermione started crying" Ron told her. "People were saying that she got scared, but I think that she just felt embarrassed."

"What makes you say that?" Pomfrey asked.

"She wants to be the best in every class, but this time, she failed rather horribly" Ron replied. "Not to mention that a lot of people started laughing at her. My own friends included."

"But you didn't?" Pomfrey asked.

"No" Ron replied. "Why would I? She had the courage to go up and try at least. The people who were laughing at her were also hiding behind a fence. Anyway… We all walked back to the castle after that. And now, here I am."

"Have you had your second dose yet?" Pomfrey asked, and Ron nodded.

"Right before I came in here" Ron replied, telling her the truth.

"Have there been any symptoms?" Pomfrey asked. If seeing past lives counts, then yes.

"No" Ron replied. "I feel like I usually do. Well, except for one thing… Can I get your advice on something, Madam Pomfrey?"

"Certainly" Pomfrey nodded.

"Would it be alright for me to date someone?" Ron asked, and Pomfrey was rather taken aback by his question.

"You wish to date someone?" Pomfrey asked, the boy had never shown any interest in this field before. Did I stutter?

"Yes, I do" Ron replied, keeping his composure. "Would it be alright for someone like me to date a person?"

"Someone like you?" Pomfrey asked, and Ron nodded. "Ron, there is nothing wrong with you."

"We both know that that's not true" Ron sighed. "I'm not trying to be hard on myself, I'm just looking at the facts. Not only do I have brain-damage, but I also have Chronic Stress. I can be a handful, I know that. But what if there was a person who always managed to help me feel better? A person that made me forget about my problems whenever I was near her? Would it be alright for me to date this person?"

"Your friend Daphne" Pomfrey figured, and Ron blinked at her. "Whenever you speak about her during our sessions, you have nothing but praises for her. But if you are upset with her, then you constantly nitpick her in front of me."

"That tells you about my… feelings?" Ron asked, and Pomfrey nodded with a smile. "Well…"

"I personally do recommend that you try your hand at dating" Pomfrey told him.

"You do?" Ron asked.

"Certainly" she replied. "People around your age do start experimenting with the opposite sex, and I think that it's wonderful that you too feel the same way."

"Were you worried that I was going to ignore this part of growing up?" Ron asked, and she nodded once again. "Ye of little faith…"

"Can you really blame me?" Pomfrey chuckled.

"No" Ron smiled. "I'm a little weird, aren't I?"

"Just different, Ron" Pomfrey corrected him. "And yes, I do believe that it would be alright for you to date someone. But the question is, will your friend accept your feelings?"

"She will" Ron said, and Pomfrey waited for him to go on. "She and I have had… a couple of encounters… We flirt a lot. And I mean a lot. We've even pecked a couple of times…" Try a million. Not to mention that we marked each other yesterday, and it was absolutely amazing.

"If you are so certain about her feelings, then why haven't you taken the plunge?" Pomfrey asked. "What held you back?"

"Like I said… I'm a handful…" Ron sighed, and Pomfrey nodded slowly. "I have all these issues, and I don't want to burden her with them. Not to mention that I can't help but feel rather selfish whenever I think about dating her."

"Selfish?" Pomfrey asked.

"I feel like I'm using her" Ron admitted, fidgeting with his hands. "She makes me feel good about myself, and whenever we spend time together, I forget about my problems. But I don't think that she forgets… I think that she is always looking out for any trouble… Is it really fair for me to put her through that just so that I can feel happy?"

"You should speak to her about this, Ron" Pomfrey advised, and something in Ron's gut twisted.

"What if she realizes that she'd be better off without me?" Ron asked timidly, looking down at his hands. I genuinely can't stand my own issues, so why would she? After a month or so, she might get sick of me always being a burden.

"Rejection is a part of dating too" Pomfrey said, and Ron looked back up. "But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Everything in life comes with a risk of not working out, but that doesn't mean that you should just give up. If you truly fancy her, and I can tell that you do otherwise you wouldn't be thinking so deeply about this, then isn't it worth a shot?"

"It's not selfish?" Ron asked.

"It's only selfish if you force her into this, Ron" Pomfrey replied. "Would you force her to do something like that?"

"Never" Ron replied immediately.

"Then no, I don't think that you're being selfish" Pomfrey smiled, and Ron managed a weak smile in return. "I think that you're trying your best to live a normal life, despite your condition, and that's a worthy endeavor."

Sirius Black's POV

Monday 7th September, 1993 (St. Mungo's – Late Afternoon)

Sirius was genuinely still drunk from last night's escapades. It wasn't out of the ordinary for him to go out for a drink, being locked up in Azkaban for a decade gave a man an unquenchable thirst. What was out of the ordinary was for him to pick up an older woman. Personally, Sirius preferred his women in their early twenties. He himself was nearly thirty four years old now, but he had only been twenty two when they had dragged him away. As far as he was concerned, he was still twenty four years old. Which is why it had been rather surprising that he had found himself attracted to an older woman last night.

Rita Skeeter, who was generally known as an overreaching shrew, had somehow caught his eye last night. She had bought him a drink, and as per the gentleman's code, Sirius had spoken with her out of politeness. She had told him that she was taking the night off to be 'herself for a change', and that had led to a conversation about all sorts of things. Oddly enough, Sirius rather enjoyed speaking with her. And after finishing his drink, he had begun ordering them more and more.

She made raunchy jokes, drank as if she were a sailor, and she didn't once bring up Azkaban. She was more interested in his day to day life, and he in turn learned that she had just returned from Albania. As it turns out, she had been there as a reporter when Sirius had incited a mob. He had kept his antics to himself, but she had alluded to seeing him in the frenzied mob. Eventually, the drinks stopped coming and their conversation turned into passion.

Sirius had taken her back to Grimmauld Place, and once the doors were closed, he had shagged her into a sex-coma. She was extremely feisty for a woman in her early forties, but Sirius had his ways with women. He always did. By the end of the night, he had her purring on his chest as she slept without a care in the World. When he had woken up this morning, she had already left. But she had the curtesy of leaving behind a note, one that wished him well with his future endeavors.

"Good morning, Peter" Sirius said as he entered his friend's room, but as usual, there was no response. "You're looking worse than usual, mate. Aren't they feeding you?" Sirius waited for a response, like he always did, and Peter just sat on his wheelchair, like he always did. The former Marauder looked like a breathing corpse, his cheeks and eyes were so sunk in that he looked like a skeleton with skin. Sirius just stared at his former friend, a part of him filling up with rage at just seeing his face. Every time… Every time I come here, I just don't know what to think.

"They closed the damn curtains again" Sirius groaned, looking to the closed curtains. "I've told them a hundred times that you like the Sunlight, but they never bloody listen. It's not like I'm paying them an insane sum of money to keep you alive. Well… Not alive… Just breathing…" Sirius walked over to Peter's wheelchair, and he pulled it in front of the closed windows. That was way too easy. He weighs nothing at all now, which is weird because he was always a chunky bastard.

"Now… Let's get some light in here" Sirius said, opening all of the curtains. The brightness of the Sun made his head hurt, and he let out a tired groan. "I had a wild night, Peter… You remember that reporter from when we were younger? Rita Skeeter? We'd joke about 'giving her a story worth publishing'? Well, I lived up to our promises. I fucked her last night, and I fucked her good. Three times, actually. She was a Hell-cat in bed… My back is all torn up from her fingernails, and truth be told, my hip's a bit wonky as well…" Sirius then turned to stare at Peter's hollow face, his own face twisting into a grimace.

"You have nothing to say about that?" Sirius asked, and when Peter didn't reply, Sirius put his index finger under Peter's chin and raised his head. "You spent your freedom hiding as a pathetic rat, while I'm spending mine like some king. Fucking women, drinking, smoking, and eating the best foods. You're nothing compared to me, Peter. You never were…" Sirius let go of Peter's chin at that, and the husk's head dangled forward. That's when Sirius noticed a rash around Peter's neck, and he quickly moved his collar aside.

"Shite, your top is scratching you" Sirius sighed. "I'll get you something softer to wear, Peter. I'll have a chat with them about this. Oh, and I'll also get some more flowers for this room. Just to brighten the room up. Would you like that, mate?" Peter didn't reply, but Sirius was sure that Peter would like that. "Right, I'll go have a chat with them about this. How about we go the gardens together after I'm back? I know that I've been a bit… distant… lately. But with Remus gone, I have all the time in the World to fuck around." Sirius then helped Peter into a more comfortable position, making sure that his head was upright.

"I'll be back in a flash, so don't go anywhere" Sirius chuckled, half-teasing and half-disgusted. Sirius then began making his way out, and he noticed a beetle run past his leg. "What the fuck?! There's a damn bug in here!" The beetle scurried off under the bed, and Sirius felt his blood boil. I pay them to keep this room in a perfect condition for him! I'm going to tear their fucking heads off! Sirius stormed out of the room, looking for someone to yell at. But when he finally came back with the Head Healer, there was no beetle. There was only Peter, whose head was once again dangling. Somewhere in the back of Sirius' mind, alarm bells were going off.

"There are no insects in this Hospital, Sir" the Head Healer sighed. "There are Charms made specifically to target insects in here."

"Oh…" Sirius muttered, feeling slightly embarrassed about yelling at the man.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have patients that actually need me" the Head Healer said, shooting a look towards Peter. With that, the Head Healer turned around and left the room. Fuck, I'm still drunk. And now I'm seeing shite that's not even there.

"Right…" Sirius groaned, rubbing his face with his hands. "Give me a second, Peter. We'll go for that walk soon, I promise. I bet that you're eager to get out of this room."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: And there it is! This was a rather busy chapter, with a lot of important stuff happening. I wonder where Voldemort is right now? Hmmm...

See you guys on the Monday after the next one, but maybe before that... I'll see you when the next chapter is done, but there will be a new chapter every week no matter what.