Fate

by TheTrueSpartan

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

78. Chapter 78 - Change

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 78 is finished! Now, before I let you go forward, I just felt the need to say this:

In Defense of Harry Potter: (this is for the people who Pmed me in order to call me a basher... I figured that this would be easier.)

I am not trying to bash his character. It's not bashing if a character does something that you don't like. It would be bashing if I exaggerated Harry's flaws to an insane level. As it is, I don't think that I've done that.

Harry has an Auror's mindset, and he's very self-righteous. If he doesn't like someone, or something, he starts investigating. In the first book, he investigated the Stone, Snape, and the Forbidden Corridor. This is a first year who actively begins meddling in affairs way beyond his understanding, and all because he feels like something is wrong.

Second book, he starts hunting for the Heir of Slytherin. Even going as far as to blow up a classroom, kidnap fellow students, steal their identities, break into Slytherin, and spy on Draco Malfoy. (Pretty fucked up shit if you think about it.)

Third book, he actively wants to seek out Sirius Black once he learns of 'Sirius's crimes'. He constantly breaks the rules in order to sneak into Hogsmeade, and no, just because your scummy caretakers didn't sign the form doesn't mean that the rules don't apply to you. There are fucking Dementors out there, Harry. And they want your dick... Soul... I meant soul.

And the sixth book showed this trait of his even more. He began investigating Draco, had him followed, followed Draco himself, used some Curse that he had no clue about on him, and barely acknowledged the fact that he nearly killed a person. Yeah, he felt really guilty... But he faced no real consequences, did he? No expulsion... nothing.

Now this all doesn't make him a bad person, that's just a part of who he is. He is a natural born Auror, in my opinion. So yeah, him investigating Ron like that is quite underhanded, but it's nothing new. Harry's done worse in Canon, but in Canon, he was the protagonist. But since we see things mostly from Ron's POV, people are rooting for our favorite red-head.

It's all about perspective, that's why I have so many POVs. This story isn't just about Ron, that would just be boring. Everyone has their own arcs and story-lines, which sometimes merge with Ron's and other people's story-lines.

Now...

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 78 - Change

Pansy Parkinson's POV

Saturday 26th September, 1993 (The Girls' Dorm – Before Breakfast)

"I'm just saying that it wouldn't be weird," Pansy said, her hands going up in mock surrender. Prudes…

"It would be weird," Daphne gave her a deadpan look, while Millie was just staring off into the distance. "It would be so weird. Millie, tell her that it would be weird."

"Yeah… Weird…" Millie muttered, her eyes fixed on the bathroom door.

"Why would it be weird?" Pansy asked Daphne, who gave her a genuinely confused look. "The French Wizarding Community do it all the time, as do dozens of others. Why would it be weird for us then?"

"Merlin…" Daphne sighed out. "Pansy, you need to stop reading Witch Weekly. We're all starting to worry over your mental health." That's just mean.

"Fine, Daph," Pansy smirked at her. "You don't have to take part in it." The door to the bathroom suddenly opened, and Tracey stepped out in nothing but her panties. "Nice!" Pansy catcalled, and Tracey gave them a smirk and a wink.

"Were you just waiting out here to see me naked?" Tracey sang, her wet hair hiding her nipples. "Perverts…"

"You do have a really cute backside," Pansy giggled, while Daphne and Millie just stared at Tracey. This was nothing new, of course. Tracey had zero issues with walking around the room naked, and she did so quite often. But what was new was that Pansy was secretly starting to look forward to it, something that would no doubt give her mother a stroke.

"I'll be waiting in the common room," Millie said as she suddenly stood up, her eyes darting away from Tracey. What? Why? Millie then left the room in a hurry, something that made the three remaining girls exchange quick looks.

"Weird," Tracey said slowly, and then she bent over and started going through her trunk. Pansy stared at Tracey's arse for a few seconds, her heartbeat slowly speeding up. This again. Is it weird that I want to touch her arse? That's it, I'm going to do it. Pansy stood up nonchalantly, walked up behind Tracey, and then simply pinched the slender girl's right arse-cheek. Woah, it's really soft. Just like mine. Tracey simply turned around with a bemused smile, while Daphne let out a chuckle.

"You have a soft bum," Pansy complimented with a smile, all the while doing her best to not blush. I've never really touched anyone else's bum before.

"Thank you," Tracey giggled. "Turn around for a second." Pansy blinked at her, but she did as she was told. Tracey suddenly gave Pansy's arse a squeeze, something that made Pansy squeal. "Yours is definitely meatier. I think boys prefer that."

"Really?" Pansy turned around with a wide smile, she liked the sound of that. "I'll have to ask a boy about that."

"Ask Blaise," Daphne laughed. "That'd be an interesting conversation."

"I think his brain would turn off," Pansy giggled as she sat back down. "The boys in our year are so… boring. Where's the romance? Where's the courage? It's dreadfully dull…" I wonder if a boy would pinch harder than Tracey did. Merlin, I touched her arse! And she enjoyed touching mine in return! Today is already turning out wonderfully! That's one thing off my list!

"You really want some boy to squeeze your bum out of the blue?" Daphne asked, and Pansy shook her head.

"Of course not, but they could at least try," Pansy replied, and Daphne let out a bemused chuckle. "You don't want that? What if Ron decided to give you a squeeze? Wouldn't you like that?"

"Ha, she totally would!" Tracey laughed as she put on her jeans, while Daphne's face flushed a bit.

"Ron would never grope me in public," Daphne huffed. In public?

"Interesting choice of words, Daphne," Pansy smirked at the blonde, who just blinked at her.

"In public?" Tracey grinned at her best friend, who suddenly began frowning.

"We're only kidding," Pansy giggled, while Tracey just laughed loudly. Pansy had to admit that she really enjoyed the sound of Tracey's laugh, it had a way of lighting up the room for everyone. I can't believe I used to sneer at her for laughing in such an unladylike fashion. Look at that, even Daphne's frown died as soon as Tracey started laughing. "Tracey, I have a question for you."

"Sure," Tracey said as she put on her bra.

"Here we go," Daphne shook her head with a smile, but Pansy just smiled at Tracey.

"What if we all started showing our affection for each other more openly?" Pansy asked Tracey, who gave her a confused look.

"I don't really understand what you're asking," Tracey admitted.

"Well, in France, good friends kiss each other on the lips whenever they meet," Pansy pointed out, and then she reached for her copy of Witch Weekly. "See? It says it right here that it's a part of a lot of cultures. According to a survey done by Witch Weekly, just over sixty percent of our own Wizarding Community doesn't see anything wrong with it."

"You want us to snog in public?" Tracey asked slowly, her eyes darting towards an amused Daphne.

"No, just a quick peck," Pansy said casually, and Tracey nodded slowly. "There's nothing wrong with it, it says it right here."

"That magazine is really turning you into a menace, Pans," Tracey pointed out, which irked Pansy a little. "And are you just talking about us girls?"

"No, we could kiss the boys too," Pansy said as calmly as she could, and Tracey seemed to shift her stance a little.

"Hmm," Tracey hummed, her mind clearly at work. Yay, I think that worked! C'mon, Trace… Please agree! "I wouldn't mind that to be honest…"

"Wow," Daphne blinked at Tracey, her mouth hanging open.

"The boys are all cute," Tracey shrugged. "Blaise is extremely handsome, Ron is just lovable, and Theo is…" she trailed off.

"Striking when he's not smirking or sneering?" Pansy provided, and Tracey nodded a bit too quickly. I know which boy she's going to kiss first. "So you agree with me? Why shouldn't we show the boys that we love them? It'll definitely help them open up a bit more, and our group would become even closer as a result. It's just a peck, nothing scandalous."

"Pansy, where is this coming from?" Daphne asked her.

"It's just an idea," Pansy lied, she really didn't want to speak her mind on this. For one, she was increasingly feeling the need for more physical contact, and her friends were all so intimate already. Secondly, Pansy knew that her time at Hogwarts would be the only time that she got to experiment with these sorts of things. Once she graduated, she'd be forced into a loveless marriage by her parents, just as they had been themselves. Pansy would be forced to have Pure-Blood children, and her chance to live her own life would be over. I have five years, counting this one. Five years to just be me.

"Pansy?" Tracey called, and Pansy broke out of her thoughts. "Are you sure that you're alright? You just zoned out like Ron always does."

"I'm fine," Pansy chuckled as she waved a dismissive hand. "So? What do you think?"

"I don't think that the boys will agree to this," Tracey shrugged. "Personally, it doesn't really bother me much." Uh-huh. Whatever you say.

"Let's put a pin in this," Daphne said as she stood up. "Breakfast is about to be served, and I'm pretty hungry."

"Alright," Pansy hopped up, secretly glad that her scheme was gaining some traction. I wonder who I should kiss first. I haven't kissed anyone yet, so it has to be someone important. Oh, I know! Blaise! I've known him the longest, and he's the most handsome boy in the group. The three girls began making their way towards the common room, each of them preparing themselves for the day. Daphne was schooling her features in order to seem cold and indifferent, Tracey was dancing to her Walkman, and Pansy was humming a tune as she made sure that her hair was in place. However, as soon as they entered the common room, they were forced to stop their preparations.

"What's going on here?" Daphne asked, her eyes fixed on the massive crowd of Slytherins.

"Snape just came through," came Millie's voice, and all three of them looked to her. She had been waiting for them to catch up, and once again, she looked rather tense. What's wrong with her lately? "He and the Triumvirate are reworking the Slytherin Potions Lab…"

"Reworking?" Tracey asked, and Millie gave a nod without looking at her.

"They're turning it into a training room for the Dueling Club," Millie told them. "Extension Charms, dummies, sandpits, the whole works… It's apparently going to take all day, so no one is allowed in the common room today. We'll have to spend the day outside."

"That's awesome," Tracey beamed. "We don't have to go up to the Sanctuary anymore. We can just train down here."

"This is the worst thing that's ever happened," Pansy said, her heart sinking because of her sudden realization.

"Why?" the other girls asked her, and she gave them a sorrowful look.

"Ron's training regime won't be a private show anymore," Pansy told them, and they just stared at her. "What?"

"I'm confiscating your Witch Weekly magazines," Millie said, and Pansy blinked at her.

"Don't act all saintly with me," Pansy huffed at them. "I've seen you all eyeballing him as well."

"I've never done that," Millie frowned, while the other two just nodded to themselves.

"From now on, we'll have to fight just to watch him get all sweaty," Pansy told them. "Oh Merlin… He'll never remove his shirt now… I've just lost my chance at seeing his six-pack."

"Ron has a six-pack?" Tracey asked quickly, while Daphne's eyes blazed to life.

"He told me so himself," Pansy nodded. "Have you ever poked his stomach?"

"It's quite solid," Daphne replied, and Pansy nodded her agreement.

"It's over, girls…" Pansy shook her head. "They've killed our dreams…"

"I might vomit," Millie fake gagged at them. "Ron's a person, not a piece of meat."

"This is stupid!" Pansy stomped her foot. "Stupid Dueling Club… It's ruining everything for me."

"For us, you mean," Tracey said with a deadpan look.

"Yeah… Totally…" Pansy muttered, though she couldn't care less about them missing out.

---

Saturday 26th September, 1993 (The Courtyard – After Lunch)

"I hope Blaise is alright," Millie said as she relaxed on the freshly cut grass.

"It's just a stomach ache," Theo shrugged, he was sitting on a nearby bench alongside Tracey. "Though he's been gone for a while…"

"Maybe Professor Sprout isn't as good a Healer as Madam Pomfrey?" Tracey suggested. "He'll be fine, I'm sure."

"It's just odd that he keeps disappearing like this," Pansy pointed out, and everyone looked to her. "I mean, isn't this what Ron always does? Disappearing constantly? Now Blaise is doing it as well."

"This is his second 'disappearance'," Daphne said, she was reading a Chess magazine of all things. "Dinner last night, and now. It's hardly anything like what Ron does."

"But he's been more quiet lately as well," Pansy said. "I've barely heard him say a word today… Guys, I'm getting worried about him. This can't be about his mother. Blaise would never let her affect him like this, he's too proud for that. I think something else is getting to him." Not to mention that he looked a bit sad during Lunch. Like something bad was going to happen.

"Like what?" Millie asked.

"I don't know," Pansy replied. "He's not exactly the sort of person who talks about how he feels. Theo, why don't you talk to him?"

"And what exactly do I ask him?" Theo asked in response. "I don't know how you girls behave by yourselves, but we lads don't exactly have heart-to-hearts."

"Your friend could be in trouble, Theo," Daphne looked up from her magazine. "Don't you care?"

"Of course I care," Theo sighed, and then he slowly stood up. "I'll go to the Hospital Wing and find him… You bloody girls…" Theo then walked off, clearly annoyed that he had to put in an effort. Why do I get the feeling that Blaise won't be in the Hospital Wing?

"Maybe we should just ask Blaise himself?" Tracey suggested, and 'earphone' in her left ear.

"That'll never work," Pansy told her, she had known Blaise for most of her life. "At first, he'll just make up convincing lies. But once we call him out on it, he'll just shut down. When he doesn't want to talk, no one in the World can make him."

"Boys," Tracey and Daphne said at the same time, both of them rolling their eyes.

"We girls need to help them open up," Pansy said, an idea occurring to her. "It's why I suggested my idea from before…"

"Not this again," Millie grumbled.

"Look at Ron as an example," Pansy started quickly. "He used to be so uncomfortable around us, but after a couple of years of affection, he is extremely open about it. Tell me, how would Theo and Blaise react if we just cuddled them out of the blue?"

"They'd be irritated," Daphne replied.

"And Ron?" Pansy asked.

"He cuddles back…" Tracey replied slowly, and Pansy nodded in a sagely manner. It's working. Woohoo!

"I'm just saying that if we make an effort to be closer with each other, there'd be less barriers between us," Pansy told them. "Less secrets."

"You know…" Daphne started. "Ron did once tell me that the boys tend to… eye… each of us." Oh, I know. I noticed Theo staring at my legs yesterday for nearly five minutes. I should wear skirts more often.

"They do?" Millie asked, she looked more scared than happy.

"Millie?" Pansy called, and Millie blinked at her. "What's up with you lately?"

"What do you mean?" Millie asked in return.

"Well… You're really tense about something…" Pansy replied, and then she looked to Tracey and Daphne for support.

"We've noticed it as well," Tracey said as she pulled her earphone out. "Is something bothering you?"

"No," Millie replied curtly. "Nothing is bothering me. I just… I don't like this kind of talk, that's all."

"Do you not like the boys looking at you?" Pansy asked, and Millie shot her a glare. Oh Merlin, I think I said something wrong.

"Leave it," Millie growled, and Pansy nodded quickly.

"Sorry," Pansy mumbled, her eyes darting towards Tracey and Daphne. Tracey was giving Pansy a worried look, while Daphne was just staring at Millie.

"There's no need to growl, Millicent," Daphne said, her voice coming out as rather cold. Millie stared at Daphne for a few seconds, and then she looked down at the grass in front of her. "Pansy, stop hassling her for no reason."

"Alright," Pansy sighed out. I was just worried, yeesh. Millie's the one who would rather act like a beast than a Lady. They all sat around in silence for five minutes, each of them just waiting for Theo to get back. Pansy made sure that her nails were done up, Tracey listened to her Walkman, Daphne read her magazine, while Millie pulled out the grass in front of her with a sour look.

"He's not there," came Theo's voice suddenly, and they all turned to face him. "I searched the entire Wing, and he's not there. I even spoke to Professor Sprout, and she told me that he never even showed up."

"I knew it," Pansy said as she stood up, and the other girls followed her lead. "Something's not right with him, and this confirms it."

"What do we do about this then?" Millie asked, her sour mood forgotten.

"Split up and find him," Daphne replied.

---

Hermione Granger's POV

Saturday 26th September, 1993 (The Library – Late Afternoon)

"Neither of them have written to you?" Ginny asked again, and Hermione shook her head.

"No, and I've only sent about a dozen letters," Hermione sighed, this was so typical. They're my best friends, but Neville and Harry are each other's best friends.

"Those two…" Ginny shook her head, and then she began working on her essay again.

"It's alright," Hermione said, quickly making sure to hide her hurt. "Neville is in a lot of pain, and Harry's probably fixated on helping him. I'm just worried about them, that's all."

"You just wish that you could help too?" Ginny asked, and Hermione blinked at her. "It's alright to want to help them, Hermione. Don't feel guilty about wanting to a part of their lives."

"Thanks, Ginny," Hermione smiled weakly, it felt good to have another girl to talk to. The only good thing to happen since last Saturday was that Hermione and Ginny had been forced to spend a lot of time together, which in turn had given them a chance to really talk. Hermione found Ginny to be quite fierce and strong of mind, especially considering what the girl had gone through last year. As a matter of fact, all the Weasleys are quite amazing in their own ways.

"They'll owl you soon, I'm sure of it," Ginny smiled at her, and then she went back to her essay. "Ugh… I hate Herbology so much."

"You really should take advantage of this break though," Hermione pointed out, she herself was using it to read ahead on all her subjects.

"I know," Ginny sighed out. "Do you know any good reference books on Mandrakes?"

"I could just tell you what you need to know," Hermione said, she wanted to hear Ginny's answer to that. Harry and Neville would immediately ask for my help.

"It's probably best if I learn about this myself," Ginny groaned, and Hermione beamed at her. "What?"

"I'll get you the book I used," Hermione nodded in approval, while Ginny cocked an eyebrow at her. Hermione quickly made her way towards the Records Section, all the while musing on why she hadn't spent enough time with Ginny before. I've got four friends now. Wait… Four? Harry, Neville, Ginny… and Ron. She lost some of her steam at that, was Ron even her friend? She certainly hadn't been a very good friend lately, and neither had he.

Their estrangement had started after Zabini had told her about Ron being a part of Professor Snape's exclusive Potions Club, and it had all spiraled down from there. Even though she had planned to be more inclusive of Ron this year, they just kept drifting apart no matter what she tried. At first, he had started ignoring her out of the blue. Then he had gotten extremely aggressive and bossed her around, and now he was trying to be friendly again. Not to mention that she herself hadn't helped the situation because of her conflicted feelings about him.

On the one hand, he was her first friend. He was intelligent enough that she could genuinely respect him, and he was polite unlike most of the boys in her year. And then there was the fact that she had started fancying him back in first year, feelings that she still somewhat harbored. On the other hand, he was a complete mystery. He had a habit of being in places that he had no business being in, and he was incredibly secretive. Not to mention that he had a violent streak whenever he was 'wronged' in any way. She couldn't help but categorize him as an 'intelligent thug', something that really put her off.

But here she was again, trying to find a reason to be his friend again. Last year, after Ron had brutalized poor Harry, Hermione had been utterly disgusted by the red-haired boy. But slowly and surely, she had started finding reasons to be his friend again. That's when he had mentioned how betrayed he felt by the Trio's actions, and despite not wanting to feel guilty, she had given in. He had mentioned that he was 'left scarred for the rest of his life', and that had been more than enough to break her will. Eventually, they had all made up and moved on.

But this year, they were started to split up again. A part of Hermione blamed the school's Housing system, which ensured that people would be separated constantly. Hermione only spoke to Ron maybe once a week, and even those conversations were timed. Ron's horrible friends were always doing their best to keep Ron away from the Trio… From her… It was annoying at best, downright malicious at worst. Hermione had read that a person often learned to act like their friends in order to fit in better, and she was certain that Ron was behaving like a typical Slytherin lately simply to impress his House-mates. Whatever. I still have time to figure out how to act near him.

As Hermione pulled out the Herbology book, she heard loud shuffling from the aisle behind her. It sounded like someone was fighting, and so Hermione quickly went to investigate. Who would fight in a… Her thoughts stopped the moment she saw two fifth years kissing passionately, and upon seeing this bizarre sight, her entire body stilled. The girl, who was a Hufflepuff, was perked up against the shelf, while the boy, who was a Slytherin, was holding her up by her thighs. It was a grotesque sight in Hermione's opinion, they looked like their mouths were having a brawl. But a part of her could only stand there and stare. Hermione, you need to stop this. This is a Library… First years could walk in on these two.

"Ahem…" Hermione cleared her throat, and the two lovers shot apart instantly. "This… This is a Library…"

"Oh, well-spotted," the Hufflepuff frowned, she had figured that Pince had found them.

"You can't do… that… in a Library," Hermione said a little more firmly, and both the older students exchanged looks. The Slytherin boy then sneered at her, and she knew what was coming.

"Fuck off, 'five-seconds'," the boy spat out, and Hermione frowned at him. God, I resent that. But at least he didn't call me a 'Mud-Blood'.

"Fine then," Hermione said as she turned around. "I'll just get Madam Pince to sort you two out."

"We're leaving," the Hufflepuff sighed out. "Septimus, let's just go…" Hmph, that's what I thought. The boy grumbled something under his breath, but he left with his girlfriend nonetheless. Once they were out of sight, Hermione released a shaky breath. Those two were trying to have intercourse right in the middle of the Library. What's wrong with some people? First years shouldn't have to see something like that. Hermione then made her way back to Ginny, and once she handed the book to the grateful redhead, she dropped heavily into her seat.

"Um… Are you alright?" Ginny asked. "You look really flushed, Hermione." Hermione drew in a deep breath in an effort to slow down her excited heartbeat, while Ginny just stared at her. "What happened?"

"I just saw two older students going at it like animals in the middle of the Library," Hermione shook her head, while Ginny let out a snort. "It's not funny, Ginny. It was disgusting."

"Then why are you blushing?" Ginny asked, and Hermione flushed even more. "It happens all the time at Hogwarts, Hermione. Just ignore it like the rest of us."

"It's not proper behavior," Hermione argued. "They should keep their… affairs… behind closed doors. I wish that your brother Percy had been there to scold them." And give them detentions. When I become a prefect, I'm going to crack down on this sort of behavior.

"Ha, Percy," Ginny laughed, and Hermione blinked at her.

"What?" Hermione asked, but Ginny just kept chuckling to herself. "What's so funny?"

"Can I tell you a secret? You have to promise me that you won't tell a soul," Ginny said, her perfect face lighting up.

"Alright, I promise," Hermione nodded, and Ginny leaned forward.

"I went to see Percy a week ago, and as I entered his Head Boy Office, I caught him shagging his girlfriend into his desk," Ginny sniggered, whereas Hermione's jaw dropped open. Shagging? Who says that?! "They didn't notice me at the door, so I just quickly ran off."

"Good God, Ginny…" Hermione looked around in a panic. "I… I don't even know what to say…"

"It was pretty gross actually, I saw his arse," Ginny told her, and both girls made a disgusted face. "What I'm trying to say is that Percy really has no right to tell people off for getting frisky with each other."

"Of course he does, he's Head Boy," Hermione countered. "And he was clearly keeping his affairs behind a closed door."

"I guess he was," Ginny shrugged. "But still…"

"So he really doesn't know that you saw him?" Hermione asked. Wait, why am I gossiping about Percy's personal life? "No, never mind… I don't want to know…"

"No, he doesn't," Ginny told her nonetheless. "And yeah, I'd rather not think about that ever again. I had the urge to use Scourgify on my own eyes."

"What's wrong with this school?" Hermione shook her head. "The older students really need to calm down with their… urges…"

"Live a little, Hermione," Ginny chuckled, but Hermione really didn't think that this was funny. "Plus, what do you expect from teenagers? Mum told me that she and dad used to go on 'long walks' all the time. She was trying to be child-friendly, of course, but dad went as red as a beet. Never ask your parents about their dating life, that's a life lesson right there."

"Noted," Hermione grimaced.

"Hmmm," Ginny hummed, a sudden spark of mischievousness glinting in her eyes. "So… Hermione…"

"Yes, Ginny?" Hermione cocked an eyebrow.

"Do you like any boys?" Ginny asked, and Hermione blinked at her.

"Pardon?" Hermione asked, were they about to have a 'girl talk'? I've never had one before. God, what do I do? Just ask her what she just asked you. "Do you like any boys?"

"You have to answer my question first," Ginny chuckled, and Hermione mentally smacked herself. Of course, I'm a moron.

"I don't really… I think…" Hermione managed awkwardly. "What about you?" We all know who she likes.

"Which boy's taken your fancy?" Ginny asked her, completely ignoring Hermione's question.

"None really," Hermione shrugged lamely, while Ginny just smirked at her.

"Not even Ron?" Ginny asked, and Hermione's face burned with shame.

"Uh… Um… What about you and Harry?" Hermione blurted out, and Ginny lost her smirk.

"Yeah, I don't think that he likes me that way," Ginny said, and Hermione just nodded dumbly. "So everyone really knows that I have a thing for him?"

"It's not hard to miss," Hermione gave a weak smile. "Harry can be a little… thick, but I think he knows too."

"But still nothing, huh?" Ginny sighed out, she looked rather crestfallen all of a sudden.

"No, I guess not," Hermione responded, she really had no idea what to say to Ginny. Should I just tell her that he's not interested? He's told Neville and me that he doesn't like the way Ginny looks at him. No, Hermione. That would just hurt her feelings. C'mon, use that brain of yours. Figure out a way to help Ginny, whilst also helping Harry.

"Maybe he'll come around?" Hermione suggested. Why did I phrase that as a question?!

"Maybe," Ginny muttered. Alright, time for a new tactic.

"How about you try and find someone else?" Hermione suggested, and Ginny blinked at her. "You know… Go out with someone else until Harry gets wiser, or something…"

"Are you saying that I should move on?" Ginny asked slowly, and Hermione nodded.

"What's the point of pining after someone who doesn't fancy you back?" Hermione asked, and Ginny looked down at her essay. She's mulling it over. Good. They both did their work for five minutes, but in all honesty, Ginny was clearly plotting something. Hermione decided that until Ginny started talking, she herself would just stay quiet.

"We should both do it," Ginny suddenly broke the silence, and Hermione looked up from her book.

"Do what?" Hermione asked. Move on from Harry? Yeah, I can't really do that because I don't see him that way.

"Find someone new, obviously," Ginny said haughtily. "I know you like Ron, Hermione. It's pretty hard to miss."

"I don't…" Hermione mumbled, her eyes going back to her book. I think. I'm not too sure, to be honest.

"Yes, you do," Ginny rolled her eyes. "Though why you do is beyond me." Huh?

"What do you mean by that?" Hermione asked quickly.

"Ha, got you," Ginny grinned, and Hermione mentally smacked herself once again. "But seriously though, why do you like him? Is it for the same reasons as pretty much every girl in third year or lower?"

"What reasons are those?" Hermione asked, hoping to keep the conversation away from herself.

"You know what I mean," Ginny said. "Ron is 'so amazing at everything he does', or 'he's a Prodigy', or 'he's Merlin's second coming'… That rubbish." Wow, she's clearly not a fan of her own brother's fame.

"No one has ever claimed him to be Merlin reborn," Hermione pointed out, but Ginny simply shrugged. "And Ron is pretty amazing at a lot of things… And he is a Prodigy…" Even though I get the same grades as him.

"No, he's not," Ginny waved a dismissive hand, and Hermione blinked at her. "Trust me, I grew up with him. I used to get better marks than him in mum's tests, and I swear to Merlin, Ron used to be the slowest person around."

"I don't believe that," Hermione shook her head, but Ginny gave her a meaningful look.

"He started getting Percy to tutor him years before he came to Hogwarts," Ginny told Hermione, who just stared at the red-haired girl. "One day, out of the blue, he started studying constantly. I used to hate it because I wanted to play with him, but he was adamant about 'becoming stronger'. Those were his exact words, believe it or not."

"So one day, a switch just flipped in his brain?" Hermione asked. "And you said that Percy taught him everything?"

"Yeah," Ginny nodded, and Hermione was honestly jarred.

"He already knew everything that we were going to study?" Hermione asked slowly, and Ginny shrugged.

"Probably," Ginny replied. "What else would my brothers teach him?"

"Brothers?" Hermione asked.

"Percy and Charlie," Ginny replied. "Percy taught him schoolwork, I think. Whereas Charlie taught him Spells and stuff." He had years' worth of advantage over me? "Yeah, sorry to break it to you, but my brother is no 'Prodigy'. He's always been good at Chess, sure, but that's it. This whole character that he's built about himself, that's not Ronnie. It's just his way of feeding his ever-growing ego."

"Ego?" Hermione swallowed, this was starting to get to her. If Ginny's right about her brother, then Ron's a cheat.

"C'mon, Hermione," Ginny gave the confused girl a deadpan look. "The way he's bringing everyone together for this study group, whilst also taking all the first years under his wing… Colin told me all about how much the first years loved him last week. I think he loves the attention they all give him, and so he keeps bringing in more and more people."

"What about his Occlumency? Or the fact that he… that he beat me in five seconds?" Hermione asked quietly. "Or his use of Wandless Magic?"

"That… That is definitely odd," Ginny nodded. "I guess he is really powerful now, but it wasn't always like that. Ronnie was just… Ronnie. Not this would-be Slytherin king that he sees himself as now. Personally, I love the brother that I grew up with. But this version of him, the one who physically abuses people with no remorse, I just can't bring myself to like. I mean, remember what he did to Harry last year? It was disgusting."

"It was…" Hermione agreed.

"And how he used the Dark Arts against Harry this year?" Ginny pointed out, and Hermione nodded along. She makes a lot of good points… Points that I've deliberated upon myself. "So yeah… Honestly, what do you see in him? He's not like us, Hermione."

"I guess it's mostly because he's the first friend that I ever made," Hermione replied weakly. "He was kind to me, even when I was really horrible to him. And he saved my life from the Mountain Troll. He even helped us with…" she trailed off.

"With what?" Ginny asked.

"A Dragon," Hermione replied quickly, she couldn't discuss the Philosopher's stone with Ginny.

"Yeah, he did tell us about that," Ginny nodded. "I guess he was still Ronnie back in first year… But now he's almost unrecognizable to me."

"You miss him?" Hermione asked.

"I miss the brother that I grew up with," Ginny sighed out. "Anyway, we're talking about you here."

"I suppose I used to fancy him," Hermione said slowly. "But so much has happened in the last two years, and most of it has been bad. He's too secretive, and there's just too much about him that doesn't make any sense. And what he did to Harry… I'll never forget that. So I guess, I don't really fancy him now. I'm just… attracted… to him… I suppose…"

"Don't be embarrassed, Hermione," Ginny said quickly. "It's just us two girls here. No one will hear of this, I promise."

"Well, there's nothing more to say," Hermione breathed out, 'girl talk' was exhausting.

"So you agree with me? That we should both try and find someone new?" Ginny asked.

"We can just focus on our studies instead," Hermione suggested, and Ginny pulled a face.

"Boooriiing," Ginny drawled out, and Hermione let out a giggle. "C'mon, let's think of who's good to date."

"I don't know," Hermione said, her lips twitching up.

"Just do it," Ginny insisted, and Hermione gave a reluctant nod. Guess we'll show them, huh?

---

Pansy Parkinson's POV

Saturday 26th September, 1993 (The Great Hall – Dinner)

They never did manage to find Blaise, and now Pansy was beginning to panic. All thoughts of her girly schemes were long forgotten, and she couldn't think of them even if she tried to. She knew Blaise better than most, and so she knew that he'd never just disappear like this. Something was wrong with him, even if everyone else kept telling her otherwise. Theo was the only one that believed her, as he too understood Blaise's patterns.

Blaise was quiet, but never solitary. He wasn't as cold as he was observant, something which she had always noticed about him. Even as children, he barely ever took part in the bullying of Millie, and later, Tracey. He was content to simply exist within a group. Which is why his sudden disappearances was getting to her. Had he found another group? This group meant everything to Pansy, it was a constant source of support and laughs, something that she never got from her own Family. And Blaise, he was a key member of this group.

"Hello," came Ron's voice, and they all looked to him with relieved smiles. Finally! He'll figure this out! As soon as Ron sat down, he looked to his left. "Where's Blaise?"

"Missing," Pansy said immediately, and Ron looked to her with a confused look. "Ron, we can't find him anywhere. We've spent the whole day searching for him."

"Pansy, please calm down," Millie said gently, but how could she calm down? This group needs him!

"Mate, he ran off somewhere after Lunch," Theo told Ron, who suddenly looked towards Crabbe and Goyle. Why is he looking over there? Pansy followed Ron's gaze to the two thugs, and she noticed that Malfoy was missing.

"That's twice now…" Ron muttered under his breath, and then his eyes darted towards the entrance. "He's right there, you guys…" Blaise? Pansy's head turned in the dark-skinned boy's direction, and much to her relief, she saw him walking towards them.

"Where has he been?" Tracey frowned deeply.

"We're about to find out," Daphne sighed out, she too had begun to worry.

"Sorry about my disappearance today," Blaise said coldly as he took his seat, while everyone just glared at him. "I ended up going home to see my mother… Wedding details needed to be worked out…"

"What?" Daphne blinked.

"Wedding details?" Tracey asked.

"You went home?" Millie gave him a deadpan look.

"You're a bitch, Blaise," Theo frowned, and Blaise frowned back. "You couldn't have told us before you left? We spent the whole day looking for you. What a waste of a Saturday…"

"You really went back home?" Pansy asked with a worried tone, and he gave her a curt nod.

"Okay… That's okay…" Pansy breathed out, her nerves were beginning to unwind. The group is safe. She knew that she was being selfish in her desire to keep this group in one piece, even if it meant that no one was allowed to make friends elsewhere, but she had learned the hard way what it meant to be 'group-less'. The first half of first year had been so horrible for her that she never wanted to feel that way again.

"So… How was your day?" Blaise asked Ron, his eyes slowly leaving Pansy's relaxed form.

"Odd," Ron replied. "Lord Greengrass gave me a set of problems to complete, and then he and Mary simply left the Manor… Oh, and I found out that Madam Roberts can't train me tomorrow. She's too busy with the St. Mungo's investigation."

"They left you alone?" Daphne asked, that was certainly odd of them.

"Yeah," Ron nodded with a bored look. "They were in a hurry, that much I'm certain of. Anyway, I spent the entire day in your room. I found your diary."

"I don't have a diary," Daphne smirked at him, and Ron frowned deeply.

"Dammit," Ron cussed, looking extremely irritated all of a sudden.

"You'll have to do better than that, Ronnikins," Daphne cooed, and everyone began sniggering. Ha, Ronnikins. That's adorable. I wonder what he looked like as a baby.

"By the way, you two," Theo started, his eyes fixed on Ron and Blaise. "They've turned the Slytherin Potions Lab into a training ground for us."

"Really?" Blaise asked, and Theo nodded.

"Isn't that great?" Theo smirked. "We don't have to go to the Sanctuary anymore when we want to train. Just a few steps from our couches, and we can start throwing Hexes."

"That is pretty awesome," Ron smiled, and Pansy felt true horror creep up her spine. NO! My six-pack abs!

"You know, the other Slytherins will be watching you train," Pansy started, and everyone looked to her. "You're in Rank A, right? Are you really alright with people learning about which Spells you know? It could, potentially, cause you problems down the line." Ron slowly looked to his empty plate, and then he rubbed his chin with his gloved hand. C'mon, take the bait. Don't force me to stand in line whenever I want to admire your big bottom!

"You're right…" Ron said slowly, and Pansy barely held back her grin. She felt Tracey's knee bump against hers excitedly, while Daphne shot her a quick, approving nod. "I bet this is just a ploy to find out what people are capable of… Good thinking, Pans. You're really something brilliant, you know that right?"

"I know," Pansy shrugged casually, though her cheeks flushed because of his loving smile. They all missed Blaise shooting a look towards Malfoy, who had just entered the Great Hall. But Pansy didn't miss that Blaise had suddenly shut down again. While the rest of the group began talking about trivial things, Pansy shot a look around to see what had upset Blaise. When she saw Malfoy taking his seat, something clicked in the back of her mind. It can't be… Blaise would never…

---

Sunday 27th September, 1993 (The Common Room – After Breakfast)

"I'm heading off," Blaise said, who was once again heading back to his mother's house. Pansy simply watched him leave, her expression completely blank. She had spent all night thinking about Blaise 'going back to his mother's house', and if there was one thing that she knew about Blaise, it was that he hated being near his mother. And yet, he's helping her plan her wedding? Pansy looked to Theo, who too was just eyeing Blaise suspiciously. Say what you will about him, but Theo is the sharpest person in this group.

"I have to go to the Hospital Wing," Pansy whispered to Daphne, who just blinked at her. "My period is late…" Had it last week, but she'll definitely buy this.

"Oh, go on then," Daphne whispered back. "I'll make up an excuse for you, I promise."

"Thanks, Daph," Pansy smiled, and then she quickly left the common room. Alright, time to find out what Blaise is really up to. Pansy cast the Disillusionment Charm on herself, a Spell that both her parents didn't believe that she could even cast. Mother actually called me 'delusional' when I told her. What a bitch. Once she was relatively 'invisible', she walked quickly towards Snape's Office.

As she turned a corner, she spotted Blaise walking up the steps which would lead up to the Moving Staircases. Snape's Office is further down in the Dungeons. Blaise is… An uneasy feeling began to settle into her chest, and so she quickly followed after him. She made sure to stay an entire Staircase behind him, mostly because she wasn't very confident in her Disillusionment Charm. Or any Charm, really. Where is he going? He just walked right past the Entrance Hall.

Pansy followed Blaise up into the first floor corridor, and much to her shock, he started making his way towards the abandoned North Wing. Okay, this is starting to worry me. Pansy's gut twisted from sheer anxiety as Blaise kept traveling towards the abandoned part of Hogwarts, and she couldn't help but wonder what his intentions were. Did he have a secret lover? Was he friends with someone that he shouldn't be friends with? Granger? Malfoy? Her gut twisted even more at the thought of the Malfoy Heir. No, he would never do that to Ron. And then, Blaise traveled down some stairs and into an empty Courtyard.

"About time," came Malfoy's voice, and Pansy stopped dead in her tracks. "What took you so long, Blaise?" No… No, this can't be happening. Her Disillusionment Charm broke just as her heart did, but luckily for her, she was still halfway down the stairs.

"Don't call me by my first name," Blaise said coldly. "Just sit there with your book, and let's ignore each other."

"We need to talk," Malfoy said, while Pansy felt her eyes sting. He really did it. He went back to Malfoy. She knew that Blaise felt bad for Malfoy, just as she did, but this was too much. They had promised Ron that they'd keep away from Malfoy. They had promised the group!

"Talk about what?" Blaise asked harshly.

"Have you told them yet?" Malfoy asked, and Pansy broke out of her thoughts. Told us what?

"No, but I'll do it soon," Blaise sighed out. He's leaving the group? Her entire body tensed at the thought of that. "Just give me some fucking time, alright?" They don't even sound like friends. What is happening?!

"Alright, but just… Just hurry up, will you?" Malfoy asked tiredly. "Flint is going to start looking for me again, and when he does, I need someone there to watch my back. And not just during the day." He needs someone to watch his back? Why would Blaise agree to do this? Pansy drew in a deep breath at that, something was definitely wrong here. She needed to figure out what was happening before she made any decisions, she needed to use her brain over her emotions right now.

"You're insane if you think that the two of us alone can stop Flint and his gang," Blaise pointed out, and Pansy couldn't help but agree.

"All I know is that I can't do this alone, and you owe me," Malfoy said, while Pansy's ears perked up. "Look, I know that I'm ruining a lot of good things for you… but-"

"Just shut up," Blaise spat out. "I don't care about your 'changed nature'… As far as I'm concerned, you're still the same piece of shite that you were two years ago. I don't care that you feel guilty about doing this to me, nor do I care about how miserable Flint's made you. Just shut up."

"Fine," Malfoy snapped, and then there was silence. Pansy's mind, on the other hand, was anything but silent. Malfoy said that Blaise 'owed him'? What does he owe… That's when it hit her. Blaise owed Malfoy a debt back from when they were kids. She knew the story, of course… They all did. Blaise had been abandoned by his mother in the middle of Diagon Alley, and if it hadn't been for Malfoy taking him in, the little dark-skinned boy would've probably had to spend the night all by himself.

This one thing was the reason why Blaise had always stood by Malfoy's side, even when Malfoy had started becoming his father's mouthpiece. When Malfoy had begun to turn the group into a toxic environment, Blaise hadn't lifted a finger to stop it. Theo had hated Muggles with a passion back then, and so he too did nothing. As for Pansy, she had parroted her crush's behavior in the hopes of getting his attention. She had been the worst of the lot. Not this time… Not with my new group of friends! Pansy stormed down the stairs and entered the Courtyard, her wand already brandished.

"Pansy?" Malfoy squeaked, but he immediately shut his mouth when she aimed her wand at him.

"You degenerate!" Pansy shrieked, her emotions taking over her rationale.

"Pansy, put the wand down," Blaise said as he aimed his own wand at her, but she refused to take her eyes off of Malfoy.

"You promised him that you'd never hold this over his head!" Pansy went on, while Malfoy just raised his hands in surrender. "You did one good thing in your whole life! And now you're using that to strong-arm Blaise!"

"Pansy, just hear me-" Malfoy started, but Pansy's glare shut him up.

"I'll blow your face off if you come near my friends again!" Pansy yelled, her voice cracking horribly. "Stay away from Blaise!" With that, she stormed over to Blaise and took him by the wrist. Pansy then used all of her strength to drag Blaise out of the Courtyard, but he was clearly letting her.

"Pansy, just stop," Blaise started, but she ignored him.

"You don't owe him a thing," Pansy snapped as they walked up the stairs. "Not a single thing! We're going straight to Ron with this, do you understand?" Blaise stopped at that, and Pansy's own body jerked to a halt. "Blaise? Don't stop… Let's just… Let's just go to Ron…"

"I can't do that yet," Blaise told her, and Pansy turned around with a furious look. But her anger died immediately when she saw how defeated he looked. "I do owe him, and if I don't honor my debt, I'll shame myself… You know this… Just go back to the common room. I'll talk to you all tonight."

"Like hell," Pansy said quickly, some of her anger returning. "I'm not going anywhere until you come to your senses. I don't care about your debt, you can't leave the group for him! He's poison, Blaise! And he's clearly trying to drag you down with him!"

"That's not my intent," came Malfoy's voice, and Pansy glared at the pale boy, who had just come up the stairs. "And I'm sorry that you think so lowly of me, Pansy."

"Don't use my first name," Pansy hissed, but Malfoy just stared right through her.

"Blaise?" Malfoy said, his eyes traveling towards his childhood friend.

"Pansy, please go back to the common room," Blaise said rather gently, but she shook her head stubbornly.

"No," Pansy stomped her foot, she'd be damned if she let Malfoy get his way. "He's manipulating you into betraying your friends, Blaise. Can't you see that? He had his chance to come into the fold, but he-"

"The fold?" Malfoy sneered. "What? You want me to be embraced by the Weasel, is that it?"

"Don't you dare call him that?!" Pansy screamed, her wand aimed at his face again.

"Pansy, just put the wand down," Blaise said as he moved in-between them. "I'm not betraying anyone, alright? I'll talk to the group and tell them of what's happened. And then… Then I'll leave…"

"No, you won't," Pansy hissed. "I'm not going to let you! Ron would never let you!"

"Weasley doesn't own him," Malfoy said coldly.

"And neither do you," Pansy countered. "You really are the most pathetic piece of shite that I've ever met, you know that right?" Malfoy genuinely flinched because of her words, never had he imagined Pansy Parkinson speaking to him like this. "You're ruining Blaise's standing in the House, his friendships, his entire schooling life… And for what? So that you don't get what you deserve?"

"Yes," Malfoy replied, and Pansy blinked at his confession. "I'm done being humiliated by Flint's gang of scoundrels… And if I have to play a little dirty in order to win, then that's what I'll do."

"Malfoy, go back to the Courtyard," Blaise frowned at him, and after giving her a cold glare, Malfoy did as he was told. "Pansy, you need to calm down."

"Stop telling me to calm down," Pansy snapped, and then she shoved him, which only served to hurt her delicate hands. "Ow!"

"Are you done?" Blaise cocked his eyebrow, and Pansy had half a mind to Hex him. "You followed me here, didn't you?"

"Obviously," Pansy replied bitterly. "What? You think that I like to stroll around in the abandoned parts of the school? Of course I followed you. I figured out that your entire story was a lie. Your mother's house, Blaise? Really?"

"Yeah, not my best…" Blaise sighed, his right hand rubbing his forehead. Pansy quickly reached forward and took his left hand.

"Come back with me," Pansy urged. "We'll tell the group about what Malfoy is trying to do to you, and they'll sort him out. You don't have to become an outcast for someone like him."

"It's more complicated than that," Blaise squeezed her hand, something that confused Pansy for a moment. "They've been hurting him, Pans. Really hurting him. And now Flint's girlfriend, who's apparently a skilled Healer, has joined in. They don't have to hold back on him now."

"Why is that your problem?" Pansy asked. "And don't say that you owe him."

"I do owe him," Blaise told her. "You think that he'll just let it go if I don't help him now. He'll tell my mother, who is obsessed with her self-image. I can either help him, or be forced into helping him. Not to mention that I do feel bad for him… I know that I'm not supposed to, not after all the shite that he's pulled over the last two years… But I still do. And I know that you do too."

"I do, but I'm not willing to destroy the group for his sake," Pansy argued.

"The group will be fine without me," Blaise sighed, and Pansy felt her blood boil. "Ron will-"

"He'll be devastated," Pansy cut in. "And then, he'll get angry. Do you really want that, Blaise? Do you really want Ron to drag you back into the group?" I'll make sure that he does. Blaise swallowed thickly at that, he really didn't want Ron feeling 'betrayed' by his actions. "We'll figure something out, alright? Just come back with me."

"You sound like Malfoy now," Blaise chuckled mirthlessly. "What's there to figure out? Either way, I'm completely buggered. If I don't help Malfoy, I'll shame myself and my psychotic mother."

"She's the reason why you owe him in the first place," Pansy hissed out.

"You really think that she'll see that?" Blaise asked, and Pansy deflated a bit. "I either help him, or I turn into some… failure… that can't even repay his own debts."

"And if you do help him, you'll be an outcast like him," Pansy pointed out, but Blaise just shrugged weakly.

"I'm buggered, Pans," Blaise said in a resigned voice. "The Triumvirate will turn their backs on me, just as they did to him. Flint will start coming after us both, he'll never give up his control over the Malfoy Heir. From what Malfoy's told me, that Troll enjoys his newfound sense of power too much. But none of that even compares to what Ron might do when he finds out. Malfoy has no idea what's coming for him, but I do… And I'll have to stand by his side when it comes."

"We won't think of you as some failure, Blaise," Pansy said quickly. "You're doing this to yourself! Why can't you see that?!"

"I owe him," Blaise repeated, and Pansy grit her teeth. "I repay my debts." Stubborn idiot!

"He's using your pride against you," Pansy bit out. "He's trying to drag you down with him. He's a miserable, angry little brat… And he doesn't want you to be happy when he's not. So what does he do? He uses the one good thing that he's ever done in his life against you. Why doesn't he just owl his parents, huh? Why doesn't he tell the teachers about this? Why does he have to involve you?"

"His own Godfather knows about his current situation, and he's doing nothing about it," Blaise replied, and Pansy blinked at him. That's got to be a lie. "The Triumvirate really don't care about him. As for his parents… They don't know about this. He hasn't told them, and he doesn't plan to either. But none of that even matters because he's called in his chit. Pansy, just go already…"

"No," Pansy shook her head, and Blaise frowned at her. "You're not leaving the group."

"You're being unreasonable," Blaise said, and Pansy scoffed at him.

"I'm being unreasonable, he says," Pansy frowned back. "I'm not leaving you here with him. You two don't stand a chance against Flint's group, and once the Triumvirate learn that you've thrown your lot in with Malfoy, they'll come after you as well. Not to mention that you're giving Malfoy a leg to stand on. You and I both know what he's really like, Blaise. He'll turn even the slightest advantage into a problem for our friends. And I won't just let you help him." Merlin, how am I still going at it? Usually, I'd have tucked tail and run by now.

"Then you do what you have to, Pansy," Blaise said coldly, and then he turned around and left.

"I fucking will then!" Pansy yelled, and then she stormed off towards the common room.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Sunday 27th September, 1993 (Slytherin Training Area – After Breakfast)

The new Slytherin Training Area was quite impressive, and judging by the amount of people using it, Ron knew that this was a smart call. The Triumvirate clearly wanted to secure as many House Points as possible from the Dueling Club, and considering that Snape was incredibly competitive, this was all destined to be. Ron could even see his first years throwing Jinxes at each other, all of them laughing and bonding.

Ron wanted to join them, of course, but there was something that he wanted even more. He had decided that he needed to just grow a pair already, and finally ask Daphne out. He had been putting it off constantly out of some imagined fear of rejection, but judging by how great everything was going with her, she'd definitely say yes. Not to mention that Mary had been a little saddened by Ron's choice to wait, even if she understood his reasons. Lord Greengrass, on the other hand, was clearly occupied with other matters.

Ron had noticed that his Mentor was on edge yesterday, and Ron figured that it had something to do with the man's changed Dark Mark. Lord Greengrass was a smart man, which meant that if anything seemed off to him, he'd start plotting safety measures. Ron had no doubt that his Mentor had run off during their session in order to secure some sort of safety protocol for his Family. That, or he was warning the Davis Family. Either way, Ron just hoped that Dumbledore got his arse into gear sooner rather than later.

"Boo!" Daphne said from behind him, and he turned around with a wide smile.

"Halloween isn't for another month," Ron told her.

"Then why are you wearing such a scary costume?" Daphne smirked, and Ron let out a chuckle.

"Shite, that's a good comeback," Ron admitted. "I've got nothing to say to that."

"What are you doing in here?" Daphne asked as she looked towards Tori. "She shouldn't be running around like that…"

"Daph, let her have some fun," Ron said gently. "It's been a really sad week for everyone. This new Training Area is the perfect way to just let loose for a change."

"Fine," Daphne sighed. "But if she embarrasses herself, I'll tell father that it was your idea to let her run around like this." Speaking of Lord Greengrass…

"Daphne, let's go to my room," Ron suggested, and Daphne smirked at him.

"I'll only go there if you plan to make it worth my while," Daphne cooed.

"And what would make it worth your while?" Ron asked her, he did enjoy their games. No, stop procrastinating. You destroyed a piece of the Dark Lord's Soul not three days ago! You can do this!

"I want kisses and cuddles," Daphne demanded, and Ron gave her a nod.

"Then let's go, my Lady," Ron offered her his arm, which she took excitedly. They made their way out of the Training Area, and then they quickly went towards his room.

"Let's hope none of our friends saw us," Daphne hummed, her smile getting wider as they got closer to his room. I don't think that it'll matter much soon.

"In you go," Ron said as he opened the door for her, and once she was inside, he entered the room and locked the door. Daphne quickly walked over and jumped onto his bed, something that made Ron snort. "That wasn't very ladylike."

"Neither is what I'm going to do to you," Daphne smiled seductively, and Ron immediately felt excited. "Now bring that firm bum of yours here, I wish to cop a feel!"

"Merlin, you're so weird," Ron laughed as he made his way to his trunk. "I wonder how our friends would react if they knew that you sometimes act this way."

"They'd never believe you, Ron," Daphne giggled. "No one would ever believe you. But if you ever do bring it up, I'll haunt your bum forever."

"Good lord," Ron mumbled, and then he pulled out the letter that he received from Gornuk this morning. As he was stashing it into his trunk, Daphne crawled up and peered over his trunk's cover. "It was from my Logistics Officer. The advertisement firm is going to spend the first month of the campaign commemorating the dead from the St. Mungo's fire."

"Oh, that's nice," Daphne smiled genuinely.

"Yeah, but Gornuk made it sound like a devious plot to win more people over," Ron shook his head, and then he closed the trunk. "Now… Where were we?"

"I wished to cop a feel," Daphne replied, and Ron nodded as he jumped onto his bed. As Ron was closing the curtains around his four poster bed, Daphne grabbed both of his arse cheeks with her hands.

"Ease up there," Ron chuckled, but Daphne just gave his arse a firm squeeze. That feels weird.

"It's amazing," Daphne said in awe, and Ron couldn't help but feel proud of himself. An odd thing to be proud of, but a compliment is a compliment. "I don't know why, but squeezing your arse feels nice. This is so scandalous!" Daphne's rebellious streak, of course.

"You know that I get to 'cop a feel' too, right?" Ron asked.

"Seems fair to me," Daphne replied casually, and Ron's heart skipped a beat.

"Really?!" Ron turned around excitedly, and Daphne nodded with a pleased smile.

"I'm wearing jeans, so I don't mind if you want to try it," Daphne told him, and Ron felt his head spin. No, wait! You have another job to do.

"Actually… Let's hold off on that," Ron said suddenly, and Daphne looked a bit taken aback.

"You… You don't want to?" Daphne asked, and Ron quickly nodded.

"I do, but I need to talk to you about something first," Ron said, and then he sat down with back to his pillow. Daphne moved up the bed in order to sit right in front of him, and Ron quickly took her hands into his.

"Is everything alright?" Daphne asked. Be confident, old boy. Be nothing but confident.

"Yeah, it is," Ron smiled at her. C'mon, Ron. Just do it! "So I've spoken to your parents about something, and they've given me their blessings." Daphne just stared at him at first, but then her eyes began to widen. "Daphne, do you want to be my girlfriend?" I did it… Sweet Merlin, that was so nerve-wracking.

"As in openly dating?" Daphne whispered, her lips curling up into a wide smile. Yes! She's in!

"As in openly dating," Ron nodded, and Daphne let out a deafening squeal.

"YES! Yes, yes ,yes!" Daphne bounced in her spot, her hands nearly crushing Ron's. All Ron could do was stare at her completely out of character reaction, his own face splitting into a smile. "Finally! What's the date today?! I need to mark it down!" Huh? "Oh, and we can have our first date in Hogsmeade! And we can share a seat in public too! YAY!" Is all of her crazy just spilling out of her? "How did you convince my parents, Ron?!"

"I just told them that I really liked you, and that I wanted to be closer to you," Ron replied slowly, his hands were starting to hurt. "Daph… Ease on the death-grip, please…"

"Sorry!" Daphne laughed, and then she hopped forward and hung off of his neck. "We're dating now!" Merlin, how long has she been waiting for this? "Aren't you excited?!"

"I am," Ron chuckled, and then he put his arms around her back. "I'm just a little surprised by… Never mind… I'm really happy, Daphne." Don't put your foot in your mouth now, Ron.

"Me too!" Daphne squeezed his neck, and Ron held back his pained squeak. My neck. Ow. "I really didn't see this coming! What changed your mind?! And why did you say anything?!"

"I guess you changed my mind," Ron replied slowly, he wanted to get this right. "I just really love spending time with you, Daph. As for not saying anything, I wanted to surprise you. Be spontaneous, you know." Let's not tell her that I held back for far too long. "I'm just really glad that you said yes."

"Of course I said yes," Daphne laughed, and then she pushed her body forward. Ron tried to stay balanced, but Daphne tied her arms around his back and pushed harder, which made him topple onto his back with Daphne's body landing in-between his legs. Did she just wrestle me onto my back? He could feel her arms being crushed under his back, and so he quickly shifted upwards a bit in order to let her pull her arms out, which she did only to push his body back down.

"Daph…" Ron managed, but the smile on her face was all too familiar to him. She was excited, and not in the mood to 'hold back' on him. Ron wanted to say something, but his throat had closed up. Was she planning to reward him? Merlin, he really fucking hoped so.

"Since we're officially dating now, I reckon we should celebrate with a proper kiss," Daphne whispered, her voice shaking a little.

"A… A proper kiss?" Ron swallowed, while Daphne moved up and straddled herself onto his stomach. Daphne then leaned her head down, her face hovering over his.

"You don't remember?" Daphne asked. "I told you that I wanted my first proper kiss to go to my boyfriend, and since you're my boyfriend now, I get to kiss you like this." Daphne then planted her lips onto his, and after a few light pecks, Ron felt her tongue push against his lips. "Ron, open your mouth…" Ron did as he was told absentmindedly, his heart was beginning to smash against his ribs. And then he felt her wet tongue enter his mouth, and his brain turned off.

It tasted like the raspberry jam that she had for breakfast, and Ron wondered what his tongue tasted like to her. She clearly liked it because she was determined to rub her tongue against his, while her lips were pushing further and further into his own. Some inborn sense of purpose warmed his entire body, and he began to push his tongue against her. She pulled hers back for a moment, but then recommenced her efforts.

He hadn't expected snogging to feel so wet, and so damn good. The more they did it, the more they lost control of themselves. Ron didn't even realize that his arms were wrapped around her back, while she didn't realize that his breathing was becoming labored. She had been waiting for this moment for the longest time, and now all of her efforts had finally paid off. So she no longer had any intention of holding back on him, and judging by his enthusiasm, he felt the same way.

"Daph… I need… a second…" Ron panted as he turned his head to the side, and she pulled her head back as if she herself was dazed. He could feel an abundance of saliva covering his mouth, and the fact that it wasn't just his own made his legs tremble a bit.

"Are you alright?" Daphne whispered, and Ron looked back at her. She looked slightly worried, but her cheeks were completely flushed and her eyes were glazed over. "I can feel your heartbeat…"

"And I can feel yours," Ron breathed out, and Daphne smiled a little. "That was… That was amazing, right?"

"It really was," Daphne licked her lips, and then she started snogging him again. Ron pulled her body down onto his even more, while she moved her tongue around in his mouth with a mixture of curiosity and passion. Neither of them had felt this way before, which only added fuel to their fire. Daphne suddenly moaned into his mouth, and then she pulled her head back.

"Why'd you stop?" Ron panted, and Daphne looked behind herself.

"Your… It's touching my…" Daphne started, but she stopped when Ron's eyes widened. Daphne quickly shifted forward, she hadn't even realized that she had slid back closer to his crotch.

"I'm sorry about that," Ron whispered, but she just shook her head.

"It's okay, let's keep going please," Daphne breathed against his lips, and then she moved his hands and placed them against her thighs. "Just keep me in place, alright?"

"Alright," Ron nodded quickly, and then he leaned up and recaptured her lips. This time, Ron pushed his tongue into her mouth, which she allowed immediately. He could definitely taste how sweet her mouth was in comparison to her tongue, and after a bit of exploring, he found that it was easiest to keep his tongue near hers. Daphne had rather sharp canines, which was an odd thing to know about someone. And then there was the warmth of her mouth, something which Ron hadn't expected at all. He could feel their breaths mingling, and her scent was dulling out his senses. I could keep doing this forever.

---

Fifteen (Amazing) Minutes Later

Ron washed his face in the bathroom sink, and then he moved aside so that Daphne could do the same. As Ron dried his face on his towel, Daphne made sure to fix herself into a presentable state. They then looked to each other, and they both smiled like idiots. Daphne then moved past him and began drying her own face, while Ron fixed his collar and patted down his hair.

"We're never kissing normally again, deal?" Daphne asked, and Ron nodded as he laughed. They had snogged for over ten minutes straight, and had only stopped because neither of them wanted to take things too far. Well, that's what she said anyway. I only stopped because she wanted to.

"So, girlfriend," Ron smiled at her, and she broke into a fit of giggles as she hugged his lower back.

"Yes, boyfriend?" Daphne laughed into his chest, something that greatly pleased Ron. She's so happy about this. It makes me feel wonderful.

"How do we tell our friends about this?" Ron asked.

"Let's just start snogging in front of them," Daphne replied, and Ron had trouble keeping his laughter at bay. "Can you imagine their reactions? I bet they'd pass out."

"C'mon, be serious," Ron kissed the top of her head, his bigger body swaying side-to-side with hers. "Do you want to tell them?"

"I really do," Daphne said, but then she looked up into his eyes. "But you want to tell them too, right?"

"I mean, I want to tell Theo and Blaise," Ron admitted, and Daphne gave him a firm nod.

"Then you can tell the boys, and I'll tell the girls," Daphne negotiated.

"Alright then," Ron smiled down at her. "I'm still so glad that you said yes."

"Why wouldn't I? I haven't exactly been subtle about my affection for you," Daphne planted her head back onto his chest. "I don't just kiss every boy, you know."

"I know," Ron rested his head on top of hers. "It's just that I convinced myself that you might reject me. Isn't that silly?"

"You're allowed to feel… cautious," Daphne hummed.

"Cautious? You mean insecure, don't you?" Ron asked.

"I was trying to be tactful, Ron," Daphne replied, and Ron let out a chuckle.

"Well, thanks," Ron said. "Daphne…"

"Yes, Ron?" Daphne hummed.

"Thank you," Ron said, and then he squeezed her against himself. "By the way, you're telling your parents about us."

"What?" Daphne pulled her head back.

"No way in hell am I telling your father," Ron replied, and Daphne gaped at him. "The man threatened to fucking drown me in the River Thames. I can't face him again…"

"Okay, first things first…" Daphne started. "If he threatens you again, I'll send him a very angry letter. Maybe even a Howler." Really? That's it? "Secondly, I'm not telling them alone. It's against Pure-Blood traditions, Ron. We both have to present ourselves to my parents, and your parents too."

"Oh, Merlin," Ron sighed out. "Mum and dad are going to embarrass the piss out of me."

"You think my mother will be any different?" Daphne asked. "As for my Lord Father… Gods, he'll ask us how far we've gone." Oh shite.

"Yeah… That…" Ron muttered, his eyes darting around the bathroom.

"Ron?" Daphne blinked at him, and then her jaw dropped open. "No… You didn't…"

"I told him that we kissed only a couple of times before," Ron told her, and her head dropped forward into his chest. "I had no choice, Daph… He was so quiet, and then he was eyeballing my very soul. I couldn't lie to him, not when his blessing was at stake."

"My father thinks that I'm a harlot…" Daphne muttered to herself, and her defeated tone scared Ron. "I seduced his Apprentice… That's what he must think…"

"Well, you did kiss me first," Ron pointed out, and Daphne looked up with a glare. "I'll just stay quiet…"

"We'll need to plan-" A sudden knock at the door cut her off, and they both jumped apart on instinct.

"Wait… Why did we do that?" Ron asked, while Daphne simply shook her head.

"Habit," Daphne smiled weakly, and Ron smiled back.

"Ron! We have a damn problem!" came Theo's voice, and Ron quickly ran out towards the door. As soon as he opened it, he came face to face with his friends. "What were you two up to?"

"Actually, we-" Ron started, but he stopped when he saw Pansy in tears. "Pans? Why are you crying?" Something twisted in his gut, and Ron glared at Theo. "What happened?!"

"Don't take it out on me, it's all Blaise's fault," Theo replied, and then he helped Pansy inside. "Here, sit on my bed."

"Tha… Thanks… Theo…" Pansy hiccupped, while the other three girls quickly sat down beside her. Daphne shot Ron a panicked looked, while he planned to murder whoever had upset Pansy so greatly. Wait… Theo said that it was Blaise's fault.

"Theo, what did Blaise do?" Ron asked. "Isn't he at his mother's?"

"Nope," Theo frowned deeply. "He's been in Hogwarts this entire time."

"What?" Daphne asked, her left hand holding Pansy's.

"Pansy mentioned that Malfoy is forcing Blaise to be his friend," Tracey told them, her face tightening from anger.

"Blaise owes… owes Malfoy a… debt…" Pansy sobbed out, and Ron blinked at her.

"He used that against Blaise?" Daphne asked, and then she spat out a curse in French.

"Tell him… Theo…" Pansy sniffled, and Theo nodded quickly.

"Malfoy helped-"

"Blaise when they were younger, I know," Ron interrupted, and Theo nodded slowly. "He's calling his chit in and forcing Blaise to back him up against Flint's gang."

"Shite, he's pretty quick," Theo nodded in approval.

"That little…" Ron started, but then he stopped. Something clicked in his mind, something that could fix a lot of his problems. I don't have to be the one who brings Malfoy into the group, I can just use Blaise's situation to my advantage. And then, I can just play the part of a helping friend instead of a moral philanthropist. I can just use Malfoy's selfishness to save him, and in doing so, keep my promise to Snape.

"Ron?" the girls called.

"What are you thinking about?" Tracey asked him.

"What's there to think about?" Millie asked as she stood up, her face red with rage. "We go up there and we get our friend back right now! And if Malfoy tries anything, I'll make him wish for Flint's beatings."

"Blaise won't… listen…" Pansy hiccupped, and Daphne hushed her as she pulled up her hand and kissed it.

"Save your voice, Pans," Daphne whispered, and Pansy quickly clung to her side. Daphne then looked to Ron, her eyes meeting his. "Bring him here."

"Theo, Mills… You're coming with me," Ron ordered. "Where is he?"

"Abandoned Wing… Courtyard…" Pansy sniffled.

---

Five Minutes Later

He had to play this right. There could be no mistakes during this confrontation. Ron knew just how angry he was right now, and he had plenty of reasons to just beat Malfoy bloody, but he had given his word to Snape. So while Millie stomped her feet and Theo glared at the air in front of him, Ron made sure to keep his breathing steady.

He planned to make a big deal out of this, while also keeping everyone in line. He would then drag Blaise down to the common room, and once they were there, he'd off-handedly mention bringing Malfoy into the group in order to keep Blaise safe. Perhaps he was being extremely cold about Blaise's situation, but truth be told, he had no intention of leaving Blaise out to dry. If this thing with Malfoy didn't work, then Ron would tie Blaise to his own leg in order to keep him safe from Flint. If anything, Ron was just making the best of a really bad situation, which is something that he had learned to do after countless moronic mistakes.

"There," Millie hissed as they stepped into the Courtyard, while Blaise and Malfoy stared back at them. Millie tried to lunge forward, but Ron grabbed her arm tightly.

"Don't do anything rash," Ron ordered, and then he looked to Blaise. "So it's really true then? Malfoy's put you in this position?"

"Piss off, Weasel," Malfoy glared at him, but Ron simply ignored the pale boy.

"Say that again," Theo threatened, his wand already brandished. "Call him that fucking name again, I dare you."

"Stop it," Blaise jumped in front of Malfoy, his eyes fixed on Ron. "Ron, I can explain this."

"What's there to explain?" Ron asked harshly, his actual anger seeping through. "Malfoy called in his chit, and now you're being forced into exile with him. And you, being who you are, would sooner face said exile than to come to your friends."

"I don't have a choice," Blaise managed, he was genuinely afraid of Ron losing his temper right now.

"Yes, you do!" Millie snapped, and then her eyes narrowed on Malfoy. "You piece of-"

"Shut the fuck up, Bulstrode," Malfoy dismissed her, and she tried to lunge for him again. Ron once again pulled her back, though it was much harder this time.

"Blaise, tell him to keep quiet," Ron hissed, and Blaise quickly did so. "You're coming back right now, do you understand?"

"I can't do that," Blaise sighed out. "I've given-"

"You can either come back quietly, or I can drag you down kicking and screaming," Ron said, his voice coming out as a wild snarl. Blaise seemed to shrink at that, so Ron quickly stepped into his face. "Now, Blaise…"

"You're a thug, Weasley," Malfoy hissed, his wand coming out. Ron's temper flared, and he Wandlessly slapped the wand out of Malfoy's hand. Blaise swallowed thickly at that, while Malfoy just stared at his empty hand with a slack-jawed expression. Rotten piece of filth!

"Start walking," Ron loomed over Blaise, who could only manage to give a shaky nod.

---

Five Minutes Later

"Get in," Ron ordered, and Blaise walked into their room. Ron, Theo, and Millie followed him inside, and Theo closed and locked the door.

"You really told them," Blaise frowned at Pansy, who was now just red-eyed and pale.

"What choice did you leave her?" Tracey asked, her grip on Pansy's hand tightening. "Blaise, what are you thinking throwing your lot in with Malfoy?"

"You wouldn't understand," Blaise said weakly, and then he walked over to his bed.

"We understand," Daphne told him. "Your Family's honor is at stake… Your honor is at stake. But what you can't seem to grasp is that Malfoy knows how you think. He's using you."

"I know, alright!" Blaise snapped. "I know what he's doing! I'm not an idiot!" Blaise then drew in a sharp breath, he hated raising his voice. I should wait for now. Once they've all argued this out, I'll suggest my own idea.

"You won't survive a day after Flint figures out what you're up to," Theo told him. "Not to mention the damn Triumvirate… You really want to spend the whole year as an exile, is that it? Why didn't you go to them? Why didn't you come to us?"

"I couldn't… Not until I had a way to tell you lot what was going to happen," Blaise replied.

"This is not happening," Millie growled. "You're not paying for Malfoy's mistakes. He's already dead in the water… What's the point of you joining him?"

"I bet he told you that you two could figure something out, right?" Daphne asked him, but he didn't say anything. "Well, guess what? You won't figure out a single thing. There's no scenario here that saves him, and he knows it. He's dragging you down with him because he's too weak to face the consequences of his actions alone."

"Flint will be gone in a year, same with the Triumvirate," Blaise said. "All we have to do is to survive this year-"

"That's a prayer at best, downright stupidity at worst," Theo scoffed. "You think either of those groups will let you go free? Most of Flint's gang is made up of sixth years, who are also going to be a part of next year's Triumvirate. This isn't going to end at the end of the year, mate. This'll keep going."

"Not to mention that Slytherins love taking their own frustrations out on outcasts," Tracey pointed out. "Your problems are only going to stack up. Please, Blaise… Don't be so damn 'heroic'. Just stay away from him."

"Ron? Why aren't you saying anything?" Pansy asked desperately, and Ron gave her a comforting smile.

"Come here," Ron beckoned her, he suddenly really wanted to hug her. Pansy quickly walked up and hugged him, her face disappearing into his robes. While Ron held her to himself, the others turned their attention back on Blaise.

"This is just Malfoy's way of tearing us apart," Tracey told Blaise, who was now staring at the ground beneath his feet. "He's always hated this group, and you know it."

"Blaise, you know that's how he thinks," Theo added on. "There is no way in hell that he didn't think this through. He's not only dragging you down with him, but he's actively trying to hurt this group in the process."

"I bet he wants to pit us against Flint's gang," Millie said, and everyone looked to her. "Think about it… He knows that we would never leave Blaise behind, which means that when Blaise goes up against Flint's lot for his sake, we'll be forced to intervene. Then all Malfoy has to do is to watch us tear each other apart, while he gets away with his crimes."

"That's… That makes perfect sense, Millie," Daphne nodded to herself, while the others gave her impressed looks. "Blaise, did you even think about this?"

"The thought didn't occur to me," Blaise sighed out. "But it can be avoided… All you have to do is to leave me-"

"We're not leaving shite," Tracey stood up, her usual mirth nowhere to be found. "What makes you think that we'd leave you to rot? Ron, tell him that we'd never do that."

"We wouldn't," Ron said, his arms still wrapped around Pansy. She had started sniffling into his robes, but he didn't care one bit. "Blaise, you're not going out there alone." Time to suggest the barmiest idea since my decision to hunt down the Philosopher's Stone all by myself.

"You're my friends, but you can't force me to dishonor myself," Blaise told them, though his struggle to say those words was apparent to all. "I repay my debts."

"I get that, and I really do respect it," Ron said, and Blaise blinked at his sudden understanding nature. "Your word is your bond, I get it. But if you go out there alone, I won't let Flint's gang target you." Pansy tightened her hug at that, no doubt incredibly happy to hear his words. "Which only leaves us with three options."

"One, you abandon Malfoy," Ron went on, and Tracey and Millie nodded firmly. "Two, you keep going with this plan of yours, and we end up at war with Flint's lot."

"Fuck me…" Theo muttered, while Daphne rubbed her forehead.

"Or three, we bring Malfoy into the group," Ron suggested, and everyone went wide-eyed.

"Ron?" Pansy pulled her head back, while Theo let out a cold laugh.

"He's gone mental," Theo told the others.

"Ron, you're joking, right?" Tracey asked.

"Bring Malfoy into the group?" Millie asked, she really hadn't seen that coming. "You're saying that… You? Of all people?" I need to convince them that this is what's best for Blaise, because truth be told, it really is.

"Malfoy has Blaise where he wants him," Ron said, his eyes darting down to see Pansy's shocked expression. "And Blaise has no intention of not repaying his debt, something that we can all empathize with. And since Blaise is our friend… We can't leave him to fight all by himself… We just can't. This last option has a lot of drawbacks, but Blaise would be safer with us than all by himself." Blaise could do little but stare at Ron, he was quickly beginning to feel guilty over thinking the worst about Ron's reaction.

"But this is Malfoy," Tracey said, she was downright horrified at this idea. "You know, the arsehole who's been a thorn in our side since first year. And you're suggesting that we bring him into the group?"

"Ron, this won't stop Flint from coming after us," Daphne told him, she knew that Ron had some ulterior motive behind this suggestion. Her boyfriend was not the forgiving sort, and he definitely loathed Malfoy. "If anything, it make Flint that much angrier with us. He already dislikes you, and if you do this, he'll have reason to target us all."

"So we just leave our friend out to dry?" Ron asked them, and all of them lost some of their steam. "We just let Flint hurt Blaise everyday? I'll let myself be consumed by maggots before I let that happen." We'll kill Flint before we let that happen. Blaise belongs to US!

"Ron, you're speaking Parseltongue…" Pansy whimpered, and Ron blinked down at her. Shite, I'm scaring her.

"Sorry," Ron smiled weakly, and then he kissed her forehead. "I just… I don't want Blaise to get hurt because of Malfoy." Ron then looked back to the others, while Pansy clung to him. "We all care more about Blaise than we hate Malfoy, right?"

"Right…" Theo sighed, while Blaise just shifted in his spot uncomfortably.

"Tracey? Millie?" Ron looked to them, and Millie gave him a curt nod. Tracey looked towards Blaise, and her features quickly softened.

"Of course," Tracey said softly. "I can't believe that this is happening…"

"Ron, your Family won't stand for this," Daphne warned him, and he nodded tiredly. Fuck me, I can't even tell them that I'm doing this for a better Future. "Your sister, Ginny, is already at odds with you. Your brothers… They hate Malfoy just as much as any Gryffindor. And your parents are well aware of the Blood-Feud between your two Families. Please think about this for a second. How will your parents take this? How will his parents take this? Everyone will realize what's happening pretty quickly, and you'll be under constant fire."

"She's right," Blaise finally spoke up, and Ron looked to him. "All of your work with the Gryffindors… The Golden Trio… The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws… You'll lose so much respect if you pledge to protect Malfoy… Not to mention our own House, Ron… Don't do that for me. I'll be fine, I promise."

"I can take it," Ron said, his eyes fixed on Blaise's. "I'm used to constantly fighting everyone and everything around me… Whereas you aren't. This will just be like the Re-Sorting business, only this time, I'll be on the defensive." My friend, my responsibility.

"We could always play the sympathy card," Theo said quickly, and everyone looked to him. "When people confront us for protecting the school's biggest arsehole, we tell them the truth. We tell them what Flint is doing to him, and then we tell them that Blaise got caught up in it, and that we couldn't let our friend do this alone. That'll definitely win the Hufflepuffs over. As for the Ravenclaws, they respect Ron's mind over his affairs. It's just the Gryffindors who'll be pissed. Especially the Trio… Malfoy's targeted them constantly over the last two years, especially Longbottom." Neville. He and I were finally getting somewhere.

"That's good, Theo," Daphne nodded. "Let's figure out how Ron will tell his parents." Daphne then looked to Ron, while the others simply sat down in the closest spot available.

"Pans, do you want to sit?" Ron asked, and she tightened her hug in response. Guess that's a no.

"Ron, I reckon you need to go straight to them," Daphne said. "If they learn about this from your siblings, who will no doubt be angry, it'll skew their opinion on what's really happening. So you need to go to them first, and like Theo suggested, play the sympathy card. You tell them that you want to protect your friend from becoming a pariah, and that you are only helping Malfoy because you love Blaise. Make them believe that you're doing a noble thing-"

"Which you are," Tracey said quickly, and Daphne nodded her agreement.

"Whether you like it or not, you are the leader of our group," Daphne told him. "You're the one who has to face the music… But if you can win over your own parents, then so many of your problems can be avoided."

"What if Malfoy refuses to join?" Millie asked. "You really think that he'll be content to just join us? He has Blaise in his grip, which he'll use to make demands of us. I'm sorry… But I just can't see this working out for us. And I really doubt that he wants his parents to think that he needs a 'Blood-Traitor's' help in order to survive in Slytherin."

"Or anyone's help…" Theo muttered, and then he smirked at Ron. "If he refuses to join us, or if he makes demands, threaten him with his parents finding out. He has a thing for pleasing his father, trust me."

"His father is going to find out anyway," Daphne countered. "He knows that much. Don't underestimate him because he's had a rough time lately. This is still Malfoy, the guy who constantly united people against our group."

"So what do we do?" Tracey asked.

"Malfoy's a coward," Pansy pointed out, her voice vibrating against Ron's chest. "Ron could always just force him into submission."

"I'll deal with Malfoy easily enough," Ron told them. "What we need to plan out is how this new dynamic is going to work. I'm not comfortable with showing Malfoy our lives, and I know that neither are any of you."

"Shite, there's so many secrets in this group that we can never mention again," Theo massaged his forehead. "Let's start making a list then…"

---

Sunday 27th September, 1993 (The Great Hall – End of Dinnertime)

Their list of secrets was long, and sadly for Ron, most of the groups' secrets revolved around him. He wasn't really surprised by this, mostly because he knew just how paranoid and secretive he really was. They couldn't speak of, or visit, the Sanctuary again. They couldn't bring up Ron's business plans, or his ability to speak Parseltongue. Theo and Blaise could never bring up their Family troubles again, while the girls dreaded losing their comfort around the boys. Even Millie was quite distraught at losing her ever-growing boldness around the male population. Bringing Malfoy into the group meant that they'd all lose the ability to speak their minds in fear of him using their emotions against them.

Tracey and Millie were genuinely disgusted by the notion of being Malfoy's bodyguards, whereas Theo, Daphne, and Pansy had resigned themselves to what was coming. Blaise was… Blaise was quiet. The dark-skinned wizard had shut down from guilt and shame, something that Ron could understand. It hadn't been too long since Ron himself had forced his friends to clean up his mess, so he knew how painful it was to feel like a burden. Blaise was no doubt considering abandoning Malfoy outright, but Ron knew that he'd never do that. Because I myself would never do that.

"Let's go," Theo sighed out as the bell rang, and they all stood up. They had a plan, of course, one that they intended to execute tonight. The sooner Blaise was out of danger the better. As they made their way into the Entrance Hall, they noticed Ron's siblings and Hermione waiting for them.

"Give me a fucking break," Ron muttered under his breath, the last thing he needed was to hear their problems.

"Ron, I need to talk to you," Percy said, and Ron gave his friends a meaningful look. They all left without saying a word, all of them except for Blaise.

"This is Family business, Zabini," Ginny told him, but he just stared at her through his glazed over eyes.

"Blaise, can you wait here for me?" Ron asked, and Blaise nodded as he planted himself against the wall. Bloody hell, I don't like seeing him like this. Ron then followed Percy out of the Entrance Hall and into the Courtyard, all the while wondering what this was about. Luna and the Gryffindors joined the two boys, each of them looking rather bothered about something.

"Mum sent an owl to me halfway during the day," Percy told Ron. "Neville's parents' funeral is on Wednesday." Oh.

"I see," Ron nodded. "We're all going then?"

"We are," Percy told him. "I asked the Headmaster for permission, and he said yes. We'll be leaving around Midday for the Burrow, and after the Funeral, we'll be going back to Longbottom Manor for a gathering. Wear black, alright?"

"Right," Ron nodded once again. Guess I'll get to talk to mum and dad sooner than planned. Percy gave Ron a nod, and then he began to leave. The twins and Luna followed after him, while Ginny and Hermione stayed behind. "Are you going with us, Hermione?"

"No, I'm leaving straight for Neville's house on Wednesday morning," Hermione replied, and Ron gave her a slow nod. Then why is she here? She wants something from me.

"Well, I'd best be off," Ron said, and then he began to leave.

"What's your hurry?" Ginny asked as she stepped into his way, and Ron gave her an innocent smile.

"No hurry, Gin-Gin," Ron replied. "I'm just really tired. It's been a long day." And it's about to get longer.

"We were hoping to talk to you," Hermione piped in, and Ron stared at her. "Ginny, can I have a private moment with your brother?" Shouldn't you ask me that? It's my fucking time that you're wasting here.

"Sure," Ginny replied, and then she walked over to the Entrance Door. Is she guarding it so that I can't leave? Talk about passive aggressive. Plus, I could easily go through her.

"Hermione, what's this about?" Ron asked politely, he didn't need another headache tonight.

"I've been thinking, and I've come to the realization that I've been a really bad friend lately," Hermione said, and Ron blinked at her. "For that, I'm sorry."

"Right…" Ron said slowly. "Apology accepted."

"Do you want to say something?" Hermione asked, a hopeful smile on her face. Throw her a bone.

"I'm sorry too," Ron apologized, and Hermione's smile got wider. "Things haven't exactly been going well between us, eh?"

"No, but I want to try and get our friendship back on track," Hermione told him, this was her first step to finally getting over him. "I feel like a lot of our troubles happened because I was… I just had a lot of expectations from you, and just because you aren't who I thought you were doesn't give me the right to get angry with you." Wait… What? What's that supposed to mean? "I'm sorry for being unreasonable… sometimes."

"Thanks," Ron nodded slowly. I should just accept this so that she can fuck off already. "Hermione, are you alright?"

"I am," Hermione smiled at him. "Thanks for hearing me out, Ron. You can go back to Slytherin now." With that, she turned around and left. Ron just stared at the bushy haired witch's back, and when Ginny met her with a proud smile, Ron was left utterly bewildered. What the hell just happened? Whatever. I have Malfoy to deal with tonight. Ron made his way back to Blaise, only to find Luna speaking with him.

"And that's when we found out that the Primarelos were eating my mum's apricots," Luna was saying, and when Ron showed up, she smiled her airy smile at him.

"The Primarelos story?" Ron smiled at her, and she nodded. Ron then looked to Blaise, who was just staring at Luna with a slightly jarred look. Luna-ed!

"They really love apricots," Luna hummed, and then she turned her smile towards Blaise.

"Right…" Blaise said slowly, and then he looked to Ron. "We'd best be off."

"Alright," Luna hummed, and then she pulled out her dozen necklaces. Merlin, she's got even more now. Luna's habit of wearing odd jewelry was nothing new, Ron was just glad that she never took off the bracelet that he had gotten her. Luna then picked out a green roped necklace with an orange-pink stone attached to it. "Here, Blaise. You should wear this."

"Pardon?" Blaise blinked, while Ron held back a snigger.

"My mother made this for me," Luna told him, while Blaise just stared at the necklace. "This stone is a Sunstone, it's able to lift the spirits of the downtrodden. It will infuse your emotionally drained body with a lighter energy, which will lead to a more positive outlook on everything around you. Here, you should have this."

"But your mother made this for you," Blaise said, his eyes darting towards an amused Ron.

"She'd want you to have this too," Luna hummed, and Ron nodded.

"Um… Okay…" Blaise took the necklace, and Luna stared at him until he put it on.

"Bye, Blaise," Luna smiled more widely, and then she began to skip up the Moving Staircase.

"Ahem," Ron cleared his throat.

"Goodnight, big brother," Luna called.

"Goodnight, Luna," Ron called back, and then he smirked at Blaise.

"I… Um…" Blaise stammered, and then he hid the necklace under his shirt.

"You're really going to keep wearing it?" Ron asked.

"Her mother made it… And she gave it to me," Blaise sighed out. "So yeah, I'll keep wearing it."

"It suits you," Ron pointed out, and Blaise gave him a weak nod.

"Let's just go and find Malfoy," Blaise muttered, and then they began heading down towards the common room. Neither of them said anything, mostly because Ron was waiting for Blaise to open up. He could see that his friend was struggling to even keep his head raised, no doubt because he blamed himself for what was happening to the group.

"Before we go inside," Ron said, stopping Blaise from saying the password. "I just want you to know that none of us blame you for this. This is all on Malfoy, do you understand?"

"No, it's not," Blaise sighed.

"Yeah, it is," Ron said firmly, his gloved hand landing on Blaise's left shoulder. "He's the one who's pulled this stunt, not you."

"I'm the one who agreed to help him," Blaise said. "I brought this down on all of you. I should just leave…"

"Stop thinking that," Ron told him. "And even if you left, we'd just follow you around like stalkers. You know that, right?"

"You… Ahem…" Blaise cleared his throat, and Ron knew that Blaise was getting a dry throat. Just like I did when I went to Daphne for help. "You should be furious… I thought that you'd be furious…"

"I am, but not with you," Ron smiled weakly, while Blaise rubbed his face harshly.

"Ugh… I feel like shite…" Blaise complained, clearly doing his best to not tear up.

"You want a hug?" Ron joked, but when Blaise didn't say anything, Ron had his answer. Nothing wrong with a quick hug, I guess. Ron pulled Blaise into his embrace, and Blaise rested his head on the taller boy's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Ron," Blaise croaked, his arms tightening around Ron's back.

"Don't be," Ron said gently.

"You'll be the person who everyone blames for this," Blaise said, his voice cracking slightly. "You're paying for Malfoy's mistakes, and it's all because of me."

"It's all because of Malfoy," Ron repeated. "You're my friend, Blaise. Friends stick by each other, right? Fraternity, and all that shite." Blaise released a wet chuckle at that, and he nearly squeezed the life out of Ron. My spine…

"I owe-"

"You owe me nothing," Ron cut him off. "I forgive you of all your debts to me, Blaise." Blaise tensed for a second, and then he relaxed considerably. "Long hug, eh?" Really long hug… It's kind of turning awkward now as well.

"I… I love you…" Blaise suddenly muttered, and this time, Ron tensed. I know that we've all said that to each other as a group, but Blaise has never said that to me personally. Only the girls say that to me personally. What should I say?

"I love you too, Blaise," Ron said slowly, and Blaise sniffled over his shoulder.

---

Five Minutes Later

Blaise had returned to his usual aloof self, but there was still a lot of pain behind his eyes. After letting Blaise compose himself, Ron had made his way inside the common room. Both boys then went straight for their room, both of them hoping that the others had found Malfoy and dragged him inside.

"You ready?" Ron asked Blaise, and once Blaise gave him a firm nod, Ron opened the door and entered.

"Weasley, tell this Troll to unhand me," Malfoy hissed immediately, and while Blaise closed and locked the door, Millie shoved Malfoy down in front of Ron.

"Manners, Malfoy," Ron tutted, and Malfoy stood up and fixed his robes. "And if you call Millie a Troll again, I'll end up losing my temper. And believe me, you don't want that."

"You don't scare me," Malfoy spat out, and then he sneered at everyone in the room. "Just leave me alone! I've done nothing to any of you!"

"This year, that is," Tracey pointed out, and Malfoy glared at her.

"Don't even think about it," Ron said coldly.

"Let me leave then," Malfoy said, and Ron noticed that the pale boy's hands were shaking.

"You can leave after you promise to leave Blaise alone," Daphne said from Ron's bed.

"I can't do that," Malfoy told them, and then he looked to Blaise. "Tell them… Tell them what Flint will do to me if I don't have someone watching my back."

"You really think that Blaise alone can save you?" Theo asked, and Malfoy turned to face him. "No… You're smarter than that. Millie actually figured out your entire plan, Malfoy. You want to pit our group against Flint's. Two birds, one stone."

"I don't know what you're on about," Malfoy hissed. "Just let me leave!"

"Not until you free Blaise," Pansy said firmly, and Malfoy looked to find her sitting on Theo's bed.

"He owes me a debt," Malfoy told them. "I'm not holding him hostage, he's agreed to honor his word. Something that I doubt a Parkinson could ever understand. I bet your mother is so proud of you, Pansy… Throwing your allegiance to this pauper." I'm not even poor though. Venomous prick.

"Don't you dare insult him," Pansy glared at Malfoy, who let out a cold laugh.

"Tell me, Weasel," Malfoy hissed at Ron. "How did you make her so loyal to you?"

"I've been told that I give really good hugs," Ron smirked, and Malfoy blinked at him. "Just shut the fuck up already, Malfoy. Your voice is grating to listen to."

"What do you want?" Malfoy demanded. "I'm not letting go of my debt, Blaise owes me. And without him, I'll be done for."

"Don't you care that you're putting your former best friend in danger?" Ron asked, and Malfoy scoffed.

"He's made it quite clear that he hates me," Malfoy replied, though he did feel slightly guilty about that. "What would you do in my position, Weasley?"

"I'd stand up on my own feet," Ron replied, and Malfoy gave him a disgusted look.

"An easy thing to say," Malfoy spat out.

"He's done it multiple times, you coward," Daphne piped up. "You constantly turned the older students against him, remember? He's the first Weasley in Slytherin, and he faced down his own Family to stay here. You just don't have a damn spine, that's all."

"Of course you'd say that," Malfoy muttered, his eyes still fixed on Ron's.

"Ron, can we just get on with this?" Blaise whispered in his ear, and Ron nodded.

"What did he say?" Malfoy asked Ron, his eyes narrowing on Blaise.

"Just stop talking, and listen," Ron said firmly. "We're not letting you drag Blaise down with you, that's just not happening. But since you'll never let Blaise go, we've come up with an alternative."

"Is that so?" Malfoy cocked an eyebrow, and yet he was still managing to sneer. That's talent right there.

"You join us," Ron replied, and Malfoy's surprise was immediately written on his face.

"Join you?" Malfoy asked, and then he let out a laugh. "I'm not joining your band of rejects, Weasel."

"You're the only reject here, bitch," Tracey countered, and Malfoy lost his mirth. Ha, bitch.

"Wake up and smell the shite, Malfoy," Theo started. "You have no real choice in the matter. You're clearly scared of Flint, and we don't plan to let that twat near Blaise. We're not asking you to be our friend, because we really don't want to be friends with you. No one wants to be friends with you. Think of this as witness protection. You keep your mouth shut, and we let you sit with us. If Flint comes after you, you'll have more than one person standing in front of you."

"And let me guess, you want money?" Malfoy asked, and Ron rolled his eyes.

"Does it look like we need your money?" Daphne asked him in return.

"Weasley could certainly-" Malfoy started, but Ron suddenly backhanded the skinny boy across the face with his left hand. The whole room went dead silent as Malfoy fell to his side in a daze, while even Millie went wide-eyed from shock.

"Fuck…" Malfoy grit out, and Ron noticed that his Serpent Ring had left a cut on Malfoy's jaw.

"I told you to shut up, didn't I?" Ron chuckled, and his friends started shrinking away from him.

"Ron, I think he gets it," Daphne piped up, and Ron blinked at her. She was giving him a firm look, and Ron gave her a nod in response.

"Now just listen, please," Ron said calmly, while Malfoy winced as he felt up his cut. "Trust me when I say that this is your only hope-"

"I won't be bullied by a thug like you," Malfoy hissed, and then he stood back up and eyed Ron. "You want to take another swing at me? Go ahead!" Ron just stared at Malfoy with a slightly bewildered look, and he noticed Theo's look of genuine surprise from the corner of his eye.

"I'm not a thug, Malfoy," Ron told him, all the while making sure to keep his anger at bay. "I'm just a guy who loves his friends. A guy who would do anything for them." Ron then removed Daphne's ring from his left hand, and after pocketing it, he raised his hand up. "Incendio," Ron chanted, and he felt as if hot steam was pouring out of his left sleeve.

"What…" Malfoy muttered, his eyes widening at the sight of Ron's glowing hand.

"Cool, right?" Ron asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You can see my bones, veins, everything… It's like I have a little Sun inside my hand." Ron then grabbed one of his bed's pillars, and after the long sizzling noise, he pulled his hand back. Malfoy trembled at the sight of the scorched handprint left behind, while Ron cancelled the Spell. "Now be quiet, and just listen to me. I'm not Flint… I won't bother healing you after I'm done with you."

"Fuck…" Ron heard Theo mutter, his eyes were also fixed on the scorched handprint.

"We're not offering to be your friends," Ron told Malfoy, who was now genuinely shaking in his boots. "We're doing this for Blaise, not you. You don't have any say in the matter, Malfoy. You lost the right to make demands the moment you went after my friend. Now, you'll be a good lad and follow us around. You don't have to talk to us, because we certainly won't be talking to you. I'll even step in when Flint comes after you. All you have to do is to leave Blaise alone. You will not drag him down with you."

"You're… You're trying to put me in your debt," Malfoy managed, and Ron frowned at him. "Tell Blaise that you're repaying his debt to me… Announce it so everyone here can stand witness…"

"Blaise, this is me repaying your debt to Malfoy on your behalf," Ron drawled, and Blaise once again lost his will to stand upright. "Happy, Malfoy?"

"I… I can't sleep in my own room…" Malfoy told him, and Ron drew in a deep breath. And here comes the requests.

"That's not our problem," Daphne told him, but Malfoy didn't even acknowledge her.

"I won't be safe from Flint in my room," Malfoy told Ron. "Crabbe and Goyle… They've turned on me…"

"Shocker," Theo rolled his eyes.

"What's the point of your 'protection' if I'm not safe during the night?" Malfoy asked Ron. That's a good point.

"Well, there are only three beds in here," Tracey pointed out. "So you'll just have to sleep on the floor then."

"I'll talk to Snape for you," Ron said, and Malfoy blinked at him. "And if that doesn't work… Then you can enjoy the floor."

"I… I will not-"

"Don't make me smack you again," Ron snarled, and Malfoy shut his mouth immediately. "During the day time, you will go where we go. You won't complain, you won't lash out at us, and you will not do anything to damage this group. The moment I decide that you're more effort than you're worth, I'll toss you to Flint myself. Understood?"

"I agree to your terms," Malfoy said, and Ron fought the urge to roll his eyes.

"If you ever utter a word about Blood-Supremacy, I'll yank your tongue out of your skull," Ron warned him. "You will never even look at Tracey the wrong way, you will never hassle anyone from any House, and you will never discuss this group with your parents. Am I clear?"

"I agree to your terms," Malfoy sighed out, his head barely managing to stay upright.

"Then we're done here," Ron said, and then he looked to Theo. "Theo and Blaise, go with him to his room… Bring his shite in here. I need to go talk to Snape about getting another bed in here." With that, they all left the room. Blaise, Theo, and Malfoy went towards his room, while Ron and the girls headed for the common room.

"This bloody day," Millie broke the silence, and Ron turned to face the girls.

"Tracey and Mills, thank you for agreeing to do this," Ron said, and they blinked at him. "I know that you really hate this, but the fact that you're willing to do this for Blaise means a lot to him."

"We're a team, right?" Tracey tried to smile, but she couldn't even manage that.

"We're a team," Ron nodded. "Goodnight, girls. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Ron," Tracey, Millie, and Pansy said together, but only Tracey and Millie left.

"Pans? Daph?" Ron looked to them, and Pansy suddenly hugged him again.

"Thank you," Pansy spoke into his chest.

"Thank you for bringing this to the group before Blaise got hurt," Ron said as he gave her a gentle squeeze. "You did the right thing, Pansy." Pansy looked up at that, and then she leaned up and pecked his lips. Huh? Wait… She just… WHAT THE FUCK?!

"I love you, Ron," Pansy said, and all Ron could do was to nod dumbly. Pansy left at that, while Daphne just stood there.

"I… I didn't… Daphne, I swear to Merlin-"

"It's alright, Ron," Daphne shook her head, and Ron blinked at her. "She wasn't trying to come onto you. She's just had a long day, and she read that in some cultures, a light peck on the lips is a form of showing affection. Just… Just ignore it."

"Was that her first kiss though?" Ron stammered. "Merlin, why would she…? What the fuck?"

"It's alright," Daphne gave him a weak smile. "Just don't make a big deal out of this, alright? You won't believe just how much this group means to her, and seeing you put yourself into the fire like this for Blaise… Here." Daphne then walked up and gave him a peck as well. "You should be really proud of yourself, because I certainly am. As for Tracey and Millie, just give them some time. They're proud of you as well, but they're also really angry about Malfoy."

"We're all doing this, not just me," Ron pointed out.

"But you're the person who everyone will be angry with," Daphne told him, and Ron nodded slowly.

"I can take it," Ron gave her a weak smile. "We… We never got to tell our friends about us… I'm really sorry about that."

"Me too," Daphne said, he could hear the hurt in her voice. "We'll have to wait now too…"

"How long?" Ron asked.

"Until we figure out how to deal with our 'new group member'," Daphne replied, and Ron felt the urge to stomp his feet like some brat. "Goodnight, boyfriend…"

"Goodnight, girlfriend," Ron said back, and after she gave him another peck, they parted ways. Time to get Snape.

---

Twenty Minutes Later

"I guess I should thank you for keeping your word," Snape said, Ron had just told him everything.

"It's not a done deal yet, Sir," Ron responded. "Malfoy is as proud as they come, and I know for a fact that he'll try to plot against me. Not to mention how my own Family is going to start acting after this. Oh, and my study group is so fucked…"

"I understand just how much this is going to cost you," Snape said in a rather calm voice. "Thank you, Ron. I will not forget this."

"Yeah," Ron mumbled, and then he rubbed his forehead.

"Are you alright?" Snape asked.

"I can't stop feeling anxious," Ron admitted. "Things are going to change so quickly for my friends, and I'm…" he trailed off.

"Scared?" Snape provided, and Ron shot him a frown.

"I was going to say worried," Ron huffed, and Snape gave him a weak nod. No, I wasn't. Where do I even start with this fucking mess? My parents, I guess. Daphne's right, I need them on my side. "So can you fix up an extra bed in our room?"

"I can have the Elves do it," Snape replied, and Ron stood up. "Goodnight, Ron."

"Goodnight, Sir," Ron responded, and they began making his way out.

"If my Godson steps out of line," Snape called out, and Ron turned to face him. "Twist his arm a little."

"I'll keep that in mind, Sir," Ron said, and then he left the Office. As he was nearing the entrance to the common room, Ron began feeling more and more lightheaded. I didn't take my second dose, did I? Ron's stomach turned a bit, and he quickly leaned against the wall. I feel sick.

"Ronnie!" came a little girl's voice, and Ron immediately shot off of the wall. Ginny? "Let's play house! I want to be the father this time!" Huh? Ron looked around himself, was he having another vision. Ginny sounds so young though. "You always play the father, Ron! Let me try for a change!" Ron began to smile slowly, he remembered playing house with her. She always wanted to be the father, but I never let her. Not even once… Ron's smile died at that. I should've let her play the father.

"Ronnie, what's wrong?" Ginny asked.

"Far too many things," Ron replied, even though he knew that he was speaking to a memory. It just felt good to hear Ginny's voice without anger attached to it. Merlin, he missed the days when she used to follow him around.

"What do mean you have a headache? I want to play house!" Ginny ordered haughtily. "Fine… I'll get-" Ginny was suddenly cut off by a boy's loud screaming, and then Ron heard an explosion of sorts. He could hear plates shattering, and cutlery clanging. What was that?! "Ronnie…? Ron! Mum! Ron needs help! He blew up the whole Kitchen! Help me!"

"I know what that is… Some version of me just got possessed by the Entity, didn't it?" Ron asked himself, and then he waited for more voices. But none came. "How does this possession thing even work?" Ron could feel a dull ache in the back of his head, but he chose ignore it. Ron then gave the wall its password, and he made his way inside the common room. He spotted Flint's gang look towards him, but when they realized that he wasn't Malfoy, they went back to their card game. Ron ignored them as well. I need to speak with the Triumvirate soon. I need to tell them about what's happened. But word can't get out until I've spoken to mum and dad.

"Is it done?" Ron asked as he entered the room, and his eyes immediately went towards the fourth bed. The room was much more crowded now, and Malfoy was already lounging on his new bed.

"The Elves came in and just Conjured it like it was nothing," Theo told him, and Ron nodded as he closed the door. "They also fixed up your bedpost."

"Right," Ron sighed out, and then he massaged his forehead.

"You alright?" Theo asked, and Ron gave him a weak smile in response.

"Just tired," Ron replied, and then he looked towards Malfoy. "Malfoy, listen up."

"What is it?" Malfoy asked in an annoyed voice, but Ron chose to ignore that too.

"Until Thursday, none of us are leaving this room," Ron told them.

"What? Why?" Theo asked, while Blaise just nodded like a soulless husk.

"I need to let my parents know about this mess before anyone finds out," Ron replied, and Theo gave him a nod of understanding.

"Need your parents' permission?" Malfoy asked, and Ron just stared at him.

"Trust me, you don't want my brothers finding out about you," Ron told him. "Not until my mother and father are on board with this."

---

Rufus Scrimgeour's POV

Monday 28th September, 1993 (Auror Headquarters – Nearly Midnight)

The sound of his cane hitting the floor echoed throughout the Offices, which in turn made the rookies step out of his way. They all greeted him, as they always did, and he occasionally shot one of them a nod in response. He personally didn't care much for acknowledging the people around him, unless, of course, they had done something worth acknowledging.

"Head Auror, Sir, Madam Roberts sent this," came the voice of cadet Nymphadora, and he stopped walking. He then balanced his weight on his walking cane, his right leg had been aching terribly as of late.

"Has she returned from Albania?" Rufus asked the pink-haired girl, who quickly shook her head. "Why? I ordered her to get back here."

"Um… The Minister… He told her to stay, Sir," Nymphadora replied, and he frowned at her stammering. Rufus then took the note from her, which he quickly opened.

Rufus,

Minister Fudge has put me on his personal security detail.

I have sent back Tonks, she is capable. Use her as you wish.

Roberts.

"Why the Minister needs his own personal team of Aurors is beyond me," Rufus drawled, and then he crushed the note in his left hand. Why is he even there? We need him here.

"Well, Albania is quite volatile-"

"Be quiet," Rufus bit out, and Nymphadora quickly closed her mouth. "You don't run your mouth near Superior Officers… Didn't Roberts teach you that?"

"She has, Sir," Nymphadora replied, her mind drifting back to the beating she had received not one month ago.

"She says that you are capable," Rufus went on, and Nymphadora stood up straighter. "Your Metamorphmagus abilities will be handy for this task. I need you to go into Knockturn Alley and find a young man named Victor Burke. He has dealings with quite a few shady characters. You are to watch this man, understood? Do not get spotted."

"May I ask why you need me there, Sir?" Nymphadora asked.

"The lack of Aurors in this country is resulting in more crime," Rufus told her, his tone suggesting that it was the most obvious thing in the World. "Most of that crime is sparking to life in Knockturn Alley. Your assignment starts tomorrow morning. Go." She gave him a firm nod, and then she marched towards the exit. Rufus then made his way towards Amelia's Office, and after tapping the door with his cane, he entered.

"Working late?" Rufus asked her as he closed the door, and she gave him a tired nod.

"Help yourself to a drink, Rufus," Amelia said, her own glass of gin already in her hand. Rufus limped towards Amelia's gin table, and he began fixing himself a glass. "How's your leg?"

"Sore," Rufus replied, and then he limped into the closest seat. He then eyed the square-jawed witch, who looked completely overworked. Her hair was still kept neat, but her eyes and face seemed to be drooping. "The Minister is still refusing to return, I see."

"He wants us to finish up our reports on the St. Mungo's fire," Amelia told him. "It is to be deemed an accident." Damn. Rufus frowned at the sound of that, he knew for certain that this fire wasn't natural. How did no one manage to escape?

"He didn't read my report on it?" Rufus asked.

"I am told that he had it thrown away after he read the first three lines," Amelia replied, and then she gave him a sorry smile. "Forgive me, Rufus, but I've tried to convince him. He doesn't want the people panicking. First this fire in Albania, and now one in St. Mungo's… Something horrible is at work here, and Fudge fears that the people will blame the Ministry for it."

"I lost two Aurors," Rufus said bitterly, and then he downed his gin in one go.

"Proudfoot and Williamson will be remembered, I promise," Amelia said, and then she leaned forward. "Augusta Longbottom came in yesterday." Rufus' ears perked up at that. "She wants an Auror's Funeral for both Frank and Alice Longbottom." Frank…

"You've agreed?" Rufus asked, and she gave him a nod. Good.

"As Head Auror, she would appreciate your presence there," Amelia told him.

"I will attend," Rufus promised. "Four Aurors in one night… It's like we're back at war again."

"Don't even think that, Rufus," Amelia said, her face paling even more. "The war is over… It's best to just move on." As long as I have this leg attached to me, I can't move on. "Has your squad found anything on this Cult of Fanatics yet?"

"They do not exist," Rufus told her. "We have searched every part of Albania, and we have found nothing. They all either died in the Inferno, or they never really existed."

"Xenophilius Lovegood's memories-"

"Could have been altered," Rufus cut in. "Two fires that left behind no evidence whatsoever? This is no coincidence, I know that you know that. I implore you, Amelia, to speak with the Minister again. Ask him to return my Aurors so that I can look into the St. Mungo's fire. Tell him that his own country is suffering."

"I've tried," Amelia sighed out. "Rufus, I've tried… I've brought up the rising crime levels, the lack of funds, the lack of a Hospital for the sick, and the lack of authority within Knockturn Alley… None of it worked. He told me that the Gaia Project is what mattered right now, that the Muggles couldn't be angered further. A part of me agrees with him."

"What about our own people?" Rufus asked. "We don't have a Hospital anymore. The fire killed over the seventy trained Healers and Nurses. Not to mention that we don't have the funds to build another Hospital because Fudge has handed over most of our treasury to Albania."

"He did what the other Ministers did," Amelia said. "But yes, I agree with you. Things are looking… dire. How is the Emergency Hospital doing?"

"Failing miserably," Rufus replied. "Not enough Healers, room, or supplies. Have you thought of a solution yet?"

"I have, but you won't like it," Amelia replied, and Rufus simply waited for her to go on. "The Old Families."

"You want the Ministry to beg?" Rufus cocked an eyebrow.

"We have very little choice, my friend," Amelia replied, and then she yawned. "Forgive me… It's been a long day."

"So which Family do we turn to?" Rufus asked, he could barely hide the bitterness in his voice. "Malfoy? Greengrass? Nott? Selwyn?"

"Rufus-"

"They will have demands, Amelia," Rufus told her, and she nodded in understanding. "They will demand seats within the Wizengamot. They will attempt to secure important roles within the Ministry."

"I know," Amelia said. "But what choice do we have? The Minister wants a solution, and Lucius Malfoy has already offered his help. The Minister sees Lucius as an ally."

"A snake in the grass," Rufus frowned. "I should've killed him when I had the chance." And his wife too.

"Rufus, don't speak like that," Amelia said firmly. "The war is over."

"They will tarnish the Ministry's reputation," Rufus warned her. "They cannot be trusted."

"I plan to turn to more 'respectable' Families," Amelia assured him. "The Fawleys, the Longbottoms, the Blacks-"

"Black?" Rufus asked. "As in Sirius Black?"

"He was innocent," Amelia replied. "Not only that, but he fought on our side during the Great War. He was a member of the Order, and Dumbledore trusts him."

"Dumbledore…" Rufus scoffed. "Let's completely trust a mad ex-convict because Albus Dumbledore trusts him." I've seen what the Black Family is capable of. None of them can be trusted.

"The money has to come in from somewhere, and Lord Black needs the good press right now," Amelia said. "Getting a Hospital up and running as soon as possible should be our only priority. I am also attending the Longbottom funeral, as are the Families that I've mentioned. I need you there, Rufus. I need your help." Rufus stared at her for a few seconds, and then he gave her a curt nod. "The Ministry must provide for its people… now more than ever."

---

Harry Potter's POV

Wednesday 30th September, 1993 (Longbottom Manor – Morning)

"Please, Nev," Harry pleaded, while Neville just sat on his bed with his eyes fixed on his box of gum wrappers. "Just a little food, that's all. You need your strength today."

"I'm not hungry," Neville repeated in his dead tone, and Harry let out a tired sigh. Neville was just a shadow of himself lately. He barely spoke, barely ate, and he barely left his room. Augusta Longbottom had somehow steeled herself in order to arrange a service for Frank and Alice Longbottom, but Neville's spirit had only deteriorated.

"I'll leave this here then," Harry said gently as he put the plate on Neville's bedside table. Harry then walked over to Neville's plants, and he began watering them. The Elves aren't touching them now that Neville is here. Can't they see that he's in no condition to take care of these?

Harry knew that he wasn't exactly the best person to comfort Neville, mostly because he had difficulty expressing his own emotions. But he still came here every day for his best friend's sake. Neville wouldn't really say or do much, while Harry would just stay near him so that Neville wouldn't be alone. Eventually, Harry had fallen back on his old habits of cleaning up after other people. He made sure that Neville showered, ate at least two meals a day, wore fresh clothes, and that his plants were watered. As for Augusta Longbottom, Harry made sure that she had company for dinner. Even if she barely spoke and mostly just drank from her infinite source of sherry bottles.

"Harry? Neville?" came Hermione's voice from outside, and then she knocked on the door. Hermione! Harry quickly made his way to the door and opened it, and he couldn't help but smile at the sight of her.

"Come in," Harry said as he moved back, and she quickly made her way straight to Neville.

"Hello, Neville," Hermione said softly, while Harry closed the door. "How are you?"

"I'm alright," Neville shrugged, and Hermione nodded in understanding. "How are you?"

"I'm alright too," Hermione replied, and then she sat down and hugged Neville's side. Neville barely acknowledged her, which wasn't really surprising. "Are you ready for today?"

"Yeah," Neville replied in a tired voice. "You're not wearing black."

"Your Gran told me that she had bought me an appropriate dress for the funeral," Hermione said. "I don't really own any black clothes."

"Oh… Right…" Neville said, his eyes still fixed on the box.

"How are things at Hogwarts?" Harry asked her.

"Classes are still shut down, something that some people are enjoying a little too much," Hermione replied. "But most of the school is still shaken by the accident." Hermione then looked to Neville. "Neville, are you coming back to Hogwarts soon?"

"I'm coming back on Saturday," Neville replied. "Gran told me to."

"I've made notes for all of our classes for you," Hermione told him. "And if you ever need my help, please ask."

"I'll be sure to do that," Neville droned, and Hermione shot Harry a quick look. Yeah, nothing is getting through to him. Harry gestured Hermione to follow him outside, and she gave him a weak nod.

"We'll be right back, Neville," Hermione said softly, and then she kissed his cheek. Harry led the way out, and the moment he shut the door, Hermione smacked his arm.

"Ow," Harry winced, but he quickly shut his mouth at the sight of Hermione's glare.

"I sent over twenty letters, and you couldn't reply to even one?" Hermione hissed. "What's wrong with you, Harry? I've been going mad with worry." Going?

"I've been a little busy taking care of my best friend," Harry frowned at her, all the while rubbing his stinging arm. "He's been like that ever since he got home… I have to beg him to even eat."

"Writing a letter doesn't take that long," Hermione argued haughtily.

"I'm sorry, alright?" Harry sighed out, he really didn't have it in him to argue with her. Plus, I hate arguing against her. She always wins. "How are you doing? At Hogwarts, that is."

"I've been spending time with Ginny," Hermione replied, her glare dying down a bit. "I mostly stay out of the common room in order to work at the Library. I've made notes for you as well."

"We don't have any homework though," Harry pointed out.

"Yes, we do," Hermione countered. "We still need to submit the homework that we got before the accident, Harry. I've already done mine, and if you want, you can use it to help you with yours."

"Thanks," Harry managed a weak smile, at least he wouldn't be forced into doing homework right after the break. Now I can finally ask Hermione about those MRI tests. "Right… I need to ask you something."

"Yes?" Hermione cocked an eyebrow.

"What do you know about MRI tests?" Harry asked, and Hermione blinked at him.

"What?"

"MRI tests, Hermione," Harry repeated. "Do you know what they are?"

"I know that it's a type of Muggle medical test," Hermione replied slowly. "But that's about it, really. Harry, where did that come from?"

"You can't tell anyone this, but I found 'MRI test results' in Ron's room," Harry started, but Hermione immediately frowned at him. "What?"

"You searched his room? When?" Hermione asked, and Harry blinked at her. What's with that reaction?

"Why are you getting angry with me?" Harry asked. "I've been sleeping at the Burrow, and Ron's parents put me in his room. So I used the opportunity to search-"

"Harry, how could you?" Hermione hissed, and once again, Harry blinked at her. "They opened their home to you… And you took advantage of their kindness like that? Why would you search through Ron's personal effects?"

"Because he's not like them," Harry frowned back. "He's a manipulative liar… Hermione, he stole your study group in order to feed his own ego. What kind of 'friend' does that?"

"Stole my study group…" Hermione muttered, her frown disappearing. "Ginny… She said the same thing… Including the part about Ron's ego."

"See," Harry said quickly, he could see that he had gotten past her anger. "Even Ginny, his own sister, doesn't put him on a pedestal. He's hiding something from everyone, and I plan to-"

"He's not entitled to his secrets?" Hermione asked him. "What about us, Harry? We don't tell Ron everything about ourselves, do we?"

"It's different," Harry said angrily, he could feel his temper flaring. Why is she defending him now? What's wrong with her? "His secrets involve us, I just know it. And I can't stand the fact that everyone just puts up with his behavior. He's always up to something… Remember last year? When we found out that he was in Myrtle's bathroom right after Mrs. Norris was killed? We never found out why he was even there."

"Is today really the day that you want to talk about Ron's secrets?" Hermione asked him. "Our friend is mourning his parents' deaths right now."

"I understand how he feels better than you," Harry snapped, and Hermione flinched. Harry immediately regretted his harsh tone. "I'm sorry… Look, I haven't brought it up with Neville, if that's what's worrying you. I just figured that since you're here-"

"That since I'm here, you can go back to investigating Ron?" Hermione asked, her voice laced with anger. "That since I'm here, you can do what you really want?"

"What I really want?" Harry asked, and he barely held back his anger. "I've been by his side every single day… So don't tell me that I'm prioritizing my investigation into Ron over Neville's well-being. I would never do that."

"I'm going back inside," Hermione shook her head. "Shame on you, Harry. Shame on you for abusing Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's trust like that." Hermione then went straight back into the room, while Harry just stared at where she had been. Shame on me? For what? I'm the only person who seems to understand that Ron is bad news. He's a bloody Weasley who got placed into Slytherin for God's sake! I'm not letting this go! Not until I show everyone Ron's real colors!

---

Wednesday 30th September, 1993 (Magnus Cemetery – Midday)

Harry, Neville, and Hermione watched as the workers set everything up, while Augusta Longbottom gave the workers precise directions. Despite feeling dreadful on Neville's behalf, Harry was glad Neville's parents were getting an Auror's funeral. He, of course, had no idea what that meant, but he could tell that it was important to Neville and Augusta. As such, some Aurors had actually shown up early in order to help set things up.

The funeral service was bound to take around one hour, and after it was finished, they'd all head back to Longbottom Manor for some food and refreshments. The worst part about this, to Harry anyway, was that the Longbottoms' coffins would be empty. The St. Mungo's fire had left nothing behind, and the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophe's wasn't letting anyone near the site.

"Hello, you three," came a familiar voice, and the Trio turned to see Nymphadora Tonks smiling at them. She then looked to Neville, and her smile turned remorseful. "I'm sorry for your loss, Neville."

"Thanks," Neville mumbled, his mother's box held tightly in his hands.

"Hermione, this is Nymphadora Tonks," Harry introduced. "She's Sirius' cousin."

"Once removed," Tonks corrected, and then she smiled at Hermione. "Harry's told me a bit about you in his letters. He says that you're the brightest witch in your year." Brightest student.

"I wish people wouldn't make that claim," Hermione smiled back, and then she looked at Tonks' light blue hair. "I like your hair."

"Do you now?" Tonks winked, and then her hair turned black.

"You're a Metamorphmagus?" Hermione asked in awe.

"She is sharp," Tonks smiled at Harry, who simply shrugged. Told you so.

"Does that mean that Sirius has the Metamorphmagus gene in his blood too?" Hermione asked, and Tonks blinked at her.

"Gene?" Tonks asked.

"Hermione, most wizards don't know what genes are," Harry pointed out, and Hermione nodded slowly. I bet she's struggling to believe that. Hell, even I had trouble with Biology. Thank God they don't teach that tripe at Hogwarts.

"When did you meet Neville?" Hermione asked, she didn't want Neville to feel excluded whatsoever.

"Shortly after I met Harry," Tonks replied. "Near the end of Holidays, was it?"

"Yeah," Neville nodded absentmindedly. "Thank you for coming. Are you going to be a part of the Auror's farewell?"

"No, I'm just here to pay my respects," Tonks smiled sadly, and then she stroked Neville's cheek lightly. "My mum and dad knew yours from back in the day. They're here too, by the way. They're speaking with your Grandmother."

"I should go and greet them," Neville droned, and then he turned to leave.

"They're coming straight here after," Tonks stopped him. "It's probably best if you let them talk to your Grandmother alone first. They have some old debts to thank her for."

"Old debts?" Harry asked.

"Neville's parents saved a lot of lives during the Great War, my parents' included," Tonks replied, something that saddened the Trio. Everything I hear about them just proves that they were heroes.

"Young Longbottom," came a rather firm voice from behind them, and Harry saw Tonks' eyes widen. They turned to see a man with a certain rangy loping grace. He was approaching them with a slight limp, and looked rather like an old lion with grey streaks in his mane of tawny hair and bushy eyebrows. He had keen yellowish eyes, which seemed to gleam from behind his wire-rimmed spectacles.

"Neville, this is Rufus Scrimgeour," Tonks introduced quickly. "He's the Head Auror of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Head Auror? Woah…

"Thank you for coming, Sir," Neville shook the man's hand.

"You have my condolences," Rufus said, his voice was rather firm even when he was giving condolences. "Your mother and father were fine Aurors, and I consider myself proud to have fought alongside them." Didn't they leave the Aurors in order to join Dumbledore's Order of the Phoenix though? He must've fought alongside them whilst they were still Aurors.

"Thank you," Neville repeated, it was as if he was a broken record.

"Mr. Potter," Rufus suddenly looked to him, and Harry's eyes widened a bit. "I must admit, I thought that you'd be taller."

"Sorry to disappoint, I guess," Harry responded, and he felt Tonks nudge him from behind. "It's nice to meet you, Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour."

"Likewise," Rufus said, and then he shook Harry's hand. Ow! Is he trying to break my hand? "And you are?" he looked to Hermione.

"Hermione Granger, Sir," Hermione smiled, and then she shook his hand firmly. "It's an honor to meet someone so high up in the Ministry." That seemed to please the tall man, which in turn earned Hermione a quick smile.

"Do you wish to work in the Ministry one day, Miss. Granger?" Rufus asked, and she quickly nodded. "And you two? Can I expect you in the Aurors Academy once your schooling is finished?" Yes!

"I've decided to look into Botany, Sir," Neville replied, and Rufus Scrimgeour cocked an eyebrow at him.

"You take after your mother then," he nodded slowly. He must've known them quite well to determine that. "Mr. Potter?"

"I'd love to join the Aurors," Harry replied, and Rufus gave him a curt nod.

"I expected nothing less from you," Rufus told him, and then he looked to Tonks. "The Minister has decided to make an appearance for the service. Stay sharp, cadet." With that, the Head Auror turned around and limped away, his golden walking stick reflecting the Sun into Harry's eyes.

"The Minister is coming?" Hermione asked, and then she quickly patted down her black dress. "Do I have any dust on me from the floo?"

"You look fine, Hermione," Harry rolled his eyes.

"I guess I'd better get going then, eh?" Tonks asked, and then she gave Neville a light squeeze on the shoulder. "I'll see you after the service, Neville."

"Alright," Neville responded, and Tonks quickly left to begin guard duty.

"If the Aurors are here, does that mean that the Order members are coming too?" Harry asked, but Neville simply shrugged.

"Most of their identities are a secret," Neville replied. "I'd wager that some will be here, but we won't know who's who. I should go and greet the Tonks… And the other guests… I'll see you two after the service…"

"Alright," Hermione gave him a weak smile. "We'll be right here, Neville." Neville nodded to himself, and then he left to greet the guests. "I can't believe that the Minister is here. Do you think that we'll get to meet him?"

"Probably," Harry replied, but he was certain that the Minister was going to single him out. People always, no matter how much he hated it. Harry checked to make sure that his scar was covered up, and then he looked to Hermione. "Have you given any thought to what we talked about?"

"No," Hermione replied curtly. "Harry, I'm not talking about this at a funeral. Neville should be our only concern right now."

"Fine…" Harry bit out, and then he stared towards the entrance. He's coming here today. I'll be sure to keep an eye on him from now on. Maybe Ginny knows something about those MRI tests? I'll ask her just to be sure.

---

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I hope you guys enjoyed that! Say it with me people; RIP the Slytherin Seven. Now it's the Slytherin 'Eight'? Yeah... Doesn't sound as good...

Sorry about the rant at the start, but I just had to say it.

I'll see you guys on Tuesday!