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.

85. Chapter 85 - The Wait

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 85 is here! I won't lie, the Dueling Club was a real piece of work to put together. I used an actual Tournament Maker tool to compile forty names into a singles elimination Tournament. It was completely random, even for me. So yeah, it was really fun to write that out.

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 85 – The Wait

Ronald Weasley's POV

He had no earthly idea of where he was, he only knew that it was somewhere in Ottery St. Catchpole. Judging by the low hills around him, he was somewhere close to Stoatshead Hill. He was all alone out here, the Sun shining down on him. There was an odd sense of… acceptance… around him. It was as if the hills themselves were glad that he was here.

Ron enjoyed the cool breeze with closed eyes, his body and soul feeling lighter than ever. There was no anxiety here. There was no stress here. There was no war here. Ron had nothing to worry about, because everything was as it should be. As if tempted by the cool breeze, Ron took in a deep breath through his nose, and his face split into a content smile. Home.

Ron reopened his eyes in order to take in his surroundings again, and upon seeing the countryside, his smile got wider. Why am I here? Wasn't I at Hogwarts? Ron felt an odd sort of pull in the back of his mind, a pull that he couldn't resist. As Ron reluctantly gave into the pull, he saw flashes of the Slytherin common room. The celebration… That's where I was. How did I get here?

Ron wondered if he was dreaming, but that was probably not the case. He felt far too in control of his mind for this to be a dream. Maybe it's a vision? Did I touch someone by mistake? No… Everything is in color. Now he knew for certain that something was wrong, but he didn't panic. If anything, he didn't even care. He liked it here. It was peaceful, quiet, and isolated. It was what he had been craving. There's nothing to fix here. No one to protect. No fighting. Just me.

Ron lay down on the grass, his eyes fixed on the cloudless sky. Blue. Ron chuckled to himself because of his bizarre observation, of course the sky was blue. Blue, and serene. Merlin, even grass smelled amazing. It smelled of Earth, and of fresh rain. He wanted to lie down here for eternity. He wanted to feel this way forever.

"Peaceful, isn't it?" came a boy's voice, and Ron slowly sat up. He then turned to see a pale young boy staring at him, his jet-black hair gelled and combed.

"It is," Ron smiled at the unfamiliar boy. "What's your name?"

"I think you already know the answer to that," the boy replied, a light smile on his handsome young face.

"Do I?" Ron asked, and then he thought about it. I can't say that I do.

"Don't linger here," the boy told him, and Ron blinked from confusion. "My sister is coming here soon."

"Your sister?" Ron asked as he stood up. Despite not being alone anymore, Ron felt nothing but calmness.

"She's chosen you," the boy shrugged casually. "Though even I can't tell why."

"Who are you?" Ron asked again, but the boy merely vanished from existence. Ron just stared at the spot where the boy had been, his mind feeling that pull again.

"Ron, stop taking time off," came Blaise's voice, and Ron looked around for his beloved friend. "What's your next move?"

"Blaise?" Ron called out, but he saw no traces of the dark-skinned wizard.

"My father's back home," came Theo's voice. "He wants to know if you've really taken over The Quibbler. Weird, right?"

"A little," Ron answered, his eyes scanning the empty hills.

"I've booked us a corner table with a curtain!" Daphne squealed, and Ron broke into a smile. "We're going to try everything! Aren't you excited, Ron?!"

"I really am," Ron laughed. "I'll have to tell Madam Roberts though. She's banned me from eating sweets, you see." Ron suddenly felt that pull again, and this time, he completely gave into it.

---

Monday 26th October, 1993 (Boys' Room – Past Midnight)

Ron woke up with a jerk, his mind jumbled from his dream. He couldn't really remember it, but he knew that it had been a good dream. He could faintly remember Stoatshead Hill, which was odd because he had only gone there once before. Ron looked to side table, and his eyes lingered on the Daily Prophet issue detailing the Werewolf Massacre. Seventy eight confirmed dead, over one hundred found and imprisoned for questioning. He felt the dull ache in his stomach begin anew, and his palms immediately felt sweaty.

As Ron wondered what time it was, his body moved to hide the Daily Prophet from his sight. He found his wand hidden beneath the issue, and Ron slowly picked it up. It felt a little heavy in his hand, but powerful nonetheless. Its warmth eased his jittery mind a little, and so Ron held it to his chest in order to feel more of its heat. When was the last time that I just held my wand? How could I have forgotten its warmth?

He knew that he wasn't going to fall asleep again, and a small part of him didn't want to. He preferred being awake simply because it made him feel like he was accomplishing something. When he was awake, he could plan and learn. Sleeping only felt like a waste of precious time.

Ron slid out of his bed, and once he passed through his curtains, he noticed a dim light coming from Malfoy's bed. Still awake? Probably reading something. Instead of checking up on Malfoy, Ron decided to leave the room. Malfoy no doubt heard him leave, but he didn't even acknowledge it. Ron wandered into the common room, and from there, he walked into the Training Area. Just a bit of practice, and then I can think about my next move.

Ron spent the next ten minutes sparring with a dummy, just to get his blood moving. Once he was feeling much more awake, Ron decided to practice his stance and breathing. Despite his initial doubts about focusing on his breathing, he was quickly coming to realize the wisdom in Madam Roberts' teachings. Breathing kept his mind occupied, which in turn kept his emotions at bay. And since he was calmer whilst Dueling, he found that he could focus on the smaller details. Details like the terrain, or his opponent's style of Dueling, or his own footing.

"Only you would be caught practicing in the dead of night, Weasley," came Malfoy's voice from behind him, and Ron turned to face the blonde wizard.

"And only you would be caught spying on other people in the dead of night, Malfoy," Ron smirked lazily. Malfoy cocked an eyebrow at him, and then he looked towards the dummy.

"Can't sleep?" Malfoy asked almost casually, but Ron could detect a hint of resentment in his voice.

"No, I can't," Ron replied, his eyes fixed on Malfoy. "You've brought your wand… Want to spar?"

"No," Malfoy declined, and then he turned to leave.

"Why did you come out here?" Ron asked before Malfoy could take a step to leave. Malfoy turned back to face Ron, his pale face expressionless.

"I wanted to see what you were up to," Malfoy replied.

"Interested in my comings and goings?" Ron asked.

"Try suspicious," Malfoy replied coldly. "There's something not right about you, Weasley. The others might be blind to it, but I'm not. You're not the person that they all seem to worship." Trying to get dirt on me? Join the queue, bitch.

"No one worships me," Ron said, his voice becoming dull. "You only think that because you want to be worshiped. As for me being 'suspicious'… So what? I feel no obligation to share my life story with other people. Do I ask you about your personal life?"

"No, I suppose not," Malfoy replied. "And I don't want to be worshiped…"

"Yes, you do," Ron said, his eyes scanning Malfoy. "Why even bother to deny that?"

"You don't know me, Weasley," Malfoy hissed, his temper flaring. "So don't make accusations against me."

"And what was it that you were doing not even a minute ago?" Ron asked, and Malfoy blinked at him. "Yeah… That's what I thought…" Ron then drew in a deep breath, there was no reason to get angry with Malfoy's hypocrisy. "How did your father take it?"

"What?" Malfoy asked, clearly confused by Ron's change of topic.

"He sent you an owl yesterday, right?" Ron asked, and Malfoy visibly tensed. "He didn't take it well?"

"Take what?" Malfoy asked, his body relaxing.

"Our friendship, of course," Ron replied, an amused smirk gracing his lips. What did that vile piece of filth want from you?

"We are not friends!" Malfoy declared. "As for my father, he merely questioned why I would stoop so low as to ally myself with something like you." Something?

"Did you tell him that I protected you from Flint?" Ron asked, but Malfoy said nothing. "I guess not…"

"What's the matter with you?" Malfoy asked, his eyes narrowing on Ron. "You're acting weirder than usual. Why were you whimpering in your sleep?" Huh?

"Whimpering?" Ron asked, his curiosity taking over. I don't recall having another nightmare. If anything, I think that I had a good dream tonight.

"Yes, whimpering," Malfoy said. "I heard it loud and clear, Weasley."

"I don't know what you're on about," Ron decided to say. "I don't 'whimper'."

"Oh, is whimpering beneath 'King Weasley'?" Malfoy scoffed, and then he simply shook his head. "There's something really wrong with you, I hope you know that. Poor Greengrass really knows how to pick them, eh?"

"Now you're crossing a line," Ron said dangerously. He could take any insult to his person, but Daphne was off-limits. "The only thing wrong with me right now is my sudden increase in patience… But if you insult Daphne in any way, I'll drown you in the Black Lake."

"And there he is," Malfoy smirked coldly. "The intelligent thug…" The what? "One day soon, Weasley… People are going to see you for what you really are, and just like me, they'll be sickened. You're nothing but a violent brute, one that doesn't deserve to be in this House." With that, Malfoy turned around and left. Ron wanted to chase after him in order to cuff him, but he didn't budge from his spot.

"One day…" Ron whispered to himself, his mind drifting off towards the Werewolf Massacre. "Truer words were never spoken…" Ron looked back to the dummy, his eyes slightly glazed over. "Throw a stinger at me…" The dummy obliged, and Ron took the hit on his chest. The pain made him step back with a clenched jaw, but he didn't fall. "Again."

---

Harry Potter's POV

Monday 26th October, 1993 (Remus' Office – After Classes)

"So Kreacher's been acting off?" Remus asked, a pleasant smile on his face.

"According to Sirius, yeah," Harry nodded, he had dropped by to say hello. "Apparently, Kreacher's much… kinder… now."

"Kreacher? Kind?" Remus blinked, and Harry nodded once again.

"He cooks and cleans without complaint, and a couple of days ago, he made Sirius breakfast in bed," Harry told Remus, who was truly shocked by this. "Sirius tossed the food, of course… He thinks that Kreacher is trying to poison him."

"Very odd," Remus said slowly, his eyes becoming distant. Does he have a theory?

"So, what do you think?" Harry asked, and Remus shook his head clear.

"Nothing," Remus replied, but Harry knew that Remus was lying.

"Ugh… Don't do that," Harry groaned.

"Do what?" Remus asked.

"Don't pretend like you don't have any suspicions," Harry frowned. "I'm not a child, Remus. I also want to know why Kreacher, the Elf who hates us all, is being so kind all of a sudden. It affects me too."

"I really don't know what to say, Harry," Remus lied, he had to tell Dumbledore about this. Kreacher had ties to the Malfoy Family through Narcissa Malfoy, and he could very well be spying on Sirius now. "How is Sirius, by the way? He doesn't send me enough letters, you see." Changing the topic? Really?

"He's doing well," Harry replied, though he was a little vexed by Remus' diversion. "He's coming to watch me play against Slytherin on the second weekend of November. You can catch up with him then. Now, about Kreacher-"

"Harry," Remus gave him a deadpan look.

"What?" Harry asked in return. "Kreacher is being shady, Remus. What if he's really trying to poison Sirius?"

"Sirius has a sharp sense of smell," Remus said, and Harry blinked at him. "Poisoning that fool isn't a simple task. Plus, Kreacher can't directly harm his Master. Don't worry so much, cub."

"What do you mean by 'Sirius has a sharp sense of smell'?" Harry asked, but Remus simply let out a laugh.

"You're very inquisitive, Harry," Remus said. "Just like your father." My father was inquisitive? Harry liked the sound of that, and he liked being compared to his old man. "Don't worry about Sirius, alright? He'll be just fine. It's actually Kreacher that I feel sympathy for."

"Really?" Harry cocked an eyebrow, he himself had grown to despise the Elf. He called Hermione a Mud-Blood to her face… Sirius went utterly mental with fury.

"If he's finally cleaning up after Sirius, then he's in real trouble," Remus said, and Harry smiled at him.

"You're right," Harry chuckled. "Anyway… I'd best be off."

"Really?" Remus asked, while Harry got out of his chair.

"Hermione's making do Potions homework," Harry pulled a face, and Remus nodded in understanding. "I don't even see the point… Snape's just going to belittle me anyway."

"Professor Snape," Remus corrected, but Harry just rolled his eyes. He's a cruel git. "And you're not learning for Professor Snape's benefit, Harry. You're learning for yours."

"I don't even like Potions," Harry waved a dismissive hand. "I prefer D.A.D.A."

"Well, you are doing very well in my class," Remus smiled at him. "But please try in other classes as well. Promise me."

"I promise," Harry sighed, and then he walked towards the exit.

"Oh, and come by after classes tomorrow," Remus said, and Harry turned to face him. "I think we ought to start your personal training."

"Right," Harry nodded. "I'll see you after classes then. What will we be doing?"

"Just some basic Shield Charms and defensive Spells," Remus replied. "You're competing this weekend, aren't you?"

"You know I am," Harry smiled widely, he was quite excited about the Dueling Tournament. "Bye, Remus."

"Take care, Harry," Remus waved goodbye, and Harry left the Office. He began to make his way towards the Gryffindor common room, he still needed to grab his Potions textbook. As he made his way up the fourth floor staircase, he spotted Ginny and the twins coming down the steps.

"Hello, Harry," the twins greeted him, and Harry noticed that they were all carrying brooms.

"Hello, Fred and George," Harry greeted them back, and then he looked to Ginny. "Hello, Ginny. How have you been?"

"I'm doing well enough," she replied, and Harry was pleased to see that she didn't feel awkward around him anymore. "We're just about to practice a little. Want to join us?"

"Um… I do, but I promised Hermione that I'd do Potions with her," Harry said slowly.

"Potions?" Fred grimaced.

"Snape," George rolled his eyes.

"Git," the twins said together, and Harry nodded his agreement.

"Forget that tripe, mate," Fred smirked at him. "You're a third year, after all."

"And you need the practice," George added. "We're facing Slytherin pretty soon." Harry couldn't deny that he was tempted, but he also didn't want to leave Hermione and Neville hanging.

"I've heard that the Slytherin Team have been putting in a lot of work at the Pitch," Ginny stated. "They've got a Seeker now."

"They got a new Seeker?" Harry asked, and Ginny nodded. "What about Malfoy?"

"He's off the team," Ginny said, her tone becoming cold. "Colin said that he was taking photos of the Pitch for his little brother, and he saw them practicing."

"Did he take a photo of their formations?" George asked quickly.

"I don't know," Ginny shrugged. "Anyway… They've got someone else as their Seeker now."

"I'll go grab my broom," Harry said, and the twins grinned at him.

"Good on you, Harry," the twins said together.

"If they've got a new Seeker, then we've got to be sharp," Harry said firmly. "Ginny, do you want to compete for the Snitch against me?"

"Um… Yeah, sure," Ginny nodded, and Harry quickly ran past them. A new Seeker? Who? And why would Malfoy leave the Slytherin Team? Is it because he's allied himself with Ron?

---

One Hour Later

Harry flew after Ginny, she had clearly spotted the Snitch. He had to admit that she had sharper eyes than he did, but he was much better at giving chase. He had learned a nifty trick over the last two years. If he flew right behind the other Seeker, he could not only intimidate them, but the lack of air resistance easily helped him catch up.

They both soared over the Quidditch Pitch, and as Ginny went to dive for the Snitch, Harry quickly maneuvered himself by her side. She shot him a smirk, and then she pushed her body forward. Harry followed suit, and due to the Firebolt's speed, he easily took the lead. They both played this game of cat and mouse over the Broom Shed, but it finally ended when Harry caught the Snitch on the outskirts of the Black Lake.

"That was a good run," Harry beamed as he steadied his broom, and Ginny stopped by his side.

"It was," Ginny smiled as she steadied herself, both of them floating high up in the air. "You're amazing, Harry! I can't keep up, no matter what I try!"

"It's the broom," Harry said, he suddenly felt a little anxious. Ginny's fiery hair was flowing behind her because of the cool wind, and Harry couldn't help but notice how flawless her skin was. Hermione's put that in my head, but she was right. Ginny doesn't even have freckles like her siblings. She's almost… glowing…

"Why are you staring at me?" Ginny asked, her smile wavering. "Do I have something on my face?"

"No… No," Harry said a little too quickly. "It's nothing…" Ginny gave him an awkward nod, while Harry found himself feeling a little flushed. He knew that he wasn't very good around girls, especially girls that clearly fancied him. Or rather, they fancied the Boy-Who-Lived. "That's a nice bracelet…"

"Pardon?" Ginny blinked, and Harry mentally smacked himself. Her bracelet, Harry? That's what you chose to comment on?

"The bracelet on your left wrist," Harry clarified, and Ginny's eyes grew slightly panicked. What? Did I say something wrong?

"Thanks," Ginny all but whispered, and then she fixed her sleeve to hide her forearm. "It… It was a gift."

"Is someone trying to win you over?" Harry asked, deciding that teasing was better than bumbling like a moron. "Maybe a boy?"

"Ew!" Ginny laughed, and Harry blinked at her. "It's from my brother, Harry! Ron gave it to me!" I'm hopeless, aren't I? I can't even tease properly.

"It looks quite…" Harry trailed off. DON'T BRING UP THEIR WEALTH, YOU IDIOT!

"Expensive?" Ginny smirked, she could see that he was quite uncomfortable. It was a nice change. "It was really expensive, but Ron insisted."

"Right…" Harry nodded dumbly. "It's very nice…" I already said that. "So… Um… Want to fly some more?"

"Sure, Harry," Ginny said, and Harry let go of the Golden Snitch. It quickly came to life, and after buzzing in their faces, it took off for the Black Lake. Harry chased after it eagerly, he really didn't want to show Ginny his poor conversation skills again. When he really thought about it, he only had two proper friends. He didn't really get on with people outside of Neville and Hermione, with the Weasley siblings being the exception.

"Where is it going?!" Ginny laughed from behind him.

"You can turn back whenever you want!" Harry shot her a grin, and she shot him a defiant look.

"You wish!" Ginny called out, and they both pressed on. After a couple of minutes, Harry spotted the Snitch flying just over the lake. He dove down, and Ginny quickly chased after him. They both flew side by side over the water's surface, and Harry felt a rush come over him. One mistake, and we'll both be drenched.

"Still want to keep going?!" Harry challenged her, and she sped up in response. Harry grinned as he pushed his broom to its limit, and within seconds, he was nearing the Snitch. I've almost got it! That's when he spotted someone by the shore, and his eyes lingered on the red-haired Slytherin. Ron? Harry slowed down considerably, and Ginny shot past him at an alarming speed. What's he doing by the Black Lake all by himself?

"Harry?! What was that?!" Ginny rounded on him, a frown on her face. "We could've crashed! Why did you slow down like that?!"

"What's your brother doing?" Harry asked in response, his eyes fixed on Ron.

"My brother?" Ginny blinked, and then she followed Harry's gaze. She lost her frown when she saw Ron, who was just staring at the water with a blank expression. "Weird… What is he doing?"

"He's just… staring," Harry said slowly, and then he looked to where Ron was staring. There's nothing there but water.

"He hasn't seen us," Ginny whispered, her feet dangling just above the water. "Let's go…"

"What?" Harry asked, his eyes landing on her.

"I… I'm going," Ginny said, and then she shot Ron another look. She doesn't want him to see her.

"Um… I know that it's none of my business… But maybe you should talk to him," Harry said awkwardly, and Ginny gave him a tired look.

"You sound like Hermione now," Ginny whispered.

"Hermione's a smart girl," Harry managed a weak smile, but Ginny didn't look too pleased with his comment. Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Can't-Talk-To-Girls… "Don't you miss him?"

"No, I don't," Ginny lied stubbornly. "He wants to be friends with Malfoy, Harry. He's the one who needs to explain himself." I won't argue that. He does have a lot of explaining to do. Harry looked back to Ron again, and much to his surprise, Ron was staring back at him.

"Um… Ginny…" Harry managed, Ron's blank stare was quite unnerving. Ginny looked to Ron at that, and Harry noticed her broom waver.

"Great…" Ginny sighed out. "Let's just go, Harry." With that, Ginny flew off towards the Quidditch Pitch. Harry, however, lingered in his spot.

The two boys just watched each other, neither of them moving a muscle. Harry imagined that Ron was probably wondering what Harry was doing, just like he was wondering what Ron was doing. It was as if they couldn't break eye-contact, which only made Harry feel uncomfortable. But then, all of a sudden, Ron began to stare at the lake again. Harry followed his gaze, and when he saw nothing but water, he also decided to leave.

---

Ten Minutes Later

"He was just standing there," Ginny told the twins, they were all packing up the equipment.

"Just standing there?" Fred frowned a little.

"Alone?" George asked, he sounded a little concerned.

"Completely alone," Ginny crossed her arms.

"He was also staring at the water," Harry told them, and they both nodded slowly. "It was pretty weird."

"So weird," Ginny agreed, though he could tell that she was forcing herself to sound haughty. Her voice has cracked three times since we saw Ron. "And the way he stared at us… It was genuinely creepy. Like he wasn't all there." Not all there… Harry suddenly remembered the MRI photos that he had found in Ron's room, how could he have forgotten about that? I guess I have too much on my plate with Quidditch just around the corner.

"Do you guys know what MRI scans are?" Harry asked, and the Weasley's blinked at him.

"What?" the twins asked together, while Ginny looked thoroughly confused. That's a no.

"What's an MRI scan?" Ginny asked. "It sounds Muggle…"

"Never mind," Harry waved a dismissive hand. "I'm just thinking about something else."

"Right," Fred said slowly.

"Did the Firebolt rattle you?" George chuckled, and Harry nodded dumbly. He knew that the photos that he had found in Ron's room were quite serious, and his instincts told him that Ron would never tell anyone if he was sick. Oddly enough, the thought of Ron being sick troubled Harry more than he thought it would. I'll ask Pomfrey about this. She's a Healer, after all.

"Uh oh," came Fred's voice, and Harry broke out of his thoughts. "Harry, mate, it's time for you to run." What? Harry looked back to see what was going on, and his entire body tensed at what he saw. Hermione Granger was stomping over to him with a rage induced look on her face, while Neville ran after her with their books.

"Harry James Potter!" Hermione all but shrieked, and Harry braced himself for impact. "How dare you lie to me and Neville like that?! We waited for over an hour for you! And here you are! Playing Quidditch!"

"Hermione, please calm down," Neville said calmingly, though he shot Harry a disappointed look. Harry's insides tensed even more, and he knew for certain that the Weasleys were trying to sneak away.

"Stop right there!" Hermione yelled at the Weasleys, it was almost as if she had read his mind. "I'll get to you three in a second!" Hermione looked back to Harry, while he just avoided eye-contact like a scolded child. "You could've sent word! Or better yet, you could take your education seriously! You won't get a job based on your Quidditch skills!"

"He might," Fred started, but Ginny and George shushed him.

"You promised to do Potions with us!" Hermione went on, her bushy hair flying all over the place. "It's bad enough that I put all of my other subjects on hold for you, but you not showing up is the last straw! Don't ever come to me for help again!"

"You're being a bit too harsh," Ginny spoke up, and Hermione shot her a glare. "It's just homework, Hermione… You don't need to yell at him for it."

"It's just homework?" Hermione laughed scathingly, which made the Weasleys frown a little. "It's just homework, Neville!" She looks like a lunatic right now.

"Hermione, you're kind of scaring me here," Neville said as he put a calming hand on her shoulder.

"Never mind that I have a completely full schedule," Hermione suddenly snapped. "But I shouldn't scold my friend after he lies to me and wastes both of our time! And why shouldn't I scold him?! Because Ginevra Weasley, a mediocre student at best, thinks that I'm being too harsh!"

"Hermione," both Harry and Neville gasped, while Ginny glared murder at Hermione.

"I could've finished my own work instead of wasting my time!" Hermione yelled at Harry, and then she turned around and stormed away. Harry, Neville, and the Weasleys just stood there for a few quiet moments, until the twins broke the silence with a whistle.

"Mental," the twins said together, and both Harry and Neville frowned at them.

"She's doing every subject this year, give her a break," Neville defended Hermione, while Harry felt overwhelmed with guilt.

"That doesn't give her the right to yell at Harry," Ginny said defiantly. "Or me. She needs to calm down."

"Harry, what's the matter with you?" Neville whispered, completely ignoring Ginny's comment. "You're the one who kept complaining about Snape's homework…"

"I didn't think that she'd get so angry," Harry mumbled.

"She has a million things to do, but in order to help you, she put her own work on hold," Neville shook his head. "She's already done the assignment from Snape… We both have."

"When?" Harry asked, he was a little surprised by that. He didn't tell me?

"At the study group," Neville told him. "This was just for you, mate."

"Damn," Harry sighed out.

"You couldn't have sent word?" Neville asked, and Harry shifted in his spot.

"Slytherin has a new Seeker, Nev," Harry started. "I just found out, and I figured that I could use more practice on the Firebolt."

"Which is a smart move," Fred added.

"Can't let those slimy gits steal the Quidditch Cup, can we?" George asked Neville.

"Just…" Neville started, but then he trailed off.

"Nev… I'm really sorry," Harry apologized.

"I'm going to go talk to her," Neville said as he began to walk off. They both knew that Hermione tended to break down in tears whenever she got extremely angry, which only served to make Harry feel even more guilty. I wouldn't really know what to say to her right now. Damn… I'm not having any luck today.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Tuesday 27th October, 1993 (Snape's Office – Nearly Dinner Time)

"Fuck…" Ron groaned, his head dropping down into his book.

"Language, Weasley," Snape frowned from behind his desk. "Stay focused on your task."

"I've read this book twice," Ron said, and then he tossed the book aside. Snape didn't even spare a look at the tossed book, his eyes were simply fixed on Ron's. "It's not helping me, alright? I've been at this for ages, and so far, I have made no progress. This isn't working." All I do is read that book. I can't even use most of the techniques listed in there because no one can look into my mind.

"Occlumency is a difficult branch of Magic to master, it takes time," Snape said coldly.

"I get that," Ron said quickly. "I know that powerful Magic takes time to master, believe me. But this… It's a waste of time. I can't even use most of the techniques in that book. Who is going to help me learn 'Shields'? You? You want to risk meeting the Entity?"

"You've had no problem with this over the last few weeks, so why now?" Snape asked, and Ron blinked at him.

"Because I'm not getting anywhere," Ron replied as if it were obvious. "I could be learning something else, or better yet, figuring out where the Dark Lord is." Is he back in Britain? Or is he still out there looking for an army?

"Now I understand," Snape said slowly, his features softening a little.

"Understand what?" Ron asked impatiently.

"What you're feeling right now, Ronald… It's called 'The Wait'," Snape said, and Ron gave him a confused look. "It's a well-known phenomenon of war. Everyone in the last war experienced it."

"I don't follow," Ron said, and then he leaned forward in his seat.

"You feel like time isn't moving fast enough, or sometimes, it's moving far too fast," Snape started, and Ron simply listened. "There's so much that needs to get done, but you don't know where to start. Every second feels precious, but at the same time, you can't stand it. Sleeping, eating, resting, and even talking feels pointless. That's 'The Wait'."

"I…" Ron started, but then he stopped. He's right on the money. "Why? Why do I feel like this? I've been feeling like this ever since the Werewolf Massacre."

"We made a move, one that hurt the Dark Lord severely," Snape replied. "And now, it's his turn. We don't know where he is, or what he's planning, or when he'll strike next. So… We wait. There are no moves to ponder on, no actions to take, and nothing to keep our minds occupied with."

"So you feel like this as well?" Ron asked, and Snape shook his head. "So it's just me…" He didn't know why, but he felt embarrassed by that.

"I got used to it during the last war," Snape told him. "As did Albus, and the Order. It gets easier with time, Ronald. There will come a time when you will even crave for this feeling."

"I doubt it," Ron said.

"You will," Snape promised. "When everything is on fire, you'll miss the calm."

"Be more ominous," Ron huffed, and then he relaxed in his seat. "I need to do something, Sir… I… I need to keep busy. Or I'm going to lose it."

"Ron, discipline your mind," Snape said, and Ron drew in a deep breath. "Think of nothing. Let the emptiness of your mind shield you." Ron closed his eyes and listened to Snape's icy voice. "You are protected. Your mind is a fortress, one that can only be unlocked by you. Curb all thoughts."

Ron meditated for over a minute, all the while clearing his mind of all thoughts. It was difficult to think of nothing, mostly because thinking of nothing meant that you were still thinking of something. So instead of doing that, he pictured himself on Stoatshead Hill. For a moment, he felt completely tranquil. And then, it was gone.

"Woah…" Ron breathed out, and Snape waited for him to go on. "I just felt really… calm… all of a sudden. But now it's gone."

"Well done," Snape smirked, and Ron nodded dumbly. "Where did you go? No… Don't tell me. Don't tell anyone."

"Did I just perform Occlumency?" Ron asked.

"The basics, but yes," Snape said, and Ron let out a weak chuckle. I did it? I fucking did it!

"Why did I feel like I was somewhere else?" Ron couldn't help but ask.

"You went to your 'happy place'," Snape shrugged, and Ron just stared at him.

"Is that a joke?" Ron asked, and Snape lost his smirk. "Right… Fair enough…" My happy place is Stoatshead Hill? I've been there once in my entire life. Bill and Charlie took us there for a picnic. That was a really good day.

"Next week, we'll try and get you there again," Snape said, and then he stood up. "Come, Ron… Dinner is almost upon us."

"Okay," Ron said as he followed after the Potions Master. "Thanks, Professor."

"For what?" Snape asked.

"For helping me," Ron said. "I mean it. I really do appreciate it."

"I'm merely doing my job, nothing more," Snape said coldly, and Ron rolled his eyes.

"Why do you always do that?" Ron asked, and Snape shot him a cold look.

"Do what?" Snape asked in a cold whisper.

"Say unfriendly things," Ron replied.

"Unfriendly things?" Snape sneered. "Did I hurt your feelings, Weasley?"

"No, but you sound like a prick," Ron said bluntly, and Snape used his Occlumency to stop himself from cuffing the boy. "I'm thanking you, and you just shit all over it. Why?"

"I don't need your thanks," Snape looked back ahead.

"You know, if you treated the other students like you sometimes treat me, you might actually be respected," Ron pointed out.

"I don't need the respect of brats," Snape said.

"These brats are going to fight by your side someday," Ron countered, and Snape stopped walking. "Think about that."

"Fight by my side?" Snape asked, and Ron nodded firmly. "No, they won't. My fight is elsewhere."

"So when the Dark Lord marches on Hogwarts, you'll just stand by?" Ron asked, and Snape didn't answer. "No, you'd probably do something about it. I don't know why you're like this, but trust me, it's gonna cost you. You might not think yourself important, but you are. If the Headmaster and I both die, then you'll be what's left. So do us both a favor, and try to be a little more human once in a while. Otherwise, some Gryffindor is going to stab you in the back."

"Are you done?" Snape asked.

"Yeah, I'm done… Whatever," Ron sighed, and then they both began walking again. As they neared the Entrance Hall, Ron stopped Snape.

"What now, boy?" Snape demanded.

"Your Godson is pissed off with me," Ron replied. "Lately, he's acting more and more rash. Just yesterday, he all but told me that I disgusted him. He called me an intelligent thug. Now… I can take his shite quite easily, but if he doesn't stop, my friends will string him up. Talk to him, and tell him to calm down. He's only hurting himself by coming after me like this."

"That boy," Snape drew in a sharp breath. 'I'll talk to him."

---

Sirius Black's POV

Tuesday 27th October, 1993 (Grimmauld Place – Night)

"Who is it?" Sirius demanded, his wand at the ready.

"It's Sturgis, Lord Black," came Sturgis' voice.

"And Alastor Moody," Moody growled, and Sirius opened the door. "Just like that, Black? No actual questions?"

"I did ask-" Sirius started, but Moody shoved him out of the way as he limped inside. Prickly old bastard.

"Sorry for the late night disturbance, Lord Black," Sturgis smiled politely, and Sirius shot him a smile. That's when Sirius noticed that Sturgis was holding onto a man with a bag over his head.

"Mundungus?" Sirius asked, he recognized the short stature of the man.

"Evenin', Black," Mundungus said from under the hood. "Fancy a quick chat?"

"What the fuck?" Sirius blinked at Sturgis, who simply shoved Mundungus into the house. Moody limped back in order to grab Mundungus by the collar, and then he dragged the short man after him. "Sturgis… Mate, what's this?"

"Apologies once again, Lord Black," Sturgis stepped into the house, and Sirius quickly closed the door. "But the thief insisted that we go somewhere safe. He believes that men are after him."

"Men?" Sirius asked as he took Sturgis' coat.

"Being a criminal has its dangers, Lord Black," Sturgis smiled in his usual polite manner. "Thank you."

"You don't need to call me 'Lord Black', Sturgis," Sirius chuckled. "You're two years older than me."

"It is your official title now, is it not?" Sturgis asked, and Sirius nodded. "Then I'll address you properly."

"You're too polite, mate," Sirius patted the taller man's back. "In you go, I've got a bottle of Firewhiskey with your name on it."

"Much obliged," Sturgis said as he walked towards the Kitchen, and Sirius followed after him.

"Can I take off this fuckin' rag now?" they heard Mundungus complain, but he was silenced when Moody smacked him over the head.

"You'll shut your gob, or I'll let Sturgis belt you again," Moody growled, and Sirius looked to Sturgis.

"He resisted," Sturgis smiled and shrugged, and Sirius couldn't help but laugh. What a bloke.

"Take a seat, you two," Sirius said as he walked over to the new bottle of Firewhiskey. As he opened the cork, he heard Mundungus shuffling in his seat.

"Is that Odgen's Finest?" Mundungus asked. "Pour us a glass, mate. 'M parched…"

"Sure," Sirius said as he made four glasses. "Moody?"

"No," Moody refused, and Sirius drank down his glass. Merlin, that's strong stuff.

"Here you are," Sirius said as he handed Sturgis a glass.

"Thank you," Sturgis took the glass, and Sirius gave him a nod before putting a glass in front of Mundungus.

"Take that hood off," Moody said, and Sirius yanked it off of Mundungus' head. The old crook still had dirty ginger hair, and he was supporting a bruise over his right temple.

"Oh… Much better, that is," Mundungus smiled his golden smile. "Yer lookin' good for yer age, Black. What's the secret?"

"Showering," Sirius smirked, he could smell stale tobacco and alcohol off of Mundungus' dirty robes.

"Showerin'? What's that?" Mundungus grinned, and then he quickly drank down his Firewhiskey. "Ohhh… That's quality shite, that is. Mind gettin' us another?"

"Not at all," Sirius said, and then he summoned the bottle with his wand. "Here."

"Now that's how yeh greet an old mate, Black," Mundungus grinned, and then he looked to Sturgis. "This one prefers to crack fuckin' bottles over people's heads."

"You threw a Hex at me," Sturgis said calmly. "I could've done worse, Mr. Fletcher."

"Bloody menace," Mundungus grimaced.

"Enough chit-chat," Moody limped up to Mundungus, his Magical Eye fixed on the criminal. "Who are these 'men' who are after you?"

"Oh… That… That was a lie," Mundungus smiled sheepishly. "I didn't have the rent, yeh see…"

"Mr. Fletcher, are you saying that you wasted our time because you didn't have rent money?" Sturgis sighed out, while Sirius just sniggered. I've missed this old crook.

"Business has been slow," Mundungus shrunk from Moody. "People are becomin' more and more savage out there, that's Merlin's honest truth. Fuckin' Aurors up and left for bloody Albania, and the peace went with 'em. How's a man supposed to make an honest livin' in these times?"

"I shall return to the White Wyvern Pub tonight in order to settle your debts," Sturgis said. "The innkeeper has a Family, and your deceit has hurt them too."

"Good lad," Mundungus grinned. "We've got to stick together, eh? Bein' Order members and all."

"Speaking of Order members," Sirius walked over to his seat at the head of the table. "Why didn't you answer the summons?"

"The summons?" Mundungus played innocent. "What summons?" Moody grabbed Mundungus by the back of his throat and shoved his head forward. "Stop! 'M sorry, alright! I bloody panicked!" Moody let go of Mundungus, who shot Moody a groveling look.

"Talk," Moody ordered, while Sirius and Sturgis sipped their Firewhiskey.

"What was I supposed to do?" Mundungus pleaded. "Bloody Phoenix shows up, lights my trinkets on fire, and then fucks off without a care. I bloody panicked, that's all… I figured if the old man was sendin' his bird out again, then You-Know-Who's back."

"So you ran and hid," Sturgis shook his head.

"Listen here, pretty boy," Mundungus started. "Not all of us are fighters, right? I'm a poor old fence, nothin' more. What can I even do to help? Nothin'."

"My heart bleeds for you," Sirius rolled his eyes. "We don't keep you around for your tremendous fighting capabilities, Mundungus. We need information directly from Knockturn Alley, and you know every thief and scarlet woman in that district."

"Fuckin' shite…" Mundungus muttered, his eyes fixed on his glass of Firewhiskey. "Another fuckin' war…"

"Master has guests?" came Kreacher's voice, and Sirius looked to find the ugly old Elf standing in the doorway. "Shall Kreacher make some sandwiches?"

"Not now, Kreacher!" Sirius bellowed. "Away with you!"

"Yes, Master," Kreacher whimpered, and then he quickly disapparated away. He's becoming increasingly nosey every day! I need to get rid of him somehow.

"Sorry about that thing…" Sirius frowned. "It's been driving me mad over the last few days…"

"It?" Mundungus cocked an eyebrow. "He's an Elf, mate… Not a fuckin' toy…"

"You're telling me how to treat my own Elf?" Sirius asked scathingly. "You?"

"Meant no offence, mate," Mundungus quickly fixed his tone. "Just a little surprisin', that's all. I figured yeh were the soft sort of bloke."

"I could eat," Sturgis piped up, and Sirius blinked at him. Right.

"Kreacher!" Sirius called, and the Elf apparated into the room.

"Master called Kreacher?" Kreacher bowed.

"My friend Sturgis is hungry, fix him some sandwiches," Sirius ordered without looking at the Elf.

"I haven't eaten in days, mate," Mundungus said quickly.

"And some for Mundungus," Sirius said with a deadpan look. "Go."

"Yes, Master," Kreacher said, and then he was gone with a crack. Master… I resent that.

"What's the word on the streets, Mr. Fletcher?" Sturgis asked.

"The word?" Mundungus 'laughed'. "It's fuckin' chaos out there… The Aurors have fucked off, in case you didn't know, and with St. Mungo's burnt to ash, the sick and injured have flooded even Knockturn Alley. There is no word out there. No one knows what the fuck is going on anymore. I haven't been able to make a single deal ever since the fire… To think that I actually miss the Law… And now, he's back? Fuck that… I want nothin' to do with this country."

"If you run off, thief, then I'll make sure You-Know-Who himself knows your name," Moody loomed over Mundungus.

"For Merlin's sake," Mundungus shrunk into his seat again. "It's all gone to shite… I had a big deal lined up, and even that's gone now…"

"What big deal?" Sirius asked out of curiosity.

"A Goblin's movin' Basilisk parts through the country, says that he got 'em from overseas," Mundungus shrugged tiredly. "I was plannin' on relievin' him of his goods… But some Pure-Blood swooped in and bought everythin'… I don't even have the money to buy a fuckin' meal anymore…"

"A Basilisk?" Sirius looked to Moody, and then to Sturgis.

"Wasn't there a Basilisk under Hogwarts?" Moody asked. "Albus mentioned that, didn't he?"

"A Basilisk under Hogwarts?!" Mundungus gaped. "Are yeh pullin' me leg, mate?"

"Shut it," Moody ordered, and Mundungus put his hands up in surrender. Moody then began to pace up and down, he was clearly planning something. "Fletcher, you'll be returning to Knockturn Alley tomorrow."

"For fuck's sake," Mundungus sighed out.

"We need eyes and ears in that cesspool," Moody said. "During the day, you'll get reacquainted with your old contacts. And at night, you'll sleep here."

"I'm alright with that," Sirius said. "As long as he doesn't steal anything."

"We're mates, Black," Mundungus laughed nervously. "I'd never pull a fast one on yeh." That's a damn lie, and you know it. Kreacher suddenly apparated into the room, a tray of sandwiches and tea in his bony hands.

"Food for Master's friends," Kreacher said as he put the tray on the table.

"Thank you, good Elf," Sturgis smiled kindly, and Kreacher bowed even more deeply than usual.

"Yes, yes… Go away," Sirius waved a dismissive hand, and Kreacher left with a crack.

"Speakin' of going back to Knockturn Alley…" Mundungus started as he reached forward and grabbed a sandwich with each hand. "I've got no money to me name…"

"I'll give you money," Sirius frowned at the old crook.

"Thanks, Sirius," Mundungus flashed his golden front teeth.

"Sirius?" Sirius repeated.

"We're friends, mate," Mundungus laughed. "And yeh know how friends are with debts, right? They forget 'em."

"Whatever," Sirius shook his head, and then he looked to Moody. "This Basilisk business… It's a bit shady, isn't it?"

"Albus said that the Chamber's entrance can't be accessed by anyone," Moody said. "Probably a different Basilisk from overseas, just like the Goblin claims, which means that it's not our problem. Fletcher, I want a list of your old 'friends' the next time we meet. Understand?"

"Right, boss," Mundungus nodded, his mouth filled with Kreacher's cooking. I guess I have a house mate now.

---

Draco Malfoy's POV

Thursday 29th October, 1993 (Snape's Office – After Classes)

In his entire life, Draco had never felt so confused before. On the one hand, he fucking despised Weasley. But on the other, he was envious of him. Weasley had respect, strength, intelligence, and powerful allies. Draco only had intelligence, which he often squandered in the past. If only he had used his intelligence early on in first year, his entire life could be different right now.

But he hadn't. And because of that, he was stuck under 'King Weasley'. His father, of all people, had urged him to keep the Blood Traitor close by, just to keep tabs on him. Draco understood that his father had plans for the Weasel, but he had not shared them with his son and heir. That had hurt, but Draco knew that he was unworthy. His father no doubt knew about his shame by now, and yet, he had elected to forgive Draco. He was even willing to help him with Weasley. All Draco had to do was to keep an eye on the psychopath, which in itself was a difficult task.

"He's insane, Godfather," Draco hissed, while Snape just stared at him. "An utter maniac! He has no shame in flaunting his power over others!"

"And you didn't?" Snape asked, which jarred Draco.

"Are… Are you taking his side?" Draco asked, his spirit taking a severe blow.

"No, I am merely showing you your hypocrisy," Snape replied. "Remember what I told you about looking in the mirror, Draco?"

"I do," Draco nodded slowly. "I may have been a little rude, but I was never physically violent. Weasley, on the other hand, is both rude and abusive."

"And yet, he has respect," Snape said. "Why is that?"

"It's not respect, it's fear," Draco said dismissively.

"Draco," Snape said coldly, and Draco frowned to himself. "Do not think with your heart, it will only weaken you. Tell me why Weasley has respect."

"He's… He's honorable…" Draco all but whispered, his words tasted like ash in his mouth. "In his own way…" Even I can't refute that. Not anymore.

"He's protected you without fail?" Snape asked, and Draco couldn't lie to his Godfather.

"He has…" Draco replied, and Snape merely gave him a nod. "I can't understand this person, Godfather. I'm trying to, but I just can't."

"What can't you understand?" Snape asked calmly.

"Everything," Draco replied, his frustrations marking his features. "He's so… peculiar! Do you know that he checks my plate at every meal?"

"He does?" Snape asked.

"Yes!" Draco said in utter disbelief. "Every single meal, he makes sure that I eat my food. And if I don't eat enough, he forces food onto my plate. Who does that?!"

"You are looking much healthier now," Snape looked his Godson over, he needed to thank Ron for this as well.

"That's not the point," Draco frowned. "I never asked for this, but he's taken it upon himself to babysit me. And that's not even the weirdest thing about him."

"Go on," Snape said.

"I've heard him whimpering in his sleep," Draco said, and Snape cocked an eyebrow. "He says names… Fred, Daphne, Ginny, Priscilla, Pansy… Draco…"

"He speaks your name?" Snape asked, and Draco nodded.

"He speaks a lot of names," Draco replied. "He's been doing it every night since Saturday."

"Odd," Snape said curtly.

"Wait till you hear this," Draco started. "Monday night, he woke up in the middle of the night and went to the Training Area. I followed him, and after we had a spat, I left. But then, I slowly snuck back to see what he was up to. And this is no lie, but he was asking the dummy to hurt him."

"What?" Snape asked, something flashing behind his eyes.

"It's true," Draco said firmly. "He told the dummy to hit him with stingers, and he just took them. After that, he told the dummy to throw stronger ones at him, which he also just took. He was hurting himself for no reason, Godfather. I swear… He doesn't belong at this school. He needs to be locked away in a Psych Ward somewhere far away from civilized people."

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Draco," Snape said, a dark scowl on his face.

"Another thing that I've noticed are his frequent disappearances," Draco went on, it felt good to vent about Weasley. "Every Monday and Thursday, he disappears after classes. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, he comes to you. On Friday, he has his study group. I asked the others where Weasley goes on Mondays and Thursdays, but they wouldn't say a word about it. So, I've been thinking of following him with the Disillusionment Charm after classes end. Blaise taught it to me at Weasley's command. Ironic, isn't it?"

"I would advise against that," Snape said, and Draco blinked at him. What? Why? "I've heard about what he did to Flint."

"You have?" Draco asked.

"People forget that there are portraits in the Slytherin common room," Snape replied, and Draco just stared at him. "What is it, Draco?"

"Why haven't you told the Headmaster?" Draco demanded.

"Tone," Snape warned, and Draco quickly cleared his throat.

"Why haven't you told the Headmaster?" Draco asked more calmly.

"He would not be expelled," Snape replied. "He'd get a slap on the wrist, but that's about it. After that, he'd come after you. Do you want that?"

"No," Draco heard himself speak, which genuinely surprised him. Wait… Why am I surprised? Weasley is terrifying.

"Instead of antagonizing him, why don't you learn from him?" Snape suggested.

"Learn? From a Blood Traitor?" Draco blinked, and Snape frowned deeply.

"Not here, Draco," Snape ordered, and Draco quickly apologized. "You could become more than you are now under his tutelage, and then when the time is right, you dethrone him. Why make him your enemy while he holds all the cards?" Draco nodded in understanding. "Think with your brain, Draco, and not with your heart. Let go of your anger, or it will destroy you."

"I… I understand, Godfather," Draco said softly. Learning from a Blood Traitor… I don't deserve to be called a Malfoy.

---

Severus Snape's POV

Thursday 29th October, 1993 (Dumbledore's Office – After Dinner)

"Ron's been suffering from nightmares, and now Draco tells me that he's hurting himself," Snape paced back and forth, while Albus just sat in his clawed chair. "He's becoming unraveled, Albus. Unhinged. I mean, I can understand why he wanted to attack the Werewolves. I did too, after all. But this? This is too much."

"Do you remember when he had that outburst about Xenophilius being involved in Albania?" Albus asked, and Snape stopped pacing. "He struck himself over the head. Quite hard, if I remember correctly."

"He did," Snape remembered. "Why?"

"I am no Mind-Healer," Albus started. "But perhaps it's his way of not feeling numb, or to punish himself for his mistakes. Either way, he is in pain. This is truly grave news, Severus. I cannot even imagine the burden that he is carrying."

"The Entity, Fate, Death… All of that nonsense," Snape shook his head, a cold shiver passing through him. "What are we going to do about this? He is our partner, and if he falls off of the edge, then our plans will suffer."

"That's what you care about?" Albus asked, there was no judgement in his voice.

"It's what matters," Snape replied. "This war is bigger than him, which is something that he agrees on. So, what do we do?"

"Perhaps we should do nothing," Albus suggested, and Snape just blinked at him. "Perhaps we should let Ronald find his own way."

"You are joking, right?" Snape asked, and when Albus did not reply, Snape frowned deeply. "Are you insane? He's a danger to himself right now, and you want to do nothing?"

"You told me yourself that Ronald didn't need my protection," Albus said calmly. "I've thought about your words, Severus, and they made sense to me. Ronald does not need another controlling hand in his life, it would only harm him."

"This is different," Snape said, he couldn't believe this. "I told you to stay away from his 'soul', but now he's hurting his own body. It is completely different. You realize that the Dueling Tournament is in three days, don't you? What if he loses control? What if the Entity comes through?"

"If you force him to sit this out, it will raise too much suspicion," Albus sighed. "Not to mention that Ronald would never agree to such a thing."

"Then we tell Pomfrey," Snape said. "She's his Mind-Healer, and she can help him. She can talk some sense into that… that fool!" Snape had to use his Occlumency to calm himself down, while Albus just watched him. "He is jeopardizing everything for a moment of respite."

"It's alright to admit that you care about him, Severus," Albus smiled, and Snape rolled his eyes.

"Not now, Albus," Snape said coldly. "Not when so much is at stake."

"What better time is there?" Albus asked, and Snape simply decided to leave. I'm not in the mood for his lectures. Not tonight. If Ron doesn't stop this behavior, then I'll show him what real pain looks like.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Saturday 31st October, 1993 (The Great Hall – Halloween Feast)

Ron had a recurring dream about Stoatshead Hill. Every night, he found himself on the isolated hills. He'd bask in the Sunlight, smell the grass, and enjoy the breeze. And then, he would wake up sweating and filled with dread. He had started putting the Silencing Charm on his curtains at night, just to be safe. Malfoy hadn't told anyone about his whimpering, and for that, Ron was truly grateful. The last thing he needed was to have people on his case, especially when he was pretending to be perfectly fine.

Maybe he was just weaker than Dumbledore and Snape. Maybe he was even weaker than Lord and Lady Greengrass, both of whom were perfectly alright with what had happened to the Werewolf army. Or maybe it was the fact that Ron had just had a taste of what the war was going to be like. Maybe he had seen what kinds of choices lay ahead, and he was scared… Scared for his friends, his Family, his school-mates, for all the living things…

Every day he found himself standing by the Black Lake, his eyes peeled for the corpses that he had seen. He just wanted to count them, just to make sure that what he was doing was right. Merlin, he didn't want to hurt people. He hadn't wanted so many people to die. He thought that Lord Greengrass would only hire assassins, and not a private army. Seventy eight people. Seventy eight people, on top of the St. Mungo's victims and the people of Albania. So much destruction has happened, and no one has even taken notice that everything is connected.

"Say 'Ah'," Daphne hummed, and Ron broke out of his thoughts.

"Pardon?" Ron asked, and he noticed that Daphne was trying to feed him a Cauldron Cake. Ron quickly took a massive bite out of it, and then he shot embarrassed looks to his friends, all of whom were just smirking at him.

"What?" Daphne asked them, and they quickly fixed their faces. "I can feed my boyfriend some cake, you know."

"No one said that you couldn't," Tracey said, her voice filled with mirth. "It's just odd seeing you do something like that." Oh no.

"Odd?" Daphne asked a bit too calmly.

"Yeah, kind of embarrassing even," Tracey smiled.

"I think it was cute," Pansy said, and Millie nodded her agreement. Daphne looked to Ron, who just smiled at her like a moron. It was embarrassing, and quite unlike her. Well, at least publically, that is.

"Fine, I won't do it again then," Daphne huffed in indignation, and then she ate the rest of the Cauldron Cake herself.

"Hey, I didn't mind," Ron quickly whispered, and just like that, they were both cut off from their friends again. Ron had noticed that whenever they started whispering to each other, their friends tended to just let them have their privacy.

"Well, the others clearly did," Daphne whispered back, she was close to sulking. "I've seen the other Slytherin girls doing it, so why can't I?"

"Well… You usually aren't one for public displays of affection," Ron scooted closer to her, his right arm wrapping around her waist. "Besides holding hands, I don't think we've ever been 'coupley' in public before."

"Coupley is not a word," Daphne huffed, and Ron simply shrugged. "It wasn't weird, alright?"

"No, it really wasn't," Ron whispered as he picked up a Licorice Wand, which he then held close to her mouth. "Say 'Ah'." Daphne shot him a smile, and then she took an appropriate bite.

"Thank you," Daphne said after she swallowed her bite. "Do you want to spend some time together after this? It's been ages since we just talked."

"Talked?" Ron asked, and Daphne elbowed him lightly.

"Talked, yes," Daphne said. "Plus, I need help planning out our Hogsmeade Weekend. Blaise says that he has some new plans, but he didn't tell me what they were." Padma Patil. They were quite cozy together at the study group, but no one even noticed them. No one but me.

"Then we'll make some plans," Ron gave her side a squeeze, and they both returned to their friends' conversation.

"It's one night, Blaise," Malfoy said blandly. "Let it go…"

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but Malfoy is right," Millie said.

"It's just not very nutritious," Blaise said, though he didn't sound like he cared very much. "I mean, they're serving nothing but sweets?"

"He complained about the same thing last year," Pansy rolled her eyes.

"He totally did," Theo realized. "Blaise… Why are you such a little bitch?"

"Fuck off," Blaise said bluntly, and Theo sniggered at him.

"Touchy, touchy," Theo tutted. "That's no way to speak to your friend, mate. Especially one that knows your secret."

"Secret?" Pansy and Tracey perked up, while Ron shot Blaise a quick look.

"There is no secret," Blaise said, though his sudden sneer proved otherwise.

"You might want to work on your poker face, Blaise," Daphne said, and Blaise fixed his face.

"What's the secret?" Pansy asked Theo, who simply smirked at Blaise.

"Theo, stop it," Ron ordered. "If it's a secret, then you shouldn't spill it."

"You know what it is?" Tracey asked Ron.

"Huh?" Ron blinked.

"You totally do!" Tracey grinned. "Tell us!"

"I don't know anything," Ron quickly denied, while Blaise just shook his head.

"I'm dating Padma Patil," Blaise said, and everyone went quiet.

"You are?" Pansy asked slowly, and Blaise merely shrugged.

"There, now you all know," Blaise said dismissively. "We haven't gone public because, unlike her sister, Padma isn't an attention seeker. Any other questions?" Ron shot Pansy a quick look, and surprisingly, she looked quite alright.

"Well… Good on you, mate," Theo started. "But I had a different secret in mind… I had no clue about Padma." Yes, you did. You just enjoy stirring the pot too much.

"What other secret?" Millie asked.

"Blaise has a massive pet snake," Theo replied, and the girls just blinked at him. Ron, Malfoy, and Blaise just stared at Theo with blank looks. "I saw it… It looked lethal. Poisonous, even."

"You got a new pet?" Daphne asked, and Blaise simply went back to eating his sweets. "Don't ignore people, Blaise. It's rude." Blaise just kept eating, while Theo looked thoroughly amused with himself. Someone is going to stab Theo to death one day. I just fucking know it.

---

Saturday 31st October, 1993 (The Boys' Room – After Dinner)

"Where is it?" Daphne looked around the room, and Ron felt the need to strangle Theo.

"Daphne, there is no pet snake," Ron sighed. "Theo was just stirring the pot, as usual."

"So he was lying about the pet snake?" Daphne turned to face him. I don't know, I haven't seen Blaise's cock.

"Daphne, he was talking about Blaise's manhood," Ron told her, and Daphne just blinked at him.

"Ew…" Daphne suddenly grimaced. "Theo can be really gross sometimes. Why would he say that at the dinner table?"

"Because he enjoys word games," Ron shrugged. "Now, can we please talk about anything other than Blaise's penis?"

"Sit up against the head of your bed," Daphne said, and Ron decided to do as she asked. Once he was sitting with his back against the head of his bed, Daphne carefully planted herself in his lap. Ron put one arm around her back, and the other around her bent knees. Daphne let out an adorable giggle as she snuggled her side into his chest, her head resting on his left shoulder.

"Well, this is nice," Ron said softly. "Cozy?"

"Yes," Daphne hummed, and Ron planted a kiss on her head. She smells so nice.

"So, what are our plans?" Ron asked, and Daphne looked up at his face.

"Well, I've told you about Madam Puddifoot's Teashop," Daphne started. "Since that's after midday, we'll have a couple of hours to kill before that. I wanted to go to the Three Broomsticks in order to try out their famous Butter-Beer, but Tracey wants to go to Zonko's before all the good joke items are bought out. Millie, on the other hand, wants to go see the Shrieking Shack."

"Well, why don't they all go do that?" Ron asked. "I mean, we can just do as we like, right? Flint won't try anything, and neither will anyone else."

"No, Ron," Daphne whined. "We all agreed that we need to spend the day together."

"You mean the girls agreed," Ron chuckled. "So let me get this straight… You all want to do different things, but at the same time, you don't want to separate."

"It's quite simple, Ron," Daphne said. I'm sure it is in 'Crazy-Land'.

"Tracey's right about Zonko's," Ron started. "The twins say that everyone goes there first in order to buy as many joke items as they can. The Shrieking shack isn't going anywhere, and seeing it in the evening would beat seeing it in the middle of the day. As for the Three Broomsticks, we can go there right after Zonko's. I mean, it'll only take Tracey half an hour at best to buy whatever she wants."

"And when will we explore the village?" Daphne asked. "There are so many shops there, Ron."

"We'll just have quick looks," Ron said, and Daphne pouted.

"Quick looks? That's not very fun," Daphne told him. "Pansy wants to go to the Cutter's Hairdressing Salon, which will probably waste heaps of time."

"She wants a new haircut?" Ron asked.

"Worse, she wants us all to get new haircuts," Daphne replied, and Ron just blinked at her. "She thinks that since we've moved up in Slytherin, we need to stop 'looking like kids'. And the thing is, she's completely right. Our image should reflect our standing, but it will take so long."

"But I like my haircut," Ron said slowly.

"You've had it for a while, Ron," Daphne said.

"Wait… Do you want me to get a haircut?" Ron asked, and Daphne shot him a sheepish smile. "Great… Just great…"

"It looks good, I swear," Daphne leaned up and kissed the corner of his mouth, but he was too downtrodden to take notice. I like my hair… "But a fresher look would suit you better now. Maybe we can have them grow your hair out? Put it in a ponytail?"

"Should I buy a dress too?" Ron frowned deeply.

"Don't be upset," Daphne whispered, her left hand stroking his right cheek. "Just have a look, please? You know that Pansy's really good at these things."

"Just a look," Ron huffed out, and Daphne kissed his left cheek. "Wait… What about Honeydukes?"

"Now you see the problem," Daphne sighed. "There's so much to see and do, but no matter how we look at it, we can't do everything."

"What if we only do a few things this time, and then try out the others on a different Hogsmeade Weekend?" Ron asked.

"But it won't be as good as seeing it for the first time," Daphne complained. "And now Blaise wants to run off with his girlfriend, which means that he probably won't be with us."

"You're right," Ron nodded slowly. "But then again, we're running off too."

"You reckon they'll be at Madam Puddifoot's?" Daphne asked. I fucking hope not.

"You got us the corner table with the curtain, right?" Ron asked, and Daphne nodded. "Then we'll have our privacy."

"I know," Daphne shifted a little. "Did you get Madam Roberts' permission to eat sweets? I mean, you ate sweets tonight."

"I sent her a letter, but she didn't respond," Ron grimaced. "I don't think that she's very happy about this, but it is what it is."

"Maybe I should've booked a restaurant?" Daphne wondered, and Ron squeezed her tightly. "Ron? What is it?"

"I want to go to Madam Puddifoot's Teashop," Ron smiled down at her, and she smiled back. "You made the right call, Daph."

"Thanks," Daphne said, and Ron noticed that her cheeks were quite rosy. "So, what are we going to do about Hogsmeade?"

"I think we should all talk about this," Ron replied. "Not just us two, but everyone. Maybe we can all settle for one place each?"

"Alright, I'll go and get them," Daphne said, but Ron just tightened his hold on her. "Um… Ron?"

"Don't go," Ron whispered. "Please?"

"What is it?" Daphne asked him, concern flashing across her face.

"I… Can we just sit together?" Ron asked weakly. "We haven't cuddled, or even kissed, in ages."

"You're right," Daphne relaxed, and Ron quickly fixed his hold on her. "We have more schoolwork, I have to keep the second years from becoming lazy, and you're running the entire House. It all feels surreal, doesn't it? It's like we have jobs now."

"I do have a job," Ron chuckled lightly.

"No one likes a showoff, Ron," Daphne giggled, and then she just stared at his face.

"What?" Ron asked.

"Cuddling is fun, but I prefer kissing," Daphne smirked, and Ron just smiled. "Which do you prefer?"

"I get a choice?" Ron asked.

"No," Daphne replied, and then she wrapped her arms around his neck before straddling his thighs. "That's better, now we're on eye-level." Ron put his hands on her waist, while she planted tender kisses on his face. "Why don't we do this more often?"

"I was just wondering that," Ron smiled widely, his troubles completely forgotten.

"From now on," Daphne started, and then she stopped to kiss his nose. "We're going to do this at least once a week. Deal?"

"Deal, but let's not put a limit on it," Ron said as he pushed his body forward a bit, and Daphne kissed him deeply. Finally.

"Your lips taste like Cauldron Cakes," Daphne laughed as she pulled back. "Let's see what your tongue tastes like."

---

Sunday 1st November, 1993 (The Great Hall – Dueling Tournament (Midday))

The excitement was palpable, and after his long snogging session with Daphne last night, Ron was able to get into the spirit of competition as well. Every third year was eyeing each other, while the rest of the school took bets on who would win and who would lose. The twins' shouts could be heard throughout the Great Hall as they took down bets from their schoolmates, while Lee Jordan compiled the money and ran the numbers. Ron wasn't too sure about this, but apparently, Albus Dumbledore had placed a bet on his victory.

This had only riled up the Gryffindors, much to Ron's own excitement. He wanted some damn good Duels, especially because he had a new Spell to show off. He was banned from using Baubillious, but no one had said anything about Cutis Terra. Over the last week, Ron had taken brutal beatings from the dummies as he mastered the Earth Skin Spell. The trick was to tense one's muscles, think of where the Spell would be applied, and then cast it. And just like that, Ron could shrug off stunners like they were nothing. The only problem with this Spell was that if he used it too much, his body began to bruise from the strain just like it had the first time he had tried it.

"Settle down," Dumbledore spoke up, his eyes twinkling at the excited students. Everyone went dead quiet, but that didn't stop the smiles and glares. "All students are to take their seats while Professor Lupin makes an announcement!" People began to move to their stands, and once they were seated, Remus and Snape took the stage.

"Since there are forty third years, and this is a single elimination Tournament," Remus started.

"What's that mean?" Pansy asked.

"You lose, and you're out," Theo whispered in her ear, and she nodded in understanding.

"There will be a total of three sets," Remus went on. "Some of you will be forced to compete three times in order to reach the Quarterfinals."

"How's that fair?" came a voice.

"The draw is random," Remus said calmly. "Professors McGonagall and Flitwick are currently pulling out the names. It is up to chance, and if you're good enough to be named the victor, then you have nothing to worry about." Some Slytherins smirked in Ron's direction, and he gave them a wink.

"Look at that," Theo smirked, he was sitting in front of Ron. "They know I'm going to win." This guy…

"Professor McGonagall will now read out the names of the first competitors, who will have to win three Duels in order to get to the Quarterfinals," Remus announced, and everyone looked to her. Professor Flitwick pulled out two names from a raffle, and he handed them to her.

"Blaise Zabini vs. Hannah Abbot," McGonagall announced, and Ron reached forward and patted Blaise's back.

"Good on you, mate," Ron beamed, while Blaise gave him a firm nod. Flitwick handed McGonagall two more names, and when she saw them, her face dropped a little.

"Ronald Weasley vs. Harry Potter," McGonagall announced, and Ron's face split into a grin. Even Malfoy smirked at that, watching Potter get tossed around was always fun.

"THAT'S RUBBISH!" Oliver Wood called out, and the Gryffindors joined him.

"That's the third time they're Dueling!"

"Do it again!"

"It's rigged!"

"Silence!" Snape ordered, while Flitwick gave McGonagall a sorry smile. It's nice to see that Gryffindor has so much faith in Harry. Talk about getting kicked in the self-esteem.

"It is random, and you will all honor that," McGonagall said sternly, and every Gryffindor went dead quiet. "If any of you start yelling again, I will escort you out. Am I clear?"

"Is it just me, or did the temperature drop?" Tracey gulped, and Millie nodded slowly.

"To me, she's even scarier than Snape," Millie admitted. "See the respect she demands? It's quite amazing." Millie is a fan of McGonagall? Fair enough.

"Hermione Granger vs. Roger Malone," McGonagall went on, but her eyes were fixed on her Gryffindors. "Wayne Hopkins vs. Daphne Greengrass."

"Ohhh," Ron smiled at his girlfriend, who simply sat beside him with perfect posture and a cold look on her face.

"Behave," Daphne said, and Ron fixed his features. Right, image is important. Buffoons smile constantly.

"Lavender Brown vs. Sui Li," McGonagall announced. "Tracey Davis vs. Millicent Bulstrode."

"Fuck…" Tracey's head dropped, while Theo broke into a cackle.

"Bye, Tracey," Theo laughed.

"None of that," Millie frowned at Theo, and then she smiled at Tracey. "It's just a Duel, Tracey. It's not even important."

"Just don't hurt my face," Tracey said dully.

"Theodore Nott vs. Dean Thomas," McGonagall said, and Theo stretched his back and smirked.

"And lastly, Lily Moon vs. Seamus Finnegan," McGonagall finished.

"Alright!" Remus smiled at the students. "Hannah and Blaise, please come down!"

"Good luck, Blaise," they all said, and he walked down and took his position. Hannah was being cheered on by the Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors, while Blaise was being cheered on by the Slytherins.

"Look at Padma," Daphne whispered, and Ron followed her gaze. Padma, and her friends, were cheering for Blaise, which made Ron smile. Blaise's new relationship can be of use to us. Why didn't I think of that earlier? "Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Ron?"

"I believe I am," Ron hummed.

"Are you two ready?" Remus asked, while Snape stood by at the ready. "Begin!"

"Stupefy," Hannah chanted quickly, and Blaise stepped aside with a calm expression. "Expelliarmus!"

"Aguamenti," Blaise chanted as he dodged the Disarming Charm, and a jet of water fired out of his wand.

"Protego," Hannah quickly put up a shield, and as the jet of water bounced off of the shield, Blaise cast Glacius and froze the water on her shield. Woah! What's this?

"Depulso!" Blaise chanted, and the frozen shield cracked completely.

"Did you see that?!" someone yelled, while Ron just stared at Blaise. When did he learn that? I didn't teach that to him.

"Prot-" Hannah started, but a Non-verbal stunner sent flying through the air.

"Match!" Remus announced, and the Slytherins erupted in cheers.

"What the fuck was that?" Theo looked back to Ron, who was still staring at Blaise. Non-verbal Magic as well? What the fuck?

"He's been practicing," Millie smirked, and Ron simply nodded. Blaise walked up the stands, all the while shaking hands and giving nods. Once he reached them, Tracey quickly pulled him down by her side.

"Blaise, where did you learn that?" Tracey beamed. "You were amazing!"

"I took a page out of Ron's book, and I asked my mother for some tips," Blaise said, and when Tracey clung to his arm, he shifted in his spot a little. "She's the creative sort… Tracey, I can feel your…" he trailed off.

"You don't like them?" Tracey laughed, and Blaise looked quite uncomfortable for once. "You do like them!"

"Tracey, behave," Daphne said, and Tracey let go of Blaise with a laugh. "We're in public."

"Ronald and Harry, please come down," Remus called, and Ron stood up with a wide grin. Sorry, Harry, but I need to show off a little. The Slytherins are watching, and I need to show them my strength. As Ron made his way down, he was encouraged by his House-mates.

"Floor him, mate!"

"Do Slytherin proud, Ron!" Clara cheered, and then she let out a loud whistle.

"Teach Scarhead a lesson, won't you?"

"You've got this, Ron," came John's voice, and Ron looked to see his first years cheering loudly. Ron smiled at them before making his way onto the sand, at which point he looked to the Gryffindors. They were cheering on Harry, with many of them patting him down as he walked down the stands.

"Ron, remember what we discussed," Remus walked up to Ron, and Ron blinked at him. "No physical violence, alright?" Huh?

"That was for Granger's sake, not Potter's," Snape walked up, his eyes fixed on Remus. "Ronald, if you get close to him, send him to Pomfrey."

"Snape…" Remus sighed. "They're kids… Don't encourage him."

"Do not handicap my student for your boy's sake, Lupin," Snape hissed coldly, and Ron looked to see Harry walking over to them.

"Anything I need to know?" Harry asked calmly, though his eyes narrowed on Snape.

"Professor Lupin wants me to hold back on you," Ron lied, and Harry's eyes shot wide open.

"What?!" Harry demanded, and Remus drew in a deep breath.

"That is not what I said," Remus started, but Harry was already marching off.

"Just do your best, Ron," Harry said as he took his position. "No holding back, just a fair match." Good man.

"You heard him, Lupin," Snape smirked. "Potter wants a fair match."

"Ron," Remus gave Ron a meaningful look, but Ron decided to ignore it. I have intention of hurting him. This is more of a popularity stunt than a match to me. Both Remus and Snape left Ron at that, while Ron watched Harry's eyes dart towards Dumbledore. Ron followed his gaze, and he saw that the old man was watching them with an amused smile.

"Are you two ready?" Remus asked, and Ron looked back to Harry. They both nodded, and Ron tensed his chest. "Begin!"

"Cutis Terra," Ron whispered, and he felt his chest being incased in stone. Damn, that feels so fucking weird.

"Stupefy!" Harry chanted, and Ron took the stunner to his chest. It shattered on impact, and Ron was pushed back a little. Oof… That nearly winded me. Don't keel over, Ron.

"Mat-" Remus started, but he stopped when he noticed that Ron was still on his feet.

"That was cute!" Ron laughed, and then he pretended to swat dust off of his robes. The Great Hall erupted at that, with most people calling Ron a cheat. Ron looked to find his siblings gawking at him, including Ginny.

"Stop the match!" Remus announced, while Harry just gaped at Ron.

"He's cheating!"

"What was that tripe?!"

"He took a stunner and didn't even budge!"

"Ron, are you wearing something under your robes?" Remus asked as both he and Snape walked up.

"You can check," Ron offered, and Snape quickly patted him down.

"Nothing," Snape said slowly, his eyes fixed on Ron.

"Disqualify him!" Finnegan called out, and Ron frowned at the irony of that. Didn't he try to blow me up?

"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Weasley?" came McGonagall's voice, and Ron turned to see both her and Flitwick approaching them.

"Cutis Terra, Professor Flitwick," Ron said to the Charms Master, who immediately adorned a look of awe and pride.

"You actually did it?" Flitwick asked, and Ron nodded. He's the one who told me that I could withstand stunners with it, but he warned me that it would be very difficult.

"I spent hours taking stingers to the body," Ron told the Professors, and he noticed Snape blinking at him. "It was… horrible… but it helped me master a very powerful Spell."

"I've never heard of this Spell," Snape started, while everyone in the Great Hall tried to listen in.

"Neither have I," Remus said.

"Cutis Terra is a Wandless Spell, and I must confess, I am in awe of you, Ronald," Flitwick beamed, and Ron couldn't help but smile. Yay! He looks so happy with me. "He is not cheating at all."

"That's all that matters then," Snape said as he walked off, he planned to question Ronald about this later. "Lupin, we don't have time to waste."

"Right," Lupin said slowly, and then he walked back to his position. As McGonagall and Flitwick left, Ron spotted Harry looking at him with a wary look. "Are you two ready?!"

"You can't be serious?!" McLaggen called out. "He's clearly wearing something under his robes!"

"Yeah, I'm wearing your mother's stamp of approval!" Ron yelled back, and most of the Great Hall burst into laughter.

"Ronald," Snape frowned, and Ron raised his hands in surrender. "Remus, restart the match."

"Are you two ready?" Remus asked again, and they both nodded. "Begin!"

"Accio Harry's glasses," Ron chanted as Harry threw out a Disarming Charm, and Harry's glasses flew off of his face. Ron caught them as he sidestepped the scarlet Spell, and he quickly pocketed them. How's his eyesight?

"Protego!" Harry chanted, this was going to be difficult because of his poor vision. He put up a shield? His eyesight must be quite poor then, otherwise he'd just dodge.

"Play fair, you cheat!" Angelina Johnson yelled.

"How about you Gryffindors shut the hell up and let us watch the match?!" came Tracey's voice. "Kick his arse, Ron!"

"Wingardium Leviosa," Ron chanted, his left palm aimed at Harry robes. And pull! Ron grunted as he yanked his left hand back, and Harry was pulled headfirst into his own shield, which broke due to his sudden lack in concentration. "Expelliarmus!" Harry's wand was knocked out of his hand as he lay on the sand, a dazed expression on his face. Ron caught the wand easily enough, while the Slytherins began howling and cheering.

"Match!" Remus announced, and Ron quickly made his way over to Harry. Harry stood up slowly, the front of his robes covered in sand.

"Sorry about that," Ron said as he handed Harry his glasses and wand, which Harry took with a blank expression. "Are you alright? You hit your head on your shield." I pulled too fucking hard.

"Nice match…" Harry muttered, and then he turned around and left for the exit. He's leaving? Shite, he's probably embarrassed because Dumbledore's watching.

Ron could hear the Slytherins cheering wildly, and even a majority of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were applauding Ron. As for the Gryffindors, only a handful of them clapped for Ron, while most of them just watched Harry leave the Great Hall. Hermione and Neville looked rather upset for Harry, but they didn't take it out on Ron.

Ron then spotted Ginny walk down the stands and follow Harry out, which genuinely jarred him. She's leaving? Just like that? Why? Ron turned around and walked back to the Slytherin stands, a practiced smile on his face. She left because I didn't lose? Ron noticed Dumbledore watching him, his eyes twinkling as usual. Sorry for embarrassing your golden boy, Headmaster, but If I don't dominate, the Slytherins will get ideas.

"How did you take that stunner without falling over?" Carey asked, while the other Slytherins tried to listen in.

"Want to feel my pecs?" Ron smirked, though his voice barely came out. She just leaves because Harry lost? She's probably going over to console him, which is fucked because who walks off after losing? Fuck.

"I shall take this risk," Clara said quickly, and then she poked his chest repeatedly. "They're quite defined for someone his age!"

"Nice!" a fourth year girl laughed, and Ron spotted Daphne glaring murder down at Clara.

"Enough of that," Ron chuckled as he batted Clara's hand away, and she let out a whine.

"You did well, Ron," Samantha nodded her approval, and after returning her nod, Ron walked up to his friends.

"Before you all ask why I can take stunners, just know that I've got abs of steel," Ron joked, and then he took his seat next to Daphne.

"Prove it," Pansy said quickly, and Ron rolled his eyes. "You damn tease…" Did she just snarl at me?

"Seriously though, how did you do that?" Millie asked. "Are you wearing something under your robes?" Before Ron could answer, Daphne started feeling his chest.

"Um… Hello?" Ron blinked at her.

"No, I feel nothing," Daphne said casually, and Ron was certain that she was trying to one up Clara.

"So you can just take stunners?" Malfoy asked, and Ron smirked at him.

"This Tournament is fucked… I'm going back to Slytherin," Theo sighed out. I see no need to give up my advantage just yet. This is a competition, after all. "But only after I watch Millie destroy Tracey."

"Ahem, fuck you, bitch boy," Tracey frowned, and Theo wagged his eyebrows at her.

"Hermione and Roger, please come down," Remus announced, and they both walked down.

"He's about to get destroyed," Blaise said.

"He's a Ravenclaw, he might surprise us," Daphne countered. "Plus, we all want to see the Know-It-All bite the dust." I don't. Kick his arse, Hermione!

"Are you two ready?" Remus asked, and they both nodded. "Begin!"

"Expelliarmus!" Roger chanted, and Ron wondered why everyone started with a Disarming Charm or a stunner. Surprisingly, Hermione decided to dodge the Spell instead of blocking it.

"Stupefy!" Hermione chanted, and Roger quickly moved out of the way. Hermione followed her assault up with three Non-verbal stunners, most of which he barely managed to dodge. He's already panicking, isn't he? Stop jumping and retaliate, you moron. "Incarcerous!" Thick black ropes fired out of her wand, and they managed to snare Roger's left leg.

"Prot-" Roger started, but a Non-verbal Disarming Charm knocked his wand out of his hand. Bloody hell, I need to work on my Non-verbal Magic. It's so much quicker.

"Match!" Remus announce, while Snape banished the rope on Roger's leg with a flick of his wand.

"Damn," Daphne frowned deeply, and Ron shot her a grin.

"Scared of a bookworm, Daph?" Ron asked, and she stuck her nose up.

"Not at all," Daphne replied, she was mostly just annoyed because Ron looked pleased with Granger's performance.

"Daphne and Wayne, you're up!" Remus called, and Daphne stood up with a calm expression.

"You've got this," Ron gave her a thumbs up, and she smirked a little. With that, she walked down and took her position.

"Are you both ready?" Remus asked. "Start!"

"Expelliarmus!" Wayne chanted, and Daphne easily dodged the scarlet Spell.

"Ventus Tria!" Daphne twirled her wand, and a powerful gust of spiraling wind engulfed Wayne. Sand blew everywhere, and Wayne shielded his face on extinct, which resulted in him taking a stunner to the chest.

"Match!" Remus announced, and Tracey let out a whistle. Damn, that was quick.

"Ventus Tria," Theo nodded slowly. "Smart… She took advantage of the terrain." As Daphne walked back to her friends, she was greeted by a rather happy looking Ron. She made sure to keep a calm expression, but once she sat down, she subtlety scooted closer to him.

"That was really good, Daph," Millie said, while Ron put his arm around Daphne's lower back. "I didn't even think of using the sand as a weapon."

"Thank you," Daphne smiled a little.

"Lavender and Sue, please come down," Remus called.

---

Five Minutes Later

"Match!" Remus announced, and Ron let out a grateful sigh. Thank Merlin!

"That was the worst Duel that I've ever seen," Theo said, his eyes judging Lavender and Sue.

"I have no idea how Li won that to be honest, she barely fired any offensive Spells," Millie said, and Blaise nodded his agreement.

"Brown was no better," Malfoy said. "She squealed like a stuck pig the entire match."

"Tracey and Millicent, please come down," Remus called, and Tracey groaned loudly.

"C'mon, it'll be fun," Millie helped Tracey up, and they both left for the sandpit.

"Bets?" Theo asked.

"One Galleon on Tracey," Blaise said, and Ron cocked his eyebrow.

"One Galleon on Millie," Ron challenged.

"I'll go with Millie as well," Theo said.

"Are you three serious?" Pansy frowned at them. "They're our friends."

"Malfoy?" Ron asked, while Daphne and Pansy shook their heads.

"One Galleon on Davis," Malfoy wagered.

"You're betting on Tracey?" Ron asked.

"She's more athletic," Malfoy shrugged. "And from what I've seen, she's good at dishing out Hexes."

"But Millie is decisive and never loses control," Ron countered.

"The match is starting," Daphne shushed them, and they all looked to Tracey and Millie.

"Are you ready?" Remus asked, and they nodded. "Begin!"

"Colloshoo!" Millie chanted, her wand aimed at Tracey's feet. Tracey spread her legs apart and fired a stunner at Millie, which she dodged with a precise movement.

"Steleus!" Tracey chanted right after her stunner, and Millie sidestepped the sickly green light. The two girls exchanged multiple stunners, which they both dodged quite well. Ron, however, noticed that Millie wasn't getting tired like Tracey was. Upon closer examination, he realized that Millie barely moved whereas Tracey dodged fully. Millie's movements were short and precise, and that was saving her stamina.

"Incarcerous!" Millie chanted.

"Incendio!" Tracey chanted immediately after, and the ropes from Millie's wand caught fire. The spectators cheered, while Daphne and Pansy gasped. With a flick of her wand, Millie cut off the ropes from her wand, but by then, Tracey had started throwing stunners at Millie.

"Protego!" Millie chanted, her face tightening from the strain of Tracey's onslaught. Tracey's damn quick. I think I just lost a Galleon.

"Impedimenta!" Tracey chanted as soon as Millie tried to move, and the turquoise light hit the bigger girl's side. Millie's movements slowed down to a crawl, and Tracey fired a stunner at her.

"Protego," Millie managed, and her shield appeared just in time to stop Tracey's stunner. That's when Tracey broke into a sprint around the sandpit, much to everyone surprise. She's trying to bypass the shield? Millie still can't move… Smart.

"Stupefy!" Tracey panted, and Millie barely ducked in time. The stunner flew past her face, and its Magic left a Spell Burn on her left cheek. That's when the Impediment Jinx wore off, and Millie rolled to the side and sprang to her feet.

"Oppugno!" Millie chanted as she flicked her wand upwards, and Tracey was pelted by the sand in front of her. "Flipendo!" Tracey didn't even have the time to squeal before the Knockback Jinx sent her flying into the Hufflepuff stands, but before she could land on someone's head, Snape had stopped her with a Non-verbal Spell.

"Tracey is out of bounds, and that's match!" Remus announced, and the entire school applauded the two girls for their performance. Snape lowered Tracey slowly, and some of the Hufflepuffs helped her to her feet. She looked more embarrassed than hurt, something which Daphne looked truly grateful for.

"Now that was a Duel," Ron nodded in approval, and then he looked to Blaise and Malfoy. "You can pay Theo and me after the Dueling Club." Ron then looked to see Tracey approaching them, while Millie was being tended to by Pomfrey.

"That was intense," Pansy smiled at Tracey, who managed a weak smile at her.

"Guess I'm out, eh?" Tracey said as she sat down beside Blaise, and Blaise patted her back. A human reaction from Blaise? It's the end times.

"You still did well," Blaise reassured her. "Halfway through the Duel, you even managed to gain the upper hand."

"Thanks," Tracey said, she did feel a little better knowing that she had given Millie a run for her money. "Are you being nice because you know what my tits feel like?" Ha!

"And she's back," Blaise said as he pulled his hand back, while Pansy tutted Tracey.

"Don't say that, Trace… You're a girl…" Pansy frowned, and Daphne just sighed in defeat.

"Don't let them change you," Theo said quickly. "You should cuddle me-"

"Stop it, pervert," Daphne smacked Theo on the back of his head.

"Ron, control your boyfriend," Theo remarked, and this time, Ron smacked him.

"Theodore and Dean, please come down," Remus called, and Theo quickly got out of his seat.

"If I lose, it's because you two hurt me beforehand," Theo said to Ron and Daphne, and then he marched off.

"I don't think Snape's going to care either way," Pansy said, and they all nodded their agreement.

---

One Hour Later

Ron was starting to get bored, mostly because the Duels seemed to grow less exciting as time went on. There was no innovation for the most part, and everyone constantly fired stunners and Disarming Charms. Ron, of course, understood that these Spells were effective and easy to cast, but seeing the same thing over and over again was mind-numbing.

All of Ron's friends had had their first matches since the starting matches, and all of them had won rather easily. Blaise had disarmed Lisa Turpin, Ron had ripped the wand out of Terry Boot's weak grip, Hermione had stunned Crabbe within seconds, Daphne had outmaneuver Fay with the Disillusionment Charm, Neville had somehow managed to stun Stephen Cornfoot, Millie had smashed through Oliver Rivers' defenses, Malfoy had turned Ernest into a joke with Hexes, Theo had secured an easy victory against Sally-Anne Perks, and Pansy had just returned victorious against Megan Jones.

"We'll be taking a small recess of ten minutes," Remus announced. "Contestants, please feel free to stretch your legs and go to the loo if you need." The Great Hall erupted in chatter, and Ron's friends were no different. Tracey had moved on from her loss completely, and was now talking to Millie about boxing of all things.

"Who's keen for Millie vs. Malfoy?" Theo asked everyone, and everyone looked to Millie or Malfoy.

"I know I am," Tracey smirked at Malfoy, who simply ignored her. "Oi… Don't ignore me."

"Do you all hear a noise?" Malfoy asked the others.

"Malfoy…" Ron chuckled. "Did you just crack a fucking joke?"

"There it is again," Malfoy clicked his tongue.

"Well… Fuck you too then," Ron rolled his eyes, and then he looked to Daphne. "Excited for your match against Sally Smith?"

"If I win this, and Granger wins her match against Anthony Goldstein, we'll be facing off in the Quarterfinals," Daphne said, she looked like she was in deep thought.

"And I might be facing Blaise," Ron shrugged. "Worry about the Quarterfinals later, Daph. We've got time to prepare."

"Ron, she knows Non-verbal Magic," Daphne whispered. "And her Shield Charm is absurdly powerful."

"What if I told you that I learned a trick against Shield Charms recently?" Ron scooted closer to her, and then he rested his chin on her shoulder.

"What sort of trick?" Daphne asked, her eyes fixed on his.

"The sort only an Auror can teach," Ron smirked, his arms snaking over her stomach.

"You'll teach me?" Daphne asked.

"For a price," Ron winked, and Daphne smirked at him.

"Chivalry is dead," Daphne said, and then she gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Thank you, Ron."

"No worries," Ron hummed.

"As romantic as this is," came Theo's voice, and both Ron and Daphne looked to him. "The Gryffindor brigade is trying to get Ron's attention." Ron's eyes darted down to the front of the Slytherin stands, and there stood his siblings, Hermione, and Neville. What do they want? I see that Ginny hasn't returned yet. Whatever.

"Ignore them," Daphne whispered. "They're just going to nag you like always."

"Why don't you come down with me?" Ron asked her.

"Are you sure?" Daphne asked, and he smiled at her. "Alright, but if they start nagging, I'm going to leave."

"That's fair," Ron said as he stood up, and she followed suit. "We will be right back." With that, Ron and Daphne made their way down. Daphne made sure to entangle her arm with his, which he thought was rather amusing. "They're not going to kidnap, Daph."

"But what if they do?" Daphne smirked.

"Fair enough," Ron chuckled.

"We just want to talk to him," Percy was saying to Carey, while Fred and George waved him over. Yes, I see you.

"Hello," Ron greeted the Gryffindors pleasantly. "No Luna?"

"She's with her friends," Percy said.

"That, or she doesn't feel the need to pester Ron constantly," Daphne 'smiled' at Percy, who just blinked at her. Ron noticed that Hermione looked quite uncomfortable, and that her eyes kept darting towards Ron and Daphne's joined arms.

"Why don't you lot just leave?" Carey asked the Gryffindors. "You're riling up the other Slytherins." She then looked to Ron. "Ron, why don't you accompany them?"

"Alright," Ron smiled at her, and she smirked before leaving. "Come along." Ron and Daphne moved closer to the sandpits, and the Gryffindors followed them.

"Right, enough," Fred said quickly.

"How did you do it?" George asked excitedly. "You took a stunner, Ron… And it didn't even faze you."

"I'm in excellent shape," Ron chuckled, he was never going to tell them his secrets. "Plus, Harry's stunners lack strength." No, they don't. Cunt almost winded me despite my defenses. "Where is he, by the way?"

"Um… About that…" Neville started slowly. "He's not upset with losing to you, it's just that… You know, because Dumbledore is watching." So it's perfectly fine for him to throw a tantrum, is it? Ron felt his temper spike, but he kept himself in check.

"The Headmaster," Ron corrected Neville a little harshly. "Speak with some respect, he isn't your friend." Calm down, Ron. It's not Neville's fault that your own sister prefers Harry over you.

"Ron…" Hermione frowned a little, but then she looked to Neville. "He's right though."

"What?" Neville blinked. "But you also-"

"Was it a Spell?" Hermione asked Ron.

"No," Ron lied.

"So, you're wearing something under your robes," Hermione said, and Ron shook his head.

"Professor Snape looked me over," Ron reminded them.

"Yeah, but he's a git who wouldn't mind cheating," Fred scoffed.

"Fred," Percy sighed. "I'm Head Boy, and you can't talk about Professors like that near me."

"Is there a point to this?" Daphne asked everyone, she was getting bored of this back and forth. "You've interrupted our conversation, and now you're wasting our time."

"In a hurry to snog our brother, eh?" George smirked, and Daphne smirked back.

"At least he has someone who wants to snog him," Daphne replied politely, and the twins sniggered.

"Finally, someone who enjoys banter," Fred grinned.

"Or enjoys being rude, at least," Hermione muttered under her breath, but they all heard her.

"Something to say, Granger?" Daphne asked far too politely.

"No," Hermione frowned at her, and then she just walked away towards the Gryffindor stands.

"Why are people walking away from me today?" Ron asked.

"It's because you're a prick," George remarked.

"Noted," Ron chuckled. "Neville?"

"Sorry about that too," Neville sighed in defeat.

"It's not your fault, Longbottom," Daphne said, but he simply shrugged.

"Hermione's been a bit… agitated… lately, and Harry's no better," Neville told them.

"They had a spat," Fred clarified. "Over Quidditch of all things."

"And whose fault was that?" Percy asked the twins.

"Ginny's," they both said together.

"She invited him to play Quidditch, not us," George said, and Fred nodded along. But you're supposed to keep them apart. Why don't people fucking listen to me?

"Can we go now?" Daphne asked Ron, and he gave her a nod. "Congratulations on your win, Longbottom."

"Um… You too, Greengrass," Neville smiled shyly. "On both of them, that is."

"Good luck in your next match," Ron said, and Neville gave him a nod.

"You too," Neville said, and then he left to go find Hermione. Ron and Daphne went to leave, but the twins hopped into their way.

"Not so fast, lovebirds," Fred wagged his finger. "You haven't told us how you took a stunner to the chest and laughed it off."

"Excuse me, Daphne," Ron said, and then he untangled their arms. Ron then walked up to Fred, and he tensed his entire torso as he did so.

"Cutis Terra," Ron whispered under his breath, and when his entire upper body felt stone-like, he simply lifted Fred up like a baby. Merlin, this Spell makes Fred feel as heavy as a grape.

"Oi! What the fuck?!" Fred wobbled in Ron's grip, but since Ron had his hands under Fred's armpits, his older brother couldn't do anything but just wriggle. George, Percy, and Daphne went wide-eyed as Ron smiled as if he was under no strain whatsoever, and when Ron planted Fred aside, the taller boy could do little but stare at Ron.

"Come, Daph," Ron said, and she slowly took his gloved hand.

"He just… Did you see that shite?!" Fred looked to his brothers, who were now gawking at Ron's retreating back.

"Ron, what was that?" Daphne whispered, her Ice-Queen persona shattered by shock. "It's not possible for you to have that much strength…"

"I thought you liked my strength," Ron smirked.

"I'm serious, Ron," Daphne said a little more firmly. "What was that?"

"A Spell that I've learned recently," Ron whispered to her, and she nodded slowly. "I haven't mastered it fully yet, but I will eventually. Don't anyone, Daphne. It's a secret."

"I… I understand," Daphne said, and Ron felt her relax considerably. "For a minute, I thought that you weren't human."

"Who says that I am?" Ron smiled, and Daphne poked his stomach with her free hand. "You're dating an Old God, Daphne."

"An Old God?" Daphne blinked. "What's an 'Old God'?"

"Nothing, just a stupid joke," Ron shrugged, and she nodded slowly.

"Mr. Weasley, a word," came Snape's voice, and Ron turned to see the Potions Master staring at him.

"Of course, Sir," Ron said as he let go of Daphne's hand. "I'll see you in a bit."

"Alright," Daphne said, her features schooled once again. As Daphne left for the stands, Ron followed Snape to Dumbledore's chair.

"Is everything alright, Sir?" Ron asked, but Snape didn't reply. It's not?

"Congratulations on your victories today, Ronald," Dumbledore smiled at him as he approached. "Remarkable use of Wandless Magic, my boy. You've done this old man proud."

"I… Thanks…" Ron flushed a little, but his Slytherin brain told him that something was wrong. "Wait… That was quite the compliment… You never say things like that in public…" Ron then looked between Snape and Dumbledore, both of whom looked slightly uncomfortable. "What did you do?"

"I fear that we may have called wolf," Dumbledore replied, his eyes darting towards Pomfrey.

"What does that mean?" Ron asked slowly.

"This Spell of yours… Cutis Terra… Did it really require you to take stingers to the chest?" Snape asked, and Ron nodded.

"I spoke with Professor Flitwick last Sunday, and he told me that the Spell enhanced ones strength and durability," Ron started. "I already knew that, but what I didn't know was that it could help one withstand weaker Spells. So I spent pretty much every night this week facing dummies. I let them pelt me with stingers, while I worked to pin down the specifics of the Spell."

"So… Self-harm was never involved?" Dumbledore asked, and Ron was quite taken aback.

"Self-harm, Headmaster?" Ron asked, and both Snape and Dumbledore exchanged looks. "I used Episkey to heal myself whenever it started to hurt too much."

"You can take this one," Snape said, and then he billowed away. Ron just watched him leave with a furrowed brow, and then he looked to Dumbledore.

"Headmaster… What did you do?" Ron asked.

"Severus was informed that you were allowing the dummies to harm you," Dumbledore started, while Ron just watched his face. "Given the terrible things that are currently happening in the World, we both assumed that you were hurting yourself to feel control over your life. We grew worried… So worried that we told Poppy…"

"You told Madam Pomfrey that I was self-harming…" Ron said slowly, and then he rubbed his forehead with his gloved hand. Bloody hell, she must be so angry with me.

"An honest mistake, my boy," Dumbledore said calmingly. "One that we will rectify this very day."

"Wait… Who told Professor Snape?" Ron asked suddenly. "I practiced in the dead of night…" And that's when it hit him. "Malfoy. He must've seen me, and like a venomous snake, he turned on me."

"This is all a misunderstanding, Ronald," Dumbledore said gently. "Do not turn it into something worse, promise me."

"I… I promise," Ron said. "But you better tell Madam Pomfrey today, alright? And you could've come to me if you were so worried, Headmaster. Then at least I could've explained myself to you."

"Lesson learnt, Ronald," Dumbledore smiled in his kind manner. "You should rejoin your friends, I believe that Remus wishes to end the recess."

"I'll see you later then, Headmaster," Ron said, and then he began to walk back to his friends. On the way, he couldn't help but steal a glance at Madam Pomfrey, and he saw her looking at him with a slightly saddened look. Bloody hell, she's not angry… She's sad. That's worse!

---

Five Minutes Later

"Blaise and Michael, please come down," Remus announced, and Blaise quickly made his way down the stands.

"Look at him," Tracey smirked. "He's off to avenge his girlfriend's sister."

"Are you both ready?" Remus asked. "Alright… Begin!"

"Expeliarm-" Corner started, but Blaise fired a Non-verbal stunner at the weedy Ravenclaw. Corner managed to duck it, but Blaise fired stunner after stunner. Ron was rather impressed with Blaise's aim, as were the other Slytherins considering how loudly they were cheering. It didn't take long for Corner to lose his footing, which resulted in him taking a stunner to the ribs.

"Match!" Remus called, and the Slytherins howled and whistled. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs applauded, but the Ravenclaws looked less than enthusiastic. All of them except for Padma, who was waving at Blaise with a happy smile. Blaise gave her a curt nod, and then he walked back to the Slytherin stands.

"What was that?" Daphne asked Blaise, and he blinked at her. "You couldn't wave back?"

"I saw no need for it," Blaise said aloofly. "She was trying to get my attention, and I gave it to her. What would be the point of overindulging her? She'd just get used it."

"Yeesh, you make her sound like a dog," Tracey grimaced, while Pansy and Millie decided to stay clear of this conversation.

"Blaise, the romantic," Theo chuckled. "I feel bad for the poor girl. She doesn't know that she's dating a Dementor." Hehe, that was good.

"Whatever," Blaise said as he sat down.

"Ronald and Susan, you're up!" Remus called, and Ron quickly shot out of his seat. Finally! This should be a fun match. As Ron entered the sandpit, he spotted Susan coming out of the Hufflepuff stands. She looked genuinely nervous, while Remus was once again giving Ron 'the stare'. I should put her at ease first, and then we can Duel. I don't need to show my strength anymore. I just need to win.

"Has your aunt mentioned me?" Ron asked Susan with a grin.

"She found the photo amusing," Susan replied, and her nervous look was slowly replaced by a smile.

"She wanted proof, and I obliged," Ron chuckled as they got into position.

"Are you two ready?" Remus asked, and they both nodded. Easy does it, Ron. Breathe. "Begin!"

"Oppugno,' Ron chanted, stealing a page out of Millie's book.

"Protego!" Susan blocked the incoming sand, and Ron took in a deep breath as he got into his stance. Knees bent and back straight, Ron. "Expelliarmus!"

"Stupefy," Ron chanted calmly as he dodged the Disarming Charm. "Expelliarmus. Flipendo. Stupefy." He tried to mimic the Chaining technique, but he was much slower than Madam Roberts. Susan, however, had little experience in Dueling, and so she failed to capitalize on Ron's open windows. She'll figure out my pattern though. I need to change it up.

"Use more Wandless Magic, Ron!" came Astoria's yell, and Ron decided to grant her wish.

"Don't give him the chance, Susan!" Ernest yelled in response.

"Stupefy!" Susan shouted, while Ron made sure to keep as calm as he could. His heartbeat was getting faster, but his breathing was steady.

"Protego," Ron chanted, and the stunner shattered upon his shield. Ron drew in a deep breath, while Susan tried to pin him down with stunners. "Fumos." Ron breathed out black smoke from his mouth as if he were a Dragon, and the Slytherin stands erupted in ecstatic cheers. Susan clearly panicked because of what Ron was doing, and so she put up her shield to defend herself.

"Glacius," Ron chanted after refilling his lungs, and then he slammed his left palm on the sand beneath him. A couple of stunners flew over his head, and Ron figured that Susan was casting blind. My body's hidden by the smoke. Don't panic, and just stay crouched. Let the ice reach her. Ron suddenly heard a shriek, and then the sound of thin ice shattering.

"Match!" Remus called, much to Ron's surprise.

"Depulso," Snape chanted, and with a wave of his wand, he banished the smoke. Ron spotted Susan sitting up on some shattered ice, her wand a few feet away from her. She slipped? Ron stood up, while the Houses applauded them both.

"My bum…" Susan moaned as Ron walked up to her, the ice crunching beneath his feet.

"Here, let me help you up," Ron smiled, and then he gently helped her to her feet. "Are you okay?"

"I think I bruised my-" she stopped abruptly, it was as if she had remembered who she was talking to.

"Your wand, Susan," Remus said as he handed it to her, while Snape banished the thin sheet of ice.

"Thanks, Professor," Susan said weakly, she looked a little embarrassed because of her tumble.

"Head over to Madam Pomfrey if you need," Remus said with a smile. Susan gave him a nod, and she slowly walked over to Madam Pomfrey. Ron, on the other hand, began to walk back to the cheering Slytherins.

"No lightning, Ron?" Clara pouted, while some random Slytherins patted him down. "I wanted to see the 'Stormbringer' in action."

"I'm actually banned from using that Spell," Ron told her. "Plus, it's too dangerous. What if I missed and hit the Gryffindor stands?"

"Now that would be a terrible tragedy," Carey said smoothly, a pleasant smile on her face. It's weird. Sometimes she's completely cold, and other times she's her usual self again. "Well done, Ron. That's two Slytherins who have qualified for the Quarterfinals."

"Hermione and Anthony, come on down!" Remus called, and Ron slowly turned to face the sandpit.

"Ron, sit with us for a moment," Samantha said, and Ron turned back around.

"Of course," Ron smiled, and then he followed them to their seats. He noticed his friends giving him nods, and Ron figured that they wanted him to behave.

"Sit here," Clara smiled sweetly, and Ron sat down between her and Carey. "You've got so many tricks up your sleeve, Ron. How does a third year accomplish that?"

"Trial and error mostly," Ron shrugged, though he did like the fact that she was talking in her sweet voice. "The first time I tried to cast Fumos Wandlessly, I nearly choked to death." Merlin, I still remember Daphne's panic. I really should stop trying Spells near the girls. Pansy still hasn't forgiven me for the headless birds.

"Fumos," Carey nodded slowly. "The Smokescreen Spell."

"Quite ingenious, Ron," Samantha said, her expression cold as usual. "Can you perform every Spell Wandlessly?"

"No," Ron chuckled. "It's taken me this long to learn just a handful of Wandless Spells, and even those I haven't fully mastered. Wandless Magic takes a heavy toll on one's body, and I'm no different." From the corner of his eye, he saw Hermione hammering Anthony's shield with stunners. She's pissed.

"Just try to not hurt yourself, alright?" Clara said softly, and Ron gave her a smile. She's quite fond of me, isn't she? Ron still felt guilty over how rough he had been with the Triumvirate, but he knew that it was necessary. He needed to slowly bring the Slytherins into the fold, and he couldn't do that if he was getting pushed around all the time.

"Flint has been watching you," Carey suddenly whispered, and Ron blinked at her. "Don't turn around." Right. "And it's not just him. You remember Atif?"

"The sixth year delegate?" Ron asked.

"His girlfriend told us that he's planning to embarrass you in public," Samantha said, and Ron was even more confused now.

"His girlfriend told you?" Ron asked.

"She's a fourth year, and after Miller sang your praises to them, they've all become a little infatuated with you," Clara hummed. "You're quite the heartthrob, Ron."

"Really?" Ron whispered guiltily.

"Power and influence are the new sexy," Clara winked at him, and Ron felt his cheeks heat up a little.

"Not to mention that you were surprisingly noble, which is a breath of fresh air for many," Carey said in her silky voice. "The constant schemes and backstabbing can get dreadfully boring. Plus, Atif is a constant cheater." You could just say that I was right to not abuse that photo.

"Right," Ron said. "So… What's he planning?"

"She didn't know the specifics, but whatever it is, it's not happening," Samantha said. "Your image in the House is extremely important now, and any insult to you is rebellion against us. We can't allow people to start getting ideas, Ron. It only takes one person to open the floodgates."

"A lesson that we've learned from Flint's little tantrum," Carey added. "You'll take care of it, won't you?"

"I'll fix this, Carey," Ron promised, he needed to win her over. Samantha is the coldest of the three, but if Clara and Carey go back to being my friends, she'll follow. I can't afford to rush them. That'll only cause more friction between us.

"Your girlfriend has improved over the last month," Clara stated, and Ron shot her a confused look. Where did that come from? "Look." Ron followed her gaze to the sandpit, and he saw Daphne disarming Sally Smith. I missed her match!

"You should go apologize to her," Carey smirked. "Who misses their own girlfriend's Duel, Ron?"

"You three-" Ron started, but then he stopped himself. "You're jerks." Ron got up and left at that, while the Triumvirate looked quite pleased with themselves.

"Daph," Ron greeted her at the bottom of the stands. "I missed your match… I'm so bloody sorry. The Triumvirate were-"

"Relax, Ron," Daphne's lips twitched upwards. "I won, and that's all that matters."

"But still…" Ron sighed out, but Daphne just took his gloved hand.

"I was amazing, so it's your loss really," Daphne smirked. "Let's go up, and then you can tell me what the Triumvirate wanted."

"Okay," Ron managed a weak smile. They both walked up to their friends, who congratulated Daphne on her stellar victory.

"What did the Triumvirate want?" Malfoy asked, completely ignoring Daphne's win.

"Neville and Justin, take your positions!" Remus called out, he was starting to look rather tired. Neville's up? Ron's eyes went to the sandpit

"Weasley, what did the Triumvirate want?" Malfoy asked again, and Ron looked back to him.

"Someone is trying to humiliate me from the shadows," Ron smirked as he sat down, his arm going around Daphne's waist on instinct.

"Who?" Tracey asked, while Ron looked to the sandpit.

"Atif Aslam from sixth year," Ron replied.

"An angry delegate then," Theo said, his finger tapping his chin. "You need to kill this plot in its crib, mate. If one delegate starts rebelling, the other unhappy ones will follow."

"Any suggestions?" Ron asked, his eyes fixed on Neville and Justin. Merlin, they're both tripping over their own feet.

"Don't use violence," Daphne said, and Ron looked to her. "Using violence now will just convince people that you're a brute, which is simply not true. You got their attention with violence, Ron. Now keep it with negotiation and compromise. Show them that you are a Slytherin, and not some hot-headed Gryffindor."

"She's right," Blaise said. "What you did to Flint was the right call, but repeating it will just hinder us."

"Maybe you should find out what Aslam wants," Pansy suggested, and Ron nodded slowly. "Why else would he start rebelling? He clearly wants something, right?"

"He wants Weasley gone, that's his reason for rebelling," Malfoy said, and everyone looked to him. "He doesn't feel the need to bow to a third year, and since the Triumvirate are forcing him to, he's acting out. It isn't that hard to realize that his pride is hurt."

"Is that how you feel?" Ron couldn't help but ask, but Malfoy chose to ignore Ron's question.

"If he is as annoyed as Malfoy thinks, then we ought to be careful," Millie said.

"Desperate people do desperate things," Tracey nodded her agreement. "Why don't you make a deal with him that gets him what he wants? If it's respect that he's after, maybe you should to just show him some."

"My respect is earned, not given," Ron said firmly. "I'll talk to him, but I won't let him walk all over me. If I show him weakness, he's bound to exploit it." Their conversation was interrupted when the Gryffindors suddenly broke into cheers, and they all looked to see Justin lying in the sand with his limbs sprawled apart.

"Longbottom made it into the Quarterfinals," Theo chuckled. "Lucky bugger."

"He's a bit clumsy, but he tries his best," Millie said firmly. "That's what matters most."

"You seem to enjoy defending Gryffindors," Malfoy pointed out. "First Brown, and now Longbottom…"

"Unlike you, I see no point in putting others down for the sake of enjoyment," Millie said bitterly.

"Draco and Millicent, please come down," came Remus' voice, and Tracey let out a giddy giggle.

"Have fun, Millie," Tracey grinned maliciously.

"I will," Millie said with a smile, and then both Millie and Malfoy went down to the sandpit. Pretty much everyone was cheering for Millie, which was a testament to how hated Malfoy was as a person. Even some of the Gryffindors were asking Millie to teach the 'blonde ponce' a lesson.

"Merlin, I hope she manages to grab him," Tracey all but licked her lips.

"Are you two ready?" Remus asked.

"Stupefy!" Malfoy chanted, and Millie didn't even have time to react before the stunner hit her in the face.

"Did I give you the signal?" Remus asked as he ran up to Millie's side, while everyone just went dead silent. "You're disqualified, Draco." Mafloy merely smirked, and then he walked off towards the exit. Motherfucker!

"What a fucking prick!" Tracey grit out, while the others shared her anger. "Cowardly piece of shite!" People booed Malfoy as he left the Great Hall, but he just smirked to himself without a care. He knew that he wouldn't be able to beat her in a Duel, but wiping that smug smile off of her face had been far too tempting to simply forfeit.

"She got hit in the face," Pansy fretted. "Is she alright?"

"She'll be really dazed, but she'll be fine," Ron said, a scowl on his face. Fucking Malfoy… A pathetic piece of garbage, just like his father. "I'm going to go talk to Malfoy."

"Do us all a favor," Theo looked back with a frown. "And slap the shite out of him." I just might. Ron started walking down the steps as Madam Pomfrey helped a dazed Millie towards the Slytherin stands.

"Millie, are you alright?" Ron asked.

"Huh?" Millie blinked slowly, her head swaying back and forward.

"She is fine, Mr. Weasley," Pomfrey said. "Now please move out of the way, she needs to sit down." Right. Ron quickly moved aside, and Madam Pomfrey let the Slytherins help Millie up the steps.

---

Five Minutes Later

Ron barged into his room, and the moment Malfoy saw him, he jumped off of his bed and aimed his wand at Ron.

"Fuck off, Weasley," Malfoy warned, his wand shaking slightly.

"Put that away, and I might not hurt you," Ron grit out, he had half a mind to throw Malfoy out of the group. My promise to Snape be damned, I just can't stand this bastard. "What the fuck was that?!"

"That was me knocking her down a peg!" Malfoy snapped, and Ron charged him. "Stupe-" Malfoy didn't get a chance to finish the incantation because Ron grabbed him by the collar and slammed his back into the wall. Malfoy whimpered from the impact, and his wand slipped out of his grip.

"You piece of shite!" Ron screamed in Malfoy's face, while the pale boy gasped for air. "You hit her on the head! You could've hurt her!"

"You… You all treat me like dirt…" Malfoy wheezed painfully, his eyes becoming teary. "All the time… Every time I say something… you all ridicule me…"

"It's because you're a little cunt!" Ron yelled, and then he slammed Malfoy's back against the wall again.

"You're… hurting me…" Malfoy managed, his voice cracking. "Stop…"

"Why?!" Ron demanded. "Why should I stop?! Huh?! You fucking deserve to be hurt!"

"Get off me…" Malfoy sniffled, his hands trying to break Ron's grip over his collar. Ron yanked Malfoy's body, and tossed him towards his bed. Malfoy's shins hit the bed's edges, which resulted in him tumbling over to the other side. Death Eater junior… We'll send pieces of you to your father.

"Get up!" Ron ordered as he rounded the bed, but Malfoy just let out a sob as he curled in on himself, his hands rubbing his sore shins. Ron reached down and grabbed Malfoy by the back of his neck, and then with all of his strength, he dragged Malfoy to his feet. "Why did you do that to her?!"

"Because I'm sick of it!" Malfoy cried. "I'm sick of being under attack all the fucking time! I just want to go home!" Ron blinked at him, but his face was still twisted with rage. "I just want to go home…"

"Home?" Ron asked, his breathing had become harsh from sheer anger. "What the fuck does that have to do with you attacking Millie like that?"

"I'm nothing here…" Malfoy started crying hysterically, much to Ron's confusion. No. Don't forgive him. Hurt him! Ron just stared at Malfoy, and he found himself filled with both rage and… pity.

"He is your enemy…" the Entity whispered, and Ron turned his head and cracked his neck. "Break him. Make him your servant." Ron grabbed Malfoy by his collar, while Malfoy just kept crying.

"I'm use… useless…" Malfoy hiccupped, his hands covering his face. Ron's eyes became crimson and toad-like, and they were fixed on Malfoy's throat. We should repay Lucius Malfoy for his crimes against Ginny. Against Us.

"I don't deserve to be a Malfoy…" Malfoy let out a raspy sob, his fingers digging into his forehead. Ron blinked at that, and his grip on Malfoy's collar weakened. "A fucking failure… I'm… useless…" He doesn't deserve to be a Malfoy? Images of Malfoy's Future flashed in Ron's mind, and Ron swallowed thickly.

"Malfoy, look at me," Ron said, his own voice shaking because of his conflicting feelings. Calm down. Breathe. Just breathe. "Malfoy, look at me."

"Leave me alone… I just… I just want to go home…" Malfoy wept. "Everyone despises… me… They spit on me…"

"Draco, sit down," Ron said as he guided Malfoy to his bed, and that's when Ron spotted blood dripping out of Malfoy's trousers. Fuck. Ron quickly kneeled down and pulled up Malfoy's trousers, and Malfoy let out a sharp cry. His shins were badly scraped, and already bruising. Ron felt a pang of guilt at that, he had taken things too far. Stop feeling guilty and heal him. Ron quickly took out his wand and aimed it at Malfoy's right shin.

"Episkey," Ron chanted, and Malfoy breathed in sharply. "It's alright, I'm just healing your legs. Episkey." With Malfoy's shins tended to, Ron lowered the crying boy's trousers. Ron then stood up and observed Malfoy, who was crying in earnest now. His face was still buried in his hands, and occasionally, he muttered the words 'disgrace' and 'useless'.

"Go… Go away…" Malfoy cried out, and he genuinely sounded like a wounded animal. "I'm done… I'm leaving this… this school…" Leaving this school? It didn't take Ron long to understand that if Malfoy left Hogwarts, he'd eventually follow in his father's footsteps. The man from his vision would never come to exist, and Snape would lose his Godson in the war.

"Where will you go?" Ron asked as he sat down beside Malfoy, who tensed immediately. "I'm not going to hurt you… Again. I'm sorry."

"No… You're not…" Malfoy rubbed his eyes clear harshly, but then he started crying again. He was trying his best to regain his composure, but knowing that his enemy, Weasley, was seeing him like this only served to spiral him out of control.

"I am sorry," Ron apologized again. "I… I took things too far. Millie's not even hurt that badly, but I still completely lost it." Ron then looked to Malfoy, and he made sure to keep his face expressionless. "Why did you do that to her? What was the point?"

"I was going to lose…" Malfoy coughed out, his hands running into his hair. "Everyone wanted me to lose… Even the fucking Gryffindors cheered for her…" Malfoy then bent forward, his head hanging just above his knees. Ron could see thick tears and snot running down his face, and when he began pulling at his own hair, Ron grabbed his left wrist.

"Stop that," Ron said sternly.

"I don't know why I'm like this… All my fault…" Malfoy broke down again, and Ron genuinely had no idea what to do. The door swung open at that, and Tracey marched in with a murderous glare.

"Where is-" Tracey started, but she stopped immediately when she saw them. Millie, Daphne, and Blaise were right behind Tracey, and they too stopped dead in their tracks. Millie still looks a little loopy.

"Go," Ron ordered, and they all just stared at Malfoy's heaving form. "Go!"

"C'mon, Tracey," Millie said as she pulled the confused girl out of the room, and Blaise shot Ron a meaningful look before he shut the door.

"Malfoy, just breathe," Ron advised, the pale boy looked hysterical again. "You're going to have a fucking panic attack if you keep going. Just breathe, aright?" Malfoy just started sobbing again, much to Ron's confusion. Did I fucking stutter?

---

Fifteen Minutes Later

Malfoy had spiraled into an anxiety attack, during which he raved about how much of a failure he was. Ron could do little but listen, and occasionally, Ron would rub his back. It was clear to Ron, however, that Malfoy had been bottling everything up, and after seeing the entire school call out for his blood, he had reached his breaking point.

Eventually, Ron had had enough. Malfoy wasn't calming down, and if he kept going, he was going to pass out from exhaustion. And so Ron had asked Daphne for a Calming Draught, which he had then poured down Malfoy's throat. As the Potion did its job, Malfoy became more and more subdued, which helped Ron in convincing Malfoy to lie down. The Malfoy Heir was drained of his spirit and strength, but he didn't fall asleep. He just lay there, his glazed eyes watching the ceiling.

"I'll be right back, Malfoy," Ron said calmly, but Malfoy barely registered his words. I think I gave him too much. At least he's not hysterical anymore, which is a good thing. Ron walked over to the exit, and as soon as he stepped outside, his friends circled him.

"What happened, Ron?" Daphne asked. "What really happened?"

"He had an anxiety attack," Ron sighed, he himself was really tired now. Is this how my friends feel every time they're forced to help me?

"What if he was faking it?" Tracey asked, and Ron shot her a deadpan look. "Yeah… He wasn't faking it…"

"Why did he have an anxiety attack?" Theo asked, and Ron realized that the Dueling Club was done for the day.

"How did your match go?" Ron asked, and Theo blinked at him.

"I won," Theo replied.

"And I lost to Padma," Pansy added. "Now tell us what triggered his anxiety attack? Was it because he hurt Millie?"

"I rather doubt that," Blaise said.

"I think it was the fact that everyone in the school wanted him to get hurt," Ron sighed out, and his friends just stared at him. "C'mon… You all saw it, right? Even the Gryffindors were cheering for Millie, and they were only doing that because they wanted him to get hurt. Hell… Even the Hufflepuffs were keen to see Malfoy hit the sand."

"That can't be it," Daphne said, she had done extensive research on the matter. "The Dueling Club served as the trigger. There has to be more, Ron."

"He ranted about being useless," Ron said slowly, he didn't want to say too much. It feels wrong. "Look, I think he's been feeling pretty… lonely… for a while. Isolated, you know. Today was just the last straw."

"He didn't say more?" Pansy asked, and Ron drew in a deep breath.

"He did, but I… I don't want to say anything more," Ron told them. "He was not in his right mind, alright? It feels wrong to talk about it." Ron then looked to Millie. "How are you doing?"

"My head feels heavy, but I'm fine," Millie assured him. "What do we do about him?"

"I have no idea," Ron admitted. "He's got some issues, and we're not equipped to deal with them. He doesn't trust us, and we don't trust him. He needs help from someone else."

"What about Professor Snape?" Theo asked. "Malfoy is his Godson, and from what I remember, Malfoy looks up to him."

"That won't work," Daphne shook her head. "Malfoy will pretend to be fine in order to 'prove himself' to Professor Snape. He needs Pomfrey, Ron. He needs a professional."

"And who's going to convince him of that?" Tracey asked, she was still a little jarred from seeing Malfoy in such a state. Despite hating the git, she couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him.

"I will," Ron volunteered. I need to talk him into staying at Hogwarts. With the Dark Lord back, he could end up getting enlisted if he's not careful. "I have experience with Mind-Healers, and I'll share that with him."

"Are you sure?" Blaise asked. "Ron, once you tell him, he'll have that over you."

"I know, but it's the right thing to do," Ron replied. "I know how he feels… It's not a fun experience. It'll only get worse if he doesn't do something about it."

"Lunch is about to start," Pansy said. "If you want to talk to him, now would be the time."

"You guys go on," Ron said. "I'll get Marty to bring me and Malfoy some food, and while he eats, I'll talk to him. Oh… And don't hold this over him, alright? It won't get you anything."

"It was just a stunner," Millie shrugged, and Ron gave her a smile. "And it was a pretty weak one at that."

---

Ten Minutes Later

"Are you hungry?" Ron asked as he walked into the room with a tray full of food, only to find Malfoy sitting up. "Malfoy?"

"Did you have a good laugh at my expense with the others?" Malfoy asked, his face completely serene.

"No," Ron replied as he used his foot to close the door. Ron then walked over to Malfoy's bed, and he planted the tray by his feet.

"Where are they?" Malfoy asked.

"Gone to lunch," Ron replied, and then he walked over and picked up Malfoy's wand from the floor.

"Then why are you here?" Malfoy asked, while Ron placed the wand by his bedside table.

"To talk to you, and to make sure that you eat," Ron replied.

"Why? Why do you do that?" Malfoy asked.

"Do what?" Ron asked in return, and then he sat down on the edge of Malfoy's bed.

"Force feed me," Malfoy replied.

"I don't force feed you," Ron frowned a little. "I'm just making sure that you don't fall over every time there's a breeze. Plus, I hate it when people don't eat properly."

"Why?" Malfoy asked out of curiosity. He's being so civil. Maybe I should dose him more often.

"My mother, despite our poverty, worked her arse off to keep seven children fed," Ron shrugged. "I have an appreciation of food, and so I don't like it when people disrespect a good meal."

"So because you're a pauper, you appreciate food more?" Malfoy asked, and Ron drew in a deep breath.

"I am not a pauper," Ron said firmly. "I've made something of myself."

"It's a shame that your father lacks your ambition," Malfoy said.

"Don't think that I won't clap you because you're on a Potion," Ron warned, and then he drew in another deep breath. "Don't disrespect my father."

"It was a compliment to you, Weasley," Malfoy rolled his eyes. "Even I can't deny your achievements."

"Right…" Ron said slowly. "Look, Malfoy-"

"Why did you call me Draco?" Malfoy asked, and Ron blinked at him. "I heard you when I was hysterical. You used my given name."

"You weren't responding to Malfoy," Ron replied. "Every time I said it, you started spiraling even more."

"Fair enough," Malfoy looked down at his lap, his face emotionless.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Ron asked.

"No."

"Alright," Ron sighed out.

"You told the others, didn't you?" Malfoy looked back to him.

"I didn't," Ron replied, and Malfoy blinked at him. "What? Is that so hard to believe?"

"No, it isn't," Malfoy admitted, his eyes fixed on Ron's. I should wipe his face before he eats. He's a mess. "I don't know what to think about you anymore. I hate you so much, but at the same time, I can't deny that you're not what I expected."

"Care to elaborate?" Ron asked.

"You could've left me to spiral on my own," Malfoy replied. "After all, I'd have done the same in your shoes. But you stayed… You're still here. Why? Why do that?"

"Trust me, if you saw the state that you were in, you'd have stayed too," Ron replied.

"No," Malfoy shook his head. "I wouldn't have. When you got hurt using that Lightning Spell, my only concern was that Flint was going to come after me after your death." Merlin, that's just fucked up. "So why, Weasley? Why stay?" I guess it's now or never.

"Because I know how it feels," Ron replied, and Malfoy just stared at him. "I… I have had multiple panic attacks, and during each one, I felt like I was going to die. It's horrible, isn't it?"

"Theo gave you that Calming Draught," Malfoy said, it was as if he hadn't heard Ron's words. "Now it makes sense… I was wondering why he was carrying around a Calming Draught. It was for you."

"Yes, they all carry one," Ron replied, this was harder than expected. "I sometimes need them to… stay afloat."

"What have you got to worry about?" Malfoy asked. "You have power, influence, respect… Even love. You have everything."

"Do you think it all just fell into my lap?" Ron chuckled tiredly. "Last year, I was hated by the entire school. The Slytherins hated my status, thanks to you, while the other Houses labelled me as the Heir. Not to mention that my own parents turned on me while I was at my weakest."

"Turned on you?" Malfoy blinked.

"They wanted me out of Slytherin," Ron replied, much to Malfoy's surprise. "You can ask the others, it's true. I had to fight my own Blood to stay in this House, all the while dealing with the hatred of said House."

"Why fight to stay in a House that despised you?" Malfoy couldn't help but ask.

"My closest friends are Slytherins, and I want to stay by their side," Ron shrugged weakly. "So… I fought everyone. And then, I got petrified."

"By the real Heir," Malfoy nodded slowly, he was quite taken aback by this revelation. "Your sister…" What?! Ron felt like someone had shaken him awake, and his face twisted from renewed anger. "I haven't told anyone, nor do I plan to. I see no advantage in it. No one would take me seriously anyway. Your sister's secret is safe with me."

"Is that so?" Ron grit out.

"Is that so hard to believe?" Malfoy asked.

"It is," Ron replied.

"That's fair," Malfoy said calmly. "There's too much bad blood between us. To you, I'm probably the worst person alive."

"No," Ron shook his head, his anger dying down a bit. "You're a prick, but you're not evil. I've seen evil. And… So have you." Malfoy tensed at that, and his eyes met Ron's. "He was going to kill us both that night, remember? And then, Firenze saved us."

"Firenze," Malfoy muttered. "That was his name… I've been trying to remember that name for so long."

"You forgot your savior's name?" Ron asked.

"I was a bit banged up, Weasley," Malfoy reminded Ron.

"Oh, yeah," Ron nodded. "Can you believe it, Malfoy? We, two first years, ran into the fucking Dark Lord? And not only did we run into him, but we both survived."

"Harry Potter would be proud," Malfoy smirked a little.

"Another joke? That's two today," Ron smiled.

"It's the Potion," Malfoy shrugged. "Usually, I never think of that night."

"Fair enough," Ron said, while Malfoy looked back at his lap. "Malfoy… Have you had panic attacks before?"

"Just two," Malfoy replied. "One in the Holidays, after Flint attacked me, and one after his girlfriend joined in on the fun."

"Gertrude Swans," Ron frowned a little. The bitch who is jealous of Luna, a second year.

"She's been absent from our conflict with him," Malfoy stated. "That's not a good sign."

"Let her come," Ron said darkly. "Just because she has a cunt between her legs doesn't mean that I won't knock her teeth out." Malfoy stared at Ron, and then he shook his head. "What?"

"You… are a damn enigma," Malfoy replied, and Ron blinked at him. "I can't figure you out… I've been trying, but every time that I get close, you show me a side of you that leaves me even more confused. You have no qualms about beating women?"

"If they come after me or my own, then I won't show mercy," Ron replied. "It's quite simple, Malfoy. I treat people the way they treat others. Flint is a violent thug who enjoys causing others pain, so I caused him pain. I don't like bullies."

"But you bully bullies," Malfoy cocked an eyebrow.

"If someone only speaks French, then speaking to them in English is idiotic," Ron said calmly. "Have you seen me go after those who are just minding their own business?"

"No," Malfoy replied. "I… I used to do that…"

"And look where it landed you," Ron said, and Malfoy averted his gaze.

"Everyone hates me," Malfoy whispered to himself.

"Right now," Ron added, and Malfoy slowly looked back at him. "It's never too late to do better, Malfoy."

"You sound like the Headmaster," Malfoy said, and Ron shrugged.

"He's the wisest man I know," Ron admitted. "Even you can't deny that Albus Dumbledore is a great old bloke. Anyway… Just because people don't like you now doesn't mean that it will last. I'm proof of that. If you try to be better, and if you try to be kind, people will gravitate to you."

"Shall I make flower wreaths for all the Mud…? Muggle-Borns…" Malfoy asked with a weak smirk. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that."

"Did I ask you to?" Ron asked, and Malfoy waited for him to go on. "You don't want to respect Muggle-Borns? Then don't. I'm simply asking you to tolerate them. This school is filled with Half-Bloods and Muggle-Borns, so being hostile to any one of them is just stupid. Plus, why do you even care about tormenting them? It just makes you into a bully, which results in people like Flint gravitating to you."

"I am a Malfoy," Malfoy said weakly. "Or at least… In name…"

"And I am a Weasley," Ron rolled his eyes. "And yet, I fought to stay in Slytherin. I even fought to keep you around. Don't forget that my own sister called me a 'fucking traitor' in the middle of the Courtyard because I chose to keep you around. You asked me why I stayed… Well, I stayed for the same reason why I've chosen to keep you around. I don't like seeing people suffer, despite my occasional ruthlessness. You don't have to be a one-sided Galleon, Malfoy. You can be compassionate and strong at the same time."

"I'm tired…" Malfoy whispered. "I want to sleep…" Damn, I was getting through to him.

"Alright," Ron nodded. "But before I leave you, I need to speak to you about something important."

"What?" Malfoy asked, his eyes fixed on the tray of food.

"Your panic attacks… They won't leave," Ron said, and Malfoy looked to Ron with a slightly startled look. "Not until you get help."

"Help?" Malfoy blinked.

"Professional help," Ron clarified. "Madam Pomfrey is a qualified Mind-Healer, and-"

"No," Malfoy refused.

"Malfoy, trust me here… She can help you," Ron said firmly. "Like she helps me." Malfoy seemed to come to a realization at that.

"Mondays and Thursdays…" Malfoy said, and Ron swallowed his pride. Just do it, Ron. Your pride isn't worth his suffering.

"I go to her, and she helps me," Ron told him, his voice slightly strained. "There is no shame in it, I promise. With her help, you can feel strong again. Confident. I have a session with her tomorrow, and if you'll let me, I'll talk to her about you. You can even come with me and speak to her yourself."

"I don't need to spill my woes to a woman that I barely know," Malfoy said, and Ron felt the need to smack his own forehead.

"She is bound to keep your secrets," Ron assured him. "Just… Just fucking come with me and talk to her, alright?"

"Is that an order?" Malfoy asked.

"Don't start a fight," Ron said in response. "I'm not trying to belittle you, or boss you around. I just know how terrible anxiety and fear can be, and she's helped me tremendously. I'm just passing on the good word." Ron stood up at that. "Make sure you finish all of that food." With that, Ron left the dorm. Merlin… That was probably the most civil conversation that I've ever had with him.

---

Sunday 1st November, 1993 (Slytherin Common Room – Evening)

"What do you want, Weasley?" Jack Hughes frowned at him, while Aslam just looked away in disgust.

"I was hoping for a moment of Atif's time," Ron replied, his eye settling on the brown boy.

"What do you want?" Aslam asked, a bored expression on his face.

"Triumvirate business," Ron replied, and both Hughes and Aslam scoffed. "Please don't be rude, I'm trying to be civil here. I just want a conversation."

"Fine," Aslam said as he stood up, and then he walked towards an unoccupied corner. Ron followed him, and they both sat down in a couple of empty chairs. "What does the Triumvirate want?"

"They want peace and stability," Ron replied, and Aslam just stared at him. "And they want the House Cup."

"Don't we all?" Aslam remarked. If you want it, then why are you causing problems?

"Probably," Ron shrugged. "But we won't get it if we're divided."

"Then maybe the Triumvirate should appreciate us delegates a bit more," Aslam said bitterly. "All they do is bark orders at us, all the while favoring you." Wow, he's such a little bitch. He wants their attention without even earning it. He feels entitled to it.

"They don't favor me," Ron said calmly. "I've proven my worth, whereas you haven't."

"How dare you, Weasley?!" Aslam sprang to his feet, and people shot them curious looks. "I've been proving my worth since my third year! What have you done besides bully your way into power?!"

"I secured the House Cup in my first year," Ron replied, and Aslam shook his head dismissively. "Did you know that I was working for Victor Burke in my first year?"

"What?" Aslam blinked.

"It's true," Ron replied, and then he gestured Aslam to sit down. Aslam did as he was told, his black eyes fixed on Ron. "He approached me near the end of my first year, and in exchange for a powerful Spell, I helped him by securing House Points. We, of course, had that mess with Malfoy, but in the end, I managed to save the House Cup. So yeah, I've proven my worth."

"You are a third year," Aslam grit out. "You have no place being in those meetings, and you certainly have no right to give us orders. It's against our traditions!"

"So this is about your pride then," Ron said, even though he already knew that it was. "You don't like me because I make you feel inept."

"Shut up…" Aslam hissed.

"I am sorry that you feel that way, it was not my intent," Ron said, making sure to keep his focus on breathing. "What I did to Flint was cruel, I won't deny that. But… It was necessary. Flint was putting himself first, all the while condemning this House's Quidditch Team to a Seeker who didn't even want to play."

"So you did it for the House, is that it?" Aslam scoffed.

"I did it because I like to win," Ron replied, and Aslam blinked at him. "If the House loses, then I lose. And I don't lose."

"Right…" Aslam said slowly. "What do you want from me, Weasley?"

"I want to help you," Ron smiled.

"Then get Re-sorted into Gryffindor," Aslam stood up.

"What if I help you with the Triumvirate instead?" Ron asked, and Aslam stopped moving.

"Help me with the Triumvirate?" Aslam looked at Ron. I mention three pretty girls, and he's immediately interested. Didn't Carey say that he's a 'constant cheater'? I guess he likes girls a bit too much.

"I propose an alliance between us," Ron replied. "We work together to keep this House under our control, and when the Triumvirate ask me how I'm doing such a great job, your name will be the first thing that I say."

"And what do you get out of this?" Aslam asked.

"I get peace of mind," Ron replied. "I'm trying to limit conflict as much as I can, and with the help of a sixth year delegate like you, my odds become favorable. We will both benefit, but only if we set aside our differences." Ron stood up at that. "What do you say, Atif? Do you want to the Triumvirate to rely on you like they rely on me?" Ugh… That sounded shady. Aslam looked to be thinking it over, and Ron decided to wait.

"How would this partnership work?" Aslam asked slowly. "Will you just order me around?"

"No," Ron replied. "Everything will be as it was for you before my ascension. The only difference being that occasionally, we'll work together on some issues. If you need help, you can come to me. And if I need help, I'll come to you."

"An equal partnership then?" Aslam asked, and Ron smiled at him.

"An equal partnership," Ron put his gloved hand forward for a shake. "If it works out, then the Triumvirate will certainly be grateful to you. I'll make sure of that." Aslam eyed Ron carefully, and then he shook Ron's hand.

"I'll hold you to that, Weasley," Aslam said.

---

Monday 2nd November, 1993 (The Hospital Wing – After Classes)

"I'm not sure about this," Malfoy complained, and Ron let out a groan. Malfoy had become disturbingly subdued since his breakdown yesterday, and although no one even brought it up, he was clearly very ashamed of himself.

"Just talk to her, alright?" Ron said. "You want to feel better, don't you?" Malfoy just stared down at his feet in response. "There's no shame it, Malfoy. I come here too."

"Does your Family know about this?" Malfoy asked, and then his cold gaze landed on Ron.

"My parents do, but not my siblings," Ron replied.

"Why don't your siblings know?" Malfoy asked, and Ron drew in a deep breath. Don't let him bait you, Ron.

"Because they would grow worried, and then, they'd constantly pester me with unwanted concern," Ron replied. "They're better off just enjoying their own lives instead of fretting over mine."

"So noble…" Malfoy rolled his eyes.

"Not noble," Ron frowned a little. "You don't have siblings, so you wouldn't understand. Siblings can be… difficult." Sometimes even cruel.

"Ronald, you are right on time," Madam Pomfrey said as she came out from behind a curtain, and both Ron and Malfoy stood up. Madam Pomfrey looked to Malfoy, and then she looked back to Ron.

"Good afternoon, Madam Pomfrey," Ron smiled at the Matron. "Before we start my session, could you please talk to Malfoy about Mind-Healing? He's been having a hard time at school lately."

"A hard time…" Malfoy frowned at Ron.

"Do you mind?" Ron frowned back, and then he looked back to Madam Pomfrey. "Please?"

"Certainly," Madam Pomfrey said, and then she gestured Malfoy to follow her. "Ronald, we won't be long." Right. Ron sat back down, while Malfoy followed Madam Pomfrey into her Office.

Ron waited for about five minutes, and then he began pacing back and forth. He truly despised just sitting around, especially when there was work to be done. Ron wanted to discuss his ongoing dreams about Stoatshead Hill, and the fact that he always woke up in a cold sweat. He had mentioned his odd dreams to Madam Pomfrey last Thursday, and she had said something about his 'subconscious mind' trying to show him something. Ron knew that his 'subconscious mind' was most likely the Entity, and that truly scared him.

Ten more minutes passed before the door to Madam Pomfrey's Office opened, and both she and Malfoy stepped out. Ron quickly walked over to them, his eyes fixed on a downcast Malfoy. He looks like he's grieving.

"Well?" Ron asked.

"Tuesdays and Wednesdays…" Malfoy all but whispered, and then he just walked away with his head hanging low.

"Don't worry, Ronald," Madam Pomfrey said gently. "You used to leave my Office with a similar look about you."

"Really?" Ron asked, he couldn't remember that. But then again, the last few months of second year were horrible for me.

"Come inside," Madam Pomfrey said, and Ron followed her in. While she closed and locked the door, Ron made himself comfortable on the couch.

"Do I get a reward for bringing you more business?" Ron joked, and Madam Pomfrey just smiled at him.

"You've done a good thing, Ronald," Madam Pomfrey said as she walked to her seat, and Ron lost most of his humor.

"Yeah… Well, I know how he feels…" Ron said offhandedly.

"Shall we start your session?" Pomfrey asked, she could see that he was feeling a little embarrassed. Ron gave her a nod, and she pulled out his file from her desk. "How have you been, Ronald?"

"Same as usual," Ron shrugged weakly. "A little… distracted… My dreams are still focused on Stoatshead Hill. Every night, I find myself there… And they're not normal dreams either. I feel so awake in them."

"Perhaps a lucid dream?" Pomfrey suggested.

"Maybe…" Ron said slowly. "I can feel the grass beneath my bare feet, I can smell the fresh air, I can feel the Sun warming my skin, and I feel this sense of peace there that I've never felt before. It's just… surreal. But when I wake up, I'm covered in sweat and I can barely breathe."

"Very interesting," Madam Pomfrey jotted down some notes. "Do you still cry in your sleep?"

"I don't know," Ron replied. "I've started using the Silencing Charm on my bed curtains… I don't want my friends to hear me…"

"Tell me more about Stoatshead Hill, Ronald," Madam Pomfrey said. "The real Stoatshead Hill."

"Well, I've only been there once," Ron started, his mind traveling back to his childhood. "It was a really good day, I think. I was around seven and a half, and both Bill and Charlie had come back from Hogwarts. They were being really kind to me, mostly because the twins had recently murdered my Puffskein."

"Murdered your Puffskein?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"Yeah…" Ron sighed, he remembered just how much he hated the twins after that. "After the twins pranked me one night, I tattled on them out of spite. The twins were furious, and so they stole my pet and used it for Bludger practice."

"My word…" Pomfrey gasped.

"I was heartbroken… I loved that ratty old thing so much… He was my first pet…" Ron smiled sadly. "At night, he'd sneak onto my bed in order to eat my bogeys with his long tongue. I always caught him in the act, but instead of shooing him away, I'd snuggle him until we both fell asleep. I really did love that Puffskein… But you know what's weird? I can't remember his name. I found him in our gardens, I adopted him immediately, I fed him food from my own plate, and I even let him sleep in my bed… And yet, I can't remember his name. All I know is that after he was killed, Bill and Charlie helped me bury him on Stoatshead Hill."

"That's why we were up there," Ron went on. "I never told mum and dad… I was too scared of the twins. I thought that if I tattled on them again, they'd kill me too. Bill and Charlie only found out because Ginny wanted to play with my Puffskein, and when I started crying, she ran off to find our big brothers. I told them what happened, and after Charlie was done with the twins, we all went to Stoatshead Hill to bury my pet. The twins apologized to me for the first time in their lives, and me being the desperate attention seeker that I was, forgave them immediately. Even if I spent the next few days crying myself to sleep."

"What else happened on Stoatshead Hill?" Pomfrey asked.

"We had a picnic, and I was the center of attention for a change," Ron replied. "Ginny held my hand, the twins did whatever I asked of them, Percy even hugged me, and Bill and Charlie told me stories about Hogwarts. They were all there for me, and I was really happy. Sad, but happy."

"You felt cherished," Madam Pomfrey said, and Ron nodded.

"I felt really cherished," Ron looked down at his feet.

---

Wednesday 4th November, 1993 (The Greenhouses – After Breakfast)

"Diffindo," Ron chanted, and a pink light emanated from his wand. The Vampiric Plant was defanged, and Ron quickly collected the fangs and handed them to Malfoy.

"I'll give these a wash," Malfoy said as he walked off, while Ron grabbed the potted plant and set it on the table. His eyes landed on Padma and Blaise, both of whom were working in dead silence. From the corner of his eyes, he spotted Theo scolding Anthony Goldstein for hurting the plant with a badly aimed Severing Charm. Poor Theo… Forced to work with a Ravenclaw because Blaise wants to work with his girlfriend.

"Wish I had that privilege," Ron whispered under his breath, his eyes darting towards Daphne. She saw him looking at her, and she shot him a wink. Ron smiled like a bashful little girl, his stomach feeling light and floaty. Our date is coming up! Saturday can't come fast enough! She smiled back at him, and he could tell that she was failing to school her features. She's just as excited!

"Weasley, do you mind waking up?" came Malfoy's voice, and Ron broke out of his thoughts.

"I am awake," Ron frowned at him, and Malfoy cocked an eyebrow in response. "What? I am!"

"Really? Because you and Greengrass keep eyeballing each other every ten minutes," Malfoy stated. "I've done most of the work here. Now clean up the plant already."

"Fine," Ron rolled his eyes. Annoying twat. Ron started washing the plant with Aguamenti, and after a few seconds, it began to dance happily. You like that? "Who's a cute little plant?"

"Hardly cute," Malfoy sneered at it. "It bit me…"

"Its teeth were agitating it," Ron smirked. "But now look at it. It's so happy!"

"Your good mood is revolting," Malfoy stated, but Ron simply ignored him. Three days, counting this one, and I'll be with Daphne for the whole day. Yay!

And that's when he felt it… A sudden pull at the back of his mind. It jarred the smile off of his face, and his wand stopped Conjuring up water. Time seemed to slow down for him, or maybe his mind had started working at a much faster rate. His heartbeat rang in his ears, while his lungs refused to take in air. Cold tendrils wrapped themselves around his limbs, numbing his flesh as they went.

"Champion," the Entity whispered, and Ron felt his body seize up. He could hear Malfoy scolding him in the background, but the pale boy's voice was severely distorted.

"Entity?" Ron thought, and he heard it growl weakly. "What is it? Why can't I feel my limbs?"

"Come to us…" the Entity whispered. "Give into the pull… We must speak…" Ron felt his head spin, and his eyes moved around the Greenhouse slowly. Professor Sprout was rushing towards him, while the students all looked terrified. What's wrong? "Come to us…"

Ron fell back, and his vision was overtaken by darkness.

---

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Bam! Another one! I hope you guys enjoyed reading that as much as I enjoyed writing it. We've reached 1.6 million words now, I think. Crazy, right?

Thank you for following this story, and for your never ending support!

I'll see you all on Sunday for the next one!