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.

87. Chapter 87 - Hogsmeade

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 87 is here! Now, a couple of things!

1. Happy Birthday ClassyUlysses.

2. A small story in this chapter is inspired from Windschild8178's Least Loved. If you don't know who that is, then please go check them out! They write some amazing Ron stories, and I mean amazing! Stay Standing is one of my favorites!

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 87 – Hogsmeade

Millicent Bulstrode's POV

Saturday 7th November, 1993 (The Girls' Room – Crack of Dawn)

A loud buzzing woke her up, and she tossed in her bed with a deep frown. The buzzing consisted, despite her best attempts to block it out, and after a few more seconds, she sat up with a tired expression on her face. Morning run time, Millicent. Just get out of bed.

She picked up her wand and stopped the Alarm Charm, and then she rolled out of her bed with great effort. She desperately felt the need to keep sleeping, but she knew that the boys would be forced to wait for her if she didn't get into gear. So, in order to not hold the others back, she pushed herself towards the bathroom.

Her eyes lingered on each of the beds in the room. Daphne's curtains were closed, as usual, while Tracey and Pansy's curtains were wide open. Pansy slept in her usual pink pajamas, her Witch Weekly magazines littering her bed. And Tracey, much to Millie's discomfort, slept completely nude. Tracey's bare arse was aimed at the ceiling, and try as she might, Millie couldn't stop shooting glances at it. Why does she have to display herself like this?

Millie shook her head clear, and then she quickly ran into the bathroom. Once the door was closed, she rubbed her face a little harshly. Girls… Why do I find girls more appealing to look at than boys? Millie wanted to blame Tracey for her own uncomfortable thoughts, the girl was a constant source of eye-candy, but Millie knew that Tracey wasn't doing anything wrong. It was Millie who felt drawn to Tracey's body, and her confidence in it.

"Just get a move on," she whispered to herself, and then she washed her face with cold water. It was refreshing, but it did nothing to stop images of Tracey's bare arse. Maybe I should ask her to stop walking around naked? No… She'll have questions that even I don't know the answers to.

Millie went about preparing herself in silence. She already had her running gear set out last night, and once she changed into it, she tied her black hair in a rough ponytail. And then, she looked to the one object that all teenage girls despised; a weighing scale. Every Saturday since the start of this year, she checked her weight in order to track her physical changes. She was still a little overweight, but she had no intention of staying that way. Hard work pays off, just look at Ron.

Millie stepped onto the scale, her eyes fixed on the numbers. One hundred and twenty nine pounds. Millie felt her face morph into a smile, she had lost a pound in the last week. Yes! YES! Millie hopped off of the scale, her resolve strengthened by her progress. She had always excused her weight because all Bulstrode were stocky by nature, but now she knew better. Laziness and overindulgence was the real cause of her weight, not her Blood. After all, her father used to be 'as strong as an ox' in his younger days.

Millie stepped out of the bathroom, and on instinct, her eyes traveled to Tracey. Still naked. Millie drew in a deep breath, and then she walked over to the slender girl's bedside. Millie grabbed the crumpled blanket, straightened it out, and then she began to cover Tracey. Her finger brushed against Tracey's bare back, and Millie felt a jolt of panic and excitement. Don't do it again. And yet, Millie slowly reached down and traced her finger on Tracey's back, all the while scolding herself. Her skin is so smooth…

"Hmmm," Tracey groaned, her eyes opening slowly. Millie quickly covered her with the blanket, her own face burning with shame. What am I doing?! "Hey…"

"Just covering you up," Millie whispered quickly. "You um… You looked cold…" Smooth.

"Oh," Tracey gave a lazy smile, her eyes drooping shut. "Thanks… Love you…" And just like that, Tracey dozed off again. That was close. Millie just stared at Tracey's face for a few seconds, and then she left the room.

Sexuality wasn't that big a deal in Wizarding Society, especially amongst younger witches and wizards. It was all about preference, and being trapped in a castle with likeminded people all year was bound to illicit certain thoughts. Millie understood this, and she knew that everyone in Slytherin did too, but it still jarred her.

Every time she found herself staring at Lavender in the study group, she felt jarred. Whenever Pansy clung to her, she felt jarred. Every single night, when Tracey removed all of her clothing, Millie felt jarred. Whenever Daphne smiled at her, she felt jarred.

She also had a responsibility as the Heir of the Bulstrode Family to further their lineage, but she just didn't want that. She wanted to be herself, not just her parents' Heir. Maybe that's why she was increasingly feeling attracted to other girls? Maybe this was just a rebellious phase? Merlin, why can't there be a book about this sort of thing? I just want to stop feeling uncomfortable around my own female friends.

"There she is," came Ron's voice, and Millie realized that she had entered the common room. Her red-haired friend was smiling at her, as usual, while the other three boys were barely awake.

"Good morning, you guys," Millie smiled at them, she was still feeling a bit drowsy.

"Good morning, Millie," Theo groaned, while Blaise simply hummed in response.

"Let's get moving, eh?" Ron beamed at everyone, and the other boys frowned at him. "C'mon! The Black Lake awaits!"

---

Thirty Minutes Later

Merlin, her sides were killing her. Her forehead was covered in sweat, her ponytail had come undone, and her feet ached every time they made contact with the ground. Almost done… I'm almost done… Malfoy passed her by, and she noticed that he looked just as miserable as her. Seeing him seemed to rile her up, and she pushed herself forward. Malfoy shot her a miserable look, and she made sure to stay on his side. I'm not losing to you of all people.

"You guys are doing great!" came Ron's voice, and they both looked back to see Ron approaching them. And then, he ran right past them. HOW?!

"That's his ninth lap…" Malfoy wheezed. "What the fuck? He's not human…"

"For once, I feel the need to agree with you…" Millie panted, she was just about done. Five laps… That's been my limit in every run so far.

As she and Malfoy neared Theo and Blaise, who were resting after finishing their seven laps, Millie felt the urge to overtake Malfoy. However, her body refused to cooperate, and so they finished at the same time.

"Welcome," Theo extended his arms, his expression showing just how tired he was.

"Ron's still going?" Millie asked as she fell on her arse. My lungs… My everything…

"He's aiming for ten from now on," Blaise breathed out, thick beads of sweat on his face and neck. "He's almost done."

"Did you enjoy your five laps, you two?" Theo asked, a hint of bitterness in his voice.

"Do I look like I enjoyed them?" Malfoy hissed, while Millie couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious and guilty. "Why am I being forced into this?"

"You're in the Group Tournament, Malfoy," Blaise pointed out. "All five of us are, and so Ron wants us all in proper shape."

"Take off your jumpers, it'll make it easier to breathe," Theo advised, and Millie noticed that both Blaise and Theo were jumper-less. Millie and Malfoy quickly took off their own jumpers, and despite feeling a little uncomfortable, she did it anyway. That's so much better. Millie was filling her lungs with fresh air when Ron suddenly stopped behind them, a manic grin on his face.

"That was amazing!" Ron laughed, his breathing strained. "Merlin!" Ron bent forward, and then he breathed in deeply. Even his hair is slick with sweat, and yet, he looks so happy. What a weirdo.

"Why are you like this?" Theo frowned at Ron, who just sniggered like a happy child. "And why do Blaise and I have to run seven laps, while Millie and Malfoy get away with five?" There it was again, that feeling of guilt.

"Don't complain so much, mate," Ron chuckled, and then he kneeled down. "You have to run more laps because you've been doing this for longer." Ron then smiled at Millie and Malfoy. "They'll be running the same amount of laps as you soon enough, I just know it." His vote of confidence alleviated some of her guilt, but not entirely. I know I can do better.

"Can we go inside now?" Blaise asked, he sounded genuinely bored. "I just want a bloody shower."

"That depends, are you lot up for walking?" Ron smirked as he stood up to his full height, and everyone else did the same. "Let's go then." Millie grabbed her jumper, and then she began following the boys' lead. My feet are killing me.

"So… Hogsmeade Weekend is finally here," Theo broke the silence. "Do we have a set plan yet?"

"The girls have one, I think," Ron replied, and they all looked to Millie.

"I um… I don't know anything," Millie told them. "Pansy, Tracey, and Daphne have the plan… I wasn't really interested in it."

"Understandable," Blaise said. "Pansy nearly bored me into an early grave with her talk about haircuts."

"Millie, have you thought of where you want to go?" Ron asked with a smile. "Besides the Shrieking Shack, that is. We're all going there near the end of the day, I think."

"Tomes and Scrolls," Millie replied, and they all waited for her to go on. I want to get a book on proper dieting for a girl my age. "I wanted to look for any Spell Tomes that could be useful. You know, for the Dueling Tournament."

"Not a bad idea," Theo nodded.

"Malfoy, what about you?" Ron asked, and the pale boy suddenly looked slightly subdued. He gets a choice? Why?

"I get a place of my choosing as well?" Malfoy asked, his grey eyes fixed on Ron.

"Of course," Ron replied. "You're a part of this group now, aren't you?" Malfoy looked forward at that, while Theo, Blaise, and Millie felt slightly annoyed. She had no idea why Ron was keeping Malfoy around, and his explanation was weak at best. He has a plan for Malfoy, I just know it. That, or he just feels bad for Malfoy.

"Spintwitches Sporting Needs…" Malfoy all but whispered.

"I'll let Daphne know," Ron said, his good mood unfazed. As they began to head into the Courtyard, Millie felt herself lagging behind. Her feet were sore, her thighs were burning, and she was terribly hungry now.

"Is it my turn to take the first shower?" Theo asked.

"It is, but you'd better hurry," Blaise replied. "We're going to Hogsmeade right after breakfast, which starts in an hour. No long showers." While Millie focused on keeping up, she failed to notice that Ron had slowed down to match her pace.

"Are you alright?" Ron whispered, and Millie blinked at him.

"Oh… I'm fine," she lied quickly.

"You're not sore?" Ron asked, a small smile on his face.

"Nope."

"Millie," Ron said softly, and she let out a tired breath.

"My entire body is hurting, alright?" Millie said a little defensively. Wait… Why am I complaining? He ran ten laps, while I only ran five. "Sorry… I'm not complaining. I just feel sore."

"That means that you're doing something right," Ron grinned, and Millie let out a weak chuckle. "My left arse cheek is genuinely trembling, and I can't stop it."

"Really?" Millie asked, and Ron nodded. "Then why did you run an extra lap?"

"To get used to it," Ron shrugged, and Millie nodded slowly.

"I'll… I'll run six laps next time… I promise," Millie whispered, and Ron blinked at her. And then, he gave her that smile. Whenever someone pleased Ron by meeting his standard of hard work, he smiled in a different sort of way at them. This particular smile could only be described as his usual grin, mixed in with a tender and proud gaze. It was a smile that had to be earned, so whoever he gave it to felt oddly proud of themselves.

"Good on you, Mills," Ron said, and Millie felt her guilt vanish immediately. "I think you're doing a splendid job." Really?

"Thanks, Ron…" Millie couldn't help but smile. I am, aren't I? Once again, she felt strengthened in her resolve. She was bettering herself every day, and that felt amazing.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Saturday 7th November, 1993 (The Girls' Room – Crack of Dawn)

"Here's the plan," Daphne started, while Ron buttered his and her toast. "First, we all go to Zonko's so Tracey can get 'the good stuff'. After that, we'll go to Gladrags Wizardwear, which is the place that I want to visit." Why is she wearing lipstick right now? It'll just get ruined when she eats.

"Big surprise," Theo smirked, and everyone but Malfoy chuckled.

"After that," Daphne cleared her throat. "We all go to Honeydukes."

"Who picked that?" Blaise asked.

"It's a unanimous thing," Pansy replied. "Go on, Daph."

"Right," Daphne went on, and Ron poured her and himself some pumpkin juice. "After Honeydukes, Pansy wants to go to Cutter's Hairdressing Salon, where we will all get haircuts."

"Yay…" Malfoy drawled, and Ron sniggered.

"Ahem," Pansy narrowed her eyes on Ron, who just smiled at her. She looks adorable with that angry pout.

"By then, it'll be around Midday," Tracey took over. "At that, Daphne and Ron will run off for their date. Good riddance, I say."

"Jealous much?" Ron asked, but Tracey ignored him.

"Blaise, have you made arrangements with Padma?" Tracey asked.

"We will be out of your hair," Blaise said bluntly. "I'll be back after an hour or so."

"While the lovebirds are away, we will have lunch at Madame Mill's Bakery," Tracey went on. "We'll all reunite at the Three Broomsticks, where we will drink a couple of Butterbeers each. From there, Theo wants to go to Dogweed and Deathcap."

"I can't wait to see it," Theo said, a genuine smile on his face. Can't wait to see what?

"From there, we will go to the Hogsmeade Post Office," Tracey said.

"Post Office?" Blaise asked. "Why?"

"I want to get Helios some tastier treats," Ron shrugged, his eyes fixed on the bacon sandwich that he was making for Daphne.

"That's your place to visit?" Millie asked, and Ron shrugged again.

"Helios deserves better treats," Ron smiled to himself. "I mean, he likes his current ones, but they're from a generic brand. I want to get him some that are fit for a bird of his pedigree."

"Do you reckon they sell treats for cats?" Millie asked.

"At a Post Office?" Pansy asked.

"Yeah, that was a stupid thing to ask," Millie smiled sheepishly.

"Anyway," Daphne said. "From the Post Office, we'll go to The Magic Neep."

"Thank you," Blaise said. What's The Magic Neep?

"From there, we go to Spintwitches Sporting Needs," Daphne said, and Ron felt Malfoy shift in his seat a little. "Our second last stop for the day will be Tomes and Scrolls, for Millie, and that should be everyone."

"It is," Theo said, while Ron and Blaise nodded.

"Our last destination will be… The Shrieking Shack," Pansy said ominously. "I get to hold onto Ron, by the way."

"What?" Daphne blinked, while Ron barked out a laugh.

"I called it," Pansy smirked smugly, while Daphne just stared at her like she was an idiot.

"I have two arms," Ron said.

"This guy…" Theo shook his head.

"That's not the point, Ron," Daphne huffed. "I get to hold onto you. Just me."

"Daph, learn to share," Pansy goaded, much to the others' amusement. "I'll hold onto Ron's left arm, while you-"

"Pansy, I will claw your face off," Daphne warned, and Pansy started giggling.

"Can I have his left leg?" Tracey asked, and Daphne glowered at her.

"Legs are on the table?" Theo asked. "I'll take the right one then, while Blaise can have what's in-between." Huh?

"Fuck you very much," Blaise rolled his eyes, while Tracey and Theo cackled to themselves.

---

Saturday 7th November, 1993 (The Road to Hogsmeade – After Breakfast)

They had all been searched by Filch, and once he had shot every student a look of utter contempt, they had boarded the carriages that would take them to Hogsmeade. Disturbingly enough, even though these carriages were different from the ones that brought them to Hogwarts from Hogsmeade Station, they were being pulled by the same creepy winged horses. Ron recalled Theo calling them 'Thestrals', but he didn't care enough to learn about them. Even the mere thought of them made him shudder.

"Are you ready, Trace?" Pansy asked, and Tracey edged closer to the door. All eight of them were packed in one carriage, which meant that Daphne had taken it upon herself to sit in his lap. Ron, of course, didn't mind at all, but every time they hit a bump, he worried about getting too excited.

"The moment these doors open, I'm running straight to Zonko's," Tracey said, and Theo scooted away from her.

"Good luck," Daphne smiled at her. "We'll meet up with you at the shop."

As soon as the doors opened, Tracey burst into sprint. Theo and Pansy cheered her on, and then they too began to leave the carriage. They were followed by Blaise, and then Millie, and then Malfoy.

"Go on," Ron said to Daphne, and she looked back with a smirk.

"I don't want to," Daphne wiggled her hips, and Ron's lips twitched upwards.

"Come on, Daph," Ron said, his hands tapping the sides of her thighs. "We can't miss our date, now, can we?"

"I guess," Daphne sighed dramatically, and then she exited the carriage. Ron checked to make sure that he had his wand and Gringotts Pouch, and once he felt them under his robes, he too exited the carriage.

Ron quickly recognized the little thatched cottages and shops of Hogsmeade from his first visit during his first Junior League Tournament, but this time, they were all covered in a layer of crisp snow. There were Holly Wreaths on all the doors, strings of Enchanted Candles in the hanging trees, and the denizens were happily greeting the excited Hogwarts students.

"Let's go," Daphne smiled at him, her cherry lipstick garnering most of Ron's attention. Ron took her left hand with his gloved, and they began to make their way towards Zonko's Joke Shop.

"There's actual stalls!" Pansy beamed, her eyes lingering on stall selling ice-cream.

"I've heard that various businesses set up stalls whenever Hogsmeade Weekend rolls around," Blaise told them.

"Smart move," Malfoy added. "They make easy money off of students who are living far from civilization."

"This opens up so many venues," Daphne whispered to Ron. "Do we follow the plan?"

"Sure," Ron said, he had no idea why the girls were so fixated on staying together. "We can just browse the stalls as we walk around."

"Yeah, that's a good idea," Daphne said, and then she schooled her features completely.

"Daph… We're in Hogsmeade," Ron said, though he was genuinely impressed with her discipline. I can't stop myself from smiling, while it took her a few seconds to become the Ice-Queen.

"All the more reason to show no weakness," Daphne straightened her back, and Ron mimicked her absentmindedly.

"Merlin… Look at that line!" Theo announced, and both Ron and Daphne looked to see a massive line in front of Zonko's.

"I don't see Tracey," Millie said. "She must be inside."

"I'm not waiting in that line," Blaise told them outright.

"Neither am I," Daphne said, while Pansy already looked bored.

"Weasley, your brothers are nearly in," Malfoy said, and Ron looked to see the twins grinning ear-to-ear.

"So?" Ron asked.

"So… Go in with them, and keep your eye on Davis," Malfoy frowned at Ron.

"Aw! He's worried about Tracey!" Pansy laughed, and Malfoy clenched his jaw.

"No, I'm not," Malfoy grit out, while the others just chuckled.

"Ease up, Malfoy," Ron patted his back, which only vexed the blonde even more. "Your idea is actually pretty good, and I'll do it." Ron and Daphne let go of each other's hands, and after a quick farewell, Ron walked up to the twins and Lee Jordan.

"Hello," Ron greeted them, and the twins blinked at him.

"What do you want?" Fred frowned, and this time, Ron blinked at him. Oh wait… We had an argument just on Thursday. Shite… What is the state of my life that I would outright forget a fight with my own siblings so easily?

"Can I join you?" Ron asked calmly.

"No," the twins said together. Bribery it is then.

"I'll give you five Galleons each," Ron rolled his eyes, and the twins' ears perked up.

"Really?" Lee Jordan grinned.

"Not you," Ron dismissed him without even a glance, and Jordan's grin just died on the spot. "What do you say?"

"Step in, little brother," George said quickly, whereas Fred still looked conflicted. Ron pushed himself into the line, and when the Slytherin behind the twins tried to say something, Ron shut him up with a dark glare.

"Sorry, Weasley," the fifth year muttered. "Didn't know that was you… Wasn't looking…" That's what I thought.

"Um… What?" George whispered, his eyes moving between Ron and the Slytherin.

"Ignore it, it's nothing," Ron said, and then he took a small step forward. "How come you two are stuck in line? Aren't you regulars here?"

"We are, which is why Bilton hides some of our favorite gags under the counter for us," Fred told him. "We have no need to rush down here."

"And yet, you still come here first," Ron stated.

"Well, Bilton's got a business to run, doesn't he?" Jordan told Ron. "He's likely to sell of our goods if we take too long."

"I know that we would," George smirked.

"Fair enough," Ron said, there was only a couple of Ravenclaws in front of them. "How many people are in there?"

"Around ten at most," Fred shrugged. "Bilton doesn't like thieves, so he only lets in around ten students at a time." The Ravenclaws ahead of them went in, while three Hufflepuffs came running out with manic grins. The twins and Jordan began discussing their shopping list again, while Ron waited around for the line to move. Eventually, all four boys were let in by a burly wizard.

"Ah, you three," the wizard chuckled at the sight of the Gryffindors, and then his eyes lingered on Ron. "You with them?"

"Yes," Ron replied, and the man gave him a grin. Right.

"Money, Ronnikins," George said as they made their way inside, and Ron pulled out his pouch and handed over ten Galleons.

"Five each," Ron said, his eyes scanning for Tracey.

"Let's go treat ourselves," Fred smirked, and then the Gryffindors ran off to collect their items. Ron walked around the store, and he couldn't help but be reminded of Fred and George's shop from his vision. As Ron turned the corner, he spotted Tracey eyeballing three different types of Dung-bombs.

"Which ones stink the most?" Ron asked as he approached her, and she turned around with a grin.

"How did you get in so quickly?" Tracey asked.

"I have my ways," Ron winked, and Tracey sniggered to herself. Tracey then turned around and took the box on the far left, which she then dropped into her basket. Sweet Circe, it's almost full. "Um… Trace… Are you planning on starting a war anytime soon?"

"Half of these are for Tori," Tracey told him, and Ron blinked at her back. "Don't tell Daphne, alright?"

"You realize that I'm the one who's watching over Tori, right?" Ron asked, and Tracey stopped moving. "Yeah… Not so smart, eh?" Tracey turned around with a sheepish grin, and upon seeing Ron's deadpan look, she batted her eyes at him.

"Don't be such a prude, Ron," Tracey said smoothly, and Ron drew in a deep breath.

"I'll keep quiet," Ron smiled a little. "But she better not get caught."

"She won't," Tracey laughed, and then she resumed her shopping. Ron followed after her, and he even picked up some stink pellets for himself. After a few more minutes of browsing, they paid for their respective items.

"Tracey, are you going to carry those bags around all day?" Ron asked, and she blinked at him.

"No, I'm just going to ask for a mail order," Tracey replied, and Ron nodded slowly. "Didn't you see the sign at the front of the store? They have an area where you leave your items, and after you sign your name and pay ten Knuts, they send everything straight to the castle."

"Fair enough, I'll meet you outside then," Ron said, and they parted ways. Ron made his way past the people in the line, and after spotting his friends near a stall which was selling toffee apples, Ron walked over to them.

"Where's Tracey?" Daphne asked him, she already had a toffee apple saved for him.

"Thanks," Ron said as she handed him his toffee apple. "Tracey's just putting in a mail order. She'll be right out." Ron began enjoying his toffee apple at that, all the while looking around at the happy people of Hogsmeade. Most of the older denizens were just handing out cakes and treats to the students, and Ron figured that they probably enjoyed that sort of relationship with the students.

"Hey, guys," Tracey smiled at them as she walked up, and Pansy handed her a toffee apple. "Oh! Thanks!"

"Alright, what's next?" Ron asked.

"Gladrags Wizardwear," Daphne smiled at him, her left hand taking his gloved one. "Let's go!"

"Don't they sell novelty socks there?" Millie asked.

"They do, but they also sell some really elegant dresses," Pansy said quickly, while Daphne led the way.

"I think us lads will just wait outside," Blaise spoke for the boys, who all nodded. Daphne shot a quick look back at Ron, and he knew what that meant.

"Enjoy Hell, brother," Theo laughed, while Malfoy and Blaise smirked at him. Shite.

"There it is," Pansy said, and Ron eyed the pink shop with the blue signs. 'Two hundred and forty five years of dressing the Elegant Wizard'.

"Did you lot use a map to form your plan?" Theo asked.

"We did," Tracey smirked. "This way, we only need to keep moving forward. We figured that this method would save us time, whereas running back and forth would be inefficient." Ron looked back to the boys, and he knew that they were wondering the same thing. Are all girls this barmy?

"Finish up your apple, Ron," Daphne said impatiently, and Ron took massive bites out of it. So sweet… Forgive me, Madam Roberts. Once he was done, Daphne dragged him inside, while Tracey and Pansy helped shove him through the door.

"Easy, you three," Ron frowned a little, his eyes darting back to the boys. Theo was waving at him with an amused grin, while Malfoy and Blaise were just enjoying the sight of Ron being dragged away. HELP ME!

"Let's start over there," Daphne said, her dark blue eyes gleaming with excitement. Once again, Ron trailed after her. Tracey and Pansy went off to find 'cuter underwear', while Millie looked for a thicker scarf.

"Look at these, Ron!" Daphne beamed, her free hand feeling up a grey women's jacket.

"It's… nice," Ron said, and Daphne waited for him to go on. "I um… I'm sorry, Daph… I don't know anything about women's clothing."

"That's fine," Daphne smirked, and Ron blinked at her. "You can ask me to model it for you… If you want." Model it for me? And why did she make it sound so naughty?

"Okay… Try it on," Ron said slowly, and Daphne let out a sigh. "What?"

"I was trying to be sexy, you dolt," Daphne told him, and Ron barely held back a laugh. Whoops.

"Sorry," Ron grinned. "Daphne, I'd like to see you in that jacket."

"If you insist," Daphne stuck her nose up, and then she quickly found one her size. "Let's keep looking around for more clothes, and then I'll model them all for you."

"What about underwear?" Ron asked nonchalantly. Please say yes!

"I'll do it if you extend me the same courtesy," Daphne winked, and Ron felt his ears burn. "Nothing to say, boyfriend?"

"You got me there, I won't lie," Ron said, mostly because he couldn't think of anything else to say.

"Ohhh, I like that dress!" Daphne suddenly squealed, her left hand nearly crushing Ron's. Ron then looked to the green strapless dress, and he immediately liked it. That will definitely show some cleavage! Yay!

"I'd like to see you in that," Ron said, and Daphne beamed at him.

"Okay, I'll grab that one as well!" Daphne said, and then she let go his hand. As Daphne collected the dress, Ron looked around the shop. Most of the customers were girls, whereas a majority of the boys were in similar situations as him. Is that Malfoy? Ron looked over to Daphne, and he noticed that she was just grabbing whatever caught her eye. Ron then made his way to Malfoy, who was looking at a pair of black gloves.

"Weren't you smirking at me for being dragged in here?" Ron asked, and Malfoy shrugged.

"I enjoyed the sight of you being manhandled," Malfoy replied with a smirk.

"Yes, by three pretty girls," Ron smirked back.

"Are you one of those submissive men?" Malfoy asked bluntly.

"Are you one of those jealous ones?" Ron asked back.

"That was your best?" Malfoy cocked an eyebrow at him. Damn it. "Poor form, Weasley. Very poor form."

"Looking for gloves?" Ron tried to change the subject, which only amused Malfoy. "Might I recommend a bag for your head as well?" Malfoy lost his smirk at that. "You'd be doing a public service, mate."

"Why aren't you following after your owner?" Malfoy asked.

"I'm a wild one," Ron grinned. "I broke off my leash." Malfoy's lips twitched upwards, but he kept himself in check. "Seriously though, why are you in here voluntarily? Where are Theo and Blaise?"

"They ran off to gorge themselves on sugar," Malfoy started. "As for me, I enjoy nice clothes. Not counting the novelty garbage in this shop, they have some very nice items for men. Like these gloves."

"I suppose," Ron said, his eyes scanning them. Ron then looked back to Malfoy, only to see him just staring at the gloves. "Are you in love?"

"Why don't you wear gloves?" Malfoy asked, and Ron blinked at him. "Two gloves, that is."

"Because I prefer using my left hand in Duels," Ron replied. "And the right glove is just for show."

"You don't remember, do you?" Malfoy asked, and Ron cocked an eyebrow. "I saw your right hand when I attacked you, Weasley…" Fuck.

"Ah… That…" Ron sighed. "Last year really was the worst… Wait a minute. You haven't said a word about my scar. Why?"

"I'm not exactly proud of that moment," Malfoy admitted. "It came up in my last session, and Pomfrey wasn't too pleased with me." Right.

"You're really not proud of beating up a Blood Traitor?" Ron asked.

"I was, but then I had a chat about it with Pomfrey," Malfoy all but whispered. "And now, I see it as just another mistake in a long line of mistakes."

"Don't be so mopey, Malfoy," Ron said, and Malfoy frowned at him. "We're in Hogsmeade for the day. Leave your problems at Hogwarts, and just enjoy the bloody day. Trust me, your problems will be waiting for you when you get back."

"Ron! There you are," Daphne walked up, her arms filled with different garments. "When did you run off?"

"Sorry, Daph," Ron smiled. "Just spotted Malfoy looking at these gloves, and I figured that I'd give him some advice." Daphne nodded slowly, and then she looked at the gloves.

"I saw a pair on the other end of the aisle that would suit your complexion better," Daphne told Malfoy, who gave her a curt nod. "Let's go, Ron." Ron gave her a nod and followed after her, and before they walked around a corner, he shot Malfoy a meaningful look.

"So… You've been busy," Ron said, and Daphne shot him a smile.

"C'mon," Daphne said, and after passing by some singing socks, they came upon the change rooms.

"Am I allowed in here?" Ron asked.

"There are seats for the second opinions," Daphne told him, but he had no idea what 'second opinions' were. They entered the horribly pink change rooms, and just as Daphne had said, there were a dozen seats available.

"How did you know that?" Ron asked.

"I asked the clerk," Daphne replied. "I don't plan to get thrown out, Ron." I guess that's fair. "Now, you take a seat while I change outfits, and when I come out, you can tell me if you like them." That sounds more like a chore than 'sexy time'.

"Alright," Ron said, and then he made his way over and sat down. Daphne quickly disappeared behind one of the curtained stalls, and Ron decided to relax in his seat. I'll just wait here then.

"First time?" came a voice from his right, and Ron looked to see an older student smiling at him.

"Pardon?" Ron asked.

"Is this your first time being dragged into a changing room?" the wizard asked, and Ron nodded slowly. "Here's some advice, Weasley. When she comes out, tell her that she looks amazing. Then pick out one thing that you like about her dress, and comment positively on it. Oh, and don't forget to smile."

"Who are you?" Ron asked.

"Patrick," the wizard introduced himself. "I'm from Ravenclaw, so we've never actually spoken before."

"Fair enough," Ron said. "Nice to meet you, Patrick."

"Likewise, mate," Patrick smiled at him.

"What do you think about this, Patrick?" came a girl's voice, and they both looked to see a witch showing off a purple skirt. "It's not hard on the eyes, is it?" No, it most certainly is not.

"It looks great on you," Patrick said, a bright smile on his face. "It's professional, and racy, at the same time. You should get it."

"Okay!" the brunette beamed, and then she disappeared behind the curtain. Wow, her face almost split open because of her smile.

"Bloody hell," Ron whispered to himself, while Patrick just chuckled. "Any other advice?"

"If they don't like the clothes that they're trying to show off, they won't wear them in front of you," Patrick replied, and Ron made sure to remember it. "Whatever she's wearing when she comes out from behind that curtain already has her seal of approval."

"Understood," Ron nodded. "Thanks, mate. I really appreciate it. I've got no clue on what to say about women's clothing."

"We all have to start somewhere, right?" Patrick shrugged, and Ron smiled at him. Good bloke. Patrick from Ravenclaw. I'll find out more about him, and then I'll befriend him. Maybe he can help me with this Gertrude Swans business.

"Ron?" came Tracey's voice, and Ron looked to see her and Pansy entering the changing rooms.

"Hello," Ron greeted them with a smile, his eyes noticing the lace stockings in Tracey's hand. "Nice."

"I thought so too," Tracey smirked.

"C'mon, Trace," Pansy pulled the slender girl behind her. "We're on a schedule here." She then looked to Ron before disappearing behind a curtain. "Stay right there, Ron. We have some clothes that we're unsure about." With that, both girls disappeared into the same curtained stall.

"You have my condolences," Patrick chuckled. Why? Three pretty girls want to model clothes for me? This is a win in my books.

"Let's go, Pat," the girl from before came out, several dresses hanging on her arm.

"Enjoy your day," Ron waved Patrick off, who gave him a parting nod before disappearing into the store. Ron sat around for a couple of minutes, and then Daphne popped out of her changing room in the green strapless dress.

"So, what do you think?" Daphne smiled, and then she gave him a twirl. Yay! Look at that bust!

"Wow, you look amazing," Ron smiled back, and Daphne's own smile widened. "Green really looks amazing on you, Daph." I said amazing twice… I should use a variety of words.

"You really think so?" Daphne glowed, her hands straightening the dress.

"I really do," Ron replied truthfully.

"Then I'll definitely get this one!" Daphne laughed. "Thanks, Ron!" And just like that, she was gone. Ron sat around for a bit, and then he realized that behind the curtains, Daphne was probably wearing very little clothing. No, Ron. Fucking behave. No scummy shenanigans.

"Hello, handsome," came Pansy's voice, and Ron looked to see her smiling at him. "What do you think of these?" Ron looked at her legs, and then he quickly looked away. Fishnet stockings?! REALLY?!

"Pans… I don't think that you should be showing me so much skin…" Ron muttered, which only turned her smile mischievous. "Also… That skirt is a bit too short… You can't wear that."

"Why not?" Pansy sang.

"Because it's freezing outside," Ron replied lamely, his eyes fixed ahead of him.

"You're cute," Pansy giggled, and Ron felt his cheeks heat up. "I'm not actually buying these, Ron. I just saw them, and decided to try them on."

"Okay…" Ron mumbled.

"Pansy, stop making him uncomfortable," came Daphne's voice, and Ron nodded his agreement. Pansy put on a false pout, and then she shot Ron a wink before rejoining Tracey. He could hear the two girls giggling from behind the curtains, much to his embarrassment. I didn't handle that well… But c'mon, I've never seen her in something like that before. Actually, I've never seen any girl in something like that before.

"Okay, what do you think about this outfit?" Daphne asked as she stepped out from behind the curtain, and Ron looked her over. She was wearing the grey women's jacket, accompanied with a white T-shirt and blue jeans. "A bit too Muggle, right?"

"It is, but it suits you," Ron replied, his eyes fixed on her legs. She should wear those fishnet stockings. "Maybe if we go to Paris again, you can wear this outfit."

"I was just thinking that!" Daphne beamed at him, and Ron gave her his best smile. "I'd fit right in, and since this jacket is quite suave, you could accompany me in a suit!"

"I like the sound of that," Ron said, and Daphne quickly ran off to try something else.

---

Forty Minutes Later

Ron was beginning to get bored. Both Tracey and Pansy had shown off their outfits, and then run off to purchase them. Daphne, on the other hand, had a never ending supply of clothes in her changing stall. She had shown him dresses, jackets, shirts, skirts, and sweaters, but none of these had been racey. Ron now knew what 'second opinions' were, and he didn't like being one.

"Daph, we need to get going," Ron called. "We've got a schedule to follow, remember?"

"Alright," Daphne said, and Ron smiled from relief. Finally. "Ron, can you come in here for a second?" Huh?

"Um… Am I allowed-"

"Please? I need help," Daphne called, and Ron quickly made his way over to her changing stall.

"I'm coming in," Ron said, and then he moved the curtains aside and stepped in. Daphne was already dressed in her Hogsmeade clothes, and judging by her smirk, she was playing one of her games again. "Daph… Really?"

"What?" Daphne asked innocently, her lips curling up. "Close the curtain before someone sees you."

"We shouldn't be breaking the rules like this," Ron said, but he closed the curtain anyway. "We could get kicked out of Hogsmeade…"

"Only if we get caught," Daphne slid up to him, her arms wrapping around his lower back. Rebellious Daphne strikes again. "Don't you want to be in a closed space with me?"

"You know I do," Ron's lips twitched upwards, his hands resting on her back.

"Come here," Daphne leaned up, and Ron leaned his head down. Daphne planted rapid kisses on his lips, and then she pulled back with a content smile. "Lick your lips."

"Okay…" Ron said slowly, and then he tasted his own lips. Woah. "Cherry…"

"Flavored lipstick," Daphne finished. "A little surprise for our date, but I couldn't keep it hidden any longer. Do you like it?"

"I do," Ron chuckled. "Is there any left on my lips?"

"Just a bit," Daphne hummed. "Lean down again, and I'll lick it off." Ron leaned down so quickly that he nearly head-butted her, an excited grin on his face. Daphne stayed true to her words, and Ron felt his knees wobble as she cleaned the corner of his mouth with her tongue.

"Bloody hell, Daph…" Ron groaned, and upon seeing the opportunity, she moved her tongue into his mouth. Ron was a little startled at first, but he quickly relaxed as her tongue played against his. Ron slowly moved her against the wall, his arms wrapping around her. They quickly lost track of time, and they only stopped because the flavor of Cherry had run out.

"That was fun," Daphne giggled breathlessly, though her lips felt a little sore.

"Yeah," Ron panted, his left cheek pressed against hers.

"We should get moving though," Daphne said, but neither of them moved. "C'mon, Ron… We've got to keep moving. There's so much left to see."

"Alright," Ron whispered, and after giving her a kiss on the cheek, he let go of her.

"Here," Daphne said as she pulled out a white handkerchief from her sleeve. "Clean up with this." Ron took the handkerchief, and he wiped off any remaining lipstick from his mouth.

"Thanks," Ron said as he handed her the handkerchief, and she cleaned herself up as well.

"I'm going to reapply my lipstick, and then pay for the clothes," Daphne started, a happy smile on her face. "Thank you for coming here with me, Ron."

"Happy to help," Ron smiled in a goofy manner. Totally happy to help.

"Aren't you a gentleman?" Daphne giggled, and then she drew in a long breath. "I'll see you outside the shop, boyfriend."

"Alright, girlfriend," Ron kept smiling as he rubbed the back of his head, and Daphne fought the urge to cuddle him. Ron made his way out of the changing rooms, and then he stepped out of the shop with a happy smile on his face.

"Finally!" Theo exclaimed, and Ron blinked at him. They all had boxes of beer-battered chips in their hands, and Ron figured that they had been looking around the stalls as they waited for Daphne to finish up.

"Here, Ron," Millie smiled at him as she handed him his chips, a brand new scarf around her neck.

"Thanks," Ron accepted the chips. "Nice scarf, Mills."

"You have to share yours with Daphne," Pansy said, and Ron blinked at her. "It's punishment for making us wait so long."

"Mature," Ron sighed out. Ron made sure to eat the chips as slowly as he could, and after five minutes, Daphne stepped out of Gladrags Wizardwear with a content smile. She had reapplied her cherry lipstick, much to Ron's delight. I can't wait for Madam Puddifoot's Teashop!

"Where to now?" Malfoy asked, he was wearing the gloves that Daphne had recommended.

"Honeydukes!" Tracey announced. "Let's go stock up on our currency for Wizard's Poker!" They all began making their way towards Honeydukes, and Ron walked hand in hand with Daphne. He knew that he couldn't actually buy anything for himself from Honeydukes, after all, Madam Roberts had banned him from eating sweets, but he was still looking forward to seeing the shop.

"Is that Potter?" Malfoy asked, and they all looked around. Where? "Look at Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop's window."

"It is," Ron said, his eyes fixed on Harry and Neville.

"Wow… They're looking out with such miserable looks," Pansy grimaced. "Why don't they just come outside?"

"I'll give you one guess," Tracey smirked.

"Granger," everyone but Ron said, while Ron just felt sorry for the two boys. I bet Percy's in there as well. Harry spotted Ron and his friends staring at him, and he quickly alerted Neville. Neville simply waved at him, and Ron waved back. Friendly chap.

"Oh shite, look away," Theo said quickly, and they all looked forward again. "Quick, get into the shop."

"Calm down," Ron chuckled. "It's just a wave."

"That's how it starts, Ron," Daphne said ominously. "You just wave at them, and the next thing you know, you're a Gryffindor."

"Wow…" Ron shook his head. "You make being a Gryffindor sound like a disease."

They walked into Honeydukes at that, and Ron quickly forgot what they were discussing. There were shelves upon shelves of the most succulent-looking sweets imaginable. Creamy chunks of nougat, shimmering pink squares of coconut ice, fat, honey-colored toffees, and hundreds of different kinds of chocolate in neat rows. The store was filled with excited students, all of whom were chatting loudly about their favorite treats. Ron felt his mouth water at the sight of a barrel filled with Every Flavor Beans, but he resisted the urge to buy anything.

"Meet back here?" Blaise suggested, and they all nodded before splitting up. Ron walked around with Daphne for a bit, but since he wasn't buying anything, he figured that he'd just take in the sights. Before long, he found himself staring a bunch of Ice Mice, his hungry eyes following the Enchanted 'mice' as they scurried away from him. You sugary bastards… Hmm.

"You could just buy yourself some," came Neville's voice, and Ron turned around to see Neville, Hermione, and Harry walking up to him. Where's Daph? I was just with her? Oh, she's on the other end of the aisle.

"I don't eat sweets," Ron smiled at Neville. "I see that Hermione finally set you two free."

"Ha!" Neville laughed, while Hermione frowned deeply. Ron noticed that Harry clearly didn't want to be near him, but Ron chose to ignore it.

"We all needed new Quills, Ronald," Hermione crossed her arms.

"Hermione, you spent twenty minutes talking about the 'subtle difference' between Eagle feathers and Eagle-Owl feathers," Harry said, he still looked dulled from the Quill shop. Yeesh, I'd have thrown myself out of the window if that happened to me. Wait… It did happen to me.

"Daphne made me sit around for almost an hour as she tried on different clothes," Ron told the boys, both of whom shuddered at the thought. It was worth it though.

"She let you watch as she changed?!" Hermione gasped, and people around them looked at Hermione as if she was barmy.

"What? No," Ron chuckled, he could see Daphne approaching them from the corner of his vision. "She changed behind a curtain, and then she asked me if I liked her outfits."

"That's quite narcissistic, but it sounds just like her," Hermione huffed immediately, and Ron felt the sudden need to slap Hermione across the face. Take a deep breath, Ron. Hermione's different, that's all. But if she insults Daphne again…

"I wanted to see if he liked them," came Daphne's voice, and then she was by Ron's side. "I plan to wear those outfits whenever Ron and I go out together." Is it just me, or did the temperature just drop?

"Hello, Greengrass," Neville greeted, his eyes darting between the two girls. "Enjoying your day?"

"I am, Longbottom," Daphne replied, her eyes fixed on Hermione. "How is your day going?"

"It's going great," Neville said, he was starting to feel awkward. "And you, Ron?" Yeh, he's feeling awkward.

"It's going great," Ron replied, he was doing his best to hide his oncoming grin. "And you, Harry?"

"Um… Yeah… Great," Harry said, he definitely felt awkward. "Hermione, how's-"

"We've spent the day together, Harry," Hermione frowned at him, and Daphne smirked at Hermione for breaking eye contact first.

"This is fun," Ron grinned, and everyone frowned at him. "What? It is."

"Let's go," Hermione said, and then she just walked off. Harry followed after her, while Neville lingered awkwardly.

"Go on, Neville," Ron gave the boy a wink.

"Sorry… Enjoy your day, you two," Neville sighed.

"You too, Longbottom," Daphne said, and Neville left to go find his best friends.

"You and Hermione need to sit down, and sort out your problems," Ron smirked at his girlfriend. "I'll ask Pomfrey if she does Couple's Counseling."

"She fancies you," Daphne said darkly, and Ron blinked at her. "She still fancies you…"

"Daphne-"

"I'm not narcissistic," Daphne said, her cold eyes following the Golden Trio. "I only got the clothes that you liked." She took that to heart?

"Daph, forget it," Ron said gently, his left arm draping over her shoulders. "Just because Hermione thinks you're narcissistic doesn't make it so. I know that you're not narcissistic. Don't listen to her, alright?"

"Why didn't you tell her off?" Daphne finally looked at him.

"It wouldn't achieve anything," Ron whispered. "She'd get angry, we'd have a spat, and it would achieve nothing. But if I'm being completely honest, I nearly lost my temper when she said that."

"She's so damn uppity," Daphne frowned to herself. "And she calls me narcissistic? There's a reason why no one can stand her, and the fact that she doesn't see it proves just how narcissistic she is." She's just making herself angrier.

"C'mon, let's go find you some more sweets," Ron said, and Daphne gave him soft nod. "I think you're perfect."

"Perfect?" Daphne asked.

"For me, that is," Ron said, and Daphne just stared at him. "What?"

"Nothing," Daphne relaxed a little. "Thanks."

"Did I say something sweet?" Ron smirked.

"And he's ruined it," Daphne rolled her eyes, but she was smiling again.

---

Saturday 7th November, 1993 (Cutter's Hairdressing Salon – Near Midday)

"Ease up there," Theo whined from the chair to Ron's right. "Ow! Are you trying to scalp me, woman?!"

"Hush, fussy boy," the strong-handed witch shushed, while Ron bit back a laugh.

"Please don't move your head, handsome," the flamboyant wizard cutting Ron's hair tutted.

"Sorry, mate," Ron smiled at him through the reflection.

"I still think that a long mane would suit you," the wizard told Ron. "You've been kissed by fire, and you should show it." Kissed by fire?

"Alright," Ron said, and the wizard smiled widely. "Just make the top a bit longer. I still want my sides and back to be really short."

"The undercut does suit you, but trust me, you'll look much more suave this way," the wizard said as he began to lengthen the hair on top of Ron's head. "We just gel your longer hair back, just to look more business savvy, but when the ladies are around, you just let it hang. You're into girls, right?"

"I have a girlfriend," Ron said.

"The pretty blonde?" the wizard asked, and Ron nodded. "Head."

"Sorry," Ron smiled sheepishly.

"She'll love it," the wizard promised, and Ron couldn't help but smile more fully. The girls had been taken to the back of the store, so Ron had no idea what Daphne was doing to her hair. "Is this length good?"

"It reaches my chin," Ron said. "Won't it get in my eyes when I'm Dueling?"

"You Duel often?" the wizard laughed.

"Yes," Ron replied, and the wizard slowly stopped laughing.

"Well… You've got the build for it," the wizard joked. "Don't worry about your hair being too long on the top, I've got the perfect gel for it. Trinity's Severe Holder! Trust me, handsome, your hair won't even budge!" I know that he's just being polite by calling me handsome, but it still feels nice to be complimented.

"I'll hold you to that," Ron chuckled.

"I take my job very seriously," the wizard shot Ron a wink through the reflection, and Ron decided that he liked this guy. He's funny, and he's making sure that I'm comfortable. Poor Theo is just getting manhandled. "Are the back and sides short enough for you? Or do you want a complete fade?"

"Complete fade, please," Ron replied, and the wizard began using his wand to carefully style Ron's hair. Once Ron's haircut was nearing its end, the wizard slathered up some gel in his hands.

"Watch carefully," the wizard said, and then he began combing his fingers through Ron's hair. "Just run your fingers back, positioning the hair on top of your head back like I am. Don't use a brush, or a comb, because that'll slick your hair to your scalp, which is a look that suits only older gentlemen. Using your fingers lets your hair be a little messy, but with the gel, it won't fall into your face."

"Understood," Ron said, he was liking what he was seeing.

"And… Done!" the wizard said, his eyes marveling at his handiwork. "You look ready for business, but also fun and approachable! What do you think?" Ron looked at his reflection, and he liked that his red hair was a bit more noticeable now. I guess the undercut made it too short.

"I like it," Ron smiled approvingly. "Thanks, mate."

---

Saturday 7th November, 1993 (Hogsmeade – Midday)

"Stop pacing, Weasley," Malfoy said, he had grown his hair to neck-level. "You're giving me anxiety."

"We're going to miss our appointment," Ron checked his Rolex. "It's twelve!"

"I'm going to head off," Blaise said. "Padma's probably on her way to the Pumpkin Patch."

"Pumpkin Patch?" Theo asked.

"They specialize in pumpkin dishes," Blaise said, and then he turned to leave. "I'll see you at the Three Broomsticks."

"Try to smile a little for once!" Theo laughed, and Blaise shot him the bird before disappearing.

"C'mon, Daph…" Ron began pacing again, and Malfoy frowned at him. What if Madam Puddifoot doesn't let us in?

"Calm down, there they are," Malfoy said, and the girls came out of the Hairdressing Saloon. Ron quickly looked to them, and he was genuinely surprised. Daphne's hair looked a lot lusher, but her hairstyle was still the same. Pansy and Tracey, however, looked completely different. As for Millie, she had gotten an efficient look ponytail.

"So?" Pansy beamed at the boys. "What do you think? It's called a French Bob!" Her hair barely reaches her shoulders, but it does look nice. Very… bouncy.

"I like it," Malfoy said, and then he looked back to the stalls. Smooth.

"And you two?" Pansy asked.

"It suits you perfectly," Ron said.

"Were you always this beautiful?" Theo smiled, and Pansy giggled. "And Millie… You look ready for anything." Millie's lips twitched upwards, and she looked a little bashful for once.

"Thanks," Millie said, her right hand 'fixing' up her ponytail.

"Stop it, Theo," Pansy smiled happily, and then she looked them all over. "Very nice! You all look much more sophisticated now."

"Tracey, is that silver in your hair?" Ron asked, and she grinned at him.

"I got silver highlights," Tracey flicked her wavy hair back. "Slytherin Pride at its finest, don't you think?"

"As fun as this is, Ron and I should get going," Daphne said, and Ron gave her a nod. "We'll see you guys at the Three Broomsticks."

"Don't do what I wouldn't do," Tracey smirked at Daphne, who just smirked back.

"Let's go," Ron said as he took Daphne's hand, and they both began to head towards Madam Puddifoot's Teashop.

"I like your new hair," Daphne smiled at him, and Ron smiled back. "Messy, but on purpose. I forgot how red your hair is."

"Thanks," Ron said, his eyes scanning her hair.

"Feel it," Daphne said, and Ron used his left hand to touch her hair.

"Woah… How is it so soft?" Ron asked.

"Magic," Daphne winked. "I decided to keep my current hairstyle, so I just had them tidy it up a bit."

"You made the right call," Ron pulled up her hand and kissed it. "I really like your hair."

"Are you trying to be sweet?" Daphne smirked.

"Is it working?" Ron asked.

"Definitely," Daphne giggled, and then she spotted the teashop. "Oh! There it is!" Ron looked to see a bright pink storefront, and his eyes lingered on the colored cakes decorating the windows. Madam Roberts would have a stroke if she saw this place.

"Are you ready?" Ron asked, he could barely hold back his excitement.

"I really am," Daphne beamed, deciding not to hide her excitement for once. "It's finally happening!" Woah, did she just squeal? "Sorry."

"Don't be," Ron chuckled. "I'm really glad that you're so excited." Ron then moved forward and opened the door for her, and once she was inside, Ron followed after her.

"It's really warm in here," Daphne said, her eyes looking around the shop. The teashop was quite cramped, and no matter where Ron looked, he saw pink bows and golden frills.

"Welcome to Madam Puddifoot's Teashop," a young witch in a bright pink dress greeted them. "Have you made a reservation?"

"Yes," Daphne replied. "Daphne and Ron."

"The corner table," the witch checked them off of her list. "Please, follow me." Ron and Daphne followed after the witch, and Ron couldn't help but notice that most of the couples were snogging outright. And I can barely move. It's so cramped in here. And look at that bloke! He's fucking feeling her up in public!

"Don't stare," Daphne whispered, and Ron quickly looked forward.

"Here you are," the witch said, and then she pulled the curtains aside to reveal a bright pink table. "Just slide into the booth, and make yourselves cozy. I'll bring your order around in a jiffy." The witch left at that, while Ron and Daphne took off their jackets and scarves.

"You go first," Ron said, and once she had slid into the booth, Ron joined her. "She knows our orders?"

"I told you," Daphne smiled. "I've prepared everything! She'll bring us a platter with two bites of each of their cakes, and we'll try them all. She's also bringing us their very own chocolate tea, accompanied with strawberries and cream."

"Wow," Ron chuckled, though he couldn't help but feel a little guilty. "Thanks for doing all of this. And I'm sorry that I didn't help at all."

"Don't worry so much," Daphne scooted into his side. "You've been busy with the first years, working with my father, the study group, your sessions, your detentions with Snape, the Potions Club, running the House, Dueling practice, and The Quibbler… Bloody hell, Ron… You do a lot of things." Yeesh, that list gave me anxiety.

"Say bloody hell again," Ron put his left arm around her.

"Bloody hell," Daphne smirked, and Ron grinned at her. "See what you've done? You've corrupted my vocabulary."

"That was always my goal," Ron sniggered. "The first time I saw you, I decided that I'd turn you into a foulmouthed Lady."

"No, the first time you saw me, you didn't even bother acknowledging my existence," Daphne reminded him. "And when you finally spoke to me, you yelled at me."

"Just giving you the 'Ronald Weasley Experience'," Ron smiled sheepishly, which earned him a cute giggle. "I apologized for that, right?"

"You did, but only after Blaise and Theo convinced you to," Daphne replied, her head resting on his left shoulder. "Do you remember how often we fought?"

"We used to be so mean to each other," Ron nodded. "You'd always glare at me, while I'd always be ready to jump down your throat."

"I wasn't used to your noise, that's all," Daphne smiled. "You were quiet outspoken back in first year. I swear that you were always fighting with someone."

"Yeah, I really did need some thicker skin," Ron admitted. "I still do sometimes."

"I think you're doing just fine," Daphne hummed, her arms wrapping around his stomach. "Ron?"

"Yeah?"

"Is there anything about me that you don't like?" Daphne asked, and Ron immediately tensed.

"Is this a trick?" Ron asked slowly, and she shook her head. "Daph, where did that come from?"

"Nowhere," Daphne lied, and Ron narrowed his eyes on her. "Don't give me the suspicious look."

"Tell me," Ron said gently, making sure to fix his face.

"You don't think I'm narcissistic, do you?" Daphne asked, and Ron resisted the urge to groan.

"Daph… Hermione doesn't even know you," Ron started. "Don't let her words get to you, alright? I don't even know what compelled her to say that, and I think that she's dead wrong."

"But everyone thinks that," Daphne sighed out.

"Who? Tell me their names," Ron said a little too sternly.

"Are you going to go fight them?" Daphne asked, half-teasing and half-unsure. Probably. "I've heard a lot of other girls talking about me, and even a lot of boys, and they all say the same thing… I know that I'm a little… snobby… and even cold… but that's only towards people that I don't know."

"I don't think that you're narcissistic," Ron replied truthfully. "Narcissistic girls don't spend so much time looking after their stress ridden boyfriends, nor do they put others first. Do you remember what you told me about Tori last Christmas? The pot plant story?"

"I do," Daphne nodded weakly.

"She left a scar on your foot, and you took all the blame because you didn't want her getting into trouble," Ron said, and then he gave her a squeeze. "That's one of my favorite stories because it proves that you're a good person, and an even better sister. Not to mention just how much you've helped me over the last two years. You're the only one who I turned to whenever something bad happened with my Family, or whenever I was close to losing it. I don't care what anyone says, because to me, you're amazing." Merlin, that was a bit sappy.

"You're sweet," Daphne smiled, and then she nuzzled her head into his neck. "Sorry about making you say sappy things, I know that you don't enjoy that."

"I don't mind it when it's with you," Ron said slowly, though he did feel a little uncomfortable. If the twins saw me talking like this, they'd tell the whole planet.

"I love you, Ron," Daphne hummed against his throat.

"I love you too, Daphne," Ron planted a kiss on her head, and he quickly regretted it. "Your hair tastes funny…" Daphne laughed into his throat, while Ron just licked his lips.

"It's the hair product," Daphne pulled her head back. "Here." Daphne gave him a quick kiss. "Better?"

"Can you wear this lipstick all the time?" Ron asked, and then he licked his lips again. "Better."

"Here you are," came the waitress' voice, and both Ron and Daphne looked to the waitress. She had a massive tray full of bitesize cakes floating behind her, while a pot of chocolate tea and its sides floated to her left. "I'll close the curtains for you two, alright?"

"Thanks," Ron and Daphne said together.

---

One Hour Later

"What did you do after that?!" Daphne laughed.

"Nothing," Ron chuckled. "Aunt Muriel was so angry that she stormed out of the House and disapparated away, while mum yelled at the twins for nearly an hour. The rest of us just sat there and listened, the smell of shite filling our lungs."

"Poor Aunt Muriel," Daphne kept laughing.

"Oh, she's a piece of work," Ron laughed, his eyes fixed on how red Daphne's cheeks were from laughing. "She wrote them out of her will, and she hasn't set foot in the Burrow since. Truth be told, I'm really glad about that."

"Because she's a piece of work?" Daphne asked.

"Because she's a massive bitch to everyone," Ron replied, and Daphne tutted at him.

"You should respect your elders," Daphne said, but her tone was anything but scolding.

"Trust me, if you met her, you'd hate her immediately," Ron pulled her closer. "Even mum and dad don't like her, but since she's Family, they always send her an invite."

"Surely she has some redeeming quality?" Daphne asked, and Ron thought on it. She does have one.

"She once scolded my mum on my behalf," Ron remembered, and Daphne waited for him to go on. "It was when I was six, I think. It's not a very good story though…"

"Tell me," Daphne said softly, her head resting on his shoulder again.

"Well…" Ron started, he was quite ashamed of this one. "She came to visit us one day, so mum made us put on our best clothes… The only problem was that I only had secondhand clothes… Percy's old stuff…" Ah, I really don't like this story. Why did I bring it up? "Mum got Ginny a new dress, and it was a genuine dress from Madam Malkin's… You know, cute blue bow and all."

"Go on," Daphne whispered.

"Aunt Muriel came around, and as usual, looked us over critically," Ron all but whispered, his gut tightening. "When she got to me, she just stopped. It was dreadful… She just stared at me, and then at my clothes, and then… She looked to Ginny and started frowning. My mum got worried and asked if everything was alright, and that led to a massive fight."

"Why?" Daphne asked, she had lost her humor.

"It was my fault…" Ron sighed, he still felt ashamed of his behavior. "I was pouting like some miserable brat, all the while glaring at Ginny's dress. I was so jealous of her, and everyone knew it. Aunt Muriel demanded to know why I wasn't wearing decent looking clothes, and my mum had to explain that they couldn't afford to get me new ones. Bill was the oldest, Charlie was too bulky for hand-me-downs, Percy needed his own things because Bill and Charlie were still using theirs, and the twins needed two of everything… And Ginny was a girl. Which is why I was always left with the secondhand things."

"Oh…" Daphne muttered, she couldn't imagine wearing someone else's clothes.

"I was a fucking prick for doing that to my parents," Ron said bitterly, and Daphne flinched a bit. "I shouldn't have behaved like that, and because of my actions, Aunt Muriel offered to pay for me. Mum got offended, and they started yelling at each other. Eventually, Aunt Muriel told mum to 'stop pumping out brats when she clearly couldn't afford it', and then she left. I think mum was really hurt by that, so the next day, she returned Ginny's dress and bought me some new clothes from the thrift shop. I got my wish, and everyone in my Family paid for it. At the time, I was actually happy with myself… Can you believe that?"

"You were six, Ron," Daphne said quickly, but Ron just shook his head.

"Age is not an excuse," Ron told her. "I behaved like a brat, and my Family was looked down upon because of it. Ginny actually cried her heart out because she loved that dress, while mum and dad had to explain to a five year old that they were poor. And do you know what I was doing? I was trying out my new clothes with a happy grin." Ron drew in a deep breath at that. "So there it is… The one good thing Aunt Muriel ever did for me. She meant well, so I don't blame her for what happened. I'm the one who ruined everything."

"I'm sorry, Ron," Daphne smiled sadly, and Ron shrugged. "I mean it. I can't even imagine how you feel about that memory."

"I don't think about it," Ron said. "We all moved on, and eventually, I realized that I was the person behind that mess. I never complained about my clothes after that. Sure, I hated it sometimes, but I never told mum and dad that I was upset with my ill-fitting clothes. The only time I lost it about my belongings after that was when mum and dad couldn't afford to buy me a wand."

"And so Mrs. Lovegood bought you your school supplies," Daphne remembered.

"Yeah."

"You'd have started Hogwarts without your own wand…" Daphne muttered, and Ron nodded. Ron didn't realize that Daphne felt wretched because of his story, and that all she wanted to do now was cuddle him.

"Excuse me," the waitress popped her head through the red curtain. "We have another couple coming in very soon, and they've book this table for half past one." Half past one? Merlin, where did the time go?

"We'll be right out," Ron said, and the witch smiled and left. "Let's go, Daph."

"We didn't even kiss," Daphne said as they both began to exit the booth.

"We kissed a couple of times," Ron noted, and then he handed her jacket to her.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm really glad that we shared stories," Daphne put her jacket on. "I feel like I know you better now."

"Do you?" Ron smirked.

"I do," Daphne said seriously, and then she began to close his jacket for him. "I think I understand now why you work so hard." Huh? "And I'm ashamed for thinking ill of you whenever you pushed us too hard. I'll never dismiss your efforts from now on, I swear it."

"Daph… What're you on about?" Ron asked, but Daphne just shook her head clear.

"Nothing," Daphne gave him a quick peck. "Let's go?"

"Okay…" Ron said slowly, and then they both began to depart. That was a bit weird. They made their way past the cramped tables, and after Ron paid for their date, they left the teashop. The moment they exited the teashop, they heard a booming voice and a cheering crowd.

"What's going on?" Daphne asked, her eyes scanning the crowd.

"Come on down, lovebirds!" a man announced to the crowd. "Test the strength of your love, and win amazing prizes!"

"Want to check it out?" Ron asked, and Daphne gave him a nod. They approached the crowd, and Ron was able to see that there was a competition of some sort.

"What do you see?" Daphne asked, she was too short to look over the crowd.

"People lifting things," Ron cocked an eyebrow.

"Ten seconds!" the announcer called out. "Keep your grip for ten seconds, and win your Lady Love a nice present!" Present?

"Excuse me," Ron said as he and Daphne cut through the crowd, their eyes scanning the competition. There were a bunch of lads lifting heavy weights with their hands, while two wizards conducted the entire affair.

"Look at the size of that teddy bear," Daphne whispered to Ron, and he followed her gaze to a man sized teddy bear. Damn! Who made that thing?!

"Lift two hundred and fifty pounds for ten seconds," Ron read the label under the white teddy bear. Cutis Terra… "Daph, do you want that bear?"

"Don't be absurd," Daphne chuckled. "Let's go before you break your back." Break my back? Is that a challenge?

"Excuse me!" Ron called to the announcer, and Daphne tried to shush him. "Is anyone lifting the two hundred and fifty pound weight?!" The announcer looked at Ron with a manic grin, and then he burst into laughter. What the fuck?

"Ron, let's just go," Daphne whispered.

"How old are you, boy?!" the announcer laughed, and the crowd joined him. Old enough to beat you to death, you old fuck.

"Old enough to try my hand at it," Ron replied, and the announcer beckoned him. Ron let go of Daphne's hand, while she schooled her features in order to not show her worry.

"How old are you?" the announcer asked.

"Thirteen," Ron replied, and the announcer held back a laugh.

"You're a big lad, but don't be an idiot," the announcer whispered. "Getting hurt will only embarrass you and your date. Try going-"

"My girlfriend likes that white teddy bear, and so she's getting it," Ron said bluntly.

"Fine," the announcer sighed. "Kenneth! Take the kid's wand and check him for Potions." The burlier wizard walked up, and Ron handed in his wand. Kenneth aimed his wand at Ron's head, and an orange light emanated from it.

"He's clean," Kenneth said told the announcer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, someone's finally stepped up to take on the 'Bear Challenge'!" the announcer called, and people began to cheer and laugh. Ron spotted some Slytherins in the crowd, but they weren't cheering or laughing. Instead, they were watching keenly. "Right this way, young man!"

The announcer led Ron to the block of metal with '250' inscribed on it, and then he aimed at the handle.

"You grab that, and you hold the weight above ground for ten seconds," the announcer whispered. "Don't drop it on your foot if you do manage to lift it, alright?"

"I understand," Ron said, his eyes scanning the crowd. Daphne was just staring at him, and when Ron spotted Percy and his girlfriend in the crowd, he smiled at them. Percy looks pissed.

"Since this lad's only thirteen, let's make it five seconds!" the announcer called out, and people let out whistles. "Go on then, boy! Impress your Lady!" Ron grabbed onto the handle, while the announcer stepped away.

"Cutis Terra," Ron whispered under his breath as he tightened his muscles, and he immediately felt his body tense. Ron let out a loud groan as he pulled up the weight, and much to the announcer's horror, Ron managed to lift it. Sweet Circe, I made a mistake! It was quite heavy, but Ron kept holding onto the bar. Everyone stopped making noise, and Ron spotted Daphne gaping at him. Challenge that, Daph! I'm doing all ten seconds!

"What the fuck…?" the announcer muttered, his eyes darting to Kenneth, who was just as shocked as his partner.

"And that's ten!" Ron roared, and then he dropped the weight down. "Wooo! Fuck yeah!" Ron then grinned maniacally at the announcer, adrenaline pumping through his veins. "Get that bear!"

The announcer just drifted towards the huge toy, and he brought it over to Ron, who quickly put the bear over his shoulder. Fuck, my muscles are burning nicely. Much to Ron's amusement, the announcer stepped away from him quite quickly. Ron shot him a wink, walked over to Kenneth, collected his wand, and then began to head towards Daphne. People moved out of the way as if he had the Dragon-Pox, including Percy and Penelope Clearwater.

"Let's go," Ron said to Daphne, who was somehow controlling her features again. Ron took her hand, and they began to leave the crowd behind. Just as they were exiting the crowd, Ron spotted Flint and his girlfriend staring at him. Gertrude Swans. Ron stopped walking, his eyes fixed on her.

"Stay away from my sister," Ron whispered dangerously, his humor completely gone. "Do you fucking understand?" Flint looked to Swans, who went wide-eyed and nodded weakly. At that, Ron and Daphne continued on their way. After they put some distance between themselves and the group, Daphne stopped them.

"Ron, your hands are shaking," Daphne looked down at his gloved hand.

"Adrenaline," Ron told her, making an effort to stop his shakes. That, and the Spell's made me kind of sore. Ten seconds is the limit then.

"Two hundred and fifty pounds…" Daphne muttered.

"You remember that Spell I mentioned?" Ron asked, and Daphne immediately nodded. "It's a Wandless Spell."

"You… You little cheat," Daphne laughed, though she sounded quite confused and shaken.

"Shhh," Ron shushed with a smile. "Let's take our prize and go, alright?"

"Alright," Daphne kept laughing, and they began to head towards the Three Broomsticks. "You didn't have to do that for me, but thank you."

"I did it for us," Ron told her. "Did you see that crowd? It was filled with students from each House, and now, they'll tell everyone about this."

"You never turn off, do you?" Daphne smirked, a hint of pride in her voice.

"Never," Ron chuckled. "There's the Three Broomsticks! Let's go in!" They both made their way inside, and once they entered the warm and smoky inn, they looked for their friends.

"Ron! Daphne! Over here!" Theo called, and both Slytherins spotted their group in the back of the inn. Ron and Daphne made their way over, while the others cocked their eyebrows at Ron. Yes, I have a giant teddy bear on my shoulder.

"What are you carrying?" Tracey asked, while Blaise and Malfoy tried to look at the bear's face.

"This is Ezekiel," Daphne said as she sat down. "Ron won him for me at a competition."

"Aw! That's so romantic!" Pansy smiled approvingly, while the boys shook their heads at Ron. I need a seat for 'Ezekiel'. I can't believe she's named him already.

"Excuse me," Ron looked to a nearby group of students. "Are you using this chair?"

"Um… No," an older girl said, her eyes fixed on the bear.

"Mind if I steal it?" Ron asked, and they shook their heads. "Thanks." Ron grabbed the seat, moved it to the Slytherins' table, and then he planted the giant white teddy bear on it. After that, Ron took his seat between Daphne and 'Ezekiel'.

"So, how was the date?" Pansy asked Daphne, while Theo slid two tankards of Butterbeer in front of Ron and Daphne.

"It was amazing!" Daphne beamed, and Ron mentally patted his own back.

"When did you lot get here?" Ron asked the boys, while the girls talked to Daphne about her first date.

"Just a few minutes ago," Blaise replied.

"How was your date with Padma?" Ron asked.

"Hehe," Theo sniggered, and Blaise frowned at the weedy boy. It went badly?

"She kept talking about her research project for Ravenclaw," Blaise sighed. "And then, she asked me about my parents."

"Oh…" Ron grimaced.

"It got pretty awkward after I told her that I didn't know who my father was," Blaise said in a bored voice. "She kept asking about my mother, even after I asked her to stop. Apparently, she couldn't comprehend that my mother is a terrible woman."

"Did you at least try to find out more about her?" Ron asked.

"I did, but all she did was complain about her sister," Blaise frowned a little. "I'm going to breakup with her tomorrow. All that beauty and intelligence is wasted on her."

"That's a little mean, don't you think?" Ron asked, he quite liked Padma.

"Maybe," Blaise shrugged. "But I just don't feel a connection with her. She's too… plain."

"You mean she's normal, and you're a walking compendium of issues?" Malfoy asked, and both Ron and Theo burst into laughter.

"Fuck off, Malfoy," Blaise frowned deeply, while Ron patted Malfoy's back.

"That was a good one!" Ron wheezed, and Malfoy's lips twitched upwards. The blonde boy quickly fixed his features, but it was too late. "Don't hide that smile, Malfoy! Cheer up! We're away from all of our troubles today, remember?"

"Right," Malfoy said, his face hidden by his tankard.

"I can see his lips curling from here," Theo chuckled, much to Malfoy's annoyance.

---

Saturday 7th November, 1993 (Dogweed and Deathcap – Afternoon)

"It's a nice tree," Ron nodded his approval, and Theo looked at him like he was an idiot.

"A nice tree?" Theo repeated, and Ron nodded again. They were all a little tipsy because they had spent too much time at the Three Broomsticks, and they had drank far too much Butterbeer.

"Yeah, it's pretty," Tracey said, and Theo drew in a sharp breath.

"This 'tree' is known as the Seraph's Gift, you two," Theo started. "See how the leaves are silver, but the apples are golden?"

"Yeah," Ron replied. It's a tree, mate. Nothing special.

"No one in History has been able to figure out why that is," Theo told them.

"Like ever?" Tracey asked, her eyes scanning gardenlike shop for the others.

"Never," Theo puffed up. "There are only five Seraph's Gifts in the entire World! This one, the one at Castelobruxo in South America, the one in the dead center of Australia, the one at the very bottom of Madagascar, and the one at Mahoutokoro School of Magic! Just five in the entire World!"

"Can't we just plant more seeds from them?" Tracey asked.

"No, you can't," came Neville's voice from behind them, and they all turned around. "The golden apples don't have seeds, and no one has found a way to remove the leaves without them wilting away immediately. The Seraph's Gift is a mystery that no one can figure out. It's always been like that."

"Finally," Theo clapped his hands. "Someone with an ounce of appreciation for the beauty of flora. Join us, Longbottom."

"Sure," Neville said as he walked up.

"Where are Hermione and Harry?" Ron asked.

"They're at the Three Broomsticks," Neville replied. "I just wanted to see this really badly."

"And they didn't?" Theo asked, he sounded offended.

"They're with Fred, George, and Lee," Neville shrugged. "I don't really like crowded places very much, so I went ahead without them. They'll be here shortly." Neville then marveled at the Seraph's Gift. "Just look at it."

"I know right," Theo smiled widely, while Tracey shot Ron a smirk. Theo's in love.

"Did you know that Hengist of Woodcroft loved this tree, and it was why he decided to settle here?" Neville asked Theo.

"Of course I know," Theo said. "He built Hogsmeade here because he thought this land was blessed, not to mention that he attended Hogwarts and often came down here to read by this very tree. Rowena Ravenclaw herself tried to study the Seraph's Gift, but even she couldn't figure them out."

"Wait… They built this shop around the tree?" Ron asked.

"Haven't you been listening to me?" Theo frowned deeply, while Tracey sniggered at Ron. "These trees can't just be planted… The shop was built to protect the Seraph's Gift."

"But there's no sunlight in here…" Ron said, he didn't like being scolded.

"That's the beauty of it, Ron," Neville smiled from ear to ear. "The Seraph's Gift doesn't need sunlight. It just… exists. You could cut this tree down root and stem, but after a few decades, it will return." What the fuck? Weird fucking tree.

"So it's like a weed," Ron said, and Tracey let out a cackle.

"I'll fucking stab you, Ron," Theo warned, while Neville lost all of his humor.

"Tough crowd…" Ron muttered.

"Do those apples taste nice?" Tracey asked.

"You can have one, but it'll cost you around two thousand Galleons," Theo told her.

"Wow…" Tracey drawled, while Neville just stared at her.

"Your hair is different," Neville said. "It looks really nice." Pardon? Neville suddenly realized what he had said, and his face began to turn red. "I… I'm sorry… I was just-"

"Don't be sorry," Tracey giggled. "Thank you, Longbottom. I appreciate your words."

"Ri… Right…" Neville swallowed thickly, while Ron just grinned at Neville's embarrassment. "Your hair reminds me of the Seraph's Gift… Brown with silver…" Tracey blinked at him, and then she smiled genuinely.

"That was pretty smooth, Neville," Ron said, and Neville looked even more embarrassed. "Trying to court my friends, eh?"

"Um… No… I was just being…" Neville stammered. "I'll go…"

"Nonsense," Tracey frowned at Ron, and then she tangled her arm with Neville's. Neville looked utterly shocked, but he didn't utter a word. "Just ignore Ron, alright? Stay and tell me more about this tree."

"Yes, Ron," Theo frowned. "Go away."

"Fine," Ron shrugged, his grin still in place. As Ron made his way to the front of the store, he heard Theo and Neville telling Tracey about the mysteries of the Seraph's Gift.

"Ron?" Pansy waved at him.

"Hey, Pans," Ron smiled at her. "Since we're falling behind schedule, I'll head to the Post Office myself. I'll meet you guys at The Magic Neep after."

"Okay, I'll let the others know," Pansy said, and Ron made his way out.

The Post Office wasn't too far, and after dodging a few excited students along the way, Ron made his way inside. He was immediately hit with the smell of bird droppings, and the sounds of Owls hooting. As he made his way to the reception desk, he eyed the hundreds of Owls with awed eyes. Merlin, this place makes the Owlery look like a joke. The Post Office was built as a spiraling tower filled with little sections for different Owls, each of them color coded depending on their speed.

"May I help you, young man?" an older wizard asked from behind the desk.

"This place is massive," Ron commented.

"Indeed," the old wizard laughed. "The Undetectable Extension Charm is the key to our success, I always say!"

"Right," Ron said. "I'm not trying to offend you, but how do you stomach this stench?"

"I lost my sense of smell in an accident when I was younger," the wizard laughed again, and Ron nodded slowly. "Potions were never my forte!" He's so loud.

"Do you sell Owl treats here?" Ron asked, deciding to cut the chitchat. "I have an Eagle-Owl, and I want to treat him." He should be in France by now.

"Ah, I have just what you need," the old man said, and then he hobbled into a nearby closet. Ron waited for a couple of minutes before the wizard returned, a golden packet in his hands. "The Hunter's Delight, we call them. Perfect for Eagle-Owls, though a bit pricey."

"How much?" Ron asked.

"Ten Galleons," the wizard replied.

"For a pack of treats?" Ron asked, he was quite surprised. "Why?"

"Trust me, young man, your Owl will fall in love with these," the old wizard assured him. "A perfect blend of rabbit, fox, and mice!" Ugh… "But be warned, feeding him more than three a week isn't good for his health. These are highly nutritious, and they'll fatten him up if you're not careful."

"Okay," Ron said. "And you're sure that he'll love these?"

"I bet my job on it," the old wizard laughed once again.

"Alright, I'll take them." Helios deserves a gift.

---

Saturday 7th November, 1993 (Spintwitches Sporting Needs – Late Afternoon)

Ron stared at the Dragon-Hide Quidditch armguards, and he wondered if Ginny's armguards were still fit for service. He had bought her everything she needed, but it had been while since then. They're on sale for twenty Galleons, which is nothing compared to the safety of her hands.

Ron knew that she was still angry with him, especially since he had lost his temper at them all after his seizure. But Ron also knew that one day, she was going to be a Professional Quidditch player. If that particular vision was to come true, then Ginny needed actual equipment to practice with. His parents couldn't provide that, but he could. He, as her older brother, had a duty to provide for her, even if she wanted nothing to do with him. Your job is to serve, Ron. To protect them.

"Weasley, you've been staring at those for almost ten minutes," Malfoy said as he walked past Ron, a pair of Seeker Gloves in his hands. "Hurry up." Ron shot the pale boy's back a frown, and then he looked back to the armguards. She'll never accept them from me. She's as stubborn as her brothers. Brothers… Ron picked up the armguards and walked over to the counter.

"Just these?" the clerk asked, and Ron gave him a nod. "That'll be twenty Galleons."

"Here you are," Ron said as he paid for the armguards. The clerk packed them up, and once Ron had the package, he stepped out of the shop.

"You got something?" Millie asked, and Ron gave her a nod.

"Armguards for Ginny," Ron replied, and everyone gave him curious looks. "Don't worry about it."

"Okay then," Daphne said, her teddy bear floating behind her. "Since we're all here, let's go to our final stop."

"The Shrieking Shack," Tracey said in spooky voice, and they all began to make their way out of Hogsmeade.

"According to the map, we're to go off track at the first right out of Hogsmeade," Daphne led the way, while Ron chose to linger in the back. "It's not terribly far, so we'll have enough time to look around before we have to come back."

"Why did you get her armguards?" Blaise whispered to Ron, who just blinked at him. "It's not like she'll thank you, mate. Plus, she's been a right prat lately."

"Don't speak about her like that," Ron frowned, and Blaise raised his hands in surrender. "My sister is in a lot of pain, and even if she doesn't want my help, I'll still offer it."

"I didn't mean to anger you, Ron," Blaise said rather gently. "I just don't want you getting your hopes up, that's all. How much did those cost you? Didn't you tell me that you were going to be more careful with your money?"

"They were on sale, and Ginny's worn her old ones out," Ron shrugged. "Look, I'm not going to give her these. I'll have Percy give them to her, and he'll tell her that these are from him. Sort of like a 'Cheer up gift', you know." Plus, I owe her for the dress that I took away. I never apologized for that.

"Why not give them to her yourself?" Malfoy asked from his right.

"Are you listening in?" Ron asked, and Malfoy shrugged.

"You whisper poorly," Malfoy replied. "Now, answer my question."

"I know my sister, and she'll think that I'm trying to buy her," Ron replied. "She'll throw these in my face, and then she'll storm off upset."

"And why does she need armguards?" Malfoy asked. "She's not on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team."

"She loves Quidditch," Ron replied. "She practices all the time, and I don't want her breaking her arms because of old armguards. So… I got her new ones."

"Blaise was right," Malfoy looked forward. "Your sister is a prat." Ron frowned at Malfoy, but he picked up his pace and walked out of talking distance.

"Prick…" Ron muttered under his breath.

"I think you're growing on him," Blaise whispered, and Ron just shook his head. "Trust me, I know him. That was his way of saying that you're a good brother."

"Oh, is that so?" Ron asked. "So the next time he insults one of my siblings, I should pull him into a hug?"

"There's no harm in it," Blaise smirked, and Ron nudged him away.

"Surrounded by pricks," Ron's lips twitched upwards.

"I bet you love it," Blaise sniggered.

"Shite, I walked into that one," Ron chuckled, his mood elevated once again. I shouldn't mope, especially on a day like this. Percy will give her the gloves, and she'll put them to good use.

"There it is!" Tracey squealed, and they all looked ahead. There, off in the distance, was a lonely, battered wooden shack. Its windows and doors were boarded up, and judging by the horrible state of it, Ron figured that no one had entered the building in decades. Creepy.

"Hold me, Ron!" Pansy swooned, and then she clung to his left arm. Daphne turned around with a murderous glare, while the others burst into laughter. Ron's laugh died when Daphne's eyes landed on him, and he quickly tried to shrug Pansy off. "This isn't the time to fondle me, Ron! Save that for later!"

"You'll get us both killed, you crazy bint," Ron said frantically.

"Hmph," Daphne huffed in indignation, and then she turned to face the shack again.

"Pans…" Ron whispered, and she smirked at him.

"What? I want to feel safe, that's all," Pansy said innocently. Ron went to say something, but a snowball hit Pansy in the chest. The raven-haired witch let out a squeal, while Ron looked to see Daphne smirking at them. "Daphne! That was mean!"

"It just occurred to me that despite being in the snow, none of us have thrown snowballs at each other," Daphne said, and everyone went dead still. "Odd, huh?"

"Yeah… Odd…" Theo said, his eyes moving to the others. What's with that look? Ron looked to Blaise, who was looking at Tracey, who was looking at Millie, who was looking at Malfoy. Pansy slowly stepped away from Ron, a distrustful look on her face.

"Why are you staring at me, Greengrass?" Malfoy demanded, and Daphne's lips twitched upwards. "Don't…"

"What did you say about me again?" Blaise asked Malfoy. "Oh, that's right… A walking compendium of issues…"

"Guys…" Millie started. "Let's not get any ideas… Someone could get hurt…"

"Scared?" Tracey asked, and Millie smirked.

"For you," Millie retorted.

"Millie's right, this is silly," Ron said. "We're not children anymore." They all exchanged looks at that. Oh fuck. Ron aimed his left palm at the snow in the middle of them. "Wingardium Leviosa!" Ron yelled, and then he yanked his left arm up. Screams and yells went off as the snow on the ground shot up, and Ron quickly ran for some cover.

---

Saturday 7th November, 1993 (Near Hagrid's Hut – Evening)

"Perce," Ron caught up to his brother, who turned to face him. All the students were making their way up to Hogwarts, most of them exhausted from their outing.

"Ron," Percy greeted back, and then he looked to his girlfriend. "This is Penelope, by the way." I know.

"A pleasure to finally meet you," Ron smiled at her, and then he held his hand out. She looked to Percy, and then she gave her hand to Ron. Ron took it gently, and planted a kiss on her knuckles.

"Hello, Ron," Penelope said, her voice filled with mirth. "You were right, Percy, your brother isn't like the twins."

"Thank Merlin for that," Ron joked, and both Percy and Penelope chuckled. "I'm sorry for interrupting you two, but could I please burrow my brother for a moment? This is urgent."

"Of course," Penelope smiled. "I'll be waiting by the wooden bridge, Percy."

"Alright," Percy said, and Penelope left after giving them a parting nod. "So, what is it?"

"Here," Ron said as he pulled out the package from his robes.

"What is it?" Percy asked as he took it.

"Dragon-Hide armguards for Quidditch," Ron replied. "They're for Ginny."

"Ron… You didn't have to get these," Percy sighed. "You should be saving your money."

"Her old ones are probably worn out by now," Ron countered. "She's a Chaser, Perce… Do you want her to shatter her arms from a Bludger strike?"

"No," Percy said. "You want me to give these to her?"

"I want you to pretend like they're from you," Ron replied, and Percy nodded in understanding.

"She'd never accept these if you gave them to her," Percy said, and Ron nodded. "When are you two going to settle this idiotic feud?"

"When she apologizes to me," Ron replied firmly. "I'm sorry, Perce, but I can't just let her say something so poisonous to me. She needs to learn that she's not a child anymore."

"Fair enough," Percy sighed out. "I'll give these to her when I see her next."

"Thanks," Ron said, and then he began to leave.

"Wait!" Percy called, and Ron turned to face him. "How did you lift that weight?" Oh yeah, he was in the crowd. "Ron, even Charlie can't lift that much."

"Oh, trust me, he can," Ron chuckled, he had seen Charlie without a shirt.

"Whatever… How did you do it?" Percy asked.

"It's like I told you," Ron shrugged. "I'm the strongest student in Hogwarts." With that, Ron left to rejoin his friends. Percy watched him leave, he was still quite shaken by what he had seen.

"Is it done?" Daphne asked him, and Ron noticed that Ezekiel was still floating behind her.

"Yeah, let's go inside," Ron took her hand. The others all chatted to each other, and surprisingly, even Malfoy was involved in the conversation.

"I had a great day, Ron," Daphne whispered, and Ron smiled at her.

"Me too," Ron told her. "So… What's the verdict on our date?"

"Passable," Daphne smirked, and Ron feigned hurt. "In all seriousness, I can't wait for the next one."

"Me too," Ron kissed the side of her head. "I haven't had such a pleasant day in a long time. I know that I'll always cherish it."

"Me too," Daphne hummed.

---

Sunday 8th November, 1993 (Madam Roberts' Suitcase – Near Midday)

Madam Roberts was pissed, and Ron knew it. He had told her that he had consumed vast quantities of sugar yesterday, and despite his reasoning, she didn't care. According to her, champions didn't take days off whenever they felt like it.

And so, she had been pushing him harder than ever before. After his exercises had finished, she had made him do an extra set of each. After that, she made him Duel against multiple dummies. When Ron had easily defeated them due to his prior experience, she had vowed to bring in the 'proper training dummies' next time. And now, she was throwing stingers at him in order to test his dodging abilities. Ron had dodged roughly fifty stingers so far, and gotten hit a couple of times.

"Stop breaking your form, Ronald," Madam Roberts stopped her onslaught. Show some mercy, you old bat.

"Sorry," Ron apologized, thick beads of sweat on his face. "It's just hard to get back into it after a dodge."

"It's only hard because you lose your focus," Madam Roberts frowned. "You can dodge extremely well, but after every dodge, you just forget what you were doing before. That only serves to show me that you lack discipline. Control your emotions. Discipline your mind."

"Okay," Ron said, making sure to take in a deep breath. Madam Roberts continued her assault, and Ron moved left and right as he dodged the stingers. Form. Remember the form. She seemed to be giving him enough time to find his form after each dodge, and he made sure seize the opportunity. But then, instead of throwing a stinger to the right, she threw it to the left. Ron dodged left on instinct, and the stinger hit him in the chest. OW! Fuck!

"Don't fall into a pattern," Madam Roberts scolded, while Ron rubbed his chest. "In a real Duel, people won't make themselves predictable."

"But this is training…" Ron wheezed, he was definitely going to bruise.

"You must always be alert," Madam Roberts bit out. "Always. Do you understand?"

"Yes…" Ron panted, he was exhausted. Can we just stop for the day? Please?

"Again," Madam Roberts ordered, and Ron got into position. His mind suddenly felt dull, as if all the blood had rushed into his head and muddled his brain. Madam Roberts aimed her wand at him, but she didn't fire the stinger. "Ronald?"

"Sorry," Ron muttered as he shook his head, but that only made his head feel heavier. "My head feels heavy…" Madam Roberts was by his side in an instant, her amber eyes scanning his face. "I'm fine… Just give me a second…"

"No," Madam Roberts said, her right arm snaking around his back. "I think we've done enough for today. Come and sit down." With her help, Ron made it to the couch without falling over. Once he was seated, Madam Roberts put her palm on his forehead.

"I'm sweaty…" Ron told her, but she just ignored him.

"You don't seem to have a fever," Madam Roberts stated.

"Don't worry, it's just something that happens to me," Ron told her. "Sometimes I get lightheaded, and other times I feel like my head is full of rocks. I just need a nap."

"I see," Madam Roberts said, perhaps she had pushed him too hard. "I will heal your muscles for the day, and after you take a shower, you can go back to Hogwarts and take your nap." Sorry, but I'm taking a nap in the Living Room. I'm not going to tumble into Slytherin in this state.

"Sorry about this," Ron apologized, while she began healing his left foot. Oh, Merlin. That feels incredible.

"You did well today, Ronald," Madam Roberts said.

"Really? It looked like you were pissed off with me," Ron said, and Madam Roberts said nothing in response. "You were pissed…"

"At first," Madam Roberts said curtly. "But you did well, and you didn't complain. I merely wished to keep your momentum going." Oh. "I've noticed that you are keeping your breathing in mind, which is excellent. Now we just need to work on your form, and then we can delve into Dueling styles once again."

"Sound like a plan," Ron smiled at her, a shiver passing through his body. He could feel his manhood stirring, but he chose to ignore it. He had found that if he didn't acknowledge it, then neither did she.

"How is the Dueling Club going?" Madam Roberts asked.

"I'm in the Quarter Finals," Ron told her, and she gave him a curt nod. "The fourth years are competing today, while my friends are taking notes for me."

"For you?" Madam Roberts asked.

"Strengths and weaknesses of everyone," Ron replied. "I plan to make sure that Slytherin wins, so I'm sort of keeping an eye on everyone who's competing."

"I see," Madam Roberts said, her wand moving up to his left thigh. "Make sure that they also note down which Spells are being used. Far too many witches and wizards rely on only a certain amount of Spells, and you can take advantage of that as well."

"Thanks," Ron said, and it sounded far too much like a moan. Shite! "Sorry…"

"Just stop tensing," Madam Roberts ordered. "You are making my job difficult. Keep breathing, and relax."

"Okay," Ron said. They were both silent for a few minutes, but as Madam Roberts began healing his chest, she finally broke the silence.

"Madam Bones approached me yesterday," Madam Roberts said, and Ron opened his eyes.

"Madam Bones? What did she want?" Ron asked.

"She asked after you," Madam Roberts told him. "She's mentioned that you are helping her with her plans for the restoration of St. Mungo's."

"Yeah, I ran into her and we sort of came to an agreement," Ron smiled a little.

"You didn't ask her for any money or favors, which left an impression on her," Madam Roberts told him. "Well done, Ron." Ron?

"Thanks," Ron smiled more fully. "What did she ask about?"

"Just my opinion of you," Madam Roberts replied. "I told her that you are a hard worker, but also prone to giving into your emotions."

"What? Madam Roberts…" Ron lost his smile.

"She asked for my honest opinion, and I gave it," Madam Roberts told him. "She is not the sort of woman who enjoys embellished stories. Anyway… My degenerate pupil overheard our conversation, and she wouldn't shut up about you. Half of the Auror's Office now knows about your work with Madam Bones, including the Head Auror."

"That's fine," Ron sighed. "Tomorrow, my brochures will be filled with information about the St. Mungo's restoration plan, and everyone will know of our partnership. As for the Head Auror… He's a bit weird."

"He is a good man," Madam Roberts told Ron. "Battle-hardened, stern but fair, and like you, he can't turn off his mind."

"Wait… Madam Bones told me that he kicked her out of the Office because she wouldn't stop working," Ron stated.

"He is also prone to hypocrisy," Madam Roberts smirked, and then she got serious. "Ronald, try to slow down once in a while. You are too young to be helping the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

"People are suffering, Madam Roberts," Ron said, and she stopped to looked at him. "Everyone knows just how much this country is suffering because of the horrible events that have befallen us. And I know that the Ministry's coffers are running dry." Madam Roberts blinked at him. "If my contribution helps make a positive difference, then I'll do my best. I didn't accept her offer to pay me because I want her to use that money to help the people on the streets."

Madam Roberts stared at him for a few seconds, and then she went back to healing his muscles. Neither of them said a word, but Ron was certain that he saw her mask her smile with indifference.

---

Harry Potter's POV

Sunday 8th November, 1993 (Abandoned Classroom on the Third Floor – Midday)

Harry just stared at the page in front of him, his mind felt utterly rattled. For the last ten minutes, he had been staring at the same passage and picture, and a large part of him desperately wanted this information to be wrong.

Yesterday, Harry had noticed that Hermione and Neville were acting a little distant in regards to him. It wasn't blatant, but he could feel their reservations. Harry had no earthly idea why they were acting that way, but it stopped as the day progressed. While Neville was at Dogweed and Deathcap, and Hermione had returned to the Quill Shop for some last minute shopping, Harry had made his way to Tomes and Scrolls.

There, he had bought a book on 'Modern Wizarding Medicine' in the hopes of learning more about MRIs. He had decided not to go to Madam Pomfrey, mostly because he didn't know how he would bring it up without looking suspicious. And now here he was, staring at a passage and picture that made his stomach twist painfully.

The picture was that of a brain, much like the pictures he had seen in Ron's room, and according to this book, the little black spots were signs of Brain-Damage. Ron had Brain-Damage. At first, Harry had refused to believe it. Ron was far too normal to have Brain-Damage, but as time went on, Harry's mind began to make certain connections. Things began to fall into place, and Harry felt his panic grow with each passing revelation.

Harry now understood why the Professors always kept an eye on Ron. Harry now understood why even Hagrid always kept his eyes on Ron. Harry now understood why Sirius sometimes asked if Ron was doing well, despite being able to ask the redhead himself. Harry even understood why Ron had seizures now. Ron's 'friendship' with Dumbledore was most likely a result of Ron's damaged health, which genuinely made Harry feel like scum. He had been so jealous of Ron, he could no longer deny it, but now that he knew that Ron was sick, and that the adults knew about it, Harry felt sick.

"TBI… Traumatic Brain Injury…" Harry read, his right palm planted on his forehead. "Symptoms… Headaches, seizures, depression, mood swings, trouble communicating, bouts of uncontrollable anger, difficulty with logic and reason, poor motor skills…" Harry slammed the book shut, his eyes were beginning to sting. "No…"

Ron was sick, and judging from what Harry had just read, his life was in genuine danger. Harry felt so many emotions right now, and they only served to make him feel completely out of sorts. Why had he looked into Ron's personal life? Jealousy. Why had he been so obsessed with finding Ron's secrets? Jealousy. Why did he feel under attack whenever he saw Ron talking to Dumbledore? Jealousy. Why did he feel the need to ask Sirius to stop associating with Ron? Jealousy.

But now, he felt nothing but guilt and panic. Dumbledore was only looking out for a sick student, one who could potentially die before graduating. Ron could die before graduating… Harry's stomach turned, and he quickly ran to the nearest bin and vomited out his breakfast. Sirius definitely knew about Ron's situation, which explained why he always rushed to the school anytime Ron got hurt. Remus also knew, which explained why he had his eyes fixed on only Ron during their Duel. He was looking for any symptoms… Symptoms of Brain-Damage. A bit more vomit dribbled out of his mouth.

It was all making sense now, and Harry couldn't help but feel stupid for not seeing this sooner. Ron's secretive nature, Pomfrey's unyielding resolve in sending everyone away, Greengrass being allowed to see him instead of his siblings… All of it made sense now, but Harry wished that it wouldn't. Ignorance was bliss, was it not?

Harry pulled his head out of the bin, and after casting the Fresh-Breath Charm, he walked over to his book. He picked it up, his body completely lethargic, and then he made his way out of the abandoned classroom. I'm the worst person who ever lived. I went after a sick person. Harry wiped his eyes clean, fixed his glasses, and turned to walk up the Moving Staircase.

"Harry!" came Ginny's voice, and Harry's entire body tensed painfully. He looked to see her walking down to him, she was wearing her Quidditch gear and had her broom in hand.

"He… Hello, Ginny," Harry said, but his voice barely came out. She doesn't know. None of his siblings know. He hasn't told them, but he's clearly told Greengrass.

"Are you alright?" Ginny asked, her brow now furrowed. "What's that book?"

"Oh… Nothing," Harry said. "Just something I picked up at the Library… Why aren't you watching the Duels?"

"Why aren't you?" Ginny asked, and Harry found it hard to even speak. I've done something terrible, Ginny.

"I… I have homework to do… Hermione wants me to get it done…" Harry said, and then he cleared his throat. "Enjoy practicing."

"Wait," Ginny said as he began to walk past her. "Do you um… Do you want to join me?" I just want to go and lie down.

"Some other time," Harry said, his eyes landing on her new armguards.

"Percy got me these," Ginny beamed, and Harry could do little but nod. "Dragon-Hide armguards! Can you believe it?! I think this is the sweetest thing that he's ever done for me!"

"They suit you," Harry managed. "I'm going to go…"

"Harry? Are you alright?" Ginny asked as he began to walk up.

"I'm just feeling a little sick…" Harry lied, but when his words registered to himself, he genuinely felt sick. "I'll see you later."

"Okay…" Ginny said, her eyes fixed on Harry's retreating back. Harry picked up his pace, and within five minutes, he was lying face down on his bed.

What was he supposed to do now? He felt the need to tell Ron's siblings the truth, but he knew that they'd be extremely upset by it. He didn't want to cause any more damage, and that thought made him feel angry with himself. Why had he done something so callous? Hermione had been right, but he was too blinded by Ron's false crimes to see it. Harry Potter felt like utter scum, and he knew for certain that his parents would be ashamed of him if they knew what he had done. I'll talk to Ron first. Yeah, that's the right call here.

"There you are," came Neville's voice, and Harry quickly sat up.

"Nev… Hermione… What are you doing here?" Harry asked, and they both blinked at him from the door.

"Looking for you," Neville replied, his eyes fixed on Harry. "Harry, are you alright? You seem… jittery." Should I tell them? He wanted to, but now that he knew the truth, he couldn't bring himself to.

"I'm feeling a little off…" Harry said. "I'm just going to take a nap…"

"Your nap will have to wait," Hermione said haughtily, and then she walked into the room and stood by his bed. "Neville and I want to talk to you. We decided to wait yesterday because it was Hogsmeade Weekend, but now that it's over, there's something that we have to say."

"What is it?" Harry asked, he suddenly felt even more anxious.

"It's about Ron," Neville started, and Harry's head began to swim. "Hermione and I have talked it out, and we've decided to stop your investigation into him. I'm sorry, Harry, but you're in the wrong here. I'm your best friend, so I have to do right by you. I have to tell you that what you're doing, what you've done, is nothing short of appalling." I know… I know.

"This behavior will stop at once, Harry James Potter," Hermione scolded, her arms crossed. "Or so help me, I will tell Sirius and Remus about your actions. They'd be very interested in knowing that…" she trailed off. Harry blinked at her, and then he followed her gaze to his book. Shite! They both lunged for it, but Hermione got to it first.

"Hermione, give that back!" Harry yelled, and Hermione glared at him.

"Don't raise your voice at me!" she shrieked, his book held behind her back.

"Don't steal my things then!" Harry yelled as he lunged for the book, but Hermione ran behind Neville. "Neville, stop her!"

"What's gotten into you two?" Neville asked, he was clearly startled by their yelling. "Harry, stop!" Neville held Harry back, while Hermione quickly looked through the book.

"Hermione, stop it!" Harry shoved Neville aside, and then he ripped the book out of her hands. "What's the matter with you?!"

"What's the matter with you?!" Hermione yelled back, and then she helped Neville stand back up. "Why did you shove him?!" Harry ignored her as he walked over to his trunk, he was going to burn this book as soon as he could. "Petrificus Totalus!"

"Hermione?!" came Neville's voice, while Harry felt himself stiffen and fall back. "You… You Cursed him…" Hermione ignored him as she picked up the book, her eyes quickly moving through it. Harry tried to move, but it was over. She… She fucking Cursed me? Wait… The book!

---

Twenty Minutes Later

The moment Hermione undid her Curse, Harry shot up to his feet and charged in her direction. Neville was fast enough to intercept him, but the look on his face frightened Hermione. Hermione had read the section on MRI tests out loud, and judging by how distressed both Neville and Hermione were, Harry knew that they had caught on. Ron's secret was now out, and it was Harry's fault. And yet, it was also Hermione's.

"You Cursed me…" Harry glared at her, and she swallowed thickly.

"Ron's sick…" Hermione started.

"You Cursed me!" Harry snapped, making her flinch. "Your own friend!"

"Harry, calm down," Neville said as he held Harry back, though he himself was quite upset with Hermione.

"I saw the MRI page… I had to know…" Hermione muttered. "I'm his friend, and I deserve to know what's wrong with him…"

"So our talk really meant nothing?" Neville turned to face her, disappointment written across his face. "All it took was a book, and you completely changed your view on the matter of investigating Ron? You gave me your word, Hermione. And how could you attack Harry like that?"

"Why would that even matter now?" Hermione asked, her voice rising. "Ron's sick, and no one knows about it. We have to help him."

"The adults know," Harry fumed, he really wanted to Hex her right now. "Dumbledore, Remus, Sirius, his parents, the teachers… Greengrass…"

"What makes you think he told her?" Hermione asked defiantly, and Harry felt his blood boil.

"Because she's his girlfriend, and you're not!" Harry yelled, and silence engulfed the room. Harry knew that he had just hit Hermione where it would hurt, but as far as he was concerned, she bloody deserved it for Cursing him.

"Harry…" Neville whispered, a shocked look on his face.

"What? It's true!" Harry snapped at Neville. "She was all high and mighty about not investigating Ron, but the moment she got the chance, she fucking Cursed me in the back!" Hermione glared at him through teary eyes, and then she stormed out of the room. And she's run off. Great.

"What's the matter with you?" Neville frowned. "How could you say that?"

"How could she Curse me?!" Harry yelled in response, and Hermione suddenly burst back in.

"Apologize to me right now!" Hermione screamed at him. "You have no right to-"

"Right to what?!" Harry cut her off. "Tell you the truth?! So you have the right to attack your own friends, but we can't even say something that you dislike?! Is that it?!"

"Just stop it," Neville said as he kept them apart. "Friends don't behave this way!"

"You only found out the truth because you're jealous of Ron!" Hermione lashed out, and her words stung, but he had already come to this realization.

"At least I was right about him," Harry whispered dangerously. "Do you really think you'd have ever found out if it weren't for me? No! He would never tell you! And why would he?! You're just another girl that follows him around! Nothing more! He hasn't even told his own siblings, so why would he ever tell you?!" Harry turned his head and cracked his neck, and for a moment, he felt relieved of his personal guilt. "You're a delusional know-it-all, nothing more. You are entitled to nothing."

Both Neville and Hermione stepped back, their eyes wide open.

"What?" Harry grit out.

"Parseltongue…" Neville muttered, and Harry blinked at him. "You started speaking Parseltongue…"

"I did?" Harry mumbled, and he felt his scar burn. "Ow…" Harry shook his head clear, and then he managed a weak frown at Hermione. "You attacked me… How could you do that?"

"I… I had to know…" Hermione said weakly. "I saw the book, and I had to know." Neville walked up and closed the door, and then he looked at them both with an almost angry glare.

"If Ron hasn't told anyone about it, then neither can we," Neville said firmly.

"What?" Hermione blinked. "We have to tell his siblings, Neville. They're worried about him."

"Don't you two realize how wrong this is?" Neville demanded. "Do you not realize what you've done?" Harry felt his fire die out, and once again, he began to feel like utter scum. Hermione, on the other hand, frowned and puffed up.

"Not telling his brothers and sisters is wrong, Neville," Hermione started.

"No, this is wrong!" Neville said fiercely, and even Harry flinched. He raised his voice? Neville quickly looked apologetic. "I'm sorry… Look… He hasn't told them because he doesn't want them to worry, alright? I mean, look at us… We're not even that close to him, and look what it has done to us. How do you think they're going to take it? You think Ginny needs this? You said so yourself that she's 'fragile right now'."

"So you want us to lie?" Hermione shook her head.

"What I wanted was for you two to respect his privacy," Neville sighed out. "But here we are… Neither of you deserve to be his friends… I don't deserve to be his eternal friend… If Gran were here, she'd be disgusted with me…"

"Neville, you don't mean that," Hermione started.

"I do," Neville said, and then he looked to Harry. "He knows it too, Hermione." Hermione looked to Harry, who just stared down at his feet. I'm the worst… I did this because I was so damn jealous, and I lied to myself about it. I was so sure of myself… Ron's sick, and he could die if his injury gets worse. What are we supposed to do?

"What do we do?" Harry asked, his entire body felt like jelly.

"If we can't tell his siblings, then we help him ourselves," Hermione said.

"No, we do nothing," Neville countered, and Hermione and Harry blinked at him. "He didn't tell us because he doesn't want our help. We only found out because we betrayed him."

"You didn't," Harry said quickly. "Nev, you didn't do anything… You can plead innocence if this ever gets out."

"You think I'll abandon you?" Neville chuckled mirthlessly. "You two are my best friends… I'm in this with you… I could've done more to stop you two, but I didn't… I excused my terrible actions all throughout last year, and I vowed never to do that again."

"I'm sorry…" Harry mumbled as he sat down on his bed, his head in his hands. "I'm so sorry…" Ron has Brain-Damage. Why didn't I listen?

"Ron could die," Hermione muttered, and then she crouched down and sniffled. Their adrenaline was now gone, and they all felt raw.

"What we've done here…" Neville started. "It's nothing short of a monstrous betrayal of someone who trusts us. Someone who saved our lives. Until Ron decides to step forward himself, we will do nothing. We will not interfere, we will not offer him our 'help', and we won't go to his siblings. And if either of you do, then I'll tell Ron everything. I'll tell everyone of our crime." Neville then drew in a deep breath. "You should both be ashamed of yourselves."

Harry felt like he had been slapped, but he didn't dare utter another word. He was ashamed, and he knew that he'd never see Ron the same way again.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Monday 9th November, 1993 (Madam Pomfrey's Office – After Classes)

"So everything is going swimmingly for you?" Madam Pomfrey asked, and Ron shrugged with a smile.

"Not swimmingly, but I've got a handle on everything," Ron replied.

"So nothing is wrong?" Madam Pomfrey asked, and Ron blinked at her. What's this? "You've been here for nearly an hour, and you haven't mentioned a single thing that might be amiss. You've been nothing but smiles and laughter."

"Well…" Ron said slowly. "The 'Golden Trio' were acting a little strangely during Care of Magical Creatures… I think they were avoiding even looking at me… But other than that, things are going well." Plus, I don't really care about whatever's crawled up their arses this time. It might be the fact that everyone is talking about me lifting that weight at the competition.

"Ron… Have you heard from your parents?" Madam Pomfrey asked, and Ron realized what was going on. "Have you heard from your mother?"

"No," Ron replied.

"I have been in contact with her," Madam Pomfrey told him, and he waited for her to go on. "I stopped by your house on Saturday at her request."

"I see," Ron said, his mood greatly dampened. "And?" Here comes the complaining.

"She was distraught, as were the Lovegoods and your father," Madam Pomfrey replied. "They want to set up a Family Counseling session with you." Laughter tore its way out of his throat, but he quickly controlled himself. Calm down, Ron. Calm down.

"Sorry," Ron said, while Madam Pomfrey looked quite jarred by his reaction. "Sorry… A Family Counseling session, you say? And when do they want to have this session?" It doesn't even matter because I have way too much on my plate.

"Thursday," Madam Pomfrey replied. I have to go to France, and then I have dinner plans with Mr. Cuffe.

"Sorry, can't do Thursday," Ron told her.

"May I ask why?" Madam Pomfrey asked calmly.

"I'll be in France," Ron replied, and she blinked at him.

"France?"

"Quibbler business," Ron lied. "I'm trying to start a massive business here. A business that has the potential to help a lot of people. People who are actually suffering. You know, the ones who have no one to turn to."

"You don't think that your mother and father's pain is valid?" Pomfrey asked.

"I never said that," Ron replied. "I just have more important things to do. Things that matter." Ron stood up at that. "If they want Counseling, then more power to them. Just don't expect me to waste my time, I already have too much going on." Ron walked to the door, and as he opened it, Pomfrey called out to him.

"You will lose your parents if you keep traveling down this road," Madam Pomfrey warned, and Ron turned to face her. What did you just say?

"I'll lose my parents?" Ron asked, his entire demeanor changing. "I'll lose my parents… Why is that you people can't keep your whining to yourselves?"

"Pardon?" Madam Pomfrey blinked.

"Everyone is the victim," Ron shook his head. "It doesn't matter what I do, someone is always the victim. I mean, did I ask for Family Counselling when they both turned on me? Or when mum hit me? Or the when she told me that I had humiliated her with my sorting? Or when dad chose to play around with his toys when I wanted to learn how to fly?"

"I understand that your relationship with your parents is strained, but until you-"

"Strained? It's fucking toxic," Ron said harshly. "Every time I hear their voices, or see their faces, I want to leave. All they do is complain. Constantly! What the hell do they want from me?! When I was just another Weasley, they never once put me first. But now that I'm trying to become someone, they keep getting in the way. They never help, they just complain! It doesn't matter that I am putting our Family Name on a map… All that matters is that they get to 'play parent'… Fuck off with that shite." Ron turned to leave again. "This fucking Counselling session is just another way for them to eat my ears off. You tell them that I have better things to do than to hear about why I'm no longer their little Ronnie." Ron left the Office at that.

---

Draco Malfoy's POV

Tuesday 10th November, 1993 (Madam Pomfrey's Office – After Classes)

"You feel conflicted," Madam Pomfrey said, and Draco nodded weakly. "That's perfectly alright, Draco."

"Is it?" Draco asked, and then he sniffled. "I don't know what to think sometimes… I just… I don't understand what I'm feeling…" Draco then drew in a deep breath. "I was grateful for Weasley's presence at Hogsmeade… Me… A Malfoy… When he came back from his date, I felt like I could talk again…" Draco trailed off, his father would be ashamed. "I made a joke… And he laughed… It felt too nice…"

"Tell me more," Madam Pomfrey said, she wanted him to keep exploring this.

"The others… They don't like me very much," Draco looked down at his lap. "Blaise and Pansy are keeping their distance from me on purpose. Theo constantly thinks that I'm up to something. As for Greengrass, Davis, and Bulstrode… I burned those bridges a long time ago. If it were up to any of them, I'd be out in the cold again." Draco shuddered at the thought of isolation. "You get used to being alone, you know… I don't want to be alone…"

"We humans are social creatures," Pomfrey said. "And you, Draco, are also human. Your feelings are not wrong, don't ever think that."

"Why is he helping me?" Draco's voice cracked, and he quickly hid his face. "He treats me like… like a person… I keep trying to distance myself, but he still helps… Why?"

"Maybe he's been through similar experiences," Madam Pomfrey said suggestively, even though she knew that he had. "Maybe he understands that being alone is too painful for some people."

"I've done terrible things to him," Draco rubbed his face. "I attacked his friend, and he went out of his way to set this up. Who does that?" And he never asks for a damn thing. I can't understand him! "I was certain that he was going to cast me out, but instead, he chose to help me…"

"Are you afraid, Draco?" Madam Pomfrey asked, and he nodded weakly. "What are you afraid of?"

"I'm afraid of…" Draco started, but he forced himself to stop. "Everything…"

"Tell me one fear, and we'll work on that for today," Madam Pomfrey said, and Draco shuddered as he breathed in. "Draco, I can only help you if you talk to me." I know, just give me a minute.

"I'm afraid of the fact that if Weasley turns against me, my life in Slytherin is over," Draco admitted, and he nearly passed out from confessing such a thing. "I… I need him…"

"Need?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"I have no one to talk to…" Draco chuckled mirthlessly. "No one wants to even look at me… No one but him." And father wants me to spy on him. Why do I feel like I'm doing the wrong thing? He's a fucking Blood Traitor.

"Draco?" Madam Pomfrey called, she had noticed that Draco kept vanishing in his own mind.

"Is it weird that I…" Draco trailed off. "I feel better whenever he's around… Is that weird? It feels weird… It feels wrong…"

"You two have a bad history, but now, you live in the same social circle," Madam Pomfrey said. "Conflicted feelings are completely understandable, especially because of your conflicting beliefs."

"Beliefs… Look where my beliefs led me…" Draco muttered, and he immediately felt guilty. "Ignore that, please… I'm not feeling like myself."

"Alright," Madam Pomfrey conceded, she didn't want to push him too fast.

"After he came back from his work on Sunday, he did something that really got to me," Draco started. "The others were playing Wizard's Poker, and I wanted to join them… But I already knew that if I asked, they'd laugh me off. And then, Weasley shows up. They deal him in, while he just stares at me… I don't know how he knew, but he asked me if I wanted to join."

"And you said yes?" Pomfrey asked.

"I told him to fuck off," Draco swallowed thickly, and Madam Pomfrey waited for him to go on. "Davis went off, while Bulstrode and Pansy glared murder at me. You know what he did? He just sniggered like a kid, and ordered me to join. No one said no, and we played for nearly four hours. Those were the best four hours I had on Sunday…" Draco felt a strong pang of guilt at confessing that, he really was the weakest Malfoy to ever breathe.

"And why did that get to you?" Pomfrey asked.

"Because when he went off to take a nap, I really didn't want him to go," Draco confessed, his eyes were starting to sting again. Don't cry, you weakling.

"And the others?" Pomfrey asked.

"We stopped playing after Weasley left," Draco replied. "The girls ran off to do whatever they do in their room, while Blaise and Theo started playing Wizard's Chess. I just read my book."

"The same book that you always read?" Pomfrey asked, and Draco nodded.

"I don't know what else to do around them," Draco admitted. "So I just wait around for them to talk to me… Isn't that pathetic? I just wait for someone to acknowledge me." And no one ever does. No one but Weasley. Does he pity me? Probably. But I don't care… It just feels nice to talk to someone.

"Draco?"

"Can we stop for today?" Draco asked. "I don't want to keep talking about this anymore."

"Are you sure?" Pomfrey asked, and he nodded quickly. "Alright, Draco. We can stop for today." Draco quickly got out of his seat, and he made his way towards the door. But before he left, he turned to face her.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Madam Pomfrey," Draco all but whispered, and she gave him a kind smile.

"Good," Madam Pomfrey said, and Draco left for the common room.

There was no denying that he felt lighter right now, but his negative thoughts were still there. Eventually, his father was going to learn of his weakness, and there would be hell to pay. What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he just be a Malfoy? Why couldn't he just be a man? Draco did his best to shut out his negative thoughts, and to a degree, he succeeded. He was a weak person, and he could no longer deny it. Didn't Weasley say that I could be strong? What a joke…

As he neared the Moving Staircase, he heard heated voices get closer and closer. And then, he came upon a peculiar scene. Lysandra Yaxley and Astoria Greengrass were berating Zacharias Smith, while Derek Smith sniveled behind them. What's this?

"Fat prick needs two bints to defend him?" Smith laughed, and Draco frowned a little. A Hufflepuff is picking on Slytherins? Really?

"Leave him alone," Astoria narrowed her eyes on Hufflepuff.

"I will when he apologizes to me," Smith countered.

"You bumped into him," Lysandra hissed. "It's not his fault that you tripped."

"I didn't trip!" Smith suddenly fumed. "That fat prick pushed me!"

"You tried to trip him, but you lost your own footing! Be more pathetic!" Astoria yelled back. This is the Ice-Queen's sister? Draco decided to ignore this conflict, it had nothing to do with him. Draco started walking again, and as he neared them, Derek noticed him approaching. Not my problem. Just keep walking.

"You Slytherins are all a bunch of tossers," Smith hissed, and Draco stopped right behind him. Don't do it, Draco. "What kind of first year walks around like they own the place? Huh?"

"I wasn't," Derek mumbled. "You walked into me on purpose…"

"Shut it," Smith said bitterly, and Draco tapped his shoulder. Smith turned around with a frown. "What?"

"Hospital is that way," Draco pointed, and Smith blinked at him.

"What's that supposed to-" Smith started, but Draco clocked him on the nose. Fuck, my hand! Draco barely held back a pained squealed, while Smith nearly fell on top of Lysandra. Both girls squealed as they jumped out of the way, and Smith groaned loudly as he held his face. There was no blood, which told Draco that nothing was broken. Except my fucking hand.

"You three, let's go," Draco ordered, and he began to walk again. By the time he reached the stairs, he heard their hurried footsteps behind him. Draco quietly hid his right hand in his pockets, punching someone hurt way too much. I should've used my wand.

"You hit him!" Astoria laughed, and Draco ignored her. "Hey! I'm talking to you!"

"I hit no one, do you understand?" Draco shot her a frown, and the two girls smirked at him. Ugh… First years.

"Of course," Lysandra giggled. "We saw nothing at all."

"But thanks," Derek piped up. "I didn't walk into him, I swear."

"Derek, we were right there," Astoria said calmingly. "Smith picks on all the first years when no one is around. Don't let him get to you."

"Astoria, let him thank his savior," Lysandra tutted, and Draco quickened his pace.

"Slow down," Astoria said, all three first years matching his speed. "Why'd you hit him?"

"I hit no one," Draco repeated. "Now stop talking to me."

"You really are mean, aren't you?" Lysandra chuckled, much to Draco's annoyance. "Hogwarts' least wanted." Draco felt his gut tighten, but he didn't show any weakness. She's right. I am Hogwarts' least wanted.

"Lysandra, that's not funny," Derek piped up. "He helped us."

"I was only joking, Derek," Lysandra kept laughing. "I thought it was brilliant."

"Blood," Draco said to the entrance, and once it slid aside, he quickly made his way inside. Now stop following me. The first years left to go join their year-mates, while Draco headed towards his. As he neared them, he spotted no signs of red hair. He's at detention with Godfather. And there it was again, that feeling of being an outsider.

Draco drew in a deep breath, and then he took a seat not too far from the others. They all looked to him for a moment, and then they went back to their own activities. Should I greet them? Draco swallowed thickly.

"Is Weasley with Professor Snape?" Draco asked, and none of them even bothered looking at him. Draco felt a ball of anxiety in his stomach, but he kept his expression calm. "I'll take that as a yes."

No one said anything, and Draco decided to copy their indifference.

---

Tuesday 10th November, 1993 (Slytherin Common Room – Before Dinner)

He spotted a flash of red hair from the corner of his vision, and he had to hold back his sigh of relief. Weasley was here.

"Welcome back, Ron," Greengrass greeted him, but he walked right up to Draco without uttering a word. Um… Draco looked up from his book, and Weasley was staring right at him.

"What is it?" Malfoy asked, Weasley was clearly still agitated from his session yesterday.

"You punched Zacharias Smith?" Weasley asked, a stern look on his face. The others looked a bit taken aback, and then they finally looked to Draco. "Don't bother lying to me, Malfoy. The Bloody Baron showed up in Snape's Office, and he told Professor Snape. Why? Why did you do it?"

"I was helping your first years," Draco frowned deeply, and Weasley blinked at him. "You're welcome." He didn't know why he felt so defensive, he just knew that he didn't want Weasley to be angry with him. Get a hold of yourself… Why are you so pathetic?

"Helping the first years?" Bulstrode asked, and Draco decided to ignore her. "Oi, I'm talking to you." Yeah, it doesn't feel good, does it?

"He's telling the truth," came Mathew Roberts' voice, and everyone looked to him. "Derek told me what happened, Ron."

"Well?" Weasley asked.

"Tori, Lysandra, and Derek were coming back from the Library, and Zacharias Smith tried to trip Derek," Mathew started. "He ended up falling over himself, and when the girls laughed at him, he got into their faces."

"He got into my sister's face?" Greengrass asked, and her stare made the first year shrink a little.

"Um… Yeah…" Mathew said. "Malfoy showed up, and he knocked Smith on his arse. He's telling the truth." The others looked quite stunned, including Draco. He had no idea why this first year had just crossed Weasley when he was clearly annoyed, but Draco was grateful nonetheless.

"Thanks, Mathew," Weasley said, and the first year shot Malfoy a nod before leaving. Um… Right.

"You stood up against bullying?" Davis asked, and Mafloy shot her a frown.

"I stood up for Slytherin," Draco said coldly. "Am I still under interrogation? Or can I read my book in peace?" The others just stared at him, and then they slowly stood up.

"Dinner's almost here," Pansy said, her eyes darting to him. What's with these looks?

"You guys go on," Weasley said. "I want to have a chat with Malfoy."

"I'll save you a seat," Greengrass said, and then she led the way out. Once the others were gone, Draco stood up to follow them.

"Hold on," Weasley said, and Draco stopped.

"I'm hungry," Draco said.

"I'm sure beating on second years is extremely taxing," Weasley's lips twitched upwards, and Draco made sure to keep his expression in check. "I need to talk to you about something important. Come with me." Weasley began to head towards the boys' room, and Draco followed after him. Once they were inside their room, Weasley shut the door.

"What do you want?" Draco asked.

"Don't be so hostile," Weasley smirked. Why doesn't he get fazed by me anymore? It really pisses me off. "Firstly, well done."

"Of course you'd praise me for being a thug," Draco rolled his eyes, though he enjoyed Weasley's words. Stop it. Stop feeling this way, you fuck. He's not your friend.

"I'm praising you for helping the first years," Weasley said. "I put a lot of pressure on them, which is probably why they were in the Library. Thank you for being there when I wasn't. I really appreciate it."

"Whatever…" Draco said. "What did you want to talk about?"

"This," Weasley said as he pulled out a letter.

"The letter from the Ministry?" Draco cocked an eyebrow. It came this morning, and he hid it quite quickly.

"Here," Weasley handed it over, much to Draco bewilderment. "Read it." Draco nodded slowly, and then he looked down at it.

Mr. Weasley

As you are aware, our Community has been under a lot of pressure as of late. Many have questioned the Ministry's ability to govern their citizenry. We, ever your servants, understand your doubts.

Over the last sixth months, Wizarding Kind has been dealt a dark hand. First the Inferno in Albania, and then the Accidental Fire within our very own St. Mungo's Hospital. We are all in pain and mourning, and so we must come together in this trying time.

The Ministry needs your help, Mr. Weasley. Without St. Mungo's Hospital, our Community is suffering. Hundreds are going untreated, while the emergency clinic is overwhelmed due to its limited capabilities.

Your Family is counted amongst the Sacred Twenty Eight; the Families that helped shape our Community. The Ministry understands, and respects, just how much the Old Families have done for the British Wizarding Community.

And yet, we must ask for more. The Ministry needs your help with the Restoration of St. Mungo's Hospital. This letter is both a call for aid, and an invitation. The Ministry will be hosting a Gala at the Minister for Magic's home on the Twenty-Eight of November, and your Family is invited to join us.

We request that all the Sacred Twenty Eight Families in attendance donate a maximum of Five Hundred Galleons, which will be put to good use. Help us ease the pain that we are all in.

We hope to see you there,

The Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement,

Madam Amelia Bones.

"Shouldn't this be sent to your father?" Draco asked, and Weasley took the letter back. "I mean, he's the Head of your Family. Right?"

"I'm the Head of my Family," Weasley said bluntly, and Draco blinked at him. "It doesn't matter… What matters is that your parents will be there." Draco's gut tightened, and Weasley saw it. "Calm down."

"If you tell them about Madam-"

"I will never do that," Weasley cut in. "Malfoy, I would never do that." Draco clenched his jaw, and he gave a weak nod. "I just figured that I'd give you the heads up, alright?"

"Alright," Draco muttered.

"While we're there, stay clear of my Family," Weasley said. "And I'll stay clear of yours. Understood?"

"I understand," Draco said a little more firmly.

"Good," Weasley nodded. "Now… Let's go eat? I want to hear all about your skills in hand-to-hand combat."

"Piss off, Weasley," Draco rolled his eyes, and then he walked past the taller boy.

"So grouchy," Weasley sniggered from behind him, and Draco's lips twitched upwards.

---

Gaspard's POV

Tuesday 10th November, 1993 (Diagon Alley – Dinnertime)

The foul stench of London hadn't changed whatsoever, much to Gaspard's liking. He walked down the cobbled street, his round black shades hiding his eyes from his prey. Wizards were not an inquisitive lot, so no one questioned why he was wearing shades at night. This too pleased Gaspard, he despised unnecessary questions.

"Welcome to the Pond, Sir," the host greeted as Gaspard stepped into the warm restaurant.

"Good evening, my good man," Gaspard greeted. "Are Lord and Lady Malfoy here? They are expecting me." No, they really aren't. I've been following them all day.

"Ah, they just stepped in," the dark-skinned man smiled, while Gaspard took in his scent. Barely any Magic in this one. A Squib. "Please, follow me."

"Please, don't leave your post on my account," Gaspard smiled, and the man gave him a thankful nod.

"They are seated at the corner table, Sir," the man informed him. Gaspard gave him a parting nod, and then he made his way over to the corner table. He easily singled out Lucius Malfoy's scent, and it told him that the man was aroused. Enjoying his day long date, no doubt.

"Husband, behave," he overheard Lady Malfoy giggle.

"Let's go home, Cissy," the Malfoy patriarch whispered. "I want you…" How adorable. The sheep wish to procreate. The Malfoys didn't even take notice of him as he approached them.

"Good evening, Lord and Lady Malfoy," Gaspard greeted them, and he was met with cold eyes.

"We already gave our order," Narcissa Malfoy said, while Lucius Malfoy just stared at him.

"I'm no waiter, Lady Malfoy," Gaspard said, and then he took off his glasses. Lucius Malfoy's eyes widened, while Narcissa Malfoy blinked at the Blood Lord's peculiar eyes.

"You…" Lucius Malfoy whispered, and his wife looked to him with a confused look.

"Husband, do you know this man?" Narcissa asked.

"He owes me his life," Gaspard told the witch, who looked genuinely confused now. "After all, I chose to spare him in Romania."

"Spare him?" Narcissa Malfoy asked, her confusion quickly suppressed. "You dare speak in such-"

"Narcissa, stop," Lucius said, his eyes fixed on Gaspard. Good, he understands that I can kill him and his wife within seconds. This will make this conversation much quicker. Gaspard sat down beside Narcissa, while her husband began to reek of fear.

"Who are you?" Narcissa asked, why was her husband afraid of this man?

"You may call me Gaspard," Gaspard replied. "Now stay quiet while I speak to your husband." Gaspard then looked to Lucius, who was clearly holding back a murderous glare. "I met your Lord, Lucius."

"Let us go elsewhere," Lucius began to stand up, while Narcissa was shocked by Gaspard's boldness.

"Sit down, or I will put my hand through your wife's ribcage," Gaspard said, and Lucius froze. "I killed him."

"You killed him?" Narcissa asked, while Lucius' mouth hung open.

"Is that relief I hear?" Gaspard suddenly moved his face right in front of hers, and she tensed horribly. "Hmm… It is… Not so loyal, are you?" Poor Voldemort, he's surrounded himself with snakes. It hardly matters, we'll both be dead by the end of this war.

"I… I…" Narcissa stammered, her eyes darting towards her husband.

"What do you want?" Lucius hissed, and Gaspard backed away from the terrified woman.

"I'm sorry for lying," Gaspard started. "I just wanted to see your reactions. They were exactly what I was expecting. You fear him, nothing more."

"We are loyal," Lucius said firmly, his eyes darting around them.

"You have nothing to worry about," Gaspard said calmly. "I will not say a word to him. If I did, he'd kill your son." Both Malfoy's barely held themselves in check, but Gaspard could smell their fear. Now I know why they fear him. They love their boy.

"How do you know about my son?" Lucius finally asked.

"I had you looked up after your friend ruined my dinner," Gaspard told them. "I planned to hunt you and your companions down eventually, but now things have changed. I have a more fun game to play now."

"Game?" Lucius asked, while his wife's fear nearly did Gaspard's head in.

"Tell me about the Order," Gaspard said, his eyes gleaming orange.

"He sent you here?" Lucius whispered.

"I don't take order from him," Gaspard smiled in an amused manner. "He left for Russia, while I decided to hunt birds."

"Hunt birds?" Narcissa asked.

"What do you want to know?" Lucius asked, he desperately wanted this thing to leave.

"Names, addresses, descriptions," Gaspard replied. "Family members."

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Thursday 12th November, 1993 (Headmaster's Office – After Lunch)

He had made up his mind. Today, he would show Madame Maxime his scars if need be. He had given this meeting a lot of thought, and he had concluded that Hogwarts wasn't the only school that needed to be protected. If anything, Beauxbatons needed even more protection. After all, most of Beauxbatons was attended by Non-human witches and wizards. The Dark Lord would come after them for sure, and so they needed to be prepared. His pride was nothing compared to that.

"Come in," came Dumbledore's voice, and Ron entered the Office. "Ah, Ronald."

"Good afternoon, Headmaster," Ron greeted back, and then he shut the door.

"I see you are dressed to impress," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, and Ron walked up to his desk. "Very good, my boy."

"I'm ready to go to France, Headmaster," Ron said firmly.

"Of course," Dumbledore smiled in his kindly way, and then he pulled out a letter from his desk. Dumbledore then stood up and walked over to Ron, his smile still in place. "Here you are."

"Thank you," Ron said as he grabbed the letter, but the Headmaster held onto it. Um… What?

"If you feel uncomfortable with this task, I can send someone else," Dumbledore said gently.

"I… I do feel uncomfortable," Ron admitted. "But I will still go. If my scars are the proof that she needs, then I will do what is necessary. I won't let you down, Headmaster. I promise." Dumbledore's smile faltered, and then he placed his free hand on Ron's right cheek. Huh?

"Thank you, dear boy," Dumbledore said, and Ron nodded slowly. Dumbledore let go of the letter and stepped back, while Fawkes flew onto Ron's left shoulder. "Good luck, Ronald."

"Goodbye, Headmaster," Ron managed a weak smile, and he was suddenly engulfed in bright orange flames.

---

AUTHOR'S NOTES: And there it is! I hope you guys enjoyed that! I know that this was a bit of a fluffy chapter, but I really wanted to show that Hogsmeade has a way of making everyone happy. Plus, it's always calm before the storm... *Play the ominous music.

See you on Wednesday!