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.

104. Chapter 104 - Leagues

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 104 is done!

Please Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, and I do not intend to make any money off of this. Harry Potter is the intellectual property of J. K. Rowling , and I take no credit of it whatsoever.

I was also inspired by Demon Eyes Laharl's: THE RED KNIGHT! and also from Random-Fruitcake04's: CHOICES! I hope you check them out as well because they are genuinely very good stories.

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Fate

Chapter 104 – Leagues

Ronald Weasley's POV

Sunday 20th December, 1993 (Grimmauld Place – Evening)

Ron quietly watched Malfoy pick up his mother's box of cookies, and he felt no pity for the pale young wizard. In truth, Ron was simply past the point of caring about such trivial matters. Sure, Malfoy had been dealt a horrible hand, and yes, Ron had played a key role in said hand, but at the same time, Malfoy was being too shortsighted to fully understand that his life had been saved by the very people he cursed. Draco Malfoy was a weak person, and Ron knew that if he was left to his own devices, he'd make a foolish decision that would lead to his death. Just look at Victor… He was smarter than Malfoy, but he died because he wanted to look down on someone he didn't really understand. His arrogance was his undoing, and we all know just how proud and arrogant Malfoy is.

"Ready?" Ron asked, and Malfoy gave a subdued nod. "Chin up, Malfoy, don't show others that you're hurting." Even after what I just told him, he's still acting like a wounded baby.

"We're going to your house, Weasley," Malfoy muttered.

"My house is filled with people who loathe you," Ron reminded Malfoy. "Never let your guard down, not even when you think that you're safe."

Malfoy nodded more firmly, and then he stood up straighter. I know that he's only listening to me because I scared him, but you know what? I don't mind that he's scared. I made a promise to Snape that I'd keep him safe, and I plan to keep that promise. If being scared means that he'll listen to me, then so be it.

Ron prepared the floo, while Malfoy stored his gift within his trunk. Once Ron was ready to toss the floo-powder into the flames, he looked back to Malfoy.

"When you come through, people will have questions," Ron started. "Say nothing, and be on your best behavior. I will vouch for you, but only if you behave like a proper guest."

"I understand," Malfoy walked over to Ron's side. "Weasley… I'm… I'm sorry about your condition…" Um… I didn't expect that. Does he actually mean those words?

"Don't be," Ron said. "Remember what I told you, Malfoy, complaining doesn't change anything. Bad shit happens all the time, and it's your job to deal with it." Ron then tossed the floo-powder into the flames. "The Burrow."

The fire roared green, and Ron decided to go through first. The moment he stepped into the Burrow, he spotted his siblings relaxing in the Living Room. Harry, Neville, and Hermione were currently speaking with Ginny and the twins, while Percy was telling Bill, Charlie, and Kirsten about his successful term. Where are the adults? And where's Theo?

"Mum! Ron's here!" Charlie called, and then he stood up to greet his little brother.

The moment every eye turned towards Ron, Malfoy stepped through the flames from behind Ron. At first, no one said a word. All eyes were fixed on the platinum-haired wizard, and Ron enjoyed the shocked looks on the faces of his siblings. The irony of this situation is not lost on me, a Malfoy just entered the Burrow. It's the fucking end times for certain.

"What is he doing here?!" Fred was the first to break his silence, and that set everyone off.

"You brought him to the Burrow?!" Ginny looked horrified.

"Dad! Ron's lost it!" George just stared at Ron with a slack-jawed expression.

"I thought the Weasleys and Malfoys hated each other?!" Hermione looked to Neville for confirmation, and Neville just nodded with a surprised look.

Question after question was launched in Ron's direction, and much to his annoyance, even Hermione and Harry were demanding answers. They make for poor guests… Why am I not surprised? When I really think about it, this House rivalry business is incredibly stupid. There's so much happening in the World outside Hogwarts, but these idiots can't get over which House someone was sorted into.

"Draco is my guest for the Holidays," Ron told them, effectively stopping their protests. "As my guest, he will be treated with respect and kindness. If you have a problem with this, go whine somewhere where I can't hear you. I promise you, I don't care enough about your opinions to listen to them." I really don't.

"He's a bloody Malfoy!" Fred looked to his other siblings, no doubt trying to rile them up.

"Yes, he's a Malfoy," Ron rolled his eyes. "But he is Draco Malfoy, not Lucius Malfoy." Ron then looked to Malfoy. "Come, let me show you to my room. It's on the fifth floor, so get ready for a hike."

"Alright," Malfoy whispered, he clearly wasn't ready for such an onslaught of yelling.

Just as Ron began to move towards the exit, his mother and father popped into the room.

"Welcome home, Ronnie!" his mother ran up and hugged him again, completely ignoring the other children. Ow… Why is she so strong for a tiny lady?

"Mum! Ron brought Malfoy to our house!" Ginny pointed at Malfoy, she looked thoroughly shaken. "Look at him! He's right there!"

"Hello," Arthur walked up to Malfoy. "I'm Arthur, and this is Molly. Welcome to our house."

The looks on Ron's sibling's faces nearly made Ron burst into laughter, but he kept his composure for the sake of Malfoy. I already gave up my privacy for his benefit, what's a little bit of outrage in comparison? I'll just have to weather the storm. Plus, I honestly don't care that much about their opinions of me. Not anymore. They're all so… small-minded.

"Thank you for hosting me, Mr. Weasley," Malfoy said, his tone devoid of all emotions. Good, keep playing along. "This house looks very… cozy…" Ha!

"Why, thank you!" Molly looked to Malfoy. "If you need anything, Draco, you come find me, alright?" Mum can't help but be motherly towards a child who's going through hell. Can't say that I'm surprised, but the others certainly look horrified. "Ron, why don't you take your friend to your room? That trunk looks heavy. We've already got the beds ready."

"What is going on here?!" Fred looked as red as a tomato. "Why are you all being so-?!"

"Don't yell, Fred Weasley, I'm right here," Molly shot a frown at her troublemaking son. "And stop being rude to our guest. I didn't raise you to yell at other people."

"Let's go," Ron patted Malfoy's back, and Malfoy began to walk towards the Kitchen.

They could hear the renewed protests emanating from the Living Room, and Ron decided to let his parents deal with that mess. I should help Malfoy settle in, and then I should find Theo. They made their way up in silence, and Ron could tell that Malfoy was judging every crack and chip within the Burrow.

"The Burrow isn't exactly like your Manor," Ron started as they neared his room. "But it's better than being homeless. You'll grow to like it here, I promise."

"If you say so," Malfoy said without looking back.

"My room is the door to your left," Ron said, and Malfoy stopped walking. "What?"

"I'm staying in your room?" Malfoy looked back. "I don't get my own room?" Didn't he hear mum? Is he really that zoned out?

"This isn't a hotel," Ron chuckled. "The Burrow is limited when it comes to rooms, so we'll have to share."

"Right," Malfoy adorned a pathetic look, and Ron fought the urge to roll his eyes.

"I don't have another speech left in me, Malfoy," Ron said coldly. "Grab a hold of yourself, and push forward."

Without another word, Ron moved past Malfoy and entered his room. The walls were orange once again, which was odd because Ron had left them emerald green. Someone changed the color of my walls? Who? Why? There were five beds within Ron's room, but due to Ron's room being the smallest in the Burrow, the beds were literally placed side-by-side. On one of those beds was Theo, and he was smirking rather arrogantly.

"You're back," Theo hopped off of the bed. "It's a bit tight in here, but I reckon it'll be nice to cuddle when the nights get cold."

Malfoy stepped into the room at that, and Theo lost his smirk.

"Wait… What?" Theo stared at Malfoy with a genuinely confused look.

"Malfoy is spending the Break here," Ron said, and Theo looked even more confused.

"How did you convince his parents to-?" Theo started, but then he stopped. "Did you kidnap him?!"

"What? No," Ron denied. "Look, I don't really know what's happening, but my parents are behind this. I'm just the guy who's taking the blame so that Christmas doesn't get ruined."

"Which one is mine?" Malfoy asked Ron.

"Take the one on the far left," Ron said. "I'll take the one next to yours so that you don't have to sleep next to Neville, or Harry."

"Five people in one room…" Malfoy shook his head, and then he walked over and placed his trunk at the foot of his bed.

"Ron, can I talk to you?" Theo asked, his eyes still fixed on Malfoy.

"Go ahead," Ron said, and Theo nudged his head towards the door. "If you have something to say, Theo, please just say it. I'm not in the mood for secret chats."

"This is a house full of Gryffindors," Theo started. "It's bad enough that you and I are here, but Malfoy as well? Your siblings will make our lives miserable."

"My siblings need to grow up," Ron shrugged. "Plus, I think we all take this House nonsense too seriously."

"What?" Theo blinked.

"It's a fucking school House, not a damn life sentence," Ron shook his head. "Neville was spot on when he said that the House system just breeds conflict. The Founders clearly didn't think the Sorting business through."

"The twins weren't pleased to see me, so I can't imagine that seeing Malfoy pleased them," Theo stated.

"I've got a strategy for the twins," Ron assured Theo. It involves a certain degree of persuasion, though. "Don't worry so much, Theo, let's just enjoy our Break together. Once Daphne and Tracey get here, we'll be golden."

"If you say so," Theo said. "Still, I can't believe that Malfoy is here."

"You sound disappointed," Malfoy said from his trunk. "Trust me, being here was not a part of my plan."

"But you are here, so we might as well make the best of it," Ron clapped his hands, this worry-wart behavior wasn't sitting well with him. "Come with me, I'll give you two a tour."

"Oh, please lead on," Theo smirked again. "I want to know everything. Start with your room, actually."

"Alright, let's start with my room," Ron smirked back. "This is where yours truly grew up."

"So this is what hell looks like," Malfoy drawled, and Theo sniggered to himself.

"Already bantering," Ron chuckled. "Good, Malfoy, keep up with that attitude. Anyway, I grew up in this room, and although it's small, I've always thought of it as 'home'."

"Very touching," Theo said. "Next?"

"This is the fifth floor," Ron said as he exited the room, his mates following him out. "Down there is the ladder that leads into the attic. Our Ghoul lives in there-"

"Your Ghoul?" Malfoy asked.

"You really have a Ghoul?" Theo looked down the hallway. "Bloody hell, what's the matter with you?"

"He's a part of the Family," Ron shrugged. "He bangs the pipes when it's too quiet because he misses us when we're gone. I think that he's quite sweet."

"It's a Ghoul…" Malfoy said with a disgusted look. "You Weasleys keep a Ghoul in your house…"

"And he fondles rude Slytherin boys in their sleep," Ron smirked. "Lay off the Family Ghoul."

Ron then led them down to the fourth floor.

"Only one bedroom on this floor?" Theo asked.

"Yeah, mum and dad occupy this floor," Ron said. "There's a bathroom on this floor as well, and in the mornings, one of the twins will rush up here in order to occupy both bathrooms."

"Only two bathrooms?" Malfoy asked.

"You can always shit behind dad's shed," Ron shrugged.

"What?" Theo and Malfoy blinked.

"That was a joke," Ron laughed genuinely. "Please don't shit behind my dad's shed, that's where he keeps his Muggle items."

As they made their way down to the third floor, they began hearing the other children speaking loudly in the Living Room. Ron couldn't really make out what they were discussing, but he figured that his sanity was up for debate again.

"This floor has Bill and Charlie's rooms," Ron told them. "Usually, we just use them as guest rooms, but since my brothers are home for Christmas, it's best that you two avoid this floor."

"Charlie's the muscled one, right?" Theo asked. "The Dragon Tamer?"

"Yeah, that's Charlie," Ron replied.

"Your brother is a Dragon Tamer?" Malfoy asked, he almost sounded impressed.

"Yes," Ron said a little proudly. "And Bill is a Supervising Curse-Breaker at Gringotts. He actually spent a lot of time in Egypt uncovering many hidden treasures and tombs."

"Wicked," Theo smirked. It is wicked, isn't it?

"Ask them stories about their work," Ron advised as he entered the second floor. "Don't worry about them being hostile, they've moved past House rivalry. Now… This is the second floor, and it's occupied by Percy and the twins. The twins have to share a room, of course, but their room is the largest in the house. It's even bigger than mum and dad's room." Ron then pointed to a vase full of fresh roses. "See that vase? It's enchanted to release a perfume every one hour."

"Why?" Malfoy asked.

"Mum wants to mask the smell of the twins' room," Ron explained. "They're always testing their products in there, and some of them smell horrible. They once set their curtains on fire, and the second floor smelled like a chimney for days."

"They make fireworks?" Theo asked.

"They make everything," Ron replied. "Sweets, gags, dung-bombs, fireworks, Magical objects… The twins can be pricks, but they're both very intelligent and creative people. When I was little, I always traded favors with them just so they'd let me sit in their room. I liked to watch them tinker, you see, and sometimes, they'd let me try their sweets."

"You were a Guinee Pig?" Malfoy asked.

"I got free sweets," Ron shrugged and laughed. "I was too young to care." Plus, I loved their attention. This tour is making me miss my youth.

They stepped into the first floor, and Ron spotted Ginny leading Harry, Neville, and Hermione up. The moment she saw him, she stopped to glare at his company.

"Hello," Ron greeted the Gryffindors, but they were all just looking at Malfoy. Is he that handsome? Actually, he is quite the looker. "I'm giving a tour to Theo and Draco, do you guys want to tag along?"

"No," Ginny refused for the Golden Trio.

"A tour would be nice," Neville smiled at Ron, and Ron smiled back. Good man. Trying to keep the peace, eh?

"Nev…" Harry whispered, while Ginny narrowed her eyes on Ron. What's with the glare? I was being polite.

"It's just a tour, and we'll be living together for almost two weeks," Neville said. "It'll be more fun if we all get along."

"Exactly," Ron agreed. "Let's leave Hogwarts business in Hogwarts, yeah? Let's just enjoy the Break together." Ronald Weasley, the man who seeks peace above all else. They should write a book about me.

"Hermione?" Neville looked to the Muggle-Born witch, and she slowly gave a nod.

"I can give you guys a tour later," Ginny offered.

"Two tours? C'mon, Ginny, don't be like that," Ron said. "Guys, come with me… We've already covered the top four floors, though." Ron then looked back to Malfoy and Theo. "The first floor has Ginny's room, and it has the second bathroom. Remember what I said about the twins hogging the bathrooms?"

"They hog the bathrooms?" Neville asked.

"In the morning, yes," Ron turned back around. "Well, this bathroom is also hogged by Ginny, who takes the longest showers out of all the Weasleys."

"No, I don't," Ginny huffed, and Ron just stared at her. "I'm a girl, Ron!" Embarrassed? You should be. The amount of times that I've nearly shat myself because you wouldn't leave the bathroom…

"Ginny also has the best view from her room," Ron went on. "It overlooks the orchard in the back, as well as the gardens."

"You have an orchard?" Malfoy asked.

"We do," Ron said. "It's located behind the gardens, and that's where we used to play Quidditch when we were younger. Ginny wasn't allowed to play, but she snuck around at night in order to practice on her own."

"Don't tell them that," Ginny sighed out.

"I think that's great," Harry said, and Ginny seemed to recover rather quickly. "I'd have loved to fly around when I was younger. Shame that I didn't know about wizards until I was eleven."

"What?" Theo asked with a confused look. "You're Harry Potter… How could you not know about wizards?"

"My parents died when I was a baby," Harry replied. We all know that, mate. "My aunt and uncle weren't exactly Magical Folk… They were Muggles, who, as it turned out, hated Wizarding Kind. They never told me about Magic."

"So you had no idea about our World, or that you're a celebrity, until you were going to Hogwarts?" Malfoy asked.

"Essentially," Harry replied a little abruptly. Not a fan of Malfoy being here? Figures.

"Let's move on," Ron said as he gestured towards the stairs behind the Trio.

The Trio began heading down, but Ginny just stood in her spot.

"Can I talk to you, Ron?" Ginny asked with a serious look.

"No," Ron refused. "I have a tour to give." And I don't want to hear your whining.

Ron, and his mates, moved past Ginny in order to descend into the Kitchen, and once they were there, they spotted Molly Weasley cooking over the stove.

"Let me guess, this is the Kitchen," Theo looked around.

"Observant as always, Theo," Ron joked. "This is where we eat and socialize-"

"Why are the chairs different colors?" Hermione asked. "Is each color allocated to a Family member?"

"No," Ron chuckled. "The chairs are different colors because they were bought, or salvaged, separately."

"Salvaged?" Malfoy whispered to Theo, but Ron heard him.

"Yes, Draco, salvaged," Ron smirked. "We are notorious for being poor, aren't we?"

"Ronnie!" Molly shot a frown at her son, but Ron simply shrugged. It is what it is. If you don't like me stating the truth, then you ought to let me buy you new chairs.

"The orange chair is mine, by the way," Ron pointed out. "Do you guys want to see the Living Room? Or do you want to see the gardens?"

"Gardens," Theo and Neville said together.

"Gardens it is," Ron nodded, and then he made his way towards the backdoor.

"Shouldn't you give the tour when everyone is here?" Hermione asked. "It'd be more efficient that way."

"Daphne, Tracey, and Tori won't be here until dinner, I'm sure," Ron said. "Plus, I plan to give Daphne a private tour." A very private tour, indeed. It'll start behind the stone outhouse, and end behind dad's shed.

Hermione looked like she had sucked a lemon, so Ron counted his comment as a success. This is fun. I should become a tour guide.

"Ew," Ginny grimaced from the stairs, while Ron's mother chuckled to herself. She didn't tear me a new one? Odd.

Once everyone had left the Burrow, Ron sealed the back door behind himself. Theo and Neville quickly began to walk around the gardens, their eyes peeled for interesting plants. Hermione, Ginny, and Harry lingered in the back, no doubt discussing the tour. As for Malfoy and Ron, both of them hovered around the cabbage patch.

"There's a pond full of frogs in the far right corner!" Ron told everyone. "Stay clear of that, because it's deeper than it looks. The twins pushed Percy into it once, and he was soaked from head to toe."

"Nice Flutterby bushes!" Theo pointed towards the hedge. Oh, those are new. Mum must've got them for Christmas.

"Are these Garden Gnome droppings?" Neville asked Ron.

"It's weird that you know that," Ron replied. "But yeah, I think so." Those damn pests took a shit in our garden?

"You should check for potholes," Neville told Ron. "Some Gnomes broke into my Garden back at Longbottom Manor once, and they sank like thirty bushes full of flowers… Gran was livid."

"We just de-Gnome the garden once in a while," Ginny told Neville. You mean us boys de-Gnome the garden, while you get to watch from the shade.

"I went to Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment Store today," Ron started, and Theo gave him an approving nod. "I bought a Magical fence to keep the Gnomes out forever, and once it's delivered, I'll put it around the hedge. After that, no more Gnome issues."

"You bought a Magical fence?" Ginny asked Ron. "Dad likes the Gnomes, Ron… You can't just change the Burrow whenever it suits you."

"Apparently, I can," Ron said calmly. "Dad gave me permission."

"What?" Ginny looked rather surprised.

"He even picked out the fence, I only paid for it," Ron told her. Pesticide would have been better, not to mention cheaper.

"A Magical fence is good, but you need to find their home," Neville advised. "Gnomes don't give up easy, and if you block off this area, they'll migrate to the front in the hopes of finding food. Don't you have chickens?"

"We do," Ron replied.

"Well, they'll steal your chickens," Neville said.

"They only eat plants," Ginny said.

"No, they eat everything," Theo corrected her. "Longbottom's right, those little blighters are… Well, they're a blight." Damnit, I should've listened to my gut and bought that pesticide.

"Why are there rusty cauldrons all over the place?" Malfoy asked.

"Don't know," Ron admitted. "They've always been there, so we never got rid of them."

"They give the garden a nice look, I reckon," Theo said.

"What's that over there?" Harry asked, his finger pointing to the stone outhouse.

"That's our broom shed," Ron replied. "It's got like thirty brooms inside."

"Thirty?!" Harry went wide-eyed. "They all fly?!"

"In a manner of speaking…" Ron pulled a face. "Some are better at flying than others, that's all I'll say."

"We could play a massive game of Quidditch," Harry finally smiled. "All of us kids, that is."

"So we fly barely functioning brooms, while you tear the sky with your Firebolt?" Malfoy asked. "No thanks, Potter."

"No one invited you, anyway," Ginny frowned at Malfoy, who simply ignored her. "Oi! Don't ignore me, this is my house!"

"Then learn to act like a host," Ron said bluntly. "Don't insult our guests, Ginny."

Ginny went to say something, but Hermione stopped her by tugging at her sleeve. They began whispering to each other, and Ron wasn't interested enough to try and eavesdrop.

"Alright, let's go past the hedges, and into the orchard," Ron led the way, and one by one, they all stepped into the orchard. "Since we're in winter, the orchard is rather… dead… But the air is quite fresh up here."

"That it is," Hermione smiled and drew in a deep breath. "My parents and I often go to the country to visit my cousins, so I really love this sort of scenery."

"You have cousins?" Ron asked, and she gave him a nod. "You'll have to tell me about these cousins, I didn't know that you were close to your extended Family."

"Well, I'm not, but my parents are," Hermione said. "But, sure, I'd love to tell you about them."

"Is that a cornfield?" Theo was looking down to the right side of the orchard.

"It is," Ron confirmed. "It's full of ponds, and swampy areas, so we usually don't go in there."

"And it's just open hills to the left?" Malfoy asked. He's really taking part in this tour, isn't he? Is he trying to distract himself? I guess it's a move in the right direction, at least for now.

"Yeah, we all go for long hikes sometimes," Ron replied. "If you keep heading left for long enough, you'll eventually reach Stoatshead Hill." I plan to journey there alone soon. I want to meditate on that hill, and hopefully, advance my Occlumency somehow. Plus, that's where my Cycles started, and I just want to see it again.

"Which way is the village of Ottery St. Catchpole?" Hermione asked.

"To go there, you need to leave from the front exit," Ron explained. "Just follow the long lane that heads off the property, and it'll lead you to the village. It's a Muggle village, by the way, so we don't usually go there. Dad visits that place often, however, just to watch the Muggles go about their days."

"Are you kids hungry?!" came Molly's voice, and they all looked back to the Burrow. "I made some pies for you lot! Just a little snack before dinner! Come down!" Pies?

"The tour will recommence after I've eaten," Ron said, and then he made a beeline for the Kitchen. I need to have my medicine as well, or I'll end up exhausted by the time dinner rolls around.

---

Thirty Minutes Later

"Ron, can you stay for a moment?" Molly asked as Ron was leading the way out.

"Sure," Ron stopped. "Guys, I'll meet you out front in a second."

The others all made their way outside, all of them except for Ginny.

"Ginny, I'd like to speak with Ron alone," Molly said, and after looking between the two of them, Ginny huffed and left without another sound. I just can't believe that she is behaving this way. Maybe a strong slap will give her some manners? "You two are still fighting, aren't you?"

"She's the one who's being aggressive," Ron walked up to his mother. "Honestly, mum, she is behaving like a goon. If she keeps eyeballing me, there will be consequences." Just ask the last cunt who pissed me off.

"Consequences?" Molly frowned a little. "She is your little sister, Ron, don't forget that."

"She's the one who's forgotten that we're siblings," Ron said petulantly. "Whatever… I don't want to spoil my mood."

"Your father and I will speak with her soon, I promise," Molly assured him. "Now… How are you feeling?"

"How am I feeling?" Ron asked. "I feel fine."

"Are you sure?" Molly asked with a sharp gaze. "You look tired, love… And look at your skin, it's all pale and sickly."

"That's my natural complexion," Ron feigned hurt. "Why do you say these hurtful things?"

"Ronnie… I'm being serious," Molly patted his cheeks. Stop calling me Ronnie.

"I haven't had my Nutrition Potion yet," Ron whispered, he didn't want her to get worried for his sake.

"All day?" she looked quite annoyed.

"My second dose, that is…" Ron said slowly. I haven't told them yet, so I'll just ease them into it.

"Second dose?" Molly's annoyance was replaced by surprise.

"Sometimes, I need more than one to get me through the day," Ron said. "And today is one of those days." Every day is one of those days, but I have to be smart about this. If I just drop the truth on her, she'll panic like Daphne did.

"Why haven't you told us this?" Molly asked him, her mouth hanging open a little. "Your… Your conditions are getting worse?" Uh-oh.

"Not worse, mum, I'm just busier than I've ever been," Ron said calmingly. "My conditions are under control, I promise."

Molly said nothing, instead, she just stared at him in an attempt to divine the truth from his eyes. But try as she might, she just couldn't tell. Ron had become far too skilled in the art of deception.

"Ronnie, just tell me the truth, please," Molly decided to plead.

"I am," Ron sighed out. "Mum, I can't have you panicking like this every time my conditions are brought up. All it does is stress me even more."

"How do you expect me to react?" Molly asked him. Panic in your own time, it does nothing to help me.

"How about you trust me?" Ron asked, and Molly adorned a rather sad look. "Mum… Please?"

"Do you have your medicine with you?" Molly asked, she had clearly ignored Ron's request.

"Yes," Ron pulled it out of his coat pocket. "See?"

"Please drink it," Molly said.

Ron uncorked the Potion vial, and then he quickly drank down the foul-tasting medicine. Once again, a shudder of disgust passed through Ron, the taste of his mother's cooking was now replaced with the taste of Troll piss. I fucking hate this Potion. A floorboard creaked behind Ron, and he turned around to see Kirsten and Charlie standing in the doorway. Ron subtly hid the vial behind himself, but both Charlie and Kirsten were just staring at him. What are they looking at?

"We can come back later," Kirsten said, and Ron blinked at her. What the…?

Kirsten quickly turned around and left, and Charlie, who was trying to act casual, followed her after giving Ron a smile. Ron just stared at the empty doorway, his pale eyes unmoving. What an odd reaction… Even if they did see me drinking a Potion, why would they act all awkward and leave? I mean, Charlie might know what I just drank down, but not Kirsten. Unless… Ron's eyes turned cold as a realization dawned on him, what if Charlie had been running his mouth to his girlfriend? Is that why she's been so kind and soft-spoken around me? Even at the Gala, she picked my side over her boyfriend's. I always thought that was weird.

"Ron?" Molly tapped his shoulder, and Ron turned around with his cold gaze.

"Why did Kirsten react that way?" Ron asked a little too calmly.

"Pardon?"

"She saw me drink a 'random' Potion, and she acted like she knew what I was drinking," Ron said, and Molly's eyes darted towards the doorway. "Mum… Has Charlie told her about my conditions?"

"She knows everything, Ron," Molly sighed out, and Ron felt the vial crack in his grip. For fuck's sake!

"Everything?" Ron asked. "You mean my scars? He's told her everything about me?"

"Ron, she's his girlfriend…" Molly started.

"I don't give a fuck about who she is," Ron's face contorted from rage, and he stepped into Molly's face.

Molly took a sudden step back, her figure shrinking as her face showed her sudden fear.

"Why did he tell her these things?" Ron hissed, but Molly just stared at his face with a frightened look. "Talk!"

"Everything alright in here?" came Bill's voice, but Ron just glared into Molly's eyes. Damn idiots, the lot of them! "Ron? Mum?"

"Did Charlie tell his girlfriend about my conditions?" Ron looked back to his brother, who immediately adorned a worried look. Fuck! What if she tells others?! Why would Charlie do something so stupid?! "You've got to be joking… Why did he do this?"

"It wasn't malicious," Bill whispered as he stepped into the room. "He was worried about you, and he needed someone to talk to… Ron, it's fine, she's a good person and she wants to help you."

"Help me?" Ron fought the urge to cringe. Calm down, Ron. You need to calm down.

Ron drew in a deep breath, and he pictured himself on Stoatshead hill. A feeling of calm washed over him, and some of his anger was smothered. He told some girl that he's fucking about my problems. Ron rubbed his face, and then he ran his hands through his hair. Think. How do I deal with some random knowing about my biggest weakness? Ron frowned deeply when he realized that he couldn't bribe her, or intimidate her, without angering his own Family. I don't have any power over this situation. Damn you, Charlie.

"Ron?" his mother called, an odd expression on her face. Scared, but concerned.

"Sorry," Ron apologized in a sharp whisper. "Sorry for getting in your face like that… It was wrong… Mood swings…"

Bill and Molly exchanged pitiful looks at that, and Ron decided to ignore the pity in their eyes. Act like a toddler, Ron, get treated like a toddler. Discipline your mind, that's what Snape would say.

"She's promised him that she'll never tell anyone," Bill assured Ron. "Trust me, she's the honorable sort."

"My conditions are my conditions," Ron told Bill, making sure to sound as calm as he could. "He has no right to tell my secrets to strangers."

"She's not a stranger, though," Charlie stepped into the room, and Ron noticed that Kirsten wasn't with him. She probably overheard me, and she's staying away.

"For me, she's a stranger," Ron frowned at his brother. "You have no right to give out my personal information."

"Ron, just give her-" Charlie started, but Ron cut him off.

"I don't want to hear it," Ron interrupted. "Just tell her that she's never allowed to mention my conditions again. I don't need her help, nor do I want it." I'm leaving… If I keep discussing this, I'll just get angrier and angrier. This is unbelievable… This is why I don't trust these people. They can't keep their mouths shut.

Ron made his way out, he honestly didn't know what to say to Charlie right now. One more person knows now… I have no control over what she does with this information, and that just pisses me off.

"Everything alright in there?" Theo asked as soon as Ron exited the house, he and Malfoy were waiting by the door.

"How much did you hear?" Ron asked them.

"Enough to know that your brother Charlie likes to talk," Malfoy replied, and Theo shot Malfoy a quick look.

"Don't worry, Theo, I told Malfoy everything just a little while ago," Ron rubbed his face again, and then he looked at Malfoy with a dead serious look. "See? Bad shit happens, and you just have to deal with it."

Theo looked a little lost, but Malfoy just gave Ron an understanding nod.

"Why are you calling me Draco in front of the others?" Malfoy asked.

"Because I wouldn't invite you here if we weren't on a first name basis," Ron said offhandedly, his mind was fixed on Kirsten. "You need to refer to me as Ron instead of Weasley, got it?"

"What is going on?" Theo asked Ron. "Why have your parents brought Malfoy to the Burrow?"

"I'll explain later," Ron shot a look towards Ginny and the Golden Trio. "For now, just act natural…"

"Never a dull moment with you around, eh, Ron?" Theo shook his head. "Guess I'd better call you Draco as well in order to sell whatever lie I'm now a part of."

"Sorry," Ron sighed out. "We've hit a couple of setbacks, but it's nothing that we can't deal with. I just need to find a way to keep Charlie's big mouth shut, and you two need to keep playing nice. I want this Christmas to be successful, and that can't happen if we're all at each other's throats."

"Tell that to your sister," Theo frowned. "She's been eyeballing Mal… Draco… and me. She's not happy with you occupying her friends' time." She realizes that they were my friends first, right?

"Where is your good sister?" Malfoy asked.

"Luna?" Ron asked, and Malfoy gave a nod. "Probably at the Rookery… There are too many people in the Burrow, so I'm guessing that the Lovegoods have returned to their home." A real shame too… I want to spend as much time with Pandora as I can. "Did Ginny say anything to either of you?"

"No," Theo replied. "But from what we overheard, the twins are currently cleaning your father's shed. She was telling the Trio that she found their punishment to be too severe and unwarranted, but they didn't share her beliefs."

"Really?" Ron asked, that didn't sound right.

"Well, Granger made it quite clear what she thought of the twins' punishment," Malfoy corrected Theo. "Potter and Longbottom didn't say much on the matter, but they didn't disagree with either girl." Sitting on the fence, boys?

"Ron?!" Hermione waved at him. "Can we restart the tour?!"

"Yes, Ron, can we restart the tour?" Theo whispered with a smirk.

"Behave," Ron said, and Theo sniggered a little. "Yeah, Hermione! I'll be right over!"

"Your father and Percy Weasley are also in the shed," Malfoy told Ron. "He was being smug around the twins, and I think that he pissed them off."

"Great," Ron put on a smile, despite his tired tone. "Let's just finish this tour, and then we can wait for Daphne and Tracey in the Living Room."

With that said, Ron made his way over to the Gryffindors, his smile still in place. Harry and Neville were discussing the happy chickens that were running around the place, while Hermione was speaking to Ginny about something rather serious. Ginny's not pleased with Hermione's enthusiasm? She always was the possessive sort.

"Alright, I'm back!" Ron announced, and the Gryffindors quickly gave him their attention. "This right here is our front yard, and usually, the chickens are in their coop. Mum likes to make food from fresh produce, and it doesn't get fresher than this. Plus, these chickens act as our morning alarms, which means that I never miss my morning runs."

"Where do you go?" Hermione asked, deciding to take part in the tour despite Ginny's behavior. "On your morning runs, that is."

"Sometimes, I just follow this towards the village," Ron replied. "Sometimes, I'll go towards the hills in order to run by the creek."

"There's a creek?" Neville asked.

"It's not very big, but yeah, there's a creek," Ron replied. "We used to go up there to swim when we were younger."

"You don't go now?" Harry asked.

"Well, it's been a while," Ron looked to Ginny, who was barely paying attention.

"Maybe we ought to go sometime," Theo suggested.

"In this cold?" Malfoy asked.

"I just want to see Granger in a bikini," Theo smirked, and Ron had to bite his cheek in order to not laugh at Hermione's shocked, and horrified, face.

Neville and Harry were both taken aback as well, but Ron could tell that they were also close to clocking Theo for making such a comment. As for Ginny, she was just staring at Theo with disgust.

"What?" Theo looked to Neville and Harry. "I think she's prettier than she lets on." Why is Theo like this?

"I… Um… I… Thanks…?" Hermione just blinked repeatedly. He broke her brain?

"Theo, behave," Ron cleared his throat.

"I didn't… bring any bikinis…" Hermione told Theo bashfully, which earned her hung jaws from Neville and Harry.

"That's a shame," Theo smiled at her.

"Hermione, don't acknowledge his comments!" Ginny reprimanded, and then she frowned deeply at Theo. "Nott, you're a creep."

"Oh, sorry…" Theo blinked at Ginny. "I forgot that you were here. Aren't you just… forgettable?"

Ginny glared murder at Theo, while Ron nudged his side.

"Ignore him, Hermione, he enjoys flirting with pretty girls," Ron said.

"Pretty?" Hermione looked more pleased than shocked, while Harry and Neville looked thoroughly bewildered. I'm guessing that they don't see Hermione as a viable option to date.

"Anyway! Let's move onto dad's shed!" Ron announced, deciding to not tease Hermione anymore.

Malfoy was the first to follow after Ron, he clearly wasn't interested in Theo's antics. Theo followed next, looking all too calm despite his comments. Eventually, the Gryffindors joined Ron and his mates, and Ron noticed that Harry and Neville were standing at Hermione's sides. They're playing bodyguard? Hermione might look a little confused, but she's blushing visibly. I don't think she minded Theo's flattery.

"Dad's shed is attached to the garage, which is where dad keeps his Ford Anglia," Ron said. "Harry, you remember the Ford Anglia, don't you?"

"I do," Harry replied.

"I kidnapped him from his Muggle Family in that car," Ron told the others.

"Kidnapped?" Malfoy asked.

"Harry?" Ron looked to the bespectacled wizard.

"They weren't nice people," Harry all but whispered, he clearly didn't want to discuss his Muggle Family. "Ron helped me out, and he brought me here. This was before second year started." Yes, before you threw my friendship in the dirt. I don't remember Neville and Hermione rescuing you, and yet, you have nothing but respect for them.

"Did you drive all the way to a Muggle town?" Theo asked.

"No, the car flies," Ron replied.

"Ron! You can't tell them that!" Ginny looked outraged. "That's dad's secret!"

"Everyone in the British Ministry knows, Ginny," Ron gave her a bland look. "Dad pretty much tells everyone he meets about his Enchanted Ford Anglia."

"You have a flying car?" Theo looked truly excited. "Can we take it for a spin?!"

"Sure," Ron grinned. "I'll drive us around if we get the chance to nick it."

"Nick it?" Hermione asked.

"Well, dad won't give us permission, now, will he?" Ron asked. "Actually, he might, but mum never would."

"I'll pass, I think," Hermione said. "I don't want to insult your parents' hospitality by stealing your dad's car." Harry, are you listening? Pay good attention to Hermione as she explains guest etiquette.

"I'll ask him," Ron compromised for Hermione's sake. "He's in the shed, right?"

"He's speaking with Percy," Ginny told Ron.

"Come on, let me show you his shed," Ron said as he began walking towards the shed.

"Wait… Why does your father have an Enchanted Muggle item?" Malfoy suddenly asked. "Didn't he pass a law which forbid wizards from keeping Enchanted Muggle items within Britain?"

"Dad put a loophole in his legislation," Ron smirked. "He's breaking no laws whatsoever, which means that not even the Ministry can take the Ford Anglia away."

Malfoy looked shocked to hear that Arthur Weasley of all people had tricked the Ministry of Magic, but that only served to make Ron feel proud of his father. Yeah, my dad's pretty sharp as well. That is, when he wants to keep a flying car, anyway. Ron knocked on the shed twice, and then he pulled the door open.

"Here we are," Ron said as he made his way inside. "It's quite spacious because dad keeps finding more and more items to study."

"Your father must be a treasure trove of knowledge when it comes to Muggles," Theo stated.

"Yeah… No," Ron clicked his tongue. "Dad once spent five months trying to figure out what a rubber duck is used for."

"I had to tell him that it was a toy for babies…" Harry remembered.

"Oh," Theo looked a little disappointed.

They made their way further in, and eventually, Ron spotted the twins cleaning up the cobwebs from the rafters. They noticed the tourists quite quickly, and when their eyes landed on the guide, they frowned instantly. Not happy to see me? Just wait a couple of days, we'll fix up our relationship before Hogwarts restarts. I know just how to win you both back.

"What are you lot doing in here?" Fred demanded, his eyes fixed on Malfoy again.

"I'm showing everyone around the Burrow," Ron replied. "These two gentlemen are our housecleaners, so if you need anything, just find them." Damnit, Ron, don't be petty. Don't even tease them.

"Yeah, make fun of your brothers to please your snake friends," Ginny said coldly, and Hermione was frowning even before Ron. "What? He can make comments, but I can't?"

"I was teasing my brothers, while you're insulting our guests," Ron said bluntly. "Ginny, if you can't behave, then you ought to leave."

"Ron? Is that you?" came Arthur's voice, and then, Ron's father came around from behind a corner. "Oh! Everyone's here!"

"I'm giving a tour," Ron smiled at his father. "Do you want to take over?"

"I'd love to… But I'm trying to get the camera you bought me from Paris to work," Arthur replied. "Honestly, son, even Percy can't figure it out…"

"A Muggle camera?" Hermione asked.

"Hermione will know how it works," Ron said. "She's Muggle-Born, and she's the smartest witch in our year." Ron, the silver-tongued bandit. How many hearts have I broken by now? They should write a book about me.

"I wouldn't say that…" Hermione shot him a weak smile. "My dad has a bunch of cameras, and I've learned a bit from him."

"Please, come this way," Arthur said quickly, and they all followed the Weasley patriarch.

Ron's company eyed all the Muggle artefacts in the shed, most of which were broken and salvaged from trash. Harry pointed out a broken television to Neville, while Hermione listed off any items that caught her attention. They all found Percy fidgeting with the camera on Arthur's workstation, and when Percy noticed them, he gave his father a sorry look.

"Dad, it won't turn on," Percy sighed out. "I think Ron bought a broken item."

"I hope not, that thing cost a lot of Muggle money," Ron said.

"Your mother won't be pleased to hear that," Arthur looked a little deflated. "She wants me to take pictures of all of you during the Break…" Does she plan to make a collage of our final happy Christmas?

"May I see it?" Hermione walked up to Percy, and he handed her the camera.

Hermione looked it over, and Ron saw genuine hope flash across his father's face.

"Well?" Arthur asked. "Is it broken?"

"Um… The battery is missing," Hermione looked to Arthur with a sheepish look. "Did the camera come in a package, Mr. Weasley?"

"It did," Arthur pointed towards the package, and Hermione quickly searched through it.

"Here," Hermione pulled out a black 'battery'. "See, I just have to put this in here… And now, I turn it on by clicking this button." Hermione then looked through the camera, and she took a picture of Arthur's awed face. "It took the photo, Mr. Weasley. You can view the photo from here."

Hermione showed Arthur the photo within the little screen in the back, and Arthur looked even more awed.

"This is a digital camera…" Hermione bit her bottom lip.

"That's sexy," Theo whispered to Ron.

"Stop it," Ron whispered back. He'll get slapped by someone if he keeps going with this, despite how funny it is.

"What does that mean?" Arthur asked quickly. "Also, why was there no flash?"

"You can turn the flash on if you want to," Hermione replied. "As for this being a digital camera, it doesn't use film. You need a computer to print these images."

"Uh-oh," Ron looked to his father.

"My dad has a computer at home, so I can just ask him to print these photos," Hermione quickly solved the issue. "That is, if it's alright with you, Mr. Weasley?"

"Of course!" Arthur was just too awed to be put down. "You're a lifesaver, Hermione!"

"It's nothing…" Hermione smiled as she handed the camera to Arthur, who quickly took a photo of Ron.

"At least let me get ready," Ron clicked his tongue.

"All of you follow me outside!" Arthur said excitedly. "I'll take a picture of you all in front of the shed!"

---

Corban Yaxley's POV

Sunday 20th December, 1993 (Yaxley Manor – Late Evening)

"Will the Bulstrodes help us?" Corban asked Felix, they were both currently in Corban's study.

"They agree that the French need to go," Felix replied. "I managed to convince them before they left to pick up their daughter."

"And what of Ronald Weasley?" Corban asked. "Are they willing to help us get rid of him?"

"No," Felix replied. "I told you, my Lord, killing this boy will not end well for us. Violet Parkinson is a bitter old hag, and she'll ruin what we're trying to achieve."

"Do you know why I want this boy gone?" Corban asked his young friend.

"He's dangerous," Felix replied.

"He is the biggest threat that we face right now," Corban clarified. "He is not only dangerous, but he is already our enemy without him even meeting us. Every time I hear, or read, about this boy, I am left impressed. He resisted fifty Veelas, he killed a Mountain Troll at eleven, he outmaneuvered us all by bringing the French here, and he owns a portion of his own Media." Corban then drew in a deep breath. "Far too many people have underestimated this boy because of his age, and he has only prospered because of that. I will not make the mistake of looking down on this enemy. I fear that he will go down fighting, and if we're not careful, he'll drag a lot of us down with him."

"You sound like you respect him," Felix pointed out. How can I not?

"I do respect him," Corban stated calmly. "We can only ever truly respect our rivals, Felix. My daughter tells me that he can burn things by touching them, or even freeze them solid."

"Wandless Magic?" Felix cocked an eyebrow.

"Progenitor Magic," Corban's eyes flashed for a moment. "That lightning display he pulled off… More Progenitor Magic. In my youth, I also looked into studying Progenitor Spells, but I found that I had no patience for it. It takes so much hard work, Felix, and yet, this boy is miles ahead of what I managed to accomplish. Do you know what that tells me?"

"He is a hard worker," Felix figured.

"Exactly," Corban clicked his fingers. This is why I enjoy his company, he is at least able to keep up. "Ronald Weasley isn't where he is by dumb luck, like many of our esteemed friends… He has worked to earn his power and influence. The fact that he is only thirteen should be a red flag, not something to scoff at. So, yes, Felix, I respect him greatly. And it pains me to know that he's not like us. Imagine what he could do for our cause if he was on our side." I wonder what drives Ronald Weasley. No person can achieve what he has without something dire pushing them forward.

"He still could be," Felix said. "But if you kill him, you will never know. My Lord, I'll be dead honest here, I will not stand by you if you get caught for his murder. If we Pure-Bloods start killing children, that'll be the end of us. No amount of Daily Prophet articles, or charities, will ever wipe that stain clean. We'll be done for." He isn't wrong, which is why I have doubts about Violet's plan.

"But letting him go about his business… That is equally dangerous to us," Corban said. "Something has to be done, Felix, and you know that."

"We take his power away," Felix said. "We get the French out of here as soon as possible, and we limit his contact with them. I've already set up the 'decoys' like you asked me to."

"How many?" Corban asked.

"Thirteen Ministry Officials who will swear that they were offered bribes from the French Families," Felix replied. "I've also made our payments to the French, and British, charities in order to take the moral high ground."

"And the British Ministry?" Corban asked.

"That's what I'm here to discuss," Felix replied. "We need to give them a hefty sum of money because once Madam Bones has returned to Britain, she'll need funding to clean up Knockturn Alley."

"The Aurors can't let crime keep growing," Corban nodded slowly. "You're right, Felix, we can use this to our advantage." Plus, those Vampires have terrorized enough British Citizens. We have to get rid of them.

"I've heard rumor that the Minister is returning tomorrow," Felix said. "Apparently, Madam Bones has proven to be a better leader than him, and he's coming home early."

"She is a better leader than him," Corban stated. "There are only a few women in Britain who can match her will." She'd make a good Minister for this country. "I still haven't heard back from Lucius… I think we should go on without him."

"The sooner we act, the better," Felix agreed. "We reestablish our power by helping the Ministry, not by killing a boy."

Corban stood up at that, and he slowly walked over to his collection of expensive liquors. There was a part of Corban that didn't want to hurt the boy, he couldn't deny that. What most people didn't understand about Corban was that he truly loved his country. He wanted what was best for Magical Britain, but sometimes, he had to sink his hands into the filth to get the job done. Perhaps Felix is right, and I'm listening to the counsel of a bitter woman. Violet's hatred of Weasley is very personal, which means that her judgement is clouded. I too felt this hatred when Lysandra told me that Weasley had taken her under his wing.

Corban made drinks for himself and his guest, his mind was thinking of a way to resolve this mess without hurting Ronald Weasley. He is a British Citizen, and in his own way, he helped our country far more than my 'friends'. Does Weasley also share my love for this beautiful country? If so, I shouldn't snuff out his flame. Far too many of our young men have forgotten that the World still exists past Hogwarts, but not Weasley.

"If we don't kill him, should we speak to him instead?" Corban asked for advice.

"No," Felix said. "We're about to take away his allies, and possibly, his job… He won't be happy to see us."

"But what if we tell him of what the French planned to do up here?" Corban asked.

"The bribes aren't real, my Lord," Felix said. "We're making them up to discredit the French."

"We tell the boy the same thing we tell the Ministry," Corban said. "We give him a bone to chase after, while we continue to strengthen our position."

"That… could work," Felix nodded slowly. "He'll no doubt want to speak to the French, but by then, they'll be gone. He'll have to travel to France in order to speak to them, which would slow him down considerably given that he's a student." Felix then shifted in his chair. "What of Lady Parkinson? She has convinced the others to take Ronald Weasley's life."

"She will do as she's told," Corban handed Felix his drink, and then he sat down. "But just to be safe, we need to bring the Bulstrodes to our next meeting. We have to have the numbers on our side, Felix. I can convince many of our friends to stand behind me, but that could take time."

"She'll just go to someone else, then," Felix said. "This woman has a grudge against Weasley, and she'll see him dead with, or without, our help."

"Are you suggesting that we get rid of her?" Corban asked. "I'm sorry, Felix, but she is one of us, while Weasley is a Blood Traitor. I may respect him greatly, but I will not choose his life over one of ours." Corban then took a sip of his drink. "For now, let's worry about kicking the French out of Magical Britain. Once that's done, then we'll deal with Violet and Weasley." We can't leave anything up to chance. This boy has proven himself to be clever, and resourceful. He has powerful friends, and he has a magazine. These next few days will require all of my attention.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Sunday 20th December, 1993 (The Burrow – Dinner)

There were far too many people here, and because of that, Molly Weasley had set the dinner table outside. They were all enjoying a lavish feast under the stars, and Ron found himself immensely relaxed. A part of him was still unhappy with Charlie, but for the sake of Christmas, Ron had put his ill feelings aside. As for Kirsten and Charlie, they were currently eating on the adult side of the table.

Remus had also shown up out of the blue in order to surprise Sirius, and he was currently telling Sirius about his day to day life. The table was engulfed with merry conversations, but Ron knew that there was serious tension under the surface. The adults kept shooting looks at him, always making sure that he was eating and not getting sick. The twins, Ginny, Harry, Hermione, and Neville had all but quarantined themselves away from the Slytherins, and Ron knew that sooner or later, they would all lock horns. Was Ron bothered by this? Not really. He found mundane matters like arguing with his siblings boring, especially considering that Ron played in a completely different league from everyone else.

"There is so much food," Daphne said, she and Ron had found a 'quiet' corner to occupy together.

"Mum likes to impress," Ron smiled at Daphne, and then he put some mashed potato on her plate. "Eat, Daph, otherwise it'll just go to waste."

"I don't have four stomachs like you," Daphne smirked, but she tried the mash nonetheless. "It's so soft… Your mum really is a great cook."

"Why do you think I eat so much?" Ron laughed. "She spoiled me from an early age."

"Blaming your mother, Ron?" Daphne giggled. "Shame on you. You know what I think?"

"What do you think?" Ron asked.

"I think you secretly want to be chubby," Daphne said, and Ron snorted.

"As if," Ron shook his head. "Would you date me if I was chubby?"

"I don't know," Daphne shrugged. "Probably." Daphne then smiled playfully. "You forget that we started 'dating' before you began your training regimen." And now, you love my abs. You're welcome.

Ron shot a quick look around the table, and he noticed that no one was watching them. Luna was too busy talking to Tori, while Theo and Tracey were sniggering to each other like little children. And as for Draco Malfoy, he was eating his dinner quietly, and away from everyone. Ron noticed how distant Malfoy looked, and he felt a bit guilty for ignoring him. I should bring him over here. I did promise to take care of him, and I'm neglecting him right now.

"Ron, he's fine," Daphne whispered, she still couldn't believe that he was here. "Have your parents told you anything about him being here? Any clues at all?" I already know why he's here. I had his mother abducted, while Dumbledore turned his Manor into a warzone.

"None," Ron whispered back. Change the topic, Ron. "Hey, what do you want for Christmas? I haven't asked yet."

"Smooth," Daphne smirked, but she decided to humor him anyway. "I want… a date."

"A date?" Ron blinked.

"We haven't been on an actual date since Hogsmeade," Daphne reminded him. "Remember how amazing that was?"

"You laughed until you were blue in the face," Ron smiled widely. "Alright, where do you want to go?"

"That place where you bought me a pork sandwich," Daphne scooted even closer to him. "That was a really good sandwich, Ron, you spoil me."

"Blaming me?" Ron sniggered, and she tickled his side. "Hey! None of that, or I'll be forced to retaliate. What would your parents say?"

"I don't care," Daphne said, and then she pecked him quickly. They're right over there! Woman, do you want me to get assassinated?! "So? Can I have a date for Christmas?"

"I can arrange that," Ron rubbed her back instinctively. "You remember that French Christmas party I told you about?"

"We're still going together?" Daphne broke into a smile at the mention of it.

"We can turn the whole day into a date," Ron suggested. "We'll leave early in the morning, have breakfast at that Café, grab some ice-cream, peruse the stalls, and then go to the Christmas party."

"After the Christmas party, you can take me to that place," Daphne said, and Ron blinked at her.

"That place?" Ron asked.

"You know… That place…" Daphne whispered. Wait… Oh!

"Are you sure?" Ron asked. Does she still want to meet Priscilla?

"I am," Daphne whispered with a resolute look. "I want to see these people that you're helping."

"Alright, we can drop by," Ron agreed. I still haven't paid my debt, now that I think about it. I should wait a few more days, I reckon. I can't let her know that I'm wealthy again, nor can I tell her how I became wealthy. Best be careful.

"I wonder how Squibs celebrate Christmas," Daphne said, and then she took another bite of mash.

"I… don't know," Ron admitted. "These kids probably haven't celebrated Christmas before…"

"Well, it'll be different this year," Daphne smiled at him. "I know that we fought about this, but I am proud of you, Ron. You really pulled out all the stops with this 'Orphanage'."

Ron felt his cheeks rise on their own, it felt good to be acknowledged. I didn't do it for the praise, but if I am getting praised, I'm just glad that Daphne is the one doing the praising.

"Well, the Headmaster did most of the work…" Ron whispered, looking back down at his own plate. Don't blush on the dinner table, Ron.

"True, but you brought the idea to the table," Daphne kissed his reddening cheek. "Sometimes, that's what's needed most. An idea man."

"Ronald Weasley, idea man," Ron chuckled. "Sounds silly, actually."

"No, it suits you," Daphne said.

"After we're done with our date, we still have a Christmas dinner to get through," Ron said. "Trust me, this feast is nothing compared to what mum has up her sleeve. I think all the adults have pooled their resources to make this a Christmas worth remembering."

"Which is a little odd," Daphne noted. "Why is this Christmas so important?" Because it's the last one before we all know about the war. After this Christmas, things will get darker than they already are. "Ron? You look worried…"

"Sorry," Ron shook his head clear.

"Do you know something?" Daphne asked him.

"I know that… we should just be happy in this moment…" Ron said, and Daphne looked a bit taken aback. "You never know when things can change, you know… Right now, we're all together. We're all eating good food, we're all getting along-"

"Debatable," Daphne shot a look towards the Gryffindors.

"We're not fighting, and that's enough for now, I think," Ron shrugged. "I think the parents want us to enjoy our childhood, and this is what feels right to them. It's familiar…" Ron then drew in a deep breath. "Do you get what I'm saying?"

"Yes," Daphne nodded with a smile. "They want us to be children, and nothing more."

"Ron!" came his father's voice, and Ron looked down the table. "Come over here for a bit, son! We want to talk to you!" He's red in the face, and he's holding a pint… The man's drunk, isn't he? Which means…

Ron realized that all the adults, except for Molly, Pandora, Lord Greengrass, and Mary, were drunk, which meant that Ron had no idea of predicting their behaviors.

"Sit with Malfoy, and talk to him, please," Ron whispered to Daphne, and after she gave him a nod, he left his chair.

As Ron made his way over to the adults, who were joined by Percy, Charlie, Bill, and Kirsten, he noticed an awful lot of stares being sent his way. Ignore them, Ron. Being called over by the adults is no crime, and if they think that it is, then they are clearly suffering from delusions.

"Come, sit with me!" Arthur pulled Ron into a chair next to him.

"Have I been promoted to the adult table?" Ron joked, making a couple of them chuckle.

"I was just about to tell them about your plans with Fawleys!" Arthur laughed, his free hand patting Ron's back rather strongly. Ease up there, dad. That kind of stings.

"Don't pat him so hard," Molly noticed that Ron wasn't enjoying it.

"Oh… Sorry," Arthur chuckled. "Go on, Ron, tell them. You'll do a better job than me." Should I tell them? I mean, I've already told most of them, and some new developments have happened since then. But nothing is concrete, so giving them-

"Are you debating with yourself?" Bill asked, a wide smile on his face. "Ron, just tell us, yeah? Don't be so secretive all the time." Drunk as well, eh?

"Well…" Ron started, his eyes darting towards Remus, who was listening with a smile. "I ran into the Fawleys at the Gala held for St. Mungo's, and we began debating the Werewolf Legislation."

"Really?" Sirius asked, and Ron noticed Percy's eyes dart towards Remus. What the…? Does he know? How? "Well, go on, Ron."

"While we were debating, I realized that the Fawleys didn't really know much about the Werewolf Communities," Ron went on, deciding to ignore Percy for now. I'll talk to him later. "I gave Lord Fawley a hypothetical scenario that tugged on his heartstrings-"

"What scenario?" Remus asked as he leaned forward.

"I asked him what he would do if his Family was starving," Ron replied, he had noticed that the other children were trying to listen in. "I asked him if he would resort to petty theft in order to keep his children fed. Werewolves nowadays can't really find jobs because of the Werewolf Legislation, and because of that, many of them are forced to either leave the Wizarding World, or they resort to crime just to survive. The Fawleys hadn't really thought of that, and one thing led to another, and now, they want to open up a shelter of sorts for struggling Werewolf Families."

"A shelter… For Werewolves?" Remus' expression was hard to read. "Wow…"

"Isn't it amazing?" Arthur laughed. "Where do things stand right now, Ron?"

"I spoke with John, the Fawleys' second son, and he will pass on my message to his parents," Ron told everyone. Bloody hell, everyone is staring at me. "Hopefully, I'll have dinner with them during the Break, and at this dinner, I plan to bring Marietta Angel with me."

"Who's that?" Charlie asked.

"She's a reporter that I've hired for the Quibbler," Ron replied, and Xeno nodded to himself. Good thing that I sent him a letter before revealing that. "She has done extensive research on Werewolves, and she'll do a much better job at convincing the Fawleys than I ever could. I'll ask her to bring her articles with her-"

"She's written articles on Werewolves?" Pandora asked with her usual smile. "I haven't really read anything from her."

"Her articles were never published because the Daily Prophet didn't like the message that she was trying to spread," Ron replied. "The Daily Prophet enjoys pointing fingers because it raises their sales, so they don't need a reporter who tells the truth like it is. I, on the other hand, really loved her work, so I hired her on the spot. For example, I had no idea that children who are affected by the Werewolf Curse are left tied to trees during the full-moon."

"What?! That's barbaric!" Hermione looked disgusted. So they are all listening in, eh?

"It's for safety reasons," Remus said, though he looked quite bothered by that. Did his parents ever…? "Younger Werewolves are the most vicious, and if you leave them tied to a tree, they'll spend all night attacking said tree. It's a cruel method, but it keeps people safe."

"Hopefully, we'll find a better way at this shelter for Werewolves," Ron smiled at Remus, who slowly smiled back. "With Marietta on my side, I'm certain that the Fawleys will fund this project. They have a record of helping the poor, and right now, the Werewolf Community is truly suffering." Ron then looked to a grinning Sirius. "Sirius, the Black Family hasn't been a part of charity work for over a decade, which is quite odd considering that you've been free for nearly two years."

"Huh?" Sirius blinked.

"I want you to back me on this," Ron said outright. "With your support already on the table, the Fawleys will take me even more seriously. Plus, I think it's about time that you reintegrated yourself into this country's politics." The Black Family holds a terrible reputation, and you can help change that.

"I don't know about politics, but you've got my funding," Sirius said. "Whatever you need, Ron, just ask."

"Ron is right," Lord Greengrass finally spoke. "Black, you've been idle for too long. Like it, or not, but the Pure-Blood Families run this country, and since I'm with all of you now, I could use a powerful ally out there."

The mention of Pure-Blood Families seemed to bother the Gryffindor children, and most of them were giving Lord Greengrass bored looks. Go on, say something rude to him… I'll fucking tear your tongues out.

"Am I being replaced?" James Davis laughed, which made the other adults chuckle.

"Never, James," Lord Greengrass assured his friend. "I just think that Black can do a lot more than he currently is."

"Tell you what?" Sirius smirked. "You call me Sirius, and I'll help you all you want."

Lord Greengrass didn't look very amused, but the other adults seemed to be enjoying the conversation.

"Ron, you have our support as well," Mary smiled at Ron. Really? "It would look… odd… that we're not helping my husband's Apprentice accomplish his goals." Ah, that makes sense.

"Thank you, Mary," Ron smiled widely. "There! We have the backing of two powerful, and wealthy, Families! The Fawleys will definitely want in on this, and our shelter could even support hundreds of Werewolves who have nowhere to go!" This is a successful dinner. I'm glad dad brought me up here, it helped me accomplish a goal.

The adults applauded at that, much to Ron's surprise. They're like children… Drunk, loud children.

"My son is helping save lives!" Arthur laughed above the others, once again patting the wind out of Ron's lungs. "Where's my camera?! I'll take some photos!" Can you also find me a new set of lungs, please?

---

One Hour Later

Ron watched the other children socializing out near his father's shed, and he couldn't help but notice that the Slytherins and Gryffindors weren't approaching each other. Right now, it was like there were two gangs, and they were just waiting for the other to start a fight. Of course, they all smiled and laughed for the sake of the parents, but the tension was still there.

"What are you staring at, my sweet?" Pandora hummed, Ron's head was currently in her lap.

After dinner had ended, even the sober adults had started drinking at the table. This left Pandora slightly isolated, and Ron quickly asked her to spend time with him. Was he being needy? Yes. Did he care? Not one bit. He had missed her soothing presence greatly, especially in the last few days. They had found a bench just outside the Burrow, and Ron had quickly put his head on her lap for some head scratches.

"There's going to be a fight soon," Ron said, and Pandora started scratching his head again. Head scratching is the best… I could fall asleep right now, and I wouldn't even care.

"I know," Pandora said. "I remember how seriously everyone took this House rivalry business."

"Did you take it seriously?" Ron asked.

"I did," she replied. "I was always trying to get Points from the Professors by being clever. This one time, I Jinxed McGonagall's books out of her hands without being seen. When she was picking them up, and cursing Peeves, I helped her gather them up. She gave me twenty Points for being a model student."

"Pandora…" Ron was quite shocked. "That's horrible." And ingenious… I might try it out.

"I know, but I really wanted to help my House," Pandora laughed in an airy manner. "In a way, the friends you make at Hogwarts are your Family, and I wanted to help my Family win."

"Well, the division creates more conflict than bonds," Ron said. I can't believe she did that to Professor McGonagall.

"Really?" Pandora asked. "Look around, Ron, there are so many people here. All of them come from different backgrounds, but they are united because their children are friends." Oh…

"I… I suppose that's true," Ron couldn't help but agree.

"Conflict is always easier to see because it's ugly," Pandora told Ron. "Sometimes, you have to force yourself to look at the positives, or you'll be consumed by the negatives. Yes, there will be some fighting in the next few days, but I'm certain that your time together will help you all better understand one another." Is that why they're trying so hard to make Christmas work? They want us all to watch each other's backs?

"You adults and your schemes," Ron snorted.

"Says you," Pandora pinched his cheek.

"Ow…"

"Your mother told me that you've stepped up to protect Draco," Pandora said, and Ron shifted in his spot a little. "I'm very proud of you, Ron. He needs a friend like you more than he thinks."

"I yelled at her today," Ron said guiltily.

"I know," she said, her hand still scratching his head. "She told me."

"It's just… Charlie shouldn't have told Kirsten about me," Ron sighed out. "I lost my temper, and I took it out on her… I feel terrible." I hate feeling guilty, it's the worst.

"Did you apologize?" Pandora asked.

"I did, but that doesn't change what I did," Ron replied. "I managed to regain my senses, but by then, I had already done the damage."

"She mentioned that you suffered a mood swing," Pandora said.

"I think I did," Ron wasn't too sure himself. Maybe I'm just an angry bastard? Maybe there was no mood swing at all?

"She was scared, but I think that she understands that you're not like the other children," Pandora said gently. "She made sure to tell me that you calmed yourself down, Ron, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just make sure that you don't yell at her again, she is still your mother."

"I know," Ron yawned.

"Am I boring you?" Pandora chuckled.

"It's the head scratching," Ron said sleepily. "I don't know how you do it, but it's really soothing."

"Maybe I should stop?" she teased.

"Please don't," Ron pleaded. "Is mum upset with me?"

"No," Pandora replied. "Your mother and father are truly trying to be there for you, Ron, and this is another part of you that they're becoming familiar with."

"The prick part of me, you mean," Ron said, and Pandora clicked her tongue.

"None of that," Pandora said. "Everyone gets angry, Ron, and some more than others. What matters is that you recognized your mistake, and you quickly tried to fix it. Even a few months ago, you wouldn't have done that."

"Occlumency," Ron said, and Pandora stopped scratching his head. "I… I used Occlumency to calm myself down…" The last time I told them about my Occlumency, it was to cover up that Boggart's death.

"Did you now?" Pandora started scratching again. "Do you have a tutor at Hogwarts, my sweet?" Yes, but I haven't seen him in ages.

"Yeah, the Library," Ron lied calmly. "I spend too much time in there."

"Is that why I never see you around the castle?" came Remus' voice, and Ron pulled his head up from Pandora's lap.

"Professor," Ron smiled, and Remus chuckled.

"Remus will do, Ron," Remus said. "Pandora, may I speak with Ron for a bit?"

"Of course," Pandora stood up as Ron sat up, her hands supporting her back. "I need some water… My son is getting quite restless in there." Is he?

"He's just excited that I'm around," Ron grinned, and then he looked at her belly. "Aren't you, mate?"

"How long before we meet him, or her?" Remus asked.

"Soon," Pandora smiled fully. "If everything goes according to plan, then he'll be here by the end of February." I can't fucking wait! Lysander Lovegood… My Godson!

Pandora left to go get a drink, and Remus took her spot to Ron's right.

"I'm glad you came," Ron started. "I thought that you were staying at Hogwarts for the Break." He's going on a mission soon, isn't he?

"Your father is very persistent," Remus chuckled. "As for you mother… Well, she frightens me."

"You should teach a class about her," Ron joked. "Molly Weasley, Danger-Class XXXXX."

"The thought has crossed my mind," Remus laughed.

"So… Why did you want to speak to me?" Ron asked. "Is it about my project with the Fawleys?"

"Yes," Remus smiled, he seemed a lot calmer with some alcohol in him. That, and he's finally reunited with his man-wife. "Let me just start off by thanking you-"

"There's no need for that," Ron said, there really wasn't.

"I think there is," Remus said. "Ron… Even a few years ago, something like this would be unheard of. Hell, it still is… It means a lot to me that you're trying to help less fortunate Werewolves. Had things been different, I might have been one of the people that you plan to shelter." Is he an emotional drunk?

"I just hope that some of the other wealthy Families learn from this," Ron said. "Remus… Did your parents ever… you know… tie you to a tree?" Smooth, Ron. Real fucking smooth.

Remus' smile wavered, and he just stared at Ron for a little while.

"It was for my own safety," Remus all but whispered, and Ron felt his heart clench. "I was turned when I was nearly five… I was extremely dangerous, especially when the moon was out. And whenever there was a full-moon, I turned into a monster…" Remus then looked towards the other children, a somber look on his face. "The transformation is extremely painful, especially for children. I scratched and bit myself in order to lure my parents towards me, but luckily, my father always held my mother back. They used to sit with me all night, you see… They didn't want me to be alone. Eventually, however, I outgrew being tied to a tree, so they built a panic room in the house. It cost them everything that they had saved up…"

"I'm sorry, Remus," Ron rubbed the older wizard's back. "I didn't mean to bring up painful memories…"

"It's alright," Remus put on a smile for Ron's sake. "I wanted to tell you just how much this means to me. There are kids out there who could use a safe, warm shelter to call home. You and the Fawleys have my eternal gratitude for this."

"You know… We'll need staff members," Ron gave Remus' shoulder a squeeze. "Maybe once you get tired of teaching brats like me, you'll think about working at the shelter? You know, be a role model for some of the younger Werewolves?"

"I… I think I would really like that," Remus admitted, and then he ruffled Ron's hair. My amazing hairdo! "You've grown up quite a lot, Ron. It's a wonderful thing to see."

"Merlin, you're sappy when you're drunk," Ron laughed. "I haven't grown up that much, Remus. I still do stupid things that I regret later."

"Here's a secret," Remus smirked. "That never goes away. I still do plenty of things that I regret later." His smirk was suddenly replaced with a sorry look. "For example… I feel like I've alienated you over the course of the Dueling Club…"

"Pardon?" Ron blinked, what was that supposed to mean?

"I know I set a lot of extra rules on you, but it wasn't to handicap you," Remus said. "I just didn't want you to take things too far like you did with Seamus… People remember these sorts of things, Ron, and I didn't want you to make enemies. If you had hurt Hermione, Harry would never forgive you. If you had gone too far with Blaise, you'd never forgive yourself. Magic is not something to be taken lightly, it has the potential for great chaos."

"Remus… I'm not upset with you," Ron assured the man. "My tutor was upset with you, but I don't really care that much. I know I was a little heated in the moment, but that was just adrenaline. I followed the rules in the end, didn't I?" Sure, I was a little upset, but not enough to ignore the man.

"You said that you'd come over when you had spare time for a few lessons," Remus said softly. "But you never did… I thought that you didn't want to see me." Oh, my… I fucking forgot again! And Remus really is an emotional drunk!

"There is clearly a misunderstanding here," Ron said slowly. "I'm not upset with you, Remus, I simply forgot… I've just been really busy with things like the Quibbler, and this shelter, and the French… A lot of my time goes into training, studying, and plan making."

"Really?" Remus asked, he looked a little relieved.

"Really," Ron replied. "I'm sorry for my forgetfulness, I didn't even think that I might have bothered you."

"No… No, it's like you said," Remus let out a held breath, and then he smiled fully. "It was a misunderstanding on my part. I'm just glad that I was wrong."

"So we're okay?" Ron asked.

"Yes, more than," Remus nodded. "The lessons are still up for offer, if you want." Yes, please. Teach me your ways.

"You got your wand?" Ron smirked.

"I do, but not tonight," Remus laughed. "Your mother would have my head for certain, I promise you."

"What about once I come back to Hogwarts?" Ron asked. "First week back?"

"I'll be sure to keep reminding you this time," Remus stood up, and Ron followed suit.

Remus pulled Ron into a manly hug, and because of Remus' taller height, Ron barely managed to rest his chin on the man's shoulder.

"We're hugging…" Ron was a little surprised.

"You're a good lad, Ron," Remus gave Ron a squeeze. "We're all very proud of you." Merlin, what is happening? Why is it happening?

"Thanks, Remus," Ron patted Remus' back.

Remus let go of Ron, gave the young wizard a firm nod with a smile, and then he left to go join the adults again. Ron watched him leave quietly, the adults needed to slow down on the drinking. Even Lord Greengrass looks quite tipsy. And yet, he's not smiling. How did he score a woman as bright as Mary?

"What was that about?" came Daphne's voice from behind him, and Ron jumped a little.

"Good Lord, don't do that," Ron breathed out.

"Sorry," Daphne giggled. "I didn't mean to frighten you."

"What was what?" Ron looked to Daphne.

"Professor Lupin was hugging you," Daphne replied. "I only noticed because I saw Potter staring at you two." Harry was watching? Pervert… No, all jokes aside, I shouldn't get too cozy with Harry's 'parents'. He might start hating me again, which would be annoying to say the least.

"Remus is just drunk," Ron shrugged. "He came over to talk to me, and after we finished, he just hugged me."

"So you're free now?" Daphne decided to not pry.

"I am," Ron said.

"Excellent!" Daphne beamed. "Theo mentioned that I get a private tour!" Did he now? Well, thank you, Theo.

Ron shot a quick look at the other children, and he saw Malfoy speaking with Theo and Tracey. He's not alone, good.

"Where is Tori?" Ron asked.

"She's with Luna," Daphne replied. "Luna is showing Tori your dad's shed right now, because apparently, it's filled with 'Lost Wonders' of the Muggle World." Ha! It's all garbage, I'm sure. Plus, Luna thought that Muggles were animals not long ago, whereas Tori knows quite a lot about Muggles due to her time in Paris.

"My special tour starts at the back of the stone outhouse, which is found in the backyard," Ron grinned. "Near the orchard."

"Ohhh, an orchard?" Daphne smirked. "Lead the way, please."

---

Monday 21st December, 1993 (The Burrow – Crack of Dawn)

The crowing of a rooster woke Ron up, and he sat up immediately in order to check if his glove was still on. The other four boys stirred in their sleep, but none of them bothered to wake up fully. Ron had slept in the middle of the Slytherins and Gryffindors, mostly with the intention of keeping the peace. The Gryffindor boys had spent most of their night in the twins' room, which meant that Ron and his mates had gone to sleep by the time Neville and Harry returned. I have to hop off this bed… This is why I didn't want to sleep in the middle.

Ron carefully slid out of his bed, he knew which floorboards to avoid after all. Once he was safely on solid ground, he grabbed his running gear and snuck out of the room. The Burrow was illuminated by the rising sun, which gave it an extremely peaceful ambience. This peacefulness also served to make Ron more excited about his morning run. He had missed running around the Burrow. Fresh air, beautiful hills, and the perfect morning breeze. None of that frozen Black Lake chill.

Once Ron had changed in the bathroom, he left his pajamas in the laundry bin. From there, he carefully made his way down. It was clear that no one was awake yet, and Ron figured that the adults needed to sleep in after their wild night. Not one adult came looking for Daphne and I, and we were gone for nearly thirty minutes. Just as Ron made his way into the Kitchen, Charlie turned the corner in order to go up the stairs.

"Merlin's beard…" Ron stopped abruptly, while Charlie jumped in panic.

"Fucking hell…" Charlie breathed out, while Ron eyeballed his brother. He's wearing his running gear? Guess I'm not going alone today. "I was just coming up to get you…"

"What are you doing awake so early?" Ron asked.

"Waiting for you," Charlie walked back into the Kitchen, and Ron followed after him. "He's here."

Inside the Kitchen were Kirsten and Bill, both of them were also wearing their running gears. Actually… What is Bill wearing? Bill noticed his brother staring at him, and he shrugged with a smile.

"Charlie lent me his old gear," Bill said. "It doesn't really fit me because Charlie's a gorilla."

"Sod off," Charlie frowned, he was not a morning person despite his habits.

"He's hungover," Bill chuckled, while Kirsten just lingered in the back. Great… I sense a heart-to-heart before breakfast.

"Right…" Ron said slowly, and then he headed for the door. No time to waste.

"Slow down," Bill caught up to him, while Charlie and Kirsten followed after a few moments.

The fresh, cool air did wonders for Ron's lungs, and he drew in a deep breath before he started stretching. Bill stopped to his left, and he began copying Ron's stretches.

"Bill, have you ever gone running before?" Ron couldn't help but ask.

"When I was a kid, yeah," Bill replied. "But I was never really into athletics, at least not like Charlie."

"Charlie… And his girlfriend," Ron shot a look back, Kirsten and Charlie were stretching together by the entrance. "I imagine that Charlie has something to say to me."

"Now that you mention it," Bill nodded to himself. "Kirsten understands your skepticism, but Charlie thinks that you're being too closed off. It's his girlfriend, Ron, and you weren't exactly quiet about your discontent."

"Oh, no, I've hurt a woman's feelings," Ron drawled, and Bill opened his mouth. "Yes, Bill, Charlie is the woman in this."

"I figured," Bill sighed out.

"I haven't even had breakfast yet," Ron said. "He better not bring this shite up while I'm running." A peaceful morning is about to get ruined by someone's whining. That's just what I wanted…

---

Thirty Minutes Later

"Please…" Bill wheezed, and Ron stopped running.

"Guys! Wait!" Ron called, and both Kirsten and Charlie stopped running as well.

Bill bent over and let out a jagged breath, he was sweating buckets.

"We made it to the creek… You promised me that we'd stop here…" Bill rolled onto his back, his hands resting on his heaving chest. "I can't run any more… I'm done… This was a terrible idea…"

"Is he done?" Charlie walked up to Ron, who was just staring at Bill's defeated form.

"Yeah, he's done," Ron said. "You two can go on if you like, but I'll stay here with Bill until he recovers. We can meet back up at the Burrow."

"No, it's alright," Charlie shook his head. "We'll all head back together." So this is where he ambushes me?

"C'mon, Bill," Ron carefully helped his older brother up. "The creek is right there, and you can wash your face with the cold water."

Bill made no effort to carry his own weight, but Ron managed to get him to the creek without relying on Cutis Terra. Once they were near the bed of water, Bill quickly began washing his face. Some of the cold water hit Ron, but he didn't really mind. He was wearing his Training Outfit, which happened to cover his entire body, and so Ron was burning up himself. The hills are harder to traverse than the shore of the Black Lake. It's great. My legs are burning quite nicely. Charlie also made his way down, and like Bill, he began washing his face.

"Is he alright?!" Kirsten called, she was still keeping her distance from Ron. She thinks that I'm upset with her, but I'm really not. It's Charlie who's at fault here. I can't even rely on my brother to keep my secrets. I was right to hide my problems from the others. We Weasleys are notorious for running our mouths. Well, most of us, anyway.

"He'll live!" Charlie called back. "Kirsten! Come down and wash your face! The water feels amazing!"

"No, I'm fine!" Kirsten called, and Ron noticed mild annoyance cross Charlie's face. I'll leave, and then she'll come down.

Ron headed back up towards dry land, but the sound of Charlie's footsteps stopped him.

"Charlie, don't," Bill groaned as he got up.

"Apologize to her," Charlie turned Ron around a little too harshly. Oi! That fucking hurt!

"Don't manhandle him," Bill snarled as he pushed himself between Ron and Charlie. "What the fuck, Charlie? Control yourself."

"Charlie! Don't!" Kirsten ran down, she looked just as furious as Bill.

"He needs to apologize for his behavior-" Charlie started, but Ron cut him off.

"This is the second time that you've put your hands on me in anger," Ron said coldly, enough was enough. It's always something, and that's only the case because I'm too soft around these people. "Don't ever do that again, Charlie."

"Or what?!" Charlie snapped. "Listen to him! He's so damn cold to-!"

"Kirsten, your parents live in a small cottage on the outskirts of Tohani," Ron said, and everyone went dead quiet.

Kirsten looked like she had been kicked by a mule, while Charlie's jaw dropped open. What? You think I wouldn't look up the girl that you're sleeping with? It took Marty less than two hours to find them.

"Their front porch is filled with potted plants, and their front door is bright purple," Ron went on. "They have no Protective Wards around their property, mostly because your father has friends in the Aurors Department of Romania. Your mother-"

"Stop…" Kirsten muttered, her feet trying to carry her away. Now they're scared, aren't they? Now they don't have any pity in their eyes.

Ron let out a laugh that chilled Bill and Charlie's souls, and then, Ron simply stopped, malice gleaming in his eyes.

"I don't know how this happens…" Ron shook his head, he was trying his best not to laugh at how ludicrous this all was. "I don't know why you all assume that, just because I'm sick, I'm a helpless little bunny. I don't understand."

"Ron…" Bill stepped back next to Charlie, who was still just gaping at Ron.

"Let's get one thing clear," Ron said, and then he turned his head and cracked his neck. "You are not in my league. Your feelings, and your whining, mean nothing to me. You, Charlie, told my secrets to someone that I don't know, and now, you're asking me to apologize to her even though I'm not upset with her." Ron then looked to Kirsten. "And you… Why don't you fucking grow up a little? Why is it that every time we meet, Charlie comes to me in an angry huff? What? You don't like the fact that I'm not showering you with my attention? You don't like the fact that trust is difficult for me? Too bad. I don't fucking care. That's your problem, not mine."

"I want you three to listen to me right now," Ron went on, his voice barely louder than a cold whisper. "I have reached my limit with idiotic, angst-filled drama such as this. I am done with Ginny's hostile behavior. I am done with the twins' delusions. I am done with people barking orders at me. And most importantly, I am done stressing over your opinions of me. Enough is enough." I have killed for less.

Ron then drew in a deep breath, he was actually feeling quite calm.

"Now, you might be thinking that I'm being cold and immature here, but I assure you, it is you, Charlie, who is acting like a prick," Ron said. "I want this Christmas to work, not for my sake, but for the sake of the parents. They have worked hard to bring us all together, and I want to fix as many divides as I can. Your anger on your girlfriend's behalf comes from your own actions, not mine. Don't. Ever. Lay. A. Finger. On. Me. Again. You don't who you're fucking with, and just because you're Family doesn't mean that I'll stand for disrespect like that."

Ron then walked forward and pointed his gloved finger in Charlie's face.

"I'll break your fucking legs, Charlie, and I'll make her watch," Ron warned. "Have I made myself clear?"

No one said anything, which somewhat annoyed Ron. Scare them a little.

"ANSWER ME!" Ron yelled, and while Kirsten let out a little shriek, both of his older brothers jumped in their spots.

"Alright… Alright…" Bill said calmingly. "We understand…" No, you don't. Not yet.

"Don't speak like that," Ron said. "I'm not angry, Bill. If I was angry, you would know. I promise."

Ron then walked back to the creek, making sure to keep his mind focused on Stoatshead Hill. Be even calmer, Ron. End this sort of behavior once and for all.

"We will never speak of this conversation again," Ron looked back to Kirsten and his brothers. "You want my trust, Kirsten? This is how you earn it. Don't expect me to give you handouts because you're Charlie's girlfriend. I don't think like that. I go up against people who want to ruin my life, who want me dead." Bill and Charlie exchanged glances, but they said absolutely nothing. "I can't have my focus split by this sort of childish finger-pointing. I don't owe you anything, Kirsten, so don't come to me with a long face because you don't feel welcome. I am simply minding my own business, and in no way is that an attack on your feelings."

"Now, despite my annoyance, I will let this whole thing slide," Ron continued. "What's done is done, Charlie. You told Kirsten, and I can't make her forget. So… We will never speak of it. She will never tell another soul, and neither will you. Am I understood?"

"Yes," Kirsten said, she looked like a scolded child.

"Good," Ron nodded. "We're going to go back to the Burrow now, and I want nothing but smiles and laughter. Mum will be down in order to make us breakfast, and I don't want her dealing with this mess first thing in the morning. She has a lot of pressure on her with so many kids running around, and you will not make her life harder by fighting with me in public."

Ron then began his journey back home.

"Are you coming?!" Ron called, and he heard feet shuffling from behind him. Honestly, it's like I'm surrounded by children. All of them find reasons to throw tantrums in my direction, and I'm so sick of that tripe. Bloody hell, they pretend like they're adults, but they behave just like the kids at Hogwarts.

---

Daphne Greengrass' POV

Monday 21st December, 1993 (Greengrass Manor – Extremely Early in the Morning)

Daphne tiptoed down the stairs like a thief in the night, putting on her boots was not a good idea. I should've waited until I was in the Greeting Room. Daphne, like all sensible girlfriends, wanted to make a stronger impression on her boyfriend's mother, and so, she had come up with a clever little scheme. Part-scheme, part-actual-desire. She was going to make Ron breakfast this morning, and she would do it with the help of Molly Weasley.

Daphne had never cooked a thing in her life, and when she thought about it, she hadn't even been to the Kitchens of her own Manor. She, and Tori, had never shown any interest in cooking. Sure, they both enjoyed eating, but cooking had always seemed too plebeian. And yet, she somehow felt the need to cook something for Ron. It's because mother made that joke once… 'The only way to a man's heart is through his stomach'. Well, Ron loves eating, so I want to try my hand at cooking. Plus, Ron keeps boasting about his mother's cooking skills. Wait… Am I jealous of Molly Weasley? Merlin, Daphne, you're spiraling into insanity. Is this what 'Crazy in love' means?

Daphne pinched some floo-powder, and then she cast it into the fire.

"The Burrow," she whispered, and the flames turned green.

Daphne jumped through the fire before she could change her mind, and she found herself standing in the Burrow's Living Room. Oh! The ambience in here is lovely. Nice golden light everywhere, and the house is warm instead of cold like the Manor. Daphne calmly walked towards the Kitchen, where she spotted a frazzled Molly Weasley already preparing to cook.

"Good morning, Mrs. Weasley," Daphne greeted, and the shot a confused look back.

"Daphne?" Molly rubbed her eyes. "What are you doing here so early?"

Molly then looked Daphne over, her eyes scanning the girl's Muggle clothes.

"Jeans are better than a dress when it's this cold," Daphne said, and Molly gave her a slow nod.

"They're a bit… revealing…" Molly said. Really?

"These are skinny jeans," Daphne said. "It's what all the Muggle girls in my age group wear."

"I see," Molly nodded more surely. "Muggles… What a funny lot." That's something my father would say. "So? Why are you here so early? Ronnie's on his morning run right now. I'm just cooking up some breakfast for him." Perfect timing.

"And that's why I'm here," Daphne smiled. "I want to make Ron breakfast."

Molly Weasley looked quite taken a back, but she quickly fixed her apron and adorned a more amused look. What's with that look?

"I understand," Molly chuckled. "When I got my first boyfriend, I also made him food. Actually, I still do." Arthur Weasley was her first boyfriend? Wow, that's really sweet. "Before we start, though, I need some eggs."

"Eggs?" Daphne blinked. "You don't have any on hand?"

"Well, I do in a manner of speaking," Molly smiled. "The eggs are in the chicken coops. You'll have to collect them for me, and please, do it quickly." Collect eggs? From actual chickens?

Molly turned around, grabbed a small basket, and then she handed said basket to Daphne.

"Mrs. Weasley… I've never done something like this before," Daphne lost much of her gusto. "What if they attack me?"

"Oh, the hens are very subdued," Molly assured her, and Daphne relaxed a little. "It's Balthazar that you need to worry about."

"Who?" Daphne muttered.

"Balthazar, our rooster," Molly's lips twitched upwards. "He's usually not around at this time because he enjoys walking around, so you might not even see him. Now, off you go. I'll get the pans and sausages ready."

Molly went back to her work with a happy smile, but Daphne just stood there with a dumbstruck look. Snap out of it, Daphne. She might be testing you. Yes… That's exactly what she's doing. She thinks that I'll just go home, which will tell her that I'm not good enough for her Ronnie. Well, I'm onto you now, Mrs. Weasley. You can't scare me.

"How many eggs?" Daphne asked, her Ice-Queen persona in place.

"Grab them all," Molly hummed, and Daphne walked out with her head held high. All of them?! What if Balthazar shows up?!

As soon as she stepped outside and closed the door, her face fell. I want to go home. What was I thinking? I forbid Tracey to sleep in my room because I wanted to wake up early, and this is what I get?

Daphne carefully approached the chicken coop, her eyes peeled for Balthazar. Wait… What does he look like? Horror dawned on her as she realized that Balthazar could be any one of the chickens. Ron better love this breakfast! Once Daphne was standing behind the rather large chicken coop, she opened the tiny door in the back and entered. The coop was larger than it look from the outside, which made Daphne wonder if Magic was being used on the chicken coop. Sort of like our Training Area. She still had to keep her back hunched over, and once she saw the hens sitting on their nests, she made her way over to them.

"Good morning," Daphne eyed each chicken. "I hope none of you are Balthazar. Do roosters even lay eggs?"

The hens clucked at her as they left their nests, and Daphne held her breath instead of screaming. One by one, they all vacated the coop by going through the open doorway which led to the caged area. Now's my chance! Daphne quickly began to collect the eggs, which felt very warm and sticky. Ignore the grossness, Daphne. You're almost done. Once she had her eggs in her basket, she let out a little squeal of victory. Alright, control. Be confident, not whimsical. Daphne quickly composed herself, and then she too exited the pen.

As she stood up straighter, she noticed that a chicken was standing in front of her. It was bold white, and it had fiery red streaks through its feathers. Daphne met the chicken's gaze, its beady little eyes were fixed on her. Why does this chicken have a bright red comb on its head? Wait… Oh, no… Is this…?

"Balthazar, I presume…" Daphne let out a whimper.

Balthazar spread his wings and hissed in a terrifying manner, and Daphne screamed at the top of her lungs as she bolted towards the door. Not like this! Gods, please! No! For a flightless bird, Balthazar was horrifyingly fast, and so he was already on her feet within a second. The murderous hisses were accompanied by the fluttering of feathers, and Daphne shrieked again as she felt her feet brush past him.

"Mrs. Weasley!" Daphne screamed as made a hard right, effectively breaking off Balthazar's chase.

By the time a window popped open, Balthazar was already behind her feet again. He's trying to kill me!

"Daphne?" came Mrs. Weasley voice, it was filled with mirth.

"Balthazar!" Daphne screamed as she ducked, and the rooster went over her head. "He wants to scratch my face!"

"He doesn't have any talons," Molly laughed. "Stop running from him, he's harmless if you don't rile him up."

"He's riling me up!" Daphne shrieked as she sidestepped the blood-crazed rooster. "Please, help me!"

"Oh, alright," Molly laughed, and within a second, Balthazar slowed down immensely. The Impediment Jinx?! Now's my chance!

Daphne ran straight back towards the door, and the moment she was inside, she slammed the door shut. I survived?! I did it?! Daphne let out a victorious laugh, completely forgetting the fact that her hair was all over her face.

"Mrs. Weasley, I did it!" Daphne strolled into the Kitchen, her voice full of life and relief.

"You're very quick on your feet," Molly laughed wholeheartedly.

"I practice my dodges," Daphne laughed as well.

"Dodges?" Molly blinked with a smile on her face.

"Here are the eggs," Daphne offered Molly the basket. "I was careful not to tip any of them."

"Thank you," Molly accepted the basket, though she had questions about these 'dodges'.

"So, can we start now?" Daphne asked. "I want it to be ready before Ron gets back." Was that too pushy?

"Of course, come with me," Molly shook her head clear.

They walked over to the cooking area, and while Molly checked the eggs for damages, Daphne fixed her hair back in place using a clean dish's reflective surface. It's still a little messy, but it'll do.

"Before we start," Molly suddenly walked up behind Daphne. "We need to tie your hair up into a ponytail."

"We do?" Daphne asked. Why? What does my hairstyle have to do with cooking?

"It's quite long, so it might touch a hot surface," Molly replied. Oh. "A ponytail makes it manageable, or you can wear your hair up like me."

"I see," Daphne nodded to herself. "I'll take the ponytail."

"I'll go grab a hair tie," Molly said. "Why don't you have a glass of water, Daphne? You did exceptionally better than I thought you would." Aha! So it really was a test? I'm a genius.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Monday 21st December, 1993 (The Burrow – Early Morning)

Ron stepped into the Burrow with a happy smile, he could already smell breakfast. This is the life. I go for my run, and when I get back, there's fresh food waiting for me. Merlin, I missed the Burrow. As Ron stepped into the Kitchen, he was met with a rather bizarre sight. Daphne, who had her hair in a ponytail, was setting up the table, something that Ron was certain that she had never done. Wait… Why is she here so early?

"Ron!" Daphne smiled at the sight of him, and Ron's smile widened automatically.

"Hello," Ron greeted her, and Molly turned around at the sound of his voice.

"Oh, you're back," Molly said. "Well, don't just stand there, take a seat. Daphne, dear, grab Ron something to drink."

"I'm on it," Daphne walked over to the counter, grabbed the jug of pumpkin juice, and poured Ron a glass.

She even walked up to him and handed him the glass, while Ron just watched her with a curious smile. I'm kind of lost, but I think Daphne's trying to impress mum. Ron drank down the entire glass in one go, and just as he finished, he heard his 'companions' enter the house from the front door. They finally caught up? Daphne tugged at Ron's sleeve until he followed her to his chair, and Daphne took the glass in order to pour him some more juice. I could get used to this royal treatment.

"Good morning," Bill greeted everyone in the room, his eyes lingering on Ron.

Ron signaled him to smile properly, and Bill did as he was told. I'm pretty sure Daphne helped make this breakfast, so if you ruin it, I'll make you three choke on it.

"Bill? You went as well?" Molly eyeballed her eldest. "Look at the state of you… Is that sweat?!"

"Sweat, and water from the creek," Bill said sheepishly, while Kirsten and Charlie lingered in the back.

"Go and wash up," Molly shook her head. "You're not sitting on my table looking like that." Ron got up to leave as well, but Molly clicked her tongue. What? "Ronnie, you can stay." I can?

Ron sat back down, while the other runners left for upstairs. They're not smiling, or laughing. Hopefully, mum doesn't catch on. Useless.

"Here," Daphne sat down to Ron's right, and then she handed him the glass.

"Daph, what are you up to?" Ron whispered, and Daphne simply smirked. "C'mon… Tell me."

"Daphne helped me make breakfast this morning," Molly said as she walked over with the frying pan. "She was very… brave." Brave? What? "Here you go."

Molly emptied the pan's content onto his plate, which consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages. Wow, that's quite a lot. Eh, who am I to refuse food? Ron grabbed his fork and knife, and he tried the eggs first. They tasted exactly like his mother's cooking, which made Ron question whether Daphne actually helped. She probably followed mum's instruction to the letter.

"This is really good," Ron dug in, and he heard Daphne let out a relieved breath. "Daph, grab some cutlery. We can just share the plate."

"Oh, I'll just help your mother-" Daphne started.

"Nonsense," Molly waved a dismissive hand. "You haven't had breakfast yet, have you?"

"No," Daphne admitted.

"Then you tuck right in," Molly smiled. "Your help was wonderful, dear, but I can't let you starve, now, can I? What would your mother say?"

"I suppose that's fair," Daphne agreed, and Ron knew her enough to know that she was relieved. She came to make me breakfast, not the others. That's really cute.

"So how were you 'brave' in making breakfast?" Ron asked, while Daphne helped herself to some eggs.

"She met Balthazar," Molly chuckled, and Daphne flushed a little. Balthazar? Did he chase her?

"That monster needs to be put down," Daphne huffed in indignation.

"Did he chase you?" Ron sniggered, but Daphne said nothing. "Daph, that's a game he plays. He runs after you, and then, you run after him."

"He was hissing like some demon," Daphne stuck her nose in the air. "He tried to jump on my head."

"He just wanted to perch himself on your shoulder, dear," Molly laughed, she had barely kept her cackling to herself.

"What's with all the noise?" came Sirius' voice, and Ron looked to see him stumbling into the Kitchen.

He was wearing his clothes from last night, there were prominent bags under his eyes, and he supported a rather attractive stubble. He slept in the Living Room? Molly gestured him to take a seat, and he did so with a tired and pained expression.

"My fucking head…" Sirius groaned, and Ron immediately sniggered.

"None of that!" Molly shot Sirius a frown.

"Sorry… Haven't had my coffee yet," Sirius rubbed his face.

Molly quickly poured some into a cup, and then she hand-delivered it to Sirius. He quickly took a sniff of the cup, smiled widely, and then took a massive sip.

"Ah, you Goddess," Sirius already felt better.

"Some food will bring you back," Molly ignored Sirius' cheeky grin. "Just give me a few minutes."

"Did you enjoy your night, Lord Black?" Daphne asked as she cut up some bacon. That was the longest piece, Daph, and you cut it up… Why?

"Oh, you're already here," Sirius blinked at Daphne, and then he looked between her and Ron. "Sharing a plate? That's pretty cute." Ron gave Sirius a deadpan look, while Daphne kept her composure. "As for you question, I did enjoy my night. Your father is quite the jokester when you get some drinks into him."

"Really?" Daphne couldn't help but ask.

"No," Sirius shook his head. "The man becomes even colder than usual, but Mary is a delight to be around."

"That makes more sense," Ron nodded.

"Mother is the one who drags father to all his social events," Daphne told them. "If it wasn't for her, he'd probably live out of his Study."

"I did manage to make him laugh with one of my jokes, though," Sirius smirked. "Want to hear it?" A joke that made Lord Greengrass laugh? Yes, please!

"Of course," Daphne leaned forward a little.

"You won't repeat that filth near the children, Sirius!" Molly warned. "You're lucky that we women didn't beat you last night!" What? What was this joke?

"Alright, alright," Sirius chuckled. "Sorry, you two, but orders are orders." No! I want to hear this joke! "So… Why are you here so early, Daphne?"

"She helped make breakfast for me this morning," Ron said smugly. "And, it's bloody delicious."

"Does making breakfast usually involve screaming?" Sirius asked, and Daphne quickly focused on putting some food in her mouth.

"When you're the chef, I reckon so," Ron quipped, making Sirius chuckle. "Ignore him, Daph, he's just jealous that no one will make him breakfast now that his man-wife is back at Hogwarts."

"Man-wife," Daphne giggled, while Sirius rolled his eyes.

"What Remus and I share is true love, mate," Sirius stated. "You should learn from us, instead of making hurtful jokes."

Bill, Charlie, and Kirsten came down the stairs at that, and when they saw Sirius, they all relaxed a little.

"Sirius," Charlie patted the man's back.

"Oh, you're up as well, then," Sirius smiled. "How's the hangover?"

Ron watched them interact for a few moments, and then he decided to focus his attention on Daphne. I still can't believe that she did this. It's very out of character of her to make such an emotionally driven gesture.

"You're staring," Daphne said as she cut up a sausage.

"You reckon mum is happy with you?" Ron whispered.

"I know she is," Daphne whispered back, a half-smile appearing on her face. "I did put in a lot of work here, Ron. That chicken of yours wasn't playing around, it wanted to hurt me." If Balthazar had hurt you, we'd be eating him right now. I'm certain that mum would take the cleaver to him without a second thought.

"Thank you," Ron nudged her gently. "I think it was very sweet of you."

"Gag," Daphne smirked. "But thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying it. Truth be told, your mother did most of the work." I figured as much. The Kitchen is her territory, and she's not one to give it up.

"What are your plans after breakfast?" Ron asked.

"Well, I thought that you could actually give me a proper tour," Daphne whispered.

"I already did," Ron grinned. It was a damn good tour. Never thought that I'd snog such a pretty girl behind that outhouse.

"Ron," Daphne smiled playfully. "A proper tour, please."

"Alright, I'll take a shower after this, and then you can have the tour," Ron said. "What about after?"

"Hopefully, Tracey and Tori will come down by the time we finish," Daphne replied. "Tracey knew of my plan, so she'll come here as soon as she wakes up."

"We can all spend some time outside," Ron offered. "Malfoy and Theo should be up soon as well."

"Did you learn anything more about Malfoy being here?" Daphne whispered.

"No, Daph," Ron whispered back. "It's like I said… Mum and dad are behind this, and I'm just following their lead. They said that my questions will be answered soon."

"And you'll let us know?" Daphne asked.

"Depends," Ron shrugged. "If it's a little too private, I don't feel comfortable sharing someone else's problems."

"Fine…" Daphne pouted. "Let's finish up here quickly, I want to spend some more time with you before the others arrive."

---

Corban Yaxley's POV

Monday 21st December, 1993 (The Ministry of Magic – Midday)

"Robert," Corban greeted, and Robert Bulstrode gave him a curt nod.

"Corban. Felix," Robert greeted them back as he walked up. "I am in a bit of a rush, so can we just get this over with?"

"Are you leaving for your holiday today, Lord Bulstrode?" Felix asked. "I thought that you had arranged a Portkey for tomorrow."

"As always, you know things that you shouldn't," Robert cocked an eyebrow. "My daughter wishes to see the snow, so we're leaving today." How… convenient. He'll be out of the country while we're doing all the work. "Has the Minister agreed to see us?"

"We are just waiting for his secretary," Corban said.

"He's making you wait?" Robert looked less than pleased.

"Let him have this," Corban said calmly. "Once we're done with him, he'll start towing the line again."

"The Minister has made himself monstrously fat from our generosity," Felix stated.

"From Lucius' generosity, you mean," Robert said. "Where is Lucius? He should be here for this."

"I have searched for him, but he is missing," Corban said. "His wife and son are missing as well."

"Odd," Robert said. "I will ask my daughter about young Draco, and hopefully, we can find Lucius from there." We don't need him. Lucius' ego will cause more problems than he can solve, and we'll end up cleaning his mess instead of dealing with the French. "Speaking of my daughter… Have you spoken some sense into him, Felix?"

"I have," Felix replied. "Ronald Weasley will not be targeted."

"Good," Robert gave a curt nod.

"Are you fond of this Blood Traitor?" Corban asked.

"I hardly know him," Robert replied. "Personally, his life means nothing to me, but my daughter loves him dearly. His death would break her heart, and I won't allow that to happen." I see. At least he is honest about his intentions. He always was the soldierly type.

"Mr. Yaxley, the Minister will see you now," the secretary stepped out of the Minister's Office.

"Thank you," Corban said as he made his way inside.

The Minister's Office was the exact same as it always was; a poorly organized shrine to Fudge's ego. There were four portraits of the Minister within the room, each of them hanging on a separate wall. There were stacks of unread documents shuffled into the corner, and they were 'hidden' by an expensive tea set. As for the Minister himself, Fudge was currently sitting behind his desk with a wide smile. Buffoon.

"Gentlemen," Fudge stood up. "How good of you to come. Please, take a seat."

"Thank you for seeing us, Minister," Corban took a seat, as did his companions. "Especially on such short notice."

"Of course, we are friends, are we not?" Fudge chuckled. Merlin help this country… This fool will ruin us yet.

"Are we friends?" Corban asked, he saw no need to beat around the bush. The sooner I can leave, the better. I can't stand this man's presence.

"Pardon?" Fudge's smile wavered.

"Have you not heard?" Corban asked coldly. "I was dragged into a courtroom not long ago."

"Oh… Really? By who?" Fudge blinked.

"It doesn't matter," Corban said. "The fact that I was is insult enough."

"You've been distracted, Fudge," Robert said. "We feel like you've forgotten who your friends are."

"The Gaia Project has been occupying my time, and then there was the St. Mungo's Tragedy… I have been very busy," Fudge straightened up a little. Don't try to look brave, we know that you're anything but. "Very, very busy."

"It gladdens us to know that you're doing your part for Magical Britain," Felix said, he sounded almost pleasant. "After all, who doesn't love worthwhile investments?"

Fudge shifted in his spot a little, he clearly understood that this wasn't a social call.

"You brought the French into our country," Corban stated.

"I… No, that was Ronald Weasley's doing," Fudge chuckled nervously. "I was just as surprised as all of you."

"You gave him a fancy title, and then you danced to his tune," Corban's hardened eyes met Fudge's weak-willed ones. "You have led our enemies into the heart of our country."

"Enemies?" Fudge shot a look towards the closed door, and then he leaned forward. "The French have helped us immensely… We cannot speak ill of them." This is our Minister… What would my father say if he saw the state of our country?

"The French are playing you for a fool," Robert snarled, and Fudge shrunk a little. "Felix, tell him what we have found."

"Thirteen Ministry Officials have come to me with some very interesting news," Felix pulled out the thirteen files from his briefcase. Thirteen people who will say, and do, anything that we ask. Even if Fudge follows up after them, they'll tell him what we want him to hear. "These are all young workers, and I know them quite well from our Hogwarts days. They have told me that the French have been offering them bribes."

"Bribes?" Fudge quickly took the files. "Preposterous."

"What did you expect, Minister?" Corban asked. "That the French would simply hand over their money, and then leave? Why do you think that they're still here?" Why are they still here? Something is happening, and I don't have a clear picture. What is Ronald Weasley up to? "They want what we have."

"Are you sure about these people?" Fudge looked up from the files. "Why did they come to you instead of the Head of their Departments?"

"Minister, please don't say foolish things," Felix smiled, something that shut Fudge's mouth. "You know who runs this country, don't you? Who do you think is supporting these people while the Ministry's coffers are running empty?"

"I… They are offering bribes? Why?" Fudge looked to Corban.

"Information, favors, surveillance…" Corban listed in an icy tone. "Make no mistake, Minister, these French Families are an invasion force. They are setting up their businesses within Britain even as we speak. Tell me… Would we be allowed to do that in France?"

"No," Felix answered for Fudge. "They have laws made specifically against the British Pure-Blood Families." Sebastian used his wife's German background to bypass those laws, but the rest of us aren't so fortunate.

"And yet, here they are," Robert frowned deeply. "Half-Breed filth infecting our Ministry with their corruption." Easy, Robert. We need the moral high ground here.

"We want them gone," Corban said.

"Gone?" Fudge's jaw dropped open. "I… I cannot do that… It would look so… scandalous!"

"Why?" Felix asked. "They donated roughly six thousand Galleons at the St. Mungo's Gala, right? Well, we have donated twelve thousand to various charities within Magical France."

"And twice that amount has been gifted to the British Ministry," Corban said.

"Really?" Fudge looked even more slack-jawed.

"Don't forget who you're speaking to," Corban said dangerously. "Your accountants have already accepted the money, Minister. I'm sure you will need it to clean up our streets." That's right, your accountants work for me. They do as I say. "The French have done us a service, but they are overstaying their welcome. I hear that they plan to throw a party soon."

"They do…" Fudge mumbled.

"Then you'll ask them to leave before this party," Robert said. "Tell them that we, the British Community, are very grateful to them, but its past time that they leave."

"If they make a scene, tell them about these thirteen Ministry Officials," Felix said. "Tell them that we know what they've been up to. That'll shut them up."

"We will release these names if you don't do as we say," Corban told the Minister. "And… I'll even publish your 'secret ledger'…"

Fudge's face dropped, and Corban saw the man visibly shudder.

"That's right," Felix' smile widened. "We know just how much money Lord Malfoy puts into your pockets. That money doesn't come free, Minister. You need to start realizing that once again."

"This party has already been bought and paid for… It would be very insulting to send them away before it happens…" Fudge tried to reason with them.

"Fine, let them have this party," Corban agreed quickly. I have you now. "But I want them gone by the start of the New Year."

"We have done right by you, Fudge," Robert said. "You wear the best clothes, dine in the finest establishments, and you sleep in a Manor worthy of a king. But make no mistake… We own this country. The streets were built by us. The buildings were erected by our hands. Over eighty percent of humanitarian works are funded directly by a Pure-Blood Family. Without our money, this country will fall apart within a year."

"And we'll point the finger right at you," Corban stood up, he knew that his work was done. "We are friends, are we not?"

"Of course," Fudge said quickly. "I understand your worries, and as your Minister, I will sort everything out as quickly as possible." Fucking pathetic.

"One more thing," Felix said as he pulled out another file from his briefcase. "Madam Umbridge will introduce this new Legislation to the Wizengamot this evening. It states that no foreign company past a certain net-worth may establish their businesses within Magical Britain without a series of extensive background checks performed by the Department of International Magical Cooperation."

"Background checks?" Fudge blinked. "How… How many?"

"As many as the Department deems necessary," Felix replied. They'll never get past our investigations. "Read the document, it's actually very detailed. I spent days writing this up, and there are no loop-holes. If they aren't British Citizens, then they have to willingly surrender their books." Which they will never do.

"This is very sudden… The timing…" Fudge started hysterically.

"Leave the Press to us," Corban said as all three men began leaving the Office. "I expect this done, Minister, so I will be keeping my eyes on the papers. Don't disappoint me."

With that said, Corban and his companions exited the Office. The look on Fudge's face was confirmation enough, the French Families' time here was now limited. The first phase of the plan was completed, now they only needed to take care of Weasley. We won't kill him, but we can't let him run rampant either. I will speak to him myself, and in doing so, offer him a partnership. If I can sway that boy to our side, we'll achieve great things.

"Miss. Pauline," Felix greeted the secretary. "Your lover is having trouble breathing, please get him some water."

The secretary dropped her quill, her mouth hanging open from horror. Lover? Fudge is sleeping with this girl? Felix casually kept walking with Corban and Robert, both of whom were now staring at the young wizard.

"I had his associates looked into," Felix told them. "Elves make for excellent spies."

Corban suddenly felt proud of his young friend, Felix was finally coming into his own. The death of his older brother, Evan Rosier, had left Felix greatly disturbed for a long time, but now, he seemed to be finding his place in the World. Britain is lucky to have this young man.

"Well done, Felix," Corban said. "She will no doubt urge him to do whatever we ask."

"Fudge has a good eye," Robert said as they stopped at the elevator. "Now, gentlemen, I will off."

"Enjoy your holiday, my Lord," Felix gave a respectful nod.

"Corban, I expect to have you over for dinner upon my return," Robert said, and Corban decided to agree.

"Certainly, I'll bring Anastasia," Corban said.

"Felix," Robert gave the younger wizard a nod, and then, he left to go get his Portkey.

"That, Felix, is how you avoid the hard work," Corban said once Robert was out of sight. "He played a small part, and then he left to go skiing."

"I think he was only here to make sure that I had convinced you to spare Ronald Weasley," Felix said calmly. "Speaking of whom, what do we do about Lady Parkinson? She has the others riled up for murder."

"I will delay her until I have convinced the others," Corban said. "It won't take long, but convincing her definitely will."

"And after that?" Felix asked.

"After that, I will invite Ronald Weasley out to dinner," Corban said. "I wish to meet this young man."

---

Hermione Granger's POV

Monday 21st December, 1993 (The Burrow – Afternoon)

Hermione stared out the window of the Living Room, her eyes fixed on Ron and Greengrass. They're certainly having a good time. Right now, the Slytherins, plus Luna, were spending their afternoon outside. They were laughing, making jokes, and listening to music. Hermione, much to her shock, was actually envious of them. And it's all because I'm stuck in here.

The twins and Ginny were not pleased about hosting a Malfoy within the Burrow, and since Ron was the person who had invited Malfoy, the twins and Ginny were furious with him. There was going to be a fight very soon, even Hermione could feel it. Harry and Neville had stayed clear of this mess as much as they could, but they had done so without inviting Hermione. And so, she had found herself constantly trying to talk down Ginny and the twins, and she was quickly becoming sick of it.

"Have you seen how smug he's been?" Ginny asked the twins. "That's what I was telling you two about. He thinks that he can do whatever he wants, and the worst part is, mum and dad are allowing him to behave this way."

"What are we supposed to do, Ginny?" Fred asked. "In case you haven't noticed, we're still on lockdown." The twins are definitely being more rational than Ginny.

"And we can't waste our leftovers on king-snake," George added. "We need money for our dreams."

"Ugh… So, what we do? We can't just let him win," Ginny sounded terribly frustrated.

"Win what?" Hermione spoke up. "What has Ron won, exactly?"

Harry and Neville shot her worried looks from their game of Gobstones, and Hermione narrowed her eyes on them. This is your fault! You left me behind without even asking!

"Um… Malfoy is here," Ginny frowned. "Have you not seen him creeping around?" Creeping? I mean, he does shadow Ron everywhere. Actually, he doesn't really speak, either. It's odd that I used to worry about running into him at Hogwarts. He's clearly changed a lot, and that makes me curious as to how that happened. Why did Ron bring him into the Slytherin group?

"Earth to Granger," the twins said together, and Hermione broke out of her thoughts.

"You know what I see?" Hermione said after collecting her thoughts. "I see you three being really immature."

"Huh?" the Weasley blinked at her.

"They're having fun, while we're just sitting around and arguing," Hermione puffed up. I finally get away from my hectic workload, and this is where I end up? This is worse than my stressful school life. "We haven't been outside even once today!"

"Bloody hell, Hermione is complaining about not going outside," Fred grimaced.

"Are we really just brooding?" George looked to Harry and Neville, both of whom nodded.

"We're hardly brooding," Ginny gave Hermione an annoyed look. "Ron is our brother, and we need to find a way to make him see sense."

"I think you all need to see some sense," Hermione hissed, she had had enough! "The adults keep looking to us to make more of an effort, and I'm sick of it. The Slytherins are at least trying to be civil, but you all are being closed off. I'm with the adults on this, Hogwarts business should stay at Hogwarts."

With that said, Hermione decided to act bold. She stormed towards the exit, left the Burrow, and began to walk towards Ron and his friends. I'll set the example! The adults will talk some sense into the others when they see me making an effort.

"Hermione!" Ron called and waved, and she immediately tensed. This was a terrible idea… I'm all alone out here. "You alright?!"

"I'm fine," Hermione said as she came to a stop in front of Ron and Greengrass.

"Are you here to join us?" Ron asked with a smile. Am I?

"Yes," Hermione put on a smile. Act natural, Hermione. You can do this. "Is that alright?"

"Of course," Ron grinned like he used to whenever he spoke with her. "We're all just talking about random things, so just mingle."

Daphne Greengrass didn't look pleased, but at the same time, she didn't look bothered either. How does Ron put up with that expressionless behavior? It's downright creepy. Hermione made her way down the grass, which is where she found the Slytherins broken off into groups. Luna and Astoria Greengrass were trying to do cartwheels, despite wearing clean clothes. Theodore Nott and Tracey Davis were listening to Pink Floyd, which definitely caught Hermione's attention. And lastly, Draco Malfoy was sitting by himself, his books open around him. He's studying? During the Break? Hermione felt the need to review her own books, but she quickly calmed herself. Time to see if he's really changed. I can do this.

"Are you studying Runes?" Hermione asked, and Malfoy slowly looked up with a cocked eyebrow. He's not sneering, so that's a good sign. "Shouldn't you be socializing with your friends?" Don't tell him what to do, Hermione?! Ugh… You're so stupid!

"I could ask the same of you," Malfoy said after a few seconds. "Or have they cast you aside for some reason?" They didn't cast me out. They just… forgot to ask…

"I'm the one who left them," Hermione corrected him. "I wanted to spend time outside, but they decided that brooding in the dark suited them better."

"Brooding?" Malfoy asked. "Or plotting against me?" Should I tell him? No, of course not.

"There is no plotting," Hermione lied. "They just don't want to be around you." Ow… Smooth, Hermione…

"Are you trying to sound rude? Or is this just how you talk?" Malfoy asked calmly, and Hermione didn't know what to say. He's still a jerk.

"Sorry for disturbing you," Hermione frowned a little.

"Wait…" Malfoy said quickly. "If you leave in an angry huff, Weasl… Ron… will come running down here in order to end my life."

"What?" Hermione blinked.

"He's trying to 'reform' me, I think," Malfoy drawled. "Don't get me into trouble, especially because you're the one who approached me." Ron's trying to reform him? Really? That's quite brilliant!

"So why are you studying Runes?" Hermione decided to keep the conversation going. "Did you get low marks in-"

"Let me just stop you before you put your foot in your mouth again," Malfoy frowned at her, and she felt her face heat up. Damnit, Hermione! "I got an Exceeds Expectations, and I want to know why it wasn't an Outstanding."

"Shouldn't you ask Professor Babbling that?" Hermione asked.

"Do you see her around here?" Malfoy asked back. "Is she hiding behind that chicken house over there?"

"Don't be so snarky," Hermione huffed. "I was just making a suggestion."

"Look, whenever they all get like this, I just open my books and study," Malfoy said, he sounded a little irritated. "It creates a safety bubble around me, and no one comes over to bother me. But you clearly didn't get the message, and now, Weas… Ron… is staring at me."

Hermione shot a slow look to the right, and she noticed Ron's eyes fixed on her as he spoke to Greengrass. Malfoy's right! Ron's watching us!

"So if I get upset, he'll come scold you?" Hermione asked.

"Scold?" Malfoy rolled his eyes. "Ron doesn't 'scold', he burns the message into your forehead." What?

Hermione swallowed thickly, Ron's stare was starting to creep her out. Malfoy clearly listens to Ron, which means that some of the rumors around the school are true. Ron really does run Slytherin, and a few of them fear him. Hermione suddenly saw Neville and Harry approach Ron, and they began talking to each other. They followed me out? Good on them.

"Please leave, Granger," Malfoy went back to his work. He said 'please'?! Wow… I should just go.

Hermione left Malfoy in order to approach Harry and Neville, both of whom were looking between her and Malfoy.

"Why were you speaking to him?" Harry asked. "Did he insult you?"

"No, actually," Hermione replied, and both boys waited for her to go on. "I asked him why he was studying, and he told me that he wanted to improve his grades. It was… civil."

"Really?" Neville looked genuinely surprised. "You had a civil chat with Malfoy of all people?"

"I did," Hermione smiled because of her little victory. "See, I was right. Sitting in there wasn't doing any of us any good. If we make an effort, we could come to some form of agreement with the Slytherins. No more fighting, no more rule-breaking, and no more hateful slurs. Ron runs Slytherin, which means that we can at least expect good faith."

"I think that's a brilliant idea!" Neville beamed at her, something that made her rather nervous. He looks so pleased with me… That feels weird.

"I don't know…" Harry looked skeptical. "There's a lot of bad-blood between the Houses, and I'd rather not jump into the middle of it. We could make things worse if we're not careful. Or worse, come across as traitors to the other Gryffindors."

"How are we traitors if we're stopping fights?" Hermione was genuinely baffled. "We're doing what's best for the House, and they'll see that for certain."

"Scheming?" came Ron's voice, and both Harry and Neville quickly jumped to Hermione's sides.

"No," the Trio said together, and Ron smiled widely.

"What do you think, Daph?" Ron looked to the Ice-Queen.

"Definitely scheming," Greengrass had her eyes fixed on Hermione.

"We don't scheme," Harry gathered himself. "That's more of a Slytherin trait." Harry?!

"True," Ron snorted, much to Hermione's confusion. "Do you guys want to come with Daphne and me? We're heading towards Theo and Tracey in order to listen to some music."

"Muggle music," Hermione heard herself say.

"Tracey's mother is Muggle-Born," Greengrass said. Really? I didn't know that. "Tracey grew up in Muggle London, and her Family still lives there."

"That's quite neat," Neville said, and Hermione nodded along.

"Come on, let's go up," Ron urged them along. "This will be fun, I'm sure of it."

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Monday 21st December, 1993 (The Burrow – Afternoon)

The conversation between the Gryffindors and the Slytherins wasn't going as well as Ron had hoped. Hermione had asked a couple of questions about Pink Floyd, but it was apparent that she didn't really care for Muggle music. Harry had no doubt heard some songs in his childhood, but he wasn't planning to bring up his past. As for Neville, the Herbology fanatic had quickly latched himself onto Theo. This meant that Tracey decided to take away Daphne from Ron, which left Ron alone with Harry and Hermione.

"We can just call him over," Hermione suggested.

"Please don't," Harry shot Hermione a bored look.

"I think Harry's right," Ron said. "Draco's not one to socialize when he's in his books. You'll just bother him, and then he will become rude." Trust me, I've learned my lesson. Weak pushes work best with him.

"He's so different from before," Hermione still couldn't believe this.

"Maybe he's just acting?" Harry suggested?

"No, he's becoming more tolerant," Ron couldn't help but say. Malfoy deserves the credit for that. "It's just a slow process."

"Good on you, Ron," Hermione nodded in approval. "It's good that you're trying to change the Slytherins from within."

"Not all of them need changing," Ron shrugged. Change the subject. "Anyway… I'm glad that you three are here. I have no doubt that Ginny and the twins are up to something."

"Not really," Hermione said quickly. "They just don't like Malfoy much…"

"I know, but things can escalate, can't they?" Ron asked. "One wrong look, and we could all end up in a massive spat. Tell me that you two don't want that."

"We don't, of course," Hermione said.

"Yeah, that'd be bad," Harry agreed. Got you.

"I just want to know if I need to keep my eyes open," Ron said calmly. "You don't have to give specifics."

Hermione and Harry exchanged looks, and Hermione jerked her head towards Ron. She wants him to tell me something?

"Ginny is the one riling them up," Harry sighed out. "The twins aren't happy, but they know that they're in a lot of trouble right now." So the twins can be swayed. Good thing I have that plan ready, then.

"Do either of you know what Ginny's problem with me is?" Ron asked. "Over the last few months, she's been nothing but hostile towards me."

"Look, Ron… We don't want to get involved in your Family's feuds," Harry said slowly. Now you chose to stay out of my business?

"Hermione?" Ron looked to her, and she didn't look half as certain as Harry. She wants to tell me, doesn't she? "It's alright, I didn't mean to get you involved. You don't have to say a thing. I'll just try to talk to Ginny at some point, and hopefully, we can sort out our differences." There, Hermione will come to me herself now. Eventually.

"Thanks for understanding," Harry gave a weak smile, while Hermione looked a little guilty for not helping Ron end the fighting. I ought to change the topic again.

"Do you two want-?" Ron stopped as soon as he started.

Off in the distance, in the direction of Stoatshead Hill, Ron had seen something resembling a golden glow. Just like the glow coming off of Fate… Could it… Could it be? Ron's entire attention span was devoted towards the hills, and both Harry and Hermione exchanged looks before following his gaze. They saw absolutely nothing, which made them question why Ron was suddenly looking off into the distance.

"Ron, are you alright?" Hermione asked.

"I'm fine," Ron said, his eyes seeing the glow again. It's there! I'm not seeing things! I have to get to Stoatshead Hill right the fuck now! "I have to go check on… Pandora…"

Ron quickly began walking towards the Burrow.

"Ron?!" came Daphne's voice. "Where are you going?!" I'm going to go see her! I finally have the chance to demand some bloody answers!

---

AUTHOR'S NOTES: And that's it! I know it was a bit of a slow chapter on Ron's end, but I just wanted to show him enjoying the comforts of his home. He's relaxing a little, finally.

As for the Pure-Bloods, they're just scheming their hearts out.

Next Chapter will hopefully be out by Tuesday! So until then, take care!