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.

105. Chapter 105 - Blindsided

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 105 is finally here!

Firstly, I'd like to apologize for the delay on this one. Life took me by the hips, and she tested out her new strap-on on me. I'm still walking bowlegged.

Anyway, I finally got time to sit down and write this out, but I didn't really have time to check for errors, so please excuse any mistakes you spot. I'm just exhausted, and I can't bring myself to read through this one.

Now, please enjoy!

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

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

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'Such a terrible assault cannot be left unanswered' - The Ancestor from Darkest Dungeon

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Fate

Chapter 105 – Blindsided

William Weasley's POV

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

Bill stepped through the fireplace, the Goblins had let him go home early because business was extremely slow due to wizards spending time with their Families. Bill didn't mind the half-day, but he couldn't deny that he didn't want to run into Charlie right now. He's still upset with Ron, and quite frankly, I'm with Ron on this. Charlie told me that he knew about how Ron would react, so why is he so surprised when he got proven right? Sure, the threats were unnecessary, but I doubt Ron would act on them. He's a child at the end of the day.

"Bill!" Ginny greeted him, and Bill realized that his sister and brothers were currently occupying the Living Room. "You're back early!"

"The Gobos let me go home," Bill smiled at her. I need to do something about her fight with Ron. I'll talk to mum and dad first, and maybe, we can join forces.

"Gobos?" Fred asked.

"It's another word for Goblins," Bill replied as he took a seat. "Just don't say it near them, alright? They'll string you up."

"Then why are you saying it?" George smirked. "Don't you work for Gobos?"

"Trust me, working for them makes you… jaded…" Bill sighed out. "They're incredibly rude, demanding, and corrupt. They'd sell their own mothers for a few Galleons, I assure you." Wait… Where are the others? "Where is mum? And where are the other kids? It's so quiet in here." The Ghoul will start banging the pipes if we don't do something soon.

"Mum went shopping for tonight's dinner," Ginny replied.

"Percy snuck off to go see Penelope," Fred said with an almost proud smile.

"Alone?" Bill sat up. Shite! "When?!"

"What? Calm down, Bill," George cocked an eyebrow. "He said that he'd only be gone an hour, or so."

"Do the parents know that he left? Where is Sirius?" Bill asked quickly.

Ginny and the twins exchanged slow looks, and Bill could see that his behavior was starting to worry his little sister. Calm down, Bill. Behave like an adult.

"Sirius went back to his place," Fred said. "Incidentally, none of us can remember where he lives…" I don't have time to explain the Fidelius Charm.

"Charlie and Kirsten?" Bill asked.

"In Charlie's room," Ginny replied slowly. "Bill, what's going on? You're acting weird."

"It's nothing," Bill lied. "Do you guys know where this Penelope lives?"

"Somewhere in Muggle London," George replied. So there's no way that I can go find Percy. Damn.

"Ron! Mrs. Lovegood isn't even here!" came Hermione's voice from outside, which quickly caught everyone's attention.

And then, Ron suddenly burst into the Living Room. It took Bill one second to realize that Ron was genuinely sweating, and it wasn't because he was in a hurry. It was a sickly looking sweat, the kind that stuck to a person like grime. As for his complexion, even the others could see that he was paler than usual. What's got him in such a hurry?

"Hello…" Ron's eyes lingered on Bill, while Hermione, Harry, Neville, Theo, Daphne, and Tracey followed Ron into the house. "Is… Is Pandora here?" What?

"She went home with Xeno after they dropped off Luna," Fred gave Ron an icy stare. "Are you going senile?"

"Right… I need to go take care of some business…" Ron muttered before rushing over to the fireplace.

"What business?" Daphne asked, her eyes darting towards Bill. What the hell is going on here? What's got him so riled up?

"Wait a second," Bill quickly moved to Ron's side. "Mum and dad aren't home, and they told me that no one is allowed to leave. Now… I can come with you, if your business is really important, but I can't let you leave alone." Mum would hang me.

Ron shot Bill a frustrated look, and then he drew in a deep breath before looking around the room. Everyone was staring at Ron, who seemed to finally realize that he was acting way too off. Ron then wiped the sweat off of his brow, and then he blinked repeatedly. What the…? He looks like he's going to faint.

"Ron, are you alright?" Daphne walked over to Ron's other side.

"Perfectly fine," Ron closed his eyes as he breathed in deeply again.

"You're sweating," Neville pointed out. "Like a lot…"

"It's really hot," Ron tugged at his collar. Huh?

"Ron, it's actually quite chilly," Bill told his little brother. Now I'm starting to get worried. "Fred and George, go and get Charlie. Tell him to come down right now."

The twins didn't move whatsoever, they were too busy staring at Ron, who was now breathing rather heavily. Is this a panic attack? Mum warned me about these! He needs room to breathe!

"Ron, come with me," Daphne suddenly pulled Ron past Bill, she was leading him towards the Kitchen. "Bill, can you please come with me as well?" Me?

"Yeah," Bill followed after her, but he stopped right at the door. "He needs a little room to breathe, so don't pile on after me."

With that said, Bill entered the Kitchen, and he found Ron sitting on the closest chair. He was rubbing his face with a lethargic posture, while Daphne was rubbing his back as she whispered something to him.

"I'm alright…" Ron groaned. "Just… lightheaded… And my stomach feels off…"

"Bill, can you please get him some water?" Daphne asked, and Bill quickly did as he was told.

By the time he returned, the other children had piled on in the doorway. Unsurprisingly, they all looked a little worried, despite the tension between them. At the end of the day, they're just having a spat. Right now, they're more worried about their brother, or friend.

"Here, Ron," Bill handed him the glass. "Take a sip."

"Is he alright?" Ginny asked. "Ron, are you sick?"

"Something I ate…" Ron lied rather poorly.

"I have a Calming Potion," Daphne whispered, but Bill managed to overhear her. "Do you want me to mix it into your water?"

"Do it… Please," Ron exhaled, his face was getting more and more red. What's got him so spooked?

"Guys, go up and get Charlie for me," Bill decided to block the view.

Hermione and Neville left quickly, while Tracey and Theo walked up and crouched in front of Ron. Are they also blocking the view? Or are they trying to calm him down?

"What's the matter with him?" Ginny asked as she tried to get a better look. "Bill?"

"He's fine," came Theo's voice, it was rather calm given the situation. "Just a bit of heartburn, eh, Ron? You've been eating more than usual."

"Yeah… Heartburn…" Ron all but whispered, his tone was a little lighter now. "I'm okay…"

The twins were eyeballing Bill now, they had caught onto the fact that Bill knew more than he was letting on. As for Ginny, she was still trying to get a proper look at Ron, and Harry had joined her. Oddly enough, Bill couldn't help but think that Harry looked more curious than worried. Wait… He, and his friends, know about Ron's Brain-Damage, don't they? Dad mentioned that Harry had looked into Ron quite thoroughly, even going as far as to invade Ron's belongings. Bill wasn't sure how he felt about that, but as Ron's brother, he felt quite disappointed with Harry.

"You shouldn't stand, Ron," Daphne said, and Bill turned around at that.

Ron looked much calmer now, but his breathing was still a little erratic.

"I… need fresh air," Ron said, and then he simply made his way towards the exit.

The twins hopped out of his way, confused expressions marring their features. Bill followed after his odd little brother, and the other children followed after Bill. Ron led them outside, his blue eyes quickly becoming fixed on the hills by the Burrow's side. Where is he looking? Bill looked for whatever Ron was staring at, but honestly, he saw absolutely nothing.

"Ron?" Bill looked back to the Slytherin, but he didn't respond.

Ron simply kept staring off into the distance, an eerily calm look on his face. It's almost creepy, but also quite soothing. He's completely recovered from his near panic attack.

"I poured too much…" Daphne whispered to Bill.

"Of the Calming Draught?" Bill whispered back. "Is that bad?"

"Have you seen him on one before?" Daphne asked, and Bill shook his head slowly. "You're in for a treat, then…"

"Why are you two whispering?" Ginny came up from behind them. "What is wrong with Ron? Is he sick?" Yes, very sick.

"You sound genuinely worried, Ginny," Ron said with a calm, unwavering voice.

"Ron, don't be-" Daphne started, but Ginny cut her off.

"You looked like you were dying, so of course I'm worried," Ginny said, her expression was a mixture of annoyance and concern. "Ron? What are you trying to see?"

"Nothing," Ron replied. "I'm just enjoying the breeze."

"What's the matter with him?" Fred asked from the back.

"What did you give my brother?" Ginny looked to Daphne. "I saw you! You put something into his water!" Ginny…

"Ginny, Daphne's helping Ron," Bill said. "There's no need to yell at her."

"Ron, do you want to go for a walk?" Daphne asked, completely ignoring the others.

"Ron? Bill?" came Charlie's voice, and Bill looked back to see Charlie and Kirsten come out of the Burrow. "What's going on? Neville and Hermione looked like they were in a right panic. They said that Ron was having trouble breathing."

"Was being the operative word," Ron said, he was still looking for something off into the distance. "I'm fine now, thanks to Daphne, so please, go about your day."

"Go about our day?" George asked, while Bill just eyed Ron. "As if we can just 'go about our day' after seeing that. Greengrass, what did you give him?"

"A Calming Draught," Ron replied for Daphne. "Stop hounding her as if she's drugged me, I asked her for it."

"A Calming Draught?" Ginny looked back to Daphne. "Why were you even carrying one around?"

"So many questions," Ron clicked his tongue. "Can you all stop crowding me? It's making it harder for me to recover." It doesn't sound like we are. It sounds like you no longer need us, so you're sending us away. "Daphne, where do you want to go?"

"We haven't been down the lane yet," Daphne replied, while the others looked to Bill to do something. Honestly, I don't know if I should. He seems calmer now, but he doesn't want us around.

"Let's go to the orchard," Ron said, outright ignoring her suggestion. "Come."

With that, Ron simply began walking around the Burrow, his eyes still fixed on the hills. What in the actual fuck is he looking at? Bill himself was already feeling frustrated, and from what his parents had told him, Ron wasn't going to make this any easier. He's too closed off, and now that he's on that Potion, he seemingly doesn't care whatsoever. Daphne followed after Ron, but not before shooting a meaningful look at Bill. She knows what she's doing. I ought to make her job easier by controlling the herd. The others slowly made to follow Ron once again, but Bill put himself between them and the aloof Slytherin.

"I know you're all worried, but Ron seems fine now," Bill said, he easily noticed Theo and Tracey lingering in the back. Those two know something, that's why they're keeping their distance. "Kirsten, can you take everyone inside while I talk to Charlie?"

"Is he alright?" Hermione asked as she came out of the Burrow, and then, she realized that Ron wasn't around. "Where is he?"

"He left with Greengrass," Ginny told Hermione before looking to Bill. "Tell us what's wrong with him." Damn you for leaving this mess to me, Ron.

"He was clearly just feeling unwell," Kirsten started. "Look, if you keep chasing after him, you'll make him feel sick again. Just come with me, and once he's feeling better, you can talk to him yourselves."

"Like he'll tell us anything," Fred said, and then looked to Bill. "You know what's going on, don't you? What aren't you telling us?"

"Was… whatever that was… related to his seizures?" George asked. Wow, he hit the nail on the head.

"Seizures?" came Luna's voice, she and Astoria had snuck up on the entire group. "Are you talking about Ron?"

"He was acting really-" Ginny started, but once she saw that Luna was with Astoria, she narrowed her eyes on the youngest Greengrass.

"Staring is rude," Astoria smirked. "Am I that pretty?"

"Ugh…" Ginny rolled her eyes.

"None of that," Bill scolded no one in particular. "Kirsten, take them inside, yeah?"

"Come on," Kirsten 'guided' the twins towards the front door, while the Golden Trio quickly moved out of the way.

"You three as well," Bill said, and Hermione nodded quickly.

"Come on," Hermione was the first one to follow orders.

"Luna, why don't you play with Astoria inside?" Charlie smiled at the aloof girl. "It's getting quite cold out here."

"Is Ron alright?" Luna asked.

"He's going to be just fine," Bill put on a smile. I hope.

"I don't wish to sound rude, but shouldn't one of you adults be with him right now?" Astoria asked. "I assume that he left with my sister." She was there when he was diagnosed in Paris. I hope she hasn't told anyone about Ron's conditions.

"Tori's right," Tracey said from the back, she and Theo had managed to stay quiet long enough to become 'invisible'. "He could still-"

"Ahem," Theo cleared his throat, his eyes darting towards Luna.

"Oh…" Tracey realized that she was fear-mongering by mistake.

"I'll go and talk to him," Bill said, and then he did a quick headcount. "Wait… Where is Malfoy?" Damn, I keep calling him Malfoy. Mum and dad told me to be inclusive, but I just can't get over the fact that we have a Malfoy at the Burrow.

"Draco is still studying out on the grass," Luna pointed towards where he was. "He said that 'Weasley is just being Weasley', but I'm not sure what that means."

"It means that Draco's boring, and that he broods all the time," Astoria sighed out. "Since we're being forced to stay inside, Lu, what should we do now?" Lu?

"Let's get our star charts ready," Luna hummed.

"Star charts?" Bill asked out of curiosity.

"Lu and I plan to chart the stars tonight," Astoria replied. "The stars are really visible around here, and it'd be a shame not to use that." At least they're enjoying themselves. Clever girls… They're not taking any part in the tension, and they're just doing whatever makes them happiest.

"Do you have a spare chart?" Bill smiled genuinely.

"Planning to join us?" Astoria smirked. Why not? I certainly don't plan to drink tonight.

"We have a few," Luna smiled, though she was just looking at the sky. "Ask Ron to come with you, I think that he needs to relax for a change. If he keeps stressing like this, he'll go bald." Stress? Does she know something?

Luna then began walking towards the Burrow, and Astoria quickly followed after her. That girl… She's as sharp as Pandora, but as aloof as Xeno. What an odd combination.

"So?" Charlie walked up to Bill. "What happened?"

"I don't know, truth be told," Bill admitted. "I got home, and then Ron just burst into the Burrow in a sorry state. I think he was on the verge of a panic attack."

"What triggered it?" Charlie asked.

"Nothing," Tracey said as she and Theo walked up to Bill and Charlie. "He was speaking with Potter and Granger, and then, out of the blue, he was rushing towards the Burrow."

"Maybe they said something to him?" Theo suggested. "Sometimes, certain topics cause him to start spiraling."

"Certain topics?" Bill asked. These two have more experience than us. I should ask them to share as much as they're willing.

"Politics, studies, his siblings…" Tracey listed.

"Siblings?" Charlie blinked. "What do you mean by 'siblings'? He spirals when he thinks about us?" That's both hurtful, and not all that unexpected.

"Well, a certain sibling did beat him violently," Theo said coldly, and Charlie stilled in his spot. "Yeah… We know about that." Charlie…

"Ginny is a classless bitch, the twins are constantly taking shots at him, and Percy has a habit of cornering Ron whenever Ron is struggling," Tracey said, and then she looked Bill over. "Your lunch with him did wonders for his mood, actually. He talked a lot about you when he was drunk."

"Drunk?" Bill asked.

"It took a bit of convincing, but he spent the majority of the night laughing and making jokes," Theo shrugged. That does sound nice, actually. I'll let it go simply because Ron needs more of that in his life. "William, you should go and check on him. But just you… He's not happy with Charles right now."

Charlie pinched the bridge of his nose, while Tracey and Theo left for the grass area.

"I did hit him…" Charlie sighed out.

"You did, and you're damn lucky that I wasn't around," Bill said a little harshly, but when he saw Charlie's built figure shrink a little, Bill relaxed his scowl. "Sorry, little brother… I know that it wasn't completely black and white…" Ron can be difficult, I truly understand that now. The fact that he looked into Kirsten's parents is actually quite alarming, and I might need to tell mum and dad about it.

"No, it was," Charlie said to himself, and then he looked towards the house. "So? Where did he go?"

"Daphne took him out back," Bill replied. "She was so damn quick, Charlie… She pulled him out of the room, gave him a Calming Draught which she just happened to be carrying around, and then she took him out back in order to avoid a fight. It was actually quite impressive." And right now, she's putting up with his strange behavior.

"Mum was right, then," Charlie said. "Our Ronnie got lucky…" That he did.

"By the way…" Bill started. "Percy is in Muggle London right now."

"What?" Charlie looked genuinely confused.

"You were supposed to watch them until I got home," Bill reminded Charlie. "Percy, of all people, snuck out to go see his girlfriend."

"Shite," Charlie rubbed his face. "Bill, I'm really sorry… Kirsten and I were… Fuck, we were having a spat…"

"About Ron?" Bill asked.

"About me yanking his arm back rather harshly," Charlie mumbled. "She was furious with me, brother, despite Ron's behavior. I think she blames me for Ron looking into her Family…" Again, what Ron did is extremely disturbing.

"Get your temper under control, and I promise you, you won't have these problems," Bill sighed out. "I'm going to go check on Ron. You need to go wait in the Living Room in case Percy shows up." Charlie began to leave for the Burrow, but Bill decided to give him another edict. "Don't tell the others anything about Ron. Just tell them that he was feeling queasy, and now he's starting to recover."

"Like they'll believe that," Charlie said before he disappeared into the house.

Bill began making his way around the Burrow, and it wasn't long before he spotted Ron and Daphne on the outskirts of the orchard. Ron was lying down on his side, his head planted on Daphne's lap. He's still looking at the hills. Why? Bill calmly approached them, his eyes fixed on Daphne's face. When she gave him a subtle nod, he finally made himself known to Ron.

"Hey, little brother," Bill said softly. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel fine," Ron said in a monotone voice.

"Good," Bill said, and then he shot Daphne a grateful smile. "Ron, what happened?"

"I got stressed," Ron replied.

"About what?" Bill asked.

"It just happened out of nowhere," Ron replied casually. "I can't help it, Bill, it happens to me all the time. It's a part of having Chronic Stress."

Bill looked to Daphne, and she gave him a nod. Bloody hell… Panic attacks out of nowhere? Must be hell living with that. Bill himself had had a couple of panic attacks in his youth, so he at least understood how terrifying, and painful, they could be. That's the price you pay when you want to be the best.

"Now that you've checked on me, please leave," Ron said, and Bill felt a pang of hurt. "I want to be alone."

"Oh… Um… Alright," Bill said, making sure to sound like his usual self.

"Thank you, Bill," Daphne gave him a sorry smile, she had clearly read him.

"Just… If you need anything, Ron… Come to me, yeah?" Bill said before he turned to leave. I'm your big brother, aren't I? You can rely on me.

"Yes, yes…" Ron drawled. "Go about your day."

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Ronald Weasley's POV

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

Ron was a coward, and right now, he truly believed that.

Seeing that golden glow had excited Ron beyond measure, but as he was approaching the Burrow, a horrible realization had begun to dawn on him. He was walking over to speak with Fate herself… A fucking Celestial Being of near infinite power and age. His stride had weakened, and a feeling of genuine fear had started gnawing at his insides. What was he thinking? That he'd just approach her and demand answers? What if she was like the Entity? What if she was cruel to him? What if she destroyed him for forgetting his place? By the time Ron had reached the Burrow's front door, he was trembling with fear. Only Daphne had realized that he was teary-eyed from his near panic attack, and so she had removed him from the Burrow for his own good.

"Are you going to tell me what you're looking for?" Daphne suddenly asked, and Ron repositioned his head on her lap.

He was now staring up at her, while she was looking down at him with an expectant look. We've been out here for nearly an hour, and I still haven't seen that golden glow… Maybe I was just seeing things? I've had hallucinations before, so there's always that possibility.

"Have you ever felt like your own mind is out to get you?" Ron asked Daphne, and she blinked at him. "I feel like my worst enemy is my own brain, and one of these days, it's going to kill me."

"Ron…" Daphne mouth hung open a little. Keep that to yourself, Ron. She doesn't cope well with that line of thinking.

"I'm looking at the hills because they're peaceful," Ron lied as he used his gloved hand to close her mouth. "I want to go up there."

"You want to go up there?" Daphne repeated slowly. "Do you want to be alone?"

"We are alone," Ron said with a raised eyebrow.

"So you want me around? Despite the Potion?" Daphne asked.

"I always want you around," Ron stated straightforwardly. "Do you remember when you asked me to teach you Wandless Magic?"

"Ron… I'm a bit lost here…" Daphne admitted. Am I being too detached? Probably. "Why are you bringing up Wandless Magic right now?"

"I want to go meditate on a certain hill," Ron sat up. "While we're there, I can give you your first lesson."

"I can't use Magic during the Break," Daphne reminded him.

"I doubt you'll be able to use Wandless Magic on your first attempt," Ron said bluntly. "It'll just be a theoretical lesson."

"I don't know about this, Ron," Daphne took his left hand into hers. "You nearly had a panic attack… What if you have a seizure up there? We'll be all alone."

"You can always call Marty," Ron said.

"Apparation during a seizure?" Daphne asked with a meaningful look. Oh. "Ron, that sounds extremely dangerous."

"You make a good point," Ron couldn't help but say. I will wait until everyone is asleep before I head up to Stoatshead Hill, then. I know that I won't have a seizure, but Daphne can be a worry-wart when it comes to my health.

"Why don't you teach me Wandless Magic when we're back at Hogwarts?" Daphne smiled at him, and Ron slowly lay back down. Her thighs make for a nice pillow. "We can do it during your French lessons."

"So I practice French, while you practice Wandless Magic?" Ron liked this idea. "Count me in."

"The others might get jealous of me," Daphne joked, her hand playing with his hair.

"I've offered to teach them, haven't I?" Ron asked. "How is it your fault that they're too lazy to even try?" They want to be powerful, but they don't want to put in the effort. Even Millie gave up on Wandless Magic pretty quickly. 'It takes too long'. What the hell does that even mean?

"I wouldn't say lazy…" Daphne's smiled faltered. Lazy, and weak. "It's just… You spend hours every day just practicing your Magic… We have no idea how you put up with such a boring task. It certainly doesn't look fun, and half the time, you look like you're in pain." It's because I am. The more Magic you use, the harder the strain becomes.

"Fun," Ron scoffed. "Fun is for morons, Daphne, I thought you knew that. I don't practice for fun, I practice so I can be the best." I practice so I can protect all of you in the Future.

"And how's that treating you?" Daphne asked him, she sounded a little annoyed.

"Touché," Ron said blandly.

"You can't deny that you're different from everyone else," Daphne said a little more gently, she didn't want this version of Ron to get to her. "Everyone has their own strengths, Ron, and their own passions."

"And I shouldn't look down on them for being different," Ron said, he had had this conversation with Pomfrey before. "I suppose you're right…" I'll just have to work harder to protect them. I know that I can do better.

"You should offer to teach us all again," Daphne suggested. "You never know who might agree to join."

"What if they all say no?" Ron asked.

"Then it'll be just us," Daphne shot him a wink. "We can make our lessons more… exciting." I know she's flirting with me right now, but I'm not really in the mood for that. Wait… I just remembered that Lord and Lady Greengrass want to speak to Daphne and me about our relationship.

"Daphne, I have to tell you something," Ron said, and Daphne looked a bit confused by his sudden urgency. "My parents, and your parents, are going to speak to us soon."

"Oh…" Daphne immediately caught onto what he meant. "They want to discuss sexual health with us?" What? Why is she so horny?

"No, they want to discuss my health issues," Ron replied. "I think they want to make sure that you understand-"

"Not this again…" Daphne cut in with a frown. "I don't need them to tell me about your health, Ron. I know far more than they do."

"They're adults," Ron shrugged calmly. "Occasionally, they like to act like they're in charge. Just humor them, and hopefully, they'll fuck off."

"Ron," Daphne lightly tugged at his hair. Ow. "Don't speak like that about them… Complaining is one thing, but don't forget that they're our parents." Daphne then shot a look towards the Burrow. "Your mother is home, by the way. I saw her staring at us from a window before." Really?

"Why didn't you say anything?" Ron sat up once again.

"She wasn't the only one staring," Daphne replied. "I'm pretty sure the others are taking turns at staring at us." Of course they are. In their defense, they just want to know what's going on. "Ron… Maybe you ought to tell your siblings about your conditions?"

"What?" Ron gave her a cold look. "Are you insane, Daphne? The moment I do that, Christmas will end. Plus… I don't need them worrying over me. It'll just be a pain in my arse."

"Why?" Daphne asked. "Ron, they just saw you nearly have a panic attack, so I assure you, they all have questions. What are you going to do? Just ignore them?"

"Yes," Ron stood up, and Daphne followed suit. "Right now, my siblings have a tendency to be hostile towards me-"

"All the more reason to tell them," Daphne said. "They'll think twice before they come after you."

"Yeah, and that's the problem," Ron stated. "Right now, they usually treat me like I'm their enemy. They disrespect me, make jokes at my expense, and go out of their way to hinder me. But the moment I tell them that I'm dying, they'll start showering me with love and concern." Ron then drew in a deep breath. "Their newfound love and concern will be born out of pity, not genuineness. It'll be fake, and I don't want that."

"You don't want them to pretend like they care about you?" Daphne slowly realized that Ron had a genuine reason for his secrecy. "Ron, despite their behavior, it's clear that they do care about you."

"Sometimes, they do," Ron said. "But lately… Lately, whenever I see them, I feel the urge to walk in the other direction." All they do is annoy me with their idiotic problems, not to mention how entitled they are. "Anyway… There's no point in whining about my feelings."

"You can always 'whine' to me," Daphne took his left hand. She's being really nice to me, despite me being on the Calming Draught. I know for a fact that she doesn't like me when I'm like this. Wait… I haven't thanked her yet. C'mon, Ron, be better.

"Thank you, Daphne," Ron said suddenly, making sure to squeeze her hand a little.

"That was random," Daphne said, though she did sound a little pleased. "I swear to Merlin, I have no idea how your mind works when you're on this Potion."

"I just remembered that I hadn't thanked you, so I decided to change that," Ron shrugged. "I'm really glad that I have you."

"I'm glad to have you as well," Daphne smiled genuinely. "Can you give me a kiss?" Sure, I don't see the harm in doing that. Also, is Daphne in the mood to snog? She keeps flirting with me, and now she wants to kiss out in the open. Girls… They're a mystery.

Ron leaned forward and gave her a chaste kiss, but she clearly had other plans because she bit his lower lip. She's doing the thing that Clara taught me. Even though I'm on the Calming Draught, her biting me like that feels really arousing.

"Daph…" Ron pulled back a little. "You just said that people are staring at us through the windows."

"They can't see me biting you," Daphne whispered, and then she kissed his lower lip. "Did that hurt?"

"I've had worse," Ron smirked. "Maybe once the Potion wears off, we can spend some more time together?"

"I'd like that," Daphne agreed immediately, and then she gave him a hug. What has gotten into her? "I was really scared for you… You've never cried during a panic attack before…"

"I didn't cry," Ron corrected her as he patted her back. "I was close to it, but I kept myself in check."

"Still… It must've been terrible," Daphne squeezed her boyfriend. That book didn't prepare me for this sort of behavior. Is she feeling mischievous, or sad? I should ask Clara for another lesson.

"You helped me through it," Ron decided to say, and when her hug tightened, Ron knew that he had chosen his words well. "Let's go inside. I want to change into my Training Outfit."

"Training Outfit?" Daphne pulled back, and they began making their way towards the Burrow hand in hand.

"I didn't get to do my Circuit Training yesterday," Ron said. "Plus, I want to work on my Wandless, and Non-Verbal, Magic." I might as well use this Potion's effects to my advantage. I feel so clear headed right now, which will definitely help me focus.

"You'll do your Circuit Training outside?" Daphne asked.

"Do you plan to watch?" Ron asked, he knew that the girls enjoyed eyeballing him while he worked out. It'd be better if they joined me. Good health could save their life one day.

"Obviously," Daphne said. Yes, obviously. "But… Granger…"

"Ah," Ron nodded to himself. "Daphne, I want you to make your peace with her. Fighting schoolmates is beneath us, and it only serves to hinder us in the long run. Hermione is an extremely intelligent witch, and one day, you might need her on your side."

"I saw her staring at your arse this morning," Daphne huffed in indignation. "She acts all saintly, but her eyes tend to linger on you." She still has a crush on me? Yeesh, that's annoying. Daphne is far too possessive to make her peace with a girl who eyeballs me.

"Everyone occasionally stares at the opposite sex," Ron said. "Unless, you prefer the same sex, that is. What I'm trying to say is that people tend to stare at what they find attractive, it's only natural. One day soon, Hermione will get over her crush, so why not fix things between you two now? Trust me, having allies is far better than having rivals."

"Is that why you're being so open around Potter?" Daphne asked.

"What he did to me was cruel, and I won't deny that there's a part of me that was genuinely hurt by his actions," Ron replied, and Daphne adorned a dark look. Words, Ron… Choose them carefully. "But he is Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived… Turning him into my enemy will only come back to bite me in the arse." Plus, I know that when the time comes, Harry will be chosen over me. I mean, most of my Family already likes him more than they like me. I need to do whatever it takes to keep Harry under my influence.

"So just because he's famous, he's allowed to get away with his terrible behavior?" Daphne asked. "I'm surprised to hear you, of all people, say that."

"I'm saying that, sometimes, you have to swallow your pride in order to come out on top," Ron said. "Trust me, it took me a long time to realize that, but now that I've made my peace with it, life is slightly easier. If you want to succeed in your business career, Daph, you'll have to do a lot worse than befriending a rival." Hell, I don't like half of the people that I call my allies.

"Is that why you're so friendly with the Veelas even after what happened at the Junior League Tournament?" Daphne asked.

"They're useful for now," Ron saw no need to hide behind a mask with Daphne. "The truth is that I find most Veelas to be unpleasant, and far too arrogant. The fact that they see me as a threat simply because their allures don't work on me speaks volumes about their arrogance."

"Good to know," Daphne smiled at him. "And you're right, they are an unpleasant lot. Trying to make a deal with them is unbearable, especially when they constantly look down on the people of Magical Britain."

"In you go," Ron said as he held the door for her, and she thanked him as she entered the Burrow's Kitchen. Wow, it's really warm in here.

As soon as Ron closed the door behind himself, he was cornered by a concerned Molly Weasley.

"Bill told me what happened," Molly whispered for some reason. "My poor boy…"

"I am fine, I assure you," Ron said calmly, and she patted his cheeks. Don't touch my face.

"And you…" Molly smiled at Daphne, and then she pulled the startled Greengrass into a motherly hug. "You did so well, dear." Daphne Greengrass, death by bone-crushing hug.

"Where are the others?" Ron asked as he looked around the empty Kitchen.

"They're upstairs," Molly replied, she was still crushing Daphne. "Ron, a lot of them have questions…"

"Good on them," Ron drawled.

Ron then began making his way towards the stairs, his Training Outfit was currently in his trunk. Molly let go of Daphne, and both witches followed after Ron.

"The twins and Ginny are worried about you, Ronnie," Molly told him. "I think you should talk to them before you do anything else."

"Actually, Ron shouldn't talk to them while he's on the Calming Draught," Daphne said.

"Why?" Molly asked.

"Because I can be 'mean' when I'm on the Calming Draught," Ron said without looking back.

"Ron?" Luna popped out of Ginny's room, the girls had clearly been watching him through Ginny's window. "How do you feel? I heard that you-"

"I feel fine," Ron told her without stopping his stride.

Luna, Hermione, Ginny, Astoria, Molly, and Daphne were now following him up towards the second floor, and Ron felt a pang of annoyance because of their clingy behavior. Stop them before they follow you up to your room, Ron.

"Can I help all of you?" Ron turned to face them, and the witches just exchanged looks.

"What happened to you today?" Ginny stepped forward. "You looked like you were in pain, Ron…"

"I was in immense pain," Ron didn't bother lying, and the witches looked a little uncomfortable. Why ask a question if that's how you're going to react? "I feel fine now, so stop following me everywhere."

"Ron…" Molly gave him a bewildered look, while Daphne pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Daphne, you can come with me," Ron said. "The rest of you… Go about your day, and stay out of my way."

Ron then continued his journey up towards his room. He knew that he could play the hurt victim right now, which would score him a lot of points with the witches, but that's not who he was. Ron had become used to being on his own, and he found that if he started answering questions, his way of life could be deeply affected. One thing would lead to another, and before you know it, people will know about my personal affairs. Plus, most of them are extremely sharp, so I can't afford to entertain them when I'm like this. I could easily slip up, and they'll never let it go.

Daphne eventually caught up to him on the third floor, a slight frown on her beautiful face.

"Stay out of my way?" Daphne repeated. "Honestly, Ron, that was a little unnecessary."

"Did you notice that Luna and Tori were in Ginny's room?" Ron asked, ignoring her comment.

"I did," Daphne sighed out. "Tori told me that she enjoys spending time with Luna, which means that no one is going to stop her from spending time with Luna."

"That's… quite respectable," Ron's lips twitched upwards. "We could all learn a thing, or two, from Luna and Tori. They do as they please, and if the World tries to stop them, they simply ignore it."

"Clearly the Potion has addled your mind," Daphne said. "Your mother asked me to keep you busy, by the way."

"So she understands why you don't want me talking to people now?" Ron asked as he made his way up to the fourth floor.

"She understands that you're not exactly 'you' right now," Daphne replied.

"Well, I already plan to stay busy, so you don't have to worry about me harassing people," Ron said. I just hope that they leave me alone. I hate being disturbed mid-training.

Ron opened the door to his room, and both Ron and Daphne made their way inside.

"You're back," Tracey smiled at them from Theo's bed, both Tracey and Theo were still listening to her Walkman.

Ron's eyes darted towards Malfoy, who was just lazing about on his bed. No Harry and Neville… They're probably with the twins right now.

"Ron, how are you feeling, mate?" Theo asked him, while Malfoy slowly sat up.

"I feel fine," Ron said once again, and then he made his way over to his trunk. Now, my clothes should be right on top since I used them this morning.

"Are you still under the influence of the Calming Draught?" Malfoy asked, while Ron collected a fresh pair of socks.

"I am," Ron replied, and then he took off his sweater.

"Ron!" Daphne squealed, her eyes darting towards a gaping Tracey.

"What?" Ron frowned at her for yelling. "I'm wearing a t-shirt."

"Your arms…" Malfoy mumbled from behind him, and Ron shot a quick look back. I don't even care right now, I already showed him my scars. Plus, this is my room. I can change in it whenever I please.

"You don't like what you see?" Ron 'smiled' at Malfoy, who seemed to shrink in his spot. "This is what the Dark Lord does to people, Malfoy. You got lucky that night in the Forbidden Forest… If I wasn't there, you'd be rotten confetti by now."

"Ron, stop it," Daphne moved between him and Malfoy. "You're scaring him…" Is she defending Malfoy from me? Am I taking things too far?

Ron stared at her face for a few seconds, he could tell that she herself was feeling a little scared of him, but in all honesty, he didn't care right now. If only I could be this clear headed all the time. Ron removed his shirt next, and Daphne's jaw dropped open.

"Abs… Pansy was right…" Tracey's eyes lit up, and Daphne hopped onto the bed in order to cover Tracey's eyes.

"Don't look at them!" Daphne tried to put her hands over Tracey's eyes, but the slender girl rolled to the side, her eyes fixed on Ron's stomach. "Ron, stop undressing!"

"I already put my top on, Daphne," Ron said, he had put on his training jumper during Daphne's scuffle with Tracey. Merlin, it's getting a little tight on me. Does this come with a Fitting Charm?

"I finally saw them…" Tracey slowly started to grin, and Ron noticed that Theo was frowning at him from the corner of his vision. What? You want to impress her? Why don't you get off your arse for a change, then? 'I forgot my running gear at Hogwarts', my arse.

"Unnatural mutation…" Theo muttered under his breath.

"Wow… Just… Wow!" Tracey clapped her hands in excitement. Girls are weird. She went from being shocked to being ecstatic within a heartbeat.

"Tracey, stop it," Daphne said petulantly, she hated the awed look on Tracey's face right now.

Ron began to open the buttons on his jeans, but Daphne quickly hopped off of the bed in order to stop him.

"What, Daph? I'm wearing boxers," Ron clicked his tongue. "And stop jumping around like that… You'll scare the Ghoul upstairs." And then, he'll start banging the pipes, which will disturb mum.

"Stop getting naked in front of other girls!" Daphne stole his training pants. Hey, I need those.

"Fine," Ron rolled his eyes. "Give me the pants, I'll go change outside."

"Please, there is no need for that," Tracey giggled in a rather girly manner. "We're all friends here, right?" She's staring right into my eyes. It's weird.

"I will have you killed, Tracey," Daphne shot an icy look at her best friend. "Ron, go outside."

"Give me the pants first…" Ron said.

"Maybe we should be the ones who go outside?" Theo suggested. "If one of his siblings see him like this, it'll turn into a headache." Right.

"Theo's right," Daphne agreed. "C'mon, let's go outside. I'm looking at you, Tracey, stop ogling my boyfriend."

---

Ginevra Weasley's POV

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

Any concern that she had over Ron's health was now gone, and once again, she found herself unexplainably angry with her older brother. Who was he to dismiss so many people? He had even dismissed their mother, and Ginny would have been blind if she didn't see the hurt on the Weasley matriarch's face. For Merlin's sake, Daphne Greengrass was behaving in a more likeable manner than Ron. Despite Ginny's disapproval of the Ice-Queen dating Ron, and turning him cold just like her in the process, Ginny couldn't deny that Greengrass at least had the decency to apologize for Ron's behavior before chasing after him.

Molly Weasley had left for her Kitchen once Ron and Greengrass were gone, and so Ginny had followed her mother's lead and left for her room. Hermione, Luna, and the little Greengrass had followed her back to her room, which is where they were all currently spending their time. At first, Ginny had only allowed Astoria Greengrass in because Luna had asked, but she was quickly regretting that decision. Astoria was a brat, one who constantly yelled instead of speaking normally, but that didn't bother Ginny as much as it should have. What did bothered Ginny was that Luna was ignoring her in favor of Astoria. It was nothing short of a betrayal, and it hurt Ginny even though she refused to show it.

"So… Ron's feeling better now," Hermione broke the silence, and Ginny didn't bother to look up. "Ginny? Did you hear me?"

"I heard you," Ginny spoke to her broom, which she was currently polishing.

More silence filled the room, and the only sound that could be heard was Astoria and Luna whispering to each other as they worked on their stupid star charts. First Luna ditches me for the bratty Greengrass, and now, Hermione is openly spending time with the Slytherins. She even told us that she had a decent conversation with Malfoy… As if that happened. He probably called her a filthy name, and she's lying in order to save face.

"Hermione, do you want a star chart?" Luna suddenly asked, and Ginny's eyes darted away from her broom.

"A star chart?" Hermione asked quickly, no doubt trying to have a conversation.

"Astoria and I plan to chart the stars over the Burrow tonight," Luna hummed in her usual way. "Bill and Charlie have agreed to join us, and we plan to ask Ron and the others as well."

"Oh, of course," Hermione smiled widely. "It sounds like a fun group activity." Hermione's openly told me that she thinks that Luna is crazy, but here she is… Smiling from ear to ear. Is it just me, or does Hermione constantly seek approval from others?

'Alright, we'll make one for you as well," Luna went back to her work.

"I don't get one?" Ginny heard herself ask. Why are you ignoring me? Ever since the Gala, I've seen less and less of you.

"No," Luna said rather coldly, something that surprised even Astoria Greengrass. What…?

For a couple of seconds, Ginny was too stunned to even react. In her entire life, she had never heard Luna sound so cold and distant. But then, once the shock wore off, Ginny felt her blood boil.

"Why?" Ginny demanded, her broom clattering onto the ground as she stood up.

Astoria and Hermione traded quick looks, but Luna didn't even bother to look up.

"Because you don't want to chart the stars," Luna replied. "You just want us to offer you a chance to spend time with us so you can turn us down." What? That's not even true!

"What's your problem with me, Luna?" Ginny demanded.

"I have to use the loo," Astoria stood up, and then she just walked out of the room.

"Um… Ginny, I think you ought to calm down…" Hermione tried to play peacekeeper, but that only served to annoy Ginny.

"I'm not the one being hostile," Ginny stated, and Luna finally looked up.

"You are the only person being hostile here," Luna said, her gaze just as sharp as her mother's. "You've been nothing but hostile for months, and it is past time someone called you out on it." Luna then looked to Hermione, her gaze becoming normal once again. "Hermione, can I speak to Ginny alone?"

"Um… Okay…" Hermione looked far from comfortable, and she left the room in a rather awkward manner.

"Well?!" Ginny glared at her 'best friend'. "You've been ignoring me ever since the Gala, and I want to know why!"

"You hit him," Luna said, and Ginny blinked at her. "You hit Ron. I saw you two arguing, and then, you hit him. I watched him leave with the dress he bought just for you, and I could see the welt on his face."

"He bloody deserved it," Ginny scoffed. "He was the one behind the 'twins' last few pranks', and he's the one who set them up. He got them suspended, and they lost years of their work. And why did Ron do this? So he could impress his Slytherin stooges." Ginny then crossed her arms. "I don't remember you saying a damn thing after what happened."

"I didn't have to," Luna said far too calmly. "I simply realized that you weren't Ginny anymore, you're just what the Heir of Slytherin left behind after he was done with my friend."

Ginny's blood froze, and she felt her throat close up immediately. In the recesses of her mind, she could hear Tom's silky smooth voice calling out to her. He was asking her to write down how she felt, and Ginny suddenly felt her fingers digging into her left forearm. How… How could she say that?

"You… You take that back…" Ginny managed, and Luna gave her a sorry look.

"No," Luna refused. "You're not the Ginny I grew up with, and unlike everyone else, I'm not going to let you keep tarnishing my friend's name. The Ginny I knew would never strike Ron, she would never conspire to turn everyone against him, and she certainly wouldn't look down on people just because they got sorted into a different House than her. Ginny became my friend because I was different, whereas you judge people for being different. That's why I'm ignoring you."

"I don't judge people because-" Ginny started weakly, but Luna just shook her head.

"And you lie to yourself constantly in order to play the victim," Luna added. "Ginny never felt sorry for herself. Ever. When her brothers refused to let her play Quidditch, she snuck out in the dead of night in order to practice by herself. She was so proud of her resolve, and she promised me that she'd show her brothers that she was their equal." Luna then stood up with an even sorrier look. "You don't have her strength. You don't have her kindness. You don't have her empathy. You don't-"

"Stop it!" Ginny shrieked, her eyes welling up.

"You don't have Ron," Luna finished regardless. "Do you remember what we discussed on our way to Hogwarts? Before we got sorted?"

"Get out…" Ginny rubbed her eyes clear harshly.

"We promised each other that one of us would get sorted into Slytherin," Luna reminded Ginny. "It was your idea… You said that in case Ron was ever lonely in a House that despises Blood-Traitors, he'd always have you to rely on. You were so passionate about it that even I wanted to be sorted into Slytherin. I wanted us to be how we were before Hogwarts. You remember, don't you? Ron would spend any free time he had with us. We'd go into the cornfield, we'd paint with my mum, we'd listen to my dad's stories and pretend like we were monster hunters, Ron even used to let us ride on his back-"

"You're delusional!" Ginny had had enough. "You think he'd ever do that now? Ronnie isn't there anymore, Luna! He's gone! Replaced by this ego-maniac!"

"Did you know that animals evolve in order to survive changing habitats," Luna said, and Ginny was left genuinely confused. "What Ron is now is a direct result of his Family's behavior."

"What?" Ginny couldn't believe this. "You're blaming us?!"

"Yes, and so does my mum," Luna replied. Mrs. Lovegood? "You all managed to push a sweet, kind person so far that he became cold, cruel, and violent. Ron scares me. Being around him is like being near a hungry Wampus… That's who Ron turned into because his Family never bothered to understand that he just wanted to be their equal. They never bothered to realize that he was lonely in Slytherin, and that he was the victim of a brutal campaign led by the other Slytherins who wanted to shame him. Ron became cruel in order to pin Slytherin under his heel, and now, there's no going back. Ron is not an ego-maniac, Ginny, he's far worse."

By the time Luna had finished, Ginny was just staring at her. There was so much to process in Luna's speech, but Ginny found herself attacked to the 'far worse' part.

"Far worse?" Ginny muttered, her fingers digging further into her left forearm.

"Gertrude Swans was talking to her friends, and I overheard them," Luna replied. "Ron tortured someone in Slytherin just to make a point. He threatened far worse if word got out, so Gertrude made her friends promise that they would never go after Ron. Or me."

"What…?" Ginny took a step back, but the back of her legs hit the bed, and she plopped onto her arse.

"You think he runs Slytherin because they all love him?" Luna asked. "People don't cower out of the way when they see someone that they love, Ginny. They're afraid of him, and I don't blame them. Just read the newspapers once in a while, and you'll know just how much power Ron wields. My mum told me that Ron even has contacts in Knockturn Alley." Knockturn Alley? Ronnie would never-

Ronnie? No, that wasn't right. Ron was no longer Ronnie, right? Isn't that what Ginny constantly brought up to her other siblings?

"So you're ignoring me because I hit… Because I hit a cruel, cold, and violent prick?" Ginny asked weakly.

"He's not cold, cruel, or violent towards his Family," Luna replied. "He has a temper, sure, but so do the rest of you." Luna then looked to Ginny's broomstick. "He bought you that broom for Christmas, didn't he? He barely had any money back then, but he spent it all on you. He bought you a nice broom so that you wouldn't have to train on an old one like he did. He bought you a proper Quidditch Outfit, new equipment, and even a brand new polishing kit. Do you think he bought himself anything from that money? He even spent all of his earnings from France on us, but he didn't buy a single thing for himself. You're currently wearing clothes that even catch Astoria's eyes, and she adores your two hundred Galleon bracelet. She told me that despite being the richest child in Magical Britain, even she doesn't own too many pieces of such quality." Luna knows that my bracelet is Enchanted… I'm pretty sure my bracelet cost well over two hundred, while Luna's only cost around a hundred…

Ginny said nothing, mostly because she already knew just how hypocritical she was for using Ron's gifts. But I need this bracelet… Without it, I'm hideous…

"Who do you think bought you your new armguards?" Luna asked.

"Percy…" Ginny muttered.

"No," Luna shook her head. "You know that Percy isn't like the rest of you. Percy doesn't enjoy Quidditch, nor does he know anything about it."

"Ron bought them?" Ginny swallowed thickly, her chest was starting to hurt.

"He knew that you would never accept them from him, but he didn't want you to hurt yourself because of faulty equipment," Luna said. "He asked me to introduce you to my friends, and he did that because he was worried about you isolating yourself."

"You… You all lied to me?" Ginny felt a bit of her anger resurface.

"Again you act like you're the victim," Luna said in a detached manner. "Ron is not the Heir of Slytherin, Ginny, and he doesn't 'manipulate' you. He doesn't even ask for anything in return, for Merlin's sake. When it comes to you, Ron is even willing to be despised as long as you're happy. The only time he decided to manipulate you, you figured it out and struck him for it."

Luna then rubbed her eyes, and Ginny realized that Luna wasn't happy about what she was saying.

"You blame everyone but yourself, all the while deluding yourself into believing whatever lie suits you at the time," Luna sighed out, Ginny had never heard Luna sound so frail. "You think Harry, Hermione, or Neville would ever make such sacrifices for you? You think they'd let themselves be petrified instead of raising a hand against you?"

Ginny flinched a bit at that, she had managed to forget that Ron had nearly died because of her mistakes.

"Don't forget that Ron faced the Dark Lord as well, Ginny," Luna said, and Ginny shrunk in her spot. "He was in a coma for a month, and I'm dead certain that even now, Ron is suffering from his injuries."

"Injuries?" Ginny all but whispered.

"You think he ended up in a coma for no reason?" Luna asked. "Why didn't the Healers let us see him while he was being 'tended to'? Why do the parents constantly fret over him? Why doesn't your mother let him do any chores? Why did I find my mother crying for days on end whenever Ron was brought up during his coma? Why does Ron only wear one glove?"

Ginny realized that she had no answers whatsoever.

"You can hate me for saying these things to you, and I'll understand," Luna said. "But they need to be said, because if you keep going like this, you won't have anyone left by your side. The Ginny I grew up with was fearless, and she took charge of every situation. She didn't blame others for her own shortcomings. She didn't see Ron as an inferior dog to be kicked around whenever she was having a hard time."

Luna then walked over to the door, but before she left, she turned back around.

"I really miss my best friend, and I'd like to have her back now," Luna said almost innocently. "I know she's still in there somewhere, and when she finally comes back out again, I'll be waiting."

---

Corban Yaxley's POV

Monday 21st December, 1993 (The Ministry – Evening)

Corban and Felix waited outside the Wizengamot's courtroom near the Ministry's Dungeons, their legislation was going to be passed any moment now.

"Felix, stop pacing," Corban said from his chair, and the young wizard stopped immediately.

"If we get outvoted, Ronald Weasley will be onto us," Felix reminded Corban.

"We won't get outvoted," Corban assured Felix. "Fudge is heading the Wizengamot tonight, while Amelia Bones and Albus Dumbledore are not here. Our friends have the stage tonight, so don't worry about being outvoted."

"The Headmaster can shut our legislation down, can't he?" Felix asked. "He's the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot."

"He can, but only if he's here when it gets passed," Corban replied. "If the legislation is passed, and he was not in attendance, then by law, he has no power over this legislation. It's his own fault for not taking his job seriously."

"Well, he does have many 'jobs'," Felix stated. "Headmaster of Hogwarts, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump, Grand Sorcerer of Britain… He is easily the most powerful man in Europe."

"Only a fool would think that," Corban said coldly. "Dumbledore does not exercise his power, so he might as well not have it. He will not stop this legislation, and neither will the people inside that room. No one wants the French here, not even the most tolerable of the Old Families. After all, we British remember how the Veelas secured their power in France, do we not?"

"They slept their way to the top," Felix took a seat.

"While we British were perfecting wands, the Veelas used to lure men into the mountains," Corban said with genuine disgust. "They used their allures to ensnare the senses of honorable men, and then, they would rape those poor sods. That is their entire history… We cannot let these dangerous predators into our country, Felix. We must fight their machinations wherever we can."

"You know, a part of me is grateful that I'm not attracted to women," Felix shook his head. "Imagine being turned into a Veela's plaything…" I would rather not.

"Have you seen their 'husbands'?" Corban asked Felix.

"Women running the Family… It's absurd," Felix said.

"I hear that the Veelas keep the men in their Families docile via their allures," Corban said. "Daughters will even use their allures on their own fathers in order to get whatever they want."

"By the Gods," Felix looked disgusted.

"You know…" Corban started, his eyes fixed on Felix. "Your sexuality won't protect you from them."

"Really?" Felix blinked at him.

"Really," Corban nodded. "They can even seduce women with their allures, if they try hard enough."

"I'll let Victor know…" Felix looked back towards the courtroom.

"How is Victor?" Corban asked. "Ever since this Vampire plague started, I haven't run into him." I'm sure that his uncle has some new stock. I might pay him a visit soon.

"He's… away…" Felix replied slowly. "Truth be told, I haven't heard anything from him for days… I'm getting a little worried. He's never disappeared on me before."

"You two only started dating recently, am I correct?" Corban asked.

Personally, Corban had no idea why some men were attracted to other men, but he cared enough about Felix to not question what made the young man happy. Eventually, however, they will both need sons. They are the last males of their respective Families, and we can't afford to lose two more Families from the Sacred Twenty-Eight.

"We were on and off during Hogwarts," Felix replied. "Then, I graduated from Hogwarts, while Victor still had to attend his seventh year. We only caught up a few months ago."

"And you say that he never disappears on you?" Corban asked.

"He's very organized," Felix replied. "All I know is that he had some dangerous item in his inventory, and that he was trying to get rid of it." I see… This doesn't bode well already.

"I will have some of my associates look for him," Corban patted Felix' back. "Don't worry, my friend, you'll have him back soon."

"I… Thank, my Lord," Felix said rather formally. "And thank you for being understanding… The other Lords aren't like you."

"We all have our differences," Corban shrugged. Look at me… I'm stuck in a loveless marriage, but I can't leave because I am duty-bound to my frail wife and ungrateful daughter. "I just want you to know that you can rely on me."

"I have ever since I was young," Felix smiled a little, which was something that he barely ever did. His parents, his older brother… All dead before he even started Hogwarts. I'm glad that I found him when I did. "I've never really thanked you properly, have I?"

"There is no need for it," Corban said calmly. "All I did was look after your father's accounts while you attended Hogwarts." And I secretly made sure that you wanted for nothing.

"You expanded our businesses, and you never asked me for a Knut," Felix smiled more fully. "I remember how stubborn I was when I first met you. I called you a thief, didn't I?"

"You were barely ten," Corban said. "Children, no matter their intelligence, think with their hearts."

"Thank you for everything, my Lord," Felix said genuinely. "You've always done right by me, even when I couldn't see it."

"Does being nervous make you a bleeding heart?" Corban joked, though his blunt features remained expressionless.

"I think so," Felix regained his composure.

"Let's go have dinner after this," Corban suggested. "We've been cooped up in the Ministry all day, and neither of us have eaten."

Ten more minutes passed, and both Corban and Felix spent their time discussing where to eat. Felix was quite the picky eater, but Corban was more than happy to facilitate him. Eventually, the sound of the Chief Warlock's gavel echoed throughout the Ministry Dungeons, and both wizards stood up in order to wait for Fudge. If he's failed us, I'll have him killed within the week. The doors split open, and Dolores Umbridge stepped through them with a smug smile. Judging by her peacock-like behavior, both wizards knew that she had delivered on her promises.

"Lord Yaxley," Umbridge greeted him, her voice sugary-sweet as usual. "Lord Rosier."

"Well?" Corban asked, his eyes lingering on the other Wizengamot members who were leaving. Most of them look quite pleased with themselves.

"The legislation passed," Umbridge smiled like a Cheshire cat. Excellent! "It has been named the 'Foreign Businesses Policy', and it goes into effect immediately. The Department of International Magical Cooperation will now start doing background checks on all wealthy businesses attempting to settle in Magical Britain." The French are done for, then. "We can finally start getting rid of those beasts."

"Gentlemen," Fudge approached from behind Umbridge. "Ah, Dolores… You spoke with fantastic clarity today."

"Thank you, Minister," Umbridge giggled, and Corban resisted the urge to frown. Her voice is grating to say the least.

"Well done, Minister," Corban 'smiled' at Fudge. "You've done exemplary work today, and Britain will not forget."

"However…" Felix joined in. "You still need to speak to the French. Their bribes cannot be ignored."

"I thought we decided to wait until after their Christmas Party," Fudge said nervously.

"They can still have their party," Corban smirked. "They just need to bring packed bags to the event. The moment it ends, they need to head home." Let them go back to their joke of a country. "Are we clear?"

"This… At least let me take this to Barty Crouch," Fudge implored, his nervous eyes darting towards Umbridge. Don't bother, Minister… She knows that we're in charge.

"If that man smells corruption, he will make it public knowledge," Felix said. "Which means that both Ministries will get caught up in a scandal, which will further damage the public's opinion of this 'fine' institute. The British people have suffered long enough, haven't they, Minister?"

"I… I suppose you're right," Fudge muttered to himself. "I will send them owls tomorrow, and once they're here, we will discuss a peaceful resolution to this debacle…"

"Just tell them that we humbly ask them to leave," Corban said. "Madam Umbridge, why don't you help the Minister with this? He could use your knowledge on Magical Law for this discussion."

"Minister?" Umbridge looked even more pleased with herself.

"Of course, Dolores," Fudge nodded.

Corban suddenly spotted Barty Crouch himself coming out of the courtroom, he was accompanied by Muriel Prewett and Augusta Longbottom. What is this? The three of them were in heated discussion, and when Muriel saw Corban, her expression turned wrathful. Muriel Prewett… She is Ronald Weasley's Great-Aunt, is she not? Don't tell me that she's onto us. Corban watched the three Wizengamot members leave, and he couldn't deny that seeing them together made him quite suspicious.

"Minister, I expect this done within two days," Corban said.

"Two days?!" Fudge looked shaken.

"We cannot delay something as important as justice, now, can we?" Corban asked. Ronald Weasley will be onto us very soon, I suspect, and once that happens, things could spiral out of control. That boy is a genuine threat to our plans.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

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

Ron stood up from the last of his pushups, and he stretched his entire body. The burning sensation that followed after a good workout sizzled throughout his body, and Ron smiled genuinely. Feel that burn, Ron? That's fucking power right there! Usually, his mind tended to get muddled with tiredness after such a session, but right now, he felt even more aware of his surroundings. The exercise had somehow heightened the Potion's effects, and Ron genuinely planned to drink a Calming Draught before his next session. Maybe a smaller dose, though.

"Looking good, Ron!" Tracey cheered, and Ron shot a look back.

Daphne, Tracey, Theo, Malfoy, Luna, Astoria, the twins, and the Trio were watching him from the Burrow's front entrance, and Ron cocked an eyebrow at them. How long have they been there? Also, Daphne will murder Tracey at this rate, and Theo will murder me. Ron continued to stretch his limbs, it was time to practice some Wandless Magic. I'll start with something small, like a discarded shoe, and then move onto something more challenging, like multiple rocks at once.

Just as Ron was focusing on a nearby torn shoe, he heard footsteps approaching him from behind. Great. A disturbance. Ron turned around, and he saw Hermione of all people coming towards him. What does she want?

"Are you about to use Magic?" Hermione asked him, and Ron nodded slowly. "Ron, you can't… The Ministry will expel you from Hogwarts!"

"I have a special dispensation from the Ministry," Ron told her, and Hermione blinked at him.

"What?"

"I'm allowed to use Magic outside of school," Ron clarified, and Hermione just processed his words for a few seconds.

"You are?" Hermione looked mildly annoyed all of a sudden. "Well… That's not really fair, is it? I mean, for the rest of your peers, that is… How did you get this dispensation? I want to apply for it as well."

"I didn't apply, Hermione," Ron said, he had half a mind to clap her for bothering him with her opinions. "People like me don't need to apply for anything… We simply take what we want." Ron then looked back to the shoe. "Now, please go away. You're ruining my concentration."

"What do mean by people like you?" Hermione asked haughtily, why was he being so rude to her? Merlin help this witch, because I'm about to start swinging.

Ron turned to face her again, and the look on her face gave away her jealousy. I've never met someone so… incapable of coping with loss… before. She almost reminds me of me.

"Have you not read the newspapers?" Ron asked her. "You realize that I'm considered a rising star within the Wizarding World, right? I have connections, and a lot of influence. I know people, who know more people." Ron then drew in a deep breath. "Hermione, I've even managed to get a foothold within the Ministry itself. These things didn't happen out of luck, either, I worked myself to the bone to get here. That's why I have this special dispensation."

"So… I can't apply for it?" Hermione asked, and Ron just stared at her.

"I will see what I can do," Ron sighed out. She's a Muggle-Born, Ron. Think of the bigger picture here. One day, she'll be hunted by Snatchers and Death-Eaters. She needs all the practice she can get.

"Really?" Hermione's tone lost all annoyance. "Really?! You would do that?!" Ron, the softie… Ron, the weak…

"Yes, now please leave me to my training," Ron said blandly, and Hermione nodded with a face-splitting smile.

Ron turned back around to face the shoe, his mind slowly regaining its focus. Now, let's see if I can lift it Non-Verbally-

"Oh, there's something else that I need to tell you," Hermione said suddenly, and Ron praised the Gods for the Calming Draught.

"Yes, Hermione?" Ron turned back to face her.

"Right… Um… I don't know where to start-" Hermione stammered.

"Just say it, please," Ron kept his tone in check.

"I think Luna and Ginny had a row," Hermione said, and Ron's eyes veered towards Luna and Astoria. "There was shouting, mostly from Ginny… I heard them in the Kitchen, as did Harry and Neville. I asked Luna if everything was alright, but she simply shook her head and met up with Astoria." Astoria? Not Greengrass? Also, what was this fight about? Bloody hell, Ginny… Now you're fighting Luna as well?

"Send Luna over here," Ron said.

"You… You won't scold her, will you?" Hermione asked. I will scold you if you don't do as I say.

"No, I just want to know what happened," Ron replied. "Luna isn't exactly an aggressive person."

"Alright, I'll send her over," Hermione nodded. "And thanks, Ron. For the dispensation-"

"I said that I'd try, I'm not making any promises," Ron said firmly.

"Still, thank you," Hermione smiled at him, and then she left to go talk to Luna.

Ron turned back to the shoe, but he didn't try to levitate it. Instead, he simply waited for his little sister. Ginny… What am I going to do about her? Ever since she stopped seeing Pomfrey, she's become increasingly more agitated. And now, she's even fighting Luna. Ron knew that by getting involved, he could potentially make his relationship with Ginny worse, but at the same time, Ron understood that things didn't get fixed because you wanted them to. No matter what Ginny's problems were, she was still his little sister, and despite her behavior, Ron still loved her. If something isn't done soon, she'll only get worse.

"Your training regimen looks quite strenuous, Ron," came Luna's voice from behind him, and Ron gestured her to join him without looking back.

Luna stopped by Ron's right, her eyes quickly landing on the old shoe.

"Hermione told me that you fought against Ginny," Ron said, and Luna nodded to herself. "Well? Tell me what happened."

"She wants a fight, Ron…" Luna replied meekly, and Ron slowly looked to her. "She's been goading the twins, and she's been nothing but rude towards my new friend… Someone had to try to help her find her way back, and since you've given up on her, I thought I would…" Given up on Ginny? I don't think I'm capable of that. I might get angry with, and even hate, her attitude at times, but I can't give up on her. I can't give up on any of them. "Are… Are you angry with me?"

"No," Ron replied truthfully, and then he put his arm around her. "Have I ever been angry with you?"

"It could happen," Luna replied.

"Well, it didn't happen today," Ron gave her a squeeze.

"Then why do you sound so… cold?" Luna asked him.

"I'm on a Calming Draught right now," Ron replied. "I'm… numb… to most things at the moment, but that doesn't mean that I don't understand your actions. If anything, I understand them better than I normally would, even if I have to go out of my way to show any interest."

"You're sick…" Luna looked truly dejected. "I've heard the rumors, I've seen the signs… What aren't you telling us, Ron?"

"You shouldn't have to worry about that," Ron pulled his arm back. "You should focus on happier things, Luna." You'll lose many of them very soon.

"You never kept secrets before…" Luna all but whispered.

"People change," Ron shrugged. "I mean, I never thought that I'd see the day where Luna Lovegood would confront Ginevra Weasley, but here we are… How did she take it?"

"I made her cry…" Luna's voice cracked, and she started sniffling loudly. Fantastic. Just what I needed.

"Luna, come over here-" Ron started, but Luna crouched down and started bawling into her knees. Good Lord…

Ron quickly sat down by her side, his gloved hand rubbing her back.

"I've never… fought with… her like that…" Luna coughed out, and Ron immediately noticed his angry girlfriend running towards them. I'm so fucking dead.

"Luna!" Daphne came to a halt, her eyes fixed on Ron. "What did you say to her?!"

"I didn't say anything," Ron replied calmly, the others were now following after Daphne. Damn, the whole fucking house is going to blame me for this.

"It's okay, Lu, please don't cry," Daphne crouched down next to Luna, her arms already around the smaller girl.

"Is she alright?" Hermione asked Daphne, and then she looked to Ron. "You said that you weren't going to scold her!"

"I didn't scold her," Ron said as he stood up.

"What did you do, then?" Fred demanded, while George positioned himself in front of the crying Ravenclaw.

"I did nothing," Ron was quickly getting bored with these accusations. "Luna, tell them."

"I fought with Ginny…" Luna sobbed out.

"Oh," Tracey rubbed the back of her head. They can comfort her, I'm not really equipped to deal with this right now.

"I'll get her something to drink," Ron said, and then he began heading towards the Burrow.

Theo quickly followed after him, while Ron noticed that Malfoy hadn't left his spot. Figures. He doesn't really know Luna, nor is he big on helping others. Yet.

"Guess you were right about the fight," Theo said.

"Oh, this isn't the fight," Ron said. "This is just a spat between two friends. Luna confronted Ginny about her behavior, and they got into an argument. Luna's just a little shaken, that's all."

"She alright?" Malfoy asked as Theo and Ron approached the front door.

"She'll be fine," Ron replied, and then he made his way inside.

His mother was in the Kitchen prepping dinner, and she had a cross look on her face. Why is she scowling at the chicken? Ron made his way over to the counter, where he poured a cup of juice for Luna while Theo and Malfoy waited by the stairs.

"Everything alright, Mrs. Weasley?" Theo asked, and she let out a long sigh.

"Ron, did you hear Ginny arguing with someone upstairs?" Molly asked her son, and then she remembered that Ron had been outside for an hour. "Never mind…"

"She had a spat with Luna," Ron replied in a bland manner.

"With Luna?" Molly looked a little taken aback. "No, that can't be right… I heard her yelling from downstairs, she'd never do that to Luna."

"Then why is Luna crying outside?" Ron asked, and Molly quickly made her way over to the nearest window.

"They're all huddled around her?" Molly asked.

"They're just trying to calm her down," Ron replied.

"Her mother will be here any minute now," Molly gasped. "Ginny Weasley… You have gone too far this time." She sounds quite angry all of a sudden.

Molly moved towards the stairs, but Ron quickly cut her off with a cup of juice in his right hand.

"Mum, you'll make things worse if you yell at Ginny right now," Ron told her from experience. "She's the only one of us kids who is not outside, so I'm guessing that she's crying alone in her room. Scolding her right now will only make her more miserable, which will affect her negatively later on."

"She has been behaving terribly for too long," Molly frowned deeply. "I'm putting an end to this right now!"

"You won't put an end to it, you'll just isolate her," Ron drawled. "Mum, I'm speaking from experience here. Where did yelling get you with me?" Molly's frown slowly weakened, and she looked a little bothered by his bluntness. "I'm not trying to bring up bad memories, I'm just asking you to learn from them. Leave Ginny to me, please. I'll get her some juice, and just make sure that she's alright."

"She needs to know that she's behaving terribly," Molly said, while Malfoy and Theo pretended to not listen.

"Luna's already told her," Ron said, and then he looked to Theo. "Give Luna this, and stay with her."

"Sure," Theo took the glass, and then he headed outside rather quickly.

"Mum, please just go about your day," Ron said calmly. "You've already got so much to worry about."

"I… Fine…" Molly said, though she didn't look pleased with her decision. "But if she doesn't start behaving soon, your father and I will get involved."

Only once Molly was back to prepping the chicken did Ron walk back to the Kitchen counter. He poured another cup of juice, and as he turned back around to head upstairs, he spotted Harry lingering by the entrance. Is he heading up to check on Ginny? Harry gave Ron an awkward look, but he stayed in his spot. No, I think he just came here because he is uncomfortable with the situation outside. Ron walked back to the stairs, while both Malfoy and Harry stayed in the Kitchen. My mum, Harry, and Malfoy in one room… Now that's an awkward situation.

The walk up to Ginny's room was eerily quiet, but the closer he got, the more clearly he heard loud sniffling. I was right. She's crying up there alone. Ron stopped at her door, and he drew in a deep breath. Luckily, if she's rude to me, I won't feel any anger because of the Calming Draught. Ron knocked on the door, and the sniffling ceased immediately.

"Ginny? Can I come in?" Ron asked, but there was no response. "I'm not here to fight, I promise. I brought you a drink."

"Go away…" came Ginny's shaky voice. Not going well, eh, Ron?

Ron pulled out his wand from his pocket, and he aimed it at the door's handle.

"Alohomora," Ron chanted, and he heard the door unlock.

Ron pocketed his wand, and then he made his way inside right after. Ginny was sitting on her bed with her knees pressed against her chest, her blotchy face was soaked with tears. She's been crying for a while. When she realized that Ron had broken into her room, she jumped off of the bed with an angry scowl.

"Get out, Ron," Ginny sounded both pissed, and shocked.

"I brought you juice," Ron offered her the glass, and she just stared at him. "It's pumpkin, your favorite."

Ginny had no idea how to react to his unnaturally calm behavior, so she just stared at him with an increasingly wary look. She's not taking it. Ron walked around her, and he put the glass on her side table.

"Luna's crying too," Ron told her, and her shoulders sagged as she dropped down onto her bed. "She told me that you two had a fight."

"Go be with her, then… Leave me alone," Ginny rubbed her face harshly.

"Pretty much everyone is out there with her," Ron said. "I came over because mum planned to scold you."

"Of course…" Ginny sniffled.

"I'll stay in here for a bit, just so that mum doesn't come up," Ron walked over and sat down on her study chair. "If you want to talk, then I'll listen to you, but if not, then I'll just stay here quietly."

"Whatever…" Ginny turned and faced her wall. That's her stubborn way of saying that she doesn't want to be alone. Guess I'll just sit here, then. My training got ruined within a few short minutes.

---

Thirty Minutes Later

Ron had to give Ginny credit, she was certainly disciplined when it came to ignoring someone. He had been sitting in her room for nearly thirty minutes now, and in that time, Ginny had only looked at him once, and that was Ron decided to levitate her stuffed toys for Wandless Magic practice. I'm still amazed that she didn't tell me to leave her toys alone. The truth is that I was hoping to get her attention with that stunt.

Ron lowered the pink unicorn plushy onto her bed, and Ginny shot it a quick look. Go on, take the bait. After a couple of seconds, Ginny shoved the unicorn off of the bed. Not what I had in mind. Ron Non-Verbally levitated it off of the ground, and then he carefully dropped it by Ginny's side. Ginny shot him a frown, and then she shoved the unicorn off of the bed once again. Ron decided to put the unicorn back on the bed, and this happened three more times before Ginny looked a little amused with Ron's pestering.

"You can't stay angry with Mr. Rainbow," Ron said.

"That's not his name," Ginny huffed. It's not?

"I'm pretty sure it is," Ron argued. "I was there when you got him."

"This is Mr. Horn," Ginny corrected him. "Mr. Rainbow is the owl over there."

"Mr. Rainbow for an owl?" Ron asked.

"I was four," Ginny shrugged, her voice was a little hoarse.

"Do you want Mr. Rainbow?" Ron asked, his eyes darting towards the owl toy.

"Stop piling toys onto my bed," Ginny refused. "Why aren't you leaving already? Mum isn't coming up here."

"I like sitting in this room," Ron shrugged casually. "It's been a long time since I was in here with you."

Ginny didn't say anything, but at least she didn't look away from him. What is she staring at? Ron followed her gaze towards his right hand, and she quickly looked away when she noticed that Ron was onto her. Does she still think that I'm obnoxious for wearing a glove on only one hand?

"Why do you wear only one glove?" Ginny whispered, and Ron didn't really hear her.

"Pardon?" Ron leaned forward. "I didn't catch that."

Ginny waited for a few seconds, almost as if she was making her mind up about something.

"Why do you only wear one glove?" Ginny asked again, and this time, there was some strength in her voice. Great. Now what?

Ron thought about what to do next, and thanks to the Calming Draught, Ron figured that if he showed her his hand, she'd understand that Ron was no one to be jealous of. Or, she'll find my hand hideous, and then, she'll tell everyone I know about it. Should I really give her any power over me? She's proven that she can be quite irrational, and vindictive, when it comes to me.

"Fine, don't tell me," Ginny had waited long enough. "I don't care…"

Ron stood up, and he walked over to her bed. Ginny gave him a guarded look, and when he sat down on the edge of her bed, she scooted away from him. Hopefully, she won't scream when she sees it. Damn, Ron, you're taking a big risk here. Ron slowly pulled of his glove, and he showed her his mangled hand. Ginny gasped immediately, her eyes widening to the size of dinner plates. Ugly, isn't it? A permanent reminder of my arrogance. I thought I was so clever, and the Dark Lord fucked me up as he was making his escape. Just as Ron was about to put his glove back on, Ginny quickly moved closer to him, her hands grabbing his in order to inspect the scar.

"What happened to your hand?!" Ginny asked rather loudly, and Ron held back his frown. Let's hope no one is waiting outside.

"Pandora gave me a ring with Protective Wards on it," Ron replied, he didn't like her fingers tracing his scar. Just bear with it. "It melted on my hand when the Dark Lord attacked me at end of my first year."

Ginny drew in a sharp breath, a rather sorry look crossing her face. When was the last time I saw such a look from her aimed at me?

"We thought you were trying to be-" Ginny started, but she clearly thought better of what she was about to say.

"Obnoxious?" Ron asked. "I remember the twins' jokes."

Ginny slowly pressed down on the scar tissue, and Ron pulled his hand away from her.

"Sorry, did that hurt?" Ginny winced.

"No, I just don't like people touching my scar," Ron replied as he put his glove back on. "The skin is… sensitive…"

Ginny understood how that felt, the scars on her left forearm were soft and easily agitated. On instinct, Ginny rubbed her left forearm, but Ron didn't really notice.

"So Tom gave you that…" Ginny looked down at her lap. Tom?

"Tom?" Ron cocked an eyebrow. "He doesn't go by that name anymore."

"To me, he'll always be Tom…" Ginny whispered to herself. "I… I still…" Still what?

"Go on," Ron watched her with a calm look. "Maybe I'll understand how you feel seeing as we were both attacked by the same lunatic."

Ginny gave him an odd look, and for a moment, Ron felt like she was ashamed of whatever she was about to say. Ron made sure to wait patiently, and after a few long seconds, Ginny swallowed thickly.

"Sometimes, in my dreams, I hear his voice…" Ginny whispered to her lap, but Ron was close enough to hear her clearly.

"He spoke to you?" Ron asked. And it didn't occur to you that diaries shouldn't speak? I mean, now that Marty's removed the gems from that dagger, I've sealed it away in Salazar's chest until I can figure out what it is. Dad raised us to be careful around Magical Artefacts, Ginny.

"I can't really explain it… I just heard his voice in my head…" Ginny's gaze became slightly distant. "He kept asking me to write… He kept asking all the time…"

"I see," Ron nodded to himself, he didn't sound very empathetic. "Well, I dream of the Dark Lord as well."

"You do?" Ginny looked up from her lap.

"In my dreams, I see him as a hissing shadow," Ron told the truth. "He chases me through the Forbidden Forest, and eventually, he catches up to me."

"And then?" Ginny asked in a whimper.

"And then, he kills me," Ron told the truth. "He breaks my bones, tears my mind to pieces, and leaves me rotting for the animals."

Ginny looked genuinely terrified, and Ron was certain that his hollow voice was the reason why. That, and my nightmares are genuinely fucked up. Ginny massaged her left forearm, and this time, Ron noticed her odd behavior. Is her arm sore? Or is she just feeling anxious? Should I make a joke in order to ease her mind?

"You know, technically, we're like Harry now," Ron said, and Ginny blinked at him. "We went up against the Dark Lord, and we lived. You're Ginny Weasley, the Girl-Who-Lived."

Ginny just stared at him for a few seconds, and then, she gave him a hint of a smile.

"You can be Ron Weasley, the Second-Boy-Who-Lived," Ginny tried to sound a little cheerful, but her voice was shaky.

"Should we contact the Daily Prophet?" Ron smirked. "We could be famous, and maybe, they'll even write books about us like they did for Harry."

"I don't want a book written about what happened to me," Ginny said.

"Well, more pages for my book, then," Ron shrugged.

"Can I ask you about your voice?" Ginny asked.

"I'm on a Potion," Ron replied. "A Calming Draught, to be exact."

"Why?" Ginny asked, he knew what she was thinking. She'll ask me if I'm really sick like the rumors suggest. "Ron… Are you sick? It's just that Luna pointed a few things out to me, and when I think about them, I always come to the same conclusion…"

"What things?" Ron asked, hoping to change the subject.

"Mum and dad don't want you doing chores," Ginny started, her eyes fixed on his. "They constantly fret over you, you were covered in bandages during your coma, and then there are the rumors around Hogwarts…"

"You shouldn't listen to rumors," Ron said.

"Why aren't you answering my question?" Ginny asked, she was beginning to look panicked. Now what?

"I never recovered fully from what happened to me," Ron said carefully, but Ginny's entire body sagged in a dreadful manner. Nice one, Ron, you fucking idiot.

"What does that mean?" Ginny was barely audible.

"It means that everyone has their burdens to bear," Ron replied. "Like you, my issues are all related to my mind. I have night terrors, I stress constantly, and there are times when I get so sad that I isolate myself from the World."

"Sad?" Ginny asked softly, Luna was right about Ron being lonely.

"Aren't there times when you just don't feel like getting out of bed?" Ron asked her, and she gave a meek nod. "Well, I know how that feels."

"It feels awful…" Ginny said, and Ron nodded his agreement. "How do you cope with it?" Is she asking me for advice? I see opportunity.

"I get help," Ron replied.

"Help? From your friends?" Ginny asked.

"Yes, but I also get help from Madam Pomfrey," Ron told her. Just take one on the chin for Ginny's sake.

"Madam Pomfrey?" Ginny seemed to be remembering something, did Ron also see her? "I used to see her…"

"I know," Ron said, and she looked a little spooked. "I'm the one who asked her to approach you. It was when you were staying back at the Burrow with Helios."

"You asked her to approach me?" Ginny muttered.

"It wasn't a manipulation, Ginny," Ron said plainly. "Madam Pomfrey has helped me a lot, and I figured that she could help you as well." Ron then looked into her eyes. "Why did you stop going to her?"

Ginny averted her gaze, her hand massaging her left forearm again. Seriously? She's doing it again?

"I got better…" Ginny said lamely.

"Did she tell you that?" Ron asked, and Ginny shook her head weakly. "Were you ashamed of seeing her?" Ginny said nothing. "Ginny, you can tell me. I used to feel ashamed of seeing her, and the first time someone suggested that I see her, I was outraged. I accused them of calling me insane, and I stormed off."

"Who told you to see her?" Ginny asked him.

"Believe it or not, it was the Headmaster," Ron replied, and Ginny finally looked back at him. "He noticed that I was… struggling…"

"He… He asked me to see her as well," Ginny told him, and Ron was a little surprised. He did? Well, he's an attentive Headmaster, I'll give him that.

"Will you?" Ron asked.

"Will I what?"

"Will you see her again?" Ron asked, and Ginny shrunk a little.

"I don't want to…" Ginny replied. Damn it.

"Do you like feeling this way?" Ron asked.

"No…" Ginny dabbed her eyes.

"Then you should see her, Ginny," Ron advised. "You won't feel better until you try to put the past behind you. I know I wasn't getting better until I started seeing her regularly."

"How regularly?" Ginny asked.

"I see her on Mondays and Thursdays," Ron replied. Fucking hell, I'm just telling her everything at this point. "After classes, that is."

"Twice in one week?" Ginny blinked.

"I need her help to function properly," Ron admitted rather openly. "Sometimes, I hate seeing her, but more often than not, I really appreciate her sessions. They help provide stability, and clarity, to my hectic life." Ron then scooted closer to her, and thankfully, she didn't move away from him. "Getting help doesn't make you weak, Ginny, it makes you human. It took me a long time to understand that, and sometimes, I forget this valuable lesson. Do you know what happens when I forget this lesson?"

"What?" Ginny asked softly.

"I start regressing," Ron replied. "I close myself off from other people, which ends up creating bigger problems for me down the line."

"What would the other Gryffindors say?" Ginny hugged her knees.

"Who cares what they say?" Ron asked. "You can do this in secret, Ginny, just like I do. After your classes end, just go down to the Hospital Wing and see her. Most people at Hogwarts are too busy with their own lives to take notice, and in the long run, this will help you a lot more than it will hinder you. Please, Ginny, just try it again."

Ginny hugged her knees more tightly, and after a few seconds, she gave him a weak nod. Yes! Finally, some progress!

"I can come with you, if you're scared," Ron offered, but Ginny didn't say anything. She looks so… small. "Remember when you used to be scared of the cornfield? I used to take you and Luna through it, and we'd all hold hands in case one of us fell into the swampy bits."

"You were the only one who fell into the swampy bits," Ginny reminded, a weak nostalgic smile gracing her face.

"Well, I was the one leading the way, wasn't I?" Ron said. "So? Do you want me to come with you?"

"Okay…" Ginny rested her forehead against her knees.

Ron watched her for a couple of seconds, and then he slowly put his left hand on her back. She tensed for a moment, but she relaxed when he started rubbing her back like Luna had taught them. After nearly a minute of back rubbing, Ginny slowly leaned into Ron's side.

"You smell…" Ginny whispered, her voice much calmer now.

"I was working out," Ron explained. "Does the smell bother you?"

"Not really," Ginny replied. "I'm sorry about your hand, Ron… I wish I didn't make fun of your glove…"

"In your defense, I never told anyone about it," Ron said calmly.

"Does your girlfriend know?" Ginny asked.

"She does," Ron replied, and Ginny looked up at him.

"And it doesn't bother her?" Ginny asked.

"Daphne isn't the Ice-Queen when it comes to me," Ron replied. "She's done more for me than even Madam Pomfrey."

"Really?" Ginny looked a little skeptical.

"Who do you think finds me when I start isolating myself?" Ron asked her. "She even carries around Calming Draughts in case I ever need them."

"Oh…" Ginny looked back down. "That's… I didn't expect that…"

"You should get to know her when you're ready," Ron suggested. "She's takes some getting used to, but once you're her friend, she'll have your back no matter what."

Ginny went to say something, but there was a knock on the door.

"Ron? Are you still in there?" came their mother's voice.

"The door is unlocked, mum," Ron said, and Molly Weasley quickly swung it open.

She looked to be in a hurry, but when she saw Ginny cuddled up to Ron, her features softened immediately. Is something bothering her?

"Have two finally made up?" Molly smiled a little, and Ron felt Ginny tense a bit. Not yet, but I think we made good progress today.

"Mum, what's got you in a hurry?" Ron asked with a bland look, and Molly suddenly shook her head clear.

"Muriel is here, and she's demanding to see you," Molly replied, and even Ginny looked interested.

"Great-Aunt Muriel is here?" Ginny asked. "She actually returned to the Burrow?"

"Did she tell you why she was here?" Ron stood up, his brow furrowed. What's happened?

"No, but she looks quite annoyed," Molly replied. "C'mon, Ron, you can't keep her waiting. I left her downstairs with Draco and Harry." Draco Malfoy? Mum… Why?

Ron quickly made his way out of the room, and he heard Ginny and Molly following after him. Within seconds, Ron was entering the Kitchen with his eyes peeled, and he spotted Muriel waiting with Arthur Weasley, her blood-shot eyes fixed on Malfoy. Much to Malfoy's credit, he was just staring back at her with a bored look. He's been through worse than Muriel.

"Aunt Muriel?" Ron walked over to her, and she finally looked away from Malfoy.

"What is this Death-Eater spawn doing in this house?" Muriel demanded, and Ron gave her a deadpan look. A-Grade bitch, as always.

"He is my guest, and you won't speak to him like that," Arthur warned her, he looked genuinely agitated.

"Now he grows a spine," Muriel scoffed.

"Aunt Muriel, what's happened?" Ron pulled her attention on himself. "Why are you here?"

"I came to warn you," Muriel replied, and everyone in the room went dead silent. "Your enemies have finally reared their heads."

---

Ten Minutes Later

All the children except for Daphne had been sent upstairs, while the adults were all occupying the Kitchen. Arthur had called over the Davis Family, the Greengrasses, the Lovegoods, and even Sirius was here now. Aunt Muriel was eyeballing Lord Greengrass with genuine venom in her gaze, while Ron waited patiently for her to talk. This quiet is starting to annoy me. My allies hate each other.

"Well?" Ron asked, and Muriel slowly looked away from Lord Greengrass. "The children are gone, and the adults are here. Can you tell me what's happened now? Who are my enemies?"

"Corban Yaxley," Muriel replied, and Lord Greengrass pinched the bridge of his nose. What's with that reaction? "This one gets it."

"Of course he's the first to act," Lord Greengrass said, while Mary looked slightly vexed.

"Corban Yaxley… The road-builder," Ron remembered.

"So you've heard of him," Muriel said.

"I've heard of his humanitarian work," Ron said. "But beyond that, I don't know much about him. What has he done?"

"And why is he coming after Ron?" Bill added, while Charlie was already frowning.

"The Half-Breeds that Ronald has brought into the country have made him a target, William," Muriel replied bluntly.

"Half-Breeds?" Sirius frowned at Muriel.

"I won't stand for that sort of talk in my house, Auntie," Molly puffed up.

"What did Corban do?" Lord Greengrass asked, completely ignoring the tension in the room.

"He passed a Legislation that's built specifically to target foreigners," Muriel replied, and Ron cocked an eyebrow.

"He passed a Legislation?" Ron asked. "Is he on the Wizengamot? I thought former Death-Eaters weren't allowed to hold Office."

"They're not," James Davis replied. "But the problem is, the Wizengamot is as corrupt as our Ministry."

"How?" Kirsten asked. "It's Magical Britain's high court…"

"As long as it's run by people, it can be corrupted," James said. "Plus, who do you think built the Wizengamot?"

"The Pure-Blood Families," Ron figured. Fuck sake, these cunts own everything, don't they? No wonder they're so fucking rich.

"Before the Ministry of Magic, we had the Wizengamot and the Wizard's Council," Muriel told Ron, and he listened intently. "The Wizard's Council of Britain was the first government body of its size established by Wizards, and it was organized by the Old Families in 1201. The Prewetts, the Greengrasses, the Malfoys, the Longbottoms, the Traverses, the Fawleys… Pretty much everyone still on the Sacred Twenty Eight."

"The Weasleys as well?" Ron asked.

"Yes, but the Weasleys squandered their wealth on their Muggle ventures," Muriel shot a look of disgust at Arthur. "They lost the respect of the Wizarding World, and were kindly asked to leave, which they did with 'pride'. It was a real scandal."

"Scandal?" Arthur drew in a sharp breath. "We didn't deem those who were different from us as 'monsters', which, by the way, was the real 'scandal'. We were pushed out because we weren't bloodthirsty, arrogant, and power-hungry elitists."

"Go on, Aunt Muriel," Ron said as he leaned forward.

"The Wizard's Council, which was made up of Pure-Bloods only, created the Wizengamot in 1250 in order to settle disputes and pass policies," Muriel told Ron. "Thousands of wizards were migrating to Great Britain at the time due to our advancements, and so the Pure-Bloods of Britain decided that we needed laws and regulations for Britain to succeed. The Wizengamot was made up of Council members, and for centuries, that system worked. But as time passed, the Pure-Blood Families decided that a stronger, and more organized, form of government was needed."

"And so they built the Ministry," Bill finished, and Muriel gave him a nod.

"You're telling me that the Ministry itself was built by Pure-Bloods?" Ron asked. "Only Pure-Bloods?"

"What? You think the Muggle-Borns wanted to pay?" Muriel asked. "Don't be naïve, boy… We Pure-Bloods built Magical Britain with our own money, with our own blood and sweat."

"Don't act like you asked us for help," Susana spoke up. "If anything, you made sure that no Muggle-Born got a say in the matter."

"Really?" Muriel sneered at her. "Where were you Muggle-Borns when the Goblins were waging war on us? Where were you when the Centaurs began burning Wizarding villages? Where were you when Magical Britain hit the depression because the Goblins sealed the mines that they stole from Wizards? All you people tend to do is complain about what a mess everything is, but when push comes to shove, it's us Pure-Bloods who do all the work. We-"

"Can we please focus on the task at hand?" Ron asked the people at the table. "You can all argue after I know who's coming after me." Get your priorities in order, arguing isn't going to help us.

"I saw Corban Yaxley speaking to Minister Fudge himself outside the Wizengamot after that toad Umbridge helped pass his legislation," Muriel told Ron. Umbridge? Even Minister Fudge?

"What is this legislation?" Ron asked.

"In short, if you're not from Britain, you can't establish your businesses here without 'extensive background checks'," Muriel replied, and Ron found himself feeling a little confused. "Your French allies can no longer bring their businesses here. They'll never get past these background checks." What?

Ron looked to Daphne, and he found his girlfriend just staring at Muriel. Daphne's plans…

"What if an agreement was made before the legislation passed?" Daphne asked, while Lord and Lady Greengrass exchanged looks.

"Did you get their signatures? Were the contracts signed?" Muriel asked.

"No, but a verbal agreement was made," Daphne replied.

"Verbal agreements don't mean a thing," Muriel told Daphne, and Daphne, much to her credit, kept her composure somehow. "If you don't have a Magically Binding Contract, then whatever plans you had are now ash and dust."

Ron, unlike Daphne, felt his insides catch fire despite the Calming Draught, and he gnashed his teeth together in order to stop himself from flinging the table. They ruined Daphne's business dealings… She worked so hard on those, and now, she has nothing.

"Wait…" Sirius suddenly spoke up. "Where was Dumbledore in all of this? He's the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, isn't he?"

"He is," Pandora said, and Ron looked to Muriel. "If I remember my studies from Hogwarts, then Dumbledore technically has the power to stop such a legislation."

"That man treats his position within the Wizengamot as a passing thought," Muriel said. "He was not even in attendance."

"What?" Ron grit out. He wasn't there? Why?!

"As a matter of fact, this meeting of the Wizengamot was set up by Corban Yaxley," Muriel told them. "Only thirty-six out of fifty members were in attendance, and only six of us voted against this legislation. It passed with a landslide."

"You voted to keep the Veelas' interests safe?" Molly looked more than skeptical.

"I had little choice," Muriel said. "I saw this legislation for what it was… An attack on my Blood. Augusta Longbottom, Bartemius Crouch, the Fawleys, Cobalt Shafiq, and I voted against it, but the others don't want the Veelas here. Now… If Dumbledore was in attendance, and he was running the Wizengamot instead of Fudge, he could've vetoed the legislation, which is his right, but since Corban's puppet was running the show, we never stood a chance." That old bastard… He probably has no idea that I just got fucked in my arse because he didn't show up at his job.

"Which Department is doing these background checks?" Lord Greengrass asked.

"The Department of International Magical Cooperation," Muriel replied offhandedly.

"Ron, you'll be working there," Daphne looked almost hopeful for a second.

"As a diplomat to the French," Mary said gently. "Ron has no power over foreign businesses."

"But Corban does," Lord Greengrass told everyone. "The people who work in that Department eat out of his hand, and he's more than generous to them. Buying their loyalties will be next to impossible."

"You can't outbid him?" Arthur asked.

"Corban definitely isn't coming after Ron alone," Lord Greengrass said. "He no doubt has the backing of pretty much every Old Family."

"You mean his brothers in arms from the Great War," Ron rubbed his forehead. "You're telling me that this… This…" Ron felt the need to hurt someone. "This Death-Eater piece of filth has so much influence that he brought the Wizengamot together for the sole purpose of fucking me bloody?"

"Ronald…" Molly looked horrified, while the other adults exchanged disturbed looks.

"Money runs the World, Ronald," Muriel said. "And these people own enough to buy whatever they want."

"The Ministry, the Daily Prophet, the Wizengamot, Diagon Alley, Knockturn Alley… They fucking own everything," Ron stood up and began pacing, his mind trying to come up with a plan.

"Why is the Wizengamot so eager to get the Veelas out of the country?" Bill asked Muriel.

"Because they can infiltrate the Ministry with ease," Muriel replied. "All they have to do is bat their eyelashes at anyone with power, and just like that, they set up their nests. Why do you think they have so much influence in France, William? These creatures used to live in mountains, for Merlin's sake, and now, they run a country."

"The Wizengamot are right to be scared," Lord Greengrass said. "But at the same time, this won't be taken well by the French Ministry. Once word gets out, they'll take this legislation as a personal insult."

"And then, they'll fire the idiot diplomats who didn't even know that this was happening," Ron figured. I'm so fucked, and I didn't even see it coming. It took Corban Yaxley no time whatsoever to blindside me… I'm not just fighting against Death-Eaters, I'm fighting against corruption that has existed since 1201.

Ron stopped pacing, and then he drew in a deep breath. Don't spiral, find a solution. First things first, I need to tell Madame Maxime about this. Wait… What about the French who are here? They need to be warned as well, and I have no fucking idea where they are. Damn it, Ron, get your shite together.

"Ron, what are you thinking?" Pandora asked, and Ron looked to his allies. I have all of these bodies that I can use…

"I need your help," Ron said to everyone on the table, and they all waited for him to go on. "Split up into pairs, and find the French who are currently residing within Britain. Don't get seen, don't talk to anyone who isn't French, and don't ask anyone else for help. Dad, I need you to go to the Ministry and find out everything about this legislation. Maybe we can find a loophole to exploit."

"What about you?" Arthur asked.

"I will go and collect Madame Maxime from Beauxbatons," Ron replied.

"You'll need a Portkey," Lord Greengrass said. I'm friends with a Phoenix. Plus, I need to speak with Dumbledore about this.

"I have one stashed at Hogwarts for emergencies," Ron lied, and the adults looked quite taken aback. "What? I'm paranoid…"

"Smart," Muriel gave him an approving nod, which Ron found to be quite alarming. Did she say something that wasn't nasty?

"Aunt Muriel, I need you to go speak with Augusta Longbottom on my behalf," Ron said. "You're friends, right?" I know you two have a habit of working together on projects.

"We can all meet up at Longbottom Manor," Muriel said. "Augusta has a good grasp on the situation, and she is currently hosting the Lenoir Family at her abode."

"Alright," Ron said. "I'll go take a shower, get changed, and by the time I come down, most of you better be gone." Ron then looked to Daphne. "Daph, come up with me for a moment."

Daphne gave a nod, and just from her expression, Ron could tell that she was devastated. Fuck with me all you like, but hurting Daphne along the way? Corban Yaxley is a fucking dead man. Ron quickly made his way up the stairs, and just as he rounded the corner, he ran into a swarm of Gryffindors. As it turned out, the twins, Ginny, and the Trio had been listening in, and when they saw Ron, they just stared at him with odd looks. This is so far beyond their heads that they don't even know how to react. Whatever. I have to stay on task.

"Were you all listening in?" Daphne asked from behind Ron.

"Are you really going to France?" Ginny asked Ron.

"I have no other choice," Ron said. "I have a gang of Pure-Bloods who want to pass me around."

With that, Ron made his way past them, and Daphne quietly followed him up the stairs. Guess Stoatshead Hill will have to wait.

---

Twenty Minutes Later

Ron had taken a shower, put on a nice suit, made his hair, steeled his resolve, and now he was heading to his room in order to collect his Gringotts pouch. During his shower, Ron had tried to think of a way to combat this legislation, and so far, he couldn't think of anything effective. The truth is that Muriel's words had gotten to him, and he had begun feeling that horrible feeling of powerlessness. His enemies not only owned a majority of Wizarding Britain, but they had done so for centuries. Generation through generation, these Old Families had built their empire with the utmost care. Wizarding Britain was reliant on these Families, and without them, it would be damaged beyond repair. Hell, the fucking Goblins would try and buy everything, and they probably could considering that they own all the mines.

Ron was not simply fighting against Death-Eaters, he was fighting against people who had always been in power. The Yaxley Family no doubt was involved in the formation of the Wizard's Council, and from there, they had played a key role in what Magical Britain was today. Which is exactly why Corban Yaxley was able to pull this off so suddenly. I mean, it took me two months to get the French here, and it took him a few days to ruin everything. Where do I even start with these people? The game is rigged…

Ron rounded the corner, and he spotted Theo, Luna, and Malfoy loitering outside in the hallway. Theo and Luna were speaking in hushed whispers, while Malfoy was just minding his own business. Where are Tracey and Tori? As Ron approached them, all three of them turned to face him.

"Mate, Daphne told us what happened," Theo said. "I'm really sorry."

"I'm not out of the fight yet," Ron said, and Theo gave him a half-smile. "Where are Tori and Tracey? Are they inside with Daphne?"

"They're doing their best to comfort her," Luna said. "After you left, she started crying." Fuck me…

"It wasn't exactly crying," Malfoy corrected. "It was more like… pent-up anger…" So her emotions got the better of her? "What are you planning to do, Weasley?"

"I have to go to France," Ron replied. "I have to warn Madame Maxime and the French, and then, I need to find a way to keep the French in the country." They can't help the Order if they're not here.

"Might I recommend something?" Theo asked, he had figured that his father was helping Corban Yaxley. He sounds a little guilty.

"Of course, Theo," Ron gave him a nod.

"All of this was done behind closed doors, right?" Theo started. "So why not open said doors?"

"Explain," Ron listened intently.

"This legislation is just the first step," Theo told Ron. "I know how the Old Families think… They probably have multiple plans in motion, which means that your best option is to cut them off. Take the French with you to the Ministry tomorrow, and demand a meeting with the Minister. You can even get Barty Crouch Snr involved because all of this falls under his Department. He clearly didn't want this legislation passed, considering his vote, and he might be able to help you. From what I've heard, he's still quite influential within the Ministry."

Ron thought about Theo's plan, and he decided that he needed to bring this up with French first. It's not a bad idea, at all. The Minister seems like a weak individual, so if we all just show up and demand answers, he might cave in.

"Thanks, Theo," Ron gave Theo an arm pat before heading into his room.

He found Daphne lying down in his bed, while Tori and Tracey just sat at either side of her. Is she asleep?

"Ron's here," Tracey whispered to Daphne, who slowly sat up in order to stare at him. Good Lord, I see snot. She really did lose it.

"I want to speak to her alone," Ron said, and both Tori and Tracey moved off of the beds.

"We'll be right outside, Daph," Tori looked particularly shaken because of Daphne's state. Yes, your big sister is capable of crying as well.

Daphne said nothing, and so both Tori and Tracey left quietly. Tracey murmured her sympathies to Ron on her way out, and Ron simply patted her back. Once the two girls were gone, Ron made his way over to his defeated girlfriend. I'm wearing shoes, and all the beds are joined. Eh, who cares? Ron hopped onto the beds, and he slowly moved over to her side. Neither of them said anything, and Ron decided to clean her up a little. Where's my handkerchief? Ah, there you are. Ron pulled out the handkerchief from his inner suit pocket, and he slowly began to clean Daphne's face.

After a few seconds of dabbing, Daphne started to tear up again. I just cleaned your face, please don't cry again.

"I worked… so hard…" Daphne let out a meek whisper, and then she buried her face in her hands. "I'm so stupid… I didn't get them to sign their contracts… I kept thinking that I had time, and now… And now I have nothing…"

"You couldn't have known that this was coming," Ron put his arm around her. "None of us saw this coming. For them to attack the French's business plans first was a possibility that I never even considered. And for them to pull this off so quickly is just… It's insane."

"Most of them didn't take me seriously," Daphne whimpered. "I'm thirteen, and I was pretending to be so clever… Now they'll remember me as the idiot girl who didn't give them contracts in time… I was just blowing air… Pretending like I'm you…" What?

'Daphne, we both know that you're the smart one," Ron kissed the side of her head.

"No, I'm not," Daphne sniffled. "You're the one who gets things done… I just linger about in the back… Always… Everyone knows that you can do… That you can do better…" Is Daphne insecure when it comes to me? How utterly mental.

"Daphne, look at me," Ron moved in front of her. "I'm short on time right now, and as much as I want to stay here with you, I need to get going." Ron then put his hands on the sides of her face, making sure that she was looking at him. "When I get back, you and I will sit down with your parents, and we will figure out a way to make your plans work. This was just one battle, alright? The enemy blindsided us, but now, we're onto them. We can fight this, and we will."

"Okay…" Daphne said shakily, and Ron kissed her nose.

"I love you," Ron tried to sound as gentle as he could.

"I… I love you too…" Daphne still looked devastated.

Ron moved off of the bed, while Daphne cocooned herself in his blanket, her tears soaking his pillow. Once Ron had his Gringotts pouch, he shot her a quick look in order to make sure that she was alright, but he couldn't quite see her face. All I see is her hair sticking out of the blanket. Corban Yaxley, and his Death-Eater friends, are going to pay for this dearly. Ron quickly left the room, only to run into his friends.

"Well?" Tracey looked rather hopeful.

"She's still hurting," Ron told them. "We all know how much effort she put into this, not to mention the nerve it took to approach those Families. Most of them didn't take her seriously, but she kept trying in order to live up to her Family Name." She kept trying in order to prove herself to me. Fuck, I didn't even realize such a basic thing. "All of you are staying with her tonight. Understood?"

"What about Potter and Longbottom?" Malfoy asked.

"I'll ask mum to set them up in the twins' room," Ron replied. "I'll be back sometime past midnight, I imagine."

"Take care on your trip, Ron," Luna waved him off as he walked off in a hurry.

Ron all but ran down the stairs, most of the adults should've left by now. Oddly enough, he didn't run into any Gryffindors on the way down, but the moment he entered the Kitchen, he found his mother scolding a red-faced Percy. Percy's back?

"Mum, I'm off," Ron said as he moved towards the Living Room.

"Wait!" Molly stopped mid-scolding, while Percy gave Ron a confused look.

"Where is he going?" Percy asked. Wait… Percy's really smart, and he could use this experience. He'll no doubt have something valuable to contribute.

"Mum, can you fill Percy in on what's happening?" Ron asked. "I want him to be involved in this."

"Involved in what?" Percy looked even more baffled. "Where are you going, Ron?"

"Your brother has to go to France," Molly said as she looked Ron over. "Do you have everything, Ron? Wand? Money?"

"Yes, mum," Ron said hurriedly. "Fill Percy in, please. Oh, and set up Harry and Neville in the twins' room as well. Daphne is in my room, and I don't want anyone to disturb her." Anyone from Gryffindor, that is.

"Is she alright?" Molly asked. "Should I make her some tea?"

"She's with friends, so she'll get through this," Ron said. "As for tea, I think it's best if she's left alone. Daphne doesn't like showing people any vulnerability, and right now, she is having a hard time collecting herself."

"Poor girl…" Molly sighed out, while Percy looked thoroughly confused.

"Please fill him in, and then send him to Longbottom Manor," Ron said as left for the Living Room.

"Are you heading out?" Pandora asked, she was sitting in the Living Room with the Trio, the twins, and Ginny.

"Yes," Ron walked over to the fireplace.

"Do you need me to do something while you're gone?" Pandora asked, while the other children whispered to each other. What are they whispering about?

"Just take care of yourself," Ron said as he grabbed a pinch of floo-powder. "The Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts."

With that, Ron tossed the powder into the flames, and they roared to life.

"You're going to see Dumbledore?" Harry asked.

"I'm going to my room in Slytherin," Ron lied. "I just need to go to his Office to get there."

With that said, Ron stepped through the flames, he didn't have time to put up with Harry's obsession with Dumbledore right now. The moment he was inside the Headmaster's Office, he shut down the floo by dousing the flames.

"Ronald?" came the Headmaster's voice, and Ron looked to see him sitting behind his clawed desk. "What brings you here?"

"We have a problem," Ron said as he made his way over to Dumbledore's desk. "Did you perhaps miss a Wizengamot meeting today?"

"Oh, I think so," Dumbledore chuckled, and Ron felt his blood boil. "There was a letter, but I usually never attend. These meeting can be dreadfully boring."

"I don't have time for your loony alter ego," Ron said, and Dumbledore blinked at him. "I want to speak to Albus Dumbledore, the leader of the Order."

"Ronald… What's happened?" Dumbledore looked genuinely concerned. "Please, take a seat."

"They passed a legislation today specifically designed to target the French," Ron said, he didn't want to sit down. "Corban Yaxley, and his degenerate allies, made their move today, and if you had attended this meeting, you could have vetoed the legislation."

"What legislation?" Dumbledore asked calmly.

"Foreign businesses are now subject to investigation if they want to set up roots in England," Ron replied. "Basically, if the French want to bring their businesses here, they'll be stuck at customs for decades."

"I see," Dumbledore nodded to himself, something gleaming behind his eyes.

"Why didn't you attend the meeting?" Ron asked. "You're the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, aren't you?"

"I never wanted that position," Dumbledore replied. "It was given to me out of formality."

"What difference does that make?" Ron asked.

"Power… has always been my weakness, Ronald," Dumbledore said, he was far too relaxed for Ron's liking.

"What?" Ron asked.

"I learned, in my youth, that men like me shouldn't be given power," Dumbledore clarified. "We aren't worthy of it."

"What the hell are you on about?" Ron looked genuinely exasperated. "You are Albus motherfucking Dumbledore! Savior of the Wizarding World! You have fought not one, but two Dark Lords!"

"I am a man, and like all men, I can be corrupted," Dumbledore said. "In truth, I don't attend the Wizengamot meetings simply because people want me to push their agendas. I do not trust myself to hold my Office with honor, and so, I do not partake in it."

"Look…" Ron sighed out, he still had enough Calming Draught in him to keep his head on straight. "I don't know what happened to you in your youth, and truth be told, I couldn't care less. You currently hold a lot of power, but you are hiding away from it while our enemies are abusing their power. It took Corban Yaxley a few days to undo all the work I've done, and once word gets out, the French Ministry will take this as a personal insult. Your lack of action has allowed people like Yaxley to run around doing as they please."

"They can't bring their businesses here, but that doesn't stop them from staying within Britain," Dumbledore said. "Don't forget that you brought them here to work with the Order, Ronald. This position of yours at the Ministry is only a means to an end."

"I know that," Ron said. "But it doesn't change the fact that I look like a dumb cunt once this gets out."

Dumbledore reached under his desk, and he pulled out a black, leather-bound ledger. What's that?

"Here," Dumbledore offered Ron the ledger. "Take a look inside."

Ron slowly took the ledger, and then he opened it to a bookmarked page. Numbers? Over ten thousand in total? Ron read the names of the French Families, and he realized that they had been smuggling Dumbledore money for nearly a month.

"Our allies have been very generous to us," Dumbledore said, and Ron looked back at him. "Each of them wants to outbid the other in order to curry favor from me, and as a result of that, the Order is wealthier than it has ever been. That ledger right there, Ronald, is proof of your contribution."

"They're still giving you money?" Ron looked back at the ledger.

"The French know that they cannot stay in Magical Britain indefinitely," Dumbledore started. "They know that if they overstay their welcome, the British Pure-Bloods will come after them. Their wealth is what makes them important to the Order, not their presence. With this money, and their continued support from overseas, we can hire a Private Military Force. We can have well-rationed safe houses. We even have access to their shadier business partners."

"They can keep sending us money, while the Death-Eaters enjoy their 'victory'," Ron realized.

"Once the French are cast out, we'll ask them to act offended and angry," Dumbledore said. "That ought to convince Corban Yaxley that his scheme worked, but the truth is, we are playing different games. He wishes to get rid of the French in order to keep Britain 'Pure', but they are only here to help us in the war."

"That's all well and good, but what about me?" Ron asked. "I'm the diplomat to the French, and I need to look like I'm fighting this."

"Then fight," Dumbledore said. "Win, or lose, Ronald, we already have what we need from the French. The only part of this undertaking that concerns me is your safety."

"My safety?" Ron asked.

"The enemy is watching you now, Ronald," Dumbledore said. "These people don't have any lines that they won't cross. For centuries, they have kept Magical Britain under their heels, and whenever someone threatens change, these people go for the jugular."

"And pretty soon, they'll be joining the Dark Lord," Ron handed the ledger back to Dumbledore, and the old man hid it inside his desk.

"Fawkes will take you to Olympe," Dumbledore said, and then he looked into Ron's eyes. "Please be more careful from now on, dear boy. I believe that you are only going to face more hardships from here on."

"Not all of the French will want to leave," Ron told Dumbledore. "The Heroux Family and Emilia Travers planned to establish their businesses here. Plus, people like Lady Abadie won't take this lying down."

"Then you must keep them in line," Dumbledore said. "I will also speak to them myself when the Order reconvenes." But until then, I need to do whatever I can to keep this fight going. The longer I can distract Corban Yaxley, the better.

---

Thirty Minutes Later

Ron had calmed down a lot more since his talk with the Headmaster. Ron, of course, was still annoyed with Dumbledore for not fully utilizing his power, but what was he supposed to say? All he could do was to urge Dumbledore to take more action, but at the end of the day, Ron wasn't even in Dumbledore's league. The old man had been around for over a century, and he was widely regarded as the greatest sorcerer since Merlin himself, whereas Ron was just a thirteen year old who was already on his way out.

Fawkes had brought Ron straight to Madame Maxime's Office, and once she got over Ron's sudden appearance, Ron had told her everything that Muriel had told him. Surprisingly, Madame Maxime had taken the news in stride. She, like Dumbledore, was focused solely on the interests of the Order. Ron couldn't help but wonder about Madame Maxime's relationship to the Veela Families. She was clearly their friend, but at the same time, she wasn't bothered about their business plans. What she was bothered by was the deep-seated corruption within the British Ministry. If a man like Corban Yaxley had so much influence, then it was safe to say that his allies also held an absurd amount of power within Britain.

"Avoiding a scandal should be our priority, my friend," Madame Maxime paced, while Ron sipped honeyed tea from his golden tea cup. "Whenever these 'noble' Families clash, egos run wild. There will be lasting damage between our countries if we do not play our cards right."

"Let's say we ask the French to leave without making a ruckus," Ron started. "Which Families do you think might not listen to us?"

"The Abadies, the Bissets, the Coutures, that Travers girl…" Madame Maxime frowned to herself. Emilia will never leave Britain. She'll kill us all before she abandons her vengeance. I need to speak to her myself. "I hear that Poppy Abadie has taken a lover in Britain, but I don't know who. All I know is that her lover is a man of influence."

"Wait, what?" Ron put his cup down. "Isn't she married?"

Madame Maxime shot Ron a bland look, and he quickly regained his composure. Veelas… They only think with their vaginas, don't they?

"She has always been ruled by her greed," Madame Maxime said. "Corban Yaxley is right to fear people like her. Even in France, she has the ear of influential Ministry Officials."

"Could anyone else be doing what she's doing?" Ron asked.

"Possibly," Madame Maxime said. "You never know with Veelas…"

"Then we need to shut that down," Ron said. "If our enemies learn of this, they will start publishing details about their affairs within the Daily Prophet. Within a day, the French will be seen as power hungry invaders."

"And we'll be thrown to the dogs," Madame Maxime frowned once again. "Merde!" I know that word. It's the first word Daphne taught me, at my own request.

"My allies are collecting the French even as we speak," Ron told her. "They'll all be at Longbottom Manor before long."

"Really?" Madame Maxime looked to him. "Well done, Ronald, speaking to them all at once is crucial."

"What do we do if some of them refuse to leave?" Ron asked. "We can't force them out, that'll only anger them. We need them to keep donating funds to the Order."

"Getting them to see the bigger picture will be difficult, but you can leave it to me," Madame Maxime said. "As far as the French, and the Order, are concerned, you know nothing about the war." Madame Maxime then stopped pacing. "You mentioned that Barty Crouch Snr voted against this legislation."

"He did," Ron nodded. "Wait… Could he be this mystery lover?"

"No," Madame Maxime shook her head. "Barty Crouch is not a man who takes on lovers, trust me. He no doubt understands that if this situation escalates, then the Triwizard Tournament is doomed." Oh. "The French will refuse to compete within Britain if there is a scandal, and years of work will be ruined. This is not good, Ronald. Corban Yaxley couldn't have picked a worse time to start this fight."

"How far could this go?" Ron asked. "I know that the French and British have been at each other's throats ever since the Great War, so what happens if we fail?"

"For starters, we'll both be fired," Madame Maxime said. "The Media will crucify us, and any Future plans that you might have within the British Ministry will be out of your reach. After that, the French will pull out of the Tournament, which will result in the British Ministry losing a lot of money. They paid for the whole thing, after all, as a gesture of goodwill. Barty Crouch, Ludo Bagman, Headmaster Dumbledore, Headmaster Karkaroff, and I will be labelled as incompetents. I imagine that Yaxley, and his allies, will reimburse the British Ministry, and paint themselves as heroes in the process."

"Do they know about the Tournament?" Ron asked. "I thought that this Tournament was a closely guarded secret."

"It is, but once the dominoes start falling, only the Gods know when they will stop," Madame Maxime said. "Politics, my friend, is a very explosive profession. One thing, no matter how small at the time, can lead to people losing their lives. The best way to play this game is to keep your ship afloat no matter how much water it takes on. We might need to throw some people overboard should the need arise."

"So anyone who doesn't listen to us, we just cut ties with them?" Ron asked.

"Ignorance can often be the best shield against certain accusations," Madame Maxime said. "If we can't keep our own allies in check, then we won't last long against our enemies. There is too much at stake now, and we have no idea what Corban Yaxley plans to do next."

"Then I reckon we should get to Longbottom Manor," Ron said. "We have a lot to discuss with our allies." Ron then looked to Fawkes. "Ready for another trip, Fawkes?"

Fawkes let out a shrill, and then he flew onto Ron's shoulder.

---

Lord Voldemort's POV

Monday 21st December, 1993 (Nott Manor – Night)

"And the letters have been sent?" the Dark Lord asked Cornelius.

"Yes, my Lord," Cornelius replied. "They will all be here tomorrow night."

"Good," the Dark Lord said, and then he looked to Natalia. "Have you done as I asked?"

"Knockturn Alley is yours," Natalia gave him a nod. "I have organized the Vampires into separate divisions. Each division will control their trade, and all of them will answer to me." She is proving to be a better servant than her brother. Unlike Michael, Natalia understands the importance of discipline.

"I need Unicorn Blood, and a powerful venom," Lord Voldemort told her. "Do not disappoint me, Natalia."

"I already have my Vampires looking for both," Natalia told him.

"Tell them to try harder," the Dark Lord hissed. "My body is weakening already."

"Might I make a suggestion, my Lord?" Lucius spoke up.

"Speak," the Dark Lord's eyes gleamed red. This fool… When will I be rid of him?

"Egbert and Violet Parkinson have a reserve built solely for Unicorns," Lucius started, and the Dark Lord fully turned his head in order to listen. "Tomorrow, you can demand one Unicorn from them, which we can harvest for ingredients. You'll have enough Unicorn Blood to last you a year." That… is an excellent suggestion.

"You are right," Lord Voldemort said, and Lucius bowed deeply. "Well done, Lucius." Finally, he resembles the Lucius of old.

The Dark Lord could see the jealousy within Cornelius' eyes, but he couldn't care less. A reserve full of Unicorns, and my old allies own it. This is good. Unicorn Blood is becoming harder to find, and I need it more than ever.

"Shall I ask my Vampires to stop searching for Unicorn Blood?" Natalia asked, she had yet to look in Cornelius and Lucius' direction.

"Only after we have our own supply," Lord Voldemort ordered.

The Dark Lord suddenly felt a presence outside the study, it was teeming with malice and rage. What is this? Before the Dark Lord could warn his allies, the door was kicked into splinters by an enraged Gaspard. Lucius and Cornelius ripped out their wands and aimed them at the monster, while Natalia seemed to be frozen from genuine fear. As for the Dark Lord, he merely saw an opportunity to exploit.

"Fat… Father?" Natalia took a frightened step back, while Gaspard's glowing orange eyes examined the room.

"Where. Is. My. Son?" Gaspard demanded, and even the Dark Lord felt slightly overpowered by the residual Magic coming off of the Ancient Vampire. "Speak, or I'll kill all of you!"

"Gaspard, welcome back," the Dark Lord felt genuinely thrilled, though he didn't show it. Finally, my greatest weapon has returned to me. It's time I turned his rage towards my enemies.

Gaspard looked to the child-like creature sitting comfortably in the chair, and his eyes began to glow even more brightly. He is not disturbed by my visage? Unsurprising, he is not like anyone I've met before.

"Where is Michael?" Gaspard stepped further into the room, he was still wearing nothing but tattered bandages and a gown. "Why can't I feel him anymore?" Feel him? He can sense his offspring? Fascinating.

"Michael… was murdered by the Order," Lord Voldemort said, and for the first time, he saw pain on the Ancient Vampire's face.

"No…" Gaspard all but whispered. "Michael is strong… He couldn't have been slain by the worms in the Order." Gaspard then looked to his daughter, and she shrunk even more. She's terrified for her life. "Where is your brother, Natalia?"

"Father…" Natalia managed, but Gaspard had her by the throat so fast that even the Dark Lord was surprised.

"You let him go off alone?!" Gaspard screamed, and the study table behind Lord Voldemort exploded.

"Unhand her," Lord Voldemort ordered. "Gaspard, she is not to blame for your son's death. The Order of the Phoenix assassinated him."

Gaspard tossed her aside, and then he was suddenly in the Dark Lord's face. Was Michael his favorite? The undisciplined son who held a lot of potential, clearly.

"Who?" Gaspard whispered, there was true bloodlust in his eyes. "Speak their name."

"Emilia Travers," the Dark Lord replied. "She is the Order's latest recruit, and she killed him in single combat. Make no mistake, however, it was Albus Dumbledore who gave the orders."

Gaspard stared into the Dark Lord's eyes for a few moments, and then, he slowly took a step back.

"Natalia, come," Gaspard turned to leave.

"Where are you going?" the Dark Lord demanded.

"Blood must have blood," Gaspard replied.

"Father, you have not recovered yet," Natalia stood up, her hand massaging her throat.

"I need blood, and I will have it," Gaspard said, and just like that, he was gone.

Natalia followed after her father, while Lord Voldemort smiled to himself. Yes, kill them all, Gaspard.

"Go with them," Lord Voldemort looked to his two Death-Eaters. "Make sure that he doesn't do anything to compromise us."

Lucius and Cornelius bowed, and then they left the study as well. The Dark Lord found himself sitting alone in the dark room, a gleeful smile on his tiny face. The streets will run red with Phoenix blood, and while Gaspard exacts his vengeance, I will bolster my army with my old comrades. It is finally time to strike back against Dumbledore.

---

AUTHOR'S NOTES: There it is, in all of its hella late glory! Once again, I'm really sorry about this. Things are not going my way recently, and it's got me really fucked up.

Anyway, I won't bore you with my problems. I'll sort out everything on my end as quickly as possible, and hopefully, we can keep following our schedule.

Next Update should be up on Tuesday, but if I'm late again, allow me to apologize in advance.

See you guys on the next one.