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.

116. Chapter 116 - The Machine

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 116 is here, right out of the oven!

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.

There's also another Ron story out that's really good so far! It's called 'There and Back Again', and it's written by Chuchi Otaku. Please, go check it out! I've certainly enjoyed reading it!

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'To fight the Abyss... one must know it' - The Ancestor from Darkest Dungeon

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Fate

Chapter 116 - The Machine

Lucius Malfoy's POV

Sunday 10th January, 1994 (Parkinson Estate – After Dinner)

"Thank you for the home cooked meal, you two," Lucius said with a faint smile, it genuinely felt good to eat with company for a change.

"You looked like you could use it, Lucius," Violet said, her voice thick with false sweetness.

She wasn't entirely wrong, of course, for Lucius, for the first time in a long time, had stopped taking care of himself. He still wore clean clothes, however, that was as far as he went when it came to self-grooming. He had let his stubble grow, and his usually combed hair was rough and no longer styled. He looked like a man with little patience, and truth be told, he felt like one too.

If he wasn't thinking about getting his son and wife back, then he was thinking of ways to appease the Dark Lord. Corban and Cornelius, damn them both, were doing their best to push him out of the Dark Lord's favor. It was an old game, and Lucius was genuinely tired of playing it. He needed to get Corban and Cornelius under control before the Dark Lord regained a proper vessel to inhabit, because if he didn't, then Lucius would not be getting his wife and son back any time soon.

"Lucius?" Egbert called for his attention, and Lucius broke out of his thoughts. "We lost you again…"

"Forgive me, my friends," Lucius apologized. "I was thinking of my wife and son again… I was thinking about the future of my Family's Name."

"We understand," Violet said. Do you? Or are you enjoying seeing me this weak? "If there's anything that we can do, please don't hesitate to ask."

Lucius gave her a practiced smile, and then he turned his attention towards her husband.

"Egbert," Lucius decided to move forward with his plan. "Could I trouble you for a drink? My cellar was destroyed during the Order's assault on my Manor."

"Well, as it happens, I've had a new shipment come in," Egbert replied excitedly. "I'll go and grab a bottle myself!" He still doesn't trust his Elves around his alcohol.

"Thank you," Lucius said, and while Egbert left for the cellar, Lucius looked to Violet.

She looked emboldened now that her husband was gone, which was exactly how Lucius had expected her to react. Violet Parkinson's love of short affairs was well known to him, but he had never imagined using this side of her before. Even the thought of flirting with another woman besides his wife sickened him, but Lucius knew that in times of war, desperate measures needed to be taken.

"You are glowing, Violet," Lucius pointed out. "What agrees with you?"

"Young love," Violet smirked a little. Young love? "My daughter has finally garnered the attention of a respectable young Pure-Blood."

"Is that so?" Lucius asked. "May I ask which one?"

"Theodore Nott," Violet replied. Thank the Gods that it's not Draco. I'd hate to unite our Families together. "I spoke with him myself when he came looking for her during the Break… He is absolutely enchanted with her!"

"You're glad that she'll turn from the Weasley boy, aren't you?" Lucius realized.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Lucius," Violet 'giggled', and Lucius felt rather bored of this conversation. Push on.

"I think you do, Violet," Lucius said. "I think that, like myself, you see the Weasley boy for what he truly is."

"And what is he?" Violet asked.

"A Blood-Traitor," Lucius replied, and Violet's eyes darted towards the door.

"Ronald Weasley has been chosen by the Dark Lord himself," Violet said. "You shouldn't speak ill of him, Lucius, especially around other people." You have the cunning of a sardine, woman. Don't play coy with me.

"Your husband won't be back for a while," Lucius spoke from experience. "You and I have been friends for a long time, Violet, and I know how you feel about the Weasleys. They are the embodiment of everything that you hate in this World. They are poor, short-sighted, and mindless savages."

"Ronald Weasley is none of those things," Violet said, and Lucius gave her a knowing look. She's playing hard to get, then?

"Perhaps he isn't," Lucius said wistfully. "Perhaps he is the one good apple to spawn from that infected tree, and I am unfairly judging him." Lucius then rubbed his stubble. "Perhaps your daughter has chosen well…"

"Chosen?" Violet asked, her smirk still fixed on her face. "Chosen what?"

"I have letters here," Lucius pulled out two letters from his robes. "One from Vincent Crabbe and one from Gregory Goyle… Do you remember them?"

"Draco's friends," Violet remembered.

"I reached out to them in secret, and I asked them to keep their eyes on Draco," Lucius explained. "Even their fathers don't know about this, but I've promised Vincent and Gregory 'a seat at the table' should they impress me."

"You told them of the Dark Lord's return?"

"No," Lucius replied. "They think that they'll be getting some form of special attention from me."

"Well, what did they say?" Violet looked to the letters.

"They told me that my son is trapped under Weasley's thumb," Lucius replied. "And they told me that your daughter is no different."

"Lies," Violet said, a hint of coldness suddenly present in her voice.

"Read the letters," Lucius sent them over with a flick of his wand.

Violet Parkinson read both letters, and her expression slowly lost most of its mirth. When she finally looked back to him, he could see a maelstrom of anger behind her eyes.

"She can't keep her hands off of Ronald Weasley…" Violet hissed dangerously. "Why should I believe the words on these letters?"

"Why would Vincent and Gregory lie?" Lucius asked in response. "They state that my son sometimes laughs alongside Ronald Weasley, and I must admit, this troubles me greatly." Time to make her feel important. "I wished to speak to someone who could understand me, and I thought of you."

Violet Parkinson set the letters on fire by using a nearby candle, and then she levitated the burning letters into the fireplace.

"Theodore came here in order to ask me for Pansy's hand in courting," Violet said, her eyes finding Lucius'.

"Looks like little Theodore has had his heart broken," Lucius said.

"She's thrown away such a…" Violet trailed off, her lips thinning into a frown.

"You can say it, Violet," Lucius assured her. "She has thrown away a golden opportunity for the sake of chasing after a Blood-Traitor. He no doubt whispers his beliefs into her ears, and she listens with rapt attention."

Violet Parkinson went to say something, but her husband suddenly burst into the room.

"Lucius, I have a very special bottle for you to try," Egbert announced, no doubt trying to please the stronger wizard. Damn him for interrupting me.

Lucius exchanged a quick glance with Violet, and then he looked to Egbert.

"Don't keep me in suspense, my friend," Lucius said smoothly. "It's been too long since I've had a drink."

---

Thirty Minutes Later

"Thank you for the lovely dinner," Lucius thanked the Parkinsons. "It is getting late, however, and I should be on my way."

"Our guest rooms are open to you, Lucius," Violet offered, her gaze slightly intense. I know that look… Disgusting.

"The Dark Lord has need of me," Lucius said, and Egbert's eyes flashed.

"Please tell him that we are still his humble servants," Egbert said. "And if he needs anything, we would be honored to lend a hand." He doesn't have the courage to go speak to the Dark Lord himself. Pathetic.

"I will speak to him on your behalf," Lucius said, and Egbert gave a grateful nod.

Lucius stood up at that, and after shooting Violet another glance, he left for the Parkinson Greeting Room. I've planted the seed in her mind, and now, I simply have to wait. Knowing her, she'll act irrationally because of her wounded pride. As Lucius neared the fireplaces, he heard the sound of heels catching up to him. That didn't take long at all.

"Lucius, wait," Violet said, and Lucius turned to face her.

"Violet?" Lucius let his eyes examine her.

"Meet me for lunch on Wednesday," Violet whispered as she shot a look back. "My husband will be traveling to Venice for a week, or so." Don't show any disgust, Lucius. Think of Cissy.

"Where?" Lucius asked smoothly.

"The White Wyvern," she replied, and just like that, she turned on her heels and walked away.

Lucius smiled a little, despite his revulsion. She had taken the bait, and if he played his cards right, he could win back his Family's freedom before long.

---

Albus Dumbledore's POV

Sunday 10th January, 1994 (The Russian Ministry – Night)

"The Minister will see you now," the secretary said, and Albus rose from his chair.

"Wonderful," he smiled, and the secretary led him towards Minister Samara's Office.

Once they reached the Office, the secretary led the way inside. Albus quickly took the time to scan his surroundings, and unlike Cornelius' Office, Samara's Office was impeccable. Everything had a proper place, and the ebony wood furniture was polished to the point of shining. There was nothing personal within the Office save for one picture frame, and Albus figured that even Samara couldn't resist the allure of keeping a picture of her child close by.

"Headmaster Albus Dumbledore," the secretary presented, and when Samara waved her hand, the secretary left without hesitation.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Headmaster?" Samara's dark eyes scanned the old wizard.

"I was visiting a friend, and I thought that I'd drop by," Albus replied, and Samara signaled him to sit down. "I must admit, I am surprised that you are still working given how late it is. And on a Sunday to boot!"

"I leave when my workers do," Samara replied.

"That is admirable," Albus said, and he meant it.

"I do not think so," Samara said, her eyes fixed on his. "Here in Russia, we do not shrink away from an honest day's work."

"If only all Minister's shared your ethics," Albus said in a friendly tone. "Though it was a real shame that Russia pulled their funding from the Gaia Project so abruptly. Helping those people in their time of need was 'honest work'."

"I represent Russia, and so, I put Russia first," Samara didn't seem too fazed by his dig. "We have a very large population, and the Gaia Project demanded too much from us. It is a good thing that your Minister was so… generous… with his funding. I understand that he more than made up for Russia's absence."

"And he has Albania's gratitude for it," Albus said.

"For all the good that does him," Samara said coldly. "Your Minister forgets that it's the British people who he needs to please, and not foreigners who can't even vote for him."

"Is that why you pulled your funding?" Albus asked. "So you could retain the support of your people?"

"It was a factor, yes," Samara admitted. "And I made the right choice. They have extended my term by four years, and in that time, no one will challenge my Office." So that's why she got rid of those Muggle-Born Officials. She needed to curry a fixed term from the Old Families of Russia.

"Congratulations," Albus said, and Samara gave a subtle nod. "You have made the right friends, it seems."

"And you still haven't," Samara said, and Albus smiled more widely.

"Sometimes, people just don't fit together," Albus said. "Sometimes, we are simply born incompatible with certain groups of people."

"On that, we agree," Samara said. "There are certain people who I would never aid, nor would I rely upon for help." People like me?

"Are you referring to the Muggle-Borns who have gone missing within your Ministry?" Albus asked.

"My Department of Magical Law Enforcement is doing everything in its power to find those unfortunate souls," Samara replied calmly. "Sadly, Russia is a very large country, and the investigations will take a long time to pan out."

"Long enough for you to hand over the keys of your Ministry to your Master?" Albus asked, deciding to put an end to their game of cat and mouse.

"You are bold, aren't you?" Samara relaxed in her chair, she understood that he couldn't use his memories against her. She has a strong will, and that makes her very dangerous to us.

"I am as bold as I need to be," Albus said. "Why have you aligned with him?"

"Why haven't you?" Samara asked.

"We are incompatible," Albus replied.

"Then I feel sorry for you," Samara said. "You face an enemy that cannot be killed."

"That is a lie that he wants you to believe," Albus said.

"Then he has gone through a lot of trouble to pull off this lie," Samara said. "And for that alone, he has my respect and adoration."

"It's your soul that he wants, not your respect and adoration," Albus said.

"And he has that too," Samara replied. "Stop with this pitiful attempt to turn me away from him, Dumbledore. I am his, and only his."

"He threatened your son," Albus figured, and Samara just stared at him. "You don't have to deny it, I already know that he did. It's his pattern, you see… He was always a bully, even as a child, and that will never change. All he understands is fear and intimidation, so I assure you, your respect and adoration are wasted on him."

"Shall I bestow them on you, then?" Samara scoffed. "You two are different sides of the same coin, Dumbledore. Even now, I can see the similarities between you two."

"Really?" Albus asked.

"It took you less than five minutes to bring up my son, and although you'd never threaten a child, you are more than willing to use said child to stir my emotions," Samara replied. "The only difference between you and my Master is that you lack the will to push your limits. My Master has no limits, and that is precisely why you'll lose in the end."

"He will not deliver on his promises," Albus assured her, her comment had stung a little too much for Albus' liking. "There is no throne waiting for you, and there is no future for your son. Your Master will destroy the World."

"Then I will spend my last days with my son in my arms," Samara said. "It will be less painful than burying him."

"I can protect Ale-" Albus started, but she cut him off.

"Do not say his name," Samara's mood darkened. "Take your false promises and go, I do not wish to hear them."

Albus' eyes clashed against Samara's, and in that moment, Albus knew that she was beyond his help. It's not just her son… She genuinely craves the power that Tom has promised her. She'll never turn on him.

"If one day, you decide to open your eyes, you know where to find me," Albus stood up.

Samara said nothing as Albus left her Office. This is not good… Magical Russia is tightly under her grip, and with the Old Families of Russia supporting her, I can't wrestle it free. I don't have much influence in this part of the World, and most of my allies are currently preparing to protect all of Britain. As usual, Tom is a move ahead of me.

As Albus reached the waiting room, where Fawkes was waiting for him, he felt a familiar source of Magic from behind him. Intense, ferocious, and unshakable. Luka Yahontov.

"She is with him," Albus said without turning around. "Keep your eyes open, and be very careful."

Luka said nothing, opting to return to his Department without even saying goodbye. Before long, he'll be Russia's greatest hope again. I must find a way to support his war from Hogwarts.

---

Corban Yaxley's

Monday 11th January, 1994 (Felix's Apartment – Late Morning)

Corban stepped through the fireplace, and he immediately grimaced at the mess that greeted him. Felix's London apartment was filled with empty bottles, dust, and food rotting away in unwashed plates and containers. Gods above… He'd better have an explanation for this, or I'll ring his ears. Corban put the muffins that he had brought over on the coffee table, and then he began looking around for Felix.

The apartment was devoid of any light, so Corban first opened the curtains, revealing Muggle London in all of its glory. Nice view. I can see why he chooses to live here instead of at his Manor. As Corban neared Felix's bedroom, he heard feet shuffling from the other side. And then, the door swung open, and an unwashed Felix stepped into view. The younger wizard stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of his Mentor, and Corban immediately looked Felix over. Unshaved, unwashed, agitated eyes, and a bottle full of Ogden's Finest in his right hand… Felix, what are you doing?

"My… My Lord…" Felix cleared his throat, but Corban kept staring at him. What's that in his left hand? A picture?

Felix noticed Corban's stare, and he hid the picture from sight.

"Felix, hand it over," Corban said firmly, and Felix tensed visibly. "Now."

Slowly, Felix walked over and handed Corban the picture, his head bowed like a child caught doing something idiotic. Corban looked at the unmoving picture of two young wizards, both of them smiling with their arms around each other. Victor Burke. Corban looked back to Felix, who was still staring down at the ground. Corban could feel his own picture of Felix's morning forming, and when he finally saw it, he nearly struck Felix across the face.

"Idiot boy," Corban snarled, making Felix flinch. "You want to die, is that it?"

"I just want some answers…" Felix's voice strained. "Those Vampires… They've killed him, and I know it…"

"You know nothing," Corban grit out. "Come here."

With a firm grip, Corban dragged Felix towards the couch. Felix didn't put up much of a fight, and before long, he was sitting on his dirty laundry covered couch.

"He had something of value, and they killed him for it…" Felix rubbed his sore wrist, his eyes still on his own feet.

"I'm still looking into it," Corban told him. "Victor might not be dead."

"Please… Don't lie…" Felix bent over with a drained expression. "I'm not stupid… I know what his disappearance means…"

Corban felt some of his anger weaken due to Felix's pain, which was a very odd thing for Corban. Usually, he didn't care whatsoever for other people's feelings, but when it came to Felix, Corban couldn't help but care.

"You know better than to behave this way, Felix," Corban tried more gently. My own voice is unrecognizable to me right now. "This sort of behavior is impossible to come back from. Those Vampires would have killed you."

"Isn't their Den Master one of us?" Felix finally looked up. That thing isn't on anyone's side. I've only met it once, and I've reached my limit already. It's over two centuries my age, which means that it has insight into things that we can't even comprehend.

"Gaspard is not our friend," Corban told Felix. "He is something else entirely, and we must be very cautious around these Vampires."

"Gaspard has the answers…" Felix muttered. "I can't just walk away from this, my Lord… I won't…" Damn it all to Hell. I can't see him stopping this madness.

"I will speak to Gaspard…" Corban said begrudgingly.

"You will?" Felix blinked. I can't let him take that risk. He's far too low on the food chain.

"I will," Corban promised. "But don't ever try this again, Felix."

Felix looked back down at the ground, his free hand finding his face.

"I just really miss him…" Felix sniffled, and Corban felt something tug at his heart. He's always been fragile, Corban… Why did you have to put your hands on him? Hasn't life beaten him enough already?

Slowly, Corban moved over and sat down to Felix's left.

"Give me the bottle, son," Corban encouraged. "It's all right."

Felix handed him the bottle without looking, and Corban sent it floating to the kitchen with a wave of his hand.

"I'll get the answers that you need," Corban said. "You'll get closure, I swear it."

Felix nodded weakly as he rubbed his eyes, and Corban put his hand on Felix's left shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

"Eat the muffins I brought over," Corban went on. "Take a shower, shave your face, and start resembling a Lord once again. I want you by my side as soon as midday."

"The Dark Lord wishes to see me?" Felix asked.

"Not quite," Corban replied. "The Dark Lord only ever rewards three things; Initiative, success, and loyalty. You need to start showing him all three, Felix. You must become invaluable to him. That is how you win." That is how you survive.

"I… I understand…" Felix nodded more surely. "And you'll go see this 'Gaspard' now?" Gods above…

"Yes," Corban agreed, and then he stood up. "I'll be back by midday, so you'd best be ready by then."

"I'll be waiting," Felix said.

Corban looked Felix over once more, and then, he walked over to the fireplace.

"And clean up this house," Corban added as he grabbed some floo-powder. "White Wyvern Pub."

With that, he tossed the powder into the flames, and when they roared to life, Corban walked through them. The inside of the White Wyvern pub was disgusting as always, with creepy old wizards and young witches of questionable ages loitering about. Most of them had a drink in hand, despite how early it was, and a few of them were even sleeping over and under some tables. As Corban moved towards the exit, he began to spot unusually pale individuals watching him. Vampires.

By the time he reached the exit, one of the Vampires stepped into his way.

"Lord Yaxley," the pale 'man' spoke in a thick Hungarian accent. "State your business."

"I wish to see your Den Master," Corban said, matching the Vampire's gaze. "Take me to him."

---

Thirty Minutes Later

"In here," the Hungarian Vampire gestured towards the door with a large, golden handle. The Fanged Grotto… I never knew that such a place existed in Knockturn Alley, nor did I expect it to be so out of place. Where is the money coming from for this secret hideout? Do the Vampires have their own underworld? How much power do they have over the Wizarding World?

Corban entered the room, and the Hungarian Vampire shut the door behind him. Guess my guide isn't allowed to be in here. Corban looked to see Gaspard standing by a large window, his gaze fixed on the streets before him. Round black glasses. That's definitely him.

"Gaspard," Corban stepped further into the room.

"Next time, send word that you're coming," Gaspard said without looking back. "You're lucky that one of my own saw you first." One of his own?

"There are rebel Vampires in Knockturn Alley?" Corban frowned. "The Dark Lord will not be pleased about this."

"Then don't tell him," Gaspard said calmly. "I will take care of the rebels by tonight."

"Who is rebelling? And why?" Corban asked.

"Many Vampires have died already, and many have fled," Gaspard explained. "This has caused damage to morale, and so some have turned to looting and fighting."

"Fighting, you say," Corban saw an opening. "Have these rebels attacked Borgin and Burkes?"

"That trinket store?" Gaspard finally looked back at Corban. "No." Damn.

"This is important, so try thinking about it for more than a second this time," Corban didn't bother hiding his disdain. How dare this corpse be dismissive of me?

"And you should check your tone in the meantime," Gaspard said, and Corban felt his stomach tighten a little. Two hundred and fifty years, Corban… Be more careful. This is a Being that cannot be underestimated. "I haven't had breakfast yet."

"Victor Burke is an important young wizard," Corban kept his composure, but decided to ask rather than demand. "He has gone missing, and I need to find him."

"I know that boy," Gaspard said. "No Vampire has moved against him."

"Are you sure?" Corban asked.

"He was trying to win our favor, and so he was bringing in the gold we needed," Gaspard told Corban. "Not a single Vampire here would weaken his efforts, rebel or not." Victor was working with the Vampires?

"Can you tell me more?" Corban asked.

"That depends on you," Gaspard replied. "Why are you asking after Victor Burke?"

"He is an imp-"

"Save it," Gaspard stopped Corban short. "I know that this is personal for you, otherwise you'd have sent an owl. Tell me the real reason, and I will share everything I know of Victor Burke." I hate this thing.

"My ward, Felix Rosier, was very close with Victor Burke," Corban cooperated. "Victor's disappearance is causing Felix a lot of discomfort, and I wish to help alleviate that discomfort."

"Your son needs you," Gaspard nodded to himself. "I understand the need to help one's child… Very well, I'll tell you everything. Victor Burke has been missing for nearly a month now, and we've tried searching high and low for him. Sadly, we have found no traces of the boy."

"He was still working for you when he vanished?" Corban asked.

"He was," Gaspard replied as he looked back to the streets. "A lot of money was being brought in through my many accounts, and he was helping with that. He also planned to sell me some toxin emitting weapon, but before he made me the offer, he made it to somebody else."

"Who?" Corban asked.

"A 'promising, Slytherin friend' of his from Hogwarts," Gaspard replied. "When I asked Victor why he hadn't sold me the weapon yet, he told me that he was waiting to hear back from this friend of his."

"You don't know the name of this friend, I take it," Corban figured.

"Just that he's a promising Slytherin," Gaspard replied. "Hmmm, I wonder who fits that description?"

Corban thought about it, and very slowly, he felt his spine tense. Ronald Weasley? Could it really be him? Who else is 'promising' within Slytherin?

"Do you suspect Ronald Weasley?" Corban asked.

"I ran into that boy once," Gaspard ignored Corban's question. "Just outside the Leaky Cauldron. His Magic smelled almost as foul as your Dark Lord's… I can't wait to meet him again. He's definitely one of us monsters." What is he talking about…?

"I need to be sure about this," Corban said. "Are really sure that it was Ronald Weasley?"

"Victor only gave me a description, so I can only speculate," Gaspard said. "If you want hard evidence, then you need to go look elsewhere." How do I tell Felix this? Felix fought to stop us from assassinating Ronald Weasley… I can't even imagine what this will do to him.

"Your assistance is appreciated," Corban said, despite hating being grateful to a walking cadaver. "I will be on my way now."

"Next time, send an owl," Gaspard said dismissively. The Dark Lord needs to get rid of this thing as soon as possible.

---

Monday 11th January, 1994 (Nott Manor – Midday)

"Can we trust Gaspard's words?" Felix asked.

"Not now, Felix," Corban replied. "We have to focus on introducing you to the Dark Lord." I need to make sure that it was really Ronald Weasley who was behind Victor's disappearance. I don't want Felix going after Weasley. The Dark Lord will destroy him if he does that. I also can't tell Felix of my suspicions because the Dark Lord will surely look into his mind. "All I can tell you is that it wasn't the Vampires, and I'm going to search for more leads."

"Okay," Felix drew in a deep breath. "Thank you for this, my Lord. It means a lot to me."

"Focus," Corban said, and Felix looked ahead with a resolute look.

Neither of them spoke as they neared the Dark Lord's room, and once they were in position, Corban knocked thrice.

"Enter," came the Dark Lord's voice, and Corban led the way in.

The Dark Lord was sitting in his chair, his childish body surrounded by mountains of books. The Potion has him looking almost human-like again. At this rate, he'll regain a temporary body before creating his perfect one. This is all thanks to my contribution, and he will remember that.

"Corban, why have you brought young Felix here?" the Dark Lord hissed, his red eyes not leaving his book.

"Felix wishes to introduce himself to you, my Lord," Corban bowed deeply, and Felix followed suit. "And it would do me a lot of honor if you could speak to him."

"You have been useful over the last few days…" the Dark Lord looked up. "Very well, I shall speak with your ward."

Corban looked back to Felix, who quickly walked over and kneeled in front of the Dark Lord.

"My Lord, I am-" Felix started, but the Dark Lord cut in.

"Alone," the Dark Lord looked to Corban. Alone? Why?

"As you wish," Corban bowed again, and then he quickly left the room.

A small pit was forming in his stomach by the time the door shut behind him, and Corban tried his best to remain calm. Felix is ready, Corban. Trust him to get this right, and just wait for him to come back out.

---

Lord Voldemort's POV

Monday 11th January, 1994 (Nott Manor – Midday)

"Go on," the Dark Lord hissed.

"My Lord, I am Felix Rosier," Felix started again. "I am Corban Yaxley's ward, and I have learned everything at his feet. In my seventh year, I was the leading member of the Silver Triumvirate-"

"Yes, yes," the Dark Lord cut in. I have no time to waste with this. "You are a brilliant young wizard, and I already know that because Corban has taken you under his wing."

"He would be very proud to hear you speak so highly of him," Felix said. Loyalty? Good.

"I want to hear about your skillset," Lord Voldemort ordered.

"Numbers and Runes, my Lord," Felix said. "I have always excelled in Arithmancy, and I've learned a handful of Rune Languages over the years." Useful talents for a young Lord.

"This is a good skillset to have," Lord Voldemort said. "Rise, child."

Felix stood up, and the Dark Lord gazed into his eyes. There was resistance at first, but when the boy realized who was looking into his mind, he removed his Occlumency shields. His Occlumency could be better. I might train him myself if he proves useful. Memory by memory, the Dark Lord scoured the boy's mind. Eventually, this led him to a memory of Violet Parkinson calling for Ronald Weasley's murder. Felix convinced Corban to stand down.

"Tell me of the plot to murder Ronald Weasley," Lord Voldemort's eyes flashed red, and Felix tensed a little.

"Lady Parkinson and a handful of other individuals wanted to remove Mr. Weasley from his positions of power," Felix explained. "I could not bring myself to agree with them, however. I openly refused, and then I spoke to Lord Yaxley about it. I convinced him to abandon the plot to murder Mr. Weasley."

"This was before you all learned of his importance," the Dark Lord finished viewing the entire memory. "Has Violet Parkinson since lost her ambition to murder Ronald?"

"I do not know," Felix replied truthfully.

"Then tell me what you think," Lord Voldemort said. Prove how perceptive you are.

"I… I do not believe that she has," Felix replied. "Her daughter seems very important to her, and said daughter is very close with Mr. Weasley." She is? Violet Parkinson's daughter is close with my Heir? "Lady Parkinson is particularly hateful of Blood-Traitors, and so she does not approve of this friendship."

"And she lacks the wisdom to realize that Ronald is no ordinary child," Lord Voldemort felt his temper flare. I must keep my eyes on her.

"I can keep tabs on her for you, my Lord," Felix said. "I also have a network of spies in my arsenal, and they are all yours." Loyal, and he takes the initiative? Corban has chosen well.

"Then consider this your first task," the Dark Lord commanded. "If she is still plotting something, bring me proof. If she has abandoned her foolishness, bring me proof. Prove yourself to Lord Voldemort, and you will be rewarded." But should you fail, you will know torment unlike any other.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Monday 11th January, 1994 (Pomfrey's Office – End of Session)

"I am glad to see that you are trying to open up more, Ron," Madam Pomfrey said, and Ron felt a little vindicated. It's hard, but I'm trying.

"The people I've opened up to so far haven't started mollycoddling me, nor do they take pity on me," Ron said. "I'm really glad that I was wrong… Not to mention that things are even improving between some people and me."

"Your sister," Madam Pomfrey said.

"And my brothers," Ron added. "The twins want to help, but not in a condescending way. Ginny has realized that her life doesn't have to be like mine, and she's trying to find her way back. Luna is… Luna… And Percy is trying to listen for a change."

"And your friends?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"They're being there for me," Ron replied. "They're struggling, but they're still trying, and that means a lot to me." Ron then drew in a deep breath. "Thank you for not saying 'I told you so', by the way. That also means a lot."

"Have I ever said that before?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"No, but the look on your face sometimes does," Ron replied.

"You still try to use humor as an escape," Madam Pomfrey pointed out, and Ron gave a lopsided grin.

"That's what makes me Ronald Weasley," Ron shrugged.

"We'll do something about that next, then," Madam Pomfrey said with a hint of a smile.

"Then this is where I leave," Ron stood up quickly. "I think our session ended twenty minutes ago."

"Twenty-three minutes ago," Madam Pomfrey corrected. "I do not mind, of course, and I'm more than willing to keep going. There aren't many patients in today."

"I think I've opened up enough for one day," Ron chuckled. "Can we please stop here?"

"Certainly," Madam Pomfrey began storing away his records. "See you on Thursday, Ron."

"Take care," Ron said as he left the Office, he felt so much lighter right now. Lighter, but also quite tired. It's been a long day.

Ron began making his way out of the Hospital Wing, and just as he stepped outside, he spotted Ravenclaw Ron loitering about. For fuck's sake… He's back.

"Hello, stranger," Ravenclaw Ron smirked at him.

Ron looked dead ahead, and he started walking towards the Moving Staircase. Ravenclaw Ron skipped behind him, a smug look plastered on his face.

"Why are you ignoring me?" Ravenclaw Ron sniggered. "We're best mates now, Ronnie!" Since when, bitch? "After all, if it weren't for me, you'd have never learned of the Diadem."

"It was destroyed a week ago," Ron couldn't stop himself. "Where did you run off too?"

"So you did miss me," Ravenclaw Ron grinned.

"I needed answers," Ron stopped walking, and after he looked around for eavesdroppers, he glared at his past self. "Why is my brain damage getting worse? Why isn't the Entity healing it?"

"It can't," Ravenclaw Ron replied.

"Horseshit," Ron frowned deeply. "It's been doing it so far, but now something has changed. It told me that it couldn't heal the damage done by Fate, but it also told me that it could heal the damage caused by my Chronic Stress. So what's changed?"

"I think you already know the answer to that," Ravenclaw Ron said.

"You told it to stop," Ron grit out. "You fucking prick."

"Wrong!" Ravenclaw Ron sang, and Ron felt his face twitch. "I didn't tell the World-Eater to stop… But saying that, it's because of me that it stopped. The human body isn't made for multiple souls, Ronnie, and having multiple souls can lead to a lot of damage." The Headmaster did mention that to me.

"Multiple souls?" Ron demanded.

"You, me, the others who escaped…" Ravenclaw Ron explained merrily. "Your mind was devastated, but the World-Eater healed as much as it could by trapping the others within the Hourglasses."

"But it didn't collect you, so it can't heal the damage done by you," Ron realized. "As long as you're running free, I only have two years left."

"No, you have all the time you need," Ravenclaw Ron rolled his eyes. "If the World-Eater keeps healing any new brain damage, then it won't get worse enough for your body to shut down. Me being out only makes your scans scarier to look at." That sort of makes sense, actually, and if he's right, then I still have more time than I thought. This… I don't know how I feel about this…

"But there are new symptoms that I need to deal with now," Ron countered. "I've been struggling to sleep, and I nearly lost consciousness during my morning run today."

"That is the price of knowledge, Ronnie," Ravenclaw Ron grinned again. "Remember the first Law of Magic? Nothing is free, and what Magic gives, it also takes. Without me, you'd have never found the Diadem-"

"Never is a strong word," Ron cut in.

"And yet, I'm still inclined to use it," Ravenclaw Ron said. "A few new symptoms are a small price to pay for a piece of the Dark Lord's soul. Don't you agree?"

Ron clenched his jaw, mostly because he did agree. We even learned of the Cup, which might be the Dark Lord's final Horcrux.

"What more do you know about the Dark Lord's Horcruxes?" Ron asked.

"I know how he makes them," Ravenclaw Ron said.

"The Headmaster knows that as well," Ron stated. "That evil tome in his Office showed him how."

"Would he teach you like I would?" Ravenclaw Ron asked.

"I don't want to learn that kind of knowledge," Ron felt genuinely sickened at the thought. "And the fact that you would proves to me that I need to stop talking to you." You're just as bad as the Dark Lord himself.

With that, Ron began making his way down towards the Dungeons. Sick bastard still hasn't learned his lesson. Didn't Fate kill him for making his own Horcrux? Is he trying to sabotage my Cycle? What does he get out of that?

"You are a paranoid little fucker, aren't you?" Ravenclaw Ron said from behind him. "I'm not asking you to create Horcruxes, I'm offering to teach you more about them." I already know enough. "Trust me, it could help save your life one day."

Ron drew in a deep breath, and he began to picture himself standing atop Stoatshead Hill. As peace washed over him, he felt Ravenclaw Ron's presence slowly vanish. That worked? Really?

"I'm in your head, Ronnie, you can't send me away using Occlumency," Ravenclaw Ron suddenly popped around the corner, making Ron flinch. "Occlumency is used to keep people out, it does nothing to souls that already live inside you. If you want me to leave, you need to 'cooperate'. I'm willing to give you days off, even."

"I can just ignore you," Ron whispered harshly.

"I rather doubt that," Ravenclaw Ron said, and then he began screaming at the top of his lungs.

Ron sealed his ears shut with his hands as the noise pierced his eardrums. What the fuck?! He's just going to keep screaming in my ear?!

"Why are you doing this?!" Ron hissed. "Leave me alone!"

Ravenclaw Ron suddenly vanished from sight, leaving Ron a little jarred.

"Weasley?" came a familiar voice, and Ron looked to see Patrick Wilson eyeballing him. Oh, fuck! What's he doing in the Dungeons?!

"Wilson?" Ron blinked at the Ravenclaw. "What are you doing down here?"

"I was handing in an overdue essay to Professor Snape," Wilson replied, he clearly wanted to know who Ron was yelling at. "Um… Who are you yelling at?"

"Peeves," Ron lied blatantly. "He was pissing me off." Wow, that was not a good lie.

"But I didn't see Peeves," Wilson said slowly. "As a matter of fact, I didn't see any ghost."

"You must have missed him," Ron decided to double down. "Anyway… I'll be on my way…"

Without further explanation, Ron simply began to walk off. Thankfully, Wilson didn't chase after him like the other Ravenclaw that Ron was being forced to deal with. I can't get caught talking to myself like some loon. I need to get a fucking grip here.

---

Monday 11th January, 1994 (The Great Hall – Dinnertime)

Ravenclaw Ron was still whispering in Ron's ears, and honest to Merlin, Ron was close to smashing his own head against a wall. He couldn't think. All those taunts and hurtful jabs were starting to get to him, and the fact that Ravenclaw Ron wasn't going anywhere any time soon was almost maddening. His sour mood was starting show, and so his friends knew better than to engage him right now.

"Patrick Wilson is looking at you again," Ravenclaw Ron went on. "He probably thinks that you're insane." It was your fucking fault, you prick! "Plus, those rumors about your health… My word, he's going to tell everyone about this."

Ron pinched the bridge of his nose, praying to Merlin that he'd be able to keep resisting the urge to make a scene. His friends maintained their own conversations, but they did shoot him subtle looks.

"Now he's talking about you to that girl," Ravenclaw Ron sniggered. "Have a look, Ronnie."

From the corner of his eyes, Ron looked towards Patrick Wilson, and much to Ron's annoyance, Patrick was indeed talking to a girl whilst looking at Ron. If he tells the older Ravenclaws that I'm a nutcase, my plans for the study group's future will be damaged.

"It was only a matter of time, Ronnie," Ravenclaw Ron said. "People were bound to find out that you're not all there, and now, Patrick is taking care of that." Matter of time, my arse. You fucking lured me into that trap.

Ron went back to eating his food, an agitated look on his face. The chicken on his plate suffered the brunt of Ron's growing anger, and by the time Ron was done, the girls were giving the chicken sorry looks. I don't have a choice. I need to approach Patrick tonight! If I can convince him that I'm not a loon, then I can still salvage this.

"What are you plotting, eh?" Ravenclaw Ron asked. "Oh… You plan to approach him, do you?" Get out of my head! "Why? Why approach him at all? Let him spread the rumors."

Ron rubbed his temples with knuckles. What good does that do me?

"You need to stop caring about other people's opinions," Ravenclaw Ron went on. "You need to focus on your mission, and not on other people's problems." Focus on my mission? Did you do that, you twat? No, you didn't. How else can you explain being dead?

The school bell suddenly rang throughout the Great Hall, and Ron was the first one on his feet. His friends quickly followed after him, though none of them spoke to him. Ron didn't really notice because he was too busy thinking about what to tell Patrick. Once he neared the Hourglasses, Ron came to a halt.

"You guys go on," Ron said to his friends. "I want to talk to someone first."

"Who?" Daphne asked. "Maybe we can help with this conversation?"

"Uh… No, you don't have to," Ron said. "Go on, please. I'll see you guys as soon as I'm done."

"Let's go, then," Theo said to the others, he didn't plan to be the one to push Ron over the edge.

They all left together, and only Daphne shot a quick look back. She probably wants to talk to me about my bad mood. Well, it won't do any-

"Wake up!" Ravenclaw Ron yelled in his ear, and nearly jumped out of his skin. Motherfucker! "Patrick is right over there!"

"My fucking ears…" Ron muttered under his breath, and then he hopped into Patrick's way. "Sorry, I nearly knocked you over there."

"Oh, it's all right," Patrick chuckled; he had stopped himself in time. "Though, you should probably watch where you're going. With your size, you might trample some first year." Ha. Ha. Someone hand this clown a medal.

"That's funny," Ron put on a smile. "You're right, I should be more careful."

"Patrick, are you coming?" one of the sixth year Ravenclaw girls asked.

"Actually, could I borrow Patrick for a moment?" Ron said before Patrick even had time to think. "I promise that I'll send him back in one piece."

"Um… You guys go on, yeah?" Patrick looked to his friends, and they left without incident. "You want to talk to me about something?"

"Can we talk by the Hourglasses?" Ron asked, and they both made their way over to the Hufflepuff Hourglass. Merlin, we're miles ahead of everyone.

"Everything all right?" Patrick asked. "You seemed bothered during dinner."

"It's puberty," Ravenclaw Ron sniggered to himself. "Lad's all pent up to boot."

"I wanted to explain my earlier behavior to you," Ron ignored his past self.

"Oh…" Patrick looked a little uncomfortable. "Don't worry about that, mate. Everyone lets out a scream every now and then… This place has a way of making people lose their minds, I reckon." Huh? What are you talking about?

"Exactly," Ron went with it. "I just… It's been a rough few days, and I needed to get them out of my system."

"I'm sorry I interrupted that," Patrick relaxed a little. "I hope things get better for you, mate." He called me 'mate' again? What a friendly bird. "Well, I'll be off-"

"There's one more thing, actually," Ron seized the opportunity to recruit Patrick and his friends. "How are your studies going?"

"My studies?" Patrick blinked. "Um… Pretty shit, to be honest." What? Aren't you in Ravenclaw? "I haven't turned in a single essay on time so far this year." Why do you sound so casual about that?!

"I'm… sorry?" Ron said slowly, and Patrick shrugged with a carefree smile.

"I'm not an academic, despite being a Ravenclaw," Patrick said. "It's not as uncommon as you think, by the way."

"I see…" Ron cleared his throat. It's always nice to get slapped by your own stereotypes of others. "Well, if you need a place to get back on top of your studies, you can come to my study group."

"Ah, the infamous study group," Patrick laughed brightly. "I must admit that I'm surprised by this invite, mostly because I never thought that it would happen."

"Everyone is welcome," Ron smiled. "And if we could get more older Ravenclaw students involved, that'd be really great for the younger ones already in the study group."

"And it might even inspire older students from the other Houses to join in," Patrick figured. Okay… He's not an academic, but he isn't stupid either. Oh, Gods… He's not like Luna, is he? I can only take one Luna at a time. "Are you there, Weasley?"

"Yeah, I'm here," Ron cleared his thoughts. "And you're right, I would like more older students to join the study group. So far, only Hufflepuff has provided anyone past third year."

"Cedric and his friends," Patrick nodded. "I know."

"So? Are you in?" Ron asked. "It'll be fun, trust me."

"A little forward, don't you think?" Ravenclaw Ron hummed. I'm low on patience right now, so excuse me for not drawing this out.

Patrick thought about it for a few moments, and then he shrugged again.

"Why not?" Patrick agreed. "It'll be nice to see how it operates, and my friends wouldn't mind helping the younger Ravenclaws."

"Would they be open to helping Slytherins, Hufflepuffs, and Gryffindors as well?" Ron asked.

"Not sure about them, but I don't mind," Patrick replied. But you're not an academic… You just admitted that to me.

"Great," Ron kept smiling. "Thank you, Wilson, I really appreciate this."

"I'll see you around, mate," Patrick chuckled as he left for Ravenclaw Tower.

"What a chirpy fellow," Ravenclaw Ron said. "I hate him already."

"You didn't know him in your Cycle?" Ron asked.

"I barely knew who was in my year, let alone who was above me," Ravenclaw Ron said. "I kept to myself." Useless cunt.

"Or people kept away from you," Ron said venomously, and Ravenclaw Ron's jaw clenched for a moment. "You fucking creep."

Not wasting another second, Ron began making his way up the Entrance Hall stairs, and then down towards the Dungeons. He couldn't hear his past self's footsteps, which was a welcome change. Ron didn't bother looking back, and before long, he was knocking on Snape's door.

"Come in," came Snape's voice, and Ron quickly entered the Office.

"Did the girls give you their answers?" Ron asked after he shut the door.

"They have agreed to join," Snape replied.

"All three of them?" Ron asked.

"Yes, but you should keep your eyes on Samantha," Snape replied. "She is uncertain, and that could lead to disaster."

"I'll do that," Ron agreed, and then he turned to leave.

"Albus is speaking to them now," Snape said. "If you stay for a bit, you could speak to them with me when they drop by my Office."

"I'll pass," Ron said. "I've had a long day, Sir, and I just want to sleep." Only Merlin knows when my past self will return to shout in my ears.

"I see," Snape said. "Be on your way then, and if you need a Sleeping Draught, come directly to me." Really? You'd give me one from your personal stock?

Not planning to look a gift Griffin in the mouth, Ron thanked the man and left the Office. The sudden silence in his life was somewhat disorienting, and the closer Ron got to the Slytherin common room, the woozier he felt. He knew that this was one of the new symptoms, and he had first felt it when he had collapsed outside of the Burrow. I need to get rid of my past self somehow, and then the Entity can heal the damage done by that bastard.

---

Sirius Black's POV

Monday 11th January, 1994 (Twelve Grimmauld Place – Night)

"I bring sustenance!" Sirius announced as he stepped through the fireplace, but he was met with an empty Living Room. Lads? "Sturgis?! Kurt?!"

"They are in the Kitchen, Master," Kreacher croaked from Sirius' left. Bloody hell!

"Kreacher… When did you get there?" Sirius breathed out.

"Mere seconds ago, Master," Kreacher bowed as far as he could.

"Stop doing that," Sirius said, a hint of his old anger in his voice. How many times do I need to ask this? "Your back will give out one of these days."

"Master is kind to care for Kreacher's back," Kreacher croaked.

"I…" Sirius started, but he stopped himself. Don't start with him, Sirius. Just give him something to do, and he'll stop needing to bow. "Kreacher, take these to the Kitchen. They're from Molly."

"Ah, Lady Weasley," Kreacher snapped his fingers, making the dishes float up into the air. Lady Weasley? He's still calling her that? "Master Podmore, the whelp, and Lady Travers will be pleased."

Kreacher Apparated at that, leaving Sirius alone in the Living Room. Wait… Did he say Lady Travers? Sirius went dead still, and when he heard the first semblance of a womanly voice within his house, he made his way directly to the Kitchen. And there she was… Drinking from his special bottle of Ogden's Finest, a treat that Sirius had been saving for Remus. What is she doing in my house?!

"Lord Black," Emilia smirked at him. "I was waiting for you to arrive, and Sturgis here decided to keep me company." Where's Kurt?

Sirius looked to find Kurt sitting by himself in the corner, a wary look on his face.

"Kurt? Are you all right?" Sirius asked.

"Yeah, Sirius…" Kurt replied, his eyes darting towards Emilia. "I'm fine…"

"I merely warned him of the consequences should he choose to betray the Order," Emilia said.

"You have no right to do that," Sirius snarled.

"Sirius," Sturgis said calmingly. "Let's not start a fight here, shall we?"

"What are you doing in my house?" Sirius asked Emilia. "And who allowed you to drink my liquor?"

"I can get you another," Emilia replied calmly. "I had a long day, and I just needed a drink."

"Getting me another bottle isn't the issue here," Sirius already felt driven up the wall. I bought that just for Remus! It's his favorite! "That bottle in your hand wasn't for me, it was for a dear friend of mine. Who taught you your manners?" She might have been raised in France, but her Family was from Britain. This is not how British Ladies are meant to act.

Sirius shuddered at how close he sounded to his own father, and that put him in a fouler mood.

"I've offended you," Emilia whispered to herself, but Sirius heard her.

"Yes," Sirius frowned at her.

"I am sorry," Emilia apologized, which surprised Sirius a little. "I didn't come here to cause offence." You could have fooled me!

"Then why are you here?" Sirius asked.

"I have business in Britain, and I could use a place to stay," Emilia's tone became formal, her posture straightening up. And she goes back to being a 'Ronin'… Honestly, she acts really weird around me, and I'm starting to believe Kurt's theory about her having a thing for me.

"She wants the Order's protection," Sturgis pitched in.

"Do you?" Sirius asked Emilia. "Last time you were here, you made it abundantly clear that we're not on your level."

"Most of the Order isn't," Emilia replied, and Sirius frowned again. "But you aren't like the others. You survived Azkaban for a decade, and I can respect that kind of strength." Oh… "Can I count on your hospitality, Lord Black?"

Sirius stared at her for a few seconds, and then he let out a deep sigh. I can't just turn her away, especially considering that she's an Order member now.

"Kreacher, set up the room she used before," Sirius said, and Kreacher snapped out of the Kitchen.

"Thank you," Emilia gave an appreciative nod.

"Just don't bring your fights into this house," Sirius said, and then he grabbed a plate of food and left the Kitchen. I should start charging rent. At this rate, I'll become richer than Sebastian fucking Greengrass.

As Sirius reached the top floor, he stopped at the door leading into Regulus' room. Time to feed the other woman in my life… Fucking hell, I miss having sex. I've turned into a glorified nanny ever since I agreed to host the Order here. Sirius knocked on the door, and he heard feet shuffling about.

"I'm coming in," Sirius said, and then he unlocked the door using the key to the new Enchanted locks.

Narcissa was combing her hair in front of a vanity mirror, and Sirius couldn't help but wonder why Kreacher had spent so much money on fixing up Regulus' old room. This room is nicer than mine, and our 'prisoner' is the one who occupies it.

"Sorry for being late," Sirius walked over and put the plate on her bed.

She kept her silence, as usual, and Sirius didn't care enough to bother getting her attention. Honestly, I'm just glad that I don't have to hear her bile anymore. Sirius left the room, and once it was closed, he locked it with the key.

"So Narcissa Malfoy has become a guest instead of remaining a prisoner?" came Emilia's voice from behind him.

"Your room isn't on this floor," Sirius turned around with a dull look. "Did you follow me up here?"

"I wished to thank you properly," Emilia replied, and for a moment, Sirius thought that she was batting her eyes. Or trying to… Am I imagining this?

"Well? Here I am," Sirius said after a few silent moments. What is she waiting for? Say 'Thank you' so I can go eat my dinner.

Emilia suddenly took a step back, though her eyes didn't leave his. Is she suddenly feeling awkward?

"Thank you for your kindness," she gave a short bow, and then she turned on her heel and marched away. What the fuck was that?! Why have all the women gone mental?! First Pandora and Molly tear into me for 'not being a proper adult', and now this? What's happened to my life?

---

Harry Potter's POV

Tuesday 12th January, 1994 (Remus Lupin's Office – After Classes)

"Sorry for the wait, Harry," Remus entered the Office.

"Oh, it's all right," Harry hopped out of his chair. "I only just got here myself."

"I don't see your book bag with you," Remus said as he looked around Harry. "You know the deal, Harry… We do your homework first, and then we do the training. Your textbooks are filled with all the knowledge that you need to succeed."

"I know," Harry said. "But just for today, can we skip the homework? I'm not really in the mood to study."

Remus looked Harry over, and then he gave a slow nod.

"What's bothering you?" Remus asked. Just say it, Harry, or we'll never win the Group Tournament.

"We've settled on a team for our year," Harry started, and Remus looked quite interested. "It'll be Seamus, Dean, Fay, Hermione, and me. Seamus and Dean are in good shape, Hermione knows more Spells than all of us combined, and I'm pretty quick on my feet. As for Fay… Well, she was the best out of everyone left." I still wish that Neville had tried harder to get on the team. He didn't even volunteer to join.

"Have you all started practicing yet?" Remus asked with a smile.

"About that…" Harry drew in a deep breath. "Can you tutor us?"

"Harry… I'm running the Dueling Club," Remus replied. "I can't tamper with the results by picking out students to teach."

"You teach me, though," Harry said.

"You're the exception," Remus said. "And I don't teach you how to compete in the Tournaments."

"You've taught me the basics of Dueling," Harry pointed out. "C'mon, Remus… Please? We don't stand a chance as we are now. Hermione is too stubborn to listen to anyone, Seamus and Dean keep goofing around, and Fay doesn't even try! We're going to lose to Hufflepuff at this rate!" We'll be turned into a laughing stock!

"I understand why you're worried," Remus said calmingly. "But I don't think it's appropriate for me to favor Gryffindor, Harry…"

"But you were a Gryffindor," Harry tried. "We're coming last in the race for the House Cup, and these Tournaments can help change that for us. We can still beat Slytherin!"

"Slytherin is trying very hard this year," Remus stated. "They're doing well in their classes, they're trying their best at these Tournaments, and I just saw their Quidditch Team flying around the Quidditch Pitch." Really? They've started practicing as well, then. I'll tell Oliver when I get back to Gryffindor Tower.

"The Slytherins have Snape giving them extra Points in classes," Harry couldn't help but frown a little.

"It's Professor Snape, and I don't agree with your comment," Remus said. "Some of the best work I see from my students comes from the Slytherins. All of us Professors agree on that, including Professor McGonagall. As for the Tournaments, they've won their matches fair and square."

"I already told the others that you'd help," Harry said, and Remus let out a sigh.

"I wish you hadn't done that, Harry," Remus said.

"Just one lesson," Harry bargained. "Just one."

Remus looked rather conflicted, and Harry couldn't help but wonder why Remus was so against this. It's just one lesson. It's not like I'm asking him to make sure that we win.

"Have you tried making them listen to you?" Remus finally asked.

"I tried," Harry replied truthfully. "Seamus and Dean listened for a bit, but Hermione…" he trailed off.

"What about Hermione?" Remus asked.

"At first, she was fine with me calling the shots, but then we had a disagreement about one thing, and now she keeps ignoring my advice," Harry couldn't help but sound frustrated.

"What did you two disagree on?" Remus asked.

"Our overall strategy," Harry replied. "She wants us to use Shield Charms for cover, but I think that it'd be better if we stayed on the move. You yourself mentioned that Shield Charms should be a last resort because they take too much effort to keep up, remember?"

"I remember."

"She still disagrees with that," Harry went on. "It's like she can't take being wrong about something." Who am I kidding? This is Hermione, and she'll take this to the grave. "We got together to practice yesterday, and Hermione stubbornly stuck with her 'strategy'. It's like she's forgotten that Ron can overpower her!"

Something flashed behind Remus' eyes, and he gave Harry a knowing smile. Oh, no… Did I give something away?

"Did you say the exact same thing to her?" Remus asked, and Harry tensed a little.

"Not exactly…" Harry lied. I said it word for word.

"Harry, I think you hurt her feelings," Remus said.

"I told her a fact, something that she has no issues with when it's her turn to lecture Neville and me," Harry said defensively.

"A lot of people still make fun of her for losing to Ron in five seconds, Harry," Remus said, and Harry couldn't help but feel a little guilty. "I know that you understand how your words could have hurt her."

"I wasn't trying to," Harry said. "Her strategy isn't going to work, and we all know it. Fay isn't exactly good at blocking Spells, and Seamus' wand is extremely unpredictable. If we stay huddled up together, that'll just give the other teams a chance to pummel us. You see my point, don't you?"

"I do, but I also see you struggling to convey your point," Remus said. "Part of being a leader is learning how to communicate with your teammates, Harry."

"If you can just help me show the others that I'm right, they'll start listening," Harry said. "Please, Remus? We're practicing near the Pitch tomorrow after classes, and if you could just drop by-"

"I'll think about it," Remus said, and Harry smiled immediately. "But, Harry, I want you to try and do this on your own. It's important for someone like you to be able to take charge." Someone like me? Oh. "I know that makes you uncomfortable, but it'll get easier over time."

It was no secret to Harry that one day; he was going to play a large role in the war. He was, after all, the 'Boy-Who-Lived', and that meant that people had certain expectations of him. Now, Harry was all for joining the fight against Voldemort, but he didn't want people hanging on his every word. If anything, Harry wanted nothing to do with the title of the 'Boy-Who-Lived', and all of the responsibilities that came with that.

"I'll try my best, Remus," Harry said. "But please drop by if you can."

"I'll think about it," Remus repeated, and then he gave Harry a paternal smile. "Why don't we go over some more basics again? I remember that we left off on differences between Jinxes, Hexes, and Curses." I don't have to study?

"That'd be brilliant, Remus."

---

Lucius Malfoy's POV

Wednesday 13th January, 1994 (White Wyvern Pub – Afternoon)

The door swung open, and Lucius quickly made his way inside. As he removed his hood, he saw Violet Parkinson waiting for him by a dirty window. The room was run-down, which wasn't too surprising, and Lucius found his eyes darting towards the bottle of Ogden's Finest, which was resting on a dusty table. She brought her own alcohol?

"Did anyone see you?" Lucius asked as he Silenced the room.

"No," Violet turned to face him. "I wore my hood, and I Apparated here instead of using my fireplaces. What about you?"

"Same," Lucius walked over towards the dusty table. "Are we the only ones who wish to be rid of Ronald Weasley?"

"Corban and Felix have swayed the others against my plan," Violet replied. Good. I can't afford to have anyone left behind to tie me to this. Once I get her to do the dirty work, I'll have her killed before anyone can question her.

"What of your husband? Does he know that you're here?" Lucius asked.

"Egbert would only cause us problems by getting in our way," Violet replied dismissively. In our way? She has no idea that she just signed her own death warrant.

Lucius' plan was quite simple, but if it worked out, then he'd regain his favor with the Dark Lord. He was going to push Violet into making a move against Weasley, but just in the nick of time, he'd have her assassination attempt foiled by someone on his payroll. When the Dark Lord would demand answers, Lucius would tell him that he had people watching out for Weasley because he was important to the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord would no doubt use Legilimency on him, but Lucius was already tampering with his own memories. By the time the Dark Lord would look into his mind, Lucius himself would have no idea that he played a part in this conspiracy. I just have to get rid of Violet before I speak to the Dark Lord.

"I imagine that you already have a plan," Lucius said as he opened the bottle of Firewhiskey, and then he poured two glasses.

"We have to act immediately," Violet walked over to him, and he handed her a glass. "That Blood-Traitor is gaining more and more power every day."

"That he is," Lucius said. "What's your plan, Violet?"

"Currently, he's impossible to get to," Violet started. "He's holed up within Hogwarts, and no one gets into the castle without the old man's say so. However, he is a third year, which means that he visits Hogsmeade every now and then."

"Hogsmeade?" Lucius cocked an eyebrow. "That is… a very public place."

"Where do you suggest that we target him?" Violet asked.

Lucius thought about it, but he honestly couldn't think of a better place than Hogsmeade. He only leaves the castle when he has business, so we can't predict his movements. At least in Hogsmeade, we'll know where he is. Plus, it's a crowded place, and it's not protected by Anti-Apparition Wards. Theoretically, someone could launch an assault, and then Apparate away.

"Do you have an assassin?" Lucius asked after a few moments, and Violet smirked.

"I do," she replied. "He's very reliable."

"That's all you're going to tell me?" Lucius asked. I need more information if I'm to stop this assassin.

"What else do you need to know, Lucius?" Violet asked as she sipped her drink.

"You asked me to come here," Lucius reminded her. "I offered you my help. We're partners in this, aren't we?"

"Are we, though?" she asked in a sultry voice, and Lucius fought the urge to shudder. "What are you bringing to the table? I already have a plan, and a bold man to carry it out."

"Then why call me here?" Lucius asked. This isn't going according to plan. I need to make her talk.

Violet's lips quirked upwards, and she took a step towards him. Lucius just stared at her with his usual look of indifference, but deep down, he felt genuine revulsion. No matter what happened, he wasn't going to betray Narcissa. Not for anything.

"Why is Ronald Weasley so important to the Dark Lord?" Violet whispered. "Why is our Master trying to protect him?"

"I do not know," Lucius admitted. "The Dark Lord rarely shares his plans with us, you know that."

"But surely, you must have some idea," Violet persisted. I should give her something, even if it's not true.

"I imagine that he respects Weasley's achievements, and in some way, he is reminded of himself whenever he thinks of the boy," Lucius said. He does show… fondness… whenever he speaks about Weasley. I didn't even know that he was capable of such a thing. "He no doubt has a more elaborate plan for Weasley, and I imagine that we'll be forced to serve Weasley at some point."

"Serve a Blood-Traitor?" Violet took a step back, her disgust written on her face. That did it. "I come from a very long line of Pure witches and wizards, and I will not serve Blood-Traitor spawn."

"Then we are of the same mind," Lucius said. "As you know, I have nothing but contempt for the Weasleys… Unwashed savages that they are." Lucius then drew in a deep breath, and he looked right into her eyes. "I want to help you free us, Violet. You're the only one who sees Weasley for the threat that he is." You're the only one stupid enough to attack him.

Violet seemed pleased by his comments, and slowly, she adorned her smug smile once again.

"I'm glad to see that I'm not alone," Violet said. "I've already paid my man to do the job, and the next time Weasley goes to Hogsmeade, my man will be waiting for him." I need to get my agents into Hogsmeade as soon as possible, then.

"Who is your man?" Lucius asked. "We can't make mistakes here, Violet. Do you trust him?"

"He hasn't failed me yet," Violet replied.

"This is different," Lucius said. "If your man fails, then the Dark Lord will find him. What happens then? Do you think your man can resist the Dark Lord?"

Violet's smile faltered at that.

"Weasley won't be ready for this," Violet said. "Everything will go according to plan, Lucius."

"You have yet to explain this plan to me," Lucius pointed out. "I'm putting my life on the line, Violet, and so I deserve to know more."

Violet finished her glass, and then she studied his face. Lucius maintained eye contact, and after a few silent seconds, she gave him a curt nod.

"I don't know his name," Violet started. "He uses various aliases in order to protect himself from Aurors. I heard about him through a mutual friend of ours. Amycus Carrow." Amycus Carrow? That buffoon?

"You are relying on a man who was recommended by Amycus Carrow?" Lucius couldn't hide his displeasure.

"I was skeptical at first, but 'Talbot' has proven himself capable," Violet replied.

"Talbot? That's his current alias?" Lucius asked, and she gave him a nod. Good, I have everything I need to get rid of this 'Talbot'. "Your man will just walk up and assassinate Weasley?"

"How he does it is none of my concern," Violet replied. "You are asking a lot of questions, Lucius… Are you sure that you're not getting cold feet?"

"We are trying to cross the Dark Lord," Lucius reminded her. "All it will take is one mistake for him to realize what we're up to. He'll kill us both, and then, he'll kill our Families."

Lucius then put his nearly full glass back on the table, and he adorned his hood.

"You are leaving?" Violet asked.

"The Dark Lord needs me to return to his side," Lucius lied. "I have a villa in Tuscany, and you should go there before Weasley is attacked. It'll give you immunity from suspicion."

"I have my own villas in Italy," Violet reminded him. "But I suppose I can't refuse such a 'kind' offer."

Lucius forced himself to smile a little, and she looked far too pleased with herself. I won't be joining you, but my own assassins will. Goodbye, Violet Parkinson.

---

Harry Potter's POV

Wednesday 13th January, 1994 (Near the Quidditch Pitch – Evening)

"I'm not exactly built for running, Harry," Hermione argued.

"Hermione, Ron has ways around the Shield Charm, and he's no doubt taught it to the other Slytherins," Harry pleaded. "We need to dodge and move, or we'll become sitting ducks."

"We're all with Harry on this," Fay piped in. "It's what we were practicing before you showed up."

"I was at the Potions Club," Hermione didn't even look in Fay's direction.

"Why don't we let Hermione act as a distraction, while we play on the offensive?" Dean asked. "Her Shield Charms are really strong, and she'd keep their attention for a while."

"That could work," Seamus said, he just wanted to get back to practice.

"But it won't," Harry started. "Five people attacking her all at once would tear through her shields. We'd be down a group member before the fighting even starts." Harry then gave Hermione a meaningful look. "Hermione, please be rational… You think you could hold out against Ron and his friends?"

"Why do you keep bringing up Weasley?" Dean asked. Because he's the biggest threat that we'll face.

"Because I saw him beat an Auror Trainer in single combat," Harry replied, and Hermione seemed to remember just what Ronald Weasley was capable of.

"What's an Auror Trainer?" Fay asked.

"It's a very powerful training dummy built solely for the purpose of training the Aurors," Harry told them. "Seriously, that dummy beat every single person that went up against it. Only Ron managed to win, which means that he can take on Aurors!"

"Bloody hell…" Dean muttered, while Seamus and Fay looked slightly worried. "What's the point of us even training, then? If Weasley can take on Aurors, then what chance do we have?" Did I just demoralize them all? Remus… Where are you?

"Remember when he fired that lightning into the air?" Fay paled. "After he won the third year Tournament? Merlin… Half the school nearly went deaf…"

"And he did blow a hole into the side of Hogwarts…" Seamus remembered. "Oh, this is not good, is it?" Great going, Harry…

"We can beat him," Harry urged. "If we just come together, and settle on a decent plan; we can beat him."

"We should focus on Weasley, then, right?" Dean suggested.

"If he has Bulstrode, Nott, Zabini, and Malfoy in his team like I predicted, we'd still lose," Hermione said thoughtfully. "They're all quite good, and Ron won't go down quickly. All of us focusing on him will just give his friends a chance to pick us off." God, every plan is ruined by the same problem. Ron. How do we get around him?

"What are you lot doing down there?" came Remus' voice, and Harry turned around immediately. He came!

"Professor Lupin," Hermione greeted, while Harry shot Remus a quick smile. "We're just practicing for the Group Tournament."

"Don't tell him that," Seamus whispered. "Teams are supposed to be a secret."

"I assure you, Seamus, I already know who is in which team," Remus chuckled. "You all had to sign on, remember? The surprise is just for the students."

"Oh," Seamus muttered, while Hermione shot a smug smile at him.

"Actually, since you're here, Sir, could you give us some advice?" Harry asked.

"What sort of advice?" Remus asked. How do we beat Ron?

"What would you do if the opposing team had a really strong wizard on it?" Harry asked. "This wizard could potentially beat all of you at once, while his teammates were nothing to scoff at to boot. What would you do?"

Remus gave Harry a knowing look, but Harry made sure to keep a straight face. He knows that I'm talking about Ron, doesn't he?

"Any advice would be welcome, Professor," Hermione added.

"Please?" Fay asked.

Remus looked at each of them, and then he focused on Harry. Please? C'mon, Remus, we need this win.

"I'd have my two best Duelists target this 'unbeatable wizard'," Remus started, and they all listened intently. "They'd have their work cut out for them, but if they could hold him at bay, it might buy the others the chance to defeat this wizard's friends."

"But wouldn't it be three on four?" Dean asked.

"In every Duel, someone is at a disadvantage," Remus replied. "Working hard to limit that disadvantage is how you win." Remus then smiled and turned to leave. "Good luck. I'll be waiting to see what you come up with."

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Wednesday 13th January, 1994 (The Triumvirate's Room – Evening)

"Harry Potter, Seamus Finnegan, Dean Thomas, Fay Dunbar, and Hermione Granger," Ron read the names from the Marauder's Map, and Clara quickly jotted them down. Now we only need to see the Hufflepuff sixth year team, and the Ravenclaw fourth year team.

"Where did you find this Map, Ron?" Samantha asked once again. "Can it see everyone?"

"Every single soul," Ron kept his eyes fixed on Remus Lupin's name. He must have given the Gryffindors some advice. Pfft… Like it'll change anything. I could easily take them all on.

"That's not frightening at all," Clara muttered under her breath.

"Do you ever just spend an entire day watching this Map?" Carey asked. "Tracking everyone down?"

"I don't have the time to indulge that sort of stalker behavior," Ron replied. "I'm usually busy with everything else."

So far, none of the girls had brought up the Order, or their conversations with Dumbledore. Usually, Ron would be interested in finding out about these things, but his Ravenclaw counterpart was driving him mad. Ron's mood had only soured further over the last two days. Every time Ron thought that he was safe, his counterpart would show up to haunt him. The constant insults, and the sheer hatred Ravenclaw Ron had for everyone was beginning to get to Ron. I bet that as soon as I leave this room, he'll be back to piss me off.

"I don't think we're going to see any other teams tonight," Clara said to Ron. "It's getting dark out there, and we should get back to the others. We can't have them thinking that we're slacking off while they're all training."

"She's right," Carey said. "We've been in here for an hour. Let's go."

Ron quietly packed up the Map, which he hid inside his inner robe pockets. The girls wasted no time in reaching the door, and Ron followed them out without a word. I'll check again after dinner just to be sure.

"I hope you have some money saved up," came his counterpart's voice, and Ron tensed immediately. "Whores like these three don't come cheap."

Ron slowly looked behind him, and he saw his counterpart leaning against the shut door. Ravenclaw Ron wore his usual grin, which was a mixture of childish glee and genuine sadism. He has a way of looking really fucking unhinged.

"Ron? What are you looking at?" Carey asked as she followed his gaze.

"Nothing," Ron looked back ahead. "I'll see you three in the Training Room."

"Ron, wait," Samantha stopped him by putting her hand on his shoulder.

"That'll cost at least ten more sickles," Ravenclaw Ron snorted. He doesn't even know them, but he hates them as well. What went wrong with this bastard?

"What is it?" Ron asked.

"Are you all right?" Samantha asked. I'm just peachy. Being tormented by my past life is just like any other Wednesday for me.

"You've been really quiet all day, and you haven't asked us about our conversation with the Headmaster," Clara added. What's there to ask about?

"Are you three planning to join the Order?" Ron asked them, and they all nodded. "Then I don't see the need to talk about it. From now on, we're on the same page, and I expect you three to help me whenever I ask."

"And you'll do the same?" Carey asked.

"Don't I already?" Ron felt a little annoyed by her idiotic question.

"I don't see why you even play their games," Ravenclaw Ron rolled his eyes. "Cuff all three bitches under their ears, and tell them to get in line."

Carey just stared at him, and then she gave a nod before walking away.

"Oh, no," Ravenclaw Ron 'gasped'. "You hurt her feelings, and she forgot about collecting her payment." SHUT UP! SHUT THE FUCK UP!

Samantha followed after Carey with her usual cold look of apathy, while Clara let out a tired sigh.

"Do you want to tell me what's crawled up your arse lately?" Clara asked, she sounded more disappointed than angry.

"That would be me," Ravenclaw Ron sniggered. "Wait… Oh, no. That backfired, didn't it?" Good Lord… Why is my voice so annoying? How does Daphne put up with it?

Ron rubbed his forehead, and then he drew in a deep breath.

"I'm fine," Ron lied. "Please tell Carey that I didn't mean to sound like a prick…"

"You can tell her yourself," Clara said. "Look, we get that you've known about the Order for a while now, and that you've learned to live with that knowledge, but we just had our World turned upside down. Not to mention that both the Headmaster and Professor Snape told us to talk to you if we start feeling overwhelmed." I'm overwhelmed too! Why is holding your fucking hand my responsibility?

"You three feel overwhelmed?" Ron asked, despite not really caring right now.

"Ron, we just went from having promising futures to being recruited into a militia group," Clara replied. "Yes… We're struggling… Samantha's barely said a word, and I heard Carey vomiting this morning."

"She was vomiting?" Ron was a little taken aback.

"She's scared, and so are Sammy and me," Clara replied, and then she looked towards the exit. "Can you please find some time to talk to us? Whenever you're free, Ron… Sammy and Carey can often be too proud to ask for help, and I don't know how to help them with something like this. You seem to know what you're talking about, and if you could just explain some things to us, we'd feel a lot better."

"This is a waste of your time," Ravenclaw Ron groaned. "Let Dumblecunt deal with this, or better yet, tell them to go to their Head of House."

"I'll drop by tomorrow," Ron promised Carey, and she gave him a hint of a smile.

"Thank you," she patted his cheek, and then she left to go find her friends.

"Do you enjoy being everyone's bitch?" Ravenclaw Ron asked, and Ron couldn't help but shoot him a frown.

"Shut. Up," Ron grit out.

"You know why those two fucks gave you the task of handling the Triumvirate?" Ravenclaw Ron asked, completely ignoring Ron's anger. "It's beneath them. You see, at the end of the day, you're just their mule boy. You run the errands."

"That's not true," Ron clenched his fists, though a part of him was truly wounded by those words. I'm no one's mule boy.

"Yeah, it is," Ravenclaw Ron clicked his tongue. "Even after everything that you've done for them, they make you do this grunt work. You think they'd ask Harry Potter to do this? No… No, Harry gets all the help in the World, while you bust your arse constantly without even a fucking 'Thank you' for your troubles. Now, I'd feel sorry for you, but seeing you constantly agree to do all the heavy lifting… Well, at this point, you're the reason why people don't give a shit about you. You're the reason why you'll always come second. You don't have the balls to shut down the greedy bastards who think that you're their personal servant, and it's all because you want them to 'like' you. It's pathetic, really."

Ron honestly felt exhausted after that barrage, and all he could do was to rub his face and begin making his way towards his room. I need to go put the Map away…

"Nice one! Walk away with your tail tucked between your legs just as you start realizing that I'm right!" Ravenclaw Ron called. "Once a beggar, always a beggar!"

Ron physically cringed at that, and he quickly sped up his pace in order to outrun his tormenter. It didn't even occur to him that the people who he bolted past gave him confused stares, but quite frankly, he wouldn't have cared even if he had noticed them. He had half a mind to chug down a Sleeping Draught just so that he could have some peace, but the moment he entered his room, he found his past self waiting for him with a cheeky grin.

"I didn't mean to upset you, you little girl," Ravenclaw Ron laughed. "If you want, I can put my arm around your shoulders while you have a cry." Ravenclaw Ron then adorned a 'wounded' look. "My friend was mean to me! He called me a beggar! And he still hasn't apologized!"

Ron slammed the door shut, and he dug his fingers into his own forehead. Go away! Go away! Go away!

"Why are you doing this to me?" Ron demanded, his voice almost tearing.

"I'm doing this for you," Ravenclaw Ron replied, and then, he adorned a genuinely concerned look. What is this…? "C'mon, Ron… I was just pushing your buttons. I'll leave, all right? Even I can see that I'm taking things too far."

"What…?" Ron muttered.

This sudden change in Ravenclaw Ron genuinely baffled him, but before he could say another word, his past self was gone. He left? Just like that? Slowly, Ron's hands came back to his side, and he looked around the room for any signs of his tormenter. He's really gone… He fucking left… Why?

"Boo!" Ravenclaw Ron yelled in his ear, and Ron nearly shed his skin. "Did you really buy that tripe? Fuck, you are so stupid. I'm genuinely shocked that you haven't died yet."

Ron's legs wobbled, and he dropped onto his bed with a dull look. He's going to drive me insane, isn't he? I can't do anything about him, and even the Entity is ignoring me now. It's probably enjoying this… It probably let him go free because it knows what he's capable of. Ravenclaw Ron moved into Ron's vision, a rather pleased smile on his face.

"You reckon Remus is instructing Potter and his gang on how to defeat you?" Ravenclaw Ron asked. I know he is, but I can't give this prick the satisfaction of being right.

"He's a Professor… And he doesn't favor people like that…" Ron said vacantly.

"Horseshit," Ravenclaw Ron rolled his eyes. "We both know why he was with Potter's gang… He's teaching the Boy-Who-Lived a very important lesson: 'How to beat Ronald Weasley'."

"So what if he is?" Ron asked. "What does it matter?"

"It matters a great deal," Ravenclaw Ron replied. "He promised to come find you when the Break ended, remember? He was going to give you a personal lesson, right? He made that promise six months ago, but never once lived up to it, and now, he's forgotten again."

"You're just trying to get to me…" Ron spoke to the floor.

"I'm just stating facts," Ravenclaw Ron shrugged. "He came to you in the middle of the Break, and all but begged you to work your arse off for his degenerate kin. You, being the bitch boy that you are, agreed immediately, and ever since then, you've been working to give those dogs a future that they haven't fucking earned for themselves. You're the one who's doing all the work, but Remus Lupin can't even remember to give you thirty minutes of his day. Instead, he is out there with Harry Potter… The Boy-Who-Matters…"

"I can just as easily go up to Remus myself," Ron muttered. Why hasn't he come to me, though? I mean, I'm not helping the Werewolves because Remus asked me to, but Remus did promise me something.

"Oh, don't give me that garbage excuse," Ravenclaw Ron scoffed. "Why is it so hard for you to understand that you're alone in this World?"

"Why are you so hell-bent on convincing me that I am?" Ron finally looked up. "Why can't you just leave me alone? I was doing fine before you came along."

"And 'fine' is good enough for you?" Ravenclaw Ron asked. "Corban Yaxley kicked your arse. The French tried to usurp your Ministry. The old man kicked you out of the room like a child once the French were done bending you over. Shall I go on? When does it stop, Ronnie? When do you finally grow up a little?"

"Grow up?" Ron asked. "Oh, you mean that I should become a selfish bastard who is only out for himself."

"Why not?" Ravenclaw Ron asked. "Every single person on this fucking planet is doing the same thing, so why not you? What makes you so special?"

"I'm not special…" Ron dropped onto his side, his eyes closing. I'm so tired.

"Yes, you are," Ravenclaw Ron said, and Ron's eyes reopened. What? "You're the only person on this planet that is special. Unlike everyone else, you're not tethered down by Fate. Or by the other Elders."

"Elders?" Ron asked.

"The Higher Beings," Ravenclaw Ron clarified. "They can't even see you, Ronnie. You are the single most important mortal in all of reality simply because you don't fit into their plans. You even have the opportunity to learn from a Being that is older than time itself!"

"Learn from the Entity?" Ron sat up. "Are you fucking mental? That thing can't be trusted."

"Why? What makes you the expert on the World Eater?" Ravenclaw Ron asked. "You don't know the first thing about it, and you've never bothered to learn. Instead, you rely on people like Albus Dumbledore and Remus Lupin… Both of whom would toss you aside for a simpleton who wastes his life flying around on an Enchanted Broom." Ravenclaw Ron then leaned forward, his face hovering right in front of Ron's. "You are special, Ron, but you keep throwing that uniqueness away over trivial matters. You need to untether yourself from the scum that surrounds you, and only then will you reach your full potential."

"Where did 'untethering' get you?" Ron couldn't help but ask.

"I made a mistake, but you can't deny just how powerful I was," Ravenclaw Ron stood up straighter. "I singlehandedly conquered Hogwarts. I ripped off the Dark Lord's arms in single combat. I killed Albus Dumbledore. I brought England to its knees within days. I savaged the Order and the Death Eaters. I even drove the great Alastor Moody truly mad. If Fate hadn't ended my Cycle, I would have killed all life on this planet, and then moved onto the next." The next…? "I would have eradicated every single living thing in Creation!"

Ron just stared at his past self, and for a moment, Ron was scared of the thing standing in front of him.

"Why…?" Ron asked weakly. "Why would you want that?"

"Because none of this matters!" Ravenclaw Ron exclaimed with a wide grin, his arms extended by his sides. "Nothing in this Universe, or any Universe, matters! None of it!"

Ron's jaw dropped open, and the manic glint in his past self's eyes made Ron shudder.

"What happened to you?" Ron asked. "What turned you into… this?"

"I saw the truth," Ravenclaw Ron replied. "I saw everything that I needed to see."

"What does that mean?" Ron asked, and Ravenclaw Ron dropped his arms back to his side.

"Your first vision was of your brother, right?" Ravenclaw Ron asked, and Ron gave a short nod. "Mine was about Mrs. Lovegood."

"Really?" Ron blinked.

"The World Eater was still experimenting when it was my turn," Ravenclaw Ron explained. "It hadn't learned to show its visions early, and as a result, I thought that I was going crazy. I ignored the vision, and a couple of days later, Mrs. Lovegood was dead."

"You lost your Pandora…" Ron swallowed thickly.

"Don't give me that look," Ravenclaw Ron said in disgust. "I didn't know the woman, nor did her death even matter. She's still walking around, isn't she?"

"But she died in your Cycle," Ron stated, and Ravenclaw Ron looked at him like he was stupid.

"It doesn't matter, you clown," Ravenclaw Ron repeated. "Yes, she died in my Cycle, but my Cycle was erased with my death. She's still alive."

"Is this why you don't care about the fact that Ginny also died?" Ron asked, and something cruel gleamed behind Ravenclaw Ron's eyes. "To you, she's still alive…" And they call me crazy?!

"Essentially, yes," Ravenclaw Ron regained his composure immediately. "Her death didn't mean anything. Every single insect that I crushed in my Cycle didn't mean a fucking thing. They're all still here, and they'll keep being here because they are stuck in their roles. The only time their fates change is when you actively meddle in their affairs. Without you, they're just toys that the Elders watch for entertainment. They are puppets, nothing more."

"And you got all of that from your first vision?" Ron asked slowly.

"Of course not," Ravenclaw Ron replied. "Like you, I too felt the desire to be needed. After all, that particular weakness is engrained into our souls. It took me a long time to realize just how futile it all was, and when I did realize it, I decided to put an end to it. What was the point in suffering over everything? What was the point of pleasing others? What was the point of making friends? What was the point of getting a girlfriend? What's the fucking point, Ron? You tell me."

"Just because we have the Entity inside our minds doesn't make us more important than the people around us," Ron said. "They all still have dreams and goals. They all have hobbies and dislikes. They're alive, and that means that they matter."

"Their dreams and goals don't matter because their fates are preordained," Ravenclaw Ron countered. "Their hobbies and dislikes aren't going to change a damn thing when Death comes for them. Are they truly alive? I'd argue that they aren't. They are just cogs in a machine that they have no grasp of."

"You make yourself sound like some fucking messiah," Ron pointed out.

"No, I just call it like I see it," Ravenclaw Ron said. "I'll let you in on a little secret, Ron. It's something that I've never even discussed with the World Eater."

Ron leaned forward without even thinking.

"The reason why the Elders don't actively intrude into mortal affairs is because every mortal's life is already chronicled by Fate herself," Ravenclaw Ron whispered. "All the Harry Potters out there, all the Hermione Grangers, all the Ronald Weasleys, all the Draco Malfoys… All living beings in all of the Universes… All of their lives are already predetermined."

"Okay…" Ron waited for the point to arrive.

"So doesn't that mean that our Dark Lord's life was preordained?" Ravenclaw Ron asked. Wait… By his logic, it would be. "Think, Ron… Why are these Cycles even happening?"

"No mortal can become an immortal," Ron remembered. "Death couldn't stand the fact that the Dark Lord would outlive this Universe."

"Death's own fucking sister chronicled the Dark Lord's fate," Ravenclaw Ron said. "Why would Death only act now?"

"I… I don't know…" Ron admitted.

"The World Eater told me that the key to its cage can only be wielded by Fate," Ravenclaw Ron said. "You know what I think? I think that Death was bored, and so he made a big fuss to his siblings about this Universe's Lord Voldemort. You see, Death knew how his siblings would react to his 'rash' behavior. He conned them all into creating the Cycles, and he did it simply because he was bored. He wanted a fucking show, and so all of this was put into motion."

"No…" Ron shook his head weakly. "That's not it…" It can't be. My life isn't the hell it is because some cunt was bored.

"It is," Ravenclaw Ron kneeled down to catch Ron's eyes. "The only reason that Fate chose to use the World Eater was because the World Eater wasn't bound by their Laws of Creation. Fate, and her siblings, couldn't step in to put an end to Lord Voldemort, and Death knew this all too well. So he forced their hands, and right now, he's watching this Universe with a big grin on his face."

"Shut up…" Ron felt his eyes sting. "You're lying to me…"

"All of your suffering," Ravenclaw Ron whispered gently. "All of that pain… It means nothing. But you know what does mean something? The fact that the World Eater's influence in our lives frees us from the Laws of Creation. The Elders do meddle in our lives, and they do so because their own Laws don't bind them wherever we're concerned. That's what makes us special, Ron. We aren't just another cog in the machine, and that gives us real power. In some ways, we are like the Elders themselves."

"You're saying that we're Gods…?" Ron croaked, he was feeling so shaken that he was going to vomit any second now.

"I like the sound of Godhood," Ravenclaw Ron smiled. "Don't you?"

Ron said nothing, but he couldn't deny his feelings to himself. He did like the sound of Godhood, and he certainly liked the fact that his life was his own. But is it really? If my past self is right, then everything that I've endured means nothing… All the hard work I put in for others means nothing… They're all just cogs in a machine. Sure, my meddling can change their lot in lives, but I won't always be around.

"You don't have to keep suffering for the sake of other people," Ravenclaw Ron whispered. "You don't have to work yourself to the bone on these pointless projects of yours. All you have to do is to defeat the Dark Lord, and after that, you can do whatever you want. I'll speak to the World Eater on your behalf, and together, all three of us can just walk away from this. It has the power to shield us from the Elders, and with its infinite knowledge, we can shatter the machine."

"Shatter the machine?" Ron sniffled, his traitorous tears fleeing his eyes.

"In order to create something new, you have to get rid of the old," Ravenclaw Ron replied. "We'll make a Universe that really matters. A Universe not controlled by the Elders."

---

Daphne Greengrass' POV

Wednesday 13th January, 1994 (The Great Hall – Dinnertime)

As Daphne finished up her dinner, she couldn't help but shoot a look at Ron's empty chair. According to Theo and Blaise, Ron had fallen asleep after his meeting with the Triumvirate. Daphne had thought about waking him up for dinner, but against her better judgment, she had opted instead to leave him to his dreams. Plus, she wasn't exactly sure that Ron would've taken well to being woken up. Over the last couple of days, Ron's foul mood was evident to all except for Ron. He was either glaring at nothing in particular, or he was seething with unspoken anger. Honestly, it was rather worrying, and she planned to tell Madam Pomfrey about it if Ron didn't.

"Did you even check up on him?" Tracey asked Theo.

"I called, but he didn't answer," Theo replied.

"Did you open his curtains and take a look?" Tracey asked.

"Well… No," Theo replied, and every girl looked to him. They didn't check properly? "I didn't want to wake him up my mistake. You know how he's been over the last few days, right? The last thing I need is to get my face slapped off." I might slap your face off right now!

"That's a pathetic excuse to make," Millie frowned at Theo.

"What if he had a seizure, Theo?" Pansy asked.

Theo opened his mouth to retort, but nothing came out. Eventually, he muttered an apology before shooting Blaise a subtle glance. Daphne managed to spot it, and so she also looked to Blaise. He's eating quietly again. Seriously, what happened between the boys? Ron and Theo are keeping their distance from Blaise, and he's doing the same with them. And then there's Malfoy… Malfoy has barely spoken for over a week.

"I'm going to go check on him," Daphne stood up. "Dinner's almost over, but I don't want to wait for the bell. I'd rather avoid the crowd."

With that, Daphne left for the exit, and pretty soon, her friends had caught up to her. Even Blaise and Malfoy. By the time they reached the Entrance Hall, Percy Weasley was already waiting for them inside. He no doubt wants to know where Ron is.

"Why isn't he at dinner?" Percy asked Daphne. Hello to you too, Percy.

"He was tired, so he ate early and went to sleep," Daphne lied. If we get Percy all riled up, and Ron turns out to be just sleeping, Ron will explode from rage.

"Really?" Percy asked. "Then why are you seven in such a hurry to leave?"

"We have things to do," Pansy replied. "I promised to give the others haircuts, just like I did with Ron."

"Try again," Percy said dully.

"Percy, nothing is wrong," Daphne said. "Making mountains out of molehills is what riles Ron up, remember? He's just sleeping, and if you make a fuss and have him woken up, we'll be the ones who have to put up with his foul mood." And trust me, that is not exactly fun to go through.

Percy watched her closely, and then he gave a curt nod.

"Please keep looking out for him," Percy said rather formally, and then he walked of towards the Great Hall. Thank Merlin that worked.

"That was good, Daph," Tracey smiled and nudged her. "You're becoming the Weasley whisperer."

"Percy's not as hotheaded as the others," Daphne said, and then she began heading towards the Dungeons. "I think he's quite like us, but at the same time, he's also a Weasley."

"It sort of balances out, then?" Millie asked.

"I'd say so," Daphne replied. "Ron's other siblings wouldn't have been so trusting just then."

The closer they got to the Slytherin common room, the more Daphne started feeling like something was wrong. She knew that she could be a bit overzealous wherever Ron was concerned, but right now, she was starting to feel sure of her gut. He's having mood swings, he's sleeping more, and he's all but stopped talking. I think he's feeling lonely and depressed again, but he's too stubborn to come to us for help.

Daphne gave the password, and they all made their way into the common room. Daphne looked to make sure that Ron wasn't brooding in a corner, and thankfully, he wasn't here. He's still asleep, then. By the time she reached the boys' room, she could feel a tight knot in her stomach. Something was definitely wrong, she was sure of it. After giving a light knock, Daphne slowly began opening the door.

"Ron?" Pansy called. "You're not naked in there, are you?"

Daphne stopped to give Pansy a dull look, and Pansy smiled sheepishly.

"It's a fair question," Tracey said. But she wants him to be naked in there. I bet you if Ron had replied that he was indeed naked, she would 'trip' and get a good look.

"Whatever," Daphne huffed, and then she finished opening the door.

Ron wasn't standing around naked, and Daphne felt both relieved and disappointed.

"His curtains are still closed," Theo whispered. "Are you sure that you want to risk it?"

"He's been getting better at controlling his anger," Daphne whispered back. "I'll open the curtains if you're too scared to." Take the bait, Theo.

"Nice try, but I have no issues with the word 'coward'," Theo stated, and even Malfoy looked put off. "What? Cowards are survivors who are smart instead of brawny."

"You'll make a lovely girlfriend for someone one day," Millie stated bluntly, and then she walked over and slid one of the curtains open.

They all shuffled over to Millie's side, and together, they stared at a sleeping Ron. He was still wearing his school clothes, except for the robes, and he was sleeping above the covers. Oh… He's just asleep. Wait… He looks like he's having a bad dream.

"See? Nothing to worry about," Theo whispered.

"He looks really pale," Pansy whispered.

"And he's sweating a lot," Tracey added.

"And he's shivering," Daphne whispered as she moved closer to Ron. "Merlin… He's soaked his covers in sweat."

"Should we wake him up?" Millie asked, but Daphne was already on it.

"Ron, wake up," Daphne shook him lightly. "You're having a bad dream. Wake up."

Ron's eyes slowly opened, and groggily, he stared up at Daphne. His eyes were bloodshot, and a frown was already forming on his face. Uh-oh.

"What is it?" Ron croaked, why was his voice so hoarse? Was he crying?

Daphne scanned his face, and she could see faded tear-tracks on his cheeks. Her stomach sank a little, and she couldn't help but blame herself for leaving him to his foul mood. He wouldn't do that if I were in a foul mood.

"You were having a bad dream," Daphne whispered. "You even broke out in a cold sweat."

Ron slowly wiped his brow with his left hand, and then he sat up. With still groggy eyes, he looked around himself. Oddly enough, his eyes didn't stop at any of his friends; instead they kept looking for something that wasn't there. Ron let out a sigh of relief, and then he massaged his face. Why were you crying, Ron?

"Is it time for dinner?" Ron asked through his hands.

"Dinner's over, Ron," Tracey replied, and Ron didn't seem bothered whatsoever.

"Figures…" Ron grunted. "Thanks for waking me up, but I reckon I'll go back to sleep again."

"You should take a shower and change clothes," Daphne suggested. "I'll ask Marty to wash your sheets while you clean up."

"My sheets?" Ron looked back. "Oh…"

"Are you okay, Ron?" Pansy asked, and he just nodded out of habit.

"I'll go take a shower…" Ron slid out of his bed. "Sorry for making you all come down here."

---

Wednesday 13th January, 1994 (The Boys' Room – After Dinner)

Daphne wasn't really for the idea of letting Ron go back to sleep without talking to him first, but she knew that Ron wasn't in the mood for conversations. He was going to come out of the shower, drink a vial of Sleeping Draught, and then he was going to pass out.

The fact that he had been crying before he fell asleep greatly bothered Daphne, but she hadn't told the others about it. She wondered if it was because of some selfish need to keep Ron to herself, she certainly felt possessive over him whenever he was upset for any reason. Maybe I should try to get him to talk before he drinks a vial of the Sleeping Draught? If the others don't disturb us, I'm sure Ron will listen to me.

"Can you all leave?" Daphne asked the others, and they all just stared at her. Wow… That was rude, wasn't it? "Please? I want to talk to Ron, and he won't want to talk if he's outnumbered. You know how he gets, right?"

"He starts thinking that he's in trouble, so he starts lying," Tracey said, and Daphne gave a nod. "Can you please ask him why he's been so agitated lately?"

"I will," Daphne promised.

"Are you sure that we can't stay?" Pansy asked, and Millie tugged her along.

"Let's go, Pansy," Millie said, and one by one, they all left.

All of them except for Malfoy…

"Malfoy, can I please have the room?" Daphne tried her best to sound diplomatic.

"No," Malfoy replied from his bed. "This is my room as well, and I'm not in the mood to leave my bed. Take your relationship to a broom cupboard if you want privacy."

"This is for Ron," Daphne bit back a cruel retort. Ron's patient with him, and it seems to work.

"And that's supposed to change my mind?" Malfoy looked up from his book.

"He does a lot for you, you prat," Daphne decided to ditch diplomacy. "And yet, you can't leave your bed for twenty minutes for his sake? Is this what your father taught you about repaying your debts?" Oh, wait… Your father isn't even in your life anymore.

"I'm not taking that bait," Malfoy said rather calmly, and Daphne couldn't help but be surprised a little. "I am not leaving. Go find another room if you want privacy."

"Malfoy, you're being-" Daphne tried.

"Stop," Malfoy shut her down. "I don't care. Go somewhere else." Well, fuck you too, you cunt.

Daphne's own thoughts jarred her more than Malfoy's moody behavior, and she couldn't help but wonder if she was spending too much time around Ron. Daphne looked back to the bathroom door, a slight frown on her face. A Lady doesn't use such words, Daphne. Be better than that.

"The next time you need something, don't bother coming to me or Ron," Daphne told Malfoy without looking at him. "Tracey's dead wrong about you. You're still the same selfish bully that you were when we were little, and that'll never change."

"You don't know-"

"Shut your mouth," Daphne shut him down this time. "Or I'll ask Ron to break something on your stupid face." An absolute tosser. That's what he is.

The bathroom door swung open at that, and Ron stepped out in his pajamas. His face looked much fresher, but his expression betrayed how tired he was. His eyes were barely open, and he looked around the room lazily. What is he looking for? There's no one in here but Malfoy and me.

"How was your shower?" Daphne asked.

"Refreshing," Ron rubbed his eyes with his knuckles. "I'm going to bed. Good night."

"Actually, could we talk first?" Daphne asked, and Ron shot a quick look in Malfoy's direction.

"Um… I'm not really in the mood, Daph…" Ron rubbed the back of his neck. "I just want to sleep."

Malfoy let out an annoyed grunt, and then he got off of his bed and left the room without uttering a word. Daphne was a little surprised by this, but she didn't show it. Ron just stared at the exit, and then he shook his head to himself.

"Five minutes, Ron?" Daphne asked. "We've barely spoken a word to each other for the last few days." I don't like to guilt him like this, but I want to know why he was crying. Madam Pomfrey told me to keep an eye on Ron's mood swings.

"You're right," Ron said as he walked over to his bed. "Want to talk on my bed?"

"You won't fall asleep, will you?" Daphne asked, and Ron smirked a little.

"We'll see," Ron shrugged as he opened the curtains. "New sheets… How does Marty do this so quickly? Did you see him?"

"No, I didn't," Daphne replied, she hadn't really given the sheets much thought.

"I bet he uses Conjuration Magic," Ron mused. "He really knows a lot of neat tricks, doesn't he?"

"Are you going to ask him to teach you more Spells?" Daphne asked.

"I am," Ron replied immediately. I really like Marty, but Elves really shouldn't be teaching wizards anything. If people in this House found out that Ron was studying under his own Elf, they'd go out of their way to show him their displeasure. It could cause Ron another problem to deal with. "Are you coming?"

Daphne walked over to Ron's bed and took a seat in the middle, while Ron closed up the curtain and cast the Warming Charm.

"Are you cold?" Daphne asked.

"My hair's still wet," Ron pointed to his hair. Oh, it is.

"Come and sit down in front of me, and I'll dry your hair," Daphne offered, and Ron gave her a reluctant look.

"Are you going to use those Witch Weekly Charms on me?" Ron asked slowly. "The 'Beautifying' ones?" Yes.

"What? No," Daphne lied. "Please come here. You'll catch a cold if you sleep with wet hair."

"That's why I put the Warming Charm up," Ron mumbled, but he still did as he was told.

Daphne didn't waste a second before hugging her boyfriend from behind, her chin resting on his left shoulder. Step one of making Ron open up; give him lots of affection. Of all the boys in this group, Ron's easily the most sensitive one. The girls often joked about how Ron despised being touched needlessly, but whenever they were the ones giving him hugs and kisses, he didn't mind one bit.

"Are you all right?" Ron asked, he had tensed a little due to her random hug.

"Just missed hugging you, that's all," Daphne hummed, and then she kissed his cheek.

Ron's ears turned red, and he gave a meek nod. He's so cute! Careful, Daphne, don't tease him too much. Whenever he's in a bad mood, he gets upset if he's not taken seriously. After giving him another kiss on the cheek, Daphne pulled back and brandished her wand.

"Don't move too much," she whispered. "Sicco."

Hot air blew out of the tip of her wand, and she carefully began drying Ron's hair. It smelled of his shampoo, and when she felt him relax a little, she shifted closer until her chest was resting against his back. I can't help it! I really want to see his reaction!

"Um… Daphne… I'm not sure that you're aware-" Ron started.

"I'm aware," Daphne whispered, her attention focused on his hair. "Does it bother you?"

"No," Ron replied far too readily, which only made her smile widely. "It feels really nice."

"Does it?" Daphne giggled.

"I meant the hot air!" Ron quickly amended, and she let out a genuine laugh. "I'll just stay quiet…"

"You're cute," Daphne's mood had already brightened. Now Ron just needs to catch up.

"Cute?" Ron looked back.

"Please, don't move," Daphne gently turned his head forward. "And yes, Ron. Cute."

"I prefer 'handsome'," Ron said.

"You can be both," Daphne said as she began drying his sides and back. "Sometimes, you're extremely handsome, but other times, you're the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life."

"Girls are weird…" Ron muttered under his breath, though she knew that he was blushing. Aw, he's so grouchy.

"Don't you think that I'm cute?" Daphne asked.

"Of course I do," Ron replied.

"And yet, you tell me that I look beautiful as well," Daphne reminded him.

"Oh…"

"I guess you boys are just as weird as us girls," Daphne chuckled. "I'm almost done. Can you lean your head back, please?"

Ron did as she asked, his bright blue eyes focusing on her face as she dried his fringe. I like that Pansy left the hair on top of his head untouched, but cleaned up the sides and back. He looks much more carefree now whenever he doesn't style his hair. Once she was done, she put her wand by her side. Ron tried to look ahead again, but she quickly stopped him.

"Stay there," Daphne said, and Ron cocked an eyebrow.

She leaned forward and kissed his lips, and she couldn't help but appreciate how minty Ron's lips tasted. Two more. Daphne planted two more kisses on his lips, and then she put her arms around his upper body.

"What's wrong, Ron?" Daphne whispered as she rested her chin on his left shoulder again. "You're clearly upset about something, and usually, you come to me whenever you're feeling lonely. Talk to me." What's different this time?

Ron tensed a bit, but she just gave his ribcage a light squeeze in order to let him know that she wanted to listen. Slowly, he relaxed and leaned back into her, his eyes coming to a close. He must be really sleepy. I mean, my chest is squashed against his back, and yet, he's completely relaxed.

"I've just had a rough few days," Ron whispered as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I think I might be feeling… depressed…"

"Tell me what went wrong," Daphne painted circles on his chest with her right index finger.

"Nothing went wrong per say," Ron shifted a little, but she refused to let go of him. "All of a sudden, I just lost my steam…"

"Does it have something to do with you boys having a fight?" Daphne asked.

"We didn't fight," Ron said. "We just… Blaise is just very upset about something that his mother did, and Theo and I buggered up our chat with him. Actually… I buggered up the chat… I shouldn't pin the blame on Theo. He actually warned me against having the chat unprepared." He's starting to ramble.

"How did you bugger it up?" Daphne asked. Something tells me that Ron didn't bugger up anything. Why else would Theo join him in staying distant with Blaise?

"I pushed him…" Ron sighed out. "He was having a hard time with something, and me being me…" Ron trailed off. "I pushed him into siding against his mother…"

"Why?" Daphne asked.

"Because I don't want her to influence him," Ron replied. "She's poison, you said so yourself. Even Mary doesn't like Clementine Zabini, and I can understand why. That woman is fucked in the head, and all she does is make Blaise feel miserable."

"But she's still his mother," Daphne said, and Ron gave a meek nod.

"I shouldn't have pushed him, especially when I don't know how he truly feels about her," Ron said.

"I think he wants her to love him like our parents love us, but at the same time, he's smart enough to realize that his mother only loves herself," Daphne explained. "He can't help but reach out to her, but he's been disappointed so many times that he just ignores her rejections now. In a way, he's stuck in a cycle of constant disappointment."

"A cycle…" Ron muttered to himself. "Bloody hell, Daph… How do you do this?"

"Do what?" Daphne asked.

"Analyze people so quickly," Ron replied.

"Quickly?" Daphne giggled. "Ron, I've known Blaise for most of my life."

"But still…" Ron said. "You're really good at reading people." All those lessons with father are starting to pay off, I suppose. Not to mention the practice I get with my secretive boyfriend.

"Thank you," Daphne kissed his cheek. "Is there anything else that's bothering you?"

"Not really," Ron replied. "Actually… There is one thing…"

"Tell me," Daphne tilted her head to look at his face, and his cold expression jarred her. His mood changed so quickly!

Ron was just looking ahead now, his pale blue eyes staring off into space.

"Do you think that everyone's life is preordained?" Ron asked, and Daphne blinked at him. Huh? Where did that come from?

"Preordained?" Daphne asked.

"Fated. Pre-written. Destined," Ron clarified. "Do you think people are born only to live out their lives as Fate intended?" I'm so bloody lost right now. What just happened here?

"I honestly don't know," Daphne replied slowly.

"I see…" Ron whispered under his breath. Just give your thoughts on the matter. Don't point out his mood swing, and don't say anything that might hurt his feelings. Just run with it.

"I think it doesn't really matter," Daphne started, and Ron quickly looked to her.

His pale eyes dug into hers, and for a moment, Daphne felt her body seize up from fright. That's a really intense stare…

"Go on," Ron said.

"Even if my life is pre-written by the Fates, it's not like I know what they have in store for me," Daphne clarified, her eyes were fixed on his. He has prettier eyes than me, though at times like these, they can be really intimidating. "I had no idea that I'd find myself being this close with my friends. I had no idea that I'd start trying to build a name for myself by the age of thirteen. I had no idea that the boy who I had a crush on would sneak around Hogwarts with me. I had no idea that one day, said crush would ask me out on this very bed. It doesn't matter what the Fates have in store for me, I still get to live my life. I don't feel like I'm under anyone's control, and to me, every single choice is my own. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Who's rambling now, Daphne?

"You feel free to choose your own life," Ron whispered, and she gave a slow nod.

"Ron? What's brought this on?" Daphne asked.

"I was wondering if my life was always supposed to be like this because some Higher Being rigged it to be so," Ron replied. "But I like your view on the matter far more than my own."

"What's your view on the matter?" Daphne asked hesitantly.

"I was starting to think that none of this mattered," Ron replied, and Daphne's blood froze.

"What?!" Daphne nearly crushed his ribcage.

"I was being pathetic…" Ron grunted. "I figured that if everyone's life is preordained, then what's the point of worrying about anything? But you… Your view on destiny sounds… brighter."

"Ron, you're scaring me," Daphne heard herself say. He's become quiet and subdued again. Seriously, what's happening here?

"Every person is going through his or her own journey, just like I am," Ron whispered to himself, and then he pulled himself out of her hold. "Thanks, Daphne. You've really helped me realize something important."

"What did I help you realize?" Daphne swallowed thickly. I hope it's nothing bad. I honestly don't know what's happening in his head right now.

"That even someone who 'knows everything' can sometimes come to the wrong conclusion," Ron replied as he turned to face her, a small smile on his face. "None of us know what's in store for us, so we should just experience and enjoy the journey. And if we can, we should always do our best to improve someone else's journey. Right?"

"Right…" Daphne muttered, she had never been more confused in her life. All I know is that whatever I just said has helped Ron feel better. "Your mind works in some really weird ways, Ron…"

"I know," Ron smiled more fully.

"Are you feeling less depressed?" Daphne couldn't help but ask. "Can we all go back to normal? We miss you, Ron."

"The guilt trip," Ron teased, and she smiled despite wanting to keep a straight face. His voice is so carefree again! Yay!

"Is it working?" Daphne asked.

"A little," Ron shifted closer. "Do you want to stay here tonight?"

"Pardon?" Daphne's jaw dropped open. Is he…? Is asking me about…? Should I? Maybe we can just mess around a little, and-

"Not like that," Ron chuckled. "I figured that we could cuddle and sleep in the same bed. We've done it before, haven't we?"

"That was in the Sanctuary, Ron," Daphne felt her face heat up. Why am I saying no? I might get to see his abs again if I play my cards right. "I don't feel comfortable sleeping in this room, and I know that I don't want you to sleep in my room." Tracey sleeps naked, Pansy is a damn menace, and Millie wouldn't really feel comfortable if a boy was sleeping in her room. "We could go up to the Sanctuary, though."

"Really?" Ron asked. "Are you sure?"

"You sneak up first, while I tell the others that you're feeling better," Daphne replied. "I'll also let them know that we're spending some alone time up in Sanctuary."

"Can't we just sneak off?" Ron asked. "I don't want the others to know about this sort of stuff."

"Ron, they already know that we like our private time a little too much," Daphne said. "Plus, it'll save them from worrying about us."

"You're right," Ron moved off of the bed. "Just be quick, please."

---

Almost Forty Minutes Later

Telling her friends had only taken a couple of minutes, but once Daphne had gone to her room to change into her pajamas, her old habit of looking absolutely perfect had seized her mind. She couldn't even try to resist it, after all, this was going to be the first time that she was going to sleep in the same bed as Ron whilst wearing her pajamas! This was a big deal! She had to make sure that she looked perfect, and if things got heated, then she needed to make sure that she was sweet-scented and wearing her best panties.

She, of course, had no intention of having sex at the age of thirteen, and she knew that Ron would definitely refuse if she offered, but even still, she was hoping to get a little more intimate with her boyfriend tonight. It was slow work getting Ron to feel comfortable in his own skin, not that she blamed him seeing as he was covered in scars, but tonight, Daphne was definitely going to make some headway.

She slowly opened the door to the Sanctuary, and once she could slip inside, she pushed herself through the gap and shut the door behind her. I can break the Disillusionment Charm now. Daphne drew in a calming breath, and then she became visible to the World. Nervously, she looked around the Sanctuary, but she couldn't see Ron anywhere. I should check the bed.

Every new step felt heavier and heavier, and before long, Daphne was struggling to hide her nervousness. The looks that Pansy and Tracey had given her when she had told the group that she was going to spend the night with Ron up in Sanctuary were now making her blush. Even Millie gave me a thumbs-up… I'm so nervous now! I hope I don't start sweating. I always sweat when I get nervous.

"Ron?" Daphne managed to call out as she stopped at the foot of the bed.

And there he was… Completely passed out without a care in the World. Daphne's nervousness was immediately replaced by genuine annoyance. He fell asleep? I just spent the last forty minutes making sure that I looked absolutely perfect for him, and he just dozed off? Daphne had half the mind to jump on him, or to pinch his cheeks until he woke up screaming.

"You damn tease…" Daphne all but snarled.

Thoroughly annoyed, and honestly disappointed, Daphne pouted at her sleeping boyfriend. What was she supposed to do now? She didn't want to wake him up again, especially because Ron was the one person who really needed his rest. Ron suddenly snorted in his sleep, making Daphne jump a little. Yeah… He's not waking up anytime soon. Fighting the urge to stomp her feet and throw a fit, Daphne instead examined Ron's face. His face was paler than usual, and his eyelids looked really heavy. He wasn't sweating this time around, but he didn't exactly look comfortable either.

The more she stared, the less annoyed she felt. I did take forty minutes to get ready, and he was already so tired. He obviously wanted to spend some time with me, but I made him wait for ages. She contemplated going back to her own room, but the thought of being surrounded by Tracey and Pansy put her off completely. The last thing I need is those two telling me what I did wrong. Daphne shot a look back at the couches, and she immediately decided that a couch was unworthy of her. Why am I being so hesitant?! I've slept with Ron before! C'mon, Daphne, stop being an idiot.

Carefully, she moved around the bed, her eyes constantly examining Ron's face. Don't wake him up, Daphne. Be as agile as a cat. As she crawled into bed, it became abundantly clear that Ron wasn't going to wake up. She could start beating pots and pans whilst dancing over his sleeping form, and he'd still keep sleeping. With some of her worries abated, Daphne moved much closer to Ron than she had originally planned. Sure, she couldn't see his abs tonight, or indulge in some naughty antics, but she'd be damned if she didn't spend the night being cuddled by her overly tired boyfriend.

With her head planted on his surprisingly comfortable shoulder, Daphne wrapped her left arm around his stomach before closing her eyes. Goodnight, Ron.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Thursday 14th January, 1994 (The Sanctuary – Crack of Dawn)

Ron woke up to a face full of hair, and it didn't take him long to remember that he had fallen asleep while waiting for Daphne. Ron shifted a little, and as his senses came back to him, he realized that his right hand was touching something warm and soft. Slowly, Ron moved his face out of Daphne's hair, and he saw that his right hand had slipped into her pajamas and was now resting on her bare stomach. Oh, fuck! Should I remove my hand? What time is it?

Ron couldn't even look at his watch because Daphne's back was glued to his chest. If I move too much, she'll definitely wake up. I need to be as agile as a fucking cat here. Carefully, Ron shifted backwards, but Daphne let out a grunt before pushing her back into his chest again. Why?! How am I supposed to get out of this if she won't let me move? He was trapped, wasn't he? Ron put his head back on his pillow; he had to wake her up somehow. Think, Ron. How do I wake her up, but not piss her off?

As Ron thought about a solution to his quandary, he couldn't help but move his right hand about a little. He had never touched a girl's stomach before, and due to being a red-blooded male (hormonal teenager), he couldn't quite resist the temptation. Her skin was much softer than his, and surprisingly, her stomach was very flat. Why does she complain about being too 'fat'? She seems to be in good shape. Weird… Does she do it so I give her compliments? His fingers moved up a little, and Ron felt his face heat up as he neared her sternum. WAIT! She's in her pajamas, so she might not be wearing a bra!

This time, he easily resisted the temptation. For one, he didn't want her to wake up and slap his face off. Secondly, he really didn't want to do something that he couldn't take back. And lastly, he wanted her to be awake to give him permission before he ever got that far with her. Time to remove your hand, Ron. Enough is enough. All good things must come to an end. Ever so slowly, Ron began moving his hand down her stomach, but just as he was about to pull his hand out of her top, Daphne began to stir. Merlin save me!

Ron immediately shut his eyes and began pretending to be asleep. Daphne shifted about and muttered something under her breath, but Ron kept his focus on pretending. He had snuck his hand down her top during his sleep, and he'd be damned if he gave her a reason to think otherwise. I'm totally innocent here, and that's that. Just keep 'sleeping', old boy.

"Ron?" Daphne whispered, but Ron didn't make a single sound.

Daphne shifted a little again, and Ron felt her arse bump against his morning erection. I forgot about my traitorous prick! Why are you standing at full attention, you bastard?! I just woke up! Daphne wiggled a little again, and Ron nearly asked her what the hell she was playing at. Hold on a second… Is she feeling me up? Daphne's hand moved on top of his right one, and her fingers traced his burn scar. Ron couldn't help but tense a little, but Daphne didn't seem to notice. Instead, she wiggled her arse again as she let out a cute giggle. Apparently, there are two perverts in this relationship. I think it's time to wake up.

"Daph?" Ron mumbled as he opened his eyes, and she stopped moving immediately. Don't pretend to sleep! That's my fucking trick! "Daphne, are you awake?"

"Hmm?" Daphne looked back with barely-open eyes, and Ron fought the urge to call her out. Actually, calling her out would give me away for certain. Fuck it; I'll just pretend to be ignorant about her arse wiggling antics.

"Hello," Ron greeted, his hand still resting on her stomach. "Daph, is my hand in your…?" he trailed off. Nicely played, Ronnie.

"Um… Yeah…" Daphne feigned ignorance, though her own hand was resting on top of his. She definitely doesn't mind my hand being there.

"Sorry," Ron apologized as he pulled his hand out.

He then sat up and cleared his eyes, all the while yawning and pretending to have just woken up. Daphne slowly sat up as well, and from the corner of his eyes, he could see that she was fixing her top into place. Hey, I got her those pajamas for her birthday. Theo and I split the bill on them because they cost a fortune. Well, they do feel really silky and soft, and they look really good on her. I'm so lucky!

"Why are you smiling?" Daphne poked his side. Because I'm a lecherous bastard, and you're like the sexiest girl I know.

"I slept really well," Ron replied, which was actually quite true. "I feel really, really refreshed."

"Me too," Daphne put her arms above her head and stretched her back.

Ron's eyes betrayed him by darting straight to her chest. Tits!

"Ahem," Daphne cleared her throat, and Ron slowly looked up to her face.

She had a playful smirk on her face, and Ron felt genuinely relieved because of that. It would've been a real shame if I fucked up after my expert handling of the situation.

"Your pajamas are really nice," Ron smiled sheepishly.

"Why, thank you, Ron," Daphne couldn't help but chuckle.

"Did you sleep well?" Ron asked.

"I did," Daphne admitted. "You're very warm. Usually, I have to cocoon myself in my blankets because I hate the cold, but last night, I slept like a baby." I smell opportunity.

"Then maybe we should do this again soon," Ron said casually. "I also slept like a baby."

"We definitely should," Daphne agreed, and Ron fought the urge to pump his fist into the air. I'm totally overshadowing every bloke in my year. "What's the time?"

Ron looked to his Rolex, and he saw that it was just past six in the morning.

"Five minutes past six," Ron replied. "I should go and get ready for my morning run."

"My running gear still hasn't arrived," Daphne shifted closer to him. "Maybe you could skip your morning run and stay in bed with me?"

"Really? What… What would we be doing?" Ron asked, suddenly feeling quite nervous.

"We could sleep in," Daphne took his left hand into hers.

"I'd rather go running," Ron admitted. "I don't want to throw off my schedule."

"Or, we could fool around?" Daphne hummed, a very familiar look on her face. Merlin, it's rebellious Daphne. "You did promise me a fun time yesterday, remember?" Fool around with Daphne, or go for my morning run? Yeah… That's not even a choice.

"Fooling around sounds great!" Ron smiled widely, and Daphne quickly reached for her wand that was resting on the nightstand.

She cast the Fresh-Breath Charm on herself, and then she beckoned Ron to come closer. Ron didn't waste a second, and Daphne cast the Charm on him as well. Bloody hell, she nearly froze my lungs. That's too minty.

"That was a bit too strong, don't you think?" Ron cleared his throat.

Daphne didn't reply, she instead put her wand back on the nightstand before jumping on Ron. Ron let out a yelp before she pushed him onto his back, her face hovering over his. There was a manic glint in her eyes, and Ron couldn't help but grin sheepishly.

"I was very disappointed when I found you sleeping last night," Daphne purred as she nudged his nose with hers.

"I honestly tried to stay awake," Ron whispered.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk," Daphne clicked her tongue. "You have to pay for falling asleep, Ron."

"Pay?" Ron asked giddily. This is the best morning of my life!

Daphne leaned down and bit his lower lip, but not hard enough to cause pain. If that wasn't enough to stun Ron, her barrage of kisses right after definitely turned him mute.

"Can I give you a love bite?" Daphne pulled back, and Ron nodded dumbly.

Daphne smiled like a Cheshire cat at his consent, and then she buried her face in his neck. Good Lord!

---

Thursday 14th January, 1994 (D.A.D.A Classroom – Nearly Lunchtime)

This was probably the best morning he'd had in weeks. He had gotten a full night's sleep. His neck had three separate love bites from Daphne, which were carefully hidden by his collar, and Daphne's neck was in the same condition. His friends had gone on the morning run without him forcing them out of their beds. He'd had a king's breakfast of sausages, eggs, and bacon. Oh, and his past self hadn't shown his face so far.

After his conversation with Daphne yesterday, Ron had more than a few things to say to Ravenclaw Ron. He couldn't deny that he had been weak yesterday, and in his tired and sorry state, Ravenclaw Ron's words had started making sense for some reason. But not anymore… Now, Ron was back to his usual self, and if Ravenclaw Ron was under the impression that he could walk all over Ron, then Ravenclaw Ron was clearly unaware of Ron's history. I can't wait for him to show his face again. I'm going to tear his arse open with my bare hands.

"Please have your reports on Red Caps submitted to me by the start of next lesson," Remus said, and everyone began packing up their things.

"I had no idea that Red Caps were so violent," Millie whispered to Ron. "I once saw one in our gardens when I was younger."

"Didn't Professor Lupin say that they inhabit places where there's been a lot of bloodshed?" Ron asked. "Why would one of them be in your gardens?" Is it because your parents have used said gardens as a slaughtering ground?

"He might've wandered away from his nest," Millie suggested, and Ron just blinked at her. She can't be that clueless, can she?

"I suppose that's possible," Ron said as they stood up.

"I'm just glad that I didn't approach him," Millie said. "I would've made a rather filling meal back then." Did she just call herself fat?

"And now?" Ron asked.

"I'd make sure to give that Red Cap a stomachache," Millie smirked, and Ron couldn't hold back his laugh.

"That's a damn good line," Ron said, and Millie smiled brightly.

"You're laughing again," Millie said, and Ron rubbed the back of his neck. "It's really nice."

"Don't be sappy, Mills," Ron said. "That's Daphne and Pansy's job."

"The next time you go all quiet, I'll ask Daphne to sneak off with you sooner," Millie nudged him.

"Please do," Ron requested rather genuinely, and she laughed at his tone. That wasn't a joke… Tell Daphne to give me more kisses.

"Ron! Can you stay back for a moment?!" came Remus' voice, and Ron stopped walking. "I want to have a quick word with you, please."

Ron's friends shot him quick looks, and when he gestured them to go on, they all left one by one. Once the last of his friends had disappeared from sight, Ron began making his way over to Remus. He noticed Harry, Hermione, and Neville lingering about, but soon enough, they too left the room.

"Am I in trouble?" Ron asked Remus. "If so, then I didn't do it."

"You're not in any trouble, Ron," Remus chuckled as he leaned against his desk. "I just wanted to talk to you."

"About the Werewolf Sanctuary?" Ron whispered. "Don't worry, Remus, I've already increased our funding and sped up the construction. By the end of the weekend, the Werewolf Sanctuary's construction will be in full swing."

"That… That's really great to hear, Cub," Remus gave him a rather paternal smile, and Ron smiled back without thinking. "Thank you for this, sincerely. What you're doing out there… It means the World to a lot of people."

Ron not only felt a little too good from Remus' praise, but he also felt vindicated about his decision to ignore Ravenclaw Ron. I improved other people's journey, and that means something even if that prick can't understand it.

"I'm really glad that you came to me," Ron said. "It means a lot to me, even if I don't always show it." And right now, it's helping prove to me that I don't need to be like Ravenclaw Ron to matter.

Remus studied Ron's face, and then he reached forward and patted Ron's cheek.

"You're a great kid," Remus said. "You really are."

"You're paying me a lot of compliments," Ron couldn't help but point out. "Do you talk to your other students like this? Or am I special?"

Remus chuckled at that, and then he pinched Ron's cheek.

"Ow, you prick!" Ron moved back and rubbed his cheek.

"Do you talk to all of your Professors like this? Or am I special?" Remus smirked.

"Touché," Ron grinned at him.

"I remember promising you a lesson," Remus said suddenly, and Ron perked up. He does remember!

For a moment, Ron was jarred by his own reaction. Maybe some of what Ravenclaw Ron had said had ended up cutting a little too deep? Fuck him, he was wrong about Remus. Remus does remember, and he wants to teach me.

"When are you free?" Remus asked. "There's a really important Spell that I want to show you."

"An important Spell?" Ron felt more intrigued by the second. "Is it a powerful Charm? A terrifying Curse? A hilarious Jinx?"

"A very powerful Charm," Remus chuckled, his eyes darting towards the shut door. Is he making sure that we're alone? "Actually, it's a Spell that Albus Dumbledore makes sure that each Order member knows how to cast." Really?

"A Spell that every Order member learns how to cast?" Ron was practically salivating at the mouth. "What is it?"

"The Patronus Charm," Remus replied. "Do you know about this Charm, Ron?"

"I haven't heard of it," Ron admitted. "What does it do?"

"It is one of the most powerful Defensive Charms known to Wizardkind," Remus replied. "It is extremely Advanced Magic, much harder than anything on your O. W. Ls and N. E. W. Ts."

"I'm sold," Ron agreed eagerly.

"Good," Remus laughed. "So? When are you free?"

"Well, I have my study group tomorrow," Ron started. "Then I have work on Saturday, plus training for the Dueling Tournament. We're both too busy on Sunday, so that won't work either… On Monday I have my therapy session…" Fuck me, am I really this busy?

"What about tonight?" Remus asked. The Triumvirate needs me tonight, and I'm also helping the second years practice for the Dueling Tournament. I even canceled my therapy session just so I could help prepare the second years.

"I have a Slytherin thing," Ron replied vaguely. "Um… What about next Tuesday?" I'm sure Professor Snape will understand the importance of this.

"Next Tuesday it is," Remus agreed.

"Brilliant!" Ron grinned. "Wait… Um… Can my friends join?"

"Friends?" Remus looked slightly surprised. "Ron… I don't know-"

"C'mon, Remus," Ron urged. "They know about what's coming, and they should learn this as well. It could save their lives."

"Ron… I'm not so sure about telling them about my involvement with the Order," Remus said.

"They already know that you're with the Order," Ron countered.

"What?"

"You burst into the Burrow, remember?" Ron reminded Remus. "Plus, Harry made a huge deal about being kept out of the loop. My friends are very clever, and they put everything together quite quickly."

"I see," Remus nodded to himself. "Then I suppose that there's nothing to worry about. Sure, Ron, you can bring your friends with you." Yes!

"What about my siblings and the Trio?" Ron asked, and Remus blinked at him. "I think it'd be great to work on this really advanced Spell together. We're all in the same boat, and this might help ease tensions between us all. You know that I'm making a good point here." Am I reaching? Yes. Do I give a fuck? No. A Spell this important could save their lives one day, and like it or not, its important that they learn Spells like this.

"You are," Remus gave Ron an odd look of admiration. What's with that look? It's weird.

"What is it?" Ron asked. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I just figured that you'd want a private lesson, that's all," Remus shrugged, an easy smile gracing his rugged face.

"I won't lie, I do want a private lesson," Ron admitted. "But it's more important that we all learn to trust each other, you know? One day, that trust might come in handy."

"Always making plans," Remus chuckled a little.

"It's become a habit," Ron shrugged with a smile. "So? Can I bring everyone with me?"

"Of course, Ron," Remus agreed.

"Wicked," Ron's smile widened. "I'll let them all know soon. Do you just want us to pop in after classes?"

"That works," Remus gave a nod, and then he looked to the clock in the room. "It's nearly lunchtime. Go on, Ron, I'll see in the Great Hall."

"Thanks for this, Remus," Ron waved his goodbye, and then he rushed towards the exit. I'll tell my friends first, and after dinner, I'll let everyone else know. Wait… If this Spell is so important to the Order, then why is Remus only offering to teach it to me?

Ron stopped by the exit, and then he turned to face Remus, who was now collecting papers from his desk.

"Remus," Ron called, and Remus turned to face him.

"Yes, Ron?"

"If this Spell is so important to the Order, then why not offer to teach everyone from the get-go?" Ron asked.

"It's a very difficult Spell," Remus smiled at him. "I'm more than willing to teach your friends and siblings, but I know that they'll all struggle with it. Well, Percy and Hermione might get it more quickly than the others, but they're not you… I offered to teach you first because I think that you're capable enough already to start learning it." He thinks that highly of me? That's quite… nice… of him.

"I… Thank you," Ron felt a little embarrassed for some reason. "I'll see you in the Great Hall, yeah?"

"See you soon, cub," Remus went back to collecting his papers.

Ron left the classroom with a goofy smile on his face; this day was shaping up to be the best day he'd had in ages! As Ron shut the door behind him, he spotted Theo waiting for by a shiny suit of armor.

"I'm going to say that you didn't get into any trouble," Theo said, Ron's smile was impossible to miss.

"Does that disappoint you?" Ron asked as he walked up to Theo.

"Mildly," Theo shrugged, and Ron patted his arm before they started walking towards the Moving Staircase.

"Why'd you wait around for me?" Ron asked.

"You mentioned something about sticking in groups once," Theo smirked. "I figured that I'd do my part for Team Ron."

"You'll protect me if some psycho student attacks me?" Ron chuckled.

"Quite the opposite," Theo replied. "This is for my own protection, mate. I'm not leaving my safety up to the other plebs that I call my friends."

"Ah, that makes sense," Ron sniggered, and he missed Theo smiling genuinely for a moment because of Ron's good mood. "Don't worry, Theo, I'll only abandon you if we're hopelessly outnumbered."

"That still beats trusting Draco Malfoy with anything," Theo remarked. I smell opportunity.

"Speaking of Malfoy," Ron started. "Have you noticed how quiet he's been lately?"

"Don't really care to," Theo replied.

"Theo… C'mon, brother," Ron said, and Theo let out a sigh.

"Damn bleeding heart," Theo muttered. "Yes, I've noticed his eerie silence. I admire it, and I want to encourage it."

"I don't like it," Ron admitted. "Something's really upsetting him, and I want to know what."

"Why?" Theo asked.

"He's had a rough go of things, we all know that now," Ron replied. I might despise his parents, but even I can see that Malfoy's been shafted all year long now.

"You've known about it for a while," Theo stated. "Don't bother lying, I don't plan to pry into your affairs." That's what I love about Theo. He doesn't stick his nose into my business unless he sees profit in doing so. "I'm just saying that even though Malfoy's clearly been through hell, I still don't care enough to help him feel better."

"Tracey wants to help him," Ron said casually, and Theo gave him a dull look.

"Subtlety is clearly not a Weasley trait," Theo said.

"Being subtle is boring anyway," Ron grinned. "So? What do you think is upsetting Malfoy?"

"Could be a million things, but I'd say it's something to do with his parents," Theo shrugged. "Why don't you just talk to him? You know that he only pretends to hate you now, don't you?"

"Oh, there are moments when he still hates me," Ron said.

"Yeah, but more often than not, he only talks when you're around," Theo said. "In some weird way, he's like a lost puppy that you brought home with you from the streets. At first, he was constantly barking and biting, but now, he waits for you by the door."

"Where do you come up with this shit?" Ron couldn't help but ask.

"I'm one of those imaginative blokes," Theo smirked. "My point is that he might be bothered about what's happening with his mother and the Order, but at the same time, your recent foul mood has made things harder for him."

"He doesn't have anyone to talk to," Ron nodded to himself. Theo's right, I reckon. But as touching as this is, I really need to do something about the others giving Malfoy the cold shoulder. I know that they have a past with him, but the future is what matters now.

As they stepped into the Dungeons, Theo stopped Ron by putting his hand on Ron's arm.

"Before we join the others…" Theo started, an oddly creepy smile on his face. "What happened between you and Daphne last night?"

"Pardon?" Ron blinked.

"In one night, she managed to turn your mood around completely," Theo said. "Plus, you weren't at the morning run today, and since when do you skip morning runs?"

"I don't know what you're getting at," Ron said, though his ears turned a little red.

"And since when do you do up your collar so tightly?" Theo smirked. This cunt! "What does she look like naked? Are her tits even better without a top?"

"What. The. Fuck?!" Ron frowned deeply. I don't fucking know that!

"What?" Theo asked innocently. "There's nothing wrong with two best friends talking about-"

"I haven't seen her naked," Ron whispered harshly as he looked around for potential eavesdroppers. "And even if I were so lucky, I wouldn't fucking tell you about it."

"Why?" Theo asked, he looked genuinely taken aback. Because she's Ours!

"She's my girlfriend, and I don't want you to know what she looks like naked," Ron said possessively.

"So you have seen her naked," Theo's eyes flashed.

"No, you prick," Ron told the truth. "Her face, feet, and hands are pretty much the only skin I've seen."

"Sharing is caring, Ron," Theo said.

"I'll share my fucking fist with your throat," Ron said, and Theo let out a chuckle.

"Fine, be that way," Theo started walking again. "Just don't bother asking me what my girlfriend looks like naked."

"What girlfriend?!" Ron asked as he caught up to Theo.

"I have some birds in play," Theo shrugged casually.

"Your pillow and your hands?" Ron asked, and Theo smirk faltered.

"Sometimes, you say very hurtful things," Theo remarked.

"Good," Ron shook his head at Theo.

"Only Pure," Theo gave the password, and Ron instinctively rolled his eyes. "Yeah… Even I have to admit that this password is a bit too on the nose."

"Tracey hasn't said it once," Ron said.

"I know," Theo said, neither of them sounded very amused now. "You still won't tell me about Daphne-?"

"I'll strip you naked in front of her if you ask me again," Ron promised.

"Noted," Theo put on his trademark smirk.

As they made their way inside, they had to shift towards the wall in order to avoid the massive group of Slytherins who were heading out to lunch. Ron's first years waved at him, and he shot them a wink and a proud smile. Professor Snape said that the first years have been carrying this House on their backs this year. I should tell them that in order to boost their morale.

"The others are over there," Theo pointed towards the girls' dorm entrance.

"C'mon," Ron said as he began making a way for Theo and himself.

"Did you get in trouble?" Pansy gave Ron a knowing smirk as soon as she saw him and Theo.

"Why does everyone assume that?" Ron couldn't help but ask.

"You have a knack for getting into trouble," Tracey grinned at him. "So if you didn't get in trouble, then what happened?"

"Oh, something great," Ron smiled at all of them. "I arranged a private lesson with Professor Lupin for all of us on Tuesday."

"Pardon?"

"What?"

"Why?"

"Extra studying?" Pansy looked ready to faint. Wow… Please, don't all thank me at once.

"Is he going to teach us Dueling Spells?" Millie asked. Thank you, Millie. Thank you.

"He's going to teach us a very Advanced Defensive Charm," Ron tried to hype them up. "He said that it's even harder than O. W. L and N. E. W. T level Magic. It's called the Patronus Charm, and it's one of the strongest Defensive Charms known to Wizardkind."

"That does sound rather wicked," Theo admitted, while Millie looked almost as hyped as Ron himself.

"It sounds hard…" Pansy sighed out.

"I'll help you," Ron offered immediately. "Please? For me?" And if not for me, then do it for your own benefit at least.

"Well, if you're helping me, then it won't be so bad," Pansy moved over and tangled her arm with his.

Daphne gave Pansy the dullest of looks, but she didn't say anything. Sorry, Daph.

"Are the rest of you in?" Ron asked the others.

"Sure," Tracey shrugged, while Blaise and Daphne gave him a nod.

Malfoy didn't say anything, and when Ron looked to him, he realized that Malfoy wasn't even paying attention. Bloody hell, he looks like a walking corpse. I should talk to him tonight as well.

---

Thursday 14th January, 1994 (The Girls' Dorms – After Classes)

Ron knocked on the Triumvirate's door, and after a couple of seconds, the door swung open. Samantha, her extremely long hair tied up in a high ponytail, greeted Ron with a mild look of interest.

"Ron? What is it?" Samantha asked. "Practice doesn't start for another thirty minutes."

"I know, but I figured that I'd come and talk to you three," Ron replied. "I was an unhelpful prick yesterday, and I want to apologize." Apologize ought to be my middle fucking name.

Samantha just stared at him, and then she took a step back and gestured him to come inside. Ron stepped into the room and shut the door, while Samantha walked back over to her bed.

"Clara and Carey are in the bathroom," Samantha told him as she stopped by her trunk.

"Together?" Ron couldn't help but ask. Please tell me that they're showering together.

A lecherous smile broke out on his face as he pictured the heavenly sight, and Samantha smirked a little when she saw it. It was oddly gratifying to see that despite being who he was, he still behaved like an ordinary teenage boy whenever pretty girls were involved. Feeling the need to tease Ron a little, Samantha began undoing the buttons on her school shirt.

"They'll be out in a few minutes," Samantha said, and Ron quickly fixed his face.

"Should I-?" Ron started, but his tongue turned to lead when he saw that Samantha was removing her shirt. AGH! What is she doing?!

Ron managed to catch a glimpse of her pale skin clashing against her black bra before he quickly turned to face the other way. He heard her chuckle lightly, and his entire face turned red. She did that on purpose!

"It's just some skin, Ron," Samantha said calmly.

"You… You shouldn't… I'll go wait outside…" Ron began heading for the door, but when he tried to open it, it wouldn't budge.

"You can turn around now," came Samantha's voice, and very slowly, Ron did as she asked.

She was now wearing a black sweater, and Ron couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. What's wrong with me? As she fixed her hair into place, Ron quietly walked back to his previous spot.

"Oh, I'm still wearing my skirt," Samantha 'remembered', and Ron felt his throat tighten.

Without a word, Ron looked the other way. He could hear her taking her skirt off behind him, and it took every ounce of willpower he had in him to not look back. Is this a test? It has to be. Samantha isn't like Clara. She doesn't behave this way unless she's trying to get something.

"All finished," Samantha said, and Ron turned around to face her again.

She was wearing the tightest black jeans that Ron had ever seen, and his eyes automatically admired her long legs. Focus, you fool! Don't fall into her trap. Ron looked back to her face, and she was just giving him a soft smile. It jarred Ron a little, but he didn't show it.

"You really like the color black, huh?" Ron asked. Wow, that was a lame thing to say.

"It looks good on me, doesn't it?" she asked.

"It does," Ron agreed.

"What do you think of my jeans?" Samantha asked as she turned a little to give him a better view.

"They're nice," Ron replied. Too nice.

"Clara got them for me during the Break," Samantha told him. "Apparently, 'skinny jeans' are a fashion trend in the Muggle World."

"I'm not really surprised," Ron said. "They do look really nice." Stop saying 'nice', Ron.

"You're looking much better today," Samantha said suddenly. "Come here so I can get a better look." A better look?

Ron walked over to Samantha, and she literally started inspecting his face like Madam Pomfrey always did. Oh, she wants a genuine look. Fair enough. Samantha put the back of her hand against Ron's forehead, and then she gave an approving nod.

"Do you want to talk about what was bothering you?" Samantha asked.

"I'm here to talk about you three," Ron replied.

"Carey and Clara aren't here, so let's talk about you first," Samantha said, and Ron suddenly realized that he was as tall as her now. She doesn't look as intimidating anymore, actually. I mean, she's not particularly tall, but for a girl, she's very tall. "Ron? Aren't you going to say something?"

"Sorry, got distracted," Ron apologized, and her soft smile reappeared. "I was just having a rough time with… everything… But don't worry, I've got my head on straight again."

"Your condition hasn't gotten worse, has it?" Samantha asked, and even Ron could hear the slight worry in her voice. Why do they even care about me?

"No, it hasn't" Ron replied. "But lately… I've just been feeling…" Ron shot a look towards the bathroom door, and then he whispered. "Depressed…"

"Why?" Samantha asked. I have a mad crow whispering in my ears constantly.

"Mood swings," Ron sighed out. "It's a side-effect of my condition. Sometimes, my brain stops functioning like it's supposed to, and everything goes to shit."

"Hormonal imbalances," Samantha whispered to herself. "I'm very sorry, Ron."

"It is what it is," Ron took a step back. "Don't worry about me, please. Right now, we need to concentrate on Carey, Clara, and you. How are you doing? Clara mentioned that you're all struggling."

"You want to know if I'm having second thoughts," Samantha said.

"Are you?" Ron asked.

"I never stopped having them, Ron," Samantha replied. "But, I know what I have to do. I don't love my parents, but I do love Carey and Clara." Samantha then looked a little distant. "A Name is just a Name. What I share with my best friends… That means everything to me." Wow, it's weird hearing her say something so sweet.

She seemingly realized how bizarre she sounded, and she quickly regained her composure. I know that look… That's someone trying to be strong even though they're at their wit's end. I often walk around with that look on my face.

"It's all right to be scared," Ron whispered, and Samantha blinked at him. "No one is here to see it."

"That doesn't change anything for me," Samantha said. "I don't give into fear."

"Everyone gives into fear," Ron said. "If we had no fear, then we wouldn't be human, I think."

Samantha said nothing to that, and after a couple of seconds, Ron took a step forward and placed his hands on the sides of her arms. This trick always works on the girls, so here goes nothing. Ron began rubbing Samantha's arms gently, all the while giving her a look of understanding. She was tense at first, maybe even annoyed due to being touched, but slowly, she started to relax.

"We'll get through this," Ron promised her. "It won't be easy, but we will get through it."

"People die in wars, Ron…" Samantha muttered under her breath, which only proved to Ron that she was genuinely scared of the future.

"They do," Ron said, he now knew better than to make false promises. "I won't promise you that you'll make it out in one piece, I think you're too smart to believe something like that, but saying that… I do promise that I'll do my best to look out for Carey, Clara, and you. As long as I'm here, I'll stay by your sides."

Samantha just looked into his eyes, and eventually, she relaxed completely.

"That was a very cliché thing to say…" Samantha gave a weak smile.

"Did it work?" Ron smiled, and Samantha leaned forward and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips. What the…? She kissed me.

"Thank you, Ron," Samantha took a step back, and Ron removed his hands from her arms.

He was a little surprised that Samantha of all people would show him that level of affection, but he decided not to make a stupid comment about it. Instead, he just gave her a warm smile. She's scared, and I helped her feel better. I don't think she meant anything by that kiss. Plus, Carey and Clara have also given me similar kisses before.

"I think we missed something, Carey," came Clara's voice, and Ron looked to see her and Carey standing by the bathroom. GOOD LORD!

They were both wearing nothing but towels, their bare legs and shoulders glistening from their shower. Ron immediately looked the other way, and he heard Clara giggle at his reaction.

"I'll come back in five minutes," Ron said quickly.

"Ron, wait," Clara laughed, but Ron had already unlocked the door with his wand. They were showering together! This is too much! Run!

---

Ten Minutes Later

"I'm sure that you have questions for me," Ron started the conversation; he was sitting across from the girls. "I'll answer said questions as best I can, but I don't know everything, so please don't get your hopes up too much."

Carey looked to the other girls, but when neither of them said anything, Carey decided to take the lead.

"What sort of future is the Order promising us?" Carey asked. Of course she starts with a difficult one.

"A future where you're alive," Ron replied.

"That's not good enough," Carey said. "We want to know what happens after we graduate. We asked the Headmaster, but he told us to come to you." Is he testing me? Merlin, I can never fully tell with the old man.

Ron thought about his answer for a moment, and then he decided to utilize their strengths in order to benefit the Order.

"What did you three plan to do before?" Ron asked.

"I was going to go on a long vacation," Clara replied, he could hear the disappointment in her voice. "Eventually, however, I planned to get a job in the Department of International Magical Cooperation in order to build my own network around the World. I've always loved traveling, and this career would let me do just that." That's very ambitious of her. Guess I know why she ended up in Slytherin now.

"I see," Ron said, and then he looked to Carey and Samantha.

"I planned to apply for a Healer Apprenticeship at St. Mungo's," Samantha said. "I've got a lot of experience working under Madam Pomfrey as a volunteer, and with my grades, an Apprenticeship was all but confirmed." The Order could always use another Healer.

"Carey?" Ron looked to her.

"I wished to start working with the Wizengamot Administrative Services," Carey said. "After a couple of years of making connections with the members of the Wizengamot, I was going to move into the Department of Magical Cooperation alongside Clara. I was hoping to become a Wizengamot member myself eventually, but now that seems rather pointless."

"No, I think it's a good idea," Ron said, and Carey waited for him to go on. "The Wizengamot is headed by Albus Dumbledore himself, and it is probably the most influential body of wizards within Britain. At the end of the day, they make the legislations that all of Wizarding Britain has to follow. Having someone working closely with the Wizengamot members will help the Order. I'll speak to the Headmaster for you, and we'll get you a job within the Wizengamot Administrative Services." She can then serve as my eyes within the Wizengamot's affairs.

Even Samantha looked a little taken aback by Ron's sudden shift, but he was too busy looking at Clara to notice.

"Clara, I've already got a foot in the door within the Department of International Magical Cooperation," Ron told her. "Don't tell anyone this, but right now, Barty Crouch Snr and Ludo Bagman are working on a massive project together. I'll talk to Mr. Crouch on your behalf once I get more influence within the Ministry, and hopefully, you and I can start working together by the time the project is unveiled." I can keep my eyes on her and make sure that she doesn't get targeted. Plus, having someone like her watching my back will come in handy.

Ron then looked to Samantha.

"The Order will always need a strong Healer, so I'm all for this Apprenticeship," Ron said. "As you know, without me bringing the French in to help the St. Mungo's fund, the hospital would have taken much longer to complete. I reckon you should apply as you already planned to, but if some obstacle does show up, I'm more than willing to help sort it out." She'll be relatively safe at St. Mungo's, and if she helps heal Order members, she'll really help us prove that Slytherin isn't just a Death-Eater training camp.

"So we just go about our lives like normal?" Clara asked.

"For the most part, yes," Ron replied. "Right now, there are only a handful of people who know what's really going on, so nothing drastic has happened-"

"What's your role in the Order?" Carey asked suddenly. "What's your real role, Ron? Why does the Headmaster trust you to speak for him? Why did Professor Snape order us to listen your every word?" Their faith in me is really gratifying. We've come a really long way from me holding my visions as bargaining chips.

Ron thought about what to tell them, and honestly, he was inclined to tell them the truth. Ron understood that he needed the girls just as much as they needed him, and he also understood that they weren't the sort to be sated with lies. Sure, he could double down and stand his ground, but he didn't want to alienate them by doing so.

"I work with the Headmaster and Professor Snape to create plans for the Order's movements," Ron told them, his eyes focused on Carey.

"They trust you that much?" Clara asked.

"Why?" Samantha asked.

"Because I am who I am," Ron replied, and they waited for him to go on. "The French who came to fund St. Mungo's reconstruction also signed on to provide the Order with money and supplies during the war. I made that happen. Madame Maxime knows of my role, and with her help, I plan to bring French wands into the war against the Dark Lord. I also advised the Headmaster to start recruiting from Slytherin House in order to avoid the last war's mistakes. So far, Lord Greengrass and James Davis have joined up."

"Your mentor is in the Order?" Carey asked.

"Yes, but he has no idea that I work with the Headmaster and Professor Snape," Ron replied. "No one knows, and you three will never speak of my involvement. I am a silent partner, and will remain so until I decide otherwise."

"Why stick to being a silent partner?" Clara asked, and then, she looked him over. "You're thirteen, and your parents would no doubt go ballistic."

"Far too many people underestimate me because of my age, but the Headmaster and Professor Snape don't," Ron said. "Trust me, I've been through things that would make your skins crawl, so I know what I'm about."

The girls exchanged quick looks, and Ron figured that they were communicating without speaking again.

"Did you ask the Headmaster to approach us?" Carey asked.

"Yes, and Professor Snape backed my idea," Ron replied.

"Why?" Samantha asked. "Why tell us so much when you don't even tell your own kin?"

"I need you, but I don't need my kin," Ron replied, his coldness coming through. "Wait… Let me rephrase that… You can help me with giving Slytherin House a fair chance to choose their own futures, but my kin don't care one bit about Slytherin House. When it comes to my kin, they still see me as a child. A brilliant child, sure, but still just a child. You three know me better than that, and I don't want you to think that I mistrust you."

Ron then shifted slightly, an uncomfortable thought invading his mind.

"And I like you three…" Ron added 'casually'. Not very smooth, Ron.

"You like us?" Carey asked, while Clara gave him a warm smile.

"I don't like many people," Ron confessed. "So the ones who I do like, I want to help protect as much as possible. If you're with the Order, then you'll be safer during the war. You won't have to serve a lunatic, nor will you be used as dispensable foot soldiers. And… I can watch your backs…"

The girls said nothing to that, but Ron noticed Clara giving Samantha and Carey a 'I told you so' look.

"Ahem," Ron cleared his throat. "Do you three have any other questions?"

"None right now," Samantha replied, and Carey and Clara nodded their agreement. "We should head down to the Training Room, anyway."

Ron stood up at that, and the Triumvirate followed suit.

"Just one more thing," Ron remembered. "It gets easier."

"What gets easier?" Clara asked.

"Knowing what's out there," Ron clarified. "I know you're all scared, and I am too. But slowly, you will start getting used to it. You'll think about it less and less, and it won't shake you to the core as often. And… If you three ever need to talk, you can always come to me…" I'm saying too many sappy things. They probably think that I'm a bleeding heart now. "Even if I look sick, or prickly." Stop, for the love of Merlin.

Not willing to embarrass himself any further, Ron began making his way towards the exit. He wasn't surprised that the girls didn't follow him out; they probably planned to discuss what to do next. Before Ron shut the door, he looked back into the room.

"Come to my study group tomorrow," Ron said. "I want more Slytherins to start taking a part in it, and you three are admired by pretty much every single young Slytherin. Plus, having the Head Girl and her friends joining us will go a long way in inspiring others to do the same."

"All right," Carey agreed. "And thank you, Ron."

Ron gave a nod, and then he closed the door.

---

Thursday 14th January, 1994 (The Training Room – Late Evening)

The moment the P-12 crossed the distance between Arthur Belmont and itself, Ron visibly cringed as he watched the P-12 land a savage haymaker across the fifth year's face. With a pained yelp, Belmont dropped onto his side, his wand completely forgotten on the sand. Why did he let go of his fucking wand? Why do they all just drop their wands?

"Enough!" Ron called, and the P-12 stopped before kicking Belmont's head in.

Ron could hear Flint's gang having a chuckle at Belmont's expense, which was odd because none of Flint's gang had the balls to face the Auror Trainer themselves. How do people like him even exist? They know that they're cowards, and yet they act like they own the planet. Wait… Why am I giving them any thought, anyway? They'll join the Dark Lord for certain, and then I can just kill them. With his mind made up, Ron walked over to the groaning fifth years.

"Five on one, and you still lost," Ron said, he felt zero sympathy for these losers. "Not one of you followed my instructions. Why?"

"We don't answer to you, Weasley," Martha Hopkirk glared murder at him, and Ron nearly slapped her across the face.

"Yes, you do," Ron said coldly. "Everyone in this House answers to me. Except for the Triumvirate, of course. Now, tell me why you didn't follow my instructions?"

None of them said anything, mostly because in their idiotic minds, Ron was beneath them because he was a Weasley. The other teams were all watching quietly, no doubt dreading their turns. Maybe I'm being too demanding? I do keep forgetting that everyone around me is a useless cunt. Ron looked to the P-12, and then he looked to the Triumvirate. The girls were chatting with their teammates, Jack Casper and Robert Moon, and Ron figured that they were trying to come up with a strategy to defeat the P-12.

"Watch and learn!" Ron said loudly, making sure that everyone heard him.

"You're going to take on the Auror Trainer yourself?" Adrian Pucey asked, he had a handprint on his right cheek. Bitch-slapped by a dummy, and all because he tried to throw his wand away in submission.

"Yes," Ron replied, and then he gestured the fifth year team to go join the others.

He could already hear his Housemates talking excitedly, and he could see that Flint's gang wanted him to get hurt. Ron cracked his neck and knuckles, and then he pulled out his wand. He put some distance between himself and the P-12, and when he turned to face the P-12 again, he saw a worried Daphne in the background. Don't worry, Daph, this time I won't be holding back.

"Ron, maybe your team should join you?" Clara suggested.

"Just watch, and learn," Ron repeated. Time to re-channel my inner Madam Roberts. "Against a stronger opponent, you need to be the one in charge. If the P-12 takes charge of the Duel, then you're all fucked. It's not going to relent, and unlike you, it doesn't make mistakes. There's no coming back if it gains the upper hand." Ron then looked to the second years. "What are the best ways to take charge of a Duel, Mathias?"

"Um… Control the terrain," Mathias remembered. "Use a variety of Jinxes, Hexes, and Curses. Oh, and seize every opportunity to gain the upper hand."

"Good," Ron gave him a nod, and then he looked to the P-12. Here I go. "Don't hold back on me, P-12. Give me your worst. Begin!"

The P-12's head shot up, and it immediately sent a wave of fire at Ron. People gasped in shock, but Ron summoned a Non-Verbal shield that was strong enough to withstand the flames. It put some power into that. Nice! Ron let out a yell as he shoved his shield forward, and while the P-12 shattered the oncoming shield with a Reductor Curse, Ron started his Spell Chain.

"Stupefy, Flipendo, Expelliarmus," Ron chanted back to back, and as the P-12 dodged Ron's Spells, Ron readied a Non-Verbal Fumos within his lungs.

He continued the Spell Chain Non-Verbally, making sure to buy himself enough time to cover the sandpit in a thick miasma of black smoke. The moment he saw the P-12 put up a shield to try and regain its footing, Ron let the smoke out of his mouth like a Dragon. He heard people clapping and letting out impressed noises, but he ignored them for now. One mistake, and the P-12 will kick my arse.

Just as the smoke hid Ron and the P-12 from sight, Ron crouched down and dug his left fist into the sand. Brachium Colubrum! The smoke was suddenly blasted away by a torrent of wind so powerful that Ron and his Ethereal Serpent were sent rolling through the sand. Flint's gang laughed a bit too loudly, but once again, Ron ignored the spectators. It saw through my strategy, didn't it? And what was that fucking Spell? Didn't Madam Roberts use the same thing on me? Which means…

Ron threw a Non-Verbal shield behind himself just in time for the torrent of wind to smash against it. Bloody hell, that hits hard! Ron quickly rolled onto his side, barely dodging a green Hex of some sort. The sand sizzled as the green Hex exploded, and some of the acid landed on the side of Ron's face. Despite not wanting to, Ron let out a pained yell. OUR FUCKING FACE!

Boiling rage welled up in Ron, and he shot up to his feet with a murderous glare. You will pay for that! The P-12 was in no mood to stop its assault, despite some people urging the Triumvirate to stop the fight. Ron, much like the P-12, was in no mood to stop, and he decided to push through the pain.

"Protego!" Ron yelled, putting up a shield just in time to block another ball of acid. Cutis Terra!

Ron felt his muscles harden like steel as he watched his shield melt and fall apart. Using the P-12's own trick against it, Ron sent the acid covered remains of his shield forward. Due to his heightened strength, the shield was sent forward at an alarming speed, and the P-12 barely managed to slice through it, though some of the acid managed to find itself sizzling on the P-12's legs and chest. It showed no sign of pain, of course, but Ron still felt extremely satisfied. With a manic grin on his face, Ron sent forward a bed of Ethereal Serpents from his left arm, his Magical prowess boosted immensely thanks to Cutis Terra.

The P-12 put up a strong shield, just as Ron had predicted, and while his serpents smashed against the shield wildly, Ron broke into a sprint. Within half a second, Ron had crossed the distance, his augmented legs carrying him faster than ever before.

"Fuck you!" Ron yelled as he smashed shoulder first into the shield, sending both the P-12 and himself rolling through the sand. We win!

Ron was immediately on his feet, his left fist smashing down into the P-12's back as it tried to get up. The wood cracked beneath the weight of his fist, and Ron wasted no time in stepping on the P-12's wand hand, crushing its wooden fingers under his heel. Does that hurt? Good! The P-12 tried to tangle Ron's legs with its own, no doubt trying to trip him, but with Cutis Terra still in effect, Ron didn't even budge from his spot. He knew that he could use his wand to stun the P-12 right here and now, but it had to pay for causing Ron pain.

Ron reached down and grabbed the P-12 by the back of its neck, and with a swift motion, lifted it into the air before smashing it back down headfirst. Some spectators gasped at the savagery, while others let out loud yells of excitement and awe. Ron ignored them again, his eyes fixed on the P-12's squirming body. Once again, Ron stepped onto its wand hand, his eyes fixed on the P-12's wooden face. Time to die, insect.

In one last desperate attempt to defeat Ron, the P-12 tried to remove Ron's foot with its spare hand. Ron reached down and grabbed the P-12's free arm, and with a savage laugh, Ron yanked the wooden arm out of its socket. This time, a lot of people gasped and screamed, despite knowing that the P-12 was made of wood and incapable of feeling pain. Ron tossed the arm aside nonchalantly, while the P-12 kept squiring in an attempt to free itself.

"Reducto," Ron chanted as he aimed his wand at the P-12's forehead, effectively blowing its brains out.

The P-12 stopped squirming, and Ron felt cool relief wash over him. One day, this'll be Lucius Malfoy dead at my feet. The effects of Cutis Terra left his muscles slowly, and Ron felt a small pang of pain reverberate throughout his entire body. I held it too long, but I think I'll be fine. With some of his rage quenched, Ron looked to his Housemates. He wasn't surprised to see them shitting themselves as his eyes moved between them.

"Fourth years!" Ron called, and they immediately tensed. "Come here!"

They looked to the Triumvirate for help, much to Ron's annoyance, but the Triumvirate gestured them to do as they were told. Slowly, they made their way over to Ron. They were scared; especially the three girls, but Ron couldn't care less.

"Greene, you're the leader of this team, right?" Ron asked, and Bartholomew Greene nodded shakily.

"Weasley… Your face…" Barbara Miller whispered, and Ron suddenly realized that the right side of his face was hurting like hell. The acid… Shit. I hope Samantha can heal this.

"Ignore it," Ron turned and cracked his neck, and then he looked to Greene. "Follow my instructions. Change the terrain, use a variety of Spells, don't waste openings, and don't drop your fucking wands at the first sign of trouble. Understood?"

"Under… Understood," Greene muttered, his eyes darting towards the P-12's corpse.

"Use Reparo to fix it," Ron ordered Madeline Croxley, and then he left the fourth years in order to go to Samantha.

People shifted out of his way immediately, most of them making sure to avert their gazes. Before Ron could reach Samantha, however, Ron's friends stepped into his way.

"Ron! Your face!" Pansy fretted, while Daphne, Tracey, and Millie looked genuinely scared for him. It's just a little wound.

"I'm fine," Ron assured them. "Does it look that bad?"

"Doesn't it hurt?" Theo asked, while Blaise and Malfoy both looked squeamish.

"Of course it hurts," Ron said dully. "Which is why I'm trying to get to Samantha."

"Move aside," Samantha said as she nudged Pansy away from Ron's face. "I need better lighting. Come with me."

Ron followed the raven-haired witch, and his friends followed after him. Samantha led him to Clara and Carey, who were waiting by a torch. Samantha told Ron to sit down against the wall, which he did without argument.

"Now, let's see…" Samantha grimaced as she turned his head to the side, and then, she began muttering some incantations as she aimed her wand at his burns.

Clara drew in a sharp breath, while Carey looked away from Ron's face. He could see Daphne, Pansy, and Tracey's eyes welling up, and for some reason, he felt rather annoyed by that. They'll see worse before long, I'm sure. Ron drew in a deep breath, and he thought of Stoatshead Hill. The pain in his face subsided a little as his Occlumency calmed him down from his fight. Don't get annoyed at the girls, Ron… They're just worried about you. Relax. You won.

"Well?" Ron asked, his voice much gentler now.

"It wasn't a Curse," Samantha said as she stopped muttering incantations. "So it won't scar. I can heal this pretty easily, of course, but if you were unlucky, you could have lost your eye."

"I'm as lucky as they come," Ron couldn't help but chuckle, much to everyone's discomfort. What? That's funny because I'm not lucky at all.

"Don't the rest of you have training to get back to?" Samantha shot a look back. "Stop hovering over my shoulder. I need to focus."

"He'll be fine?" Daphne asked, and Ron felt his stomach twist a little. I know that it was necessary, but I hate making her worry over me like this.

"Samantha's very good at Healing Magic," Clara said gently. "Why don't you all come with me, yeah? I'm sure Ron wants you to watch the fourth years Duel against the Auror Trainer."

"Go on," Ron tried to match her tone. "I'll be right with you in a bit."

The others followed after Clara reluctantly, while Daphne only left when Ron gave her a pleading look. Once his friends were gone, Carey moved over and sat down beside Samantha.

"Did you have to take it so far?" Carey asked.

"I couldn't have predicted that the P-12 would try to burn my face off," Ron shrugged. "These things happen, and if you don't push through the pain, then you're dead." This lesson is brought to you by the Entity, the cunt older than time itself.

Carey reached forward and took his gloved hand in hers, and Ron figured that she was trying to comfort him while Samantha healed his face. Truth be told, Ron didn't need comforting, mostly because he had been through far worse, but instead of telling Carey that, he decided to let her hold his hand. If it makes her feel better, then there's no point in acting tough.

"Where are the first years?" Carey asked Ron. "Shouldn't they be here?" Trying to distract me, eh?

"I gave them the day off," Ron replied. "I told them what Professor Snape said about them, and then I told them that I was really proud of them. They asked me if they could spend the day outside instead of hauled up in here, and I agreed."

"Softie," Carey smirked a little. "I'm glad that we picked you to look after them. Even we couldn't have predicted just how far you'd go with them."

"I'm just a really competent young chap," Ron smirked back.

"Stop moving your face," Samantha scolded.

"Sorry…" Ron muttered, while Carey smiled sweetly.

---

Thursday 14th January, 1994 (The Entrance Hall – Right After Dinner)

Ron waited by the giant door that led into the Courtyard, his friends had already left for the Slytherin common room. They had, of course, offered to stay by Ron's side, but he knew that his siblings and the Trio wouldn't be too comfortable with that. Right now, I just need to focus on convincing my siblings and the Trio to join us.

"Ron?" came Ginny's voice, and Ron broke out of his thoughts. "You wanted to see me?"

"I did," Ron smiled at her, and she managed a weak smile in return. "How are you, Ginny?"

"I'm managing," she replied as she walked over to his side. "Sort of…"

"Sort of managing?" Ron asked, and Ginny rubbed her left forearm. That's it, I'm finding out why she keeps doing that.

"Madam Pomfrey told me to try and reach out to my peers…" Ginny muttered. "Didn't really work…" Oh.

Ron's curiosity vanished immediately, and he felt the urge to put his arm around her shoulders. He only stopped himself because he didn't want to do anything to jeopardize their recovering relationship.

"Want to talk about it?" Ron asked.

"Not really," Ginny replied. "I tried, and it didn't take…"

"They didn't want to talk to you?" Ron pushed a little.

"Colin and his mates weren't bothered by me, but the girls…" Ginny stopped short.

"What about the girls?" Ron asked.

"They don't really like me," Ginny looked down at her shuffling feet.

"Why not?" Ron was a little surprised to hear that.

"I keep them up at night…" Ginny sighed out. "I have bad dreams, and I make 'weird noises'…"

"I see," Ron rubbed the back of his neck.

"It's all right," Ginny mumbled. "I'll try again when they're not around."

"I can teach you a Spell that will help," Ron offered, and Ginny looked to him.

"A Spell?" Ginny asked. "What kind of Spell?"

"The kind that keeps noise hidden from other people," Ron smiled a little. "Do you want to learn it?"

"I… Of course," Ginny managed a bigger smile. "That'd be really great, Ron."

"What do we have here?" came Fred's voice, and Ron and Ginny looked to see Fred, George, Percy, and Luna walking over to them. "Are Ginny and Ron getting along again? Careful, Ron, she might-"

"Stop it," Percy frowned at Fred, who raised his hands in surrender.

Ron felt Ginny tense up immediately as she looked back down at her feet, and Ron nearly slapped Fred's face off. I was getting through to her! Fucking prick has to go out of his way to make others feel like shit, doesn't he?!

"You're not going to give us more bad news, are you?" George asked, he sounded genuinely worried.

"No," Ron replied quickly. "No bad news this time, I promise."

"Then what's this about?" Percy asked. "Also… Why are we meeting in the middle of the Entrance Hall?"

"We're waiting for the Trio," Ron looked past his siblings. I haven't seen them leave yet, so what's taking them so long?

"The Trio?" Luna asked. "Do you have a surprise for us, Ron?"

"I do, actually," Ron shot her a wink, making her smile brightly.

Ron suddenly spotted Hermione's bushy hair, and accompanying her were Harry and Neville, both of whom were talking excitedly about something.

"Hermione!" Ron waved at her, and she looked around for him.

When she spotted him, she nudged her best friends.

"I need to talk to you guys," Ron gestured them to come over, which they did promptly.

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked as she looked around at Ron's siblings.

"Nothing's wrong," Ron replied. "Let's move out of everyone's way first, yeah?"

None of them argued, and they all made their way out into the cold night. Ginny, Luna, and Hermione quickly began rubbing their arms, while Percy cast the Warming Charm around them.

"It's getting colder every day," Fred complained. "Why are we doing this outside?"

"This will only take a few minutes," Ron promised. "Now, I had a chat with Professor Lupin, and he offered to give me a private lesson-"

"He offered you a private lesson?" Harry blurted out. "Really?"

Neville and Hermione exchanged looks, and Ron decided to continue with what he was saying.

"He offered to teach me a really powerful Defensive Charm, one that everyone in the Order has to learn," Ron went on, and the look on Harry's face nearly made Ron choke. So territorial.

"What Charm?" Hermione asked, an excited glint in her eyes.

"It's called the Patronus Charm," Ron replied, and Percy cocked an eyebrow.

"That Spell is beyond N. E. W. T level Magic, Ron," Percy said with a concerned look. "Spells like that can backfire horribly if done wrong. He shouldn't be teaching you, of all people, such Magic."

"Well, he'll be teaching all of us on next Tuesday," Ron said.

"What?"

"Why?"

"Really?"

"We're learning Order Magic?"

"I figured that if this Spell was so useful, then we should all learn it," Ron said. "I asked him if he could hold a class for us, and he agreed. So, after classes end on Tuesday, come to Professor Lupin's classroom, please."

"This is really thoughtful of you, Ron!" Hermione said excitedly. "I'll definitely be there!" I knew that I could count on her to get hyped. She'll definitely convince Harry and Neville if they have any reservations about this.

"Same goes for us," the twins grinned.

"What about the rest of you?" Ron asked the others.

"It would be nice to learn something like the Patronus Charm," Percy nodded to himself. "I'll come as well."

"Harry? Neville?" Ron smiled.

"Sure," Neville smiled back. "It sounds like fun."

"I'm in as well," Harry said, he looked a bit perplexed though.

"Ginny? Luna?" Ron looked to his sisters.

"I'll come if you want me to," Luna hummed as she stared up at the moon and stars.

"Me too," Ginny said to Ron, her eyes darting towards Luna.

"Great!" Ron said, he was glad that they were so agreeable about this. Now, just mention that your friends will be there as well. "My friends and I will see you all there, then."

"Your friends?" Hermione blinked, while Ron's siblings gave him dull looks for trying to be so sneaky.

"Why would Remus teach them a Spell that the Order members have to learn?" Harry asked. Think about it, and you might come to the answer on your own.

"Because I asked him to," Ron replied. "He agrees with me on the fact that they also need to learn to protect themselves." Ron then drew in a deep breath. "Look, we're all in the same boat now, and sooner or later, we need to try and look past House Rivalry. This is bigger than who wins the House Cup."

"We'll be there," Neville gave Ron a nod, and Ron couldn't help but relax a little.

"Thank you, Neville," Ron said, his eyes darting towards Hermione and Harry.

"Of course, you're right," Hermione said. "The Cup isn't all that important considering what we know." Thank you, Hermione and Neville. Thank you.

"Harry?" Ron asked, and Harry just gave a nod. "Great."

"The rest of us will be there as well," Percy promised Ron, while the twins just shrugged.

"Then I guess that we're done here," Ron felt rather relieved now that they had all agreed to join. "Good night."

"Bye, Ron," Luna walked up and hugged his middle, and then she turned around and skipped back towards the castle.

The twins and Percy followed her, while Ginny shot a miserable look at Luna's back. Just keep at it, Gin. She'll come around the moment you approach her.

"See you tomorrow, Ron," Hermione said, and Ron waved off the Trio.

"Aren't you going to head inside?" Ron asked Ginny once they were alone.

"What about the Spell?" Ginny asked Ron.

"Oh, you want to learn it tonight?" Ron blinked. "Sure, I've got time. It's a little hard to learn, but you're smart enough to get it."

"It's hard to learn?" Ginny asked slowly.

"It's a fifth year Charm, and I only know it because Charlie wrote it down for me," Ron replied. "It took me about a week to get it right."

"A week?" Ginny looked a bit disheartened.

"Sorry, Ginny," Ron gave her a sympathetic smile. "Let's get start tonight, eh? I can show you how I finally made it work, and maybe, that'll speed up the process."

"Okay…" Ginny nodded half-heartedly. "Can we practice inside the castle?"

"Of course," Ron agreed, and they began making their way towards the castle.

He couldn't deny that he was feeling quite excited at the prospect of teaching Ginny. He had, after all, offered to teach her when she had first come to Hogwarts, but she had refused his help every single time. The sessions with Madam Pomfrey are clearly working. I should get Madam Pomfrey a gift basket as a thank you. That woman has done so much for me. As they entered the Entrance Hall, Ron eyes darted towards a head of red hair. His body stopped moving on its own, and he went a little wide-eyed as he stared at Ravenclaw Ron inspecting the Ravenclaw Hourglass.

"Get rid of her," Ravenclaw Ron turned to face Ron, his eyes darting towards Ginny. "We need to talk about our plans." Oh, we need to talk. That's for certain…

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AUTHOR'S NOTES: Another one! I hope you guys enjoyed that, and I really hope that it alievated some of the boredom that we're all suffering from.

I don't really have much to say due to nothing going on in my life, but I will say this... Please be safe, and start praying to Nurgle instead!

See you guys in about a week!