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.

117. Chapter 117 - 'Godhood'

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 117 is finally here! Sorry for the longer than usual wait, but I ended up rewriting this chapter due to poor planning. My bad, you guys!

Now, before we begun, I just need to address a couple of things:

1. We are the heighest REVIEWED Ron Weasley MC story on this site, I reckon. I couldn't find any other stories that have Ron as the MC and have as many reviews as FATE! That's bloody amazing, right?! Thank you to all of my reviewers, you guys really gave me a confidence boost when I needed it. I love you, you beautiful Bast****.

2. Very recently, there was a little debate in the Review section, and I'm very glad that you guys were so respectful to each other. I don't mind debates, of course, but I'd hate to see you guys fighting. So, well done on keeping it civil, it means a lot to me. And please, if you have any opinions on the story that you want to share, don't be afraid of voicing your opinions. Just please be respectful to each other, that's all I ask.

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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'Awash in blood and delusion, he bears the burden of a thousand lifetimes' - The Ancestor from Darkest Dungeon

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Fate

Chapter 117 – 'Godhood'

Ronald Weasley's POV

Thursday 14th January, 1994 (The Entrance Hall – After Dinner)

"What are you looking at, Ron?" Ginny asked as she followed his gaze. A foul twat.

"Get rid of her," Ravenclaw Ron repeated. He has no idea that I plan to put him in his place? So, unlike the Entity, he can't read my thoughts? This is great! I can use this against him!

Ron smiled a little, which unnerved both Ginny and Ravenclaw Ron.

"I'm just looking at the Hourglasses, Ginny," Ron decided to ignore his past self for now. Ginny will come first for me.

"I hate looking at those Hourglasses," Ginny told him. "Look at our Hourglass… It might as well be empty."

"It's not that bad," Ron looked to the Gryffindor Hourglass. "Okay… It's pretty bad."

"All thanks to you," Ginny said, though she didn't exactly sound bitter like she used to.

If anything, she sounded resigned.

"You're just going to ignore me?" Ravenclaw Ron frowned. Did someone say something? Must've been the wind.

"C'mon, Ginny," Ron guided her towards the stairs. I'll take her to the third floor because it has a lot of abandoned classrooms. "I'll show you the Spell first, and then you can practice casting it yourself."

"What's it called?" Ginny asked.

"The Silencing Charm: Silencio," Ron replied. "It'll keep people from hearing whatever noises you make behind your bed curtains."

"What? Don't teach her that garbage," Ravenclaw Ron followed after them. "Silencio is supposed to be used on living beings, you halfwit." He sounds… concerned? "If you want her roommates to not hear her at night, teach her Muffliato. Not only is it much easier to cast, but it was also made specifically to keep people from overhearing conversations." Really? I've never heard of this Spell.

"Ron?" Ginny called. "Why did you just stop talking?"

"Thought I heard something," Ron replied, and then he shot Ginny a half-smile. "Are you coming to the study group tomorrow?"

"I don't know if I should," Ginny shrugged. "If I do come, then I'll have to sit around with people who don't want me there. Or, I'll have to sit with Hermione, Harry, and Neville…"

"You're still not talking to the Trio?" Ron asked.

"I talk to Neville," Ginny replied. "But Hermione and Harry are a different story."

"I thought you and Hermione were really close," Ron said, and Ginny rubbed her left forearm. She's doing it again.

"I thought the same thing," Ginny muttered. "But she was lying to me for weeks, and it never occurred to her that she should tell me about my own brother's-" she trailed off. "I just don't understand why Harry and Hermione would stalk you like that… Especially Harry." Maybe I should show her that Harry Potter is human too? It might help her understand why he did what he did.

"He was jealous of me," Ron told Ginny plainly.

"Pardon?"

"Harry… He was jealous of me," Ron repeated, and Ginny didn't look convinced. "You've seen how Sirius and Remus treat me, haven't you? They might treat Harry like their son, but they treat me as an equal. I think that bothers him greatly-

"But that's because you saved Sirius from Azkaban," Ginny said.

"He knows that, but at the same time, people do stupid things when they're upset," Ron said. "I think that Harry did what he did because he wanted to show everyone that I'm nothing special, and he got so caught up in it that he didn't realize just how far he was going."

Ginny said nothing back, and Ron figured that she was mulling his words over in her head. Personally, Ron didn't care much about Harry and Hermione's reasons, but he did want Ginny to be happier than she currently was. The rest of the trip up to the third floor was made in silence, and when they finally reached an abandoned classroom, Ron led the way inside.

"So, how are we doing this?" Ginny asked as she pulled out her wand.

"Yes, Ronnie, how are we doing this?" Ravenclaw Ron 'mimicked' Ginny's voice.

"I'll show you the Spell first," Ron spoke only to Ginny. "After that, you can try having a go at it."

"You said that it took you a week to get this Spell right," Ginny said.

"You'll do fine, Ginny," Ron gave an assuring smile. "Now, come with me."

Ron led her back to the door, and then he opened it and stepped out.

"I'll close this, and cast the Spell," Ron told her. "Try and listen for any sounds that I make on the other side. If I do it right, you won't be able to hear a single thing."

"This isn't a very efficient solution for her privacy issues," Ravenclaw Ron said, while Ron closed the door. "Teach her Muffliato instead. All it takes is pointing the wand and saying the incantation. It won't take her a week to learn." Why do you even care?

Ron aimed his wand at the closed door, deciding to maintain his course. I don't trust this 'Muffliato' Spell, anyway. I've never even heard of it.

"Silencio," Ron chanted. There. I think that worked.

Ron knocked on the door, and he got no response from Ginny. Ron knocked again just to be sure, and once again, there was no response from Ginny.

"Ginny? Can you hear me?" Ron called. Nothing.

"The Silencing Charm isn't meant to be used like this," Ravenclaw Ron said. "You're wasting time by teaching her a rather difficult Charm, and it has no guarantee of working as intended."

"Why are you so keen to help her?" Ron suddenly asked.

"I am keen to get started on our plans," Ravenclaw Ron drawled. "She is a distraction, and if you teach her the right Spell, she'll be on her way."

"Why should I even trust this Spell of yours?" Ron asked. "I've never heard of it."

"I learnt it directly from Flitwick, who told me that your Professor Snape was the one who created it," Ravenclaw Ron replied. Professor Snape made this Spell?

The door suddenly swung open, and Ron immediately looked to Ginny.

"You couldn't hear me, could you?" Ginny asked, there was a hint of excitement in her voice. "I was calling your name for ages! This Spell really works!"

"It hasn't failed me yet," Ron couldn't help but smile a little. "Let's go back inside, and I'll show you how to do it."

---

Thirty Minutes Later

"Ron? Can you hear me?" came Ginny's voice, it had lost most of its earlier enthusiasm.

"Just teach her Muffliato," Ravenclaw Ron glowered. "You stubborn moron."

Ron let out a tired sigh, his shoulders slumping a little. She's not getting the Silencing Charm tonight… It's a hard Spell, and I spent a week trying to make it work. She doesn't have a week.

"I can hear you," Ron replied as he opened the door, only to see a disheartened Ginny standing on the other side.

"I'm never going to get this…" she mumbled, and Ron decided that enough was enough. I'll try this Muffliato myself first, and if it holds water, I'll teach it to Ginny.

"There's another Spell that we can try, but I haven't used it before," Ron started, and Ginny blinked at him.

"There's another Spell that will help me with my roommates?" Ginny asked.

"I haven't used it before, so don't get your hopes up," Ron replied. "Just stay there."

With that, Ron shut the door again and pulled out his wand.

"Point the wand at the door, and chant 'Muffliato'," Ravenclaw Ron instructed. "Your wand will vibrate when it starts working, and when that happens, 'paint' the door with your wand."

"This better not blow up the fucking door," Ron whispered, and Ravenclaw Ron rolled his eyes.

Ron aimed his wand at the door, and he chanted 'Muffliato'. Instantly, he felt his wand begin to vibrate. It worked on my first try? Ron 'painted' the door with his wand, while Ravenclaw Ron watched him with a critical eye.

"You hold your wand too firmly," Ravenclaw Ron pointed out. "It's not a bloody sword. Ease up on the grip before you snap it in two."

"Ginny? Can you hear me?" Ron called, ignoring his past self.

There was no response, which was a good sign, but Ron wasn't convinced yet. He knocked on the door, and once again, there was no response.

"A simple Finite undoes this Charm," Ravenclaw Ron said. "Though I doubt that her roommates will undo this Charm just to hear her at night."

"Finite," Ron chanted, and a red light emanated from the tip of his wand.

"Have you cast the Spell yet?" came Ginny's voice from the other side, and Ron opened the door. He gave me a legitimate Spell? Interesting.

"Did you hear anything?" Ron asked, and Ginny shook her head.

"There was this faint… buzzing sound…" Ginny said slowly. "But it was hardly noticeable."

"That sound grows louder if you try to listen in on the caster's conversation," Ravenclaw Ron said.

"The sound is there to stop eavesdroppers," Ron told Ginny. "Will your roommates try to listen in on you while you sleep?"

"I doubt that," Ginny replied. "The reason why I'm doing this is because they're sick of listening to me."

"Then let me show you how to cast this one," Ron gestured her to come over.

Once she was standing next to him, Ron closed the door and asked her to aim her wand at it.

"Is this one going to take me a week?" Ginny asked hesitantly.

"You can do this, Ginny," Ron encouraged, and Ginny gave a weak nod. Why is her therapy making her so timid? This isn't like her at all. "Just chant 'Muffliato', and when you feel your wand vibrate, move the wand over the door's surface."

"Muffliato?" Ginny looked to him with a cocked eyebrow. "That doesn't sound like a real Spell."

"It sounds silly, but it works," Ron assured her, and Ginny looked back to the door.

"Muffliato," Ginny chanted clearly, and then, her eyes widened. "It's vibrating!"

"Finish the Spell," Ron smiled due to her excitement.

Ginny finished 'painting' the door's surface, and when she lowered her wand, Ron opened the door and stepped out of the room.

"Make some noise, and I'll let you know if I hear anything," Ron said as he closed the door.

Ron waited outside for nearly a minute, and although he could hear a faint buzzing sound whenever he tried to listen in on what Ginny was doing, no other sounds came from inside the classroom. Ron was about to enter the classroom again, but Ginny beat him to opening the door.

"Did you hear anything?" Ginny asked quickly. "I even knocked a couple of chairs over."

"I only heard faint buzzing," Ron replied, and Ginny beamed at him.

"It worked! And on my first try!" Ginny exclaimed.

Ron's eyes darted towards Ravenclaw Ron, who was standing behind Ginny now, and for a moment, Ron saw a faint smile on his past self's face. He only helped because she was involved… He definitely cares about Ginny, even if he keeps insisting that 'nothing matters'. Whatever he turned into, he is still Ronald Weasley, and that means that he cares about his Family no matter what.

"Ron?! Are you listening?!" Ginny tugged at his sleeve excitedly, and Ron broke out of his thoughts.

"I am," Ron replied. "I was just enjoying your reaction."

"Ignoring people is rude," Ginny snorted, her fingers still attached to his sleeve. "I was thanking you."

"Then by all means, start again," Ron grinned, and Ginny poked her tongue out at him.

"I already said thank you," Ginny said. "It's not my fault that you zoned out."

"Fair enough," Ron ruffled her hair with his gloved hand, and oddly enough, she didn't bat his hand away.

Instead, she gave him a rather genuine smile. Don't get carried away, Ron. A lot has happened between us, and you can't just forget about it because she's being a little more like her old self.

"Thank you, Ron," Ginny said as she let go of his sleeve. "This means a lot to me. I'm going to use this Spell every single night!"

"I'm glad that I could help," Ron said, he knew that things were going to start getting awkward again. Now that her excitement is wearing off, she'll start remembering everything that's happened between us. Plus, I've given her what she wants, which means that she'll be on her way now.

"Ron? You zoned me out again," Ginny gave him a deadpan look.

"Sorry," Ron apologized. "What were you saying?"

"I was asking why you tried to teach me the harder Spell first," Ginny replied.

"Well, I use Silencio instead of Muffliato, and I figured that I'd stick to what I'm comfortable with," Ron lied. "I haven't really used Muffliato all that much, and I didn't want to teach you something that I haven't perfected myself."

"Oh… That makes sense," Ginny nodded to herself. I'm getting way too good at lying to people. "I'll keep practicing Silencio, and by the end of next week, I'll show you that I can cast it."

"Really?" Ron was rather surprised by this. Ginny's a decent student, but she never really makes an effort when it comes to academics. Why is she still keen to learn the Silencing Charm even though she knows how to cast Muffliato now?

"Yes, really," Ginny started. "I can study, even if it bores me to sleep most of the time. Just wait and see."

"All right, we'll see," Ron decided to go with it. "I reckon I'll head off now-"

"You're leaving?" Ginny cut in. "Why?"

"Um… It's getting close to curfew…" Ron replied slowly. She doesn't want to be on her way?

Ginny quickly started looking uncomfortable, and Ron knew her well enough to know that she wanted something from him.

"What is it, Ginny?" Ron asked.

"Can't we just talk for a bit?" Ginny asked. "It doesn't have to be about anything important… I really don't want to go back to Gryffindor Tower just yet…"

"Is someone in Gryffindor bothering you?" Ron asked, his temper spiking.

"No, Ron…" Ginny sighed out. "I don't have anyone to talk to, that's all. The twins are too busy with Lee, Percy always sends me away because he's too busy with his studies, and Neville has a Potions Report due tomorrow." Ginny then rubbed her left forearm again. "Actually… You can go back to Slytherin. I'll just go to sleep early tonight-"

"Nonsense," Ron had heard enough. I can't help myself. She just looks so… demoralized… "I have nothing important to get back to."

"Really?" Ginny asked, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"You have got to be shitting me," Ravenclaw Ron groaned, and then he vanished from sight. He left? Oh, well.

"Let's go sit over there," Ron pointed towards a windowsill. "We can talk about anything that you want."

---

Nearly One Hour Later

True to her words, Ginny hadn't broached a single important subject. There was no talk of brain damage. There was no talk of therapy. There was no talk of the Dark Lord. There was no talk of the war.

It was bliss.

For the first time in a long time, Ron felt like he had his little sister back. The more Ginny talked, the more relaxed the atmosphere became. She told him about her studies, and how boring she found most of the classes. She told him about her trying to recover her grades, but only because she didn't want their mother to scold her. She even told him about the bruise on her arse, which came from her crashing her broom into the Quidditch stands on a windy day.

Ron listened quietly for the most part; he was too busy enjoying her carefree voice. Ginny often stopped in the middle of her rants just to ask him about his daily life, and although Ron had things to say about his classes and friends, he honestly had nothing to say about his hobbies and passions. The truth was that Ron didn't have hobbies, nor did he have aspirations beyond winning the war and making the Weasley Name mean something again.

"And Matilda!" Ginny went on about her roommates. "Ugh! She leaves her hair everywhere! Everywhere, Ron! In the sink, in the shower, around the toilet, in the bathtub-"

"You have a bathtub?" Ron cut in.

"Oh, yeah," Ginny nodded. "Don't you have a bathtub in your bathroom?"

"No," Ron replied, and Ginny smiled smugly.

"Ten Points to Gryffindor," Ginny said, and Ron chuckled.

"You lot certainly need the Points," Ron remarked, and Ginny gave him a light shove.

"Sod off," Ginny laughed. "We can still win this year."

"You always did like fairytales, Gin," Ron grinned at her. "Tell me more about these bathtubs. Do only the girl dorms have them?"

"No, I think the boys have them too," Ginny replied. What the fuck? Why don't we have bathtubs? "They're nothing special, of course. I still prefer to shower over taking a bath."

"Because there's hair everywhere," Ron figured.

"Exactly!" Ginny exclaimed. "She's going bald, I swear it! The other girls keep asking her to clean up, but she just ignores them! It's the worst!" That does sound a little gross.

"The other girls ask her, but you don't?" Ron asked.

"Well, I'm not exactly popular," Ginny shrugged. "Everyone made friends in their first year, while I spent my time lurking about with that damn Diary." Uh-oh. We're veering into 'important matters'. Quick, Ron, do something!

"You can still make friends," Ron started. "What about Colin? He's a nice bloke, and I thought that you two were getting along at the start of the year." Did I just suggest that she become friendly with a lad? Fuck.

"Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm hated by my year-mates," Ginny said a little defensively. "I just don't know how to approach them, mostly because they already have their little groups set up. Plus, the boys are being really weird lately."

"Weird?" Ron cocked an eyebrow.

"They stare at me whenever I'm around," Ginny frowned a little. What? "They think that I don't notice it, but trust me, I do. Even some of the fourth years stare at me sometimes."

"Do you know why they stare at you?" Ron asked, though he had a pretty good idea. I might have to geld some Lions very soon.

"Um… Because I'm gorgeous," Ginny replied like it was the most obvious thing in the World.

"Such humility," Ron gave her a deadpan look.

"You don't like the idea of me dating someone?" Ginny asked, and Ron turned and cracked his neck. "Ew, Ron! Stop doing that! It's disgusting! One of these days, you'll drop dead because you'll actually snap your neck!"

"You should focus on getting better instead of dating some scrawny little fuck," Ron said, and Ginny raised both eyebrows in shock.

"I was only joking," Ginny said, while Ron drew in a deep breath. "You're as bad as the twins… Did I tell you that they pranked any boy who talked to me last year? It ruined my chances with the boys in my year." Good. I'll be sending Fred and George a fruit basket. "Anyway… I don't plan to start dating, so you can rest easy. I don't even like anyone in that way." Huh?

"Really?" Ron asked, and she shrugged in response. Should I go there? Fuck it. "What about Harry?"

Ginny stared at Ron, and after a couple of seconds of dreadful silence, Ron realized his mistake. Not wise, Ron, not wise…

"I don't know," Ginny replied eventually, her eyes going back to the window. "I don't like to think about Harry and Hermione these days."

"Right," Ron said. "Then let's not talk about them, eh?"

"How are things between you and the Trio?" Ginny asked. I really fucked up, didn't I?

"Things are slowly getting better," Ron replied, and Ginny looked back to him with an odd expression. "What?"

"Why are things getting better?" Ginny asked.

"Pardon?"

"Harry and Hermione really crossed a line with you, Ron," Ginny said. "I'm not saying that you shouldn't forgive them, of course… I just want to know why you're doing it."

"I guess I'm trying to forgive them because it beats the alternative," Ron replied, and Ginny waited for him to go on. "Nothing good comes from fighting needlessly, Ginny. Whether I like it or not, the Trio are a part of my life. They attend the same classes as me, I work with Sirius and Lady Longbottom, and we'll be spending a lot more time together now that a war is coming. I just don't see the point of alienating them."

"You haven't forgiven them, have you?" Ginny realized. "You're just making peace so they don't pester you."

"There's nothing wrong with that," Ron shrugged. I don't forget, and I certainly don't forgive. However, I have learned to compromise for the Greater Good.

"You're not angry with Neville, are you?" Ginny asked just to make sure. "Ron, he didn't even do anything wrong-"

"Neville is a good bloke," Ron gave his honest opinion. "I don't have any problems with him, especially after he apologized to me like a man. I think one of the main reasons why I'm all right with making peace with Harry and Hermione is simply because Neville has been kind and understanding with my friends."

"He has?" Ginny asked.

"It's a long story," Ron said, and Ginny nudged him again.

"I've been talking for an hour, Ron," she reminded him. "You've barely said a word in that time…"

"Are you trying to guilt me?" Ron asked, and she smiled at him.

"Is it working?" Ginny asked.

"A little," Ron smiled back. "Fine… Just promise me that you won't tell anyone about this."

"Oh, a secret?" Ginny looked quite intrigued. "I promise that I won't repeat what I hear."

"Neville got drunk with me and my mates," Ron told Ginny, and she blinked at him.

"Rubbish," Ginny blurted out. "Neville Longbottom got drunk with a bunch of Slytherins? Really?"

"It's true," Ron assured her. "It was at the Gala, and he helped us finish an entire bottle."

"Unbelievable…" Ginny muttered with a bewildered expression. "You're making this up, right?"

"You can ask him yourself," Ron replied. "We all got horribly drunk, and then, we played a game of tag. It was a really fun night."

"Why would Neville get drunk with you and your mates?" Ginny asked. "Wait… You got drunk, Ron?! You're still underage!"

"Ease up, 'mum'," Ron chuckled. "We ended up getting caught when we came back inside. The Headmaster didn't look too bothered, while the adults just looked disappointed. It was a one night thing." But it was so much fun that I did it again not too long after, but she doesn't need to know that.

"That still doesn't explain why he participated in something like this," Ginny said. "Neville's not really a…" she trailed off.

"Not really a what, Gin?" Ron asked with a smirk.

"A rule-breaker," Ginny replied. Nice save.

"Hermione wasn't there to preach about the rules, while you and Harry left early because you were bored," Ron said. "I guess he was feeling lonely, and so when I invited him to join us, he agreed. Sure, he put up a fight when Theo stole a bottle from the Minister-"

"Nott stole from the Minister?!" Ginny gasped, and Ron let out a genuine laugh.

"He's very proud of that," Ron said. "Anyway, one thing led to another, and before we knew it, we were all drunk."

"Even Greengrass?" Ginny asked slowly. "I mean, she doesn't really seem like the sort to behave that way. Actually, I can't see any of you doing that sort of thing."

"Why not?" Ron couldn't help but ask.

"I don't know," Ginny shrugged. "I guess I can't imagine people from Slytherin being… normal…" Wow. Really?

Ginny seemed to realize that her comment was a bit uncalled for, and she quickly gave Ron a guilty look.

"I'm sorry, that came out wrong…" Ginny apologized as she looked back to the window. She averts her eyes a lot now. "I'm not trying to start something, I just meant that I'm struggling to picture you and your friends getting drunk and having fun. Oh, and the fact that Neville joined you is even more jarring. He's never mentioned anything about this."

"Nor will he," Ron said. "I mean, how do you think Hermione would react?"

Ginny and Ron both shuddered a little. Neville would be nagged to death on the spot.

"What's it like to be drunk?" Ginny asked suddenly.

"It's hard to describe," Ron replied. "I felt really lightheaded, but at the same time, it wasn't a problem. If anything, I felt really relaxed. Like I wasn't scared of doing anything."

"Is that why they call alcohol 'liquid courage'?" Ginny asked.

"Probably," Ron replied. "It was a fun experience, and even Neville ended up having a good time."

"I might try it, then," Ginny said, and Ron didn't like the sound of that. "What? You did it, so why can't I?"

"Don't do things just because I've done them," Ron said. "I don't always make the wisest decisions."

"But you said that it was fun," Ginny countered.

"As your big brother, it's my job to keep you away from such things," Ron said.

"That's not really fair," Ginny pointed out.

"It is what it is," Ron said. "If you do decide to do it behind my back, at least be careful, okay?" I can't really justify my disapproval here.

"Okay," Ginny rolled her eyes, and when Ron poked her side, she let out a giggle.

"I reckon we should call it a night," Ron said, and Ginny stopped giggling.

"What? Why?" Ginny asked quickly.

"It's getting late, Gin," Ron explained. "We're well past curfew, and if either of us get caught, we'll get a detention for certain."

Ginny said nothing to that, but her disappointment was hard to miss. Ron felt the urge to stay for longer, but in the end, he knew that he had to get back to the Slytherin common room. His friends were no doubt worried about him, and due to training during his free periods today, Ron was genuinely exhausted. Plus, I'm pretty sure that my past self will ambush me the moment I'm alone.

Ron moved off of the windowsill, and he offered Ginny his gloved hand. She let out a soft sigh, and then she took his hand as she followed suit. Ron knew that Ginny was really enjoying his company, especially because they had been at odds for so long, but despite knowing this, he still felt hesitant about all of this. He had missed his sister, of course, but she had said and done some really hurtful things over the last six months. I think there's a part of me that doesn't want to forgive her. Is it wrong of me to feel like that? I mean, this is Ginny… Growing up, she was my only friend until Luna came along.

"This was really great, Ron," Ginny said, and Ron broke out of his thoughts. "Right?"

"It was," Ron admitted. "Just like old times."

"You used to talk more," Ginny stated. "But still, this means a lot to me. Thanks for doing this." Ginny then fidgeted a little in her spot. "Look, I know that I've been really terrible to you, and I'm really sorry about that. Madam Pomfrey said that I was 'projecting' my anger over the whole Diary mess onto the Slytherins, which means you and your friends…" Ginny abruptly stopped her oncoming rant. "I'm really sorry is what I'm trying to say…"

"It's all right," Ron said, he really disliked seeing her act like this. Ginny's not meant to be this soft-spoken and weak-willed little girl. Damn you, Lucius Malfoy.

"But it's not all right, is it?" Ginny asked. "You're just saying that because you don't want to hurt my feelings."

"You hit me, Ginny," Ron said calmly, and Ginny stared down at her feet. "I bought you a dress that cost more than my best suit, and you hit me so hard that I started bleeding." Stop it, Ron; you're making her feel like shit. "Let's not do this, yeah? I'm really happy that you're getting help, and I'm even happier to see you taking Madam Pomfrey's advice… But I can't just forget all the cruel comments so easily. I know that blokes aren't supposed to admit to such things, but you really hurt me by behaving the way you did. One minute, you and I were as close as ever, but then, out of nowhere, you started hating me-"

"I didn't hate you!" she said quickly. "Never, Ron! I was just…" she trailed off again. Jealous? That doesn't change anything for me.

"You can't change the past," Ron spoke from experience. "But what happens going forward is on us. Let's just keep doing what we're doing, eh? There's no need to rush this."

"Do you still love me?" Ginny all but whispered.

"That'll never change," Ron replied honestly, and Ginny looked rather relieved. "C'mon, let's get out of here."

They made their way outside quietly, and that silence persisted all the way to the Moving Staircase, but when Ron was about to head towards the Dungeons, Ginny stopped him by grabbing his arm.

"I love you too," Ginny said. "Can we do this again soon? Please?"

"I'd like that," Ron replied. "Now, go on. Sneak up before some Prefect spots you."

Ginny gave him a searching look, but she honestly couldn't read him anymore. He was far too calm, and unlike when they were younger, there wasn't any mirth behind his eyes. He was cold, and that scared her a little.

"Can I have a hug?" Ginny asked slowly.

"Sure," Ron replied, and he let Ginny hug his middle tightly.

He rubbed her back out of habit, and he knew that he was forcing himself to do this for her sake. He did love his little sister, but he wasn't Ronnie anymore. He didn't forgive people, nor did he forget any slights. And yet, this was Ginny… For her sake, maybe he needed to try harder? Why am I so conflicted about this? Ginny's trying to get back what she lost, and my feelings aren't more important than that. After a bit of hesitation, Ron kissed the top of Ginny's head like he used to when they were little. Once again, she didn't try to bat him away, but instead, she seemed to relax a bit more due to his gesture.

"Goodnight, Ron," Ginny pulled back and gave a half-smile.

"Goodnight, Ginny," Ron said coolly.

Ginny left at that, and Ron watched her disappear up the Moving Staircase. For now, I should just keep being there for her. She can't rely on the twins or Percy, and Luna isn't talking to her anymore. Ron drew in a deep breath. My feelings aren't as important as Ginny's wellbeing.

---

Friday 15th January, 1994 (The Library – After Classes)

"At this rate, you'll need to move this study group of yours to the Great Hall," Madam Pince said, and Ron couldn't help but smirk.

"It is getting rather large, isn't it?" Ron asked, unable to hide his pride.

"And loud," Madam Pince shot a dark look towards the first and second years. "Try to keep it down, and I'll get you more tables by next week."

"Thank you," Ron shot her a grateful smile, but she walked away without even looking at him. Why does she work at a school if she doesn't like children? Odd.

Ron walked back over to his study group, who were all studying and socializing at the same time. The first and second years were taking full advantage of the older members, and much to Ron's relief, the Silver Triumvirate was currently teaching a handful of girls from each House. There was no denying that Ron was initially worried about bringing older Slytherin students into the study group, mostly thanks to Slytherin's terrible reputation, so it was especially gratifying to see that the younger students were growing ever more tolerant. Watching everyone speak freely with one another regardless of House genuinely made Ron happy, and he was now planning to invite more people.

Cedric could help him convince some of the older Hufflepuffs to join up, while the Triumvirate could just order some of their year-mates to join. This left Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, and although Ron was confident about doing something about the Ravenclaw numbers, the Gryffindors were a different story altogether. It was no secret that Ron was rather disliked within the older Gryffindor circles, especially after Fred had openly accused him of setting up the twins and Lee Jordan. Sadly, Ron being a Slytherin, and the twins being very popular, was proof enough to convince a lot of people of Ron's guilt.

"Do you often just stand there and stare at your study group?" came a voice from behind him, and Ron turned to see Patrick Wilson smiling at him.

"No, but sometimes, I like to see everyone getting along," Ron replied. "I'm glad that you came, Wilson. Are your friends with you?"

"They're grabbing some books from… around…" Patrick replied in an oddly suspicious manner. His eyes are bloodshot. Why?

"Are you all right?" Ron asked. "You look a little flushed."

"Oh, I'm great," Patrick laughed, much to Ron's surprise. Why is he laughing? "Do I just pull up a seat, then?"

"Pretty much," Ron replied, his eyes scanning the grinning Ravenclaw. "Where are your books, mate?"

"My books?" Patrick blinked, and then he looked down at his empty hands. "Oh, shit… I must've forgotten them." What. The. Fuck? How do you forget that you're not carrying books?

"Are you sure that you're all right? I can take you to the Hospital Wing," Ron offered.

"I'll just grab something interesting from the shelves," Patrick waved a dismissive hand. "I'll be right back, mate."

With that, Patrick sauntered off with an ever-widening grin on his face. That was really weird. Ron shook his head clear, and then he looked back to the study group. One by one, Ron made sure that his friends were studying with someone from a different House. Where's Malfoy? He was just here a few minutes ago. Ron walked over to Daphne, who was currently studying with Padma and Terry Boot.

"Hello," Ron greeted them.

"Hello to you too, stranger," Padma smiled at him. "Are you finally going to study as well? Or do you plan to keep staring at the rest of us?"

"Well, you can't blame me for staring at you instead of staring at my books," Ron replied, and Padma gave him a knowing smile. She knows that I'm full of shit, doesn't she?

"Did you prepare that line before you walked over here?" Padma asked in an amused tone.

"Yes, Ron… Did you prepare that line before you walked over here?" Daphne asked, she didn't sound very amused.

Padma and Terry sniggered amongst each other, while Ron gave Daphne a sheepish grin.

"Could I please borrow Daphne for a moment?" Ron asked Terry and Padma.

"It was nice knowing you, Weasley," Terry said, which earned more laughter from Padma.

Daphne got out of her seat, and they both walked over to a shelf dedicated solely to Wizarding Headwear. Once Daphne was sure that they were alone, she smacked Ron on the arm and scowled at him.

"Don't flirt with other girls, you prat," Daphne huffed in indignation.

"I was just complimenting her," Ron sniggered as he rubbed his stinging arm.

"I don't care," Daphne huffed again. "What do you want?" She's so cute when she's grumpy.

"C'mon, don't be like that," Ron took a step forward, and Daphne narrowed her eyes on him. "Please? I was just being nice to her."

"I don't want you to be nice to girls who are prettier than me," Daphne whispered crossly.

"She's not prettier than you, Daph," Ron said.

"I'm not blind, Ron," Daphne gave him a deadpan look. "She doesn't even put in the effort, and she's still the prettiest girl in our year. I resent that."

"There's only one girl that I stare at," Ron reached over and took her hands.

"Really?" Daphne asked, making sure to keep her voice composed. "Who?"

"McGonagall," Ron replied, and Daphne just stared at him. "That stern look of hers really gets me-"

"I'm going back to my studies," Daphne let go of his hands, but before she could walk off, Ron pulled her into a hug from behind. "Go away, Ron. I've reached my limit-"

"I'm just teasing," Ron whispered, and then he kissed the back of her head. "In my eyes, there is no girl more beautiful than Daphne Greengrass."

"I don't believe you," Daphne said coldly, though Ron knew that she was only putting up an act for more compliments.

"Give me a chance to prove it tonight," Ron said.

"Why should I?" Daphne asked.

"Because I'll make it worth your while," Ron promised, and Daphne looked back over her shoulder.

"You better," she said in a challenging tone, and Ron gave her his lopsided grin. "What did you need from me, Ron?"

"Have you seen Malfoy?" Ron asked.

"He went to get a book from the Herbology Section," Daphne replied. "He asked Theo for help on the Stinksap essay, but Theo refused."

"Why would Theo do that?" Ron asked.

"Because Malfoy is a jerk unless he needs something," Daphne replied, and Ron let out a sigh. They keep giving him the cold shoulder, and he's too stubborn to behave differently. What am I going to do with him? He was improving, but all of a sudden, he's regressing back to his old self. What the hell happened when he was staying with the Tonks Family?

"I know that look," Daphne said, and Ron broke out of his thoughts. "He's not your responsibility, Ron… He's very capable of making his own decisions, and almost every single time, he chooses to act selfishly. That's just who he is." I've seen him give his own life for Muggle-Born children, so I can't believe that. He has the potential to be a hero, and although I hate to admit this, I do like him enough to keep trying.

"I'll let you get back to your studies," Ron let go of her.

"One of these days, you're going to tell me why you keep trying with him," Daphne said, and then she left to rejoin her group.

Ron made his way over to the Herbology Section, and it wasn't long before he spotted the platinum blonde looking over a handful of books. He looks like he's in a foul mood. I should try to keep my teasing to a limit.

"Hello, Malfoy," Ron greeted as he walked over to his year-mate.

Malfoy spared Ron a quick glance, but he didn't greet Ron back. Not off to a good start, eh?

"What are you looking for?" Ron asked.

"Don't bother, Weasley," Malfoy said coldly. "You already know what I'm looking for, and you know exactly why I'm looking for it. If there is one thing that I've learned about you, it's that you don't do anything without a reason. You always have some scheme brewing in that large head of yours."

"Oi, my head's not that large," Ron clicked his tongue. First the Hat, and now Malfoy? Is my head really that big?

"What do you want?" Malfoy looked to Ron. "I'm busy, and you're disturbing me."

"I just wanted to see if you're doing all right," Ron replied. "You've been really quiet lately, and I want to know if I can do something to change that."

"Oh, is that what you want?" Malfoy sneered. "Save the preplanned speech, Weasley, I don't want to hear it. I'm not in the mood to hear you preach about the 'right path' right now."

"Why not?" Ron asked, ignoring Malfoy's harsh tone.

"What?"

"Why aren't you in the mood to hear one of my speeches?" Ron clarified. "I work hard on those, mate, and it hurts my feelings when people don't listen to me."

Malfoy's jaw clenched, while Ron held back a cheeky grin.

"Fuck off," Malfoy looked back to his books. "Damn Blood-Traitor." Woah! What the fuck?!

"What did you just say?" Ron took a step forward, his mirth completely gone.

"Are you going to hit me?" Malfoy moved right into Ron's face. "Go on, then! Hit me! I'm not scared of you anymore, Weasley!"

For a brief moment, Ron felt the urge to claw off Malfoy's face, but as he stared at Malfoy's defiant glare, he slowly realized that something had really gotten under Malfoy's skin. He's scared for sure, which is why he wants me to hit him. What has him so scared that he's willing to use pain as a distraction?

"Malfoy… What's wrong?" Ron asked with a furrowed brow, he was unable to hide his concern. "Tell me, please."

"Why should I?" Malfoy snarled. "So you can laugh at me? So you can tell me to move on?"

"Move on? Move on from what?" Ron asked.

"Just sod off, Weasley," Malfoy went back to collecting his books, but Ron had reached his limit.

"I'm not going anywhere, and neither are you," Ron said. "Now, I don't know what's crawled into your arse, but the rest of us are getting tired of it. You don't talk, and whenever you do, you're rude and snappish. You're pushing everyone away from you, and in doing so; you're just making yourself more miserable. I want to know what the fuck happened when you left to stay with the Tonks Family. What did they do? You were starting to get better, but all of a sudden, you're being a massive cunt again. What did they do, Malfoy? Tell me. I'll fucking sort them out for you."

"Sort them out for me?" Malfoy blinked, he was a little surprised by Ron's sudden rant.

"Tracey and I are trying to help you, but you're making it impossible for us to convince the others to give you a chance," Ron added. "Tell me what's wrong, and I'll fix it so you can go back to being how you were before you turned into a prick again."

"You can't help me with this, Weasley," Malfoy regained his composure. "You don't even have any power in the matter to begin with-"

"Tell me what's wrong," Ron said firmly. "If you don't tell me now, then don't bother coming back to me later. Last chance."

Malfoy began to turn away, but in the last few moments, he stopped himself. A perplexed look crossed his face, his mind clearly thinking Ron's offer over. Ron waited patiently, and after nearly thirty seconds of silence, Malfoy swallowed his pride.

"It's my mother, Weasley…" Malfoy whispered so lowly that Ron barely heard him. "I can't stop thinking about her…"

"Why? Is she all right?" Ron asked. I doubt that the Order would mistreat her.

"That's the problem," Malfoy said shortly. "I don't know. I don't know anything about her current state. Everyone keeps telling me that she's fine, but they don't let me see her." Malfoy then let out a defeated chuckle. "They don't even let me write to her."

"The Order won't mistreat her," Ron whispered. "They're not like that-"

"You don't understand how it feels, all right?" Malfoy cut him off. "How would you feel if your mother was taken away from you? How would you feel if Pandora Lovegood was taken away from you?" Pandora? "I saw you with her, Weasley. You hung off of her every word, and you even sat at her feet like some bloody dog. How would you feel if she was taken from you?"

Ron honestly didn't know what to say to that. He only knew that if someone took Pandora away from him, then that someone was going to die very painfully. I did nearly lose her once, and now, I can't think of my life without her. She's my mum.

"Have you tried talking to your Godfather about this?" Ron asked.

"I've tried everything," Malfoy replied bitterly. "I went to Dumbledore, I went to Snape, I even went Sirius fucking Black… But none of them want me talking to her. They think that she'll fill try to influence me, or something… Like they're not doing the same. Fucking hypocrites!"

"Relax," Ron whispered as he looked around.

"You see this ring, Weasley?" Malfoy went on, his left hand nearly hitting Ron's face as he showed Ron the Black Signet Ring. "Andromeda Tonks gave it to me because I'm half Black. She told me that I needed to remember my heritage and Family, but even she told me to stay away from my mother. How bizarre is that. She claims that her Family means everything to her, and yet, she's written her sister off already."

"What do you mean by 'written her sister off'?" Ron asked for clarification.

"My mother is rotting away alone, and my aunt kept telling me that 'she brought this on herself' whenever I brought up my mother," Malfoy spat out. "I just want to talk to her, that's it. It doesn't have to be a long conversation, but if I could just see her for a few minutes, I'd sleep easier."

Malfoy then sealed his mouth shut, a shaky breath coming out of his nose. After composing himself a little, he looked Ron right in the eyes.

"I've lost both of my parents, Weasley," Malfoy said. "You can't do anything for me. Just… Just leave me alone."

Malfoy grabbed his books and left without another word, while Ron didn't move an inch. He was processing Malfoy's words, and truth be told, he did feel sorry for Malfoy. Not only was Malfoy a victim of physical and emotional abuse this school year, but he had completely lost his way of life as well. This would be enough to turn anyone hopeless, and it had happened to Malfoy in the span of six months.

A part of Ron was feeling the urge to help Malfoy smuggle a letter to his mother, but another part of Ron didn't want Narcissa Malfoy talking to her son. She would fill his head with her vile beliefs again, which would result in Malfoy running away from the Order. He'll go to his father, and then one day, he'll run into an Auror or an Order member. Not even Professor Snape will be able to protect him at that point.

Ron drew in a deep breath, and he cleared his mind of all unnecessary thoughts. Maybe there was a way that Ron could help Malfoy, but also keep Narcissa Malfoy in check? Judging by his tone, he's already starting to turn against the Order. They all keep thinking that he'll see the right path himself, but they don't know him like I do. He's extremely proud of his heritage, and that'll never change. He'll always put his Family first, and if the Order gets in the way of that, then he'll join the Dark Lord's camp just to get revenge. I need to step in now, or I'll regret it later.

---

Friday 15th January, 1994 (Slytherin Common Room – After Dinner)

He was going to regret this, and he already fucking knew it.

Despite the study group's success today, Ron found himself fixated on Draco Malfoy's problems. He felt bad for the Malfoy heir, and although he had tried to ignore his sympathy for Malfoy's plight due to his own hatred for Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, Ron failed to forget Malfoy's words. What would Ron do if someone tore Pandora away from him? What would he do if his loved ones were unable to contact him? I think I would go insane. I know that I would definitely kill the people behind my misery. Is that how Malfoy's starting to feel? Is he beginning to hate the Order? Is he beginning to hate his own Godfather?

Ron had to do something about this, or Malfoy would be lost to them. It hadn't taken Ron long to come up with a plan, but it was extremely risky. He knew that Professor Snape and the Headmaster would not approve of it, and truth be told, he wasn't so sure himself. But something needs to be done. I can't just sit around with my thumb up my arse. Tonight, I'll go visit Narcissa Malfoy. I'll give her a letter from her son, and I'll bring a response back.

"Ron?" Daphne nudged him, and Ron shook his head clear. "Are you all right? You're frowning at Pansy." I am?

Ron looked at Pansy's face, and she gave him an uncomfortable smile.

"Sorry, Pans," Ron apologized. "I was thinking about… stuff… I didn't mean to stare at you."

"Oh, you can stare at me all you want," Pansy said as she relaxed a bit. Huh? "Wait… That didn't come out right…"

"Yeah, I'm sure it didn't," Daphne shot Pansy a deadpan look, while Millie sniggered to herself.

While the girls started talking to each other, Ron looked around for Malfoy. He's still not back from his 'bathroom break'? Ron's eyes lingered on Blaise, who was reading a book on Runes by himself. He's ignoring me, I think. I'm reaching the end of my patience here, but Merlin help me, I will not yell at my friends again. I just need to show him that I'll always have his back, and hopefully, that'll make him come back around. Ron then looked to Theo and Tracey; they were both listening to her Walkman and talking about Muggle music again. Theo still wants to 'save' his father… Shit. What am I going to do about that? Cornelius Nott is completely loyal to the Dark Lord, but Theo truly believes that he can save the man. I have to protect Theo somehow. If something happens to him, I think I'll die from heartbreak.

Ron felt a ball of anxiety in his stomach, but he didn't show it. He was far too used to his stress moments by now. They always snuck up on him, and every single time, they left him feeling weak and lonely. Ron drew in a deep breath, and he felt his Occlumency clear out his mind. One by one, Ron pushed his worries into a tiny little box, and then he tossed the box into the darkness. He needed to remain focused, or he would most certainly fail at everything.

Ron suddenly felt Daphne shift a bit more into his side, and he quickly looked to her. She was just watching him, and Ron got the feeling that his girlfriend had noticed his stress moment. How? I didn't show a single sign of my stress.

"Feeling better?" Daphne whispered, and Ron's lips quirked upwards for a moment. She knows me too well.

"I am," Ron whispered back.

"Good," she smiled a little, and then she shifted even close. Ow! Her elbow just tore into my ribs. "You remember what we talked about in the Library? About you wanting to make it up to me?" Oh.

"Of course," Ron immediately felt a little giddy.

"I'm free right now," Daphne winked, and that was all Ron needed. Best girlfriend ever!

"Sanctuary?" Ron whispered, his eyes darting towards the others. I should talk to Malfoy first. I'll tell Daphne that I need to use the loo first, and then I'll tell the others the same so they think that I'm trying to be sneaky. This way, I can convince both parties that I'm only going to my room first so I can 'freshen up' instead of making plans with Malfoy.

"Let's go to my room instead," Daphne replied. "My running gear just came in, and I want to show it to you." So that's what that package at dinner was.

"I'll be there in five minutes," Ron said, and then he stood up and looked to the others. "I'm going to the loo."

"That's not a suspicious thing to announce at all," Millie smirked at him. Merlin, that was way too easy. What happened to me? When did I learn to lie so damn well?

Feeling a little proud of himself, Ron shot Daphne a quick look before leaving for his room. Judging by her look, she was too busy thinking about how poor Ron's excuse was to really see the reason behind it. The trip to his room was short, but in Ron's mind, it took ages. He was taking a really massive risk by doing this, but something in his gut compelled him forward. He didn't want to see Malfoy being so miserable, and he certainly didn't want Malfoy to make any rash decisions. Pesky emotions… I bet Lord Greengrass doesn't go out of his way to take such big risks for other people's feelings. I know that this is stupid, but I'm still doing it. Bloody hell, maybe I need to toughen up a little?

Ron entered without knocking, and it took him a mere second to spot Malfoy sitting on his bed.

"Shouldn't you be in the loo?" Ron asked, and Malfoy looked up from his Herbology book. "You told everyone that you'd be in the loo."

"I wanted privacy," Malfoy replied coldly. "Guess it was bliss while it lasted… What do you want?"

"I'm going to help you," Ron replied, and Malfoy cocked an eyebrow.

"Help me?" Malfoy asked with a hint of disgust, but Ron chose to ignore the blonde's tone. He's cornered, and he's scared. You've been there, Ron, so don't lose your temper.

"I'm going to help you with your mother," Ron clarified as he walked over.

"Save it, Weasley-"

"I want you to write a letter to her in the next hour, and before we go to sleep, I want you to hand me said letter," Ron said firmly. "I will give it to her, and I'll bring you back a response. This is a one time deal, so think carefully before you reply."

Malfoy just stared at him, he was clearly jarred by Ron's offer. I bet he's wondering how I'll be able to do that.

"Weasley, she's locked away-" Malfoy started.

"That sort of shit doesn't stop people like me," Ron said. "I always find a way, and you know that. Just write the letter, and don't ask any questions. All right?"

Malfoy looked utterly dazed, but after a few seconds, he gave a weak nod.

"And stop worrying over that Herbology essay," Ron added. "Theo gave me his essay, and I plan to use it tomorrow to write my own. You can study with me in order to use Theo's work."

"Okay…"

Ron gave a nod, and then he turned to leave.

"Wait," Malfoy called, and Ron turned back around. "Weasley… Why are you doing this?" Because I'm an idiot.

"What you said about Pandora got to me," Ron admitted. "I don't like seeing you unhappy, Malfoy, and I'm past the point of denying it." Malfoy looked a little uncomfortable, but Ron decided to push on. "I don't have a lot of time left, and I need to make sure that my friends are on the right path before I die. I want you to be on the right path." Wow, that was sappy.

Malfoy said nothing to that, and Ron figured that he was feeling way too uncomfortable to talk right now. I've said what I wanted to say. Time to go to Daphne. Ron turned around and walked over to the door. He thought about glancing back at Malfoy, but in the end, he chose to end the uncomfortable situation. He'll write the letter. I know I would.

As he walked over to Daphne's room, Ron couldn't help but scold himself for giving into his emotions like this. If Malfoy ever told anyone about this, so many questions would be raised. If Narcissa Malfoy ever told Sirius that Ron had come to her in the middle of the night, then the entire Order would wonder how Ron even knew where to find her. They've kept her imprisonment very quiet, but without their knowledge, they were just carrying out my orders. I'm leaving a trail for them to follow, and I'm doing it just to make Malfoy happy.

Ron knocked on Daphne's door, and he heard her run up to the door. Slowly, she peaked her head through, carefully hiding her body from sight. Seeing her face alone was enough to pull Ron out of his thoughts.

"May I come in?" Ron smiled widely.

"There's a small problem," Daphne said nervously, and Ron's smile faltered.

"Is everything all right? You sound worried," Ron said.

"It's…" Daphne started, but she quickly stopped herself. "Just… Just come in."

She opened the door just a little, and Ron had to squeeze himself through. What's she hiding in here? A dead body? Open the door, woman.

"Daph, what's happen-" Ron's jaw dropped open. Circe's bare-arse! What is this?!

Daphne was wearing her running gear, but it was an extremely tight fit. Her 'leggings' hugged her legs so tightly that they left nothing to the imagination, and her crop top was pushing up her breasts in an effort to make them look even bigger. Ron's felt his knees nearly give out, and judging from her fidgeting, she knew that he was scanning her thoroughly. Did I have a stroke on the way here? Did I die? Is this Heaven?

"I got the size right, I'm sure of it," Daphne muttered after a few seconds.

"Yeah, you did," Ron grinned without hesitation. "Nice!" I can die happy, now.

"Ron, this is serious," she looked mildly annoyed. "I'm not going out there wearing this. You can even see the shape of my arse!"

"Really?" Ron asked, and Daphne let out a sigh. Turn around at once!

"Why are you so perverted?" she asked under her breath.

"In my defense, my girlfriend looks amazing," Ron quickly tried to salvage the situation. I can't let her throw these clothes away. The Gods themselves made these clothes just for her, I'm sure of it. "Daphne, you look brilliant!" How did I get so damn lucky?!

"I don't want the others seeing me in these," she told him. "I don't want Theo, Blaise, and Malfoy staring at my arse when I come running with you."

"Oh," Ron realized why she was so against these clothes. I can't let those cunts ogle her. Only I get to ogle her. "Pansy could help you with these, couldn't she? She told me that she shortened all of her skirts on Monday."

"She's the last person who I need to ask about this," Daphne huffed. "She's gone mental thanks to Witch Weekly and her erotica collection." Pansy has an erotica collection. What the fuck? "She'll probably make these clothes even more revealing."

"Just tell her what you want done with them, and she'll listen," Ron said calmingly.

"Why do Muggles wear such skimpy clothes when they exercise?" Daphne asked out of nowhere. "Are all Muggle women slags?" Slags? Harsh word… I guess Daphne wasn't raised to wear such revealing clothes given that she's an heiress. That's a bit of a shame, but if it makes her uncomfortable to wear these, then I need to help her find a solution. She'd do the same for me.

"I think that we have different values from the Muggles, so we can't really understand them," Ron put his hands on her shoulders, his long fingers giving her a massage. "Don't spiral, Daph, we'll have this fixed up in no time."

Daphne nodded as she drew in a calming breath, and then, she hugged his middle and pressed her head against his chest.

"You're right," Daphne sighed out. "I'm just being crazy again."

"Rubbish," Ron rubbed her back. This material is so soft. What's it made out of? "If Pansy can't help you, then we'll buy something else. You don't have to do anything that you don't want to do."

Daphne squeezed him tightly, and Ron did his best to ignore her bust pushing into him. Don't make her feel more uncomfortable, old boy. Be strong. Resist the tits!

"Your shoes came in with my package," Daphne spoke into his chest. "At least we've got a matching pair now."

"I'm sure the lads will take the piss out of me for that," Ron chuckled.

"Does it bother you that I made you buy the same pair as mine?" Daphne looked up at him. The shit I deal with daily makes a few mean jokes sound pleasant.

"Not at all," Ron smiled at her. "They're just jealous that I scored a witch out of my league, while they're stuck cuddling their pillows."

"I'm not out of your league," Daphne said.

"You are a little bit," Ron said. "I mean, look at you! My tongue became numb when I saw you just before!" But something else didn't become numb. Hehe. "That's never happened to me before."

Daphne slowly started to smile; she loved his compliments a little too much.

"I think you've earned a few kisses, Ron," Daphne said as her arms moved closer to his arse.

"Really?" Ron grinned.

"Really," she hummed.

"I'll let you get changed first-" Ron started, but he stopped when she pinched his arse. Woah! What was that for?

"I don't mind you seeing me in these clothes," Daphne whispered, and then she stood on her toes and kissed him. Really? Thank you, Merlin!

---

Saturday 16th January, 1994 (The Training Area – Past Midnight)

While the entire House slept, Ron sat wide-awake within the Training Room. Malfoy had given Ron the letter he needed to deliver, and after Ron had fully read through said letter right in front of Malfoy, Ron had promised to deliver it.

His plan was quite simple. He was going to ask Kreacher to take him straight to Narcissa, he was going to tell Kreacher to silence the room upon entry, and then he was going to ask Kreacher to leave. Hopefully, Narcissa would be asleep, or Ron was going to have to explain his actions to a very suspicious Order. I bet she'll scream straight away if she's awake. Bloody hell, I can't even blame this mess on anyone but myself. I literally volunteered for this.

"Kreacher," Ron called, and after a little delay, the old Elf cracked into the room.

"Lord Weasley called Kreacher?" Kreacher croaked, his tired face made him look even more unsightly. Shit, I woke him up. Wait… He's still calling me Lord Weasley? Why? I told him to stop that rubbish.

"Did I wake you up, Kreacher?" Ron asked.

"Kreacher is always ready for Lord Weasley's call," Kreacher kneeled, not really answering the question. He actually kneeled?! With his old and skinny legs?!

"Mate, you don't need to do that," Ron said quickly. "Just stay upright, all right?" As upright as you can manage, at least. "Please?"

"If that is Lord Weasley's command," Kreacher stood back up. For fuck's sake…

"Just… You don't have to bow or kneel to me," Ron tried once again. "I'm not your Master, Kreacher, so we can talk as equals."

"But Lord Weasley is a God," Kreacher looked baffled. A God? "Kreacher cannot speak to Lord Weasley as an equal, for Lord Weasley is equal to none." What. In. The. Actual. Fuck?

Ron went to say something, but he stopped at the last second. He knew better than to force something onto the Elves. It was futile simply because Elves thought differently from humans. Ron's suggestions would only be falling on deaf ears.

"I need a favor from you, Kreacher," Ron said, deciding to move forward.

"Kreacher is here to serve," Kreacher looked ready for duty.

"I need you to take me into Narcissa Malfoy's room," Ron said. I can't believe that Malfoy had to be the one to tell me that we're now keeping our prisoners in rooms. Should've left her in the damn attic. Even that's far better than what she deserves.

"Lord Weasley wishes to see Lady Malfoy?" Kreacher asked. "Does Lord Weasley intend to end another enemy tonight?" Huh?

"What? No, Kreacher," Ron said defensively. "I have to talk to her about something important, that's all." I don't just go around killing people. Yet.

"Kreacher did not intend to cause offense," Kreacher bowed a little. He's bowing again… "Kreacher will take Lord Weasley to the House of Black."

"Thank you," Ron said. "Never mention this to anyone, all right?"

"Kreacher understands," Kreacher agreed, and Ron walked up to the Elf's side.

"Silence the entire room once we're in," Ron ordered. "Oh, and try to keep the Apparition noise-free as well."

Kreacher gave a nod, and then he took Ron's left hand. Ron immediately felt the terrible, nauseating feeling that came from Apparition, and by the time his feet hit solid ground, Ron's head was spinning. Fucking hell, that was way worse than usual. I feel really… lightheaded… Ron barely stopped himself from falling over, but Kreacher missed it because he was already silencing the pitch-black room. As Ron gathered his wits, he began to look around for Narcissa Malfoy. He could barely see her outline; she was sound asleep on her bed. I won't lie, this is the creepiest thing that I've ever done.

"Once you're done, leave the room," Ron whispered to Kreacher.

"Kreacher is finished," Kreacher croaked, and just like that, he was gone. I'm glad that he isn't one to ask questions.

Ron drew in a deep breath, and then he walked over to the side of her bed. As his eyes slowly adjusted to the dark, Ron pulled out his wand and aimed it at Narcissa's throat.

"Silencio," Ron chanted. Let's just hope the Spell worked, not that it really matters.

Ron then aimed his wand at the night lamp on the side table, and with a flick of his wrist, he turned it on Non-Verbally. Narcissa Malfoy's eyes scrunched and she opened her mouth to groan, but no sound came out. The Spell worked, but she's not waking up.

Ron frowned at her dimly lit face, his stomach turning in disgust. Not so high and mighty in your sleep, are you? I should just fucking throttle you right here and now. It would serve Lucius Malfoy right to lose his most cherished ones! Ron turned his head and cracked his neck, and then, he sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Wake up," Ron said, and then he shoved the sleeping witch harshly.

She woke up with a start, fear flashing in her eyes as she looked around with blurry vision. She tried to speak, but when no sound came out, she stopped looking around the room. Slowly, her eyes settled on Ron, and once she could clearly see him, her eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. She mouthed something, and then she quickly pulled up her covers in order to hide her loosely covered body.

"I have no interest in staring at your nightgown," Ron said coldly. "And yes, you can't talk because I've silenced you. Now, you're going to sit there, and you're going to listen to me. If you try to run, or do anything else besides sit there quietly, I'm going to hurt you. Very badly. Is that clear? Nod if you understand."

She just stared at him, her mouth and eyes wide open. She's petrified, and probably really confused. Whatever.

"I'm here to give you something from your son," Ron said as he pulled out the letter, and she mouthed 'Draco'. "Yes, Draco… He's been worried about you, so much so that he's losing his health. I'm doing this for his sake, not yours. You will read this letter, you will write a response, I will check said response, and then I'll be gone. You'll never mention this to anyone, because if you do, I'll never bring you another letter from him. Is that clear?"

After a little bit, she gave a shaky nod.

"Here," Ron offered her the letter, and when she grabbed it, Ron tugged it to himself and came face to face with her. "Try any funny business, and I'll break your bones. You will die in this room. Alone and in excruciating pain. Is that clear?"

She swallowed thickly before giving a short nod, and Ron let go of the letter. He watched her open it a little frantically, her eyes quickly becoming glued to the words. It was a long letter, with Malfoy mostly asking her questions about her health and treatment, but Ron kept his eyes fixed on her. He didn't trust this woman to behave herself, and he knew that the moment she tried to pull something, he was going to start hurting her. A part of him was even looking forward to it.

She read, and she read, and she read. Her fear slowly left her, and by the end, she even looked happy to gaze at her son's handwriting.

"I don't have all fucking day," Ron snapped, breaking her out of her stupor. "Have you finished reading it?"

She glared at him, and Ron raised his hand. Keep glaring, bitch. Give me a reason to knock something out. She seemed to understand his message, and so she quickly schooled her features. She then gave him a curt nod.

"Do you have a quill and some ink?" Ron asked, and she pointed towards the study table. "Let's go, then. I'll watch you write him a response."

---

Thirty Minutes Later

"It looks good," Ron said as he finished reading her response letter. No mentions of the Dark Lord, or Blood-Supremacy. She only asks motherly questions, and assures him that she's not hurt.

She pointed at her neck, and Ron cocked an eyebrow.

"You want me to undo the Charm?" Ron asked, and she gave a curt nod.

Ron pulled out his wand, and after shooting her a warning look; he planted the tip of the wand on her throat.

"Finite," Ron chanted, and she immediately cleared her throat.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice fully composed now. "How did you even know where to find me? How did you get into this room?"

"And what makes you think that I'm going to tell you anything?" Ron asked coldly as he pocketed the letter.

"What do you get out of helping my son?" she asked. "I'm his mother, and I have a right to know at least that much."

"Is that so?" Ron asked, his eyes flashing. "You think you deserve something from me?" Please, say yes. I want to show you what you deserve.

"Yes-" she started, but her voice died when Ron punched her in the sternum.

She grunted and keeled over, and by the time she was on her knees, she was coughing painfully. Her breathing soon became wheezy, and when she looked up at him as she struggled to get some air into her lungs, he saw tears forming in her eyes.

"That's what you deserve," Ron sneered down at her. "Don't make demands of me, it won't end well for you." Ron then pulled out his wand and aimed it at her chest. "Stupefy."

The red light of the Spell shattered against her chest, and she crumpled onto her back. Enjoy the eight-hour nap. Once her breathing became steady, Ron used the Locomotion Charm to levitate her onto her bed. He dropped her rather unceremoniously, not caring if she woke up sore the next morning. One by one, Ron turned off the lamps, and when he was ready to leave, he called for Kreacher. The Elf appeared immediately this time, he was clearly not affected by his own Magic. He can still hear me despite his Silencing Charms. Could Marty hear me too? Do Elves hear through all Warding Spells whenever they're called?

"Kreacher, how did you hear me?" Ron asked.

"Kreacher used Wizard Magic for the Silencing Charms," Kreacher replied. "Elf Magic is older. More personal." More personal?

"It has different Laws to abide by?" Ron asked for clarification.

"Indeed," Kreacher nodded.

"So I could call any Elf in here?" Ron asked.

"If the Elf is listening, then yes," Kreacher replied. Neat. I should remember this.

"I'm ready to go home now," Ron said, and Kreacher extended his boney hand.

Ron took it, and the Elf Apparated them back into the Slytherin Training Room. Ron's entire head spun once again, and this time, even his vision began to blur. Ron stumbled to the side, the right side of his body feeling completely numb. Oh, no… Ron fell onto his right arm, but he felt nothing. Fuck me.

"Lord Weasley?" Kreacher turned him onto his back. "Lord Weasley? What is wrong?" Feelings of numbness, nausea, blurry vision, and lightheadedness. My symptoms. I can't Apparate without feeling them? Why?

"I'm okay," Ron sat up using his left arm. "Just tired."

Kreacher didn't look convinced, but he didn't fret like Marty would have. Instead, the old Elf just waited for Ron to recover, which took nearly two minutes. Unsteadily, Ron get back up to his feet with Kreacher's help, he was feeling both embarrassed and annoyed.

"Is Lord Weasley unwell?" Kreacher asked eventually.

"Something like that," Ron replied. "Thank you for your help tonight, Kreacher. I'll be fine from here, so go back home. Oh, and I'm sorry for waking you up in the middle of the night."

"Kreacher lives to serve," Kreacher bowed, and then he cracked out of the room without further questions. Do all Elves love that saying? Even Marty claims that he 'lives to serve'. Is this saying a part of Elf culture?

Ron shook his head clear; there was no point in thinking about this right now. He needed to get back to his room before he started feeling other symptoms. If I pass out, I'll have a lot of explaining to do tomorrow morning. That is if no one smothers me in my sleep. Slowly, but surely, Ron made his way towards his room. His vision was returning, and his lightheadedness was leaving, but Ron still felt a little numb. As a result of this, his right foot dragged behind him, making him look like a cripple.

Ron opened the door to his room, and ever so quietly, he smuggled himself inside before closing and locking the door. His eyes adjusted to the dark more quickly than last time, and carefully, Ron made his way towards Malfoy's bed. I'll leave the letter on his nightstand. That way, he can read it first thing in the morning. Ron slid the curtains open, and he walked over to Malfoy's nightstand. As he dropped the letter off, Ron looked towards a sleeping Malfoy.

Curiously, Malfoy was sleeping on top of his covers in nothing but his boxers. Isn't he cold? That's when Ron noticed the Warming Charm, and so he nodded to himself in understanding. I do the same thing sometimes. Small World. His eyes lingered on Malfoy's abnormally pale skin, and for some reason, he suddenly began feeling a little hot in the face. Malfoy was a little skinny, but years of flying his broom and the morning runs had done him a lot of good. He looks like a porcelain doll. Merlin, there's not a single mark on his body. No moles, no freckles, no scars. He's… kind of pretty…

Ron shook his head clear as he took a step back. What the fuck was he doing? Pretty? What the fuck? Without wasting another second, Ron left Malfoy's bedside and shut the curtains behind himself. I need another fucking scan, I reckon.

---

Emilia Travers' POV

Saturday 16th January, 1994 (King Solomon's Bakery – Midday)

"And who let you in here, eh?" came Solomon's voice, and Emilia turned to see him enter his Office. "Can't even take a bloody piss without some broad breaking into me Offices… Fuckin' ridiculous."

"Your creature let me in here," Emilia said calmly, and Solomon eyed her skeptically.

"Don't remember owning a creature," Solomon said after a few moments.

"That thing you call a secretary," Emilia clarified. "The mutant."

"There are no mutants here," Solomon appeared genuinely confused. "You been drinking again?"

"Why did you send me this?" Emilia pulled out a pamphlet for King Solomon's Bakery; she was in no mood to play his games. "And why a damn bakery?"

"Everyone loves bread," Solomon shrugged as he walked over to his massive chair. "We bake all sorts here. We bake the brown bread. We bake the white bread. Any type of bread you want, we make it." Solomon then grunted as he shifted in his chair. "You've been very busy, haven't you? Yeah… Very busy."

"If this is about the Abadie Family, I had my reasons," Emilia stated. If left unchecked, that woman's greed would have destroyed us all.

"You had your reasons," Solomon nodded slowly, his good eye fixed on her. "I see… Who made you do it?"

"Pardon?"

"Who made you poison the birds in their cages?" Solomon asked.

"No one-"

"Don't start that shite, yeah?" Solomon's eye twitched. "You went to one of my bakeries, you lied to my bakers, and they fuckin' killed two very generous patrons of mine. I don't remember giving any orders to kill the Abadies, so imagine my bloody surprise when one of my own told me that they were only fuckin' me over 'cause I asked for it."

"I was in a rush," Emilia showed no remorse. "The Abadies knew too much, and they would have dragged us all down to Hell with them if given the chance. They needed to be silenced."

"Yeah… I don't know how they do 'things' wherever the hell you're from, but here, we're civilized people," Solomon said, his thumbs cracking his fingers. "We don't lie to our business partners, we walk up and talk to them. If you wanted the birds gone, you should've come to me. Got it?" I should just play along. It's better than listening to his rants.

"I get it," Emilia said calmly.

"If you do, then you'll tell me who ordered the hits," Solomon leaned back in his chair. "And before you start lying again, just remember that you need me a lot more than I need you, yeah? Without me, your fuckin' Order will starve halfway through this war of yours."

"It's our war, Solomon," Emilia said. "You've picked a side."

"Picked a side, have I?" Solomon whispered lowly. "I don't remember that."

"You gave me the poison-"

"You can forget the fuckin' poison," Solomon cut her off. "That poison was just a gift. Nothing more." Solomon's gaze deepened suddenly, and Emilia cocked an eyebrow. "Who told you to kill the birds?"

"Why do you assume that I was told to do it?" Emilia asked.

"Because I know you," Solomon replied, and Emilia couldn't help but scoff. "Well, I know your sort, that is."

"Is that so?" Emilia asked.

"Poison isn't your weapon," Solomon said, his eye darting towards her Blade. "No… You're not subtle. You don't like sitting back in the shadows. You love the fight. There's no fight when there's poison involved." Solomon then tilted his head a little. "Now, I know it wasn't Dumbledore. He's not the sort to risk everything over such a shoddy ploy. He's too smart, and not bold enough, for that. No… Whoever made you do it; they're nothing like Dumbledore." No, he really isn't. "Who was it?"

"If I tell you, what do you plan to do about it?" Emilia asked.

"Well, isn't it obvious?" Solomon whispered dangerously. "I plan to become their friend." What?

Emilia just stared at Solomon, and he stared right back. Silence fell between them, and honestly, Emilia couldn't read the Half-Troll to save her own life. She knew that Solomon often said one thing, but meant another. She thought that she had him figured out, but in this instance, she couldn't figure out his plans whatsoever.

"You want to befriend someone who killed two of your patrons?" Emilia broke the silence.

"It's the business, girl," Solomon replied. "All I know is that I'm losing money, so the bastards who've lightened my pouch need to fill it back up again. That includes you, of course."

"Of course," Emilia drawled.

"Bakeries are not cheap," Solomon stated. "So, who was it?"

"I'm not in a sharing mood today," Emilia replied. "I'll pass on your message, and they can decide if they want to meet you."

"They scare you," Solomon realized, his burly body leaning forward a little.

"They do," Emilia admitted, she saw no point in lying. Whatever he is, he's not from our World.

Solomon scanned her face, and then he let out a grunt as he looked towards his card collection. Having second thoughts about meeting him? You really should.

"What have you gotten yourself into, Emilia?" Solomon suddenly looked back to her.

"My path to fulfilling my Blood Oath was never going to be easy," Emilia replied. "I have made my choice, and I will not be deterred." I've waited too long to be denied now.

"Revenge won't bring you peace," Solomon said with disturbing clarity.

"I don't want peace," Emilia said coldly. "I want to even the scales."

"Only God can do that," Solomon said, and then he looked back to his collection. "Pass on my invite to your friend, won't you?"

Emilia gave a nod, and then she turned to leave. As she neared the door, she almost felt the urge to warn Solomon against meeting Ronald Weasley. Solomon was scum, but even he didn't deserve to get tangled up with a Demon. Even to this day, she could sometimes feel the cold emptiness that she had felt inside the Demon's mind. She could still hear his voice echoing through her head whenever she thought about him.

"Emilia Travers…"

Emilia tensed immediately, and for a moment, she felt as though he was standing right behind her. Coldness washed over her, and Emilia found it hard to open the door right in front of her. He was here. He was inside this room. His monstrous eyes were fixed on the back of her head, and if she didn't move, he was going to kill her. He was going to devour her soul.

"Are you going to stand there all fuckin' day?" came Solomon's voice, and Emilia was pulled out of her trance. It happened again… Gods, that voice…

Emilia said nothing, opting instead to keep moving forward. She opened the door, steeled her mind, and moved forward. Her path was laid out before her, and she wasn't going to falter now. Not after everything that she had endured to get this far.

---

Ginny Weasley's POV

Saturday 16th January, 1994 (Madam Pomfrey's Office – Afternoon)

"Why didn't you go to the study group, Ginny?" Madam Pomfrey asked again, and Ginny tensed a little. She's really bringing everything back to me not attending the study group yesterday, isn't she?

"I didn't feel like going," Ginny lied poorly.

"Last week, you were excited at the prospect of branching out again," Madam Pomfrey reminded her. "What changed?"

"Nothing," Ginny lied again.

"Ginny, I can't help you if you keep hiding from me," Madam Pomfrey said gently, and Ginny couldn't help but feel a little guilty for wasting the Head-Nurse's time.

After a bit of thinking, Ginny forced herself to speak.

"I did go to the study group…" Ginny confessed, and Madam Pomfrey leaned forward. "I just… I hid behind a shelf…" Even I know how pathetic that was. I don't deserve to be in Gryffindor.

"Why did you hide?" Madam Pomfrey asked, and Ginny clamped down on her left forearm.

"I don't really know," Ginny replied. "I went there with my books and homework, but when I saw everyone else who was attending, I just couldn't do it… I wanted to join in, but I just couldn't. Do you know why I would do that?" Because I really can't figure it out.

"Did you feel overwhelmed by the crowd?" Madam Pomfrey asked. "I hear that the study group has grown quite large, and you did tell me that you struggle to breathe whenever you're surrounded."

"There were a lot of people there," Ginny started slowly. "But I don't think that bothered me too much… I actually planned to sit by myself for most of it."

"So you didn't plan to branch out?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"I did…" Ginny said a little defensively. "I figured that if I studied by myself for a bit, someone would approach me."

"You mean your brother, don't you?" Madam Pomfrey asked. How did she know that?!

"He knows everyone there," Ginny said. "I know that I'm not supposed to rely on him completely, but he could really help me with this… Is that bad?"

"If he has no issues with it, then no," Madam Pomfrey replied, and Ginny felt a little relieved.

She knew that she had no right to rely on Ron for help, but she really couldn't think of an alternative. Luna wasn't talking to her, Percy was far too busy with his studies, the twins turned everything into a joke, Harry and Hermione were difficult to even look at, and Neville was trying his best to keep the Trio together. Ginny had no one, and she felt lonelier than ever. Hogwarts was a very large castle, but it had no place for her.

"I don't even know where to start," Ginny told Madam Pomfrey. "My House-mates don't really talk to me, I don't have any friends outside of Gryffindor, and my brothers are all busy with their own lives. I tried talking to Colin today at breakfast, but his mates weren't too happy with my intrusion… Colin was just too nice to turn me away, but I could tell that he wanted to talk to his friends instead." I wasted his morning making a fool out of myself.

"There's nothing wrong with asking for help," Madam Pomfrey said. "You may feel like you don't deserve your brother's help, but he might think very differently. Tell me, did he not bring you here?"

"He did…"

"And did he not give up his own session for you?" Madam Pomfrey asked. "Did he not stay behind for an hour just to make sure that your first session went well?"

"He did," Ginny nodded a little. "And he spent a lot of time with me on Thursday."

"And how was that?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

"It was really fun," Ginny couldn't help but smile a little. "He taught me some Magic, and then he listened to me vent about everything. It felt like old times, and I think I really needed that."

"It sounds like you still do," Madam Pomfrey said.

"As amazing as it was, I couldn't help but feel his… reluctance," Ginny lost her smile. "It was like he didn't want to be there, but at the same time, he refused to leave… I don't know… It just felt a bit off. Not to mention that I didn't like wasting his time for my own sake…"

"You are not a waste of time, Ginny," Madam Pomfrey said, but Ginny wasn't convinced. "Did you speak to him about this?"

"Merlin, no," Ginny replied quickly. "I didn't want to say anything that might upset him. We're finally talking again, and I don't want to ruin that."

"What if opening up doesn't ruin anything?" Madam Pomfrey asked. What does she even know about it?

"But what if it does?" Ginny countered petulantly. "What if he gets sick of dealing with me all the time? I don't want to lose him again! I'm finally starting to get him back!"

"Ginny, Ron never left," Madam Pomfrey said calmly. "He's always been here. You never lost him-"

"I did lose him!" Ginny couldn't help but feel angry. "I lost an entire year!"

Madam Pomfrey just stared at her, and Ginny matched her gaze defiantly. Go on! Tell me that I'm wrong! I dare you!

"I am not making light of what happened to you-" Madam Pomfrey started.

"But you are!" Ginny snapped. "You keep talking like you know everything! I did lose an entire year, and when I finally came back, Ron wasn't Ron anymore! He's changed so much! I can barely recognize him anymore!"

"No one can stay the same forever," Madam Pomfrey said gently. "Everyone changes over time, Ginny. You've changed too, haven't you?"

"I don't like who I've turned into! And I don't like who he's turned into!" Ginny shot out of her seat. "We were so close! We did every single thing together! But now… Ever since I came to this horrible school, I've lost everything! Luna barely even looks at me, Ron's as cold as a corpse, Harry Potter is a petty coward, and I'm a horrible bitch! I hate it here! I just want to go home!" I want to go back in time! I want Ron and Luna to love me again!

Madam Pomfrey tried to calm Ginny down, but it was too late. Ginny was far too overwhelmed, and by the time Madam Pomfrey had gotten out of her seat, Ginny had barged out of the Office in tears. I wish I never found that Diary! I wish I never met Tom!

---

Lord Voldemort's POV

Saturday 16th January, 1994 (Nott Manor – Afternoon)

The Potion burned as it traveled down his throat, and within seconds, the Dark Lord felt his entire body seize up painfully. His bones cracked and reformed, while his very soul vibrated from the sudden influx of power.

Despite the overwhelming agony, Lord Voldemort laughed.

The Basilisk Venom had transformed his Rudimentary Body Potion into something else entirely… Something that even he hadn't anticipated. His power was returning at an extraordinary rate, and the Dark Lord was starting to wonder if he really needed to create a new vessel.

Slowly, the Dark Lord rose from the ground. His body had developed once again, and as a result, it felt almost alien to him. With a focused mind, the Dark Lord commanded his longer legs to carry him towards the only mirror in the room. Each step brought pain, and yet, the Dark Lord reveled in this feeling. For too long he had felt no earthly sensations. His spirit form had taken away everything from him in exchange for his survival, but now, he could feel. I am on the right path to restoring myself, and this only proves it.

Lord Voldemort came to a halt in front of the mirror, his blazing red eyes admiring his visage. He no longer looked like a child, but rather, a teenager. He was taller, broader, and surprisingly, almost muscular. The Basilisk Venom has caused extreme cellular regeneration… Amazing! Such potency! To think that the World's deadliest venom could potentially be the most powerful healing agent is staggering. I must study this phenomenon further.

The Dark Lord used his long fingers to feel his body, making sure that none of his muscles were damaged or deteriorating. His translucent skin was covered with black veins, which the Dark Lord attributed to the Rudimentary Body Potion. In an oddly pleasing way, Lord Voldemort looked even less human than before. He looked… divine.

He drew in a deep breath, his mind reaching out to feel his own Magical Core. It felt steadier than it had in over a decade, and truth be told, the Dark Lord could feel his Magic like never before. It was everywhere. It was in his bones, it was in his organs, and it was in his veins. He was Magic.

A lipless smile graced his face; he had once again outwitted Death. Even after being pushed to the very limit of what was humanly possible, the Dark Lord had succeeded. He had created life with nothing but his own knowledge and power, and in the process, he had acquired even more knowledge. The Basilisk Venom was the key to his victory, he could see it clearly now. In his current state, he was still not as powerful as he once was, but if he continued the treatments, then it was only a matter of time before he overshadowed his past self.

"And yet, it is not enough," the Dark Lord whispered coldly, his eyes burning brighter than ever before.

As amazing as his new body felt, the Dark Lord knew that it was only temporary. He couldn't win the war against Dumbledore until he destroyed Harry Potter, and he couldn't destroy Harry Potter until he broke the Mud-Blood's Sacrificial Protection. Lily Potter's sacrifice had triggered something that not even Lord Voldemort could shatter: Old Magic. The only way around such a Primordial Power was to find a loophole, which, as it happened, the Dark Lord had already thought of.

He had to create another vessel, one that was infused with Harry Potter's blood. If they shared the same blood, then the Old Magic would consider Lord Voldemort and Harry Potter to be the same person. I will finally be able to move against him. Until I create my new body, I must keep my distance from the boy. What he did to Quirrell is nothing compared to what he could do to me if he touches me.

The Dark Lord turned his head and cracked his neck; even the mere thought of Harry Potter was enough to fill him with murderous rage. He will die slowly, I swear it.

Lord Voldemort finished inspecting his body, and once he was satisfied, he glided towards the door. It was time to put this body to the test. Lord Voldemort would not be caught unawares again, and the next time he faced the Order, he would devastate their ranks.

As he glided through the Manor, he couldn't help but appreciate the feeling of wind on his face. Unlike Peter's limiting form, this new body did not place unnecessary barriers on the Dark Lord. It wasn't going to fall apart, or begin rotting, if the Dark Lord pushed himself in combat. He was already more powerful than he had been in over a decade, and he needed to prove this to himself. He had to see his own power once again, and only then would he move forward.

"My Lord?" came a voice from behind him, and Lord Voldemort stopped.

"Corban," the Dark Lord turned to face the man responsible for the Dark Lord's new body. I must reward him, even if he lied to me about the origins of the Basilisk Venom. Without him, I'd still be trapped inside a toddler's body. "Come to me, my friend."

Without hesitation, Corban walked up to his Lord and kneeled. He's too smart to comment on my visage. I expect nothing less from him. The Dark Lord reached forward and placed his hand on Corban's head, and although the Death-Eater tensed at first, he soon relaxed due to his Lord's rare tenderness. In this moment, Lord Voldemort cared very little about Corban's past failures. If anything, he wanted to give Corban more chances to prove himself.

"Rise, Corban," Lord Voldemort whispered, and Corban did as he was told without delay. "You have proven very useful to me, and I cannot help but think of our first meeting. Do you remember?"

"Of course," Corban stood up straighter. "You gave me purpose that night, my Lord. Real purpose."

"And together, we will fulfill our shared goals," Lord Voldemort promised. "From today onwards, you will always sit at my side."

Corban's eyes widened for a mere second, he knew exactly what this meant. He possesses strength that Lucius lacks, and he possesses the intelligence that Cornelius lacks. Not to mention that he is more loyal than the both of them combined. He will be the perfect second in command. That is, until Ronald comes to my side.

"It would be an honor, my Lord," Corban bowed. "I will not fail you as Lucius did, I swear this on my Magic."

"Your loyalty will be rewarded," Lord Voldemort's eyes blazed red. "Come, I wish to show you something."

Without another word, the Dark Lord began gliding towards the exit. Corban followed quickly, no doubt reveling in his victory. Lord Voldemort, for the most part, ignored Corban's elated mood. It didn't take them long to reach the exit, and once outside, the Dark Lord glided onto the grass.

It was cold and wet under his feet, and yet, the Dark Lord felt pleased. The air smelled fresh, and he filled his new lungs to the brim. He was no longer trapped inside a dead man, and he planned to stay that way. From today onwards, the Dark Lord would not be forced to hold back, and once he had made a body with the Basilisk Venom and Harry Potter's blood, he would conquer the World. Nothing, and no one, would stand in his way.

Slowly, the Dark Lord kneeled down and placed his hands on the grass. He opened himself up to the Magic around him, and within seconds, he could feel the Earth's heartbeat. The ground underneath him was alive. The air around him was alive. He was alive. He drew in a deep breath, and ever so slowly, he allowed his Magic to seep into the Earth. They became one, and the Earth shook beneath his palms. It wanted to reject his foreign Magic, but the Dark Lord's will could not be denied.

He choked out any resistance that he felt, making the ground vibrate even harder. Behind him, Corban seemed to tense, no doubt feeling his Master's overwhelming presence. Lord Voldemort ignored the man; instead he focused on everything else around him. Magic ran far deeper than most wizards realized, but Lord Voldemort knew better. He knew that Magic was everywhere. It connected and held the Universe together, and if one could become one with it, they could manipulate reality itself.

It had been such a long time since he had tried tapping into Earth's Magic, and so he felt genuinely excited for a change. In his weakened state, he would have been destroyed by the powers that he was tapping into, but now… Now, the Earth trembled because of his presence. It tried to flee from him, but Lord Voldemort pinned it down and forced it to serve him. With one more deep breath, Lord Voldemort merged his Magic with the Earth's.

The grass began to dry up and die around him, and the ground trembled so hard that it began to crack. Even the air began to heat up, and by the time the Dark Lord stood back up, the smell of electricity surrounded him. With relative ease, the Dark Lord began to levitate. There was so much Magic around him, and it was all bending to his will. He was in control, and nothing could change that now. It was finally time for a little show.

The Dark Lord smiled a lipless smile, his eyes blazing bright. He could sense his followers leaving the Manor in order to find the source of this disturbance. Ever so slowly, they all found their way to him. Most of them were shocked by his change in appearance, while others watched with fear and awe as the Dark Lord flew ever higher.

Once he was well above the Manor, the Dark Lord gazed down at all of his followers. Corban, Cornelius, Lucius, Fenrir, Natalia, and over a dozen Vampires were gazing up at him, no doubt trembling due to his power. This is nothing for Lord Voldemort. Watch what your Lord is capable of.

With sheer brutality, the Dark Lord crushed the Earth's resistance completely, which released a shockwave of Magic from his body. The wind began to howl as it converged on him from all directions, and within seconds, the Dark Lord could see his followers struggling to stay on their feet. The windows of Nott Manor shattered, the Gardens began to wilt away, and the clouds above roared in agony.

Lightning sliced through the skies, hitting the Dark Lord's body from all directions. Futile. The Earth wanted to resist his will, but it didn't have the strength to muster up a tangible threat. Instead, it had unwittingly empowered the Dark Lord with its own Magic. With the added power coursing through his veins, the Dark Lord let out a roar that summoned an electrical storm unlike any other.

Red lighting poured out his body, crashing down around the Manor. The wind picked up even more, and before long, the Dark Lord was hidden away inside a small tornado. Chunks of the Earth, and the Manor, were ripped out completely, and screams of panic and fear could be heard from below. The Dark Lord laughed as he pushed his abilities to their limits, causing the tornado around him to ignite. A storm of fire and lightning hovered above Nott Manor, and inside of it was the Dark Lord. One final test, and then I shall end this.

Concentrating as hard as he could, the Dark Lord began to Transfigure his body into shadow and mist. He willingly became a part of the firestorm, which quickly began to resemble the Abyss itself. A gaping black hole that spewed lightning and fire, and caused such terror that all those who were witnessing it fell to their knees in worship. Shadow and mist washed over Nott Manor, trapping all those below in pitch-black darkness. The only source of light came from the fire and lightning, and occasionally, whenever the Dark Lord's burning eyes manifested within the storm.

And then, the darkness began to reconvene where it had started. The violent winds nearly pulled the people below into the vortex, threatening to suffocate them in a sea of fire and lightning. As the Dark Lord regained his form, the storm began to weaken. Lord Voldemort detached himself from the Earth's battered and bruised Magic, causing the debris around him to fall back down. Once he had rematerialized, he glided down towards his followers. All of them were on their knees, trembling and worshiping him, all except for Natalia. The foreign Vampire had clearly seen such power before, and yet, there was fear in her eyes. She now clearly understood why the Dark Lord's name inspired such terror throughout the World.

The Dark Lord gazed into her eyes, and when she averted her gaze, he smiled cruelly. She was afraid now, and that would never change. Your father is an insect compared to me. Don't ever forget that.

"Come to me," the Dark Lord beckoned her, and without delay, she walked over to him. "Who has shown you such power before?"

"I have walked this Earth for over one hundred and fifty years," Natalia replied. "There isn't much that can catch me off-guard."

The Dark Lord peered into her mind, and he found that she was telling the truth. Her fear was completely gone, which genuinely impressed him. She has learned to not blink in the face of Death. This is no doubt Gaspard's doing. Despite my dislike of the Blood-Lord, his past truly fascinates me.

"Find your father, and send him to me," the Dark Lord ordered. "My most loyal followers have suffered long enough. It is past time that they rejoined my side."

---

Harry Potter's POV

Saturday 16th January, 1994 (Behind the Owlery – Late Afternoon)

His scar was murdering him, and because of that, he could hardly concentrate. He was constantly making errors, he kept zoning out his teammates, and he was getting ever more irritable. The smallest of things were setting him off, and he literally had no idea why. One thing was clear to him though; Lord Voldemort was on the move. Why else would his scar be hurting so much?

"Harry, you're getting in the way!" Hermione called, and Harry broke out of his thoughts. "One of us will hit you by mistake!"

"You're all going too fast!" Harry snapped, which earned him annoyed looks.

"You're as slow as a slug, mate," Seamus frowned. "Thank Merlin for Granger's good aim, or you'd be out of commission by now."

"We don't stand a chance at this rate," Fay sighed out. "I'm pretty sure Ron will take you both out before we can take down his teammates."

"Maybe Hermione and I should face him?" Dean suggested. "I could keep up with-"

"Oh, you think you'd survive longer than me, is that it?" Harry asked. "Why don't we see who the better Duelist is, Dean? C'mon, then."

"Harry!" Hermione sounded slightly aghast. "There's no need to start fights! We're just sharing ideas! Nothing's set in stone yet!"

"Yeah, calm down," Fay frowned at him. "It's your plan that we're following, but you're the one messing it up. Don't take your anger out on us."

"Harry, can I talk to you?" Hermione asked, her eyes fixed on his flushed face.

Harry begrudgingly agreed, his scar still throbbing painfully. They walked away from the others, who were now talking in hushed whispers. Dean wouldn't last a second against Ron. He did horribly in the Rank-Placement matches. He just thinks that we've forgotten.

"Harry, what's the matter?" Hermione asked, a hint of concern in her voice. "You barely ever get like this. Is it your scar again? Is it hurting?"

"I'm fine," Harry said crossly, his left hand itching his scar. It's never been this bad before. Something's gone horribly wrong, I just know it.

"Do you need to see Professor Dumbledore?" Hermione asked. "Didn't he ask you to keep him updated about the pain in your scar?"

"He did," Harry replied. "But I can't just leave without actual proof, Hermione. My scar's been hurting a lot lately, but nothing has happened so far. I think it's just hurting because he might be on the move."

"Then you need to tell Professor Dumbledore, Harry," Hermione urged. Why are you so keen to send me away?

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" Harry half-asked and half-accused.

Hermione just stared at him, and then, she puffed up a little.

"Listen to yourself, Harry," Hermione whispered heatedly. "You're a member of the team, so why would I want to get rid of you? I wasn't even asking to replace you. I was only worried that I would hit you whenever you didn't move out of my way. If I'm to defend, while you attack, then you need to let me see what's happening in front of me. This was your plan, and I've agreed to do it simply because you kept insisting on it."

"It wasn't completely my plan," Harry frowned. "Remus is the-"

"I know you asked him to come find us," Hermione said with narrowed eyes. "You wanted the others to listen to you, and so you asked the Defense Professor to give your idea credibility. I never bought the fact that he just happened upon us, all right?"

Harry's lips tightened into a lipless frown, who was she to talk to him this way? Her idea was idiotic, and it was driven by her need to show off. As if she could hold off Ron all on her own. She lost to him in five seconds.

"You need to go see Professor Dumbledore," Hermione scolded. "You're not being yourself, Harry."

"Whatever," Harry hissed as he turned to leave. "You lot want to practice on your own? You go right ahead. I'm going to go practice by myself."

"Harry!" Hermione called as he began to walk away. "You're going to ruin our chances tomorrow! What's the matter with you?!"

Harry turned his head and cracked his neck; he was going to make sure that they won tomorrow. They'll see. I'll keep up with Ron tomorrow, and I'll even beat him.

---

Thirty Minutes Later

Just as he finished hitting his target, he heard footsteps approaching from behind him. Hermione… She really followed me here? Harry turned around with a slight frown, but his face quickly fixed itself when he saw the Headmaster smiling at him. Professor Dumbledore? What's he doing here?

"Practicing hard, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, his voice calm and kind.

"Oh… um… Yes, Professor," Harry replied. "I've got my work cut out for me tomorrow. Gryffindor really needs the wins."

"Will you be Dueling alone?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes twinkling. "I must admit, I'd like to see that spectacle."

"I don't think there'd be much of a 'spectacle', Professor," Harry tried to joke. "I'm not Dueling alone."

"Then where are your teammates?" Dumbledore asked.

"We um… We got into an argument," Harry admitted, he didn't know why he felt ashamed of that now. "They're probably still practicing behind the Owlery."

"Is something bothering you, Harry?" Dumbledore looked right into his eyes.

Harry slowly realized that this meeting didn't happen by chance. Hermione must've gone to him after I left. When does he ever roam so far out here?

"Hermione told you," Harry said. "That's why you're here, right?"

"You promised to come to me whenever your scar caused you pain, Harry," Dumbledore reminded him, though he didn't sound very disappointed. "Is it still hurting?"

"A little," Harry sighed out. "It's not as bad as before. It was probably nothing."

"But we don't know that for certain," Dumbledore said. "We cannot underestimate the meaning behind your scar. It could, after all, help us save many potential lives."

Harry couldn't help but feel a little guilt at that, maybe he should've just listened to Hermione? I don't even know why I got so angry with her. I just… snapped.

"I'll come to you immediately next time," Harry promised. "I think my scar's affecting my mood, Professor."

"What makes you say that?" Dumbledore asked keenly.

"I just got so angry all of a sudden," Harry confessed. "And I couldn't think straight before that. I kept making mistakes, which started annoying the others, and when they asked me to shape up, I started going off on them. I don't even know why I was so angry to begin with."

"Weren't you in pain?" Dumbledore asked. "Could your temperament be blamed on that?"

"It was bad, but it wasn't that bad," Harry replied. "I just got fed up with them for no reason."

Dumbledore seemed to be thinking his words over, and Harry figured that he needed to go apologize to the others. Especially Hermione. I accused her of wanting to get rid off me. That's mental!

"You should rejoin the others, Harry," Dumbledore finally spoke.

"What about my scar?" Harry asked.

"I will try to find out why it's hurting," Dumbledore replied. "I wish you the best of luck for tomorrow."

"Will you be there, Professor?" Harry asked.

"Of course," Dumbledore chuckled as he began to leave. "I wouldn't miss this for anything, my boy."

Harry watched Dumbledore leave, and once the old Sorcerer was gone, Harry let out a tired breath. His scar wasn't really hurting anymore, which meant that he could now see how unreasonable he'd been. My anger's getting the better of me time and time again. What's the matter with me? Hermione was only trying to help.

Feeling regretful, Harry decided to go own up to his mistake. It didn't take him long to get there, and he certainly wasted no time in approaching his teammates. They were still practicing Harry's idea, but Hermione didn't have a partner. I'm such a git.

"Guys, can you stop for a minute?" Harry asked, and one by one, they all stopped what they were doing.

"Are you feeling better now?" Fay asked haughtily. "Or are you going to tell us off again."

"There's no need for that," Hermione shot Fay a frown, and then she gave Harry a sorry look. "Are you feeling better, Harry?" She really takes my scar seriously, doesn't she?

"I am," Harry replied. "And I'm really sorry for going off on you guys like that. I was the one messing it all up, but I blamed you guys for everything going wrong. I'm sorry."

Dean and Seamus exchanged looks before shrugging, while Fay gave him bored look. Hermione was the only one who seemed to fully accept his apology, and he figured that she was blaming his scar for his poor behavior.

He didn't try to change that.

"I'll try harder this time, I promise," Harry said, and then he rejoined Hermione's side. "Let me know if I start getting slow again. I'll shape up."

"Don't worry, we've got this," Hermione shot Harry a weak smile. Apologizing was definitely the right idea. I just need to calm down here, and we'll be fine.

---

Ronald Weasley's POV

Saturday 16th January, 1994 (Greengrass Manor – Late Afternoon)

Once again, Lord Greengrass was maintaining his silence. He barely spoke, he corrected Ron's mistakes for him instead of scolding him, and he kept giving Ron one-worded answers whenever Ron asked a question.

At first, Ron couldn't help but feel miserable due to his Mentor's cold-shoulder treatment, but as time had gone on, Ron had quickly gotten fed up with it. This had happened so very suddenly that even Ron understood that he was having a mood swing. But then, his chest had started hurting, and that's when Ron knew that the Dark Lord was involved somehow. His scar was connected to Harry's, which he had learned during the Break, and that only left one conclusion. All three of them were connected somehow, and whenever the Dark Lord was emotional, Ron and Harry felt the affects. This was, of course, only a guess, but Ron couldn't think of any other explanation.

"It's getting late in the day, my Lord," Ron finally broke the silence. I'm sick of sitting here in silence. I'd rather go do something productive for a change. "I think I should get going."

"If that is what you want," Lord Greengrass didn't seem bothered. Really? Even last month, you would have torn me to shreds for asking to leave early.

Enough was enough. Ron's chest was burning up, and he was too fed up with the man's childish behavior. He didn't want to start a fight because of his mood swing, and so he decided to be on his way. There's no point in trying to appease him right now.

"I'll be on my way, then," Ron said as he stood up. "I won't be here next Saturday because it's Hogsmeade Weekend. Is that all right?"

"Enjoy yourself," Lord Greengrass looked back to his work. Right…

Ron stared at his mentor for a bit, and then, he let out a sigh as he walked towards the door. What am I going to do about him? I don't want to tell him about my true self, but at this rate, he'll just cut me off. Ron left the study behind, and headed straight for the Greeting Room. He really wanted a break from thinking about Lord Greengrass' silence. I still need to train with my team after this. Merlin, I'm so tired. Maybe I can sneak a nap before training? Yeah, I'll do that. I'll pass out at dinner otherwise.

The Greeting Room was empty, which meant that Mary wasn't in the Manor. She was either shopping, or visiting Pandora in order to support the very pregnant woman. I'm a little grateful that she's not here. I don't want to stick around for another moment. Ron grabbed a pinch of floo-powder, and he opened a floo-jump to Professor Snape's Office.

As he walked into the Office, he came nearly slammed into Carey's back. Bloody hell. Ron barely missed her, and she shot him a surprised look. Why are you blocking the floo?! Huh?!

"Please don't block the entrance," Ron did his best not to be rude. Why am I feeling so agitated? Fuck these symptoms!

"Sorry, Ron," Carey took a step aside.

"Ron, it's good that you've just arrived," Snape said. "Carey, tell him what you just told me."

"What's wrong?" Ron asked Carey.

"Your sister's gone missing," Carey replied, and Ron blinked at her.

"What? What are you on about?" Ron asked with a furrowed brow.

"Madam Pomfrey asked the Professors and Prefects to keep an eye out for your sister," Carey explained. "She had an episode, or something like that, Madam Pomfrey wasn't too clear on the details. I was just telling Professor Snape that Professor McGonagall wanted him to have the Dungeons searched."

"So no one can find her?" Ron nearly lashed out. "Not even the Headmaster?"

"He went for a walk, so we're waiting for him to come back," Carey told him. A walk? What fucking walk? He's a million years old!

"I'll find her," Ron sighed out. "She won't be in the Dungeons, I assure you."

"Good," Snape said indifferently. "That saves us a lot of time-"

"That's my sister," Ron shot the man a frown. Git. "At least pretend to care about your students."

He was just not catching any breaks today, was he? I swear that everyone once a week, the Universe decides to shit on me. I must be the unluckiest cunt on this planet. He made his way towards the Slytherin Dungeons, where his Marauder's Map was, and before he knew it, Carey was walking by his side.

"Are you going to use that Map of yours to find her?" Carey asked.

"Yes," Ron replied. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Carey asked.

"No, I'm all right on my own," Ron refused. "Ginny doesn't really like Slytherin House much, and she'd never listen to you."

"Oh, yes, she accused me of making her brother cheat on his girlfriend," Carey remembered. "My face is the last she'd want to see right now."

"Just keep your focus on the House's training," Ron said. "I know how to take care of my sister."

"Only Pure," Carey gave the password, and Ron physically cringed a little.

"Can we do something about this password?" Ron asked heatedly. "Who in the hell comes up with these fucked-up phrases?"

"I don't know," Carey replied as they stepped inside.

"Really?" Ron asked. Is she lying to me?

"Your brother Percy and I get a list of passwords every week, and we let the Heads of Houses know," Carey told him.

"The Heads of Houses don't set these?" Ron asked. "Then who does?"

"I don't know," Carey repeated. "Never looked into it. It's just how things are done around here." The Headmaster will know where the passwords come from. I need to do something about our entrance as soon as possible.

"I'll see you after I help my sister," Ron parted from Carey, feeling agitated at everything. I just wanted a nap, but now, I'll be running about Hogwarts. This fucking day just won't end… Once again, Ron was fully aware about the fact that his agitation was coming from a mood swing. That, and the scar on his chest was causing him a lot of discomfort.

As he neared his room, Ron decided to drink some Calming Draught before his mood worsened. He didn't want to fight with his friends, nor did he want to upset Ginny unintentionally. Just a couple of drops to get me through this day. Ron entered his room without knocking, and he found his mates loitering about. Blaise was reading some culinary book, Theo was tending to a pot plant by his bed, and Malfoy was hidden behind his curtains. I wonder how he's doing today? I hope that letter helped him a little.

"Welcome back," Theo gave him a quick glance.

"Hello," Ron greeted back.

Malfoy's curtains opened slightly, and the blonde peeked through to look at Ron. Noticing that he couldn't talk to Ron just yet, Malfoy gave him a quick nod before his head disappeared again. That's a good sign, I reckon. Thank Merlin.

"Theo, can I have some Calming Draught?" Ron asked, and Theo looked him over. "Just a couple of drops."

"Are you having a rough day?" Theo asked.

"Yes, I really am," Ron rubbed his face. "I'm in a hurry here, mate. Please just give me a vial."

Theo reluctantly grabbed one from his trunk, and before he handed it to Ron, he gave the redhead a meaningful look.

"Just a little," Theo said, and Ron nodded. Hurry up, I have shit to do.

Theo handed Ron the vial, and Ron quickly took a small sip. This'll help me keep my agitation in control. The last thing I need to be doing is to be stirring up trouble. I'll go find Ginny, and after I've helped her feel better, I'll come back and run the training session. Tonight, I'll be sleeping right after dinner.

---

Twenty Minutes Later

Of all the places Ginny could have chosen to hide out in, why did she have to pick the Northern Wing? It had taken Ron nearly twenty minutes to walk up here, which meant that he wouldn't be back at the Slytherin common room for another thirty to forty minutes. I still have to do my essay, and I still need to train with my team. Merlin, I'm really out of it already. Ron shook his head clear, he needed to focus and stay on task. One thing at a time, Ron.

Once he was outside the room in which Ginny was hiding, he pocketed the Marauder's Map before straightening up his clothes. Ready or not, here I come. With a fluid motion, Ron slid inside and shut the door before Ginny could even look up. She was sitting on a desk in the middle of the room, and judging from her flushed features, she had been crying.

"A lot of people are looking for you, Ginny," Ron said as he began walking over to her.

"But you're the one who found me?" Ginny was quite surprised, and then she sniffled. "Shouldn't you be at work?"

"I was tired so I decided to come home early today," Ron admitted. "But as soon as I got back, Professor Snape told me to keep an eye out for you. He said that Madam Pomfrey was the one who issued the search party."

"She shouldn't have done that," Ginny wiped her eyes. "I just needed a break, that's it."

"You needed more than just a break from where I'm standing," Ron said. "What happened, Ginny? Why did you run away from your session in tears?"

"I don't want to talk about that," Ginny replied, and Ron drew in a deep breath. How do I get her to open up? I can't just leave her here.

"Do you want me to leave you alone?" Ron asked, and Ginny shook her head.

"No," Ginny replied.

"Then you need to give me something, Ginny," Ron said. "I want to help you, but I don't have the time to chase after you. Tell me what's wrong." Was that too cold? Oh, well. I do have other tasks to do, and if she doesn't want to open up, then I might as well concentrate my efforts on something else.

Ginny tried to read his features again, but she just couldn't figure him out. Why was he suddenly being so cold?

"Are you upset with me?" Ginny asked, opting to ask outright.

"No," Ron replied. "I am, however, on a Calming Draught. So if I sound cold towards you, it's because of the Potion." Leave no chance for misunderstandings, Ron. That's what comes back to bite you in the arse quite often.

"Why are you on a Calming Draught?" Ginny asked, a hint of concern seeping into her voice. "Did you get more bad news?"

"No, I just had a really long day," Ron replied. My Mentor mostly ignored me, and my mood swings are driving me mental. Oh, and my scar is hurting because the Dark Lord is up to something.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Ginny asked.

"Are you really trying to turn this around?" Ron cocked an eyebrow.

"Yeah," she gave a weak smile. "I'm fine, Ron, I promise. I just had to get some of my anger out, and I did that. I feel better-"

"That's not really how it works in my experience," Ron knew that she was lying. "Trust me, Ginny, I've done all of that, and none of it helps. It just makes it worse. The only way to move past something is to confront it, not run away from it in tears."

"Not everyone's the same, Ron," Ginny tried.

"I know you, little sister," Ron said calmly. "You're not the sort to run away crying, and the fact that you did that really bothers you It's why you haven't left this room. It's why you didn't want to be found."

Ginny fidgeted uncomfortably, and Ron waited for her to say something.

"I really hate it here…" Ginny mumbled after a few seconds. "I want to go back home…" Really? You just want to run away?

"Who do you have waiting back at home?" Ron asked. "Mum and dad? Do you really want to live alone with them? Do you want to do all the chores, and constantly get lectured?"

"No…" Ginny spoke to the floor. "But at least I wouldn't be… lonely… I'd have mum to talk to during the day, and I could spend my nights talking to dad and Bill."

"Ginny, that's not the right way to deal with this," Ron leaned back against a nearby desk.

"I know," Ginny sighed out.

"It might take a while, but eventually, things will start feeling normal again," Ron promised. "You'll make friends, you'll get Luna back, and you'll start feeling like your old self. The only condition is that you have to put in the effort."

"I've been trying," Ginny said weakly. "You know I have…"

"And you need to keep trying," Ron said. "You're doing well, Ginny, so don't stop now."

Ginny nodded lightly, a distant look on her face. Ron wasn't really satisfied with her answer, so he decided to try something unorthodox. Maybe Ginny needed a starting point? Maybe she needed someone to show her the right way?

"I have an idea," Ron said, and Ginny looked to him. "From now on, why don't you come to my morning runs?"

"Your morning runs?" Ginny blinked. "You want me to go running with you?" Was that too sudden?

"My friends will be there as well," Ron said, and Ginny immediately looked reluctant. "I'll talk to them for you, and you can try to have a fresh start with them. This might help you see that we Slytherins are also 'normal people', and it'll give my friends the chance to get to know you."

"Ron, they don't like me much-" Ginny started.

"So change that," Ron cut in. "Stop giving up so quickly, Ginny. Just start working on something already, because at this rate, you're only making empty promises. I'm not trying to corner you, and I definitely don't want to upset you, but I also don't want to coddle you. I'm giving you a chance to learn more about the House that scares you, but until you agree to take that chance, I can't do much for you."

Ginny looked back down at her dangling feet, she was definitely mulling his words over.

"Okay…" Ginny finally agreed. "Please talk to them…" She agreed? That went far more quickly than I anticipated. Is she really feeling that lonely?

"I'll talk to them tomorrow, and you can start joining us on Monday," Ron said. "We start running at half past six, but be there by quarter past six. We all stretch and freshen up for about fifteen minutes before we start running."

Ron pushed himself off of the desk; he needed to take her back to Pomfrey before this turned into a manhunt.

"Are you going to leave now?" Ginny asked. I really should. I've got a lot of work to get done tonight.

"I can stay for a little bit," Ron decided to prioritize his sister once again. Ginny's worth far more than House Points, and she needs someone to keep being there for her. "Scoot over, and I'll come and sit next to you."

Ginny smiled a little, and then she quickly scooted over.

---

Saturday 16th January, 1994 (Slytherin Training Room – After Dinner)

The Training Room was relatively empty right now, and the only students around were the perfectionists who didn't plan to make a single mistake tomorrow. This included the seventh years, the fourth years, and Ron's friends. Well, my friends are only here because I forced their hands. It's important that they all train, even if some of them aren't competing tomorrow.

His bizarre feelings of random agitation were long gone, but this had resulted in the Calming Draught somewhat numbing him. He wasn't being anti-social, and yet, he really couldn't be bothered with listening to other people. I'm still surprised that things went so well with Ginny. She's clearly trying her best not to start any fights with me. I just hope that she extends that courtesy to my friends.

Ron finished signing his name to his Herbology essay, and just as he looked back up, he saw Malfoy walking over to him. He went and did the essay by himself, despite me offering him Theo's work. He's really stubborn. Ron's semi-cold gaze examined the Malfoy heir, and much to his own confusion, he still thought that Malfoy was quite easy on the eyes. Something is definitely wrong here. I need to speak to Madam Pomfrey about this. Just before, I spent over twenty minutes staring at Pansy's arse. Is sexual deviance a symptom of brain damage? I fucking hope not.

"The others are wondering if you want to join us," Malfoy said as he stopped in front of Ron.

"And they sent you?" Ron cocked an eyebrow. Unlikely.

"They couldn't decide on who should approach you, so I decided to put an end to their debate," Malfoy replied with an equally cold tone.

"The Calming Draught," Ron nodded to himself. "They're worried that I'll snap at them." I'm too sleepy to snap at anyone, I reckon. Now that I've finished my homework, I plan to go to sleep immediately.

"Something like that," Malfoy said. "So? Do you want to join us?"

"Not particularly," Ron replied. "Our plan for tomorrow is simple, and you don't need me for it."

"Are you really sure that Potter and Granger will try to keep you occupied?" Malfoy asked. I saw them training away from their teammates on the Map, so I can safely assume that they plan to keep me busy. It's a terrible plan, especially because I could level them both within seconds.

"I'm sure," Ron told Malfoy. "Do you need anything else? I've noticed that you keep looking in my direction." Though I'm the one who's eyeballing all of his friends… I'll ask Pomfrey for a special session tomorrow. Something is not right up there, I can feel it.

Malfoy shot a quick look back, and then he focused only on Ron. His gaze was intense, and Ron found himself staring into the other boy's eyes. He has nice eyes. They're grey, just like Sirius'. Must be a Black Family trait.

"Can we talk?" Malfoy asked. "Alone?"

Ron drew in a deep breath; he really couldn't be fucked right now. Just do it, Ron, or he'll be distracted tomorrow. Ron packed up his essay, collected his books and Theo's work, and then he stood up to his full height.

"I need to go put these away," Ron said. "Let's go."

Without another word, Ron began making his way towards the boys' dorms. Malfoy followed after him, though he didn't say a single word. Ron figured that Malfoy was waiting until they were alone before he brought up his mother, which actually gave Ron time to think about his potential answers. I can't tell him how I did it, and I can't promise him that I'll do it again. I took a huge risk for his sake, and I need to make sure that he understands that. I can't fuck up everything for one person's benefit.

Once they were both in their room, Ron went about putting everything in its proper place. Malfoy said nothing, probably because he was building up the courage to speak his mind. In full honesty, Ron found this sort of meek behavior pathetic, and he was seeing it increasingly from the people around him. Just say what's on your mind, or stop being such a coward about it. What's the worst that will happen?

"Are you going to speak? Or do you plan to keep staring at me?" Ron asked as he tucked his essay away.

"How did you do it?" Malfoy asked. "That letter… It had her handwriting."

"Well, I hope so, considering that she wrote it," Ron turned to face Malfoy. "As for how I did it, that doesn't matter."

"That doesn't matter?" Malfoy blinked. "You broke into her cell somehow, completely evading the Order to boot. It doesn't make any sense." It does if you don't discount the Elves. And 'cell'? Her room is nicer than mine.

"We agreed that you wouldn't ask any questions," Ron reminded Malfoy.

"That was before you pulled this off," Malfoy said. "I didn't think that you could… But you somehow did it… I just want to know how you managed this, Weasley."

"So you can do it yourself?" Ron asked calmly.

Malfoy said nothing, but Ron had his answer. I get where he's coming from, but it's a really terrible idea. He'll ruin his chances with the Order, and they'll definitely lock her away in the attic again.

"You wanted some peace of mind, and I've given you that," Ron said. "Don't ruin it by reaching for more."

"So you're really not going to tell me?" Malfoy frowned deeply. Is he really frowning at me right now? After what I just did for him?

"You know… Maybe you should thank me for risking my arse for your sake instead of getting upset because I'm not doing you one more favor," Ron said, and Malfoy quickly fixed his expression. "She's safe and sound, and if that letter doesn't prove it, then you can take my word for it. I saw her myself, and she didn't have a scratch on her. She has a decent sized room, she has a comfortable bed, and judging by how she was dressed, I'd say that she wants for nothing."

"How she was dressed?" Malfoy repeated, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"She was wearing a nightgown," Ron shrugged, and Malfoy looked ready to jump him. "Relax, Malfoy, I didn't spy on her." I find your mother far too repulsive to do that.

Malfoy slowly calmed himself down, and after a few seconds, he looked into Ron's eyes.

"Thank you, Weasley," Malfoy said, he clearly wasn't happy about thanking Ron. It's better than nothing, at least.

"I've upheld my end of the bargain," Ron said. "It's time for you to do the same. No more hostile behavior, no more blaming others for your problems, and no more moping about. Do you remember our chat back at the start of the Break?"

"I do," Malfoy replied curtly.

"Gain some control over your own life, Malfoy," Ron said. "And don't be such a stubborn bastard all the time… If you need help, then just ask for it. There are still people around who want to help you, but we'll lose our patience eventually."

Malfoy drew in another deep breath, and then he gave a quick nod. He really doesn't like listening to me, does he? Whatever. I did my part, and that's all that I can do for now. Now, it's up to him to try and be better.

"I'm going to bed," Ron turned around. "Goodni-"

"Wait," Malfoy said, and Ron turned back around. Now what? "I have one more letter for her…"

"You have got to be joking," Ron frowned a little. "Really, Malfoy? You're going to pull this on me?"

"Please, Weasley," Malfoy all but whispered, vulnerability flashing across his face.

Sadly for Ron, he hadn't consumed enough of the Calming Draught to be completely detached, and so he felt a small amount of sympathy for Malfoy. The look on Malfoy's face was all too familiar to Ron; it was the look of desperation and shame. It was obvious that Malfoy hated relying on Ron for anything, but he loved his mother enough to swallow his pride. He's a regular 'son of the year', isn't he?

Ron wanted to refuse so badly, but he also couldn't ignore that bloody look.

"Fine," Ron said sharply. "Give it to me, and I'll deliver it to her." I'm such an idiot for taking this risk again.

Malfoy didn't hesitate for a second, making sure that Ron didn't have the chance to change his mind. This is the last time I'm doing this. After this, I'm putting my foot down.

---

Sunday 17th January, 1994 (The Boys' Room – Past Midnight)

"Lord Weasley," came a voice from his side.

"Hmm?" Ron groaned in a half-asleep fashion.

"Lord Weasley must wake up," Kreacher croaked, and Ron slowly opened his eyes. What's going on? It's pitch-black in here.

"Kreacher?" Ron whispered. "Is that you? What time is it?"

"It is well past midnight, Lord Weasley," Kreacher croaked. "Forgive Kreacher's interruption, but Kreacher was told that this was urgent."

"Who told you what was urgent?" Ron sat up. "Is everything all right?" No one's hurt, are they?

"Lady Travers sent Kreacher here," Kreacher began explaining. "She wishes to speak to Lord Weasley about important matters. Matters related to the Dark Lord."

"She's back in England? Since when?" Ron asked.

"Lady Travers arrived on Monday, and she has been staying at the House of Black," Kreacher replied. "Come, Lord Weasley, Kreacher must take you to the cliff."

"The cliff?" Ron asked, remembering Victor's fate. "Why there?"

"Kreacher did not ask," Kreacher croaked.

"Right," Ron rubbed his face tiredly. "Give me a couple of minutes to wash my face, Kreacher. I'll be right back." I'll grab Malfoy's letter too. Might as well deliver it tonight now that Kreacher's here.

---

Five Minutes Later

"You stole my trick," Ron said as he approached the cliff, Kreacher had opted to stay far back.

Emilia turned to face him; she was wearing her usual uniform-like clothes. And she's got her sword. I should keep some distance between us.

"At least I didn't have you kidnapped in your sleep," Emilia said coolly.

"Would you be that petty?" Ron asked.

"The thought did cross my mind," Emilia replied. At least she's honest.

"Why did you want to see me?" Ron asked. "Kreacher mentioned that this was urgent."

"An acquaintance of mine wants to meet you," Emilia replied. "Do you remember the name Solomon? I once told you about him." This Solomon character again?

"He was the smuggler, right?" Ron asked. He died in the future because of Victor gave him up to the Death-Eaters.

"The very same," Emilia said. "He's currently operating out of King Solomon's Bakery in Diagon Alley."

"That place?" Ron frowned. "My brothers and I nearly got into a fight with a bunch of thugs who were helping build that dump."

"He owns a lot of these 'bakeries'," Emilia told Ron. "To the outside World, they are a successful chain of bakeries all over Magical Europe, but selling bread isn't their main business. These places are fronts for the criminal underworld. Smugglers, Wands-for-hire, spies, assassins, and dealers of illicit goods work out of these bakeries, and they all pay Solomon a hefty cut."

"He keeps them hidden from the Aurors," Ron said. "He's clearly not just a smuggler." Should I really meet this man? He sounds like a terrible human being.

"The majority of his money comes from his smuggling rings," Emilia told him. "These bakeries are a lucrative side-business."

"And how do you know this criminal?" Ron asked.

"He was helping my Great Aunt and Cornelius Nott usurp my rightful place as the Head of my Family," Emilia replied. "He was the middle man of their negotiations, and he smuggled their illegal documents."

"And you let him live?" Ron asked.

"He was only doing his job," Emilia replied. "I chose to cut the head of the snake instead, which put Solomon out of a job. But saying that, I still gave him a reminder that I'm not to be crossed." A reminder?

"But now we're working with him," Ron said. "Can we even trust someone like him?"

"He is very resourceful, and quite intelligent for a Half-Troll," Emilia said. Half-Troll? Someone fucked a Troll? Why? How horny do you have to be to fuck a Troll? Wait… Maybe some Troll forced itself onto a witch? Merlin, that's a disturbing thought. "We definitely can't trust him, but we need him. We can't let our enemies control the entire underworld, and with Solomon on our side, we'll have influence in a large portion of it." Bloody hell, I really don't like the sound of this guy.

"And why does he want to meet me? You didn't tell him anything about me, did you?" Ron asked. The last thing I need to be seen doing is associating with criminals.

"I didn't even mention you," Emilia replied. "He asked after my 'partner' in Lord and Lady Abadie's murders."

"It wasn't 'murder'," Ron rolled his eyes. "What they were planning was murder. You and I simply stopped them from starting a damn war."

"Whatever you want to call it, it attracted Solomon's attention," Emilia said. "As it turns out, Lord and Lady Abadie were one of Solomon's patrons. He isn't too happy about the fact that we've inadvertently lightened his pouch, and he wants us to become his patrons as a way of paying him back."

"I don't owe this criminal anything," Ron said.

"Don't be a fool," Emilia said bluntly. "A man like Solomon is an extremely dangerous enemy to have. Just pay him what he wants, and then use what he gives you. Why make another enemy for the sake of pride?"

"I'm surprised to hear you, of all people, say that," Ron stated. "Doesn't your 'honor' forbid you from associating with criminals?"

"Do not speak of things that you don't understand," Emilia said, a challenging glint in her eyes. "We Ronin use whatever means available to us in order to fulfill our pledges. Solomon is not my enemy, the Death-Eaters are." Yeesh, there's no need to be so irritable. I won't mention your honor again.

"So if I don't become his patron, he'll move against me?" Ron asked.

"That is how their World works," Emilia regained her composure.

"Great," Ron looked off of the cliff. "Is there a way I can keep my identity a secret? I don't want to be seen associating with a criminal. It'll jeopardize my other plans." Plus, the last criminal I worked with ended up at the bottom of this very cliff.

"Use an alias and a disguise," Emilia shrugged. "I plan to become his patron simply to avoid making him my enemy, and I can only advise you to do the same." I don't need another enemy, and having some influence within the criminal underworld would be rather handy. But this guy sounds like horrible news, and if I'm seen doing business with him, I'll probably get into trouble with the Aurors. That would seriously fuck up my plans going forward.

"How long are you staying for?" Ron asked.

"I'm in no rush to leave," Emilia replied.

"Then let's meet back here on Wednesday night," Ron said. "I'll get a disguise ready, while you ask Solomon to join us." He better be worth it. "Is there anything else that you need to tell me?"

"When will Daphne Greengrass help me establish my business within Magical Germany?" Emilia asked. "I am only dealing with her because you asked me to, but she is starting to waste my time. I could've handled all of this on my own ten times over by now." Daphne still hasn't prepared her side of things? I should talk to her about this tomorrow.

"I will let her know that you're growing impatient," Ron said, and Emilia gave him a curt nod.

"Kreacher!" she looked towards the Elf, who quickly cracked to her side. "Our business here is finished, so take Mr. Weasley home."

"Actually, take her home first," Ron said. "I still need you for something."

Emilia cocked an eyebrow, but she didn't ask any unnecessary questions. Instead, she offered Kreacher her arm, and the Elf took it without hesitation. He acts pretty fast whenever she wants something. Is he scared of her? She hasn't hurt him, has she? Kreacher Apparated them both away, leaving Ron alone on the Cliffside.

Just as Ron decided to enjoy the view, Kreacher cracked back to his side.

"What does Lord Weasley require of Kreacher?" Kreacher asked.

"Has Emilia done anything to you?" Ron asked. "Anything cruel?"

"Lady Travers lacks manners," Kreacher croaked. "But she has not mistreated Kreacher." Really? "Lady Travers does not see Kreacher as something to be noticed." Wow.

"Let me guess," Ron frowned a bit. "She thinks that you're not worth her time."

"Lady Travers has made that very clear, Lord Weasley," Kreacher replied.

"Don't let her walk all over you, Kreacher," Ron said. "She's not your Master, nor is she 'superior' to you. And if she ever hurts you, I want you to tell me. All right?"

"Kreacher understands," Kreacher croaked, a hint of a smile on his wrinkled old face. "Is this what Lord Weasley wanted from Kreacher?"

"Actually, I need you to take me back to Narcissa Malfoy," Ron said. "I need to talk to her again."

"Kreacher understands," Kreacher said as he offered Ron his hand, which Ron took before he could second-guess himself. Damn Malfoy's really effective puppy-eyed look. Ever since I started working on my anger, I've been stuck doing grunt work for other people.

Ron suddenly felt himself being sucked into a vortex, his body being crushed and uncrushed as Kreacher Apparated them into Narcissa Malfoy's room. Ron looked to Kreacher in order to ask him to Silence the room, but Kreacher was already a step ahead.

"Thank you," Ron whispered, and Kreacher shot him a quick glance as he worked his Magic.

Ron navigated his way towards the bed in the dark; he couldn't believe that he was back here again. This is going to be a heavy letter for her. I can't believe that she tried to have her own sister killed just so she could join the Dark Lord. I won't lie; I want to see her answers to Malfoy's questions.

"Kreacher is finished Silencing the room, Lord Weasley," Kreacher said, and then he cracked out of the room.

Ron sat down on the edge of her bed again, but this time, he didn't bother Silencing her. Instead, he gave her shoulder a firm shake. Within a heartbeat, she was sitting up, her blankets covering her body. Even in the dark, Ron could see her hateful sneer aimed at him.

"Hello," Ron greeted, coldness seeping into his voice.

She just glared at him, and Ron figured that she didn't know that she could talk.

"I didn't use the Silencing Charm on you this time around," Ron told her. "The room, however, is completely soundproof."

"Why are you here again?" Narcissa demanded. "Has my son sent you with another letter? Or do you plan to beat a defenseless woman again?" It was one punch, and I held back considerably. Stop whining.

"You're anything but defenseless," Ron said icily. "How many people have you watched die in your dungeons? Huh? Hundreds? Thousands? I mean, the Malfoys offered their home to the Dark Lord during the Great War, right? I bet you enjoyed enslaving and torturing people."

"I've never once gotten my hands bloody-"

"Just because you had others do your dirty work for you doesn't mean that you're innocent," Ron cut in. "You enjoyed what went on in your home, which is why you followed that mad fuck. You, your husband, and everyone like you two are a disease on this World." And We're the cure.

"Don't speak like you know what you're talking about, boy," Narcissa said. "My husband and I were trying to save Wizarding Britain-"

"Save Wizarding Britain?" Ron 'chuckled'. "Is that what you were doing? Oh, I'm so sorry, then. I had no idea that you two were so selfless and heroic. Let me get your autograph, please." Delusional bitch. "Were you trying to save Wizarding Britain when you tried to assassinate your own sister?"

Ron's question was met with silence, but he waited patiently for Narcissa to talk her way out of this one. I really want to hear her excuse for this.

"Andromeda told Draco about that?" Narcissa finally spoke, her tone abrupt and angry. "Does she think that she can turn my own son against me?" If only…

"I think he'll do that on his own," Ron replied. "He's not like you, and he's definitely not like your husband. He tried to be, and for a long time, he was well on his way, but he doesn't have the stomach needed to be as cold as you two. Now, some people might call him weak for that, but personally, I like that he has a limit for cruelty. It makes him… salvageable."

"You will not have my son," Narcissa hissed. "None of you will have him."

"So you want the Dark Lord to have him?" Ron asked. "Really? You think he'd survive for long in the ranks of the Death-Eaters. I don't think he would."

"The Dark Lord… Dumbledore… They're both the same-"

Ron moved across the bed, his eyes flashing red as his face twisted with genuine hatred.

"Don't you dare disrespect the Headmaster near me," Ron whispered dangerously, his blazing red eyes causing Narcissa's heart to stop beating. "I'll cut you into little pieces, and then I'll feed said pieces to your husband."

He glared right into her terrified eyes, and for a moment, Ron genuinely thought about carrying out his threat. Relax, Ron… Calm down before you do something that you later regret. Malfoy still needs this bitch, and I don't want to be the one who pushes him into the Dark Lord's embrace. Ron drew in a deep breath as he moved back to his original spot, his eyes returning to normal. Silence filled the room, and Ron was dead certain that Narcissa Malfoy was no longer breathing. Even in the darkness, her fear was very easy to see.

After a few more seconds of Ron calming himself back down, he decided to get on with his task. Why was he even debating with a woman like her? She literally believed that genocide was good for the Wizarding World, and if given the chance, she'd have killed her own sister just to further herself in the World.

Ron reached into his robes, pulled out Draco's letter, and then he tossed it over to her.

"Read it, and then write a response," Ron ordered. "The sooner I can be on my way, the better."

---

Thirty Minutes Later

Ron finished reading through the letter, and then he gave Narcissa a dull look.

"So you tried to have your own sister killed because she chose a life for herself?" Ron asked. "Do you really think that Draco's going to agree with this?"

"Andromeda chose her life, which in turn condemned ours," Narcissa replied coldly. "The Dark Lord wanted us to clean up after her, and if we had dared to disobey him, he would have killed us. Andromeda knew this, and she still chose to pursue her own happiness. She condemned the rest of us for her happy ending."

"So turnaround was fair play?" Ron asked.

"The Family is more important than any one individual," Narcissa replied. "Didn't your Blood-Traitor mother teach you that?" Do you want to get hit again?

"So if Draco chose a life for himself, but endangered yours in the process, you'd betray him too?" Ron asked.

"What?" Narcissa's gaze turned sharp.

"The Family would have to come before any one individual, right?" Ron asked. "Yeah… That's where your line of thinking leads you. At least I save my cruelty for my enemies, but people like you are cruel to everyone. You think the World belongs to you, and that if you don't like something about it, you have the right to correct it. You've known nothing but privilege your entire life, and you don't want to lose that. That's what your beliefs boil down to in the end."

Ron pocketed the letter, why was he debating with her again? Judging from the look on her face, she didn't want to listen to a single word that was coming out of his mouth.

"This letter is fine," Ron said. "We won't be seeing each other again for a long time."

"If you hurt my son, I swear to the Gods-" Narcissa started, but Ron Non-Verbally stunned her.

The Spell was strong enough to knock her unconscious, but not strong enough to send her reeling through the air. She simply dropped in her spot, a tranquil look on her face.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" Ron asked her unconscious form, and then he aimed his wand at her. "Locomotor."

Narcissa's body floated into the air, and Ron once again dropped it unceremoniously onto the bed. Something needs to be done about her eventually. I'll talk to Professor Snape about her, and see what he thinks.

"Kreacher," Ron called, and the old Elf cracked into the room. "I'm ready to go back to Hogwarts, mate. Can you help me?"

"Certainly, Lord Weasley," Kreacher walked up and held out his hand.

Ron drew in a deep breath before taking Kreacher's hand, and he prayed that his symptoms didn't start playing up again. Kreacher Apparated them into Ron's room, both of them landing behind the curtains of Ron's four-poster bed. Ron quickly began to feel lightheaded, his right leg becoming as structurally stable as jelly. Shit, not again. He quickly sat down on the bed, mostly hoping that Kreacher didn't notice his symptoms. Is this going to happen every other time I Apparate? If so, then I'm not going to be Apparating often.

"Thank you, Kreacher," Ron said, and the Elf bowed deeply.

"Does Lord Weasley require anything else?" Kreacher asked, and Ron shook his head.

"No, you can go back home, mate," Ron replied, and Kreacher popped out of the room. He knows when to be quiet. Marty could learn a thing or two from him.

Ron massaged his face, patiently waiting for his lightheadedness to leave. His right leg still felt numb, and when he tried to move it around, it was lethargic and heavy. I need to tell Madam Pomfrey about this. I'm feeling these symptoms more and more often for some reason. Is the Entity not healing me anymore? Ugh… I hate this feeling of uncertainty wherever the Entity is concerned.

After nearly ten minutes of just sitting in the dark, Ron began making an effort to stand back up. Very slowly, he moved through the room and towards Malfoy's bed. My leg feels like it's made out of metal. It's heavy, and it's barely responding to me. He slid past the curtains of Malfoy's four-poster bed, making sure to shoot Malfoy a quick glance. He's asleep. Good. Ron limped to Malfoy's side table, dropped off the letter, and then turned around to leave. No need to linger, Ron. Let him sleep in peace.

Ron quietly made his way past the curtains, closing them behind himself before limping towards his own bed. Just as he neared his bed, a sharp pang of pain shot up the back of his skull. Ron had to grit his teeth in order to not start cussing. What the fuck was that?!

"Hello, handsome," came a very familiar voice from behind him, and Ron immediately adorned an annoyed look. Fuck me dead, the king of cunts is back to annoy me.

---

Twenty Minutes Later

"So you're finally back," Ron broke his silence; he hadn't said a word until he had reached Sanctuary. "You were gone for a while there, and so abruptly to boot."

"Did you miss me?" Ravenclaw Ron smirked, while Ron walked over and sat down in his favorite chair.

"No, I was just wondering about what you get up to when you're not annoying me," Ron shrugged, and Ravenclaw Ron eyed him critically.

"Something's different about you," Ravenclaw Ron said. "Let me guess, you've got cold feet about our plan."

"There is no plan," Ron said. "There is no 'us'. I'm not looking for another partner, especially one that is mentally unhinged."

"Ouch," Ravenclaw Ron drawled. "Do I really have to talk some sense into you again? Your stubbornness is becoming tedious to deal with." I'm like a red-furred goat, mate. Stubbornness is all I'm capable of.

"Then how about you shut up and listen for a change?" Ron asked. "I don't care about starting a new Universe, and I don't want to destroy the current ones. I think that you're completely delusional about everything, but at the same time, I don't blame you for what you are. It's obvious to me that you're weaker than I am, at least when it comes to pushing back against the Entity's influence."

Ravenclaw Ron cocked an eyebrow, and Ron decided to get all of his thoughts out.

"I saw that smile on your face when you helped Ginny," Ron said, and Ravenclaw Ron's left eye twitched. "You can't even hear her name without reacting, can you? This just proves my theory." You're still human, despite trying to come across as some God.

"You have a theory?" Ravenclaw Ron whispered dangerously.

"I think I'm still in there somewhere," Ron pointed to his past self's heart. "Deep down, Ronald Weasley is still there. He's just buried under your delusions and the Entity's lies."

"And you get this impression because I helped your sister with a pathetic little Spell?" Ravenclaw Ron asked, he sounded quite bored.

"Basically," Ron replied. "Oh, and your disappearance also helped me come up with this theory. I think that for a brief moment, you were really happy to help her, but then you remembered 'what' you're supposed to be, and instead of facing your conflicting emotions, you packed up your shit and left. Don't worry; I do that as well sometimes. You probably wanted some time with the Entity in order to remind yourself of what you want to be: 'A God'."

"You should write a novel," Ravenclaw Ron rolled his eyes. "Are you done now? Can we get to work?"

"You really think that I'm going to help you kill all life in Creation?" Ron asked. "Why? Because I was feeling lonely and vulnerable, and for a brief moment, you got to me? Yeah… That's not happening. I found my way back from your crazy delusions, and now that I think about it, I'm ashamed that I even listened to you. I'm ashamed that I almost betrayed everything that I hold dear because you got under my skin." I've learned my lesson, cunt, and I won't be so easy to get to now.

"Do you really want to play this game again?" Ravenclaw Ron asked.

"I won't give in this time," Ron promised. "You are wrong about everything, and I'm done listening to your advice. Your Cycle ended in failure, and I don't idolize losers. Oh, and before you start ranting about how powerful you were, just remember that you're a bodiless soul now. You lost. Period. Your Cycle is finished-"

"I'm not defeated yet," Ravenclaw Ron said coldly.

"You're just a pawn now," Ron said with equal coldness. "Do you really believe that the Entity lets you run free because it's your 'friend'? Are you really that insane? The Entity doesn't care about you; it simply wants you to tempt me with your old powers. It wants to show me that I can be a 'God' under its tutelage, but at the same time, it lacks the humanity needed to understand that I don't care about Godhood. I care about my Family. I care about my friends. I care about my schoolmates. I care about Priscilla and her friends. I care about the Werewolves. I care about justice. No amount of power will change my mind. I've lost way too much to just abandon them all now. I will fulfill my duty to my loved ones, even if it ends with my bloody death. That's how committed I am to my cause."

"A public servant?" Ravenclaw Ron sneered. "That's all the ambition that you can muster?"

"I wouldn't expect you to understand," Ron shrugged. "You don't even see people as people anymore. You had the chance to connect with other human beings, but instead you chose the monster in your head. It twisted and warped you in order to get what it wants, which is endless death and destruction. It even managed to convince you that you wanted the same thing, and yet, when you stopped being useful, it cast you aside for the next Ronald Weasley. How long did it keep you locked away? You know, before you all got set loose in my Cycle? Why are you walking around free only now?"

Ravenclaw Ron said nothing, which was a welcome change in Ron's eyes.

"It's just using you," Ron said as he shook his head. "And you're too weak to face that truth. You don't have the balls to stand up to it, and you never will."

"I'm too weak to face the truth?" Ravenclaw Ron repeated Ron's words, and then, he began smiling like a lunatic. "How about I tell you a truth? Hmmm? It's only fair considering that you've said your piece."

"Go on," Ron said. This should be good.

"I'm the only Ron who knows how our story ends," Ravenclaw Ron said. "I know what awaits all of us Ronald Weasleys at the end of this war."

"And what awaits us?" Ron asked. "Death?"

"Worse," Ravenclaw Ron replied gravely. "We will be locked away within the Star of Madness."

"The what?" Ron cocked an eyebrow. Is he making shit up?

"What you call the Entity is simply just a very small part of a Solar System sized mass of maddening chaos," Ravenclaw Ron said, and Ron blinked at him. "The One Being. The Void. The Faceless God. The Apex Predator. The World Eater. The Star of Madness. These are just some of its many names, and it existed long before the Elders came into being. It wasn't pleased by their arrival, mostly because they had brought the Multiverse with them, and so it set about wiping them out of existence. Countless Universes were destroyed, but in the end, through sheer ingenuity, the Elders trapped the World Eater inside a Star at the far edges of the Multiverse."

"They didn't think to destroy this thing somehow?" Ron asked.

"The World Eater existed before Death, and so, Death has no power over it," Ravenclaw Ron explained. "In the end, even Death will be consumed by the World Eater. That is how everything ends, but you shouldn't worry about that. You should worry about what happens to us Ronald Weasleys. You see, whenever the World Eater restarts a Cycle, it makes sure to keep the soul of the previous Ron. It has been collecting us, and storing us deep within itself, from the very start. We're not completely dead, but we're definitely not alive."

"And why is it doing this? Just to torture us?" Ron asked.

"Pretty much," Ravenclaw Ron replied. "Now, this wasn't such a bad thing at first, because let's face it, eventually one of these Cycles will work out."

"What happens when I finish the Cycles?" Ron asked.

"Originally, Fate would have torn the Entity out of you, and then she would have trapped it back inside the Star of Madness," Ravenclaw Ron replied. "This was going to set us free. Our souls are nothing like the Entity's essence, and so, we can't be hurt by the Magic used against it. It would have lost its grip on us because Creation's Laws would protect us mortals from being subjected to such a horrible end. We would have all moved into the Afterlife, our souls finally at peace."

"But now that's not going to happen?" Ron asked. Peace would be nice, I can't deny that.

"No, and it's your entire fucking fault," Ravenclaw Ron said, losing all of his mirth. "You are the only Ronald Weasley whose soul resembles the World Eater's essence."

"It bled into me…" Ron slowly began forming a picture.

"When you succeed, Fate's not going to tear the Entity out of you," Ravenclaw Ron said. "She's going to toss you into the Star of Madness, and the rest of us will be coming with you."

"The Hourglasses…" Ron whispered under his breath. "We'll be the Entity's chew toy for all of eternity." Oh, fuck me…

"Which is exactly what it fucking wants," Ravenclaw Ron said. "Oh, and this won't just be the World Eater that we're trapped with. It'll be the complete World Eater. All of its power will be at its disposal, and we'll be the only distraction around for billions of years. That's what's waiting for us at the end of all of this."

"Are you telling me that it bled into me on purpose?" Ron asked, he couldn't really hide his shock. If what he's saying is true, then I'm fucked beyond imagination.

"For all I know, yes," Ravenclaw Ron replied. "It clearly believes in this Cycle unlike any before it, so I wouldn't put it past the World Eater to set this up. It probably knew that escaping Fate's trap would injure it, which in turn would change your soul. It also knew that you would start seeing your past lives, as they got set loose in your mind. It conveniently trapped the others inside your mind instead of keeping them inside itself. Now, when you get shipped off to hell, we'll all be coming with you. You are literally acting as our coffin."

"Fuck me…" Ron sighed out, and then, a thought occurred to him. "Wait… What about Fate? What if I ask her to save us from the Star of Madness?"

"She couldn't care less about us," Ravenclaw Ron replied. "She knows that the Entity is denying all past Rons their chance in the Afterlife, but she does nothing about it. To the Elders, you're just a pawn. Everyone is their pawn." Ravenclaw Ron then drew in a calming breath. "Listen to me, you stubborn idiot… I am offering you a way out. I am giving you a method to help save us all. Join me, and together, we can create a new Universe. We will recreate your loved ones in the new Universe-"

"The Entity offered you this deal, didn't it?" Ron asked, seeing through Ravenclaw Ron's 'altruistic' reasons. "It wants you to set it loose on all of Creation, and as a reward for your loyalty, you'll be given a Universe of your own."

"And we don't spend all of Eternity being tortured by it," Ravenclaw Ron added.

"So there is no 'Godhood', is there?" Ron asked coldly. Coward. He'd sell out all of Creation just to save his own skin?

"We will rule the new Universe, while the Star of Madness will simply move on," Ravenclaw Ron replied.

"You can't be this naïve," Ron said bluntly. "It's not going to give you shit, and you fucking know it. After it's done fucking all of Creation in the arse, it'll come for us."

"We can make a deal with the World Eater," Ravenclaw Ron insisted. "You've met it, haven't you? It isn't beyond negotiating. After all, it taught me quite a lot-"

"It turned you into its bitch," Ron spat out. "You disgusting little cunt… You would destroy countless lives just to save your own skin? You really think that that's not fucked up. I mean, the other day, you were going on about how clever and powerful you are, but in the end, you're just scared shitless of a bigger threat than you."

And that's when it hit Ron… Why else would Ravenclaw Ron create a Horcrux? He was scared of dying and being trapped with the Entity, despite being 'friends' with it. He's not a friend to the Entity; he simply serves it and deludes himself otherwise. And now, because of me, he's going to end up being trapped in the Star of Madness. Just like all the other Rons.

"Even in its weakened form, it's still trying to pull my strings," Ron hissed harshly, his claws slowly coming out. "We never stood a chance against Our Father, did We?"

"Father?" Ravenclaw Ron cocked an eyebrow, but Ron was too livid to hear anything.

"Leave Us," Ron waved a dismissive hand, and Ravenclaw Ron let out a pained howl as he caught fire.

Ron tilted his head as he watched his past self be banished in a vortex of fire, and once he was alone, Ron slowly looked down at his monstrous left hand. His fingers were twice as long as his palms, and instead of having pale, freckled skin, Ron's hand was grey with thick, black, visible veins. We can banish him? Oddly, this didn't surprise Ron as much as it should have. Now that he knew about his ability to banish his past self, Ron felt like he had always known about it. It is just another part of Our nature.

Ron looked to his gloved hand, and he saw that his glove was torn beyond repair. Ron's monstrous fingers had ripped through the fine leather, and his claws were currently scraping pieces of the armrest away. With ease, Ron tore the glove off of his right hand and tossed it aside. That's better. Ron shifted and cracked his bones in his chair, his ribcage and spine growing abnormally without his knowledge. Eternal damnation is what awaits Us even if We succeed? Must be a Sunday.

His lips stretched to the edges of his ears, his maw of needle-sharp teeth on full display. He couldn't deny that he was terrified of his future as the Entity's personal doll for all of Eternity, but at the same time, he found all of this highly amusing. Just how much bad luck could one person be born with?

High-pitched laughter echoed throughout the Room of Requirement, and Ron's out of control Magic caused the fireplace to blaze as brightly as a small sun. His thin, abnormal, cackling shadow danced around the room, while the chairs burst into flames and the walls cracked. Father and We will be playing another game of Chess, then. How exciting!

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AUTHOR'S NOTES: And there it is! Once again, sorry for the delay on this one. Also, I'm sorry for not including the Dueling Tournament and Remus' lesson in this one. I plan to write those into the next chapter.

Once again, thank you to all of my reviewers! I really appreciate it, you guys! And even if you don't review, thanks for taking the time to come here. Without all of you here to read my mad ravings, I'd be horribly bored during this Pandemic. Take care, and please be safe.

I'll see you guys in a week, or so.