Ron settled down next to Harry for the train ride back to London. He'd managed to arrange it so that Hermione had the window seat across from him with Ginny next to her and Luna next to Ginny. He was still miffed that Hermione had gone with McLaggen to Slughorn's party. While he was somewhat mollified by the knowledge that she'd only done it to make him jealous and not due to any attraction to McLaggen, he was absolutely furious that the ass had gotten handsy with her. He needed to learn not to touch what isn't his, and Hermione didn't belong to anyone but him. He had no intention of winning her only to find out that she was used goods.
He also wasn't happy with the attention Ginny was giving to Harry. Although she was mainly chatting with Luna, he didn't appreciate the occasional glances she made in his direction. He certainly didn't like the looks Harry gave her when he thought she wasn't looking. That was going to be a problem sooner than he had thought. He'd have to find a way to keep them apart sooner rather than later. He didn't need her reputation to be further damaged by dating Harry. Not if he wanted to make a good match for her after the war. Maybe he could ask Malfoy if he had any suggestions later.
God, just the thought of having to spend the next few weeks with Harry and his family at the Burrow was suffocating. Draco had the better deal by far. He might not be able to have guests, but at least he had room to breathe. He certainly wouldn't have to share his room with Harry Fucking Potter. He also didn't have to pretend to be friends with him either. Lord knows, he'll have to keep a close eye on Ginny with the prat around.
Speaking of suffocating, Lavender approached their car most likely expecting that he'd saved a seat for his "girlfriend". Thankfully Neville had beaten her to the car and took the last space next to Harry. Ron just shrugged at her when she looked in as if there had been nothing he could do to change the situation. Honestly, he was glad to be free from her for a couple of weeks. Although he liked snogging her and how jealous she made Hermione, she was really more trouble than she was worth. He'd have to end it when they got back to school. He did hope that maybe he could get her to put out first. He was a Death Eater for Merlin's sake! He shouldn't still be a virgin. As much as he wanted Hermione, she wasn't an option quite yet.
With little else to do, besides talk to the others in their compartment, Ron closed his eyes and pretended to sleep. If he was lucky no one would bother him until they reached London. It didn't take long for his pretense to become reality, and soon he was fast asleep. He dozed soundly for the rest of the trip.
*R*R*R*R*R*R*R*R*R*
King's Cross was a mad house like always. Excited parents searching for excited children. Students saying goodbye to their friends before they separated for the break. Ron had managed to spot Malfoy for a moment. Their eyes met for a second, and they gave each other a nod of acknowledgement before Malfoy left with his mother. Ron's mother, of course, was insufferably overbearing. It was like she hadn't done this a million times by now. Still, she cooed and fussed over them all, especially Harry. Which rankled Ron, the woman was his mother, not Harry's. Just because the git managed to get his own mum murdered, didn't mean he got to take Ron's mum away.
Hermione had left with her own parents without so much as a word to him. Honestly he didn't care. He didn't need her to like him. He'd have her either way, so he allowed her little tantrums for now. Lavender had also come by to gush over him. After a few kisses and promises of undying love, he was able to push the daft bint towards her own family and out of his hair. He was definitely going to have to get rid of her soon. After he got a leg over, of course. He wasn't an idiot. That's what girls like her were for. He knew she wasn't a virgin. Everyone did. She fell in "love" often and hard. If he played his cards right he'd be able to get what he wanted from the witch and still be able to break it off and blame it all on her. Her reputation wasn't stellar so no one would be surprised when she lost yet another "true love".
Eventually everyone was rounded up and whisked away. The Burrow would be as crowded this year as any. Everyone but Charlie would be coming home soon so privacy was going to be practically impossible. While that would make his spying a bit easier, it was going to make reporting a bit more of a challenge. He wasn't one for studying, journaling or writing in general. So, he couldn't just be seen constantly scribbling into a notebook.
After Ginny and the diary in her 1st year, well, a notebook that communicated back would be looked at with extreme suspicion. The irony of it wasn't lost on Ron. He was literally using the notebook to communicate with the Dark Lord. He'd figure it out he thought. For now, he just needed to keep his ears and eyes open to anything that may be of interest to his new master.