Autumn 1991

Ronald Weasley

Ron climbed his way to the seventh floor, his thoughts still lingering on Harry's words from earlier. Despite everything else that had been going on, he couldn't help but feel a small flicker of gratitude. It meant more to him than he could ever care to express that some of his friends seemed to actually give a damn about him. It wasn't just Harry, either; Blaise, Daphne, Tracey, Hermione, and even Neville or Theo had supported him in their own ways. Some of them had his back, and despite how isolated he felt, he knew he wasn't really alone. For all the chaos that his life had become he couldn't deny that he had been somewhat lucky to make friends who would stand by him. The cold air of the corridors filled his lungs as his boots echoed softly against the stone steps.

As he reached the top, a nervous pressure rested on his skin and Ron hesitated, his fingers tightening around the door handle. It had been a week since he had met with Sal and he found himself nervous to do so again. So much had happened and he hardly knew where to begin. Trying to sort through the week and his own thoughts was like mopping a giant puddle with a wicker broom. Certain things were clear, while others were webs of loose threads that seemed to ball together in a complicated mixture of emotion and worry. It left Ron breathing harder than usual as if his lungs couldn't quite grasp enough air.

With a final push of will, he opened the door and stepped inside the Room of Requirement. Despite many things in his life seeming to change rapidly, the room looked as it usually did. The stone-worked walls still towered into an arched ceiling and in the centre was the same pedestal as always, the worn cover of Salazar's book sitting primly in its place. Behind the lectern stood the founder, himself, emerald eyes almost glowing despite the flicker of the hearth and torchlight. He wore a questioning look on his face, the kind that sent a subtle feeling of reassurance through Ron's veins. Ron had been worried that Sal would have taken his absence poorly, and relished in the lack of anger.

"It has been a while, boy," Sal said softly. The ease with which he spoke vanished whatever remained of Ron's concerns.

Ron made his way towards the centre of the room, relishing in the warmth of the hearth. "I was in the infirmary for a few days," he explained, "something happened on Hallowe'en."

Salazar raised a questioning eyebrow, "Did your civil war boil over into something more? I know that children fight, but being in the infirmary for a couple of days is a bit of an overreaction. Even in my time, a duel that impacted so much damage would have been barbaric. I can not imagine what spell a first year could have done that would be cause for staying."

Ron took a deep breath. "I used the exploding charm, too close to myself like you warned against. Madam Pomfrey said I was riddled with debris from the explosion and well, I guess it took her ages to sort me out." Ron scratched the back of his neck. "Thing is, I used it to kill a troll. It's a long story, but it was going after some other students. Didn't really have much of a choice, you know? Either I did something, or it flattened them."

Sal stayed perfectly still for just a moment before a small proud smirk spread across his lips. "A troll is not an easy opponent for a wizard of your age, so I commend you, boy. You have overcome your first hurdle as Guardian, it would seem. As I have said to you, your job is to protect this school, and if that means you must put yourself in danger to do so then so be it. There are some things, Ronald, that are more important than your own safety. A wish sometime ago I had kept that in mind when I fled this place."

"Thank you…" Ron said quietly. He felt some warmth spread into his cheeks. Already Percy and his friends had told him that he had made the right decision but it meant so much more from Salazar. No matter what the twins thought, one of the greatest wizards to ever live was certain that Ron had made the right choice. And, if Salazar was certain, Ron was almost sure that Godric Gryffindor would be too, from what Sal said they had both been the closest of friends. He imagined that the twins wouldn't know what to think of that.

"I won't force you to train today," Sal said, "I don't want to risk your health, not when you have just recovered from your wounds. But I would like you to tell me the full story, even if it's a long one. There is something you've said that bothers me, and I need to make sure I'm right. And, boy, there is nothing wrong with what you have done, and I imagine Godric would most certainly agree. Pacifism was neither in the thoughts of either myself or any of the founders. We lived in a time that was much harsher than your own, and we did not have the privilege of doing nothing. I think, unfortunately, you also do not have that privilege. Not when so much rests on your shoulders."

Ron swallowed, once again unnerved by the casual reading of his mind. He wondered briefly if Salazar could reach deeper into his thoughts and retrieve some of the ones he had buried before coming upstairs. Like the thoughts he had about his classes.

Salazar gave him an amused look.

Ron smiled a little awkwardly. He took a deep breath and recounted the entirety of Hallowe'en starting from the morning and ending when he had blacked out. He also took the liberty to explain to Sal what he had felt when he woke up and who had come to see him. His thoughts lingered on the twins, to which Sal frowned and reminded him once again that he had done nothing wrong.

"You will never please everyone," Sal said, "even if you try your hardest. It is only most important that you live up to your duties and at the same time make every effort to live a fulfilling life. In my time, there were hundreds of men who did not like me. Muggles and wizards alike, who cursed my name and called me a monster. Even Godric, who was beloved, had a collection of enemies who would have loved to see him fail. Life is like that, Ronald, not everyone will agree and you should not expect them to. I understand it can hurt when you are betrayed by those you love, but you must imagine that they are doing it for a good reason."

"My brother keeps saying the same thing," Ron sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Reckons the twins are just scared for me, but honestly? I think they're just a couple of massive gits."

Salazar nodded, "Whatever the truth may be, it doesn't do well to dwell on the thoughts and actions of others. You can not change them just as they can not change you. Anything they say is pointless because, from your own admission, you would do anything to stop the fall of Hogwarts so you could save your brother's life. And that, in itself, is selfless, that in itself is what makes you the person that you are." Sal cleared his throat. "I have told you before about the ritual, but the ritual did not make you the Guardian. It chose you, yes, but it did so with the understanding that you already possess the qualities that were needed. That you were already worthy of taking the task. Were you as evil as your brothers would want to believe, then you would have never been put on this path."

Ron nodded. It seemed that everyone around him was telling him to ignore his brothers, and it was probably for the best. Yet, at the same time, he couldn't help but want to prove them wrong.

"There is another thing we must discuss," Sal added, shifting the conversation away. "You said that this troll was in the lavatory in the dungeons? Near the Slytherin common room?"

Ron shook his head, frowning slightly. "No, that's where Professor Quirrell said it was supposed to be, but we found it further up in the castle."

"Indeed," Sal frowned back at him. "And, as far as you are aware, you did not hear of any damage to the exterior walls? Or perhaps a trashing of the grounds?"

"No…"

"Then, I think, Ronald, that there is something still lurking in Hogwarts. It might even be the danger that you are to face." Sal nodded slowly. "Yes, that really is the only explanation for the events you have recounted to me. After all, how would a troll find itself inside of the castle without someone or something's assistance? You have seen how they lumber about, and how they are nearly mindless. Not as daft as some people claim, but hardly smart enough to get past enchanted gates and doorways."

Ron felt a surge of ice in his stomach. "You mean…"

"Yes, Ronald, somebody allowed the troll into the castle. For what purpose, I can't be sure, but there has to be a reason. Even if that reason is just to kill a few first years, that would be evil enough. There are some wizards like that, men without ambition but who take pleasure in the harm of others. We mustn't default to assuming that's the case here, but it is a strong contender. You have to keep an eye out from now on for anything suspicious. Particularly, you must be certain that you are not alone with any of the older students or the professors that you can not trust. It seems most likely that one of them would be responsible unless somebody is hiding somewhere in Hogwarts."

Ron could feel his heart pounding against his ribs. He felt like he was going to be sick. He had thought that the troll would be his biggest concern this year, but now he wasn't sure. "You mean someone could be hiding here? Someone dangerous?"

"Yes, in a number of ways. They could have a Hallow, or they could be a master of controlling minds or even a shapeshifter such as an animagus."

Ron felt like he couldn't breathe and took deep sucking breaths of air. He leaned over backwards and a chair appeared beneath him taking the weight of his feet and allowing him a moment to catch his breath. He felt all at once like his senses were reaching out more than normal as if he could hear every small crackle from the torches and feel every shift in the room's air.

"You are going to have a panic attack," Sal said simply, "if you do not get a hold of your fear."

Ron nodded and did his best to collect himself, slamming his eyes shut and taking even harder breaths. He could hardly believe what Sal was telling him but he also knew that Sal was one hundred per cent correct. The more he thought about it the more it made sense, there was no way that the troll could have gotten into the school. At least, not in any way that the person who built the school knew. There was something lurking somewhere in the school, maybe in one of the abandoned wings or even as close as one of the common room cats. He bit down hard on his cheek and opened his eyes.

"What do I do?" Ron muttered, his voice trembling despite his efforts to steady it. He couldn't help but let fear creep relentlessly into his thoughts. He might have to face a wizard in a fight to the death far sooner than he could have ever imagined. He felt like throwing up.

"You watch carefully and try not to reveal yourself. Do not cast any more spells I teach you outside of this room, at least, not without great danger. You must make it appear as if the troll incident was just that, an incident. Your enemy will likely underestimate you given your age, and they will be quick to think that it was merely a coincidence that you killed the troll. Act as a student your age would. Spend time with your friends and throw yourself deeply into drama if you must. But, be aware, watch the older students and professors around you."

Ron nodded.

"And, you could make the suggestion to your brother, Percy, couldn't you?" Sal asked. "Put the thought into his mind that somebody was responsible for what happened. Given what you've told me, he will worry for you. And if truly he was a stall between Slytherin and Gryffindor then there is a good chance he will set out to help you discover what is going on."

"And if I can't figure out how the troll got in?" Ron asked.

"Then we are very fortunate. Because that means whoever or whatever let it in will have moved on to something else and the present danger will be behind us."

Ron swallowed hard, the weight of Salazar's words settled heavily into his chest. He didn't feel fortunate, and he wasn't sure he would ever not be able to look over his shoulder. The idea of acting normal with everything going on seemed distant and almost impossible. But, despite that, Ron knew that Sal was right, he should act like his friends. If he was going to hide what he was doing then he needed to blend in as much as possible, at least until he could step into the shoes that Sal wanted him to take.

Ron sat up straighter, doing his best to look brave. "Alright, I'll do my best."

Salazar nodded at him approvingly. "You will do well, Ronald, just know that you have my confidence. And, try to enjoy being a child while you still can."

Once Ron had left the room of requirement he couldn't help but stand still in the hallway for just a moment. A strange sense washed over his skin, the air no longer feeling quite as cold and the tumbling of his thoughts finally stopped. He bit the inside of his cheek. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was stepping into a much larger game than he'd ever imagined playing.