A Multifandom Collection of Short Stories

26: Goodnight-Ron Weasley

It's nearly four a.m.

The stairs creak.

"What are you doing up?" It's my mother, sitting in the foyer.

"Couldn't sleep. And I'm thirsty," I respond, searching for a glass in the cupboard.

"You have to go to school tomorrow."

"I know, Mother. I couldn't sleep."

"Get back to bed."

I ignore her command, continuing to fix myself a glass of water. I lean against the black marble counter, sipping my water. I set the glass in the sink, and return to the stairs, walking as slowly as possible. My dressing gown catches on an invisible hook, making me stumble slightly. I turn and my mother is glaring at me, her wand raised.

"Listen to me when I speak to you."

"Yes ma'am. I'm sorry." I walk faster up the stairs, turning left. To the right, I hear my father's loud snores. I pass by my brother's room, hearing Draco's soft breaths. I step into my room, shutting the door and clicking the lock. I slide under the blue silk sheets, drifting to sleep.

...

The next morning blurs by. Books are gathered, animals caged, robes ironed. I organize everything into my trunk, placing my robes on top for easy access to them on the train. The four of us climb into a Ministry car, while the driver packs our luggage in the back. I choose to keep Maiko, my cat, in my lap. We arrive at the station at half past ten. Mother fusses over both Draco and I until we push her off.

"Bye dears," my mother says, kissing us both on the cheek.

"Bye Mother," I say, Draco remaining quiet. Draco spots Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, and stalks off. I'm left alone on the platform. I drag my trunk onto the train and try to find an empty compartment. The only compartment I could find was almost full, but still had one seat open. It was occupied by Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom, and Ron Weasley. I blush at the awkward intrusion. I stow my luggage, then sit cautiously next to Ron. I remain silent as they talk quietly. About an hour later, my brother walks in with his cronies. I roll my eyes as he terrorizes the other five.

"Leave them alone," I say, standing up suddenly with a burst of courage.

"What's this? Standing up for Potter and friends? Being a Malfoy and all, I never thought you'd stand up for them." He sneers down at me.

"You're a Malfoy?" Ginny says incredulously. My brother and I start arguing and threatening each other. The others stand around quietly. My brother pulls his wand on me. I step back, my wand still in my trunk. An arm pulls me behind them. I look up and see red hair. Ron?

"Leave her alone, Malfoy. You can pick on us, but your own family? That's pathetic." Ron pushes Malfoy out of the compartment and shuts the door. Harry and Ginny, who had stood also, sat back down. Ron turns to me.

"Are you alright?" he asks.

"Yeah I'm fine," I answer, blushing and getting my trunk to put my robes on. Everyone else in the compartment does the same, making it slightly crowded. The train rounds a bend, making my body sway and press against Ron.