Tales of the Seven- Harry Potter fanfic

Ron's Tale

"You're joking, Perce!"

The last words of his brother were still etched in Ron's mind. He shivered slightly in the cold London air. Pulling his cloak around him even tighter, he broke into a brisk walk, heading for the joke shop in Diagon Alley. Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes.

Pausing on the doorstep, he cocked his head to one side, as if contemplating his decision. Finally, he seemed to have made up his mind and walked into the shop.

As usual, the shop was full of colour. Business had not faltered, and was thriving in the aftermath of the War. Ron scanned the crowd for a familiar freckled face dressed in a suit and tie. Finally he found who he was looking for.

"George! Over here!" Ron cried as he spotted his brother. George saw Ron and waved him over with a surprised yet delighted look on his face.

"Well, if it isn't Ronald the Auror, back from his latest secret mission! What bring you here?" asked George, clearly excited to see his brother again.

"Actually, George, I've kinda decided to quit being an Auror. I'm looking for a job here. Maybe we could partner?" Ron grinned sheepishly at George.

"Merlin's pants! But why?" was the reply. George was startled at the news.

Slowly, Ron told him how he had come to that decision.

"After I became an Auror, I was having a great time. With Harry as my partner, it was just like old times. Plus, 'Mione and I..." at this point, Ron smiled as he fondly recalled how he proposed to her.

"Anyway, I remembered you. Being an Auror was fun while it lasted. But I'm tired, George. Tired of seeing people get hurt, wounded. D' you know what I think of when I see a criminal? I see another bloody Rookwood. Fred didn't deserve to die like this. That's why I quit." He paused and surveyed the store, the labours of Fred and George, Hogwarts' greatest pranksters.

"I wanna help, George. Harry and 'Mione understand. I wanna help brighten kids' lives. Fred would have wanted it, George."

At the sound of his twin's name, George teared up. He recalled fondly his partner-in-crime and his beloved brother. Now with him gone, and Ron all grown up and ready to delve into business...

Maybe the store needed another man to help with.

"Alright, Ron. Partners, eh?" grinned George, with a hint of that old smile returning.

END.