Unexpected | Ron Weasley

Christmas Confessions

Ron sat alone in front of the fireplace at 12 Grimmauld Place sipping hot chocolate while watching the embers dance around the flames. He was pretty mentally drained from the day's festivities. Not only were people celebrating the holiday, but his father was able to return from Saint Mungo's for good. A day definitely worth celebrating.

And he should be happy, he knew he should be, but he couldn't help but be guilt-ridden about the incident in the Room of Requirement. He desperately wanted to send her a letter, wish her a happy holiday, and say he was sorry. He knew, however, that owls were not an option, not here, not now, especially sending something to the house of a suspected Death Eater.

Ron found himself lost in thought, just staring at the flames, wishing he could do something to ease his guilt, until he was suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Why the long face?" Bill asked as he walked in from the kitchen, holding a cup of cocoa.

"I ---" Ron stammered, but before he could explain himself, he was interrupted by Bill once again.

"Girl troubles eh?" he said with a slight grin, and immediately Ron's face turned bright red, and he was so tempted to hide his face in a pillow and escape from impending embarrassment.

"Listen Ron," Bill said, trying to ease his brother's discomfort, "Fred and George told me. And before you get mad at them, its only because they care. And honestly, wouldn't you rather talk to me then them?" he said with a smile.

"Argh" Ron said, "I mean, you're right...about both..." he said avoiding eye contact with his older brother.

"Ickle Ronniekins has a crush" Bill said teasingly, hitting Ron in the arm. To his surprise, Ron laughed.

"Fine." Ron said. His secret was out, no point in hiding anything now. I can trust Bill... I mean... he won't judge. "Her name is Bryony er- Parkinson, and well, she's bloody gorgeous, and brilliant, and smart and..." Ron proceeded to tell Bill everything, well, almost everything. He told him how they met that morning, about the 'Weasley is Our King' incident, and how being around her just makes him smile.

"Honestly Ron, I'm really not seeing any issues here".

"That's not all. Everything was great, but of course I just had to screw it all up" Ron said as he punched his fist into the couch pillow, then told Bill about the incident in the Room of Requirement, and about her family.

"Really, secret club and you didn't tell me. Ouch, but I'll get over it. So, what she's a Slytherin, big deal. People aren't defined by their houses, or their families for that matter. And you should know that more than anyone".

"I know that," Ron said discouraged. "And I tried to tell her, but she left and – its all over isn't it?".

"Listen little bro, you just need to be honest. Has it ever occurred to you to, um, I don't know, tell her how you really feel?" Bill asked.

"You never tell a girl you like her; it makes you look like an idiot" Ron replied, causing Bill to roll his eyes.

"Look, it's clear to me you really like this girl, and Ronnie, if this girl is actually talking to you, and laughing at your jokes, don't let her go. Invite her to Hogsmede or something, and if you don't tell her you like her, tell her you're sorry. You need to regain her trust" Bill said sincerely.

"But... won't Mum and Dad be mad, I mean, if I date a Parkinson?" Ron said quietly.

"Mum hates my earring, but still loves me. Right? If this girl is really as angelic as you describe her, I'm sure they can look past her last name."

"Thanks Bill... I mean really, thanks" Ron said to his brother, "I needed this".

"Anytime Ron, I mean it, anytime. But we should head upstairs, everyone is wondering where you are."

Ron nodded in agreement, which cued Bill to extinguish the fire with a flick of his wand. Ron gave his brother another sincere smile, and then the two red heads proceeded to head up the creaky stairs to join the rest of their siblings, well besides Percy.