An Epic Love Story

17. The Truth of Ronald Weasley

The 8th years had come back from Hogsmeade, and having had a drink at the Three Broomsticks, were feeling somber and peaceful.  Candy was purchased at Honeydukes, and everyone had bought some of Harry's favorites.  They decided to skip lunch in the hall, and grab something light from the kitchens to eat in their common room.  Sometimes being around others was just not all that welcoming.

When they got to the common room, they were surprised to see that snacks had already been laid out on the dining room table.  A mixture of pastries, sandwiches, and tiny bite sized meatballs.  There was a bottle of whiskey on the table, with glasses, and a bucket of ice.  What they didn't know was how it got there.  Not one to question such luxury, they started digging in.  The food was great and the company of each other even better.  They were all chattering away, when Hermoine noticed that Ron had left the table and was standing off to one side.

She stood up and said in a loud voice,  "Ron, what is it?".  He turned around, and they could all see that he had tears in his eyes.  Hermoine left the table, and went to him.  Pulling him into a hug, she asked again, what was bothering him.  He sniffed into her neck, and burst into tears.  A full on cry from the bottom of his heart.  He had to tell them something, he said.  It seemed only fair, after hearing stories from Neville, Luna, Pansy and Seamus.  Hermoine was apprehensive.  What could Ron possibly tell them all that had him so upset.

With their whiskey glasses filled, they all got comfortable in front of the fireplace.  Ron was sitting on a bean bag, facing them.  He had to make sure that everyone here knew what he was feeling, and after today, he would not speak of it again.  Draco was stunned.  He knew he was in for another great story of the golden boy, and waited patiently for it to begin.  Pansy and Blaise were also loving the stories from his friends.  It made them feel closer to them.  Closer to Harry, although they knew that they still had to reach a truce with him.  But the fear of being rejected by him had gone.  Just from hearing all the stories, they knew that Harry would also try and be friends with them.

"The day I met Harry on the train, in our first year, was probably the best day of my life.  I had no idea who he was when I asked to share his cabin, and he made me feel at home immediately.  After introducing myself as Ron Weasley, he very calmly said, I'm Harry. Harry Potter.  Then when I asked if it was true that he had a lightning scar on his forehead, he gently pushed his hair back and showed me that yes, it was true.  Then the lady with the sweets came round and Harry bought every single thing on her trolley.  I was stunned that such a young boy had so much money.   And to waste it on candy.  I told him about the cards in the chocolate frogs, and how I had been collecting them.  Hermoine entered after a while telling us to change into our robes, because Hogwarts was just around the corner.

When Draco entered the cabin and offered his hand, I was blown away by how Harry had stood up for me.  Had stood up to a Malfoy", he said looking at Draco.  Draco nodded his head, and remembered the day as if it were yesterday.  "He declined the offer of friendship from Draco, and I was so glad that he did.  No offence Draco, but we were being prats to each other.  Maybe everything could have turned out differently if I didn't laugh at your name.  Anyway, the thing with the stone happened,  and the end of the year arrived soon after.  We didn't hear anything from Harry before our second year, and thought that maybe he was having doubts about being my friend, because every single letter went unanswered.

Only to find out that Dobby had been intercepting the letters, because he didn't want Harry going back to Hogwarts.  Said there was huge danger ahead.  Fred, George and I went to save Harry from the muggles he was living with.  They had put bars on his windows, so that he couldn't leave the house, fucking idiots.  I was so angry, but we got him out of there.  Second year was a breeze, if you don't count the fact that a huge basilisk was petrifying students.  Third year was even worse, because Harry's death had been foretold.  That the Grim was after him", he sighed.