The rest of the Summer passes
So it was the next day, and after Ron had spent some time finishing the 4th bracelet. He put on a loose vintage t-shirt and baggy jeans with a light book bag and a pouch that had an extension charm.
He went out to grab some breakfast. He left the leaky cauldron because although the place was pretty cool, the breakfast wasn’t anything to write home about, He couldn’t exactly use that phrase could he?
There was this small cafe that made amazing sandwiches, he decided he’d just get their ham and cheese sandwich and a hot chocolate. Okay, it was June. But he did not care, hot chocolates are amazing no matter the weather and he was going to throw hands to whoever thought otherwise. Today was going to be finishing up the gifts, and touring the vault.
He had finished the second volume of the book last night and it was a big letdown from the first book. He just hoped that the next wouldn’t follow the pattern, he really liked the series. After taking a quick stroll down the street, he decided that being a child out in the streets wasn’t going to be safe. So he quickly just walked back to the Leaky Cauldron.
After spending some time hanging out in the stores and somehow making it into Knockturn Alley he finally it was time to see what was in the vault. He walked into Gringotts, paying no mind to the creepy poem in the front.
He walked up to the nearest goblin and handed him his key. “I would like to see the Prewett’s Vault please.” Ron said politely. The goblin grunted and then took his key to who knows where. Then the goblin returned and then gave him his key. “Follow me.” The goblin said unpleasantly.
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Why did he agree to this? The ride nearly made him throw up, he felt weak in the knees and nearly high-fived god. He managed to make it to the opening of the vault which was dusty from not being open for the past few decades.
When the door opened, Ron gasped. Small mountains of galleons, piles upon piles of Sickles and a weird lack of Knuts. There must’ve been half a million galleons in the vault. He wasn’t even counting the heaps of gems, they were well maintained and still hadn’t lost their sparkle. His eyes were like shooting stars, darting on every little thing.
In the end, he grabbed a handful of Galleons and stuffed it into his pouch. That was going to be used for his school items. After leaving the vault he then went back to his room in the leaky cauldron and started making the rest of the bracelets. He finished all of them at exactly 5:00PM and then quickly went back down to dinner.
When he came back up however, he found a letter waiting for him. “Wtf.” He thought, and then thought about the timing when he realized he had just gotten a birthday banquet invitation that was set for both Hadrian and Neville, and then he started crying when he realized he was going to have to design his own outfit because the dress code was something he didn’t have.
He then spent the next few days creating individual pouches to put each bracelet in. Then started spending the next month making his outfit, learning manners, and teaching himself how to dance so he doesn’t make a fool of himself.
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(Birthday time!!!)
The day had finally come and Ron had barely managed to hide his eyebags. When he got the letter, he had spent so much time on his outfit. But honestly, if he could go back in time, he would do it all over again. The top, oh god the top. It was freaking amazing.
It was rufflely as hell, he did not skimp on the wrist cuffs either. He spent so much fabric on those cuffs alone. Every part of the top was a testimony to the sleepless nights. He had lost weight again due to it… It was a really bad habit. Shrugging it off, he put on the top and the pants, it was very simple but pretty elegant. He had spent some time getting a pure black corset.
He put the corset on the back and then the dark blue coat that fell to his thigh. Now he was ready, by the time he was finished. He looked like a prince. It was amazing. He felt so happy, he felt like he couldn’t be more happy wearing this outfit.
He was told that a portkey would be waiting for him at a specific address. So he quickly ran over, and then touched it before it was too late.
When he got teleported, he was completely out of breath and metaphorically dying. He was told the part would start in thirty minutes. He clutched his pouch and took a deep breath. Before he could continue dying however, he spotted a familiar face. “Hermione!” He breathed, Neville must’ve invited her.
He ran up to the girl. She was wearing a black dress with a halter neck collar and a fluffy skirt that fell down to her knees, her sleeves were elegant and layered with shimmering stars, she wore a brooch tying her normally messy hair in a neat plait. She was wearing shiny red lipstick and a smokey eyeshadow. She looked stunning. Her face was a bit uncomfortable but she lit up when she saw her friend.
“Hello Ron!” She said, her eyes sparkling. “I saw the dress code, I didn’t have many fancy clothes in black or white, so I had to buy a dress. I was really scared that people would mock my dress because it was made by muggles.” Hermione explained nervously, her voice getting quicker with every word.
“Oh don’t worry, your dress is gorgeous, I adore the details of the sleeves, I really do have to find the tailor who made this.” Ron soothed, “and the fabric is really comfortable.” He said. Hermione smiled and laughed softly. “It was such a surprise when I got invited. I hardly had time to make Hadrian and his gift!” She giggled.
“Oh? What did you get him?” He asked, looking at a small gift box. “I was going to give them a book, but I felt a gift with meaning would do them a lot better than just a book.” She beamed. “So, I took up stained glass making, my mum helped me with a bunch of it though. I wanted to make a venomous tentacula for Neville and Hadrian was a bit hard, so I decided to make his house crest” She said, smiling.
“That’s amazing,” Ron complimented. Hermione beamed. “Oooh! What did you make?” She questioned, looking at his purse excitedly. He had put the pouches in a small but elegant black purse. He had it custom made, he supplied the materials and the maker made it for him. It was really high quality and quite literally, dirt cheap.
“They’re a secret, it involves you as well.” He smiled slyly. Her eyes widened and then she pouted. “Then why did I tell you my gift?” She muttered under her breath. Then shrugged in defeat.
They chatted about what they did for the summer for a little longer (“Wait you're a Prewett?!”, “Yep”) and then the long awaited father son duo came in. “Welcome Hadrian and Marvolo Slytherin!” A man wearing very nice dress robes said. Ron wouldn’t bother giving a second look until he realized the dress robes Hadrian was wearing looked extremely familiar.
“Wait, I made those!” Ron noticed, he found himself staring at those dress robes and then Hermione nudged him slightly. “You look really creepy,” she whispered to his ear. He snapped out of it and muttered a quick thank you before looking at Hadrian walking down the steps.
If not for the fact that tons of people were whispering about how they should ask Hadrian for his tailor. He would’ve marched straight up to Hadrian and asked what the heck he was wearing.
He could only let his ears redden up and then he was going to lead Hermione away and tell her why he was so flustered. But before he could take a step away, he spotted Hadrian walking their way. He could freeze in place while Hermione waved Hadrian closer.
“Hello Ron, Hermione.” He greeted them happily, walking towards the duo quickly. “Hello Hadrian.” He was exasperated, Hadrian noticed it and then said. “Why do you look so down? I thought wearing your creation would make you happy?” Hadrian said in mock confusion. Ron got even more flustered when people started whispering if Ron was his tailor.
“I am just really embarrassed.” Ron replied simply and Hermione seemed to catch on and then hurriedly muttered to Ron. “Wait, you made that?” She asked. “I thought you were a beginner?!!” She whispered, elbowing him lightly.
While they were whispering. Completely leaving Hadrian out of the conversation, (he ended up talking to some other people). Neville came in with his grandmother. Unfortunately, people didn’t take him as well as Hadrian. Neville seemed fine with it. He ran up to the duo and they included him in the conversation right away.
They were then led to a corner of the room where every child, except for Draco, were. “Greetings Neville!” Theodore said happily. They started immediately chatting, Theodore Not noticing the look Ron gave him. Hadrian had immediately taken Ron by the wrist, and dragged him to a group of important people. Hermione was wrapped in conversation by Daphne, Luna Lovegood was there as well for some reason and was talking to both Hermione and Daphne.
Pansy and Astoria were giggling at Theodore and Neville. (for good reason) But Ron couldn’t think about for long when Hadrian then brought him to Lord Fucking Voldemort. Or Lord Marvolo Slytherin.
“Greetings, Lord Slytherin.” He bowed, he was going to be as polite as possible, making this man hate him would not do anything good for him. Lord Slytherin eyed him intently before his gaze softened and said something that shocked the people around him. “How could I forget you, Ronald right? My son’s favourite tailor?” Ron was about to punch the man.
“Yes sir.” He said with gritted teeth. “He raves about your work. Truly, your works are marvelous.” Marvolo said, his lips curved into a smile and Ron thanked Marvolo and said he was too kind. After exchanging pleasantries with Marvolo, he was dragged into another conversation with some important officials.
They had shyly asked if he could tailor their son’s clothes. As much as he disliked what Marvolo did. If the man hadn’t given the impression that he himself was impressed with Ron’s works, none of these high ranking officials would be asking him personally.
By the time he managed to get out, he felt like his mouth had completely dried out from trying to humour the officials, he has never been so humble in his life. Not that he gave a reason to be. Then he spotted a pretty lady and instantly recognized her as Narcissa Malfoy. “What’s she doing here?” Ron thought, and Hadrian, acting as if he had read Rons mind, said casually.
“My father went soft on the Malfoy’s, he told people he would let only Narcissa in after the Malfoy’s insulted you in what people call an act to save the Malfoy’s face. But I’m pretty sure he’s just disappointed that Narcissa wasn’t the one to rule the family and this is his way of showing it.” Hadrian said casually.
“And this entire incident started because?” Ron asked Hadrian, in which the latter shrugged and said. “Well, they insulted you.”
Ron could never argue with this guy, it was so annoying. So he sighed and changed the topic. “So, how’s your Summer?” Ron asked, Hadrian smiled really creepily and said. “Nothing much, we went to the Ministry to file a lawsuit against Albus Dumbledore.” Hadrian said casually. “What?” Ron whispered
Hadrian was probably serious. It did seem like something Hadrian would do. Back in school, Hadrian would openly show his dislike of Albus Dumbledore. So did he as a matter of fact, but he wished he was rich enough to sue the man… He really has to stop pretending he doesn’t have a vault with the money equivalent to the budget of a small kingdom.
“Sooooo, What’s my gift?” Hadrian asked, looking at his purse. The thing was, the gifts should’ve been on the table in the corner, but he and Hermione decided to just keep their gifts with them. He told Hadrian and Neville that already.
Ron sighed and took his wrist to where everyone was talking. “I would’ve let you see this later, but since you're so impatient, I’ll give it to you now.” Ron sat down next to Hermione and Neville who were deep in conversation. But they looked up when Ron took the pouches out of his purse.
“Oooh! Is that their gift?” Hermione asked, taking an astronomy inspired pouch by its string and pouted when Ron snatched the pouch and gave it to Hadrian, but beamed when he gave her a pouch that looked more like a book. “Wait, I get one too!?” She said excitedly. Ron nodded and Hadrian darkened.
Neville got on with plants stitched onto it and when they all opened it. They visibly shone. Which was creepy to be honest. Hermione and Neville put their bracelets on immediately while Hadrian just stared at it in awe for a few minutes before carefully putting his on.
They talked and hung out for a few more hours before the end of the party and they were told to get back home. It was a birthday well done if he did say so himself.
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(Back to school! There won’t be any shopping, I need Ginny character development stat)
Ron and Hermione were talking as they waited for everyone in Kings Cross. “Hey!” Neville had arrived, then came Samuel and Lucas, Hadrian wouldn’t be there with them unfortunately.
When they walked inside the platform, the first thing Ron had noticed was Ginny, she was wearing a Summer dress with strawberries on it, looking extremely uncomfortable in the dress. He could understand, just with one look, he could see the fabric wasn’t suited for hot weather, not just that, the fabric seemed really light yet it looked as if it was going to scratch her skin off. He just didn’t remember the name of the material.
Ginny was also scratching her arm, forcing a smile. He was going to have to have a talk with the girl a little later. Because from his intuition, something wasn’t right with her. Hermione and Neville hadn’t noticed, nor did Samuel and Lucas. Ron shook his head and then started talking to the group. Chatting about what they did over the Summer.
“Did you know a celebrity will be taking over the Defense Against the Dark Arts class? He’s really known for being a hater of the Dark Arts.” Samuel said, Ron sighed and said. “I don’t know about that, he just seems stuck up, if you read just one of his books you can find that out on your own.
Hermione frowned and said. “Maybe we just give him a chance, who knows we might be able to learn something.” Ron shrugged and then they changed the topic.
When they finally got on the train, Molly was whispering something to Ginny and then Ginny immediately walked away from her mother. He was very suspicious that Ginny might be a victim in this. He may not have loved Ginny, but she was a child, she was only eleven.
When they found a compartment, Ron put his stuff in and then told them he had some business to clear up. They nodded and once he saw that they were settled in the compartment. Ron all but ran to find Ginny.
It only took him a few minutes to find the girl, she was sitting alone. She was covered in sweat and her arms were red from scratching it. When she saw him, her eyes slightly shone before she stopped herself. She took a deep breath, looked up at Ron and muttered. “Go away.” Molly must’ve done something.
He didn’t falter however and took a seat in her compartment. “What’s Molly done to you?” He asked calmly, Ginny looked up at him, her eyes widening before turning back to normal. “Mum did nothing! It’s you, you're the problem, you betrayed this family!” She cried, Her legs shaking. Ron felt bad for the girl.
When Ron tried to touch her hand. Ginny jumped back and cowered. “Get away from me!” She screamed softly. Ron didn’t know what to do, he didn’t have much experience with comforting people. He just quietly took her verbal beating. She spouted on how he had betrayed the family and how mum was so mad at everyone, how he had humiliated Molly.
“We were supposed to do this together.” Ginny whispered, and now she couldn’t stop the overwhelming tears from falling. She sniffled and coughed while Ron moved seats to sit closer to her and hugged her tight. Whispering how she didn’t have to continue living a life she didn’t want to. Ginny might’ve been a brat, but that was how she was raised, she couldn’t help it.
After she was done crying. Ron got up and went back to his compartment. After a few confusing questions, he told his friends that something had come up and he had to comfort someone. They understood and bade him goodbye as he took his trunk away. Ginny needed someone to talk and rant to, and he had enough experience with that to help her.
When he came back, Ginny was curled up in a ball, still scratching her arms. He sighed and opened his trunk and took out some clothes, it was just a simple oversized t-shirt and pants with the lightest fabric he could find.
He told her to go change, she sniffled but complied, when she came back from the bathroom, she looked more comfortable. He was going to have to order some clothes for her because who knows what other uncomfortable clothes are in her trunk.
They sat next to each other, Ron listening to her rant on how hard her life had been at home. How Molly had been acting like a tyrant. How she cries herself to sleep, it was at this point where Ron had finally understood what was going on. Ginny was getting groomed. That was the only plausible thing he could find. She had been not a villain, but a victim.
He was getting her out of that family as soon as he could and the moment he does, he’s enrolling her into some much needed therapy.