Solis

Chapter XL 

Ron put a jacket over his Camp Half-Blood shirt and examined himself in the mirror. Not entirely satisfied, he unzipped the jacket halfway and took a deep breath before heading outside the cabin as he stood atop the hill, surrounded by his siblings, Chiron and Nico, while the car parked itself just below on the road, waiting for him. The redhead had made the decision to spend the rest of the holiday at the camp before returning to Hogwarts. Another reason for his stay was his curiosity about the gods' plans for Hecate, which he hoped to know about from Mr. D during the Winter Solstice.

Ron insisted on accompanying the god, but Chiron refused, explaining that Zeus wouldn't hesitate to kill him if he became angry with Ron's presence but Winter Solstice had already come to an end, and Mr. D had still not returned to the camp. With no other choice, Ron had to leave and return to Hogwarts as planned, with anxiety.

Chiron placed a reassuring hand on Ron's shoulder, nodding in a way that eased some of his anxiety. Ron took a deep breath and nodded back with determination. He was ready to prove himself, find how to stop Tyler, and complete the quest. If Percy, Annabeth and the other demigods could do it, then he could too.

After all, they had always been born be a hero.

Ron took the quiver that Will was holding and then hugged all of them tightly. 

"Show them," Will encouraged him with a determined look.

Ron's bright blue eyes seemed to blaze with a hint of yellow, resembling the color of the sun, as he glanced back at the camp one last time while the car soared upward and away. 

A few miles into his way towards Scotland, Ron's owl, Otus, suddenly appeared. Ron pushed the auto drive of the car and called out to Otus. The owl hooted and dropped a newspaper inside the car before disappearing.

Ron looked at the newspaper, confused, as he unfolded it but the headline in the Daily Prophet left him stunned and choked with surprise when he translated them.

MUGGLES HAD BEEN SPOTTED IN THE MINISTRY? 

      Mr. Hogman, who worked in the Wizengamot Administration Services under the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, was questioned by journalists from the Daily Prophet to shed light on what had transpired:

     "I was having a normal workday when I noticed these muggle kids. One had dark skin and wore a peacoat, another had orange hair, and the third had shockingly red hair and carried backpacks and quivers on their backs. They seemed to be trying to fit themselves into the Telephone Booth of Whitehall. They told me they were going to call their dad but must have dialed the wrong number, ending up here in the Ministry," Mr. Hogman explained during the interview. 

     Their presence caused chaos in various departments, particularly the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Notably, Cerberus, the three-headed dog that was meant to be in Greece but was temporarily kept for examination, had gone missing.

     The Ministry also noted that three of them were familiar: the wizards who had witnessed them helping Muggles that was being levitated up, from an incident caused by the masked wizard that resulted in significant chaos at the Quidditch World Cup, which is still under investigation.

     "I'm telling you, I recognize them. We saw them riding a contraption with a horse-like appearance, but it kept vanishing and reappearing," said a worker from the Department of Magical Games and Sports.

     The Department of Magical Law Enforcement was conducting an investigation to determine if the incident was connected to the three muggles who had accidentally entered the Ministry. Questions arose about whether the Ministry's protective measures against muggles were insufficient, but answers remained elusive.

Ron noticed that the newspaper had been published a week ago and anxiously chewed his lip as he finally saw the Hogwarts castle looming in the distance through the fog. Night had fallen, and his stomach was rumbling, having finished the box of sandwiches that Will had prepared for him.

Parking the car in the Forbidden Forest, Ron suddenly heard the soft footsteps of a horse and saw the magical centaurs, each of them holding a bow in their hands.

Ron nodded at Firenze, asking him to take care of the car, and then trudged his way toward the castle. He sneaked through the grounds and eventually reached Hagrid's hut.

Hagrid was shocked to see him when he opened the door. He had heard the news that Ron had snuck out again, which had made Professor McGonagall very angry, as they were supposed to impress the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang visitors. Ron shrugged as he placed his quiver with dozens of celestial arrows on Hagrid's table.

Hagrid nervously sweated as he stared at the weapons, much to Ron's confusion.

"Fang!" Ron exclaimed as the dog barked happily and ran toward him. The redhead caught Fang with his arm.

Fang licked his face, and Ron couldn't help but smile. It was no wonder why Ron had a soft spot for dogs. Then, it dawned on him that his kneazle, Phoebe, might react strongly when she smelled other dogs on him. 

Suddenly an owl flew into the hut and dropped newspapers onto the table, Ron had a feeling that one of them was about him. He turned to Hagrid, who was in the middle of preparing tea and milk, and asked if he could read the newspapers to find out what they said.

Ron didn't wait for Hagrid's response; he seized one of the newspapers, unfolded it, and settled himself in a chair. As he began to read, he froze when he see the picture. "Uhm, Hagrid..." he began, his voice filled with concern, continuing to read the rest of the article.

Hagrid, clueless, happily set the tea while Ron showed him the Witch Weekly article. However, as Hagrid read the article, he began to shake, tears welling up in his eyes. He dropped to his knees in front of Ron, much to the redhead's shock, as he stood up. 

"I-I didn't mean ter, didn't mean ter, please don't kill me, I'm all by meself, just got Fang for company." He sobbed loudly. 

"Hagrid—"

"—never meant t' hurt no one, please don't kill me. I'll be on me way, I will, please."

Ron picked up the Witch Weekly and tore it apart further before kneeling down to grabbed Hagrid's arm tightly. "No, Hagrid. I won't, I won't!" he reassured his friend. "You're my friend. Why would I—?"

Hagrid could only sob loudly, his eyes and nose red. Fang barked in concern.

Ron gazed at Hagrid with understanding. "Is this why you've been nervous around me?"

Hagrid sniffled and said, "C-can smell ye, ye diff'rent, s-strong n' powerful, me can smell ye been fightin' lots o' giants like me."

"I do," Ron admitted, "But that doesn't mean I will kill you." He sat down in front of Hagrid as he let him cry. Ron watched as Hagrid eventually stopped crying and used an oily handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his nose.

Ron continued, "Look, like you, I am a Half-blood too."

"It says on yer shirt, Half-blood,"

"Right." Ron grinned, "But do you know anything about Half-blood?"

Hagrid sniffled, "'course I am, half wizard n' half o' muggle, o-or like me, half-giant."

"You're both right."

"B-but yer not a giant,"

"Yeah, but," Ron explained. "I have some secrets about me being a half-blood too."

Hagrid sneezed into his handkerchief again and looked at Ron. "Whad'ye mean?"

Ron smiled at him and said, "You could say I'm different, just like you. But I'm really not normal. So, are you still sad? Don't rely on that newspaper. Whoever wrote that is a shit."

"S' Skeeter, dunno how she knew 'bout that, but everyone'll hate me now, might as well resign," Hagrid said, trying not to cry again.

"Oh, come on, you're the best Care of Magical Creatures teacher we've ever had, don't give up!" Ron exclaimed. "I love Skrewts, man."

Hagrid started tearing up again as he stood up and looked out the window. "S' alright, I'll have a word with Professor Dumbledore, I-I'll give it a go, ye should head back now, s' six in the mornin' already," Hagrid suggested.

Ron may have complained about being kicked out, but before he could leave, Hagrid hugged him tightly, almost choking him. 

To make matters worse, Mr. Filch was the one who found him sneaking back to the common room. The caretaker grabbed his arm and dragged him harshly to Professor McGonagall in her office. He knew he'd have to endure a long lecture and possibly get detention or even be banned from watching the next tournament. But who knew what the consequences would be?

"Sit, Mr. Prewett," McGonagall instructed, her voice devoid of emotion, but her face pale with anger and she looked like she had just woken up.

Ron obediently took a seat in the same chair he had occupied before when being scolded by her.

"Where, Mr. Prewett? Where did you go this time? New York?" McGonagall questioned.

"Toronto, and—New York." Ron admitted.

"Are you sure?" Professor McGonagall asked, taking something from the table and taking out a Daily Prophet newspaper. "I don't think so, Mr. Prewett. Explain this to me."

"What, haha...what's that?" Ron laughed nervously, though he hadn't fooled Professor McGonagall, who was fuming. The air seemed to hiss from her nose as she read the article, and she placed the newspaper shakily back on the table.

"Be grateful that I'm the only one who knows about this," she continued, her tone stern. "I assume the Headmaster has his suspicions. Fortunately, Mr. Prewett, no one has taken a picture of you. Otherwise, I shudder to think what would happen to the Weasleys, or to your uncle,"

Ron rubbed his palms together uncomfortably, glancing around Professor McGonagall's office. He started bouncing his leg nervously as Professor McGonagall tapped her parchment on the inkwell rather harshly. "Do you even realize the gravity of your actions?" 

Ron remained silent as Professor McGonagall spoke. "Sneaking out without permission, Mr. Prewett," she continued, her tone firm, "you do realize that we do not tolerate unauthorized absences. When a student wishes to leave the school grounds, they must seek approval from the headmistress or their head of house first. But weeks, Mr. Prewett, is a significant absence, and it could lead not only to the loss of house points but potentially to expulsion."

"And this?" Professor McGonagall sighed, her expression one of weariness. "Do you understand the consequences if the Ministry were to become aware of this situation? I want to help you, Mr. Prewett. But I must ask, why did you do it?" 

Ron fidgeted a little and then looked at his head of house. "Would you believe me if I told you?"

Professor McGonagall shook her head and leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "It's not a matter of belief, Mr. Prewett," she replied. "I am here to listen and understand."

"I was told to do it, so I had to," Ron explained. "And I needed to do it."

"Who told you to do this?" 

"It doesn't matter," Ron replied with a casual shrug.

"Mr. Prewett, are you—" Professor McGonagall began but was interrupted by Ron.

"No, I'm not abused," He said, his brow furrowing. "Why does everyone think I'm abused?" 

Professor McGonagall stood up and drew her wand. With a wave of her wand, the parchments, books, and newspapers on her desk vanished, replaced by a tea set. The saucer, jug of milk, and spoon moved on their own, setting themselves up for tea. 

"Professor?" Ron asked, clearly surprised by the change in the atmosphere.

"I've always been watching over you, Mr. Prewett," Professor McGonagall said gently. "Please, go ahead and make yourself comfortable."

Ron hesitated for a moment, but he soon obliged and settled himself. He took a sip of the tea that had been set out for him, he found it to be sweet, mixed with sugar and milk.

"Your mother, Margaretta, was always one of my favorite students," Professor McGonagall began, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "She was a bright witch, and she never hesitated to help those in need, whether they were fellow students or teachers. It's a shame she was not chosen to be in my house." 

Ron frowned and was about to speak, but Professor McGonagall continued, cutting him off gently.

"However, much like you, Margaretta was impulsive," she said, her eyes distant. "She didn't often think twice, a true Gryffindor trait, if you ask me. When I received a letter saying she was pregnant, and the Muggle who was responsible had run away and left her in the midst of a war, I didn't know what to do back then. And when the news came that she had disappeared with you..." Her voice trailed off.

"I had assumed that the Muggle had taken you in when I read your name from the parchment," she added, her voice tinged with concern. "Tell me, Mr. Prewett, did he?"

Ron stared at the saucer in front of him for a moment before responding, "No. But—"

"Tell me the truth, Mr. Prewett," Professor McGonagall interrupted firmly.

"Yes, he did," Ron admitted, his voice quivering slightly. "But..." He paused, taking a deep breath. "But he wasn't there. He...he left me with my...my family. Okay?"

"Your family?"

"My other family," Ron clarified. "My dad. He's kind, but he's just always busy, and...and..."

"Does he dislike you because you're a wizard?" she asked.

Ron nodded slowly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I think so, yeah." He was confused but he looked down, unable to meet her eyes.

They fell into a contemplative silence for a moment. Then Professor McGonagall spoke again, "Is he the one who told you to go to the Ministry?"

Ron looked up in surprise. "What? No!" he exclaimed. "Why would he want me to do that?"

"You mentioned 'someone' who wanted you to do something," Professor McGonagall replied, her gaze steady. "I believe your father may have wanted you to..." 

Ron stared at him and his eyes narrowed, "You're saying?"

"Mr. Prewett, I only care about your well-being. If he's controlling you or—"

"You don't talk about my dad like that," Ron interrupted, his expression turning serious. "My dad would never do such a thing."

"Mr. Prewett, Professor Lupin informed me of your situation before—"

"My dad would never do such a thing!" Ron shouted, standing up angrily. "My dad doesn't even talk to me!"

"Mr. Prewett!" Professor McGonagall raised her voice, trying to bring the heated exchange under control.

Ron sat back down in his chair, still visibly irritated, though he avoided making eye contact with Professor McGonagall. She continued, her tone more measured now, "I felt the need to learn more about your situation so that I could help you. However, your actions, including this—" she gestured towards the newspaper that appeared on her desk, "have left me with no choice but to address the matter. Your behavior is unacceptable."

Ron sighed in annoyance. "What do you want me to do?" he asked.

"I'm not trying to prevent you from doing what you want, Mr. Prewett. What I ask of you is to place your trust in me," Professor McGonagall stated firmly.

Ron let out a frustrated huff. "I lived in New York, if that's what you want to know."

"What I truly want to understand, Mr. Prewett, is who this other family is that you keep referring to, aside from the Weasleys," she clarified, her expression sharp.

"The two Muggles you saw in the newspaper... those are my siblings," Ron admitted reluctantly. "The others know about them, so there's a possibility they knew who was in the newspaper."

"So your father has...another wife?" Professor McGonagall asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Wives," Ron clarified.

The revelation seemed to surprise Professor McGonagall for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. "Well," she began, "where in New York do you live?" She shifted the conversation back to a more neutral topic.

"That's private," Ron replied firmly.

Professor McGonagall sighed. "Very well, then. We will leave it at that."

Ron looked at her with concern. "Are you going to report this to Professor Dumbledore or the others?"

She met his gaze evenly. "Do you want me to?" Ron shook his head decisively, and she nodded in response. It seemed they had reached an understanding. "However, I cannot simply let you go without consequences, Mr. Prewett. the fact that They are aware you snuck out necessitates that I assign you a suspension or a detention." 

"Okay," Ron agreed, albeit somewhat reluctantly. "I'm okay with cleaning the Trophy Room again or go to the Forbidden Forest."

"No, Mr. Prewett, you will assist the house-elves in the Kitchen with scrubbing the pots there without using magic, I will put an elf to observe you." Professor McGonagall corrected him.

Ron raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Kitchen? There's a kitchen here? No one told me about it!"

Professor McGonagall stared at him incredulously. "Where do you think the food comes from, Mr. Prewett?"

"Magic?" 

"You're dismissed," Professor McGonagall said with a hint of exasperation. "Now, go on, as I have other matters to attend to." She waved him away.

Ron scurried out of the room but paused at the door to look back at Professor McGonagall with a smile. "Thanks, Professor!"

🔆

Ron placed all of his schoolwork on his four-poster bed when he returned to the boys' dormitory. He was relieved that the common room's password remained unchanged; otherwise, he would have needed to go back to Professor McGonagall's office.

The colored pencils and pens rolled onto the floor, and Ron quickly bent down to pick them up when one of the curtains on the four-poster bed suddenly opened.

Seamus let out a surprised yelp, and Ron stared at him with widened eyes. They both paused for a moment, and Ron called out, "Hi?"

Seamus exclaimed, "Bloody—merlin, when did you—" His voice was loud as another four-poster curtain drew open, revealing Dean with a raised eyebrow as he looked at the scattered papers and colorful pencils. "Looks like a lot of fun." 

Ron gathered all of his belongings and placed them on the bed. "Tell me how many lessons I've missed?"

"Three weeks' worth of lessons, mate," Dean replied, as Seamus grumbled and walked toward the bathroom, slamming the door. "Ignore him, he's not a morning person." 

Dean glanced down under Ron's bed, and the redhead kicked the quiver further underneath. 

"So...you're expelled?" Dean yawned.

"Nope!" Ron replied as he rummaged through his belongings and took out his journal. "I got a detention until the end of the school term this year instead!"

"Until the end of the what—" Dean choked out. 

Then another curtain drew open, and Harry appeared behind there who just woke up. He glanced around and blinked, then immediately froze when he saw Ron standing there.

"Man, would you look at the time, breakfast!" Ron said, glancing at his watch. "Gotta go." He quickly grabbed his bag, stuffed all of his belongings inside, and hurried outside toward the Great Hall. However, instead of heading for breakfast, despite his grumbling stomach, he went to find the kitchen instead.

Ron stood proudly at the entrance of the kitchen, having wasted two classes just to find it. He had asked every student who knew about it, and they were all surprised to see him back.

When he entered the kitchen, all the elves' eyes turned toward him. Ron stood there, his eyes sparkling. The kitchen was enormous, nearly the size of the Great Hall, with four long tables filled not with empty dishes but with every type of food the elves had prepared, maybe for lunch later. 

"P-P-Preewy, sir!" An elf suddenly appeared, causing Ron to jump in surprise.

"Whoa," Ron said, taken aback. "Who are you?"

The elf introduced himself as Dobby and mentioned that he knew Ron from Harry, as they were very good friends. Ron wanted to say, "Not anymore," but then two other elves prepared some milk and cookies for him.

"I didn't know this kitchen existed!" Ron said as he munched on his cookie, engaging in conversation with some of the elves who were busy working. Most of them seemed tense while they carried out their tasks, but a few were willing to chat with him. Ron spoke between bites, and a few crumbs spouted from his mouth as an elf appeared to clean the table.

He then began watching one of the elves cut some meat. The elf squeaked and nearly cut his own fingers out of nervousness as Ron spoke behind him. 

Pitts, the strict elf who stood in the middle, had to kick Ron out of the kitchen. This elf seemed to be the one overseeing Ron's detention, and the elf wasn't about to tolerate any disruptions in the kitchen.

Ron shrugged and picked up his backpack as he left the kitchen, heading back to the Great Hall. He shoveled food into his mouth because cookies and milk weren't enough, and he noticed that no one was really talking to him, just some hushed whispers around him while the Beauxbatons students gave him disgusted looks.

Ginny sat down beside Ron, giving the students a glare.

"No need to, Gin'," Ron said. "Don't really care about them."

"I know," Ginny replied. "But they're so...ugh."

"How's the ball, though?" Ron asked, trying to change the topic.

Ron listened as his cousin leaned on the table and fiddled with her food. "I got Luna as my partner, a fifth-year invited us so we could join...and we just kind of dance," she explained. "Where have you... been? I know you wrote to Mum about you leaving, but you left about two weeks before Christmas and returned after the holiday."

"I returned to New York," Ron said.

Ginny just looked at him and then leaned in closer. "Look, I don't know where you've really been going, but you should write to Mum, and..." She hesitated before continuing, "I know what you did."

"Huh?"

"I've read the newspaper, we knew, Ron!" Ginny hissed. "Dad had to keep his mouth shut."

"Oh, did Harry and Hermione...?"

Ginny glanced around cautiously. "Maybe, I don't know." she admitted. "I don't want to say this, but you're an idiot, Ministry, really, cousin?"

"Hey, it's not my fault," The redhead gruntled.

"I have a feeling they're going to blame the Weasleys," Ginny explained. "Dad and Percy had to do some work in the Ministry."

"What! Just because it's a person with red hair?" Ron hissed back angrily.

"You know the Ministry!"

"Yeah, politics suck!" Ron agreed. "Blame whoever they want, I'm a Prewett not a Weasley!"

"Well, you're still part of our family," Ginny said, rolling her eyes and helping herself to some of Ron's food while smiling. Ron stared at his cousin, trying not to get emotional. He still had Ginny and his other relatives, of course; he didn't need to be upset about not having Harry and Hermione as friends anymore. The Weasleys didn't hate him, even though he couldn't stay with them for long, but he had family who still cared about him.

In response, Ron poked Ginny on her side, which made her smack his hand as they both grinned widely.

Over the next few days, Ron kept himself busy trying to catch up on schoolwork (which is difficult). He ignored Hermione, who seemed to be following him around. He knew she wanted to talk to him, but every time he glanced her way, Hermione had already disappeared. Ron was busy, either in the library, buried in the Mythology section at the far end, his detention in the kitchen or the Hospital Wing.

Harry didn't fare much better either; for some reason, it was awkward for both of them. His stomach felt queasy and uncomfortable again whenever he think about him. Ron was relieved that he returned to the dorm late, avoiding the need to face Harry. 

In the Great Hall, Ron often glanced up at Harry, who seemed in a hushed conversation with Hermione. It looked like they were having an argument. Hermione seemed upset, but Harry continued to ignore her as he ate his porridge.

No wonder Hermione sat in front of him in the library while he kept doodling in his notebook distracted. He glanced up and saw her dropping four thick books onto the table, then proceeded to open one of them without saying anything.

Ron opened his mouth to speak, but Hermione snapped at him, "Don't you dare say anything after disappearing for weeks, Ronald."

The redhead frowned at her, replying, "Isn't that what you guys wanted?"

Hermione looked up at him, her confusion evident. "What are you talking about?"

"You guys don't want to be friends, so...what's wrong if I leave?" Ron questioned.

Hermione stared at him and then smacked him with a book. "Thay's rubbish! Why would I—between my homework and you two, I had to keep up with both of you. I'm exhausfed of seeing both of you not talking with each others, both of you just—just stubborn!" She hissed.

"Then why didn't you talk to me?" Ron hissed back.

"I am trying, but you're so busy!"

"Wow."

Hermione shot him a disapproving look. "Just talk to Harry. The second task is next week and I've been helping him."

"So what," Ron stubbornly replied, bouncing his leg impatiently.

Hermione huffed as she closed her book. "Harry's been worrying about you, you know. He's lonely."

"Then he should talk to me, he's not the only lonely one! He's the stubborn one, Hermione, I'm telling you, he should at least let me talk, and he can listen—I even thought we were friends," Ron said, his voice quivering. "I-I miss him," It may not be something Ron wanted to admit, but Harry is important to him.

"Ron—"

"He's my best friend," Ron said, his emotions getting the better of him. He gathered his notebooks and shoved them into his bag. "I'm going back to the common room. Goodbye," he said, leaving her.

So one day in the common room befire the second tak, when Ron huddled with some first to second-year students, engaged in conversations with them while they worked on their homework, which only ended with Ron telling them stories, like the tales of Hercules which had most of them excited to hear more, Fred suddenly appeared interrupting them when Ron was in the middle of the story.

Apparently, Professor McGonagall had needed him, leaving the redhead confused. 

So here he was, arriving at Professor McGonagall's office—the head of the Gryffindor has an expression appeared somewhat grim when she saw him entered. She was accompanied by Professor Dumbledore. In the room, he also noticed three girls: Cho Chang and a young girl with silver hair—and Hermione and much like him. The group stood there, collectively confused.

"I apologize for the abrupt summons," Professor Dumbledore began, his tone measured. "However, the four of you have been selected as an important participants in the Triwizard Tournament's second task. We require your collaboration for its successful completion. Professor McGonagall, if you please,"

McGonagall stepped forward reluctantly. "As much as I may oppose this idea, we find ourselves with no alternative. The four of you are of great significance to the champions. However, you will be placed into a deep slumber and submerged beneath the lake for the champions to find."

"Great significance?" Ron asked, confused. 

"What do you mean?" Cho chimed in, her expression showing her discomfort for the idea.

"The objective is to test whether the champions can escape within the allotted time," Professor Dumbledore explained reassuringly. "Rest assured, we won't allow any harm to befall you four. We'll cast a protective charm to ensure your safety."

Ron hesitated, his gaze fixed on the girl. "But there's a kid?"

Professor Dumbledore gave him a smile, and after some reassurances, they all agreed. Professor McGonagall then took out her wand and asked the young girl, Fleur's sister, if she was okay with the idea. The girl nodded nervously. With a flick of her wand, Professor McGonagall cast a spell, causing the girl to fall gently, and she immediately laid on the floor unharmed.

Hermione grabbed his arm, her own nervousness only worsened when she looked at the girl.

"W-what if they can't reach them in time? Are they going to die in the lake?" Ron asked nervously at their Professor.

"We won't allow that, Mr. Prewett," Professor McGonagall assured him. With some hesitation, Ron allowed her to cast the spell on him. His body felt lighter, and his knees hit the floor as McGonagall caught him just before he could hit his head. 

Ron's realization hit him like a wave when hsi eyes snapped open; This was a bad idea.

Although he could still hear and see, he found himself unable to move as he tried to twitch his fingers, but they remained unresponsive. 

Ron found himself submerged in the lake, surrounded by darkness and fog. As he looked around, he realized they were in some sort of underwater village. His eyes widened in astonishment when he noticed bubbles coming from his mouth, allowing him to breathe. Was this how Percy felt underwater? But there was no time to contemplate this. Panic set in as he realized he was bound to a stone statue with thick, strong weeds.

Figures began to emerge from the shadows all around him, dozens of them armed with spears. Ron's glare met the eyes of one approaching figure—a mermaid, he presumed. These underwater beings had grayish skin, long and wild dark green hair, yellow eyes, and broken teeth. They adorned themselves with thick ropes of pebbles around their necks. The merman who had approached him quickly swam back to join the group of others. Ron closed his eyes, focusing on trying to free himself from the binds.

"Do not move, half-blood," one of them warned.

Ron's eyes opened, and he narrowed his gaze at the merman there. 

"We do not condone the actions of the humans above and what they have done to you," another one explained. "We are fearful, but they do not listen."

Ron tried to speak, but he found himself unable to do so. He glanced to his sides, realizing that he was positioned between Hermione and Cho Chang. Suddenly, a figure swam towards them and came into view of Harry. Harry tried to call out Ron's name in shock, but, like Ron, only bubbles escaped his mouth. Harry positioned himself in front of Ron, but Ron's frantic movements drew Harry's confusion. Ron's eyes kept darting on his own pants, and Harry tried to understand what was happening.

He saw Ron mouth the word "dagger in my pocket dude" and urgently motioned for him to hurry. It took a moment, but Harry's hands finally found the dagger under Ron's robe, just below his celestial bronze. The merpeople watched cautiously as Harry cut Ron's bindings, and Ron floated free in the water.

Ron closed his eyes and concentrated, wiggling his fingers, feeling the magic slowly releasing him. With an effort, he regained control of his movements and his ability to breathe underwater. He immediately moved to help Harry and motioned to Hermione and the others to cut their ropes as well.

As Ron took out his celestial bronze, the merpeople reacted with loud screeches and backed away. Cedric suddenly appeared, using a knife to cut Cho free and pulling her up.

However, Ron's struggle became overwhelming, his face turning blue as he desperately tried to swim upward. In his dire moment, Harry grabbed Ron by the waist and swiftly dove upwards, breaking the surface of the water. 

"I had to go back," Harry explained, concern in his voice. "Hermione—" Just then, they spotted Krum and Hermione emerging from below the surface and swam towards where the others is.

"Fleur's sister then," Harry said.

Ron watched in horror as Harry dived back into the water. After a few minutes, Harry resurfaced with Fleur's sister with him. Ron extended his arm to help the girl as they swam back towards the others. They could hear loud cheering and screams of relief from the stands as they emerged back among them.

The merpeople followed them until they reached the bank where the judges were waiting. Ron was the first to got out from the water and helped the girl, who was clearly terrified. 

"It's okay," Ron reassured her as she clung tightly to his arm, trembling with fear. He touched her forehead, and a comforting warmth spread through the girl.

They could see Madam Pomfrey fussing over Hermione, Krum, Cedric, and Cho, all of whom were wrapped in thick blankets.

Ron noticed one of the merpeople, along with a dozen others, engaged in a heated argument with Professor Dumbledore. 

Ludo Bagman then stood beaming at Harry and Ron from the bank, but Percy, who looked very white and somehow much younger than usual, came splashing out to meet them. Meanwhile Madame Maxime was trying to restrain Fleur Delacour, who was quite hysterical, fighting tooth and nail to ran towards his little sister.

The girl broke free and sprinted toward her sister, calling out her name and seizing her from Ron's arms, hugging her tightly. Suddenly, Percy appeared, dragged him up, and wrapped a thick blanket around Ron, who hadn't even realized he had been shaking from the cold.

Madam Pomfrey then attended to Harry, wrapping him in a warm blanket and giving him a potion as he was pushed towards him and where the others is standing.

Then they received heartfelt kisses on their cheeks from Fleur, thanking them for saving her little sister as the scoring took place, and maybe it was the fact that Harry was tying in score with Cedric and leading the competition, or maybe it was the cheers and applause from the stands, that brought tears to Ron's eyes, as he hugged Harry tightly.

"Harry," Ron sniffled, cupping Harry's face.

"Ron. I-I'm sorry," Harry said, his green eyes still holding hope, desperate to have Ron as a friend again after weeks of being apart. "I know I am a git and—"

"No, it's my fault, really, for not telling you everything," Ron said, shaking his head.

"You don't have to," Harry said. "Just...just things were pressuring me a lot."

"I know," Ron said, hugging him tightly again. "You're still my best friend whatever happened."

"I miss you," 

"Me too, man." Ron replied with a laugh as Harry then immediately hugged him back and kept apologizing for being stupid and all, while Hermione rushed over and joined, hugging the two of them with tears on her eyes.

🔆

Classes still carried on after the second task, but the excitement about what had happen during the task lingered. People seemed to appear out of nowhere to ask Harry, and sometimes Ron, much to Ron's irritation, what was so exciting about being underwater at the lake, anyway?

Ron continued his work with Madam Pomfrey on weekends, in the afternoons, and spent his mornings playing music with the members of the Music Club. Since he couldn't join Harry and Hermione on their visit to Hogsmeade (where they were going to see Sirius with Professor Lupin), he asked Harry to buy him some sweets from Honeydukes as a joke instead, surprisingly, Harry obliged.

The two of them returned in the afternoon, Harry carrying a bag of sweets from Honeydukes, while Ron sat beside him in the common room as he eat and somehow, whenever Harry talked to him with a smile, Ron couldn't help but feel a sudden radiation of happiness.

The next few days, Hermione seemed to be having a stroke of bad luck. Ron typically didn't pay much attention to newspapers unless it was something important. However, on this day, five owls swooped in and crowded around Hermione to deliver letters. Annoyed, she satched the letters from one of the owls. "It,'s—oh how ridiculous—" She thrust the letter at Harry, who saw that it was not handwritten, but composed from pasted letters that seemed to have been cut out of the Daily Prophet.

Ron squinted at the letter as he tried to read its contents: YOU ARE A WICKED GIRL. HARRY POTTER DESERVES BETTER. GO BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM MUGGLE.

"They're all like it!" said Hermione desperately, opening one letter after another. "'Harry Potter can do much better than the likes of you...' 'You deserve to be boiled in frog spawn...' Ouch!"

She had opened the last envelope, and yellowish-green liquid smelling strongly of petrol gushed over her hands, which began to erupt in large yellow boils, tears starting in her eyes as she tried to rub the pus off her hands with a napkin, but her fingers were now so thickly covered in painful sores that it looked as though she were wearing a pair of thick, knobbly gloves.

Ron gasped in shock as he examined Hermione's hand, his anger apparent. He quickly told Harry that he would be back and then proceeded to escort Hermione to the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey didn't question him; Ron had the freedom to come and go from the Hospital Wing as he pleased.

Once inside, he carefully placed Hermione on a bed, summoned a vial for her to drink, and used magic to heal her injured finger.

Ron sighed sympathetically as he applied a bandage to her hand. Hermione wiped away her tears as Ron comforted her. He then went to the cabinet and retrieved some chocolate, which Hermione eagerly ate, despite her bandaged hands.

"If you ever see those owls delivering suspicious letters again, burn both the letter and the owls," Ron advised. "Are you going to be okay for the next lesson?"

Hermione shook her head to indicate that she wouldn't be able to attend the next lesson. After ensuring she was in good hands with Madam Pomfrey, Ron joined Harry in Herbology and told him that Hermione was okay. Surprisingly, Hermione showed up for Care of Magical Creatures later on.

Ron couldn't take his eyes off the Nifflers, finding them utterly adorable. Hagrid had explained that he had hidden a hundred coins underground, and the person whose Niffler could retrieve the most would receive a prize from Honeydukes. Ron's Niffler happened to be the most successful, earning him the victory. Ron cooed affectionately at the Nifflers, as Harry for some reason, began glaring at the creatures.

After that, the three of them helped Hagrid in returning the Nifflers to their boxes, and he allowed Ron to play with one of them.

The letters didn't cease to arrive for Hermione in the following week, and her anger only grew. Hagrid had advised her not to read them, so she followed it. However, people then send some Howlers for her in response, causing a commotion that the entire Hall could hear. This led to numerous people asking Harry if Hermione was truly his girlfriend, even though Harry clarified that she wasn't. The attention and rumors continued despite their denials.

The redhead also kept himself busy exchanging letters with Lou and the others to check if they had heard anything about Tyler, but there was no news. Ron sighed heavily as May arrived. The third task was approaching, and Harry was summoned to the Quidditch field where Ludo Bagman would reveal their task.

Harry returned while Ron was about to get a new piece of paper to write. He hurried over and sat with them, filling them in on what happened to Mr. Crouch and Krum. The redhead wanted to speak but was too busy writing.

"What I know," Ron began, looking at them, "It could be anyone here at Hogwarts capable of doing something like that to Mr. Crouch if he just appeared out of nowhere here." He then stood up to collect his things.

The next day, as Harry received a letter from Sirius, they discussed the situation. Ron and Hermione agreed with him that Harry should be cautious and not go out, especially with someone dangerous lurking inside Hogwarts. It was possible that this person was responsible for putting Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire.

Harry wasn't in the best mood when he and Hermione argued, but in the following days, they helped him learn stunning and hexing spells whenever they had free time in an empty classroom. "You shouldn't only learn that; you should also learn how to defend and fight physically," Ron advised him.

However, Harry always seemed to end up on his back whenever Ron attempted to teach him self-defense techniques alongside spells by Hermione.

"You're...strong," Harry huffed out breathlessly, leaning against the nearest wall.

"I'm aware, man," Ron replied, crouching down and flicking Harry's nose, eliciting a sigh. "One more time."

"Don't you get tired...?" Harry asked wearily.

"Never," Ron grinned. "Hurry up."

"I'm your best friend," Harry complained, as if that should put an end to Ron's persistence.

The redhead merely raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "And I'm a frog. Get up."

When the bell rang, they quickly rushed to their next classes. Harry was rubbing his aching arm, and Ron poked it, causing him to groan in pain.

The month leading up to the exams had been hectic, between reviewing, taking notes, helping Harry prepare for the third task and Harry's recurring nightmares. However, all of this didn't stop Hermione from launching her own investigation into Rita Skeeter amidst of their stack of high-piled notes tor eview.

And Harry, he would always check on his friend and offer comfort, sometimes falling asleep right in Harry's bed. This routine happened almost every day, but there was a brief stop for a few days before the nightmares returned, and Ron was always there for him.

"Harry?" Ron called, still a bit groggy. "You okay?"

Harry fumbled for his glasses on his bed and put them on. "Oh," he said, "Yeah, um, did I...?" 

Ron nodded. "Yeah, you did, but don't worry, I'm used to it."

"Sorry," Harry said, his hand instinctively going to his scar.

"It still hurts?" Ron asked.

"A little, yeah," Harry replied as Ron sat on the bed and gently touched Harry's scar, massaging it in an attempt to provide some relief.

"You don't need to," Harry insisted.

Ron snorted. "Don't care," he replied, continuing to massage Harry's scar. "How is it...?"

"Good," Harry replied, closing his eyes and leaning back against the bed to get comfortable. "Thank you, Ron." 

On the day of the third task, the parents of the champions were invited inside Hogwarts to watch the task. Even Sirius and Remus were there together for Harry, drawing the attention of some students who stopped to greet their favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. A few, however, were seen running away from Sirius, who was scratching his head, possibly causing a bit of mischief. When Ron spotted his aunt and uncle, he hugged them tightly. However, he also had a long talk with them about what had happened at the Ministry. This didn't stop Molly from showering him with kisses on the cheeks and hugging him tightly, relieved that he was safe.

Ron asked his uncle if the Ministry was aware of what had happened, but to their relief, they didn't know, and Arthur promised not to reveal anything either way. However, they told Ron that they wanted to know what he was doing at Ministry and what the newspapers had been talking about, which made Ron nervous. 

Finally, the third task began just after the feast. Before Harry could follow Ludo Bagman with the other champions, Ron called him over and hugged him tightly. Harry managed to capture him, and they balanced themselves before both of them toppled to the ground. Ron beamed at Harry and wished him good luck before they walked out of the castle to the Quidditch Field, where the stands were slowly filling with students and the champions' parents.

With everyone in the stands settled and anticipation filling the air, the waited third task of the Triwizard Tournament finally began.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the third and final task of the Triwizard Tournament is about to begin! Let me remind you how the points currently stand! Tied in first place, with eighty-five points each—Mr. Cedric Diggory and Mr. Harry Potter, both of Hogwarts School!" The cheers and applause sent birds from the Forbidden Forest fluttering into the darkening sky. "In second place, with eighty points - Mr. Viktor Krum, of Durmstrang Institute!" More applause. "And in third place—Miss Fleur Delacour, of Beauxbatons Academy!" Ludo Bagman said, voice echoing loudly.

They joined the applause for Fleur as they saw Harry waving at them. With smiles on their faces, they enthusiastically waved back at him.

"So...on my whistle, Harry and Cedric!" said Bagman. "Three—two—one—" He gave a short blast on his whistle, and Harry and Cedric hurried forward into the maze.

Ron couldn't contain his excitement and stood up from his seat, his eyes fixed on the entrance of the maze along with everyone else, holding their breath in anticipation. As time passed, nearly half an hour, Ron narrowed his eyes, sensing something unusual. Suddenly, he felt a surge of dark and powerful magic that made him yelp in surprise. Those around him turned to look, startled by his reaction.

Ron's finger drummed nervously on his pocket where his vow handle was kept, a reflex action when his instincts told him there was danger around. However, he realized he didn't have his quiver with him.

"Do you feel it?" Ron asked Hermione, who was also gazing at the entrance of the maze with everyone else. 

Hermione was so focused on the maze that she ignored Ron. However, Ron grew impatient, climbed out of the stands, and made excuses to the other students. He stood beneath the stands and then felt that ominous presence again, which was very strong and dangerous. Ron instinctively drew his celestial bronze wand, and found himself being dragged back by Bill and the others who tried to keep him away from the entrance to the maze. 

They shouted at him, but Ron cried out, "No! Let me go! Harry's in danger, they're in danger!" 

All the students stood up, their faces filled with anxiety and fear. Professor Dbledore tried to reassure them.

"No, let me go, you mortal!" He punched one of them so strongly that they yelped and stepped back in surprise. 

Suddenly, two figures appeared at the edge of the maze. They released their hold on Ron when they saw Harry holding the Triwizard Cup. Everyone in the stands rose to their feet, and some started running towards Harry, screaming in panic.

Ron, who was one of the first to reach them, knelt down and took Cedric's lifeless body from Harry's grasp. He checked for a pulse, and his eyes widened in shock and horror at what he discovered.

"Dead," Ron confirmed, his voice filled with sorrow and anger. The scene was chaotic, with everyone screaming, girls crying, and people running in panic. It all felt eerily familiar to Ron, and he found himself shaking uncontrollably.

He was led to the Hospital Wing with the others, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "I told you, I told you!" he shouted, his words spouting curses in his frustration 

"Ronald, language!" Molly scolded.

"It's a kid that died, another kid has died!" Ron retorted, his emotions raw.

"Ronald Prewett!"

"Ron," Remus interjected firmly, grabbing Ron's arm.

"No! I can't watch another one die!" Ron exclaimed passionately. As the door to the Infirmary opened, Professors McGonagall and Snape entered with Moody's body being levitated. Madam Pomfrey yelped as they placed him in the furthest corner of the room. Ron seethed with anger.

"Where is Harry?" Ron demanded.

Madam Pomfrey also demand about Harry's whereabouts, and as the door to the Wing opened, Ron sobbed with relief when he saw Harry with Sirius. Although he wanted to approach Harry immediately, he had to bite his lip as Dumbledore informed them that Harry needed some peace and quiet. However, he also mentioned that they could stay if Harry wanted.

Ron hurried with Madam Pomfrey to her office, where they came out with potions - one for Harry's bleeding arm and another for dreamless sleep. Ron knew Harry needed some time to recover, but he was relieved to see him safe for now.

Ron's anger boiled over, and he nearly lashed out at Fudge right in front of the professors. "You suck!" he shouted furiously. Fudge's refusal to accept that Voldemort had returned, his dismissal of Harry's claims, and his treatment of Harry as that he wa just a iid infuriated Ron. It was clear to everyone, especially after witnessing Cedric's lifeless body, that Harry's words were not to be ignored.

"You, and your stupid Ministry!" he yelled, even giving a rude gesture. Molly and Remus had to intervene, pulling Ron away and placing him in one of the beds far from the commotion. No one questioned why Fudge suddenly started coughing, his face turning green, and hurriedly exited the room, sneezing uncontrollably. 

The end of the school year turned even more somber when Ron visited the music club. Gwyneth and Daphne were absent, shaking their heads when he asked about them. Grenda was in tears, leaning on Kim's shoulder for support, while the boy tried to console her. The students especially the first-years looked horrified.

Ron absentmindedly touched the bead bracelet that Luke had given him before, staring out of the window of their dormitory as everyone around him packed their belongings. Ron now understood why it was Luke who appeared in the boggart when he was in his third year. Ron's deepest fear was not just being a failure but also failing to save someone important. Luke had been like family to Ron, and he had failed to protect him. This fear of failure and the weight of responsibility made Ron apprehensive when he was given a quest. 

Suddenly, Otus appeared out of thin air and dropped a letter into Ron's lap, hooting gently. The redhead then opened the letter and began reading Nico's reply:

On it.