Until The End

Until the End

Chapter 9: The Aftermath

"Time is what we want most, but what we use worst."

Ron Weasley's P.O.V:

Ron's eyes fluttered open, and he rubbed them as light immediately filled his vision. Ron looked around the Hospital Wing and it was vacant, save for Madam Pomfrey and Professor Dumbledore who were discussing something, their backs turned to Ron.

It had seemed that Xavier, Harry, Neville, and Hermione had already been discharged and only Ron had slept in more, unequivocally feeling like he had finally enjoyed a good rest with no Troll-filled nightmares.

Ron sat up properly and as he did, the Headmaster and the Hospital matron spun around to the sounds of bed sheets rustling and walked over to Ron.

"Ah Mr. Weasley, I was beginning to worry you wouldn't wake up," Dumbledore greeted with a chuckle and Ron smiled groggily.

"What time is it sir?" Ron croaked as he stretched his arms.

"Breakfast finished just about ten minutes ago, my boy," Dumbledore replied, and Ron nodded, feeling annoyed that he missed out on breakfast.

"Here, Mr. Weasley," Madam Pomfrey spoke up, handing the red-haired boy a small vial that contained a yellow liquid in it. "You must drink this." What? No, it looks like bloody piss!

Ron took the vial hesitantly and then chugged it down, and once he was finished, he pulled a repelled face at the taste the potion left. Ugh, what the bloody hell?

"That tasted like Troll piss!" Ron exclaimed with a grimace, and Dumbledore let out a hearty chuckle, while Madam Pomfrey frowned heavily.

"It's essential for your recovery," Madam Pomfrey huffed indignantly, and she swiftly left to her office.

"How are you feeling, my boy?" Dumbledore asked as he conjured a chair to sit on by Ron's bed.

"I feel much better, professor. I had some good sleep for a change," Ron answered truthfully. Ron then adorned a serious look.

"Sir…" Ron started, and he looked around so that Madam Pomfrey couldn't hear them.

"My vision…" Ron started, and Dumbledore leaned in. "It only showed one Troll, but there were two in fact yesterday, weren't there?"

Dumbledore nodded as he stroked his beard. He then said, "I believe that your vision just revealed one of the infinite outcomes as there was only already one Troll when you rushed to the Ladies Lavatory yesterday."

"But sir, my vision showed me that this all took place in the toilets near the Dungeons and Professor Quirrell confirmed it too! But everything took place in a different bathroom yesterday!" Ron pointed out frustratedly and Dumbledore sighed deeply.

"It is as I stated before, my boy. I can only be led to believe that your vision gave one possible outcome and though it gave immense context for a future event, it didn't showcase the exact details and correctness of the incident that occurred yesterday," Dumbledore responded gravely, and he then frowned slightly.

"Ronald, I want you to promise me something," Dumbledore started, his eyes hardening, and Ron leaned in with an intrigued look.

"What is it, professor?" Ron inquired with curiosity.

"I want you to be extra cautious around Professor Quirrell," Dumbledore advised firmly, and Ron's eyes widened. Quirrell? What the hell does he have to do with anything?

"Ok… but why, sir?" Ron asked slowly, even though he had come to a realisation. Quirrell… where was he when the Halloween Feast began? Surely, he couldn't have let those Trolls in… He wouldn't have the balls… But still…

"I see, sir," Ron agreed after a moment, and Dumbledore nodded when he knew that Ron understood. Does Dumbledore suspect Quirrell? What are Quirrell's true intentions? Damn, you can never really trust anyone…

"Sir, if you don't mind me asking, where did you and the rest of the professors head off to when you told the prefects to take us back to our dorms?" Ron queried after a few seconds, his brow furrowing.

"Good question, my boy. The professors and I indeed found a Troll roaming around near the Dungeon bathrooms-" Dumbledore started, but he was cut off by Ron's gasp.

"There was another one?!" Ron exclaimed with bulging eyes and Dumbledore nodded. Fuck, that means there really was a Troll in the Dungeons just like Quirrell said… Three Trolls somehow broke into Hogwarts… How?

"After we disposed of the Troll, I believe your friends came running to us with panicked looks and informed us about your sneaky departure from Great Hall. They had a feeling that you were up to something that would place you in imminent danger and so, we set off. However, by the time we arrived, everything was finished," Dumbledore informed, and Ron just nodded curtly.

"Wait, you said 'my friends' told you?" Ron asked, cocking an eyebrow in puzzlement, and Dumbledore nodded.

"I believe it was Miss. Davis, Mr. Nott, Mr. Zabini, Miss. Greengrass, Miss. Parkinson and Miss. Bulstrode," Dumbledore recalled, and Ron instantly frowned.

"Well, you are mistaken, Headmaster, because they are not my friends. They are all just a bunch of liars and only care about their benefits," Ron spat out and Dumbledore was mildly shocked at the boy's sudden change in demeanour.

"What has happened, my boy?" Dumbledore asked gently and Ron glared at a bed on the other side of the infirmary for a few seconds before sighing heavily.

"They are all selfish," Ron answered in frustration. "I thought they wanted to truly be my friends and so did Xavier. But we both came to learn that they used us for our knowledge and pretended to support us, when in reality, they couldn't care less!"

Ron scowled to himself as he finished his explanation; why did it still hurt? Dumbledore gazed at Ron with an unreadable expression.

"Let me tell you something, Ronald," Dumbledore started as he placed a comforting hand on Ron's shoulder. "Your friends do care for you and Xavier. In this case, I believe that they were afraid."

"Afraid of what?" Ron questioned, scoffing loudly.

"Afraid of acquainting themselves with Mr. Malfoy as they had just a few years back. I've seen their looks in regards to Mr. Malfoy, Ronald. They hold an opposing burden of apprehension against the young Malfoy heir, and thus, befriending you and Mr. Desmond was their chance of getting away from their thin 'friendship' with Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore provided, and Ron just shook his head, albeit he had no words to say. I don't understand… was I wrong in my judgement? No, Greengrass clearly procured excuses for the use of 'Mud-Blood'… Tracey only let it slide because it wasn't an insult about half-bloods…

"I believe that associating with those such as Mr. Malfoy can place an effect on those such as your Slytherin friends, my boy. It's a shared case with many Slytherin students that have come and gone by over the years. All that matters is what you truly believe in your heart. Maybe some of them detest Blood-Purity just like yourself. Maybe some of them have had their ideas and beliefs twisted by others for too long," Dumbledore continued wisely, and Ron just stared at his hands.

Dumbledore could be right… Tracey is a half-blood, why would she ever hate on others for their blood status? If anything, I always thought she despised it even more than me! And their shared goal was to detach themselves from Malfoy and his ways and beliefs… in fact, I haven't even seen them hang out or talk with that pounce at all this year…

Ron felt a pang of guilt, but he also felt lost. What would Xavier say if Ron told him this? Would Xavier agree or disagree? Ron knew that Xavier had already given Greengrass a second chance, on Tracey's behalf only, but now he would have to give her a third chance and his trust would have to be regained by all of them as he too thought that they were merely manipulating him…

"Do what you believe is right and everything will work out, I promise. After all, I've seen the way you and your Slytherin friends interact, and I personally see no acts deceiving being utilized by them. They truly cared for you and Mr. Desmond," Dumbledore said as he patted Ron's cheek.

"I… I guess you're right, sir. I'll see how it goes," Ron responded dubiously, even though he was smiling gratefully. He really is the wisest…

The doors to the Hospital Wing suddenly swung open and before Ron could react, a group of people came marching toward him.

"Where is my Ronnie?" the voice of his mother's shrieked and when she spotted her boy, she rushed over to him and embraced him into her infamous bone-crushing hug.

"Molly, you'll kill the boy," Ron's father chuckled, and Ron really wished someone would pull his mother off. I CAN'T BREATHE!

"Mum, I'm alright," Ron rasped, and his mother released him, whilst wiping her flowing tears.

His father took that opportunity to come and hug his son, and the hug was far gentler. His father let go of him with a relieved smile, and Ron smiled back.

"Ronnie!" Ginny squealed blissfully, garnering Ron's attention and Ron chuckled as his favourite sibling hugged him tightly.

"I've missed you, Gin," Ron whispered, and Ginny pecked her brother's cheek lovingly.

"I've missed you too, Ronnie," Ginny returned and the two tightened their hugs. Ron felt more hands snake around his figure, and someone ruffled his hair. Ron looked up to find Percy, Fred, and George all grinning at their brother affectionately.

"How are you feeling, lil' bro?" George questioned and Ron grinned.

"Never been better," Ron replied smugly, and Fred clapped him on the back with a prideful look.

As his siblings released him with wide, relieved smiles, a wave of joy flooded Ron when he found Pandora and Luna observing him with relaxed smiles.

"Room for more hugs?" Pandora asked airily, her voice akin to music for Ron's ears. Pandora leaned in and Ron allowed himself to be wrapped in Pandora's arms, and he jubilantly hugged her back tightly.

"It's so good to finally see you, Pandora," Ron admitted, beaming with delight.

"And you too, love. Hmm, I see you are wearing my gift well," Pandora pointed out with a smile as she took his left hand and inspected the diamond-encrusted ring.

"Pandora, you really shouldn't have-" Molly started but Pandora stopped her with a kind smile.

"It is alright, Molly, I chose to buy him these gifts. He deserved them," Pandora explained, and Ron smiled at her.

Ron then turned to Luna and before the curious girl could say anything, he smothered her. "It's good to see you too, Ron," Luna's muffled voice vibrated in Ron's chest.

"Sorry, Luna," Ron laughed and when he broke the hug, Luna just smiled at him.

"You've grown taller," Luna said suddenly, and Ron nodded slowly. I guess so…

"But you've got no girlfriend?" Luna asked and Ron's face burned, while the twins, his parents and the headmaster all laughed. Why is Luna so random?

"Albus, can you finally tell us about what happened? Why is my son in the Hospital Wing?" Arthur asked, deciding to pass the awkward moment.

"Of course, Arthur, I recommend we all sit down," Dumbledore said, and he conjured chairs with a wave of his hand. Brilliant!

Once everyone was seated, Albus Dumbledore cleared his voice, and everyone listened intently.

"As you may have heard," Dumbledore started, specifically addressing Percy and the twins. "There were rumours that Ronald and his friend Xavier Desmond saved three Gryffindor students from Trolls that were let into the school."

"These claims are true," the headmaster confirmed truthfully, and gasps emanated around the room, while Percy and the twins shot incredulous looks toward Ron.

"How?" Arthur asked weakly. Dumbledore looked toward Ron and nodded. Ron took in a deep breath, and everyone turned to him.

Ron then recounted his epic and terrifying tale, obviously leaving out anything to do with the vision he had received beforehand, and his story was met with awed, disbelieving and intrigued expressions from his family.

"And I slipped, and my head hit the wall," Ron explained honestly, and his mother hugged him tightly.

"Oh, my poor boy," Molly muttered, rubbing Ron's back gently.

"I thought I was dead for sure, but I was saved when I saw Xavier wandlessly levitating the second Troll's club," Ron informed, and Pandora's piercing gaze morphed into a look of astonishment.

"Wandless magic at such a young age?" Pandora whispered to herself, while Ron's own parents looked shocked beyond words.

Ron and his brothers all nodded, and when Pandora and Ron's parents looked at Dumbledore for confirmation, he nodded with a proud look.

"Merlin..." Arthur muttered.

"Mummy, why is everyone shocked?" Luna asked and Pandora reeled out of her own surprise.

"Because, love, wandless magic is a very advanced branch of magic, one that even trained and experienced wizards and witches like myself can't properly do," Pandora explained sincerely.

"But not for the headmaster," Luna concluded, and the old man chuckled.

"I see that you have your mother's sharp intellect," Dumbledore praised, his eyes twinkling.

"So, Xavier saved you, Ronnie?' Ginny inquired quietly and Ron found it rather sweet that she was saying Xavier's name as if she knew him personally.

"Yes, Gin, because of him, I'm talking to you right now," Ron smiled softly. I owe him my life…

"Where is he, Albus? I must thank him properly for saving my son's life," Arthur stated firmly, and Molly nodded in agreement.

"The boy has inherited his parent's values that's for sure," Molly pointed out.

Percy, who was still transfixed in astoundment, broke out of his stupor and faced the headmaster with a piercing look.

"I'm sorry, Headmaster, but where were you and the rest of the professors when my brother and his friends were in that lavatory? You were meant to protect them," Percy demanded. The temperature had instantly dropped, and Ron wasn't the only one who was stunned by Percy's sudden outburst. After all, Percy was accustomed to being a respectful, loyal and courteous individual to those who held respect and power.

"Percy," their mother frowned. "Don't talk to the headmaster like that-"

"No, it's quite alright, Molly," Dumbledore cut in and he sighed heavily. "Percival is right. It should have been my duty to protect the students, not Ronald and Xavier. For that, I apologise deeply."

It was a weird feeling of hearing the genuine regret in the old man's voice, but the more pressing thought was how Percy had the biggest balls out of all the Weasleys. Even Fred and George were staring at the older brother with a loss for words, but also with deep respect. He just copped an apology from the greatest wizard since Merlin!

"They could have died…" Percy mumbled, paling involuntarily at the mere thought and Arthur squeezed his shoulder comfortingly.

"Zinny," Dumbledore called, and a house-elf popped into everyone's sight.

"Master Dumbledore, what may I do for you?" The house-elf asked respectfully as she bowed deeply.

"Would you please go and collect Mr. Desmond. Tell him that the headmaster had requested his presence at the Hospital Wing," Dumbledore ordered, and the house-elf nodded firmly and disapparated with a loud crack.

Xavier Desmond's P.O.V:

"Wingardium Leviosa!" Xavier chanted and the log was lifted into the air.

"Confringo!" Xavier exclaimed and the log blew into pieces.

Xavier was where he could train properly and channel his emotions, though he wasn't really feeling any specific emotion that overpowered the rest. He was merely training and practising to avoid the student body.

Once Xavier had woken up and departed for breakfast, he had entered the Great Hall to receive a mixture of responses from everyone else. Many shot him esteeming and admiring looks, a few students had looks of trepidation plastered on their faces, and whispers echoed throughout the spacious room.

It was just like the time when Xavier had arrived at Hogwarts, but it seemed that he had nothing to distract him; Ron was still sleeping back at the Hospital Wing and he too would face the attention from the student body, and they both didn't have their Slytherin friends anymore to talk to and banter with.

In all honesty, it had been a day since Xavier and Ron had stormed off from their friends and Xavier found himself missing them already.

It was weird to feel like this because back at the Orphanage, Xavier would keep his distance from the other children and when someone provoked him, he made sure that they wouldn't look at him ever again. Xavier was accustomed to not making friends with people and his loneliness was his only acquaintance, all up until coming to Hogwarts. Xavier thought he wouldn't change, yet he had.

Perhaps the fact that Hogwarts was an entirely different place from Wool's Orphanage impacted Xavier's way of living his life and now that Xavier had made several friends, it definitely hurt to have arguments and splits from them.

Xavier was pulled out of his thoughts when a loud whip-like crack came from behind him, and he turned and pointed his wand quickly in the direction of the sound. To his surprise, a house-elf stood there. So, this is a house-elf…

Xavier studied the elf with interest and took note of its small height, large ears, arched back, long fingers and wrinkled skin.

"Master Desmond, my name is Zinny," the house-elf began, and he stopped speaking when Xavier held out his hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Zinny," Xavier greeted respectfully as held out his hand, but the house-elf stared at him with wide eyes. Xavier stared back in confusion and then realised that maybe giving a handshake was offensive.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you-" Xavier started but Zinny cut him off quickly.

"No, it is fine, sir. Zinny has come to tell you that Master Dumbledore requests to see you at the Hospital Wing," Zinny informed, and Xavier's brow furrowed.

"At the Hospital Wing, you say?' Xavier asked and Zinny nodded.

"Alright then, thank you for telling me and it was a pleasure to meet you, Zinny," Xavier said with a nod and the house-elf bowed deeply.

"If Master Desmond is not minding, Zinny can apparate you there, if you want," Zinny suggested, and Xavier nodded. It'll be quicker…

Zinny held out his small, skinny arm and when Xavier grabbed hold of it, he felt the similar dizzy sensation of the world twisting within itself in a second and he felt the ground once more.

Xavier let out a deep breath and Zinny asked, "Is Master Desmond alright?"

Xavier straightened his back and rubbed his eyes. He then replied, "Yes Zinny, you may go now."

Zinny bowed respectfully and disapparated. Xavier then walked towards the Hospital Wing and opened the doors to enter.

He instantly spotted a group of people near Ron's bed, and he scouted out Dumbledore, Percy, and the twins. The other people were those that Xavier hadn't seen before; there was a tall man with flaming red hair who was bolding slightly, a short and plump woman, a girl with flaming red hair that was tied into a ponytail, another girl with dirty blond hair and finally, a slim, beautiful woman with straight blond hair that had streaks of a cyan traced in them.

When Ron, Dumbledore and his three older brothers turned to see Xavier, they all smiled at him. As for the other people that Xavier didn't know, the adults all stared with flummoxed countenances, while the two little girls just gazed curiously at Xavier.

"Ah, Mr. Desmond," Dumbledore greeted, and the dark-skinned boy walked over to them.

"Xavier, I would like for you to meet Mr. Weasley's parents," Dumbledore informed as he gestured over towards the tall man with flaming hair and the short, plump woman. That makes sense…

However, before Xavier could introduce himself, he was met with a bone-crushing hug from Ron's mother and it made him freeze.

"You saved my boy," Mrs. Weasley cried as she patted his cheek lovingly. If this was what it felt like to have a 'mother's touch', then Xavier would have given anything to know the feeling of what it would feel like with his own mother.

"How could I ever repay you?" she asked, while her tears cascaded down her face, and Xavier cleared his voice after a few seconds.

"You own me nothing, Mrs. Weasley. It could have been anyone in that position and I would have saved them from that Troll. I know that Ron would have done the same for me," Xavier stated firmly, and the woman broke down into more tears.

Ron's mother let go of Xavier, and she continued to sob as the other woman with long, blond hair pulled her aside to console her, and Xavier's attention was brought to Ron's father who held out his arm.

"It is pleasure to meet you, Xavier," Ron's dad spoke, his tone kind and amicable. "You may call me Arthur or Mr. Weasley, the choice is yours."

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Weasley," Xavier greeted respectfully as he shook the man's hand.

"You've got quite the firm grip," Mr. Weasley chuckled, and he then studied Xavier.

"You look so much like your father," Mr. Weasley mumbled, and Xavier's ears perked up at that.

"You knew my father?" Xavier questioned.

"Not personally, but he was a true hero and from the few times I ever got to talk with the man, I knew he was a good man who fought for good," Mr. Weasley responded with a small smile and Xavier nodded.

"I'm assuming that you've already met Ron's brothers here?" Mr. Weasley asked, and Xavier nodded in confirmation while fist-bumping the twins.

Xavier then looked over to Ginny, the sister that Ron had told him all about. "Nice to meet you, Ginny."

Ginny blushed with a shy look, but to his surprise, she held out her arms and hugged him tightly.

"You saved my Ronnie… thank you," Ginny whispered, and Xavier hugged her back. Xavier could feel that Ginny was trembling slightly, no doubt from imagining what it would be like if her brother had really died, and Xavier made sure to give an extra squeeze to smother those thoughts for her.

"Ron is my best friend," Xavier spoke aloud, addressing everyone in the room as he broke the hug from Ginny. "I wouldn't let him die at the hands of a Troll."

Ron sent his mate an unmeasurably grateful smile, while the Weasleys all shared a look of immense respect and love for Xavier. Dumbledore just watched in merriment, his twinkling eyes dancing like fire.

"Xavier, this is Pandora Lovegood and her daughter, Luna Lovegood. They are good friends of the Weasleys," Dumbledore supplied, and Xavier turned to face the two Lovegoods. So, this is the Pandora that sent Ron those cool gifts…

"It's an honour to meet you, Xavier. I guess knights in shining armour connect with one another, don't they?" Pandora greeted, her voice as soothing as the warmth of a fireplace. Knights in shining armour, eh? Is that why she sent gifts to Ron so suddenly? Did Ron save her life?

"It's great to meet you, Mrs. Lovegood. Ron has told many great things about you," Xavier replied respectfully, and Pandora laughed softly.

"Has he now? Well, Xavier, I can confirm that you really have your father's looks, and please, you may call me Pandora. Mrs. Lovegood isn't necessary," Pandora reassured, and Xavier nodded.

Xavier then looked to Luna Lovegood and this girl was staring at Xavier with interest, though her eyes suggested that her mind was somewhere else entirely.

"I'm Luna Lovegood, but you already knew that," Luna greeted, her tone aloof, yet amiable.

"And you already know who I am," Xavier returned as he shook her small hand. Luna then just stared at Xavier, her sharp, blue eyes digging into Xavier's cold, black ones and it seemed as if she was searching for something in his soul.

"Love, you shouldn't stare," Pandora chuckled lightly, her voice soft to the ears.

"Sorry, mummy," Luna said, her voice peculiar and intriguing. "Xavier just has beautiful eyes."

And with that, Luna turned away, while humming some tune to herself and Ron, Percy, the twins, and Ginny all stifled their laughter at Xavier's shocked expression. She's an odd one, that's for sure…

"Now that the introductions are set, I feel that Xavier and Ron should enjoy their day, maybe spend time with Ginerva and Luna," Dumbledore said cheerfully. The two small girls emitted gasps and kneeled on their knees.

"Oh please, mummy!" Ginny begged, tugging on her mother's clothes. "Can Luna and I please spend the day with Ronnie?"

"Ron will keep us safe. I really want to see the library," Luna pleaded, putting on the puppy dog eyes for extra insurance.

Pandora, Mr. Weasley, and Mrs. Weasley all sighed, debating whether to go through with this plan. After a moment, they nodded in consensus and the two girls squealed loudly and hugged each other tightly.

"Ronnie, keep them safe and make sure they eat, alright?" Molly fussed, and Ron nodded eagerly. Guess, I'll be spending my day with Ron and his sisters.

"Well, that settles it," Dumbledore concluded as he stood up from his seat and he beamed at everyone. "You may all enjoy your day, and Pandora, stay back please, I would like a word,"

"One more thing, headmaster, if you wouldn't mind," Molly requested, and Dumbledore nodded. Ron's mother turned to Xavier with a maternal smile.

"Xavier, dear, would you like to come over and spend the holiday break with Ron at our house?" his mum asked tenderly, and Xavier stepped back in surprise, not even trying to school his emotions like usual. He didn't expect this at all and when he saw Ron and the rest of the Weasleys all nod excitedly to him, he felt touched upon words. A feeling that Xavier never felt.

These people wanted him to come over to their home when the break would start… They didn't even know Xavier or where he was from and yet they addressed him like he was family to them… It was too much…

"Please, it will be a hassle and I don't want you to be cooking for longer and-" Xavier rambled, finding reasons but he was cut off by the twin's booing.

"Just say yes, mate," Ron urged with a warm smile and Xavier just stared with his mouth open, but no words came out.

"I- yes," Xavier sighed after a moment. "But please don't tire yourself to make me feel comfortable or anything, I'm sure your home will be as great as Ron says it is."

"You are too kind, dear," Molly chuckled, and she hugged the boy once more time, while Arthur patted Xavier's back firmly.

"You two may go and show Ginerva and Luna around," Dumbledore said kindly, and Xavier nodded, while Ron got out of his bed.

"We shall meet soon, Xavier," Arthur said as he shook hands with the dark-skinned boy and Xavier nodded his goodbyes to Ron's parents, Ron's brothers, Pandora, and Dumbledore.

Ron Weasley's P.O.V:

Spending the day with Ginny, Luna and Xavier had been fun and Ron hadn't realised how much he had missed his two sisters until he actually spent quality time with them.

Xavier reminded Ron to not show the girls their Slytherin Common Room, they made sure to avoid Malfoy and his two Gorillas and they made sure to steer clear of their ex-friends. Overall, the day had gone exceedingly perfect.

Luna was mesmerised when Ron and Xavier had shown her the library and Ginny had been awestruck when the two Slytherin boys showed her the Quidditch grounds. It just fuelled the two girls' excitement about going to Hogwarts when their time came.

"Ron, the headmaster never told us who you and Xavier saved," Luna randomly pointed out and Ginny nodded vigorously.

"Yeah, tell us who you saved!" Ginny chimed in and Xavier cleared his throat when Ron nodded to him.

"Well, your brother and I ended up saving Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter," Xavier answered honestly, and Ginny's eyes went wide.

"You saved Harry Potter?!" Ginny squealed and Ron nodded, which resulted in another tight hug from Ginny. By the end, Ron and Xavier were both rubbing their hands due to how tight Ginny had squeezed them.

As if the Universe tried to respond, Harry, Neville and Hermione had bumped into Ron, Xavier and the two girls.

"Guys, I would like you to meet my two sisters, Ginny and Luna," Ron introduced with a big smile and the three Gryffindors smiled at the two girls.

"Hello there," Harry greeted warmly to Ginny and the red-haired girl immediately gasped and hid behind Ron, an ever-growing blush brewing on her face.

"Hello there, I am Luna Lovegood," Luna stepped up confidentially and she shook the hands of the three Gryffindors.

"It's nice to meet you, Luna Lovegood," Hermione greeted sweetly, and she then turned to Ron and Xavier.

"Ron, Xavier, Hagrid wanted to invite you two for tea with him and us tomorrow. Are you guys free?" Hermione provided as Neville and Luna laughed at something Harry said.

"Of course, Hermione, we'll see you lot there," Ron replied, while Xavier nodded firmly, and the girl beamed. She then hugged the two tightly and stepped back with a blush. There was a brief pause between them, and Hermione just looked up and stared at her two Slytherin friends.

"I owe you guys my life," Hermione muttered softly, and she looked as if she wanted to repay the two Slytherin boys with everything she had.

Harry and Neville, who had heard what Hermione said, both nodded firmly and held out their arms.

"My Gran heard of what happened and she would like to meet you two when the Yule break starts," Neville stated with a small voice and the two Slytherins nodded.

"Tell her we'll be there," Xavier replied, and Neville smiled softly, especially when he shook their hands.

"Nev and I owe you guys one," Harry added in firmly, smiling at Ron and Xavier and both Slytherins waved it off.

"It's fine guys, honestly," Ron said with a laugh.

"You are our friends and that's all that matters," Xavier added and that got strong nods from the three lions.

"We'll see you two around, alright?" Harry asked and the two Slytherins nodded firmly before shaking Harry's hand.

"Take care, guys," Ron said sincerely and the three Gryffindors shot Ron and Xavier one last appreciative smile.

As the three Gryffindors departed, not before sending their goodbyes to Luna and a still-blushing Ginny, Ron and Xavier unknowingly smiled as they saw Hermione converse excitedly with her new two Gryffindor friends. They were glad that she finally had two people that cared for her in her House and if anything, that was one more good thing that resulted from the horrific Troll incident.

The rest of the day had gone by quickly, with Ron and Xavier showing off some wicked spells to the cheering Ginny and Luna. When dinner time came, the four enjoyed their meals, especially Luna who was ecstatic that there was pudding for dessert.

Ron had been reluctant to see his Ginny and Luna get sent home and when the time for goodbyes came, the two girls had shed a few tears, while Ron made sure to hug them as long as he possibly could.

Ginny and Luna, who had both grown a quick liking for Xavier, had hugged him too, which surprised him, but he still returned the gesture.

"What a day," Ron said as he exhaled loudly, and Xavier nodded in agreement.

"You have two great sisters, Ron," Xavier praised, and Ron grinned. The two continued the way to their common room, but Ron stopped abruptly when Xavier stopped him.

"Ron, do you want to go and chill outside for a bit? The sun's still setting and I kind of don't wang to hang out in the common room, since everyone with eyes will just stare at us," Xavier explained, and Ron nodded. Eating dinner and walking around the school for the whole day had attracted numerous looks of awe, disbelief and shock, and Ron was growing quite annoyed with it.

"Yeah, let's do it, but we should change into some other clothes," Ron suggested, and the two boys headed towards their common room.

Once they had changed into some fresh clothes, the two exited their dorm, and as the two Slytherins began to leave for the exit of the Slytherin Common Room, Ron caught their ex-friends all sitting on some couches by the fire.

The first thing Ron noticed was that they were all quiet, mostly staring at the fire and second, some of them looked like they had gone through hell and Ron really doubted that the split between them and Ron and Xavier had caused that, but he knew that it played a part.

Thankfully, none of them had noticed Ron or Xavier, but that changed when Tracey looked around for a brief second and her emerald eyes landed on Ron. They both held eye contact and Ron could feel the intense moment get tenser.

Tracey slowly shot Ron a weak smile, one that caught Ron off guard and Ron just sighed. To her shock, he nodded softly back at her, and he then turned back to leave the common room along with Xavier.

The cold breeze washed over Ron's face, and he thanked Merlin that Xavier had suggested the idea to hang outside in the first place.

Everything was calm and peaceful; the sun's tired rays created a beautiful effect of red, orange and pink that clashed with the slightly dark, blue sky.

The Great Lake glistened elegantly, while Hogwarts stood proudly, and Ron couldn't ask for anything more.

"Your family really is great, Ron," Xavier spoke up as he stared into the distance.

He then looked at Ron with a serious look and said, "Look, Ron, you and your family really didn't have to invite me over-" Ron rolled his eyes and halted Xavier's words with the raise of his hand.

"Mate, we wouldn't have asked if we didn't want to, but we did. I mean I'll understand if you don't want to come over," Ron said, but Xavier shook his head.

"No, it would be my pleasure to come over," Xavier reassured, and Ron smiled. Great!

"Then what's the problem?" Ron asked, his curiosity now getting the better of him.

Xavier sighed heavily and admitted, "You and your family don't even properly know me and you're treating me like I'm family. I'm touched, but I just don't understand why."

"Xavier, you're my best mate and you saved my life. If it weren't for you, I would have been bashed in by a bloody Troll and that was enough to get my family to love you, mate," Ron responded firmly, and Xavier just stared at his hands. "Why don't you tell me some things then? Some things about you and I'll tell you a few things about myself?

"You really trust me like that?" Xavier asked with a sceptic look, but he looked more confident when Ron nodded genuinely.

"Alright then… I was raised in an orphanage," Xavier started, and silence fell between them.

"An orphanage?" Ron asked, his eyes slightly widened. Xavier had expected Ron to laugh, but his red-haired mate didn't, and that made Xavier feel a rush of gratitude towards Ron.

"Yes, Ron, an orphanage. That's where I lived my whole life as the life I can remember," Xavier informed. Ron was speechless, processing the unexpected information.

"What… what was it like?" Ron asked and Xavier's expression turned dark.

"It's a cursed place, Ron. Murders… drug dealings… rape… they all have taken place there before," Xavier answered with a low, cold voice and Ron shuddered. Murder and rape?!

"The orphanage's outline was merely a bulwark for its true reputations. I've seen many things, Ron. You may have noticed how I'm not always fazed by things in the slightest, but that is because I grew a tendency and numbness to the things I saw back at that orphanage," Xavier explained, and Ron just stared at him.

It made sense; when Ron had met Xavier, the boy did seem cold, distant, and collected and Xavier didn't even look afraid when he faced the Troll. Ron was even sure that Xavier had smirked at killing the Troll at one point…

"Xavier… I'm so sorry…" Ron muttered softly. In all honesty, Ron didn't know WHAT to say.

"No, Ron, I'm glad that I did see those things. Do you know why? Because it gave me an idea of how horrible our world really can be," Xavier whispered coldly, and Ron found it hard to not admire his best friend right now. What Xavier is saying is all true… This world is much crueller than we believe…

"But why are you telling me this?" Ron asked and Xavier stared off into the distance once more.

"I've always avoided friendships and I trusted no one, but myself. But it was you who introduced yourself to me back at Ollivander's. It was you who sat in my compartment on the train. It was you who hung out with me when we got put in Slytherin. It was you who joined me in my runs around the lake. I trust you, Ron, and that's something hard to be acquired from myself," Xavier replied truthfully, and Ron was at a loss for words. His heart swelled tremendously, and Ron just nodded to Xavier.

In all honesty, no one had ever spoken like that before to Ron and it was a weird feeling to digest; Ron had always been shunted to one side until he decided to study hard and impress the school, but before that Ron was left last for everything and he didn't need to be a Seer to know that it would have stayed that way if he hadn't motivated himself to change.

"I trust you too, Xavier and all those things that I did for you were returned to me by you too," Ron said truthfully, and the dark-skinned boy smiled. Ron stared at Xavier, and he bit his lip. Should I tell him about my Seer ability? Fuck, I don't know…

As if Xavier could read Ron's mind, he said, "You don't have to tell everything about yourself, you know? There should be secrets that you will carry to your grave and I respect that because I have those types of secrets too."

Ron shot Xavier a look of bewilderment, before nodding in understanding. Xavier was extremely hard to predict sometimes and maybe that was why Ron found him so interesting in the first place…

Not only was Xavier the son of two dead, but highly praised heroes hailed by the Wizarding World, but he was a prodigy and a very interesting person…

"Can I ask you something, Ron?" Xavier asked and Ron nodded.

"Of course, mate, go ahead," Ron replied, and Xavier cleared his throat.

"When Pandora Lovegood greeted me, she said something about how 'knights in shining armour connect'. I'm guessing you saved her life?" Xavier recounted, and Ron nodded in understanding. He has a sharp mind…

Ron took a breath and recounted his tale once again and he decided to take Xavier's advice and keep the Seer ability a secret to the grave, save for Dumbledore who knew about it. By the end, Xavier was quite wonderstruck, and he admiringly stared at Ron.

"I guess you fashioned yourself to be a saviour, eh?" Xavier joked and Ron barked out a laugh. The two sat there for a while, smiles plastered on their faces and the setting sun made everything better.

"I was never like this, you know," Ron suddenly started, and Xavier turned to him.

"What do you mean?" Xavier asked and Ron sighed.

"I was never this hard-working, intelligent and brave kid… I used to be lazy, greedy and the only thing I think I was good at was probably chess and maybe flying," Ron stated, and Xavier's brow furrowed.

"How did you change?" Xavier questioned and Ron stared off into the distance.

"I was always jealous… jealous of Bill who was perfect in everything he did… Charlie who was tough and a brilliant seeker… Percy who was very smart, Fred and George who were really funny and creative… and Ginny, who was loved by everyone and was given anything she wanted… I was just Ron," Ron whispered softly, the wind outlining his sombre face. Out of respect, Xavier said nothing for a few seconds.

"Mate…" Xavier muttered. He hadn't expected that Ron was like this, but he believed what Ron said; Xavier understood how people were and how they could change drastically…

"So, I decided to study well, hoping to surprise my peers and my professors when I came to this school. And I have no regrets about sharing it all with you," Ron smiled, and Xavier just shook his head.

"You're absolutely brilliant, Ron. You just don't know it yet," Xavier admitted. As those words echoed in Ron's mind, he felt at ease. He was on the right path.

Ron and Xavier strolled through the castle corridors, feeling much more serene and closer in their bond. Their talk had opened up to one another about a few things. Ron personally felt he had a better understanding of his mysterious friend.

As Ron and Xavier both headed towards the Dungeons, they were met with a little shock when Professor Quirrell bumped into them and if Ron wasn't mistaken, it looked like Quirrell had been muttering quickly to someone. However, Quirrell was accompanied by no one else.

"S…s…o…sor…sorry… boys… mu…must… have gi… given you a fr… fright th.. there," Quirrell stuttered, and Ron could tell that Quirrell had been caught mildly off guard. Ron inwardly frowned; what was Quirrell doing in the Dungeons?

"What are you doing here, sir?" Xavier asked, voicing Ron's thoughts and Ron noticed that Xavier had his eyes slightly narrowed on the stuttering professor. Xavier too was suspicious of this sudden moment.

"Oh… I… I wa… I was ju… just trying… to find Pro… Professor Snape, y… yes! I'll… b-be o-on m… my w-way t…then!" Quirrell answered, his eyes darting in every direction away from the two boys, and he then let out a nervous chuckle and ran off quickly.

"What the bloody hell?" Ron mumbled.

"Indeed, what is up with that guy?" Xavier asked, his brow furrowed. Ron frowned; Snape's office was on the side of the Dungeons and yet Quirrell made the excuse of 'trying to find Snape'. That's utter rubbish…

"Xavier, earlier in the morning, Professor Dumbledore warned me about something, and he wanted me to tell you as well," Ron started, and Xavier looked around to see if anyone could potentially eavesdrop, before nodding for Ron to continue.

"The headmaster warned us to be careful around Quirrell," Ron divulged, and Xavier nodded in agreement.

"I'm glad that the headmaster is suspicious of Quirrell because I have been for a while," Xavier replied, and Ron's brow furrowed.

"Wait, really? What do you mean?" Ron inquired, lowering his tone.

"Well, it was on the day of the first match of Quidditch. I figured that you were on some potion, but I'm not sure if you remember when Harry's broom started malfunctioning?" Xavier recalled, but Ron nodded vigorously.

"I remember vividly, mate," Ron responded.

"Yeah well, I decided to look throughout the crowd to see if anyone was jinxing his broom at that moment and guess what? Fucking Quirrell is muttering while staring at Harry like a hawk!" Xavier informed darkly, and Ron's jaw dropped. Quirrell?!

"You reckon that he was behind the weird movements of Harry's broom?" Ron questioned, and Xavier nodded firmly.

"What's more is that the second Quirrell broke eye contact and looked away, Harry's broom immediately stopped malfunctioning!" Xavier added and Ron felt chills go down his back. Is Quirrell really some evil guy? How come no one other than Xavier, Dumbledore and I have suspected this?

"You're right, mate. And to add to everything you said, where in Merlin's beard was Quirrell when the Halloween Feast started? Surely three stupid Trolls couldn't make their way into Hogwarts by themselves!" Ron said with a frown and Xavier's eyes widened.

"Three Trolls?!" Xavier exclaimed and Ron nodded firmly.

"That's why the professors had arrived much later. There was an actual Troll in the Dungeons, while there were two more located near the Ladies Lavatory which was close to the library," Ron explained, and Xavier just rubbed his forehead.

"Yesterday could have been easily a fucked-up day, not to say that it wasn't," Xavier said bluntly, and Ron found himself agreeing with that.

"Let's go now, Xavier, I'm getting chills, mate," Ron suggested, and Xavier nodded.

Quirinus Quirrell's P.O.V:

Quirrell barged into his quarters and shut the door behind him, making sure it was locked.

"What a miserable excuse," Lord Voldemort hissed from behind Quirrell's head.

"I'm sorry, master, I just couldn't think-"

Quirrell was cut off by a sharp pain in his head and it was the usual punishment he received from his master.

"Save your words, you fool! Lord Voldemort has a warning for you…" the Dark Lord hissed and Quirrell's brow furrowed, clenching his teeth to endure the pain. A warning?

"You must stay away from the Weasley and Desmond brats," Lord Voldemort ordered coldly and Quirrell was caught off guard.

"I'm sorry to question you, my lord, but why those two?" Quirrell questioned hesitantly, fearing consequences from his master again.

"There is something horribly off about them, Quirrell. I sensed both of their magic and it wasn't anything that I have ever felt from any being in this entire Universe," Lord Voldemort hissed and Quirrell shuddered violently. What in the name of Merlin is my master talking about?!

"My lord, are you quite precise on your theory on Weasley and Desmond? I mean, you aren't at your full strength-"

Quirrell was cut off by a sizzling pain in his temple and he emitted a sharp cry as he clutched his forehead. Merlin, it burns!

"You dare question the Dark Lord?!" Lord Voldemort hissed violently. "I am never wrong, you insolent worm!"

"Forgive me, master, you misunderstood my words!" Quirrell begged, but another sizzling pain soared in Quirrell's temples and Quirrell fell to the cold stone floor in agony.

"Do not go near those two… There is something wrong with the two of them… I can feel the presence of different unknown entities in their souls," Lord Voldemort informed in a whisper and Quirrell felt an influx of goosebumps on his skin. Ronald Weasley and Xavier Desmond are possessed by unknown entities?! Merlin, what is going on?!

Xavier Desmond's P.O.V:

December had come rolling by surprisingly quickly, and just like the Halloween decorations in October, Hagrid had decorated the vast castle with magnificent Christmas decorations. Along with that, the student body, the professors and even the ghosts had been in a cheery mood, no doubt from the sweet Christmas aura.

The incident of the Halloween Feast had slowly evaporated into the castle's history and things were returning to normal.

The Slytherin Prodigy duo and Gryffindor's Golden Trio, which was the name that was dubbed for Harry, Neville, and Hermione, had gotten closer with one another by each day, whether it was studying in the library or having tea at Hagrid's.

Things between the Slytherin duo and their ex-friends were still strained and occasionally, Xavier would catch Tracey and Pansy smiling sadly at him or Ron. Xavier even caught Daphne tear up slightly when she glanced at him in Herbology class.

It was especially hard since Xavier and Ron DID share a whole dorm with Theo and Blaise and if the four were ever in the Dorm at the same time, they wouldn't speak a single word to each. But Xavier could feel that beneath the tense air, all four boys were hurting when they were in the dorm together.

The duo continued to gain points, giving Slytherin a huge boost as Slytherin was now much ahead because of the duo's work and they began to upgrade to more complicated spells. Xavier had tried to teach Ron some wandless magic, but Ron hadn't quite gotten the gist of it quickly.

Getting more points seemed to earn more nods and smiles of appreciation, especially from the older students and it eased Ron the most, since he was a blood traitor and would get reminded of it every now and then by some bitter fourth year.

Xavier couldn't find more information about Lady Dysnomia, and he decided that his mission to find his parent's hidden manor would have to come to him when the time was right and so Xavier decided to ease on it a bit and focus more on gaining knowledge about literally anything he could get his hands on.

Xavier found it particularly interesting that there were many hidden rooms in the Hogwarts castle, something he had learned when Hermione passed him the Hogwarts: A History book and he definitely wanted to find some soon.

And as for Quirrell, the boys definitely made sure to keep an eye on the stuttering professor and so far, they had caught nothing suspicious.

Xavier heaved a sigh as he stepped out of the Defence Against the Dark Art's class; the midterm exams had been easy enough, but all that writing did something to your hand.

"Merlin, that was intense," came Ron's voice and Xavier turned around to nod in agreement.

"How did you go for the explanation on Vampires?' Ron asked as he wiped some sweat off his brow.

"Oh, I just stated about how Ambrogio Hemlock was the first Vampire to roam Earth and the powers Vampires possess like inhumane speed and strength, you know?" Xavier replied and Ron grinned.

"Wrote the exact same things, mate," Ron stated happily and the two then decided to head to their dorm to rest a bit.

"What about the Werewolf Code of Conduct?" Xavier asked as the two walked past Snape's office.

"You mean for the History of Magic exam?" Ron asked and Xavier nodded in confirmation.

"Oh, I just talked about when it was developed, which was in 1637 by the Wizard's council, and the laws behind it," Ron answered, and Xavier sighed a breath of relief.

"Good, I wrote the same-" Xavier's voice was cut off by someone sniggering which came from behind the Slytherin duo.

Xavier and Ron both whipped around, and they saw four third-years snickering and sneering at the duo. What the hell is this?

"May we help you?" Ron asked, his eyes holding confusion.

"Help he says!" one of the girls exclaimed in an annoying tone that immediately made Xavier and Ron frown. "No, we didn't want your help, you filthy blood traitor!"

Ron's frown widened into a snarl and Xavier's eyes narrowed at the four Slytherins. So, they want some trouble, huh?

"You know, it really disgusts me, seeing blood traitors like you roam around our House," one of the third-year boys sneered and Xavier put a hand on Ron's shoulder to stop him from attacking.

"So, is that all you have to say? You just trying to waste our time by delivering us unimportant words, you silly cunts?" Xavier provoked with a cold laugh that unsettled two of the third-years.

"Silly cunts? Who are you calling silly cunts you little-"

The boy's sentence never came out as Xavier had hooked him hard with his right fist. The boy fell to the ground and rolled around in pain, while his three friends all stared in shock. Xavier grinned evilly, feeling a familiar sense of fun.

"What did you just do?!" one of the girls screamed.

"Silencio!" Xavier chanted, his wand pointed right at her and the girl's eyes widened as no noise came out of her mouth.

"Furnunculus!" Ron growled and his wand shot a yellow light right at the girl's face. Angry boils appeared on her face, and the girl hurried away, no doubt silently screaming in agony.

The remaining two third-years slowly backed up, horror dawned on their faces. What the hell was this? Why were two-first years easily able to take down two third-years?!

"Looks like the blood-traitor needs to be taught a lesson!" another girl sneered, albeit obtaining a more cautious look. She withdrew her wand and pointed it right at Ron.

"Petrificus Totalus!" she chanted, and the spell hit Ron. However, to everyone's shock, the spell never impacted Ron. Instead, as soon as the spell hit Ron, it was sent right back at the girl, and she went stiff and fell over.

Xavier stared at Ron with disbelief. How? He didn't even deflect it!

One more boy remained and as Ron fired a leg-locking jinx at the boy who was still in pain from Xavier's dirty right hook, Xavier closed the distance between himself and the remaining boy.

The boy swung at Xavier, but Xavier dodged with ease and ended up elbowing the older boy's face harshly. The boy let out an inaudible scream as Ron had cleverly silenced him with his wand.

There it was. Two first-years glared hatefully at the last remaining third-year, while the other three had all dispersed for safety.

"You thought that you could call Ron a blood-traitor and get away with it?" Xavier asked, his voice dripping with intimidation.

"Guess the blood-traitor and his mate took down four third-years… how disappointing that must be," Ron snarled, and Xavier laughed coldly from the scared expression planted on the boy's face.

"This is a warning," Xavier barked, and the boy began to shake in fear. How could two first-years scare him so much?

"Number one: you aren't going to tell anyone what we did to you and your snivelling twats that you call friends. You lot came at us first, we were merely defending ourselves," Xavier started and when the boy nodded vigorously, Xavier delivered a sickening punch right to the boy's temple. The boy's eyes widened and then began shaking violently, trying to get rid of the pain all the while Xavier let out another chilling, cold laugh.

"Number two…" Xavier began and even Ron looked a little creeped out by Xavier's maniac-like expression.

"You will warn any others of trying to mess with me or Ron. Ron's earned more points and respect from the professors and other students than you probably will in your miserable life," Xavier spat out loathingly and he missed Ron's look of appreciation.

"And number three…" Ron said, taking over. "You, your friends and any others who are warned will not go after any of our friends. Because if we hear that any of you did…"

"Then you better pray that you'll be ready to face our wrath," Xavier finished, and the boy nodded quickly, eager to get away from this hellish duo as quickly as he possibly could.

Ron, feeling more vindictive than ever, pushed the boy to the ground and Xavier kicked him right in the groin. The boy slowly limped away weakly, his face tightening in pained expressions.

Xavier and Ron swiftly turned on their heels and walked off, making sure to cover a considerable distance between them and those who had tried to ambush them.

"Are you alright?" Xavier asked, his tone weirdly concerned.

"The better question is are YOU alright?" Ron exclaimed with an incredulous look. "Mate, you became so cold and scary, for a second there, I thought you were going to actually kill them!"

"Sorry about that," Xavier replied softly. "I just got really pissed when they insulted you. And remember, Ron, it's how I am from my time at the orphanage. You see that kind of behaviour on the regular and retaliation was the normal response."

"I know, mate, and thank you," Ron said with gratitude and Xavier just nodded.

"But seriously, Ron," Xavier started, his expression turning very serious and curious. "How in Merlin's beard did you deflect the Petrificus Totalus spell without even moving a muscle?"

"Oh," Ron said, going a little red. "Well, I didn't know either, but I realised what it was."

Ron then held out his left hand and Xavier could see the ring that Pandora had given him was blazing, the diamond looking more pronounced than ever.

"So that ring really saved you there," Xavier muttered, and Ron nodded.

"I love Pandora," Ron said with a happy sigh and the two then headed off to their dorm, adrenaline still pumping throughout their exhausted bodies.

Ron Weasley's P.O.V:

"Ah, I'm going to miss this place," Ron said as he stared back at the Slytherin Common Room one last time. Sure, the Slytherin Common Room was cold, isolated, and chilling when Ron had first been in it, but it had grown on Ron more than he would have liked to admit.

"I agree, mate, but don't worry, it'll only be two weeks before we get back here. I reckon we should leave now, the train will be here soon," Xavier suggested, and Ron nodded.

The two made their way into the Great Hall, passing scattered students, beautiful decorations, cheery ghosts, and they both glanced at the hourglass, where the gems symbolised how many points each House had.

Ron couldn't help but grin. Slytherin was way ahead of Ravenclaw, who was followed by Hufflepuff and at the bottom was Gryffindor.

"Ron! Xavier!" Hermione's voice exclaimed and the two boys turned around to see Hermione approaching them with her trunk.

"You're going home for the holidays as well?" Ron asked and she nodded.

"My parents are dying to see me. It was hard for them to let me go all by myself to a school for a long time, but they knew it was the right choice," Hermione stated happily, and the two boys smiled back at her. She looks so happy now that she's got Harry, Neville, Xavier, and I…

"Well, I hope you enjoy your holidays, Hermione," Xavier spoke kindly, and she blushed.

"By the ways guys, I wanted to come to tell you two that if my parents send you any weird items for Christmas, just owl me if you have any questions on how to use them," Hermione informed, and Ron looked confused.

"Why would your parents send me and Xavier gifts? They don't have to," Ron reassured, but Hermione looked at her feet.

"No, it's because they wanted to send you two something for you know… saving my life…" Hermione muttered, but the two boys caught every word and they tensed up a bit.

"Hermione, honestly it's fine, they don't have to send us anything," Xavier said firmly, and Hermione just rolled her eyes.

"Oh, just accept the presents for God's sakes," Hermione said, and she giggled at the boy's expression.

"Oh, alright then, and don't worry, I'll help Ron if he has any questions. I'm very experienced with the Muggle World," Xavier provided truthfully and Hermione flashed him a knowing smile.

"That's great, I hope you'll enjoy whatever you get," Hermione said back earnestly.

"I'm sure we will, Mione," Ron responded, and Hermione just stared at him with a bewildered expression.

"Did you just call me… Mione?" Hermione asked and Ron just shrugged.

"I think it's pretty neat," Ron responded truthfully, and Xavier smirked at Hermione's pout.

"Fine, but I can call you Ronnie!" Hermione said indignantly and Xavier chuckled at Ron's horrified expression.

"Back to Hermione then I guess," Ron feigned a disheartened tone and the three laughed concurrently.

The three then departed with their trunks from the Great Hall to join the rest of the students who were to all walk to Hogsmeade Station with Hagrid and before leaving the castle, both boys got a curt nod from Professor Snape and a twinkling smile from the headmaster.

By the time the students had reached Hogsmeade Station, the scarlet steam engine was awaiting them, smoke blowing profusely out of its chimney.

As Harry, Neville, Xavier, Hermione, and Ron all joined the train, Ron got a quick glimpse of his Slytherin ex-friends and there it was again… Tracey staring at Ron sadly and Ron just shot her a weak smile. Tracey noticed it and slowly smiled back at Ron, her usually emerald eyes much dimmer.

As Ron joined Xavier and the Golden Trio in a compartment, Ron looked out the window and sighed, his ears blocking out the chatter between his four friends. All Ron could think about was Tracey and the others…

Why did Ron miss them? He didn't know. Every time he caught Tracey staring at him, it only made him feel a pang of guilt for their split. It was like Ron wanted to forgive her, but at the same time, it was all just so complicated and awkward.

"Ron… Ron!" Hermione called out, waving a hand in front of Ron's unfocused eyes and Ron snapped out of his thoughts.

"Sorry, what happened?" Ron asked and Hermione huffed.

"I was just asking about what you were going to do on the break," Hermione stated, and Ron put on a smirk.

"Probably have some fun, you know. Now that Xavier's staying over, it's going to be much more interesting than usual," Ron answered, and Xavier shot him a grin.

"I can't wait either, mate," Xavier agreed.

"What about you two?" Hermione asked Neville and Harry. The two Gryffindor boys returned an eager grin.

"We're going to stay up all night!" Neville exclaimed, excitement noticeable in his voice and Harry nodded vigorously, while Hermione just tutted at the 'extreme measure'.

"I have never stayed over at someone's place before, so this is new," Harry admitted, and Xavier shot Harry a knowing look.

Xavier Desmond's P.O.V:

The time flew by as the five friends chatted about many topics, varying from the Muggle World to the Wizarding World. Neville and Ron would just listen in fascination to the wonders and inventions of the Muggle World when Xavier, Hermione or Harry talked and in return, those three would listen intently every time Ron or Neville would speak about the Wizarding World.

Everything had gone smoothly, except for the Malfoy visit, but even then, Malfoy and his goons had left in anger, as red, blistering boils were sported on their faces.

The five then stood up as the train began to slow down and grabbed their trunks to exit the train when it finally stopped moving.

An innumerable number of students were all buzzing with excitement, ready to get out, see their families and enjoy their holidays and Xavier felt another rush of exhilaration for his prospect. Ron's family really didn't have to do this for me…

These feelings of appreciation and gratitude were still perplexing for Xavier to understand, but Xavier could only understand that times were different now.

"Well, I've got to go find mum and day, they're probably searching everywhere for me," Hermione commented, perturbation and excitement noticeable in her tone and she quickly turned around to hug her four friends tightly.

"Have a great holiday, guys!" Hermione exclaimed, sniffling to herself. She was certain that she would miss the presence of her first four friends.

"Bloody hell, Hermione, don't cry," Ron teased, wrapping his arms around her body.

"You can always come to ours," Neville reassured, and Harry nodded vigorously.

"Have a great Christmas, Hermione," Xavier wished, and she flashed them all an appreciative smile one last time before disappearing into the crowd.

"Oh, I can see mum," Ron informed as his eyes looked at a large group of people with red hair standing a good distance away.

"And I can see gran," Neville added as his eyes fell on an elderly woman in the opposite direction.

"Well, I guess Ron and I will see you two very soon," Xavier said firmly, and it got strong nods from the other three boys.

"Seriously, guys, Nev and I both owe you one and we know that we'll never be able to repay you," Harry stated, and Neville nodded in agreement.

"Please guys, think nothing of it," Ron urged with a smile.

"You're our friends, that's all that matters," Xavier added, and the four boys came in from a hug, but let go of each other with embarrassed blushes on their faces.

"Bye guys," Neville said and he and Harry both headed off to go meet Lady Longbottom.

"Let's go, Xavier," Ron instructed and the two moved manoeuvred their way through the bustling crowds.

Xavier then heard someone scream Ron's name and he watched as Ron ran off to hug Ginny, who was literally shaking with joy at seeing her brother again.

Xavier noted that the twins and Percy were already there, and Percy was talking to Mr. Weasley with a serious expression, while the twins were laughing away with their friend, Lee Jordan.

Xavier approached them and as he did, Ginny noticed him and smiled widely.

"Xavier!" Ginny exclaimed and Xavier smiled softly when the little girl ran to him and hugged him.

"Hey, Ginny, it's so good to see you," Xavier replied, and he hugged her back.

"You excited to stay over?" Ginny asked, her flaming red hair glistening and Xavier shot her a wink.

"More than I could express," Xavier answered truthfully.

Xavier and Ginny then walked over to the Weasley clan and as Ron's mother broke her hug with Ron, she spotted Xavier and smiled fondly at him.

"Oh, Xavier, how nice to see you again, dear!" Mrs. Weasley said, and Xavier was met with her infamous bone-crushing hug.

"It's great to see you too, Mrs. Weasley, and thank you once again for hosting me at your home," Xavier responded politely, and the woman just chuckled at this respective composure.

"You should really teach Fred and George some of your manners," Mrs. Weasley remarked, and Xavier sniggered when the twins frowned at her.

"Ah, Xavier," came Mr. Weasley's voice and Xavier turned to Mr. Weasley to shake his hand.

"How are you doing, Mr. Weasley?" Xavier questioned, feeling at ease in front of the cordial man.

"Not too bad at all, son. Now, Xavier, if I'm not mistaken, Ron has told me that you are quite the expert on muggle things," Mr. Weasley said and Ron shot Xavier a look of sorry, but Xavier smiled it off. Ah, of course, Mr. Weasley loves muggles and the way they do things.

"Yes, Mr. Weasley, I do," Xavier responded with a firm nod, and Mr. Weasley smiled widely.

"Absolutely splendid! Can you please explain the function of a vacuum machine-"

"Arthur, we must get going now," Mrs. Weasley interjected, shaking her head at her husband's usual antics.

"Oh, of course, sorry about that, I got a bit excited," Mr. Weasley admitted, and Xavier smirked, while the twins and Ron just rolled their eyes.

"How will we be getting to the Burrow?" Xavier inquired as he and the Weasley clan exited Platform 9¾.

"Don't tell him!" Fred exclaimed, elbowing Percy in the ribs before the boy could answer Xavier's question.

"Patience, young one, and you'll see," George said as he winked at Xavier and Xavier's brow furrowed. Oh, now I'm curious!

The group of eight walked out of the train station and continued to walk down a street, where they followed Mr. Weasley into a clearing. There was a light blue Ford Anglia parked there, and Xavier grinned.

"Um, I already know what a car is, I've been in plenty of-"

Xavier, however, was cut off by Fred and George's mischievous chortles and Xavier shot them all a confused look.

"Ron, why are your brothers laughing?" Xavier asked, but he noticed that even Ron sported a smirk on his face.

"This may be a car, Xavier. But what you probably didn't know was that this is a flying car," Ron answered, and Xavier stopped walking completely. He just blinked and Ginny let out a giggle at his expression.

"What's wrong, Xavier?" Percy asked with a smile and Xavier just stared even more.

"Are you… Is that really a flying car?" Xavier slowly asked and he was floored when Mr. Weasley started it up and the car instantly hovered over the ground.

Xavier stared at the Weasley family a bit more, and then an impressed smile formed on his face.

"Damn, that's wicked," Xavier admitted and the Weasleys all grinned at him, except for Mrs. Weasley.

"Honestly dear, I was hoping you wouldn't like it. This car is a whole liability on its own!" Mrs. Weasley huffed indignantly, and the twins rolled their eyes.

"There she goes again," Fred started with a disappointed look.

"Always ruining the fun," George sighed heavily.

"Come on Molly, the kids and Xavier love it!" Mr. Weasley added cheerfully, but they all stopped when Mrs. Weasley glared at him, getting a laugh out of Xavier, Ron, and Ginny.

"Come on now, hop in," Mr. Weasley requested as he put a charm on the car to enlarge it for more seats.

Ron grinned at Xavier and the dark-skinned boy followed the red-haired one into the back seats of the car and Xavier could feel anticipation flowing in his body. A flying car… amazing!

Once everyone's trunks were magically fitted into the boot and Ron had fed some treats to Scabbers, the Ford Anglia began to fly higher into the sky and Xavier marvelled at the control panel in the car. Mr. Weasley had already flicked the invisibility booster on, but there were other buttons like 'speed-enhancement' and 'temperature change'.

Xavier looked out the window and he watched as meadows and land appeared and vanished and before he knew it, the car was beginning to descend towards the ground. And as it did, Xavier was shell-shocked as his eyes fell on the tall, irregular structure of a building with sempiternal hectares of land around it. They had finally arrived at the Burrow.