Hero

CHAPTER II

A NEW ENEMY

In Bulgaria, near a very big castle by the name of Durmstrang Institute, there were two shady characters. One of them was tall, but very pale and his voice was as cold as ice. The other one was tall and thin and he had a goatee that finished in a curl. The two men, master and servant, were involved in a conversation.

'Tell me, Karkaroff, how can I enter without being seen? Don't lie to me! I always know when you lie!'

Igor Karkaroff, previous Durmstrang Headmaster, had fear in his eyes and answered with a trembling voice 'There's a secret passage near the back door. You need to knock the wall twice and hit it with your wand seven times. That will take you directly to a tunnel from where you can reach any part of the school. Including Viktor's office.'

'It was a brilliant idea of his to stay here as a flying teacher. What a nice hobby! Look at all the work we would have to do if it wasn't for his idea! Pity you aren't as smart as your students, Karkaroff.'

The other man didn't say anything. He was too afraid of his master.

In the other hand, Voldemort prepared to move and, after that, he faced his ex-Death Eater.

'I know what you're thinking Karkaroff, I know everything. You want protection from me, but I can't give you that.' There was cruelty in his tone and in his scarlet eyes. 'Where were you when I needed my servants the most? Where were you when I rose and called you? You left me, Karkaroff, and I will never forgive you by that. And now that you served my purposes, I have no reason to keep you alive.'

Karkaroff was terrorised, death mirrored on his eyes. Voldemort raised his wand and whispered a curse. The last thing Karkaroff saw was a green flash of light and he was already dead when he hit the floor.

'This time, I won't underestimate Potter's power. I won't just kill him; I'll destroy his friends too. And he will then understand what happens to those who defy Lord Voldemort!'

● ● ●

Harry was ready for his first class with Dumbledore. He was hoping he would teach him some powerful spells and curses so he could defeat Voldemort. Last year, Harry found out that he was the only one that could kill the Dark Lord because of a prophecy. Neither of them could survive while the other was still alive. Harry was sure that he wouldn't die: he had to kill Voldemort, that bastard killed his parents, destroyed his future and was the responsible of Sirius's death. But, sometimes, Harry wondered what his life would be like if it wasn't for Voldemort. Would he befriend of Ron and Hermione? Would he be as he was now, or would he be like Malfoy or something? Sometimes, we need to have bad things in our lives to really appreciate the good ones. Because there were wonderful things in his life, too: his friends Ron and Hermione, Ron's family, the whole school and, with an increasing importance, Ginny Weasley.

Now that she relaxed around him, Harry could finally know Ginny better. And she was a wonderful person. He always saw her as a feminine version of Fred and George (Ron's eighteen-year-old twin brothers), but cuter. He liked her a lot and, as the time passed by, he developed a crush on her. But he was afraid to tell her not only because she was very popular and had a boyfriend, but also because Harry feared Ron's reaction. They were best friends again after the chaotic fifth year and he didn't want to change that. It's always difficult to date our best friend's sibling.

Harry tried to talk about that subject with Hermione, but she would tease him and he wanted to do it all by himself. So, he was completely alone in that matter and he didn't know where to start.

But then he reached Dumbledore's office and everything faded from his mind: it was time to learn about Voldemort weaknesses.

As usual, the headmaster was sitting in front of his desk, his phoenix on its roost, the portraits of the past headmasters sleeping. Harry became excited when he saw the Pensieve on the desk.

'Sit down, Harry,' asked the Headmaster, pointing a chair across him. Harry did as he said. 'You may be wondering why I only started these classes this year. Well, last year we didn't have the Ministry's consent and, as you must remember, something changed during all this time. And I can tell you what: the War is officially started.'

Goosebumps ran through Harry's spine. Dumbledore's words were right. Just like Ronan said, it was time for worries to come. But he focused on Dumbledore.

'Now, you already know that you're the only one with the power to destroy Voldemort. Because of that, I'm going to talk about my theories (please note that they're only theories) of the way to kill Voldemort. That's why I brought my Pensieve,' he added with a smile.

Harry didn't understand what Dumbledore meant by that.

'It means,' started the headmaster, noticing the confusion on Harry's eyes, 'that were going to explore Tom Riddle's past. That way, we can understand what he fears and find if he's really immortal.'

'Immortal, sir?'

'Yes, Harry. Immortal. He survived when he should be killed, but he didn't have your protection. So, I guess he is immortal.'

'But, sir, is that possible? Can one become immortal?'

'Well, you must remember the Philosopher's Stone. There are other ways to reach immortality. Other darker ways. Ways that Voldemort would prefer. But I'll need your help to prove it. Will you help me, Harry?'

'If that's going to kill Voldemort, then I'll do it.'

Dumbledore merely smiled. Then, he put a memory inside the Pensieve and both the headmaster and the student entered it. 'I hope it does, Harry. I surely hope.'

And that was how the lesson was spent: reviving Voldemort's past, trying to know him better. That day, Harry found out that he thought he was special, unlike any other human, that he would be greater than any other man. He knew about his magical power since he was a little kid and he controlled them well. He liked to torment the other kids of the orphanage and steal things from them. He saw those things as trophies.

Voldemort (or Tom Riddle, at that age) always liked to do things alone, without any help at all. He hated his father, the man who gave him his name and left his mother when she was pregnant. All his life, little Tom was seeking revenge. He knew about his ability to speak with snakes too. It was obvious that that little boy would be a powerful wizard in the future.

But the lesson stopped there. Dumbledore told Harry that they would talk about Tom's arrival to Hogwarts another day. It was too late to go on.

Harry left the room with excitement; he couldn't wait for the next lesson.

● ● ●

Voldemort did as his servant said. He reached the back door without being noticed, he knocked the wall twice and seven times with his wand. Indeed, a door opened, the door that would lead him to victory. It was a relief to find that the Dark Lord wasn't alone against Harry Potter. Fortunately, a great ally of his had appeared and was ready to help him. Voldemort never thought he would join forces with that ally. But they were good news: Voldemort would give him Krum, and he would give him a free way to Hogwarts and Harry Potter.

The Dark Lord went through the corridor and entered the door to Viktor's office. Voldemort was very silent, but Viktor's senses were very sharp because of Quidditch and he knew someone had entered.

'Who iz it?' he asked, taking out his wand. He scowled and looked around. His eyes laid on Voldemort. 'You! What are you doing here?'

Voldemort grinned evilly. 'Don't be scared, Viktor. I'm not killing you, I need you.' Viktor lowered his wand and listened to him. 'I think you'll be happy with my news. May I sit?'

Krum nodded and pointed to a chair. Voldemort took it and so did the other man. 'I've heard about your little thing with Hermione Granger, Harry Potter's best friend. That was tragic, wasn't it?'

'If you're here to dizcuss Herm-own-ninny, you can leave!' Krum was always very brave, thought Voldemort, he was well trained.

'Well, what I have to tell you is far more interesting than that filthy little mudblood who ruined my plans so many times. I'm offering you an opportunity to get her back. I thought you may be angry with the one who stole her away and a friend of mine is having problems with that boy to. He needs you. And you both can make a nice team. What do you think?'

'Herm-own-ninny haz the right to make her own choices, but...' Krum seemed very irritated with that subject.

'But that boy will give her nothing. He's insignificant and your pride is hurt because she preferred him to you. I know how you feel, Viktor, I always know.'

Krum seemed surprised. Voldemort did really know how he felt. He considered that proposal. It would be nice having Hermione back. He saw the way that boy was rude to her, how could they possibly end up together? It was impossible. He had to get her back; he wouldn't lose her to some little boy.

'It iz a nice offer, but guys like you don't offer help to guys like me just for fun. What will you win with thiz?'

Voldemort gave a cold laugh. 'You are, indeed, a very smart man, Viktor!' he praised. 'I'll win a free way to Harry Potter, and the rise of the Dark Sun.' Voldemort gave emphasis to the last part of his sentence.

Krum didn't like the idea concerning Harry Potter, but he was very interested in the rise of the Dark Sun. He had always been since little. In Durmstrang, he was taught all about the Dark Arts and how to use them. Krum was especially keen on them. And he knew that the Dark Sun would give immense power to everyone who possessed Dark power. And he had been thirsty of power since he knew the Dark Arts.

'But,' he started, 'to summon the Dark Sun you need to get to Majeztic Izland. And only the Morning Angel can get there. How can we find the Morning Angel?'

Voldemort's grin became wider. 'That's why we need you to get the boy, Viktor.'

The famous Quidditch player immediately understood and asked: 'What will I have to do?'

Voldemort was almost bursting with joy. 'I knew you would help me, Viktor. Come with me, I'll show you.'

So, with this new excitement, master and his new servant went through the door, to the always-changing world outside.

CHAPTER III

ENHANCED BONDS AND BROKEN BONES

Am I that unimportant?

Am I so insignificant?

Is it something missing?

Is it someone missing me?

(Missing, Evanescence)

'And that's what we've done!'

Harry had finished telling Ron and Hermione all about his lesson with Dumbledore. Ron was very happy knowing his immortality theory was right. And Hermione was very worried about all of it.

'Immortal? Oh, Harry, this will be very difficult! Immortal! If he's immortal, how are we going to kill him?'

'That's Dumbledore's purpose: he wants to know how we can make someone immortal mortal. That's why we're searching his past.'

'Oh, that's a fairly easy thing to do! You just erase the im- from the word!'

Well, Ron was the only one who had always his sense of humour held high. That's what made him such a wonderful person. Both Harry and Hermione smirked.

'Ron, that's not funny!' she said.

'Then why are you grinning?'

'Well, what I meant is that we shouldn't be laughing at it! It will be very dangerous!'

Ron rolled his eyes. Hermione was always like that when it came to Harry's security. And she was right. These days, protecting "The Chosen One" (which was the nickname Harry had now) was a duty to every wizard in Britain. With all that protection, Ron wondered if his best friend even had some fresh air to breath. Ron liked Harry a lot, but sometimes, he felt like he was left behind.

Harry was the star, the Chosen One, the one who would destroy Lord Voldemort forever. Hermione was the brains of the group. Without her, they would never survive, they would never pass to next year, and they were nothing. She always gave them useful advices and always knew what to do when they were in danger.

But what about him? What was his job in the group? What was his importance? None, he thought, feeling annoyed. He was poor, insignificant, stupid, rude, lazy, annoying ...but still, they cared for him. Or did they not? Ron could not answer. It was like that everywhere. At home, mum would always yell at him because he was always in trouble, his brothers and sister always had the compliments, the good abilities, and the capacities to do anything. Bill was getting married with Fleur Delacour, that gorgeous French woman they met back at forth year. Charlie handled dragons, one of the most dangerous beasts of the wizarding community. Percy, well, he wasn't that good, but he got a place beside the Minister of Magic. Fred and George were the best! They were funny and wonderful on playing tricks. That's why they opened a magic trick shop. But they were always teasing him. And maybe they were right... At last, Ginny was one of the most popular girls of the school. She was beautiful and funny and everyone liked her. She was a great Chaser on Gryffindor Quidditch team too. But what about him?

Well, Ron was good at chess and Ron was good at very many things, things he could not mention. So, no one ever knew how good he was, not even his close family and friends. Only one person knew it, but that one person was out of reach, gone forever, as much it hurt Ron. So, without being good at any useful things, Ron thought that no one cared about him at all.

If they knew who he was, who he used to be, they would admire him, or not? Ron was confused, but deep inside, he knew who he was and no one could ever change that. Maybe no one would ever see that face of his, but he knew it existed, and it was enough for him. A long time ago, Ron Weasley was one of the most important persons in the world and no one ever knew it. But that time was over and now, Ron was insignificant and he had to deal with it. He wouldn't let anyone get to him, not even Draco Malfoy, or at least, he would try.

Right now, the only thing that mattered was his promise and although no one could ever see him as an important person, he would go on with it to the end. That promise was the only thing that gave him hope to the future. But, in spite of those thoughts, Ron wished that someday he could be a hero and everyone would look at him and say, 'Look! That guy over there did that saving-the-planet thing and, if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be here today!' But Ron knew that was just a dream. It could never happen.

At the moment, Ron was finishing his homework in the common room. Harry went to the library with Malfoy (they had to do homework together). He was next to Hermione and she seemed much focused in her work. He stared at her. There was a question burning in his lips, but he was afraid to ask it. What if she said no? But she noticed his nervousness and asked 'Ron, is there something wrong?' It was an innocent question; there was nothing but worry in her tone.

'Well, I guess there is. I need to ask you something. It's quite stupid, but promise you'll answer.'

'Alright. What's up?'

'Hermione.... Do you... do you care about me? I mean, I'm a good-for-nothing git and I wonder... maybe I'm just troubling you. You don't need me, I'm poor, I'm insignificant. Please tell me, do you care about me?'

Astonishment was written all over Hermione's face. 'Ron Weasley, that was the stupidest thing you've ever said in your entire life! Of course I care about you! You're my best friend; we went through all those adventures together. What would I be without you? You're not insignificant, at least for me you aren't. Well, you're no Elvis Presley, but you're not insignificant. If someone ever tells you that, ignore him or her. And other thing, you have so many qualities inside your heart! It's not your fault no one can see them! One day, you will show them who you really are, you just need an opportunity!'

Ron surely wished that opportunity would come. He really wanted to show her who he really was, but it was too painful to return. He said 'But what about Harry? Don't you care more about him? He's the Chosen One and that stuff.'

'Don't dare to tell that again! I care about both of you the same, but in different ways.' She blushed slightly.

'What do you mean?' Ron asked.

'Don't tease me, but I usually think about Harry as our son.' Ron could do nothing but smile.

'Why?' he asked.

'Well, he's always getting himself in trouble, and we're always there to help him, like his parents. That's why I treat you differently. I worry about Harry. A lot. But I care about you. You're the one I spend most time of my life and I think those are the best moments of my life, the moments I spend with you. We really know each other.'

That was true. Ron and Hermione were together almost every waking moment of their lives (except when they went to the loo) and they got to know each other in a different way they knew Harry. They had lots in common, they talked about almost everything. When they were with Harry, they only talked about the War, classes, etc... If there was someone who knew him as well as his Uncle Albert, that person was Hermione.

'You're like my personal protector. You keep me safe and fine. I owe you my life.' Ron and Hermione stared at each other for a long time, loving looks in their eyes. Then, Hermione broke that sweet eye-contact and asked 'Does that answer your question?' Ron used his lopsided smile.

'Yeah, I guess it does. Thanks, Hermione.'

'You're always welcome.'

'Does that mean that I can take a peek to your homework?'

Hermione smiled widely and consented not only to Ron to take a peek, but to copy the whole homework.

'Just don't tell anything to Harry,' she said.

And that was how they spent that afternoon.

● ● ●

On the other hand, Harry's afternoon wasn't that amusing. He had to do homework with Draco Malfoy at the library. But, strangely, he didn't think that it was that bad.

Harry was starting to worry about himself. Why wasn't he super annoyed for spending two entire hours with his great rival? Strangely, he started to accept his presence, his constant company at Potions. Somehow, that time they spent together made them realize that, sometimes, they were unfair to one another.

Maybe he's driving me mad, Harry thought. That's why I'm having these stupid thoughts. How in the name of Merlin we could be friends? That's impossible. If we ever spend a day without arguing it will be a miracle. It's impossible!

That was true. If one told him that he and Malfoy would be friends in the future, Harry would laugh at one's face and would tell one to go to St. Mungo's Hospital of Magical Injuries and Maladies. It was just impossible! But something indeed changed. Malfoy wasn't so cold and bad to him; sometimes, he was even nice. They had worked together for about four weeks and Harry had had the best Potions grades he ever had. Together, they could do any potion, if they put their hostilities aside and reached an agreement. And that was reflected on their grades.

Slughorn was very satisfied with his changes. It wasn't just Ron and Hermione, Harry and Malfoy; the whole class was becoming a group of wonderful potion makers. It seemed like the teacher was right: those changes were the best for them.

So, Harry and Malfoy were at the library finishing homework and they did it without any fuss. To avoid arguments, Harry had a simple solution: he ignored Malfoy. They both did their part of their work and they only spoke to each other when needed.

Although the nasty comments had ceased, they still treated each other by their surnames and they could be provocative from time to time.

That day was no different. The day wasn't amusing, but it wasn't like the nasty days they had before either. Maybe, one day, somehow, that rivalry would change into something less... aggressive. Only time could tell...

For now, Harry only wanted those two hours to end so he could return to his real friends.

● ● ●

The days that followed weren't good ones. There was an attack almost every day and people started to disappear and to be killed. The Dark Mark (which is summoned over a building by the Death Eaters when they kill somebody) started to appear more frequently. Many students left Hogwarts with the fear that the school would be attacked. But Harry, Ron and Hermione knew that that wasn't the right thing to do. At the moment, the only really safe place to be was Hogwarts. But they also knew that the others' fear wasn't wrong either. The attacks were approaching their school and it was too dangerous to walk outside alone.

Ron was always curious about the time when Voldemort had power. His father was always telling him that it was horrible and that Ron shouldn't have those thoughts. But Ron never paid him much attention. Now, he understood what his father was saying.

It's an awful feeling. Everyday, you go to sleep with the fear that you may not wake up in the morning. You're afraid to open the newspaper because you never know when someone you know or love was attacked or killed. Ron was lucky. No one he knew was attacked yet. But what if it happened? What if Hermione or Harry or someone in his family were attacked or killed? He didn't want to think about that, it was too painful. He had already lost one person that had a very special place in his heart and he knew how it felt. He wouldn't stand if one of them were harmed, he just wouldn't. Probably, he would just fall apart, be depressed forever.

But there was another rumour. People started to say that Voldemort had a new ally, one creature so dark that darkness itself would fear it. Ron thought that that was just a damn lie. As Harry told him, the Dark Lord liked to work alone and he was doing a great job all by himself. Imagine if he had a friend with similar power of destruction. That would be the end of the world. It was impossible; it would be too much darkness in one place.

So, to avoid having a very depressing day, the three friends stopped reading the news.

But they just seemed to pop in with every conversation they had. Other countries were starting to be attacked too. Australia, United States of America, Russia, Spain, France and, strangely, Bulgaria, where the Durmstrang ex-headmaster, Igor Karkaroff, was found dead. Wasn't there that that stupid Krum lived? Good, Ron thought, Voldemort could do me a favour and kill him too! But Ron didn't know about the plan the Dark Lord made with his great rival.

After having a quick talk about a little boy who was bitten by a werewolf, the three friends sat down at the common room and started to talk about nothing in particular. But something stopped the conversation. That thing made the three friends go to the portrait entrance.

'What d'you mean, I can't get in? I'm here with Ronan! Please, let me in!' said a delicate voice.

'No! I won't let little orange and rude creatures enter this tower without the password! I don't understand how Ronan stands you!' snapped the Fat Lady.

'Goggles!' said Harry (this was the password to the Gryffindor common room that year). 'The password is goggles, Shane!'

'There you are,' said the delicate voice again. 'Goggles! Now let me in!'

'Okay, but don't you dare to make the slightest mess, alright?'

'Right.'

The next moment, a little orange and cute bat-like creature had entered the common room.

'Hi, Harry! Long time no see! Look, Ronan's here! He needs your help! Filch won't let him in! So I came here to ask for your help!'

'Alright, let's go!'

Then, he, Ron, Hermione and little Shane exited the common room and ran to the Great Hall. As a matter of fact, Ronan was really retained by the ugly man and tried everything to let him in. But Filch wouldn't budge that easily.

'I've said it before! I'm here to see Harry Potter! I've got something important to ask him!'

'Then send him an owl! This is a magic school, in the name of Merlin! We can't just allow Muggles like you to enter Hogwarts!'

'I'm not a Muggle! And please let me see Harry!'

'There's no need to go on, Ronan, I'm here!'

Ronan immediately stopped talking and turned to Harry.

'Thank God! I need a favour from Ron, can you help me?'

Ron went forward. 'What happened?'

'Nothing to worry, it's just Horus.'

'Oh, let's go to the common room, then.'

Harry and Hermione seemed confused. Horus was Ronan's golden-eagle. He got Horus from Ron when he became a good Animal Wizard and got a light-speeded griffin egg (Junior's egg) from a female griffin he helped. Only the Weasleys and Ronan knew how Ron got that golden-eagle. It was secret information.

But Harry and Hermione already knew that. Well, they didn't know where Ron got Horus, but knew about Ronan's magical power. They seemed confused because they didn't know why Ronan needed Ron's help to handle Horus if he was an Animal Wizard.

Eager to find out an answer, they went with the rest of the group to the common room.

When they got in, Ronan put Horus on a table. He was really beautiful! He had light-brown feathers, sharp claws and a dark beak in the shape of a hook. His eyes were hazel. His left wing made a funny angle.

Ron touched that wing knowingly and then asked 'Broken wing? What happened to him?'

Harry and Hermione were about to ask something but they felt like that wasn't the best time to questions.

'I dunno, Ron. He has been acting strangely, to be honest. He's always flying to one place to another; he seems really worried with something. The strangest thing is that he keeps saying that something wrong is happening and soon he will return. He broke his wing when he was chasing a crow.'

Ron seemed terrorised. 'A crow?' he asked.

Ronan sighed and said, 'Yes, a crow. I know what you're thinking, Ron. I know it's a bit unusual, but it can happen. We just have to be prepared. You know, he still is a great ally of Voldemort. We just have to face him. What do you think, Harry?'

Harry was astonished with the question. He didn't understand anything about that conversation! 'I think that you are crazy! What the hell are you talking about?'

Ronan scowled. Then, he turned to Ron. 'You haven't told them yet!' It wasn't a question. It was an accusation. 'Why, Ron?'

''Cause I don't want them to know. I don't want my friends to feel pity of me; I don't want to remember it, okay? They don't need to know.'

The other boy would shake his head, but merely said 'You know that's not true! They're your friends! Don't you want to tell them? Of course you want! It would be much easier for you to forget, don't you think?'

Ron said nothing. 'Alright,' Ronan snapped. 'Suit yourself. But be careful. I may be right.'

'As usual,' Ron retorted. 'Let me fix his wing, then.'

And the three of them watched Ron treating Horus's wing, putting it in the right place, and tying it with some bandage. Harry and Hermione were very surprised. It never occurred to them that Ron was such a good eagle carer. He was speaking to him and the eagle seemed to respond to his questions. By the way he was tying Horus, it didn't seem to hurt at all. What was that great secret Ron was hiding? Did it have to do with eagles? Harry didn't have a clue. On the other hand, Hermione suspected something, but it couldn't be. If it was, she was too terrorised to think about it. If her suspicions were real, then something terrible would happen.

After ten minutes, Horus was good to go. 'Well, Ronan, he won't be able to fly for some days, but when he heals completely it will be just a memory.'

'Or not,' Ronan said. 'If we need to speak again about this crow-chasing, you can be sure it won't be just a memory! I want you to be careful, to see the signs! And in the meanwhile, tell them the truth, they deserve it!'

Ron merely said 'A good riddance to you, too. I'll tell them when the time comes.'

Ronan, with Horus standing on his shoulder, started to leave. He said, 'And the time will come when? When the Earth turns red and we're going to be killed by little green aliens? Okay, I won't say another word! Good-bye! I'll come another day!'

By saying this, Ronan went out the common room, the school building and left.

When he was gone, both Harry and Hermione turned to Ron with furious looks. Ron seemed scared and asked, 'What?'

'You even have the nerve to ask us what?!' said Harry. 'What was that all about? Why would we feel pity of you? What do you want to forget? What's happening, Ron? You can tell us, we're your friends!'

Ron scared look was replaced by an angry expression. 'There's nothing going on! Why are you asking that now? Drop it, okay! Leave me alone! It's none of your business!'

'Ron, if it's bothering you, then it's our business! We care about you, you know,' snapped Hermione. 'Please, tell us.'

Ron faced her. There was worry in her eyes. Harry was worried too. But he wouldn't tell them. He had to be strong. They already had lots of problems on their own; they didn't need his problems too.

'I'll give you the same answer I gave Ronan,' he said. 'I'll tell you what's happening when the time comes, if it comes at all. I don't need you to worry about me. Theses times are complicated and we don't need another thing to worry about. Let's just forget what happened and let's try to do some of that horrible DADA essay, shall we?'

But Harry and Hermione blocked his way. 'Don't think that you'll escape that easily, Ron Weasley! If you don't want to tell us what's happening right now, it's okay, but you'll have to tell us someday, even if it's the last thing you do!'

'That's very comforting, Hermione!' said Ron, sarcastically. 'If I need emotional support someday, I'll let you know.'

Not with the mood to start a row, Hermione said nothing, but looked at her best friend with a furious shine in her eyes. Then, she turned around and started to head to the girls' dormitory.

'Good! If you want to leave your problems to yourself, be my guest! I'm going to bed! A good night to you two!'

And she was gone the other moment. After that, Ron sighed and said 'Well, I'll just start that stupid essay and I'll turn in later. What d'you think, Harry?'

But Harry had the same furious and worried expression Hermione had. Ron noticed it and sighed again. 'Look Harry, I know it's difficult for you to know that something's going on. But, at the moment, what's really important is your safety and I don't want to worry you! Is that alright?'

Harry's expression softened. 'Alright, but if that happens again, you can be sure you're telling us what's happening, okay?'

Ron smiled broadly. 'Okay. Come on, let's get over with it. When Hermione isn't here, it's more complicated'.

Harry also smiled. 'You're telling me!'

And the two friends spent the rest of the time happily. But Harry didn't forget about Ron's problem and Ron knew that his secret had been close to exposure for the very first time.