Growing Up Weasley

Disclaimer: I own the characters you don't recognize, along with the plot. I just wish I owned everything else.

Author's Note: Alright, so I know this should have been up long ago...but well RL sucks. I decided on my night off tonight that I'd sit and type up chapter four (it's been written for awhile now, I just haven't had the time to type and edit it). I'm not making any promises for the next chapter. The earliest I would say, however, is sometime during my Christmas break because I'll have time and finals will be over. Anyhow, here's the chapter.

Chapter Four

Ron landed with a soft thud in a place that vaguely reminded him of Professor Dumbledore's office.

"And you must be Ron," someone said from behind him.

Ron turned to look at the voice. "Yes, that would be me. May I ask your name?"

"Oh, foolish me. I'm the Headmaster here. Conrad Rankin." He enthusiastically shook Ron's hand. "You can call me Conrad of course, since you'll be on staff here. Our current Defense Against the Dark Arts professor should be here shortly. After that, I don't think there's anyone else you need to be introduced to specifically. Most of the staff stay here over the summer break. So, yeah, that should be it." Ron heard a trill from next to the antique looking desk facing the fireplace. "Oh, that's Arcadia. She's been with me for many years."

Ron looked over at the red and gold phoenix. "She's beautiful."

Conrad laughed. "Of course she is. She's a phoenix. Now where's our DADA professor? He's not usually late for anything." Just as he was speaking, he heard a knock on the door. "Ah, there he is. Come on in Nicholas." The door opened and in walked Nicholas Flamel.

*

"Where's Ron?" Hermione asked, looking around for her boyfriend.

Before anyone could answer her, Professor Lupin came over. His portkey had deposited him in an abandoned area just moments before. "Harry, Hermione, if I could have your apparate to Grimmauld Place, everything will be explained there. Harry, don't worry about Rosalind." Harry and Hermione looked worried, but also saw how calm Remus was and so they did as he asked and apparated away. Remus moved on to find the Weasleys. With all of the students and parents, it took him several minutes.

"Oh, Remus! Hello. I didn't expect to see you here," Mrs. Weasley remarked.

"Molly, is there any chance you could get all of your children to meet right now at Grimmauld Place?"

"It's not a problem at all. Everyone's still here for Ron's graduation."

"Good. Molly, I must ask you to gather everyone, including Arthur, and apparate to Grimmauld Place. While it's nothing to worry about, there's something that needs explaining." At Molly's fearful look, Remus held up his hand. "Molly, I'm asking you to trust me." Molly nodded and apparated away. He turned to Ginny. "Harry and Hermione are already there. I'm going to go ahead and apparated with you. Do you have your trunk?" At her nod he took out his wand and shrunk the trunk she pointed to. She pocketed the small item and stepped closer to her mentor. Together they apparated away.

They appeared outside of Grimmauld Place as they could not tandem apparated inside. After the war had ended, Professor Dumbledore had taken the Fidelius Charm off of the house. However, he had left many of the other wards up.

"He ran, didn't he?" Ginny asked her mentor and friend.

He sighed. "I'll answer your questions after the rest of your family gets here." Ginny nodded and walked into the house and then to find Harry and Hermione.

*

Several minutes later, the Minster of Magic was sitting in the drawing room with his family gathered around him. "I'm not sure where to start explaining this," Remus began.

"He's gone, isn't he?" Harry asked quietly as he sat between Ginny and Hermione. Remus nodded.

"What do you mean, he's gone?" Mrs. Weasley cried.

"A couple of weeks ago Ron came to see me. He told me he wanted to disappear. He came to me, not really knowing who he was--having what muggles call an identity crisis. He loved all of you dearly, but he felt he really didn't have an identity all his own."

"Where is he Remus?" Arthur asked.

"I can't answer that. He's asked me not to tell you. He's rather afraid you'll find him to try and make him come back. Don't worry. He's just fine and with someone I trust implicitly, as does Albus." Remus slumped his shoulders. "For the moment he doesn't' want you to write him. He doesn't want to be guilted into coming back. He did say eventually that you could write him."

"What do you mean eventually? How long is he going to be gone?" Hermione cried, trying valiantly to hold back her tears.

"As long as it takes for him to find himself, Hermione," he said quietly.

"And I suppose he expects me to wait for him to get his act together," she whispered venomously.

Remus shrugged. "I don't know about that Hermione. However, he did lead letters for Harry, Hermione, and Ginny." He took out the three letters and distributed them. Hermione fought the urge to rip it to shreds and silently opened her letter.

It wasn't long before the three of them had tears running down their faces. Charlie was the first one brave enough to speak. "Harry, how did you know he was gone?"

Harry took a deep breath in an unsuccessful attempt to stop the silent tears running down his face. "I...," he said before slumping his shoulders.

"Oh, tell them already!" Ginny snapped.

"I recognized the signs in him because I exhibited those same signs myself a few weeks ago until Ginny straightened me out," he said quietly, feeling rather ashamed of himself.

Hermione began to cry even harder. She turned to Harry. "Why didn't you stop him?" She began to pound out her frustrations on his chest. He pulled her into a fierce hug and allowed her to vent her frustrations. "How could you just let him leave?" she sobbed.

"I called him on it at the ball and again at breakfast this morning, but he evaded my questions both times. I swear to you, Hermione," he whispered fiercely," I didn't think he would leave this soon."

"Remus, why didn't he come to us? We're his parents. He knows he can always come to us," Arthur asked,

"I don't know for sure Arthur, but I do know he's been struggling with creating his own identity. As the best friend of Harry Potter and the Minister's son, perhaps he felt he didn't have his own identity. If you strip all that away, I'm not sure Ron recognized that person. I do know, however, that Ron didn't tell you he was leaving because he was afraid you'd never let him leave."

"Damn right!" Bill responded hotly. "He never should have left."

"Yes he should," Ginny said quietly. Everyone turned to look at her. She shifted in her seat next to Harry. "In the letter Ron wrote me, he talked about making sure he'd never get lost in the shuffle again. As the two youngest in the family, Ron and I sometimes felt we were lost in the shuffle. We knew it wasn't on purpose, but it happened just the same. At this point, Ron needs to know for himself that even if he weren't the Minister's son or Harry Potter's friend, he wouldn't get lost in the shuffle. But I don't think that's all of the reason he left. The four of us were really involved in the war and when it ended we were left to pick up the pieces of a childhood we never really had. The three of us still here found ways to deal with that, but I don't think Ron did really deal with it. We know the war changed us. In order to move on with our lives, we had to accept of even embrace the change. Instead, I think Ron pushed that change away. With all of us around, he would never be forced to accept what happened. Now, out on his own, he'll be forced to discover and accept that change as a part of him." By this point, everyone in the room was openly crying or sniffling in the case of the twins. The room was quiet for several minutes as everyone digested Ginny's comments.

"Are you going to be visiting him Professor?" George asked. Remus nodded. "Could you give him a letter from us?"

Remus sighed. "He asked me not to for now. He seemed rather terrified that a letter this early might make him come back now instead of when he's ready to come back. He seemed to think that after some time letters would be alright." He stopped speaking for a minute. "I don't know if this means anything, but I know that Ron had at least two conversations with Severus about this over the last few days. Perhaps it might be a good idea if you spoke with him."

*

Several hours after Ron arrived at The Institute, he was finally alone in his new rooms. As he took a quick tour through his rooms, he found a master bedroom, master bath, a sitting room, and a study. He realized that some decorating was needed. His first instinct was to ask Hermione. With a start, he realized he was truly on his own.

*

Two days later, Arthur rapped on the closed office door, certain that it would be opened. Sure enough, a few minutes later the door opened.

"Minister! I didn't know you were here," Severus remarked.

Arthur waved him off. "I didn't want a big fuss made. And call me Arthur."

Severus nodded. "Please, come in and sit down."

Several minutes later, they were both seated in Severus's office. "I understand you had two conversations with my son before he left."

Severus nodded once more. "I'm actually surprised that you didn't come earlier."

Arthur smiled wanly. "I probably wouldn't have been sane or reasonable if I had."

Severus sighed. "Yes, I talked with him before he left. I spoke with him the day of the Leaving Feast and again before the train left."

"Severus, was he really okay with leaving?" Arthur asked softly.

Severus tried, but without success, to sneer at the questions. He sighed before answering. "The first time I spoke with him, he had very mixed feelings about leaving, especially leaving without telling anyone. But he was definitely confused about his identity and place in the world. He knew exactly what he would be running away from. I'd say his biggest concern was deciding what was more important--becoming himself and giving up everything or staying put and doing what he was expected to do, all the while knowing he would be missing a part of himself."

Arthur sighed, trying to decide if he wanted to ask his next question. "Severus, please, what was he like before he left?"

"He knew exactly what he was doing and why. I don't know what happened in the almost twenty-four hours between conversations, but it was like I was talking to a whole new person. Arthur, you should be very proud of your son. As I told him, it takes a good man to realize he doesn't have all the answers to life's questions. It takes a wise man to begin searching for those answers within himself. Perhaps if I had left to find myself, I wouldn't have made the mistakes of my youth. Arthur, he may have never been my favorite student, but he has my full support on this. If he doesn't' get the chance to find himself--the person lurking behind the name--he'll never be happy anywhere."

"But why did he have to leave without telling us?" Arthur cried, raising his voice for the first time.

Severus sneered, successfully this time before scoffing, "Come on Arthur, would you really have let him leave if he had told you ahead of time?"

Arthur was quiet for several minutes, mulling over the words from a man he had come to respect. He slumped his shoulders. "No, I suppose we never would have let him leave. I think we probably would have locked him up."

"Arthur, he will come back when he's ready. Just don't force him to come back before he's ready," Severus stressed.

Arthur nodded in acquiescence. "Remus told us you might be visiting him on occasion. Please," he stopped. "Please tell him that we love him."

Severus snorted. "Send him an owl."

Arthur shook his head. "He's asked us not to write for a few weeks at least. It would seem that he is afraid a few well-placed words would convince him to come back at this early stage. I can't say that I blame him for being scared though. I would be, especially concerning letters from Molly."

Severus chuckled lightly at that particular thought. "You raised seven strong children. It's just a same though that Percy didn't make it through the war."

Arthur sobered. "Yes, well, I must be going now. Thank you for sharing the details of your conversations with me. It means a lot, Severus." Severus nodded as Arthur Weasley left his office.

*

Ron sat on his bed after he had completed his decorating attempts. He thought back to the meeting in Conrad's office.

*

"Please sit, Nicholas, Ron," Conrad said, gesturing to a few chairs in front of his desk. After they had been seated a moment, Ron noticed the grin on Conrad's face. Ron thought for a few moments before realizing why the smile was present.

"Hey wait! Professor Dumbledore told me six years ago that you would die soon after that because the stone had been destroyed."

Nicholas Flamel just chuckled lightly. "Ah, but what Albus and I never told anyone was how long a dose lasted. Do not worry, Mr. Weasley, my wife and I have several more years left on this wonderful earth. But I wish to retire now to spend my last days with her. Now, onto a few more serious topics. Conrad has explained to me why exactly you're here. As I'm sure you know, the American Ministry felt that Voldemort was a problem for Europe to deal with. As a result, you'll find that you will be relatively unknown here. Am I correct in assuming that's what you're after?"

Ron nodded. "I need to discover what kind of man I am and I can't really do that where I'm really well known."

At this point, Conrad joined the conversation. "If that's what you want, I think you'll be okay with using your real name. I don't think you'll have problems with students delving into your past. However, if you do wish to explain your past to your classes, that is your choice."

"Ron, this year you will essentially be my apprentice. I know that after the war you know your curses and defending against them, but your knowledge of dark creatures is a little lacking."

"I know it is. I am very much aware that if I were to run into a student like Hermione Granger I would be in serious trouble."

Nicholas just laughed. "Yes, if you ran into a student that like, you would be in trouble. I daresay many a teacher would be in trouble. So, this summer I'll spent some time going over dark creatures with you. Once term starts, you'll officially be my assistant and thus will teach some of my classes."

Ron thought over this for a moment before responding. "Okay, when do we start?"

*

They had agreed that Ron would spend a few days getting to know his way around the school before he would begin his crash course on dark creatures. Ron had decided he would simply walk around the school the following day. He was amazed by the idea that the school was partially built into a mountain. While he hadn't had the chance yet to explore the grounds, he knew they were breathtaking.

Ron was still a little apprehensive about his family's reaction. However, he knew he wouldn't hear anything until either Professor Lupin or Professor Snape came to pay him a visit. "She deserves someone better than me," he thought. "Yes, Hermione deserves someone better than me."

*

"How could you just let him leave? Don't you have any idea what this doing to our family?" Charlie raged. He had shown up at Hogwarts nearly twenty minutes prior and had been "speaking" with Professor Lupin since then.

"Charlie, please sit down and I will explain." Charlie took a deep breath to reign in his tempter and sat in the chair provided. "Now Charlie, you love your brother, right?"

Charlie looked outraged. "What kind of question is that?"

"Charlie, I know exactly what Ron leaving is doing to your family. However, we both know Ron would never be happy if he stayed here all of his life. Eventually Ron would have left and we both know that. At least by helping him leave, we know he's gone and where he is. Can you imagine if Ron left and we had no idea where he'd gone? No, Charlie, I helped him leave because at least this way your mother will know he's safe."

Charlie was very quiet for several moments as he digested what Professor Lupin had told him. He slumped his shoulders as he realized Professor Lupin was right. "I understand what you're saying, but that doesn't mean I like it."

Professor Lupin nodded. "I can't say I really like it either, but in the end it was Ron's decision to leave. He had to grow up quickly and that couldn't have been easy for him."

"He did have to grow up quickly, didn't he?" Charlie chuckled lightly. "All because Mum helped Harry onto the platform and then going and sitting with him on the train to Hogwarts."

"Amazing how much can happen on a train, isn't it?" Remus smiled. "Say, how's your limp now? I forgot to ask when I saw you're the other day."

Charlie looked down at his gimpy left leg. "It's still bugging the healers that they can't totally fix it. I guess part of the problem is that on one knows what I was cursed with.

Unfortunately it looks like I'll always have a limp."

"Maybe you might get lucky and Ginny's new spell will help you out."

Charlie laughed. "Actually, Ginny has begun the diagram the spell and I can already tell it's not a healing spell."

"That's not real surprising. It is going to be a particularly powerful spell. The last few days of the term she had a rough time controlling her magic. The last time she had this much trouble was when her gift started manifesting itself."

"Will she handle everything alright next year?" Charlie asked.

"I think she'll be fine. Between you and me, she could probably pass her N.E.W.T.s with scores rivaling Hermione's right now. If at the beginning of term things look too easy, I may talk to her and your parents about having her take her N.E.W.T.s early. There's no sense keeping her here if she's bored to tears.

"You're right about that. With Harry, Ron, and Hermione out of Hogwarts, there's not really a lot for her here. After her first year, she had some problems making friends in her own year."

Remus sighed and looked at his watch. "I'm afraid I'll have to cut this short. I have an appointment with Albus in a little bit."

"How is he doing these days?" Charlie asked.

Remus grinned. "Still acting all knowing. I had planned on telling him about Ron, but I think he already knows. In fact, he probably saw it coming. In any case, I make it a point to visit him every so often." Charlie nodded as he got up from his seat. "Do not worry Charlie. Ron will let your write him eventually. And he will come back some day, I promise."

*

Albus Dumbledore opened the door to his cottage just as Remus Lupin apparated on his doorstep. Remus chuckled, his eyes full of mirth. "I don't know how you do that Albus."

"That, my dear boy, is my secret. Please, come in. Mopsy has already put out the tea for us."

Still shaking his head, Remus followed him inside to the sitting room. After they were both seated, Remus began to speak. "Ron Weasley has left England."

Albus smiled benignly at him and Remus swore he saw the twinkle return to his eyes. "I know. I also know the professor he will be replacing."

Remus grinned widely. "At least this time I know how you know about something, what with you being a close friend of Nicholas Flamel. Even though we all thought him to have died shortly after you destroyed the Sorcerer's Stone."

Albus merely twinkled at him. "Nicholas and I never told anyone how long one dose of the Elixir of Life would last or how many doses he and his wife had saved up."

"Albus, do you think I did the right thing in helping Ron to leave England?" Remus asked quietly as he sipped his tea.

"Do you think you did the right thing?" Albus asked kindly.

"I think I did. At least this way, his family knows he's safe, even if he won't tell them where he is. I promised Charlie Weasley that Ron would eventually come back, but I'm not entirely sure he will."

Albus smiled mysteriously, as if to say, "I know something you don't know." He shifted slightly in his seat. "He will come back, Remus. Do not worry."

"How do you know that Albus?" Remus asked.

Albus set his teacup aside and pulled out a book from the bookcase next to him. "This is a book that I've had for most of my life. It is a book of prophecies and was a gift to me after I had finished Hogwarts. Every few years, I read through it again, mainly to see if any of them have come to pass. During Harry's fourth year, I read through it again and came upon a prophecy that began to make more sense. Turn to page 641 Remus," he said, handing the book to his much younger friend.

Remus took the book and turned to the page Albus indicated. His eyes grew wide as he read the prophecy. He handed the book back to Albus before speaking. "I can see why it would make more sense after Harry's third year. What do you think it means, Albus?"

The twinkle left his eyes and Albus looked every bit his 158 years. "I can think of many meanings Remus, most of which I do not like."

"Should we tell the four of them?" Remus asked quietly.

"I don't think it's a good idea to tell Mr. Weasley. It would not be wise for him to get any ideas from the numbers. I also think telling Miss Granger would be a bad idea. She will quickly realize that the knowledge spoken of is herself and that will only worry her. However, we do need to inform at least Harry. He can decide regarding Ginny."

Remus nodded. "Well, Albus, I must big you good-bye, as I have a staff meeting to preside over. I'll get in touch with Harry and have a talk with him. May I borrow that book?"

"No need, my boy." There's a copy in your office back at Hogwarts. It's one of the books I left for the Headmaster's Library."

Remus nodded in understanding as he got up and walked with Albus to the door. Before he apparated away, he turned to Albus and said, "I don't think this prophecy an mean anyone else. But do you really think we could keep this from Ron and Hermione?"

Albus sighed. "It won't take long for Harry to understand the meaning behind it. It stands to reason that it wouldn't take Mr. Weasley long to figure out just as we have what the numbers might mean. He needs to figure out things on his own and not feel a sense of urgency because of some prophecy."

"I hope you're right abut this Albus because if you're not, it could easily blow up in our faces." With that, Remus apparated away, leaving Albus Dumbledore to contemplate the role of prophecies in his life and the lives of those around him.