In the Name of Love

Chapter 1: A new hope and eggs

Ronald Bilius Weasley was sitting alone and eating his breakfast. Breakfast seemed to be of some solace to him, as though shoveling the eggs and bacon into his mouth had healing and soothing properties on his sense of being. God knew that the Draft of Peace Potion Harry had nicked from Snape's room hadn't done him any good. The past few days had been hell on him. Granted, Gryffindor had not lost the games they had been playing. But Ron himself had not made much improvement as a goalie.

If anything he felt that credit went entirely to his sister Ginny who had replaced Harry as the Seeker. Harry had temporarily given up the position to her, so that he could spend his free-time training with Dumbledore and some Aurors (sent over by the Ministry in an effort to make up for their 'important strategical behavior in dealing with Voldemort which had been misunderstood by the Wizarding community' and to show everyone that they had always had 'faith' in Harry and Dumbledore.) In any case Ginny had risen to the challenges and to the responsibilities of being the new Seeker, and had always caught the Snitch and saved the day.

More like she saved my arse, thought Ron somberly. True, none of his teammates, his housemates, or even Hermione or Harry had said anything, but he was sure that they all thought of him as a screw up and the worst thing to ever happen to Quidditch.

He had talked to Harry about quitting and resigning and Harry had somehow always managed to talk him out of it. Ron felt a familiar surge of anger and discontent rise up in him instantly. Bother Harry! What did Harry know anyways? He didn't have to share the limelight with six other siblings! He was not poor and he didn't have a small, dilapidated cowshed to call home! He never lost his dignity in front of the entire school day after day playing a simple game like Quidditch. No, Harry had always had all the luck! Who was the teacher's darling little pet? Why Harry Potter of course. Who had his own sprawling mansion and the latest broom? Harry -I -am your- angst ridden-hero Potter. Harry had even managed to have a girlfriend! True it was for one day, mused Ron, but then he angered on. Why nowadays, if anything happened to Harry it was like the school went under a total lockdown!

Ron suddenly came to and noticed that he had emptied the entire saltshaker over his porridge in his little 'fit'. He angrily shoved the bowl aside and grabbed another one. As he grabbed the bowl, he caught sight of the Daily Prophet next to the jug of juice. He reached for it and there on the front page was splashed across the words:

"Deatheaters fail to kill human target!

The-Boy-Who-Lived foils the Dark Lord's evil plans!"

Instantly, a wave of regret and penitence swept over Ron. How could Ron have been so stupid? So petty? So very selfish? Here he was alive and well, having the love of his entire family and friends. But Harry? Harry had never known the simple joys of a mother's love. A father's care. He had not known a sibling's annoying but harmless taunts or pranks. Harry had never treated Ron wrong or hurt him in anyway on purpose. He had come to love Ron as his own brother. Harry had lost everything that Ron took for granted. And losing Sirius, the closest thing to a parent he had ever known, had shaken Harry to his core. All Harry thought about now was killing Voldemort and spent his days and nights making sure everyone was safe. And this is how I treat him? Thought Ron ruefully. Then and there Ron swore an oath to himself. Never again would he envy or lust after what little comforts Harry possessed. Never again. Satisfied with his promise, Ron stole a glance at the time. "Bollocks! I'm late for Sprout's class!" yelped Ron and gathering his materials he scampered off to class.

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Almost there Ron,

You've almost got it!

Just a little bit... Holding the broom steady in one hand and with a swerve to the right, Ron leaped into the air and secured his hands around the ...

"Honestly, Ronald!" hissed a feminine voice. And he felt himself getting prodded.

Ron had dozed off in History class when Hermione nudged him with her quill and woke him up. Ron stared up to face two glowering brown eyes.

"Ron Weasley for the umpteenth time I am telling you: I will NOT be taking your notes for you this year!!" gnarled Hermione, looking at the board and taking notes furiously. "I don't think you will pass this quarter! As it is you got a Poor in your O.W.L.s for this class. Do you think you can stand to do any worse? Your parents are...."

Ron drowned out her voice and fixated his gaze on her face. She was always so busy lecturing him. He looked at her and nodded to everyone thing she said. He gazed at her and suddenly noticed something different about her hair. It wasn't as bushy as it used to be. Why, he thought bemusedly, she's gotten it straightened like she did back during that accursed ball! Her hair swished side to side as Hermione kept turning to face him and face the board, chattering away. It actually looks halfway decent... almost pretty, he thought with a frown. Her hair caught the light in the room and strands of it shone like spun gold each time she moved. Ron's fixated eyes moved to her lips and noted how they looked so kissably soft. What the hell is wrong with me?? This is HERMIONE...yea...this-ss...this is Hermione? Ron thought perplexedly. Hermione looked back at him and snapped her fingers.

"Ron. Ronald? Are you alright?" she inquired. Ron shook his head and muttered, "Fine... I'm ok..."

"Well come on let's go. Class is over. Are you sure you're ok? Look Ron if it's about Qui..." began Hermione, but shut her mouth when she saw Ron knit his brows at her. They walked in silence. Hermione was looking at her schedule when she heard someone clear his throat.

"Umm.. Hermione?"

"Yes Ron, what is it?"

"Are there any dances coming up anytime soon?"

"Uh, no...why?"

"No reason...er.. well ....Uh...hurry up will you? I'm very hungry! And I don't want to keep Harry waiting! Madam Pomfrey was supposed to release him this afternoon. He must have news about yesterday's rescue"

Ron brushed past her burrowing his face in his book bag, as though he were looking for something. As Ron hurried away he left behind a renewed hope. A new wish. A renewed dream playing on the ends of a girl's beautiful smile.