In the corner of the Gryffindor common room, Ron sat alone, moving pieces across a Wizard's Chess board. Everything had shifted since his return to Hogwarts. His roommates had all requested transfers—even Harry Potter. This left Ron as the second first-year to claim a single dorm, but it came at a cost. The other Gryffindors kept their distance, leaving him utterly isolated.
Erwin's words had proven prophetic: Ron was well and truly alone. Even his solitary chess game felt hollow, mirroring his plummeting spirits. He didn't notice Erwin's approach until the older boy spoke.
"Hello, Ron. Any idea where Harry is?"
The voice—haunting Ron's dreams—sent a shiver through him. His body trembled uncontrollably. Erwin watched, a pang of guilt hitting him. Had he pushed the kid too far? Ron's face drained of color as he lifted his head, eyes wide with disbelief.
The chair toppled as Ron jerked back, sprawling onto the floor. He scrambled away on his hands and knees, voice cracking. "S-stay back! Please, Erwin, I know I messed up. Just let me go!"
Surrounding Gryffindors shot Erwin wary glances, but he raised his hands in surrender. "Easy, I haven't done a thing this time." Their stares shifted to Ron, laced with fresh contempt. How could Gryffindor, house of the brave, harbor such a coward?
Erwin softened his tone. "Get up, Ron. Just tell me where Harry Potter is."
Ron stammered, still huddled on the floor. "I... I don't know. Haven't talked to him since we got back. He switched dorms too. Honest!"
Erwin studied his face—pure terror, no deception. He scanned the room. "Anyone else? Where's Harry?"
The first-years exchanged uneasy looks. Finally, one piped up hesitantly. "Draco Malfoy came by over an hour ago. They left together. No clue where."
"Thanks," Erwin said, nodding. He bid the Fat Lady goodnight and slipped out of the common room.
Once Erwin was gone, Ron dragged himself up, avoiding the scornful eyes around him. He ducked his head, fists clenching as hatred boiled over—not just for Erwin, but for everyone. His classmates shunned him; professors overlooked him for the golden boy. Even his family seemed distant.
He packed away the Wizard's Chess set without a word and trudged upstairs to his empty dorm. As he climbed, faint laughter echoed from below. Ron's jaw tightened; they were mocking him, he was sure. In truth, a seventh-year had just cracked a joke that had the whole room in stitches.
...
Erwin paused outside, piecing it together. He'd dropped all the clues; by now, the trio should be scheming. Hermione lacked experience, but he trusted her smarts. Thinking things through was the path to victory—this mess would be her proving ground. Still, he'd hedged his bets.
He headed to a quiet nook the trio favored—near Hufflepuff's secluded domain, rarely visited. It served as their unofficial hideout. With a quick Apparition, he arrived to find them huddled in discussion.
Their faces brightened at the sight of him. Hermione jumped up. "Erwin! Are you here to help?"
He shook his head. "Not quite. I need Harry for something. Come on, Harry—grab my wrist."
Harry hurried over. In a blink, the two vanished, leaving Ron and Hermione staring at the empty space.
They rematerialized outside the Headmaster's office. Harry doubled over, retching against the wall.
"Forgot—this is your first Apparition," Erwin said lightly. "You'll toughen up to it."
Harry straightened, wiping his mouth and blinking at the stone gargoyle. "The Headmaster's office?"
"Wait here. Someone wants to see you soon." Erwin knocked, murmuring the password. The gargoyle swung aside, and he stepped into the spiral staircase, leaving Harry bewildered below.
This wasn't for Harry's sake—it was for his godfather, Snape. Erwin could picture it: Lily's return would prompt her to entrust Harry to Severus's care. The Potions Master's protectiveness would deepen, but so would his turmoil. Lily's eyes in Harry's face stirred memories of love; James's features dredged up old wounds. It left Snape torn, a contradiction that burdened him unfairly.
Erwin refused to let that fester. Resurrecting Lily aimed to heal those scars, not pile on new ones. Yet hiding the truth would only prolong the agony. The solution? Lay some cards on the table—let Harry glimpse the shadows of the past. For Snape's peace, for Harry's clarity, and to keep the fragile balance intact. Everyone deserved that much.
...
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