So Much for No Strings Attached

Chapter 100 Meetings of a Legitimate and Not So Legitimate Nature

 

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Ron wasn’t feeling much better the next day when he attended his meeting with Professor Babbling. It was the first thing in the morning and he wanted to sleep in. but he had not forgot what is uncle and Professor Flitwick had told him – anything else happened and he would be sent straight home. And unlike when Professor McGonagall had said the same in second year, he did not think they were bluffing this time.

 

So, he arrived on time.

 

Professor Babbling was frowning when Ron arrived. Ron sat down scowling at the woman who was not Professor McGonagall and was evidence how very wrong Hogwarts was this year. Evidence of how the whole world was wrong.

 

Hermione was dead.

 

Dumbledore was dead.

 

Ginny and mum would be soon.

 

Dad was going to prison.

 

His older brothers were traitors.

 

The Light had lost.

 

The Dark was in control.

 

‘Ah, Mr Weasley,’ smiled Babbling kindly.

 

It made Ron want to throw something.

But Ron took a deep breath and counted back from ten just as Healer Galston was always reminding him to do. And then truly thought about it. As angry as he was that yet another one of Dumbledore’s allies was being driven out, was it Babbling’s fault? She was a neutral witch.

 

But she hadn’t turned down the appointment either. And she had to know that her promotion came at the cost of Professor McGonagall being pushed out. That had Ron scowling and crossing his arms all over again.

 

‘So, Mr Weasley, how are you?’ asked Babbling.

 

‘Fine,’ spat Ron. ‘I want to keep Care-‘