Help me Ron

The Ball continued on as it only could. With a more subdued ambiance and a curiosity filling the air. Everyone wanted to ask questions but nobody dared approach Pansy when she was with Ron. Several of the girls made notes to try and talk to Pansy later. The boys knew that they would have to ask their dates. Given Ron’s fierce display tonight, only the truly stupid would dare ask him anything.



Ron walked Pansy back to Slytherin house before the ball ended. The halls and corridors were still empty and it would give her a change to get to her room before her housemates came back, so she would avoid the obvious.



“Thank you for going with me tonight Ron.” She said as they approached the entrance.



“Believe me Pansy, it was my honor.” He said. “I’m proud of you. I know I said it before but I am.”



“You are easily pleased Ron.” She said blushing.



“You don’t give yourself enough credit.” He said, smiling down at her.



“It did feel good to stand up to someone, even if it wasn’t Johannes, it was someone.” She admitted.



“He deserved it.” Ron told her firmly. He liked seeing her recognize her own power. She was the one in control now.



“Yes.” She looked behind her to the entrance, then back at Ron. “Thank you again. It was a lovely evening for the most part.”



“Yes, it was.” He said, waiting for her move. She leaned forward and slid her arms around his waist. He hugged her shoulders gently and placed a kiss on her forehead. He knew he was taking a chance at the contact but he had to. It didn’t seem right not to do this tiny thing for her.



Pansy felt it in her blood. It was a small kiss, feather light and over in a breathe but she felt it. It was a tender and supportive gesture and she was appreciative. In response she gave his waist a light squeeze. Ron smiled. He had done the right thing after all.



She let go and vanished into her house entrance. Ron began a leisurely walk to Gryffindor tower, but was stopped by Colin Creevey. “Ron.”



“Hey Colin.” He stopped and his face fell at Colin’s expression. “What is it?”



“I thought you might want a heads-up on what was said.” He looked over his shoulder then back at Ron. “One of the German students said a few things before leaving and it got around quickly.”



“What things?” Ron asked, facing Colin.



“He let it out that Johannes said it was conceptual and then cried rape afterwards so she would look like a whore.” Ron saw red, but Colin kept going. “He also said Johannes told everyone in his school that you sided with Pansy to get back at him.”



“Why would I want to get back at him? I never knew him before that day.” Ron was confused.



“For taking Pansy’s cherry before you could.” Colin answered, watching Ron turn various shades before calming down. “Since nobody is going to ask anything, it may get around quickly.”



“Right, thanks Collin.” He said, then stopped the younger man when he turned. “Colin, why haven’t you asked about it?”



“You are not the type for revenge Ron, and you wouldn’t be spending this much time with her if she didn’t need it. Her behavior if you look closely enough says a lot.” Colin spoke like a true observer. He had photographed enough of Hogwarts life to be able to read his subjects. “I said as much to my date and the ones we were with. It seemed to be enough but I can only do so much.”



“Thanks Colin.” Ron said, and watched the young man hurry off.



Pansy would be talked about more now. He had hated the thought of her being forced to outright admit what happened, and she had to this evening. To be subjected to rumors and whispers from her own school, might be too much for her to bare. Support was always a help and she had it from him, but he was only one man. What could he do if her house turned against her?



He highly doubted that Malfoy, and her small circle in Slytherin would turn rabid but Ron was afraid the rest of the school would turn vicious, and they could at times. She was in for a fight, but he would be there with her.







Ron was right, the rumors that circulated turned nasty indeed, right down to Pansy herself being rejected by Johannes and plotting a seduction in the forest. Crying rape afterwards would have been typical underhanded Slytherin tactics to get revenge.



Ron found himself the center of several loud arguments that threatened to turn violent as he defended her. Students saw it as pathetic. Pansy herself didn’t defend herself, so that must be an admission.



Malfoy was also very vocal in speaking up for his housemate, but Pansy’s small circle of Gryffindor and Sytherin supports was no match against a large school. The rumors seemed to go back to one thing, the fact that Pansy would say nothing. In Ron’s mind, pansy shouldn’t have to say anything, she shouldn’t have to defend herself. It was a statement that he said time and time again. No matter how many times he, Malfoy, or the others said it, the demand still ran through the school.



Ron saw Pansy sink into a slight depression. She spent less and less time out and about and more time clutched to his side. Ron had developed a definite sneer and used it anytime someone looked at them. It made it plain to everyone that he was defending her right for silence and challenged anyone to say otherwise.



Pansy also had a bodyguard in Slytherin house and Professor Snpae noticed right away that Pansy rarely left her room unless Miss Bulstrode was there to exit with her. Malfoy also used his influence to protect her, and she had the sheer brawn of Crabbe and Goyle as well. It disturbed him that his charge felt like a prisoner in her own dorms.







Ron was called to the Headmasters office and arrived to find Professor Snape and Malfoy already waiting. Malfoy had his right hand bandaged. “Mr. Weasley, please sit.” Dumbledore continued after Ron sat. “Mr. Malfoy was in an altercation as you can see, regarding Miss Parkinson.”



“What happened?” He asked, looking at the bandage. It covered Malfoy’s knuckles.



“It seems someone had questioned why you each feel so drawn to isolate Miss Parkinson from her classmates.” Dumbledore always had a way of making light of a situation but Ron saw right through it this time.



“You mean someone thinks she is shagging me and him and that’s why we are always around her.” He said with a bite in his voice.



“Calm down, Weasley,” Snape said moving forward, “that is how Mr. Malfoy acted and you can see the reaction.” He faced Dumbledore. “I do think something must be done Headmaster. Miss Parkinson is becoming affected in more ways then one by what is happening.”



“I agree.” Ron said.



“You’ve noticed it too Mr. Weasley?” The Headmaster asked.



“With all do respect Headmaster, I’ve been there every step of the way, she stayed at my home and I saw the phases she went through. I know when something is bothering her.” He said. “I helped her through, depression, self pity, anger and she may not want anyone to know but suicide.” He paused as he took in the expressions of the three men in the room. “She is becoming depressed again because her word is being challenged by those she considered peers. It will be worse this time because she thought they were friends.”



“Was it this bad before Mr. Weasley?” Dumbledore asked him.



“No, because nobody knew. Now that something personal came out she had no choice but to confront it at the ball. She admitted she was raped at the ball, it was heard and people still believe the worst of her.”



“I admit that the situation is most unfair, but there still lies the question of what can be done about it.” Dumbledore looked to Snape. “Professor, do you have any suggestions?”



“Perhaps Miss Parkinson would benefit with a visit from her mental healer.” He said. “I understand from her parents that she spoke with one after the incident.”



“That wont do any good.” Malfoy added. “When it gets around that she was spoken to, the rumors will get worse.”



“That’s true.” Ron said. “It will be worse.”



“What do you suggest?” The Headmaster asked.



“I’ll ask Pansy, if I can speak with Gryffindor house about what happened. It will get around there fast. Malfoy, if she agrees can talk with Slytherin house.” Ron said. “Since we speak with Hufflepuff, and Slytherin usually partners with Ravenclaw at most points word will get around. Either way, making sure Pansy doesn’t have to deal with anyone unless she wants to is the best opotion. She can let me and Malfoy speak for her.”



“Do you think it will work?” Snape asked.



“It did at the Burrow, when Hermione and Harry showed up. She panicked when Harry hugged her and ran away. She left me inform them of what happened, and it made her feel better that they knew but that she didn’t have to go into particulars.” Ron told him. Malfoy was looking from the Headmaster to his head of house hopefully.



“I think we should try it Headmaster.” Snape said. “It would be her decisions but she is more willing to talk to Mr. Malfoy and Weasley then anyone.”



“Very well then, Mr Weasley, I will leave it to you to speak with her.” He said. “I trust then, that this magical healer has let you know everything you need to know about dealing with the long term affects of what has happened.”



“Yes Sir, I know how to speak to Pansy.” He said, and left with Malfoy.



Pansy was in between classes like they were so she would be in her room. He waited several paces away while Malfoy opened the entrance and held it open so Ron could follow. If the Slytherin students were shocked to see a Gryffindor walk through their common room, they said nothing. Malfoy had a feeling it was more the scowls they wore then respect.



“Pansy?” Malfoy called as he knocked on her door. “It’s me, Draco. I have Ron with me.” He didn’t wait until she asked who it was, she wouldn’t have. She had taken to ignoring the door, so her friends just announced who they were.



The door clicked open and she let them in, smiling. “It must have been a shock to some of them to see you walk through the common room.” She said to Ron as he sat in her chair. She faced Draco. “Did anyone…..Draco what happened to your hand?”



“It’s nothing.” He said, taking out his want and transfiguring her bedside table into a chair.



“What happened?” She asked, sitting on the edge of her bed.



“He got into a bit of a row.” Ron answered, grinning at the look Malfoy was giving him.



“It looks like more then just a row.’ She said. “Did this have to do with something that was said about me.”



“Listen Pansy,” Ron said, drawing her attention to him, “we want to talk to you about all this. We hate people thinking the worst of you.”



“Ron, no matter what I do, people will either believe me or they won’t, I am not about to go through the hell of being in the spotlight just to satisfy the curiosity of some people who obviously aren’t my friends.” Ron felt a surge of pride.



“Nobody is asking you to.’ Draco told her. “That’s why we are here.”



“What are you talking about.” She asked, looking from blonde to ginger.



“At the Burrow, you let me speak to Harry and Hermione and you let me deal with their questions.” She nodded at him. “Let me and Malfoy do that here. He can deal with Slytherin and I can deal with Gryffindor. Just like I dealt with Harry and Hermione. You won’t have to speak to anyone, but your side will be told.”



“What if they don’t believe you?” She asked.



“I was there I can always tell them what I saw.” He said. “Within reason of course.”



“What if they demand to see the memory?” She asked.



“I will be offering to let them see it, but the manner in which I offer it will make anyone reluctant to view it.” He said.



She rolled her eyes. She knew he could place a threat with more emphasis then anyone, and she had no doubt as to his abilities. She looked over at Draco. His eyes were just as determined and the bandage was just as telling. “Who was on the receiving end of that?” She asked.



“Justin Finch-Fletchley.” He said. She gave him a shocked look. “He should watch what he says when he thinks nobody is eavesdropping.” Draco explained.



She shook her head and took a moment to laugh. After a moment she looked back at them. “What about Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff?”



“Fuck Ravenclaw.” Ron said.



“Fuck Hufflepuff.” Draco said.



They drew out another laugh from Pansy and both young men delighted in hearing it. It had been some time since she had laughed outright.



“Several of my housemates and yours are on good terms with those houses, so word will get to them. Don’t worry about that, just let me and Malfoy handle things where we can.” Ron said.



“Are you sure you are willing to do this?” She asked them. Each nodded and she felt a deep affection for both of them. “Alright then, you two can do what you need to do.” She hugged them both, something that had come easily to her now.







Ron and Malfoy spoke to both their houses and while it did help squash several rumors, there were some who did not believe what they were told. Pansy knew this would happened and assured Ron and Draco that she didn’t care. She couldn’t make people believe her, and it didn’t matter to her. They could believe what they wanted to believe.



Ron admired her mature thinking and respected her point of view. Her own house, having heard Malfoys words were very demonstrative in their regret. Several of the girls offered Pansy apologies for their part in speculating aganst her and she took them all with gratitude.



Ron was firm him his words with Gryffindor. Just as Pansy suspected there was one who doubted, but then again, Ron never had like Jimmy Peakes to begin with.



“Who’s word do we have that you were there when it happened Weasley?” He challenged from across the room.



“Well, I suppose I could give you a memory to view,” he said rising and walking over to the boy, “that is if you really want to hear screams and see a young woman held down by her throat and beaten as she is raped by a man big enough to crush every bone in her body just as easily as he had broken two bibs and her cheekbone.” He was face to face with Peakes now and glaring at him. The rest of the common room had fallen silent at Ron’s description. “Would you like to see that?”



“No.” Peakes said in a moment.



“Good.” He faced the common room. “Anyone else want to see?” Silence continued. “Good.” He turned and walked to his dorm room.





There was still talk, but it was kept to a minimum and it changed topic. Everyone now spoke of Ron and how he had spoken to his own housemate. His words were repeated often and a few Slytherin girls had the courage to ask Pansy if what he said was true. “Yes.” Was all she said, but it was enough. Word got around and it took only a few weeks for the talk to cease.



Dumbledore and Snape exchanged knowing looks every time they saw Pansy and Ron walking. The young man had stood up and accepted the challenge, but Snape knew he would. The letters from her parents indicating that he was helping their daughter had made him aware of just how helpful he was with her, and he had proved to everyone that he wasn’t about to stop now. Snape only hoped he was ready to help her through anything. Soon enough she would need him for something for more important.