Order Only: Ron

[alt_molly]

Ron sent Arthur a letter (to his office), telling him that he won't be coming home for Christmas. He wrote that he's been getting behind in things, and he figures the holidays would be a good time to get work done. As if Ron ever cared about being behind in school! 'And, anyway,' it went on, 'that way it won't be so many of us for Mum to cook for and things won't be so mad.'

!!!

Things have gone so dreadfully wrong with Ron this year, and I just don't know anymore how to fix things. I sent him a letter to apologise for sending him the Howler over all that business with the car at the beginning of the year. But it's clear he hasn't forgiven me. He couldn't have even send an owl to his own mum at home? For Christmas? Talking as if feeding him and welcoming him home is a burden???

Arthur says we should just act as if we're taking the letter at face value, let him have some distance to work things out on his own. But, oh, I don't know how much longer I can bear to go along with the pretence that there's nothing wrong.

Comments

[alt_bill]

You might ask Charlie if he knows anymore about what's going on with Ron. He was there at Hogwarts for a visit, wasn't he?

What do Percy's letters say?

[alt_hermione]

I don't know anything about what he's doing with you, Mrs Weasley, but Ron's not dark. I mean he's all right in that way. He's not going bad. He isn't, even if he doesn't talk to you about it.

[alt_sirius]

I dunno, Molly, I think I may disagree with Arthur.

Ron may be waiting for you all to extend the olive branch, wanting to hear from you something other than how much you expect from him or warnings to toe the line.

I know you were upset, and for all the right reasons, but I know a little bit about feeling like a disappointment. Especially if he thinks no one in the family supports him - that's hard enough when it's just your parents, but with all the brothers you've given him ... well, I'm not surprised if he's feeling put-upon.

I'd be interested to hear what Charlie thought when he saw the lad.

Incidentally, what on earth is all this rubbish Malfoy and the others are saying about some new magazine? I take it I'm made out to be some sort of buffoon?

[alt_poppy]

Molly, I'm sorry you're having this difficulty.

If it's any consolation, he seemed genuinely concerned when his sister was injured. And now I think of it, all your boys were here--Ronald, the twins, and Percy--and they did not appear to be at odds with one another. There were no signs of strain or estrangement amongst them; all of them were here to be sure their sister would be all right, and they behaved like brothers do, teasing but also concerned.

I know that's no help with whatever misunderstanding is between you and your son. If there's anything I could do to help, please let me know.