Indeed, Ron stole the Philosopher's Stone. He knew that he'd gotten it from the moment he'd woken up with only one sock the night of the forest detention. But to fool Dumbledore, everything needed to be perfect. He obliviated Neville and then himself. Even with Legilimency, it was near impossible to uncover his guilt.
Still, Ron wasn't planning on taking any risks. While it probably just paranoia, he couldn't help but feel that Dumbledore and Snape were looking at him strangely. There was also a lingering feeling that he was being watched at all times.
Until next year, he wouldn't even set foot in the Room. By then, Dumbledore's suspicions would be dampened, and he could enjoy the fruit of his labours. Infinite wealth and thus, infinite power… all would come would time.
Meanwhile, the trio quickly recovered from their injuries, with Harry even winning the Gryffindor v Ravenclaw quidditch match in a close 360-350 game. But even a week later, Hermione didn't give up her Philosopher's Stone frenzy, speculating at length about who took it. Fortunately, his own name was never considered.
Yet despite getting away with it all, Ron's happiness didn't last. Because at the closing feast, Hermione crushed his dreams.
"I keep going over it in my head, and it must be a student. Someone who's heard us talking about the stone, and finally took it." She reasoned. "But honestly, I can't understand why any student would want the stone. Without years studying Alchemy, it's entirely useless."
"What?" Ron nearly spewed pumpkin juice all over her. "B-but how? Doesn't it grant immortality? Endless riches?"
"Don't be ridiculous, the Stone is powerful, but nothing comes that easy. Only a skilled Alchemist can wield the Stone."
"W-what do you mean!?"
"Honestly Ron, have you even read anything about Alchemy?" She asked incredulously. "The Philospher's Stone is just an alchemical focus, albeit a particularly powerful one. While it can allow an Alchemist to push the limits of their craft, it's just a focus. Without skilled Alchemy to match it, it's little more than a fancy rock, like a wand to a Muggle."
At that moment, Ron wanted to roar and flip the table. He felt cheated. All that preparation, months of hard work, hundreds of Points… all for a shiny rock he couldn't use!
No… he just couldn't use it yet.
Seizing control of his emotions, he realized it wasn't all over. Wasn't it just mastering Alchemy? How hard was that? With enough time and effort, any wizard could do it. And if he couldn't, he could just pay-to-win it!
All this did was delay his plans. But one day, immortality and infinite wealth would be his.
"Ronald!"
Snapping out of his thoughts, Ron looked up to see Hermione jostling him awake.
"What?"
"It's nearly time for the House Cup to be awarded, you need to go back to your table."
"Oh yeah."
With a last goodbye, he left the Gryffindor table, getting dirty looks as he crossed the hall. It couldn't be helped; most students were sour about Slytherin winning yet another House Cup. Of course, he had no such illusions. Because it was time for Dumbledore's speech.
"Another year gone!" Dumbledore started. "Now, as I understand it, the House Cup here needs awarding and the points stand thus: in fourth place, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two; in third, Ravenclaw have four hundred and twenty-six; Gryffindor have four hundred and sixty-nine, and Slytherin, five hundred and forty-nine."
The Slytherin table burst into cheers at this moment, green sparks flying, and hats thrown in the air. Even Blaise was ecstatic, exchanging his haughty smirk for a childish smile. But not Ron, who clicked his tongue.
Indeed, despite him winning several dozen points, Slytherin was only up 80 points on Gryffindor, half the lead they'd had in the books. There were various reasons for this, including Neville not losing fifty points and Harry winning the Quidditch cup. Still, they were in the lead. However…
"However," Dumbledore interjected, "There are some last-minute points to award."
The Great Hall fell silent.
"First, to Mister Neville Longbottom… for an unrivalled display of botanical expertise, I award Gryffindor House… thirty points!"
A shower of red rubies fell into the Gryffindor hourglass as the Slytherins all frowned. The story of the trio and the stone had long circulated, but none had expected this.
"Alright… it's just thirty points." Some whispered. "We're still fifty ahead."
But Dumbledore wasn't done.
"Then, to Miss Hermione Granger, for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor house thirty points."
Faces contorted as another sprinkle of rubies fell, putting Slytherin only twenty points ahead. Then, all faces turned to Harry, wondering what he'd be awarded.
But Dumbledore's gaze fell on Ron, and he felt as though he was being X-rayed, quickly shoving his face into his pudding.
"Let us not forget Mister Ronald Weasley, for assisting in the best game of chess Hogwarts has seen in centuries, I award Slytherin house twenty points!"
Green emeralds poured in, once again opening a forty-point gap with Gryffindor. Cheers and hoots sounded out from the Slytherin table as anyone in reach of Ron patted him on the back. But Ron's frown didn't lift.
"Finally, for Mister Harry Potter… for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house fifty points."
The Slytherin table was struck dumb, only no one would notice as the remaining three tables burst into cheers. Ron smiled melancholically, watching Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs jumping onto their tables and dancing. He understood why the Gryffindors were so happy, but why were they all so giddy? Slytherin's reputation truly was awful.
"It's not fair!" Blaise groaned. "Why do Granger and Longbottom get thirty, but you only got twenty? You all did the same stuff, didn't you?"
"What does it matter?" Ron shrugged. "Ten points wouldn't make us win."
"At least we'd at least be tied…"
He snorted at Blaise's naiveté. Dumbledore would have just given Harry more points. No, this year was a fix. Dumbledore needed Harry to win to bolster his sacrificial spirit. But next year…
Looking over at the smug Gryffindors, Ron drummed his fingers maliciously. Next year, he would have his fun.
Exam results followed the closing feast and Ron came top of the year in everything that mattered. Hermione took solace in her top Astronomy and History of Magic grades while Neville cinched Herbology. Outside Herbology, Neville managed average grades and through some miracle, he even passed Potions.
Meanwhile, losing to Hermione in every class save Potions reignited Blaise's competitive spirit, who vowed to pre-study all the second-year material. Her response had been: 'you haven't been doing that already?' much to Blaise's frustration.
Soon after, trunks were packed, wardrobes cleared and one quick sail across the Black Lake later, they were on the express. On the train, Ron took a carriage with Hermione, Neville, and Blaise; chatting excitedly about what was to come.
"So, any plans for the summer?" Ron asked.
"Oh loads!" Neville said excitedly. "Gran was so happy after hearing about the stone, she said I could dig up an underground garden for Dev!"
"Dev?" Blaise questioned.
"It's my new Devil's Snare." He explained excitedly. "Professor Sprout got me a license for it and everything! Want to see?"
Blaise paled, quickly shaking his head to Neville's disappointment. Meanwhile, Ron was quite curious where this would lead. He could see Neville becoming the next Hagrid or even Newt Scamander, with an armada of powerful plants to fight at his side. Maybe he ought to invest in a portable garden for him. There was a lucrative market in growing rare herbs.
"Well, I'm planning on studying harder for Potions, I can't have a repeat of this exam." Hermione said. "I was marked down three points, because I wrote Wolfsbane instead of Aconite."
"But aren't those the same thing?" Ron asked.
"That's what I said! But Snape said I used 'improper terminology'."
"That's funny, he actually marked me up for that." Blaise laughed. "Said it showed an expansive knowledge of botanical nomenclature."
Hermione reached for her wand, wanting to put her 'expansive knowledge of curses' to good use, but Ron stopped her.
"So, what about you Blaise? Any exciting plans?"
"Unfortunately, much like Granger, I've a dull summer before me. Mum's off in Tuscany, planning her sixth wedding, so I'll be staying home with Bini. I might hire a tutor to work on my spell-work. Losing to a Mud-ggleborn is shameful."
Ron sighed at the Blaise's slight pause while saying Muggle-Born. Fortunately, Hermione didn't seem to notice, focusing entirely on another aspect.
"Hang on, how are you going to do spell-work, we're not allowed magic outside Hogwarts. The rules are very clear."
"Ha! You think that applies to wizarding households? The Trace is never enforced outside of Muggle boroughs. It'd be impossible to tell if it's me or Bini doing the magic."
Hermione's jaw dropped. She looked to Neville, then to Ron, as if hoping they'd decry Blaise's words. But neither said anything.
"But that's utterly unfair!" She cried, adding, "And unsafe! What if you cause an accident?"
"The Trace is designed for secrecy, not safety. The Ministry trusts magical parents to keep their houses in order." Ron explained. "Of course, Mum doesn't let us whip our wands out for just anything, but so long as we're being safe and responsible, she lets us be."
"But… but…" Hermione struggled to dispute Ron's logic. Finally, she whispered. "How am I meant to keep up if you've got two months advantage?"
Her eyes went red and puffy, much to Ron's surprise. Was she really this upset over not being able to study over the summer?
"How about I ask my parents if you can stay over at the Burrow for part of the summer? That way, you can still practice magic."
"Really?" Hermione sniffled.
"Sure, you can stay with Ginny, she'd like the company."
She broke into a smile at once, excitedly taking out an agenda to plan her studying. Blaise looked like he'd swallowed a bogey-flavoured jellybean, pulling out his own schedule frantically. Meanwhile, Neville turned to Ron.
"How about you? What have you got planned?"
"So many things Neville, so many things…"
Stepping off the Express at Platform Nine-and-Three-Quarters, Ron quickly found his brothers. The twins beamingly pestered him about Slytherin losing the House Cup and even Percy joined in pompously. But he couldn't be bothered with them, heading to the passageway with his heart thrumming. This would be the first time he saw his parents since he was sorted.
Through the barrier, trolley in hand, he saw them, staring up at him. Then, he was crushed a powerful hug.
"I've missed you Ronnikins."