"How was practise?" Harry asked as they reached the common room.

Ron and Megan heaved a sigh at the same time as they sat down.

"Not one of our best sessions," Megan said.

"You mean it was dismal," Ron said glumly. "I'm a lousy Keeper. Don't know why I'm even on the team..."

"You did fine," Megan said. "It's those damn Slytherins that kept annoying us that made you lose your concentration."

"I'm bad, Megan, we both know it."

"You just need to be more confident. You stopped some great shots when you were practising with me. It was your first training session! It'll be okay..."

Ron looked at her.

"You weren't that bad on your first training session, were you?"

"Well... We're not the same," Megan replied, though she struggled to meet his eye. "Keeper is a lot more pressure." she went on, knowing it wasn't quite true.

The pressure was equal, if not worse in some cases for the Seeker.

"And anyway, you'll get better. You never played in real Quidditch conditions, you just need to adjust." she finished.

"Hm... come on, let's get this homework done..." Ron grumbled.

It took them a while to get through it. And by the time they were almost done with Astronomy, it was dark.

"Ganymede is Jupiter's biggest moon, not Callisto," Megan corrected Harry.

"Oh, thanks."

"And, Ron, Io's the one with the volcanoes."

"Hm..."

Hermione wandered over.

"Nearly done?"

Harry leaned back into his seat.

"Yeah, finally."

He glanced out the window, and suddenly frowned.

"Hey, Ron... isn't that Hermes?" he asked.

Ron, whose nose was still on his chart, looked up.

"What are you talking about?"

"Out there, look."

They glanced up. A handsome screech owl stood by the window. Megan got up to let him in.

"It is Hermes..." Ron told them, staring in bewilderment. "But what in the world is Percy writing to me for?"

He untied the letter and Hermes took off again.

"It's his handwriting all right..." Ron said.

"What's he saying?" Harry asked.

Ron opened the parchment and sat down. Megan and Harry exchanged glances but didn't say anything. As Ron read, however, they could see his body stiffen, his jaw harden, and his eyes narrow. After a moment, he put the parchment down looking disgusted.

"Is... everything okay?"

"Fine, aside from my brother being the lousiest piece of dung on the planet," Ron growled. "I can't believe him. Mom and Dad would never get over it if they read this."

"... Er... do you...?" Harry asked.

Ron gestured to the letter.

"Feel free. Not pretty, though."

Megan, Harry and Hermione leaned closer to read.

Dear Ron.

I have heard from the Minister who has heard it from your new teacher Professor Umbridge that you were named Gryffindor Prefect.

Firstly, I congratulate you. I was most pleasantly surprised when I heard the news. I have to confess I was worried you would follow Fred and George's footsteps rather than mine of Charlie's. So you can imagine my happiness to hear you are taking responsibilities.

But I also wish to give you some advice. Hopefully, sending this at night will avoid you having to answer awkward questions.

I received intelligence that you still spend a lot of time with Megan Potter. And I must tell you nothing will make you risk losing your badge more than continuing fraternising with her. You must be surprised, as you consider her your friend and that Dumbledore's always had a liking for her. Well, you should know Dumbledore may not be in charge of Hogwarts much longer and the people who count have a very different view of Potter's behaviour. If you look at the Daily Prophet, you'll get an idea of the way the wind's blowing, and might even spot yours truly.

Seriously, Ron, you don't want to be put in the same sack as Potter. It could damage future prospects, in and after school. As you're aware, she had a disciplinary hearing this summer, and was let off on a mere technicality, if you ask me. Many I've spoken to are also convinced of her guilt. And if you are afraid to sever ties with her (I know she may be unbalanced and possibly violent), go to Dolores Umbridge, she will be only too happy to help.

As I have hinted before, Dumbledore may not be Headmaster much longer. Your loyalty should be to the school and Ministry, not him. I am sorry to hear of the lack of cooperation from the staff in Madam Umbridge's efforts to bring about the necessary changes at Hogwarts. Though she should soon find it easier – See the Prophet!

I am sorry we saw so little of each other this summer. But, and as much as it pains me to criticise our parents, I cannot stay under the same roof so long as they hang around dangerous crowds like Dumbledore (If Mother doesn't already know, mention Sturgis Podmore). And I count myself lucky to have escaped that kind of riff-raff. I do hope, Ron, that you will not let family ties weigh you down, and that you too will come to see they were mistaken. I shall be ready to accept an apology when you do.

Think about what I have said, especially regarding Megan Potter. I have nothing personal against her, but she is certainly not the best company to keep.

Congratulations again on being made prefect.

Your brother

Percy.

"Well..." Megan said, looking up at Ron, trying to think of a joke. "I... if you do want to... "sever ties," I won't become violent, I promise."

Ron didn't smile and picked up the letter.

"He is... the world's... biggest... git!" he said angrily as he tore it up and threw it into the fire. "Come on, we better get these done before dawn..."

Hermione and Megan, who had finished theirs, looked at the boys.

"Give them here," they said.

"What?"

"Go on, we'll look at them and correct them."

They looked almost on the verge of fainting.

"Thanks, girls...!" Ron said. "You are the most wonderful people I ever met. If I'm ever rude again..."

"We'll know you're back to normal," Hermione smiled.