Ron had pulled off an impressive blunder. In one fell swoop, he'd managed to alienate all four Houses—a feat that made the old Slytherin grudge seem tame by comparison. He wasn't just carrying the weight of one House anymore; he'd shouldered it all himself.
The class bell rang, and Professor Binns drifted into the History of Magic classroom, launching into his usual drone. Oblivious to the morning's drama in the Great Hall—after all, ghosts didn't need lunch—he was taken aback by the Slytherins' sudden zeal. They were actually answering questions, earning points left and right.
Ever since his chat with Erwin, Binns had reignited his passion for teaching. He peppered the lesson with queries, doling out house points like rare treats. The Slytherins racked up a tidy score, much to Erwin's quiet delight. Why toil when others did the heavy lifting and he reaped the rewards?
Meanwhile, in Professor McGonagall's office, the Transfiguration head was handling the fallout from Ron's outburst. She'd skipped her sixth-year class—a joint Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff session—so self-study wouldn't ruffle any feathers.
Ron cowered in the corner, eyes glazed, face pale with dread. He'd already heard his parents had been summoned. The future looked grim.
McGonagall's expression was steely. She was a dedicated professor, one who looked after her students like a stern but fair lioness. Normally, she'd never let one sulk like a lost puppy. But Ron had targeted Erwin. That changed everything. Sympathy was in short supply.
A flurry of footsteps echoed down the corridor, followed by a sharp knock.
"Come in," McGonagall called.
Arthur and Molly Weasley burst through the door, spotting Ron immediately.
"Professor McGonagall!" Molly exclaimed. "What's Ron done now? Why the urgent summons?"
"Take a seat," McGonagall replied coolly.
The couple shared a worried glance and settled across from her desk.
McGonagall wasted no time. "Ron Weasley called a Muggle-born student a Mudblood—in public today."
Molly's hand flew to her mouth. "No! Ron, how could you? That word is poison!"
Arthur leaned forward. "Where's the boy? I want to apologize properly."
"He's in class," McGonagall said. "But it happened in the Great Hall, in front of every student and professor."
The Weasleys paled. They knew the implications: Ron had slighted nearly half of Hogwarts, professors included.
"Even Professor Snape was there," McGonagall added. "You can imagine his reaction. That slur hits him personally."
Molly surged to her feet and stormed over to Ron, delivering a stinging slap. "How dare you! How could you be so cruel?"
Her chest heaved, face crimson with rage. Arthur and McGonagall stayed put, letting the moment sink in. Ron hung his head, silent.
McGonagall pressed on. "The boy he targeted? Erwin Cavendish."
Arthur's eyes bulged. "The Slytherin Erwin?"
"Exactly—the one poised to become Slytherin's real prefect this weekend. Ron, you're dismissed."
Ron slunk out, the red mark blooming on his cheek. He didn't so much as whimper.
Once the door clicked shut, McGonagall dropped the bombshell. "Erwin's mother was Amelia during her Hogwarts days."
She'd only learned this recently, courtesy of Dumbledore. It explained the reverence Snape and the headmaster held for the Cavendish name—and why Erwin carried such weight.
Arthur bolted upright. "Amelia? You mean Erwin's his son?"
McGonagall nodded. "Precisely. That's why I called you both. You remember what Amelia meant to everyone."
Arthur collapsed back into his chair. "Amelia's boy! What have I let happen? My son, spewing filth at Amelia's son!"
Molly sagged against the wall, tears streaming unchecked. "We're so sorry, Amelia. Professor, can we at least see him?"
McGonagall paused. "No, I don't think so. Dumbledore wants to shield him from all this until he's ready. His enemies are formidable—you know that. He won't learn the full truth yet. I brought you here to discuss how to make this right."
Arthur's voice cracked. "Whatever you say, Professor. Expel Ron if you must—I'll snap his wand myself."
McGonagall sighed. "I haven't decided. Erwin's influence in Slytherin is growing fast. Without Snape's intervention, those students would've hexed Ron on the spot."
Molly wiped her eyes. "Should we ask Erwin himself? We won't breathe a word about the past—just talk to him."
"Very well," McGonagall agreed. "Wait here until lunch. Erwin never skips class."
Arthur nodded eagerly. "Just like his mother—brilliant, diligent, always lending a hand. I was a few years ahead in Gryffindor, but Amelia helped me no end. No surprise his son's cut from the same cloth."
Molly straightened. "I'll go check on something."
Arthur excused himself with a nod to McGonagall and stepped into the hall. Ron lingered nearby, staring at the floor in a daze.
Molly rounded on him, voice low and fierce. "If you weren't my son, I'd have knocked your block off for what you said to Erwin. I'm ashamed of you—truly."