The Interplanar University, # 3— "Climbing an Easier Ladder"

[Short stories. Images generated by hotpot.ai]

Ron Weasley, along with the rest of the Potter menagerie, had ascended to the next echelon of existence, though Ron would not normally use that word. They were attending a school that, to be honest, more than dwarfed Hogwarts, an interplanar academy called Havenforth. Through an intricate web of pocket dimensions, it was possible for denizens throughout the Universe to attend. Fate was woven into the fabric of this god-like Academy, and it was rumored the Spirit of Havenforth, who sacrificed himself to create the College, was personally responsible for arranging meetings with people from disparate worlds. In other words, meeting someone was never a coincidence.

Ron believed it, for in addition to the others who ascended, both Fred and George had ascended as well, both well and alive. Perhaps a gift from Havenforth, they crossed paths at an improbable speed.

“Ickle Ronny,” said Fred, “Can you believe we had to leave behind our business?” “There had never been more of a heartbreak,” said George, obviously joking. Ron was in tears. “You’re both here,” he said, his voice hoarse. Good naturedly, they pretended he was a crybaby that needed to be comforted. “Aww, poor Ronny, can’t handle being overjoyed,” said Fred. “What are you whimpering about, now? Did someone die?”

Ron could do nothing but weep, but nothing ever felt so good.

“You’re free now, Ronnie,” said George.

“We haven’t hit the Pearly Gates yet, but it’s a lot more fun here.” “Uh… is it, though?” said Ron doubtfully. There was certainly still conflict. “You meet some real nutters, for sure,” said Fred. “But we aren’t in as much danger, nowadays.” Ron was still weeping, “How can this be real?” “Well, there are some Disciples that certainly have their opinions,” said George. “The explanation is not really not our cup of tea,” said Fred. “But it’s a lot better here,” said both.

Ron could have spent a hundred afternoons in one sitting, having both his brothers with him and knowing they were okay. He would have loved being teased, the whole time.

On the other hand, why settle for just Fred and George, when you could meet everyone you loved?

“The way I heard it,” said Fred, “Is the fight against the bad ones isn’t over. It just hurts a lot less.” “We still get aggravated all the time.” “I noticed that part,” said Ron. “Ickle Ronny, noticing things.” “You’d think he lived through a war against Dark Wizards, the way he’s grown.”

More than being freed from the bitter and difficult realities of his former life, he felt his mind was free. He was a new man, yet had inherited all the good things from before, not the least being his courage as a Gryffindor. He even felt like reading books, or maybe learning to sing. And finally, it was now possible to face all the enemies of yester-year without risking death or torture. As Fred and George told them in their usual way, if you ventured to face death again in the surrounding planes of the College, the result was mostly just inconvenience, a number of losses in keeping with what you intended to do and the wisdom of your decisions.

Short version (which was typical of Fred and George): Die brilliantly and it would result in good things, even though it might cause problems. Die foolishly, and it will be like taking a trip backwards.

Odd as it may seem to some, Ron liked the idea that there were still opportunities to be heroic. There was so much undone when he left his homeworld, and now he felt like he could fight it without the consequences being so… mournful. Finally, his courage did not by necessity result in pain, and with that in mind he felt he could face the whole Universe, being a wizard, a Magos, the whole time.

“Wait till you hear of the pieces of work I’ve met here,” said Ron. “Delighted to, Ronny,” “We’ve met some real works of art, haven’t we?” “We shouldn’t be so hard on others,” said Fred. “But honestly,” said George. “The nutters haven’t gone away yet,” said both. “I shoulda known you’d say that,” said Ron. “No need to imitate your big brothers, Ronny.” “There’s already two of us, after all.”

Eventually, it was made clear to Ron that this opening of new worlds connected at The Interplanar College was like one of Seven Echelons of the climb to Heaven. The Disciples of Havenforth made it clear that the ancient texts defined God as a Sevenfold Spirit, and as such, entering Heaven necessitated Seven Levels of Ascension. At this level, they were still separating the wheat from tares, but the worst was finally over. Their spirits were high knowing all their hardest trials were over, and they promised each other that they would never stop seeing one another. From there, they made off to meet some old friends, and also new ones, from more than a few new worlds.