Disclaimer: Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for. -Dag Hammarskjold
Hermione entered the cavern, the screaming of the vampires growing to an bloodcurdling level. They were all on the ground in true form, circling a man dressed in a long black robe. Avalon stood on his throne, watching the man as the creatures continued to scream, rushing him only to stop at the last minute and pull back into ranks, another doing the same. Hermione stayed where she was, knowing what was happening. Two days was up. It was happening. Strangely, Ron's mutterings could be heard above the screeching.
"Today will be the end... humanity will have one last look at what Godric Gryffindor has created." More screaming.
"SILENCE!" Avalon screeched. Instant. Ron turned to face the throne, head down. Avalon walked down from his thrown, and stopped before Ron. Hermione watched from her place by the corridor.
"Today, the creature will take full reign! It will have it's final day upon earth as a day of judgement! As was spoken by Godric Gryffindor!" Avalon stated, raising his hand and touching Ron's head. The transformation was immediate, fur bristled and claws at the ready. Hermione screamed, her back in searing pain. The mark. The tatoo she had been bestowed over thirteen years ago. She could feel the blood run down her back as she fell to her knees. The vampires screamed.
The creature was different. No longer did orange fur grace it's flank, but black completely. It's face was more cat-like now, bearing long glitering fangs as Avalon continued to touch it's temple. Avalon let go. The creature stood to it's full height, eyes closed.
"Make sure none stand in my way," he hissed, eyes opening. Vampires screeched taking flight and circling the cavern. As Ron stepped down from the platform, his body began to change again, going back human. He crossed over to Hermione, pulling her up. She looked into his red eyes.
"It is time... to reclaim what is ours..."
"Tonight..." she whispered. Ron nodded.
"Tonight..."
"I'm telling you man! We shouldn't be hear! I heard this place is haunted."
"It is," hissed the creature. The three guys turned to see the huge animal staring at them from a tree near the Shrieking Shack. One of them screamed, they all ran. Making their way towards Hogsmeade, they looked back to see that the creature wasn't following them. Sighing, one of the guys nudged the other two.
"What do you think that was?"
"A werewolf?" The other guy guessed. "Ow!" The other man glared at him.
"You idiot! Werewolves don't talk!" The third guy looked around.
"What time is it?"
"Five."
"Come on, let's go get some breakfast." The others quickly agreed, heading off for Hogsmeade. One screamed, falling to the ground. The other two looked down to see him disappear into the woods. There was more screaming and then something came out. A leg...
"AHHHHH!" Both men screamed, scampering off to the town.
"Some one help! There's a creature in the woods!" the guys screamed.
"Shut up and stay away from the Shrieking Shack you morons!" An old man snapped, having been shoved aside. The man was about to retort when a screech rang out. All activities in the street stopped as people came to a halt, looking for the source of the sound. There was another screech. The two guys from the woods began to tremble and back up.
"Look! In the sky!" It looked like a small cloud, though it was too dark and moving too fast. As it got closer, it was easy to see what it really was.
"VAMPIRES!" a woman screamed, dropping her bags and running into the house. Soon the whole town was in chaos! The creatures entered the town, flying low and hard, grabbing at anything with a pulse. A female grabbed a young man right off the ground and began to fly off with him. She was attacked in the sky by other females who grabbed at him, tugging on his arms and legs until finally something ripped and blood sprayed everywhere. It was a feeding frenzy. And through the mess, a lone creature walked into town and through it all, untouched. It was hooded, it's face shrouded from view. It ignored the screams of infants as they were carried off, slaughtered in the air by waiting young ones, too small to be able to catch flesh for themselves. Soon, there was no one on the streets, either boarded up in their homes and pubs, or parts of them lying randomly in the streets for the rats to finish off. Coming to a halt, the hooded figure pulled of the hood and looked around. He signalled for Pinon, a large male vampire.
"Collect the dead bodies and place them on every doorstep. I want them to know what I am capable of..." Pinon nodded obediantly and marshalled several females, ordering them around. Ron looked at the buildings and stopped when his eyes caught those of the frightened occupants in the house. Ron grinned, winking. Pinon fluttered to a stop and saluted.
"Your wish has been done," he reported. Ron nodded.
"Good... let's go."
"WHAT?!" Moody yelled. The officer shrunk back slightly, intimidated by Moody's roving eye.
"They didn't have any warning, sir," the man stammered. Arthur sighed, rubbing his eyes. They were in the conference room once more and had just recieved word of the attack.
"Where is he now?" Moody asked. The officer shifted and mumbled something.
"What?"
"Welthatthething, wedon'tknowwherehewent, sir," the man mumbled. Though Moody didn't understand, Arthur and Harry understood clearly. So many years of listening to Ron mumble had payed off for something.
"What do you mean you don't know where he went?" Harry asked. The officer looked around awkwardly.
"We... After the attack, he sort of just disappeared." Moody waved his hand to the door.
"You're dismissed," he said heavily. Once the officedr left, an official stood.
"How could this happen?! It thought they had put guards on Hogsmeade! Especially since it's so close to Hogwarts!" Moody stood.
"We have to send out every Auror we have. This isn't like two days ago... this is serious. You heard what Dumbledore said. Ron doesn't have any control anymore, which means that thing is going to be harder to bring down."
"Why would he come here?" Fred asked, glancing out of the store window. Diagon Ally was particularly crowded today, giving many Aurors suitibale covers. The Weasley family were all in Fred and George's shop, glancing out frequently.
"Because... we think he's targeting wizarding areas first."
"First! You mean he might go to muggle areas?" Ginny yelped. Harry nodded, looking out the window. Mrs. Weasley was still crying.
"I can't believe that he would actually do all these things... and now poor Hermione!" She continued to sob. Bill put an arm around her.
"No one thought Ron would be capable of those things, but... now..."
"LOOK OUT!" A customer screamed as glass shattered. A body came flying through the window landing on the new merchandise and a screaming six year old.
"He's here!" Charlie screamed, pulling his wife away from the broken window. That's when the screaming began in the streets. People began running everywhere. Harry began to shove his way out of the door, followed by Fred, George, Bill, Charlie and Ginny. Ginny screamed, pointing to the sky. It was filled with winged creatures, all tugging and goring men and women. Peolple shrieked as many dove, plucking innocent children from their mothers hands and carrying them up into the eager mouthes of waiting youngsters. There was a long bloodcurdling scream and the vampires stopped, dropping their kills. People dove out of the way as bodies and body parts fell, slamming into vendors and the ground. That's when everyone saw it. Coming down the street a tall hooded figure, it continued to walk until it reached the middle point. It lifted it's hood and looked around, ignoring the staring faces. Harry gasped. Ron.
The man's head snapped in the Weasley's direction, eyes growing darker. He smiled.
"So, Harry! Where are they! Where are the Aurors! There," he pointed to the decapitated form of a man. "Or are they there?" He asked, pointing to a leg. "Answer me!" he hissed. Harry raised his wand.
"Don't make me do it, Ron."
"RON'S NOT HERE!" he screeched, lunging for the group. There was a scream. Five green lights and one fallen body. Ginny gasped.
"You killed him! YOU KILLED HIM!" She screamed, backing up. That's when they heard it. A maniacal laugh that chilled her blood. They turned to see Ron stand up, a long gash gracing his shoulder and chest.
"You underestimate me, Harry... I'm not the same creature you were up against thirteen years ago... I've evolved." He grinned. "You want to see exactly what I can do?" Not waiting for an answer, Ron began to change. The creature grew until it's massive bulk towered over all. The gash was gone.
"I suggest you go tell Moody to stay out of my way. I wouldn't want to be responsible for more deaths than necessary." With that said, the creature snapped it's finger. The vampires screeched, all grouping in the sky and diving as one, surrounding Ron and then just as quickly as they had appeared, they disappeared. Harry opened his mouth to say something when searing pain shot up his back and to his scar.
"HARRY!" Ginny screamed, running to him as he doubled over, clenching his head in pain. He gasped, and then finally, he passed out. Bill bent down and picked him up.
"What happened?" Charlie asked, watching the limp figure.
"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling it had to do with Ron..." George answered.
All day, reports came in of attacks on wizarding towns throughout England. Ronald Weasley had become the most wanted man in Europe within a few hours. The Ministry, however, was now the only wizarding place in England which hadn't been attacked and the Minister wasn't taking any chances. Aurors were set at every possible entrance, including the roof. The problem was, the Annex was now crowded with people who wanted to stay safe, assuming that the Ministry was a safe haven. The Minister was swamped, officials bugging him at every possible moment on the security of the Minister of Magic. Harry was in his office, lying on his couch while Ginny paced, wondering what had happened. The rest of the Weasleys along with the Grangers were now watching the people below anxiously. The floo systems had been cut off and the Ministry had put in charms making apparation completely impossible.
"Calm down! Everyone just calm down." Things quieted down as the Minister of Magic took his place on a podium in front of everyone.
"Now I know that the past few hours have been ghastly. The attacks on wizarding towns unforgivable, but I will try my best to bring the culprit to justice." As Arthur continued to speak, Ginny noticed that he never once used Ron's name. He used names like "animal" and "murderer" but never "Ron" or "son"...
Dunk! Arthur ignored the thud and continued to speak.
Dunk! A few people began looking around, not paying attention any more.
Dunk! People began to look up, pointing to the ceiling. The enchanted ceiling had been removed as had the sky window, replaced by concrete and steel. That, however, didn't seem to be stopping whatever was out there.
"Aren't there Aurors up there?" Fred whispered. Percy nodded.
"We assigned them up their after Ron's break in..." he replied, eyes on the ceiling. There were more thunks. Then it stopped. The Ministry was silent as everyone strained to hear what was going on outside. There was a scratching sound. In at least three places on the ceiling. The scratching stopped when something hit steel. There were more thuds. Some people began to whimper, all of them having a pretty good idea of what was trying to get in. There was a loud groan of metal and then more scratching. That's when shavings of cement began to fall. Someone screamed and began to point as five small holes appeared in the ceiling. There was more scratching and then people really started screaming. Poking out of the whole was the ugly head of a vampire. Pulling itself out it flew around. Soon, more were coming out of the holes, buzzing around the air, but strangely never attacking. It was as if they were waiting for something. Then one large one flew down. People screamed and ran, trying to get away when they noticed it carrying a large white cloth. Waving it, the male landed on the platform, addressing Arthur.
"The creature wishes to have an audience with the Boy Who Lived," Pinon hissed. Arthur glared at the creature.
"We will have no dealings with murderers," he stated. Pinon grinned.
"Outside, your men are dead. Outside, waits at least four score more of us, including the creature. Those numbers can increase at any time, but I warn you, with the increased number, comes the increased amount of mouthes that lust for the taste of fresh blood. Controling three hundred hungry vampires is not easy with blood so willingly in our midst... I suggest you rethink your answer," he said, pointing to the creatures above.
"Harry's not awake," Arthur said with a shaky voice.
"No worries... The creature will deal with that."
"Hello, Harry," Ron hissed, sitting down opposite him. Harry glared at Ron.
"What do you want?"
"I don't want anything... but he does..." Harry frowned.
"Ron?" The creature nodded. Having already changed into human form, the thing closed it's eyes. Reopening them, he revealed a clear blue.
"Hey Harry," Ron greeted. Harry looked him over.
"Ron?" He nodded. "What's going on Ron? What are you going to do?"
"It's to late to try to stop me. I've made up my mind and Avalon has to go through with it."
"Then why did you want to speak to me?" Ron stood.
"When tomorrow comes, I want you to go back to the house and find Reign, ok," he said. "You have to find her."
"Ron-"
"Listen to me Harry! I don't have much time. This creature doesn't want to be detained for to long. You have to find her! Remember what Hermione told you! Please!" Ron begged. Harry watched Ron for a moment and then nodded.
"Yeah... I'll find her." Harry stood and walked around the desk. Both men stared at each other then Ron pulled Harry into a hug. Letting go, Ron moved to the door.
"Ron wants me to tell you that he loves you," he hissed. Harry watched as the man left the office. Ginny walked in, frowning. Harry sighed.
"There goes the bravest man I've ever known..."
"Ron!" Hermione squealed, jumping into his arms. She pulled his face to hers, kissing him fervently.
"How was it?" she asked against his lips. Ron grinned, kissing her down her jaw bone.
"It was beautiful..." Hermione grinned as she pulled away.
"When do we leave?" Ron set her down.
"In two hours," he answered. Hermione gave him a look, running her hand up and down his hard chest.
"Well then, we have plenty of time."
Entering the Burrow, Ron and Hermione headed up the stairs. Their kids had been moved there for safe keeping. The one mistake the Weasleys had made was leaving them here alone, thinking Ron wouldn't come back for them. Hermione rushed over to the cradles, picking up the small children.
"Dad?" came a voice from the door. Ron and Hermione whirled around to see Reign standing there, rubbing her eyes sleepily. Yawning she glanced at the sleeping babies in Hermione's hand. "What are you doing?" she asked, all thoughts of sleep escaping her in that moment. Hermoine ignored her, turning back to her babies. Ron however, had started changing since he'd seen Reign. Soon, the huge bulk of creature was glaring at a trembling teen. Reign screamed and darted out of the door, the creature lumbering after her at high speed. The girl stumbled down the stairs, the animal leaping down. Reign screamed again as the creature grabbed her, hot claws ripping into her skin.
"DADDY!" she screamed as he flung her into the couch. Struggling to her feet, cradling her now bleeding arm, Reign tried to run, only to be stopped by the intense pain running through her leg. She could hear her bones being grinded as the creature sunk it's teeth deeper into her leg. Blood gushed everywhere, staining the rug as Reign tried to get away, her father's hold unbearable. Ron grabbed her head with one hand and dragged her back up the stairs, ignoring his daughters cries. He entered the room.
"Come on... We only have three more hours before twelve," he hissed at Hermione. She nodded, holding the two girls close. She watched as Ron dragged Reign to the other room and got the two sleeping boys. Then they were gone.
Apparating into their old kitchen, Ron walked into the dining room and laid the two boys down on the floor by the fire. Hermione did the same with the two girls. She then took Reign in her arms. The girl tried to pull away but Hermione held her close.
"It's ok," she whispered. "I'm not going to hurt you. Come with me..." Taking the girl's hand, leading her down the hall. She opened the closet door and motioned for Reign to step in. Reign stared at her mother.
"What's going on?" she asked with trembling lips. Hermione closed her eyes.
"You have to get in the closet."
"No."
"Reign please! It's the only way!"
"NO! I'm not going to loose another family!" Hermione grabbed the girl into a hug.
"You won't loose us... we'll always be with you." Reign began to cry, both from the pain in her crushed leg and from her heart.
"Don't leave me alone..." Hermione pulled away.
"Harry will come..." Reign nodded. Hermione helped her into the closet, making sure she was comfortable. She then gave her daughter a kiss on the forehead.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too, mum," Reign whispered. Hermione nodded, closing the door and trying not to cry. Walking back down the hall, she saw Ron look up.
"Is she safe?" he asked. Hermione nodded, sitting on the floor. She stroked the twin girls heads gently.
"Home is behind, the world ahead... and there are many paths to tread... Through shadow... To the edge of night... Until the stars are all alight... Mist and shadow, cloud and shade... All shall fade... all... shall... fade," she sang softly, watching them with sad eyes. Ron touched her shoulder, watching as silent tears rolled down her cheeks. He opened his mouth to say something when a brick came crashing through the window. Ron's eyes flamed up, transforming instantly. He arched his back, fur bristled. Leaping over the couch, he went to the front window, his eyes glowed bright red at what he saw.
On the lawn were hundreds of lights. People... angry people. They all knew he was here. He watched as one man stepped forward.
"COME OUT YOU MONSTER!" he screamed. Unfortunately, he didn't see the creature behind the door. And unfortunately he didn't see the creature grin.
A/N: This one was longer than usual, though I thought it was apropriately done! There are two more chapters left! Hermione's little song taken from Lord of the Rings. PIPEN ROCKS!!!
tabitoo: Yeah, that was in Possessions and Obssesions.
connieewing: Yes well... I do appreciate the fact that my readers get into this stuff, but I would like it more if you didn't knock yourself out! I don't want you to get hurt and not be able to read anymore. Who would I have then to entertain me when I read my reveiws?
Chapter Tease:
"Are you ready?" Avalon asked. Ron and Hermione nodded, taking their place on the floor. Avalon began to speak in the ancient language of vampires, watching as the flames in the fireplace exploded, stretching out of the hearth and encircling them, swirling around the inside of the house. People from the outside began to point, watching as the house lit up. People began to scream and point, watching as a light reached up to the heavens. Then it became silent. Screams went unheard as everyones ears fell to deafness. There was a small scraping noise then down from the skys, the hand of God came crashing down into the house. It imploded...
