Dragon's Garrison (Chapter Eleven)
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
Three days later and it was almost time for the Garrison to go; they would be leaving in just a matter of hours, but they noticed the last three days had been very tense. Ron had barely spoken and he barely ate and each time someone asked him he just shrugged them off and gave a half-assed "I'm fine."
Finally Daphne lost patience and ambushed him before he could leave his room "I think we need to talk." Sighing a bit Ron stepped to the side allowing Daphne to enter before he closed the door. "You're in a funk, almost as bad as the one two years ago. What's the deal" she asked bluntly.
Ron didn't answer for a second before sighing a bit "Remember when the queen pulled me aside three days ago?" Daphne nodded and so Ron explained everything to her, everything that the queen told him and by the end Daphne had the same wide eyed look on her face that Ron had. "Yeah I had that same expression."
"Ron… yo-you're serious?" It was the first time Ron had ever heard Daphne stutter. Ron didn't answer and instead he reached into his pocket and withdrew the Heart of the Dragon making Daphne's wide eyes become even wider before she cupped his hand with both of hers. "What are you gonna do" she finally asked looking back up at him.
"What am I gonna do" he asked in disbelief. "Daphne, I'm not a King, I am a leader of a mercenary group. People I know would laugh at the very idea of me being a King, now if this was Harry, I would understand, the people would understand. How could the people trust me, a disowned son of the biggest clan of blood traitors this side of England all the way to god damn Russia. I'll tell you who'd believe it, crazy people."
He panted slightly after his rant "You feel better" Daphne asked.
"Loads" he finally said.
She smiled and then began to speak "Now allow me to dispel a few of those thoughts you have. 1st of all who says you're not a King. Ron, you exhibit all the qualities of a King. You're compassionate, you're strong, you're a great leader and you are willing to help people you don't know. Remember us, you didn't know us at all yet you agreed to help us. And a King doesn't turn his back on his people, you never turned your back on us. 2nd of all, stop thinking about Potter; what's he done to save the Wizarding world so far, nothing, that's what. He's been locked up who knows where at summer time and then living the school life at Hogwarts. What are you doing? You're out in the frontlines fighting, risking your life and saving people by the day. You even protected her majesty herself; the people look up to you and are seeing you as a beacon of hope. 3rd and finally, if people knew your background, they wouldn't blame you and you know it. They would scorn your former family for what they did for turning their backs on you. Now look me in the eye and tell me you don't have the makings of a King."
Ron was silent, but was unable to say anything; finally he sighed and hugged her tightly. She gripped him back just as tightly "How do you always know how to make me feel better" he murmured.
"That's because I know the real you" she whispered back. When they pulled back Ron looked at the Heart of the Dragon before he put it around his neck where it rested against his chest. It was heavy, but comforting; the moment he let go the Heart of the Dragon glowed a bright red color and then wind picked up around the entire room before it calmed down and the glow died away.
"I see you've embraced the Heart of the Dragon" the voice of the Queen said. The two turned to face the Queen "You have no more doubts."
Ron looked back at Daphne with a smile "Thanks to the words of someone… I've learned to just let go of my past."
The queen smiled at him "Then before you go, can you go down to the main hall; my husband has requested to speak with you."
"Of course" Ron said before departing; following down the hallway he went down the grand staircase and met with Prince Phillip "Your majesty" he greeted.
Prince Phillip greeted him in return and spotted the large diamond around his neck "I see my wife has gifted you the Heart of the Dragon." Ron nodded "That's good, I finally see what she was talking about. The world is always changing." Ron was quiet as the prince said this "I have something I want you to do for me; if you succeed then not only will your victory in this war be almost assured, but it will also cement you in the eyes of everyone that you are the one true King of Wizards."
Ron was still silent, but now he was more curious than ever and followed the husband of the queen down a hallway he had never been into before entering another room that had to have five guards dismissed from the prince before they could walk in.
Once they did and the two of them walked in the guards hastily shut the door behind them leaving the room to be dark. Phillip flipped a light on and when Ron could see properly his eyes widened; in front of him was a small/medium sized slab of rock, but imbued in the rock was a single sword. Its handle was royal blue in color with the guard being pure gold in the expanding upwards like angel wings.
"A sword" he said.
"Not just any sword" Phillip said with a small grin. "The Heart of the Dragon is proof that you are the rightful King, but to make you the ultimate King and a ruler acknowledged by everyone then I suggest you take a look at the blade."
Ron gave him a confused look before turning back to the blade and walking closer before crouching down and reading the inscription on the blade. Written in old fancy English, but still legible was one word "Excalibur" Ron whispered in astonishment.
"Yes" Phillip said having heard him. Walking up to him he spoke again "King Arthur is perhaps the most infamous King in all of the world; becoming King by pulling Caliburn from the stone, after losing the blade he acquired Excalibur from the legendary Lady of the Lake and ever since he could never be defeated."
"But… how" was all Ron could splutter. How many more shocking revelations was he going to go through?
"While it's true that Sir Bedivere returned the blade to the Lady of the Lake upon King Arthur's death it was said that the Lady of the Lake had a vision for the future" Phillip said pulling a book out of his jacket. He handed it to Ron "This was written by Merlin in the year 1078, twenty years after King Arthur's Death, given to King William the Conqueror."
(A/N: I know that Arthurian Legend goes back to the five and sixth century, but on Harry Potter wiki it says that Merlin was around during Hogwarts era, which was around 1000 A.D. so I'm going with this one.)
Ron opened the book and began reading 'The days grow darker; this bright country is not what it once was without Arthur around. Now it's just war after war, conflict after conflict; it's madness without the true king around. Arthur was the best thing that happened to this country since King Luther. But I see not all hope is lost for the Lady of the Lake has visited me in a dream and has given me a vision. A king will come in the future, one who carries the Heart of the Dragon and the Sword of the King; one who will bring about a new age. I cannot hold onto it forever so I will hide it in a place where none will think to look. With a little Confundus charm good ol' William the Conqueror and the royal family will house Excalibur until the one true heir of Excalibur returns.'
When Ron was done reading he looked up to Prince Phillip and stared in absolute shock. The old prince merely smiled "Go Ronald, become what you were born to be." Ron turned and looked at the legendary Excalibur stuck in the stone before walking up and grasping onto the handle. He was afraid to pull though "If you are worthy… then the sword will come out" Prince Phillip said in a comforting tone.
Ron's grip tightened around the blade before he tugged; to his astonishment the blade slid right out. Ron stared at the blade as it gave a brief golden glow before going back to normal as he held it in his hands.
"I never thought I'd live to see it" Prince Phillip breathed in astonishment. "The Sword of Promised Victory… has chosen its successor."
Four hours later the Garrison stood outside Buckingham Palace saying their goodbyes "We can never thank you enough for all you've done. Should you need anything else, please do not hesitate to ask" the queen said.
The five of them bowed "It's been an honor" they all said. Ron held eye contact with the Queen and her husband for a few seconds before he smiled. With that the five Garrison members flew off in wisps of red smoke heading back for Hogwarts.
After reporting to Dumbledore that the mission was a success Ron immediately went back to sleep in his own bed; he was physically and mentally exhausted from the fighting and the revelations. And the sad part was that he knew the fighting wouldn't end when the war ended and it scared him to think another war would break out.
He knew that soon that news would leak out that he had both Excalibur and the Heart of the Dragon. When that leaked out he knew he'd be an enemy of Voldemort and the Ministry. The Ministry was corrupted to the interior, very few who worked there weren't corrupt.
Looking at his wand Ron remembered when he read up about wand lore and he let out a sardonic chuckle. "I guess it's true; I am a revolutionist."
Death Eater activity was quiet after that and it gave them a good chance to catch up on schoolwork and focus on it for a little bit. On the rare occasion when they had time off they would meet down near the lake and spar with swords to keep their instincts sharp.
Yet as the next couple weeks went by Ron began to notice that Harry kept trying to get close to Slughorn, closer than anyone so far had bothered to. It made him suspicious as he had noticed Harry going to Dumbledore's office quite a bit ever since the year began.
Soon it was Christmas Break and Ron was heading back with Daphne to spend Christmas with her family. It was also where they would break the news to the family. Once back at Greengrass Manor Ron decided that it was now or never.
"Excuse me" he said to Nicholas as they entered the house.
"Yes, my boy, what is it" he asked.
Ron swallowed a lump of nervousness "I have already asked Daphne and she has said yes, but I wish to gain your blessings. I would like to marry your daughter."
Both Greengrass parents went wide eyed at what Ron said until it was broken by a loud squeal. Astoria had launched herself at both of them "I knew you two would end up together" she said with a grin hugging them both around the waist. The two could do nothing, but smile and hug the young fourteen year old back.
Nicholas and Cynthia shared a glance before peaking at Ron and Daphne; the way they looked at each other reminded them of when they first met. Nicholas finally spoke "Yes." They looked at him with wide eyes "I approve; I can think of no one better as my son-in-law."
The words registered in their minds and the first thing they did was hold each other tightly before Ron kissed her with as much passion as he could. Pulling back both of them smiled with dampening eyes "I love you" Ron whispered.
"I love you too" she whispered back before kissing him again.
Both parents felt their own tears gather in their eyes as they stared at the two adolescences before suddenly they remembered a very important factor. "Ron" Nicholas said getting his future son-in-law's attention "I hate to spoil your happiness, but technically you're both still underage as Daphne doesn't turn 17 until May and in order to marry underage you need permission… from both side's parents or guardians."
Ron's insides went cold as he knew what that meant; he'd have to get permission from his former parents since he was still technically under their rule. He turned to Daphne to see her with a similar look; their plan had been to inform her parents and then get married within a week after December as Daphne had told him she always wanted a winter wedding. "Ron" she said gently.
Ron racked his brain before coming up with a brilliant idea "Wait… I got it; the Emancipation Rite."
All the eyes in the room widened and for good reason; the Emancipation Rite was the wizard version of Emancipation in the Muggle World. Essentially it completely severed all ties of an underage witch or wizard from their families except for name, blood and magic and very rarely did the emancipated one and the family ever make up.
"Are you sure" Cynthia asked in a serious tone "You do know what that implies."
"My family ditched me two years ago; this is my way of breaking free" Ron said in a confident tone. "I will always bear the Weasley name, but it will just be a name only, there are no more familial ties."
Everyone stared at him silently for a moment before Nicholas finally spoke "Very well; we can take a trip down to the Ministry tomorrow, but… we will still need to inform your former family." Ron nodded softly; Nicholas nodded as well "Very well, you should get some rest."
"Thank you" Ron said before he headed upstairs to relax.
"Daphne, may I speak with you" Cynthia asked. Daphne nodded and followed her mother into another room where they sat down. "You truly love him don't you" she asked.
Daphne smiled "I do; I didn't know it would evolve this fast so soon. I mean, just last summer I had begun to feel something for him. He's so strong, so nice, so… beautiful." Her cheeks blushed a pretty pink and her eyes sparkled "We ended up confessing to each other not too long ago and just a few days ago he asked for my hand in marriage. His exact words were 'We're young and stupid, but I think I'm making the smartest decision of my life.' Then he proposed to me right on the spot."
Cynthia hugged her daughter smiling at the romantic moment "You take after me more than I thought." Daphne looked up at her mother confused "Your father was the Head Boy during my fifth year at Hogwarts. He was popular, good looking and all of the teacher's favorites and was guaranteed a bright future not only as the world's greatest clothing mogul, but also as the 39th Head of the Greengrass Family, one of the oldest, if not the oldest, Pureblood Family that existed. I was the only daughter of the Shafiq Family and one day Nicholas and I bumped each other in the hallway. It was love at first sight and only a month later we got permission from my parents to marry since Nicholas was already of age."
This was the first time Daphne had ever heard the story of how her parents got together. She couldn't believe she was ever nervous about telling them about herself and Ron.
"That's why I support you Daphne" Cynthia said softly stroking her daughter's blond hair. "I've raised you to be strong and do what you think is right. That's why we've never had to worry about you; if you're making this decision then you know it's right."
Daphne smiled as a few tears leaked from her eyes; she hugged her mother "I love you mom."
"I love you too sweetheart" Cynthia smiled kissing her daughter on the head.
A few hours later and it was pitch black outside; Ron was inside his room staring out at the darkness before looking down at the Heart of the Dragon around his neck before he heard a knock on his door. "Come in" he called. Daphne walked in through the door and the moment Ron saw her all his trepidation and worries just melted away.
She walked up to him and sat next to him "You look tense" she observed.
Ron sighed a bit "Once again you can read me like a book." He smiled though "The thought of seeing my old family again sets me on edge especially considering the news that we'll be bringing them."
Daphne looked at him "It's best not to stress yourself love; what do you normally do to relax?"
"Usually I just draw to calm myself down" Ron said looking over to his sketchbook that rested on the bed. Daphne grabbed his sketchbook before looking at the Heart of the Dragon.
"Can I see that" she asked pointing to the Heart of the Dragon. Ron looked at the gem before he took it off and handed it to Daphne; she held the gem in her hands before she put it around her own neck feeling it rest against her chest "It's heavy."
"I know" Ron said as he reached out and gently touched the gem resting on her breast. "But the first time I put it on… I felt its power."
Daphne looked down at the gem before she got an idea; she handed Ron his sketchbook "I'll help you to relax; I want you to draw me wearing the Heart of the Dragon."
Ron looked excited "Whoa, I've never drawn a person before; this should be fun."
Before he could open his sketchbook Daphne grabbed his hand and looked him in the eye with dark pink cheeks "Wearing ONLY the Heart of the Dragon." Ron's eyes widened and looked up at Daphne his cheeks burning hotly. She giggled at his look "I'll go get ready" and with that she departed.
Ron didn't know how long he spent sitting there until he hastily got up and set the bed up. Using a cloning spell he duplicated his pillows and set them up in a large pile to lean on and used a sticky charm to hold them in place so they wouldn't fall over, but still retain their fluffiness for maximum comfort. Quickly opening his sketchbook he pulled out his sketch pencil and, using a small knife that was in the sketchbook, sharpened it down to a fine point just as Daphne walked in. He looked up and saw her in a silky emerald robe.
She sauntered up to him swaying her hips as she went "The last thing I want is a picture of me as porcelain doll." She pulled out a few galleons and put them on the table next to Ron. "As a paying customer I expect to get what I want."
Then after that she disrobed with the emerald robe falling off her slender shoulders revealing her entire naked beauty to him with the Heart of the Dragon resting nicely on her pale skin. Ron tried really hard not to blush, but failed as he felt his cheeks burn, but he thought to himself that he had never seen a more beautiful sight.
"Over on the b-bed" he finally said pointing to the bed and mountains of pillows. She went over to the bed and sat her body on it "Lie down" he said in an almost seductive whisper. She did and laid herself against the mountain of pillows looking for a right way to lay. "No put your hand above your head like that; rest it on top of your head." She did, following his instructions "And brig your other arm to your face a bit… right there" he said as her hand just barely touched the side of her face near her forehead. "Head down a bit and eyes towards me." She was now in a perfect position "Now just try and stay perfectly still, eyes on me."
"Okay" she said and with that Ron began his drawing. Every now and then his eyes would peak up at her before going back to his sketchbook "So serious" she smiled seeing his look. He smiled a bit and wiped a strand of red hair behind his ear. Every time his eyes would look up to her Daphne felt her heart pound even harder. "I believe you're blushing Mr. Big Artiste" she teased seeing his ears turn very red. "As I recall Master Eadric Edelfelt doesn't blush."
"He does landscaping" Ron said dryly, but with humor in his tone. "Just relax your face a bit."
"Sorry" she said taking a deep breath and relaxing. He slowly continued his drawing taking in every last detail and after fifteen long minutes he was finished. He wrote down the date and his initials December 19th, 1996, R.W.! Daphne was up in her robes peering over his shoulder at the drawing. She was amazed; it almost felt like she was looking in a mirror.
"All for you" Ron smiled at her.
"It's perfect" she said before leaning down and kissing him. They didn't remember much after that as they were so tired and just fell into bed in each other's arms and passed out. By the next morning it was a little awkward as it was Cynthia who woke them up that morning.
"You may be engaged, but this family does not condone premarital sex" she said with a perfectly straight face before walking out leaving them both red faced and mortified.
After a silent breakfast in which no one made eye contact did Ron and Nicholas set out for the Ministry using the Floo Network to get there "The Emancipation Rite is very simple; all you must do is get the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to agree with your statements and after a quick signature I can perform the rite on you."
"Right" Ron nodded. It didn't take them long to see the new Head of the Department, as apparently Nicholas has much influence even though he doesn't like using it. They were there for all of five minutes before they were called in to see the Head of the Department. The man was slightly intimidating, but to this date the most intimidating man Ron had ever faced was Nicholas himself.
The man had long black hair, was tall and thin with a goatee with dark glaring blue eyes "What can I do for you today" Pius Thicknesse asked crossing his hands in front of his face.
Nicholas indicated discreetly for Ron to speak "Sir I wish to gain your permission to use the Emancipation Rite."
Pius narrowed his eyes slightly "Explain yourself young man." So Ron did and explained himself and told his story for what felt like the hundredth time. He explained his story from the start, leaving out certain parts as the ministry didn't need to know about the Order of the Phoenix. He finished by explaining how Nicholas was kind enough to take him and by the time he finished Pius' expression hadn't changed.
"That's it sir" Ron finished waiting with baited breath.
Pius finally spoke "You've given me something to think about. It's hard to think that a family like the Weasley's could do that to one another." Rubbing his forehead Pius contemplated the situation "Everything you've shown me is hard to believe though."
"You can give me Veritaserum or go through my mind with Legilimency if you don't believe me; I've got nothing to hide" Ron said honestly. Pius looked into Ron's eyes and his dark blue eyes met Ron's sky blue eyes.
Pius leaned back in his chair "I don't need a potion or a spell to see the truth; very well Mr. Weasley – no, Ronald. I hereby grant you Emancipation, you are a free man free from any underage obligation or laws."
"Thank you sir" Ron said with a bow of gratefulness.
"Mr. Greengrass, I take it you will perform the rite" Pius asked.
Nicholas nodded and pulled out his wand; Ron got on one knee facing Nicholas who reached out and touched the tip of his wand to Ron's forehead. "No longer are you bound, now you are free and found: Emancipatio" he called.
A bright red light encompassed Ron and it lasted for a few seconds before dying away and Ron stood up tall and proud. "How do you feel Ronald" Pius asked.
"Free" Ron replied. With their business done at the Ministry of Magic the two men headed off back for home, Ron's new home. He was going to need a lot of rest and preparation for when he went over to the Weasley's to break the news. After all, he could only imagine the chaos that was going to go down when everyone found out.
Sure enough December 23rd, 1996 is when they headed over to the Weasley House. They appeared in a loud snap indicating apparition. Dressed in clothes gifted to him by Daphne's father, handmade by him as well, Ron followed behind the two Greengrass parents to the Burrow. Even though Ron had emancipated himself he would always be tied to them by name, magic and blood; there was no spell that could erase that.
The whole family was there as well, even though Ron would be marrying into their family the Weasley's would still be their in-laws. Once getting up to the front Ron sighed in a deep breath and adjusted his collar to better hide the chain of the Heart of the Dragon before knocking.
When the door opened Ron was greeted by Ginny "Yes, can I he–" Ginny cut herself off with wide eyes when she spotted Ron. She hadn't gotten a good look at him for a long time now and she could see that he had changed a lot.
"Hey Gin" he smiled. He almost stumbled as Ginny jumped into his arms hugging him tightly. "Nice to see you."
"You too" she said quietly into his chest. After a second she pulled back with her eyes shining with small tears "It's good to see you again." Ron smiled at her before Ginny noticed the people behind him; she recognized Daphne from last year, but the others she didn't recognize.
"Would you mind if we came in" Ron asked making Ginny turn back to him. "I've got some rather… shocking news."
"Of course" Ginny said ushering them in. Once inside Ginny immediately noticed the similarities between Daphne and the two adults leading them to believe that they were her parents. This made her slightly nervous as she wondered what they would be here for. "I'll uh… I'll get everyone else."
Ron nodded "Please do" he said calmly. Ginny turned and left for the other room where everyone else was. When Ginny entered the other room she saw Sirius, Tonks and Remus all sitting together. Remus was looking a little better than he was before, but he still looked absolutely terrible with his hair almost completely white now. Tonks was sitting next to him holding his hand and rubbing his knuckles softly while Sirius sat next to them calmly sipping brandy from a glass. Things weren't as tense between them as it was before since they made up for the incident of the summer last year.
She saw her father sitting with Harry talking about something; she smiled a bit at that. Arthur was the only one in the family, besides her, who didn't betray Ron while the others had and Harry refused to abandon his best friend no matter what. Hers and Harry's relationship had improved since she was the only one he could talk to when he came over. There were even rumors going about at school that he was going to ask her out.
She spotted her mother and older brothers Fred and George next and resisted the urge to frown in both disappointment and pity. Fred and George had seen the error of their ways and now looked for a way to atone themselves for betraying their baby brother, but had yet to find the chance to. Her mother was still coming to terms that her youngest son, who had never shown any extraordinary magical talent, was the leader of a magical group that was putting Voldemort in his place. For a long time she thought Ron would never amount to anything special and would live and average life as an average/below average wizard, but now she was forced to see the error of her ways and didn't know how to fully cope with it.
"Excuse me" Ginny said getting their attention "There's a guest here to see us."
"Who is it" Arthur asked.
"Trust me; you're gonna want to see this for yourself" Ginny said before departing the room. One by one everyone got up and followed her into the next room and when they did all of their eyes widened when they saw Ron and company, but mostly Ron.
Without hesitating Harry charged forward "Ron" he said happily flinging his arms around his best mate.
Ron smiled widely as he hugged Harry just as tightly; even after all this time separated they were still best mates. Once they separated did Sirius step up "Good to see you boy" he grinned widely clapping hands with Ron and giving him a one armed hug. It was then Sirius noticed he wasn't alone "Oh you've brought guests."
Ron nodded slightly and, avoiding the eyes of his family, spoke up "Yes. In fact I'm here to announce a fact to you all." He turned to Daphne and held out his hand. She took his hand and stood next to him "For those who don't know this is Daphne Greengrass, my fiancé. We're getting married in a couple weeks."
The loud "WHAT" that came from Molly was drowned out by the whoops of happiness and joy coming from Harry, Ginny, Sirius and Tonks. Arthur, Remus and the twins were too shocked to react vocally. Ron got hard slaps on the back from Harry and Sirius while Daphne found herself getting hugged by Ginny making her blink in surprise at first before hugging the younger red head in return.
"QUIET" Molly finally bellowed and everyone immediately went silent. Ron swallowed as he knew this was where the trouble would come, but he kept his face expressionless. "Ron you've made some really bad decisions on your life, but this… one you're too young, two you're still in school and three you barely know each other. How can you possible marry someone like that?"
Ron got a serious glare on his face "That's just what you think; in fact I know her quite well. For one thing I know she'd never betray me or kick me aside like I was dirt." The cold harsh words caused quite a few flinches, but he ignored them "As for being too young; that doesn't matter anymore, I've been legally emancipated."
That struck a hurtful core in all of his family members "Emancipated" Arthur said in shock and hurt.
Ron noticed the hurt and squashed a feeling of guilt before pulling out a piece of paper and let it float up to his former family "This is the legal emancipation document signed by Pius Thicknesse himself; there's not a thing you can do about it. I had a feeling at least one would react negatively to this, so I had the emancipation done a few days ago; the spell was performed by my soon to be father-in-law, Lord Nicholas Greengrass."
Nicholas stood up and patted Ron on the shoulder. "We merely stopped by to inform you all of the events" he said in a clipped polite tone. "Despite your… treatment of my future son-in-law you are still his family and thus have a right to know. It is your choice on whether or not you choose to attend the wedding, but while you are there I expect you to act well behaved."
He got a couple half-glares from Fred and George, but he ignored it "That's all we wished to inform you of; Happy Christmas" Nicholas said before he turned around. "Cynthia, Astoria; we're leaving. Ronald, Daphne, I take it you two will catch up."
"Of course father" Daphne told him. He nodded to his daughter, but just as they were about to leave there was a loud cracking sound outside followed by another making everyone tense. "Ron, was that…" Daphne asked.
Ron nodded with a serious note peering through the windows and saw movement. His wand appeared in his hand instantly "Daphne with me; the rest of you stay inside" he ordered before he barged out the door with Daphne. Once outside they looked around tensely "Come on… I know you're out there. Show yourself" he whispered. Everyone, even the ones inside, could hear him and were a little startled by his voice. It was cold, calculating and calm despite the situation. He could hear footsteps, but couldn't see anyone and felt Daphne tense beside him "The way I was brought up… was to face our opponents honorably. And if our enemy is unarmed we offer them A WAND" he shouted at the end blasting a spell to his right in time to hit Bellatrix Lestrange right in the gut sending her sprawling back with a grunt.
Bellatrix was back on her feet in a flash glaring at them with hatred while they stared back evenly with wands raised before Bellatrix smirked. Suddenly more Death Eaters flew out of the fields and created a ring of fire around the perimeter of the Burrow. Once doing that the Death Eaters landed beside Bellatrix revealing that their numbers equaled five in total.
"Bellatrix" Ron said with disdain "I should've known you'd be behind this sneak attack." He looked at the two men beside her "I take it you are Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange." Tow blank icy stares was all he got in return "Fenrir Greyback… I hope" he said looking at a rather nasty looking man.
"Oh it's me alright" Greyback smirked showing serrated teeth. "I've wanted to sink my teeth into that pretty woman of yours for a while."
Daphne shivered in absolute disgust before she looked at the last Death Eater who possessed a very wicked and twisted looking face "Which leaves you as Dolohov, correct?" Dolohov merely sneered at her in return.
Bellatrix sneered at them as well "You little brats have run around like unchecked cockroaches long enough; it's time to be squashed." And with that she launched a spell at them, which ended up going past them and impacting with the Burrow creating a giant hole. Everyone inside had jumped back in time and could now see the whole thing.
A trail of blood flowed down Ron's cheek as the spell created a large gash on his face. "I finally understand now" he said with dull eyes. "There's absolutely no reasoning with you people, which leaves us no choice, but to keep killing until there are none of you left." Smirking he finished by saying "Didn't your master learn anything from the last time we decimated his forces."
After that chaos erupted as the Death eaters roared and fired spell after spell at them. Ron and Daphne began blocking the spells and swerving about to get closer to the Death Eaters. Greyback and Bellatrix swarmed Daphne, who fought back evenly while the Lestrange brothers and Dolohov centered on Ron.
This was the second time Harry and Ginny were seeing them in action, but it was the first time everyone else was seeing them in action. They were simply amazing; Daphne dodged swipes from Greyback blasting him back with nearly invisible blasts of wind while defending herself from Bellatrix's strikes while blasting her own spells back in return.
Ron was locked in a massive three way duel with the Lestrange Brothers and Dolohov. Ducking a spell from Rabastan Ron blasted Rodolphus in the leg before erecting a shield to protect himself from Dolohov before leaning back on his hands and using his feet he kicked a large blast of fire at all three death Eaters making them jump away.
Meanwhile Daphne launched a barrage of spells at Bellatrix, which were all blocked by the insane female Death Eater before feeling Greyback charge at her. Thanks to her wind power she could sense a change in movement behind her. Turning she swiftly dodged a spell from Greyback before wrapping him up with wind before slamming him into the ground.
Ducking a spell from Bellatrix she jumped into the air hovering before she flew at Bellatrix like a bullet and slammed her with a spell sending her rolling across the ground before landing on her two feet.
"Bella" Rodolphus called distracted by her getting injured. Ron took advantage of this and while his back was turned Ron blasted Rabastan back with a simply knock-back jinx before launching a fireball from his hand that sent Dolohov flying back.
Abandoning his wand Ron held his hands together "Excalibur" he shouted and the shout reminded Rodolphus that Ron was indeed still his opponent. He turned just in time for Ron to run the legendary holy blade through his torso.
Time seemed to literally stop for Bellatrix and Rabastan as they stared with their eyes getting wider and wider. Rodolphus had been completely run through with the blade sticking out his back. Rodolphus stared at Ron in quite horror as the blade dug deeper into his body. He could no longer breathe and just began choking on his own blood.
With a grunt Ron shoved Rodolphus off his blade and the Death Eater fell to the ground never to move, breathe or cast another spell again. "Rodolphus" Rabastan roared before shooting up and charging at Ron seemingly forgetting about his ability to use his wand. Ron merely slashed at Rabastan as he attempted to punch Ron. His arm was completely slashed off his body and he roared in pain, but before he could do anything else Ron had wordlessly called his wand back to his hand and pressed it against Rabastan's stomach.
They made eye contact for a few seconds before Ron said "Bombarda." Rabastan was launched back and landed on the ground no longer moving, but still alive. With that Ron engaged Dolohov while Daphne concentrated on Greyback.
Bellatrix was still in a state of shock; her husband was now dead. Sure Bellatrix may have only married him because he was a respectable pureblood from a pureblood family, but Rodolphus always was kind to her and tried to please her even though he knew she'd never hold any love for him.
Feeling a sense of loss for the first time in her life made Bellatrix fly into a blind rage. Daphne was caught off guard by the sudden and vicious attack and was nearly knocked over. "Daphne" Ron shouted before turning back to Dolohov. He had to finish him quickly; banishing his sword he attacked Dolohov with a flurry of spells.
Daphne had to seriously avoid a massive amount of spells from Bellatrix and the fast movements from Greyback; she was beginning to get overwhelmed. Dodging an explosion spell from Dolohov Ron summersaulted under Dolohov before yelling "Stupefy" and nailed Dolohov right in the head.
Just as he did that Daphne let out a scream as Greyback scored a hit on her and raked his claws along her side and her distraction allowed Bellatrix to blast her in the chest knocking all air out of her lungs "Daphne" many voices shouted as they all rushed towards her.
"Hold it" Bellatrix shouted grabbing Daphne by the hair holding her up and pressing her want to her throat. Everyone still "That's right, stay there; one move and this pretty head becomes detached from her body." Everyone stilled and did as she said "Greyback; take his wand" Bellatrix ordered.
Greyback approached Ron with his wand pointed at Ron as if daring him to make a bad move. Just as he reached for him Ron acted and in the blink of an eye he grabbed Greyback, got him in a head lock with his right arm and dragged him over his shoulder and slammed him to the ground. Not stopping he used his momentum to turn his body "Excalibur" he roared and his sword formed again. He threw it; the sword sailed through the air and slashed deeply through Bellatrix's shoulder. This all happened in the timespan of three seconds.
While she roared in pain Daphne took her chance and shouted "Caliburn" and her own sword formed in her hand. She slammed the hilt into Bellatrix's gut making her let go of Daphne to clutch her stomach allowing Daphne to turn around and slash at Bellatrix. Luckily for Bellatrix she had leaned back in time to avoid fatal damage, but got a blow to the face.
Greyback jumped up and lunged for Ron, but was intercepted "Expluso" Nicholas roared. The spell hit Greyback head and he was launched so far into the fields he couldn't be seen. He was more than likely unconscious from the attack. With that he ran over to the two children "Are you alright" he asked worriedly.
"I'm fine" Ron said before looking to Daphne. She was looking a little pale; gently he peeled her hand from her side to see blood still flowing from her side, but thankfully it wasn't too deep. "It's just a flesh wound; take her. I'll deal with Bellatrix." Nicholas nodded and gently scooped his daughter into his arms before running back to everyone else while Ron faced Bellatrix.
Bellatrix glared angrily through one eye as her hand was covering the other side of her face including her eye. How could this have happened? They were four of the Dark Lord's Elite and a powerful werewolf yet they lost so easily.
"This isn't over" she hissed raising her wand.
Ron raised his in return "On the contrary it is Bellatrix; even if you do manage to beat me there are ten powerful witches and wizards behind me who are more than willing to take you on. Face it you won't be leaving here alive."
"Is that so" a cold voice interjected. Everyone froze as a massive cold feeling, similar to a Dementor, settled over them. A wisp of black smoke later and a tall bald pale man in a black cloak with deep red eyes had arrived.
Lord Voldemort!
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