Sorry for the delay folks, but I've been unbelievably busy. Hope you enjoy this chappie!


Chapter 12

Ron was getting tired, his muscles were screaming at him but if he stopped now he was dead, literally. He cut down orc and Jaffa as fast as he could, constantly on the look out for anyone who was in trouble. One elf he didn't recognize was about to be cut down by an orc coming at him from behind. Moving quickly, Ron pulled out his bow and an arrow and shot it straight through the orcs head. It fell down dead and the elf was safe, or as safe as he could be at the moment. Suddenly there was a cry from the left of him. Looking he saw a man, in gold silk clothing that simmered when he moved, his hair done up in a elaborate design. On his right arm was a gold bracelet that wrapped around his whole forearm. He was standing on a kind of platform that was floating above their heads, three Jaffa standing around him shooting down at them. He was a Goa'uld! But that wasn't the worst of it, no the worst was that he was holding a struggling Cer by the throat. The Goa'uld sneered, his fair face twisting horribly to do so. He tore his cruel green eyes away from the elf he held and brought them down to meet Ron's horrified blue ones. He smirked at him then raised his other hand. In it, squeaking and squirming, was a disgusting snake-like creature, as black as obsidian. It was a symbiote, and it was about to take possession of Cer. Cer was screaming and struggling, not caring what he had to do to get away, so desperate was he to get away from the monsters. But when someone is implanted, their body strength is increased, so elf though he was he couldn't pull away from the Goa'uld. Ron pulled out another arrow, he aimed…

BANG!

Ron was thrown back as the energy discharge from a staff weapon hit the ground. His bow flew from his hands. He struggled to his knees, looking up just in time to see the symbiote forcing it's way into the back of the neck of Cer, who screamed in agony. There was a nasty sound of cracking bones as the symbiote attached itself to his spine, taking control.

For Ron it was like someone had cast a silencing charm over everything, he couldn't hear a thing and the only thing he could see was Cer as his face scrunched up in agony, as he went ridged, then completely limp. After a moment he straightened up and his eyes flashed a golden glow, the sign of a successful possession. The Goa'uld drew in a deep breath, and examined his new body with sick pleasure. His eyes locked on Ron's and he sneered and took the weapon offered by the other Goa'uld, black shaped like a snake, hand held, called a Zat'nikatel, a less destructive, smaller version of the staff weapon. One shot stunned, two shots killed and the third vaporised the body. There was a flash of blue light, waves of pain, then total darkness.


Ron stared in horror at the elf before him. Cer's eyes were cold as ice and the stars were gone from them. His hair, which had been past his shoulders was now cut to chin length and was harder around his face. The clothes were gold and bronze in colour. He was barely recognisable. Which, Ron supposed, was appropriate considering that he was not the person who belonged to that face.

"No smiles Ron?" he sneered, lowering his arm. Ron's gaze was stony as he stood up. Briefly he glanced around for Maedd and when he saw him he felt sad. Maedd's face was a torrent of pained grief. "Ah, muindor nin." The Goa'uld smiled falsely. "Have you no words for me?"

"Leave him alone." Ron snarled protectively. He wouldn't stand for anyone picking on any elf, no matter how bad the elf had behaved to him. "You came to deal with me."

"Such arrogance. The plague of Man."

"And of snake-heads." Ron said, his own name for the goa'uld slipping off his tongue. "Pot calling kettle black." He drew his sword sharply. "You came here to face my army and since yours is gone now would be a good time to surrender."

"Hmm… no." Ron smirked, matching the Goa'uld's.

"Now why doesn't that surprise me?" he asked.

"I don't really know." The Goa'uld drew a sword and held it aloft. "Now, how about we deal with this as in old times past? One on one dual."

"You're kidding?" Ron drew himself up, surprised.

"Of course not."

"You'll cheat."

"I will not."

"Forgive me if I refuse to believe that." The goa'uld smiled cruelly and spread his hands out, the sword hanging deceptively lazy from one. Several elves moved to attack, but Ron waved them away. He wanted them to stay out of this.

"Of course. I am nothing if not forgiving." Ron narrowed his eyes, hating the creature before him for taking someone so kind and raping the body to their own purposes. "Come, will you fight or will you surrender."

"Why would I need to surrender? You're outnumbered."

"Perhaps, but will you kill the host?" Ron froze and the goa'uld's smirk grew. "I didn't think so." Ron squared his jaw and said as he stepped forward and they began to circle each other,

"When Cer was taken from Rivendell I made a promise to myself. That I'd kill him if it meant stopping you." Maedd let out a strangled cry. "As I've heard it. Nothing of the host survives the implantation."

"That is the case with most hosts, however-" the goa'uld lunged and Ron blocked, their swords crashing against each other, "-there are a few who manage to survive within the body. Better to die I'd say. No pain when you're dead." They swiped and clashed, ducked and blocked.

"There's pain in hell, and I'm gonna send you there!" Ron snarled, ducking under a wide swipe and swinging his own sword. He caught the arm and a deep cut was made in the alabaster skin. The goa'uld growled and suddenly upped his skill. He'd been toying with Ron up until then. Now he managed to used the skills of Cer to pull the sword from Ron's grip. Ron watched as Andúril flew away from him and then he was on the ground, the tip of a sword was pressing against his throat. He went ridged. The goa'uld leered at him and used the sword to tilt his chin up, exposing his throat and his scar.

"Hmm, it would appear I shall be adding to your collection of scars, although this one will never heal." Ron swallowed and the tip pricked his skin. "Pity. I had hoped for more of a challenge than this." Ron stared up at him, silent. The goa'uld raised the sword up to pierce his throat. Then he screamed in pain.

An arrow stuck out of his arm. With a snarl he wrenched it out and glared at the elf who'd fired at him. Maedd glared back, his bow still raised. Ron leapt to his feet, pulled out his dagger and thrust it through the long, pale neck of Cer. Cer's blood flowed over his hands as the body collapsed, Ron scrambling to catch it. There was black among the silver-red blood. The symbiote's blood was pouring from the dead creature within Cer's body. His face was a shocked glare, staring at nothing now.

Maedd screamed in agony and flew over to them, grabbing his brother and holding him close.

"Muindor nin! Muinder! Saes, muinder. Lau!" He grasped at the neck wound, trying to stop the blood. The black blood stained his skin and he recoiled, wailing pitifully, desperately. Ron stared at him, amazed at the primitive, heartbreaking beauty the elf was displaying. The redhead's hands were resting in his lap, Sting resting in his hands. As Maedd's wails quieted to sobs, muffled as he buried his face in Cer's chest, Ron stood up. He looked around the grounds, taking in the orc bodies that covered the ground, Jaffa beside them. He closed his eyes and in his mind he saw it as it had been last year, in the summer. Alive and beautiful. Now it was covered with death. He swallowed, fighting tears and fury. He drew in a deep breath and looked at the elves, some of whom were crying. Cilath was being supported by Lomli, she seemed to have fallen into a daze. He drew in a deep breath and said,

"Alright! I want everyone to pile the bodies up. We'll burn them. And then we'll have a ceremony for… our loss. Get to it!" The elves obeyed and Ron retrieved Andúril. Then he walked over to Cilath, resting his hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him with wide eyes and he stroked her face before he could stop himself. Her cheek was smudged with blood and she didn't notice. Ron looked at Lomli who nodded in understanding and put his arms around her and guided her towards the castle.

"I'll keep an eye on Maedd too." the blonde promised softly as he passed him. Ron simply nodded. He was fairly sure that if he opened his mouth he'd start screaming and wouldn't be able to stop. He walked slowly over to the lake and washed his hands in it, then he wiped away all the blood on his weapons. Then he took a deep breath and stuck his face in the water. Secure under the surface he did scream, as loud as he could. Only when he needed air did he snap his head back up. He gasped and rubbed his face, wiping away the water. Then he cleared up his blades and walked back over to the elves, ready to help.


The orcs and Jaffa were burning, sending a terrible smell into the air. But no one in the Gryffindor Tower cared as they sat quietly, reflecting on the carnage they'd just witnessed.

Hermione was shaking and Harry had his arm around her shoulders, trying to calm her. Harry himself was grey. Ginny sat between her brothers, looking green. The twins were unreadable. Professor Mc Gonagall came in.

"Now. There is to be a funeral for Lord Cer. All will attend to show respect so get changed into your best school robes. The funeral is in an hour."

"Who's Lord Cer?" asked Seamus.

"The elf that was killed by Captain Weasley. We're having a funeral for him before the elves bring him back to Rivendell."

"Why are we having a funeral for the enemy?"

"Lord Cer was not an enemy. The goa'uld that possessed him was. You shall show proper respect!" Mc Gonagall walked out at that. Slowly the Gryffindors began to move around. Yet they didn't speak. Harry robotically pulled on his robes and grabbed his cloak. Once he was dressed he made his way back to the common room. Mc Gonagall returned for them 45 minutes after she'd left, now dressed in black robes. They were led out to the grounds. Spells had been cast to clear the air of the smell of the burnt carcasses. Ron stood near them, staring at them pensively. As they were shown to their places Harry watched as Lomli walked over to Ron and spoke softly in his ear. Ron nodded, and then said something back. He then turned away and walked towards the castle, his pace hurried. Lomli watched him go and then returned to Cilath and Earithramir. Cilath's eyes were glazed, as if she wasn't quite with her friends. Earithramir was looking sad and weighed down. His expression was reflected in the faces of many of the other elves. The funeral was begun and yet… Harry realised Ron wasn't back.


Ron stared at the carcasses, his eyes making patterns out of the various shapes, but he wasn't really seeing anything. Lomli came up to him and he said softly,

"You did what had to be done mellon nin. You killed a goa'uld and spared Cer of any more pain. No one could ask more than that." Ron tilted his head to the side slightly. "Maedd's vanished. We can't find him and Earithramir's voiced his concern about what he might… do. If he misses his twin's funeral, he'll never be able to let him go." Ron sighed, and his fingers brushed Sting's hilt as he thought for a few moments. "It'll be dark soon." Ron turned his head to the side, meeting the blond elf's green eyes that were full of sadness for the pain of the world, pain that others caused. Ron nodded slowly and they walked to the large group of elves and humans. All were in black, although for the students that was nothing new. Most of them were pale from what they had seen and a few were green.

Ron glanced at the marble pedestal where Cer lay, surrounded by golden and red leaves. Then the young captain cast his eyes about the group. Lomli was right. Maedd wasn't there. Ron's eyes fell on Cilath who was being held by Earithramir. She hadn't said anything to anyone yet.

"Start the funeral." Ron said quietly, "I'll find Maedd and bring him here. You just go through the procession." Lomli nodded and Ron turned away, hurrying into the castle. He broke into a run as he checked places he thought the grieved elf might be hiding. He skidded to a halt suddenly and looked at a portrait of a pretty young woman. "Excuse me ma'am. Have you seen an elf go by here? He's got white blond hair and sky blue eyes."

"Hmm…" giggled the woman, "I think he passed here a little while ago."

"Did you see where he was going?"

"He was heading that way." She pointed towards the stairs that lead to the Astronomy tower. "I don't know if he's gone to the top of the tower, but he didn't seem to know either, he had a very odd look in his eyes."

"Right, thanks." Ron began to walk away.

"Oh! And a dagger." she called after him. Ron froze. "He was carrying a dagger." Ron didn't even bother to say thank you again. He just ran up the stairs as fast as he could. Reaching a shut door he gave it an almighty shove. The wooden door flew opened and Ron stopped short at what he saw.

Maedd was kneeling on the ground, lifting the dagger to his neck, but he paused as the door opened. Their eyes met and Ron relaxed slightly.

"Now there's a bright idea!" he mocked, "You wouldn't want to do the wrists. It would take too long. And the stomach would hurt like a bitch. No, go for the neck, but be careful. You could easily not cut deep enough and just bleed slowly, until someone comes along. Like me."

"What are you doing here?" Maedd hissed, standing up.

"Didn't I just say? I'm here to stop you from doing something stupid!"

"Get out you scum!"

"Uh, how about no. Look at yourself Maedd! You're a mess. You're also doing the one thing neither Kinthia nor Cer would have wanted you to do." Maedd snarled like an animal and lunged at Ron. Ron quickly sidestepped and struck Maedd between the shoulders, winding the elf. Maedd fell to the ground and Ron quickly pressed his knee into his spine, pulling his arms behind him.

"Get off me!" The elf thrashed violently, growling and hissing.

"Not until you give me your word as an honourable warrior that you won't try to harm yourself or me." Maedd snarled again and struggled, but Ron just managed to hold him down. "Do I have your word?" Maedd struggled a little more then stilled and growled,

"Yes." Ron let him go and straightened up. He held his hand out and Maedd took it after a hesitation. "Why are you here? Time and again I have behaved dishonourable towards you and only once have you lost your temper with me. Why do you keep trying to earn my friendship?" Ron met the sky blue eyes with his deep water blue ones and said,

"I don't want it if you don't wish to give it. I simply wish to care for you and all the other elves. It awes me to think that even though you need not have suffered in this war, you do to protect us, though we have long forgotten your power and majesty. We have given your name to a pathetic creature that does not deserve to carry such a name. Our own arrogance is destroying us, yet you try to spare us by sacrificing yourselves." Maedd stared at him, his face unreadable, then he spoke, his voice soft and weary,

"It is so hard. I know we fight for the right reasons, but it's so hard." He looked away as if ashamed, "I… I find it hard to make friends, to open up to people. Kinthia and Cer were the only ones I ever fully… and now they are gone and I am alone. No one cares about me."

"Yes they do! They care greatly for you." Ron protested, shocked that Maedd felt this way.

"Nay. They sided with you, rather than me when my muinder and my mela were lost to me." Maedd's lower lip trembled slightly. Ron sighed and rested his hands on his hips,

"I know what that's like mate." he said, "To feel betrayed, because of, what you see as an attention seeker." His mind took him back to his fourth year. How Hermione sided with Harry without a care for him. Ron knew he'd been wrong to be jealous, but the principal was sound and no one had cared. Thinking about that, he could understand Maedd's point of view.

"You cannot know what it's like to have the only two people in your life, who meant everything to you, gone! There's nothing left for me. Nothing." Maedd's legs gave away and Ron caught him in his arms. The blonde's shoulders shook as he sobbed onto Ron's shoulder. Ron held him tightly and rocked him like a child.

"Maedd, mellon nin, they wouldn't want this for you. You should live for them, in honour of them. Come with me. Come to say goodbye. Saes Maedd." Maedd pulled away and after a moment he nodded, still tearful. Ron squeezed his shoulder comfortingly and they ran as fast as they could down to the grounds.

Out of breath, they arrived, just as the last elf had finished laying a leaf on Cer's body. Everyone looked at them, some of the students with interest, some with annoyance as they shattered the serene, if grieved atmosphere. Maedd looked, transfixed, at the motionless form on the pedestal. Ron gripped his elbow in case he faltered and together they walked to the pedestal.

Maedd took one look at his brother's face, which had been rearranged into a serene and peaceful expression, and let out a howl of agony. The elves joined him in the cry, mourning the loss of something that should never have been lost. Ron threw his head back and howled with them. As the cry died down they began to sing

Dannen le
A ú-erin le regi
Rang ail le iestannen
Lû ail le tegin na hen.
Gwannach o innen ului
Ú lû erui, ului.

Ron swallowed hard and then sang the song in English, letting his surprisingly skilled voice be carried over the crowd.

You have fallen.
And I cannot reach you.
Every step I willed you on,
Every moment I lead you to this.
You never left my mind,
Not once, not ever.

Several of the girls were crying, Cilath was weeping, clinging onto Earithramir and Lomli who held her. Ron held Maedd up as the elf tried to control himself and he whispered to the fallen elf whose soul had fled to the Halls on Mandos,

"Noro go hûl, bado go Eru mellon nin Cer." And Ron wept, silent and hidden in the white blond hair of Maedd. He wept for Cer, he wept for Maedd, he wept for Cilath. He wept for all the elves, and he wept for the suffering this war had caused and would continue to cause. Finally, he wept for himself and how painful his destiny seemed to be. He mourned for the child he used to be and he grieved for the man he was becoming, had become. Ron Weasley wept for Captain Balanidhren.


Reviews are very encouraging! The more the better!

Night's Darkness