Chapter 37
The Danger Room
(Ron's PoV)
When Ron woke up the next morning, Hermione's side of the bed was empty. Ron dressed and readied himself for what was sure to be an unpredictable day: he would be starting training with a new partner instead of Harry, as assigned by Allison Fawning.
He hoped it would be temporary, as Harry said. He hoped this was just a test Allison was giving him and Harry and that it wasn't permanent. Allison didn't understand the friendship between Ron and Harry. She couldn't read about something like that in her precious folders she had concerning every one of the Aurors-in-training. No folder could possibly sum up the seven-plus years of unyielding friendship between Ron and Harry. No high-and-mighty trainer could ever split Ron and Harry up, and Ron would prove it if it was the last thing he did while enlisted in Auror training.
He knew things Allison didn't. Allison seemed to think that Harry was helping Ron coast through Auror training. Ron, however, knew he and Harry were strong on their own, and even stronger together.
Ron looked at himself in the mirror. He almost didn't recognize himself. He had grown a bit rugged and needed a shave, but he knew Hermione wouldn't allow this. She liked seeing stubble on Ron's chin, ever since she had given him some for his transformation during the Gringotts Heist, while on the hunt for the Horcruxes. At the time, Ron had complained about the stubble, but over time he realized it seemed to be a turn-on for Hermione.
Ron finished up and headed into the kitchen. Breakfast, french toast by the delicious smell of it, was fixing itself on the stove. Hermione was sitting at the table, her face hidden behind the new edition of the Daily Prophet. Ron sat down at the table, and cleared his throat.
"It's awfully rude to interrupt someone when they are reading the morning paper," Hermione said, though she was smiling when she set the paper on the table.
"Anything of interest?" Ron asked, pointing to the paper.
"No mention of the attack at your brother's reserve," Hermione said, "As we predicted."
"As you predicted," Ron corrected her.
Hermione smiled, then frowned as she looked down at the paper.
"There is an article about the dragon escape case for next Monday though," she said.
"Well, at least they allow some things to be in the paper still," Ron said.
"I'm not too sure that is a good thing," Hermione said. "The article really hinted at making the Romanian Ministry of Magic look bad. They said the Romanians ordered their Wizengamot to join ours so our Wizengamot wouldn't cheat on the case. I don't believe that at all."
"What do you think they are doing?" Ron asked.
"I think this is the new direction the Public Security Department is focusing on," Hermione said. "Give the public some ridiculous story like this. Ridiculous but it could be believable if you didn't know any better. That way, the public will focus on this new story and the Public Security Department wouldn't have to worry about news of this new threat getting out."
"Doesn't sound too mental, if you ask me," Ron said, shrugging, "Hey, speaking of your case... I really hope it just lasts a day."
"Why?" Hermione asked.
"Well," Ron said, "Your birthday... isn't it the day after the case?"
"Yes," Hermione blushed, "You remembered my birthday?"
"How could I forget?" Ron asked, grinning, "I hope you can get the day off. I might be able to get the day off myself."
"I'm sure Brady will allow that," Hermione said, "Since it is my birthday. Why? Have you planned something?"
"Of course I have!" Ron said, "But I'm not going to tell you yet. It is a surprise."
Ron was completely honest. He had planned something. Before he and Hermione left Harry's house the previous day, Ron wrote a note for Ginny, and left it to Harry to give it to her. Now he was just waiting for her response. Without it, he was sure his plan wouldn't work, and he would have to think of something else.
"Oh, I hope it is good," Hermione said, grinning.
"You aren't even going to try to get me to reveal my plan?" Ron asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Oh, I could if I wanted to," Hermione said, "I know you can't resist my charm."
"I thought it was you who couldn't resist my charm," Ron said.
Hermione only smiled, and proceeded to serve the french toast.
When Ron arrived at the entrance to the Auror training facility, Harry was waiting for him.
"Good morning, mate!" he said.
"You sound strangely happy," Ron said.
Harry shrugged.
"Oh, before I forget," he said, "I gave Ginny your letter, and she wrote back."
Harry dug into his pockets and pulled out a small roll of parchment, and handed it to Ron. Ron unrolled the parchment and read it:
Ron,
Good idea! Did you think about that on your own? I'm kind of surprised. Just kidding, it is a wonderful plan for Hermione's birthday. But I thought Hermione had a fear of heights? Aw well, I'm sure you'll figure something out.
I'll ask Gwenog and see if I can get you and Hermione access on Tuesday. Look for Harry's owl tonight!
Good luck!
Ginny
Ron kicked himself mentally as he looked at the letter. He had forgotten about Hermione's fear of heights and distrust on a broomstick. Ron shrugged to himself; he'd worry about that when the day came.
"Thanks mate," he said to Harry.
"Something to do with Hermione's birthday?" Harry asked, grinning, "That was fast. A few days ago, you didn't even remember her birthday was coming."
"You read my letter," Ron accused.
"No, mate, not at all," Harry said, holding up his hands in surrender.
"Then how did you find out?" Ron asked.
"You forget your sister's my fiancee?" Harry asked, "She'll tell me anything."
"You better not tell Hermione," Ron said.
"I'm hurt!" Harry said, shocked, "Do you honestly think I'd do that?"
"I guess not," Ron said, "I just don't want to ruin this surprise for Hermione."
"I'm sure she'll love it," Harry said, "Anyway, we better get going. Allison wants to see us in her office."
Ron didn't need to ask why Allison wanted to see them. He felt he already knew what this was all about. He just shrugged and followed Harry to Allison's office.
"Are you ready for this?" Harry asked Ron.
"I wish it wasn't happening," Ron said, "But I'm more than ready to prove Fawning wrong."
"That's the spirit," Harry said.
Harry tapped on the door of Allison's office. The door opened, and Ron followed Harry inside. Allison wasn't alone: two Aurors-in-training that Ron had seen frequently, but never had a desire to speak with, were standing near Allison's desk. To Ron, the two trainees reminded him of Draco's goons, Gregory Goyle, and the late Vincent Crabbe. If these two had been at Hogwarts the same time as Ron and Harry, Malfoy would have taken a liking to them even if they weren't in Slytherin.
"Good morning, boys," Allison said, with a juicy smile that Dolores Umbridge herself would have been jealous of, "I'm sure you've seen these two gentlemen around here before." Allison motioned to the two Aurors-In-Training near her. "But I'm sure you've never had the time to give formal introductions. This is Taylor Rossi and William Golding. They will be your new training partners. I'm sure I don't have to introduce you two gentlemen to these two."
"Harry Potter," Golding said, walking over to Harry and offering his hand, "It will be a pleasure to train with you."
Harry shook it. Ron looked at Rossi. If he had his choice between the two, he would have picked Golding. Rossi seemed like the kind of guy who admired violence. Ron wouldn't have been surprised if Rossi had joined the Auror training corp just so he could curse people. He liked to think he was pretty tall, but Rossi seemed to tower over him by at least a few inches. Rossi had big, bulky arms, and probably had to wear sleeveless shirts just to get by. Ron was sure Rossi was part troll, or had a giant for a distant relative.
"I'm sorry," Rossi grunted at Ron, "I don't know your name."
Of course, Ron thought, they recognize the Hero of the Second War, but not his best mate who was right there with him.
"Er... Ron Weasley," he said, "Nice to meet you."
Ron extended his hand.
"Taylor Rossi," Taylor grunted.
Taylor took Ron's hand, and Ron flinched at the power of his grip. Ron let go of Taylor's hand, in fear that it would get crushed by his strength.
"Wonderful!" Allison said to the four of them, "I'm sure you and your training partner will quickly become good friends."
Ron did his best to hold back a snort. He didn't see how he could become good friends with Rossi.
"I'll give you a little time to change and get to know each other," Allison said, "Then I want the four of you in Training Room D."
Ron and Harry looked at each other with raised eyebrows. Training Room D, otherwise known as the Danger Room, was strictly for the most advanced trainees. Ron knew he and Harry could be classified as advanced, but he knew nothing about the ability of Rossi and Golding.
"Are you sure?" Harry asked.
"Quite sure," Allison said, smiling, "You may go. Pip pip."
Ron, Harry, Rossi and Golding walked out of the office and headed for the locker room.
"Training Room D," Rossi grunted, "What is it?"
"You've never heard of it?" Harry asked.
Rossi and Golding shook their heads. Ron groaned silently. His new training partner might as well have been a rookie, with no experience whatsoever, if he had no idea what the Danger Room was. While Harry explained to Rossi and Golding what the Danger Room was, and Ron looked at the horrified expression on the face of his new partner, he thought back to the first, and only, time he had been in the Danger Room.
Or tried to.
He couldn't remember much of what happened during his first session in there, owing to the fact that he had nursed a mild concussion afterward and had come home to a panicky Hermione. According to her, he had looked as if he was going to drop any moment, and he was surprised he did not. The only other time he had ever felt that way was when he came home from his mission at Azkaban.
"Danger Room," Golding said, snapping Ron out of his thoughts; Harry had finished with his explanation, "Good name for it."
"Yeah," Rossi grunted.
Ron looked at Harry, and he knew his best mate was thinking the same thing that was on his mind:
They have no idea what they are getting into.
Ron tried to delay the inevitable as long as he could, but twenty minutes later he found himself, Harry, Rossi and Golding standing in a small room. Just beyond the door in front of them was the Danger Room. There was no way they would know what they were in for until they walked into it. Allison walked through the same door and smiled, shutting the door behind her before anyone could look through it.
"Welcome to Training Room D," Allison said, "If I read your files correctly, I believe Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley have had a little experience in this room, while Mr. Rossi and Mr. Golding have not. Is that correct?"
Ron and the others nodded.
"Perfect!" Allison said, "This will work out nicely then. One partner has experience, one partner does not. It will even things out, I think. Now, I bet all of you are wondering what you will be doing, is that right?"
"Fighting bad guys?" Rossi grunted.
"You could say that," Allison nodded. "Technically, you are right. While one pair is hiding, the other pair will search for them. I believe the Muggles call it 'Hide and Seek.' Then you will switch sides. Except this will be different than a mere children's game. When you find your target, you have to make sure they can't run away."
"How?" Golding asked.
"Oh, I think you can figure that one out," Allison said, smiling, "Follow me."
Allison opened the door behind her again and walked through it. Rossi and Golding walked through it, then Harry and Ron did the same. What Ron saw. he could not believe.
The room had been transformed to look exactly like a common city block, complete with sky scrapes, parked cars, trucks and double-deckers, and (Ron had to do a double-take to make sure he wasn't seeing things) citizens walking down the sidewalks. Even though the room was deep below the surface of the earth, the illusion of a bright blue sky rose high over the sky-scrapers. Like the Great Hall at Hogwarts, it was as if the room had no ceiling at all, but opened up into the heavens.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Allison asked.
"Uh-huh," Rossi said, his mouth hanging wide-open as he marveled at the sight in front of him.
"As an Auror," Allison said, "You will be dealing with every type of environment imaginable. Given that we live in, and around, the capital of England, we have to deal with environments like the one behind me more often than not."
She started pacing back and forth in long strides, looking at each of the four Aurors-in-training looking at her.
"As an enforcer of the law," she continued, "one of the oaths you will be sworn to protect is the Statute of Secrecy. More often than not, your enemy will not care about our Statute of Secrecy when running away from you. They will do anything to make sure they survive an encounter with you, even if it means endangering everyday citizens... especially Muggle citizens. The bad guys do not care if Muggles can see them casting spells like a madman. It is your job, as an Auror, to protect the safety of everyone, including Muggles, while apprehending the criminals. Is this understood?"
Ron and the others nodded.
"You will notice that there are citizens walking about out there in the environment behind me," Allison said, "As the good guys, it will be your duty to protect them, while apprehending the bad guys, who can do whatever they need to, in order to keep away from you."
"Those citizens," Harry said, "Are they real?"
"I think, Mr. Potter," Allison said, "that will be something you will have to find out on your own."
Ron's eyes widened. There was no way the Ministry would allow common citizens, especially Muggles, be a part of something as dangerous as this... was there? Ron looked at Harry. He seemed to be thinking the same exact thing.
"So," Allison said, "Mr. Potter and Mr. Golding, you two will start as the bad guys. When I say 'go', you will hide amongst the buildings, trying to stay away from Mr. Rossi and Mr. Weasley, while they try to apprehend you. You will have five minutes before they go after you. Good luck, gentlemen. You may go... now."
Ron watched as Harry and Golding walked toward the buildings. Allison waved her wand, and a large brick wall appeared a few feet behind her, blocking Harry and Golding from Ron's sight.
"Er... do Taylor and I have permission to think out a plan?" Ron asked.
"Feel free," Allison said, "Planning procedures is a basic tool to capture a criminal."
"Uh... right," Ron said.
He grinned privately. There was no better time to prove to Allison that he didn't need Harry to get through Auror training, and that he was doing just fine by himself. He turned to Rossi.
"All right," he said to Rossi, "We know the basic area of the environment. Harry and Golding could be anywhere, but I don't think we'll have to worry about them going into buildings."
"Why?" Rossi grunted.
"Most criminals do not like close combat," Ron explained, "because most of the time they are not as experienced in dueling against Aurors. Also, they would want to find a fast way to escape if Aurors had the upper hand on them, and Aurors could easily make the building Apparation-proof."
Ron briefly glanced at Allison, who looked quite impressed.
"It makes sense," Rossi said.
"Taylor, as Harry told you," Ron said, "the Danger Room is the most dangerous training room we have to deal with. Everything in this room is much more than an illusion. They may appear and disappear, but everything is solid. Do you understand?"
Rossi shrugged. Ron groaned silently. Harry must not have explained things well enough.
"Look," he said, "In the illusion training rooms, if an explosion happens, and something like a tree comes toward you, it will just go right through you and will not hurt you. The Danger Room is different. It is the closest thing to real-world situations as they come. It is here to prepare us for these situations. If there is an explosion here, and debris hits you, you will feel it, and you will get injured... or worse."
Taylor's eyes widened in fright.
A flash of memory went through Ron's mind... the last time he had been in the Danger Room. A tree falling on him, and Harry pushing him out of the way just in time, as very large branches still managed to clobber the both of them.
"Be careful out there," Ron said, another glimpse of a tree branch sweeping through his mind, "and we'll get through this."
Taylor nodded. Allison waved her wand and the brick wall disappeared.
"Your turn," she said to Ron and Rossi, "Good luck."
Before moving, Ron thought for a brief moment. He had to get to shelter before panning out his surroundings. Harry and Golding would know where he and Rossi were coming from.
"All right," he said to Rossi, "Follow me and stay close!"
Rossi nodded. To Ron, Rossi seemed the kind of guy who didn't like to be given orders. But it also seemed that fear of the Danger Room had softened the big guy. Ron knew his new training partner would listen to his every word if it meant he would get through this. Ron had to hand it to Allison: she actually knew what she was doing giving this kind of training situation to new partners. It would certainly unite or break them on the very first day.
Ron stealthily ran toward the nearest building, while Rossi imitated him. He crept toward the corner of a building, hidden from sight, but was able to look around at his surroundings. It was incredible, like he was standing in a section of London. How was he going to find Harry and Golding in this before they found him?
"Er... Ron?" Rossi said.
"What, Rossi?" Ron asked, annoyed; he didn't need Rossi interrupting his concentration.
"Do those people seem different to you?" Rossi asked, pointing to the group of citizens walking down the sidewalk in their direction.
Ron looked toward where Rossi was pointing and realized what he was talking about. The citizens seemed to be walking together in straight lines, and were facing forward, not looking anywhere else but the direction they were heading in.
"They look like they are under the Imperius Curse," Rossi said, "Don't you think so?"
"Allison wouldn't do that," Ron said, more to himself than Rossi, "Would she?"
"If these people are real," Rossi said, "And they are Muggles. That means they are not here on their own."
"Right," Ron said, "But we can't worry about that right now. We have to find Harry and Golding. Follow me and stay right behind me."
When he saw the Muggles, he knew exactly what he was going to do. He ran toward the group of Muggles and stood in the middle of them. None of the Muggles looked at him or Rossi, but Ron didn't have time to worry about that now. Nearby, he saw a line of parked cars along the street. He ran over to one of them. Rossi's footsteps behind him told him his new partner was nearby.
"Rossi," Ron said, "Go on the other side of the street behind that truck when I tell you to. Be careful."
Rossi nodded.
"Go... now," Ron said.
Rossi went in between the two cars and ran across the street. Suddenly, Ron saw a red beam of light come from behind a building down the street. It hit a jeep, a couple cars away from the truck Ron had ordered Rossi to hide behind, and the jeep exploded! Ron dived to the ground to avoid debris, and was almost hit by a flaming tire which flew over his head and landed on the sidewalk.
Ron hurried to his feet and looked around for Rossi. Miraculously, the truck he was hiding behind had not been damaged at all, and Rossi was uninjured, but shaken. Rossi ran back over to Ron.
"I'm not doing that again!" Rossi said.
"You did fine," Ron said, "In fact, you did better than fine. They gave their position away."
"You saw them?" Rossi asked.
"They are hiding behind a building just down the street," Ron said.
"What are we going to do?" Rossi asked.
"We're going to do a sneak attack," Ron said, "And I'm going to be the bait. You are going to find a back away around and arrive at that smaller building back there. I'm going to walk down there, and hopefully they will be distracted long enough."
"Can't I do that?" Rossi asked.
"Harry wouldn't be fooled if he didn't see me coming down the street," Ron said, "We know each other too well."
Rossi nodded. "Okay," he said, "You can be bait."
"Don't get lost," Ron said, "I don't want to be alone if they corner me. I'm going to need you to come up behind them if that happens. You better be there."
"I will," Rossi said, "You can count on it."
"Good," Ron said, "Go, I'll run ahead and distract them so they don't see you go around. Now!"
Rossi ran back the way they came and disappeared around a building while Ron ran ahead, making sure to stay behind cars as he did. Suddenly, another spell came barreling toward him and he ran toward the protection of the building just a few feet away before the car he was hiding behind exploded. A car door missed him by a few inches, but he heard it hit something with a sickening crunch. Ron turned around, looking at the car door, and saw a pair of feet sticking out from under it. Ron's eyes widened as he ran over to the door. He knelt down and touched one of the feet. It felt rather cold... and rather like metal instead of skin.
"The citizens," Ron muttered, "They're all robots. Of course. Just more of Allison's creations."
"Stand up, Auror!" a voice said behind him, "Drop your wand!".
Ron cursed silently. He had been so worried about the possibility of someone getting hurt, that he had forgotten his opposition had known where he was. Ron stood up, dropping his wand on the ground with a clatter. He turned around. Golding was pointing his wand at Ron. Harry was walking up behind him.
"Where's your partner?" Harry asked.
"He's..." Ron said, then paused quickly.
They didn't know Rossi had split away from him and was coming through the back way. He had to stall, and his mind went to the robot under the car door. He just nodded, motioning to the car door. Golding and Harry looked at the car door, and saw the pair of feet. Harry's eyes widened.
"You got me," Ron said, "I was too focused on my partner to go after you two."
Golding looked at Harry. "Does that mean we won?" he asked.
Ron looked at Harry, whose eyes motioned from Ron to the car door.
Hurry up, Rossi! Ron thought,Where are you?
"Keep your wand on the Auror," Harry said, "I'm going to check who is under the car door. Something doesn't smell right."
Ron's eyes followed Harry, as his best friend walked over to the car door. Any moment Harry would find out Ron was alone.
"Look at me, Auror!" Golding said.
Ron turned his attention back to Golding, then saw something moving over his shoulder. Rossi was hiding behind a car. Ron heard Harry move the car door.
"It's not his partner!" Harry said.
Harry stood up and walked over to Ron.
"Where is he?" he asked, "Where's your partner?"
"Here!" Rossi said, "Stupefy!"
Rossi's spell hit Golding in the back, before he had time to turn. Golding fell to the floor, stunned. Ron dove to the ground in the direction of his wand and picked it up.
"Get down, criminal!" Rossi said, pointing his wand at Harry, as Ron stood back up.
"I give up," Harry said, going to his knees, "You got me!"
"The victors!" Allison's voice came from behind Ron, "Weasley and Rossi!"
Ron turned around. Allison was walking toward them.
"Revive your partner, Potter," she said, "And prepare for your turn as the good guys."
"Yes, ma'am," Harry said. He looked at Ron, "Nice job, mate."
Ron smiled.
"Yes, Weasley," Allison said, "Nice job. You too, Rossi. I guess my robots can't fool you, can they, Ron?"
Ron smiled.
"I'm very surprised that you were more worried for the health of a citizen," Allison said, "More than you were for your safety, or your mission."
Ron tensed up. Had he made a mistake.
"You remembered the number one priority of the Aurors," Allison said, "Keep casualties to a minimum, and you still managed to apprehend the criminals. Very good job."
"I wouldn't have done it if didn't try to capture me," Ron said.
"That's their mistake, not yours," Allison said, "Whose idea was it to split the two of you up?"
Rossi pointed to Ron.
"I wouldn't usually suggest that as something you should do," Allison said, "Especially if it just you and your partner on the mission, but it seemed to work for you in the end. Top marks to the both of you."
"Top marks?" Ron asked, "But a citizen died, and a few cars exploded. Muggles would probably notice, wouldn't they?"
"That is what the Memory Charm is for, Mr. Weasley," Allison said, smiling, "And you can't always protect Muggles on every mission. Especially in this kind of environment. Top marks. Now get ready to be the bad guys this time. Find a place to hide. The Aurors will be coming soon!"
Allison smiled again, and walked away.
"Top marks," Rossi said, "Brilliant."
"Yeah," Ron said, "Thanks for backing me up there."
"Almost didn't find you," Rossi said, "I was walking a different way, until I heard Golding's voice. Lucky he is so loud."
"You did brilliant," Ron said.
He grinned. Maybe having Rossi as a partner wasn't so bad after all.
Ron and Rossi didn't have as much luck as criminals. They were able to stay away from Harry and Golding a lot longer, though their session ended when Rossi accidentally led Ron into an alleyway that turned out to be a dead end. Rossi felt rather bad, but Ron only blamed the performance on the fact that they didn't have much experience in an environment like this. Also, Harry and Golding had the advantage of knowing the area more since they were hiding in it first.
When Ron arrived home after training, Harry's owl Ares was waiting for him with Ginny's letter. Ginny had been successful, and Gwenog had offered to keep the Harpies' Pitch open for a couple hours after practice. Ron would be able to take Hermione to the Pitch around five-o-clock the evening of her birthday. Ginny also offered to have a private birthday party at Harry's house.
While Ron was reading the letter, Hermione had arrived home.
"Anything interesting?" Hermione asked.
"Just planning your birthday party," Ron said, "Hope you aren't doing nothing at five in the evening, cause I'm planning on something for you then, then afterward, we're going to go to Harry's for your party."
"Brilliant!" Hermione said, grinning, "My parents sent me a letter this morning, and they offered to take me out for my birthday earlier in the morning, so I'll make it back in time for your surprise. How does that sound?"
"Perfect," Ron said, grinning.
He would make sure Hermione's birthday would be her most memorable yet.
=============================================
End of chapter! I do have Hermione's birthday chapter planned, but it will probably be three or four chapters before that happens. Next chapter is... well, it will be a surprise.
If you are a fan of X-Men, you'll notice similarities between the Danger Room in this chapter, and the one in the X-Men comics. I got my idea from that. Hope you liked it!
More coming soon! Feedback will be awesome!