Ron Weasley had been having a very bad summer. He had not heard from any of his friends, not that this surprised him. Ron had alienated them during the past several months, and even worse, he had accused his best friend of attempted murder. All because he had been jealous. Jealous that other people were taking Harry's time, and he felt he was losing his best friend.
He had been short sighted, narrow minded, and just plain stubborn. Yet at the time they needed him the most, Ron had stepped up and gone to the Department of Mysteries, and nearly lost his life, jumping in front of a spell meant for Hermione. That hadn't changed a thing in Ron's head, he was still the world's biggest prat.
Ron absent mindedly rubbed his chest. Under his thin t-shirt, was a long purple scar that would forever be a memento of that day. Even after a month of potions, painkillers and rest, the scar still ached sometimes. Ron actually welcomed the twinge, it allowed him to remember what he had nearly lost and what he was willing to give for those he'd shunned. He had been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his friends. They had forgiven him, but he hadn't forgiven himself.
He had spent his summer in self-imposed solitude, broken only by the company of his family, and the strangest girl he'd ever known, Luna Lovegood. The peculiar young blonde had visited every few days and spent time just chatting with Ron. She had the oddest outlook on life, and talked about things Ron had never heard of, yet she was very convincing in her explanations of such creatures. She was extremely weird, but Ron hadn't really minded her company at all.
Luna never pushed, never tried to make him talk about his feelings. She was just pleasant company. At the moment, Luna was here at the Burrow, visiting with Ginny. This suited Ron fine, as he wanted to be alone.
Ron was in another one of his self loathing moods. His depression had been consuming him all summer. He wanted to write to Harry and Hermione, to see them, and explain himself. He wanted for things to go back to the way they were, but Harry had shown him during the year that the one constant in life was that it's always changing. And Ron, who had been so set in his beliefs, was learning that if he didn't open his mind and allow himself to experience life, he would end up like the Professor Snape, alone and hated.
"Hello, Ronald." Came the sweet, almost ethereal voice of Luna Lovegood. Ron looked up to the pretty blonde girl. She was dressed simply in a tank top and shorts, her hair in a loose ponytail. She stood with her hands clasped behind her back, a faint smile on her pretty face.
"Hey, Luna."
"It's a lovely day. Would you care to take a walk with me?" She asked politely.
"Uh…I guess." Ron shrugged, standing up. Luna waited for him to rise and show his readiness. They walked together in relative silence towards the pond near the Burrow. Ron kept his eyes on the ground, hands shoved deep into his pockets. He starting thinking to the summer two years ago when Harry and Hermione and himself all went swimming in the pond. It had been so fun and carefree.
"I have been talking with Ginny, and she thinks that I need to have a talk with you." Luna said when they reached the edge of the pond. Luna turned to face him fully, and Ron looked up into her protuberant blue eyes.
"What about?" He said slowly.
"Us." Luna said simply. "Your sister told me that unless I just come right out and say it, you'll never notice me. She says your very thick. I disagree. I think you're of nice proportions."
Ron's expression changed to one of utter surprise. He watched Luna, unsure of what to say. He waited in trepidation for the young woman to continue, swallowing thickly.
"You see, I've been trying to get your attentions for a little while, but I seem to lack the experience in which to turn your head. I have these strange feelings when you're around. At first I thought I was infected by Wrackspurts, but now I think it's something different. I asked Ginny about it, and she said that I fancy you. I believe her. I believe I fancy you, Ronald"
Ron felt like someone had punched him the gut. He could only stare at the girl for a long time, before his brain began screaming at him to say something. That's when the pretty young blonde stepped forward, closing the gap between them and kissed Ron fully. Ron's mind shut down. Her lips were soft, gently moving against his own lips. After a few seconds, Ron pushed the Luna away gently.
"Uh, Luna, I…Look It's not that…I mean you're very…I'm just….Oh, hell." Ron sighed, running his hands through his hair.
"I think I know what you're trying to say." Luna smiled again, brushing some errant strands of hair behind her ear, her face a little pink. Ron had never known this girl to be embarrassed about anything. He suddenly felt he knew what it was taking to speak to him about her feelings, and to kiss him.
Ron sat down on a near by boulder, letting out a deep sigh. "I'm sorry, Luna. Right now, I just can't do this. I don't want to hurt your feelings. You're really nice, and I think you're very pretty, but I'm no good to anyone. At least not right now."
"Is this about your mistakes this year? About betraying Harry?" The curious blonde asked, sitting close to Ron on the small boulder. "Everyone is entitled to make mistakes. You're no different. Have you learned from them?"
"I think so." The redheaded boy shrugged. "But it doesn't change anything. You're a nice person, and I've really not minded you around this summer. I feel like I know you a bit better and that you're not as bizarre as you want people to believe. You've bee fun to have around. But the truth is, I just don't think I'm the guy for you."
"Ronald, your self-imposed isolation isn't fixing your problems. You're not learning from your mistakes if you isolate yourself and don't try to move forward."
"I know, but I don't have a clue about how to fix things."
"You've already taken steps. The trick is not to fall back into your old habits. It's one thing to decide to change, it's another to follow through. Well, I should go. I'll see you soon." Luna smiled dreamily at Ron, and kissed him on the cheek. "We'll talk about us another time, when you're less depressed."
Ron watched her go, thinking hard about what she had said. She was right, of course. He wanted to change, to be better. The problem was that he had no idea how to change, how to move on. And to add to it all, Luna had said that she fancied him. She had kissed him. Ron touched his lips, still tasting Luna's lips. The faintest touch of peppermint.
"As if I didn't have enough on my mind, now I've got her in there as well." Ron sighed.
Albus Dumbledore was tired. More tired than he'd ever been in his very long life. He had watched a man, one of the most hated men he'd ever know do the most noble of acts last night. Severus Snape had been willing to sacrifice himself in the quest to destroy the Dark lord.
Fortunately, Snape hadn't been to seriously hurt, but the damage to the man's psyche was still undetermined.
Dumbledore could only imagine what that retched poison he'd drunk in the cave made him seen. For the hardened professor to be begging for death like that. And he, Dumbledore had to keep forcing that horrid concoction down Snape's throat. It had broken the old man's heart.
When it was done, Dumbledore levitated Snape out of that cave, and brought him back to the hospital wing here at Hogwarts. He had been in the capable hands of Madam Pomfrey all night and was improving. Dumbledore had stayed by his side for most of the night, watching for any signs of change. Snape had been crying in his sleep, and Dumbledore knew he was still experiencing his visions.
Dumbledore wanted to know what it was that Snape was seeing. What could be so horrible that would make him whimper like a child begging for the release that death would grant.
Dumbledore rubbed his face and stared at the seemingly benign necklace on his desk. His familiar, Fawkes had been singing ever since he'd brought the locket into the office. The thing had been radiating dark energy in pulses.
He had two of them now, and he was positive that a third resided somewhere in this castle, but was unsure what it was and exactly where. There was a place he was nearly sure it might be, but he couldn't access it alone.
But he had two of them a ring he had found in the shack just outside of Little Hangleton. And now this locket. He planned to destroy them, but he wanted to have all of them. He would never put them together, and so he had plans to hide them where only he would know, and when the time was right, and he had them all, he would destroy them all.
Dumbledore feared that destroying them now might let Voldemort know what was happening. Dumbledore had no idea if the Dark Lord knew of the destruction of the first artifact, and was afraid to chance letting him know of the others. He might move them, hide them again. Dumbledore didn't dare take that chance.
And worse yet was the matter of the boy. He was one. He was a horcrux. How would they destroy it without hurting the boy? Dumbledore had been researching non stop for a year. As soon has he had been sure what connected the child to the Dark Lord, he'd consulted books, mages, and every manner of expert he could find. And he had nothing.
In just a few days time, he would have to face the boy and his godfather and confess everything he knew. He had sworn to it. Dumbledore felt increasingly weary. This war would be his last, this he was sure. He had been setting his affairs in order, preparing for the worst, but hoping that he would at least se the end before he left this world.
Voldemort had been surprisingly inactive since his discovery. Dumbledore was sure that the Dark Lord would begin a new reign of terror over the people, but Dumbledore's spies had informed him that something was wrong. Voldemort was weakened after possessing the boy, and he appeared to have suffered burns. Death Eaters had kidnapped a few Healers, but that had been the extent of their activity.
Dumbledore still smiled lightly when he thought of the hard lesson the boy had taught the arrogant wizard. Had it not been for the girl, Dumbledore was nearly sure the boy would have given up.
"A power he knows not." Dumbledore said to himself. Perhaps he had been right after all. The boy's heart would be his greatest weapon, and his friends and loved ones would provide him the strength. Yet there was still the horcrux. How to destroy it?
Dumbledore lifted the locket, feeling powerful surges of hatred and rage coming from the wretched item." The ancient wizard conjured a box and placed the locket inside. It was time to hide this one and then he must visit Snape. They had much to discuss before meeting with the boy.
"Daphne, Your friend has arrived." Astoria Greengrass said to her sister.
Daphne jumped off her bed and raced down the stair to the entryway where Hermione Granger stood, looking a little uncertain.
"Hermione!" Daphne smiled, embracing her friend warmly. "I'm so glad you came. We're going to have so much fun."
"Thank you for having me." Hermione smiled back. "This is really a lovely house."
"It's the summer cottage. Dad's still terrified that Death Eaters are going to come looking for us, and no one knows where this is, except you, of course. How was your trip?"
"The knight bus was scary, but the walk here was quite pleasant. Not as far as I thought."
"Sorry about not meeting you, but…"
"Your father?" Hermione asked, already knowing the answer.
"Come on, He wants to meet you." Daphne said leading her Gryffindor friend into the study, where her father was looking over some business contracts.
"Dad? This is Hermione Granger." Daphne said proudly. "Hermione, My father Cyrus Greengrass."
"Ah!" Cyrus said standing from his desk, and offering his hand. "You are the Muggleborn who is also the most brilliant witch in a century? An extreme pleasure."
"I don't know about that sir." Hermione blushed, looking to Daphne, who was determinedly inspecting her bare feet.
"Nonsense." Cyrus waved away Hermione's discomfort. "The way I understand it is that you helped many students learn defense this year."
"Actually that was Harry, Sir." Hermione corrected. "Ah yes, the boy." Cyrus nodded, something about his expression, and the way Daphne tried to cover her snickering made Hermione realize that her best friend had left an impression on the man.
"Well, I'll leave you to enjoy yourself. Please consider yourself at home here." Cyrus bowed, and went back to his work. Daphne took Hermione's arm and lead her up to the bedroom.
"Ok, What happened?" Hermione said when Daphne closed the bedroom door.
Daphne began laughing, her black hair falling into her face. She began smacking her bed, and Hermione sat down, waiting for Daphne to calm down.
"After we said goodbye to you Harry, Astoria, and I crossed the barrier. Harry was behind us. He was pushing a trolley with all our trunks and stuff., anyway, when we got through, my parents were waiting, and Dad began ranting about Harry not being with us again, and how disrespectful he was for dragging me along with him to the Ministry, but not there to meet my parents properly.
"Now I tried to tell him that Harry was right there, but He wouldn't let me speak, even Astoria tried, but Dad was on a roll. Now this is when it became funny." Daphne said, still laughing.
"Dad starts saying that Harry's probably to busy signing autographs to be bothered with meeting the parents of his girlfriend. That's when Harry said, and I quote, 'I've never signed an autograph in my life!' Dad got real quiet, turned to look at Harry who just looked back.
"Harry didn't look angry, or anything, he just had this real polite smile, and held out his hand and introduced himself. Dad couldn't say anything, he kept moving his mouth like a fish. Mom took his hand and introduce herself and dad, apologizing for dad's idiocy. Harry shrugged it off like it was no big deal. I have never seen dad so embarrassed.
"Astoria loved it. She still brings it up just to put dad in a twist." Daphne finished. Hermione had her hands over her, tears streaming from her eyes.
"I don't believe it." She chuckled.
"Dad wants Harry to visit now. He feels he was robbed his chance to be the protective, overbearing father. I don't think he'll intimidate Harry the way he wanted to now no matter what he does. So tell me, how are things with you and Zach?"
"Over." Hermione sighed heavily. She had begun seeing Zacharias Smith shortly before the term had ended.
"What happened?" Daphne asked. She slipped forward on her bed to be supportive of her friend. Hermione just shrugged her shoulders and took in a breathe.
"We just both realized we weren't truly attracted to each other. We'll be good friends, but as a couple we just don't click. Maybe I'm meant to be alone."
"I refuse to believe that." Daphne said quickly. "Not everyone gets it right the first time."
"Ron, Anthony, and now Zach. Maybe I'm just going to be an old spinster."
"NO!" Daphne refused to let her new friend despair. "We'll find you the right guy."
"I'm too demanding on what I want. Even if Anthony hadn't turned out to be worm, it would have ended. I just expect to much from the boys I'm interested in."
"No one is perfect Hermione, even you."
"I know, but I want someone perfect for me."
"Hermione, you've dated two guys. Only two. I don't know what you expect to happen, but Love doesn't follow a schedule, or anything like that. It happens when it wants to, when it's supposed to."
Hermione sank in the cushy chair she was seated in. "I know. But I look at you and Harry, and Tracey and Neville, and I se how happy you are and I wish I could be that happy. I was happy with Anthony."
"You were content with Anthony." Daphne corrected. "I never said anything because I thought I was wrong. I never saw the two of you together long enough to really see, but You never gushed over him. We had to press you for everything. When you truly in love, you can't stop talking about the boy. He's your whole world."
Hermione watched as Daphne got a far away look in her eyes. She sighed, wishing again she could feel what Daphne felt.
"Have you heard from him?" She asked the raven haired witch. Daphne nodded and jumped up from her bed. She went to her wardrobe and pulled a fine looking jacket from it.
"He sent this from Italy. He's been sending things all month."
"He sent me a really interesting book on Greek mythology and magical history. I've read it twice." Hermione beamed. "I bet you're excited for him to come home."
"I am." Daphne grinned, brushing her black hair out of her face. "I've missed him terribly. He's in for the snog of his life."
"Are you worried about the trial?"
"No, he'll be fine. That toad only has herself to blame. She all but guaranteed he'd speak the truth. I hope the send her away for life."
"I just hope it's over quickly. Harry shouldn't have this interrupting his summer."
"I can't wait to see his house. He seems really excited about it. Has he told you anything about it?" Daphne asked.
"Only that it used to be a lighthouse and that Remus had a lot of work done on it. I'm more excited to see what he has planned for us. He keeps talking about the amusement park."
"What is it like? The amusement park, I mean." Daphne asked. There was a hint of worry in her voice that made Hermione smile. Being from a pureblood family meant that Daphne would more than likely have had little contact with the muggle world. Hermione began explaining about amusement parks, getting a chuckle as she describe certain rides and the idea of some of the games.
The girls chatted into the evening until dinner was announced. Hermione met Aurora Greengrass, Daphne's mother and had a very pleasant and interesting conversation with Daphne's family. She learned a lot about the Greengrass family history, and their place in the Wizarding world. Hermione also learned why the Greengrass family was trying to remain neutral and how Daphne choosing to side with Harry had landed the family in a precarious situation.
"Understand, Hermione." Aurora said, "It's not that we support the Dark Lord or much of the anti Muggleborn propaganda. We believe that not matter your blood status a person should be judged on their talent and what they do in our society. Unfortunately, the wizarding world is run by very old pureblood families, who can see change on the horizon. They fear it, good or bad, the do not wish to lose their influence."
"Hasn't anyone tried explaining any of this to them?" Hermione wondered.
"Every few years it comes up." Cyrus shrugged. "Fear is one of the most powerful weapons one can use, and in this case it's the fear of the unknown. Think of it like this. Purebloods have governed our society for thousands of years. But there are now more Muggleborn and half bloods in existence than ever before. Times are changing and the Purebloods are desperate to keep the society that offers them more rights and privileges than the rest. It's how people like Umbridge gain power."
"So they rally around wizards like Voldemort." Hermione concluded.
"Exactly. He promises them a world where they rule over all 'lesser' beings and reign supreme. But then amazing people like you come along, proving that just because your blood is pure, doesn't mean you are superior. From what I understand, you've surpassed nearly everyone in knowledge and ability." Cyrus smiled.
Hermione blushed at the compliment. Cyrus went on.
"It's the same with your friend Potter. He is a half blood, and wields more raw power than many can imagine. If he learns how to properly use this power, he shall become a truly formidable wizard."
"So it's to bad he spends so much time signing autographs, right dad?" Astoria said bluntly, and the table erupted in laughter, except Cyrus who eyed his youngest daughter sternly. He turned to his wife.
"I know you're encouraging this." he said. His wife looked quite innocent.
"Whatever do you mean?" She smiled.
The evening came to a close, and Daphne and Hermione retired. Hermione was very pleased to be in her own room. The Greengrass summer home was surrounded by rolling hills of lush grasses. She stared out the window watching the moon, and thinking of the conversations she'd had this evening. They had been truly enlightening. Hermione wondered how she might be able to affect change. The one thing she knew for sure was that nothing could change so long as Voldemort were allowed to exist. Hermione reaffirmed her vow to help Harry end his reign of terror.
Daphne also watched the moon, but her mind was not on politics or the Dark Lord. They were far away in some other country where a certain green eyed boy might be, gallivanting about with his godfather. Harry would be home in just a few days and she would be joining him at his house for a few weeks.
Harry had invited her and many of their other friends to spend time at his new house when he came home. Daphne hoped they would be able to spend time alone, as she wanted to have the messy haired boy to herself.
Daphne wished that everything was normal, so she could just be a normal girl with a normal boyfriend. Harry was so much more. He was hunted by the most powerful and dangerous Dark Wizard, yet she had no idea why.
She had gone with Harry and learned that there was a prophecy regarding her boyfriend and the Dark Lord. She had not heard the contents, and Harry had never said if he heard what it was. Daphne knew the Dark Lord was intent on getting his ghostly white hands on the orb, and just when it seemed that it would happen, Daphne's best friend had disintegrated the troublesome little orb.
Harry had left almost as soon as term ended and been off all over Europe. He had written several letters, but in each he had reminded her not to send him a response, promising she would be the first he would see when he returned. She had enjoyed the letters, short as they often were. He always promised to tell her everything when he returned, hinting that he had some exciting stories to share.
Daphne sighed and crawled into her bed. Harry was returning the day before his birthday, and he wanted to celebrate his and Neville Longbottom's birthday's together. Daphne didn't care. All she wanted was to be back in the arms of the boy who had stolen her heart, and made her truly feel complete.
"Just a few more days," she told herself. "He'll be home in a few more days."
"This is terrible." Nymphadora Tonks said to herself. She was hiding in the dark alley way across from Borgin and Burke's in Knockturn alley. There had been a tip that several high ranking Death Eaters would be coming to acquire some objects from the notoriously shady business.
Kingsley Shacklebolt regarded the younger Auror momentarily. "And what would you do differently?" He asked in his rumbling baritone.
"We can't be sure the wards are going to work." she said in a hushed tone. "We don't even know if the information is reliable."
"Tonks. Rufus believes the information. Quiet now, someone is coming."
Down the alley, several people approached, all in hooded robes. The one in the lead knocked at the door to the shop and waited. A short, greasy looking man came and opened the door. The five people entered the shop and Kingsley felt himself tense. He just needed to see one of their faces to move in.
Tonks was watching as well. She was cursing mentally as none of the figures had removed their robes, but they all seemed agitated. There was an argument going on. The greasy shop owner had raised his hands in surrender, while two of the bigger robed figures stalked forward. The greasy man was sweating, and shaking his head fiercely.
Suddenly, the two big robe figures stopped and backed away. The smallest figure stepped forward. It happened so fast, Tonks wasn't sure what she had witnessed. The greasy Shop owner's eyes bugged out, and he began clutching at his face. He clawed and his mouth opened. A bluish flame shot from the man's throat, and his eyes burned away as more of the ghostly blue flame ate away the man's eyes.
"MOVE IN!" Kingsley shouted. In moments seven Aurors surrounded the shop and entered, firing stunning spells. The two biggest robed figures ducked behind the counter. Two of the others also sought cover, but the smallest robed figure, the one who had incinerated the poor smoldering body at his feet turned and began casting incredibly vicious spells.
Kingsley nearly caught a strange purple spell, but leapt out of the way in time. He fired several spells, which were absorbed by the figure's shield. The figure struck down the youngest Auror, a graduate named Weston. Kingsley dodge several spells from the other figures. As he tried to reach Weston's body.
Tonks had moved to the rear of the store as she'd been ordered. She nearly lost her life when the door opened and two of the robed figures burst through, firing spells. He partner, Barnes took a stunner to the chest, leaving Tonks alone.
Tonks cast spell after spell keeping the two figures trapped in the store. Then one of them did something that made her heart jump for joy. He began transforming. His robe fluttered to the ground and a tiny glint of silver caught the moonlight. Tonks almost couldn't cast from her laughter. She hit the scurrying rat with a stunner, then wrapping it in magical rope. She would not let the little bastard get away.
"Tonks!" Fletcher called, racing around a corner, and stunning the second figure that Tonks had forgotten about.
"Thank you Fletcher." Tonks said picking up the stunned rat. She shoved it into Fletcher's hands. "Get this rat back to headquarters and whatever you do, make sure it doesn't get away. This is the most important thing. This rat can not escape. Go!"
Fletcher, confused by his order, nodded and ran off. Tonks heard the crack of apparition and entered the store. She treaded silently, still hearing spells being cast. She hoped that she would surprise whoever was in the store, but she was the one who got surprised.
As she came from the storeroom, here heart nearly stopped working. Of the four Aurors that had stormed the front, only Kingsley remained, and he was being viciously tortured.
Tonks began to move when she felt her muscles tense and freeze up. She cursed herself. She was in a modified body bind. She could only watch helplessly as the person kept at his work.
The smallest robed figure was carving into the bigger man, who was locked in a body bind. Around him were the bodies, or parts of the bodies of the other Aurors. A voice was speaking. Tonks could tell it was magically modified, it had a strange resonance to it, muffled and scratchy.
"We've had enough of your interference." the figure said, cutting a long strip of flesh from Kingsley's exposed torso. The little figure was peeling it slowing, clearly enjoying the pain in the eyes of his victim. Several strips of torn flesh lay about the floor. The little figure wasn't even using a knife. He was simply running his fingers along the big man's skin, and the skin peeled away. There were long patches along Kingsley's body where tha dark robed figure had ripped away skin, leaving bleeding muscle exposed.
"My lord wishes to send a message. Surrender now, and all hostilities will cease. Continue to defy him, and your suffering will be unimaginable. I spare you tonight. You will carry the message to Dumbledore. Next we meet, I shall enjoy making you scream." The figure stood and turned to look at Tonks.
"He will die in a matter of hours, but his suffering will be intense. The healers will be unable to help him. You can watch him suffer, or kill him yourself. I leave you the choice. Good night."
The small figure left the store, followed by the two bigger figures, one who was limping quite painful ling, if his grunts were to be any indication.
Tonks tried to move to catch the hooded figure, but stopped when Kingsley suddenly cried out in agonized anguish. She turned and went to the dark skinned man, cradling his head. Tears streamed down her face as she watched the man writhe in agony.
"Don't worry, Kingsley." She choked. "I've got you. I'll get you help." She cancelled the anti-apparation wards and with a crack was gone.
Kingsley Shacklebolt died three hours later. The Healers of St. Mungo's could not isolate what had been done to the man, but had confessed that what ever it was prevented them from closing his wounds, or diagnosing what curses he'd endured.
Tonks gave her tearful report to Alastor Moody and Rufus Srimgeour an hour before Shacklebolt died. Tonks had demanded to be with him, and held his hand as the man let out his final gut wrenching scream of pain before his eyes rolled up into the back of his skull and he was finally silenced.
Tonks couldn't cry. She couldn't feel anything. Moody found her staring blankly at the still bleeding body several moments after his final wail.