Chapter 37: December part 2

Ronald never thought he'd be 'friends' for a lack of a better term, with a Malfoy. But here he is. Deep in the forest of dean in an old run down shack. He'd rather be home, eating his mother's cooking. How he misses his mother's meatloaf. Being trapped in McGonagall's manor was a waste of time in his opinion. Malfoy found him walking down the street in Diagon ally.

"We've been tracking them for days, Malfoy, what's the plan here?" Ron said irritably, as he started a fire right behind the shack.

"We have to capture them. My father is in charge of killing Granger. You already know that…"

"How did you find out?"

"Being the son of a death eater that's in the inner circle has its perks. I'm supposed to be seen, not heard. However, that doesn't exclude the fact that I have ears and listen in on everything the Dark Lord has to say."

"I see. You're saying that if I join you, I wouldn't be killed." Trying to get his facts straight.

"That, and that your family name wouldn't be tarnished. However, seeing as your father is obsessed with anything and everything muggle, is very hard to do."

"I don't give a damn about restoring my family name. I'm thinking more about staying alive, and best possible outcome. For my sake." He retorted.

"I see. Anyhow, I have Blaise as we speak on the Hogwarts train the kidnap Luny Lovegood. Malfoy Manor will be her home for the time being."

"Why?" Ron asked. He never had an issue with Luna.

"Because of her father, and the 'Quibler' The Dark Lord wants to make an example out of him for bashing his followers. We're taking her and Olivander hostage. Although, I'm not entirely sure why he's being held in confinement. But it's not my place to question him."

"I see."

"I'm still a bit baffled that you decided to seek me out Weasley. You say you can't say why, wand oath?" Draco questioned.

"Yes, I made the mistake in taking a wand oath, Dumbledore made me take one before I went to the safe house. I can't even tell you who Hermione is shacking up with. However, it's rather disgusting. I want to make her pay. I want her to hurt just as bad as she hurt me."

"You love her?"

"Of course you dolt. What's not to love about her? I need your help, though. Because I know I'm not strong enough to take him down. I don't want to physically hurt 'Mione, but I do want to hurt the guy. But he's one tough nut to crack."

"Obviously." Suddenly, Draco seethed in pain, clutching his left forearm.

"He's calling— I have to go."

"Can I come?" Ron asked.

"Willingly?"

"Yes."

"Fine—grab hold of my other arm. I'll take you to him." Draco isn't sure where the apparition will take him. When he's being summoned, he apparats, and it takes him to where the Dark Lord will be.

Harry, Hermione and Neville had a 'great time' going to Godric's Hollow. Of course, almost being eaten by a snake-woman wasn't enough, Harry's wand broke while Hermione was saving his neck.

"My wand—what?!" Harry exclaimed.

"It—it snapped. It was either you, or the wand Harry. Wands are replaceable." Hermione said. Somewhat baffled. She hasn't seen Harry this upset and a long time.

"Let me have yours." He demanded.

"NO! It won't work properly. It will only stay true to its proper master. You know this Harry." Hermione explained.

"How the hell then am I going to defend myself then?"

"I can teach you martial arts. I took classes in our 5th year after we broke into the ministry. It's good to know hand to hand combat."

"It won't be the same Hermione."

"No it won't. But it'll be better than giving up easily and letting those Death eaters snatch you." There is an awkward silence. Neville stands just a couple of feet away, not saying a word.

"Hey guys…" Neville interrupted.

"What?" Harry turned over to Neville.

"Remember last week, Dumbledore gave Hermione the 'Tales of Beedle the Bard?"

"What about it Neville?"

"I saw a weird sign on the front of the page, as Hermione was reading it." Hermione raised her eyebrow in curiosity. She opened her bag to pull out her copy of the children's book. And Lo and Behold, there is a triangle shaped figure on the top right corner, with a circle and a stick.

"I'm surprised I never caught that. Is that supposed to be there?" Hermione asked.

"No, my gran has a copy of that, I've never seen that symbol before… except at Bill and Fleurs wedding. Mr. Lovegood was wearing it. Remember?" Neville asked. Harry closed his eyes, memories of the wedding flashes inside his mind. Meeting Mr. Lovegood, he sees a similar symbol as a piece of jewelry. Of course, Hermione and Ron were in hiding at the time of the wedding. Ron wasn't happy that he missed his brother's wedding.

"I—I remember now! He was wearing this at the wedding! You're right Neville." Harry said, almost jumping to stand up.

"Where are you going Harry?" Hermione asked.

"We need to go to Luna's, and ask Mr. Lovegood about that, neckless." Harry said, packing up all his things.

"We're going now?" Neville asked.

"Why not? The sooner, the better. Right?" Harry said hurriedly.

"Harry—wait…" Hermione said, grabbing her journal.

"You need to write to him?" Harry asked.

"Of course. We haven't really moved much since Bathilda Bagshot. He needs to know in case there's trouble."

"Fine. Let me know when you're ready." He sneered. Hermione thought that if Severus saw him, he'd be proud. She opened her journal and began writing.

'Severus… my love, are you there?" She waited for a response. For a moment, she thought he wouldn't get it. Probably busy.

"Yes. What is it?" She saw his neat handwriting on the page.

"We're moving again. We're on our way to Luna Lovegood's house." Hermione wrote.

"Why is that?"

"Neville…of all people… discovered that there is this weird symbol that was drawn in the book that Dumbledore gave me at Christmas. He noticed while at Bill Weasley's wedding that Luna's father was wearing the symbol. We think it could be connected." There were several minutes before any response.

"I believe you and young Weasley were in hiding when the wedding occurred. But if you must go, please be careful."

"You too Severus." She closed the book, and slid it back into her bag.

"Are you ready?" Harry asked her. She closed her book and placed it in her bag.

"Yes. You know we can't apparat yet, so we're on foot."

"Of course. Leave no magic trace behind. Yes?" Hermione and Neville nodded. Saying goodbye to Godric's Hallow, they head towards the Lovegood residence.

Once Draco and Ron apparated, he knew he is in a graveyard. Remembering back when Harry met Voldemort in fourth year. Harry described the graveyard. But he never explained that the smell is god-awful.

"Wait here Weasel." Draco commanded. He didn't want to. But he listened. Draco came closer to the main statue. Like a dark angel with large cross bones. He whispered the password and the statue rotated and the ground expanded. Draco took a moment before taking the steps down to the meeting room.

"Ahh… theresss young Draco. Pleasssssse take a sseat…" Voldemort commanded. He motioned for Draco to sit next to his father. Severus Snape just two seats down. He hasn't seen the boy in ages.

"My Lord. If I may speak for a moment." Draco asked. On the inside, he's a bit nervous. Voldemort raised an eye brow.

"What is it my child?"

"I have a new recruit, he wishes to join the ranks. To please you." There is a moment of silence. The air felt stiff.

"What is hisss name?"

"Ronald Weasley." There is a gasp.

"Weasley?!" Bellatrix Lestrange cried.

"Calm yourself Bella. The youngest Weasley you say? Did your Severus ever tell you that he has been assigned to kill the boy?" This was the moment that Draco's art in keeping his facial expressions together, failed miserably. He turned to look over at his godfather. He knew that on the inside, his godfather is screaming at him.

"No My Lord. I did not."

"Why then… is the blood traitor here?"

"My Lord, he says he wants revenge on Potter. He wants to have power, and his name back in good graces. He also wants to harm the Mudblood Granger." Severus' heart sank. After all this time, trying to protect Weasley, he willingly runs into the hands of evil. They tried so hard. Hermione will be extremely disappointed.

"Bring him in Draco." Voldemort commanded. Draco bowed and went back up stairs. He turned over to Severus.

"How is it, that Mr. Malfoy is able to bring the boy here, but you can't Ssseveruss?" The Dark Lord questioned. Severus is lost for words.

"I am sorry my Lord. All I can say is that my work load in brewing the necessary potions for our cause have caused quite a bit of distraction. But that is no excuse." He explained.

"You are right. There is no excuse. However… if the boy is sincere, he may be of some…use." He said, he pointed his want at Severus.

"Crucio!" Severus withered in pain. His entire body seized and fell on the grown, shaking violently.

Back outside, he closes the gap between him and Ronald. He sees Ron with both hands in his pockets, his eyes staring down at the ground, kicking some rocks to pass the time.

"Weasel."

"What now?"

"The Dark Lord will see you now. Did you know that Severus Snape was assigned to kill you?" Malfoy asked.

"No. I knew someone was out to get me and 'Mione. But I wasn't sure who." He now slightly feels guilty. But that feeling quickly washed away.

"Well then, welcome to hell. Follow me." Draco said. With that, Ronald followed him down the spiral stairs, which feels like deeper than six feet below.

A/N: Hope you all like this one! Things are really starting the heat up. I'm ignoring most of HP 7. However, I'll mix things up abit. Please let me know what you think. Oh, it'll be a great Birthday Present, as my birthday is tomorrow 9/14. This lady will be 29. I may not be old, but there are days where I feel old. Arg…