Hiya! Part eight, and I've only been writing for two weeks! Just shows, I'm really enjoying this, and, hopefully, you lot are too! Thanx everyone that's reviewed, and there's always room for more reviews, so keep em coming!
Ron lay in his bed, shaking. He was not cold, far from it, as he had his clothes on underneath his blankets and dressing gown. But he was nervous. Most of the Gryffindors were in bed now, and, judging by the snores, the boys in his dormitory were already asleep. "Half an hour to go!" he whispered, trying to sound happy, but really sounding fake. It was going to be a long night. But at least he'd be with Cho! "No, it's business." he whispered, this time sounding forbidding. He wanted to ask her out, but every time he thought about it Hermione popped into his head. How could he be in love with two people? It wasn't right. But it had felt so right, being with Cho. That afternoon had been so good, so happy. It was the best time he'd had in ages. And that was why he had to do it. He had to get Ben on their side, to please Cho, as well as his master. He had to. Then he could think about Cho...
"Beep!" went Ron's watch. Neville stirred. Cursing under his breath as he hadn't remembered to turn the volume down, Ron got up, and went down the stairs. The common room was empty, much to his relief. Hurrying past the Fat Lady, who sleepily opened, and didn't look at him at all, he ran quietly to the statue of the witch with one eye on the third floor and slid down the passage. And there was Cho.
"Hi!" he said, more confident on the outside than inside.
"Don't 'hi' like friends. We're business partners. The social side comes later." she replied, harshly at first, but flirty at the end. She'd never been able to control her emotions. Cho had been practising all night to sound like she didn't fancy him, and to concentrate, but it didn't work.
"So, shall we begin?" Ron asked, and nodding, she held his hand. "Visublo!" she said, and they turned completely invisible. Then, holding hands still, partly so they didn't lose each other, and partly as they enjoyed it, they made their way up the dark, narrow passage leading to the school.
"Boomslang!" said invisible Ron to the sleeping Fat Lady, who opened her eyes.
"Who's there? Identify yourself!" she yelled, worried and tired.
"Does it matter? I know the password don't I?" Ron replied, and reluctantly, she swung forwards. Cho, having been in Ravenclaw, was on unknown territory, and squeezed Ron's hand tightly as she climbed through. Then, feeling the extra pressure, he led her silently up the stairs to the boy's dorms, and in through the door reading 'Second years'.
"I shouldn't be going in here Ron. I never went in a boy's dorm when I came here, let alone now!"
"Come on!" he said, and pulled her inside. The room was round, and contained five identical sets of furniture, with obvious differences between the owners. One was extremely tidy, with just work on the table beside the bed, where as one was messy, with clothes spread all over, even over the bed which was being slept in! The next was occupied by a Muggle-born, as photos were all over, and the characters were perfectly still, which Ron had always thought weird. The boy in the next bed had great admiration for the Weird Sisters- a popular band in the wizarding world, and had posters, which they were relieved to see moving, all over the wall. The last bedside table had a hairbrush, and many mirrors on it- the owner was well known for being vain. Photo's of himself adorned the wall to it's full height.
"Which one is Ben?" Cho asked, hoping they wouldn't have to open all the drapes on the bed to identify him.
"I'm taking a guess at the neat one with work on the table. He is related to Hermione!" Ron replied, and opening the drapes, sure enough, Ben's sleeping form was revealed.
"Portkey?" Ron asked quietly, so as not to wake him. Cho took a tissue-wrapped parcel out of her pocket, and being careful not to touch the candle being revealed, unwrapped it.
"One, two, three!" she whispered, and Ron grabbed Ben's hand, and put it and his own on the candle, and Cho's hand touched at the same time. They were jerked backwards, and landed in an empty school playground.
"Ow!" yelled Ben. Where am I?
"You're in a village called Killearn."
"I read about that in 'Magical Hangouts and Hotspots!"
"Yeah, anyway," Cho began, "We've brought you here for a very important reason. Lord Voldemort."
"Very funny! And why did you say his name?"
Because I am one of his servants. And you shall be."
"I don't want to." he said, backing away. He didn't want to mix with that side of the battle.
"It will solve all your problems!" said Ron, desperately.
"Like what?"
"Hermione. Don't you ever feel overshadowed by her?"
"Yes..."
"It will end. You'll have one over her. You will have made a decision by yourself, and you will look up to a great wizard. The best wizard. And he will reward you for a good decision. Or punish you for a bad one. Don't make the wrong decision. I like you, and don't want to lose you, but I may have to kill you if you don't join. Trust me- it will be the best thing that ever happened to you."
Ben looked shocked, and after a long pause, he nodded.
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"So, Ben, you have joined me. You won't regret it. I promise."
"You will stop Hermione overshadowing me, won't you?"
"You can do that."
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"So, how do I ask her out?" Ron thought, as he gazed into her eyes.
"Ron, shall we go out on Saturday?" Cho asked, shyly.
"Sure!" he laughed. "I was about to ask you!"
"Then it's sorted? We're a couple?"
"I sure hope so!"
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