A/N Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your reviews, as always, they're what keep me going!
I hope you all liked the wedding. As I said before, everything is happening very quickly, and (I'm rather sad to say) this story is almost finished (already). As you will see, everything is beginning to wrap up.
Okay, there's really not much else to say, so I'm just going to shut up and let you read. Have fun kiddies, and don't forget to review! ^_~
Chapter Five:
Revelations
~Maybe I've been here before
I know this room and I've walked these floors
I used to live alone before I know you
And I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a vict'ry march
It's a cold, and it's a broken Hallelujah~
*Rufus Wainwright's "Hallelujah"
"Please, sit down," Fudge sighed, gesturing to the four waiting seats. Ron chose the one closest to the door, with Rayven on his right, then Severus and Bill. The all stared at the Minister fixedly, waiting for instructions. He realized they were all looking at him, and sighed heavily.
"We have lost two of you in the last four months," Fudge said. "First Miss Angel Pentser, and now Dennis Bode. I am sure you all will be grieving for our loss, but I must remind you, all of you except Mr. Croaker, of course, that you are not to attend the funeral."
"Voldemort has been after Dennis for a long time," Ron said quietly. However, even those near whispered words caught the attention of everyone, even if it was a fact they already knew.
"Dennis had no family since his beloved niece died," Ron felt a pang of guilt at Bill's words, and looked down, suddenly becoming very interested with the hem of his robes. "So I will take over the funerary procedures."
"Very well," Fudge nodded. "Angel was unique, and even if we wanted to find a replacement it would be impractical. However, Bill cannot work alone. There are several new recruits training to be in your department, and-"
"You're giving us a rookie?" Draco asked, looking appalled.
"The top of the class, I assure you," Fudge said. "We will take the number one recruit after training and...well...introduce them to the situation."
"This is ridiculous," Ron pointed out. "This is a very dangerous post, Minister, and I would think after today you would realize this. We need someone with lots of experience!"
"Everyone else is otherwise occupied," Fudge replied.
"I think the Minister is right," Rayven said. "We need someone new, someone who can entirely devote themselves to this project, and not have their minds on some secret mission in Bulgaria."
Of course, everyone saw the logic in this. That didn't stop Draco and Ron from putting up a fight. The debate seemed endless, until...
"Silence," The voice was Severus's, and just like the Hogwarts Potions Master, Severus the Death Eater immediately brought the silence he commanded. "Ron, Draco, the Minister has made up his mind, and I don't think it is in your power to dissuade him. I motion that we all go home and cope with our loss."
"Quite," The Minister said. Ron marveled at Severus's ability to win the argument without taking either side. "Now, there's also something else I'd like to bring up." He leaned in toward the four sitting across from him. "You are all in grave danger, not just from You-Know-Who, but also from the Ministry. I know you all swore to silence if you were caught, but in these dangerous times any of you might be in the middle of something or needed out of prison. Therefore, I am giving you these." He pulled out four envelopes. Ron took his, opened it, and pulled out the paper inside. He felt his jaw drop.
A full pardon. For any crime, on any date or time. Signed by Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic. Ron looked up to find that the others were as surprised as he was.
"You can only use them once, obviously," Fudge explained. "And it will probably cause you and me all kinds of trouble, so only use it in the most dire of emergencies. But if such a scenario arises and you need out, I won't have time to fill out all the paperwork. Keep them hidden somewhere safe, and make sure the others know where yours is."
"Alright," Ron finally managed to say, and the others did the same thing. It wasn't that he was flattered, it was just that he was...shocked. He didn't know Fudge had the intelligence or the future vision to think of something like this. Maybe he was a good Minister after all. However, it was also, once again, dawning on him how much danger he was in.
And how much danger Rayven was in.
"Goodbye to you all, and I will send for you when the new recruits are done training." Fudge said, gesturing them away and going back to his paperwork. Draco muttered something (most likely quite rude) under his breath, but shook hands with the Minister anyway before taking his leave. The others did the same.
"I don't like this at all," Rayven muttered to herself as she sat down in an armchair, her brow creased.
"Me neither," Ron replied.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Ron shouted as loud as possible when Harry answered the door. His friend grinned, and gestured that he should come in.
"Great to see you, Ron," Harry said, thumping him on the back heartily. "Haven't seen you in a while."
"It's great to see you too," Ron conceded. "Where's the missus?"
"If you call me that one more time, Ronald Weasley, I'll slap you across the face!" Hermione exclaimed, coming up behind Harry and trying to look angry, but her twitching mouth betrayed her underlying amusement.
"Hello to you too, Herm," Ron rolled his eyes, but he was grinning from ear to ear.
"Don't get me into trouble, Ron," Harry begged. "She's vicious."
"Stuck on the sofa recently, Mr. Potter?" Ron teased. Hermione laughed, nodding. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Never get married, Ron, it's terrible. You have absolutely no idea what it's like," He groaned.
"It's a little late for that," Ron muttered under his breath, but luckily neither of the Potters heard him.
Hermione gestured for Ron to follow her. He met Sirius, Remus, Seamus, Lavender (Seamus's new fiancée), Dean, Angelina (Dean's wife), Neville, Hermione's parents and Ron's entire family in the family room, waiting for them. There was laughter and goodwill in the air, nearly suffocating Ron.
Yes sir-ee ladies and gents, it was Harry Potter's nineteenth birthday party.
Ron did manage to enjoy himself, even though he was stuck in a room full of people who really knew nothing about his life. He wished Rayven had come, but she had somehow wormed her way out of it, saying something about 'shopping' and 'decent food'. Well humph to her! Ron thought. Wasn't chocolate ice cream a good dinner?
Lunch, cake, presents, gossip...Ron nodded and smiled and even laughed on occasion. He imagined (not for the first or last time) that he was one of these happy, carefree people with nothing more to do than talk about who was marrying who and so on and so forth. It was not until Ron knew everything about everyone and his uncle that Harry and Hermione decided it was Time.
Hermione stood, and politely requested everyone's attention. Happy to oblige, the crowd sat in silence, waiting for whatever was to come. Ron found himself getting rather irritated with all the suspense. Hermione was looking from the faces of her friends, then down to Harry (who would smile reassuringly and nod with encouragement) then back to her friends again. After nearly a minute of this, she suddenly blurted it out.
"I'm pregnant." Silence. Then...
"OH MY GOD!" The squeal came from Ginny, but it was all that was needed. The women rushed up to hug and congratulate Hermione, while the men shook hands with Harry.
"A baby?" Ron asked. "Geez, Harry, I never imagined you as a father."
"Yeah, well..." He grinned sheepishly. "I can't wait to be one. I think."
"I'm sure you'll do fine," Sirius said, recognizing the look of doubt on Harry's face.
"Yeah, Harry, don't worry about it," Neville said, looking quite relieved that he wasn't in Harry's shoes. The girls, meanwhile, were gabbing and fussing over Hermione, and Ron could hear his mother over them all.
"Well, it will be interesting to say the least," Fred said with a grin.
"Yeah, we'll have an unsuspecting kid to try our products on!" George said, winking at Harry and avoiding a blow from his mother. The chaos continued for some time, and by the time everyone was breathing properly again, they were apparating home.
"Hold on a second, Ron," Hermione said, putting a hand on her red haired friend's shoulder. "Can you stay for a moment?"
"Sure," Ron shrugged, plopping back down onto the sofa. Ron decided not to ask until everyone had left, which proved to be a wise decision.
"So, what's up?"
"Ron, you know that this is really dangerous," Hermione said.
"What's really dangerous?" Ron asked, rolling his eyes. "Everything with Harry is 'really dangerous." More than you know, he thought to himself.
"The baby," Hermione bit her lip. "He or she is going to be in a lot of danger."
"And we don't want to take that risk," Harry said, coming up behind Hermione and putting an arm around her waist. Ron suddenly felt a surge of jealousy that the Potters could show the world their love...but it was just as dangerous for them as it would've been for him. He kept the thought to himself.
"Understandable," Ron nodded, reaching for his soda "What's that got to do with me?" Harry and Hermione exchanged meaningful glances.
"We want to use the Fidelius Charm," Harry said, looking down at his wife. Ron spit out the soda he had been coolly sipping. "And make you our secret keeper."
"M...me?" Ron spluttered. They couldn't make him secret keeper, he was a DEATH EATER for Christ's sake!
"Of course you," Hermione said smoothly. "We wouldn't dream of letting anyone else."
"But surely Dumbledore-"
"He's far too busy for such things, Ron," Harry interrupted. He was giving his friend a funny look. "Unless you don't want to be secret keeper..."
"Don't be ridiculous!" Ron said, knowing perfectly well that he HIMSELF was the ridiculous one. How did he get himself into these messes? "I would be honored. I just wanted to make sure you had considered all your options."
"Oh," Harry replied, looking considerably relieved. "Well, you don't have to worry about it just yet. We're going to wait until the baby's born."
"When's it due?" Ron asked, suppressing a gulp.
"Around October," Hermione replied. "You should get home, Ron, you look sick."
"I'm fine," Ron assured her, but rose anyway. "I'm not going to do it unless you're sure...?"
"Of course we're sure," Harry smiled. "I don't want to make the same mistake my parents did and entrust my family to a Death Eater."
Ron seriously thought he was going to be sick.
"Of...of course," He stuttered. "Well, I've got to get home...tiring day you know. Um, goodbye and...er...Happy birthday, Harry." With an awkward wave he disapparated. He was never more relieved then when he found Rayven and dinner waiting for him.
"Hey, Ron, I was looking around today and...Ron?" Rayven looked at her husband in concern. "What's wrong?"
"Harry wants me to be his secret keeper," Ron blurted out, falling into his chair.
"What?" She gasped in disbelief.
"Yeah, and here's the funny part," He continued with a sardonic laugh. "He said, and I quote here, 'I don't want to make the same mistake my parents did and entrust my family to a Death Eater'."
"Oh Ron," She said, coming up to him and rubbing his shoulders. "It's okay. I'm sure something good must've happened today."
"Hermione's going to have a baby." He said with a pained look at his wife. She immediately understood what he meant.
"Oh no..."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Well, this should be interesting," Rayven said optimistically.
"Yeah, right," Draco snorted.
"As long as he's not incompetent," Ron muttered.
"Creevey's still in school, and Potter's an auror," Draco pointed out. Ron simply rolled his eyes.
"Creevey graduated," Severus interrupted.
"Well, that would just figure," Draco said. "We get stuck with Creevey as our Ministry contact." He shuddered at the thought.
"Who's Creevey?" Rayven asked curiously.
"You don't even want to know," Draco, Severus, and Ron said in unison. They looked at each other, all three shocked at this sign of friendship.
"JINX!" Ron shouted, and looked at them smugly. Draco rolled his eyes, and Severus just shook his head.
"You three scare me," Rayven said, trying not to laugh.
The four of them were standing outside the Ministry building, procrastinating. None of them were quite looking forward to what lie ahead: a date with the Minister. Today they would find out who would be taking Dennis's spot as their second Unspeakable counterpart. He (or she, as Rayven would've pointed out) had finished top of his (or her) class of trainees, and would be filled on in the assignment for the first time today, with the Two-Faced Circle present.
They dawdled in, taking far too much time. Therefore, they were about twenty minutes late. However, Fudge didn't seem to mind. Quite on the contrary, he was mumbling to himself and seemed very flustered. Ron took this as a bad sign.
"Where is he?" Draco demanded.
"Bill will accompany her in in a moment," Fudge replied.
"Did you say 'her', Minister?" Rayven asked, her eyes lighting up. When Fudge nodded, she did a little dance in her seat. "Our Ministry contact is a woman! Yes! Finally, some common sense around here!"
"Oh Lord," Severus muttered under his breath. Ron had to agree.
"Well, where is SHE?" Draco asked, glaring at Rayven, who smiled sweetly in return.
"She's coming!" Fudge snapped. Just as Draco was about to reply, there came a knock from a small door behind the Minister's desk. "Ah, that's them." And he turned to open the door. In walked William Croaker, accompanied by...
Ginny Weasley.
"Ginny?" Ron asked, looking at his sister curiously.
"Ron?"
"What are you doing here?" They demanded in unison.
"I'm here to get information on an assignment for the Department of Mysteries," Ginny replied proudly. Ron's eyes nearly popped out of his head. Furious, he leapt to his feet, glowering down at the Minister.
"SHE'S the new Unspeakable?!" He shouted. "My baby SISTER?!"
"She finished top of her training class," Fudge replied smoothly.
"OH NO YOU DON'T!" Ron cried. "I REFUSE to let my sister replace a man who was just MURDERED!" Draco and Rayven, who were sitting on either side of Ron, leapt to their feet, and tried (unsuccessfully) to make him sit down again.
"She's the best one for the job," The Minister stated stubbornly.
"I'll quit," Ron said fiercely.
"WHAT?!" Rayven, Draco, Severus, Bill and Fudge cried in unison.
"Ron, you wouldn't!" Rayven cried, very distraught.
"You can't," Draco pointed out.
"Mr. Weasley," Fudge began.
"Minister," A cold voice interrupted. It was that of Severus. "I don't believe this is a good idea. Ron is under enough stress without putting his family in such danger." The words, along with Draco and Rayven's combined efforts, made Ron take his seat, even though he was still breathing heavy and glaring at the Minister.
"Excuse me," Ginny said, looking at the five of them curiously. "What's going on here?"
Everyone, even Fudge and Bill, turned to Ron. He looked at them all in turn, then his eyes rested on Ginny. He knew that this is what she wanted, and he knew she would be good at it. But damn it, she was in so much danger!
But her eyes were pleading...
"Go ahead," He finally muttered. "She IS the best person for the job. I promise not to quit...like I had a choice or something" Rayven let out a sigh of relief and Draco looked surprise, but also, in his hidden silver eyes, there was a flicker of respect and pride.
"Very well," Fudge said, nodding approvingly in Ron's direction. He then turned back to Ginny. "Miss Weasley, the four people in front of you are Death Eaters."
Perhaps this was not the best way to start out the conversation. First, Ginny's eyes expanded to about twice their size. "Then why don't you arrest them, they're a danger to society..." Then she realized her brother was among them. "Oh my God, Ron, how could you DO this to us?" She was babbling and pointing and quite frankly acting rather childish. Severus and Draco exchanged Slytherin looks.
"Miss Weasley, I was not finished yet," Fudge said irritably. She halted abruptly, but she was still staring at Ron with wide eyes. He simply shrugged in return. "These four people are also Unspeakables. They are spies." Everyone looked at Ginny, waiting for her response.
"Oh."
"Your mission," Fudge said importantly. "Is to take their reports. You and Bill here will stay up at night, then take turns going home in the morning and sleeping here. One of these four will come to you, almost nightly, and give you a full report of You-Know-Who's latest movements. They all have different jobs."
"I'm a mass Muggle killer," Severus said thoughtfully, as if he were making the term up for himself.
"I'm a thief," Draco grinned devilishly. "And a kidnapper, when duty calls. I'm in the Innercircle."
"I'm a straight out murderer," Rayven said.
"I am too," Ron met his sister's steady gaze with unwavering eyes. "I'm the Innercircle Assassin."
Ginny opened her mouth to try and say something, but no words came out. She managed to make some sort of unintelligible syllable, but her mind couldn't form a response to this extraordinary pronouncement. Ron merely raised his eyebrows challengingly. It was Bill who spoke.
"These four people," Bill said quietly, "Have seen all the Hells of Voldemort. They can tell you things that will give you nightmares for years. They kill and lie and steal, sacrificing their lives and their freedom so they can save that of others. Your job isn't as hard as theirs, but you know when one of them comes in shaking and stuttering that you want nothing more than to hide under your blanket and wish to wake up. You know these people personally, Ginny Weasley. Your teacher, your schoolmate...you brother, for Christ's sake! Can you handle it? Do you accept your mission?"
She looked into each pair of eyes. The deep, never-ending tunnels of Snape, the liquid silver of Draco, the eerie gold of Rayven, and the crystal clear blue of Ron. In each pair of eyes she saw the same demons and ghosts and emptiness. She stuck out her chin, her eyes not leaving those of her brother.
"Yes, Mr. Croaker. I accept."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Needless to say, Ron was in a state of high agitation in the following weeks. The thought of Ginny in the position of a potential murder victim was enough to send him into a panic attack. However, Rayven managed to keep him under control. Draco remained close in touch, and they still went out together. Ron once suggested they invite Ginny, but it was decided all around that this would be too awkward, and that the time they would want to go out was probably when she was sleeping anyway.
August was slipping away, and the Hogwarts students were soon boarding the train. Ron, as he usually did in September, thought about all that had changed since his first time boarding the Hogwarts express. Sensing his pensive mood, Rayven gave him such much-needed alone time. Ron also thought about his wife. It still baffled him: how well she understood him, how she knew just what to do...how much he loved her.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were snuggled up on the sofa watching a sappy movie that Ron had deemed a 'chick flick' one night in mid September when they both leapt up at the same time, pain searing into their arms.
"Damn it!" Rayven swore with feeling. Grabbing their cloaks, they promptly disapparated to Voldemort's lair.
"Ah, there you are," Voldemort said, even though he knew they had arrived in less than ten seconds. "I was just getting impatient."
"My apologies, my Lord," Ron said, bowing. Rayven said nothing. Ron was a higher-ranking Death Eater, so it was his responsibility to do all the talking. "What do you wish?"
"I have an errand," The Dark Lord replied. "I meant to go myself, but I am needed elsewhere."
"Anything you wish, Lord," Ron replied, waiting for his instruction. Voldemort smiled coldly, and Rayven shivered slightly. Luckily, he didn't notice. Her beloved husband was now nothing like the Ron she knew and loved...he was cold and heartless. And a fabulous actor, she reminded herself.
"You, Mr. Weasley, are in my Innercircle as my Assassin," Voldemort said, stating the obvious. "Miss Michaels," Rayven looked up suddenly at the sound of her maiden name. "You would be in the Innercircle too, if I had not already Mr. Weasley's services. Therefore, I believe that for this job I shall send you both."
"As you wish, of course, my Lord," Rayven replied, bowing, since he was obviously still addressing her.
"Good, good... Now, I need the Boots killed," He snapped. "All of them. Tonight." Ron and Rayven bowed in response. "Go," Voldemort hissed, and they obeyed, apparating back to the street outside their flat.
"The Boots?" Rayven asked, raising an eyebrow at Ron.
"Terry Boot," Ron said. "I went to school with him. He married this other girl I knew, Hannah Abbott. Last I heard they just had twins."
"WHAT?!" Rayven shrieked, far too loud for somewhere so public. "Children? We have to kill children?"
"Stop it, Rayven, you're getting hysterical." Ron said sternly. Then, after a brief discussion, they apparated to the Boot residence.
The house was on the edge of a small town, as several indiscreet magical homes were. It was dark and silent. Ron prayed that the family was asleep, but he was not so fortunate. And anyway, as he waited for Rayven to disarm the wards protecting the house, he clicked into Death Eater mode.
It was far to late for the Boots now.
Terry and Hannah Boot were having tea and crumpets when the two dark robed figures came in. By the time they registered the presence of Death Eaters in their home Terry was dead and one of the figures was approaching Hannah. She turned and tried to run up to her two sleeping children. She had joined her husband before she reached the staircase.
"Good job, Rayven," Ron said coldly.
"You too," She nodded toward Terry's body. "Shall we go to the Ministry?" Ron gave her a funny look from under his mask.
"Don't be ridiculous," He said, stepping over Hannah and approaching the stairs. "The jobs not finished yet."
"The children!" Rayven cried, horrified. Ron rolled his eyes.
"If you don't hurry up, the Ministry's going to catch us," He hissed. Gulping, she followed him.
The Boot twins were just over a year old, and sleeping peacefully in identical cribs in the nursery. Ron took one, and motioned for Rayven to take the other. He looked down at the sleeping child with nothing at all in his eyes. His only thought, as he raised his wand, was at least this child would die innocent, unlike him.
"Avada Kedavra,"
The demeanor of the sleeping boy did not change as he was killed. Ron looked only once more at him before turning to collect Rayven and disapparate. However, this plan was altered when he realized the other child was still asleep, and Rayven was staring at him as if her were the Prince of Darkness.
"What is your problem?" Ron asked, annoyed. She just stared. "Rayven, hello!" He snapped. "Why is that child still alive."
"You killed him," She said faintly. He rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, and this one needs to die too!" He approached the crib, and looked down at the other boy the same expressionless way he had at his twin.
"But Ron..." She looked at the sleeping boy, and started to cry. "I can't, Ron, he's so young, so innocent, he didn't do anything!" She cried. At the sight of his wife's tears, Ron's Death Eater mode snapped.
"It's okay," He said, wrapping her into his arms. She sobbed onto his shoulder. "You have to be strong," He whispered, stroking her hair. "You have to be brave."
"I can't," She sobbed. He brought her out where he could see her eyes. He was amazed to find, in the deeps of those gold orbs a great fear and pain. She really couldn't kill this child.
"Go to the Ministry," He said quietly, kissing her forehead. "I'll finish this."
"Thank you," She whispered. She then turned and disappeared. Ron turned back to the child. He had the insane, temporary urge to take the boy and run, but he knew it was impossible. So, this child met the same fate of his twin.
However, Ron realized, this time he was crying.
He controlled himself and apparated to the Ministry building and found Rayven waiting for him.
"I didn't want to go in without you," She said, giving him a wobbly smile. He put an arm around her, and led her upstairs to the office of Bode and Croaker...er...Weasley and Croaker. Ron still hadn't really accepted the fact that his sister was the Unspeakable.
"Ron! Rayven!" She said brightly when they entered. Then she caught the look on Rayven's face. "What's wrong?"
"Get out your notebook," Ron instructed. Bill immediately complied. After making sure he was ready his glance uneasily shifted to his sister.
"Who was it?" She asked, staring him down determinedly.
"The Boots," Ron finally sighed, flopping into a chair.
"The Boots?" Ginny repeated. "As in Terry and Hannah Boot? Don't they have a kid?"
"The DID have twins," Rayven answered.
"They're orphans now," Ginny sighed, sitting down in her own chair. Ron, Bill, and Rayven exchanged looks.
"No," Ron replied. "I killed them too." Ginny looked up at Ron in horror. Suddenly, he lost his temper.
"What is your problem?!" He exclaimed, leaping to his feet. "You wanted this damn job, and this is what you get in it! Jesus, Ginny, did you expect to only half complete my orders and just kill the parents? When I said 'the Boots', I meant ALL of them! And if you think-"
"Ron," Rayven interrupted soothingly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay. She doesn't have your experience."
"Damn right," He snapped. "I'm going home, you fill them in."
"Alright," She said. "Go home and get a cup of tea and you'll feel better, I promise." She smiled. Somehow, seeing her smile made him feel better already. He gave her a quick kiss then apparated away.
"You just kissed my brother," Ginny said stupidly. Rayven raised an eyebrow.
"And...?"
"Nothing," Ginny shook her head. "So, what happened precisely?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Perhaps it was because he was a Death Eater. Perhaps it was because they were so powerful. Perhaps it was because his sister was an Unspeakable. But, more likely, it was to be credited to sheer dumb luck. In any case, the fact remained. Voldemort hadn't touched a member of Ron's family.
But that was all about to change.
He and Rayven were playing chess that evening, about two weeks after the Boot incident. Rayven was magnificent chess player, and had so far beaten Ron twice. However, tonight it was obvious that Ron was going to win. He was triumphantly reaching for his rook when he suddenly convulsed and stood up.
"What is it?" Rayven asked frantically.
"Summons," He replied. Rayven's eyes widened. She grabbed his cloak and tossed it to him. She blinked, and he was gone.
He had, in fact, gone to the clearing Voldemort had summoned him to. He could see the tall outlined form of the Dark Lord, and next to him the pale shadow of one of the Malfoys. He was just getting his bearings when...
"RON!" A raspy voice cried out. Ron looked down to see a red haired man in a torn and ragged robe trying to crawl over to him. "RUN! Save yourself!"
"Percy?" Ron breathed disbelievingly. It was indeed his older brother. However, Ron's immediate desire to cry out had to be bitten down. He was in front of his master. He must show no weakness.
"Run, Ron, he's here! THE DARK LORD IS HERE!"
"Obviously," Voldemort said, sounding sickeningly amused. "Mr. Weasley," He continued, addressing Percy. "I don't believe I've introduced you to my number one assassin, have I?"
Oh God, Ron thought. No, this cannot be happening. THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING TO ME!
"Wh...what?" Percy asked, looking at Voldemort in terror and confusion.
"This is him now. His name is Ron. I believe you have met him before?" Voldemort placed an icy hand on Ron's shoulder. Ron wanted nothing more, at that moment, then to kill Voldemort. However, since this wasn't exactly an option, he was forced to play his part and look coldly down at Percy, who only stared up in horrified disbelief. Ron couldn't take that stare for more than a few moments, so he turned his gaze to the other figure. Luckily, he discovered it to be the younger Malfoy. He saw sympathy in Draco's eyes.
"Well, I believe it is time for the main event. I believe I shall invite a few friends, if it's all the same to you, Mr. Weasley?" Gasping and in obvious pain, Percy couldn't answer. That was fine, Voldemort wasn't expecting one. He left Ron's side (much to Ron's relief) to summon...whomever. Percy was simply staring at his youngest brother. Ron tried to tell him with his eyes that he wasn't really a Death Eater, but Percy saw nothing but a merciless murderer.
Ron tore his eyes away, unable to bear it any longer. He looked up just in time to realize that Voldemort had summoned the eight remaining members of the Innercircle, and that they had taken their places in the circle around him. Voldemort began to address his servants.
"Gentlemen," He said calmly. "I have summoned you here to meet my new guest. Say hello, Mr. Weasley." Percy only stared defiantly at Ron in return. Ron heard the Death Eater next to him, Fred Flemming, snicker, and had to tighten all the muscles in his right arm not to hit him.
"Let the games begin," Voldemort said with one of his terrible smiles. He raised his wand, and Ron braced himself for the worst. He was not disappointed.
"Crucio,"
Percy lay in the middle of the circle, screaming and twisting and calling for help. Voldemort circled around him, continuing to address the Death Eaters as calmly as ever. Ron stared at the scene, and found himself blocking out the sound so effectively that his brother's screams were only dim echoes, and he saw only a blur of color. Everything seemed so surreal. He wondered what Voldemort was talking about. He imagined, for a moment Voldemort's babbling...
"Now everyone, don't forget about our bake sale next Saturday. Everyone is to bring in something, and don't forget, there will be prizes for the best! Fun and games all day, and with any luck, we'll earn enough for that trip to the zoo we've been discussing. Lucius, I'm counting on my favorite peanut butter brownies!"
Or not.
Ron was jerked back into reality by the ceasing of his brother's screams. Voldemort had lifted the spell. Ron was too late to realize that he was looking away, instead of directly at Percy as the other Death Eaters were.
"Ron," Voldemort hissed, and Ron nearly jumped at hearing the Dark Lord address him in such a familiar matter. "Why do you not watch? Does the sight of your brother's pain...disturb you?"
"Of course not, my lord," Ron answered, raising his chin proudly. "It hurts my honor deeply, to see one of my own flesh deny your power."
"Ah," Voldemort replied, seeming satisfied. "Then, with my assassin out of order, whom shall I give the honors to?" Ron nearly let out a breath of relief. He obviously said the right thing. Voldemort was going to make him kill his own brother!
"Draco Malfoy," Voldemort said suddenly, and Draco looked up. "Pull out your wand," The Dark Lord instructed. Draco obeyed. "I give you the honors." Voldemort swept out of Draco's way, leaving him free to kill Percy. Draco looked up across the circle, and met Ron's eyes.
Ron read the silver orbs as plain as day. Draco was asking him permission.
Ron looked from Draco down to Percy, who was shaking at his feet, and then to Voldemort, who looked amused. It was obvious Voldemort knew exactly what was going on. Ron looked again at Draco, Percy, and the Dark Lord. Percy's eyes were begging for mercy, Draco's seemed to be almost saying aloud 'We can take him and run! We can get away!' But Ron knew that wasn't possible. He looked, once again, at Percy. His brother met his eyes, identical pairs of crystal blue orbs peered into each other, and then Ron did the hardest thing he had ever done before.
One simple nod of his head was all it took.
"Avada Kedavra,"
Percy's body simply sagged into a pitiful position on the ground. Ron's shoulder's sagged, but he forced his head upright. He was staring straight forward, but he couldn't make anything out around the black spots of rage and guilt flitting in front of him.
Ron was dimly aware of being dismissed, and apparated without thinking about it. The emotions surging through were making his magic even stronger than usual. He had to take several breaths of clean, wholesome air from the front of the Ministry building before he could even think of going inside.
"Hey, Ron, are you okay?" Draco's voice pierced into his thoughts, and as Ron turned to him the spots receded somewhat. He sighed.
"I'm fine, Draco," He replied.
"Can you walk?" Draco asked, sounding unconvinced.
"Of course I can walk!" Ron snapped. However, when he went to take a step to demonstrate this point, he discovered his legs were like jelly and were not supporting him. Draco caught his arm.
"Sure," He said sarcastically. "You can walk just fine."
"Shut up, Malfoy," Ron snapped, but allowed Draco to help him up to the office Ginny and Bill occupied. Oh God, Ron thought, Ginny. I'm going to have to tell Ginny that I...
They reached the door, and Ron gulped down his thoughts as Draco pushed open the door. For a moment, they glimpsed the scene as it was before they interrupted it. Instead of talking or playing cards like they usually did, Bill was reading the paper, and Ginny was biting her lip as she pursued an upside-down book. Tension was palpable in the air. As soon as she heard the door, however, Ginny's head snapped up. She flew to her brother.
"Ron!" She cried, flinging herself at him so frantically she didn't even realize the look he had on his face, or the fact that he was supported by Draco. "I've been trying to get a hold of you! It's Percy, he went missing, and-" She suddenly stopped in mid-sentence, after getting a good look at her brother's face. "Ron, what's wrong?"
Ron tried to answer her. He really, really did. But words...words failed him. He opened his mouth, but nothing came. He merely sunk to the floor, landing in a heap while staring at the ground. The black spots were getting worse, and they were now blurred with tears. Bill stood up in alarm.
"Take him into the bedroom," He instructed Draco. The other nodded, helping Ron to his feet.
"No," Ron protested feebly. "I have to...Ginny..."
"I'll do the talking," Draco said firmly, practically shoving Ron into the room. He landed on the bed with a soft flump. "I'll send Ginny in in a moment."
"But-" Ron started, but he had nothing left. By this point he was practically blind, so he just let himself fall over onto the pillow. Draco shut the door, and turned to find the other Weasley looking right through him.
"He's dead," She said dully. "Percy's dead, isn't he?"
"I would use the phrase 'put him out of his misery' myself," Draco replied, avoiding her eye. His mind traveled back to seventh year...
"Oh whatever!" She snapped. "I can't believe you could just stand there and watch him die. And Ron too, couldn't he-"
"Get himself killed and endanger the entire mission?" Draco snapped. "Well, I suppose he could have."
"You know that's not what I meant," Ginny said quietly.
"Yeah, but that's what you were saying!" He yelled back, very impatient. "Jesus Ginny, didn't you see the look on his face? He loved his brother, and would've died to save him if he thought it would've done any good. Why can't you understand that? You're the only one who can, Ginny, the rest of his family could never..." He realized he was ranting, took a deep breath, and composed himself. "I just think you should try," He said. "To understand with it was like for him. Try to get out of your own goddamned world long enough to think about someone else! Ginny, if you would only listen-"
He was really losing it now. His mind was no longer in the office with Bill, nor was he yelling for Ron's sake. His mind was whirring backward through time, landing him an empty classroom over a two years ago, to a very similar argument with Ginny...
"DRACO!" She interrupted, and he stopped short. The world around him suddenly came into focus, and he nearly blushed.
"Just, go talk to him, alright?" He mumbled. She nodded, and approached the closed door. Then, taking a deep breath, she marched inside. Draco got a glimpse of Ron raising his head and saying his sister's name before the door closed behind them.
"So, I'm taking it this has something to do with their brother?" Bill asked. Draco jumped, he had nearly forgotten Bill was there. He nodded, and sat down to tell the story.
Draco had needed to steal a document from the Department of Magical Cooperation, which Percy had been the head of. Unfortunately, Percy had been there when Draco had arrived, so Draco had been forced to take the Weasley as well as the document. Voldemort had tortured him, for entertainment as much as for information, for hours before Ron arrived. And then, of course, Draco had killed him. Bill whistled as he finished his notes with a flourish.
"Sounds like a pretty soap opera to me," He said.
"I agree," Draco replied nodding. At that moment, Ginny and Ron emerged from the room. Ginny's face was tearstained, but not as grief worn as Ron's. However, Ron could walk, so that was a good sign. He looked around the room, and then said his goodbyes and disapparated. Bill muttered something about turning in his report and discreetly disappeared. In next to no time, Draco found himself alone with Ginny. An uncomfortable silence fell on them. Draco decided it was his responsibility to break the ice.
"Are you going to be okay?" He asked. She took a shuddering breath, but when she spoke, her voice was steady.
"Yes, Draco. I'll be fine."
"Because, if you're not, you know..." What the hell was he saying? Luckily he didn't have to find out.
"No, no, I'm really fine," She insisted. "I think Percy would've wanted to die nobly anyway."
"Gryffindors are rather fond of it, I hear," Draco smiled. She smiled sadly back at him.
"We are, aren't we?" She asked absently. Then she sighed. "Draco-"
"I know," He interrupted. "I'm going home now. If you need something, owl."
"Thank you," She whispered. Draco couldn't find anything to say, so he apparated back to the manor without saying anything.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next morning at sunrise found seven Weasleys along with the Potters in the living room of the Burrow. They had been told.
Percy Weasley was dead.
It was hard to swallow. Mrs. Weasley was crying on her husbands shoulder. Charlie was making tea and Bill was staring into the fire. Fred and George were just sitting there, staring into space. Harry was holding his very pregnant wife as she cried (she was over emotional enough without death of close friends), too shocked to move himself. They were all glad to be snapped out of their respective trances at the sound of the door opening. They snapped their heads to see Ginny walk in, with Ron behind her. Everyone else in the room exchanged looks. How were they going to tell them?
"Ginny-" Charlie began, but she held up a hand to silence him.
"We know," She said. "Both of us." She gestured to Ron. Harry's eyes widened at the sight of his friend. He looked thinner than he could ever remember, his pale skin under his freckles, and tired, grieving eyes.
"Oh dears!" Mrs. Weasley cried, pulling her two youngest children into an embrace. Ginny hugged her mother back, but Ron didn't even seem to notice. He was staring around the room with a pained expression on his face. Harry immediately got worried.
"Take a seat you two," Mr. Weasley said, gesturing to the empty sofa, his voice strangely hoarse. Ron and Ginny obeyed without question. After a while longer of just sitting, staring, and remembering, Bill spoke.
"We'll have to start arranging the funeral and-"
"Done," Ron interrupted. Harry started, it was the first time he had spoken.
"Done?" Mr. Weasley repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"I made all the arrangements before I came, it's all paid for and taken care of," Ron said smoothly. "Ginny and I were aware of the situation since very early this morning. I brought along all the information." He handed his father a sheet of paper. Mr. Weasley stared at it in disbelief. As he surveyed it, his eyes got even bigger.
"Ron..." He spluttered. "This...this was almost two thousand galleons..."
"It's all covered, Dad," Ron insisted, blushing as his family stared.
"Where in Heaven's name did you come up with two thousand galleons?" Mrs. Weasley asked faintly. Ron just went redder.
"I've just been saving," He answered elusively. "I really must go home, I'm dead tired. I just came to give you the information. Goodbye," And with that, he apparated away.
Rayven was waiting for him, with a cup of hot tea. He had stopped at home last night only long enough to explain what had happened before whisking off to take care of the funeral. He didn't want his family to pay for it. However, she wanted nothing more than for him to go to bed. She knew that was what he wanted as well.
When he did open the door and stumble in, she was at his side. Almost immediately she was in his arms.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"Yeah," He replied.
"You know, you're a terrible liar," She remarked, making it sound light hearted. He smiled down at her.
"I know," He took the tea she had waiting for him. "Thank you,"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Percy's funeral was very depressing. Rayven didn't go, even though it was her brother in law who died. It wasn't like Percy knew Ron was married. Ron went, of course, and came back looking horrible. Rayven tried to cheer him up, but it took a couple weeks to get him anywhere near back to normal. It didn't help that the whole time Rayven was keeping something from him.
October came, and Ron knew that at Hogwarts people were preparing for the Halloween feast like crazy. He and Rayven were also preparing, making jack-o-lanterns and buying black and orange candles. They were still obvious newlyweds, if any of Ron's family had bothered to observe them. In each other's presence they were all smiles and giggles, as they were that particular afternoon of decorating.
They were debating about where to hang the fake cobwebs when they heard a knock on the door. Rayven answered it, and found Ginny Weasley standing on the other side.
"Why hello Ginny," Rayven said rather startled. Ron had followed his wife to the door.
"Ron, come quick!" Ginny gasped as if she had been running.
"What's wrong?" He cried, immediately assuming the worst as he grabbed his cloak.
"It's Hermione," Ginny gasped. "She's gone into labor!"
"Oh," Ron said, somewhat stupidly. He had nearly forgotten about the baby.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Rayven demanded. "GO!" She practically shoved Ron and his cloak out the door, and Ron apparated with Ginny to the parking lot of St. Mungo's.
Ginny never realized that Rayven was living with Ron.
"This way!" She cried, leading him up a flight of stairs, which Ron took three at a time. However, when he got there he could only wait. He wasn't ABOUT to go into the delivery room, godchild or no. The rest of his family was out there as well, except for Ginny (the baby's future godmother) who was inside with Harry and Hermione. It was hours before a nurse finally came out.
"Mrs. Potter's baby is in perfect health, and so is she," The nurse smiled. The entire room seemed to sigh with relief. "You can go inside now." Ron was the first person in. He found Hermione asleep in bed, looking exhausted but happy. Harry was beyond happy, he was delirious. In his arms was a tiny bundle. Ginny was looking at the baby over Harry's shoulder.
"Harry!" Ron said as he entered. Harry looked up, his face glowing.
"Isn't he beautiful?" Harry asked. Ron approached and looked down at his godson for the first time. He was indeed a very handsome baby. The tiny tufts of hair were dark brown, a combination of his parents' locks, and when the baby opened it's eyes, Ron discovered they were already turning from baby blue to the emerald green of his father's.
"Yeah," Ron replied quietly. Harry let Ron hold his godson. It wasn't entirely paternal prejudice; the child really was beautiful. Ron wondered what it would be like to be a father. He closed his eyes and imagined for a brief moment that it was his child he was holding, and that it was Rayven who was sleeping peacefully next to him. He had no idea what it would be like, but in any case he envied Harry.
His family snapped him out of him reverie, so Ron passed the baby around. Ginny, the child's godmother, was next, and she looked absolutely entranced by the child. Harry was beaming proudly.
And that was how the first child of Harry and Hermione Potter came into the world, at 7:52 PM on October 21. He was named James Edward, after his grandfather.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry Potter was a very happy man. He was married to the most wonderful woman in the world (in his opinion), had the best son in the world (in his opinion) and the best job in the world (in his opinion). Yes, life was definitely good for Harry Potter.
He was whistling as he walked down the corridors of the Auror HQ, an inconspicuous little building in the suburbs of London. He had just returned from a week off at home with Hermione and James. He had been handing out cigars to everyone he knew, and showing everyone pictures of baby James. He was annoying some of the more Percy-ish characters in the building, but most shared in his joy, as well as the cigars, of course. Needless to say, with all the interruptions for talking and smoking, he was, technically, late for work. His boss, Ben Miner, didn't say anything. He let Harry get away with anything, always wondering how he snagged the Boy Who Lived.
Of course, he wouldn't be going anywhere dangerous anytime soon (Miner was a good man, and understood the family needs of his staff), so he had resigned himself to a full day of paperwork. However, he didn't mind. It gave him a chance to talk to everyone there, get the latest gossip, and show off pictures of James.
There were four men and three women under Miner's command, including Harry. Ned Fickles was the newest member, a Hufflepuff fresh out of Hogwarts. He had replaced the sad loss of Terry Boot, who had been one of the Ministry's best men. The six remaining members and Fickles had sworn to track down Terry's murderer and see him to justice. But at the moment, Harry managed to push such morbid things out of his mind. The familiar faces of Seamus Finnigan, Neville Longbottom, Gary Mammoth, Lavender Brown, and Katie Bell-Wood greeted him with smiles and congratulations. After the usual compliments, inquiries on health, and pictures of James had been passed around, talk turned to other things.
"So, where are Jenny and Ned?" He asked casually. Jennifer Malian was the other member of their group, but she was obviously absent today.
"They're off on the Ring-round assignment," Neville said, waving the question away. "Nothing serious, a typical raid. Miner's just trying to give poor Ned some experience I think.
"Poor bloke is rather frightened of us," Gary remarked laughingly. "He was stuttering the first time he was told he'd be working with Harry Potter." Harry flushed red.
"Don't we have anything productive to talk about?" He snapped.
"I do," A soft voice said. Harry jumped, realizing it had been Lavender. She had been uncharacteristically silent, he suddenly noticed with a frown.
"What is it?" Seamus, asked in concern. He had a good right to be, as he and Lavender were engaged to be married in December.
"It's...well, it's nothing really," She flushed, seeming really embarrassed. "It's just these rumors I've been hearing lately."
"Rumors?" Katie asked, raising an eyebrow. "Out with it, Lavender, rumors about what?"
"Parvati," She suddenly burst out. "There's all these rumors that the Death Eaters are going to kill Parvati." Silence followed this remarkable statement.
"I...I'm sure it's just a rumor," Harry finally managed to say.
"I know," Lavender sighed. "I am being rather silly, aren't I? It's just this feeling..."
"Everything will be fine, Lav, I'm sure of it," Seamus said, putting an arm around her shoulder. With that, the lot realized how late it was and how angry Miner would be if he came back to find them gossiping, and went to work.
However, just before lunch, Harry felt the need to have a chat with his boss.
"Ah, Mr. Potter," Miner greeted him warmly. "How is your wife? And the baby?" They exchanged the usual pleasantries before Harry actually got around to the subject he had been meaning to discuss.
"Mr. Miner," He said, shuffling his feet somewhat nervously. "Rumors have been flying about an attack."
"Oh?" His boss replied.
"Yeah, uh..." Harry realized how stupid this sounded, but plunged ahead anyway. "They say Parvati Patil is next."
"Really, and who exactly is 'they', Mr. Potter?"
"Well, sir-" Miner cut him off with a sigh.
"I know you have the best of intentions," His boss said. "But I cannot occupy my best men on the basis of a little office rumor." He smiled, as if explaining this to a very small child. "It may only be a distraction, just to put you elsewhere instead of where you will be needed."
"Of course, sir," Harry replied, feeling foolish. "I understand."
"Very well. Say hello to Hermione for me," And with that discussion ended.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Voldemort had taken to sending Ron and Rayven on mutual missions. Their last four jobs had been together, not including the Boots. So, they were not at all surprised when they were both summoned the night before Halloween. Their cloaked persons going to meet their Dark Master in the light of the full moon for evil purposes was a very fitting setting.
"I shall not keep you long," Voldemort hissed, not even looking up when the two Death Eaters approached and bowed. "I need Parvati Patil dead by midnight."
"Yes, my Lord," They replied, and went off to do his bidding. Afterward they went home, got out the champagne, toasted to Halloween, and went to bed.
Lavender, Seamus, and Harry were the first on the seen. Benjamin Miner was wrong about little office rumors.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Mr. Miner?" Harry said, walking into his boss's office timidly.
"Mr. Potter," Miner smiled. "How nice to see you. And how is Hermione?"
"She's fine," He replied, not in the mood for pleasantries. The mood in the office had been tense since Parvati's death a week before. Lavender had called in sick everyday, and all seven of them were feeling terribly guilty. "I wanted to talk to you about Dean and Angelina Thomas."
"What about them?" His boss inquired.
"Rumors," Harry said shortly. "Supposedly they're next." Miner sighed.
"Mr. Potter-"
"I know!" Harry interrupted fiercely. "I know, they're only rumors. But look at what happened to Parvati-"
"Unhappy coincidence," The man said smoothly. "Unfortunate, of course-"
"Maybe," Harry said, rising to his full height and lifting his chin proudly. "But her death could've been prevented. And I don't want to have the death of the Thomas's as well as Parvati on my mind, do you?"
Miner sighed. "Potter-"
"It's just a precaution," Harry persisted. "What harm can it do?" He met Miner's eyes, and it was Miner who broke the gaze.
"Alright, Mr. Potter. Take whoever wants to go, but no more than three. Tonight, I'm assuming?"
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir," Harry said, feeling very relieved. For his companions he chose Seamus, Lavender, and Neville.
He had not forgotten his family. He sent an owl off to Ron, telling him that he wanted to perform the Fidelius Charm in three days' time.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
'This is really getting old,' Ron thought to himself as he and Rayven apparated to the entrance to Voldemort's underground lair. He was waiting for them outside, however, which could probably be credited as a good thing.
"What is it that you wish, my Lord?" Ron asked, as he and Rayven bowed. He looked down at them.
"This is very important, Weasley, so listen closely." The Dark Lord said slowly. "The Thomas's have become very powerful. Very powerful, and they are using it against me. However, they are not more powerful than me. Or than you," He added as an afterthought. If Ron had had the audacity to roll his eyes, he would have. "So, I think it would be best to eliminate them. It is entirely necessary that it is done quickly. I want it done tonight. It will be difficult, they are well protected, that is why I am sending Miss Michaels with you."
"As you wish, my Lord," Ron replied, bowing again. He was really wondering why Voldemort was feeling so verbose tonight.
"Go," He instructed pointing toward the forest. Dramatic, but totally inappropriate. The forest was on the east, while the Thomas home was south of their location. However, Ron decided it probably not be a good idea to point this out. Within seconds, he was on the street the Thomas's lived on, in full Death Eater regalia.
Rayven waved her wand and started chanting, and Ron looked around nervously. He had an uneasy feeling that he was being watched and he didn't like it one bit.
However, Rayven got them in the house without incident. It appeared the couple was comfortably sleeping in their bedroom upstairs. However, Ron could not shake off your forebodings.
"Stay here," He instructed.
"What?" She hissed. "Why?"
"Just...as a look out, okay?" He asked, fidgeting. She rolled her eyes, but complied anyway. Feeling only slightly more at ease, he took the stairs to at a time to the master bedroom.
His mind was now fixed on murder.
The door creaked slightly as it gave way for Ron. Dean and Angelina were sleeping peacefully. Ron genuinely hoped they'd stay that way, it would make his job much easier. However, you don't always get what you wish for. He was standing over the bed and only just beginning to raise his wand, when Angelina, who had always been a light sleeper, sat up. No matter, she was gawking too much at the Death Eater in her room to fight back or rouse Dean in time. He opened his mouth to speak, but he was interrupted by a high pitch scream.
Rayven.
By this time, Angelina had woken Dean and grabbed her wand. However, her shouted curses did nothing. Ron was sprinting down the stairs, his heart pounding in his throat and rushing through his ears. Why did he leave her alone, why, why, WHY?!
Even a full sprint, he was too late. He reached the doorway just in time to see Rayven surrounded by three Ministry officials before they all disapparated. Ron put his head in his arm, breathing heavily, and disapparated.
It wasn't until he got home that he realized he had been crying.
Back at the Auror HQ, Miner was apologizing to Harry. It was then that Harry was waiting for the Death Eater's identity to be revealed. He was in a murderous rage, and was dying for the opportunity to question the Death Eater. He, or she, he supposed, refused to answer anything, but Harry had expected that. It didn't matter, all apprehended Death Eaters were put under veritaserum.
Imagine Harry's surprise when the Death Eater turned out to be none other than Rayven Michaels, who had been at his wedding, kissing Ron. Imagine Harry's further surprise when orders came from Cornelius Fudge himself forbidding the use of veritaserum on Rayven Michaels. She was sent to Azkaban at three that morning. Without trial, of course.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ron was miserable. There was really no other word for it. Rayven, his wonderful, kind, sweet Rayven, was in prison. Locked up in Azkaban, all alone.
And it was all his fault.
He took small comfort in the fact that dementors, who had deserted it for Voldemort long ago, no longer guarded the prison. However, there was little chance of her escape, as the magic surrounding the fortress was very powerful. Not to mention she would undoubtedly be a top security prisoner, under constant supervision and with powerful spells especially for her.
The day passed slowly, painfully. The weather seemed to fit his mood splendidly, rainy and gloomy, without a hint of the sun all day. How could he go through everyday like this, without her? Eating breakfast without her, washing the dishes without her, folding laundry, putting away remaining Halloween decorations...Hell, just being in the flat without her! It was torture, torture of the highest degree for Ronald Weasley.
Ron had completely forgotten about Voldemort. However, when he felt that familiar pain in his left arm, he got the distinct feeling that it wasn't to have tea and gossip about Lucius Malfoy's latest haircut.
It was dark, and pouring when he apparated to the entrance to Voldemort's lair. However, Ron would've preferred an eternity in the freezing November rain than ten minutes down in that cave. However, not having much choice, he went inside. He quickly found his Master.
He was right. They weren't going to have tea and discuss Lucius's hair-do.
"You have failed me," The Dark Lord hissed as soon as Ron entered the room.
"My Lord, I-"
"And not only did I fail you, but you have handed one of my best servants to the aurors!" Voldemort exclaimed, and Ron flinched. This was not good. Definitely not good.
"My Lord, if you would allow me to explain-"
"There is no explanation for this!" The Dark Lord interrupted, and Ron had to admit there was not. "Why you couldn't follow my orders, or at least retain custody of Michaels! But no, you let both things go." He fingered his wand. "If I didn't know better, Weasley, I would think you rather...fancied Miss Michaels."
"I...I..." Ron stuttered.
"You do? How touching," Voldemort sneered. "She is too good for you, Weasley. Perhaps you need a reminder of where you stand..." Voldemort pointed his wand at Ron, who felt his eyes widen with fear.
"Crucio,"
The pain seemed even stronger than he remembered. He fell, screaming and crying and begging for mercy. Voldemort did not grant it. He just stared down at his failed servant, a mad glint in his snake-like eyes. Ron began counting the minutes. One...two...
Maybe I should just give up, he thought to himself. Just stop fighting the pain and die. No! No, I cannot leave Rayven. He forced the image of her into his mind, and the pain seemed to dull.
Fourteen...fifteen...sixteen...
Ron had been released from the curse for several minutes before he got his bearings. Voldemort had disappeared, leaving him alone on the hard stone floor. Looking around, he knew he had to leave or he would die. There was no doubt in his mind of that. So, closing his eyes, he screwed up the last bit of magical energy in him, and apparated to the only place he could think of.
It was pouring worse than ever. Thunder crashed above him. In a flash of lightening, he caught a glimpse of the house. He crawled through the mud, trying to reach the door. His mind was in pieces, and he wasn't even entirely sure where he had apparated to, but he didn't care either. Every breath, every movement, was agony. Finally, he made it through the yard. Somehow, he managed to lift his hand high enough to pound on the door. Nothing happened. He had just resigned himself to do it again, when the door was flung open.
"Help," Ron moaned, his voice rasping.
"Ron?!" The woman cried, helping him inside. He grunted. His vision was failing, but he put together his senses and finally realized who the woman was.
Hermione Potter.
This was probably not good, but Ron was not in the frame of mind to realize it. She pulled him in out of the rain, practically in hysterics.
"Oh my God, what happened?" She cried. "Harry? HARRY!"
"What?" Harry came bounding down the stairs. He saw immediately 'what' when he spotted his best friend, smeared with mud and blood, lying on his living room floor. "Jesus," He breathed, leaping down the stairs, and lifting Ron up onto the couch. This position made the bruises covering his face more obvious, as well as his torn robe, and the fact that his chest and arms covered with wounds and mud.
"What the hell happened?" Harry demanded. "It looks like he's been beaten!"
"No," Hermione said, her eyes widening. "It's magically induced. I think it's the Cruciatus."
"WHAT?!" Harry cried. "But who..."
"I don't know who, Harry, but he's going to die if we don't help him." She had been examining Ron's legs, which were also heavily bruised. "He was under for a long time."
"No," Ron gasped. "I have to...I must..."
"Don't talk," Hermione soothed, pushing back his hair before turning back to her husband. "He needs professional help. In the meantime, I think I know a potion that will help. Go to the kitchen and get a cauldron, ashwinder scales, essence of belladonna, kingsfoil, violet petals, and fairy wings," Harry nodded, and hurried into the kitchen as Hermione turned back to help Ron.
The most serious wound was in his right arm. It was bleeding copiously. She quickly tore the left arm of his robe off, as it was the only fabric still intact, and wrapped it up. She leaned over to investigate his left arm.
"No..." He protested meekly. "Don't..." But at that moment, he fainted. The pain and shock to his body was obviously too much. Hermione was glad, she didn't want him to feel the pain. She went back to his left arm. Nothing too bad. She turned it over and...
Let out a blood-curdling scream.
She quickly dropped Ron's hand, stumbling backward blindly. "HARRY!" She screamed, half in tears. She nearly ran into him as he came running through the doorway, his eyes raking the room.
"What? WHAT?!" He cried, almost shaking his hysterical wife.
"His arm...Harry, his arm..." She wept, burying her head into his shoulder. He removed her, firmly but gently, and strode over to Ron's limp body. Lying in plain view was his left arm. And on it, smiling up at Harry, was his worse nightmare.
The Dark Mark.
I hope you all liked the wedding. As I said before, everything is happening very quickly, and (I'm rather sad to say) this story is almost finished (already). As you will see, everything is beginning to wrap up.
Okay, there's really not much else to say, so I'm just going to shut up and let you read. Have fun kiddies, and don't forget to review! ^_~
Chapter Five:
Revelations
~Maybe I've been here before
I know this room and I've walked these floors
I used to live alone before I know you
And I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a vict'ry march
It's a cold, and it's a broken Hallelujah~
*Rufus Wainwright's "Hallelujah"
"Please, sit down," Fudge sighed, gesturing to the four waiting seats. Ron chose the one closest to the door, with Rayven on his right, then Severus and Bill. The all stared at the Minister fixedly, waiting for instructions. He realized they were all looking at him, and sighed heavily.
"We have lost two of you in the last four months," Fudge said. "First Miss Angel Pentser, and now Dennis Bode. I am sure you all will be grieving for our loss, but I must remind you, all of you except Mr. Croaker, of course, that you are not to attend the funeral."
"Voldemort has been after Dennis for a long time," Ron said quietly. However, even those near whispered words caught the attention of everyone, even if it was a fact they already knew.
"Dennis had no family since his beloved niece died," Ron felt a pang of guilt at Bill's words, and looked down, suddenly becoming very interested with the hem of his robes. "So I will take over the funerary procedures."
"Very well," Fudge nodded. "Angel was unique, and even if we wanted to find a replacement it would be impractical. However, Bill cannot work alone. There are several new recruits training to be in your department, and-"
"You're giving us a rookie?" Draco asked, looking appalled.
"The top of the class, I assure you," Fudge said. "We will take the number one recruit after training and...well...introduce them to the situation."
"This is ridiculous," Ron pointed out. "This is a very dangerous post, Minister, and I would think after today you would realize this. We need someone with lots of experience!"
"Everyone else is otherwise occupied," Fudge replied.
"I think the Minister is right," Rayven said. "We need someone new, someone who can entirely devote themselves to this project, and not have their minds on some secret mission in Bulgaria."
Of course, everyone saw the logic in this. That didn't stop Draco and Ron from putting up a fight. The debate seemed endless, until...
"Silence," The voice was Severus's, and just like the Hogwarts Potions Master, Severus the Death Eater immediately brought the silence he commanded. "Ron, Draco, the Minister has made up his mind, and I don't think it is in your power to dissuade him. I motion that we all go home and cope with our loss."
"Quite," The Minister said. Ron marveled at Severus's ability to win the argument without taking either side. "Now, there's also something else I'd like to bring up." He leaned in toward the four sitting across from him. "You are all in grave danger, not just from You-Know-Who, but also from the Ministry. I know you all swore to silence if you were caught, but in these dangerous times any of you might be in the middle of something or needed out of prison. Therefore, I am giving you these." He pulled out four envelopes. Ron took his, opened it, and pulled out the paper inside. He felt his jaw drop.
A full pardon. For any crime, on any date or time. Signed by Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic. Ron looked up to find that the others were as surprised as he was.
"You can only use them once, obviously," Fudge explained. "And it will probably cause you and me all kinds of trouble, so only use it in the most dire of emergencies. But if such a scenario arises and you need out, I won't have time to fill out all the paperwork. Keep them hidden somewhere safe, and make sure the others know where yours is."
"Alright," Ron finally managed to say, and the others did the same thing. It wasn't that he was flattered, it was just that he was...shocked. He didn't know Fudge had the intelligence or the future vision to think of something like this. Maybe he was a good Minister after all. However, it was also, once again, dawning on him how much danger he was in.
And how much danger Rayven was in.
"Goodbye to you all, and I will send for you when the new recruits are done training." Fudge said, gesturing them away and going back to his paperwork. Draco muttered something (most likely quite rude) under his breath, but shook hands with the Minister anyway before taking his leave. The others did the same.
"I don't like this at all," Rayven muttered to herself as she sat down in an armchair, her brow creased.
"Me neither," Ron replied.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Ron shouted as loud as possible when Harry answered the door. His friend grinned, and gestured that he should come in.
"Great to see you, Ron," Harry said, thumping him on the back heartily. "Haven't seen you in a while."
"It's great to see you too," Ron conceded. "Where's the missus?"
"If you call me that one more time, Ronald Weasley, I'll slap you across the face!" Hermione exclaimed, coming up behind Harry and trying to look angry, but her twitching mouth betrayed her underlying amusement.
"Hello to you too, Herm," Ron rolled his eyes, but he was grinning from ear to ear.
"Don't get me into trouble, Ron," Harry begged. "She's vicious."
"Stuck on the sofa recently, Mr. Potter?" Ron teased. Hermione laughed, nodding. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Never get married, Ron, it's terrible. You have absolutely no idea what it's like," He groaned.
"It's a little late for that," Ron muttered under his breath, but luckily neither of the Potters heard him.
Hermione gestured for Ron to follow her. He met Sirius, Remus, Seamus, Lavender (Seamus's new fiancée), Dean, Angelina (Dean's wife), Neville, Hermione's parents and Ron's entire family in the family room, waiting for them. There was laughter and goodwill in the air, nearly suffocating Ron.
Yes sir-ee ladies and gents, it was Harry Potter's nineteenth birthday party.
Ron did manage to enjoy himself, even though he was stuck in a room full of people who really knew nothing about his life. He wished Rayven had come, but she had somehow wormed her way out of it, saying something about 'shopping' and 'decent food'. Well humph to her! Ron thought. Wasn't chocolate ice cream a good dinner?
Lunch, cake, presents, gossip...Ron nodded and smiled and even laughed on occasion. He imagined (not for the first or last time) that he was one of these happy, carefree people with nothing more to do than talk about who was marrying who and so on and so forth. It was not until Ron knew everything about everyone and his uncle that Harry and Hermione decided it was Time.
Hermione stood, and politely requested everyone's attention. Happy to oblige, the crowd sat in silence, waiting for whatever was to come. Ron found himself getting rather irritated with all the suspense. Hermione was looking from the faces of her friends, then down to Harry (who would smile reassuringly and nod with encouragement) then back to her friends again. After nearly a minute of this, she suddenly blurted it out.
"I'm pregnant." Silence. Then...
"OH MY GOD!" The squeal came from Ginny, but it was all that was needed. The women rushed up to hug and congratulate Hermione, while the men shook hands with Harry.
"A baby?" Ron asked. "Geez, Harry, I never imagined you as a father."
"Yeah, well..." He grinned sheepishly. "I can't wait to be one. I think."
"I'm sure you'll do fine," Sirius said, recognizing the look of doubt on Harry's face.
"Yeah, Harry, don't worry about it," Neville said, looking quite relieved that he wasn't in Harry's shoes. The girls, meanwhile, were gabbing and fussing over Hermione, and Ron could hear his mother over them all.
"Well, it will be interesting to say the least," Fred said with a grin.
"Yeah, we'll have an unsuspecting kid to try our products on!" George said, winking at Harry and avoiding a blow from his mother. The chaos continued for some time, and by the time everyone was breathing properly again, they were apparating home.
"Hold on a second, Ron," Hermione said, putting a hand on her red haired friend's shoulder. "Can you stay for a moment?"
"Sure," Ron shrugged, plopping back down onto the sofa. Ron decided not to ask until everyone had left, which proved to be a wise decision.
"So, what's up?"
"Ron, you know that this is really dangerous," Hermione said.
"What's really dangerous?" Ron asked, rolling his eyes. "Everything with Harry is 'really dangerous." More than you know, he thought to himself.
"The baby," Hermione bit her lip. "He or she is going to be in a lot of danger."
"And we don't want to take that risk," Harry said, coming up behind Hermione and putting an arm around her waist. Ron suddenly felt a surge of jealousy that the Potters could show the world their love...but it was just as dangerous for them as it would've been for him. He kept the thought to himself.
"Understandable," Ron nodded, reaching for his soda "What's that got to do with me?" Harry and Hermione exchanged meaningful glances.
"We want to use the Fidelius Charm," Harry said, looking down at his wife. Ron spit out the soda he had been coolly sipping. "And make you our secret keeper."
"M...me?" Ron spluttered. They couldn't make him secret keeper, he was a DEATH EATER for Christ's sake!
"Of course you," Hermione said smoothly. "We wouldn't dream of letting anyone else."
"But surely Dumbledore-"
"He's far too busy for such things, Ron," Harry interrupted. He was giving his friend a funny look. "Unless you don't want to be secret keeper..."
"Don't be ridiculous!" Ron said, knowing perfectly well that he HIMSELF was the ridiculous one. How did he get himself into these messes? "I would be honored. I just wanted to make sure you had considered all your options."
"Oh," Harry replied, looking considerably relieved. "Well, you don't have to worry about it just yet. We're going to wait until the baby's born."
"When's it due?" Ron asked, suppressing a gulp.
"Around October," Hermione replied. "You should get home, Ron, you look sick."
"I'm fine," Ron assured her, but rose anyway. "I'm not going to do it unless you're sure...?"
"Of course we're sure," Harry smiled. "I don't want to make the same mistake my parents did and entrust my family to a Death Eater."
Ron seriously thought he was going to be sick.
"Of...of course," He stuttered. "Well, I've got to get home...tiring day you know. Um, goodbye and...er...Happy birthday, Harry." With an awkward wave he disapparated. He was never more relieved then when he found Rayven and dinner waiting for him.
"Hey, Ron, I was looking around today and...Ron?" Rayven looked at her husband in concern. "What's wrong?"
"Harry wants me to be his secret keeper," Ron blurted out, falling into his chair.
"What?" She gasped in disbelief.
"Yeah, and here's the funny part," He continued with a sardonic laugh. "He said, and I quote here, 'I don't want to make the same mistake my parents did and entrust my family to a Death Eater'."
"Oh Ron," She said, coming up to him and rubbing his shoulders. "It's okay. I'm sure something good must've happened today."
"Hermione's going to have a baby." He said with a pained look at his wife. She immediately understood what he meant.
"Oh no..."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Well, this should be interesting," Rayven said optimistically.
"Yeah, right," Draco snorted.
"As long as he's not incompetent," Ron muttered.
"Creevey's still in school, and Potter's an auror," Draco pointed out. Ron simply rolled his eyes.
"Creevey graduated," Severus interrupted.
"Well, that would just figure," Draco said. "We get stuck with Creevey as our Ministry contact." He shuddered at the thought.
"Who's Creevey?" Rayven asked curiously.
"You don't even want to know," Draco, Severus, and Ron said in unison. They looked at each other, all three shocked at this sign of friendship.
"JINX!" Ron shouted, and looked at them smugly. Draco rolled his eyes, and Severus just shook his head.
"You three scare me," Rayven said, trying not to laugh.
The four of them were standing outside the Ministry building, procrastinating. None of them were quite looking forward to what lie ahead: a date with the Minister. Today they would find out who would be taking Dennis's spot as their second Unspeakable counterpart. He (or she, as Rayven would've pointed out) had finished top of his (or her) class of trainees, and would be filled on in the assignment for the first time today, with the Two-Faced Circle present.
They dawdled in, taking far too much time. Therefore, they were about twenty minutes late. However, Fudge didn't seem to mind. Quite on the contrary, he was mumbling to himself and seemed very flustered. Ron took this as a bad sign.
"Where is he?" Draco demanded.
"Bill will accompany her in in a moment," Fudge replied.
"Did you say 'her', Minister?" Rayven asked, her eyes lighting up. When Fudge nodded, she did a little dance in her seat. "Our Ministry contact is a woman! Yes! Finally, some common sense around here!"
"Oh Lord," Severus muttered under his breath. Ron had to agree.
"Well, where is SHE?" Draco asked, glaring at Rayven, who smiled sweetly in return.
"She's coming!" Fudge snapped. Just as Draco was about to reply, there came a knock from a small door behind the Minister's desk. "Ah, that's them." And he turned to open the door. In walked William Croaker, accompanied by...
Ginny Weasley.
"Ginny?" Ron asked, looking at his sister curiously.
"Ron?"
"What are you doing here?" They demanded in unison.
"I'm here to get information on an assignment for the Department of Mysteries," Ginny replied proudly. Ron's eyes nearly popped out of his head. Furious, he leapt to his feet, glowering down at the Minister.
"SHE'S the new Unspeakable?!" He shouted. "My baby SISTER?!"
"She finished top of her training class," Fudge replied smoothly.
"OH NO YOU DON'T!" Ron cried. "I REFUSE to let my sister replace a man who was just MURDERED!" Draco and Rayven, who were sitting on either side of Ron, leapt to their feet, and tried (unsuccessfully) to make him sit down again.
"She's the best one for the job," The Minister stated stubbornly.
"I'll quit," Ron said fiercely.
"WHAT?!" Rayven, Draco, Severus, Bill and Fudge cried in unison.
"Ron, you wouldn't!" Rayven cried, very distraught.
"You can't," Draco pointed out.
"Mr. Weasley," Fudge began.
"Minister," A cold voice interrupted. It was that of Severus. "I don't believe this is a good idea. Ron is under enough stress without putting his family in such danger." The words, along with Draco and Rayven's combined efforts, made Ron take his seat, even though he was still breathing heavy and glaring at the Minister.
"Excuse me," Ginny said, looking at the five of them curiously. "What's going on here?"
Everyone, even Fudge and Bill, turned to Ron. He looked at them all in turn, then his eyes rested on Ginny. He knew that this is what she wanted, and he knew she would be good at it. But damn it, she was in so much danger!
But her eyes were pleading...
"Go ahead," He finally muttered. "She IS the best person for the job. I promise not to quit...like I had a choice or something" Rayven let out a sigh of relief and Draco looked surprise, but also, in his hidden silver eyes, there was a flicker of respect and pride.
"Very well," Fudge said, nodding approvingly in Ron's direction. He then turned back to Ginny. "Miss Weasley, the four people in front of you are Death Eaters."
Perhaps this was not the best way to start out the conversation. First, Ginny's eyes expanded to about twice their size. "Then why don't you arrest them, they're a danger to society..." Then she realized her brother was among them. "Oh my God, Ron, how could you DO this to us?" She was babbling and pointing and quite frankly acting rather childish. Severus and Draco exchanged Slytherin looks.
"Miss Weasley, I was not finished yet," Fudge said irritably. She halted abruptly, but she was still staring at Ron with wide eyes. He simply shrugged in return. "These four people are also Unspeakables. They are spies." Everyone looked at Ginny, waiting for her response.
"Oh."
"Your mission," Fudge said importantly. "Is to take their reports. You and Bill here will stay up at night, then take turns going home in the morning and sleeping here. One of these four will come to you, almost nightly, and give you a full report of You-Know-Who's latest movements. They all have different jobs."
"I'm a mass Muggle killer," Severus said thoughtfully, as if he were making the term up for himself.
"I'm a thief," Draco grinned devilishly. "And a kidnapper, when duty calls. I'm in the Innercircle."
"I'm a straight out murderer," Rayven said.
"I am too," Ron met his sister's steady gaze with unwavering eyes. "I'm the Innercircle Assassin."
Ginny opened her mouth to try and say something, but no words came out. She managed to make some sort of unintelligible syllable, but her mind couldn't form a response to this extraordinary pronouncement. Ron merely raised his eyebrows challengingly. It was Bill who spoke.
"These four people," Bill said quietly, "Have seen all the Hells of Voldemort. They can tell you things that will give you nightmares for years. They kill and lie and steal, sacrificing their lives and their freedom so they can save that of others. Your job isn't as hard as theirs, but you know when one of them comes in shaking and stuttering that you want nothing more than to hide under your blanket and wish to wake up. You know these people personally, Ginny Weasley. Your teacher, your schoolmate...you brother, for Christ's sake! Can you handle it? Do you accept your mission?"
She looked into each pair of eyes. The deep, never-ending tunnels of Snape, the liquid silver of Draco, the eerie gold of Rayven, and the crystal clear blue of Ron. In each pair of eyes she saw the same demons and ghosts and emptiness. She stuck out her chin, her eyes not leaving those of her brother.
"Yes, Mr. Croaker. I accept."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Needless to say, Ron was in a state of high agitation in the following weeks. The thought of Ginny in the position of a potential murder victim was enough to send him into a panic attack. However, Rayven managed to keep him under control. Draco remained close in touch, and they still went out together. Ron once suggested they invite Ginny, but it was decided all around that this would be too awkward, and that the time they would want to go out was probably when she was sleeping anyway.
August was slipping away, and the Hogwarts students were soon boarding the train. Ron, as he usually did in September, thought about all that had changed since his first time boarding the Hogwarts express. Sensing his pensive mood, Rayven gave him such much-needed alone time. Ron also thought about his wife. It still baffled him: how well she understood him, how she knew just what to do...how much he loved her.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were snuggled up on the sofa watching a sappy movie that Ron had deemed a 'chick flick' one night in mid September when they both leapt up at the same time, pain searing into their arms.
"Damn it!" Rayven swore with feeling. Grabbing their cloaks, they promptly disapparated to Voldemort's lair.
"Ah, there you are," Voldemort said, even though he knew they had arrived in less than ten seconds. "I was just getting impatient."
"My apologies, my Lord," Ron said, bowing. Rayven said nothing. Ron was a higher-ranking Death Eater, so it was his responsibility to do all the talking. "What do you wish?"
"I have an errand," The Dark Lord replied. "I meant to go myself, but I am needed elsewhere."
"Anything you wish, Lord," Ron replied, waiting for his instruction. Voldemort smiled coldly, and Rayven shivered slightly. Luckily, he didn't notice. Her beloved husband was now nothing like the Ron she knew and loved...he was cold and heartless. And a fabulous actor, she reminded herself.
"You, Mr. Weasley, are in my Innercircle as my Assassin," Voldemort said, stating the obvious. "Miss Michaels," Rayven looked up suddenly at the sound of her maiden name. "You would be in the Innercircle too, if I had not already Mr. Weasley's services. Therefore, I believe that for this job I shall send you both."
"As you wish, of course, my Lord," Rayven replied, bowing, since he was obviously still addressing her.
"Good, good... Now, I need the Boots killed," He snapped. "All of them. Tonight." Ron and Rayven bowed in response. "Go," Voldemort hissed, and they obeyed, apparating back to the street outside their flat.
"The Boots?" Rayven asked, raising an eyebrow at Ron.
"Terry Boot," Ron said. "I went to school with him. He married this other girl I knew, Hannah Abbott. Last I heard they just had twins."
"WHAT?!" Rayven shrieked, far too loud for somewhere so public. "Children? We have to kill children?"
"Stop it, Rayven, you're getting hysterical." Ron said sternly. Then, after a brief discussion, they apparated to the Boot residence.
The house was on the edge of a small town, as several indiscreet magical homes were. It was dark and silent. Ron prayed that the family was asleep, but he was not so fortunate. And anyway, as he waited for Rayven to disarm the wards protecting the house, he clicked into Death Eater mode.
It was far to late for the Boots now.
Terry and Hannah Boot were having tea and crumpets when the two dark robed figures came in. By the time they registered the presence of Death Eaters in their home Terry was dead and one of the figures was approaching Hannah. She turned and tried to run up to her two sleeping children. She had joined her husband before she reached the staircase.
"Good job, Rayven," Ron said coldly.
"You too," She nodded toward Terry's body. "Shall we go to the Ministry?" Ron gave her a funny look from under his mask.
"Don't be ridiculous," He said, stepping over Hannah and approaching the stairs. "The jobs not finished yet."
"The children!" Rayven cried, horrified. Ron rolled his eyes.
"If you don't hurry up, the Ministry's going to catch us," He hissed. Gulping, she followed him.
The Boot twins were just over a year old, and sleeping peacefully in identical cribs in the nursery. Ron took one, and motioned for Rayven to take the other. He looked down at the sleeping child with nothing at all in his eyes. His only thought, as he raised his wand, was at least this child would die innocent, unlike him.
"Avada Kedavra,"
The demeanor of the sleeping boy did not change as he was killed. Ron looked only once more at him before turning to collect Rayven and disapparate. However, this plan was altered when he realized the other child was still asleep, and Rayven was staring at him as if her were the Prince of Darkness.
"What is your problem?" Ron asked, annoyed. She just stared. "Rayven, hello!" He snapped. "Why is that child still alive."
"You killed him," She said faintly. He rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, and this one needs to die too!" He approached the crib, and looked down at the other boy the same expressionless way he had at his twin.
"But Ron..." She looked at the sleeping boy, and started to cry. "I can't, Ron, he's so young, so innocent, he didn't do anything!" She cried. At the sight of his wife's tears, Ron's Death Eater mode snapped.
"It's okay," He said, wrapping her into his arms. She sobbed onto his shoulder. "You have to be strong," He whispered, stroking her hair. "You have to be brave."
"I can't," She sobbed. He brought her out where he could see her eyes. He was amazed to find, in the deeps of those gold orbs a great fear and pain. She really couldn't kill this child.
"Go to the Ministry," He said quietly, kissing her forehead. "I'll finish this."
"Thank you," She whispered. She then turned and disappeared. Ron turned back to the child. He had the insane, temporary urge to take the boy and run, but he knew it was impossible. So, this child met the same fate of his twin.
However, Ron realized, this time he was crying.
He controlled himself and apparated to the Ministry building and found Rayven waiting for him.
"I didn't want to go in without you," She said, giving him a wobbly smile. He put an arm around her, and led her upstairs to the office of Bode and Croaker...er...Weasley and Croaker. Ron still hadn't really accepted the fact that his sister was the Unspeakable.
"Ron! Rayven!" She said brightly when they entered. Then she caught the look on Rayven's face. "What's wrong?"
"Get out your notebook," Ron instructed. Bill immediately complied. After making sure he was ready his glance uneasily shifted to his sister.
"Who was it?" She asked, staring him down determinedly.
"The Boots," Ron finally sighed, flopping into a chair.
"The Boots?" Ginny repeated. "As in Terry and Hannah Boot? Don't they have a kid?"
"The DID have twins," Rayven answered.
"They're orphans now," Ginny sighed, sitting down in her own chair. Ron, Bill, and Rayven exchanged looks.
"No," Ron replied. "I killed them too." Ginny looked up at Ron in horror. Suddenly, he lost his temper.
"What is your problem?!" He exclaimed, leaping to his feet. "You wanted this damn job, and this is what you get in it! Jesus, Ginny, did you expect to only half complete my orders and just kill the parents? When I said 'the Boots', I meant ALL of them! And if you think-"
"Ron," Rayven interrupted soothingly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay. She doesn't have your experience."
"Damn right," He snapped. "I'm going home, you fill them in."
"Alright," She said. "Go home and get a cup of tea and you'll feel better, I promise." She smiled. Somehow, seeing her smile made him feel better already. He gave her a quick kiss then apparated away.
"You just kissed my brother," Ginny said stupidly. Rayven raised an eyebrow.
"And...?"
"Nothing," Ginny shook her head. "So, what happened precisely?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Perhaps it was because he was a Death Eater. Perhaps it was because they were so powerful. Perhaps it was because his sister was an Unspeakable. But, more likely, it was to be credited to sheer dumb luck. In any case, the fact remained. Voldemort hadn't touched a member of Ron's family.
But that was all about to change.
He and Rayven were playing chess that evening, about two weeks after the Boot incident. Rayven was magnificent chess player, and had so far beaten Ron twice. However, tonight it was obvious that Ron was going to win. He was triumphantly reaching for his rook when he suddenly convulsed and stood up.
"What is it?" Rayven asked frantically.
"Summons," He replied. Rayven's eyes widened. She grabbed his cloak and tossed it to him. She blinked, and he was gone.
He had, in fact, gone to the clearing Voldemort had summoned him to. He could see the tall outlined form of the Dark Lord, and next to him the pale shadow of one of the Malfoys. He was just getting his bearings when...
"RON!" A raspy voice cried out. Ron looked down to see a red haired man in a torn and ragged robe trying to crawl over to him. "RUN! Save yourself!"
"Percy?" Ron breathed disbelievingly. It was indeed his older brother. However, Ron's immediate desire to cry out had to be bitten down. He was in front of his master. He must show no weakness.
"Run, Ron, he's here! THE DARK LORD IS HERE!"
"Obviously," Voldemort said, sounding sickeningly amused. "Mr. Weasley," He continued, addressing Percy. "I don't believe I've introduced you to my number one assassin, have I?"
Oh God, Ron thought. No, this cannot be happening. THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING TO ME!
"Wh...what?" Percy asked, looking at Voldemort in terror and confusion.
"This is him now. His name is Ron. I believe you have met him before?" Voldemort placed an icy hand on Ron's shoulder. Ron wanted nothing more, at that moment, then to kill Voldemort. However, since this wasn't exactly an option, he was forced to play his part and look coldly down at Percy, who only stared up in horrified disbelief. Ron couldn't take that stare for more than a few moments, so he turned his gaze to the other figure. Luckily, he discovered it to be the younger Malfoy. He saw sympathy in Draco's eyes.
"Well, I believe it is time for the main event. I believe I shall invite a few friends, if it's all the same to you, Mr. Weasley?" Gasping and in obvious pain, Percy couldn't answer. That was fine, Voldemort wasn't expecting one. He left Ron's side (much to Ron's relief) to summon...whomever. Percy was simply staring at his youngest brother. Ron tried to tell him with his eyes that he wasn't really a Death Eater, but Percy saw nothing but a merciless murderer.
Ron tore his eyes away, unable to bear it any longer. He looked up just in time to realize that Voldemort had summoned the eight remaining members of the Innercircle, and that they had taken their places in the circle around him. Voldemort began to address his servants.
"Gentlemen," He said calmly. "I have summoned you here to meet my new guest. Say hello, Mr. Weasley." Percy only stared defiantly at Ron in return. Ron heard the Death Eater next to him, Fred Flemming, snicker, and had to tighten all the muscles in his right arm not to hit him.
"Let the games begin," Voldemort said with one of his terrible smiles. He raised his wand, and Ron braced himself for the worst. He was not disappointed.
"Crucio,"
Percy lay in the middle of the circle, screaming and twisting and calling for help. Voldemort circled around him, continuing to address the Death Eaters as calmly as ever. Ron stared at the scene, and found himself blocking out the sound so effectively that his brother's screams were only dim echoes, and he saw only a blur of color. Everything seemed so surreal. He wondered what Voldemort was talking about. He imagined, for a moment Voldemort's babbling...
"Now everyone, don't forget about our bake sale next Saturday. Everyone is to bring in something, and don't forget, there will be prizes for the best! Fun and games all day, and with any luck, we'll earn enough for that trip to the zoo we've been discussing. Lucius, I'm counting on my favorite peanut butter brownies!"
Or not.
Ron was jerked back into reality by the ceasing of his brother's screams. Voldemort had lifted the spell. Ron was too late to realize that he was looking away, instead of directly at Percy as the other Death Eaters were.
"Ron," Voldemort hissed, and Ron nearly jumped at hearing the Dark Lord address him in such a familiar matter. "Why do you not watch? Does the sight of your brother's pain...disturb you?"
"Of course not, my lord," Ron answered, raising his chin proudly. "It hurts my honor deeply, to see one of my own flesh deny your power."
"Ah," Voldemort replied, seeming satisfied. "Then, with my assassin out of order, whom shall I give the honors to?" Ron nearly let out a breath of relief. He obviously said the right thing. Voldemort was going to make him kill his own brother!
"Draco Malfoy," Voldemort said suddenly, and Draco looked up. "Pull out your wand," The Dark Lord instructed. Draco obeyed. "I give you the honors." Voldemort swept out of Draco's way, leaving him free to kill Percy. Draco looked up across the circle, and met Ron's eyes.
Ron read the silver orbs as plain as day. Draco was asking him permission.
Ron looked from Draco down to Percy, who was shaking at his feet, and then to Voldemort, who looked amused. It was obvious Voldemort knew exactly what was going on. Ron looked again at Draco, Percy, and the Dark Lord. Percy's eyes were begging for mercy, Draco's seemed to be almost saying aloud 'We can take him and run! We can get away!' But Ron knew that wasn't possible. He looked, once again, at Percy. His brother met his eyes, identical pairs of crystal blue orbs peered into each other, and then Ron did the hardest thing he had ever done before.
One simple nod of his head was all it took.
"Avada Kedavra,"
Percy's body simply sagged into a pitiful position on the ground. Ron's shoulder's sagged, but he forced his head upright. He was staring straight forward, but he couldn't make anything out around the black spots of rage and guilt flitting in front of him.
Ron was dimly aware of being dismissed, and apparated without thinking about it. The emotions surging through were making his magic even stronger than usual. He had to take several breaths of clean, wholesome air from the front of the Ministry building before he could even think of going inside.
"Hey, Ron, are you okay?" Draco's voice pierced into his thoughts, and as Ron turned to him the spots receded somewhat. He sighed.
"I'm fine, Draco," He replied.
"Can you walk?" Draco asked, sounding unconvinced.
"Of course I can walk!" Ron snapped. However, when he went to take a step to demonstrate this point, he discovered his legs were like jelly and were not supporting him. Draco caught his arm.
"Sure," He said sarcastically. "You can walk just fine."
"Shut up, Malfoy," Ron snapped, but allowed Draco to help him up to the office Ginny and Bill occupied. Oh God, Ron thought, Ginny. I'm going to have to tell Ginny that I...
They reached the door, and Ron gulped down his thoughts as Draco pushed open the door. For a moment, they glimpsed the scene as it was before they interrupted it. Instead of talking or playing cards like they usually did, Bill was reading the paper, and Ginny was biting her lip as she pursued an upside-down book. Tension was palpable in the air. As soon as she heard the door, however, Ginny's head snapped up. She flew to her brother.
"Ron!" She cried, flinging herself at him so frantically she didn't even realize the look he had on his face, or the fact that he was supported by Draco. "I've been trying to get a hold of you! It's Percy, he went missing, and-" She suddenly stopped in mid-sentence, after getting a good look at her brother's face. "Ron, what's wrong?"
Ron tried to answer her. He really, really did. But words...words failed him. He opened his mouth, but nothing came. He merely sunk to the floor, landing in a heap while staring at the ground. The black spots were getting worse, and they were now blurred with tears. Bill stood up in alarm.
"Take him into the bedroom," He instructed Draco. The other nodded, helping Ron to his feet.
"No," Ron protested feebly. "I have to...Ginny..."
"I'll do the talking," Draco said firmly, practically shoving Ron into the room. He landed on the bed with a soft flump. "I'll send Ginny in in a moment."
"But-" Ron started, but he had nothing left. By this point he was practically blind, so he just let himself fall over onto the pillow. Draco shut the door, and turned to find the other Weasley looking right through him.
"He's dead," She said dully. "Percy's dead, isn't he?"
"I would use the phrase 'put him out of his misery' myself," Draco replied, avoiding her eye. His mind traveled back to seventh year...
"Oh whatever!" She snapped. "I can't believe you could just stand there and watch him die. And Ron too, couldn't he-"
"Get himself killed and endanger the entire mission?" Draco snapped. "Well, I suppose he could have."
"You know that's not what I meant," Ginny said quietly.
"Yeah, but that's what you were saying!" He yelled back, very impatient. "Jesus Ginny, didn't you see the look on his face? He loved his brother, and would've died to save him if he thought it would've done any good. Why can't you understand that? You're the only one who can, Ginny, the rest of his family could never..." He realized he was ranting, took a deep breath, and composed himself. "I just think you should try," He said. "To understand with it was like for him. Try to get out of your own goddamned world long enough to think about someone else! Ginny, if you would only listen-"
He was really losing it now. His mind was no longer in the office with Bill, nor was he yelling for Ron's sake. His mind was whirring backward through time, landing him an empty classroom over a two years ago, to a very similar argument with Ginny...
"DRACO!" She interrupted, and he stopped short. The world around him suddenly came into focus, and he nearly blushed.
"Just, go talk to him, alright?" He mumbled. She nodded, and approached the closed door. Then, taking a deep breath, she marched inside. Draco got a glimpse of Ron raising his head and saying his sister's name before the door closed behind them.
"So, I'm taking it this has something to do with their brother?" Bill asked. Draco jumped, he had nearly forgotten Bill was there. He nodded, and sat down to tell the story.
Draco had needed to steal a document from the Department of Magical Cooperation, which Percy had been the head of. Unfortunately, Percy had been there when Draco had arrived, so Draco had been forced to take the Weasley as well as the document. Voldemort had tortured him, for entertainment as much as for information, for hours before Ron arrived. And then, of course, Draco had killed him. Bill whistled as he finished his notes with a flourish.
"Sounds like a pretty soap opera to me," He said.
"I agree," Draco replied nodding. At that moment, Ginny and Ron emerged from the room. Ginny's face was tearstained, but not as grief worn as Ron's. However, Ron could walk, so that was a good sign. He looked around the room, and then said his goodbyes and disapparated. Bill muttered something about turning in his report and discreetly disappeared. In next to no time, Draco found himself alone with Ginny. An uncomfortable silence fell on them. Draco decided it was his responsibility to break the ice.
"Are you going to be okay?" He asked. She took a shuddering breath, but when she spoke, her voice was steady.
"Yes, Draco. I'll be fine."
"Because, if you're not, you know..." What the hell was he saying? Luckily he didn't have to find out.
"No, no, I'm really fine," She insisted. "I think Percy would've wanted to die nobly anyway."
"Gryffindors are rather fond of it, I hear," Draco smiled. She smiled sadly back at him.
"We are, aren't we?" She asked absently. Then she sighed. "Draco-"
"I know," He interrupted. "I'm going home now. If you need something, owl."
"Thank you," She whispered. Draco couldn't find anything to say, so he apparated back to the manor without saying anything.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next morning at sunrise found seven Weasleys along with the Potters in the living room of the Burrow. They had been told.
Percy Weasley was dead.
It was hard to swallow. Mrs. Weasley was crying on her husbands shoulder. Charlie was making tea and Bill was staring into the fire. Fred and George were just sitting there, staring into space. Harry was holding his very pregnant wife as she cried (she was over emotional enough without death of close friends), too shocked to move himself. They were all glad to be snapped out of their respective trances at the sound of the door opening. They snapped their heads to see Ginny walk in, with Ron behind her. Everyone else in the room exchanged looks. How were they going to tell them?
"Ginny-" Charlie began, but she held up a hand to silence him.
"We know," She said. "Both of us." She gestured to Ron. Harry's eyes widened at the sight of his friend. He looked thinner than he could ever remember, his pale skin under his freckles, and tired, grieving eyes.
"Oh dears!" Mrs. Weasley cried, pulling her two youngest children into an embrace. Ginny hugged her mother back, but Ron didn't even seem to notice. He was staring around the room with a pained expression on his face. Harry immediately got worried.
"Take a seat you two," Mr. Weasley said, gesturing to the empty sofa, his voice strangely hoarse. Ron and Ginny obeyed without question. After a while longer of just sitting, staring, and remembering, Bill spoke.
"We'll have to start arranging the funeral and-"
"Done," Ron interrupted. Harry started, it was the first time he had spoken.
"Done?" Mr. Weasley repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"I made all the arrangements before I came, it's all paid for and taken care of," Ron said smoothly. "Ginny and I were aware of the situation since very early this morning. I brought along all the information." He handed his father a sheet of paper. Mr. Weasley stared at it in disbelief. As he surveyed it, his eyes got even bigger.
"Ron..." He spluttered. "This...this was almost two thousand galleons..."
"It's all covered, Dad," Ron insisted, blushing as his family stared.
"Where in Heaven's name did you come up with two thousand galleons?" Mrs. Weasley asked faintly. Ron just went redder.
"I've just been saving," He answered elusively. "I really must go home, I'm dead tired. I just came to give you the information. Goodbye," And with that, he apparated away.
Rayven was waiting for him, with a cup of hot tea. He had stopped at home last night only long enough to explain what had happened before whisking off to take care of the funeral. He didn't want his family to pay for it. However, she wanted nothing more than for him to go to bed. She knew that was what he wanted as well.
When he did open the door and stumble in, she was at his side. Almost immediately she was in his arms.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"Yeah," He replied.
"You know, you're a terrible liar," She remarked, making it sound light hearted. He smiled down at her.
"I know," He took the tea she had waiting for him. "Thank you,"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Percy's funeral was very depressing. Rayven didn't go, even though it was her brother in law who died. It wasn't like Percy knew Ron was married. Ron went, of course, and came back looking horrible. Rayven tried to cheer him up, but it took a couple weeks to get him anywhere near back to normal. It didn't help that the whole time Rayven was keeping something from him.
October came, and Ron knew that at Hogwarts people were preparing for the Halloween feast like crazy. He and Rayven were also preparing, making jack-o-lanterns and buying black and orange candles. They were still obvious newlyweds, if any of Ron's family had bothered to observe them. In each other's presence they were all smiles and giggles, as they were that particular afternoon of decorating.
They were debating about where to hang the fake cobwebs when they heard a knock on the door. Rayven answered it, and found Ginny Weasley standing on the other side.
"Why hello Ginny," Rayven said rather startled. Ron had followed his wife to the door.
"Ron, come quick!" Ginny gasped as if she had been running.
"What's wrong?" He cried, immediately assuming the worst as he grabbed his cloak.
"It's Hermione," Ginny gasped. "She's gone into labor!"
"Oh," Ron said, somewhat stupidly. He had nearly forgotten about the baby.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Rayven demanded. "GO!" She practically shoved Ron and his cloak out the door, and Ron apparated with Ginny to the parking lot of St. Mungo's.
Ginny never realized that Rayven was living with Ron.
"This way!" She cried, leading him up a flight of stairs, which Ron took three at a time. However, when he got there he could only wait. He wasn't ABOUT to go into the delivery room, godchild or no. The rest of his family was out there as well, except for Ginny (the baby's future godmother) who was inside with Harry and Hermione. It was hours before a nurse finally came out.
"Mrs. Potter's baby is in perfect health, and so is she," The nurse smiled. The entire room seemed to sigh with relief. "You can go inside now." Ron was the first person in. He found Hermione asleep in bed, looking exhausted but happy. Harry was beyond happy, he was delirious. In his arms was a tiny bundle. Ginny was looking at the baby over Harry's shoulder.
"Harry!" Ron said as he entered. Harry looked up, his face glowing.
"Isn't he beautiful?" Harry asked. Ron approached and looked down at his godson for the first time. He was indeed a very handsome baby. The tiny tufts of hair were dark brown, a combination of his parents' locks, and when the baby opened it's eyes, Ron discovered they were already turning from baby blue to the emerald green of his father's.
"Yeah," Ron replied quietly. Harry let Ron hold his godson. It wasn't entirely paternal prejudice; the child really was beautiful. Ron wondered what it would be like to be a father. He closed his eyes and imagined for a brief moment that it was his child he was holding, and that it was Rayven who was sleeping peacefully next to him. He had no idea what it would be like, but in any case he envied Harry.
His family snapped him out of him reverie, so Ron passed the baby around. Ginny, the child's godmother, was next, and she looked absolutely entranced by the child. Harry was beaming proudly.
And that was how the first child of Harry and Hermione Potter came into the world, at 7:52 PM on October 21. He was named James Edward, after his grandfather.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry Potter was a very happy man. He was married to the most wonderful woman in the world (in his opinion), had the best son in the world (in his opinion) and the best job in the world (in his opinion). Yes, life was definitely good for Harry Potter.
He was whistling as he walked down the corridors of the Auror HQ, an inconspicuous little building in the suburbs of London. He had just returned from a week off at home with Hermione and James. He had been handing out cigars to everyone he knew, and showing everyone pictures of baby James. He was annoying some of the more Percy-ish characters in the building, but most shared in his joy, as well as the cigars, of course. Needless to say, with all the interruptions for talking and smoking, he was, technically, late for work. His boss, Ben Miner, didn't say anything. He let Harry get away with anything, always wondering how he snagged the Boy Who Lived.
Of course, he wouldn't be going anywhere dangerous anytime soon (Miner was a good man, and understood the family needs of his staff), so he had resigned himself to a full day of paperwork. However, he didn't mind. It gave him a chance to talk to everyone there, get the latest gossip, and show off pictures of James.
There were four men and three women under Miner's command, including Harry. Ned Fickles was the newest member, a Hufflepuff fresh out of Hogwarts. He had replaced the sad loss of Terry Boot, who had been one of the Ministry's best men. The six remaining members and Fickles had sworn to track down Terry's murderer and see him to justice. But at the moment, Harry managed to push such morbid things out of his mind. The familiar faces of Seamus Finnigan, Neville Longbottom, Gary Mammoth, Lavender Brown, and Katie Bell-Wood greeted him with smiles and congratulations. After the usual compliments, inquiries on health, and pictures of James had been passed around, talk turned to other things.
"So, where are Jenny and Ned?" He asked casually. Jennifer Malian was the other member of their group, but she was obviously absent today.
"They're off on the Ring-round assignment," Neville said, waving the question away. "Nothing serious, a typical raid. Miner's just trying to give poor Ned some experience I think.
"Poor bloke is rather frightened of us," Gary remarked laughingly. "He was stuttering the first time he was told he'd be working with Harry Potter." Harry flushed red.
"Don't we have anything productive to talk about?" He snapped.
"I do," A soft voice said. Harry jumped, realizing it had been Lavender. She had been uncharacteristically silent, he suddenly noticed with a frown.
"What is it?" Seamus, asked in concern. He had a good right to be, as he and Lavender were engaged to be married in December.
"It's...well, it's nothing really," She flushed, seeming really embarrassed. "It's just these rumors I've been hearing lately."
"Rumors?" Katie asked, raising an eyebrow. "Out with it, Lavender, rumors about what?"
"Parvati," She suddenly burst out. "There's all these rumors that the Death Eaters are going to kill Parvati." Silence followed this remarkable statement.
"I...I'm sure it's just a rumor," Harry finally managed to say.
"I know," Lavender sighed. "I am being rather silly, aren't I? It's just this feeling..."
"Everything will be fine, Lav, I'm sure of it," Seamus said, putting an arm around her shoulder. With that, the lot realized how late it was and how angry Miner would be if he came back to find them gossiping, and went to work.
However, just before lunch, Harry felt the need to have a chat with his boss.
"Ah, Mr. Potter," Miner greeted him warmly. "How is your wife? And the baby?" They exchanged the usual pleasantries before Harry actually got around to the subject he had been meaning to discuss.
"Mr. Miner," He said, shuffling his feet somewhat nervously. "Rumors have been flying about an attack."
"Oh?" His boss replied.
"Yeah, uh..." Harry realized how stupid this sounded, but plunged ahead anyway. "They say Parvati Patil is next."
"Really, and who exactly is 'they', Mr. Potter?"
"Well, sir-" Miner cut him off with a sigh.
"I know you have the best of intentions," His boss said. "But I cannot occupy my best men on the basis of a little office rumor." He smiled, as if explaining this to a very small child. "It may only be a distraction, just to put you elsewhere instead of where you will be needed."
"Of course, sir," Harry replied, feeling foolish. "I understand."
"Very well. Say hello to Hermione for me," And with that discussion ended.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Voldemort had taken to sending Ron and Rayven on mutual missions. Their last four jobs had been together, not including the Boots. So, they were not at all surprised when they were both summoned the night before Halloween. Their cloaked persons going to meet their Dark Master in the light of the full moon for evil purposes was a very fitting setting.
"I shall not keep you long," Voldemort hissed, not even looking up when the two Death Eaters approached and bowed. "I need Parvati Patil dead by midnight."
"Yes, my Lord," They replied, and went off to do his bidding. Afterward they went home, got out the champagne, toasted to Halloween, and went to bed.
Lavender, Seamus, and Harry were the first on the seen. Benjamin Miner was wrong about little office rumors.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Mr. Miner?" Harry said, walking into his boss's office timidly.
"Mr. Potter," Miner smiled. "How nice to see you. And how is Hermione?"
"She's fine," He replied, not in the mood for pleasantries. The mood in the office had been tense since Parvati's death a week before. Lavender had called in sick everyday, and all seven of them were feeling terribly guilty. "I wanted to talk to you about Dean and Angelina Thomas."
"What about them?" His boss inquired.
"Rumors," Harry said shortly. "Supposedly they're next." Miner sighed.
"Mr. Potter-"
"I know!" Harry interrupted fiercely. "I know, they're only rumors. But look at what happened to Parvati-"
"Unhappy coincidence," The man said smoothly. "Unfortunate, of course-"
"Maybe," Harry said, rising to his full height and lifting his chin proudly. "But her death could've been prevented. And I don't want to have the death of the Thomas's as well as Parvati on my mind, do you?"
Miner sighed. "Potter-"
"It's just a precaution," Harry persisted. "What harm can it do?" He met Miner's eyes, and it was Miner who broke the gaze.
"Alright, Mr. Potter. Take whoever wants to go, but no more than three. Tonight, I'm assuming?"
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir," Harry said, feeling very relieved. For his companions he chose Seamus, Lavender, and Neville.
He had not forgotten his family. He sent an owl off to Ron, telling him that he wanted to perform the Fidelius Charm in three days' time.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
'This is really getting old,' Ron thought to himself as he and Rayven apparated to the entrance to Voldemort's underground lair. He was waiting for them outside, however, which could probably be credited as a good thing.
"What is it that you wish, my Lord?" Ron asked, as he and Rayven bowed. He looked down at them.
"This is very important, Weasley, so listen closely." The Dark Lord said slowly. "The Thomas's have become very powerful. Very powerful, and they are using it against me. However, they are not more powerful than me. Or than you," He added as an afterthought. If Ron had had the audacity to roll his eyes, he would have. "So, I think it would be best to eliminate them. It is entirely necessary that it is done quickly. I want it done tonight. It will be difficult, they are well protected, that is why I am sending Miss Michaels with you."
"As you wish, my Lord," Ron replied, bowing again. He was really wondering why Voldemort was feeling so verbose tonight.
"Go," He instructed pointing toward the forest. Dramatic, but totally inappropriate. The forest was on the east, while the Thomas home was south of their location. However, Ron decided it probably not be a good idea to point this out. Within seconds, he was on the street the Thomas's lived on, in full Death Eater regalia.
Rayven waved her wand and started chanting, and Ron looked around nervously. He had an uneasy feeling that he was being watched and he didn't like it one bit.
However, Rayven got them in the house without incident. It appeared the couple was comfortably sleeping in their bedroom upstairs. However, Ron could not shake off your forebodings.
"Stay here," He instructed.
"What?" She hissed. "Why?"
"Just...as a look out, okay?" He asked, fidgeting. She rolled her eyes, but complied anyway. Feeling only slightly more at ease, he took the stairs to at a time to the master bedroom.
His mind was now fixed on murder.
The door creaked slightly as it gave way for Ron. Dean and Angelina were sleeping peacefully. Ron genuinely hoped they'd stay that way, it would make his job much easier. However, you don't always get what you wish for. He was standing over the bed and only just beginning to raise his wand, when Angelina, who had always been a light sleeper, sat up. No matter, she was gawking too much at the Death Eater in her room to fight back or rouse Dean in time. He opened his mouth to speak, but he was interrupted by a high pitch scream.
Rayven.
By this time, Angelina had woken Dean and grabbed her wand. However, her shouted curses did nothing. Ron was sprinting down the stairs, his heart pounding in his throat and rushing through his ears. Why did he leave her alone, why, why, WHY?!
Even a full sprint, he was too late. He reached the doorway just in time to see Rayven surrounded by three Ministry officials before they all disapparated. Ron put his head in his arm, breathing heavily, and disapparated.
It wasn't until he got home that he realized he had been crying.
Back at the Auror HQ, Miner was apologizing to Harry. It was then that Harry was waiting for the Death Eater's identity to be revealed. He was in a murderous rage, and was dying for the opportunity to question the Death Eater. He, or she, he supposed, refused to answer anything, but Harry had expected that. It didn't matter, all apprehended Death Eaters were put under veritaserum.
Imagine Harry's surprise when the Death Eater turned out to be none other than Rayven Michaels, who had been at his wedding, kissing Ron. Imagine Harry's further surprise when orders came from Cornelius Fudge himself forbidding the use of veritaserum on Rayven Michaels. She was sent to Azkaban at three that morning. Without trial, of course.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ron was miserable. There was really no other word for it. Rayven, his wonderful, kind, sweet Rayven, was in prison. Locked up in Azkaban, all alone.
And it was all his fault.
He took small comfort in the fact that dementors, who had deserted it for Voldemort long ago, no longer guarded the prison. However, there was little chance of her escape, as the magic surrounding the fortress was very powerful. Not to mention she would undoubtedly be a top security prisoner, under constant supervision and with powerful spells especially for her.
The day passed slowly, painfully. The weather seemed to fit his mood splendidly, rainy and gloomy, without a hint of the sun all day. How could he go through everyday like this, without her? Eating breakfast without her, washing the dishes without her, folding laundry, putting away remaining Halloween decorations...Hell, just being in the flat without her! It was torture, torture of the highest degree for Ronald Weasley.
Ron had completely forgotten about Voldemort. However, when he felt that familiar pain in his left arm, he got the distinct feeling that it wasn't to have tea and gossip about Lucius Malfoy's latest haircut.
It was dark, and pouring when he apparated to the entrance to Voldemort's lair. However, Ron would've preferred an eternity in the freezing November rain than ten minutes down in that cave. However, not having much choice, he went inside. He quickly found his Master.
He was right. They weren't going to have tea and discuss Lucius's hair-do.
"You have failed me," The Dark Lord hissed as soon as Ron entered the room.
"My Lord, I-"
"And not only did I fail you, but you have handed one of my best servants to the aurors!" Voldemort exclaimed, and Ron flinched. This was not good. Definitely not good.
"My Lord, if you would allow me to explain-"
"There is no explanation for this!" The Dark Lord interrupted, and Ron had to admit there was not. "Why you couldn't follow my orders, or at least retain custody of Michaels! But no, you let both things go." He fingered his wand. "If I didn't know better, Weasley, I would think you rather...fancied Miss Michaels."
"I...I..." Ron stuttered.
"You do? How touching," Voldemort sneered. "She is too good for you, Weasley. Perhaps you need a reminder of where you stand..." Voldemort pointed his wand at Ron, who felt his eyes widen with fear.
"Crucio,"
The pain seemed even stronger than he remembered. He fell, screaming and crying and begging for mercy. Voldemort did not grant it. He just stared down at his failed servant, a mad glint in his snake-like eyes. Ron began counting the minutes. One...two...
Maybe I should just give up, he thought to himself. Just stop fighting the pain and die. No! No, I cannot leave Rayven. He forced the image of her into his mind, and the pain seemed to dull.
Fourteen...fifteen...sixteen...
Ron had been released from the curse for several minutes before he got his bearings. Voldemort had disappeared, leaving him alone on the hard stone floor. Looking around, he knew he had to leave or he would die. There was no doubt in his mind of that. So, closing his eyes, he screwed up the last bit of magical energy in him, and apparated to the only place he could think of.
It was pouring worse than ever. Thunder crashed above him. In a flash of lightening, he caught a glimpse of the house. He crawled through the mud, trying to reach the door. His mind was in pieces, and he wasn't even entirely sure where he had apparated to, but he didn't care either. Every breath, every movement, was agony. Finally, he made it through the yard. Somehow, he managed to lift his hand high enough to pound on the door. Nothing happened. He had just resigned himself to do it again, when the door was flung open.
"Help," Ron moaned, his voice rasping.
"Ron?!" The woman cried, helping him inside. He grunted. His vision was failing, but he put together his senses and finally realized who the woman was.
Hermione Potter.
This was probably not good, but Ron was not in the frame of mind to realize it. She pulled him in out of the rain, practically in hysterics.
"Oh my God, what happened?" She cried. "Harry? HARRY!"
"What?" Harry came bounding down the stairs. He saw immediately 'what' when he spotted his best friend, smeared with mud and blood, lying on his living room floor. "Jesus," He breathed, leaping down the stairs, and lifting Ron up onto the couch. This position made the bruises covering his face more obvious, as well as his torn robe, and the fact that his chest and arms covered with wounds and mud.
"What the hell happened?" Harry demanded. "It looks like he's been beaten!"
"No," Hermione said, her eyes widening. "It's magically induced. I think it's the Cruciatus."
"WHAT?!" Harry cried. "But who..."
"I don't know who, Harry, but he's going to die if we don't help him." She had been examining Ron's legs, which were also heavily bruised. "He was under for a long time."
"No," Ron gasped. "I have to...I must..."
"Don't talk," Hermione soothed, pushing back his hair before turning back to her husband. "He needs professional help. In the meantime, I think I know a potion that will help. Go to the kitchen and get a cauldron, ashwinder scales, essence of belladonna, kingsfoil, violet petals, and fairy wings," Harry nodded, and hurried into the kitchen as Hermione turned back to help Ron.
The most serious wound was in his right arm. It was bleeding copiously. She quickly tore the left arm of his robe off, as it was the only fabric still intact, and wrapped it up. She leaned over to investigate his left arm.
"No..." He protested meekly. "Don't..." But at that moment, he fainted. The pain and shock to his body was obviously too much. Hermione was glad, she didn't want him to feel the pain. She went back to his left arm. Nothing too bad. She turned it over and...
Let out a blood-curdling scream.
She quickly dropped Ron's hand, stumbling backward blindly. "HARRY!" She screamed, half in tears. She nearly ran into him as he came running through the doorway, his eyes raking the room.
"What? WHAT?!" He cried, almost shaking his hysterical wife.
"His arm...Harry, his arm..." She wept, burying her head into his shoulder. He removed her, firmly but gently, and strode over to Ron's limp body. Lying in plain view was his left arm. And on it, smiling up at Harry, was his worse nightmare.
The Dark Mark.