Title: The Sides of Fear (21/?)
Author: Azeroth
Author E-mail: mrlindberg3h@yahoo.com
Category: Mystery, Drama, Action/Adventure, Romance
Keywords: Harry, Ginny, Voldemort, Chalice
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: For all four books
Summary: Harry begins his fifth year at Hogwarts with a female Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, feelings of guilt for Cedric Diggory's death, and looking for someone to share his emotions with. Voldemort has steadily begun to build his reign of terror as a sense of urgency and vigilance goes through Hogwarts and the rest of the wizarding world.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

The Sides of Fear

Chapter 21
Leaving

Ron was sitting in the living room eating one of his chocolate frogs he had received for Christmas. He was enjoying beating his older brother Charlie at chess. If there was one thing Ron was good at it was wizard's chess. Charlie was chewing on his lip desperately trying to figure out a way to turn the tide, but Ron already knew what his brother would do, and sure enough Charlie moved his bishop into the jaws of Ron's knight. With a loud yell of triumph the knight swung his sword and demolished Charlie's bishop. Finally judging there was no way out Charlie conceded defeat gracefully.

Fred and George were busy trying to get Penelope to try some of their latest inventions, and to their surprise she actually tried one of their toffees which made her nose grow two inches. It was all in good fun and Penelope laughed with the twins even though Percy was not amused at all. Mrs. Weasley was still in the kitchen and Bill was having a conversation with Mr. Weasley most likely concerning the dispute with Percy.

Ginny had been watching Ron and Charlie play, but had quickly lost interest as Charlie made some early mistakes. She did not feel like having anything to do with the twins and their mischief so she decided to go sit with Bill and her father. It had been almost an hour since Harry left and she was trying her best not to think about him anymore. There was no hope for her anymore, so she might as well stop dreaming and face reality. She slumped down next to Bill who ruffled her hair playfully.

"Bill, you know how Percy is about the Ministry," said Mr. Weasley, "and there's nothing we can do about it. He has to make up his own mind, and he'll do the right thing."

"But Dad, that's not the point. What I'm trying to say..."

"Bill, let's not talk about it anymore tonight," interrupted Mr. Weasley getting up from his chair. "I'm going to go help out your mother in the kitchen."

"Oh sure, just so the two of you can have some time...alone," winked Bill. Mr. Weasley turned a bit pink.

"Young man, if you don't watch it I'll have you doing dishes for years to come," said Mr. Weasley trying to sound stern. "Now you sit here and behave. Talk to your little sister for a while. I'm sure you can find something interesting to talk about. Now, if you will excuse me, I have somewhere to go."

Mr. Weasley walked through the kitchen doorway and Bill turned to Ginny who was trying to hold back her laughter. When they locked eyes they could not hold it in and they let it all out. Everyone was too busy to notice the two of them laughing. That was, except for Percy.

"What are you two laughing about?" he huffed, likely thinking he was the one being made fun of.

"Nothing Perce. You wouldn't understand. This joke is for mature witches and wizards only," said Bill jokingly. Percy did not find it funny at all.

"Maybe you should go to St. Mungo's since you're laughing at nothing and having delusions about You-Know-Who," replied Percy snidely.

Bill rose out of his seat so violently that the table and chair toppled over.

"Now you listen to me little brother," he yelled. "You might have gotten more N.E.W.T.s than anyone else in the family, but all your knowledge won't help you now. I never thought I'd say this to you of all people, but you're bloody stupid Perce. If you'd get your head out of your arse you might actually see what's going on out there. Not that you'd understand anyway." Bill was livid and Percy looked like he was going to explode.

"How eloquently put older brother," snapped Percy.

"Oh just shut up will you? I wasn't going to bring it up again, but since you think it's important to be childish then that's fine with me. I'm going outside for a while. Maybe then you'll leave me alone with your delusion that Voldemort isn't alive and killing people," Bill yelled clutching something in his pocket.

Bill shoved past Percy giving him an extra hard push which only fueled Percy's anger.

"St. Mungo's I tell you!" patronized Percy.

Bill whirled around and it looked like he was going to knock Percy out, but instead he turned to Penelope who was staring the two of them. "I'm sorry you had to see this Penelope. You're a very nice girl and I'm glad that you came here. But I don't think my brother deserves you. He's a stupid git who has turned into a lackey of Voldemort himself. I'd watch out if I were you."

With that Bill swung around and walked out the door leaving a fuming Percy and a stunned room.

"Now who's being childish?"

"Shut it Percy. Bill's right you know."

"Oh come one George. You can't possibly believe..."

"Harry and Dumbledore said it was true."

Percy frowned then said, "Well, Dumbledore has always done things his way, and as far as Harry goes he was under a lot of stress at the end of the Triwizard Tournament and he was probably hallucinating."

"Are you calling Harry a liar?" growled Ron.

"Not necessarily. He probably said what he thought he saw."

"Bill's right. You are a stupid git. Now shut up before you get yourself into more trouble than you bargained for," warned Ron, getting a nod from the twins.

"Hmph. If that's how it's going to be then I think it's time we said goodnight." Percy turned to Penelope. "Let's go Penny. We're not welcome here anymore."

"Penelope is always welcome. She's not the one who's acting like a sodding fool," said Ron, "you are."

Percy pulled Penelope, who was trying to tell everyone how nice it had been to spend Christmas with them, out of the living room to say goodbye to his parents. When the door was slammed shut signaling the departure of the couple Ron turned to Fred.

"Can you believe what he just said? Harry wouldn't lie. Why would he? It's not like he likes to watch people die in front of him. All that Ministry power has gone to his head I tell you."

"It's not like Percy to say things like that though. I mean, he is a stickler for rules and regulations, but fighting over them isn't the way he used to do it."

"He's changed Fred. He's just...different," said George. "Sometimes I wish he was still going on with cauldron bottoms instead of this."

Ginny did not want to spend the rest of the evening listening to her brothers hash over the argument so she slipped out of the room and out the door.

***

The wind had died down and the moon was giving Ginny a helping hand trying to find Bill. She had a good guess as of where she would find him, and the tracks in the snow led her to an old oak tree. Bill was sitting on his coat leaning against the tree, looking out over the lake. This was the tree that Bill had taught Ginny how to climb trees. He had always been there to teach her, and most of all help her escape the torment of the twins. At least until he had left for Egypt. It had been one of the worst days in her life seeing her brother leave her alone with the rest. Luckily for her Ron had taken it upon himself to help her out with the twins, although he had been in on some of the pranks they pulled on her.

She walked up to the tree and Bill scooted over without even looking up to see who it was. He knew it was Ginny, and she settled down next to him pulling her knees up to her chest. He saw her shiver and he put his arm around her letting her head rest on him. They sat there in silence reliving the past.

"He didn't mean it," said Ginny, breaking the silence. Bill sighed.

"I don't know. Things are just...different. It just makes me furious to think that my own brother doesn't believe in what Voldemort has done to me...people," corrected Bill. Ginny saw his hand go into his pocket again.

"When did you start saying his name?" she asked bluntly.

"It was right after..." he paused seeming to contemplate whether or not to continue. "Ginny, you have to promise me you won't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you. I haven't even told Mum or Dad. Do you promise?"

"I promise," said Ginny feeling Bill's heart beating a bit faster.

Bill pulled something out of his pocket and when he opened his hand Ginny saw a beautiful gold ring with a shining ruby. The carvings looked like hieroglyphs and they adorned the outside of the ring.

"This," sighed Bill, "was Mirat's ring. I gave it to her when I proposed to her." Ginny gasped.

"Wh-what?"

"I asked a girl I was working with to marry me. Like I said, Mum and Dad don't know about it and that's the way I'd like to keep it."

"But why? What happened?"

"Right after she had accepted she was attacked and killed by Death Eaters. She didn't stand a chance. They tortured her until the Killing Curse must have been a relief to her. When we found her she...she had been...burned so badly that we had to...to..." Bill choked on the words as his eyes were filled with tears. "It was horrible Ginny. She...it was so terrible that I can't even bring myself to describe it." He took a deep breath before continuing. "That's why I was so upset with what Percy was trying to say. Voldemort is out there murdering innocent people and thanks to the Ministry they knew where to find Mirat."

Instead of trying to say something Ginny just hugged her brother who was grasping the ring in his hand so hard that his knuckles were turning white.

"It's far worse than people think. If we don't stand united we'll lose and Voldemort will once again ascend to power. We have to stay strong."

"Is that why you're back?"

"I can't tell you Ginny. I'm sorry."

"It's all right Bill. I understand. Believe me, I know all about secrets," she said, shuddering as she remembered her first year at Hogwarts and her encounter with Voldemort.

"I know what happened in the Chamber," said Bill, making Ginny's eyes go wide.

"But...how?"

"I have my sources. Dad's not the only one with high sources, you know," smiled Bill. "Is that why you had those nightmares during the summer?"

"Who told you about that?"

"Mum."

Ginny hesitated for a moment, but thought it would be futile to deny anything as Bill seemed to know a lot more than anyone else.

"Yes, they were nightmares from the Chamber. Most of the time I end up watching Tom kill Harry. Sometimes...I see myself dying." She could feel a tear forming and running down her cheek. "Pretty silly of me really. Sitting here crying about dreams. They don't come true anyway. Besides, I was so stupid to let a book get control of me. I was weak."

"Ginny, you're a lot stronger than you think. Remember that you're one of the few people who have lived through an encounter with Voldemort. Remember that. It'll help you in the future knowing that you can make it. Whatever happens, remember to take care of Mum and Dad. I know I can count on everyone else, but you're the strongest of all of us." Ginny looked stunned. "I just hope Percy opens his eyes to the truth and stops hiding behind the Ministry and Fudge before it's too late."

Silence fell as they sat by the tree looking at the stars. Sometimes nature made things simple. Life however, did not seem quite as simple.

***

Bill had left for Diagon Alley later that night and as Boxing Day rolled around Ron was stumbling downstairs for breakfast. Entering the kitchen he could see his mother frying up eggs for the whole clan. He sat down next to his father who was drinking a cup of tea while fiddling around with a battery and a small light bulb. When he managed to use the connectors the bulb lit up much to his amusement. All of a sudden there was a knock on the door and Mr. Weasley got up to see who it could be. He returned with a tall, rough-looking man by his side.

"Molly, this is Byron Kelman, an Auror. He's a friend of mine you might say."

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Kelman," said Mrs. Weasley. "Would you like something to eat?"

"No thank you Mrs. Weasley. I'm here on business I'm afraid." Mr. Weasley got a worried look.

"I wanted you to know first before anything would be out in the Daily Prophet."

Right then the owl that delivered the Daily Prophet to the Burrow every day came flitting through the window dropping its delivery on the table.

"What's in the Daily Prophet that could be so important?" started Mrs. Weasley unrolling the newspaper and reading the front-page. Her face went white and she stumbled for a moment before fainting and hitting the floor. Ron and Mr. Weasley rushed over to see if she was all right, and when his father was helping his mother get up he read the front-page turning to to his dad.

"Dad," he said, voice shaking, "it says...Bill was murdered."

Her mothers scream woke up the rest of the family, and in a matter of seconds the twins, Ginny, and Charlie were coming down the stairs. They stopped short seeing their parents and Ron huddled together crying, while a stranger was standing in the kitchen looking very much out of place.

"Dad, what's going on here?"

"B-Bill was...he..." Ron's voice faltered as he felt his throat constrict.

The tall stranger spoke up, "I'm afraid that your brother was murdered last night." They stared at the man dumbfounded before Fred spoke up.

"If this is some sort of joke it's not funny," said Fred furrowing his brow. The look on his mother and father made it clear it was not a joke.

"No. No. NO!" screamed Ginny as she rushed out of the house.

Mr. Weasley looked over at Ron.

"Ron, follow her and make sure she...just follow her," he pleaded and Ron quickly ran after his little sister who was fleeing in the direction of the lake.

The twins and Charlie went over to where their parents were sitting and formed a circle embracing each other not knowing what else to do. Mr. Kelman departed from the Burrow leaving the Weasleys to mourn and deal with the death of one of their sons. The hand with Bill's name engraved on it on the grandfather clock was pointing a little bit to the right of mortal peril.

***

Harry was sitting at the table oblivious to his surroundings, staring into the air. He had read the article over and over, and every single time he came to the same conclusion. It was all his fault. While he was spending his time at Hogwarts safely stowed away from the clutches of Voldemort others were being punished for being close to him. It had to end. Harry was not going to sit idly by and let Voldemort destroy more innocent lives. He was going to finish this once and for all. He rose and strode past the tables heading for his room. Rushing up the stairs and flinging open his trunk he pulled out his invisibility cloak and some money. He grabbed his Firebolt and ran down and out the doors of Hogwarts. When he reached the lake he saw someone sitting on a rock seemingly waiting for him. The Headmaster turned and looked at him with a heavy heart.

"Harry, I think we need to talk," said Dumbledore gravely.

"No. No more talking. I'm done talking," snapped Harry, pushing Dumbledore's hand off his shoulder.

"Harry, don't try to do what your father so desperately wanted. I advised him not to go after Voldemort until he was ready. To keep everyone safe."

"Yeah, and that really helped didn't it? They both died!"

Dumbledore's face fell.

"Yes, Harry. Your parents were victims of Voldemort, but it would have been worse...much worse if James had gone after him alone like you intend to. I meant what I said last year. We must stand united against evil if we are to stand any chance..."

"I'm not letting more people die while I'm sitting here waiting for my turn. I'm going to end this one way or another, and there's nothing you can do to stop me," yelled Harry, thinking that Dumbledore could probably do it easily.

Dumbledore sighed. "You're right Harry. There's nothing I can do to change your mind. Only you will know when the time is right. I can only advise you not to go at this point in time."

"Then I choose not to take your advice," replied Harry, kicking off from the ground leaving Dumbledore on the ground.

"I have faith in you Harry. In you and your friends," said Dumbledore looking up at the disappearing figure of Harry before slowly turning around heading for his office.

***

"And tha's when I told'em to bugger off and mind his own bleedin' business," laughed Gary, and Hermione's father, Stephen Granger, laughed along with him albeit a strained laugh. He looked over to where his daughter was sitting and gave her a sympathetic smile. Hermione was talking to her cousin Anne Peltholdt.

"If you only knew what he looked like you would die too. He's so...tasty," smiled Anne.

"Oh, I'm sure he is," replied Hermione.

"What about you? Do you have a boyfriend or something else?"

"Me?" Hermione blushed.

"You do!" screamed Anne triumphantly making the two fathers turn their heads.

"Ssh...keep it down will you?" hissed Hermione with her brow furrowed.

"Sorry. Tell me all about him," she said anxiously.

"Well, there's not really that much to tell. I mean, we've known each other for almost five years, and we've had a lot of experiences together."

Anne's mouth dropped.

"You've had...experiences?" she asked leaning towards Hermione.

"Yes, we've had experiences together," said Hermione not understanding what her cousin was on about. "Actually we had most of them with his best friend as well. We did so many things that it would be hard to tell anyone about it. No one would believe it if I did."

Anne's eyes were wide with shock and Hermione thought she might be able to fit a car through the wide open mouth of her cousin.

"You were with...two boys?"

"Well they are my fri..." suddenly it dawned on Hermione what her cousin was thinking. "Oh no, not that kind of experience. I've never done anything like that," panicked Hermione. Anne looked at her like she did not quite believe her cousin.

"What I meant was that we had a lot of adventures together at school," said Hermione firmly.

"Well, I suppose I'll believe you then," said Anne somewhat disappointed, "but tell me about your boyfriend. What's he like? Is he a real dish?" she giggled.

"Honestly, I wouldn't call anyone a 'dish'," replied Hermione, "but I suppose Ron is..." Hermione blushed, "nice-looking."

"Ron? That's his name? You could've picked someone with a better name, couldn't you? Anyway, let's get back to Philip.

While Anne continued to ramble on about all the boys at her school and others that were a lot older, Hermione was wishing she could go back to London and sit in a closet. It would be more fun than spending time with her cousin.

All of a sudden an owl crashed against the window carrying the Daily Prophet. Hermione scarmbled to her feet and ran outside to get the paper and help the owl. The owl was momentarily dazed, but quickly regained its balance and flew off. Hermione walked back into the house with the paper under her arm.

What was that all about? asked her uncle.

Oh, that...that was... tried Stephen before Hermione stepped in.

That was a project for school uncle Gary. We're trying to train owls to deliver messages instead of using pigeons. Owls are much more reliable physically speaking and as you know are a lot less likely to fall victim to birds of prey. It is of course imperative that we keep the experiment going all through the year. I'm just glad it made it all the way up here, said Hermione convincingly.

This school of yours sounds a bit posh to me. Playing around with birds. Ye know you could just send it in the mail. Save you a lot of trouble with this experimenting with owls and pigeons, replied her uncle.

Well, our studies have shown that the British postal service takes far too long to deliver mail, or even just to send something off at the office.

I suppose tha's true. It's like this one time last week when I wanted to send a parcel off to a friend in Birmingham. The line was...

Hermione stopped listening to her uncle as she rushed up the stairs and into the guestroom excusing herself by saying she had some important notes she had to write down for the experiment. She left her father listening to her uncle telling him about his experience with the postal service. Her father looked like he would rather have a heart attack than listen to more of Gary's stories.

She closed the door behind her and unfolded the newspaper. Reading the headline she felt a rush of ice run through her body as she covered her mouth with her left hand.

Ministry Official's Son Murdered

Late last night William Weasley, son of Arthur Weasley who is with the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department, was found dead in Diagon Alley by Dedalus Diggle. Diggle, a frequent patron of The Leaky Cauldron, was just on his way back to his flat when he heard noise coming from an alley. He described it as curses being cast and right before he could reach the source of commotion there was a green light and then silence.

In a matter of minutes Diagon Alley was filled with Aurors who promptly sealed off the area and took Mr. Diggle in for questioning. This reporter was able to get a word with him before he was taken off to a secret location. The Auror in charge of the investigation, Byron Kelman, confirmed my suspicion that it was in fact the Killing Curse that had been used. We were also told not to print this story until later as Mr. Kelman wanted to inform the family of their loss before it would be out in the papers. We at the Daily Prophet suffer with the family, but as a reputable and respectable source of information we refuse to bow down the establishment.

So far there are no clues as to who is responsible for the murder. Rumors of Death Eaters are circulating, but it was vehemently denied by Minister Fudge's assistant. Coincidentally the youngest son of Arthur and Molly Weasley is a close friend of Harry Potter. More on this story will follow as soon as we have more information.

Tears were streaming down her face as she clutched the newspaper fiercely with her hands. She had to go. Her friends needed her. Especially Harry. She knew he would blame himself for it just like he had with the death of Cedric. This time it had struck close to home.

***

Malfoy Manor was flawlessly decorated for Christmas as usual and Narcissa was sitting in the study with a glass of wine. Her first Christmas without her father had actually been at Malfoy Manor. She had not known where to go when she had been invited by Lucius to join them as her father had been a loyal servant. She had never liked the over-confident Lucius, but he had been there for her when her father had died. He had become a good friend, and it was natural for her to feel like he was the right person for her.

It came as no surprise when they announced their intent to get married the following February, and they had been wed on the grounds of Malfoy Manor in July that same year. It had been a beautiful day as the Malfoy's had spared no expense with their only son getting married. What little money Gaimun had left behind had already been used up by Narcissa, and the Malfoys had insisted to put on a big wedding. It had been the happiest day of her life as she became Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy.

Soon thereafter Draco had arrived and the family bliss had been complete. However, all good things must come to an end, and quickly thereafter Lucius had been recruited by Voldemort, and he had been given a high stature far too quickly for anyone's liking. Rumors about the young Malfoy boy were abundant, but Narcissa never paid any attention to them as she was happy with her husband, their son, and her status in the wizard society.

All that changed one day when she overheard a conversation between her husband and his dying father.

"Lucius, promise me our name will stay pure."

"Yes father. Nothing will stop that. I have made sure of that."

"So you finally did it?" Lucius nodded at his father. "Does Narcissa know?"

"No. I will tell her when the time comes."

"She won't understand Lucius. She loves him too much."

"It's what's best for him."

"You mean, what's best for you. I know how you managed to get in His favor. You were the only one to agree to his terms."

"I know father, but I had to do what I felt was in my...our best interest."

The conversation had ended, but Narcissa decided to confront her husband later that day.

"Lucius, what did you promise Him?"

"Promise who?"

"Voldemort. I heard you talk to your father today."

Lucius tensed up, but kept up the facade.

"I don't know what you're talking about dearest," he said calmly.

"What did you do Lucius? Tell me. I deserve to know," she replied sternly.

"You wouldn't understand Narcissa. It's best if you don't know." Lucius turned to leave the room, but Narcissa quickly rounded on him and stood between him and the door.

"I won't let you leave until you tell me."

Lucius sighed, lowered his head, and went back to sit down on the bed. He motioned for Narcissa to sit down as well.

"I did what I had to in order to let us keep what we have, and to get even more," he said taking hold of her hand and squeezing it gently. "The Dark Lord has long been looking for someone that would become his greatest servant. Someone he could control and trust completely. Others refused, and they were forced to suffer. When he came to me I could not refuse. I had to agree otherwise he would have punished me...us...severely. So I did what he wanted and," Lucius paused, "and gave him Draco."

"You...did...what?" she stumbled out.

"I gave him Draco. He will be the servant He has been looking for. Draco will be the most revered wizard next to the Dark Lord himself," said Lucius, his eyes glinting with satisfaction.

Narcissa had begged him to take it back, but Lucius had given his word and Voldemort had made it clear what breaking a promise would mean. That was not an option for Lucius as he would face torture and most likely death.

She could hear Lucius and Draco arguing upstairs and she heard a door slam and she saw her son coming down the stairs followed closely by Lucius.

"Don't you dare walk away from me," yelled Lucius, grabbing Draco by the arm. "I'll teach you to treat me and your superiors with respect!"

"Let go of me!" growled Draco pulling his arm out of his father's grip.

"You are pathetic. I don't know what the Dark Lord sees in you. You can never become what he wants," snarled Lucius.

"I guess you would know pathetic, father. As far as I know you're not very high on his list."

Lucius' eyes flashed with anger and he walked up to Draco and hit him twice over the cheek. Narcissa came running from the study to look after Draco, but he swatted her away. Draco was shaking slightly, but to their surprise he was not crying, but he was laughing. His laughter grew louder and every rise in decibel fueled Lucius' anger.

"What are you laughing at?" he hissed.

"You, father. Is that the best you can do? I would've thought you were more than people told me, but I see the rumors are true. You are nothing," said Draco between laughs. Lucius made to strike him again.

"Don't even think about it," growled Draco, pulling out his wand and aiming it at his father. "There are many things I have learned outside of your...tutelage, and if you ever touch me or mother again I'll see to it that you suffer more than I ever did."

Lucius eyed his son who looked ready to kill, and by the look in Draco's eyes he could tell it was not an empty threat. He turned around and walked downstairs leaving Draco and Narcissa alone. Perhaps the Dark Lord had been right, and it scared him.

***

Ron followed his sister's tracks and found her hunched up by an oak tree close to the lake. She was shivering but Ron was not sure whether it was from the cold. He sat down next to her and tried to warm her up, and she refused at first, but let her brother comfort her.

H-he to-told me to... tried Ginny, but the tears welled from her eyes as she buried her head in Ron's embrace. She was shaking and sobbing loudly as Ron tried to keep his tears from joining Ginny's. He was going to stay strong. He had to. Ginny needed him to. She stirred and looked out over the lake.

He told me...he told me to take care of Mum and Dad in case...in case...something happened, she said almost choking on her words. I just didn't think...something...would happen... she tried to continue, but instead broke down in tears again.

Ron felt a ball form in his throat as he was unable to keep back the tears and he wept with his sister as the snow started falling lightly on the two of them.

Mum's going to get worried if we don't go back, said Ron flatly.

Not yet, Ron. I just want to stay here for a few more minutes. Ron nodded. This is...was...Bill's favorite place when he needed to get away, sighed Ginny as she held onto her brother who hugged her back.

When they finally made it back to the Burrow through the snow Mr. Weasley told them that their mother was upstairs after taking a Sleeping Potion. Their father looked like a part of him had died as he lead the two of them into the living room where the rest of the family was sitting. Even Percy was there. They sat down with Ginny sitting close to her father who was trying his best to keep on a strong face.

How could it happen?

He was here...just...a few hours ago, George said blankly.

Who? Why? tried Charlie.

Kelman said they were most likely Death Eaters, replied Mr. Weasley.

So it was...You-Know-Who, said Ron, gritting his teeth.

Ron, he is dead, and so are his followers, snarled Percy. I don't want to hear any more of this nonsense. They're only speculations by an old Auror who would do well to let someone younger take over.

What happened next was something none of the Weasley children had ever seen.

Percival, you'd do best if you stayed quiet right now. I don't want to hear you speaking ill of Byron Kelman or anyone else for that matter. Bill knew what was going on out there, which is why he was working against Him and his henchmen. I have no doubt Byron knows what happened, and I know only Death Eaters would have the power to penetrate some of the precautions we had taken.

Dad, I hope you're not buying into all this deranged talk of Him coming back. Bill was insane to believe it and I...

Mr. Weasley got up and slapped Percy in the face.

Don't...you...dare...say anything bad about Bill. He did what he felt was right and I stand behind his decisions. If I ever hear you say anything like that again... threatened Mr. Weasley as he stood face to face with his son who was stunned. The rest of them looked just as shocked.

Percy finally regained his composure and gave his father a final look before turning on his heel and slamming the door behind him. Mr. Weasley looked at his shaking hand with which he had hit Percy.

I...I'm going to go see if your mother is all right, he said, not directing it to anyone in particular. The death of Bill had changed them, and they had never seen their father lay a hand on any of them. Not ever.

As Arthur Weasley lay down beside his wife he put an arm around her.

I think we lost two sons today, he whispered, swallowing hard and hugging Molly tightly.

~~~~~

A/N: I'm back from vacation and I'm getting ready to move. It might be a little while before I post another chapter since I'm moving in three days. By the time we get our Internet connection set up I should have a chapter done. Yes, I know I just killed off a Weasley, but it was needed. Some of you might get mad, but...well...that's fine with me since I'm immune to the Imperio Curse (Conlan). As most of you had a common issue, which was getting Harry and Ginny together, I can only repeat...all in good time. What will happen to Harry? You'll find out in the next chapter as things are starting to draw to a close...

Thank you to the following people who reviewed on the message board, via e-mail, or at ff.net:
earthangel831, Tiah, Autistic, Conlan, ol blue eyes, nikki, Mary, Funky_Chicken, Ivan_K, Maddy, Tinebedina, littlesoda, teazer, Abba, sk8reagle, J, chochang913, and Lily Ashburg.

The message board and story can be found at:
http://azeroth_fics.tripod.com