Chapter Four

No Longer Safe

Ron didn't remember when, but at some point he dozed off. When he woke, the sun was peeking through the window, but the castle sounded oddly silent. He went up to the dorms, but no one was in their beds. Suddenly he heard explosions and yells coming from the Great Hall.

Ron bolted down the stairs and to the Great Hall, where he saw hundreds of Death Eaters facing down the others. Fred, George, Ginny, Harry, Sirius, and Snape stood there, ready to fight. Suddenly Dumbledore rushed in a back door, breathing heavily.

"Fred, George," he panted. "They have your Mother."

Ron's eyes went wide.

"What?!" he yelled.

Ron tried to take off in the other direction to save his Mother, but Dumbledore stopped him.

"Ronald Weasley you stay right here," said Dumbledore. "We need you."

Dumbledore's voice had never sounded so threatening and serious. Dumbledore turned and saw two tall, blond haired Death Eaters approach them, the taller one grinning widely. It was Lucius Malfoy and Draco, once again leading the pack.

"It seems that your time at this school has come to an end, Albus," said Lucius.

"What have you done with Molly Weasley?" demanded Dumbledore; there was an angry tone to his voice that made Ron slightly afraid.

"She's right here," said Draco, pulling forward Mrs. Weasley. They had caught up with her back at The Burrow when she tried to escape.

She seemed very calm given the conditions, but Ron knew it was all a front. She was terrified; he could see it in her eyes. Lucius dragged someone else forwards, a shorter girl, and younger, with bushy brown hair and a face full of fear.

"Hermione!" yelled Ron, "Let her go, Malfoy!"

Draco grinned and pointed his wand at Hermione.

"How would you like it if I kill this mudblood right in front of you?" snarled Draco. "You'd like it, wouldn't you, Weasley?"

"Lucius, let them go!" growled Dumbledore.

Sirius and Snape were both behind Dumbledore, ready to fire at any moment. Their wands were drawn and Lucius reached for his.

"So this is how it's going to be?" questioned Lucius. "Very well."

"Sit down, Lucius," hissed a voice.

Lucius suddenly stopped as a tall figure moved through the crowd behind him. Lucius recoiled as a hand touched his arm.

"I'm sorry, ma' lord," said Lucius.

The tall man walked past Lucius and stood in the light. It was Lord Voldemort, once again in the lead of his army of Death Eaters. He pulled out his wand and looked at Dumbledore.

"Ah, Albus Dumbledore," he said. "It's been too long."

"Free them," commanded Dumbledore. "They don't have anything to do with this!"

Voldemort smiled.

"How about we make a deal, Albus," said Voldemort. "A very simple deal."

Dumbledore stood still, his wand ready.

"I'm listening," he said.

"You can have the girl and the woman," said Voldemort. "If you stay here and duel me, one on one."

Ron looked at Harry, who looked stunned. Dumbledore slowly nodded and the Death Eaters released Hermione. She dashed to Ron, who hugged her. Fred watched them release Molly, but Lucius didn't want her to get away that easily. He grabbed her and put his wand to her head.

"Let her go, you bastard!" yelled Fred, pulling out his wand.

"NO!" screamed Ron.

"All of you, get out of here!" Molly insisted. "I'll be alright!"

They stayed still.

"We're not leaving!" exclaimed Sirius.

"Severus, Sirius, leave now!" commanded Dumbledore. "You need to protect them."

"But Albus." started Snape.

"Severus leave now!" repeated Dumbledore.

Snape and Sirius pushed them from the room, but stayed right outside the door. Ginny was sobbing in Harry's arms, but Ron stood frozen by the door, watching everything.

Dumbledore was facing Voldemort, one on one, just as he had said. They started the duel and everything blurred. Blinding flashes flew across the room and they each fought hard but Voldemort was quicker and knocked Dumbledore to the ground. Ron watched, scared stiff, as Voldemort approached Dumbledore, his wand ready.

"So much for the Great Albus Dumbledore," said Voldemort. "All in all you were a bit of a let down."

"Let Molly go," said Dumbledore.

Voldemort smiled and the Death Eater released her. She dashed towards the door, but it was too far away. Voldemort pointed his wand at her.

"Avada Kedavra!" bellowed Voldemort.

The blinding green light lit the Great Hall and the entrance hall outside. The wind howled and Ron watched in terror as his Mum fell to the ground, dead. Dumbledore raised his wand, but Voldemort was too quick for Dumbledore.

"Expelliarmus!" Voldemort bellowed.

Dumbledore flew to the ground again, and his wand snapped in two. Voldemort stood over him.

"Good-bye, old man," hissed Voldemort. "Avada Kedavra!"

The green light shined again and the wind howled even louder. Ron watched as Dumbledore fought against the spell, he used every ounce of strength, but it was no good. The wind died and Ron felt the tears falling down his cheeks. Dumbledore collapsed to the ground. He was dead.

"NO!" cried Ron, tears flooding his face.

Snape grabbed Ron's arm.

"Come on," he said.