Love and Loyalty

Chapter One

The world went dark.

"Luminos!" Ron yelled, his voice piercing the silence.

The light from his wand illuminated the faces of his companions, his best friends and his sister. Hermione, Harry, and Ginny looked back at him. Their faces showed their relief at the sight of each other. They were okay, at least for now. This time, this stand, might very well be their last. This time, he-who-shall-not-be-named, could possibly regain his mortal form and reign terror on all once more.

"Do you think we lost him?" asked Ginny. Her voice betrayed her fear, a fear felt by them all.

"I don't know," said Harry shaking his head.

At that moment, an evil cackle filled the room, and their hearts, with terror.

"Run! Now!" yelled Harry desperately at the three. "It's me he wants!"

"We're not leaving you, Harry," said Ron in a tone, which Harry knew from personal experience, there was no use arguing with.

"No way," said Hermione echoing Ron's sentiments.

"Never," said Ginny glancing worriedly at Harry. She was more worried about Harry's safety than her own.

Ron looked at the faces of all three. Their faces were set, determined, to face the greatest danger, the greatest threat, they had ever known.

Suddenly, a light so intensely bright filled the room and the four covered their eyes. For a moment all was white brilliance and then it faded to enough light to see clearly by. They were face to face with Voldemort.

"Finally! Finally!" said Voldemort his voice dripping with evil. "I am now restored! I am what I once was! And now I will make you pay Harry Potter. I'll make you pay for the past seventeen years I have suffered to get back to my physical form. But first, I want you to suffer, suffer as I have suffered!"

Voldemort, instead of pointing his wand at Harry, pointed it at Ron. "Say good-bye to your friends, Potter!"

Ron didn't have time to think much less react. He was frozen as if rooted to the very spot he stood upon. Voldemort cursed him as a blue bolt flew out of his own wand hurtling at Ron.

"Ron!!!!" screamed Ginny and Harry.

It was then that Ron was knocked to the ground. Someone had jumped in front of him. The force of impact had thrown both of them backwards unto the floor.

Her soft brown hair in his face told Ron exactly who had protected him. "Hermonie?" asked Ron softly, worriedly as he gently pulled himself out from underneath her body. Tears began streaming down his face at the sight. He was vaguely aware that Harry and Ginny, horrified, had gathered around him. Ron, although frightened about causing her more pain, gathered Hermione in his arms and tried not to look at the black scorch where her heart was. She was alive, but only just. She was fading fast. "Hold on Hermione. Hold on." Ron felt his whole body going cold, numb with grief. Love and fear mixed with helplessness was pulsing through Ron's veins to a degree he had never known before.

Hermione's face was etched in pain. Her eyes had taken on a far away sort of look, but for just a moment they seem to focus on Ron and she managed a small smile up at him. "You okay?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Ron was incredulous! Here was Hermione, injured, and she was worrying about him! "I'm fine. I'm fine," he said hurriedly. His hand found one of Hermione's and he put his hand into hers. It was shockingly cold against his own overheated palm. "Please don't die on me Hermione. Please don't," Ron begged as the tears still continued to stream down his face.

Hermione was looking at him and suddenly a calm, serene look overtook her features. But her eyes were still focused on Ron, looking at him as if she could see right through him, right into his soul. "I'm so sorry, Ron. I love you...." And that was all she ever spoke in this life again as her eyes closed.

At that moment the world went black for Ron despite the brilliant light of the room. The sound of Voldemort's malicious laughter assaulted Harry, Ron, and Ginny's ears. Ron looked up at Voldemort, fury, revenge, and hatred all blazing in his heart. If looks could have killed, Voldemort would have been ashes at this very moment