Later that night, the castle was buzzing with news of the duel. Harry heard a rumour Draco would be dueling on a dragon, and that Ron could secretly fly as well.
Harry Ron and Hermione had made it through a great stack of books, causing a very suspicious Madam Pomfrey to regularly come over and check on why they had developed such a large interest for studying in a stuffy old library on a Sunday. Ron was in such a rush trying to write down the names of spells, and their incantations, that he broke the tips off of three of his quills.
Harry set down the book he was reading, Devilish Spells for the Common Wizard, and rubbed his eyes. Picking his glasses off a large pile of parchment, Harry looked around the library and discovered they were the only ones left, besides Madam Pomfrey.
Ron sighed wearily, and stretched.
Can't we go down for dinner? I'm starving! Hermione also set her book down, and looked at her watch.
It's nearly midnight! We have thirty minutes left to prepare. You can nip down to the kitchens, but you have to make sure you're at the duel on time! According to the rules of Wizard Dueling, if the opponent does not show up ten minutes after the scheduled start of the duel, the one who challenged or was challenged and has showed up on time, will win the duel. Ron groaned.
Hermione, you looked up the official rules? Since when has Draco ever played by the rules?
Harry cleared his throat. He has when it means you getting the paddle on the bum, not him. Ron stared at Harry.
Paddle on the bum? That's just sick Harry. Harry rolled his eyes.
Just forget it Ron.
Hermione stood up, and smoothed the wrinkles out of her skirt.
Well then, let's get all these books back on the shelves,and we can go.
Ron and Harry looked at the mountain of books stacked on the table. I rather like my back unbroken, thanks Hermione. Ron waved his wand, and the books flew back onto the shelves. Harry dived for cover, hearing an unpleasant thud, Harry guessed Ron's reflexes were not serving him particularly well this late at night.
Not hearing the sounds of pages fluttering through the air, Harry got up, and saw Ron nursing a bruised jaw. Hermione smiled at Ron.
Good job Ron! Never knew you could successfully banish a large number of items like that! Alright, let's go.
Passing Madam Pomfrey, the trio walked out of the library, and set off down the stairs.
Harry pulled out the Invisibility Cloak from his bag, and put it over the three of them. Stepping quietly, they tried to make their way downstairs as quickly as they could sharing a Cloak.
They stepped down to the kitchens, where they were greeted by a fleet of squealing elves. Harry Ron and Hermione took their food, trying to shush the elves, who were trying to pull them in to stay for a longer visit.

Pulling his robe free, Harry thanked the elves, slamming the door shut. They put the Cloak about them once more, and ran up the stairs, stuffing their faces, trying not to trip.
Upon reaching the doors, Harry reached out a hand, and pulled it open with some difficultly. Silently slipping outside, they made sure the door was closed behind them, before pulling off the cloak and taking off at a run.
Harry yelled at Ron, Where exactly on the grounds are we going?! Ron stumbled and looked over at Harry.
You'll see! Hermione looked imploringly over at Harry, clutching a stitch in her side.
Harry gritted his teeth, squinting ahead through the darkness to catch any first glance of what was before them.
Ron was ahead of them slightly, and made straight for the Forbidden forest, entering far from Hagrid's Hut; its golden windows barely visible in the distance.
Harry ducked low branches and kept Hermione close to him, swatting away spider webs, and clawing branches reaching for their throats. At last, the forest cleared, and the three came to a stop. They had reached a cleared circle, surrounded by many lit lanterns on the forest floor. Many people were standing around, waiting, talking in whispers, and judging by the flashes of gold caught by the lantern light, were placing bets on the outcome of the duel. Harry spotted Malfoy, in the shadows, talking to Goyle, and several other Slytherins. The light hit his face, casting him in an eerie light. Ron made to go over to Malfoy, but Harry steered him to the opposite side of the ring. Hermione was staring at someone at Malfoy's side, her lips moving silently, her brow furrowed.
Hermione! Harry hissed. Hermione turned to Harry and followed silently. She waited for Harry and Ron to be as far from Malfoy as possible, before speaking.
Ginny's here. Ron's eyes opened wide.
WHAT? That filthy slime ball brought her here? Harry shook his head.
It's just as well Ron, she's going to have to see Malfoy's not the nice person he's brainwashed her into believing he is. And seeing you duel him will be the perfect opportunity for that; Malfoy's not exactly going to take it easy on you is he? Hermione gasped and shook Harry's arm roughly. Harry spun around, just in time to see the lantern lights dim, and Malfoy walk into the ring, a cape swirling behind him, making him look quite impressive. Ron scowled and stomped into the ring, clutching his wand tightly in his hand. Students surrounded the pair, with straight faces. Harry took Hermione's hand, who looked fearfully at Harry.
Malfoy reached up to his throat and untying the cape, cast it aside.
Frightened Weasley? Ron put his shoulders back and glared at Malfoy.
You wish. Malfoy smirked, and held his wand at the ready.
On the count of three, we'll begin. Last one standing wins. One, two... Oh yes, there's one little detail I forgot to mention... Malfoy beckoned to someone behind him, and Ginny stepped up to Malfoy's side. She's my second, and she will fight you, even if I'm not dead. If I'm injured and can't get up, you'll be fighting your sister. Oh this will be fun! Ginny edged back into the shadows, looking at the ground.

Alright then, on the count of three. One, two-
Ron shot a spell straight at Malfoy's head, sending him spinning into the air. Malfoy hit the ground hard, and did not move. Ron's wand fell to his side. He walked toward Malfoy, his foot snapped on a twig, the sound lying heavily in the air. Ron was about four feet from Malfoy when Malfoy rolled over and hit Ron in the stomach with a jet of red light.
Ron flew out of the ring, hitting a tree, and slowing falling down to the ground. Not hesitating to see if Ron was conscious, Malfoy aimed his wand right at Ron's head.
Mobli-Grotesk! Ron rose into the air, struggling to move. Malfoy twitched his wand and Ron's leg wound it's way behind his head. Ron screamed in pain and aimed his wand at Malfoy.
Infitete Polores! Malfoy ducked the spell and spun his wand between his fingers. Ron's arms twisted backwards, threatening to snap right off, while his torso was rotated grotesquely. Rons screaming was unbearable. Hermione buried her face in Harry's jacket, her body shaking from fear and grief. Malfoy aimed his wand right at Ron's heart and sent a jet of black light right at him. Rons limbs went back to their normal position, but he hung in the air limp. His wand dropped from his fingers to the ground, raising a small cloud of dirt. Many girls screamed and there was a low rumble of voices, before there was silence.

Drip. A drop of blood fell down to the earth. Ron coughed. Two more drops of blood fell to the earth. Ron's head rolled, his dead pleading eyes turning to Harry. His mouth hung open, blood running out of the corner of his mouth, to roll off his cheek and hit the ground. Harry stood helpless, unable to help Ron, and do anything but watch Malfoy raise his wand once more.
Malfoy's eyes sparkled darkly in the lantern light.
Any last words Weasley? Oh that's right, you can't say anything at all... Malfoy aimed his wand at Rons immobile body. Harry saw his lips open, the incantation waiting to spring from his mouth.
Ginny ran past Malfoy to her brother. She clutched and clawed at him, trying to get a reaction. Ron stayed still.
OUT of the way, Virginia, Malfoy hissed in a deadly voice. I wouldn't want to maul my own second, now would I.... Ginny whirled around to face Malfoy. Her shoulders shook, Harry couldn't tell if from fear or fury, and Ginny's eyes resembled Mrs Weasley when she was her fiercest.
You can't tell me what to do. Ginny said slowly, her voice shaking with the effort of holding back her rage. You won't hurt him anymore!
Malfoy's face fell. Don't make me do this Ginny. You're not the one I'm against. Ginny wrapped her arms around Ron's body as best she could, making it perfectly clear to Malfoy what her decision was.
Let him down. Harry stepped forward.
Malfoy's head jerked to Harry. Harry thought he saw a look of fear in Malfoy's eyes, but he must have been mistaken; Malfoy glared hard at Harry.
The duel's not over yet, Potter. You'll get your time in the ring soon. Back OFF. Harry raised his wand threateningly at Malfoy.
I said, put him down.
Or what? You'll make me?
No, I will. All heads turned back to Ginny. Malfoy's lip curled in disgust.
What did you say? Do you want to take that back?! Ginny turned to Harry.
Stay out of this Potter. She said it in a threatening manner, but Harry could see her eyes pleading with him. Just like her brothers.
Just then, Ron fell down from the air, hitting the ground with a large whump and a groan from Ron. Ginny dropped her guard and knelt down beside Ron.
Ron! Ron are you alright? Ron slowly sat up. He coughed and blood dribbled down his front.
I'm fine, Ron said croakily, I can take care of this Ginny. Please, He added, seeing the defiant look on her face, I don't need you, yet.
Ron took a deep breath, and got shakily to his feet. Wobbling slightly, Ron shook his head, and pointed his wand at Malfoy.
Malfoy laughed. What can you do, Weasley? You can't even see straight! Or can you? Let's see you try and hit me! Malfoy spread his arms and legs wide. Ron laughed, before the laughing turned to coughing.
Big mistake. Ron held his hands, palms facing each other, and starting chanting an incantation. Malfoy's eyes grew wide as he saw a white ball of fire grow larger between Ron's hands. Ron stopped chanting, and looked up at Malfoy, with an evil grin on his face.
Malfoy's face went white and turned to run, but the students bunched together and kept him from fleeing. He spun around, just in time to see Ron throw the ball of fire straight at him.
He had no time to react. The fireball him in straight in the chest and he teetered on his feet, before toppling straight forward into the dirt. Ron sighed and fell down to the ground as well. Ginny stood in the center of the ring, tears falling down her cheeks.
Then, in a barely audible voice, she said, Ron wins. She sank to her knees, Hermione ran to her, and Harry ran to Ron. Everyone either swarmed around them, or muttering to themselves, silently went back to the castle. Malfoy laid alone; Crabbe and Goyle were too cowardly to stay.
Ginny went to Ron, and rolled him over. She ran her fingers through his hair, and used her cloak to wipe some dried blood off his mouth, her tears falling on his face. Hermione knelt down, and put her arm around Ginny. Ginny stood up, watching as Harry gingerly picked Ron up. A parade of solemn faced boys and girls waited to escort them back to the castle. Hermione started to lead Ginny away from the ring, as the lanterns vanished one by one, but she turned back. Ginny walked to Harry, and looked down at Ron.
I'm sorry. She leant down and planted a kiss on her fallen brothers cheek. Ginny burst into tears, and fled from the forest. Hermione pursued her, and Harry started walking slowly up to the castle, his path lit by lanterns held by Dean and Neville. Neville's face was stained with tears, but he didn't let anyone see.
They walked away, leaving the dirt ring, bad memories and blood on the forest floor. Malfoy lay forgotten on the ground, but no one cared. All who had stayed were from Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Gryffindor. Slytherins only think to save their own skins.
As they passed the last tree of the Forbidden Forest, two hulking characters swaggered in some distance away. Harry relaxed. Malfoy was fine. Harry looked down at Ron, his skin paler then the full moon, contrasting strongly with the blood spattered his face. His eyes were closed, and he was barely breathing. Harry knew that Ron beat Malfoy in the duel, but wondered if there was any real winner.

Up in his office, Dumbledore looked out to the grounds. He saw the group moving slowly to the castle. His eyes had lost their sparkle, as he sighed and moved to the door. Madam Pomfrey would need a few minutes warning prior to the boys' arrival. And, no doubt, Miss Weasley would enjoy a magical cup of hot chocolate. Dumbledore tried not to think of tomorrow, when he would decide the boy's punishment. It really was the worst part of the job.

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WOW!! BEEN SOoooooooo long since I updated! So sorry!! I'll be quick this time I promise... The next chapter will most likely be the last for this story. IF I do a sequel, depends on how many reviews I get! I want 215 before I start writing the Sequel!! Thank you to EVERYONE who has reviewed! I'll do a big thank you list next chapter! This was my first fan fiction, so I love you all for reviewing and sticking with me! I'm so happy!! I love you enjoy my writing! *tears up* AAAaaa getting emotional! Tata!