Good Reviews! The most I've gotten for any one chapter. I love it when they're long enough to actually tell me something.
Well, here it is. The chapter that I have been waiting for. It's been so long in the making that I thought it would never come. It should be a surprise. But if you've been reading close enough, maybe you already know what's going to happen.
Also, you'll find out how much Ron and Hermione's bond has evolved because of their separation. It'll be cool.
This story is being translated into Spanish. Can you believe it?
George could see immediately that Ron and Hermione were too happy to think clearly. Every passing moment brought them closer to getting caught, and the two of them didn't seem too preoccupied with worrying. Something had to be done.
"All right, we have to move." George said.
Ron looked from Hermione's face to George's. George almost gasped at what he saw.
Ron had lost a lot of weight over the past four days. The skin on his face seemed to cling to his skull and his eyes were sunken and dark. George could see Ron's hands and how ruined they looked. His fingertips were red and bleeding and he didn't seem to have any fingernails left.
That alone should have brought tears to Ron's eyes, but he seemed to hardly notice them.
When Ron saw what George was staring at, he looked down at his hands. The sight sobered him greatly. "Don't worry about it. I can hardly feel it."
George doubted that, but he knew they didn't have time to discuss it.
Fred seemed to get the point. "Lets' get out of here. We can't let Harry and Malfoy's sacrifice to be in vain."
Ron's eyes widened and for a moment, he looked like the old Ron. "Malfoy? What's he doing here?"
George remembered that Ron had missed a lot over the last few days. "It's a long story. We'll fill you in when we get out."
Everyone started to move in the direction they had come. Everyone but Ron. He stood unmoving in the middle of the hallway. "What sacrifice? Where the hell is Harry?"
George recognized that this was a volatile situation. "He's buying us time. We have to move, Ron!"
Ron still wouldn't move. "Where is he?"
Fred sighed. "He and Draco are holding off the guards."
Ginny began weeping and Susan brought a hand to her forehead. Ron saw their reactions and said, "How many guards were there?"
George shrugged. "We don't know. They started coming when the alarm sounded. I'd imagine there were a lot of them."
"Could they hold them off?"
Through her tears, Ginny sputtered. "They're dead, Ron. There were so many guards...Harry told us to find you...find you and leave...he didn't want us coming back for them."
Ron clenched his jaw tightly. "Where are they?"
George took a step towards Ron. "On the other side of this floor. But Ron they told us not to go back!"
Ron wasn't even listening to him. Ron had turned back to Hermione and was staring at her. To George, it looked like there was a silent conversation taking place between them.
At first, Hermione shook her head adamantly. Ron continued to stare at her, his face unreadable. Hermione's eyes filled with tears and she nodded sadly. Ron walked forward and brushed away the tears with his thumb. They shared a short kiss, and hugged like they might not be seeing each other again.
Ron began to walk towards the direction they had come.
"Ron, wait!" George grabbed his shoulder to stop him, but it felt like trying to stop a moving train. Ron shrugged off his hand and began to sprint down the corridor.
George cursed and ran after him. He had always been faster than Ron , but his younger brother was running like the wind. George could here the others running after Ron as well. Ron began turning a corner but then stopped. He turned back to George. "Get Hermione out."
George, panting and wheezing said, "What about you?!"
Ron smiled strangely. He looked like he had aged years in that cell. "You don't worry about me anymore, big brother. I'll be fine. Get Hermione out!" Ron took off around the corner and George knew he would never catch him. He had heard that Ron had changed as a result of being a Sentinel, but this?
Ginny and Susan didn't stop either. They continued to run until they disappeared around the corner.
George felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked down and saw Hermione staring up at him calmly.
"He'll be OK, George. He's...different now."
Fred caught up to George and Hermione. "What about Ginny? She can't defend herself in here!"
Hermione smiled in the same strange way that Ron had. She looked like she knew something that no one else did. "Ron will look after them. We should go...like Ron said."
George smiled slightly. "Since when do listen to anything Ron says?"
Hermione smiled back. "Since now."
***
Ron's legs carried him faster than they ever had before. The hallway around him was a blur as he sprinted down the hallway. Sentinel magic did have its perks. Another thing they changed, he thought sadly.
Being separated from Hermione so soon was like a knife in his side, but he had to find Harry. He couldn't expose her to danger. He was pretty confident that that the twins could get her out without much trouble.
Ron thought back to his reunion with Hermione. It had been like an explosion inside him. If he had thought that the bond was strong before, it was nothing compared to now. In his head, he could hear her heart beat and he could've stopped and pointed in the exact direction that she was in. He could fell her emotions, and right now she seemed very calm. She understood that he was different, now.
He could here footsteps and he looked behind him. In the distance, he could see Ginny and another girl that looked vaguely familiar, trying to keep up. For some reason when he looked at the tall, black haired girl, images of the banquet popped into his head.
He heard sounds of fighting coming from ahead, and he doubled his speed. He turned a corner, and saw a bright flash. A bolt of lightning sped towards him, and he jumped to dodge it. He felt all the hair on his body stand on end as the lighting sped past him and hit the wall behind him. The bolt took a huge chunk out of the stone wall.
Ron stood back up and saw Draco pointing a wand at him.
"Weasley?" Draco asked in an exhausted voice. The strain of talking seemed too much for him, and he fell to his knees.
Ron ran forward and was shocked at what he saw. Over twenty bodies littered the hallway. Many of them smoked as if they had been set on fire. Even more looked like they had been stabbed. They looked like guards.
Ron reached Draco as the other boy was rubbing his tired eyes.
"Malfoy? What's going on here?"
Draco fell to backside as he said, "Sorry about the lightning. I thought you were another guard."
"Where's Harry?" Ron asked desperately.
A sad look passed over Draco's face. "He went down. I think he's dead." He pointed to a guard's body, and at first Ron didn't see what he was gesturing to. Then he saw a foot sticking out from underneath the guard. It was wearing the sneakers that Harry always wore.
Ron ran to the foot and ripped the body away from it. Laying on the ground, covered in blood was Harry Potter.
"No!" Ron screamed and knelt by the body. Harry couldn't be dead.
"He fought like a demon." Draco said from behind Ron. "He used that sword like he was born with it."
Ron cried and cradled Harry's head in his lap. "You can't be dead." he muttered.
At the sound of Ron's voice, Harry's right eyelid fluttered.
Ron lightly slapped Harry's face. "Harry! Wake up, mate!"
Harry slowly opened his eyes. For a moment, he didn't seem to recognize Ron. But then his eyes cleared and he looked into Ron's face. "Ron? Is that you?"
Ron laughed. "Yeah. It's me."
"You look like shit."
Ron hugged Harry tightly and said, "You should see yourself. I thought you were dead."
Harry smiled weakly and pushed himself up to his knees. "I might've been."
"What happened?"
Harry ran a hand through his hair. "The guards just kept coming." He pointed to the body that had been laying on top of him. "This one charged me. I got him in the stomach, but he fell on top of me. I hit my head and blacked out. I didn't expect to wake up again."
Harry looked from Ron to the bodies of the dead guards. "We killed them. I've never killed a man before. It doesn't feel good."
"No, it certainly does not." Draco muttered.
Harry looked from the bodies to Draco. "Still alive, Malfoy?"
Draco smiled. "Barely."
Harry nodded to Malfoy in what looked like respect.
Ron was bewildered. "I've obviously missed a lot."
Harry snorted. "You wouldn't believe..."
Draco got up to his feet. He looked shaky, but he could support his own weight. "Let's get the hell out of here."
"I second that." Harry muttered and got to his feet.
Just then, Ginny and Susan turned the corner, running at full speed. Ginny slowed down when she saw the bodies of the guards everywhere, but Susan kept running. The dead guards didn't seem to bother her.
When she saw that Harry was still alive, she began to cry. She didn't hug him, she just stood there, tears running down her cheeks. "I thought you were dead." she mumbled.
Harry smiled. "Sorry to disappoint you."
Ginny came forward, her face extremely pale. Her eyes brightened when they saw Harry alive. "You're alive!"
Harry smiled . For some reason, seeing Ginny again made his spirits rise. He hadn't expected to see anyone ever again. "It's good to see everyone, but we need to get out of here."
Ron nodded. "Give me a second." he said and closed his eyes. He kept them closed for a few seconds and then opened them with a smile on his handsome face.
"What was that all about?" Ginny asked.
Ron stared for a moment as if he didn't understand what she meant. "What? Oh...I was just letting Hermione know you guys are OK." he said simply, as if his answer were obvious.
Harry decided it wasn't the time to ask question. He took a step toward the stairs, but he stumbled, his head still pounding.
Ginny came forward and supported Harry with her shoulder. Because of their difference in height, Ron practically carried Draco. They began to shuffle back to the stairs that would take them to the lower floor.
Suddenly Ron stopped and tilted his head to the side, as if he were listening to something that none of the others could hear.
"What is it, Ron?" Harry asked.
Ron didn't answer; he just listened. He lowered Draco to his feet and said to Susan, "Take him."
Susan came forward to support Draco, but he waved her away. Apparently his pride wouldn't allow him to be carried by a girl.
Ron turned back in the direction they had come. "Get out." he said calmly.
"What's going on?" Ginny asked.
Ron didn't answer for a moment. "He's...calling me."
"Who?" Harry asked.
"The man who killed Ronnie-kins." Ron muttered. He said it softly, as if he hadn't wanted the others to hear. He turned back to Harry. "I have to do this. Find Hermione and leave."
"Shouldn't we wait for you?" Draco asked nervously.
"Hermione will know if I make it. Now go!"
There was such power in Ron's voice, that they all moved a few steps before they realized it. And by the time they looked back again, Ron was gone.
***
Hermione thought back to her short-lived reunion with Ron. When she had hugged him, it had been like hugging solid rock.
She had felt him grow more powerful over the past few days, but nothing could have prepared her for what Ron had become. The strength that he had before his abduction was like a pale shadow compared to now.
Hermione was also aware that their bond was ultimately more powerful now. When she had hugged him, she had known his feelings and what he had been thinking. She had felt the unconditional love pour out of Ron's being and into hers. It had been breathtaking.
She and the twins had carried Quentin out of Anne's room and brought him to the bus. He was in pretty bad shape, but he looked like he might pull through. Now they were just waiting for the others to get back.
They were waiting for less than ten minutes, when Hermione felt Ron suddenly become elated.
Hermione didn't know what had made Ron so happy, but she had her answer a moment later.
(Hermione....Harry is alive!), Ron's excited voice rang out inside her head.
Hermione gasped, still not used to Ron speaking directly to her mind. She and Ron had an entire conversation when they were in the castle, but it still was a new experience. It was just another way that the bond had evolved. Their silent conversations were a new experience.
Hermione closed her eyes and concentrated on sending her thoughts to Ron. (What about Draco?)
(He's fine.)
(Good. Get back here. We've been apart too long as it is.)
She could actually feel Ron smile. (We're coming.)
She opened her eyes. Both of the twins were staring at her strangely.
"Now's not the time to go to sleep, Hermione." George said.
She smiled. "Harry and Draco are alive. They're all on their way back."
Hermione had almost laughed at the bewildered expression on the twins' faces.
"How do you know?" Fred asked softly as if expecting her run away like a frightened animal.
She kept smiling. "Ron told me, of course."
The twins stared for a minute, but George seemed to understand. "He's different now, isn't he?"
Hermione nodded soberly. "More than you could possibly know."
Hermione was hit by a wave of fear. It took her a moment to realize it was Ron's fear and not her own. What could make Ron so afraid?
(Hermione,) Ron called out. (It's Dent. He's calling me. I have to go to him.)
(No, Ron!) Hermione mentally screamed. She remembered how easily Dent had taken down Ron when he had been first captured. (Forget him! He isn't worth it! We have a chance to get out now.)
There was a moment of indecision on Ron's part, but Hermione felt his resolve stiffen. (I have to do this, Hermione. He owes me more than he could ever give.)
(Don't go, Ron!) Hermione sent. (He'll hurt you.)
(Hold on to these while I take care of him.)
Hermione didn't know what he was talking about. (Hold on to what?)
(These.) Ron said.
Hermione's brain was suddenly filled with the most wonderful pictures. They were images of Ron and her. The images moved, and Hermione realized they were Ron's thoughts. They showed her and Ron kissing. They showed Ron bending down on one knee, offering Hermione a ring. They both looked slightly older. They showed their wedding day. Everyone was there. Harry, Ron's best man, looked older too. He cried openly as his two best friends were married. Mrs. Weasley was weeping in happiness as Ron bent down to kiss Hermione, who wore the most beautiful wedding dress. There were images of her and Ron making love. There were some of Hermione happily pregnant. There were several scenes of Ron holding a baby. It was a baby girl. The baby had the reddest, frizziest hair Hermione had ever seen. She was so beautiful.
(What are they, Ron?) Hermione asked, tears standing in her eyes.
Ron snorted mentally. (Thoughts of you are the only things that kept me from going crazy. I thought about our future while I was in there. I even planned our wedding. I know that's usually a woman thing, but I had a lot of free time.)
(Haven't you forgotten one thing?)
(No...I don't think so. I thought of the cake, the wedding party, I even thought of the invitations. What could I have forgotten?)
(The bride). Hermione thought testily.
Ron laughed mentally. (I suppose I haven't asked you yet. I'll do it when I get back.)
(Is that a promise?)
(Is that a yes?)
(No! You're not getting out of it that easily. I expect a full out, on bended knee proposal.)
(Deal. I'll see you in a bit.)
The mental connection was severed and Hermione felt strangely alone.
***
Harry led the staggering group through the long corridors of the castle's lower levels. He could walk on his own now that the pain in his head had faded slightly. Ginny, Draco and Susan followed him.
They ran down the flight of stairs and into Anne's hospital room. Quentin was gone. The bed that he had been laying on was empty. The twins must have picked him up on the way out.
Harry wanted to thank Anne for her kindness, but she had fallen into a deep slumber in a chair in the corner of the room.
They continued running until they reached the door that they had used to first get inside the building. Harry stopped there and looked back in the direction they had come, hoping to get a glimpse of Ron.
"Why did Ron run off?" Ginny asked worriedly.
Harry shrugged. "He said someone was calling him. I don't know who."
"Why have we stopped?" Draco asked.
"I don't want to leave without Ron." Harry snapped.
"We can't stay here!" Draco yelled back. "Weasley didn't look that worried, running off on his own. He said Granger will know if he's OK. We have to go!"
"Fine!" Harry snarled.
Draco pushed open the door and looked around for guards. "Looks clear." he said and slipped out.
Ginny followed Malfoy, and Harry was about to follow when he felt a hand on his arm. He looked back to see Susan standing there. She looked worried about something.
"What is it, Susan?"
Susan bit her lower lip. "Do you remember what I said on the bus? That I love you."
"Of course I remember. What's wrong?"
"Just remember that, OK? You have to remember that. No matter what happens."
"Sure, Susan, I'll remember."
Susan nodded and walked out the door. Harry stood bewildered for a moment, but then followed after her. The fresh, July air assailed his nose, and for the first time in a while, he felt his worries dissipate. He ran a few yards away from the door and then looked back to the Sentinel building. Now that he was a short distance away, the spell that made it look like a mountain had returned.
Harry turned back to his friends and said. "Let's get moving. It's a long walk back to the bus."
***
Ron sprinted through dark hallways, following a silent call that was pulsing inside his head.
(come to me, mr. weasley.)
The voice was quiet, almost inaudible, but Ron knew who it was. Ron came to a halt in the hallway.
(No, Dent. You come to me.)
There were a few moments of shocked silence, but then: (stay where you are, boy. i'm on my way.)
Ron began pacing the hallway, waiting for Dent to arrive. He felt anger billow in his mind. Dent was the man behind his four-day torture session. Ron knew that he had become more powerful because of his separation from Hermione, but he still hated Dent with a passion.
Ron heard heavy footsteps coming from further down the hallway. He looked up and saw two men approaching him. Joseph Dent swaggered forward with Jared Langford following him. Jared looked nervous.
Dent wasn't a large man. He looked to be about fifty, and many unfortunate individuals had mistaken his age for weakness. They were wrong, Dent was as strong as he was the day he finished his Training.
Ron looked from Dent to Jared and back to Dent. "Why'd you bring him? Backup?"
Dent smiled coldly. "Hardly, Mr. Weasley. Jared will be our witness."
"Witness to what?"
"Our battle."
"Why do we need a witness?" Ron asked incredulously. "Can't we fight without someone watching?"
"No, Mr. Weasley, we can't. I am the Grand Master of the Brotherhood. I have that position because I am the most powerful Sentinel in the world. In my thirty years of ruling, I have never met another Sentinel with even half my strength. That is...until now. You and I will fight for the leadership of the Brotherhood."
Ron snorted. "I don't want to rule the Brotherhood! I don't even want to be a part of the Brotherhood. You fucking Sentinels have caused me nothing but pain."
Dent continued smiling emotionlessly. "Whether you want it or not, Mr. Weasley, you will fight for it. Since the beginning, the Brotherhood has always been led by the most powerful living Sentinel. It will not end with me! Jared will witness the fight."
Ron stared at Dent. "I'll fight you, Dent. But only because I hate everything you represent."
Dent shrugged. "Good enough." He shrugged out of his blue cloak and gave it to Jared. Without a moment of silence, Dent walked calmly toward Ron. "I've never really been tested, Weasley. In all my years, I've never been put to the limit. This should be fun."
Ron was ready when Dent launched himself at him. Dent soared teen feet through the air and snapped a kick at Ron's head. Ron ducked under the blow, but realized too late that the kick had been a fake. Ron saw Dent's fist for a split second before it crashed into his face. The pain was blinding.
Ron was thrown across the hallway. He collided with the stone wall, and pain shot through his back. He cleared his head with a shake, and opened his eyes just in time to see Dent's knee before it smashed into his chest.
Ron threw up his arm to block Dent's next punch. He kicked out with his leg, and tripped Dent. Ron pushed himself up to feet. Dent rolled quickly and got to his feet, as well.
Dent ran forward and Ron tried to prepare himself for the onslaught, but Dent was too fast. Dent was a master at combat. Every one of his punches was expertly aimed and Ron found himself struggling to stay conscious. A fist to the stomach, a knee to the chin, a chop to the neck, a kick to the knee...
An elbow collided with Ron's temple, and he felt himself slipping to his knees. He could see the darkness coming.
***
Hermione knew that Ron was in pain. She could feel it lash up and down her body and she bit her lip so she wouldn't cry out.
(Ron!) she screamed over the distance. There was no answer. Ron was slipping away.
(Stay with me, Ron!)
She could feel him fighting the darkness, trying to stay awake. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't lose him, now. She needed him.
***
Harry, Draco, Ginny and Susan walked over the plains west of the Sentinel castle. They had been walking for close to ten minutes, now. The would be able to see the bus once they climbed this last hill.
Draco stopped suddenly and Harry ran into him before he realized it. "Draco! What?"
Draco was staring at the top of the hill. His eyes were squinted slightly as he tried to make out something. "Look." he said, pointing to the top of the hill.
Harry squinted his eyes and could make out the vague shape of someone standing at the top of the hill. He couldn't see who it was, the moonless night left littlelight for them to see by.
"Fred? Is that you?" Harry asked the dark figure.
"Certainly not." a man's voice said as it raised a wand and pointed it at the sky above the group. The man mumbled a few unintelligible words, and a horrid mist shot out of the man's wand. The mist flew through the air until it came to a rest directly above Harry and his friends.
Harry knew something was wrong, but he couldn't take his eyes off of the mist. The green, flowing mass began shifting into a figure. It was a figure that haunted Harry's dreams; something he had hoped to never see again. It was a Dark Mark.
"Death Eaters!" Draco screamed. This statement brought fear into Harry's heart, and the group scattered. Draco ran off in one direction, while Harry and Ginny bolted in a different one. Harry couldn't find Susan.
Harry thought that he and Ginny would be able to escape, until dozens of Death Eaters Apparated in front of them, responding to the Dark Mark.
Harry grabbed Ginny and threw her to the ground as a shaft of glowing light hit him squarely in the chest.
He heard Ginny scream as he fell into darkness.
***
Ron knew that he was on the ground. He knew that Dent was on top of him, punching him. Ron had almost passed out when he heard Hermione say, (Fight, Ron! Fight for these.)
Ron's mind began to fill with the same images that he had sent Hermione earlier. The image of their wedding day flashed through his head. He couldn't give up, if only for that. He felt his strength return.
Ron lashed out with his fist. He felt it connect with something. He felt the weight leave his chest. He rolled over and pushed himself up to his feet. He cleared his eyes and saw that Dent was laying against the opposite wall, a slightly dazed look on his face.
Dent shook his head, and his eyes became sharp again. He looked up to see Ron standing over him. "That was quite a punch, Mr. Weasley. But we're not done yet."
Ron felt pure rage course through his veins. It was very much like the anger he had felt when he fought Kyle, only much stronger. He hated this man. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Dent."
For the first time, Ron went on the offensive, his anger fueling his movements. He swung a roundhouse punch that went straight for Dent's face. Dent had no chance to block it. It was too fast. But instead of letting it connect, Ron stopped the punch and inch from Dent's face.
Dent stumbled back, his arms shielding his face. When he saw that Ron wasn't attacking he glanced over his forearms at Ron's face. What he saw there scared him. Ron's face was contorted with controlled anger.
Ron saw the awe in Dent's face and said, "You shouldn't have kept me in there for that long, Dent. Now, I'm too powerful for you. I have a reason to live and because of that, you will never beat me."
The awe on Dent's face changed to anger. "We'll see."
Dent charged, but to Ron, it looked like Dent was running through water. He was slow. Ron marveled at that for a moment. The most powerful Sentinel in the world was looked slow to him.
Dent punched out at Ron's head, but Ron sidestepped and stuck out his leg. Dent couldn't stop his forward momentum and he tripped over Ron's leg. He fell to the ground with a crash. It was more embarrassing than painful.
"It's over, Dent." Ron said, smiling down at Dent.
"No!" Dent screamed. He pushed himself to his feet and ran at Ron.
This time, Ron stayed put. When Dent jumped at him, Ron reached out a hand and caught Dent by the throat. He lifted Dent off of his feet with one hand. Turning blue, Dent punched Ron's wrist and chest, but Ron ignored it.
Ron pulled Dent's face to his own and said, "We're through, Dent." Ron pulled back his arm and punched out with all his strength. The punch connected with Dent's face and it launched the aging man down the hall.
Dent slid along the stone floor for almost twenty feet. He didn't get back up.
Jared went to Dent and checked his pulse. "He's alive. But he's going to have a horrible headache."
Ron turned and began walking. He wanted to be with Hermione.
"Wait, Master Weasley!" Jared called out.
Ron spun on his heel. "Master?"
Jared ran over to Ron and bowed deeply. "Grand Master, to be exact."
Ron snorted. "I don't want to have anything to do with the Brotherhood.", he said and turned away again.
Jared reached out and grabbed Ron's shoulder. Ron could have easily pulled away, but he allowed Jared to stop him. "Whether you want it or not, Master Weasley, you have it."
"I'm only sixteen."
Jared sighed. "I've waited so long for you, Master Weasley. I've always known that the Brotherhood could be a force for good. But as long as Dent was in control, the Brotherhood would always be run by tradition. You have the opportunity to lead the most powerful group of individuals in the world."
Ron took a breath to refuse, but he stopped himself. The forces of good were fighting a war against Voldemort and they were losing. He could make a difference. "Fine. I'll do it."
Jared looked elated. "That's so good of you, sir."
Ron ignored him. "As my first order, I am appointing you, Jared Langford, as my stand-in. You will run the day-to-day operations of the Brotherhood. I need to live my life and I can't do that here."
Jared eyes widened. "Of course, my lord."
Ron gritted his teeth at being call 'my lord'. "Second, I retain full control over the Brotherhood. Whenever I feel it is necessary, I will take over. You will owl me all important decisions and I have veto power over every one."
"Third, all Training stops. No one should ever have to go through what I did. If we're to become a force for good, we can't be torturing our members."
Jared nodded. "I understand, Master."
"And lastly, I want every Sentinel around the world prepared for war. Contact all of them! Tell them that they fight Voldemort, now. I will lead them when the time comes. And I want this building abandoned. There shouldn't be a central location for the Sentinels. They should be with their bond-mates."
Jared smiled widely. "I've been waiting so long for someone to say that. I miss my wife and child."
"Go to them. Voldemort is coming and I don't know how much longer we all have. Live your life."
"Gladly, my lord."
Ron nodded and started walking back to the exit. He closed his eyes and sent a thought to Hermione.
(Thank you, love. You saved my life.)
(I owed you one.), came Hermione's voice.
(How are things over there?) Ron asked. He could tell Hermione was worried about something. Her feelings were so ingrained with his, that he almost confused it as his own emotion.
(I'm worried.) Hermione replied.
(I could tell.) Ron sent dryly.
(Harry and the others aren't here, yet)
(What?) Ron exclaimed. (They should have gotten there by now.)
(Well, they're not.)
(I'll be right there) Ron sent and started to run. He didn't know the best way to get out of the building, but he used Hermione like a homing beacon and soon found an exit.
He began running at full speed over the grass. He couldn't believe how good the air felt in his hair. He cast a backward look at the building that had been holding him for so long. It felt good to be free.
Ron kept his eye out for Harry and Ginny, but he didn't see them as he ran. Maybe they already got back, he thought.
He ran towards Hermione and soon he saw an old, school bus hidden behind a hill. He continued to run and called out. "If that isn't the oldest piece of junk I've ever seen, my name isn't Ronald Weasley!"
Hermione had been aware of his approach, and flung her arms around Ron's neck. The twins looked up in surprise at the sound of his voice and then ran to him.
"Hey, little brother." George said coming up and giving Ron a hug.
"Hey, bro." Ron said and looked around at the others. "Why don't we get of here?"
(Harry still-), Hermione began silently. She stopped herself and continued out loud. "Harry still isn't here. Ginny, Draco and Susan were with him."
"Damn it." Ron muttered. He just wanted to get away from this cursed place. "We're going to have to split up to look for them. Hermione and I will look over-"
He was cut off by muffled footsteps. He looked over to where they came from and saw Draco limping his way to the bus.
Ron ran over to him and saw that Draco's leg had been badly burned. His jeans were charred and still smoking. "What the hell happened, Malfoy?"
"I knew I met her before." Draco spat. He started pacing back and forth, muttering and cursing.
Ron had no idea what Draco was talking about. He walked over to him and put his hands on his shoulders. "Malfoy! You're not making any sense."
By this time, the others had caught up to Ron and Draco.
Hermione saw Draco's leg and asked, "Draco, what happened? Where's Harry?"
Draco was very upset about something. "God damn it! Don't you get it? I could've stopped it!"
"What are you talking about?" Ron asked slowly.
"Death Eaters." Malfoy muttered "They attacked us."
The news sank in. Hermione gasped. The twins looked at each other, worry in their eyes. Ron prepared himself to go look for Harry when Malfoy stopped him.
"Don't bother, Weasley. They all Apparated away."
Ron put his hands to his head. "How could this happen? How could they know we were here?"
"Isn't it obvious. We've been set up! And I could have stopped it!"
"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked.
"I knew I had met her before!"
"Susan? Is that who you're talking about."
"Obviously!"
"Back at the hotel? But that was just pick-up line. You were trying to hit on her."
"What? No! I knew I had seen her before. I just couldn't remember!"
"What do you mean?"
"She's a Death Eater!" Malfoy screamed.
Don't tell me I didn't give you enough hints. Re-read the story. It's pretty obvious when you think about it. She never takes off that long sleeved dress. She's always gripping her forearm... At the Burrow, she asked Harry 'Why do you have to be so nice?' She was extremely uncomfortable when Malfoy came in. Malfoy remembered her from somewhere. She obviously remembered him, too. She kept reminding Harry to remember that NO MATTER WHAT he has to remember that she loves him.
So Susan's a Death Eater. But is it a willing affiliation or has someone from her past forced it on her? HMMMMMM...
Well, here it is. The chapter that I have been waiting for. It's been so long in the making that I thought it would never come. It should be a surprise. But if you've been reading close enough, maybe you already know what's going to happen.
Also, you'll find out how much Ron and Hermione's bond has evolved because of their separation. It'll be cool.
This story is being translated into Spanish. Can you believe it?
George could see immediately that Ron and Hermione were too happy to think clearly. Every passing moment brought them closer to getting caught, and the two of them didn't seem too preoccupied with worrying. Something had to be done.
"All right, we have to move." George said.
Ron looked from Hermione's face to George's. George almost gasped at what he saw.
Ron had lost a lot of weight over the past four days. The skin on his face seemed to cling to his skull and his eyes were sunken and dark. George could see Ron's hands and how ruined they looked. His fingertips were red and bleeding and he didn't seem to have any fingernails left.
That alone should have brought tears to Ron's eyes, but he seemed to hardly notice them.
When Ron saw what George was staring at, he looked down at his hands. The sight sobered him greatly. "Don't worry about it. I can hardly feel it."
George doubted that, but he knew they didn't have time to discuss it.
Fred seemed to get the point. "Lets' get out of here. We can't let Harry and Malfoy's sacrifice to be in vain."
Ron's eyes widened and for a moment, he looked like the old Ron. "Malfoy? What's he doing here?"
George remembered that Ron had missed a lot over the last few days. "It's a long story. We'll fill you in when we get out."
Everyone started to move in the direction they had come. Everyone but Ron. He stood unmoving in the middle of the hallway. "What sacrifice? Where the hell is Harry?"
George recognized that this was a volatile situation. "He's buying us time. We have to move, Ron!"
Ron still wouldn't move. "Where is he?"
Fred sighed. "He and Draco are holding off the guards."
Ginny began weeping and Susan brought a hand to her forehead. Ron saw their reactions and said, "How many guards were there?"
George shrugged. "We don't know. They started coming when the alarm sounded. I'd imagine there were a lot of them."
"Could they hold them off?"
Through her tears, Ginny sputtered. "They're dead, Ron. There were so many guards...Harry told us to find you...find you and leave...he didn't want us coming back for them."
Ron clenched his jaw tightly. "Where are they?"
George took a step towards Ron. "On the other side of this floor. But Ron they told us not to go back!"
Ron wasn't even listening to him. Ron had turned back to Hermione and was staring at her. To George, it looked like there was a silent conversation taking place between them.
At first, Hermione shook her head adamantly. Ron continued to stare at her, his face unreadable. Hermione's eyes filled with tears and she nodded sadly. Ron walked forward and brushed away the tears with his thumb. They shared a short kiss, and hugged like they might not be seeing each other again.
Ron began to walk towards the direction they had come.
"Ron, wait!" George grabbed his shoulder to stop him, but it felt like trying to stop a moving train. Ron shrugged off his hand and began to sprint down the corridor.
George cursed and ran after him. He had always been faster than Ron , but his younger brother was running like the wind. George could here the others running after Ron as well. Ron began turning a corner but then stopped. He turned back to George. "Get Hermione out."
George, panting and wheezing said, "What about you?!"
Ron smiled strangely. He looked like he had aged years in that cell. "You don't worry about me anymore, big brother. I'll be fine. Get Hermione out!" Ron took off around the corner and George knew he would never catch him. He had heard that Ron had changed as a result of being a Sentinel, but this?
Ginny and Susan didn't stop either. They continued to run until they disappeared around the corner.
George felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked down and saw Hermione staring up at him calmly.
"He'll be OK, George. He's...different now."
Fred caught up to George and Hermione. "What about Ginny? She can't defend herself in here!"
Hermione smiled in the same strange way that Ron had. She looked like she knew something that no one else did. "Ron will look after them. We should go...like Ron said."
George smiled slightly. "Since when do listen to anything Ron says?"
Hermione smiled back. "Since now."
***
Ron's legs carried him faster than they ever had before. The hallway around him was a blur as he sprinted down the hallway. Sentinel magic did have its perks. Another thing they changed, he thought sadly.
Being separated from Hermione so soon was like a knife in his side, but he had to find Harry. He couldn't expose her to danger. He was pretty confident that that the twins could get her out without much trouble.
Ron thought back to his reunion with Hermione. It had been like an explosion inside him. If he had thought that the bond was strong before, it was nothing compared to now. In his head, he could hear her heart beat and he could've stopped and pointed in the exact direction that she was in. He could fell her emotions, and right now she seemed very calm. She understood that he was different, now.
He could here footsteps and he looked behind him. In the distance, he could see Ginny and another girl that looked vaguely familiar, trying to keep up. For some reason when he looked at the tall, black haired girl, images of the banquet popped into his head.
He heard sounds of fighting coming from ahead, and he doubled his speed. He turned a corner, and saw a bright flash. A bolt of lightning sped towards him, and he jumped to dodge it. He felt all the hair on his body stand on end as the lighting sped past him and hit the wall behind him. The bolt took a huge chunk out of the stone wall.
Ron stood back up and saw Draco pointing a wand at him.
"Weasley?" Draco asked in an exhausted voice. The strain of talking seemed too much for him, and he fell to his knees.
Ron ran forward and was shocked at what he saw. Over twenty bodies littered the hallway. Many of them smoked as if they had been set on fire. Even more looked like they had been stabbed. They looked like guards.
Ron reached Draco as the other boy was rubbing his tired eyes.
"Malfoy? What's going on here?"
Draco fell to backside as he said, "Sorry about the lightning. I thought you were another guard."
"Where's Harry?" Ron asked desperately.
A sad look passed over Draco's face. "He went down. I think he's dead." He pointed to a guard's body, and at first Ron didn't see what he was gesturing to. Then he saw a foot sticking out from underneath the guard. It was wearing the sneakers that Harry always wore.
Ron ran to the foot and ripped the body away from it. Laying on the ground, covered in blood was Harry Potter.
"No!" Ron screamed and knelt by the body. Harry couldn't be dead.
"He fought like a demon." Draco said from behind Ron. "He used that sword like he was born with it."
Ron cried and cradled Harry's head in his lap. "You can't be dead." he muttered.
At the sound of Ron's voice, Harry's right eyelid fluttered.
Ron lightly slapped Harry's face. "Harry! Wake up, mate!"
Harry slowly opened his eyes. For a moment, he didn't seem to recognize Ron. But then his eyes cleared and he looked into Ron's face. "Ron? Is that you?"
Ron laughed. "Yeah. It's me."
"You look like shit."
Ron hugged Harry tightly and said, "You should see yourself. I thought you were dead."
Harry smiled weakly and pushed himself up to his knees. "I might've been."
"What happened?"
Harry ran a hand through his hair. "The guards just kept coming." He pointed to the body that had been laying on top of him. "This one charged me. I got him in the stomach, but he fell on top of me. I hit my head and blacked out. I didn't expect to wake up again."
Harry looked from Ron to the bodies of the dead guards. "We killed them. I've never killed a man before. It doesn't feel good."
"No, it certainly does not." Draco muttered.
Harry looked from the bodies to Draco. "Still alive, Malfoy?"
Draco smiled. "Barely."
Harry nodded to Malfoy in what looked like respect.
Ron was bewildered. "I've obviously missed a lot."
Harry snorted. "You wouldn't believe..."
Draco got up to his feet. He looked shaky, but he could support his own weight. "Let's get the hell out of here."
"I second that." Harry muttered and got to his feet.
Just then, Ginny and Susan turned the corner, running at full speed. Ginny slowed down when she saw the bodies of the guards everywhere, but Susan kept running. The dead guards didn't seem to bother her.
When she saw that Harry was still alive, she began to cry. She didn't hug him, she just stood there, tears running down her cheeks. "I thought you were dead." she mumbled.
Harry smiled. "Sorry to disappoint you."
Ginny came forward, her face extremely pale. Her eyes brightened when they saw Harry alive. "You're alive!"
Harry smiled . For some reason, seeing Ginny again made his spirits rise. He hadn't expected to see anyone ever again. "It's good to see everyone, but we need to get out of here."
Ron nodded. "Give me a second." he said and closed his eyes. He kept them closed for a few seconds and then opened them with a smile on his handsome face.
"What was that all about?" Ginny asked.
Ron stared for a moment as if he didn't understand what she meant. "What? Oh...I was just letting Hermione know you guys are OK." he said simply, as if his answer were obvious.
Harry decided it wasn't the time to ask question. He took a step toward the stairs, but he stumbled, his head still pounding.
Ginny came forward and supported Harry with her shoulder. Because of their difference in height, Ron practically carried Draco. They began to shuffle back to the stairs that would take them to the lower floor.
Suddenly Ron stopped and tilted his head to the side, as if he were listening to something that none of the others could hear.
"What is it, Ron?" Harry asked.
Ron didn't answer; he just listened. He lowered Draco to his feet and said to Susan, "Take him."
Susan came forward to support Draco, but he waved her away. Apparently his pride wouldn't allow him to be carried by a girl.
Ron turned back in the direction they had come. "Get out." he said calmly.
"What's going on?" Ginny asked.
Ron didn't answer for a moment. "He's...calling me."
"Who?" Harry asked.
"The man who killed Ronnie-kins." Ron muttered. He said it softly, as if he hadn't wanted the others to hear. He turned back to Harry. "I have to do this. Find Hermione and leave."
"Shouldn't we wait for you?" Draco asked nervously.
"Hermione will know if I make it. Now go!"
There was such power in Ron's voice, that they all moved a few steps before they realized it. And by the time they looked back again, Ron was gone.
***
Hermione thought back to her short-lived reunion with Ron. When she had hugged him, it had been like hugging solid rock.
She had felt him grow more powerful over the past few days, but nothing could have prepared her for what Ron had become. The strength that he had before his abduction was like a pale shadow compared to now.
Hermione was also aware that their bond was ultimately more powerful now. When she had hugged him, she had known his feelings and what he had been thinking. She had felt the unconditional love pour out of Ron's being and into hers. It had been breathtaking.
She and the twins had carried Quentin out of Anne's room and brought him to the bus. He was in pretty bad shape, but he looked like he might pull through. Now they were just waiting for the others to get back.
They were waiting for less than ten minutes, when Hermione felt Ron suddenly become elated.
Hermione didn't know what had made Ron so happy, but she had her answer a moment later.
(Hermione....Harry is alive!), Ron's excited voice rang out inside her head.
Hermione gasped, still not used to Ron speaking directly to her mind. She and Ron had an entire conversation when they were in the castle, but it still was a new experience. It was just another way that the bond had evolved. Their silent conversations were a new experience.
Hermione closed her eyes and concentrated on sending her thoughts to Ron. (What about Draco?)
(He's fine.)
(Good. Get back here. We've been apart too long as it is.)
She could actually feel Ron smile. (We're coming.)
She opened her eyes. Both of the twins were staring at her strangely.
"Now's not the time to go to sleep, Hermione." George said.
She smiled. "Harry and Draco are alive. They're all on their way back."
Hermione had almost laughed at the bewildered expression on the twins' faces.
"How do you know?" Fred asked softly as if expecting her run away like a frightened animal.
She kept smiling. "Ron told me, of course."
The twins stared for a minute, but George seemed to understand. "He's different now, isn't he?"
Hermione nodded soberly. "More than you could possibly know."
Hermione was hit by a wave of fear. It took her a moment to realize it was Ron's fear and not her own. What could make Ron so afraid?
(Hermione,) Ron called out. (It's Dent. He's calling me. I have to go to him.)
(No, Ron!) Hermione mentally screamed. She remembered how easily Dent had taken down Ron when he had been first captured. (Forget him! He isn't worth it! We have a chance to get out now.)
There was a moment of indecision on Ron's part, but Hermione felt his resolve stiffen. (I have to do this, Hermione. He owes me more than he could ever give.)
(Don't go, Ron!) Hermione sent. (He'll hurt you.)
(Hold on to these while I take care of him.)
Hermione didn't know what he was talking about. (Hold on to what?)
(These.) Ron said.
Hermione's brain was suddenly filled with the most wonderful pictures. They were images of Ron and her. The images moved, and Hermione realized they were Ron's thoughts. They showed her and Ron kissing. They showed Ron bending down on one knee, offering Hermione a ring. They both looked slightly older. They showed their wedding day. Everyone was there. Harry, Ron's best man, looked older too. He cried openly as his two best friends were married. Mrs. Weasley was weeping in happiness as Ron bent down to kiss Hermione, who wore the most beautiful wedding dress. There were images of her and Ron making love. There were some of Hermione happily pregnant. There were several scenes of Ron holding a baby. It was a baby girl. The baby had the reddest, frizziest hair Hermione had ever seen. She was so beautiful.
(What are they, Ron?) Hermione asked, tears standing in her eyes.
Ron snorted mentally. (Thoughts of you are the only things that kept me from going crazy. I thought about our future while I was in there. I even planned our wedding. I know that's usually a woman thing, but I had a lot of free time.)
(Haven't you forgotten one thing?)
(No...I don't think so. I thought of the cake, the wedding party, I even thought of the invitations. What could I have forgotten?)
(The bride). Hermione thought testily.
Ron laughed mentally. (I suppose I haven't asked you yet. I'll do it when I get back.)
(Is that a promise?)
(Is that a yes?)
(No! You're not getting out of it that easily. I expect a full out, on bended knee proposal.)
(Deal. I'll see you in a bit.)
The mental connection was severed and Hermione felt strangely alone.
***
Harry led the staggering group through the long corridors of the castle's lower levels. He could walk on his own now that the pain in his head had faded slightly. Ginny, Draco and Susan followed him.
They ran down the flight of stairs and into Anne's hospital room. Quentin was gone. The bed that he had been laying on was empty. The twins must have picked him up on the way out.
Harry wanted to thank Anne for her kindness, but she had fallen into a deep slumber in a chair in the corner of the room.
They continued running until they reached the door that they had used to first get inside the building. Harry stopped there and looked back in the direction they had come, hoping to get a glimpse of Ron.
"Why did Ron run off?" Ginny asked worriedly.
Harry shrugged. "He said someone was calling him. I don't know who."
"Why have we stopped?" Draco asked.
"I don't want to leave without Ron." Harry snapped.
"We can't stay here!" Draco yelled back. "Weasley didn't look that worried, running off on his own. He said Granger will know if he's OK. We have to go!"
"Fine!" Harry snarled.
Draco pushed open the door and looked around for guards. "Looks clear." he said and slipped out.
Ginny followed Malfoy, and Harry was about to follow when he felt a hand on his arm. He looked back to see Susan standing there. She looked worried about something.
"What is it, Susan?"
Susan bit her lower lip. "Do you remember what I said on the bus? That I love you."
"Of course I remember. What's wrong?"
"Just remember that, OK? You have to remember that. No matter what happens."
"Sure, Susan, I'll remember."
Susan nodded and walked out the door. Harry stood bewildered for a moment, but then followed after her. The fresh, July air assailed his nose, and for the first time in a while, he felt his worries dissipate. He ran a few yards away from the door and then looked back to the Sentinel building. Now that he was a short distance away, the spell that made it look like a mountain had returned.
Harry turned back to his friends and said. "Let's get moving. It's a long walk back to the bus."
***
Ron sprinted through dark hallways, following a silent call that was pulsing inside his head.
(come to me, mr. weasley.)
The voice was quiet, almost inaudible, but Ron knew who it was. Ron came to a halt in the hallway.
(No, Dent. You come to me.)
There were a few moments of shocked silence, but then: (stay where you are, boy. i'm on my way.)
Ron began pacing the hallway, waiting for Dent to arrive. He felt anger billow in his mind. Dent was the man behind his four-day torture session. Ron knew that he had become more powerful because of his separation from Hermione, but he still hated Dent with a passion.
Ron heard heavy footsteps coming from further down the hallway. He looked up and saw two men approaching him. Joseph Dent swaggered forward with Jared Langford following him. Jared looked nervous.
Dent wasn't a large man. He looked to be about fifty, and many unfortunate individuals had mistaken his age for weakness. They were wrong, Dent was as strong as he was the day he finished his Training.
Ron looked from Dent to Jared and back to Dent. "Why'd you bring him? Backup?"
Dent smiled coldly. "Hardly, Mr. Weasley. Jared will be our witness."
"Witness to what?"
"Our battle."
"Why do we need a witness?" Ron asked incredulously. "Can't we fight without someone watching?"
"No, Mr. Weasley, we can't. I am the Grand Master of the Brotherhood. I have that position because I am the most powerful Sentinel in the world. In my thirty years of ruling, I have never met another Sentinel with even half my strength. That is...until now. You and I will fight for the leadership of the Brotherhood."
Ron snorted. "I don't want to rule the Brotherhood! I don't even want to be a part of the Brotherhood. You fucking Sentinels have caused me nothing but pain."
Dent continued smiling emotionlessly. "Whether you want it or not, Mr. Weasley, you will fight for it. Since the beginning, the Brotherhood has always been led by the most powerful living Sentinel. It will not end with me! Jared will witness the fight."
Ron stared at Dent. "I'll fight you, Dent. But only because I hate everything you represent."
Dent shrugged. "Good enough." He shrugged out of his blue cloak and gave it to Jared. Without a moment of silence, Dent walked calmly toward Ron. "I've never really been tested, Weasley. In all my years, I've never been put to the limit. This should be fun."
Ron was ready when Dent launched himself at him. Dent soared teen feet through the air and snapped a kick at Ron's head. Ron ducked under the blow, but realized too late that the kick had been a fake. Ron saw Dent's fist for a split second before it crashed into his face. The pain was blinding.
Ron was thrown across the hallway. He collided with the stone wall, and pain shot through his back. He cleared his head with a shake, and opened his eyes just in time to see Dent's knee before it smashed into his chest.
Ron threw up his arm to block Dent's next punch. He kicked out with his leg, and tripped Dent. Ron pushed himself up to feet. Dent rolled quickly and got to his feet, as well.
Dent ran forward and Ron tried to prepare himself for the onslaught, but Dent was too fast. Dent was a master at combat. Every one of his punches was expertly aimed and Ron found himself struggling to stay conscious. A fist to the stomach, a knee to the chin, a chop to the neck, a kick to the knee...
An elbow collided with Ron's temple, and he felt himself slipping to his knees. He could see the darkness coming.
***
Hermione knew that Ron was in pain. She could feel it lash up and down her body and she bit her lip so she wouldn't cry out.
(Ron!) she screamed over the distance. There was no answer. Ron was slipping away.
(Stay with me, Ron!)
She could feel him fighting the darkness, trying to stay awake. She didn't know what to do. She couldn't lose him, now. She needed him.
***
Harry, Draco, Ginny and Susan walked over the plains west of the Sentinel castle. They had been walking for close to ten minutes, now. The would be able to see the bus once they climbed this last hill.
Draco stopped suddenly and Harry ran into him before he realized it. "Draco! What?"
Draco was staring at the top of the hill. His eyes were squinted slightly as he tried to make out something. "Look." he said, pointing to the top of the hill.
Harry squinted his eyes and could make out the vague shape of someone standing at the top of the hill. He couldn't see who it was, the moonless night left littlelight for them to see by.
"Fred? Is that you?" Harry asked the dark figure.
"Certainly not." a man's voice said as it raised a wand and pointed it at the sky above the group. The man mumbled a few unintelligible words, and a horrid mist shot out of the man's wand. The mist flew through the air until it came to a rest directly above Harry and his friends.
Harry knew something was wrong, but he couldn't take his eyes off of the mist. The green, flowing mass began shifting into a figure. It was a figure that haunted Harry's dreams; something he had hoped to never see again. It was a Dark Mark.
"Death Eaters!" Draco screamed. This statement brought fear into Harry's heart, and the group scattered. Draco ran off in one direction, while Harry and Ginny bolted in a different one. Harry couldn't find Susan.
Harry thought that he and Ginny would be able to escape, until dozens of Death Eaters Apparated in front of them, responding to the Dark Mark.
Harry grabbed Ginny and threw her to the ground as a shaft of glowing light hit him squarely in the chest.
He heard Ginny scream as he fell into darkness.
***
Ron knew that he was on the ground. He knew that Dent was on top of him, punching him. Ron had almost passed out when he heard Hermione say, (Fight, Ron! Fight for these.)
Ron's mind began to fill with the same images that he had sent Hermione earlier. The image of their wedding day flashed through his head. He couldn't give up, if only for that. He felt his strength return.
Ron lashed out with his fist. He felt it connect with something. He felt the weight leave his chest. He rolled over and pushed himself up to his feet. He cleared his eyes and saw that Dent was laying against the opposite wall, a slightly dazed look on his face.
Dent shook his head, and his eyes became sharp again. He looked up to see Ron standing over him. "That was quite a punch, Mr. Weasley. But we're not done yet."
Ron felt pure rage course through his veins. It was very much like the anger he had felt when he fought Kyle, only much stronger. He hated this man. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Dent."
For the first time, Ron went on the offensive, his anger fueling his movements. He swung a roundhouse punch that went straight for Dent's face. Dent had no chance to block it. It was too fast. But instead of letting it connect, Ron stopped the punch and inch from Dent's face.
Dent stumbled back, his arms shielding his face. When he saw that Ron wasn't attacking he glanced over his forearms at Ron's face. What he saw there scared him. Ron's face was contorted with controlled anger.
Ron saw the awe in Dent's face and said, "You shouldn't have kept me in there for that long, Dent. Now, I'm too powerful for you. I have a reason to live and because of that, you will never beat me."
The awe on Dent's face changed to anger. "We'll see."
Dent charged, but to Ron, it looked like Dent was running through water. He was slow. Ron marveled at that for a moment. The most powerful Sentinel in the world was looked slow to him.
Dent punched out at Ron's head, but Ron sidestepped and stuck out his leg. Dent couldn't stop his forward momentum and he tripped over Ron's leg. He fell to the ground with a crash. It was more embarrassing than painful.
"It's over, Dent." Ron said, smiling down at Dent.
"No!" Dent screamed. He pushed himself to his feet and ran at Ron.
This time, Ron stayed put. When Dent jumped at him, Ron reached out a hand and caught Dent by the throat. He lifted Dent off of his feet with one hand. Turning blue, Dent punched Ron's wrist and chest, but Ron ignored it.
Ron pulled Dent's face to his own and said, "We're through, Dent." Ron pulled back his arm and punched out with all his strength. The punch connected with Dent's face and it launched the aging man down the hall.
Dent slid along the stone floor for almost twenty feet. He didn't get back up.
Jared went to Dent and checked his pulse. "He's alive. But he's going to have a horrible headache."
Ron turned and began walking. He wanted to be with Hermione.
"Wait, Master Weasley!" Jared called out.
Ron spun on his heel. "Master?"
Jared ran over to Ron and bowed deeply. "Grand Master, to be exact."
Ron snorted. "I don't want to have anything to do with the Brotherhood.", he said and turned away again.
Jared reached out and grabbed Ron's shoulder. Ron could have easily pulled away, but he allowed Jared to stop him. "Whether you want it or not, Master Weasley, you have it."
"I'm only sixteen."
Jared sighed. "I've waited so long for you, Master Weasley. I've always known that the Brotherhood could be a force for good. But as long as Dent was in control, the Brotherhood would always be run by tradition. You have the opportunity to lead the most powerful group of individuals in the world."
Ron took a breath to refuse, but he stopped himself. The forces of good were fighting a war against Voldemort and they were losing. He could make a difference. "Fine. I'll do it."
Jared looked elated. "That's so good of you, sir."
Ron ignored him. "As my first order, I am appointing you, Jared Langford, as my stand-in. You will run the day-to-day operations of the Brotherhood. I need to live my life and I can't do that here."
Jared eyes widened. "Of course, my lord."
Ron gritted his teeth at being call 'my lord'. "Second, I retain full control over the Brotherhood. Whenever I feel it is necessary, I will take over. You will owl me all important decisions and I have veto power over every one."
"Third, all Training stops. No one should ever have to go through what I did. If we're to become a force for good, we can't be torturing our members."
Jared nodded. "I understand, Master."
"And lastly, I want every Sentinel around the world prepared for war. Contact all of them! Tell them that they fight Voldemort, now. I will lead them when the time comes. And I want this building abandoned. There shouldn't be a central location for the Sentinels. They should be with their bond-mates."
Jared smiled widely. "I've been waiting so long for someone to say that. I miss my wife and child."
"Go to them. Voldemort is coming and I don't know how much longer we all have. Live your life."
"Gladly, my lord."
Ron nodded and started walking back to the exit. He closed his eyes and sent a thought to Hermione.
(Thank you, love. You saved my life.)
(I owed you one.), came Hermione's voice.
(How are things over there?) Ron asked. He could tell Hermione was worried about something. Her feelings were so ingrained with his, that he almost confused it as his own emotion.
(I'm worried.) Hermione replied.
(I could tell.) Ron sent dryly.
(Harry and the others aren't here, yet)
(What?) Ron exclaimed. (They should have gotten there by now.)
(Well, they're not.)
(I'll be right there) Ron sent and started to run. He didn't know the best way to get out of the building, but he used Hermione like a homing beacon and soon found an exit.
He began running at full speed over the grass. He couldn't believe how good the air felt in his hair. He cast a backward look at the building that had been holding him for so long. It felt good to be free.
Ron kept his eye out for Harry and Ginny, but he didn't see them as he ran. Maybe they already got back, he thought.
He ran towards Hermione and soon he saw an old, school bus hidden behind a hill. He continued to run and called out. "If that isn't the oldest piece of junk I've ever seen, my name isn't Ronald Weasley!"
Hermione had been aware of his approach, and flung her arms around Ron's neck. The twins looked up in surprise at the sound of his voice and then ran to him.
"Hey, little brother." George said coming up and giving Ron a hug.
"Hey, bro." Ron said and looked around at the others. "Why don't we get of here?"
(Harry still-), Hermione began silently. She stopped herself and continued out loud. "Harry still isn't here. Ginny, Draco and Susan were with him."
"Damn it." Ron muttered. He just wanted to get away from this cursed place. "We're going to have to split up to look for them. Hermione and I will look over-"
He was cut off by muffled footsteps. He looked over to where they came from and saw Draco limping his way to the bus.
Ron ran over to him and saw that Draco's leg had been badly burned. His jeans were charred and still smoking. "What the hell happened, Malfoy?"
"I knew I met her before." Draco spat. He started pacing back and forth, muttering and cursing.
Ron had no idea what Draco was talking about. He walked over to him and put his hands on his shoulders. "Malfoy! You're not making any sense."
By this time, the others had caught up to Ron and Draco.
Hermione saw Draco's leg and asked, "Draco, what happened? Where's Harry?"
Draco was very upset about something. "God damn it! Don't you get it? I could've stopped it!"
"What are you talking about?" Ron asked slowly.
"Death Eaters." Malfoy muttered "They attacked us."
The news sank in. Hermione gasped. The twins looked at each other, worry in their eyes. Ron prepared himself to go look for Harry when Malfoy stopped him.
"Don't bother, Weasley. They all Apparated away."
Ron put his hands to his head. "How could this happen? How could they know we were here?"
"Isn't it obvious. We've been set up! And I could have stopped it!"
"What are you talking about?" Hermione asked.
"I knew I had met her before!"
"Susan? Is that who you're talking about."
"Obviously!"
"Back at the hotel? But that was just pick-up line. You were trying to hit on her."
"What? No! I knew I had seen her before. I just couldn't remember!"
"What do you mean?"
"She's a Death Eater!" Malfoy screamed.
Don't tell me I didn't give you enough hints. Re-read the story. It's pretty obvious when you think about it. She never takes off that long sleeved dress. She's always gripping her forearm... At the Burrow, she asked Harry 'Why do you have to be so nice?' She was extremely uncomfortable when Malfoy came in. Malfoy remembered her from somewhere. She obviously remembered him, too. She kept reminding Harry to remember that NO MATTER WHAT he has to remember that she loves him.
So Susan's a Death Eater. But is it a willing affiliation or has someone from her past forced it on her? HMMMMMM...