Thanks for your reviews, gina, adrien, athenakitty, TheGreatFox2000, dreamcatcher386, and gary!
athenakitty- Ah, so glad you're reviewing again! And as for your questions... For the first two, the answer is the same: In a sense. For the third one, no.
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Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
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A few days later, Dolohov was to be found walking down the stairs into the dungeons. No one was making him come down here, he doing it of his own volition. He wanted to poke fun at Harry's and Ron's predicament. He came to the last stair, and stepped onto the dungeon floor. Walking past the many empty cells, he wondered what Harry would do when he poked fun at him. Retaliate, probably. Of course, Harry couldn't do anything to hurt Dolohov, but Dolohov could hurt Harry, if he wanted. And he did want to.
Dolohov reached the cell that Harry and Ron were in and peered inside. He could see Ron laying on the stone bed, and Harry, laying on the ground beside him. Ron seemed to be asleep, or unconcious. Harry, however, seemed to be awake. He had both his hands behind his head, and was staring up at the ceiling.
Dolohov cleared his throat. Harry lifted his head off of his hands, and gazed wearily at Dolohov. Harry got up, an stepped up to the bars, where Dolohov was sneering. Dolohov could see that Harry looked exhausted. And hungry. Dolohov smirked.
"What is it?" said Harry wearily. "Why have you come here?"
"Merely to see you. The mere sight of your son's suffering amuses me greatly."
"Shut up," Harry growled. He immediately leapt back as Dolohov aimed a punch at him. He grinned. "I wasn't the youngest seeker in a century for nothing, you know."
"I know that, you idiot," said Dolohov. He turned to leave, but Harry stopped him.
"Could I have a potion for my son?" said Harry worriedly. "His ribs are rather badly broken. I don't want to see Ron in pain!"
"No," said Dolohov.
"Please?" said Harry with more concern, and a hint of anger.
"No, Potter."
"Why not?" said Harry angrily. "I want a potion to heal my son's ribs! I hate to see him suffer like this!"
"No, Potter. I will not give you the potion."
But Harry had had enough. Days of seeing his son suffer, and days without food had done something to his temper.
"GIVE ME THE BLOODY POTION, YOU BLOODY BASTARD!" Harry yelled at the top of his lungs, shaking the bars of the cell.
Dolohov responded by punching Harry in the side of the face. Harry fell to the floor, his hands around his jaw. His jaw was in pain, but he didn't think it had broken, luckily. He opened his mouth and then closed it slowly. Harry repeated this twice more, and was glad to find that it wasn't broken, but it still hurt a lot.
"Hurts, doesn't it Potter?" said Dolohov. Harry didn't move, but he did glared at Dolohov, who sneered yet again.
"What's all this noise?"
Dolohov whipped around. Lucius had come, unheard, up to the cell. He was looking at Harry, who had once more come up to the bars of the cell, with an expression of distaste.
"What's the matter?" said Lucius.
"Well, Lucius, Potter here wanted some potion for his son's broken bones."
"And why didn't you get it?"
"I want to see his son suffer."
"Dolohov, please get the potion!" Harry pleaded. He was met with another punch, only this time, it was his left eye which caught it. Harry gasped with pain, and put his hands up to his eye.
"Stop, Dolohov." Lucius looked at Harry. "Dolohov, get the potion. We want to have Ron feeling well before he and his precious father have to come up to the living room again for questioning."
"But-"
"Go! Now!"
Dolohov turned to go.
"Food," said Harry. "And food. My son and I haven't eaten anything for many days."
"Dolohov," called Lucius. Dolohov, who had been halfway up the stairs, stopped. "Get some food in addition to the potion."
Dolohov angrily stomped the rest of the way up the stairs, and slammed the dungeon door loudly behind him.
"Thank you so much, Malfoy. I really appreciate this," said Harry, relieved.
"Shut up, and don't thank me Potter," said Lucius venomously. "I'm only doing this so the other Death Eaters and I can...have some fun...when we next question you and...your precious son." Something in Lucius Malfoy's voice made Harry shudder.
After a minute or so, Harry sat down on the ground, and leaned his head against to hard stone wall. He closed his eyes, and sighed. Harry felt his left eye and winced, knowing full well the Lucius was enjoying every minute of Harry's suffering. It seemed that Harry now had a black eye. He felt his jaw, and that too was bruised. Harry sighed. Even though he was thirty-three, he felt like crying. He needed to get all of the emotion out of himself. But he knew that he mustn't cry in front of Lucius Malfoy. Harry sniffed, and to his horror, felt a tear slide down his face. He hastily wiped it away, and glanced at Lucius, wondering fearfully if he had seen. Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Lucius Malfoy was staring toward to entrance to the Dungeons.
Harry took his gaze away from Lucius, and instead concentrated it on his son. Ron was still unconcious. He had been unconcious for two days, and Harry was beginning to get very worried. What if Ron died? Harry didn't think he'd be able to cope with the loss of another loved one. Harry was shaken from his musings by footsteps drawing nearer to the cell.
Harry looked back towards Lucius, and saw Dolohov coming toward them. Harry was pleased to see that Dolohov carrying a small bottle of potion, and a small amount of food.
"Here, Lucius," said Dolohov, handing the food and potion to Malfoy.
Lucius held up his hands. "Don't give that to me, I don't need it. Give it to Potter."
Dolohov sighed exasperatedly, and thrust the food and potion through the bars at Harry.
"Here. Take it, Potter!" spat Dolohov.
Harry just managed not to drop the lot.
"Come on, Lucius," muttered Dolohov in a voice that no less reached Harry's ears. "Let's go. I can't stand the sight of those filthy half bloods."
Harry felt an anger course through him at these words, but decided, upon reflection, that it was best not to retaliate. He didn't want to get punched in the face again, though the fact that he was dealing with Death Eaters didn't guarantee the fact that he wouldn't get hurt. Harry turned back to his son, and knelt down beside the son bed on which Ron lay.
Harry put the food and the small bottle of potion down, and placed his hand on Ron's shoulder. He gently shook him, so as not to hurt his broken bones, to see if he would wake.
Ron's eyes opened slowly. He blinked once or twice, and found himself staring into the face of his father. Ron tried to smile weakly.
"Hey Dad," Ron whispered.
"Hello, Son," Harry whispered back. "I have a potion here that'll heal your bones."
"Really?"
Harry held up the potion bottle. Ron grinned, or tried to, because his grin came out in a grimace.
"But first, because your ribs are out of place, I'll have to reset your bones. It's going to be very painful for you as I don't have my wand with me."
Ron was scared. Really scared. But he knew that his dad had to get this done, or the damage could be permanent.
"Okay."
Harry put down the bottle of potion and placed his hands on Ron's broken ribs. He felt very tense.
"Now, Ron, this is going to hurt. A lot," said Harry, trying to get the tense feeling out of his system. "Before I do this, I want you to know that I love you, and that I would never intentionally hurt you." Harry's voice was almost shaking.
"I know, Dad," said Ron. "I know."
"Are you ready?"
Ron shut his eyes, his face screwed up, and nodded. Harry pressed down hard on one of the ribs and heard some sort of crack as it was put back in place. Ron screamed in agony. His screams reverberated around the dungeon that was empty except for themselves. Harry braced himself, and set the next bone back in it's place.
"AAAAAAARGH!"
Despite his efforts to keep from crying, Harry felt tears start at his eyes. He hated to see his son suffering like this.
CRACK.
Another bone was set in it's place, and again, Ron screamed, but louder this time. The pain and agony was excruciating. Ron began to wonder, even through the pain, when it would end. It was perpetual, and he didn't think he could bear much more of it. Ron screwed up his face again as his father set another bone back in its place, and again, another scream emerged from Ron's mouth.
There were four bones to reset...three...two...When Harry was down to the last bone that he had to set back in it's place, he stopped. A few tears streamed down his face and onto his shirt.
"I'm sorry...I can't-," Harry said, his voice shaking violently.
Ron gritted his teeth."Yes...you...bloody...well...can.... And...you had...better...bloody...do it.... Now...finish...the job...Dad." Ron opened his eyes. Harry could see the pain in them, could see the sweat on his son's face. "Please." Ron whispered.
Harry nodded and took a deep breath, saw his son grit his teeth and shut his eyes tightly, and set the last bone in place.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!"
Ron's last scream echoed around the entire dungeon. It was so loud, in fact, that the Death Eater in the living room could hear it. They all smirked.
"Sounds as if Potter junior is having some fun," said Bellatrix, grinning, yet with a hint of hatred for Ron in her voice.
The rest of the Death Eaters laughed appreciatively.
"I wish I could see his pathetic, screaming face..." said Lucius.
Bellatrix's smile widened and her eyes grew bright. "And then, where their pitiful supply of food has run out, they won't be able to conjure any." Bellatrix pulled Harry's and Ron's wands out of her robes.
There were cheers and claps from Rodolphus, Lucius, and Dolohov.
"Always the genius, my wife," said Rodolphus. "I'm glad I got to her before anyone else." He gave Bellatrix a kiss on the cheek. "I just can't wait to hear them begging for more food...It'll be such a...pleasure, to hear their pathetic pleads. Such satisfaction will be brought from cooking wonderful meals, and having the smell of it waft down to their cell and them not being able to do anything about it."
The other three Death Eaters laughed uproariously, and continued what was for them a very enjoyable evening. Meanwhile, down in the cell where Harry and Ron were, the evening wasn't so enjoyable. Ron had just finished screaming from when his dad had set his last rib in place, and was now panting heavily. His teeth were no longer gritted, however, but his eyes were still tightly shut.
"Now for the potion," said Harry in a would-be calm voice He drew out the little vial from the inside of his robes where he had been keeping it, and uncorked it. Taking it in one hand, he used his free hand to wipe a couple tears from his face, wincing only slightly as has fingers rubbed against his black eye. Harry then took his free hand, and placed it under Ron's head. "I'm going to have to lift your head up, but only slightly."
"That's fine," Ron whispered.
Ron let a small groan of pain escape his lips as Harry lifted his head. He felt the vial at his lips, felt the potion inside it trickle into his mouth as Harry poured it in, while trying to steady his shaking hand at the same time. As soon as Ron felt the touch of the cold vial leave his lips, he opened his eyes.
"The potion should be taking effect any second," Harry sniffed.
And, sure enough, a few seconds later, Ron felt a funny feeling in his chest. He closed his eyes as he felt his ribs healing. When the funny feeling was gone, it could only mean that his ribs had healed. Ron opened his eyes yet again, and found himself staring into the eyes of his father. He had to squint in the darkness to see him.
"Hey, Dad," said Ron. He smiled and sat up slowly, grimacing only slightly. "Dad? Are you all right?"
Harry wiped a tear from his face and smiled weakly.
"I'm well enough," he said.
He leaned forward and embraced his son in a hug. When they pulled apart, Ron could see that his dad was grinning slightly.
"Why're you so happy?" Ron asked curiously.
"I'm just glad to see that you're all better," said Harry. His voice took on a darker tone. "You have no idea how much I wanted to kill those Death Eaters when I found out what they'd done to do."
"Your blood probably boiled."
"Actually, it did," said Harry. He took a deep breath. "But you're all right now, and that's all that matters. Let's just think about the prospect of getting rescued and seeing you mother and sisters again. And Kelsey, too."
Ron smiled slightly. "Yeah- Dad?" said Ron suddenly. "What happened to your face?" For Harry had just moved into the moonlight, revealing his black eye and bruises all over his face. "Why's it all beat up?"
"Oh...When I arrived to rescue you, I got into a tussle with the Death Eaters. They punched me a few times..."
"Is that how you got the black eye?" said Ron, observing the nasty looking bruise.
Harry shook his head. "No. I was given it by Dolohov when I asked for the potion to heal your ribs. It's also how I got this bruise on my jaw...I called him a bloody bastard." Harry smiled sadly. "I mean, I know I shouldn't've...I just hate seeing anyone I love in pain..." He suddenly remembered, as if it had happened yesterday, the moment when his best friend Ron Weasley clutch his side and fall to the ground, later dying in Harry's arms. He remembered the look of horror and pain on Ron Weasley's face... Remembered his last words....
.
"Ron? What's wrong?" said Harry.
Ron looked at Harry, and an expression of shock, horror, pain, and helplessness was on his face.
"RON!!" Harry yelled.
Ron dropped to his knees. Harry ran over to him.
"Ron!" pleaded Harry. Ron just look at at Harry, helpless. Harry took Ron in his arms, hugged him almost and lowered him the rest of the way to the floor. "Ron!" Harry choked out. Hermione gave a sob.
"Harry-" said Ron in a weak voice. "Harry...I..."
"Ron! Please don't die! Please, don't die!" Harry was crying by now, and it was hard for him to speak throught the tears. "You're my...my best...friend! Please...I...I don't know what I'd...do...if....if you died, so please don't!
"Harry," Ron swallowed. It was getting hard for him to talk. "I...I'm sorry..."
"No, it's all my...my fault!" Harry choked out. "It's...I..."
Hermione was watching Harry and Ron, tears streaming down her face.
"It's...okay, Harry." Ron gave a weak smile, and then coughed. He drew a ragged breath. He tensed up. "Harry! Please....say goodbye to my mum and dad for me...tell them that...that I love them...and Ginny too..."
"Yes...I will...I'll tell them that," said Harry through his many tears that were streaming down his face.
"Hermione...I....I love...you..." Ron was getting weaker now. "Please, if...if you...if you...find..." even weaker... "I...have...to...leave you...now..." even weaker... "...good...goodbye..." and with a last ragged breath, Ron lay still.
"No!" Harry cried out, hugging his best friend closer to him. "NO!"
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Harry was brought back to the present by his son's voice.
"Dad?" Ron's voice sounded concerned.
"What?"
"Why are you crying?"
"I'm-" Harry was going to say 'I'm not', but he reached up and felt tears on his face. "I just...I was just...remembering...his...death..."
"Who's death?" Ron asked, confused. Then it dawned on him. "Oh- your friend Ron Weasley?"
Harry bit his lip and nodded. "You must think it's stupid to see a thirty-three year old crying," he said apologetically.
"No, Dad," Ron shook his head, "I don't think it's stupid."
Ron embraced his dad in a second hug, and Harry broke down crying in his son's arms.
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PLEASE REVIEW
athenakitty- Ah, so glad you're reviewing again! And as for your questions... For the first two, the answer is the same: In a sense. For the third one, no.
.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
.
A few days later, Dolohov was to be found walking down the stairs into the dungeons. No one was making him come down here, he doing it of his own volition. He wanted to poke fun at Harry's and Ron's predicament. He came to the last stair, and stepped onto the dungeon floor. Walking past the many empty cells, he wondered what Harry would do when he poked fun at him. Retaliate, probably. Of course, Harry couldn't do anything to hurt Dolohov, but Dolohov could hurt Harry, if he wanted. And he did want to.
Dolohov reached the cell that Harry and Ron were in and peered inside. He could see Ron laying on the stone bed, and Harry, laying on the ground beside him. Ron seemed to be asleep, or unconcious. Harry, however, seemed to be awake. He had both his hands behind his head, and was staring up at the ceiling.
Dolohov cleared his throat. Harry lifted his head off of his hands, and gazed wearily at Dolohov. Harry got up, an stepped up to the bars, where Dolohov was sneering. Dolohov could see that Harry looked exhausted. And hungry. Dolohov smirked.
"What is it?" said Harry wearily. "Why have you come here?"
"Merely to see you. The mere sight of your son's suffering amuses me greatly."
"Shut up," Harry growled. He immediately leapt back as Dolohov aimed a punch at him. He grinned. "I wasn't the youngest seeker in a century for nothing, you know."
"I know that, you idiot," said Dolohov. He turned to leave, but Harry stopped him.
"Could I have a potion for my son?" said Harry worriedly. "His ribs are rather badly broken. I don't want to see Ron in pain!"
"No," said Dolohov.
"Please?" said Harry with more concern, and a hint of anger.
"No, Potter."
"Why not?" said Harry angrily. "I want a potion to heal my son's ribs! I hate to see him suffer like this!"
"No, Potter. I will not give you the potion."
But Harry had had enough. Days of seeing his son suffer, and days without food had done something to his temper.
"GIVE ME THE BLOODY POTION, YOU BLOODY BASTARD!" Harry yelled at the top of his lungs, shaking the bars of the cell.
Dolohov responded by punching Harry in the side of the face. Harry fell to the floor, his hands around his jaw. His jaw was in pain, but he didn't think it had broken, luckily. He opened his mouth and then closed it slowly. Harry repeated this twice more, and was glad to find that it wasn't broken, but it still hurt a lot.
"Hurts, doesn't it Potter?" said Dolohov. Harry didn't move, but he did glared at Dolohov, who sneered yet again.
"What's all this noise?"
Dolohov whipped around. Lucius had come, unheard, up to the cell. He was looking at Harry, who had once more come up to the bars of the cell, with an expression of distaste.
"What's the matter?" said Lucius.
"Well, Lucius, Potter here wanted some potion for his son's broken bones."
"And why didn't you get it?"
"I want to see his son suffer."
"Dolohov, please get the potion!" Harry pleaded. He was met with another punch, only this time, it was his left eye which caught it. Harry gasped with pain, and put his hands up to his eye.
"Stop, Dolohov." Lucius looked at Harry. "Dolohov, get the potion. We want to have Ron feeling well before he and his precious father have to come up to the living room again for questioning."
"But-"
"Go! Now!"
Dolohov turned to go.
"Food," said Harry. "And food. My son and I haven't eaten anything for many days."
"Dolohov," called Lucius. Dolohov, who had been halfway up the stairs, stopped. "Get some food in addition to the potion."
Dolohov angrily stomped the rest of the way up the stairs, and slammed the dungeon door loudly behind him.
"Thank you so much, Malfoy. I really appreciate this," said Harry, relieved.
"Shut up, and don't thank me Potter," said Lucius venomously. "I'm only doing this so the other Death Eaters and I can...have some fun...when we next question you and...your precious son." Something in Lucius Malfoy's voice made Harry shudder.
After a minute or so, Harry sat down on the ground, and leaned his head against to hard stone wall. He closed his eyes, and sighed. Harry felt his left eye and winced, knowing full well the Lucius was enjoying every minute of Harry's suffering. It seemed that Harry now had a black eye. He felt his jaw, and that too was bruised. Harry sighed. Even though he was thirty-three, he felt like crying. He needed to get all of the emotion out of himself. But he knew that he mustn't cry in front of Lucius Malfoy. Harry sniffed, and to his horror, felt a tear slide down his face. He hastily wiped it away, and glanced at Lucius, wondering fearfully if he had seen. Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Lucius Malfoy was staring toward to entrance to the Dungeons.
Harry took his gaze away from Lucius, and instead concentrated it on his son. Ron was still unconcious. He had been unconcious for two days, and Harry was beginning to get very worried. What if Ron died? Harry didn't think he'd be able to cope with the loss of another loved one. Harry was shaken from his musings by footsteps drawing nearer to the cell.
Harry looked back towards Lucius, and saw Dolohov coming toward them. Harry was pleased to see that Dolohov carrying a small bottle of potion, and a small amount of food.
"Here, Lucius," said Dolohov, handing the food and potion to Malfoy.
Lucius held up his hands. "Don't give that to me, I don't need it. Give it to Potter."
Dolohov sighed exasperatedly, and thrust the food and potion through the bars at Harry.
"Here. Take it, Potter!" spat Dolohov.
Harry just managed not to drop the lot.
"Come on, Lucius," muttered Dolohov in a voice that no less reached Harry's ears. "Let's go. I can't stand the sight of those filthy half bloods."
Harry felt an anger course through him at these words, but decided, upon reflection, that it was best not to retaliate. He didn't want to get punched in the face again, though the fact that he was dealing with Death Eaters didn't guarantee the fact that he wouldn't get hurt. Harry turned back to his son, and knelt down beside the son bed on which Ron lay.
Harry put the food and the small bottle of potion down, and placed his hand on Ron's shoulder. He gently shook him, so as not to hurt his broken bones, to see if he would wake.
Ron's eyes opened slowly. He blinked once or twice, and found himself staring into the face of his father. Ron tried to smile weakly.
"Hey Dad," Ron whispered.
"Hello, Son," Harry whispered back. "I have a potion here that'll heal your bones."
"Really?"
Harry held up the potion bottle. Ron grinned, or tried to, because his grin came out in a grimace.
"But first, because your ribs are out of place, I'll have to reset your bones. It's going to be very painful for you as I don't have my wand with me."
Ron was scared. Really scared. But he knew that his dad had to get this done, or the damage could be permanent.
"Okay."
Harry put down the bottle of potion and placed his hands on Ron's broken ribs. He felt very tense.
"Now, Ron, this is going to hurt. A lot," said Harry, trying to get the tense feeling out of his system. "Before I do this, I want you to know that I love you, and that I would never intentionally hurt you." Harry's voice was almost shaking.
"I know, Dad," said Ron. "I know."
"Are you ready?"
Ron shut his eyes, his face screwed up, and nodded. Harry pressed down hard on one of the ribs and heard some sort of crack as it was put back in place. Ron screamed in agony. His screams reverberated around the dungeon that was empty except for themselves. Harry braced himself, and set the next bone back in it's place.
"AAAAAAARGH!"
Despite his efforts to keep from crying, Harry felt tears start at his eyes. He hated to see his son suffering like this.
CRACK.
Another bone was set in it's place, and again, Ron screamed, but louder this time. The pain and agony was excruciating. Ron began to wonder, even through the pain, when it would end. It was perpetual, and he didn't think he could bear much more of it. Ron screwed up his face again as his father set another bone back in its place, and again, another scream emerged from Ron's mouth.
There were four bones to reset...three...two...When Harry was down to the last bone that he had to set back in it's place, he stopped. A few tears streamed down his face and onto his shirt.
"I'm sorry...I can't-," Harry said, his voice shaking violently.
Ron gritted his teeth."Yes...you...bloody...well...can.... And...you had...better...bloody...do it.... Now...finish...the job...Dad." Ron opened his eyes. Harry could see the pain in them, could see the sweat on his son's face. "Please." Ron whispered.
Harry nodded and took a deep breath, saw his son grit his teeth and shut his eyes tightly, and set the last bone in place.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!"
Ron's last scream echoed around the entire dungeon. It was so loud, in fact, that the Death Eater in the living room could hear it. They all smirked.
"Sounds as if Potter junior is having some fun," said Bellatrix, grinning, yet with a hint of hatred for Ron in her voice.
The rest of the Death Eaters laughed appreciatively.
"I wish I could see his pathetic, screaming face..." said Lucius.
Bellatrix's smile widened and her eyes grew bright. "And then, where their pitiful supply of food has run out, they won't be able to conjure any." Bellatrix pulled Harry's and Ron's wands out of her robes.
There were cheers and claps from Rodolphus, Lucius, and Dolohov.
"Always the genius, my wife," said Rodolphus. "I'm glad I got to her before anyone else." He gave Bellatrix a kiss on the cheek. "I just can't wait to hear them begging for more food...It'll be such a...pleasure, to hear their pathetic pleads. Such satisfaction will be brought from cooking wonderful meals, and having the smell of it waft down to their cell and them not being able to do anything about it."
The other three Death Eaters laughed uproariously, and continued what was for them a very enjoyable evening. Meanwhile, down in the cell where Harry and Ron were, the evening wasn't so enjoyable. Ron had just finished screaming from when his dad had set his last rib in place, and was now panting heavily. His teeth were no longer gritted, however, but his eyes were still tightly shut.
"Now for the potion," said Harry in a would-be calm voice He drew out the little vial from the inside of his robes where he had been keeping it, and uncorked it. Taking it in one hand, he used his free hand to wipe a couple tears from his face, wincing only slightly as has fingers rubbed against his black eye. Harry then took his free hand, and placed it under Ron's head. "I'm going to have to lift your head up, but only slightly."
"That's fine," Ron whispered.
Ron let a small groan of pain escape his lips as Harry lifted his head. He felt the vial at his lips, felt the potion inside it trickle into his mouth as Harry poured it in, while trying to steady his shaking hand at the same time. As soon as Ron felt the touch of the cold vial leave his lips, he opened his eyes.
"The potion should be taking effect any second," Harry sniffed.
And, sure enough, a few seconds later, Ron felt a funny feeling in his chest. He closed his eyes as he felt his ribs healing. When the funny feeling was gone, it could only mean that his ribs had healed. Ron opened his eyes yet again, and found himself staring into the eyes of his father. He had to squint in the darkness to see him.
"Hey, Dad," said Ron. He smiled and sat up slowly, grimacing only slightly. "Dad? Are you all right?"
Harry wiped a tear from his face and smiled weakly.
"I'm well enough," he said.
He leaned forward and embraced his son in a hug. When they pulled apart, Ron could see that his dad was grinning slightly.
"Why're you so happy?" Ron asked curiously.
"I'm just glad to see that you're all better," said Harry. His voice took on a darker tone. "You have no idea how much I wanted to kill those Death Eaters when I found out what they'd done to do."
"Your blood probably boiled."
"Actually, it did," said Harry. He took a deep breath. "But you're all right now, and that's all that matters. Let's just think about the prospect of getting rescued and seeing you mother and sisters again. And Kelsey, too."
Ron smiled slightly. "Yeah- Dad?" said Ron suddenly. "What happened to your face?" For Harry had just moved into the moonlight, revealing his black eye and bruises all over his face. "Why's it all beat up?"
"Oh...When I arrived to rescue you, I got into a tussle with the Death Eaters. They punched me a few times..."
"Is that how you got the black eye?" said Ron, observing the nasty looking bruise.
Harry shook his head. "No. I was given it by Dolohov when I asked for the potion to heal your ribs. It's also how I got this bruise on my jaw...I called him a bloody bastard." Harry smiled sadly. "I mean, I know I shouldn't've...I just hate seeing anyone I love in pain..." He suddenly remembered, as if it had happened yesterday, the moment when his best friend Ron Weasley clutch his side and fall to the ground, later dying in Harry's arms. He remembered the look of horror and pain on Ron Weasley's face... Remembered his last words....
.
"Ron? What's wrong?" said Harry.
Ron looked at Harry, and an expression of shock, horror, pain, and helplessness was on his face.
"RON!!" Harry yelled.
Ron dropped to his knees. Harry ran over to him.
"Ron!" pleaded Harry. Ron just look at at Harry, helpless. Harry took Ron in his arms, hugged him almost and lowered him the rest of the way to the floor. "Ron!" Harry choked out. Hermione gave a sob.
"Harry-" said Ron in a weak voice. "Harry...I..."
"Ron! Please don't die! Please, don't die!" Harry was crying by now, and it was hard for him to speak throught the tears. "You're my...my best...friend! Please...I...I don't know what I'd...do...if....if you died, so please don't!
"Harry," Ron swallowed. It was getting hard for him to talk. "I...I'm sorry..."
"No, it's all my...my fault!" Harry choked out. "It's...I..."
Hermione was watching Harry and Ron, tears streaming down her face.
"It's...okay, Harry." Ron gave a weak smile, and then coughed. He drew a ragged breath. He tensed up. "Harry! Please....say goodbye to my mum and dad for me...tell them that...that I love them...and Ginny too..."
"Yes...I will...I'll tell them that," said Harry through his many tears that were streaming down his face.
"Hermione...I....I love...you..." Ron was getting weaker now. "Please, if...if you...if you...find..." even weaker... "I...have...to...leave you...now..." even weaker... "...good...goodbye..." and with a last ragged breath, Ron lay still.
"No!" Harry cried out, hugging his best friend closer to him. "NO!"
.
Harry was brought back to the present by his son's voice.
"Dad?" Ron's voice sounded concerned.
"What?"
"Why are you crying?"
"I'm-" Harry was going to say 'I'm not', but he reached up and felt tears on his face. "I just...I was just...remembering...his...death..."
"Who's death?" Ron asked, confused. Then it dawned on him. "Oh- your friend Ron Weasley?"
Harry bit his lip and nodded. "You must think it's stupid to see a thirty-three year old crying," he said apologetically.
"No, Dad," Ron shook his head, "I don't think it's stupid."
Ron embraced his dad in a second hug, and Harry broke down crying in his son's arms.
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