Author: Cugami
Rating: PG13
Pairing: Ron/Draco
Summary: There's a way to get Draco out of Death Eaters' hands and right under Voldemort's very nose, even. And Ron has to.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter Series copyrighted to JK Rowling and Warner Bros.
Notes: The cliff-climbing is inspired by a French Legend, The Cliff of the Two Lovers (La Cote des Deux Amants). Setting: Post-Hogwarts, they just finished their 7th year. Fact is still a one shot. But, a lot of eyes were watching the one event. And, some of the owners of these eyes began to talk in my head.
The cliff from the legend is the cliff between Ardelle and Seine. The cliff stands where the River Andelle flows into Seine in Normandy. This cliff is known as La Cote des Deux Amants. "Test of Courage" is what I coined for the purpose of this fic.
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Arthur Weasley pulls a chair and takes his place in the circle of the current meeting. As of recent events, they aren't in any better or worse shape than the Death Eaters. However, he does prefer not to see youths involved in these things when they hardly had a chance at life yet.
Sighing, he turns his attention to the meeting with Albus Dumbledore. One name stands out from all the ones the old man had said. Lucius Malfoy.
"Albus, can you repeat what you just said? I'm still out of it from the last raid, it seems."
"Understandable. Mr. Lucius Malfoy has offered a challenge. Apparently, the young Draco Malfoy has yet to swear allegiance to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. And Mr. Malfoy is willing to let his son leave any forced entry to become a Death Eater if, and only if, one of us is willing to take the Test of Courage."
"Forgive me, Albus, but that sounds dubious."
The Test of Courage is held at the cliff that lies between the Ardelle and the Seine in Normandy. It had a legend on it but Arthur sets that aside for a more pressing matter.
"Draco Malfoy is a promising young man."
Arthur's frown darkens at that short reply as if it is the answer to all questions. "It sounds too easy."
At this, the old wizard shakes his head. "This is not the usual Wizard's Duel governed by rules but Mr. Malfoy gave requirements as he is going to lose his son one way or another in this test."
Sighing, Arthur leans heavily against his chair. Why isn't he surprised? This is Malfoy. He says nothing anymore and just gestures for Dumbledore to continue. The rest of the table kept their silence, waiting for said requirements before they can start planning.
"One, no magic will be used as the cliff itself is magical in origin and is the one to determine the winner. Two, it will follow the rules of a Wizard's Duel, particularly the age group."
"I can see why he wants this difficult."
This limits their choices somewhat and Arthur cannot forego the feeling of discomfort in his heart. He looks around the table, eyeing each and every son before letting his eyes fall on to the other young faces. It scares him that he almost understands why Lucius is doing this. If the situations were reversed, he just might do the exact same thing if saving face and saving name is as important to him as the lives of his children. Before anyone has had the chance to ask anything, someone's voice breaks the silence.
"I'll do it."
His wife gasps, immediately clinging to their youngest son. He should say something but the shock prevents his nerves to move his lips. He watches as Ron pulls away from his mother's embrace and leave the room quietly. Only then did the table erupt with life, asking for clarifications on the duel and such.
Arthur stands up, deciding on to have a little talk with his son. Besides, the table will be busy for the rest of the night to explain what this test is all about. Not everyone on their side has had the privilege to grow up in the Wizarding World to know old laws.
Knocking once, he opens the door to his son's room and sees that his son is sleeping. Feigning sleep, no doubt. He debates whether to walk in or leave his son be. A huge part of him wants to let his son mull this over on his own but for once, he should probably spend more time with his son and understand things together.
"Ron?"
Silence.
"Ron. I know you're awake."
Ron sits up and turns to look at his father.
Arthur pulls a chair and faces his son. So many words and he finds himself with none. The stillness around them can almost mock time itself.
At last, the elder Weasley speaks. "It's nothing. Have a good rest."
He stands up and leaves the room, not bothering to wait for his son's reply or see the expression on the youthful face. As the door closes behind him, Arthur bows his head.
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"I'm quite sure you know the odds and ends of this matter we are dealing with, Weasley."
Arthur nods.
"And as expected, the likes of you risk all for something you are not even
sure of."
"Contrary to your expectations, Malfoy, any youth to be saved from the
grasps of your kind is worth it, even if it is your son."
"Touched. I suppose it is the Harry Potter who will perform the impossible
climb?"
"My youngest son."
"Very well. Should I even bother to ask why you are sending off one of
your spawns? Too many mouths to feed? Does the lad eat too much?"
Arthur walks away before a fist connects with a pale pointy face. He already saw what he came for. There's a man who can lose his son come weekend and yet, he falters not. Arthur refuses to believe that someone can be this cold and uncaring. Lucius Malfoy will never change in his priorities in life but, in this conniving effort to allow a means for Draco to walk out of this dark time, Arthur formally gives his silent blessings. Dead, Draco's name will either be a victim of time in history or a respected one among Death Eaters. Alive, his name is that of a redeemed survivor once associated with the Order. It's a strange way to show fatherly love, but coming from Lucius Malfoy is a miracle as it is.
This is a plan well thought out and Arthur cannot find fault in Lucius' decision. For that, Arthur's hatred deepens. He will also lose his son.
After the meeting, Arthur finds himself sitting in front of his son inside the bedroom the youth shared with his best friend. Once again, so many words to say but he finds himself not capable of speech.
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Six hundred feet sounds utterly impossible to climb without the aid of magic. Looking around him, Arthur can see that none from the Order seem inclined to believe that his son will make it. In truth, so does he but as a father, he can't help but hope for a miracle. It happened before, it can happen again. Whether the legend has a valid history behind it or just plain folklore, he doesn't know. But, no legend comes out of the blue. Someone created it and someone must have seen something to inspire such.
From this distance, the cliff isn't as imposing as it sounds. Up close, however, it does look impossible. He and Bill went and checked it a few days ago. Bill tried to climb but the rocks smoothened out when he paused for breath. Apparating was what saved him then. And right now, the wands are by Lucius' feet where he stands on top of the cliff.
Arthur wants his son alive. There's just no other option in this matter. There's no either or. A dead Ronald Weasley will remain a dead Ronald Weasley and he, as a father, can care so little about the Weasley name even if this whole day marks his youngest son as a martyr. He will rather have his children die of old age and unknown in history than to lose them so early and become a martyr.
His wishes will not matter now, however. He stands a good distance away from the top and farther still from the bottom. This is between his son and the cliff, everyone else remains as spectators.
The afternoon wears on and his son continues to climb at a slow pace. He notices that the higher his son went, the slower he becomes. He can only pray that the slow pace will remain a steady movement and never come to a halt. A brief wonderment crosses his mind on what drives his son to keep going after watching each falter and fall.
He spares a glance at the old wizard, watching silently. The rest of their crowd keeps cheering and yelling for Ron, even the twins are waving small flags already. Dumbledore has his flag down, free hand clasping the other wrist.
Tilting his head, Arthur quiets down his cheers and takes a more observant look at his son. The boy reaches the edge, threatening to stop right there but as if the fact that the boy had reached that far isn't enough miracle, the young Malfoy drags Ron up and out of danger.
Ron stands for less than a second and collapses.
The cheering halts all of a sudden. He looks at his wristwatch and sees Ron's hand tip to Mortal Peril. It gave Arthur the adrenaline he needs to make a run for his son. Death Eater or not, he will push and hex all of the black robed figures out of the way until he reaches his dying son.
But, the black figures part and disappear to reveal the boy, alive and breathing. He watches as the young Malfoy slide an arm to support Ron and help him up.
Arthur stops but the others don't. They rush to their friend, brother, son, hero of the day, whoever Ron is to them at the moment. He watches as Draco Malfoy steps out of the way as both Hermione and Harry take each side of Ron's for support.
He walks over to the source of all this day's predicament and gives a once over look. From head to toe, the young Malfoy neither looks healthy nor the heir of a prestigious family.
"Is there something wrong, Mr. Malfoy?"
"I don't see why there should be, Mr. Weasley."
The boy did not even turn to reply. Arthur squints at Malfoy's back. The fight isn't over yet. Something tells him that he just might lose his son still.