Author's Note - Everything is slowly coming to a close. The story is slowly winding down. I wasn't sure how long i wanted this story to carry on but i think it's finally time to end it. There are probably about 3 chapters left. Again please read and review. Thank you so much.


Chapter 23

Ron stood on the sidewalk in front of number 4 Privet Drive waiting for Harry. He knew Harry had told him to go but he couldn't bring himself to leave Harry alone in the house with his dead uncle and aunt. He had sent a distraught Hermione with George and Ginny and stood waiting.

"Hurry up mate," Ron muttered to himself as he swayed back and forth with nervousness. He could see George, Ginny and Hermione off in the distance, running down the street. He hated having to leave them but he knew he couldn't just leave Harry either.

Getting impatient Ron took a step toward the house. What was Harry doing? Before he could get any closer he saw the front door swing open. Sighing with relief Ron backed up onto the sidewalk. He saw Harry step out the door and shouted for him to hurry.

And then, to Ron's distress Harry stopped. He turned around and looked back into the house. Casting an odd look over at Ron he pulled out his wand and went back into the house, closing the door behind him.

"What in the hell?" Ron spoke to himself, confused. With no other choice Ron decided to go up to the house and see what was going on. Casting one last look down the street he could see the distinct figures of the other three reaching the main road. Praying he'd see them again Ron sprinted toward the door.

When he went to try and turn the door handle it wouldn't budge. "No," Ron pushed harder on the door. It dawned on him that Harry must have locked it. Shit. There was only one reason Ron could think of that Harry would want to lock the door. He was trying to keep the others out. Ron could only hope the suspicion he had as to why Harry had done this was wrong. "Please let no one be in there."

Tugging his wand out of this pocket he aimed it at the lock. "Alohomora." The door still refused to move.

Taking a step back he surveyed his surroundings. Pointing his wand at the nearby living room window he blasted it to little pieces. Careful not to cut himself on the shards of glass Ron hopped through the window.

Many people would have called this a brave act but Ron's heart was pounding so hard he thought it might break through his chest. The room was dark. In fact, the whole house was dark. Not a single light was on.

Not sure if it was a good idea or not Ron quietly called out for his friend. "Harry." No one answered. "Harry, I know you're in here. What the devil is going on?"

Ron took a cautious step forward. He heard a creak come from the kitchen. "Harry," he called again, this time a bit louder.

"Weasley, how kind of you to join us," Lucious Malfoy came into view. He stood in the doorway connecting the living room to the kitchen. Raising his wand a look of happiness spread across his face. "First your mother and father. Now it's your turn," he laughed.

A fury stronger than anything Ron had ever felt crept into his body. Gripping his wand tightly Ron gritted his teeth. "You bastard," his voice shook with anger.

"Now, now, didn't your parents ever teach you some manners?" Lucious grinned.

"Never ever speak about my parents," Ron aimed his wand right at Lucious' heart. Lucious raised his wand as well. It was now or never. "Petrificus Totalus," he shouted. Lucious went rigid and fell flat to the ground. Ron stood shocked at how easy that had been. He silently thanked Hermione for teaching him that one. As much as he had wanted to kill Lucious Ron knew he would never be able to live with murdering someone. He figured he'd leave old Lucious in a body-bind until someone else could deal with him. Lucious wasn't going anywhere.

Ron stood still as he listened to what was around him. It was silent and Ron didn't know where to go or what to expect. If Lucious was here Ron had no idea who else would be lurking around.

After a couple of minutes he stepped forward, then another step and another. Finally he made it into the hall. He didn't see anyone around him so he looked up the stairs. Feeling like he was going to faint he slowly started to climb.