Dark Days Pass But Are Never Forgotten

BY: LogicalRaven

Hello everybody! I've had this chapter about half way complete for about two weeks now. I just haven't had the time to finish it. I've been busy spending time with my family and friends over the holidays, and I've been busy helping plan the second HPFF writer's duel.

Regretfully, I must say that Ron did die. It wasn't something easy for me to do, and while his death was rather sudden, it's after affects will make it seem more relevant. I had to do it as part of the plot. I had two ideas about where to take this story, and I've decided which way to go now. I still have a few more chapters to write, and a few more questions up my sleeve, but when I'm done, all will be answered.

No also, I'm no following my path Rayven followed in Hunt for the Death Eaters. My plot is going to stray away from Rayven's idea, though I did think his story was brilliant. RavenGryffendor is also helping the HPFF Writer's Duel, so it may be a little while before I get updated on my beta read chapters.

No Regrets

It is amazing how the still of an evening can give one a sense of false peace. Noel bent down slowly and let her fingers graze a freshly made footprint. She had to wonder if the one who made the impression was still part of life, or if they had passed onto death.

"Find something?" Michael Corner asked as he approached with his wand drawn.

"I think Potter went up to the house," Noel said flatly.

Michael looked over his shoulder to the group that had come as back up. Securing the area had almost been too easy. The Dark Mark was fading over the moon, and the night was still.

"I'll go with you to clear the house," Michael commented off-handedly.

Noel made no motion to protest as the two approached the house of Alastor Moody cautiously. The door creaked on its hinges as Noel slowly moved it open and peered inside.

"It looks empty," she said slowly.

"I'll take the right, you take the left," Michael motioned as the two went upon their routine.

Noel moved like a cat with her wand held steady as she pushed open a spare bedroom door. There was scorch mark about head level, as she touched it slowly. There has been a struggle here.

"Hello? Master Moody? Potter?" Noel called out as she cleared a closet.

"Hasn't anybody ever warned you not to call out in a dangerous situation?"

Noel spun around, her wand pointing dangerously at the source of the voice.

Narrowing her eyes she spat; "You're under arrest, Malfoy. What have you done with Potter?"

Malfoy shrugged casually, "Nothing… Potter escaped unharmed."

Noel didn't move an inch as Malfoy lay smoothly on the bed in the room and stretched out his feet.

"You can't arrest me, and honestly nobody is going to believe you when you tell them I was here," Draco explained.

"You're a bit delusional," Noel said acidly.

Draco smirked, "Really? What exactly do you think happened here tonight?"

"A Death Eater attack," Noel snapped without hesitation, "nothing more."

Malfoy gave an expression of mock surprise, "And I took you to be brilliant."

"What do you think you're playing at?" Noel hissed, "Mind games have no effect on me."

"Then I won't play any further games," Draco said suddenly serious, "Did you notice the moon tonight, or were you too busy relishing in your own superiority."

"You honestly think a Dark Mark is going to impress me?" Noel said viciously as her eyes darted around the room.

Draco smiled again as he approached her and coaxed her into lowering her wand, "Honestly, yes… because you know what the mark in the sky meant tonight."

"That power is dead," Noel gritted through her teeth.

Malfoy shrugged, "So they say."

"They?" Noel asked.

Draco made a motion to touch Noel's face as she pulled away sharply, "Go to Dumbledore's love. Your Potter needs you."

Noel recoiled back, "What did you do?"

"Nothing, that power is dead," Draco teased before he appareated with a loud crack.

Noel stood motionless as Michael dashed into the room.

"What happened?" Michael asked as he searched around the room. Noel still didn't move.

"Noel? Who was in here with you?" Michael demanded snapping his fingers in front of Noel's face.

Noel suddenly broke out of her trance, "We have to go back to Dumbledore's…. something has happened to Harry."

Michael frowned, "What are you talking about?"

Noel shook her head impatiently, "He just told me, something has happened to Potter!"

"Who told you?" Michael pushed, not grabbing Noel by the shoulder.

"MALFOY!" Noel screeched.

Michael suddenly stopped, "Where did he go? Nobody can disapperate out of the area."

"He did, he got past the charm," Noel said bitterly as she moved out of Michael's touch.

She stormed out of the house, hardly caring about caution. Malfoy was right nobody was going to believe she had encountered Draco Malfoy at the scene of attack. Just like nobody was going to believe the power had been re-evoked. Noel had just exited the house, feeling a stir of unknown emotions inside her when she felt a firm grip on her upper arm.

If ever she had been close to tears, this was it. It was like every vein in her body had suddenly stopped flowing. She felt she was about to explode from the inside out.

"Let me go!" Noel said curtly as she yanked her arm out of her captor's grasp.

Eros Raymer obediently obliged her request; "Going somewhere?"

Noel darted her eyes, "I have some place to be."

"Here," Eros commented.

"No, someplace else," Noel snapped making a move to exit the conversation.

"Don't you turn your back on me! I'm your mentor, Noel, you'll do well to remember that," Eros said coldly.

Noel froze; she knew if she did not get to Dumbledore's soon, her heart would explode, leaving her dead in its wake.

"Who spoke to you, what has gotten you so upset?" Eros demanded, "Was it your source again?"

Noel narrowed her eyes, "Yes, it was Malfoy. He's haunting me."

Eros latched firmly onto Noel's arm and pulled her into the corner, "You fool… blurting his name in public! Are you mad?"

"Perhaps," Noel hissed, "What are you jealous that I have a better source than you, dear master?"

Eros bit his lip, "What kind of deal is Malfoy trying to work out for you?"

"He wants me to keep Potter under control… like that is even possible," Noel revealed, "I'm not asking for any part, I've made no deals."

Eros grinned, "Sometimes, you have to pull a few strings to get what your heart desires."

"You think by me allying myself with Potter's worse enemy, that it will drive him closer to me?" Noel asked slightly taken back by the suggestion.

Eros shrugged, "Isn't that what you want. I've already seen what the powers that be have in mind for you as an Auror. They believe you and Potter make an excellent pair."

"You're sick," Noel hissed.

"I'm not the one entertaining offers from the rising dark lord," Eros replied.

"You want me to put my integrity on the line, in desperate hopes that Chang will come running back into your arms. When will you learn, that she wants Harry? She doesn't want you!" Noel said raising her voice as each word escaped her.

Eros stared at her for a moment than grinned before reaching out and wiping a tear from Noel's redden face.

"We can help one another. We both know that Cho and Harry aren't right for one another. Cho has been so distant since her mother died. Harry can't help her; he's got too much on his plate. She needs someone who can comfort her. And Harry, he needs someone who can challenge him."

Noel raised her head, as her eyes pierced Eros'; "Do I look that daft?"

"We had a deal, long ago, and you haven't lived up to your bargain. In fact you've been somewhat of a disappointment," Eros snapped.

"When we made a deal it was to get you inside dirt on Potter to keep him from taking office, that is no longer an issue so your source got his desire," Noel spat back.

Eros glowed, "You stupid girl! There was never any source! It was all a ploy! I needed dirt to get Cho away from that Potter."

Noel's eyes widened, "You lied?"

"You are daft, apparently. Why do you think I'm so much against you having sources outside the ministry's control? It's dangerous… everybody talks a big game, but nobody actually plays it."

Noel felt the emotions inside her finally surface as tears streamed down her angered face, "If you want to find a way to break-up Cho and Harry, do it without me. I have bigger problems than romantic sabotage."

"You love him, confess it," Eros shot back, "You love him as much as I love Cho. You need me to find happiness."

"You are a liar and a pathetic excuse for an Auror. People are dead or dying, and all you care about is yourself."

Noel raced out of the yard and into the clear zone where she would be able to disapparate. She glanced back at the house and scene. She knew by leaving and insulting her mentor, she could very well be kicked out of the Academy, but for some reason beyond her knowledge, it didn't matter anymore.

Hermione's sobs were the only sound in the dark room known as Dumbledore's study. It didn't matter if those sent after them were walking into a trap. Nothing seemed to matter anymore. It felt like losing Sirius all over again, only this time the memories of Ron's last thoughts rang over and over in Harry's mind.

Cho was nearly asleep as she calmly rubbed Hermione's back. Hermione herself was far from sleep. It had been a terrible night, and the only thing that would make it worse is if Lupin walked through the door and announced Voldemort had returned.

Like an omen the door opened and Remus walked in rubbing the skin between his eyes.

"Everybody is okay, the area is secure, and they found no sign of the reverse patronous," Lupin said quietly, his eyes lingering on Hermione's sobbing form.

Harry shook his head, "They were after me. It should have been me."

Remus remained silent as he took a seat next to Harry.

"I know it was meant to be me. You once told me you could sense death coming. That is why you didn't want me to go tonight," Harry said emotionlessly.

Remus nodded, "You're right, I sensed death, and immediately thought it was you it was stalking. I never thought Ron would be the one who was being stalked."

"You should have known," Harry whispered, "He didn't deserve to die."

Remus nodded, "We've contacted the Weasleys. They've been asked to come here, Dumbledore wants to talk to them in person. It will help them understand."

"What, no News this time?" Harry asked bitterly, "Last time they were told like everybody else. I mean, why worry… they still have four sons left."

"Harry, you're angry," Remus started.

Harry closed his eyes, "I avenged Sirius' murder, and I'll avenge Ron's."

"Revenge is not the way."

Harry let out a sarcastic laugh, "Sure made me feel a hell of a lot better."

"Dumbledore wants you to be present when he talks to Molly and Arthur," Remus continued.

Harry looked up and sighed; "It doesn't make any sense. Dumbledore said it stole his will to live. He had everything to live for." He chanced a glance at Hermione, "He told me."

Lupin followed Harry's eyes.

"He was going to ask her," Harry whispered.

Remus placed a fatherly hand on Harry's shoulder, "It's more complicated than that. I don't even understand a reverse patronous."

"You should," Harry retorted, "Aren't you a Defense professor?"

"That doesn't mean I have the answers," Remus sighed, "Nobody really know what to except. Nobody has dealt with this except Dumbledore."

"Then let him tell Mr. and Mrs. Weasley what killed their youngest son," Harry spat viciously, "I'm tired of trying to pacify death."

"Harry," Remus started.

"What, I'll move on? Ron was like a brother to me, and he died because of me. I knew it wasn't safe, but we tried to leave regardless," Harry started in a shaky voice.

Remus shook his head, "I know what its like to lose a brother."

"You don't understand. He had his whole life ahead of him," Harry continued.

"Don't I? Your father had his whole life ahead of him as well… and so did your mother… and Sirius," Remus said slowly, "Nobody deserves death, Harry, but sometimes it comes for them regardless."

Harry lowered his face and voice so nobody else in the room could hear; "He was going to marry Hermione, he was going to make something of himself. The Canons were going to start winning, and he was going to be there when they won."

"You can't dwell on this, it will kill you," Remus warned, "You can't blame his death on yourself."

"What about Hermione?" Harry asked, "What is going to become of her? Ron, he was her soul mate. They've been meant for each other since before we came to Hogwarts."

"All you can do is be there for her," Remus replied, "She's going to need you now."

"I can't even tell her what happened," Harry sighed, "She's crying herself to death and I can't give her any peace."

"Only time brings peace."

Harry slammed his hand hard on the arm of the chair, "It's suppose to be over! I killed Voldemort! Why isn't it over?"

"Voldemort isn't the only dark wizard in the world," Remus tried.

Harry shook his head, "Dumbledore told me that it was time for the light side of magic to reign. I thought I balanced out magic!"

"You did Harry. This challenge isn't all on your shoulders," Lupin tried, his voice growing weary.

Harry suddenly stopped as Remus' face drained of color and he let out a ragged cough.

"Are you alright?" Harry asked slowly as the old werewolf shook he head.

"Fine, fine…Harry—full moon is approaching," Remus passed off as he rose from his seat.

Harry took another deep breath, "I won't rest until this is over. I'm tired of being afraid to live."

"You've never struck me as someone who's afraid to live," Remus said lightly.

Harry didn't answer; he simply stared over at Hermione's now sleeping form. She had passed into an unmerciful slumber. Soon her eyes would open and the reality of what had happened would slap her in the face, and tears would once again flow.

The Hermione, Harry knew, died with Ron.

Hogwarts was relatively peaceful, except for a single owl perched on a lonely window seal. Ginny hadn't had the heart of open the letter her mother had sent her. It remained unopened on her floor. Errol hooted out loudly, signaling his displeasure of not being rewarded for his delivery.

Ginny wiped her tear stained face as she envisioned the worst. It was probably her father, he did work with the Ministry. As soon as her thought paused on her father, another image flashed in her mind.

What if it were Harry? Her mother would never send a letter in the middle of the night unless someone had been injured or worse, killed.

A small knock on her Head Girl door caused her to look up.

"Miss. Weasley?"

Ginny made one last swipe across her face before standing to acknowledge her opening door.

"Yes Professor?" Ginny asked.

Professor McGonagall was a strict teacher, but she was also a witch with a heart.

"I see you've received the news already," McGonagall commented, noticing the owl on the window seal.

"I just got the letter, I haven't opened it yet…" Ginny trailed off as she turned to the letter on the floor.

Professor McGonagall moved forward and pulled Ginny into a slight hug before backing away and straighten her hat; "I am most sorry for your loss. Your brother, Ronald, was a wonderful student and wizard. It is most disappointing."

Ginny suddenly felt her mouth grow dry; "Ron? It can't be Ron…"

"I understand how difficult this is for you. We're going to allow you to floo to meet your parent's at Dumbledore Manor immediately. You're excused for classes for a mourning period," McGongall said softly, "Now get your thing together Miss Weasley, I'll wait for you down in the common room. You'll be traveling from my office."

"Why am I going to Dumbledore Manor?" Ginny asked in a weak voice.

McGonagall sighed, "Harry Potter is at Dumbledore's, apparently he was with your brother when it happened."

"Harry?" Ginny asked barely catching herself on her bedpost.

"Yes, Miss Weasely. Minister Dumbledore says that Mr. Potter will explain to you what he saw in Mr. Weasley's last moments, and he will carry out any last request your brother made."

Ginny suddenly hit the floor as the tears she had managed to stop, started again. How could McGonagall talk so casually? Ron was dead.

Professor McGonagall shook her head softly and made a reach for Ginny's truck, "Let me help you gather a few things."

"How could…." Ginny sobbed, "It can't be Ron…"

"It will be okay, Miss Weasley," McGonagall said softly, "right now we need to get you to your family."

How Harry ended up in Dumbledore's parlor with the Weasley was beyond him. Bill was sitting in the corner being comforted by his bride, while Charlie sat across on the opposite side of the room with his heads in his hands.

Fred and George even seemed in a grim mood as two remained speechless. Molly looked like only a mother would after losing her youngest son. She kept touching Harry's knee and sobbing under her breath as Arthur stood over her with his hand on her shoulder.

Harry tried to speak, but words failed him. What would he say? What could he say at a moment like this?

Suddenly the fireplace erupted into a bright flame of green and Ginny collapsed out of the fire. George made a motion to help her to her feet before engulfing her into a hug.

"It's true then…" Ginny croaked, "Oh please tell me it isn't."

"I'm afraid it is, Ronald Weasley has passed on and escaped a terrible fate. I've seen it many times," Dumbledore started as he suddenly appeared in the grief filled room.

"It can't be, Dumbledore…." Mr. Weasley started faintly under his breath.

"Perhaps we should allow Harry to tell you what happened," Dumbledore said gently, in a voice Harry had only heard him use a few times.

Harry lowered his head and then glanced up at Mrs. Weasley, "I don't know what happened."

"I'm not asking you to explain what happened, Harry…I'm simply asking you to tell us what you saw," Dumbledore coaxed.

Harry sighed, "We went to Master Moody's to offer some assistance. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but Kingsley Shacklebolt sent Neville, Ron and I… he told Neville to watch out for some plant…"

"It's alright, Harry… please continue," Dumbledore interrupted as Harry stumbled to find the right words.

Harry took a deep breath, "The Dark Mark was in the sky. I've never seen it look so big before. I thought the house needed to cleared in case Master Moody was in peril… Ron wouldn't let me go alone… Moody yard was littered with traps and we barely made it to the front door. Once we did, we went inside. Someone from the outside sent a killing curse towards us. We needed to get out of the situation but couldn't apparate from inside the house, so we went back outside for clearance."

The Weasley stood silent and Harry wiped a few tears from his tired face. Each word that escaped him grew more painful.

"I don't know what really happened next. It was like a dark cloud engulfed him. I've never seen anything like it before," Harry finished as Molly finally broke down into a steady sob.

"Did Mr. Weasley have any last request, before he passed, Harry? Any regrets we can rectify to make his passing more of a comfort?" Dumbledore asked slowly causing Harry to look up.

Ron's last words rang through Harry's mind. Dumbledore couldn't know, there was no way possible for him to know.

"Harry?" Dumbledore continued.

Harry frowned, "No, nothing."

Dumbledore turned his head slightly, "Are you positive you don't have something you'd like to tell us?"

Somehow Harry managed to find his feet as rage consumed him, "He didn't know he was going to die! Why would he have any last request?"

"We all know when death is at our door step, we can hear it knocking," Dumbledore continued in an emotionless tone, "And we all have regrets that we leave behind."

"Ron had no regrets," Harry argued.

The Weasley's watched Harry with curiosity as Harry suddenly rose and walked out of the room, overwhelmed by grief and pain. He barely made it into the kitchen before he collapsed to the floor in a pile of tears. How could Dumbledore expect him to reveal Ron's final thoughts? It didn't make sense. Dumbledore had said that the reverse patronus could only kill if one didn't have the will to live. Ron had everything to live for. He had Hermione.

Harry's tears came faster as he thought of his heartbroken friend upstairs. She would never know what Ron had planned, how much Ron had loved her. He could never tell her because it would only bring her more pain.

"Harry?"

Harry didn't bother turning around but when he felt Cho sit down beside him he couldn't help but engulf her into a hug and cry into her shoulder.

"I'm here," Cho said softly as she held onto him tightly, turning the tables in their normal roles, "I promise it will be okay."

Harry quickly pulled back and shook his head, "How is he dead, he had everything to live for."

"Death just happens sometimes, Harry. We can't control or predict it. You didn't cause this," Cho comforted.

Harry nodded, "How is Hermione?"

Cho frowned, "As well as to be expected. It isn't easy losing someone you love."

"Like Cedric?" Harry asked before he could stop himself.

Cho reluctantly nodded, "Yes, like Cedric."

Harry took another deep breath, "It is wasn't for me, you'd have a better life."

"Harry," Cho started.

"If it weren't for me, Cedric would still be alive, and you'd be married. Cedric was smarter than me, he knew what he had was special, he died with no regrets because you knew how he felt about you."

Cho frowned, "I told you Cedric and I weren't perfect. We were fighting when he died, how can that be without regret?"

Harry didn't seem to hear her, as he looked out the window in a blank stare, "It could have been me tonight. I could have died, and I would have been the one leaving regrets behind."

Cho softly touched Harry's face and sighed before placing a quick kiss on his forehead.

"Marry me," Harry blurted out grabbing her hand.

Cho recoiled back and lowered her eyes; "You're going through a traumatic time right now. You aren't thinking straight."

Harry didn't release her hand; "Ron was going to propose to Hermione, he told me tonight."

Cho seemed to be holding her breath as her body quivered slightly.

"I don't want to die and you not know what you mean to me," Harry said quickly with a desperate look.

Cho smiled faintly, "I know what I mean to you."

"Marry me," Harry repeated, "Don't let me die with regret."

Next Update: 01-16-05