!Read the NOTE at the end of this chapter!

Chapter 23

Lupin peered carefully through the door of their shelter to look outside, grinning as he realized what all the noise was about. Ron was back from his latest excursion through the woods and was playing with Forge; which was why the silence of the sunny, early January, afternoon had been suddenly broken by heavy footsteps and laughter. As far as Lupin was concerned it was music to his ears. He watched as Ron ran one way and then sharply, quickly, twisted around and headed in the other direction, causing the dragon to heave his not unsubstantial mass about to chase the red haired boy in the other direction. The dragon was fast, very fast, but somehow Ron managed to be faster. Watching him gracefully sprint across the clearing to disappear in the trees and reappear further down, throwing a snowball at the bright orange and brown mottled beast made him chuckle. Lupin knew, instinctively, that Ron was using the energy his power allowed him to channel, making him so graceful and smooth as he ran through the now pressed snow. There were patches where the grass could be seen due to Forge's heated breath.

It really was a sight to behold. If someone had told him five months ago that he would be in the presence of the youngest Weasley boy and watching him play with a fully grown, dangerous dragon as though they were best friends, he would have offered to test one of Neville Longbottom's potions. Quietly he closed the door and let his eyes readjust to the darkness inside until he could see as clearly as day, and he headed to the makeshift table and chair he had been perched at, mending his robe from where it had caught on a thick branch and torn. His robe was beginning to look like Weasley's brown coat, which currently lay on the cot across the small room. Lupin's eyes trailed from the cot to the unlit fire place and he sighed, wishing he could light it. Ron refused to let him unless it was absolutely necessary. He was always afraid someone would see the escaping smoke in the daylight, even if the wood was bone dry. Ron, as Lupin had discovered in his first week staying here, allowed himself the bare minimum of comfort. Every single allowance over the last month and a half had been for Lupin's sake.

He had been glad for them too, because as healthy as he was, sleeping in this cold climate day after day had taken some getting used to, and he had found the first month, despite using his wand to make things better for them, had been the hardest. Now was easier to adapt to the cold, and he had noticed that his prolonged exposure to this way of life had also changed his physique a bit; He was feeling stronger and more energetic. Though he still had one hell of a long way to go to match Ron's energy levels, and he knew that would never happen both because of their age difference and the fact that Ron was a chaneller.

Lupin paused to look at his handiwork, happy with how the stitches were turning out. He could have used a mending spell he supposed, but there wasn't much to do around here (except play with dragons, which he knew he wouldn't come out of alive) and fixing his garment by hand was appealing. He heard Ron laugh again, and he smiled to himself. He had heard Ron laugh before, but it was rare, and had only ever been induced by the fairies playing. Forge, who had stuck around longer then Ron had anticipated, had been good for him, and it had been easy for Lupin to see the affection the boy held for the creature. It was still quite unnerving to step outside and see the beast lounging about, but it was slowly becoming a part of the everyday.

In actuality it was Lupin who was still feeling like the odd one out. He was well aware that this was caused by Ron's discomfort around him. The boy still wouldn't come within two feet of him, wouldn't let Lupin close enough to touch, even accidentally. It was an ingrained fear that he could sense the boy trying to fight, but unable to overcome. Lupin had heard, of course, about Ron's time as a prisoner, and he knew he was seeing the typical reaction to such treatment. It made his blood boil to think of what Ron must have gone through, to turn someone who had always seemed to crave the tiniest bit of affection into someone who was now afraid of it.

It had never been a secret to anyone who knew Ron that he gained comfort from physical contact. Lupin had not been blind to see how much the entire Weasley family (with the exception of Percy) never refrained from hugs, pats on the back, handshakes or shoves. Molly was always finding a reason to clean her children's face or envelop them in a warm embrace. Arthur had always been extremely friendly and loving to his children. The twins were constantly play fighting and dragging their younger siblings (who usually went willingly) into tickle fights, pillow fights, wrestling matches and whatever else they could think of. When Bill and Charlie had been home they acted the same way, as a family of boys would. Ginny was a little less likely to join their fights, but she had never been one to shy away.

Ron had been no different from the rest of the family, and he extended this affection to Harry, who had used it to grow out of his shy shell (except when he and Ron had been at odds of course). Lupin could see how much Ron needed the affection, how much he craved a hug for comfort or even a simple pat on the back, but Ron was refusing it. Lupin would even say, without hesitation, that Ron was scared of such affection at the moment. On top of that Lupin suspected Ron thought he was trying to rope him into a trap, have him captured and thrown into Azkaban. That wasn't the case, but Ron had an imaginative mind and he was no doubt questioning the oddness of their chance meeting. He had, thankfully, warmed up to him after a month and was talking to him more now, about little things. Lupin had never felt the need to be as delicate with his questions as he had these last six weeks. It was tiring and frustrating, but if there was anything this life had taught him it was patience, and it was slowly paying off.

Lupin finished his work and tossed the clothing over beside Ron's jacket, then standing he went to inspect the remaining cans of food to see what he could prepare for dinner. Well, there were green beans, beats, cocktail sausages and corned beef. Lupin had never been picky about his food, so eating out of cans wasn't difficult. They would, however, need more food soon. He pulled down three cans, knowing it would be enough to quench both their hungers but nothing more, and maybe even less for the redheaded young man. He was punishing himself, for what Lupin hadn't yet figured out, but the closest he could come to was for killing that Death Eater, and for running away when Fudge had hinted at a stint in Azkaban. Lupin slammed a can on the rough table in anger. He despised Cornelius Fudge with a passion he normally reserved for Voldemort and the full moon.

Not having anything more to do, but not wanting to go outside and interrupt Ron when he was actually relaxing for once, Lupin sat down on the cot, fingering the black leather bound book that Ron had allowed him to read. Doytil had been a sick wizard, lost in greed and power and not at all conscious about how he got there. The book hadn't revealed anything spectacular about Ron's gift; it was more of a documentary of how the sociopath had controlled others. What Lupin was learning about a chaneller's strength was coming from observing Ron, and from what Dumbledore had known and explained to everyone late that first evening after Ron's disappearance. Lupin had been slowly forming his own opinions on the energy skills.

The first thing that had come to his attention was that Ron hadn't needed a wand to apparate. The fact that he had been able to direct Lupin to his home simply by willing it had absolutely astonished him. He doubted Ron was even really aware of what an amazing accomplishment that was. However, it had been impossible to ignore how Ron had been completely sapped of strength after that feat, and with Lupin being present the boy had refused to lie down and sleep, or even rest and regain his strength. Ron had gone for three days without closing his eyes, drawing on the energies of the forest to keep him standing. When he looked like death warmed over he had finally conceded to rest when Lupin had left the shelter and sat outside in the snow for four and a half hours. It hadn't rejuvenated Ron completely, but it had given him back his edge.

Harry had insisted that Ron had been getting very little sleep in his last months at Hogwarts, but he had been functioning just fine. Lupin had no trouble accepting this fact, seeing as Ron slept as few hours as humanely possible. However, he was becoming aware that, when Ron was feeling more comfortable around him than usual, he could sleep almost a solid four hours. Ron hadn't said anything about this, but Lupin could sense that he was confused by his bodies suddenly increased demand for rest. Lupin felt it had something to do with Ron finally accepting his abilities, learning to wield them and using them more in his every day life, if leaping from tree top to tree top was any indication. Lupin was going to keep an eye on his sleeping patterns though, just in case.

He was startled out of his thoughts as the door swung open and Ron trudged in, his gaze instantly searching and finding Lupin. Noting the werewolf's position he took to the log by the table, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. He watched Lupin a moment before turning his eyes away, as though guilty about something. His hair was falling out of control again.

"Finished frolicking with the dragon?" Lupin stated, grinning to convey his amusement.

"He was getting close to cutting me in thirds with his tail. I figured it was time to call it quits." Ron looked at the cans, then looked behind him at the shelf and frowned. "We'll need more food soon." He stated, unknowingly mimicking Remus' earlier thoughts. Then he looked back at Lupin, looking like he had a question but was afraid to ask it.

"I suppose a trip to the market would be in order." Lupin agreed.

"I'll go this afternoon." Ron decided, and then bit his lip in uncertainty. "Unless you want to go, that is." Ah, so he was trying to see if Lupin was getting ready to spring his trap yet, he was trying to see if he would need to pack up and find another home.

"No, there's no reason for me to go anywhere." This seemed to aggravate Ron and he leaned forward, impatiently pushing his bangs out of his eyes.

"Come off it Lupin. How long are you planning to stick around here? How long are you going to watch me until you decide I'm not a risk?"

"I'm not here for that reason and you know it. Stop being so suspicious! If I had wanted to alert anyone about your presence I would have done so by now."

"And how long until everyone back at Hogwarts decides that your excuse for not returning to teach is utter bullocks and they come looking for you?" Lupin rubbed his brow, remembering how nervous Ron had been about fetching him an owl to send to the Headmaster, telling him that he was fine but he would not be returning to school. He had read the note over three times to make sure there was no hidden message, and even then he seemed nervous about it somehow stating that Lupin had found him and knew where he was.

"Dumbledore is a wise man Ron, he knows I don't want to be disturbed and will therefore not call for me." This was true. Dumbledore wouldn't look for Lupin since he requested not to be found, and because Lupin had managed to slip their code word, stating that he was not being coerced, into the note Albus knew the request was genuine. He might be curious as to why Lupin disappeared so abruptly, but he was a patient wizard who knew the answers would arrive when the time was right.

"I want to believe you Remus, I really do." Ron's quiet response was heard only because of his sharp ears and he leaned back sadly, rubbing his eyes a moment and wishing, not for the first time, that Ron had just been secure enough to tell his friends his secret. He wished that Ron had been stronger then he had when he had hidden his disposition from James and Sirius. Lupin had been lucky though, because his teachers had known and accepted him. Ron had feared everyone, and now he had reason to back up that fear. Lupin wanted to maim Fudge, and resurrect McTagert so he could kill him again. However, Ron's entire family had already claimed that pleasure if the art of necromancy was ever to be risked.

Ron stood suddenly and moved to his pile of things, digging through until he found a pouch of local money. He moved to Lupin and nimbly picked up his jacket, putting it on in one swift motion and pocketing his coin.

"I'm going for the food. Any requests?"

"No, thank you." Ron nodded, grabbed his worn rucksack and headed out the door. A moment later Lupin sensed that he was gone and he sagged back on the cot, waiting in silence for his friends return.

0000000

January had passed and February offered the same bitter winds and snows that encompassed the country. Lupin went outside as much as possible, but sometimes the cold drove him back in quicker then he would like. Ron, he noticed, seemed a lot more tolerant of the chill, but he also tended to push himself to his absolute limit. He was much to lean. Right now was no doubt one of those times and Lupin sat tensely, waiting for the red head to come home. He felt like a nervous parent, not knowing where their child was but knowing they were well past their curfew. The only problem was that Ron had no curfew, he was completely dependent unto himself, and he was probably more capable then anyone to take care of himself. He had proved this time and again over the last year and a half, probably more times than Lupin even suspected. The professor had yet to see any seriously dangerous creatures in the forest, but he had a high suspicion that they stayed away simply because they sensed that Ron wasn't the sort to clash with.

So he sat and waited, trying to focus on the words of a muggle novel Ron had brought him (along with a pile of others) on his last shopping expedition. He wasn't getting very far however, as he kept reading the same line over and over and eventually he just turned the page to give the illusion he was accomplishing his task. It was then that he shot to his feet, hearing the sudden haggard breath just before the door burst open and Ron stumbled in, clearly having trouble staying on his feet. Remus moved quickly to try and catch him before he fell, but somehow Ron sensed his approach.

"Don't! Don't touch me!" He ordered and Lupin pulled back just in time, glaring as the stubborn red head crashed to his knees and clutched his side. His face was cherry red from the cold and, judging by his heavy breathing, exertion. Instead Lupin stepped quietly around him and gently shut the patched door, filling the room with a sudden stillness that was absent without the wind pouring in. Lupin stood back and raked his eyes over the boy who seemed perfectly content to sit right where he was. He didn't see any blood and he couldn't smell any blood. Instead he inhaled the aroma of anger, a bit of panic, and the crisp sharpness of icy water. This worried him greatly.

"Ron, what happened? Are you hurt?" Just because he couldn't smell blood, didn't mean Ron couldn't have broken limbs or other internal injuries. His hands flexed anxiously at his side, itching to reach out and help the man despite his demand to not be touched. The moment Remus discovered Ron was truly injured was the moment that rule was going right out the door. As it was Ron seemed to be catching his breath, though his face was still bright red. Lupin could see his hands were shaking, even through the gloves. His garments were sopping wet.

"I'm fine." Ron stuttered through chattering teeth and started to make an effort of unclenching his body, pulling his arms away from his side. He began to numbly tug at his gloves, working them off finger by finger before tossing them in the general direction of the fire. They made a wet squelching sound as they landed. The hat and scarf weren't far behind.

"You don't look fine." Lupin demanded, moving in front of him again and glaring down.

"I'm a bit c-cold at the m-m-moment. I'll t-tell ye what happened l-later." He started trying to shirk his brown jacket but was having a hard time of it. Knowing that Ron wouldn't let him help Lupin went and poured some water into a mug and pulled his wand, heating it instantly. Then he cast a charm to heat the room again, noting that, perhaps for the first time, Ron wasn't watching him while he held the magical tool. He approached Ron with the mug and saw that the boy had managed to shrug out of both his jacket and his sopping sweater and was trying for his long, water logged and well worn boots. He pulled them off along with his holey socks and then seemed at a loss as to what to do next. He never undressed more then this in front of Lupin.

"Here" Lupin handed him the mug, saw Ron hesitate before reaching out and taking it, carefully avoiding meeting Remus' fingers with his own. Lupin ignored the action and looked Ron over, noting that his pants and faded green t-shirt were just as wet as his outer clothes had been. He must have fallen in a lake, and Lupin frowned, because he couldn't think of where there might be a body of unfrozen water in this climate. Ron coughed harshly and then took a gulp of the liquid, obviously grateful for its warmth.

"I can dry you clothes with my wand, if you'll allow it." He suggested softly, Ron's sharp blue eyes jumping to meet his in apprehension, his lips tinged slightly blue with the cold. "It's that or you get out of those right now, because you are going to get pneumonia otherwise and I won't allow it."

"Just a drying spell, nothing else." Ron agreed slowly, and then sat stiffer as Lupin slowly pulled his wand around and pointed it at him.

"Desiccatem" he called softly, not able to ignore the instinctive flinch Ron gave at having a wand pointed at him and a spell muttered, a moment later the boy breathed a sigh of relief as his t-shirt unstuck from his torso and his favourite corduroy pants loosened enough to move about comfortably again. Remus directed the same spell to the wet pile of clothes and then placed a heating spell on the cots blankets.

"Get into the bed and warm up properly." He ordered and Ron, surprisingly, pulled himself to his feet and stumbled the few feet onto the bed, wrapping the blankets securely around his body and leaning against the wall, closing his eyes. Exhaustion was evident. "What happened?" Lupin asked, regretting that he had to disturb Ron but needing to know. His own panicked heart was starting to slow down again and he reheated the mug placing it once again in Ron's still shaking fingers. He went and sat on the log stool, waiting for an answer.

"A bloody water fall is what happened." Ron growled, suddenly perking up as his apparent anger gave him energy. Lupin wasn't surprised to note that he felt absolutely no drain on his own energy as Ron recovered. Ron had yet to accidentally or otherwise steal energy from him, and he was glad that Ron had found such control over his body.

"A waterfall? There are none within a days walk from here." Lupin frowned. "How far did you go?"

"I went deeper into the mountains, right into the centre of dragon territory. I honestly didn't think there would be anything to find, but I was wrong." He muttered darkly, and it was unnerving how his eyes expressed the intensity of his anger.

"I take it the waterfall took you by surprise." Lupin said, wondering if it was possible for Ron, who was so deft on his feet, to actually fall into the rushing waters. It wasn't too farfetched a notion though, seeing as the young man had displayed an amazing ability for clumsiness when an unaware moment took him.

"No, the bloody git who knocked me into it did." He took a deep drink from the cup, and looked over at Lupin. "I think I'm closer to figuring what's wrong with the dragons."

"Perhaps you could start from the beginning."

"I apparrated to the mountains this afternoon, hoping I could find the area where Forge was attacked. I didn't see anything that looked familiar, but there were traces of dragons all around." He sighed and settled down a bit more, thinking over his day and slowly putting it to words. Lupin was thankful to notice that his stunning shade of red was turning more into a light blush on his face and his hands were beginning to still. "I found the waterfall by default, and followed it a good few kilometres before I came upon a man sitting on a rock, staring right at me." He shuddered a bit at this and Lupin frowned, leaning forward a bit.

"Did you recognize him?"

"No, never seen him before. He was dressed in heavy brown robes, and he was as dirty as sin, I swear he hadn't had a bath in a year. I thought maybe he was lost or something, but the closer I got I felt…he was dark, just like when Forge and his mum had been attacked. He was evil, rotten to the core. Bloody horrible he is." Ron glanced over at the door where the two fairies suddenly squeezed through and flew over to him, sensing that all was not well and therefore refraining from their usual antics. They burrowed into his hair and he smiled a bit, comforted by their presence. The light they cast off surrounded Ron's fiery locks, making him look like he was glowing himself, as though he had a halo surrounding him. It was quite beautiful, but the haunted look in Ron's clouded eyes gave it more of a tragic air. Lupin frowned.

"What happened? Did he speak to you?"

"Yeah, though I swear he hadn't used his voice in a century, it was as rusty as the door to Filch's office. He asked me my name, I told him to sod off. He didn't like that, got all self righteous and huffy. I asked him who he was and he said he was the Dragon Lord. Bloody loon, as if the dragons could have a human master, utter madness it is, and you could see it in his eyes too. He's not all there." Ron tapped his head to emphasize his point, his eyes holding a far off look as though he were back at the waterfall and not sitting, warm, in his home.

"The Dragon Lord." Lupin echoed, trying to think why that sounded familiar to him but drawing blanks.

"Ridiculous title if you ask me, he wasn't too impressed with that comment either." Lupin had to laugh at this, knowing full well how smart mouthed Ron could be when he was feeling irritated or scared; he lost his ability to hold a civil conversation.

"Is that what had him knock you into the water?"

"No. He wanted to know how I got up there, why the dragons hadn't found me yet. I have no clue and told him as much." Ron pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders.

"There's something wrong with him, he's a strong wizard Lupin, you can feel the power around him and it is way too close to the evil that Voldemort carried. Much too similar to Voldemort." His voice had dropped to a whisper and his eyes turned more haunted as he was no doubt remembering the final battle that he had helped Harry win. A moment later he blinked back to the present and looked angry with himself for letting his memories get the better of him. "He told me to stay away. I told him to mind his own business and he pulled his wand and knocked me into the water before I even realized he had one. Quick as a snake, it was the fastest draw I've ever seen."

"That was it? He just knocked you into the water?"

"What do you mean that was it? I was falling over the edge of the falls when I finally focused enough to apparrate back here, it still took more energy then it should have, I think he hit me with some kind of curse as well because I usually don't feel this tired after such a short jump."

"You did with me."

"I was practically carrying two loads there, that would tire anyone." His eyes drooped closed of their own accord and Ron snapped them back open, trying to stay awake in Lupin's presence.

"Get some rest Ron, I'll stay over here." Ron didn't seem comfortable with this idea, but sleep was evidently winning over his need to protect himself. He lay down and huddled his large frame under the blankets and was asleep in seconds. It was then that Horns and Howly dug their way out of his hair and flew over to Lupin, standing on the table and looking up at him, their eyes glowing gold and red. He stared at their smiling, accepting faces and then snorted in sudden amazement. Eyes glowing red and gold! These two were a pair of firefairies and he hadn't realized it until now! No wonder they got along so well with the dragon. They had, no doubt, lulled Ron to sleep so he would rest and they were looking quite pleased with themselves as Horns grabbed Howly around the waist and swung her into the air. They flew up to Lupin and she swooped in to peck him on the cheek, startling a chuckle from him before they both darted back to their sleeping charge and once again burrowed into his brilliant mane.

Lupin leaned against the wooden wall, always impressed with how well it was built, and watched as Ron slept peacefully for the first time under Lupin's eye. Yet despite the peace the room was swathed in he frowned, thinking over Ron's description of his attack. Dragon Lord? The title was nagging at him but he couldn't place it. That didn't matter so much though; he was more concerned with the severity of this wizard's actions. Obviously he had felt threatened by Ron, or he would have likely just left him to wander rather then making an appearance and initiating a question and answer session. The fact that he had tried to drown Ron without provocation made him a serious threat.

Lupin would talk to Ron when he woke up and gage his reaction on warning the wizarding world, but this course of action also made him nervous. Ron had actually allowed him to point his wand at him, and Lupin was well aware of how difficult that must have been for the young man. They were making progress, and he was afraid that this new situation could undo all their hard work.

000000

Ron sat quietly on his favourite rock, which rested a few feet from the door to his home, and watched as Lupin carefully attached a bit of parchment to the owls outstretched leg. Ron could see that the professor's cold fingers were fumbling with the tiny string that was usually so easy to tie on a messenger, but he made no effort to help him. Ron had already gone to the nearest wizarding town and ordered an owl sent to Lupin in the first place, and seeing as he'd done it reluctantly Lupin could very well attach his own damned note. Ron almost smiled at his petulant behaviour, for some reason the idea that he could still act like a child delighted him. For a long while he had thought himself incapable of feeling petty anger, he had thought he'd been burnt beyond that. It looks like time could bring back all of ones bad habits.

"Well, that's done. Hopefully Dumbledore will have more of an idea about who this wizard is." Lupin came and sat down on the rock right beside him and Ron looked over briefly, grunting half heartedly in response. He wasn't happy that Lupin had sent the note, especially to someone as smart as Dumbledore. The Headmaster would no doubt be able to determine where Lupin was, and he would probably be able to eventually figure out that Ron was here as well. Dumbledore, unlike Lupin, most likely realized that Ron was responsible for Harry's…for Harry being gone. Ron blinked back the sudden tears that jumped to the front of his eyes and looked away from Lupin, God forbid he should see him about to cry. Get a grip! Yer not a bloody three year old! He scolded himself harshly. It didn't matter what Dumbledore thought; he wasn't here right now. Besides, Ron was only deserving of the man's anger, the fact that Lupin was unaware of the truth surrounding Harry's death was luck and torture on Ron's part. He had begun to trust Lupin; he figured the man really believed what he was saying about Ron's family wanting him home. As selfish as it might be he spent too many of his waking hours imagining that that was true. Ron had grown comfortable with Lupin's presence. He would miss him if the man suddenly realized how foul Ron truly was.

"You okay Ron?" Lupin's calm, warm voice cut into his negative thoughts and he blinked. He had almost forgotten where he was for a moment.

"Fine." He replied, looking out to the tree line where he could just see the glowing dots of Horns and Howly as they played in the branches. If only his life could have been as simple.

"You're not getting sick are you? That was a nasty dunk in the water you took yesterday.

"I heal faster then I used to."

"I know, Doytil's book mentioned something along the lines of being able to increase cell regeneration with extra energy." Figures Lupin would have remembered that one line out of all the pointless blithering that evil wizard had written.

"Then you should be able to see that I'm not sick." Ron snapped back, regretting his harsh tone instantly but refusing to apologise. There were a few moments of silence as the two of them enjoyed the winter sun on one of the few days where there was no wind. Then Lupin felt he had to interrupt the peace of the afternoon.

"I noticed that Forge's wounds healed faster then was normal."

"You know how dragons heal?"

"Not much, but I do think any animal with wounds like those would take at least a week before they begin to close properly. After only a week your dragon was absolutely fine."

"I think it's something in his saliva." The lie slipped easily off his tongue and he didn't look over at the werewolf to ascertain his mood. He didn't need to, because whether or not Lupin believed him the man was too polite to call him on it. He was too afraid he'd send Ron storming off into the trees, which, with Ron's temper, was always a real possibility. Ron sighed and rubbed his wrist.

"Perhaps you should have him lick your wrist then."

"What?" Ron looked over in surprise, not following the sudden change in conversation.

"Forge. If his saliva has healing capabilities you should have him lick your wrist. Perhaps it will take down the swelling." Ron instantly stopped rubbing said wrist and pulled his jacket sleeve down to hide it from sight.

"He'd more likely eat my arm then give it a lick. And I'm rather fond of it so I'd rather not try."

"I suppose you're right." Lupin conceded and Ron nodded in agreement, looking down at Whip as the red handle shifted its webbed pattern around Ron's fingers and hand. "So when did you hurt your wrist? I've noticed it's been bothering you for some time now." Perceptive little bugger wasn't he? Well, Ron supposed it didn't hurt to tell him. In truth the longer they spent together the more Ron wanted to talk to the quiet man; it was certainly more entertaining then sitting on a rock in silence.

"It's been bothering me for over a year." He muttered.

"Anything to do with that bracelet you wear?"

"I suppose."

"Why don't you take it off then?"

"I can't."

"I see."

"Good, then we can get off that topic." Ron pulled at his jacket sleeve again and frowned as his wrist flared in pain. Stupid bloody McTagert and his stupid bangles! Over the last few months Ron had been finding it more and more difficult to ignore the thing as his wrist remained slightly swollen and ached increasingly. At first it had only happened when he channelled a great amount of energy, like when he had aided Forge's mum. Now the pain was getting worse, and every time he used his chanelling abilities, even for something as mundane as summoning a small stick, it felt as though he had broken his wrist. He had come to the conclusion that it wasn't meant to be on him for such a long period of time, and its properties were finally beginning to have a negative effect beyond blocking his chanelling abilities. He only hoped it wasn't anything permanent, and that if he didn't use his chanelling abilities for a while then maybe it would go away.

"Did anything stand out about this Dragon Lord character? Anything that might give away who he is?" Ron just managed to suppress the shiver of unease that ran up his spine at the mentioning of his attackers title.

"You mean other then him trying to kill random innocent people?" This was not the topic he had wanted to switch to. Lupin had been fairly stuck on it since Ron had awoken in the early hours that morning, asking him again and again for a description, trying to see if there was anything that Ron was leaving out. Of course there was, but Ron wasn't about to share it with Lupin. When Lupin didn't respond to Ron's callus remark Ron slid off his rock and walked inside the shelter, waiting a few moments as his eyes adjusted to the darkness within before heading over to his corner of blankets and sitting down.

The man he had met on the rock…Ron hadn't been joking when he had said the wizard wasn't completely sane. Far from it in fact, and there was no denying it as his empty black eyes had stared at Ron, making him feel like he was about to get sucked into a black hole and lost forever. This time Ron didn't suppress the shudder that ran through his body at the memory, and he pulled his blankets about him. He had left out a few important details when relaying the story to Lupin, but he didn't think the man needed to worry about them at this point.

The darkness that had surrounded Forge's wound had been ten times stronger around this wizard as he had sat on the rock, waiting. He had known Ron would be coming; he hadn't been surprised at all by his sudden appearance. He had whispered darkness into the air around them, inviting Ron to join him, to join his purpose. Ron had felt the pull, felt an urge to walk over and stand beside him as he had spoken his soft, seductive offerings. Ron had stared into the depths of those black eyes, and in their bottom he had glimpsed hell. It was a soulless place, and Ron had said so. The moment he had refused the dark wizard he had felt as though an invisible rope had reached out and ensnared his body. It had been made of energy and dark magic that had been filled with rage at his denial. It had driven Ron to his knees, and it had driven him to panic as it had slowly started to reel in his spirit. The wizard had been attempting to bind Ron to him, in servitude. He had wanted Ron's strength. Not again he thought bitterly before the fear kicked in.

In his panic, his horror, and his out right refusal to succumb to such an evil act Ron had lashed out violently with a repelling force that had sent the shocked wizard tumbling from his perch. The bond had been broken, but only for a moment, and Ron had twisted around and thrown himself into the raging waters of the river that had been behind him. The icy water had completely broken the connection and just as he had tumbled over the edge and apparated back to the shelter he had felt the rage of the wizard echo in his head. When he had made it inside he didn't know if he was shaking more from the absolute shock of the cold water, or the attack. There was one thing he had been sure of though, and that was that he had a problem. He needed to figure out what this wizard was doing, and he needed to stop him.

TBC

Kamonkey, being evil is totally underrated! Oh the fun to be had! (though my friends do generally feel sorry for the characters I become fond of)

Scribhneoir, I really hope Ron stays in character enough for you!

Catc10, you are completely correct about the title of this story. That's it, I'm changing it again before it has been completely uploaded. So without further ado:

NOTE: This stories title will be changed to "WAYWARD SON" when chapter 25 is uploaded. Sorry (again) for any confusion this may cause.

Next Update: September 8, 2005.