Sun, Sand and Death

Ron moved around the inside of the ancient pyramid tying up any loose ends they might have left. Wiping the sweat from his face and checking to make sure they hadn't missed cleaning out the treasure room. Though he was in fact in the Giza area of Egypt his mind was over a thousand miles away. Instead of focusing on any missed areas to explore he was thinking about big doe eyes and a smile that made his knees weak

Come on snap out of it. I'll be home soon enough and I don't need to be acting like a love sick git. Even if I am one.

Ron had enjoyed his time in Egypt. He wasn't sure how Bill had gotten permission for him to use magic over the summer but he owed his big brother one for it. He had made a surprising amount of money and had even been given two items from the find as a reward for noticing a particularly dangerous curse trap. He had picked two items to give to Harry and Hermione. Harry's would be his birthday present. He was giving one to Hermione because he would give her everything he had, which was admittedly not much.

There's no way she's going to be interested in a too tall, too clumsy, freckle faced nobody in patched robes.

Well maybe so but she's going to have to tell me that cause I've waited to long to tell her how I really feel already.

As he pondered his return home he noticed a reflection in some of the gold embossing that covered much of the ancient walls. It seemed to be a figure moving up from behind him.

Bloody Hell that looks like a Death Eater.

Ron dove to the left just as the figure raised a wand and shouted "Avada Kedavra"

A streak of green light slammed into the wall right where Ron had been standing a second before. Ron rolled to a stop on his stomach and shouted "Petrificus Totalus".

The Death Eater brought up his wand "Protego" and Ron's spell bounced off of his shield.

Ron scampered to his feet and ran behind a pillar as the Death Eater screamed "Tarantallegra". The spell hit right above Ron's head and chips of stone flew off cutting his face in several spots.

This is very bad. This guy knows what he's doing.

Ron leaned out "Stupefy" only to have the Death Eater's shield block his spell again.

"I am tired of your games young Weasley, This ends now"

He pointed his wand at the base of the pillar Ron had taken cover behind and yelled "Reducto"

The base of the pillar shattered and toppled backwards pining Ron to the floor.

Ron struggled to catch his breath. He had a sharp pain in his side and he could taste blood in his mouth. Even worse he could hear the Death Eater approaching.

Well Ron if you ever want to see the love of your life again you better do something fast.

Stilling his racing heart an icy calm washed over him.

The Death Eater leaned over the pillar and taunted Ron "Don't worry this is only going to hurt a lot."

As the Death Eater leaned over the pillar Ron propped himself up on one arm and screamed "Avada Kedavra".

From a distance of about three feet it only took a second to hit the Death Eater in the chest. There was no chance for him to dodge the spell and he only seemed mildly surprised as he fell to the floor.

Ron lay there for a second still reeling from the powerful spell he had cast. "Reducto" he said softly and pulled himself out from under the remains of the pillar as it turned to dust.

He looked down at the prone form of the Death Eater.

I killed him....I'm a killer

His body was a symphony of pain. He was sure he had multiple broken ribs and was equally certain his left leg was broken.

"I wonder if everyone else is ok." he muttered.

As if on cue he heard screaming coming from towards the entrance.

That was a woman's voice and the only woman up there is Yasmine. Oh god I have to get up there quick.

The idea of someone as sweet as Yasmine being subjected to the Crucio curse made him sick to his stomach.

Ok I can Apparate up to the front but where to land?

Ron pictured the front of the pyramid where all their tents and gear had been set up.

Of course I'll Apparate to the observation tower, God I hope this works.

He closed his eyes and got a good mental picture of where he wanted to come out at and then with a crack he disappeared.

The sun was bright as Ron appeared on the landing of the observation tower. Down below two Death Eaters had tied up Bill, Yasmine, and the rest of the crew and it seemed that they were going down the line using the Crucio curse to try and find out where he was at.

Ok first I'll free Bill so he can help in the fight. Then I'll try to disarm the Death Eaters.

Hoping the wind would drown out the sound of his voice he pointed his wand at the ropes holding Bill and shouted "Diffindo.".

Changing targets he pointed his wand at one of the Death eaters, then changing his mind at the last instant instead of disarming him he yelled." Petrificus Totalus".

The second Death Eater raised his wand and made a slashing motion at Ron.

"Prote...uggggg" The spell slammed into Ron's face before he could get his shielding spell up. Pain coursed through his body and he stumbled backwards. The force of the spell knocked him off of the back of the tower.

As he fell the thirty feet to the ground he saw Bill grappling with the remaining Death Eater.

"Give him hell Bill" he whispered. "Hermione I... and then his whole world went black.