Seven Years Later...
Chapter 11
"Taking Chances and Gambling Risks"
Author's Notes: Here's the deal, you keep reveiwing and we'll keep updating... We like reveiws... Hehehe...
EckoStalker's Notes: This story will make sure you never look at Macaroni & Cheese and Mashed Potatoes the same way again... And it's all my doing... Bwhahahaa
The group of people landed in the middle of Stonehedge. They looked around and saw hundred of tents spread out over the hill. Artimis saw Dumbledore and walked towards him, informing him that those sworn from Manor Dela Loyalty and Callabella Manor were present. The stones sent off a vibe of magic, of power, and Alexis was, of course, drawn to it. Artimis came back to the group with campsite instructions and breifings.
"Ok guys, lets set up camp, were next to the Weasley's. Then we can breif on our missions." Artimis spoke and Alexis and Ron looked at each other with the 'uh oh' look. Artimis snickered and they walked of toward a waving Molly Weasley, who already had Ginny sitting in a chair on their plot. Draco snickered and pitched his and Artimis's tent. Ron and Alexis pitched their tents on opposite sides of Artimis's tents, looking at each other as they did so. Molly walked over and laughed, annoucing that she already had dinner cooking, and she was sure she had enough for everyone.
Severus set up his tent, which was the only all black tent in the complex of tents, right next to Remus's. Everyone set up their tents and went into Artimis's Five-room suite tent. They all entered the temporary Conference room and sat around the table. Artimis passed out briefs to everyone and set up her maps, with the help of Aaron, who had to turn one right side up.
"OK, We have about seven hours to sleep. At dawn, we are to get up and eat, patrols will be going all night and day. We have spys in the camps of the Deatheater's, We know where they are and most of what they are doing. Dragons will be patroling the sky and we have Threstals guarding the perimeter. So the plan is to meet back here in the morning. Mum made food, so those of you who wish to gain twenty pounds, feel free to go eat. I personally am craving some of her pork chops. Bye. And Just so you know Severus, we all call her Mum." Artimis spoke and everyone cleared out. Artimis walked over to Molly's Tent.
She walked in the door and was looked at by Molly Weasley with a different look. One of disdain. That was when Artimis knew someone had told her.
"Hey, I was just coming to get some of that dinner you offered." Artimis spoke shallowly.
"Oh alright dear. Could I talk to you first." Molly spoke, grabbing her away from Arthur and Ginny. Artimis inhaled and braced for the worst.
'Well, First thing's first. Congratulations." Molly spoke hugging her tightly. Then she pulled back.
"I am disappointed that you are here and intend on fighting. You should really think about all you are risking dear."
"Thank You Mum, and I have thought about it and I stand with my decision."
"If that is your wish dearie, than I wish you the best of luck."
"Thanks Mum, now I am craving a pork chop like no tomorrow." Artimis spoke and Molly laughed, leading her back to the kitchen.
-------------------------------
Alexis left Artimis's tent a few moments after Artimis, having looked over the maps for a bit of pre-planning. She grabbed a few copies and went to her tent.
The three room tent wasn't the normal suite type, and Alexis had to scout around for a large enough surface void of weapons and arsenal to lay out the maps. Despite what everyone said about her being an on-the-spur-of-the-moment type of person, she did like to see what type of terrain she would be fighting on. It helped her figure out what weapons would be useful, and if she would have enough cover to stake an ambush if need be.
She leaned over a table, pushing aside a pair of sais, trying to keep her attention fixed. But the smell of roasting steak and frying pork chops drifted through her encampment, making her mouth water and distracting her attention as she thought of a large plate full of t-bones, ribs, and a hotdog or two. She shook her head, and swayed, overcome by a bout of dizziness. She held her head and winced slightly. Artimis had knocked her a good one. But a little head wound wouldn't keep her from fighting. Almost no wound could. She shivered at the remembrance of Artimis's attack. She didn't hold a grudge, already vowing not to do that against a friend again, knowing Artimis was just in her mistaken accusation of her and Draco. Artimis had an excuse as well, this time.
She shook her head once more, fixing her attention on the task at hand.
Ooohhh... I think I smell sirloin... this is bloody torture...
She thought, stomach growling. a thought struck her. I didn't eat at all today! Maybe that'll set me right a little better... this can wait... stomach first...
She turned away from the table quickly and started towards the door. She stumbled as she tripped over a large mace that she had forgot to put up. Sometimes, having your room as the arsenal was a little difficult. She cursed under her breath and exited the tent, looking around for Molly Weasely's tent. She spotted it and grinned, starting towards it.
She sauntered past a dimly lit tent, oblivious to who's it was. She felt something wrap around her ankle, then she fell to her knees, being dragged backwards into the tent. She sprawled out on her back, looking up in confusion. Ron gazed down at her with a wide grin. He held out a hand and helped her up.
"I think you enjoy ambushing me."
"Maybe..."
She laughed, surveying his tent. She knew one thing, it was bloody huge. There were only three rooms, like hers, but they had to be twice as big as each of hers. And half of it was occupied by a large kitchen. And it was colorful. Wait, it was orange. His favorite color. She did know a little about him.
He stuck his hands in his pockets, smiling at her expression. She stopped and sniffed the air. The smell of food was strong in here, and she turned to hin curiously.
"Well, I got a little tired of my Mum's style of cooking and decided to cook my own dinner. But, I'm sort of lonely. Would you like some sirloin?"
She smiled widely. He nodded.
"I thought so."
He led her into the kitchen. It wasn't brightly lit, a few oil lamps here or there lighting the basic necessities. But the light was perfect, casting a warm sheen to the entirety of the tent, making it more homey and... romantic.
A table had already been set up, and Alexis knew he had been planning this all along. But, she didn't mind. He pulled out a chair, and she bowed and sat daintily. They laughed, and he went over to the stove where several dishes were set. He picked up two plates, both covered with a large slab of perfectly cooked sirloin, creamy mashed potatoes with garlic, and extra cheesy macaroni and cheese. He set one in front of her and she smiled gratefully. Her stomach rumbled and he chuckled.
"Oh um... I, didn't really have any thing to drink here... except for some orange sodas. Is that..."
"That's perfect." Alexis cut him off. And it was.
He smiled in relief and pulled out two ice cold cans from the fridge, along with two wine glasses.
"We can at least make it look cool." He explained, popping the tabs and pouring the sugary liquid in the sparkling glasses. She laughed and took one as he handed it to her. He sat down and Alexis cleared her throat.
"I would like to make a toast."
"Have a blast."
"Okay, this is to battle, and the chance to finally bring an end to all the shit we've been put through."
"I hear ya. And to friendship and all the patience it took to put up with each other."
They laughed.
"Oh, and to all our family. For putting up with us. Let us be able to pay them back." Alexis joked.
"And to us." Ron spoke quietly. Alexis stared at him, a mixture of emotion on her face as she still held out the glass, motionless. He smiled softly, then leaned forward and clinked his glass to hers, sitting back and chugging the soda. Alexis sat back as well and took a drink, watching him quietly. He put the glass down and looked at her. It was quiet for a moment, then Ron belched. He slapped his hand over his mouth as Alexis cracked up. Then she belched.
They were silent for a moment, then both bust up laughing. Alexis picked up a knife and looked at it as Ron procceded to cut his sirloin. Alexis thought a moment, then set it down, grabbing the steak and tearing a bite out of it, watching Ron for signs of disgust or uneasiness. He merely looked at her, then threw down his knife and did the same.
"What's the point of them."
"More flavor without them." Alexis added, and both laughed.
They procceeded to eat their meal, cave-man style, and Ron picked up his spoon to start on his mashed potatoes. Alexis grinned, picking up her spoon and smiling at him mischeviously.
"Hmmm..." She wondered aloud, rubbing her chin.
"What are you hmmm-ing about?" Ron asked slyly.
"Um... this!" She yelled, scooping up some mashed potatoes and catapulting them at his head. His mouth gaped open in shock as Alexis pointed and laughed as a buttery glop dripped off his face, splatting to the table. Alexis laughed louder, then snapped her mouth closed as she recieved a face full of potatoes as well. He laughed and Alexis stood, grabbing a handful of the potatoes, walking forward and smearing them in his face. He gasped and stood as well, picking up the entire plate. Alexis squealed and ran around to the opposite side of the table, Ron following her. She ducked as he grabbed a handful of food and and chucked it. She pushed the table into his stomach, not hard, but enough to make him double over in surprise. She ran around, and pushed the plate up into his face, laughing as he stared at her, cheese and noodles dripping from his nose, and mashed potatoes sliding down his hair. He then lunged at her, grabbing her around the side and pinning her arms. She fell backwards and caught him off guard. He fell forward and Alexis rolled him over her and he slammed on his back to the floor, stunned. Alexis got up and sat on his stomach, gazing down at him evilly.
"Ha. My turn..." She laughed. He smirked, then grabbed her arms and swung her off him, rolling over and pinning her on the floor, knocking over a chair.
Alexis scowled. "How the hell do you do that?"
He shrugged. Alexis looked up at him, then lifted her head and licked some macaroni off his nose. He smiled quizzically, then leaned down and licked some mashed potatoes off her chin. She smirked, leaning up and licking some BBQ sauce from the side of his mouth. She paused a moment, then moved to his lips, kissing him softly.
His eyes widened and he slowly moved back an inch after she stopped and gazed up at him.
"Here we are, in a tent, having a food fight and eating off each other's faces, right before the battle of the century... not exactly what I had in mind..."
"Oh, shut up and kiss me..." She growled softly, sitting up and kissing him again. He closed his eyes and kissed her back, hand traveling to the back of her head as she sat to her knees, wishing she could live in this moment forever.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Artimis finished her porkchop in record time and thanked Molly, who was trying to coddle her into more. She smiled and left the Weasley Tent and walked into Alexis's tent.
She moved to the 'once' kitchen, where a bastard sword stood drived through the stove, left over from one of Alexis's earlier temper tantrums. She fished out her blade and walked out, not seeing hide nor hair of Alexis. She didn't remember seeing Alexis in Molly's Tent either, nor Ron for that matter, but she figured that Remus had cooked again. She stepped outside, moving to the circle made by the tents.
She then drew into her sword fighting stance. She held the sword up and stepped with it, imagining foes for her to attack and parry. She would back-bend out of the range of an imaginary sword and snap back, and cutting off the head of her unreal attacker. She moved back and forth, flipping and tumbling as if in the feild at this moment. She worked her body out, stretched her muscles. She did a backflip and landed on her knees, having exhausted her body to a decent point. She sat there on her hands and knees, panting, watching everyone who had been watching her for the past hour and half of her training. Draco stepped forward and she growled at him, shifting into Prancer before their eyes. She reared back at him and took off, going for a lap around the complex. She pulled to a halt as Dumbledore crossed her path. She cantered up to him and nuzzled him as he looked at her.
"Tsk tsk, Artimis, you know you don't have to prove your strength to them. Unless, it's yourself your trying to prove wrong." He spoke, patting her head and looking at her with knowing eyes. Unable to speak to him at the moment, she whined and nudged him, tossing her head back. He chuckled and patted her nose.
"You'll do fine. Don't worry. Go get some sleep." He spoke and she did as he told her to, galloping off toward her tent, tail in the air at being triumph at proving her strength. She pulled to a halt at the encampment and shifted, panting once again. She head her head up high and walked to her tent, glimpsing shadows moving within Ron's. She smiled and went into hers, changing out of her uniform and into some comfy PJ's. She curled up in her bed and fell into a deep peaceful sleep.
----------------------------
Ron and Alexis sat together there, entwined in each other's messiness, when Ron pulled away from her briefly. Alexis looked up at him quzzically, arms looped around his neck loosely, his around her waist and back.
"You know, we should get some sleep. We have a battle to win tomorrow."
Alexis frowned in mock sadness, getting off his lap as he stood and pulled her to her feet. She gazed up at him and he spoke.
"Come on, I'll walk you to your tent."
Alexis asked childishly. "What, are you going to tuck me in?"
"I just might."
They laughed, Ron kissing her forehead as they walked towards the tent's exit, ignoring the upturned chairs, scattered plates, and gobs of food they had left behind them. Ron held open the tent flap for Alexis and she stepped out. Ron closed it behind him and turned, knocking into Alexis who had froze right in the middle of the walkway. Those who had been watching Artimis's display of strength all now looked at Alexis and Ron.
Hailey and Hermione were the first to make a noise, them giggling as they walked away, giving them sly glances. Remus rose an eyebrow at their messy state and sighed, shaking his head. Harry and Aaron looked at Ron like he was a champ and whistled at him, walking toward their tents, giving him a thumb's up. Draco snickered, going into his tent, mouthing to Alexis that she was lucky Artimis was asleep. The last set of people were Ron's parents and sister, and Severus Snape. Arthur and Molly looked at Ron with questioning and Ron rolled his eyes as Ginny turned red, blushing at him. They walked into their tent, Arthur chuckling to himself saying "I remember when we..." and procedded to be backslapped by Molly.
Severus stood there, arms crossed, snickering at them in his evil fashion. Ron looked at him and then Alexis, and smirked like no tomorrow.
"We were looking for you. We were wondering if you wanted to join us."
"Yeah, your never around when we want to play." Alexis intoned, smirking at Snape.
"Yeah, well, looks like you had enough fun without me." Her remarked and moved into his tent.
"You know what. I'm not explaining this to all you dorks. Get A LIFE!" She yelled as Ron pushed her into her tent. She kicked aside the mace she had already tripped on earlier and moved to her bedroom. She knocked several swords off of her bed and turned to look at Ron, very unsure of what to do now.
"Sorry about the mess."
"Are you kidding, I spent all morning cleaning my tent just to let you come in." He said and she laughed.
"That bad eh?" She spoke moving towards him, almost drawn to him.
"That bad." He said lowly, looking into her eyes, and moving closer as she was. They were mere inches from each other when Alexis looked at him and said, "So... I guess this is goodnight."
"I guess so."He spoke, all movement between them stopped. He looked in her eyes and smiled. "See you in the morning."
"Yes, you will." Alexis spoke lowly, not knowing what was making her talk so low. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her gently, lightly kissing her on the cheek.
"Good night Lexy."
"Good night Ron." She whispered as he turned around and walked out of her tent. She sighed and flopped down on her bed, still sticky from 'dinner'.
The thought of a relationship with someone scared the hell out of her, her past experience with Jason coming back to haunt her all too soon. But, this was Ron... she knew him, and knew he cared for her, almost more than anyone she had ever known, besides Artimis.
She sighed and sat up, toying with a crossbow by her foot. She wouldn't jnyx it this time... no one had to hear them say they were together... if that's what was going to happen. She couldn't bear it if Ron had later betrayed her like her once-beloved Jason had done to her those many years ago.
She got up and went to her large bathroom, intent upon taking a hot shower and hoping to ease her befuddled and tired, yet oddly content, mind.
------------
Lupin paced across the length of the tent, already fraying the carpet under his feet. Every time he thought up a solution of sorts, it was contradicted by another problem.
He stopped momentarily, sighing. "It's not my business..."He told himself, taking a few steps until he stopped again.
"But then again... I am the father figure..." He paced once again, thinking.
"But, if this turns out to be like that Jason episode..." He remembered.
"It's my job to protect her... and to kill any one who hurts her..." He agreed with himself.
"But... it's Alexis choice... and I actually like Ron..." He argued once more, finding more problems.
There was a rustling at his tent door, and Remus turned to see Severus standing there, looking tired and cross.
"Would you bloody shut up, I can hear every word you're saying." He growled.
"Well then, what's your opinion."
"My opinion? I really don't care to hear about Alexis and Ron. I didn't have kids for a reason." Severus explained.
Remus shook his head, pacing once more. Severus sighed, shaking his head.
"Remus, listen. Like I said before, Alexis is a girl, Ron's a guy. It was bound to happen sooner or later."
"Yeah, and like the last time you said it, you ended up having to save her from a bloody roof top." Remus countered matter-of-factly. Severus looked away, remembering all too well.
"I think we have a better understanding of who she chose this time though." Severus replied.
"Hmmm..." Remus answered, still worried. Severus rolled his eyes.
"Well, have you any suggestions?"
"You're asking me? No wife, no kids... and I like it that way. I don't know... go compare notes with Arthur, I'm sure he's in the same predicament."
Remus stopped, contemplating. "Yeah... it wouldn't hurt..." He mumbled as he walked out his tent and headed towards the Weasely's tent. Severus sighed and proceeded to his tent for some sleep.
As Remus approached the large tent, he heard loud voices.
"Molly! You can't go over there..."
"And why not? He's our son!"
"Yes, but he's a grown man and..."
"That still doesn't mean I can't talk to him about it!"
"Oh yes, I already know you're way of 'talking'..."
"And what's that suppose to mean Arthur!"
"Nothing! But you'll end up making him more nervous than he probably already is..."
"Nervous? How so?... Regardless. It's about time we talked to him about it. "
"He can make his own choices!"
"Yes! With my help!"
"Well, it's not like we don't know the girl..."
"I'm not saying I disagree Arthur, I'm merely saying that we should at least have a talk with him about relationships. It wouldn't hurt."
"Well, knowing you, you'll probably scare the thought out of him."
Remus stuck his head in the tent and asked quietly. "Am I interrupting?"
Arthur turned around from where he stood blocking the doorway, and Molly looked around from in front of him.
"No! Not at all dear. In fact, I was meaning to talk to you as well..."
"No Molly. I'll talk to him. Why don't you go clean up the kitchen or something."
She glared at him and he flinched slightly.
"Fine. But I'm not done with you..." she called as she stomped out of the room.
"Yikes." Remus commented quietly as Arthur shook his head tiredly. He smiled and gestured for him to take a seat in one of the cushioned chairs situated in the larger room of the tent.
"Well, are you as confused as I am?" Arthur asked, pouring himself some brandy, offering Remus a glass. He took it gratefully.
"Yes, if not more." He sighed, taking a sip.
"Well at least you don't have to prevent a Mrs. from stomping into her tent to demand an answer."
"I heard that!" A voice called from the other room. Arthur shook his head.
"Hmm. Well, I wasn't going to stomp..." Remus remarked. Arthur chuckled and sipped the Brandy.
"So apprarently, Alexis and Ron are involved, but not saying anything. And you are wondering how to approach it with her and possibly him." Arthur spoke leaning forward.
"Exactly...I mean, I'm her father figure, but I just don't know what I am allowed and not allowed to do. I'm not too experienced..." Remus spoke, leaning forward on the couch too.
"Well, my bet would be to let them come to you. I mean, maybe she is afraid of your reaction and is waiting for the right moment to tell you. Which is probably what Ron is doing."
"Ron is not scared of my reaction, Arthur!" Molly's shrill voice was heard echoing through the tent.
"Yes dear." Arthur said, looking to Remus and rolling his eyes.
"So you are saying to just wait and see what unfolds." Remus asked, peering at the enticing alcohol.
"That is exactly what I am saying. You see, they are young, they aren't sure of what to do, so just let them figure themselves out before you barge in on their space." Arthur replied, leaning back on the couch opposite of Remus.
"But when is it ok to interfere? I feel like I should be taking notes." Remus chuckled and Arthur joined him.
"Yeah I felt that way once, but that was before all the other kids started bringing home girls. Were waiting for Ginny to bring home a guy. I'm going to be confused then. Only interfere if you think one of them is going to get hurt."
"BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW!" Remus asked, sighing.
"That my good man, is what your gut is for. Follow your instincts. Just don't tear my son to shreds please." Arthur chuckled and Remus laughed.
"No worrys there. I actually like Ron, I think he is a good kid." Remus spoke and Arthur laughed.
"Yeah, And Alexis adds some excitement to Ron's dull life." Arther spoke and Remus got up.
"Well, I better hit the sack. Thanks for the advice."
"No problem. I'll be coming to you for help with Ginny." Arthur spoke as he walked him out. Remus walked away from the tent, hearing Molly yell at Arthur.
"Maybe Severus has a point on the no wife thing." Remsu spoke as he went into his tent and collasped in his unmade bed.
----------
Dawn... The ground was covered in mists as everyone climbed out of their tents feeling the energy of the day. Breakfast was eaten quickly and quietly and owls were seen flying around through the sky carrying orders from the main tent where the Order members met tocounter Voldemort.
A black owl landed onArtimis's shoulder and she read it, her face upturing to a smile as she called her family to her tent. They all gathered around the table covered with maps and she explained that they had been given their orders for the moment. They were to patrol the outer edges of the encampment, lookingto see if forces were approaching. There would be a good chance of attack. Alexis and Artimis exchanged glances of knowlegde as everyone suited up for the beginning of the Final Battle.
Deep Shadows: I feel a dramatic pose coming on...
EckoStalker: Dramatic pose Ahha!
Deep Shadows: Told you so... Review...