A/N: Hello everyone. Thanks for tuning in again. A special thanks to a great reader, Particle Accelerator. He has helped me quite a bit with his great reviews and suggestions!

FYI: I have changed my pen name…

Now, Enjoy!

Chapter Eleven

A New Path

Harry sat and held a softly crying Hermione when Arthur and Molly Weasley came bursting through the door. They looked around wildly until they spotted Harry, who was covered in blood, holding onto Hermione. As soon as they started to move towards him, Sharon crashed through the doors with a panicked look and tear tracks running down her face. They all rushed over to Harry and Hermione.

"Harry! Son, are you alright?" Arthur asked. Harry shook his head and didn't say a word. Hermione held him tighter. "What happened? Why are you covered in blood? Is it yours?" Harry shook his head again and his lower lip trembled. Sharon pushed her way to the front and knelt down, looking Harry in the eyes.

"Harry, how bad is it?" she asked gently. Harry leaned his head back against the wall and swallowed thickly.

"The raid went wrong. I don't know how, but from what I saw; he set off my spell grenade. The others?" Harry said with a hollow voice. "Did they get back?" Sharon nodded, but her face fell a bit.

"Joseph Forester and Jorge Chavez were killed during the attack. Ron sent their bodies back before he was ambushed," Sharon explained to Arthur and Molly. Once she had finished the sentence, her face crumpled and she fell to the ground sobbing. Hermione broke away from Harry and pulled Sharon in a tight hug. Harry stood up and walked to the window, just staring out of it. He was pulled out of his thoughts by Mrs. Weasley, as she had pulled him into a bone-crushing hug.

"Thank you for bringing him back, Harry," she said through her tears. "Have the healers said anything?" Harry just shook his head, and sighed.

Fred and George walked in looking somber. They found their parents and they gave each of them hugs. The seven of them sat in the waiting room, hoping for news. Harry told them how he found Ron, bleeding and barely alive. Hermione sat holding his hand with her left, and holding Sharon's hand with her right, praying for any type of news.

A few minutes later the other senior members of the Order arrived and Harry went through what he knew yet again. Minerva sat down next to Sharon and pulled her into a hug and tried to console the distraught woman. Moody had been to the site and was amazed at what had happened. He was confident that Ron would be okay, as Moody had lived through worse. Alastor Moody had taken a liking to Ron, ever since he had joined the Aurors. The grizzled ex-auror was amazed at the brilliant mind that Ron possessed and had mentioned it to Ron several times in the past. That young man was going places, and it would only mean good things for the Aurors in the future.

ooo

Pain. That was the only thing that Ron felt right now. His body felt like he had been trampled by an entire tribe of giants riding dragons. He would get glimpses of light here and there, but it was too harsh for him to make anything out. It seemed like he was paralyzed and unable to even move a finger. He felt hands moving him and cleaning his wounds, which in turn caused more pain. He felt his bones that had been broken snapping back into place which made him cry out. He forced his eyes to open a bit further, and recognized the setting. He was at St. Mungo's. His eyes slowly adjusted to the brightness. He looked around and saw a healer working feverishly to fix him up. Ron coughed and groaned. The healer looked at Ron and smiled.

"Ah, good to have you back, Mr. Weasley," the healer said. "My name is Healer Karla Weiman. You've had a bit of a rough patch here." Ron grimaced and tried to nod.

"No kidding," he rasped. "How bad?" Healer Weiman sighed and looked at her parchment of notes.

"Well, I'm not going to sugar coat it for you. We almost lost you a couple of times. If your friends had not found you so quickly, you would not have survived. You had a total of twenty four broken bones, a cracked skull, and massive internal injuries. May I ask what happened?" she said.

"The raid went wrong," Ron said. He coughed again and she gave him a small drink of water to ease his throat. "We got ambushed. What about my team?"

"I'm not sure, I can try to get an update on them as they arrived a few moments ago," she said. She left the room to find out.

Ron laid back and thought back over the ambush. He knew something had been off from the beginning, but it had been worse that he could have imagined. He hoped Jorgenson had survived so Ron could beat him to death himself. His thoughts wandered back to Chavez and Forester. Once he got out of the hospital, he was going to visit each of the men's families personally.

In the waiting room, Healer Weiman found the massive gathering that included Ron's family. She walked up and cleared her throat. Every head in the room snapped up and looked at her hopefully. She let out a bit of a smile and there was a collected relieved sigh from the whole group.

"Hello everyone, I'm Healer Weiman," she said. "I have been the one working on Mr. Weasley." Arthur and Molly introduced themselves and shook hands with the healer. After she met them, she spoke up again. "Who brought him here?"

"We did," Harry said, motioning to Hermione. "We found him while the debris was still falling. We probably missed the battle by a minute or so." Healer Weiman nodded.

"Well then you saved his life. We almost lost him a couple of times in the last hour, but when I left him a couple of minutes ago, he was asking me about his team. Can anyone tell me what happened? We need to know to make sure we don't use a healing method that will make things worse."

Kingsley spoke up about the first part of the raid. He had been given an initial report from the first man back. He got a few more details when the majority of the team suddenly arrived back looking grim and angry. He mentioned the cutting curse that had hit Ron in the back while the healer was making notes. The other team members put in the information they knew, but it did not explain about the rest of the physical injuries.

"I will ask Mr. Weasley to see if he can tell me the rest," she said. She scribbled a few more notes down. "It will be a while before anyone can visit as we are still working on healing his injuries. I will let you know when he can have some company."

The group nodded and sat back down. Harry flopped into a chair and let out a sigh of relief. He buried his face in his hands and rubbed his eyes. He looked up at Kingsley.

"Kingsley, have they found Jorgenson yet?" he asked. Kingsley nodded.

"Yes, they did. When the clean up crew showed up, he was trying to limp away, but the security detail picked him up and he is in a holding cell right now. He is to be charged with treason, two counts of murder, and the attempted murder of nine DMLE officers. He won't be getting out for a long time, and that is if they don't have him executed," Kingsley explained. Harry nodded, apparently satisfied.

Ron was moved into a room about two hours later. Healer Weiman had told him that he would be in the hospital for about a week or so while he finished healing. During the two hours before he was moved, he gave the details on what had happened to him to the healer. She shook her head and grinned when Ron made a joke about not getting in the path of Harry's spell ever again. He had drifted off to sleep after he was moved. Healer Weiman walked back to the waiting room to give them the news.

"We managed to repair all of his broken bones. But some of the internal injuries will take a week or so to heal correctly," she explained. When she gave them the details of the injuries, Molly broke down into tears. "Mr. Potter, I have a message from Ron for you." Harry's eyebrows raised in question. "He said thank you for saving his life, and he would very much appreciate it if he would be able to stay away from the receiving end of your spells in the future."

Sharon laughed at this as did everyone else. Harry looked down at his feet and shook his head. 'Leave it to Ron to joke about something like that,' Harry thought to himself. He looked up when Molly asked if they could see him. The healer said he was sleeping and to give him a few hours.

The night passed slowly while Ron's family waited to see him. The Order members left when they heard he would recover. Hermione had fallen asleep resting in Harry's arms, while Harry sat there just thinking. He mulled over the events of the evening. The audacity of Voldemort's trap concerned Harry. 'But how was it possible he was back, even if he had made a last second horcrux?' Harry said in his mind. He felt a presence trying to break into his mind, and he knew it was Voldemort trying to get in. Harry reinforced his shields and brutally threw Voldemort's probe back to him. His scar itched a bit, and he guessed Voldemort was beyond angry that he could not get in. Harry smiled to himself and leaned his head back. He set up a rough defense in his mind's perimeter that would cause Tom to think twice about trying it again.

ooo

Harry opened his eyes to realize that he had drifted off to sleep at some point. The sun was shining and Hermione was reading the Prophet. Harry glanced over and saw the headline had already broken about the battle the previous night. When Hermione looked over at him she smiled and handed him the paper.

Raid by the Auror's Office Turns Deadly!

Last night a bold raid that was to be a textbook mission by the Auror's office turned deadly last night with the deaths of two Aurors, Joseph Forester and Jorge Chavez were murdered by a traitor from within the team. However, they were the only two deaths in the Auror strike force led by Auror Ronald Weasley. The traitor, Corey Jorgenson, has been detained by Ministry Officials.

The Aurors were outnumbered at least three to one according to the members of the team. Mr. Weasley wisely ordered an immediate retreat, only to have him stay behind and send his comrade's bodies back to headquarters at great personal risk. According to Ministry statements, Mr. Weasley was gravely injured by doing this and was rumored to have faced down a force of at least twenty Death Eaters. He is currently unavailable for comment as he is recovering at St. Mungo's Hospital.

According to Ministry officials, there will be at least an Order Of Merlin waiting for Mr. Weasley and possibly more awards. Ron Weasley is the youngest son of Ministry Department head Arthur Weasley. His bravery and courage to stand up and fight in overwhelming odds has been seen before when he was one of the key players in the final battle against He Who Must Not Be Named four years ago. He had received the Order of Merlin Second Class for his efforts that day.

Read statements from the Aurors: Page 17

More History on Ron Weasley: Page 5

Details on the traitor: Page 3

Harry set the paper down and smiled. He was chatting with Hermione when Molly walked up to him and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Harry? He wants to see you," Molly said with a smile. She motioned for Hermione to sit down for a moment. "Sorry dear, but Ron said Harry first, and then he wanted to see you as well after he talked with Harry for a few moments."

Hermione looked hurt and sat down sulking. Harry reached out and took her hand, and gently squeezed it.

"It's a guy thing Hermione," Harry said. "He probably wants to thank me and stuff like that. It's not anything against you, I'm sure." She smiled and nodded. Harry walked down the hall following Mrs. Weasley. She pointed at the room that Ron was in. Harry thanked her and went inside.

Sharon was in there, and she looked a bit upset that Ron was trying to shoo her out for a minute. Harry placed a hand on her shoulder and told her the same thing that he had told Hermione.

"He's not kicking you out for long, he just wants a 'guy' moment," he said. She sighed and rolled her eyes. She quickly kissed Ron on the forehead and walked out of the door. Ron glanced at the door and motioned for Harry to close it. Harry did and he cast a couple of privacy and locking spells to keep out any eavesdroppers. Harry looked at the bottom of the door and saw a few extendable ears poking their way through. He looked at Ron and grinned. Harry bent down and spoke to them.

"You know, it's rude to listen in on a private conversation," he said slowly and quietly. He heard a gasp on the other side of the door and he drew his wand again. He sent a high pitched squeal at them and all three of them disappeared in an instant. He heard a colorful word come from Sharon as she fell on her bottom. Harry cast another spell at the base of the door that no one knew how to counter but him. He turned to Ron who looked a little green. "Ron? Are you alright?" Ron nodded nervously.

"Harry, I've been thinking a lot the last few hours. I know you saved my life last night, and I wanted to thank you," Ron said. He reached out his arms and Harry leaned in for a manly hug. "Thanks mate, I owe you one." Harry shook his head.

"No, Ron. You don't. Just being a friend to me for so long has saved me so many times, that I could never repay you," Harry said quietly. Ron shrugged.

"What are friends for, eh Harry?" Ron said with a grin. His nervous mood returned. "Harry, I have something to ask you, and please hear me out before you give an answer." Harry nodded and motioned for Ron to continue.

"Harry, I almost died last night, and according to the healers, I did for a moment. When I woke up this morning, I got to thinking. What have I done with my life? Have I done anything really good? Have I made the right choices? I have made quite a few stupid ones, but I think I am ready for a really good thing. Would you consider being my best man?"

Harry sat back shocked at Ron's question. Ron was actually going to ask Sharon to marry him. Harry was honored that Ron would ask him to do that.

"Of course I would Ron!" Harry said. "When are you going to ask her?" Ron sat back and smiled.

"The day I walk back into the Auror's office I will," Ron said with a grin. "Now here is where you come into play Harry, since I cannot get up right now, I want you go and pickup the ring for me. I have already sent off an owl to a jeweler to have the ring made. I just can't pick it up. They know you are coming and everything is already paid for."

Harry agreed to the plan and Ron asked him to release the spells on the door. Harry waved his hand and the door popped open and four people fell into the room tumbling over each other. Ron and Harry burst into laughter at the sight of Hermione, Sharon, Molly, and Arthur struggling to get free of the tangled mess they had ended up in. Ron winced and clutched at his side, bringing Sharon rushing to his side.

After a mild chastisement for over doing it, Ron sat back and talked with everyone. He explained what happened between him and Voldemort. Harry patted Ron on the back for successfully annoying Voldemort for the first time, and surviving the encounter. He received a scathing glare from Sharon and Molly, and a smack on the back of the head from Hermione. Ron did the best theatrical bow he could.

Ron was worn out from the activity of the day, so everyone except Sharon left. Molly and Arthur went home and let the others know the danger had passed. Harry and Hermione left to go home for some better sleep. On the way she asked Harry a big question.

"Harry, I have a question for you, but I'm not sure how you will feel about it. Promise not to overreact?" she asked quietly. Harry nodded and smiled. "How would you feel if I moved in for good? I mean I just don't see the point of renting my flat if I am always at your house."

Inside Harry was jumping for joy, but he had promised not to overreact. He half smiled and answered in a neutral tone.

"Sure, that sounds great," Harry said. Her face fell at his tone of voice. She thought he would be happy about it, but he sounded bored by the tone of his voice. Harry couldn't keep silent anymore. "Ok, now that I have not reacted in an extreme, can I really tell you how I feel about it?" Hermione nodded in answer.

He swept her into his arms and whirled her around. She was shocked at first, but then realized that Harry has kept his reaction neutral to mess with her head. Her eyes narrowed and he stopped spinning her around.

"So, Mr. Potter, you think you can get away with that?" she growled. He nodded and grabbed her around the waist. He kissed her and pulled her into a hug. Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed. "Oh, alright. I can't stay angry with you after that. Now, let's find a way to get my things moved in."

Harry nodded and called for Dobby. Dobby appeared with a sharp crack and looked excited once Harry explained the situation. Dobby hugged Hermione's knees and popped off to get things arranged. They stopped in and informed her landlord of the change. The old woman smiled and gave Hermione a hug saying she was happy Hermione had finally found a man to be with. Hermione blushed and they had a spot of tea while the old lady grilled Harry to make sure he was good enough for the sweet girl that had been renting the flat for the last four years.

After an hour of questions, the lady was satisfied that Harry was the one for Hermione. After a tearful goodbye, the lady made Hermione promise to keep in touch. They went to her flat, and it looked like Dobby had already been there because everything was already gone and cleaned. Hermione grunted and said that the flat looked cleaner than when she had first moved in. Harry laughed and they left the keys, departing for home.

ooo

The next week and a half had gone by quickly. Voldemort was lying low, trying to stay off of the radar. Ron recovered enough to be released from the hospital and had been resting at home. He was due to return to work the following day. Hermione had been to work researching how Voldemort could have made a horcrux in the heat of battle. Gavin had told her to research it, due to her experience with horcruxes that she gained in her seventh year, while working with Harry and Ron on it.

The next morning dawned and Ron slowly got up to test himself, verifying he was able to return to work. He had to make one more stop with the healers for a scan to make sure he was able to handle it. He left his flat and arrived at St. Mungo's. After waiting for about twenty minutes, he was called into Healer Weiman's office. She did a thorough scan on Ron, and she was satisfied with the results. She instructed him to take a light duty for about another week, but he could do standard patrols. He left St. Mungo's and apparated to the Ministry.

He checked his pockets to make sure that he had the ring. Harry had got it for him the following day after they had agreed to the plan. His hands trembled a bit as he rode the lift up to headquarters. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. He had talked with Harry the night before via the floo, making sure he was ready for this. Harry had supported him all the way. Harry even had confessed about thinking about asking the same question to Hermione lately.

Ron strode out of the lift and entered the department. Everyone stood up and cheered loudly for him. He flushed a bit and waved, clearly embarrassed about the whole thing. He didn't see what the big deal was. Sure, he got his team back, remembered to recover any fallen members of the team, and fought back when he was trapped. He was sure any of his teammates would have done the same for him.

Sharon arrived a few minutes later and hugged Ron. He started to reach in his pocket, but hesitated when Kingsley strode up to his desk. After a quick welcome, Kingsley left the room and Ron looked over at Sharon. She was filling out reports from her early patrol. He just sat there and grinned at her face while she wrote her report. She was biting her lower lip, and kept trying to brush a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. She must have felt him watching her, as she looked up and smiled at him.

'Now or never,' Ron thought to himself. He got up from his desk and approached her. She set down her quill and had a puzzled look on her face. Many of the others, who knew what was going on, covertly gathered so they could see this. Her eyes went wide when he dropped to one knee and dug for something in his pocket. He put a finger to her lips and slightly shook his head, silently asking for her to wait for a moment while he talked.

"Sharon. Wow, this is a bit nerve racking," Ron said, and then he cleared his throat. "We have been seeing each other for a couple of years now. With what happened recently, I got to thinking. Life is too short to keep putting off certain things. I know now that I couldn't waste another moment ever again. Two weeks ago, sure it could wait for a while. But now, after all that has happened, I can't do that anymore."

Ron looked at Sharon, whose eyes had welled up with tears. Everyone was watching with rapt attention. Ron took a shaky breath and continued.

"Sharon Carver, will you marry me?" Ron asked quietly.