Chapter 5

Entitled: Occlumency is hard to do

(AN:) remember this bit

The opening scene in this story was heavily inspired by 'Those Four Last Days of the War' - as originally written by; oscarpaz00 - - Fanfictiondotnet id #:7192398. I recommend it for those who like uber-powerful Ron's.

The major difference between his tale and mine is - one) the character of Ron himself, mine isn't all powerful and - - secondly and more important - - what happens after they meet in the forest of Dean.

Well this is where we more or less part company and set off on separate paths, I thank 'four days' again for the inspiration.

one warning; this is one of two Ron's angry rant chapters - - its filled with Adult bases colorful metaphors (ie) blunt vulgarites, remeber this is rated M for a reason - Ron has seen war up close and personal it changed him - - he's not a kid anymore.

you have been warned - adult mouth ahead

okay - ready - - set - - read!

OoOoOoOo

Neither Hermione nor Harry seemed to be able to speak for a full minute. Hermione couldn't believe her eyes, because it was impossible for him to be here - - It was impossible for anyone to find them - - Finally, with no small effort, she managed to open her mouth and utter, "R – Ro - - Ron?"

"I know it's only been a few months, but I'm glad that you still managed to recognize someone of such little consequence… such as me-self," he said sarcasticly. The words might seem mildly amusing, but there was no emotion in his tone.

As if a lightning bolt had struck her - - Hermione's mind began to function again, thinking fast, and she raised her arm at once - the one with the wand, and aimed it towards the man who looked like Ron, and at the same time, seemed so different.

He was far fitter in appearance and broader in the shoulders; than her old Ron. His legs and arms seemed more muscled; overall he looked much stronger. His hair was still mostly ginger, but it was cut very-short - almost military style, with a tiny touch of whitish-gray at the temples as if he was in his late thirties. There were worry-lines too on his face and around his eyes — which, like his hair cut, gave Ron a darker - older appearance. His eyes were a deeper blue color and not as full of life and joy, as they had once been. In fact his overall appearance seem to scream of something lost - - his youthful innocence perhaps - - for his facial expression was blank, deeply penetrating and full of secrets.

She pushed these thoughts out of her mind and forced the logical part of her consciousness to take control. "How do we know it's you?" she asked, and Harry, suddenly aware of her suspicions, took a step back. "How do we know you're not a Death Eater poly-juiced?"

Ron looked at her for a moment, and his mouth curved slightly in a sadly experienced, semi-smile. A smile, Hermione noticed, very different from Ron's old ones. "If I were a Death Eater, you'd be captured or dead by now, as I've been sitting here… on this bench for about an hour and a half."

"An hour and a half?" repeated Harry in disbelief. "In this cold? Why didn't you enter the tent or call out to us, if you're Ron?"

"Enter the honeymoon suite - - are you daft? I didn't want to risk interrupting your morning shag like Ginny did back at Hogwarts, just on the off chance that you were actually sleeping. Who am I to dare disturb the National hero's repose? I do envy the blind trust you both have in your security charms, though. I would have posted a guard, but then - - you're not me. Safety over sex, I say - - but again – I know so little about the irresistibility of a good-shag, who am I to judge.

"Ah - - we weren't" Harry began awkwardly

"- - Security charms aside, Ron interrupted. "I was perfectly fine out here; a simple warming charm and the cold was not a problem for me."

Harry and Hermione exchanged a painful glance, before staring back at Ron again. "What are you going-on about?" asked Hermione? "This hasn't been a honeymoon for either of us and since when is the cold is not a problem for you - - at school you had loads-of problems with the most elementary of heating hexes?

"That was a while ago, the situation has changed.

"How did you find us? Why are you here? If you're really Ron, why haven't we heard from you in months?" Harry demanded to know.

"You haven't been in contact with anyone for months either - - and I know Granger is smart enough to figure out a way to do it without getting caught. As for me - - the new government has "talked" with us Weasley's in depth about contacting you-lot; several times" Ron said with a soft sneer. "We have Death Eaters watching the ruined joke shop and Dementor's patrolling around what's left of the Burrow, so our opportunities to stay in touch with such close friends - - such as your-selves, has been few and far between.

Grimmauld Place was blasted apart by 'persons unknown' on the fifth of September and I personally spent a fortnight in Azkaban right after the take-over being questioned under Veritaserum concerning your whereabouts. As a result of being known associates of you two. I was expelled from Hogwarts - forbidden to attend my seventh term until I wise-up enough to rat you two out.

"That's why your name didn't appear on the Marauders Map in September.

"Well spotted Potter, guilt by former association. Yeah that's me.

"They had no right. We were no longer a couple.

"True-true, - - but legal-rights aren't a big concern for your average Death Eater. They didn't buy your perfectly choreographed - - for a large audience - public dumping of your cuckold ex-boyfriend either. They thought it was an act so …"

"- - You landed in Azkaban …"

"- - twice; once in August and again for a second fortnight in late October I was caged for being foolish enough to fall in love with what Minister Thickness likes to call a filthy Mudblood.

Hermione's hand trembled, and for a moment, she couldn't look at him. For a moment, she saw Ron again, that awful day, in the common room at Hogwarts, looking sad and lost ... That had been the last time she had seen him, until this moment — assuming, of course, that this person was Ron, because he didn't seem bitter …or angry or emotional which was totally different. She couldn't help but notice that a boy who once carried his heart on his sleeve had zero emotion behind his words. He didn't look sad, or angry, or anything.

"Ron - - "started Harry, his voice full of doubt and regret. "We - -"

"- - Spare me," interrupted Ron. "I'm not interested in the details of your sex marathon relationship. As I was saying - - during my fifth transfer from Azkaban in late October to the Ministry for yet another round of questioning - - I managed escaped my captors and fled along with a few others. What little remains of the Order helped me get away and due to advanced notice of my escape - - most of my family successfully went into hiding. Later that same evening Ginny had to be rescued from Hogwarts during the Halloween feast or she'd be sitting in Azkaban in my place …right-now. As a result of my treason - my brother's joke-shop along with the Burrow were both burned to the ground?

"Oh god …we had no idea,

"It's the price my family has paid for inviting you both into my ancestral Home. My dad was caught trying to sneak Half-Bloods into Wales in early December and questioned for a month straight - - he was only released during the New Year's raid on the prison, like loads of other Blood traitors. With any luck they are all hiding somewhere in France with the Delacour family now. I know Bill and Fleur are there, I've checked Shell Cottage several times after my escape and it always stood abandoned, after being ransacked pretty badly.

"I've ruined your family!" Harry said sadly

"Don't get your knickers in a twist over it Potter. You didn't do squat. We Weasley's were on the same side in the last war; the only difference is - - there was no baby around to stop him this time. So what if my home is now a pile of ashes, houses can be rebuilt, the important thing is that the people that lived there are all now safe.

"So why aren't you in France?

"I had other plans. I was offer the chance to join the newly formed resistance and study advanced magic with a master and thus began my own journey into the art of guerrilla warfare. I've learned a thing or two and now with the skills I required - - we've come-up with a carefully thought out battle plan. To do that I have get something you have.

"What plan?" Harry and Hermione both asked sounding excited.

"Need to know bases and you two aren't on the short list. Sorry," Ron said in an emotion free monotone.

"But Ron …

"Just shut-it Potter…okay? I know how little has been happening on your Horcrux Hunt, how little progress you've made in the search, in spite of having the research queen as your bunk-mate. You've both messed this up big-time. People are suffering out there and I've gotten sick and tired of you do-nothings sitting on your arses while others are murdered.

Harry reacted as if slapped; while Hermione looked down at her feet feeling ashamed.

"We've decided to do what must be done. That is to put you both back on the fast-track. That's the only reason why I am here; frankly. I don't give a rats ass about you plan to get this job done; or what research methods you've employed - - beyond acknowledging that they failed miserably and your plan sucks. "

Harry's mouth hung open, like wanting to say something but in the face of brutal truth about his failure on this quest not being able to do so.

"We haven't yet decided that you're Ron," said Hermione, looking up defiantly, her wand hand lifting again to point at Ron. "Certainly you're not acting like him. Ron was very angry and depressed when he left. And," she added, "You still hadn't explained how you found us, or how you broke our protective charms without alerting us."

"You don't have to decide if I am Ron or not, because the gullible Ron you both knew is dead," Ron answered in a stone-cold monotone. He seemed absolutely relaxed, still sitting on the transfigured rocks, not concerned at all by the wand aiming at him. "The bloke you stabbed in the back was angry, I was depressed. I went to prison, I was tortured, I escaped - - end of story.

Since then I've done things that would sicken you both. There is now blood on my hands - - loads of it. I've killed Death Eaters and Snatchers without remorse and I have tortured that-lot to get information. You don't want anything to do with me anymore - - believe me.

"Stop putting your-self down, your self-worth issues always got in the way with us." Hermione protested.

"You don't know me, Granger, not anymore, get off your know-it-all high horse and open your ears. I'm a cold blooded killer - - do you get that? And to do what I've done I've had to bottle up my feelings and pack them away, permanently. I don't feel anything for anyone.

"I am the new and improved Ron. Not the same naive sidekick that sacrificed himself in that giant chessboard, not the same fool that faced the Acromantula's to save your sorry arse, Granger. I'm not the same trio clown that was dragged by Sirius Black into the Shrieking Shack by one arm, and most certainly not the honorable dolt that confessed his love to a backstabbing amoral slut that shagged like a mink-in-heat her so-called brother.

"You both betrayed me and left me heartbroken. Physical torture was nothing compared to what you two did, okay - - why can't you understand that? I've come back, here, to get something and the moment I have it, I'm gone - - got it?

"Ron you'll never know how sorry …

"- - and I don't want to know - - dammit. I've not come back to make nice-nice, for once in your fucking life Granger - - really listen to what I'm saying. There will be no making amends with you-lot. Your apologies are NOT accepted. None of my family wants to hear how sorry you are that the Death Eaters thought they could get you-lot …through me and my family.

"I'm here as a means to an end - - a quick method for the fulfilling your prophecy Potter - - that's all. I'm here to barter - - plain and simple. In these bags is the restocking of your larder and your cash box in exchange for what I want and then I'll move on.

"What do you want?

"The locket

"What? How did you know about that?

"That's Privileged information,

"Ron - - honestly;" Hermione bemoaned.

"The clock is ticking here; I've got places to go things to do, so to speed things up - - here the gist of part of the plan that I can tell you. I've obtained information on the identity and location of another of the missing Horcruxes. Don't ask how, believe me you don't want to know," Ron then paused for a second to reflect on something he'd done. "So - - basically, I'm here to collect the Horcrux you already have and destroy it - and after that's done - - I'll leave you two in peace."

Hermione felt her bottom lip and her wand hand tremble at Ron's words. Certainly, this man knew a lot about Ron. And she couldn't help noticing that the moments Ron had mentioned were the same ones she had mentioned to him that night, long ago - - But she was still not sure, because he seemed so different, and, above all, she felt so different in his presence

"You know where another Horcruxes is, how – how-where?" asked Harry, furrowing his brow.

"Surely you know that Lord Voldemort - -"

"RON, NO!" yelled Hermione interrupting with a warning.

"- - has taken over the Ministry and is in control of Hogwarts?" Ron finished.

"THERE'S A TABOO!" Hermione bellowed, frantic, "on saying his name - -"

"- - I know," Ron interrupted her. "But I've found a way to defuse the alarm charm and therefore I'm not affected by it, and you aren't, either, while you're within twenty paces of me, so don't worry about it," he told her, leaving her dumbstruck. "But if it will prevent you both from going mental on me - - I'll try to call him Tom or Tommie from now on – okay?

"As I was saying, I'd think that, since Tommie has taken over the Ministry — which is a bad thing – right? Now correct me if I am wrong — I'm a bit dense … but shouldn't he be stopped - As Soon As Possible?"

Neither Hermione nor Harry answered for a moment, both of them looking at Ron in awe. "I still can't adjust to you of all people saying his name," whispered Hermione semi gob-smacked. "My Ron never did."

"I didn't get the chance to be - - your Ron; not exclusively anyway. You preferred a kinky three-way, one public naive fool to humiliate and the private lover for behind closed doors. You chose him over me - - every time you dropped your knickers for him. You chose to play the sweet virgin with me and slut with Potter - - to ride his cock behind my back while acting reluctant to give me a chase snog.

"Ron language" … Hermione said blushing hard at the blunt sexual reference.

"Stuff-it up your well-fucked arse …Lady Potter - okay?" Ron spat the angry bitterness in his tone as thick as venom "I've already told you several times that I've changed; it's not my fault that you never really listened to me …ever! I'm sick and tired of you both dismissing me as the inconsequential gullible-clown.

"We never thought that of you," Harry protested strongly.

"Whatever" - - Ron retorted in a tone that had a forced casual quality - "and who knows - - perhaps I have grown up a-bit in the last eight months; after all - -I've been out from under both of your shadows for a long time now. In the sunlight standing on my own - a man can grow tall and there is nothing brighter than the blinding light of open war. Now my patience is growing thin. I have way-too many Death Eaters to kill to waste the whole day discussing this?"

"I don't trust you," replied Hermione sternly. "You don't sound like Ron. When I look at you I don't feel the same magical signature as my Ron."

Ron grinned with a mirthless smile. "Perhaps it is because — as I've already told you — your gullible Ron is dead, and here's a joyous thought …you're the one who killed him. Maybe you are now 'sensing' his rotting corpse?

"Oh my god Ron, that's a disgusting thought!" Harry said

"Oi Potter, that's spot-on - - I am a disgusting person now and bloody proud of it too", Ron spat back furiously his mental self-control starting to slip. "Nice guys like the old Ron - finish last, you-lot taught me that - and thanks loads for the lesson.

"Ron I'm sorry, so very-very sorry," Harry said speaking with deep regret

"Save your pity for the poor sods that have suffered and died while you too enjoyed your honeymoon holiday," Ron retorted as he snapped his Occlumency shields back in place. "The sacks at my feet contain two months' worth of canned food, and from what I can see with my own eyes you can both stand a few good meals. In the pocket of my robe is an envelope contains one thousand pounds in Muggle money - - all generously donated by the 'Macnair' family - among others. They have no earthly use for the funds anymore.

"Ron …you didn't?

"An eye for an eye, I do to their families as they have done to Muggleborn's all across the UK.

That makes you …

"…No better than them, well spotted; Granger. I'm taking the war to them …at least I don't kill the children, can't say the same for them.

"I had no idea,

"Idealist and pacifists rarely do! Just stay-away from any mixed magic-Muggle villages for the Snatchers patrol them heavily. Buy your supplies strictly from all Muggle villages …its safer. Use poly-juice potion to disguise yourself as locals. You'll find a large bottle in one of the sacks.

Harry and Hermione just continued to stare at Ron gob-smacked and finally his patience wore out