HPNSA - BOOK ONE

CHAPTER TWELVE
KNIGHT WATCH



“I have requested the Ministry to add Ron to the list of Knights on payroll, but because he’s also an under-aged wizard lacking NEWTS, we have to guise him with a new name.” Minerva said. “As Knight he will be referred to as Kiezer.”

“I couldn’t believe I was looking at Ron when I saw him this afternoon, Arthur,” Remus said. “He has grown.”

“Indeed he has!” Tonks said excitedly. “He looks like one of them knights now.”

“He is one of them knights now, Nymphadora!” Molly said as she came in bringing in a pot of stew. “He looks stunning with his suit on, but look at his body without it - filled with scars!”

“Well, that couldn’t be helped. I expected him to lose a couple of limbs before coming back,” Arthur said jokingly; Molly scowled at him. “But I counted them all and looks like they’re all there.”

Molly spanked him in the arms, “Not funny Arthur! Your son nearly lost a finger. They had to sew it on and now he has to wear that bloody ring!”

“Ah, Albus!” Cried Arthur as Dumbledore came in with Professor Snape.

The Order were gathered tonight to discuss the new duties that Ron was assigned and to plan their course of action to make sure Harry goes through safely with his term. Moody was as usual turning here and there with his magical eye twisting around but when Dumbledore came in, he calmed down. Then they all sat in silence.

“The Knights have reported to me that the case of Incubi attack has increased tremendously all over England.” Dumbledore began. “They have sent all that can be spared over,”

“The borders are swarming with them, and everyday Wizards have to come over to modify muggle memories – the ministry is quite in chaos.” Severus added turning down Molly’s offer of stew.

“Is there any possibility that this Aveddon will come over?” Remus asked.

“He must not, we can’t handle him.” Moody said.

“The likelihood of him coming over is remote. But who knows?” Dumbledore said. “He’s not our greatest threat, Voldemort is. He has convinced these demons that he can farm the Iranna enough for everyone that’s why they are here.”

“To think of those bloody demons harming Harry, it churns my stomach in anger!” Tonks said.

“We have to make sure the borders are kept clean. Unfortunately that means Ron would have to do some Knight duties here as well.” Minerva said.

Arthur nodded, “I think he’s prepared to do it. Though it would exhaust him greatly,”

“We need all the help we can get, Arthur. So far the Knights have been very effective in keeping more demons from joining the Dark Lord.” Minerva said. “As long as their number is kept within minimum, we are safe. Harry is safe.”

“Nymphadora, I was thinking if you can take Ron under your wing as your apprentice?” Dumbledore said.

“Headmaster he does not have enough knowledge to be an Auror apprentice,” Severus said.

“But he will need to know how to defend himself against Dark Wizards. Remember Ron is not only fighting against demons here, we have the Death Eaters to deal with.” Dumbledore said.

“Aye! The other day one of the Knights was attacked by Avery – nearly killed the lad.” Moody said. “I had to help him there. Albus is right, we need him to be at least capable of defending himself.”

“Besides, he’s not a hopeless case as far as magic is concerned.” Molly said.

“I will be honored to take Ron as apprentice.” Tonks said.

“Very well then, it’s settled. He will report to you every afternoon before dinner. He does Knight watch every night after dinner, till midnight.” Dumbledore said.

“He won’t join the students at the hall if that’s the case.” Minerva said.

“No. I don’t think he would want to join anyone for dinner except Harry.” Dumbledore said. “Having said that, I was hoping Minerva if you could tell the staff to spare him some of the school work at least until after Harry’s term ends. The pull of the Iranna is getting stronger because of the pregnancy.”

“Will do, Albus.” Minerva said.

***


School life went on as usual that year at Hogwarts; Hermione and Ron went to almost the same classes while Draco and Harry went to every class together. Although Ron had to leave every afternoon using the fireplace in Dumbledore’s office to get to Grimauld place and back to train as apprentice Auror with Tonks and leave again after dinner to do his duties as Knight of the Bureau, his relationship with Harry has never been easier in fact if any it has become his refuge. Whenever he felt the strain of exhaustion come over him, it was Harry who provided the comfort he needed.

“Ron,” Harry said as Ron came in to his room. Ron fell flop on the bed and as Harry went to him he started groaning, which made Harry laugh. Slowly he took off Ron’s uniform and fixed him properly on the bed.

“Unnnngg….” Ron groaned.

“Went that well, did it?” Harry said as he covered Ron with the blanket. Ron just groaned. “Sleep then.”

Harry went back to the table and finished the last parchment of Ron’s essay for Transfiguration. After an hour or two he went to sleep.

Things started looking up when the Knights passed a report to the Ministry that the instances of Incubi crossing has gone down steadily and even in some borders the report was it has totally stopped.

“They’ve caught wind of the Defender!” Fred said one morning. Ron visited them in their joke shop while on duty in Hogsmeade.

“Or they’ve caught sight of the Defender, you look like a Bison Ron! I’m pretty sure that alone would scare those demons away!” George said.

“I am not that big,” Ron said. “You’re just jealous because I’ve got muscles.”

“Muscles! Let me see,” George said and he felt Ron’s chest and abdomen with his hand. “Right, right…It’s the uniform, Fred. They’ve got it fixed.” Ron cackled.

“Let me see that,” Fred said and he went over touching Ron’s back as well. “Yes, definitely got it fixed. There’s magic at work here boy, better not mess around with him or he’ll severe our heads.”

“Did you know that I killed a werewolf in New York?” Ron said.

“Don’t mention that to Professor Lupin or he won’t talk to you again if he knew you killed his kind.” Fred said.

“No, that’s just it see, we don’t kill all werewolves there, just those that belong to certain clans that joined Aveddon. I have spoken to those who are our allies and they have a serum actually that enables them to control their transformations. They can even remember themselves with that serum.” Ron said.

“Brilliant! Did you tell Professor Lupin about it?” George said.

“No. But I’ve been meaning to.” Ron said.

“Well, why don’t you, I mean I’m pretty sure he’ll be happy to know that there is hope beyond our shores for werewolves.” George said.

“I will. After the weekend I go back to train with Tonks and I’ll tell him then.” Ron said.


***

It was a fine weekend and most of the students decided to take time off in Hogsmeade. They were now allowed to leave school premise after the surrounding areas of Hogwarts was declared safe by the Ministry of Magic. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny decided to spend the weekend in the Southern Tower with Harry bringing with them lots of sweets and pumpkin pie.

“Is it supposed to look that small?” Hermione said pointing at Harry’s belly. It was now November and Harry was at the final stretches of his second term. “You don’t even look like you’ve grown fat, it’s unfair!”

“I think I have, my fingers are like sausages now.” Harry said.

“They’ve always looked like sausages!” Ginny said.

“Well, yes, come to think of it.” Harry said.

“Wonder if I’ll be just as lucky, imagine not getting fatter while you’re pregnant. All women get fat one way or another.” Ginny said.

“That’s a long way off,” Ron said. “Pregnancy is centuries in your horizon, Ginny. You’re too young to worry yourself of it.”

“You should talk, considering your ages when you got married.” Ginny said.

“Ginny, it’s different.” Ron said shaking his head.

“Ron, the over-protective brother,” Hermione said jokingly.

“He’s your Defender too, Ginny.” Harry said. “Don’t annoy him, or he’ll sever the head of every boy who attempts to court you, mistaking him for a demon.” Ron threw a pillow at Harry.

Then they all heard a door close outside. Harry then remembered Draco, and he stood and went out of his room. He saw Draco all dressed up ready to go out for a walk in this breezy November day.

“Going somewhere?” Harry said.

“Yes, outside.” Draco said.

“We’re not supposed to go outside, you know that.” Harry said.

“Well, downstairs then. I feel like I’m about to go insane in my room.” Draco said angrily.

“Then why don’t you join us in my room? Hermione and Ginny are there.” Harry said.

“Yes, and Weasley.” Draco said.

“What about me?” Ron said, approaching the two of them.

“Nothing.” Draco said.

“It’s alright Malfoy, I can live with you as long as you remain decent.” Ron said. Harry ribbed him.

“Come on, Draco. You’ll get yourself in trouble if you risk getting out. Just come inside and have some chocolate frogs.” Harry said.

Draco frowned and shook his head. But after a while he looked at them both and said, “As long as you two don’t start horsing around?”

Harry and Ron roared in laughter. “I told you we should close the door.” Harry said.

“It’s not funny!” Draco said angrily. “Seriously!” But the two won’t stop laughing and after a while Draco did something Harry has not seen him do for a long while – Draco smiled. “Stop it.” But the laughing just got worse until even he could not control it anymore and he joined in.

Harry laughed loudly. “Sorry about that!” Then all three of them headed back to Harry’s room.


***

“Professor Lupin,” Ron said. He was taking a break from his training with Tonks and Remus had just arrived in Grimauld place looking all battered and bruised up. Last night was a full moon.

“Ah, Ron! I heard you were getting better with your training.” Remus said.

“Yes, Professor. Tonks has been a very good trainer.” Ron said. When Remus started to walk away Ron decided to tell him about the werewolves in New York. “Professor Lupin,”

”Yes, Ron?” Remus said.

“I was just wondering, have you heard about the Cainic Serum?” Ron said.

“Yes. Yes, I have.” Remus said. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, I know where we can get a supply of it.” Ron said.

“I know where to get that too, but it would require me to join a clan, which I am not prepared to do.” Remus said.

“Why not? It would help you control your transformations and help you retain your memory and recognition while in werewolf form.” Ron said.

“Joining a clan will expose me to a war that I have been trying to avoid since I became a werewolf, Ron. But thank you for thinking of that.” Remus said.

“Well, it’s not just because of you, Professor, I made an oath as Knight of the Bureau and we kill werewolves as part of our duty.” Ron said.

“I see. You’re afraid that you’d be faced with a choice between me and your duty.” Remus said. Ron fell silent. “I’m afraid you will have to make that choice, I can’t do that for you.”

“Ready for another go, Ron?” Tonks said. Ron nodded and headed off. But the thought of him facing Remus in werewolf form disturbed him. He has seen him as one and without the serum Remus won’t be able to recognize him at all. Ron dreads that moment now and hopes he is never faced with that unhappy choice.


***

By the end of November Ron found himself nearly out of work to do. For weeks now there hasn’t been a case of any demon crossing in all the borders and the Knights have declared several places safe. The Ministry of Magic has given leave for most of them to return to New York where they were badly needed for the Vampiric wars have erupted again. Ron was ecstatic about the way things have gone through. He was able to kill many demons during his first month as Knight here and nearly apprehended Walden McNair whom they found near the Leaky Cauldron; it was quite obvious the Death Eaters had no idea where Harry was. And since they could not penetrate the castle and the students have not seen Harry at all, no one really knows where Harry was all this time. To Ron and most of the members of the Order, it seems that the plan has worked magnificently. Harry was nearly over with the pregnancy and so far the biggest threat they’ve encountered was McNair and he was a long way off.

However Dumbledore was uneasy and he spoke of this with Professor Snape one evening inside his office.

“I’m afraid it’s just the calm before the storm.” Dumbledore said.

“Perhaps.” Severus answered. “But even the Ministry of Magic has slackened its security. We could not convince them otherwise.”

“Still, Harry is not to be seen outside of the Southern Tower.” Dumbledore said. “Be sure to give Draco the concealing amulet. I think he can be exposed by next year.”

“Do you think it’s wise to set him free with his former friends?” Severus said.

“He has sworn allegiance to me. I will know if he betrays that.” Dumbledore said with a smile on his face.


***

December surpassed Ron’s wildest dreams – the Knights have declared the whole of England Incubi free, and have now prepared to leave its shores. Skyhawk was the last to leave and Ron found it hard to say goodbye to him.

“Be careful, my brother!” Ron said, hugging the old Knight tightly.

“You do the same, Kemo Sabe.” Skyhawk said, hugging Ron back.

“Tell Rio I will visit him soon.” Ron said.

“Will do.” Then Skyhawk headed off.

Ron remembered the last night he had in New York. The Bureau held a celebration in his behalf and he and Rio were dead drunk.

***

“Get down…Get Down…and moving all around…” Rio sang.

“…And moving all arooounnnd!” Ron sang.

“Terrible! Terrible!” Rio said laughing at Ron. “Don’t you ever sing again! Your voice can wake the dead!”

“Let them come!” Ron said posing as if ready to fight. “I will kill them if they make any rude comments about my singing!”

“So,” Rio said after a while. “Excited to see Harry?”

“Yes. Very.” Ron said.

Rio nodded his head. “Here,” He gave Ron a cylindrical tube that had a red light on it’s ends. “It’s a beacon. In case you need our help, you push this together,” He pushed the two lights together and the tube became a ball. “And it will call upon us and we will come to your aid. Leave it at the place where you need us to be and we’ll be there.” Then he pushed the two ends again and it expanded back to a tube and he gave it to Ron.

“Is it Muggle made?” Ron said looking at it with interest.

“No! Heavens no! This is made of silver, and imported all the way from Iceland. We put the spells on it here. What made you think folks can make such a thing?” Rio said.

“Well it looks like one of those electronic gadgets I saw the other day.” Ron said.

“The other day? That was a toy store, Ronald!” Rio said.

“Ah yes right. Well, that’s where I saw one that looks like this.” Ron said.

“Yes, well, it’s not. Folks, or muggles to you, can’t make them.” Rio said. “You be careful out there, you hear me?”

“Don’t you worry, I just hope I have what it takes.” Ron said.

“You’re ready, man. Believe me, I think you’re ready.” Rio said.


***

As Skyhawk faded into the busy streets of London, Ron felt uneasiness in his heart. But he shrugged it off thinking that it was just nothing. Then he started off towards the Leaky Cauldron and into the next floo channel for Hogwarts when he decided to head off to Gringotts to withdraw some money and buy Harry a surprise.

“I wish to make a withdrawal.” Ron said.

The Goblin asked him for his key when he gave it the Goblin gasped and said, “Kiezer!”

“Yes.” Ron said. His hood prevented eyes from seeing his face.

“Follow him please.” The Goblin said and Ron followed the small goblin into the depths of Gringotts to get his money.

Ron wasn’t really expecting to see much knowing that the Ministry was not really that generous even to it’s own staff – his father was not earning nearly as much as he deserved in his opinion. He was not one to complain though, he was happy to have some money of his own. Harry refused to accept the money that was initially offered to them by his parents when they found out they got married and Ron could not convince Harry not to spend the money James and Lily saved for his education on him when he needed things for school. Now that he was able to earn some, he planned to return every single knutt.

“Vault 652!” The Goblin said and Ron got off. “Lamp, please!” Ron gave him the lamp and they walked slowly towards the vault. “Key, please!” Ron handed him the key and the goblin turned the lock and opened the vault.

Ron nearly fainted at the sight of the gold that welcomed him. There were mountains of it! His jaw dropped and for a time he could not speak. The Goblin stepped aside and gave him a back to fill. Ron went inside the vault and touched the money that piled in heaps before him.

“They’re real!” Ron said. He knelt before it and slowly filled the bag with galleons – as much as he can carry. He then left for the Wizard Home Development Office right next to the Post and bought rights and permits to build a house near the Burrow. He also bought permits to improve the house he grew up in. Then he headed for the Wood Works and Wizards store to purchase magical furniture and had them delivered to the location of the house he planned to build in early December.

“It’s called, The Cottage. Near the village of Ottery St. Catchpole.” Ron said.

“Oh near the Weasley’s place.” Said the storekeeper.

“Yes. That’s right.” Ron answered proudly.

“Why would you want to live there?” The old lady said.

Ron frowned at her though she can’t see his face through the hood. “Because it’s a nice place, and it’s none of your bloody business!” The old lady jumped and did not speak to him again. He hated people’s treatment of him and his family just because they were poor. “Well, that’s about to change now.” He said to himself softly.


***

It was now Christmas and the whole school was covered in white. The great hall was adorned with a large Christmas tree and an uncommon merriment was in the air. It was like the whole school felt light and even Dumbledore felt it. But he still kept a watchful eye at things.

Ron though had requested a floo network be opened in the Southern Tower so Harry can visit the Burrow during the Holidays. It was Professor McGonagall who decided to let them use a special Portkey that was designed to transport women who were pregnant and soon Harry and Ron were preparing to leave.

“How do I look?” Harry asked.

“Fat!” Ron said.

Harry took out his wand and pointed it at Ron. “Careful knight, I have a stick and I’m not afraid to use it!”

Ron covered his face. “Please have mercy!”

“Now you’ve made me conscious! I don’t want to go anymore.” Harry said.

Ron went over to him and wrapped him in his arms. “I was only joking! Come on you hardly look pregnant at all.” Ron nuzzled Harry’s neck with his nose.

Harry knew he was lying because his arms was now on top of a rather protruded belly, though by women’s standards it was really quite small and when he covered himself with a cloak, it was not noticeable. Still it was obvious that he was carrying a child who was now on it’s seventh month.

Just then Draco came out of his room and snorted. “Oh how touching!”

“Draco!” Harry said. Ron didn’t want to let go of him, but Harry pushed his hands away. “Would you like to come with us to the Burrow?”

“Nah! I’m fine. You two go ahead. The sooner you leave the sooner I’ll be able to breath properly again. Having you here with all this mush is making me sick!” Draco said.

Harry smiled. “We did close the door last night.”

“Maybe while you’re there you can learn how to sound proof a room.” Draco said.

***

“Are you sure we’re at the Burrow?” Harry said. The Portkey had sent them to the back of what looked like Arthur’s shed only it was bigger and well built.

“Yes, this is home.” Ron said smiling at Harry’s confused face.

Then Harry caught sight of the house and it too looked different – pleasantly different.

“Are you sure?” Harry said.

Then a familiar voice was heard inside the large house. “Ginny! Get that sauce. Accio!”

When they got in Harry saw many loved faces; Remus was there, Tonks, Hermione was there as well, Moody, Professor McGonagall, and Hagrid. It was only when Harry saw Hagrid that he realized how big the house was because Hagrid could fit inside without destroying anything with his size. All the Weasleys were there as well. Harry felt the baby move inside and it nearly moved him to tears - but he controlled it.

“This has got to be the happiest Christmas I’ve ever had!” Harry said after they ate Christmas dinner.

“One of many, for there will be more, though not here.” Ron said.

“What do you mean?” Harry said.

“Well, I think it’s safe to show you now.” Ron said.

“Show me what?” Harry said.

“Come.” Ron said and he took Harry outside and they walked past the garden, a little to the North and there Harry saw a cottage – it was not that big, though it wasn’t that small either. It was the right size for a small family.

“Ron!” Harry said.

“Do you like it?” Ron said.

Harry went closer to the house and this time he knew the tears were coming. He had a home of his own – his and Ron’s. He was nearing the end of his term and no sign of danger lay near.

“We did, Ron.” Harry said as tears slowly fell down his face. “We did it. The curse is over. We won!”

“Yes. We won Harry. We finally won over the curse!” Ron said.