Disclaimer: I take credit for this plot and my own characters, but everything else belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Note: Sorry this one took me so long, guys. I was sort of banned from the computer...but all is well now! Chapter Twelve is completed and Chapter Thirteen is already started. Thanks for being patient!!!
Chapter Twelve
Martyr
Eric stood over her, his hand raised for another blow. There was nothing Luna could do but cower on the floor. Her face stung and felt swollen, and she was slowly losing he vision in her left eye, but Eric didn't seem to notice. He smiled wickedly down at her pitiful form, bent to her level, grabber her by her hair, and jerked her to her feet. With seemingly no effort at all, he slammed her against the wall so hard Luna felt her head crack against it and the air escape her lungs. She sobbed and begged him for no more, but she knew it was all in vain. There was no getting through to her father; there never had been, not since her mother had died. She watched, helpless, as Eric held her against the wall by her shirtfront and removed his belt with his free hand. Luna's wails increased when she realized what he was about to do. The first slash sliced into her calf. Luna yelped in agony, especially when the buckle snagged at her skin. Eric yanked when his whip refused to retract, and the hook torn open the flesh on her leg. She felt the heat from the wound and the blood running down her leg. She flung her head back against the wall and screamed in despair. Eric grinned maliciously at that and pulled back to hit her again. Luna braced herself.
Instead, Luna felt herself landing roughly on the floor. Startled, she looked up and gasped. Protruding from her father's chest was the tip of a sword. His eyes were wide and slowly losing their light, and blood bubbled in his mouth. He gave a gurgle, and then slid off of the blade into a dead heap beside Luna. She would've screamed had she not recognized the person wielding the weapon that had just saved her life.
Ron didn't give Eric's body another glance. He dropped his sword as if it weighed a ton and knelt in front of Luna, taking her face in his hands. His worried blue eyes searched her face and her body, checking to see if she was damaged beyond repair, silently asking if she was okay. Luna wrapped her fingers around his wrists, buried her face in his palms, and cried her heart out. Ron gathered her in his arms and held her tight against his chest, pressing his lips against her head and promising her it would be okay, and for the first time in years, Luna knew she was loved....
Luna awoke from her dream with a start. She realized she didn't know where she was. Startled, she sat up and looked around. It took a moment for her head to clear, but when it did, she recognized the scenery around her to be that of their room. She felt something move beside her and swung around to confront whatever it was. A tiny smile crossed Luna's face when she saw Ron sleeping beside her, his head and arms sprawled across the side of the mattress, the rest of him stretched awkwardly out on the floor. Seeing him there, so peaceful and yet so vulnerable, sent a tumultuous wave of emotions coursing through Luna.
As much as she wanted to, she couldn't deny that she was afraid of him now. She didn't want to be, but could she really help it? Even though she understood he had been overcome with grief and wrought with anger, childhood visions of Eric continued to rewind and play over and over in her mind. She knew Ron wasn't like her father, but her subconscious didn't.
And yet, hidden not far beneath the fear of him, pulsed a river of feelings that were the complete opposite. Luna greatly admired this man who had fallen asleep while keeping vigil beside her. Being with him made her feel protected and safe, and even though he had been adverse to her accompanying him in the beginning, he treated Luna like an equal. He respected her opinion and even seemed to care for her.
Luna laughed bitterly at that last thought. Ronald didn't care about her, not like she was thinking. They were allies and nothing more. Hardly even friends. If there had been some sort of deeper connection between them, it had dissolved after Hermione's abduction. And yet...as absurd as she knew it was...she wanted Ron to care for and about her that way...because that was how she felt for him.
She knew she was thinking dangerous thoughts by going there. Luna stole a moment to stare at his sleeping form. As her eyes hungrily traveled over Ron, she couldn't help but smile. To her, he was the most handsome man she had ever met, but in reality, he still had some of his goofy, boyhood traits. His ears stuck out a bit too much, his eyes seemed to constantly glitter, and that unruly mess of hair...without thinking, she leaned over and brushed a stray red curl out of his eyes. He looked so innocent like that. If they had never met before, Luna wouldn't have been able to tell that he was the fiercest warrior and the best swordsman their side had. She thought it amazing that, only a couple of years ago, she had silently watched him in school, enamored by everything he did, even if it was immature and stupid. And now here they were, two adults thrown together in the cruelest possible way. Luna decided that whoever had decided her fate had a sick sense of humor.
"You've done so much to protect me," she whispered to the sleeping Ron as she continued to stroke his hair. "But now it's my turn to protect you. There isn't enough room in this story for the both of us anymore, Ronald, and following me will only put you in jeopardy. Harry and the others need you. Ari and Ella need you. I can't take you from them. Thank you so much for everything you've done. I'll never forget you."
And with that, she bent down, softly kissed him, gathered her things and left without another glance behind her.
~*~*~*~*~
He was walking on air. Well, he thought it was air, anyway. He wasn't quite sure what he was standing on, but he knew he had to be on something. He grasped his sword loosely in his hand and continued going what he thought to be forward. He had spotted a silhouette far up ahead through the white mist he had found himself in, and he wanted to investigate it.
The dark shimmer began to grow larger and gain definition as Ron neared it. Eventually, he could tell that he was approaching a house. He felt a sudden urgency to be in this mysterious building, so he broke out into a sprint, slowing down only when he was on the stoop. Slowing his breathing, Ron tried the door. Before he could turn the handle, it swung open on it's own accord. Cautious, he stepped over the threshold.
There were no lights, but that wasn't a problem for Ron. He peered through the darkness. He recognized the shapes of furniture, but he saw no signs that told him someone was at home. He decided to focus on his ears instead of his eyes. Tuning out everything else, he listened for any creak of a floorboard, the 'click' of a shutting door, anything. Instead, he heard muffled sobs.
Concerned, he followed the noise up the staircase. He could sense that something wasn't right when he reached the landing. The sound was growing stronger, but whether it was because Ron was nearing the source or because the sobs were intensifying, he coudn't tell. Silently, he stepped onto the landing and found himself staring down a small hallway. Plaster from the ceiling littered the grungy brown carpet, wallpaper was peeling from the cracked walls, and a single dismal light bulb swung back and forth above his head, flickering in and out of life. Ron glanced around the neglected hallway. There were only three doors, and all of them were closed. Where was the crying coming from?
Something in the corner of his eye caught his attention. Ron whipped around in time to see a shadow pass under the door at the end of the hall. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up and his right hand tightened around the hilt of his sword; his left hand itched to pull out his wand, but Ron knew he'd need it to be free. Without a noise, he quickly made his way to the door and pressed his ear against it. The sobs he had been following were definitely coming from behind this barrier of weakening wood, and now they were mixed with little shrieks of agony. Slowly, he pushed the door open and peeked inside and instantly knew he had to do something.
To his far right, all Ron could see was the back of a big, big man as he undid the belt that was holding up his pants. The noises weren't coming from this man, however. Ron watched, frozen in horror, as the man wrapped the belt in his fist and raised his arm, as if he was going to strike something with it. When his arm lifted, Ron found himself looking at a beautiful young woman. Her long blond hair was a tousled mess around her head, her face was streaky and red from tears and blood, black and blue from previous blows. Ron's blood boiled as he stood there staring at Luna. He wanted to do something, but his legs refused to move him closer to her. He watched, transfixed, as Eric continued.
There was a sickening crack of leather on flesh when the man brought down his belt. The girl screamed in pain as the buckle tore a chunk of skin from her calf. Ron's reverie broke when he heard her wail like that. He couldn't let this continue. He had to save her, had to do whatever it took to make sure her pain ended. He didn't know he was pushing his sword through Eric's back until he felt the man's flesh and bones surrender to his blade. Dead on impact, Eric slumped to the floor, as did Luna. Ron caught her in his arms and held her tight as she cried against him. He realized in that moment that he would pay whatever price asked of him to protect Luna. She was safe as long as she was with him, and as long as that was the case, Ron knew he would never let her go....
Ron felt the fog of sleep slowly lifting from him. Yawning, he lifted his head and blinked to clear his vision. That had been one of the most unusual dreams he had ever dreamt, he had to admit. And yet, he knew it was somewhat true. Ever since what had happened with the Dementors on the Express, Ron had felt an overwhelming desire to protect Luna. He hoped it was just instinct, since he would never admit that it was anything more than that.
Remembering why he had fallen asleep next to the bed in the first place, Ron looked up to check on Luna. Surprisingly enough, she wasn't there. Figuring she had awoken already, Ron stretched his stiff limbs and went to find her. She wasn't in the sitting room or the lavatory. Concerned, Ron went back to the bedroom. It was only then that he noticed her gear was gone from the chair.
"Bloody hell," he whispered when he realized what had happened. She had decided that it was her turn to play the hero. Shaking his head, Ron gathered up his things and sprinted out of the suite, hoping against all hope that she wasn't too far ahead of him.
~*~*~*~*~
Luna pressed her forehead against the cool glass of the window, watching through teary eyes as the train pulled out of the station. Their next stop was in Bulgaria to pick up some supplies from Viktor Krum, but Luna had no intention of ever reaching Bulgaria. Ron would go there looking for her, but when he got news that she had never showed, he would lose her trail. She felt terrible for leaving him behind like she had, but it had had to be done. Luna couldn't risk losing Ron just because she had a violent future in store for her. The War needed Ronald Weasley, and by sending herself in place of him, she was ensuring that they would have him.
Maybe, just maybe, by dying to save the life of the man she loved, she would be forgiven for murdering the one before him.
A tear made it's way down Luna's cheek, but she ignored it. Something on the dock had caught her eye. She gasped when she recognized the person attached to the shock of red hair. Had Ronald seriously come after her? Did he possibly care about her? She watched him longingly as his troubled eyes searched the cars of the passing train. Theirs would never meet, though. The train pulled out of the station before Ron's eyes made it to her window. As they passed through the magic barrier of Forgotten Valley, Luna sat back in her seat, closed her eyes, and cried herself to sleep. There was no going back now.
~*~*~*~*~
Ron knew Luna had been on that train; the only problem was, he didn't know where the train was headed. He needed to think fast. He couldn't lose Luna. She was too important to the mission, too vital to the Few to be lost because she felt like being a martyr.
Drastic times call for drastic measures. Without questioning his decision, Ron turned on his heel and raced through the busy streets of the marketplace. A couple of turns down some choice alley ways led Ron to a forbidding doorway he knew all too well. He took a deep breath, then knocked on the door.
'I have to do this,' He thought as the sounds of movement inside made their way to his ears. 'I have no other choice. She's too important to us.'
The door creaked open. All Ron could see was the darkness inside. Suddenly, from out of the blackness, an elegant voice purred.
"Ronald," It said in a dangerously accented Spanish voice. Ron tried not to shiver at the sound of it. No matter what, this was strictly a business trip. His sole intention was to get Luna back.
The door opened wider, and a tall, slender body materialized in front of Ron. The figure wore a suit of moonlight-pale skin underneath a black Victorian style gown spun from lace and velvet. Raven colored hair hung in softly curling tendrils that reached the midpoint of the figure's delicate back. Full, tantalizing lips parted in a currently perfect smile. Ron couldn't help but notice that they were tinted the same color as his hostess's eyes.
"I have a favor to ask of you, Isabella," Ron said as solidly as he could. This woman scared the living daylights out of him, but he refused to show it. He willed his hands to stop shaking as he reached up and began unbuttoning his shirt. "And I have more than enough to pay for your services if you agree."
Isabella smiled wider at Ron and watched hungrily as he shed his shirt. "You have my attention, Ronald Weasley," she purred again in her sultry Spanish voice. She reached out her hand and placed it on his arm. Ron bit his tongue as hard as he could to hold back the shiver his body wanted to release. Isabella's hands were like ice. "Come inside and we shall discuss this. My, it had been a while since we have seen each other, has it not?"
Ron closed his eyes and followed Isabella into the dark room. The door shut loudly behind them. He hoped Luna was worth this. It was pitch black inside. Ron kept his eyes closed and listened as Isabella moved around him. Eventually, her voice floated back to his ears.
"What is it I can do for you, mi pelirojo?" She cooed as she came back to him, placing her cold hands on his shoulders. Ron's heartbeat began to race when he felt her tongue glide over the side of his neck.
"I...need you to find someone for me," he rasped as Isabella pressed herself against him.
"Mmmm," he heard her respond. She moved to the other side of his neck. Ron closed his eyes tighter and willed himself to think of Luna. "Intriguing. And you are willing to pay with yourself this time? It must be a special someone for you to make such an offer to me." She chuckled softly and ran her long fingernails softly down his bare chest. Ron felt her stand on her toes and whisper in his ear, "I've been dying to know what you taste like for years now, Ronald."
"Promise you won't hurt her when you find her," Ron begged with Isabella, ignoring the pounding of his blood in his ears. He had to do this right, otherwise he and Luna would both suffer.
"For a little extra, I will do anything you ask," Isabella promised as she licked his neck again.
"Good," Ron gasped. He was having a hard time breathing. "I just need you to find her and tell me how to get to her. You're the fastest there is, Isabella."
"Si," She agreed as her hands made their way back up his chest.
"Take as much as you need, but I don't want any...repercussions," Ron added hastily. He felt Isabella's plump lips pout.
"That is too bad. I was hoping you might join me for a while," She admitted sadly. Ron shook his head.
"I'm happy the way I am. Now let's be quick about this and get it over with."
Isabella laughed as her arms went around his neck. "I don't think so, Ronald," She buried her fingers in his hair. "I've waited an eternity for someone like you. I believe I shall take my time in extracting your payment."
Ron suppressed a groan. He had wanted this to be quick and painless, but he was in no position to argue. Isabella had done good work for him in the past, and tonight, she was his last resort. He had sent many of their captive Death Eaters to Isabella to pay for the jobs she did for them, but this was the first time he had actually come to her himself. He had to admit, he was nervous.
"Relax," Isabella purred, leaning up to kiss him lightly on the cheek. "It's no fun if you're tense."
'Not like I can help it,' He thought as Isabella began to gently kiss his neck. After a while, her kisses became more fervent, and Ron could feel her changing against him. To steady himself, he placed his hands firmly on her hips, hoping to keep his balance and stimulate her at the same time. Isabella smiled against him, and he felt the prick of her teeth. He tried to relax like she had told him to. One mistake, and he would end up either dead or the living dead. He felt Isabella's sharp bite and clenched his teeth and his grip on her waist. She responded by pushing deeper in him. Ron felt the blood dribble past her lips and chin, down his neck and onto his chest. He really, really hoped Luna was worth this....