The power within.
Disclaimer: Yeah right, as if I need to say they are not mine.
Summary: well there is only one member of the four left, so have a guess, the chapter title may give it away, it's still PG-13.
Ron dropped the pile of rocks to the ground, he started to stretch to relive his aching back, he would soon finish work for the day. He looked over to see his brother Charlie directing others around the island, there was only about twelve other wizards, Charlie's job was to organise them all.
He had been on the island for five days now and he was loving it, he had arrived home from Hogwarts with a slightly low mood. He already missed Hogwarts and his best friends, plus the fact that the dark lord had risen, so he knew to expect dark times ahead.
He had prepared himself for a boring holiday until Charlie had gotten in touch, he told them of a project he was being sent on. He had told them all that he would be spending several weeks on an island in Spain, apparently a group of dragons had nested there.
At first everyone was confused at why he would need to go there, the dragons had chosen an island that was very close to muggles. It would be up to Charlie and a team of wizards to tame the dragons, not to mention concealing them from the muggles. Once the baby dragons were old enough they would all be shipped to Romania.
Charlie had another surprise he wanted Ron to go with him, Ron had jumped at the chance and had to refrain from hugging his older brother.
Fred and George seemed slightly angry that they were not asked to go but Ron didn't care.
So on his second day home he was getting ready to go work in Spain. Charlie spent the first day on the island explaining to everyone what they would be doing on the island.
Ron was very impressed with his brother, he commanded well and knew what he was doing, much to Ron's relief.
He told them how the dragons had come here to nest meaning that in a week or so, around eighteen baby dragons are expected to be hatched. The problem was the island held little shelter, so they would have to build caves, by hand.
Ron was shocked by this a few wizards were, Charlie explained that they would build about seven large caves using the rocks he had bought with him. It meant a lot of planning, but Charlie had it covered, they would also need to learn handling the dragons and also learn the charms needed.
Yep that was right Ron Weasley had special permission to use magic over the holidays, it was great. They had spent the rest of the day being taught about the various types of dragons. Ron knew quite a few already as did most of the other wizards.
What he didn't realise is that dragons can become quite tame if one person works with them on a regular basis. Charlie explained that they would be split into teams of two. Ron would work with Charlie as he was the youngest here.
The teams would build caves big enough to house the dragons and their babies, Ron soon found out that he and Charlie would be looking after three dragons. Apparently two were female and one male they were the same breed and dragons usually travel and nest in packs.
At the time Ron didn't think it was too weird that there was only a few dragons in each group, all the other teams either had two dragons, or one to house and they were mainly females.
The teams would be split to build the caves but they were not far from each other, the camp was built in the middle of the island.
Due to the heat they were expecting to sleep outside, Ron didn't mind once he learnt that there was a spell around the camp to keep any creatures that were not wizards out. No spiders to worry about.
Later on at the camp Ron began practicing some charms that he would need whilst working on the island, he found he was actually good at them. Charlie said he was impressed at just how good he was at the charms, they also practiced some spells that were slightly advanced for Ron but he started to get some of them right.
Everyone took a break at in the afternoon but Ron decided he needed to know the spells and charms, he left the camp and found a silent spot, so he could work. After three hours he mastered all the spells and charms that Charlie thought he would need.
He returned to the camp fairly happy with himself, "Hermione would be proud" he thought with a laugh. Before he could think anymore the smell of food made him realise that he hadn't eaten since lunch. He ran the rest of the way and began to grab the food that was set up on tables.
Everyone was already eating and they all sat around a camp fire, Ron sat next to Charlie and began to eat as he informed Charlie that he had learnt all the charms, Charlie had simply said "of course you did," Ron was too hungry to think about that one so he ate.
Before he went to sleep that night he wrote letters to his best friends and family telling them about what a great time he was having.
In his letter to Fred and George he told the about the money he would be getting for working here, as Charlie had told him earlier. Ron couldn't believe the amount but he knew he would need his own vault from now on, with that Ron fell into a deep sleep.
The next day Ron had woken up feeling very sore, he soon realised that he had sunburn on his face and arms, Charlie gave him some sun lotion as the sun was very strong compared to home. After breakfast they had again gone through spells and charms, they then split into two to approach their dragons.
Charlie had explained that dragons are very clever creatures that favour man over any living thing. This didn't mean that they were nice to wizards but more accepting. They needed to form a bond with the dragons so that they could work with them and their babies.
This involved meeting the dragons without defence, so Ron followed Charlie into the dragons lair which was a patch of grass covered by a small rock cove. They then sat close to the sleeping dragons, Ron had felt sure he would die of fright but managed to stay calm.
The three dragons had slowly woken up and had began to view him and Charlie, they had both bowed their heads to show respect and peace.
The larger male dragon bent it's head until it was level with Ron's eyes, Ron then stared into the dragons eyes as he knew this was a test the dragons performed to see if he is trustworthy.
As Ron stared into the dragons eyes he felt everything around him fade away, all he could see was the bright yellow and orange that burned in the dragons eye.
He could see the immense power that the dragons eyes held and felt great respect for it, he could also see a burning fear and sadness deep inside.
Ron felt tears threaten his eyes as the dragons grief overwhelmed him, he wondered what had happened to cause such pain. Ron also felt the dragons curiosity, Ron somehow knew that the dragons name was Emertios.
He also knew that Emertios was curious of Ron and almost excited, but Ron didn't know why, as Emertios began to lower his head Ron could have sworn he heard, "you have been accepted."
Emertios then bowed at Charlie after briefly looking between Ron and Charlie, apparently that never happens Charlie had been shocked at how long they had locked eyes. Ron was also reluctant to say he heard Emertio accept him as when he told Charlie he knew his name, Charlie had lost it.
"Bloody hell mate that's an honour that is, dragons hardly ever give their names, only the babies slip up now and again. He's no baby and the way he just accepted me because I was with you, it's bloody amazing, never seen it before."
Ron had simply smiled but refrained from telling Charlie the other emotions he had felt from the dragon. Ron felt a little stupid as he couldn't have heard Emertios speak to him. It's well known that dragons refuse to communicate with outsiders.
They continued to sit in the lair as they were now accepted, Ron was glad that Charlie dropped the amazing talking dragon. He felt uncomfortable talking about it, people would think he was making it up.
They began to talk about how they would build the cave, Ron had seen the seven eggs split into two nests with the female dragons guarding them.
He noticed how strange it was as there was only three dragons in this group, dragons were known to nest in large groups.
Ron also found it weird that the dragons had chose an hot island with no caves to nest in, they like colder places than Spain. Then their was the fact that the breeds on this island were not the type of dragons that would risk coming so close to muggles. Ron knew dragons were not stupid, far from it.
Ron had relived the pain the dragon had felt, Ron decided that there was something more going on here. So he had asked Charlie, at first Charlie had paled slightly, he then laughed.
"I was wondering when you would realise that this is wrong." Charlie shrugged at Ron.
"Dragons are very smart Ron, they are pure creatures who want for nothing but peace and happiness, they are in the group with unicorns and phoenixes. They have no desires for power or greed although they could easily obtain it." Charlie took a long gulp of his water before continuing.
"Dragons, unicorns and phoenixes hold knowledge beyond our time, they posses the oldest magic, they have extraordinary abilities and still they remain silent. They each posses the ability to communicate with us but they chose not to." Charlie gave a dry laugh at this.
"They know that men possess the very thing they do not, the desire for power and greed. They know that they would cause wars between men who would want their knowledge, their lives would also be endangered. So they do not speak of the knowledge and they secure their lives."
Charlie now looked around to make sure no one was nearby, Ron was enthralled by Charlie's theory.
"Since you know who has risen, dragons, unicorns and phoenixes have all fled fearing for their lives, these dragons simply could not make it to our colony in Romania. They have fled from their homes to come to us for protection, you see Ron these are the most powerful creatures alive they posses abilities we can only dream of yet still the run in terror of him."
Both boys looked paler and it seemed to have upset the dragons also who were more edgy as if awaiting an attack.
Ron finally found his voice, "so they know a fight is coming, are they preparing themselves to fight."
Charlie shook his head, "understand Ron dragons, unicorns and phoenixes do not fight wars, they will fight to protect themselves when needed, but will not align themselves with humans."
"But surely fighting with us will make us more successful, then they would be safe too" Ron asked getting confused.
Charlie looked at Ron in understanding "it does make more sense, for us at least, for them it means trusting humans, it means making themselves vulnerable to us."
Ron understood, "But surely their is someone they can trust who would protect them and their knowledge."
Charlie relaxed slightly, "Legends very old tell us that they once entrusted a man who was to use their knowledge for only good, he was tested and viewed but they always saw a pure heart. What they didn't realise no human has a pure heart."
"That's a bit bloody cynical Charlie don't you think," Ron fumed.
Charlie laughed, "yeah it is but it's true, pure means you would never wish to harm another, that you have no desire for things. How many times have you seriously thought about killing Fred and George when your mad at them?"
Ron let out a laugh, "yeah I guess but I wouldn't really hurt them."
Charlie shook his head, "doesn't matter, what about greed most people want something someone else has, no one is entirely happy Ron."
Ron refused to give in, " but I would never hurt another for greed most people wouldn't, people do have wants and make mistakes but they chose their own path. Besides Dumbledore has got to be pure heart the guy couldn't be anything else.
Charlie smiled "so do you think Dumbledore would kill you know who if he got the chance?"
"Yeah of course he would," Ron hurried to defend his hero.
"Exactly Ron, pure heart means that you would never harm another intentionally no matter what." Charlie finished with a smile.
Ron still wasn't convinced, "so your telling me that a dragon has never killed another in defence?"
"Yes of course they have," Charlie sighed his brother was too stubborn for his own good.
"Well then dragons are not pure heart, if the rule applies to one then it must apply to another. You say they are pure creatures but we are not as we may kill in defence, yet dragons are known for this, talk about hypocrites." Ron practically shouted.
Charlie just looked at him "you think too much, besides I don't know why that dragon accepted you, as you have just insulted their kind.
Ron looked over at the dragons who had been listening, "they don't look insulted, besides finish telling the legend."
"Well they trusted this man as he was believed to be of pure heart, they revealed knowledge of magic so old it was very powerful and difficult to defeat. So this man gained this old magic and became a very powerful sorcerer, but it was too much some say he went mad. It took an army of wizards to defeat him, but he left a trail of destruction behind. Dragons never trusted again after that but kept their knowledge to themselves. Charlie finished.
"Well too right fancy trusting him with that much power, he is bound to go on a power trip, clever my ass." Ron drawled sarcastically.
Charlie simply shook his head with a laugh "lets head back."
They headed back to the camp in silence, Ron had thought swimming in his mind it was very confusing, "poor Hermione" he thought "no wonder she is always so stressed having so many thoughts in your head."
The next day had been the start of building the caves, so Ron dressed only in shorts, even though he knew he would get burnt. His skin burnt easily but the red was fading now and he slapped on plenty of sun cream.
They began to shift the rocks to the lair at first his muscles ached, but they soon got used to shifting the heavy load. Ron saw that Charlie easily lifted the load as he had gained many muscles as he was quite broad, Ron also was fairly broad, he was a lot like Charlie over his other brothers.
Ron and Charlie were the only Weasley boys that didn't just grow up, they both had broad frames as well as being tall, however Charlie was a head taller that Ron with more muscles.
So Ron thought it was very unfair that Charlie wasn't putting those muscles to good use, no he was off with the other groups sorting out problems. This meant that he had shifted all the rocks to make the base of the cave on his own.
Ron wished they could use magic, but not only was it dangerous if the muggles saw, the dragons react badly when too much magic is used, but still this manual stuff was hard work.
They also had to chop down about six trees by hand before they could build the cave, so Ron set to work chopping down the trees.
Later that night Ron did most of his homework as he didn't want to have to do it on the last day, he then wrote to Harry, Hermione, Ginny and the twins.
It was the next night that he received the owl from the twins, he was cautious as ever as he never trusted anything from them. It was however a normal letter. The letter was telling him about the joke factory they are setting up and how all the joke shops want their stuff. It seemed that they needed a little more money and wanted him to invest as Ginny has already done.
There was even a contract inside that he had to sign to say that he would share the savings which would be split five ways as they had employed a manager. If it did well Ron could earn himself plenty of money.
He decided to sign and be a part of it, they only needed his first two weeks money so it wasn't too bad. Ron figured that it couldn't be a bad thing, after all Fred and George did make some great jokes.
As he was starting his second week Ron, had gotten used to the strain on his muscles and he no longer had sunburn instead a light tan swept his body. They were building the base of the cave still which involved a lot of planning.
It wasn't much later that Ron received the letter from Ginny,
Hi Ron,
Hope your still having a good time, take care and say hi to Charlie, well I wanted to let you know something. I am now a fifth year, Dumbledore asked me if I wanted to take my exams as I was ahead in my work. I took them and I passed with really good marks, even in potions. I hope you wont mind having me in the same year as you, I have already sent Harry and Hermione a letter to let them know. So reply soon and I hope you are happy for me, I miss you, even though i'm at work its too quite at the burrow without you. The twins are doing really well we will be rich if they keep it up, even mums happy with them. Probably because they give her some of the money and it means they don't have to spend much on us two this year as we will have our own money. Anyway come home soon,
lots of love Ginny.
For awhile Ron just stared at the letter in shock , Ginny had skipped a year. After the shock wore off he hurried to tell Charlie, they both decided to send a howler that would sing congragulations.
For the rest of the day Ron wore a grin, he was so proud of Ginny, in act he was proud of all his family even the twins. But he had always looked out for Ginny and he always worried about her, but she was obviously doing more than fine.
He was also glad as he could now spend more time with her, the last few years had caused them to drift apart as they ran in different groups. He missed her a lot, being the youngest they were the closest but they had little time for each other just lately, so this would be great.
He also knew that Ginny didn't have any close friends except Hermione, so this would give them the chance to become closer friends.
Thinking of Hermione Ron grinned she was going to be very upset that Ginny is smarter than her. Ron was glad that Hermione never moved up a year he would miss her too much.
He had tried not to think about Hermione and Harry as it made him miss them more, he loved working here but if one of them could be here it would be better.
He knew he would see them soon, they had arranged for Harry and Hermione to spend the last week before they go back school, at the Burrow. He still would miss them, he missed Harry always being there to talk to about everything and nothing.
Since the stupid fight last year Ron realised just how much Harry meant to him, he was his best friend and had become a brother in every sense. So it was hard not to see him everyday, he was worried how Harry was dealing with everything that had happened before the end of the year.
He knew that Harry blamed himself for everything that Voldermort did, which was rubbish, he saved many lives but Harry never saw that.
Then there was Hermione it was funny how he missed her, when they were together they usually bickered, but then their were the other times.
Times when Hermione would make him study and explained things so it made more sense, or how she was comical without realising it S.P.E.W. Yeah she was a head case but he loved her all the same, she was his best friend and totally different to Harry.
At first they had struggled to find their own friendship but with Harry at quidditch practice they spent a lot of time together. She always amazed him at how clever she really was, then of course she could be very dumb sometimes.
Like Krum, Ron didn't trust the guy, he knew part of him was jealous but only because Hermione was his best friend. He would never think any guy good enough for her, because they wern't, except Harry but that was too yucky to imagine.
Harry and Hermione had a different friendship to the one he himself shared with Hermione. They were very similar in many ways, they were also very open with each other.
They reminded Ron of himself and Ginny, they were a lot like brother and sister, he was always more open with Ginny and she could read him like a book, Ginny was the only person he didn't mind seeing him open.
He really hoped that Hermione didn't go to see Krum the guy was too old for her to start with and as he said he didn't trust him.
He would ask Ginny if she knew, if he asked Hermione she would probably send him an howler telling to mind his own buisness.
Like she wasn't his buisness, it was up to him to look out for her against guys like that. But she would say he was being a jerk, sorry for caring so much.
She would be just as pissed if he didn't care about her.
Was it really going to be three more weeks before he saw them, he decided to write to them, he hoped the muggle that Harry was staying with was better than the others.
And he hoped with all his heart that Hermione didn't go to see Krum.
Once they were back at the camp Ron was walking to his sleeping bag, when it hit him, suddenly the world grew too dark, he couldn't breath.
Then he felt it the other whelming fear, the pain, the torture and as he fell into blackness he heard the screams of the victims and the laughter of the torturer.
As Ron hit the ground he let out a scream loud enough to alert the sleeping dragons, the other wizards froze in fright.
Then Ron's world went black.
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So what did you think, I know it goes on a bit but most of it is important. want to find out what's wrong with Ron then review and I might update, see ya soon.
