Dragon's Garrison (Chapter One)

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

"So he's really back" Remus Lupin commented gravely.

It was the night of June 26th, 1995, only a day after Voldemort had returned to power and the old group that fought against him in the First Wizarding War, the Order of the Phoenix, was gathered to begin coming up with a plan to counterattack.

Most of the old order had perished or betrayed them so they were low on numbers. Thankfully Alastor Moody, Ex-Auror, had already managed to bring a few Aurors to their side, namely his old protégé, and Sirius' little cousin, Nymphadora Tonks and the high ranking Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt.

The only one not there was the leader Albus Dumbledore as he was at a meeting with the ministry to discuss, in his own words, "The Parting of the Ways" with Fudge. "Unfortunately yes" Alastor said rubbing his now regrown hair. "With all the trouble they went to locking me up and arranging everything; if they had failed then You-Know-Who wouldn't have been so hard to get rid of."

"The question is… what to do now" Kingsley said.

Remus stood up "I do have a proposal; as you know with Voldemort back Harry is going to be more vulnerable than ever. I know many of you wish to keep him in the dark about some things, but he will need to know some things. After all he is entitled to know as this is his life that's on the lines."

"It's all of our lives on the line" Moody grunted "But I do agree with you Remus; what do you propose?"

"Well…" Remus began uncomfortably shooting an inconspicuous look at Molly and her two son's Bill and Charlie. He knew that they weren't going to like what he was going to say; hell Remus didn't like what he was about to say, but to win a war sacrifices must be made. "I think a crucial part in deciding the tide of the war is who Harry associates himself with."

"Remus, where are you going with this" Sirius asked feeling a bad feeling in his gut.

Remus sighed tiredly "Molly, please don't be offended by this, but I think Harry should not associate with Ron anymore." He held up his hand before anyone could speak "Let me finish first; I noticed when I was teaching at Hogwarts that Harry's studying habits became more like Ron's as the year went by. In this kind of situation slacking cannot be tolerated. When Ron's around Harry they become lazy and all around do not care about anything unless it's incredibly serious. Don't get me wrong I'm not judging Ron on academics alone, but also his attitude. For a fifteen year old boy he is incredibly immature and insensitive especially how he acted around Harry during the Champion Selection. He knew Harry for four years and still abandoned him when he most needed him. I know they made up, but it hurt Harry deeply and I bet it still does. In conclusion I must say Ron is too immature to stand by Harry's side in this war and they must be separated from each other. Does anyone have a comment?"

Sirius immediately stood up and looked less than happy "Remus, you're my best friend and like a brother to me, but that was the biggest load of Hippogriff dung that I have ever heard that has come out of your mouth. Ron's a great kid, sure he's made some mistakes, but I want all of you to look me in the eye and tell me you haven't done the same. All friends have a falling out at some point in their lives; James and I did and I'm sure you and James did as well Remus. Honestly Ron's a lot like me more than you know and Harry's going to need him more than he knows. I'm telling you Remus, if you do this it's going to be a huge mistake."

Bill cleared his throat before anyone else could speak "I hate admitting this, but… I believe Remus has a point. Ron is incredibly immature for his age, even more than Fred and George in some aspects. His marks are quite disappointing; I love my baby brother a lot, but his behavior towards both Harry and Hermione would be highly detrimental in the future."

"Sorry, guys but I kinda agree with Bill" Charlie said although he did look uncomfortable. "It's a war for our lives and our way of life. We can't have any weaknesses."

Molly was quiet and Sirius looked furious; he was about to stand up when Molly spoke "I agree… with Remus" she said to Sirius' absolute shock. "Ronald does not have the maturity to deal with this; when the time comes I will make sure he has a place to stay so he does not interfere in anything."

"Unbelievable" Sirius said slowly in disbelief. "You're betraying… your own flesh and blood. This… THIS IS BULLSHIT."

"Sirius be quiet" Moody barked. "Don't let your emotions come into this. I've heard the rumors of the Weasley Boy and I agree with Remus… he's a disappointment."

"Let us take a vote on it" Remus said. "All those to agree to having Harry sever all ties with Ron." Remus put his hand up as did Bill, Charlie, Molly, Moody and Kingsley. "And all those against" only Sirius and Tonks put their hands up looking upset. "At a vote of 6 to 2 we have a motion."

"I still say this absolute bull Remus" Sirius said with a glare now. "Are you going to tell me Hermione's now a bad influence as well?"

"On the contrary Hermione is a very positive influence" Remus said. "She's incredibly smart and diligent with her schoolwork. McGonagall has told me that Hermione is considered the smartest witch of her age. Someone like that on Harry's side will prove highly beneficial."

Sirius stood up "I can't even look at you people anymore" he said before barging of to the door, wrenching it open and leaving slamming the door loudly when he left.

"Leave him" Remus said tiredly as some people got up to go after him. "Let him cool down; it's bad to confront him like this when he's upset. Anyway, someone will have to tell Harry about this pretty soon; I think it's best if I do it." No one argued "Then I guess this meeting is over."

There were a few murmurs as everyone turned and left.

The next day we find Harry, Ron and Hermione in the Hospital Wing with Ron cracking jokes making Harry laugh and forget about everything that happened at the graveyard. That's what Harry loved most about Ron; it was that he could make him laugh with hardly any effort and make him feel better if he was depressed. Yes he loved both of his friends, but it was Ron that Harry could talk to about anything.

The doors opened behind them "Sorry if I'm interrupting" Remus said with a smile.

"Not at all Professor Lupin" Hermione said.

'Says you' Ron thought sarcastically 'I was just getting to the punchline.'

"Now Hermione, I'm not your teacher anymore; you can just call me Remus" he said with a smile. "I need to talk to Harry and Hermione real quick… privately."

"Of course" Hermione said and immediately gave Ron a shooing motion telling him to leave. Grumbling at being ordered like a dog Ron turned and left leaving the three of them "What did you need sir?"

"How's Snuffles doing" Harry asked quickly.

"He's just fine Harry" Remus lied calmly. "Now I have something very serious to ask you two, but first I want you two to read this." He handed them a piece of paper with stuff written on them. Harry and Hermione read them and after each line Hermione's eyebrows rose and rose until they disappeared into her hairline while Harry's eyes widened more and more in fury.

"Are you out of your mind" was the first thing Harry said none too happily. "I'm not going to abandon my best friend."

"Harry if you're worried about what the Weasley's will say then rest assured as Molly, Bill and Charlie all agreed and are talking to Fred, George and Ginny about everything."

"I DON'T CARE IF THEY APPROVE OR NOT; IM NOT DOING IT BECAUSE RON'S MY BEST FRIEND" Harry shouted furiously. "Hermione back me up" he said to the bushy haired girl, but she was strangely quiet "Hermione" he said again.

"Remus… does make a point Harry" Hermione said quietly. Harry couldn't believe his ears "I don't like it either Harry, but… this is going to be a war and it's not going to be pretty. Ron's not cut out for any of this. He's not mature enough."

"None of us like doing this Harry, but it's for the best" Remus said. "Ron's holding you back from reaching your full potential."

Harry looked at them both in disgust before getting out of his bed "Harry" Hermione called, but Harry ignored her and marched out of the Hospital Wing before slamming the door behind him. Harry was absolutely furious at them; abandon Ron? Sure they had their arguments, but what friends didn't? Nothing was worth abandoning him and just kicking him out of his life and to make it worse his family agreed to it.

"Ron" Harry called spotting his red haired friend leaning against the wall.

"Harry" Ron greeted as Harry walked up "So what did Professor Lupin want with you and Hermione." Harry didn't waste a second and explained to Ron everything that was said in the room. By the end of the explanation Ron was had a combination of shock, hurt, betrayal and anger on his face "Are you serious?"

"I wish I wasn't" Harry said sadly.

"My own family" Ron muttered putting a hand to his face as his eyes began watering. "My worst nightmare… it's come true." And just like that Harry could only watch as his best friend broke down crying and there was nothing Harry could do to make him feel better. After a moment Ron spoke "S-So… what are you going to do?"

"They're out of their fucking minds if they think I'm going to betray you" Harry said fiercely.

"But Harry, the Wizarding world needs you; its needs a Champion and that's who you are" Ron said reasonably even though he wanted to just scream. "Don't worry about me; I'll make it on my own."

Harry saw how Ron was truly broken up right now and Harry did what his gut told him to do. He hugged Ron tightly; Ron reciprocated the action hugging his best friend tightly "Even though we might be so many miles apart… I just want you to know… I will NEVER forget you." Ron tightened his grip on Harry.

(A/N: That's the closest to slash you're gonna get fan girls. :P)

When they pulled away both of them said their goodbyes with tears in both of their eyes. Harry wiped his eyes as he turned and walked back to the Hospital Wing; first he had to watch Cedric die, then Voldemort rises, he gets brutally tortured and now he's losing his best friend.

Harry officially hated everyone except for Ron right now. He walked back into the Hospital Wing seeing Remus and Hermione still there waiting for him. "Harry" Hermione started, but Harry held his hand up silencing her.

"I just want you both to know" Harry began his voice incredibly calm, but his eyes were colder than glaciers. "I'll go with this little… plan of yours, but the moment it's over, whether we win or not… it's over. I want nothing to do with any of you. As far as I'm concerned Ron is my only friend right now." And with that Harry turned and left leaving a sad Remus and a teary eyed Hermione.

Meanwhile the moment Harry had left Ron had stood there for a moment wiping his eyes trying to control himself. He couldn't believe his family had chosen Harry over him; it was one of his worst fears and he didn't think it would actually happen, but it did. He didn't blame Harry, he couldn't. Harry didn't ask for it.

So with his spirit lower than the deepest pit of Hell Ron turned and just walked away unaware that someone had heard the entire conversation between Harry and Ron.

The next day the rest of the Weasley Family had been informed of the decision; unfortunately Fred and George agreed with their mother and older brothers saying Ron was too immature to do anything. Ginny did not take it well; she loved her older brother, he was actually her favorite brother, even more then Bill. Ginny always thought Bill was the coolest, but Ron was her favorite brother and to hear that her own family turned on him tore her heart up.

Also the next day no one could find Ron at all; it was like he just vanished into thin air. In reality Ron was still on Hogwarts grounds; he was just sitting at the very top most tower in the castle just staring out into the distance at the Black Lake.

He was so depressed and he knew he'd have to face the family that betrayed him in five days' time because that was when the year ended. What hurt almost as much as his family betraying him was Hermione betraying him; he had honestly fallen hard for the bushy haired girl. And her betrayal tore what remained of his heart to shreds and it hurt… badly.

"So this is where you've been hiding" a voice said making Ron jump slightly. Ron turned and his breath got caught in his throat because he was staring at the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life, even more beautiful than Hermione. She had shoulder length straight blond hair with a portion clipped to the side with a hairclip. She had fair colored skin, full pink lips, an elegant, cute nose and bright emerald eyes that were even brighter than Harry's. It was the Ron noticed a Slytherin badge pinned to her robes.

Going on guard, but miraculously keeping his voice calm, he asked "Can I help you?"

"Depends" the beautiful girl responded stepping forward. "First of all I want to ask; is what Dumbledore said true? Has You-Know-Who returned?"

"Is Malfoy a git" Ron responded sarcastically.

The girl giggled quietly "That answers that; next question. What was that whole business about between you and Potter in the halls yesterday?"

Ron's blood went cold and he went on guard "No offense or anything; I know Death Eaters are from all four houses, but I do not feel comfortable divulging that information."

The girl shrugged "Fair enough; I can't really blame you for being suspicious. After all Slytherins have never done anything to make you not think we're all Death Eaters."

Ron felt uncomfortable "Sorry" he whispered.

"Forget about it" she said. "Last question; with you and Potter unable to see each other what are you gonna do?"

Ron was quiet "… I don't know" he finally whispered. "Everything's falling apart, everyone's turned on me… I don't know what to do." Then he realized something "Wait, why am I even divulging this stuff; I don't even know you."

"You just now noticed that" she said with another cute giggle that made Ron's face go red. "Don't feel bad though; when bad things happen people usually like to talk to those they don't know."

"What are you a psychiatrist" Ron muttered.

"No I'm a witch" she responded.

"What's the difference" Ron retorted and this time they both laughed a bit. After a moment Ron sighed "Okay, now I want to ask you a question; why are you asking me all this when in the past you and I have never even spoke to one another?"

The girl spoke without hesitation "This'll be hard for you to believe, but not all Slytherin's are on You-Know-Who's side. Some have remained neutral preferring not to get involved, some were forced and some even went into hiding. I'm one of those and I've got friends who are in the same boat; we don't want to be forced to join You-Know-Who and we know this time he'll try to get everyone. This time we can't stay on the sidelines."

"So… you want to fight basically" Ron theorized.

"Not fight, survive" she corrected.

"There's not much of a difference if what you just told me is true" Ron said. "I mean if you guys don't want to be forced into serving and you can't stay neutral or hide then fighting is the only way to survive."

She stared at him as though scrutinizing him; her green eyes stared into his blue eyes before she smiled again "I knew we made the right choice." Now Ron was staring at her confused "Listen Weasley; if you want to be useful and help Potter at all in this war then come to the Black Lake tonight alone. We'll be waiting."

"Wait, who's 'we'" Ron called, but his question went unanswered as she continued to walk away. "Can I at least get your name" Ron asked as she got to the stairs.

She turned to him with another smile "It's Greengrass; I'm Daphne Greengrass." With that she walked downstairs leaving Ron alone atop the Astronomy Tower. Ron stared at the spot she was standing at not a moment ago in wonderment and what the hell did she mean when she said that they had made the right choice.

Ron rubbed his head feeling a headache coming on; with a sigh he went downstairs, back to the common room and just collapsed into bed not even bothering to shut the curtains. He fell asleep for a few hours, but woke up at around seven o'clock. The sun was just setting making it perfect for him to sneak out.

Putting his shoes on Ron got up and went downstairs not even passing anyone; peering around the corner when he got to the bottom he saw all the students in the Great Hall and he noticed Harry was sitting completely isolated from everyone else giving him a wide space.

Deciding to dwell on it later Ron snuck to the front door and quietly opened the door and left. The castle was Unplottable so it couldn't be found by normal means, there was a barrier so no one could sneak in so the castle always remained opened and unlocked. The only time it was locked was on the full moon so wandering werewolves couldn't get in. Still sneaking out of the castle past curfew, which was seven o-clock, was punishable with a months' worth of detention.

Anyway once Ron got out of the castle he ran down the causeway of the courtyard and soon he got down to the shore of the Black Lake. When he got there he saw four people sitting around on rocks or a log. Two of them were girls and the other two were boys.

They heard Ron approach and each of them looked up. Ron was on the receiving end of their stares "Uh… hi" he said nervously.

He was given cold stares by the two boys "Is this really our best chance Daphne" the darker skinned boy asked. His voice was incredibly cold and his eyes calculating.

"It was either him or Granger, which would you have preferred" Daphne asked in an equally cold tone. The dark skinned boy said nothing "Besides he'll be more useful than Granger ever could be."

"I think we'll be the judge of that" the other girl said standing up. She was just as beautiful as Daphne was with fair skin, amber eyes and long curly dark auburn colored hair. "Well shall we all introduce ourselves; I'm Tracey Davis."

"Blaise Zabini" the dark skinned boy from earlier spoke his voice still cold.

"Theodore Nott" the last boy said. He was like Ron in appearance since he was long and lanky, being almost taller than Ron although he was much skinnier making him look like he had a weedy appearance. He had dark eyes like Zabini although by looking close they were dark violet in color. Like the two girls he had pale skin and had black tall slick black hair that had a somewhat messy look to it.

"Ron Weasley… nice to meet you all" Ron said still feeling uncomfortable about this situation. "So… what's this all about?"

"You didn't explain it to him" Blaise asked Daphne with a sharp look.

"Why do you think I asked him to show up here" Daphne retorted. "Tracey, if you would."

"Yeah" Tracey said before releasing a sigh. "Alright so Daphne told you that we were ones who didn't want to serve You-Know-Who right?" Ron nodded "Well we all believed since we were in the same boat that we'd band together and help each other. However we had one problem; none of us knew ways to avoid You-Know-Who so we needed help from someone who knew about him."

Ron was starting to get it "So why did you come to me?"

"Because you were the better choice over Potter or Granger" Theodore told him. "Like we could ask Potter for anything when it comes to our problems now that the Dark Lord is back. Granger isn't a better choice because while she may be smart she has absolutely no instincts."

"That leaves you" Tracey said. "You've known Potter longer than anyone at this school which gives you a significant advantage when it comes to facing the Dark Arts. What with the Philosophers Stone incident in First Year, the Basilisk in Second Year and the Dementors and Sirius Black last year. You have lots of experience in facing the Dark Arts and that's what we need to survive… a leader."

Ron was now wide eyed as he stared at them "So what you're asking is that you want me to help you four learn how to combat against You-Know-Who's dark forces to help you avoid being drafted."

"Yes, did we not just get through explaining that" Blaise said sarcastically.

"Ignore him" Daphne said dismissively. "Look Ron, we know you had a falling out with everyone; I heard the entire story between both you and Potter in the halls. Not only is this your chance to help your one true friend, but it's also a chance to prove everyone who betrayed you that they were wrong."

Ron was silent now, but even though he looked quiet he now had a dangerous aura around him; one that actually made the four Slytherin's cautious. After a moment Ron looked up and his blue eyes were cold, but he also got a confident smirk on his face "When do we get started" he asked.

Two grins and two smirks was what he got in response.

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