My multi-chapter fic, which takes place in Deathly Hallows, in the chapters Malfoy Manor and Shell Cottage.
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 1 by gracelessnight, literature
Literature
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 1
Ron couldn't believe it. He, Harry, and Hermione had been found by the Snatchers. After evading capture for months, Harry had slipped and said Voldemort's name. At once, the protective charms set up by Hermione were broken.
Many feeble excuses later, he was being dragged by one of the Snatchers through the suffocating darkness, his mouth still bleeding from where Scabior had punched him. The sensation lifted as quickly as it had begun, and Ron, along with the other four captives, was being forcefully led up a long drive that ended in a large iron gate: the Malfoy manor.
The Snatcher that had Apparated with Ron let go of him and strode up to
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 2 by gracelessnight, literature
Literature
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 2
Ron's heart jumped into his throat. Not Hermione, he thought. Reacting instantly, he shouted, "No! You can have me, keep me!"
For a second, he thought that Bellatrix was going to murder him, but instead she hit him hard across the face. His cheek stung.
"If she dies under questioning" ─ Ron's stomach gave an unpleasant lurch ─ "I'll take you next. Blood traitor is next to Mudblood in my book. Take them downstairs, Greyback, and make sure they are secure, but do nothing more to them ─ yet."
Bellatrix gave Greyback his wand back, took out a short silver knife, and cut Hermione loose from the others. She dragged Hermione by
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 3 by gracelessnight, literature
Literature
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 3
"Draco ─ no, call Wormtail! Make him go and check!" Ron heard footsteps crossing the room overhead.
The silence from the drawing room was far from reassuring to him; at least when Hermione was screaming, he knew she was alive.
"We're going to have to try and tackle him," Harry whispered. "Leave the lights on," he added, as Ron was about to pull out the Deluminator. They heard someone descending the steps outside the door, and backed against the wall on either side of it.
"Stand back," said Wormtail. "Stand away from the door. I am coming in."
The door flew open, and he and Harry launched themselves at Wormtail. Ron seized his wand a
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 4 by gracelessnight, literature
Literature
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 4
As they zoomed through the darkness, he felt Hermione bump against him. His ears reddened.
A second later, they hit solid ground, and Ron breathed in salty air. He stood up and looked himself over. At least I didn't splinch myself this time, he thought.
He looked over at Hermione, who let go of Ron's arm, tried to take a step forward, and fell. Ron grabbed her around the waist to keep her from falling on her injured leg. Hermione turned to look at Ron, whose ears were still bright red.
"Th-thanks," she stuttered, her face shockingly white, seemingly entranced by his eyes.
Ron looked down at her right leg, which he was shocked to see was b
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 5 by gracelessnight, literature
Literature
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 5
He stepped out into the night. It was cool and breezy, not befitting a night of such tragedy. Ron had been outside for two seconds, when Dean called out from inside the cottage, "Ron! Wait, I'm coming, too."
Ron, still not forgetting what he had seen Dean and his baby sister doing in sixth year, slowed, but did not stop.
Eventually, Dean fell into step with him, and a very awkward silence ensued. Sensing why Ron wasn't speaking to him, Dean said, "Y'know, I'm sorry about what you, er, saw me and Ginny doing last year."
Immediately, the image of Dean and Ginny wrapped in a tight embrace popped into his mind.
"Yeah," Dean continued, "I reck
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 6 by gracelessnight, literature
Literature
Oddly Relieved, Chapter 6
"How're you feeling?" Ron asked Hermione softly.
"Alright, I guess," she replied, looking into Ron's eyes. "But my body aches all over from the Cruciatus Curse."
"Oh," said Ron awkwardly. Having never been put under the Cruciatus Curse, he had no idea what it felt like.
"But never mind me," Hermione said, smiling for the first time since she had fainted, "how are you?" She placed her hand on Ron's leg comfortingly, rolling her thumb over his knee.
Ron shivered as he watched Hermione's hand on his knee, his eyes wide. They had held hands before, and hugged many times, but this was a new gesture; however, Ron wasn't complaining. It felt too