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New Way Of Life	By : Slytherintemptress Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Het - Male/Female Views: 9608 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I in no way own Harry Potter, and am making no money off of this story.

Chapter List
- 1-New Way Of Life
- 2-Chapter One
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Hermione stared out the window in front of her, taking a break from peeling potatoes. She’d been at the mundane job for nearly an hour and her hands were beginning to get sore, but she wasn’t complaining. After all, it was a blessing that they even had food, though the rations were a little low.
The weather outside was bleak and dreary, reflecting the mood of the members inside the house. Even Luna, who had always had a way of remaining upbeat and positive in dark times, was beginning to be infected with the black cloud of despair which seemed to hover over them constantly. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Life wasn’t supposed to turn out this way. Harry was supposed to be alive, and the Order was supposed to have won. She was supposed to have gone on to work for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement with her best friend, and make a difference in the Wizarding World.
Instead, they had lost. Voldemort had killed Harry during the battle at Hogwarts, fulfilling the prophecy and emerging as the victor. Even as Hagrid was carrying his lifeless body back from the Forbidden Forest, Hermione had still had a shred of hope that somehow, Harry was going to come back to life and defeat the darkness once and for all. But he didn’t. When the realization finally sunk in, she felt a piece of herself die as well.
They’d lost a lot of people that day. Refusing to give in at first, the Order had tried to continue fighting, but the Death Eaters were too strong and outnumbered them nearly five to one. Neville, Lavender, Kingsley, Hagrid, Fred, Lupin, Tonks, and even McGonagall had all died. Knowing that if they stayed to fight any longer they’d be either killed or captured, the remaining Order members retreated.
They came back to Headquarters at Grimmauld Place and grieved for a day. They knew they couldn’t stay long because Snape knew where the house was located and it would only be a matter of time before he led Voldemort straight to them. They packed up a few essentials like food, medical supplies, and healing potions, then travelled west. Living in tents that they’d scrounged up, they never stayed in one place too long and were continuously on the move. The fact that they had a newborn traveling with them (Teddy) only made things harder, but somehow they managed to stay one step ahead of the Death Eaters. Eventually, they were able to find an old abandoned house out in the countryside in muggle turf. A few repair spells ensured the house wouldn’t fall apart around them, and many protective charms and wards were placed around it. No one could see it from the outside without a specific revealing charm that only the Order members knew, and they’d stayed here ever since.
They had to remain hidden for fear of being found by Voldemort or his followers, which is why they’d chosen to go into the muggle world. However, Hermione and Seamus were the only members who knew anything about the culture, meaning that the rest couldn’t just start over as muggles. So they’d had to resort to stealing and living off the land as best they could just to survive. It wasn’t easy, they’d been nearly caught a few times by muggle police, and because they couldn’t steal very much in a single setting, often food was in short supply. Once Bill and Fleur had had their first child, things became even more difficult and more than once a few of the older members had had to go to bed hungry. But though there were many hardships, the fact remained that they were alive. For now.
Hermione was brought out of her musings by someone pulling on the hem of her shirt. She looked down to see Teddy Lupin, now three, staring up at her with wide brown eyes.
“Is dinner ready yet Aunt ‘Mione? I’m hungry” he said in his adorable baby voice. He was the spitting image of his father and loved by all who came in contact with him.
Hermione wiped her hands on a towel, then crouched down so she was at eye level with the young tot. “Sorry kiddo, but it’ll still be a little while” she informed him, causing a cute pout to form on his lips. “Why don’t you go play with Victorie” she asked, ruffling his hair.
Teddy shook his head and stuck his bottom lip out even further. “She’s being mean again” he whined, causing Hermione to chuckle softly. Teddy had a sweet and quiet nature, while Victorie was more loud and bossy. The two year old girl often tried to force him to do things he didn’t want such as playing tea party or dolls with the limited toys she had.
“I guess you’re just going to have to play by yourself until dinner’s ready. Unless you want to help Grandma Molly with the baby?” Hermione asked, standing back up. Teddy thought about his options for a few seconds, then with a dramatic sigh decided to go back and play with Victorie. At least she was better than her infant sister Dominique who did nothing but cry, or so Teddy complained.
“You handled that well” came a voice from behind her, and she turned to see Ginny standing at the counter chopping up some vegetables. Her long red hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and she was dressed in a muggle t-shirt and faded jeans that they’d been able to find at a thrift store. She flashed Hermione a small smile as she resumed cutting up a carrot.
Hermione shrugged. “I have a soft spot for him” she said as she went back to peeling the potatoes. It was true, she’d had an attachment to Teddy from the day they’d gone into hiding, as well as his grandmother. Andromeda had been beside herself with grief, having lost her husband, daughter, and son in law in the war. Teddy was the only family she had left. Feeling sorry for her more than any other member, Hermione had helped her take care of Teddy all throughout his infancy and formed a bond with the older woman whom she now looked up to as a mother figure. It also helped take her mind off her own grief.
The girls looked at each other as they felt a shift in the wards, and a moment later the back door opened and in walked Seamus, Luna, and Ron, each carrying a bag of clothes and other things they’d been able to scrounge up while visiting a few muggle towns.
“Found these at something called a yard sale” Seamus informed them, setting the bags down to go through later. “There’s not much, but we did manage to get a few coats and socks for winter. At least it’s something, yeah?” he asked with a grin, putting his arm over Luna and pecking her on the cheek. The two had developed feelings for each other and been together for a little over a year.
Hermione smiled. “Of course. Every little bit helps” she replied, finally finished peeling and putting the potatoes on to boil.
Ron dropped his bag next to the others, then wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Potatoes and carrots? Again?” he asked petulantly.
Hermione turned to glare at him. “It’s all we have” she informed him coolly.
He scowled at her and crossed his arms. “Of course. It’s all we ever have. What, you couldn’t pick up anything else on your outings” he said, his tone making Hermione itch to slap him. “Every time we go out, we’re able to find new things. We’ve even got blankets this time. Is it too much to ask for you to do the same?”
“Ron” Ginny said angrily, shooting a dirty look his way.
Hermione turned to fully face him, getting all the more angry the longer she stared. “Oh, I’m sorry your highness” she spat back sarcastically. “Next time I’m out, I’ll be sure to steal some steaks, and maybe some lobster as well. Would that please you?”
“It’s not as though you couldn’t if you tried” he spat back. “You always brag about how smart you are! For fuck’s sake, you’re a witch! Couldn’t you, I don’t know, confound the muggles and take some better food while they’re out of it?!”
By now, she was practically fuming. “No Ron, I can’t! You want to know why? Not only would stealing those types of food be a detriment to their business, but I’d have to steal spices and seasonings too, or I’m sure you’d complain about that as well. As far as confounding the muggles, in case you’ve forgotten, we’re in hiding! Using our magic will only draw the Death Eaters to us! So no, I won’t be confounding them. But if you think you can do a better job of feeding all of us, go right ahead! Let’s see how far you get!”
“I could do a much better job than you!” he shouted, bunching his fists at his sides.
“Ronald! That’s enough” Molly’s sharp voice cut in as she came into the kitchen. Placing her hands on her hips, she sent a fierce look her son’s way, daring him to say one more word. “Everyone in this house is doing the best they can, and I will not stand for you treating Hermione like she doesn’t. Stop acting like a child and grow up. Now go outside and help your father with the firewood.” Ron sent one last glare Hermione’s way, before turning around and stalking out the back door, muttering obscenities the whole time.
Once they heard the door slam, Molly let out a sigh then turned to the girls. “Well, let’s get back to work. We’ve got mouths to feed.” Immediately she took charge, pulling out plates and utensils and scrounging around the cabinets to see if she could whip up anything else.
Hermione went back to the potatoes, her anger causing the boiling potatoes to reach even more scalding temperatures. Anytime she conversed with Ron, it always left her in a terrible mood. They’d always had a tumultuous relationship, but things had gotten much worse within the past few months. It was to the point that the others tried to avoid having them in the same room except during meals.
The day Harry had died, Ron had been the very first one to retreat. He hadn’t even tried to see if anyone needed his help or take anyone with him; he’d just apparated away as fast as he could. It shouldn’t have been as shocking to Hermione as it had been. After all, it wasn’t as though it was the first time he’d run away from a difficult situation. When the going got tough, Ron got going.
Ron had always been a hard person to get along with, but that only got worse if he wasn’t constantly fed and well rested. Since those weren’t guaranteed while on the run, it only made him even more difficult to be around. He had a nasty temper and was always snapping at everyone else. At first the others tried to just let it roll off their backs, thinking that this was just how he was dealing with his grief. However, as time passed, they began to get more and more aggravated with him until finally Hermione started snapping back. This led to the petty bickering they’d always had throughout their friendship, and finally brought their chaotic relationship to an end.
Rather than being put out about it, Hermione hadn’t felt so relieved to finally be through with him. She’d never been quite able to get over him leaving her and Harry while on the hunt for horcruxes, and the kiss they’d shared in the Chamber of Secrets had been incredibly awkward for her, as though she were kissing a brother. She’d wanted to break up with him much sooner, but with everything that was going on around them, it just never seemed like the right time. But the longer their relationship dragged out, the more suffocated Hermione felt. Ron never seemed to pick up on her discomfort because he was always trying to get her alone and constantly trying to pressure her into sleeping with him. If kissing him made her feel so uncomfortable, there was absolutely no way she could have sex with him! The more she resisted, the angrier he got until he resorted to calling her a prude or accusing her of sleeping with someone on the side. That was when she realized she couldn’t stay with him a moment longer.
To say he wasn’t happy with her decision would be an understatement. He had been furious. He’d yelled and shouted, called her more names, and told her that she would never find anybody else because no one else would want her. She’d had the decency to break up with him in private, but his angry shouts quickly brought attention to them outside. Arthur had had to physically drag him away to cool him off, while Molly had cried her eyes out yet again. Hermione couldn’t believe she’d ever liked the prick, and wondered (not for the first time) if they would have even been friends had it not been for Harry.
Speaking of Harry, that was another volatile point for Ron. He’d been jealous of the Boy Who Lived the entire time he’d known him, and craved the attention and spotlight that Harry so deeply despised. Once he died, Ron thought that his status as his best mate automatically gave him the title of Leader, though there wasn’t much of an Order to be Leader of. He’d tried to initiate more attacks against Voldemort, but there was absolutely no way they could take on an army of Death Eaters with the very few people they had. Over and over again Hermione had tried to explain this, but he ignored her and after the breakup, had taken to trying to carry through with a battle just out of spite. He’d gotten his wish only four months ago.
Purposely keeping the women and his father in the dark, he’d gone behind their backs and talked with his brothers and Seamus, the only male members still alive. He got their need for revenge spiked by bringing up soft points with all of them. For George, he reminded him of Fred’s death and encouraged him that he would have wanted George to avenge him. For Bill, he’d challenged his pride and new father status by saying he owed it to his wife and two daughters to fight or they’d be living in this pitiful existence for the rest of their lives. It had really struck a chord within him, especially since Dominique had been born only a week before. Ron continued with these tactics for each of them until he finally convinced them to try a sneak attack.
They’d waited until everyone else had gone to bed, then snuck out of the house. They wasted no time in apparating to the Ministry, and were able to take out a few Death Eaters, but that was as far as they got. In no time, the rest of the Death Eaters were alerted, and a battle took place in the Atrium. Anti-apparation wards from the inside prevented a quick escape, and as the minutes ticked by, more and more Death Eaters appeared. Somehow, they had forgotten to shut off the floo network, and by pure chance, Ron was able to get to it and floo to a random house, which he then apparated away from.
Once he’d gotten back to the house, he’d barged in, woken everyone else up and told them that the others were currently fighting. He had a broken nose and a deep gash in his leg which his mother had healed quickly enough. Desperate to save the others, Hermione had tried to go and fight by their side, but was held back by Andromeda. The older witch reminded her that there wasn’t anything she could do and they would just have to wait this out. The next few hours were pure agony for everyone. Eventually, they felt the wards shift and rushed outside. A very bloody and battered Charlie and Seamus were slowly hobbling towards them, an even worse looking George being carried between them, barely conscious. As the three were rushed inside and quickly taken care of, Hermione felt anxiety and dread well up within her. Where were the others?
Seamus was the first to fully recover and solemnly doused their hope, telling them they were the only ones alive. They’d lost Bill, Percy, Lee Jordan, and Dean Thomas. Molly had let out a wail of despair, falling to the floor with her husband catching her only just in time. Fleur collapsed into a chair, weeping for her now dead husband and mate while Ginny held her, tears pouring down her own cheeks. Hermione felt as though she were in a horrific nightmare and she would wake up at any time. A loud crash brought them all out of their stupor.
Charlie had once again found his energy, and had slammed Ron against the wall, squeezing his throat. “You!” he’d snarled angrily. “This is all your fault! You cowardly bastard!” Ron’s face was turning purple and he’d tried clawing his brother’s hand, but it was doing no good. Arthur had had to pry him away and restrain him against the wall while Ron gasped for air. Enraged, Charlie told them all that it had been Ron’s idea and he had hounded them all into fighting, then left as quickly as he could, abandoning the rest of them.
Everyone had had it with Ron after that. For weeks no one would speak to him, including his parents. Anytime he was in the room, Hermione couldn’t help but send a disgusted glare his way. Three days after the fight, Fleur passed away. Since she was a veela, she couldn’t live without her mate by her side and had died of a broken heart, leaving behind a two year old and a newborn. It had been incredibly devastating, and though everyone was now talking to Ron again, they were still incredibly angered and refused to let him help in any future decisions.
Molly’s announcement that dinner was ready brought Hermione back to the present, and she helped set the table as the others came down. Andromeda was holding a sleeping Dominique as she ushered the other two children to their spots while Ginny made their plates. Once everyone’s portions had been as equally distributed as possible, they sat down and ate, politely conversing and trying to forget about what was going on all around them for just a few peaceful moments.
Throughout the dinner, Ron was quiet but kept shooting glares Hermione’s way. She tried to ignore it as best she could, but she could practically feel the hatred emanating off him. He had gotten so much darker within the past few years, and almost had a dangerous vibe about him. Doing her best to stay focused on her conversation with Ginny, she refused to meet his gaze and start another verbal spat. Still, as he continued to watch her, she couldn’t help but feel as though something was off.

Voldemort put his hands together, placed his head atop them, and slowly let a dark smile appear as he watched the young man in front of him. Severus sat at the back of the office, keeping his gaze on him as well. For his part, the man was trying to put on a brave front, but Voldemort could tell he was scared. The realization made him smile wider.
“So, Mr. Weasley” he began in a polite tone, toying with him like a cat would its prey. “I must admit, I was very surprised when Snape told me you had contacted him. Even more so when he told me of your intentions, which is why I agreed to meet with you. This is what you wanted, isn’t it?”
Ron swallowed and nodded, his nervousness of being in the Dark Lord’s presence wreaking havoc on his mind and nerves. He did his best to keep it at bay, and maintained eye contact with the snake like man in front of him. After all, he had waited for this for nearly two months and had finally been successful in sneaking out to get to this meeting. He eyed the large snake curled up in the corner, watching him carefully as though planning when to attack. With a small shudder, he darted his gaze back to the Dark Lord, whom only continued to smile.
“I would like to hear the words coming from you. Why exactly are you here?”
Again Ron swallowed, then cleared his throat. “I want to join you.”
“Oh?” Voldemort asked, sitting up straighter in his chair. “And why is that?”
“Because, I’m tired of living on the run” he answered, gathering his courage as he thought of his life over the past three years. “I’m tired of having barely enough food and living with people who have settled for that life. I want something more, and the only way to get that is by joining your side.”
“And tell me, why should I let you join my side” Voldemort continued, slightly tilting his head in question.
“Because I could serve you very well” Ron replied. “I could carry out your orders, and help you in taking over other countries. Once they see that I, former best friend of Harry Potter, has joined you, they’ll realize resisting is pointless and will more than likely fall into line much more quickly.” He’d prepared this reasoning for a few weeks, hoping to prove valuable as an asset.
Voldemort was silent for a little while as he continued to study Ron, before finally speaking. “You make an interesting point Mr. Weasley. However, it is not needed. Many countries have already submitted to my command, and those that are still refusing won’t be much longer, seeing how Draco is making negotiations as we speak.”
Ron sat up a little straighter, fear setting in as he realized the only bargaining chip he had wasn’t good enough. If he didn’t convince the Dark Lord of his use, it was very unlikely that he’d be walking out of here alive. “Malfoy? I could do a much better job than him” he retorted angrily as he thought of his childhood nemesis.
The Dark Lord threw his head back and laughed. “I highly doubt that, seeing as his social status alone makes him much better known in their circles, not to mention the natural charm and poise he has. Let’s be honest Mr. Weasley, you could never accomplish half of what Draco already has as a diplomat.” He watched him squirm for a moment before deciding to carry on with the real reason he had arranged this meeting. “Fortunately, there is another way you could prove your usefulness to me and allow you to join my ranks.” He leaned forward over his desk, piercing the youngest male Weasley with his red eyes. “I want to know where the last of the Order members are.”
Ron sat with a stunned expression on his face, cursing himself for not thinking of that sooner. He didn’t think Voldemort would care much, seeing how they weren’t much of a threat anymore, but he supposed he wanted to make examples of those who would dare defy him.
“Tell me Ron” Voldemort said, using his first name to get his attention. “I understand that you’ve lost quite a few members, yes?” Here, Ron nodded. “How many females are still alive?”
“There’s seven-including the kids.”
Voldemort perked up at hearing that there were children. It seemed that they were already carrying out his plans. Filing that information away for later, he asked “Excluding children, and women over the age of forty, how many are there?”
Frowning, Ron answered “Only three then. Why do you want to know-“
“My reasons for wanting to know are none of your business” he said sharply, cutting the red haired man off. If he planned on becoming one of his followers, Weasley was going to have to quickly learn that he was never questioned. Ron clamped his mouth shut and waited for Voldemort to continue. That was more like it.
“Alright Weasley, here’s my deal” he said in a business like tone. “I want all of the Order members, but specifically the women. So far, they’ve been able to keep themselves hidden. If you can successfully either deliver them, or lead us to them, then I will reward you by not only allowing you to join our side, but give you a higher ranking position among my Death Eaters as well. You will be given pardon to any of your past crimes by me, which will keep my followers from attacking you. So, do we have a deal” he asked.
Ron didn’t hesitate for even a second. “Deal” he answered firmly.
His evil smile took over his features once again as he extended his hand to his newest follower. “Welcome to the Dark, Lieutenant Weasley.”

Author’s Note: I know this is going really slow, but things will start to pick up soon. I should also warn that this is very clearly a Ron-bashing fic as well. (I HATE him!!!!) So Ron lovers, beware. Draco and Blaise will show up in the next chapter. Please Revie
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New Way Of Life