Ronald Weasley's Arc

Chapter 4 of 4

Draco led Ron along the castle's outer wall, keeping low. "There's an old entrance," he whispered. "My father showed me once, years ago. He called it forgotten." His jaw tightened. "But I can't remember where it starts. It's been too long." Ron's stomach dropped. Inside those glowing windows were his family and friends. Every minute the Death Eaters pressed closer. "Then remember," Ron said. "Now. It's the only door left." Draco pressed his palm to the cold stone. His hand shook. "He brought me at night. There was a tree. A big one, twisted, near the wall." He looked up at the dark forest edge. "I can't tell them apart. They all look the same." Ron grabbed his shoulder. "You saved my life twice tonight. Don't stop now." He softened. "Close your eyes. Don't look for the tree. Remember your father's steps. How many?" Draco shut his eyes. His breathing slowed. "He counted. He always counted." A pause. "Forty paces from the well. The old dry well." His eyes snapped open. "There. That stone rim. I see it." They ran to it. Draco started walking, lips moving, counting under his breath. Ron followed, wand ready. At forty paces Draco stopped before a wall of ivy. He tore it back. Nothing but stone. "No," Draco breathed. "It should be here." His voice cracked. Panic climbed into his face. Behind them, far off, a branch snapped. Voices. The patrols were close. Ron pushed his hands against the wall, feeling for a seam. His fingers found a groove in the stone, a shape carved deep. A serpent, worn smooth. "Draco. What's this?" Draco stared at the mark. Something cleared in his eyes. "The house sign. You touch it and speak." He swallowed hard. "I remember the word. He made me swear never to say it." He looked at Ron. Fear and something warmer crossed his face at once. "For you, I will." He pressed his hand to the serpent and whispered a word Ron didn't catch. The stone groaned. A narrow gap split the wall, just wide enough for one body. The voices behind them grew louder. A wandlight swept the trees. "Go," Draco said, shoving Ron toward the gap. "Inside. Now." Ron slipped through into cold dark. Draco squeezed after him. The stone slid shut behind them, sealing out the light and the voices. They stood in a low tunnel, breathing hard. Pigwidgeon fluttered down and settled on Ron's shoulder. "We're in," Ron whispered. Relief hit him, then dread. This tunnel ran under the castle, toward the fight above. Somewhere ahead, the Death Eaters were breaking in. His family stood between them and safety. Draco wiped his face. "This passage comes out near the great hall. That's where they'll be striking." Ron gripped his wand. They had a way in. Now they had to reach his family before the Death Eaters did.