Colin's heart pounded as Voldemort's voice rang out across the grounds. Sweat and dust coated his skin and clothing as he struggled to keep the Death Eaters at bay. He'd lost track of Susan as the battle had escalated around him. Let her still be alive, he pleaded. A Snatcher charged him, eyes flashing dangerously.
Colin's blond hair blew in his face as he whirled to face him. He wasn't fast enough, though. A flash of red light hit his chest and he crumpled like a rag doll.
Susan's knees nearly gave out as Oliver Wood carried Colin's body into the Great Hall. He shouldn't have been there. I'll have to tell Dennis, she thought, tears stinging her eyes.
She wasn't the only one crying. The Weasleys gathered in the corner, crying over the body of one of the twins. Hermione knelt beside the bodies of Remus and Tonks. Even Slughorn seemed to be mourning.
A faint movement drew Susan's eyes. Colin's finger twitched, causing Oliver to nearly drop him. Dean Thomas hurried over, helping him set him on a cot.
"Colin, mate, can you hear me?" he asked gently.
Susan pushed her way over to him, eager to hear the answer. She laughed in relief when he nodded. Dean and Oliver grinned, hugging each other.
"S-Susan?" Colin asked.
"I'm here," she responded.
"I… I l—"
"Yes?"
"I lov—"
She didn't hear the end of what he said, Voldemort's voice ringing out again. When she returned to ask him, he was surrounded by friends.
"Must not have been that important."
