Written For:

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Cluedo (accusation)
Suspect - Angelina, Location: Shell Cottage, Weapon: Gullitine

Witch Trials!AU

It Has Started

Angelina ran as fast as her legs could carry her. She breathed harshly, fear propelling her forward despite her exhaustion. Shell Cottage came into view. She almost sagged with relief, but she couldn't relax until she was safely inside.

She ran up the cobbled walkway and when she got to the wooden door, she pounded her fist against the surface as hard as possible. "Open up!" she yelled frantically.

After what felt like an eternity, the door opened and Fleur's pretty face, framed by wild blonde curls, appeared, looking quite frazzled.

Angelina didn't take a second to even consider that. "It started! Is George here?"

Fleur opened the door wider, grabbed Angelina's hand, and pulled her into the warm house.

"George! George!" Angelina cried, hope warring with dread in her chest. Hope that he was here, and dread that he wasn't.

George and Bill walked out of the kitchen.

"Angie?" George asked, hurrying to her.

Angelina felt herself come apart at the seams. "It's started," she said again.

George didn't even have to ask what she was referring to. He took her in his arms and held her as she began crying. "It will be okay, Angie. It will be okay."

She didn't believe him.

X

The four of them sat at the table and thought about what was happening.

"The witch trials are a joke," Bill said.

"There are no such things as witches," Fleur agreed.

"It's an excuse to commit mass murder," George bitterly remarked.

"I saw the guillotine. It's a horrible looking contraption." Angelina shivered at the memory.

"So, they're not hanging suspected witches."

George answered for Angelina. "They are, but the guillotine is for witches that are suspected of using their magic to hurt normal people.

"What if..."

"Don't Angie," George softly commanded, "No one would ever accuse you of being a witch. Everyone likes you too much to think such a thing."

Angelina took George's hand. "I'm scared."

George looked her in the eyes, and she knew he saw nothing but her naked fear because he stood up and pulled Angelina up as well. "Excuse us, Bill, Fleur. We need some time alone."

They left the room and went upstairs to a bedroom. They sat together on the bed.

Angelina began shaking and George wrapped her in a warm embrace. "Angie, no matter what happens, I'll protect you. If I even think someone is ready to accuse you, I'll have you out of the Britain so fast that your head will spin."

"What about you?" Angelina whispered. "I think my heart would break if I lost you, and you can't live with a broken heart."

George wanted to promise that he'd come with her. He loved her and couldn't imagine being without her, but he couldn't. All Angelina had was her mother, and the woman didn't even live in Britain. George, on the other hand, had two parents and six siblings, and he couldn't leave them behind.

So, he said the only that he could think to say. "It will all be okay."

He just wasn't sure if he believed his own words.

xXx

(word count: 518)