Colin dodged a keening jet of red light and turned to watch it shatter a window instead. The grounds of Hogwarts were filled with screams and flashing lights. The night was dark and terrible, and he felt himself growing infinitely weary as time progressed. He could see it all around, the way the battle carved lines into all their faces. Even the youngest, Colin reflected, were becoming ancient.
A loud voice shook him out of his temporary reverie. "Creevy!" He turned to see a burly man fighting his way towards him
"You know who I am?" Even in the midst of battle, he was thrilled that Oliver Wood, former Quidditch Captain and current Puddlemere United Keeper, knew his name.
"What in Merlin's name are you doing here?" Oliver roared, sending a jinx into the fray and ignoring Colin's question. "Aren't you underage?"
Colin's confidence faltered. He had sent Dennis away, but he had to fight. For his father. "Yes, but –"
He was cut off as an explosion sent debris whistling over their heads. Wood scowled, but Alicia Spinnet battling a Death Eater had diverted his attention.
"Just stay by me," he growled out, and Colin ran with him, elated. Oliver immediately slashed his wand and the masked figure crumpled to the ground. Alicia turned, her eyes grateful, before a curse sent her body flying. Colin forced the intruders back and Oliver dragged her body to safety, before hurrying to Colin's side. The night was infinite, Colin thought wearily, wondering if it would ever end. A terrified scream sounded behind him, and he turned, his wand raised.
The forest floor was mottled with shadows that gently danced as a cool wind ruffled the resplendent plumage of the autumn trees. The ground was cushioned with layers upon layers of golden leaves, and a late afternoon sun lengthened the shadows that were etched upon the ground. However, Colin was barely aware of this beauty, focusing instead on a small figure that he had pinned to the ground.
"Colin! Stop it!" Dennis pleaded from beneath his brother. He squirmed spastically, attempting to free himself. He managed to twist away and scrabbled with his brother until he was pinned again, both of them sinking into the piled leaves.
Colin laughed. "I'm not actually hurting you." He clambered off of his brother and waiting for Dennis to stand up before pouncing on him again.
Dennis shrieked. "Stop it or I'll tell Mummy!"
"Mummy's at the grocery, stupid," Colin said, but released his brother anyways. Dennis scowled as he got up, rubbing his wrists. He stuck his tongue out at Colin, who laughed. Yes, maybe he was a bit scrawny and skinny compared to the boys at school, but he could always beat Dennis in anything.
Colin plopped down on a cushiony pile of leaves and his brother nestled into the base of a tree trunk across from him. For a few long moments, they were silent, choosing to simply enjoy the feeling of crisp fall air on their flushed skin.
This forest, on the outskirts of their land, was their secret place. It was the place where he and his brother hid when Mummy wanted to give them medicine, or when he didn't want to take a bath. It was the magic grove where they could fight dragons and evil men and battle their way to a sure victory. It was the place where their grass-stained trousers became swirling robes and their grubby sweaters became velvet capes.
Colin blinked, startled by the acorn that Dennis had thrown at him. He looked over to see his brother still pouting and grinned.
Dennis saw his smile and frowned, his forehead crinkling. "I wish I were bigger than you. I'd crush you like a giant!" Dennis stretched out his arms and took a few lumbering steps to demonstrate. He turned towards Colin. "See?"
Colin laughed and jumped on top of his brother. The two grubby boys wrestled with each other on the golden leaf-strewn ground.
"You'll always be smaller than me." He ducked a wild punch and tackled his brother to the ground. "I'll always be bigger than you."
And then, he was tiny in death.
A/N: Hey guys! Colin's death made me really sad. Harry never saw his as more than "that little kid" but I feel like he must have grown up a lot during his 6th year. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed it! Fall is coming where I live, and that's where I drew a lot of the imagery. I'd like to thank Lela-of-Bast for a review that made my day. You rock! Reviewers really mean the world to me...and if that isn't enough, I offer virtual invisible cookies. :)
~Astra