Author's note: I got a review from magicgirl45852 and after a quick glance, I realized that I never did actually say what this was crossed over with. All I stated in the prologue was that it was a A Neon Genesis: Goddess Fic. I have been remiss in this and I apologize. (god I can't believe I used remiss in a sentence.)
Basically, this story is a crossover with another crossover. That story, called Neon Genesis: Goddess, is an Anime crossover of the Animes 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' and 'Ah! My Goddess'. Those of you with cable might have caught NG Evangelion as part of Cartoon Network's adult swim. Ah! My Goddess has only been released in the US on DVD. Both are also in Manga forms (comics for the uninformed).
For the record: Neon Genesis Evangelion originally aired in the mid nineties. Sadly I don't recall when the Manga began to be published.
Ah My Goddess was originally a five episode video release, then a movie in 2000, and in 2004 it finally became a TV series with two seasons so far. The Manga has been produced since around 1992 and is still being made.
My story, Neon Genesis Goddess, first began to be posted here in the fall of 2002.
Due to popular demand, I've written more in this series, and have added other Animes and other things.
Never knew it would become the monster it is today.
I would also like to mention that the character 'Cayla' was created to reward a rather persistent reviewer. ;) Thank you Anexsis!
Chapter 9
Pansy and Professor Kirishima walked side by side as they headed down towards the Hogsmeade train station. Walking just behind them were Dawn, Sayoko, and Cayla.
"You know the invitation still stands." The Professor said softly, "You don't have to stay here."
"I want to." Pansy replied. "It….as much as I would like to go with you, it'd hurt to much."
Kirishima nodded. "I understand. But what about the other Slytherins? Not all of them are going home. And I won't be here to scare them off."
"I'll get by."
"Pansy." Kirishima stopped walking and turned to face the Slytherin. "I don't want to see you hurt."
"You won't."
Kirishima dropped to her knee and looked up into Pansy's face. "You know I think of you as one of my own. Dawn and Yoko already think of you as a sister. We want you to be happy. We can stay if…."
Pansy shook her head. "No Mana. You already told them you were coming. Don't make them mad on my account."
"You matter to me Pansy." Kirishima said, "They would understand."
"I'll be fine."
"You'll be all alone in the dorm. No one to talk to."
"I still have Ginny and Harry."
"But they can't follow you into the Dorm. They won't be there if……." Kirishima's voice broke off. She looked back at the castle. She could see four people watching from a window in one of the towers. Suddenly her head snapped back to Pansy. "Come with me."
Kirishima led Pansy over to where McGonagall was watching the loading of the Hogwarts Express.
"Minerva!" Kirishima called out as she walked over.
"Yes Mana?" McGonagall asked.
"I have a huge favor to ask."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Think Parkinson is going with?" Ron murmured.
"She told the Professor she was going to stay." Ginny replied.
"That's what Kirishima told me as well."
"Bulstrude, Crabbe, and Goyle are still in the school." Hermione stated, "As well as another ten or so Slytherins."
"What about Greengrass?" Harry asked.
Hermione shook her head. "Going home."
Harry blinked.
"Pansy's going to be alone with that lot? And no Kirishima to back her up?" he shook his head. "She'll be hexed until unrecognizable."
"Sucks to be her."
"RONALD WEASLEY!" Ginny shouted, "You leave Pansy alone!"
Ron rolled his eyes.
"When the hell did we start worrying about Parkinson anyway?"
"This year." Ginny growled.
Ron started to reply but stopped when Hermione placed a hand on his arm.
"Let it go Ron." She said softly.
"Miss Granger? Miss Weasley?"
Everyone looked over to see McGonagall standing in the portrait hole.
"Can I see you two a moment?" the Headmistress asked.
The two girls quickly stood up and headed out of the portrait hole with the Professor.
"What you think that's all about?" Ron asked.
"Don't know." Harry replied. He looked back out the window to see the train steaming off into the distance.
Several minutes past and they were rejoined by Hermione. She sat down next to Ron and quickly moved as close to him as she could.
"What's the matter?" Ron asked.
"We're having a guest during the holiday break." Hermione murmured.
"A guest?" Harry asked, "Who?"
Hermione stared at Harry.
"Parkinson."
Ron's eyes bugged out.
"Here!?!? In Gryffindor?"
Hermione nodded.
"WHY THE BLOODY HELL IS A SLYTHERIN STAYING IN OUR DORM!?!?!?!?"
"Language Ron."
Ron closed his eyes and seemed to be struggling not to say anything.
"She's going to stay in Ginny's dorm room since none of her roommates are here."
"Professor McGonagall OKed this?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded. "Apparently Professor Kirishima asked Professor McGonagall if it would be alright while she was gone. Pansy was trying to talk her out of it, but when Ginny heard…….."
Harry nodded. "I get the idea. I suppose she's helping Parkinson move her stuff?"
Hermione nodded.
"She's a Slytherin!" Ron couldn't hold it anymore. "I mean, sure she isn't outright attacking us, yes she's been nice and all. But that's cuz she's an outcast from her house! Once she gets back with them it's all over! She's a Slytherin! They're all evil! Evil!"
Harry glanced at Hermione.
"How long you think this time?"
"Give him another five minutes or so." She replied, "Once he gets it out of his system he should be fine."
"Ginny and Pansy will be here soon though."
Hermione sighed.
"Ronald." She said softly, "I think I have ruined the finish on one of your chess pieces."
"How could McGonagall……" Ron stopped ranting and looked at Hermione wide eyed. "What?"
"The Queen." Hermione said, "She might have a chip."
"It….WHAT!!?!?!" Ron turned and quickly ran up the stairs to the boy's dorm.
"That was rather mean Hermione." Harry said.
"But timely." Hermione pointed to the portrait hole. Ginny was leading a nervous Pansy into the Gryffindor common room. The Slytherin kept looking around her for threats as she was now deep in the Lion's den.
"Hi Pansy." Harry called out from where he was sitting, causing her to jump.
"Umm…Hi." The Slytherin replied. She then gave a nod to Hermione before allowing Ginny to lead her up and into the girl's dorms.
As soon as the sound of the girl's dorm door closing reached them, the boy's dorm door opened. Ron came down the stairs with a frown on his face.
"I didn't see anything wrong with the chess pieces." He said.
"Oh." Hermione replied, "My mistake then."
Ron looked at Hermione curiously as he sat back down. Hermione fidgeted under Ron's gaze. Ron stared at his girlfriend a moment, then looked at his best friend. Harry was looking up at the ceiling, counting the cracks to make sure they were all there.
"What's going on here?" Ron asked.
"Say Hermione," Harry said, looking down from the ceiling, "You fancy a nice long walk?"
"Oh that's a wonderful idea Harry." Hermione said, looking up from her hands. "Ron how would you like to go for a nice long walk?"
"Parkinson's here isn't she?"
Hermione and Harry both sighed.
"Yes." They replied together. Ron glared at the two, but remained silent.
Minutes past, and they heard the door to the girl's dorm open, followed by soft voices and footsteps coming down the stairs. Ginny appeared, followed by Pansy. They headed directly towards the trio.
Ron immediately glared at Pansy, causing the Slytherin to hesitate. Ginny forced her to continue, and she soon found herself sitting on the couch between Harry and Ginny.
"So," Harry began, "Christmas in a few days….."
Ron stood up and walked away. The three remaining Gryffindors let out sighs.
"I'm sorry Pansy." Hermione said softly, "Ron is rather thick headed."
Pansy waved her hand in dismissal. "It's ok Granger. I was kind of expecting…….." Pansy blinked and stared at Hermione. "Did you just call me Pansy?"
Hermione nodded. "If that's ok with you of course."
Pansy sat back on the couch, a very peaceful look now on her face.
"Yeah, it's fine…….Hermione."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hermione lay in her bed that night, staring at the ceiling. She'd tried to fall asleep, but something was bothering her. Being the Head Girl, she had a dorm room all to herself, so she couldn't say that it was too noisy. Nor was the temperature too warm or too cold. The thought of Voldemort's upcoming attempt to summon a demon was bothersome, but wasn't her concern at the present. Even her thoughts on the 'Witch in Black' had been put aside this night.
What was bothering her was a Slytherin named Pansy Parkinson.
Until this past summer, if someone had asked Hermione about Pansy, she'd have said that the girl was pug faced, rotten, spiteful, vindictive, and evil. And this was just scratching the surface. She'd taunted and picked on Hermione since their first year.
All in all, she'd been the very ideal image of a stereotypical pureblooded Slytherin.
Until, Hermione reluctantly admitted, last year. Hermione rarely saw (or heard) the Slytherin outside of class. She wasn't sure why Pansy had left her alone, but she didn't look a gift horse in the mouth. But it was the event over the summer that Hermione felt had really affected Pansy.
The death of her parents.
Hermione dreaded the thought of losing her own parents, but in a way, through being friends with Harry, she could see how it had the loss of hers had affected Pansy.
Pansy had been very civil at Bill and Fluer's wedding, and in the chaos afterward at 12 Grimmuald place. Harry had even told her about Pansy's apology.
When Harry had brought Pansy to the Gryffindor table several weeks back, Hermione had been angry, but not as much had it been a year previously. Pansy was quite nervous sitting with them. Matter of fact, when any Gryffindor was near her, besides Harry and Ginny or course, she'd looked nervous and jumpy, probably wondering where the first hex would come from.
Hermione had talked to Pansy, but kept to class work only. At least until the day before the Yule Ball. By that point Pansy had been spending a lot of time around Harry and Ginny, and thus around her and Ron. She'd finally asked Pansy a question completely unrelated to class work.
She'd asked Pansy who she was going to the dance with.
The fact that Hermione had asked a non class work related question to the Slytherin had shocked the Gryffindor table, but none more then Pansy herself.
That one question broke the dam, and the two had actual conversations.
At the Ball, Hermione saw that the old Pansy was gone, in it's place was a girl who seemed very lost and alone. Much like a certain muggleborn had been in her first year at Hogwarts, until she was saved from a troll by her future best friends.
When McGonagall had asked if Pansy could stay in the Gryffindor dorms, Ginny had immediately said 'of course!'. Seeing the sad look on Pansy's face as she stood beside the Headmistress, Hermione had added her agreement as well. Pansy looked absolutely stunned that Hermione agreed. The Slytherin continued to stare in shock at Hermione as she was led back down to the dungeons by Ginny to get her stuff.
Hermione wasn't at all surprised by Ron's outburst. It just reaffirmed her decision to be nice to the girl. It was because of that decision that Hermione decided to call Pansy by her first name. Pansy hadn't noticed it at first. When she did, she was surprised. And then for the first time, Pansy had relaxed around Hermione.
A sudden cry caused Hermione to sit up.
At first she thought she was hearing things, but then she heard it again.
Hermione climbed out of bed and opened the door to her dorm. She silently padded barefoot over the cold stone floor towards the other dorms. As she past the Sixth Year dorms, she heard the sound of someone talking, as well as sobs.
Hermione entered that dorm to find Ginny sitting on the edge of Pansy's bed, holding the Slytherin in a comforting hug while the older girl cried her eyes out.
"What happened?" Hermione asked softly.
"Bad dream." Ginny replied, still holding onto Pansy. "She dreamed of her parents."
Hermione moved to the side of the bed opposite Ginny and gently placed a hand on Pansy's shoulder.
"It's ok Pansy." Hermione said, "You're with friends."
"…..don't……deserve……."
Hermione leaned closer to Pansy.
"What was that?"
"Don't deserve friends." Pansy murmured between sobs, "I've been a bitch to you all."
"Well," Hermione said, "Yes…. You have." Seeing the incredulous look on Ginny's face, she quickly added. "But we forgive you for it."
"Sure you do…." Pansy murmured.
"Well I wouldn't be sitting here if I didn't."
Pansy slowly turned her tear streaked face and looked at Hermione.
"I'm the one that's called you all sorts of names." Pansy said softly, "I've made your life miserable. How can you just forgive me like that?"
"Maybe it's a Gryffindor thing." Hermione said, "Maybe it's something else, I don't know. But I forgive you Pansy."
A small smile appeared on Pansy's face.
"Thank you."
Hermione smiled back, then a serious look appeared on her face.
"You want to talk about it?" she asked.
Pansy looked at her hands a moment.
Then she started speaking.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next morning Ron and Harry sat alone at the breakfast table. They and most of the students remaining behind for Christmas were all sitting together at the Ravenclaw table.
The others, all Slytherins, stayed at their own table.
Only three people were missing.
Those three, Hermione, Ginny, and Pansy, all arrived near the end of breakfast looking very tired.
"Why are you late?" Ron asked.
"We slept in." Hermione replied.
Harry frowned and looked closely at the girls. Dark circles under their eyes indicated they hadn't slept much the night before. Of the three, Pansy looked the worst. But there was something familiar about the way Ginny and Hermione looked. It clicked in his head within seconds.
"But Hermione," Ron was saying, "You never sleep in."
"Well I decided to this time Ronald!" Hermione snapped, causing Ginny and Pansy to wince.
Ron moved back from the table.
"Ok! Ok!" he said, "You can sleep in. Forget I said anything." He then realized that Pansy was there and frowned. He stood up and after saying a quick 'see you later' to Harry, Ginny, and Hermione, he left.
The three girls let out sighs. Harry looked at Pansy.
"Nightmares?" he asked.
Pansy blinked and stared at Harry.
"How did you….?"
"Hermione and Ginny looked like this a few times after I had a few visions." Harry replied, "I never really looked in a mirror, but you probably look and feel a lot like I did afterward." He offered a small smile. "Ron wasn't as much help to me as these two were."
Hermione and Ginny both smiled at the compliment.
"Of course Hermione would usually pester me afterward to talk to Dumbledore, or practice Occlumency, or to see Madam Pomfrey. She wouldn't take no for an answer. Got downright annoying."
Hermione's jaw dropped in shock while Ginny started to laugh. Pansy replied with a small smile.
Harry looked at Hermione who was giving him a positively evil glare.
"But she only did it because she cares for me." He stated, "Because that's what best friends do."
The glare vanished from Hermione's face. It now looked like she was about to burst into tears.
"Oh Harry…." She murmured.
"Oh brother." Ginny whispered to Pansy.
The two began snickering, much to Hermione's annoyment. All Harry could do was smile at his friends. He found himself surprised he was including Pansy in that category.
His only wish was that Ron would stop being pig-headed and join them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the next couple of days things remained rather strained in Gryffindor. Many of those that remained weren't exactly happy to have a Slytherin spending the holiday in their dorm, although they remained civil with Pansy, much to Harry and Ginny's relief. Hermione surprised the others in the House by spending time with the Slytherin. It worked out quite well considering Ron was avoiding Pansy like the plague. Harry and Hermione each traded off 'Pansy duty' for 'Ron duty'.
Ginny however thought her brother was being a complete ass and let everyone know it loudly and clearly. She remained with Pansy the entire time.
Then came Christmas morning.
"HARRY!!!"
Harry sat and looked around the blurry room.
"It's Christmas Harry!" the bouncing red topped blur stated before running out the door.
Harry let out a sigh and grabbed his glasses from his bed side before rising from his bed and walking out to the common room. Ron was already sitting before the tree, going through the pile trying to find his presents. Hermione and Pansy were both sitting on the couch, both looking as if they were about to fall asleep again. Ginny sat on the floor in front of the couch, her head lolled back against Pansy's leg, asleep.
Harry continued walking until he reached the couch, then sat down beside Pansy. Somehow in her sleep, Ginny realized her boyfriend was present, and shifted her head from Pansy's leg to Harry's. His response was to place his hand on her head and run his fingers through her hair. For a brief moment, he thought he could hear her purring. Or was that Crookshanks?
"What time is it?" Harry asked.
"Early." Pansy mumbled, "Very very early."
As if to punctuate the time, a rooster began to crow.
"The sun isn't even up?" Harry groaned.
"Technically it is now." Hermione muttered.
"I'm going to hex him."
"It's Christmas Harry."
"So I'll put a bow on my wand as I do it."
"Harry….."
"Send the bow along with the hex?"
"Harry."
"Alright Hermione, I won't hex your boyfriend."
Hermione smiled. "Good………"
Harry looked back to where Ron was busy stacking the presents.
"…….If any one will hex him I will."
Harry and Pansy both turned and stared at Hermione. The bushy haired girl turned and looked at them with a smirk.
"What?" she asked, "You think I haven't picked up anything from you lot?"
"Dear Merlin." Pansy murmured, "You've corrupted the bookworm!"
"I blame Ginny." Harry stated.
"Hmm? Wazzat?" Ginny murmured.
"Nothing Gin. Go back to sleep."
"Mmm K"
"Here Harry." Ron said as he dropped a pile of presents into Harry's lap. He put piles into Hermione's and Ginny's lap as well. He then hesitated a moment, before giving Pansy her presents as well.
"Thank you Weasley." Pansy said.
Ron only grunted in return.
Harry began to open his presents as did the others……..well, technically Ginny remained asleep and drooled on them.
As always, Ron had gotten Harry chocolate and candy from Honeydukes. Hagrid had sent him a carved figure of a dragon. Hermione had gotten him a book on dueling. Fred and George had sent him a box of their latest creations. Ginny had apparently found the time (and patience) to knit him a scarf. Remus and Tonks had gotten together to send him a wand arm holster. Pansy had even gotten him a present, a muggle book about an Egyptian Mummy coming alive by a curse. 'Mana suggested it.' Pansy had said.
And of course, there was this year's Weasley sweater waiting for him.
Hermione got much along the same lines, though Harry had gotten her a new day planner that would actually vibrate when an event was coming due.
Then Pansy let out a slight gasp.
Everyone looked over to see her opening a present that contained……….
A Weasley sweater in Slytherin colors.
"Mum made you a sweater?" Ron murmured as Pansy stared at the gift.
"I've been writing to Mum." Ginny said as she finally started to wake up. "I told her how we became friends and all."
Pansy clutched the sweater to her chest.
"Thank your Mum for me please." Pansy said softly, she then hid her face in the sweater.
Harry chuckled and looked off to the side.
A rectangular box was sitting beside him.
"What's this?" Harry asked.
"Eh?" Ron walked over and looked at it. "That wasn't there before."
"It's got your name on it Harry." Ginny said softly.
Harry took the box into his lap and opened it. Inside, he found a folded piece of parchment and a wand. The wand looked to be made of the same wood as his own, and also appeared to be the same length.
"A wand?" Ron asked.
"Who would send you a wand?" Ginny asked.
"Maybe George and Fred sent you a gag wand?" Hermione asked.
"Think it's cursed?" Pansy asked.
Harry reached in and carefully removed the parchment. He unfolded it and read it aloud.
Harry,
This wand will help you when you face your destiny. It will prevent priori incantatem. In addition, it should have an added 'kick' to it.
A friendEveryone stared at the wand.
"I don't know Harry……." Hermione began, "No one just gives you a wand."
"Hey!" both Weasley's shouted indignantly.
"Well it would work." Hermione explained, "But it still wasn't properly fitted to you." She looked back at Harry. "Besides, we have no idea who sent this!"
"Someone who knows the prophecy." Harry murmured.
"Eh?"
"Reread the note." Harry said, handing it off to the side as he looked down at the wand.
"…….'Help you when you face your destiny'?……" Pansy murmured.
Hermione and Ron both let out a gasp.
"Caught it this time." Harry said. "This person knows something that no one else other then us should know."
"Member of the Order then?" Ron said.
"I was thinking of Kirishima." Harry replied, "Remember, she was here with Dumbledore. And he knew the entire prophecy."
"Why would Mana just give you a wand though?" Pansy asked.
Harry shrugged and reached for the wand.
"No wait Harry!!!" Hermione shouted, but it was too late.
Harry held up the wand and gave it a swish. Red sparks came roaring out of the tip in a flash that briefly blinded them. When they faded, it took them all several minutes to get their vision back.
"Bloody hell Harry." Ron said.
For once, no one corrected him.
Harry just stared at the wand in his hand. It almost seemed to be throbbing with power.
"Brilliant." Harry murmured.
"More then brilliant Harry!" Ron shouted, "That things a fricken cannon!"
"Harry?" Ginny said softly.
"What it is Gin?"
"Your 'cannon' has scorched the ceiling."
Everyone looked up.
Right over them was a huge scorched spot. The paint had literally been burned away, revealing blackened stone.
"Maybe we should have Professor McGonagall look at the wand." Hermione said, "Just to be sure."
"That seems like a good idea.' Harry replied, looking at the ceiling and then at the wand.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After hurriedly getting dressed, the group of five marched out of the Gryffindor common room in their Weasley sweaters, and headed towards the Great Hall. Finding it still empty but for the Headmistress, they walked right up to Professor McGonagall.
"Professor?" Harry began, "I was given this for Christmas." He opened the box, revealing the wand.
McGonagall looked at it curiously.
"I wasn't aware you needed a replacement wand." She stated.
"I didn't." Harry replied, "According to the note that came with it, it comes from a friend."
"And you don't know who this friend is?" McGonagall asked.
"No Professor."
"I see." McGonagall took the box from Harry and placed it before her. She waved her own wand over it several times, muttering spells. After several minutes, she reached into the box and pulled out the wand. She gave it a quick flick of her wrist.
"No don't…." Harry began. He then stopped, and stared.
The others stared as well.
Nothing had happened.
McGonagall looked at the wand curiously.
"Are you sure the Weasley Twins didn't send you a trick wand perchance?"
"Professor." Hermione said, "When Harry flicked it earlier, he scorched the ceiling in the dorms."
McGonagall blinked and looked at Harry.
"Scorched the ceiling?"
"Yes Ma'am." Harry replied. The other students nodded.
McGonagall handed the wand to Harry.
"Show me."
Harry nervously took the wand. Once again, he felt the wand practically vibrating in his hand. He gave it a quick flick and, once again, all were blinded by the sparks that erupted from it's end.
McGonagall stared at the wand, blinking as her vision cleared. She then took the wand back from Harry and tried again.
Nothing.
"It seems Mister Potter," McGonagall said after a moment, "That this wand was created for you and you alone."
"How is that possible Professor?" Hermione asked.
McGonagall handed the wand to Harry.
"This wand seems to have been crafted with very powerful magic." She said, "If you wish, I will contact Bill Weasley. He might be able to examine this wand better then I."
Harry glanced at his two best friends. Both nodded. Harry then looked back at the Headmistress.
"Thank you Professor." Harry said, "I would appreciate that."
McGonagall smiled. She then looked up as other students began to enter.
"Now," she said, "I suggest you find your seats for breakfast."
"Yes Ma'am. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After breakfast, the group went outside and had a snowball fight. Afterward, Ron somehow convinced Harry to play him in a game of chess. Ginny and Pansy sat nearby, watching the two and cheered on Harry's pieces, much to Ron's annoyance. Hermione sat nearby, curled up in a chair with a book.
That evening the Great Hall was festively decorated for those who remained in the school. Only one large table remained in the room, and it was at this that all the teachers and students gathered. Everyone was having such a good time.
And then Harry felt such pain in his head, that his last thought before blacking out was that his skull must have been spilt in two.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Across the United Kingdom, Death Eaters struck.
Wizard's and Muggles alike felt the wraith of Lord Voldemort.
In several spots, the 'Witch in Black' appeared, slaying all those Death Eaters present. But she couldn't be everywhere.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lucious Malfoy chuckled behind his mask as several of the younger Death Eaters had fun with their muggle prisoners, a family, ripped from their home. Already the father lay dead on the ground. The children were screaming as their mother was put through repeated crucios.
Lucious smiled and started to raise his wand to cast the Dark Mark when he heard a new scream. He looked back to see the Death Eater that had been casting the crucio was now holding the stump of his wand arm. His scream was cut off a second later as the 'Witch in Black' plunged her sword deep into the man's chest.
Lucious immediately decided it was time to go. He apparated away to Malfoy Manor. Moments later two more pops were heard, followed by the sound of something wet splattering to the floor.
Lucious turned to see one lone Death Eater standing in the entry Hall. Beside him were the pieces of another Death Eater. It seemed he had been sliced apart just as he had apparated, and only remained intact long enough arrive.
This was all that remained of Lucious' group of eight Death Eaters.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Draco Malfoy stared in silence at the house before him with mixed emotions. On the one hand, he had dreamed of this moment for so long, and yet now that it had come, he was reluctant to carry out his task.
Not that he had a choice. He wasn't in charge of this attack. Two people were in charge here. One led the attack group of ten. The other remained out of sight. They would only come if they were required, otherwise all they would do is watch.
Draco walked up with the others towards the house, a muggle one. The name on the mailbox said it all.
Granger.
"COME ON OUT MUGGLE FILTH!!!" Rodolphus Lestrange called out.
Several lights came on, and Draco saw a face briefly appear in the window.
"Go and get them." Rodolphus growled.
Three Death Eaters immediately blew apart the front door and ran into the home. The sounds of fighting and screaming were soon heard. The three soon exited, two holding Mr. Granger, the remaining one Mrs. Granger.
"I have a little message for your mudblood daughter." Rodolphus said with a large grin, "See that she gets it. Crucio!"
Mr. Granger immediately fell to the ground, writhing and screaming in agony as pain shot through every nerve in his body.
Draco felt sick. He felt even sicker when Rodolphus turned to Mrs. Granger.
"In case I wasn't clear about it the first time. Crucio!"
Draco closed his eyes as Mrs. Granger's screams echoed into the night. They were joined again by Mr. Granger's as Alecto joined in the 'fun'.
Summoning all his courage, Draco finally decided the fun had to end. He lifted his wand and silently cast a spell.
Alecto's legs suddenly went out from under her. She screamed as she flew through the air and slammed hard into the side of the house. She then crumpled to the ground, unconscious. This caused Rodolphus to break the spell and looked around for the attacker. Draco looked around as well, blending in easily with the others present.
"Well?" he called out.
"There's nothing here." A Death Eater replied, "I see no one else."
Rodolphus looked off into the distance a moment. He then turned back to the Grangers laying at his feet moaning.
"It's time then to send the message." Rodolphus announced. He pointed his wand right at Mr. Granger's forehead. "Avada Ke…."
Draco blinked.
Even before he had his eyes fully open, Rodolphus' head was hurtling through the air, separated from his shoulders. Standing over the body was the 'Witch in Black'.
Several of the other Death Eaters present immediately began casting curses at her. She raised her hand, and a red shield appeared around her, sending the curses right back at their casters. Several dropped dead from their spells. Another had her head explode in a cloud of gore.
Suddenly the group of ten was down to four. This soon was brought down to simply Draco as the other three Death Eaters tried to fight the Witch in Black. One was cleaved in two by a swipe of the witch's sword, another had their head spilt down the middle. The last one was hit by a bolt of energy that shattered the Death Eater's pelvic area.
The Witch then turned towards Draco.
Draco started to raise his wand, but the Witch in Black was quicker. She sliced at Draco with her sword. His seeker instincts kicked in and he leaped backwards, fast enough to avoid bodily harm, but not fast enough to save his wand.
Draco stared a moment at the remaining bit of wand in his hands. A few sparks fell from the shattered core. He looked up to see the Witch in Black raising her sword to attack, when a voice shouted out.
"Expelliarmus!!"
The spell slammed into the Witch in Black, sending her flying into the side of the Granger home. Her sword flew into the opposite direction, landing safely into the hands of non other then
Bellatrix Lestrange.