Chapter Twelve Brother Against Brother
Justin was well-dressed for someone who had disappeared completely. Wearing a velvet black suit with green highlights, he stared at Crumbs with mild interest, "I know what you are."
Crumbs smiled easily, "And I know who you are."
Justin hissed angrily, "You know why I am here?"
"I suppose I do, and it has nothing to do with those posers Cragmont and Evilini who have been looking for you, right?"
Justin ominously shook his head slowly. The professor shifted uneasily, "You disappeared, partly out of your own desire to run from life, and partly out of respect for the lives around you. And if what I have heard is true… Justin… really? All alone?"
Justin looked down in shame, "I am so sorry." The young wizard grasped a set of glass balls setting on the desk, "I am so, so sorry."
He used the magic balls, dropping the mystical defenses around the perimeter. The defenses fell. Death eaters filled the castle.
"And what now, Justin?"
"That's not my name anymore."
"Of course not, you are someone of importance now, too important running to and from powerful wizards, in the ministry and in league with Voldemort, to check in on your family. Being detained by both sides, must have spun you about. But you can be free. Think of Alex!"
Justin was angry now, "Don't. You have no right to talk about family. And you know why!"
Crumbs bowed his head, "You could have stayed for her."
Justin's eyes flashed angrily. He raised his wand menacingly and pointed at his beloved teacher, the man who had taught him so much about the wonders of magic. Max had never seen Justin so angry; not ever. A flash of green light later and Crumbs lay on the floor.
The incantation erupted from his lips putting the Dark Mark under the sky. The message was clear; no matter where Harry Potter runs, death and destruction will surely follow.
Death Eaters burst in dragging Justin away. Max slowly reconstituted from his air form. The last of Crumb's power went into removing the curse. Crumbs gasped one last breath, and then faded into nothingness. It was beyond over.
The Headmaster was dead. Luna was running in the wrong direction and Justin, now a murderer, was around a group of psychopaths. Harry was in danger, and the Wizard World itself was falling apart.
And all Max could think was, "What do I tell Alex?"
