A loud ding echoed through the room and Charlie sat up, rubbing his eyes. The silver ID card on his bedside table dinged again, its faint glow illuminating the room in a soft light. With a yawn he pulled it closer and flipped it over, blinking at the words on the face of the small two-way mirror.
PERIMETER BREACH SECTORS 7 AND 9. ALL STAFF NEEDED AT THE DINING HALL IMMEDIATELY.
After scrambling to dress and grab his boots, Charlie rushed to the exit, then doubled back to grab his broom. His heart raced as he picked up his pace, running out of his tent and into the night. The walkways were packed, Keepers, Handlers, and Ministry officials rushing in every direction. Not wanting to be delayed by the crowd, he hopped onto his Cleansweep and flew over the din, landing on the small pavement in front of the dining hall.
"There you are, Weasley." Henry waved him over, opening a map of the sanctuary and placing it on the table. "Where's Brown?"
"Here, sir," Anita said, stepping to his side with a deep frown on her face.
Henry opened his mouth to speak but paused, pulling his ID card from his shirt pocket. "Ridgebit here."
Charlie heard Scrimgeour's gruff voice sound over the two-way mirror. "What kind of numbers do you need?"
Henry let out a curse. "The containment enchantments are failing by the second. Send everyone capable of shooting a stunner. If these dragons break free, there'll be hell to pay."
Charlie's foot tapped against the wood floor, tampering down the urge to be done with the procedural bullshit and get on with it. He was worried about his dragons. Dani was still recovering from her recent surgery after eating poisoned meat and though they'd cleared her for access to her hatchlings, she wasn't at top form.
"I cannot transfer our forces at a moment's notice, Ridgebit," Scrimgeour drawled. "We're in the midst of a war of our own."
Henry's fist shook and he let out a long breath. "Send me whomever you can spare."
The connection ended and Henry gripped the edge of the table with one hand and dragged his finger across the map with the other. "I hate to say that I'm splitting up teams, but this breach is too big for us to handle with our numbers. Weasley, take sector seven. Julienson, you'll be on sector nine. Jones, your team is needed on eight in case things go south. Barney, take the trainees to sector six. The rest of you are on perimeter patrol. Nothing leaves the reserve. I can't risk a dragon escaping and I refuse to lose one to You Know Who's ilk. Stay on your toes."
"All right then!" Barney shouted. "Reports are due every five minutes and ID trackers are set. If you don't report in, we'll find you, but you best hope you're injured or dead. I will not tolerate any Keeper or Handler that goes against protocol."
Matty stood from the back of the room. "I'll direct the Ministry aids and Curse Breakers to where they're most needed."
A whistle sounded from outside and he turned to see a group of goblins delegating orders to the teams of Curse Breakers; Bill at the front of the line. He met his brother's troubled eyes for a brief second before turning back to Barney.
"If you find someone out of bounds, it's your duty to check IDs and make sure they're supposed to be here," Barney said, meeting their eyes. "Stay safe and protect our dragons."
"Come on now, let's gather our team and go face whatever this is," Anita said, placing a large hand on his shoulder.
Charlie nodded, holding his broom stiffly at his side. Jaw clenched and adrenaline rushing through him, he walked out to meet the gaze of those that waited for him. "Walters, Barnes, Muller, Vulpe, you're with me. Sector seven. Don't break ranks."
Ignoring the other team leaders call out for their squads, Charlie mounted his broom and took off into the sky. The cool air beat against his face and he leaned forward, gaining every bit of speed as the Cleansweep would allow.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the enclosure designated for the Horntails. There were ten in total under their protection. Three females, three males, and Dani's four hatchlings. While the former was his biggest concern, protocol had to be followed.
Dismounting his broom, Charlie walked up to the small pillar at the edge of the protective enchantments and held out his ID card and wand, letting the spells recognize him and allow him entry. His squad followed suit.
They'd barely stepped foot into the main enclosure when the whistle of brooms drew their attention. Charlie paused, turning to see Matty and Bill dismount their brooms and hold out their ID cards.
Bill stepped in, looking up at the dome as though he could see the spells woven there. "We've got ten, maybe fifteen minutes before the enchantments fade."
"It's going to take longer than that to check on the dragons," Charlie replied, his grip on his broom tightening.
"Hurry," Bill said, bending down to open the leather satchel at his side. "I'll do my best to start a temporary repair, but I'm going to need a full team to get it right."
"Give me all the time you can," Charlie said, mounting his broom once more.
Without further delay, they were off, flying toward the section of the Horntails' range that held Zizi and Uros.
"All looks well!" Muller called over his shoulder.
"Keep flying!" Charlie shouted back, diving closer to the peak of the mountain and turning to Zorán and Ilona's range.
As before, the two dragons were whole and hearty, sleeping deep in their dens. Nothing seemed out of place until they reached Dani's range. Trepidation ran through him at the smell of burning grass and charred meat.
"This is it!" Charlie called out. "Stay together! Eyes and ears open!"
They dove to the edge of the boundary line, landing quickly at the place nearest the breach in the enchantments. Magic crackled through the air, the spells desperately hanging on.
That was the least of their worries.
Dani stomped back and forth in front of her den, turning and chiding her young as they tried to venture out. Exhausted and stumbling every few steps, she continued forward, refusing to go down without a fight. Leaning forward, she let out a warning roar.
His heart clenched for the old girl. A quick count showed that her young were unharmed. It was Dani who was in trouble. Any more provocation and she would attack.
"Don't agitate her!" He ordered his crew. "Muller, Vulpe, hover here to keep an eye on her. Any sign of her charging or taking flight, you get straight back to us! You got that?"
Vulpe saluted him, a smirk on his face as he pulled higher into the air. Charlie took in a deep breath and flew out of range, hoping that he'd made the right call.
"We've got bodies on the ground," Anita said, moving closer to point out the charred expanse on the mountainside. "Three or four?"
Charlie angled his broom downward, pointing the beam of light from his wand toward the ground. "Two bodies. Both ripped in half."
Charlie glanced over his shoulder, seeing that Dani's hatchlings were still near their den, then looked back to the blackened earth. There were over forty people on this side of the range. All of them were tasked with keeping the outer perimeter sealed. They didn't have access to the enclosure, and even if they did, they were well trained and smart enough not to go inside.
"Some of ours?" Anita asked in a near whisper.
"They know better," he said, gesturing for the others to keep watch while they landed.
The heels of his boots hit the hard ground and Charlie moved closer, leaning toward the burnt husk. Unrecognizable. His heart fell further into his stomach, but there wasn't time to do a proper search. A lonely howl split the air and Dani let out an answering cry, the sound sending gooseflesh crawling up his arms.
"Walter, Barnes, get the bodies wrapped and head back towards the safe zone," Anita said before turning to Charlie. "Looks like a wrap here."
"I'd like to get a closer look at Dani and the little ones," Charlie replied, the unease growing stronger as the moments ticked by.
His pocket heated up and he pulled out the card, seeing Henry's face in the mirror. It'd been less than three minutes since his last report, so the call was worrisome.
Charlie activated it quickly. "Weasley here, sir."
"Report!" Henry barked out, his eyes wild.
"We have unknown bodies in Dani's enclosure. The dragons are safe, but the containment enchantments are weak."
"Good job, old girl," Henry said under his breath. "We've had another breach at sectors two and four. We're overrun."
"I'll be at sector two in ten minutes." Charlie ended the call, turning to Anita. "Check on Dani and then get our people out of here."
"I'm not leaving you alone," Anita argured, jaw clenched.
"That's an order, Brown," Charlie chided.
Anita nodded harshly, flying into the moonlit sky. Charlie mounted his broom, taking off in the opposite direction. Sector two. Norberta. Adrenaline flooded his system and he ground his teeth together, pushing the Cleansweep to its limits, but asking for more.
A dark form appeared in the distance, darting into the shadows before he could make out what it was. Too small to be a dragon. Too big to be a stray ox. He was so distracted by the sight that he miscalculated his landing. He braked hard, bracing for impact. Only he was met with nothing.
No enchantments to keep the dragon contained.
"Shit!" Charlie bit out, hoping the perimeter spells would hold until the rest of the Curse Breakers arrived.
The blood drained from his face. On his right were a dozen dark cloaked figures, rushing into the enclosure. On his left, a very angry dragon.
In the distance, he saw the wandlights of his fellow Keepers, flying in to back him up, but that meant waiting those few precious moments that could cost Norberta her life.
Mum knew the job was risky and if this was it, what more was there to say. "Fuck it."
Charlie pointed at the nearest dark figure and cast a stunning charm, the red flash shining off the icy ground below. Spells flew in his direction, but he ducked, dodging the first and barrel rolling to avoid the second. Turning to evade the other spells, he spotted a huge form emerging from the shadows, running at full speed towards the dark cloaked figures.
"Expulso!" Charlie yelled, hoping to stop the newest threat from reaching his dragon.
The ground in front of the creature exploded, but it was unhindered, not even pausing as it angled its head up toward him. Another shouted spell hit its mark, knocking the beast sideways. It stumbled and turned, long white teeth gleaming orange in the firelight.
"Oh, fuck me!"
A snarl ripped from its throat and Charlie pulled his broom higher. It was a wolf! A massive fucking wolf!
With a corkscrew turn, he barreled back toward the ground, watching as Norberta took in another deep breath, ready to incinerate her foes. The flames rolled through the air like an orange tidal wave. Charlie flinched, darting out of its path.
Wand raised, he cast another blasting hex at the Death Eaters. The blast hit true, sending the ones at the front flying into the air.
Norberta stomped forward, letting out another spray of fire. The wolf tilted its head down as it caught up to the group. Shouts sounded from below and Charlie could only watch in shock as the wolf grabbed the nearest Death Eater by the neck. A loud crunch echoed through the night. The wolf shook its head quickly, the body falling to the ground seconds before the head rolled away. Spellfire followed as the cloaked figures scrambled backwards as fast as they could, not knowing which way to turn.
The wolf bounded around them, trapping the intruders between itself and Norberta. Quick as a cobra, the wolf lunged forward, grabbing a masked person by the arm and slinging them straight at the dragon's feet.
Friend not foe, he thought, watching as the wolf paced forward again, its lips curled back in a sadistic grin.
Morbid as it sounded, this new ally bolstered his spirits. Ducking against the handle of his broom, he charged forward again, casting stunners at the cloaked figures.
"That you, Weasley?" Barney yelled over the din.
Charlie looked up. "Barney, get your crew to target the intruders! Don't hit the wolf. It's on our side."
Barney called back the orders, braking to stop next to him. "On our side, eh?"
Charlie grimaced as the wolf took two curses to the side, but it lunged forward, mouth gaping as it tore into the nearest Death Eater, painting the snow an eerie red. Bile lodged in his throat at the sight of the remains littering the ground below, but he didn't stop his casting.
Norberta continued her assault, driving the attackers back until they were pinned between her and the wolf. With nowhere to go, the survivors huddled into a circle, wands held high and casting shield charms as fast as they could. Norberta stalked forward, taking in a breath. The wolf craned its head in the air and let out another ear splitting howl. Norberta angled her head down, seeing that the intruders were in some kind of trance, and took in another deep breath.
"Stun her!" Barney yelled. "Now!"
A barrage of red light assaulted the underbelly of the dragon and she stumbled limply, falling to the ground. It was a shame, Charlie thought, After the damage they'd caused, they deserved nothing less.
"Stunners on the intruders!" Charlie called out.
Another barrage of spells flew out and the people below fell one by one until only the wolf stood. He landed quickly, rushing toward the fallen men. A low growl emanated from the beast and it took a step back, turning and bounding away, leaving only large pawprints in the snow as evidence of its presence.
A few minutes passed while they bound the survivors and gathered the dead. Charlie took the opportunity to check on Norberta, knowing that she would wake around sunrise when the stunners wore off.
Walking back to the rest, he spotted a lone figure, grievously injured and trying to crawl away from the scene.
"Incarcerous," Charlie said, subduing the last Death Eaters before looking up at Barney. "Time to report."
Barney pulled out his ID card, tapping it with his wand. "Ridgebit, Barney here."
"It's Alyse," the small woman's voice sounded over the mirror call. "Ridgebit is in the field. Carry on with your report, Barney."
"I've got Weasley and my crew with me. We've got four intruders detained and a mess of bodies in sector two. We're a little cut up but fine. The Ridgebacks are safe as well, but their enclosure has no protective charms. We need a full team ASAP."
"They have the same issue in sector three right now," Alyse said quickly. "The DEs even have a wolf! A fucking wolf!"
"It's on our side," Barney said in a single breath. "Spread the word. That bastard took out seven of these fucks on its own."
"Our side," Alyse said breathlessly into the mirror. "I'll put out an alert. If you're done there, we need help in sectors three and four. The next wave of Curse Breakers are here and ready to start recasting the containment enchantments."
"I'm sending two of mine back with these arseholes." Barney looked down at the four stunned men. "Keep them with you, Alyse."
"I-" Alyse's voice was cut off by shouts and screams.
Charlie met Barney's eyes.
"They're here," Alyse paused, eyes wild. "Godspeed."
The mirror call ended and Charlie jerked his face up, meeting Barney's eyes. "You're in command, sir."
"Leave Norberta," Barney said to his crew. "Weasley, let's go help in sector three."
"Our homes!" Wellington cried, her eyes wide. "Our families are there. We have to go back!"
"Our job and duty is to the dragons," Charlie said without hesitation. "Now mount up, it's time to go."
Wellington hesitated for a moment before hopping on her broom. Charlie swallowed hard, hoping it wasn't a mistake to keep them out in the field. But there wasn't time to second guess his choice. Sector three was burning.
"Help!" A familiar voice called out from the bamboo grove. "Please!"
Charlie dove toward the top of the stalks, braking quickly and holding out a hand. "Hand over your ID card, Phillips."
"I can't let go!" Phillips said, tears in her eyes. "Please. Don't let me fall!"
Mei let out a shriek in the distance, another swath of flames painting the dark enclosure with orange light. Charlie made a gut call.
"Stupefy," he said before she could respond, lurching forward to catch her.
"What the hell, Weasley!" one of Barney's trainees yelled.
Charlie clenched his jaw, ignoring the blatant insubordination as he handed 'Phillips' over to Stanley. "Phillips knows protocol."
Barney turned to his trainee. "No ID. She's treated as a threat until proven otherwise. Best you remember that."
"We don't have time for this shit," Charlie muttered under his breath, waving a few of Barney's crew forward. "Take to the ridge, stay on the high ground until we call you back. Are you with me, Barney?"
"Mei's not happy, we best be in top form," Barney replied, letting out a sigh as he leaned forward on his broom.
Together they took off towards the cacophony of spellfire.
The two Fireballs were spread out, each fighting their own team of wizards. It was a shitshow considering that the Death Eaters didn't have years of training to combat the large dragons.
Casting a tripping jinx, Charlie barrel-rolled, a green flash of light in his peripheral vision. With Barney watching his back, he dove down towards the fray, casting and hexing his way through them.
"Protego!" Charlie shouted, stopping a yellow curse from hitting Barney in the back.
The Death Eater below smirked, running towards the boundary line. Charlie looked to the ongoing fight, then back at the retreating Death Eater. Before he could choose, the black wolf darted out of the treeline, grabbing the person by the middle and shaking its head until its prey was dead. Glowing green eyes met his for the briefest second, rendering him frozen to the spot.
The wolf looked away and Charlie snapped out of the trance before he collided with the ground. Turning, he followed the wolf into battle, his arms ached, muscles burning from holding both broom and wand aloft for so long. Shoving down the fatigue, he continued to fight.
With the wolf flanking the Death Eater ranks, they barreled through the intruders and avoided dragon fire. A golden sphere surrounded the intruders, protecting them from spellfire. Without thinking, Charlie landed next to Barney, casting everything he could to break the shield. His blasting hex bounced off the glassy surface, hitting the wolf in its side. The beast stumbled turning and snarling in his direction.
Holding up his hands in a sign of apology, he backed away. At the same time, Barney's trainees let off a barrage of spells, some barely missing their target and a few actually hitting. The wolf shook its head, letting out a yelp of pain, but didn't back down.
"Call them off!" Charlie shouted to Barney.
One of the dragons charged forward, aiming for the golden shield that protected the remaining Death Eaters. Mouth gaping and long white fangs outstretched, the Fireball attacked the shield, shattering it completely.
Charlie lifted his wand to cast a spell, feeling his left side heat up. He turned in time to see Mei, head back, followed by a bright glow. Something blocked him from the light and his head slung to the side, a stinging pain emanating from his nose and cheek.
It happened so fast that he didn't register that he was on the ground some twenty feet away until a grizzled face came into view.
"Bollocks!" Barney cried out, grabbing Charlie by the shoulder. "Move, boy! Now!"
Scrambling to his feet, he ran, stumbling while his head spun. The second wave of adrenaline hit and he grabbed his broom from Barney's hand, hopping on and following him into the sky.
"What do we do?" Charlie asked in a hoarse cry, blinking to right his vision.
"Get to the trainees and report back," Barney said through clenched teeth. "Xiaoman crushed the Death Eaters. We're done here."
Eyes still blurring he cast a Tempus spell. "We're late for our report."
"Wellington better be on that." Barney held tighter to his broom, sweat beading on his forehead.
Charlie took the moment to look back, a sickening feeling washing over him as the Fireballs feasted on their fresh kills. The snapping of jaws and clashing of teeth echoed through the silence.
His landing wasn't pretty, but he managed to keep his feet under him, the side of his face tingling while warmth burned through it. Shaking his head, he looked to the group of trainees that rushed toward them.
"We have to get back to headquarters now," Wellington said quickly.
Barney pulled out his ID card and tapped the surface. "Number 296 calling in. I need order confirmation, Alyse."
"Henry here," the tired and dirty face of Charlie's mentor appeared. "Are you well?"
Barney turned to Charlie and back to the mirror. "Beat up, but alive. What are our orders?"
"Get back to camp at once," Henry said, rubbing at his eyes. "We're contained in all sectors. No escapes."
"How bad?" Barney asked in a near whisper.
"Get back to camp," Henry said, ending the call.
A cold sensation washed over him, but Charlie mounted his broom and took off, turning to check on the dragons one last time. Though the bamboo forest was awash with flames, he knew they'd be all right. The fire would die out and the dragons would go back to their dens with full bellies.
A pained howl echoed in the distance, causing him to grimace and setting off a stinging pain that crossed his face.
"Godspeed, friend!" Henry called over his shoulder.
The cool air met with the fresh wound stretching across his cheek, itching and burning in the humid air. They flew past the boundary lines and braked quickly. Fire burned in all directions. The tents, the checkpoints, nothing was left unscathed.
"What the hell happened back there?" Charlie asked loudly, trying to hold himself steady.
"You got donkey kicked in the face," Henry said.
"I thought it was going to kill me."
"That wolf saved your hide." Henry shot a dark look his way. "Better to have a small scratch than lose your life."
Charlie nodded and cast a quick Bubblehead charm over himself, a temporary relief from the smoke and ash. All it accomplished was to give him a few minutes of fresh air at a time while simultaneously obscuring his vision.
They flew for kilometers without seeing another soul. Only fire and devastation at each outpost. Their orders were clear. There was no time for search and rescue.
None of it really sunk in until he heard Wellington gasp. Rounding the peak of the mountain, he saw flames leaping into the sky. The village below headquarters, his home for the past five years, was gone.
With a heavy heart he landed in front of the main office doors. Leaning his broom against the wall, wand held tight in his hand, Charlie rushed toward the path, ready to do what he could to help.
A large hand stopped him and he spun around, jerking free of the hold. "What the hell, Anita?"
"It's cursed fire. We can't do anything until it burns itself out. And you need a mediwitch. What the hell happened out there?"
Charlie looked out at the sea of burning tents. "We can't just stand back and do nothing!"
"We have everyone imaginable here to help, but we're in no shape to do so," Anita said, meeting his eyes.
He checked her over, finding her arm in a sling and a nasty cut on her leg. "Are you-"
"Bran again," Anita said with a roll of her eyes. "Hit me with his tail when I was trying to get him in his crate."
"Bald and maimed," Charlie said, swallowing down the bile. "I think he's got it in for you."
"Yeah," Anita said in a low whisper.
Together they walked to the top of the hill, standing with the other Keepers as they watched their haven be destroyed.
There was a small pub on the right, now a pile of beams and rubble. The library on the left, a smouldering ruin. His tent was out of sight, but he knew it fared no better than the rest. Disintegrated into nothing more than a pile of ash.
"How many have we lost?" Charlie asked the more important question.
"Fifteen that we know of," Anita said quietly, dragging him toward the dining hall. "Sixteen if you count Phillips."
Charlie stopped dead in his tracks. "I sent her back with Barney's team."
"That wasn't Phillips," Anita said under her breath, skirting past a group of Ministry officials.
Charlie blinked quickly, the spots in his eyes becoming more pronounced. Protocol was to be followed. No speculation was accepted until they completed a proper review.
"Charlie!"
"Bill," he whispered, not caring when his brother pulled him into a quick one armed-hug.
"Are you okay?" Bill asked, leaning in slightly to look into his eyes, brow furrowed.
Charlie blinked again to focus but was distracted by a wave of screams in the distance. Bill pulled away, rushing towards the sound, and Charlie followed.
It was the school. The small stone building sat on the hill, halfway between headquarters and the village below.
"I sent the uninjured people there!" Bill shouted, running at a pace Charlie had trouble matching.
Flames licking at the edges of the building, those who sought refuge inside were trapped. A dozen people stood outside, casting whatever they could at the building, hoping to quench the fire.
Bill ran through the flames, shielding his face and grabbing the door handle. Charlie was at his side, tugging furiously.
"Fucking hell!" Bill lurched back, shaking his burned hands.
Charlie's gloves protected him from the intense heat, but he didn't have the strength to pull the doors open. "It's spelled shut!"
"Alohomora!" Bill cast, darting to the side as a fiery face leapt toward him. "Charlie, get out of there!"
The flames licked at his side, but he was unwilling to leave. The cries from within the building spurring him on. And he wasn't alone in his fight. While some tried to fruitlessly douse the flames, others were trying to find a way in.
"Back up!" Bill cried out.
Charlie moved at once, dragging Anita and Wellington to the side.
"Bombarda Maxima!"
The side of the building exploded and Charlie's eardrums burst at the sound. A scream pierced the air and a child ran out of the school, launching herself into his arms. He caught her, passing her to Anita before hauling himself into the opening to help the others.
One by one they were led out, the building around them glowing as Bill and four other Curse Breakers worked on keeping the ceiling from collapsing on their heads.
"Is that everyone?" Anita asked, turning to him.
"Yes," a woman said in a high voice, toddling forward with her hood obscuring her face. "We're so lucky you were able to get in."
Charlie frowned, eyes narrowing. "Where are you from?"
The person stood at their full height, silver mask gleaming orange in the firelight. "Expulso!"
The wood at his feet splintered.
"Protego!" He cast, ducking down to avoid the blast.
"Serpensortia!"
A pit viper landed in the rubble between them, hissing and slithering forward.
"Evanesco!" Charlie said under his breath, watching as the snake disappeared.
"Crucio!"
Anita collapsed to the floor, a pained cry escaping her lips.
"Stupefy!" Charlie cast at the Death Eater.
A hasty shield stopped his spell, but Anita's screams stopped, giving him the chance to move between her and their attacker.
"What the hell, Weasley?" Wellington called from outside. "Get out of there!"
The masked man was closer to the hole in the building.
"Incarcerous!" Charlie yelled.
His spell was blocked. "You're weak, Weasley."
A shrill scream echoed from the camp and the man in front of him froze for the briefest of moments, keeping his shield up. Before Charlie could move, the man dove out of the building.
"Stupefy!" Charlie called out.
The man snarled, turning around to face him. "Avada Kedavra!"
Charlie darted behind the damaged wall.
"Wells!" Henry yelled from outside.
"No!" Another voice cried.
Without hesitating, he aimed at the masked man. "Stupefy!"
The red light of his spell flew through the air, colliding with a black mass that darted into its path. The Death Eater froze, hands falling to his sides as the wolf knocked him to the ground. The wolf shook its head, in a daze from Charlie's spell. A large black paw landed on the man's chest, fangs bared and stained red the wolf stared down its prey. The silver mask had fallen off at the impact revealing the face of one Lucius Malfoy.
Charlie pulled Anita to her feet, feeling her tremble in his grasp as they walked out of the rubble. A crowd of rescuers had formed around the building. Keepers, Ministry officials - Romanian and British, handlers, and dozens of other unfamiliar faces.
His blood froze as he watched Vulpe and Muller carry Wellington's body away from the scene. In an effort to help, she'd taken the spell that was meant for him.
"You okay there, Brown?" Henry moved forward, face ashen.
"All right, sir," Anita said, turning to the wolf. "What do we do? Stun it?"
"Stunners won't work," Charlie whispered, knowing his own had no effect.
Still reeling from his concussion, Charlie blinked, watching as the large wolf transformed into a tall figure. "What the fucking hell?"
A blue light washed over the area and Malfoy was petrified, pale glassy eyes staring up at the Dark Mark floating in the sky above where Mary stood.
"I didn't think you'd show up, Mary." A tall man stepped out of the crowd, pulling his hood back.
"Give me a break, Tom." Mary spat on the ground.
"Avada Kedavra!"
Charlie took a step forward, watching the green light race toward her, but a hand on his shoulder held him back. A chill crawled up his spine as Mary's corresponding red spell met green, casting a dome of golden light over the two.
A burning ball of magic lingered between them.
"Priori Incantatem," Bill whispered, holding tight to Charlie's shoulders.
To their shock, Voldemort smirked, pushing back against the spell. "You won't win, Mary."
"I know." Mary held her ground, taking a step forward to anchor her feet. "But they will."
Voldemort slashed through the air with his hand, the blast of air sending Mary flying backwards. With the golden light shimmering into nothing, Voldemort Apparated away.
"MJ!" Bill cried out, launching himself past the crowd and scrambling to her side. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine." Mary stood, wiping her hands on her charred robes before looking up to meet Charlie's eyes. "You okay?"
Charlie nodded, his head spinning and barely able to hold himself upright. "You're an Animagus? Since when?"
Mary lifted her hands and gestured to the burning buildings, blood dripping from her chin and fingertips. "I think we have more important things to worry about."
"Neither one of you should be out here," Bill said, reaching for Mary's hand and turning to Charlie. "Come on, let's get to the mediwizard tent."
"I have work to do," Mary sidestepped around his arm. "This fire won't stop itself."
"You're hurt," Bill said, brushing the blood and gore soaked hair from her face.
There was no light in those green eyes, only flames reflecting in a way that made them glow red. A shudder ran through him at the sight and Charlie quickly looked away. Too quickly. A weightless feeling washed over him, his feet shuffling to stay beneath him. Bill's arm went around his shoulder, holding him steady and pulling him back up the hill.
Vision blurring with white and black spots, Charlie trudged alongside his brother, watching numbly as the bodies were pulled from the wreckage and lined up on the edge of the pavement. His home had been destroyed, his second family attacked and hurt.
"Fucking hell," Anita whispered, moving to his side while her gaze was focused over his shoulder.
Charlie turned, blinking as the fiery chimaera drew closer, mouth gaping as it stopped dead in front of Mary. "What do we do?"
The question left his lips and he took a step forward, eyes wide as Mary reached out as though she was going to touch the conjured beast. Screams echoed through the night as the heat grew around them to an overwhelming level. Mary didn't falter, locked in a battle of wills as she stood her ground, fighting against You-Know-Who's magic. Without so much as a whispered word or a single spell, the fire disappeared, leaving only a charred wasteland in its wake. Mary turned, head high and shoulders back as she walked up the hill, ignoring the stares and gasps of the crowd.
"Let's get you patched up so we can do another check on the dragons," Anita said, gripping his shoulder.
With Bill on his left and Anita on his right, Charlie trudged up the path, following them into the makeshift hospital outside of Headquarters. It was ironic in a way that it ended where it started. How two short hours could turn his life upside down.
Charlie sat on the nearest cot, fighting back the urge to cast the healing charms himself so he could go help the others, but one look at Anita's stern face told him that he better stay put. Her hands trembled from aftereffects of the Unforgivable, the bandages on her leg stained red from over exertion and being tossed around by Malfoy. If he left, she would want to go too.
"You okay here for a minute?" Bill asked, looking at the cot across from them where Mary sat, listening carefully while the mediwitch taught her the wand movement for a healing spell.
"Make sure she's okay," Charlie said quietly, knowing his hex had probably broken a few ribs.
"Alright there, MJ?" Bill asked, eyes wide as the sound of bones grinding together grew louder. "You took a pretty big hit."
"I'm fine." Mary grimaced, a disgusted look on her face. "I've just got Death Eater in my teeth."
A/N: Thank you so much for reading! Your reviews make my day.
And a huge shout out to my beta; Nauze, for combing over this and fixing all of my mistakes.
I've gotta send out mad love to the Yeehaw gang for their love and support. If you haven't already, please check out Early Secrets by CleverBrainer, Shut up, Black by PatriceAvril and Touched by the Arcane by Lisbeth00.
And last but certainly not least, to The Prime Cronos for suggesting the Doom Soundtrack for this chapter. It worked perfectly. :)