The World Cup: Battle of Dartmoor

To say their plan didn't go according to plan was an understatement. Once they had gotten there they were already caught in a crossfire between Dolohov's forces and the Ministry's. For a second, or even a minute, his mind went blank. What the hell was he supposed to do? Seeing how everything had literally gone into flames made him question if the mission was a success or if they had lost from the start.

It was only when three large explosions simultaneously blew up all around them that his mind snapped back to that of a Death Eater, not just any Death Eater, but one that had lived and seen through the thick of it all. At that moment he had only one thing in mind. Get his brothers and sisters to safety before confronting what was in front of them and not that of the one behind closed doors. Sometimes it was better to open the door instead of going through one that was already open.

"This way!" he quickly ushered his team towards a nearby treeline that was heavy with foliage. It was the ideal hiding spot, for now, seeing as the trees and bushes were vast and large enough to provide some sort of cover. It wasn't only a few minutes until they got there that the whole event had escalated to yet another level. This led to his next question.

How long had Dolohov and his men been in conflict? He took this opportunity to speed through the questions rapidly flying around his head. They were hidden, but the cover wouldn't last and eventually, they would be forced to join the fray or get blasted by accident. He could see a few traces of battle judging from the carnage that wrecked half the area the two groups were in. The tents were ablaze in harsh fiery infernos, no doubt from high-level fire charms like fiendfyre; or just from Incendio, the spell was old and basic but it was still strong. Although today it's a very different topic, the Ministry did its best not to reveal anything but some people knew - especially them - that new spells were being created.

By now more people were aware of what was happening. The only thing present in the night sky were the screams, shouts, and cries of agony of a mother, a husband, a wife, one's brother, their sister - family - from those around them. Death Eaters and Aurors spouting their spells at each other; innocent wizards and witches trying to flee, with some harboring children of their own. This wasn't right, it wasn't supposed to go like this but what was done was done. While some people did run away, there were those who stayed. He saw them, the others saw them; they were either Aurors, Ministry workers, or just civilian wizards in general.

The silence that once weaved itself around the community of Quidditch fans was now gone. What was left were the shouts of curses and spells. Great Hades, this situation was beyond control; they only had two options, but in actuality, it was only one... His gaze drifted to the ground. At least a dozen bodies were on the floor; some belonged to the Ministry while the others… he could see a few of Dolohov's men mixed with the Aurors on the floor; some were squirming around while others were as still as a statue.

It was only then and there that he lost it. "No, no no NO! What the hell happened?! Fuck!" he yelled in outrage. If it wasn't loud enough then it just goes to show how fucked up the whole situation was. "Gods dammit!" he furiously rubbed his face with the palm of his hands. This was way off the chart. They were only supposed to go in and take out three of the Lower members of the Department of Magical Games. Of course, they had to get past the guards and other Ministry officials but it wasn't something they couldn't do.

Before he could unleash another scream that he was trying to withhold, a resounding smack shook the silence. For a split second all noise dissipated right in front of him as he stared blankly at the person who had the guts to slap him, his mind at a loss for words. A second later the echoes of the raging flames and shouts slowly trickled back in. It was only then that his eyes focused on the perpetrator. Instantly he knew who they were since they hadn't donned their mask.

"Oscar, you gotta get a hold of yourself man," Roland whispered loudly. The other party members nodded in agreement so he took a deep breath before reassessing the situation.

He took the advice in stride as he quickly resumed control. Unbeknownst to those around him he was still shaking. His digits that were tightly coiled around his wand were trembling with each breath he took. "First off I need Wasp, Ale, and Carrow to secure the perimeter. I want you guys to make sure there's no third-party intruding upon the area and yes I am aware that there are civilians in the mix. I-we, can't have any more innocent civilians getting involved, but… if the situation presents itself in a way, you know what to do," he cringed slightly at the command. It wasn't one he was fond of giving, hell it felt like his saliva tasted like toad warts.

"Loud and clear," the yellow masked Eater saluted.

He stopped them from leaving after another piece of his brain snapped back. "I want you to send a signal as well. Something the enemies won't recognize, and Wasp, sunflower rockets aren't an ideal signal," said Eater crossed her arms, a barely recognizable huff coming from her. He shook his head lightly at the display but still managed to crack a smile. Humour was deeply disregarded in times of war. "Last-"

"Spoilsport."

"Lastly," he spoke without a pause, dismissing the retort in ease, "If there are too many for you to take count of then leave. Apparate, run back and warn someone, rejoin the fray, anything; just do anything except try to be the hero and get yourself killed."

"That's b-"

"Yes sir!" he smiled softly before donning his mask and watched as two Death Eaters dragged a squirming Death Eater away.

"Next," his focus switched back to the ones remaining, "Trev, I need you and five others to get those injured to safety. If you need to, I give you permission to apparate out of here. I won't force you to return, but I would be grateful if you can," he had to take into account the injured. Furthermore, you never leave a man behind, dead or alive, it was something deeply imprinted into his heart.

"Got it, boss," the Death Eater motioned towards five individuals and advanced into the darkness; eventually reappearing amidst the flames of hell.

He turned around to face the last four Death Eaters, excluding himself. Roland, the ever-so jackass he was, had donned his mask on so he couldn't get reprimanded for forgetting a small simple rule. "And now there are four," the other Ravens had already gone out to dine, and now he had to follow as well.

"Rook, Poker, Kiwi, Goyle," All faces were trained on him, awaiting his next command. "We're going to go kick some Ministry ass."

"Hell yeah!"

"Man, you don't know how long I was waiting to hear that."

"...whatever you say."

"Let's see who gets the most!"

He shook his head at the diverse replies he got. They were unique that was for sure. With one last nod, he pounded out of the bush and launched a spell, striking an Auror on the chest. He didn't have time to look back at the others, only saving his focus for the next victim in front of him. They would all be spread out by now, they're lives were now all dedicated to fate. Their blood would be on his, the person next to him, and finally through their own. It was all decided by the spindle that twirled faster than the earth.

Ducking under a stack of boxes he watched as a Death Eater apparate away holding a limp body in their arms. Damned Aurors. Rolling across the dirt he fired six rapid spells, immobilizing the enemy before being finished off by seven different spells that flew their way.

"Fancy seeing you here Mjolnir," a gruff voice spoke.

"Joker, what the hell happened?!" he growled as he fired yet another curse this time missing its mark, and instead blew up a tree that sent chunks of wood flying.

"If you're wondering if it was our fault then you're wrong. We managed to get two of the bastards. It was only when we went to get the third that everything went to shit.

"You guys were supposed to wait for us!" he hissed. The plan was failsafe, after all, they had planned everything accordingly.

"You don't think I know that?! I'm smacking myself right now because of our choice."

"You better be," both men turned away from the other, firing two spells that were engulfed with the rest like a light show on a New Year's eve.

"I am, but if they knew we were coming, then it wouldn't have mattered if we waited for you."

"You have a point, let's just train our focus back onto the matter at hand. We'll talk back at the manor so you better not die, and relay that to Dolohov if you see him."

"You got it," nodding, he ran towards another end of the battle where their flank had been getting punished by a barrage of spells, their owners strolling behind them. Only two lone Death Eaters holding them back which was commendable but also suicide.

Looking back he was glad that their conversation was cut short as the barrier that had been protecting them exploded; sending splinters of wood spiraling away. He groaned as one slightly grazed his thigh, but still managed to walk it off.

Once he got close he huddled down, "TRACTATORI!" He tapped the ground beneath his feet and willed the earth to move. Sending more magical essence into the spell, he forced the ground to shake and tremble in a straight line right towards the Aurors. He gave a feral growl before curling his fingers into a fist. The dirt followed as a large fist erupted from the ground sending two Aurors flyings in the air before falling, their body lifeless.

"Stupefy!"

"Incarcerous!" a loud yell from his right alerted him as a Death Eater fell with a thud. His breath was ragged but he still pushed on.

"Venti!" he was too late as the Auror finished the masked individual off before being sent flying by his spell. He rushed forward followed by Spark who crouched down and heaved the man over his shoulder.

"Got him, sir," he nodded and approached the fallen wizard. He couldn't help but growl before taking a silver knife from his shoe and slicing the man's throat. The man's hands frantically explored his gashed throat as he gurgled up his blood before dying a slow death.

"That was for my brother," he watched as the man's movements dimmed before heading back into the fray, desperately trying to hold the Aurors back. He had to find Dolohov, the plan was done for and they had to leave, but the current situation at hand was just too large for him to concentrate.

~O~

"Well, shit," the moment those words flew from his mouth he knew right away that he would be disobeying his grandfather.

He dashed back inside the tent and walked over to a mirror. Céline was still passed out on under the covers so he was in the clear. Tapping the surface the mirror shimmered before revealing his room back at the manor. A two-dimensional mirror, at first he thought it had been for show when he first saw it standing in the corner; but upon further inspections, he could see hieroglyphs that were used amongst the Order.

"Salicia!" he hoped the albino snake wasn't asleep like she usually was, but fortune was in his favor as the snake slithered into view.

"My Prince?"

"Ah good, you're awake. Ok, listen up Salicia. I need my suit right now, can you bring it to me?"

"But Master Riddle said that you mustn't under any circumstances get involved in any fights," what the hell? Did his grandfather seriously just inform his snake as well? Oh great Merlin, his grandfather was one sly man.

"It doesn't matter anymore, the plan has gone to shit from what I just saw. So please, please just give me my suit," They stared at each other for a few seconds before he watched her nod and slither towards his closet.

"I guess Mary's work will be in vain," she hissed - he swore that he saw her huff - before slithering closer.

"After this? Definitely," he checked Céline once again but this time he cast a small invisibility charm around him temporarily as well as casting a notice-me-not on Célineas before he slipped on the black garment.

"Shall I rely the message to Lord Riddle, my Prince?" it was probably pointless but you could never be too sure.

"Please do," he replied, "Alright, I'm going to dismiss the signal now. I'll see you soon Salicia."

"Like always my Prince," tapping the mirror once more, his room disappeared and in return, showed him fully dressed except for his mask that was hanging by his hip.

Now he just had to get out there and check the situation. With the charm still fully effective, he left the large tent and ran towards the area where countless shouts and explosions filled the air. He was surprised but at the same time not, as he watched both Death Eaters and Aurors fight. Tents all around them were burning, some had even withered down to just a small heap of black charcoal.

Scanning the area he quickly lunged at the back of an Auror who was silently waiting for an opportunity. With a quick jerk of his hand and a crack, the man fell submissively onto the ground. He wasn't sure how many people had died or what the number of casualties for either side was, but he knew it would only deepen if this bout continued.

"Confringo!" the blasting spell wheeze by, destroying a massive statue of a Leprechaun in its path. Why some had to go that far, he didn't know, but he was glad it was gone.

"Defodio!" the dirt rumbled briefly before a large stone wall erupted from the ground; shielding three Death Eaters, one of which was wounded or… dead. One of them grabbed the body and apparated away, which he was glad they'd done.

The mission was done, he didn't know if it was a success and they managed to somehow kill the three Ministry officials and by chance were delayed and ambushed, or if they up and failed right there and then. But that was a question to be answered for later. Right now he had to enter the campsite-turned-battlefield and find Dolohov or Oscar and order a retreat. Not a request, but an order, a command directly from him, the Dark Prince heir to Salazar Slytherin.

~O~

"There you are ya bastard!" he had lost count of when the battle had ensued but after some time he finally found Dolohov. The man was surrounded by his Death Eaters who were busily firing spells at another group of Aurors who were huddled around their own protective barrier.

"Mjolnir!" the man grasped his forearm and it was only then that he noticed how tired the older man was. The other Death Eaters also caught his eye as he eyed their wounds. Some had multiple scratches all over them; fresh blood leaking throughout their suit and onto the floor.

"What the hell happened?!" he fired a quick spell buying a few seconds of silence.

"Joker probably told you, or someone else from my caravan; but to get the gist of it. We finished two of the bastards but the last one escaped. After that, well, as you can see, we got busted."

"Well, it's time to leave. My forces have been scouring the woods, taking the injured and trading spells with the enemy for too long," he purposely left the part out that Joker mentioned, it would be announced again later, but now they didn't have time to argue.

"No shit, I don't want to be waving my knickers at these bloody dogs for anytime longer," the man grunted as he raised his wand and fired a spell without even looking. His lips quirked as the sound of a pained yell curtly filled the air.

"Then get your ass off the ground and follow me. You three, watch the rear, we're making our retreat now," The three worn-out Ravens nodded as they silently crawled away from the midst of the battle. How Dolohov and his crew survived being right in the middle of the skirmish was impressive. The long trail of bodies was just a bonus, something they would be celebrating depending on the casualties.

"Stay here and don't do anything excessive. Will take it from here."

"No complaints here, but where the hell are your men?"

"Like I said I've got men securing the perimeter with a few removing the injured away from this hellhole."

"Always organized," the man complimented but it only made him feel empty.

"Good. Now, can any of you still fight?" he asked the small group of Death Eaters. He got a wave of nods and quickly gave them missions to follow. Everything was going fine or at least close enough and then they would be able to leave. Until…

"Hey ya wankers! Guess who just walked in!" a mysterious figure yelled from the flames. Their lone figure appeared before raising a robed hand and waving. Instantly half the flames that decorated the area were washed away; leaving a new colosseum-like circle of flames dancing around them.

"Who?" someone muttered from beside him.

"I dare say it's beautiful! Why hide yourselves amongst the flames?" the person chuckled. He watched as they took a few steps before curiously watching them all. There was no telling what they were thinking but he knew without a doubt that their eyes were gleaming from the fear they had managed to inflict onto them all. "Now," his masked face washed over them once again. "I'm able to feast on you all!" they got no response except for the sound of a dozen bodies falling with a thud.

"Great Merlin…"

~O~

He was filled to the brim with adrenaline. The familiar feeling of hunting down Ministry agents consumed him but it wasn't the same as what he felt when he went on missions of his own. Instead, it was a crowd of soon-to-be victims kind of adrenaline; one that a cornered apex predator would feel when poked and caged for so long before finally snapping. The thought only made him smile in glee as he watched everyone turn towards him. After all, he had just cleansed almost all of the flames that were the product of multiple spells and manipulated it all to his own pleasure. The half a dozen bodies - he'd murdered- in some small way, probably had some part as well.

It was a great sight to see if you were on his side but terrifying if on the opposing side. He was forbidden to use this magic. Not just because of the power behind it, but also because of the backlash, it would inflict on the user. In his case, severe exhaustion and a major hit on his magical reserves. He felt it. His body was on fire, it was like his veins flooded with the fires of the Phlegethon instead of blood. But that didn't stop him - because he wasn't weak. No, he was a cold-hearted bastard.

It did seem weird. Why? He had a natural grasp of magic and could perform well with any given element - mainly water - to a certain degree; but when it came to fire, it was as if the element itself was harboring deep hatred towards him. But that's how far that went so his family came to a neutral conclusion that he was just not attuned to fire at all; which also meant not to make the use of fire-related spells common…

"Bombarda Maxima!" a tendril of smoke lashed from within his wand before striking the ground between five Aurors. The outcome was instantaneous, sending the five Aurors flying off in numerous directions. A flaming leg bounced towards him before stopping. He looked at it closely and saw the pale white bone cracked beyond repair.

"Stupefy!"

A wave of his hand, "Dimitte."

"Expelliarmus!"

He side-stepped to the right, "Protego," the spell bounced off harmlessly with ease. Two harmless spells following not a second later.

"Expulso," the women went flying a few yards away. "I'll deal with you when you actually begin to take me seriously," he yawned.

"You cocky bitch!" a man went to lunge at him before being stopped by his very own comrade. A funny sight if there wasn't a full-blown battlefield around them - he still found it funny.

"T-that's, n-no we can't. Leave, we leave now," the man stuttered. His wand was brandished and steady which was applaudable seeing as his whole body was shaking.

"So you know me?" he asked the man closely. If it weren't for the runes on his mask he wouldn't have had a proper look at the wizard.

Unlike him, the man couldn't see anything except for his eyes. They burned brightly underneath the two rough eye sockets in his mask; no doubt his green eyes were brighter than usual. He carefully watched them while everyone else had resumed their battles, except for the four that were stuck with him.

"Yes, I-I do. You are the faceless one," the sheer tone of fear that the man tried to hide was inevitably visible. He could see the way his colleagues involuntarily swallow.

"Then tell me yours, after all, you know mine. It's best to know each other's name before one of us dies; that's how I operate, unlike them," he pointed towards the Death Eaters - no offense to his comrades of course - whose morale had slightly increased with his appearance - no doubt.

"A-Arthur Weasly," the ginger stuttered. Arthur Weasly, now where did he hear that name? Perhaps… he looked at the man one final time and recognition filled his eyes. This man was the father of Ron Weasly, one of the golden trio. Oh, now this was going to be fun, but he was conflicted. Was it alright to kill this man? Or will it bring nothing but more thorns on their side? Nevertheless, the man was affiliated with the Ministry, so it was entirely up to him if he was going to die by his hands or live.

"Well Arthur, let's get started shall we?" without expecting it the man fired three spells in succession. Each was smartly placed. If he had let his guard down one bit he probably would have been hit. This man was one that he desperately wished to meet whenever he was sent to hunt someone down.

"Whoa there, you have moves Mr. Weasly. I gotta admit I'm a bit surprised I don't know why," he murmured the last part to himself. Dodging the last spell he flicked his own, sending a burning crescendo of flames weaving towards the man. He mentally slapped himself when his gut clenched at his own stupidity - why'd he have to use a fire spell?

"Protego!" the charm cut through his spell nicely as it split in half, the flames expanding out towards the sides.

"Aguamenti!" he cocked his head to the side at the rippling stream of water coming towards him. Water. Something that couldn't possibly harm him in any way, but if used correctly with the right amount of power, it could inflict a decent amount of harm towards an individual - magical or not.

"Sagitta Forma!" if the man was to send three spells in succession. He was going to do the same but double and more powerful. Rising all around him, six pieces of a combination of rocks, timber, and metal; morphed into a size he deemed fit.

"Protego!" the first arrow deflected against the shimmering blue light.

"Go," second arrow gone.

"Next," the man stumbled back at the heavy impact. It was to be considered as the third arrow was made of scraps of metal from a nearby source; probably a vendor stands that housed metal objects.

"Bombardo!" jumping out of the way, he hissed at the exposed skin that could have been fried if he hadn't rolled away at the last second. On second thought, maybe it had grazed him because of the now singed piece of cloth surrounding his arm.

He hissed, "Dammit," arrow four and five flew past him. Taking this opportunity he jumped over the barrels and slid under a fallen beam before firing. "ACCIO!" he grabbed a flying pole before hurling it at one of the wizards who tried to intervene.

"Luther!" the woman ran up to the man.

"EXPULSO!" like a rocket, the pole propelled itself at a much faster speed. He didn't have to look before locking spells with Arthur once again.

"Petrificus Totalus!"

"Finite!"

"This is turning out quite the battle Mr. Weasly!" he shouted.

"EXPELLIARMUS!"

"Stupefy!" two spells, one to disarm, the other to stun. The bright lights clashed against one another before creating a small soundwave loud enough to make him groan.

"Locomotor Mortis!" the spell took effect as Arthur Weasly fell to the floor. His legs locked together while his hand still had his wand pointed at him.

"Deprimo!" the ground under him exploded, dirt flying everywhere as he flailed backward.

"Resurgemus," wand pointed on the floor, he slowed down before floating back.

"Wa-wha, what… the hell? How? How are you floating?"

"How? Quite a simple question really," he took a second to give the man a chance to guess. Sensing that there wasn't going to be a given answer he answered for him. "A spell of course."

"There's no spell that could make someone freely levitate," even when he towered over him the man wasn't afraid. Not anymore compared to when they first met just thirty minutes ago. It was as if they were old friends just dueling for fun.

Muttering a small, "Protego Aeternum," he paced the floor in front of the downed man. Judging from the depleted shouts and screams he could safely say that the battle was about done. The man looked like he was going to ask about his shield, another spell that he had yet again made. Although, he wasn't going to take credit for Resurgemus; it wasn't him that made it anyways.

"A magician never reveals his secrets," he smirked under the mask. The man laughed, he probably saw it because of the twinkle in his eyes, but it was cut short as a shout rang out from behind him.

"WATCH OUT!" the yell shocked him, as he quickly pivoted around. Leaving his back open to the enemy was probably one of the biggest and dumbest mistakes he'd ever made but it was worth it.

All thoughts went high-wired as he brought his arm up. His shield was gone another mistake on his part upon seeing the downed man - after he had just previously summoned it. He could see the new blue shield shimmering into existence but there was something else, right there, eight feet away, was a bright white light. He couldn't make it, the shield wouldn't be able to block it, so he did the first thing in mind.

"Secare Momentum!" he didn't feel anything at first until he heard the sound of thunder overhead. It was only then that he swayed back, his hand drifting to his eye. Blood, he could see it faintly on his hands dripping onto the ashen floor; the metallic smell, the metallic taste, he could tell that it was no doubt his.

Swaying slightly, he cast a small charm around him and the man before him. No more mistakes, he was stupid to disregard the battle that still raged behind him. Clutching his eye, he looked down at the man; the man who had warned him. Was he an Auror? No. But he was part of the Ministry this he knew.

"...Seeing your face I reckon that this injury is quite major," he commented. The man didn't say anything, he only nodded numbly. "Hmm… It can't be helped then. Our duel has to end here," his legs wavered under him as he took a step back. If the fates were listening then it was them who wrote the next line into existence. Not even a second after he managed to utter those words did he hear an incantation that he never expected to hear. Only those that had the marks could translate it or directly remember the words, and it was right on time.

"Y-your eye…" Arthur Weasly, the man before him whispered, having not noticed the change that just occurred.

"Yes, my eye," shaking his head he returned his wand into ring form. "I had fun Mr. Weasly. It upsets me that our fight has to end here, so until next time… ciao," with a small wave he felt his insides turn. It was only when he opened his eyes or at least his only available eye - at the moment - that he found himself in a huge underground infirmary.

~O~

"My Prince!" someone gasped, but he waved them off as he strode towards a chair with a sigh. Grabbing a towel he removed his hand and replaced it with the fresh towel, his hand resting on top to apply pressure.

"Perseus, let me," someone spoke. Looking over with his free eye he watched Margaret - bless his ever so sweet nanny. Don't judge - softly take his hand and guided him towards a bed. "Lay down," he obeyed and sat on the spare infirmary bed. The others housed those who were injured. Some with major injuries or ones that were more similar to his; while a few sat on the wooden stools their injuries being not as important as those who laid still but were still treated.

It was a few minutes before more people entered the room. Soon enough everyone was being treated, while those who were able to move went upstairs where they were granted a well-earned meal and some rest. He didn't know when he fell asleep, but he did. Waking up, the burning brazier in the middle of the room caught his eye, but only one. His fingers grazed the bandage that covered his wound. When was the last time he had an injury this severe? The answer was never.

He groaned as he sat up from his cot. His joints popped as he stretched his aching body. He had no shirt, which didn't surprise him; but a long line of the medical white cloth that ran from his shoulder and across his chest did. He had to ask Margaret. She was the one that treated him. He nearly fell over but steadied himself with the help of the bedside table.

"My Prince?" someone croaked.

"Jacob?" he asked the bandaged man. Their face was covered in a bandage, with their arm in a cast so it was hard to tell.

"Gosh, do you truly only remember my nickname and not my real name? If so, then yeah it's me, Wolf," the man croaked.

"Damn, you look like shit."

"Pshh, I feel like shit. I would say the same thing to you, but…"

"Man, you guys are all stubborn, do you know that?" he made sure to raise his voice slightly for those who were awake. "Didn't I tell you all to call me Perseus when we're at the manor?"

"But you're our Prince," someone mocked.

"Carrow, is that you?" he limped over to the bed across from him.

"Well hello there," he grinned, but it was strained.

He shuffled towards another bed where a sleeping individual lay. "Damn, even the great Clock, master of time, is stuck in bed. You guys are veterans, skilled wizards, and witches. But here you all are, stuck in bed waiting for your injuries to heal."

"Says you," the voice caused a small chorus of laughter.

"Yeah yeah, go ahead and laugh," he shook his head with a smile. "Good job, all of you," he spoke, nodding at every individual that was currently stuck in the infirmary.

"A praise from our Prince, relish it lads, who knows when he'll praise us again."

"I heard that Ava."

"Ohh busted," someone sang.

"Now look at what you guys have done. Distracting me from my original goal," as he began to trek up the stairs.

"Are you sure you should be moving?" Jacob asked.

"No, but I don't care. I'll visit you guys later, and maybe you'll get another praise," Laughing he left the room, hearing the faded laughs from within as he moved towards the stairs.

Greetings, here's another chapter for ACDE. Enjoy!

Have any questions? DM and I shall answer to the best of my ability.