He had been given the unenviable task of scouring the battlefield for survivors.
The collected, calm façade he presented outwardly was just that…a façade. Buried deep, where no one would ever find it, the small part of his soul that still survived was screaming. It hadn't stopped since the night he'd been forced to kill the only man who'd ever believed in him.
Though he'd been cleared of the crime, they still feared him. And they were right to do so.
He was a monster, forced to not only watch, but participate in atrocious acts that made him want to vomit each time they floated across his mind before he could ruthlessly squelch them.
The sun was low on the horizon when he turned to trudge back to the castle.
It was then that he saw her.
She was on the ground at the foot of a tree. At a casual glance, she could have been sleeping. He knew better.
Steps faltering, he made his way over to where she lay. He sank to his knees, his legs betraying him.
She was the light to his darkness; she'd shown him acceptance and happiness when before there was only bitterness and scorn. He had thought himself unlovable, but she'd proven him wrong. Before the battle, she'd told him to fight for them, for the hope that they could build a future together. During the battle, he'd fought for her.
And he had failed her. The last tattered remnant of his tormented soul shattered, though the screaming just got louder.
Tears were streaming freely down his face as he gathered her still form into his arms. He buried his face in her hair and wept.
When there were no tears left, he settled himself under the tree, cradling her in his lap. He pressed the tip of his wand to his throat.
"Avada…," he whispered.
There was a flash of green light.
And there was silence.
A/N: Much thanks to my lovely beta/brainstormer Lone Butterfly for her help on this one. I'd love to know what you think, so hit the little review button!
