Author's note: I do not own anything Harry Potter, JK Rowling does.
Feel free to review!
Spell-fire illuminated the alley, streaks and lines and blobs of light racing towards their targets, only to be deflected or stopped by translucent shields or summoned items.
Despite the intensity of the fight and the sound of the shops and homes crackling as they burned, the combatants didn't utter a single word. None of them needed to. This was a fight to the death, and the numerical advantage belonged to the Death Eaters.
Isolt Peverell, freshly into her own past, master of death, defeater of Voldemort in her own past, was fighting with a fervor that, if anyone survived this fight, would scare even the most battle hardened of wixen. She seemed a wixen possessed, every movement, every spell, every breath all performed in anticipation of a fight. For her magic and rage to be unleashed. Unfortunately, it wasn't just the Death Eaters that were witness to Isolt's eagerness for a fight.
Sirius Black, still under glamour charms and wielding his new wand, was worried. Casting yet another shield charm in front of Isolt, protecting her from another dark purple spell cast her way, he groaned in frustration.
'Fucking fuck. She is going to be the death of me. At least these are poorly skilled Death Eaters we're fighting, probably here to send a message and test Isolt.'
He cast a shield charm, this time for himself, and started going on the offensive against the four Death Eaters he was facing. A Tripping Jinx here, a Flipendo there, and the coup de grace: a subtle and quick bone shattering hex aimed at the arm of his target of all three spells.
The Death Eater, overconfident, shouted at the disguised Lord Black. "What a pathetic wizard you must be if this is what you come at me with." He stepped to his left to avoid the Tripping Jinx, and half-turned to avoid the Flipendo. He never noticed the bone shattering hex until it impacted his shoulder, eviscerating the bones and forcing him to drop his wand from the sheer pain.
Seizing his moment, Sirius summoned the dropped wand and sent several Incarcerous spells at the disarmed Death Eater, dropping him and taking him out of the fight.
'Alright, just three more to go for me. Wonder how Isolt is doing?'
Isolt was having the time of her life.
'I've not been able to cut loose in such a long time! Even when I dropped into this time, I had to protect others. Now, it's time for some fun, and some payback.'
The four Death Eaters that she was facing wouldn't admit it, but the damn near feral look she was giving them as she cast spell after spell at them, hardly dodging their spells, and her not even bothering with a shield most of the time, terrified them.
'Ugh, these guys aren't even trying. Probably here to send a message. Hmmm, that gives me an idea!'
Quickly turning her wand on her nearest opponent, she sent several silent disarming spells his way, and positioning herself carefully, a summoning charm. She looked at the Death Eater as if they were here prey and had just caught them in a trap.
"Wha- what are you smirking at!? You can't win, the Dark Lord himself sent us to dispose of you!" he shouted at Isolt, who just grinned at him and cast another spell chain as she turned her body to avoid the curses the other Death Eaters were casting at her.
The Death Eater was prepared for an offensive. What he was not prepared for was a bound Death Eater slamming into his back, pushing him into an Expelliarmus and Incarcerous spell combo from his target. As he fell, he watched as his wand sailed through the air and was summoned into the hand of the witch. For the first time in this fight, he allowed himself to feel fear.
It didn't take long for Isolt to focus her attention on the other three Death Eaters she had been facing, all of them seemingly enraged at seeing two of their comrades being disposed of so quickly.
They hurled curses at her, they banished tiles and wood at her, they even threw fire at her. None of it slowed her down. The Death Eaters did the only thing they could do: they panicked.
Isolt was not panicking. Several low-level Death Eaters couldn't really give her much of a challenge, but she did find herself disappointed that the Death Eaters didn't really do much to stoke the fire of adrenaline in her.
'What a lame fight. Suppose I should wrap things up now.'
Closing her eyes, Isolt felt her resolve and determination strengthen, her course of action now set in stone.
The Death Eaters, never one to pass up on an opportunity, all cast curses at her, grinning like madmen now that their target was sure to be taken down. Focusing their attention on the other wixen attacking their group, the tallest of the Death Eaters that had been fighting Isolt smirked, and cast the Killing Curse at him, watching with glee as his aim proved true, and the Unforgivable was about to impact.
This was the last mistake any of these Death Eaters would ever make.
Isolt, opened her eyes, and the world seemed to be in slow motion. She saw several curses head her way, and glancing to her right, could see the unmistakable green light of the Killing Curse about to hit an unaware Sirius. Her blood ran ice in her veins.
Instantly, the cold magic she had felt before when putting on the House Peverell ring returned. The chill of the grave and the cold of night flooded through her, and without even realizing she had done it, she apparated the fifteen or so feet to Sirius and held out her hand.
Catching the Killing Curse in the palm of her hand.
'Woah, this is new. Though the magic feels similar to the magic from the House Peverell ring. Guess that makes sense? The Killing Curse is a death spell, and the Peverell's know more about death magic than any other family I know of. Wouldn't surprise me if one of them had created it.'
She turned her gaze to the Death Eater that had cast the curse. "Oh buddy, you fucked up. You fucked up big time." Her voice was void of emotion.
She could feel the ball of emerald light in her hand. Without breaking her gaze, she crushed her hand, shattering the emerald light, and felt the death magic evaporate. She could feel the tension in the air, it was palpable, and reeked of fear.
A moment of silence passed, and without warning, Isolt was firing off spells, taking on the remaining six Death Eaters herself.
'Holy shit, holy shit, hooooooly shiiiit. She is NOT holding back anymore now, is she.' Sirius thought, as he watched her blind her opponents with a Lumos and then proceed to literally rip the wand arm off the nearest Death Eater and banish back at him. He watched, speechless, as she deflected a blood-boiling curse back at the attacker. He saw her summon a multitude of spears and rain them down on the Death Eaters, killing another two. Finally, he watched as she deflected the curses sent her way back at the other remaining Death Eater, essentially forcing them to kill each other.
The first two Death Eaters it seemed had gotten off easily, only being bound and disarmed. Sirius shook his head, and hurried over to the two of them, determined to get answers out of them before Isolt killed them.
"Padfoot," Isolt called out, her face still an emotionless mask, "Get out of my way."
"You know I can't do that. We need information, and they have it."
"We don't need anything from them. They came to send a message. Unfortunately for them, they are the message. Now move."
Sirius looked at Isolt, eyes locking together for the first time since Isolt let him into her memories. They stood there for several moments, with nothing but the whimpers of the two remaining Death Eaters and the sound of fire crackling. Finally, Sirius relented.
"I'll go help put out the fires. Stay safe, will you?"
Sirius turned his attention to the stores and residences engulfed in flames, and started to work on extinguishing the flames.
Isolt stalked up to the two remaining Death Eaters. Kneeling down, she grabbed their masks and ripped them off, exposing their faces.
'Damn, probably not even older than I am. Just a bunch of fucking kids.'
"You two have three options: I can kill you now, or you can either be turned in to the Aurors, or I let you go and you run back to Voldemort." They both flinched at the name.
'Really? You're his lackeys and you can't even hear his fake name?'
"Fuck you, witch. We'll never betray the Dark Lord." The older of the two spoke up.
"Ah, well that's not really what I'm asking you to do. I'm giving you a choice: prison or death. If you go back to Voldemort – for fuck's sake stop flinching at his name – you will most likely be killed, as he won't be happy at your group's failure. I don't give a shit that you're barely adults, and neither will he. You came here to kill and spread fear, I am only happy to repay you with both. Now choose."
The older of the two was glaring daggers at Isolt. "Fuck you, I will never betray the Dark Lord. Release me now."
"If that's what you want. You won't be getting your wand back though. If you make it back to Voldemort, pass along a message, will you? Tell him House Peverell is back."
"Fine, just let me go."
Isolt walked over to him, put her hand on his forehead, and he could feel a slight burn as something was etched into it. Standing up, she pointed her wand at his bindings and a wave of magic shot over them, causing them to disappear.
"Now go, before I change my mind."
Glaring at her, the Death Eater apparated on the spot.
Isolt just sighed and turned to the last remaining Death Eater. "And that just leaves you. What do you choose?"
"Um, if you don't mind, um, I'd prefer the aurors. I never wanted this life."
"Oh? You're telling me you didn't choose to come here? You didn't choose to take the Dark Mark? You didn't choose to go along with a band of murderers hell-bent on destruction?"
"Well, I did. But it was to protect my sister. Please, you have to believe me!"
"Look at me." The moment the Death Eater and Isolt's eyes met, she established a Legilimency connection, and quickly went through his memories. It only took a moment, and Isolt was back in her own mind.
"Well then, Evan. You surprise me. I'll let you go, on two conditions."
"Wait, what? You believe me!?"
"Yes, kid. I read your mind."
"Fucking Legilimency, I swear. Fine, what are your conditions?"
"First, you swear on your life and magic that you will never actively and knowingly bring harm to House Peverell, or those under its protection. Second, I remove your Dark Mark."
"But House Peverell is a dead house?" Isolt snorted. "Who would be under their protection?"
"House Peverell is no longer a dead house. As for who is under my protection, I will tell you, but only after you perform the vow."
"Fine, please help me. I only ask that you bring my sister under your protection."
"I will agree to that. You ready?" She undid the bindings on the kid, letting him sit up and tilted her head at him. She handed his wand back to him.
"Yes, I am. I, Evan Robinson, do hereby swear on my life and on my magic that I will never actively and/or knowingly bring harm to House Peverell, and those under the protection of House Peverell, so mote it be." A flash of golden light emanated from the tip of Evan's wand, signifying the acceptance of the contract.
"Good. Now, under House Peverell's protection are House Potter, House Black, and Evan and Jamie Robinson. Am I understood?"
"Buh- But why me? I only asked for my sister?"
"Because, Evan, I saw what they did to you. And I empathize. This way, you are safe too. Now, hold out your arm, and brace yourself, as this is gonna hurt."
Evan did as she asked and proffered his arm to her. He hissed a bit when she pulled up the sleeve and the ugly mark was on full display. He watched as she pulled out a second wand and muttered something to herself, pressing the tip of it to the Dark Mark and pulled.
He screamed in pain, but no sound came out. 'At least she Silenced me.' He felt himself think, even through the pain as the Dark Mark was literally being pulled straight out of his skin.
With a final pull, Isolt yanked the remaining Dark Mark off of Evan and muttered an Incendio to burn it all away.
"There, you're free from the mark."
"Uh, wow. How – how did you do that?!" Isolt couldn't help but notice the wonder in the young man's voice.
"Magic. It's quite handy. You and your sister should meet me at Florean's tomorrow afternoon. We'll go over the details of the protections House Peverell can offer."
"Yes, Lady Peverell. Thank you so much!" And with a small crack, Evan was gone.
'Fuck me. At least the damn kid seemed to get some life back in his face.'
Heading over to Sirius, Isolt helped quell the remaining fire, the two working in silence, both deep in thought.
A few minutes later, the familiar crack of apparition could be heard as someone shouted, "Aurors! Nobody move!"
'Great, the idiots are here.' Isolt rolled her eyes.
"You lot are late. Thought you guys are meant to protect the people, not swoop in after everything's been done." Isolt called out from her seated position on the steps leading up to an apartment complex.
"Identify yourself, witch."
'Geez, not even a "Sorry we weren't able to help you." Ungrateful lot.'
"I'm the one who stopped these Death Eaters from terrorizing Diagon Alley. Which, if you'll turn to your left, you'll see I've left for you, after I took off their masks and rolled up their sleeves."
Apparently, the one in charge was not happy with this, as he stormed up to Isolt, wand pointed at her the entire time, and probably a few veins ready to burst.
"Now see here, witch. I'll have you thrown in Azkaban for several counts of murder for this. Now get up, I'm taking you in."
Isolt just stared at the man, and glanced at his badge, identifying him as Senior Auror Robards. "Funny, Mr. Robards. But no, I will not be going to prison, let alone be charged with murder."
"Oh, I'll see that you will. You've killed six people here, and have admitted it to several aurors."
"Mr. Robards, are you aware of Magical Britain's status in the International Confederation of Wixen?"
"I don't see what that's got to do with anything. Now get up, before I stun you and bring you in the hard way."
"Now, now Mr. Robards. If you insist, I'll go willingly. But, you will lose your job over this."
For his part, Robards looked livid. Calling out to his second-in-command, "Shacklebolt! Arrest this witch on charges of murder and threatening an officer."
Shacklebolt, a tall wixen with a shaved head, just looked at the witch and back at Robards. Sighing, he shook his head, before looking at the witch again. "Miss, if you'll come with me? I'll be taking you to a cell in the Ministry to book you for murder and threatening an officer. You will need to provide your name, just so you're aware."
Isolt could tell that Shacklebolt was bothered by Robards' behavior, but she knew the call of duty. "Fine. My name is Isolt Peverell, Head of House Peverell."
Robards' shock was quickly replaced with anger.
"Get than DAMN woman out of here, Shacklebolt. And add impersonating a Head of House to her charges!"
'Holy hell, he might actually burst a vessel.' Isolt smiled politely at Robards.
"Miss, you sure are setting off my boss. If you don't mind, will you please come with me? I'd rather not have to deal with Robards' anger and your … whatever you're doing." Isolt could hear the resignation in the poor auror's voice.
"Yes, take me away. But know that I am claiming ICW Code, Section 17, paragraph 8. And," she glanced at Robards, "since Magical Britain is an active member of the ICW, thereby recognizing the laws of the international body, that means that I will not be treated as a prisoner, but as a person of interest."
Shacklebolt's mouth dropped, not expecting anyone other than aurors and solicitors to know of international law. Robards just looked pissed. 'That might actually be the normal for him though.' Isolt thought. 'Good thing I had Sirius leave to go look after Aster, otherwise this would be a lot more complicated.'
She turned to Shacklebolt, giving him a rather sarcastic lopsided grin. "C'mon, Mr. Shacklebolt, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement awaits."
"Right you are, miss." He took a small rope out of his pocket, having her hold it as he activated the portkey, letting magic take them straight to the Department.
When they landed, Shacklebolt escorted Isolt over to the processing area and booked her with six counts of murder, one count of threatening an officer, and one count of impersonating a Head of House. Isolt went along with it all, mostly amused at how inept the Senior Auror Robards had been, and how much she was going to enjoy getting him fired.
"Mister Shacklebolt, I have two requests, if you will. First, I'd like to speak to Madam Bones. Second, I would like to contact my solicitor: Andromeda Tonks née Black."
"I'll see what I can do about the first one, no promises though. The second one I can do, no problem. But before that, I need you to hand over your wand."
Isolt had expected this, so she handed over her holly wand, but kept her elder wand hidden on her, under several disillusionment charms that would prevent anyone from noticing it.
"Thank you, miss. Hey, Jones, can you go grab the boss?"
Isolt turned her head to look at 'Jones'. Seemed like a desk auror, if the bags under his eyes were anything to go by.
"Aye, Shack, be right back. Gimme a mo'." Shuffling the papers on his desk, Jones stuffed them in his desk, locking it with a small key, before walking over to the office that contained Madam Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
"Okay miss, let's get you your solicitor."
"Sure, got a quill and parchment? Oh, and an owl?"
Shacklebolt provided the writing utensils, and accepted the sealed letter, giving it to a ministry owl that would deliver it to Andromeda Tonks. Whilst Isolt and Shacklebolt were waiting for both Amelia and Andromeda, Shacklebolt tried to start up a conversation with Isolt.
"Nuh uh, auror. I'm not saying anything else to you lot until Andromeda gets here."
Shacklebolt just grumbled in response, not used to suspects knowing their rights so thoroughly.
It took thirty minutes for Andromeda to arrive, clearly confused as to why she had been summoned to the ministry this late at night for a possible client. Approaching Shacklebolt and the mystery witch seated with him, she alerted them to her presence with a polite ahem.
"Hello Auror Shacklebolt, miss, to what do I owe the pleasure of being summoned this late for?"
'Oh she's clearly annoyed. Well, hopefully she takes me up on my offer.' Isolt hoped.
"Well, Mrs. Tonks, this young witch stands accused of six counts of murder, threatening a senior auror, and impersonating a Head of House. She's claimed ICW law, so she isn't technically in custody, but she's being treated as a person of interest." Shacklebolt summarized, and Isolt for once actually appreciated his no-nonsense attitude. Saved her some time having to tell the story, at least.
"Yes, and I summoned both you and Madam Bones. I would like you to be my solicitor, and I have information both you and Madam Bones would like very much to hear."
"And what would that be, miss?" Andromeda drew out the end of her sentence.
"Isolt Peverell, ma'am. An honor to meet you. Anyways, I would prefer not to say until Madam Bones is here, and Auror Shacklebolt is gone."
"Fine by me, miss. Auror Shacklebolt, do you have a room Ms. Peverell and I can use?"
"Yeah, just down the hallway there, second door on the left."
"Thank you. Now, if you'll follow me." She beckoned for Isolt to follow, and Isolt turned around and gave Shacklebolt a mock salute as she left. As she entered the room, she could hear the auror's chuckles.
"Please, take a seat miss. Now, before I take you as a client, I'd like to ask a couple of questions, if that's alright with you?"
"Of course, Mrs. Tonks. I'd be happy to answer." Isolt gave Andromeda a genuine smile.
"Right, well, first off, who are you?"
"I am Isolt Peverell, as I said. Here, let me prove it." Focusing a bit of her will, Isolt made the Peverell House ring appear on her finger, showing it to the solicitor.
"Right, well, that is definitely the Peverell ring, so I guess that clears up your identity. Next, why are you being charged with six counts of murder?"
"Oh, that? Easy, I killed six Death Eaters in Diagon Alley."
Andromeda's eyes nearly bulged out of her head. 'I've heard the rumors that they're coming back, but really? She took on six of them? She doesn't even look twenty yet?!'
"You took on and killed six Death Eaters? You don't even look twenty yet. Just how old are you?"
"Nineteen, though I'll be twenty at the end of July."
"Did you graduate Hogwarts? I don't recall there being a living Peverell mentioned at all here in England?"
"I've been… away. I did my education elsewhere, we didn't have OWLs or NEWTs, so I'll be attempting to take those at the ICW level sometime before end of summer."
"Ah, that explains it. Alright, now what's this about threatening a senior auror?"
Andromeda had to wait for Isolt to stop laughing before she actually got a response out of her.
"Sorry, that's because I told him if he arrested me, I'd get him fired."
"Wait seriously? That's why you're being charged with that. Fucking hell." Andromeda sighed and rubbed her temples. "This is easily one of the most ridiculous and trumped up charges I've ever been asked to defend, I hope you know."
"Oh, I figured. But there's another reason you're here, and for that, we also need Madam Bones."
As if on cue, the door opened, allowing Madam Bones to walk into the room.
"Alright, what is going on."
"Ah, Madam Bones, thank you for coming. My name is Isolt Peverell, this is my solicitor Andromeda Tonks. I have some information for you both!"
"Uh huh, and I'm supposed to believe you? I do know what you're being charged with, Miss."
"Fair enough. Tell you what, you can verify my information with a search on your own. If you find what I think you will, then you'll know I'm trustworthy."
"Fine. What's this information. I'd like to resolve this before we discuss your charges."
"Sirius Black is innocent. He never got a trial. Additionally, the House of Black and House of Potter are under the protection of House of Peverell."
"You can't be serious." Andromeda deadpanned.
"No, that would be your cousin." Isolt replied, mirth in her voice and eyes.
"Stop that. You sound just like him. Also, when did I agree to be your solicitor?"
"Oh I just figured. I'll pay you well, if that's your concern."
"Fine, but we'll discuss the pay later. Would you please explain what happened tonight?"
"Alright, alright. Here's what happened…" She related the events of the night, leaving out Sirius' involvement, and Evan Robinson's.
Madam Bones was the first to speak after Isolt had finished her tale. "Ms. Peverell, so let me get this straight. You saw six Death Eaters attack, so you sprang into action and killed them. Then, you waited for us, antagonized Robards, and brought up international law, all so that you could get a meeting with me to ask me to look into Mr. Black's lack of a trial?"
"Basically. Though, to be fair, I didn't seek out to kill them to get a chance to talk to you. I just decided that since I was going to be brought in, I might as well try to speak to you. A moment of opportunity, if you will."
"Merlin's beard, Ms. Peverell. This is already giving me a headache. Depending on the results of the investigation, you'll either be formally charged, or the charges will be dropped. Please keep yourself available the next couple of weeks. Mrs. Tonks, I hope that you'll be able to keep your client apprised of any information and developments in the investigation?"
"Oh, I will. Something tells me that this will be the trial of a century, and I am quite looking forward to it."
Isolt laughed, seemingly unconcerned with the possibility of having to go to trial.
"Well, I do have one more request, Madam Bones." Isolt spoke up.
"And that would be?"
"I want Robards fired. Not only did he fail to do his duty as a Senior Auror, but he harassed a potential witness and/or victim, escalated the situation, and refused to listen to someone with information. When I attempted to rectify his lack of understanding, he allowed his anger to get the better of him. I want him gone."
"The best I can do is begin an inquiry, Ms. Peverell."
"Fine. We done here?" Isolt looked between Andromeda and Amelia.
"Yeah, we are. I'll let Andromeda escort you out."
The trio of wixen left the room, Madam Bones heading to her office to begin preparing for the investigation into both Isolt Peverell and Senior Auror Robards. 'Ugh, why do I get the feeling I'll have a headache for the next few weeks?'
"Mrs. Tonks, would you mind meeting me at Grimmauld Place tomorrow at five in the afternoon?" Isolt whispered to Andromeda.
"You're living there!? Is Sirius there with you?"
"Yup, sure is. He'll be glad to see you."
"Fine, but we'll be having a long discussion, about everything."
"Perfect! I'll cook us some dinner!"
The two parted ways as they left the Ministry building, and Isolt immediately apparated to Grimmauld Place, to catch Aster and Sirius on what had happened, and to get them to prepare for the upcoming trial of Sirius Orion Black.