Fate

by TheTrueSpartan

When Ron discovers that he can see the future, his entire fate is thrown off of its course. A story about adventure, friendship, growing up, and pushing forward through hardships. This story will get darker as it progresses, just like the original Harry Potter novels. It will cover all Seven Years of Hogwarts, but mostly from Ron's perspective. No Mary Sues, no Character bashing.

121. Chapter 121 - WAR

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 121 is finally done! Sorry it took so long, but personal issues caused havoc with my schedule.

Please be warned, this Chapter has a lot graphic violence and distrubing imagery. Proceed with caution. And if you are easily disturbed, don't hesitate to skip over certain parts.

Please enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, and I do not intend to make any money off of this. Harry Potter is the intellectual property of J. K. Rowling , and I take no credit of it whatsoever.

I was also inspired by Demon Eyes Laharl's: THE RED KNIGHT! and also from Random-Fruitcake04's: CHOICES! I hope you check them out as well because they are genuinely very good stories.

There's also another Ron story out that's really good so far! It's called 'There and Back Again', and it's written by Chuchi Otaku. Please, go check it out! I've certainly enjoyed reading it!

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'FAN THE FLAMES! MOLD THE METAL! WE ARE RAISING AN ARMY!' - The Ancestor from Darkest Dungeon

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Fate

Chapter 121 – WAR

Severus Snape's POV

Tuesday 2nd February, 1994 (The Burrow – Night)

Snape stepped through the fireplace, and Arthur Weasley immediately set upon him.

"Molly said that you were coming!" Arthur stopped far too close for comfort. "I can't ever repay you enough for looking after my son, Severus-" Severus?

Snape's lips thinned into a frown, and Arthur quickly realized his error.

"I mean… Snape…" Arthur cleared his throat, and then, he quickly put his right hand forward. "Thank you… Sincerely. If it weren't for you, Ron would be…" the man trailed off. Why are all the Weasleys such an emotional lot?

"I did my job as his Head of House," Snape said, keeping his tone professional.

Arthur slowly pulled his hand back, giving Snape an awkward, yet grateful, smile.

"No, you've done much more than that," Arthur said, and Snape cocked an eyebrow. I have? "You saved him when the Dark Lord attacked him, and now, you've saved him from himself… I don't care what the other Order members say; I now know why Dumbledore trusts you above all others. You're a good man, and we're all really lucky to have you." Unbelievable… I should've sent Ron's Calming Tonics via owl.

"Is your wife in the kitchen?" Snape asked, completely cutting out the last minute of his life from his mind. What is wrong with these people? "I have brought Ron's Calming Tonics with me. They aren't as powerful as his sedative, but in my personal opinion, his sedative has far too many addictive qualities to be considered useful in the long run." He almost got addicted to the Calming Draught once, and this sedative that he's using now is twice as addictive. This is a disaster waiting to happen, and I need to do everything I can to circumvent it.

"Um… I have to admit, I was never very good at Potions… Can you please explain how these calming potions work?" Arthur asked, and Snape felt his only eye twitch. Yes, I have nothing better to do than to hold your hand… But then again, telling Ron's parents about the dangers of his sedative could save him from a lot of trouble down the line. He's already fighting a war; he doesn't need to fight addiction as well.

"Very well," Snape agreed, and Arthur smiled a little more fully.

"Thank you-"

"Arthur?! Is he here?!" came Molly Weasley's voice, and Arthur quickly gestured Snape towards the kitchen. Just give them a brief explanation, hand over the Tonics, and then ask to see Ron. I can do that.

Snape made his way into the kitchen, and Arthur followed after him.

"Welcome back," Molly quickly walked over, her Charms continued to do the dishes without her supervision. "Ron's upstairs with Bill right now, so please, make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you for the offer, but I am pressed for time," Snape said coolly. "Your husband asked me to explain Ron's calming potions, so let's get started on that."

Molly blinked at him, while Arthur quickly adorned a more studious expression.

"All you two need to know is this," Snape started, he truly despised teaching other people about his craft. They're all so slow, and they always ask the most idiotic questions. "Syrup of Hellebore is a key ingredient in all potions that aim to relieve stress and anxiety. Its main purpose is to force your brain to release a chemical called Dopamine, which directly determines a person's feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. In essence, these potions strive to put the consumer in a state of indifferent bliss."

"State of indifferent bliss?" Molly muttered; she looked thoroughly lost. "What's that mean?" What does it sound like?

"It means that your son has zero care about what's going on around him," Snape replied, and both Weasleys exchanged looks. "That is the sedative's purpose, after all."

"Is that why he's behaving so well?" Molly whispered to her husband. "He doesn't really care about how we feel?"

"Do not confuse my words," Snape quickly cut in, he knew where this was going already. "The sedative forces Ron's mind to expel any negative thoughts, which in turn leads to less confrontation. He is most likely 'behaving' himself because he fully understands what he has done." He's too intelligent not to.

"He doesn't want to worry us any further?" Arthur asked weakly.

"I cannot claim to know the answer to that question," Snape said indifferently. "Nevertheless, I believe that his sedative should be taken away from him. People like Ron tend to cling to any small amount of 'happiness' they can get their hands on." We'd go insane, otherwise.

"People like Ron…" Arthur whispered to himself, and then he gave Snape a rather serious look. "He keeps saying that he needs the sedative to think properly, and I have to admit, I really don't like the sound of that. He's… not himself… when he's on it." I think that's the whole point… Why would he want to be himself considering his circumstances?

"Life has been unkind to him," Snape said without thinking, and both Weasleys immediately looked grateful for his rare display of empathy. I'll just ignore their overly grateful looks. "Which is exactly why we need to take this sedative away from him. It might be helping him now, but down the line, it will cause him a lot of trouble. Escaping reality is not a healthy way to deal with one's problems." Trust me, I know that better than anyone.

Snape then pulled out a tiny, wooden chest from his pocket, and he handed it to Arthur.

"Are your Calming Tonics inside that box?" Molly asked as she eyed the matchbox-sized chest in Arthur's palm, and Snape gave her a nod.

"I've brewed twenty vials worth," Snape started. "I also substituted the Syrup of Hellebore with Powdered Moonstone and the Essence of a Crocodile's Heart. These Calming Tonics have no addictive properties to them, but they are significantly weaker as a result."

"But they will still work, right?" Arthur asked.

"They will help him deal with his stress," Snape promised. "But should they prove to be too weak to do him any good, I will brew him a fresh batch with a very small amount of Syrup of Hellebore."

"Thank you for this," Molly said, her eyes tearing up a little at his act of kindness. "We're really lucky to have you watching over Ron at Hogwarts."

"Truly lucky," Arthur quickly agreed with his wife, while Snape just stared at them. "Thank you, Snape… For everything that you've done for our boy."

Snape used his Occlumency to keep himself in check; these two had no idea who they were thanking. If they knew of the things that he had done in his younger years, they'd spit on him and throw him out of their house. I've given them their lesson, and I should now see to Ron. This unnecessary gratitude is beginning to vex me.

"I would like to speak to him before I leave," Snape said calmly. "Would that be allowed?"

"Of course!" Molly said quickly as she dabbed her eyes. "I'll go and get him right now." Molly then looked to her husband with a meaningful look. "Arthur, I bought some Butterbeers for you and Bill. They're in the pantry."

"Oh, right," Arthur nodded in understanding.

"There is no need-" Snape started, but Arthur wasted no time in flicking his wand at the pantry.

Two bottles of Ever-Chilled Butterbeer floated out, and while Molly left for upstairs, Arthur all but dragged Snape towards a chair.

"Your leg is still hurt, right?" Arthur asked, and Snape immediately felt annoyed with the man. "Come, sit down."

Snape drew in a deep breath, and for Ron's sake, he decided not to make a scene. Arthur opened both bottles before Snape could refuse, and he eagerly handed Snape one.

"This is Madam Rosemerta's Butterbeer, by the way," Arthur said, his voice too friendly for Snape's liking. I definitely should have sent an owl. "Have you been to the Three Broomsticks?"

Lily's boisterous laughter echoed in his head; she had dragged him there with her far too many times.

"Not in a long time," Snape replied, putting his Butterbeer down. The last time I had Butterbeer was with Lily, at the start of our fifth year.

"Um… Are you all right?" Arthur asked, he had noticed Snape's eye become distant.

"Yes," Snape replied.

"You don't like Butterbeer?" Arthur asked. "This is the one they brew for adults, and it's pretty strong stuff."

"I prefer wine," Snape said shortly.

"Oh, we have wine as well," Arthur pulled out his wand, but this time, Snape managed to stop the man before he could summon more alcohol.

"I understand that you want to show me hospitality, but I assure you, there is no need to waste your efforts on me," Snape said, he was genuinely beginning to feel uncomfortable.

"Waste? It's not a waste…" Arthur looked a bit confused, his eyes lingering on Snape's. All right, I tried my best, but this isn't my forte. Time to go.

Before he could get up and leave, Ron stepped into the kitchen. The tall teenager was wearing his training gear, and judging by his sweat stains, he had been exercising. At this time of night? Does he ever turn off? Is he even capable of it at this point?

"Professor Snape," Ron walked over, while Arthur studied his son.

"Ron… Are you exercising at this time of night?" Arthur asked.

"Bill challenged me," Ron shrugged; he looked quite relaxed. "He said that he could easily keep up with my training regimen."

"And?" Arthur asked.

"Mum's helping him throw up his dinner," Ron replied with a lopsided grin, and Arthur quickly got out of his chair.

"You boys…" Arthur sighed out, and then he gave Snape an apologetic look. "Um… Feel free to use the living room, it'll give you privacy."

Snape gave a curt nod, and Arthur shot Ron a meaningful look before he left to go check on his eldest. Once the Weasley patriarch was gone, Snape took the chance to study Ron from head to toe. He's looking well… That's very alarming considering that he tried to kill himself not three days ago.

"Are you trying to make me blush?" Ron asked, and Snape immediately frowned. "Wow, that only took like a second… I'm getting better at annoying you."

"You are still on that sedative," Snape said, and Ron shrugged once again. "Its effects aren't supposed to last this long-"

"I have some stashed away," Ron admitted openly. "Though I'll be out by tomorrow night." Good.

"I have given your father your Calming Tonics," Snape said. "Use them instead of the sedative, Ron. They might not be as powerful, but they are the much safer option."

"The safer option…" Ron repeated to himself, and then, he drew in a deep breath.

"What is it?" Snape asked. Don't tell me that he's going to fight me on this.

"Even after what I did, you took the time to brew me your Calming Tonics," Ron said, and Snape waited for him to go on.

But Ron didn't go on; instead, he looked to be in deep thought about something. Snape decided to wait until Ron said something; he was still trying to figure out the boy's state of mind.

"I'll stop taking the sedative," Ron suddenly promised, something that caught Snape off-guard. I should be careful here. Ron is a good liar, and if he wants, he can easily go behind everyone's back and continue abusing his sedative.

"Is that so?" Snape asked, and Ron gave a nod. "All right, I'll believe you, but only if you give me your stash right now." Let's see what he says to that.

Ron 'smiled' at Snape, and quite honestly, Snape felt a cold shiver run up his spine. What is happening in that head of yours, Ron? What is that demon doing to you?

"You reckon you can limp up six flights of stairs?" Ron asked, he sounded a little amused for some reason.

"If that's what it takes to make sure that you don't get yourself addicted to a dangerous potion, then yes," Snape stood up, he was not the sort to be so easily deterred. "Come, let's go right now." Six flights of stairs? Damn it.

---

Ten Minutes Later

Snape groaned painfully as Ron helped him into the room, he had underestimated the damage left behind by the Cursed Blade. I'll never be able to walk properly again.

"When will your leg fully heal?" Ron asked.

"Never…" Snape grit out as Ron helped him sit down.

"Never?" Ron asked.

"Wounds from Cursed Blades don't heal," Snape replied, he was actually sweating because of the pain in his leg. "Not fully, at least." I still can't believe that Poppy managed to save my leg.

"What's a Cursed Blade?" Ron asked, he sounded more curious than empathetic.

"Just any ordinary blade that's been 'blessed' by the Dark Arts," Snape explained. "It is a creation of the Dark Lord, and he entrusted each of his most loyal followers with one such blade."

"Even you?" Ron asked, and Snape gave a nod. "Do you still have it?" I threw it away the day I killed Lily…

"Not anymore," Snape replied, feeling a very familiar sense of self-loathing. "Enough idle chit-chat… Hand over your stash right now."

Ron gave a nod, and then he walked over to his study desk. After a few seconds of searching, he walked back over to Snape with three vials of Poppy's sedative. Snape took them without hesitation, though he had to admit that he was quite surprised by Ron's cooperative behavior. He agreed to give up the sedative for my Calming Tonics when I dropped by earlier today, but I just can't bring myself to believe him.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Ron asked. "That's all of it, I promise. You can search the room yourself, if you like."

"When I was here earlier today," Snape started, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You mentioned that the Entity lashed out at you-"

"It crushed my eyes with its claws," Ron cut in, and Snape's throat closed up. What…? "Have you ever felt someone's thumbs inside your skull, Sir?"

Snape sat motionless, his eye fixed on Ron's carefree expression. Gods… He didn't know what to say, all he knew was that he felt incredibly sorry for the boy in front of him. As someone who had endured torture at the hands of a sadistic monster, Snape had a vague idea of the pain Ron had no doubt endured right after his suicide attempt. How can one person still stay standing after all of that? Where does his strength come from?

"Wait… Of course you haven't," Ron shook his head. "Sorry for interrupting you, that was a really stupid question on my part. What were you saying?"

"Ron…" Snape all but whispered, and the redhead leaned forward in order to listen.

Snape opened his mouth, but nothing came out. What was he supposed to say? That he was sorry? He knew just how pointless such words were, especially when he couldn't do a thing to help Ron.

"Sir… Don't do that," Ron sighed out.

"Do what?" Snape blinked.

"Feel bad for me," Ron replied. "I don't deserve your sympathy-"

"Excuse me?" Snape asked, he didn't know why his temper suddenly spiked. "What do you mean you don't deserve my sympathy?"

"Bad things happen to bad people, right?" Ron asked in response. "I've caused a lot of pain to a lot of people, and so, I got what I deserved. Plain and simple."

"There is nothing 'plain and simple' about this," Snape frowned deeply. "Sit down right now!"

"Tone, Sir," Ron clicked his tongue. "We feel terrible over what we did, but if you raise your voice at us again, we'll take your other leg from you." What the fuck? We? Who are we?

"We?" Snape blinked, an uneasy feeling settling in his stomach. "Who are 'We', Ron?" Usually when he refers to himself as a collective being, he speaks with the Entity's voice. But now… What is it doing to him?

"Did I say we?" Ron looked a bit surprised himself, and then, he let out a cold chuckle. "We…"

Ron walked over to the window, and for the briefest of moments, Snape saw two demonic eyes in the window's reflection. His prosthetic hand slowly inched towards his wand out of instinct; the uneasy feeling in his stomach had quickly evolved into genuine dread. Something wasn't right here, and Snape could feel it deep in his bones.

"Why are you here, Sir?" Ron turned around; his eyes were as blue as usual.

"Pardon?" Snape asked, his body relaxing a little. Stay calm. He's in control.

"Why did you come here?" Ron asked.

"I came to deliver the Calming Tonics…" Snape replied slowly.

"Calming Tonics?" Ron cocked an eyebrow. What is going on here? "Oh… That's right… I can't keep using the sedative…"

Ron rubbed his forehead harshly, a mixture of confusion and pain written all over his face.

"Ron, you are beginning to worry me," Snape stood up and limped over to the redhead.

"I'm sorry," Ron apologized. "But there's nothing to worry about, I assure you." Really? You're going to say that after what I just witnessed?

"You can talk to me," Snape tried. "I can help you-"

"How?" Ron asked. "What can you possibly do, other than brew me a few potions, to help me? Can you commune with the Elders?" Elders? That's what his past self calls the Higher Beings, right?

"Are you referring to the Higher Beings?" Snape asked for clarification. "If so, then no… But sometimes, it helps to talk about these things…" I can't believe I just said that.

"I don't want to talk about these things," Ron said, his left eye twitching. "Not with anyone."

"Why?" Snape asked, feeling a little frustrated.

"Because they scare me," Ron replied. "And I don't like feeling scared… That's not who I am." This fucking sedative… He's not making any sense!

Snape pinched the bridge of his hooked nose as he drew in a deep breath.

"Ron… Why don't I take you to the Headmaster?" Snape asked. Albus is much better at this than I am, and he'll want to know about this. "He'll return from the Ministry within the hour, and we can all sit down-"

"Is he still angry with me?" Ron asked, his voice almost childlike.

"No, Ron… He's worried about you," Snape replied. We both are.

Something familiar flashed behind Ron's eyes, and the tall teenager smiled a little to himself. What now?

"You know, I've been thinking a lot about what I did," Ron started, and Snape could do little but listen. "And it occurred to me that I nearly undid all the sacrifices that you two have made in the war against the Dark Lord. I mean, you endured torture from the Dark Lord himself, and you were willing to die to protect the Order… What I did spits in the face of that bravery, and I don't think I've ever hated myself more than I do now."

Snape stilled at that, he couldn't deny that his brief period of anger with Ron was because of this very reason. Despite all the suffering Snape had endured in his life, he had to make his peace with the disheartening fact that a troubled young man could easily undo all of his work on a whim.

"You've both lost so much, but still, you keep going," Ron went on. "I wish I was more like you two-"

"No, you don't want that," Snape couldn't help himself. "Look, your attempt to end your own life nearly undid everything that Albus and I have worked for, but now that we've had time to cool our heads, both of us agree that we should have done more to prepare you."

"That's not on you," Ron said.

"But it is," Snape said firmly. "The day you came to us with the truth, you became our responsibility. I didn't even think of the Cycles when I was searching the castle for you, and I certainly didn't think about the Cycles when I sent all the prefects after you." I was too busy frothing at the mouth with anger and worry to think properly. Albus was right, I should have stopped Ron and waited for Albus to return. All of this could have been avoided if I had just sat him down and talked to him.

"You were worried about me, but not because I was going to end the Cycle?" Ron asked slowly.

"The Cycle only entered my mind after you were found," Snape replied. "Before that…" Just tell him… Don't make the same mistake twice. "I was worried about you because… I have become fond of you…" If this doesn't get through to him, then I don't know what will. "It would sadden me to see you come to harm…"

Ron said nothing in response, and quite honestly, he looked a little uncomfortable because of Snape's words. Let me guess, I said the wrong thing. Damn you for sending me here in your stead, Albus. The awkward silence was suffocating, and after nearly a minute of it, Snape decided that it was time for him to leave. He was not a source of comfort, and he never would be.

He was a Death-Eater, and nothing was ever going to change that.

"If you ever want to talk about anything, my offer still stands," Snape said professionally. "Now, I need to be on my way-"

"I won't fail you again, I promise," Ron said, and Snape realized that the boy's eyes were tearing up. "I'm really sorry, Sir… I'm really… sorry…"

Ron's face tightened painfully as he began sniffling, and Snape felt his chest tighten. Don't do that. Stop it right now.

"You have nothing to be sorry about…" Snape said tensely, what the hell was he supposed to do now? "Albus and I are the ones who are sorry… We should have looked after you better…"

Snape then slowly reached forward and gave Ron's arm a gentle squeeze, hoping to stop the boy from crying in earnest. It worked, but it also resulted in Ron surprising Snape with a hug. Albus was right… A few words of kindness is all it took. Does Ron really live in such a dark world? I suppose I forgot that fact because of his strength of character. Snape used his Occlumency to center himself, and then, he decided to do better.

At least, wherever Ron was concerned.

"Everything will be all right, Ron," Snape said, awkwardly patting Ron on the back. "You aren't alone in this."

Ron's breathing became less forced, much to Snape's relief. He wasn't exactly a fan of physical contact, he never had been thanks to his father, but right now, he couldn't deny that it felt good to help Ron feel a little safer, even if it meant that he had to go through this uncomfortable exchange.

---

Tuesday 2nd February, 1994 (Snape's Office – Night)

Leaving Ron behind had been a little harder than Snape had anticipated, mostly because he didn't feel right leaving Ron behind with his parents. Arthur and Molly clearly loved their son, but they could never understand what Ron was going through. If it weren't for this raid on Knockturn Alley tomorrow, I might have asked Ron to come back with me. Though, truth be told, I don't think he's ready to be around the other students just yet.

Snape limped towards his chair, his teeth gnashing together because of the throbbing pain in his right leg. Accursed limb… Poppy should have cut it off. Snape dropped onto his chair, and a breath of relief escaped his throat. The pain was somewhat subdued now that he wasn't putting any weight on his leg, and Snape found himself feeling a bit drowsy thanks to this brief respite.

Just as he closed his eye to rest a little; his fireplace roared to life, and Albus stepped into the office with a keen look about him.

"Severus, you've finally returned," Albus said as he walked over and took a seat, his twinkling blue eyes studying Snape. "Are you all right, my friend?"

"I'm fine," Snape lied, using his Occlumency to further smother his pain. "Aren't you supposed to be helping the Aurors come up with a plan?"

"We can talk about that later," Albus said, and Snape figured that Albus had been waiting to ambush him. He no doubt has questions about Ron. "How was he, Severus?"

"Apologetic," Snape replied, and Albus gave a slow nod. "The Entity is hurting him again."

Albus closed his eyes as he drew in a sharp breath; he immediately looked even older than he was. There's no point in giving him any further details. It would just distract him from his duties. Neither of them said anything for a while, both of them were still trying to think of some way to help Ron escape the Entity's clutches. I resent this feeling of uselessness. We can't separate Ron from the Entity, nor can we reason with this fucking demon. What are we supposed to do? We can't just let it keep hurting him… Sooner or later, even Ron will break.

"I apologized to him," Snape said suddenly, and Albus gave a weak smile in response. "You were badgering me to go visit him because you knew that he needed to hear it from me." The moment I showed him an ounce of understanding and care, he started crying… Fuck, even I wasn't that miserable at his age.

"Ronald already expects me to be kind to him," Albus started.

"But he doesn't expect that from me," Snape cut in, now he fully understood why Albus was being such a pain in his arse about this. "Why didn't you just tell me what your plan was?"

"If you had a speech prepared, it would have come across as disingenuous," Albus replied. "I knew that once you saw him for yourself, you wouldn't be able to help yourself. You are, after all, quite fond of him."

Snape drew in a calming breath; he really hated Albus Dumbledore sometimes. Especially when he's right.

"He told me that he'll come back in a couple of weeks," Snape said, and Albus looked a little pleased to hear that. "But I think he should stay home for longer."

"What makes you say that?" Albus asked.

"There was… something… about him," Snape thought back to Ron's more unstable behavior. "He clearly regrets his attempt to take his own life, and although I'm a little more convinced that he won't try it again, something about him just didn't seem right. He referred to himself as 'we', and he did so without the Entity's voice" Not to mention that he casually threatened to take my legs away from me.

"He referred to himself as a collective being?" Albus asked with a furrowed brow.

"He's becoming more and more unstable, Albus," Snape said. "I'm worried that if we bring him back to Hogwarts too soon, he will become overwhelmed and begin lashing out." His rage is a thing to fear, and he's not afraid to cause other people pain when he's in a foul mood.

"I will invite him to come play some chess with me," Albus said, speaking more to himself than to Snape. "He cannot openly talk to Poppy and his parents about his troubles, so it falls to us to take care of him."

"You want to give him a sense of normalcy?" Snape asked.

"I want him to know that he's not alone, and that he never will be while you and I walk this earth," Albus replied, and Snape internally agreed with the sentiment. Perhaps I should invite him for an activity as well?

Snape frowned a little to himself, what sort of activity could he offer the boy? It wasn't like he had any hobbies worth sharing, nor did he have the patience needed to nurture a troubled a mind such as Ron's. Stop making excuses, and think of something. It took Albus less than five seconds to come up with his next move.

"Severus? Are you listening to me?" Albus asked, and Snape broke out of his thoughts.

"What were you saying?" Snape asked.

"You should offer to teach him some Magic," Albus suggested, and Snape cocked an eyebrow. "The flashier the better." What?

Snape said nothing in response, but he made a mental note of Albus' advice. The flashier the better? I see… I can offer him Spells that no one else has even heard of. Spell that I created myself after years of experimentation and study. Yes, that could actually work. His obsession with bettering himself is well known, and he's too smart to refuse such an offer.

"What was the atmosphere like in the Burrow?" Albus asked, he could tell that Severus had taken his advice into consideration.

"Not as tense as I had anticipated," Snape replied. "He is behaving himself, and that has put his parents and brother at ease. I believe that being around them is helping him, though I could be wrong. Ron's ability to deceive others is always improving, after all." Snape then leaned forward; it was time to talk about Knockturn Alley. "What happened at the Ministry, Albus? Why are you back so soon?"

"My assistance was not needed," Albus replied calmly.

"Bones sent you away?" Snape asked. And you listened to her? Why?

"Dolores Umbridge sent me away," Albus said, though he didn't sound at all bothered by this.

"Umbridge?" Snape asked. "Why is the Senior Undersecretary working with the Aurors?"

"Cornelius has left her in charge of the operation," Albus replied. "At her request, of course."

"He left her in charge of an Auror raid?" Snape asked, this made no sense. Bones has more influence than Umbridge, but Umbridge has the Minister's ear. This is not going to end well, especially considering Umbridge's reputation.

"Cornelius seems to be listening to poor counsel ever since he was 'attacked in the streets'," Albus replied.

"They've baited him into making an idiotic decision," Snape realized. "Let me guess, Fudge wasn't at the meeting because he was having dinner with Lucius."

"They know that we're coming, Severus," Albus said. "Someone talked, and Lord Voldemort listened."

"Then you need to put a stop to it," Snape urged. "You'll all be walking into a trap."

"I tried my best to dissuade Dolores, but she ordered me off the premises," Albus said. "Her ambition and hatred are blinding her, and no one was able to make her listen to reason. She even suggested that we send the Russian and French Aurors home, as this raid falls under the British Ministry's jurisdiction." But Bones herself called them here.

"You can't do anything about this?" Snape asked.

"Everything was set in motion well before I arrived," Albus said. "We must see this to its end, Dolores cannot be convinced otherwise."

"She'll get the Aurors killed for a damn promotion," Snape frowned deeply. Even in his weakened state, the Dark Lord has found a foothold within the Ministry. We need to get rid of Fudge as soon as possible.

"Tomorrow, blood will flow in the streets of Knockturn Alley," Albus said, a hint of weariness in his voice. "And we will use that to take Cornelius' Office away from him."

Snape's ears perked up at that, what was Albus planning to do?

---

Nymphadora Tonks' POV

Tuesday 2nd February, 1994 (The Auror Academy – Night)

"Still here?" came Madam Roberts' voice, and Tonks immediately turned to face her.

"Madam Roberts?" Tonks blinked, and then she wiped the sweat from her brow. "I thought you were at the Ministry."

"I was, but I came to check up on you before going home," Madam Roberts stepped onto the sandpit. "You shouldn't train a day before a raid, it's foolish." A raid?

Tonks' stomach dropped at that, she had been hoping to avoid any form of violence against the Vampires. Sure, they were serving the Dark Lord, but the rest of Knockturn Alley's denizens weren't.

"So we're really attacking Knockturn Alley, then?" Tonks asked, her hair turning mousy brown.

"The choice has been taken from us," Madam Roberts replied.

"But the Headmaster said-" Tonks started.

"The Headmaster was escorted off of the premises before the meeting even began," Madam Roberts said, and Tonks' eyes shot wide open.

"They escorted Albus Dumbledore off of the premises?!" Tonks exclaimed; she was utterly shocked. Who would dare do that?

"Umbridge has taken over the operation," Madam Roberts started, and Tonks gaped at her. What?! "The Minister himself put her in charge, pushing Amelia and Rufus out of their own strategy room. We're doing what the bureaucrats want, which is to get rid of the 'beasts infesting our great country'."

"The only beasts infesting our country are people like Dolores Umbridge," Tonks grimaced, her hair turning into a shade of fiery red.

Madam Roberts smirked a little; she was clearly pleased by Tonks' passion.

"I've put in a request to have you join my squad tomorrow," Madam Roberts said, surprising Tonks again.

"I'm to work with the Hit-Wizards?" Tonks asked, and Madam Roberts gave a curt nod.

"You've got a lot of potential, and we could really use a Metamorphmagus working with us," Madam Roberts started. "With you in our squad, hunting down Dark Wizards would be much easier."

"Um… Not that I want to refuse this offer, but don't I need to serve as an Auror for five years before I can start working as a Hit-Wizard?" Tonks asked.

"I'm making an exception for you," Madam Roberts replied. "However, there is another reason behind this…" Why did her tone just change?

"What's the other reason?" Tonks asked slowly.

"Rufus doesn't want you working under him," Madam Roberts replied bluntly.

"Oh…" Tonks muttered.

She didn't know why, but that really hurt her for some reason.

"What you did at the Order meeting… It was wrong," Madam Roberts said.

"We were arguing in circles-!"

"You directly undermined your own superior officers," Madam Roberts cut in bluntly. "In our line of work, we need to be able to trust each other completely, and if Rufus feels like he can't trust you, then he has every right to move you away from his command." Madam Roberts then took a step forward. "Now, I'm willing to give you a chance, but if you step out of line like that again, you'll be disciplined by my hand. Am I clear?"

"I… Yes, Ma'am," Tonks said, standing to attention.

"Good," Madam Roberts gave a curt nod. "Now go home, and rest. We have a big day tomorrow-"

"Could you tell me a little about this raid?" Tonks asked, and Madam Roberts frowned at her for interrupting. Shit, please don't hit me! "I've never been on a mission like this…"

Madam Roberts' expression softened a little, and then she gestured Tonks to follow her. Without hesitation, Tonks began following the older witch towards the exit.

"We'll be making a radio announcement tomorrow morning," Madam Roberts started. "It will ask all citizens within Diagon Alley, the Upper District, and Knockturn Alley to disperse, including the Vampires. After that, we'll set up a perimeter around Knockturn Alley, and five teams will move in from each entry point."

"Knockturn Alley has five entry points?" Tonks asked. I thought you could only access it from the entrance in Diagon Alley.

"For those who know where to look, yes," Madam Roberts replied. "You'll be with me and my squad, and we'll be using the sewers to navigate towards the center of Knockturn Alley."

"What about my friends?" Tonks asked. "Which team are they joining?"

"They'll be joining Rufus," Madam Roberts replied.

"He's taking all the recruits with him?" Tonks asked. Why? Technically, we're not even Aurors yet. We're just joining the Aurors because we're so low on manpower.

"The other recruits are still green, and he wants to keep his eyes on them," Madam Roberts replied. "You, on the other hand, have shown a lot of talent, which is why he's allowed you to join me." More like he wanted to fire me, but you saved my job.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Tonks said gratefully, but Madam Roberts said nothing in response.

Instead, the older witch stopped Tonks in her spot.

"The Vampires aren't going leave without a fight," Madam Roberts started, her amber eyes flashing. "I don't want to see any 'compassion' from you tomorrow. Someone raises their wand at you; you put them down. Understand? Stunners aren't going to do shit to the Vampires, and they won't hesitate to throw the Killing Curse at you."

"I understand," Tonks gave a resolute nod, though a small part of her was starting to get scared. Relax… It's just nerves. I need to stay focused, and I need to act fast. "What about the other teams? Are the French and Russian Aurors really joining us?"

"They are, thank the Gods," Madam Roberts replied. "Umbridge tried to send them home, but Luka Yahontov threatened to 'gut her' on the spot… Things got rather heated, but in the end, Umbridge had to listen to some form of reason. We're undermanned as it is, and a raid of this size can't be pulled off with our low numbers."

"Luka Yahontov threatened to kill a British Ministry Official?" Tonks was left baffled by that.

She had heard of the legendary Auror, of course, who hadn't in their line of work? But for him to threaten Umbridge like that… Merlin, his balls must be made of Goblin Steel.

"The Russians are fucking insane," Madam Roberts admitted openly. "Just be grateful that they're on our side. He's brought ten of his best with him, and he'll be hitting Knockturn Alley from the front."

Tonks gave a weak nod, now she definitely wanted to meet him. Maybe he'll give me his autograph! He's like the only Auror who's considered to be on Mad-Eye's level! Wait… Mad-Eye?!

"Is Mad-Eye joining us?" Tonks asked. "I mean, he's not an Auror anymore, right? Would Umbridge let him join the raid?"

"You think she could stop him?" Madam Roberts asked in response.

"No…" Tonks replied. He'd probably Hex her if she got in his way.

"You ought to go home and rest," Madam Roberts said.

"Wait… You said that we had five teams," Tonks started. "What about the other two?"

"The French Head-Auror, Paul Durand, and his five Hit-Wizards, will be sneaking in via the rooftops," Madam Roberts replied. "The last team, which will be led by Gawain, will be on brooms. They'll act as our air support, using various colored signals to keep us all informed of the battle."

"And what about the Headmaster?" Tonks asked. "Which team is he in?"

"None," Madam Roberts replied. "He's not an Auror-"

"He's Albus Dumbledore, though!" Tonks couldn't believe this. "We need him!"

"Fudge, and his toad, fear the man's reputation," Madam Roberts said in a bored voice. "Now, usually, Fudge has never shown the courage to refuse the old man, but all of a sudden, he's being an insecure little girl. He doesn't want people thinking that Dumbledore can do his job better than he can, and when Dumbledore suggested a peaceful negotiation, Umbridge all but threw him out of the Ministry."

"So there's no chance of negotiating some sort of truce?" Tonks asked.

"None whatsoever," Madam Roberts replied.

"But what if some civilians don't hear the broadcast?" Tonks asked. "What if they get trapped in there?"

"Yahontov has volunteered to look for anyone caught in the battle," Madam Roberts replied. "His team will primarily be used for escorting people out of Knockturn Alley."

"That's not good enough," Tonks said. "One team? That's it?"

"Do I need to remind you that we're not the ones making the plans?" Madam Roberts asked. "The politicians are trying to play their fucking games as usual, and it's left to us to clean up the mess. Get used to this, that's how our Ministry works."

Tonks' lips tightened into a frown, wasn't the Ministry supposed to serve the public? Instead, we're putting them all in danger simply because the Minister's ego got bruised. This… This entire raid… It's wrong!

"Go home, Nymphadora," Madam Roberts said, she knew that look quite well. "Thinking about this sort of rubbish… It's a distraction, and I need you at your best tomorrow. You make one mistake, and one of your comrades could end up paying the price." Madam Roberts then turned to leave. "Or worse, some civilian could end up dead." Something tells me that a lot of civilians are going to end up dead tomorrow. Gods help us all.

---

Lord Voldemort's POV

Tuesday 2nd February, 1994 (Nott Manor – Night)

"You have done well, Lucius," the Dark Lord commended, and Lucius humbly bowed his head. "Fudge's carelessness will decimate the Ministry's image, giving us the opportunity to 'reshuffle' management."

"Fudge plans to oversee the raid himself, my Lord," Lucius said. "With your blessing, I will make sure to stay by his side tomorrow. Dumbledore will no doubt attempt to urge for negotiations, but I will keep Fudge on the desired path." Ah, he finally shows his old self.

"Very well, Lucius, you may continue whispering poison in that fool's ear," the Dark Lord smiled a lipless smile, his eyes flashing red. "The raid must happen, no matter what."

"It will be done, my Lord," Lucius promised.

The Dark Lord then looked to Corban, who was sitting right beside the Dark Lord himself.

"And have you found success just as Lucius, my friend?" the Dark Lord asked.

"Pius Thicknesse has been put under the Imperius Curse, and his eyes have been Glamoured as well," Corban reported back.

"Excellent," the Dark Lord's smile grew. "He will make for a fine Minister, I believe."

"For us, at least," Thorfinn laughed, and the others joined him.

"Once the raid is over, turn the Daily Prophet against Fudge," Lord Voldemort ordered. "Once his credibility is destroyed, Pius will put forth his desire to run for Minister."

"And what of Fudge, my Lord?" Robert asked. "A cornered beast is often the deadliest."

"He is no beast… I'd compare him to a frightened rabbit, instead," the Dark Lord replied. "His foolishness will result in hundreds of deaths, and the people of Magical Britain will overthrow him for us."

The dining room's door suddenly burst open, and Gaspard sauntered in with his usual smirk in place.

"Gaspard," the Dark Lord greeted, gesturing towards the seat to his left. "Come, sit with us."

Most of the 'Pure' within the room looked uncomfortable, or even outright disgusted, but none of them dared speak up. They fear him. Good. He will keep them in line for me.

"Sorry for the wait," Gaspard sat down, and then he casually rested his muddy boots on the polished table. "Planting C4 can be tedious work." C4? Muggle explosives?

"What is this 'C4'?" Robert asked.

"It's a Muggle weapon," Gaspard replied, and everyone exchanged disgusted looks. "Oh, please… If the Muggles wanted, they'd fuck all of you up within a year. And that's me being very generous."

"What?!" Amycus slammed his fists on the table as he shot up. "You would dare-?!"

The Dark Lord waved his hand in Amycus' direction, silencing the buffoon before he lowered the room's IQ. The Dark Lord then looked to Gaspard, who looked thoroughly amused with everyone's reactions.

"Explain yourself," Lord Voldemort commanded, his smile turning into a sneer.

"Well, for one, they have their satellites fixed on all the Wizarding Schools," Gaspard started.

"What is a 'satellite'?" Corban leaned forward; he was never one to scoff at a potential threat.

"Think of it as an all seeing eye in space," Gaspard grinned, and Corban's eyes widened a little. "Sure, the schools are hidden by various Charms and Wards, but infrared renders all of that pointless. They know where the schools are, which means that they have their missiles locked on just in case." Infrared? And what sort of missiles?

"Space?" Robert scoffed. "Muggles have entered space now, have they? What you speak of is impossible." No, it isn't.

"You lot really ought to do your homework," Gaspard shook his head. "I once fought against a Muggle-Born who served as a 'Wizard Hunter'-"

"Wizard Hunter?" the Dark Lord was intrigued.

"Oh, yes," Gaspard looked into the Dark Lord's eyes. "They hunt you as well… They experiment on your kind, and mine, and create weapons that would terrify you."

"The Muggles are building weapons against us?" George Selwyn hissed.

"What kind of weapons?" Corban asked with a furrowed brow, while most of the other Death-Eaters ignored Gaspard's words. "And there are Mud-Bloods who serve Muggle Governments?" Salazar was right. No Mud-Blood should be allowed to learn of Magic. Treachery runs through their veins.

"They train in the Wizarding World, and then, they pass all of their knowledge onto the Muggle Governments," Gaspard replied. "There aren't many of them, but enough that the Muggles know everything about us. The Muggle-Born I fought against used a weapon on me that would render ordinary wizards into Squibs-"

"Impossible!" Alecto all but screamed. "He lies!"

"Silence!" the Dark Lord hissed, he needed to hear more about this. "Get out. All of you."

The Death-Eaters didn't hesitate for even a second, they still feared the Dark Lord's wrath far more than they despised Gaspard.

"Not you, Corban," the Dark Lord hissed, stopping Corban before he could stand up. He will take this seriously, unlike most of the inbred fools I'm surrounded by.

Once the others were gone, the Dark Lord gestured Gaspard to go on.

"Tell me more about these weapons," the Dark Lord demanded.

"Well, I honestly don't know much," Gaspard started. "During our fight, the Muggle-Born used this… electric pistol… on me. It rendered my healing obsolete for a few minutes, which was truly the closest I've ever come to dying."

Corban shot a quick look towards his Master; he was clearly as shocked by this as the Dark Lord. They have become powerful in my absence… Fools like Dumbledore are to blame for this!

"Who was this Muggle-Born?" the Dark Lord hissed, and Gaspard shrugged.

"Some angry bastard who was sent to hunt me down by the Australian Government," Gaspard replied. "I spent a long time hunting in Melbourne, and this Muggle-Born tracked me down in order to put an end to my 'reign of terror'. Honestly, what was I supposed to do? 'Aussies' just taste so damn delicious."

"Perhaps we should use caution when attacking the Muggles in the future, my Lord," Corban suggested, he was thoroughly disturbed by this. "If Gaspard is telling the truth, then even our children are in danger." He's not wrong, though his fellow Pure-Bloods will never understand such a decision.

"Trust me, they'll nuke the schools first, and then, they'll send in their Special Forces to wipe out every major Magical settlement," Gaspard told them. "That is, if they don't just bomb you from across the continent."

"What became of this weapon after you killed the Mud-Blood?" the Dark Lord asked. "I want to study it."

"He, and the weapon, were blown to smithereens," Gaspard replied, and the Dark Lord just glared at the Vampire. "I overpowered him, but in a last ditch effort, he used some sort of Spell that turned him into a living bomb. I barely survived the explosion, and it took me weeks to recover from my injuries." Yes, you are weak to exsanguination, aren't you? It's your blood that heals you at such an alarming rate. "I left Australia shortly after that, he earned the right to banish me."

"You respect this Mud-Blood?" the Dark Lord asked with a dark sneer.

"I respect a warrior who nearly ended my long, long life," Gaspard shrugged. "Anyway, my work in Knockturn Alley is done."

"Natalia is fully prepared for the Aurors?" the Dark Lord asked, and Gaspard gave a nod. I hope the time I wasted perfecting Dumbledore's Magic won't be wasted.

"She is," Gaspard replied, a hint of paternal pride in his voice. "The Aurors are in for a lot of nasty surprises."

"Dumbledore will be joining them-" Corban started.

"Oh, we have a plan for Dumbledore," Gaspard chuckled dangerously, silencing Corban completely. "I doubt he'll make out of Knockturn Alley in one piece."

"Do not underestimate him," the Dark Lord warned. "For an old fool, he has proven himself almost impossible to kill on the field of battle." He leveled Malfoy Manor, and I barely escaped his wrath. Something has changed him… Made him more ruthless.

"Underestimating one's foes is a trait shared by you and your followers, Voldemort," Gaspard suddenly got serious. "Do not seek to lecture me on how to fight a war, it is the equivalent of a toddler lecturing you on how to use Magic." He thinks of me as a child?! "I was in uniform while your grandfather was still in liquid form, don't ever forget that."

Gaspard smirked once again, completely ignoring Corban and Lord Voldemort's dark looks. One day soon, Lord Voldemort will have your life.

"Now, do you want to hear about my plan to break out your mad dogs from their kennels?" Gaspard asked.

"You overreach, beast-!" Corban started, but the Dark Lord gestured him to remain silent. I need my most loyal at my side, now more than ever. The rest of my Death-Eaters have grown fat and incompetent whilst living their luxurious lives. I need ravenous wolves at my side, not ill trained mutts.

"Tell me of your plan," Lord Voldemort said, while Corban glared murder at Gaspard.

"Getting into Azkaban is next to impossible," Gaspard started. "But for an undead, it can be done." Undead?

"You plan to swim onto the island?" the Dark Lord guessed.

"Exactly," Gaspard confirmed. "The water will be freezing, but I have no need of warmth. And even if the waves pull me under, I can forego breathing whenever it suits me."

"And the Dementors?" the Dark Lord asked.

"They feed on despair, and I have lived my life with no regrets," Gaspard replied. "When they see me, they'll be the ones running for safety."

"Why?" Corban asked. "Dementors are not known to run away from potential victims."

"They know an apex predator when they see one," Gaspard smirked. "Trust me, they'll run in terror at the sight of me." He sounds like he's speaking from experience.

"If you can, recruit some of them," Lord Voldemort ordered. "One Dementor is worth a dozen wizards on the battlefield."

"Why not?" Gaspard smiled and agreed. "As for the rest, I'll send them towards the mainland. The Ministry can deal with the mess, and it'll help buy us time."

The Dark Lord gave a nod; this could be used to further embarrass Fudge out of his position of power. He has already proven himself to be a weak leader, and it won't be long before the public starts asking for his head. I need Corban to prepare Pius as soon as possible.

"Once you swim onto the island, what's your next move?" the Dark Lord asked.

"The graveyard is the only place on the island that isn't watched by the human guards, mostly because the Dementors occupy it," Gaspard started. "I will make my way into Azkaban without any real resistance, but once I'm inside, that's when things will get bloody. Azkaban consists of nine levels, and your followers are dispersed throughout these levels."

"Do you know which of them are still alive?" Corban asked. They are all alive, because unlike you, they are strong.

"The Lees and the Snydes died from injuries sustained over time," Gaspard started, and the Dark Lord felt his temper spike. More valuable assets lost. "The rest are still alive, but they are each kept in a cell designed specifically for them."

"Go on," Lord Voldemort leaned forward.

"Antonin Dolohov is kept chained up in the dungeons below Azkaban, he is the only prisoner on this level," Gaspard explained. "The ground floor is used solely for the human guards, and the only entrance into Azkaban leads directly into the barracks-"

"That's where they'll be keeping the wands," Corban spoke up.

"The wands are kept in a safe within the captain of the guards' office," Gaspard said.

"How do you know so much about Azkaban's layout?" the Dark Lord demanded.

"Oh, I ate one of the guards," Gaspard replied, and the Dark Lord just stared at him. "I don't just drink a person's blood, I consume their memories as well." Impossible.

"If that is true, then couldn't you, theoretically, bypass the Fidelius Charm as well?" Corban asked. "If you 'ate' a Secret Keeper, that is."

Gaspard grinned at that, and Corban's eyes widened at the implication. Such a powerful ability, and he kept it hidden until now?

"Why have you not wiped out the Order by now?" the Dark Lord hissed.

"Because I want a war, not a slaughter," Gaspard shrugged, and the Dark Lord felt his head throb. Damn this creature! "Once they build up their army a little, then I'll start invading their homes."

The Dark Lord drew in a sharp breath, and the temperature of the room dropped. Corban immediately bowed his head, no doubt in an effort to hide his gaze.

Gaspard just grinned in response.

"I don't serve you, why do you keep forgetting that?" Gaspard asked. Everyone lives to serve Lord Voldemort! And you will bow to me before you die!

"Keep. Going," the Dark Lord hissed, he needed to control his anger. I must show restraint for now.

"Not much left to say," Gaspard said. "I'll kill everyone on the ground floor, steal the wands, travel up to the first floor, and hand the wands to Rodolphus Lestrange. While he set the prisoners loose, I'll travel down to the dungeons to set Dolohov free. His condition is critical, and if I don't carry him out myself, he'll definitely die in the fighting."

"Dolohov is in critical condition?" Corban asked.

"They have him hanging from the ceiling at all times, his body is completely bound," Gaspard replied. "The man hasn't moved a muscle in over ten years, and if it weren't for the guards feeding him through long ladles, he'd have died long ago."

Corban shot a quick look towards his Lord; if this was true, then Dolohov was no longer useful.

"Bring him to me, and I will mend his body," the Dark Lord said. Healing Magic has never interested me, but I'm still more skilled at it than anyone else in this world. I have, after all, defeated Death itself.

The Dark Lord would spare some of the Basilisk Venom for his most loyal followers, and before long, they would be more powerful than ever before.

"And where is Bellatrix kept?" the Dark Lord asked.

"At the very top of Azkaban," Gaspard replied. "Her cell is on the roof, and it's always guarded by Dementors. Their cold aura keeps her frozen and weak, I doubt she can even tap into her Magic in her current state." Then I will mend her as well, and she will stand at my side once again. Her life belongs to Lord Voldemort.

"How will you escape the island with our comrades?" Corban asked. "If they are all in critical condition, they won't survive Apparition or Portkeys."

"There is a carriage on the far side of the island," Gaspard replied. "It's pulled by Thestrals, and it's kept there for emergencies. I'll take the carriage, and fly us to safety. Oh, and I'll set everyone free in order to avoid suspicion falling on you lot."

"The Ministry will be forced to investigate our properties in their search for the missing Death-Eaters," Corban said to the Dark Lord. How I wish this could have been avoided… I promised myself that I'd never return to that accursed manor. "They can't be brought back here."

"Which is exactly why Gaspard will bring them to my own manor," the Dark Lord said. "And you, Corban, will be joining me." I still need a servant attending me while I'm in this weakened state, and Corban has proven himself more useful than Cornelius and Lucius put together.

"And where is your manor, exactly?" Gaspard asked.

"Little Hangleton," the Dark Lord replied, and Gaspard's eyes flashed. "I took it for myself when I killed the Muggle Family that resided there." Tom's disgusting Family. "Make no stops until you reach the village, the manor is impossible to miss."

"I'll be off, then," Gaspard stood up, a manic look on his face. "I've got an ocean to swim across."

---

Paul Durand's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Muggle Paris – Crack of Dawn)

He pulled in one final drag, his eyes fixed on the rising sun.

He had gone on hundreds of raids, and he had fought more Dark Wizards than he could remember at this point, and yet, despite this vast amount of experience, Paul felt a very familiar sense of dread about this particular raid. It felt too much like the Great War, and that alone was enough to make him wary.

Maybe he shouldn't have volunteered to assist the British Aurors? No, this is my chance to work alongside some of the best best Aurors in the world. Rufus Scrimgeour, Luka Yahontov, Tiberius McLaggen, Gawain Robards, Jane Roberts… I can't miss this opportunity. If I can learn from them, and then implement their techniques within my own ranks, the French Auror Force could finally start-

"I love your apartment," came Roberta's voice, and Paul looked back to see her step onto the balcony.

She was wearing her see-through nightgown, and Paul couldn't help but admire her figure once again. She gave him a knowing smirk, and then, she struck a pose that let him see all of her.

"Such a lecherous gaze," she whispered seductively, causing Paul's head to spin a little. "And here I thought that you were a gentleman."

"Even after last night?" Paul smirked back.

"Especially after last night," she purred, taking slow and methodical steps towards him. "I'm glad you finally made a move, Paul, I was getting a little bored with giving you so many signals."

Hearing her whisper his name so intimately was too much, and he pulled her into his arms in a flash. She let out a surprised yelp before breaking down in giggles, and Paul decided that he liked this side of her a lot more.

"Aren't you worried about what other people will say?" Paul teased. "I am nearly ten years older than you."

"You're only thirty six, and as I learned last night, you're still in your prime," Roberta smiled. "So no, I'm not worried."

"Really?"

"Who I chose to spend my time with is my business, is it not?" Roberta asked.

"Of course," Paul agreed, and then he adorned a more serious look. "I just don't want to cause you any trouble-"

She stopped him with a kiss, but he quickly pulled away from it.

"I just smoked-" Paul started.

"It doesn't bother me," she whispered, her piercing blue eyes becoming deep with lust. "Kiss me, Paul."

He felt something stir in his chest, and without hesitation, he brought his lips down on hers. She deepened the kiss immediately, exploring his mouth with her curious tongue. Fucking hell… What does this bombshell see in me? He suddenly felt her hand travel down towards his manhood, and he broke off the kiss.

"I'm sorry, but I'm…" Paul started, but then he stopped to think his words over.

"What's wrong?" Roberta asked, a hint of concern seeping into her voice. "You don't want me?"

"Oh… I do…" Paul breathed heavily, his eyes traveling down her slender form. "But… I don't like to be distracted before a raid… Sorry."

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by that," she relaxed, she didn't want him to stop wanting her. "Why don't you give me one of those… smoke sticks… and we can talk about it."

"They're called cigarettes," Paul couldn't help but chuckle. "And I should warn you, you could become addicted to them."

"One won't hurt, I'm sure," Roberta whispered, and then she planted a wet kiss on his jawline. "Can I please have a 'cigarette', Paul?" Fucking hell, I'd give her the moon if she asked for it in that voice.

Paul pulled out a cigarette from his golden cigarette case, and he put in his mouth before lighting it. He took in a deep drag, and then he moved the cigarette towards Roberta's lips.

"Make sure you pull the smoke into your lungs," Paul said, he knew what was about to happen.

She did as she was told, making sure to hold his gaze as she pulled in a long drag. Something suddenly shifted behind her eyes, and Paul grinned just before she started coughing her lungs out.

"What… How do…? Ugh…" Roberta wheezed. "It's so… strong…"

"Still want another drag?" Paul asked, and she fervently shook her head. "More for me, I guess."

"Why do you smoke those?" Roberta couldn't help but ask.

"I only do it before a raid," Paul replied, looking back towards the sunrise. "It helps me… focus… on what's important."

Roberta gave him a curious look, and Paul decided to open up a little. He definitely liked her, especially now that she wasn't acting like every other Veela within the French Ministry, and he definitely wanted to see her inside his apartment in the future.

"My father used to smoke," Paul replied. "Some would even call him a chain-smoker, but he had a very stressful job."

"He was the Head Auror of MACUSA, right?" Roberta asked, and Paul gave her a knowing look. "I was curious about you, so I did some background checks. Nothing invasive, of course." Yeah, I'm sure…

"He was," Paul decided to move forward. "He used to smoke before his missions."

"I'm sorry about your parents," Roberta said, her voice becoming softer. "I couldn't find much about your mother, but your father sounded like a good man."

"So you know how they died as well," Paul said, he didn't know how he felt about that.

Roberta said nothing in response; she had been appalled by what she had found in her research. Paul's mother was a Muggle, and during a Family vacation in Britain, his parents had been kidnapped and crucified by the Death-Eaters. They had been one of the first victims of the Great War. This had caused such uproar in the States that the American Aurors were moments away from invading Europe in order to wipe out every Pure Family, and they had only stopped when Albus Dumbledore had all but begged them not to become like the Death-Eaters.

"Smoking before a raid… It helps me feel closer to my father," Paul said a little awkwardly, and Roberta wrapped herself around his spare arm.

It was a comforting gesture, and it made Paul feel a little better. He didn't like to think about his parents; mostly because he could never forget how much torture they had endured before their deaths.

"Why don't you come inside with me?" Roberta decided to change the subject; she didn't like the pain in his voice. "I want to make you breakfast."

"You want to make me breakfast?" Paul asked slowly.

"I'm a really good cook," she smiled up at him, and he felt all the tension in his shoulders leave. She's being kind… I should accept her offer.

"Thank you," Paul said, and she gave his arm a squeeze.

"You can thank me by coming back to me in one piece," Roberta leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Now, come inside… It's cold out here." Come back in one piece? Judging from what happened at the British Ministry yesterday, I don't think that will be possible.

---

Luka Yahontov's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (The Leaky Cauldron – Early Morning)

Luka sharpened his Goblin Steel Axe, he hadn't felt this excited in a very long time. Today, he could rip and tear without any questions being asked, and that sort of freedom made the trip down to this shithole of a country completely worth it.

A sudden knock at the door stopped him, and Luka waved his hand towards the door, opening it for his Aurors. One by one, all ten of them made their way inside. None of them said a word, but he could see the fire in their eyes.

The fire he had shared with them through blood and battle.

"Alexander," Luka spoke up, summoning the youngest Auror in his personal squad of Mrakogubci. "Did you find it?"

"Da," Alexander produced a small brown bag, and Luka took it from him with a grin on his face.

"Dragon's Breath," Luka felt his skin tingle with excitement, and then he looked to his Mrakogubci. "One line each, and we'll be completely numbed to any and all pain."

Luka then put his axe down, and he opened up the bag full of the illegal substance. It's crushed perfectly; I don't see a single clump. Nice find. Luka stood up and stretched his back, while his Mrakogubci lazed about the room.

"Won't the British disapprove of this?" Svetlana hummed.

"If they have a problem with it, they can reason to my cock," Luka smirked, and his Mrakogubci broke into laughter. "You don't want in on this, gorgeous?"

Svetlana stood up and walked over to him, and then she snatched the bag out of his hand. The other Mrakogubci and blew whistles, while Luka just gave her a pearly-white grin. She opened the bag, took a pinch of the black powder, and then she snorted it without hesitation. Luka barked out a laugh, while the others cheered her on.

"I prefer the stuff we have back at home," Svetlana smirked, and then she tossed him the bag. This witch! I'm in love!

"Form a line!" Luka ordered. "Today, we show the British what a real Auror is capable of!"

---

Rufus Scrimgeour POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Ministry of Magic – Early Morning)

"I do not trust them," Umbridge said scathingly. "Their accents alone… They are all criminals!" What. The. Fuck?

Rufus just stared at the wretched woman, while Amelia drew in a deep and calming breath. This toad is going to get my Aurors killed, I just know it.

"The Russian Aurors came here at Rufus' invitation," Amelia tried again. "We are undermanned for this operation, Dolores, and the Russians are willing to fight on the front line so that our rookies don't have to. You should show them some respect, they are putting their lives on the line to protect British citizens."

"And what message does that send to our public?" Dolores scoffed. "That we need outsiders cleaning up our country for us?"

"Cleaning up our country?" Rufus couldn't hold his tongue anymore. "People are going to die because of your fucking stupidity!"

"Rufus," Amelia admonished, while Dolores began shaking with rage.

"Remember your place, Auror!" Dolores warned, her face becoming as red as a tomato. "And these Vampires are not 'people'! They are vagrants who are committing crimes against the British Ministry!"

"Knockturn Alley has always been filled with crime," Rufus sneered. "So why are you bureaucrats so gung-ho to 'clean it up' now? Why? Because some fool threw dung at Fudge? Is his ego that-?"

"Rufus, that is enough," Amelia stopped him, her eyes flashing dangerously.

Rufus just shook his head in her direction, his disappointment with her written all over his face. She was always too political, and because of that, she lets idiots like Dolores Umbridge run rampant. Without another word, Rufus barged out of the Office. If I stay in that room with them, I'll beat the shit out of them with my cane!

He limped out of the Department, a pissed off sneer plastered on his face. His recruits weren't ready for something like this, and they were going to lose their lives needlessly just so Fudge could feel vindicated. They didn't sign up for this horseshit!

Rufus loved the Ministry, but this…

This sort of selfish greed disgusted him, and the fact that his precious Ministry was now filled with power-hungry bastards who had no consideration for the lives of others tore at his very soul. The only clean up we need is right in this very building.

"Rufus!" came a familiar, gruff voice, and Rufus stopped and turned around.

Alastor limped over to him; he was wearing his old coat. The one he wore during his service in the Great War.

"What's your hurry?" Alastor asked him.

"I just needed a break from the politicians," Rufus frowned a little. "So… You're finally joining us, then?"

"Can't let you all go into the belly of the beast alone," Alastor said curtly.

"Well, you're more than welcome," Rufus sighed out, losing some of his anger. Finally, a man who speaks my language. "We could use every wand, trust me."

"What are our numbers?" Alastor asked.

"Thirty eight, including you," Rufus replied, and Alastor's brow furrowed immediately. "I know… We don't have the manpower for this, but try telling that to Fudge and his bitch."

"Where do you need me?" Alastor asked, he already knew how blind some of these politicians could be.

"With me," Rufus replied. "I've decided to take the recruits with me for safekeeping, but I can't do it alone. They've never been on a mission like this, and most of them are shaking in their boots. Not that I blame them, of course… They didn't sign up for something like this."

"Is Tonks in your squad?" Alastor asked.

"No," Rufus replied bluntly. "And no, it's not because she's disobedient… She has talent, and Jane needs more Hit-Wizards." Six Hit-Wizards, and a rookie… How many of my Aurors am I going to lose today? "Is Dumbledore joining us?"

"He's currently seeking Fudge," Alastor replied. If he joins us, we'll have thirty-nine. That's still not enough.

"One last attempt to talk some sense into that fool?" Rufus asked, and Alastor gave a nod. "It won't work."

"I know, but he has to try nonetheless," Alastor said. "So… Is it true? You brought Luka Yahontov into our country?"

"His Mrakogubci are the best Auror squad in the world, and he owed me a favor," Rufus replied.

The Mrakogubci translated to 'Darkness Slayers', which was a rather accurate name for such a group. Russia was a large, and hard, land, and many Dark Wizards tended to seek shelter there as a result. This meant that the Russian Aurors were constantly fighting the worst sort of Dark Magic, and that had turned them all into gladiators of renowned skill. As for Luka, his father, who also led his own Mrakogubci in his youth, raised the Russian Head-Auror to be a Dark Wizard hunter from a very early age. He was bred for war, and that's all he's ever known. Thank the Gods he's on our side.

"Something tells me that he's not here to repay any favors," Alastor grimaced. "Regardless, you did well to bring him here. Judging from the looks of things, we need a bloody miracle if we're to pull off this raid."

---

Albus Dumbledore's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Ministry of Magic – Early Morning)

"Cornelius, I urge you to reconsider this," Albus tried, and Cornelius' lips tightened into a frown. "Doing this will not get you what you want."

"All I want is peace within my country," Cornelius said stubbornly. "These Vampires have no business being here!"

"And yet, they are here," Albus said. "Let us find common ground with them, it will save so many lives. If you do as I ask, you will be commended by all of Magical Britain, and your willingness to move forward from a petty slight will be spoken about throughout every Ministry. You, Cornelius, have the chance to do better than your predecessors. Please, reconsider-"

"Tell me, Dumbledore…" Lucius cut in, he had arrived early in the morning to keep Cornelius on the 'right' path. "Will it be Cornelius who is commended, or you?"

"I am not the Minister," Albus said calmly, but Cornelius looked anything but calm. "The power to stop this is within Cornelius' hands-"

"Exactly!" Cornelius puffed up. "My hands, Albus, not yours! I'm getting tired of you undermining me within my own Ministry!"

Lucius smirked a little to himself, while Albus felt genuinely disappointed with Cornelius for being so blinded by his love of power. I no doubt sounded just as unreasonable to Aberforth when I was drunk on power. He was right to wash his hands of me, I can see it clearly now.

"The Ministry was created to serve the public's best interests," Albus reminded Cornelius. "That includes the people within Knockturn Alley. Not all of them are 'criminals' and 'vagrants'; many of them are trapped there due to circumstance. If you do this, you will put them all at risk. Hundreds could die-"

"We will be making an announcement shortly," Cornelius refused to budge; a man who held no real Office would not question him. "Those who aren't associated with those vagrants will clear the streets."

"That is not going to happen, surely you must understand that," Albus said. "Many of them won't hear the announcement, and even if they do, the Ministry has never put them first. They will not abandon their homes and businesses because you told them to."

"So we should reward lawlessness and insubordination with understanding and love?" Lucius laughed coldly, though his smile never reached his sunken eyes.

"Do not underestimate the power of love, Lucius, it can warm the hearts of even the coldest men," Albus said, and Lucius lost his mirth.

Albus then looked to Cornelius, he had to keep trying.

"Please," Albus pleaded. "Don't do this. Don't punish a district full of people over the actions of one misled youth." Do not give Tom what he wants.

Someone suddenly barged into Cornelius' Office, and all three men looked to see Dolores Umbridge enter with a sweet smile on her face.

"We're ready to broadcast the evacuation message, Minister," Dolores said, making sure to ignore Albus' presence.

Cornelius looked between Lucius and Albus, and then, he looked to Dolores.

"Do it," Cornelius ordered, and Albus closed his eyes in resignation. He has made his choice, then.

Albus stood up, and he gave Cornelius a look that made the chubby man shrink.

"Your love of power will be your undoing, Cornelius," Albus said calmly, though he had half a mind to blast the man to pieces.

"Is that a threat?!" Umbridge shrieked, while Cornelius went pale in the face.

"No, I don't make threats," Albus turned to face her. "I've just lived long enough to know the difference between right and wrong, and I know what happens to those who place their love of power above compassion and reason."

With that, Albus left the Office. Gods help you, Cornelius, for now you are truly lost.

---

Molly Weasley's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (The Burrow – Morning)

"Hello, mum," Ron spoke from behind her, and she quickly set down her wand before turning to face him.

"Come here, love," she put on a smile for her youngest son; she had made a habit of greeting Ron with a loving hug every morning.

Ron walked over quietly; it looked like he was finally starting to feel comfortable with her touch again. She didn't know why, but Ron had become deathly afraid of physical contact out of nowhere. According to Poppy, it might have been because of his depression, but Molly wasn't so sure. The way he would flinch away from everyone terrified her, and she couldn't bear the thought of never being able to hug her son again.

So, instead of listening to Poppy's advice and giving Ron his space, Molly had decided to show him the love that she had often neglected to show him.

Her baby boy was in pain, and nothing in this Universe could stop her from reaching out to him. It was just not in her blood to back down, especially wherever her Family was concerned.

"Are you hungry?" Molly asked as she hugged him tightly, and after a few silent seconds, his body began to relax. It's okay, Ron, mummy's here for you.

She couldn't help but smile more fully against his chest; he was going to be her tallest boy.

"Yes," Ron replied. "Can I please have some bacon?"

"Of course," Molly couldn't help but laugh a little, and that seemed to please Ron. He's finally eating again, so he can have all the bacon in the world for all I care. "Take a seat, and I'll bring some right over."

"Thank you," Ron managed a weak smile, and then he walked over and took his seat. I'm making progress!

"Do you want me to burn it black for you?" Molly asked, and something suddenly flashed behind Ron's eyes. Oh, no! He doesn't know that I've been asking Pandora about his likes and dislikes!

Molly quickly turned back to her stove; his sudden awareness had scared her a little. As it turned out, Molly had no idea about Ron's likes and dislikes. For the longest time, she had thought that he loved corned beef, but in truth, Ron hated it. He just never said anything because he didn't want to make her cook something else for him. And it wasn't just corned beef… Molly didn't know anything about him. Not even his favorite color.

She felt a strong pang of guilt once again, she really had stopped paying attention to him the moment Ginny was born.

"That'd be really great, mum," Ron said, and Molly quickly got to work. "Um… Could I also have a Calming Tonic? Please?"

"A Calming Tonic?" Molly turned back around. "Are you not feeling well, love?"

"I… had a nightmare…" Ron looked ahead, his eyes becoming dull again. Another one? Bill keeps telling me that he wakes up screaming every night, and that he's wet the bed twice now. What's happening to my boy?

"You can have one," Molly couldn't help herself.

She walked over to the pantry, and after finding the box that Severus had dropped off, she pulled out one vial. She then walked back to Ron, who was staring at the wall with lifeless eyes.

"Here," she offered him the vial, putting her left hand on his shoulder.

Ron winced immediately, shooting her a panicked look as he jerked away from her touch. Molly was stunned into silence, but then, her motherly instincts kicked in. Why did he wince like that?!

Without wasting a second, she reached forward and pulled his collar back. Her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates, he had a long, serpentine bruise running down his shoulders.

"Ronnie?! What happened to you?!" Molly blurted out. It looks fresh!

"A Wandless Spell went wrong…" Ron muttered, hiding his gaze. "I'm sorry…" What sort of Spell does this to the caster?!

"What Spell was it, Ron?!" Molly fretted.

"Cutis Terra…" Ron replied, and Molly blinked at him. I've never heard of such a Spell… Is he lying to me? "Can I please have that Calming Tonic?"

Molly just stared at her son for a few moments, and then she slowly passed him the vial. She wanted to press him about this, but she also didn't want to push him out of his comfort zone.

Ron wasted no time in drinking the Tonic down.

"Ah…" Ron exhaled as he closed his eyes, his face losing all signs of discomfort.

When Ron reopened his eyes, they were perfectly clear and focused. It would have been quite an intriguing sight, if it weren't so alarming. It was like he had become someone else entirely within a matter of seconds.

"Mum, the bacon," Ron said, his voice devoid of any emotion. "It's starting to get ruined."

"Oh, of course…" Molly muttered, while Ron looked back ahead. He's sitting up straighter as well. I thought this Tonic wasn't as strong as his sedative.

She quietly walked back to her stove, shooting her son subtle looks to make sure that he was all right. I should get him his breakfast, and then stare at him. Molly levitated the crispy bacon onto a plate, which she then carried over to Ron. He had his eyes closed now, a look of complete tranquility on his face.

"Here you are, my sweet," Molly said, and Ron's eyes shot open.

He looked her over with his piercing blue eyes, his eyes stopping on the plate of burned bacon.

"My sweet…" Ron whispered under his breath, and Molly tensed a little. "I take it that Pandora will be coming down later today."

Molly felt her gut tighten; he had caught her so quickly! Pandora warned me to be careful, but he's too sharp now. Arthur and I can't hide anything from his attention anymore.

"I spoke to her yesterday," Molly confessed. "And yes, she'll be coming down for lunch."

"She still doesn't know about what I did?" Ron asked, and Molly gave him a nod.

"You won't tell her, will you?" Molly asked, placing the plate in front of Ron.

"No, mum," Ron replied. Good. "Thank you for the breakfast, I've really missed your cooking. The food at Hogwarts just can't compare to yours."

Molly puffed up a little automatically, mostly because she knew that he was trying to sound as grateful as possible. He's not completely gone, then. I should send Severus a gift basket!

"Eat up, Ronnie," Molly gave him a quick head scratch. "I'll go make some more."

"You'll join me, right?" Ron asked. "You haven't eaten yet, have you?" Oh, he's worried about me?

"I'll join you," Molly felt her heart melt a little. I just need to keep showing him as much affection as I can, and he'll come back from this. I have to believe that.

Before Molly could head back to her stove, Bill barged into the kitchen.

"Mum, turn on the radio!" Bill said, while Ron and Molly just stared at him in surprise.

"Bill, why aren't you at work?" Molly asked slowly.

"Aurors came in…" Bill replied, he looked quite out of breath. "They spoke with the higher ups, and Gringotts went into lockdown." Lockdown?

That's when it hit Molly; the Aurors were conducting their raid today. I barely paid any attention in that meeting. Molly looked towards her radio, but before she could turn it on with a flick of her wand, Ron summoned it Wandlessly. As soon as her son turned it on, a sweet voice filled the room.

"… are to stay within their homes," the overly sweet voice ordered. "Those found within Diagon Alley, or the Upper Districts, will be heavily fined and will face the Wizengamot. Once again, we repeat, stay within your homes and do not venture outside. Now, the Ministry will address the residents of Knockturn Alley directly… Any and all British citizens who reside within Knockturn Alley are to leave their homes, and report to the checkpoint set up in front of Knockturn Alley's main entrance. This is not optional, and those who do not wish to be persecuted will follow the Ministry's edict. We wish to avoid any form of violence, but those caught aiding the Vampire force, which has besieged Knockturn Alley, will be met with the strong hand of justice."

Molly felt her very soul quake with fear, she had become far too familiar with listening to the Ministry's broadcasts during the Great War, and this felt no different. It has begun… The war is finally upon us.

---

Nymphadora Tonks' POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Diagon Alley – Midday)

Her hands were starting to shake, and her mind was fixed solely on the battle ahead.

Umbridge's message had been playing over the radio for the last four hours, and yet, only a handful of people had abandoned Knockturn Alley. The Minister and Umbridge certainly weren't helping with the evacuation; both of them had made it very clear that they had 'more important matters to attend to'.

If Tonks wasn't so invested in becoming an Auror, she might have left the Ministry behind today. And I'm not the only Auror who feels this way. We didn't sign up to terrorize our own people.

"Stop glaring at your Minister," Madam Roberts ordered as she walked over, and Tonks averted her gaze. Fat idiot. "I just spoke with Rufus and Amelia, we're ready to move into Knockturn Alley."

"You mean we're ready to put our citizens in danger," Tonks said bitterly. "We've barely given them any time to comply with our demands. You can't just expect people-"

"You need to control yourself," Madam Roberts frowned a little, and Tonks felt her blood boil.

"Maybe you ought to act like a decent human being once in a while," Tonks said, locking eyes with her mentor. "Or are you completely incapable of thinking for yourself?"

Madam Roberts said nothing, and after a few seconds of silence, Tonks felt guilt creep into her bones. Guilt, and a hint of fear. I don't think she'll hesitate to discipline me in front of everyone here… I should mind my tone with her.

"There's been a change of plans," Madam Roberts said eventually, her tone completely indifferent.

"A change of plans?" Tonks blinked.

"Barely anyone has met our 'demands'," Madam Roberts started. "Our squad is no longer attempting to secure the center of Knockturn Alley. The priority now is evacuation-"

"But the Minister-" Tonks started.

"He doesn't know what he's doing," Madam Roberts said, shooting a quick look around them. "Rufus wants us with Yahontov's squad. We'll go in through the sewers, but once we're far enough, we'll resurface and join up with them. Our two squads will move around the outskirts, pulling out civilians caught in the fighting."

"So we're still going in wands blazing?" Tonks asked.

"We won't fire the first Spell, that's for certain," Madam Roberts said. "Gawain's squad will be flying overhead, and if they see any form of fighting, they'll alert us all with a red spark."

"And this plan… to rebel… comes from Rufus Scrimgeour?" Tonks asked slowly.

"He's cold, and he can be overly harsh, but don't forget who he is," Madam Roberts frowned at Tonks. "That man has saved more lives than you can count, and he has never put his own interests above his duty. It is past time that you grew up, Tonks, not everyone can bring themselves to walk around with a stupid smile plastered on their faces."

Tonks felt like a scolded child, especially because she knew how stupid her question was. There's no denying that he's putting himself in danger by leading a squad of green recruits, and he's only doing it to protect them. Tonks looked down at her feet; maybe she really did need to grow up?

"Don't slow us down," Madam Roberts bit out, and then she left to go join her Hit-Wizards.

"Cold-hearted bitch," came a familiar voice from behind her, and she turned to see her fellow recruit, Rodney Finn, glaring in Madam Roberts' direction.

"Rodney, shouldn't you be with Head-Auror Scrimgeour?" Tonks asked, and Rodney smiled his carefree smile.

"Nah, the others and I are just loitering about," Rodney replied. "Madam Bones and the Head-Auror got into another fight with Umbridge, and we've been ordered to stand by for further instructions."

"Umbridge is fighting with them again?" Tonks sighed out. Honestly, where did that toad come from? Hell itself?

"She's accusing them of going behind her back," Rodney rolled his eyes. Well, technically, they are. "She's not wrong, of course, but I don't see what right she has to order us around. She's not going in there with us, so she ought to shut her trap."

Tonks felt a little better after hearing that, at least she wasn't alone in disagreeing with this mess. Rodney suddenly lit up, and then, he nudged her and aimed down the street.

"Is that Alastor Moody?!" Rodney all but squealed.

Tonks looked to where Rodney was pointing, and she saw the legendary Auror having a conversation with Luka Yahontov and Paul Durand. Luka was listening quietly, his large Goblin Steel Axe resting on his shoulder, while Paul and Mad-Eye were talking to each other in hushed whispers. They're probably planning some form of strategy.

"Bloody hell…" Tonks heard herself mutter.

"I can't believe we're working with the Mad-Eye Moody," Rodney said excitedly. "I've never been so excited in my entire life!"

"I'm starting to worry that you're not taking this seriously," Tonks said, and Rodney shrugged.

"We're going in there with Luka Yahontov, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Mad-Eye Moody," Rodney smirked. "Trust me, we'll be fine."

"You realize that we're probably outnumbered one to five, right?" Tonks asked. "The think-tanks ran the numbers, and according to them, we'll get overrun if we don't play this smart."

"What happened to the Tonks that we all know and love, eh?" Rodney chuckled. "I'm surprised that you haven't started asking for autographs yet."

Tonks felt a blush creep onto her face; she had been trying to find the courage to approach Luka Yahontov for the last four hours. Tall, dark, handsome, and in his mid-thirties… Definitely my type, though Madam Roberts did warn me to stay away from him. Tonks cleared her throat, now was not the time to indulge in her attraction towards older men.

"And would you look at that," Rodney laughed, and Tonks followed his gaze towards Albus Dumbledore. He's here! And he brought Fawkes!

Tonks felt some of her nerves cool off; she was beginning to worry that he wouldn't be joining them today due to Fudge's insecurities. Dumbledore went straight for Mad-Eye, quickly embroiling himself in their conversation. Tonks and Rodney just stared at the man as he welcomed by the Aurors as if he were one of their own.

"See, Tonks?" Rodney grinned. "We have Albus Dumbledore on our side! We've got nothing to worry about!"

---

One Hour Later

Tonks powered through the smell, though just barely.

Madam Roberts, and her five Hit-Wizards, didn't even seem to notice it, which said a lot about their history. They've definitely trudged through shit and piss before. Ugh… I'm going to vomit…

"The recruit is feeling sick," Elizabeth smirked, and the others looked more than amused. "Don't worry, Tonks, we're nearly there."

"Be quiet," Madam Roberts hissed from ahead, and the Hit-Wizards shot Tonks some cheeky grins. A bunch of lunatics… Thinking that this is normal…

Tonks kept pushing forward, making sure that she wasn't lagging behind. Timing was everything for their plan to work, which meant that if she slowed down this squad, she'd effectively be hurting the other squads as well.

She wasn't going to let that happen, not when people's lives were on the line.

Fudge and Umbridge had reached the end of their patience, and they had sent in the Auror squads after Gawain's squad had done a quick fly over Knockturn Alley. Disturbingly enough, not a single person was on the streets, which meant that the Vampires knew the Auror were coming.

Dumbledore had again urged for a peaceful solution, even bringing up his concerns for the Aurors walking into an ambush, but the old man's pleas crashed against deaf ears. Fudge had completely lost it, and had started accusing Dumbledore of trying to undermine him… It was fucking pathetic, and every single Auror had half a mind to clap the Minister under the ear.

"This is it," Madam Roberts stopped in front of a ladder. "We climb up from here, and Yahontov's squad will meet us at the front of Tallow and Hemp Toxic Tapers."

Tim went up first, followed by Elizabeth, Noah, Oliver, and then Perry.

"Get up there, and stick with Perry," Madam Roberts ordered, she was keeping her eyes peeled for movement.

"Yes, Ma'am," Tonks gave a nod, and then she began climbing the ladder.

The moment she crawled out of the sewer, Tonks filled her lungs with fresh air. Ugh… Knockturn Alley also smells like shit. Without losing any time, the Hit-Wizards made their way across the street and turned into the alley that housed Tallow and Hemp Toxic Tapers.

Luka's Mrakogubci were already waiting on standby, and judging from the Russian Head-Auror's suspicious expression, something was definitely off.

"Report," Luka ordered as the Hit-Wizards reached them, and Madam Roberts made her way to the front.

"Nothing in the sewers, Sir," Madam Roberts reported. "Not even rats…" Huh? She even had her eyes out for rats? Also, why weren't there any rats? Did they run away?

"What the fuck is going on here?" Luka frowned a little, and then he shot a quick look at a nearby shop. "Barely anyone listened to the Ministry's broadcast… We asked around, and a lot of people here don't even own radios. They were genuinely surprised to see us here." Wow… Are you serious?!

"When do we start the evacuation, then?" Tonks asked.

"As soon as we get the signal," Luka replied, and then he looked back to Madam Roberts. "Roberts, take your squad to Trackleshanks Locksmith. We'll take care of this street."

"Yes, Sir," Madam Roberts gave a nod, and then she signaled her Hit-Wizards to get a move on.

Tonks quickly fell in line, following after Perry as they crossed through a dingy alley and entered a different street. There's the Locksmith.

"Take a shop each, and start spreading the word," Madam Roberts ordered.

The Hit-Wizards acted without hesitation, each of them selecting a different shop without the need to discuss anything. Tonks followed suit, and she quickly found herself entering an incense shop.

"Excuse me?" Tonks called out, and an old witch poked her head through the bead door at the back of the shop. "Good afternoon, Ma'am. I'm Auror Tonks-"

"Get out," the old witch sneered at her. "I don't want your kind in here." My kind? "Bloody Aurors… You think you can throw me out of my own house! My husband bought this shop with everything that he had! I'm never leaving!"

"Ma'am, I'm not here to evict you," Tonks said calmly, and the old witch narrowed her eyes. "We are conducting an operation-"

"I don't care," the old witch hissed. "Get out."

"Ma'am, this is for your own safety," Tonks sighed out. "Look… I don't want to force you out of this building, but I have orders-"

"None of you have any humanity!" the witch accused, and Tonks froze in her spot. "You have no right to do this to us! Not all of us are thieves and murderers! My husband and I have worked this shop for fifty years!"

"Is your husband here?" Tonks asked, she knew that she couldn't get through to this old witch.

"My husband was murdered two months ago!" the witch hissed angrily. "Stabbed in the street for some spare change!"

"Pardon?" Tonks blinked.

"Where were you Aurors when I reported the attack, huh?" the witch demanded. "Not one of you looked into my case because I live in Knockturn Alley, and now, you want me to abandon my husband's legacy? Never! Get out! I'll never leave this shop!"

Tonks honestly didn't know what to say, and all she could do was stare at the angry old witch. There was no denying that there was prejudice within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and since they were so undermanned, a lot of cases related to Knockturn Alley were simply ignored. She lost her husband, and we did nothing?

"I… I'm sorry…" Tonks swallowed thickly, and the old witch glared murder at her. "I'll… get my superior…"

She was shaken, or rather; her faith in the Magical justice system was shaken. How much suffering had the Aurors been forced to ignore over the years? Why was it that the bureaucrats lived in large mansions, while the Ministry itself was struggling to find funding? If it weren't for certain Pure-Blood Families, we'd have shut the doors a long time ago.

Just as Tonks reached for the door; a blinding golden light filled the room. Tonks had to cover her eyes, and she heard the old witch let out a startled yelp. What the fuck?! Tonks pushed herself outside, and she immediately looked up at the sky.

Her jaw dropped, and she felt her blood turn to ice.

A massive, dome-like structure hovered above the district, completely hiding the sky as far as the eye could see. WHAT. THE. FUCK?!

Knockturn Alley had been sealed off from the rest of the world, and it didn't take Tonks long to realize that everyone still inside Knockturn Alley was now trapped.

Like animals caught in a snare.

"What in the actual fuck is that?" came Perry's voice, and Tonks slowly looked around the street.

The other Hit-Wizards had also come out to look for the source of the golden light, and judging by their slack-jawed expressions, not a single one of them had seen such Magic before.

"By the Gods…" Madam Roberts muttered, she had walked over to Tonks' side.

And then, something flashed behind Madam Roberts' eyes.

"Everyone! Get off the streets-!" Madam Roberts started, but she was cut off when the ground beneath them roared to life.

Tonks didn't even have a second to prepare herself before massive explosions started going off, and just as she started running for cover, the incense shop behind her exploded with such force that Tonks and Madam Roberts were sent hurtling through the air.

Everything went dark well before she crumpled onto the ground, and the loud screaming slowly faded into nothing. Tonks lost consciousness without ever realizing what had truly happened.

---

Albus Dumbledore's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Afternoon)

He barely managed to fly past the barrier, and when he shot a quick look back, he saw Gawain's squad and Fawkes hot on his trail. They all made it. Thank the Gods.

"What the fuck is that?!" David Savage yelled as they all came to a stop.

"Dumbledore?!" Gawain called out. "What is this?!" It… It looks like hard-light manipulation… Tom! He must've figured it out because of our recent encounters!

Albus felt true dread creep up on him; no one was getting out of this dome until they took care of the caster. Fawkes let out a loud shrill as he failed to flash out, they were all truly trapped.

"We need to get down to ground level!" Albus ordered. "Right now!"

"What about our job?!" Kingsley asked. "We need to keep our ground forces in the loop!"

"You think they don't see this fucking shit!" Tiberius McLaggen snapped. "Follow the old man's command! Move!"

They all pushed downwards, heading straight for the edges of Knockturn Alley, but just as they neared the streets, deafening explosions went off all around them. Albus and the Aurors came to an abrupt halt, all of them shocked beyond words. Fires and screams raged all around Knockturn Alley, but despite this chaos, Albus was able to make out what was happening.

"The sewers!" Albus called out to Gawain.

"They've trapped us in here!" Gawain hissed, and then he fired a red spark into the air. "Dawlish, Kingsley, Savage! Go and find the Auror squads! Stick close to the ground, or you'll get shot out of the sky! Tiberius, you and I need to look for civilian casualties!" Gawain then looked to Albus. "Bring down that barrier!"

Albus blasted off, heading straight for the ground. Within moments, he was standing in front of the golden barrier. It's even digging into the ground… And it's much stronger than mine, that's for certain. Fawkes landed on Albus' shoulder, letting out another loud shrill. You want to help the people?

"Go," Albus agreed, and Fawkes immediately set off towards the nearest fire.

Albus turned his focus on the golden barrier; it was so thick that he couldn't even see through it. Perfect hard-light… No one person can cast this. Albus pulled out the Elder Wand, and without hesitation, he jammed it into the barrier. It barely made a dent, but it was enough for Albus to cast his Spell. Where is this Magic coming from?

"Magicae Invenire!" Albus chanted, and he felt his mind being pulled towards the center of Knockturn Alley.

The Magic Tracking Charm painted a faded portrait in his mind, a portrait of five wizards in dark crimson robes. They were sitting in a circle, chanting 'Caelesti Laqueum Diaboli' over and over again. The Heavenly Snare? Tom has learned to manipulate ? How? Damn him! He could feel the overwhelming amount of Magic coming out of them; they were going to keep holding the barrier until someone stopped them.

Albus summoned his broom again, and he took to the skies once again. He could hear the fighting all over Knockturn Alley; the Vampires had sprung their trap. I must find the Head-Aurors, and tell them to focus on protecting the innocent. After that, I need to head into the center of Knockturn Alley in order to take care of the wizards casting this shield.

---

Alastor Moody's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Afternoon)

Alastor yanked the recruit named Tommy out of the way of a Killing Curse, dragging the young man behind a makeshift cover. More Spells came out of the windows, pinning the Aurors down behind their covers.

"Confringo!" one of the recruits chanted, sending an orange ball of death straight into the window being used by the Vampires.

As expected, there was a fiery explosion, but the screams of a woman cut through all of the carnage. They're using the civilians as shields?!

"There are civilians inside the buildings!" Rufus snapped. "Stop using Exploding Curses!"

"What are we supposed to do, then?!" the recruit yelled, his face puffy and red from adrenaline.

"Breach and secure," Rufus ordered, and Alastor immediately moved into action. "We hit the houses that have hostages inside them."

"I'll cover you!" Alastor yelled, putting himself in the middle of the street.

As expected, the Vampires in the windows immediately began targeting him. Alastor dodged most of the Spells with ease, even parrying a couple of Killing Curses just in the nick of time. His Magical Eye darted from building to building, looking for any hostages trapped with the Vampires. Most of the civilians are hiding. Good, that makes our job easier.

"Which buildings?" Rufus asked from behind his cover.

"The red and black house at the end of the street, and The Spiny Serpent," Alastor replied.

"You, you, and you! You're with me!" came Rufus' voice. "The rest of you are with Alastor! Move! Get those hostages out of there!"

The Aurors flew into action, with Alastor and Rufus leading the way. The barrage of Spells being fired at them was endless, but they pushed on. Alastor did his best to parry as many Spells as he could, while Rufus deflected any Exploding Curses being sent their way. This left retaliation to the recruits, and although they were trying their best, their inexperience was already beginning to show. Most of them missed their marks due to nerves, and on several occasions, Alastor and Rufus had to reposition themselves in order to protect them.

"Keep moving!" Rufus yelled as he grabbed the recruit named Rodney by the arm, dragging the fumbling fool out of the way of a Killing Curse. "Alastor! I'll defend! Take down the bastards who are throwing Killing Curses." Those windows are too small… I need to use a Spell that can kill with pinpoint accuracy.

"Lux Penetrabillor!" Alastor fired a thin, purple light straight at one of the attackers, leaving a bullet-sized hole through his skull. Say what you will, but Dolohov was a master of Spell Creation.

And just like that, the tide started to turn. Rufus limped in front of Alastor, defending the man from any Spells being shot at him. Alastor used the opportunity to start sniping anyone his Magical Eye saw as a threat. When they reached The Spiny Serpent, Rufus signaled Alastor to take point.

"We split up here!" Alastor ordered, and his team fell in line behind him.

While Rufus and his team made a run for the black and red house, Alastor blasted the entrance of The Spiny Serpent apart.

"Get in!" Alastor ordered, placing himself in front of the recruits.

They rushed inside, their wands aimed for any hostiles, while Alastor used his Magical staff to summon nearby debris. As soon as he saw a couple of Vampires pop their heads out of a nearby window, Alastor hurled the debris straight at them. The debris broke right through the walls, crushing the two Vampires who were no doubt planning to shoot Alastor and his team in the back.

He heard the sounds of fighting from within The Spiny Serpent, and by the time he limped inside, he saw the four recruits with him standing over a dead Vampire. There was a scared family hiding behind the counter, but Alastor ignored them for now.

"I… I killed… him…" Rodney was muttering, his shaking wand still aimed at the dead Vampire. A Reductor Curse? Bloody hell, his ribcage got blasted open.

Alastor's Magical Eye darted upwards; he could see three Vampires rushing towards the stairs. Without hesitation, Alastor moved towards the stairs, his wand and staff aimed at the narrow kill-box. One… Two… Now!

All three Vampires came running into view, no doubt planning to storm the Aurors. Unfortunately for them, Alastor killed two of them immediately by firing two separate Reductor Curses from his wand and staff. The third Vampire threw a Killing Curse at Alastor, but Alastor ducked in time as he brought his staff down onto the first step. The stairway was Transfigured into a slide, and the third Vampire cussed as she lost her footing and slid down towards Alastor.

"Wait! Please!" the Vampire screamed in fright, she had stopped right in front of Alastor.

Alastor brought his Magical staff down again, caving in the Vampire's forehead. Cold blood splattered all over his face, while his team of 'Aurors' let out panicked yelps.

"Get them out!" Alastor barked, while his Magical Eye looked for any more hostiles. The back isn't being watched by anyone.

Three of the four Aurors broke out of their stupor, while Rodney just stood there with a haunted look on his face. Damn greens… Alastor quickly limped over to the young wizard, and he grabbed the recruit by the back of his neck.

"Do you want to die?!" Alastor snapped in his face, causing Rodney to whimper. "Do you want that family to die?!"

"No… No… Sir…" Rodney shook in panic.

"Then get your head on straight!" Alastor ordered. "Protect that family with your life!"

"I… Yes… Yes, Sir…" Rodney nodded fervently, panic written all over his face.

"The back isn't being watched," Alastor looked to the other recruits. "Take them with you, and guard them with your lives. Do your duty, even if it gets you killed. Am I clear?!"

"Yes, Sir," Barbara said, trying to sound as strong as she could.

Alastor moved towards the entrance without delay, he would hold this point until Rufus and his team returned. If I can keep the Vampires out, it'll keep the recruits and that family safe. This is where I make my stand.

---

Rufus Scrimgeour's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Afternoon)

His leg was killing him, but Rufus powered through the pain.

Usually, he would be Apparating constantly, but some Vampire was constantly refreshing the Anti-Apparition Wards. They planned this, and they planned it well. If I make it out of here, I'm going kill Fudge!

"We've got them, Sir," Tommy ran up to him, Rufus was currently guarding the entrance.

"When I give the order, we rush towards The Spiny Serpent," Rufus ordered.

"Shouldn't we stay inside?" Tommy asked, the boy was shaking with fear.

"We need to gather the civilians," Rufus explained. "If we stay in here, a lot of people will get killed in the fighting. The priority is getting these people out of harm's way. Now, do as you're told, and get ready to move."

"Yes, Sir," Tommy gave a shaky nod, and then he ran back to the others.

Rufus peeked through the entrance, his enhanced eyes looking for any signs of danger. He was genuinely amazed by how coordinated the Vampires were; this was no group of brigands. Someone experienced in warfare laid out this plan, which means that this is only going to get worse.

"We're ready, Sir," Tommy reported back.

"We can't go out there!" the woman they had saved screamed, her crying daughter was held closely to her chest. "They'll kill us!"

"Ma'am, we can't stay here," Rufus tried to calm her down. "If they figure out that we're in here, they'll collapse the building down on us."

The woman released a terrified sob, which only made her daughter cry harder.

"I'll guard them," Tommy volunteered, even though he was shaking in his boots.

"Maria and Seth will lead, and I'll guard the back," Rufus gave a nod. "Get ready to run, and don't use Shield Charms. They won't do anything to stop the Killing Curse. Keep your eyes peeled, and dodge any Spells heading your way."

With that, Rufus charged back into the street, his eyes dashing from building to building. It wasn't long before another shootout started, but this time, Rufus was shooting to kill. Maria and Seth led the way towards The Spiny Serpent, while Tommy all but dragged the mother and daughter with him.

Rufus lingered in the back, deflecting Exploding Curses and dodging Killing Curses as he fought back with everything he had. He couldn't use anything too dangerous, mostly because he didn't have Alastor's Magical Eye to help him figure out which houses were filled with hostages. As a result, it wasn't long before even Rufus couldn't keep fighting and defending at the same time. There's too many!

"Move faster!" Rufus barked out as he moved in between the Vampires and his recruits. "Go!"

A Killing Curse suddenly fired past his head, freezing his soul to the very core. Shit! Rufus quickly recovered, firing a Reductor Curse with perfect accuracy towards the Vampire who had nearly killed him. The Vampire's brains got splattered all over the window, and Rufus felt a very familiar bloodlust creep into him. Not now! Get the civilians off the streets first, and then I can fuck them all up!

Rufus turned around just in time to see a Vampire come barreling out of a dark alley, and without hesitation, the Vampire fired a Killing Curse straight at the mother. Tommy threw himself in between the Curse and the mother, trying his best to parry the most lethal Curse ever invented. Unfortunately, Tommy's wand missed its target, and the Killing Curse struck his hand. NO!

Tommy's lifeless corpse fell to the ground, his bravery still etched upon his face.

"Incendio Diobolica!" Rufus snarled, and a bright blue jet of flames engulfed the Vampire.

As the Vampire burned and screamed, Rufus forced himself to run towards the screaming mother and daughter.

"Don't stop! Keep moving!" Rufus ordered.

"We can't leave him!" the girl screamed over her mother's shoulder, but her mother knew better.

"Protego Maxima!" Rufus put up a shield as he limped after the mother, stopping multiple Curses from hitting his charges.

He managed to shoot one last look at Tommy, and his heart twisted painfully for the brave young wizard. I'll come back for you, I swear it!

---

Nymphadora Tonks' POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Afternoon)

"Wake up!" someone yelled as they shook her, and Tonks' eyes slowly drifted open.

Her face felt wet, and as she sat up, she realized that blood was trickling down her face. What's happening? Where am I? Tonks slowly looked to her right, only to see Madam Roberts firing Curses at someone. The older witch was riddled with cuts and bruises, but the ferocity on her face proved that she wasn't so easily put down.

Madam Roberts suddenly ducked, and a bright green light flew over her head. Was that the Killing Curse?! Her memories flooded her mind, and Tonks immediately got off of her arse. The old woman from the shop! Where is she?!

"You all right?" Madam Roberts grit out, her left hand was holding together a wound on her stomach.

"There was a woman!" Tonks pulled out her wand. "I have to go and get her!"

"We're not going anywhere…" Madam Roberts panted, her eyes drooping a little. "We're pinned down…"

"What's happening?" Tonks quickly helped the older witch onto her side. I need to heal that right now.

"We're trapped…" Madam Roberts' eyes began to close. She's lost too much blood.

Tonks pulled back her hand, and then she slapped the older witch across the face. Madam Roberts' eyes shot open again, and she gave Tonks a shaky nod before the Metamorphmagus began healing her wound. Madam Roberts grit her teeth, her breathing becoming labored.

"The ground exploded…" Madam Roberts told Tonks. "I pulled you out of the rubble, but Perry's dead…"

"What?" Tonks muttered, her stomach tightening.

"He was covering me… Got hit with a Severing Charm…" Madam Roberts said. "Most of this is his blood…" Gods, they were waiting for us.

Tonks shook her head clear; she needed to focus on the task at hand.

"Where are the other Hit-Wizards?" Tonks asked as she finished closing the wound.

"No idea," Madam Roberts replied. "We need to go find Yahontov's team… They should be one street down from us."

"Can you walk?" Tonks asked.

"I can, but if I fall behind, keep moving," Madam Roberts ordered.

"I'm not leaving you-" Tonks started.

"Protect the civilians," Madam Roberts grabbed Tonks' arm rather harshly. "Do your duty, Tonks… Understood? We've brought hell down upon these people, the least we can do is put out the fucking fire…"

"I… Yes, Ma'am," Tonks gave a firm nod. "Let's move!"

"There's a bastard shooting at us from a window at the end of the street, and he's got good aim," Madam Roberts said. "Use the debris as cover, and don't use any Exploding Curses. There are people inside the buildings."

"Understood," Tonks helped the older witch find her footing.

They gave each other a nod, and then they both made a dash for better cover. The Vampire at the end of the street immediately fired a Killing Curse at Tonks, but she slid behind a collapsed building. The fire and smoke hurt her eyes, but it also provided her with the perfect cover.

A brilliant idea popped into her mind, and Tonks immediately morphed her eyes to that of an eagle. Now, or never, Tonks! She stuck her head out of the corner, and using her enhanced vision, she spotted the Vampire with perfect vision. He hasn't seen me yet. Good. Tonks dashed out of cover, and just as Madam Roberts yelled at her for doing something idiotic, Tonks fired a Reductor Curse straight at the Vampire.

The bright blue Spell tore through the air, and the Vampire underestimated Tonks' aim. There was a large splatter of blood, and Tonks drew in a deep breath to steel her mind. Kill, or be killed… That's the reality of my situation.

"We're clear!" Tonks yelled as she broke into a sprint.

"Nice shot!" Madam Roberts called out from behind her. "Tonks! Turn in here! We'll cut across and join Yahontov's squad!"

Tonks dug her heels into the ground, and then she ran into an alleyway as instructed. It was clear of any threats, and as they reached the end of it, they came upon a truly jarring sight.

Luka Yahontov was standing in the middle of the fucking street, and he was completely covered in gore. That's… not his blood. The large Russian was swinging his bloody axe around, and the poor fuckers trying to overwhelm him with sharpened knives were being cut down into pieces.

"Come here!" Luka yelled in Russian as he grabbed a fleeing Vampire by the neck, immediately bringing his axe down onto the Vampire's skull.

There was a sickening crunch, and the Vampire's body twitched horribly as Luka tossed it aside.

"Yahontov!" Madam Roberts called, and the Head-Auror glared in their direction.

His rage turned into genuine mirth at seeing them, and that disturbed Tonks a little too much. He's insane!

"You're still alive!" Yahontov laughed, and Tonks' stomach dropped. By the Gods…

She didn't have the stomach to count the dead Vampires at his feet; she had no idea that organs smelled so foul.

"Where's your team?" Madam Roberts asked.

"They're pulling out civilians and taking them to the edge of the district, and four of your Hit-Wizards are with them," Yahontov wiped the blood off of his face. "I'm serving as a distraction." A distraction? More like an executioner.

"Tonks, I need you at a vantage point," Madam Roberts ordered. "Use that aim of yours to put down anyone who tries to stop us."

"Yes, Ma'am," Tonks once again steeled her mind. Can't get distracted, I'll get them both killed if I fuck up.

"Durand's team is not far from here," Luka said. "Find them instead, and tell them that I need some support down here. They should be on the rooftops."

"Go," Madam Roberts agreed, and Tonks quickly looked around for something to climb.

"Roberts, there are people inside those buildings," Luka aimed his axe down the street. "You and I are getting them out."

"Yes, Sir," Madam Roberts gave a nod, and then she shot Tonks a meaningful look. "Don't get killed."

"You too, Ma'am," Tonks said, and then she broke off into a sprint. Find Head-Auror Paul Durand, and after that, save as many people as possible. Mum… Dad… I'll make you proud today!

---

Luka Yahontov's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Afternoon)

He had to give it to these Vampires; they were one prepared group of fuck-stains.

There was no way out of Knockturn Alley, and they were using the civilians against the Aurors. But they only attack civilians when we're around… Who the fuck is leading them? Why are they not afraid of dying? And what the hell were those explosions?

Luka grinned to himself, who the fuck cared about those questions. It doesn't matter… Enjoy the fight, Luka, and do your duty.

"Can you take a building by yourself?" Luka asked Roberts, they were charging straight for the buildings at the end of the street.

"I won't slow you down," Roberts replied. Good answer, Auror.

As they neared the buildings, Luka spotted a large tiger jump over a burning cart. It landed right in front of them, its thick coat of fur covered in blood. Roberts immediately aimed her wand at it, but Luka stopped her before she could fire a Spell.

"Andrey! Where the fuck have you been?" Luka grinned at his friend, and the tiger transformed back into a wild-haired man.

"An Animagus?" Roberts muttered under her breath, her wand slowly coming down.

"Andrey Sergeyevich Tigrov," Andrey gave Roberts a nod, and then he looked back to his captain. "I cleared the block, but these fuckers keep coming. I got surrounded, and had to make a run for it."

"We'll get the civilians in those buildings, then we'll rendezvous with the others," Luka ordered. Hopefully, that girl finds Durand in time. He can cover our escape.

"I'm with you, brother," Andrey said, and then he transformed back into a large tiger.

"Lead the way!" Luka broke into a sprint again.

Andrey easily left them behind, but he suddenly stopped as they ran past a burning building.

"What is it?" Roberts asked, and Andrey let out a loud roar.

"Is someone in there?" Luka asked, and Andrey gave a nod. "Roberts, do something about this fire."

"On it," Roberts quickly got to work, using an extremely powerful version of Aguamenti to douse the entire building.

As soon as the fire started to die down, Andrey leaped into the building through a broken window. Fuck standing around with my thumb up my arse, I should get to the other buildings.

"I'm going on ahead," Luka told Roberts. "After Andrey comes out, use his senses to find anyone still left behind."

"Yes, Sir," Roberts gave a nod. I like this Auror; she's as decisive as any one of my Mrakogubci.

Without delay, Luka ran to the end of the street, stopping just before he entered the building.

"Only a fool rushes in blind," Luka whispered to himself, remembering his father's lessons.

He slammed his axe into the ground, pulled out his barely used wand, and cast the Human-Presence-Revealing Spell. Five people on the ground floor, and three people on the top floor. Odd… Why are the people on the top floor pacing back and forth?

Luka drew in a sharp breath, and then he carefully opened the front door. He slipped inside without making a sound, and as he moved towards the stairs, he spotted a family cowering in the far corner of the room. The father immediately moved in front of his wife and children, his shaking wand aimed at Luka.

Luka immediately gestured the man to stay quiet, and then he pointed to the ceiling. The man understood Luka's inquiry, and he gave a weak nod.

"Stay here, I'll be back," Luka mouthed, and then he began moving up the stairs.

His boots had a permanent Muffling Charm placed on them, so he didn't make a single sound as he traversed the stairs. Before long, he was standing in front of a closed door, his bloody axe held firmly in his grip. He could hear the men inside; they seemed to be arguing about something.

"Where the fuck is she?!" one of the men snapped. "We're getting massacred out there!" Haha, you're welcome.

"She's not leaving the Fanged Grotto…" another voice came. "She's waiting for Dumbledore." Who is this 'she'? Is it their leader?

"We should run away," came a third voice. "Let's kill the family downstairs, and then get out of here."

"And go where?!" the first voice snapped again. "She's trapped us in here with monsters! Did you see that big bastard down the street?! He tore through our foot soldiers like it was nothing!" It was nothing, you ill-trained donkeys.

"If I'm going to die today… Then I'm dying with a full stomach," the third voice said, and Luka heard footsteps approaching the door.

The door swung open, and a skinny Vampire came face to face with a grinning Luka.

"FUC-!" the Vampire started, while Luka swung his axe upwards.

The Vampire's face got cleaved in half, and without wasting a second; Luka kicked the Vampire's corpse across the room. The Vampire's startled companions aimed their wands at Luka, but he had already hurled his axe at the Vampire on the left. The axe found its target, shattering the Vampire's ribcage and heart. The remaining Vampire threw out a poorly aimed Killing Curse, and Luka quickly rolled into the room.

"Iskra!" Luka chanted, aiming his right palm at the remaining Vampire.

A blinding white light filled the room, stunning the Vampire due to his enhanced senses. Luka used the opportunity to close the distance, Wandlessly Summoning his axe back and cleaving the Vampire's head off of his shoulders. Three more! What's that? Seventeen?

Luka grinned at the corpses; he was just getting started. And I still have some Dragon's Breath left! This is a good fucking day!

---

Paul Durand's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Afternoon)

The Vampire mindlessly swung her sword at Paul, which gave him the perfect chance to counter.

Two quick jabs in the sternum, followed by a kick to the right kneecap, and then a boot to the face. The Vampire tumbled off of the rooftop, and Paul pulled out his wands again, aiming them down at the crumpled Vampire.

"Désintégrer," Paul chanted, and two pink beams disintegrated the Vampire. Next?

Paul looked around, spotting his Hit-Wizards cutting down any Vampire foolish enough to come out of cover. Everything had gone to shit, and yet, Paul felt completely calm amidst the storm. This is where he belonged… Fighting on the frontlines, not cowering behind a desk.

"Movement to our right!" Bianca called out. "It's a British Auror, Sir!"

Paul walked over to Bianca, and then he looked to where she was pointing. A young woman with bright red hair was waving at them, and she was wearing the British Auror Uniform. That was the Metamorphmagus with Madam Roberts, right? Why is she on the rooftops, and not with her squad?

"Cover me," Paul ordered, moving to the edge of the rooftop.

He aimed his wands at his own chest, casting a powerful Anti-Gravity Charm on himself. Paul then leaped across the rooftops, all but flying towards the slack-jawed British Auror. As he landed in front of her, her hair turned florescent pink.

"Bloody hell! That was wicked!" the young woman exclaimed.

"Where's your squad, Auror?" Paul ignored her childish excitement.

"Oh…" the witch stood to attention. "What's left of my squad is helping Head-Auror Yahontov's squad; they're gathering all civilians at the edge of the district. Head-Auror Yahontov and Madam Roberts sent me here; they need your help with the evacuation."

"How far are they from our position?" Paul asked.

"One block North-West, Sir," the Auror replied.

Paul turned to face his Hit-Wizards; he still hadn't gotten around to evacuating his own block.

"Bianca, take the others and start evacuating this entire block!" Paul ordered, and his second in command gave a firm nod. "Children and women are the priority, now move out!"

As his Hit-Wizards got to work, Paul turned back around in order to speak to the British Auror.

"You're with me, Auror," Paul ordered. "Lead the way."

"I'm Tonks, by the way," the young woman said as they began walking.

"Did you lose any squad members, Tonks?" Paul asked.

"Yes… Perry Wilts…" Tonks replied. "He died covering Madam Roberts while she pulled me out of the rubble." Rubble? She entered via the sewers, didn't she?

"You were caught in the explosions?" Paul asked, and Tonks gave a nod. "They blew up the sewers…"

"Pardon?" Tonks blinked at him.

"They used Muggle explosives to blow up the sewers," Paul clarified, his eyes scanning the burning buildings around them. "They plan to keep us in here until we're all wiped out."

"Muggle explosives?" Tonks looked truly lost. Our enemy is not afraid to use Muggle weapons, and judging by the damage done to Knockturn Alley, they're incredibly precise.

"We're facing an experienced enemy, one that has outsmarted your Minister," Paul said. "The dung thrown at him was a setup, whoever is leading the Vampires knew that your Ministry would send in his Aurors." I should've come alone… I've put my own in danger by agreeing to Rufus' invitation.

"The Minister is…" Tonks trailed off.

"An idiot?" Paul provided, and Tonks' hair turned blue.

"Yes…" she sighed out. Fucking politicians… Minister Wallace is also a clown.

They climbed down a collapsed building, and once they were in the street, Paul spotted a trail of bloody corpses leading down towards the end of the street. Who the fuck did this?!

"Head-Auror Yahontov," Tonks said, as if she had read his mind. Oh… That makes sense. "Last I saw them, they were heading towards that building at the end of the street."

"Let's go," Paul took the lead, both of his wands aimed down the street.

They followed the corpses, and eventually, they ran into Madam Roberts. She had a sizable group of civilians with her, and judging from the state of her, she had fought and bled to protect these terrified people.

"Madam Roberts!" Tonks ran ahead, stopping by her mentor's side. "What happened?"

"They just keep coming," Madam Roberts replied, and then she looked to Paul. "Head-Auror Durand, I'm glad Tonks found you. I need help evacuating these people."

Paul did a quick headcount; there were nearly a dozen families here.

"My Hit-Wizards and I have cleared the way," Paul told her. "Take them through that alleyway, and you'll enter a street that is being covered by the French Aurors. They're currently evacuating people as well."

Paul then looked around, but he didn't see Luka Yahontov anywhere.

"Head-Auror Yahontov has engaged a large force not far from here," Madam Roberts reported.

"He went in alone?" Tonks asked.

"His Mrakogubci are with him," Madam Roberts replied. "They're buying us time." They've left the civilians in the care of the British Hit-Wizards?

"I'll go join them," Paul said. "Tonks, you're with Madam Roberts now. Find my Hit-Wizards, and tell them about this refuge at the edge of the district. You are all to hold that position, understand?"

"Yes, Sir," Tonks said.

Without another word, Paul broke off into a sprint. It won't be hard to find the Russians; I just need to follow the dead bodies. The further he got, the more bodies he found. Most of them had been killed by Spells, but a fair few of them had been cleaved into pieces. Yahontov's work. I'm on the right path. Wait… Why haven't I seen a single dead Auror so far? Are the Russians really that efficient?

Just as he turned the corner, he spotted a large Auror force battling it out with the Vampires. The Russians weren't alone either; they had Albus Dumbledore leading the charge. Paul stayed in his spot, choosing to observe instead of rushing in. Dumbledore, Yahontov's Mrakogubci, and Gawain Robards' squad… Yeah, they don't need me here.

Paul then looked towards the enemy's line; the Vampires were using large golden shield wall as cover. Damn, we can't use the Killing Curse, and they fucking know it. Until that shield comes down, we'll be bogged down here.

In a split second, his mind was made up. I need to kill the bastards who are holding up that shield. Dumbledore will do the rest, I'm sure of it. Paul sheathed his wands, and then he began climbing up a drainage pipe. Once he was on the rooftops again, he snuck past the Aurors and the Vampires. They were all too busy trying to kill each other, so Paul faced no opposition on his way.

Once he had crossed behind the enemy's line, he peeked over the edge to further assess the situation. There were twelve Vampires at the very front of the fighting, and they were the ones powering the golden shield wall. Dumbledore's Spells crashed against the large shield, but the Vampires managed to hold the shield together. Specialists? At this rate, the Aurors will be forced to retreat.

Paul pulled back from the edge; he had to put down at least half of them before he got spotted. Lucky that I have two wands, eh? Take a deep breath, Paul, and then show them why you're a Head-Auror as well. Once his breathing was steady, Paul brandished his wands. He wasn't a fan of fancy Spells; he had always preferred using the most basic Spells to do the most damage. Time for some fireworks!

Paul aimed his wands down at the Vampires on the ground, and he unleashed a blazing barrage of Confringos at the unsuspecting Vampires. One Confringo after another, Paul used his wands in a perfect rhythm, leveling the entire street singlehandedly. He could hear the Aurors cheering at the top of their lungs, but his focus wasn't broken. By the time Paul got spotted, his allies had joined in on the assault. Without a shield to protect them, and most of their covers obliterated by Paul himself, the Vampires began to flee. I'm a fucking God!

---

Albus Dumbledore's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Afternoon)

The Aurors cheered for the French Head-Auror, while Albus simply smiled up at Paul Durand. Perfect timing. I was just about to call for a retreat. The Vampire force within this block had been routed, and all thanks to one man's cleverness.

"Vladimir, start gathering the civilians," Luka ordered, and then he looked towards Albus. "That shield of theirs… It looks a lot like the shield around the district." I can't even summon the Hogwarts House-Elves… They really thought of everything, didn't they?

"And my most powerful Spells are negated by it," Albus said. Tom has upped his game, which means that I need to do the same. Perhaps Ronald and I can study together?

Albus shook his head clear; he needed to stop thinking about his troubled friend right now. I have made up my mind… I will confront the Entity once again, and offer myself to it. Until we find a way to protect Ronald, I will bear the Entity's wrath.

"They made that Spell specifically for you," Luka said, and Albus gave a nod. "Is there a chance that we'll run into the big man himself?"

"For your sakes, I hope not," Albus replied, and then he looked to Luka. "You wished to speak to me about something?"

"Have you heard of a place called the Fanged Grotto?" Luka asked, and Albus shook his head. "Well, it's where the Vampire leader is hiding. I overheard some of them talking, and it seems like the main force is still occupying the center of Knockturn Alley. She seems to be waiting for you."

"Then we need to get to the center," Gawain said as he walked over. "I've sent Kingsley and Tiberius to go look for Rufus' squad. They'll be traveling by foot, of course, it's too dangerous to fly around in this confined space."

"Do we have any casualties?" Albus asked.

"Dawlish, Savage…" Gawain replied, and then he looked to Luka. "One of yours died as well."

"Nikolai fought bravely, and I will honor him by avenging him," Luka said, a hint of sadness evident in his voice. "We need to come up with a plan before we start moving forward, these Vampires are far too coordinated. This is not some unruly mob, it's a fucking army being led by a competent general." Deckard's Progeny has proven to be nothing short of ruthless and ingenious. A truly deadly combination; she cannot be underestimated.

"They seem to be rotating around the outskirts," Albus pointed out.

"Then we ought to get moving," came Paul's voice, and all of them turned to face the French Head-Auror.

"You beautiful bastard!" Luka laughed, his prior sadness completely gone. "I could kiss you right now!"

"Thank you, Sir," Gawain gave Paul a grateful nod. "You arrived just in the nick of time."

"I should be the one calling you 'Sir'," Paul smiled at Gawain, and then he looked to Albus. "The French and British Hit-Wizards are currently holding down a small refuge down south of here. We ought to head over there in order to plan our next move."

"Agreed," Gawain said. "Right now, we're all just running around like headless chickens. We need to form another plan, maybe even shuffle up our squads for maximum efficiency."

"The Hit-Wizards need to be fighting, not protecting civilians," Luka said. "Leave the protection to the lesser Aurors."

"Luka, lead everyone down to this refuge… I will join you all shortly," Albus ordered, and the Russian Head-Auror gave a firm nod before he marched off.

"Where are you going?" Gawain asked.

"I'm going to go find Alastor," Albus replied. He was with Rufus' squad, and they're trapped on the other side of Knockturn Alley. I can't leave him out there alone.

"I'll come with you, Headmaster," Paul volunteered.

"As will I," Gawain said.

"Then let us depart," Albus turned to leave. Hold on, Alastor, I'm coming for you.

---

Alastor Moody's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Late Afternoon)

The Vampires were relentless in their assault, so this brief respite from the fighting was a welcome change.

Alastor and Rufus had spent the last hour searching for civilians, and now, they had a massive group in their care. It hadn't been easy, especially on the recruits, but not a single one of them had faltered in their duty. Alastor was honored to fight amongst the Aurors again, and after witnessing the bravery that a bunch of recruits were capable of, his faith in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement had been restored a little. Rufus had trained them well, despite his prickly nature.

Four recruits were dead, leaving Alastor and Rufus with only three recruits. Tommy had died trying to save a mother and daughter from certain death, Barbara had been brutally stabbed to death, Georgia had been stuck in the back with a Killing Curse while they were evacuating a large family, and Isaac had been blasted to smithereens in the last onslaught.

They were going to die here, and they all knew it. At this point, we just need to hurt them as much as possible. Hopefully, our deaths will mean something.

Alastor looked towards the weeping families, all of them holding their children tightly for the final time. And we need to get them to safety somehow. We've managed to save every single person we've come across somehow, but now that our numbers are diminished, we're bound to lose some civilians. Damn…

Alastor stood up and marched towards the door, he needed to do something before it was too late.

"Where are you going?" came Rufus' voice from behind him, and Alastor turned to face the man.

The others inside the trashed building were also looking to him; their haunted looks filled Alastor with a monstrous rage.

"We can't do this indefinitely," Alastor said. "We have too many people with us, Rufus, and we need to get them to safety. You need to get them to safety."

"So you're going to go cause a distraction?" Rufus asked, his cut lips tightening into a frown.

"I'll use a spark to alert everyone of my position," Alastor started. "The Vampires will come for me, but so will the other Aurors. You need to lead this people away from here. Find Albus, he'll get you to-"

"I don't leave my men behind," Rufus said curtly. "Four of my recruits have died in the last hour, and they didn't give their lives for you to march off to your death. I need you here, so that's where you'll stay."

"Don't be emotional about this, Rufus," Alastor said. "You're Head-Auror now, which means that you have to make the hard calls sometimes. People die in wars, you can't change that." Alastor then shot another look at the terrified families. "Look at them, and tell me that my life means more than theirs."

Rufus said nothing, and Alastor decided to press forward.

"This is the job, brother," Alastor said. "We fight, and we fight, and we fight… And then, someone bests us… We just have to make sure that our deaths mean something." Alastor then turned to leave. "We've cleared three blocks already, so it won't be long before the Vampire reinforcements arrive. Get these people out of here while you still can, I will buy you as much time as I can."

"Stop," Rufus grabbed his arm. "I'll go instead…"

"What?" Alastor shot a frown back.

"You're the stronger Auror…" Rufus admitted.

"Rufus-"

"I can't fail these people," Rufus tightened his hold on Alastor's arm, his determination flashing behind his eyes. "My Ministry put them here, which makes this my responsibility-"

"You're being-" Alastor stared.

"Who will do more in the war to come?" Rufus whispered harshly. "You, or me? Tell me honestly, Alastor, which one of us is capable of doing the most good?"

Alastor wanted to say that it would be Rufus, but he wasn't the emotional sort. He had always depended on cold logic, and that cold logic was telling him that he was the better Auror. Fuck logic, he's my friend.

"You're Head-Auror," Alastor reminded Rufus.

"Exactly," Rufus smiled, and Alastor was quite taken aback. Did he just smile? "Now, fall to command, and pull these civilians out of here." Rufus then pulled out his Head-Auror Badge, and he placed it in Alastor's palm. "Don't let anymore of my recruits die, or I'll haunt you for the rest of your life. They're your responsibility now."

"I'll get them out, brother," Alastor promised, his throat tightening a little. Astrid would be proud of you, Rufus.

"And protect Amelia, she's the future of our Ministry," Rufus said, his eyes becoming a little distant. "Goodbye, Head-Auror Moody."

And just like that, Rufus Scrimgeour left to go meet his end.

"Where is he going?" Rodney walked over, the young wizard looked like he had just escaped from hell itself.

"He's going to buy us some time," Alastor said, and Rodney's eyes shot wide open. "Get these people ready to move, Auror… We have to make Rufus' sacrifice count."

"He'll die out there…" Rodney muttered.

"That's the job," Alastor repeated, though this time, the words filled him with pain and bitterness. "Order every able bodied witch and wizard to protect their families, we'll be fighting our way out of this mess." I won't fail you, Rufus. I'll get these people out, and I'll fight for the Ministry that you always dreamed of.

---

Rufus Scrimgeour's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Late Afternoon)

He had found the perfect spot to hold…

It was far away enough that he could buy Alastor and the others enough time to escape, but close enough that the Vampires would come barreling straight for him as soon as he sent out the spark.

Rufus' eyes traveled down the thin street, even this place hadn't survived the destruction. There were a few dead bodies here and there, and not a single one of them was a Vampire. Butchered in the streets, right in front of their homes.

Rufus tightened his hold on his cane, and he prayed that one day people like Cornelius Fudge and Dolores Umbridge would be shipped off to Azkaban. I leave the future to you, Amelia… Be better than them, and be better than me.

He drew in a deep breath, aimed his wand into the sky, and fired a bright red flare. He then aimed his wand at the buildings behind him, and with a few well-placed Exploding Curses, he collapsed the buildings and made a makeshift barricade between himself and the others. This will slow them down.

With everything in place, Rufus decided to spend the last of his moments thinking of his fallen friends. Frank, Alice, Monty, Larry, Richard, George, Tabatha… I will join you all soon, my friends. He reached into his robes, and he pulled out the faded picture of his lost love. Astrid… Very soon, I will hold you in my arms again, and I will never let go. I've done a lot of things that I'm not proud of, but marrying you… Loving you… It's the only thing that I ever did right.

The sound of thundering footsteps pulled him out of his thoughts, and Rufus kissed the picture one last time before putting it back inside his robes.

"An Auror protects his people, Rufus, never forget that," his father's voice echoed in his head. "Even if it costs you your life, protect those who cannot protect themselves." I failed the people of this district in life; I will not fail them in death.

As the footsteps got louder and louder, Rufus felt the fear of death creep up on him. His breathing became a little unsteady, and his left hand held his cane so tightly that his hand ached. Give me strength, Astrid; I want to be able to meet your gaze in the afterlife.

The Vampire force burst into the street, their wands and weapons at the ready. Half of them are carrying blades and spears… This must be the reserve force. His enhanced eyes swiftly counted the Vampires' numbers; he was definitely going to die here. One against thirty-four… That's thirty-four murderers that Alastor doesn't have to deal with.

"Come!" Rufus extended his arms, his cane in his left hand and his wand in his right. "Face someone who can defend himself from your barbarity!"

The Vampires burst into laughter, while the most arrogant in their numbers marched forward to meet the Head-Auror. I will avenge the dead, here and now!

Without warning, Rufus fired two Confringos at the buildings in the back. The Vampires stopped laughing as fiery debris rained down upon them, and Rufus used their disorientation to his advantage. Ignoring the pain in his leg, Rufus stormed the fools who had dared approach him.

"Protego Maxima!" Rufus chanted, and then he roared as he sent the shield forward with all of his might.

A couple of Vampires were clever enough to dismantle it, while the others were sent rolling through the dirt. Accio! Rufus Summoned the debris he had created towards himself, pelting most of the Vampires in the back.

"GET HIM!" one of the Vampires in the front bellowed, but he was silenced when Rufus smashed his cane across the beast's face. Duck!

He dodged two Killing Curses by ducking just in time, his wand tearing into the Earth. Fluctus Inpulsa! A bright blue shockwave thundered through the street, momentarily undoing the gravity in the area. The Vampires in front of him floated into the air, while the ones in the back tripped and lost their footing as the ground quaked beneath their feet. Rufus twisted his wand further into the ground, summoning all of the strength he could muster for one more powerful Spell.

"Et scindite corda in terra!" Rufus chanted, and as soon as he felt the ground quake again, he yanked his wand upwards.

The cobblestones that layered the street were ripped out of the Earth, blasting over a dozen Vampires into the sky. Screams of pain echoed all around him, but Rufus didn't stop. One after another, Rufus moved through their numbers, cutting down and burning anyone that managed to find their footing again.

"INCENDIO DIABOLICA!" Rufus nearly tore his own throat, but the bright blue jet of flames that his wand conjured were so overwhelmingly powerful that not a single Vampire was able to block them.

The entire street was set ablaze, leaving none untouched by the flames.

The screaming stopped eventually, but it was replaced by the sound of crackling flames and the smell of burnt flesh. Rufus drew in another deep breath, savoring the destruction he had unleashed on these cowards. The few Vampires who had survived Rufus' wrath were trying to crawl away, their bodies riddled with bruises and severe burns.

Rufus sheathed his wand within his cane; he couldn't stop just yet. He was no longer a young man, and his Magical Core was already taxed due to the heavy fighting he had endured earlier in the day, but as this was his last stand, he would give these cowards a reason to regret their butchery of the innocent. I need to conserve my Magic; this can't be all of them.

"Gladius Infernum," Rufus whispered, aiming his cane at a nearby Vampire.

He felt the hilt of his cane heat up, and then a brilliant red flame enveloped it, taking the shape of a longsword. Rufus then limped towards a groaning Vampire, who immediately tried to scream for help. With a fluid slash, Rufus severed the Vampire's head from his shoulders.

He then moved through the street, putting down the survivors one at a time. When his task was done, Rufus undid Hell-Sword Curse in order to use his cane for its real purpose. His damaged leg throbbed painfully, and the injuries he had sustained protecting his Aurors made his head spin. He was getting tired, and it wouldn't be long before he collapsed from exhaustion. Alastor needs more time.

And that's when he heard it… More footsteps were approaching his position. They're fucking endless… How many Vampires are still alive in here? Rufus brandished his wand again, aiming it down the street. The buildings he had collapsed were suddenly blasted apart, and Rufus had to use a powerful Shield Charm to stop the debris from crushing him. Such force!

Through the smoke and raging flames, a slender woman stepped forth. She was wielding two longswords, and her orange catlike eyes gleamed when she locked eyes with him. Orange catlike eyes… Is that her? The Progeny that Dumbledore mentioned?

"Rufus Scrimgeour," the woman greeted, ignoring her dead soldiers. "I had hoped to trap Alastor Moody, but you've undone all of my planning."

Rufus couldn't help but smirk; he had made the right call by sending Alastor away. This enemy understands us, and if I hadn't stepped up, the world would have lost its best Auror. That alone makes all of this worth it.

"What is your purpose here?" Rufus demanded.

"To cull your numbers," the woman replied, and then she gave him a respectful bow. "I am Natalia, it will be an honor to face you in battle." What?

"Honor?" Rufus snarled, and then he gestured towards the corpses around him. "Where is the honor in this?! You are murdering innocents!"

"No one is truly innocent," Natalia replied calmly. "And the weak exist to be preyed upon. It is the oldest, and truest, rule of our world."

"Maybe for a predator," Rufus adorned his fighting stance. "Some of us live to protect the weak."

"You are not a member of that group," Natalia said. "I know you, Rufus Scrimgeour… I know the wrath that sleeps within your heart. You are one of us monsters, and you know it as well."

Rufus said nothing to that, she wasn't completely wrong. Many times within his life, Rufus had let the darkness of the world dictate his actions. But not today… Not when it really matters.

"You will not kill Alastor Moody today," Rufus aimed his wand at her.

"That remains to be seen," Natalia said, and Rufus felt the air become thick with Magic. "I have walked this Earth for nearly one hundred and seventy years." Fuck me… Is she serious? "And in that time, I have bested hundreds of warriors." She then looked around, her lips twisting into a disturbing smile. "Come, Head-Auror Rufus Scrimgeour… Give me a battle worth remembering." Those swords… I need to test them.

"Reducto!" Rufus fired a Reductor Curse, and Natalia cut through it with minimal effort. I knew it… Goblin Steel. I need to keep my distance from her, and I need to use the terrain against her. She'll keep cutting through my Spells, otherwise.

Rufus quickly started pelting debris in her direction, but she dodged with a feline grace that nearly enamored him. It was like she was dancing, twirling and taking well-planned steps to close the distance between them. Her bones… She's breaking them to dodge the debris?! Rufus fired a Confringo at her, and while she cut through it, Rufus summoned the wind around him and blasted her with it.

Natalia dug her blades into the ground, using them to stop herself from being blasted away. Got you! Rufus flicked his wand upwards, tearing the cobblestones underneath her out of the ground. Natalia, instead of being uppercutted by the large stones, used the cobblestones as a ramp. Her slender form flew into the air, and Rufus' jaw dropped as she came flying at him with her blades. Fuck! Rufus jumped to the side, and as soon as she landed, she spun around and slashed her swords at his face.

Rufus ducked under the potentially fatal blow, hooking her left leg with the handle of his cane and blasting her in the chest with a Non-Verbal Reductor Curse. The thin Vampire took the hit like it was nothing, and Rufus had half a second to be amazed before she roundhoused him in the face.

It felt like a troll had kicked him in the head, and Rufus was sent rolling through the dirt. His ears rang painfully, and his vision began to blur.

It was over…

Rufus tried his best to get back up, but he was in so much pain… His crippled leg refused to cooperate, and try as he might, he couldn't stop his head from swaying. What is she waiting for? Rufus managed to shoot a look towards the Vampire, and much to his surprise, she was just standing there. She's… She's waiting for me to get back up? Rufus clenched his teeth; he couldn't let her go looking for Alastor yet. He has too many people with him, and she'll kill half of them by the time Alastor puts her down. Get up, Rufus! FIGHT BACK!

His fingers dug into the dirt, and through sheer fucking will, Rufus managed to stumble up to his feet. Blood trickled down the side of his face, and he wiped it away harshly. Natalia kicked his wand and cane over to him, her gleaming eyes fixed on him. Rufus struggled to reach down and collect them, and when he was finally ready, she aimed her swords at him.

"Keep fighting, or I'll go looking for your friends," Natalia said, the deadliness in her voice scared him a little. "Rodney McKellar, Seth Trent, Maria Roberto, and Alastor Moody… I will kill them if you don't stop me here." Bitch!

"You've been watching us?!" Rufus demanded.

"I was watching you while you were eating breakfast this morning, Rufus Scrimgeour," Natalia replied calmly, and Rufus blinked at her. "Half a bacon sandwich, washed down with black coffee. You made sure that your friend, Amelia Bones, ate her fill, though… I thought that was very sweet of you." What in the fuck…? Who is she?!

"Who are you?" Rufus grit out, some blood leaking

"A warrior, just like you," Natalia said. "Enough talk, I would not have you waste your stamina on idle chitchat."

Rufus aimed his wand at her, though his hands were trembling. There wasn't a single part of his body that wasn't hurting, and even his mind had taken a beating now. She's more skilled than I am, she's more durable than I am, she's faster than I am, and she's completely unpredictable… I'll never defeat her in a fair fight.

Rufus drew in a deep breath, and then he sheathed his wand into his cane. She expects me to put distance between us, so I'll do the opposite. She's yet to use any real Magic, whereas I have all but drained my Magical Core. I have to be patient, and wait for an opening.

"Gladius Infernum," Rufus chanted, and as his cane turned into a fiery blade, Natalia smiled rather genuinely.

She gave him a nod and took her stance; she would give him a true warrior's death. Rufus steadied his mind with Occlumency, and then he charged forward. Their blades clashed against each other, and as soon as he felt her pushing him back, he gave way. She pushed through, and Rufus took a swing at her back, but she ducked and kicked back.

Rufus moved out of the way, his left hand seizing her leg. Without hesitation, he brought his blade down in an effort to sever her leg, but she jumped into the air and swung her other leg at his head. Rufus barely rolled backwards in time, and by the time he was on his feet again; she was charging him in an attempt to pierce his heart. Rufus deflected the blow, and as she moved past him, he smashed her across the face with the hilt of his blade. She wasted no time in kicking him in the stomach, which sent him rolling through the dirt again. She hits as hard as a fucking bus!

"You are skilled with a blade," Natalia noted, while Rufus spat out the blood pooling in his mouth. "Your wife's doing, no?"

"Do not speak of my wife!" Rufus snarled, shooting the Vampire a murderous glare.

"I meant no disrespect," Natalia said calmly. "I am sorry that you can't Apparate… I've heard tales of you cutting down Dark Wizards by the dozens before being spotted."

Natalia then looked around herself.

"Still… You have proven yourself to be a resourceful warrior," Natalia said. "I sent every Vampire left on this side of Knockturn Alley after you, hoping that Alastor Moody had placed himself in danger to protect the civilians, and you killed every single one of them singlehandedly. Tell me, did you see through my plan?"

"No…" Rufus muttered, his body felt like it was made of lead. "I just know my value, and it pales in comparison to my friend's…" Why am I even talking to her?

"I see…" Natalia nodded to herself, and then she lowered her blades. "Become mine, Rufus Scrimgeour." What?

Rufus sneered at her as he struggled up to his feet, he couldn't raise his left arm anymore. Not long now, Astrid… Wait for me.

"Become yours?" Rufus scoffed. "Shut the fuck up…"

"I would walk this Earth with you," Natalia said. "You do not have to die here today. Become mine, and my heart will forever belong to you."

"I will not live as a slave to your Curse," Rufus refused outright. "You are a monster, one who kills without remorse-"

"And do you have regrets when it comes to killing your enemies?" Natalia asked.

"No… But I don't put innocent people in danger just to win a battle," Rufus replied. "Keep your Curse, Vampire, I have no need for it."

"Very well," Natalia raised her swords again. "I will honor your passing, then."

Rufus limped forward; he still had one trick left up his sleeve. He half-heartedly swung his cane at her; he hadn't even noticed that his Spell had been broken. Natalia batted his cane out of his hand with her blade, and time seemed to slow down to a crawl. Here it comes… Be patient, Rufus. Let her think that you've been defeated.

Just as predicted, she tried to stab him through the chest, and Rufus suddenly used the last of his strength to step aside. He grabbed her blade with his bare hands, and before she could react, he spun in his spot as he yanked the blade out of her grip. There was a sickening sound of bones being shattered, and Natalia slowly looked down at her chest.

Rufus had plunged her own sword into her chest, even though it had cost him his hands. I… I didn't feel her heart being crushed… Why? Don't tell me that she's Magically moved her vital organs around… No… Natalia smiled at him, the sword held in her left hand clanking loudly as she dropped it.

"Knowledge and patience…" she said, cold blood spilling out of her mouth. "The only real counter to greater skill. Well done, Rufus Scrimgeour, you have earned my respect."

Natalia suddenly pulled the blade out of her chest, and she jammed it through his sternum. Rufus just stood there, his body completely sapped of all strength. There's no pain anymore… Why? He took a weak step back, his eyes traveling down to the sword piercing his body. Did I buy them enough time…? He fell to his knees; his mind was already beginning to drift away. What if there is no afterlife? What if I never see my friends again?

He had to see her face again, just one last time…

He struggled to raise his arms, and after failing a couple of times, he realized that he didn't have the strength to look for his wife's picture.

"Pic… ture…" Rufus coughed out, his life force spilling out of him. "Ple… Please…"

Natalia kneeled down, and very gently, she reached into his robes and pulled out the picture of his wife.

"Here," she whispered, placing the picture in his bloody hands.

Rufus slowly looked down at his beautiful wife, she was waving at him with a smile brighter than the sun. My love… His face ached horribly, but he couldn't help but smile back at her. She's calling me… I can hear her.

"Rest now, Rufus Scrimgeour," Natalia kissed the side of his head. "When you reawaken in the afterlife, your love will be by your side once again."

His vision began to darken, but he was no longer afraid. He had done his duty to the best of his ability, and now, he would be rewarded. He would be with his friends again, and he would get to hold his wife in his arms. And I will have my peace… I leave this world to you, Amelia; make it one that we can be proud of.

---

Albus Dumbledore's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Late Afternoon)

"We're getting close, he has to be here somewhere," Alastor said, but Albus wasn't so sure anymore.

He couldn't sense Rufus' Magic anymore, and although Alastor no doubt knew that, he refused to believe it. Until he saw the body, he wouldn't count his friend amongst the dead. I pray that I am mistaken, not only for Alastor's sake, but also for all of Magical Britain's. He might be a hard man, but there is goodness in him. I have seen it with my own eyes many times.

Albus, Gawain, Tiberius, Kingsley, and Paul had run into Alastor's group not far from their current location, they had been forced to seek refuge inside a crumbling Borgin and Burkes from a small Vampire squad. Now, under any other circumstance, Alastor would have dispatched them all within seconds, but with over a dozen families under his care, Alastor had been forced to defend rather than attack. Albus had taken care of the attackers with minimal effort, but the fight wasn't over yet.

Rufus had stayed behind to buy valuable time for the families and recruits, and judging from the destruction they had all heard, a truly fierce battle had taken place. With the recruits and the families sent towards the refuge, Alastor had guided Albus and his companions back to where Rufus had held off the Vampire forces.

Alastor suddenly came to a stop; there was a burning barricade not far from them.

"Alastor?" Albus stopped as well. "What does your Magical Eye see?"

Alastor said nothing; his Magical Eye was fixed on something beyond the barricade. Rufus… I hope you find your peace in the next adventure.

"No…" Gawain ran ahead, quickly using his wand to begin breaking down the barricade.

Paul, Tiberius, and Kingsley joined him without delay, but Albus stayed by Alastor's side.

"Alastor, what do you see?" Albus asked more gently.

"He's dead…" Alastor said, his voice devoid of any emotion. "He stopped them all from finding us, Albus, but he's dead." A brave man; even in face of certain death.

Albus put his hand on Alastor's shoulder, but Alastor remained motionless.

"Let's recover his body, and then rejoin the others," Albus said, he could still sense someone incredibly powerful nearby.

By the time they reached their companions, the four Aurors had cleared a path forward. Alastor went through first, his wand at the ready despite his distressed state. Albus followed shortly after, his mind trying to sense the whereabouts of Rufus' killer. It has to be the Vampire leader, Deckard's Progeny. If she is even half as old as Deckard was, then she has nearly two decades of experience over me at the very least. We must not let our guard down.

As they moved past the shattered and charred corpses of over thirty Vampires, Alastor Wandlessly banished the thick cloud of smoke blanketing the street.

That's when they saw him, sitting motionless in the middle of the street.

None of them made a single sound as they approached the British Head-Auror's body, and when Albus saw that Rufus' ever-still eyes were fixed on a bloody picture of Astrid, he felt his heart twist painfully. Neither of them had seen eye to eye on much, but they had always respected each other enough to stay out of the other's way.

Albus couldn't help but feel heartache at Rufus Scrimgeour's passing; the world was a little less bright because of it.

Alastor sat down in front of Rufus, and then, he pulled Rufus' head into his chest.

"Thank you, Rufus," Alastor whispered. "I'll tell the world of what you did here today, and I will honor your final wishes. I swear it."

Albus and the Aurors bowed their heads in respect; each of them had found another reason to keep fighting.

---

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Almost Evening)

"We've gathered everyone we could find in the outskirts," Paul reported, while Albus quietly watched Alastor tending to Rufus' body. "But…"

"Go on," Albus said, looking to Paul.

"The blood in the air… It's driven the Vampires into a frenzy," Paul told him. "We found a lot of dead civilians not far from here, they were torn to pieces."

"Is there a chance that they'll turn on each other?" Gawain asked Albus.

"Perhaps, but I can't be sure," Albus replied. "They obviously fear their leader far more than they fear death."

"We can't bring it down, and we've tried everything," Luka walked over with a murderous look. "That fucking barrier is too damn thick, and every time we make a dent in it, it fucking recovers before we can do anything about it."

"We are not leaving this place until we destroy the Vampires casting the Spell," Albus said. "I believe that they have multiple teams of powerful wizards constantly maintaining the barrier."

"Then we need to move into the center of this shithole," Luka said, looking to Kingsley, Paul, and Gawain for support. "We can't keep sitting here forever, the Vampires will lose their patience eventually."

"I agree with Head-Auror Yahontov, Headmaster," Kingsley said. "These Vampires are searching for Aurors, not civilians. The longer we stay here, the more people we'll lose."

"I know," Albus said. "Gawain, how many fighters do we have left?"

"Thirty, counting the four British recruits," Gawain replied. "We've lost Rufus, Dawlish, Savage, Perry, four recruits, and Nikolai from the Russians Aurors."

"We will leave the recruits here to protect the people," Albus ordered. "Kingsley, you will lead them."

"I agree," Gawain said before Kingsley could say anything. "If we die out there, we need someone with actual experience leading these people out."

"Yes, Sir," Kingsley agreed, despite his personal wishes. "I will protect them all with my life."

"We leave within ten minutes," Albus said as he turned to leave. "Be prepared for more bloodshed."

The Aurors gave nods, and then they all dispersed.

Albus walked to the edge of the 'camp', his eyes traveling between the scared and weeping families. I will have justice for this; I swear it. He couldn't help but feel like he was fighting the Great War again, completely surrounded by senseless violence and death. No, this is worse… Tom hasn't even returned to the height of his power yet, and he's already destroyed so much of this country. His banishment has driven him truly mad, which makes him even more dangerous than before.

Albus stepped out of the makeshift camp, and then he made his way towards Mr. Mulpepper's Apothecary. It was close enough to the camp that he wasn't in any real danger, but far away enough that he could finally take a breath.

Contrary to popular belief, he was still just a man. A tired old man…

His now lifeless eyes surveyed the destruction before him; a lot of these buildings had been caught in the blasts early on in the day. So many lives snuffed out within a heartbeat. As his eyes traveled down the damaged street, he saw something that made his blood freeze. No…

Albus shot a quick look back, and when he realized that no one was watching him, he made his way further down the road. His breath caught in his throat as he stopped in front a dead child, the small blonde girl was twisted and broken in the most heinous ways.

She was so small, no older than ten, and she reminded him of another young girl that he had failed a lifetime ago. Where are her parents…? Albus looked around, and when he found a man's bloody hand reaching out to the girl from beneath some heavy debris, Albus nearly sobbed.

His eyes stung painfully as he lowered himself beside the girl, she too was reaching out for something. A dusty and bloody doll lay just beyond her reach, and that proved to be too much.

Even for Albus Dumbledore.

"I'm sorry…" Albus whimpered, finally letting himself feel something.

He picked up the doll as gently as he could, and he placed it in the girl's tiny hand.

"Forgive me…" Albus wept, completely taking off his mask of control. Ariana…

---

Nymphadora Tonks' POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Almost Evening)

"Tonks? Are you there?" Madam Roberts kneeled in front of her.

"Oh… Yeah…" Tonks muttered; she was so tired. I haven't eaten since breakfast… I can't even transform anymore.

"Eat this," Madam Roberts offered her some bread.

"Where did you get this?!" Tonks quickly accepted the bread, biting into it without delay.

Her Metamorphmagus abilities didn't come without a price; her metabolism was so powerful that she needed to eat roughly six thousand calories a day.

"Some of the families are sharing food around, and one of them noticed that you're a Metamorphmagus," Madam Roberts replied. "They asked me to give this to you. It's not much, but it's better than nothing."

"Who were they?" Tonks spoke with a mouthful. "I need to thank them."

"I didn't bother to ask any questions," Madam Roberts replied. "Look… I'm about to join the others in an attempt to bring down this barrier, and I need you to stay behind-"

"What?" Tonks stopped chewing. "No, I can help you-"

"You, Kingsley, and three other recruits are to serve as the last line of defense," Madam Roberts said. "If we don't make it out, then it'll be up to you to protect these people."

"Can't we ask some of the stronger men and women to help us?" Tonks asked, and Madam Roberts shook her head.

"If your mother and father were here, would you leave their side?" Madam Roberts asked, and Tonks honestly didn't know what to say. "We're trained to deal with shit like this, but these people… They shouldn't even be here. We can't ask them to risk their lives, and even if we did, most of them would refuse. You don't want to open that box, Tonks, you won't like what you see inside."

"I've seen plenty that I don't like…" Tonks all but whispered, her eyes darting towards Rufus Scrimgeour's body. He sacrificed his life for Mad-Eye and my friends… I didn't think he was capable of that.

Madam Roberts followed her gaze, and even her eyes became distant and tired.

"He was a good man," Madam Roberts said softly. "Saved my life more times than I care to count… He deserved better."

"The Minister did this," Tonks' hair turned black, a new form of rage welling up in her chest. "Umbridge and the Minister… They killed him. They killed all of us!"

"Tonks," Madam Roberts suddenly grabbed her hand, breaking Tonks out of her twisted thoughts. "Save your rage for the enemy. I need you to have a clear head, understand? Your friends aren't as skilled as you, and Kingsley can't do this all by himself. Steel yourself, or people will get killed."

Tonks felt her eyes sting, she just wanted this to stop already. She didn't care that she was being weak right now, this was all just so wrong. They killed children… Little children…

"They can't get away with this…" Tonks managed. "Why didn't they listen to the Headmaster?"

"Because there is nothing more addictive than power," Madam Roberts replied, and then she moved her hand to Tonks' shoulder. "Now is not the time to think about this, Tonks. Right now, you need to do your job. Tell me that you understand that."

"I… I do…" Tonks sniffled, struggling to contain her emotions. "I just never thought that I'd see something so… horrible…"

"Then you're just like the rest of us," Madam Roberts said, and Tonks finally met her gaze. You've been through this as well? "None of us were born like this, Tonks, but the job…" she trailed off.

Madam Roberts suddenly adorned a more serious look, her amber eyes flashing in a familiar manner.

"When you stare into the abyss every single day, it eventually seeps into your very soul," Madam Roberts said. "But saying that, I also have to tell you that it only has power over you if you let it destroy you. Be stronger than you were yesterday, Tonks, that's the only way you'll survive in our world."

Tonks didn't know why, but Madam Roberts' grim advice resonated with her. Maybe it was because the older witch was talking from experience, or maybe it was because Tonks looked up to the Head of the Hit-Wizards, but whatever her mind's reasoning, she felt a little more in control of herself.

"Eat, and then get back to work," Madam Roberts stood up. "These people need you, Auror… Are you going to let them down?"

"Never," Tonks tried her best to sound strong, and then she stuffed the last of the bread into her mouth. "I'll see you when this is all over, Madam Roberts."

The older witch smiled a little, and after giving Tonks a parting nod, she left to go join the assault team.

Tonks shot one last look at Rufus Scrimgeour, and she silently promised to honor the lives lost today. She would fight, and she would protect the weak until her dying breath.

---

Luka Yahontov's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Evening)

Albus Dumbledore was on the fucking warpath; the old man and his Phoenix were leading the charge against the Vampires with no mercy in their hearts.

It was glorious!

They were all moving through the streets as one massive unit, and not a single one of them was holding back anymore. Some were trying to avenge the innocent, some were trying to honor their fallen comrades, and some, like Luka, had completely given into their bloodlust.

Enough was enough…

Luka was raised by his father to kill his enemies without mercy, and along the way, he had learned to enjoy the art of murder. Filth like these Vampires didn't deserve to live, and no one could convince him otherwise. They were just like any other Dark Wizard, inflicting pain and suffering upon the innocent for their own pleasure and need for power.

If Albus Dumbledore was the shield that guarded the innocent, then Luka was the sword that avenged them.

"Mercy! Mercy, please!" the Vampire tried to crawl away, but Luka severed her left leg.

She howled in pain, trying her best to crawl away from him. Not today, you bitch! He grabbed her other leg, and with a swift swing, he cleaved through the limb. She flopped around like a fish out of water, screaming her lungs out.

"Did you show mercy to your victims?!" Luka barked, kicking her in the ribs. "Whose blood is that around your lips?! Huh?! Answer me!"

All she managed were strained screams, and Luka decided that he'd had enough of this one. He brought his axe down with all of his might, shattering her skull in two. Who's next?!

"Face me!" Luka roared at the sky, completely covered in the blood of his enemies.

The Dragon's Breath made his blood boil, and he was literally trembling from the adrenaline coursing through his body. He was going to kill them all, and nothing was going to stop him.

From the street to his left, he could hear Dumbledore steamrolling through their enemies. Just like the good old days!

"The street is secure," Vladimir Sokolovski, Luka's second in command, reported.

"Then move onto the next," Luka ordered, and Vladimir grinned maniacally.

"You heard the man!" Vladimir looked back to the other Mrakogubci. "Andrey! Scout the way ahead!"

Andrey gave a nod, and then he transformed into his 'real self'. The Mrakogubci followed after the monstrous tiger, shooting down any Vampire that came into sight.

"We're not here to take prisoners!" Luka shouted, hurling his axe at a fleeing Vampire's back. "Kill them all! The one with the highest kill count by the end of the day gets the last of the Dragon's Breath!"

His Mrakogubci roared in response, all of them charging down the street with murderous intent.

Enough was enough.

---

Paul Durand's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Evening)

Paul and his five Hit-Wizards were on the rooftops again, providing air support for the Aurors down below. Mad-Eye was leading the British, while Luka was leading the Russians.

And truth be told, Paul had no idea who was deadlier.

Mad-Eye was extremely efficient, and the British Aurors at his back were no different. From what Paul had seen so far, the British Aurors used the most effective Spells available to them. They weren't flashy, nor did they take pleasure in taking lives. They were swift, and they were deadly. Not a single one of them wasted time, and somehow, they were constantly in sync with each other.

Luka and the Russians, however, were fucking terrifying. What they were doing down in the streets made Paul's Hit-Wizards pale in the face. Vampires were being torn limb from limb, and the screams just wouldn't stop. They're more vicious than the fucking Vampires… I need to up my game if I'm to back up people like Mad-Eye Moody and Luka Yahontov.

And then there was Albus Dumbledore… The Grand Sorcerer was a force of nature, leveling entire buildings now that he didn't have to worry about hurting any civilians.

"Bianca, take the others and go on ahead," Paul ordered. "Something doesn't feel right to me."

"Yes, Sir," Bianca said, and then she gestured the other Hit-Wizards to follow her.

"Don't get seen, and if you run into trouble, come right back," Paul added.

His Hit-Wizards took off, and Paul moved further towards the edge to provide support for the Russian Aurors. Why is Luka swinging a severed leg around…? Gods… They're fucking savages. Paul shook his head clear; they were on his side, and that's all that mattered right now. I need to run up ahead, they're moving through the Vampires too quickly.

"Oi!" Paul yelled down as he bolted towards the end of the rooftop, and Luka looked up at him. "Stop running ahead! The British are getting left behind!"

"Of course…" Luka rolled his eyes, and then he looked to his Mrakogubci. "Slow down, the women are lagging behind!"

"What did you just say?" one of the female Mrakogubci shot a frown at her captain.

"I said the women are getting left behind," Luka grinned at the annoyed witch. "Clear your fucking ears, and do as you're told! Vladimir, get Andrey back here!"

The Mrakogubci fell to command, while Vladimir ran ahead to call back their tiger. That Animagus is taking bites out of the Vampires… Why? Once again, Paul had to remind himself that the Russians were his allies.

"Help the British catch up!" Luka looked up to Paul. "We're doing fine down here!"

"Understood," Paul said, and then he aimed his wands at his chest. Infirmare Gravitatus!

The air around him became thinner, and Paul leaped across the rooftops as the Mrakogubci shot him surprised looks. Paul looked down at the British Aurors, they had less numbers than the Russians, but they had Mad-Eye leading them. They're getting pinned down. Fuck.

Paul aimed his wands down, unleashing another barrage of Exploding Curses at the few Vampires left. The British wasted no time in running out of their covers, eliminating every Vampire in sight within seconds.

Mad-Eye gave Paul an appreciative nod, and Paul couldn't help but feel a little giddy. The Alastor Moody just gave me a respectful nod! I can die happy now!

"Albus needs you further ahead! Go!" Mad-Eye ordered, and Paul wasted no time in following the order.

Getting across the rooftops wasn't too difficult, but when he saw that Dumbledore and his Phoenix were fighting a dozen Vampires alone, he decided to move in to help.

Just as he aimed his wands at a Vampire trying to stab Dumbledore in the back, Fawkes flew down and dug his talons into the Vampire's face. The attacker bellowed in agony as Fawkes flew off with him, dropping him right in front of Dumbledore. The Grand Sorcerer aimed his wand at the writhing Vampire, and Paul could only watch in shock as the Vampire's body began twisting in on itself.

Dumbledore then lifted the Vampire into the air, using him as a meat shield in order to not break his stride. The Vampires down the street pelted their own comrade with dozens of Spells, tearing the poor bastard apart. As soon as Dumbledore was vulnerable again, the old man roared as he waved his wand forward. The Earth split open, and golden flames as bright as the sun raged out of the cracks.

Everything in his way was leveled, and Dumbledore just kept moving forward like nothing had happened. I'll just stay in the back, then… What the fuck…?

---

Albus Dumbledore's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley –Evening)

Albus stopped at the edges of Knockturn Alley's center; the White Wyvern was only a couple of blocks away.

Fawkes flew down and perched himself on Albus' shoulder, his talons and beak slick with the blood of their enemies. This ends now!

It wasn't long before the Aurors all caught up to him, not a single one of them had fallen now that they could focus on fighting back. Alastor limped over to Albus, looking very similar to the Alastor of old. Neither of them said a word, they did not need to speak to communicate.

"Why are we stopping?" Tiberius asked. "We have them on the run, Sir." Something is not right here. Where is their leader?

"Do not let your anger guide you," Alastor said sternly. "Their leader has yet to reveal herself, and considering how much damage she's already done, we can't walk in blind."

"He's right," Paul said as he walked over. "My Hit-Wizards just came back, and they told me that the entire center of Knockturn Alley is empty save for dead civilians."

"So many dead… And for what?" Luka shook his head. "All because a fat cunt felt threatened…" Cornelius will face justice for this, have no doubts about that.

"They're trying to piss us off?" Gawain asked. "Force us to make mistakes?"

"Most likely," Albus replied. Butchering the innocent as a way to get to us… They have no regard for human life. Very well… I will show them the error of their ways. I will show them what comes from such blind hatred!

"Albus?" Alastor whispered. "What is it?"

"Move back," Albus said dangerously, the air becoming thick with errant Magic. "I have had enough of this!"

The Aurors went dead silent, but they all did as they were told.

Once he was standing alone, Albus slammed the Elder Wand into the Earth. Relaxing his mind, Albus reached out to the Magic that existed deep within their world. It felt disturbed at first, angry with Albus for waking it up from its slumber, but Albus did not back off. Help me avenge the atrocities committed today, I beg you.

He released a portion of his Magic into the Earth, hoping to show the purity of his intentions. The Earth's Magic reached out to him very slowly, and Albus waited patiently. The Magic here feels… tainted… So much death has occurred here. So much suffering. Albus drew in another calming breath as he closed his eyes, and then he offered more of his Magic in an effort to comfort the Earth. Help me undo this, and I will bring you peace.

He could easily force the Earth's Magic to do his bidding, but he would never dare cross that line. Once the Earth realized this, the Magic beneath Albus relaxed considerably. It fully embraced Albus, strengthening him tenfold. Albus could feel its rage, and quite honestly, Albus shared its reasons to be upset.

Slowly, but surely, their Magic became one in the same.

When he reopened his eyes, they were glowing bright blue. NOW!

Albus let out a roar as he sent his burrowed power forward, digging deep into Knockturn Alley's bedrock. It took an incredible amount of strength and willpower, but as Albus rose to his feet, the ground shook so violently that the Aurors started falling over.

"What the fuck are you doing?!" someone yelled, but Albus ignored them.

The Magic of the Earth told Albus to ignore all distractions, it too wanted to teach the mortals a lesson they would not soon forget.

Albus raised his arms into the air, blood pouring out of his mouth and nose. His Magical Core was burning up because of the excess power coursing through him, but he would not stop until he put an end to this.

The Aurors watched in equal awe and horror as the center of Knockturn Alley began lifting off of the ground. Loud screams immediately filled the air; the Vampires had been hiding in the sewers in order to ambush Albus and his companions.

"YOU WILL NOT TAKE ANOTHER LIFE TODAY!" Albus bellowed, his body levitating into the air. "NO MORE!"

The air around him became scorching hot, and he could hear the Aurors running away in an attempt to find safety. Only Alastor and Luka remained by his side, it had been too long since they had seen what Albus Dumbledore was capable of.

The center of Knockturn Alley kept floating higher and higher, and even as the barrier broke apart around them, Albus kept pushing himself. I will bury Deckard's Progeny, and all of her murderous horde!

Fawkes suddenly let out a loud shrill, begging Albus to stop before it was too late. Not yet! Not until the Earth allows it!

Ministry Officials suddenly zoomed in on brooms, though they stopped as soon as they saw a large chunk of the district floating at their level. He could hear them ordering him to stop; some were even ordering the Aurors to shoot him in the back.

And that's when he finally felt it; the Earth's Magic was leaving him. It's time… Finally.

Albus stopped pushing himself, and the center of Knockturn Alley fell to the ground. Albus landed on the ground first, every single part of his body felt broken and used.

"Raise your fucking shields!" Luka laughed maniacally. "She's coming down hard!"

Albus' vision began to blur, and the last thing he felt was most of Knockturn Alley crumbling to pieces.

---

Alastor Moody's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Knockturn Alley – Evening)

As the dust began to settle, Alastor stopped shielding Albus with his own body. The old man was barely breathing, but he had put an end to the bloodshed.

"Is he alive?" Luka coughed out, he had raised a powerful shield to protect Albus and Alastor.

"Barely…" Alastor replied, holding Albus in his arms. "Fawkes! Where are you?!"

There was a blinding flash of fire, and Fawkes was suddenly sitting on Alastor's shoulder. The Phoenix leaned over Albus' face, studying his spent friend with teary eyes.

"Help him," Alastor said, and Fawkes let his tears fall on Albus' face.

Visibly, they made no difference, but Alastor could feel Albus' breathing become less labored. Before he could ask Fawkes to take them to St. Mungo's, Ministry Officials cracked onto the scene. Luka jumped between Alastor and the Ministry Officials, his axe already at the ready.

"Fucking try something, you bastards," Luka hissed. "Give me a goddamn reason to end all of you!"

"Luka," Alastor bit out. "Control yourself."

"What have you done?!" came Umbridge's offended voice. "Look at what they've done, Minister!"

Alastor shot a look back at that, his Magical Eye becoming fixed on a slack-jawed Cornelius Fudge. You fucking fool! He had half a mind to kill the Minister where he stood, and the only reason he stopped was because he didn't plan to lose another friend today.

Alastor rose to his feet, Albus' frail form held closely to his chest.

"Aurors, arrest him!" Umbridge ordered, her index finger aimed at Albus.

Not a single Auror moved a muscle, something that pissed her off immensely.

"ARREST HIM!" she shrieked again.

"He's not to blame for this," Gawain was the first one to speak up. "He just saved all of our lives."

"You touch him, and I'll let Andrey here eat your innards," Luka warned, while Andrey Tigrov growled menacingly.

"With all due respect, Ma'am, I will put my foot in your ass if you try anything," Paul said blandly, he looked truly done with politicians for the day.

Cornelius took a shaky step forward, his eyes scanning Albus, but every Auror cut him off. They placed themselves between Alastor and the Minister; none of them gave a damn about their jobs right now.

"Move aside," Crouch suddenly walked over, shoving Fudge out of his way. "Get him to St. Mungo's right now! What are you waiting for?!"

Alastor gave the man a curt nod, while Umbridge glared murder at him.

"Fawkes," Alastor said, and he was suddenly engulfed in the Phoenix's flames. I'll deal with all of you after Albus is taken care of. You will answer for Rufus' death; I'll make sure of it.

---

Gaspard's POV

Wednesday 3rd February, 1994 (Azkaban Prison - ?)

Gaspard emerged from the icy water, a wide grin on his face. Nothing like a good swim; I feel completely refreshed.

He had no idea what time it was, Azkaban Prison wasn't exactly known for its clear weather. I'm sure Natalia has engaged the Aurors by now, which means that the entire Ministry will be focusing on Knockturn Alley. Time to get to work.

Gaspard strolled through the Graveyard; he could see the Dementors already flying in his direction. Without a hint of worry, Gaspard raised his arms to his side without breaking his stride. The Dementors quickly surrounded him, no doubt trying to sniff despair and sorrow. You won't find any here, I assure you.

"Well?" Gaspard laughed. "Who wants a kiss?"

A Dementor suddenly flew forward, its large hand trying to grab Gaspard's throat. Slow. Gaspard dashed forward and grabbed the Dementor's hand, flipping the wraith-like creature over his shoulder. As soon as its back hit the ground, Gaspard pinned it down by placing his knee on its throat.

It hissed at him, but Gaspard slapped it across the face so hard that it got stunned into silence.

"Shut up," Gaspard ordered. "I'm trying to sneak into a prison here, so please, do me the courtesy of keeping the noise to a minimum."

Gaspard then looked to the other Dementors, they were already wary of him due to his boldness. Cowards… The moment they run into an equal, they shit themselves.

"Well?" Gaspard challenged them. "I'm right here, come and have dinner if you have the balls."

The Dementors began flying around him, but none of them could sniff out a weakness to exploit. At the end of the day, he was a monster beyond their understanding, and that certainly terrified them.

"Look at the fucking state of you," Gaspard sneered at them, digging his knee further into the Dementors throat. "When was the last time any of you fed to your heart's content?"

They all stopped suddenly, and Gaspard's sneer turned into a grin once again. They're hungry, a feeling I know quite well.

"This island once belonged to you," Gaspard started, and the Dementors just listened without making a sound. "The Wizards took it from you, shackled you all to their whims and needs, and now you are all nothing but glorified guards. They don't even feed you properly, do they?"

The Dementors slowly exchanged looks; Gaspard could feel their hunger radiating from them.

"I understand what it's like to be hungry… To be ravenous!" Gaspard said, lifting his knee.

The Dementor that he had pinned down flew away immediately, rejoining its brethren.

"The Dark Lord is rising," Gaspard went on, his catlike eyes scanning each Dementor. "I have seen it for myself, and it won't be long before 'civilization' comes crashing down. The world will belong to the monsters once again, and it'll be survival of the fittest. All will be as it should be, and you can have a place in this new world. Do you want that?"

The Dementors didn't move an inch, but the fact that they hadn't attacked him yet revealed their thoughts to him.

"The first step towards this new world is right before you," Gaspard told them. "Abandon the island, and travel to the mainland. Fill your bellies to your heart's content, and then, fly to Little Hangleton." Gaspard then began moving towards the prison, and the Dementors moved out of his way. "If you all stay here, then you'll be slaves for eternity. I don't know about you, but I will never let the weak dictate what the strong should do."

The Dementors blasted away at that, hissing and howling as they abandoned the prison. Too easy… The Ministry really should pay its workers a fair wage. Tsk, tsk, tsk… This is what comes from trying to enslave the horrors of this world. Eventually, a fucker like me shows up to pull the rug out from beneath you.

As he neared the entrance, he spotted a lone guard leaning against the wall. The young man was reading a book, not paying any attention to his surroundings. They've become complacent. This dumb bastard hasn't even noticed that the temperature is returning to normal.

Gaspard kept walking, and just as he was about to enter the prison, the young guard grabbed him by the arm.

"Oi, I'm the only one on ground duty," the young man frowned, but when Gaspard turned to face him, the guard's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. "Who-"

Gaspard grabbed the guard by his throat, without any real effort, Gaspard crushed his windpipe. The guard twitched wildly, his eyes rolling into the back of his head.

"I'll be taking this," Gaspard said, reaching into the guard's mouth and ripping out his tongue.

Gaspard then tossed the corpse aside before popping the torn tongue into his mouth. Not bad, actually. Very savory. Gaspard chewed and swallowed the tongue, and memories of the guard's day flashed through his mind. Most of the guards are on the fifth level? Ah… Gilderoy Lockhart was screaming murder again. He's truly lost it in this place.

Gaspard grinned to himself; his job had just become so much easier.

Without delay, Gaspard marched up to the large door leading into the prison. It wasn't even locked, which was hardly surprising given that the Dementors guarded the island.

The inside of the prison was exactly how he had always pictured it, cold and dark. The grey stones were well maintained, but the horrors they had witnessed over the centuries whispered to Gaspard, they could never be washed away. I should turn this into one of my forts once the war is in full swing. I'm sure Hecate will enjoy this place, the old bat.

He made it all the way into the barracks before he saw the first guard; it was a burly woman who was currently changing out of her uniform. The sound of Gaspard's footsteps alerted her, and she looked to him with a deep frown.

"You fall in the water, or-" she stopped mid-sentence. "Who the fuck are you?!"

She immediately dashed for her wand, but Gaspard hurled a dagger into the side of her head. With a loud crunch, it dug deep into her temple. She dropped on the spot, and as Gaspard walked over to her, his enhanced sense of hearing told him that a large individual was running over to investigate the noise. Gaspard pulled the dagger out of the woman's skull, and then he ran up to the door that would lead him into main hall. C'mon, hurry up. I don't have all day.

The door burst open, and Gaspard jammed his dagger into the large guard's stomach. For a moment, the man didn't even realize what had happened, he just stared at Gaspard with a look of disbelief. Before he could make a sound, however, Gaspard grabbed the man by the throat, lifting him into the air. Gaspard then yanked his dagger towards the right, disemboweling the guard.

"Circe's tits, man… What was your diet?" Gaspard grimaced. "Did you eat a Goblin for breakfast?"

Gaspard dropped the man's corpse, and then he made his way into the mess hall. Ah, Ekrizdis' throne room. I've read that those who came to investigate the island after it was discovered refused to talk of what they had found inside, but the least frightening part of it was that the place was infested with Dementors. A damn shame that I never got the chance to meet the man. It would have been quite interesting.

The Ministry had turned Ekrizdis' throne room into the guards' mess hall, and the only working fireplace within Azkaban was now in Gaspard's sight. There are Anti-Apparition Wards all over this island, but I'm pretty sure that the captain of the guard has a Portkey ready for a quick escape. I can't make any noise just yet.

Thankfully, the mess hall was currently empty, and the guard who was watching over it was already taken care of. How has no one escaped this prison yet? The guards don't seem to give a single fuck about their jobs. I guess living with Dementors has its ramifications. Voldemort's dogs better not be rabid, I'd hate to have to put them all down. Such a waste of my day…

Gaspard made his way towards the captain's office; it was directly attached to the mess hall. They just jammed whatever they needed into this place, completely relying on the Dementors to do all the work. Idiots. Gaspard knocked on the door, and after a second, he heard muffled footsteps coming in his direction.

"What is it?" the captain of the guard opened the door. "I told you idiots not to disturb-"

Gaspard punched the man in the chest with so much force that his fist went into the man's chest. The captain just stood there, impaled on Gaspard's fist.

"I'm reshuffling management, and you didn't make the cut," Gaspard smiled, watching the life leave the man's eyes.

Gaspard pushed himself into the office, closing the door behind himself. Now, where is that safe? As soon as he looked towards the captain's desk, he saw a frail woman lying naked on the floor. She was covered in cuts and bruises, smears of fresh blood on her thighs and arse. Gaspard wasn't really surprised by this, the guard he had originally consumed often forced himself upon the female prisoners. Bellatrix Lestrange included. How he thought of himself as a conqueror when he 'tamed' the Dark Lord's most feared enforcer. I bet if she had a wand, he'd run screaming for the Dementors to take him instead.

Gaspard began heading for the desk, but the woman reached out and grabbed his leg.

"Help me-" she croaked, but Gaspard crushed her skull beneath his heel before she could go on. Fuck off; my mercy is only reserved for children. The moment you all become of age, you're just meat.

With that taken care of, he continued on his way. Where is that safe? He searched through each drawer, but he didn't find what he was looking for. They moved it? Great… Gaspard licked his bloody hand, and visions of the captain hiding his safe behind the portrait of Fudge flashed in his mind. The Death-Eaters' wands are inside. The captain thought of them as his own trophies.

Gaspard ripped the portrait off of the wall, and he tossed it aside unceremoniously. The safe sat right in front of him, and Gaspard quickly put in the combination. The safe clicked, and Gaspard smirked as he opened it. Inside were eight wands, all of them belonging to Voldemort's loyalists. Wait… Eight? Antonin Dolohov, Rodolphus and Rebastan Lestrange, Ian Mulciber, Augustus Rookwood, Philip Travers, and Bellatrix Lestrange. That's only seven… Which Death-Eater does the eighth wand belong to? Oh… It must be that Barty lad's. Too bad he died before I could break him out.

Gaspard collected the wands and hid them inside his coat; it was time to go looking for Rodolphus Lestrange. He should be on the first floor. I'll let him break everyone out while I collect Dolohov. I'm sure he's missed his wife and brother.

---

Rodolphus Lestrange's POV

?

Footsteps woke him up, but he didn't feel the need to investigate.

Ever since his Mark had faded away, Rodolphus had lost the will to live. The only reason he was still alive was because the guards force-fed him every day, prolonging his suffering for their pleasure. When will I see you again, my Lord? I hope Bella and Rebastan found their way to you, at least…

The door to his cell was suddenly ripped open, and Rodolphus shot a bored look towards the disturbance. What now? Two bright orange eyes were staring at him; the intruder's body was completely covered in shadow. A Half-Breed… I can smell the filth in his veins from here.

"Rodolphus Lestrange, I finally found you," the man spoke in a smooth, sophisticated manner.

Rodolphus went back to facing the corner, why couldn't they just leave him be?

"Not the reaction I was hoping for," the man walked into the cell. "Let me guess, you've given up on life now that your Lord is dead."

Rodolphus said nothing, he knew a smug bastard when he saw one. The tall man walked over and sat down next to Rodolphus, a slightly unhinged smile on his chiseled face.

"I've come to break you out," the man whispered. "What do you say to that?" I don't care. Leave.

Rodolphus maintained his silence; he had no desire to be free. What did he have to live for at this point? His Family was probably dead by now, and his Master's Mark no longer graced his forearm. Everything worth living for is gone. Freedom offers me nothing.

"How very stoic," the man said. "The Dark Lord's-"

Rodolphus looked to the man, something that caused the man to grin at him. Fangs… A bloodsucker.

"Leave…" Rodolphus warned, his own voice felt foreign to him. I sound like an old man…

"I intend to," the Vampire said. "With you, and your kin." My kin? "That got your attention, didn't it? Yes… Your brother and wife are still alive, they're both inside this prison."

Oddly enough, he felt nothing but sorrow over this. They still suffer, just as I do. The Gods have truly abandoned us all. What did we do to deserve this? We fought for our homes, and our way of life, and this is our reward?

"Don't you want to save them?" the Vampire asked. "Here, take your wand."

Rodolphus' eyes flashed at that, he could hold his wand again?

Rodolphus looked down at the Vampire's extended hand, he was offering Rodolphus his wand. That's… That's really it… Slowly, Rodolphus reached forward, and the moment his fingers were wrapped around his wand, he felt it warm him to his very core. My friend… You've returned me.

Rodolphus aimed the wand at the Vampire's head, and he fired a Non-Verbal Killing Curse without hesitation. Unfortunately, the Spell was too weak to do anything, but that hardly mattered because the Vampire dodged the Spell and slapped Rodolphus across the face.

The Vampire had clearly held back, but it was still strong enough to nearly knock out the enfeebled Death-Eater.

"You still have your killer's instinct," the Vampire sniggered. "Good, your Lord will be pleased to see that." My Lord?

"What…?" Rodolphus croaked from the floor. "What did… you say…?"

"You heard me," the Vampire leaned forward, his face hovering over Rodolphus'. "Who do you think sent me here, Rodolphus Lestrange?"

"Liar…" Rodolphus mumbled. Don't give me hope… Not after everything I've lost…

"You think a Vampire would come looking for you and your brothers-in-arms on a whim," the Vampire suddenly lost all of his mirth. "Get up, soldier, your duty calls for you." My duty…

Images of his little brother and Bellatrix flashed in his mind, how he longed to see them again.

"The Mark…" Rodolphus' vision began to blur, the Vampire's blow had rattled his brain. "Gone…"

"A clever tactic to hide his trail," the Vampire said, and Rodolphus' eyes began to well up. No… Don't believe him, Rodolphus. This is a ploy- "For fuck's sake, I don't have all day. You have five seconds to pull yourself together, after that; I'll eat you. You will lose your chance to fight by your Lord's side in the war to come. Are you willing to abandon him now that he truly needs you?" Another war? Another chance to clean the world of its filth?

Rodolphus managed to shake his head, and the Vampire grabbed Rodolphus by the jaw.

"Open wide," the Vampire laughed sadistically, jamming a potion vial into his mouth. "Strengthening Solution, it'll give you enough strength to break out every single prisoner. Head straight up, and don't stop until you have your fellow Death-Eaters with you. I'll be waiting for all of you outside, don't keep me waiting."

---

?

His eyes shot open; he hadn't felt so alive in nearly a decade.

Was it all a dream?

Rodolphus slowly sat up; there were six wands in his hand. It was real. The Vampire's words danced around inside his skull, was the Dark Lord still alive? Had he tricked them all into believing him dead? A clever tactic to hide his trail… That's what the Vampire said.

He grit his teeth as he rose to his feet, his frail body was only able to rise because of the Strengthening Solution. Rebastan… Bella… I'm coming to get you. Our Lord is still alive, and he needs us. He limped towards the broken cell door; his bare feet ached horribly. The cold had claimed most of his toes, but luckily, he still had all of his fingers. He moved the spare wands to his left hand, wielding his own wand in his dominant one. Six wands… Six Death-Eaters. Wait for me, I'm coming for all of you.

The moment he stepped outside, two loud voiced barked at him.

"Fucking hell! He got out his cell!" the man to his right yelled. "Oh, fuck! He has a wand in his hand!"

"Stun him!" the woman to his left ordered.

Just as they aimed their wands at him, his old instincts kicked in. Using very little effort, he took a step back in order to dodge their stunners. Left, right, shield… With a fluid motion, Rodolphus fired the Killing Curse with pinpoint accuracy at the witch to his left, and before she was struck down, Rodolphus brought his hand back and fired another Killing Curse at the man to his right.

The woman failed to dodge his Curse because of the narrow space they were in, but the man managed to roll forward. It hardly mattered, though, because by the man had recovered, Rodolphus had already summoned a shield around himself. Push. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the shield barreling towards the man. Killing Curse. The ill-trained wizard dismantled the shield in time, but the Killing Curse that followed smashed into his chest. Pathetic.

Rodolphus turned to his left, and then he began limping towards the stairs. As he passed by the cells, his sunken eyes searched for any signs of his friends and Family. Break out every single prisoner. That's what that vampire said, right? It would serve to cover our escape, and keep the Dark Lord hidden.

Once he was at the stairs, Rodolphus waved his wand down the corridor, and every single cell door blew open. He didn't wait to see if anyone tried to seize the chance to be free, he needed to keep searching. As he climbed up the stairs ever so slowly, he looked to the five wands in his left hand. I know these wands. They belong to Bella, Rebastan, Rookwood, Travers, and Mulciber. Hold on… Mulciber…

He knew what he had to do; he had to set Ian Mulciber free as soon as possible. He'll take over this entire prison once he can cast the Imperius Curse, not even the Dark Lord can match his prowess when it comes to turning people into his puppets.

He made his way onto the next level, and after peaking down the narrow, barely-lit corridor full of cell doors; Rodolphus began searching again. Cell after cell, he looked for any signs of his fellow Death-Eaters. Where are all the guards? There are no bodies up here, so the Vampire clearly didn't come up here.

"Rodolphus…?" came a familiar voice, and Rodolphus came to an abrupt stop. Rookwood?

"Augustus," Rodolphus couldn't help but feel a little relieved.

He held no real love for the man, but it was nice to hear a familiar voice for a change.

"I heard yelling…" Augustus dragged himself out of the shadows of his cell; he was nothing more than a skeleton with skin. I doubt I'm any different.

"Those were the cries of freedom, old friend," Rodolphus looked into the cell. "Our Lord has finally come for us."

Augustus just stared at him, his gaunt face devoid of any emotion. I need to give him his wand, and then move on. Without a word, Rodolphus blasted a hole through the lock. The cell door flung open, and Rodolphus made his way inside. I'm already getting tired, but I can't stop yet. I have to find Bella and Rebastan.

"There is no time to waste," Rodolphus kneeled down with great effort, placing Augustus' wand in his hand. "I'm going to keep looking for the others, if you have the strength to live, you will find us."

Augustus looked utterly lost, and Rodolphus decided that if he still had something to offer the Dark Lord; he'd find the strength to catch up.

"Escape the prison, there is a Vampire with orange eyes here," Rodolphus instructed. "He has been sent by the Dark Lord to liberate us. War is coming, and the Dark Lord needs his best at his side once again. Do not fail him."

With that, Rodolphus stood back up and limped towards the exit.

"I can't move my left leg…" Augustus muttered.

"Then this will be your test," Rodolphus said without looking back. "Survive, and prove yourself still worthy to serve."

Rodolphus left the cell, heading down the corridor with a sharper eye. Can't miss any of them. Keep looking. The cells were filled with criminals of all sorts, and it wasn't until he reached the other side of the corridor that he spotted someone of note.

Rebastan was sitting up with his back against the cell door; his overgrown hair and beard made him look almost unrecognizable. But not to me… I finally found you, little brother.

"Rebby," Rodolphus whispered gently, though his strained voice revealed his pain.

Slowly, Rebastan looked back at Rodolphus, he looked just as tortured and broken as Augustus.

"Rodolphus…? Is this a dream…?" Rebastan wheezed, and Rodolphus placed his forehead against the iron bars.

"No… I've come for you," Rodolphus tried to smile, but his face didn't know how to do that anymore. "Rebby… Our Master lives, and he has sent his agent to free us."

"The Mark… is gone…" Rebastan wheezed again, were his lungs damaged by the cold? They will all burn for this. "It's gone, Rodolphus… He's gone…"

"Our Master broke the Spell which kept the Mark on our arms," Rodolphus said, and Rebastan furrowed his brow a little. "It was a trick to fool our enemies-"

"Dumbledore…" Rebastan seemed to remember.

"Yes… The old man," Rodolphus nodded weakly. "Move back, I'm taking you with me."

Rebastan sat motionless for a few seconds, and then he rolled himself away from the cell door. Rodolphus took a step back, and then with a flick of his wrist, he pulled the door out of its hinges.

"How…?" Rebastan managed.

"The Dark Lord's agent gave me a Strengthening Solution," Rodolphus made his way into the cell, dropping onto his knees in front of Rebastan. "But it's starting to wear off… I can't do this alone, Rebby… There is no time to waste."

Rodolphus then reached forward, tugging his little brother into his arms. If true happiness existed in this world, then Rodolphus was experiencing it right now. It didn't matter that both of them were hollow shells of their former cells, all that mattered was that they were together again. Only one Lestrange left to find. Don't stop now, Rodolphus; Bella still needs you. Your Family needs you.

"We must go," Rodolphus tried to pull away, but Rebastan wouldn't let go.

"Don't leave me…" Rebastan sobbed. "Please don't leave me again…"

"Never," Rodolphus kissed the side of Rebastan's head. "You're coming with me, Rebby, and I'll never leave your side again."

He pulled his brother to his feet, both men crying out in pain. Don't give up. Carry him out if you must, Rodolphus, do your duty.

"Stop… My legs…" Rebastan let out another sob. "Leave me… I can't even walk…"

"The Dark Lord will mend us both," Rodolphus promised, dragging his limp brother towards the exit. "Don't give up yet, Rebby, I'm begging you. Just push through it."

"Stop, you idiot…" Rebastan suddenly snarled; his little brother's temper was a thing to fear.

"We can't-"

"Put another prisoner under the Imperius Curse," Rebastan instructed. "Make them carry us." Of course… He's right, but I'm not sure that I can do it. Not in this weakened state.

"My own mind is in shambles…" Rodolphus put Rebastan back down. Gods, the pain…

"Mulciber… Find him first…" Rebastan wheezed. "Think, and then act… Remember what father taught us…"

Rodolphus nodded weakly, Rebastan was always the intelligent one.

"I'll have Mulciber send someone for you," Rodolphus promised, placing Rebastan's wand in his hand. "Keep living, we will all be free soon enough."

"I… believe it…" Rebastan wheezed, trying to shoot his big brother a weak smile. "I love you, big brother…"

"And I love you," Rodolphus finally managed his first smile in over a decade. "Be vigilant, and be prepared to fight your way out."

---

?

He had finally found Ian Mulciber on the next level, and after breaking into his cell; Rodolphus had gone about telling Mulciber about the Dark Lord and his agent.

Mulciber was always a man of few words, but his eerie silence was beginning to unnerve Rodolphus. He just sat there, staring through Rodolphus as if he weren't even there.

"Mulciber," Rodolphus shook the man again. "Wake up, you fool… I need your help."

Again, Mulciber said nothing. Damn this mute fuck! Without him, we'll never break out of here! In a last ditch effort, Rodolphus placed Mulciber's wand in his hand.

"Do you feel that?" Rodolphus whispered, and life flashed behind Mulciber's eyes. "I am real, Mulciber, as are my words. The Dark Lord lives, and he needs your will to dominate. Help me set our brothers free."

Mulciber finally met Rodolphus' gaze, his dark eyes suddenly began turning bright yellow. Oh, fuck! Before Rodolphus could say another word, a yellow miasma poured out of Mulciber's mouth, his personal version of the Imperius Curse spread like wildfire. NO! I'm on your side, you idiot! Rodolphus tried to protect his mind, but everything went pitch black in an instant.

---

?

He was suddenly standing in the middle of a dark corridor; there were screams all around him. Where… am I? Where is Mulciber? As he looked around in a daze, he saw the guards and prisoners tearing each other to pieces. All of their eyes were milky white, and those who weren't killing someone else were dashing their heads against the walls. By the Gods… Is this hell?

"Brother…" came Rebastan's voice, and Rodolphus slowly turned around.

A large man was carrying Rebastan in his arms, and he wasn't alone. Behind him were Philip, Augustus, and Mulciber himself; all of them being carried by different guards. He took over the entire prison? That quickly? Once again, Rodolphus found himself feeling wary of the ever-silent Ian Mulciber, he truly was the Imperius Curse made flesh.

"Where is Bellatrix?" Rodolphus asked, breaking out of his daze. Just be grateful that he didn't make you eat your own fingers, Rodolphus… "Where is my wife?"

"We haven't found her yet," Rebastan coughed out. "She… She's not inside the prison…"

"Then she has to be further up," Rodolphus wasn't deterred. I have to find her. Honor demands that I leave this prison with all of my Family.

"This is the last level…" Philip Travers spoke; his voice was torn to shreds. "If we go up… We'll reach the roof…"

"Then you haven't checked everywhere yet," Rodolphus looked around for some stairs, and when he finally saw them, he began limping towards them. Bella, where are you?

The guards carrying the Death-Eaters followed after him, they were carrying their skeletal charges like babes.

"Brother… Stop…" Rebastan tried. "The Dementors…"

"They will not stop me from reclaiming her," Rodolphus grit out, ignoring the carnage around him. Family, Duty, and Blood. Those are the words of the Lestrange Family. Bella is my Family, my duty, and she shares our Pure Blood. No Dementor on this Earth will stop me from finding her if she is still alive.

He tripped and stumbled on his way up the stairs, but through sheer fucking will, he pushed onwards. Step by step, Rodolphus climbed towards the light.

And then, he was breathing fresh air for the first time in over a decade. He greedily tried to fill his lungs with it, even though the chill hurt his lungs and made him cough. Freedom, at last. Behind him, he could hear his fellow Death-Eaters doing the same thing he was; failing to enjoy fresh air. Is that a cell?

At the edges of the roof, there was a birdcage-like structure. Bella! Rodolphus picked up his pace, limping as fast as he could towards his wife. His feet were killing him, and the Strengthening Solution was finally wearing off. He was going to collapse any moment now. A few more steps… I'm almost there.

Using the last of his strength, Rodolphus blasted the cell door open.

"Bella?!" Rodolphus called out as he barged into the cell, and the smell of shit and piss burned his nostrils. No… What did they do to my wife?!

Bellatrix was lying in a puddle of her own filth, her thick, dirty hair hiding her face.

"Oh my…" Philip chuckled from behind him. "Is she dead?"

"Shut up," Rodolphus hissed, and then he made his way over to her side. "Bella…? Please, don't be dead… Not when we're so close…"

He gently moved the hair out of her face, and when he saw her cold and lifeless eyes; he felt his heart twist painfully. No… I failed her…

She wasn't breathing, and her skin was cold to the touch.

Bellatrix Lestrange was dead; her injuries from her mistreatment had robbed her of life. Rodolphus bowed his head; a great sense of shame filled him. He had failed in his duty; he had failed his own wife. My honor will forever be tainted-

Before he could finish his thoughts, Bellatrix's lifeless corpse sprang to life, clawing him across the face with her jagged nails. Rodolphus howled in pain, and before he could react, she had ripped the wand out his hand. The sounds of Spells being fired at a terrifying speed filled his ears, and by the time his senses returned to him, his wife was standing over him. She had a twisted grin on her face, her bloodlust froze him in his spot.

"No more cold," she cackled, her high-pitched voice digging into his ears. "No more weakness!"

He could hear the others groaning in the back, Bellatrix had singlehandedly caught them all off guard.

"Bella… It's me…" Rodolphus grit out, his face stinging painfully. "It's Rodolphus…"

"I'll be the judge of that," Bellatrix suddenly got into his face, her wide-eyes piercing through his mental defenses.

He didn't try to stop her, he knew better than to resist this witch.

After a few seconds, she suddenly stood back up to her full height.

"You passed the first test," she stated matter-of-factly, and then she licked her bloodied nails. "Hmm… Pure…"

Rodolphus felt his stomach tighten at the sight; she looked even more unhinged than before, if such a thing were possible.

"Rodolphus…" she suddenly smiled in a rather sweet manner. "You came for me?"

"Yes…" Rodolphus swallowed thickly. "There is a Vampire-"

"I know, my sweet," Bellatrix kneeled down in front of him. "Give me your warmth, husband… I have not had proper company in so very long."

She suddenly kissed him, her tongue jamming its way into his mouth. Her breath was rancid, and it made his eyes water. He had half a mind to push her away, but he didn't want to piss her off right now. She'll kill all of us… Starting with Rebastan…

Bellatrix pulled back, saliva dripping down their mouths.

"It really is you," she smiled again, but all he could manage was a disturbed stare.

Bellatrix then hopped back to her feet, he had no idea where she was finding the strength to move around like this. She's nothing but bones, and yet, she's in better shape than all of us. How?

"Rebby!" she suddenly squealed, completely forgetting Rodolphus in favor of his little brother. "How are you still alive? I figured that you'd be dead already. You know… Because you're a runt."

"You're still a fucking bitch…" Rebastan managed, and Bellatrix started cackling.

"Guilty as charged," she admitted happily. "Now, where is this Vampire that our Lord sent for us?"

"You believe me, then?" Rodolphus grit out, struggling to stand up.

Unexpectedly, she moved to his side, gently helping her husband to his feet.

"Of course, Rodolphus," she licked the scratches on his cheek, peppering him with smelly kisses. "Our Lord cannot be killed, don't you know that?" She suddenly became deadly serious, her nails digging into his arm. "Did you lose your faith, my sweet?"

"I did…" Rodolphus admitted. "But I have found it again, and will never misplace it."

She stared into his eyes, something dangerous flashing behind her eyes.

And then, she started smiling again.

"You will misplace your head before you misplace your faith in the Dark Lord again," she whispered, and Rodolphus felt his blood freeze in his veins. "Oh, am I scaring you?"

She let out a guilty giggle.

"I'm sorry, I've certainly misplaced my manners," Bellatrix apologized, and then her head darted towards the exit. "He's coming for us!"

"Who?" Philip Travers asked.

"The monster… He's like me!" she laughed as she ran out of the cell. What is she talking about?

One by one, they all followed her outside. She was already standing on the edge of the roof, her right leg dangling in the air.

"Bella, get down from there," Rodolphus frowned deeply. "You'll fall over."

"No!" she refused petulantly. "I want to see him!"

"The Vampire?" Rodolphus asked.

"Not just any Vampire…" Bellatrix grinned maniacally. "His eyes, my sweet, did you not see them?" She looked through my memories, even in her current state? "And the Dark Lord sent him here all by himself… What does that tell you?"

"The Dark Lord has faith in him," Rebastan answered, and Bellatrix did a little hop as she turned to face them again.

Rodolphus' heart nearly gave out; she was going to fall to her death at this rate.

"Ten points to Slytherin, for your excellent perception," she mimicked Dumbledore. "Mulci, can you make the guards jump off of the roof? Pretty please?"

Mulciber said nothing, his vacant eyes staring through Bellatrix.

"I'll give you kisses and cuddles," Bellatrix smiled politely. "Doesn't that sound nice?"

Rebastan, Augustus, Phillip, and Rodolphus exchanged slow looks, it was impossible to keep up with this witch.

Mulciber suddenly clicked his tongue, and the guards with them lined up at the edge of the roof. Bellatrix giggled and clapped her hands, watching in pure glee as they threw themselves to their own deaths.

"I offer these sacrifices to the Dark Lord!" Bellatrix shouted at the sky. "The first of many!"

They all suddenly heard a loud crash, and Bellatrix immediately bolted to where it came from.

"Bella! Stop!" Rodolphus limped after his wife, why was she so reckless?

As they all rounded Bellatrix' cell, they came face-to-face with six Thestrals. They were pulling a carriage behind them, and the tall Vampire was sitting in the driver's seat.

"I got tired of waiting," the Vampire smiled. "Looks like you all found each other again."

Bellatrix aimed Rodolphus' wand at the Vampire, her eyes narrowing on his.

"Bella, put that down," Rodolphus hissed. I'm pretty sure he'll kill all of us if you piss him off.

Bellatrix didn't back off, sneering at the Vampire despite her earlier excitement. The other Death-Eaters slowly got ready for a fight, but very suddenly, the Vampire gave Bellatrix a paternal smile. He moved to the side, and patted the seat next to him.

"Do you want to fly them?" the Vampire asked, and Bellatrix's eyes shot wide-open.

"Can I?!" she asked excitedly, and then she ran over and climbed onto the driver's seat. "Give me the reins!"

"Here," the Vampire chuckled, handing them over as he rubbed her back. "I'll help navigate."

Rodolphus' jaw dropped open, where did the Dark Lord find this thing? He's as insane as she is…

"What are you lot waiting for?" Bellatrix frowned at her fellow Death-Eaters. "Get in, and let's go! The Dark Lord must not be kept waiting!"

"Careful with Dolohov," the Vampire said as they began limping towards the carriage. "One wrong touch, and you'll break him in two."

"Doli is in the back?" Bellatrix shot a look back. "Yeesh… What happened to him?"

Rodolphus opened the carriage door, only to see Dolohov lying in the back seat. Merlin… The Alchemist was nothing but bones, his limbs were all bent out of shape due to malnutrition. One by one, they all hopped inside, making sure to keep their distance from Dolohov. The Dark Lord will mend you, brother; just hold on.

"We're ready," Rodolphus said as Philip shut the door.

With a boisterous laugh, Bellatrix snapped the reins. The Thestrals burst into action, running across the roof until their wings lifted them off of the ground.

"FREEDOM!" Bellatrix yelled at the top of her lungs, her voice filled with childlike excitement.

Rodolphus watched the prison become a distant memory as he pulled his little brother into his side; their long exile was finally over.

---

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I hope you guys enjoyed that!

Please don't report me...

Anyway, my uni will be starting soon, but I'll try my best to stick to 2 updates a month. I know that a few of you aren't happy with the much longer chapters, but this way, I can still put out the same amount of words a month as before. And it gives me extra time to polish the chapters.

I'll see you guys in a couple of weeks!

(Sorry for the lack of Ron, but I wanted to dedicate this chapter to the Aurors and Death-Eaters)

EDIT: Thanks for pointing out the 'Rebastian' error, guys! I done fucked it by mistake. Sorry for the confusion, it's fixed now.