The room was crowded and thick with anticipation. Everyone's attention was focused on the thing that sat in the elevated chair, preening and proud like one of those peacocks on the lawn. He was in his element. A supreme lord, worshipped by all he surveyed. Hundreds of his subjects surrounded him. Willing to either fall on their faces or slit the nearest throat at his command. Well, except for two people who stood just as proud before him. Even though their clothes were little more than rags and they hadn't bathed or eaten well in months. They dared to look the creature in the eye and not flinch. The bravery of the walking dead with nothing left to lose.

At their feet was a body. A small lifeless symbol of freedom lost, and chaos to come. Harry Potter. He died quickly. An avada to the back and it was all over in moments. The Death Eater who had done it stood proud behind the kill like a hunter with a trophy deer. "He's dead at last my lord. I found them in the woods and before he could escape, I killed him." The fool stood there smiling, waiting for his reward. Gold, power, women, title. What was he to be lavished with he thought as he put a boot on Harry's back.

Severus Snape, standing against the wall, was also smiling, or as close to it as he came. Not at the death of the chosen one, but of the entertainment about to commence.

The dark lord stood from his chair of gnarled and blackened human bones and looked at the man showing all his pointed teeth. To the unaware it might be mistaken for a gruesome smile of pleasure. But to those of his inner circle it was a portent of death.

"Avada Kedavra!" A jet of green light came from his wand and the wizard joined Harry on the floor. His now lifeless eyes showing his shock and confusion. It wasn't enough to temper His rage. The body was then picked up and slammed against every hard surface in the room. Those who watched merely ducked and enjoyed the spectacle. Some laughed at the way the limbs moved. The sound of bones cracking, blood and bits of flesh being sprayed upon everyone there. When there was little left of the man it seemed the lord's anger had been sated for now. It dropped to the floor with a splat. He stood still upon the dais of his throne room and breathed as if he had run a mile, shouting at the pile of goo that was left. "The boy was mine to kill!"

Again, Snape sneered as another fool stepped forward to try and claim a prize for the capture of the golden trio. He kneeled, then placed his forehead on the stone floor "My lord, I tried to warn him. I wanted to bring the boy back, but he wouldn't listen. I captured these two. I brought them back for yo…"

The scream that came from the man was not something a human can make under normal circumstances. Some looked away as the man was rolled into a ball and then his skin turned inside out. The corps rolled along the floor as the crowd gave way. The dark lord grinned that same smile again, glad to have another to release his anger at. "You tried and failed to bring me the boy. I do not tolerate failure." Voldemort took the two steps up to his throne and sat down heavily. He took a long slow breath. Would he always be surrounded by fools?

He looked at Harry on the floor and brightened. "Still, I suppose we have cause for celebrating with dear Harry out of the way at last. Come. Let us have food and wine, music and merriment. It's the beginning of the end for the Order and Muggles alike. Our dream of wizarding domination begins this day." A wave of his wand and all the candles burned brightly, and medieval music was heard in the space. The house elves had already been preparing for a lavish feast and it now sat on tables to be enjoyed.

A brave soul asked a question from the middle of the crowd to hide their identity. "What of the carcass and the two traitors lord? Can we not watch you kill them?"

Voldemort stopped and considered a moment looking at Hermione and Ron distastefully. "Leave the boy on the floor. As for the other two, we'll make an entertainment of them later. Take them to the dungeons for now." He turned to look about the room for his only friend. "Nagini! Dinner." The snake came slithering from somewhere behind the throne. Voldemort moved forward as an aisle was opened for him to go to the feast. The others waited patiently for Him to go first and most had their heads bowed in reverence.

When Ron and Hermione had been brought into the room, no one noticed that they had not been restrained. It was thought unnecessary, seeing as they were without wands. Once again Voldemort's minions had underestimated the raw courage and self-sacrifice that endowed their enemies. They both knew they would likely be tortured to death or worse. Ron saw his opportunity. One that would never come again. Suddenly a cold heavy weight was in his hand as the sword of Gryffindor sang a greeting. He knew instantly what it was. He pushed Hermione to the floor and swung it at Nagini as she opened her mouth to swallow Harry. It severed the snake from her head before anyone knew what was happening.

A green bolt shot out and Ron was dead before he hit the ground.

Now it was the dark lord who was screaming. Screaming his wrath and killing indiscriminately. A wounded boar, angry and deadly. The room broke into chaos as death eaters and their minions leapt out of the way. Powerful bolts of magic melted walls and floors when they didn't connect to some unfortunate human. Some tried to run from the room, only to end up as moving targets. Many apparated away knowing they would pay the price for their cowardice with the cruciatus upon their return. The majority simply fell to the floor raising personal shield charms and hoping for the best.

When the dust finally cleared, Voldemort sat upon the floor stroking the lifeless serpent's head. Rocking and holding it close to his chest like a child. Muttering soft words of comfort. Only he knew if they were for himself or his treasure. No one moved until the dark lord vanished with its remains.

Voldemort's inner circle, well versed in his punishments and tempers, stood first to survey the damage. There were thirty-six dead and a dozen or so injured but expected to recover. Snape addressed them all. "Our lord has suffered a terrible loss. We grieve with him. Return to your homes. He will summon you when he is ready."

Those who remained put Malfoy manor to rights again. Bodies claimed by family were cleared away, the injured taken to care. All was now quiet in the house. Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy sat comfortably in two leather chairs by the fireplace. A glass in each hand, waiting for Voldemort's return.

Lucius had just finished his firewhiskey. "What did you do with Potter and Weasley? Nice shot by the way. You made it look like it came from McNair."

Snape sighed and put his glass down. "You know the mess the dark lord would have made of Weasley. I thought we'd seen enough gore for one day. I've put them below under stasis. I didn't want to presume to bury them in case he wants to do something special with them. Though I don't believe he will even remember them. His mind is probably too full of his victory plans by now to think of the dead. If he doesn't ask for them, we can dispose of them later."

Malfoy nodded in approval. "The Granger girl. She managed to take advantage of the turmoil and escape?"

"Unknown. I don't believe she could apparate without her wand, although she may have used another's. Didn't you feel the wards let her pass?"

Lucius huffed. "With all hell breaking loose and everyone trying to get the fuck out of here? You think I could tell if that slip of a girl got away?"

Snape shook his head in impatience. "You'd better come up with a better answer than that when the dark lord asks you or you'll be joining Potter down below!"

"Don't worry. I'll have the house and grounds completely searched before morning. If she's still here the elves will find her."