When two worlds collide.

Gone.

Just then the sound of thunder, like a gathering storm, engulfs them. The joists of the shack groan, as if in agony. The entire room begins to tremble. Ron yanks a board from the window and the four peer out. As in the Enchanted Ceiling before, a face appears in the dark clouds above. And then Voldemort's voice echos.

"You have fought valiantly...but in vain. I do not wish this. Every drop of magical blood spilled is a terrible waste. I therefore command my forces to retreat. In their absence, dispose of your dead with dignity. Treat your injured...Alexandra Rosalyn Barnes, I speak now directly to you. On this night you have allowed your friends to die for you rather than face me yourself. There is no greater dishonor. Join me in the Forbidden Forest and confront your fate. Should you do so I give my word that no other life will be lost on this night. You have one hour. If, at the end of that time, you have not given yourself up, then I shall punish every last man, woman and child who tries to conceal you from me.."

The joist trembles one last time, then the ambient sounds of the night return. The clouds separate, become just clouds.

"NEVER! DO YOU HEAR ME!" Ron yells.

Hermione places her hand on the nape of his neck and glances at Alex. She gazes down at Snape's still body one last time, then at the flask in her hand.

Smoke drifts from the battered castle. Deserted. The flagstone stained with blood, strewn with broken wands. The four of them stand, looking.

"Where is everyone?" Harry whispers.

Ron walks ahead, toward the Great Hall. Puts his hands to the doors and pushes them open.
The House tables have been pushed to the walls. The injured stand in groups, arms slung over one another, waiting to be treated by Madam Pomfrey. Filch's arm gushes blood. Flitwick's face is laced with gashes. Alex stands in the doorway, taking it all in, as if some invisible force prevents her from going further, her face a mask as she views the dead laid out in the middle of the Hall, among them Remus and Tonks, their blood-stained fingers clumsily intertwined.

"No.." She whispers, tears roll down her cheek.

A heartbreaking sob draws her gaze to George, who kneels over a familiar body, tears dripping from his eyes. Beside Alex, she hears a gasp, Hermione, but she doesn't turn, her eyes instead lost on George, puffy-eyed and pale, standing alongside a distraught Arthur and Molly. As Ron drapes his arm over George, drawing his brother into a limp embrace, the lifeless body comes into view, Fred. Hermione glances back at Alex briefly before joining the Weasleys. Seeing her, Ginny begins to cry, burying her face in Hermione's shoulder. Gently, slowly, Hermione strokes Ginny's copper hair, over and over, murmuring something softly.

"Come, Alex.." Molly smiles, holding her hand out for her.

Alex takes it and Molly pulls her besides her. George hugs Alex.

"He..he said.." Alex starts to cry, tears just rolling down her cheeks uncontrollably.

"I know.." George whispers, rubbing her back.

"Who killed him." Alex wipes her tears, looking at them. "And who killed Tonks, and Remus."

They look at each other reluctantly.

"Don't do anything stupid.." Bill takes a deep breath.

"But it was...it was Riley.." Ginny sighs, hanging her head low.

Riley.

Of course.

Fucking Riley.

Alex stands there for a few moments before lightening streaks appear under her skin. Her eyes glow a scarlet red colour as she turns on her heel.