The Emerald Manor

Chapter 38

A loud pop could be heard when Draco arrived at his destination. Looking around he saw the train tracks but then noises came crashing down around him.

Tree limbs were collapsing in the distance a hazy grey smoke rising off some of the leaves. An amalgamation of sounds filled the clearing. There were cracking, popping and hissing noises coming from various directions.

All wildlife has fled the area. The numerous butterflies, bees and rabbits had retreated deep into the woods to avoid the conflict.

The air smelled dry and harsh. A strong, pungent odor enveloped Draco. It was a putrid acrid scent replacing the once wafting notes of wildflowers and honey that filled the valley.

A combination of different spells intermingled in the valley. Bursts of red, silver, and yellow filled the empty spaces.

Draco looked around doing a frenzied search of the area, looking for the source of the spells. At that moment he spotted Cora towards the back of the field just in front of the tree line. She was dueling against two other men that Draco couldn't quite make out.

He recalled what Jessie had said in the Ministry about Cora leaving for the Greenway at one.

In the time it took Draco to get there; she could have been dueling the two men solo for the last hour.

The panic he was having subsided after being able to see Cora and confirm she was alive. But the choking feeling was still tangled in his throat. If Cora had indeed been dueling both those men alone for the last hour, she must be weak.

Draco drew his wand, rushing to Cora. Launching himself in front of her with reckless abandon, putting his body between her and her assailants. His arm reached around, holding Cora safe behind him with his wand raised in front of them.

"Protego!"

A wisp of a shield emited from Cora's wand, but it disintegrated as quickly as it appeared. Her body weight gave to Draco in front of her.

"Draco. You came. How did you find me?" She muttered weakly.

Her voice was dry and broken, just above a whisper. He could feel her muscles on the verge of surrendering. They were spasming against his body, her brow covered in sweat. It was a wonder that she was still able to grip her wand. Her body was being fueled by adrenaline and fear. It was only a matter of time before it gave out.

Draco's voice was calm and confident. "I'm here love. You're safe."

"Protego!"

Draco unleashed an impressive shield charm that enveloped both of them. Several curses crack against the shield before it shattered.

The fear that was engulfing him up to this point was being ousted from his body. A resolute rage burning inside of him. Electricity advancing throughout his body. His muscles flexed, straining against the confines of his arms. The veins in his neck visible pulsating against the thin flesh.

A sickeningly sweet voice rang out throughout the valley. "Ah. Mr. Malfoy." One of the men bowed with an added flourish at his arrival.

"How lovely for you to join us. We were just playing with little Cora here." A twisted voice leaving his mouth. "We were almost finished with her. Your timing....is unfortunate." He wrenched his wand arm back, straining his shoulder before flinging his spell forward with all his strength.

"Confringo!" A chuckle reverberating out of him.

Draco silently slashed his wand, replacing the shield around them. Preventing the curse from recaching them.

Draco could see the men clearly for the first time and recognized the shorter of the two.

Antonin Dolohov was looking more disheveled than anyone could imagine. His gaunt face was highlighted by his hollow cheekbones. His skin was grey, pocketed and scarred across his body. A handful of small scars dotted his face. His robes hung off him, clinging to his shoulders. His eyes were bloodshot. A demonic smile plastered his face.

The other wizard was unsimilar to Dolohov in every way. His square defined jaw was at the forefront of his face; accentuated by an auburn beard that suited his oval face. The auburn color stretching to his short hair. A long well-defined scar started at the corner of his eye, connecting with his beard. His height rivaled that of Draco's. His muscles were toned and defined across his upper arms. His robes and cloak were all black, a curious glint dancing across his mocha eyes.

Dolohov continued to hurl unrelenting curses at them. Draco was practiced with his wand movements and shields them timely avoiding any direct hits.

Draco's body was drenched with sweat due to the force he was putting into every spell. He was light on his feet as he moved across the field. He was determined. Focused on dodging incoming curses, keeping Cora safe and slinging offensive spells at them.

"Withdraw Mr. Malfoy. We're not here for you. I only want that thing." The unknown man pointed his wand at Cora.

Draco commenced an all-out offensive. He tightened his wand arm, raising it above his head thrusting it down hard.

"Expulso!"

The men dodge out of the way of Draco's curse. Retaliating with their own barrage of offensive spells. Cora gathered all her energy, keeping shield spells up to protect her and Draco.

Draco hurled another confringo curse at Dolohov. This time connecting with Dolohov exploding on him sending him tumbling back.

"Enough!" The unknown man flung another curse directly at Cora. Her muscles were too weak. Her reaction speed was slowed, and the slashing curse caught her cheek. She dropped to her knees in pain and exhaustion.

A mangled scream escaped her piercing the field. "Ahhhhhhhh!"

Draco swung around just as Cora fell to her knees. He rushed to her side. A knife-like gash was visible across her cheek. Blood dripping down her face as she brought her hand up to cover it. Cora's eyes widened in fear, pointing towards Dolohov.

"Draco no!"

Draco spun.

Dolohov had recovered from Draco's previous curse and rose to his feet. Seeing an opportunity, he moved his attention from Cora to Draco. He stalked closer to Draco, removing most of the space between them promptly. Dolohov drew his wand and lobbed a curse aimed at Draco so powerful that Dolohov collapsed after sending it.

The curse collided squarely with Draco on his chest. His eyes blinked in shock, a short sharp inhale of breath catching in his throat before he collapsed onto the ground; his body still and eyes closed.

"NOOO!" Cora shrieked. Her body was shaking back and forth as she yelled. She crawled up to Draco's body, tears streaming down her face. Uncontrollable sobs stuck in her chest. She placed a palm on his chest, it felt cold. His chest barely rose to meet her hand. His breathing was there, but it was shallow and infrequent.

Dolohov's manic laughs of triumph unnerved Cora.

The red headed man spat at Dolohov. "You idiot!" He slapped Dolohov across the face. He turned his attention back to Cora.

The unknown man spoke again in a condescendingly soft voice. "My sweet Cora." His mouth snaking in a dark, twisted chuckle. "It's time."

Cora gave Draco's lifeless arm a parting squeeze. She forced herself to her feet, she was unsteady, wand in hand. The tears that had been cascading down her face dried up. The sobs emanating from her chest have quieted. Her wand arm twitched in exhaustion.

Her eyes went black, lifeless. Her legs regained their strength, holding her resolute and firm. The twitching and tingling in her arm subsided. Her breathing was controlled and focused. She closed her eyes and cleared her mind, wrenching her wand back in a straight defined motion.

She thrust her spell forward depleting herself of all her remaining magic and strength. She spoke the incantation clearly, with meaning.

"Avada Kedavra!"