Burning Love

•Deatheaters•

The tension in the air was palpable as news of Voldemort's growing army of Death Eaters spread through the wizarding world. Whispers echoed in the corridors of the Ministry, and the palpable fear hung over everyone like a heavy cloud. It felt like the shadows were closing in.

Alice and I poured ourselves into our Auror training, determined to do our part. We practiced spells and strategies, honing our skills and pushing each other to be the best we could be. I often received praise for my hard work, a boost that filled me with confidence but also a sense of responsibility. We both knew that the stakes were higher than ever.

One afternoon, as I finished up my training session, I overheard a conversation just outside the training room. My heart raced as I recognized the voices of some seasoned Aurors discussing troubling intelligence.

"Voldemort's targeting us directly," one of them said. "He wants to recruit the best to his side. We need to be ready for anything."

My stomach twisted at the implications. The thought of Voldemort trying to turn Aurors into Death Eaters sent a chill down my spine. I couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get much more dangerous.

I gathered my things, trying to shake off the unease as I made my way to the exit. Just as I stepped outside, the weight of impending doom hung over me. The streets of London felt eerily quiet, and I quickened my pace, my mind racing with thoughts of Sirius and our home.

Suddenly, I felt a rush of air, and before I could react, a group of cloaked figures emerged from the shadows. Death Eaters. Panic surged through me, and instinct took over. I whipped out my wand, heart pounding as they closed in around me.

"Just give in, Potter," one of them hissed, a mask concealing their identity. "Join us, and we can protect you."

"No way!" I shouted, the determination coursing through me. "I'd rather die than join you!"

With a flick of my wand, I cast a stunning spell, hitting the nearest Death Eater squarely in the chest. He staggered back, but more advanced toward me, their laughter sending chills down my spine. I fought fiercely, conjuring barriers and spells, trying to keep them at bay.

A surge of adrenaline fueled me as I ducked and dodged their attacks, my heart racing with fear and fury. I could feel the energy crackling around me as I summoned every ounce of magic I had learned during training.

But they kept coming, their numbers overwhelming. Just when I thought I might be cornered, I remembered the apparition training we had gone through. Focusing on Sirius and the safety of home, I took a deep breath.

"Here goes nothing," I muttered, and with a loud crack, I Disapparated, the world spinning around me.

In an instant, I landed back in our familiar living room at Grimmauld Place, breathless and shaken. The safety of home enveloped me like a warm embrace, but the terror of what had just happened lingered in my mind.

Sirius appeared almost immediately, concern etched on his face. "Grace! What happened?" He rushed over, taking my hands in his, grounding me.

"I... I was ambushed by Death Eaters," I stammered, my voice trembling. "They were trying to get me to join them."

His expression hardened, and I could see the anger boiling beneath the surface. "Did you get hurt?"

I shook my head, but the fear in my heart didn't dissipate. "I fought them off, but they were trying to recruit us. It's getting worse, Sirius."

He pulled me into a tight embrace, the warmth of his body calming my racing heart. "You're safe now," he murmured, holding me close. "We'll face this together. You're stronger than you realize."