Bound By Blood.

ch.57~ Nothing Left.

"I wonder how Ireland is this time of year.

Better than this, I'd imagine.

Sorry for your loss, Brookie."

Recovered Translated Correspondents between Death Eater Mattheo Riddle, To Order Member Alexandra Brooks, 2004.

Undisclosed Location, 2003.

Mattheo.

Its funny, looking at some one who was once so predicable. Someone you swore you knew like the back of your own hand. Someone who you would've done anything to protect, goes completely off the fucking rails.

Its like being torn between fact and feelings.

When you know every time, you should go with facts... the feelings try to scream louder.

Thats what it was like, looking at Alexandra.

I used to think at time looking at her, was like looking into a mirror.

Now, I suppose it was still true... just in all the wrong ways.

I aparated back to the pile of ash that was my home, and walked straight for my father.

His presence loomed like a dark cloud, enveloping the grounds in a palpable tension as he stood at the remains—Theo, Draco and Blaise flanking him, their expressions unreadable.

Enzo no where to be seen. 

"Father." I forced the words out, the air thick with the unsettling taste of dread. His gaze shot to me, barely restrained fury simmering just beneath the surface.

"What happened?" he demanded, voice low and dangerous, echoing ominously in the charred remains of my sanctuary. "Who did this? How did we not see this coming."

"I took care of it." I said, swallowing hard against the fire burning in my chest.

"That does not answer my questions. Who. Did. This?" He spat again.

"It was the order, is that really a question?!" Draco spat.

"Dead. Their all going to fucking die." Theo was quick to add. 

"What does it matter who?" I let my voice raise, "they're gone."

"You son," he stepped closer, "forget who you answer to. I asked who did this, so I can make sure none of them live to see the sun rise. Now give me my answer."

"Stop asking the same question we all know the answer to!" Draco once again, butted in. 

"It was The Order!" Theo added, once again. 

"IT WAS NOT!" I couldn't hold it in any longer, "The Stragglers... they're responsible."

"Stragglers?!" Draco scoffed. 

"You've got to be joking." Theo muttered under his breath. 

His dark eyes narrowed, fierce and unyielding, as he processed my words. "Enough!" He aimed at the boys, tinting back to me, "You killed them?"

I nodded, a rush of adrenaline coursing through me. "Six of them, Father. I made sure there was nothing left." Every word I spoke felt like a lie, yet I spun it, each syllable crafted to shield Alexandra from his wrath.

And I didn't know why.

A chilling silence fell over the room. "By what means?"

"The same way they took our house down," I replied, my voice steadying. "By fire."