The Way We Fall | Book 3

Chapter 16: Broken Child

"That's right, Riley. Wow, you really are as stupid as your mother, aren't you?" Tears formed in my eyes, but I blinked them back. "Why? How could you betray us like that?" I cried. He chuckled, before replying. "The question is, why not? I've never seen a more ignorant bunch of people. Thanks to me, the Dark Lord knows exactly what your pathetic little Order of the Phoenix is planning, and he's on his way now." I glared at him, wiping the tears that had slipped down my cheeks. "What did you do with Lauren and Amber?" From behind me, I could hear Harry let out a loud sob, as Bellatrix chanted, "I killed Sirius Black!" But, I had no time to deal with them at the moment. "Oh yeah, about those..." He winced in a mocking way, and laughed. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO THOSE GIRLS?!" I screamed, pointing my wand at him. "Riley, I killed them. They're dead," His voice was calm, yet amused, and teasing. 

Anger boiled in my blood. I could feel myself trembling, as my fist tightened around my wand. "CRUCIO!" I roared. A red light shot from the tip of my wand. Just before it hit him, he blocked it, and laughed. "Didn't Dumbledore ever teach you that it's rude to use Unforgivable Curses on your dad?" My cheeks were soaked with tears. My poor baby sisters were dead, and it was all because of my own father. How could I have been dumb enough to trust him. "You see, Riley, I almost feel bad for you. So, I'm going to be a good father for once, and do you a favor," He raised his wand, and smirked. "I'll end your misery. You can go to wherever dead people go, and see your stupid mother and sisters. Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you! I killed your mother months ago! Sluts deserve to die, don't you think so? Now, without further ado, Avada Kedavera!" Nobody gets away with killing off my family like that. I don't care how powerful my dad thinks he is. I could kill him right now if I wanted to. So, instead of letting him kill me, I decided to put all I've learned from D.A into action. "Reducto!" I cried.

A green and a blue streak collided between us. The force was so powerful, I had to dig my heels into the ground just to keep myself from falling. I was strong, but he was stronger. His green streak of light was dominating my now small blue one. But I knew I couldn't let him win. He killed off my only family, and there was no chance that I would surrender to him. Using every last bit of strength I had, I focused harder and harder on my spell. Both of my hands gripped my wand tightly, as I squinted from the blinding light. All I could hear was the rhythmic beating of my heart, which I hoped wouldn't stop tonight. A few shards of glass, coming from Godric knows where, darted towards my face, slicing my skin open. I barely felt it, having been so focused on the task at hand.

Suddenly, it all stopped. My dad's wand flew out of his hand, but I held on tight to mine. Another black whisp appeared, however it was much larger than the other Death Eaters'. It flew straight at me. Then, for a split second, I felt cold. My insides seemed to turn to solid ice, sucking all the strength I had left. My body collapsed onto the floor. Surrounding me, I heard rushed, anxious voices. Only one of them stood out to me. "Ian Parker, you are under arrest for the murders of a mother and two children." I couldn't identify who it was, but I really wanted to hug them. That horrible beast was finally getting what he deserved. Hopefully he's locked in the dirtiest cell, and gets a Dementor's Kiss. 

I lifted my head up a bit, looking around for Harry. I managed to catch a glimpse of he and Dumbledore walking towards me, both of them looking weary. My little sisters flashed in my mind, causing me to let out a small cry. I officially had no family left. Harry was my only hope. As he pulled me up, he cried a little too. Tonight, we had both lost everything.

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I wiped a stray tear from my face as I finished packing my clothes. My fifth year at Hogwarts had finally reached it's end. Umbridge was officially gone, and Dumbledore was our Headmaster once again. None of that seemed to interest me, nor did anything else since that night at the Ministry. I haven't said a word since, and I really didn't want to. It was a habit of mine. When I got depressed like this, I wouldn't talk. Harry seemed to be the only person to understand that, and gave me the alone time I had desperately craved. But, this time, it was different. I lost all I had, and I could never get it back. I knew it was going to change me. I guess you can call me a broken child.

My thoughts were cut off by Hermione when she walked in. "Riley, Professor Dumbledore would like a word with you." She informed me. I only nodded, and left for the Headmaster's office. When I arrived, he was waiting by the Gargoyle, giving me a soft smile, which I didn't return. "Good afternoon, Riley," He greeted me. I nodded, and looked down at my feet. Sighing, Dumbledore turned to the Gargoyle, muttering the password, before leading me up the stairs, and into his office. He sat at his desk, and I sat in the chair across from him. "I understand that speaking doesn't appeal to you at the moment, so I shall not ask you to. I just thought that perhaps it would be appropriate to explain to you about your father." How did I know this would come up? "You see, Riley, all this time, your father has been working for Voldemort. He joined the Order to gather secret information, and delivered it to the Dark Lord. I believe he only used you and your sisters as props to his scheme. Once he was finished with you, he decided to dispose of you, which is why your sisters were killed, and you were nearly. As for your mother, he despised the fact that he had a child with a Muggle. It's very common for a Death Eater to have such feelings if they are in that current situation."

I stared into my lap as he spoke, but listened closely. "About your Prophecy; there is no need to worry. It was only the copy that was destroyed. As for what it meant, I am to leave that for you to figure out. I'm sure it is only a matter of time before you do. On a further note, it has come to my attention that you need somewhere to stay for the holiday, so I am sending you to the Malfoy Manor." My head shot up. How could this man possibly send me there?! "Now, I ask that you are not alarmed. Lucius has been arrested, and I'm certain that Draco will protect you from any troubles that may come your way. I hear that he still has quite the liking for you." My cheeks went red, making me look back down. He had better not cause any trouble for Harry and I. "Now, I have a few more things to do, so I'm going to have to dismiss you, Riley. Have a good summer, and I hope to see you next year." I nodded to him for the last time, before getting up, and heading back to the Gryffindor common room. 

Boy, was this going to be one heck of a summer.