Paranoia (Alastor Moody)

Prologue

1977

Alastor was found at his home, sitting on the floor, cradling the right side of his face in one hand, and the body of a woman in the other. Tears were streaming out of the opposite side of his face, as he wept over the body of the love of his life.

He and his fiance were attacked in the middle of that cold January night by supporters of Voldemort. The Ministry was contacted immediately, but it was too late; the Death Eaters had already taken the life of Natalie Taylor before the Ministry could arrive at the house.

By the time the Ministry showed up, Alastor had fought off the majority of the Death Eaters.

He had lost his right eye in the battle, yet nothing could deter him from protecting Natalie.

However, Natalie was a highly skilled auror, and couldn't stand idly by as she watched her home get destroyed, and her fiance brutally attacked.

She saw her chance to fight as the battle turned three on one. Natalie stepped beside Alastor and started dueling it out with a woman with sleek black hair.

Unfortunately, Natalie misjudged the ferocity and speed of the woman, and failed to block one of the many killing curses flying at her. The flash of green light blazed as it caught her dead center in the chest, and she fell to the floor.

Moody let out a blood-curdling scream and fought with even more strength and vigor. Finally he was able to ward off the malicious attackers, and rushed to Natalie's side.

That's when the Ministry came. They repaired the damage done to the house, and attempted to tend to Alastor.

He was beyond furious; beyond sense. He lashed out at the aurors as they approached him, shouting at them; blaming them for what had happened to his beloved.

The tears came more freely, falling from his chin and landing on the woman clutched in his arms. He wouldn't let anyone get near him; all he could do was repeatedly whisper, "You're okay, Nat. Just wake up, please. I love you. I love you. I love you."

It wasn't until Albus Dumbledore appeared at the house, that Alastor finally agreed to receive medical attention. Albus took Natalie into his arms, and gave her to the Ministry official waiting outside of the house.

Alastor received a new, magical eye at St. Mungo's. He was not physically harmed-- save his eye-- in the attack, but he learned one lesson that dreadful night: Constant vigilance.

Never again would he let his guard down. Never again would he trust a soul. Never again would he love another.