Uncanny Snake

XXXI - A Fall from Grace

I closed my eyes and apparated to the chocolate shop I had visited relatively close to Valentine's Day. It was destabilizing, and I groaned, clutching onto the bookshelf as nausea set in. I don't remember a time when I had apparated so much in the span of 24 hours. I shook my head slowly, taking the time to catch my breath and banish my dazed state.

The shop looked like a wreck, and I frowned as I spotted the sweet lady who had helped me pick out a recipe book for Severus. I kneeled beside her, and closed her eyes, trying to ignore the terror in her hues before she was dealt a killing blow. The poor woman didn't deserve this. So many innocent lives...

I stepped out of the shop and executed the first Death Eater in my sights. There were quite a few in Hogsmeade, probably trying to herd the students like sheep, and making sure none escaped. Unfortunately for them, I would be damned if I didn't kill every single one of them. There were too many for me to take on in the open, though, and so I took to the buildings, climbing in and out of windows as I made my way across the town.

I jumped into the next window, and landed with a loud thud, cursing as I tripped over a body, and fell face-first into the wooden floorboards, sprawled out like a squid. This caught the attention of a Death Eater, and I scrambled to hide under a nearby desk. I wasn't so fortunate as the Death Eater wasn't taking chances and blew the desk to pieces. I was quick enough to shield, but the impact sent me colliding against the wall. I watched my wand topple as it rolled away, and I huffed.

"Hm. I know you..." The Death Eater whispered, picking up my wand as he loomed over me. I stared up in horror and quickly averted my eyes to the floor. Letters were scattered everywhere, some burnt to a crisp, and others in the process of doing so. My eyes latched onto the dagger sitting idly on the floor. It must have been used for opening letters, but nonetheless, it looked sharp enough.

I glanced up at the Death Eater with a sheepish smile and tried to crawl away, but he kicked me, and I took that opportunity to fake a dramatic fall, my body covering the dagger. My pained groan, however, was not quite as theatrical. The Death Eater scoffed as he neared me, raising his wand, and I stared at his lips, knowing what would come next. I grabbed the dagger and a handful of ashes, ignoring the embers searing away at my skin. This next part would decide my fate as I threw the ashes in his face.

The man coughed and shielded his eyes, but he was too late as he cursed, and I swept the dark wizard unsuccessfully off his feet—he was much sturdier than he let on. Well, no matter, I kicked his chest hard, sending him recoiling towards the exit. Next, I rammed into him with my elbow and threw the man over my shoulder and out the door. When he made contact with the ground, I knew for sure he was out of breath and would be unable to stop my next attack. So, I lunged on top of him and buried the dagger in his neck.

I dragged his body up, using him as a physical shield against the forbidden curse that came barreling at me. I tossed the body aside, and threw the dagger at the Death Eater, keeping them momentarily focused on the sharp object as I retrieved my wand and quickly dispatched the Death Eater. I heaved a sigh of relief and retrieved the dagger. Just in case. With their numbers dwindling, I roamed the streets, killing any Death Eaters in sight. Where was everyone?

A Death Eater wandered out of the three broomsticks, and I shot him back into the building, waiting to see if any more would come out. When none did, I stepped in, kicking the dead man's jaw, and sighed running a hand through my hair. What a bunch of assholes. The tavern was empty, and I began to grow worried. With so many Death Eaters running about, there was no way—shouting echoed in the distance.

I rushed out of the building as fast as I could, street by street. I finally came face to face with Fred, dueling against a Death Eater, the second years behind him looking on the verge of tears. "Avada Kedrava!" The Death Eater fell over, and I let out a relieved sigh as I ran to Fred, pulling him into a hug. "Are you okay?" He nodded, looking quite stunned, but he grabbed my hand and led me through the streets, leading me to the outskirts of town. I noticed a mess of items that had been placed together as makeshift barricades.