THE VISION THIEF - D. MALFOY

10. surprise!

A deep frown crossed Minerva Mcgonagall's face as she sat in front of her large desk. She couldn't help but worry about her niece and the arbitrary effects her powers were bound to have within the next twenty four hours.

Sitting on top of her large granite desk was a photograph, a photo of her family, and she was reminded of the night that Emma Ashwood was taken from them.

Minerva had considered herself immensely blessed to be taken in by her sisters family. Her sister, Rowena Mcgonagall had the rich fortune of marrying the powerful yet kind hearted, Nathaniel Thomas. Together they had two kids, Charlotte and John. Charlotte later married Fletcher Ashwood, and John marrying Alice Harrington. After Minerva's husband had died, the already welcoming extended family outstretched their arms to her.

She was lucky enough to spend time with them all before tragedies of the war struck. She thought back to one night in particular.

"Fletcher, they're coming!" Charlotte Ashwood said as she rushed into the room the family was currently gathered in. Fletcher Ashwood paced the dark oak floors and stopped when his wife had told him the news.

"Then we all know what we must do." He said, a dark look in his eyes. Charlotte cradled her baby in her arms. "She doesn't deserve this." She whispered. "I know, but we need to do whatever is necessary to protect her." John said as he placed a hand on his sister's shoulder. Charlotte gave him a sad smile before turning to the rest of her family, and Albus Dumbledore. Minerva had called for the help of her good friend that evening.

"When they arrive, try to fight them off for as long as possible. We need to perform the spell now, and we need as much time as we can get." Charlotte explained. Minerva nodded. She was determined to keep this child protected at all costs.

As she stood outside of the large Ashwood estate, she breathed in the crisp air. She had her wand at the ready as she looked from her sister to the left of her, and Albus to the right. 

A few silent moments passed before a very much expected crack sounded in the still of the night. Immediately, three cloaked figures appeared in front of her. She glared as she quickly recognized Lucius Malfoy, accompanied by Augustus Rookwood and Sebastian Remington.

"Nice of you to join us tonight." Albus was quick to speak. "Good evening Albus." Lucius Malfoy nodded, a smug look on his pale face.

"I assume you know what we are here for." Lucius added. Minerva felt the return of fierce determination. "You're not laying a hand on the child." She snarled.

Lucius frowned. "As much as it pains me to come here tonight, you must know how much the Dark Lord hates not getting his way." The death eater smirked, a false sense of pity in his voice.

"Well try if you must, but Minerva is right." Albus smiled. A sneer promptly replaced Lucius' facial expression, and immediately the three death eaters readied their wands as a fight broke out.

For how long the duels went on, Minerva did not know. The flashes of bright light, and the loud noises were beginning to hurt her head, but she would not back down. Minerva was locked in a fight with Augustus Rookwood, the two fired curses and spells back and forth. In a moment of victory, Rookwood's own spell rebounded right as Minerva deflected it, sending him spiraling to the ground. He was rendered paralyzed for at least a few minutes.

Not a moment later, Remington was struck to the ground as well. A look of fear compromised Lucius Malfoy's face. Minerva was quick to point her wand at him, while Nathaniel pointed his at him as well.

"Lucius, I suggest you take your pets and return to Lord Voldemort. Like I said, you will not be laying a hand on that child." Minerva sneered as she nodded her head towards the two death eaters lying on the ground.