Malfoy Manor

Strike barely feels Navy weight on him as she falls onto his limp form.
The DE laughs madly as his curse hit home and turns back to his real victim the little girl. "Now, why does our little fun keep being interupted?" He tuts. And shoots a slashing curse at her.

She tried to move out of the way, but wasn't fast enough. "No!" she yelled.

I fling myself at him, pulling him to the ground where I struggle to pin him down. I put my knees on his shoulder blades and hold my wand to his throat. "Don't. You. Dare." I don't notice him bringing his wand up until it's too late... And it isn't focused on me. "NO!"

The DE grins and laughs at the girl pinning him to the floor. He raises his wand and points it at Ash. "Avada Kedavra!" He shouts smiling like it was the most enjoyable thing in the world. Green light erupts from his wand at hits the little girl in the chest. He laughs.

Everything around me goes black, everything except the evil leering face of the DE. I dig my wand painfully into his neck, "Crucio." It was the first time I'd used the spell of my own free will, and itfelt good. I twisted my wand, making him convulse in more and more pain.

The curse hit her before she could scream. It was all over for her. Her empty eyes staring up at the ceiling, wishing it was all just a bad dream, and she would wake up to the all too familiar dormitory.

The DE just laughs as the curse rips through him. He flails on the ground laughing and screaming in pain and pleasure.

Strike, sees Navy curse the Man and flings himself at her. He would not let her ruin her life by giving in to her anger. He grabs her and rolls away from the DE. "Go to her..." He whispers in her ear and lets her go. "I'll take care of him"

I push Strike away. "Stop, I want to do this." I stand up and put one foot on his chest, with the other I kick him under the chin, shattering his jaw. I stun him and leave him to bleed. I turn around and look down at Ash. I don't know how long I stood there, feeling nothing, doing nothing. I couldn't even cry.

The DE blacks out as her foot hits his jaw. He lays there with a made grin on his face. Strike, looks at Navy and sighs, she stood there frozen looking at the little girl on the floor. He walks over and picks the girl up. "Navy... love, we have to leave" He says to her softly.

I just turn around and walk into the kitchen. I remembered standing in this very room actually making muffins with Draco. Now I stood, smeared with blood, writing a letter to my brother. I left the note and went back to Strike and Ash. My Ash... Gone. I felt sick, I looked at Strike.

I hold out my hand to Navy, Ash laying in my arm like an over sized doll. "Come, love" That is all I say no 'I'm sorry' or 'she's in a better place now' that would not make the pain go away.

I blink back tears and nod. Taking his hand. I hold onto it, feeling at least happy I had someone here with me, otherwise I'd be a complete reck. I swallow, trying to ease my dry throat, and walk toward the door.

Strike, smiles sadly and leads her out of the Manor. He then turns towards her and looks into her deep blue eyes. "Where?" He asks simply. Where? Where, do you want us to take her.

I look down at Ash then up at Strike. "Home. I think she'd want to be buried at her home. The one she had before her life was torn apart. The Alisi Manor."

Can Aylwin be at Alisi manor and help them bury Ash?

Strike says nothing just gives her hand a tight pump. He turns around and with a light pop they vanish into the night. A tall figure with a young beautiful woman at his side and a small girl in his arms. A very romantic picture if it weren't so tragic.

-I apparate with Cynder and I lead her inside-

-Crazy Grin- Wait here... I shall announce us...

Cynder was quivering like a leaf.
Her face and expression was unreadable, but her eyes were gleaming with fear and curious anticipation.

She stood still where Crouch had left her, and looked about Malfoy Manner, clutching the bottom of her white dress nervously.

-I speak with one of the guards who promptly nods and lets us inside-

-We approach a large throne like chair and on it sits Voldemort-

-I quickly drop to my knees the moment I see him-

Crouch: My Lord... it is an honor to be in your presence once more...

Voldemort: Crouch my friend, it has been far too long... please rise...

Crouch: -I stand up almost the second his words leave his mouth- Yes my lord...

Cynder was standing stiffly, staring at the chair, her eyes wide.

She did not fall to her knees like Crouch, but instead lowered her head, keeping her eyes raised warily.
How she loathed that high, cold voice....

Voldemort: Ah Crouch... I can't help but noticed you've brought back dear Cynder for me...

Crouch: Yes my lord... I have shown her the error of her ways and she shall be resuming activity with us...

Voldemort: I see... well done Crouch, well done... but then again, was I expecting anything else from you?

Crouch: -speaks in a tone that 's the most respectful tone I've ever given anyone- His lordship knows I only live to serve him...

Voldemort: I knew saving your life all those years ago was a good idea... now Cynder... can you tell me why you left my most glorious force?

Cynder paused, closing her eyes, keeping her head lowered in respect.
But her voice was far from respect. It seethed with hate, fear, and uncertainty.

"I thought you would have known.... my lord..." She spoke, her voice icy, "After all... doesn't the Dark Lord know all...?"

Crouch: -Snarls- You impotent little... -I reach for my wand-

Voldemort: Crouch...

Crouch: -Stops in mid motion-

Voldemort: I believe a misunderstanding may have occurred... I AM all knowing, however I wished to hear the words from your mouth for validation of their truth...

Cynder snorted and raised her head, holding her shoulders back, standing straight.

"Oh course... my Lord...." She spoke coldly, her eyes burning.

"I did not think you loyal to any of your death eaters.... especially me... I found no friends in your service. I felt abandoned, forgotten.."
She stopped.
Memories flooded her brain. Her voice lowered and weakened.
"... After I killed my family under your orders.... I was nothing but the clown, was I not? I... saw myself as only that.... and I assumed... you had caused the loss of.... everything... dear... t-to me.."