Magnus followed Mad eye Moody’s footsteps, the death eaters trailing him. Not his most loyal, of course, just the ones who tagged along for glory. Disloyal, but useful. Their cautious steps were muffled by their robes as they stalked their unseen prey. The wizards of the ministry were nowhere to be found. But then, they would be dead if they were.

He had to admire the wizard’s willpower. Even under the imperius curse he did not yield, and thrashed violently in his grasp. Whether he wanted to resist or simply practice his abilities was another question entirely. The higher ups of the ministry must have thought themselves clever, sending him here. But he knew, and they would fall.

The Auror’s body jerked and spasmed a few times before Magnus righted him with a blast of light. He grunted before continuing, and then jerking again. He pointed his wand. “Crucio!” He fell, quivering as his mouth opened. No sound came out. Tears rolled down his cheeks, but no sobs. He didn’t allow it. “You will take us where Lily Potter is hiding, and if you resist.” Another blast sent him to the ground.

The wizard was pulled to his feet by a levitation charm. “Lead the way.” Magnus said, adding another blast for emphasis. He limped forward.

“Remember, none are to harm Lily Potter. We are to capture her and her guards, and use them as hostages.” He said, his voice carrying so that all could hear. A few nods answered his voice.

They skirted past the tall walls overlooking the halls, and the simple tiled floor. Moody opened the door to lead to the great hall. Stunning spells shot out of the death eater’s wands as the wizards inside screamed. They fell to the floor, knocked out. With a few thumps, all the fifty wizards that had crowded the area had fallen. Magnus stepped through. “Search for the mudblood.” He ordered.

A small smile crept onto his face. Now, the real challenge. “Protego, Protego, Protego.” He began muttering.

“Now!” He heard a woman shout. Hundreds of stunning spells flew through the air, seeking out their targets, the death eaters. Amidst the chaos many fell, and several of the death eaters laid the heaps at the bottom of the hall. From the many stairways leading up to higher floors wizards descended, wands in hand. Lily Potter must have thought herself clever, setting up a ploy like this. Magnus supposed he could offer grudging respect, but nothing more.

Robed figures began appearing, invisibility cloaks and potions being shedded as wizards and witches returned to view. “Rennervate.” Magnus heard. Out of the small slits of his eyes he saw Moody rise again.

“It worked, Moody! We win! The death eaters are defeated!” He heard her cheer. The wizards with her took up the cry, their roar loud as thunder. Moody laughed, spreading his arms.

“It worked indeed, Lily Potter. We are victorious. The dark lord is here.” He said. His words were almost lost in the roar. It took some time for the cheering to die down, and Magnus sent out burns to alert the death eaters. The time was close.

“Where is he, Moody? Show us Voldemort!” Lily shouted over the clamor.

Magnus closed his eyes, feeling the burns in the dark mark growing stronger. So they were in position. Good. It was time. “There will be no need for that. I am here.” He said, his high pitched voice drawing the attention of every wizard present. His eyes met those of Lily Potter’s, and he offered a smile that could only be described as grotesque. For a moment, all was calm. Just as it was supposed to be before a storm. And what a storm they would witness. “Protego Diabolica.” He said, waving his wand.

Black fire spread in a ring around him, stunning spells evaporating as they made vain attempts to pass through. He heard screams as the death eaters around him rose up, the invisible charms on their backs and mouths fading away. “Death eaters, attack!” He shouted.