We weren't born to follow....come on and get up off your knees...hold on to what you believe-- December 15 1998

There was only one person that I could not account for that I knew was here -- my son, Iggy.  Where was he?  I knew that he did not trust me like Lyn or even my four year old did, but that was understandable.  Had I known he existed, things would have been so different.  I left the Great Hall in search for my son.  Whether or not he wanted my help, I would give it.  And I was so grateful I went searching... he was pinned beneath a vampire -- that had to be what he was -- and I was not going to let that be the end to my son.  Not when he had so recently become part of my life.  I pointed my wand at the beast and yelled, "Stupefy!" I jogged up to Iggy and grabbed hold of his shoulders.  "Iggy!  Are you alright?" I asked.  I recognized the fear in his eyes and started to quickly move my eyes over him to see if there was any obvious injuries.

The blast sent Blaise flying off me. As my father picked me up, I rubbed my forearm, the only sore spot from where Blaise had pinned me down. He was laying in a heap a few meters away; tears stung at my eyes. I had never felt threatened by him until this night. He'd always been able to control himself around me. I couldn't be upset with him, though; this was not his fault.

"I'm fine," I mumbled to my father. "What made you start being a father to me now?"

I nodded at Ron and Hermione, "I'll tell him." I promise. I looked towards the door and saw Harry slip outside. I turned back to them "I got to go now but I'll pass along the message. This plan will work." I said but wether to ensure them or myself, I didn't know. "I will see you again." I gave them one last smile before I turned and left the Great Hall. I found Harry all but hiding behind a tree. "You waited." I said with a small smile. I took a deep breath. "Are you ready?"

The funny thing about being superhuman is that simple Stun Spells don't affect me much. It certainly caught me off guard and sent me flying, which I was thankful for to spare Iggy the same fate as the first victim, but I recovered quickly. Rising to my feet, I turned and saw Iggy speaking with his savior. We made eye contact once again, and he raised his wand defensively.

I couldn't stop myself. I lunged again, fangs bared.

I came out from behind the tree, I look ed back at it briefly noting how ridiculous it looked to hide behind a tree. Nodding to her, " As ready as I'll ever be..." I said leading the way to Tom. " Remember your taking me part way then getting out of there. I don't want you to see him kill me..." I said to her as I know the majority of the rest of my family and friends is going to see my limp body somehow. I just wanted to see if I could really protect someone in a way. "What did they say?" I asked.

I knew I deserved that, but it did not mean it did not hurt.  I had not known about Iggy until he found me.  I wish I could change the past, but I could not.  I could only make a difference in the future.  I had to keep myself from snapping at Iggy; it was not his fault he was bitter towards me.  I did not blame him.  I was not about to make excuses in the middle of a battle of life or death.  

Before I could even respond to my son, I heard movement behind us and I saw the vampire lunging towards my son.  I started to see red and I pushed Iggy back, moving in between the beast and my son, knowing that I may have caught him off guard and that he might catch himself... but a few scratches from falling to the ground was far better than what could happen to him if I let the vampire grab hold of him.  I was not about to let that happen.

This man, Regulus Black, who had left the man I loved to be alone for years, was beneath me. His blood and adrenaline pumped beneath his skin, and I could hear the soft beat of it flowing through his body. I inhaled deeply, allowing myself to succumb to the animal inside. Fangs bared, I went in for his throat.

It was then that Iggy pushed me aside with his bare hands. We tumbled a few meters, and when we stopped moving, he locked eyes with me again. Somehow, the smell of blood was beginning to subside. I was beginning to feel like myself again. I blinked hard several times and finally saw Iggy, not just my next victim.

Tears flooded into my eyes, and I began to sob. "I'm so sorry," I cried, Iggy's arms wrapping me up safely. "I'm so sorry. I love you."

"I love you, too," I whispered into Blaise's shoulder. He was beginning to calm; he was controllable. I opened my eyes and saw my father beginning to stand and dust himself off. It didn't appear as though Blaise had injured him at all. My father and I locked eyes for a split second before I closed them and hugged Blaise just a little tighter.

It was then that I realized who exactly this man was to my son.  I wanted to make sure that Iggy was alright, but it seemed as though he had all that he needed at the moment.  It was as if Iggy and I had a reluctant understanding of each other just then when our eyes -- so similar -- met for just a moment.  I knew at that moment what I was and what I could never be with him or to him... and I slowly walked away.  This moment was not mine to have with my son.

I followed him towards Tom, knowing the way already. "They trust you and they've got your back." I replied. I was still working on something so I could go with him the entire way. "But I don't want you to be alone when it happens. I'll come with you." A small smile appeared on my face as a plan formed. I told Harry the basic idea, I knew he would be reluctant to it but it was the best, for both of us.

I sighed, knowing she had the basic idea I was very reluctant. I wanted someone I knew to be okay. " If it seems to be going south get yourself...out." I told her repeatedly. I almost felt like a broken record. When she told me what they said a small smile appeared across my lips for a brief moment. " Thanks..." I said quietly. I saw where the Death Eaters were as we continued walking. My heart clenched as I saw what they were doing to Hagrid. I looked to the death eaters as they were slowly coming into focus.

"I will and your welcome." We shared a small smile before looking up at the Death Eaters that were starting to come into focus. I took a deep breath. "Give me your wand." I said. "I can say I checked your pockets." I hoped this plan would work. I didn't really care what happened to me, as long as Harry lived. I was nervous at what Draco would do if things did go south for me but forced that out of my mind for the time being.

I took a deep breath, " after he does it...come and tell him that i'm dead....slip my wand back into my pocket..." I told her as I handed over my wand to her. I wasn't sure how much I liked this plan, I just hoped it worked. We got closer as I put my hands down to my sides as we got closer and closer. I heard Hagrid call out to me. I looked over and gave him a small nod. Hoping he knew I had a plan. Just hopefully a good one. " Hello Tom..."

I looked over from my seat as the rest of them separated and made it easier for me to see Harry Potter. " Ah....Harry Potter....come to die?" I said as I swept up off my seat and strode over to him. He was with Malfoys daughter. " What happened?" I asked her, I wanted to know how she got potter here. I looked over to the Malfoys who seemed pleased with their daughter. I walked around the pair, " You know I have had my doubts about you....Ms. Malfoy.....ut here you bring Harry Potter to his death...I have to admit..I am impressed. " I said as I looked to Potter, I put my wand to his throat. " I am going to enjoy this..." I said as he appeared frozen. Smiling, I said the phrase I had been wanting to say for a long time. " Avada Kedavra." I said as the green light left my wand and into Potter. My smile grew larger as you could almost see the life being taken away from him. He dropped to the ground, " check him.." I said to Malfoy.

I forced myself not to cry as I knelt next to Harry, putting my fingers near his neck to check for his pulse. I repositioned my body as I slipped his wand up his sleeve so no one else would see. I could feel his pulse and I allowed a small smile to come over me. This part had worked but sooner or later they would know I was about to lie. I would deal with that when it came. I stood and turned to the group. "He's dead." I declared.