Band of Gypsies

Chapter Eleven

It all happened so quickly. The Dark Mark exploded into the air; a skull shimmering in sparkling green flashes. People screamed, pointing up into the sky, then grabbed their children and scattered. The grounds were crowded and there were many people that were inside tents. When they heard the shrill screams they emerged, looked up and ran. Someone knocked over a lamp and it caught a tent on fire.

Wizards ran to put out the flames. Horses neighed in terror at the flames that were catching other tents afire. The fires were quickly being extinguished but the grounds were flooded with a heavy acrid smoke and flying burning debris. The hurrying crowds had kicked up a fine powdery dust that filled the air until Harry thought he would choke.

He and the other stilt walkers were in real danger of being trampled with people knocking against them. As planned, Gregor and Harry quickly jumped down and removed their bird harnesses. Gregor left his side, carrying away their costumes. Harry slowly made his way towards the center of the commotion, directly under the dark mark that still hung suspended above the fair grounds.

Wizards and witches with crying children rushed past him. One even had the tail of his cloak on fire. He could hear the alarms ringing in town as fire teams headed towards the fairgrounds. Horses that had broken free were running, panic-stricken through the rows of tents.

Harry pulled his hat off. He wanted Voldemort to recognize him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw some of the Romani; Pascal and Jamud, Viktor and Malic and some he thought to be in the Order of the Phoenix. But he walked alone down the dirt corridor, through the smoke and whirling fragments of tent-cloth that still burned.

Snape had dropped to his knees when he felt Voldemort apparate near him. He struggled to not grab his arm where the mark burned. Voldemort sent his sign into the air, chuckling wickedly. He turned and saw the kneeling figure. Several Death Eaters were apparating around him. They moved off into the darkness quietly, without speaking.

"What fun we will have this evening, Severus." The Dark Lord touched Severus' shoulder. He was happy.

"Yes, my Lord, " Snape murmured, trying to keep the agony of the touch out of his voice.

"Tell me where he is," Voldemort said.

Severus had located Harry moments before. "He walks on the stilts. He is the green bird and wears the orange mask. He is just beyond this tent behind you."

"Very good Severus," he said. "You have been a faithful servant and you will be rewarded."

"Thank you, Master," Snape croaked.

"Follow me." Voldemort's red eyes burned on top of Snape's head.

"My Lord, if you wish." Snape stood and followed the long magenta robe that trailed behind the wizard. Snape tried to clear his mind. The Dark Lord could read his thoughts if he chose. Snape knew he was safe for the moment, the wizard was focused on Harry Potter. Snape's eyes searched for the other wizards; Dumbledore, Lupin, anyone. He felt panic. Would he have to do this by himself?

The wisps of smoke cleared and Snape saw Harry walking towards them.

Oh, my god! Snape stopped. He is alone!

The force of Voldemort's emotions caused lamps to explode around them. A tornadic wind blew through the tents and dust clouds mingled with smoke. Voldemort was laughing. His robe blew against his body, and he laughed harder. Thunder erupted, lightening flashed. Voldemort was speaking, but Snape couldn't hear.

[Snape's eyes are on the boy, wishing him to turn and run.] Run, Potter get away! You cannot defeat him! [Snape's eyes are burning from the heat of the fires and the dust.] I've got to do something! [ He hears the words in his mind and feels his arms hang loosely at his sides.] No you can't kill him. He's Lily's son! [Snape's arm goes up.]

Harry Potter continues to walk towards them.

[Snape raises his wand to point it at Voldemort's back. A red flash comes out of the dark roaring wind and snaps Snape's wand from his hand.]

[Voldemort raises his wand and speaks the words, "Avada Kadavra!" Green light flashes across the opening in the smoke and hits the boy. Harry Potter crumples to the ground, never having raised his wand, and is motionless.]

[Snape hears himself screaming], "No!"

[Snape feels blackness overcoming him and his legs give way when a curse hits him from behind.] "No."

[Flashes from wands erupt by the dozens. Voldemort disappears with a swish of his cloak, his laughter exploding behind him.]

[A lone figure emerges and walks over to Harry. It is Dumbledore in his own body. He kneels and raises Harry's head. Minutes later, other wizards emerge from tents and the shadows. They encircle Dumbledore and the motionless body. One steps forward and picks up the lifeless body, his own body shaking with sobs.]