The Mysterious Fire

Severus Snape glanced around the alley he had just Apparated into, Wand drawn should he need to Obliviate any Muggle that might have been in the area at the wrong time. Luckily his arrival had went unnoticed, and thus after a mild Glamor was applied the Potion Master crept out onto the sidewalk, searching for his destination.

Minutes later he came upon, what he assumed, was the house he had been searching for, or at least was at one time. Now it was a dirt field, no trace of a structure to be found. Had the information been incorrect? Had Dumbledore been mistaken? Had the address been wrong?

"Excuse me, can I help you sir?"

The Wizard turned slightly towards the voice, and spied an older looking man approaching him. "Perhaps, I was looking for Number Four Privet Drive, for a family named the 'Dursleys' to be precise."

The look of reluctance given by the stranger did nothing to help settle the professor's concern.

"Did you know them sir?"

Snape nodded, "I was very good friends with the sister of Petunia Dursley. I recently discovered an old family heirloom from my friend and I wanted to return it. Unfortunately, I am leaving town on business in the morning, so this was my chance to return it." The man easily lied.

"I see… I am sorry to be the one to tell you this but the Dursley's died about a year and a half ago. Summer of Ninety-Two if I remember right. Dreadful thing it was."

Swallowing the unease that was now creeping up his spine the Wizard gestured for the man to continue.

"It was a fire, whole house and property went up in flames. Terrible thing, and so very strange…"

"What… was strange about it if I may ask?"

"Well it's just that… I have seen fires before, my brother worked in the fire department long time ago, but I have never seen one burn so fast. The entire house was engulfed by the time the first truck pulled up to try and help, no matter how much water they used it just… didn't seem to help. One of the neighbors even claimed that she could see the Dursleys inside, all sitting around in their living room… almost like they were just waiting to die."

Snape couldn't help the shiver at the man's words as he glanced back at the property. Even the grass had been burned to ash, with no hint of regrowth. "I am sorry to hear that… I am afraid I must be going now, please give my condolences to any surviving family."

The stranger turned back to ask the man his name, but found himself standing alone on the street, Severus Snape having long since vanished to ponder the events he had just been informed of.

...

"I cannot see a bloody thing!" the Malfoy heir ranted as he wiped the rain from his face. Seriously could they have chosen a worse time to hold a Quidditch game? Lightning flashed off in the distance, as if to reply that 'yes they could' and the blonde wrapped his cloaked just a little tighter around his body.

"Tell me about it, despite how much I love the game I wish they would just postpone, could use a nice steaming cup of coffee right now." The Hufflepuff seeker put in as he hovered nearby. Draco gave a curt nod to Cedric Diggory before returning his eyes to the arena in desperate hopes of catching a flash of gold. At least if they won he would score even more bragging rights among the Slytherins.

"Would it kill them to at least get us some heated clothes? The rain wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so bloody cold!"

Draco Malfoy made a mental note to purchase such a thing before the next match. Moments later another shiver crept down as his body and he began noticing the frost forming on his sleeves. He knew it was cold, but it shouldn't be that cold, at least not yet…

A moment later he received his answer, as images of his father being arrested appeared in his mind. It was a memory he had long since repressed, but apparently his subconscious could recall that day just as clear as when it had happened, the Aurors putting the man he looked up to in cuffs, and practically dragging him out of their house. His mother crying as she rocked him in her arms, the feeling of despair…

The Slytherin's eyes widened in horror as a bolt of lightning streaked through the skies nearby, illuminating the group of figures that now hovered only a dozen feet away.

"D-Dementors…" Diggory gasped in horror, as he too looked ready to fall from his broom from their influence.

Vaguely, the Slytherin noticed movement below and lights of silver as the professors attempted to ward off the creatures, but they had swarmed the entire area, more than thirty of the monsters descending from every angle and upon every gathering of Wizards and Witches alike. There were simply too many to be stopped by the few adults in attendance.

"I am going to get in so much trouble for this…" the blonde muttered, before pulling off his glove and extending his palm towards the demons that inched ever closer.

"BEGONE!" He roared out, a symbol flashing into existence on his hand for all to see. In that brief instance the darkness and fear were cast back, light pouring forth as if to change the night into day.

A horrific screech filled the air as the creatures pulled back, almost as if in fear. Those who stood before the two Seekers fled. Moments later several other cries could be heard, along with the flames of his Lord's symbol being called to use.

The Dementors fled by the dozens as Neville Longbottom stood tall, his back straight, eyes gleaming with power and determination as the monsters fled before his battle cry. Nearby he could just make out similar shouts from the Weasley twins, as well as other Slytherins who had been given the protective symbols. Never was he so glad to serve Harry.

With the large bulk of the demons fleeing the remaining professors were able to gain control of the situation, avoiding even a single loss of life or soul. Moments later the players safely landed, all taking deep breaths to attempt and calm their nerves.

"Mr. Malfoy, you and the others will be accompanying me to the Headmaster's office immediately . Professor Snape intoned as he approached the gathering of students, his expression telling the blonde that he had no time for games or run arounds.

Said student merely nodded and watched as the other 'marked' individuals followed along.

He was going to be in so much trouble.

....

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