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WARNING: BLOOD, DEATH, VIOLENCE, MENTIONS OF CHILD ABUSE AND EMOTIONAL DISTRESS TO THE READERS.

𝗮/𝗻: 𝗶 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼:

𝗱𝘆𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘆. 𝗯𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗶𝗮
𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘄𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗸. 𝗷𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘂𝗿
𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. 𝗯𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘆

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Tuesday, December 19th, 1987:

EZEKIEL'S OFFICE:

Ezekiel Seramore stood inside his London-based office and stared out the prestige glass window as snow cascaded and clung onto any surface it found.

The year was ending, however, he couldn't wait for the new beginnings in his life.

A child was on its way. Another Seramore. A sibling for his daughter to play with and love.

And most of all someone else for him to love and protect until his blood stopped flowing and his soul passed through the veil.

A son that he would name Apollo.

Ezekiel knew he had things to get in order. That being the future of his family. He wanted them to be safe, always. Although his work was anything but.

He had many occupations under his belt, a trait that most Seramore's had.

Ezekiel occasionally worked in the ministry; translating infamous wizarding books and texts from a variety of countries, as well as this he often sat amongst wizarding trials, curious to see the outcome of many crimes.

He even heard about the renowned Sirius Black being sentenced to life in prison for allegedly murdering Peter Pettigrew and a group of muggles, whilst serving Voldemort, without trial.

Something about the case rubbed Ezekiel the wrong way, especially once he discovered, through unnamed sources that Sirius and his group of friends could transform into unregistered Animagi. Which lead him to believe that Pettigrew could be hiding in that very form.

It was a hunch and a large one at that.

Ezekiel cursed himself when he remembered the many files on his desk and had to sort through them all before he returned home in a few days.

Many letters from the headmaster of Hogwarts caught his eye, but he didn't care enough to reply, believing his sweet tone overcompensated for something much more sinister.

"Annoying git," he mumbled as his eyes danced over Albus' handwriting.

It was obvious to him that Albus was concerned about his many inquires revolving around the imprisonment of Sirius Black and the fact he was actively working to get the prisoner acquitted of the crimes committed, or at least have a trial put into place.

Ezekiel may have been many things but a liar was not one of them.

He had a voice; a rather loud one. He was going to use it and it wasn't going to be pretty.

"If Albus could acquit Severus and allow him to work in Hogwarts, why didn't he defend Sirius as well?" he thought aloud.

It was a headscratcher for Ezekiel.

Whilst at Hogwarts, he never liked the headmaster - believing him to be a wolf in sheep's clothing - It might've been a hypocritical view, especially since many thought of him and his family in the same way, however as headmaster it was wrong for him to punish those who should be praised and praise others for doing the same thing.

Hogwarts was the only wizarding school with houses and those house wars continued even after graduation.

"Why Sirius Black?" he questioned and shifted through his notes.

He was several years older than the Black brothers, however, due to pureblood loyalty, he looked out for them, especially Regulus because they were in the same house.

Ezekiel was in his 7th year when Regulus was in 1st, but he would look out for him. As a prefect, it was one of his duties that he took seriously.

The wizarding war had started when he was close to graduation and he wanted to keep his reputation honourable. Well, much more than his father's.

Regulus knew, of course, nevertheless he found himself spending time with the older years, much to his father's approval. The Black patriarch was proud to find that his youngest son had associated himself with someone like Ezekiel.

Between quidditch practices, studying and having mentoring sessions, they were comrades.

But unfortunately, that was short-lived.

"Reggie," he breathed out, thinking about his fallen mentee, "He was just a boy."

Struck down at the age of 18.

A young man that had so much to deal with, so much to carry on his fragile shoulders. He just prayed his children didn't have to go through that.

The world wasn't safe and Ezekiel doubted it ever would be. But if he had to prioritise his family over everything, he would.

***

Wednesday, December 20th, 1987:

"Uncle Zeke!" an excited Blaise run up to the older wizard with a wide smile on his face.

Ezekiel gulped when he noticed the bruise on the boy's face, nevertheless, he held his arms  out and welcomed him, "Hunter."

He grinned and picked up Blaise with ease, before letting out an exaggerated grunt, "You're getting big."

Blaise gasped, "And strong?" he eagerly asked.

"Stronger than me," Ezekiel nodded with a chuckle. The younger wizard clapped happily as he was placed on the floor.  "I have some chocolate frogs and-" Blaise ran off to his desk to see the food before he could finish his sentence.

"Thank you!"

"You're welcome."

"Please use napkins Blaisey," Ophelia said walking into the room with his bag in hand. She gently sat it down on one of the leather couches.

"I will," Blaise's voice was muffled as he dug into the sugary feast in front of him, not taking notice of the serious looks on the adult's faces.

"Thank you for taking him on such short notice," Ophelia thanked her brother-in-law, who nodded understandingly.

"It's alright," he responded quietly, "are you going to deal with the problem?"

"Of course."

"Let Luc or me know if you need any help."

Ophelia shook her head, "No need, Cissy is assisting me."

The two were vaguely referring to her husband that was living in her manor and who needed to disappear. It was dangerous for them to discuss the 'how', however, Ezekiel wanted to check if everything would be handled efficiently.

"Hunter," Ezekiel called out to his nephew, who had already got into the pumpkin pasties, "Say goodbye." 

Blaise blew his mother a kiss, "Ciao Mamma."

She cooed as she caught the kiss and placed it by her heart, "Ciao baby."

***

"How did you get a bruise on your handsome face, Hunter?" Ezekiel asked after finishing up some more of his research.

The pair had been confined to his office for a few hours now.

"I fell," Blaise answered, furrowing his brows, sounding very unsure of himself.

"Are you sure?" Ezekiel asked again, of course, he already knew the answer, he just wanted to confirm his suspicions.

"Mummy told me," Blaise nodded to himself, as he played with the wooden knights in front of him, "I can be clumsy sometimes," he mumbled.

Ezekiel hummed, "I was a clumsy kid."

"Do you think we could go on the roof to look at the stars?" Blaise randomly asked, noticing how the sun had disappeared and was replaced by its ivory-coloured friend.

The stars always reminded him of his godbrother, whom he missed and wouldn't see until Christmas day. The two would regularly sneak up to the balcony or the roof and watched the stars that spread across the night sky.

For a 6 and a 7-year-old, it was a dangerous thing to do, however, they believed they had always gotten away with it, but unbeknownst to them, Ezekiel was monitoring their every move from afar. He placed protective barriers around the grounds, just in case one of them fell, so they would be safe.

The Seramore wizard softly shook his head, "Not here, but when I get home tomorrow, yes."

"Okay."

"What game would you like to play until then?" Ezekiel inquired, wanting to spend as much time with his nephew before Ophelia came to collect him.

"Can you teach me to play chess?" Blaise questioned cautiously, "I asked my new papa and he always says no."

"I'll teach you."

"You don't think I'm too thick to learn?" Blaise wondered with a frown.

Ezekiel had to suppress his anger - how can someone tell a child that? Especially one who you promised to protect? He was glad that Ophelia was disposing of her new husband. He would've done it sooner but it wasn't his place.

"You're an intelligent boy and are going to be a brilliant wizard," he said confidently, filling Blaise's brown eyes with glee.

The 7-year-old grinned, "Like you?"

"Even better than me." Ezekiel proclaimed, with a promising look in his eyes,  "Come let's play."

***

Ophelia returned to Ezekiel's office once the clock struck 10.

The witch seemed tense and anxious, however, she put on a brave face for her boy.

"How was he?" Ophelia questioned, then shot her son a wink as he continued to practice his chess moves.

"Extremely confused," Ezekiel whispered, they walked further away from the young wizard, "As am I."

She let out a frustrated sigh, "You know I had to do it."

"You didn't, the effects of memory removal are severe, especially to a growing mind."

Ezekiel constantly reminded his sister-in-law of this but she never listened. It would only cause more torment down the line, he thought.

"I'm protecting him," she insisted.

That's all she ever wanted to do. Blaise was her pride and joy.

Guilt racked her psyche each time her son had suffered through the rage of the men she married.

Ezekiel reluctantly nodded, "I know you are but-"

"No buts Zeke," Ophelia cut him off in a hushed tone, "I have tried so many times to make our home safe and comfortable for him. I know I have a terrible history with men, worse than terrible. I thought Phoenix would be a good father, I never believed he would do what he did, but once he touched my boy he had to go. And when I met Kenneth, he promised me the world and I believed him, I trusted that he would be better and he wasn't."

"I know."

"No, you don't. I needed to fix my own shit, for my baby boy."

She made a mistake when she married Kenneth Selwyn, she only hoped she wouldn't make another one in the future.

"Do you need help?" Ezekiel asked, his eyes full of worry.

They both knew what he was referring to. Psychological help.

Ezekiel had been in therapy his entire life, not due to trauma or anything severe, but because his father believed that everyone should seek professional help, so they are self-aware and proactive in their lives.

"I always have," Ophelia admitted with a sad smile, earning a pitiful look from the wizard.

"You can always lean on me, however, you need to speak to a professional and so does Hunter," he nodded toward his nephew that was off in his own world.

"Blaisey wouldn't go and he's too smart for me to trick him into going," she sighed, although she was fortunate to have such an insightful and perceptive boy.

"I know, he's going to be brilliant."

"He is brilliant," she restated, making her friend grin.

"He said that a few times today."

"Good."

"If you need anything let me know," he said, squeezing her arm.

"Thank you, Zeke. I'll tell Celly you're ready to come back."

"Don't, I want it to be a surprise," he clasped his hands together with a cheeky grin.

Ophelia slapped his arm, "She's pregnant, don't surprise her, she doesn't need any type of shock."

"Alright, alright." he raised his hands in surrender,  "I'll see you soon." He said pressing a kiss to both of her cheeks.

"Blaisey," Ophelia motioned her son to come over.

Blaise sluggishly moved from behind his uncle's desk with a frown.

He didn't want to leave just yet, he felt much safer here than at home.

"Ciao hunter," Ezekiel pressed a kiss to his nephew's head.

"Ciao uncle Zeke," Blaise mumbled, "I left some chocolate frogs for you."

Ophelia dramatically gasped, "You never do that for me."

Blaise shot her an apologetic look, "Sorry mamma, I'll start."

She squeezed his cheeks, "It's okay baby."

"Thank you for the treats," Ezekiel grinned, then lowered onto his knees, to be at eye level with his nephew, "I've left you many presents under your Christmas tree."

Blaise bounced on his feet, "Is one of them a broom?"

He and Draco tended to use Lucius and Ezekiel's old quidditch equipment whenever they spent time together. Artemis usually joined in, if she wasn't plotting something.

Ezekiel chuckled as he stood up, "You'll just have to wait," his tone was promising and inspired joy in the young boy.

"Mamma, it's a broom!"

Ezekiel's smile widened as he watched their retreating figures disappear out the door and downstairs.

He couldn't wait to see his daughter in a few days, as well as needing to hug the love of his life, whilst trailing his hand over her stomach.

He knew the clock was ticking, every day the hands became harsher and louder, filling his ears with the inevitable...

That he didn't have much time left.

***

Thursday, December 21st, 1987:

Ezekiel spent the remaining of the day tucked away in his office, his assistant knocked as did other witnesses that he wrote to. He listened whilst they talked. He discovered what he had been thinking all along.

He had enough evidence to present to the wizarding world that Sirius was framed.

Although he had ulterior motives, he was doing it for his fallen mentee Regulus. But also for the groomed and abused.

This war started long before everyone was born, they were mere pawns in someone else's game.

Casualties of war, but it was known that the first casualty is truth, which is often forsaken for propaganda.

"I'll be home soon my lovelies," Ezekiel pressed a kiss to his wedding ring, picked up his briefcase and made his way out of his office.

He wordlessly locked the door and bid adieu to his employees then apparated, disappearing before their very eyes.

***

THE FOREST:

Suddenly, appeared in the forest near his humble abode.

He let out a sigh of relief as a smile etched onto his face. He felt comforted by the proximity to the manor.

He strolled through the tall trees whilst his dress shoes crunched against the white snow.

He knew his daughter would be up because she never slept around Christmas time, as the anticipation made her restless.

His gaze stayed foreword. If it was anyone else, they would've gotten lost, but he knew the forest through and through, he and artemis constantly went on walks whenever they wanted to clear their minds or if they wanted to spend some time together amongst nature.

It was only 8 pm on a cold winter's night, the sun had set long ago, hidden far behind the moon that shone across the vast forest.

The snow kissed his face as it danced through the air. Looking around, he pulled his coat closer to his chest. Although he loved the winter months, he despised the cold climate.

The crisp air made the hairs at the back of her neck stand to attention, while goosebumps travelled their way through his frame and appeared on his copper-coloured flesh.

When the wind picked up, a hush whisper swirled around him, causing all his movements to come to a halt and turn on his heels.

"Albus," he uttered the pale wizard's name. 

"Ezekiel."

The younger wizard could not see his face, it was half-hidden in shadow, nevertheless, he could recognise the dated face anywhere.

The black cloak concealed his long grey locks, presumably on purpose, it made Dumbledore a silent and unsuspecting killer.

Funny that. The man everyone praised and cheered for was much more deadly than expected.

Ezekiel eyed the man and cocked his head to the side, "I knew you would come eventually."

"And why is that?" the older wizard questioned softly, Ezekiel almost scoffed at his tone.

"Because I don't fit into your plan. Because I plan to help the boy you placed in the care of that awful family.

"The boy is the plan," Dumbledore replied calmly, "He will help bring peace to our world once more."

Ezekiel nodded mockingly, "I understand, you couldn't manipulate Tom riddle so you had his fiancé and child murdered-"

"I didn't want to do that," the pale man hastily replied, attempting not to flinch at the words spat at him, especially since it was the day that Tom celebrated his birthday, "You must know-"

Ezekiel continued with his rant, seemingly unphased by his old headmaster, "You couldn't get to my father so you tried to get to me-"

"I only wanted to help," Dumbledore insisted.

Ezekiel laughed, despite himself, "I don't need your help."

"I think you do."

"I never needed it and that's the problem. I didn't fit your puzzle. Admit it, my family is far too smart for you. Nova was too smart for you-"

Albus' eyes twitch at the mention of the Shafiq girl. After all these years he hadn't mentioned what happened on that horrific day.

Only a handful of people knew about what transpired and he was standing in front of one of them.

He rolled his shoulders back and responded, "Nova was a nice girl who fell for a boy who made all the wrong choices."

"The wrong choices in your eyes," Ezekiel falsified, although he was a man of truth, he rather not agree with a man who is not worthy in his eyes.

"In general, Ms Shafiq's life-"

"-And her unborn child's." Ezekiel interrupted.

"-Was cut short. Sometimes life isn't fair, even to the kindness of hearts."

"Fair is foul and foul is pair Albus," Ezekiel recited one of his favourite plays, it was his father's too.

It seemed appropriate - Witches, prophecies, false kings and foul play - It all sounded far too familiar.

"Quoting muggle books?" Albus mused.

"Plays," Ezekiel corrected him, "there is a power in words. You repeat them often enough they come true. Like a spell, a wish or a curse..." he trailed off and caught the older wizard harshly gulp, so he continued "my father is a smart man. He raised me to be a smart man, so was never corrupted by the death eaters."

"Outstanding," Albus praised with a false smile.

"Or people like you," Ezekiel snapped, "people who are moving all the pieces together," he added and raked his eyes over the features of the man that shone in the light.

Albus' tall and thin appearance almost looked frail as it tensed amongst the harsh winter air. One gentle push and he would be on the floor.

"So what are you doing revisiting the Black case?" Albus implored the younger wizard.

"I'm not moving pieces. I'm doing what is right. What is just."

"And what am I doing?"

"What is right for you," Ezekiel believed his words to be true.

What he neglected to say about his upbringing, is that he was taught never to trust Dumbledore. His father drilled that into him, almost going as far as to send him to another wizarding school.

Perhaps Durmstang would've been a better fit.

"For the wizarding world, yes," Albus spoke through a clenched jaw.

Ezekiel's blue eyes glazed over, "Because of the prophecy?"

"The prophecy said the one with the power to vanish the dark Lord-"

"-Will be born as the seventh month dies..." Ezekiel chuckled condescendingly, only aggravating the soft-spoken wizard further, "prophecies only come true if you believe it to be true."

"The boy is safe," Albus stated firmly.

"And what of the other boy?"

Albus was taken aback by his knowledge, "Frank and Alice's child?"

Ezekiel rolled his eyes, "Yes, the other boy," he exclaimed, irritated and cold, "You see, that's where the problem lies, this damn prophecy has already ruined the lives of many-"

"When the time is right the boy will do what is needed to be done," the professor explained further.

"You've truly lost it."

"The dark lord knew the Longbottoms were both Aurors, and older than Harry's parents. To choose their child to kill first would be too dangerous for him, therefore seeking out Harry was the smartest choice and if it wasn't for Lily Potter's sacrifice he would've been slaughtered," Albus carried on with his explanation.

"So what? Instead, you're raising him like a pig for slaughter?"

"When the time is right."

"When the time is right." Ezekiel repeated spitefully, "I'm guessing the Potter boy will instantly trust you because of his foul environment. That he will see you as his saviour because of the pretty words you say and the dreams you've promised."

"I will promise him nothing," Albus argued, "I will guide him-"

"Into the person that will have the entire world sitting on his shoulders? No child should go through that."

He may have faced hardships during his childhood, however, the Seramore household was as warm and welcoming as many believed.

"It is what the prophecy-"

"Fuck the prophecy," Ezekiel's voice boomed, startling the professor, only in his eyes as his face did not let it show, "I could easily make one up right now and it will mean nothing. You once told me that words only have meaning if you give them meaning. You said that!" He yelled, "Idyllic words can make non-believers believe."

"There will be no light at the of this tunnel if we don't do this. Help us, we'll need someone like you. On their side-"

"I am not a pawn for you to move."

"Then what are you?"

"A dead man." 

The snowfall grew, turning from a few inches to almost a yard.

"It's time." hatred flared in Ezekiel's chest, but he did not grab his wand. he stood still, eyes glaring at the man in front of him.

Dying a martyr was something he knew would eventually happen. He only wished he could've said goodbye to his little loves.

Albus' wand dropped from its sleeve and revealed itself, "I'm so sorry Ezekiel," his disingenuous tone was something the Seramore wizard wouldn't miss.

"She'll come for you."

"Celeste will not discover that it was I," Arrogance laced the older wizard's tone.

"Don't talk about my wife!" Ezekiel snapped, "and besides she is not who I was referring to," he scoffed, but before his words could be challenged, he spoke again, "but by all means proceed with this wrongful execution."

"It does not have to be this way."

"You made it so," Ezekiel said tiredly, "but just so you know Albus, you can murder a revolutionary, but you can not murder a revolution."

And with that Albus waved his wand, "Crucio."

Ezekiel's eyes widened, but he did not try to move out of the way, his body was already writhing with excruciating pain, pain that he accepted.

"You will not get away with this!" he shrieked as he fell onto the snow-covered forest floor, "You are nothing but a fool."

The anxious-looking professor attempted to block out his insults by inflicting more pain on the trembling man.

Ezekiel gasped and shook as Albus curved his wand, slicing his flesh open with just a flick.

The knowledge that the Seramore wizard knew was far too great and too revolutionary for the wizarding world.

It might ruin everything and for that, he couldn't live another day.

Agony-filled grunts spread throughout the forest. The creatures of the night were too afraid to peek their heads around the many corners to bear witness to such a thing.

The crimson snow surrounded the dying wizard.

His blood wouldn't stop flowing.

Ezekiel mustered up the strength to clutch onto his wedding ring, shakily trailing his finger over the Seramore sigil.

Dumbledore continued to inflict pain on the wizard, "It's for the greater good."

"That's what you would have everyone believe," he cried out, making no move to shuffle away as the professor moved closer.

"It's the truth, my child."

"No, but the real truth will live on, in your mind and the minds of others," Ezekiel croaked out, blood coating his tongue, "It'll haunt you and cling to you like a vile stench."

He kept gasping for air, his bloodied body trembled and his voice faded into a wordless apology to his family.

His unborn son, his living daughter and his wife.

He blocked out the sound of torture and ignored the blood pooling around him. It was now one with the snow.

The moon highlighted the execution.

But all Ezekiel could think about was how he would love them forever. His beautiful family.

Images of his life flashed through his eyes as he accepted the darkness to come.

He hoped his best friends would be okay without him, he prayed his wife would find love again and to the little heirs that he adored, he wanted them to always protect one another, and seek out each other in times of need.

Everyone he had loved and cared for exploded into his vision and smiled down at him. His parents, friends, and his unborn child.

And then lastly, his pride and joy.

Artemis Joelle Seramore.

He didn't want to leave his daughter fatherless and full of hatred and repression. He didn't want to leave her, but his body was weakening and decaying before his own eyes, leaving Artemis with nothing but darkness and he had only one person to blame.

"She'll come for you," he breathed out his last words, grinning eternally, inspiring fear within Dumbledore.

The Professor swallowed the knot that formed in his throat and lowered his wand. He took one last look at the mangled scene before pulling up his clock and concealing his face.

Ezekiel Seramore was dead.

***

Artemis ran through the dark forest.

She kept going despite being out of breath.

Giggling quietly as she ran through the tall trees. Her soft slippers became soaked as she trudged through the white snow, ignoring how numb her little toes became.

She had been looking through this forest for a while now. Without Binky noticing, she snuck out of her house through the back door.

It was only 9 pm on a cold winter's night, usually, she would've been asleep however her excitement didn't allow her eyes to shut.

The moon shined on the pathway that held frozen snow.

Her footsteps only increased as she walked further into the home that belonged to many creatures.

"Daddy, where are you?" she groaned as she looked around, pulling her dressing gown closer to her chest, she loved the cold, always had, but the weather had been a lot colder than previous years.

The crisp air made the hairs at the back of her neck stand, while goosebumps travelled their way through her small frame and appeared on brown flesh.

She huffed when she didn't hear a response and continued to explore. The birds were asleep, resting their voices so they could sing in the morning. Little shuffles of movements came from high in the sky.

When the wind picked up causing the snow that attached to the branches fall against the hood of her fluffy robe.

Stumbling over a huge log that was in her way, she narrowed her eyes at the object before kicking it so it rolled away, making her grin as she watched its retreating figure.

Continuing her journey, the sounds of the twigs gradually breaking reached her ears - the forest floor was full of them.

The little girl was slightly overwhelmed by the vast area, however, she embraced the feeling, it was a few days until Christmas day and she couldn't wait to spend it with her family.

Her house was full of bright lights that livened up the decorations that kept the furniture and walls company. She felt so giddy, so excited she wanted the magical day to hurry up and arrive.

Her father would be returning from a business trip soon, and although he wouldn't be away for long, it felt like an eternity for the little witch.

She needed the hug he promised to give since he always gave the best ones.

Artemis somehow felt drawn to the huge forest that lived near her humble abode.

She occasionally played there, observing the woodland creatures that called it home. She would sometimes see over fantastic beasts but they would shy away from her, worried that she would harm them.

She slowly built up a friendship with some of the beasts after they realized she wasn't as big of a threat as the other villains that walked amongst them.

Villains were everywhere, even hidden within the forest, waiting for their prey to appear.

The forest felt like a beckon and its invisible force tugged her out of bed. She knew how dangerous it was to be outside during this time of night, yet her mind allowed her to leave her manor, almost like she was compelled to come here.

All of a sudden the wind picked up almost knocking her backwards but she stood her ground despite the ache in her legs telling her to let go and fall.

The snow that once kissed her face, felt like it was smothering her, she could barely see.

She needed to see, she didn't feel safe anymore. She felt as if someone was watching her, and it couldn't be her father, despite wanting it to be.

She heard a loud crunch that came from behind her, she didn't bother to turn around, she started to run.

The ground shook with the heavy footsteps that grew nearer.

She kept on running; her heart felt like it was beating out of her chest, she didn't care where she was going as long as she didn't look back.

In her haste to escape whatever was causing the heavy footsteps rushing behind her, her heart was akin to that of a battle drum as it pounded in her ears, eyes welling with tears in the darkness that provided her with no comfort.

Suddenly, a shroud of darkness enveloped her and something reached out to grab her ankles, swiping the ground from underneath her as her tiny body toppled over what felt like a lump of rocks covered with soft fabrics.

She groaned and quickly turned her head around, no longer hearing anything, but her view was blocked by a body, that was concealed by another, wearing a black cloak.

Her jagged breath alerted the slender figure, causing it to make a haste escape, not before she saw its pale hand and an icy lock of hair.

Her brows furrowed as her heart pounded loudly, practically beating out of its cage.

But as she got up and went to move, she finally saw what it had been hovering over.

The body of a man. The body of her father.

He was lying there motionless, his eyes wide open, staring up at the moonlight sky.

The body was surrounded by the blood that once flowed within him. Insects from the forest seemed to be making their way to his corpse, wanting to feast away on his flesh.

Her jaw dropped at the way her father's flesh loosely hung from its skeleton. Tears flooded her eyes as the holes in his body gaped and allowed the vermin to crawl out.

A piercing scream ripped through Artemis' lips...

"Daddy!"

***

a/n:

this chapter really upset me. i was crying as i wrote the last part. dumbledore got me fucked up.

ezekiel mainly looked out for regular black back in his hogwarts days. he occasionally spoke to a few marauders but he and reggie had a special bond.

ezekiel was planning on getting sirius out of prison as a favour to reggie as well as put harry into a stable home. (he was unaware of the protection spell that lily potter placed on Harry only worked if he was in the care of a blood relative). part of him knew that sirius' case wasn't right, so he had informants at the ministry to tell him shit as well. zeke was very close to freeing him but dumbledore got in the way.

i also wanted to showcase another positive male figure in both draco and blaise's live that was taken away too soon. zeke's death impacted everyone, mainly lucious, celeste and arty.

i think zeke always knew he was going to die young, so he wanted to make sure his family was sorted out before his death. this is why he also didn't bother fighting back against dumbledore. he was at peace with dying, even though he left so many things unfinished. he was only angry that his daughter had to find him, but fortunately arty is gonna tie all those loose ends, in one way or another.

the similarities between zeke and nova was so strong. they both lost their apollo's. #justiceforezekiel.

and if you didn't notice, the last scene was taken from the first nightmare artemis had back in act one.

this was the last of the flashback chapters.

i also finished writing the last chapter for this act. artemis will face dumby in that chapter, I wonder how she gets justice...

hope you enjoyed.