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Death of a Curse Breaker

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General Disclaimer: Not mine, yadda, yadda, belongs to some British woman, yadda, yadda, don't sue.

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"Are you ready, mate?" Charlie asked his brother, punching his shoulder in a familiar gesture.

Bill grinned back at him. "I've been ready," he announced confidently as he looked in the mirror and combed his hair carefully. "I'm pretty lucky to be marrying Fleur." His smile faltered a bit as he stopped concentrating on his hair and looked instead at the scars marring his face.

"Nobody's going to notice that," Charlie told him. "They'll all be looking at your little Veela."

Bill had to laugh. It was the truth -- Fleur was beautiful. But still... a thought crossed his mind and he began rummaging in the dresser until he found his dragon fang earring. He'd show the world he wasn't hiding the scars of battle. Besides, Fleur had told him he looked dashing with them, dangerous. And then she had proven how much she liked dashing, dangerous men. Or at least one of them.

Standing there in his dress robes, Bill figured he would give her what she wanted and began to put the jewellery into his right ear when he reconsidered. Fleur would be standing on his left. At least the earring had a sharp point to it. He transferred it to his left side and pushed the point through the fleshy lobe.

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Fleur was still crying when Tonks made her way over to Shacklebolt. Molly had been sedated and Arthur was sitting in the corner, holding a cup of tea that he did not drink. And Ginny had been so upset by Bill's death, that she ran out of the house with Ron, Hermione and Harry quickly following.

"Tonks," Kingsley greeted sombrely. His eyes looked a trifle red, but Tonks did not mention that. He would have only pointed out her eyes were red and swollen as well.

Tonks waited until he closed the notebook he had been writing in. "It's a tragedy," she said in a low voice. "On his wedding day." Her hair, usually a shocking pink, was now ash brown.

"He should've thought," Kingsley responded in a near whisper. "Werewolves should never wear silver jewellery."

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Author's Notes: Yes, I do have some sick, demented little bunnies running around. Rest assured, this one is now dead. I do believe it was a were-rabbit; it did not survive toasting with a silver fork.