Chapter Text
Hadrian, with unerring accuracy and ease of a seeker's skill, snatched the Elder Wand from the air. As his fingers connected with the wand, all he could think about was the fact that finally, finally, it was over. Several things happened suddenly and in quick succession. Tom Riddle was clearly dead as his own Avada Kedavra rebounded and struck his snake-like face. Fleetingly, Hadrian's relief was interrupted by an internal voice that sound a lot like Sirius' irreverent snark, "Fucking Bastard". Those observing would later claim that Hadrian's vibrant green eyes glowed with power as a black stone and cloak appeared before him held in two bone white skeletal hands. The cloak settled itself on Hadrian's shoulders and the stone changed into a ring that could now be seen on his left hand. Finally, the remains of Tom Riddle crumbled into an ash-like dust and swirled rapidly as it reformed into a portal that flashed with internal violence. Before anyone could react, Hadrian was pulled into the vortex, disappearing with a final, almost silent pop, leaving chaos in his absence.
Meanwhile, in another time and place, an older man plunged a gnarled staff into the chest of a monster called Zerstorer. Having his vengeance for the deaths of almost every person he loved: Wu, Hank, Eve, Rosalee, Monroe, Adalind. His chest seemed to fill with a storm of grief and rage. Slowly, so slowly, he was able to refocus on the life-line that was his son. Nick would take time to grieve after ensuring Kelly, Diana, and Trubel were safe and whole. They were his priorities now. Nothing would stop him from keeping them together.
Gripping the staff and heaving his bruised body up, Nick began to make his way to Trubel and the cottage where Diana & Kelly were hiding. A slight breeze shifted the blond hair of Adalind where she lay in the mud. She was so still. Nick couldn't stop the overwhelming agony and loss that robbed him of breath. Stumbling to her, he knelt heavily. Dropping the staff, he gently gripped her hand. She was so cold. Closing his eyes, Nick tried to calm the rage threatening to overwhelm his mind. He didn't have time for this yet. Hatred filled him for a moment as he brushed against the cursed engagement ring. Just as quickly, it receded, leaving blankness in its wake. Removing the diamond, Nick threw it away in numb defeat. Breathing deeply, trying to brace himself to turn away from the woman he loved, he realized Trubel was silently watching.
Wait, Trubel! The staff brought her back, it could bring everyone back! "Please, please, please - let this work." Quickly picking up the staff again, Nick tried to articulate his hope to Trubel - but he was incoherent in his blinding, desperate hope. Before he could even try to save anyone, he was distracted by the sound of Trubel shouting a warning. The body of Zerstorer was crumbling into dust, then reformed into a wild vortex that looked exactly like the portal to the 'other place'. Panic built in his mind when the staff began to drag Nick toward the vortex. Trubel's scream was the last thing he heard as he lost the tug of war and was yanked into the portal.