Chapter 7: Dawn of Justice

[Centurion]

Captain America was no stranger to fighting on empty. Bellatrix seemed confident, albeit flabbergasted, likely brought on by the apparent wear and tear her wraiths had brought upon Cap's companion and the young boy. That was her mistake. Sure, it was an expression to most people. But to Cap, it was a promise. If he had to, he would do this all day.

Vision floated towards the fallen boy, kneeling lightly beside him and scanning his ital signs. The diagnostic told Vision the boy would live, assuming Bellatrix was no longer capable of attacking him. The android carefully assisted Harry into the recovery position for the boy's safety.

"Captain Rogers," The Vision said. "My power reserves are depleted. I am relying on you to handle Bellatrix Lestrange while I tend to Harry Potter and my own lacking energy supplies."

"Copy that, Vis. I'll cover you" Captain America steeled himself, his body just barely cooperating, and faced Bellatrix.

His soul felt almost empty, something he attributed to the wraith-like entities they had clashed with just moments before. However, knowing that Bellatrix was corporeal and vulnerable brought him a level of relief. Cap was a man of simple needs; being able to land a solid right hook on the bad guy's jaw was one of those needs. He shook off the Dementor's lingering effects, focusing on his objective.

"Lady, you and I need to talk."

The witch grinned widely, her crackling crimson blade underlining the mania burning in her eyes.

"Truly? Oh my, to think such a strapping man would take an interest in little old me."

Lestrange closed the gap between them quicker than Cap expected and he barely had time to dodge to the side. The witch's saber slashed downwards, the arc passing an inch away from the Captain's face, its harsh red glow clashing with his cobalt armor. Bellatrix followed up with an upward slash, pivoting on her heel to face Cap. The Avenger turned, putting his shoulder behind his shield and ramming into his adversary's chest.

The force of the push sent Bellatrix careening backwards. She recovered, giggling madly. Cap reestablished his footing and glanced back at Harry and The Vision. The soldier knew he was in over his head, he just had to trust that Vision could take care of the boy.

With a powerful swing, Cap launched his shield at the woman. The disc hummed through the air, moving fast enough to become a red white and blue blur. Bellatrix barely managed to choke out the word "Protego" before the shield ricocheted off of her charm. Knocked off course, it reflected from the shield and flipped around before freezing mid-air. Bellatrix smiled deviously and aimed her wand at Cap.

"Oppugno!"

The shield shot back towards Cap, level with his neck. He jumped up, lining up the edge with his chest, and caught the shield. The momentum knocked the wind out of him and catapulted him backwards. He slid on his back for a moment before rolling over his shoulder to his feet. He hacked out a few coughs, flexing his lungs to make sure none of his ribs were broken.

Bellatrix, undaunted by the Avenger's feat of strength, twirled her wand gracefully, the saber trailing an almost ethereal red energy.

"Captain, I find it vital to inform you that the blade currently in use by your adversary is a highly condensed plasma coil entombed within a electromagnetic field. I is known to cut through almost any and all materials."

"Is that so?" Cap adjusted the straps on his shield, considering what that might mean for his 'right arm'.

Bellatrix giggled, twirling her wand. "Nervous? You should be!"

Cap would have to rely on his reflexes from here on out. Dodges and counter-attacks were his best bet to avoid the witch's saber. All he had to do was-

"Incendio!"

A cone of searing flame burst towards Captain America. He ducked beneath his shield, the wave of fire slamming into his shield. he managed to stay standing, the sweltering heat splitting around his vibranium disc. As the flames stopped, he stood up, ready to attack, only to see Bellatrix flying through the air, bearing down on him with her light saber.

Bellatrix's confidence as she laughed, diving towards Cap, ready to slash through him, was daunting to be sure. However, a crazy lady with a glowing stick wasn't exactly the worst thing Cap had ever dealt with. He lifted his shield over his head, against his better judgement, fully trusting his Proto-Adamantium companion to protect him.

With a manic screech, Bellatrix slashed her saber, the blade hissing loudly. The burning tube of plasma smashed into the shield... and halted. A split second of the two combatants assessing this event passed before Cap smirked.

"Well, what do you know."

He pushed back, deflecting the saber off to the side and leaving the witch wide open. The Avenger followed through, bringing the edge of the shield up under Bellatrix's chin. Sprawled backwards, her wand skittered out of her hand and across the hall floor.

Cap stepped over her, stooping to retrieve her weapon before walking back to Vision and Harry. He helped the boy to his feet, woozy as he was, and held out the wand.

"I think someone who knows how these doodads work should hold onto it for now.