She looked up at Erikson, tears now flowing, no end in sight, no voice to speak with. She turned and saw Alex's wand in hand, his knuckles going white. She stood and placed herself in front of Erikson... to protect Alex, not the professor. As good as Alex was, he would never win in a duel with Erikson... let Alex think what he may.

Granted Cassandra being 5'4 and Erikson over a foot taller, she didn't cover much of him...