stadium erupted in loud cheer as most of men lost their sense of control as they were visibly drooling.
Ron and Draco, in the VIP box were the worst and they were shouting and screaming at the edge of the box.
Hermione who had taken her seat next to Harry looked around in confusion. It was very rare for her to not know something.
"They are Veelas," explained Harry. "Basically, they are classified as creatures, similar to an elf."
Hermione's face turned disgusting at this while Harry continued.
"In reality, they are half humans. Normally they look like this… but when their emotions run high, they transform into half human with a bird appearance. They grow beaks and wings on their back."
"They have a strong affinity for fire oriented magic," added Harry.
"But their most powerful weapon in their allure," Harry completed gesturing towards the male. "Any male with a weak mindset will invariably be affected by their allure."
Hermione nodded in understanding as the mascots departed and the match officially began.
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Chapter 28: Encounter with Death Eaters
The 1994 Quidditch World Cup final proceeded as it had in Harry's previous life. Ireland, ultimately won the final even though the star of the game, Victor Krum caught the snitch.
Ron wildly cheered for Krum and as one would expect from a buffoon, he paid no heed to maintain some civility in the VIP box and neither his father had the decency to correct him.
Disorder and mayhem, after all were synonyms for the Weasley family.
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During the entire game, Harry had a small portion of his mind focused on the empty seat next to Winky, the house elf. Barty Crouch Jr. was seated on that place hidden under an invisibility cloak.
With the changes Harry had made, Voldemort had not been able to go through the memories of Bertha Jorkins. Hence, the dark lord was not aware of Barty Crouch Jr. being still alive and would not be breaking into the Crouch estate to have him freed.
And now Harry had to make sure that Crouch must find the dark lord if his name had to come out from the goblet. Even Harry would not trust someone like Peter to play the part that Crouch Jr. had played in his previous life.
It was entire possible that dark lord might had already sought someone else for the plan but Harry did not want to make assumptions.
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Using the chaos after the game got over and everyone started to leave the box, a small invisible spell left Harry's fingers and struck Crouch Jr. hidden under the cloak.
It was a simple spell only to make sure that Crouch Jr. was free of the imperious curse his father had placed upon him. And a small tracking spell on his body.
Another incident which Harry amused Harry was the twins asking for money from Ludo Bagman that they had won as the bet. Ludo Bagman stuttered some illogical arguments and ran away.
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Very soon the large group arrived back at their tent. The Weasley boys along with Harry shared one room while Ginny and Hermione went into another room.
The room had bunk beds placed in it and Harry took the same bed as in his previous life, the bed directly above Ron.
It was almost midnight and Harry was wide awake. He knew what was coming… and he was waiting for it.
The mark of start for what Harry was waiting came when a loud and shrill scream disturbed the tranquillity and peace of the entire night. It was a scream full of fear and horror. It was immediately followed by more screams and chaos had erupted at the camp site.
A smirk appeared on Harry's face as he vanished from his bed. He had used the self invented short distance teleportation.
When Harry reappeared next, he was in the middle of the campsite. In front of him, not far away, 13 people dressed in the complete attire of the death eaters were standing.
Each of them held their wand in the hand and were firing spells randomly in all directions. They were laughing and mocking as they were enjoying their exploits.
Hundreds of wizards and witches were frantically running trying to escape these death eaters. Harry could only shake his head at the cowardice. If everyone had the courage to even fire a simple disarmament charm… these people would have been, without any doubt, overpowered.
Harry took a step forward and, in an instant, arrived in front of these death eaters using another short distance teleportation.
Harry's appearance was completely altered. A long black robe was wrapping around Harry, which fluttered with the wind to give him an aura of majesty. A hood arising from the robe was covering his head till his forehead. The rest of his face was obscured by some kind of black mist. He was also wearing a pair of black gloves in his palms.
The only visible portion of hid entire body was his piercing emerald green eyes which were shining brightly in the darkness.
His presence, in an instant, attracted the attention of the death eaters as they stared towards Harry. His presence was heavy and the death eaters could feel the pressure on their bodies.
A feeling of fear and fright appeared in their subconsciousness as they struggled to stop themselves from stepping back.
"Who are you?" One of the death eaters questioned in coarse voice trying to keep a brave front.
Harry ignored the question as he took a step forward and all the death eaters stepped backwards.
"Could not stop yourselves?" Harry asked in a deep voice. "Even after your master… Voldemort is gone?"
The name brough a tingle of fear in their spine while Harry continued, "It seems you all have come to enjoy this scene…"
Harry spread his arms as he continued, "This scene of chaos… helplessness of people… their scream… shriek… their pain… suffering…"
"What do you know?" One of the death eaters argued back. "Our Lord will return back…"
Harry smirked, "Maybe… but you all won't see him."
With these words, a spell left Harry's wand. The death eater who had argued back did not have a chance to react as the spell struck his head.
With a popping sound, the head of the death eater was blasted open. Blood… small pieces of the muscles and brain… the eyes… everything splattered and landed on the other death eaters.
Everyone was horrified at the brutality and even the nearby spectators who had stopped to watch stammered back few steps in shock.
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Chapter 29: Harry's Brutality
The brutal act of Harry of blowing on their companion's head left every dressed up death eater in a state of shock, fear and horror. The frightening feeling which they had felt from Harry at the beginning came true.
Everybody took few steps back while Harry continued to press forward with a grin on his face though the smile was not visible.
The death eaters trembled in fear but ultimately the mind of one of them worked and in happiness he tried to apparate… but his happiness remained short lived as he failed at the apparition.
"Trying to run away?" Harry chuckled. "Just like your master… Voldemort."
"But sadly… I have already sealed this space."
"And you have only one way open… towards death," Harry's cold and grim voice echoed as he declared their date.
Seeing no other options, one of the death eaters braved himself and launched a red coloured spell towards Harry. Harry did not even bat an eyelid as he swatted the spell away.
With his wand raised, Harry jabbed it once again. The air started to be compressed near his wand and started to rotate. In moments, a vertical rotating whirlpool of air was formed. The size of the whirlpool was as long as 6 feet and almost 2 feet wide.
Harry jabbed his wand once again and in a blink of eye the whirlpool raced towards another of the death eaters. In fear, the death eater and with hope some of his companions fired quite a few spells at the whirlpool.
But the whirlpool was like a sponge and absorbed every spell in it and in front of the horrified eyes of the death eaters, another of their companion was consumed by the whirlpool.
It was a horrific site to witness. The body of the death eater was shredded to small pieces as the air current cut through him. Chunks of muscles, bones and organs soaked in blood splattered at the remaining death eaters.
Two of them had been killed with their blood and pieces of blood splattering on them. 11 more people remained. The last bit of the hope they had was vanished.
One of the death eaters buckled under pressure as he came crashing on his knees.
"My lord," he begged in desperation. "Please let us go…"
"It was no order from the dark lord… We were only doing it for fun," tears flowed from his eyes.
"I swear that we had no intention of killing any one… at most we would have caused some chao."
"Fun you say?" Harry's voice turned chilly.
Harry did not say anything as another spell left his wand. A stone lying on the ground was hit by spell and transformed into a spear. The spear penetrated the death eater's jaw and came piercing at the top of the head. Blood gurgled from his mouth as he was trying to beg once more.
Despair had filled the remaining death eaters as they surrendered themselves to death but to light up their lingering hope, accompanied by a sound of swirl, a group of aurors appeared. For the death eaters, the aurors were a sign of hop as getting arrested by them was a much better option than being killed by this monster.
Using their manipulations and lie, they were sure to get themselves released without any major consequences.
"Keep your wands away," a middle aged woman boomed as she surveyed the carnage with a frown on her face.
"Madam Bones," Harry smiled as he faced the aurors. "It is pleasure to see you."
"You know me," said Amelia with a neutral face.
She continued in a monotonous voice with her wands pointed towards Harry, "I have no sympathy for these death eaters… but you cannot kill themselves in front of me… Surrender yourself."
Harry chuckled, "Ah! Madam Bones… I truly admire you and your courage."
"After all, you are the rare few competent people among these fools," Harry added with a gesture towards the other aurors.
"But neither of you can stop me," he declared with a finality in tone.
Amelia was about to persuade more but her attention was abruptly diverted towards the green curse coming towards Harry. One of the death eaters had turned courageous. He used the opportunity of Harry's lack of attention and fired a killing curse at him.
Amelia's words of warning struck in her throat as Harry did not even turned and swatted away the killing curse from his wand when it was just about to graze his left shoulder.
"Even a thousand of you would not touch me," said Harry as he turned back towards the death eaters.
Harry raised his wand but Amelia shouted, "I cannot allow this…"
A disarmament spell left her wand…. but it did not reach Harry. Light rippled and a dome appeared enclosing the death eaters and Harry, with Harry at centre. The spell struck the dome and dispersed.
"I have sealed this space," said Harry as a red arc like spell left his wand.
The death eater who had fired the killing curse was struck by the spell and his entire body was vertically cleaved into two. Pieces of organs spilled on the ground and few of the aurors almost threw up at the gruesome site.
"What are you doing is not right…" Amelia shouted. Another spell left her wand… a bombarda maxima but this was again dispersed by the dome.
"This is evil," she added.
"Do I care?" harry laughed as another spell left his wand.
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Chapter 30: Harry's Brutality (2)
The spell from Harry's wand struck another of the death eaters and the man started to convulse. He took hold of his throat as he tried to take deep breaths but to no avail.
In no moments, the body of the death eater turned pale and started to dry while the death eater could only shriek in pain. Harry's spell absorbed every last bit of air and water from the death eater's body.
Moments later, the shrieks stopped and the death eater's body fell on the ground. Since the body was dry without even the slightest bit of moisture it broke apart like heap of dust.
"Stop it," Amelia roared from outside the dome. "Everyone…"
Following her lead, all the aurors launched spells on the dome but it was no avail. The dome remained firm… and all the spells were simply dispersed.
The remaining 8 death eaters were now truly hopeless but gathered their courage for one last time. As if some connection formed between them all the 8 death eaters simultaneously fired curses towards Harry, few of them being the jet green killing curse. They had a hope that the monster in front of them might be even struck by one of the spells.
Harry smirked and with a wave of his wand the ground in front of him trembled and a wall made out of stone emerged from the ground. All the spells landed on the wall and the wall exploded. Every killing curse was neutralised by the few remaining spells which were powerful enough to resist and the debris of the wall flew towards Harry.
Harry waved his wand once more and a green light flashed across his body. A magical shield was formed in front of him.
The debris and the spells landed on the shield. Not even a crack formed on the shield as spells vanished and the debris settled.
Harry shook his head and fired another spell. It was a summoning spell and what had Harry summoned- a massive pillar of stone above the head of death eater.
The pillar fell downwards and landed on two of the death eaters. Both of them were pressed and their bodies exploded by the sheer pressure from the weight of the pillar and ultimately turned into pulp.
"You all are not even giving me some fun," muttered Harry as he again waved his wand.
A massive spiral of fire erupted from his wand and moved towards the remaining death eaters. The spiralling fire struck 3 of the death eaters. A loud shriek erupted from them and no matter how much them convulsed or struggled, the fire did not reduce by a bit.
Outside the dome, Amelia Bones had her hands clenched. A look of frustration was etched on her face. Although, she had no love lost for the death eater, and would happy to kill them herself, it was frustrating to not able stop the carnage when she truly wanted.
On the other hand, a small fear had crept inside her mind. The power the mysterious man was wielding was truly exceptional. She did not want to provoke the mysterious man too much. With his capabilities, he could wipe all of them- herself and her aurors without breaking a sweat. Although, she had sensed no malice from the man towards her, she did not want to take a risk on mere assumptions.
"Now what spell to kill the 3 of you?" Harry muttered with one of his hands was placed on his chin; as if he was lost in some thinking.
"Yes, this would work just fine," he chuckled after a moment of silence.
Harry fired another spell from his wand and greyish coloured erupted from it. The spell after few moments split into two more parts.
The three spells struck the remaining 3 death eaters. The death eaters felt two opposing forces pulling their bodies. one force was pulling their heads while the other was pulling their legs.
They started to scream in pain but their scream was short lived as in next few moments, their body gave up to the force. The body of the 3 death eaters was torn apart into two pieces at their abdomen.
Organs spilled put from the body as it splattered on the ground. The spectators along with the aurors staggered back at the gruesome site. A lot of them could not hold any longer and they threw up.
After killing all the death eaters, Harry turned towards Amelia.
"Now what?" She asked in an agitated tone.
"Madam Bones," said Harry. "In reality, you should be thankful of me. After all, this is your duty as DMLE head."
"But… even if you caught them, I wonder if they would have truly been punished," he mocked. "After all they treat the ministry and its justice system as a prostitute."
Harry raised his right hand and waved bye and vanished from the spot.
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Chapter 31: Phantom Behind Harry
Harry vanished from the spot leaving behind a scene of utter brutality and carnage. With the source of magic- Harry being broken, the dome gave a final glimmer and vanished.
Amelia stood at her place her eyes narrowed towards the corpses… if it could be called that after the state Harry had turned them into.
An auror behind her stepped forward, "Madam Bones."
He was Rufus Scrimgeour, head auror.
"What do we do?" he questioned.
"I don't think a lot of people will be happy… that we let the man escape in front of our eyes after he caused such a carnage," he said with a hesitation.
Amelia stood in silence for few moments.
"Tell me, head auror Scrimgeour," she said. "Do you think that the aurors, you have brought would have been able to resist that man if he instead of being in that dome would have decided to attack us?"
An embarrassment flushed across Rufus' face as he looked towards his aurors. Half of them were barely able to keep them in control… the scene of wizards being killed in such a manner had left them nauseous.
"What do we do then?" He asked.
"Clean the battlefield," said Amelia. "Identify these death eaters who have their bodies intact and for the rest, see if some other method… like identifying their wands or any other thing can be used."
Rufus gave a nod and called few of the experienced member of his team. Amelia stood rooted in her place lost in her own thoughts.
While Rufus got busy in trying to salvage what he could from the corpses or whatever left of it, a murmur broke out in the crowd. They were chatting with panic in their voices.
Most of them had witnessed that brutality- the way the death eaters had been killed… destroyed… crushed. And a sense of fear had been etched into their hearts and minds from that moment onwards.
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When Harry reappeared, he was in the dense woods. Little bits of moonlight filtering through the trees dimly lighting the surrounding.
Not very far away from him an enormous mark- the dark mark- an enormous serpent- Voldemort's symbol was hovering in air.
Harry had apparated close to Hermione's location. Even in his previous life, Harry, Hermione and Ron had been found too close to the location from where the dark mark had been fired. And it seemed the same thing had happened again. He moved towards Hermione's direction in quick pace.
Moments later, Harry entered a small opening inside the forest. Inside the clearing, a similar situation which had had happened in his previous life was being repeated.
A group of wizards showcasing an aggressive behaviour were standing at one side. In the lead was Barty Crouch Sr.
Facing them were Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Ron was visible trembling in anger while Hermione had an expression of defiance on her face.
She was the first to locate Harry and she sighed in relief. Normally she would not have shown reaction but in the past month, she had grown to rely on Harry. His present would give her some measure of confidence, assurance and reliability.
"Harry," she said loudly and jogged towards him.
Harry nodded with a response as she jumped into a hug. Harry took hold of her and patter her back in a sense of security.
"Girl," a rough coarse voice brought Harry's attention back towards the little group of wizards.
"We are here asking you questions… are you trying to mock and ignore us?"
It was Barty Crouch who had stepped forwards towards Harry and Hermione. His face had a dangerous expression on her face.
Hermione, in Harry's arms, turned a bit stiff and was about to turn but Harry kept her in his arms.
Harry narrowed his eyes and glared towards Barty Crouch. He was about to further retort Hermione and Harry… he hated the brat- Harry but before he could speak a word more, an intense magical pressure erupted from Harry forcing everyone including Ron on their knees.
With a lot of effort, the group looked upwards towards Harry and their eyes widened in fear and shock as they witnessed the sight in front of them.
Barty trembled incoherently and he would have stumbled back in fear if not for the magical pressure restricting his movements.
In front of them, Harry stood with the same glare and Hermione in his arms. Behind Harry was the phenomenon to cause such a ruckus.
It was a phantom- phantom of an animal. It was a four legged animal and was pitch black in colour. The eyes of animal were glowing like blood rubies and it gave an ominous feeling- a feeling of death and suffocation. A pair of majestic and enormous wings were protruding from its back.
The animal was easily 7 feet in height while more than 10 feet in length while the wingspan was as long as 5 feet.
"Don't talk to her like this," Harry muttered slowly and his eyes glowed dangerously- emerald in colour.
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Chapter 32: Winky
"Don't talk to her like this," Harry muttered slowly and his eyes glowed dangerously- emerald in colour.
Barty Crouch Sr. tried to muster few words but he was incoherent. Rustling of the trees broke the awkward silence and the atmosphere. Everyone turned to see, another middle aged man walking inside the clearing- Arthur Weasley.
With his arrival, the phantom behind Harry vanished and the atmosphere returned to normal. The enormous magical pressure pressing down on Barty Crouch, Ron Weasley and the others also vanished.
Arthur was astonished to see everybody on their knees and he rushed first towards Ron.
"Ron?" He said with panic in his voice. "Ron… what happened? Are you fine?"
Ron struggled to stand up as he stammered, "Dad… I am fine… Harry…"
But Arthur did not hear him completely as he rushed towards Barty.
"Mr. crouch?" he helped the man to stand. "Are you fine?"
Barty Crouch kept quiet as he stood on his wobbling feet. Large beads of sweats had formed on his forehead and his entire back was drenched in cold sweat. His spine had chilled and he was trembling from fear.
The other wizards behind him followed suit while Arthur stood there with frown on his face.
Hermione now free of Harry arms also looked in confusion. From the questions, she understood something had happened but as her eyes had been closed, she had not witnessed anything.
"Ron, what had happened?" Arthur questioned as his eyes roamed between Harry and Hermione.
"Dad," Ron replied. "Me and Hermione were running from the campsite as you had told but suddenly someone not fired that mark."
"He was very close to us and we were frightened…" Ron shivered as he recalled the memories.
"And then suddenly they arrived…" Ron continued pointing towards Barty and his group. "And started to blame and question for the dark mark."
"Hermione explained that it was not us and someone from that side had used the incantation but they did not believe us."
"And then Harry arrived… and then I don't know," he muttered.
Arthur looked suspiciously towards Harry only to find an innocent expression on his face.
After a moment of thought, he turned towards Crouch.
"Mr. Crouch," he said. "I believe it was an accident magical outburst from Harry."
"Maybe seeing his friends in problem triggered his emotions and… we know that Harry is a powerful wizard," he added with a smile towards Harry.
Harry had the urge to roll his eyes at this but maintained his innocent facade.
Barty also nodded but his expression and body language were still stiff. Even though it seemed that even he believed in the theory of accidental magical outburst.
"Gentlemen," Arthur addressed to the entire group. "They are children… my son and his friends and I don't think they would even know what a dark mark is…"
"I think that you should look in the direction towards which my son and this lady points," he suggested awkwardly.
Barty after some hesitation gave a nod and three of the wizards went towards that direction.
"Dad," Ron said. "What about the attackers? Have they been caught?"
Arthur's expression fell at the question. He was coming here after just witnessing the scene of utter carnage and monstrosity. Even a slight recall of that memory made his nauseous.
"Dad," Ron again nudged.
"Yes, Ron, they have been…" he paused and added slowly, "dealt with."
Ron breathed a sigh of relief and his face relaxed, "Thanks, Merlin!!"
He was about to march towards Harry but the rustling of trees stopped him. The three wizards who had gone had returned and following behind them was a small elf. Winky.
"No…" Barty almost shrieked. "It can't be."
One of the three wizards stepped forward. He was Amos Diggory, father of Cedric Diggory.
"I believe she is your house elf, Mr. Crouch," he said with a firm tone.
"Yes…" Crouch rushed towards Winky.
"She had been found at the site and we found," Amos raised his left hand showcasing a wand in it. "A wand with her."
"Priori incantato," he muttered and a miniature serpent erupted from it. the miniature version of the dark mark. "The mark had been cast from this wand only."
Winky, who had been trembling the entire time squeaked in fright, "I did not do it. Winky did not do it. I do not know how to do it."
"Elf," Amos spoke with a glint in his voice. "Then what were you doing at the site? And with this wand?"
"Winky did not do it," she stammered in fear. "I was running… I was frightened."
Hermione could bear anymore and stepped forwards, "She speaks truth."
"I heard the spell incantation… it was nothing like her squeak. It was a deep male voice."
"And I don't think as an elf, she could use a wand," Arthur interjected.
Amos remained quiet at this and only looked towards Barty.
Crouch already in bad mood loomed over Winky and only he knew how he stopped himself from slapping the elf or firing few painful spells at her.
"I had ordered you remain in the tent," he almost roared. "Why did you run away?"
"Master… I was afraid… I was afraid," she cried and slapped herself.
"You disobeyed my order… clothes," he roared as he threw a handkerchief at the elf.
Winky fell to her knees and cried in desperation, "Master… please… Winky was afraid…"
Barty paid no heed to her and turned towards Amos, "Probably, we can find some clue from this wand…"
Amos shook his head, "I think it might be a stolen in the chaos… or picked up from somewhere after if might have fallen off from someone…"
Discussing their further strategies, the group of wizards walked away leaving Arthur, Ron, Hermione, Harry and a crying house elf in the clearing.
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Chapter 33: Percy's Blunder
After the group of wizards led by Barty Crouch Sr. departed, Arthur continued looking towards them till they were out of site. After they were gone, he turned to face Harry, Hermione and Ron.
"We should return back to our tents," he said.
Hermione seemed hesitant as she kept looking at Winky who was sobbing uncontrollably. Seeing her hesitation, Harry placed his hands around her arms.
"Why they have to go through all this?" She whispered softly. "Don't they have feelings… being slaved all their life and then being abandoned over a minor issue."
"I also don't like this system, Hermione," it was Arthur who spoke. "But such is their fate…"
"Don't worry about her," Harry comforted. "I will ask Dobby to take care of her."
Arthur raised his eyebrow, "Who is Dobby?"
"He was Malfoy's previous elf," said Harry without looking towards him. "I had tricked Malfoy in giving clothes to Dobby in the second year."
"After which he taken up work at Hogwarts."
Arthur nodded while Harry called for Dobby. The house elf appeared with a pop but before he could say anything Harry cut him across.
"Dobby," he said firmly. "Would you please help me in taking care of her."
He said as he pointed towards Winky. Dobby gave a nod, "Dobby is willing."
The elf walked towards her and took hold of Winky's hand and with a pop both of them were gone.
Hermione felt a bit of relieved but her mind was still strained and occupied about thought at the brutality meted out to house elves.
"We should move," said Arthur as he proceeded to move. The other three followed after him.
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They had walked some distance when Arthur voiced his thoughts which had been on his mind for quite some time.
"Harry," he said. "Where had you been?"
"When we woke up during chaos, you were nowhere to be found," he added.
Before Harry could answer, Ron also jumped in, "Yes Harry. Where had you been? After making us run in this direction, dad went to search for you."
"I had not been able to sleep properly and just few minutes before the attack, I had gone out for some air," he replied calmly. "When the attack happened suddenly, I instinctively ran towards wood."
Arthur nodded though his expression did not ease a bit. But Harry was not over.
"But Mr. Weasley," he said. "Why did you send Ron and Hermione into the woods that too alone?"
"Was is not dangerous?" Harry emphasised.
Arthur was caught off guard at this question. He really did not know what to reply in answer as he had not given much of a thought when he had sent the duo in the woods.
An embarrassed expression flashed across his face.
"I did not think that much at that time," he said in a low voice. "But probably because the attackers have come from that direction, I thought maybe the woods would be safer."
Harry did not reply at this and merely continued to walk in silence.
They soon arrived back in the tents and since it was already dawn, all of them remained awake. The entire camp site remained in a buzz of activity and it was as if a current of excitement was flowing through the camp site. The news of the massacre had spread widespread and it was the hot topic of discussion.
No matter how much Arthur tried to shield his children and Harry and Hermione from the news, they eventually got the wind of it.
The entire group was sitting outside the tent waiting for the day to properly begin.
Bill and Charlie maintained a solemn expression. They understood very well the wave this incident was going
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," he continued. "Instantly, the area surrounding us was lit up by a greenish glow and the dark mark floated in area."
Arthur nodded in gesture to continue. Although, this was not the important part, he wanted to hear, he did not interrupt Ron. Knowing the character of his youngest son, Arthur was not sure if his slight 'foolish son' could recall all the things correctly.
"I was so frightened and we were about to run when those men along with Mr. Barty Crouch apparated to our location," said Ron. "I thought that he would recognise us… but instead he accused us of firing that spell."
"He was even so extra rude and harsh towards Hermione when she vehemently denied that accusation," Ron added with a slight fearful expression still recalling those intense moments.
"I believe that Mr. Crouch even threatened her with arrest."
Arthur nodded and he could expect nothing more than Barty Crouch Sr.
Crouch Sr. was not a death eater and even more was on the forefront in getting the death eaters punished after the fall of the dark lord, even putting his own son into Azkaban by his own hands but those he truly knew Crouch Sr. understood that he was as pureblood supremacist as any other person.
Along with this, he had special hatred for Harry Potter so his attitude towards a muggle born friend of Harry Potter was not very surprising.
"What happened next?" Arthur asked. This was the point of the story he was in anticipation for.
"Yes," Ron stressed on his brain. "Harry arrived at the same moment and Hermione immediately ran towards him and hugged him."
When Ron mentioned this an expression of jealously… hatred flickered on his face. Arthur also nodded. The close relationship between Harry and Hermione was clearly visible and it was not as if they had tried to keep it a complete secret.
"I think Mr. Crouch did not took being ignored like this in a good way," Ron continue. "He pointed his wand towards them and said something about mocking him…"
"But then suddenly it was like a mysterious force appeared and all of us except Harry and Hermione were forced to our knees," said Ron with a tremble.
"Harry then said something… I did not understand."
He continued, "Somehow when I raised my head, a phantom enormous animal was standing behind Harry."
"It was…" Ron tried to describe but Arthur cut him off.
"Pitch black in colour," Arthur said his eyes wandering towards the sky. "With glowing red eyes… and a pair of enormous wings on its back."
Ron faced turned of shock, "Dad… how do you know this? DO you know what that animal was?"
"Can I do it too?" Ron added.
His face turned fearful as he described.
"When it appeared, it was like I felt…" Ron faltered as he did not have the words and IQ to describe the feeling.
But Arthur knew very well, "It was like was death it was staring at you."
He continued, "It was like death any moment could graze you… It was like that death at moment would touch you… It was like death any moment would take you away. It was like the entire surrounding screamed of death… about death… about its greatness."
"It was like you want to worship death," he said. His expression was of extreme fear and beads of cold sweats had formed on his face.
"It was like you willingly want to offer yourself to death," Arthur concluded and his hands were shaking.
"Yes, Dad," said Ron. "It felt like as you described."
"What is it dad?" He pestered for answer. "You must tell me… And can I also learn this?"
But Arthur was too preoccupied in his thoughts.
"I hope you are right… Albus," Arthur muttered to himself. "Otherwise… we are all doomed."
"You have been playing with fire, Albus," he continued muttering. "It will engulf us all."
"Death is the new path," said Arthur. "Is what, after all, Potters used to say and laugh."
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Chapter 36: Barty Crouch Jr.
(Few Minutes Earlier)
After Harry and Hermione disappeared from the Quidditch World Cup final campsite using the portkey given to him by Arthur, the duo appeared in Diagon Alley. Having travelled through for the 3rd time, Hermione much better and had no visible discomfort.
The alley was bustling with liveliness as usual but it was clear that news of the death eaters' attack previous night and their subsequent massacre had already traversed. The undercurrent… the apprehensions… anxiety and fear were being clearly felt.
"Should I drop you home, Hermione?" Harry asked. "Or your parents would be coming to pick you up at someplace?"
"No…" Hermione shook her head. "I had told them that someone will drop me. They would not be coming."
Harry nodded and with another twist of space the duo vanished from the spot. When they reappeared next, they were in an alley next to Hermione's house.
Hermione looked longingly at Harry. In response he smiled and pulled her in a hug wrapping his arms around her.
"Few days more," said Harry reassuringly.
Hermione gave a muffled nod while she pressed her face further into his chest, "Hmmm."
"Harry," she said turning her face upwards and facing Harry directly.
Understanding what she wanted, Harry leaned forwards and captured her lips. Hermione also raise her toes and was quite aggressive as she sucked Harry's lips. Harry pressed her even closer and the duo shared a long kiss.
After a reluctant moment, the duo separated.
"Harry," said Hermione. "Those words that Percy mentioned… You know about them."
Although it was like she was asking a question but she was making a statement. Harry nodded in response.
"Wait till Hogwarts," he said. "It will take a long explanation."
Hermione pouted, "Everything I have asked you in last 2 month, you have said…"
She made an exaggerated face mimicking Harry, "Wait for Hogwarts…"
Harry gave out an awkward laugh, "And now not much days are left…"
Hermione though pouted in annoyance did not press the issue further. She gave one last look towards Harry, "Bye, Harry."
"Bye, Hermione," said Harry and she walked towards her house.
Harry stood there gazing towards her till she was completely inside her house.
"Time to capture another rat," said Harry as he vanished form the spot.
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Barty Crouch was sitting in a small inn, located in a small magical community inside Magical Britain.
It had been years since he had been free of imperious curse for such a long time. He loved his mother… his father too for all what his parent had done to rescue him from Azkaban. But he equally hated the man.
His father had never been able to understand the greatness of the dark lord. Just because, he had suffered some set back did not mean that the dark lord would not return. The dark lord would return.
After his father had brought him back from Azkaban, Barty Crouch Sr. had wanted to go on a quest to find his dark lord. But the fool his father was… ignorant of the dark lord's powers did not agreed. A confronation broke out between the father and the son duo. The result- the son, Crouch Jr. was captured and put under imperious.
Since then, his father had been keeping him under a constant imperious curse allowing only momentary relief that too in a controlled manner. Winky, the house elf was one who took care of him all those years.
But yesterday, an opportunity came knocking on his doors. Winky, following his late mother's last wish to always care for him persuaded Crouch Sr. to let his son out… to allow Crouch Jr. to come to the Quidditch world cup final.
The imperious cast on him, for some odd reasons, was suddenly neutralised and he found himself free of the curse in the VIP room.
And the moment he was freed, his eyes caught the sight of his greatest enemy- Harry Potter. Oh! How he had willed to kill that half blood then and there but he resisted his uncontrollable desire. He understood that he was weak… and without a wand, hence he had no chance of success.
Even so, he kept his cool and bid his time till the midnight. In the darkness of the night, he made his escape.
And to surprise, he found few individuals dressed in the prestigious death eaters' robe causing havoc. But Crouch Jr. was not someone to be fooled.
He did not take a moment to know that this was not an attack ordered by the dark lord. They were people, who merely wanted to enjoy themselves in the name of the dark lord.
Fortunately, he found a wand… some idiot wizard or witch might have dropped in the curse. With the wand, he fired a dark mark to scare away those idiots and quickly made his escape from that place.
He chose an isolated location to hide. This was already by an isolated place and also his memory would have long faded from public's memory. It was almost impossible that someone would recognise him here.
He was still deciding his future course of action… whether to kill Harry Potter or search for the dark lord when he read the newspaper of the day.
'Mayhem at Quidditch World Cup Final.'
'13 individuals dressed in Death Eater Robes massacred by a mysterious individual.'
'Is the mysterious individual a protector or another individual another blood thirsty monster?'
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Chapter 37: Barty Crouch Jr. (2)
The news headline came as a shock to Barty Crouch Jr. head had escaped the campsite and thus was not aware of carnage Harry had caused.
In a shocking series of events, firstly, in the midnight after the Quidditch world cup final was concluded, 13 individuals dressed in robes of death eaters', the same robe which had been a symbol of murders, pillage and suffering during the first wizarding war, launched a sudden attack on the camp site. More than a dozen people were injured by their attack but fortunately no causality has been reported so far. A state of panic and chaos ensued at the campsite.
DMLE led by Amelia Bones was too late to respond to the attack but someone else made a dramatic entrance.
This abrupt attack was then suddenly halted when another masked individual made a sudden appearance. What followed after this was utter carnage… massacre. Those people were not simple killed… they were torn apart… they were crushed… they were shredded.
The killing of the 13 people was so brutal that it is hard to put in the words. Except one wizard who had been impaled by a spear through his jaw, none of the 13 people had their corpses intact.
The article then went to elaborate the battle and what followed after that.
These series of events raise a lot of questions? Who were these 13 individuals? What was their motive? Why were they dressed in that particular robe? Do they have some form of connection with the 'dark lord'?
Neither the DMLE head nor the minister of magic have answers to any of these questions.
More importantly, who was that another mysterious individual? His motives are even unclear. The way he killed people… is he a good human? Or some another blood thirsty monster?
Do we even had an idea that a monster with such powers was roaming among us? An auror, on condition of anonymity accepted that their group despite having the DMLE head and head auror were no match for that man.
And once again, neither the DMLE head nor the minister of magic have answers to any of these questions.
In the centre of front page, surrounded by articles on all sides was large moving image of Harry Potter. The picture, obviously, had been extracted from the memories of one of the spectators.
While none of the facial feature of the man was clear, Harry's blazing eyes were clearly visible.
Barty read the article very carefully and studied the man even so carefully. Even from the moving image, Barty could feel fear and unease creeping inside him when he looked at the eyes.
He let out a deep sigh as he called, "Get me some tea."
The inn he was sitting in was a small one with not more than few tables. Since, it was early morning, the inn was empty other than one server.
Having no reaction from the server, Barty raised his head from the newspaper to look around.
Words struck in his throat and he gasped for air. Sitting across him was the same man from the newspaper. His face was still not visible as the incoming rays of the rising sun were glowing on Barty's eyes but even with his squinted eyes, Barty could see those eyes… those blazing eyes.
"Enjoying the morning newspaper with a tea," said Harry. "Quite a hobby you have, Mr. Crouch."
Barty squinted his eyes even more and tilted his face to make out the silhouette of the man sitting in front of him.
"Harry Potter…" muttered Barty with an immense shock. His eyes roamed from the newspaper to Harry's face as he tried to confirm and process the reality which was striking him in his face.
"Yes," said Harry with an amused expression. "That is me…"
Barty instinctively raised his wand and fired a curse towards Harry. Harry did not even falter and simple raised his index finger. A transparent magical shield was erected in front of Harry which absorbed Barty's spell.
"Do you fool not learn?" Harry said pointing his finger towards the newspaper. "You are no match for him."
"I am trying to have a civil conversation, Mr. Crouch," said Harry. "Won't you oblige me?"
In normal condition, Barty might have loved to have a 'conversation' with Harry Potter but after the news he had read and now witnessing Harry sitting in front of him, his blood had turned cold.
Another spell left his wand and he did not even witness to see the result as he apparated away from the inn.
Harry swatted the incoming curse with a backwards wave of his palm. He raised one of his eyebrows when Barty disappeared from the inn.
"I should have sealed this place," said Harry.
Harry too vanished from the inn as his words echoed, "Making me do extra work."
Barty after apparating had appeared in the nearby woods. He had breathed a mouthful of air to calm his nerves. He was just preparing himself for a long distance apparition when the space twisted in front of him and Harry appeared with a smiling face.
Before Barty could say another word, a spell struck his chest and he was rendered unconscious.
Similar to what Harry had done to Peter Pettigrew, Harry invaded Barty's mind as he set his plan once more in motion.
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Chapter 38: Snape's Shock
The sun had just illuminated the majestic castle of Hogwarts. Its overstretching green grounds were glowing gold in the sun rays.
In the top most tower of Hogwarts, an old man with very long beards had enjoyed his tea and had just placed his teacup on the table.
Albus Dumbledore then just noticed a certain presence across the door and he said, "Come in."
The gate opened and a man dressed in fluttering black robes entered the room. The hair of the man was greasy and a hate inducing smirk was present on the man's face.
Dumbledore smiled warmly on the man's arrival, "Ah! Snape. Have a seat."
"Want to have some tea?" Asked Dumbledore.
"No, thank you, headmaster," said Snape with his iconic sneer as he took the seat opposite Dumbledore.
Dumbledore merely twinkled his eyes and with a wave of his cup vanished the cup from his table.
"I believe," said Snape. "That you did not call me so early in the morning as to offer me some tea."
"Always the impatient one," said Dumbledore.
"Have you seen the news?" Dumbledore asked pointing his finger towards the newspaper lying on the table.
Snape gave a side glance at the newspaper.
"I have, headmaster," he said. He did not say any more. Snape after dealing with Dumbledore for years had learned to speak only what asked. Nothing extra.
"Hmm," remarked Dumbledore seeing no more opinion coming from Snape. "What is your opinion?"
"On what?" Snape asked with a smirk. "On the attack by the death eaters or their killings…"
Dumbledore shook his head with a sigh.
"Around an hour ago," said Dumbledore. "Arthur Weasley paid me a visit."
"I was genuinely surprised by his visit as he should have been accompanying his children to the Quidditch World Cup final," continued Dumbledore. "It turned out that it was something important that he could not wait."
Snape continued to stare Dumbledore in silence.
"Arthur did not talk much as his children were still waiting for him at the campsite," continued Dumbledore leisurely in his style, taking his sweet time to come to the main topic.
"He gave me two memory vials," continued Dumbledore. "One belonging to him and another to his youngest son, Ron Weasley."
"If you would," said Dumbledore gesturing towards the vial which had now miraculously appeared on the desk.
Snape gave a nod and picked up the first vial and immersed himself in the pensieve placed in the corner of the office. Moments later Snape emerged from the pensieve with an incredulous expression on his face.
"What do you think now, Snape?" Dumbledore asked with amusement.
"Who is he?" asked Snape with a shock. He had read in detail the brutal nature of the mysterious man and how he had massacred the whole lot of death eaters but witnessing that man him direct in action made Snape realised how much he had underestimated that man.
"A dangerous man," remarked Albus. "A very dangerous one. And a mysterious one."
"Even the top wizards in our world cannot take on him," said Snape. "Only the elite among the elites like you, dark lord, professor McGonagall can take him."
"Probably," said Albus not commenting on this matter.
"I won't last more than few minutes against him," said Snape. Although he was a great wizard and master of offensive and defensive spells of both dark and light kind, and even if he was narcissist fellow, he knew his limitations.
"What about the ministry?" Snape asked.
"Well…," said Dumbledore. "I do not have much information about their response. But according to Arthur, the ministry has not been able to arrive at a conclusion."
"The voices in the ministry are too many and too diversified," added Dumbledore. "Also, the identity of the people who have been killed is sensitive."
"The pure blood faction would be seething seeing 13 of their kind having been killed," Dumbledore concluded.
Snape gave a nod in understanding.
"Why don't you look at the second memory?" Albus suggested.
"What is in this?" asked Snape as he picked up the vial.
Dumbledore remained quiet as Snape once again immersed himself in the pensieve.
Moments later Snape emerged from the pensieve but his expression of pure shock… and fright. He had his eyes bulged.
Snape's hands… almost his entire body was trembling in fear. He gasped for air as he somehow seated himself back on the chair.
"What is this?" Snape asked. His tone was horrified.
"You know yourself, Snape," added Dumbledore with amusement flickering in his eyes. "After all you had a very close encounter with it."
"The crest of Potter family… the family magic of house Potter," said Snape in shock. "Why does that brat have it?"
"Ah! You surely would know," said Dumbledore. "After all, Charlus Potter had used it to almost kill you."
Snape reeled back in fright at the mention of the incident.
Dumbledore continued, "And why won't Harry have it?"
"He is a Potter after all," he smiled. "And a powerful one too… Not many days have passed since he had cast the corporeal Patronus."
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Chapter 39: A Memory Fragment of Snape
Snape did not hear the last line what Dumbledore said about Harry being a Potter. Instead, he was transported to one of the very vivid memories hidden inside his mind.
This was a memory he wanted to delete from his life and being an expert in mind arts, it was possible for him to completely suppress that specific memory, but he could not bring to do so. It was a memory which would always remind him of his powerlessness… The arrogance he had developed about being a powerful wizard had been crushed that very day.
It had been not too long after he had graduated from Hogwarts. With the knowledge he had mastered in dark arts during Hogwarts' years and his expertise in potion brewing, Severus Snape had risen very quickly in rank among the death eaters.
He held as great as command and respect as Lucius Malfoy who had not only graduated few years earlier than him but was also in lead in providing resources to the dark lord. Malfoy family was rich after all.
He rembered the day very clearly. The dark lord had assigned a very important mission- which was to ambush a certain person, more specifically a couple- Lord Charlus Potter and his wife Dorea Potter nee Black.
The dark lord had wanted to bring the Potter family into his fold asking them to commit certain resources towards him. But Charlus Potter had clearly refused and he had done so with a complete insult and disdain towards the dark lord.
The dark lord was furious and hence decided to kill the Potter lord and his wife. The dark lord wanted to show the world, the consequnces if someone opposed him.
A team of 24 death eaters- each better than an average wizard and few could even be called geniuses- were selected for the ambush.
Charlus Potter along with his wife had made a tour to small magical community to pay a visit to the Potter businesses. The couple was returning back when they were ambushed. The space had been sealed to prevent the couple from escaping.
Snape, though always cool, composed and calculating was somewhat emotionally connected with this mission. He hated James Potter… he hated everything related to him… he hated the Potter family and the prestige they commanded.
And this was an opportunity when he could settle some score with the Potters.
But alas, all this had been a mere pipe dream.
Charlus was unlike James. He was as tall as James if not more but his frame was sturdier. Unlike James, who had arrogance, bordering conceit etched on his face, Charlus had a natural confidence in him.
His mere presence commanded authority and Dorea was no less. A proper daughter of Black family, she had her own charm… her own brutality and power.
Charlus Potter and Dorea Potter despite being cornered did not even flinch.
The couple had battled relentlessly and furiously. Snape had believed that, 24 death eaters was overkill for only two people but then he had realised his mistake.
Charlus in a devasting show of power had summoned the Potter family magic… the same magical black beast with the same glowing red eyes. His wand that day had spewed fire and death for death eaters. And his wife had matched him equally in the battlefield.
Even though the mission had been successful, Snape had felt no delight. He had only felt fear. Charlus Potter and Dorea Black had been killed but the death eaters had paid a price.
Of the 2 death eaters that had participated in the ambush, only 3 had survived including Snape. Even the remaining trio, had been heavily injured and maybe if one or more stroke of luck had been on Dorea and Charlus' side, the result would have been different.
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"Snape," Dumbledore's voice brought the potions professor back from his memories.
"Lost in memories," Dumbledore said with amusement.
Snape took breaths and composed himself.
"How can he wield it?" Snape asked. "He is not even registered the Potter family wards. Nor does he have any idea about it."
"You had made sure that Harry Potter had not been registered in the wards?" Snape questioned with a suspicious tone.
"Yes, Snape," Dumbledore sighed.
"Even after all these years you don't trust me," Dumbledore added with his 'I am disappointed in your' expression.
Snape scoffed but did not say anything.
Dumbledore continued, "Family magics are not so simple as connection or disconnection with the ward would dispel it."
"It is a very complex connections and weavings of magic and very powerful," Dumbledore added with a grave face. "In an emotional state… when Harry did not have any options, it not too rare for the family magic to manifest itself."
"There is a reason why people fear the family magics, especially of families like those of Potter," Dumbledore sighed.
"To completely remove the influence of family magic is a tough thing to do," said Dumbledore. No one knew if he was speaking specifically for Harry or for the wizarding Britain as whole.
"But how can Harry still manifest that magic?" Asked Snape in whisper. "You had bound his magic… then how is he so powerful?"
All the twinkle and smile vanished in an instant from Dumbledore's face. His eyes were stern and cold. A magical pressure erupted from him and his aura immediately skyrocketed.
"There are things which cannot be imposed casually just because you have knowledge about them," said Dumbledore.
Snape also knew that he had crossed a limit here as he muttered, "Yes, headmaster."
"You can leave now," said Dumbledore and without a word Snape left the office.
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Chapter 40: Bathsheda Babbling
After Snape left his office, Dumbledore continued to stare into void as if wondering something.
"When did Hermione and Harry got so close?" Dumbledore mumbled to himself. "I don't think that they were so close last year… perhaps when they used the time turner, they might have experienced something."
"Even so, this is not a good thing," he muttered still lost in thought. "I cannot overly rely on Ron… he is a fool throughout."
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On the other hand, Snape who was returning to his quarters was also lost in his thought.
His mind was wondering two things. First was obviously the encounter he had had with Charlus Potter.
"From that day, I have become many times so powerful," Snape muttered. "Probably even half a dozen of current me would still fail to take him down."
The second thing Snape was wondering was the unusual closeness between Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Although, neither he nor Dumbledore commented on this, Snape knew that the old man must have noticed this phenomenon. But Albus Dumbledore wanted in this regard, Snape had no idea. No matter, how much of a useful pawn Snape had become for Dumbledore, the old cunning headmaster would never place all his eggs in one basket and will neither show all his cards to someone.
While Snape was still lost in his thoughts, a certain professor was coming from the opposite direction. Since less than 2 weeks remained for opening of Hogwarts most of the professors had already remained back to prepare for their classes.
She was a black haired witch- professor of ancient runes; Bathsheda Babbling.
She sneered seeing Snape, "Professor Snape."
"What thoughts are you lost in," she asked with a contempt. "Probably trying to find out new methods to torture Harry Potter?"
Her mockery for Snape was as clear as a bright day.
"Ah! Professor Babbling," Snape was no less contemptuous. "Frustrated, are we?"
"Well, I can understand it," he continued. "Your family is going downhill after all…"
"Without the support of the Potter family and their house magic, you are losing your powers," he smirked.
"You need not worry Snape," Babbling said arrogantly. "3 more years before Harry Potter take up the Potter lordship… at that time, I will love to see your bat like face."
Snape chuckled but did not respond and merely walked away. On the other hand, a frown had appeared on Babbling's face. Even though she had declared about Harry Potter taking up the lordship, she herself was not sure.
Harry Potter, it was a public knowledge, was in Dumbledore's pocket. James had not taken up the lordship after Charlus Potter had died due to Albus' advice. What gurantee is that Harry would not do the same? Even if he took up the lordship, what guarantee is that Harry would operate independently of Albus' influence.
At least, at that time, she would have some powers to do something about it. Not bound and helpless as she was now.
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Voldemort was sitting on his large chair was lost in thought. Less than two weeks, remained for Hogwarts to open and another 2 months for the official start of the Triwizard cup and he not been able to design his plans to resurrect himself.
He had an outline plan in place but he needed someone competent for the job; not like the useless Peter Pettigrew.
Every moment he was getting more irritated and angrier when a certain presence was felt outside his hiding.
It was the usual Peter Pettigrew back after collecting the supplies- mostly milk which he needed to remain alive, but he was not alone. He had someone else with him.
Voldemort's grip tightened on the wand and Peter strode in leaving the man outside the wards.
"My lord," Peter kneeled as soon as he entered the hall. "I have brought someone… someone whom you would love to see. One of your loyal servants."
Voldemort did not say anything and activated the dark mark on Peter's arms. A burning sensation spread across Peter's arms as he clutched it screamed in pain.
"My lord…" he cried.
The pain vanished in a moment. It was a failsafe; Voldemort had designed in his dark mark. It made sure that none of his servant were being controlled by someone else.
"Who is it, Peter?" He questioned hoarsely.
"My lord," Peter replied happily. "You would be please to see him… allow for the wards to allow him to enter him."
"My lord," Peter added hastily. "He also has the dark mark."
He did not want the dark lord misunderstand his intentions.
"Very well," said Voldemort. "Tell him to uncover his dark mark and enter the wards."
Peter ran in haste and told the man- Barty Crouch Jr. to uncover his dark mark. Doing as told, he entered the ward when the burning sensation spread across his arms.
But unlike Peter, he neither cried nor clutched his arms. Barty knew that this was merely his lord's way of testing his reality. And for his lord, he was willing to suffer many times more pain than this.
Soon, the pain subsided and with confident strikes, Barty Crouch Jr. entered the house.
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Chapter 41: Voldemort meets Barty Crouch
Crossing the gate, Barty Crouch Jr. entered the hall of the house only to have his eyes widened in shock.
The disgusting… the hateful childlike appearance of his powerful dark lord was too much for him to bear.
He collapsed on his knees, "My lord…"
Voldemort very had expected this kind of reaction and was not very much shocked by it. Voldemort himself hated his pathetic… his powerless state. The state he had reduced since that fateful day… how could he not abhor it?
But even so, he could not appear weak in front of another loyal servant… especially a servant who was capable. He could not afford to lose the faith these death eaters had in him.
"Shocked, Barty?" Asked Voldemort with a small laugh.
"My lord…" was the only words which Barty could muster.
"Do not fret over these trivial things, Barty," said Voldemort.
"Trivial things?" Barty interrupted Voldemort.
Although Voldemort hated being interrupted like this, he kept his composure.
"Yes, Barty