AN: I don't own anything other than the character Ariadne.

CHAPTER ONE –

1st November, 1981

The fall of the Dark Lord had a major impact on the whole of the wizarding world. For many it was a joyous occasion, no longer having to live in fear due to their blood status and who they associated with. Others were glad due to not having to continue feeling the pressure of joining the cause, no longer having death eaters turning up on their door step threatening their loved ones.

However, there was a small number of wizards and witches who did not rejoice in his fall. Not all of these people were death eaters, a group of magical beings who were followers of the Dark Lord, with the most trusted followers baring the Dark Mark. These people felt the loss of their master, some more than others. They also felt fear, that they would face persecution for taking part in the cause. Others who were not actually part of the death eaters were upset that this powerful dark wizard had been defeated, as there was now no one to fight for their beliefs, that muggles, mudbloods, and blood traitors were a disgrace to mankind and should be eradicated.

Amongst the select few who were not official members but believed in the cause was Lady Ariadne Hecate Crouch. Having been brought up on a strict pureblood ideology and coming from a very ancient bloodline, the Malfoy's along with being the wife to Bartimus Crouch Jr. resulted in her having very close ties with death eaters from the Dark Lord's inner circle had a great influence on her beliefs.

'Barty?' called Ariadne, making her way to his bedroom. She had just come from sorting out a disagreement amongst the house elves, seen as her mother-in-law was too weak-minded to do so herself.

'Yes, Ariadne?' replied Barty, it was common for purebloods to be married off to strengthen family ties, much like the union of the Crouch and Malfoy families, however it was rare you would come across a couple who did care and love each other like Barty and Ariadne.

Ariadne had finally entered the room, perching herself on the edge of Barty's chest at the foot of his bed, while he eyed his bookcase searching for something.

'how are you doing, a-after what happened last night?' she says this shakily, she knows that even though Barty did love her, and had never harmed her, did not mean that he didn't have a temper, especially after the unexpected fall of his master.

Barty stops searching the bookcase, it is hard for Ariadne to distinguish what he was feeling with his back towards her, she only hoped he seen reason. Slowly turning towards her, after what seemed like an age, she could see that he was smiling, however the maddening glint in his eye made her worry.

'Why my dear Ariadne, I am glad you asked. You see, after of course hearing the devastating news, a few of us whom our Lord trusted most have decided to get some answers, therefore when the Dark Lord does return, he will see that we've tried to make his return as smooth as possible, so he can get straight to eradicating all of the filth in this world.' He started to laugh at the end of his sentence in glee.

Ariadne didn't know how to respond, she had thought that the Dark Lord was now gone for good after his fall at the Potter's, however it became clear that Barty knew something she didn't, but she did not wish to push him for answers so instead said to him;

'Alright love, as long as you're safe. When do you plan on going on this mission for our Lord?'

'In about two or three days, the actual mission may take much long, even up to a month depending. I am sure however whilst I am away you can keep this household running smoothly.'

'But Barty, I thought we decided…' Ariadne trailed off; she was scared how he would react if she reminded him about their discussion.

'Decided what Ariadne? Do hurry up dear I do have plans to organise, with only a little to complete them.'

'Well, I thought we had decided the other night that we were finally going to try to fulfil our marriage completely, a-and try for an heir.' Ariadne managed to stutter out the last of her sentence, since she was just a girl, she dreamt of the perfect pureblood husband, giving her a perfect wealthy life with an heir, even a few more children if they could, to keep her occupied and raise in the perfect pureblood image.

'Oh, not this again Ariadne, you will one day produce an heir that will carry on the name Crouch, but for now there are more pressing matters than getting you knocked-up.' Barty said, slowly running out of patience, he did not have time for this, he had to find the Dark Lord, and prove that he was his most loyal follower.

Being so enthralled with his plans, he did not see the hurt look on her face, not that it lasted long, growing up as a Malfoy she learned the importance of not showing emotion. However, that did not stop his passive comment from upsetting her. Her face returned to its cold, stoic expression, as she rose from the chest.

'Very well Barty, I shall see to it that the house elves organise anything you may need for your travels. Now I must return to running this household, seen as your feeble mother isn't doing much.'

Ariadne knew it was a low blow, however Barty has stung her badly, and he forget she knew exactly how to get him right back and press his buttons. He did not respond but he did glower at her retreating form as it exited his room.

That was the last time Ariadne would see her husband for over a decade, Barty Crouch Jr. was sentenced as being a Death Eater and torturing Auror Frank Longbottom and his wife to insanity along with Rabastan, Rudolphus and Bellatrix Lestrange after being ratted out by Igor Karkaroff. This turn of events led to Ariadne going down a very different road than what she had planned.