Alastor silently counted the steps he took that led him down the basement. When he descended the last flight, his mouth quirked in a grin as he concluded that, like the hundred and fifty-eight steps, he'd find the same number of ways to kill his impersonator.

He looked up in time to see Professor McGonagall disappearing through the doorway, the door not quite shutting behind her. He pushed open the door, which creaked low and loud, and no one indicated that they noticed.

"Cornelius Fudge is on his way."

"Good ol' Fudgey! Here to save the day, is he?"

"Shut it, Crouch." Snape dug the wand tip into his cheek, but that only elicited a soft chuckle. McGonagall rounded on him, eyes blazing.

"You've told us everything, Barty. You've confessed, and now you'll be tried for the murder of your father, for the torture of Frank and Alice Longbottom, and let's not even start on your association with the Dark Lord. It's the Dementors' Kiss for your, Bartemius. Where's your lord and master now?"

"He has returned and he will reward me!" He spat at her. "Old fool! He will come, and you will wish for death when he's done with you!"

Moody fingered his empty coat pocket, wished kingdoms for a wand, and wondered what Dumbledore would do if he cast the Sectumsempra on Barty Crouch.Minerva McGonagall merely took her glasses off, and regarded the wild young man before her. Then straightened up.

"I can take it from here, Professor Snape." She looked to her left. "Albus, you'd best be seeing to Harry."

The old wizard dipped his head in acknowledgment. As the two men left, McGonagall kept her eye on Moody and her wand on Crouch.

"You might need help with him." He offered, gruff and unsure. What was he sticking around for, anyhow?

She smiled. "Thank you, Alastor. I should be fine."

Barty just smirked at her, tongue flicking out.

Alastor was about to make a move towards them when a cold breeze blew in from the open door. Hinges creaked as they iced over, frost crept up the wood and dug into the grain…

A shiver ran up his spine. This wasn't right. He watched as Barty went white and squeezed his eyes shut, throat working soundlessly as the air around them chilled.

Cornelius had arrived, and a Dementor along with him.