Chapter 10 – Dark Plans

24 August 1994

The nights had been gloomy in Little Hangleton since August began.

In every moment, a mysterious and chilling fog surrounded the very large, damp and derelict Riddle Manor, on the hill. Everyone avoided that mansion as if they would die in the next day. The most disturbing and frightening thing was the lights from one single room, despite the manor had been supposedly abandoned for a long time. This same room was being used by a Dark Lord, his pet and a servant.

The Dark Lord's name was Tom Marvolo Riddle or, as he preferred, Lord Voldemort. He was definitely not good looking or friendly. His body did not look human, it was sickly and undeveloped, like a grotesque baby.

The Dark Lord's pet was Nagini, a long and green female snake. She was satisfied with her current habitations. Just the previous day, she ate fresh meat from a disgusting Muggle gardener, who the Dark Lord had had the pleasure to eliminate from the world. The servant was Peter Pettigrew, the Traitor.

'M-my L-Lord, I-I have found someone, w-who had never betrayed you, My-My Lord, as you have ask me to.' a bowing Peter informed his master with his squeaky, fearful voice.

'Really? Finally did something good, have you Peter?' sneered the Dark Lord coldly, making the bowing man shiver. 'And, if I may ask, who is he?'

'Ba-Barty Crouch Junior, My L-Lord.' Peter said, still not looking his master in the eyes.

'I remember him… Yes… He fulfils my requirements. However, there is a small problem, Peter. Hasn't he died in Azkaban?'

'Huh… Yes, he did… B-But, My Lord…'

'But what, Peter?' said the Dark Lord, starting to look angry. 'Dead people cannot help. Didn't you know that, Peter?'

Peter continued bowing, his eyes staring at the floor, not at Nagini or at Voldemort. He was shivering and perspiring. After a long, deep breath, he finally spoke. 'My-My Lord, it lo-looks that Barty had chan-changed place with his mo-mother. She was the one, w-who died.'

'Indeed?' asked the Dark Lord, now with idle curiosity.

'Y-yes, My Lo-Lord. His fa-father had set him unde-der the Imperious Curse. He ra-ran away from his father during the-the Quidditch World Cup. He was the one who casted the D-Dark Mark in the sky.' Peter replied quickly.

'And where is he now, Peter?' asked the Dark Lord icily.

Hours later

'My Lord… I knew… I knew you weren't gone, My Lord...' sighed maniacally and proudly a pale man, who bowed to his master with pleasure.

'Good to see you've still loyal to me, Barty.' replied a bitter voice. 'I have a very important task to you to do. You may not fall. If you complete this task, my glorious days will back and all muggles and mud-bloods will get what they deserve.'

'Anything, My Lord… I'll do anything you need.'

Barty was devoutly staring at the twisted body of the Dark Lord on his knees. They were alone; Peter was in the dilapidated kitchen of Riddle Manor, trying to cook under the watchful eye of Nagini.

'Do you have a wand?' asked the Dark Lord.

'Yes, I do, My Lord. I stole it during the Quidditch game.'

'Good… You don't have much time. What I want you to do has to be perfectly executed! No fails! Understood, Barty?'

'Yes… Yes, My Lord. I won't fail…' answered the freckled man, staring at his beloved master.

'What I need you to do is…'

A few days later

'My Lord, it's done.' A diabolical male voice stated.

'Good.' said the Dark Lord, satisfied. 'Soon I will get a new body. Be sure you won't fall or there will be consequences!'

'I would never disappoint you, My Lord.'

'You had better not, Barty.' The Dark Lord warned. 'Peter, feed Nagini!' he ordered.

'Y-yes, M-My L-Lord.' replied Peter, leaving the room to get some mice and rats.

'I don't care how you do it, but make sure the boy will win. He's a fool… And so is Dumbledore… He will help his little marionette.' The Dark Lord told Barty Crouch Junior, who was cunningly smiling.

A/N: Hi! I'm sorry for the small chapter, but school is back and my time to write is short. Therefore, updates will take longer.

I hope you have enjoyed this view of the Dark Side.

Oh! And thank you for all the kind reviews, for marking this story as your favourite and for following it.

Inês