A/N: Hello everyone. Sorry for the 5 month long absence. Honestly, I didn't have enough time. But I also can't think of abandoning the story. So I plan on making good use of the summer holidays. Enjoy the next chapter!

Reviews will be much appreciated.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter!

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Chapter13

The next day, Hallowe'en, was a Saturday which meant that there were no classes to attend. Usually this would have been a welcome improvement for Anton but it wasn't so on that particular day. He had waited for some news from the Dark Lord the entire day but there had not been even a hint of interaction from outside.

Anton had been very excited since morning but that turned into frustration and anger as the day wore on and evening set in. By the time he went into the Great Hall for dinner he was in a murderous mood. His first mission for the Dark Lord and no one bothered to tell him how he had done. Still some part of him that still had a trickle of reasoning inside it reminded him that maybe they were still busy with Crouch and hadn't got time to send him any news. But that was as far as reason went.

Dinner that night was another thing that worsened Anton's already lousy mood. The Hallowe'en feast would be succeeded by the naming of the Champions. He entered the Great Hall and went to the Slytherin table. He was a bit early and half the Hall was empty. The Hall looked different from the previous night. The House banners were gone and were replaced by huge pumpkins floating in the air with eyes and nose and mouths and candles inside them. There were about a hundred bats flying in the ceiling. Slowly the students began to fill and in no time the Great hall was full of students all buzzing with anticipation to see their Triwizard Champions.

Anton was sitting alone in his place as Draco had not yet arrived. He generally came to dinner on time because even if he was doing something, Crabbe and Goyle could be trusted to remember the time of the three meals. As everyone began to settle down and the staff and the guests all took their seats and the feast was about to begin, Draco along with Crabbe and Goyle entered the Great Hall. He looked out for Anton and came over with his eyes smiling. He looked excited about something, Anton just hoped it was something other than the naming of the Champions. Draco took his seat beside Anton and said quietly, "I received a letter from Mother."

Anton's heartbeat increased. "And?" he asked heart thumping with anxiety.

"It didn't say much in details like always but she wrote this much. Your job was successful. The Dark Lord's plan with him will be carried out tonight. And aunt Bella passed on her satisfaction on your performance." said Draco quickly and quietly.

Anton heaved a sigh of relief and was overjoyed with this news. His first mission had been successful. All those years of training were slowly paying off. The path for Dumbledore and his Order's destruction had begun right under their noses.

With this burden off the rest of the world came into focus and he suddenly realised how hungry he was. And as if hearing his wish food started appearing everywhere in front of him on the gold and silver plates and bowls. The feast had begun.

Halfway into the feast, with his initial bout of ravenous hunger diminished, Anton raised his head from his plate a little to pay attention to everyone else. Everybody was eating, talking and sometimes looking anxiously at the Staff Table anxious to know when the Names would finally be declared. But Anton wasn't interested in everybody else. He was interested in only one person and his eyes quickly found her. The red haired girl-who Anton had confirmed was a Weasley-was busy eating and talking with Granger and her brother. Anton knew he shouldn't be staring at her but once again found it impossible to look anywhere else. As he was looking at her, a strand of red hair fell on her face. It made her look so beautiful that Anton knew that if he could freeze time at this moment and keep looking at her forever he would be the happiest man on Earth. She tucked the strand behind her hair and looked up to say something to Granger. And again, Anton found himself in the same position as the previous night staring into those brown eyes. But realisation came much earlier tonight and he quickly returned his gaze to his own plate with his heart thumping fast. He knew she had seen him staring but once again he stopped himself from pondering any further on the subject and kept it for a later time.

After the feast was over the name of the three champions were called out and they went into a room behind the Staff table. They were Fleur Delacour from Beauxbatons, Victor Krum from Durmstrang and Cedric Diggory from Hogwarts. As Anton shook hands with Krum as he went from the Slytherin table, he couldn't help but feel a little sad for the celebrity Quidditch player. The tournament was expected to be tough but he had no idea what extra kind of hell he and his two fellow Champions were going to face in those tasks courtesy of Anton. The Champions were followed into the room by the three Heads, Bagman and Crouch's Assistant who had filled in for Crouch who was apparently "sick and had taken a day off".

As everyone got up to leave the Hall and go to their respective Common Rooms Anton was positively happier than he had been while entering the Hall. His part had been accomplished successfully and now all there was left to know was what had happened to Crouch.

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As always, morning came much earlier for Anton than for the rest of the Castle. As he opened his eyes on his bed, a smile crept across his face remembering his success. He was about to get up and get ready to go out when something changed his mind. Even though he didn't need but he thought he would reward himself with some extra sleep for a couple of more hours. With that, he turned on his bed, got into a comfortable position and closed his eyes.

It was a beautiful morning outside Hogwarts and Anton was sitting in his favourite place by the Lake watching the first rays of the Sun break through the slight mist hanging over the water and hit the Earth. The Lake as always was calm and still and the depths looked mysterious as ever. But why was he sitting here? He had decided to sleep a little more and now he was outside. But that didn't matter. Since he was already here, it wouldn't hurt to enjoy the scene.

Anton took a deep breath and took in the smell of the surroundings. It was refreshing, to say the least. He moved his head to look around and his heart skipped a beat as he saw her. She was sitting right next to him in her school robes and calmly watching the Lake.

"Ginny!" exclaimed Anton coming out of his shock.

She turned to look and Anton and smiled. His heart melted. "Finally noticed me, have you?" she asked.

"What are you doing here?"

"Watching the scene, same as you. It's beautiful, isn't it?" she asked looking to the distance.

"Not as much as you." the words rolled out of Anton's tongue before he could stop them.

"You are being kind."

"No, I am just being truthful." continued Anton emboldened by her smile. "You are by far the most beautiful girl I have seen in my life."

"Thank You. How did you know my name? I don't believe we have met before."

"That was easy." Anton smiled. "All I had to do was give your description to my friends. Turns out you have quite a few admirers in the Slytherin Common Room."

"None I would even talk to other than you." said Ginny her calm expression changing a bit at the mention of his Slytherin friends.

Anton ignored her apprehension towards his friends in his satisfaction that she would choose him over them. Both of them sat quietly for a while lost in their thoughts. Then Anton said, "You know I will have to kill you and your whole family, right?"

Ginny wasn't perturbed in the slightest by the question. She looked at him quietly for a while and then smiled sadly at him. Her sadness pained Anton's heart but he didn't do anything. Finally she said, "You don't have to do that. You have a choice."

"I know and I have told you my choice. Your family, Dumbledore and all those people who hurt my family will pay for what they did. They will all die. My parents hadn't done anything against them, never hurt their families, then why were they attacked? Why was I ripped of the family, the happiness that every child deserves?" Words were now tumbling out of Anton's mouth as he let go of all the pain that he had kept buried deep within him for all these years. He could barely control his overflow of emotions. "Why did I have to spend my entire childhood running and training and duelling while you all were without a care in the world happy with your families? What did I do to deserve this Ginny? Well," he took a deep breath and calmed himself a little, "it doesn't matter now. What happened to me wasn't fair, but I won't complain. You know why, because what's going to happen to them will be far worse than what they did to me."

"And it includes me too?" asked Ginny calmly.

Anton didn't answer, he couldn't answer. What was he supposed to say to her? He knew what he had to do but it wasn't supposed to be like this.

Seeing his predicament, she got up and turned to leave. Anton's heart cried out for her to stop but didn't say anything. He just sat there watching her go away. She walked a little distance and then turned back and said, "I don't even know your name. At least, do me courtesy of telling me my future killer's name."

Tears started flowing from Anton's eyes as he heard her say that but he somehow stopped them and looked at her eyes and said, "It's Harry, Harry Potter."

Anton jolted upright on his bed as he woke up and realised he had been dreaming. He was also surprised to see that he had been actually crying in his sleep.

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SENIOR MINISTRY OFFICIAL ARRESTED

By Rita Skeeter: In an astonishing turn of events today, one of the seniormost and most respected officials of the Ministry of Magic, Bartemius Crouch Sr. was arrested a few minutes after midnight attempting to steal yet unknown artefacts from the Department of Mysteries. He was arrested on the charges of "illegally entering the Department of Mysteries and attempting to steal valuable artefacts". The arrest was attempted to be kept quiet by the Ministry but failed in the attempt as Crouch couldn't be discreetly taken to Azkaban prison but rather had to be taken to St. Mungo's where he is currently undergoing mental treatment under Ministry supervision.

The arrest has caused nothing short of absolute mayhem and chaos at the Ministry of Magic that had not yet completely recovered from the Quidditch World Cup fiasco. Ministry workers flooded the building soon after the arrest but have refused to cooperate with the media to inform the general public about the details. The Minister of Magic himself is expected to come out with the official statement regarding the situation later today. But we are not leaving our readers completely clueless at this point of time as highly placed sources deep within the Ministry have informed that whatever Crouch had tried to steal was located in the room of prophecies in the Department of Mysteries.

Bartemius Crouch Sr. who is the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation was a household name a decade and half ago during the war against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He was an inspiration for the mass because of his ruthless action against the Death Eaters. Even though his career hit a roadblock with his son being confirmed as a Death Eater, yet he remained a symbol of justice for the Light Side. However, his arrest will once again bring into limelight the question of whether his son was the only Dark Wizard in the Crouch family.

Crouch Sr.'s arrest is also likely to bring a few questioning glances towards the ongoing Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The public will most likely have doubts regarding the safety of the contestants or 'Champions' in the Tournament in which Crouch had been very deeply involved.

The events of today have surely sprung up a few questions in everyone's mind but as of now the above mentioned information is all that we have. But rest assured, the reporter will continue digging into the secretive depths of the Ministry to bring all the details of Barty Crouch's arrest into the light.

Anton finished reading the newspaper in the Slytherin Common Room and looked up smiling at Draco, "So that's what they did with him? Take one of them to rob the Ministry! That's brilliant."

"Yeah, isn't it?" said Draco, "Now they will be fighting among themselves."

Anton looked at the newspaper article once again and had a feeling of satisfaction. His plans were starting to work, his wait of so many years was coming to an end. He had come down to the Common Room after waking up late and had gone down to breakfast. Being a Sunday morning everyone in the castle had got up late and the Great Hall was still full. Anton was surprised not to find Draco there but ate his breakfast thinking that he must have had some work elsewhere. But when Anton returned to the Common Room, he found Draco reading the morning edition of the Prophet with the biggest smile on his face.

"So," said Anton, "what are your plans for today?"

Draco gave him a mourning look and said, "Homework."

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It was about 8 pm and Sirius was sitting in the big meeting room of Grimmauld place. The entire Order had arrived minutes before and everyone had settled down. The news of Crouch's arrest had rocked the Ministry overnight but more so the members of Order of the Phoenix who knew that the return of Voldemort and the arrest of Crouch a couple of months later could be no coincidence. An Order meeting had been called for as soon as possible immediately after the news of Crouch's arrest first arrived. But due to everyone's jobs the earliest possible time was at night. Dumbledore was supposed to arrive any moment now to brief them with his version of the events at the Department of Mysteries.

"So, how's life been at the Auror office?" Sirius was startled out of his thoughts as Remus took the seat next to him.

"Like a picnic, professor." said Sirius smiling at his friend.

Before Remus could reply however, the fire in the fireplace grew emerald and Dumbledore entered the room. Sirius along with everyone turned to look at the old Headmaster. He looked tired. Merlin knew he had enough on his plate. First Voldemort returning back, then the Triwizard Tournament and now Crouch, if it was anyone other than Dumbledore Sirius wasn't so sure he or she could have handled that.

"Thank you friends for arriving." said Dumbledore smiling at them. "Now as you all know, yesterday around midnight Barty Crouch was arrested by the Aurors trying to steal from the Department of Mysteries. The Ministry version of the story is that Mr. Crouch entered the Department of Mysteries and illegally tried to take possession of some 'valuable artefact'. While he was unable to succeed in his efforts spells placed on the object affected his mind and as a result he has been rendered mentally unstable. Even though all elements of the story are true but as always it isn't the entire truth."

"Do we know what exactly the 'valuable artefact' was?" asked Moody.

"I have a good enough idea." said Dumbledore. "As the Prophet mentioned in the morning, Barty indeed tried to steal from the room of prophecies."

"So it was a prophecy he sought?" asked Dedalus.

"Yes, we can be sure of that. But the question isn't what he sought rather why he sought it. I have a theory. But before I explain my theory to you I must impress upon you that I firmly believe that Barty Crouch did not intentionally enter the room of prophecies."

"How can you be so sure Albus?" asked Molly Weasley.

"Because I have been seeing a lot of Mr. Crouch this term and at no point did he give me the slightest hint of being up to any misdeeds. And I know a hint when I see one." said Dumbledore with a small smile. That seemed to settle it for everyone.

"So you are saying he was under the Imperius?" asked Lupin.

"I think so. And I think we all know someone who would love to send a Ministry official to steal from the Ministry itself."

"Voldemort." said Sirius as everyone in the room realised what Dumbledore was saying.

"Exactly Sirius." said Dumbledore. "My guess is Voldemort put Barty Crouch under the Imperius Curse and sent him to the room of Prophecies to get something for him."

"There is a problem Dumbledore." Said Moody as everyone turned to look at him, "As I am sure that you very well know, the prophecies of the room of Prophecies cannot be stolen by wizards not named in the prophecy or else they will go mad. Voldemort would have known it and he wouldn't risk kidnapping a senior and well guarded Ministry official like Crouch to do something like that. Even if he did not know about the spell on the prophecies he could have used any other wizard. So why Crouch?"

"I am well aware of the spells on the prophecies, Alastor as I am sure even Voldemort does or at least has some idea about it. That brings me to why was Crouch actually kidnapped. I believe stealing a prophecy wasn't Voldemort's main aim at all. He needed Crouch for something entirely different. This is merely guess work but I believe sending him to the room of Prophecies was just a way to dispose of him." said Dumbledore.

"Now that brings me to what we must do." Dumbledore continued, "We will have three principal aims. First of all, we must know what it was that Voldemort wanted from Crouch. For that I suggest we carry out a thorough search of his office and home. We might find something. Sirius, Kingsley and Tonks, it will be your job. No one will question three Aurors searching Crouch's belongings at this time. I also want you to find his house elf and try to find out what she knows. Kindly."

"Secondly, I have a good idea about what Voldemort wants from the room of Prophecies. It will have to wait a little before I tell you what, but I want the room to be guarded at all times. There won't be enough Aurors between the school and the case so it will have to be us. The rest of you except Severus and Remus will take turns among yourselves for guard duty."

"Now thirdly, there is a Death Eater at Hogwarts...

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Anton was in the library going through the material that he had selected to search in for that night. The day had been uneventful apart from the morning and after dinner he had come to the library. Draco had been shocked when Anton told him where he was going. Anton had no need of help for his homework, so his use of the library was a mystery for Draco.

But Anton wasn't going to let anybody, even Draco on his secrect, anytime soon. Because it was personal to him. It was from his dreams. He never remembered his dreams and this morning was no different. But this morning's dream had left a trace. It had left a name. And even though it was a dream Anton somehow was sure that the name belonged to a real person. And he planned to find him.

That name, that person, was of course HARRY POTTER.

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SO, how was it? Hope you guys enjoyed it. Next chapter is due next week.

To the most amazing people in this world,

anthony37: thanx. Well, as far as everyone's reactions are concerned, I am excited about that too. Hope I can do write them well enough. It will take a few chapters for Harry to learn the truth. Do review again.

SiriuslyAmazing: thanx. I am sure you looked a bit amusing smirking every other sentence. But since it was my story that made you do so I don't mind. I am really happy that you liked my portrayal of Ron and Hermione. Yeah sorry about leaving you hanging with that 'Anton returns' line. And thank you so so so much for liking the Harry Ginny part. I liked writing it too. I don't know if you will read this chapter after so long. But if you do, plz leave a review. Just to encourage you I don't mind telling you that in a few lessons Anton burns down the Burrow and kills two Order members.

harryginnyfan91: thanx. I am happy that you think my idea is different and like the story. An a special thank you for liking the Harry ginny part. I liked writing it too. As far as Harry remembering his parents, he did remember his real name, even though he doesn't know it's his name yet. Hope you review again.

FeartheOrdinary: thanx. It really makes me happy when people like the Harry Ginny part. Because I enjoy writing it too. And Harry will know the truth but it will take time (or in this case a few lessons). Do review again.

spellmugwamp97: thanx. I am happy that you like my story and also that you took your time to read it despite not liking 'fics like this'. A big thank you for liking my writing too. As far as your predicament regarding Anton, the Light side and the Dark side is concerned I completely understand that. It's sort of the same with me. That's why I like writing it too. I am still trying to decide whether Anton will go completely Light or a little light grayish, if you know what I mwan. Do review again.