AN: Life got in the way, but I am back and working on the story! It's a short chapter, the next will be longer! Thanks for those that have stuck by me.

1 April

Giant orange and red flames flickered in the ornate fireplace. Silver candle sticks stood out in stark contrast to the black marble. Bellatrix stood in front of Tom, who was sitting on a high backed chair, snakes carved on the sides. Nagini was wrapped loosely around Tom's neck.

"We must act soon, my Lord," Bellatrix stated, staring intently at Tom.

"Yes, I have known for some time that plans must be sped up," Tom said silkily.

Tom stroked his fingers down Nagin who flicked her tongue in and out, slight hisses escaping her.

"The third task," Tom said after a moment of silence. "Everyone will be distracted. The ministry will be easy to take. Hogwarts' defenses will be down to let guests in. No one, not even that old fool Dumbledore will be able to stop me."

A joyous glint entered Bellatrix' eyes and a cruel smirk spread across her face.

3 April

Harrison pulled out his wand and spun towards the door a curse ready at his lips. Daphne held up her hands in mock surrender as the door to the Room of Requirement swung shut. Harrison immediately lowered his wand and felt his body relax.

"I thought you'd be in here." She smiled hesitantly.

"It's the only place I can be alone," Harrison said.

Daphne stared at him for a moment. "I can leave if you want me to…"

"No," the word tumbled out quickly.

Harrison smiled at her. He had been thinking about Daphne a lot lately, especially at night. He had been trying to focus on his fathers plan, but her face would always break through his thoughts.

Daphne's blue eyes sparkled with thought as she walked over and sat next to him on the couch.

"You've been quiet lately," Daphne said matter of fact. "You don't have to be…" Daphne placed her hand on his knee. "Not with me."

Harrison felt a wave of emotions flood through him. Anger over the betrayal he felt from Viktor. Annoyance at the way Fleur stared at him every day. Determination that his father's plan must succeed or else…

Harrison looked into Daphne's eyes and he could see the longing in them. He reached out his hand and ran his fingers through her blonde hair, pulling her towards him. His lips crashed onto hers, and her fingers wound their way through Harrison's hair. Daphne moaned into his kiss, and before he knew what was happening she was pushing Harrison down on the couch. Harrison felt heat course through his body as Daphne laid her body flush against his. Daphne kissed Harrison's neck, and he ran his hands down her back.

Daphne pulled back, breathing heavily, the sexiest smile Harrison had ever seen playing on her lips. Her cheeks were red, and her red robes were wrinkled.

"I like you, Harrison Riddle." Daphne said bluntly. A question dancing in her eyes.

"Daphne…" Harrison gently pushed Daphne off and sat up on the couch. He leaned back onto the black couch, and ran a hand through his hair.

"I know you like me too," Daphne said. "And I know what you're going to say…" Daphne adjusted her robes. "I know who you really are, Harrison. Nothing you do will shock me. No risk that comes with being with you would be too great. You know that I am well aware of what I'd be getting into."

Harrison looked away from Daphne. A part of him had always been drawn to her, intelligent and beautiful. As cruel to those she hated as she was loyal to those she loved. He had been thinking about her romantically for awhile now, since shortly after he ended things with Fleur. But what if in the end she couldn't handle who he truly was?

"You've told me your father is planning his takeover at the third task," Daphne said. "After that you'll be free to live a normal life," she smirked, "well as normal as you can being the son of the Dark Lord."

"You know I'll be helping my father create a new world," Harrison said bluntly. "That isn't normal."

Daphne gave him a pointed look. "And I want to be there for you while you do." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, diamonds sparkling on her lobes. "You can't stop living in the meantime."

Harrison looked into Daphne's eyes and he could see the truth in them. She had been one of his best friends his entire life. She knew him better than anyone. He felt his body relax as he grabbed Daphne's hand and kissed it. Daphne smiled brilliantly and Harrison leaned in for a kiss.

4 April

Thomas Davies and Ezekiel Smith shifted anxiously. Moody's right eye was spinning wildly is its socket and he was holding onto his staff so tight that his knuckles were nearly albino white.

"You're sure they're moving up the date for their attack?" Remus asked. The deep lines in his face looked even more pronounced than usual.

"Yes," Thomas said. His mouth felt dry.

"Yet you don't seem to know when!" Moody barked, his slammed his staff.

"Alastor," Dumbledore said calmly. He looked older than his age. His eyes were dull as he stroked his beard before placing his hands folded on the long oak table. "You know that Tom trusts very few people. He isn't likely to tell low level death eaters exactly when the attack will take place."

"They don't even know what's expected of them, Albus!" Moody said gruffly. "How can we plan for something when we're completely blind."

"We'll plan for the worst, like always," Remus said. "It's our only option."

Moody grunted as his eyes bored into the two undercover aurors.

"For all our sakes," Moody said, "we better hope that he loops his death eaters in soon." Moody limped towards the door. "Or we won't stand a chance."