So much love to ShelbyThorn, AStrangeFan, Photon Zero-Inifinity, RavensMaiden, Lovesbitca8, and the rest of the Cult without whom this story would never have gotten here!


Barty, or Mad-eye Moody as it were, stared at the goblet, his head twisted in thought. This body brought a great amount of ease into his life and made his mission as simple as breathing. The only complaint would be the damn pirate leg. The blasted thing was murder on the stump he now had. And, to be honest, he wished the subject of his impersonation were a bit more good-looking. Moody appeared to have never groomed in his life, but no matter, looks, in this case, were not necessary, it was the reputation and relationships he needed; allowed him invisibility and trust.

Accessing the goblet was almost too easy. A confundus charm performed by a student would have managed the task. Yet none of them had even tried...Dumbledore's reputation was working harder than his magic. True, the blood-traitor Weasley twins had attempted to cross the age line Dumbledore created and Barty was not surprised they failed.

Barty reached into his pocket for the bit of parchment behind his flask. Potter's name, in his own scrawl, had been ripped from a discarded draft of an assignment Ms. Granger decimated with edits. He pinched between his fingers and the face he wore pulled into a smile after he fed it to the flame. His task was now fully underway.

This is where he paused. About to turn away, he contemplated the state of the world he had been absent from for far too long, in a cage, like some blasted beast while others roamed free.

He mentally went through his list of names and their offenses against him and the Dark Lord.

Karkaroff— Giving him up did not bother Barty, no, the coward would get what he deserved in due course. Barty would not even need to lift a finger, he could already see the fear consuming Karkaroff like a slowly burning fire just dying to be stoked.

No, Karkaroff, was no concern, no threat, barely worth a thought. Barty would not lie and say he would not goad Karkaroff when the opportunity was present, as watching the man sweat allotted Barty the warm and fuzzy feelings of downright giddiness and Barty had been without the feeling for so long, who could really fault him for finding a little bit of joy and pleasure while working?

It was the one who dodged suspicion Barty wanted to use as tinder to set the world aflame and lay it at the feet of his master. This so-called wizard was no mere foot soldier but a general in the ranks and yet where were they?! Certainly not in the trenches aiding their lord and master in his return! Too long they have sat comfortably while their master suffered. Yet they were the one trusted as much as the Dark Lord trusted his own mind? An appendage that managed to amputate itself as if it had never been there. How could someone in that position cast aside the Dark Lord so easily? How could they abandon their brothers in arms? How could they not "go down with the ship" like the rest of them? Barty wiped his chin to remove the feral froth that had begun to accumulate.

Lucius Malfoy was a curse muttered in harsh tones spoken in hushed whispers. The worst insult a man could call another man. The slimy serpent clung to the shadows on the outskirts of the spotlight of suspicion and accusation. He escaped imprisonment too easily, having been absent from the final raids, but this was only due to the kindness and mercy of their Lord! Lucius was to rear his newly spawned life for their cause and bring forth the next generation set to uphold what they put in place! The Malfoy whelp was meant to inherit more than what his name was worth. Meant to inherit the world, the throne forged by Lord Voldemort himself. Barty could think of no one who could deserve it less. The boy, nothing more than a spoiled coward, is a stain to what the Dark Lord wanted! Lucius, it seems, knows only how to breed yellow-bellied garter snakes. Oh, he talks a good game, that is certain. He had everyone blinded by the smoke and mirrors his words brought forth and was able to hide his true form from even the Dark Lord. Seeing the boy filled Barty with such a rage he could hardly maintain composure and reign in his wand hand. Ready to blow his cover with a spell. Months of hard work and planning were thrown out, but it would be worth it, no? To see the mighty Lucius Malfoy lose for once?

But no, he could not act on these impulses. The Dark Lord, as forgiving as he is, would not forgive him for thwarting the plan. Everything must proceed so his master can return to power. Return to his rightful place...that didn't mean he couldn't have a bit of fun, though... the Dark Lord would certainly understand that... perhaps even join in the laughter at the fallout. Maybe even thank him for showing the true colors of his most trusted inner circle. Barty would secure a place for himself and finally be given the spot he deserves!

Ah, but he is unlikely to make it through this task. He accepted it. He could give his master a parting gift... Lucius Malfoy on a platter. Even if it did not fully come to fruition, even if all he managed was to make the dodgy maggot squirm, he could give this to his master and make the next few months more bearable.

A summoning charm brought the parchment to him. The elegant and regal scrawl is all too easily torn free while the rest of the parchment crumbles in his hand. He placed another spell upon the cup and watched as Draco Malfoy's name vanished into a blue flame.