I own nothing.

Interlude I

August 1980

Four miles north of the town of Roscrea lies Leap Castle. Constructed in the thirteenth century, it has a storied history and is considered one the most haunted places in Ireland. However, if the Muggles could see the castle in its entirety and not just the ruins that they use for tourism, then ghost stories would pale in comparison to the horrors within. Hidden behind the strongest cloaking wards resides a massive stone castle that rose ten stories tall. Menacing stoned gargoyles lined the castle turrets and two serpent head statues stood sentry at its gate, ready to devour any who dared passed without the mark of their master.

Within its many halls and chambers lied one room in particular. A large banquet room with a vaulted ceiling that closely resembled a twisted version of the Great Hall at Hogwarts. It was dark, lit only by a few candles, and cold despite the warm summer air outside. Along the walls hung a variety of torture devices, many still caked with the blood of their victims. Seated at a long wooden table in the center of the room were many cloaked figures, whispering softly among themselves. At its head, on a raised platform, rested a single man in a throne made of bones.

"My Lord!"

The doors of the chamber burst open and a man cloaked in black with a mask in the shape of a skull rushed into the room. The man came up to throne and kneeled before the feet of his lord, a wizard by the name of Tom Riddle, better known as Lord Voldemort.

"Rise, Crouch. Tell me what you have discovered."

Barty Crouch Jr. rose to his feet and removed his mask. "My Lord, there has been a development brewing in the ministry tonight. My father has said there was a prophecy made in the Leaky Cauldron that referenced you explicitly."

Voldemort didn't convey any concern over the news but he was certainly intrigued.

"What did it say?"

"'Death shall find the false immortal. A child is born when the haloed moon is at its peak. It will bless the child with the power to destroy that which is unnatural. Only then shall he that fears death face mortality.'" Crouch glanced nervously up to his lord. It was never fortuitous to one's health to be the bearer of bad news to the Dark Lord.

"A haloed moon, you say? Much like the one tonight." There were no windows in the room but Voldemort could feel the magic in the air.

"Yes, my Lord, and the ministry has reported that there was a child born as the moon peaked."

"The child's name?"

"Daniel Benjamin Potter."

Voldemort's brow rose at the name. He was well familiar with the Potters. James Potter and his mudblood wife had evaded him on more than one occasion. They were a powerful family and this child would prove undoubtedly so.

But Voldemort was undeterred. Most men would shrink from the news that their death was foretold, but he was Lord Voldemort, the most powerful wizard to ever exist. He feared nothing; not even death, not anymore. And while others saw defeat, he saw opportunity. This so called prophecy may throw a wrench into his plans but it was not without its uses. He looked across the room at his inner circle. All of them came from the purest stock and followed him without question, but there was one that he needed now most.

"Malfoy, come forth."

Lucius Malfoy quickly made his way beside Crouch and kneeled. "How may I be of service, my Lord?"

"It is time to accelerate our plans. I trust you will not fail me."

"Never, my Lord."

"Good. I'll expect you to keep an eye on our forces while I am away."

"Away, my Lord? You are leaving us?"

"Do not question me!" Voldemort could hear the malcontent in Malfoy's voice and he would not stand for it.

Malfoy cowered. "Forgive me. I only wish to serve you and I fear that our cause will fail without your presence."

Voldemort had always appreciated Malfoy's subtle talent of twisting words, except when he tried it on him. But now was not the time to punish him. There was much he had to do to prepare for his journey.

"Undoubtedly, you will fail spectacularly without me. I expect a majority of our forces to behave like fools and you are to let them. Meanwhile, you, my most trusted and loyal servants, will entrench yourselves into every facet of our world and await my return. And when I do, we will finally cleanse this world of the unworthy. Prophecy or no prophecy, our day will come."