Here's the next chapter...let me know what you think :)
The sun crested on the horizon as they approached the Stargate. Carter and Daniel were at their wits end as they waited for a response from Dumbledore. As luck would have it they were able to send a message to the Headmaster when an owl arrived from Lupin not two days after they were discussing how they were going to get a hold of the wizard.
Lupin had written to inform them that Jack had sent a message to Dumbledore. The three team members were quick to send a note back with the owl, and now they were anxiously awaiting a response. It had been almost a month and they had heard nothing from neither Remus nor Dumbledore, and Teal'c's dreams had become almost unbearable for the Jaffa.
Normally, he was quite the stoic warrior, but as the dreams increased in frequency as well as intensity, Teal'c was slowly losing his mental control. His limited ability to meditate had left in a vulnerable state, as he was unable to regenerate as well as he needed to. So far it had not done him any permanent damage, but Sam and Daniel were wary that it could if something wasn't done soon.
This last mission had gone well for them. Working with Colonel Makepeace had been different to say the least. He and Colonel O'Neill had very different styles of command, and getting used to it had been quite the challenge for the SG-1 team members. They'd managed it though, but not without some struggles.
As they entered the event horizon to return to Earth, they found themselves thrust through to the other side where General Hammond was waiting to greet them.
"I take it things went well."
"Yes, sir." Makepeace announced as he nodded to the general.
"Good. I'll expect your reports on my desk ASAP."
The team nodded as the general took off towards the door. They started for the locker-room, showering and changing in record time. Once the post-mission check-up was completed they each retreated to their respective offices to begin their reports.
Teal'c and Daniel had accompanied Sam home so that they could indulge in their team bonding that included renting a movie and eating lots of pizza. They'd just arrived at her house when a strange sound caught their attention.
Carter had her hand braced on the doorknob when they all turned their heads to see a large bird flying towards them. As it got closer they realized it was actually an owl, and they were quick to step aside as it landed just at their feet, inches away from hitting the door.
The owl dropped a small envelope on the welcome mat, looked up at the three teammates and flapped its wings a few times. Daniel bent down to retrieve the letter, but the owl pecked at his fingers and he quickly let go.
"She looks tired." Carter pointed out as she leaned down, gently picking up the owl and handing the letter to Daniel as they all went inside.
The major carried the exhausted owl into the kitchen and went about searching for something to feed the creature. After filling a bowl with water, which the owl happily lapped at, Carter turned back to her friends who were busy reading the contents of the envelope,
"It's from Severus." Daniel raised the letter in his right hand. "He says that Dumbledore wants to see us. He also says we should take plenty of time off because we may be there a while. We're supposed to meet him in London a week from today."
Sam glared at Daniel for a moment then silently shook her head. "General Hammond is gonna kill us."
"I believe you are correct."
Daniel was certain that Teal'c and Sam were correct, and he hung his head wondering how on Earth they were going to explain this to General Hammond.
> > > >
Watching over Barty Crouch's home was becoming tiresome. Jack was glad that Wormtail was the one stuck here permanently. Being here every few days was bad enough, he didn't even want to imagine what it was like being here 24/7.
"I don't think the curse is working too well anymore." Pettigrew nervously bit his nails as Jack approached him.
"Doesn't surprise me. Crouch was always a powerful wizard."
"What are we going to do if he comes out of it completely?"
Corrigan laughed at the pathetically terrified look on Wormtail's face. "When he gets home I'll see what I can do."
As if on cue the door opened and Barty Crouch walked in, briefcase in hand. He set the case on the floor by the door, then walked slowly into the kitchen where Jack and Wormtail were sitting.
"Sit down, Crouch." The wizard quickly did as he was told, and Jack took a step towards him, his wand already out.
Jack could already feel Crouch trying to fight him as he strengthened the Imperius Curse that was being held over him.
"Imperio!"
Pettigrew watched as Jack strengthened the curse, and smiled weakly when the other wizard had finished.
"That should hold for while longer. I'll be back in a few days to check on things. Send an owl if you need anything."
Without a backward glance Corrigan turned and left the room, as a glossy-eyed Crouch slumped sideways in his chair.
> > > >
Explaining the situation to the general had not been pretty at all. There was a tense moment where both Daniel and Carter thought they were going to have to call in a medical team because the vein the older man's forehead was swelling at an alarming rate as the beads of sweat poured down his face. The general was fit to be tied at hearing most of his flagship team was going to have to leave the country and he would have no idea when they would be returning.
To say Hammond was livid was putting it nicely. The three teammates barely made it out of the office alive once the general had regained his ability to speak. They'd all retreated to the solace of the office for several hours until Hammond called them back, reluctantly giving them a green light to leave for England. And so they found themselves on a plane soaring towards London, leaving behind the world they knew to figure out what was going on with Teal'c and his dreams. Maybe if they were lucky they'd be able to find Jack in the process, but none of them were holding their breath on that one.
> > > >
He'd watched intently from the stands as Harry completed the first task of the tournament. With a broad smile on his face, Barty Crouch Jr. rubbed his rough fingers on the stubble of his newly forming beard. The boy had been rather impressing with his flying skills, even more so than Crouch had anticipated he would be.
"My master'll have a time with you, but it'll be worth it once he's risen again." Hearing himself speak with Moody's voice was slightly unsettling, but he knew he was making a sacrifice for a greater cause.
Hobbling away from the thrall of onlookers, still eyeing the handlers trying to get the dragons back to their cages, Crouch reached into his pocket for the watch. Noting the time he started for his office. When he reached it he took a swig from the flask fastened to his belt, then carefully unlocked the truck. He retrieved a small mirror, flipping it so he could see his own reflection staring back at him. A grimace escaped him as he saw the weary features of Mad-Eye Moody in the mirror.
"Pathetic fool." He muttered the words as he shook the mirror. "Where are ya, Corrigan?"
"Sorry, guess my watch is a little off." A voice answered back, and looking down into the glass Crouch could see Jack Corrigan smiling back at him. "How did the first task go?"
"Splendidly. You can tell Master that the Potter boy did quite well. He's quite a natural on a broom."
Jack smirked as he nodded. "Just like his old man."
"Must you mention that bloodtraitor in my presence?" Crouch snarled looking away from the mirror.
"Fer cryin out loud! The man is dead! Me mentioning him isn't going to bring him back."
"Still I'd rather not have him mentioned where I can hear it."
Shaking his head Jack rolled his eyes. "Whatever pleases master's little pet."
This time Crouch smirked and shook his head. "I believe you have that title. I'm a soldier, you're the pet."
The anger was burning in Corrigan's face, and Crouch couldn't help but laugh. Before he could respond Jack's reflection disappeared, leaving Crouch laughing to himself as he put the mirror back in its place in the trunk.
tbc...