A/N: I do not own Harry Potter or the Advent of the Archmage. They are owned by J.K. Rowling and Mo Xiang respectively.

Riddle Manor, Little Hanglion.

"The girl-who-lived" rasped the voice of Voldemort.

The sky is still dark, yet the early onset of dawn could be seen. The first rays of the morning were slowly illuminating the world for a new day. The Manor had long been cut off from the local power provider since the family that resided here had long since passed.

That mattered little to the three Wizarding squatters. Well, two wizarding and one spirit remnant of a wizard. Let's not forget his pet snake.

Presently, Rowle was standing by the side of his recent captive, a victorious smirk on his face. Shackled and gagged, Rose Potter is kneeling by his feet, squirming and screaming.

He kicked her in the stomach when he got annoyed with her noise.

"Be Quiet girl. You are before our Lord"

All she could do was shake her head in denial looking at Voldemort in fear and pain. All this grovelling did was tickle the Dark Lord's sadism. It was amusing to no end.

"Is this really the child of prophecy? All I see is a pathetic little worm" he sneered, laughing. Rowle was quick to join in the mocking.

"Of course, My Lord, how could a mere half-blood ever hope to measure up to your greatness?"

"Quiet. Go get the cauldron ready. We shall start the ritual immediately. I will regain my body tonight. Then the world shall bow at my feet."

"Yes, my lord." Rowle nodded before turning and walking towards the door.

"Wait…" he said suddenly "Where is Rookwood?"

Rowle bowed once more as he spoke.

"Your plan was moving along seamlessly my Lord, but then some idiot decided it was smart to take on the Death Eater mantle and cause some chaos in the world cup. They were the reason we almost lost the girl. Had we not been prepared we would have failed."

Voldemort seems to be teeming in rage at this point, His stupid followers dared make a move without his approval?

"Rookwood went to capture the fool for you to pass judgment"

"Excellent work. Quick get me the cauldron in the next room. The sooner I am back to full power, the sooner I can conquer the wizarding world."

Bowing once more, Rowle turned to gather the items.

"Just wait there, my dear, soon you will be free from pain" he stated with a malicious smirk.

Few hours prior:

She never thought she would be in this situation. A reality in which she has to point her wand at her best friend. Even when she knows this isn't the real Link, only someone posing as him with Polyjuice, it still hurts. It hurt even more that he was aiming his wand at her.

She knows it's not him. She knows he would never do this. Yet the brain works in mysterious ways. Like an illusion that warps your perception of reality, this specific scenario is messing with her focus.

She trained in magic duelling and combat with Link for the past 2 years, though she lacks experience, she knows a good amount of combat magic and tactics. However, her mind is drawing at a blank for now, as Link's face twisted in such fury is throwing her off balance.

There was only one thing that kept her alive and safe so far. Link's voice echoed in the recess of her blanked mind that forced her body to move. To dodge. To survive.

'A static mage is a dead mage'

She moved, swerved, dodged and jumped, anything to avoid being hit. Her limbs are heavy with fear. The Link doppelganger spared her not a moment of respite as he cast countless hexes and jinxes in her direction. At least she was still alive. The sounds of chaos around her emphasising the danger she found herself in. She was frantic, clumsy even. Hoping for a moment of reprieve.

Just when it seemed that she was about to succumb to her opponent, just when she was about to give up due to physical exhaustion, she saw it. It started small, but it was a glimmer of hope.

The polyjuice effect was wearing off. The potion that maintained her best friend's image melted away right before her eyes. What was once a teenage boy of average stature that she so adored, became the relatively attractive posture of her aggressor. Lord Thorfinn Rowle.

"Finally, I no longer have to look like that useless blight. Now, where were we?"

He wore a condescending smirk. 'This bitch was the cause for his Lord's downfall? Ridiculous, she could not even retaliate once. Something else must have happened back then.'

So engrossed was he in his imminent victory he neglected two facts.

The first, even after a few minutes of this 'duel' taking place he could not land a single spell.

The second, Rose Potter's eyes lost their unfocused hue. They were now as sharp as a falcon's.

He had no idea what was in store for him. Round two was about to start.

There is chaos everywhere. The hooded figures are flinging spells left, right and centre. Over half of the tents were on fire and most of the campers were fleeing in a panic. Thankfully there are no fatalities. Only a few are injured, but it's mainly panic for the time being. At least that's the case for the moment.

Despite the absolute bedlam that was taking place around him, it all felt muted to Sirius. He knew he should fight, and he absolutely would. But his biggest priority is to make sure Rose is not caught up in this.

He was moving through the battlefield with ease with one goal in mind. Find Rose. Should that prove impossible, he will take out his frustration on these assholes. He might have been imprisoned for the better part of 12 years, but that meant nothing to him. He was a war veteran, one of the few true resistance against Voldemort and his knight of Walpurgis.

It was not until Moony joined him a few minutes later that he gave up his search. Hopefully, Link has better luck than they do.

"Sirius we have to leave. Let's head towards the meet-up spot. He must have found her by now" said Moony, both men completely ignoring the chaos. There was no real harm coming from these posers. It was only drunken hooligans. At least that's what they thought. Their hyperfocus on locating Rose blinded them.

Sirius was about to agree when the illusion was broken. The muggle family that owned the land that hosted the quidditch match were levitated off the ground. Three hooded figures stood before them, laughing at the poor family's plight. What truly sealed their fate was the two children's distressed cries, calling for their parents. The mother struggled with all her might as she tried to reach her babies. The father cursed the trio, raging at his inability to protect his family. You could practically hear his heart being ripped apart as he shouted himself hoarse trying to direct their attention on him solely.

'Forgive me, Rose, I'll get to you in a bit' thought Sirius, grimly.

The two wizards' demeanour changed in an instant. Their aim was clear now. They can't find Rose if there were threats everywhere. They would not have the courage to look into her eyes if they turned a blind eye to such injustice.

"Hey! Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" he screamed, his wand already firing off a spell at the trio. Moony was quick to follow.

I would love to say it was a fight of epic proportions. However, you have two wizards at level 7 power-wise and knowledge-wise. With a ton of experience. Against three average-level mages, distracted by their little bout of amusement. It was ridiculously simple.

They quickly subdued the tormentors and secured the muggle families. The moment their feet touched the ground, all the mother did was embrace her children, tears streaming down her face. The father stood before them, a shovel he picked back up from where he had previously dropped it. He looked at Sirius and Remus warily for a bit before focusing his fury on the three downed.

He didn't hesitate before striking their head in anger. They might be dead, or they might not be, the remaining marauders were not too bothered to find out.

"I know you're angry, and you're scared. Let's get you to safety first. Deal?"

The father was silent for a bit, but he nodded.

"Thank you"

"Don't mention it"

While escorting the muggle family to safety, Padfoot and Moony took down everyone that was causing trouble on their way. They were attracting attention, but instead of being attacked, the hooded figures were running away, perhaps mistaking them for aurors.

'Stay safe Rose, we'll get you soon enough'

'When in a fight, it is more advantageous to start with a spell volley and keep the pressure as high as possible for as long as possible so that you can force the opponent to commit a mistake. Of course, this is when you are of similar strengths'

It was a little late in the fight, but Rose started remembering the tactics Link had taught her. Her body finally adjusted and moved with a purpose. Seeing as she is on the back foot, she might need a different strat.

'If you are being overwhelmed, the best way to move forward is to first break their momentum.'

She knows just the spell to stop his chain of attack. For some reason he is not going with any lethal dark spells, so she can assume he is looking to take her alive. Perfect, she can take advantage of that.

There was a variation to a spell that Link taught her. The colour variation spell, which normally is transparent and would only affect the target. The variation gave the spell some colour. Its trajectory would be defined and visible to all.

Why that is important is because what would happen if you sent that variation in a particular green colour?

So in between dodging spells, she fired off her first spell. A harmless colour-altering spell. On that streaked towards her now stunned opponent in a brilliant and threatening green.

Rowle had his breath hitched for a few seconds, his eyes wide in disbelief and dread. His life went in slow motion as the killing curse got closer and closer to his unprotected torso. His fear levels rose so high and so fast all he could do was scream a terrified:

"Noooooooo!"

The spell splashed on him. Yet he stood unharmed, perplexing him immensely. He looked down at his robe, which now bore a bright green colour, then back up in confusion.

'Once his attack is halted, follow up with a spell that could daze him, or confuse him further. The best case scenario is if you can blind them for a few seconds'

"Lumos Maxima" she shouted.

Rowle's eyes had long since accustomed themselves to the darkness. He was already confused about what was going on. Now Rose attacked his vision with the brightest light she could muster. Which is very bright considering her magical prowess.

"AARGH!"

His left arm reflectively rose to protect his eyes.

'While he is blinded, make sure to disarm him. To avoid a lucky shot'

"Expelliarmus"

She stretched her arm, grabbing the wand that flew off her opponent.

'Finally, make sure they are immobile so that they cannot attack you when your guard is down.'

"Stupefy"

Becoming stiff, Rowle toppled over, unresponsive.

She heaved a sigh of relief. Link will be so proud, she beamed.

She approached her aggressor, ready to levitate him back to the camp when she heard a branch snapping to her side. Turning she was surprised when a red spell was heading towards her.

"Stupefy" was the whispered attack. Her eyes were wide in surprise and horror. It's too late to dodge.

'Be careful, if you were to be attacked, rarely does the enemy come alone'

Ever wondered what would happen if there were tens of kids fighting an adult? How would it look? Fortunately, there were no children hurt in the making of this demonstration.

Sirius and Moony mowed down the opposition with such ease it was an insult to even call them such. They did not need to even utilise their more powerful spells, though their banter was enough to deal some emotional damage. It was obvious that these guys were not from the inner circle. They were mere mobs, used only as fodder and distractions.

At least that was the case at first. One stood out. He was able to put up a much fiercer challenge. He would not have been such a problem had he faced either of them alone. But with the tens of members following his command, he was able to keep the two Light veterans at bay.

Though they were outnumbered, the two Marauders remained unperturbed. If they could keep them occupied for a few more seconds, they would be able to subdue the group.

From the corner of their eyes, they could see the red cloaks of the Aurors slowly encircling the area.

Unfortunately, they weren't the only ones to notice. The one that appeared to be the leader of this group also caught on to what was happening. Gritting his teeth in anger, he cast a spell that disrupted the Anti-apparition barrier the DMLE were erecting. As it was not yet formed, it was at its weakest, thus allowing for its immediate destruction.

"You damned Blood-Traitor. We'll get you next. Retreat!"

Without even making sure they followed his order, the Leader apparated away. It took a second, but the rest of them followed after him. The Aurors had given up on caution and rushed to apprehend a few at least. Regrettably, they got away.

"Welp, be quicker next time" snarked Sirius, annoyed with the Aurors. "We had them occupied, yet you still weren't able to get them. Or are you only able to catch those that don't resist?"

That irritated the newly arrived mages.

"Anyway, we have to go look for Rose. See ya"

"Hold it"

Remus sighed and rubbed his eyes in resignation.

"You just had to antagonise them"

"What? It's true, and you know it"

"That's beside the point. We need to go find Rose, now we're going to be held up because of you"

"Yeah, well Link probably found her. Plus the danger is gone now, so all is good"

"No, you damned fool. They are probably waiting for us. How long should we keep them waiting?"

"..."

The back and forth went on for a while, completely ignoring the Head Auror that stopped them.

His eye twitched in irritation.

'These bastards… are they ignoring me? On purpose?'

"Ahem, as I was…" he started but was quickly cut off by Sirius talking over him. The twitching increased.

"Gentlemen, If you would…" This time Remus was the one talking over him. His twitching damn near became a seizure. So caught up in his irritation, he completely missed the sly smile and wink the two friends sent each other. A junior auror did catch it, just barely able to cover her snickering.

Though, credit where is due, the man showed a greater capacity for patience than either expected. He tried once more.

"I ask that you both…" Sirius took the relay from Remus and continued their honestly ridiculous charade.

The poor man could not handle it anymore.

"WILL THE BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP?"

"Alright, sheesh. We aren't deaf, you could have just spoken normally you know?" snarked Sirius, unable to keep the shit-eating grin off his face. The response almost sent the man into a fit. Tonks could hardly keep from laughing out loud, however, it was a lost battle to keep her chuckles silent.

"Enough Sirius. Remus, I expected better from you" interrupted a voice to the side, amusement discerned from her tone.

Director Bones had arrived at the scene. She had made special care to make sure she came by after she heard the report of such a debacle. This being the Quidditch World Cup, it could very easily dissolve into an international crisis.

The Aurors were quick to fall in and salute their superior.

"Status report, how bad is it?" She ordered.

"We have not swept the entire area yet, but it seems to be zero casualties. Three of the perpetrators were found stunned and bound not far from here."

"Thank Merlin, but how did everyone manage to escape?"

"We're still checking, Ma'am. But from what we've seen so far, it seems to be from Portkeyes."

That surprised her. So many people were able to escape because Portkeyes became much more easily available. That brought a smile to her face. Just as she is sure it would for the old Headmaster.

'Looks like the law we passed is truly beneficial to the people' That had removed such a massive burden she couldn't help but sigh in relief.

Although not perfect, as there are wards that can cut off the spell, it was at least a step in the right direction. People don't have to die as easily anymore.

It was only after she regulated her elated emotions did she turn to face the two adults that were caught.

"Amelia, great to see you again. And for once it's not with me on the ground" grinned Sirius. Only he could make light of his stay in the hellish prison.

"I may be the most responsible of the lot, but that does not mean I am responsible" laughed Remus.

These guys were always a pain.

"Anyway, just tell us what happened and you can be on your way" she sighed in exasperation.

"Alright, we heard screams and explosions in the distance. We woke up and found out that Rose was missing. We split up to search for her, while the rest of our group portkeyed away. Remus and I couldn't find her here and were just about to look elsewhere when we saw these three scumbags torturing muggles. They need help by the way, and if possible it's best if they were obliviated. Anywho, we couldn't stand the act so we attacked. And the rest is history" recounted Sirius.

Nodding along, Remus added that they couldn't obliviate the muggles themselves as it was a bit chaotic.

"Very well, thank you for your cooperation. We'll take it from here. Go find Rose"

They were soon on their way to the forest. Hopefully, Link found her already.

They say when you are in danger, the world slows down to a snail's pace. Your brain processes information at a speed that would put supercomputers to shame. For that short half a second, the human brain exhibits the reason why it is the most powerful weapon in the world.

Rose believed herself to be alone at this moment, hence the level of danger was brought to the highest degree. Her reaction time became superhuman, her body was moving long before her consciousness caught up with her brain.

She threw herself to the side, just barely avoiding the spell hurtling towards her.

"You dodged that one, what about this one" came the condescending remark from her aggressor. His wand was already aimed at her, another stupefy already rushing her prone form.

Just as she was about to resign herself to fate, although she was able to track the spell, her body is too exhausted to move as she demands it to.

A shield materialised before her.

"Are you really questioning her? When you failed to land a spell even with the element of surprise? How competent do you think you are?" Standing before Rose, Link stood straight and true. Mocking the man mercilessly. Turning his head slightly, he addressed her next. "I really need to embed a tracking charm in your necklace. Are you going to stay laying down like that? Come on, I'm sure your uncles are worried enough, let's get you back there."

Nodding, Rose can't help but smile as she stood up. All sense of danger completely evaporated now that Link was there. Even with someone training their wand on them, it was irrelevant.

"How do you plan to leave, with me here?" drawled Rookwood, casually enervating his fallen companion.

Yet the moment Rowle began rousing from his stunned state, another stupefy had already hit him.

"Did you think I'd let you do that? How stupid do you have to be?" Link continued mocking. "Regardless, what can you possibly do to stop me? With your level, you'd be lucky to last longer than a second."

"If you are trying to aggravate me, it won't work. I will not be baited by the likes of you, mudblood." Rookwood replied, unphased. He was a war veteran, an inner circle Death Eater, and quite powerful to boot. He was simply not as well known. Not surprising, considering he usually operated as a ghost, in and out before anyone realised.

"Would you look at that? Can you believe it Rose, a villain with actual common sense?"

They laughed a bit at that. Sensing an opening, Rookwoon took his chance.

"Expelliarmus"

Though easily evaded, Rookwood mastered a form of combat that was praised by Voldemort himself. The Dark Lord stated that of all his followers only two stand out. Bellatrix Lestrange, due to her level of power far outstripping the rest. If Link had to classify her she would be a high Level-7 witch, making her a troublesome foe for any that goes against her. Had she not been as mentally unstable as she was, she might have been able to reach Voldemorts Level and become one of the very few to achieve the vaunted level-8 of power.

The second is Agustus Rookwood. Though he was only a high Level-6 wizard, his style of combat is such that his threat level rises exponentially. For he does not fight conventionally. He utilises a skill that is far too underused compared to the advantages it gave. Apparition. He constantly apparates throughout his fight, never staying in one location for longer than the time needed to cast a spell.

This unconventional method is now used against the two teens.

"Sagitta"

Arrows were conjured in the tens. Link was able to deflect those as well. Rookwood wasn't concerned, constantly moving. From in front, to their back to their side to their back again. Sometimes he casts a spell, sometimes he just apparates immediately. All to confuse his enemies.

Rose was bewildered, she was shifting as well. Trying to pinpoint the man, her anxiety levels rising with every misfired spell she cast. This was surreal, how can anyone fight like that? Her attention moved about the combat zone trying to anticipate his next position. Unknowingly playing right into the palm of his hand.

Link however was completely unbothered by the flashy display. He stayed in one position, not turning in any direction. He simply deflected, blocked or evaded every spell that was coming towards them. Of course, he made sure Rose never came to any harm as well. It was an interesting tactic, he never thought someone would be bold enough to use such means. Props to the man. Unfortunately, Link is so far beyond his level of power, that all tricks become useless. He also knew how to control that amount of power far better than any that could be considered his peer. If the world were to find out that a 14-year-old boy is Dumbledore's equal in power, there would be pandemonium.

As the minutes crawled on, and with his opponents still standing strong. Rose eventually calmed down when she realised that nothing was coming through and Link was calm. She focused on trying to counterattack now since defence is wholly provided by her Best Friend. Rookwood started to feel increasing levels of anxiety. He can't keep up this attack for much longer, he is slowly running out of energy to continue.

"That's it, time to end this" he snarled, his hatred oozing out. "I don't like using this spell as it is draining, but you leave me no choice"

"Crucio"

He began smiling cruelly, he could already picture the brat brought down, screaming in agony. He would only be able to keep the spell up for a total of ten seconds, but that should be more than enough to take out the average wizard.

Rose felt her eyes widen in shock as she heard what spell had been cast this time. She studied with Link long enough to recognise one of the three unforgivables. Their use carries the strictest of penalties, which include an automatic life sentence to Azkaban.

Time slowed down for the third time today. The spell was still advancing rapidly towards them. She intended to throw herself in the line of the spell so that Link could take care of the Death Eater. Her action would prove unnecessary.

Link had enough. He had allowed this pompous prick the time to showcase his skill. It was interesting, and it provided insight into certain laws within this world. Insight that would prove useful in the future.

However, his use has run out. All that was left was an annoyance. Time to end this pitiful excuse of a fight. But first, let's neutralise that spell.

He merely waved his wand, and a wall of mud grew from the ground intercepting the incoming curse. It may be unblockable by magical means, but not by physical means. All that was needed was to conjure any form of a wall to take the brunt of the spell.

Once that was taken care of, that same wall changed into a gigantic hand that reached over to grab the poor man. When Rookwood apparated away from the danger zone, another hand was already there waiting for him. He tried to escape once more, but unfortunately for him, the number of mud hands was increasing at an alarming rate. Two, then four, the ten, then fifty. They blotted out the sky, all with the single purpose of converging on the panicking Death Eater.

Of course, he could have attempted to apparate far away and escape. Unfortunately, he was too magically drained to attempt that. And in his increasingly panicked state, he could not even think to use a portkey. That and Link is far too good with wards. He had long since prevented the ability to apparate and portkey out of their current area.

Rookwood had nowhere to escape, no chance to retaliate and no place to move. He was cornered, captured and bound faster than he thought possible. Though the hands were in no way gentle when handling him. His wand is now in his enemy's possession.

"Now, let's find out what you wanted to do with my friend here" intoned Link as he had both Death Eaters, bound and kneeling before them. He enervated the unconscious one so that he may interrogate them.

"We'll never tell you anything mud-blood. So just give up" Rowle sneered, embarrassed and angry at his earlier defeat. Rookwood, though slightly battered, was still as resilient.

"Oh, don't worry. I'm not asking. I'll just read your mind." he countered happily.

That had them paling a bit. They could not allow these trash with dirty blood to realise the emergence of their lord. He is not yet ready. He needed to regain his former glory.

"You can't do that… it's illegal. You will be charged by the DMLE"

There, now these light loving soft-hearted bastards wouldn't dare to read his memories. They would do anything to uphold the very laws that restrict them. It's the main reason the Pureblood faction had succeeded for so long. These blood traitors weren't willing to do whatever it takes to win. That's why laws such as these were passed, they thought they were protecting the average wizard and witch. What they were doing was limiting themselves with false ideals.

However, nobody told Link that he shouldn't cross these lines. That's why he couldn't hold in his incredulous laughter. Shocking the two bound and previously smirking Death Eaters.

"Illegal? You guys tried to kidnap my best friend. What gave you the idea that I wouldn't destroy you thoroughly and painfully? I am not of the same stock as those you are so used to fighting." sneered Link. "I am prepared to cross every written and unwritten line if I have to. I will fight fire with fire. An eye for an eye. A thousand of your souls for a single innocent soul. Now, try not to lose your mind, it's going to be painful."

Now they were fearful. They could not give up their Lord. Not now that he was so close to returning. So they did the only thing they could think of. Reinforce their occlumency shields. Falling right into Links expectations. He did promise it would be painful after all. The more they defend, the more pain they will experience, until they break.

"Leglimens"

He pointed his wand and purposely intoned the spell. He wanted them to know what he cast, even if he didn't need to utter his spells anymore. He was long past that level.

They resisted. They tried with every fibre of their being to deny Link the information he seeks. Honestly, they ought to be commended for their loyalty. Though he's sure it won't be appreciated.

Link dismantled every defence, protection, shield and resistance they could muster. Being as painfully forceful as he could. Making sure for every second they tried to deny him what he wants, they receive in return severe brain damage. Keeping it away from the memory area until the end. He wished to destroy everything about them, from basic motor skills to the knowledge of their very being.

They were screaming in pain. They were so loud that they would have been overheard a few hours ago, despite the cheers that were echoing in the area. Rowle was the first to break. Providing a few pieces of the puzzle. His dumb expression when he was finally released from the spell scared Rookwood beyond anything he had seen before. How was this any better than the cruciatus curse? This damned son of a bitch broke his mind. Rookwood tried to redouble his effort. Yet it proved fruitless, as he was slowly but surely crumbling before this kid.

'Forgive me, my Lord. I have failed you.' Rookwoods last coherent thought before he joined his partner in a death-like state. Broken beyond recognition. His mind shattered. Having supplied the final piece of the puzzle for Link to decipher what their goal was, and where they were going.

Rose bore witness to her friend's dark side, she knew he was ruthless sometimes. Though this was the first time she had witnessed how far he was willing to go. While she was not comfortable with that level of violence, she was under no illusion that Link did all this for her sake. Her heart trembled in horrified remorse, as she felt her whole body shake. She knows they deserved every bit of punishment they got, but her kind heart couldn't help but feel. She knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would never go to such lengths on a truly innocent person, yet the screams did not fade.

Regardless, the feeling of safety around him never wavered for a second. Though she would prefer not to be present when he does such things.

"Link, won't breaking their mind get you in trouble?" she asked.

"It would, but I didn't break them. I just caused a bit more pain than necessary. They will be completely recovered within a few days." he responded. He would like nothing more than to end their miserable lives, but not in front of Rose. And not when there are any witnesses.

It was then that the duo were joined by Rose's godfather and uncle. They bore an indifferent facade, though they were unnerved that the smiling and polite kid they interacted with could be capable of such a feat. Not that they were against it, these bastards deserved for trying to abduct Rose. They were relieved at least that it was not permanent damage.

"So, what did they want?"

Link turned towards them, unsurprised by their appearance.

"Turns out, Voldemort is back. They wanted to bring Rose back to let her be part of a ritual to get him whole again. At least we stopped that from happening."

Remus and Sirius were grim for a moment, realising how close they were to losing Rose to that Lunatic.

"What's the plan?" asked Sirius

"The plan, Lord Black, is for you two let me take over from here" interrupted Madam Bones, she arrived not long after the duo.

"Amelia, we have to strike now. He is alone, and vulnerable. If we wait any longer he will be in the wind again"

"I know Sirius, trust me we will handle it. But I can't send my men in blind. We don't know if there are any more Death Eaters there. Or if there are any wards. We have to be careful"

He couldn't argue. As much as he wants to capture the madman, he can't ask people to risk their lives unnecessarily.

"On another note. Young man, this is not how we deal with people. Whether they deserve it or not. It is not within your rights to harm people to such an extent. Consider yourself lucky that the damage is not permanent. Else I would have taken you in."

"I apologise for my actions, I will endeavour not to go that far again."

"See to it that you do not" She nodded.

"Excuse me, Madam Bones. I have a plan, if you would listen to it" interjected Link, seeing no reason as to why they capitalise on the situation. She turned towards him, willing to at least hear him out.

Link may not have been a politician, but he was a veteran war general. He knew how to make a plan, and how to execute it. He may not agree with their views, as they seemed too lenient. He will abide by them, at least until the situation proves necessary. With every word he said the plan became clearer, it was honestly brilliant. This boy has potential. She knew that from the first time she saw him back in the Wizengamot. However, beyond mere potential, she could feel it in her instincts. Link will be a driving factor that could change their whole society. She can't wait to see how the world unravels before him.

She considered the plan for a bit, before agreeing to it. However, she was not willing to sacrifice too many of her men, so she planned to have one of them polyjuiced into Rose. Never know if something were to happen to her. Link nodded at that.

"I should be there, she's my goddaughter" snarled Sirius

"And my best friend" added Link.

"Absolutely not. You are not part of the aurors, and you are too young to be part of the operation." snapped Amelia pointing at them. Rose was beside them as well, content that at least none of her loved ones were in harm's way this time.

While upset, Link pulled out the map he created. Sure enough, the two remaining bright dots were currently in the house in front of them.

"They're in"

Everyone is focused now. Hoping this would be successful.

Rookwood was broken. His mind is a mess. All he knew was that he was bound, and his life was currently hanging in the balance. His eyes were wide, yet unseeing. His whimpers muffled. He couldn't understand the danger he was in, but he felt it. It was a primal fear, the knowledge that death was near and all you could do was wait for it to come. He could not distinguish anything but that feeling.

That and a single sentence that kept replaying in his destroyed psyche.

'ivememylordforgivememylordforgivememylordforgivememylordfor'

Voldemort was getting impatient.

"Quickly you fool. Let's start the ritual. It's a full moon tonight"

"Forgive me, my Lord. I am on my way"

While unhappy, Voldemort thought the best way to alleviate his irritability was to ungag his captive. So, he ordered Nagini to go remove the gag.

"Now scream for me" He smiled in schadenfreude.

However, what came out of her mouth was not the scream of fear he anticipated, nor even a retort of defiance. Instead, mutterings greeted his ears. His smile morphed into confusion, then understanding and finally vigilance.

For that was not the voice of a young girl. Rather, it was the voice of an adult man, more specifically, the voice of his once faithful servant.

"Forgive me my Lord" was repeated over and over again, one might mistake it for gibberish. Were it not for his discerning mind, he might have missed it completely.

"Rowle, what is taking so long?"

There was no answer, as unbeknownst to the dark lord, Rowle's disguise had worn off, and he was regrouping with his team. The Auror squad were about to storm into the room.

"Rowle!"

He knew he was discovered, he knew he was in danger of being caught. Yet he did not panic. He couldn't be captured by normal means, seeing as he is a wraith. His biggest concern was Nagini. He had to protect his familiar. Just as we were about to issue the order for her to escape, he was interrupted by the familiar form of apparition his inner circle had mastered. Their shadow apparition.

He was surprised to find another member of his inner circle before him. One that was fanatical in his devotion. Almost as much as Bellatrix. Barty Crouch Jr.

"My Lord… it was true… you are here" he whispered in reverence. "My Lord, forgive…"

"No time for that, Barty, quick grab my familiar and myself and escape. We are compromised"

At first, taken aback by the order, Barty was quick to react as he rushed towards his master, already picking up the snake on his way.

It was at this moment that the Auror squad rushed into the room, confident in their arrest. So it was a surprise when they came to a room bereft of any being save the broken Rookwood, ungagged.

Their surprise turned to disappointment when they realised they failed their objective. They did not participate in the operation of the century. Rather they failed spectacularly.

So it was an incredibly demoralised squad that reunited with their boss, reporting the failure of their sting.

"What do you mean it failed? How?" she asked incredulously.

A/N: I hope you enjoy the Chapter.