Ch. 15-In The Belly Of The Beast

Artemis now had two people within Tom's organization working for him, and he couldn't help think that it wasn't a coincidence. Whereas Artemis believed Xavier quite fully, he wasn't sure whether Desra would be as loyal. Two weeks had passed since he had stopped three "Death Eaters", as they were called (stupid name), from assassinating the Minister of Magic and the year was coming to a close. The 1980s were soon upon them, and Artemis had been at this for months now, and he was still no closer to killing Tom or destroying the Ministry. To make matters worse he still hadn't heard back from Adora. Granted he did receive the message she had left with Desra, although he couldn't be sure it was from her even though she had her necklace.

However in those two weeks a lot had happened. Artemis had hijacked a weapons shipment on its way to Riddle Manor, and was now sitting on more magical weapons than he knew what to do with. Exploding rocks, fire crystals, a whole bunch of cursed books, a stores worth of deadly and useful potions such as pre-brewed polyjuice potion as well as other potion ingredients, a fleet of broomsticks, bags upon bags of floo powder, and many more dark objects. He had killed a few lackey Death Eaters outside of Hogsmeade who had just finished boasting to a group of apparent dark wizards inside the Hogs Head Inn about their torture and murder of a muggle family. And just yesterday Artemis had killed Tiberius Finks within the Ministry the same man who had tampered with the floo network and let Desra and the other two Death Eaters into the Minister's house. He had to make sure no one could get into her abode again.

Artemis was sitting at his desk in his flat, planning his next move, comparing his notes, trying desperately to find a way into Riddle Manor. There was a frantic pounding as feet clambered up the stairs. Someone burst through the door and Artemis sprang up and drew his wand as he grasped the intruder by the throat and slammed him against the wall. When Artemis had time to let his thoughts catch up with him, he realized he was grasping the throat of Xavier.

"WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT SHOWING UP UNANNOUNCED?" Xavier choked on his words.

"I'm...sor...sorry." Artemis let him go and he coughed and gasped for breath. "I had to come; Voldemort's ordered several Death Eaters to the Ministry archives."

"Why?"

"I don't know I didn't hear, they're looking for something, but I'm not sure what."

"When are they going?"

"There already there." Artemis was taken aback, how was he going to intercept them he had no time to prepare, and he hadn't planned out invading the Ministry of Magic just yet, he had no choice though, if he wanted to know exactly what Tom was up to and how to get to him, this would be his chance.

"You'd better get back before your missed", said Artemis searching around his apartment.

"What are you gonna do?"

"I'm going to find out what Tom's up to, and then stop him. Aha!" Artemis pulled out a small vile containing about a dozen dark hairs. Hairs he had pulled off of Tiberius Finks for just such an occasion. Although he had no time to study his life and would be completely helpless if someone tried to strike up a conversation with him. Still he knew he didn't have much time, so he grabbed one of his bottles of polyjuice potion and added three or four hairs to the mixture. The hairs sizzled and finally settled, and Artemis swigged down the disgusting potion. Xavier watched in horror as Artemis' skin shuffled and his hair grew. When the pain receded Artemis looked into his mirror and found he was the man he had killed but a day ago. But because Artemis had vanished his body nobody should know he's dead.

Artemis grabbed another two bottles of polyjuice potion and added Tiberius' hairs to them in case he needed more. Tiberius was much taller than Artemis, he had long black hair he tied into a ponytail. He took the clothes Tiberius was wearing that day, a black a dark blue pinstripe shirt and black pants. He pocketed Tiberius' wand, put on his traveling cloak and set out for London.

Artemis had to get used to walking like Tiberius, not that he had a distinct walk about him, but Artemis had never been tall and lanky, therefore he had to extend his steps more than usual, while at the same time not looking like he had some sort of leg disorder to the people of London. He found the telephone booth he had trailed some wizards to and stepped inside. Artemis had bribed a Ministry official for the code to get through; he hoped it was worth the hundred galleons he had paid for it. Artemis clutched the receiver in his hand and dialed the numbers: six...two...four...four...two. A cool female voice spoke. "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic, please state your name and business.

"Tiberius Finks, Department of Magical Transportation here to search the Archives."

"Thank you, please take your badge and attach it to your vest." Out of the coin slot came a badge that said Tiberius Finks, Archive Search. "The Minsitry of Magic wishes you a pleasant day." The telephone box lowered and Artemis was now in the Ministry of Magic itself, seeing hundreds of people coming and going, shuffling around the busy lobby, and the large fountain of the wizard, elf, centaur, and goblin. This was the first time Artemis had been inside the Ministry or even seen what it looked like. It was rather a brilliant display, but he was more nervous than he had ever been. Anyone of these people could know who he was, and if they answered him a serious question Artemis would be in real trouble. He saw the elevators at the far end of the room and headed toward them, moving with the crowd. Just then his worst fear was realized.

"Oi! Fink!" At first Artemis didn't notice, but as the man jumped to see over the heads of the crowd and dashed toward him he noticed as he continued to shout. "Hey Tiberius! Fink! Fink!" Artemis finally remembered his façade and turned to meet the man.

"Oh hello...you"

"Fink where were you yesterday, you missed it."

"Oh yes, yes afraid I did", Artemis said with a fake disappointment. "Sorry to miss out on the festivities."

"I wouldn't exactly call a board meeting festive, eh Fink?" He gave a laugh, and Artemis returned a rather fake one. "Well Bertie's kinda heated about it mate; upset you weren't there, especially with all this floo network chaos that's happened."

"Oh yes, what a nasty business."

"Well it's all fine and well for all those big cats upstairs to look down on us mice and tell us were not doin a proper job now in'it. We've got floo networks coming out our arses haven't we, I mean the Ministry alone has added eighty new networks, Hogwarts has requested about two dozen, and now that there more affordable were installing them in practically every wizard home, and don't even get me started on St. Mungos. A floo in every room bloody hell. So in all that rattled nonsense a few networks get mixed up, and one of them goes to the Minister's house, we fixed it, nothing happened, but here we are getting hell for it." He continued to ramble on as Artemis tried to end the conversation.

"Yes I quite agree such a mess. Well I best be..."

"Ya know now they think the network goin to the Minister's place wasn't an accident, think it was some conspiracy to kill her. Can you believe that? I told them, I told them Fink, right to their faces that they were barkin mad Fink. Told em the only bloaks with that kind of access are me and Fink and there ain't no way in hell that Fink is a Death Eater. Barkin mad ain't they, thinking you and me are Death Eaters, what a load of rubbish.

"Ha, me a Death Eater, what a laugh. Well I've got loads to..."

"Well don't be surprised if they come snoopin' 'round and askin' questions, they just got through with me about an hour ago. Some routine questions, you ain't got nothing to hide eh Fink. Just get it over with and we can start sortin' out this floo fiasco."

"Oh yes, I'll go do that straight away..."

"You alright Fink, you seem...distracted."

"Yes I quite alright, just have to get down to the archives."

"Oh well I'm goin' to the MLE it's on the way I'll go with ya." Artemis couldn't think of a reason to argue, and was sort of relieved, considering he didn't have a clue where the archives were. The two men made their way to the elevator with this person, whom Artemis had only just realized did not know his name to save his life. He talked the whole way there and all the way down to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. They passed down a hallway with a whole row of arches above which were all manner of different departments. Underage Wizarding Office, Wand Registration Office, Memory Modification Office, Secrecy Containment Office, and at the end of the hall was a large set of double doors, with the words Auror Office above them. Artemis made his way down the hall with his "friend" next to him. Out of the hallway labeled Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, came a plump red haired man in a tweed suit.

"Oh David glad I caught you." Well Artemis now knew his name.

"Hello Arthur, allow me to introduce you, Tiberius Fink, meet Arthur Weasley. Tiberius here is a wiz with floo networks, singlehandedly took care of the splinching crisis of forty five."

"Hello pleasure to meet you, now David it seems there's been a floo network left in a house that muggles have recently moved into, one of them dropped a left behind bag of floo powder and...well you can imagine." David showed signs of despair and frustration, so Artemis did the same. "Now I've talked to Charlie in Memory Modification, he's going to handle it this afternoon, but we need you to remove it from the network."

"No problem Arthur, I'll get to that before I go back to the office. Take care now, and give my best to Molly."

"Will do, take care." The red haired man proceeded back to his business and headed toward the elevators. Artemis began to follow David again, and he made a turn down the hall labeled Currency Regulators Office he stopped and turned around.

"Aren't you going to the archives?"

"Yes."

"Well have you gone daffy? It's down the hall; make a right after the auror office."

"Oh yes, slipped my mind, one of those days you know."

"Don't I know it, take care Fink", and Artemis turned round and made sure he wasn't being followed as he approached the door labeled Archives. He entered the large set of doors and approached another door with a booth next to it; however no one was inside it. Artemis warily approached the booth, and there he saw what was supposed be the guard, dead on the floor. Artemis drew his wand, and warily pushed open the second door. The archives looked like a mixture of a library and a museum, all the lights were dimmed, many lamps were out. All around there was disarray, shelves overturned papers everywhere, books lay open on the floor, display cases and cupboards were smashed open revealing historical treasures that were now lying in heaps on the floor. Distantly he could hear smashing cabinets, shattering glass, and papers fluttering wildly. As he approached the chaotic sounds very stealthily, he could hear voices growing louder and louder.

"Ah, it ain't here!" said one voice. Then another retorted.

"Jus keep lookin." A third chimed in.

"We better bring somefin' back to 'im, or 'e ain't gonna be too 'appy now is 'e." Artemis hid behind a still standing bookcase, watching and listening.

"What exactly are we lookin for anyway?"

"You know what were lookin for; he showed us what it looked like."

"Yeah I know what it looks like, but why does he want it."

"Never mind why 'e wants it, point is 'e wants it."

"Why would it be here though, thing like that would be with a collector or a proud pure-blood."

"'e's 'ad us check everywhere else, 'e's gettin' desperate 'e is."

"Well Dumbledore's got the other one, maybe he has it."

"No the Dark Lord was in his office not too long ago, if he had it he'd have it on display like the other one."

"'e wouldn't display that, wouldn't be surprised if he had the whole set."

"You two go wrestle open that chest in the corner, we've go to at least check, I'll dig through all this rubbish maybe we missed it." The other two Death Eaters went out of sight. Perfect opportunity to take this one out while he's alone; Artemis slowly approached him wand pointed straight for him. He had to make it quiet, or the other two would come rushing in. Last thing he needs is the entire auror office coming in here. He had nearly reached him when Artemis' foot stepped on a piece of glass and made an awful cracking noise, and too his horror the Death Eater whipped around and was staring straight at him.

"Tiberius? What are you doing here? Scared me half to death!" Artemis put his wand down just in time as the other two Death Eaters came rushing back alerted by their counterparts alarm.

"What is 'e doin' 'ere?"

"Where have you been Tiberius we haven't seen you."

"We thought you were dead!" Artemis felt stunned, he had thought his cover was blown, that he would have to kill these three and then the whole Ministry would come down on him. He stood there for a minute, and then he started improvising.

"I had some things to take care of", began Artemis. "That bastard Gridlock nearly had me. I got away, but I had to lay low for awhile."

"The Dark Lord's been calling for you, he's been wanting to speak to you, when you didn't answer we assumed you were dead."

"I fought him off, then I heard you were all searching in the archives, thought I'd come by and lend a Ministry hand."

"Well a bit late now, were done here. Can't find the damn thing anywhere, I'm debating whether the thing even exists." One of the other Death Eaters chimed in.

"Nobody's ever seen it, all were going on is a legend." Artemis desperately wanted to ask what it is they were looking for, but he couldn't risk looking like he didn't know what he was talking about, he tried to weasel the answer out.

"Where else have you checked?"

"Everywhere, private collectors, museums, several Gringotts vaults, The Dark Lord even searched Hogwarts. Went in asking Dumbledore for a job can you believe that? Peeked around his office, and then searched the rest of the school. He came back with something, but not what he was looking for. We still don't know what it was he found." Artemis was disappointed, he had learned nothing.

"'e's not gonna be 'appy when we come back wif nofin."

"That's for sure." Artemis had to escape this trio, it was only a matter of time until they found out he was an imposter.

"Well you boys sure know how to clean a place out; I better get out of here before they link me to this." Artemis turned to walk away.

"Where do you think you're going? You're coming with us. The Dark Lord will be thrilled to know we found something." What could he do? Artemis couldn't argue, he had no choice.

"Alright then, how do we get out of here?" They smiled.

"Same way we came in, thanks to you." The three of them turned on their heels and made way to the back of the room where a sort of lounge area was with a grand fireplace. The Death Eater threw floo powder into the fireplace and emerald green flames burst forth as he spoke "Riddle Manor".

"Well come on, we don't wanna keep him waiting." The three of them stepped through the flames and disappeared. It had been nearly an hour, so Artemis pulled out one of his bottles of polyjuice potion and drained it quickly. He shook away the awful taste and took a deep breath and stepped through warm green flames. After feeling as though he was whirled on an amusement park ride he stepped through a fireplace, and was inside Riddle Manor itself.

The inside of the home was gloomy and old. It reminded Artemis like something of a haunted house. There was old wooden furniture, creaky wooden floors and stairs. The house was well kept, and obviously someone who was wealthy had lived here, but now it seemed like the house had no life to it, although people were still living in it the house seemed dead. Artemis was standing in what looked like the lounge; there was nothing but two high back chairs and a small table in between them. The three Death Eaters led him out of the room and into the gloomy dim hallway. The floors creaked with each of their steps as they made their way down the stairs from the second floor. To the right of the staircase was a long but enclosed corridor, and he could see that light was coming from the door. They turned left into the foyer and passed the front door, they came into the next room which was the dining room. The long table was littered with parchments, books, maps, and magical instruments. It reminded Artemis of the photographs he had seen as a boy of Hitler's war were several people in this room some seated, some pacing about or standing over the table looking at the parchments. Others were going in and out of the room, and at the end of the table sat the Dark Lord himself, Tom.

There was something different about him though; the handsome features in his face seemed to be fading and his skin was more pasty white than ever. His eyes were a menacing red, and the dark wavy hair that once topped his head was now shorter. He dressed differently too, whereas Artemis always remembered Tom dressing in a suit, he was now in black robes. On his left there was a woman with wild eccentric dark hair, she had a crazed look about her and was staring at Tom with some sort of school girl gaze. On his right there sat a man with a hooked nose and long black hair. His robes too were black but under it was more of a priest's robe, with buttons and a collar that went all the way up to his chin. He and Tom were speaking and as they entered Tom looked up and saw them come in.

"Ah, here he is at last, back from the dead I see Tiberius." Although Artemis wanted to strangle Tom with his bare hands he had to remain calm, and answered appropriately.

"Never truly dead my Lord." Tom gave a chuckle. As Artemis looked around he saw just how outnumbered he was. If he were discovered there would be no way of surviving. This was never part of any plan, but now he had to once again improvise.

"Where is it you've been Tiberius?" All eyes were on him now, but he kept calm and answered."

"Gridlock my Lord, he attacked me. I nearly made it away with my life, but I knew he was still seeking me out. So I am very sorry to have ignored your summonings my Lord, but I had to hide for my own safety."

"Of course my friend, just so happy to see you alive. Come; sit with us our meeting is just about to begin." Artemis took a seat at about the middle of the table on the side of the crazed looking woman. Others shuffled in and took their seats and several others stood around, standing like bodyguards around the doorways and windows. With a flick of Tom's wand, all the clutter on the table had vanished. "Now that all of you are here, let us begin." He waved his wand and in front of all appeared goblets full of wine. Everybody lifted their arms and pulled back their sleeves to reveal a tattoo of a skull with a winding snake coming out the mouth. Artemis knew he didn't have one of these when he got dressed before leaving for the Ministry. Everyone around the table grabbed their goblet and raised it high and in unison called out. "Hail Lord Voldemort" Artemis did the same action, and a stocky man sitting next to him with long dark hair and a beard spoke to him in a Russian sounding accent.

"Where es your dark mark?" he said in a threatening tone. Tom stepped in.

"Relax Igor, Tiberius is one of my many allies within the Ministry, therefore to keep his cover he does not bear my dark mark." As everyone depleted their goblets Tom winked at Artemis and he returned a forceful smile. Tom began the meeting by turning to the man on his right.

"What say you Severus? Are we any closer to killing Albus Dumbledore?" The man with the long black hair and hooked nose spoke.

"I'm afraid my Lord that as long as Dumbledore stays within the walls of Hogwarts, and unless we had a man on the inside, a simple assassination is not possible. The school is a complete fortress, protected by very advanced and ancient magic. The only way we could hope to kill him is to either lure him out of the castle, or launch a full attack on Hogwarts, which I do not believe our ranks could handle at the moment." A man at the other end of the table protested.

"We have thousands at our command!"

"As long as they have Dumbledore at their side we don't stand a chance."

"Bollocks", cried another wizard at the table. "He's not immortal! We could kill him." The man called Severus spoke back with more assertiveness.

"Don't be a fool Macnair, we cannot simply waltz into Hogwarts, there are several enchantments guarding it's grounds, plus all the professors there are exceptionally powerful as well. Not to mention a thousand or so students within its walls." The name called Macnair protested again.

"We can take on children!"

"Do not underestimate youth Macnair! They may be young but they can still use magic. Some of the Seventh years are even taught how to use the Unforgivable Curses. Not that you would know Macnair, being so brainless you probably never received an acceptance letter." The two men stood wands drawn, but Tom intervened.

"Enough!" As he waved his wand both men were forced back into their seats. "I shall make it very clear, I fully agree with Severus. An attack on Hogwarts would be suicide, especially with Dumbledore fighting alongside thousands at his command."

"Thank you my Lord", said Severus.

"You are as wise as you are loyal Severus Snape", said Tom. They head nods of respect and the meeting continued. "Where are we on our most recent attacks? Gideon, what of our attack on Fillbert Rufford?" A man in a long striped coat across from Artemis leaned forward. Artemis knew he had seen him before.

"Forgive me my Lord, but we were thwarted again by Artemis Gridlock." Now Artemis remembered now; he had killed a convoy of Death Eaters on their way to torch a man's house that worked at the Ministry and had refused to help Voldemort. Gideon had only just escaped by being a bloody coward.

"Bloody coward!" Yelled the woman to the left of Tom with the exceptionally wild hair.

"Calm yourself Bellatrix", said Tom.

"He came out of nowhere my Lord, he killed six of us. I only barely made it out alive." Tom had a look of disappointed anger on his face.

"You escaped by abandoning your comrades in battle! By being the slimy coward you are!" Tom pointed his wand at Gideon and whipped his wand making Gideon flop onto the table and slid toward Tom. Tom turned him over with another wave, he stared down at Gideon. "I will not tolerate cowardice in my ranks! Crucio!" Gideon yelled and seethed with pain. The rest of the table merely stared with blank faces. Artemis had to help himself smiling, knowing he had caused this. Tom stopped torturing him and spun him round and sent him sliding down the table and finally landing him in the chair at the far end of the table. Gideon sat there in the seat, weak.

"Avada Kedavra!" A green bolt shot and struck Gideon sending his body tipping back in the chair. Tom merely nodded to two of the Death Eaters standing guard, who scooped up the body and took it out of the room. And just as if nothing happened Tom continued with the meeting. "Artemis Gridlock has become quite the thorn in my side", I want him dead. No one here has been able to kill him; he has made fools of you all!" Everyone shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Artemis didn't know he was feared this much by the Death Eaters, but it was satisfying. Voldemort snapped his fingers and out from the kitchen came a familiar face carrying a large wine jug. Xavier came hurriedly into the dining room and began refilling people's goblets. As he came upon Artemis he did a double take, realizing the man he was looking at was really Artemis in disguise. Artemis gave him a widened look and was returned by a face of mutual fear. Artemis now realized how Xavier was able to overhear the important conversations that Artemis had been using to cause trouble for Tom. "Fortunately one of my more competent Death Eaters has been able to infiltrate his trust, Desra." Artemis felt panicky, he looked over his shoulder and coming into the room was Desra McCloggin, wearing her long coat and high boots, her hair still a curly mess.

"Thank you my Lord." She walked to the end of the table where Gideon once laid, her boots clunking against the wooden floor with every step. She stood with her hands on the table. "I have used Gridlock's love for the Malfoy girl against him; he believes I am his spy." All the Death Eaters round the table chuckled, and Tom smiled. Artemis was swelling with anger, he knew now he couldn't trust Desra. Fortunately he hadn't told her where he lived, but she knew about Xavier, which meant he could be in serious danger. She would pay for this.

"Once I have his complete trust, I will lead him into our grasp, then my Lord, you will be able to kill him yourself." Tom let out a loud chuckle.

"Well done Desra, well done indeed. You have done well, and you shall be rewarded." Desra bowed and sat in the chair that Xavier had brought to her. "At least the assassination was not a complete failure. How are things at the Ministry Tiberius?" Artemis had to think fast.

"The Department of Magical Transportation is in disarray my Lord. Our recent endeavors have caused chaos, and I fear that soon I shall be discovered."

"Very well, you may stay here in my home until we triumph over the Ministry of Magic."

"That is most gracious of you my Lord." They exchanged smiles, and Tom then looked upon his followers once more. "If that is all then I suggest we adjourn, you all have much to do, and I need my rest." The Death Eaters all raised their goblets and toasted Tom once more. They all rose as he stood and was escorted out of the room by Snape and Bellatrix. Just before he left he turned back around and called to Xavier.

"Boy! Show Tiberius to his room."

"Yes my Lord", Xavier nervously came beside Artemis and led him out of the room and up the stairs. They walked down a corridor and passed several doors before stopping at one and opening it. Xavier stepped aside, and as Artemis entered the room he grabbed Xavier and pulled him in with him. He pushed him against the wall and spoke quietly, close to his face.

"How do I get out of here?"

"You can't." Artemis looked puzzled.

"You do it constantly."

"Yes, but they don't care where I go, they'd rather I leave and don't come back. But they'll care if you leave; you, or rather Tiberius, is important. They won't let him go without proper protection." Artemis thought for a moment.

"You have to get out of here. Desra knows you're working for me, and it's only a matter of time before she remembers."

"Why didn't she mention it at the meeting then?"

"We don't have time for that; here." Artemis reached into his pocket and pulled out an old key. "Here is the key to my flat, let yourself in, and tell Amicus where I am and of my situation."

"What situation?"

"That I am trapped inside Tom's home and in a little more than an hour I shall turn back into myself, and I cannot hope to fight off everyone here."

"Okay", Artemis asked only one more thing of him.

"Where's Adora?"

"She's kept upstairs, in the attic. Special room made just for her up there."

"Alright, I'll make contact with her, just get yourself out, and hurry." Xavier nodded his head and pocketed the key Artemis gave him, then while trying to remain casual, left the room. He gave him a few moments and then carefully checked all around and left his room. At the far end of the hallway he could see a doorway leading to a dark set of stairs going up. Artemis could hear the other Death Eaters letting Xavier out, and then chuckling. The floors creaked with his every step, and he passed several doors with which he knew there to be sleeping Death Eaters behind. He climbed the old rotting steps up to the attic and was immediately met with a door. Artemis took a deep breath and knocked on the door. A familiar voice was heard within.

"Come." Artemis opened the door, and sitting on the edge of the bed was the woman he had loved all these years. She turned her head to gaze at him, and he was graced with the sight of her beautiful face, just as he remembered her. She was still radiant and glowing as ever, although she looked more worn, Artemis still felt she was the most gorgeous woman in the world. Yet when she looked upon him, she looked confused. "Mr. Fink? How can I help you?" Artemis was stunned, he could only smile at her, however this wasn't how he imagined their reunion. Artemis reached inside his coat and pulled from it the necklace he had taken from Desra. Adora's face grew large with fear.

"Where did you get that?" Artemis could no think of what to say.

"He wanted me to tell you he's coming for you."

"What? No! I don't want him to."

"It's too late he's already here."

"What? But how? Where is he?" Artemis could feel the polyjuice potion wearing off, and he was now changing back.

"He's right in front of you." Artemis was now himself again. Without hesitation Adora lurched forward, wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him for what seemed like eternity. Artemis laid his hands around her and felt her soft blonde hair in his fingers. They kissed and kissed with the passion that had been held back for twenty years. Although he wanted to do more, he was still in danger, he had to act fast. "Come with me, quickly!" He pulled on her arm yet for some reason she resisted. "Adora, come on! We have to go now!"

"I can't." Artemis had been afraid of this.

"Is it Lucius?" Adora winced as if the name was a painful stab to her heart.

"No, Lucius is gone, Tom ruined him, he's not the little boy we once knew." Adroa was fighting back tears. "He did more damage than Abraxas ever could."

"Why can't you go then?"

"My other son, Amadeus."

"Well where is he? I'll get him now."

"Artemis, it's not that simple. He keeps him locked up downstairs, he says he'll kill him if I ever leave, and he keeps me here so you don't destroy Riddle Manor. Amadeus is under constant guard, I hardly ever see him, but I hear him. He makes music Artemis, beautiful music just like you used to." Artemis looked at her, with puzzled eyes. "He's your son, Artemis. Amadeus is your son." A flicker of fear flashed through Artemis' mind, yet at the same time there was a small glimpse of happiness. Artemis had a son, a son with the woman he loved. He suddenly realized things were far more complicated than he could ever have imagined.

"I will come back for you."

"You have to hurry; I fear it won't be long before he does to him what he did to my Lucius." Adora buried her head in her hands sobbing with the last few words. Artemis held her close, and ran his hands through her hair. He didn't want to leave, but unfortunately he had no choice.

"I will come for you, and Amadeus, and I'll take care of you both. I'll stand by you no matter what, and once Tom is dead we'll go far away. Like we said we would." Both of them stared into each others eyes, his eyes lit up with love, her eyes wet with sorrow.

"Enough now, you have to go. I'll be alright." Artemis pulled out of his coat his last bottle of polyjuice potion. He kissed Adora goodbye and downed the last of the potion. He was Tiberius again, he had to hurry. He looked back at Adora one last time before shutting her door. He had only one hour and would take this rare opportunity to snoop around the house. He quietly went down the squeaky steps and down the thin corridor he had seen before. The swinging door at the end revealed a dirty old kitchen; house elves were tending to the dish-work. All around the kitchen, on racks hanging from the ceiling and from hooks on the walls, hung what seemed to be hundreds of garlic rings. They gave off quite a pungent aroma.

The elves looked up at him as he entered, with miserable faces which turned back to their work. One elf Artemis recognized as Dobby, the house elf who served the Malfoys. He clearly had not won his freedom as Artemis had hoped; he must be working for Tom, on behalf of Adora. There was a wooden door across the room and to the left; he slowly approached it while the elves scowled at him all the way. He opened it and entered into a dusty storage room with a stone floor; a single light bulb hung from the ceiling with a pull string. Large racks were lined against the wall, and in the corner were several barrels; stacked all over some all the way to the ceiling. Artemis approached one of the barrels and pulled the large cork from it. Artemis knew not to stick his hand in a barrel of unknown material, so he took Tiberius' wand and dipped it into the dark barrel. When he pulled it out he found the wand dripping thick with crimson blood. Artemis was taken aback; what was Tom doing with numerous barrels of blood?

Music, Artemis could hear music somewhere. Beautiful music was coming from what seemed like the floor. He followed the source and came to several crates on the floor. Artemis started moving the crates and underneath was a door. He reached for the handle when a voice startled him.

"What are you doing here Tiberius?" The voice was cold, and he recognized it as the man who sat at the right hand of Tom at the meeting. He turned around and found himself face to face with the man called Severus Snape.

"I dropped my wand and it rolled under the door, so I was moving the crates to..."

"Spare me your frivolities Finks; I know your true intentions slithering about as you always do. The Dark Lord may trust you, but I...do not." Artemis didn't know what to say; apparently Tiberius and Snape didn't trust each other. Once again he had to improvise.

"Do not call my loyalties into question Severus; I have my doubts about you as well."

"There were only four people involved in the assassination attempt, two are now dead, and one hardly escaped with her life. That leaves you Tiberius, the only one who could've tipped off Artemis Gridlock."

"I played my part Severus, I got them in, that is where my services ceased."

"There is more to serving the Dark Lord than providing services Fink, I shall see to it that you are exposed for the stinking rat you are. Good evening." Snape turned on his heel and walked out of the room. It was too dangerous to get through the trap door, now of which he realized must contain Amadeus, his son. Artemis had been snooping for nearly forty five minutes. His time was almost up and he had to get out of here.

He went to the front door, where two Death Eaters stood guarding the front entrance. They stopped him.

"Sorry Tiberius, you can't leave."

"Oh but I can." The two guards looked at him confused when suddenly the front door exploded open with erupting purple flames as a winged creature made entirely of dancing violet embers flew through the door, blasting the two Death Eaters aside. The flaming Amicus landed on Artemis arm, who pulled out his wand and waved it across his face turning him back into himself. With a smile Artemis walked out of Riddle Manor, released Amicus into the night shining with a brilliant purple glow, and he swirled into a streaming tower of black smoke and disappeared into the night.