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.
"What do you mean it failed? How?"
This should have been a sure win. It was supposed to be… she didn't know what it was supposed to be, but it definitely shouldn't be a failure. Her elite squad was there. They had confirmation that there was the 'supposed' Dark Lord.
One of them came forward, and she recognised him as the one who volunteered to be Rowle. One of her better Aurors.
"Ma'am, I went out of the room as instructed. I was changing back to my original form so it suited me perfectly. Once out, I immediately gave the signal to start the raid. It should have been an open-and-shut case. We were gone for at most 5 minutes. However, the moment we came in, the Person of Interest was nowhere to be seen, and Rookwood was in his original form. I believe he might have apparated away."
"Let me get this straight… You knew that the Polyjuice was running out, and didn't think it might tip off our suspect?"
Though embarrassed, the Aurror replied nonetheless.
"Forgive me, Ma'am. Given the state of our POI, I did not think they were capable of magic."
"What do you mean?"
"It was some sort of cripple. Hardly worth the effort we put into this. I think Rookwood and Rowle were deluded into believing that thing was the Dark Lord. So is whoever helped him."
The four civilians present had just about enough of this. Not only did these buffoons completely botch a practically unbotchable raid. They had the nerve to downplay the entire scenario with it being a mere cripple that escaped.
"That is the largest piece of hippogriff shit I've ever heard. How utterly useless do you have to be" scoffed Sirius loud enough for all the Aurors to hear.
Amelia sighed in frustration. She knew what was coming, but she had no intention of stopping it. Her Aurors needed to understand the gravity of their failure.
"I beg your pardon?" he asked appalled and offended by the slight.
"Beg all you want you flobberworm, you aren't getting it" retorted Sirius, earning a snicker from Rose and a small smile from Link. "First, your intel stated it was the Dark Lord inside. Second, you confirmed he was there alone. Third, and most importantly, you did not erect an anti-apparition ward. If that doesn't make you useless then I don't know what does."
"How dare you? Do you know who I am?"
"We do not care. You could be Merlin himself and it still wouldn't save you from your blunder."
"I'm Cyrano Greengrass, brother to the current Lord of House Greengrass Cygnus Greengrass. Besides, it's not my fault the cripple was able to escape. Again, it doesn't matter that much"
By now, the rest of the Aurors are annoyed with both speakers. With Sirius because of his harsh criticism. And with Cyrano for being so thick-headed. He might not be as elitist as his family, nor does he share in their disdain for Muggle-borns. He does however possess an enormous amount of pride, and a staggering misconception of accountability. It'd be best if he kept quiet. Unfortunately, it was too late.
They heard their civilian guests groan once more.
"How thick can you be?" asked Rose, growing increasingly irritated with the ignorant buffoon.
"Listen, you might be the girl-who-lived and we might be grateful for what you did. But do not presume to question me. I saw the thing, it was hardly even human. It had trouble breathing on its own, so forgive me for not seeing it as a threat in any form."
Link stepped in at this moment, tired of this back-and-forth. It was getting them nowhere.
"Ok, enough. Let me explain it in a way even someone like you might understand…"
"Someone like me? What the hell does that mean?"
"*Sigh*... Someone with a stick so far up his ass it poked his brain. There is a reason why common sense is not so common. Happy?" While the auror felt apoplectic in anger, Sirius, Mooney and a few others had to stifle their laugh. Before Cyrano could retort, Link continued. "Anyway, the point is you let our POI getaway. Before you go on another useless spiel and waste more precious air for the rest of us let me continue. Let's say he is incapable of magic. Let us assume for one miraculous minute that you were right. That he is a being incapable of magic, or at the very least not in the common way. You want to know why he is still incredibly dangerous?"
He let that hang for a second, as though waiting for an answer, and just as the man was about to answer Link continued cutting him off once more.
"He managed to rope in two former Death Eaters to do his bidding. Do you understand what that means? It means regardless of what you feel, Death Eaters are differing to him for instructions. That makes him dangerous. The fact that he was able to escape means a third person is helping him. This means they are in the wind right now and can plan their next move peacefully because you bungled up your job. Do you understand the severity of your actions now, Auror?"
Although Cyrano was still livid at the way this little brat addressed him, he still had to concede to the boy. Cold sweat covered his back as he realised just how bad this could go. A potential Dark Lord, even if it wasn't you-know-who, is out there planning another scheme. Shame flooded him.
He, in an act that surprised many present, bowed to the head of the DMLE.
"I apologise Ma'am. I failed this mission."
Though taken aback, Amelia nodded her head in understanding, even Sirius' opinion of the man rose a bit. He was at least able to accept responsibility.
"Auror Greengrass, Thank you for the apology, though that is in no way sufficient for your failure."
"I understand Ma'am. I will accept any punishment you have in store."
"Good, keep that attitude and you may rise to Head Auror. In the meantime, you have 3 months of Boot camp training with Mad-eye. Good Luck."
Winces of sympathy spread through the surrounding aurors. 3 months was harsh. Even Sirius felt a shiver at the thought of Moody's training from hell.
"3-3months ma'am? Madam Bones please…" At her raised eyebrow, Cyrano restrained himself. Though he lamented his future. "Thank you for your instructions, ma'am"
She nodded in assent. Turning around, she addressed the four that accompanied her.
"Let's go"
They soon apparated away.
Leaving the poor man to receive a multitude of condolences from his squad mates.
Back at the DMLE Director's office, Madam Bones and her guests were seated in silence. Sighing in resignation, Amelia apologised for the failure that occurred. After all, they had asked to be put on the team specifically because they were afraid of this scenario.
However, before much could be said Link interjected.
"I've been thinking, the main reason for this blunder is due to three things. First is situational awareness, the team did not seem to think there was much of a threat. That could be remedied with more training and further indoctrination of a militaristic mindset. Second, is the lack of communication between squad mates. They could have accomplished much more in much less time if they had a means of instant communication. Lastly, there were no clear orders from the command. You, as the Head of the DMLE, were completely blind to their actions from the moment they entered the manor. The last two are crucial when operating an army. The muggles realised this for quite some time, and have already developed means to remedy the situation. I wonder why the magical world hasn't done something similar."
Amelia recognised the truth in the words, but the fact of the matter is that they had no way of accomplishing such a feat. Wizards had developed multiple forms of communication, some are instantaneous (eg: the two-way mirrors), others with a buffer time (eg: the secondary function of a Patronus charm). However, none could be utilised in combative circumstances.
Though she did not answer, her silence was damning in a way. Sirius and Mooney were also stumped on the situation. They remembered Lily once mentioning the need for such a contraption, but she was never taken seriously. Or rather, her life was cut short before she had the opportunity to developpe such a mean.
Rose took this time to observe her best friend's face. Unassuming as it was, his face and his presence were a source of great comfort and safety. Embarrassed as she was to admit it, she had etched every contour of his features to memory. So she was intimately aware of most of his expressions, as minutes as they might appear to others. She found herself with the unusual ability to read him like an open book. Right now she recognised that face as one with an idea in mind and determination in his heart. She couldn't help but ask what he was thinking.
"Link? What do you have in mind?"
"Hmmm, a few things. I think I have a way to help our dear DMLE director. If she will allow it" he started.
Madam Bones was intrigued at the prospect. This was the genius that developed a way to protect yourself from surprise attacks. A portable ward that detected ill intention and defended the user long before they could react to the threat. It is a life-saving tool with little comparison.
Needless to say, the young man had their full attention.
"I was thinking of two items that could be of help." He paused slightly, his eyes glancing towards the remaining Marauders. "Make that 3 items with their help"
Surprised as they were, they allowed the boy to continue his line of thought.
"First is a communication talisman. One small enough to have attached at the ear. Or worn as a neckless. It would transmit voices from one device to the other, and with some tweaking, it could be linked to a multi-person relay. You would be able to communicate with your aurors from your office, regardless of where they might be. Of course, the more discrete version, the one attached at the ear, would only be heard by the user."
Bones felt her heart speed up as the implications of such a device were brought up in her mind. Their efficiency would multiply by an enormous factor. She kept her silence as she awaited his other idea, already anticipating the breakthrough.
"The second idea I had was similar to the 2-way mirror. Only more of a one-way method." Their expression indicated their confusion, so Link clarified. "Ok, so your Aurors would all wear brooches on their robes, all Linked to one mirror that you would place in your office, or on your person. Each brooch would then transmit visuals of what they are going through. So you would be able to see everything they do. As a step further, they would all be recorded. That way you can review everything they do at your leisure."
Her eyes widened as she understood what was being presented. She looked at the other two adults present, and by their expression, she was sure she wasn't the only one that recognised the gravity of such an invention. She would no longer be blind with the ongoings. There would be reduced moments in which people in power would be able to get away with their crimes, especially not when in front of one such item.
Wetting her suddenly dry lips, Madam Bones asked with a shaky voice:
"A-and, what about the third idea?"
"Ah, this is where I need Sirius and Remus' assistance. As it is an inspiration from their original work."
"Pardon me, but what work are you talking about?" asked Remus, unsure what they had done that could be used in such a situation.
"Well, Sirius you told me about the map you created. Remember?"
Understanding dawned on the two Marauders.
"What map?" asked Amelia
"During our Hogwarts days, James, Sirius, Peter and I…" started Remus
"Don't mention the rat!"
"Sorry; We created a map that shows us the entirety of Hogwarts and the positioning of the people that walk its halls…"
"Their names too"
"Yes, their names too"
"That's incredible" she whispered. "But how did you do it? And why didn't you show it during the war?"
"Well, it only worked so well because we sort of linked it to the Ward system of Hogwarts. So it was only a localised item. It couldn't be used outside the castle"
"I see"
"Yes, but I'm thinking with my help, we could be able to get a portable map. Though I am not sure the names will show up, as the rune scheme will be relatively simpler."
The Director of the DMLE's eyes were alight with excitement as she thought about what these items could do to help, specifically with raids on Dark homes or suspected Dark businesses.
She composed herself, she didn't think the boy would provide all these for free. Nor should he. His ideas, his time, and his effort are all worth an incomprehensible amount.
"What do you want from the Ministry for you to supply me with these items."
Link pondered for a moment.
"How about this, you give me about 100,000 galleons for my research. I will develop these artefacts for you. Then when you are satisfied with how they work, we can get into a contract"
"Deal"
"Then I will see you at the yule break, Madam Bones"
Nodding, the Director agreed to the stipulations. Excited for a possibly brighter future. The only issue is getting the Minister to agree to a budget later on. Regardless, the DMLE has enough authority to allocate 100,000 galleons. It might be a little tight, but this much should be possible without Fudge's authorisation.
"Well, that was fun. But if you'll excuse us, I believe we should get home and sleep after all this excitement." reminded Remus
Link had returned home to spend the last day of the summer with his parents. Rose remained with her guardians, wishing to spend more time with them. That was a mistake, as she will quickly learn to regret it.
They had just finished dinner, though they remained seated, enjoying their drink, be it butterbeer for Rose, or firewhiskey for Sirius. Remus preferred to drink water, or juice if there are any.
Rose was just finishing up another story of her and Link in Hogwarts when she finally noticed the sly smirk on her dog-father's face. On closer inspection, Mooney was also sporting one. A mischievous twinkle in their eyes.
She instantly felt dread, as though they were about to start a prank war. Though what they said next disabused her of the notion, though she quickly wished it was pranks that they were planning.
"Sooooo… you and Link, eh?" started Sirius, grinning like Cheshire cat.
"What?" she squeaked, her face red. "I mean… What?"
The two laughed uproariously, They couldn't help it. That was hilarious. Their little flower has a crush on someone. This is precious.
The two marauders might be getting a kick out of this, enjoying their privilege as uncles to tease their god-daughter. However, the same could not be said for the target of their jokes.
Her whole life, she was forcefully taught to want nothing. To suppress her desires. Then one day, on her way to Hogwarts she met with a boy. He very quickly rose in importance in her heart (A/N: Pun intended). He wormed his way through her outer shell rather quickly becoming her first-ever friend. Then came the summer he took her away from the Dursley's control. He introduced her to his parents. The first adults she came to truly respect and had her best interest at heart, for no other reason than that she was their son's friend.
It would not be wrong to say that her life changed for the better from the day she met Link. So it was not surprising that Rose developed a bit of Hero worship towards her best friend. He took care of her, he saved her, he made her life better.
Is it wrong that she had a bit of a crush on the boy that has always stood by her?
Now, although the emotions are there, keeping them secured in her heart in secret. The fact that Sirius and Remus exposed her innermost thoughts so brazenly out in the open.
She felt naked. Her embarrassment multiplied. She could not help but want the earth to open up and swallow her whole. She felt as though she'd been struck by the petrifying charm, frozen in time as she was subjected to the near-endless teasing.
"Stop, it's not like that"
Though she tried to convey assuredness, her voice was as frozen as the rest of her body. She barely managed to utter these words and they came as nothing more than a squeak that launched the adults into another bout of laughter.
She covered her red face, wishing to disappear. She could not bear to look at her uncles at the moment, this whole situation is incredibly mortifying. She can only thank Merlin that they did not start teasing her when Link was still present. She might have been catatonic.
It wasn't until a few minutes of this unbearable torture went on did Sirius regain enough seriousness in his voice that made her peek at him through her fingers.
"Rose, you don't have anything to be embarrassed about. I'm sure that Link would want to be with you if you broach the subject"
"Really?"
The sudden eagerness and hopefulness that inadvertently made their way through her voice into that one word had her eyes widening in horror. Her fears were proven true when both her uncles snorted at her.
"So you admit it?" Remus smirked in glee.
Not that she saw his expressions, her face was buried once more under her hands.
Off the coast of northern Scotland, there was a cottage at the top of a cliff. Not an entirely odd sight considering the beautiful view. What is off though is the fact that the nearest trace of any civilisation, both muggle or magical, was at least a few dozen km away.
Not to mention that any muggle that just so happen to pass through the area would see nothing but the cliff and a sudden urge to get far away from the location.
The cottage itself was nothing spectacular. Though it did look brand new. Regardless, the aesthetic is not what is essential at the moment. Rather it's the occupants of this one-room abode.
The Dark Lord, stuck in his artificial homunculus body, as well as his familiar, Nagini. Last but not least, his most recent saviour. One Barty Crouch Jr.
A boy spared Azkaban due to his mother's love. Though his freedom from that infernal prison did not mean he was not bound by something equally as horrifying. He spent 13 years imperious-ed by his father. 13 years without any free will, forced to be a slave to his father's whims. What's worse is that he had no thought whatsoever during these years. He had nothing to think about. His psyche deteriorated to a staggering point. His brain was unused to anything more than happily following whatever order his father had. Most of the time it was nothing more than to stay still in his bedroom, his cell.
Once free from mind control, he made his first choice in more than a decade. He escaped in the chaos, and from there he found his Master. His Lord would grant him his revenge when he is back in power. Thus he served once more. Though this time it was by choice.
After apparating from their previous location, Barty brought his Lord to this location. He built a simple house and erected a few wards so they can take their time planning their next move.
"Well done, Barty, my most loyal subject." said Voldemort.
"Thank you, my Lord. My entire being is devoted to serving you."
"I am pleased. But I must ask; how did you know where to find me?"
"I was approached by a witch in a cloak. They were entirely covered so I am not sure, but I think it was a witch due to her stature. She informed me that you were alive and that you needed my help"
"A witch in a cloak… a witch this time?"
"My lord?"
"Nevermind that. Barty, we must plan our next move. We need information. Scour the wizarding world undetected. We must know what's going on. Only then can we go ahead with the next phase in our plan?"
"Of course, my Liege. I shall depart then. Do you need anything from me before I leave?"
"No. Go"
With a nod of acknowledgement, Barty apparated away to start his investigation.
Voldemort was left with a lot of questions but no answers.
Who is helping him?
How many were they?
Why are they helping him?
What is their end goal?
Why were they not introducing themselves?
Can he trust them?
That last one he found an answer reasonably quickly. It's definitely a no. For some reason, he feels as though he is a pawn for them. These people, what do they take him for?
The mere thought of being used by others was enough to enrage him. His hatred was increasing by the second.
'How dare these mongrels even think of using him' he snarled. 'No matter, I will accept their aid. Once I am in my body, they will rue the day. I will kill them'
His hatred was strong enough to affect his surroundings. A sort of flame-like effect surrounded his body. Though he did not notice.
He quickly became tired and retired for the night.
"Members of the Wizengamot, I beseech you. This latest fiasco at the end of the Quidditch world cup is a sign. We must cancel the tri-wizard tournament." pleaded Dumbledore.
Students at platform 9 and ¾ were currently boarding the Hogwarts Express unaware that the future of their year was discussed by the noble members of the ministry.
The main object of their discussion was regarding the Triwizard Tournament. The Headmaster had thought that continuing with the event would not be prudent considering that they had a recent security breach.
He could not, would not in good conscience allow for the endangerment of his students as well as those from the two other schools.
Of course, his motion was blocked by the opposing party, for no other reason than to simply deny the old man his wish. Well, there was also Ludo Bagman that had a vested interest in the tournament taking place.
He'd forever be remembered as the man that brought back the tournament. It would be his legacy, an event that took place every five years. Well, the honour would be unprecedented.
Most neutral houses were also interested in the tournament. It is a form of entertainment, not like the wizarding world offers much in that regard.
Madam Bones had to put her two knuts in by reminding the members of the Wizengamot that they had tracked down a being that is interested in being a threat. She obviously did not mention her suspicion that it was the Dark Lord she was after. For one, she did not want to alert his followers of the possibility of him being alive. Secondly, she had no interest in listening to the squealing of the minister in his doggedness.
He might have mellowed out without Lucious to line his pockets, he was still in bed with the highest bidder. And the pureblood houses would definitely use him to hinder her investigation. It's best she kept this to her department until further notice.
The verdict could tip in either direction at this point.
A/N: Sorry for the late update. I travelled to my home country and spent a month with the family. Then I had multiple weddings to attend.
I hope you enjoyed the story.
Also, please comment if I should keep the tournament, or if I should scrap it?
Thank you