BARTY awoke to the flickering glow of candlelight dancing on the walls of a familiar room. His head throbbed with the remnants of Mad-Eye Moody's curse that had knocked him unconscious.
Slowly, as the haze of confusion he found himself in began to dissipate, he realized that he was not in the gloomy depths of Azkaban Prison or even in a room back in his own home.
He was in Albus Dumbledore's private office at Hogwarts, and it was a sight that filled him with a sense of dread and made the blood in his veins turn ice-cold. He blinked several times, trying to clear his vision and focus on his surroundings. His limbs felt heavy, and he soon discovered that he was bound tightly, hogtied with ropes to a chair, rendering him immobile.
Panic surged through him as he struggled to remember how he had ended up in this precarious situation and he looked around with cracked, red-rimmed eyes at his new surroundings.
Professor Dumbledore's office was a sanctuary of knowledge, its walls adorned with countless magical artifacts, books, and portraits of the ancient school's former headmasters and headmistresses.
The Sorting Hat sat atop a shelf, dozing, and Fawkes, Dumbledore's loyal phoenix, perched on his stand nearby, gazing at Barty with keen eyes that seemed to pierce his very blackened soul.
Barty's heart raced as the realization hit him. Old Broody Moody had knocked him out and must have brought him and Christine here after they were rendered unconscious. But why?
What did Dumbledore want with a bastard the likes of him, and where had Moody taken Christine?
Just as the questions swirled in his mind, the door to Albus Dumbledore's office creaked open, revealing the tall and imposing figure of the Headmaster himself.
Albus Dumbledore's piercing blue eyes behind the lenses of his silver half-moon spectacles regarded Barty with a mixture of curiosity and concern as he strode into the room, his grey robes rustling softly.
"Barty," Dumbledore spoke with his characteristic calm and measured tone, though the Death Eater couldn't help but sense the faintest hints of anger lurking beneath the surface of the wizened warlock's normally serene demeanor. "I trust you are feeling more composed after your brief respite? I must extend my apologies for having Alastor bring you to me under these rather unusual circumstances. However, considering your affiliations and loyalties, certain precautions were deemed necessary. I hope you can appreciate the gravity of the situation, not just for you but for your... companion, as well."
Barty grunted in response, his mouth dry and his throat parched. He attempted to speak, but the gag he now realized was in his mouth made his words unintelligible. Dumbledore swiftly approached Barty and, with a curt wave of his wand, removed the gag.
Barty coughed and cleared his throat, his voice hoarse as he finally managed to bite out, "Why am I here, Dumbledore? What do you want? Where is Christine? Where the bloody hell is my partner, Dumbledore?"
Professor Dumbledore's expression remained inscrutable, though the concern in his eyes deepened. He waved his wand to conjure a chair opposite Barty and did not speak to Barty again until he had situated himself. Dumbledore's piercing blue eyes remained fixed on Barty as he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of the grave news that he was about to deliver.
"Barty," he began, his voice softening slightly as it was laced heavy with regret, "I understand that you are worried about Miss Lestrange. I assure you, she is safe for the time being. However, her safety hinges on your cooperation in a matter of utmost importance. I must inform you that Miss Lestrange is currently in the custody of the Aurors, specifically Alastor himself. Her situation is dire, and she faces a grave charge."
Barty's heart pounded in his chest. He had anticipated many things if the day ever came when he found himself captured by the enemy, but this situation was far more complex than he could have imagined.
Barty glanced around the room, taking in the ancient tapestries that adorned the walls and the faint scent of old books that permeated the air around them. Dread tightened its grip on him.
He had expected that something was amiss, but the revelation was worse than anything he could have anticipated. He looked back to Dumbledore and leaned forward as best as he could in the chair he was bound to, his dark eyes locked onto Dumbledore's, silently urging the Headmaster to continue speaking.
Dumbledore's silver half-moon spectacles gleamed in the dim light as he continued.
"Miss Lestrange is being charged with the use of her unique abilities as a Dire Woman to inhabit Alastor Moody's very soul. This is a grave offense, Barty, one that carries significant consequences, but surely, you do not need me to tell you this, as a former Ministry employee, you were set to follow in your father's footsteps before your arrest. You of all people should know the consequences when one of our laws is broken, Barty." He steepled his fingers together and stared at Barty, his eyes never leaving his.
Barty's mind raced as he tried to comprehend the severity of the situation. He knew that the Ministry feared Dire Women, the rare few that existed within the world.
They were feared creatures, sought after by those like his master who wished to exploit their abilities. Dumbledore's piercing gaze seemed to bore into his soul, making him feel like he was under a spotlight, his every thought and emotion exposed.
Barty desperately tried to gather his thoughts and find a way out of this truly precarious situation.
Barty's heart thundered with conflicting emotions as Dumbledore's stern words filled the room. His thoughts were consumed by his love for Christine, and the revelation that she was now in the custody of Alastor Moody hit him like a lightning bolt. He could no longer contain his frustration and anger.
Unable to restrain himself any longer, Barty erupted in a fit of anger.
"You don't understand, Dumbledore!" he violently exclaimed, his voice trembling with raw emotion. "Christine was only trying to save my life from Moody. She used her powers to protect me, to keep me safe!"
Dumbledore's expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes as he regarded Barty. "Explain yourself, Mr. Crouch."
Barty squirmed against his rope restraints, his frustration still evident in his voice. Barty saw no choice but to comply with Dumbledore's demand, and launched into his tale, his voice laced with both bitterness and remorse as he revealed the depths of his newfound relationship with Christine Lestrange.
"After Winky escaped with me from Hogwarts," he growled, his eyes turning glossy and distant as he recalled the events, "I woke up lost in the woods, but I stumbled upon Christine Lestrange's home." He paused for a moment, his voice softening as he continued, "Christine found me on her doorstep. She and her elf took me in, despite not knowing who I was or what I had done."
Barty's expression darkened as he recalled the moment when everything had changed. "She called for a St. Mungo's Healer to come to her home. When he saw my face, he recognized me, and I panicked. I couldn't go back to Azkaban. I killed him without thinking, and Christine…she saw it all." He closed his eyes for a moment, his guilt weighing heavily on him. "She had seen far too much, and I knew there was no turning back. In desperation, I Disapparated with her to my home, knowing the Aurors were likely not far behind."
Barty's voice grew cold and resentful as he spoke of the witch who had crossed his and Christine's paths.
"Moody sent his protégé, a witch who goes by Tonks, to retrieve Christine once her nosy neighbor reported her missing. But when she arrived, she dared to attack Christine. That was a mistake she'd come to regret." His eyes flashed with anger as he recalled the confrontation. "I took Christine away and set out to apprehend Moody on my own. I couldn't let him take her from me. She's become the one good thing in my world, Dumbledore, the one thing worth fighting for, the one person to show me kindness when all else is lost. I'd do anything to save her." Barty's gaze shifted to the window, determination burning in his eyes. "Christine's safety is all that matters now and finding this bloody Codex to reverse our Unbreakable Vows."
Dumbledore regarded Barty with a somber expression, his eyes reflecting the weight of the situation.
"I can understand your concern for Christine, Barty, and the apparent bond that seems to have formed between the two of you. Not even a Death Eater is immune to love. Love can be a powerful force, a greater power than your master gives it credit for, and it can drive us to do extraordinary things." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "However," Dumbledore continued, "we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. The possession of Alastor Moody's soul is a grave offense in the wizarding world, and the consequences are dire. Justice must be served, even if it means facing the most difficult decisions, Barty."
Barty lowered his gaze, his knuckles white as he clenched his fists over the arms of the chair he still found himself bound to, unable to escape. His internal struggle was evident, torn between his love for Christine and the realization that his actions had put him on a path where choices had consequences far beyond anything he had initially anticipated.
"Dumbledore, I know the things I have done are unforgivable, I know the sort of bastard I am," Barty growled, his voice a hushed whisper and heavy with regret, "But I can't let them take her from me. She's innocent in all this. She was just caught up in my obsession. If I don't find a way to reverse our Vows and save her, then all the darkness I've embraced will have been for nothing."
Dumbledore leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes locking onto Barty's. "Wanting to save the woman you love is a noble cause, Barty, but you must tread carefully. I cannot condone your actions, but I understand your desire to protect her. If you truly wish to save Miss Lestrange's life and redeem yourself for all you've done, you must consider a different path. Seek out allies within the Order of the Phoenix. They are dedicated to fighting against the very darkness you embrace."
Dumbledore's gaze bore into Barty's as he continued, his voice taking on a tone of urgency.
"Barty, Christine Lestrange's fate is intertwined with the delicate balance of our world, considering her abilities and what she is. What she knows, what she's done, and what she may do in the future carry great weight in the ongoing struggle against the darkness that threatens our world."
"You are aware, I presume, of the recent increase in Dark activity," Dumbledore began. "Your fellow Death Eaters are growing bolder in their efforts, and their actions have become increasingly sinister. Innocent lives are at stake, including that of the woman you claim to love. We need your help, Mr. Crouch, to put an end to this."
Barty's eyes blazed with anger and defiance as Dumbledore's words sank in. His knuckles whitened as he gripped onto the arms of the chair, his magic threatening to implode from every orifice of his body in a burst of anger as he struggled to contain the rage building within him.
How dare Dumbledore demand his help?
After all that he had done, after the sacrifices he had made for the Dark Lord in his name, how could the Hogwarts Headmaster expect him to willingly turn against his master who had given him purpose all these years?
"You speak of innocent lives, Dumbledore," Barty spat out the warlock's name as if it were a curse. "But you forget that I am still a follower of the Dark Lord, as is Christine. We swore our loyalty to him, and I cannot and will not betray him now, no matter what you say."
Dumbledore leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes locked onto Barty's. "I understand the depth of your loyalty, Barty, but the path you've chosen leads to nothing but darkness and destruction and death. Lord Voldemort's actions have grown more monstrous, and there's no telling where this will all end. If you continue down this path, you will be complicit in your master's atrocities."
Barty clenched his jaw, torn between his loyalty to the Dark Lord and the unsettling truth in Dumbledore's words. He couldn't deny the horrors he had witnessed, the innocent lives destroyed, and the chaos wrought by his master's followers.
But to betray the Dark Lord meant certain death, not only for him but for the woman he loved, too.
"You talk of innocent lives," Barty said through gritted teeth. "But what about the woman I care for? What about her life? If I betray the Dark Lord, she'll be the first to suffer. I won't allow that to happen."
Dumbledore's expression softened, and he leaned back in his chair. "We can offer protection, Mr. Crouch. We have safe houses, powerful allies, and the means to shield her from harm. But you must be willing to cooperate with us. We cannot defeat the darkness without those who have seen it from within."
Barty Crouch's mind raced, torn between his loyalty to the Dark Lord and his love for the woman he cherished. His thoughts were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, and the weight of his decision bore down on him like a crushing burden.
He had spent years serving Voldemort, committing terrible acts in his name, but now he found himself on the other side of the conflict, facing the very man who had been his greatest adversary.
But now he found himself on the precipice of a different kind of loyalty—to the cause of justice and the safety of someone he cared deeply for.
"What do you want me to do?" Barty asked, his voice filled with resignation.
Dumbledore leaned forward, his piercing eyes never leaving Barty's. "We need information, Barty. Information about Voldemort's plans, his followers, and the locations of their hideouts. We need to know how to dismantle this network of darkness. You were once close to Voldemort, and your knowledge is invaluable."
Barty's hands clenched into fists as he considered the dangerous path that lay ahead. He knew that helping Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix meant betraying the Dark Lord, a betrayal that would come at a great cost. But for Christine's safety and the hope of a better future, he had no choice but to accept Dumbledore's offer.
"I'll do whatever it takes to help her," Barty declared, his voice resolute. "Tell me what I need to do."
Dumbledore's eyes softened with a hint of gratitude.
"Your cooperation is crucial, Barty. We need you to provide information about Christine's abilities, her motives, and any knowledge you may have about the circumstances that led to this situation. But more importantly, we need your help to ensure a fair and just outcome for her."
Barty nodded once more, his determination growing stronger. He knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, as he would need to navigate the complex web of alliances and secrets that surrounded Christine's predicament. But for her sake and the greater good, he was willing to tread that perilous path.
Barty took a deep breath and continued, "There's one more thing, Dumbledore, if I'm to do this. Christine and I have Unbreakable Vows hanging over our heads. We cannot help you until our Vows are reversed," he snapped.
Dumbledore regarded him with a thoughtful expression, and he finally nodded solemnly.
"I see, Barty. That is indeed a daunting task, but I shall help the two of you in reversing your Vows by retrieving the Codex from the Forbidden Forest myself and aiding you in breaking your Vows. I believe there is a way it can be done without Dark magic and without bloodshed. I will do everything I can to help the two of you, in exchange for your full cooperation. I can provide you with a safe house and ensure your and Miss Lestrange's safety to the best of my ability. However, the Ministry will not be so quick to drop the charges against Christine. The path ahead will not be without its due challenges, but I will do my best to protect you and assist in resolving this situation, Barty."
Barty understood the gravity of Dumbledore's offer and the potential consequences of involving the Ministry. But he knew it was a necessary step in their quest to free Christine.
With a determined nod, he replied, "I accept, Professor. We will cooperate fully, and I trust that together, we can find a way to remove the Dark Mark and break the Unbreakable Vow."
Barty's determination was unwavering, but a trace of anxiety crept into his voice as he spoke. "But, Professor Dumbledore, what happens when the Dark Lord learns of my treachery? Will the Order be able to save me then? You understand the peril I'm placing myself in, and it's not just me; Christine's life is hanging by a thread as well. We're both risking everything for this cause."
Dumbledore met Barty's gaze with a grave expression. "Barty, I won't pretend that there isn't a significant risk involved in this endeavor. The Dark Lord is a formidable adversary, and our actions will undoubtedly draw his attention. But remember, the Order has faced great challenges before, and we have survived. We will do everything in our power to protect you and Christine."
Barty's frustration boiled over, and he snapped, "Protect us? What good is protection if it comes at the cost of our freedom or our lives? What assurance do we have that this plan won't lead to our demise?"
Dumbledore remained calm, his eyes steady. "I won't make false promises, Barty. I can't guarantee your safety, but I can assure you that the Order will stand by your side, and we will do everything within our means to safeguard both of you. What we fight for is a world free from tyranny and darkness, and sometimes, great sacrifices must be made for that cause."
Barty knew that there were no easy answers and no guarantees in their perilous journey.
He clenched his jaw and nodded, the weight of their decision settling heavily upon him. "Very well, Professor. We'll trust in the Order's commitment to this cause, and we'll face whatever consequences may come. For Christine's sake and the greater good, we will see this through to the end."
As the weight of their perilous path pressed on him, Barty's uncertainty continued to gnaw at him.
He took a deep breath and said, "Before we proceed, Professor Dumbledore, I need to see Christine. I need to speak with her and ensure she understands the risks and consequences of our actions. I won't go any further unless I know she's fully aware."
Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "That is a reasonable request, Barty. I will arrange for you to see Christine, and I will have a word with the Aurors to ensure they do not arrest you during this meeting. We must tread carefully, for her sake and yours."
Barty's shoulders relaxed slightly, knowing that he would soon have the opportunity to speak with Christine. He couldn't bear the thought of her being kept in the dark, unaware of the potential consequences of her actions.
"Thank you, Professor," Barty said, his voice filled with a mix of begrudging gratitude and trepidation. "I need her to understand what's at stake."
Dumbledore placed a reassuring hand on Barty's shoulder. "We will do our best to protect both of you, Barty, but we must also prepare for the worst. Now, let me make the necessary arrangements for your meeting with Christine, and we will proceed from there."
As Dumbledore moved to carry out the arrangements, Barty couldn't help but feel the weight of their decisions pressing down on him even more. The uncertainty of their future loomed large, but their determination to seek justice and freedom burned brighter than ever. Dumbledore, with a furrowed brow, retreated to a corner to send a message to Alastor Moody. He stressed the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for Barty to be permitted into the Ministry to see Christine and ensure her understanding of their new circumstances. Dumbledore waited anxiously for a reply.
However, when the response arrived within ten minutes, it was not what he had hoped for. Moody's gruff voice echoed through the message.
"Absolutely not, Dumbledore. We can't afford to take any chances. Crouch is a significant threat, and we can't risk him having any contact with her. Her fate is sealed, Albus. The Wizengamot will not tolerate what she has done. I'm sorry. There's nothing more that can be done for her. She made her choice the moment she took control over my ruddy body and soul, Dumbledore, and for that, she'll be executed."
The color drained from Dumbledore's face out of frustration as he realized the gravity of the Ministry's decision. He turned and approached the bound Death Eater cautiously, sensing danger simmering just underneath the surface of Barty's blank stare.
When he spoke, his voice was filled with horrible bitterness. "It would seem that the Ministry has already decided your partner's fate and is not willing to entertain an alternative arrangement. I'm afraid when it pertains to Cornelius Fudge, there is little these days that I can do, Barty."
Barty's frustration and anger surged like a tidal wave. He struggled against his restraints, veins bulging as he roared, "NO! No, Dumbledore, you can't do this, you can't do this to her?! I have to talk to her, she needs to know the truth! You have no bloody idea what's at stake!"
Dumbledore, alarmed by Barty's reaction, waved his wand and instantly Barty calmed, though the will was not his own, but even then, the Death Eater's frustrated determination to break free remained evident in his wild eyes.
Dumbledore, his expression filled with something that almost resembled sympathy, whispered, "I understand your frustration, Barty, but we must proceed with caution. The Ministry's decision, while harsh, is made with the safety of all in mind. We will continue to explore other avenues to help Christine and free her."
As Barty's rage gradually subsided, he realized the futility of his efforts at that moment. He lay there, panting heavily, feeling the weight of despair settle over him.
The uncertainty of their future had only grown more daunting, and the knowledge that Christine remained unaware of her impending fate weighed heavily on his conscience.
Barty's resolve had solidified into a blazing fury, and he glared at Dumbledore with a newfound determination that bordered on rage. His voice, now a seething torrent, sliced through the air.
"Professor," he began, his voice dripping with anger, "I appreciate your caution, but I won't be forced into inaction. Christine suffers because of me, and I refuse to sit idly by while she's tormented. I won't rest until she's free! I did not endure all that I have to protect her to let her suffer this!" he snarled.
Dumbledore nodded, recognizing the fire in Barty's eyes as a blazing challenge. "I admire your dedication, Barty, but we mustn't charge headlong into disaster. Rushing blindly will only make things worse, especially for Christine. We need a plan, a calculated strategy."
Barty couldn't contain his fury any longer and cut Dumbledore off, his voice tinged with desperation and anger.
"Then let's make that plan, Professor. I have information and knowledge about the Death Eaters and their operations. I can offer it to you. Use me as a spy. I'll infiltrate their ranks, gather intelligence, and help you dismantle them from within. In exchange, you help me free Christine and break those accursed Unbreakable Vows."
Dumbledore studied Barty, his gaze penetrating and calculating. He understood the gravity of Barty's offer and the dangerous game they were about to play. But he also sensed the burning love Barty held for Christine, and it only fueled his fury further.
"Very well, Barty," Dumbledore responded, his voice a low, ominous rumble. "I accept your offer, but understand this—we tread a perilous path. We'll establish a safe house for you, a sanctuary where you can evade the clutches of the Death Eaters. I'll provide you with the support and guidance you require. But bear in mind, this is a treacherous journey, and you must be ready to face the consequences, even if it means betraying the Dark Lord himself."
Barty's resolve remained unyielding, his anger an unquenchable fire.
"I understand, Professor. I'll do whatever it takes, even if it means bringing down the Dark Lord and his followers from the inside."
Dumbledore placed a hand on Barty's shoulder, his expression a blend of empathy and unflinching determination. "Then let us commence, Barty. We embark on a path fraught with danger, but together, we shall strive to wrest Christine from her tormentors and consign this dark chapter in our world's history to the depths of oblivion."
As Dumbledore released his grip on Barty's shoulder and waved his wand to free him of the restraints, a surge of doubt began to creep into Barty's mind.
The weight of his decision bore down on him, and he wondered if he had just made a grave mistake.
His anger and determination had fueled him until now, but as he Disapparated to prepare for his perilous mission, he couldn't help but pray that his faith in Dumbledore was not misplaced.
The swirling darkness of Apparition enveloped Barty, transporting him to a hidden location where he would make the necessary preparations.
His heart pounded in his chest as he thought about the dangerous path he had chosen.
Would he be able to infiltrate the Death Eaters without being discovered? Could he truly trust Dumbledore to hold up his end of the bargain and free Christine from the Unbreakable Vows?
As he began to gather the tools and information he would need for his mission, doubt gnawed at him like a relentless predator. He had placed everything on the line—his own life, Christine's, and the fate of the wizarding world. The enormity of the task ahead weighed heavily on him, and he couldn't help but wonder if he was walking into a trap if Dumbledore's trust was nothing more than an illusion.
But despite the doubts that threatened to consume him, Barty clung to the burning love he held for Christine. It was the one constant in his life, the driving force behind his determination, and the reason he was willing to risk everything.
He knew that whatever lay ahead, he had to do it for her, for their love, and the hope of a brighter future.
