Chapter 33: Plans, Problems, and Secret Admirers
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER. IT BELONGS TO JK ROWLING.
A/N: Read, enjoy, and remember not to take either life or my writing too seriously.
Meanwhile, Barty Crouch Jr. sat behind his desk deep in thought.
His plan required the ginger-haired champion to compete properly in the second task at the lake.
Unfortunately, Ron Weasley seemed completely incapable of understanding anything.
Crouch sighed and rubbed his temples.
I can't even approach the boy anymore without getting a migraine.
He briefly considered demonstrating the Cruciatus Curse in class—with Ron as the volunteer.
If I told Dumbledore it was for the Greater Good, he'd probably approve.
Instead he reached for a bottle of Firewhisky.
After enlarging his cup with a quick Engorgio, he filled it generously.
I can't even use the Imperius Curse on him, he thought miserably. His mind is so empty he'd keep diving into the lake for days after the task.
Another glass vanished.
Two weeks, he thought.
Surely I can find a solution before then.
Far away, Lord Voldemort sat in his rather humiliating baby-like restoration cradle, reviewing a message from Wormtail.
Apparently the competitor was not Tom Weasley, but Wormtail's former master—Ronald.
The Daily Prophet had reported that weeks ago, but Wormtail had only just confirmed it.
Why is it so difficult to find competent Death Eaters? Voldemort wondered.
He continued reading the letter while sipping snake-venom potion.
As he read, he suddenly felt an unpleasant sensation.
He looked down at the bottle.
This potion passes through rather quickly.
"Wormtail!" he called.
"Yes, my Lord?" Pettigrew answered nervously.
"I require cleaning again."
"Yes, my Lord."
"And make sure your hands aren't cold this time!"
"Of course, my Lord."
A moment later—
"Wait! Your hands are cold! CRUCIO!"
"AAAAARGH!"
Meanwhile, Lucius Malfoy sat in his study finishing yet another bottle of Firewhisky.
He examined the new marriage contract for Draco.
Dolores Umbridge had agreed to marry his son even after learning about Draco's… preferences.
In exchange, Lucius had to pay two hundred thousand galleons.
She insisted she would ensure the Malfoy family produced an heir—by whatever methods were necessary.
Lucius sighed.
Expensive… but practical.
After all, Draco would control the family vault after the marriage. Paying back the loan would be his problem.
The wedding was scheduled immediately after the second task.
Lucius smiled thinly.
Nothing short of death could prevent this marriage.
He opened another bottle.
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