Frigus . Sirius Black (Mortem BOOK 2)

chapter four

October 17th, 1978 - Minister of Magic's Office

Nephera had to admit, no matter how much it hurt her, killing the minister of magic was an ingenious move on Tom's part. Even before he had died, it was clear that there were only two people who would ascend in case something happened, either Higgins or Crouch. At first, she thought Riddle was taking a gamble, for depending on who was elected next, it could either work perfectly for him, or it could be his downfall. 

Now that she had had more time to think it over, she knew better. 

The first one, Higgins, used to be head of the Foreign Affairs Department. He was soft, easily scared, the fear of a slow and painful death would be enough for Tom to manipulate him into doing his bidding. 

The second one, Crouch, was the complete opposite of that. He detested Death Eaters and everything that had to do with them, he had no mercy when it came to handing out punishments and Azkaban sentences. Now, one would think that Crouch would be the last person Riddle wanted to see as Minister, what that person wouldn't know, was that Crouch's own son, Barty Jr, was a Death Eater, not that his father knew.

With Junior- now in his seventh year alongside Regulus- carrying the Mark on his left forearm, Tom would have the perfect ear when it came to the Ministry's plans. And if by some miracle Crouch Sr. found out about his son's loyalties, well, in that case, Riddle counted on the fact the Minister could never admit to his son being a Death Eater, it would ruin his image, while at the same time, the laws he would enact would be milder since he'd know that his own son might someday have to suffer the consequences. 

It was a win-win situation for Riddle, or it would've been, had Nephera not gotten involved. 

Bartholemew Crouch Sr. had just been elected Minister of Magic two days ago. The girl wanted to meet with the new Minister, and she would've told Moody to arrange it, had Crouch Sr. not sent for her himself. 

So that was how she found herself in the Minister of Magic's office, staring deep into the man's eyes, knowing that if her plan were to work, she'd have to do one of the toughest things in the world. 

Convince a father to go against his own son. 

"You are a very smart and capable woman, Ms. Winchester, everyone has heard the tales, your reputation certainly precedes you," he said, offering her a cup of tea which she accepted, but did not drink 

Nephera smiled at the older man, "Thank you, Minister," she used his new title on purpose, "I must say, the man sitting on that chair before you left behind big shoes to fill, but I was very happy in hearing that you were the one taking over," 

"That means a lot, truly," replied Crouch, "A lot of people make the mistake of ignoring your background, your last name, I will do no such thing. Your father was a very smart person, a bad person, but a smart one nonetheless, something that you clearly take after." 

She did not interrupt, wanting to see where this was going. 

"The Winchesters are a prominent family amongst the Sacred Twenty-Eight, and such families have expectations to meet. You were raised on politics, on the art of manipulating public opinions and images. Many people seem to overlook that, I will do no such mistake, you are someone I can trust, Ms. Winchester," 

The Slytherin smirked, acknowledging the intelligence in the man's eyes and words, "That is a relief to hear, and I do hope you keep onto that respect you have for me as you hear what I need to say. I wanted to meet in person as well, for I fear I am forced to be the bearer of bad news," 

Crouch's attitude changed at that, as he straightened up further and prompted her to continue, which she did after taking a deep breath, "Minister, through sources I am not at liberty to reveal, for their own safety, I am afraid that you should know, your son has the Mark,"