The Renegade State
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by J.K. Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury, Scholastic, and Raincoast Books, and Warner Brothers Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. I do not own Harry Potter or anything related to Harry Potter.
Start of the story notices
o - Summary
Complete AU. What if Barty Crouch Jnr. and the Lestranges found a better course of action after their Lord's defeat? Ten years later, Harry receives his Hogwarts letter. However, it'll be a very different Wizarding World he'll be entering this time.
o - Pairings
No romance.
o - Canon
This is a complete AU. It will be based on canon from the first five books. Some elements from “Half-Blood Prince” and “Deathly Hallows” will be included as well, but probably not all of them. Other HP sources ('Quidditch through the ages', interviews etc.), won't be considered as part of the canon.
o - Rating
Rated - R - Swearing, violence, blood, mature themes. No explicit sex scenes.
o - Grammar warning
English is not my native tongue, so there will probably be some grammatical errors.
Chapter 1 - Butterfly flaps his wings
“Are you sure this is the place?”
“Yes, I'm positive. It was a child's play tricking the old fool to give me the location.”
Bellatrix Lestrange turned to face the youngster who had answered her question, her sharp features creasing in displeasure at the boy's arrogance. “Yes, but is he sure this is the place?” she persisted.
“My father is the freaking Chief Auror, Bellatrix, not to mention one foot in into the Minister's chair. He's one of the few people with access to the secret. Of course he's bloody well sure!” Barty Crouch Junior retorted indignantly.
“You suddenly sound awfully protective of your old man, Barty-boy,” a male voice piped in from the young man's other side. “What's the matter? Our Lord's not good enough for you anymore?” Even at the joking mention of betrayal, there was a sharp undertone in the man's rumbling voice.
“Aww, don't cwy wittle Bawty, big bad Bella didn't mean to insult youw daddy,” Bellatrix simpered mockingly, her deathly pale face shockingly contrasted by her wild black hair and violet eyes.
A calming hand landed on Barty's shoulder, preventing an upcoming explosion. “Rabastan, Bella dear, that's quite enough. I believe our young friend was merely trying to remind us that none of us would be here without his connections.”
Bellatrix frowned at the well-measured but a bit dry voice of her husband. “Is that so? Then maybe you should subtly point back that his daddy's flapping mouth is the only reason we even bothered to bring him along with us.”
“Yeah, we don't run a freaking day-care centre here,” the harsh voice thundered from the other side.
“I can take for myself quite well Rabastan! The Dark Lord himself had commended me on my NEWT scores, as well as the dark curses I've learned in my self-study!” Barty huffed proudly.
Both Bellatrix and Rabastan burst out laughing.
“Ouw wittle school boy, all grown up! He wants to play with real wizards and witches,” Bellatrix cooed.
“Did you bring your report cards, kid? Maybe you can throw them at aurors when they start shooting at you,” Rabastan piped in.
“Ohh, I've heard that great dark wizard Barty had once cursed a spider. The poor thing was never the same again,” Bellatrix loudly whispered in mock-awed tone.
“You don't say!” Rabastan caught on the game. He looked down at the young man next to him. “Sweet Merlin kid, you're truly hard-core! Did you rape it before or after killing it?”
Both death eaters burst out laughing at Barty's angry flush.
“Be silent you two! We are here,” a voice behind the trio cut off the snickers, as the whole group stopped before a pair of tall, heavily warded gates. On the other side, they could see a cobbled path leading through a lush garden, seemingly up to nowhere.
“Spoilsport,” Bellatrix whispered under her breath to the big man on her left, who grinned back in response.
Rodolphus Lestrange stepped forward and put his hand on the flushed youngster's shoulder, pinning him with his stare. “Have you brought the ring?”
Barty nodded numbly. The elder Lestrange's calm elongated face resembled that of a harmless old hound, but his piercing hazel eyes revealed sharpness behind the flabby facade.
“Good. You know what to do, just like we rehearsed. Remember lad, confidence is everything. If you believe in what you're saying, the others will too.”
Barty snorted and slipped away from Rodolphus' grasp. “Please Mr. Lestrange, remember who you're talking to. I've been role-playing around my parents since I was thirteen. I can pull off a role like this in my sleep.” He narrowed his eyes at Bellatrix and Rabastan, who were whispering to each other and snickering under their breaths. “In your place, I'd be more worried about those two. They don't seem to appreciate the seriousness of our mission tonight.”
As Rodolphus looked up at his wife and brother, his wooden face unexpectedly softened into a fond smile. “Don't you worry about Rab and Bella, young man. They may seem a bit rough around the edges, but when curses start flying, I wouldn't want anyone else watching my back.”
Bellatrix suddenly turned towards her husband. It became apparent her relaxed manner hadn't prevented her from listening in on the conversation. “Has that squirt been badmouthing us, Ruffy? Maybe I should teach him a lesson in humility.”
“Yeah, Merlin know the boy's ego could use a good pounding,” Rabastan piped in.
“No honey, I think it's time we took our positions. We won't get a better chance than this. Master's documents were rather vague about the defences, but I gather many of them are deactivated now that the rabble is rejoicing in their so called victory.” Rodolphus paused, allowing all four death eaters a moment of ritualistic disgust.
“Are you sure, big bro? This seems an awful big risk to take, considering none of 'em's even mudblood. Aurors will be quick to pop in if someone triggers the alarm,” Rabastan grumbled.
“Rab has a point, Ruffy,” Bellatrix added. “I still think we should have followed Master's-“
“Our Lord is defeated, Bellatrix,” Rodulphus cut in coldly, eliciting gasps from his co-conspirators. “Whatever plans he made were ruined when that blasted Potter brat robbed him of his body. A gamble like this is the only thing that can save our cause now.” His expression softened at his wife's glare. “Come on Bella, we've already been through this. You know what's at stake here.”
Eventually Bellatrix huffed childishly and threw up her hands in defeat. “Fine! We'll do it your way, like we always do. I only hope you know what you're doing.”
“I'd much rather wipe clean some mudblood dirt, but if you say this is important, I'm with you bro - all the way in,” Rabastan added gruffly.
“My brother, as articulate as ever,” Rodolphus raised an eyebrow in his best aristocratic manner, but there was no mistaking fondness in his eyes.
“Are we done with the family drama? We have work to do!” Barty suddenly hissed from the gate.
“He is right. Enough talk.” A dangerous sheen fell over Rodolphus' wooden face. “Conceal yourselves to the best of your abilities and take positions around the gate. You know what to do once Barty does his part.” He turned towards the aforementioned young man. “Boy, you're on. Don't make us regret giving you a chance.”
A minute later, Barty Crouch Junior stood seemingly alone on an empty street, in front of gates leading to nowhere. He pulled out his wand and inserted it into an unobtrusive slot in the stone banister. He pressed his father's ring against another inconspicuous patch on the rock. Finally, he cleared his voice and spoke formally. “Bartholomeus Crouch of the Ministry of Magic requesting access to the protected property.”
There was a long pause and then, like turning on a light bulb, a building suddenly appeared in the centre of the yard. It was an average two-story house of modern design; not particularly remarkable, but obviously taken care of with loving hands. Almost a minute later, a tall blonde man in his twenties appeared on the porch. He paused when he spotted the visitor.
“You are not Barty Crouch of the Magical Law Enforcement,” the man said cautiously.
“Actually I am. Just not the one you're thinking.” Barty chuckled nervously at his own joke. “My name is Barty Crouch Junior. I'm the Head Enforcer's son and personal assistant. He sent me here to bring you these forms for your perusal.” He flapped a pack of files he had prepared beforehand.
“What are these?”
“I have no idea sir. Dad would have my head if he caught me peeking through his papers.”
“Only if he caught you?” the blonde raised an eyebrow.
Barty blushed beat red. “Well no, of course... I mean, I might have straightened the covers on the folder and then-“
“Save it lad, I'm sure you meant no harm,” the man chuckled. Almost despite himself, he took a few steps towards the amusing young fellow at the gate. “But tell me, why hasn't your father come in person, as per my agreement with the Ministry?”
“Too busy, sir. What with all the arrests and political shuffling, dad has a lot on his plate,” Barty explained excitedly. “Luckily, we share the same name and blood, so he figured I can start making deliveries to the Ministry approved recluse-houses when he himself is too busy.”
“I understand your father has political aspirations of his own?” the man asked as he strolled slowly towards the gate.
“Err yes sir. At least, I think so.”
“Yes, Barty always was an ambitious one,” the house-owner murmured as he stopped at the gate. “Still, that doesn't excuse him from overstepping his authority like this. The protocols are there for a reason, lad. Even with Voldemort gone, there are still many dark wizards on the loose, and many of them would-”
“Please sir, I've only just started working. This is my first real assignment, my chance to prove myself.” the kid stammered. “Dad is counting on me to rise up high in administration, just like he had. He... he won't like it if I come back empty-handed.”
The blonde was looking at the stone banister in which Barty's wand was imbedded, as if being able to see through it. “Yes, I suppose your father can be a bit demanding at times?” he asked distractedly, moving his inspection on to the young man fidgeting before him.
Barty hugged the files close to his chest and blushed under the scrutiny. “He only wants what's best for me and the country. Please sir, I'm sure my father meant no disrespect by not coming here himself. He only-“
“You can stop now lad, I'm already sold,” the blonde chuckled wryly at Barty's quiet gasp and renewed blush. He pinned the squirming youngster with a penetrating look. “You know, I somehow think you'll reach higher heights than your father ever dreamed of - and I'm not speaking only of administration.”
“Th-thank you, sir. That means a lot coming from you,” Barty perked up at the praise.
“Alright you rascal, let's see what you've got there,” the blonde laughed good-naturedly and opened the gate with a wave of his wand. He stopped Barty's advance with a raised hand. “Hold it lad, I better come to you. You never know what banned object or hidden wands you might be carrying. The yard sentinels have been a bit jumpy since I deactivated the war measures.”
“No sir, I'm not carrying- Yes sir. Thank you sir. Here, these are the files my father- oh bugger!” Barty cursed as the folder he had been fumbling with burst open, spreading sheets of paper all over the cobbled floor. “I'm so sorry sir, the binding must have loosened while- Here let me get- Oh I can't come in. I'm so sorry sir, it was- I- I-” He was on his knees, clumsily collecting papers that had fallen on his side of the gate.
The house-owner chuckled in amusement. “It's alright lad, take it easy. Here let me help you with that.”
The moment he turned his back and crouched to start picking up papers, the man felt the ward monitors signalling a breach. He sighed wearily as he heard the yard sentinels rising up from their hiding places. “Lad, I told you to stay out-“
He suddenly sensed a presence behind his back. Even as he sprung to his feet, he knew it was late. A wave of tingling heat passed through his body entire body and converged into spot on his back. He tried to turn towards his attacker, but some invisible force held him in place. A hand clamped on his wand arm just as he was about to start casting dispellers.
“I wouldn't do that if I were you. Look down,” a dry aristocratic voice came from just behind his neck.
The house-owner looked down and slumped in defeat when he saw a bluish web of light wriggling over his chest.
“I trust you know what this is?”
The blonde nodded. “A sacrificial hostage spell. Probably Al-Zahrani's version.”
“Good. Then you know if you try anything - or if I even think you're trying everything - you're dead on the spot.”
“So are you,” the hostage shot back half-heartedly. His eyes catalogued the two other infiltrators, who were holding off the animated golems from coming in to the futile rescue. They were both excellent fighters, especially the female.
“True,” the invisible voice acknowledge. “I'm ready to die for my cause. The only question is, are you?”
The man's response was interrupted by sound of the house door crashing open. A blonde female burst out, wielding her wand with supreme expertise. “Honey! Hold on, I'm coming!”
The dark-haired woman - Bellatrix Lestrange, the house-owner realized - was on the move in a second. “Stop it bitch! Wand down, or your man gets it!” she screamed, battling away the woman's hexes with equal skill.
The woman halted her attacks and looked more closely at her husband and an unremarkable man standing behind him. “Oh no!” she gasped, her wand wavering.
The house-owner clenched his wand with desperate intent. The death eater behind him must have sensed it. “Don't be foolish, man. Think who we are, why we are here. We hold no grudge against your kind. Surrender and nothing will happen to you or your wife.”
“Do you swear? On your family's honour?”
“I swear on the honour of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Lestrange.”
The hostage hesitated for a moment and then slumped into the warm embrace of the hostage spell. There was only one thing left to do. “Honey, put down your wand. I believe this man is the head of the Lestrange family. He swore on his family's honour they are not here to hurt us.”
“But-”
“Honey, you know what's at stake here.”
The blonde woman inspected the attackers and then reluctantly lowered her wand.
“Hah!” Bellatrix screeched and pounced forward. A second later, both hosts were being held under hostage spells.
“Where the hell is that snivelling rookie? I need a little help here!” the third death eaters suddenly yelled, just barely blasting off an animated tree that had tried to hack off his head.
“I'm coming! I'm coming! Reducto!” a breathless young voice was heard running into the fray. “The blasted thing wouldn't let go of my wand!”
“It's about time you deactivated the defences, don't you think?” the man behind the blonde man's back calmly suggested.
The hostage sighed and wrenched his wand hand away from his captor's grip. “Yes, I suppose there's no use in resisting anymore.” He waved a few incantations and the remaining sentinels slowly retreated towards their posts.
“We'll call off the aurors. Tell them it was a stray cat or something,” Bellatrix called from the porch and herded her own hostage inside.
“Good thinking, Bella,” the leader, Rodolphus Lestrange, said. “Rab, Barty. Go check the perimeter. Make sure there are no more surprises.”
Rodolphus waited for the other two death eaters to go off on their tasks and then relaxed his hold on the hostage spell. The house-owner was finally able to step away and turn towards his captor. The blue web of light connecting the two men stretched to accommodate for the extra space.
“So, aren't you going to tell me why you're here?” the blonde man asked.
“You know why we're here,” Rodolphus muttered, carefully waving his wand over the other man's body.
“You-you want my- my baby, don't you?” the blonde gulped.
“Of course. My master's age-old desire will finally be fulfilled.” The death eater's investigation has homed in to the hostage's upper chest. With a flick of his wand, the man's shirt parted, revealing a glowing object on a necklace. A smile stretched over Rodolphus's face. Longbottoms can wait - this was the correct choice to make.
“You don't know what you're doing! This could change everything! Everything!”
Blood-red blaze of the crystalline stone reflected ominously in the death eater's triumphant eyes. “Oh but you see, that's exactly what we want, Mr. Flamel.”
Author notes
A short prologue into my new (or rather first) AU story. If that wasn't clear enough, this happened during November 1981, a few days or weeks after Voldemort's first downfall. Second chapter will jump 3 to 5 years forward in time.
o - Credits and acknowledgments
Special thanks to the usual crew at Alpha Fight Club.
o - Sources and additional disclaimers
Encyclopaedic references are from the all-powerful Wikipedia
> www wikipedia org
The best source of Harry Potter canon information is the Lexicon.
> www hp-lexicon org
To access links, replace empty spaces (' ') with dots ('.').
I don't own any intellectual property mentioned above.