From that day on, Barty Crouch Jr. and Voldemort stayed here.
Voldemort sent Lucius and Old Nott away.
The former still had plenty of things to take care of, while the latter needed to help Voldemort teach his two apprentices.
Voldemort himself spent his days here either reading or role-playing with Barty Crouch Jr.
Sometimes he played Dumbledore, and sometimes he played Snape.
In short, he rehearsed every situation Barty Crouch Jr. might encounter.
And with the two of them working at it, Barty Crouch Jr. became better and better at playing Lupin.
Most of the time, he acted as calmly as Lupin would.
But things often went wrong when Voldemort played Dumbledore and questioned him about himself.
Perhaps playing Mad-Eye Moody meant madness could cover up many shortcomings, but Lupin was far too calm. People like that were the hardest to impersonate.
"Staying calm when you're worked up isn't the way to go. Perhaps we should try another approach," Voldemort said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin.
"What if I use hatred?" Barty Crouch Jr. asked.
"Hatred is too obvious. It's not in Lupin's nature. Anger might work, but even when Lupin is angry..."
Before Voldemort could finish, Barty Crouch Jr. put on a look of suppressed anger.
"Not bad, but you're still showing too much. Barty Crouch Jr., you need to try being more restrained," Voldemort said.
Barty Crouch Jr. nodded at once and tried again, this time with restrained anger.
After several more days of effort, Barty Crouch Jr. finally managed to convey restrained anger whenever Voldemort was mentioned, and to do so just right.
"Perfect, Barty Crouch Jr. Now all that's left is to test it," Voldemort said.
"Test it?"
Barty Crouch Jr. looked in surprise at the letter Voldemort had pulled from his robes. "Deliver it to