"Professor Holmes."
His voice was hoarse, as though he had not spoken in a long time.
"How..." He paused, seemingly gathering his courage. "How far have things progressed?"
Douglas walked up to him and set the constantly shaking cage in his hand to one side.
He did not answer immediately. He merely stated a fact in a calm, emotionless tone.
"Voldemort has returned."
Boom-
Those words seemed more powerful than the crashing waves outside, striking Old Crouch hard in the heart.
The color instantly drained from his face. His body swayed uncontrollably, and he instinctively caught hold of a stone bust beside him to keep from falling.
"Re... returned?"
His lips trembled. The spark that had just kindled in his eyes was instantly doused by the icy water of despair.
"He... he's back..."
"Yes, he's back."
Douglas looked at him calmly, offering no unrealistic comfort.
"Barty Crouch Jr. delivered me there himself."
"Then..." A sob crept into Old Crouch's voice. "Then it's all... all over..."
Douglas glanced at him and shook his head.
"No. You should ask a different question, Mr. Crouch."
"For instance, ask how he's doing now."
Old Crouch jerked his head up and looked at Douglas in confusion.
He did not know whom Douglas meant by "he." Voldemort? Or Barty Crouch Jr.?
He did not dare ask.
"The moment he returned, he was forced to give me two deep, ninety-degree bows in front of all his servants."
"His wand is with me." Douglas patted his pocket.
"I listed every last contingency he relied on for immortality in front of everyone, like dishes on a menu."
"His most loyal servants were scared shitless and scattered in every direction."
"His favorite pet, a candidate for a future Horcrux, is now in this cage." Douglas nudged the cage at his