He pointed at the Island in the Middle of the Lake.
"See that island? It's a reward for the Death Eaters and a punishment for everyone else. The best-performing Death Eater and the worst-performing non-Death Eater can move their cells to the edge of the island. If you're good enough, you can look at that stone basin every day. You can even go up and dust it."
"Work hard!"
Douglas pumped his fist in a gesture of encouragement.
"If Bellatrix gets there first, I think you'll be very upset. After all, she claims she's the Dark Lord's most loyal servant."
"You... you devil..."
Barty Crouch Jr. understood.
He understood completely.
Not only had this bastard locked him up here, he was making him compete in a relentless rat race with those equally insane Death Eaters!
Competing for the right to "be close to their master" by writing papers?
What blasphemy! How... tempting!
He glanced at the distant stone basin, then at the thick stack of parchment on the desk.
If I don't write... if I don't work hard...
If that madwoman Bellatrix really comes and takes the spot closest to Master...
No! Never!
Only me! Only I, Barty Crouch, understand Master best! Only I deserve to stay by his side!
"I don't understand what you mean! But I'll kill her! If she dares come close!"
Barty Crouch Jr. was still putting up a defiant front, but his body had already honestly retreated to the desk, and his eyes drifted involuntarily toward Advanced Ancient Runes Analysis.
"Good. Keep that fighting spirit."
Douglas nodded in satisfaction.
"By the way, today's assignment is-'On Optimization Proposals for Muggle Technology and Magic.' At least three feet, supported by data. Due tomorrow morning."
"What?! Muggle technology? Before, it was all fantasy witchcraft..."
"Don't want to write