Killin, Scotland

It seems Crouch need to retract his words.

"GAHHHHH!!!" He yelled out in fierce agony, it was like a hand made of fire was trying to pull out his spine from his head. Each second that passed he grew weaker and weaker, soon he lost feeling in his legs and feel to his knees.

Grovelling before someone else... how disgusting... but it's bound to be worth it..

The man watched,unblinking, unti the red and slowed until it had finally stopped, the flash full. He stepped away, putting the lid on. 'it is done. You must get this to River.'

The boy stood up, looking at his hands, as though he had lost all muscle matter in them. 

Here he stood. Worthless...

He took the jar and stared at it. Inside of it was the storm that was his power, everything that distanced himself from the pathetic wretch he used to be.

His heart begged him to break the lid open and take back his power, urged him to reclaim his mantle and magic... so he handed it to Death, "You give it to her. "

He took the lidded container and held it as if it had the most precious liquid inside. "Crouch... I have no words that will properly thank you for what you just did."

'You must go now.' the man said, turning towards hi house. 'Even magi has a use by date.'

"I don't want words of thanks, I want this to be over with so go back to her, I have other things I need to tend to..."

Without another word he disaparated back to the hospital to give the cure to River.

Without magic, he knew he had little chance of maintaining the power he held over Death Eaters and if word got out of his weakness then his enemies would seek to take advantage of this...

He needed to maintain his appearance of strength and his public image to convince everyone that nothing had changed. But how? He himself couldn't do it in this state...

But then the answer came to him.

He himself couldn't.

He needed a proxy. A puppet. One to pose as him until he found a way around this. For this, he'd need one easy to control, one who wouldn't dare stand against him. They'd need to be skilled, skilled enough at least to pass as him. 

Who were his candidates though?

We appear on the outskirts of the village, and i look at my bother 'Where will he be?'

"Follow me..." He started to walk toward the location where Death and he met the man last time.

I follow, listening for anything- anyone else around, my wand already in my hand

At last they arrive at the home.

'Well well....i thought you would be back. cant cope without magic, boy?' The old man opened his door, it was obvious he had been waiting behind it. 'And look, you brought the girl. Glad to see your better, kid.' He nodded at River

"I need my power back and you're going to.." Crouch paused once more, knowing threats weren't going to work.

"Surely you have a way to help?"

'No. Sorry. There is only one way to get your power....and thats for you to work out.'

'How are we meant to do that with no help?' I ask.

the old man smiled. 'A sacrifice to save you...acceptance to let you go.'

"I've got a better plan old man... you tell us, and maybe there will be enough of you left for an autopsy!"

'Crouch. Dont be mean!' I snap.

"Well playing nice isn't gettign results now is it?"

'I gave you an answer. Accept.' The man blinked at crouch. 'Or is that impossiible for you?'

"Accept WHAT?!

I walk away from them both, frowning. 'WHat it ifs not acpeting a what? And who has to accept...it? Me or him? He has to sacrifice something for me....but i dont have anything i need to accept...do i?'

'You pose a question only you can answer.' the man relpied

"Your riddles grow irritating..."

'And i accept that about myself.' The man chuckled.

"I hope you'll accept my hand around your throat if you don't become my clear.."

'River.' The old man said sudenly 'Do you feel as if you are accepte. for who you really are? for good, and evil insie you/'