A/N: I know that I should be working on other things, (and trust me, I am), but this idea just wouldn't leave me alone. Some things to note before we begin:

I do not own Harry Potter. The only thing I do own is a wonky laptop and an overactive imagination.

The bulk of this story takes place during the late 1930s through the mid 1940s. However, the prologue (which this chapter is) is set just after Dumbledore's death; Tom is reading his obituary.

Thoughts and letters, "Speech", "Parseltongue".

I think that's it. As always, read, enjoy, and review!

Prologue

The only one he ever feared. I snorted in disgust. Bullocks. The only one that ever stole from me what was rightfully mine. I threw the infuriatingly insipid article of The Daily Prophet in the fire. The only reason that I didn't kill him was because… because of her. But no matter. Severus has done for me what I couldn't do myself, disgracing as that is, and I no longer have to worry about it.

The sound of something long and heavy moving across the floor pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Evening, Nagini."

She bobbed her head in greeting. "You are agitated, my friend."

"Only a little."

"The old Headmaster is dead, if it means anything."

"It means a great deal." I reply, stroking her head.

"Too bad he took a piece of us with him. I rather miss it."

"Yes… that did throw a wrench in our plans. However, we have… another way to secure our lives."

"Yes. The other Speaker. As long as he lives…"

"And in the event that he doesn't, we have other… safeguards, as it were."

Nagini laughed. "Yes… won't they be surprised?"

I turned to stare, entranced into the fire. "Surprised… perhaps not. But discouraged…" I looked at Nagini, who was curled around herself on the rug. "Perhaps so…Wormtail!"

"Y-y-yes, my Lord?" he answered, crawling out from whatever corner he'd been lurking in. I barely resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Pitiful… the biggest coward I've ever seen. It's a wonder he wasn't sorted into Hufflepuff.

"Lend me… your arm." I replied, pulling my wand from up my sleeve.

"Y-y-yes, Master," he stammered, holding out his arm and kneeling in front of me.

"It is time to call our friends." I watched the Dark Mark writhe on his arm in fascination before the others arrived. I never get tired of that.

"Greetings, my loyal followers." I said, standing and surveying the crowd. "Tonight, we…"

My eyes frantically searched the crowd. (Not like they knew that. To them I just looked angry.) Finally, I found what I was looking for – or rather, what wasn't there to be found.

"Severus!" I bellowed, seething. He better had not deflected… if he has… "Where is he?!"

I stormed forward from my throne, disrupting the ranks in my search for my most prized Potions Master. "Nagini!"

"He is not here Master. His scent and the scent of young Malfoy are both missing."

"Aaarrrggghhh!" I yelled furiously. "How dare he!" I stalked back to my throne, my robes billowing as I turned to face my fearful followers.

"Malfoy!"

"Yes, my Lord?" he inquired, coming forward and kneeling at my feet.

I looked down at his blonde head dispassionately. "Where is your son?"

"With Severus, my Lord."

I felt my anger rising. Clearly, I can see that. "And where," I demanded through clenched teeth, "is Severus?"

"I do not know, my Lord."

I raised my wand, and would have cursed Lucius if not for what he said next.

"But perhaps my wife or her sister could tell you. I can't put my finger on just what, but I feel they have been hiding something from me. And by extension, from you, my Lord."

I relaxed in my seat and stoked my wand thoughtfully. I could smell Bellatrix's fear from where I was sitting. "Bring me your wife."

"Yes, my Lord."

"And pray that she knows what you do not."

"Of course, my Lord." I waited until Lucius had Apparated away before turning my attention to a more available prey.

"Bellatrix…" I crooned, mockingly sweet.

She hurriedly made her way to the front, and kneeled at my feet. "My Lord?"

"My Lord?" I mocked. "You act as though you are unaware of the situation. Weren't you paying attention?"

"Yes, my Lord." The stink of fear rolled off her in droves.

"Hmm… Lucius says that you have been hiding something from me, Bellatrix."

I watched as a single droplet of sweat made its way from her hairline to the tip of her nose. "He lies."

"Does he?" I rummaged through her mind, finding far more that I had assumed would be there.

"Yes. I would never hide anything from you!"

"Liar!" I countered. "You have been hiding something from me! Information… about a little Unbreakable Vow, perhaps?"

"My Lord, I have no idea--"

"Crucio!" I watched as she trashed around on the floor. "You know exactly of what I speak!"

"M-Master," she stuttered after I'd lifted the curse, "I did not mean to disobey you. I--"

"Crucio! You knew exactly what you were doing, Bellatrix!"

"M-m-my Lord… please. Have mercy…"

I laughed. "Mercy? Never! You have forfeited your life. Narcissa… she is not marked, but she will be punished. Yes… I have something… special for her. But you!" I stood, towering over her as she twitched in the aftermath of the curse.

"Master…" she pleaded, her voice horse from screaming.

"Rodolphus!"

He hurried forward and kneeled. "Yes, my Lord?"

"Your wife has gotten out of hand. Do you agree?"

"Yes, my Lord. She should have never kept this from you. You, who was so kind… releasing us from Azkaban… I would have never--"

"Enough!" I interrupted, not in the mood to be pacified and fawned over. Rodolphus fell silent. I gestured for him to rise, and he hastily complied.

"Dispose of her. I will not tolerate disobedience in my ranks."

"Yes, my Lord." Rodolphus replied, leveling his wand at Bellatrix. "You were beautiful, once, my Bella, but Azkaban has soiled you looks as well as you mind."

"Rodolphus…" she hissed, "You wouldn't dare! You filthy, treacherous--"

"I'm sorry Bella, but the Slytherin in me insists I preserve my own life, over yours."

"Rodolphus!"

"Avada Kedvra."

The light left Bellatrix's eyes, and the color receded from her cheeks.

"Rodolphus."

"Yes my Lord?"

"Dispose of the carcass. I never wish to see it again."

"Of course, my Lord."

I watched stoically as Rodolphus disintegrated her lifeless body with an incendiary spell. "Let that be a lesson to all of you. Disobedience, like failure, will not be tolerated."

This statement was met with several nods and fearful murmurs of agreement. Satisfied, I retired to my throne.

"You are dismissed. Lucius, Narcissa, stay behind. I've something I wish to discuss with you…"