Prologue

(prologue takes place before Harry Potter is born)

Lord Voldemort stood with his back to the door, staring out the window into the darkness. It was nearly midnight and he was pondering something that had been bothering his mind for more than a year now. He breathed in deeply and turned toward the man kneeling behind him.

"Stand, Lucius," he said.

Lucius Malfoy stood quickly, his face still looking at the floor in the usual sign of respect. Voldemort walked toward him, drawing his wand from his pocket and twiddling it between his fingers. Lucius's eyes wavered to it, a small glint of fear shining in his eyes. Voldemort's thin mouth twisted into a smile. The fear he caused in his followers delighted him.

"You are not to tell anyone what I am ordering you to do. You shall keep it silent. If you tell I will not be pleased at all," Voldemort hissed.

"Oh course, my Lord. No one shall know."

Lucius was beginning to look excited. The young fool was so ignorant. All he wanted was power. That was what worried Voldemort. His Death Eaters had begun to grow restless, even though he let them go have fun nearly every day now. There was hardly a night that the wizarding world didn't see the Dark Mark hovering over some building these days. But they seemed to be forgetting who there master was. Just a day ago a Death Eater had abandoned Voldemort's orders to go have his own fun. He had already been punished. This was one reason that Voldemort had finally made up his mind.

He turned back to the window and growled in a low voice, "Bring me Bellatrix."

"Bellatrix?" Lucius asked, trying to hide the shock and disappointment in his voice.

"Do not question orders," Voldemort turned with a sneer; "I said bring me Bellatrix. She is your sister in law after all. I would think you would know who I was talking about."

Lucius flushed and murmured, "Forgive me, my Lord."

"You are forgiven. Now go."

Lucius turned with a bow and quickly headed toward the door, his cloak swishing behind him.

"And Lucius," Voldemort began, "tell no one."

Lucius bowed again and swept from the room. Voldemort turned to the window and watched as the small pinpoint of light that he knew was Lucius, enter the outdoors, heading quickly toward the gate. When it reached it the light turned on the spot and vanished into the night.

Only fifteen minutes later, two lights appeared just outside the same gate. Lucius was back, but behind him was a slightly smaller figure. Voldemort watched as they came down the walk and entered the old house, raising their arms as they did so.

Within moments there was a rap at the door. Voldemort turned back into the dark room as the door opened. The two entered, Lucius uncloaked, the other still with its hood on. They bowed low at Voldemort's feet.

"Leave us, Lucius."

Lucius immediately stood and exited the room. Voldemort stared after him with a frown, before turning to the other figure still kneeling on the floor.

"Welcome Bella."

The figure stood and lowered its hood, revealing a beautiful face. Two dark, liquid, brown eyes stood out on the dark and thin face. The black, flowing hair fell down to her back. Her cloak fell elegantly down her figure. Voldemort stared at her face, her eyes focused on the ground.

"You sent for me, my Lord?"

"Indeed. Come and join me," Voldemort whispered.

Bellatrix followed him into a corner of the room, where two armchairs sat facing each other. Voldemort flicked his wand and a gas lamp lit itself.

"Make yourself comfortable."

Bellatrix let her cloak fall onto the chair, before sitting on it herself. Her face held a curious look. Now that she had been formally invited in, she was allowed to look at her master. She stared respectfully into his face as he stared across at her.

"Bellatrix," Voldemort began, "you know what power is."

It was not a question. Bellatrix looked more curious then ever. She didn't let her eyes stray from him, hoping to display the utmost attentiveness.

"Power has a way of getting out of control at times," Voldemort continued. "But neither I, nor anyone wants to lose their power. I think the Death Eaters are beginning to want my power for their own."

Bellatrix leaned forward quickly. "My Lord! Never! We would…"

But Voldemort raised his hand for silence. "I need a follower who will give me everything. I need someone that I can have complete control over."

Bellatrix face betrayed a flicker of fear, which changed quickly into a look of maddening elation. She fell forward onto her knees, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, looking up at Voldemort.

"I will give you everything!" she cried.

Voldemort didn't say anything. After a few seconds of silence, Bellatrix's tears stopped. Her eyes widened, realizing that she had made a mistake. She sat back in her seat, looking horrified.

"No, not you," Voldemort whispered. "I cannot have complete control over your mind. I need to raise someone that will know nothing but my wishes. And for that, Bella, I need your help."

Bellatrix stared at Voldemort, not fully understanding what he had said. She sat still and slowly, comprehension dawned on her face. She stared at Voldemort in shock. He smiled at her and whispered, "Yes."

Bellatrix flung herself onto the floor, more tears pouring down her face, kissing the feet of her beloved master.

Voldemort took her face in his hands and raised it to his eye level. "Bellatrix, you shall not tell anyone, or you shall be punished so severely that you may never see the light of day again."

Bellatrix nodded, tears still glistening on her face, and beaming with happiness.