It belongs to J.K. Rowling, not me.

Chapter Three:

Bellatrix Black Lestrange walked slowly through the marble hallways of The Dark Lord's fortress. Having just left a meeting that commanded most of the day she was quite exhausted, yet still excited. Raids, revels, or muggle hunting always managed to fill her with adrenaline and give her energy a woman who lived through what she did had no right to have. She found it to also be true regarding the mission to rescue the eldest Malfoy.

Lucius was her dear brother-in-law, the one that pampered and spoiled her sister and their only child. Draco had grown up weak. He did not deserve the mark that graced his left forearm and Narcissa! Oh her dear sister, the weak one. Narcissa had grown up looking very much like a porcelain doll and was therefore treated as such. In the end, she did break. With Lucius in Azkaban and Draco failing the suicide mission the Dark Lord set forth, she killed herself before she was forced to watch her only child die at her feet.

How ironic and cruel fate can be. Five years ago would have found Narcissa Malfoy living the good life with her husband and child. Bellatrix on the other hand, was living a much different life in Azkaban. The eldest Black daughter was rotting away in a cell while those foul creatures slowly sucked out her soul, if she indeed had a soul. Bellatrix preferred to believe she did, after all that's where she hid the knowledge of her miracle.

Amelia. Bellatrix smiled for the first time as she recalled the dementors pulling all happy thoughts out of her skeleton-like body. They couldn't break her for she harbored a great hate. The thought of Dumbledore having her innocent child killed simply to deal The Dark Lord an offensive blow kept her sane. It kept her plotting. She knew her Master would return. It was only a matter of time and she intended to be ready.

Then, to find out her beautiful child was in fact alive, living a life beneath her refueled that hate. The entire Order of the Phoenix would fall for this. She and her fellow Death Eaters would make sure of it. They were all united under the Dark Mark and loyal to their Lord. It was staggering really, what one mistake could do to a great wizard such as Dumbledore.

Oh yes, Dumbledore paid with his life but the comfortable little world he worked so hard to build would come crashing down upon everyone he had ever cared about. After all, when great men become hypocrites they too must pay for their sins.

As Bellatrix walked into the study housing her only link to her daughter she felt calm wash over her. The sun had just set beyond the window and glorious pinks and oranges bathed the room in a soft light. Amelia was lying there, so peaceful, so serene that a layer of ice around Bella's heart cracked. "Tomorrow, my darling, I swear to you upon all that I hold dear, I will make up for every single day I missed."

Severus found her there two hours later, silent tears coursing down her face and a new hope lighting her eyes. "Bella, it's almost time to leave for Azkaban." He said in his trademark whisper.

Bella looked up and inclined her head gracefully to the tall man before standing and making her way to her rooms. Collecting her robes, cloak, and mask she readied herself for a very long but hopefully rewarding night. As her mark burned she hurried down the stairs and toward her Master. A mass of roughly 50 Death Eaters would be apparating straight to Azkaban Island and within the hour they would storm the prison. Once it was in their control all prisoners would have the option of joining the Dark Lord. Those who didn't… well, death should be preferable to life in Azkaban. Technically, they were doing them all a favor.

The Dark Lord surveyed the room with a cruel smile on his face. Many would die tonight and it wouldn't be his loyal followers. Each and every Death Eater was instructed to use liberal doses of the killing curse and if any were found wasting time with torture, they would be punished severely.

Nobody expected a raid on Azkaban and in that tiny fact lay the fall of the prison. The dementors would be no problem after all. They had been loyal to The Dark Lord ever since his first reign. No, the only trouble would be the ministry-placed aurors that were brought in last year when he returned to power.

With one last glance to assure him everyone was ready, he grabbed Wormtail roughly by the neck and disapparated. The moment they landed the Dark Lord thrust Peter's left sleeve up to his elbow and ran one long, elegant finger over the shaking man's mark. Within seconds pops could be heard in every direction and the fall of Azkaban began.

"Severus, pass out the vials." The Dark Lord stood staring at the tall fortress as he barked out orders. "As soon as you are invisible, spread out! Do not hesitate! Kill anyone in your path and do not leave the prison until it is cleared of Aurors! McNair, once all are dead bring word to me and we will open the cells. Not a moment before!" As his followers started disappearing before his eyes he cast a powerful shield over himself, Bella and Severus and sat back to wait for word.

It was a truly gruesome sight and filled anyone with an ounce of dark magic in them with a giddy excitement. Severus and Bella stood on either side of The Dark Lord staring up at the mighty fortress of Azkaban with twisted smiles on their faces. Bright, green light was pouring out of the few windows Azkaban actually possessed. It filled the air with thick, powerful dark magic and both Severus and Bella had to clench their fists to keep from joining the battle.

After about ten minutes loud pops could be heard outside the fortress. The Aurors were foolish to show up in a steady stream for they died in order of appearance. Each had a terrifying look of fear and disbelief on their face. The three dark wizards appeared to be playing a game. Pop, aim, kill. It was exhilarating and as McNair appeared outside the Dark Lord's shield they knew they had won.

The ground outside was littered with Aurors, many Severus recognized. Kingsley Shacklebolt was dead. Nymphadora Tonks was dead. Others he recognized but there was no time. He raced to the fortress after The Dark Lord and Bellatrix, vanishing corpses out of his way.

When they reached the maximum security cells Lord Voldemort hurried to find Lucius and once he did, blew the door away with a slight flick of his wand. As Severus rushed inside to help Lucius, The Dark Lord yelled, "Open all cells! Kill anyone who refuses to swear loyalty to me and bring the rest!"

Severus was quite shocked at what he found inside Lucius' tiny prison. It was as if Lucius were simply waiting for them. He greeted his old friend with a smile and had the audacity to say, "What took you so long, Sev old boy?" Severus laughed and pulled the filthy man into a rib cracking hug. He released Lucius quickly and clasped his shoulder gently, guiding him out towards The Dark Lord.

Upon seeing Voldemort, Lucius' shock at his Master's appearance lasted only a moment before he fell to his knees and whispered, "Thank you, My Lord. I knew you would not leave me here. My Lord is merciful."

Voldemort nodded quickly and said in a rush, "Rise, Lucius, we will apparate directly to the fortress in Spain. I trust you have the strength to apparate." The Dark Lord promptly disappeared followed by Bellatrix. Severus stood waiting for Lucius to disapparate, concern mixed with exhilaration in his eyes.

Lucius knew he had no choice and took a deep breath to gather his courage. Praying he would not splinch himself, he disapparated with a pop and fell to his knees in the foyer of his Master's stronghold.

The moment the pop sounded announcing Severus' arrival, Lord Voldemort turned to face his three most loyal servants. "Come, we have much to discuss before the others return." He said as he turned and headed to the right of the foyer. Once in the meeting hall he walked up to the raised dais and sat on the custom made platinum throne. It was a magnificent piece and gifted to him after his return to power from Lucius. Emerald green velvet made up the seat and back of the throne, the back embroidered in sparkling silver thread that seemed to be alive, which depicted the Slytherin shield.

"Lucius, sit down before you collapse. Bella, summon an elf to bring firewhiskey and help Severus clean and heal Lucius while we wait." The Dark Lord said as he allowed himself to relax. His mind was moving frantically, he knew they had made history tonight and no one would expect an attack on Hogwarts so soon. Several Aurors fell at Azkaban and several more would show up to defend Hogwarts. Once the time came to invade the Ministry there would be hardly any aurors left.

Voldemort watched as Bellatrix cast spell after spell on the blond man and layer after layer of filth disappeared. Severus had just returned with several potions and was ordering Lucius to drink them with one of his famous 'no room for disobedience' smirks on his face.

Once Lucius' pale skin was dirt-free he turned to The Dark Lord and asked the question everyone had been waiting for. "My Lord, forgive me for being so bold. I heard about Narcissa and can't help wondering why she would do something so cowardly."

Voldemort was pleased that he saw no emotion on Lucius' face but decided to probe a little deeper. Lucius had never been able to guard his mind against the Dark Lord, not fully and after only moments of digging Voldemort withdrew and said calmly, "Narcissa was weak, as you know. You are much better off without her and are now free to find a more suitable wife." He paused as Lucius nodded and noticed disgust on the blond man's face. He smiled and continued, "I gave Draco orders to kill that interfering old fool at Hogwarts and he failed. Severus of course finished the task yet Narcissa had so little faith in my mercy that she drank a vial of basilisk venom. Draco is currently clearing out Azkaban with my other loyal servants and will remain there until the wizarding world is mine."

The Dark Lord stood so suddenly that the inhabitants of the room jumped. "Before you ask, as I'm sure you are eager to do being the brilliant strategist you are…" he turned to face Lucius fully before continuing. "There is a reason we took control of Azkaban, not that freeing one of my most loyal and oldest Death Eaters isn't reason enough, mind you. It is time the wizarding world fell, Lucius. Next, we take Hogwarts. Severus, be ready to take over Headmaster duties once the school is under my control."

He paused and began pacing. After a moment he turned to his three most trusted supporters and said quickly, "We will not give them time to recuperate. Two days at the most after we take Hogwarts the Ministry will fall." Hearing the three gasps echo around the huge room he decided to shock them a little further. "Lucius, you shall be ready to step up as Minster of Magic under my control the moment the Ministry is clear. That is not a request. Be ready. Severus, take Lucius to my study and inform him of Dumbledore's treachery. Bella, you may accompany them, I wish to be alone." He then turned his back on the trio and within seconds was lost in thought.

Bellatrix paused in the foyer and gazed back at her Master. He seemed stronger somehow since discovering the truth about Amelia. He was determined, unstoppable came to mind and he radiated such power it was hypnotizing. Throwing one last awe-filled glance at Lord Voldemort, Bella raced to catch up with Lucius and Severus.

Lucius had paused at an open doorway at the top of the stairs. Inside was a simple guest bedroom and directly across from the door rested a mirror on the wall. Lucius approached it cautiously, anxious to see how much damage had been done to his appearance in that awful place.

Mentally thanking the Dark Lord for not leaving him there longer, he sighed in relief. True, his cheeks were slightly sunken. Yet only marginally more so than usual and it would take a familiar eye to notice. His hair… his beautiful hair, Lucius vowed it would be shining before he slept tonight. No matter how many times he had to wash it. Turning his head slightly to the left, then right he noticed a few more lines accentuating his eyes and lips. He noted however they added to his charm and with that he smirked and turned away from the mirror.

Severus laughed outright at his friend's conceited display. "Lucius, you are still as pretty as ever. Once we reach our Lord's study I'll send for dinner and a change of clothing. Come, we have a surprising story to tell." He then lead Lucius and Bellatrix down the hall to the opulent study.

Being highly observant, Lucius' eyes fell on the mirror instantly and he couldn't quite mask his surprise. "Granger?" he asked in a voice full of loathing. "Why are we watching Granger? Gaining information on Potter?"

Bellatrix was immediately spitting venom. "Never speak of Amelia in that tone again or so help me you will regret it!" Severus barely had time to summon Bella's wand as she advanced on Lucius.

Chuckling, Severus grabbed Bellatrix's shoulders and pushed her back until she had no choice but to sit on the couch. She threw Lucius one last glare before turning her attention to the mirror and ignoring the men.

"Lucius, I see you remember our lovely Miss Granger?" at Lucius' nod Severus continued before the shocked Malfoy could get a word in edgewise. "Not long after the end of her fifth year at Hogwarts, Dumbledore called a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. It seems he was concerned about the Gryffindor Golden Girl's safety and I admit, at first I believed he considered her a target because of her relation to Potter."

"How wrong I was…" Severus grinned at Lucius and took a seat beside Bellatrix. Gazing at the sleeping girl in the mirror he spoke in a silky whisper, "Come to find out, Miss Granger had been adopted. The little know-it-all we all considered a mudblood was in fact more pure than most of Slytherin house put together." Holding up a hand to stop Lucius from speaking he said, "I'm sure you remember the night Amelia was killed? Well, my friend, it seems Dumbledore's idiots can't even carry out a murder correctly. He sent Amelia to a muggle orphanage where she was adopted by a pair of dentists who couldn't conceive their own children."

Severus paused as Lucius' meal arrived and served himself a firewhiskey until the house elf left the room. "Dumbledore kept her hidden away with her muggle parents until she reached eleven. Several Professors, including myself, wondered at her talent. She really is quite brilliant and now it all makes sense. Potter's Hermione is in fact The Dark Lord's Amelia," Severus paused to run a shaky hand through his long silky hair.

"Dumbledore indeed wanted to protect his Gryffindor Princess from our Master. Not for her safety but for his. Hermione Granger was born Amelia Hermione Slytherin Black and is the daughter of The Dark Lord and dear Bella here." Severus stopped and watched Lucius closely. The blond man's hand was suspended over his untouched plate, his eyes unfocused.

"Of course! Severus, I knew the day I met her in Flourish and Blotts. Draco assured me she was a mudblood and even pointed out her parents yet there was an aura about her one only feels in the presence of strong magic. I chalked it up to being the Potter boy." He sat thoughtful for a moment before adding, "Then, the Quidditch World Cup… even though there were many powerful wizards in that box. I should have known."

Lucius sat with a strange look upon his face for a moment longer before lapsing into silence. Three pairs of eyes were stuck to the mirror as the trio contented themselves with their own thoughts. The sound of a fork occasionally tapping a plate was all that was heard as Severus entered the Dark Princess' mind. Approximately twenty minutes later Severus sat back with a huge smile on his face. She was coming along well, and entirely of her own accord. He couldn't be more pleased.