"You fools!" Voldemort shouted in a rage at the Death Eaters that had obeyed Tonks's order to retreat. "Couldn't you tell that was not Bella? She would never have given that order."

"Forgive us, master," Crabbe responded timidly. "We did not know it was not her. We thought you had ordered us to return."

"Crucio!" Voldemort shouted. Crabbe was soon screaming in agony from the effects of the curse. When Voldemort released him, he was whimpering on the floor. "Let that be a lesson to all of you. This attack does not end unless you hear me give the order personally or you are all dead. Do you understand me?" There was a chorus of assent from his followers before Voldemort continued. "Good. Then return to the school. Crush the Mudblood lovers and bring Harry Potter before me."

The Death Eaters left Voldemort quickly, in a rush to escape from the presence of their vengeful master. "You should not be so hard on them, my Lord," Bellatrix said once they had gone. "My filthy niece can be so convincing when she wants to be."

"My servants must not permit themselves to be so deceived, Bella," the Dark Lord replied calmly. "They will have learnt from this and I will not permit them to be fooled again. You do not object, do you Bella?"

"No, my Lord."

"Master," interrupted the snivelling voice of Wormtail.

"I see you have returned, Wormtail," Voldemort said coldly. "What do you have to report?"

"The secret passages are unguarded, my Lord," Wormtail earnestly informed his master.

"Very good Wormtail. Now, fetch Dolohov here." Moments later Wormtail returned with Dolohov. "Dolohov, you are to follow Wormtail. He will lead you, Rookwood, Rabastan Lestrange and any others of my servants you choose along with some of Nagini's children through the secret passages into the school. Afterwards, send him back here and you will be in charge inside."

"As you desire, my Lord," Dolohov responded. "What are we to do inside the school?"

"Cause as much damage as you can," Voldemort said, smiling cruelly. "Find those within who will support me and get them to aid you. Kill all of our enemies that you find, especially Dumbledore if you can, and if at all possible bring Harry Potter to me."

"As you desire, master. Hogwarts will become a death trap for our foes. Come on Wormtail." Dolohov and Wormtail left, Wormtail clearly unhappy to be around the other Death Eater, but equally clearly in no position to complain about his instructions.

"Now Bella," Voldemort said, "I have a special treat for you. We have captured an Auror and I want you to get information from him. Find out what Dumbledore has planned. I'm sure you will have fun."

"Thank you, master." Bellatrix left to see the Auror. Minutes later Voldemort could hear the Auror screaming with agony and a cold mirthless smile settled on to his face as he waited for more news from his army.