The next two chapters are a little shorter, but after, they start becoming longer again. They just fit better this way.

Rodolphus Lestrange wrung his hands together under the table so as to not reveal his nerves and feelings to the man in front of him. Lord Gellert Grindelwald in many ways looked how you would expect an aging powerful leader to appear: His hair was grey but neat, he had a thick beard, his robe were of luxurious silk and he held himself in such a way that made it clear he thought all should worship him.

Rodolphus would not disagree on the last point.

He had been raised to believe that all the work Lord Grindelwald had done was great and masterful. He had succeeded in ways that all should be grateful for. Rodolphus may not have thought as strongly about Lord Dumbledore, yet they should each be worshipped and followed as a pair to be praised.

Sitting in his presence, Rodolphus knew all these ideas were correct. He was not someone to mindlessly follow, but, in his brain, he knew Grindelwald was the right man to follow, so, he followed.

"Are you quite sure about this information, Mr Lestrange?" Lord Grindelwald inquired over finger tips that were pressed closely together in a triangle.

"Yes, my Lord," Rodolphus replied obediently with a nod. "It is correct."

Grindelwald did not seem to accept his words straight away, but appeared to sit quietly and consider them. Rodolphus begged silently he would not question him any further. He was not sure how long his nerves and determination would withstand the deliberation.

Those pleas were not answered.

"You see, Mr Lestrange, it seems like there is more to this. I cannot fathom why a husband would accuse his wife of treason." He looked at Rodolphus' expectedly.

"I understand, my Lord, but my wife gave me no other choice. I always knew she was not as passionate of a follower of the Ministry as I was, but I did not know the extent until the other day. She approached me, begged for my support and assistance in bringing down the Ministry. I asked if she meant rebellion and she practically agreed!"

Rodolphus knew, from the way the Dark Lord leaned forward that he had his attention.

"I might not have done anything, except what I heard later. Mr Selwyn confessed Bellatrix had said something similar to him as well. Then there was the tragic death of Mr Avery." He shook his head sadly though he did not care about the man. "It was too much of a coincidence. I knew it was her. I admit I may not love my wife but it is all true and it was the right thing to do."

Most of it was true, but not all of it. The last lie was the biggest of them all: He did love Bellatrix. That was exactly why it had hurt. He had given her everything she had ever asked her. He had been a faithful husband who tried to make her happy whenever he could. He was not a man to give away his heart, but she had taken it. He did not ever show it because expressing affection or emotion was not a gift he naturally possessed but Bellatrix owned his heart.

So, when he found her in bed with another man, his heart had irrefutably snapped. Worst of all, the other was a half blood. An old half blood who he had thought Bellatrix loathed. He now knew it was only an act.

His pride would not allow such blight on his name.

Oh how he wanted to ensure Riddle was punished too, but, now, that was not possible. He had no proof Riddle had done anything wrong. Yes, he had slept with a pureblood (which was an offensive in itself), yet Rodolphus could not admit that. To admit that would mean confessing his wife preferred a half blood over him.

That he could not divulge.

So, instead, it was Bella that must be blamed.

He tried to keep his face as blank as his empty heart. However, somehow his face fluttered and faltered as he stared down at his feet. Did that mean his heart was doing the same thing?

It did not matter. Grindelwald had finished his inquisition.

While Rodolphus looked up he saw the lord indicating to his assistant. "Get Auror Mulciber." he replied swiftly as if it was the easiest thing to say in the world. "Tell him to arrest Bellatrix Lestrange. If he brings her in unharmed, there might even be a promotion in it for him. After all, we will need a new Head Auror."

Despite the drama of the night before and a restlessness night's sleep full of worry that the Aurors would descend upon him, once he had risen from bed, Tom's daily routine had been fairly typical. He had showered, combed his hair, dressed in his usual formal robes and was heading down to breakfast at the exact time of ten to seven.

Everything was usual. At least until he heard the sounds of heels scrapping on wooden floorboards and Bellatrix turned a corner and literally ran into him.

Despite his shock and the impact from the collision, he only stepped back once and was able to ensure they both stayed on their feet. "Bellatrix, what?" he began, holding her upright, but he was quickly interrupted.

"Aurors, Tom! Aurors!" she gasped out of breath and trembling in a way he had never seen from her before. "They were everywhere! I somehow managed to escape. I'm not sure how."

"Calm, Bellatrix and breathe," he instructed keeping his voice just how he requested hers to be. "Slowly explain to me what happened."

He was very surprised that she did what he asked.

With a shaky breath, she closed her eyes and, when she opened them, they were slightly calmer. "I was just having breakfast when it happened. The breakfast doors exploded from its hinges and three Aurors entered and said I was under arrest. I knew it was time so I just acted. I cursed one straight away, duelled the other two and managed to escape. My first thought was to come here."

Of all the things he had said that day her last confession was the strangest of them all. "Why?" he said softly though he was not at all annoyed.

She looked at him in the eyes and smiled. "You promised me safety and a place to hide."

Of course, he thought to himself as he slipped his hand into his robe pocket and pulled out the same pocket watch he had used before the attack on Avery. Unclipping it from his pocket, he handed it to her reluctantly. "It will take you to France. You will be safe there."

She looked up at him as she took it into her own hands. She did not say anything and he did not expect her to. Stepping forward he activated the portkey and moved back knowing it would take twenty seconds before it flared into life.

"Treat my mother with respect," he snapped firmly as he watched her. "Do not come back to England until I tell you to."

Again she surprised him by nodding. It was indeed a grave situation when Bellatrix Lestrange complied.

"Of course," she said quietly, and then she lowered her voice even further. "Thank you."

As light engulfed her and she started to spin, Tom was left with the echo of her words in his ears.

He hoped it was only from lack of sleep.