"Speaking"

"Thoughts"

"Spells"

I do not own Harry Potter

Harry sighed as he sat at his desk, he realized he was starting to stretch himself thin with all the different projects he had going and Hogwarts. Alchemy was extremely difficult, and it was not something he could have someone do for him, the pub had a great opening and Remus seemed to be doing fine with managing it so that was one thing gone. He had the land deals for the Scilly Islands going through and could soon begin working on that project, which he could put in the hands of the Jacobs. He paused. "Theo needs more opportunities." Harry hummed as he couldn't use Theo for these plans but he would find him something. "Maybe he should take over the school betting while I focus on my other projects, it will help prepare him." He made a note to write Theo about it and get his feelings on it, then he turned to his Bellatrix issue.

She was getting better, Kreacher made sure she was taking potions and eating properly. Her mind was already a bit messy before Azkaban so Harry didn't think she would get much better. As long as he seemed like Voldemort, she would listen to him. "Though she's a weapon, and weapons need to be used." He smirked; he did want to work on the Werewolf issue that arose again with the article on Remus. "Now that is something she would be happy to help with."

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Bellatrix smiled and whistled loudly as she skipped along a thinning trail in the north English woods. It had been a month since her escape and already she had gained some weight back along with a bit of color on her skin. She had spoken more with her master, his speech from when she first escaped had worried her but as he discussed his plans, she saw he was still the devious and vicious man she remembered. Her current location was part of his newest plan, one that would provide a proper punishment to the Death Eaters who denied him but also give her master a chance to improve his standing in the world. "Where oh where has my ickle wolf gone?" She sang as she skipped through the trees, twirling her stolen wand between her fingers.

After several minutes she paused, listening carefully she heard twigs snapping and a low growl. "Ohhhh wolfyyyyyyyy." She sang out. "Come out, come out where every you prowl."

"Witch." Bella turned and looked as a man walked out of a bush, his clothes were worn, and his face had a wolf like appearance. "You've come at a good time." He chuckled. "I was start….."

"Crucio." Bella cut the man off, he fell to the ground with a loud scream. "Sorry but you were taking to long." She looked back and saw two men rushing at her from the woods. "Expulso." A blue light flew out of her wand and hit the ground between the two men, the explosion threw both to the side. "Fenrir get your hairy ass out here!" She grinned and spun back to the first man, who was starting to get off the ground. "Crucio." He fell again screaming. "Unless you want your men to be useless."

Loud growls filled the area as men walked out from the trees, though they were hesitant, and their eyes shifted to the man on the ground. She never lost her grin, despite the odds being against her she was ready to take on these men. "Enough!" She stopped her spell, pushing through the crowd she saw Fenrir Greyback. "Bellatrix, what are you doing here?"

She ended her spell and gave Fenrir a sweet smile. "Aww no hello Bella? How have you been? You look radiant despite your time in Azkaban?" She frowned at him. "No lovely words for an old friend?"

He growled; he was not a fearful wolf, but Bellatrix was never someone to underestimate even with superior numbers. Plus, if she had tracked him down, she most likely had something planned and that could lead to a bit of fun for him and his pack. "What brings you here Bellatrix? I doubt you wanted our help hiding from the Auror's."

"No, I have that covered well enough." Bella replied, the fact she was still free proved that. "I'm here to speak with you about a job, one where we will need you and all your wolfy friends." He grinned at her. "We need to send a message to all the Death Eaters who denounced our master." She matched his grin. "It's time to remind the Wizarding World what fear really is."

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Bella appeared outside Malfoy Manor, she apparated outside of the wards just to be safe but she doubted Lucy would remember to remove her and others from the wards. She had a bounce in her step, Fenrir was more then happy with the basics of the plan and would round his men up for the event. Now all she has to do is talk her brother in law into a bit of mischief, which she is sure he will be happy to help with. She arrived and opened the door, wizards didn't usually lock doors when they had wards in place. "Cissyyyyyyy! Your favorite sister is here for a visit!" She giggled as she walked through the hall.

It took minutes for her to run into a confused looking Narcissa. "B-bella?"

"Cissy!" Bellatrix threw her arms out and walked to her sister, pulling her into a hug. "How are you my favorite ickle sister?" She pushed Narcissa to arm's length. "Look at you, still as young and beautiful as always."

"What are you doing here?" Narcissa finally asked. "How did you get here?"

"Magic my dear." Bella giggles out. "Now where are your manners? Not going to offer me tea? A biscuit?"

"O-Of course." Narcissa stuttered out. "Come." She led her sister to the sitting room. "Dobby, tea and biscuits."

"Where is Lucius?" Bellatrix asked as she looked around. "Off kissing someone's arse?"

"He went out to the Ministry." Narcissa answered. "I'm sure he will be happy to see you, you are looking well by the way." Narcissa had finally collected herself.

"Of course." Bella replied as the tea appeared. "Our Master has taken care of me." She had waited for Narcissa to start taking a drink and giggled as her sister spat out her drink.

"W-w-what?"

Bella took a dramatic sip. "Who else do you think has the skill and ability to free me?"

Narcissa had gone pale. "That's true….well, this is surprising news." She was shaking as she put her cup down. "I, um, don't believe he has contacted Lucius yet. Though of course if he ordered him not to say anything I wouldn't know."

"Don't be such a worrywart." Bella snickered. "He has not reached out to anyone; I am here on his behalf."

"Ah, well…I see." Narcissa nodded. "Of course, we will offer any support needed."

"We shall see." Bella smiled. "For now lets have some sisterly time until der old Lucy returns. How is ickle Draco doing at Hogwarts?"

Narcissa took a breath, this was not a conversation she was going to make it through without something stronger in her tea.

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Lucius sighed as he came out of the floo, placing his coat on the rack. "Dobby." He called for the elf as he walked.

"Yes masters?"

"Where is my wife?" Lucius asked not sparing the elf a look.

"She and guest be's in seat room." Dobby answered, Lucius nodded though he wondered who the guest was.

Walking into the sitting room he froze when he saw the guest. "Lucius, dear brother how have you been?"

He took a deep breath and made his way to the table. "Bellatrix, it is risky for you to be here."

"How rude." She pouted at him. "Not even a lovely to see you, you are looking well?" She sniffed. "I am beginning to think no one missed me."

"What do you need Bellatrix?" Lucius asked. "You did not come for a social visit surly."

"Who is throwing the next party or event?" Bella didn't care to make small talk with Lucius, what she wanted would make him squirm enough. "And when will it be?"

Lucius frowned. "Goyle has his end of the month dinner."

"One with more people, and not just our lot but all the popular purebloods." Bella replied with a roll of her eyes.

"Well then the Midsummer Ball." He replied. "The Ministry will be throwing it as usual, I believe it's on July 17th."

"Oh yes, that will be perfect." Bellatrix said with a grin, that sent unease into her family members. "And Ministry events aren't usually warded so that will work fine."

"Something I should be aware of?" Lucius asked. "Perhaps get word to our old friends?"

"Oh those who need to know will know Lucy." Bella said as she stood. "Just know you are to be at the event, anything else would spoil master's surprise." She spun and headed towards the door. "Now don't be changing the wards Lucy or think about missing the party!"

Lucius and Narcissa sat at the table alone waiting. "Dobby." The elf popped into place. "Tell me when Bellatrix has left the wards."

"Yes, master." Dobby answered and popped away, Narcissa reached over and took her husbands hand. Eventually Dobby popped back. "She bes gones sir."

"Go away." Lucius ordered. "What did she mean master's plan?"

"She claims He was the one who freed her." Narcissa answered. "She seems to believe it and that means danger, could he really be back?"

Lucius frowned and rolled his sleeve up; his Dark mark was faded like normal. "If he is he doesn't want us to know, until now it seems."

"Could." Narcissa licked her lips. "Could we have lost favor and become enemies?"

"I fear it's possible but not probable." He replied after a few seconds of thought. "If we were enemies I don't think we would have met her and learned of his return." He shook his head. "No, this is a test, he is showing me I have lost some favor but am not out yet. We mention this to no one." He looked at her. "No one will hear about this; we will attend the party but make sure we have emergency portkey's." He sighed. "Did Draco see her?"

"No." Narcissa was thankful for small mercies. "He is out at the Crabbe's."

"Good." Lucius said with a nod. "And he hates that party, he won't want to go and this time I will cater to his plea." He squeezed Narcissa's hand. "We will be fine, just stay calm and stay alert." Narcissa nodded but didn't let go of his hand.

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Bellatrix hummed as she entered the cottage, Harry was seated in one of the chairs and she smiled big. "Hello master, I found Greyback for you, he likes to think himself clever but he always returns to the same areas." She grinned. "He was in the third place I looked, he has a nice sized pack and they are excited to help. He loves the plan you have, and I spoke with Lucy and Cissy they said a Ministry party is planned for the 17th."

"Wonderful." Harry had that information and Bellatrix knew that but they couldn't let anyone think Voldemort had info like that yet. Lucius would grow suspicious if he reached out to others and not him as anyone he could contact should logically be in the same position as him. "And you made sure they know to attend?"

"Of course." Bella said as she sat on the floor next to him, resting her chin on his leg and looking up at him. "They will be there and won't say a word, he knows what happens to those who displease you." Harry smiled and nodded. "And I'll stop by before the event, if I've been taken off the wards it means he plans to betray us."

Harry patted her head. "Wonderful idea, but I think they will prove reliable." She grinned at him. "I will have some polyjuice brought to you, along with some hairs, and gold. Use it to gather some magical tents for Greyback and his men, they may keep them after along with our payment."

"They will like that, currently they have muggle tents." She made a disgusted face. "I don't know how they can stand it."

"It's done from necessity." Harry answered. "Make sure to charm the tents with tracking spells, if things don't go as planned or the backlash is to large they may try to run on us."

"Of course, master." Bella smiled at his clever thinking. "Is there anything more I can work on or do for you while we wait?"

"No, just rest and continue gaining your strength." She was better but even magic and potions couldn't fix years of malnutrition in a month. Harry gentle moved her head off his leg and headed for the door. "I will send all the things you need and come visit in a few more days."

"I'll be strong master." Bella called out. "I'll be ready by the time you go to Hogwarts to face anyone."

Harry stopped at the door and turned back to her, giving her a smile. "I know you will Bella dear."

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The Midsummer Ball was a spectacular event, held inside under a charmed roof to show off the summer night sky it was always enjoyable to attend. Cornelius Fudge was happy everything was going smoothly, no lead's had come in on Bellatrix Lestrange nor who broke her out of Azkaban. Amelia still had Potter on her list but he was very accommodating about the whole thing, even spoke to Skeeter and said he understood why he was a suspect and thought the Auror's were right to keep him on the list with no alibi. Either way this event was the first big thing the Ministry had done since the escape so he wanted it to go well, show the country they were still on top of everything and strong. He had agreed with Amelia though and brought in extra Auror's, with all the different theories on why Bellatrix escaped many led to people who could be at the party.

"Lucius, Narcissa how are you tonight?" Fudge asked his old friend, while he had been pulling away from Lucius it wasn't smart to fully cut ties. "Narcissa you look lovely."

"Cornelius." Lucius said with a nod to the man.

"Minister." Narcissa replied. "Thank you for the compliment, the ball turned out lovely this year."

"Yes, we put all our effort into it." He replied and looked around. "Wanted everyone to enjoy themselves, been quite the year so far."

"Of course." Lucius said. "Excuse us, I promised to speak to Lord Goyle."

"Oh, by all means." He stepped back and gestured for them to pass. "Enjoy yourselves." He said as they walked away, feeling the conversation went well. He spotted some Wizengamont members and decided to say his hello's when suddenly the doors burst open, he frowned and started that way to see what was going on when someone screamed, which made him stumble to a stop.

"Minister." Someone grabbed him and spun him around, it was one of his Auror's. "Quickly with me." Fudge didn't have time to think as they man dragged him towards the back door, spells were flying at this point, which was odd as only Auror's should have theirs at these events.

"What is going on?" Fudge finally found his voice to ask, he heard windows breaking and the sounds of people apperating.

"Damn." The Auror yelled and pushed Cornelius down to the ground. "Minister get under the table."

"What?" Fudge asked confused.

"The table." The Auror pointed and Fudge looked, seeing a table with a cloth covering it completely. "Hurry sir!" His body moved as he tried to process everything.

Fudge sat under the table, grasping onto one of the legs as he tried to understand what was going on. "After He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named died nothing like this has ever happened, what could this mean?" He sat there with his thoughts, doing his best to filter out the screams, cracks of apperating and things being broken.

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Amelia sighed as she made her way around the ballroom, she made some small talk but mostly checked to be sure her Auror's were not slacking off. She was glad Fudge had listened to reason and allowed her to increase the security, there were many tempting targets here for Bellatrix if she was free and not captured. Unfortunately, they had not received any legitimate sightings of her yet so Amelia still had no idea if the witch escaped or was taken.

"Blast that women." Amelia thought with a scowl, she had finally gotten a decent amount of Auror's in the new group and instead of training they have to learn on the go as they help search. It was a good experience, them learning how to deal with the public in an official capacity, but it made her feel like they were throwing lambs to the slaughter without proper training. "Perhaps I should speak to a few of the Wizengamont members here tonight? Maybe they feel as I do and we can convince Cornelius to make a concession."

She was broken from her thoughts when she heard a loud bang, turning she saw the main doors had been thrown open and people in tattered clothing were walking in. She frowned and marched towards them when one grabbed the Auror that was moving to speak with them by the throat and slam him into the ground. A women nearby screamed and hell was unleashed, some of the people had wands and started casting, she drew hers but the fleeing people covered the men and she couldn't cast. "Intruders!" She yelled out, if the scream didn't alert everyone then that certainly would.

She forced her way towards the door, not caring who she pushed out of the way of future ramifications. "Expelliarmus" She hit a man looming over someone, noticing the wand in his hand. "Stupefy" He dropped and she looked for her next target.

"Kill the Auror's and get the others!" She heard someone yell.

"Protego, incarcerous" She covered a man with a shield as a spell flew at him and captured the perpetrator. "Protego" She barely got the shield up as a spell came at her. "Incarcerous, stupefy, stupefy, stupefy." She was throwing spells now, if she hit anyone but the intruders at least they would be out of the way.

"Madam Bones." She heard over her shoulder, she threw a shield up and chanced a look back. Kingsley moved to her and threw a table in front of them. "Madam are you alright?"

"Fine Kingsley, I've dropped a few men myself, but I've seen some get back up and a few apperate out." She replied. "A small handle full have taken people with them."

"I saw that as well, not many of them have wands though." Kingsley replied. "And I know who they are, I saw Greyback tear a man's throat out."

"Damn." Amelia cursed. "This must be in response to the news going around about the Anti-Werewolf Legislation Dolores has been wanting to bring to the Wizengamont." Another reason to hate the woman. "Take me to him Kingsley, only way we stop this is to take him down or out."

She saw Kingsley hesitate but nod. "Follow me Madam." He poked his head up first than moved back the way he came, Amelia followed but kept looking back to make sure no one go the drop on them. "I don't see him anymore."

"What about Cornelius? Dolores? Moody?" Amelia asked before firing off a stunner at a man throwing a table over.

Before he could answer they heard a howl, it was followed by several cracks, looking around she didn't see anyone who didn't look like they belonged here. Amelia quickly put her wand to her throat. "Auror's lockdown this room, no one is to leave without the permission of Amelia Bones! Anyone injured or needing assistance hold a hand up if you can." She removed her wand. "Kingsley find men to check for injured then you go to St. Mungo's and get personal."

"Yes ma'am." He replied with a nod and ran to fulfill the order.

"Amelia?" She spun and gave a silent prayer when she saw Cornelius walking towards her, his eyes wide and looking around. "What happened? Who were they?'

"Kingsley said he spotted Greyback in the crowd." Amelia answered. "Some didn't have wands so I think it's safe to say they were werewolves."

"Dear Merlin." Fudge muttered. "How did they find out where we were?"

"I have no idea." She would guess one of the Pureblood families that had supposed ties to but they were at this party as well. Anyone who wanted to be seen as a proper Pureblood or had influence was at the ball, of course it could have been a rouse. "I fear some people were kidnapped as well, I believe Ogden's son Theodore, Lord Wallington and Lady Rowle are the ones I saw."

"Merlin it goes from bad to worse." Fudge said as he rubbed his hand over his face. "You have this under control then?"

She could tell his mind was overwhelmed and shutting down, the shock taking over. "I do Cornelius, go home and rest, we will have much to do tomorrow."

"Of course." He nodded and started to turn. "Oh, a young Aruror, never got his name, he got me under a table to safety. Couldn't have been out of Hogwarts long, I wanted to thank him."

"I'll find him for you Cornelius, good to know I got one with a good head." He nodded and headed off, she frowned and looked around for an Auror. "Wilkens, get the Minister home and come back." She ordered, the man spun and followed her finger then nodded and went after the Minister. Nodding that one problem was solved, she went back to handling the dozen other problems.

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Greyback grinned as he dragged a woman into the magical tent, this one had beds in all the rooms with chains attached to them. He was surprised when Bellatrix told them this was all planned by the Dark Lord, that he had not died but regained his strength over the years. At first he thought she was crazy but as she told him more and more of the plan he saw the forethought and cruelty Voldemort usually had in his plans, Bellatrix couldn't do that. "Shut up woman." He muttered and tossed her onto the bed, she tried to scramble back but he grabbed her foot and cuffed it to the bed.

"Please…please…my husband is Lord Rowle, he was loyal to the Dark Lord, fought with you." She said through her tears, fear evident in her voice.

Greyback chuckled and leaned down to face her. "I don't give a fuck who you married to, I've got my orders and am going to follow them." He snapped his teeth at her, chuckling as she flinched back in fear, he turned and left the room, slamming the door shut as he did. "Get them all locked up tight, no one escapes." He yelled through the tent, his men dragging people into different rooms.

"Well done Greyback." He looked up at the entrance to see Bellatrix grinning at him. "I spotted several prominent members of society, though the women…well I guess will see if those men really o love their wives, won't we?" She giggled at the end.

"Aye." Greyback replied. "Lost a few men but no one of importance, worth the payment." The tents alone would help him hide his pack and keep them happy, the gold was a bonus and would pay for supplies.

"Useless ones then." Bellatrix said with a nod. "Well I will happily report to our Master his plan is moving forward without a problem." Greyback grunted.

"He ever going to come out of hiding?" Greyback asked, and quickly found a wand at his throat.

"It is not your place to question his methods." Bellatrix glared at him. "He moves exactly how he wishes and will reveal himself when and to who he wishes when he is ready." Greyback let out a small growl. "His plans for you are as much as I have revealed, once your done with your part you can go back to doing what you were before. If he has more plans, we will reach out to you and as always he will make it worth your time." She pulled back the wand and turned to leave. "Once all these people are turned and returned they Wizengamont will have to stop the anti-werewolf legislation and lessen the existing laws. You and your pack will have even less to worry about then."

"Aye." Greyback said behind her. "Will make sure their returned in good condition, just like he asked."

"You better." Bella said over her shoulder. "Or you won't like the consequences." With that she walked out of the tent.