Talking

Thoughts

Writing

Spell

I do not own Harry Potter.

For the first time she could remember Amelia Bones was just as worried and nervous as Cornelius Fudge, she had been contacted early this morning and been informed of Bellatrix Lestrange's escape. Of course, she immediately contacted Cornelius, while she may not think much of him, he was the Minister and had to be aware of the situation. She was not surprised when he began to panic, nearly fainting, and was sweating so much it was soaking his jacket. They currently were waiting for Lord Potter-Black, as he was the only person to have contact with Bellatrix in the past few years, he was both a source of information and the prime suspect.

"Amelia." Fudge asked nervously. "Do we really need to do this?

Amelia sighed. "Cornelius, I do not like it either, but he is the only person to have contact with Lestrange in the past ten years. Whether he is the culprit or not is irrelevant, he might have information about how she got out."

"Yes, but couldn't we ask those questions without accusing him?" Fudge dabbed his head with his handkerchief. "Innocent until proven guilty, yes?"

"Cornelius, I do not want to accuse him but I must question him." She replied. "If he can provide an alibi for last night than we will be done with it."

Fudge let out a sigh of relief. "Alright, excellent."

A knock at the door caused Fudge to jump a bit but he collected himself quickly. "Yes?"

"Sir Lord Potter-Black is here." His secretary answered.

"Please send him in." Fudge said as he quickly checked himself to make sure he looked presentable.

Harry walked in and looked at Fudge than Bones. "Minister." He nodded to the man. "Madam Bones." He nodded to her and walked over to the open seat. "May I ask why I was called here on such short notice and this early in the morning?"

"We are sorry for that Lord Potter-Black but time is of the essence." Amelia replied while studying Harry's reaction. "You see, last night Bellatrix Lestrange escaped Azkaban."

"What?" Harry quickly replied while opening his eyes wide to look shocked. "But…but that's not possible." He looked to Fudge. "I thought it was impossible to escape Azkaban?"

"We thought so." Fudge replied as his eyes darted to Amelia.

"Yes." Bones nodded. "But we have been proven wrong." She sighed. "Now Lord Potter-Black I asked you to come in because you are the last person to speak with her, did she seem odd or say anything that indicated she was escaping?"

Harry hummed. "She never gave me any indication she planned to escape however this might be why she was so helpful."

"What do you mean?" Amelia and Fudge both asked.

"Well I think we all can agree she is not the most altruistic person." They nodded. "She was not happy with me being Lord Black. After a few visits she suddenly wanted to give me the names of Death Eaters, what if that was the plan?"

"I don't understand?" Fudge replied.

"You are suggesting that was all part of her plan?" Amelia asked.

Harry shrugged. "I could not say for sure, but it does seem odd now that I actually think about it." He sighed. "I guess I was just so excited about arresting the Death Eaters still at large that I never thought about it."

"How does arresting other Death Eaters help her escape prison?" Fudge looked at Amelia.

Amelia shrugged. "If they had escaped as well or were the ones who freed her I could see how but since she is the only one I don't see how those things are connected."

"So no one else escaped?" Harry asked, both shook their heads. "And no one caused a distraction that could have given her the chance to escape?"

"No, nothing out of the ordinary happened last night." Amelia replied. "A man arrived on a ship, stunned a guard and Bellatrix escaped. No one saw the man after he stunned the dock guard."

Harry nodded. "Well maybe Bellatrix wasn't doing it to escape, maybe she was giving us names to arrest those who didn't continue the Death Eaters mission."

"Now that seems like a plausible reason for her to turn in her comrades." Amelia said. "In fact if their were more maybe this was not an escape but a kidnapping."

"What do you mean Amelia?" Fudge asked from his desk, his face looking worried.

"The Death Eaters who are free would obviously want to stay that way." She replied. "They captured her so they wouldn't have to worry about being captured as well."

"That seems possible." Harry answered, glad she came to that conclusion rather than him suggesting it. "They have been hiding for a long time after all so they must be clever."

"So we don't have to worry about her going on a killing spree?" Fudge asked, relief evident in his voice.

"Only if that is the reason for her disappearance." Amelia cut in. "However now that I think about it why take her? Why not just kill her there?"

"Torture maybe?" Harry answered before Fudge could say something. "Wasn't that what she was known for? Get revenge for their friends through her own methods?"

Amelia nodded. "Again plausible." She sighed. "To many questions with little answers." She looked at Harry. "While I appreciate the help, I must ask if you have an alibi for last night, as the person who had the most contact with her, I have to ask?"

"I understand." Harry replied. "Around what time?"

"From midnight to seven in the morning." Amelia answered. "We are not sure of the exact time, but the guard was stunned after midnight and she was discovered missing at seven."

"I see." Harry muttered, trying to seem pensive. "I believe I was asleep, alone so I have no one to verify it." He sighed. "And my elves would not have bothered my unless there was an issue, which there was not."

"I see." Amelia replied, she thought that would be the answer and was not happy with it. "I hope you know I don't want to, but I must keep you as a suspect until more evidence is in."

"Of course, you should speak with your elves." Fudge quickly said. "Maybe one checked in on you during the night?"

Harry nodded. "It is possible, and I will ask when I get home, may I owl you Madam Bones if I find they did?"

"Of course." Amelia answered, she hoped an elf had so she could knock him out of the suspects. It was going to be terrible to admit Lestrange had escaped but if word got out Harry Potter was a suspect she would be up to her ears in howlers. "Please owl me no matter what."

Harry stood. "Of course, Madam Bones." He smiled at Fudge. "I hope your day goes well Minister; I know this will not be easy for you."

"Thank you, Harry." Cornelius replied, the two adults watched him leave and when the door closed Fudge sighed. "I wish that had gone better." He looked at Bones. "Your sure you can't mark him off the suspect list, I mean what does he have to gain from letting her out?"

She shook her head. "Unless an elf can verify his whereabouts, I will have to keep him as the prime suspect until more information comes to light." She held up her hand to stop Cornelius. "I like it as much as you Cornelius but if we keep our lips shut the press won't have to hear about this."

He thought about it for a second and nodded. "Very well." He would keep it quiet but if it got out he would toss her under the bus saying he didn't want to. "Now I think it best for you to talk to the prophet, while I want to keep this out of the press people need to be on the lookout for her."

Amelia smiled; glad he was seeing some sense. "I will go speak with them now, hopefully you will back my threat of if they print anything untrue or panic causing, I will shut them down?"

"Happily, last thing I need to deal with on top of this is a riot." Fudge said as he wiped his brow again, Amelia nodded and made her way out. She wanted to make a few notes before she went and spoke to them.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Breakout at Azkaban, Madwoman on the lose

By Rita Skeeter

Dearest citizens,

If you are reading this the first thing, I suggest is to lock up your homes and if you are not there get home immediately. Once you are safe and secure, I have the unfortunate responsibility to in form you that yes, the supposed escape proof prison known as Azkaban has indeed be found wanting. Bellatrix Lestrange, noted Death Eater and torturer of many people, both Magical and Muggle, has escaped from the prison.

DMLE Head Amelia Bones came to the Prophet to inform us hours after it was discovered she was gone, to which we are grateful so we can inform you the citizens. Madam Bones did not have many answers unfortunately other then they believe Lestrange had outside help in her escape. No suspects are confirmed but she and the Auror's will be working no stop to find Lestrange and her cohorts.

We at The Prophet will send information out as we receive it, the WWN will also be sending urgent updates so for those who have a wireless please keep it on. The Ministry asks everyone to keep an eye out and if you have any information that could led to the location or capture of Lestrange you will be rewarded and stay anonymous if you wish to be.

Now is not the time for heroes, we at The Prophet ask everyone to remain calm and stay alert until Bellatrix is captured.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Potter Cottage xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Bellatrix chuckled as she looked over the article, they would never find her if she could help it. Tossing it onto the table near her she stretched out, her Lord had hidden this cottage under the Fidelius charm, so she didn't need to worry about discovery. She knew she needed time to recover, she had used the wand her Lord had stolen from the guard and it was not easy, even taking into account the wand was not hers.

Luckily along with the cottage she had assigned Kreacher, the loyal house elf of the Blacks, to help her. He was quite happy to serve her, given he thought Potter was actually Potter and not her Lord and Master. "He's to stupid to understand anyway, best let him think it." She thought and stood, moving to the window.

It was a lovely view of the countryside, but she did not care much, she was itching to go out and punish those who have not continued her Lords mission. She took a calming breath, he had remined her that time was not an issue, they had plenty of time to plan and exact revenge. "Heal first, torture later." She grabbed the wand and went towards the spare room her Lord had turned into a training room, a bit of physical fitness and magical practice would help her mind and body.

Before she could get to the room, she heard the door open, turning around she saw her master walk in. "Hello Master." She smiled at him.

"Bella." Harry replied with a nod as he made his way to a chair. "They have discovered your disappearance; Bones has theories about what has happened but nothing concrete, so I am a suspect for now." She frowned but nodded, he had explained it would happen since they spent time together.

"But of course, they will never be able to tie it to you." She grinned as she took a seat opposite him. "Your plan was to well thought out for them to catch you."

Harry nodded. "Fudge also didn't want to accuse me at all, if things start getting a bit to much for me I can apply a bit of favor to him and I'm sure it will clear up." He knew Fudge would do things for good press, money or favors and he could supply all of that. "Either way I came today to talk more about our next steps, once you have healed more of course."

"Kreacher will ensure I eat and get my medicine." Bella replied. "And I was just about to go train with this wand to better attune to it." She twirled the stolen wand in her hand.

"Good, we will see about getting you a proper wand once you're a bit better." Harry said. "We can travel overseas and get you one in a less regulated country."

Bella giggled. "Oh excellent idea master, then I'll be even more useful."

"With or without the wand you are useful my dear." Harry replied, noticing she preened under the praise. "Now after we get you healthy, we need to get you in contact with your sister and Lucius."

"Why?" Bella asked with a frown. "He offered no help in getting me out and denied ever being in service of you." Her eyes narrowed. "Even with everything you did for him and his family."

"Now now." Harry heled his hand up to silence her. "Lucius has connections we will need to use, but don't worry you will be allowed to make his stew and sweat for his disobedience." She gave him an evil smile. "While growing up for a second time I have had more than enough time to reevaluate what we did right and what we did wrong."

Bella frowned again. "What do you mean Master?"

Harry sat back in his chair. "Power, that has always been and will be my goal, but I fear in my pursuits last time around I focused to much on exterminating the muggles, mudbloods and muggle-lovers."

"Because they deserve to die." Bella hissed. "They need to be the ones hiding away while we walk proudly around the world, we are their betters." She had almost jump out of her chair towards him but Harry held a hand up to stop her.

"Bella, does a dragon bother itself with ants?" She gave him a confused look. "It does not, it continues to do whatever it pleases and the ants either get crushed under it or move out of it's way." Harry smiled at her. "I need to focus less on one side or the other and gain power in all fields of the Wizarding World. Already I am doing so by being the Lord Potter-Black but there is still more to do." He held both hands out. "Light." He lifted his right hand. "Dark." He lifted his left. "I will gain power and favor in both fields and truly shape the Wizarding World to my vision."

Bella stared at him, processing what he was saying. "He always hated muggles before, of course he made even purebloods bow so power was his greatest strength." She hummed. "Will we still kill the muggles?"

"My dear we will kill, cripple, torture or destroy anyone or thing that dares to get in my way." Harry replied with a grin. "Do not think this shift in my goals changes the fact that no one stands in my way or against me."

She nodded. "Good, this is a good deal to process Master, but I am with you always."

"I know, I told you this now, so you have more time to come to terms with it." Harry replied to her. "You have been and I am sure will still continue to be my most loyal follower. Together we will take hold of the Wizarding World and then the muggle, standing atop the summit of both."

Bella smiled brightly as the image formed in her head.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Prongs Pub xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Alright everything is looking great." Harry looked around the pub, doing a final inspection before the opening Friday. A U-shaped bar was in the middle of the pub, with beer taps and liquor bottles for customers to se what they had to offer. Remus had suggested they add some muggle liquors for variety, Harry was planning on it anyway but was happy to accept his suggestion without mentioning that. His staff was now largely werewolf, word had spread quickly after the article by Rita and he was fully staffed in every position because of it. Along the walls were booths, each one had its own wireless and charms so that you could hear yours fine in the booth but not the ones around you. The bar had one every few stools so those customers would have to share and agree on which game to listen to.

Of course, it was not all werewolves, or he would be hurting after a full moon, he estimated it was sixty percent werewolf on staff. Remus had assured him that a schedule could be worked out so the non-werewolf staff would have time off before a full moon so they could work a few days in a row to allow the werewolves to rest up. Harry had spoken with the staff and everyone was fine with the arrangement so who was he to complain.

Harry had different colored shirts with Prongs Pub printed on it along with a stag head, not only in the Hogwarts house colors but several varieties. Sirius had dragged Remus into London and gone on a pub crawl to learn things to bring to theirs. While the staff wore simple ones with the name Sirius had others with funny slogans to sell to customers.

"Glad you like it Harry." Remus smiled at him from the bar. "The cooks have practiced and while we didn't do a soft opening, we've had people in to try the menu. Everyone has liked it, not having a full menu also means the cooks should keep up with demand no matter how busy we get."

Harry nodded. "Wonderful but let's not get cocky, last thing we want is people complaining about us within the first week."

"No worries pup." Sirius called out from the back, walking into the room with a plate of nachos. "People are going to flip over these dishes." He scooped a big helping and popped it in his mouth.

"And luckily anyone who complains were to muggle can be silenced by the face these are common foods in their country of origin." Remus said as Sirius nodded along. "I had the old dog here go and check to be sure."

"Oi." Sirius barked before looking at Harry. "But he's right, anything we sell can be found in that countries Wizarding World." He started digging into more chips. "But plenty of witches and wizards never leave Britain so they should enjoy the treat."

Harry agreed with them and was glad they had been so diligent in their research. "Excellent, now Rita Skeeter will be here opening night so reserve her a booth and make sure she gets great service but not at the cost of others."

"Melody will be her server, she is a muggleborn and has worked in a pub owned by her uncle." Remus informed him. "She has been very helpful and will do a great job."

"Wonderful." Harry nodded, things were going well for the pub. "Sirius, how are you dealing with Bellatrix's escape?"

Sirius frowned and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "I'm fine, though I popped by the Longbottom's to see how Neville and Augusta were holding up." He sighed. "The whole family, cousins and all, are hold up in the hall and have it locked down with as many wards as you can think of." Harry figured something like that would happen. "Word is Augusta might put a bounty out for hit wizards as well, doubt anyone would blame her either."

"Well I can understand that." This was one thing he regretted about breaking Bellatrix out. He needed her though so he would bear with it, plus when she outlived her usefulness, he could always have her body find its way to the Longbottom's. "I should reach out to Neville more this year, he could use someone who understands somewhat of what he's going through."

"That would be a great thing Harry." Sirius said with a smile. "I'm sure he could use someone to lean during this."

"Well I've only spoken to him some, but I did promise Lady Longbottom I would reach out to him." Harry had talked to Neville but not as much as he should have as he really did promise Lady Longbottom.

"No time like the present." Remus said. "Maybe once we've been open for a few days you could owl him, why wait for Hogwarts?"

Harry nodded. "You right, after things have calmed down here and I feel it's good to step away I'll owl him." Plus, if he could slip this to Rita, he could get some good press out of it. "Well let's not dwell on anything, Sirius are you going to share, or do I have to fire you?'"

Before the man could protest Remus slid the plate over to Harry. "Oi those are not chores!" He laughed as he said it. "Get it, nachos, not chores?"

Harry sighed, Remus cleared his throat and pulled a jar out from under the bar. "Pay up." Harry saw the words pun jar on it. Sirius did not lose his grin as he pulled out a sickle and dropped it in.

"Worth it." The man said as he pulled back his nachos.

"He learned a lot in muggle London, didn't he?" Harry asked.

"I do believe the jar speaks for itself." Remus held it up and Harry could see it was half full. It was going to be a long opening night next week.