"Yes," Bellatrix bit out, annoyed that the Headmaster had interrupted her discourse. "Tom Riddle has made multiple horcruxes. Our hunt for Riddle's horcruxes led us to the home of his Muggle father that fateful night so many years ago. Harry and I were attempting to capture another of his horcruxes."
"Did you recover it?" Dumbledore asked quickly, interrupting Bellatrix yet again as he dropped all tactical pretenses.
"No, but I think it would be very safe to assume it was destroyed in the spellfire fight that ensued when Riddle arrived to defend his interests," Bellatrix replied, pausing briefly before continuing with frank directness. "So as you can see, Harry and I were working on the horcrux project long before you ever knew it might be an issue. In fact, Harry and I were working against Tom Riddle before you even realized that your former student had become the Dark Lord." She again paused, now for effect. "We continued to do so, even after you tossed Harry out of Hogwarts. As such, you should not be trying to take over this fight from me. You should instead be offering me assistance. Riddle's horcrux is in my possession-in the possession of Lady Black, herself, Headmaster-and you will not be able to wrest it away."
"Mrs. Black, we are talking about the public good. If you are truly seeking to better the overall situation against Voldemort, you should be willing to be more open."
"I am being open. I am offering you the opportunity to render aid to the cause," Bellatrix argued.
Dumbledore studied Bellatrix for a minute before finally responding. "Very well, Mrs. Black. What is it you want from me?"
"I need Peter Pettigrew," Bellatrix declared. "He is tied to the diary, and I do not want to proceed without access to him."
Dumbledore frowned. "Surely the diary can be destroyed without Peter."
Bellatrix rolled her eyes. "Destroying the diary is a good idea, albeit unimaginative. I need Peter so I can exploit other possible venues of using the diary against Riddle.
"I do not have Peter Pettigrew to give you," Dumbledore replied.
"You have the resources to find him."
"Resources used to help fight Voldemort."
"Perhaps you should leave the fighting to the Ministry and divert your resources to attacking the problem at its root," Bellatrix retorted, standing as she made to leave.
"We're not finished discussing this issue, Mrs. Black," Dumbledore said sternly.
"Actually, I think we are," Bellatrix stated plainly, making her way to the door. "If you get any important leads on Pettigrew, let me know. I may have some resources of my own to help capture him."
Before she reached the door, Dumbledore asked one last question. "Does the term 'Daughter of the Stars' mean anything to you, Mrs. Black?"
As Bellatrix opened the door and prepared to depart, she turned and frowned. "A clever parting insult, Headmaster?"
"Not at all," Dumbledore said hastily. "Just a thought."
.....
Amelia Bones was the ranking auror on duty in the Ministry when several of her comrades arrived in the Magical Law Enforcement office with five Death Eater prisoners and a distraught victim. Surveying the scene as the aurors began going through the steps to book the prisoners and file charges, Amelia addressed the auror lieutenant. "You should have taken her to St. Mungo's," Amelia said, gesturing toward the victim. The victim-a woman, in her late 30's or early 40's with dark red hair- had sought out a chair and had slumped in it. The involuntary trembles shaking her body were a sure sign that she had been subjected to the Cruciatus Curse.
"It's an odd case," the lieutenant replied, paying Amelia scant attention as he kept an eye on his subordinates to ensure that they followed proper procedures in booking the prisoners. "We need a statement from her, and she volunteered to get it over with as soon as possible. You might be interested in taking the statement personally. Auror Tonks can give you more details."
Amelia was slightly annoyed at having the responsibility of taking a statement and doing more paperwork shoved on her by an inferior officer, but was amenable to expediting the process as much as possible for the victim.
"If you would come with me to my office," Amelia said, trying to inflect some sympathy into her voice.
The victim did not directly reply, but cooperated when Tonks silently offered help to get down to Amelia's office. In short order, the victim, Tonks, and Amelia were shut up in Amelia's office quietly consuming some snacks that Amelia had found in one of her drawers.
Amelia set up a quill that would automatically transcribe the interview. "If you would please state your name for the record," Amelia began.
"Sabine Lehnsherr," the witch replied, identifying herself.
"Occupation?" Amelia asked, suppressing a yawn.
For some reason, this caused the victim pause, but Tonks spoke up. "She works with Muggles, but she also used to do forgery services on the side."
"My father did," Sabine said quickly, accepting a tissue from Tonks and wiping her eyes.
"I see," Amelia said, wondering if she would be obligated to investigate Sabine's activities at a future time.
"Please tell me what happened," Amelia instructed, looking over to ensure that the quill was transcribing the interview correctly.