Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Notes: Written as a Theatrical Muse introduction.

"The Sword of the Dark Lord" by Christine Anderson aka Lilly Malfoy

This world- my world- has forgotten so much in the years I have been gone. Once no one would have had to ask my name; once no one would have dared. To look at me was to know who, and what, I was.

I carry the name, I bear the marks. I am a Black, eldest daughter of the House of Black, ancient, pure, respected. Noble.

I am Bellatrix Black Lestrange, heiress to the power, the nobility, of the Blacks. Their blood is my blood. This world does not remember it, but I am royal.

Yes, I am still, despite everything. Despite how far the name has fallen- how far it has fallen for the alleged crimes of one who should never have carried the name at all.

And I am more.

I am a Death Eater; I am honored to serve at the hand of Lord Voldemort, am honored to be his sword.

Others would lie- others have lied- about what they are. Have hidden the Marks, hidden from the signs and the memories. Not I.

I would die before renouncing the Dark Lord, and the fools were never strong enough to kill me. They chained me because I allowed them to, and even they must have known that their chains would not hold me forever.

I kept faith when others did not. I never doubted, not even in the dark hell of Azkaban, that my Lord would come for me one day. I never doubted his word that he would return.

Again I stand at my Lord's side, again I am honored to serve.

I swore loyalty to the Dark Lord, and I have kept my word. When others have forsaken their oaths, I have kept mine. As I will continue to keep them.