Azkaban was pitch black, so dark that visibility was nil. What kind of brilliant strategist designed this place? Tom mused. Not only were the cells shrouded in darkness, but the corridors as well.
Fortunately, Tom's exceptional eyesight and natural night vision negated the problem. As for Nagini, she was perfectly capable of conjuring light.
Strangely, instead of illuminating the prison with her wand, she clung to Tom's hand, as though afraid of getting lost.
Tom appeared indifferent to this small gesture.
Deeper within Azkaban, they witnessed Dementors feasting on the emotions and souls of the prisoners. It was a spectacle that piqued Nagini's interest; she had rarely seen Dementors in such numbers.
As for Tom, usually a Dementor would attempt to capture him before it could even begin its feast.
Initially, quite a few Dementors, in their foolishness, had approached the pair, eager to cause trouble. Unfortunately, their brains—if they could be called that—were inadequate to discern the difference in power between themselves and Tom.
Tom, of course, accepted everything they offered.
Once Tom had acquired a sufficient amount of high-quality research material, the remaining Dementors wisely kept their distance. Fortunately, Tom had no intention of exterminating them all. After all, most of them had been dispatched to capture Sirius Black, leaving the prison guard sorely depleted. He decided to leave some around to watch over the prisoners.
Bellatrix and Barty's cells were easy to locate; Fudge had helpfully mentioned their location—among the last few on the lowest level. Even more conveniently, their cells were connected. Whether this was by design or accident hardly mattered; it saved Tom time.
...
Meanwhile, outside Azkaban.
The Death Eaters stood obediently, awaiting Tom's return with their comrades.
Fudge, however, could barely contain his glee. Upon learning Tom's purpose, he had personally ensured that Bellatrix and Barty were moved to the most secluded cells on the lowest level. There, the Dark Lord could whisper secrets without fear of being overheard.
Hmm…not many underlings as sensible as me these days, am I? What if the Dark Lord, pleased by my discretion, recommends me for re-election as Minister? What a dilemma… sigh, the capable are always rewarded; I suppose I have no choice but to accept.
Lost in his fantasies, Fudge grinned from ear to ear, as the Death Eaters around him exchanged strange glances.
...
In the deepest, darkest corner of Azkaban's lowest level, a pale-faced Bellatrix huddled, her head bowed, alternating between fits of laughter and tears, teetering on the brink of madness.
Thanks to Tom's presence, the Death Eaters in Azkaban had enjoyed improved treatment over the past two years—at least in terms of their food.
But such trivialities meant nothing to Bellatrix; all she wanted was to see her beloved master, the great Dark Lord.
Yes, she knew Tom had returned. Not just her, but everyone in the prison knew!
Barty Crouch Jr.'s mother had brought the news during a visit the previous year.
That day, the cheers of the Death Eaters echoed throughout Azkaban; even the gulls overhead heard the name of the great Dark Lord. They believed they would soon be free, once again casting a shadow of death across the wizarding world alongside their Master.
Even Barty Crouch Jr. had thought so, abandoning his plan to switch places with his mother to escape.
But sadly, they had waited a year, and the Dark Lord never came.
"Ugh…"
Bellatrix felt as if she were losing her mind. Heaven knew how she had endured the past year. She had never felt so miserable, not even when the Dementors were at their worst.
This year was supposed to be spent "gazing upon the Dark Lord all morning," "accompanying the Dark Lord in slaying the unworthy all afternoon," and, "spending the night with him, preferably…" like that.
"I haven't kissed his shoes in a whole year! I've almost forgotten what they taste like, waaaaaah…"
Bellatrix cried out in sorrow, but suddenly, her expression froze.
Tap, tap, tap…
Footsteps?
"Who's there?"
Bellatrix's eyes narrowed as she gazed towards the cell door. Two figures emerged from the corridor, one of whom she had yearned for day and night!
Though younger, though she had only seen him in photographs from his youth, and though his demeanor had changed, Bellatrix was absolutely certain she couldn't be mistaken!
"Master!!!"
Bellatrix lunged at the cell door, reaching out to touch Tom.
Tom smiled gently, slowly approached the cell door, and raised his right hand towards Bellatrix.
Seeing Tom's hand reaching for her face, Bellatrix didn't hesitate, nuzzling against it.
Looking at Bellatrix, acting like a trained dog, Tom smiled with satisfaction.
Though many people had cursed Bellatrix in the past, who cared? As long as she was loyal and useful, that was enough.
As for those unfortunate souls in St. Mungo's, driven mad by Bellatrix and her gang, if it suited his purposes, such as winning over allies, Tom would consider finding an opportunity to heal them.
Back in the present.
A satisfied Bellatrix noticed Nagini next to Tom and erupted once more: "How dare you! I should be standing next to him, not you! You…"
"Enough, Bellatrix."
Tom lightly tapped Bellatrix's forehead with his knuckles.
Bellatrix immediately fell silent, but her hostility and murderous intent towards Nagini remained undisguised.
Nagini remained unconcerned. Bellatrix's behavior reminded her of a word she had learned from a Muggle book.
"Ha, loser."
"I will f you... (details omitted to protect the innocent)"
After the commotion subsided, the trio finally arrived at Barty Crouch Jr.'s cell.
After another round of Barty Crouch Jr.'s weeping and Tom's gentle reassurance, Barty Crouch Jr. was released.
Barty Crouch Jr., the moment he was free, dropped to his knees and lunged at Tom, grabbing his shoes and attempting to kiss them.
"…"
Tom's lips twitched involuntarily. He thought he had heard Barty Crouch Jr. emit a lewd giggle.
Fortunately, he didn't hear it again, otherwise Tom likely would have killed him on the spot.
Nagini was also somewhat surprised; she hadn't expected Tom's followers to be so…perverted.
Gellert Grindelwald's men hadn't seemed this depraved.
Regardless of Tom and Nagini's thoughts, Bellatrix was already annoyed with Barty Crouch Jr., furious that he had beaten her to it!
...
Two went in, four came out; the purpose of their trip to Azkaban had been achieved.
The Death Eaters left behind could be considered a handout from Tom to the Voldemort (remnant soul). It would be pointless if the Voldemort (remnant soul) gave up due to being the lone wolf
As to why he only took Bellatrix and Barty Crouch Jr. instead of two more, it was because Tom wasn't confident he could shield the others from the Voldemort (remnant soul)'s Legilimency.
Besides, Barty Crouch Jr., Bellatrix, and Peter Pettigrew (who might or might not be present) were more than sufficient to resurrect the Voldemort (remnant soul).
---