Another story of fate

Chapter 1

Nesta

My name is Nesta, Nesta Lupin. Everyone calls me Nes. My name comes from Wales and translates as "pure" or "innocent" and from Celtic as "protector". I don't know what exactly my parents chose but I like it.
I am very skinny, of medium height, my curly dark chocolate  (which by the way my father is very fond of) hair barely reaches my shoulders. I have such dark brown eyes that sometimes they seem blacker than a moonless night, especially when I'm out of sorts. I was once told that they resemble obsidian in their brilliance. They're probably right.
I live with my father, Remus Lupin, in a small apartment in London near Grimmauld Square. Dad often has to go somewhere for work, sometimes for several days. During this time he always sends me to our friends - the Weasley family. We also spend all the holidays with them in the Burrow. I get along well with their daughter Ginny and their older sons Bill and Charlie are like older brothers to me. With the twins we always make fun of Ron, which is probably why he dislikes me and, if possible, rats me out, noticing our little tricks. Arthur Weasley always disappears with my father in the office. If Molly had not invited them to the table, taking them away from work, we would probably not have seen them for days. Molly, by the way, replaced my mother, who died the night after my birth, hiding me from the Dark Lord. And, of course, I like everyone else in this world have a huge secret that can save me or, on the contrary, kill me.

Today is my eleventh birthday. I woke up to someone stroking my cheek and realized what a beautiful day awaits me.

"Nes... Nes, get up." - my father whispered affectionately.

I reluctantly opened my eyes and looked at his warm gaze and sly smile.

"What are you up to?" - I was alerted.

"I don't understand what you mean" - dad winked slyly. 

I sat up and stared at him. 

Remus Lupin, who could hardly restrain his laughter, hiding something behind his back, only woke up my curiosity, that was already on the verge of escape.  Finally, he could not resist and laughed out loud.

"Happy birthday, pup!" - he said, handing me a large box tied with a blue ribbon.

I reached for the gift, but immediately pulled my hand back when I heard a rustling in it.

"No, this year I will not fall for such things. I have not yet forgotten how you and the twins slipped me fireworks instead of a book." - I declared with a triumphant look, folding my arms over my chest.

Father chuckled for a second but immediately became serious:

"Nes, please open it. It is very important."

I gave him a wary glance and finally decided to open the box.  As soon as I lifted the lid a large fluffy black cat with sky-blue eyes jumped out. I froze with my mouth wide open and surprised eyes.

"Where did you get it?"  - I exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Do you like it?" - the father still did not believe.

"Of course I like it! It's not like i get a magical cat as a gift every day!"

"How did you understood that he is magical?" - he asked.

"By his eyes. You have always said that the eyes are the mirror of the soul. I see in his eyes a wisdom not found in ordinary cats."

"Well done. But you were so distracted by his eyes that you didn't notice the main gift." - he pointed to the collar around the cat. 

Tied to it was a silver pendant in the shape of a spreading tree with a shiny black stone in the middle.

"Is this..." - I began.