slither - dm

We're All Liars.

Laurel

There it was, right before my eyes. My father's left forearm. Covered with the dark mark. I became instantly terrified.

"I—What—"

There was a sudden knock at the door which drew both of our attention. My father walked to the door to open it, revealing Theo.

"He's here." He said. My father nodded and turned to me.

"It's time."

I stood up and followed my father and Theo out of the study. "Everything will be fine. I promise." Theo muttered to me.

We made it into the dining room when I saw a tall, cloaked figure sitting at the head of the table. My father gestured for me to go in, alone. So I did.

"Ah, young Laurel. It's nice to finally...meet you." His voice hissed, almost like a snake. "Please, sit." He said nodding to the chair that was by his side.

I pulled the chair out, and sat down. I was shaking on the inside, I was so nervous, yet I was also so very calm. I couldn't express any amount of fear in front of perhaps the dangerous person to exist.

"I assume your father has informed you of our...situation?"

I nodded. I couldn't find it in myself to use my words. I didn't know how to address him, how to speak to him.

"Good. Well, let's get to the bottom of things—"

"Are you going to kill me?" I cut him of, suddenly regretting doing so when his beady, red eyes snapped into my direction, piercing me with every second he stared. "Sorry." I quickly apologized.

"No." He said flatly while playing with his wand. "I will not. Though, if you interrupt me again, I may be tempted to curse you. If you must know, I am currently trying to figure out a way for you to transfer my powers back to me. You see, I am still a powerful wizard, though I am not as strong as I once was. I cannot kill, but simply wound another. It is...infuriating. All of these muggles and blood traitors exist. When will they learn that they are nothing?"

"Excuse me," I began, searching for permission to speak. He nodded for me to continue. "How is it that I ended up with your powers? Why me? Why not I don't know, Harry Potter? He is the one you sought after."

"That is...an excellent question, although you'll have to wait until I feel like I'm up for answering it. But for the time being, you and young Theodore are not reside in this house. You will only get in my way."

"Are you moving in?"

"This will be my headquarters for a while. It's big enough and secluded enough where I won't have to worry about any muggles stumbling upon it, not that I'd care. I'd just find a way to dismiss them permanently...just like I did your muggle care taker."

"Where are we to stay?"

"Malfoy Manor."

Lovely.

"It is my understanding that you and Draco are quite close, is that right?" I slowly nodded, afraid to say no.

I hadn't spoken to Draco, and I had no intentions to unless I needed to. Even then I would still be hesitant on doing so because I know I wouldn't be able to control myself. I wouldn't be able to stop pouring my heart out as I tried to make him feel guilty for how he treated me.

"Good, then we shouldn't have any problems." He said while standing up from the table. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have some...business to attend to." He said softly. I nodded and he disapparated out of the room.