Being His Daughter CONTINUED

New Friends

The stars twinkled above me as I made my way into the forest. I looked around myself serenely—the trees were rustling slightly in the breeze, and when I glanced back, still walking, I saw Hogwarts. My eyes narrowed. That meant I was walking into the Forbidden Forest, which wasn't allowed. Why was I even out here? I should go back.

My feet didn't want to stop; I continued walking forward involuntarily. Before I knew it, the trees were growing closer and closer together, blocking out the light from the stars and submerging me in darkness.

A twig snapped behind me and I whirled around, suddenly having control again. "Who's there?"

It was silent. Then I heard the footsteps, taking slow, deliberate steps toward me. My eyes widened and my heart began to beat faster. My eyes had already adjusted to the darkness but I still couldn't see anyone in front of me. I patted my robes for my wand, my stomach dropping when I didn't feel it. What was I doing, wandering into a forest without my wand?

"Who's there?" I demanded again. The footsteps continued, getting closer. "Get away from me or I'll curse you!" I threatened. I didn't have my wand, but they didn't know that.

The footsteps stopped, sounding so close that I held my breath. There was someone in front of me—I couldn't see them but I could feel it.

I held up my hand, stretching my fingertips forward in the empty air until I felt something solid. I gawked—it looked like I was touching an invisible wall.

And then my father appeared, my fingers poking him in the chest.

I gasped, jumping backward in shock. "Father?" I asked breathlessly. Then my heart swelled with an immense wave of emotion. "Father!"

I dashed forward and threw my arms around him, overwhelmed with excitement. He was solid. He had a body. He was here. I was so happy I could've cried but I wouldn't. Father said crying was a sign of weakness, and I was not weak.

My father chuckled at my enthusiastic response, patting my back.

"How is this possible?" I asked, pulling away and staring up into his face with awe. "How are you here? How'd you get all of your power back? When are we taking over the Wizarding World? Right now? Hang on, I'll go get my stuff—and Draco!"

I turned, but before I could sprint away toward the castle, father grabbed my arm to stop me. I looked at him and the expression on his face made the happiness in me pop like a balloon. "What is it?" I asked.

Voldemort gestured around the forest. "This is inside your head, dear."

I gaped at him, my mouth hanging open. "Huh?" I didn't want to accept this.

"I'm appearing to you in a dream," he explained. "But it's really me, not a figment of your imagination. I figured I could enter your dreams and communicate with you as close to face-to-face as possible."

I stared at him. "So...you don't... We're not taking over the Wizarding World right now?" I asked slowly.

Voldemort smiled a tight-lipped smile. "Not yet."

I nodded, clearing my throat and trying to hide my disappointment.

There was a moment of silence.

"So uh—inside my head, huh?" I asked after a while. "That's pretty cool."

Father chuckled. "Yes it is, dear. Now, I've come here for a reason. There are some things I need to explain to you."

I perked up instantly, narrowing my eyes at him. "Yes, like why you've asked me to become friends with Harry Potter, of all people. Ew."