The Rightful Heir of Slytherin (Year 6 - Book 1)

Ch21: Choices

As Valentina and I step out of the carriage that'd dropped us off in front of Hogwart, I'm acutely aware of how everyone's staring at me. The others from Slytherin, in particular, seem rather pleased to see me return and it creeps me out. Not that I've felt at odds with the decision to be placed in Slytherin but to me, it has always seemed that there was something off about this house and now that I've returned, I'm more certain than ever. It's like a cult or something.

Merula: Oh look who it is.

I turn to face her only to find Merula bearing down on me with a group of muscular boys. She must be the only Slytherin not publicly worshipping at my feet as though I'm some sort of messiah and it calms me just a little.

Me: Nice seeing you as well. Where's your sister?

Merula: Preoccupied. You'll never see her again.

Me: Really?

Merula: I should have always known there was something off about you.

Me: What are you talking about?

Merula: Don't act dumb. Everyone knows you're aiming to be the new Dark Lord, what with that sigil you placed in the sky and all.

I turn to ask Valentina if she knows what this is about but she avoids my gaze. Still, try as I might, nothing comes to mind. I'd have known I used that kind of magic recently so it simply cannot be me. I would remember...

Merula: Now, you're going to pay for-

Emilia: SIster, no!

Emilia rushes forward but it's far too late. Merula charges, her goons with her, and faster than any flash my own wand flashes bright orange before the light emanating from it goes crimson red. Merula and her friends are all frozen in place and for a brief moment, it seems that is all to it but then, a sickening crunch can be heard which is quickly followed by another and another.

Merula screams out in agony but I'm so enraptured by the beauty that arises from her screaming, tortured form that I don't even notice the approaching crowd until Valentina grabs me by the shoulder.

Valentina: It's not worth it!

Snapping out of my trance, I barely catch a glimpse of Merula collapsing to the ground before being whisked away by Valentina who doesn't stop running until we're in the library.

Valentina: What was that?

Me: Hmm?

Valentina: What were you thinking?

Me: She deserved it.

Valentina: I...no one deserves to be placed under the effects of that curse. You swore to me you'd get rid of it.

Me: I can't exactly forget my own spells.

She raises an eyebrow at that, a motion I choose to ignore as I continue talking.

Me: Besides, it was that or instant death.

Valentina: You didn't need to respond to her actions.

Me: I did-

Valentina: That's why I'm here. To protect you...keep you safe.

Sighing, I take a seat in the furthest corner of the library. There's no one else here but us so I turn to face her properly only to find she's much closer than before. Too close, in fact, as our lips brush against one another as I turn. She pulls back but not before the blush creeping onto her cheeks makes itself known.

Valentina: I-I'm sorry.

Me: Don't be. It's not like it was on purpose.

Valentina: I...yeah, you're right.

I offer her a smile but the moment is shortlived as soon a broadcast can be heard within my ears.

McGonagall: [Cassandra Sarea Slytherin and Valentina Isabella von Carstein, report to the Headmaster's office immediately!]

Me: That was quick.

We both laugh as Val helps me stand. Her hand in mine, we walk triumphantly out of the library only to find the hallway filled with Slytherin students. Emilia is here as well and each student holds a letter in their hand. It's odd but I only manage a single step forward when they all bow before me.

Valentina: Is this supposed to be an apology?

Emilia: We...wish to serve, my liege.

Foreheads touch the ground as all prostrate themselves before us. I am confused yet terrified, angry yet joyous. A ball of conflicting emotions threatening to bubble over.

Me: Would someone please tell me what the hell is going on?

Emilia: A war is coming. The old, versus the new. We have borne witness and have been granted authority to swear on our family's behalf, our eternal loyalty to the one true Dark Lord.

Valentina: and who's that?

Emilia bows in my direction before raising her head.

Emilia: We await your command.