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

Ch34: Promises

In life, there are many choices we make that propel us along that thin line we call life. Some provide us with great leaps while others barely nudge us along but all the while we journey, we're balancing along that fine line, playing with life and death like the roll of a die.

I am currently on that fine line, tipping towards the side of death. She's calling me, welcoming me home after centuries of unrest. I am the prodigal daughter, about to return.

Erin: Cassandra!

I am jolted awake to the sight of complete chaos around me as spells get flung left, right and centre. Voldemort is nowhere to be seen and it seems like his people are attempting a retreat but our own forces won't let them leave.

Me: What's going on?

Erin: You're back! You had me worried!

Me: I had you-what are you talking about? You are the one who almost died-

Voldemort: Correction, she died.

Upon hearing his voice, I immediately, reach for my wand but Erin stops me saying it is fine. I look at her, eyes burning with questions but where she fails to offer a reply, Voldemort more than makes up for it with his annoying banter.

Voldemort: You could attack me but as you can see, I'm currently the only thing between you and certain death.

I watch as he continues shielding us from the battle raging around us and all at once the full extent of my memories return to me. I'd completely forgotten that he and I had come to a sort of temporary truce...but weight, he killed Erin!

I lift my hand to attack him but again Erin gets in the way.

Me: What are you-

Erin: You can't. He promised me he'd protect you until you were awake and I in turn promised him that we wouldn't attack him.

Me: I made no such promises. He killed you!

Voldemort: Well, technically she attacked first. It was self-defence.

ARRRRGGHHH!!!

Lightning crackles in my hand and I'm about to blast him when I see the death eater creeping up on Erin and decide to adjust my priorities. After frying the fool who dared approach, I use my own magic to dispel Voldemort's protective bubble before commanding the full attention of the battlefield with a mighty shout.

Me: It's over.

My allies all stop fighting, their eyes fixated upon me but a few of the Death Eaters merely laugh before rushing towards me in an attempt to attack. Both Voldemort and I raise our wands in anger. Both of us fire off spells, his flickering green while mine emits an ominous black. The spells intertwine, wrapping around each other as they travel through the air before striking every last one of our attackers and sending them crashing to the ground mere husks devoid of souls.

Me: Anyone else?

Everyone remains silent but no one makes an attempt to surrender or flee. It's as if they are all awaiting our next move. With things now under control, however, I turn to Voldemort once more.

Me: How about a truce, cousin?

Voldemort: A truce?

Me: No killing. We part on equal terms with plans to meet each other in the future to continue our discussion and, if afterwards we can't find common ground then we can resume this farce.

Voldemort laughs, mentioning how this war seems like nothing more than a farce to me before agreeing to my proposal.

Voldemort: I'll refrain from carrying out any more attacks but I'm expecting to see you soon, cousin.

Me: Of course, it is our promise to one another.

He seems intrigued by my choice of words but doesn't comment as he returns back to his people. Mother and the Aurors from the Ministry try to intervene but I stop them with a flick of my wand, freezing them in place.

Me: Don't. It's fine.

Voldemort nods before he and his associates all vanish before us. Once they're gone, I release the Aurors who all immediately turn on me.

Auror: Why did you-

Me: We have an agreement. There will be no further attacks for the time being.

Auror: You think you can trust that madman!

Me: Well, time will tell but unless you wish to fight me next I suggest you don't go about doing anything stupid.

He grits his teeth and despite the warnings from his peers, raises his wand towards me. Mother gets angry but before she can react, Valentina's hands wrap around his neck from behind while Erin knocks the wand out of his hand.

Me: I know you guys might question my judgement for not pushing to end things here and now but I ask that you trust me on this. You've already fought him once and judging from the fact that he's here, alive and well, I'd say you failed so let's try my way this time.