Learn to love

Bloodline Burdens

After that much needed bath, Athena stepped out of her bedroom to look for something to eat. She'd worked up an appetite and if Aaron found out she skipped meals again, he'd be insufferable.

Turning the corner towards the kitchen she nearly bumped into a rushing Eva. Quickly catching herself before causing the poor woman to tumble over. "You alright?"

Eva waves her concern off and says "Yes, just need to hurry on to the training mat. Aaron is about five seconds from hexing Ian."

Athena raised a brow and says "Need help wrangling in the boys." She was aware of Aaron's hostility towards Ian. Didn't help that Ian made it clear he wouldn't stop his advances towards her. "You headlock Ian and I'll tackle Aaron."

"Athena." Voldemort called from the top of the stairs, stopping the girls from heading out. "Come with me."

Sharing a look with Eva, she did as asked. Heading up the stairs, she followed him into the conference room. Well that's what she called it, seeing how that's where he had all his evil meetings. Stepping into the room, she closed the doors behind her. "Yes?"

"Sit." He gestured to one of the chairs. "It is time you and I have a long over due conversation."

Taking a seat in the chair closest to her, Athena watched the dark wizard pick up a letter from the table against the wall. He gracefully walked over, placing it in front of her. Without a word she picked the letter up, recognizing her mothers handwriting. Her name neatly centered in the front. Sparing the wizard a look, she broke the family seal and opened the letter.

My, dearest Athena

I am sorry for not being able to write sooner, but things have not been as easy as we had hoped. I received your letter and read the concerns you had. I know we have kept so much from you and I am trying my best to redeem that. I always believed I would tell you this in person, but alas that is not the case.

Our family hold does hold a connection to the dark lord. For we share the same blood line as him. He is my uncle, therefore your great uncle. His blood runs through you Athena not in the sense you think, but in a much more profound way. One you should be honored to have. He will take care of you in the way either me or your fathers ever could. Be loyal to him and he shall give whatever you want.

She stared at the letter, re-reading that same line over and over again. 'Your great uncle'. How the hell was that possible?! How can she be of the same linage as that thing? Looking up at him she found him staring with an almost frighten look. "M-my great uncle?"

"Yes." He hissed. "Took me by surprise as well. You see after my father abandoned us; he went on to create another family to abandon. His daughter, my sister, in this case your grandmother married into the gaunt family. Marie, your mother, my niece was born."

Her brain was a mess of questions, she couldn't blurt out. They were there and they wanted out, but her tongue wasn't cooperating at the moment. What were you supposed to say in these situations? Was she to address him as her uncle? The thought of calling him Uncle Voldemort had her shivering. The bit of food she had yesterday was threatening to come back the same route it went in. "Ho-how long have you known?"

"I have always known." He seemed proud of himself. "I will say I was disappointed when Severus told me you were a girl. Couldn't even do that correctly, but you have surprised me." He walked around the table, standing behind her chair. His pale hands gripping like claws over the back rest. "Stronger than I anticipated. Smarter and fiercely loyal to those you care for."

"You say it like it's a bad thing?" She was careful with her words. She doubted he'd be anymore lenient with her, simply because they were...god she couldn't say!