The Fourth Sister

Chapter Nine

Even though he had asked the question, I can tell by the look in his eyes that he was already aware of the significance of said necklace. Everyone knew that Marvolo, the Dark Lord Voldemort, was the last known heir to the Slytherin line.

Which meant that there was only one person who could have given me said necklace.

As it was a very well-known artifact of Salazar Slytherin's.

'Seems you keep intelligent friends,' mused Marvolo as the ghostly feeling returned in the form of hands placed upon my shoulders. 'Do you care for these two, my precious star?'

Fear spiked within me at that question, as I couldn't take it if something happened to them.

Avery was my closest friend, even before Hogwarts, and Lysander was a close second.

"It was a gift," I answered aloud with a tight smile that had Avery narrowing his eyes before offering a nod. "Don't you think it looks nice on me?"

"Anything looks nice on you," answered Lysander with a light laugh while reaching out to poke my cheek making me shoot the other a look. "We should focus back on the main issue of classes, either of you wanting to lend me your notes from Potions?"

From there it was only light topics of classes that we spoke on.

'I wouldn't harm those you care for,' chuckled Marvolo making me fight the urge to flinch since he had remained silent after that last question. 'Instead, I would offer them a high place in my inner circle. Wouldn't you like that, my star?'

Once again, I wondered just what it was that Marvolo wanted from me.

"I would," I finally breathed out softly even as I waved off the questioning look Lysander shot me while ignoring the intense look from Avery. "Here are my notes, Lysander."

"You can't keep spoiling him," warned Avery with a huff as Lysander cheered and began to copy my notes into his own journal. "Or do you want him to remain a buffoon?"

"It's only in Potions," shot back Lysander with a narrowed look of his own. "I'll also return the favor as I know that she is struggling in Charms."

Meaning this would be a give and take situation.

One I didn't mind.

'Very well,' agreed Marvolo, 'I will leave your dear friends alone, along with that of Sirius Black and James Potter. But that is only if they remain as a non-threat to me.'

Part of me wanted to feel relief at that offer.

But another larger part of myself knew that I couldn't just trust in his words as there wasn't a vow to bind him to them. Meaning he could easily go against his own words and hurt them.

Though it made me wonder how the horcrux planned to keep Marvolo himself informed of everything he learns while watching over me. Because I wasn't stupid enough to think he was more than a measure to keep me 'safe' from possible threats.

Bella would also likely have something to say once I returned home as well.

That was another thing I feared as I could see, and was even aware of, the adoration she held from Marvolo. Knowing that I received special treatment from him would likely enrage her.

Meaning I'd have to be even more careful when returning home.

"Lyra," called out Rabastan Lestrange, who was in his last year here at Hogwarts and younger brother to Rodolphus. "I need to speak with you for a moment."

"Of course," I offered in answer with a light dip of my head while gaining to my feet with Avery's help even as Lysander watched Rabastan. "After you, Lestrange."

"Call me Rabastan or Rab," offered Rabastan with a light smirk while offering me his arm before leading me out of the Great Hall once I accepted it, "you're going to be family after all."

How that could sound both friendly and also threatening I wasn't sure.

And yet, that was exactly how it came off.

"What is it that you wished to discuss?" I inquired once he had lead us outside and towards the Black Lake under the large tree overshadowing the side.

"It has been decided that you will stay at Lestrange Manor when not at Hogwarts for bridal lessons and to learn about the Lestrange House," answered Rabastan making me fight back the urge to step away from him. "My brother is working to prepare you a room."

I hadn't even seen this coming in truth.

"Is there anything I need to provide?" I inquired next as there would be no chance for me to deny or refuse my moving into their manor. "If I can, then I will gladly do so."

'He likely wants you to offer some suggestions,' answered Marvolo with a light hum. 'Though I do wonder just why they are having you move now and not in your third year.'

"Do you have a preferred color scheme or style?" questioned Rabastan in return making me realize that Marvolo had been correct. "Or do you trust my brother to set it all up?"

"I don't have any preferred color scheme or style," I answered simply since in truth I had never been given that option to gain one. "I'll trust in Rodolphus."

There wasn't much more I could say or offer in answer considering Father and Bella had both taken control of everything I've done.

Mother had remained distant with me as had Narcissa and Andromeda.

Being given a choice wasn't something I was used to.

"You really are like a doll," mused Rabastan making me flinch and look up to meet his eyes that were watching me. "Once you move into Lestrange manor, I do believe a whole new world will open up for you. My brother doesn't wish to marry a doll after all."

I had no idea how to take his words.

Words that brought some comfort as they did fear.

"I apologize," I offered at last before standing still as he reached out to pat the top of my head, leaving me frozen in surprise. "Wha?"

Rabastan didn't offer an answer, only smirked wider before walking away.

Avery found me rather quickly after that.

"Time to get ready for classes," stated Avery as he looked me over before dragging me back into the castle and towards Potions. "We can talk about what happened afterward."

Rabastan: