Bound By Blood.

ch.83~No return.

There were no recovered or unsent correspondents

found from Order Member Alexandra Brooks, to Death Eater Mattheo Riddle

from February 2004, to April 2004.

Riddle Manor, New Years Eve, 2003.

Mattheo.

If you would've told me by nightfall, one of my only true "fears" would've unfolded in front of my eyes, I would've hexed you. 

It was a cold reality, one I couldn't escape, even with all my power and wealth. 

I had taken over continents, silenced enemies, wiped them to nothing, and commanded loyalty with a mere glance. 

My heart had long since turned to stone, never to answer to fear or doubt—until her.

And that, was my only mistake. 

She was gone—not only from my life but from whatever small piece of humanity I had left.

It was all gone. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Years Eve, a day I forever dreaded, along with every other holiday.

It was fathers excuse to round his followers, loyal members, even fucking muggle higher-ups who were too scared to ever decline an invite at hear of invasion, into our ballroom for parties. 

A sad facade really, I hated them. 

Minus getting drunk with Theo, or occasionally Blaise when he let the fun slip through, I'd rather pitch myself from the old astronomy tower and call it a night. 

But, this year, the thought of escaping quickly to see her, made the night bearable. 

I thought back to a few months ago, when she had revealed she was alive, when I held her and danced with her, right here in this ballroom. 

I glanced at Theo, the way he laughed too loudly, pretending not to notice the weight of everyones eyes on him. 

 I strode over to him, shaking my head at his ability to be so care free.

"Having fun?" I asked, trying to sound amused.

Theo grinned, his eyes scanning the room. "I'm having the time of my life, naturally. I mean, who wouldn't want to be surrounded by the most powerful wizards and witches in the world?" He chuckled, his voice laced with sarcasm.

I huffed a laugh, playing along. "Yeah, it's a real blast. I mean, can you imagine us in their shoes twenty years from now?"

Theo's eyes lit up with mischief. "Yeah, if we live that long, I'll be the coolest one, still, and the most good looking. Trying to impress the young ones with our outdated Dark Magic tricks. 'Hey, kids, watch me cast a proper Crucio!' only to have them laugh and say, That's so first year.'"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "You're a sick, sick person, Theo."

He shrugged, his gaze drifting around the room once more. "Hey, someone's got to keep things interesting. Speaking of which, have you seen any... interesting prospects tonight? For me, I know you're... whatever."

I rolled my eyes, knowing exactly where this was headed. "Prospects? You mean girls? Why are you talking like you're eighty?"

Theo's grin turned wolfish. "Well, yeah, I was thinking of finding someone to, you know, make the evening more enjoyable. It's not like we're getting any younger, and I hear the older pure-blood women can be... enthusiastic."