A Snake in the Gryphon's Den: A Riddle in Gryffindor {Completed}

Her Return

Looking outside the window as we boarded the coach, couldn't believe I was one of the handful selected to go support our sisters at Hogwarts. I wasn't as excited as I thought I would be..

The conversation with mother that night after Snakey flipped the switch, rattled my bones to the marrow. Thomas Riddle- no..Lord Voldemort was my father.. Was this some sick joke?

To be honest I could've lived well without knowing this truth.. Being daughter to a pair of Death Eaters- I could handle that- but this? This was taking things to a whole new Quidditch match. My whole life until now was a lie. Who could I really trust? Draco didn't receive the news very well either, apparently he honestly didn't know- and now makes it a point to avoid me each time we pass down the halls of the manner. What else would change..?

Would they expel and ban me from ever returning to Beauxbaton? Ever since that night... I had grown afraid.. No.. Terrified at what was to become of me. I didn't want to be banished as an outcast just because of what my parents had done- or who they were. I could live with Bellatrix as my mother.. But Tom Riddle? No- Lord Voldemort as My father?

I needed to talk to somebody.. But who?

"Lizzy look! Were almost there!" Gabby's care freeness made me envious. As I looked beyond the glass pane, all the painful memories came back. Clenching my fist as I stood up, told myself that I'm not that weakling anymore. I'm much stronger now, in might and in mind.

As I drew out a blue ribbon to pin my long curly hair up into a ponytail I heard a light jingle and sighed. The charm bracelet that Fred had given to me, gave me a little confidence. At least, for sure- one person would welcome me home..
Home..
At Hogwarts..?
I grew confused.. Mixed feelings twisted my gut as I sighed.
Within moments we touched down, and who to greet us but Hagred himself. I hardly knew the man, but he always seemed very friendly and warm. I looked up at him, and he glanced me over smiling back. He didn't recognize me.
I paused and wondered.. Would they recognize me? Would I recognize them..?
My heart now fluttered with anxiety and excitement.
"Lizzy, are you all right?" Gabby asked with a frown of concern.
Smiling I skipped over to her, " Just perfect."

~*~

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming, the lovely ladies of The Beauxbaton Academy of Magic, "
Dumbledore boomed over the main dining hall as the double doors burst open, their hinges lightly squeaking, " ..and their Headmistress Madame Maxime!"

We filed into the dining hall, our flamboyant presentation elegant and gentle. We sighed to the left and ran, our shoes gently tapping against the polished floor. When we sighed right, I a almost lost form for right before me sat Harry, Ron, and Hermione. My heart stopped, and I snapped back into formation. We then headed gracefully towards the front of the hall and I blushed under my hat hearing Ron's " Bloody hell!" I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder- he was staring right at me!!

" Harry! Look she's looking at me!" I heard Ronald Weasley chuckle as he turned back. Returning my line of vision to the front, barely made out Hermione's " Is.. That.."

"Is that what..?" Harry turned to his frowning friend, before turning to the group of girls running towards the front of the hall.

"That girl.." Hermione commented suspiciously, eyes narrowing at Ron angrily, " The one you were gawking at- I think she's - she looks a lot like-"

"Elizabeth?" Fredrick Weasley's tones chimed harmoniously with George's "Lizzy..?"

I felt nervous at hearing my fellows faint voices as we turned and faced everyone with a polite hum and sighed as we curtsied; blue butterflies fanning out in all directions.

Not long after we took our seats, the Lord's of Drumstrang burst in- I could've sworn my heart skipped a beat. Victor Krum was leading them with his Headmaster Igor Karkaroff.
"Guess whose looking at you," Fleur giggled as she elbowed me. I met Victor's eyes and a look of surprise was quickly recovered with a warm smile and nod before continuing with his fellows. Smiling back dropped my gaze, my fingers caressing the little charm decorating my left wrist.. And as my small digits glazed over the locket.. My heart sank.. Now fearful of what Fred might have wanted to show me.

A cold chill ran up my spine, that familiar echo with the stressed consonant H began teasing and taunting at my ears. My face turned deathly pale as I drew my brows into a crease at my forehead.
"What's wrong..?" Gabby whispered as she turned to me whispering. Grabbing my right temple rubbed it with a frown, " Eet's 'appening again eesn't eet." She continued as she held my hand under the table, " Rrememberre wot Madame Maxime said,you have to focus on '-appy thoughts." She gave my hand a tight squeeze, the loudness torturing my mind at it's peak. My eyes in reflex zoomed to Gryffindor's table- at Harry in particular. At that same moment, he grabbed his forehead were his scar was engraved into his skin. I abruptly stood up, startling the girl to my right. " Pardon," I said in perfect french. I then realized I caught the attention of Dumbeldore- how long had he been staring..? " Ah, I have to use the rest room," I smiled, " It was a rough flight."

"Yes, yes I understand," Dumbeldore turned to Minerva, " Why don't you help our guest settle in," he nodded regally.

I bowed my head politely, " No, it's quite all right, I still remember my way around. I am after all.. Back home." My eyes must have expressed surprise at the words my own ears had heard, for Dumbledore just smiled and nodded.

" Yes, yes you are."