It was eighteen years ago now, the day I was born, if I still had the life I always knew then I would be celebrating right now, the day I become an adult. But, that, that just doesn't seem right any more. The last few years seem to have stretched out forever, using up more time than I've ever had in all my years, yet at the same time moving like high pressured, scared blood always faster and faster. Only now have I been able to stop and think about it all, only now I can breathe, and I know even this pause can't last long. I don't know much about the day I was born, and I wonder now if any of the little I do know is true anyway. My mum used to tell me I was born early in the morning on October 29th as the sun rose; I guess that means I was a bit of a nuisance from the start. She said she named me Liora because I was a "victorious birth" or something, to be honest I never really liked it, and three years ago I would have called my name archaic, but I know see how fitting it truly is. I never knew my father, and we couldn't speak of him. I had imagined a mysterious rich man who would one day shower me with fatherly gifts and realise how much he truly wanted to be a part of my life. He did want to be a part of my life, but I couldn't have imagined the reason why. I never expected… well, no one would ever expect.
Chapter One
The house was not just dark; it was stone cold, black and held an air of malevolent power that would have chilled the blood of any unsuspecting trespasser. A small grumbling creature busied himself around the house, stopping in front of a looming grand fireplace, featuring two gargoyles staring through black diamond eyes. The creature dusted these figures and the intricate stone work down the sides. A dull rumbling sound rang through the great room in which the fireplace was set as bright green flames suddenly erupted from its coal. A dark figure emerged from the flames, abruptly brushing the creature away as she stepped out into the black marbled room. Her reflection blended into the polished floor, with a mess of black hair and sharp red lips hiding a beautifully malicious face. Two men followed closely behind, the first beard a similar air of handsome, heartless elegance, whilst the second had long silvery hair covering hunched and secluded shoulders.
"Bellatrix, I know you would never ask me here without reason, is this about what I think?" The first man directed at the woman, who was now pacing in the centre of the room.
"Rabastan, it is a matter of great importance to the Dark Lord"
"And why are you talking to me, and not my brother, he is your husband after all? And why Lucious of all men?"
The man with silvery hair looked up at the mention of his name, as if contemplating whether to confront Rabastan, but soon recoiled as Bellatrix cast a warning stare in his direction.
"I asked both you and Lucious" she replied, turning to face Rabastan, "because it is a delicate matter, one which requires level headed men such as yourself. And yes, the rumours are true."
"And with a muggle?"
"Many years ago before he was stripped of his physical form by that boy, our Lord did in indeed have an affair. And yes, this muggle woman had a daughter by him." Bellatrix verified, spitting at the mention of the boy and the muggle.
Lucious stepped forward; inside shocked at the mention of a daughter, but remaining composed on the outside. "What is it our mighty Dark Lord wishes of us?"
"You are to find her." Bellatrix snapped at him, and to Rabastan continued, "It is for both of you to find her in London, and bring her here. You must tell no one else. She has magic, but does not know it. And we will show her the glory of her true heritage."
Rabastan smiled, a smile which suggested a smugness in being chosen for this task, and without saying a word he looked at Lucious, who hesitantly nodded, and the two apparated from the room.