Tom sat in his chair at Borgin and Burkes waiting for a customer. The desolation of today was starting to annoy him. Today had been fairly slow, and what people had brought in was either fake or pointless. He tapped the little bell that sat on the counter lightly and hummed a tune to himself.
Suddenly, the door of the shop opened and in walked Cygnus Black and he had someone with him as well. The little girl had curly black hair that fell to her shoulders and black eyes that glistened like stars. She seemed to be three maybe four years old, and seemed to be giving her father a hard time. Cygnus reached the counter and look out a silver and green vase.
"What can I do for you today Cygnus?" Tom asked politely.
"Well this here is a very old Black family heirloom, passed down the generations for years. I believe it contains some dark magic, because every time Bellatrix here touches it, she gets burned. I tested her sister Andromeda whose just a year old and she to was burned. I have no idea what exactly the charm placed over it is, or why nobody noticed before, but I'm looking for some money and was hoping to sell it to you.". Tom stared at the vase examining it. Cygnus seemed like an honorable man, but Tom didn't like to be crossed.
"Show me" he said to Cygnus gesturing to his daughter. Cygnus nodded and lifted Bellatrix onto the counter.
"Ok Bella you need to touch the vase for daddy ok.". She crossed her arms and shook her head. One thing Tom was sure of, this girl was stubborn and didn't like to be bossed around. Cygnus gave her a little smack an she jumped. Tom was surprised by Cygnus' harshness, there was no need to hit her she would come around eventually. Bellatrix slowly slid herself onto the counter. She outstretched her hand and touched the vase and immediately shrieked as she received a burn on her hand.
"I believe I know what this piece does." Tom said matter-of-a-factly. Cygnus leaned in with interest clearly wanting to know what was wrong with his daughter. "Whenever someone innocent touches it, it takes away a little of their soul.". Cygnus looked at his daughter terrified. He realized that his daughter was losing a small piece of her soul. "Only a small fraction though" Tom said reassuringly. "She won't suffer any permanent damage from it." Bellatrix let out a little giggle, she had clearly recovered quickly. "This vase has proven deadly. I'll give you 50 galleons for it." Cygnus stared at Tom. "Take it." Cygnus said. "I have no use for it.". Tom grabbed the vase knowing he wasn't innocent. Especially after he opened the chamber of secrets. He wrapped the vase in paper and slid it underneath the counter. He walked over to the money box Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burke kept underneath the counter and pulled out 50 galleons. He walked back over to Cygnus who was arguing with Bellatrix about whether or not they should go to the toy shop and get a toy.
"Here is your money" Tom said handing over the 50 galleons. "Thank you" Cygnus muttered as he grabbed Bellatrix off the counter. Tom stared at her in amazement, ever since the girl had stepped into the door he ha know their was something special about her. She was strong for her age and didn't seem afraid of much. Tom felt bad for thinking if she was older he would definitely go out with her. They walked out of the store and little Bellatrix waved goodbye. Tom waved back and regretted letting that little girl touch that vase. She didn't deserve that, but Tom knew one thing. That girl wouldn't be innocent for long.