Chapter 4

Revelations

One year later.

Rebecca woke up at 7am, even though it was Saturday. She sighed and rolled onto her back. She always seemed to be waking up at 7. Monday to Friday it didn't matter, cause then she had plenty of time to get ready. During the weekdays Tom taught her spells and potions. He told her he wanted to start her education early. They were getting on really well. She smiled to herself. She'd realised around after the first month at staying at Tom's house, which she soon realised was called Riddle Manor, that she had feelings for him. Although she'd never expressed them. She sighed again, and swung her legs out from under the covers. Her bare feet, didn't take long to adjust to the cold tiles. She walked over to her closet, and pulled out some muggle clothes. During the weekends she'd taken to wearing them, she only wore robes during the weekdays. She grabbed her rose v-neck shirt, and a pair of boot-leg jeans. Tom had taken her to a muggle shopping mall in London, 3 days after she'd moved in, saying that if she was insisting on wearing muggle clothes it should be the best. He didn't take her to get her own robes though. She hadn't gone to Diagon Alley or Hogsmead. She knew that if she went she'd be recognised, seen as she'd made front page news. After her disappearance, the Daily Prophet had printed the story saying that she'd been kidnapped by Voldermort. The article had included 3 interviews. One from the minister saying they'd get her back. The other was Dumbledore saying that Voldermort had kidnapped Rebecca, as plot to destroy Harry. The final one was of her parents. She'd felt sick, reading about how her parents desperately wanted her back, and missed her terribly. Rebecca had ended up tearing the article up, before Tom could even read it. Not that it bothered him, he just got another one. Anyway, they'd spent the day getting Rebecca, a new wardrobe. Now her closet was full of shirts, jeans, skirts, dresses and shoes, all of which we're top of the range. Then she grabbed a pair of underwear and a bra, and went into the bathroom. Even though Rebecca knew Tom wouldn't be up yet. She still changed in the bathroom. She was always worried that he'd come in, if she changed in her bedroom. Once she was dressed, she brushed her teeth and cleaned her face, before applying her make-up. The make-up had been given to her by Mrs Malfoy. She'd met the Malfoy family about a week after arriving at the Riddle Manor. It had been the last day of the month.

Flashback

Rebecca was in her room reading, when she heard the doorbell go. She heard Tom going to answer it. Curious, Rebecca set the book to the side, got up, smoothed down her jeans and walked over to her door. She opened it slightly and looked out. She pulled her long brown hair, to the side, to get a clear view. Thankfully her room was right at the stop of the staircase, which meant she had a birds-eye view of the visitors. She recognised the man instantly. It was the man, who'd taken her bag on her first day here. Lucuis. She watched a thin woman with blonde hair walk in, followed by a boy. The boy looked about Rebecca's age, and had blonde hair similar to Lucius's, but shorter.

'Lucuis.' greeted Tom, in the same tone he used with Rebecca.

'My Lord.' replied Lucuis, bowing.

Rebecca still didn't get why Lucuis did that every time he met Tom. She'd questioned Tom about it, but he ignored her and changed the subject. She made a note to herself to ask later. Also Lucuis was the only other person, besides herself, that she'd heard Tom use this tone with. Every other person Rebecca had heard Tom talk to, had received a harsh tone. That was something else she'd have to ask him about. Tom turned to the woman.

'Narcissa.' he said.

'My Lord.' she replied, bowing like Lucuis.

'And this must be Draco.' said Tom, looking at Draco.

'Yes, sir.' Draco replied, he looked down frightened.

Rebecca couldn't figure out what he was scared about. O.K., sure she'd been scared of Tom at first. But that was because she thought he'd hit her. The boy parents, who Rebecca assumed were the man and woman, obviously knew Tom. So why was he scared?

'Well I'm glad to see you've finally bought your son along, Lucuis.' said Tom.

'I believed it was high time for him to met you.' replied Lucuis, straightening up.

'Good, now I just need to sort someone out.' Tom said.

'Excuse me, sir.' asked Draco quietly. 'Can I ask a question?'

'Of course Draco.' came Tom's reply.

'Who's she?' said Draco, pointing up the stairs.

It took Rebecca about 3 seconds to realise Draco was pointing at her. She realised Tom was looking in the direction Draco was pointing at. She instantly retreated back into her room, closing the door, hoping that Tom hadn't spotted her. He had told her not to come out until everyone had left.

'Rebecca you can come out.' called Tom.

Rebecca sighed with relief that he wasn't mad. She opened the door, and looked out again. This time she saw that every one was looking in her direction. She gulped nervously.

'Come on.' said Tom. 'Don't keep them waiting.'

Rebecca stepped out of her room and slowly made her way done the stairs. She felt really uncomfortable with everyone staring at her. Once she had stepped of thee last step, Rebecca went and stood next to Tom.

'Lucuis, Narcissa, Draco this is Rebecca.' said Tom, putting his hand on her shoulder.

Rebecca shifted nervously, keeping her eyes down. Why did she have to be so bloody curious? She hated standing here; she wasn't good with meeting new people. In other words she was, although she hated to admit it, shy. A pair of black shoes came into her view. Rebecca looked up, and came face to face with Draco. Although he was smiling, Rebecca could see the nervousness in his eyes. Draco stuck his hand out.

'Draco Malfoy.' he said.

'Rebecca.' she replied, taking his hand.

'Don't you have a last name?' asked Draco, amused.

'I don't use it.' Rebecca replied, letting go of his hand.

'Well I can tell you're a Potter anyway.' Draco carried on.

'Great.' murmured Rebecca.

'Tell you what I won't use it.' Draco bargained.

'Deal.'

'Rebecca why don't you show Draco your room, and then you can go the back way to the library.' Tom said, from behind her.

Rebecca turned to look at him. 'O.K.' she said smiling.

Rebecca was about to lead Draco away, when she remembered she hadn't asked his parents permission. Tom had been strict on politeness, along with other stuff. It was part of one of her lessons. She turned to Lucuis and Narcissa.

'Would you mind if I show your son around?' Rebecca asked, politely.

'Of course not.' Lucuis replied.

'It's not many days you come across a young lady with knowledge in politeness.' commented Narcissa.

'Tom taught me. He says that it's important to show that you have manners. Manners are what separate the rich from the poor.' said Rebecca, remembering Tom's saying.

'Correct.' said Lucuis, looking impressed. 'Draco, you look after Miss Rebecca.'

'I will father.' said Draco.

'Come on Draco.' said Rebecca, pulling him along.

End Flashback

Since then Draco and his parents had come on the very last night of each night. Rebecca still didn't know what happened on those nights, but she knew something did. When she'd asked Tom about it, he'd just told her that it was a meeting to discus business. That was the other thing that Rebecca didn't know about. She had no idea what Tom did for a living. He obviously had plenty of money, and was well respected but she'd never seen him leave the house during the day, to go to work. There had been a few occasions when he did go out, at night; she had no idea what he did. Rebecca had a good idea that her answers lay in the meetings. Unfortunately Draco never let her go and see. Even though he was daring, and wasn't frightened easily, he never let her go and see, no matter how much she asked. Rebecca had a suspicion that Draco knew what went on in those meetings, but he wouldn't spill. However tonight was different. Tonight Draco wouldn't be here when the meeting was on. He had a party to go to, and was unable to come. Leaving Rebecca free to go and have a look. Now all she had to do was wait until tonight.

Tom groaned when he realized what day it was. He hated the last days of the month, because it meant he had to have another meeting. He'd grown to hate them even more, since Rebecca had moved in. He was always worried she'd find out. He knew he had to tell her, but he was frightened she'd leave or kill him. He rolled over and looked at his clock. 8 am. He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

'Good morning massster.' hissed a familiar voice.

Tom turned to find Nagini, wrapped around one of his bed posts. He smiled at his familiar. Nagini was his closet friend, even if she was an animal. He felt able to talk to her about anything. Plus the fact that none of his followers could speak parsletongue, enabled him to speak to her at any time. Although now he had to make sure Rebecca wasn't there.

'Morning Nagini.' he replied.

'How isss today?' asked Nagini.

'Dreadful.' replied Tom, walking over to his closet. 'I've got another meeting today.'

'Well at leassst you only have them once a month.' Nagini replied.

'I know, I know.' Tom said, pulling out a pair of robes. 'I just don't like having them, while she'ss in the house.'

'You really care about her, don't you?' asked Nagini.

'Yeah.' admitted Tom.'Argh, cursse me for having feelingss for her.'

'I think it'ss a good thing. Afterall even the Dark Lord needs someone.'

'Shut up Nagini.' said Tom, unwilling to continue this conversation.

'You should tell her.' said Nagini.

Tom headed over to the bathroom door. 'Just leave it Nagini.' he said, shutting the door behind him.

Tom leant his head against his head against the door. He contemplated tellling Rebecca everyday how he felt, but the words always got caught in his throat. Plus he was worried she might reject him. He sighed, annoyed with his emotions. He stepped away from the door, and turned the shower on. Maybe a shower would help.

'Not bloody likely.' a voice in his head muttered.

Rebecca sat in the library, reading one of Tom's many books. She spent nearly every Saturday morning here. Rebecca loved Tom's library, for three reasons. The first was because it was huge. The library beat the Potters hand down, and there's was pretty big. The second was because of the types of books Tom had. Where as her parents library, had mostly Quidditch and few spell books, Tom's library had loads of books on every categories. Rebecca's favourite books were the spell ones, and the dark arts. The spell ones, because most of them were way past her age group standard, which meant when Rebecca accomplished doing one it made her feel special and clever. Something neither of her parents had ever accomplished with her. The dark arts books were something else. Although Rebecca knew the dark arts were bad, and considered evil, she still found them interesting. Most of the dark arts books in here were about the history of the arts. Some contained wizards who were well accomplished in the dark arts. Rebecca found that every book mentioned Voldermort, except for the ones before he'd come to power. She'd found out about what he'd done, but she hadn't managed to find out his past. Unfortunately none of the books told her of Voldermort's real name, which meant she had no way to search. She'd found a few that had mentioned her brother, and had resisted the urge to scribble out his name and write in her own. She hadn't told Tom that bit of info yet. She'd decided to keep quiet, plus they'd never talked about her family since that 1st day. Rebecca turned a page in the book, which was lying on her lap. The book was relatively new, with a black cover and red writing at the top. The writing read: 'The Dark Arts: the history and spells surrounding it'.

'Haven't you read that book before?'

Rebecca snapped her head up, startled by the voice. She relaxed as soon as she found out, who had spoken. Tom was standing in the doorway, with Nagini wrapped loosely round his neck. Rebecca had learnt early on that Nagini was Tom's familiar. Tom was wearing a loose pair of trousers, a baggy shirt and a black robe. He always came down in that outfit, but it was always clean. Since Rebecca always managed to wake up earlier than Tom, she didn't change into her exercise clothes in the morning. Rebecca noticed Tom's hair was still damp, and guessed he'd had a shower. Rebecca never bothered on Saturday mornings she waited until of her regular exercise. Rebecca noted that she preferred Tom's hair dry, rather than wet. She realised Tom was waiting for her to answer his question.

'I have.'

'So why are you reading it again?' he asked, walking over.

'Because it's my favourite.'

'Oh.'

Tom sat down next to her on the couch. Rebecca tensed, trying to keep her heart rate at bay. She felt something glide onto her shoulders, and looked to find Nagini slithering from Tom's shoulders to hers.

'Hello Nagini.' Rebecca said, in parsletongue.

'Morning Missss Potter.' Nagini replied.

'Nagini!' Rebecca hissed annoyed.

'SSorry.' apologised Nagini

Rebecca just shook her head. She hated being referred to as 'Miss Potter'. Even though it was her correct title, she preferred to be just called Rebecca. She looked back at Tom, to find him staring at her.

'What?'

'I just wondered why you don't like being called Miss Potter?'

'Because it reminds me of my past.'

'Oh.'

They both sat in silence for a while. Rebecca tried to carry on reading, but she couldn't concentrate. In the end she gave up, and just glanced along the books, but not taking in any of the titles.

'I've got a meeting tonight.' Tom said, breaking the silence.

'O.K.' said Rebecca, already knowing.

'So I need you to...'

'I know. Got into my room tonight and stay there until you come and get me.' Rebecca said, knowing the routine.

'Yeah.' said Tom, he pulled into a hug. 'I know you hate staying up in your room.'

'Can't I come with you?' asked Rebecca, pointlessly.

'No.' said Tom, simply.

'But...'

'No buts.' said Tom, cutting her off .Now lets go and get some breakfast.

After breakfast Tom and Rebecca, once she'd changed, started their exercises. Tom had made Rebecca do different exercise, although she'd found them hard at first, she was starting to enjoy them. The exercises involved them doing hand-to-hand combat, sword fighting, karate and kung-fu. Tom had told Rebecca that learning to fight was important, in case you ever lost you wand. Additional exercise which Rebecca did by herself was gymnastics. This she had been taught by Narcissa's sister, Bellatrix. Although Bella was a bitch to everyone she'd her talk to, she seemed to behave when Tom was around. What very few people knew was Bella was a trained gymnast, and Tom had got her to train Rebecca. Rebecca soon learnt that Bella pushed her hard. The first weeks had been hell, but she was progressing.

After the exercises, Tom and her had lunch. After zooming round on her broom for and hour and half, which she loved, Rebecca headed off for the shower. By the time she was clean and dressed, it was evening. She smiled all she had to do now was wait for the meeting to begin.

By the time the meeting had begun, Rebecca was ready to just jump into bed. She ignored her tiredness, and stayed awake. At around 9.30, Rebecca guessed it was safe to go and look. She made her way over the door, and cracked it open. After surveying the corridor, and being absolutely convinced no one was there, Rebecca headed downstairs. She knew the meetings were held in the room next to Tom's study. The room was as bleak, as bleak can be. The floor was stone, as were the wall, and the only bit of colour was that of the red throne at the top of the room. Rebecca had seen in there once, whilst looking wrong. Tom had told not to go in there after that, and that it was where he dealt with business. Rebecca couldn't hear any noise, but could definitely see light. She guessed there was a silencing charm around the room. When she was at the door, she looked to see if there was any hole to look through. Disappointment filled her, making her resort to plan B. She pulled out her wand and cast a silencing charm on the door, and then she grasped the door handle and shifted it open slightly. Screams instantly filled Rebecca's ears. She watched horrified as a man lay twisting in pain. By the way his body was arched; Rebecca guessed he was under the Cruciatus curse. After what seemed like an eternity for Rebecca, when it was actually just under a minute, the curse was lifted off the man.

'Thank you my lord for being so kind.' said the man, bending down and kissing the hem of another man's robes.

This man was sitting on the throne at the top of the room. His hood was pulled up, so Rebecca couldn't see his face.

'Don't fail me again Severus.' replied a familiar voice.

Rebecca watched as the hood was pulled back, revealing Tom's face. Finally everything clicked into place. The people always calling him my lord, the way everyone respected him-or rather feared him, the fact that he had loads of money. Tom Riddle was Lord Voldermort. This time Rebecca couldn't stop from gasping, in shock and pain. However since the room was deadly quiet, her gasp maximised in volume. Every person in the room turned to look at her. Yet Rebecca's eyes remained looking at Tom. She watched his eyes fill with shock, at the fact that she was there. Before anyone could even comprehend what to do, Rebecca turned and ran back to her room. Hoping no one had seen her tears.