Chapter 48

I woke up sore, distraught and exhausted. I hadn't felt Tom's rough touch and agonizing torture ever since we found out I was pregnant. It was excruciating to feel him inside me again, and to feel his magic penetrate my body. I was grateful to find Tom absent from the room. With all the strength I could muster, I got myself up and walked to where Leandra was left. I had heard her cries last night but Tom refused to let me go from the room. Fear took over me when he was about to silence my baby but then suddenly she went quiet. I was terrified of what that had meant but Tom shrugged it off and continued having his way with me. As I reached her crib, panic filled my breath when I saw it empty.

"Leandra!" I cried. I ran back upstairs to check on my son and was greeted by him running towards me with Leandra in his arms.

"What's wrong? Mom, are you okay?" he asked worriedly. I quickly took Leandra from his arms and pulled him in for a hug. I cried as a wave of relief filled my body. My children were safe… They were safe…

"Mom… I'm sorry…" I looked up to see my son looking away with tears threatening his eyes. "I wasn't strong enough…"

"No… no no no…. don't listen to anything that wretched man says. You are much stronger than anyone. I'm so proud of you, Marvolo. I love you very much," I said as I tried comforting him. He nodded still unconvinced. I tried changing the subject to avoid further encouraging his self-doubt.

"Were you the one who took Leandra last night when she cried?" I asked my son.

While still facing down, he answered, "Yes… I tried to get you but the door was locked. I took her and got her to sleep."

I placed a hand underneath his chin and raised his face.

"Marvolo, you are the bravest, strongest, most compassionate and loving person I know. You were brought into a world full of evil and despair but you still shine so bright. Crying after you have killed someone isn't a sign of weakness… it's a sign of a good heart. Don't ever think you have to conform to be a great man…. You already are a great man. I love you and I am so proud of you."

He stared into my eyes as tears fell from his eyes. He was about to speak when Leandra started fussing in my arms. She probably still hasn't fed. I let my son go but not before giving him a kiss on his forehead.

"Your sister is hungry. You probably are too. Let's go make some breakfast," I smiled as we went downstairs. I had to get in contact with Dumbledore… with the outside world. I had been stagnant for far too long

Romulus' POV

Voldemort, Abraxas and I were just finishing up a private meeting at my estate when I recalled the events, which took place yesterday. We had taken Marvolo on his first mission, which was to retrieve Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem from Albania. We had a few complications with the natives… However, we did successfully retrieve the diadem and even made it into a horcrux but Marvolo… We weren't anticipating people to be there… They saw us apparate. We had to make sure there was no trace of our venture. We had to kill them… long story short, Marvolo became hysterical after killing an Albanian man who tried to get me from behind. The look on his face was heartbreaking… A sudden urge to hold him and comfort him washed through me but he suddenly apparated. Voldemort and I quickly followed him home where we saw him hunched over and being held by his mother. The sequence of event after that was a blur but as soon as Voldemort struck Marvolo, my instinct took in. I can't explain it, but Marvolo had become almost like a son to me, more than my own boys who had become numb to my fatherly advances. Granted I wasn't very good at protecting or guiding him… but it pained me to see him hurt in any way. I was limited on how much I could do for him because of my position and the fact I couldn't show any weakness. However, at that moment when he fell to the floor, I couldn't resist rushing to his side. I soon realized it was very ill of me to have not rushed to my sister's side and even though our relationship had become better, I never really developed a love for her as brothers would with their sisters. However, having been a part of Marvolo's life had made me grow an attached to the child. He was smart, brave, compassionate and ambitious to his own goals and aspirations… everything I wish I was.

"Very well." My attention snapped back to Lord Voldemort as he finished up his conversation with Abraxas.

"Be sure to follow these instructions explicitly," Voldemort commanded. Abraxas nodded and proceeded to excuse himself.

When he was barely through the door, Voldemort continued, "Oh and do give my regards to your finance and son. Eliana and I are both excited to attend the wedding."

I could tell Abraxas had stiffened at the mention of Eliana but he quickly gained his composure.

"I look forward to your attendance, my lord," Abraxas said then exited the room. I could tell Abraxas was in pain over this whole situation. I've been getting the feeling lately that he had given up… not really sure on what but his spark had died. I was frankly quite shocked when he announced his sudden wedding to Valentine. I assumed he gravely despised the woman. I also assumed that he still had feelings for my sister. Of course, Eliana didn't take the news well. Pity… I suppose my spark, like Abraxas, had died as well… only darkness filled me now, darkness and the pursuit of power, recognition and status.

"Romulus."

"Yes, my lord."

"What are your thoughts on Marvolo's actions yesterday?" I was briefly caught off guard by his sudden inquiry but shook it off quickly.

"He is young, my lord. He will learn and grow."

"Yes… I suppose he could… but I do believe his mother has made him weak. I had such high hopes for the boy but now I see he is only good for his initial purpose."

"Initial purpose, my lord?" I started to become more curious as he rambled on.

"Yes. I did not produce an heir for the mere reason of having a successor. I do not plan on leaving this world, Romulus. There is no need for an heir. I needed a vessel."

"What would my lord need a vessel for? And surely any one of the death eater would be more than pleased to be used. Why would you need to create one?" I asked further when he didn't continue.

"Romulus… as my right hand man, I know I can trust you with this information. However, as Marvolo's uncle… I see your fondness for the boy. Perhaps this might cloud your judgment when the time comes. "

"My lord, my loyalty is to you. The boy is nothing but a potential asset to the death eaters once he has matured," I urged, not really convinced at my own words. I could see Voldemort contemplate on my words before speaking.

"Very well. During my- I believe 4th year at Hogwarts, I came across further information on lengthening one's life. It involved a person of blood, a son would have been ideal. I would merely transfer my soul, or the remainder of my soul, to Marvolo. His young body would house my soul and allow it to live for as long as his body will. Of course, his soul would disappear and die but that is the price I'm willing to make. I am going to transfer myself when he is 20 to 25; a prime year according to the text because everything would have been fully developed by then. Unfortunately, when I realized his raw potential and magical talents, I saw it better suited for him to become part of my death eaters. I agree with you Romulus. He would have been a great asset… Unfortunately, with his weak spirit and my attempts at producing another son failed, I have no other choice but to take his body for my soul."

When he finished his speech, I couldn't believe my ears. Marvolo was never meant to live past 20. His purpose was finally revealed and I couldn't help but feel empathy for my nephew.

"Does Eliana know about this?" I asked curiously.

"No. But perhaps I will tell her when the time comes… I wonder what her beautiful face would look like once she realizes her son will become her husband," he said casually. I almost cringed at the thought.

"What if you tried once again, my lord? To produce another son? I still believe Marvolo could be an asset. He just needs time… away from his mother perhaps. I could groom him to become your most loyal and powerful death eater," I suggested. Deep down inside, I knew this was more for Marvolo's safety than anything.

"Hmmm… I hadn't thought of that option. I suppose time away from his mother would do him good. Very well. After Abraxas' wedding, you shall raise Marvolo for 5 years. If he is adequate and I have produced another son, then he shall be spared."

"My lord, I would be honored to groom your son to your liking," I said while standing and bowing before him. I knew what I had to do to keep Marvolo alive… I'm sure my sister would hate me for taking her son but… it was for the best.