And here you are laddies! The next chapter into the series! I'll try to to take to long between updates since I really want to progress with this story. I just hope that the story is not only interesting, but makes sense.

Well I will see you in the next episode!

As always, I have tried to catch as many spelling and grammar mistakes as possible. And you can check which stories I'm (supposed to be) working on by checking my home page.

I try to stick to it, but sometimes I get inspiration for a different story haha.

The Little Boss Pt 1

Right as I turned the corner something collided into my leg and then a thud as the thing hit the ground, instantly followed by an annoyed click of a tongue.

"Are you an idiot!? Why don't you watch where you're going?!"

I blinked in surprise, unable to look away at the angry child glaring up at me from the ground. Of course my first response would've been to apologize and check on the child I unwittingly ran into, but the harsh words that spewed from her mouth made me freeze. Surely I heard her wrong.

"Oi, you hear me talking to you right? Maybe you are some idiot."

Ok, so I didn't hear her wrong. For someone with such a cute voice she sure was rude. Still, regardless of her bad attitude I should make sure she was ok. So I put on a smile, which only made her look at me suspiciously, and squatted down to her level to make myself seem friendly. They way she is speaking could possibly just be her way of protecting herself.

"I'm really sorry about running into you. You aren't hurt are you?"

She crossed her arms and jutted her hip out while giving me a haughty smirk, "Be thankful that I am generous. I'll let you off with a warning this time. Now be off with you. I don't want that idiot look of yours to rub off on me."

To say I was flustered was an understatement. I didn't know how to reply to such a statement. She couldn't be any older than 10 years old, and even though she was barely half my height her blue eyes looked down on me from above. I mean, even if we were the same age that is no way to speak to someone you didn't know. Still I maintained my smile hoping that it would get her to relax around me. However, it seemed to have the opposite affect. Her suspicions against me seemed to double and even morph into disgust.

"Why are you smiling like that? It's creepy."

"Are you here alone?" I looked around for another person but didn't see anyone in the area. My simple question, however, put the girl on edge and she took a step back.

"That's none of your concern, muggle. I'm done with you, now shoo." With a dismissive flick of her hand she turn away and began walking.

Or at least tried to. She had a limp in her right leg and it was then I also notice something I should have seen from the beginning. Her clothes were worse for wear and dirty. Her dark hair was pulled into a single ponytail, but it was a disheveled mess with strands sticking every which way and the bow slightly off centered. There was no way I could leave this girl alone no matter how she behaved. So I reached out and grabbed her arm despite her protest.

"Wait! You clearly need help. Let me take you to the hospital. There we can get you help and call the polic-"

"No!" Her harsh refusal struck me as odd, but I didn't give up.

"I'm sorry, but you can barely walk. You need to be looked at."

She glared at me all the while trying to wrestle out of my grip. "Do you even know who I am? If you don't let me go, you'll regret this!"

I nodded, "You're right, I will. Because you need help. There's no way I can abandon a child."

"...Fine..." She suddenly stopped struggling and faced me in anger. "I'll show you just who you're messing with...!" With her other hand she pulled on her shirt to show her arm. Well more precisely, the tattoo sitting there.

It looked like an eye, drawn in the shape of a crescent moon facing up so it looked like a smile. Inside, where the pupil should be, were a multitude of rings, but they weren't drawn perfectly. Instead they were twisted and warped. There was also blood seeping from the bottom of the eye, almost as if it were crying in pain. I looked from the tattoo to the girl without saying a word, and slowly her lofty smirk turned into a frown

"Do you live under a rock?! Anyone who see's this would know who I am by now and would be running for the hills!"

No, I think I had a vague idea of what was happening. There weren't many reasons for a child to have such a tattoo, and even if they did it wouldn't be something so disturbing. I didn't recognize the tattoo honestly, but if my guess was correct her refusal to go to the hospital made sense. As an unaccompanied child the police would be involved and that could mean problems for someone like her. But what should I do? I can't just leave her. There was no way I could take her home with me. If my dad found out then it might cause trouble for him.

"What's your name? My name is Raven."

She turned up her nose, "It's none of your business, muggle."

I sighed becoming annoyed with her continued stubbornness. "Ok, what if I can tell you I know someone who could help you?"

"I would call you a dirty liar. You look like you can barely help yourself."

'Why is it that everyone in gangs just say whatever it is they want?'

Even though we were alone I lowered my voice and leaned in a bit closer to the girl, "That tattoo...It's...One of those tattoos right?"

"Hmph, if you know then start treating me with some respect."

'Just as I thought...-sigh- there's only one person I know who could help.'

"You don't want to go to the police, but I can't just leave you alone now that I've met you. But I know a guy that may be able to help you." I could see another protest on her lips so I quickly said, "And if you don't come I'll drag you to the nearest police station."

Her face turned red with anger but if push came to shove she knew she wouldn't beat me. I was stronger than her, and with her limp she couldn't run so she reluctantly agreed to coming with me. Even then she didn't make it easy for me, and gave me as much trouble as she could as I got her to climb onto my back.

"This better not be some trick to take me to the police."

"Ow! Ow! Don't pull my hair. And it's not!"

"Hmph! So just who is this guy anyway? I find it hard to believe some muggle knows someone who could help me."

"He's someone like you-Ow! Why are you pulling my hair again?!"

"Because lying is bad."

"I'm not lying." I sighed and pulled out my phone. "I just need to call him and let him know I'm coming over."

"Whatever."

I readjusted my grip on her before quickly dialing Tom's number. This would be the first time I called him and for some reason my heart was racing. I tried to shake the feeling away, but with every ring my heart beat faster until it felt like bursting.

"Raven, what a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe the honor?"

His smooth, baritone voice trickled into my ear and down my spine in a pleasant ripple. Just hearing his voice so close to my ear was enough to warm my skin, and it was almost like I could feel his breath on my cheek. I had done my best to ignore him since last Sunday and I was sure I was angry at him. But as I tried to find the voice I had suddenly lost, I realized I wasn't as upset with him as I had initially believed.

"I...uh..."

"Hmm, as eloquent as always."

I blushed as his mocking chuckle sounding much too pleasing in my ears.

"Hurry it up, muggle!" The girl suddenly yelled.

There was a pause on the other end before Tom spoke again. Though this time there was an sharpness to his voice that instantly made the hairs on my arm and neck stand up.

"Who's there with you, Raven?"

"Oh, um, a-a little girl." I quickly explained that I found her and that she was like him so I couldn't take her to the police. I tried to keep the explanation as vague as possible just in case, but thankfully Tom still managed to understand what I was saying and told me that he would handle it so to come over.

On the way over I had to text Trent to let him know I would be home later than usual so if he wanted he could warm up the leftovers whenever he wanted. I had also tried to get some information out of the girl but she wasn't budging at all. Also, she kept pulling my hair saying that I was annoying her with my questions. Since I was beginning to get a headache from he hair pulling I just stopped talking.

It was another 30 minutes before I was exiting the subway in a familiar area, and another 20 mintues until Tom's home came into view. Seeing the large property the girl's grip on my shoulders tightened.

"The guy you were talking to lives here?"

"Yeah. It's even bigger inside than it looks."

Because she was on my back I didn't see how she bit her lip and was looking around nervously. Though I did catch the sudden timidness that crept into her voice. If I knew more about the intricacies of gang relations I may have had second thoughts about bringing her, but I didn't and Tom was the only person I knew who could help her. And unlike the other group I saw Tom deal with, she was only a child. Even if they were of different groups, surely Tom would help her...Right?

Surprisingly, Klein was waiting out at front and eyed the girl on my shoulders. I felt her push off my shoulders to make herself taller.

"W-whatcha looking at, meathead?

Klein only smirked, "Actin' tough won't do nutin' but getcha in trouble."

The girl shrunk back down and used me to try and hide from his intimidating glare. Not that it did any good since Klein was so tall.

"Come on in lil'lady."

"Yeah, thanks."

"Hey!" The girl angrily whispered to me, her hand already in my hair in preparation, "Are you messing with me?! You can stop playing dumb. Which of the Deathly Hallows is he?"

Nothing she was saying made any sense to me. Just what was a Deathly Hallow? Unable to answer any of her questions I was subjected to another hair pulling. As we entered the home and proceeded to where Tom waited I noticed something. Instead of the left to Tom's room we made a right. I had never been down this side before and it once again reminded me how large this place was. We turned down one more hallway and there was only one door at the very end. Upon reaching and opening the door a grandiose office greeted us.

When I first walked through the door a large obsidian desk, that looked way more expensive than any desk had the right to be, instantly caught my eye. In front of said desk were two sofas facing each other and a long coffee table between them. Two bookshelves also occupied the room. The larger one sat behind the desk, filled with - go figure - books and other important looking files, while a thinner one leaned against the wall off to the right. Along the same wall as the smaller bookshelf was yet another liquor cabinet, albeit more modest in size, connected to a kitchenette complete with a mini fridge.

There wasn't much to say about the left side. A large painting of an older man - which didn't really seem like Tom's taste - hung above a fire place that didn't look to have been used in years, as well as another door which, from my previous experience, must've lead to a connected bathroom. If I was correct I was a bit concerned about the high volume of restrooms. There water bill must be ridiculous. Lastly, in the two far corners were two potted plants.

Given that all of the furniture was black the room felt decidedly nefarious. Triple that with my thoughts of what surely went on in here and that their were no windows made me anxious. The chocolate walls would've provided a warmth to the room to make someone feel more welcome, but every bit of artificial light seemed to be swallowed by the deep black of the rest of the room. Also, granted I've not seen much of the home, but so far the only rooms with windows were the guest room given to me and Tom's room. Both only having a single window.

I would imagine if their ventilation system was to ever go down it would be a real problem. Though, the two plants also helped the room stay fresh.

"This was a trap after all."

Before I could address what the girl whispered, Tom, sitting behind the desk with the smile of a man who had never not gotten everything they desired, moved from his throne to greet us while gesturing to the sofa.

His eyes fleeting scanned over the now quiet and trembling girl on my back, just quick enough to acknowledge her existence. However, he showed no real interest in addressing her at the moment.

"The moment I take my eyes off of you, you find all sorts of trouble. What a busy little pet you are."

I took offense to his words, particularly to what he called me, but before I could protest he snapped his finger. It was so loud and sharp that my mouth slammed shut on impulse.

"Water."

Tom's command flowed with practiced ease and Klein answered without a moment's delay. Soon the three of us were sitting on the sofa, the girl and I sitting across from Tom, with three glasses of water. I didn't want to stay here too long, but I also wanted to make sure the girl could get the help she needed. Though given how quiet she's sudden become I assumed she was scared. Not that I could blame her.

Even if Tom could help, I wasn't entirely sure that he would. Any confidence that I had in him had pretty much be grounded to dust ever since he used me as bait, but the girl hadn't left me many choices in who to turn to. Well, for now let's deal with the easiest thing to remedy.

"First...Sorry for suddenly coming over...But as you can see I have a bit of a - um- situation."

"Clearly."

"Before anything else, I think she twisted her ankle. We should get it wrapped an-"

"I'm fine!" The girl suddenly shouted, fist clenched tightly against her dangling legs. "I don't need your help."

"Hm, really?"

I knew that tone, and from how she flinched I think the girl recognized it too. Tom was laughing at her. Finding amusement in her bravado all the while she shook beneath his scrutiny. Behind his smile, and pseudo-sympathetic gaze was a frosty and dangerous glint. One that promised things that I didn't want to think about and had me looking away even though Tom wasn't even looking at me. I was hesitant to pull his attention but it had gotten so bad I think the sofa was starting to tremble now.

"S-she didn't mean that, right?"

I couldn't stop the squeak in my voice, but hoped that the girl would take the hint and just cooperate. I had hoped that since she was a kid Tom would be a bit nicer, but I was quickly realizing that he wouldn't.

Sadly, she didn't and faced me with a glare, "You put on quite the act. Pretending to be a muggle, and a dumb one at that."

Despite looking ready to cry at any moment she turned her defiant eyes towards Tom, and jabbed her thumb into her chest, "A warning! I too am a Deathly Hallow, so I would think twice about killing me. Or do you want to start a war?"

'A-a war!?'

"Hm, that would pose a problem...provided anyone knows you're here."

"Tom! She's a child!"

"It didn't look like dey were bein' tailed, Boss."

"And being who you are I can't imagine them not reclaiming you no matter your company."

"...You...know?"

Tom scoffed, looking almost insulted by the girls' statement. "You can't expect one not to know when you're shouting your affiliation for anyone to hear. besides, I have committed to memory the faces to anyone who is of importance, and I've come across your picture quite a number of times." Tom chuckled, "Of course, you've also realized just whose territory you've wondered into, don't you Cherry Valski?"

The girl's eyes shifted to the painting but quickly looked back at Tom, face so pale I thought she would pass out. He was taking this too far, and again I was hit with the thought this wasn't the best idea. As he sat there, callously observing Cherry, he looked every bit the part of a mob boss. Surely there wasn't any good reason for him to behave like this towards a child.

"But don't worry." Tom smiled, but it didn't feel amicable, "You're worth much more to me alive, however, that could change depending on you. So my advice to you would be to not make me angry."

His undisguised threat, not even directed at me, made me shiver. But because it was said to a child who couldn't be more than 10 I swallowed back my fear. Besides he's the one always telling me to speak up. I couldn't sit here any more and let him talk to a child like that.

"I-i...I think th-that's enough." Ugh. Why couldn't I have said that with a bit more confidence?

When I became the focus of Tom's gaze the bits of courage I had scrapped up threatened to crawl under a rock.

"Is that so?"

"Y-yes! She's j-just a kid! You shouldn't to her about such scary things. You even threatened her. Th-that's just too much."

Tom didn't respond and resulting silence felt oppressive. I fidgeted under his steely gaze until he looked back at Cherry without even giving my protest the courtesy of a reply.

"I take it you understand?"

"...Yes."

"Cherry," I quickly stepped in, "Look, this was a bad idea. I'll find another way to help you so let's-"

"Are you stupid?!" She cut me off with a glare, "There's no way he's letting me go now. Besides this is a best case scenario. I could've been killed the moment I arrived. If you took me to some rinky-dink clan I could've used them but I never expected to be taken to another Deathly Hallow."

How could she talk about death so easily? And it didn't look like she was scared anymore.

"Hmph, if the rest of your clan is like her then I might just slip out before you even know it."

Tom chuckled, "Thankfully that's not the case. You were right in your first assumption. She's just a...friend of mine."

Cherry pulled a disgusted face, "Friends with a muggle? Disgusting."

It was like the tense atmosphere from before was in my imagination. The two of them bantered back and forth, Cherry growing more animated as time progressed. She even began making demands for her own room and toys to play with. I had expected Tom to ignore her but he only told her to tell her assigned bodyguards. I was suddenly confused on who was exactly in charge anymore.

I sighed, "I don't get it."

I hadn't meant for anyone to hear me but Cherry replied as though the answer was obvious, "Of course a muggle wouldn't."

And there it was, that word again. Exhausted and more than frustrated with the situation I snapped back a bit more forceful then I intended.

"I'm the normal one here, and just what is a muggle? Why do you keep calling me that?"

"It's a term we use to refer to someone not affiliated with a gang. In other words, civilians."

Well that made sense, but I still didn't like the way she said it. Like I was below here, or some trash someone found out on the streets. And since I was asking I was curious about the other word they kept throwing around. At this time Klein brought over an icyhot patch and a wrap for Cherry's ankle. Without thinking I took the offered items and Cherry rested her leg on my lap with an expectant look.

'Her cute face is such a waste with that personality.'

"What was that other thing you two kept saying? Dead Hallow? What's that?"

Seeing Tom's smirk I couldn't help but feel I was asking questions I shouldn't be, but I couldn't help but be curious. Though, maybe this wasn't the safest thing to be curious about. Did I really want to learn any more about clan life?

"The Death Hallows is what we collectively call the most powerful clans out there. These clans consist of the top hierarchy in the underworld, and hold the most influence. Changes brought about by these clans could have wide reaching affects, even to the outside world."

"And you both are a part of them? How many are there?" The questions were asked before I could stop myself.

"Currently there are seven of us, but we typically have little to no interaction with one another."

"Not even accidentally?"

Tom crossed his legs, the gesture more graceful and attractive than I would care to admit. The black jeans he wore hugged his legs just right and made them look even longer than they were. Not to mention his pristine button up shirt, tucked neatly into his pants, and rolled up cuffs that showed off the lean muscle and veins along his forearms. I had to look away to avoid staring at the way his hand movements caused ripples of movement along his skin. Why were his hands so beautiful? And since when did I begin to take such notice in them?

"No. Our turfs aren't so small that such an incident would occur. Perhaps groups under our umbrella scuffle from time to time along the boarder, but nothing that would start anything substantial."

"...Umbrella?"

"Are you sure you should be tell so much to a muggle?"

I was actually in the same mind set at Cherry, finding it strange that he was telling me so much. However, more than that, I was was unsure as to where my curiosity came from. I knew I shouldn't ask any more, but...just having the knowledge wouldn't hurt anyone right? And I know Tom wouldn't tell me anything that I shouldn't know.

"It's fine. This is information easily found online-"

I knew it.

"-I told you about the Deathly Hallow and how we're at the top, but below us are groups that report to us and follow our command. In the Marvelo's case there are three groups that have direct communication with his. Those are the core groups, and each core group have groups under them, and so-on and so-forth."

"...I see...And those at the bottom are essentially grunt workers?"

"Essentially."

I didn't have the greatest understanding of everything but I did realize that a clan could be much larger than I expected. If a clan war was to break out the affects could be unreal.

But...then that didn't make sense. That means it wouldn't be a good idea to anger a clan in the Deathly Hallows, yet Tom had threatened Cherry. Isn't that asking for trouble? Furthermore, just who is she? Tom said that she was useful but wouldn't that imply that she was someone important? But if she was that important why was she alone? I took in Cherry's appearance once again, taking note of how high end her dirtied clothes were.

"How come you didn't have any bodyguards with you? You're someone important, right?"

"Hmph, of course I am. I'm the next Voldamort of the Cruciatis Clan." She stuck her nose up at me, "And you better not forget it."

"B-but...But y-your just a ch-child!" My mouth dropped in surprise. Of everything I was expecting it was not that. That means she was on the same level as Tom! But now I was even more confused. There is no way she would've been alone. Even I knew that Cherry was too valuable to be left unguarded.

It was at that moment my phone buzzed with a text from Trent asking where I was, prompting me to check the time. I didn't realize it had gotten so late! Despite my mixed feelings on leaving Cherry here I knew I didn't have much of a choice, so I quickly excused myself to go home. True her attitude wasn't the best but she was still young, lost and a long way from home. Could Tom even help her get back? What was his plan for her? If something went wrong it would be my fault because I was the one to bring her to him.

These thoughts stayed with me late into the night and even when I woke the next day. It left me feeling extra antsy that morning almost half expecting riots to be rampant on the streets. My worries must've shown on my face because Lola asked if I was alright. I nodded before explaining that I found a lost kid and left her with the police yesterday, but was still worried about her. Not quite the truth, but not exactly a lie.

My eyes instantly fell on Tom when I entered the room, feeling a little better at how normal he acted. Then again that didn't mean much to a guy with frightening control over their emotions. As the day progressed I could hardly concentrate. Worry for Cherry and the consequences of something going wrong were driving me crazy. Before long my flitting glances at Tom grew more frequent and longer until I was caught staring in the middle of class. It didn't help matters that he sat behind me.

Finally at lunch I sighed, more exhausted than I should be.

"So you gonna tell us why the interest in Riddle?" Kat asked twirling a pen in her hand.

"There is no interest."

"I don't know. Today isn't the first time you stared at him. You've been doing it a lot lately" Lola chipped in. Though I didn't want to be questioned, I was glad she was starting to participate in the conversations again.

"Guys, you know I wouldn't ever get involved with Tom. Having to deal with him for the English project was more interaction than I ever wanted."

At that moment Tom stood and left the room, purposefully catching my attention and making eye contact. I didn't know why but I though this could be my chance to ask him. None of his groupies were following him, and even Malfoy and Antonin stayed behind. Throwing the excuse of a bathroom trip I followed after Tom not giving a second thought at how I easily lied to the others.

Though he didn't look back at me it was clear he was aware of my presence, especially since we eventually ended up in a place where there was no one else around.

"Alright, Raven," He faced me with his trademark smirk, "You have my attention."

I took a mental deep breath to gather myself before speaking, "Were you able to help her get back home?"

"I fail to see how that matter concerns you any longer."

"Of course it does! I was was the one who brought her to you, and I want to make sure nothing happens."

He looked thoughtful for a moment, arms crossing during his contemplation. "I supposed it would indirectly be your fault should a war break out."

I winced, "B-but more than that she's only a-"

"Yes, yes "only a child". You've beaten that point into the ground." He took a step towards me and I retreated in response. "Enlighten me Raven. If someone more wise to the world is, as you put it, only a child what does that make you?"

"...I don't understand what you mean..."

"Of course you don't."

His tone suddenly changed, almost sounding cynical and he wasn't even hiding the growing contempt in his gaze. I felt the lump in my throat steadily growing with the intent to halt any attempt at speaking and my heart rate rapidly increased. Unconsciously I took another step back.

"Your gullibility is what got you into this situation with me in the first place." He scornfully smirked, "You didn't even give proper consideration to the contract you so compliantly signed."

He stepped forward.

I moved back.

"Because you don't understand you handed Cherry over to me."

He moved even closer but when I tried to step back I had no where else to go. My back hit the wall and my unease spiked from the realization. Before I could move he languidly placed his hands on either side of my head, trapping me there. His face, both handsome and terrifyingly frigid, was but a hair's breath away from me. I didn't know where to look so I settled for squeezing my eyes shut.

"I...Was only trying...to help. A-and I thought you could."

"And I will, in a way that benefits me."

"...How could you use a kid like that?"

He scoffed at my questions, the sound coming off twice as loud as our voices had dropped to whispers. "Cherry understands her position more than someone like you ever could."

I shook my head, finally opening my eyes, "But I still-"

"There is only one reason for your presence at my place." His sharps words cut me off and compelled me into silence. "And that is to be my slave every Sunday. Nothing more and nothing less, until I'm bored of you. All I want from you is your body. Not you're stiflingly naive morals."

I thought it was cruel of him to say that considering everything that I've been subjected to since this all began...but...He also wasn't wrong. My eyes fluttered down, landing on his chest, in defeat. Tom was probably right about Cherry. She even expressed that Tom's deal was a best case scenario...

But it all still bothered me. I couldn't stop myself from worrying about her, but there was nothing I could do to change Tom's decisions. Though it was a bitter pill to swallow, at this point, anything else I could say would only drive this conversation in a circle. I regretted not just going to my father first. She may have been mafia, but he would have done the right thing and brought her home. I shouldn't have let Cherry talk me out of my initial thoughts. If I didn't she could've been home by now.

"...Fine..."

A slender digit curled under my chin, and with gentle prodding, raised my face to meet it's owner. Though he smiled at me it didn't reach his eyes, and in them I recognized the same lack of empathy I've witnessed him deal with others with before. It was with those eyes that he claimed Malfoy and Antonin were pawns to be readily used. It was those eyes that told me I was used as bait.

Why was it that he made himself see people that way? Was it simply because he was in the mafia? He once told me that only 2 people existed in this world; the users and the used. At which point did he become the user? Was this warped view of people due to his time as the latter? Did his parents never teach him the value of a person's existence?

I hadn't realized I had been staring into his eyes, somehow hoping I would find my answers there but found only indifference as the school bell rang.

"She is no longer your concern." Were his final words before he left without looking back.

Tom's POV

Let's rewind time a bit. Back to the day before, right after Raven left Cherry behind at the Marvelo Clan.

Now left alone with the young girl I quietly pondered on the current state of affairs. There was no logical reason for the Cruciatis Clan to allow her to roam about without an escort. Furthermore, just what was she doing on my turf? My area of control was rather small in comparison to the other Boss', but to the boarder of our two clans from here would be roughly 3 hours of driving. Next was the state of her dress and injuries. Could she had been kidnapped? But if so why come so close to my home base?

"Cherry, how is it that you are here?" I would only get answers by questioning her and there was no merit in tiptoeing around the issue.

She shrugged, "Don't know."

"Then what do you know. And don't lie to me."

He cheeks puffed in annoyance and she glared at the floor. It was clear she wasn't accustomed to being ordered around.

"I told you I don't know...I was on a school trip to Miridian Aquarium and people from my clan picked me up. I fell asleep and when I woke up I was tied up in a room. I escaped, ran then not too long later bumped into that muggle."

"And the two from your clan?"

"Who knows. Maybe killed by who ever tied me up."

There was a high probability of that, and the aquarium she mentioned was not an hour from here so that explains her presence.

"This was when?"

"Mmmm...It was a 2 day 1 night trip for the weekend...And it was during our last day so Sunday."

Now that's interesting. If I were to follow her story she was picked up by her clan and fell asleep. Then after waking and escaping, almost immediately ran into Raven.

"...But..." She frowned, shifting a bit uncomfortably, "...The muggle told me that it's Wednesday today..."

"That's correct. Is there anything else that you remember?"

She shook her head.

So she has been missing for at least 2 days now. The kidnapping of a clan's heir is not something you want to broadcast, and it is relatively recent so it's possible that rumors haven't had the chance to spread yet. However, the fact that there hasn't been any strange movements from the clan in question is odd. Either the Cruciatis Clan is handling this extremely cautiously or something is going on internally.

"Does your ankle hurt?" I inquired upon noticing her rotate the foot with a grimace. I stood to kneel before her and gingerly grabbed her foot to inspect it. Raven did a nice job wrapping it.

"W-what!"

Surprised by the squeak I looked up to see Cherry blushing but somehow still maintaining her stubborn frown. I chuckled and the blush deepened.

"H-how dare you laugh at me! Just b-because you happen to be good looking doesn't mean you can just touch people so suddenly!" She crossed her arms, "I'll have you know I already have a fiance!"

I let go of her ankle only to pick her up in a princess carry. This only made her stutter and I was almost sure I could see the steam coming out of her ears.

"It's best if you stay off your ankle for now, so I'll carry you to your room." I turned to Klein, "Have Tinker prepare something for her and bring it to the room Raven used before."

"Hmph! F-fine then," She crossed her arms, "I'll make an exception to your rudeness this time. Also, no carrots. I hate them."

"As the princess wishes."

Later that evening I instructed Jake, Nanashi and an individual named Rupert Flint to investigate this matter. They would take a few men each and head out in the early morning, with the deadline of having some information by the time I return from school. Once that was dealt with I updated Abraxas, Antonin and Mr. Millaro on the situation.

The next morning I found Cherry sitting at the dining tale already having made herself at home and was haughtily ordering my people around. Her ability to remain so dauntlessly arrogant even in such a situation could almost be praising. Sadly, arrogance was but a thin line from stupidity. She would constantly tell people she was Voldamort of the Cruciatis Clan, and in response I had to place a gag order on the information. I had assumed that keeping that information secret had need not be said, but clearly I was wrong.

Though, it was this I gleamed some information. She referred to herself as the Voldamort and not future Voldamort. A slip of the tongue or something more? It's well known that her clan's Voldamort has been in poor health for the past few years, only increasing after the passing of his wife. Since the news of his declining health there hasn't been much else about him, and there were rumors he had passed. Could they be true?

During breakfast I questioned her a bit more on the day she was kidnapped. Seems like she drank some water before suddenly feeling sleepy. Something about this wasn't right and it was that feeling that I didn't simply send word she was found. Furthermore, if this situation wasn't handled correctly they could claim we took her. On the other hand, having that clan own me something could be valuable, but this was a big decision and one that I shouldn't make lightly.

I wasn't this clan's Voldamort.

"Mr. Millaro. I would like to have a meeting with Voldamort this afternoon. Please have it arranged."

"Yes sir."

"Also...Make sure to keep her out of sight and trouble. Her mouth is rather loose."

"Of course, sir."

The day progressed, and outside of a rather interesting conversation with my curious pet, the day ended quickly and uneventfully. Once we were in the car and heading back home, Abraxas opened his tablet.

"I've been kept updated and it seems that the 3 you've sent out have learned something. I'm still sorting through everything and will report it to you later. In the meantime Mr. Millaro has informed me that Lord Voldamort will be calling you today on the office phone in the next two hours."

"Noted. Have the information ready for me after the call."

"Yes, Boss."

At home I was surprised, though borderline impressed, with how much more comfortable she seemed compared to only a few hours ago. You would think I walked into her place if you weren't aware. When she spotted me she came over, only a slight limp in her step. She came to a stop, hands on her hip and glaring at me.

"About time you've returned. How dare you keep me waiting."

"Apologies. Looks like you're fairing better all around."

"Hmph, I guess. At the very least the people here know how to follow orders, and I guess-" She tugged at the hem of the light blue dress she wore, "-the clothes aren't complete rags."

"Well if you are displeased tell me what it is you prefer and I'll have someone purchase it for you."

Cherry gave me a side glance with a slight pout and darkened cheeks, "Alright, but don't think that you buying me things will make me like you." She then ran off with the two attendance assigned to her.

It appears she has also warmed up to me as well. Seems obtaining crushes knew no age limits.

"That girl is strange." Mr. Millaro began as he accompanied me to the office. "She doesn't seem worried about her situation at all and has made no indication of trying to make outside contact. Either she is enjoying this "freedom" from her clan or there is something she isn't telling us."

"I have my own theories, but for now we won't rush in blindly."

"As you say...Oh yes, in regards to your upcoming call, I have updated Lord Voldemort on the current developments."

With a brief nod I excused him, and with no delay between me entering the room and closing the door the phone rang.

"I've heard a rather fascinating tale this morning, Riddle."

My grandfather, and current Voldamort of our clan, Marvelo Riddle was a man that I simultaneously respected and despised. He raised me as the sole heir to the Marvelo Clan, and as so was the nearest thing to a parental figure I had. He was a man who's ambition was dwarfed only by the size of his ego and narcissism, and yet no one could deny that his rein as Voldemort could be considered our clan's glory days. Even through the phone his authority was potent enough that even someone like myself would think twice before going against him. As I have learned many times it was a fools errand to do so unless every minute detail had been accounted for, but through these failures I had strengthened my own fangs to sink into others. And soon Voldamort will be no different.

"Yes, as you have heard Cherry Valski is in my possession and as of now I am looking into the reason for her appearance."

"Once you've found out the reason what do you plan to do?"

"Depends on the information. That clan specializes in the skill needed for that matter. So for her return I'll request their service."

Voldamort chuckled deeply, sounding both amused and proud of my bold statement, "Blackmailing a Deathly Hallow? Is that really so smart?"

"I'd like to think of it as asking a mere favor. I'm sure this trade would be beneficial to us both..."

"However?"

"...I am well aware how this could be interpreted. As though concocted by us from the very beginning. Also there is the matter of the girl's story which makes me question."

"I did not raise a fool, so I trust you are aware of the current relationship between our two clans?"

I found myself frowning at the leading question, "Of course I am aware. That things could go wrong for the entire clan is the sole reason for this call."

"Then stop wasting my time and get to the point."

"Gladly. Permit me free reign to handle this situation as I see fit without the need to consult. You can consider it training."

There was silence on the other end, but I knew it wasn't meaningful. It was a power tactic, one I often used when I wanted others sweat for a bit as I pretended to mull it over. Though in this case it was merely to annoy me as he was keenly aware of my impatience over taking his position. If I were already Voldamort then I wouldn't need to see him for anything, but that day was still long off. There were still many things I needed to learn, and as much as I loathed to admit, as I was now I wouldn't be able to give the clan the support it needed.

"Very well, Riddle. However, be prepared should things turn sour. Between your head or the Clan, there is only one clear choice."

"Hn, just who do you think you're talking to? No matter how this turns out it will be beneficial to the clan."

"I expect nothing less."

It was custom the the higher ranked person to end the call, in case they had more to say, but I had assumed the conversation was over. Thus so, I didn't expect what he said next.

"By the way, make sure your new pet stays on a short leash."

So Mr. Millaro did tell him. Not surprising.

"Not to worry, I'm almost done with it."

I waited for the click before slowly hanging up the phone.