Chapter three

Authoress: I spaced the story out so it would be easier to read

~*~

A tap on the shoulder woke her. She opened her eyes to find a robed stranger standing before her. His face was in the shadows of his hood and could not be seen. Knowing him not to be one the Hogwarts staff, Selina fumbled for her wand and opened her mouth to scream "Silenso!" the hooded man bellowed firmly, and no sound came from Selina's mouth. The stranger began to speak ", Young witch," he began ", I come at our father's bidding."

At these worlds, Selina's rage and fear crumbled and turned to joy, she had long since thought her father to be dead. She was almost afraid to let this hope grow, after all, how was she to know if this stranger told the truth...

"The identity of your father may come as a surprise, so brace yourself..." the stranger continued

"I want to know who my father is," said Selina, a bit hesitantly

"Your father's name is Tom Riddle," the stranger said and when he saw no sign of surprise on Selina's face, he continued... "Tom Riddle is also known to most of the wizarding world as Lord Voldermort."

Selina could feel her face growing pale as the shock sank in. "No...no way..." she thought, "my father can not be Lord Voldermort...this guy was sent to scare me...or else he's just crazy..."

"I know you do not believe me, Selina," the other said, a bit gruffly, "but if you care to see your father...here is a present from him." And he handed the astonished girl a package...wrapped in satin and neatly labeled "For my daughter, Selina." In a moment...the man disappeared...leaving Selina alone and wondering.

He had apparated of course; traveling as all wizards usually did and since they were on Hogwarts grounds...apparation was perfectly possible. But he had left a whole library of questions for Selina...and though she was dying to open the package, she refrained, knowing that it was dangerous to take presents from strangers. Opened unchecked, a present could turn into a deathly wish, able to manipulate both the body and mind. Against her heart's desire, she laid the package on the seat and left the now silent compartment...not wanting to be alone any longer...
"Lies...lies...all lies..." mumbled Selina as she strode from train cart to train cart. "I am not and never will be a daughter to the Dark Lord!"

But why...why would the stranger lie...maybe he was telling the truth?

The girl could feel all color drain out of her skin...she glanced at her hand and was immediately filled with spite...not at the world, but at herself. In those veins of her wrist flowed dark blood, evil blood, capable of great destruction. No matter what she did, she would not be able to flee her heritage. "Why am I thinking this way?" she asked herself. "Why am I believing a mere stranger?"

Yet she did believe him...and if he told the truth...a new plan of the Dark Lord would be starting. What could she do? How could she ever rise against her father?

~*~

Daughter of an immortal, Scion of a world. I give to thee choice, To commit good or ill.

Darkness would help you, Giving the power you seek, While light will weaken, Hold you to its boundaries.

Daughter of Darkness, Seeker of Light, I give thee choice, Of shadow or right.

So read the inscription upon the wooden box. Yes, it was the same box that the stranger had given her. There was no doubt about its meaning...a choice...yet it was the same choice that Selina had carried in her heart for so long...