" You have been expecting me " said Voldemort. " You are Mr Aaron Keller are you not?"
" I am " replied the man. " And I would like to see my betrayer. The one who revealed my hiding place."
" You do realise " laughed Voldemort. " That fighting against me is a hopeless cause. Who are you're leaders?"
Aaron spat. " I refuse to harm innocent people. Pure blood or Muggleborn."
Voldemort raised his wand. " I am going to make you an offer Keller. Help me kill Potter and I will spare your life and that of your daughters."
" You stay away from Virginia " cried Aaron. "She is only a little girl. I will not help you , that Potter boy is special. I believe he has the strength to save this wizarding world from you. You are a liar , the moment I help you , you will order your followers to kill me."
" You are right " sneered Voldemort. " But my offer could have prolonged your life for at least three weeks." Voldemort raised his wand. " Goodbye Mr Keller."
" Daddy ...Daddy what's wrong? A little girl raced down the stairs and placed her head on her Fathers knee." Why do you look so sad?" She looked over at Voldemort , her face showing no sign of fear.
Aaron took her little hand in his and squeezed it tight. He bent down and whispered softly.
" Virginia darling. You have to go back to bed. I want you to run upstairs and lock the door using that spell I taught you. Remember it , then send Petree your owl to Aunty Mylene. She'll come and get you then. Okay."
She looked up sweetly at him and sighed. " Cant you come upstairs and read to me?"
His heart felt as heavy as lead as he knew these were the last moments he would ever spend with his daughter. " You have to be a good girl and do as I say Virginia."
Voldemort gave a bitter laugh. " I dont have time for this."
Aaron wiped the tears from his daughters face. He kissed her goodnight and she walked back up the stairs , the sound of her weeping could be heard as she left. Aaron bit his lip as it faded away.
Voldemort stepped forward. " You show no signs of fear."
" Why should I?"
" Your betrayer as you call her...was very loyal to me."
" Her? questioned Aaron sounding worried.
" Yes " said Voldemort. " Come out Bella."
Belletrix pulled down her hood and walked forward.
Aaron gasped in horror. " You...my wife...you told me you had changed...our daughter."
" Get over it " cried Belletrix. " Any fool would know my devotion to the Dark Lord would never waver."
Aaron cried and began to breathe rapidly.
" AVADA KEDAVRA " yelled Voldemort.
" DADDDY " screamed Virginia as she clung to the rails of the stairs.
" Quickly " said one of the Death Eaters. " Someone cast the Dark Mark and lets get out of here , before the Aurors get wind of this."
Virginia held her breath , but she could not help the tears rolling down her cheeks. She quickly remembered her Fathers words and made an attempt to escape. Voldemort saw her waved the wand and she was flung in front of him.
" Kill her " he said placidly to Macnair. He raised his wand.
" NO " screamed Belletrix. " Thats my daughter. My Lord she has done no wrong. Please spare her. I promise I will raise her properly and then when the time comes , she will excell in the Dark Arts and follow the Dark Lord proudly. But please dont kill her."
Voldemort laughed cruelly. " You sacrifice your own husband but you spare your daughter. These human emotions I do not understand them. They only show weakness and failure." Virginia looked at her Mother. Her eyes narrowed. She had betrayed her Father.
" No , No my Lord. I am not weak. I am merely providing you with a faithfull servant for the future."
" Well then prove it " laughed Voldemort and he handed her a wand. " If human emotions do not come before your devotion to me , prove it. Torture your daughter Belle."
Belletrix looked at him with horror. " My Lord...I ...cant..."
" As I said Bella. Weak..."
She took the wand from his grasp and faced Virginia. " Stand up " she ordered. Virginia stood up , her little face confused and wary. Her light blue dress tipped the edge of the floor.
" CRUCIO " cried Belletrix. Virginia slumped to the floor , screaming and begging her to stop.
" Stop Mummy. Please stop..."
Belletrix shook as she held her wand firm. A picture of Horror was plastered on the other Death Eaters Faces , but Voldemort had a happy grin seeping on his pale face. He laughed as he watched her squirm and cry for mercy.
Belletrix dropped the wand and Virginia remained still. " I'm too tired " she gasped. " I cant go any further " said Belletrix.
" Why is she so still? " asked a Death Eater. "Others usually talk or scream afterwards."
" This is the first child you have ever performed it on " said Voldemort. " The pain and the impact was bound to be have been horrific for the child. I expect she is unconcious."
Voldemort turned around and addressed the Death Eaters. " Bella here has proved her worth as my follower." Belletrix gave a faint smile but failed to take her eyes of Virginia. " All of you have to separate your emotions from power. You cannot expect to be strong if you let your feelings take over. You have to grow immune to sympathy , terror " he looked at Belletrix and Virginia. " And love. When you have done this , you will truly be a leader."
