Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, all rights go to JK Rowling. I only own my own OCs.

Chapter 8: Tom Marvolo Riddle Jr.

December 24, 1992 - 10:57 pm

Sienna laid on her stomach on her bed with parchment and ink infront of her, her quil in her hand. She began writing a letter to her father to ensure him that she got home safely, but also to confide in him a bit.

Ever since her conversation with Tom within the diary, she has been hearing more whispers. She has been on edge, and even when Alesia speaks to her, she jumps at the sound of the voice. She has questioned her feelings for Draco, and even her friendships that she has made at school.

She dipped her quil in the ink, and began to write.

Dad,

I made it home safely last evening. Mum picked me up from Kings Cross around 7:00. I hope you had a good night's sleep finally. Christmas Eve usually entails mum, Remus, and I having dinner, Remus brought chocolate frogs. Mum made a big spiral ham. It's a nice night to relax. I wish you could have made it this year. Maybe next year you can celebrate with us all.

I've been thinking a lot since yesterday. I've been feeling sort of...down. Like I'm alone in the world. I'm not sure where this is coming from all of a sudden. I just hope you know that you mean a lot to me. You've made my life better.

Happy Christmas, Dad.

Love,

Sienna

Sienna made sure the ink was dry, folded it into an envelope, and gave the note to Mavi. She flew away into the night, barely noticeable from afar with her dark feathers glistening with the moon. Sienna hopped off her bed, walking to grab a glass of water, and then it happened again.

"Sienna…"

She stopped dead in her tracks. She turned around and noticed the black diary still sitting in her school bag. Although she couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, she felt as if the diary had a strange ringing noise within earshot. She slowly walked towards her bag and noticed the ringing getting louder.

"Worthless…Nothing...No one…"

A feeling of helplessness flooded over her, like a blanket suddenly engulfing her body. A few more steps and the whispers sounded like they were almost right next to her.

"Blood...traitor…"

Sienna felt tears pricking her eyes as she reached for the diary. She grabbed it, and suddenly the ringing and whispers stopped. She opened the diary slowly, finding a page already written on from Tom.

*You're better off without them all, Sienna dear. I'm your friend now.*

Sienna's breath hitched and she felt her throat go dry. She walked back to her bed with the diary and sat down, diary in her lap. She grabbed her quil, dipped into the ink, and began to write.

Tom, I have plenty of friends...and family…

*But dear girl, you keep hiding the fact that you have my diary in your possession. Why would you lie to your friends and family?*

I didn't think it was that serious, Tom.

*But you trust me, don't you?*

How can I trust someone I've never met?

*I've met your father before, him and I were excellent friends. And I know of your mother from the way your father talked about her. How could you not trust me?*

But…mum or dad have never mentioned you.

*Memories fade, dear girl. How come your friends have not written to you since you've been home?*

It's the holidays. They're busy celebrating.

*And that Draco boy… he hasn't written you either.*

Sienna's heart sunk a bit. It was true, Draco did not write asking if she got there safely and to have a good Christmas. She felt tears prick her eyes. Maybe he only did see her as a friend, nothing more than that. But.. does Draco have any friends that are girls? A tear slid down her cheek and onto the old, brittle pages.

*Do not cry, dear girl. You and I have each other.*

With a huff, Sienna closed the diary and placed it on her nightstand. She slipped under the covers, turned off her light, and lay silently in bed.

December 25, 1992 - 7:18am

Alesia poured herself a cup of coffee while she waited for Remus to show up for gifts. She watched the snow fall softly outside, the world quiet and still. She smiled to herself, grateful for this time she had at this moment. Alesia then realized her daughter wasn't awake yet. She headed down the hall and opened the door. In the queen size bed slept Sienna, her chest rising and falling every few seconds. Alesia smiled to herself once more and walked quietly to the bed. As she leaned over to wake up Sienna, she noticed the black diary that sat on her nightstand. With an eyebrow raised, Alesia grabbed the little black book. When she felt it, a jolt of memories suddenly hit her.

June 4, 1978

"Severus, what's that you have there?"

"Just been writing a bit for work."

"It looks old."

"It's an antique I found at Flourish and Botts. Like it?"

"It's not my cup of tea, Severus, but it suits you well."

November 10, 1979

"Severus, you're always writing in that bloody diary. What in Merlin's name are you writing?"

"Alesia, this doesn't concern you."

January 27, 1980

"I've had enough of your secrets, Severus! Why won't you tell me what is going on!"

"You are pushing your boundaries, Black. Tread lightly."

"Don't you dare call me that."

"Know your place. This is not something that concerns you."

December 25, 1992 - 7:19 am

Alesia froze where she stood. How did Sienna get possession of this? Why is it there? It must've been Severus. How else would she have gotten it? Sienna stirring from her sleep knocked her out of her thoughts. Alesia quickly placed the diary back onto the nightstand, making a mental note to grab the book later. Sienna's bright blue eyes fluttered open, a smile on her face. "Morning, mum."

"Happy Christmas, love. I was just coming to wake you up!" Alesia smiled softly, pretending like she didn't see the diary.

Sienna sat up in bed, stretching and yawned. "Happy Christmas! Has the post come today, or have you seen mavi? I sent a letter to dad last night."

Alesia swallowed, nervous that Severus is provoking this girl into the dark arts. "I haven't checked. Let's go look."

Sienna hopped out of bed, dressed in red flannel pajama bottoms and a black long sleeve shirt. Her long black hair up in a messy bun. Her locket laid on top of her shirt. Together, they walked to the kitchen, where Mavi was waiting patiently outside the window. Sienna smiled and opened the window. Mavi had a letter in her mouth with hand writing that looked like her father's. She gave Mavi a treat and grabbed the letter. Mavi flew inside and into her brass cage. Sienna opened the letter from her father gingerly.

Sienna,

Happy Christmas, dear. I'm glad to hear that you made it to your mother's safely. I am at the school, writing this as I sit in the Great Hall with the rest of the teachers and Professor Dumbledore. It's snowing here, but I'm managing to keep warm. I'm sorry you're feeling down lately. Is there a particular reason why? I hope nothing serious. You can always talk to me whenever you feel the need, along with your mother. I know you're twelve and all now, but I do know that we care about you immensely.

If you need anything, just make sure there's a treat for me after.

Just kidding.

Best,

Dad

Sienna smiled at the letter. She was placing the letter down when she heard a crack in the living room. She turned around to find Remus with a few gift bags in his hands, his wand in the other. She smiled even bigger. "Remus!"

Remus smiled at the girl running towards him, catching her with his arms wide open. He kissed the top of Sienna's head with a small chuckle escaping his throat. "Hello, Sea! Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas! Did you wake up early just for us?"

"Silly girl, I always wake up early."

Sienna raised her eyebrow, a look of disagreement on her face. Remus smiled, "Fine. Yes I did wake up early for you both."

"Moony!" a voice sounded from the hallway. Alesia walked gracefully down the hallway towards her dear friend. Remus smiled and wrapped his arms around the woman.

"Happy Christmas, Alesia."

"You as well! Care for some tea, coffee?"

"Tea is great, thanks."

Alesia retreated to the kitchen while Sienna and Remus sat on the large cream colored couches. All three sat and opened presents and talked to each other. Sienna couldn't help but think how lucky she was to be surrounded by people who love her on a daily basis. In the back of her mind, she heard the faint ringing again, but this time it wasn't getting louder. It was almost like it was…

"Constant," Sienna whispered.

"What was that, sweetheart?" Alesia asked.

Sienna snapped her head towards her mother and shook it fast, almost too fast. "Nothing, mum. Sorry, was thinking about homework again."

Alesia looked at her questionly, but didn't push the matter. She sipped her tea and continued her conversation with Remus. Sienna took a pillow that was on the couch and hugged it to her chest.

Constant.