A conversation – 9 years after Merope leaves.

Anya had been sitting on her window seat reading her favourite book "Beauty and the Beast"; magic had always fascinated her, turning one thing into another. In secret, Anya already done some magic, she had managed to turn the colours of flowers; a deep red became black, then silver. Once her father had caught her, she had never seen him so angry, the veins had even come up on his neck, he made her swear never to do it again, but it's not like she could control it.

Life with her father was pretty dull, they would talk to each other, but lately her father had been detached sometimes, she would not see him for days this didn't faze her however, she could spend hours in her room with a book and not feel lonely.

Her Grandparents however were a different matter. When she was younger they had always doted upon her, lavishing her with gifts fit for a princess, let alone a 9 year old girl. All it took was one conversation between them and her father, and it all stopped. She remembered listening in from behind the door.

Tom Riddle and the his parents were sitting at the dining room table, in deep conversation. Anya was sitting at the end of the table, reading a book whilst twiddling a strand of her hair.

"Anya, can you please leave for a second, I need to speak with your grandparents" Her father asked her. Anya sighed, having a sneaking suspicion about what this conversation was going to be about.

"Sure Daddy, I have some homework to do anyway. See you later Grandma, Grandpa." She replied kissing her grandparents cheeks, knowing full well where she would be able to listen.

Once she had left the room, she made a big deal of walking up the stairs, making sure that they heard it, before tip toeing down the stairs and behind the door. Obviously the plan worked as her father wasted no time before launching into the tale of what he had seen her doing to the plant.

"Are you sure dear, are you sure you saw her changing the colour, it seem so impossible? She can't possibly be a witch? She is just a child..." Her grandmothers stated her voice low with sorrow, and maybe fear.

"I'm sure, as much as I hate to admit it, I'm afraid that my daughter may be infected with the same disease as her ... mother." He paused choosing his words carefully "And we all know what she was capable off, her lies and deception" Her father broke off, obviously angry, he took a deep breath before continuing "I don't know what to do, what if she gets invited to that...school? What can I do?"

Nobody said anything for a while. Suddenly her grandfather Squire Riddle spoke up. "Maybe if... you had a mother figure here for her, it might put her back on the right track...? I hear that Countess Plight is single again. It would be a wise match, a second chance, for both of you."

"Maybe your right, after all she is hitting that age when she'll need a woman around the place. I can't deal with that." Her father broke off, obviously embarrassed.

"Well call us again, if it ... does happen, her birthday is soon, maybe then." Her grandmother concluded I knew full well that she didn't want to say the word "magic". The conversation had ended there, and Anya ran back up to her room, contemplating what he had said. Infected? Disease?

Her Grandma wasn't the same towards her anymore. Her grandfather who had never really acted friendly towards her, was just the same. Don't get her wrong they were kind to her, but a child needs more than just kindness, they need love.

Life hadn't been the same especially when SHE turned up...