Chapter 7 Safeguard

Struan's POV

Struan paced back and forth in his study, his mind racing with worry. He had to protect his younger sister now more than ever. Their father, Lord Voldemort, had been increasingly intolerant of any signs of doubt or weakness. He knew that Senna's contemplative nature and occasional questioning could easily put her in grave danger.

After much deliberation, he had decided on a course of action. He would arrange for her to receive Occlumency lessons. It was a risky plan, but it was the only way to ensure her safety.

"Senna," he called softly, stepping into her room. She looked up from her book, her eyes wide with curiosity. "I need to talk to you about something important."

She set her book aside and gave her brother her full attention. She looked genuinely pleased to see him, and it made his heart flutter warmly. Before her homecoming, no one in the estate was ever pleased to see him. "What is it, brother?" She said affectionately.

"We're going to add occlumency to your lessons," Struan began, watching her reaction closely. "I know it's a difficult subject, but it's essential. Aurors may target you and your motives."

She nodded slowly. "I understand. If it will help protect me, I'll do it."

The lessons began the very next day.

"Occlumency is the art of closing one's mind against external penetration," he explained. "It requires discipline, focus, and immense willpower. Are you ready to begin?"

She nodded.

The lessons were grueling. The mental exercises were exhausting.

As days turned into weeks, slowly but surely, his sister began to make progress. She learned to clear her mind of all thoughts and focus her willpower into an impenetrable shield.

One evening, after an especially challenging session, she collapsed onto her bed, her mind throbbing with fatigue. Struan entered her room and sat beside her, his eyes filled with concern.

"You're doing great," he said proudly. "I know it's hard, but you're making progress. I'm proud of you."

She managed a weak smile. "Thank you, brother. I just didn't realize occlumency would make our usual training so much more exhausting."

The summer days had grown long and warm. As the weeks passed, Senna's skills in both blood magic, dark magic, and occlumency improved dramatically. She learned to control her emotions, summon enormous amounts of power, and control it effortlessly.

Finally, after months of intense training, he declared that she was ready. "You've learned all that I can teach you," he said.

Struan watched with pride. He knew how much she had grown, but he also knew the dangers that lay ahead.

"Senna," he began, his voice tense. "When you return to Hogwarts, I want you to hold your head up high. Remember, you are above them, superior in every way. It'll take patience to be around those who are not as capable as you are."

Senna looked at him, her eyes filled with questions. "How did you like it at Hogwarts? Will we be in the same classes?"

He looked at her somberly. He took a deep breath before replying, "I never attended Hogwarts, Senna. And I won't be attending with you."

Surprised, she asked, "Why not? Why didn't you go to Hogwarts?"

Struan hesitated, searching for the right words. He had many years of practice in the art of lying. Luckily, it wasn't a complete lie. "I'm needed elsewhere," he said reluctantly. "There are things I must do, responsibilities I must uphold. But I wish I could be with you in every moment."

She seemed disappointed but nodded. "I see. I'll miss you."

Struan smiled. He would miss her too, more than she knew. But it brought him solace, knowing that he would be in her thoughts. "Remember what you've learned. Stay strong, stay focused on the mission. You have the potential to save the world."

After another long evening of grueling training, Senna and Struan lay side by side on the damp lawn of their estate, the night sky a vast canvas of stars above them. The cool grass pressed against their backs.

"Look," She pointed out, her voice soft with awe. "The stars are so beautiful tonight."

Struan nodded in agreement, though his gaze was fixed on his sister's beautiful face. He pondered the last few months and how they had been the happiest he'd ever been, thanks to Senna. "They are. They remind me that there's a world beyond all of this… chaos."

They lay in silence for a while, the only sound the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.

He dreaded her return to Hogwarts. Though their father had an important mission for her, he didn't want to be alone again. He would return to being the disappointing heir. The wrong child of the prophecy—a waste of space. Would his father even look at him after his 'real' heir departed the estate? Would he have any use for him at all?

"Struan, can I ask you something?" Her velvet voice pierced his gloomy thoughts.

"Of course," he replied, his tone gentle but guarded.

"Tell me about our mother. Where is she? Why have I never met her?"

He frowned, and the distaste left a bitter taste in his mouth. He hesitated, then spoke with a controlled voice: "Our mother, Elena, is being punished. She betrayed the Dark Lord. She kept you hidden from us, from him."

She turned to him, her innocent eyes widened in shock. "Why would she do that?"

"She was weak," he said bitterly. "A coward. She thought she could keep you from your destiny by hiding you. But in doing so, she betrayed us all."

She didn't miss the discontent in his voice. "Do you hate her?"

He sighed, his gaze drifting back to the stars. "I don't like talking about her. She made her choice, and she's paying the price for it. I can't respect someone who runs from their responsibilities."

"Why do you think she wanted to keep me from my destiny?" She asked quietly.

He turned to look at his sister, his eyes softening for a moment. "It doesn't matter. She should have stood by our side, father's side. Instead, she chose the path of a coward."

She nodded slowly, absorbing his words.

The night felt heavier now, and the stars were less bright. He couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for the mother he lost. But it was overshadowed by hate. The foolish actions that led to her arrest were the reason he spent most of his life motherless.

"I'm sorry," he said, breaking the silence. "I wish I could give you a better answer. I wish things were different."

"It's okay," she replied, her voice steady. "Thank you for telling me. Someday, things will be different, when we set the world right again."

He let out a breath of silent agreement. Together, they would fix this world and bring about the world their father envisioned.

Senna's POV

The day for Senna to return to Hogwarts came unwillingly. The morning air was dense with dread. Before she could leave, however, she had one final obligation—a briefing with her father.

Lord Voldemort's presence was as unnerving as ever. His serpentine features and cold, piercing red eyes made even the bravest tremble. However, she had learned to mask her fear, standing tall and composed as she faced him.

"Senna," Voldemort hissed, his voice echoing ominously in the chamber. "You are ready for your mission?"

"Yes, Father," she replied, her voice steady.

"Good," he said, his eyes narrowing. "Your task is simple yet crucial. You must purify Hogwarts from the inside out. Drive the half-breeds and Muggle-borns from the institution in subtle and effective ways. But remember, you must not get caught. Recruit others who will be useful to us. Failure is not an option."

She nodded, the weight of his words settling heavily on her shoulders. "I understand."

"Do not disappoint me, Senna," he said, his gaze sharp and unyielding.

With that, she was dismissed and returned to her quarters, where Struan was anxiously waiting. He rose quickly as she entered, his eyes filled with concern.

"What did he say?" Struan asked, his voice tense.

She took a deep breath. "My mission is to purify Hogwarts. I'm to drive the half-breeds and Muggle-borns out, and I must help find young recruits."

His face hardened. "I know you can do it. Just be careful, Senna. Trust no one but me."

Before they could say more, there was a knock at the door. Lucius Malfoy stepped inside, his expression one of polite indifference. "It's time, Princess."

She turned to her brother, emotions swirling within her. "I'll miss you."

Struan embraced her tightly, whispering, "Good luck, Senna. Remember everything you've learned."

"I will," she replied, her voice filled with determination.

With one last look at her brother, she followed Lucius out of the room. As they made their way to the carriage that would take her to train station, she steeled herself for the mission. She knew that failure was not an option.

A pale blonde boy who appeared to be a year or so younger than her sat next to her in the carriage. He trembled with nervousness. Nervous and chaotic thoughts poured from him. But she didn't need to hear his thoughts to know he was afraid of her.

She knew him to be the esteemed son of the Malfoys, but the fearful thoughts that poured from him made her lose respect for him. So she paid him no attention.

As they reached the bustling train station, the platform's hustle and bustle filled the air. Families bid farewell to their children, and students chatted excitedly while waiting to board the scarlet Hogwarts Express.

She moved through the bustling crowd, her presence drawing gasps and whispers from those who recognized her. This was to be expected. Struan had warned her that as the daughter of Lord Voldemort, she was a figure of fear, admiration, and curiosity, and people couldn't help but talk. She was also told that as a student with good academic standing and a clean criminal record, she had nothing to fear from the Aurors.

Ignoring the stares and murmurs, she focused on her mission. She lugged her trunk with purpose.

Senna boarded the train, her movements deliberate and confident. The whispers followed her as she made her way down the corridor, looking for an empty compartment. Unchecked thoughts filled the air in a cacophony of noise. She felt the weight of every gaze, every hushed comment, but she didn't let it affect her. Her focus was unwavering.

Finding an empty compartment near the back of the train, she entered and locked the door behind her. She settled into the seat, her eyes scanning the landscape outside as the train began to move. The whispers and curious glances from students passing by her compartment windows were audible, but she tuned them out. She needed this moment of solitude to gather her thoughts and steel herself for the task ahead.

As the train chugged along the tracks, the unfamiliar sights of the countryside blurred past the window. Senna allowed herself a moment to breathe, to center her mind. She replayed her father's words in her head, reminding herself of the importance of her mission. She had to be careful, methodical, and, above all, successful.

Hours passed, and the landscape gradually transformed from the flat plains to the rolling hills. She refocused her eyes from the scenery outside to her own reflection. Her dark eyes were lined with eyeshadow and eyeliner, giving her a dark yet handsome look. Instead of her usual mane of midnight black hair, Narcissa had helped her style it with bangs, which mysteriously shadowed her eyes. Her new look was daunting and intimidating, which would lend assistance in her mission at Hogwarts.

The excitement and chatter of the students outside her compartment grew louder, but she remained in her bubble of focus.

Finally, the train began to slow, and the towering silhouette of Hogwarts Castle came into view. She stood, straightening her robes and preparing to disembark.

As the train pulled into Hogsmeade Station, she took a deep breath and stepped out of her compartment. She moved with purpose, ignoring the stares and whispers that followed her. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, armed with her training and the determination to fulfill her mission.

The cool evening air greeted her as she stepped onto the platform. The call of "First years, this way!" rang out, but Senna's focus was elsewhere. She knew where she needed to go, and she was ready to begin her mission. With her head held high, she made her way towards the carriages that would take her to the castle, ready to purify the school from the inside out.