The Footsteps of my Father

THIS IS A HORRIBLE CHAPTER!!!!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

Everything is revealed and there's quite a nasty end . . . .

You will not like the ending, you have been warned . . . .

oh, and please review! *no death threats!* lol


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The Footsteps of my Father

Chapter Seventeen

-Reign of Tears-

Sindaria swallowed, looking at the man that stood before her. He was tall, about a foot and a half taller than she was, and she was tall for her age. He wore black clothes, boots, and a spotless black robe, the sleeves hanging nearly to the ground. A mask of some sort had been lifted back over his head, making the hood settle around it. His dark gray eyes, cold and penetrating, seemed to look straight through her and she had the feeling that he was inspecting her. His lips were set in a slight sneer and his pale face contrasted with his black clothes and the bits of brown hair that could be seen on either side of his face.

"Father?" she managed.

His cold gaze swept over her and when he spoke, his voice was just as chilling, "Let's go."

"Where are we going?" she asked as he swept past her, grabbing her arm, and dragging her out the door of the manor.

"Don't ask questions," he said sharply.

"Ow! You're hurting me!" she cried, trying to release his vice-like grip on her arm.

"Silence!"

She swallowed, wincing as he pulled her roughly into the woods. She stumbled in the dark and would have fallen if her father hadn't jerked her forward abruptly. She looked around the pitch black woods that surrounded them as they sped through the forest. Where are we going? Where is he taking me? She let out a cry of pain as she tripped, falling hard onto the ground. Her father grabbed her and hauled her to her feet. He grabbed her wrist and yanked her forward.

Why is he being so cold? I'm really scared. Where is he taking me? she asked herself again.

A cold drizzle began falling and very quickly, Sindaria was chilled all the way through. Her teeth began chattering as a chill wind swept over her, making her face and hands go numb. It just had to rain, didn't it? Just to make things more horrible than they already are1

After what seemed like hours, they finally entered a large clearing with torches standing around, flickering in the drizzling rain. Sindaria looked around, her eyes wide, taking in the large group of robed figures standing in the torch-light. As a bolt of lightning flashed overhead, she saw the gleaming ivory-masks that they all wore, reflecting the torches. She swallowed hard, fear gripping her. Those are Death Eaters! Like the ones I saw at the World Cup! What are they doing here? What am I doing here?

Her father dragged her forward, past the Death Eaters and to the hooded figure that stood in the center on a stone slab. Sindaria swallowed, trembling with fear.

"I brought her as you asked, my Lord," her father said, releasing Sindaria and kneeling in front of the robed figure.

"Very good, Macnair," a bone-chilling voice said from underneath the hood. "You have pleased me, thus far. Let us hope you continue to do so."

"You are very kind, my Lord," her father said, standing, his head bowed. He stepped back into the crowd of Death Eaters and Sindaria watched in horror as he slid down his mask, the gleaming ivory-mask of a Death Eater now looking at her.

"Look at me, child," the chilling voice said. Sindaria turned slowly to look at the hooded figure, her blood freezing in her veins. Who is that? What does he want with me? She watched as the hooded figure pulled back his hood, laying it on his shoulders. The face that looked back at her was terrifying, for it had slits instead of nostrils and its red eyes gleamed menacingly in the light of the torches. Voldemort! Sindaria realized, from everything that Harry had told her. Why does he want me? What did I do? And why is my father a Death Eater? She looked around helplessly and then winced, looking back at the chilling face. "Good, you're scared. As you should be." She stepped back as he pulled his wand out of the pocket of his robe. "Your father has been very valuable to me over these past few months, and now he has brought me you, child. Your talents are extraordinary and exactly what we need." She gulped, biting her lip to keep from crying out. "In time, you will follow the footsteps of your father and become a Death Eater as he is now."

"What if I refuse?" she asked with more courage than she felt.

"What?" Voldemort hissed.

"W-What if I say that I won't follow you," she managed, taking deep breaths to control the raging fear inside of her.

Voldemort sneered. "Child, you don't have a choice. You don't have anywhere else to go."

"Yes, I do," she said defiantly.

"I see your father's defiance in you, well, that's easily fixed." Voldemort swept his wand in front of him and an image appeared in the air before them. It showed her house at Seven Privet Drive, the lights on the front of the house lighting up the driveway in the darkness. She saw John, the man she had called father for so long and still loved as a father, drive up and climb out of the car. Carla, the only mother she had ever known, ran out of the house, giving him a great hug and Sindaria watched with a smile as Terrance and Maria, who were now past Carla's waist, ran around the snow-covered yard, chasing each other in the light from the doorway, throwing snowballs. As she watched her family, she didn't see a group of the Death Eaters Disapparate. "Your family," Voldemort sneered. "You won't have them for much longer."

"What?" Sindaria cried, whirling around to face Voldemort. "What do you mean by that?"

Voldemort laughed evilly, chilling her straight through. "Just watch. Watch and learn, child, that you can't defy me and not pay. You will learn to follow, as your father has learned."

Sindaria swallowed, her hands shaking in fear for her family. She looked at the image, tears coming to her eyes. Get out of there, now! You've got to run! She screamed mentally, but she knew that they could not hear her and tears began streaming down her face. Please, you've got to leave! Go! Go! Go! She watched as her family went inside their home and then watched helplessly as a group of Death Eaters Apparated in the front lawn. Please, no!

"Don't do this!" she screamed but Voldemort just laughed.

She sank to her knees, watching, unable to do a thing, as the Death Eaters entered her home and murdered her family in a flash of green light. The Dark Mark shot up into the air, hovering over the house, the mark that they always left after dispensing of a family. "No! Please!" she wailed, bowing her head, her tears streaming down her face. "Please," she whispered.

"Now you see, child, you can do nothing," Voldemort sneered. "All you have is your father and what you see around you. You will learn your place and that you have no choice whatsoever. Macnair!"

"Yes, my Lord?" she heard her father say, stepping forward.

Sindaria closed her eyes, resting her forehead on the cold and damp grass. My family! They're gone! Just like that. Why did they have to do that? What was the reason? My family was innocent! They did nothing to Voldemort and he just murdered them ruthlessly. Maria! Terrance! I'm never going to see you again1 Sindaria sobbed, her chest heaving.

"Take her and go. I have no need of her at the moment. If I do, you'll know. She will join the ranks of the Death Eaters, so long as she is fit to do so and ready to devote herself to me. The war is coming and we will need everyone we have, even if they are apprentices. In one year, I expect her ready to join us."

"Yes, my Lord. You are too kind." Her father knelt down in front of Voldemort, bowing his head. Then he stood and Sindaria felt him grab her roughly by the arm, jerking her up. She opened her eyes, tears still streaming down her face. As her father pulled her away, she saw Voldemort sneer and pull his hood over his head once again.

The rain stopped as they neared the manor and once they stepped foot inside, her father shoved her roughly towards the stairs. "Out of my sight, child; I have work to do," he said coldly and walked away, his cloak swirling around him.

Sindaria didn't remember much after that, and she was surprised that she had managed to walk up the stairs and to her room. She collapsed onto her bed, sobbing into her pillow. Why? Why? Why? My family! They're gone! I can't believe it! I just can't! I can't believe that I'll never see Maria and Terrance running up to me, hugging me and asking for stories. And Carla and John, the only parents I really knew. They're gone, just like that. What did I do to deserve this? What did they do? Just because they took care of me, they were murdered. And Gabriel, Sarah, Liriel, Raven, and Dominic, they're all I have left. I have my friends, but I could never ask them to take me in, for I'd be endangering them and I couldn't do that. I don't know if I even have the right to ask Gabriel and Sarah to hide me, for I'd put them in the path of Voldemort, and I know he wouldn't hesitate to kill them.What do I do? Where do I go?

Sindaria sobbed long into the night and next day, the feeling of loss never leaving her. When she finally sat up, she could feel her sorrow weighing heavily on her. She took the edge of her sweater, wiping her tear-stained face.

Ari, what happened? Firaxis asked.

She looked at her snowy owl, fresh tears springing to her eyes. Firaxis fluttered over to her bed, landing on the blanket. He nudged her arm.

You can tell me.

"V -V -Voldemort, he . . . he killed my family," she managed and her tears flowed down her face once more. She put her face into her hands, sobbing. "They didn't do anything to him, and he murdered them, just to make his point that I have no choice but to follow in my father's footsteps."

I'm sorry, Ari. Is there anything I can do?

"I don't think so. I don't think there's anything anyone can do for me, now," she said, lifting her head and looking at the carpet.

Let me show you something that may help ease your pain. Follow me. Firaxis flew through the open balcony doors, waiting on the railing patiently for her.

She sighed. I do need to get out of here and try to do something. She wiped her tears and closed her eyes, focusing on her transformation.

After a few moments, she was in her Animagus form, a snowy owl, and flying next to Firaxis towards the mountains.

Where are we going? She asked.

You'll see.

As they neared the forest at the foot of the mountains, Firaxis soared down into a small meadow, landing on a log. She landed next to him and reverted back to her human form. Firaxis let out a series of hoots and to Sindaria's wide-eyed amazement, a unicorn stepped through the edge of the forest and up to Firaxis. The unicorn's silver mane shown in the bright sunlight and Sindaria smiled.

"Hello, again," the unicorn said.

Sindaria thought about it and then grinned. "Oh, are you the same unicorn that I met last year?"

"Yes," the unicorn said. "My name is Viralas."

"That's so beautiful," she said softly.

"Thank you," the unicorn replied.

Sindaria smiled and stepped over to the unicorn. She laid her hand down gently on the beautiful mane and stroked the Viralas.

"What is the matter, child? I sense a deep sorrow in your heart," Viralas said softly.

Sindaria looked down, fresh tears springing to her eyes. "M- my family was killed."

"Oh, I'm so sorry." Viralas nudged her and Sindaria threw her arms around the graceful neck, sobbing. Viralas bowed her head and put her muzzle around Sindaria, holding her close. A deep sense of calm and warmth began flowing through her.

"Are you doing that?" Sindaria asked, softly, her sobs residing.

"Yes, to ease your suffering."

"Thank you," Sindaria said, closing her eyes. She rested against Viralas for a few moments and then stepped back. She smiled. "I needed that."

Viralas looked at her warmly. "You are a wonderful child, and I do hope that your sorrow will be lifted eventually, for you should not carry that weight. It was not your fault; do not blame yourself."

"Thank you for your kind words."

"If you ever need someone to confide in, or just need to let go, you can always call for Viralas, and I will come."

"Thank you," Sindaria said and embraced Viralas again.

She heard a soft padding of footsteps and looked to see two creatures walking over to her. Hippogriffs!

"Hello," Sindaria said slowly, careful not to startle them.

"We felt your pain," the large of the two said.

"I'm sorry; I didn't realize that I was broadcasting."

"Your sorrow is immense."

Sindaria nodded and bowed low before the large of the two, keeping eye contact. Both of the Hippogriffs bowed. "I am sorry that I troubled you."

"Is there anything we can do?"

She shook her head. "I don't think so, but thank you."

She heard a soft squeak and looked over at the log to see a Puffskein crawl over to her. She crouched low and picked it up, rubbing her face in the soft fur. It hummed loudly and she held it close.

Suddenly, she felt something move over her foot and looked down to see a Runespoor, its left head looking up at her, the second gazing at something; the third had been bitten off. It had to be at least six feet, and was livid orange with black stripes. "Hello," she said.

"Hello," the left head said, "what'sss wrong?"

Sindaria smiled. "It seems that all the creatures are feeling my sorrow." She glanced around and saw that Viralas had knelt down on all fours, watching Sindaria intently, and the two Hippogriffs were watching her calmly. The puffskein continued to hum in her hands.

"We were sssearching for food when we felt your presssence."

"I'm sorry to interrupt your feeding."

"Well, he," the left head said, nodding to the middle one, "isss ssstill lost in hisss own world, so it'sss up to me to find food."

"I'll just let you continue on, then."

The left head nodded. "Thank you."

"Anytime." She smiled, watching as the Runespoor slithered off into the grass in search of food.

A loud, crunching noise brought her attention towards the tree line and watched in amazement as a Griffin stepped through. A Griffin! Where did he come from? She sensed that the other creatures were tense, watching the Griffin warily.

"It's okay," she said, trying to reassure the other creatures. She set down the puffskein and walked over to the Griffin, which towered above her. Its giant eagle head looked down at her.

I sense pain. Where is it coming from?

"That's me, I'm sorry. You didn't travel too far, I hope."

No, I was just resting when I sensed you. You have a gift with creatures.

"Thank you," Sindaria said slowly. I'm talking to a Griffin! Only a handful of wizards have been able to befriend them! How did I manage it?

You are a good person; I can sense that. Whatever is troubling you, don't let it weigh too heavily.

"I won't."

The Griffin bowed its head. Please do not wake me again, for I am very tired. And I make decide to eat you.

"I won't. I'm sorry."

The Griffin nodded and stepped back into the forest. That was close! Glad I wasn't supper.

Sindaria walked back over to where the other creatures were sitting. A doe and two fawns had just joined the gathering and Sindaria smiled. Animals help me so much! I'm so glad that I have this gift.

The two fawns ran up to her, jumping up and down. "Play with us!" they cried.

Sindaria smiled. "Okay." She raced after them, chasing them around the meadow for what seemed like an hour. They suddenly turned and leapt on her, pinning her to the ground. "You win!" she cried, laughing. It felt good to laugh.

The two fawns leapt off her and bolted around the meadow. Sindaria walked over to their mother. "Your children are very energetic," she said, smiling.

"Thank you," the doe said. "They do like to play," she said, looking around at her children.

"I saw that."

"Ari," Viralas said suddenly. Sindaria looked at her. "Do you have anywhere to go?"

Sindaria looked down. "My father lives in the manor not too far away, but he's not someone that I can speak to." She felt anger build up inside of her. He's the one that brought me to Voldemort! I want to hate him, I really do, but he is all that I have left of family. "There is a family, the Conners, who are good friends of mine. They live not far from my manor."

"You should go speak with them. I sense conflicting emotions within you, and they may be able to help you sort everything out."

Sindaria smiled. "You're right. Thanks, Viralas. I think I will do that."

"I know of the Conners," one of the Hippogriffs said, "they let us stay in their protected woods for quite a while. They are good people. They will be able to help you."

"Go to them," the doe said

Sindaria looked at Firaxis. "What do you have to say?"

The Conners have always been there to help you. They're the closest thing you have to family. They will help you.

"But will they hide me from You-Know-Who?"

That, I do not know, but you can't give up before you try. They may be able to help you more than you realize.

"Okay," she said, smiling. "Thanks." She looked around at all the creatures, magical and non-magical. "Thank you for everything."

Viralas stood. "Don't ever let anyone make you feel that you are less than what you are. You are a very kind, thoughtful child, and I know you will succeed."

Sindaria smiled. "Thank you."

Viralas nodded. "Remember, if you ever need me, I'll be there. Just call." Sindaria nodded and Viralas ran into the woods.

"We may yet see each other again," a Hippogriff said. "Until then, farewell." The Hippogriffs ran off.

Sindaria closed her eyes and transformed into her owl form.

I'll talk to you when I get back, she told Firaxis.

Good luck.

She soared up into the air and headed towards the Conner Estate.

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In a clearing, surrounded by torches, Voldemort stood in front of his Death Eaters. The moon shone down, making the masks gleam eerily.

Voldemort, his hood hiding his face from view, looked down from his platform at the robed figure before him. This figure, while wearing black robes similar to the Death Eaters, did not have a mask, but the hood hid his face from view.

"You called, my Lord?" came a youthful voice from beneath the hood.

"You have done well, but a few times you have slipped." The figure went rigid. "You must watch out for those magical creatures. You prevented the unicorn from revealing anything about us, but barely. Sindaria nearly found out. You would be wise to be more careful."

"Yes, my Lord."

"You may thank me."

The figure bowed his head. "Thank you, my Lord."

"If you keep up your good work, you may one day finish your apprenticeship and join the ranks of the Death Eaters."

"You are very kind, my Lord."

"You are wondering about Sindaria Macnair, am I correct?"

"Yes, my Lord."

"Her family has been taken care of, thanks to your information of their whereabouts. She will be ready to join us soon enough."

"Yes, my Lord," he said, looking at the Dark Lord. He smirked. "She is like putty in my hands. She will join us."

"Yes, very good." Voldemort looked down at him, his red eyes gleaming. "Are you sure of your loyalties?" Voldemort asked, looking at the figure, his red eyes gleaming.

The hooded figure pulled back his hood, revealing a mop of brown hair and bright blue eyes. "I am sure, my Lord," he said, kneeling and bowing his head.

"We shall see. For now, watch the girl and make sure that she stays on the path that I have laid out. She will join us, or she will die."