Harry didn't want to believe everything. He was upset with me. I knew he was. But he didn't act like it. He remained mellow. I was very surprised, actually. We didn't get to cover everything, though, from the setting sun. Even though we had stayed out late before, Harry didn't seem to keen on it this time. I think he really just needed some alone time to absorb everything. I'm really Vallencia Riddle, not Vallee Skaal. I was created, not born. I'm not exactly sure how Father made me. He never wanted to really discuss it. I believe he used parts of someone's soul and pure magic, though. And once he mentioned the soul part, I went mum. It made me feel guilty, to think I stole someone's life for my own. 

"Well, er goodnight, I suppose," Harry said when we reached the Common Room.

I smiled sadly. I hoped this wouldn't ruin our relationship, or whatever we were. "Goodnight, Harry. I hope you can forgive me, for pretending this whole time. But I really like you guys." I close my eyes. "I'm sorry. I know you probably need to think."

He brushes his lips against my cheek and a fuzziness fills me. "I want to move on from this. I don't think you meant any harm."

I nod, tears threatening to spill. I watch him walk to the boys' dormitories and collapse on the floor in front of the fireplace. I let out a shaky breath and clutch my chest, tears falling down my face. I hate my life. It's absolutely horrid. Why me, with the Dark Lord as their father? Why me, the one who falls in love with the Chosen One? Why me, the one who was created, rather than born? I bury my face in my hands. I hope no one has heard me. That would be even worse. 

I crawl over to the sofa and slither up into it, covering myself with a fluffy black throw cover. I stare at the fire, crying quietly. I stare and stare, until the embers blur and I drift to sleep.

                                                          *                          *                         * 

"Vallencia, be ready. I need Potter at the edge of the Dark Forest in three days' time, just past the Whomping Willow." I stare at Father, who is standing with his back to me a couple feet away. he's dressed in his cloak, as usual, and his presence is terrifying. I shiver. "Cold, dear?"

"Just a little, Father." I smile softly. 

He turns towards me. His yellow eyes pierce through me and I feel as if he can see my skeleton. "I shall let you rest then. Be careful, will you, Vallencia? I wouldn't want you getting caught up in things you shouldn't be caught up in."

I nod and smile, like the perfect little daughter I should be. "Yes, Father, of course."

He comes closer and brushes my cheek. Then he apparates and the whole scene disappears. 

                                                      *                              *                            *

"Vallee? Vallee, are you alright?" 

I open my eyes to Fred and George Weasley. "Ah, there's the girl now. We thought you'd never wake up," Fred says. Or maybe it was George. It was too early in the morning to even bother with getting their names right. 

"Ah, back off, George. She's probably tired. It's still Sunday. We don't have any classes." My eyes move away from the twins and see Ron sitting in a chair across from me. "Morning, Vallee."

"Morning, Ron," I say groggily. This was not how I wanted to start the day off. I wanted to talk to Harry- Harry! "Where's Harry?" I ask, sitting up sharply. 

"Well, he's down at Hagrid's, why?" Ron replies. 

I stand, not even bothering to change as I head for the exit. Then I think better of it, imagining how ratty my hair is. We might be in an awkward stage, but that's only all the more reason to look presentable. I head to the dorms and slip on some dark skinny jeans, my all black converse, and a red Gryffindor sweatshirt. Then I quickly brush my hair out and put it into a messy bun. I check myself in the mirror, then hurry out. "Bye, Ron, Fred, George!" I call.

"Bye, Vallee!" the twins reply loudly.

"See you!" says Ron. 

I rush down the stairs, nearly falling once when the staircase shifted. But I quickly regained my balance and ran even faster. As I ran past the Great Hall, I ran straight into Professor Snape. "Oh, I'm sorry!" I exclaim. Great. He was the last thing I needed right now. 

"Going somewhere, miss Skaal?" 

"Oh, yes, actually, I was heading outside towards Hagrids'." I stare at him, trying to get him to know I'm seeing Harry.

He didn't seem to get the message. "Well, it's chilly outside. I'm sure Mr. Filch could make use of you."

Bloody hell. "Well, I was on my way to see Harry," I say.

"That doesn't excuse you," he replies. "In fact, I do believe Filch is on his way. Perhaps he'll give you something nice, like scrubbing all the trophies in the trophy room."

"Severus," I hiss. 

"My name to you is Professor Snape," he snaps and pulls the side of his cloak closer and walks away. 

I watch him until he turns the corner, then run towards the doors. "Aye! No runnin' in the halls!" I groan as Filch's voice echoes through the corridor. Everyone knows the janitor is horrible; the other students warn you on the first day. 

"I'm sorry, Mr. Filch," I say, looking at him sorrowfully. I have to get to Harry. We sort of have an important discussion we need to have. 

"That's right. You students should be calling me 'mister.' You're awfully right, now, you are." He looks down at his cat, Mrs. Norriss. I liked to think she wouldn't be so bad if she didn't have Filch as an influence. "Well, off to the Great Hall we go! Don't want you to not learn a lesson!"

"But-" I start, but don't finish. I had a feeling he wouldn't hear me. Or ignore me. I groan inwards as I follow Filch and Mrs. Norriss to the Great Hall. 

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-Blu