CHAPTER ONE
Tom Riddle
December 21st, 1977

          "Daphne, He is here," notified Evan, her little brother as he stood at the door frame. His eyes lingered on his older sister for a few seconds, then he cleared his throat catching her attention again. "Daph, please, I know you are not pleased with Mum and Dad but..."

"Anything for them, isn't that right, Evan?" A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she stared at the wall.

He hummed, "I presume," he replied, grimacing. "Come on, Daph. Dad will go mental if you don't show up downstairs in the next two minutes."

She rose on her feet, swallowing thickly, "Am I dressed properly to meet him? Have you seen him?" She asked as she reached the door, and closed it behind her.

"Yes and no," he responded, leading the way. "It's only him, though. Well, plus Mum and Dad. And me."

"Oh, well, lucky me," laughed Daphne, hoping it'd calm her nerves.

Walking down the hallway felt like an eternity and before she knew she stopped dead in her tracks, reaching for her bother's wrist. She pulled him closer, embracing him in a hug which he returned hesitantly. Evan and Daphne always had been close, closer than everyone liked to think. From the moment he was born, Daphne had seen Evan as true family—someone who would be there forever, holding her tight whenever she'd need it. He would be there.

"It's okay, Daph. You're a tough girl, eh," he whispered softly, stepping aside so she could walk in the living room.

There he was. The so-feared man, the Dark Lord. His back was facing her as he spoke lowly and slowly to her parents. Bacchus Rosier and Amalthea Rosier stood straight, a stern look on their faces as they responded respectfully to everything He asked. Daphne didn't remember correctly how they came to this agreement, her joining his cause and getting the mark—maybe because Regulus had gotten his in July? She truly couldn't remember.

"Ah, Daphne, come," his voice was almost like a whisper, and it sent shivers down her spine at the sound of it. "Your family has talked great things of you," Daphne nodded her head as he took a deep breath, and continued, "Do you know why I am here?"

"Of course, my Lord," she breathed out, trying to ignore the shaky voice. "You are here to give me the mark."

"That is right," his lips formed a thin line, then motioned for her to sit down. She sat down immediately, ignoring her family's eyes on her. "Only if you wish for it."

No, I don't.

"Yes," she murmured. "Yes, I will take the mark."

He smiled, not in a soft way, but more as in a satisfied way. It gave her the creeps, "Perfect, then," he returned his attention to Evan, her Mum and Dad who were standing behind her. "May I have a moment with Daphne, please?"

Bacchus bowed his head, "Of course, My Lord."

It wasn't long before her family was out of the room, leaving her alone with Him. She wanted to look away, run outside the house and never come back—but, she couldn't. Instead she stared into his eyes, hoping one of them would look down but they never did.

"I believe that you are a talented witch," he started. "Bacchus was telling me all about your scores, especially your talent for Occlumency and Legilimency. It is quite rare for a seventeen years old to master these two spells."

Clearing her throat, flustered, she said, "I just thought I would have a great advantage for the war, My Lord."

It was true. Daphne had thought about this a lot, doing the right or wrong thing, choosing the right or wrong side. Severus Snape had been kind enough, if you could say it like that, to help her master these two spells that he had managed years before. Though, her family had tried to teach her Occlumency before—even, Evan knew how. No one was able to read her mind, not her father nor mother, not Dumbledore, not even the Dark Lord. She had put up great fences all around her mind, and she was glad to see that it worked. 

"Indeed, you are right," he said. "You could be a great asset for our side, Daphne."

"I would be pleased to be one, My Lord."

"Very well," he spoke, grabbing his wand in his hand. "Roll up your sleeve, please," Daphne did so, her pale forearm displayed it and soon she'd have an horrendous mark covering half of it. "It may hurts a little, but it is all worth it."

"Okay," she whispered.

She watched as he begun to speak, to recite a spell and soon the dark ink appeared on her forearm. She tried her best to stop her arm to twitch in pain, he was hurt—it did hurt. After a few seconds, he pulled his hand away and she brought her forearm closer to see it. The snake was slightly moving and she swore she could almost hear it hissing violently. He brought his hand up and moved it a little as the double doors flew open, revealing her family behind it.

"Come, come, come," he exclaimed as they all entered. "Daphne is one of us now, I hope you all know what it means. Especially you, Bacchus," he rose on his feet. "Considering Daphne cannot attend all our meetings yet, I require to see Amalthea by your side, my friend."

Bacchus nodded his head vigorously, "Absolutely, My Lord."

"Good. Can I count on you, Amalthea?"

Amalthea gulped, nodding too, "Yes."

Her parents walked him to the front door as Daphne let out a breath she wasn't aware she had been holding, Evan took a seat next to her as his hand rubbed her back. He was trying to comfort her. It probably seemed ridiculous—the younger brother comforting his older sister, who was on the verge of crying and disgusted with the person she had became. Again, she didn't have much of a choice.

"It's going to be okay, Daph," he cooed, unable to say anything else for now. "Mum wants us to go see Aunt Druella."

Daphne sighed heavily, her shoulders falling back, "That's great, just great. This mad woman literally called a whole bloody family meeting for this mark," she muttered. "If our cousins are here then I think I'll survive."

Just as she finished her sentence, her mother appeared in front of her, "Oh, Daphne," she said softly. "Your father and I are insanely proud. You make the whole family proud."

"Oh, well. Mission accomplished, isn't that right?" She stated sarcastically, even though her mother simply ignored it. Evan chuckled lowly, earning a stern glance from their mother. "Ev just told me we were meant to visit Aunt Druella."

She nodded, "Yes, we are just waiting for your father."

"Who will be here?" Daphne asked.

"Everyone," she answered, not bothering to look at her. "I owled everyone." Their mum rose on her feet, using her hand to straighten the dress she was wearing then turned to look at her children. "Daphne, can you Apparate?"

"Yeah, I can," she replied.

She hummed satisfied, "Then, you'll Apparate with your brother at Druella's house, are we clear?"

"Very," she mumbled as the two siblings watched their parents disappear. "Trust me, Ev?" She asked, reaching for his hand as he arched an eyebrow.

"This is my first time with you," he muttered, holding her hand tight as she nudged his side.

"Don't worry," she said softly. "I'll let you know that I had the highest score, you might throw up though."

A second later, both of the Rosiers felt themselves shrink away from their house. Honestly, if she could describe it, she'd say it felt like being in a tight rubber tube. Not too long after, they apparated in front their aunt's manor and walked towards the front doors.

Evan burped, shaking his head afterwards, "Sorry, I really do feel like throwing up Daph," he whispered as she laughed, pushing the doors.

The music was awfully loud, and to be honest, not so good. The voices echoed through the manor and she could already hear her cousins, especially Bellatrix who appeared to be the loudest of them all. Lucius, Cissa's fiancée, was apparently arguing with Bella's husband about something she didn't want to know.

"There she is," Bacchus exclaimed loudly as the noise faded away, and they all stared at her. "How are you feeling?"

Daphne shrugged, "Good, I presume."

"Aunt Druella," she greeted as the woman smiled softly at her. "Uncle Cygnus." He gave her a small smile. On the other side is of the table were Orion and Walburga with Regulus on their side. "Aunt Walburga, Uncle Orion."

Bella stepped closer to her, "Hurry up, Daph," she hurried to say. "Show us!"

With a disgusted scoff, Daphne rolled her sleeve up and her cousin let out a shriek at the sight of it. Rodolphus, her husband, stepped closer as he grinned at the mark. From what she knew, all her family had the mark except for Druella, Walburga, Amalthea, Narcissa and Evan. Even Regulus had gotten his, way before her. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed, she pulled her sleeve down harshly and took a seat next to Regulus. He gave her a soft smile, and she couldn't help but feel her heart tighten at his face. He looked so broken, so tired, so different.

"Reg, are you—"

"I'm fine," he cut her off. "I'm sorry. Just...everyone keeps asking me the question and I'm tired of it," he admitted.

Daphne sunk back in her chair, if her mum could see her, she'd go mental, "Well, you look like shite," she said as he snorted. "What's going on with you?"

"Nothing you have to worry about, dear Daffy," he chuckled nudging her shoulder a little, and she couldn't help but groan at the silly nickname. "You still don't like the nickname, eh?"

She rolled her eyes, "Daffy is awful, Reggie," she teased as he gaped at her. "What? Have a problem with the nickname, Black?"

"Sod off," he murmured as she chuckled. "I will go talk to Evan, see you later."

Her eyes followed her cousin as he sat down with Evan, she smiled softly seeing her brother grin. A strong perfume hit her nose as she turned her head, noticing Narcissa had sat down next to her.

"Hello, Daphne," she said, her voice soft. Almost motherly.

"Hey, Cissa," the blonde woman gave her a slight smile at the nickname. She was so used to Cissy that she never actually got used to Daphne—and Sirius—calling her Cissa. "How are you?"

"We're trying to have a son, you know?" She spoke, her eyes looking everywhere as if she was checking that no one was listening. "Lucius and I. If we...I don't provide an heir soon, his family and him will lose the plot." She confessed.

Daphne grabbed Narcissa's hand in hers, and led the way to her cousin's bedroom. After all, she had spent enough time in this huge manor to find her way back to the familiar room she had slept in many times. She ignored Andromeda's one, knowing it'd only bring her attention and no one could know she was still in contact with the Black, now Tonks woman.

Closing the door behind her, she crossed her arms over her chest and watched Narcissa, "Cissa, are you saying they threatened you?"

"No," a soft sigh escaped her lips. "Lucius...he just told me we would get into trouble and we can't risk that. I can't risk that. His family counts on me, Daph."

"If you want my opinion, which you probably don't, but I'll give it anyways," started Daphne, earning a snort from her cousin. "You shouldn't be afraid of his family, Cissa. If you can't provide an heir, yet. They'll have to wait."

"But, they can't," argued Narcissa, her eyebrows furrowed. "Besides, I want this child. I want a baby to cherish, to love."

With a sigh, Daphne sat down next to her, "What do you want, then? You didn't start dumping all your fertility problems just to not ask anything, did you?"

"Well," she cleared her throat. "I know you don't own me anything, but I was wondering if you could brew something for me. I have already talked about it with Regulus, he said he would do it if you help."

"Did he, now?"

"Yes," responded Narcissa. "All I'm asking is for you to help him. I'll forever owe you, Daphne."

"Alright, I can do that," Daphne whispered, nodding her head as she started thinking of the ingredients. "I'll try to use my free time at school."

Narcissa let out a sigh of relief, rose on her feet and wrapped her arms tightly around her cousin. Surprised, Daphne took time before returning the hug, but did it eventually and smiled softly.

"Thank you so much," she murmured, pulling away and brought the pad of her thumb to stop the tears from falling. "I owe you, Daphne. I do."

Was all she said before leaving the bedroom. Daphne started following her but eventually stopped at Andromeda's door, and opened it in a swift move before making her way in it. Nothing had changed, everything was in place as if she had never left—or more like been disowned. Her jewellery was still there so her books, she remembered all the times Andromeda used to read her Muggle books late in the night.

Someone cleared their throat behind her, and she turned on her heels to find her little brother, "What are you doing in her room?"

"Drop the tone, Ev. I can already hear you scream blood-traitor!" Daphne said softly as she continued to look around. Evan scoffed at her words, leaning against the door frame. "Am I not allowed to reminisce the time our lovely cousin was still there?"

"Not with the mark on your forearm, Daph," he responded flatly.

"Sod off, Ev," she mumbled angrily. "It's not like I had a choice."

"I would have take it, you know."

Daphne rolled her eyes with a snort, "Well, I wouldn't have let you. Now, get out before someone sees us."

He turned on his heels, starting to walk back downstairs as she grabbed a picture of her and Andromeda, slipping it in her pocket. She closed the door behind her and headed downstairs, where she pretended all night to be okay. It was only when she got home and laid in her bed that tears pricked her eyes, and she threw a silencing charm around her not wanting anyone to hear her break down.

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authors note, not much of james and daphne but the book will follow daphne's storyline! as i don't want her to only be james' love interest—so expect to see a lot of moments with her family!

i hope you liked the first chapter as much as i did! i'm so so excited for you all to read it.