Riddle's little snake

The art of getting presents

Things written in cursive are said in Paseltongue

Curare age: 7 years

It had been three weeks since Athena came to the Riddle Mansion and things were almost back to normal again. Tom was a little more protective over Curare, as if he hadn't been enough before, but besides that life as the same.

Tom had told Curare about her birth mother and also why she wasn't there anymore so when she came to visit, Curare had no intention of getting to know her and as soon as Athena left, she acted like it hadn't been her mother who just walked out of the door. Tom wouldn't tell her, but he was very grateful that she didn't ask questions.

It was Friday and that meant that Nagini was out hunting, which left Curare alone. Severus was teaching as it was mid term and the Blacks were having a family day, together with the Malfoys as Narcissa used to be a Black. So, this meant, there was nobody to look after Curare, which resulted in Tom taking her to the Ministry of Magic with him.

Curare just spent the whole day reading on the sofa in the room or listening to the people who wanted to talk to her farther. It was a normal day. As always loads of people were already sitting in the waiting room, all wanted something from Tom. Tom's assistant waved at Curare and gave Riddle a respecting nod before the two of them went into the office.

All the bookshelves were black and all the files green. There was a huge window, from which you could see all the people mingling on the square in front. The perfect view was interrupted by a huge poster of Cornelius Fudge, who since he had it hung up, went down in her father's list of 'not too bad' people.

The desk was huge and had stacks of papers all over them, it looked like a neat chaos. There was a little picture. It was one of Tom's favourites. He and Curare were smiling at the camara and you could see her laugh, and every time he looked at it. It was as if he could also hear it.

It was about 2 pm when there was a knock on the door. Actually, it was break-time, and nobody was scheduled to meet him.

When the door opened, three buff looking guys entered. The one at the front looked like the leader and the other two seemed to act as guards. As part of one of the most prestige's families, Curare had met a lot of important people, but she couldn't recall ever meeting these men, even with her photographic memory.

"Yes?" Tom said. He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands and giving the group an expecting look.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Lord Riddle. I am Alpha Adam from the Lycan pack up north. This is my Beta Isaac and our General Xiao. I am the fiancé and mate of Athena Vanderloo. Do you perhaps have a few minutes to spare?" The man in the middle spoke.

"Please take a seat" Tom said, pointing at the three chairs he had just conquered up. Isaac turned around to face Curare who was still sitting on the sofa. She had a huge book on her lap and until a few minutes ago, she was totally engrossed into it. Isaak smiled friendly and gave her a wave. "Now...what can I do for you?"

"A few weeks ago, my mate came to visit you at Riddle Manor. She wanted to invite you to our wedding and also spend some time with Curare, her daughter. You refused both and I just wanted to ask you to reconsider. I know she has made huge mistakes in the past and I understand that you don't trust her, but it would mean the world to her if you would come to our wedding."

"I don't understand why she would want me there" Tom's voice was cool and with no hint of any emotion. Also, his face was unreadable, not showing how and if this situation affected him.

"She would love for Curare to be there and she knows you would never let her go alone. "Tom pursed his lips. Athena was right, he'd never let Curare go alone.

"Little snake, please come here" he didn't like it that they were in a room with three powerful Lycan's who could shift into giant wolves at any time. Curare got up, slid off the couch and went to her father.

"I understand you want your mate to be happy, but we will both not be attending. If that is all you may leave." Adam sighed and got up. The other two followed their alpha's example.

"That's for Curare" Adam placed a little present on the table. It was wrapped in pink paper. It looked like it was done with love, but the colour made Curare want to puke. It reminded her of Umbridge, a toad-like women whom she had met a while ago. That lady was seriously crazy and really shouldn't be working in a high Ministry position.

Curare carefully opened the box. Inside was a wolf that was carved out of wood. It was about the size of her fist and looked very beautiful. Silly only that Curare was more of a snake person.

-----

As soon as Curare was back home, she threw herself onto her huge bed, face first. She was very annoyed. Why didn't her so called mother and her fiancé leave her alone! Curare had the perfect life. She only needed her father and Nagini. Besides, she had all her uncle's and aunts although none of them were really related to her.

And now Athena was trying to ruin it all. She left years ago and was never missed. Now that bitch thought she could return and demand rights over Curare. And why the hell did Adam give her this wooden wolf? Was he trying to bribe her into going to their wedding? Curare had to admit, the wolf was pretty and looked like someone had spent a lot of time and effort into it, but she didn't want it.

She groaned loudly before throwing the little box against the opposite wall. It fell on the floor with a thump and the wolf fell out of the box.

"What's wrong hatchling?" Nagini asked as she slithered into the room and on the bed, where she was hugged by the small girl.

"Athena's fiancé was at the Ministry today and wanted to convince us to go to the wedding. He also gave me this stupid wolf. Why won't they leave us alone? I don't want to be part of their 'family'."

"Stupid mutts" Nagini hissed and rubbed the side of her face against Curare's. The door opened and Tom walked to the bed, putting a hand on his daughters back. He looked around the room and saw the present from Adam on the floor. He stretched out his hand at it flew into it.

"It's the thought that counts" he whispered, handing it back to Curare. He knew she didn't want anything to do with her 'mother' and that she had his temper, but he did not expect what she did next.

Curare glared at the wolf and a seconds later it flew against the wall again, this time much harder. When it hit the floor the wolf's head broke off the body and a seconds later the whole thing went up in flames.

Tom looked at the wall shocked and blinked rapidly. It was very unusual for an underage witch or wizard to be able to control their magic to precise. "Then not" he murmured.