❝ ah, but it was not tom riddle who made the dark mark. ❞ dumbledore's eyes fogged over, a memory of the once-smart and cunning student entering his mind as he stroked his white beard.
❝ then who did, sir? ❞ harry potter stared at the headmaste...
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THE next weekend, Athena was ready to leave hell—Malfoy Manor, in other words.
Walking down the grand staircase, she headed to the living room. When she stepped foot into the room with the leather couches and unlit fireplace, she stopped as she realized who was there: the one person she did not want to see.
Her mother, who was reading the Daily Prophet in her hands, her manicured nails more perfect than ever, glanced up at the sound of footsteps. Upon realizing who it was, her gaze returned to the Daily Prophet, and she tsked.
"Where do you think you're going?" asked Celia Malfoy, her blonde hair in a tight bun.
Her green eyes narrowed at the outfit her daughter was wearing—black jeans, a dark green shirt, and black shoes.
Obviously going out.
Athena straightened, masking the fear she felt and replacing it with fake confidence. "Avery Manor," she replied, clenching her jaw to avoid sneering. She almost flinched when her mother's hard gaze landed on her again.
Celia was quiet for a moment. Then, she said, "Next time, wear something else. That green does not match your blonde hair."
Except it did.
Athena knew her mother had said those words to remind her of not only her new hair color but also what she had gone through because of it.
Feeling a pang in her chest, Athena ignored it and walked over to the fireplace as quickly as she could. She grabbed a handful of Floo powder from the bowl on top of the fireplace, stepped inside the hearth, and muttered, "Avery Manor."
She felt the familiar rush of swirling green flames enveloping her, pulling her through the shimmering tunnel of fire and ash. The sensation was disorienting.
As the fiery whirlwind began to slow, Athena braced herself for the sudden shift, emerging from the hearth at Avery Manor with a final burst of sparks, landing neatly in the opulent entrance hall.
Her lips quirked upwards immediately when a pair of arms wrapped around her at the same moment.
She let out a laugh, hugging back her friend whom she had missed dearly. "Lucinda!" she exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice.
Lucinda finally released her friend, who was nearly breathless from the tight embrace, and gave her a firm slap on the arm while pointing a stern finger at her.
"Don't you ever ignore my letters again," she warned, her concern evident despite the reprimand. After tucking her finger away, she allowed her smile to return, her eyes lighting up as she took in her friend's new appearance. "You dyed your hair!"
Athena flinched. She became quiet, then cleared her throat and tried to smile, but understanding showed in Lucinda's eyes.
Deciding to change the subject, Lucinda took her friend's hand and eagerly led her to the nearest room—the kitchen.
