Chapter 7: Too Blind

The End

Chapter 7: Too Blind

Nicola Feleti walked merrily into the room where Voldemort sat. She leaned up against the wall, eyeing him with interest. Nicola pulled her hood back revealing her vibrant red hair. She heard Voldemort sigh heavily.

"What is it that you want, Nicola?" he asked. Nicola smiled and walked around his chair. She conjured one up and sat down in it. Voldemort never took his eyes off of her. Nicola looked into the man's eyes.

"Such a harsh gaze that you have, Tom. Why do insist on looking like you'll kill someone on a whim? You look positively terrifying if you ask me," Nicola said. Voldemort glared at her. Nicola sighed. He was more like her sister than he knew.

"Thankfully, I didn't ask your opinion on my facial expressions. Do you always talk this much? Anyway, you still have yet to tell me what your business is with me, Nicola. Are you going to do that sometime within this century?" Voldemort said. Nicola nodded and intertwined her small, chubby fingers.

"Well, your evilness, do you remember the disappearance of the second Tremaine daughter?" Nicola asked. Voldemort sighed.

"Yes. They tend to pin things like that on you. What about the disappearance of that girl? What relevance does this have with what we are trying to do now?" he asked. Nicola shook her head.

"So very straightforward! You and Vanna really need to take chill pills or something. You two get on my damn nerves with that. Anyway, I did not kidnap... what was her name... Chaylse Tremaine. I know who did, however. Surely you've heard of Enrique Consuelo, right? He's a very prominent and feared Spanish Dark wizard. Well, Enrique became very interested in the Tremaine clan, since they produce such extraordinarily powerful witches and wizards," Nicola said. Voldemort looked at her with a very bored expression on his face.

"Significance, Nicola. Significance," he muttered. Nicola pretended that she didn't hear him.

"Anyway, Enrique kidnapped the Tremaine girl in order to train her to become a Dark witch. He partially erased her memory and trained her to become very powerful. She might even rival Chrissy and Clyde, her parents. Those two are said to be the most powerful Magi on the face of the earth. Well, since Enrique is always willing to help me out in my conquests, I thought it would be nice to use the Tremaine girl as either bait or as a warrior. What are your thoughts on this, Tom?" Nicola said. Voldemort looked at her with interest in his narrow eyes.

"It sounds like a good plan, Nicola. How do we know that this girl won't turn on us?" he asked. Nicola scratched her head.

"Well, we don't know that. But, it is always possible that we could kill her to get what we want out of her parents. Or, we could at least threaten to kill her. It really doesn't matter to me, Tom. You know how I just LOVE using the Unforgivable Curses. Not to mention Le Maledizione Pericolose," Nicola said. Voldemort nodded.

"Fine. We'll entrust the help of this Tremaine girl. I want to meet her first. Contact Consuelo as soon as possible. Voldemort said. Then he glanced even harder at Nicola. "Why are you so eager to help me? I thought you despised me," he said. Nicola smiled and sat back in her armchair.

"Well, Tom, I have always found you quite intriguing. Plus, I think I've already stated this, but I heard about Vanna's return to you; I really had to see it to believe it. There is also no way you're going to win this war unless you have my help, and you know it. I rival you in expertise and power, and you know that as well. The problem with that is that your head is too far up your arse to admit it to yourself and to me," Nicola stated placidly. Voldemort's eyes narrowed.

"You always had a problem with talking to damn much, Nicola. Some things just do not need to be said," he said. Nicola smirked.

"Only if they are not true, my dear Tom. In this case, they are. Plus, you are such a blind idiot," Nicola said. Voldemort raised an eyebrow.

"And what, pray tell, do mean by that?" he asked. Nicola shook her head, her bushy hair shaking also.

"Tom, have you not really sat and pondered why Vanna came back? Are you really that dense?"

"She told me why she came back. She wanted to help me, right?" Voldemort asked. Nicola nodded.

"That's what she told me as well, Tom. The thing about that is, she's not telling us the whole truth. Yes, it might be true that she actually wanted to help you. If I was Vanna, I would've never come back. Has it ever occurred to you that maybe Vanna knows something that we don't know?" Nicola asked.

"No. Why would she know something and not tell me?" Voldemort asked. Nicola looked at him like he'd grown antlers. Then she chuckled to himself.

"It is obvious that she's keeping something from us. It is not my place to reveal it to you, though. I won't do this because, one, I don't know, and two, it really is none of my business. I'll let Vanna come clean on her own. Why did you leave Vanna, Tom? You knew she loved you."

"I had a duty to fulfill," Voldemort stated calmly. Nicola shook her head. "Plus, the last time I checked, she left me."

"No, actually, you left her. After you left, she left from here because she knew you were not coming back. You were just too caught up in all that Death Eater bull. There is one true reason that Vanna did not disclose to you as to why she came back, Tom. Aside from the one we all ready know and the one she is keeping from us, there is also an obvious one," Nicola said. Voldemort looked away from her. He furrowed his eyebrows.

"And what is that, might I ask?" he said. Nicola frowned.

"You really are that daft, aren't you? I can see why she likes you, Tom. Even though you are not too bright, you really can't tell why Vanna is here? It's so bloody obvious. I'm sure even that Lestrange dame could tell you what it is," Nicola said, throwing her hands up. Voldemort looked back at her with an expression of genuine confusion. Nicola sighed. "She loved you at one point in time, Tom. The thing that eats at Vanna is that she still does, no matter how hard she tries not to."

"Giovanna loves me?" Voldemort asked, quite mystified.

"Oh, Tom. I agree with Dumbledore when he says that there are still many things in this world that you will never understand. One of them is women, and the other is love. The reason that Vanna wants to help you is because she loves you. She would've happily stayed with you seventeen years ago. Vanna would've given her life for you. YOU were just too damn blind to see that. After you two parted ways, she found out she was pregnant. I keep forgetting that under all that exterior, you are still just a mere man that doesn't understand a bloody thing having to do with emotions and women."

"I still don't understand why she just didn't tell me that..." Voldemort said, his voice trailing off. Nicola was starting to feel as if she was a marriage counselor. She sighed deeply.

"Listen, Tom. I, once upon a time, was a mother. As you've probably guessed, I haven't seen my daughter for years. I couldn't take the responsibility, so I left her on some Muggles' doorstep here. That was after Gianni died. So, I wouldn't really know what went on in Vanna's mind when she made her choice. I can, however, see why she made it. If you'd known about your children, surely someone else would've found out. From what I've heard about that Snape fellow, he betrayed you. So, if he found out about Tomás and Avarielle, he would've told someone else. That third party could've been someone in Dumbledore's camp."

"That still doesn't expl..."

"Put yourself in Vanna's shoes. Children aren't expendable, Tom. They are definitely not like your followers whom you can just dispose of at free will. Vanna was probably thinking in terms of your children's safety. She thought they would be far better off growing up away from all of that killing and brutality. Therefore, she kept everything from you. It also didn't help that a year after they were born, you disappeared, never to be heard from again for ten years. Wasn't that when that Potter boy started attending Hogwarts? Would you have wanted your children to witness all of that and live in hiding all of their lives?" Nicola asked Voldemort. Voldemort had been silent as she spoke. He finally blinked and shook his head.

"No. I'm not THAT bloody vile and evil, Nicola. I don't take any particular pleasure in killing children. The only reason I went after the Potter boy is because of the prophecy," Voldemort stated. Nicola nodded.

"Well, I suggest that you make very good use of Vanna's time. Plus, I really think you owe her an apology after all this time. You really put in on her hard, you know," Nicola said placidly, starting to file her nails. Voldemort snorted.

"You should be talking. That's like the pot calling the kettle black. You slept with me, Nicola. Shouldn't you be apologizing for that?" he asked. Nicola looked up slowly from her nails at Voldemort, her eyes wide. In a flash, she had transfigured the file into a sharp knife. She held it against his neck. Voldemort tilted his head back. He looked in Nicola's eyes.

"If you EVER mention that again, Harry Potter will be the least of your worries, Tom. I lament doing that to this very day. I try to forget about it every day, and I don't like it being brought up like that. So, do I make myself clear?" Nicola asked, fire burning in her eyes. Voldemort smirked and nodded. Nicola stood up straight and transfigured the knife back into a nail file.

"Crystal, Nicola. Crystal. You were always the aggressor, Nicola," he said, rubbing where the knife had been poking him. Nicola smiled evilly.

"Always, Tom. Always and forever."

In London, Giovanna sat on her balcony, watching the sun set. The colors along the horizon looked even more radiant as the lights below in the city flashed their neon colors. Giovanna sighed and closed her eyes, remembering the time when she was truly happy with Voldemort.

October 19

18 years ago...

A 23-year-old Giovanna Zaviera walked up to the doors of the Riddle house. There were several Death Eaters looming about the premises. All of them looked at her as she passed. Giovanna stared all of them directly in the eyes. Knocking on the door, a tall man opened it.

"Hello, Mistress Zaviera," he said jovially. Giovanna nodded as she stepped in.

"Hello, Felix. Is Tom here?" she asked. The man now known as Felix nodded. He pointed to Nagini, Voldemort's snake.

"Follow Nagini," he stated simply. Giovanna nodded and walked along the snake. Nagini guided her into a dark room with a fire lit. The room was bare all except for a red armchair and a large bed. Giovanna stood in the doorway, gazing at the back of the chair. She saw a hand motion for her to come nearer.

"Come in, Giovanna. Do not linger at the door. It is quite rude," a cold voice said. Giovanna'd known this man for quite some time now, but his voice still sent shivers down her spine. She smiled and walked forward slowly. The hand now had a wand in it. It conjured up a chair. Giovanna sat in it and looked at the man.

"How did you know it was me, Tom?" she asked. She saw Voldemort smirk under his hood. He turned his gaze towards her.

"I always know when you come to visit me, Giovanna. That's the joy of being me. What brings you to my home at this late hour?" Voldemort asked. Giovanna smiled and looked down.

"I just wanted to see you. You know I can't go long without seeing you, Tom. It's nearly impossible. Plus, Spain can get so boring. I have no one to talk to. Did I tell you that Nic got married?" Giovanna asked. Voldemort shook his head.

"Nicola Janis Chenille Zaviera got married? Oh, that's rich. I really need to see the man who could tame that wild animal. You're sister is virtually uncontrollable. Who did she marry?" Voldemort asked. Giovanna laughed at his antics.

"She married some easily manipulated git named Lord Gianni Feleti. He's Italian and very rich. Plus, it was really easy to see who wears the pants in that house. Nic, of course. She's a demon, that one. Now, she's even more of one. Anyway, is this some sort of meeting? I'm not intruding or anything, am I?" Giovanna asked. Voldemort shook his head.

"A scout is supposed to be coming by. Other than that, nothing is happening tonight," Voldemort said calmly. Giovanna nodded. She sat back in the chair, sighing and closing her eyes. Voldemort took this time to explain something to her. "Giovanna?" he asked. Giovanna opened her eyes and looked at Voldemort.

"Hmmm?"

"I do not think it is wise for you to visit me so frequently. I wouldn't want anyone to find out that you and I are... you know," he said. Giovanna looked at him as though he was speaking Japanese.

"You don't want me in harm's way is what you mean to say, isn't it?" she asked. Voldemort nodded. Giovanna crossed her arms. "You think I cannot take care of myself, Tom? Is that it?" Giovanna asked. Voldemort shook his head immediately. "Then what is it?"

"Well, I just don't want anything to happen. I would hate to see you go to Azkaban when you've done nothing wrong," Voldemort said softly. Giovanna raised an eyebrow.

"Let's get something straight, my dear 'Lord Voldemort.' I would happily go to Azkaban for your sins in order to keep you out. I'd do anything. I'm probably more loyal than any of those Death Eaters you've got out there. I do think the Lestranges are really loyal. But, that's besides the point. Tom, you don't have to worry about me. I can handle myself very well. If I go to Azkaban, I would've definitely earned it..." Giovanna stopped as the door opened. A woman stood there. She looked back and forth between Giovanna and Voldemort.

"My lord, I'm sorry to interrupt, but..." she started. Voldemort sighed. Giovanna sank back in her chair.

"What is it?"

"Edison Wyndham is here to report. He's says it is really important," she said. Voldemort nodded. He looked over in Giovanna's direction. Giovanna nodded.

"Sorry, love. Duty calls." Voldemort rose. Giovanna watched him go and then looked back in the fire.

Voldemort entered a room. A rather short man was standing in the middle. Voldemort walked up to him. He looked down on him.

"You're Wyndham?" he asked. The man nodded meekly, obviously afraid for his life. Voldemort rolled his eyes. "Well? What is that you have to tell me? I'm entertaining and I do not have all day," he asked. Wyndham nodded.

"My lord, I was in the Hog's Head Inn, and I overheard a Seer giving Dumbledore a prophecy involving you and another." The man stammered through his words. Voldemort raised an eyebrow.

"You have engaged my interest. What was in this prophecy?" Voldemort asked. Wyndham looked around.

"My lord, it said that the one with power to vanquish you will be born at the end of July next year. He will be born to parents that have thrice defied you. That was all I heard before I was thrown out," Wyndham said. Voldemort nodded. He looked introspective for a moment, then looked at Rodolphus Lestrange.

"Rodolphus, who has escaped me three times and are getting ready to have children?" Voldemort asked. Rodolphus looked at his wife Bellatrix. She shrugged.

"I have no idea, my lord," Rodolphus answered. Voldemort nodded. Lucius Malfoy stepped forward.

"Actually, my lord, I believe both the Longbottoms and the Potters are about to give birth to children. Their children should be born around the same time, in July I believe." Lucius said. Voldemort smiled. "Which one do you deem more of a problem, my lord?" Lucius asked. Voldemort again looked thoughtful for a moment.

"The Potters. They are relatively crafty and smart," he said simply. He turned to his servants. "Find them. By now, I'm sure that fool Dumbledore has put them into hiding. This meeting is adjourned." Voldemort left the room. He returned to the room where Giovanna was. She turned and looked at him. Smiling she stood up.

"You're still here," Voldemort said. Giovanna nodded. She untied her cloak. Voldemort watched her movements. Giovanna unzipped her dress. It fell to the floor also. Voldemort looked at her with wide eyes as she continued walking forward and stripping. When she reached him, she was stark naked. Giovanna took the pin out of her hair. It fell to her shoulders and down her back.

"Yep. I haven't gone anywhere," she whispered in his ear.

July 18

17 years ago...

Giovanna looked at her twins. She still hadn't gotten around to telling their father about them. They slept peacefully. She'd named them Tomás and Avarielle. They were beautiful children and Tomas looked almost exactly like his father's younger self with exception of his eyes. Avarielle had inherited those.

I can't tell him, yet. If he finds out, then more people will find out. Then, they'll be marked for death. I can't let that happen, she thought. She looked out the window of her house in Spain. Tom, wherever you are, please be safe. For Tomás and Avarielle's sake, she thought wistfully.