RIDDLES PROPERTY

chapter 58

TW: BLOOD in this chapter

"The Dark Lord called this meeting yesterday, but due to personal reasons he could not make it. We shall resume today."

"Is it necessary the meeting happens at all?" he asked when everyone left.

"Yes, people are wondering if you're even legitimate now," Bellatrix scolded.

Tom sighed and rest his head on the couch. After last nights events he wasn't so sure he wanted to embark on the dangerous journey ahead.

"Is it worth it? Taking down muggles just for us to exist and...it seems like a lot of work, doesn't it?"

"I spent a year in Azkaban, only to not go astray because of your plans you told people through the cells. And you're telling me you don't even want to do it?"

"I don't remember you in Azkaban."

"Don't change the subject!"

"I guess it's boring. Why would we subject these muggles to torturous conditions? It just...it doesn't make sense to me anymore."

"Our source of entertainment, sir. Do you even remember how inferior they are to us? Their poor minds are addled with so easily."

"I guess so—"

"You can't guess," she interrupted," They ARE inferior to us. They're distasteful. Name one muggle you like."

He remembered his experience with the waitress from the coffee shop from a while back.

"I see."

"Don't tell me the little Emelia girl has been influencing you in the wrong direction."

Tom didn't remember seeing Bellatrix in such a light. She was more confident and her hair flowed beautifully. She carried herself high and proud. Still not Emelia.

"She's not influencing me at all," Tom scowled. "This sort of stuff just doesn't interest me anymore."

"And why is that?"

He flicked a piece of lint off of his suit towards her.

"I'll be going now. Don't get too nosy."

She rolled her eyes.

"You better be back by the meeting or people will riot."

"I don't care if they riot. This isn't war."

"That's the opposite of what you said a few weeks ago."

He pretended as if he didn't hear and disapparated, making sure she didn't latch on. Tom went to the one place where he might find answers.

Hogwarts.

Suddenly his mind went blank and he was inside an office.

"Professor."

"Tom...please, have a seat." Dumbledore said.

"I'd prefer to stand," Tom replied, coldly.

"No, I insist you sit."

Tom held his ground until he met eyes with the professor. Quickly, he took a seat and looked at him.

"I see you are in trouble, Tom. Your name is all over headlines. Care to explain why?"

"I think you know why, professor."

"That is right, I do. I just wanted to confirm."

"I just don't think I want to continue doing it." Tom squirmed in his seat. Something felt off.

"You've created quite a name for yourself."

"Call me Lord Voldemort."

"I'm afraid you shall always be Tom to me. Old habits," he lightly chuckled.

"I need help. I just...I want to clear my name. We both know I'm not responsible for her death. I just want to teach at Hogwarts."

"Defense Against the Dark Arts, I presume?"

"Yes."

"I met your, dare I say, followers at the Hogs Head a few weeks ago. Why should should I offer you a job?"

"Snooping in my business, aren't we? They're my acquaintances."

"Merely good friends with the owner, Tom."

Something in Tom's heart made him mad when he was referred to as Tom. Only Emelia could call him that.

"So is it a yes?"

"No. You should be on your way. I've alerted the authorities, sadly. Protocol. They'll be on their way, but you still have time to flee."

His jaw clenched, but he still stood up from his seat and looked him straight in the eye.

"This isn't over, sir."

"Who said it was? Since you're about to leave you should take your friend. Miss Adams, you can come out."

She fell from behind the closet door and was on the ground.

"Emelia?"

"Tom. Help me, they're coming for me, Tom. You have to help!" she pleaded.

Emelia looked malnourished and her skin was so pale. It used to be full of life and her melanin was vibrant, creating the perfect clash with her grey hair.

"You were just with me yesterday, Emelia? What's happening?"

"They got me. The dementors."

He looked back at Dumbledore seething with rage.

"Dementors? You let the bloody DEMENTORS get a hold of her?"

Emelia's eyes were faded and distant looking.

"Wake up, Tom. This is our reality if you do continue with your plans. WAKE UP!"

It felt so surreal. Tom opened his eyes.

"Wake up!" he heard.

"Emelia?"

"It's me you bloody fool," Bellatrix said. "You fainted before you could apparate and were mumbling while unconscious."

He frowned.

"I must go. I need to get Emelia."

Bellatrix looked at him, questioningly, but let him go. He stormed over to his room and knocked on the door.

"Yes?"

"Thank god. Come with me, Emelia. Open the door, for gods sake!"

"I'm changing, you'll have to wait."

"NO!"

Every second away from her was another second she could've been abducted. He knocked the door down and she was sitting on the bed with blood on the sheets.

"Emelia?"

"Help."