Slytherin Roar || Tom Riddle's Era

Chapter 14 || Christmas Visit to Doom

After searching through the big collection of the Riddle Manor's library, one of the maids called us in for supper and ushered us to get ready.

Brushing off a cloud of invisible dust on my dress I walked alongside Abraxas and Tom into the dining hall which was bigger than my house's living room. There was a long, varnished wooden table with royal-looking chairs surrounding it, and on top of the surface, there was a series of food lined up and placed on the table.

And there, waiting on the very edge of the table, was an older duplicate of Tom Riddle, his cleanly cut face and sharp eyes studying the three of us like tiny toddlers walking around the room.

Swallowing the vile in my throat nervously, I seated myself on one of the chairs, my eyes darting around the place like a mad-man. I couldn't help but compare the image of the father and son multiple times to get my mind wrapped around the thought that they were different people, and not some cloned being designed to look exactly like each other.

"Ms. Vivienne Pearce, I presume?" the wealthy man inquired to me.

"Yes."

Tom Riddle Sr nodded his head and produced a professional smile. "Well, it is nice to meet one of Tom's friends."

I tried to return the smile. "Nice to meet you too."

Not only after we started to eat our dinner did Mr Riddle once more questioned me.

"What profession do your parents work in?"

My body became tense and rigid while my heart hammered against my ribcage painfully as I heard the words spoken from the man. Forcing myself to relax my posture, I directed my gaze to him. From the corner of my eye, I saw Tom Jr. giving his father a look and then turned his calculating gaze to me, waiting for my answer.

Here comes the interrogation.

"My father works as a surgeon," I answered him, waiting for the expected question.

"And your mother?" next asked Mrs. Riddle, a curious look plastered on her face.

"She left home when I was young," I replied with my usual lie, my voice smooth as the surface of the varnished table from the extended use of it.

Mrs Riddle gave me a sympathetic look while Mr Riddle nodded thoughtfully as he considered the words.

"I am very sorry," she said gently, smiling comfortingly.

I couldn't reply and instead, I forced a smile before resuming to my portions on the plate. All of us engaged in small conversations with each other as we ate, the cold atmosphere gradually warming up.

"Mother, Father?" Tom spoke with just enough reluctance to catch their attention.

"Yes, son?"

"I was thinking of showing Vivienne and Abraxas here around the town, and I want to have permission to allow us to do so."

Before his father can reply, instead the mother cut him off with a sweet smile. "Of course, dear! You should spend a lot of time with your friends now that you have the chance!"

Mr Riddle had a small scowl on his face but it disappeared when his wife turned to him, her sharp eyes turning gentle and sweet as she simpered upon him with a convincing innocent look.

«««««

We all hurriedly left the place, especially me and Abraxas, not before saying our thank you first.

"I apologize about that," said Tom, giving me an apologetic look as we walked up the stairs.

"For what?"