Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

88: Secrets and Suspicions

Tom Riddle closed the book in front of him with a thud, startling the Malfoy couple. "That's the plan. Does Draco know this yet?"

He had visited Malfoy Manor once Cassiopeia left for Hogwarts, making it easier to have this conversation without her presence. He couldn't take the risk of Kreacher hearing and revealing it to her.

"No, my Lord," Lucius answered, bowing his head. "When do you want me to tell him, my Lord?"

"I will do it myself," Tom confirmed. "And another thing I want to clarify."

He believed it would be best if he personally told Draco, not only to deliver the message but also to teach him a lesson for his inappropriate actions towards Cassiopeia.

"Yes, my Lord," Lucius replied, curiosity etched across his face.

"What was the relationship between Cassie and Draco before I arrived?" Tom questioned, turning his gaze towards the couple. "What about the arranged marriage?"

"My Lord, it was—," Lucius began, swallowing hard when he felt the intensity of Tom's gaze. "We arranged Cassie's marriage with Draco because they've known each other since childhood, and we wanted to maintain blood purity rather than have my son end up with a Muggle-born."

"Seems interesting," Tom said, leaning back in his chair, his brows furrowing. "Did they like it?"

"My Lord?" Lucius wondered, looking at Tom.

"Do I have to remind you that I don't like repeating myself, Lucius?" Tom inquired, frowning as Lucius shook his head.

"No, my Lord," Lucius explained. "Cassie refused it from the beginning since she never had such feelings toward Draco."

"Hmm," Tom nodded, his lips pressed together. "Have you been aware of any relationship beyond their familial connection? Any romantic feelings?"

Tom was curious, although he was confident that Cassie would never betray him. He didn't suspect her, but sometimes he felt she was keeping secrets to protect him, something he disagreed with.

"As far as I know, no, my Lord," Lucius asserted. "Cassie is different and has never cared about preserving her bloodline."

"Are you sure that they didn't have any feelings beyond being cousins?" Tom repeated to confirm. "And no romantic entanglements?"

As he spoke, he noticed Narcissa's reaction, which was peculiar. She didn't meet his eyes, causing him to suspect that she knew something more than Lucius did.

"Narcissa?" Tom called her, making her gaze shift towards him. "Do you agree with Lucius?"

"Ma—my Lord," she stammered, leaving Lucius puzzled. "Draco had feelings for her, but I'm certain he doesn't feel that way anymore."

"What?" Lucius snapped. "You didn't mention this before."

A smug smile appeared on Tom's face as he contemplated the revelation. Draco had feelings for his angel? Perhaps that explained his behavior when he knew he was being observed. But what had been Draco's motive when Cassie had rejected him from the start?

"Did you two know about her dreams?" Tom inquired, seeking more information. "What did you think?"

"She never spoke about them," Narcissa was the first to respond. "Draco explained them to me, as she had shared everything with him."

"Closer cousins than I assumed," Tom commented, nodding his head. "Anything else you know about them?"

"Nothing else, my Lord," Narcissa replied, avoiding Tom's gaze. "She has been obsessed with you from the beginning, my Lord. She asked me to find information about Cassiopeia Lestrange."

"Cassie is certainly a curious angel," Tom chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You two should know that I'm going to marry her once she graduates, as you are her foster family."

Both Lucius and Narcissa gasped, exchanging bewildered glances before meeting Tom's eyes.

"Is there something wrong, Lucius?" Tom raised an eyebrow. "Don't you want to have me as part of your family?"

"No—not at all, my Lord," Lucius responded, a thin smile appearing on his lips. "It's an honor to us."

"Your arm, Lucius," Tom ordered, noting the discomfort that crossed the man's face at his command. "Stretch it out."

Lucius understood that this was about the Dark Mark and unbuttoned his sleeve, exposing it.

"It's already faded," Tom observed, raising an eyebrow as Lucius avoided his gaze. "We should do something about that."

From the corner of his eye, Tom noticed Narcissa, her eyes wide as she observed them. Tom pressed his wand against the half-faded Mark and muttered the spell, causing it to disappear entirely.

Both Lucius and Narcissa's eyes widened, and they exchanged bewildered glances.

"That's it," Tom said, standing up. "This is your last warning. Nothing about the plan should be known by either Cassie or Draco. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my Lord," Lucius responded as he stood up as well. "Is there anything you would like before you leave, my Lord?"

"No," Tom replied, taking steps away from them. "I believe I have everything I need. But one thing..."

He turned around to see their horrified expressions, which made him chuckle.

"Whatever happens, remember that nothing should happen to you, Lucius," Tom remarked. "Because you are valuable as Cassie's uncle."

"Thank you for your concern, my Lord."

Tom swiftly turned on his heel and apparated to Little Hangleton. He couldn't bear the thought of Cassie being upset if Lucius were sent to Azkaban like other Death Eaters. All he wanted was to make her happy, even though she was unaware of his plans. Everything was for them, and them alone.

A/N

Any idea about his plan?

~ monoceros_x 💕