Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

104: A Cryptic Meeting with Dumbledore

Cassiopeia Black's mind was filled with questions as she entered the headmaster's office after receiving an owl from Dumbledore, requesting an immediate meeting. She couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this summons.

Dumbledore, in his characteristic manner, leaned back in his chair, his keen eyes observing her. "I hope you are safe at Malfoy Manor, Cassiopeia," he began. "Haven't you had dreams recently?"

Cassiopeia shook her head, puzzled by the mention of her dreams. "No, sir," she replied. "After the fourth year, I didn't have any dreams, sir. Is there any problem?"

She had a nagging suspicion that Dumbledore had sensed something about Tom. The way he had scrutinized them on the first day of school had left her feeling uneasy.

"This is your last year at Hogwarts, Cassiopeia," Dumbledore continued, standing up. "I'm impressed with your performance in the past year. But there's something I need to discuss with you."

Perplexed, Cassiopeia furrowed her brows. "Sir?"

Dumbledore moved to a cabinet and retrieved a book, placing it on his desk. Cassiopeia's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the diary she had transfigured back to its original form. "Regarding Tom Riddle," he said, "What happened to the real diary, Cassiopeia? Do you know something about it?"

She stammered, searching for an explanation. "I—I wanted to keep the diary with me because—"

She paused, swallowing hard, trying to concoct a convincing excuse. She hadn't anticipated facing this situation in her final year at Hogwarts.

"Because?" Dumbledore raised an inquisitive brow, his piercing gaze unwavering. Cassiopeia met his eyes, determined to show her confidence.

"Because, I had feelings for him, sir," she admitted, biting her lip and then looking away before locking her eyes with his. "Actually, sir, I understand if this sounds foolish. But I genuinely had feelings for him. I wanted to keep it as a memento because he's not coming back."

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, considering her words. "What do you think about his disappearance, Cassiopeia?" he asked, gesturing toward the empty chair opposite him. "It's a mysterious and curious development, isn't it?"

Cassiopeia took the offered seat, her half-smile displaying a mix of concern and intrigue. "Yes, it is," she replied. "Still, the Ministry hasn't been able to trace him?"

Dumbledore tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Not yet," he answered. "Even the Dark Mark has faded on the Death Eaters in Azkaban. It's a perplexing situation."

Cassiopeia feigned surprise. "Seriously?" She widened her eyes. "But how? Is he dead?"

Dumbledore continued, "After his failed attempt to kill a one-year-old Harry, he disappeared, and the Dark Mark faded. But he returned eventually." He retrieved something from the cabinet and placed it on the table. "Any idea about this?"

Cassiopeia immediately recognized the Gaunt ring and picked it up. "This is the Gaunt ring, right?" she said. "I've seen him wearing it in my dreams."

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes never leaving her. The meeting was taking an unexpected turn, and Cassiopeia knew that she had to be cautious with her responses.

She closely examined the Gaunt ring, recalling that it was one of Tom's Horcruxes, created through the gruesome act of killing his own father.

Dumbledore's voice broke her concentration. "There is something wrong with this ring," he said, his tone filled with concern. "A death curse."

Cassiopeia couldn't hide her disbelief. "A death curse in this ring, sir?" She chuckled, though she knew the dark truth about it. "This is a Gaunt family heirloom."