Heir to Riddle

Chapter 6

"Father," Hayden started from the doorway.

Now, he had just overheard Voldemort and Lucius Malfoy, Draco's father, talking about a magic school.

"Yes, Hayden?" his father looked up from his papers, ruby eyes focusing on Hayden.

The boy flushed at the sudden attention, fidgeting awkwardly.

"Am-am I going to Hogwarts?" he asked in a small voice. "With Draco?" Voldemort sighed, his gaze softening even as he frowned.

"I should've known that you were listening in," he murmured, inviting the eleven year old over to him. Hayden shuffled to him, allowing his father to pull him up into his lap. "No, you will not be going to Hogwarts, as much as I would like you to." Hayden frowned, looking down as Voldemort tucked his head under his chin.

"Oh," he breathed, unable to hide his disappointment. His father held him tighter, his breath hitching under Hayden.

"I'm sorry, Hayden," his father said quietly, stroking the boy's hair. "I plan to teach you here, as I have been. Hogwarts is not up to standards anymore, and the headmaster is a dangerous man. I-"

"I understand," Hayden whispered, leaning into him. "I'm okay with staying here with you."

His father paused, a slight smile on Voldemort's face.

"I'm glad you are."