The Brazen Hours

PART I

PART I

June 30, 1945

Each time the restroom door creaked open, it unleashed the jubilant clamour of students making their way boisterously toward Hogwarts Park. As soon as it shut, the room returned to its cold, damp calm. Only a few students chose to forego the graduation ceremony. Tom Riddle splashed water on his face under the tap, studying his pale reflection in the mirror. A droplet traced the line of one of his dark circles, trailing down his cheek like a tear. His visage bore witness to the efforts he had put in; he had worked diligently this year, finally completing his schooling at the prestigious institution of witchcraft.

No one had believed the wizarding world would survive the war, but Albus Dumbledore had ultimately vanquished Grindelwald, who now languished in a prison in Eastern Europe, or so Tom had gathered. Little information had been released about the dark wizard's arrest, but Tom enjoyed certain privileges. A faint smile briefly crossed his face, disappearing when he caught the gaze of one of his Slytherin peers in the mirror. He finished washing his hands and retrieved Marvolo Gaunt's ring from the edge of the sink, slipping it back onto his finger.

He knew he had to hurry. Director Dippet tolerated no delays and naturally expected Tom to be present for the end-of-year speech, given that he was Hogwarts' top student and Head Boy. However, he had a few matters to discuss with his "friends."

"Hold on a moment, Carrow," Tom murmured as he noticed the teenager about to leave. "I have something to discuss with you."

"Fine," Carrow replied, somewhat bored. "What is it... Lord Voldemort?"

The smirk on the boy's face, both amused and impatient, irked Tom to no end. This impudence had been grating on him considerably lately. He hoped the boy would be wise enough not to cause any problems in his future endeavours.

"Don't use that name when there might be students nearby," he frowned.

"Apologies," Carrow sighed.

"Very well. You all know I'll be working at Burgin & Burkes this summer."

The Slytherin students perked up at this revelation. Working at a shop as dark and intriguing as Knockturn Alley's Burgin & Burkes remained a mystery to them. After all, Tom Riddle was Hogwarts' top student, capable of working wherever he pleased... Why choose such a common establishment?

"I'll be available for a while. Send me letters to the shop... No, I expect you to send me letters this summer, understood? I want to be informed of your activities in detail..."

"But Riddle..." Tiberius Rosier interrupted with a dubious air, "what benefit does it bring you to know what we're up to?"

"I'm interested in keeping up with my friends," Tom said with a complacent smile. "This year, at the end of summer or as Christmas approaches, I'll likely send an owl to each of you... I'll organise a gathering somewhat akin to our Slug Club meetings. I hope you'll all attend." He gave a stern look at Carrow. "I'll have something to share with you, and if you're wise, you'll see the advantages of following me..."

"To follow you in what, Tom?" Cygnus Black asked, a furrow of concern creasing his brow.

"You'll see," Tom replied, his eyes gleaming.

The dozen students present regarded him strangely but dared not add anything. They simply nodded respectfully and left the room to head to Hogwarts Park. Benches had been arranged on the grass, facing a platform where Director Dippet and the Hogwarts professors were already seated. Director Dippet looked thinner and gaunter than ever, yet it paled in comparison to Albus Dumbledore, whose appearance was almost eerie. Like the other professors, he sat in a white wooden chair, regarding the students before him with a benevolent yet profoundly weary expression.