Close Or Far From The Law

Chapter 18 : 17. Birthday and liberation

Harry felt like he was in a dream or something, maybe. With a wave of his wand, Voldemort passed the room into an even softer and more welcoming atmosphere. Harry regretted not trying to tame his hair a little more. His mentor held out his hand as soft music was heard. Understanding the silent request, Harry let himself be drawn into a classic three-step waltz. Their fluid and coordinated movements made him forget a little about the stress that had built up when he had no present for the black mage who embraced him. He pressed his cheek a little more against Voldemort's chest, feeling as if their magics were also dancing together although he had no way of verifying it.

-Really, is that enough for you? Am I enough for you?

-Quite. I never liked celebrating my birthday. I doubt even my current supporters know the date. It was always a bitter day for me since I became an orphan that day.

Harry could certainly understand, he had the same repugnance towards Samhain, although the one he had just spent had done him good compared to all the others. He hadn't even gotten into trouble, as if his compliance with the ritual had given him his dose of adventure for that evening.

-I am sorry…

-I don't know if I am. Merope Gaunt was a weak, broken woman. I don't think she would have known how to raise me properly. Even as a child, I was not easy.

Harry looked up a little, noticed how pensive the dark mage was at this hour.

-Were you hurting other children?

-I was taking revenge. I'm not the type to pick a fight, although I ended up starting a war. But if I am hit, I repay a hundredfold... No doubt why this war is still going on.

-…The director knocked then?

Voldemort looked at him and put away one of his black locks, saying that he needed a quick trip to the hairdresser. Harry knew it but usually his hair didn't grow but this school year it had gotten longer. He suspected it was because his body was feeling better and he didn't need to conserve resources at the moment or he had too many. He admitted that he liked them that length but didn't know what to do with them.

-We will take care of it this summer.

Voldemort led him to the table. Harry hadn't seen the meal arrive but the smell severely aroused his hunger. His stomach grew louder and he placed his towel on his thighs as he had been taught. Voldemort took his seat, his stemmed glass filling with wine. His sanguine gaze rested on Harry who waited, unsure. Then his own glass was filled with a little alcohol.

-Just so you can taste. Alcohol can affect growth.

-Thank you… Enjoy your meal.

-Enjoy your food.

Harry was aware that his question had been ignored, he wondered if he should try again or just enjoy the meal. It was the first time he had eaten creamed scallops and he hoped he could have them again one day. He measured his movements so as not to appear like a glutton but the taste delighted his taste buds so well that he was certain that Voldemort had understood because of his mocking smile.

-Yes, it was because of him that I started the war.

Harry almost jumped, surprised that the man finally answered for himself. He waited for the rest while Voldemort set down his cutlery.

-He always saw me as evil. He never tried to change his opinion of me or lead me down a path that seemed more right to him. His distrust extended to all teachers for a time when I was a first year student. I was just discovering this world, I was getting my bearings. And it was certainly time for an adult to take me under their wing and guide me into something else I had known. It was not so.