A Taste of Magic

Chapter 15: 15th Course - Plans and Plans

Lucius Malfoy was many things. He was the head of a very old and important magical family, a Pureblooded one of course. He was arrogant, fully believing in his own superiority in all things. He was intelligent, well read and learned. Above all, he was very careful. One had to be to survive in the magical world.

So when he was made aware that someone had gotten into his study in his manor, without his express permission, he knew he had to tread carefully. Obviously the intruder was talented to get past his wards and defenses. Also the intruder must have been very stupid to dare trespass. And stupid people did things in unexpected ways that would lead to further problems.

Lucius opened the door to his study and frowned when he saw the shadowy figure sitting behind his desk. He looked around the room, seeing that everything seemed to still be in place. "You must be very brave and very stupid to break into my home," Lucius said coldly. When the figure did not react as he expected, shivering and nervously like most did when Lucius spoke that way, his interest grew. As did his ire.

The figure chuckled. "One cannot break in when one has been invited as a guest."

"I was not aware a robber could be invited," Lucius replied, closing the door behind him and pointing his wand at the man.

"You wound me," the man said dryly. "I thought your loyalty was beyond reproach."

"Precious few actually have my loyalty," Lucius said slowly. "Despite what many claim."

"I counted myself as one of them. Surely you have not forgotten me? I would call you old friend but we both know that would be a lie."

Lucius froze. No, it cannot be.

The man drew the cowl back and Lucius blinked when he saw the man. "I know you. You are Quirrell, the professor for Defense against the Dark Arts. How did you get into my home?"

Quirrell smiled and the expression felt very odd on his face. "I thought you would be better at seeing masks, Lucius, considering you wear one every day." His eyes flickered and his features crawled ever so slightly.

Lucius's heart stopped. "My Lord?" he asked quietly, almost disbelieving.

Voldemort's smile grew. "I knew you would figure it out eventually. You always were the cleverest of the ones that followed me."

Lucius did not put his wand away but pointed the tip down. "You cannot be…wholly…Voldemort. I remember meeting you when you accepted the post. You were completely different, felt completely different." He frowned. "But my wards would allow Voldemort to pass. What is this?"

Voldemort leaned back in the chair. "You are correct. I am not wholly here. My remnant was able to find solace in Quirrell, sharing his body so to speak. He wholly accepted me and I laid dormant within him. Matters came to a head however and I have been able to exert more control. My magic is mine and that is what your protections recognized. More or less."

Lucius sat in a chair that was a comfortable distance from Voldemort. "I see. So you did not die that night, not entirely."

"No, I did not. I told you all that I had found a way beyond death," Voldemort said. "And I am still here. Admittedly diminished in form and strength, but I still live."

"So is Quirrell…aware?"

Voldemort's face twisted. "He is and is not. When he is in command of the body, I do not know all his thoughts and actions. Before I was unable to assert control really. I could appear and speak but that was the limit. However, something changed recently where I have recovered a portion of strength, and now that I am stronger, I can be in control for moments at a time. At a cost of course, but one Quirrell will pay willingly and be rewarded handsomely for."