Tom Riddle had a secret - he had murdered his family. Arabella Chambers knew his secret - she had witnessed it.
After Tom Riddle kills Arabella Chambers, he steals her wand for safekeeping. But, unexpectedly, Arabella shows up at Hogwarts, very much...
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Albus saw the perfect opportunity. The perfect chance to widen the rift between Arabella and Tom.
There was one truth that Arabella was hiding from Tom, a truth that could ruin everything between them if Tom found out.
If Albus planned this conversation carefully, he could possibly lead Tom in the right direction. The direction where that truth lay. And maybe, just maybe, he could stop Arabella from getting what she wanted.
"Why not? I find myself at a crossroads, of sorts. Questions unanswered. You've always been a man of answers, haven't you?" Tom had asked Albus with a faint smile on his face.
"That depends on the questions," Albus finally said. He had to choose his words carefully.
Tom nodded, as though considering this. "I've been... curious," he began slowly. "About the school. About its history."
The school's history? Was he not here for questions about Arabella? Albus thought. How did Arabella relate to the school's—
Oh. Yes. She did, actually. She created the school. But... Tom didn't know that. That's why he was here, after all.
So, Albus folded his hands in front of him, betraying nothing in his expression. "The history of Hogwarts is an intriguing subject, Tom. We have many books in the library on it."
Tom offered a small smile, polite but cold. "Not every answer is found in a book, Professor."
"True," Albus agreed. "But it does beg the question — what answers do you believe I hold about... the history of this school?"
Tom did not get comfortable in his seat. He was here for specific answers, any connection of the Chambers family to Hogwarts, or the true reason why Dumbledore may have killed Arabella's mother.
Arabella who had killed for him. Who had chosen him. But she still lied to him, and Tom would not allow that
"What I believe, Professor, is that you're a man who knows more than he lets on. Knowledge of the school, specifically the families tied to it, that mere books in the library have not written."
Families tied to it? Albus was now stumped. So Tom does not think Arabella is tied to this school, but her family.
"Knowledge is a curious thing, Tom. It can be the cause of destruction or build the future, depending on how it is sought and used. If you wish for knowledge and answers, then I will do my best."
So Tom got straight into it. The old man had said he would do his best. "The Chambers family. Their name is tied to this school, isn't it?"
The only form of shock Albus betrayed was a slight widening of his eyes. He quickly composed himself. Yes, he was right then. Tom did think it was the family name, and not Arabella herself. Albus studied him carefully, weighing his words. He couldn't confirm too much. Not yet. But this was an opportunity to lead Tom exactly where he needed him to go.
