A Change of Heart

Chapter Seven

Voldemort rubbed his eyes. He had been closeted in the Malfoys' library ever since moving here. For the past three weeks, he had been virtually living in the library. The Malfoys' library too was severely limited when it came to researching the kind of magic Dumbledore used to protect Potter. But there were a few useful books. Voldemort knew that Potter was with his mother's sister. Only in that house would he be safe from Voldemort.
He sat back. Three weeks of research had brought him this. But he was satisfied. It was one thing more than what he knew earlier. He knew he would not be able to locate Potter's relatives by magical means. And he knew no muggle arts.
He did not ask himself why he was obsessed with finding Potter. The boy had been an obsession for so long, he no longer wondered at it. But he was aware that his desire to kill Potter was somehow gone. Yet, his obsession remained. He did not even want to think about why.
He rose, groaning a bit. His body was stiff from sitting in the same posture for a long time. He stretched himself, allowing the blood flow to come back to his limbs. Then he moved to the mirror in one corner. He grimaced as he saw his reflection. He looked like a muggle, and that too the muggle father he despised. But right now, he had other things to worry about than his changed appearance. He pulled the hood of his robe over his head, so his face was in shadow.
He opened the door and stepped into the corridor and made his way into the living room. The three Malfoys were there and they jumped up as soon as they saw him. He noticed the change in atmosphere in the room. Probably, the three were having a cozy family moment though it did not seem too cozy if the sulky expression of Lucius's son was anything to go by.
"My Lord," Lucius was all obsequiousness and deference.
"Lucius," he inclined his head as he sat down on one of the armchairs. The chair was almost too comfortable, thought he with an inward grimace. Lucius was spoilt with luxury.
"Summon Severus," he told Lucius. He did so enjoy the nonplussed expression that came upon his followers' faces when he made some out of the blue demand that made no sense to them. But, to his credit, Malfoy recovered almost instantly.
"Yes, my Lord, immediately,"
He turned to leave.
"And Lucius?"
Malfoy turned to face him, a wary look on his face.
"Bring me something to eat. I'm famished."
It was all he could do not to laugh out loud at the expression on Malfoy's face. Lucius bowed, "Yes, my Lord," he muttered as he almost ran out of the room.
Voldemort sat back in the chair and waved his wand to convert it into something a little less comfortable and more suited to him.