All the Time in the World

Chapter Twenty Eight

Harry frowned at the notice for the Quidditch tryouts. He wanted to try, but he had no broom. There was no way he could have brought his Firebolt into this time. He supposed he could try with one of the school brooms, but he would certainly need a decent broom if he got selected. Ron was in the hospital wing with a cold and fever and Hermione was with him. Harry found he was but a third wheel and had excused himself and was returning to the dormitory when he saw the notice in the common room.

"Something wrong, Potter?" Tom Riddle was at his shoulder.

"No, nothing." Harry turned to go.

"You play Quidditch?"

"Yes, but I have no broom."

"I'll lend you mine," replied Riddle. "Just return it when you get a broom for yourself."

"Don't you want it?" Harry was surprised. He had no idea Tom Riddle owned a broomstick.

"I'm not much of a Quidditch fan, and I don't really care for flying on a broom. Someday I'll find a way to fly without brooms."

"Then why did you buy it?" Asked Harry as they walked back to the dormitory.

Riddle gave him a strange look. "Because it is not possible that I should not have it, Potter. I must have everything of the best."

Harry digested this in silence. "What does your father do?" He asked finally.

Riddle's lips thinned. "He's a muggle," he said briefly.

"You seem ashamed of him," observed Harry.

"It's none of your business, Potter!" Snapped Riddle as he turned to face Harry. "Do not ask me personal questions. I do not like it."

Harry's heart was hammering, but he faced Riddle squarely. "I thought we were friends."

Harry could see the struggle happening in the younger boy as he sought to control his anger. It was as if a shutter had fallen on his eyes as his face suddenly became smooth and impassive. "We are. But that does not mean I need to share every aspect of my life with you."

Harry acknowledged this with a nod. "I didn't know you did not want to talk about your family. I'm sorry."

Tom gave a gracious wave of his hand. "It's all right." He gave Harry a charming smile. "Tell me about your parents."

Harry shrugged, "They were murdered. So, I'm sure you'll understand why I prefer not to talk about them."

Riddle stopped and stared at Harry. "Murdered?"

Harry nodded.

"By whom?"

"A dark wizard," said Harry.

Riddle frowned. "One of Grindelwald's minions?"

"I do not know the details. Only that they were murdered using the Killing Curse."

"Then, it had to be a dark wizard." Tom gave Harry a curious glance. "Don't you even wish for revenge?"

Harry clenched his fists. Revenge? Of course he wanted revenge! He'd been contemplating nothing else since his arrival here. After all, what better way to ensure Tom Riddle did not become Lord Voldemort than to destroy him here, when he was still a student?

"I'd rather not talk about it," he said grimly.

Riddle did not press the matter further.