The Darker Side of Me

Chapter Three

The Headmaster's office was almost completely dark, lit only by the red embers of a fire that had long ago burnt itself out. Candles that had been left to burn were now only piles of hardened wax on the floor. Some of the past headmasters were snoozing in their portraits while others seemed on edge, fiddling or exchanging anxious whispers.

An eruption of emerald fire burst from the hearth, and a slender figure stepped out with a whirl of ash. It stood there for a moment, head bent fingers pressed tightly into the corner of each eye, before making its way wearily to the ornate chair behind the desk. Every portrait was awake now, eyeing the old man as he sat down with a long sigh. After a moment of silent stares, each afraid to be the first to speak, one broke the silence. "Dumbledore what has.…"

Albus was quick to raise a withered hand, silencing the question before collapsing his head onto his steepled fingers. How could he have let this happen? How could he have been such a fool?

Another burst of fire roused him from his thoughts, though he did not acknowledge his new guest. He expected he would have an abundance of visitors over the next few hours. Slow, precise footsteps approached the front of his desk, and soft creak indicated the person had seated themself in one of the chairs directly in front of the Headmaster.

They sat in silence for what seemed like ages before Dumbledore let out a sigh. "I think it best if I had some time alone to gather…" His sentence was immediately cut short by a soft, yet eerie, chuckle. Eyes opening wide, Albus slowly lifted his head to face what he knew waited before him.

Those gleaming red eyes were bright with excitement and triumph as they pierced into Dumbledore's defeated blue's. "Now now Professor, surely you have enough time to talk with a former student." With this, Voldemort pointed his wand at the door which let out a loud [i]click [/i] as it locked, and then turned his attention to the fireplace, making sure no one would interrupt them.

"There now, how about some privacy," he said, turning back to the Headmaster who seemed to be trying his best to keep his calm composure. "Ah, the great, fearless Albus Dumbledore," Voldemort goaded, leaning back in his chair with legs crossed. He had the upper hand here and he knew it. "Is that worry I see in those old eyes, Headmaster?"

Thinking quickly, Dumbledore took a deep breath and leaned casually back in his own chair. From the look of them now, anyone could mistake them for mates having a casual chat. "What have you done with Harry, Tom?" The question was calm but inside Dumbledore was fighting the urge to yell. He knew it would be some time before anyone would find him here. After all, he wasn't technically the Headmaster anymore.

Voldemort let his gaze drift to the floor as if he were pondering the question. "Who's to say I haven't already killed your boy hero?" he asked confidentially, snapping his attention back to the professor's face. He wanted to see the defeat wash over him as the words sank in. Yet, he was slightly disappointed to see a smile spreading across Dumbledore's lips.

"Come now Tom, we both know that if you had already killed him you would have brought his body with you. It's your biggest downfall, " Dumbledore said, holding Riddle's gaze which no longer held the same glee. "You never pass up an opportunity to gloat."

Voldemort's smile dropped a fraction but he merely shook his head. "You know me to well, Albus but," he paused here, calculating his next words. "Apparently not well enough to know this was coming. You basically delivered the boy to me you old fool. You knew he was having visions, didn't you? " He took a moment to laugh here as Dumbledore dropped his eyes in shame. "And yet you still didn't find it pressing enough to help the poor boy. What's wrong Professor? Did you see something familiar in those emerald eyes?"

It took several minutes for Dumbledore to respond. He remained staring at the multiple unfinished Decrees that littered the top of his former desk, unwilling to see the taunting look in Voldemort's eyes. "I stand by what I said earlier. I've grown extremely foolish in my old age. Looking back on what I should and should not have done will change nothing now. I've learned that all too well." It was here he returned his view back to Riddle's. "I'm willing to make a trade for Harry of course."