The Heir Returns

Chapter 3

As Adelaide walked through the imposing manor, with black marble flooring and dark green walls with dark brown trimming she couldn't help but notice the eerie resemblance to Azkaban.

Not in the way of looks, of course. The residence was far too grand and elegant for that. The aura that surrounded the place was almost the same as Azkaban. It was practically dripping with a certain kind of darkness that was almost suffocating.

Her heels clicked against the marble, the only sound that surrounded them as they made their way to Riddle's office.

Adelaide couldn't help but smirk when she saw Riddle glancing at Harry when he thought Harry wasn't watching. Voldemort's expression was almost indiscernible to her, yet after seven years of seeing Tom Riddle, Adelaide was familiar with his expressions and knew the one Riddle bore was of intrigue and subtle desire.

Once they finally made their way into the carpeted study, Adelaide relaxed somewhat, feeling comfortable in the weirdly homey room.

Instead of sitting on one of the black leather armchairs in front of Riddle, she chose to stand behind Harry. A good few feet behind. She knew this would be an intimate matter.

She was only really here to make Harry comfortable, and to help him escape if Riddle tried anything.

⁂

Tom would've rather not have the Rosier witch inside the study whilst he interrogated Harrison, yet he knew if he asked her to leave, alarm bells would ring and he didn't want that just yet.

"How are you, Mr. Potter." He started pleasantly.

Harrison raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting this line of questioning, "I'm perfectly fine, thank you."

"Now, why have you asked to meet me, Harrison?"

Harry fought against shivering when Riddle said his name as he prolonged the pronunciation and added an edge of parseltongue.

Clearing his throat, Harry spoke. "You know of the events that transpired in June of 1943, of course. I don't expect any repayment or anything as it was of my own volition but I suppose with your....sudden rise as Lord Voldemort I wondered what your motives are.

The prophet is not to trust, as it is ridiculously biased, and other sources of news are far too light for me to trust them. So tell me, Voldemort. What is it that you intend to do as a Dark Lord?"

Riddle seemed to ponder this for a moment before speaking, "And why do you wish to know Mr. Potter?" He asked predatorily, his voice dark.

"Frankly, I want to know if my 23 years in Azkaban to save your skin was worth it." Harry may have come on too strong, but politeness was going to get him nowhere in this conversation. Any hint of weakness and Voldemort would exploit it. Better to get the upper hand while he still could.

The man seemed momentarily stunned by his rudeness, but cleared his expression to indifference quickly after. "I will be planning to make balance amongst the light and dark magics. As you most likely know, overusing a certain type of magic eventually put a strain on nature, as well as the earth. Nature always needs a balance. And at the rate Dumbledore is villainizing dark magic, in the next couple of decades, the damage could be irreversible."

Harry nodded, already knowing this information. It was part of the reason he went to Azkaban for Tom anyways. Among his slight insanity and obsession towards the man. Although he would deny that last statement.

"That's...better than I expected." Harry had no clue what to say after, as Riddle had answered his one main question. Once again, Harry wondered why this meeting was necessary at all.

"I believe, Mr. Potter that it is my time to question you." Once again, he got the upper hand. Harry cursed. Refusing Riddle would likely anger the man, and with apparition wards in place, it would be impossible to get out without engaging in a duel and he was too rusty to risk one with Lord Voldemort of all people.

"Alright then."

Riddle smirked, his expression far too sinister to be a good indication.