Before He Was Voldemort (A Tom Riddle Fanfiction)

Chapter 22: Dysfunction

(Important author's note at the end of the chapter)

December, 1943

Carrow mansion was entirely inanimate and still in the dead of the night, its inhabitants stirring not even a muscle in their slumber. Vaguely, silhouettes of spindly tree limbs swaying in the blizzard outside and large snowflakes hitting the windows danced across the floors that were illuminated faintly by moonlight. Encompassed in unconsciousness, the Carrow family was blissfully unaware of the figure lurking through the corridors of the mansion.

Once he was sure everyone was fast asleep, Tom took it upon himself to slip out of his guest bedroom for a quick late-night exploration. His footsteps were soundless with every stride due to the Quietening Charm he murmured under his breath before departing. He began his silent trek to the library, his mind centered on his prize.

He'd noticed it earlier today when Corinne had brought him to the library. She was observing the giant tapestry of the Carrow family crest hanging from the wall, a hint of a smile teasing her lips, as though she were recalling a fond memory. Tom followed her gaze from the tapestry's summit at the ceiling to to its base, where strange scorch marks frayed the edges a bit. That's when he saw the light outline of a rectangle at the center of the fabric. It was easily hidden for unsuspecting eyes, but Tom's sharp sight spotted it clearly.

A door.

Curiosity of what was behind the enchantedly hidden doorway itched at him for the remainder of the evening. His gut instinct was telling him that it may as well be what he came to Carrow mansion for.

Once inside the library, Tom stepped across the room until he was directly before the tapestry. He promptly produced his wand from his robes.

"Revelio."

Unexpectedly, the charm backfired, sending Tom staggering backwards a few steps. He bit his tongue to prevent himself from cursing audibly. Of course whatever was behind the door was shielded by a protection spell. And quite an effective one, at that. Thankfully his attempt at removing it didn't trigger an alarm.

Tom tried again, casting every spell he knew that would possibly counteract the enchantment. And there were plenty of powerful ones he was familiar with. Either the charms rebounded or didn't affect the target at all. This was immensely frustrating. There was one solution left he could try, but it would be risky.

It was time to demonstrate his dexterity in persuasion on a certain brunette pawn again.

* * *

Corinne's eyelids fluttered as she began to wake up, squinting at the bright morning sun beaming through the gap in her lace curtains. Her back arched as she stretched and sat up, clutching the duvet against herself to block the chilly air from hitting her bare arms. Surprisingly, she felt a pleasant thrum of energy surging within her. She hadn't felt this well-rested in ages.

If only she could take her bed to Hogwarts with her.

Humming with contentment, Corinne brought her gaze to the ticking clock on the wall. Her melodious little hum turned into a startled squeak in an instant.

It was nearly twenty minutes until noon. She'd overslept by almost four hours.

Throwing on her dressing robe over her night shirt and pajama pants, Corinne flung open her door and was prepared to bolt downstairs until she nearly ran over one of the three family house elves.

"Mistress Corinne!" yelped the startled elf, who was named Slightly. Half of one of his ears was missing. "Slightly apologizes for frightening you! Mistress Cressida just requested that Slightly wake you for lunch!"