Stolen Time A Tom Marvolo Riddle Fanfiction completed

Chapter Six

The next morning Tom apparated to Malfoy Manor. He had spent most of the night reading Astella's papers. It had been truly interesting. The woman surely had been a remarkable witch. Before he had left her study he had taken a few sheets of parchment with him. When he arrived at Malfoy Manor he ordered the house elf to get Malfoy immediately. The house elf disappeared with a loud crack, and Tom went into Malfoy's study. He had just taken a seat when Malfoy entered the room, a look of surprise on his face.

"Good morning, my lord. The house elf told me you wanted to talk to me?"

"I need you to get me someone who won't be a loss to this world," Tom stated bluntly.

Malfoy nodded. "Of course, my lord. Any specifications?"

Tom curtly shook his head.

Malfoy nodded again. After a moment he said, "I suppose they won't survive your meeting?"

Tom's mouth twisted into a wicked smirk. "A very clever assumption, Malfoy."

Malfoy's pale cheeks blushed slightly. "I will have someone by midnight at the latest, my lord."

Tom got up. "Good. I'll be back then." He walked to the door and left Malfoy staring after him.

When Tom entered the hall outside Malfoy's study his gaze fell on a young witch who was standing at the opposite side of the hall, obviously waiting. The moment she saw him, she strode over to him and lowered her eyes. "My lord."

Tom looked at her. "What is it, Bellatrix?"

She did not meet his gaze. "Please, may I have a word in private with you, my lord?"

Tom slightly narrowed his eyes. He had known Bellatrix since she was little. By now she had turned into a young woman, her long black hair strangely wild and her heavily lidded eyes painted dark. Tom eyed her for another moment. Then he opened the door to the living room and motioned her to follow him. He closed the door behind them with a flick of his wrist and walked to the middle of the room, Bellatrix close on his heels.

"So what do you want to talk to me about?" he asked, abruptly turning around.

Bellatrix raised her head and looked at him. "I have come of age a while ago and I want to join your ranks, my lord. I wish to become one of those you honour with your mark." She brushed her hand lightly against her left forearm. "I will do anything for you, my lord."

Tom looked back at her. After a moment he said, "These are grand words. Are you really aware what they mean?"

Bellatrix nodded eagerly.

Tom raised his eyebrow just the slightest bit. "You claim to do anything for me. So, are you ready to endure pain for me?" His voice was chilling.

Bellatrix nodded again and lowered her eyes. "Anything, my lord."

With a quick movement Tom had his wand in his hand. "Well, then look at me," he commanded and Bellatrix obeyed. Tom looked into her eyes. They were gleaming with a determination he had seen seldom before. Tom let his fingers glide over the wood of his wand. Then he grabbed it a little tighter and a sneer spread across his face. "So let's see if you'll change your mind." Without further warning he flicked his wand at Bellatrix and hissed "Crucio."

Bellatrix fell to her knees and then to the floor. The room was filled with her screams but Tom did not bother to mute her. He watched her winding on the floor, clearly tormented by endless pain, his eyes impassive and emotionless. Bellatrix' face was contorted with the agony she was experiencing but Tom did not waver. He kept his wand pointed firmly at her, momentarily relishing the comforting warmth of his magic that was flowing through his veins and channelling into the curse, before he finally lowered the wand.