29
Antonin approached Alice in the library, where she was deeply engrossed in a text on ancient runes. He paused at the doorway, observing the way her brow furrowed in concentration, a faint smile playing on his lips at her dedication.
"Alice," he called softly, stepping into the room.
She looked up, her expression brightening. "Antonin! Is there something you need?"
"Actually, I came to inform you of a little change in plans," he said, leaning against a nearby bookshelf. "We will be embarking on another coastal trip soon."
Alice's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? Another trip? Where are we going this time?"
Antonin chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Relax, Alice. This time, it's more about leisure than study."
She opened her mouth to protest, clearly eager to prepare and study for the trip, but Antonin raised a hand, stopping her. "Trust me, you won't need your books for this one."
"But what about the magical sites—"
"Just enjoy the trip," he interrupted gently. "Miss Greengrass will be joining us, too."
Alice's excitement was palpable, though a hint of confusion lingered in her eyes. She couldn't quite understand why Voldemort would arrange such a trip for her leisure. "Miss Greengrass? That's... unexpected."
"Indeed," Antonin agreed, a knowing look in his eyes. "Yet, I'm sure you'll both have a wonderful time."
With that, Alice set about preparing for the journey, a mixture of anticipation and curiosity swirling within her. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this trip than met the eye, but for now, she was content to enjoy the promise of adventure and companionship.
Alice arrived at the designated meeting point, a sprawling estate overlooking the sea. Astoria Greengrass was already there, standing rigidly with her hands clasped tightly in front of her, as if trying to contain her nervous energy.
"Alice!" Astoria's relief was palpable as she spotted her friend. "Thank Merlin you're here."
Before Alice could respond, the air grew heavy with magical presence. Voldemort appeared silently, his crimson gaze sweeping over them both with clinical detachment.
"Miss Greengrass," he addressed Astoria, his voice arctic. "I trust you understand the privilege of being included in this excursion."
Astoria paled slightly. "Y-yes, my Lord. Thank you for—"
He cut her off with a dismissive gesture, turning instead to Alice. His expression softened almost imperceptibly. "I trust you’re prepared, Alice?"
"Yes, my Lord," Alice replied, noting his change in demeanor. She glanced sympathetically at Astoria before adding, "And I'm so pleased Miss Greengrass could join us. She's quite knowledgeable about coastal flora used in potions."
Voldemort's eyes lingered on Alice, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "Indeed. Antonin," he called over his shoulder, "ensure Miss Greengrass is comfortable."
Antonin stepped forward with a courteous nod. "Of course, my Lord." He turned to Astoria, offering his arm with a warm smile. "Shall we, Miss Greengrass?"
Astoria looked relieved as she accepted Antonin's assistance, and Alice felt a sense of satisfaction knowing her friend was in good hands.
As they began walking toward the cliffs, Alice fell into easy conversation with Astoria, helping to ease the younger witch's obvious tension. Behind them, Voldemort followed, watching their interactions with the intense focus of someone studying an unfamiliar species. Every now and then, his gaze would soften when it landed on Alice, particularly when she laughed or made some clever observation.
"The path narrows ahead," he announced suddenly, moving forward. "Alice, walk with me." It wasn't a request.
"Is everything all right, my Lord?" Alice asked, her curiosity piqued by his unusual demeanor.
"Everything is as it should be," he replied dismissively, though his eyes remained fixed on her with that peculiar intensity. "Now, observe the patterns in these stones. You'll notice how they differ from those in Scotland..."
They fell into their usual rhythm, Voldemort explaining the intricate magical properties while Alice listened attentively, asking questions that earned slight nods of approval. Astoria followed behind them, doing her best to keep up with the advanced magical theory, though her confusion was evident in her furrowed brow.
A wizard in dark robes suddenly appeared at the crest of the hill. "My Lord," he called out, bowing deeply. "We require your immediate attention regarding the resonance calculations in sector seven."
Voldemort's expression darkened slightly at the interruption. "Antonin, come. This concerns your work as well." He paused, looking between Alice and Astoria with an almost awkward air, as if unsure how to proceed.
Antonin smoothly stepped in, drawing his wand with practiced ease. A picnic basket materialized in one hand, while a soft blanket appeared in the other. "Perhaps the young ladies would enjoy refreshments on the beach while we attend to this matter?" He gestured toward a sheltered cove below. "The weather is quite pleasant."
With swift, efficient movements, he began casting protective wards around the area. "These will alert us if anyone approaches, and shield you from the stronger winds."
Voldemort's lips curved slightly. "I wasn't aware you were so well-versed in arranging... social activities for young witches, Antonin."
"One picks up certain skills over the years, my Lord," Antonin replied easily, a hint of warmth in his voice. "I've organized a picnic or two in my time."
Something passed between the two men then – a shared understanding that made Voldemort's eyes glint with rare amusement. For once, when Antonin referenced his past experience with a young witch, there was no bitterness in his tone, only fond remembrance.
"Very well," Voldemort conceded, turning to Alice. "We won't be long. Stay within the wards."
As the two men departed with the messenger, Alice caught herself staring after them, puzzled by the strange interaction she'd witnessed. She'd never seen her Lord quite so... uncertain about something as simple as leaving them to their own devices for a short while.
"Shall we?" she turned to Astoria with a warm smile, pushing aside her confusion. "I don't know about you, but I'm famished."
The sheltered cove proved to be the perfect spot for their impromptu picnic. Alice and Astoria settled onto the blanket, the sound of waves providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. The picnic basket, when opened, revealed an impressive array of delicacies that made both girls laugh.
"Trust Antonin to think of everything," Alice said, selecting a perfectly crafted sandwich. "Though I suspect the house-elves had a hand in this."
Astoria relaxed visibly now that they were alone, her shoulders losing their rigid set. "I still can't believe I'm here," she admitted, accepting the glass of pumpkin juice Alice offered. "When I received the invitation... well, my parents nearly fainted."
"I'm glad you came," Alice said warmly. "Though I'm sorry about... earlier. He can be rather..."
"Terrifying?" Astoria supplied with a nervous laugh.
"I was going to say intense," Alice smiled, "but yes, that too." She paused, watching the waves crash against the shore. "He's different when we're studying. More... focused on the magic than intimidation."
Astoria wrapped her arms around her knees, looking thoughtful. "The way he looks at you, though... it's so different. Almost like..."
"Like what?"
"Like he's trying to solve a puzzle," Astoria said carefully. "Or perhaps like he's found one he enjoys working on."
Alice felt her cheeks warm slightly. "I'm just his ward," she said quickly. "He's invested in my education."
"Of course," Astoria agreed, though her expression suggested she wasn't entirely convinced. After a moment, she brightened. "Tell me about the stones you were studying. I tried to follow the theory, but..."
As Alice launched into an explanation, breaking down the complex magical concepts into simpler terms, she found herself enjoying the easy rapport that developed between them. It was different from her usual academic discussions – lighter, punctuated by genuine laughter and casual observations.
Above them, hidden by the wards' shimmer, two dark figures stood watching.
"Her presence serves a purpose," Voldemort said abruptly, as if defending himself against an unspoken accusation. "The girl's family has significant holdings near several key sites."
"Of course, my Lord," Antonin replied mildly, though his eyes held a knowing glint. "The Greengrass estates are... strategically placed."
Below them, Alice was sketching something in the sand with a piece of driftwood, explaining what looked like the theoretical framework they'd discussed earlier. Her natural ability to teach, to share knowledge, was evident even from this distance.
"She takes after you in that regard," Antonin observed carefully. "The way she explains complex theories."
Voldemort's expression tightened. "The project requires competent allies. Nothing more."
"Naturally." Antonin paused, then added, "Though I notice she's quite adept at making others... comfortable with difficult concepts. A valuable skill."
A muscle ticked in Voldemort's jaw. "The messenger. Where is he?"
"Awaiting us in sector seven, my Lord." Antonin gestured toward the distant cliffs. "Though perhaps we should allow them a few more moments. For... strategic purposes."
Voldemort's eyes narrowed, but he didn't move. Below, Alice's laughter carried on the wind as Astoria apparently said something amusing. The sound seemed to catch him off guard, making that strange expression cross his features again.
"The wards are holding," he stated unnecessarily.
"They are, my Lord." Antonin kept his tone carefully neutral. "They're perfectly safe."
Finally, Voldemort turned away, his movements sharp and precise. "The resonance calculations await."
When they returned later, they found both girls deeply engaged in discussion, their heads bent over what appeared to be notes Alice had made in a small notebook.
"I see you've found a way to turn even leisure into study," Voldemort remarked dryly.
Alice looked up, that familiar warmth in her eyes. "Miss Greengrass had questions about the stone formations, my Lord. I thought perhaps explaining the basic principles might help her understand—"
"And did you find her explanations... illuminating, Miss Greengrass?" he cut in, his tone carrying an edge of something unidentifiable.
"Oh, y-yes, my Lord!" Astoria stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes wide with a lingering terror. "Alice... she... she's a brilliant teacher."
"Indeed." His eyes lingered on Alice. "The practical applications await. Come."
As they made their way back to the stone formations, a strange sense of satisfaction settled over Voldemort. It was utterly mundane, a simple afternoon spent facilitating a two young friends, yet the feeling resonated with the same deep satisfaction he experienced when one of his meticulously crafted schemes came to fruition. The feeling was baffling, and he couldn't quite place why a simple, almost domestic scene, brought him such a sense of accomplishment.The Greengrass girl's presence seemed to bring out a different side of Alice – one that reminded him she was, after all, quite young.
"My Lord," the wizard who had interrupted them earlier approached again, clutching several scrolls. "The calculations—"
"Can wait," Voldemort cut him off smoothly. "We have other matters to attend to." His eyes flickered briefly to Alice, who was explaining something to Astoria with animated gestures. The sight stirred that strange, unfamiliar feeling again – not possessiveness, but something almost... protective.
"The southern formation requires examination," he announced, more to direct his thoughts away from this uncomfortable revelation than anything else.
Antonin, ever perceptive, stepped forward. "Perhaps Miss Greengrass would like to observe as well? The practical application might help solidify Alice's explanations."
Voldemort considered this for a moment. The girl was clearly terrified of him, but including her would make Alice... happy. The thought that this mattered to him was disturbing enough that he nearly refused. But...
"Very well," he conceded, his tone carefully neutral. "Though do keep up."
As they walked, he found himself watching how Alice naturally slowed her pace to match Astoria's, offering quiet explanations and reassurance. It was... efficient, he decided. Yes. Having someone else understand the basic principles would only benefit the project in the long run.
As the day drew to a close, Voldemort found himself lingering after Antonin had escorted Astoria back to her family's estate. Alice was gathering her notes, carefully tucking them into her satchel.
"The day's activities," he began, his tone deliberately casual. "They were... adequate?"
Alice looked up, catching that strange, searching look in his eyes. "Yes, my Lord. It was wonderful." She paused, then added softly, "Thank you for including Astoria. She's very bright, once she gets past being nervous."
He made a noncommittal sound, though something in his expression eased slightly. "And you found her company... satisfactory?"
"Very much so," Alice smiled, understanding now what he was trying to ask in his roundabout way. "It's nice to have someone my age to discuss things with. Someone who's interested in learning, even if the subject matter is new to her."
"I see." He turned away, as if the conversation held no particular importance. "That will be all.”