Chapter One
Rain cascades down the slanted roofs of Victorian houses. Crumbling brick, overgrown weeds disturbing the peace of the wilting yet still beautiful roses. Thorns glinting in the dim sunlight.
“Potter, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Riddle's monotone voice rings in Harry's ears (only Harry would describe it as monotone, anyone else would immediately hear the tinkling of amusement in Riddle's voice) “Or should I say displeasure? Seeing as how every time you grace me with your thrilling presence I only ever receive dreadful news.”
Harry's scowl thickened, a gash of blood red marking his normally bright expression- Riddle always found a way of getting under Harry's toughened skin; striking all his soft spots in the worst ways possible.
“ Kingsleys resigning.”
Shock overcomes Riddle's features. Inwardly Harry leers at finally being able to break the bastard's cold composure.
Immediately taking back control of his facial muscles, Riddle lets out a humourless chuckle, “ Very amusing Potter, as much as I love seeing your thrilling face, I do have a very important dinner to get to, in approximately...” Riddle glances down at the ornate watch adorning his wrist, “ Ten minutes and I have yet to get appropriate”.
Riddle goes to close the door in Harry's face but is denied by an Oxford-covered foot, “I'm being completely serious right now Riddle.” Harry pauses, looking back over his shoulder- emerald green eyes suspicious behind wired spectacles.”The Ministry’s in shambles. Aurors are stationed all around the ministry and the homes of important Ministry officials” Clenching his jaw so tight his teeth creaked, Harry adds on bitterly,”Not that those snakes deserve any fucking protection.”
“Umbridge, of all people, is running for Minister for Magic, and seeing how idiotic seventy five percent of the Wizengamot is, it's not looking too good for us.”
Riddle remains speechless for another second before his features harden, like a mask fitting itself on his face, before turning swiftly around- robes swishing around his feet in a way that reminded Harry very much of Snape's dramatics.
“Close the door on your way in, i'm assuming that we’ll face at least one attack within the next fifteen minutes” Riddle calls over his shoulder, his footsteps hasty yet somehow still elegant. Without even lifting a finger Riddle's cloak flies over his shoulders and fastens itself, a small show of power that anyone other than Harry would gaze in awe at but Harry would rather eat his own wand before giving Riddle any praise.
“Please enlighten me Riddle, what's your master plan now?” Sarcasm thick in Harry's voice, he shoots an incredulous look at Riddle.
Riddle looks up from where he's consulting what looks like protection Runes, long winded and complicated. Clear mischief in his eyes he speaks through a smirk,” Isn't it obvious Harry?”
“I will be running for Minister for Magic. What else?”