Chapter 3
Tom looked around the place in wonder; it was like a maze, yet he seemed to know exactly where to go. There was an aura about the mansion that felt like different ropes guiding him here and there. Finally, he descended the main stairs and entered the dining room. He jumped and looked around, seeing little hairless people setting the table. A small noise of surprise escaped him when a hand rested on his head. Looking up, he saw Mr. Peverell, who chuckled at his reaction.
"These are house-elves, Tom. They won't harm you," Mr. Peverell reassured him. Tom glanced back at the house-elves; some were busy with their tasks, while others smiled, nodded, or waved before returning to their work. "I've never heard of house-elves before. Do they only live in certain places?" Tom asked, his gaze fixed on Mr. Peverell.
"Something like that. How about this? I'll answer whatever questions you have during dinner. You must be starving," Mr. Peverell suggested. Tom nodded eagerly, and Mr. Peverell motioned him to the now-deserted table. Not long after, they were joined by Teddy, and Tom couldn't help but gape at the variety of food laid out before them. It looked fresh and inviting, devoid of any signs of age or tampering. "Help yourself, Tom. There's no need to hold back," Mr. Peverell encouraged, and Tom eagerly complied, digging into the food. After a few minutes, Tom raised his head and looked at Mr. Peverell. "About the house-elves, where did they go?" he inquired. Mr. Peverell smiled, pleased with Tom's curiosity. "They are everywhere right now—kitchens, halls, garden—cleaning and working. They don't like anything to have even a speck of dust on it."
Tom tilted his head in thought. "I haven't seen them until I got to the dining room, but you say they are everywhere?" "Well, they don't exactly run or walk to where they need to be. Like this, Tippy!" Mr. Peverell called, and in an instant, one of the house-elves, Tippy, appeared next to him. Tom's eyes widened in amazement. "Master called for Tippy?" the house-elf asked, wearing a bright smile. "Yes, can you please bring some more tea, Tippy?" Mr. Peverell requested, and Tippy nodded before popping away, along with the teapot.
Tom stared at the spot where Tippy had vanished. "How—"
"Magic," Mr. Peverell interjected with a grin.
Tom took a deep breath, amazement still evident in his eyes. "Uh, why exactly did you adopt me?" he blurted out, unable to contain his curiosity. He immediately regretted his words but couldn't retract them. "The old lady told you about me, didn't she?" Mr. Peverell responded calmly. "Why did you adopt me even though you knew I was a freak?" Tom pressed, biting his tongue in frustration. Mr. Peverell's smile remained unwavering. "You're not a freak, Tom. If you were, then Teddy and I would be freaks too. But we're not. We're wizards," he explained. "Wizards?" Tom repeated, his confusion evident.
"Yes, Tom. You're a wizard," Mr. Peverell affirmed.
"I'm a what?" Tom exclaimed, his mind reeling with the revelation.