Chapter 27
Very soon, something would come put an end to Tom's plans. From unsurprisingly, none other than the old coot. It was one morning when he was preparing to use the Hogwarts fireplace to go to the hospital that he came face to face with him in the corridors."Hello Professor" Tom greeted trying to keep a perfect facade. This was not the time to antagonize the old fool, regardless of the irritation rising underneath his shields at this very unpleasant and unwelcome morning sight.
"Hello, my boy. I have just came from a meeting with professor Dippet concerning your frequent visits to Professor Eccleshall." He said , a grave suspicious look donning his face with none of that irritating twinkle in sight, not that it was ever reserved to Tom, mind you. Even when he was but an eleven year old boy coming into contact with the magical world for the first time. He continued "I informed him that such visits may interfere with your studies and he agreed with me that it was most wise to retrieve your pass to such outings".
Tom's eyes turned red. It seemed that even at such a time, Dumbledore's shame wasn't enough to stop him from bothering them and to harbor suspicions. If anything, he managed to glean from Bellatrix's existence that he was only going to further his meddlesome ways and keep being a serious obstacle to his future plans and his future self.
As for the excuse that Tom's studies would be disturbed, both of them knew that was a lie. Tom's level was far beyond what was taught at Hogwarts, only Dippet would be foolish enough to be convinced by such foolish excuse. He forced a smile on his face "Thank you for worrying, professor. I will be in my way". Like everything and anything Tom has ever done, that only managed to leave a grave pensive look on Dumbledore's face.
The next few days, Tom's fury was noticed by everyone in his house. The fact that he couldn't reach Bellatrix and that she was left to her devices while potentially still delirious from those potions was unsettling him.
But good news soon followed.
Right after breakfast, a letter inviting him to the principal's office landed on his table. Tom did have an inkling to what this was about.
When he finally stepped inside, the first thing he pleasantly noticed was Bellatrix sitting in the chair, she seemed very sober and was wearing her usual wizarding robes. The only sign of the gravity of the ordeal she went through seemed to be reduced to some pale shade on her face. Almost unnoticeable given how the Blacks already looked. Her whole body straightened up at the sight of him. He was once again getting more reassured to notice her display of brainwashed loyalty to him. He felt foolish thinking back at how he used to get quite rattled at such behavior. Though it seemed she had enough sense not to be obvious in front of other people's presence. For a reason, the old coot was also in there, standing right next to the unconscious fat fool that was much too easy to manipulate. Something that Tom found irritating once used against him. He unsurprisingly, didn't seem too fond of the current situation, which only made Tom even more eager to figure out what was to be talked about.
"Tom, my boy, come come here" Dippet balanced himself as he struggled to get up from his chair, gesturing for Tom to come closer. "As you can see, Professor Eccleshall rejoined us here at Hogwarts"
"I am glad to see you are in good health , professor"
"We are all glad, all glad haha"
"Thank you Headmaster and thank you...Tom" She looked at him with her dark hooded eyes. The worry in her eyes was heavy. He could already see the panic hardening her features and only alleviating once her eyes wandered upon his form.
"Tom, my boy, professor Eccleshall asked for your assistance regarding helping her with preparing papers and coming back for her functions. Seeing as you are a very bright student, we wished to ask you if this was something you would like to engage in?" Tom struggled to keep his victorious smile on. This was great news. "Of course Professor, It would be my pleasure to help professor Eccleshall settle in" Dumbledore frowned "Perhaps..."
"Yes, my boy. I remember Professor Eccleshall protected you during that terrible incident. You must still be frightened. It is most wise to keep prudence during these times... " He turned to Bellatrix and said "Oh Bellatrix, wasn't it said that two of the healthcare workers who took care of you were found murdered by Grindelwald followers?" Tom didn't want to let this line of questioning go on and interrupted immediately.
"I am doing alright, headmaster. How about I help professor Eccleshall to her quarters?"