Chapter 2
Mrs. Cole observed the stranger thoroughly. It was strange to see a gentleman in place of any abandoned child or poor pregnant girl on her doorstep. It was even stranger to know that gentleman seeking shelter for a night which she is sure never happened in history of Wool’s Orphanage. If this gentleman didn't have such aristocratic aura she surely would have declined such request and asked to try his luck elsewhere. But this man looks quite rich and too classy to lie about his distress. So she couldn’t turn him down. Who knows if this act of kindness draws a handsome amount of donation? She adds more wood to the fireplace of her office as she sees the gentleman puts his hat and coat on the hanger and takes his seat on the chair, rather uncomfortably. He will not be older than thirty and his sharp handsome feature seemed vaguely familiar to her. But she couldn’t quite relate under effect of alcohol.
Tom was growing uncomfortable under the gaze of this middle aged lady known as Mrs.Cole by the maid who opened door. He hesitantly brings his glass to lip after the woman takes a heavy gulp from hers. Tom has become extra conscious what he drinks now. One drink has already changed his life he can’t take another risk. He sipped after being sure that was only wine. But even though his drink was not tampered the forty something woman was obviously eyeing him and Tom was not quite happy about that.
“So Mr “ Mrs Cole began.
“Thomas, you can call me Thomas Mrs Cole “Tom was not sure to give his full name to this over interested woman and decided to go by family's first name instead.
“So Mr. Thomas as it was unexpected to have a gentleman like you as our guest so I apologize for lack of proper hospitality from my end” says Mrs Cole in a flattering tone
“It was generous enough to allow me staying for the night. I am grateful for your kindness madam. I don’t need anything else.” Tom tried to response in same tone for it was needed this woman remains pleased with him.
“The Dinner is already done so I am afraid it will take time to arrange….” Mrs Cole started in almost apologetic tone.
“Not needed ma’am I already had my dinner. Thanks for asking though.” Tom interjected. Marius had offered quite a grand dinner with many dishes Tom tasted for first time. He was sure the restaurant that Marius was intended to open on his newly bought property will run well.
“Alright then I must arrange a bed for you.” Mrs Cole sounds little relaxed yet thoughtful.
“I will spend night on this chair. I don’t need a bed for just a night.” Tom says hurriedly cringing that she might offer her own bed.
“No Mr. Thomas I can’t let a gentleman as you spend night on a wooden chair in such freezing night, you might fall sick on first day of year. Besides our servant sleeps in office. Every other room is occupied by two or more children, we are running out of space.” Sighs Mrs. Cole. “Only one room is still there where an extra bed can be arranged. Only one child stays there” She finished rather unsurely.
“Its alright.” assured Tom. Sharing room with a child sounds best solution at the moment.
“Well there is no other way else I wouldn’t ask you to share that room. The boy is rather strange, I must warn you. Other children here don't like him ” She sounded still unsure.
“Its alright I won’t disturb the child.” Tom says weakly. He was tired. He needed rest. And he had seen strangest people in life. An unpopular child sounds hardly a threat to him.
“Alright then. I need the arrangement to be done.” And She leaves.
half an hour later when Tom climbs the stairs to highest floor he found himself before a tiny room, that wouldn’t be used by any servant in Riddle Manor. The room had a small bed near window, a tinier cupboard that looks like a toy itself rest of the space had taken by that extra bed. So a chair had been taken out of the room. . On the window side bed a small boy was sitting with his back to the door as if lost in the sight of snowfall outside. Surely Mrs. Cole had informed him about this new arrangement so he didn’t bother to turn.
“Good night Mr. Thomas, hope you would have a peaceful sleep.” With a hesitating glance towards the child Mrs Cole left. Tom nods and closes the door. In absence of a hanger Tom puts his coat and hat on bed and sits to remove his shoes. The room had a smallest fireplace that Tom wonders could exist. That fails even to keep this toy room warm enough. He looks at the boy and froze to see the boy looking at his direction directly. The boy would be less than ten but has a lean tall structure. Head full with neat mope of dark hair. A curl tracing forehead. With artistic eyebrows, sharp cheekbone, well defined jaw line , pointed nose, pink lips and very pale skin the most noticeable feature was his dark eyes. Tom swallowed. The entire feature looks very familiar to him. Unnaturally familiar.
“Hello boy.” Tom wonders why his voice is shaking. “Sorry to trouble you for tonight.” Tom tried to smile but the boy’s face remained expressionless.
“You are Mr. Thomas. Mrs Cole said your carriage had an accident.” Stated the boy coldly. His voice sounds matured for his age.
“That’s right.” Tom nods and began confusedly again “What’s your name boy?” because it was rude to address the original occupant of the room as” boy”.
“My name is Tom. Tom Marvolo Riddle.” Rang the cold voice again.