Tom Riddle sat in the back seat of the car, Sirius beside him, practically vibrating with excitement. Across from them, Severus Snape was leafing through a thick folder of documents, his dark eyes scanning each page with clinical precision. Barty Crouch, ever the reliable driver and bodyguard, was focused on the road ahead, his gaze flicking to the mirrors every so often.
"Father," Sirius said, breaking the quiet hum of the car's engine, "do you think I'll make friends at the school? Lots of them?"
Tom smiled faintly, turning his attention to his son. "I'm certain you will," he said smoothly. "You've always had a way of drawing people to you, Sirius. And a school like this will give you plenty of opportunities to meet others your age."
Sirius grinned, his grey eyes sparkling. "Do you think they'll like me? What if they don't?"
Tom's smile softened—a rare occurrence, even in private. "You're my son," he said, his tone carrying a hint of pride. "They'd be fools not to like you. But remember, it's not about trying to make everyone your friend. Find the ones who are worth your time and treat them well."
Sirius nodded earnestly, though his youthful enthusiasm clearly leaned toward befriending everyone. "I hope they have a library like ours. And maybe a big garden, too!"
"Most likely," Tom replied, his gaze briefly flickering to the passing cityscape. "The principal assured me their facilities are among the best. And if they aren't, I'll see to it that they improve."
"Really?" Sirius asked, his grin widening. "You'd do that for me?"
Tom's grey eyes softened. "Of course. You deserve the best, Sirius."
Snape cleared his throat, drawing Tom's attention. "The school has a comprehensive curriculum," Snape said, holding up a document. "Their focus on the arts and sciences is impressive, and their extracurriculars are varied. It's well-regarded in academic circles."
Tom nodded, taking the information in stride. "Good. Sirius deserves nothing less."
Barty glanced at them in the rearview mirror. "We'll be there in five minutes," he announced. "I'll circle around and park near the main entrance."
"Thank you, Barty," Tom said, his voice calm but commanding.
.
When they arrived, the school's grandeur was immediately apparent. The large brick building stood proudly, its manicured lawns and towering oak trees lending it an air of prestige. As the car came to a stop, Sirius craned his neck to get a better look, his excitement practically radiating off him.
The door was opened by a uniformed staff member, and Tom stepped out first, his presence as commanding as ever. Sirius followed, sticking close to his father's side but still wide-eyed with curiosity. Snape and Barty exited last, the former carrying his ever-present documents, the latter scanning the area with a sharp gaze.
"Welcome, Mr. Riddle," came a polished voice. A tall man in a tailored suit approached, his hand outstretched in greeting. "I'm Principal Waverly. It's an honor to have you and your son here today."
Tom shook the man's hand with practiced ease, his smile polite but distant. "Principal Waverly. Thank you for meeting us."
A woman standing slightly behind Waverly stepped forward, her demeanor warm but professional. "I'm Mrs. Carter, one of the teachers here. I'll be helping Sirius settle in when he starts."
Tom inclined his head in acknowledgment, his gaze briefly flickering to Sirius. "My son is very much looking forward to this," he said, his tone smoothing into something more personable. "He's been talking about it nonstop."
Sirius blushed but grinned. "I can't wait to see the library!" he blurted out, earning a chuckle from Mrs. Carter.
"Then let's start there," Waverly said, gesturing toward the building. "We'll give you a tour of the facilities and answer any questions you might have."
Tom placed a hand on Sirius's shoulder, steering him forward as they entered the building. His grey eyes swept over their surroundings, taking in every detail—the polished floors, the art-lined hallways, the faint hum of activity. It was all meticulously curated, just as he expected.
.
The meeting had been pleasant enough—if slightly tedious, in Tom's view. Sirius had handled himself admirably, his eagerness to impress shining through even as the principal and teacher elaborated on the school's facilities. Tom had nodded and made the appropriate remarks, his sharp mind cataloging everything while his focus remained firmly on his son.
As they made their way to the car, Tom felt a rare flicker of pride watching Sirius chatter animatedly about the classrooms, the bookshelves filled with knowledge, and the potential for making new friends.
Principal Waverly stood by the entrance, shaking Tom's hand with a firm grip. "You've built an impressive institution here," Tom said smoothly, his voice a perfect blend of professionalism and charm. "I'll be in touch about Sirius's enrollment."
"We'd be honored to have him," Waverly replied with a broad smile. "He's a remarkable young man."
Sirius beamed up at the principal, his enthusiasm contagious. "Thank you, sir! I can't wait to come back!"
Mrs. Carter, standing nearby, crouched slightly to meet Sirius's gaze. "You're going to do so well here, Sirius. Don't forget to bring that same excitement when you return."
As Tom turned to signal Barty to bring the car around, he noticed his bodyguard approaching with sharp, purposeful strides. The tension in Barty's expression immediately put Tom on edge.
"Sir," Barty said quietly, his voice low and clipped. "There's something wrong with the car."
Tom's grey eyes narrowed. "Explain."
Barty's gaze flicked toward the vehicle parked a few meters away. "Signs of tampering near the fuel tank. I can't confirm, but it's highly suspicious. I suggest we fall back. It's not safe."
Tom's grip on Sirius tightened ever so slightly, and he gave a single, curt nod. "Investigate quickly."
Barty nodded and moved toward the car, his steps careful yet swift.
He had only just reached the vehicle when a deafening explosion tore through the air.
The car erupted in a massive fireball, flames consuming it as the shockwave rippled outward. Tom staggered, his ears ringing, as shards of glass and twisted metal rained down around them. Acrid smoke filled the air, choking and blinding.
Sirius cried out, clinging tightly to Tom's leg.
"Get down!" Barty's voice cut through the chaos, hoarse but commanding.
The bodyguard hurled himself toward Tom and Sirius, grunting in pain as a piece of shrapnel tore through his shoulder. Despite the injury, Barty didn't falter, positioning himself between them and the burning wreckage, his firearm already drawn.
Tom's mind raced as he shielded Sirius with his body. His voice was sharp and cutting as he barked, "Sirius, stay behind me. Don't move!"
Before they could regroup, the roar of engines pierced the thick, smoky air. Two motorcycles sped onto the scene, their riders clad in dark helmets and black clothing.
One rider raised a gun, aiming directly at Sirius.
Tom's heart stopped as the gun fired.
But instead of chaos, there was a sudden shimmer of light—a translucent barrier flaring to life around Sirius. The bullet ricocheted harmlessly off the barrier, the magic pulsating like a living force.
"Stay behind me!" Tom ordered again, crouching lower as he calculated their next move.
Nearby, Snape moved with cold efficiency. Despite his usual disdain for firearms, he had retrieved his own weapon from his coat. He steadied his aim, firing a precise shot that grazed the second rider's tire, causing the motorcycle to swerve and lose balance briefly.
"Keep them back!" Barty growled, his injured arm hanging limply as he continued firing at the assailants with his other hand.
The first rider fired again at Sirius, only for the barrier to repel the shot once more.
How many uses does it have? Tom's mind screamed. Twice now—the explosion and the bullets. Could it hold again?
Then, out of the chaos, a sharp crack echoed.
Tom's sharp eyes caught the figure materializing out of thin air, landing between the assailants and their group.
It was Harry.
.
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