Harry Potter and the Perfect Stranger: Updated Book 3 - Page 43

Tom stared down at the ground fading into the mist from the height he stood at preparing to jump. He had stood there for over an hour preparing himself to jump. Finally, he decided if he would not fly he would pull out his wand and slow down his fall. And with that single thought, he jumped.

Cold air rushing past his face, his eyes closed tightly. For a minute he just fell and did nothing at all then he started concentrating. While falling, he realized he would have to apply a force against gravity to levitate in the air, the one he had applied yesterday, unknowingly. One he could produce without a wand. He straightened himself in mid air, pointed his hands towards the ground and tried to concentrate to let that force out through his hands, one that existed in his mind. To channel it through his hands was the best way. After about a minute he started slowing down, he opened his eyes and saw that now he wasn't far from the ground but kept on concentrating and finally stopped a few feet away from the earth and then started rising, this time with less effort, he felt like he didn't have to put much concentration with it, but his body would do the rest and truly he rose 60 to 70 feet in the air and levitated there without any support.

Now was the time to do more. He turned himself in downward direction and flew down like a bullet. Then rose again and turned right towards the Forbidden Forest. He could see the thick canopies from up there. The world seemed much brighter from up here. He could finally fly and enjoy it. He flew everywhere and anywhere he could. He shot straight into the forbidden forest and whizzed in and out of the gaps between the trees there, took a full circle of the Castle. Hogwarts looked brilliant from that kind of height. Its many turrets and towers seemed closer to him than ever before and they had to, he was now level with them. He felt like a bird that had been let out of its cage after a long time.

After a tiring but pleasant day Tom went back to the Castle. Exhausted but happy, he longed for nothing but a freshening shower and a comfortable sleep. Although he was jumping up and down to tell Harry he could finally do it, he decided against his will to go to him intending to surprise him later.

The moment he stepped inside his room he felt at peace. He always did but tonight as he was extra tired without a single thought he pulled off all his clothes and threw them in a corner of the room and made straight for the bathroom. The warm water all over his body felt like a bliss after the cold air slapping about him hard. The shower made him fresh and he left the bathroom with a towel around his waist.

Back in his room he pulled off the towel. He summoned his wand and swished it. He was fully clothed and dry with one swish of his wand. He was tired as hell so without another thought jumped into his bed face first. His shoulder length hair spread across his face, his eyes shut with peace. A moment after he slept Tom felt movement on his bed. A hand softer than any pulled his hair out of his face and kept moving its fingers through them. Tom opened his eyes and met the most wonderful sight in the world. The big beautiful bright green eyes of the woman he loved lay staring at him. "Happy Valentine's Day."

"Estella...I nearly forgot..." he made to get up but she stopped him and kissed him. She climbed over him slowly while he kissed her back. As she did so her hands slipped down from his hair to his torso. She kissed him passionately as he fingers found his collar and before he could stop her, she had pulled open his shirt.

Tom kissed her back with all his heart feeling her silky blonde hair in the palms of his hands. Estella who had kissed him to keep him as mesmerized as before now felt mesmerized herself. His strong and thick shoulders felt so protective. As her hands slipped down his shoulders and reached his chest she felt it filled with warmth and love. He was so soft and tough all at the same time. She loved being in his arms. When they broke the kiss she looked into his very familiar handsome face and smiled, he eyes glinting wildly.

"Oh, Riddle, I love you so much..." but to her displeasure, like usual, he didn't look proud and erect at her words but looked rather confused and stunned.

Tom's smile faded as he heard the name. As she made to kiss him again he held her staring into her eyes. Why had she called him Riddle? How could she have forgotten?

When he held her back Estella came back to her senses, she had gotten carried away and forgotten that it wasn't Riddle who was holding her but Tom. She saw his smile fading and realized she had uttered his name instead of his. His feel was so much like him but one thing that was better about Tom was his reply to her love unlike Riddle who felt nothing but touch. Staring into his eyes she understood she had made a mistake but she would be able to cover it up.

"What happened?" she asked pretending to be very confused.

"You..." Tom started then changed his mind. "I...I think I should...I think we should...I mean, what are you doing here?" he said getting up at the same time.

"I came to see you. I was missing you." She replied grabbing his arm as he got up from the bed trying to pull him back. But when she realized he would not lay back she got up herself and stood in front of him.

Tom smiled against his will. He had remembered everything he wanted to forget by just one name. He needed the truth and this time he was quite sure he wouldn't get it the easy way. "I was missing you too. I just wasn't getting time to come down to Hogsmeade." he replied buttoning up his shirt. "I paid you a visit a week ago but you weren't there."

"When?"

"Around midnight. I wasn't expecting your absence."

Estella realized what he was talking about. He had visited her the night she had gone to see Riddle. Did he know where she had been to? "Oh, that day...I..er..I was at the Three broomsticks...Actually Madam Rosemerta needed company for a firewhisky, so she called me..."

"Oh, it was nice of you to have accompanied her...but how did she call you? I mean, you know the rivalry between the HogsHead and the Three Broomsticks, I don't think Stan would have let Madam Rosemerta enter his pub without a duel."

"Yeah, you're right she didn't come to HogsHead, she sent me a Patronus."

Tom nodded silently. He had been lie to and this time he was sure about it. He had seen the parchment summoning her at midnight. If Madam Rosemarta hadn't summoned her with it, then who had? Riddle? He shook his head, trying to shake this thought out of his mind. He had just turned to her to ask her about the parchment when she hugged him tightly.

"Tom, I miss you so much. Why don't you visit me regularly?"

"it's been busy...since exams are near..." He answered shortly as she pulled away and stood leaning on his.

"Tom, why do you have to worry about it? You've been going so busy that you even forgot it's Valentine's."

"Estella, my students are my foremost priority..I'll do anything for them, forgetting about a Valentine is no big deal and anyways, you remembered."

"Tom, I know what's going on, alright."

"What do you know?" he was bit confused now.

She let him go and stood with her arms folded. "Roy's told me everything. Harry's been putting you through extra work to stop you from visiting me."

"I don't think.__--"

"Well, then, you should think. Why is it that every time you're planning to see me, Harry puts you to some task? It's not fair Tom. He's trying to pull us apart. That's why he expelled me. And now he wants you to stop visiting me."

"But why would he do that. What's in it for him?"

"Hurting the son of his biggest enemy, the Dark Lord, would be nothing short of pleasure for Harry Potter."

A long silence followed Estella's words. Tom had sat down on his bed. His mind racing. Seeing him lost in deep thought Estella felt her words had made an impact. "I know what you're going through, Tom. I know Harry means to you like a father, but the truth is, he is not your father." Tom, who was staring at his toes a second ago, now looked straight into her eyes. "Your father is Lord Voldemort." As she said it, Tom felt he saw pride in her eyes, but why? "I know it's hard for you to believe Tom, but, Harry will go to any lengths to get back at his old enemy." Tom nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow. We'll have dinner together. It'll be our special night. Goodnight." saying what she needed to, Estella left.

Tom closed the door of his room once she had left. "You're right. I can't believe it."

Although, Tom had never believed a word Harry had said about Estella, he had heard everything quite clearly. What if Harry had been right about her? Tom knew for sure that Roy had been a hoax. He had taken the truth potion twice, he couldn't lie two times. But Tom had only put Estella to the test once. Obviously, he hadn't been quite correct about her. Her disappearance the other night had been suspicious and then she had shown up with a lie. He knew who that note had been from and Estella told him she had been summoned through a patronus not a note.

And now she had said something he had never believed. He knew Harry too well to know that he simply couldn't envy, let alone his greatest enemy and even if he did, he just wouldn't look at Tom as he would at the Dark Lord.

The next morning in the Castle was a romantic one. Love was in the air. Flowers were being presented to pretty ladies while gifts were exchanged among couples. But to everyone's disappointment today was a weekday. That meant classes were held all day long.

Everyone else had to worry about the classes only but Tom, he had to worry about the detention he'll have to sit James through as well. He took all his classes and before making down to the Dungoens went to freshen himself up. This year he hadn't bought anything for Estella. He had decided to propose her. But now he felt that would have to wait. Tonight was more important for other things and if those other things proved to be in his favour his proposal would not have to wait.

Leaving his room Tom went to find Roy. He needed to go to Hogsmeade, if Roy could replace him Tom could leave. Tom knocked on Roy's door and he opened with a bottle of champaign in his hand quite alone.

"Alone on Valentine's? It isn't good." said Tom when he saw Roy.

"It's good for you." winked Roy. He knew why Tom had come to him. Tom grinned he knew Roy was more than ready to help.

They left together to go down to the Dungoens discussing what exactly did Tom want Roy to do.

"Just take the detention in my place." said Tom.

"What! And you think Harry will let me do that?"

"Where does he come in?"

"Trust me, he'll know when I'll be in your place, he won't let that happen."

"But why? He wants James in detention whether it's with me or with you."

"True he wants James in detention but he doesn't want you leaving the Castle that's why he's put you to take it."

"So, you think he'll object to it."

"Precisely, so think of a way he wouldn't know you've left."

"Which is technically impossible. He's having me tailed right?"

"Yeah, Duds."

"I know."

Roy stopped in his tracks. "Tom, when you know that, why do you put up with it?"

"Because it's all going to end in a few days." Roy raised his eyebrows. "I'm leaving remember. I've already resigned." said Tom.

Roy nodded quite embarrassed. Tom didn't know but he had replaced his resignation scroll by an apology scroll.

Tom suddenly stopped and pulled Roy in an empty classroom.

"What happened?" asked Roy.

"I've got an idea."

"Really, what?"

"How easy do you suppose, it will be for me to make a clone?"

"A clone? Tom, you've got to be down in the Dungoens in 5 minutes. How exactly do you think you'll make a clone in that kinda time?"

"There are a few rules that could be bent, totally harmless, of course, but for that we need a volunteer." said Tom staring directly into Roy's eyes.

Roy who understood a second later back tracked a bit. "No way, Tom. I ain't doing it."

"Oh, c'mon. It's just for tonight. When I come back I'll reverse the spell."

"No, no and no!"

"C'mon man. I won't even have to make major changes. You already have long hair, you're about my height_--"

"Yeah but these are included in minor changes. The major change will be my face, voice, my body, no way..."

"Hey, don't you trust me?"

"Tom, it's not that."

"Yes, it is. If you would trust me you wouldn't argue."

"Ok, fine. But tell me it's not going to hurt."

"Of course not. Just close your eyes."

Roy closed his eyes. Tom took a full circle around him to see him from all angles noting what he would have to change then, "Replica instantaneos!"

The spell cast by Tom did nothing at all, but after a second Roy's skin started melting away and soon molded itself to look exactly like Tom's. Roy's face was exactly like Tom but he was still thinner than him, his hair was multi-coloured and he wasn't as broad as Tom was.

"Inflatus!"

"Hey! You said it wouldn't hurt." said Roy as air filed inside his skin. Tom held tightly on to his arm as his feet started leaving the concrete. Now he looked like Tom except for his wild hair.

"Is it hurting?"

"Not exactly but I feel like I'll blow away with wind."

Tom let him go. He levitated a few inches and Tom pulled him back down. "Let's fill your pockets with some weights, that way you'll be able to keep your feet on the ground."

"Tom, are you sure this thing is going to work?"

"Just trust me, will you? It's going to work alright, at least after I'll have your hair back in one colour."

"Metamorphio Black!" Roy's hair turned black as were Tom's and now, no one could tell the difference between the real Tom and Roy.

"All done!" said Tom impressed by his own work.

He conjured up a mirror out of nowhere. When Roy saw his own reflection he felt surprised himself. Now he could replace Tom for the detention easily and no one would know Tom had left the castle for a dinner date with Estella.

Tom, who had planned the dinner date for a specific purpose knew he couldn't skip it because for the first time ever he hadn't setup the date because he wanted to, he had set it up because he had to. What Estella had said to him last night had shaken him or to be clear shaken his trust on her. He needed to know whether what Harry had told him quite plainly a few days back was true. But he knew Harry was wrong about Roy. Roy was clearly the hoax Malfoy had planted for them to chase after so they didn't notice the real culprit. But Tom felt his heart race as he realised that Malfoy's sent servant could be the love of his life. He wished with everything he had that his suspicions would be proved wrong but he had to find out, to be sure.

They left for the Dungeons. Tom covered in a disillusoinment charm going alongside Roy. He had decided to walk him to the Dungeons just in case. And they were glad he had. Halfway down there they met Danny apparently returning from the Slytherin Common room which Tom knew was the House of his girlfriend only he never told him off for visiting her after hours. He knew love was plain hopeless. The moment Dany saw Roy he greeted him.

"Hey, Tom, how're you doing?" asked the Danny.

Roy who had frozen at his sight couldn't say anything. Tom nudged him and he replied. "I--I'm fine. What are you doing down here, boy, you should be in your dormitory, right?" he said more to Tom than to Danny. He needed to know if he was saying the right thing or not and judging by the hard nudge Tom gave him back in reply, he wasn't.

"Boy? Are you alright?" asked Danny. Tom had never called him "boy" in his whole life and Roy had said whatever had occurred to him.

"Why yes, I'm perfectly alright."

"You sound like it. What's happened to your voice?"

Both Roy and Tom froze at that. They hadn't realized it but they had forgotten to change Roy's voice. It was still like his own which sounded strange from Tom's mouth. "Er...I..I've a bit of a cold.."

"Cold? I don't think it's cold, I guess it's Royston nausea."

"Excuse me, what do you mean by that?" said Roy now more interested to know what Danny had to say.

"You hang around with that wild lobster, hanging off a broom, a little too much. Perhaps you've caught his wild accent and tone as well."

"Are you-__-" Roy began quite angry when Tom held his hand tightly and he changed his words. "Alright, well, I believe we might as well be leaving, getting late."

"We?"

Roy realized he had said we. What a fool he was. "We, that is to say, we teachers. Now, you may leave." Roy was more threatening than relieving.

"Alright, dude, calm down. See you tommorow. Goodnight."

The moment he left Roy started mumbling. "What the hell am I gonna do now? The moment I open my mouth, I'll give us away."

"Then don't open your mouth." Tom whispered back as they saw Dudley approaching them looking for Tom.

"What?!"

"Yes, stay shut up. Don't talk, don't reply. James knows what we've been doing, just spill the work in front of him, he'll do the rest. You won't need to talk."

"Okay..." mumbled Roy still nervous as Dudley neared them and Tom started to leave.

"Oh, yeah, and one more thing."

"What?"

"Please, don't smile. You make me look like an idiot. Good luck!"

Tom went downstairs and the moment he was out of Hogwarts' Grounds he took off the disillusionment charm. Tonight would be his night He would finally know what was going on. Without another thought he entered Hogs Head to find Estella there waiting for him.

Unlike usual the Hogs Head seemed more colourful than before. Tom had never seen it so bright, not even in broad day light. Red, heart shaped balloons hung from the ceiling, petals of flowers of various colours and odours littered each and every nook and corner of the place. Little bright illuminating fairies flew around the place.

Estella sat at a table amidst all waiting for him. She looked very beautiful, more than ever. For yet another second, Tom felt minute in front of her. She was shining like a fairy and all he could find in his wardrobe was a blue jeans and a white shirt. He felt he didn't deserve her but again did she deserve him? As mesmerizing as she was Tom felt for a moment that all his suspicions were illusions but then he shook himself out of her charm. He had to be objective.

He made to her table and the moment he reached her, he kissed her. "Happy Valentine's day." He presented the flower he had summoned on his way here. Without a word of complaint she accepted it. They enjoyed a peaceful dinner and had a good time.

Tom was surprised and relieved both at the same time. He hadn't noticed anything out of place but perhaps he would after he told her what she wanted to hear because as he had expected, she brought up the subject herself.

Tom was about to leave when she grabbed his arm and pulled him towards her. "Tom, I don't like you leaving, don't go."

"I know, but I've got to go back."

"Why though?"

"What do you mean?" asked Tom.

"Why do you have to leave? You can stay with me. You don't have to be at Hogwarts. You are so brilliant, you'll get a job at the ministry quite easily and they'll pay three times more than what Hogwarts does."

"I know." Tom answered prepared to lie this time. "And I am leaving Hogwarts. My resignation has been approved. At the end of February, I will officially leave Hogwarts."

"Really, Tom? Is it true?" She asked joyfully, her eyes glinting wildly.

"Yes, then we'll have a home of ourselves."

"That's great, Tom." she said and she kissed him. Now she wouldn't have to do anything. The moment he's out of that God forsaken place, her work will be done.

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"Tom, where've you been?" asked Dudley the moment he saw him.

Roy who was dying of anxiety didn't think of replying and anyways if he did reply Tom's Valentine's night will be over even before it started. Instead, he smiled and he must really have looked like an idiot because Dudley stared at him strangely. To avoid the moment he hastily coughed and started walking towards the Dungeons.

Dudley who at least expected a hello followed in his stride without further ado. Perhaps, he was upset because he was in the Castle taking detention on Valentine's night. So, he decided not to press the matter.

Roy entered the Dungeons to find James already sitting there. The moment Roy reached there Dudley left. When James saw him he greeted him. "Hey, Tom."

Why had Tom taught everyone to call him by his first name?

Roy nodded not knowing what else to do. He walked over to the desk Tom had told him about, pulled out the files they were supposed to be sorting through and spread them on the table between he and James and sat down getting to work himself. As he sat James started talking again.

"So, how did your Valentine's go with Es--" he stopped seeing the look on Tom's face. "With Professor Zavatti?"

Roy was now very irritated. How could Tom be so lenient with his students? They were asking him about his Valentine, it was unbelievable. Frustrated, he motioned towards the pile of files scattered in front of him to make him get to work. Finally, he felt his message conveyed to him when James sat upright and started sorting through the files.

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Dudley stood in the doorway watching Tom and James. He had never seen Tom behave like that. Perhaps he was very upset at whatever had happened. Thinking about that he turned to leave to go to Harry's office and tell him that Tom was taking detention with James. Then, he had his own date planned with Lav, only in the privacy of the Wing and not the crowd outside.

He was on the first floor when he found Eric in high spirits coming back from Hogsmeade.

"Hey, Duds, how are you doin'?"

"I'm doing great. What about you? You look like you've discovered a new flower with a distinguished property."

"Nah, I'm just happy."

"Really? Do you have a Valentine?"

"Oh, no. God only knows when I'll have one but at least one of us is happy."

"Who?"

"Tom. Man, he was happy. He was having a time of his life. The sparkle in his eyes showed his love for Estella. You know I still think Harry should not have fired her."

"Hey, wait a minute. What did you say? Tom, was down in Hogsmeade?"

"Yeah, he's at Hogshead with Estella. I'm glad Harry gave him a night off. Well, I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight."

Dudley stood rooted to the spot. Tom was down in the Dungeons and Eric said he was in Hogsmeade. How was that possible? He would have to see for himself. Dudley made straight out of the Castle into Hogsmeade and up at Hogs Head. He didn't open the door of the pub and enter on the contrary peeked through a crack in the door inside. There he was. In the centre of the room with the magnificent beauty in his arms. Tom was here. There could be no mistake about it. The sparkle in those light brown attractive eyes, the 32 teeth exposing smile proved it was no one but Tom.

But if Tom was down here, who was inside the Castle with James?

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Originally posted by: guy3

Tom...stop being naive. Estella will fool you again. That two-timing witch! I don't want Tom hurt but I can't decide between him being happy with an illusion and being heartbroken with the truth:(

Originally posted by: guy3

And...where is the marauders map? Will Harry use it to know Tom left the castle?

Tom bid Estella goodnight and left the Hogs Head. The moment he stepped out of her sight he put on a disillusionment charm and re-entered the pub. Estella was climbing back up to her room. Tom followed her. When she opened the door he slipped inside before she entered. Estella shut the door behind her and made straight to a nearby desk. She picked up a parchment and a quill from there and started writing.

Dear Lord,

We have almost achieved our purpose. I wish to tell you about it personally.

Your's Faithful.

Tom read her note upside down feeling chills running down his spine. He was right about everything. Estella stood up from the desk and summoned an owl. She handed it the note and threw it out the window. Then she pulled her wand and changed her dress. A moment ago she was wearing a bright beautiful dress, now she wore a black robe.

A few minutes passed and the owl that she had sent flew back in carrying a note. She opened it and read.

'Awaiting You.'

Estella threw the note away and disapparated. Tom stood rooted to the spot. He hadn't thought of that. He had thought of following her to where ever she went but she had just disapparated and he didtn't know where.

He could, of course, guess. Right now, his best guess was the Malfoy's manner. Why else would she need to inform Riddle about her arrival beforehand? So, he could take her inside by the hand. She couldn't, like others penetrate because she didn't have the Dark Mark on her. Or even if she did at least, Tom hadn't seen it. Tom exhaled all anger that was bursting right out of him and without another thought, disapparated.

He appeared in the dark alleyway surrounded by bushes and low hanging branches on each side. He walked along the path to reach the exact same wrought-iron gates he had seen a year ago. The wrought iron gates needed password. The password engraved on the wrists of every deatheater.

Tom stood at the gates thinking. He needed to go inside but if he did and if Riddle spotted him he would be in danger. He needed to see what was going on without being seen. An idea struck him. He closed his eyes the way he had done when practising and rose in the air as swiftly as a soundless spear itself. He flew higher and higher over the wrought-iron gates. Just to make sure he wouldn't be spotted he flew higher even than the Malfoy's Manor before flying towards it. He could penetrate the shield of the gates even if he flew in. he didn't have to walk in.

Once he was sure he wouldn't be seen, Tom flew towards the Mansion and hovered over it a whole minute looking around it to see if Estella was somewhere in the grounds, but she wasn't. He, then, lowered himself quietly on one of the trees in the grounds near a window sill of the Manor. The tree had drooping branches with bright green leaves all over it. It was the proper place to hide and watch.

Tom stared through the window into a room he had not seen before. He had only, earlier, been to the drawing room of the Manor which had been dark and dingy. Now as he peered through the window he saw a bedroom full of all the comforts one could imagine except that it seemed to lack a sudden sort of warmth. It wasn't particularly dark but it was nothing like a Hogwarts' bedroom. Candles were lit in the room but they seemed to be cold. The bed was too stiff to sleep onto and nothing at all seemed out of place. Tom's room was this way. Clean and organized but not so dry and cold. It was always warm and bright in his room.

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"Harry, we've got a problem." Dudley entered Harry's office almost knocking over Professor Rapsody on the way.

"What happened?" asked Harry standing up to see Dudley running at him completely out of breath.

"Harry, he's here."

"Who, what are you-_"

"Tom's bother, he's here in the Castle, impersonating Tom."

"What?! It can't be, Duds, there has -_"

"I saw him with my own eyes, Harry. Please come with me to the Dungeons. James is alone with him. You know he can harm him."

"But Duds, how do you know it's not Tom?"

"Tom's down in Hogsmeade with Estella. He probably decided to go against you, perhaps he didn't know Riddle could get in here, or maybe Riddle lured him out of here to get in his place."

"We've got to get Tom. I'm going down to Hogsmeade."

"Harry, James is alone with him. And I'm not a Wizard. I can't duel with him or make him leave. We've got to hurry to the Dungeons before anything happens."

Harry, who had everything thrown in his face in a mere moment didn't know what to do but to follow Dudley. He was right, they could fetch Tom after they had James away from Riddle. What in the world was Tom thinking leaving the castle against his will?

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As Tom waited by the windowsill, there came his biggest nightmare come true. As much as he had expected it, the harder it hurt him to see it. Estella had just entered the room followed by Riddle.

"I've news to give you, my lord." said Estella the moment they entered the privacy of the room.

"So, you've told me." Riddle replied coldly.

"He has decided to leave the Castle in a couple of weeks."

"Tom?" Riddle smirked, searing nothing but pain in Tom's heart who without their knowledge stood at the windowsill listening to the love of his life confining his secrets to his brother who had proven to be nothing more than a sour enemy. "Tut. Tut. He still believes in love, doesn't he? That's why he has decided to leave?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Thanks to you."

"I have served as I was asked."

"And you shall be rewarded." Riddle replied with the tone of a Master.

"My only reward is you, my lord." Estella said stepping forward toward Riddle.

Standing at a distance Tom could not see this. Estella had betrayed him, taken advantage of him. He felt like a fool, an emotional fool. She had toyed with him and he had let her do it. As he looked at her beautiful figure he felt deluded. But when it all came down in the end it was his brother who had hurt him, again. He had never been with him, and had always played with his emotions. When in trouble he had hidden with him and when out of it he had hurt him.

He had sent Estella to him, for a purpose he didn't know but whatever the purpose, in the end it was his heart that had broken. He turned away from them not being able to see the two of them together as his patience gave away and two tears ran down his eyes. He had betrayed Harry for her. He had acted like a puppet, blindfolded by love. He had let her plan work. She needed him out of Hogwarts, he had submitted his resignation. He had made the biggest mistake of his life.

Tom wanted to stride right inside the Manor, go up to Riddle's room, stand face to face with Estella and throw her locket in her face but he controlled himself. He was after all, alone. He needed time. He knew, now that Estella was sent to fetch him for Riddle, but he didn't know why. Why did Riddle need him this way? Tom who had trodden over his own feelings to get back his brother, would appear to him at one call and yet Riddle had required a woman to lure him. He couldn't understand but he realized he didn't have to. Not just yet. At least, now he knew why things were falling apart between he and Harry. Now, he understood Estella's intentions when she warned him against Harry. Tom needed no further explanations. All he had seen had made one thing clear, Estella was not to be trusted. She had betrayed him all she wanted but not anymore. It was time things changed.