Harry Potter and the Two Faced Mirror - Updated Chapter 6 Part 7 - Page 12

Roy entered Harry's office in a couple of minutes. The moment he entered Latnok stood up. "How are you there?" he asked extending his hand to shake Roy's who took it quietly. "It was a loss, Rabastian..." said Latnok heavily as Roy nodded his eyes filling up again but he sniffed loudly and sat down. He knew he had been called here on business. As he did so, Latnok asked his first question.

"So, what did happen that night?"

"The Dark Lord had made a plan to capture and kill Harry Potter. My task was to make sure that once he was out of the safety of Hogwarts no one followed him and so was Zavatti's."

"And you were paid for it?" asked Latnok as Roy again felt that he had been slapped right across the face.

"No, Voldemort had captured my father and asked for Harry Potter against his life while Zavatti did it more out of loyalty than anything else. She is a deatheater as was her father."

"You know something about her the Ministry doesn't? Latnok straightened up as Roy mentioned Zavatti's father. As far as the Ministry knew the Zavatti's were a respectable aristocrat family in France. They had no idea what Estella had gotten herself into when the Ministry had appeared at their doorstep to find her whereabouts. Latnok had even read in the report submitted to him afterwards that her parents who had adopted her at the age of 6 had provided the Ministry with every possible detail but they had found her in a closed adoption, so there wasn't much to go on about who she really belonged to and how she had become a deatheater. And now Roy had claimed that her father was a deatheater. He apparently knew her biological parents.

Roy nodded as Riddle stared at him from the other side angrily. He too had known everything about Zavatti's past but he had not divulged any details to Potter or anyone else, not that Potter had asked. Riddle didn't care much about Zavatti but she had gone to great lengths to conceal her true identity, he didn't want to remove her guise. Roy, apparently felt otherwise.

Harry too stared at Roy quite frustrated. He had to speak more than what was necessary.

"She was --_

"Roy, let me explain. Harry cut across him and glared at him with more or less the same expression as Riddle.

Roy gulped down. He thought he was helping by divulging details to the Ministry that might help capture Zavatti but Harry didn't seem to think so, at least not by the look on his face at the moment.

Latnok's sharp blue eyes turned to Harry. What was it that Harry Potter knew that he didn't.

Harry locked his eyes with Latnok. He was about to tell him half the truth today. He wanted him to believe it. "Estella Zavatti's real name is Avelyn McNair. She was born to the McNairs who were in the inner circle of Voldemort at the height of his powers. As you may remember, I was the one that caught them mere 7 years after the battle at Hogwarts. They had managed to keep their daughter and themselves off the Ministry's grid in hopes of rejoining Voldemort when he returned. That was the extent of the truth that Harry could extend to Latnok.

Latnok looked as if he had swallowed a lemon. "How did you find out about her?

He continued carefully, "When I arrested them, they revealed the whereabouts of their daughter to me. I gave her to the Zavattis for adoption. He lied. If only he had known about the McNairs having a daughter back then perhaps he could have kept an eye on her and prevented her actions.

Riddle stared at Harry strangely. So he had known but apparently not everything. Why was he lying about her adoption? And why he had not told Tom about her past?

"I visited her family the day after that awful night at the Ministry.

Harry lied easily. He had in fact visited her family when he had first discovered she was working with Riddle and Roy to deceive Tom. They were simple people and shocked to find out about their daughter's activities. But mostly they were scared to get dragged into this Voldemort business. They had distanced themselves from the McNairs a long time ago. Avelyn's mother was Eleanor Zavatti before she married McNair. Avelyn's Uncle found her after the McNairs were arrested and adopted her. He gave her his name, a new identity and brought her up in France. Little did he know that Avelyn had remembered her parents' devotion to Voldemort until the day she was declared a deatheater by the Ministry. Once, Harry had seen they were innocent, he offered them his help. He didn't want anyone involving the Zavatti's. They had told him the entire truth. He removed the memory of Eleanor's brother and his wife of him ever having a sister. Once he had done that, they couldn't tell anyone the truth even if they wanted to. And sure enough, when the Ministry had questioned them, they had only been able to share that Estella was adopted. Harry didn't want the Ministry catching Estella or Malfoy. Either of them could spill the truth about Tom and Riddle.

"And you decided to keep that information to yourself knowing that it could prove to be crucial to her capture? Now Latnok looked enraged.

"Revealing her real name isn't going to help anyone. She doesn't even use it. But I am telling you everything so you can see if the McNairs have any assets left here, any buildings or lands or vaults that she might be using. Besides, I didn't want this information publicized until Tom was ready to hear it from me. But I am telling you because I trust you can catch her and I think Tom understands now. He looked up proudly at Riddle who stood expressionlessly.

Latnok smirked. "Yes, I am aware of the more than working relationship that he and Miss Zavatti shared somewhat similar to what he has now with Mrs. Lupin. He wondered how many women did he have a relationship with? "Moved on quite quickly there, didn't you?

"Excuse me! Riddle exclaimed.

"I don't think Tom shares any such relationship with my daughter in law, Latnok. Harry replied him iciliy.

"He doesn't? Latnok raised his eyebrows at Harry. "But as I seem to recall Tom here took Mrs. Lupin to St. Mungoes for delivery, he even signed her form as guardian to her child. St. Mnngoes showed me all his records. Now, why would he do that? And well, I thought Victoire wasn't your daughter in law anymore. Wizengamot has issued a Divorce Deed in her name upon request from your Godson. Surely, Mr. Lupin took that decision with you in the loop.

Harry gulped down. Latnok knew about Tom's interest in Victoire too.

As Latnok stood waiting for a reaction from Tom, Riddle stood wondering who in the hell was Mrs. Lupin and why had Tom signed himself a guardian to her child. Whatever the case, it was not his business. He didn't care as Tom hadn't told him about her. After all, he had never mentioned Padma to him.

"Tom escorted Victoire to the hospital upon my request. My Godson was out of town and yes, he did take this decision with me in the loop. But I assume you have not come here to discuss my family matters here, now? Harry answered Latnok coldly.

"Never mind, so what was the precise plan?" Latnok turned back to Roy.

"Malfoy who had the Minister's post would arrange for Voldemort to stay at the Ministry in the department of Mysteries as it is at the lowest level, so , if anyone came over by mistake they didn't know what was going on. On the other hand he had managed to imperius Ronald Weasley who had been on his tail since Harry was suspicious of him. Weasley convinced Professor Harry here to accompany him to the Ministry to see you."

"As I had wanted to talk to you about Malfoy." added Harry.

Latnok nodded satisfied, "Then?" he said looking at Roy again.

"Once Harry had been called we, that is, I and Zavatti, received orders to leave here as well and go to the Ministry. Unfortunately, Tom, here, got air of what we were planning and followed us out of Hogwarts to the Ministry."

"And by that time Ginny and Hermione had also realized something wasn't quite right and followed me to the Ministry as well." added Harry.

"Yes, " said Latnok. "We found 3 brooms and one thestral at the guest entrance, that would be..."

"Ginny, Tom, Hermione and Roy." supplied Harry.

"And what about Zavatti's transport?"

"She would have taken it once she left with Malfoy." replied Harry hoping against hope Latnok would believe him and although he nodded he didn't quite look satisfied.

"What did you first see when you reached the Ministry?" asked Latnok now turning to Riddle who stood over his head like a hawk.

"I saw Professor Potter duelling with Voldemort when I entered the Department of Mysteries. Lestrange and Malfoy attacked me the moment they saw me. Once I was able to evade them I protected Potter by duelling with the Dark Lord."

"The Dark Lord?" said Latnok sarcastically staring at Riddle. "I didn't think anyone who could possibly kill themselves to save Harry Potter would call Voldemort by that kind of courtesy?"

Riddle seemed like he was going to throw a retort at Latnok but he controlled himself. "As I was saying, I duelled with him trying to save Potter but he cursed me. I do not know what it was but I do not remember anything after wards." said Riddle. His part of the statement was over.

"Everything after that I have told you already." said Harry. "I think Tom should be relieved now." said Harry looking at Riddle with meaningful eyes.

"Not until our conversation is over." said Latnok as Riddle made to leave. "You have indeed told me everything that happened afterwards." said Latnok now boring his eyes into Harry's. "It's time we discuss a more pressing matter. Roy here has been given an assignment. I want him to get to work immediately. He has the entire holidays to search for and find Voldemort. He can then convince him of your confidence and pretend to spy on us for him and spy on him for us. We have no time to waste. When you receive valuable information of his movement," he continued looking at Roy. "you are to inform the Ministry about it so we can carry out the operation for his capture, either his, or at least one of his deatheaters. Is that clear?" Both Harry and Roy nodded. Latnok stood up. "Well, make sure things work out well and help Miss Repherd adjust, she was very nervous but mind you she's excellent at her work." said Latnok shaking Harry's hand. "Escort me to the grounds, will you?" said Latnok looking at Riddle who seemed like he would blow up out of anger. What was he the president?

"At your service."

Both Riddle and Latnok left Harry's office. A little silence prevailed between the two then Latnok started speaking again. "So, have you remembered about your alliance with the Dark Lord?"

He wanted Riddle to confess.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Riddle didn't want to say anything more or less than that.

"Actually, you do." said Latnok now staring at Riddle as they walked out into the Entrance Hall trying to see through him. "If you didn't, you wouldn't be found everywhere he was."

Riddle stared straight back into his eyes, his mind very well protected, his guard on. He was one of the best at occlumency. "If you look at it the other way around, I was found everywhere Harry was."

"True," said Latnok now smiling. He knew he was more clever than anticipated. "but there are always two sides of a coin, a story, a mirror...If I am looking at one, I can't ignore the other."

Riddle stared at him in wonder feeling quite clearly that this man had a sight. "Perhaps, there is no other side to this story."

Latnok did not reply but looked down tired now trying to get through to him. As his eyes fell, he saw his wand sticking out of his back pocket. "I thought you had broken your wand in the Forest." said Latnok still staring at it.

"I had Gregorovitch make me a new one." said Riddle.

Latnok looked up sharpely. Gregorovitch in Britain? Gregorovitches were the wandmakers of Bulgaria as Ollivanders were of Britain. According to what Latnok knew of Tom, he was born and brought up in Britain.

"You do not trust Ollivanders?" asked Latnok getting over the awkward silence as Riddle realized his mistake. But he had not lied completely, his wand was made by Gregorovitch. Malfoy had taken him there himself, when he had turned 11. His wand had chosen him. Malfoy had done so to prevent anyone from reaching him, to find out who he was and where he came from. That was why he had never sent him to any school and only brought him books and taught him all in isolation. That was why Riddle had always hated crowds as he had never been in any.

"Not after my last wand broke" Riddle lied again as Latnok nodded and they resumed walking.

They were walking through the Entrance Hall towards the double doors of the Castle which stood ajar. Latnok stopped a few steps short of it and turned to Riddle, his back facing the doors, blocking Riddle's way out of the gates who didn't at all like it.

"This is as far as you go. Before I leave let me clarify one thing to you," said Latnok boring into Riddle's eyes. Riddle though stood staring but not into Latnok's eyes, over his shoulder transfixed watching their doom nearing them. Tom was walking towards the double doors to enter the Castle as Latnok continued, "I don't know how you managed to escape today when I had you cornered but trust me, today was the last time you did. If your alliance with the Dark Lord is proven, you will indefinitely be sent to Azakaban unless you want to say something now. And if not then like I told you before, I am leaving behind my eyes to follow you, they'll find the proofs I need."

"That won't be needed." said Riddle quite absentmindedly, as Latnok stared at him and Riddle looked back into his sharp eyes ready to strike at him any second. He knew that if he saw Tom he would send both of them to Azkaban.

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The moment Riddle and Latnok left Harry's office Harry advanced on Roy.

"What did you say to Tom?"

"What do you think? I apologized."

"And?"

"And he didn't forgive me."

"I told you to let me speak to him first. I'll talk to him now." said Harry making for his room as Roy stopped him.

"He's not in his room."

"Harry froze. "What?! Where is he, then?"

"I don't know. He left the moment you sent me a patronus."

"And you've mentioned it now?!" said Harry running out of his office as Roy followed him."

They ran to Tom's room but to their dismay found it empty. If he wasn't in his room then he would be somewhere in the Castle. What if Latnok ran into him on his way out? No, Harry had to do something. He made up his mind. He would not let Latnok leave until Tom was back in his room. He sent a patronus to Latnok and made back to his office as Roy made to follow him but Harry stopped him.

"You've done enough, I don't want any more of your interference."

Roy went back to his room now deep in pain. His heart ached with sorrow.

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Riddle was going to stun Latnok silently as Tom neared Latnok still lost in his own world, now inches away from him. Suddenly, a white stag ran upto Latnok. "Meet me in my office, now. Need to talk urgently."

As Harry's loud voice rang out in the Entrance Hall, Tom realized where he was. He stopped literally an inch away from Latnok. He realised that Latnok stood between he and Riddle and one of them needed to disappear. Riddle couldn't do it as he stood in front of him but Tom could. Though he couldn't risk performing any spell in presence of Latnok. What if it went wrong?

He was thinking what to do when he noticed Riddle pointing at a nearby suit of armour with his eyes. Tom walked to it as silently as he could behind Latnok's back and jumped behind it exactly when Latnok turned around. He had felt something move behind him. But Tom had disappeared behind the armour before Latnok had seen him. Latnok now stared curiously at the armour not knowing what was going on.

"Harry has called." said Riddle trying to draw Latnok's attention who wasn't listening at all. He felt something was behind the suite of armour. He started walking towards it.

Tom who stood behind it felt him nearing and his panic rising. He backed away into the wall. As he slammed against it, he felt something poking at his back. He turned slightly to see and to his surprise saw that a door knob had just appeared at his touch. It was a door pretending to be a wall. He turned it and the door opened inwards. He pushed it open and slipped inside closing the door behind him as the door knob disappeared.

Riddle pulled out his wand behind Latnok. Ready to strike once Tom had been exposed. To his horror Latnok had stood staring behind the armour for a whole minute then wondered aloud, "There's nothing here...then why did I feel something...?" Riddle pocketed his wand immediately as Latnok turned to him.

"Yes, Harry has called. You may go to your resting place. I will visit Harry."

Latnok left Riddle. After a couple of minutes, Riddle walked to the armour hoping to find a disillusioned Tom but to his surprise saw no one there.

The moment Tom slipped inside he slammed himself against the door and shut his eyes tightly. He couldn't believe all that had happened today. He had never expected Roy to just walk into his room that way and then to justify himself with excuses that didn't even matter now and as if that wasn't enough Latnok had come along, again! What would have happened had he found the two of them? How would they or Harry have stopped him from taking any kind of action against them?

When he had left his room, he had felt trapped inside the castle so decided to leave, though on his way out had found Eric entering the Castle. Not wanting to run into him, specifically when he was blowing mirrors, he had changed his path and ran up to the tallest tower of the Castle. He had shouted and screamed there in his agony for how long, he didn't know but that he knew for a fact that its only witnesses were the wind and altitude that he had for company there. He had cried his heart out up there, banged his fists into the rampart as many times as he could and then sat there in silent anguish in an unsuccessful effort to calm himself down. He had been too angry at Roy for many days but now he felt angrier and not only at Roy but at himself as well. He felt foolish to have believed him blindly and insensitive for not feeling what his brother had gone through all the time he had betrayed him and the moment he had left his room another misery had gotten hold of him. Now, he felt upset with himself. He had not accepted Roy's apology out of sheer anger, had not laid ear to his justifications because he had been on the receiving end of pain and misery and hatred for the past months. But now Roy's question came up to him every now and then. What if Tom had been in his place? What would he have done?

True, he would have died saving his father but even if he had been compelled enough to lie and cheat to save his father, he would also have done it. Although that was an entirely different matter that Tom's father was never on the receiving end of any of this. He was always the one that carried out such operations. When that thought had occurred to Tom, he had wanted to kill himself. He had been born out of blood that had been infected with evil, and evil so profound, it could not part with it even if it wanted to.

He had jumped from the tower and flown down to the grounds and then had nearly walked into Latnok not knowing he would be here.

Tom opened his eyes. As unbelievable as it seemed, he had escaped Latnok for the third time during the day and now to his surprise or to shock stood in a small room being stared at by none other than Dory Repherd.