Hello everybody, welcome to the second chapter. A warning; there are a lot of double entendre when Tom speaks / thinks. So sometimes what he says is related to the previous line. Voila! Tom (Thomas Flamel impersonation) is 13. Without further ado;
Chapter 2 - Tom Marvolo Riddle - Socializing
He has found the foolish boy. Thomas Flamel. Well-spoken lad he was, not great in power but knowledgeable nonetheless. He was nonplussed at having to kill him, but alas, such was the price of his existence. The burden lifted from his shoulder, Nicholas Flamel's grandnephew will live a peaceful afterlife in Heaven. He would not join him later of course, for he planned to be immortal.
Legilimency told him quite a bit about Flamel. Now he can impersonate him perfectly. The day following Thomas' death, Dumbledore summons him. It is as if he knew of the events that unfolded. Tom knocks on the door.
"Professor," he says respectfully as he enters, "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, yes," the venerable man answers hastily, "Lemon drop?" he asks as always. Tom suspects he drugs the food with Veritaserum; that's the only reasonable explanation. One cannot be that much of a sugar addict.
"I have been concerned about your results..."
Tom's eyebrows rise in genuine surprise. His grades were perfect. He was the brightest student of Hogwarts, and of the World, period.
"I do not understand, I thought my grades were good."
"Oh not that way!" The most powerful wizard in the world waves his hand, "My mind ponders contrary-wise, and forces me to wonder; how did you manage it? I know you are a bright young wizard, but your knowledge base rose by leaps and bonds in the span of a year..."
His eyes are narrowed as he leans forward, "Do you have a reasonable explanation?"
Tom bites his lip, feigning hesitation. Upon seeing his Headmaster's stern look, he says the 'truth':
"I sneaked in the restricted section. Professor Flitwick gave me the permission," It was true that he did so; that he did so unwillingly is only a detail.
His piercing blue eyes go straight through the barriers of his mind. Must not lower the eyes; he shan't suspect foul play that way. Tom conjures images that he has seen inside Thomas' Flamel's mind. It is genuine memories, so Dumbledore has no reason to suspect it. If he were to dig deeper, he would see that there is a diopter; as if there was a magnifying glass between the memory and the beholder.
"Professor?" Tom asks, feigning boredom. It breaks Dumbledore's concentration. In between the two moments, he catches a glimpse of the man's thoughts. He hears the words "Nicholas" and "Ariana". Most peculiar.
A forlorn look is etched on the centenary man's face. He sighs deeply, and he looks twice his age. Merlin, was he always that old? Tom's memories are hazy.
"You may go if you wish, and say hello to your granduncle when you see him," He is lost in his thoughts. He seems so frail. Just a two-word spell, a green flash, and eternal peace.
"Without fail," Tom bows his head, then takes his leave.
"He's an interesting fella, this Tom, no?" Ronald Weasly asks his two friends as he stuffs his face with cheese, ignoring Hermione's disgusted expression.
"Ronald Weasley! I told you a hundred times not to eat that way!"
"He is sociable, that's true," Harry nods. The brunette was talking to three Ravenclaw classmates.
"I think that's fishy," Ron nods sagely.
"Nonsense" Hermione rebuts, "Discussing is a common practice to develop one's social skills. Furthermore..." The boys tuned the rest out.
"You think we should speak to him?" The bespectacled boy asks.
Ron nods pensively. Tom has just finished speaking with two ravens and one snake. Something is not right. It's related to what his father told him. The only guy who socialized with everybody was... He can't put his finger on it!
"You think Voldemort will come back this year too?" Harry asks jokingly. He is amused when Ron jumps.
"Don't say his name!" He hisses angrily.
Harry laughs.
"Hey Tom!" Harry says, walking to the boy's level. He was walking with Hannah Abbott. Tom asks her to leave gently.
"Hello Mister Potter, may I help you?" Tom asks demurely.
"Call me Harry. Here's Ron," He points to the redhead, "And Hermione."
Tom bows his head, and when he meets the only girl of the group, his right eyebrow rises.
"We've already met, I believe?"
"Yes," she blushes as she remembers the awkward encounter. Harry and Ron exchange a glance, eyebrows raised.
"My name is Thomas Flamel. I am glad to make your acquaintance." Tom introduces himself formally.
"Don't be so formal mate!" Ron says, patting his arm amicably. He is only lucky he does not lose it.
"Are you related to...?" Hermione asks, eyes wide and excitement bubbling. Tom only nods.
"To whom?" Harry asks, confusion the only thing present in his mind.
"You don't know?!" Hermione asks/demands.
"Mate, even I know about it..." Ron is as surprised as Hermione.
"To whom!?" Harry asks exasperated.
"Nicholas Flamel, the inventor of-" Says Hermione.
"The Elixir of Life," interrupts Tom, the same way she interrupted him a year ago. He can hold grudges. "Nicholas Flamel is my granduncle." He finishes.
"Oh! Then do you know how..." Hermione asks. Merlin, she looks like she would pop if you were to pierce her skin with a pin. Or stab her with a wand.
"Sorry, it is a secret so well kept only two people in the world know about it. My granduncle and..." A little pause for suspense. "Professor Dumbledore." He nearly laughs at the crestfallen looks on the three's youngling's faces.
"I am sorry, I must be going. I hope we will stay in good terms, Harry, Ron, Hermione," He shakes their hands warmly.
"Sorry for taking your time, maybe we could hang out together, I recon you play Quidditch?" Harry asks.
"Of course. Just an advice; if we ever play together, I'm going to beat you," 'To the ground, then bury your smoldering corpse. Beaten by an infant; preposterous!'.
"You bet!" Harry laughs.
He turns on his heel after a few more pleasantry exchanged.
"He's not so bad," He hears nearly out of his hearing range.
"Yeah..."
A sinful smile blooms on his face.
Humans... So easily manipulated.
That's why he had to be more.
His eyes flash crimson.
Chapter 2 - End
Voila chapter 2! A little fast, but it's gonna go that way until chapter 5 (Year 6), where things will heat up literally.
Cheers!