Tom Riddle Lord Voldemort He Who Must Not Be Named
Voldemort turned away from Wormtail, his eyes instantly noticing the blue light emanating from around the worn book upon the table. "I am in need of food," He turned his piercing gaze to the sniveling man.
Wormtail gobbled some air as he shook his head and vacated the room before Voldemort had reached the table. His long fingers gracefully caressing the top of the book before turning the milky parchment over.
He watched as Snape's familiar script blanketed the page…the content causing the snake wound tightly around his heart to ease for a moment as a faint mist covered his red eyes.
'McGonagall struck by 4 stunners to the chest, she survived the initial attack but is at St. Mungos. Her injuries were grievous. Was an attack authorized against Hogwarts? Or is Umbridge, Wilks, Devonshire, Berksin or Forsyeth under the Impervious Curse and ordered to attack McGonogall? Please advise regarding current orders and affiliations.'
Without turning, he snapped the door close before allowing his head to drop, hands braced on either side of the book his shoulders slumping as anguish beat in harmony with his pulse, coursing through him. 4 stunners would have killed a lesor witch or wizard without doubt, but Minerva McGonagall was no mere witch. He pulled his head up, fingers curling into a fist as his head dropped back enough to look toward the ceiling…her lips ghostly brushing his cheek and her warm smile lifting the burdening weight within his heart spawning a lone tear to fall and remain forever unknown upon his silk robes. She was the bravest witch he had ever met, and the only one who treated each person equitably – without prejudice.
Slowly the anguish was turning into anger…
She had been kind to him at a point in his life where she could easily have treated him as others had…and for a moment during his brief recovery under her care, he had imagined a life where she had taken the last name of Riddle…and born a child…but…the fire he wished to temper would never bend to power.
He slammed his fists down upon the table, banishing his moment of weakness. It did not do to dwell upon flights of fancy. Picking up his wand, he sent Severus a response…
'The Ministry's toad Umbridge remains the sole architect of the attack.'
He closed the book, the tips of his fingers feeling the slight imperfections upon the worn skin as thought of the men from the Ministry.
"Those fools." He hissed, "They do not realize…"
He thought back to the ancient text penned in Salazar's hand… 'For there shall be two connected to Hogwarts – the hearts which beat. One may be taken, but not two…'
It had taken him a quarter of a century and less than savory methods, but he had discovered the meaning riddled within Salazar's cryptic hand. There were always two connected to Hogwarts; presently one was Dumbledore…the other McGonagall…
Even he would not risk the destruction of Hogwarts…and being as it was Minerva's life he could spare – then all the better.
For she may not willing succumb to his charms…but even now, her allure was captivating and he wanted very much to taste the woman, Minerva McGonagall.
A growl of fury wound its way from his throat as Wormtail entered the chamber with a food laden pattern balanced in his hand.
"Master…" His sentence went unfinished as Voldemort spun around to face him, fire dancing in his red eyes.
"I am leaving." His gangly fingers already wrapping around his wand as he glided toward the door.
Wormtail grabbed a piece of cheese as he set the plate down, dutifully following. "I thought…you said…" He jammed the aged Swiss into his mouth. "We were going to wait…"
Voldemort grabbed the cloak flying towards him, "We are…" His eyes slid from Wormtail to Nagini and back, "I will return, shortly." Deftly, he swung the coat over his shoulders and head before he vanished leaving a befuddled follower and faithful servant as he went to take care of the Ministry's blunder.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed… ;) The next bit is a short interlude w/ Minerva. THANKS to those who have reviewed!! MASSIVELY appreciated!
