Fragmented fate

In previous chapter: Harry got some startling information about Tom Riddle. He also found out about the post war discrimination against various magical creatures. He decided to check existence of horcruxes by visiting the Room of requirement. He also sent a letter to Remus in hopes of establishing contact.

Chapter 9

Harry didn't get any response from Remus. Hedwig had returned after a week without any letter.

He knew that he should not get disappointed... chance of getting reply was very slim but he was truly getting sick of these dead ends. It was not easy to adapt abrupt turn his life had taken. It was hard to connect with these people... in this strange version of his own world... who were just shadows of real ones. They always reminds him what he had left behind... What he would never get back... EVER!

He was beginning to think that maybe he had woken up in the hell and this all was a form of torture which would be never going to stop. He wanted to break things to relieve his frustration... he wanted freedom from these unwanted burdens he carried because of his knowledge... he wanted to tell someone what was happening with him...he wanted to go home.

Harry blinked rapidly... controlling his emotions.

Really, by now he should have known that this would be the result. Nothing was happening as planned. Maybe he should act as his eleven year old self again who had never planned his adventures... He had just tackled all the difficulties with his instinctual and reckless decisions.

A dangerous idea was forming in his mind ever since he had read all things about Tom Riddle. It was rashness but desperate times call for desperate measures. Harry had decided to follow it and today he was going to visit Riddle. He needed to understand his new enemy who was more cunning and dangerous than previous one... especially in light of recent developments.

The meeting started out smoothly. He had expressed desire to learn about his parents and Riddle complied readily. He politely declined proffered tea and biscuits . (like he would eat anything offered by this man!)

The man went on recounting some very funny pranks carried out by his dad and his friends. He never mentioned names of 'other friends ' apart from Sirius.

Harry didn't dare to enquire about them even indirectly. All in all this meeting was turning out just like other one. He was contemplating ways to excuse himself politely, when Riddle suddenly became solemn and spoke in quite voice.

"I know how you are feeling, Harry... growing up in the muggle world. It's not easy."

He gazed at him with kind eyes.

Harry was perplexed by his change in demeanour. It looked so genuine.

'Well, Tom Riddle was always a good actor. Don't let him fool you, Harry! '

" I know it because I have experienced it myself.", Riddle continued, "That's why I had protested when Albus decided to place you in there. I still don't understand his reasons behind that decision."

Harry didn't have to fake his surprise.

' Riddle actually tried to prevent his unfortunate placement!? Did he really questioned Dumbledore's decision? ' totally unbelievable!

It always had been a sore point for Harry; even if he had understood the old man's reasoning and its necessity. It was sad that nobody had cared for his wellbeing seriously. Minerva had told him about how she had tried to convince Dumbledore that it was bad decision. He appreciated her efforts. Hearing the same from the man before him was left him with conflicting emotions.

Their conversation had taken astonishing turn; now he didn't know what to expect next.

Harry did have many questions about Dumbledore's behaviour.

"Yeh, me too", Harry whispered slowly... wondering where exactly they were heading with this topic.

"Harry, how did you purchase your school supplies? Did you get your vault key?"

This suddenly different question disturbed his earlier thought process and startled him. He scrambled to reply.

"Er, I... I didn't"

Looking at Riddle's questioning face, he elaborated, "I was asked to give blood test to access my vault."

Tom Riddle frowned.

"This is strange. You should have received your key. Why didn't your guide give it?"

'Well, that's very good question except there was no guide to give me tour.' Harry thought sardonically.

This issue had come into his attention at that time but he had chalked it up to the fact that they must be relying on his aunt's knowledge of wizarding world and his halfblood status. Now, should he share this with Tom?

"Sir, there was no guide.", he spoke in deliberately confused tone.

"Quite strange! Your magical guardian should have looked in this matter."

"My magical guardian?"

"Yes, our headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore. Harry, I think you should meet him and clarify these things. You must learn about your finances, right? " He smiled at Harry like a mentor.

Harry was about to respond when Riddle continued his speech.

" And it's not only about that. There are many old and priceless heirlooms of Potter family. Just take example of that invisibility cloak of your father... as a heir you have right to know all about them. Young age doesn't matter. I'm sure the goblins will have entire record."

'Of course what he is saying is true and all that', Harry thought ruefully 'but the problem is... this is coming from totally wrong person!'

He was overwhelmed with this paradoxical situation.

"Right Sir, I will speak with Professor Dumbledore.", he assured the man... his mind was whirling with thoughts.

When he left the office, Harry had felt that he was more confused than before. He surely hadn't expected to discuss his finances when he decided to meet his nemesis.

"What's Riddle trying to achieve!?"

Harry rubbed his temple to reduce headache. He had long way to go.

Today was Halloween. This day held a special importance to the people because of Dark lord's defeat. Celebration was everywhere. This festive mood was grating on his nerves. He was annoyed beyond belief by their blind trust.

Harry sighed loudly and tried to ignore loud excited chatter around him.

He was grouchily sitting in Great hall, staring at his tea cup. Ron had tried twice to engage him in conversation but then left him alone when he snapped at him. They had come early today because Ron insisted that they would miss important details about today's special quidditch match played by professional teams. Naturally it's hard for Ron and almost everyone to control their enthusiasm for the game. This new trend had started after the wizarding world entered in a supposed peaceful zone after last war.

'Today is their so called victory day!'

Harry's lips curled at this thought.

High table was mostly empty. Professors were arriving slowly but Dumbledore was present, speaking with Professor Vector cheerfully. Snape was sitting alone at the end of table. His 'co-researcher' was missing.

'Ah, the speak of devil... '

The devil himself just entered and joined the table... looking calm and relaxed as always. He greeted Snape and sat in his regular position... between headmaster and the potion master.

Harry was about to turn and go back to his sulking when a change in the Dumbledore's demeanour caught his eye. His expressions had briefly became unreadable and complex. It was sudden and subtle.

You would miss it if you are not paying attention particularly.

'What causes... ' his thought halted abruptly as his eyes landed on it. His breath hitched.

Tom Riddle had just lifted his goblet and there was a ring on his finger...the ring with black stone.

Harry didn't need to take closer look to know the triangle markings it had. He could recognise it anywhere.

His hands trembled with barely suppressed excitement.

Harry finally got a lead. Now he just needed to get his hands on the ring and he would be able to solve horcrux mystery.

R & R