Tryst with Destiny
Chapter-2
2 months later
Voldemort was sitting in the staff room. He and all the teachers were going to have a meeting about the progress of first year students. One by one the teachers entered the room and took their seats. When all were seated Voldemort spoke.
"Good evening to all of you. As you all know that we are here to discuss the progress of first years today. So whatever you feel, please share."
The man sitting to his right spoke, "My lord in my class few students are doing much better than the rest. Mr Malfoy is doing exceptionally well."
"Lucius's boy. Well I had expected him to do well. Anybody else Professor…"
"Yes, my lord Miss Granger as well is doing great. She and Mr Malfoy are tied at everything."
The woman sitting to his left was glowing with pride. Voldemort noticed this. He smiled.
"Yes, she was raised by and you and your husband Bella if I remember correctly."
"Yes, yes my lord," she replied eagerly. "We gave her all the right values, removed all traces of living with the muggles she had. She is a proud pureblood."
"Well I have no doubt in your abilities Bella, I am sure you have raised her well."
The woman nodded frantically, delighted at the fact that her master was happy with her and had trust in her abilities. Then the man sitting right in front if Voldemort coughed catching everyone attention. Voldemort looked up.
"Well Severus I was wondering when you would speak up. Say what it is you want to say."
"Well my lord Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy are rather competent." Voldemort smiled. In his entire term he had never heard Severus praise a student. "But they are still at the top of the class my lord."
"Really Severus. Who is at the top of the class?"
"My lord it is Harry Potter."
Voldemort's interest piqued. "Well tell me more about Mr Potter Severus."
"My lord the boy is good. He does everything properly he never talks to anyone during the classes. He does his assigned work perfectly. He writes all his essays perfectly as well."
Voldemort was a little surprised. It was not in Severus's nature to speak so good of a student. All the teachers nodded, silently agreeing with what Severus had said. The child was indeed doing well. Then Flitwick spoke.
"Sir it has to be admitted that Mr Potter is doing exceptionally well. But he is a very quiet child. But he talks to Mr Malfoy. The two seem to be friends. They…"
Severus cut him off "That is a false observation my lord. The boy has no friends. Mr Malfoy is more of an acquaintance. He usually sits alone in the hall. He rarely talks to anyone."
Voldemort nodded slowly. The teacher spoke of other students who were doing well in their classes. Soon the teachers left. After everyone had left he slowly walked to his office. After he had reached he called for two elves and they appeared with a crack.
"Our lordship called us. How can we be of assistance? How may we help our lord," the elf spoke happily glad to be of service while the other held its head in bowing position."
"I would like you two to keep and eye on Mr Potter. He is a first year student. I want you two find out what he does. Who he talks to and everything there is to know. Analyse his routine and report to me three weeks later. Ok."
"Yes, our lordship. We will do as you please."
"Good now leave."
Then with two cracks the elves left.
The boy was doing well. He had expected that. How would the child turn out was going to be a different case.
3 weeks later
He was sitting reading the evening prophet. There had been no sign of Dumbledore or Black. What was the old wizard up to? He had no idea. No had been able to locate him. There hadn't been any whispers about his whereabouts. Then two elves apparated surprising him.
"Our lordship aske us to report about the Potter boy's activities after three weeks. We are here with our report lord."
He wanted to admire the elves diligence. "Go on."
"Mr Potter wakes up early at five sharp. He changes quickly and runs around the black lake for about an hour and sometimes swims as well. After that he returns to his dormitories and revises his books and does some writing. He goes to the Great Hall for breakfast around seven thirty. Eats his breakfast and goes to his class. If he is early he sits there and reviews his homework. After his classes are over he goes to the library and sits there doing his homework and after that he just reads some books. Then he goes to dinner. After dinner he goes to his room. He does not like to sit in the common room for long."
"What about friends?"
"My lord he does not have any friends. The children are rude to him. He does not care much. Mr Malfoy treats him properly and they talk a little but not much."
"Anything else?"
"No, my lord."
"Fine you may leave, but ask Severus to come to my office right now."
The elves disappeared with a crack. Two minutes later Severus entered the office.
"My lord you asked for me."
"Yes, Severus. There is a service I require from you."
"Whatever you ask for my lord. I will do it."
"You were right about Mr Potter, Severus. The boy has no friends. He is alone and spends most of his time studying. I would like you to find out if he is interested in any special projects like the ones Miss Granger and Mr Malfoy are taking. Co-ordinate if the teachers if you have to."
"That is not much my lord."
"Well.." he smiled " It is not necessary I ask you to do something very important all the time. Severus don't let your feeling for James Potter come in the way."
"I will do my best my lord."
"Your best is good enough. You may leave Severus."