"Allow me." Lilith sighed but allowed Tom to lift up her trunk onto the rack for luggage as they settled into a compartment of the Express. The cabin itself seemed a bit more antiquated than what she remembered, which at least meant that the train saw some level of improvements during its lifetime. Sadly, the same could not be said of Hogwarts. The end of term had come up quite quickly after Rosier's fall, with the exams being surprisingly thorough for Lilith. It wasn't anything that either Lillian or Lilith would have had issues with, but the difference in difficulty was noticeable, which made Lilith wonder if Dumbledore or the Board of Governors had dumbed down the curriculum by the time her future self went to school. Had it happened after the first conflict as a way to impede the development of Death Eaters, and other Dark Magicals, or was it before that time, from the moment Dumbledore took up the position of Headmaster? Either way, Lilith felt that the change was definitely a bad thing and it probably led to the growing divide between the factions, as the Dark would certainly have hoarded the older texts and magical practices, while much of the Light, unaffiliated families and Muggleborns would have gladly continued living in ignorance of the deeper, even philosophical, aspects of magic. Taking a look at Tom, she thought about Voldemort from the future, the man she hoped he would never come to be, for his sake, and wondered. Lillian wasn't a fool. She knew what the Death Eaters were like and saw how they treated the muggleborns while they controlled the school. The only reason she didn't take up arms against them was the feeling that fighting for the Order wasn't any better.
So far, that scenario seemed to be changing slowly but surely, though Lilith felt that there was still a lot of work to do. She had kept him from being drawn into the extremists that embraced Grindelwald's more dangerous ideals as a way to bind the Dark Faction together. The fact that he was able to interact with Myrtle on his own boded well for his ability to look past magical blood as a defining trait and focusing more on accomplishments and ability. Now she just had to make sure that he embraced the Slytherin legacy of his ancestor and not the warped propaganda left behind by the Gaunts and the Blood Purists. As soon as they were both seated, Lilith pressed a runestone to trigger wards around them for privacy. "Danke. Now, did you research the Ministry rules regarding residences?" Tom nodded. "I did and you were right. At the very least I need to be at Wool's for a week, at least until next year, when I can find a place I can register as my new residence, which I can't do unless I am 17 years of age or a 15 year old Heir to an Old House or greater. Which begs the question, why don't we check my heritage first?" Lilith opened her bag and pulled out a book, which she handed to Tom. "Because even if you were confirmed as the Slytherin Heir today or tomorrow, there are things that could be out of your control, at least for the moment. Not to mention that if Dumbledore is being as intrusive into your life as you believe him to be, he might have the Department of Education check in on you during that first week and not being found at your residence could see you being placed under severe observation. Best thing would be to play it safe. Now, the first thing that you should do is learn more about the Goblins."
Tom read the title out loud. ""Goblins: Culture and Etiquette." I take it that dealing with the Goblins isn't the same as dealing with Noble Families?" Lilith chuckled. "It depends, really. On the one hand, a Goblin will never betray their word, though they are… selective with what they say at all times. On the other hand, they will always be on the lookout for profit, meaning that if you are dismissive, rude and offensive to their sensibilities, then you are likely to pay double what a respected customer would be charged. The Goblins feel that disrespect is the same as disinterest, so profit must be made quickly as the individual is unlikely to seek further business with them, at least no more business than that which isn't the bare minimum required for wizards with the bank. Respect and straightforwardness will show them that you are willing to take your time with Gringotts and they, therefore, do the same with you, charging a lower rate in the hope of a sustained and profitable relationship, one that can extend beyond storing your gold and can include managing investments, purchasing properties and even Warding, Medical or Crafting services. They, of course, only offer those services to respectful customers." Tom skimmed over the first few pages of the book. "They see everything through the perception of investments, whether they are good or bad in their own judgment. The greater the respect, the greater the investment, resulting in the greager returns for all parties involved." Lilith smiled. "Exat!" Tom hummed to himself, finding the Goblins' views not all that unappealing. "Well, I suppose reading this will make the week go by faster. Out of curiosity, how does learning Gobbledegook affect my chances of gaining their favor?"
Lilith winced. "Whatever you do, don't ever say that word in front of a Goblin. The humans are the ones who gave their language that term, not them, and they find it insulting. As for learning Goblin Speech, one can certainly learn to understand it. My family has always made certain that we understood and spoke as many languages as possible. Sadly, unless you have Goblin ancestry, you can't replicate their vocabulary all that well. Something about distinctive vocal cords and guttural sounds. A wizard speaking what they think Goblin Speech sounds like is considered a poor attempt at appropriating their language, though a Goblin will understand them well enough. However, if you demonstrate that you learned how to understand their language and are respectful enough to follow their etiquette within your own tongue, then you will have earned their respect. The book goes over that and includes some phrases in the Goblin language that are important to listen for. I can show you the closest thing to a translation book when I can find it again, since I only skimmed it while looking through my patron's bookshelves." Tom nodded softly, storing the book into his bag. "So, what's the plan for the rest of the summer?" Lilith waved her hand up. "That depends on you and what your inheritance is like. Lots of paperwork, possibly some inspection of existing properties, likely lots of purchases to make sure you are fit for the role, as well as research about your family and its active or former relations to other houses." Tom rubbed his face. "Here I thought getting a Heirship was going to make my life easier." Lilith giggled. "Easier in some ways, sure. But it's a big responsibility, one that carries its fair share of difficulties."
Tom nodded and the two spent the rest of the ride on the Hogwarts Express in relative quiet, with Tom staring out the window deep in thought. He had banked on his inheritance being an escape from the Orphanage, but the more he asked Lilith about it, the more he realized that it was indeed a responsibility. As Heir, he would have to secure the Family's future, secure a home, reclaim a seat in the Wizengamot and then learn all the rules that the Ministry's main political body required its members to follow. Tom looked over at Lilith and could now understand a bit more as to why she risked so much to face Rosier in a duel. His attempted drowning of her was a threat not only to Lilith, but to the continuation of the von Schwarzwald family's future, not to mention Lilith's personal ambitions and responsibilities. As seen through the lense of a Head of House, she had no choice but to retaliate in a way that settled the dispute as effectively as possible. Still, even with all the planning and the swiftness of the attack, Lilith ended up losing an eye, even if she never phrased it that way. Tom looked back out the window and vowed to not only be more careful with what responsibilities he was taking on, but with the danger his partner would be exposed to on his behalf. It was the least he could do to repay her for all that she had donr for him so far.
-✦-
"Leaving early this year again, are we?" Tom stilled as Mrs. Cole's voice interrupted his last minute packing of his trunk within his room at the Orphanage, the book on Goblin Customs being the last thing he stored as he dropped the lid down. The room itself was like much of the others: bare but for what old musty drawers and furniture they could scrounge up for the kids. Unlike with previous years, however, Tom had been more thorough with his packing, leaving nothing behind he could use at a later date. "I am." The older woman huffed softly. "Well, I suppose it's better than having you here to terrorize the other children. Tell me, do these people that are giving you room and board know of your wicked ways? Or are you just hidding out in the bombed out ruins of some poor family's home?" Tom felt his anger rising up slowly. Despite how kind and caring Mrs. Cole seemed to all the adults that visited the Orphanage, the old crow of a woman was ever the strict disciplinarian, carrying little over whether or not Tom was responsible for the weird happenings at the Orphanage and being all too happy to bring out a cane to discipline him and any other boy or girl that she had felt had stepped out of line. The woman, a devout Anglican, had even called the local Reverend on multiple occasions, to "cleanse" Tom of his sins. The priests would perform their exorcisms on Tom, regardless of his protests or their lack of results. These moments were hazy, even in Tom's meticulous mind, but he could vividly remember the strips of leather striking his skin as the Priests demanded he or his demons to confess their sins.
Taking a few deep but calm breaths so as to not be consumed by the vague but painful memories of his so-called youth, Tom turned to the woman. "I have no reason to tell you where I will be staying, Madam." Mrs. Cole bristled slightly. "Then will this be your last summer here? I would very much like to open up this room to more children. You and your freakish ways have kept a room suitable for two other boys all to yourself and the Orphanage is due to only grow more filled as the men go out and die. Parliament and its Ministers are quite happy sending young men off to die in a pointless war, but to fund the care for their children? No, that would be too much to ask for." Tom blinked at her in confusion. "Well, at least we can both agree on something. Regardless, I do certainly hope that this will be the last time I sleep under this roof, so you can do whatever you wish with the room. I have no further need for it." After locking the trunk, Tom pulled on his coat and spent one last second combing his hair back, all as the Matron watched from the door. "Ah, that makes more sense. Tell me, did you find some little girl to woo with your sad tale? A poor orphan boy from London, practically raised on the streets, terrifying every other child within the roof of this Orphanage and you think you will be able to pass off as some godforsaken saint? No, child, whatever devilish spell you have weaved over the girl will break one day and you will be all alone once again, probably at death's door, just like your mother was before her end."
Feeling his blood boiling beneath his skin, the room began to physically shake around Tom as the Matron took a timid step back, realizing that perhaps she had gone too far. For Tom, his control over his feelings, something he had learned to do to keep the weird happening that he noa knew were displays of accidental magic from happening, started to waver. For a split second he started to envision what it would be like to squeeze Mrs. Cole's throat, silencing her of everything but the sound of her struggling breath, as the seconds would tick by, until nothing but silence would be left. The thought tempted him so much that he allowed his magic to leak out, with the sounds he had just imagined becoming quite real, as the woman held her hand against her constricted neck. Panic started to set in her eyes as she looked at him, realizing that he was indeed causing her distress. The thought that she would know it was him only made the situation feel all the more appealing to Tom as a grin grew on his face. "Will you break the promise that you made to me at the start of the year? Is it something so easy for you to do, that a woman's worthless remarks can make you do something far more permanent? Is it?" Tom's thoughts snapped, his magic releasing the old woman as he looked over her now prone body, green eyes staring back at him. Oddly enough, there was no judgment in those eyes, only an emotionless void that made Tom flinch. He had never seen Lilith look so… empty before.
Taking deep breaths to regain control over his emotions, Tom watched as one of the female minders, who had probably been guiding Lilith through the Orphanage towards his room, came to Cole's side, who was coughing up a storm as she drew deep breaths, as his eyes looked over Lilith's choice of clothes. He felt himself blushing as the open jacket she wore over her dress shirt and vest revealed more of her form than what the Hogwarts robes ever could. The clothes certainly looked quite masculine, but on Lilith they simply looked comfortable and sophisticated, showing a bit of the growing curvature of her body. Lilith noticed his roaming eyes and raised an eyebrow. "What?" Tom shook his head, putting the odd thoughts and observations out of his mind. "Sorry, for a while I thought you would arrive here wearing a dress." Lilith waved her hand. "Dresses are not to my taste, though a lucky person may get me to wear one for them someday. Are you good to go or do you need to fetch something else from your room?" Tom shook his head again in response, picked up his trunk and walked past the now upright Matron as she rubbed her neck. "Goodbye, Mrs. Cole. For your sake, may we never meet again." As Tom walked past Lilith, the old woman turned to her. "That is no boy, young lady, but the devil. You mark my words, his life will only bring pain and misery to those in his path, with those that follow him being consumed by sin and eternal damnation."
Lilith looked back at the old woman and shrugged. "You might believe that, but I don't. He can be whatever he wants to be, though I believe he is far more capable of good than you give him credit for. Besides, if he is the devil, that means he was once an angel. Which means he is just as likely to commit good deeds as we are, if not more so. After all, who is the greater sinner? The one who chooses to sin or the one forced to do so by circumstances beyond their control?" The woman narrowed her eyes and looked her over, her face showing she didn't approve of Lilith's clothes. "You are like him, aren't you? You and all like you are a blight upon the world, drawing our children away from God's grace and tempting them with the devil's gifts. Begone from here and never come back, before I call the Reverend to deal with you too, witch." Lilith chuckled a little. "Whatever you say, Mrs. Cole. Now if you excuse us, this "witch" will see to her handsome devil's accommodations. A good day to you both, ladies." As Lilith approached a waiting Tom, the two descended the stairs. Tom turned to Lilith. "Was that wise? Teasing her like that?" Lilith gave him a smirk. "If I wanted to tease her, I would have given the lady at the front desk my full name, instead of going by Lily. Imagine; Lilith, the mother of all demons, coming to the rescue of the devil himself. Quite the tale she would have spun to the Reverend, wouldn't you say?"
Tom chuckled slightly, his anger from earlier dissipating completely, even as he tried feeling out the name Lily and applying it to Lilith. Oddly enough, he found himself liking the way it suited her, even if he would never say that outloud to her. "Quite the tale indeed." As they stepped outside, Lilith closed her coat and linked her arm with Tom's, with Tom looking at her surreptitiously. "So, where are we going first?" Lilith's eyes looked into his as she gave him a brief smile. "Why, to Gringotts, of course. You read the book, right?" Tom nodded and Lilith squeezed his arm. "Then we better clear up the questions surrounding your heritage quickly. After that, we can get something for lunch." Tom turned his attention to the street signs, remembering the quickest route to the Leaky Cauldron. "The nearest tube station is eight blocks down the main road." Lilith giggled at his side, the noise giving Tom a warm feeling in his chest. "As fine as the tube is for getting around in anything but a hot summer day, I have a faster way of getting us to Diagon Alley." As they turned a corner into an alley covered in shadow and devoid of witnesses, Tom was about to ask her what she meant before feeling like he was being sucked through a straw. The alley they had just been in was once again without a living soul.
-✦-
As Lilith handed a few Sickles to the goblin attendant after pocketing a shrunken trunk into her coat pocket, Tom did his best not to empty his stomach all over the marble floors. Seeing as Wool's was struggling in getting food supplies from the government and a few of the general stores, as most of the preserved food supplies were going to the military, the simply meal of freshly baked bread, scrambled eggs, stale cheese and some old salted pork was small enough that Tom was able to hold it in. Though the taste at the back of his throat was a sign that he had come close to losing it. As Tom stood up and scanned the surroundings, he frowned, before finding a cup of water being presented to him by Lilith. Tom drank it quietly, before handing the empty cup back. "Was that Apparition?" Lilith nodded, though she seemed a bit sheepish. "I assume it was your first time? I thought the professor who introduced you to Magic would have used it to get you back to Wools after your first trip to the Alley." Tom cleared his throat, the water having done a good job of washing some of the bile that had risen up, though the taste seemed to linger slightly. "Dumbledore walked me to the Alley via the Tube station and brought me back by the same route. I don't think he wanted to show me too much about magical means of transportation, since he was already suspicious of my character after talking to the Matron."
The redhead shook her head before bidding him to follow her. They walked in measured steps quietly, as Tom's eyes swept the long corridor filled with doors, each marked with the names of Goblins, all only in Goblin Script. While Tom hadn't been able to gather too much about the language, he did manage to catch a few words that seemed to be repeated on most of the signs. "Firstly, how were we able to apparate right into the Bank like that and second, why is every door here marked with the word Slayer?" Lilith gave him a satisfied look. "You did get quite far in the book. Not bad. For the first, I managed to make a certain amount of profit for the Bank thanks to investments and trading in bonds, which resulted in them being kind enough to add me to the wards for this section, as well as to the Medical Wing. As my current account manager is here, it's not that bad of a bonus, though it does require some payment on my part per use. As to the title of Slayer, while the Goblins are a business minded species, they are still very much a warrior race. To advance in the bank, a Goblin needs to prove themselves capable just as well academically as in the arena or the tunnels against a wide assortment of creatures. If they can prove themselves against a deadly beast, a witch or wizard won't be much of a challenge, right?"
Finding nothing wrong with that logic, Tom added that bit of information away as they moved down the corridor, passing a few Goblins, with Lilith bowing her head softly in respect, Tom matching her movements whenever possible. The Goblins looked at Tom with a measure of pleasant surprise and a few that walked in pairs instantly started talking to each other in their own tongue in what Tom thought were curious or pleased tones. Tom realized he had quite the way to go to understand the harsh and inhuman language, even if the written form was easy enough to memorize. They both eventually stood outside of a door and Lilith held out her pocket watch, pointing at a time on the face of the clock. Tom nodded silently and the two waited quietly for three minutes until the door opened and an older and somewhat scarred looking goblin looked them over, nodding to himself. "Right on time, as always. Please enter, Frau von Schwarzwald and Mr Riddle. We have a lot of work ahead of us if your claims prove true." The two entered the office, with Tom scanning the walls, his eyes landing on an upper jaw and lower set of mandibles filled with sharp teeth mounted on the wall above the Goblin's seat. Though Tom didn't take Care of Magical Creatures, he had bought Newt Scamander's recently published addendum to his book "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." The jaw looked oddly familiar. "Is that from a Wyrm?"
The Goblin gave him a toothy grin. "Why it is, Mr. Riddle. Gave me quite the set of scars when it surprised me and my cousins down in the mines some decades back. My name is Lothbruk, a senior manager here in the bank and the current manager from Frau von Schwarzwald's financial assets." Tom bowed his head. "An honor to meet you, Senior Lothbruk, Wyrm Slayer." The Goblin eyed Lilith. "He has learned our customs well. Good. Let us see if his blood honors him as he has honored us." The Goblin lifted up a wooden board with a bronze funnel at the top. He took out a piece of parchment and flattened it out on the board, binding in the corners, before pulling out an intricate and ornate knife. The Goblin held out its hand over the parchment and explained. "The payment for the Inheritance Test has been provided by Frau von Schwarzwald. Allow us to use your blood to see who your ancestors are. The parchment will display the names of your ancestors for as far back as it can trace them, based on their magical traces in your blood." Tom handed his hand to the Goblin and tensed slightly as the blade sliced into his thumb. After a few drops fell into the funnel, the Goblin waved his hand, sealing the wound and cleaning the knife, before he sat back. The three waited as the parchment began to glow, words and names appearing in a dark red ink. Tom leaned over to read what was revealed.
Inheritance Test
Tom Marvolo Riddle
Date of Birth - December 31st, 1926
Mother - Merope Gaunt née Gaunt (deceased)
Father - Tom Riddle (no registry)
Possible Inheritances (through maternal line)
Heir to the Ancient House of Gaunt
Possible Heir to the Ancient House of Peverell (pending Head of House's recognition)
Heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Slytherin
Tom sat back in his seat, the words sinking into his soul, as the rest of the parchment filled out with an ever growing geneology line. His dreams of being a descendant of Salazar Slytherin were no longer a thought or a hope, but a reality. He was a Slytherin, capable of inheriting a name and legacy as old as the school itself. The fact that his father's name came with no further information bothered him only slightly. Tom had long suspected that the Riddle name was of a muggle family. That he could be alive still… no, he would let that curiosity rest now. He was so close to fulfilling his dream. Now it was just taking care of the tasks required of him to settle his inheritance. He looked over the two other family names and frowned. "Senior Lothbruk, what can you tell me about the Gaunts and Peverells." The Goblin sat back. "The Gaunt family has been around quite some time. As I wasn't their manager, all I can say is what I have heard. The line lost prominence with the bank, and possibly with the Wizengamot, sometime in the previous century. The last Head of the family died six months ago with several outstanding debts. As the Gaunt family seemed to have gone extinct at the time, the Gaunt properties were seized as collateral, which wasn't hard as it was a small plot of land with a burned down shack atop of it, and the bank sold the land to settle the debts and close the accounts. The family is nothing but a name now."
Feeling a tad disappointed that his mother's family, the line that connected him to the Magical World, was severed, Tom looked at the other name. "And the Peverells?" Lothbruk sighed. "I am afraid that I cannot say anything about that particular family except what the test reveals. Someone retains the position of Head of Family and has ultimate say to your claim as Heir. At best, they would take you in and integrate you into the family. At worst… there are things best not to say about surprising a Head of House by attempting to claim a legacy that is not yours whilst they live." Tom nodded his head in agreement. "Would I be able to claim more than one family?" Lothbrok shook his head. "I am afraid that is forbidden by both Wizengamot and Gringotts law, not to mention the ICW." Lilith spoke up. "Taking on one family inheritance comes with the danger of past agreements being enforced. If you were to claim the Gaunt family and the Slytherin family held a Blood Feud against them, you would be unable to claim the Slytherin legacy. The magics that govern the Ancient Families can be single minded and capricious, hence why the Wizengamot was forced to pass the law, though the fact that no family should hold more than one seat was also a factor behind the decision. Taking any of them comes with the responsibility of seeing the line through into the next generation and the fulfilling of any outstanding oaths. As a Lord, you could overrule the old grievances, but as Heir…"
Tom felt his blood run cold. As Heir he would be subject to the will of the Family Magic itself, without being able to use his own judgment. Lilith was right, he needed to be careful how he approached this. "Can you tell me anything about the Slytherin family's holdings or outstanding oaths?" The Goblin pulled out a piece of parchment and jotted down a few lines of text in his kind's language, before depositing it into a box on his table. "The Slytherin account has been inactive for a thousand years, yet it continues to receive galleons due to the agreements between Hogwarts, the Wizengamot and Gringotts, who made sure to enforce the account's stipulations. Right now, control of the account lies in the hands of the Director of Gringotts himself. I have sent a missive enquiring if he can see you to discuss the claiming of the Heir Ring and any of the stipulations that come with it. If you do become Heir Slytherin, he will remain your account manager until you claim the Head of House position and Ring, after which you can make what changes you wish. As you might guess, the Director is quite the busy Goblin, so it would be wise to schedule any future meetings with him with plenty of time to accomodate you." Tom nodded as Lilith stood up, placing her hand on his shoulder. "I have a few errands to run and what you do from here on is your choice. I will be in the lobby in half an hour or so."
For the first time in his life, Tom could say that he yearned to have Lilith at his side. She had been the driving force that he needed to get to this point, giving him the financial support that he needed to secure his heritage and his safety. "I wouldn't have a problem if you were to join me." Lilith gave him a soft smile. "Danke schön, Herr Riddle, for the trust you are willing to place on me. If you wish to tell me what the Director tells you, I will listen to it through you as your partner and ally, but this is a private matter that I cannot take part in." The box on the desk glowed softly as Lothbruk opened it, the goblin reading the note inside to himself. "The Director will see you in a few minutes, Mr Riddle. I will escort you to his office." Tom stood up and looked into Lilith's eyes. It was odd. She was happy for him, he could read as much, but there was a part that seemed saddened. "I will be out as quickly as I can. We still have a bit more to go over." Lilith's smile now reached her eyes. "Of course, just make sure it's with the ring that you truly want on your finger, Herr Riddle. And remember, right now you are vulnerable. Don't make any changes that could reveal that you secured the Slytherin Heirship to the Wizengamot." Tom nodded as he stepped out of the office, straightening out his posture. In a few minutes he would be a Slytherin, his dream of four long years fulfilled at last.
-✦-
Tom walked out of the Director of Gringotts' office, a heavy silver colored ring on his right hand, the shape of an "S" and a snake made of several inlaid emeralds of varying cuts and sizes. While Tom had agreed to keep his name intact, so as to keep the Wizengamot and the Ministry from knowing that an Heir had claimed the ring, the Director would always address him by his proper title within his office. After Tom wore the ring and confirmed his commitment to the Slytherin Family's future and legacy, the Director pulled out the files concerning the Slytherin account. While Ragnok seemed no older than Lothbruk, the difference in their status was clear enough to see, as seen by the three trophies mounted on the wall. Two of the trophies were clearly of a wyrm and what Tom thought was some sort of feline creature respectively. Above those two, right over the Director's chair, sat three skulls bound together: a lion, a goat and a snake, all far larger than normal. Tom had sweated a little when he realized that Director Ragnok had slain a Chimaera, a creature from Greek mythology well known for being a wizard killer. Still, he kept himself calm and respectful, which seemed to have pleased the Goblin well enough.
Ragnok had explained that there were very few outstanding oaths for the Founder's Family. There was an oath of allegiance to the House of Gryffindor and the rest of the Founders, the first of which had left Tom speechless, as well as the oaths of friendship tying the House of Slytherin to the defunct House of Serpens and the Peverells. The Director had taken off his glasses to look at Tom. "While we can't reveal too much about the Peverells, we promise to keep your ascendance from them for as long as you wish. However, the moment you become the Lord Slytherin, there will be no hiding this truth from the Ministry's records. I suggest you strengthen your personal allegiances and determine your position before you're required to appear before the Assembly. Now, as to claiming the position of Head of House, there are some stipulations. According to Salazar Slytherin's will, the Heir must study at Hogwarts while performing to the best of their abilities within the curriculum. The Heir must also find Salazar's Chamber within the Castle and explore it to its entirety, as well adhere to a code of conduct befitting a proud and noble lord. Failure to achieve these goals will prevent the Heir from gaining the Lordship. When the Family Magic that governs the ring determines that all conditions have been met, then you will be elevated to the position of Head of House." Despite asking for clarification, there were no specifics pertaining to the code of conduct beyond what the Director said, which left Tom feeling a bit uneasy.
He left the office with several thoughts running wildly through his head and a new key weighing down his pocket. Apparently, the Slytherin account allowed for the Heir to have a Trust Vault, with the contents being refilled every year, all taxes being drawn from the main account so Tom didn't have to report it, for as long as he remained the recognized Heir. The account more than covered his expected summer and year long expenses, though Ragnok stated that Tom didn't have to worry about the grant funds from Hogwarts, as those were already allocated for the upcoming year from the moment the grades were submitted for review by the Department of Education. He would only have to notify the Hogwarts Board of Governors concerning his financial independence after the first of January, when they would be evaluating the students' performances up to that date. There was also an account for purchasing a plot of land to establish a Family Estate, but as a minor and the Heir, the purchase would have to be approved by Director Ragnok. While Tom hated the fact that his hands remained tied regarding certain aspects of his family's legacy, he couldn't fault Gringotts or Salazar Slytherin for the safeguards in place. They were quite thorough and effective, as seen by the fact that the accounts were still thriving after a thousand years of relative inactivity.
As soon as he stepped into the lobby, the recognizable head of red hair was there, sitting in one of the benches with one of her small books opened. Lilith looked up and smiled at him as soon as he stepped closer, closing her book and storing it away in her coat. Anticipating her movements this time, Tom presented her with his arm and she linked hers with his, the two stepping out into a surprisingly bright day in Diagon Alley. "So, shopping or lunch first?" Tom, noticing the time and the sudden irritation in his stomach, responded with "lunch." As they looked over the options in the Alley, a voice drew their attention. "Lilith! Tom! Over here!" Both looked towards a nearby table on an outdoor terrace, where Myrtle was waving her arm. As they approached, Cassandra, who was sitting down next to Myrtle, pulled her friend down onto her seat and whispered something into her ear, with Myrtle turning to both Lilith and Tom, looking a little embarrassed. "Ah, sorry Riddle. I didn't mean to presume." Tom raised an eyebrow but shook his head. "It's fine, Warren. We were looking for a place to eat." Cassandra smiled at him. "Then please, join us." She gestured to the two men who were sitting down beside them. "This is my father, Francis Moon. The gentleman opposite him is Myrtle's father, William. Our mothers are currently looking over dresses at a shop down the road."
Lilith unhooked her arm from Tom and bowed her head to Myrtle's father. "MP Warren, it's a pleasure to meet you in person after exchanging letters. I hope the Prime Minister is treating you well." The dark-haired man with glasses that matched his daughter's reach out and presented his hand to Lilith, who shook it back, the man smiling softly. "Ah, Miss von Schwarzwald. A pleasure at last. Winston is the same difficult taskmaster as ever but we are all managing in these troubled times. I am glad to finally meet you, as I wanted to personally thank you for protecting my daughter." Lilith blushed slightly. "She is my friend, sir. There was no other choice but to help her. This is my acquaintance, Tom Riddle. Though he would like to keep it quiet, he did aid in your daughter's protection." Mr. Warren offered Tom his hand and Tom shook it as well. "Then I owe you as well, young man. Please, join us. Parliament keeps me rather busy much of the year, much to my wife and son's displeasure, so any chance to see Myrtle and her friends from the hidden side of our nation is an opportunity I fully intend to utilize." After placing more tables together, and ordering their meals, Mr. Moon was the first to break through Myrtle and Cassie's chatter. "My daughter has been quite vocal about her new friends this year. It is also good for me to meet you both. How was Hogwarts for you this year?"
Tom cleared his throat after taking a sip of his tea. "Well, it could certainly have been less eventful, but I believe it has been a rewarding year. With the OWLs coming up, we expect the subject matter for all the courses to be more challenging." Myrtle sighed. "Is it too much to ask for a break? Cassie and I had been studying for weeks leading up to the end of term exams. If the OWLs are worse, we will be studying for months!" Mr Warren chuckled and patted his daughter on the back. "Well, you did choose the house dedicated to academic excellence." He looked at both Lilith and Tom as they ate their sandwiches. "Myrtle has mentioned that you two are in Slytherin House. I take it your House takes their education seriously as well?" Tom nodded. "Of course, sir. Getting any of the major employment opportunities among our population requires the highest of grades. Slytherin demands the best out of all its students." Mr. Moon nodded, but his mood soured. "Indeed. Though with the war going on now, many of the best and brightest might not see their employment of choice. More and more of our youths are finding their way into the armed forces." Mr. Warren sighed in agreement. "I agree. Though the Prime Minister has urged Parliament to continue in the war, many are asking how long we can go on, sacrificing the lives of our sons and grandsons just out of stubborn pride." The table turned silent, until Lilith spoke up, her eyes staring blankly at the table.
"Whether you want the war to end or not isn't something that can just be decided so easily. Sure, leaving the conflict now will see the soldiers return to their homes. But the enemy will not be satisfied with laying down their weapons. The German Army and its allies will go, country by country, continent by continent, until all opposition is eradicated. The soldiers that return home, handing back their rifles, will face dangers within their own borders one day, without the chance to fight back. You may find peace bought by placating a belligerent enemy… isn't peace at all. The bombings that still trigger air raid siren across the country, from Exeter to York, are ample example that the German Leadership doesn't care wether your carrying a gun or not. If you stand against them or if you are a citizen of a foreign country that does not kneel before their leaders, you will be shot. Some people… are being killed for no other reason than that they were born to a bloodline that, as the Germans believe, isn't pure. There is no peace to be found with such people, but one won by victory through unrelenting perseverance in the face of evil." The two men sat silent after that as Tom watched Lilith continue to eat her meal. The group eventually bid each other farewell, with plans to meet at the Alley when the letters with the books of the coming year arrived.
"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Tom shook his head. "No, it wasn't. Meeting Mister Warren was a pleasant surprise. Myrtle doesn't strike me as a daughter from a Member of Parliament's family." Lilith shrugged. "True, but it shouldn't matter what her home life is like, though it certainly explains some of her drive for academic excellence. The fact that he is a Member of Parliament does present some advantages to us as well. While the Statute of Secrecy serves well as a defence of our people, it is also a vulnerability, one that Grindelwald will likely exploit and circumvent to his own benefits. Keeping our own friendly contacts within the British Government can only ever serve us well." Tom nodded, finding the logic in her words to be without any major flaws. The two walked all along the street, looking through the display windows of the Alley. All the while Tom could feel Lilith's eyes on him, waiting for him to give her any indication as to where to go next. While Tom would like to use all available time to his advantage, the discussion from earlier and his ascension to Heir of Slytherin had left him feeling, for the first time since he could remember, emotionally drained. "Can we head to where I will be spending the rest of my summer now?" Lilith, sensing some of his exhaustion, nodded and gave him a few pointers on how to endure an apparition with greater ease, before the two vanished into thin air.
-✦-
Lilith waited for Tom to settle his stomach before holding out a stone and a needle. He frowned as soon as he saw them, before looking around. Lilith enjoyed a bit of his confusion as he was greeted with the sight of an empty patch of ground and a few clusters of trees. "What's that for and where are we?" Lilith chuckled. "We are in a woodland area some distance from Birmingham. We have a local town and a few clusters of houses nearby but we are far enough away from any major population centers. This was the best place I could find that was within range of a leyline strong enough to sustain a ward. As for this? It's a registry stone. Think of it as an attachment to the wardstone. It lets a homeowner add a visitor or another controller to the ward scheme. So, you want me to add you to the wards so you can actually see the place and have some control over them? It will be good practice for when you have to care for your own ward scheme as Head of House." Tom looked at the stone for a second and nodded, presenting his hand to her. He flinched a little when Lilith jabbed the needle, but the wound wasn't big. As soon as a drop of blood landed on the stone, Tom watched as the previously empty field turned into a fully sized wooden cottage, with a few flower pots and bushes, as Lilith cleaned and sealed the wound.
The door unlocked as soon as he touched the knob and he walked into the building, stepping into a small gap between the living room and a dining room attached to a kitchen. Lilith closed the door behind him and took off her coat and boots, the former draped over her arm and the latter set aside next to the door, before stepping further inside. "There are two bedrooms in the back with beds, while the bathroom, which has a toilet, shower and tub, is just behind the kitchen. The cottage has been modified to be magical so we do have running hot water, a working stasis fridge, oven, stove and windows that can be sealed, though no electricity. I got a few wards setup that not only conceal the cottage, but also kinetic wards designed to block damage from siege engines, fire prevention wards and intruder alerts. We are at what I believe is a safe distance, but if bombs were to drop, I hope the combination of wards are enough to counteract the explosion and damage from the devices." Tom hummed to himself, running his hands over the walls, feeling the rough grain of the wood. He looked into the bedrooms, seeing comfortable beds, and a decently comfortable bathroom. "How much will all this be?" Lilith ran the numbers through her head and told Tom, who raised an eyebrow. "That seems low. This place is too nice for that many galleons." Lilith shrugged. "Well, that's how much you are paying since we are sharing the rent."
Lilith smirked a little inside when she saw the way his eyes widened in surprise. "Why? I can take care of myself." Lilith raised an eyebrow. "Really? Can you cook? Can you apparate to Gringotts and back, buy your own groceries, and do all that on your own?" Tom blinked for a second at her and looked towards the kitchen. "I could learn." Lilith nodded to herself. "Good, because you should, but it's not as easy as reading a book and following the instructions. Now, I won't be here all the time, as I do have business to take care of, but I can still teach you how to cook, apparate, make portkeys and how to manage the wards on your own. By the time you go back to Hogwarts, you will be quite capable of caring for yourself, as any Heir should. So, which is your room? The one on the right gets hit with sunlight in the morning, the bedroom on the left gets it in the evening." Tom rubbed his face slightly. "I will take the right." Lilith smiled and pulled out his trunk from her coat pocket, resizing it to normal, and handing it back to Tom. "See, that wasn't so hard. Now let's settle in before I get started on a simple dinner for both of us later. We will be here till Sept 1st, so get comfortable." Tom watched as Lilith started to rummage in her own room, feeling odd. He was sure some of it was anxiety but he also felt… relieved. He went into his room, clearing his mind.
As he started to unpack his trunk and fill out the clothes hangers in the closet, he found the odd sensation from earlier still lingered in the back of his mind. It took him a moment to realize that the reason everything felt out of place was the lighting in the room. Looking out through the window into a small clearing that eventually ended upon a grove of trees, Tom tested the latch on the glass pane, finding it unlocked. The window slipped upwards before catching on a latch and the warm afternoon air started to fill his senses. The sound of the wind ruffling leaves filled his ears. But above all was the warm light of the sun raining a dulling yellow over everything before him. This wasn't the first time that he had experienced such sights. During his orphanage's excursions to the coast, he had first gained an appreciation for the natural beauty of the world, the sight of the crashing waves against the jagged cliffs forever etched in his mind, a constant reminder that even sturdy rocks could be worn down by time and effort. At Hogwarts, he had again been treated to the beauty of nature, the mountain peaks of the Scottish Highlands bookending the narrow valley, before the green and grey colors of the rocks, forests and grass ended at the edge of the Black Lake's shores. But as he stood here, peering at the outside world through the tiny window of his bedroom for the next few weeks, he realized that even Hogwarts didn't offer this to him. His dorm room was the same as everyone else's; windowless and illuminated by candle light, when the pale green magical light wasn't active during the day.
Even in the Orphanage, the view hadn't been any better. London's sky, even before the raids, had been a bleak grey, almost always in overcast. The air always left a bad taste in one's mouth, what with all the coal burning to keep the chimneys running, especially in the edge of the industrial sector, where the orphanage was built. The windows at Wool's all looked out towards the brick walls of a warehouse next door, usually used for storage. The bare hint of a sky was all anyone could hope for from those tiny windows, with the sun only making an appearance when it was directly overhead, if it could shine at all through the dark, smoke filled clouds. Here, away from any population centers, he could not only see a picturesque view of nature everyday, but upon the sunrise, he would be greeted by actual light streaming through the glass, with only the curtains to either side offering any cover. It took Tom a moment to realize that this, this right here, was what everyday life was supposed to be. Not the dark, candle lit dungeon dorms of Slytherin, nor the hard, stone edifice of Hogwarts. A quiet house out in the country, with sun, not a mechanical clock, deciding what time of day it was. Tom closed his eyes and allowed the feeling to wash over him. For the first time since he could remember, a quiet feeling settled into his heart. He knew who he was, who he wanted to be and now… now he had a place he could call his own, if but for a short time. He didn't just feel comfortable or warm. He felt whole.