Tom strode down the path cleared by the kneeling Death Eaters, his entourage trailing behind. The giant basilisk, unleashed as a grandiose spectacle, slithered alongside him. Cassandra held her head high with pride, Hermione flinched, avoiding the gazes of the Death Eaters, and Luna, ever the curious one, surveyed everything with wide eyes. Harry and Malfoy exchanged knowing glances, already plotting how to shock their classmates with tales of the new Death Eater recruits back at Hogwarts.
Tom, however, ignored the bowing figures beside him, his focus fixed on Nagini and the approaching group. Several Death Eaters, Fudge among them, trailed subserviently behind the massive snake. Reaching Tom's side, Nagini inclined her head, preparing to lead him and his followers to a tent meticulously prepared by the Death Eaters.
It was impossible not to notice the most ostentatious tent in the very center of the encampment. Its exterior was already enormous, and one could only imagine the impossible size of the interior, undoubtedly expanded by an Undetectable Extension Charm.
...
As Tom and his group disappeared inside the tent, Dumbledore, seemingly lost in idle chatter outside his own, devoured another handful of the suspiciously sweet cockroach clusters. He was surrounded by a mix of old friends and important figures, including Madame Maxime, who sought him out to discuss pressing matters.
"Professor Dumbledore, are you simply going to allow this?" Madam Maxime asked, her voice laced with unease. The Death Eaters' blatant display of power had rattled her, especially considering the presence of numerous students from Beauxbatons. If these ruthless individuals were to suddenly lose control, she feared she would be helpless.
"..."
Let me handle it? If you think yourself so capable, why don't you intervene yourself? Besides, even if I did confront him, it would only be effective if that impudent Tom Riddle actually listened! Dumbledore could vividly imagine being subdued on the spot by his former student… the sheer embarrassment of such a defeat was unbearable.
He would never voice such concerns aloud, of course. Instead, Dumbledore offered a dismissive wave of his hand. "If a child enjoys playing and clamoring for attention, let him be. It is of no consequence."
To the others, however, his words translated to: Dumbledore utterly disregards Tom Riddle and his Death Eaters! They immediately seized the opportunity to shower him with praise.
"Truly worthy of Albus Dumbledore!"
"Is this the greatest wizard of this century?!"
"With Albus Dumbledore in our midst, that insignificant Dark Lord would never dare to cause trouble!"
"..."
Dumbledore simply smiled serenely, basking in the adulation, feigning profound wisdom. Only Snape, standing behind him, fixed him with a complex stare, as if seeing the old man in a completely new and unflattering light.
"Ahem..." Dumbledore, feeling exposed under Snape's scrutiny, swiftly changed the subject. "Why did you not attend, Severus?"
Snape paused, then replied tonelessly, "He did not summon me."
The barely concealed "Oh~ I have been ostracized" expression on Dumbledore's face caused Snape's jaw to tighten. He silently vowed to add a double dose of laxatives to Dumbledore's next potion.
It wasn't just Dumbledore facing tribulations; Madam Maxime was also contending with her students. At that moment, two stunning young women, one slightly older than the other, approached her, their blue silk robes whispering around them as they spoke.
It turned out that young Gabrielle was insistent on seeing Tom, but her sister Fleur was attempting to dissuade her. Realizing they couldn't simply approach the Dark Lord on their own, Gabrielle had pleaded with her sister to seek Madam Maxime's assistance.
Madam Maxime, however, recognized the barely concealed curiosity in Fleur's eyes as well, a fascination tempered by fear. She knew that if she agreed to help them meet Tom, the two sisters would seize the opportunity without hesitation.
"..."
Madam Maxime closed her eyes in exasperation. That wretched Dark Lord… It's all Dumbledore's fault! That old man was Tom Riddle's teacher; he is responsible!
"Achoo!"
???
Dumbledore, still munching on his sugary treats, suddenly sneezed. Looking around suspiciously, his gaze finally settled on Snape. Hmm! You must be the one cursing me!
After mentally berating Snape, Dumbledore decided to discuss the upcoming Triwizard Tournament with Madam Maxime. Coincidentally, she also wished to speak with him on the very same topic.
...
Meanwhile, inside the "Dark Lord's private tent," the interior defied all expectations. It was unbelievably lavish, crammed with every conceivable amenity. A meticulously decorated villa, a shimmering swimming pool, a state-of-the-art training ground, a Quidditch pitch… every conceivable luxury for a wizard's food, clothing, shelter, and entertainment was provided, even including a Muggle golf course!
Aside from the tent's roof, it was virtually indistinguishable from a high-end resort. This level of opulence could not be achieved with a mere Undetectable Extension Charm. Tom Riddle, of course, was capable—his trunk alone contained an entire forest—but others likely could not. The spell work on this tent had undoubtedly required numerous skilled wizards working in concert.
Furthermore, the tent's fabric was undoubtedly exceptional; otherwise, it would never have been able to withstand the sheer strain of such an extensive Undetectable Extension Charm.
"Sir, please come with us."
The space shimmered, and two house-elves materialized before them. One of them looked vaguely familiar to Harry. "You are… Dobby?!"
"Harry Potter remembers Dobby?! Waaaaah… Dobby is so touched!"
Ever since the incident that landed Harry in the hospital wing, Dobby had been working for Tom. Although Harry still struggled to fully trust him, seeing him periodically brought Dobby immense joy.
The other house-elf was Sparkle, formerly employed by the Crouch family. She had been unceremoniously dismissed by Barty Crouch Jr., a devastating blow that had left her heartbroken. However, Barty Crouch Jr. had intervened, bringing her back to work for Tom.
"..."
Seeing Dobby stirred a twinge of lingering pain in Harry's back. Although he now understood that Dobby hadn't intended to harm him, he had nonetheless been thoroughly tormented. He hesitated, unsure how to approach the house-elf.
Dobby, however, was overflowing with enthusiasm.
Sparkle, for her part, worked with diligence, fueled by a sense that she "hadn't been completely abandoned." She no longer succumbed to listlessness and had abandoned drowning her sorrows in excessive amounts of alcohol.
Following Dobby and Sparkle, they arrived at a recreational area designed to cater to their every whim. Harry and Malfoy were already practically vibrating with anticipation at the prospect of experiencing the "indoor Quidditch pitch."
Tom surveyed the scene with satisfaction. "Let us stop here."
Hearing Tom's command, Dobby and Sparkle instantly vanished, but not before chiming, "Please, call us should you require anything," with twin snaps of their fingers.
Sensing the eagerness radiating from the others, Tom smiled faintly. "Go ahead, enjoy yourselves."
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