Chapter 6: An Unwanted Visitor.

Alistair was sitting in his bedroom, reading, while thinking about the last few days. He and his mother had been released from the hospital a little over a week ago. Since then, he had spent most of his time speaking with her. She was quite intelligent, and their conversations would often go on for hours. Alistair had to remain cautious though, as she had "tested" him more than once.

'Of course… I could simply be overthinking the matter.'

She would sometimes ask questions that only her "true son" would likely know the answer too. It was unnerving how easily she could drop such questions into casual conversation. Alistair would answer them all as best he could, taking special care to still sound like a nine-year-old boy, when answering. The week had progressed this way… until a few unwanted visitors came calling at their door.

"Young Master, the Mistress sent me to fetch you."

"You have guests, and she requests that you join them in the parlor."

Looking down at Noxxy, another of the Avery family's House-Elves, Alistair nodded.

"Thank you, Noxxy."

The little elf smiled warmly, before vanishing. Moments later, a second House-Elf appeared. This one stood tall and wore a finely tailored butler's suit, with a pair of shiny black dress shoes. This was Saxx, of course.

"Young Lord, two of the people downstairs match the description of those you told me to be wary of."

Saxx' words brought a frown to Alistair's face, turning to Saxx, he questioned.

"Which two?"

Taking out a set of cards, Saxx sorted through them, then handed him two of them.

"So… Bellatrix Black and Tom Riddle."

Alistair looked up at the ceiling, becoming briefly lost in his own thoughts.

"This could end poorly."

Looking back down in order to meet Saxx' gaze, Alistair spoke.

"Inform Dumbledore of our visitors… and why not invite him for tea, while you're at it."

Saxx nodded, before vanishing with an audible "POP". Closing his eyes for a moment, Alistair took the opportunity to prepare himself. He couldn't allow his "guests" to wait on him for too long. He was tense, though, as no matter how he played this meeting out in his mind… it ended poorly.

That was why he sent Saxx for Dumbledore. He hoped the headmaster's presence would keep Voldemort civil, or at the very least… allow Alistair and his mother time to escape should things go wrong. It was a plan, anyway.

"Sigh."

'I can't keep relying on the old man forever, though.'

Tidying up his attire, Alistair walked out of his bedroom.

---

"Ailsa, my dear… these tiny cakes are wonderful."

"And the frosting… what is that… is… is it raspberry?!"

"Ah… simply delightful!"

"Wouldn't you agree, Tom?"

At first, the situation was as tense and uncomfortable as Alistair had imagined... but then, another guest arrived. And now, the future, self-titled "Dark Lord" and his former teacher, Grand Sorcerer, Albus Dumbledore, were sitting across from one another in the Avery family parlor... drinking tea, of all things.

Voldemort had been both shocked and outraged at Dumbledore's sudden arrival. And it became abundantly apparent that whatever plan the man had come here to enact, was no longer on his agenda.

Now, Voldemort was simply trying not to lose it. Which was difficult, as Dumbledore began deliberately screwing with him. The part about the snack cakes nearly had Alistair rolling on the ground in laughter. And the look on Voldemort's face when asked what he thought, was something that Alistair would never forget for as long as he lived.

'Bloody priceless!'

Alistair's fun was brought to a halt, however, when he happened to look over at Bellatrix, who was weeping silently. Her eyes hadn't left Alistair since he entered the room… he had thought she was trying to intimidate him, so he had avoided looking in her direction, but now… it was he that couldn't look away.

"Lady Black…?"

Walking over to her, Alistair offered her a handkerchief he carried, which was embroidered with his family crest. Kneeling before the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen… Alistair took her hand and asked the only question that came to mind.

"Are you… are you well?"

Taking the offered handkerchief she thanked him, then quietly left the house.

"Thank you."

Watching her leave, Bellatrix was just as the novel described her. Tall and beautiful, with long, thick, shining black hair. She had thin lips, dark, heavy-lidded eyes, and a strong jaw. And while she did possess a somewhat arrogant bearing… her tears and perhaps more importantly, the mix of familiarity and joy in her eyes, caught Alistair completely off guard. He found himself slightly confused and hauntingly mesmerized.

'What… was that?'

'She always seemed a bit crazy in the novels…but… but nothing like that.'

'She even said thank you...'

'Did her character ever say thank you in the books?'

Along with Bellatrix's departure, Voldemort saw his chance to escape. Bidding them all good day, he rose from his seat and walked out the door with a brisk pace, claiming that he should check on Bellatrix. Minutes later, when it was only Dumbledore, Alistair, and his mother left in the parlor, Dumbledore took the opportunity to speak.

"The two of you cannot remain here."

Both Alistair and his mother looked at the headmaster with an agreeing gaze.

"Tom has eyes everywhere and he likely knows what happened in this house."

"One of his supporters lies dead… and given his personality, someone has to answer for that."

With a stern look on his face, Dumbledore spoke in a grave tone.

"My presence might have deterred him this time… but I have no doubt, that he will not simply let this matter rest."

Rising from his seat, Dumbledore started for the door.

"I shall take the liberty to inform the ministry of this matter."

"And you should both take the necessary precautions to keep yourselves safe."

Turning to look at his mother, Dumbledore spoke, one last sentence before departing.

"Should the worst come to pass… and you not be able to find shelter, come to Hogwarts."

Nodding, Dumbledore left, leaving only Alistair and his mother remaining. They sat in silence for a few moments, before Alistair rose to his feet. Walking to his mother, he squeezed her shoulder and apologized, realizing just how helpless he was, for the second time. Turning, he called out.

"Saxx!"

The small elf appeared at his side.

"Order the other elves to prepare a carriage for my mother and I."

"Then have them pack up all of our necessary belongings."

"We must be gone from this mansion by nightfall… so, hurry!"

Nodding his head, Saxx vanished. Looking back at his mother, he saw her smiling at him. Scratching his head, Alistair went to prepare for the journey ahead. Whether it was Hogwarts or somewhere else, it needed to be able to keep them all safe. At least until he could do it himself.