Magnus returned to Hogwarts in the cool evening breeze, his robes fluttering slightly as he walked through the silent corridors of the school. The meeting at Gringotts had been more than successful; the goblins had practically knelt before him, offering everything they could to secure his loyalty. He should have been pleased, perhaps even elated, but his mind was restless.
His mother's letter was on his mind.
Sitting in his armchair in the Room of Requirement, watching the flames dance in the grate, he allowed himself a moment of vulnerability. Calliope Potter. His mother. The woman who had abandoned him without hesitation, but who had ultimately been consumed by regret. Her words, written in uncertain strokes and laced with pain, revealed a side of her he had never known. Magnus had always believed that he missed nothing, but now he wondered: what if he had had a different childhood? What if he had been raised as a true Potter, in a loving family? But that thought was quickly crushed. The time for illusions was over.
"I can't miss what I never had."
Sighing, he shook off his melancholy and focused on what really mattered. In a few days, he would travel to Brussels to meet with European leaders. This was an unprecedented opportunity, and he needed to be at the peak of his preparation. Magnus was no diplomat, but he knew how to play the game of power. He would have to impress kings, ministers, and chancellors with his presence, his intelligence, and, above all, his vision for the future.
Raising a glass of wine to his lips, he pondered his new responsibility: Harry Potter. He didn't know where the boy was, but the goblins at Gringotts were already tracking his whereabouts. Once he found him, he would have to assume his role as head of House Potter. It was a burden he didn't want, but one he would accept. He wouldn't be a father, but he would make sure Harry never went through what he had.
Standing, Magnus walked over to an enchanted trunk in the corner of the room. Inside, he had arranged his Brussels attire—all tailored to his taste, representing power and sophistication. He had chosen a black suit with silver accents, exuding authority without appearing ostentatious. His wand rested beside it, the polished wood catching the glow of the flames. He would be the embodiment of magical power when he presented himself to the leaders of the wizarding and Muggle worlds.
He made one last mental note: it didn't matter what he felt right now. His feelings didn't matter. The world was about to recognize him as one of the greatest wizards of his generation. He needed to be strong, cold, and strategic.
Magnus Riddle would not show weakness. Ever.
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Magnus walked through the corridors of Hogwarts towards Dumbledore's office. His steps were firm, his gaze alert, but his mind still carried the weight of his mother's letter and the new responsibilities that fell on his shoulders. He had no time for emotions, but he knew that, on some level, that piece of paper had affected him more than it should have. Magnus climbed the spiral staircase that led to Headmaster Dumbledore's office. He knew this path well by now, and with each step, his mind focused on what was to come. The meeting in Brussels with the European leaders was a unique opportunity, but also a test. He needed to demonstrate strength and intelligence, to make sure that no one dared to underestimate him.
Arriving in front of the stone gargoyle, he said the password and climbed the spiral staircase. As soon as he entered the office, he immediately realized that they were not alone. Four wizards wearing dark blue overcoats, clearly Ministry Aurors, stood tensely, their sharp gazes following every movement within the room. In the center, a slightly chubby man, nervous and uncomfortable, was talking hurriedly to Dumbledore. As soon as Magnus entered, silence filled the room.
Upon entering the office, Magnus immediately noticed the presence of strangers. Four wizards wearing dark blue overcoats, with rigid postures and hard gazes, were positioned strategically around the room. In the center, a slightly chubby man was talking nervously to Dumbledore. As soon as Magnus appeared, the man seemed to stiffen even more, and the four wizards instantly went on full alert.
Dumbledore, however, maintained his usual enigmatic smile, as if he found the whole thing incredibly amusing.
"Magnus, I'm glad you came so quickly," said Dumbledore, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
.
.
.
.
.
Dumbledore, as always, wore his typical enigmatic smile. His gaze sparkled with barely concealed amusement, as if he found the whole situation hilarious. The chubby man, however, became visibly more nervous upon seeing Magnus, his eyes widening slightly, and he forced an uneasy smile.
Dumbledore, noticing the tense atmosphere, decided to intervene.
"Let me introduce you," he said in his calm voice. "This is Cornelius Fudge, the current Minister for Magic of the United Kingdom."
Magnus's gaze fell on the man before him. Cornelius Fudge. He had never met a Minister for Magic in person in his time, but he had heard Professor Eleazar Fig and Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black's constant complaints about the incompetence of the wizarding government. And what had happened to Ranrok only confirmed it all: the Ministry had ignored the threat until it was too late. Looking at Fudge, Magnus saw the same type of politician: a weak man who prioritized his position over the safety of the magical community.
He was not trustworthy.
Magnus held the Minister's intense gaze for a long moment. Fudge swallowed and looked away, nervously adjusting his hat.
Fudge quickly composed himself, straightening his tie and extending his hand.
"Lord Riddle, it is an honor to finally meet you in person," he said with a forced attempt at casualness, but his voice betrayed obvious nervousness. "It is a pleasure to meet you," Fudge said, his voice shaking slightly. "I believe your trip to Brussels will be of great importance to the entire magical community. We are all very impressed with… your achievements."
Magnus heard the hesitation in Fudge's words. He was not impressed. He was terrified.
"The pleasure is all mine, Minister," Magnus replied, keeping his voice neutral. "I hope this meeting bears good fruit."
Fudge nodded quickly, but his expression was one of someone who wished he were anywhere else.
Magnus assessed the situation coolly. The Minister of Magic was a weak man. Someone who could become a nuisance in the future. But Magnus didn't have time to deal with him now. As long as Fudge didn't get in the way, he could be ignored. But if he started to become a problem... then a suitable replacement would need to be found.
Magnus's gaze swept over the four Aurors behind Fudge. They did not look ready to attack, but they were clearly on alert. However, not because they thought Magnus was a threat, but because they were in the presence of a living legend. They knew very well that if Magnus considered them a nuisance, nothing could save them. This realization made them tense, but without the arrogance of superiority.
Magnus turned his attention to Fudge, who cleared his throat and continued:
— Your presence in Brussels will be a historic event. European leaders from both the wizarding and Muggle worlds are looking forward to welcoming you. The British Ministry of Magic would like to ensure that your trip goes smoothly.
Magnus arched an eyebrow.
"Is that so?" His voice was low, but full of meaning. He knew the Ministry did nothing without a purpose. "And what exactly does the Ministry hope to gain from this?"
Fudge laughed nervously, dabbing a handkerchief across his sweaty forehead.
—Ah, well… We just want to make sure everything goes smoothly for all parties involved. After all, your influence on the wizarding world is… unprecedented. — He chose his words carefully. He wouldn't dare underestimate Magnus.
Magnus nodded slightly, accepting the answer but not trusting it. His gaze returned to Dumbledore.
— Can we go?
Dumbledore smiled, picking up a portkey from his desk.
— Sure, Magnus. Come on, we have a meeting to attend.
The Aurors instinctively backed away as Magnus approached, and even Fudge seemed to hold his breath. They knew, in that moment, that they were facing someone far beyond their comprehension. And Magnus, as always, would use that to his advantage.
Magnus took a deep breath. He had a role to play, a presence to establish. Today, he would ensure that no one, absolutely no one, would dare treat him as a mere student or an inexperienced young wizard. Today, he would demonstrate his true power.