Listening to the Australian wizards, Cassandra and Hermione exchanged knowing glances, understanding each other's unspoken thoughts. Only those vying for Voldemort's remnant soul, or the soul itself, would dare attack other wizards so openly. Moreover, the fact that a mere magical artifact allowed Muggles to challenge fully-fledged wizards, wielded by a local gang, suggested their benefactor was not only magically powerful but had also arrived before them. Otherwise, how could they have had time to manipulate these Muggles? Therefore, in their minds, this mysterious figure was the most likely candidate.
"Um, Professor Riddle, uh...may we take our leave now?" A middle-aged man with a beard spoke, his tone unusually hesitant and humble.
Under the anxious gazes of the five Australian wizards, Tom merely waved a dismissive hand. "You may go." He had no interest in prolonging the encounter.
Cassandra, who had been pondering how Voldemort's remnant soul had changed its nature to involve Muggles, snapped back to reality at his voice. The five Australian wizards, moving with surprising speed, anxious to avoid being caught in any potential crossfire, swiftly departed, heading in the opposite direction as Tom and his companions.
...
Late that night, they arrived at a Muggle hotel. Seeing the lateness of the hour, Tom and his followers decided to rest, planning to hunt the remnant soul the following day. The hotel had ample rooms, so Tom and his companions each took one. However, contrary to expectations, Tom's hotel room appeared empty. Only a leather suitcase sat on the floor, seemingly containing his luggage.
Inside the suitcase, Tom lay in his small, confined space as the doorway expanded into an ecological haven, specifically designed to house his pets. Yet, Tom had no desire to venture outside to play with his cat, bird, or snake. The future he envisioned left him indifferent to such trivial pursuits.
Time ticked by until one in the morning. A knock echoed on the door of Tom's hotel room.
"…"
Tom, inside the suitcase, barely raised his eyes. He made no move to answer; it made no difference whether he did or not.
True enough, after a second knock yielded no response, the door clicked open on its own. A graceful figure in a long black silk dress slowly entered, quietly closing the door behind herself. The beautiful woman glanced around the room before her gaze settled on the suitcase. A pair of bright, beautiful eyes flashed with joy and triumph.
…
Inside the room within the suitcase, Tom sat on the bed, idly twirling his Elder Wand between his fingers.
Tap tap tap…
Hearing the soft footsteps on the stairs, he did not look up. "You have come?"
This time, however, he heard no verbal response. Only a silken figure drifted into the room, pressing against him with warmth and softness.
"Is this amusing to you?" A soft, pale hand snatched the Elder Wand from his grasp and tossed it aside carelessly. "I have something far more… entertaining here."
"..."
Tom remained silent, gazing down at the unusually alluring beauty before him. A delicate blush colored her fair cheeks, and a faint mist clouded her beautiful eyes, obscuring the desire within.
In the dim light, their figures gradually merged. The perfectly proportioned body nestled closer to Tom, and Nagini reached out, stroking his profile, turning his face to meet hers.
A subtle warmth made Tom's lips tighten, as if he wanted to speak but could not. His hand encircled Nagini's waist, an invisible magic enveloping the room. As the most powerful wizard in history, Tom accepted the challenge. A mere little snake? Watch the Dark Lord easily subdue it!
Tom had always loved learning new things, and this time was no exception. Even as a novice, his enthusiasm for new knowledge was undiminished. Without a doubt, Tom was a genius in every conceivable aspect.
In the room, where the temperature was steadily rising, soft whispers echoed.
...
The rising sun, peeking over the rooftops, cast its golden warmth upon the city. Inside the room within the suitcase, a hazy atmosphere lingered, the surrounding disarray a testament to the intensity of the night's battle. A mere water snake was proving surprisingly tenacious. Despite lacking overwhelming power, her fighting spirit was exceptionally stubborn, refusing to concede defeat.
Under these circumstances, this water snake was managing to hold its own against the formidable Dark Lord for quite some time. However, as the battle raged on, the mere water snake ultimately succumbed to the might of the Dark Lord.
"…"
Tom lay back, embracing Nagini, contemplating the events that had transpired. It had been a great while since anyone had been able to spar with him so thoroughly. While it wasn't a magical duel, it had indeed been a long time since he had exchanged blows with someone, and…
His emerald eyes glanced lightly at the disheveled bedsheets, where a striking crimson flower had bloomed. Tom hadn't anticipated Nagini's combat talent to be so remarkable. Despite being a novice like him, her rate of improvement was nearly as rapid. Was she truly worthy of being his pet snake?
"Hmm..." Her soft eyelashes fluttered slightly as Nagini slowly opened her eyes. Traces of tears were clearly visible on her cheeks. She tilted her head back, her gaze now increasingly infatuated, alluring, and slightly heated. She gently nuzzled him, "Good morning, Tom~"
Nagini felt no guilt about her apparent act of sneaking away. After all, Cassandra had snuck away last time, hadn't she? One for each of them; that was fair. At worst, she could simply wait until Cassandra needed her next time and convince her to give her a little nudge. Therefore, Nagini felt absolutely no pressure.
"Tom~"
"Hmm?"
"I'm hungry~"
"..."
Tom was powerful and proud; he would never back down from a challenge. It was just a water snake; no matter how strong its waist was, she couldn't stop him from subduing it!
...
When breakfast time arrived, the group gathered at a local restaurant. But Cassandra sensed that something was amiss.
Tom is sleeping in today? But he always rises punctually.
Besides, Tom seemed to be in a good mood today, albeit subtly. Cassandra, who knew Tom well, still noticed the difference.
It's really... incomprehensible, but oh well, Tom being happy is a good thing.
Cassandra averted her gaze, but when she noticed Nagini, she paused again. Nagini, too, seemed cheerful today -- even more so than Tom. But that wasn't the most remarkable observation. What puzzled Cassandra was... why did she feel like something about Nagini had changed? Was it her demeanor? She couldn't quite put her finger on it.
It's really strange.
---