Chapter Text
“And that will be it for today” concluded Professor Merrythought. “Homework is two feet on concealment charms, due next Monday. Mr. Riddle, do stay behind for a moment.”
Tom gave her a nod and started to pack his bookbag. Abraxas shot him a questioning glance. Tom shrugged, he didn’t know what Merrythought needed him to stay for.
“Meeting’s still on,” He whispered to Abraxas. “Just let them know I might be a bit late.” Abraxas gave a nod and left.
After the other students had all filed out of the classroom, Tom approached Professor Merrythought’s desk.
“Ah, Mr. Riddle. You’ve got a summons to the headmaster’s office.” She handed Tom a slip of parchment. Tom gave it a cursory glance. No reasoning was given, just a request for him to head over after the conclusion of class. Tom looked back up at the Professor.
“Did you need anything else, Professor?” Merrythought shook her head and waved him off.
As Tom made his way to the headmaster’s office, he pondered upon the reason behind his being summoned. He couldn’t think of a reason for it being for a disciplinary reason, as Dumbledore dealt with most cases, so long as it wasn’t grounds for suspension or expulsion, so it was most likely to do with his status as Head Boy, perhaps another transfer student from Ilvermorny or Durmstrang, looking for some protection from Grindelwald.
Upon reaching the staircase which led up to the headmaster’s office, he showed the note to the gargoyle, which let him pass. Arriving at the top of the stairs, Tom took a moment to steady his face in a neutral expression, and to reinforce his occlumency shields. Just in case. He lightly rapped on the door, which swung open a moment later. As Tom stepped into the office, he surveyed the room. Headmaster Dippet was sitting behind his desk, but there was no student, transfer or otherwise. Instead, standing nearby the fireplace were Professors Slughorn and Dumbledore. Both of whom looked slightly confused, but not upset.
“Ah, Mr. Riddle!” Dippet proclaimed. “Thank you for coming!”
“Of course, Headmaster,” replied Tom.
“Now, I’m sure you’re wondering why I summoned you, and that will be explained shortly. We’re just waiting for someone to arrive.”
Tom frowned internally. “May I inquire as to whom we are waiting for?”
Dippet let out a slight chuckle. “Of course, Mr. Riddle, one should always make inquiries! We are waiting for an Unspeakable, who asked to see you.”
Tom had to admit that wasn’t an answer he was expecting. But it did help explain a bit the presences of Dumbledore and Slughorn, as they were Deputy Headmaster and Tom’s head of house, respectively.
Just then, the floo flared up, and a figure stepped through. They were holding some type of bundle to their chest.
“Apologies for being a bit late.” A feminine voice came from under the low drawn hood. “We figured we’d feed him first.”
“Him?” Slughorn asked.
“Oh yes,” the Unspeakable said, as if just remembering that she hadn’t explained anything yet. She unraveled the top part of the bundle, and showed it to them. “Tom Riddle Jr, yes? Meet your son.”