Chapter 12

"Prove it," Tom sneered at Dumbledore. "Prove it that you are a wizard."

Dumbledore did not flinch at Tom's steely gaze. Instead, he kept staring at the boy intently.

Suddenly, the wardrobe in Tom's room burst into flames. Tom jumped up, startled.

"There's something in your wardrobe, Tom," Dumbledore said. "What's it?"

Tom went up and opened the wardrobe, surprised that the flames didn't affect him at all. He removed a collection of toys and trinkets and spread them out on the bed.

"Thievery isn't tolerated at Hogwarts, Tom," Dumbledore explained gently. "There'll be punishments for that. Detentions."

Tom just stared at Dumbledore, not saying a word. Dumbledore, though, was unaffected by the seemingly tense atmosphere in the room.

"So, come on, Tom," Dumbledore said, getting up from the chair. "We've got to get going now. Loads of things to buy."

Tom, though, was rooted to his spot. He looked at Dumbledore haughtily.

"I can manage it alone," he said. "I'm not scared of anything. Or anyone."

"Okay, Tom," Dumbledore said. "Here's your book list and ticket to the Hogwarts Express. You'll get everything you need at Diagon Alley."

Dumbledore then gave him the directions to Diagon Alley and started to leave when Tom stopped him.

"I haven't got any money to buy these stuff," he said.

"Oh! Don't worry, Tom," Dumbledore said. "Hogwarts has a fund for students like you. Just show this note to the shopkeepers."

Saying so, Dumbledore hastily scribbled a note and gave it to Tom who pocketed it. Dumbledore had barely made his way to the door when Tom stopped him again.

"I can talk to snakes too," Tom announced. "Is it normal for people like us?"

Dumbledore was shocked but did not allow it to reflect on his face. He merely walked out of the room without saying a word.

~*~

Tom was fascinated by the sights and sounds of Diagon Alley. He first entered Ollivanders and bought his wand, something for which he was very eager. Elated at acquiring his wand, Tom made his way to Madam Malkin's for his robes.

Very soon, he finished his shopping and paused in front of Eeylops. He wished he could buy himself an owl but he wasn't sure whether the Hogwarts fund will allow him to. And besides, he wasn't sure whether Nagini would accept it. He couldn't help feeling humiliated at the fact that he had to use the school fund to buy his school stuff.

"But, don't worry, Nagini," he whispered to her. She slithered around in the bag where Tom had hidden her. "One day, you and me will own this world."

Chapter 11

It was a sulky Severus on the breakfast table one sunny day. He picked up a piece of toast and started eating it, without a word of greeting to his parents.

"Good morning, Sev," Eileen greeted the four-year old. Severus merely grunted. Eileen, though, was unperturbed. She took the half nibbled toast from him and started to butter it. Severus, however, snatched it back and chomped on it, furiously.

What's the matter, sweetheart?" Eileen was alarmed at her normally cheerful son's behaviour. Severus didn't reply.

Tobias put down his newspaper and glared at him, angrily.

"Answer your mother, Severus," he said. Severus cowered. His father rarely got angry with him.

"I want to go to school," he finally replied in a small voice. "All the other kids in Spinner's End are going. Why can't I?"

"That's because your mother wants to home-school you, Sev," Tobias replied.

"But why?" Severus persisted. "Even Petunia and Lily are going."

Severus had grown quite close to the two sisters, preferring Petunia to Lily. His conversations with Lily always ended up in a fight and Petunia normally supported little Severus. Severus also managed to sneak in some forbidden treats, like chocolates, past his ever-watchful mother with some help from Petunia. Lily often threatened to tell on them but Petunia and Severus always bullied her into submission.

"Sev, Lily and Petunia's parents can afford to send them to school," Eileen said, softly. Tobias, though, looked pained. Eileen ran a reassuring hand on his back and smiled at Severus.

"But, don't you worry," she said. "I'll teach you much more than those schools. Right, Tobias?"

Tobias smiled back at her.

"Right you are, Leen," he replied, winking at her. "And it'll be fun as well."

"What is it?" Severus asked, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Tell me....tell me!"

Tobias and Eileen, seeing that their son's mini tantrum had finally died down, sighed with relief.

"You'll find that out tomorrow, champ," Tobias said, picking his son up in his arms and swung him over his shoulder. "Now let's go and hit some goals!"

Severus squeled with unguarded happiness. "Let's go, Daddy!"

"Have your breakfast first, both of you!," she called out but they were already out of earshot.

"Boys!" Eileen muttered to herself as she cleared the plates away.