Chapter 13: Part thirteen

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''I will calm down when I know for sure that there are enough books for every student.'' Harry is browsing the stacks, and Tom sees him slide a couple of books into his pile to take home and can only smile fondly at Harry. ''-We probably also should do something with families that don't have enough money for all the books or potion supplies. Maybe something like a scholarship?''

''And you don't have a certain family in your mind now, right?'' Tom asks while steering Harry a little to the right when a kid is standing in his way, and Harry is still browsing through a book. Tom winks at the kid, and the boy smiles shyly before bolting back to his parents.

''I don't know what you're talking about,'' Harry huffs, but Tom knows enough. He sighs and taps his wand against the books in Harry's pile to send them to the cash register.

''We will look into it during the meeting with Minerva later this week,'' Tom promises before putting his hand on the small of Harry's back, pushing him a little to the front of the store so they can go after they have paid.

It doesn't take long before they are walking through the busy street of Diagon Alley again. Tom is contemplating getting an owl. But he knows Hedwig will be insulted if he dares to do that.

''How long will Hedwig be angry if I buy my own owl?''

Harry starts to laugh, ''You're kidding, right? She will peck your fingers raw,''

''But she is almost every day at Hogwarts with you. I need to send my post too,'' He sighs while rubbing his forehead.

Harry pats him condescendingly on the shoulder, and Tom can't help but chuckle a little.

''Okay, so no owl, maybe-''

''Tom Marvolo Riddle,'' He freezes at the words and swallows heavily. Harry grabs his arm, anchoring him again and he takes a slow breath. He wants to turn around incredulously to demand that his old name will not be used again. But then the man speaks again.

''I challenge you for a duel.'' Those words he hadn't expected, and he turns around with a frown. When he spots Dumbledore, of all people with a hood, he snorts incredulously.

''I am not my father, Dumbledore, nor am I interested in dueling you when you are a wanted man. You should be glad that the Aurors haven't arrived yet to take you to Azkaban.'' Tom replies, feeling his heart hammer in his chest.

''The Aurors will not be here on time to help you, Tom.''

Harry squeezes his arm, and when Tom looks at him, Harry speaks. ''There are anti apparation wards up.''

''Dumbledore, what do you want?'' Tom sighs, grabbing his wand inside his robe tightly.

''I want to save the Wizarding World. You are poisoning it, and you are poisoning Harry. I will defeat you, and everyone will know that I saved them-''

Tom snorts and looks at Harry. ''He's crazy, isn't he?''

''Probably,'' Harry murmurs back with a frown on his face, his eyes never leaving Dumbledore.

''If you win, you will be the master of the Elder wand,'' Harry tells him in Parseltongue with a contemplating look.

''Not going to happen,'' Tom replies instantly, looking Harry in the eyes.

Tom then turns back to Dumbledore. ''Harry James Potter - Peverell will be my second.'' Dumbledore seems taken aback, and the bystanders start to whisper.

Tom takes out his wand and points it to the sky. He erupts a dueling shield so no one will be hurt in Diagon Alley. The Aurors will come when they can. But he needs to stop Dumbledore. The old goat is clearly unstable.

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