Rufus saw groups of witches and wizards leaving through the entrance of the castle as he made his way in, many nodding to him as he passed by.
He tried to appear like he wasn't affected but didn't feel like he did it well. This respect was a new thing for him, one that he had long since felt like he deserved it but hadn't been able to achieve it.
And now that he had it, it almost felt surreal. Puffing his chest, he walked in.
He found his grandfather walking beside the glowing hearth with a book in his hands.
"Rufus!" said the old man as he pulled him into an embrace.
"Grandfather," he greeted warmly, looking at him as if he would fade away into nothingness any time. "I'm glad you asked for me."
Cassian waved it away, his deep voice feeling like a balm on the wounds, both physical and psychological that Rufus had suffered throughout his life, of which a majority had never been his fault.
"I still cannot believe that I have you here with me," Cassian said with a glimmer of emotion, "I saw your mother only once, you know? It was on my way to prison. I've never forgotten that day in the ICW Chambers, when your grandmother and your mother who was a little babe, sat there in the stands, helpless and weeping as they saw me leave with shackles on my limbs."
Rufus poured a drink for both of them.
Cassian took the glass as he seated, staring into the fire. "Freedom is the greatest currency, you know? Freedom to live your life as you see fit. We do not value it until we lose it."
Rufus nodded. "I know that too well. I have worked hard for a lot of things that were freely given to other people who do not deserve it."
"And that's why you're here with me."
Rufus saw the pride on his grandfather's face. Nobody except his late mother had ever looked at him that way.
"Are you happy here, grandfather?" he couldn't help but ask.
Cassian nodded. "Happiness is a false goal, child. Purpose, now that is a worthy objective. You can say that I have found my purpose again."
"With the Dark Lord?" Rufus hoped his grandfather couldn't see his shiver as he mentioned the infamous wizard who they'd both pledged their allegiances to.
Cassian chuckled. "Yes. He's a worthy man with a vision. I'm glad to help him with his goals."
"And what are those goals?"
"A good question," came a cool, amused voice from the door.
Rufus jerked and spilled his firewhiskey on the floor. Cassian stood up, bowing.
"My Lord."
"At ease, Cassian." Riddle said, his eyes on Rufus. "How are the troops coming along?"
Rufus saw his grandfather stand up even taller at that. "They are in need of some organization and practise, my Lord. But nothing that cannot be perfected with time."
Riddle nodded, his eyes calculating. "Good. Take as much time as you need before you leave."
"My Lord," Cassian agreed and then hesitated. Riddle sensed it.
"Speak freely, Cassian."
Cassian cleared his throat. "My Lord, I was only wondering that in case of conflicting orders, who should I obey? You or him?"
Riddle smiled. "We're working together. If you are to go under his command, I will have you refer to him as your superior."
Cassian nodded, satisfied.
"Anything else?" Riddle asked.
Cassian shook his head.
"Then I bid you a good night," Riddle said, turning on his heel. Pausing at the door, he said without looking. "Rufus, I have some tasks for you. Come find me after breakfast tomorrow."
Rufus barely had time to reply his acquiescence before Riddle was gone and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Having met him for only the third time just now, it still wasn't easy for him to be comfortable in the man's presence. There was just something about him that made his palms clammy and his heart beat faster in both fear and awe.
Looking resolutely at his grandfather, he decided to follow his instincts as always, because so far they hadn't led him wrong.
~~ .
Albus pushed away the reports on his desk, sighing.
There was absolutely no news of Tom, anywhere in Europe that he could find. All of his sources had come up empty, his goals along with his whereabouts a complete mystery.
Rubbing his eyes under his half-moon spectacles, he looked at his closest confidant.
"It is quite troubling, isn't it Fawkes?" he murmured and the loyal phoenix jumped on to his desk, trilling softly. "Yes, yes, I know it's still early. But I cannot help but wonder what he's doing. If I know him well, his defeat at the World Cup finals would've enraged him. But he's been quiet for the past two weeks. Almost too quiet."
Fawkes pushed a bundle of parchments towards him. Albus chuckled.
"You're right, old friend. As usual, I should focus on the things that matter more, at least for the present."
Popping a lemon drop into his mouth, he set to reviewing the new timetables for the upcoming school year again.
His professors had been most diligent with it, and it behooved him to review them carefully and offer his feedback as soon as possible.