It was Tom's first time meeting Cornelius Fudge.
As for appearance and physique, there wasn't much to say. Compared to the pink toad beside him, the two looked like they belonged in a food analogy, one like a beef meatball, the other like a pork meatball. Tom barely sensed any kindred magical aura from Fudge.
Green velvet suit, impeccably tied tie, shiny, polished face, hair slicked and stiff with way too much setting spray, he looked less like a Minister of Magic and more like some washed-up Muggle politician.
And that pink toad, Tom swore to Merlin that if this thing ever became a Hogwarts professor, he'd shove Voldemort straight into a Dementor's rear. Just looking at it was painful, let alone having to see it every day. He could hardly contain himself.
When Tom entered, Fudge was observing him too.
His first thought: what a handsome boy. It reminded him of his own youth. Once upon a time, he had also been a school heartthrob…
Though this was Fudge's first direct meeting with Tom, he already knew a fair amount about him. They had crossed paths indirectly several times.
Notably, all the Auror equipment updates in the past two years were the work of this second-year student, Tom's alchemical touch was everywhere.
Last time Fudge came to Hogwarts, it was because of the conflict between Tom and Lockhart, which escalated into the largest fraud case in recent UK magical history. It nearly gave him a nervous breakdown.
Then there was the ruckus over Magical History Chronicles, a child daring to redefine "pure-blood." Countless complaints were lodged, and yet there were just as many expressions of support.
Frankly, Fudge didn't like Tom's troublemaking personality. He wished everyone would quietly do their jobs and stay out of trouble. Students should focus on studying; why stir up so much commotion? It made Fudge's life harder.
Yet he knew reality forced him to like Tom, or at least appear friendly and approachable.
Tom had powerful pure-blood supporters behind him: Rosier, Nott, and even the Gringotts family. Internationally, his influence and reputation outshone Fudge himself.
Since taking office, Fudge's appearances in international news had been rare. When Tom published an article, it went global. Many people he needed to maintain ties with had been photographed with Tom in The Daily Prophet.
As a politician, it was all about playing to your audience. A seemingly reckless but dangerously connected boy could be a nightmare if underestimated.
With that awareness, Fudge lowered his posture. Tom walked in, gave Dumbledore a greeting, nodded to them, and said nothing further. Fudge took it as a lack of recognition and stepped forward warmly, extending his hand.
"Child, you must be Riddle? Truly a remarkable young man. I've often heard your name. Thank you for providing the Aurors with such excellent equipment, dramatically reducing casualties."
"This is Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic," Dumbledore introduced. "He's here regarding the basilisk incident. This lady is Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
Umbridge's expression soured. Dumbledore only introduced these two, clearly choosing not to acknowledge her.
In truth, Umbridge had two grievances: first, she didn't want an introduction; second, Dumbledore didn't even realize she deserved one.
"Minister, good day." Tom shook Fudge's hand politely, showing no disrespect. If there were ever a day for confrontation, it would be in the future. Now, there was no need for attitude.
"Good child. It's a pleasure to meet you," Fudge said warmly, his smile gentle, almost like a relative.
"Much obliged," Tom replied modestly, then turned his attention to Amelia Bones.
"Miss Bones, it's been a while."
"Not too long, only about two months since Christmas," she smiled faintly.
Dumbledore blinked, somewhat surprised at their familiarity. "Mr. Riddle, you know Amelia?"
"Albus, you've forgotten," Bones smiled lightly. "Seraphina Greengrass is one of the few friends I have."
Hearing that, Dumbledore recalled. "Ah, yes… the mind does fade with age. You and Gringotts once cornered several Gryffindor boys in the washroom so thoroughly they didn't dare come out."