Read Tom Collivander and the Order of the Thunderbird, A Potter Parody Page 34

  Chapter 24 – New Horizons

  With exams over, lessons had ceased and students had a week off before going home for the summer holidays. The castle had a subdued feel. Everyone was trying to enjoy themselves but the lingering thought of Moldywart’s return was sapping the energy and excitement out of it.

  During his first day out of hospital, Tom visited Lyrotth, who was recovering quickly, and Dumby, who told him a few things for Tom’s ears only. Tom learned that the Ministry were keen on finding out more about him. “They want to know who you really are and what you’re capable of,” he said. This came as a surprise to Tom because, since the paper of the morning after the battle, Tom hadn’t been mentioned at all. It was Harry, Dumby and Lyrotth who were getting the headlines.

  It turned out Albus had managed to temporarily postpone Toffee from learning about Tom, his leadership, magical skill and potential dangers he could cause. Albus explained that Toffee would soon be fired and so the less he knew, the better. When Tom asked how he knew this, Albus said, “Because I have been approached to replace him.”

  “And will you?” Tom asked interestedly.

  “No. My place is here at Hogwash.”

  Tom’s spirits rose and he eagerly asked, “So who will become minister?”

  Dumby looked him up and down before answering. “You’re too young.”

  Tom was taken aback. “What!?”

  “Don’t try and hide it Tom. I can tell you are interested in the position, but you are only 16. You have 2 years of school left.”

  Tom realised there was no point trying to hide it any more. “Fine, I want to become minister of magic.”

  “And someday, maybe you will. You have the potential to be an excellent minister. But the time is not now.” Tom sank back into his chair in disappointment. He knew Albus was right but he wasn’t sure if he’d ever get another opportunity. “There’s something else I want to tell you, something concerning you arm.” Tom became interested again. “The wound you suffered was caused by magic of Moldywart’s own design. It was designed to kill you slowly and painfully.”

  Tom interrupted him, “I already know this. Professor Snipe told me.”

  “But did he tell you why you received this wound?” Tom shook his head. “I’m sorry to say that it was because of your name.” Tom looked at him, confused. “You see, Moldywart, or rather Tom Fiddle, hates his birth name so much that he not only changed his own name, he wants to rid the world of all powerful Tom’s, especially the ones that try to forestall him as you did.”

  Tom didn’t speak for a moment as he understood the scale of what that meant. “But why not just kill me? Why make me suffer?”

  “I’m not entirely sure. But I believe that is Moldywart’s idea of humour. It’s as simple as that.”