Voldemort's Return [A Harry Potter fanfic]

Voldemort awoke late the next morning, the sun already high in the sky. Deciding to skip breakfast, he planned to have lunch later since he wasn't hungry. The effects of the Polyjuice Potion had worn off; the standard brew he carried only lasted twelve hours.

After drinking a fresh dose, he headed to Diagon Alley and picked up a copy of the Daily Prophet. An intriguing article caught his eye.

[[ ANCIENT EUROPEAN FAMILY RISES FROM EXTINCTION

PARIS - In a stunning turn of events, one of Europe's oldest magical families has made an unexpected return from the brink of extinction. Late last night, Gringotts Bank notified the French Ministry of Magic that a new Lord Veirdant had successfully passed the inheritance test and presented the family seal.

The resurrection of this legendary lineage has sent shockwaves through the magical community. However, those hoping for an immediate public appearance may be disappointed. According to a statement released through Gringotts, the new Lord Veirdant has expressed a desire to remain out of the spotlight for the time being, focusing instead on family affairs.

"The new lord wishes to abstain from political and social events at this time," the letter from Gringotts stated. "He has requested privacy as he attends to matters within the Veirdant family." Efforts to obtain further information from Gringotts Bank were met with silence.

"We know nothing about him," stated a spokesperson for the French Ministry of Magic. "His past, his appearance, even his name are all unknown."

This announcement has only fueled the growing curiosity surrounding the mysterious new lord. Details about his identity remain shrouded in secrecy, sparking intense speculation and debate in magical circles across France and Europe.

"It's unprecedented," said Magical Historian Alicia Davison. "We've never seen a case where the identity of a newly instated lord of an ancient house has been kept so tightly under wraps."

As the magical community eagerly awaits more information, one thing is certain: the return of the Veirdant family is sure to have far-reaching implications for magical society. This newspaper will continue to follow this developing story closely and provide updates as they become available. ]]

A satisfied smile played on his lips as he finished reading. Approaching the newspaper vendor, he spoke with a low, compelling voice.

"I'd like a copy of every issue from the past three years."

The vendor looked taken aback but quickly recovered. "All of them?"

"Yes. Will two hours be enough to gather them?"

"Certainly, sir. That's more than enough time."

Voldemort paid for the newspapers and made his way to a private investigator's office, a location suggested during his brief chat with the vendor. After placing his order at the office, he wandered the streets aimlessly, eventually arriving at a rundown restaurant.

Voldemort opened the door, surprised to find an empty restaurant.

"Ah, a customer! Please, have a seat! What's your order?"

A young man approached with boundless enthusiasm. Seeing it was lunchtime, Voldemort decided to eat here.

"What do you serve?"

The young man rattled off a few dishes with gusto. Voldemort chose a few and opened the newspaper to continue reading while he waited.

[[ LUCIUS MALFOY LEADS HOGWARTS BOARD

.. Lucius Malfoy's admirable philanthropy and dedication to empowering the magical community is known to everyone, so it wasn't surprising that the man took it open himself to help the new generation with his wisdom and experience and secure funds to the only magical school in the island...]]

He read the article with interest, chuckling at the obvious flattery paid for by Malfoy.

'This man has thick skin! But I understand his need to whitewash his reputation after the Death Eater scandal.'

After being suspected of being a Death Eater, Lucius Malfoy claimed that he was under the influence of Imperius. After bribing and blackmailing many people in the Ministry, he actually escaped prosecution. But his reputation is still tarnished and he is trying by all means to repair it.

As he pondered how to deal with Lucius, the chef placed the food on his table, standing expectantly.

'Does he want my opinion on the food, or is he worried I'll leave without paying?' Voldemort wondered.

He tasted the food and nodded. "It's good."

The chef beamed with pride.

"Sit down," Voldemort commanded.

The chef hesitated but obliged, clearly puzzled.

"Where did you learn to cook?"

"From my family. My parents had a small restaurant in London. Dad cooked, Mom served. I started learning at eight..."

The chef dove into his story, animatedly sharing his life while Voldemort ate silently.

"So, you were ambitious, but renting this place was a mistake because you thought good food alone would bring customers?"

The chef looked sheepish. "Yes, sir. I was naive."

'And you still are. You've told me everything I didn't ask for.'

Finishing his meal, Voldemort wiped his mouth. "How will you handle your debts?"

The chef lowered his head further, embarrassed by his financial woes.

Voldemort placed a sum of money on the table.

"Sir, this is much more than the meal costs!"

"I know," Voldemort replied calmly. "Mr. Claus, I'm looking for a chef. I enjoyed your food despite the simple ingredients. This money covers the meal and tonight's dinner budget. Impress me with a luxurious dinner, and I'll hire you and clear your debts."

The chef was so shocked he forgot to breathe. "Really? Truly, sir? Will you really do that?"

Voldemort was momentarily taken aback by the over-the-top response.

"If tonight's dinner meets my standards."

"Of course, sir! I won't let you down!"

The chef dashed to the kitchen with renewed energy, leaving a bemused Voldemort behind.

As he left the restaurant, Voldemort mused, 'Is hiring him wise? He seems a bit scatterbrained. But perhaps that's what I need.'

Voldemort headed to the newsstand where he was met by a salesman who handed him a large stack of newspapers. He put them in his enchanted bag and headed for the hotel where he had stayed the night before. He would begin reading everything immediately.

He intends to use the newspapers as a way to find out what he has missed in the past four years since his disappearance. He knows there are many lies out there, but he believes he has the knowledge and common sense to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

As he was walking he noted the peculiar number of suspicious characters in Diagon Alley this day.

There are a lot of people in cloaks that hide their identity and they are hovering around as if they are doing reconnaissance.

Voldemort shook his head, that's not his problem.

Not for now, not until he takes over.