Anatasha's residence, while not the dilapidated manor one might expect, still radiated luxury beyond the means of ordinary folk. She explained that she lived alone since her sister's… rebellion. As she spoke, she offered Tom a wink so overt it could have been a signal flare. Tom, however, played oblivious.
At any rate, she had generously invited Tom and his companions to partake in a luncheon. The fare—simple bread, a somewhat salty broth, and roasted meats seasoned with a light hand—was palatable, a stark contrast to the culinary horrors concocted by Little Red Riding Hood.
During their meal, Tom requested that Harry and the others deliver a missive to the castle. One could imagine Harry and Malfoy's initial inclination to barge in and thrust the letter into Cinderella's grasp. Fortunately, Hermione had talked them out of it. Tom remained ignorant of their precise methods, but the subsequent events unfolded without significant disruption. Perhaps Harry's Invisibility Cloak had proven effective, or perhaps the Transfiguration Charms he'd imparted to them were proving their worth.
Doesn't really matter, does it?
...
What thoughts, then, plagued Cinderella upon receiving the letter?
"Your Majesty," she recited aloud, "beneath the radiant full moon, as the owls serenade the withered forest, I shall abscond with your resplendent glass slipper from the very heart of the grand ball…"
Her gaze descended to the signature: "Tom Riddle?"
"Who is this 'Tom Riddle'?" she fumed. "How dare he address me in such a manner?!"
Predictably, Her Majesty was incensed, but she swiftly regained composure. Daring to use his own name, confident in his impunity? Nay! It must be an alias!
Cinderella, lost in her own labyrinthine thoughts, successfully dismissed the correct answer.
Tom's rationale was, in truth, precisely as Cinderella had initially assumed: he simply did not believe he would be caught.
It was also worthy to note that Tom had momentarily considered signing the letter as "Voldemort, the Phantom Thief." But realizing Cinderella would likely find it incomprehensible and deem him a fool, he settled for the simple truth.
"Heh…"
Logically, Cinderella should have dismissed the letter as the jest of a madman. Yet, this "Tom Riddle" had infiltrated the palace undetected.
Could he, then, breach the palace walls once more?
The realization ignited a spark of unease within Cinderella.
...
Meanwhile, back with Tom…
"Harry and Draco didn't force their way in… How did you manage to deliver the letter?" Tom posed the question nonchalantly, sipping Anatasha's insipid tea. "Did you rely on Harry's Invisibility Cloak? Or perhaps you've mastered the fundamentals of Transfiguration?"
"No…" Hermione demurred, shaking her head gently. "I bribed a maid within the castle walls… with a glass."
"…"
Tom's hand froze mid-air, the teacup poised precariously. I have been overthinking things.
This world is truly a ramshackle edifice.
It made a strange sort of sense. A simple glass cup, rechristened a "crystal goblet," cost more than a glass slipper.
Just then, Anatasha returned, inquiring, "Do you have accommodations for the night? If not, perhaps you could impose upon me?"
Tom gave it little thought. After all, he was scheduled to play the role of "phantom thief" that night. Where he rested his head was of no consequence. He would pilfer the slipper and vanish, with no intention of lingering.
Hearing Tom's words, Anatasha was taken aback, fighting hard not to reveal her annoyance. She had, after all, discreetly bribed local inns and taverns, ensuring they would turn Tom and his entourage away.
Although that effort was in vain, and a waste of money, at least they were staying, right?
All that remained was to "arrange the beds," and then… hehehehe…
She had made careful note of Cassandra's address to Tom as "Teacher," while Hermione referred to him as "Professor Tom."
The sole potential threat, Nagini, had even been tricked by Malfoy into divulging that she was not Tom's consort.
Finally, to prevent Tom from sharing a bed with Harry and the others, Anatasha had taken the extreme measure of eliminating the extra beds. She had destroyed them all with an axe!
That left only two beds: one for Cassandra and the other girls she believed would "maintain a proper distance from Tom," and the other for Tom and herself!
As for Harry and Malfoy… the sheep pen outside was remarkably comfortable; they could slumber amongst the lambs for the night.
"Hehehe…"
Anatasha giggled, lost in her fanciful reverie.
Tom was puzzled. "Is something amiss?"
"Ah! No! No, no! Mr. Tom, please, continue to rest. I shall return shortly."
Anatasha stammered as she exited the room.
Once the door had clicked shut, a subtle smile played upon her lips. Now, all that's left is to bide my time until nightfall!
…
Night descended.
"We must take our leave now, alas."
Standing in the doorway, Anatasha, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, waved stiffly as Tom and his group departed.
"It's alright, they'll be back!" she muttered, as if to reassure herself. "After all, it's late, and they have nowhere else to stay… They couldn't simply abandon this place in the dead of night, could they? We haven't done anything wrong; there's probably no need to do that."
...
The sky, untainted by industrial haze, was breathtaking, an ocean of stars like countless glittering gemstones strewn across the dark expanse.
The vast, boundless cosmos woven from those twinkling stars was the most distant and beautiful dream that humankind could ever glimpse.
The streets were deserted, the deep night hushed and still, a scene that might evoke a sense of chill in others.
But for Harry and his cohorts, it felt invigorating.
His eyes drifted back to the looming castle bathed in moonlight… their ultimate destination.
"Sir, what course of action shall we pursue?" Harry inquired, peering out from behind Tom, eager to steal… borrow Cinderella's glass slipper!
"Have they not deployed additional patrols?" Tom questioned, deliberately ignoring Harry's haste. "It appears they are… underestimating us."
"If they refuse to play, I will not play with them, either!"
"A slight change of plans, Harry. Retrieve your Broomsticks! Let us show them what wizards are like!"
---