On a secluded island, within the dwelling of Lanlock:
"The Ministry of Magic is investigating Gringotts?"
Lanlock voiced his surprise upon hearing the report from one of his goblin subordinates.
"What else is new?"
The goblin, nonchalantly munching on an apple, seemed unfazed. "Those dwarf friends of yours are stirring up trouble everywhere. It's no surprise Gringotts, with its deep goblin ties, is under scrutiny."
"True."
Lanlock conceded with a nod, though concern still lingered. "They won't actually find anything, will they?"
"What's there to fear? Only that Gringotts bank manager is directly linked to us."
Tom Riddle's remnant soul's red eyes flashed. "As long as he remains hidden, we're safe."
"Besides, even if he is exposed…"
Tom Riddle's remnant soul shrugged with indifference. "We'd only lose a few allies. Insignificant, at this stage."
Hearing this, Lanlock paused to consider, then decided to let it go. He had no desire to become overly entangled in Gringotts' troubles. "In any case, they can't trace it back to us. Let them play their games."
"Just don't forget the main objective."
Tom Riddle's remnant soul's gaze bored into Lanlock, the threat unmistakable. "If it doesn't achieve the effect you promised… Heh, I'll kill you myself."
"…"
Lanlock gritted his teeth, the motion nearly imperceptible. "I understand."
"..."
Tom Riddle's remnant soul studied Lanlock in silence before finally withdrawing his menacing stare. Once the oppressive atmosphere subsided, Lanlock, his displeasure growing, couldn't resist "tactfully" remarking, "Aren't you concerned about that scarred brat? I've heard about the prophecy concerning you…"
"Hmm?"
Upon hearing Lanlock mention the prophecy foretelling his defeat at Harry Potter's hands, Tom Riddle's remnant soul's eyes flashed with disdain and anger.
"Hmph! What a ridiculous prophecy! It claimed he'd become a savior, a hero! Now he's joined the Death Eaters, and I hear the bounty on his head isn't small."
Tom Riddle's remnant soul dismissed the prophecy entirely, for whether it came true or not, he would surely die lest he get past Tom.
"Really not concerned? But I heard that upon his birth…"
Lanlock carefully gauged Tom Riddle's remnant soul's expression, subtly attempting to mock him for being defeated by an infant without appearing malicious. He dared such insolence only because Tom Riddle's remnant soul wouldn't kill him—not while he possessed that specific magic, the key to reaching Tom's power.
"…"
A dangerous glint flickered in Tom Riddle's remnant soul's eyes. He was about to retort, but then seemed to recall something. "A prophecy?"
"What about it?"
Lanlock was taken aback; Tom Riddle's remnant soul hadn't exploded in anger.
But Tom Riddle's remnant soul offered only an evasive answer, "You mentioned… the importance of seizing the initiative?"
"…"
Lanlock, his face a mask of confusion, was stunned for a moment. Then, his eyes lit up. "You mean…"
"If we could obtain a prophecy related to him…"
Tom Riddle's remnant soul's excitement grew. "Could we… if not defeat him, then at least obtain some useful information?"
Lanlock's eyes widened, but then dimmed as he threw cold water on the idea. "However, the truth is… all the well-known Seers in the wizarding world, from Trelawney to Grindelwald, are at Hogwarts."
Lanlock tapped the armrest of his chair with his gauntlet-covered hand. "The only ones left who are relatively accessible and possess prophetic abilities are those centaurs. But aside from their obnoxious personalities, they wouldn't help us even if we captured them."
"Who said we were looking for Seers?"
Tom Riddle's remnant soul remained undeterred. "I'm referring to the Department of Mysteries, on the ninth level below the Ministry of Magic."
Lanlock's mouth fell open in surprise. "You're after the prophecy orbs?"
He hadn't expected Tom Riddle's remnant soul to be so bold; even after being caught by Tom so many times, he still dared venture into their territory.
"Exactly. There are prophecies left by countless Seers throughout history. With so many, surely one or two would foresee something related to him, correct?"
Tom Riddle's remnant soul stroked his chin, glancing at Lanlock. "I know what worries you. Don't fret; I'll go this time."
Though he couldn't explain why, Tom Riddle's remnant soul had begun to suspect that Tom bore him affection.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have survived this long. Even someone as proud as Voldemort had to admit it. Unfortunately, Tom's attitude towards him remained dangerous; otherwise, he would have discarded Lanlock long ago in favor of becoming Tom's second-in-command.
Tom Riddle's remnant soul looked up dejectedly, muttering, But perhaps not. Perhaps he simply toys with me before the kill…
"What are you mumbling about?"
Lanlock eyed the strange Tom Riddle's remnant soul with curiosity.
"It's nothing."
Tom Riddle's remnant soul shook his head. "Anyway, that's the plan. I'll find a suitable time to infiltrate the Department of Mysteries, but I'll need you to draw their attention."
"Understood. I'll send goblins into the Ministry of Magic, then."
Lanlock reminded him, "But they won't last long. You need to be swift."
"Heh… With him away, who can stop me?"
Tom Riddle's remnant soul appeared confident. "It'll only take a bit of time to locate the right prophecy orb."
Hearing this, Lanlock nodded slightly, then casually asked, "What about that brat whose prophecy you possess? Will you be searching for his prophecy orb while you're there?"
"Harry Potter? That little brat's prophecy orb is irrelevant…"
Tom Riddle's remnant soul paused. "If there's any time to spare."
"Whatever; just don't get caught again. I won't save you."
"…"
...
Time passed. The snow melted, a warm breeze stirred, and the winter term drew to a close.
After the Christmas feast, during the winter break from January to February, Sirius Black and his friends finally had their wish granted and embarked on a family trip with Harry Potter and his friends.
Even Cassandra Volle was included; Frederick Volle took her and Elara Volle to America.
And all of this… was thanks to Nagini.
In the "battle of wits" between Cassandra Volle and Nagini, Cassandra Volle was ultimately defeated. Nagini successfully convinced Tom that "Harry and the others need family time as well."
Therefore, no matter how resentful Cassandra Volle felt, she couldn't alter the fact that Nagini had secured a month of alone time with Tom.
As for the depth of Cassandra Volle's resentment, Frederick Volle was the most qualified to comment, as his daughter had been glaring moodily throughout their entire vacation.
...
America, in a bustling Muggle city:
"…"
Watching Elara Volle and Cassandra Volle abandon him to go shopping, Frederick Volle teared up. "Black, I miss you."
---