The Paris Opera.
Designed in 1861 and officially opened in 1875, it stood as a quintessential building from the era of Napoleon III.
Italian-style arched doorways imparted a solemn feel, while Romanesque pediments and Baroque colonnades enhanced its grandeur. The overall architectural style was dignified, magnificent, and exquisitely detailed—a quintessential example of Western classical architecture.
The interior was relentlessly luxurious. White marble columns inlaid with gilded carvings, classically elegant corridors filled with meticulously sculpted sculptures, magnificent chandeliers illuminating the spiral staircases, and elegant paintings on the dome were breathtaking. Chandeliers dazzled from above. From the walls to the stairs to the ceiling, every corner was exquisitely beautiful.
"Putting everything else aside, it's quite spacious and beautiful," Draco Malfoy commented, stroking his chin.
Just as Harry Potter was about to say something, Malfoy clapped his hands and shouted, "It's decided! I'll go back and tell my father to buy this place!"
"..."
How could anyone buy a place like this?!
Harry was speechless.
"Tom, where are we?" Cassandra Volle asked, curiously looking around the magnificent Muggle building. Although she had never seen a Muggle opera, she had to admit that the decor suited her taste quite well, sparking a flicker of interest.
"Where? What place?" Tom Riddle asked, emerald eyes flashing.
"..."
Nagini gave him a disgruntled look. "Don't tell me you didn't bother to get tickets?"
"Of course not. I merely found some interesting little things." Tom clapped Severus Snape on the shoulder. "Besides, how could I, the Dark Lord, possibly need to purchase my own ticket? That is far too beneath me... Go, Severus, fetch the tickets."
"..."
Snape hesitated, sighed, but had no choice but to comply. It's alright. The fact that I am the one who has to go instead of Potter means the Lord values me more... or perhaps Potter didn't bring any money?
This thought flashed through Snape's mind, and he quickly turned to see Tom and the others already drifting away.
"..."
Fine, I have to spend my own salary again.
Snape mentally grumbled, resolving to demand double his salary from Albus Dumbledore upon his return. He wouldn't let the old man work him like a house-elf for nothing.
As the hardworking Death Eater was being summoned by Tom Riddle to run errands...
Tom and his group encountered someone unexpected.
"Professor Tom?!"
"Brother Tom!"
Three beautiful women, from oldest to youngest, noticed the equally distinguished Tom and his companions.
The slightly younger Gabrielle Delacour excitedly ran towards the tall, slender figure in black at the head of the group, her older sister Fleur Delacour close behind.
Tom caught the rushing Gabrielle and glanced at the woman behind Fleur.
The woman resembled the Delacour sisters remarkably—long platinum hair, opulent attire, and a graceful figure—but she was older. Her beautiful face suggested middle age, yet her allure remained undiminished.
In short, she retained her charm.
However, Tom Riddle recognized the woman's true form at a glance!
That ferocious bird head, sharp limbs and claws, scaly wings… she was unmistakably a harpy!
"…"
A Veela.
Tom raised an eyebrow, then looked at Fleur. "Your grandmother?"
??!
Fleur Delacour, who had initially felt a little delighted, was immediately filled with surprise. After all, Tom was the first person to recognize her grandmother upon meeting her; most people would assume they were sisters, or at most, her mother.
As for Tom's ability to identify a pure-blooded Veela, that wasn't particularly surprising; after all, the Dark Lord's discerning eye was beyond doubt.
Fleur's grandmother, who had approached and overheard Tom's voice, reacted similarly, though her emotional control was even better. Most people wouldn't have noticed that fleeting look of surprise.
Fleur's grandmother quickened her pace, arriving before Tom with elegant poise. "Nice to meet you, Professor Riddle. Fleur and Gabrielle have often mentioned you to me..."
She had naturally overheard Gabrielle and Fleur's conversation. Many were named "Tom," but one with such outstanding appearance and bearing, whom she couldn't quite fathom, was probably only one in the entire world... the most powerful wizard of the age, the legendary Dark Lord.
As she spoke, Fleur's grandmother subtly observed Tom, and after confirming he was not angry, her observation became slightly more audacious.
It's safe to say he truly lives up to his reputation. Having lived for so many years, his magic had grown stronger, and his allure increasingly potent. Even without actively seducing anyone, the two young men behind him, whom his granddaughter had said might be gay, were somewhat stunned upon seeing him. Yet, the Dark Lord, who seemed to be in the prime of his life, looked at her as if she were just an ordinary… creature?
Realizing that Tom Riddle had seen through her, Grandmother Fleur felt a pang of panic. Veela were relatively rare magical beings, and she didn't think she could escape if the Dark Lord had any designs on her.
Her tone unconsciously lowered. "I believe you have already surmised my relationship with these two children… My name is Léonie Delacour."
Tom did not reply, nodding slightly in response.
"Tom?" Nagini looked at Tom with a questioning gaze.
Tom nodded, then thought for a moment and reminded Léonie, "Remain distant from Severus."
Although she didn't know why, or who Tom meant by "Severus," Léonie understood that Tom did not intend to interfere. She was secretly pleased, smiled, and bowed slightly in thanks.
Seeing her grandmother acting completely differently than usual, chatting so happily with Tom, little Gabrielle pouted, seemingly remembering something, and whispered to Tom, "Tom, don't be fooled by Grandma's behavior; she's actually quite fierce at home."
"..."
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