Tom Riddle and the Pureblood Prince

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Chapter Forty-One: The Funeral


Most people didn't know about Graham Prince's death until the following morning.

Eileen was sitting in the Great Hall getting started with breakfast. Tom Riddle was smart to sit as far away as possible.

He was seated with the Lestrange brothers. The two brothers looked particularly haughty today. Riddle wore a smug smile for he knew what would happen when the owls arrived.

Hundreds of owls descended on the scene bearing parcels and some with a copy of the Daily Prophet in their beaks.

Eileen had a subscription to the paper and when one landed on the table she ignored it. Eileen figured on reading it later as it was more important to study. Today she had three exams. History of Magic, Potions and Transfiguration with Dumbledore.

Ruby nudged Eileen gently and whispered, "You might want to see for yourself..."

Eileen aloofly looked up from a Transfiguraion chart. "What? I'm busy. Later, Ruby."

"Now! Eileen this is just too - too awful to wait!"

Light brown eyes scanned the headline of the Prophet: 'Unexplained Death of Chief Healer: Get the Facts Inside on the demise of Graham Prince.'

A low moan of misery escaped her throat and she fought back hicupping a sob. "No! This can't be true. No...."

Eileen vehemently shook her head and turned the pages of the prophet. There was a lengthy article, mostly full of speculation. Nobody knew how it happened apparently.

Eileen was still in denial that her father was dead.

An inquest was being held next week after Prince would be laid to rest. Eileen scanned the information regarding the inquest into her father's death. This was all too much to believe.

Most of the population was deceived as was most of the other students who didn't question the Daily Prophet. "He was poisoned! Posioned - thought it to be Dittany - What?"

Tears flowed for remembrance of the father who had been so loving and kind. He'd also been the best Healer at the Ward. How could he make such a grave mistake?

"It's true. We're sorry, Eileen. Truly. If there's anything you need, just ask."

Eileen's skinny frame shook convulsively, like clouds gathering her hair fell over her shoulders. She didn't want people gawking. "No! It can't be."

With that she bolted up from the benches. Eileen ran and was gone from the Great Hall. She felt she could run forever. Run and run until the pain disappeared. But it seemed like a grief that could never go away.

She did not stop running until she reached a lonely loo that few girls inhabited these days. It was rumored that the ghost of Myrtle who died last spring was still present. Only a few brave souls had the courage to discover it was indeed true.

Eileen wasn't brave. There was nothing more scary than when she saw Tom set the basilisk on that Mudblood girl. A ghost wouldn't give her a fright.

Eileen spent the entire day in the bathroom. Myrtle periodically joined in on crying. Myrtle had tried to get a word out but got nothing and after awhile gave up.

That evening Myrtle interrupted Eileen's tearful contemplation. Eileen was slumped by the upper window, moonlight streaming down. Even in comparison to Myrtle, she had a ghostly appearance.

"I have orders from a student outside....He says you're to go upstairs to the headmaster's office."

"What?" balked Eileen incredulously. The time was suddenly recalled. She had missed class all day. This might mean she was in trouble.

"Who the hell is outside the bathroom?"

"A boy!" Shrieked Myrtle hysterically. "He told me your whole story. That your dad died." Myrtle moped and did look truly miserable at recounting the awful truth.

"Which boy is it?" Asked Eileen with dread. But she thought she knew.

"Ooh! He's the quiet, handsome one that I secretly liked when I was alive. Tom Riddle!"

Eileen groaned. So her Lord was waiting right outside this dingy loo. She better become presentable.

A glimpse and Eileen saw she was a wreck. She ran the faucet and doused her face with water and fixed her hair. But still it looked like she'd been crying ceaselessly.

Outside the bathroom Riddle was standing right there, waiting patiently. When his eyes fell to Eileen he was the picturesque version of pity, sorrow and remorse. He was indeed a great actor.

"Hello," managed Eileen bitterly.

"I'm sorry. Dippet told me to see you off. I must make sure you get there alright. You look so tired, Eileen dear. Take my hand."

Riddle held out his impeccable, beautiful hand. Eileen shrinked away. "No. I don't want you to. I want to stay here! Forever."

The dark eyes flashed in anger but he quickly got over it. "Come now, Eileen. That's no way for a young lady to behave. I have orders from our Headmaster to bring you. You will comply or I will resort-"

"Let's go then!" snapped Eileen at the same time grasping his hand.

Riddle did not speak for a long moment as they trodded silently though the deserted halls. Most of the students were getting ready for bed. It was just a few prefects on watch duty along with the staff.

Eileen looked up at her master's face. He seemed to be lost in thought.

"So Eileen...Do you think your father's death happened by accident? Do you believe Mr. Prince - I'm sorry I meant to say your father. Do you think someone poisoned your father with intent?"

Eileen was confused. Why ask her opinion like this?

"I-I think it was an accident. Nobody would hurt my father. He was a good man."

Riddle shrugged carelessly.

"Yes, My Lord. I do call it an accident."

"Exactly," said Voldemort. He was glad to have clarified his own imaginings of what was going on inside the girl's head. So she didn't suspect.


****


"Here she is, Sir."

Riddle strode into the large circular office. It was low lit by candles and Dippet was seated at his desk writing rapidly in a records book.

Eileen saw her mother, Marie Prince seated in one of the chairs. She wore a black veil over her visage and Eileen wondered at her mother's expression. She must be just as devastated. And there was seven year old Francis. Eileen's brother squirmed on his mother's lap looking peevish, tired and most unhappy for a little boy.

Eileen instantly went to sit in the other chair.

"Mum...When did you get here?"

"Just a few minutes ago. Lets here what the Professor has to say."

In the background Eileen heard Riddle's proper and polite voice. "Good night, Sir."

"Eileen we've been discussing the hardship this places on the Princes. The death of a family's patriarch is always a very sad affair. My sincerest condolences go out to you, your mother, brother and all who cared for Graham."

"Thank-you," muttered Eileen, bowing her head. She did not want to look at Dippet.

"Your mother and I agree that we should give you leave from Hogwarts. This will be your time for mourning and also so you may attend your father's funeral."

Eileen let out a fresh sob. Francis instantly followed his elder sibling and started to bawl.

"Eileen! Control yourself," snapped her mother.

Dippet looked momentarily bored, his beady eyes strayed to the ceiling. He pretended not to notice the outcry of emotions, knowing it was bothersome to Mrs. Graham Prince who was now a widow.

"As I was saying...Would you like a hiatus from your studies? Do you wish to go home tonight?"

"Of course I do! Of course, Sir," said Eileen.

"Very well then. You may leave now. I am very sorry this has happened. It is nothing short of tragedy."

Marie Prince was the first to rise. She steeled herself, hands balled into fists. "Indeed. Thank-you for dismissing my daughter, Headmaster. You have a good night."

Marie held herself fairly well. Despite the mourning garb, she appeared to be doing her best to appear like nothing happened.

Dippet directed them to go through the fireplace.

Before Eileen knew it, she was home. Back in the archaic mansion on Stonewall Estate. Father was not here. The reality of his death could only sink in. Eileen went straight to bed and cried to sleep.


NOTE: Please review. I hope this was good.