Loopholes

Chapter 7

A/N: I currently don't have beta. If anyone want to beta this story, they can pm me. Feel free to point out any grammatical errors... I'll correct them immediately.

There was no reaction on the boy's face. No acknowledgement... Nothing to show how this big revelation affected him. His blank face looked unnatural. Especially when you consider the fact that he was just a small boy. These too serious expressions didn't suit him at all.

'He should act more like a child.'

Maybe when this conversation was over, he could do something about that too. No one should miss out on joys of childhood; even if said child was a supposed devil's incarnation.

Harry smiled little at this thought and Tom's eyes narrowed for moment in response but quickly his face again regained its natural blank state.

They both stood there quietly, staring at each other. Harry didn't make any attempt to break the silence.

"So..." Tom said finally "You really want me to believe that you trying to 'reform' me?" -Derision and disdain was clear in his tone-"When you can just kill me instead?!" His disbelief was palpable in his tone.

Harry gazed at him calmly and spoke with the same neutral tone he had used for this whole conversation.

"Well, I can always do that if this fails,can't I?"

Tom could not really believe he was having this conversation. He was dumbstruck hearing Death's blasé respond to his question.

Tom never felt this much emotions in his life. He was proud of his cold nature...emotions were remembered downright furious expression old hag had wore when he refused to cower before her harsh punishment. He was always in control... Always! But now he couldn't help himself. Death was getting under his skin.

He was trying to differentiate between myriad of emotion he was currently feeling... Fear, curiosity, rage, anxiety and some morbid pleasure had formed a whirlwind behind his calm façade .

Tom still hadn't decided whether it's nightmare or not... it was simply so unbelievable...but at the same time, he could not deny a moment of thrill he felt when he heard Death's confession about his superiority. That acknowledgement of his power was the only part which truly registered in his mind.

'I am special. I'm going to become someone great... I have always known this... I KNEW IT! '

But that thrill was a flitting emotion because he was rapidly losing control over his temper. He had steadily become enraged hearing Death's further intentions.

'I'm not your puppet! This is an absolute blackmail. He is threatening me to behave! This arrogant Death man is treating his interference in My life like some sort of good deed.' he screamed in his mind.

Tom was so furious that he was on the verge of losing control of his special power. He closed his eyes briefly.

' Control... Breath... Think.'

'Maybe I had become great because of my special power which has forced Death itself have to come to mortal world to stop me.', his greedy mind tried to rationalise the situation.

So there are much opportunities lies before him... The world of power. He should concentrate on that rather than being afraid or angry. He needed to handle only one thing which is standing between him and the glorious future... Death.

He sighed little. He could not process enormity of truth revealed before him in this state of mind.

He need time...time to think... and plan.

Now is the time to change his tactics.

"It's not like I have any say in this." he paused to look at Death, hoping to convey his sincerity with the gesture and then said, "Still I do not like your interference in my life."

His monotonous voice completely belied his inner turmoil.

"Believe me, Tom. It's for your own good."

Harry's patronising tone gritted on his nerves. The retort was on the tip of his tongue but Tom remained silent with great effort.

Harry understood what was happening. Little devil must be making some plans to cheat me. He saw fleeting emotions the boy was trying to suppress.

Looks like someone is feeling smug... Ah a typical reaction from little future dark lords.

Time to burst the myth.

"Tom, have you ever felt that you are special? That you can do really special... Magical things? " Harry pointedly speak in parseltongue.

As expected Tom's eyes widened in surprise listening the language and then mention of magic.

" Ah, I take that yes. Congratulations Tom, you are not alone there is whole world of wizards and witches... capable of doing wonderful things!" Harry grinned.

And just like that Tom's all happy feelings evaporated in nothingness.

"Oh" was his eloquent response.

"Now that we have cleared everything, you know what you have to do. We need to change your future. You just have to listen to me. OK?"

'Like I have any other option!...think Tom, think! '

"OK, but I have one condition."

Death was looking at him in curious expectation.

"You have to promise that you will never ever use that mind reading thing on me."

"OK. Deal" Death agreed readily giving Tom his only reprieve.

"Deal"

They shook hands formally.

Tom Riddle had made a deal with the death... literally.

A/N: Sorry for such a long delay. I hope you like this.

R & R