Vogel and Wanda Rosier exchanged a glance. In each other's eyes they saw the same mixture of shock and exhilaration.
That had essentially been a one move defeat of Grimsson.
Once Grindelwald stepped out of Nurmengard, who in this world could withstand the combined force of master and disciple?
And yet, beneath that excitement lurked unease.
An Obscurus was overwhelmingly powerful, but its side effects were infamous.
When the garden fell silent once more, Tom returned to his seat at the head of the table and sipped his red tea at an unhurried pace.
Wanda could not hold back any longer.
"Master Riddle, your body…"
"The Obscurus has no effect on me," Tom interrupted calmly. "It will not shorten my lifespan."
"That is truly wonderful."
Wanda exhaled in visible relief.
Setting down his teacup, Tom continued, "Before leaving New York, I searched Solenne's memories. She did not know much, but what she knew was interesting."
"What are those criminals' descendants plotting?" Rosier's eyes flashed with killing intent.
Tom tilted his head thoughtfully.
"Wizards refuse to admit it, but Muggles are influencing us more and more. North America has become the sole superpower. Not only do Muggles take pride in that status, but their wizards believe they deserve greater authority and position as well."
He paused deliberately.
"MACUSA should replace the International Confederation of Wizards and become the true controller of order."
Grimsson looked at him as if he had just told a fairy tale.
"Do they even possess that strength? Daydreaming in broad daylight."
"That is why they operate in secret," Tom replied dryly. "The Caruso family intends to bet on both sides. Although Solenne truly had feelings for Rouse, she also allowed events to unfold conveniently into their current state."
He summarized the intelligence he had gathered.
North America was rife with internal factions. The Carusos and the Graves family could barely be considered aligned, yet each harbored private ambitions.
At present, the Graves family held the stronger position. Thus, the Carusos sought out the declining yet still formidable Wilkinson line, which in turn led them to consider the remnants of Grindelwald's followers.
Solenne knew her own family's affairs well, but details regarding MACUSA's inner operations were sparse.
However, she did know one crucial fact.
The Wand Regulation Act proposed by President Seraphina Picquery had nothing to do with defending against the Second Salemers.
Because the Second Salemers were already cooperating with MACUSA.
"They have joined forces?" Vogel stared in disbelief. "They are mortal enemies!"
Compared to his astonishment, Wanda and Grimsson remained more composed.
"Ancestral hatred is the cheapest kind of hatred," Rosier said coolly. "If conflict continues generation after generation, it deepens. But in recent decades, the balance of power between the Second Salemers and wizardkind has been completely uneven. No real clashes for generations. The ancestors' grudges were likely forgotten long ago."
"For profit, cooperation is entirely plausible."
"I have heard that MACUSA's Department of Mysteries discovered a ruin," Tom added softly. "That ruin became the catalyst for their collaboration. As for what lies within, Caruso did not know. The Headmaster of Ilvermorny likely does."
"Albert Fontana?" Grimsson nodded. "A capable wizard indeed. He once invited me to teach at Ilvermorny. I declined."
"For now, North America is still in preparation stages," Tom concluded. "What real cards they hold will only be revealed when they play them."
His fingers brushed the bracelet at his wrist.
"And the vampire? Why has there been no news lately?"
Rosier smiled faintly.
"The French Ministry dispatched two vampire clans to hunt it. Without the advantage of infecting others, its strength is greatly diminished. It has not been captured yet, but it is effectively contained."
Tom blinked in surprise.
The French Ministry was more clever than he had expected.
Let heroes deal with heroes. Let monsters fight monsters.
"Secure that vampire if possible. I am rather interested in it."
He stretched lazily, his joints cracking audibly.
"Also, bring me the list of families who placed bounties on me. I have delayed long enough."
"Yes, Master Riddle."
After spending a night at Rosier Manor, Tom boarded a flight bound for Sicily.
"It is here. No mistake."
Multicolored currents of magic flowed invisibly through the air. Before him lay nothing but marshland and wilderness, yet Tom was certain he had found the right place.
He began by erecting a wide Anti Apparition barrier, ensuring no one could escape the region.
Then his wand glowed gold at the tip. He slashed forward sharply through empty space.
The air tore apart like fabric.
An alarm bell rang out as the illusion shattered.
Reality revealed itself.
Two Gothic castles stood before him.
Crack. Crack. Crack.
Several figures Apparated in quick succession. The moment they saw Tom, two of them visibly stiffened before forcing composure.
"Drop the act," Tom said lightly, having noticed the flicker of recognition. "The Lombardi family, correct? You should know why I am here."
"Riddle, you are too arrogant!"
A middle aged wizard snarled openly.
"You think a mere brat can challenge us?"
"Fortunately, I understand Italian," Tom replied calmly. "Otherwise I might have missed that insult."
He placed both palms against the ground without further preamble.
"Shadow Rift."