Gap In Time

Prologue

Tom stood rigid and stoic in front of Voldemort's throne awaiting his next set of instructions. He noticed young Mattheo's subtle unrest beside him. His little brother was not often summoned by their father, but this time Voldemort had called for both siblings. Tom lifted his hand to Matty's shoulder and offered a comforting squeeze. Mattheo timidly moved an inch closer to Tom before clearing his throat and correcting his posture.

Tom offered Matty an approving nod before moving his hands behind his back.

"Mattheo." Voldemort glared.

"Yes, Father?" Mattheo responded.

"I've asked you here today because you'll be starting at Hogwarts soon with Tom." Voldemort began. "Do you understand what that means?"

"No, sir." Mattheo admitted.

Voldemort stood and shook his head.

"Sometimes I question the validity of your genetics." Voldemort growled. "It means that you'll be supporting this family by taking advantage of this opportunity to learn and gather."

"Gather?" Mattheo questioned.

"Gather insight, gather followers, gather advantage. THESE are your objectives." Voldemort demanded.

"Yes, my Lord." Mattheo acknowledged.

"There is nothing taught at Hogwarts that cannot be provided to you with training at home." Voldemort expressed. "Understand that going is a privilege and a right I'll quickly revoke if you prove a weak contribution to my cause."

"Yes, Father." Mattheo replied hanging his head.

Voldemort stepped forward and used his wand to lift Mattheo's eyes to meet his.

"Your mother is worried about you and so am I." He said pushing the tip of his wand into Mattheo's neck. "She tells me she hears you humming and has seen you pick flowers. Act like a man. Act like you're the son of Voldemort."

"Yes, Father. I'll change." Mattheo vowed.

"I don't love you. You disappoint me." Voldemort reminded lowering his wand.

"Yes, Father." Mattheo whispered, chewing on his bottom lip to avoid reacting emotionally.

Voldemort turned on his heel and returned to sitting on his throne.

"One more thing, Mattheo." Voldemort declared.

"Yes, Father?" Mattheo asked.

"This experience is not about friends and relationships." Voldemort lectured. "Since you boys have insisted on having hearts, I insist you safeguard them. Anything that is a distraction or an obstacle to the pursuit of power and prosperity is an evil we simply cannot afford."

"Yes, my Lord." Mattheo accepted.

Mattheo curled up as Voldemort rose his wand to him and mumbled unheard charms before apparating out of the throne room.

"What just happened?" Mattheo asked turning to Tom.

"If you ever speak the words, 'I love you'. He'll know." Tom explained, his eyes glazing over with unspoken pain.

"Then what?" Mattheo asked.

"Trust me, you don't want to know. If you ever fall in love Mattheo, love them enough to never let them know." Tom encouraged as he moved to walk away.

Mattheo stood there taking everything in before Tom turned to say one last thing over his shoulder.

"Don't make the same mistake I did." Tom warned.