Harry potter:Dark lord

The bright moonlight streamed through the window, casting a pale glow on Tom's face.

Robert reached out and gently poked Tom's cheek, but there was no reaction.

"Toby added a drop of the Living Hell Potion to Master Tom's midnight snack, as Master Wade instructed," Toby's shrill voice sounded softly behind him. "He won't wake up until daybreak."

The Living Hell Potion was a powerful sleeping draught, also known as the Water of Life and Death. Just a single drop could send a wizard into a deep, dreamless slumber.

Robert pried open Tom's eyelids and observed his pupils. After confirming that he was completely unconscious, he nodded in satisfaction.

"Very good. This is exactly what we needed," Robert said, his expression turning serious. "Now, we can discuss some secrets—just the two of us."

Toby swallowed nervously. "What does Master Wade wish to ask Toby?"

Robert looked at him intently. "Tell me about the family you served before."

Toby froze for a moment before lowering his head.

"Toby's former master belonged to the Somnolen family," he said hesitantly. "The last heir of the Somnolen bloodline, Master Sophik... my previous master... died in a duel not long ago."

Robert frowned.

Somnolen? He had never heard of that surname before.

A sense of disappointment washed over him. The fact that the Somnolen family was unknown and had no remaining heirs meant they likely lacked significant influence or magical heritage.

He had been hoping that Toby's previous master might have belonged to an ancient dark wizard family—one with a trove of forbidden knowledge. If that were the case, Robert could potentially find books or research materials that even Dumbledore wouldn't allow him to access.

Still, nothing was absolute. Families with house-elves were typically well-established. There was a chance that valuable relics had been left behind.

"Toby, did your former master leave anything behind?" Robert asked eagerly.

Toby's long ears drooped. "By the time Toby's master was alive, the family had fallen into decline. Most valuables were sold. Only an old house remained… nothing more," he said sorrowfully.

Technically, after his master's death, Toby should have remained in that old house, waiting for his own end. A house-elf without a master had no purpose and would typically fade away.

Yet, for some reason, on that particular day, Toby had felt the urge to take a walk. He wandered through familiar streets, reminiscing about his time with Master Sophik.

Lost in thought, he had carelessly stepped onto the road and was struck by a carriage speeding through the night.

Flung aside, he landed painfully on a nearby iron fence, suffering multiple puncture wounds.

With his strength fading, he had crawled into a dark alley, ready to die.

After all, without a master, he had no reason to live.

However, fate had other plans. When Toby opened his eyes again, he had found Robert standing before him. For some reason, a strong, unexplainable instinct had urged him to serve this wizard…

And so, Robert became his new master.

When Robert heard that the Somnolen family still had an old house, his eyes gleamed with interest.

"Who inherited the property?" he asked.

"No one," Toby replied. "Master Sophik was the last of his bloodline. He had no relatives… no one to claim the house."

"In that case, the house is unowned?"

Toby nodded. "Yes… ever since Master Sophik perished in the war, the house has been abandoned… like poor Toby… But now Toby has a new master, so Toby cannot return to take care of it anymore… The poor house will continue to decay…"

Toby sniffled as he recalled the once-proud home becoming overgrown and desolate.

Robert, however, waved a hand to cut off his tears. "Could I become the new owner of that house?" he asked seriously.

Toby's large eyes widened. "Master Wade… you want the old house?"

Robert smirked. "Of course. Why do you seem happy about that?"

"Because… Toby's best memories are inside that house," Toby admitted. "Toby hates to see it abandoned. If Master Wade takes over… Toby can maintain it again!"

Robert chuckled. "I see… So it holds sentimental value to you."

Despite being purchased from Robert's system, Toby was still a living being with his own past and emotions.

His happiest memories were tied to that house. Now that he had a new master, he would finally have the right to return.

For Robert, this was perfect timing.

Ever since gaining independence from his guardian, he had been searching for a secluded place to conduct experiments. A hidden base where he could study magic his way.

And this old house seemed to be just that.

"Can you take me there now?" Robert asked, already eager.

"Of course! But Master Wade must be careful—there are still protective enchantments around the house," Toby warned.

Holding out his small hand, he added, "Please hold Toby's hand. Toby will take Master Wade there immediately!"

As Robert gazed into the distance, he felt a sense of anticipation.

The old house was, in fact, a towering structure, standing atop a hidden hill deep within the Forbidden Forest.

From this vantage point, Hogwarts itself was visible across the vast Scottish Highlands.

Interestingly, the location of the tower was cloaked by powerful concealment magic, making it undetectable to outsiders. Unless one knew exactly where to look, they would never find it.

Robert turned to study the building before him.

Despite being covered in vines and showing signs of neglect, the structure was still solid.

And it wasn't just a house.

It was a wizard's tower.

Standing five stories tall, the tower's ancient stonework bore traces of powerful enchantments.

A deep creaking sound echoed as Toby eagerly pushed open the heavy wooden door.

"Master Wade, please come in!"

Robert stepped inside, immediately noting that the tower's interior was far more spacious than its exterior suggested. Clearly, a Traceless Extension Charm had been used to expand the rooms.

The first floor, however, was practically empty.

Only a long, dusty table stood in the center, cluttered with empty potion bottles.

Shelves lined the walls, though they, too, were barren—aside from a thick layer of dust.

From the markings on the floor, Robert could tell that there had once been various magical instruments and tools here, but they had long since been removed.

"The first floor was the laboratory," Toby explained. "The second floor was the living quarters. The third and fourth floors were used to store books. And the fifth floor… that was for stargazing."

"As the family fell into decline, Master Sophik had to sell everything of value after inheriting the house… That's why it's empty now… Toby was too sad to clean up after that…"

Robert's ears perked up.

"Wait—you said the third and fourth floors stored books?"

Toby nodded.

Robert's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"Did those books… also get sold?"

(End of Chapter)

FOR MORE CHAPTERS

patreon.com/STEPHENHART427