Vizet and Dumbledore continued onward. As the sky grew darker and darker, they drew closer and closer to Riddle House.
The outline of the backlit manor gave off a chilling feeling. Its shadow stretched long, covering the courtyard of Riddle House as well, making it look like some wicked beast crouched on the ground, an oppressive feeling bearing down on them.
Several figures broke free from that shadow. They were a few children dressed very warmly.
"That limper isn't there today either!"
"I figured... It's snowing hard. How could he be there?"
"Then are we just going back?"
"What else? Don't tell me you want to go to that little hut. Maybe he's waiting for us there, and as soon as someone shows up at his door, he'll turn them into meat soup!"
"Stop it! Mum really did make meat soup tonight. I don't want to lose my appetite..."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's hurry back!"
The children quickened their pace and passed by Vizet and Dumbledore, only to immediately turn back and look at them with curious, appraising eyes.
"What are you doing here?"
"Are you the current owners of Riddle House?"
"Coming here now... are you planning to fire that limper?"
"I'm telling you! That limper's gardening skills are terrible! There are more weeds every day. He should be fired!"
The children talked over one another. Dumbledore finally found an opening and cut in gently, "We are not the owners of Riddle House. We mainly wanted to come and have a look at the manor."
Hearing Dumbledore say this, the children started chattering all at once again.
"Are you going to buy Riddle House?"
"Then you really should fire that limper!"
"Yeah! He's too dangerous! He's a murderer! You have to drive him away!"
"A murderer?