Harry potter:Dark lord

Tom stopped screaming and stared at the wardrobe, his dark eyes flashing with excitement once again.

It was clear that Dumbledore's display of magic had genuinely frightened him.

Robert, standing beside Dumbledore, also fixed his gaze on the wardrobe. He knew that Dumbledore would never take such a drastic approach without a valid reason—he wasn't the type to flaunt his abilities for no purpose.

And sure enough, there was a reason.

Dumbledore said calmly, "I believe something is about to come out of your closet."

A faint creaking sound echoed from within the wardrobe. Tom, who had seemed fearless just moments ago, suddenly looked uneasy.

"Open the door," Dumbledore instructed without question.

Tom hesitated but eventually stepped forward and pulled the wardrobe door open.

On the top shelf, a cardboard box rested atop a pile of worn-out clothes.

"Bring it here," Dumbledore said.

Tom's face paled. His hands trembled slightly as he reached for the box.

"Is there anything inside that you shouldn't have?" Dumbledore asked.

Tom lowered his head, lips pressed together in a firm line. His hands lingered on the lid of the box, hesitant.

Robert noticed Tom's eyes flick toward him—he seemed reluctant to open the box in front of another person.

"Tom?" Dumbledore prompted again.

Tom finally muttered, "I... I think so, sir."

He slowly lifted the lid and placed the box on the bed.

Inside was a collection of ordinary trinkets: a yo-yo, a silver thimble, a tarnished harmonica.

Once the box was open, Tom's trembling ceased. The objects now lay still against the thin bedsheets.

Dumbledore returned his wand to his jacket and said evenly, "Return these to their rightful owners and apologize."

"I'll know if you do. And I must warn you—stealing is not tolerated at Hogwarts."

Tom glanced at Robert, who watched the scene with what looked like amusement. His hands clenched the edge of the box, his face turning red with embarrassment.

He would rather be locked in a dark room for a month than let Robert have another reason to laugh at him!

But now…

Finally, in a barely audible voice, Tom muttered, "Yes, sir…"

Dumbledore nodded. "At Hogwarts, we teach not only how to use magic but also how to control it."

"You've been using magic without realizing it... and in a way that neither Hogwarts nor the Ministry of Magic would approve of."

"You are not the first, nor will you be the last, to struggle with controlling your abilities. But understand this: students can be expelled from Hogwarts. And the Ministry of Magic—yes, such a department exists—takes severe action against those who break the law."

"Every young wizard must accept these rules and abide by them."

"Yes, sir," Tom replied. Then, after a brief pause, he asked, "But why are you only talking about me? I'm not the only one using magic here."

His gaze shifted toward Robert, who had been silently watching the exchange.

Dumbledore's expression turned sharper. "That's because Robert has never used magic to harm innocent people."

"I know exactly what you've done in the past, Tom. Especially what happened in that cave with Amy and Dennis."

Tom turned pale, his lips trembling. He said nothing—because Dumbledore was right.

Robert had never used magic against the other children in the orphanage. Unlike Tom, he found such actions childish and pointless.

Tom clenched his fists. He knew Robert must be thinking the same thing now.

Dumbledore turned to Robert and asked gently, "Robert, would you be willing to help me keep an eye on Tom?"

"Of course, Professor," Robert replied. "In fact, I think he's already changing. Maybe these things are just items he hasn't had the chance to return yet."

He picked up the box from Tom's hands and began placing the objects back inside.

"I'll help him return them."

Tom looked up at Robert, surprised. His expression showed confusion—why was Robert defending him?

Dumbledore smiled. "I'm relieved to know you'll be watching over him, Robert."

He then turned back to Tom. "I'm glad you've changed, Tom. I hope you continue down this path and don't make the same mistakes again. Magic is a powerful gift, but it can easily spiral out of control. I don't want that to happen to you."

Tom remained expressionless. "I understand, sir."

Robert set the box aside and asked, "Does Hogwarts require tuition? As you can see, neither Tom nor I have any money."

At this, Tom pushed aside his earlier embarrassment and looked at Dumbledore with sudden interest.

"Oh, that's easily handled." Dumbledore reached into his pocket and pulled out two small leather pouches.

"Hogwarts has a fund for students in need. You'll have enough to buy your books and robes. Some of your supplies may have to be second-hand, but..."

Before Dumbledore could finish, Tom interrupted, "Where do we buy spellbooks?"

He snatched one of the heavy pouches without so much as a thank-you, then pulled out a single fat gold Galleon, examining it closely.

Now more than ever, Tom wanted to become stronger. Buying books and learning magic would be the first step.

"In Diagon Alley," Dumbledore answered. "I can take you there to buy everything you need."

"You're coming with us?" Tom asked warily.

"Of course, if you'd like."

Tom hesitated. His eyes flicked to Robert, who showed no particular reaction. Taking this as permission, he quickly said, "We don't need you. Just tell us where it is."

He was eager to be rid of Dumbledore—he didn't want anyone watching over him while he shopped for magic books.

Dumbledore didn't insist. Instead, he handed them each an envelope containing their Hogwarts acceptance letters and shopping lists.

He then gave them detailed instructions on how to find the Leaky Cauldron and how to access Diagon Alley.

Once everything was settled, Dumbledore rose from his seat.

After he left, Tom weighed the leather pouch in his hand, his mind racing.

He turned to Robert and asked, "When are we going to Diagon Alley?"

Robert picked up the box from the bed, a small smile playing on his lips.

"First," he said, "we're going to return these little trinkets of yours."

Tom's pale face flushed red once again.

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