Hogwarts : this dark lord is so evil

Chapter 10: Voldemort's Collection

Voldemort stopped screaming and stared at the wardrobe, his dark eyes flashing with excitement. Clearly, Dumbledore's magic had both frightened and fascinated him.

Jacob also turned his gaze to the wardrobe. He knew that Dumbledore wouldn't use such a drastic spell without a reason. As expected, Dumbledore spoke calmly:

"I believe something inside your wardrobe wants to come out."

A faint creaking noise echoed from within, and Voldemort suddenly looked uneasy.

"Open it," Dumbledore instructed without hesitation.

Voldemort hesitated but eventually stepped forward and pulled open the wardrobe door. On the top shelf, a cardboard box rested on a pile of worn-out clothes.

"Bring it to me," Dumbledore said.

Voldemort's hands trembled as he lifted the box, clearly reluctant to show its contents.

"Is there anything inside that doesn't belong to you?" Dumbledore asked.

Voldemort lowered his head, pressing his lips together in silence. His hands hovered over the lid of the box, hesitating. Dumbledore noticed his eyes flicker toward Jacob, as if unwilling to expose his secrets in front of him.

"Voldemort?" Dumbledore prompted again.

After a long pause, Voldemort finally responded in a subdued voice, "Yes, sir."

Slowly, he opened the box and let it fall onto the bed. Inside was a random assortment of small trinkets—a yo-yo, a silver thimble, and a tarnished harmonica. When the box was emptied, the items stopped trembling and lay still on the thin sheets.

"You will return these to their rightful owners and apologize," Dumbledore said firmly, tucking his wand back into his jacket. "I will know whether you have done so. And let me make it clear—stealing is not tolerated at Hogwarts."

Voldemort's gaze flickered to Jacob, who was smirking beside him. His hands clenched the lid of the box tightly, his face burning with humiliation. He would rather be locked in a dark room for a month than give Jacob another reason to mock him.

But now…

With great reluctance, he murmured, "Yes, sir."

Dumbledore continued, "At Hogwarts, we not only teach you how to use magic but also how to control it. I am sure that the way you've been using magic is neither what we teach nor what we accept."

"You are not the first, nor will you be the last, to struggle with controlling magic. But you must understand that Hogwarts can expel students, and the Ministry of Magic—yes, such an institution exists—will punish those who break the law far more severely. All new wizards must accept and abide by our rules."

"Yes, sir," Voldemort muttered. Then, after a pause, he asked, "But why are you only speaking to me? I'm not the only one using magic here."

His eyes turned to Jacob, who had been watching with amusement.

"Because Jacob has never used his magic to harm innocent people," Dumbledore replied, his gaze sharpening. "I know very well what you've done in the past, Voldemort. Especially what you did to Amy and Dennis in that cave."

Voldemort paled. His lips trembled, but he said nothing. Dumbledore was telling the truth. Jacob had never used magic on other orphans—at least, not in the way he had.

Because Jacob probably thought it was childish and boring.

He must think I'm childish. I'm boring.

The thought of Jacob looking down on him sent another wave of humiliation washing over him.

Dumbledore then turned to Jacob. "Jacob, would you be willing to help me keep an eye on Voldemort?"

"Of course, Professor. In fact, he's already begun to change. Perhaps these items are just things he hasn't had time to return yet."

Jacob picked up the box and placed the stolen items back inside.

"I'll help him return them to their owners," he added.

Voldemort looked at Jacob in surprise, confusion flickering in his expression.

Dumbledore nodded approvingly. "I feel reassured knowing you'll be watching over him, Jacob. Voldemort, I'm glad you're changing. I hope you continue on this path and don't make the same mistakes again. Magic is powerful, but it can be dangerous when left unchecked. I do not want to see it spiral out of control in your hands again."

Voldemort nodded expressionlessly. "I understand, sir."

Jacob set the box aside and asked, "Professor, does Hogwarts charge tuition? As you can see, neither of us has a single penny."

Hearing Jacob ask the critical question, Voldemort immediately pushed aside his irritation and focused on Dumbledore, suddenly concerned.

"Oh, that's easily resolved," Dumbledore said, pulling two small leather purses from his pocket. "Hogwarts has a fund to help students in need. It will cover your books and robes, though you may need to buy second-hand spellbooks and supplies."

"Where do we buy spellbooks?" Voldemort interrupted, grabbing the heavy purse without offering thanks. He pulled out a gleaming gold Galleon, turning it over in his fingers with fascination.

For the first time, he was eager—desperate—to grow stronger. And buying spellbooks, learning magic, was the quickest way to do that.

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

"You want to come with us?" Voldemort asked.

"Only if you'd like," Dumbledore said.

"No, I…" Voldemort hesitated, glancing at Jacob before continuing, "We don't need you. Just tell us where Diagon Alley is."

Voldemort wanted nothing more than for Dumbledore to leave. He had no intention of letting a professor tag along while he bought his first wand and spellbooks.

Dumbledore didn't argue. He simply handed them two envelopes containing their Hogwarts admission letters and shopping lists. After giving them detailed instructions on how to reach the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley, he rose to leave.

Once Dumbledore had gone, Voldemort weighed the leather purse in his hand, his excitement barely contained.

"When are we going to this… Diagon Alley?" he asked eagerly.

Jacob picked up the box of stolen trinkets and smirked.

"After you return these to their rightful owners," he said.

Voldemort's pale face flushed with rage once again.