As the bathroom door creaked open, a looming shadow emerged from within it, tainting the dimly-lit lighting of the Slytherin common room. In it, a pale figure slowly and quietly paced, its dark eyes observing the surroundings.
Fools... so careless and oblivious, sleeping without a morsel of further thought. To think those were the people who were meant to share a house with him, his traits, ambitions, qualities... how truly disappointing all of this was. He, in whose veins coursed the blood of Salazar Slytherin himself being rejected from his own righteous place? No... they knew nothing. With the quaint rumor going on regarding him being the heir of Slytherin, that snotty pureblood could have his own uses... confidently, yet so obliviously, spreading the wrong message and diverting everyone's attention from the truth.
Of course, as he had already deduced, the others were no different. So desperate to keep that monster in their common room and keep their little secret, all while letting it feast on poor passerby who were forced to deal with their carelessness. If it weren't for their common room differences, all of this would be over rather quick. Hiding in the common room just out of his reach, like filthy vermin in the some damp and dirty cramped spaces. Pests that he would, as always, find and eliminate, one by one, no matter what they did or where they were. So predictable, so stupid and exactly the same.
But, among all the students, one was different.
Myrtle Elizabeth Warren.
Myrtle. Myrtle. Myrtle.
Oh, how he'd wronged his best friend, his only friend and ally during these troubling times. But, there would be no more mistakes. No one would dare make fun of her again or say the slightest bad thing about her. That was a promise he made to himself and which, starting from this very moment, meant that everything would change.
Sebastian Hornby (1933-1939)
A very accomplished student of Hogwarts. Sorted into Ravenclaw house in the school year of 1933, Mr. Hornby has made lots of notable achievements, such as successfully taking ten O.W.L.s and becoming both a prefect and head boy during his time at Hogwarts. He has never shied away from partaking in any kind of school activity or material, no matter how difficult it was. He is remembered as an especially excellent student by many professors and students alike.
.
.
.
Oh, how adorable, Tom mused as he flipped through a yearbook. To think that those were the achievements it took for someone to be deemed notable... he could only imagine how highly Sebastian would think of himself now, being as snotty and egotistical as his sister. Though, at least Sebastian appeared to be at least somewhat capable, unlike his sister, Tom had to give him that.
Enough of his musing. Myrtle would have one more class before initially being free for the day. In that window of time, a lot of things could be done. More information could be gathered, a few plans made up, and most importantly, a swift change of ones mind. With that, he began heading for the charms professor's office, having a few things to say to him. From the events that happened yesterday, one could easily predict what would happen next. Punishment. Punishment in the form of losing house points and going to the forbidden forest. The first thing was irrelevant to him... as long as it wasn't personal, it didn't matter. The latter was simply inexcusable, corrupt and unfair, sending Myrtle to that wretched place yet again.
Luckily, he was there to fix all the problems.
With a slight knock on the door, Tom heard a muffled "Come in.", after which he slightly adjusted his tie, put on a charming smile and pulled the doorknob.
"Professor...?", he innocently called out, peaking through the slightly open door.
"May I have a few words with you? I apologise in advance if I'm intruding.", he continued, opening the door.
Sighing while writing something down, the professor spoke to him.
"I suppose, Mr. Riddle, though I have a lot of work to do, grading tests and taking care of other matters...", he replied.
"I see, professor.", Tom said, entering the office and closing the door behind him. He took a short glance at the pile of papers on the table, multiple charms tests.
"...Would you perhaps accept some help with grading?", he added with a light chuckle.
"Ah, no, Tom.", the professor lightheartedly replied.
"I wouldn't want to give someone else the work I need to do, let alone a student...", he continued, pushing the pile of tests away along with his quill and ink.
"What was it that you wanted to say to me, Tom?"
"Well, professor...", Tom began, but stopped himself, gesturing to a chair. He looked over to the professor with an inquisitive look, grabbing the chair and putting it near his table with a smile.
"I wanted to... wanted to know how the student you took the hospital wing a few days ago is feeling? From the looks of it, he seemed to be in pretty bad condition.", Tom quietly asked with a worried look.
"I know for certain that he will make a steady recovery, just like Miss Johnson, but I can't help but feel a sense of dread over the events that have transpired...", he continued, sighing.
"I understand your concern, Tom, and I appreciate you coming for this reason. From what I know, he seems to be doing better, now that his wounds got treated, but he still hasn't woken up. I'll keep you updated, Tom, if you desire to learn more about it. I understand how it must feel, Tom, so-"
He stopped talking once he saw Tom trembling and twitching on the chair, his eyes anxiously darting from one point to another, looking severely anxious and perturbed.
"...Tom? Are you alright?", the professor asked, standing up.
With a slight grunt, Tom looked at him, breaking him from his trance.
"Oh- right... Sorry, professor. It must've gotten to me... you can continue.", Tom said, laughing it off.
The professor paused, eyeing Tom in a concerned manner.
"Are you alright, Tom? You're shaking.", he said.
"Yes, professor, thank you for asking. It was just a moment.", Tom replied in a more composed tone.
"It's just the... memories of seeing innocent students being grotesquely mauled in such a way... multiple times...", Tom added in a shaky voice.
"I can't bear to think about it... there were so many ways in which such a thing could be prevented, never could have happened... it's something that haunts both me and... Myrtle.", he quietly said, looking up and meeting the professor's eyes in a desperate plea for understanding.
"It's alright, Tom. It was more so our fault for not anticipating such a thing. Even if you are a prefect and head boy, those types of things shouldn't be yours to deal with, and neither should Miss Warren's.", he replied. Though, a moment later, he furrowed his brow at the mention of Myrtle.
"Miss Warren... ah, a problem I pushed to the back of my mind. The aftermath of yesterday's events still hasn't been fully decided on, and now that you're here, Tom, maybe we can discuss it.", he stated in a more firm tone.
Tom looked at him in confusion.
"...What do you mean by aftermath, professor?", he innocently asked.
Reaching for some crumpled up paper and taking in a sigh, his professor spoke.
"From the reports, it is said that Miss Warren snapped on multiple students yesterday in the school's yard, casting offensive jinxes and charms. Apart from that, she appeared to have also been the cause of both Ruth Bryce's and Olive Hornby's hospitalization after a harsh stupify spell.", he stated in a colder tone.
"At first, I couldn't really believe that such a thing really happened, especially considering that it was a student from my very own house who did it. It made me severely disappointed and ashamed... such behavior is inexcusable in a school like Hogwarts, and there would have to be appropriate punishments and consequences for it. This is what I mean, Tom.", he finished, looking at Tom.
"I don't understand, sir. Why would you enforce such a thing? Wouldn't it be smarter to just... try to talk to her?", he suggested.
"I mean, there are certainly better ways to resolve such a situation. These punishments, trips to the forbidden forest... have you ever stopped to think about them, sir? As in a little... out of fashion, outdated and barbaric...?", Tom continued.
His professor gave him a suspicious look, at which Tom gave a sigh.
"Look, professor.", Tom said in a more serious tone.
"I know exactly what you are thinking about. I, as a prefect and head boy, a trusted figure, am trying to absolve my dear friend of the consequences that await her.", he continued.
"But that's not the case, far from it. All I'm trying to do is to advocate for a more refined approach to detention. I very well know that my suggestion may be considered biased because of my closeness and friendship with Myrtle, but I would still kindly ask of you to think about it for just a little bit more. You have always shown understanding to many students, including Myrtle and me when we... needed it most, considering what has been happening lately...", Tom finished, his eyes darting to the ground with a somber expression.
"I understand your points, Tom, but I don't believe I can suddenly change the school rules on a whim just for one student. Besides, what Miss Warren did yesterday is quite severe, so I do not think she should be absolved of any punishment that awaits her. Also, from what I heard, you were there with her, correct? As a prefect and head boy, it should have been your responsibility to de-escalate the situation and break the tension between both parties. Such a thing could easily get both of your positions as prefect and head boy revoked.", his professor answered, mildly scolding him.
Tom shifted a little in his seat, starting to fiddle with his emerald, striped scarf.
"I understand everything you have said to me. It was my responsibility and duty to intervene, but sir... you have to understand.", Tom said with a mildly pained expression, taking out his wand from his pocket and twirling it under the table, feeling a mild, but quick, gush of wind pass through his hair.
"As you can see, professor...", he said, gesturing to his frizzy hair and eyes.
"I haven't been... sleeping much ever since those attacks started, and from the sheer amount of responsibilities I have... I didn't even have time to do as much as reflect on everything I've witnessed these few days...", he said sadly. But, after a moment, he appeared to change his mind.
"No... sorry, professor. This is entirely my fault, there is no arguing against it... It's just... difficult to take action knowing that it's a close friend you're dealing with...", he said quietly.
"I should have been there for her and helped her deal with her distress and negative emotions...", Tom said sadly.
"Knowing what sort of things she faced daily... the relentless bullying, the name-calling, all because of some, unexplainable reason. I know, Myrtle, sir. She isn't a bitter or vengeful person. Everyone has their limits. How would you feel if you were constantly bothered by someone and had to see them every day, sir? Certainly not the greatest. The same goes for Myrtle. Just like any other person, she couldn't take it anymore and snapped.", Tom said.
"It would be rather... unjust to send such a person to detention, right professor?", he added, unable to hide a slight resentment in his voice as he muttered those words.
"Yes, Tom, but you can't just ignore what happened. Her actions resulted in multiple students being endangered and injured! You can't just resolve a situation that easily. What about the two girls that are now in the hospital wing?", his professor added, raising his voice. Tom didn't care.
"Professor, those two girls are one of the ones that are constantly bothering her. While I don't know their exact backgrounds or personal problems and certainly don't approve of what Myrtle did to them, I know it is not right to treat anyone in the way they treat Myrtle.", Tom calmly replied.
"I mean, they quite literally encouraged Myrtle to-"
"Tom, I've already told you, I can't-"
"Listen to me, professor.", Tom interrupted.
"They quite literally encouraged her to end her own life. Do you think that kind of behavior should be allowed here? Do you approve of it?", Tom asked in a more demanding tone.
"Of course not, Tom. But we can't just-"
"It was you who wanted to send her to the forbidden forest, right? Professor, I can't agree with such a thing. What is the point of this, sending a person in need of help to such a place, waiting for her to get torn apart by some beast, limb from limb?", he said in a harsher tone.
"It just doesn't make sense, professor...", he said, recoiling down to his seat as his voice quieted down.
His professor continued to watch him, waiting for him to continue. At the same time, he appeared to be thinking.
"I'm sorry, professor... for wasting so much of your time.", Tom said, his eyes fixed on the floor.
"It's probably the thoughts I initially came to vent to you about... now I see that it's better to process them alone.", he continued, getting up from his chair.
"I'm not going to bother you anymore, professor and I apologise once again. Have a nice day.", Tom said as he gripped the door handle.
"Wait.", the professor said. Tom turned around to look at him.
"...Yes, professor?", Tom replied curiously. The professor took off his glasses and set the on the table.
"This was certainly a lot to process, Tom.", he said.
"On one hand, you worry me greatly, being in the state you are. But on the other... I can't just decide not to follow the rules on my own accord and let the situation go...", he continued, scrambling for some papers.
"I'll think about it, Tom.", he finished.
Yes.
Facing away from him, Tom made a wide grin, toning it down before he faced him again.
"Thank you so much, professor. I knew you would understand, after all.", Tom replied with a warm smile, closing the door right after and letting the wide grin spread across his face once again.
Fool. He'd succeeded once again. As always, he knew how to read and handle people very well. It would be very strange if his professor hadn't reconsidered what he was about to do, always having that little sense of insecurity and indecisiveness that he managed to exploit so well. All those ridiculous things he had to say in order to convince him... saying that Myrtle's actions weren't justified? That she should have some sort of consequences? That he didn't know anything about Hornby's and the others' background, therefore being unable to judge them?
No... it couldn't be farther from the truth. Myrtle had every right to do what she did, and he secretly wished she went even further. Doing so much as thinking about her having consequences was sickening. Claiming he didn't know anything about Hornby and the others...? It was simply an insult to himself, saying something like that out loud. He knew, far better than anyone else, that they were vile to the core.
Nevertheless, all those things were lies that he had to say in order to get what he wanted, Tom reassured himself, smiling. It was all for a good cause.
Glancing at his watch and fixing his hair, Tom noticed that Myrtle's class had already ended a few minutes ago. No matter, he thought to himself.
If she had already left the classroom... well, he certainly knew where to find her now.
Calmly traversing the school, he slowly made his way to the girls' bathroom, clutching the doorknob. Muffled sobs could be heard at the other side, growing louder and clearer as he closed the door behind himself. At the same time, he heard them quiet down, some rustling taking their place as she stood up.
"W-Who are you? Ugh, what do you want!?", she exclaimed between sobs. Tom heard her unlock the stall's door.
"You have your own toilet, go away! This is the girls' bath-"
She suddenly froze in place upon seeing him.
"Oh. It's just you, Tommy...", she said, lowering her head and facing away from him. But, a moment later, a sudden burst of anger came to her.
"Well, what are you doing in here!? What if you were seen in here? This is just free material for Olive Hornby to take advantage of! Do you want them to call you a per-"
"No one will know or think about this, Myrtle.", he calmly said, interrupting her.
"That isn't important to me. What is important to me, however, is you.", he said, reaching in his pocket, pulling out a pack of tissues and taking one out.
"Here.", he said kindly with a smile, handing it to her.
She timidly eyed the tissue, taking it shortly after and started wiping her puffy eyes.
"Take your time. I reckon you wouldn't go out immediately, right?", he asked.
"Yes... that's right.", she said, wiping her nose.
"But would you exit the bathroom already? I keep worrying about it... Just give me a moment and I'll come back...", she said to him.
"Of course, Myrtle. I'll wait for you right outside.", he replied, exiting the bathroom and closing the door behind himself.
Leaning on the wall, he heard Myrtle sniffle and blow her nose. It took her a few minutes of sobbing to get herself together and prepare for going out. Hearing the door finally open, Tom stood up straight, turning to face her.
"Let's just... go somewhere else. I'd rather not stay in place...", she said to him quietly.
"Right. Where exactly would you like to go, Myrtle?", he asked her, walking beside her.
"I-I don't know, anything is fine. Let's just get moving already...", she said, agitated.
"Alright... I suppose going to the yard would be a good choice. A little fresh air and breeze would do you good.", he said, leading the way.
"Yes, that'll be fine, I suppose...", she replied, her head facing the ground.
"If you don't mind me asking... how long have you been in the bathroom? I hope I didn't take long.", he asked.
Myrtle clenched her fists.
"Oh, Tommy, I don't know! I don't even care about those things! Even if I try to go there in order to release my feelings, it always feels like an eternity! But if I don't do it, others will laugh and point at me! I...", she said, her face scrunching up as she began sobbing again.
"It's going to be alright, Myrtle. I wouldn't-"
"NO! No it won't!", she shrieked at him.
"It'll never stop! It never did! Nothing will ever change, it's always been like this! I simply cannot live without others targeting me for some... stupid reasons! How did I ever get sucked into this situation in the first place!?", she screamed.
"Myrtle-"
"Oh, and now it'll be exactly like last time... because of yesterday, I'll lose my house a ton of points and get judged for it! Apart from that, I'll be sent to the forest again, and who knows what kind of beast will attack me now, tearing me apart the second it sees me!?", she continued.
A small smile tugged on Tom's lips.
"And then I'll... it'll only...", she said, giving out and putting her hands on her face.
At that moment, Tom enveloped her in a tight embrace, not saying anything and letting her cry freely as she clung onto him.
"You're not going anywhere, Myrtle.", he said to her softly, his smile growing wider.
She slightly shifted, looking up at him.
"...What do you mean by that?", she asked weakly.
"The forbidden forest.", he said.
"I've talked your head of house out of sending you to that wretched place. The only thing you might face is loss of house points, though I doubt he'll do anything extreme about it.", he said casually.
"You know I wouldn't allow such a thing to happen, isn't that right, Myrtle?", he said smugly, grinning.
Her eyes lit up as if she had been absolved of a thousand years of misery, looking at him in awe.
"Really? But... but how?", she asked, still shocked and overwhelmed.
"Well, I'll just say that all people have weak points that can be exploited, Myrtle. Though that's not really important now.", he replied.
"...I still don't know what you did, but... thank you! Thank you so much!", she said sniffling and cracking a broken smile.
"Oh, you don't know how much this means to me... thank you so much, Tommy!"
"Oh, this is the least I could do, Myrtle.", he scoffed, briefly pausing.
"Now, let's not dawdle on meaningless things, Myrtle. Instead, let's go to the yard and focus on something meaningful, shall we?", he said to her with a smile, gesturing for her to follow him. She shyly smiled back at him.
"Right... that would be nice.", she remarked.
With that, they headed towards the yard. Tom was glad to see Myrtle's swollen eyes gradually recover, along with her sad expression, now replaced by a small smile and clear eyes. Eventually, they went ahead and sat on a bench, wiping the traces of fresh, dry snow from it as Myrtle took out her striped scarf and wrapped it around her neck. The place wasn't particularly busy, most of the students retreating to their common rooms after a long day of classes.
"Wow... it's all so barren, no one in sight.", Myrtle remarked innocently.
"Maybe they got bored of snowballing... eh, it's better this way."
"Certainly, Myrtle. No annoyances in sight.", Tom replied casually.
"I'm glad to see you feel better.", he said sincerely.
"Yeah... mostly alright...", she said.
"Without Olive Hornby and Ruth in the way... at least for now.", she said gloomily.
"You know that they've been hospitalized, Myrtle? I think they're going to be released today, but let's cherish the time we have without them while we can.", he replied.
"Really? What jolly news... I also have something to share. Avalite passed out in class today, like... just lost consciousness and slammed her head on the table! Then they took her to the hospital wing as well...", Myrtle added.
Tom scoffed at what she told him with a sadistic smile.
"Looks like the trio is reunited once again.", Tom remarked darkly.
"It appears that she couldn't keep up with the injuries as well as she thought... that spider certainly got her well. Did you see her struggling to walk yesterday in the yard? If I had to guess, she must've gotten slashed across her torso by it... and that scream we heard and followed certainly was her...", he pondered.
"Well, we could've used a break, so...", Myrtle said.
"About that, Myrtle.", he said.
Myrtle watched in surprise as he appeared to pull out a... hairbrush out of his pocket?
"May I?", he asked, grinning.
"Oh! Sure, Tommy... I really wasn't expecting this.", she said, flattered and letting out a light laugh.
"Though, I didn't wash my hair in like six days, so I don't think it'll work very well...", she said.
"Oh, it's no matter, Myrtle. I wanted to try something new, anyway.", he replied.
"Wait, hold on...", she said, pulling off her hair ties, flipping over her hair and running her fingers through it.
"There!", she exclaimed, flipping her hair back and almost hitting him in the face with it.
"I didn't really expect it to be so frizzy and messy... hopefully it isn't a problem for you.", she said, smiling nervously.
"Don't worry, it's perfectly fine.", he replied, reassuring her.
With that, he put the hairbrush on her hair, carefully searching for the middle and parting it.
"Whoa... this better not be pigtails. But knowing you, you wouldn't resort to something simple.", she said.
"You know me well.", he confirmed.
"I know!", she replied slyly.
"If it isn't that, it's braids, correct?", she asked.
"Correct.", he replied.
"You didn't really have to spoil it like that, Myrtle.", he added.
"Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Though, please don't try to twist my hair into some weird buns, mother always does that to me and I can't even feel my scalp after... I don't know why she keeps clinging on to those old hairstyles, anyway...", Myrtle grumbled grumpily, crossing her arms.
"Well, even if I wanted to, I don't know how. I've only practiced making braids on the threaded curtains in my common room.", he replied, focusing.
"Right. I won't be of any help because I don't know how to braid hair, either... In fact, I've never tried it...", Myrtle mused, a little surprised.
"Also... what do you mean curtains? Isn't your common room in the dungeons?", she asked him.
"Yes, but it's more like some decoration, not practical use.", he replied.
"Oh! That makes sense... speaking of your common room, I've always wondered what it was like there. The only thing I remember my own common room for is the sheer amount of wind and the colours. Blue is a nice colour...", she remarked.
"I would say it's the sheer amount of green and the fact that part of it extends to the Black Lake. It's rather interesting to peer at the depths of the lake in such a simple manner.", he replied.
"That would be very fun to see! Not the boring air in my common room...", she grumbled, a bit disappointed.
"Would there be a way for me?", she asked.
"In plain sight, I doubt. Though I suppose I can bring you in with the disillusionment charm or the polyjuice potion.", he said.
"Speaking of potions, I've started to brew a few in the prefect's bathroom, in case anything goes wrong. You know those sly fools would do anything to ensure their safety.", he added, smiling to himself.
"Yes, I know...", she replied, sighing.
"That's why we have to be really careful as to not reveal too much, Myrtle. Not even the slightest secret between us.", he said to her.
"They are very unforgiving, Myrtle, sharp in picking up on even the smallest emotional turmoil you might experience, mercilessly doubling down on it without any regrets or remorse.", he continued.
"If they discovered you in the bathroom, being in the state you were just a few minutes prior... who knows what would come after that. All it takes is one moment of weakness, and it would all be over.", he added darkly. Myrtle was starting to become unsettled.
"But fear not, Myrtle.", he continued in a warmer tone.
"Everyone has a moment they can't deal with in the current moment. You're strong, Myrtle. While they are dependant on each other for reassurance, you are the furthest thing from it. Granted, when I first met you, it wasn't exactly the case, with you relying on me for comfort. I'm proud to say that you've definitely grown as a person. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.", he said sincerely, tying one of the finished braids.
"Really, Tommy? You really think so...?", Myrtle asked, flattered.
"I know so.", he replied, grinning.
"Well, about that... I've wondered about all of this... more than I should...", she continued nervously.
"About what, Myrtle?", he asked.
"You know... what happened yesterday and in general...", she continued.
"It's because I thought about my experiences at Hogwarts ever since I came here... what my place here is. Being muggleborn meant that I was immediately looked as different by most of the others... it didn't help that my very own parents weren't very supportive of me doing magic. To be honest, I was very excited to go to a wizarding school and learn to do magic. After all, magic could make people powerful... less likely to be... influenced and tormented by others... But, right as I did, I appeared to be flooded by discouragement by all those around me, so nothing came of it, and I ended up developing a disdain for magic.", she mused.
"But now... you somehow... rekindled that within me. Now I see what I was missing and how interesting and... useful magic can be.", she said, smiling.
"And the encounter yesterday made me realise that. Before, I was too scared, too timid... powerless to do anything. But now, now... I can control everything around me with it. Isn't it amazing?", she said, laughing.
"The look on their faces when I finally snapped, the fear they now felt when faced with me? It was all too good to be true, too... much. ", she breathed out.
"It was overwhelming... I-I've never felt that way before, and I simply couldn't handle it...", she finished.
"She gets me. She understands me!"
"Everything you said is completely normal, Myrtle.", he said calmly.
"I've known that feeling for as long as I can remember... learned to embrace it fully. Magic is a fascinating thing, really. From the most basic and primal uses, to unfathomable feats and discoveries made with it... and the simplest method of control. Keeping anyone from doing you harm, influencing those who disagree with you... silencing those who you deem unfit.", he said hungrily.
"And the perfect example of this would be just the thing we were talking about, Myrtle. They were doing you harm, Myrtle, so you prevented them from going any further. They spread that way of thinking to other people, and you stopped them... and now, they are in the hospital wing, helpless and silenced.", he said darkly.
"You see, Myrtle? They got in your way, and they payed for it. They were weak, and you were not. Who will be there to stop you if you master such a power to its fullest potential? In the end, it matters not who has the purest intentions or the greatest morals... but the one who holds the most power.", he finished.
Myrtle sat still on the bench, thinking about what she just heard.
"I think I'm... I'm starting to get you.", she said, facing down.
"Slowly, but surely.", she said calmly.
Tom smiled.
"Good. I expected nothing less of you."
What followed was mostly silence as Tom continued to braid her hair, interrupted only by the sound of melting snow falling from the roof and distant creaking of snow under the feet of passerby. The wind breezed through their scarves, gently making the two wisps trail behind them. With the last turn and fold of a lock of Myrtle's hair, Tom concluded the braiding, tying the remaining tip of the hair.
"There.", he said triumphantly, smiling.
"I think it turned out rather good, but you can take a look at it when you get to your common room. Do tell me your opinions.", he said, standing up.
"Of course, Tommy. As soon as I can, though after last time, I trust you with these types of things.", she replied.
"I'm flattered, Myrtle. That's why I have high hopes for this.", he said.
"Now, let's go back inside, I'd say the cold is getting to me a little."
Upon entering back into closed space, they felt a pleasant warmth wash over them, stomping their feet in order to get rid of the remaining snow on their shoes. On their way to the Ravenclaw common room, they stumbled upon the charms professor, right outside the caretaker's office, from which some smoke appeared to be emanating.
"What is this?", Myrtle quietly remarked.
"Myrtle, wait for me behind that corner while I go see what's going on. I don't want the professor to get ideas after I got you out of detention.", he replied.
With a silent nod, Myrtle went retreated and did as he said as Tom approached the office.
"Professor?", he called out.
"What happened here? A case of student misbehavior or just an accident?", he asked, peering into the office.
"Someone appeared to have snuck in at night in the office and ravaged the behavioral documents of most of the students... we can't keep having these types of incidents in the school...", his professor bitterly said, sighing.
From what Tom could see, the office was in complete chaos, broken shards of glass everywhere on the charred wooden floor, broken and hanging shelves as well as countless shattered potion bottles and pots. Tom clenched his fists.
"This is unacceptable, professor. It must have been some very daring and skilled student, or a prefect themselves. I would have never allowed this to happen myself. But, alas, I wasn't on patrol tonight. But don't worry, professor, I will personally make sure that whoever was responsible for this will be caught.", Tom determinedly said.
"Thank you, Tom. I admire your dedication. Remember that we'll be there to help you, as we're all in this together.", his professor replied.
"Of course, professor. No one has the right to do such a thing and be let off so easily. I wish you good luck with the search, sir." Tom said, turning around, making his way back to Myrtle and disappearing.
Hello guys, I missed you! Sorry for being away for so long... as promised, a new chapter in January! I hope you enjoy it! A bigger update will come in around 20 days...
edit 1.2.2024. - i dont know when i'll finish the next chapter, though i hope i can do it sometime within mid February... sorry!