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The secret passage was long and winding. As Ryan and Tom slowly walked forward, their initial excitement gradually faded, replaced by a heavy silence. The same change occurred within Tom. The rush of emotions he felt after using the Killing Curse for the first time slowly ebbed away, giving rise to a lingering fear that he couldn't quite shake.
No matter how wicked a child might appear, he was still just a child.
Reflecting on his actions, Tom struggled to understand why he had suddenly rushed out and cast the Killing Curse when he had been so well hidden. If the curse hadn't worked, the witch would have had time to retaliate, likely killing him before escaping. Fortunately, the curse had worked... but the lingering unease remained.
"This wasn't the first time you've used the Killing Curse, was it, Tom?" Ryan's voice cut through the silence.
Tom nodded. "Yeah... I practiced it in secret before."
"Where did you learn such dark magic?" Ryan asked, his voice calm but curious.
"In the restricted section... I found Slytherin's family tree. His knowledge is everywhere. So... I learned a few things while I was there," Tom admitted, his voice subdued.
Ryan recognized the signs of the curse's aftereffects. Dark magic, especially the Unforgivable Curses, could taint the soul. According to advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts textbooks, repeated use of such magic would gradually corrupt a person's mind.
Ryan believed the explanation was simple: using dark magic required extreme negative emotions, and frequent exposure to these emotions could change a person's character. A disregard for human life was just one of the many consequences.
"So... you succeeded on your first attempt against an adult wizard?" Ryan asked, his curiosity growing.
Tom nodded, his face expressionless. Despite his youth, he had managed to kill an experienced witch with a spell he had taught himself.
"Tom, your talent is truly remarkable..." Ryan said, astonished.
Ryan had always known that Tom was gifted, but he hadn't realized the extent of his talent until now. The three Unforgivable Curses were difficult even for adult wizards. Ryan himself had only learned them through dreams guided by his mysterious mentor. Yet Tom had managed to master the Killing Curse on his own, without any guidance.
Tom's expression was complicated as he looked at Ryan. "You think I'm talented? I seem to recall someone killing three people with the Killing Curse tonight."
"Ah... so you saw that, huh?" Ryan chuckled.
"Heh..." Tom's laughter was stiff, still affected by the curse's aftermath.
"Here, have some candy. Sweets can help lift your mood," Ryan offered, holding out a handful of colorful candies.
Tom hesitated but then shook his head. "No, thanks."
"You're still young, Tom. This was your first time using dark magic. The discomfort is normal. As you grow older and stronger, you'll get used to it," Ryan explained, popping a candy into his own mouth.
Before arriving in this world, Ryan had been a biologist. He was no stranger to death or dissection, and his mental resilience had been honed through years of clinical detachment. As a result, Ryan was far less affected by the Killing Curse than Tom was.
Tom looked at him coldly. "Aren't you young, too? I won't make excuses... you're simply stronger than me."
Ryan was momentarily stunned, realizing Tom's pride was wounded. In any other scenario, Tom would have undoubtedly been the most talented wizard of his generation. But with Ryan around, he could only play second fiddle.
After a pause, Ryan smiled. "Actually, tonight wasn't my first time using the Killing Curse."
In truth, Ryan had practiced the curse many times in the hyper-realistic dreams his mentor created. Those dreams were indistinguishable from reality, allowing Ryan to hone his dueling skills in a way no other child his age could.
Tom misinterpreted Ryan's explanation, assuming Ryan's pure-blood family had trained him rigorously in dark magic from an early age. His heart filled with jealousy and envy. If only he had received such training...
"Any more candy? I changed my mind," Tom said suddenly, holding out his hand.
Ryan laughed and handed over the rest of the candies, watching as Tom shamelessly emptied his pockets.
"Tsk, you're really impolite... you're emptying my stash!" Ryan protested.
Tom smirked. "I don't actually like candy. I just like taking things... especially from you."
Ryan rolled his eyes. "You're only brave because you know I won't get angry over something so petty."
A faint smile crossed Tom's face. He knew he couldn't defeat Ryan, so he took whatever small victories he could find. At least Ryan wasn't mocking him—perhaps he wasn't so terrible after all.
Suddenly, Ryan asked, "Tom, do you ever want to achieve something big?"
Tom raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by 'something big'?"
"Something like... Grindelwald," Ryan said, his voice dropping to a whisper.
Tom's eyes narrowed. "Didn't you say he was doomed to fail?"
"Grindelwald's plan would have required sacrificing too many lives, leading to immense opposition. It was bound to fail," Ryan explained. "But if you want to change the world, the key is to guide it, not rule it."
Tom's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Guide it? How?"
"First, we observe. Once we fully understand how this world works, we'll find the right point of influence. If our vision is to improve the world, people will naturally support us," Ryan said calmly.
Tom fell silent, processing Ryan's words.
Meanwhile, Nagini, the snake wrapped around Ryan's wrist, hissed softly. Tom listened carefully, then translated, "She said not to become like Grindelwald."
Ryan laughed. "Don't worry, Nagini. I'm not a hero, but I'm not a villain either. Becoming like Grindelwald would only ensure failure. I won't walk that path."
Nagini hissed again, and Tom translated, "She's worried about us. She thinks we should inform Dumbledore and avoid dark magic. She's seen too many wizards ruined by it."
Ryan sighed. "I promise we won't use dark magic unless absolutely necessary. But if our enemies use it first..." His eyes flashed dangerously.
Tom agreed, "I won't use it first either."
Ryan glanced at Tom in surprise. Was this really the same Tom Riddle?
By the time they reached the exit, both boys had calmed down. Ryan stopped and looked at Tom seriously. "Tom... I need your strength. Will you stand with me?"
Tom hesitated, then smirked. "If I were strong enough to defeat you... things would be different."
Ryan laughed. "You can challenge me anytime. If one day you can defeat me, then I'll follow you."
Tom's eyes burned with ambition. "I look forward to that day, Ryan."
They returned to their dormitory well past three in the morning. Tom collapsed onto his bed, exhausted. Ryan sat on his own bed, noticing a paper crane on his nightstand. It unfolded into a list of names.
Tom glanced at the parchment. "Do you have a plan for them?"
Ryan's eyes gleamed with cold determination. "Do we need a plan for these guys?"
The room fell silent as Tom looked at the names. He recognized them—pure-blood wizards who stood in their way. A shiver ran down his spine, realizing just how serious Ryan was.
Together, they were going to change the world.
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