If, that day, Albus Dumbledore had not personally delivered Hogwarts's admission letter to Tom Riddle, perhaps this world would have had another story.
Pomona followed behind Voldemort, walking toward the rear of the great hall under the guidance of "Death." There stood a golden door that looked immensely heavy.
But as they approached, the double doors carved with oak reliefs opened by themselves, revealing a corridor with distinct Renaissance architectural features.
The circular atrium at its center contained many statues, while numerous rooms surrounded it, their entrances veiled by black gauze.
The statues resembled the School of Athens, except many other races had been added, such as Centaurs, Goblins, and Mermaids.
The philosophers stood with their mouths wide open, seeming to be engaged in lofty debate. The dome appeared to be enchanted much like Hogwarts Great Hall, except there were no floating candles here. Instead, countless stars illuminated the inner chambers.
Compared with the glittering golden hall, the inner chambers radiated a soft glow like moonlight. Pomona looked at the nearly identical rooms.
"What are these rooms for?" Voldemort asked.
"They are all treasure vaults," Lyall said with a smile. "Choose one you like by following your feelings."
"By feeling?" Xenophilius asked.
"You can think of it as natural instinct," Lyall said calmly. "All those who can reach this place are researchers of natural instinct."
Xenophilius still did not understand.
"What if the things inside have already been taken by someone else..."
"The moment you cast your coin, the treasure vault has already prepared what you desire for you. You may think of this place as a house that functions similarly to the Come-and-Go Room," Lyall interrupted Voldemort.
Even without a body, Voldemort's red eyes still lit up.
Eager to begin, he paced back and forth among the twelve rooms.