Wanting to Be Like That Person

"I don't know much either. The Wizarding Supremacy Party rose to prominence over a decade ago, led by the notorious dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. The party he led launched many terrorist attacks across Europe. That man is truly terrifying."

"His power is immense. I heard he almost burned down all of Paris! Merlin's beard, I'm so glad we have Professor Dumbledore. For some reason, that man never set foot in the British wizarding world. There are also rumors that Grindelwald was behind the Muggle war, though it's never been confirmed."

Tom listened with rapt attention. To be able to almost destroy a city with personal power was the kind of strength he yearned for. However, such a person would fear Professor Dumbledore? It seemed the Professor's strength was even greater.

'I really hope I can become someone like that too...'

While his companion continued to chatter, Tom's thoughts drifted further and further away. One moment he imagined himself becoming even more powerful than the Professor, the next he worried the Professor might grow distant because of those 'trophies.' The train slowly came to a halt, bringing him back to reality.

"Tom! Hurry up and get off the train, I've called you several times..." Ian rolled his eyes in exasperation. His friend was clearly lost in thought, his expression shifting back and forth. If he didn't snap out of it soon, Ian would have to physically get him moving, which would be a shame...

"Sorry, Ian. Let's go."

Tom stood up and followed the crowd off the train. The dimming sky made it hard to see the path ahead. He stumbled along until he reached the lake, finally breathing a sigh of relief. Following the instructions of the greeter, he and Ian boarded a small boat.

He turned his head to look at the dark lake, suddenly feeling a bit nervous. He had longed for this day for so long, and now he was finally going to Hogwarts. He would spend the next seven years here. As the boat gently swayed, Tom looked towards the ancient castle, which was gradually coming into clearer view in the faint light.

Bathed in moonlight, the castle exuded an aura of mysterious darkness. In Tom's eyes, Hogwarts possessed an inviolable sacredness. After disembarking, the new students followed a tunnel all the way to a massive oak door.

Tom watched as the greeter in front of them knocked on the large door. It soon swung open, and Tom felt a surge of joy, his gaze fixed on the Professor who had appeared.

"Augur, you've worked hard! I'll take it from here!"

Dumbledore winked at Tom, who had been staring intently at him. The little fellow could see right through him. Adjusting his crooked nose, he called out and led the group of trembling newcomers through the entrance hall into a slightly smaller room.

"Welcome, everyone. Shortly, you will undergo the Sorting Ceremony..."

As Tom listened, he felt his sleeve being tugged. He turned to look at the person who had started trembling again. Helplessly, he pulled his sleeve free from their grasp. "Ian... you really don't need to worry so much. The school won't let us get hurt."

Shivering again, Ian pointed to the wall nearby. If he wasn't mistaken, a head had just poked out from there. "No, it's over there..."

Following the direction Ian was pointing, Tom's heart skipped a beat. How could Hogwarts have so many ghosts? He felt a little scared, but not overwhelmed. As a ghost passed through him, Tom felt as though he had fallen into a winter pond.

Dumbledore, who had left at some point, reappeared in the room and led the group of little wizards into the Great Hall.