A Lifelong Decision

With a faint sigh, Tom clutched his teacup, feeling a bit wronged. "I didn't steal those things. Even in that barren orphanage, I still had my pride. Those little things, my little friends—I mean the snakes that communicated with me—they didn't like how those children behaved and gave them to me... I'm not trying to excuse my actions, but I really hate being misunderstood by you..."

Awkwardly wanting to burn something, Dumbledore guiltily touched his nose. This misunderstanding had gotten out of hand. He hadn't expected this situation. That brat! Why didn't he say something back then? Now, telling him only made him feel more guilty. "Uh... hahaha... Is that so, little Tom~ Can you forgive my past actions? I... I'm very sorry..."

A slight, happy upturn of his lips, Tom felt like he'd finally let out a breath he'd been holding. He nodded his head contentedly. "Of course~ It was just a small misunderstanding, Professor, you don't need to worry about it..." He paused, Tom's mind churning over whether he should just reveal the dream he had last night. He wasn't sure if this Professor would start disliking him again because of it, especially since wizards' dreams were often somewhat... mysterious.

Especially that vivid dream, which wasn't exactly pleasant.

"Like I said before..." Dumbledore saw Tom's hesitation and softened his voice, giving Tom, or rather, both of them, a chance. "I'm happy to be someone you can confide in. As your professor, it's my responsibility and duty to guide you."

Tom blinked his eyes. He had a hunch that the decision he made today would affect his entire life. He lowered his gaze, staring at the cooling drink, took a deep breath, and made his decision. He was Tom Riddle, just Tom Riddle, not the incredibly cold person in his dream. "Actually... I've been having a very vivid dream..."

He recounted everything in his dream to Dumbledore. Afterward, Tom nervously clenched his fists, feeling anxious and uneasy. He was afraid the Professor would say it was abnormal, afraid he would say it was his future. He didn't want that exceptionally handsome senior to lose his original charm and turn into a lifeless, cold corpse.

Dumbledore's expression grew serious, and he tapped his temples with a headache. He had never encountered such a situation before, and for a moment, he couldn't find the cause, let alone a solution. He sighed and patted Tom's head reassuringly.

"Tom, I need to do some research on this matter. Promise me, no matter what, don't be swayed. Legilimency... might be difficult for you, but I still hope you can master this profound magic as soon as possible..."

Nodding firmly, Tom put down the completely cold cup and looked at his most respected professor with a complicated expression. He watched as the professor grabbed a handful of cockroaches and stuffed them into his mouth. With difficulty, Tom averted his gaze and made a resolution in his heart: this life! He would never eat that stuff again! "Thank you, Professor. I will. I'll take my leave now..."

Leaving Dumbledore's office, Tom shivered, trying to forget what he had just seen. He swore! He had just heard the cockroaches scream! It was terrifying. Did one have to use such methods to strengthen one's resolve to become a powerful person?