The Experiment

"I really am different..."

Tom felt so happy for the first time, then his spirits fell again. If only he had discovered this magical ability sooner, could he have prevented the Headmaster's death?

As soon as this thought surfaced, it began to grow wildly in Tom's mind. He needed to experiment more; just moving objects didn't count for much.

The next morning, Tom found Billy, who always picked on him, and deliberately sauntered in front of him. Soon, Billy couldn't stand the provocation.

"Don't appear before me! You annoying brat... Ah!" As if tripped by something invisible, Billy fell forward, landing on the ground with his face flushed red. Damn it! How could he trip on flat ground? And in front of this guy!

"Hahaha~ Billy! You're so talented, falling down in the middle of nowhere?"

"Don't tell me you're so smitten by Riddle's looks that you want to kiss his shoes! Hahaha~"

The surrounding laughter made Billy's face grow even worse. He got up and glared fiercely at the expressionless Tom, then turned and chased after the people who were jeering, running all over the yard. "Damn you, how dare you laugh at me! Bastards! Stop right there, I'm going to beat you two to death!"

Frowning, pouting, and shaking his little head, Tom wasn't very satisfied with his ability. What was the use of making someone fall? He could do that just by stretching his leg. It seemed he needed to experiment more. His gaze flickered over the people who had been bullying him.

Tom stared at the freckled little boy and curled his lips. This guy had often followed Billy around, snatching his bread. 'Hmph, I really hope this bad guy has bad luck today.'

Silently praying, Tom lost interest in standing in the cold wind in the yard. He arrived at the dining hall right on time. If he didn't eat something soon, he would really starve to death. His stomach was already protesting, as if an invisible hand were wringing his stomach like a dishcloth.

He poured a cup of hot water and sat at the far end of the dining table. Holding the hard, dry bread in front of him, he painstakingly tore it into small pieces and put them in his mouth. He took a small sip of water before realizing the food in his mouth was actually bread, not bone.

'If only one day I could go to a place where I don't have to worry about food. That place must be the heaven the Old Headmaster talked about!'

He mused inwardly, his hands not stopping. He was just a small orphan. How could such good things happen to him?

The fist-sized bread was quickly eaten. Tom downed the water in his cup and jumped off the stool, returning to his room. In the afternoon, they all had to go out, carrying boxes to ask people to donate to the orphanage.

He put on his clothes one by one and looked at his own plump body with satisfaction. It was a bit ugly, but at least it was warm. This way, his body wouldn't ache from the cold. He tugged at his sleeve to cover his small hands and heard Mrs. Cole's shout. He opened the door and walked out.

"Be back before dinner! Don't wander off, or no one will care if you die outside! Take your things and follow me."

Mrs. Cole, carrying the largest box, walked at the front, followed by a string of little tails. Christmas~ Those rich people would generously give more money. Maybe she could buy a bottle of gin. Tsk, and she'd have to add an extra meal for these little brats.