My Deputy Professor

"This isn't the entire mission. You also need to prevent one person—I'm not sure if he'll show up—but if he does, don't be surprised. His target is the item in the warehouse."

"Are you asking me to help him? Master," Lucius asked.

"No, you need to put on a show," the electronic voice said. "Make it look like you're the one robbing, not him, and at the same time, you can't let him succeed."

"..." Lucius was rendered speechless by his master.

"Anything Dumbledore focuses on is a ticking time bomb, no matter who holds it. So, stop him. I know it's difficult, but you are the most trustworthy, aren't you?"

"Yes, Master. Can I learn more about this person?" Lucius actually wanted to ask, since he wasn't supposed to let that person succeed, why not just prevent him from going in the first place? But he didn't dare to ask.

"He's skilled in dark magic, especially the Unforgivable Curses, but he has a significant flaw: he can't Apparate. This is your winning advantage."

"But you must be wary of him. Once he emits a sufficiently dark aura, leave the area. The mission is over."

"The mission is over?" Lucius asked in surprise. "You mean, in that situation, I can leave without regard for anything?"

"Yes, immediately, right away, leave without hesitation. Don't worry about anything," the electronic voice said firmly.

"I understand, Master. Are there any other tasks?"

"No, there's just one reminder."

The electronic voice said, "Don't let Dobby see any more secrets. In the trajectory of fate, he has a tendency to gain freedom. Don't try to stop it, or think you can change it with your own wisdom. Look at my fate, and you'll know everything."

The thought of "impossible" that had just risen in Lucius's heart was immediately extinguished by the electronic voice's last sentence.

Yes, even a powerful master could be defeated by fate, let alone himself.

"I understand, Master. Then, let me repeat the mission to see if there's anything I've missed. You said..."

Lucius was indeed the second-in-command of Voldemort's forces. He understood the mission process—as the one undertaking the mission, he needed to repeat the mission content to ensure clear communication.

"Very clear, Lucius. I must say, I will remember your help this time. I look forward to the day we meet," the electronic voice said sincerely.

"I look forward to your return, my Master."

After hanging up, Lucius let out a long sigh.

At this moment, his mood was quite complex. How to put it?

He felt the pressure of facing a difficult mission, and also the joy of his Master's change—if his Master's personality had been like this ten years ago...

He tidied his clothes, clenched his fist, then turned and Apparated away.

The Leaky Cauldron, Room 11.

"Bang."

Voldemort returned and immediately took a silver bottle from a box, emptied all the liquid inside, and then carefully added some freshly collected hairs—this was his new identity.

He poured in the Polyjuice Potion, shook it, and drank it again.

Afterward, using this identity, he entered Ollivander's again and obtained a new Wand—this was the third time he had entered there recently.

After finishing all this, he finally felt at ease. Then, after his appearance returned to normal, he headed to Hogwarts around noon.

Hogwarts, Hagrid's Hut.

"Hey, Hagrid, you look a bit down."

Walking into Hagrid's hut, Voldemort saw the dejected giant.

"I went to find Dumbledore to apologize for our mistakes, but he wasn't there," Hagrid said, frowning. "I thought about telling him via owl, but it's better to say it in person for this kind of mistake."

"You don't have to do that," Voldemort said. "Dumbledore has more important things to do. We can't disturb him with our mistakes."

"Although it's not certain that someone is coveting the Philosopher's Stone..." Hagrid's face was full of conflict.

"There's also me," Voldemort said confidently. "I've trained in the Forbidden Forest. I'll protect you from the shadows. That day was just to get some things, wasn't it?"

Hagrid nodded upon hearing this, but his expression remained conflicted.

Voldemort stepped forward, took a long, slender box from his waist, and handed it to him: "This is a gift for you, for becoming my deputy professor."

"Thank you."

Hagrid took the box with low spirits and opened it, but the next moment his eyes widened in surprise. "A Wand? Oh my god, Quirrell, you... Oh my god... I don't know what to say..."

Hagrid's eyes welled up, as if tears would fall any second.

"Hey, Hagrid, you're a grown man, don't be like this," Voldemort said, patting his back comfortingly. He liked this young man.

"I can't," Hagrid said after the hug, having calmed down. "Although I like it very much, the Ministry of Magic will cause you trouble if they find out."

Voldemort nodded. "Indeed, when I bought the Wand, Ollivander also warned me to use it cautiously. He probably knew it was for you."

"Sixteen inches, an oak Wand. Who wouldn't guess it was bought for me?" Hagrid said with a foolish grin, then added seriously, "But I really can't accept it. Dumbledore has already fixed my Wand, and I can use magic as long as I'm not discovered."

"But your magic isn't flowing smoothly, is it?" Voldemort sneered. "You need a new Wand. You know how important it is for a Wizard."

"But..."

"There are no 'buts.' This is a gift from the professor you're assisting to his assistant professor. If anyone has a problem, they can come to me." Voldemort puffed out his chest and spoke in a firm, domineering tone.

"Oh, heavens, you're too good to me."

Hagrid said, embracing Quirrell once more, pulling his tall, thin body tightly into his arms—Voldemort was sure he heard bones creaking.

When Hagrid finally calmed down, he noticed Voldemort's face had turned completely red. He carefully placed Quirrell on the bed and stood to the side like a naughty child, scratching his head.

"Ahem... Don't be like that, Hagrid. You're a big kid now."

Voldemort, having recovered, decided he would refuse to hug Hagrid in the future—even passively—and invited him to go choose a training ground together.

Yes, besides delivering a gift, he was here to establish a combat training ground. He had fought for this opportunity and wouldn't neglect its development.

There were only so many people in the English wizarding world. If they weren't cherished and strengthened, even if he truly managed to rule the magical world again one day, who would he have to rely on?

While he wouldn't stop strengthening himself, for a more distant future, he had to focus on education.

Relying on the current adults in the magical world, Voldemort felt there was truly nothing to look forward to. Their rigid thinking was already unchangeable.

Only by starting with the children could he truly build a different world.

The old Voldemort had thought the same way, but Dumbledore hadn't given him the chance.

But now, he had the opportunity, so he had to seize it.

To create an infinite future with limited time—this was the goal he had set for himself.