"Prove it to me."
Voldemort remembered those words vividly.
But his eleven-year-old self and the self who had died once were completely different in temperament.
The former was still childish, while the latter was full of authority and wickedness.
Voldemort was certain that Dumbledore had noticed this.
Perhaps that was why Dumbledore had kept an eye on Riddle ever since.
But Voldemort couldn't guarantee with absolute certainty that he was right.
Just as, after that day, he had wondered if he'd simply fallen into a mental trap he hadn't even noticed.
Everything he'd experienced before was baseless and unreal, unless he asked Dumbledore to confirm it.
But there was little point in doing that.
Because if it was real, then how had the Voldemort in the original world caught Dumbledore's attention?
After all, he wasn't just Voldemort anymore.
"Teacher, you're daydreaming again."
Luna's words brought Voldemort back from his musings.
"Thank you, Luna. You've helped me out of a mental bind once again."
After thanking her with a smile, Voldemort turned his gaze back to Neville.
The little fellow was diligently practicing his swordsmanship. Two blunt boomerangs circled around him as he used his mental power to adjust their direction from time to time.
"If something's weighing on your mind, you can talk to me, Teacher." Luna sat down on the recliner beside Voldemort and spoke with concern.
Voldemort smiled but said nothing.
"Old Nott wants to invite Danylis over. He said it might help you."
Luna's words made Voldemort laugh, but he didn't say anything. Old Nott's idea wasn't bad; it had indeed been a long time since he'd seen Danylis.
"But Grandpa Abou thinks it would be better if Bellatrix came, so he's already sent someone to notify her."
Voldemort's smile froze at Luna's words. He turned to