My Eldest Brother Has Changed

After two periods of History of Magic, Slytherin had no more classes in the afternoon.

Tom led Ariana straight to the Headmaster's Office. The Gargoyle breathed a sigh of relief when it saw that he had come empty-handed, finally relieved that he wouldn't have to suffer anymore.

"Is Albus Dumbledore inside?" Tom asked bluntly.

The Gargoyle struck a righteous and stern pose.

"The principal's schedule is top secret! I'm not going to tell you, he'll be back at noon!"

"Okay, thanks, make way." Tom nodded, Gargoyle nimbly jumped aside as he stepped onto the automatic elevator and entered the office.

"Mr. Riddle?" Albus Dumbledore looked up, his face full of doubt. "What brings you here at this hour?"

Tom had already prepared an excuse, and said with a serious face, "Professor, I've come to ask about the new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts. The students are quite interested."

In the Study Space, Ariana stared blankly at the white-haired old man sitting in the office chair.

This was no longer the spirited older brother she remembered. She couldn't even believe it was really Albus.

But the headmaster's nameplate on the table clearly read "Albus Percival Wulfric Albus Dumbledore," leaving her no choice but to believe it.

Albus Dumbledore had no idea that, besides Tom, another pair of eyes were silently watching him.

He replied with a smile, "Mr. Riddle, we are very lucky to have such a capable gentleman apply for the position."

"I've personally tested it, and I'm absolutely confident it will satisfy everyone."

"That's great." Tom nodded in agreement, then pointed to the bookshelf on the wall. "By the way, Professor, may I borrow a few more books?"

"Of course, take your pick." Albus Dumbledore gestured, still thinking to himself.

No wonder I felt something was missing; Tom hadn't borrowed a single book this semester.

He suddenly remembered something else, and his tone became serious. "Mr. Riddle, Professor McGonagall and IChat about promoting ' Shadow Prefect ' throughout the school, and she was very determined."

Tom, who was holding a copy of "The Magic of Turning the World Upside Down," turned around upon hearing this. "Professor McGonagall actually told you? I thought it was going to take a while longer."

Actually, McGonagall mentioned it last week, but then Tom beat up Lockhart and Lockhart was investigated.

Albus Dumbledore was busy running all over Britain looking for a new professor, so busy that he forgot about this matter.

"I remember we talked about this before; this system works for Slytherin, but not for all houses."

Albus Dumbledore until Tom was seated before slowly expressing his concerns. "The selection method is too brutal, which could easily lead students to pursue strength excessively and lose their mental balance."

Tom wasn't surprised at all. Albus Dumbledore believed that moral education was more important than physical strength, but Tom didn't think so.

"Professor, apart from a prodigy like me, no one's strength comes from nothing."

This sounds narcissistic, but Albus Dumbledore knew it wasn't boasting.

He tilted his head slightly, signaling Tom to continue.

"In fact, most students don't have much difference in talent. The difference between them depends entirely on who works harder."

Tom said earnestly, "Since these are results earned through hard work, why shouldn't we give them appropriate rewards?"

"Wait a minute," Albus Dumbledore interrupted him. "You think Shadow Prefect is a reward? To me, it's more of a responsibility."

"Rights themselves are the reward," Tom insisted.

Albus Dumbledore chuckled, "Such a classic Slytherin remark."

"That's true," Tom shrugged. "Think about it, there are plenty of people who are capable of being Minister for Magic, but in the end only one person gets to enjoy that 'duty'."

"Being able to become Shadow Prefect is a form of recognition for many people; it's a reward for their hard work and rigorous training."

"It would be truly unfair to suppress high-achieving students simply because we fear they will resort to any means to become stronger."

Albus Dumbledore silent. Tom's words had awakened him; he had been considering the issue from his own perspective, neglecting the students' real needs.

He disliked the trend of pursuing power, but not everyone who pursues power becomes Voldemort.

To put it bluntly, 99% of the wizards in the world don't even have the right to look up to Voldemort. Even if they learn Dark Magic, they won't be able to cause any trouble.

Those with malicious intentions can be punished by the laws of the Ministry of Magic.

The declining quality of students over the years is perhaps a result of his excessive leniency, which even an honest person like McGonagall couldn't stand.

If things continue like this, it's not impossible for Slytherin to become the dominant family.

It would be better to relax the restrictions appropriately, and then guide the behavior once signs appear.

"Mr. Riddle, thank you for your idea," Albus Dumbledore said slowly. "I will seriously consider whether to implement the Shadow Prefect system throughout the school."

As Tom walked out of the Headmaster's Office, he silently asked Ariana, "How was it? Did you see your brother? How did it feel?"

After a long while, Ariana's timid and hesitant voice finally came through.

"He's so unfamiliar. I can't find any trace of Albus. He wasn't this composed or this old before."

"That's normal," Tom said softly, trying to comfort him. "The headmaster has had a very hard life. After what happened to you, he broke ties with Gellert Grindelwald."

"Later, I defeated him with my own hands and then trained a student who was no less capable than Gellert Grindelwald."

"I've been fighting the Dark Lord for decades, there's never been a moment of peace, so it's understandable that my personality has changed drastically."

"If we get to know each other gradually, we might find traces of those people from back then."

"Mmm." Ariana nodded gently, her little head bobbing very earnestly.

"Come on, I'll take you to see the giant unicorn!" Tom walked briskly out of the castle. With Daphne as his experience guide, he was becoming more and more adept at coaxing little girls.

Sure enough, Ariana's attention was immediately diverted, and her tone was full of anticipation.

This time, when Tom went to the Forbidden Forest to tutor the Centaur, he left Ariana with him so she could keep Usachi company and prevent her from getting bored.

Meanwhile, in the Great Hall at dusk, the long-vacant seats in the High Table were finally filled.

A short, stout wizard was enthusiastically greeting and chatting with the other professors, except for Snape kept a sour face the whole time.

The other professors maintained basic politeness, but weren't particularly enthusiastic.

After all, it's a one-year position, so there's no need to take it too seriously; you might not even see it again next year.

As the banquet drew to a close, Albus Dumbledore stood up, and the Great Hall fell silent. Everyone stared at him, waiting for him to introduce the new professor.

"It is an honor to introduce a new member to everyone here." Albus Dumbledore stepped aside, gesturing for the wizard beside him to rise.

"Mr. Ross Wilkinson will become everyone's new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"He shares his experience without reservation; his understanding of many magical techniques amazes even me."