Tom raised an eyebrow, looking utterly innocent. "Mr. Malfoy, you can't just make accusations. You were the one who challenged me to a duel. If you lose, you have to accept the outcome. I was only following the rules."
"Besides, hanging you up was for your own good—to teach you a lesson so you'll stop provoking people all the time."
"And you still dare to argue!" Malfoy stamped his feet in fury. "I don't care! You have to apologize to me!"
Tom gave a scornful laugh, ignored him, and turned to Albus Dumbledore instead. "Headmaster, you were looking for me?"
Dumbledore nodded with a smile. "Mr. Riddle, I wanted to ask you to give Mr. Malfoy some guidance from now on."
"His talent for magic is quite good, but he simply doesn't work hard enough. With your guidance, I'm sure he'll improve quickly."
Tom froze for a moment, then put on a "kind" smile. "Since the Headmaster has asked, I'd be happy to. But guidance is one thing—if Mr. Malfoy provokes me again, I won't be so polite."
Lucius, who had been considering what angle to use to attack Tom, suddenly felt every hair on his body stand on end. His scalp went numb. He looked up and met Tom's icy gaze.
He had seen that look before—on the Dark Lord.
Malfoy's face turned green with rage. "Who needs your guidance?! I don't need guidance from some country bumpkin!"
"Draco!" Lucius barked. "It is an honor that Mr. Riddle is willing to guide you. Do not be rude!"
Draco's neck stiffened as though it had rusted. Inch by inch, he turned toward Lucius, his eyes wide and round as he stared at him.
There was still a flicker of self-deceiving hope in his eyes: either his father had misspoken, or