"I admit, your abilities exceeded my expectations."
Little Voldemort looked at Hermione, puzzlement written across his face.
"But I still don't understand. Why are you helping me? What exactly are you after?"
"What am I after?" Hermione smiled. "I simply don't like the Wizarding World's current state."
That was the truth.
But there was another reason.
She wasn't going to tell Young Voldy that she had her eye on his talent for researching Dark Magic and wanted to make him a full-time Dark Magic developer while she reaped the benefits for free.
Little Voldemort nodded.
Suddenly, he realized something.
The seemingly harmless little girl before him appeared to be even better at manipulating people than he was-a Dark Lord who toyed with people's hearts.
He, a master manipulator, had actually been manipulated!
Worst of all, he thought she made perfect sense!
"So, what are you going to do?"
Only after a long silence did Little Voldemort ask the question.
"Let's start with the Chamber of Secrets."
"First, we need a 'true' successor to Slytherin."
Hermione smiled faintly, a glint of malice flashing in her eyes.
Papa Malfoy, since you're so fond of pure-blood supremacy, surely you won't object to your son becoming the universally recognized Heir of Slytherin?
"Then I'll need you to play along and put on a show," she continued.
"All right."
Little Voldemort had no objections. At this point, what say did he have?
Satisfied with his obedience, Hermione nodded and activated the Spellbook again. A surge of soul energy flowed out.
This time, Little Voldemort's form became even more solid.
Feeling the changes in his body, a flash of delighted surprise crossed Little Voldemort's eyes.
He tried picking up a quill from the table-and actually succeeded!
It was still difficult, but at least he was no