"Sigh, things have been so frustrating lately. The professors give us far too much homework. I'm exhausted even during the holidays."
"It's all that Shawn's fault. Who does he think he is? Even the headmaster doesn't demand this much of us."
"But what can I do? Shawn is so powerful now. An ordinary student like me can only put up with him working us to the bone."
In his study, Shawn wrote in Tom Riddle's Diary with a quill.
He was posing as a student of mediocre ability.
The diary showed no response, though Shawn still felt a mental presence sweep over him.
Shawn paid it no mind. His expression was perfectly convincing, full of bitterness and resentment.
He poured out a few more complaints in the diary, but still received no response. Then he put it into his ring, cutting off young Tom's probing consciousness.
With this young version of Voldemort, whose wits were fully intact, he needed enough patience to strike decisively, break through his mental defenses, and take control of his soul.
At times like this, just as when corresponding with Grindelwald, it all came down to acting and patience.
Then Shawn took out the latest New Year's greeting his old fan had mailed him, opened it, and began reading.
[Dear Mr. Black, Happy New Year.]
[The new year has hardly brought peace to the wizarding world.
The development of the Muggle world seems to have no bearing on the wizarding world at present, but what is the reality?
Under the influence of its Muggle government, the powerful Soviet Union's Ministry of Magic has likewise fragmented. Countless Ministries of Magic have suddenly sprung up across Eastern Europe, bringing all manner of turmoil.
Some rejoice while others grieve. The celebrations at the Magical Congress of the United States