The hazy, blue-green space trembled slightly, and the patter of rain echoed through it.
Shawn appeared there abruptly. Before him stood a pale but exceptionally handsome little boy with black hair, hiding around a corner and secretly watching the main entrance.
The boy, with his rosy lips and white teeth, was Tom Riddle as a child.
Shawn followed young Tom's gaze. At the orphanage gates, a kindly nun held a cute little girl by the hand while speaking to a richly dressed couple.
Before long, the well-behaved little girl left with the couple.
A trace of envy surfaced in the hiding boy's cold eyes, yet Tom said disdainfully, "That nasty little thing really knows how to act sweet."
Shawn nodded, finding himself in agreement with Tom.
Conditions in English orphanages during this period were hardly good. How many children who thrived in such places could truly be innocent?
The scene shifted to a seaside cave.
Tom was speaking excitedly to several boys.
"I can command snakes. Follow me from now on, and we'll be friends. You'll never have to worry about food or clothes."
The slightly scruffy boys listened in terror to the hissing coming from the darkness around them, then turned to stare at Tom as though he were a monster.
"A monster! He's a monster!"
"Ah! Run!"
"Boo-hoo! Don't eat me!"
The children fled in a stumbling, terrified mess, crying and screaming until not one remained.
Tom's pale face twisted with anger, and his little fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles cracked.
A little snake climbed up his trouser leg onto his shoulder. Tom took a deep breath and spoke to it in Parseltongue.
"It looks like I'm not cut out for making friends. Only you lot are willing to stay with me."
The scene shifted again.