Tom unleashed a Killing Curse with all his strength, brimming with murderous intent.
Yet a moment later, the green light rapidly shrank, as though the intense murderous intent within it were swiftly fading. By the time the spell left his fingertips, only a beam as thick as an index finger shot toward Shawn.
As if he had expected it, Shawn turned and calmly thrust his open palm forward.
A small, black diamond-shaped shield appeared in his palm, just large enough to block the Killing Curse that looked like a beginner's attempt. Not even a ripple stirred across its surface.
Although this Killing Curse would not have killed him even if it hit, it might not even have penetrated the layer of magical energy he possessed with his nearly 200 points on the magic scale.
It would only have given him a nosebleed, but that would still have left him looking disheveled and undignified.
Shawn dismissed the shield. He did not reprimand Tom, merely watching the tall, lean, handsome young man with a calm gaze.
Tom looked utterly dejected. The instant his body and soul had completely merged had been his only chance to kill Shawn.
Unfortunately, it was all over.
His expression soon regained its composure, and he silently stood up. The two faced each other in silence.
Shawn knew that deep down, Tom still refused to submit, but that hardly mattered. Given time, this subordinate would only grow more dutiful.
He took a few things out of his ring and handed them over.
"Here's a Communication Card, some Galleons, and a wand. Take them. I imagine you know Hogwarts better than I do, so head to Hogsmeade and await my orders."
Unable to resist, Tom accepted the bag, smoothed his robes patterned with silver stars, then turned and strode