Hogwarts 256-260 Conflict in Flourish and Blotts

Dream Novel

Patreon : https://patreon.com/Dream644?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link

Transcript

00:00Welcome to the Dream Novel channel before starting to listen to the fun in this clip.

00:13Don't forget to like and comment. So that the admin will have the encouragement to continue

00:18making clips. Let's go listen. Channel Dream Novel. Chapter 256. Conflict and

00:26Flourish and Blotts after the photo session, Lockhart, brimming with self-importance,

00:31announced to the crowd that he would soon be joining Hogwarts as the new defense against

00:35the dark arts professor. Both Harry Potter and his classmates will receive a true,

00:40magical experience with magical me starting September 1st, he declared. The crowd erupted

00:46in applause and cheers. A few middle-aged wizards, unclear if they were fans or just awestruck,

00:53even shouted in excitement. It was as though Lockhart's presence alone could ensure the

00:58students' safety and finally break the infamous curse on the defense against the dark arts position.

01:04Amid the enthusiastic cheers, Harry suddenly felt a heavy weight in his arms. Looking down,

01:10he realized he'd been handed the complete works of Gilderoy Lockhart, nearly causing him to trip

01:15as he attempted to walk. The one silver lining was that he finally had an excuse to escape the crowd.

01:21He maneuvered his way over to the edge of the gathering, where Kyle stood chatting with Ginny.

01:27These are for you. I'll buy my own copies later, Harry said, pouring Lockhart's books into Ginny's

01:34new cauldron. Then, looking at Kyle, he couldn't help but ask, where did you disappear to just now?

01:41Oh, I noticed you were having a great chat with Lockhart, so I slipped off to pick up some other

01:46textbooks, Kyle replied, nodding toward a stack of books piled on a nearby table.

01:52When Lockhart had called out Harry's name, Kyle had taken the chance to vanish into the crowd,

01:57hoping to dodge any potential interaction. Little did he know that he'd also managed to

02:02avoid being dragged into the spotlight by Harry's quick-thinking escape tactic.

02:06This kid's getting too clever for his own good these days, Kyle thought with amusement.

02:12What did you need me for? Kyle asked, keeping a straight face. Oh, nothing, really.

02:20Harry replied, his eyes widening as he took in the stack of thick books Kyle had gathered.

02:26He counted 17 in total. He knew third years had the option of adding two elective classes,

02:32but this seemed a bit excessive. It's only two more classes, do you really need that many books,

02:38he asked, bewildered. Normally, no, but I may have signed up for a few too many classes,

02:45Kyle admitted. Five of these are for ancient runes, and seven are for defense against the dark arts,

02:52they make up most of the pile. Ancient runes. Harry thought, firmly deciding he'd skip that

02:59intimidating-sounding subject next year. After some brief conversation, Kyle took his books over

03:05to the counter to pay. Due to Lockhart's signing event, most of the Flourish and Blot staff had

03:11been assigned to help with book selection, signing, and payment for Lockhart's works,

03:15creating a one-stop service for his admirers. However, for any other purchases, customers still

03:21had to go through the regular counter, which meant Kyle ended up waiting in a long line.

03:26When he finally returned with his purchases, he found Mr. Weasley facing off with a middle-aged

03:32man with blonde hair. Mr. Weasley's face was tense and grim, looking far more serious than usual.

03:39If you're as unafraid of inspections as you claim, why were you sneaking around Nocturne Alley?

03:45Mr. Weasley challenged, his voice simmering with anger.

03:48Do produce some evidence, Weasley, Lucius Malfoy replied smoothly.

03:53I merely brought Draco to Flourish and Blotts to buy his textbooks for next year.

03:59I haven't been anywhere near Nocturne Alley.

04:02And yet, you must have been getting overtime pay for all those searches you've conducted over the

04:07years, Malfoy sneered. Reaching into Ginny's cauldron, Malfoy pulled out a battered copy of

04:13a beginner's guide to transfiguration, inspecting it with mock disdain. I'm afraid, given current

04:19circumstances, what's the point in playing the hero if there's no proper paycheck?

04:24Mr. Weasley's face flushed even redder than Harry's had been minutes ago in front of Lockhart.

04:30Seems we have very different ideas of what makes someone a bad wizard, Malfoy.

04:35Apparently so, Malfoy replied coldly, his gaze sliding to the Grangers, who looked alarmed

04:41and out of place. Just look at the company you keep, Weasley, mingling with muggles.

04:47Has your family really sunk so low? With a clang, Ginny's cauldron flew from her hands.

04:54Kyle couldn't tell whether Mr. Weasley had thrown it or if Ginny had done it herself,

04:58but it didn't matter. The cauldron clattering to the floor was the spark that set off an explosion.

05:04Mr. Weasley lunged at Malfoy, shoving him backward into a towering shelf of spellbooks.

05:11As thick volumes tumbled down, Malfoy staggered, momentarily dazed.

05:16How dare you lay a hand on me?

05:19Lucia spat, swinging his snake-headed cane at Mr. Weasley. But before the blow could land,

05:25a large hand clamped down on Malfoy's arm. Hagrid had appeared, striding over the scattered books,

05:31and with one strong pull, he yanked Lucia's back. Malfoy struggled, glaring venomously,

05:38but couldn't shake free of Hagrid's grip. This isn't over, Malfoy snarled. Come, Draco.

05:46As he turned toward the door, he passed Ginny's cauldron and, with a spiteful glint in his eye,

05:51dropped, a beginner's guide to transfiguration, back into it. He sneered, here, girl, keep your book,

05:58it's likely the best your father can afford. With a final, scornful look, he swept out of the shop,

06:05Draco trailing behind him. Good thing Kyle called me over, Hagrid muttered, releasing Mr. Weasley

06:11and giving his robes a brisk shake to smooth them out. You shouldn't have listened to him, Arthur.

06:18The man's rotten, and so's his whole family. Not worth a word. Mr. Weasley didn't respond,

06:25his jaw still clenched. Ginny's outburst had given him the excuse he needed to confront Malfoy,

06:31and if he were honest, he'd enjoyed it, something about landing a punch on that smug face felt like

06:36a well-deserved treat, like the warmth of butterbeer on a frigid day. As Hagrid straightened

06:41Mr. Weasley's robes, he led the group out of flourish and blots. Come on, let's get out of here.

06:48The shop assistants looked like they wanted to intervene, but with Hagrid towering over them,

06:53none dared make a move. Outside, the Grangers were visibly shaken, and Hermione was whispering

06:59reassuringly to her parents. Mrs. Weasley, however, was furious. Setting such a bad example for the

07:07children, fighting in public, what on earth will Gilderoy Lockhart think? Oh, he was thrilled.

07:15Fred said with a grin. He even asked the Daily Prophet photographer if they could include the fight in

07:21the story. Channel Dream Novel. Chapter 257, Riddle's Diary Back at the Leaky Cauldron,

07:28Hagrid suggested a drink before they left, and everyone agreed, even Mrs. Weasley, who was still

07:34quite upset. She felt the need to explain to the Grangers what had happened, hoping they wouldn't

07:39form a poor opinion of wizards. While the adults talked, Kyle walked over to Ginny. Ginny was sitting

07:46with her head down, sipping hot chocolate, the only non-alcoholic option at the Leaky Cauldron,

07:52without saying a word. Kyle's sudden appearance startled her. That was a really impressive throw

07:59back there. You, you saw that? I wasn't sure at first, Kyle said with a shrug, but a quiet Ginny isn't

08:07exactly normal. I. I was just so angry, Ginny replied, clutching her cup. Why did he say that

08:15about Dad? But then, her expression changed to one of worry. Kyle, do you think they'll fire Dad?

08:23Don't worry, they definitely won't, Kyle assured her after thinking for a moment. The Ministry of Magic

08:30just passed the new Muggle Protection Act, which Mr. Weasley initiated and pushed forward.

08:35If they fired him now, it would seriously damage the Ministry's credibility. Fudge wouldn't agree

08:42to that. Ginny blinked, clearly confused. Okay, I'll put it another way, Kyle said, smiling.

08:51Mr. Weasley has a lot of friends, including directors, deputy directors, and even members

08:56of the Wisingamot, who will support him. This time, Ginny understood. She let out a long breath,

09:03her whole demeanor relaxing. Thank you, Kyle. You're welcome. I was just telling the truth,

09:12Kyle replied with a casual wave of his hand. But you know, that cauldron throw was really

09:17accurate. If it hadn't been stuffed with books, it probably would have hit Malfoy Square on the head.

09:24Honestly, Ginny, you have the makings of a great chaser. Too bad they don't let first years play

09:31Quidditch, Ginny laughed. You could always try anyway. I mean, Harry was an exception. But I heard

09:39Gryffindor doesn't need any chasers right now. True enough. We'll talk about it when you're in

09:45second year. Hey, you just said I should give it a try. Ginny protested. Why can't I be an exception

09:53like Harry? I was just being polite. If it were me, I wouldn't have held back with an empty cauldron,

10:00Kyle said calmly. Ginny gritted her teeth, looking like she was considering tossing the cauldron at

10:06Kyle's face just to prove how accurate her throw could be. But when she glanced down, she realized

10:12Kyle had already taken her cauldron at some point. I was just thinking about what to get you for school.

10:18Kyle said as he pulled her old books from the cauldron. How about a brand new set of textbooks?

10:26Ginny quickly shook her head. No, no, that's way too expensive. I can use second-hand ones.

10:34It's decided then, Kyle said, not giving her a chance to argue. He stowed the old books away.

10:41Though we'll have to wait a few days, Flourish and Blots might not welcome us back just yet.

10:46Ginny couldn't help but laugh. After all, thanks to them, several of the shop's bookshelves had been

10:53knocked over, spilling books everywhere. If it hadn't been for Hagrid, they probably wouldn't

10:59have been able to leave the store so easily. After finishing their butterbeers, everyone had

11:04calmed down significantly. Even the Grangers seemed at ease, letting go of the day's earlier tensions as

11:10they said goodbye to Mrs. Weasley with a smile. They were about to head back to the Muggle Street

11:16on the other side of the leaky cauldron, when Kyle handed Mr. Granger a large bottle of

11:20Sleakeasy's hair potion. He had plenty of them stashed in his bag, all intended for a certain

11:26professor, so giving one away didn't matter. After saying their goodbyes at the bar, Kyle

11:32and the Weasley family moved to the fireplace and returned to the burrow using flow powder.

11:37Glad you got the names right this time, dear, Mrs. Weasley said, standing at the kitchen door,

11:43holding a coat brush and brushing the ashes off of them.

11:47Very good, everyone's here, wait, why are there only eight of you? Where's Percy?

11:53It took a moment for everyone to realize that Percy hadn't returned with them.

11:58I remember he was reading in the junk shop, said Ron. Harry nodded. The book was called

12:04Prefects Who Gained Power. Everything in the junk shop had been shabby, except for that book,

12:10which looked almost brand new. Ha, that's classic Percy, Fred said, grinning. He wants to be head

12:18boy. Or minister of magic. George added. Mrs. Weasley ignored Fred and George's jabs.

12:27She put down the coat brush and sighed. Oh dear, Percy must have lost track of time.

12:33And none of you thought to call him. Who cares about Percy? Ron muttered. We thought you'd called

12:41him. Mrs. Weasley didn't respond. Instead, she simply grabbed another handful of flow powder and

12:48tossed it into the fireplace. Truthfully, she'd forgotten too. After Mrs. Weasley went back to

12:55retrieve Percy, Kyle declined Fred's invitation to play Quidditch in the woods and left the burrow to

13:00head home. In his room, he locked the door and took out Ginny's stack of old textbooks.

13:07Tucked inside a beginner's guide to transfiguration was a worn black notebook. The faded date on the

13:13cover indicated it was from 50 years ago, blending easily with the old books. Anyone who glanced at it

13:19would assume it was just something left behind by a previous owner of the second-hand store.

13:24Kyle took a deep breath and carefully opened the notebook. On the first page was a faintly written

13:30name, T. M. Riddle. As he'd suspected, Lucius Malfoy had slipped the diary to Ginny, likely in an

13:38attempt to harm the Weasley family in some twisted form of revenge. Kyle drummed his fingers on the

13:44table, thinking. Lucius Malfoy might not have known the diary's true purpose, but he must have known it

13:50was dangerous, Voldemort's things always were. In other words, he hadn't cared at all about Ginny's

13:56safety. Hagrid had been right. Lucius Malfoy was indeed a truly evil man. Although he had paid a

14:04price for it, eventually. When Voldemort was resurrected, he discovered that the Horcrux he

14:10had hidden with the Malfoys had been damaged. Lucius Malfoy sacrificed almost all his wealth

14:16just to keep his family safe, but in the end, Draco was still forced to attempt to assassinate

14:21Dumbledore. A student, not even fully trained, sent to kill Dumbledore. Clearly, Voldemort had

14:28never intended for him to succeed, or survive. But all that was still far in the future.

14:35For now, with the diary safely in Kyle's possession, Ginny could look forward to a normal

14:40school year. And as it happened, Kyle had a few questions he was eager to ask the young riddle.

14:46Channel Dream Novel. Chapter 258, the most unique Horcrux Kyle held his quill and stared at the diary

14:54for a long time, hesitating to open it. The diary was Voldemort's first Horcrux, and in many ways,

15:01it was the most unique. Unlike other Horcruxes, the soul fragment in this diary had an unprecedented

15:07ability, it could, under the right conditions, resurrect itself independently, drawing life force

15:13from others to manifest a physical body out of nothing. This method of resurrection was beyond

15:19anything Voldemort had managed, even during his years in Albania. If he'd had this ability,

15:25he would have drained Quoro last year and bypassed the need for the Philosopher's Stone altogether.

15:30If Voldemort's soul were like a piece of toast, the fragment he'd placed in the diary was the largest

15:36slice, perhaps even cut in half due to his inexperience with soul-splitting at the time.

15:40This explained why riddle in the diary possessed such complete memories, a full personality,

15:47and the capacity for conversation. Other than being unable to cast charms, this riddle was

15:52indistinguishable from Voldemort as a student. This level of completeness, perhaps it was the

15:58correct way to create a Horcrux. Kyle's curiosity began to stir. If he managed to resurrect riddle,

16:05what kind of relationship might unfold between riddle and Voldemort? Cooperation or a deadly

16:11rivalry? Kyle suspected the latter. Perhaps they would work together temporarily, deal with Dumbledore

16:19and Harry, and only then confront each other over who had the right to call themselves Voldemort.

16:24But in the end, it was unlikely they could coexist. A proud person like Voldemort would never allow a

16:31duplicate of himself to exist, even if that duplicate shared his soul. Kyle snapped back to reality,

16:38realizing he'd been sitting in front of the diary for over an hour. He shook his head, set down his

16:44quill, and tried to refocus. As a student, Tom Riddle had undoubtedly been remarkable, intelligent,

16:51skilled at gaining others' trust, adept at masking his true nature, and possessing sharp powers of

16:56observation and insight. Dumbledore had once said he was one of the brightest students he'd ever

17:02encountered, a statement originally meant for Riddle, long before there was a final, one, to compare him

17:07to. If Kyle was going to engage with Riddle, he would need to be cautious and avoid any visible

17:13weaknesses. He needed to weave a, mantle, to win Riddle's trust and lull him into a false sense of

17:19security. Kyle took out the enchanted box Nicholas Flamel had given him and placed the diary inside.

17:25Then, he rummaged through a suitcase at the bottom of his bed and pulled out a thick,

17:31parchment-bound book. Inked on the cover in cursive was the title, The Mysteries of Fear.

17:37He had copied it from the restricted section just before the holidays, though he hadn't had time to

17:42study it. Most of the book dealt with dark magic research, but there were some practical applications

17:48too. One section mentioned an advanced use of occlumency, rather than just clearing the mind,

17:54it described selectively hiding key memories and thoughts while projecting an open mind on the

17:58surface. This was likely the technique Snape had used to maintain his cover as a Death Eater.

18:05A completely blank mind would have been a dead giveaway to Voldemort.

18:09Kyle could imagine the scene, hiding your thoughts, are you?

18:14Suspicious, someone bring him an Avada Kedavra.

18:16Yes, something like that. To reach Snape's level of expertise, Kyle knew he would need time and

18:24substantial practice. But if he just wanted to create a superficial cover, to make it look like

18:30his mind wasn't entirely blank, that would be easier to manage.

18:34Three days later.

18:36Ron, has Kyle gone out again?

18:38Harry asked as he sliced his bread at the Burroughs' breakfast table.

18:43I feel like I haven't seen him since we got back from Diagon Alley.

18:47I'm not sure, Ron replied with a shrug.

18:50He'd been rather absorbed in Harry's Nimbus 2000 and had spent much of his time down at the

18:55Quidditch pitch, so he hadn't really noticed Kyle's absence.

18:59But Fred and George might know.

19:01What's that?

19:03Fred asked, entering the kitchen just as he heard his name.

19:06Oh, we were talking about Kyle, Harry said.

19:11I haven't seen him around lately.

19:13Has he gone off somewhere again?

19:16Fred came over to the table and started spreading orange marmalade on his toast.

19:21Why do you ask?

19:23Do you need something from him?

19:25It's for Hermione, Harry explained.

19:28She really liked the automatic inkjet quill that Kyle gave Ron, and she asked if it's for sale.

19:33Why, yes, of course it is.

19:38George said, sitting down beside Harry.

19:41He pulled a brand new quill from his pocket and handed it over.

19:45Good taste, I must say.

19:48This is one of our earlier creations, quite popular, too.

19:52And it's reasonably priced, only one sickle.

19:55Earlier creations.

19:57Harry looked down at the quill in his hand, feeling confused.

20:01Didn't Kyle say he'd made it at Nicholas Flammel's place?

20:05Or had he remembered that wrong?

20:08But the quill George had handed him looked identical to Ron's, a plain, ordinary-looking quill.

20:14Go on, give it a try, Fred urged, grinning.

20:18It's on the house.

20:20All right then, Harry agreed, rummaging in his pocket until he found a crumpled piece of parchment.

20:25It was an old notice about the restriction on underage magic, handed out before the holidays.

20:32Harry hadn't even bothered to read it back then, but it would work for testing the quill now.

20:37Flattening the paper, and under Fred and George's watchful eyes, he picked up the quill.

20:43As soon as the nib touched the parchment, fft.

20:46A huge blob of ink shot out from the quill's end, splattering all over Harry's face.

20:52Harry froze, stunned, holding the quill as he processed the fact that his entire face was now covered in ink.

20:59Beside him, Fred and George burst into raucous laughter, clutching their stomachs.

21:05But their amusement was cut short by Mrs. Weasley's angry voice from behind them.

21:10Harry is a guest.

21:12How dare you?

21:13And haven't I told you both not to pull this kind of stunt in the house?

21:18Fred and George turned around with difficulty, still shaking with laughter.

21:23Mrs. Weasley stood right behind them, spatula in hand, wielding it like a sword that looked all too ready to strike.

21:31Mom, I can explain, Fred said quickly.

21:34Harry asked for it himself.

21:37George nodded vigorously.

21:39Yes, he wanted one for his friend, so we just let him test it.

21:44Ron can back us up.

21:46Channel Dream Novel.

21:48Chapter 259, The Confident Riddle

21:50Despite their well-reasoned excuses, Fred and George were each treated to a sharp ear twist from Mrs. Weasley.

21:57The reason?

21:59The ink had nearly splattered onto the plate of sausages.

22:03Thankfully, Harry intervened, taking the blame, so Mrs.

22:06Weasley only gave Fred and George a light twist before letting them off.

22:12Once she left, Harry explained in a hushed tone, and Fred and George realized they'd misunderstood.

22:18So, you're saying you don't want this kind of automatic inkjet quill?

22:23Fred asked, rubbing his sore ear.

22:26Of course not, Harry replied, wiping the ink from his face.

22:31Why would Hermione ever ask about something like that?

22:35Fred and George thought it over, and it did seem unlikely that Hermione, ever so prim, proper,

22:41and very much the, Professor McGonagall, type, would go after a prank item like that.

22:47After all, they'd even dubbed her, Minnie McGonagall, themselves.

22:50She's looking for a quill that writes with ink that flows automatically, Harry clarified,

22:56glancing at Ron.

22:58Do you have it with you?

23:00No, Ron said, reaching for a sausage.

23:03I mean, who brings a quill to breakfast?

23:07Well then, dear brother, could you go fetch it so we can have a look?

23:11George said with a grin.

23:14Ron hesitated, but as everyone stared at him, he finally sighed, setting down his sausage

23:19reluctantly and trudged upstairs to retrieve the quill.

23:22Is this the one?

23:24George asked, taking the quill and scribbling all over Harry's notice.

23:29Soon, the paper was covered with neat lines of ink.

23:33It's perfect for homework, George observed, running his fingers over the nib.

23:38It's probably enchanted with a refilling charm, like our waterproof badges.

23:43Refilling charm?

23:44Harry asked, blinking in surprise, he'd never heard of such a charm before.

23:50Are you talking about schoolwork?

23:53Mr. Weasley had just joined them at the table and smiled at Harry.

23:57I thought I heard you ask about the refilling charm.

24:00It's a very useful spell, works like this.

24:04He tapped Harry's half-full glass of pumpkin juice with his wand.

24:07The liquid inside immediately began to rise until the glass was completely full.

24:13Wow.

24:15Harry's mouth dropped open in amazement.

24:18But, didn't Professor McGonagall say magic can't create food?

24:22Technically, it doesn't, Mr. Weasley explained.

24:26It just transports the pumpkin juice already in the kitchen into your glass, saving the time

24:31it would take to go back and forth.

24:33I'd wager this charm was invented by a rather thirsty wizard.

24:36Harry nodded in understanding, then turned to Fred and George.

24:41So, can you make quills like this one?

24:45Fred paused.

24:46What was the first question you asked when we came down?

24:50Harry thought for a moment.

24:52I haven't seen Kyle around.

24:55Has he gone out again?

24:57No, he's been in his room reading, Fred replied smoothly.

25:01He does that a lot.

25:03You'll get used to it.

25:04George returned the quill to Ron.

25:08Oh, by the way, did you know the Chudley Cannons actually won against the Vratza Vultures this

25:13year?

25:14What?

25:15The Vultures are third ranked.

25:18Could it be the Cannons are finally on the rise?

25:21Ron exclaimed, eyes wide.

25:24With practiced ease, Fred and George had successfully changed the topic.

25:28Harry, puzzled for a moment, quickly forgot about the quill and jumped into the Quidditch conversation.

25:35The Cannons won.

25:37How did you hear about that?

25:38He asked eagerly.

25:40Cedric told us, he was at the match.

25:43On the other side of the room, Kyle was indeed there, though he wasn't reading, at least, not yet.

25:49After two days of keeping it sealed in the box, Kyle finally took the diary out.

25:55He stared at the name, Riddle, for a moment, then opened it to the blank second page and began

26:00transcribing notes on transfiguration as naturally as he would in any notebook.

26:04But before he had written much, the words began to fade, slowly absorbed into the paper until

26:10they vanished completely.

26:13A new line of text appeared on the blank page, written in the same ink as his own.

26:18Hello, are you a Hogwarts student?

26:21The words shimmered on the page briefly before disappearing.

26:25Kyle's face tightened slightly.

26:27Picking up his quill, he wrote back quickly, firing off questions.

26:32Who are you?

26:32Where are my notes?

26:35And how do you know I'm a Hogwarts student?

26:38Are you some kind of dark magic object?

26:41The writing vanished, and after a long pause, new words formed on the page.

26:46My name is Tom Riddle.

26:48I'm not a dark magic object but rather a memory preserved in this diary.

26:54Think of me like the magical portraits in the castle.

26:57That's how I can communicate with you.

26:59You wrote about the cautions for turning inanimate objects into animals, which is from the Intermediate

27:05Transfiguration Guide.

27:07You must be a third-year student.

27:09Kyle raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

27:13Riddle seemed patient, carefully answering each of his questions without skipping a beat.

27:18After a moment's thought, Kyle responded.

27:20I know about the portraits and talk to them all the time, but this is the first time I've seen such an amazing diary.

27:28You're right, I'll be a third-year when school starts.

27:32This time, Riddle replied quickly.

27:35Do you study during the holidays?

27:36You must be a good student, like me.

27:40I know all my books by heart.

27:43Kyle wrote back, his handwriting a little sloppy in his eagerness.

27:47And I'm number one in my class.

27:50I knew I wouldn't be wrong in guessing.

27:53We should get along well.

27:55Were you also number one in your class?

27:58Kyle asked.

28:00Always, Riddle responded, his words appearing promptly.

28:03He seemed intent on impressing Kyle, as he continued,

28:07In fifth year, I even won the special award for services to the school.

28:12You can find my name in the trophy room if you want proof.

28:16What's there to brag about?

28:18I have one of those two, and probably more than he ever did, Kyle thought, amused.

28:24He wrote back, a special award for services to the school, that's impressive.

28:28Then, trying to provoke Riddle a bit, he added, with achievements like yours, I bet you received

28:35the order of Merlin as well.

28:37The diary fell silent for a long moment.

28:41Riddle seemed unprepared for this question, and Kyle's patience was beginning to wane when

28:45finally, new words materialized on the page.

28:49When I left this diary, I hadn't, Riddle hesitated before adding, but I believe that if I set my

28:54mind to it, I could earn the order of Merlin.

28:56Even though it was only text, Kyle could feel Riddle's confidence radiating from the page.

29:03And he was probably right.

29:05Channel Dream Novel

29:07Chapter 260, Make a Friend Tom Riddle was indeed a master at reading people and concealing

29:13his true intentions.

29:15After realizing that the person who had found the diary was a young wizard with excellent

29:19grades, he cultivated his, genius student, persona carefully to forge a connection with

29:24Kyle.

29:24But perhaps, persona, wasn't quite accurate, Riddle genuinely was a brilliant student, after

29:31all.

29:32Because of this, he was able to answer Kyle's questions quickly and with apparent ease, often

29:37offering insightful advice.

29:40Kyle, in turn, picked up quite a few useful tricks.

29:44For instance, Riddle shared a tip for transfiguration, when transforming small insects, drawing circles with

29:50the wand could increase accuracy and was much easier than simply tapping them.

29:55I just tried it, and what you said really works, Kyle wrote in the diary.

30:00I always thought any extra wrist movement would affect the spell's result.

30:04Actually, if you're skilled enough, wrist movement can enhance the spell's precision, Riddle replied.

30:09I learned that from a professional journal called Transfiguration today.

30:14I'll have to check it out.

30:17Can I buy it in Diagon Alley?

30:19Kyle asked.

30:21No need to buy it, the school library carries it.

30:25You'll find it on the 15th shelf, right side of the aisle, bottom row.

30:30I'll look for it when term starts, Kyle responded.

30:33But it might have been moved by now, so ask the librarian to be sure.

30:38After all, I was made in 1943, it's been quite a while since then.

30:44Kyle stared at the line for a moment, his hand pausing slightly over the quill.

30:48Then he continued as if nothing had happened.

30:5250 years.

30:53I thought you were only a few years older than me.

30:57In a way, I am, Riddle replied.

31:00I'm just a memory frozen at 15.

31:03Time doesn't mean anything to me, so no matter how many years pass, I'll always be 15.

31:09Then you must be very lonely, Kyle wrote.

31:13Not anymore, now that I have you as a friend.

31:16Another line quickly followed, but the handwriting was shaky, as if Riddle had been nervous while

31:21writing it, will you be my friend?

31:24Of course.

31:26Kyle replied without hesitation.

31:28I've always wanted a friend like you, smart, kind, and someone who loves learning.

31:34I'm really happy to hear that, Riddle wrote back.

31:37For the entire morning, Kyle and Riddle continued their conversation, Kyle's handwriting growing

31:43faster and more casual as they went on.

31:46He asked Riddle questions about charms, but more often he expressed regret that they couldn't

31:51be real classmates.

31:53As they exchanged thoughts, Riddle subtly started to probe for information about Kyle, drawing

31:58details from casual comments and questions.

32:01From the snippets Kyle revealed, Riddle began piecing together a portrait of his new friend.

32:07He saw that Kyle was clever, yes, but not nearly as clever as himself.

32:13Kyle's good grades seemed to be due more to memorization than real understanding, he knew

32:17only what was written in his textbooks.

32:20His social circle was limited to two friends, one obsessed with wizard chess and the other

32:25fixated on Quidditch, both, in Riddle's view, entirely unremarkable and people he wouldn't

32:31have given a second thought to.

32:33Most importantly, Riddle sensed a certain truth in Kyle's words, not a fabricated story but

32:38a sincere, if vulnerable, glimpse into his life.

32:41This thrilled him.

32:44Kyle's eagerness, his earnest desire for companionship, it was as if prey had willingly stepped into

32:50his hands, presenting itself for the taking.

32:53To Riddle, someone like this was easy to handle.

32:56He could tell Kyle lacked any real sense of belonging and felt distanced from those around

33:01him.

33:02All Riddle needed to do was play the part of a good listener and supportive friend, and

33:06Kyle would likely confide in him all his secrets.

33:09It wasn't until late afternoon, when Riddle started asking questions about the outside

33:14world beyond the castle, that Kyle decided to end the conversation.

33:19Someone's coming, he wrote abruptly, closing the diary and putting down his quill.

33:24He hastily scrawled his last message in the diary, then snapped it shut and tucked it casually

33:29into the box beside him.

33:32Standing up, Kyle stretched his wrists, feeling the stiffness from a morning spent writing.

33:36As he suspected, Riddle was indeed skilled in legilimency.

33:42At one point during their conversation, Kyle had felt a faint, unsettling sense of being

33:47watched.

33:48It was fleeting, just a brief sensation, but given his vigilance around Riddle, he'd picked

33:53up on it.

33:54Anyone less guarded might have missed it entirely.

33:57More interestingly, Riddle wasn't as composed as Kyle had expected.

34:02Kyle had assumed Riddle would play the long game, waiting patiently before trying to pry

34:07out information.

34:08But it was only the first morning, and Riddle was already angling to learn about the outside

34:13world, hinting at questions about who the most powerful wizard was, and whether Dumbledore

34:18was still the headmaster at Hogwarts.

34:21Kyle saw right through it, Riddle was trying to glimpse his own future.

34:25If Dumbledore were still alive and active, it would mean Voldemort's plans had ultimately

34:30failed.

34:32Conversely, if the most powerful wizard turned out to be Voldemort, then Riddle could assume

34:36his future self had succeeded.

34:39But of course, this was unlikely.

34:42Given that the diary had fallen into the hands of a young student, Riddle should have suspected

34:46that Voldemort had met some sort of downfall.

34:49After all, if he had triumphed, would his horcrux have been so easily lost?

34:55Clearly, Riddle's true aim was to learn why his plans had failed.

34:59But before Riddle could press for more, Kyle had closed the diary, shutting down any further

35:04questioning.

35:06Kyle walked over to the windowsill, rubbing the feathers on his owl raton's neck thoughtfully.

35:11Riddle's a bit more manageable than I'd expected.

35:14He had thrown down the first gauntlet, and if he kept control over their exchanges, he might

35:19be able to uncover useful information.

35:22Riddle would be keen to learn about Voldemort's defeat in Godric's Hollow, and Kyle knew this

35:27was valuable information he could use strategically.

35:30He chuckled inwardly.

35:33No such thing as a free lunch, he thought.

35:36If Riddle wants answers, he'll have to offer some in return.

35:40Kyle!

35:40Over here!

35:43Fred and George's voices suddenly rang out from below.

35:47Kyle looked down to see the twins waving at him, holding their broomsticks.

35:52Behind them were Harry, Ron, and Ginny, all ready for a game of Quidditch on the hill.

35:57Do you want to join us?

35:59Fred called up.

36:01Kyle considered for a moment, then grabbed his Nimbus 2000 and headed downstairs.

36:06We were just talking about you this morning, Fred said when Kyle joined them.

36:12You've been busier than Percy lately.

36:14It's nothing, Kyle replied casually.

36:17I just came across something interesting the other day and wanted to read up on it.

36:22The others didn't seem too curious.

36:25Are you done with it now?

36:27George asked.

36:29More or less, Kyle said, keeping it vague.

36:32With the initial greetings over, Kyle's mind settled.

36:37He'd taken his time with Riddle today, carefully guiding their first exchange.

36:42Riddle would likely dwell on Kyle's responses, growing curious about Voldemort's downfall and

36:47wanting to know more.

36:49But Kyle didn't plan to touch the diary again for several days.

36:53He'd let Riddle simmer in his own questions, gradually building his curiosity.

36:58After all, Kyle had time.

37:00There was no rush.

37:03Now the fun in this clip is over.

37:06Which listeners haven't liked and commented yet?

37:09You can press like and comment to encourage the admin find the fun in the next clip.

37:14May the listeners be happy forever.

Category

Transcript

Recommended