In Charms, Professor Flitwick did not begin the lesson immediately.
Instead, he produced his Professional Edition notebook and started adding students one by one. Then he pulled them all into a group.
After naming it [Third Year Slytherin and Gryffindor], he beamed.
"Mr. Riddle's invention is remarkably convenient. From now on, if you have questions, you may message me directly. I will respond as promptly as possible."
"If I happen to omit any details during class, I shall post supplementary explanations in the group."
The more Flitwick looked at Tom, the more delighted he became. If only Riddle were in Ravenclaw.
This "WhatsApp" had spared the professors an enormous amount of trouble. The Heads of House especially benefited. Flitwick had already gathered all prefects and assistant prefects into a single group, making communication instantaneous. No more hunting down students to relay messages.
Even inter professor communication had grown efficient. The Heads of House now chatted briefly each evening. Even Snape occasionally appeared to say a few sharp words.
Hermione's eyes shone with excitement. The ability to consult a professor at any time thrilled her. Still, she restrained herself. She did not wish to intrude upon their personal time.
As for asking Tom directly...
She refused. She did not want him to think she was foolish.
Just as Flitwick prepared to begin the actual lesson, Tom raised his hand.
"Yes, Mr. Riddle?"
Tom rose gracefully, speaking with deliberate calm.
"Professor, I believe you have overlooked something."
"Oh?" Flitwick blinked. "What might that be?"
"You could add the students' parents as well. That way, they may better understand their children's school life and academic progress."
Silence.
Total silence.
Every student stared at him in absolute horror.
How could such chilling words emerge from a mouth at thirty six degrees?
They were all students. How could he betray them like this?
Neville's eyes widened in terror. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he imagined Professor McGonagall exchanging updates with his grandmother.
Daphne's jaw nearly dropped. Was Tom actively trying to get her thrashed by her mother?
Tom, however, remained serene.
He was an orphan.
No parents to contact. No consequences to fear.
If boosting sales required a little public resentment, so be it. Who would dare insult him to his face?
He severely underestimated the collective resentment in the room. If strength were not a factor, someone might already have challenged him to a duel.
Then,
Laughter burst forth.
Lavender Brown.
"Brown, what is so funny?" Ron demanded.
Lavender wheezed between giggles. "My parents are Muggles. They cannot use WhatsApp."
The room froze.
For perhaps the first time in Slytherin history, several pure blood students felt genuine envy toward someone they once dismissed.
Flitwick cleared his throat, smiling diplomatically.
"Well... I shall consider it. Mr. Riddle's suggestion is quite thoughtful. Slytherin earns ten points."
He knew very well that actually adding parents would devastate morale. He had no intention of pushing his students that far. Best to reward the initiative and move on.
Tom sighed inwardly. No parent integration, but ten points would suffice.
[Achievement Points: 4961 → 4963]
Thirty seven points away from five thousand.
He ground his teeth.
He had published two academic papers over the summer, yet their influence had not spread widely enough. His achievement growth crawled like a snail. Frustrating.
Perhaps tonight he would visit Dumbledore, return the gargoyle statue, and see whether he could extract a few more points.
The First Legendary Teacher.
He was growing impatient.
Flitwick spent the remainder of class reviewing last term's material: the Engorgement Charm, the Cleaning Charm, the General Counter Spell. Preparation for the placement exams.
Before dismissing them, he announced that the top ten students would receive a small personal gift.
Most would happily forgo the gift if it meant avoiding the exam. Unfortunately, Professor McGonagall's will was unshakable.
In subsequent classes, other professors praised Tom and his WhatsApp invention. Sadly, none awarded points. A disappointment.
Meanwhile, word of his "add the parents" suggestion spread rapidly. Panic followed. What sort of devil even conceived such an idea?
Several students considered discarding their notebooks entirely.
None actually did.
By lunchtime, the looks directed at Tom were peculiar.
Astoria tugged lightly at his sleeve.
"Tom... you were very bad."
He ruffled her hair. "Even you? You are a good girl. If Professor Greengrass were added, the teachers would only praise you."
Her cheeks flushed pink at the blunt compliment.
"Ginny scolded you all through class," she added softly. "She said you have been possessed by evil Slytherin spirits."
Across two long tables, Tom met Ginny's glare.
She immediately dropped her gaze.
Coward.
In the afternoon, third years had only one compulsory Herbology lesson. After collecting a bottle of Bubotuber pus, class ended.
Instead of returning to the castle, Tom headed toward Hagrid's hut.
He handed over the prepared supplements for the Acromantulas.
"Feed according to size," he instructed. "No more than ten drops for the largest. Once every two weeks."
Business before everything.
Venom production had to increase.
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