Undeterred, Horace Slughorn gritted his teeth, his gaze darting between Tom Riddle and Cassandra Volle. Finally, he seemed to reach a decision. He harbored no grand ambitions; his greatest aspirations were to associate with influential figures and mentor exceptionally talented geniuses.
Risking public embarrassment, Slughorn cautiously addressed Tom Riddle, "If Miss Volle is amenable, I could become her nominal teacher. My connections could be of great service to her in the future."
"...?"
What is he even thinking? Does he honestly believe his connections outweigh the backing of the most powerful wizarding organization in the world, the Death Eaters? Frankly, his connections wouldn't hold a candle to the potential advantages of being known as the Dark Lord's student.
Tom Riddle raised an eyebrow. Without much forethought, he said, "If Cassandra agrees, I have no objections."
Overjoyed and oblivious, Slughorn eagerly repeated the question to Cassandra. "Miss Volle, I assure you, should you ever need anything, I will do everything within my power, even if it means exhausting every favor I've accumulated in my life!"
"...?"
The desperation in Slughorn's eyes failed to sway Cassandra. "While I no longer wish to be Tom's student..."
Tom Riddle turned, a smirk playing on his lips.
"...I have no intention of acknowledging anyone else as my teacher."
"..."
"Therefore, I must apologize, Professor Slughorn. Thank you for your kind offer."
"...?"
Cassandra's curt dismissal turned Slughorn to stone. Expressionless, he simply stood there, silently gazing at the sky.
"But aside from this rebellious student, aren't there others?" Tom Riddle's voice broke the silence.
Slughorn weakly waved his hand. He craved peace and quiet, unless the other potential students were equally outstanding.
"Harry, come here for a moment." Tom Riddle beckoned to Harry Potter, who had been observing the scene.
Harry Potter obediently approached.
"Harry Potter," Tom Riddle said, patting Harry on the shoulder. "Despite the circulating rumors, one cannot deny his excellence. You yourself have seen it. Harry not only surpasses most of his peers in magic, but he also possesses remarkable talent in weapon duels and practical combat."
Tom Riddle's words resonated in Harry Potter's mind, filling him with elation. It was clear that his mentor's praise pleased him greatly.
"Harry Potter?" Slughorn perked up slightly, then seemed to recall something. "That savior who robbed Ollivander's Wand Shop shortly after the start of the school year?"
"..."
Is this going to follow me forever?! A scowl marred Harry Potter's face.
"Very well." Recalling the image of Harry Potter cleaving through the floor with a sword, Slughorn couldn't deny the boy's talent. "I find myself quite interested as well."
But Harry Potter had already lost interest in him.
"Sir, must I become his student?"
Harry Potter's disdainful tone stung Slughorn.
"No, it is your choice," Tom Riddle said. "I will not force you if you are unwilling."
"Then I decline."
"..."
Reeling from another blow, Slughorn's legs nearly gave way.
"That is settled, then. He has made his decision." Tom Riddle began to lead Cassandra and Harry Potter away. "Professor Slughorn, remember to report to Hogwarts before the term begins."
With a "snap," the three figures vanished.
Slughorn, left alone, stood in silence for a moment before regaining his composure.
It's alright. There's still plenty of time. There's still a chance.
Resolving to persuade Harry Potter again at Hogwarts, Slughorn felt a surge of renewed hope and went inside.
"Besides, Tom Riddle is right. This year's students might indeed possess promise."
Thinking this, Slughorn's mood lifted even further.
...
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
Diagon Alley bustled with activity. Another school year was about to begin, and young wizards had much to prepare. Older wizards also flocked to the Alley to purchase new textbooks and other necessities, such as replacement cauldrons or dragon-hide gloves.
But regardless of their specific needs, there was one place everyone had to visit first: Gringotts.
Many parents who brought their children to buy school supplies lined up to withdraw money.
"Huh? Oh!" A drowsy goblin jolted upright, annoyance flickering across his face as he looked at the wizard before him. However, he dared not display his usual arrogant demeanor. "Excuse me, sir. I was momentarily distracted. How may I assist you?"
"I need to access my vault to retrieve some Galleons."
Somewhat puzzled by the goblin's uncharacteristic behavior, the wizard thought little of it; he had too many other things to consider.
"No problem, sir!" The goblin plastered a smile across his wrinkled face. "I'll have someone escort you there immediately!"
"..."
The goblins' attitude has truly undergone a transformation in the past two years. The wizard couldn't understand the reason behind it, but he didn't view it as a negative change. Quite the opposite, it was a welcome development!
"Phew~" Watching the wizard depart, the goblin sighed in relief. He had been on the verge of exploding with anger, but he quickly glanced around, ensuring a certain "pink toad" wasn't present before relaxing.
Damn it! the goblin thought, fighting back tears. Yesterday, that "pink toad" had forced him to write, "I will never give a wizard a sour look again!" all night!
Because of that pink toad, a multitude of his colleagues had been terminated. He had initially been fortunate enough to avoid expulsion, but later, due to goblin shortages, while they weren't expelled, their punishments increased; even the slightest infraction resulted in harsh repercussions.
He had merely exhibited a touch of impatience with the wizard who had come to withdraw money, uttering a few curt remarks, and that pink toad had nearly killed him!
Damn it! These Galleons rightfully belong to us goblins! Why should we treat these 'thieves' with courtesy?!
The goblins seethed with hatred, but quickly regained their composure, a sinister glint returning to their eyes.
They wouldn't allow this to persist. The Dark Lord and the Ministry of Magic were systematically dismantling the goblins' way of life. They were slowly choking them out of existence!
Since the pink toad and the wizards couldn't tolerate them and insisted on such oppressive measures, they had no choice but to rebel!
Including this particular goblin, many within Gringotts had already established contact with Ranrok's forces.
Although rebellion seemed like a suicide mission, remembering what Ranrok had "enticed" them with... even with slim odds, hope remained!
And they had no other alternative!
They were merely awaiting the command to completely overthrow the wizarding world!
---