Hogwarts: I, Tom, am really not Voldemort!

After finalizing the appointment with Professor Dumbledore and being additionally gifted a special psychotherapy session and a late-night private hot spring experience by Tom, Dumbledore contentedly walked out of the Aberforth Club with Tom.

Afterward, Tom enthusiastically invited Professor Dumbledore to play a round of cards at the neighboring 'Duel Kingdom'.

"Professor, this is the latest card game jointly developed by George and Fred Weasley, with the Voray family responsible for production, operation, and promotion. Would you like to play a game?"

Again, the Weasley twins. Tom, you really have a good relationship with them. A snake has actually infiltrated the lion's den. The Voldemort of yesteryear didn't have your social skills.

As for Voray, Dumbledore wasn't surprised at all. Given the relationship between Miss Cassandra and Tom, it would be strange if she weren't involved.

Just as Dumbledore was about to politely decline, he heard Tom say, "Professor, this is Professor Grindelwald's favorite entertainment recently."

Grindelwald's favorite entertainment?

The staff of 'Duel Kingdom' looked at the ruined shop and at Dumbledore and Tom standing on the rubble, on the verge of tears.

They knew it. Playing cards with the Dark Lord, with his terrible card skills, would one day lead to a real-life duel. And this time, it came true. Fortunately, they were quick-witted and ran fast, or they would have been caught in the crossfire.

Just as Dumbledore and Tom were facing off, a crowd began to gather, and aurors, even those sent by Fudge to monitor the movements in Knockturn Alley, had arrived.

Seeing the crowd gathering, Tom suddenly squatted down, covered his head to obscure his face, and cried out, "White Magic King, playing cards is playing cards, why resort to physical violence? I'm really not that kind of person, wah wah wah ~"

"Oh ~"

The crowd listening to Tom's cries looked at Dumbledore as if he were a pervert.

"I didn't expect Dumbledore to be this kind of person, bullying such a cute little loli."

"Exactly, exactly, just like the Daily Prophet said, he's indeed the White Magic King. We were wrong about him before."

"We must expose Professor Dumbledore's evil deeds to the public."

......

"I'm not, I didn't, don't talk nonsense."

Listening to the surrounding people's comments and looking at Tom, Dumbledore thought, how could this bastard be such a good actor? It's a waste of talent not to be an actor.

He wanted to explain now, but as soon as he opened his mouth, his words were drowned out by the crowd's chatter. As for the Amplifying Charm, believe it or not, as soon as he made a move, no matter what spell it was, the next day it would definitely be spread as: Dumbledore tried to bully a little girl unsuccessfully, attempting to eliminate the witnesses and cover up the crime.

The only ones at the scene who knew the truth were the staff of 'Duel Kingdom'. They looked at Dumbledore with sympathy. However, from another perspective, the Dark Lord's appearance today was actually quite cute. Dumbledore couldn't help but take action, which didn't seem impossible.

As for whether the Dark Lord's appearance would damage his image, the gold master didn't comment. Those who had opinions had already been eaten by melon-munchers. Besides, this was much better than having no nose. At least it was easier to attract new customers.

Just as the aurors were about to step forward, Lucius, with his keen eye, appeared, offering a small bag of Galleons: "Please let the White Magic King off this time. I guarantee he won't commit such an act in broad daylight again. Please don't publicize it."

Lucius emphasized the word "publicize" subtly.

The aurors who came didn't want to act in the first place, given their duties. Why risk their lives for such a small salary? Now that Lucius had provided an excuse and an unexpected reward, they happily accepted the money bag: "We'll let Dumbledore off this time, but we'll still publicize his evil deeds."

After saying that, they left with their men. After the aurors left, the remaining crowd was also dispersed. Even the NPC Lucius silently retreated with the crowd after finishing his work.

Tom, who had wiped away his tears, looked at the victim Dumbledore, disheveled in the wind, with a smile on his face.

"Tom Riddle!!!"

"Professor, don't shout. You and Grindelwald are indeed a pair, with the same poor card manners. Look, you've destroyed the shop. What's wrong with me asking for some compensation? It's not excessive."

Tom, taking the moral high ground, accused Dumbledore.

"Dumbledore and Grindelwald are a pair?!"

Before Dumbledore could react, Sirius's exclamation suddenly rang out.

Sirius and Lupin, who were originally in the 'Al's Ale' restaurant, came out to watch the excitement when they heard the commotion outside.

They had already been shocked once by Dumbledore bullying a little girl. When the two, who hadn't left in time, realized that the white-haired little loli was Tom, they thought it might be a misunderstanding. They had just breathed a sigh of relief when they heard even more explosive content.

Now it was Dumbledore's turn to be silent. What could he say? If he denied it, believe it or not, someone nearby would immediately run off to tattle. As for actively admitting it... uh... let him think about how to organize his words.

Dumbledore's momentary silence instead had a sense of trying to cover something up, causing Sirius and Lupin to exchange glances.

So, the magical world was so deep that they couldn't grasp it.

Seeing this, Tom didn't want the atmosphere to become too stiff and took the initiative to change the subject, pointing to the unopened card pack that Sirius had obtained from the 'Al's Ale' restaurant: "Sirius, this seems to be a limited edition. Congratulations, it's very collectible."

Hearing Tom say this, Sirius followed the cue and curiously opened the card pack, then fell into silence again. Lupin, noticing that something was wrong with Sirius, also glanced at his hand and stopped talking.

A stark and lifelike James Potter.

Although he wanted to see his old friend, not in this form. So, which genius came up with this thing?

Just as the atmosphere was about to become unbearably awkward, a loudspeaker in the distance saved everyone.

"Tom's Member Store, grand opening, limited-time free membership!"

"This month, with a shopping receipt, enjoy a 20% discount on purchases at Borgin and Burkes's Love Shop."

"Today's special item, holly wood wand, 11 inches long, 'Phoenix' feather, Savior's same model, only 3 Galleons each, buy two get one free, large quantity available."

"Come and see, take a look. Don't miss it!"

Holly wood, 11 inches long, phoenix feather, the Savior's same model, isn't that Harry's wand?!

Hearing this, Dumbledore couldn't stay any longer, leaving Tom and the others behind, hurrying forward.

Where did some bastard get so many phoenix feathers from, and what is he trying to do?