"Take another path," Garfield said. "Professor, what path are you referring to?"
Garfield replied, "A theorist. Someone who spreads ideas and culture."
In Tom Riddle's worldview, power was the source of everything. This was a theory he had learned on his path to adulthood.
Therefore, Tom Riddle apologized to Garfield. "I'm sorry, Professor. I don't feel qualified to follow in your footsteps."
Indeed, the young Voldemort at this stage was already obsessed with power and authority. He was also terrified of death.
The name Voldemort is very meaningful. Voldemort's birth name was Tom Marvolo Riddle.
Tom came from his father, Tom Riddle Sr. His middle name, Marvolo, came from his maternal grandfather, Marvolo Gaunt.
Voldemort comes from the French word vol, meaning to fly or steal. De is a preposition, equivalent to of in English. Mort means death.
Therefore, Voldemort's name can also be interpreted as flying away from death or stealing death. This shows how afraid he was of death.
A few years after beginning his studies at Hogwarts, the young Tom Riddle was exposed to a great deal of magical knowledge. Through his talent, he learned several foreign languages.
After careful consideration and familiarization, he began to secretly use the name Voldemort.
Furthermore, when the Weasley family spoke of Voldemort in English, they used other words, such as Dark Lord, You Know Who, and He Who Must Not Be Named.
In these phrases, the final t in VOL duh more is optional. His bloodline was half blood, meaning he was half Salazar Slytherin and half Muggle.
"Since you've made your decision, let's leave it at that." Tom Riddle suddenly felt as if he had missed something.
But it was too late to say anything more. He knew that if he rejected his only chance, there wouldn't be a next one.
✦••┈┈••✦••┈┈••✦
Rain was normal in the gloomy September weather. As they approached Hogwarts, raindrops began to fall from the overcast sky.
The raindrops, falling from thousands of meters above, pattered against the windows with the wind. The train carriages were well sealed.
The outside temperature dropped rapidly as the rain fell, but the interior remained warm.
As an orange cat, Garfield's body fat and thick fur protected him from the cold.
He also possessed magical abilities. As a young wizard who hadn't even begun his studies, Tom Riddle clearly lacked these advantages.
"You should change into some thicker clothes, Tom. It will be very cold when the train arrives."
"Thanks for the reminder, Professor."
Tom Riddle, prompted by Garfield, opened his suitcase and began changing into his school uniform.
After calculating the journey, Garfield flew out of the carriage and arrived at the prefects' compartment at the front of the train.
The prefects' compartments were noticeably different from the ones at the back.
They were the standard two row, spacious type, where all the prefects from different houses could sit together for easy conversation.
As his compartment door opened, an orange cat flew in. As prefects, they were usually informed in advance of some of the school's new developments for the year.
For example, the new board of directors, and the fact that the professor could fly. The orange cat's appearance made him undoubtedly their new professor.
"Hello, Professor." "Welcome, Professor."
The children greeted him. Garfield simply nodded slightly. "Hello, kids. It's raining."
"When you get off the train, I suggest you cast a waterproof and moisture proof spell on your new juniors. Maybe you'll gain some respect, admiration, or even love."
After saying this, Garfield winked mischievously at them. Then he apparated away from the carriage and headed straight for the gates of Hogwarts.
✦••┈┈••✦••┈┈••✦
Behind the side gate was the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid was still a newbie at this time. The eight eyed spider was still...
Without the hatching process and the protection of the half giant Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest, the forest was far more dangerous than it would be in Harry Potter's time.
These dangers were limited to the students.
When Garfield arrived at the entrance, Dumbledore had already been waiting for some time.
Seeing Garfield arrive, Dumbledore nodded. "How was the train ride?"
Garfield chuckled. "Pretty boring, except for little Tom Riddle. I'll go in first."
Dumbledore nodded. "I need to wait for the older students. McGonagall is inside. She'll take care of everything you need."
"Okay." Flying inside, at the entrance of the first floor restaurant, McGonagall was waiting for the new students.
Upon seeing Garfield, McGonagall greeted him warmly.
The reason, of course, was that Garfield had advised Dumbledore to try to steer his thinking back to the right path.
Although same sex love is true love, McGonagall had waited for Dumbledore for nearly a century.
Wasn't that enough? Garfield's advice had a slight effect.
At least Dumbledore would sometimes invite McGonagall to dinner. Even if nothing came of it, it was still much better than before.
"Professor Pendragon." "McGonagall, no need to be so polite. Just call me Garfield."
"Then you should call me Minerva."
"That wouldn't be appropriate. I'm not that old. It doesn't feel right to treat you as an equal."
"Garfield, you and Dumbledore are friends. What's wrong with that?"
"Okay, looks like I was being dramatic. Any progress between Minerva and Dumbledore lately?"
McGonagall smiled slightly but shook her head. "Still the same old story. Occasionally, we go out for a meal and a chat."
Garfield reassured McGonagall. "That's actually not bad. At least there's progress, isn't there?"
"There's a saying. 'Chasing a man is easy, but chasing a woman is difficult.' Keep at it, you'll succeed. Don't you think you're less charming than Grindelwald?"
In terms of talent, magic, and knowledge, McGonagall wasn't lacking.
But the monstrous geniuses like Grindelwald and Dumbledore certainly overshadowed her.
"Go, McGonagall. You can do it." "Thank you. I'll try my best."
Guided by McGonagall, Garfield arrived at the end of the restaurant, where the teachers sat. Following McGonagall's directions, Garfield went to his assigned seat.
It was still early. The students hadn't arrived yet. The Hogwarts teachers were either in their rooms or on their way.
Garfield looked up at the ceiling of the dining hall. Hundreds of magical candles floated in mid air, illuminating the entire hall.
The enchanted ceiling was displaying the weather outside.
As Garfield looked up at the sky, Headmaster Armando Dippet walked in, carrying the Sorting Hat.