Facing the incoming spell, Hermione had almost no chance to react, and could only stare blankly as the green curse got closer and closer.
"Protego Maxima!" Jellall’s voice rang out from behind her. A golden, armor-like shield sprang up in front of Hermione.
Bang.
The spell hit the shield with a crisp sound. Sparks flew, illuminating the entire chamber before it plunged back into darkness.
"You, you are... Cedric?" In the brief flash of light, Hermione recognized the young man who had attacked her. "Why?"
It was confusing.
The young witch was truly baffled. Why was Cedric, who had been attacked by the heir, here in the Chamber? And why was he attacking her?
Could it all be a lie?
Was this Cedric the true heir of the Chamber?
"A rather nice Shield Charm," Cedric said, slowly erging from the dark corner. But he made no move to answer Hermione’s question. "You truly live up to your reputation, Mr. Zickrein."
"Do I?" Jellall smiled lightly. "But you’ve disappointed , Heir. Is this all you can do?"
"First, let introduce myself. My na is Tom." Cedric didn’t get angry at being provoked. He spoke very politely. "Tom Riddle."
"I see." Jellall nodded, pretending to be hearing this for the first ti. "That explains it."
"It seems you’ve heard of ?" Cedric, possessed by Tom, wore a gentle smile.
"I know a little," Jellall said calmly. "Hogwarts’ most outstanding student, hailed as the brightest hope. But not long after graduation, you fell into becoming the Dark Lord feared throughout the wizarding world. Known as Voldemort."
Voldemort?
Hermione froze, her face full of disbelief. "You, you’re Voldemort?" she whispered, staring blankly at Cedric, her mind reeling.
"Voldemort?" Tom frowned. "Forgive , but that na is rather unpleasant. Would my future self truly accept such a hideous title?"
"Your future self is not as rational as you are now," Jellall said lightly, glancing at Tom. "Of course, and you’ve lost the cunning of your present self."
"Please call it strategy, sir." Tom corrected him with a smile. "For a true Slytherin, learning to use strategy is a compulsory course."
"The forr Voldemort?" During their conversation, Hermione finally understood what was happening. "So that’s it, Voldemort split his soul when he was young?"
"Horcruxes, indeed a great magic," Tom said, turning his gaze to her and smiling slightly. "But there are many areas needing improvent. Sadly, I didn’t have enough ti back then."
As he spoke, Cedric’s face gradually transford into the appearance of a young Voldemort. His hair was a bright blonde, and his smile was gentle and refined.
Is this guy really Voldemort?
Hermione felt almost embarrassed by his gentle smile. The difference between him and the legendary Dark Lord was too great! Though, she had to admit, he wasn’t as handso as Professor Zickrein.
"So, with your return, are you planning to improve the Horcruxes first?" Jellall asked calmly.
"No." Tom shook his head and said quietly, "I intend to destroy all the Horcruxes, and then kill that Voldemort."
What?
Hermione gasped in shock, her face etched with disbelief. Was he serious? Kill himself?
"I see." Jellall didn’t seem surprised by the answer and nodded slightly.
"I am Tom Riddle, not soone else," Tom said, ignoring Jellall’s expression and beginning to explain. "I don’t want to be a part of anyone. I am . To achieve this goal, whether it’s Dumbledore or Voldemort who stands in my way, they must be eliminated."
"A fine ambition," Jellall stated, agreeing.
"I knew you’d agree." Tom bead. "Because we are the sa, people unbound by the rules of this world. I formally invite you here, let’s cooperate."
Hermione stared blankly at Jellall, her heart pounding. "Professor Zickrein...?"
"You seem to misunderstand sothing, Tom," Jellall said, shaking his head. "I deeply agree with your ambition, but that doesn’t an I’ll join your side."
"Oh?" Tom smiled. "Why not?"
"You should know the answer to that yourself," Jellall said, looking at him calmly. "You went to such lengths to lure here, did you really want to cooperate with ?"
"Lure here?" Hermione’s expression faltered, her face filled with confusion.
"Using the basilisk to distract the professors, and Harry Potter as bait. Your goal was to get to this Chamber," Jellall said, his eyelids lowered. "Am I right, Tom?"
"Excellent, you are truly clever!" Tom clapped his hands, impressed. "I like you more and more, Zickrein. I admit you are my equal in both intellect and power, truly perfect! A perfect vessel!"
Crack.
Before he finished speaking, Tom suddenly waved his wand. A beam of azure light shot out, aid directly at Jellall’s face.
However, Jellall was already prepared. He simultaneously swung his wand. A green beam burst forth, colliding with the azure light, and the entire Chamber was filled with brilliance.
"Professor Zickrein!" Hermione cried out urgently, watching the two duel. She wanted to rush forward to help, but at that mont, a figure erged from the shadows and held a wand to her throat.
Gulp.
Hermione’s pupils contracted, and she turned her gaze to the newcor. "Ginny, Ginny?"
The one who had attacked her was Ron’s sister, Ginny Weasley. But her eyes were vacant, and she looked as soulless as a puppet.
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