Tom: Why do you always cheat me? Do you think you will be rewarded for cheating me?
After abandoning his fearless arrogance and handing over the experiments to the senior sister, Robert's life suddenly became much easier.
Apart from secretly searching for ancient magic hotspots at night to enhance his ancient magic power, he also focused on reading and studying.
The senior was right—at this moment, the first thing he had to do was make up for his weak magical knowledge.
Only by accumulating knowledge could any future experiments or research be meaningful.
Otherwise, without a strong foundation, he would only be grasping at the basics despite his efforts.
Tom was amazed at the change in Robert.
This guy, who used to disappear right after class, now went to the library regularly!
Moreover, Nagini, whom he had previously entrusted to Tom for care, was now back at his side.
In other words, Robert's secret activities seemed to have stopped—except for his night walks.
However, Robert's reading speed remained as fast as ever.
His learning efficiency was still as enviable as before…
Besides, Robert broke his usual habit and stopped skipping internal study sessions.
Anne's transformation also secretly shocked Tom.
Tom could feel that the pressure Anne exerted on others was increasing daily.
Her strength was growing significantly every few days!
Tom was startled by the speed of her progress.
These so-called "fake drugs" of Robert were truly impressive!
Tom was tempted.
If strength could grow this quickly... perhaps a few side effects wouldn't be a problem...
However, seeing that Robert remained steady and composed every day, Tom suppressed his impulse.
He understood that Robert, like himself, was eager to gain power.
However, Robert was able to give Anne the "fake" that could rapidly boost strength, yet he never used it himself.
That alone was proof that the substance was not a good thing!
After suffering numerous setbacks with Robert, Tom had learned one thing—following Robert's lead was the safest option.
If Robert did something, he could do it too.
If Robert avoided something, then he should definitely stay away from it.
Because Robert would never take a risk he wasn't confident about!
And Tom was extremely cautious—especially when it came to his own survival...
Thus, time passed.
Soon, it was the end of December.
Christmas was approaching.
Hogwarts gradually became more festive.
"If you wish to stay at school for Christmas, you may come to me and collect an application form," Professor McGonagall announced at breakfast, holding a stack of forms.
Some young wizards immediately rushed forward to get the application forms.
Neither Tom nor Robert moved.
They silently watched as Anne ran up to collect a form.
"Hasn't she had enough?" Tom whispered in surprise.
"There is no end to human desires, Tom," Robert said calmly.
"Meow~" The cat in Robert's arms stretched lazily.
"But if she doesn't go home for Christmas... then our plan—"
"Don't worry. She'll go back," Robert replied confidently.
"It's the end of the year—she has to report back. Even if she doesn't want to, her aunt won't allow it."
"As long as she returns, her increased strength won't go unnoticed by Grindelwald..."
"So... after Christmas, or maybe even before, Grindelwald will make his move... but how will you guide them into the trap step by step?" Tom asked.
"In the locations she searched, I left some 'fakes' and incomplete manuscripts… Now, those manuscripts should be in Anne's hands. They will lead them exactly where I want them to go..."
After hearing this, Tom stopped asking and focused on eating.
"Tom, why did you suddenly stop questioning me?"
"You've planned everything already. There's no point in me asking," Tom responded, very aware of Robert's cunning nature.
In truth, he was afraid that if he questioned too much, Robert might trick him again…
Tom was frustrated.
Ever since he met Robert, this guy had been scheming against him every single day…
Why?
Could Robert actually be rewarded for cheating him?
Tom thought about this as he used his knife to cut his fried egg.
"It doesn't hurt to ask more about the plan. No matter how careful I am, there may still be flaws. I need your help, Tom," Robert said gently.
"You can help me find the weak spots and strengthen them…"
Tom secretly curled his lips.
You've already laid out everything, and now you want me to check for mistakes?
However, despite his irritation, Tom thought carefully before replying.
"At present, your plan doesn't seem to have any obvious flaws. If everything is arranged as you said, then all we need to do is wait and watch."
"Good, I trust your judgment, Tom," Robert said with a smile.
"…Wait!" Tom suddenly looked at Robert warily.
"…If the plan fails, you're not going to blame me, are you?"
After all, Robert had just said he trusted Tom's judgment.
If things failed later, would Robert turn around and claim that Tom's poor judgment led to his mistake?
No wonder Tom was so alert.
In his experience, Robert was absolutely capable of pulling such a move!
"Tom… why do you always look at me like that? We are close friends! How could I blame you for my failures?" Robert sighed.
"Unless you promise that, if the plan fails, it won't have anything to do with me!" Tom insisted.
Robert sighed again, then finally made a promise.
"Alright, I promise. Even if the plan fails, it has nothing to do with Tom. I won't hold you responsible."
Tom finally relaxed.
Seeing Tom's relief, Robert couldn't help but stroke the cat in his arms again.
This kid was getting harder and harder to fool…
But even though I made that promise, I never specified which Tom I was referring to…
"Hey, you two, why do you always flirt while having breakfast?"
Anne had been watching them for a while now.
Since they were communicating with a Whispering Spell, to others, it seemed like they were flirting.
"Tsk! That sounds disgusting, Anne! What's in your head?" Tom glared at her in disgust.
"What? If you're not convinced, then fight me!" Anne challenged him with a battle-hungry gaze.
Tom immediately turned away.
Only an idiot would fight a powered-up Anne!
Robert remained composed.
"Actually, we are trying to communicate telepathically."
"Telepathy? Is that even possible?" Anne asked, intrigued.
"Not necessarily, but we are experimenting. Many new spells are discovered through repeated trials."
"I see... Have you succeeded?"
"Not yet. Are you interested? You could join us."
"No… I'm not interested." Anne quickly waved her hands.
She, a girl, wasn't about to "flirt" with two boys!
"What a pity, Anne. Your name won't be listed as the co-inventor of this new spell," Robert mused.
Anne thought Robert was just joking.
But Tom caught the hidden meaning.
Was Robert implying that, by betraying him, Anne had lost her place in the group?
Tsk, Robert was truly something else…
And to think Dumbledore still believed Robert was a good person!
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