"Why?"
On the way back, Robert couldn't help but ask.
"Why?" Tom repeated expressionlessly.
"I'm asking you—why did you tell Dumbledore about this? This isn't your style." Robert asked curiously.
"I just want Dumbledore to come with us," Tom replied. "That way, you can't cheat me."
Robert: ?
"Don't take me for a fool, Robert. You're someone who never does anything without personal gain. Why would you agree to meet my family for no reason? You must be planning something."
"Tom, you really misunderstand me. When have I ever stopped trying to get something for nothing? And… have you forgotten that we are close friends? Isn't it normal for friends to help each other?"
"Haha, you say you're Annie's best friend… but clearly, you've calculated everything. Best friends are meant to be sold out."
"Nonsense! Best friends are best friends!"
"Beware of fire, theft… and you! For sure!"
"Okay, whatever you say. But honestly, I don't have any hidden agenda this time."
Robert really didn't have any ulterior motives this time. Just like when he wanted to watch Dumbledore burn Tom's cabinet, he simply wanted to have some fun.
I didn't expect this kid to be so on guard against me after being tricked so many times…
Tom curled his lips. From his perspective, it didn't matter if Robert had any schemes or not—staying cautious was always a good idea.
Besides, with Dumbledore around, he felt much more at ease.
Even though Dumbledore didn't like him, the headmaster was still reliable when it came to serious matters.
And… Robert was right about one thing. Informing Dumbledore directly this time wasn't Tom's usual style.
But because of that, this was a great opportunity to gain Dumbledore's trust.
Tom just wanted Dumbledore to see that he was no longer the dark, evil kid he used to be.
A prodigal son who returns is worth more than gold!
Look, I'm not the Tom I used to be! I've started to change, so stop being on guard against me!
Early the next morning
The Hogwarts students rushed to the station with their luggage.
They had to leave Hogwarts on the Hogwarts Express.
But Robert and Tom did not follow the crowd.
Instead, they arrived early at Dumbledore's office with their luggage.
Dumbledore led them to the fireplace.
"Because the residence I arranged for you has been set up with a Fidelius Charm, no one will be able to find you unless you tell them the location," Dumbledore explained while taking out a note and handing it to Robert and Tom.
"The address on this note is where you'll be staying. Memorize it, then burn the note."
Robert and Tom took a closer look.
It read: [Godric's Hollow, No. 81]
The two exchanged surprised glances.
They had been to Godric's Hollow before and were attacked by Grindelwald's followers.
But No. 81… wasn't the same house as before.
Still, with the Fidelius Charm in place, returning to Godric's Hollow would be safe.
"Have you memorized it?" Dumbledore asked.
Robert and Tom nodded, and Robert tossed the note into the fireplace.
The paper instantly turned to ash.
"Alright," Dumbledore said, picking up a small plate filled with Floo powder.
He grabbed a handful and threw it into the fireplace.
The flames immediately turned dark green, losing their usual heat.
"Shout out the address, and you'll get there."
At this moment, Dumbledore's office was serving as the deputy headmaster's office of Hogwarts.
Visitors arriving at Hogwarts through the Floo Network had to pass through this fireplace.
However, in general, prior application was required; otherwise, the fireplace remained sealed.
Robert grabbed a handful of Floo powder, stepped into the fireplace, and shouted:
"Number 81, Godric's Hollow!"
With a whoosh, emerald-green flames surged, and Robert vanished.
He felt as if he were sliding down a long tunnel, passing multiple fireplace exits.
He could even faintly hear conversations from other fireplaces…
Just as Robert strained to hear what they were saying—
Thud!
His feet landed on solid ground.
Robert stepped out of the fireplace into a simply furnished living room.
A small kitchen was adjacent to it, with a spiral staircase leading upstairs.
"Master Robert, you're here!"
A familiar voice rang out, and Robert turned to see Toby, his house-elf, standing respectfully before him.
"Why are you here?" Robert asked.
Toby grinned. "Professor Dumbledore asked Toby to come here in advance to wait for Master Robert. From today onwards, this is your home."
"I see…"
Just then, another whoosh!
Tom and Dumbledore arrived behind him.
"The rooms are on the second floor. Want to check them out?" Dumbledore asked.
"Sure."
Robert and Tom exchanged glances.
The most important thing now… was to claim the best room first!
Just as they were about to dash upstairs—
A fiery red figure suddenly appeared from the air!
Robert and Tom instinctively reached for their wands.
But the red shadow landed on Dumbledore's shoulder.
It was a large, fiery-red bird.
"Robert, Tom, this is Fawkes—my friend and a phoenix," Dumbledore introduced with a smile.
The phoenix tilted its head, gazing at the two boys.
"Phoenix?" Robert suddenly recalled that the Dumbledore family was known to have a phoenix.
Looking at Fawkes, both Robert and Tom found the bird a bit… ugly.
But Robert quickly smiled. "It's so beautiful!"
"Yes… I've never seen such a beautiful bird before," Tom added.
Hearing their insincere flattery, Fawkes lifted his head proudly.
Dumbledore chuckled. "I'm leaving Fawkes here. If there's danger, he can take you away."
Robert was shocked.
Dumbledore was entrusting a phoenix to protect them?
Did he really care about them that much?
Tom was equally surprised.
Dumbledore's attention to them far exceeded his expectations.
Dumbledore had a simple reason—these two were rare talents, and more importantly, Grindelwald was interested in them.
Although Dumbledore didn't know why, he couldn't let Grindelwald succeed.
So, he deliberately left Fawkes to watch over Robert and Tom.
The house had five rooms on the second floor, each fairly spacious.
Thanks to the Untraceable Extension Charm, space was no issue.
Since there were enough rooms, they didn't need to fight over one.
Still, Tom deliberately picked the room farthest from Robert's.
After unpacking, they went downstairs.
In the living room, Dumbledore was setting up a cozy nest for Fawkes by the fireplace.
"Fawkes likes dried fish. I've stocked plenty in the basement," Dumbledore explained to Toby.
"There's also enough food stored. If you run out, just write to me," he added.
Toby immediately replied, "Toby can go out and shop. Then Apparate straight home."
Toby understood Robert's concern—if they had to rely on Dumbledore for food, it would feel like house arrest.
Self-sufficiency was the better option.
"Alright. But if anything happens, come to me," Dumbledore reminded them.
Just then, Robert and Tom came downstairs.
Dumbledore asked, "So… when do you want to visit the Gaunt family?"
Tom hesitated before saying, "Today… if you're free."
"Alright," Dumbledore agreed. "Their house is in Great Hangleton. We can use this fireplace to go there."
Toby then spoke up. "Master Robert, breakfast is ready."
"Great, we haven't eaten yet," Robert smiled.
Toby beamed with gratitude.
Dumbledore's eyes softened.
Robert even considered the feelings of his house-elf…
How many wizards could do that?
Dumbledore felt reassured.
"Robert, you're such a kind-hearted child."
Tom, watching from the side, felt suffocated.
I work so hard to earn Dumbledore's trust.
But this guy Robert… earns it effortlessly.
Tsk.
Maybe… I should just imitate him.
(End of Chapter)
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