Chapter Text
Even if Tom had a happy childhood, he would still be the person he is now, just like I would still have fallen in love with him.
For example, if we were born into a different family like the Malfoys, Tom wouldn't be as aggressive. He would find ways to keep his status and climb higher, but he wouldn't be so obsessed with being on top.
When he wanted to get rid of someone, he'd use money and power. With the power he already has, his quest for more would be more relaxed, not like a hungry snake devouring everything. Tom would still lack normal human emotions and understanding of love, but at least the world would be saved.
I wouldn't have to sacrifice the whole world just to be with him.
Unfortunately, we weren't lucky enough to have that kind of fate, so we have to make people suffer with us.
I believe there's no one easier to understand than my brother.
Unlike others, we don't have a heart. Without a heart, we would act recklessly and die. That's why we need rules, to create an artificial heart and save our lives.
Tom's heart is made up of ambition. And mine is made up of Tom.
"Professor Dumbledore, have you found Miss Warren yet?" I asked, following closely behind Dumbledore.
"The Aurors have investigated, but they haven't found any leads," Dumbledore replied, revealing nothing.
I moistened my lips, trying to control my emotions, and continued to play my part.
"It's been a week already, Miss Warren... I really hope she's safe," I said, trying to sound genuinely concerned.
Finally, Dumbledore looked at me and I met his gaze without flinching. Thanks to my time in Gryffindor, I had become skilled at pretending to be innocent.
But in reality, I had a dangerous desire. I wanted the truth to come out - that Tom had murdered that girl and I had helped get rid of her body. I wanted everyone to see the true nature of my brother and me. It would bring me an incredible sense of satisfaction.
However, for now, I had to stay composed and keep my silence.
"Is Miss Warren your friend?" Dumbledore asked.
"Not exactly a friend, but I often saw her crying alone. I talked to her a few times, but... I hope those bullies think about what they've done," I lied.
As I tried to establish my own identity in contrast to Tom, I had gotten to know most of the students at Hogwarts. Lately, I had even gathered some information about Miss Warren. With these lies, Dumbledore wouldn't have any reason to suspect me.
I maintained a perfect smile on my face as I calmly looked into Dumbledore's eyes.
I wasn't the same child he used to know.
Dumbledore stayed quiet for a moment before speaking softly, "Jack, I know you're an outstanding student admired by everyone in Gryffindor... and your brother's remarks are quite similar, aren't they? Tom is an excellent Slytherin."
I furrowed my brow, unsure of what he meant.
"But I'm not sure if you... truly find happiness in all of this?"
"I don't understand, Professor. How can I possibly be happy when my classmate is missing?"
Dumbledore sighed and didn't respond. Without saying a word, he led me towards his office, and I remained silent, following him.
I had a feeling my initial thoughts were right - Dumbledore was a complicated person. He didn't care about what others said and relied less on concrete evidence. He preferred to listen with a closed mind, believing it was the only way to truly understand someone. As for how he viewed people, only he knew for sure.
Just like how I had my own theory on that.
As the Prefect of Gryffindor, I've visited every professor's office. Strangely enough, the one who liked me the most was Professor Slughorn, the Head of Slytherin, while the one who seemed the most indifferent was my own Head, Professor Dumbledore.
Professor Slughorn often praised me, saying I was as good as my brother. He mentioned that if Tom and I had been in Slytherin, we would have been his pride. Dumbledore, on the other hand, was enthusiastic about me at first, but as I spent more time in Gryffindor, he grew colder towards me. I didn't even think he'd make me Prefect, but he still did.
Dumbledore never makes decisions based on personal feelings, even if it means hurting a good person or sparing a bad one. It's an interesting trait, though I don't understand why he does it.
Because of this, I rarely visit his office—and I don't like it much. Like Tom, I prefer a clean, tidy space with only the essentials. I don't care about decorations; whether the room is cold or cozy doesn't matter to me. It's just meaningless stuff anyway.
But here, nothing is satisfying. The first impression is chaos, with books, documents, magical items, teaching props, and snacks all mixed together. In a place like this, how can one think clearly? Perhaps Dumbledore's brain is as cluttered as his room.
Yet, despite the mess, he functions well and can even compete with me. I took a deep breath, trying to hide my complex thoughts.
"It's a bit messy; I hope you don't mind," Dumbledore said, waving his wand to clear space for a chair.
"It's fine. You've never seen a Gryffindor dormitory; it's a disaster," I replied, sitting down and tucking my robes under my thighs.
"Haha, trust me, I've seen it," Dumbledore laughed as he made tea and served snacks. I ate politely. Unlike Tom, I kind of liked these little treats; the sweetness reminded me of him.
Surprisingly, Dumbledore leaned over the table and watched me quietly for a moment. I wondered if he had any special thoughts about me, but then he smiled and said I still drank tea the same way I did as a child, just like the first time he saw me.
"If I were to adopt a child, I might choose one like you," he said. Assuming Dumbledore had seen through my nature, I wondered how he could still look at me and laugh.
"Why would you want to adopt a child, Professor? Are you not planning on getting married?" I asked, pretending nothing was unusual.
Dumbledore smiled and replied, "Marriage is not everyone's goal in life, Jack."
"I thought only people with special difficulties refused to get married. Most people think that someone who doesn't must be abnormal, right?" I pushed further.
"There are also people who think that children without homes are abnormal, children with special abilities are abnormal, and even a certain type of love is abnormal," Dumbledore said, his eyes implying something.
I decided not to pursue the question further. I took a sip of tea, signaling that I was done with the topic.
By the way, Dumbledore shouldn't have added anything to the tea...
Well, if it were me, I definitely would have.
There's no reason for it, but I just know that Dumbledore wouldn't do it. My gut tells me, and it's never been wrong yet.