559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENXAjG9eG8
"...Finally, you've come," the Sorting Hat said on Tom's head.
Tom wondered, What is it saying?
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0lcWI0zXB
The Sorting Hat said, "Hogwarts has been waiting for you for a long time..."
Tom thought, "Can it hear what I'm thinking?"
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO7j0ZhiYB
The Sorting Hat replied, "Yes."
Tom asked, "Can others hear you talking too?"
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWZQbXj8Sb
The Sorting Hat responded, "The conversation between us is a secret."
Tom questioned, "What do you mean by saying Hogwarts has been waiting for me?"
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hcHJjD6d7
The Sorting Hat replied, "A curse that has been dormant in the castle for centuries."
Tom exclaimed, "What?"
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaMJ7Kq0RD
The Sorting Hat said, "I'm sorry, child, but you belong here by birth. Slytherin!"
The Sorting Hat shouted the last word loudly, but there was almost no applause.
Even those who were clapping blindly quickly stopped.
People started discussing, and only Dumbledore had an expression of "I knew it."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xapArHeKs
"Isn't he the boy who works for Ollivander?" Many first-year students recognized Tom.
Tom's birthday was on the last day of the previous year (1937), and it was then that he discovered he was a wizard.
In January of this year (1938), he started working at the wand shop and continued working there until just before the start of the school year.
During these nine months, almost everyone who came to buy a wand remembered him.
Because Ollivanders had never had a non-family assistant at the shop before.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuuXYU27f6
"But isn't it said that Slytherin only accepts students from noble families? His last name is Riddle, right?"
Students and teachers whispered among themselves.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvtrNkRX2N
"Maybe he's just very ambitious?"
People always try to find a reasonable explanation for things.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB61I33QVl
Meanwhile, Tom, expressionless on the stage, took off the hat.
Deep down, he had no desire to be sorted into Slytherin.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V15gowKb3
He wanted to be in Ravenclaw.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoHh529TK3
He had heard long ago that Slytherin valued bloodlines.
And for someone like him, an orphan from the Muggle world with unknown parentage, going to that house would only be torture.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9q635WZNv
"Hey, aren't you from the Ollivander family?"
The boy sitting next to Tom sized him, as if afraid of getting dirty.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVI4vvualpw
Tom replied, "No, I'm not."
The boy persisted, "Then are you related to them?"
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEZKlFGXzj
Tom gave him a proud look as if to say, "Who are you to ask me?"
The boy returned the stare, snorting disdainfully.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrtHBX09e6
The whispers among the Slytherins seemed to revolve around finding a way to expel this anomaly that had tainted their house.
Tom remained unruffled by their scrutiny, sitting confidently in his seat. Every move he made during the meal was impeccable, and he appeared remarkably at ease.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCVXK6SDT6
"Perhaps he simply doesn't want to reveal his family background. Who would have a surname just happens to be Riddle?" whispered the girls, starting such rumours.
The animosity toward Tom grew stronger among the boys.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniNwgduJBc
Tom thought to himself that he was accustomed to this.
Just like where everyone competed to be adopted, the children in the orphanage had joined forces to exclude him from the start.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpxWRbKOGD
Excellence always drew jealousy.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgj6piVqyp
In his heart, Tom encouraged himself, "I will make these 'nobles' regret it, just like the kids back at the orphanage."
They would regret, daring to study in the same house as his.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtlIk52whS
--------
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcwvj6kbjb
Ginny didn't slow down the progress of the potion class.
On the contrary, she handled the making of potions faster and more accurately than two of her classmates combined.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgMzjbAEVF
It wasn't just Potions. She excelled in all subjects in classroom performance.
Initially, when no one raised their hand to answer questions, the teachers would habitually call on Ginny upon seeing her red hair.
Then times and times, Ginny's answers were always precise and detailed, prompting the teachers to encourage her to be more proactive in class and not be too shy.
Her classmates had grown accustomed to treating her as a know-it-all and refrained from saying anything foolish in her presence.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWbElXMwX1
"Well, she doesn't need to study anyway..." her classmates would say behind her back.
"Her elder brothers are either Prefect, Team Captain, or Head Boy..."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpExfqGDrOT
So Ginny still didn't have any friends.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd48OJ6T2JQ
Hufflepuff's Ricky was obsessed with insects, which terrified Ginny.
Ravenclaw's Luna was always in her own world, speaking in riddles. Ginny found communication with her exhausting.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmURB1VMiGe
Bad rumours lingered.
The rumour about Ginny bullying Eugene to the point of transferring schools persisted and grew more exaggerated.
Whenever Slytherins encountered her, they would make jokes about fearing to offend the "princess" and such.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TdpfcEaqb
But what hurt Ginny the most was that even Gryffindors seemed to believe in the rumours.
So when she took the initiative to ask Kenny and others if they wanted to play chess together, Colin made a snide comment, "We wouldn't want to take up your precious resting time."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicf2mTUUfe
Stephanie and Daisy made it even more obvious.
Every time Ginny entered the room, they would immediately stop talking.
Ginny had caught glimpses of words aimed at her right before she pushed open the door several times...
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkiY8HKRAP
After some deliberation, Ginny gave up.
She threw herself into academics, making her essays increasingly profound and comprehensive, except for Professor Lockhart's Defense Against the Dark Arts Class.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs11iGdkgtr
In that class, Ginny often stared blankly at the play being performed on the stage.
Luna was sitting next to her, doodling on parchment.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKNVnRkVZS
Ginny couldn't make sense of Luna's random drawings.
Well, Luna didn't really care about grades anyway.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3ObC5Lro5
"Hey, Luna, why aren't you studying at home?" Ginny asked her in a concerned whisper.
Luna had a small note stuck to her back today that said "Loony."
Ginny saw it during class and discreetly tore it off for her.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnByTZFD5J
In the classroom now, apart from a few of Lockhart's "fangirls" who were "paying attention" in class, the rest of the students were chatting amongst themselves.
Luna paused her drawing and said, "I need more research materials."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZxBq54KIM
Ginny asked, "What are you researching, then?"
Luna blinked dreamily and replied, "Soul, life, the essence of humanity."
Ginny tilted her head in confusion and said, "Uh, okay."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYiOlGvpdL
Everyone had different reasons for coming to Hogwarts.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4yphg5AXu
"Someone has warned me that I should be careful around you," Luna suddenly said.
"Who?" Ginny asked although the answer might be pointless.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uE1cKKvRv
"They say you pretend to be a friend and then...," Luna's gaze towards Ginny was more questioning than critical.
Ginny's face turned bright red, a mixture of anger and embarrassment. She pressed tightly and whispered, "So, do you believe them?"
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbevlZulIu
Luna looked at her with a slightly crazy yet earnest expression and said,
"Sometimes, I have dreams where I feel like I've forgotten something important.
It felt like there was another person inside protecting me, filtering out things that could hurt me.
I call it 'the dark side of the moon,' something that I think everyone has within.
They might even know each other, in dreams."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlooik4jrs
Ginny asked, "So, you mean to say that you believe everyone has a dark side?"
Luna replied, "It's more like our stillborn twin. She only appears when she senses danger for us. She is the subject of my research, so I maintain this state."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCsRmxO2CK
Ginny became even more puzzled, but it sounded like Luna was empathizing with her from her "crazy" point of view.
"I hope you're not constantly in danger," Ginny kindly said, showing her concern for Luna.
"Also, I truly don't feel guilty to anyone," Ginny added.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNlz2SE2fJ
Luna, uninterested, said, "I don't care about Eugene, nor however he ends up.
But you have been hindering my research. I had hoped that you would be more intriguing."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRG0MDvNCuH
Ginny was speechless, thinking to herself, "According to Luna's logic, does that mean Tom is my deceased stillborn twin?
And did Luna want to get to know Tom instead of me? Cause she thinks he is more interesting?"
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4A4ZwnKfY
Ginny hadn't written in her diary for a week, but still, she carried it around every day and every minute.
She was afraid of him, but... she was scared that some "classmates" would harm her even more.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYCUBpvTgl
If she were to complain to her brothers, perhaps her parents would immediately come and withdraw her from school.
But if she left now, it would be like admitting defeat, silently bearing the completely opposite and false accusations, and running away.
Therefore, even though she knew she didn't truly enjoy this situation, she still didn't want to explain herself to those who didn't believe her in the first place.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpa4gspXDi
How would a mature adult handle this?
Confront everyone directly?
Besides making herself look like a pitiful mad girl, what effect would it really achieve?
Did she want acceptance of such friendship obtained in this way?
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UHOpQd6b7
Deep down, she was proud and looked down upon those who believed rumours without question, leading them to distance themselves from her or doubt her.
So, she may also be destined to remain like this.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG3rsHN3c7
---------------
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg3mcNXOmC
Ginny: Hi, Tom.
Tom: You're back. Haven't you made any other new friends? I'm surprised.
Ginny: Even if I have friends, I will still come to you.
Tom: Is that so? Don't you only come to me when you're in trouble?
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSOsDzbVF1
Ginny felt a bit guilty.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVRuDhv7ms
Ginny: I confide in you about my troubles, but that doesn't mean I want your help.
Tom: I don't understand.
Ginny: I just want you to believe in my story completely, as my diary.
Tom: If I don't believe you or want to protect you, will you discard me?
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8L0PGzg6Oy
Ginny thought this diary was too emotional.
It had a complete disregard for its existence as an inanimate object.
But thinking about Tom's perspective, she felt sorry for him. She was his whole world.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60uxnkf1Td
Ginny cruelly wrote: You're not a person. Being friends with you is an unrealistic emotional comfort.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzFUge4XyK
Knowing Tom's abilities, she was afraid.
If she became too obsessed with writing in the diary, she wouldn't be able to resist giving all her troubles to Tom.
Tom was firm, terrifying, and powerful, and she didn't want to lose herself, even though she was weak and powerless.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5bta96ZdL
Tom: Then why do you still come to me?
Ginny: I... want you to help another friend of mine.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cZAANcdg4
She thought about giving Tom to Luna, at least for a while.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHNZ1abfJ8
Tom: Are you using me to curse her?
Ginny: Curse? No, she truly is my friend.
Tom: And what about me? Am I not your friend?
Ginny: You're a valuable defence tool. I have received a lot of support from you. But now, I'm not in as much danger.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HDBTBrIFk
Tom didn't respond.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqhrclZuh8
Ginny felt that Tom, as a tool, had never really obeyed since the beginning of their acquaintance.
This was both his merit and flaws.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOCQ0yTzBe
Ginny pleaded: Tom, you would help anyone who uses you, right?
Tom refused: That reason abandoning me for. How is it different from me using your body to protect you?
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBFkkf2dmF
Ginny didn't know what to say for a moment.
She looked up at the sky and closed the diary that "thought too highly of itself."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByyox4s8Qg
-------------
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOY8zh9ZPmr
Fifty years ago,
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHxFMRFyuP
"Slytherin gains 20 points for Mr. Riddle's excellent performance."
Dumbledore said in the Transfiguration class.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOIjp7tKMC
Only Tom could turn matches into silver needles before class ended.
Tom was also secretly surprised and curious as to why others found it so difficult.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaEM3Qy78C
"Mr. Riddle, can you stay for a chat?" Dumbledore asked after class.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8TMwnQQwF
"It's been a while. Can I call you Tom?"
Tom nodded and voluntarily confessed, "I returned all those things to them." (referring to the children in the orphanage)
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNuM8NU3j2
Dumbledore smiled tolerantly, "I know you did. Are you doing well in Slytherin?"
Tom answered cautiously, "I'm curious... Are there any precedents for transferring to another house in Hogwarts?"
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpejZZ1k78S
Dumbledore asked, smiling mysteriously, "Is that what the Sorting Hat insists?"
Tom asked somewhat displeased, "Professor, do you know anything about my father?"
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9xyj4WYOT
Dumbledore replied, "I only know Slytherin himself is also a Parselmouth."
Tom hesitated and said, "Well..."
Dumbledore interrupted him, saying, "I believe, everyone can choose their own future, regardless of where they come from. So, If you insist on transferring, you can come to me."
Tom then calmly said, "I think I'll stay a bit longer in this house for the sake of finding my father. Thank you, Professor."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BVvIUxphR
All the professors showed special concern for him.
Perhaps it was because of his excellent performance in class, but Tom suspected that Dumbledore also had spoken to the other teachers behind his back.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdj3b7VFI0V
In Slytherin, the rumours about him, the scion of a hidden noble family, became even more pronounced.
Tom defended himself against various indirect probes and inquiries, focusing solely on his academic pursuits.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpUEn6A9bZ
He knew that lies would eventually be exposed, but the skills to survive would never betray him.
School and popularity were transient.
He had grown accustomed to having no friends.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hZzn78tyQ
Dumbledore said, "When you have questions or problems, you can always come to me. I'm also interested in the task left by your ancestors."
Tom thought, "That task about clearing out the non-purebloods, by the chamber and the monster?"
He would never want to meddle in such matters as he is most likely not pure blood either.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuWOSnQi3z
At last, Tom said, "Actually, I'm more interested in finding a way not to go back to the orphanage. If you know someone willing to adopt..."
Tom was not someone who couldn't lower his head for a while. Dumbledore had already demonstrated his power and influence.
In a situation where confrontation would bring no benefits, he wouldn't hesitate to use a few kind words to seek help...
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukUUlgIVTz
Dumbledore looked at him with kindness.
"Tom, I believe if you reveal your talent for speaking Parseltongue, you might instantly become a desirable match among the noble families.
However, true family is found through fate, kindness, and patience.
For now, Hogwarts is your home. Let's make some friends first," Dumbledore said.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrR6NpB9Vj
Tom pondered deeply and nodded. "I will see how things unfold. Goodbye, Professor."
Tom felt that Dumbledore knew very well who his parents were. However, He advised against searching for them.
It seemed that it wouldn't lead to any good results, although Tom would still confirm it secretly by himself.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1CljjuyKp
Dumbledore also advised him not to reveal his talent for speaking Parseltongue.
Otherwise, it would attract unwanted attention from troubles, which might include his biological family.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGAAYGM4TO
Tom speculated if one of his parents was an "heir," why hadn't anyone opened the Chamber of Secrets for centuries?
So, the task of the Chamber of Secrets was most likely a mess.
Especially for someone with unknown parentage like him is most likely an unwanted mixed blood.
How can he purge himself out of the school from the start?
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrA4XDtNzk
He hoped he had someone to rely on, someone with whom he didn't have to keep so many secrets and could explore these tasks together.
But the only person who knew it all, Dumbledore, seems to only enjoy witnessing his performance than actually helping.
He, as a teacher, was indeed troublesome and had a mischievous nature.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqwndrei89
He was that type of adult, who like arranged the lives of others under the guise of "for their own good."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZyMLeKkO7
----------------
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6KRYe3fWT
On that day, Ginny returned from studying in the library, thinking about how to convince Tom to guard Luna.
Percy was waiting at the entrance to the Gryffindor Tower.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVMlJ10njF
"Ginny, can we talk?" he asked.
Ginny had a bad feeling about it.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvaFM8n1Mc
Just when her days were starting to go well, she least needed this untimely concern.
He led her to the common room of the prefects.
The others happened to be absent.
It was a good place for a private conversation.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcFZxb3pYw
Percy said, "Ginny, I've been hearing a lot of people talking about you."
"I know," Ginny replied.
Percy asked, "You and that Slytherin boy..."
Ginny responded, "I barely know him at all."
Percy retorted, "Then why is everyone saying otherwise?"
Feeling angry, Ginny said, "And you were believing them all so easily?"
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfArW2Xyh1L
Although she had a vague idea of what he wanted to discuss, hearing it directly still chilled her.
Why did she have to be responsible for what others said?
She knew Percy would look down on her.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupnC3VydGn
Percy forcefully stated, "I asked all the first-years, and they all said you wouldn't bother talking to them."
Ginny didn't expect her brother, whom she had been living with for over a decade, to come and "lecture" her based on a few "outsider's opinions."
And when did he ever even "bother" to come and talk to her at school?
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgb96T4x81
Percy rationalized, "I've reported it to Mum and Dad. I suggested they let you study at home."
Ginny couldn't believe it. "What?"
Percy said, "You can't make friends, and you won't be happy if you force yourself to stay in Gryffindor."
Ginny was so angry her eyes turned red. "Is it just because I embarrassed you?"
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofTGD3LfUy
Percy was only concerned about his "image."
He is the most conceited and vain person in whole the family.
Perhaps Percy "had friends" only because of his luck, not because of his true nature at all?
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswv6ksGQVz
Percy said, "This is for your own good. You'll thank me in the future. We have just as many study resources at home as at Hogwarts.
With our notes, passing O.W.L.S and N.E.W.T. won't be a problem. You'll even have more flexibility and freedom at home than at school. I don't understand what you have to complain about."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8c2ytvxYyI
Ginny was so furious she couldn't find the words. "You're just great."
Before leaving, she angrily raised her middle finger.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o6MvIUuDn
As she walked through the corridors, she remembered all the effort she had put in, working harder than anyone in her year.
Yet, in the end, she felt like the only one who had "failed" and "misfit" to be in the school.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4spyyPZUo
Was it solely because "they" didn't like her?
That "they" think the one who seemed off was her?
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEcNPq6yMn
Heartbroken, angry, and filled with shame, tears welled up in her eyes.
She didn't want to return to the common room or her dormitory.
If anyone saw her, the stories about her behind her back would become even more elaborate.
In a corner of an empty classroom, she opened her diary and accidentally dropped a tear onto its pages.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoM1FayVjF
Tom: Are you okay?
Ginny: Percy is a jerk.
Tom: Your third brother?
Ginny doesn't respond.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCAzLubXvD
Tom: I've never had a family.
Ginny can't help but shout in text: Because you're a diary! Okay!
Tom: I just wanted to tell you that I've always been tossed around too.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhLicO1cNp
Ginny calms down a bit.
Ginny: I'm sorry for wanting to abandon you.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4Vsid8SYf
She no longer has the energy to care about others.
She even feels a bit tempted to curse Percy.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PyHXBIPeM
As a family, she had hoped that when Percy heard those rumours, he would refute them or even reprimand those who spread them.
But now, after that so-called "stain" had been emphasized repeatedly, she began to think that maybe Tom wasn't entirely wrong.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92eOChrOGp
Even if she handed over the incident of Eugene attacking her to the teachers with evidence, would those gossiping people really shut their mouths?
She vaguely senses that those who talk behind her back, fundamentally just have a desire to "conquer" her.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLyLvq5w4c
Regardless of whether she's right or wrong, they will always emerge.
Like demons, they stay by your side, waiting for you to fall.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2lPfD968H
People who can't stand to see others doing well will never change.
What's the point of befriending such people? Let them find better opportunities to attack her?
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2kWyL3LM1
Tom: I've always wanted a family because they would support me unconditionally, and I would do the same for them.
Ginny: Ha, you're thinking too idealistically. When you lag behind someone in your family even just a little bit, the ones who curse the loudest are...
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iYHmhaMzW
Ginny clenches her fists and can't continue writing.
She fantasizes about one day when she can turn around and say to Percy, "You're the one who holding me back..."
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMBFieb5ai
Tom: So what did he do?
Ginny explains her recent situation, its causes and effects.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRllAl54Gtp
Tom: I think you're handling it well. Don't pay attention to what those students think.
I think if you find a supportive teacher and have them send a letter to your parents, this matter will be resolved.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwOzyrlTP4
Ginny can immediately think of a few friendly teachers.
Ginny: But wouldn't that be embarrassing? Asking a teacher to intervene in such a private matter.
Tom: The ones who harmed you aren't embarrassed, so why do you feel embarrassed?
Isn't school supposed to be a place where students can pursue their optimum desired development?
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ilXMAo93Y
Ginny: You're right. Thank you, Tom.
She closes the diary once again.
She takes a deep breath.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt7NwRDilF
School is far from the ideal place Tom describes.
Learning to "fight for oneself" may be more important than acquiring knowledge.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk02CvhOcC
When too many people are trapped in a small place,
they compare themselves to each other too much and become even narrower in their minds.
Beyond the surface rules, the judgments in secret are even more terrifying.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvaGe1wy8t
Perhaps Percy is right, she would indeed be happier if she went home.
But just for that "ambition" sparked by the environment.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMNQK29Scd
Tom is essential to her, no doubt.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht0cqBJo9d
Ginny realizes that Tom, despite being hard to control, is more timely and caring than her own brothers.
She needs his support, both emotionally and in terms of strength.
She dismisses the idea of giving Tom to Luna and silently hopes that one day she will excel in school even more than Percy did.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNY9ppCjnq
She wants to be the one who can be looking down on him one day, so badly.
559Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9J0F3OtIig
