Cat kicking contest?

As Tom walked out of the room after re-concealing himself, an old man appeared in the room seemingly out of nowhere. His burgundy-coloured robes, silver hair and a beard that reached his stomach with bells decorated in it. He stared at the Mirror and then at the door from which Tom exited.

"Very interesting, I wonder whether his goal will bring about a good change or a bad change to the wizarding world," he said with a pensive look.

"And who was he talking to?" he wondered as he stood in front of the Mirror. He smiled at what he saw before turning away.

"I don't think he will affect my plans, in any case, the boy is but a child, it will be up to fate to decide whether he accomplishes his goals or not," he said with a shrug and a chuckle as he stroked his beard before disappearing.

Drak who was inside of Tom laughed to himself, "old man you think I don't know you were observing?" he mumbled to himself with a playful grin. He didn't mention it to Tom since it didn't benefit to do so. Plus, having Dumbledore take an interest in Tom will facilitate their plan. He stared through Tom's eyes as he walked out to the courtyard and looked up at the round moon.

As I sat on the cold stone bench in the open courtyard under the silvery moon, I simply enjoyed the wind on my face.

[Kid, what are your plans for the next couple of weeks?] Drak asked.

"Well, I plan to take Hermione here since she will be interested in this Mirror, then I will get the ingredients for the physique potion. After that, I'll focus on practising spells and mastering the protego spells to a good degree for when I meet Professor Quirrell at the end of the year," I said as I set my goals in order.

[why would we need to face Voldemort? Isn't that Potter kid enough?] he asked curiously.

"Well, you would be right, but why would I give up teasing the fucker as he misses his chance to revive. Plus, I don't know how much of an effect Hermione's absence has had on the duo and their abilities. So better safe than sorry," I answered.

[But if all of this is Dumbledore's little game then wouldn't he step in if there was a problem?] he asked rationally.

"You would be right, if that is the case then there would most certainly be no need to go and help him, but that is not my main purpose. Sure, teasing a dying Voldemort is fun and all but the main purpose is to use "helping Harry survive" as a chip to get some benefits from Dumbledore," I said with a grin.

[Ahh, I get it, since he is probably going to reward you, then instead of points you get something else, but what would we need that would help you?] he asked.

"Well, simple, access to the restricted section in the library, the only other way would be to grovel and act like a teacher's pet next year and get a pass and even then 99% of the teachers would not let a 2nd-year student go there so the only other option would be sucking up to Lockhart and I can't stoop that low," I said as I shivered just thinking about it. Acting like a Lockhart fan would probably decrease my IQ severely.

[Oh?! Interesting, I guess that could work, but it may be a stretch to ask for that much, and Hermione would probably crucify you if she found out you went without her,] he said with a chuckle.

I shivered even more intensely at the thought, that girl was vicious. "Why do you care about her?" I asked.

[just making sure you can walk out of the school in one piece,] he said as he burst out laughing.

"Tch, I can't disagree it would be a massive bother to have to regurgitate all I learned to her," I Shook my head to stave away the incoming headache just from the thought.

"I'll see if I can steal the stone and give it back to him in exchange for the passes. I have no use for the stone anyway. having to drink that potion daily with the guarantee of death if I didn't drink it once, no thanks. I am 80% confident that Harry would be severely hurt or even die from the encounter. Dumbledore being the irresponsible headmaster that he is will not take into account Harry's incompetence and will reward me for covering that oversight," I said with an evil grin.

[You know, you are no better than the old man, you scheming little shit,] he said with a laugh.

"You're one to talk! All you do is sit on your ass and think of schemes, you have no right to judge," I said indignantly. There was silence for a bit before we both burst into a laughter.

"WHO'S THERE!" a raspy old voice yelled which cut our laugh off. I started to sweat as I looked at the crazy old bat Flich. Fuck, I quickly took out my wand and cast the concealing spells before running inside. I kicked Flitch's cat on the way which sent it flying. I had such a hard time holding in a laugh. That stupid cat was the worst existence in the castle.

I could hear Flich panicking as he chased after his cat, I took advantage of the gap and ran through before heading back to my room and going to sleep. I giggled for a good 5 minutes before calming down.