Are people born wicked?

Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?

Tom Riddle was, surprisingly, exactly what one would call normal. Besides the fact that he lived in an orphanage, there was nothing odd about him. He had forgettable dark hair and dark eyes; he was neither large nor small, neither tall nor short, just average. He was soft-spoken, and he did his schoolwork well; he never got into fights with the other children. In fact, the strangest thing that has ever happened to him happened in early July, before his eleventh birthday. At least, that's what everyone else thought.

It was hot and sunny that day, so after breakfast the children all went outside, except Tom. He decided to stay inside that day. When he was reading, all of a sudden a brown barn owl flew through the window. It dropped a heavy envelope into his lap and flew away. Tom stared at the parchment and seal, but opened it anyway.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster: Armando Dippet

Dear Mr. T.M. Riddle

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1st. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.

Yours sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Deputy Headmaster

There was in fact a list enclosed, but Tom did not read it yet. Despite the fact that every 'normal' person knows that there is no such thing as magic, Tom never questioned the authenticity of the paper in his hands, neither did he tell anyone about it. He simply waited.


The day that things really changed was only a week later. That was when Tom met Him. He was the picture ideal of a wizard; a long beard that he could tuck into his belt, colorful robes, half-moon glasses and a twinkle in his eyes. He was Albus Dumbledore, and Tom would do anything to impress this man.