A Riddle of Defence

by SlytherinToTheCore

Tom Riddle never pursued the Dark Arts, except to fight them. He never opened the Chamber of Secrets, nor did he kill anyone. He was a ridiculously intelligent, exceedingly handsome, as well as a charming, slightly cruel, quite arrogant man, but not evil. No, sir. He just wanted to teach. I do not own Harry Potter. This fanfic is mine.

1. Chapter 1

CHP 1

AN: This a very AU story, and very little relation to the actual story line. It is 1950, and Tom Riddle is 22 years old. He used to work at the Ministry in the Department of Magical Education, but then shifted to Borgin and Burkes due to a reason which will be revealed later. Dumbledore is Headmaster, McGonagall is at school in her fourth year. If you have any questions, feel free to review or PM me.

It was the month of July, and extremely hot. Tom Riddle Jr. took off his cloak as he made his way up the building he loved so much.

Tom climbed up the stairs to the Headmaster's office, brushing his sweaty dark hair out of his eyes. He knocked once, softly but firmly.

'Come in,' said a soft voice. Tom entered the office.

It had changed greatly since Dippet's days as Head. There were many strange instruments, a wine cabinet and many more strange items. The portraits were still there.

'Sit down, Tom,' said Albus Dumbledore. Tom sat down in front of his former Transfiguration teacher. Dumbledore smiled at his former student fondly.

'Lemon drop?' Tom politely declined the sweet.

'Wine?' Dumbledore offered.

'Certainly,' said Tom. Dumbledore poured two glasses of elf wine, and passed one to Tom.

'Thank you.'

'Well, Tom, I understand you're here for the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.'

Tom nodded, but did not speak.

'I read your resume. I must say, I'm impressed. Though why you chose to work in Borgin and Burkes, when you could become Minister, confuses me.'

'Well, Professor, I wanted to see Dark objects first hand, in order to understand them, much better to be able to fight them. And the Ministry isn't the place for me anymore. We disagree far too much,' said Tom.

Dumbledore smiled. 'Ah, yes, the famous feud you had with them, over certain rules regarding your department.'

'Precisely. I have no wish to work with those fools, and I've always wanted to be a teacher, and here I am,' finished Tom.

'Well, then, welcome to Hogwarts, Professor Riddle. I have interviewed the other applicants, and you are the best choice,' said Dumbledore, blue eyes twinkling. Tom smiled and stood up.

'I will see you on September 1, Professor. Shall I send a carriage?'

'That won't be necessary, Headmaster, I shall come by train,' said Tom, shaking Dumbledore's hand.

'Goodbye, Tom, and please, call me Albus,' Dumbledore requested.

'If you say so, Prof… Albus,' said Tom. 'Farewell.'

END OF CHP 1