Just a plot bunny that hopped into my head.

Immortality

„I have no idea what you are talking about," professor Slughorn mumbled and shoved his pupil towards the door, "I had a rather tiring day and I´m sure you have work to do."

Tom Riddle stared at his teacher from under his ink-black streaks of hair.
"But professor," he said silkily, calming, "It is pure scientific interest. I mean, who would want to split his soul, just to reach immortality?"
He laughed softly, never taking his eyes of the sweating man at the door.

Slughorn chimed in, nervously.
"Well, of course, Mr Riddle, of course. Who would indeed. Especially since immortality is so much easier to reach."

The boy froze.
"Oh really, professor. And how do you mean that?"

Slughorn let out a relieved breath, thankful for the topic change.
"Portraits, of course. They copy the character of the person. When you die, you just wake up in your frame."

Tom starred at the man, slowly crooking his head to the side. Then he smiled his bone-chilling smile again.
"Thank you so much, sir, for your help."

"Of course; Mr Riddle," the professor replied uncertain.

~o~o~o~o~

"Well..." Dumbledore looked baffled at the handsome face of his former pupil, "Well, Tom. That was certainly not what I had expected when I met you all those years ago."

Tom Riddle smiled. The temperature in the room dropped down ten degrees. He was an adult now, after all and had had enough time to improve his smile. Luckily the canvas was immune to flue.
Fawkes sneezed, though.
"I always knew I was destined for greatness."

"Yes. But, you know," Dumbledore made a sweeping gesture, "Minister of Magic, Headmaster of Hogwarts and Mugwump of the Wizard-Gamot at the same time?"

Tom shrugged.
"What shell I say? I am a hard worker."

"I guess I cannot deny that. But... don´t you think it is time for you to retire, after two hundred seventy two years in office?"

Tom nodded halfheartedly and looked exaggeratedly at his painted watch.
"I´ll think about it. But right now I have a meeting concerning the discrimination of painted personalities. Excuse me, please."

He vanished from the frame.

Dumbledore shook his head. He knew he shouldn't have allowed these art-lessons.