1933 - 6 years

My stomach grumbled loudly, begging for food and I licked my lips giving my mouth the only flavor it had gotten all day. If only I could find something. People just didn't have enough to share any more and we were lucky to get a meal every day in the orphanage.

My stomach roared again in protest and I approached the nearest shop owner and gave her my most pitiful expression. It used to be enough to spare a small fruit or a roll, but this one just raised her voice and hollered for me to get away. Honestly, she was super scary and I just ran before she could hit me with the cane she held above her head. All I could hear as I ran away was "Filthy kids on the ribs, always taking."

I was born in the orphanage, but I escaped all the time just to wander the streets and hopefully find a spare coin or two dropped by an unlucky stranger. The days I found something and could buy a midday meal were my favorites. However, it just didn't happen often. Once another kid tried to sneak out with me, but she wouldn't stop talking so Ms. Cole caught us and beat us proper. Since then, I kept my adventures to myself and it was far more pleasant.

Like usual, I found my way to a small fountain in the middle of water was not super fresh, but it was cool and helped my mouth feel not so dry so I greedily sipped up as much as my stomach could handle. After all, the more I drank, the less my stomach complained. At least it wasn't empty anymore. Once I had my fill, I couldn't help but watch the ripples grow bigger and bigger. They expanded across the entire fountain until the water stilled once more. A grubby face appeared, frowning deeply with big eyes and messy hair and a smudge of dirt across the forehead. I recognized it as my own and frowned even deeper. It looked like I had rolled in the middle of the street!

Splashing water into my face, I did all I scrubbed blindly, hoping to clear the mess from my skin. While I was at it, I got my wild hair wet and smoothed it to the side. There was no way to make it look as nice as the boys with real families because it was too long and chopped far too rough, but at least I could keep it somewhat contained. While I ran my fingers through my hair, hoping it would lay in a somewhat better style, the water cleared again and I looked at my face once more. Much better. There wasn't much I could do for my tattered clothing and thrice patched knees, but at least my face and hands were clean.

Slowly, I looked around and searched the streets for someone that could help. Many people struggled these days with jobs being had to get and not paying nearly enough, but those that fared well were easy to spot. Their clothes were tailored and had no patches. The ladies wore pretty dresses and the ones with the fur collars seemed the most likely to spare a coin. Especially if I could catch a few. They never wanted to look bad by not pitying a child in front of their friends. Unfortunately, none of these such ladies were here. However, there was a fancy looking gentleman that was leaning against the wall and smoking a cigar. If he had money to spare for a smoke, surely he was at least capable of more. I checked my appearance one last time to make sure I was clean enough before approaching him.

Experience taught me to approach the men differently from the women. Women wanted to pity the poor street child in need of a meal, but the men were not as easily swayed. They wanted something in return most of the time and since I had nothing to give it was no at all encouraging. However, my stomach reminded me that not asking was a guaranteed no and I continued onward. The gentleman took absolutely no notice of my at first. That's fine, I used to feeling invisible. However, I made sure my words were clear when I finally did speak.

"Excuse me, sir?" Men wanted to feel respected, so I widened my eyes as if he was the most marvelous man I've ever seen. "Could you spare a coin or a meal? I'm awful hungry and haven't had a bite all day." The gentleman's nose wrinkled in disgust as he realized I was actually talking to him. His expression made it obvious that he was not a generous person despite his extra wealth, but I held myself as tall as I could and lowered my eyes to the dirt waiting his answer.

"Boy, you best learn your place," he chastised. "But you have some gumption asking so boldly. Clean yourself up and you just may become someone someday." At the surprise praise, I couldn't help but look up and meet his gaze. His eyes were narrow looking down at me and I knew my shock was clear on my face. His words brought a bubble of pride that started in my stomach and spread. My chest puffed out and I replied as seriously as I could muster.

"Yes, sir. I plan to, sir. Thank you."

The gentleman reached into his pocket and pulled out a shiny gold coin and held it out to me. Eagerly, I reached out, but a wicked gleam crossed his face and he tossed the coin in the air, towards the street. With horror and determination, I chased it thinking I would have to weave between the people and cars driving along, but the coin had an even worse destination. As it rolled away, it suddenly disappeared and I fell on all fours once trying to find it as the gentleman laughed behind me.

"Boy, if you can get that coin back, I'll double it." From his tone, it was obvious he thought I would not succeed and he was simply enjoying the little bit of entertainment he created for himself, but I clenched my jaw in determination. It had slipped down the drain.

Feeling a sense of loss for the coin I could have had if the man was not such a self-important jerk. As it was, the "gentleman" was a self-important jerk and the coin was far beyond my reach. I could be standing on my own shoulders at the bottom and still wouldn't be able to reach it. The golden coin taunted me and my mind immediately started to replace it will all the sweets I could get, the rolls I could buy. This one coin could keep me happily fed for a week! Too bad it was beyond reach. My stomach growled again at the thought of all that food and my hunger stole my reason. My hands were still small and easily fit in the slot of the grates, but I could not reach past my elbow and of course that made the man laugh all the more at my pitiful attempt. Looking around, I tried to find something long enough to reach, determined to win the cruel game. A broom with a handle longer than I was tall was sitting unattended by the shop door. Quickly, I grabbed it and shoved it down the drain. Nope, still too short.

I tried several more options, becoming more and more inventive as I worked. Once, I even was able to touch the coin with a bit a rope, but had no substance to make the coin stick so that little victory was lost. Not yet willing to give up, I found myself staring down at the little bit of shine as if my willpower alone was enough. My mind raced, trying to find a new plan and wishing the bloody coin would just come out already. After all, it would do no one any good down there.

Did I see that right? No. It must be some trick of the light. After all, there was no way it could have happened. Maybe a shadow passed causing the shine to flicker. I watched and willed it to happen again. Wait, there it was.

The coin shifted ever so slightly. It lifted up on its edge and stilled as if awaiting a command.

But, how? My eyes grew wider than they had ever been before and I looked around the street stunned, wondering about the explanation. The gentleman had stopped laughing and wandered closer to take a peek at what caused me to look so alarmed. His expression reflected my own when he saw the coin below.

"What about that, you got it on the side! Now just a couple meters left to go. Best get at it, boy. The sun is setting soon." With that last comment, he turned away and started walking away with his hands in his pocket.

No.

He said he would double the coins if I could get it. If I was careful, that could be weeks of meals! I needed to get it now. In my frustration, I spoke out loud.

"Agh! Stupid coin. Come here!" I stomped my foot for emphasis and suddenly the coin began to move as if it heard and understood. That blasted coin had a mind of it's own and rolled up the wall and out of the grate as fast as it fell. A small ching could be heard as it fell flat on its face at my feet and I simply stared for a beat before picking it up.

Wow.

It's mine.

Then my mind caught up. By time I realized that I won, the man was already across the street and I took off after him as fast as my legs would carry me, the coin clutched tight in my first. My breath came out in short pants by time I caught up and stopped in front of him. He didn't seem to understand what happened and tried to step around me saying, "Better luck next time, boy."

Unable to speak with my erratic breathing, I held up the coin for him to expect. His eyes grew round as saucers and he looked back and forth between me and the coin in my hand. If I hadn't been so winded, it would have been funny. However, I was able to finally catch my breath and I dropped the respectful meek child act I carried earlier. Now, I smirked, exceedingly proud of myself and my new talent.

"Pay up, old man. I won."

In the weeks after I first learned my trick with the coin, I practiced constantly. The second coin I got from that self-important gentleman got me over a week's worth of fruit and rolls and supplemented my diet. That week, I got to eat more meals than any of the other children in the orphanage and they took notice. The other coin I saved and practiced with, tossing it away and calling it back. It took hours to duplicate the command. It took days to consistently call it to me. Finally after a week, I managed to banish it away from me, forcing it from my hand to my bed across the room.

Ms. Cole approached me during the second week and accused me of stealing extra rations from the kitchens since I had obviously gained weight and my ribs were nowhere near as apparent. With my new talent, I probably could, but why would I choose gruel over a fresh bread roll, but then again she had no idea I had been buying my own food from the bakery down the street. No matter how much I denied it, she insisted it must be me. I later found out that it was Big Billy, the bully. He was the chunkiest boy here and was known to bully others into giving up part of their portions. Apparently, he took it even further than that. Ms. Cole never even suspected him. From then on out, every strange occurrence or bit of deception was blamed on me.

From that day onward, I never had to beg again. I would hunt hidden places where small coins would be dropped and pull them up. I could summon trinkets to trade for foods and other goods I needed including books on subjects of all kinds. I was curious if anyone else could do what I do and manipulate objects with just their will power. Suddenly, fairy tales took on a whole new possibility and I wondered what parts could be true. After all, I had already accomplished the impossible.

Other kids called me cursed and I embraced the idea. Others called me crazy and freak and that made me extremely upset. I found little ways of getting back at them like leaving sand in their bedding or breaking a treasured possession and leaving it for them to find. Of course I was suspected since I became the scapegoat for all the bad things that happened, but no one was able to find evidence so there was an ounce of doubt and I had no consequences. The fear and doubt of others was a relief and all the others decided they no longer wanted to share a space. That was fine with me. Where all of us boys shared rooms before, Ms. Cole cleared out an unused closet room just for me. It was big enough for a bed, my wardrobe and a visitors chair, but not much else. That was find. The cramped space was more than worth it for the solitude.

Over the next year, I gradually was able to increase the size and control over objects. After all, coins and marbles were easiest being small and lightweight, but eventually I could call my book from across the room or banish my shoes back to rest by my wardrobe. However, I kept my talent secret. No one got to see it until I took Eugene's yoyo. Now, thanks to that Dumbledore man, I had to give back my first trophy. My first memory of exposing others to my power. That's alright. I would still remember and would make sure that he never forgot.


1935 - 8 years old

A shout across the room drew my attention and I dragged my eyes away from my book before narrowing them at the idiot causing such a racket.

Eugene showing off as usual. He was tall boy, a few years older than myself and just on the verge of moving up to secondary school. A small crowd gathered around the boy as he wiggled around doing some strange dance. The other kids cheers just deepened my frown.

Really, the other children were so frustrating at times. Didn't anyone else here study? After all, school may be a bore, but the knowledge was necessary to become someone. One day, I would be someone and the others that wasted their time and energy with useless games would know my worth far exceeded their own.

Trying to focus on my book and block out the other children, I hunched back down. Their laughter was deafening and I found myself reading the same paragraph three times before the information finally made sense. Swinging my feet to the side, I stood and tucked my text under my arm intent to leave the room. My strides headed straight for the door, but came up short when something quick crossed my path.

Blinking, I turned to the right to see Eugene had approached me and was standing, almost blocking my path with a bright red yo-yo dangling from his middle finger. It zipped back up the string, returning to its master. I merely blinked at the boy for a second before lifting my foot to take another step, but that blasted toy shot across my path, blocking me off again.

"Where are you going, Riddle? Stay a while. No need to be a stick in the mud," said the older boy, a huge grin on his face. Smug confidence radiated off the boy in waves. It was clear that the boy meant no harm and was teasing playfully, but that didn't stop me from scowling at him.

"Move aside." My voice was quiet, but I knew he could hear me over the racket of the other children.

"Aww, come one, Tom. You need to get your nose out of those books and play a little! Reading is for old people. You can read as much as you want when your 30!" Eugene laughed again, his eyes crinkling at his own little joke and the others joined him, finding it hilarious. I didn't.

"I said, over aside. Let me pass." My voice was quiet, but I let leak a little bit of a threat seep into my tone so he knew I was serious. Apparently his skull was too thick because he just stepped directly in my path and kept talking.

"But look at this new trick! Just watch," he chirped, eager for more attention. Dropping the yo-yo again, it swung forward, almost hitting me and I took a step back to dodge the offending object.

"Last chance. Move." My voice was full of ice as I glared at the older boy, who stood a whole foot taller than myself. However, he seemed too pigheaded to hear the finality of my tone and started to swing the bloody toy again.

My arm lifted and I turned my gaze to the spinning wooden toy. It froze in mid air, less than a foot in front of my face. Gasps filled the room and laughter died on his lips. Pleased that the offending toy was stationary, I lowered my hand to my side and urged the toy to move downward as well. It lowered, inch my inch as every eye in the room watched until it sat on the floor, dragging Eugene's hand with it until he was forced to hunch over, a cry of alarm escaping his lips.

"Much better," I missed at the boy, anger squashed slightly by the satisfaction of his fearful expression.

He tugged on his hand, trying to pull on the string to lift the yo-yo, but I willed it to be heavy, more so than any of them could bear to lift. Starting to panic, he stopped down, his fingers wrapping around the toy in an attempt to pick it up. It never budged despite the obvious effort he used. Finally, he stared at me full of terror and immediately tried to remove the string from his finger, but I glared at the thin strand and willed it to tighten. The loop around his finger squeezed his hand and the more he struggled, the tighter it grew.

"Next time I tell you to move, I expect you to listen." The authority in my voice surprised even myself, but I bent down to pick up the yo-yo and the second my fingers wrapped around the offending toy, the weightlessness fell away and the tension of the string broke. Everyone seemed to watch me with fearful respect and for the first time I felt powerful. Holding my prize in my right band, I gestured with my left, nodding at the string now loose around his finger.

There was relief evident on Eugene's face when he ripped the loop off his finger and dropped it, backing away quickly to put distance between himself and my path to the door.

Without another word, I stuffed my trophy in my pocket and walked out the door.

It was the first time I ever allowed anyone else to see my gift.


Present Day

The red paint on the wood was starting to fade and my fingers brushed over the chips covering the toy from repeated use. Of course, it hadn't been used in over three years when I took it from Eugene, but the memory was a good one. All the practice paid off and I smirked at the memory of when others finally realized how special I am. I slipped the string's loop over my middle finger, rolling up the rest of its length.

Of course the kids ran to Miss Cole immediately, but she brushed them off and chastised them for telling such lies. After all, what I did was impossible, at least to them. She never believed them, but they never forgot. All of those kids gave me wide birth and would immediately listen to any order I gave without thought. The thrill of such obedience was immensely satisfying. One day, everyone would respect me once they saw my true power just as they did.

Never before had it crossed my mind that those acts we're magic, but now that I learned the truth joy bubbled up in my chest until it burst from my mouth in laughter. There would be plenty of opportunities for new achievements and if giving up my treasures would allow me to learn more in this new school, than so be it. I only kept them around to prove to myself I wasn't mad and that they really did happen.

I allowed myself one more minute of fond remembrance before standing up and walking back to the common area where I knew I would find Eugene surrounded as always by his admirers. Confidence filled me, thinking about how I was going to return my prizes to their original owners. After all, this was just another opportunity to see the respect I earned.

The boy was exactly as I knew he would be, lounging back against a wall, center of attention and laughing among our peers. He still stood quite a bit taller than me, but when he noticed my approach, he shrank in stature, eyes becoming guarded and filling with fear. My mind brushed against his briefly and found no hostility, only caution. Really, the boy was exceedingly simple.

"Eugene. I have something of yours." My voice was firm, but soft. I had no intention of causing him physical harm. All others melted back, allowing me to walk directly up to him and his eyes never left my own.

Anxiously, his tongue darted out unconsciously over his lips.

"You do?" His voice shook, but he tried his best to remain confident. He failed. My consciousness brushed against his own again and I felt his emotions, wanting to fully experience his reaction. Only confusion and anxiety. My only response was a sharp nod before I raised my arm up.

A small flick of my wrist and the toy shot out directly at his face. It stopped inches from his nose, spinning in midair, and his eyes crossed. Dread washed over his mind and he recoiled in fear. Silence filled the room as the few that remembered froze and those that were not present learned.

Unloosing the string from my finger, I let it fall, dangling from the yo-yo that was still in midair.

"You're welcome. Have a good evening." At that, I turned in my heel and walked out, the fearful respect I earned floating through the stunned boy's mind.