The True Start of the War

Rating: T

Summary: How the war between "Light" and "Dark" actually started.

From the Desk of Tom Marvolo Riddle

1 June 1947

My Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I have heard that Professor Merrythought has declared his desire to retire at the end of this school year. I do not feel it is too large a leap of the imagination to assume that this leaves Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry without a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I would ask that, as such, you add my name to the list of candidates you have for consideration. I feel I have excellent qualifications despite my age. As you are no doubt aware, I was Head Boy, I received an O on my Defense O.W.L., and an O+ on my Defense N.E.W.T. I have also started a Defense Mastery. I have enclosed my marks, which are top of my class. I eagerly await a return owl with your response to my application.

Yours Sincerely,

T.M. Riddle

Albus Dumbledore finished reading the letter he had read so many times he had nearly memorized it. It was more than he had ever hoped for. Finally, a chance to do young Tom a favor. It was a chance to show Tom just how useful he could be. Naturally, he had responded immediately, inviting him to an interview on June 8th at 3:00 PM.

Now here he was, eagerly awaiting Tom's arrival. He knew the Board of Governors would oppose the appointment of one so young, but he did have excellent qualifications. Truth be told, there was only one other candidate for the post anyway. But Tom needn't know that. He would hardly need a favor if he knew the odds were so good for him. A knock at the door pulled Dumbledore from his thoughts. He hastily vanished the letter.

"Come in." The door swung open revealing the immensely appealing form of Tom Riddle. His straight, black hair hung to his collar. His eyes were a beautiful hazel. The cut of his cloak outlined his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Dumbledore could hardly contain himself. "Mr. Riddle, a pleasure to see you again."

"And you, Sir. Thank you for granting me an interview."

"It's my pleasure, Mr. Riddle. However, I must inform you that with the number of more experienced candidates, there may be difficulty getting the Board of Governors to approve your appointment."

"I would be the better investment, Sir. Any older candidates would retire long before me, and are more likely to be stuck in their ways. A lack of experience means a lack of habits. I'm a blank slate, waiting to be filled with Hogwarts' procedures." Dumbledore smiled at the image that came to mind.

"That you are, I'm sure. However, the Board of Governors may not see it that way. I must say, I have faith in your abilities, and perhaps we can find a way to make this work." Tome was a little unnerved by the look Dumbledore was giving him, but he really wanted to teach.

"I'm not sure I follow you, Sir."

"Mr. Riddle, allow me to put it this way. Everyone wants something. The Board of Governors wants a competent instructor, you want to teach at Hogwarts, and I want you." Tom was so shocked by this declaration that he blurted out the first thing that came to his mind."

"I'm sorry, Sir, but I'm not gay." Dumbledore merely laughed.

"Mr. Riddle, you are so delightfully naïve. I've invented a simple charm that will take care of that little obstacle." Tom was bothered by just how easily Dumbledore brushed aside his concerns.

"But I'm quite happy being attracted to females. Besides, you're old, and, frankly, the thought is disgusting to me!" Dumbledore leaned back as though he had been struck. How dare anyone refuse him? With venom in his tone, he issued a warning.

"Mr. Riddle, be aware that without my backing, you have no hope of attaining this position." Tom thought longingly of the castle he had thought of as home, and all of the treasures it held. However, he could not do what was being asked of him. The thought was repugnant. He shook his head and stood.

"You ask far too much, old man. I cannot, will not, agree to your terms." As Tom turned and left the office, Dumbledore cast a silent spell on him. Dumbledore was determined that if he couldn't have Tom, no one could. He had invented this spell specifically for this interview, as he knew just how stubborn Tom could be. Indeed, he had had a premonition that the meeting would end in this way, though he had hoped otherwise. His spell was slow-acting, so, thankfully, Tom would not realize what had happened until the next morning.

The next morning, Tom awoke to screams coming from the witch next to him. Groaning, he opened his eyes and faced her. Her look of abject terror confused him.

"Whatever is wrong?"

"Who are you? What have you done to my Tom? Merlin, where is my wand?" Becoming alarmed, Tom hastily got out of bed. In doing so, he passed a mirror and saw what the problem was. His first thought was that he was wearing a mask, but a few pokes to his cheek proved that theory was wrong. Grabbing his wand, he tried every spell he could think of to return his original appearance. Unbeknownst to him, Dumbledore's spell was permanent. There was no going back.

After a few months, Tom gave up hope of restoring his appearance. He gazed angrily into the mirror. He, who had once looked so great, now despised his reflection. His visage was hideous. Bright red eyes with slits for pupils, two diagonal slits for nostrils with absolute no protrusion formed his nose, he had no hair, and thin, almost non-existent lips. He was hideous, and he knew who to blame.

"You will pay, old man."

*33 years later*

Albus Dumbledore shook hands with Sybil Trelawny. He had just hired her to teach Divination. She had (unknowingly) just provided him with the means to destroy the only person who had ever dared refuse him. He need only wait to see who this "Chosen One" would be.

Over the years, Dumbledore had easily led the wizarding world to believe that Tom Riddle, now known as Lord Voldemort, was the most evil wizard to ever live. Tom himself certainly had made it easier by attacking Dumbledore and his closest followers at every opportunity.

A few more years, a few more manipulations, and he who had caused his greatest humiliation would be gone forever.