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Chapter 6

Tom found that he quite agreed with his fellow Slytherins, Gryffindor students were, in his opinion, a bit egotistical with some tragic hero personalities here and there. The Ravenclaws were just plain big headed, always throwing their hands up to answer questions before anyone else could. The Hufflepuff students were shy and kept to themselves a lot.

There was one student in particular that Tom didn't like, he was in Ravenclaw. Francis Adalbert was about as big headed as they came as far as Tom was concerned. Every chance he got he'd boast, "Well, Mum always said Ravenclaw only takes in the smartest." Tom grew so tired of it he began spending all his free time in the library or in the Slytherin common room studying. He began handing in work that would have made even Ravenclaw envious.

Francis noticed it too and began to make it a competition. Though try as he might he just couldn't beat Tom's grades. It became well known that Tom was the smartest student in the first year. Professor Dumbledore took notice as well.

"Tom stay behind please I'd like to have a word with you." He said. Tom and Arthur looked at each other, "What have I done now?" Tom thought. "Your work in my class has become exemplary Tom." He said smiling. "Thank you sir." Tom answered blushing slightly. He wasn't accustomed to being complimented on any thing he did. "Yes, quite exemplary indeed. I wonder though, are you working too hard. I never see you out on the grounds. Madame Pince tells me you're to be found in her library on most nights." He said looking at him over his half-moon spectacles. "Well sir, it get a bit loud in our common room most nights, and if I want to make sure my work is done correctly I'll need a quiet place." He answered.

"You miss my point Tom." He said studying him. "What I mean to say is, if you would like, I will talk to Headmaster Dippet and your other professors and of course with your head of house." "Talk to them about what sir?" Tom interrupted more than a little afraid. "About you being moved up to second year." Dumbledore finished with a twinkle in his eyes.

"REALLY SIR?" He asked absolutely stunned. "Yes Tom, as I said, your work has been exemplary, in fact I think it may be too easy for you. Maybe you'll find more of a challenge in second year." "Yes sir, I would like to do that." "Alright then, off you go and Tom, don't mention this to anyone until I've spoken to you again." He smiled and walked Tom to the door.

Tom didn't really think it was fair that he couldn't tell anyone yet. But still he understood. Professor Dumbledore didn't want him to get too excited in case the other teachers didn't agree about moving him up. Still, it was very exciting. He'd thought he was being held back to be admonished for something. About what he had no idea, but that's the way it usually went for him. He'd be doing so good and then someone would discipline him for something, usually something as miniscule as leaving his books on the desk. Or not making sure he'd washed behind his ears, really small things. But he'd get in trouble for them just the same.

He entered the Great Hall and found Arthur immediately. "I don't know what Dumbledore said to you but whatever it was Francis is beside himself. Look." He told Tom pointing to the Ravenclaw table.

Francis was indeed looking quite angry. Tom wondered if he'd stayed outside the door listening to his conversation with Dumbledore. He didn't have to wonder any longer. "Riddle! Hey Riddle, teachers little pet now aren't you?" Francis yelled from his table. Tom ignored him, he'd been called teacher's pet before. "Think you're special don't you Riddle! I heard what Dumbledore said, and I'm going to make sure it doesn't happen Riddle!" Tom spun around and glared at him. "Got your attention did I?" Francis drawled. Apparently feeling a little braver Francis walked over to the Slytherin table, several of his housemates by his side.

He made as though to walk past Tom but stopped and leaned in so only Tom could hear him; "I promise you, Professor Davis is the head of my house, and I'll make sure she doesn't say yes to moving you up a year. Go home half-breed." Tom moved so fast he surprised everyone, Francis especially. His fist connected with Francis' jaw and Tom could feel his fingers breaking. Francis fell to the floor holding the side of his face. "You broke his jaw!" One of the other Ravenclaw students cried.

Every head in the Great Hall turned, including Professor Dumbledore. The look on his face told Tom everything he needed to know, he wouldn't be getting moved up after all. An hour later, after Tom and Francis had both been to the hospital wing to have their broken bones mended they sat waiting for Professor Dippet.

"I told you I'd see to it you didn't get moved up." Francis sneered. Tom looked stunned, "You mean to say that you picked a fight with me on purpose?" Francis just smiled.

"Is that so Mr. Adalbert, well, I'll have to have a chat with your head of house then." Came the voice from the door. Both the boys turned in their seats to see Professor Dippet standing, arms crossed and looking very unhappy. "Professor, it's not fair! I work just as hard as he (jerking his thumb at Tom) does, if not more. But all the teachers favor him because he's an orphan!" Francis complained.

"I would think, Mr. Adalbert, that Mr. Riddle should be commended on his efforts because of his upbringing. I would also think, that his fellow students would be happy that he worked hard to achieve what he has." Professor Dippet said in what sounded to Tom like an angry voice.

Francis must have noticed the tone too because he promptly closed his mouth and slumped back into his chair. "Now, even though Mr. Adalbert instigated the fight you Mr. Riddle shouldn't have risen to it. No, don't look surprised, fighting, and especially muggle fighting is not allowed in this school. You both will do a week's detention with each other's head of house." He told them.

"But Professor, Halloween is this week." Tom said still in a daze. "I am perfectly aware of when Halloween is Mr. Riddle, thank you. You will both be missing the feast, as will your heads of house. However, I will be talking to Professor Dumbledore on your behalf Mr. Riddle. I will endorse his recommendation of moving you up to second year. Now, if you will excuse me I have other things to do." He finished and pointed at the door.

They left the Headmaster's office, neither saying a word to the other. Tom was too busy being happy that the Headmaster was going to fix things with Dumbledore for him. Now all he had to do was fix things with Professor Davis.