Chapter Five: Growing Intelligence

September 1st, 1945: The Great Hall

It was no surprise to anyone when Sarah Martin and Tom Riddle were given the prefect titles for their houses. They, after all, received the highest OWL scores in all of history. It was even less of a surprise when they were named Head boy and Head girl of Hogwarts.

"Welcome to all of you, young and old." Headmaster Dippet said as he gestured to the students who were all very eager to eat. "Before we eat, let me introduce you to this years' Head boy and Girl, Tom Riddle and Sarah Martin." Sarah, who was approximately five feet tall and lean with a head of long flowing chestnut curls, stood from her seat elegantly. Tom who was seated at the Slytherin table just across from where she was, stood as well.

He glanced over at his best friend. Her honey brown eyes were alight with excitement. She smiled his way causing his stomach to drop. His dark brown hair and bright blue eyes made him quite an attractive lad himself. All of the girls whispered whenever he would walk by, but he only had eyes for Sarah. They reached the podium together and Tom insisted that Sarah spoke first.

"I love Hogwarts with all of my heart. It is my only home. Most of you are aware that I am a muggleborn. What most of you don't know is that I am also an orphan. I was abandoned by my parents and I was raised by another, but I have found love in this place that I could have never hoped to have. I have found love in my friends," she smiled towards Tom and he blushed, "I have found love in my professors," She nodded her head towards her favorite teacher, Albus Dumbledore, "And I have found love within the walls here at Hogwarts. I believe that everyone who shares this love of Hogwarts has something in common, so why is it that we are bound by our petty house loyalties? We are all young witches and wizards who love magic. Is that not enough to bring us together as one?" She smiled at everyone. "My wish is for us all to forget why our own house is so important and love all of Hogwarts the same." Tom smiled down at his wonderful friend. The crowd of people clapped, none of them louder than Hagrid, a fellow seventh year with a fondness for animals. She stepped aside and Tom took his pace in the center of the podium.

"I too am an orphan. Through recent discoveries, I have been able to determine my lineage and it is that of Salazar Slytherin," there was a loud gasp of people, "and of a muggle. Due to my ancestors, we all know what house I am a part of. I honestly don't think I should be in this house. Yes, I aspire to be a great wizard, but doesn't everyone. I am no more coward than a Gryffindor, I am no less loyal than a Hufflepuff, and I am no less intelligent than a Ravenclaw. I can safely say that I could have been in any of the houses, but I was chosen to be in Slytherin. I too love Hogwarts more than anything, but I wish that our houses did not determine what sort of people we wish to become. I wish to do great things, I wish for you to great things, and I wish for us all to be great people first and foremost." The crowd of people, who was still whispering over the discoveries of his relation to Salazar Slytherin finally snapped out of their trance and began to clap.

Sarah gripped Tom's hand in comfort and he smiled handsomely towards her. They both left the podium and instead of sitting at their own house tables, they sat next to each other at the Hufflepuff table across from their good friend, Hagrid. There were many gasps heard until Professor Dippet spoke.

"Lovely speeches indeed, Mr. Riddle, Miss Martin. Now that the formalities are out of the way, shall we eat?" The students nodded appreciatively, forgetting what had just occurred. Sarah and Tom chatted with their friends at the Hufflepuff table. Dumbledore watched on in admiration at finally seeing a true attempt at uniting the houses.

Christmas 1945: Head Boy and Girl Common Room

"Happy Christmas, Tommy." Sarah said as she walked into the common room, still in her pajamas. Tommy smiled at her. Both never received many Christmas presents and because they had no money themselves, they had no way of giving gifts to each other, usually.

"Happy Christmas, Lioness." She smiled and sat down next to him on the comfy blue couch. "We have a few gifts from Professor Dumbledore this year." He smiled handsomely and handed her the box that was wrapped in a bright green paper.

"I wonder what he got us this year." She smiled, remembering that last year, he got them a box of prank candies. She always looked forward to the surprises they would get from him. Tommy shook his gently.

"I don't know. Let's open them together." Sarah ripped her paper off gently whereas Tommy tore his to shreds. She laughed at his excitement and took the lid off of her box. Inside of it was a leather bound journal and piece of parchment. Tommy stopped looking at his own pair of self warming socks and smiled at her happiness.

"What does it say?" He asked as she began to untie the small letter and read aloud.

"Dearest Sarah, Time flies by so quickly. I remember when you and Tom where just young children and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to watch you grow into lovely young adults." Sarah was on the verge of crying and Tom began to rub her shoulders comfortingly. "This is a potions journal. It is charmed to be absolutely endless and you will forever be able to write in it." She gasped. "I have also been informed by Professor Slughorn that he would be happy to give you an Apprenticeship, if you are still interested in pursuing potions." She looked towards Tommy and smiled, allowing the tears in her eyes to fall. "Yours most affectionately, Albus Dumbledore." She had to remember to owl him her thanks.

Tom was still holding her when she set down the journal and looked at him with a beautiful smile. He couldn't help but feel the butterflies flying around in his stomach. She was radiant and everything he could have ever wanted.

"I have a present for you, Tommy." She smiled mischievously.

"Oh, really?" He looked suddenly nervous as he hadn't gotten her anything. "What is it?" She began to get closer and closer to him. He could feel her warm breath against his own lips. She was looking at him, questioning if it was okay. He could feel his own eyes closing in anticipation. Without a second thought he leaned forward and placed his lips against hers. When they finally broke off, minutes, hours, or days later for all they knew, they sat in each others arms, feeling the comfort of each other.

"I love you Tommy." She said matter-of-factly. "I always have."

"I love you too Sarah." He kissed her forehead gently. The rest of the year went by in a blur, pausing slightly to take NEWT's, which they both excelled at.

AN: The purpose of these chapters is to explain the ways in which Tom Riddle, who would have became Voldemort, really turned out to be a great person. Review if you like... no questions, anyone?