DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER.

Abhimanyu, Ginger, Armand Mapleton, and some other boys were in the quidditch stadium, playing a game of cricket. Abhimanyu was the captain of one team and Armand was the other captain.

Currently, Abhimanyu's team, having won the toss, was batting. Unfortunately, all the batsmen minus Abhimanyu and Ginger had gotten out rather quickly, and now as the last two batsmen, Abhimanyu was off strike and Ginger on strike.

Ginger held his breath and waited as Armand ran up to the opposite wicket and threw the ball.

Ginger raised his bat, and struck.

Seeing the ball going not too far, he yelled, "Abhi run for it!"

Abhimanyu and Ginger began to run back and forth, and managed to score two runs before the fielders got the ball.

And then, Armand called out, "Over up."

Ginger walked over to Abhimanyu and said, "Just hit it with all you've got. Just do it. We have 38 runs now."

Abhimanyu nodded and walked up to the batsman's position to bat.

Just as he was readying himself, he heard Saunders who was currently the wicket keeper muttering, "Stupid stupid stuck up 'Head Boy' Pandey, of course it's him now. Honestly, he's mad if he thinks that Black girl loves him. She's from the house of Black! Pooh! What an idiot!"

He at once turned around and spoke sharply, "What was that?! Did I hear you saying something about Bellatrix and me?!"

Saunders obnoxiously replied, "Yeah, and don't try to threaten me big guy. You're mad if you think you can actually be in a relationship with a Black. I would just dump her if I were you. Who knows, she'll probably betray you one day. She's a Black after all. Of course, you think you're so smart because you're Head Boy."

Abhimanyu dropped his bat and yelled, "Shut up! Bellatrix would never betray me like that! And that matter is none of your business!"

Armand and Ginger rushed over. Armand cut in, "Saunders, that's enough. Your bullying is really out of hand, and Abhimanyu, calm down."

Ginger said, "Just ignore him. It's not worth it. And your relationship is your business, not his. He's probably just jealous because you're a Muggleborn and you're with Bellatrix."

Unfortunately, Saunders said, "Oh yes, Ginger the good boy, you listen to the good old friend. What a dumbass you are! Dating a treacherous Black! Pooh! Why would I ever want to date a Black?! Willy Stinking Women! And if she's dating you, then she's out to cheat you, or she's a dumbass!"

Abhimanyu yelled, "YOU NINCOMPOOP! YOU BULLY! I'LL TEACH YOU TO INSULT MY GIRLFRIEND LIKE THAT!"

With that, he slapped Saunders across the face.

Saunders snarled, "You want a fight? I'll give you one."

"Oh yes you will, will you?" Abhimanyu retorted.

Saunders was about to punch him, and just as Ginger and Armand grabbed Abhimanyu and Saunders to stop them from fighting each other, suddenly, everyone heard an old voice yelling, "ENOUGH! STOP IT!"

They all turned and saw Professor Dumbledore nearby, looking very angry.

Needless to say, they all gulped at once.

Dumbledore said, "Saunders, your bullying is off the line. You went too far with your words. There is still a week before you all go home for the summer, so you will spend tonight and tomorrow night in detention."

Saunders looked down, not daring to insult the Headmaster.

Dumbledore then turned to Abhimanyu who was still being held by Ginger and said, "Mr. Hebblethwaite, release Mr. Pandey at once. And Mr. Pandey, come with me."

Ginger released Abhimanyu and whispered, "We'll wait for you to come back."

Abhimanyu nodded and followed Dumbledore to his office.

A few minutes later, Dumbledore was sitting in his office, looking seriously at the Head Boy who was sitting in front of him on the other side of the table.

The latter spoke, "Professor, Saunders keeps on jeering at others and no matter what I do, he keeps on insulting me or one of my friends. The other day, he made a nasty comment about Ginger's mother, and one time, he called Narcissa a wimp."

Dumbledore looked at him for a few moments and spoke slowly, "Abhimanyu, just calm down."

Abhimanyu stopped his ranting and remained silent.

Dumbledore pulled out a flask of butterbeer and poured some in two glasses. Offering one to Abhimanyu, he said, "I happen to have some butterbeer here. Drink some. Calm down, and then we will talk."

Abhimanyu drank his butterbeer and waited for Dumbledore to speak.

Some moments later, he spoke, "Listen, I know Saunders is a bully, I know that it is very difficult to control his bullying, but there was no need to react violently. You should have come to me at once if you could not stand it."

Abhimanyu asked, "Sir, I saw you. Were you watching our game?"

Dumbledore smilingly replied, "I was. And I have to say, you boys are good players."

Abhimanyu said, "Thank you."

Dumbledore then said, "I know Saunders went too far this time, but you are the Head Boy. You cannot just lose your cool like this. You are supposed to set an example for the other students. What will they think?"

Abhimanyu replied, "Sir, he really went too far. The only reason I haven't given him hell as much as I have given Rodolphus Lestrange is because he doesn't use the title Mudblood or hang out with him."

Dumbledore said, "I understand your anger towards him, but you must have a stronger grip on yourself. This is what he wants, to provoke you. You must not give in to him."

He then continued, "I hate to say it, but Saunders may have a point."

Abhimanyu asked, "What do you mean?"

Dumbledore explained, "I am aware of the fact that you and Bellatrix Black are together. While on one hand, I am happy for you, on the other hand, I do feel you should watch your step."

Abhimanyu said, "Sir, I am being careful."

Dumbledore continued, "It has not happened before, as far as I know, a member of the House of Black dating a Muggleborn. Surely, you must have heard of their pureblood mania. For all you know…"

Abhimanyu stood up and angrily declared, "Bellatrix would never betray me like that! And I would never betray her either!"

Suddenly, he stopped, realizing how he had just reacted.

A few moments later, he said, "I'm sorry for the way I said that. I…"

"It's alright," Dumbledore said calmly, "I understand. I'm just an old man and a Headmaster sharing his concerns. All I ask is, never let down your guard, no matter what."

Abhimanyu nodded his head respectfully.

Dumbledore then said, "What I am about to tell you, you must promise not to tell this to absolutely anyone. Can you promise me that?"

Abhimanyu replied, "Yes Sir, I promise."

Dumbledore then explained slowly, "When I was around your age, I too was in love with a friend. I will not tell the name. I hope you understand. Anyway, we were in love, but unfortunately, that person turned out to be a bad person later on. I was so caught up that I did not realize that I was neglecting my sister Ariana. Later on, I realized my mistake, but my lover was unwilling to be kind to my sister. Eventually, we had a terrible duel and, that day, my innocent sister… was caught… in the crossfire… and… died."

Moments of silence passed as Dumbledore ended the story.

He then said, "So based on this, I am telling you, don't ever let your guard down. Don't let yourself be swayed by anything. Don't make the same mistake as I did."

Abhimanyu was sure he heard Dumbledore choke back a sob as he finished.

After a whole minute, he said, "Sir, I'm so sorry."

He didn't know what else to say.

Dumbledore held his hands together and looked at the desk for a few moments before looking into the young man's face.

He then said, "Beware Abhimanyu Pandey, the Dark Lord Voldemort is on the rise. You know who I am talking about. You saw him in my office, Tom Riddle. He will surely seek out the sisters of House Black. Never let your guard down, no matter what."

Abhimanyu said, "I won't professor."

Dumbledore then said, "Well then, run along. I daresay your friends will be desperate for you to add some more runs. Good luck to you."

"Thank you," Abhimanyu said before exiting the office.

As he walked out, he couldn't help remembering an incident that had happened just before the Christmas holidays, one involving someone named Tom Riddle.

The DADA professor, Spencer, had unexpectedly retired and the post was currently vacant. Abhimanyu had gone to the Headmaster's office to complain about Saunders for having insulted Molly who had been defending him and Bellatrix when the bully had stumbled across them kissing and had made some nasty comments.

Abhimanyu was saying, "Sir, Saunders will ruin the reputation of Gryffindor house. I've given him detention, but if he keeps on acting like this…"

Dumbledore spoke, "Whatever it was, you were right to come and complain to me about this incident. Now…"

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Dumbledore spoke calmly, showing no trace of surprise, "Enter."

The door opened and someone entered.

Abhimanyu looked at the figure entering.

It was a man, with black hair extending up to his shoulders. He was handsome, tall, imposing, but his eyes were blood red and his face was as pale as the snow glistening on his shoulders.

He was wearing a long black cloak.

Dumbledore turned to the figure and spoke, "Good evening Tom, won't you sit down?"

"Thank you," the man called Tom said, and he took the seat to which Dumbledore had gestured, which Abhimanyu was standing next to.

"I heard that you had become headmaster," he said, "a worthy choice."

"I'm glad you approve," said Dumbledore smilingly, "May I offer you a drink?"

"That would be welcome," said Tom, "I have come a long way."

Dumbledore stood and swept over to a cabinet. He opened it, revealing bottles of and proceeded to pour two goblets of wine.

Tom turned to Abhimanyu and spoke, "What is your name?"

Abhimanyu replied, "My name is Abhimanyu."

Dumbledore turned to Tom and said, "This is Abhimanyu Pandey, one of the brightest students here and a dueling champion. He is the Head Boy, just as you once were. Abhimanyu, would you like something to drink?"

Abhimanyu replied, "Just warm water please."

Dumbledore poured a glass of water and cast a warming charm with his wand before handing it over to Abhimanyu and a goblet of wine to Tom.

As Dumbledore went to get his own goblet, Tom looked at Abhimanyu and said, "Interesting, a fellow Head Boy, so we meet. By the way, I don't recall Pandey being among the pureblooded families. Are you Muggleborn?"

Abhimanyu replied, "Yes I am."

Tom replied, "Ah… that is interesting. Muggleborn, Gryffindor Head Boy. I know from your badge. I was in Slytherin and the Head Boy of this school once."

Dumbledore who had returned to his seat spoke, "So, Tom… to what do I owe you the pleasure?"

Tom did not answer at once, but merely sipped his wine.

"They do not call me 'Tom' anymore," he said, "These days, I am known as—"

Dumbledore said smiling pleasantly, "I know what you are known as, but to me, I'm afraid, you will always be Tom Riddle. It is one of the irritating things about old teachers. I am afraid they never quite forget their charges' youthful beginnings.

He raised his glass as though toasting Tom Riddle.

Tom Riddle said after a short pause, "I am surprised you have remained here for so long. I have always wondered why a wizard such as yourself never wished to leave school."

"Well," Dumbledore said, still smiling, "to a wizard such as myself, there can be nothing more important than passing on ancient skills, helping hone young minds. If I remember correctly, you once saw the attraction of teaching too."

"I see it still," said Mr. Riddle, "I merely wondered why you – who are so often asked for advice by the Ministry, and who have twice, I think, been offered the post of Minister—"

"Three times at the last count, actually," said Dumbledore, "But this Ministry never attracted me as a career. Again, something we have in common, I think."

Mr. Riddle inclined his head, unsmiling, and took another sip of wine.

After a little while, he said, "I have returned, later, perhaps that Professor Dippet expected… but I have returned, nevertheless, to request again what he once told me I was too young to have. I have come to you to ask that you permit me to return to this castle, to teach. I think you must know that I have seen and done much since I left this place. I could show and tell your students things they can gain from no other wizard."

Dumbledore said quietly after a while, "Yes, I certainly do know that you have seen and done much since leaving us. Rumors of your doings have reached your old school, Tom. I should be sorry to believe half of them."

Tom Riddle said, "Greatness inspires envy, envy endangers spite, spite spawns lies. You must know this, Dumbledore."

Abhimanyu said, "Too true Sir." Then suddenly, realizing he had just interrupted, he said, "Sorry I interrupted."

Tom said, "I am glad you agree with me about that. No issue."

Abhimanyu said, "I have read stories where greatness inspires envy and that leads to so much destruction and sorrow."

Dumbledore said, "A true fact." Then turning to Mr. Riddle, he asked, "You call it 'greatness,' what you have been doing, do you?"

"Certainly," said Mr. Riddle, and his eyes seemed to burn red. "I have experimented; I have pushed the boundaries of magic further, perhaps, than they have ever been pushed."

"Of some kinds of magic," Dumbledore corrected him quietly, "Of some. Of other, you remain… forgive me… woefully ignorant."

Mr. Riddle smiled evilly, a taut leer, and softly said, "The old argument, but nothing I have seen in the world has supported your famous pronouncements that love is more powerful than any kind of magic, Dumbledore."

"Perhaps you have been looking in the wrong places," suggested Dumbledore.

"Well, then, what better place to start my fresh researches than here, at Hogwarts?" said Voldemort, "Will you let me return? Will you let me share my knowledge with your students? I place myself and my talents at your disposal. I am yours to command."

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows and asked, "And what will become of those whom you command? What will happen to those who call themselves – or so rumor has it – the Death Eaters?"

Hearing this, suspicion arose in Abhimanyu's mind and his eyes shot wide open even as he remembered everything that Bellatrix had told him. He was sure he saw Mr. Riddle's eyes flash red again.

"My friends," he said after a moment's pause, "will carry on without me, I am sure."

"I am glad to hear that you consider them friends," said Dumbledore. "I was under the impression that they are more in the order of your servants."

"You are mistaken," said Mr. Riddle.

Dumbledore said, "Then if I were to go to the Hog's Head tonight, I would not find a group of them – Nott, Rosier, Mulciber, Dolohov – awaiting your return? Devoted friends indeed, to travel this far with you on a snowy night, merely to wish you luck as you attempted to secure a teaching post?"

Mr. Riddle said, "You are as omniscient as ever, Dumbledore."

"Oh no, merely friendly with the local barmen," said Dumbledore lightly. "Now Tom…"

He set down his empty glass and drew himself up in his seat, and spoke, "Let us speak openly. Why have you come here tonight, surrounded by henchmen, to request a job we both know you do not want?"

Mr. Riddle looked coldly surprised. "A job I do not want? On the contrary, Dumbledore, I want it very much."

"Oh, you want to come back to Hogwarts, but you do not want to teach any more than you wanted to when you were eighteen. What is it you are after, Tom? Why not try an open request for once?"

Mr. Riddle sneered, "If you do not want to give me a job…"

"Of course I don't", said Dumbledore, "And I don't think for a moment you expected me to. Nevertheless, you came here, you asked, you must have had a purpose."

Mr. Riddle stood up looking enraged, and thundered, "This is your final word?"

"It is," said Dumbledore, also standing.

"Then we have nothing more to say to each other."

"No, nothing," said Dumbledore, and he looked really sad, greatly sad, "The time is long gone when I could frighten you with a burning wardrobe and force you to make repayment for your crimes. But I wish I could, Tom… I wish I could."

Mr. Riddle did not say anything in response, but turned and left, closing the door behind him.

As he did so, Abhimanyu watched, his feelings of suspicion having increased with every moment.

He turned to Dumbledore and asked, "Sir may I…"

Dumbledore turned to him and softly said, "We will talk about Saunders another time. You had better run along now and have your dinner."

Abhimanyu said, "Okay, see you later Professor."

Dumbledore nodded in acknowledgement, looking serious and seemingly sad.

Some moments later, the man called Mr. Riddle was walking through a deserted corridor when suddenly, a voice called out, "Mr. Riddle, wait."

Mr. Tom Riddle turned around and saw Abhimanyu moving quickly towards him.

Abhimanyu neared the man until he was standing right in front of him.

And then he spoke, "You're Lord Voldemort, aren't you?"

The man looked at him and replied, "You are right about that. Yes I am."

Abhimanyu said, "I've heard about you. I know that you are against Muggles and Muggleborns. Why? Why are you so racist?"

Lord Voldemort spoke, "You are quite bold to ask me this. Power is meant for the strong, those who strive for it. There is no good or evil, only power."

He paused for a moment and continued, "You must have heard about me from someone. Who is it that has told you?"

Abhimanyu looked at him, trying to be as alert as possible. He said, "A friend."

And then, the Dark Lord spoke, "Who is that friend?"

Abhimanyu replied, "A friend."

Lord Voldemort looked suspiciously at him. Abhimanyu looked on, trying not to betray any feelings, not wanting the dark lord to know that the friend was Bellatrix.

And then, after a little while, Voldemort said, "You have a strong mind. I sense you are hiding something from me, but you seem to be telling the truth at the same time."

Abhimanyu mentally thanked Bellatrix. She had been studying occlumency herself, and after she had become his friend for real, she had been teaching him to guard his mind.

Voldemort spoke, "I have heard of you. You seem to be quite strong, for a Muggleborn."

Abhimanyu simply stared at him.

Voldemort continued, "You could be so much more, if only you would join me. Why do you think wizards have to stay in hiding? Why all the witch burnings? Don't you feel sick of the racism that Muggles practice? Don't you feel it would be more beneficial if we ruled the world? You could gain so much by joining me. I could make you an exception among Muggleborns, products of Muggles. All you would have to do is to renounce your Muggle heritage."

With that, he held out his hand.

Abhimanyu spoke, "Why would I join you? First of all, I would never betray my parents who love me for who I am and have raised me. Second of all, you yourself are biased against Muggles and Muggleborns. It's just another form of racism. Third of all, how do I know you would not try to lure me into a trap and kill me? I will never join you."

Voldemort's eyes seemed to burn with rage.

He spoke, "Foolish boy. But wise reason, the last one. Very well, we shall meet again one day, and you will soon see what I, the Dark Lord Voldemort and capable of, Abhimanyu Pandey."

With that, he turned around and walked off.

A minute later, Abhimanyu was still staring at the place where Voldemort had been standing when he suddenly heard a voice call out, "Abhimanyu, where have you been?"

He turned around to see Bellatrix close by.

He moved a little closer and said, "I've seen him."

"Who?" Bellatrix asked.

"Him," Abhimanyu replied, "The Dark Lord Voldemort."

It had been after that incident that Bellatrix had insisted on more dueling sessions, and that was why he had become much more skilled.

But now upon hearing what Dumbledore had said, he realized that now that he was done with Hogwarts, he would have to be prepared to fight. And yes, Voldemort would seek out the Black sisters.

Still, he was not going to end his friendship with them.

Whatever had to happen would happen.

Hopefully, Bellatrix would not join him.

But if she did…, no, he would rather not think about it.

A few minutes later, Ginger saw Abhimanyu entering the stadium, with a serious look on his face.

He moved over to him and asked, "Hey mate, what's wrong?"

Abhimanyu seriously said, "Ginger, now that we're done with Hogwarts, we can't sit back and think nothing's going to happen. Voldemort will strike someday, and we may have a war to fight. We have to be ready to face him. We have to serious about this."

Ginger replied, "You're right. We have to do something. The Ministry's there, but we can't rely on others to protect us all the time. We have to be ready to fight."

Abhimanyu replied, "We will."

Ginger replied, "Now come on, we still have that game to finish."

Abhimanyu and Ginger took their positions and Armand ran over to bowl.

Abhimanyu raised his bat, and struck the ball.

And then he heard Ginger crying out, "It's a four! Good shot!"

NOTE: The incident with Lord Voldemort is based on HPB, chapter "Lord Voldemort's request".