Disclaimer: Harry Potter, use common sense – J.K. owns you to the last pence.

This is the 7th and final story in the series 'N years earlier; The Powers'.
It will tell how Voldemort was defeated many years earlier than in canon.
And some interesting Power (well, this time it's not magical power, but still…) will be used to defeat him.

Fifty Five Years Earlier - Power of Common Sense

When: August 1938.
Where: Ollivander's wand shop.

"What a surprise!" Garrick Ollivander exclaimed.
"I wonder, what brings you here, my friend?" he added with a smile.

"Hello to you too," Albus Dumbledore replied, "Sorry for coming without warning, but I really need a favor from you. Remember I gave you a phoenix feather and asked you to make a wand and keep it?"

"Yes," answered Ollivander, "I keep this wand in the storage room and don't show it to anyone."

- Tomorrow a certain boy, named Tom Riddle is going to come to you.
- Please make sure that he gets this wand.

Ollivander narrowed his eyes, "Up to no good, is he?"
- So, through your phoenix you will be able to trace his movements, correct?

Dumbledore shrugged, "Just an obvious precaution, dictated by common sense."
===o===o===o===o===o===
When: September 1st, 1938, evening after Sorting.
Where: Hogwarts Headmaster's office.

Headmaster Armando Dippet addressed the Head of Slytherin, Horace Slughorn,
- Horace, a boy named Tom Riddle, was just sorted into your House.
- Keep an eye on him for us, will you?

Slughorn narrowed his eyes, "Up to no good, is he?"
- Well, if that's the case - why was he admitted to Hogwarts at all?

Dippet nodded to another wizard present, "Albus, tell him."

Dumbledore said, "There is a chance he may lead us to a certain concealed part of the castle."

Slughorn asked, "Surely you don't mean the fabled Chamber of Secrets?"

"The very one," said Dumbledore calmly.

- And what makes you think this young boy can succeed where many great witches and wizards failed?

"The boy is a Parselmouth," said Dumbledore evenly.

Slughorn gasped, "Merlin's beard! Now I see."
- Of course I will watch over him.
- It's just elementary common sense.
===o===o===o===o===o===
When: June 1943.
Where: Some corridor in Hogwarts castle.

Myrtle ran as fast as she could and bumped into one of professors.
I'm sorry," she said, breathing heavily.
"Calm down, Miss Warren," said Dumbledore, "Did something happen?"

- I was in the bathroom… er, washing my hands, and suddenly I heard a boy's voice.
- Boy's voice in a girl's bathroom!
- I immediately remembered what my mom told me about how nasty some boys are.
- So, I fled without looking back.
(So, there was never a "Moaning Myrtle" ghost in Hogwarts)

"Don't worry, Miss," said Dumbledore, "Rest assured, that boy won't bother you ever again."
"Oh," he added, "And ten points to Ravenclaw for demonstrating perfect common sense."
===o===o===o===o===o===
When: a few days later.
Where: Wool's Orphanage, London, Director's office.

Orphanage matron, Mrs. Cole, looked questioningly at the visitor.

"Alas, I have sad news for you," Dumbledore said with a sorrowful expression, "Your pupil, Tom Riddle, met his untimely death."
He sighed, "It was a tragic accident."

"I am sorry to hear this," said Mrs. Cole, as her face adopted an appropriately somber expression, "May I ask you, sir, if you have the relevant paperwork with you?"

"Here is his death certificate," said Dumbledore, and handed the document to Mrs. Cole.

"Yes," she muttered, "I see."
- All in proper order,
- Signed by Dr. Dementor of Azkaban Hospital…

Mrs. Cole had a hobby – solving crossword puzzles.
Recently she got stuck on one crossword and consulted the Hospital Directory.
Therefore, she knew that there was no Azkaban Hospital in the British Isles.
But why should she make a fuss?

Whatever chicanery was going on, it was none of her business.
It would be best to leave this matter alone.
No great intelligence was needed for such a decision, just plain common sense.

THE END

Dear reader, may common sense be with you.
And may your reviews be with me.