Chapter 4: Tom Riddle Kindness
"Our story begins in Muggle London of 1933 when I was left at a Tottenham Orphanage on 4th July. What is an occasion for freedom in USA was the occasion for my binding to this earth for misery and solitude, my tiny body discovered outside a small church by an US Army Regiment on a strategic visit to the UK, or so I was told by the Nuns after I attained teenage.
From a very young age, I knew I was different from other kids. Weird things started happening when I was either upset or deliriously happy: glass broke, flowers bloomed, fires flared up, water sprayed, rain and thunder struck places that a minute ago were under clear skies, etc. I was also intelligent bordering Prodigy. Only 2 people understood me. The first was the Head Nun Sister Irene, who asked me to thank God and have trust in HIM. All my differences were for my own good. Her knowledge and books planted in me the seed of everlasting knowledge. She was the person who named me Athena, seeing how diligent I was with books.
The second person directly concerns our story today. He was a young boy, my age, quiet and intelligent and would mope in the rooms till spoken to. He arrived here when at 3 days old, his mother died. He was my silent reservoir of support. Where the other kids ridiculed me and tried to physically hurt me, by his very look, he calmed me down. We grew up together and grew up well, taking keen interest in a variety of disciplines and absorbing all muggle knowledge with gusto. Library was our sanctuary and we devoured nearly 20000 books between us before we attained 11 years of age. He was my only friend. One day he took me to the back end of our Orphanage Garden and he showed me that he could also make flowers bloom wordlessly. He then told me I was not weird and he and I were one of a kind. I was never to feel sorry for myself, howsoever adverse life could seem. He became my mentor. His name was Tom Marvolo Riddle."
Athena paused her narrative for long enough to notice Harry take a sharp intake of air, as he took in long breaths to calm himself. Once he was calm, she continued.
"Yes, his name was Tom Riddle, an angel child turned demon Wizard post Hogwarts. The incessant bully he faced from the bigger bodied dumb Muggles increased his hatred of the race. I took refuge in god and he took refuge in knowledge. I was the only person who understood him and we both pushed each other.
The Hogwarts letter for both of us came as an explanation rather than a shock. We both finally realized our true identity. That was the moment a whole new world opened up for us. We devoured all books of Magic in Diagon Alley and then proceeded to collect more books from the shady Knockturn Alley. We split up the reading list and then compared summary notes. After we discussed the topic, if we required further clarifications, we would go back for more books on same topic. We got 7 years of Hogwarts reading list and finished it all from Beginner to NEWT levels even before we purchased wands. On Muggle Sciences we already knew the equivalents of Ivy League Graduate Schools. We compared the continuously unravelling greatness of Natural Mysteries including the emergence of quantum mechanics and the rapid progress made by all 3 branches of Science. At the same time, we noted the emerging books in the Wizarding Culture concerning Charms, Transfigurations and Potions.
Tom wanted to know enough of both worlds to take total control of both Wizards and Muggles and he took it as his moral responsibility that Wizarding Pure Blood supremacy was to remain untouched and Magical Folk could not intermingle with Muggles. Control was his aim whereas mine was just acquiring knowledge. The roles reversed in the last summer before Hogwarts. I was the only person he accepted but I did not concur with his aims, so he accepted my relative silence. He started doing his own research and faithfully shared all his findings with me. I kept on challenging him and correcting him if I felt that he took the wrong path. He spoke with fire in his eyes but you could never take an 11 year old friend seriously when he had so many people older and wiser than him. Had I known his intentions, I could have stopped sharing my knowledge with him, which was both profound and enriching.
Our knowledge was increasing by leaps and bounds but our ability was still a secret from other kids. We were still physically vulnerable and still mercilessly bullied and taunted with names such as bookworms and Dull Jack and Jackie. Tom, on one occasion decided to stop taking any more nonsense. He called Cane (after taking advance clearance for use of underage magic as self-defense), the meanest of the lot to a midnight challenge and the sly bastard brought his 6 handymen to observe. I was the only person on his side but he assured me that our torture would end today. He wordlessly conjured a sweeping gale and blew away all his 6 henchmen to the next neighborhood. I secretly brought in a raincloud over Cane's head and before he realized anything, he was soaking wet but not a drop touched Tom. Shivering with cold, he tried to run back but Tom used a tripping Jinx. Next he conjured birds and ordered them to peck Cane continuously. He then turned his body into a cardboard with a Bodybind curse. Incredibly all these powerful spells were wandless and wordless. Tom finally took pity on his opponent but let him go only after assuring him that he and his friends would face worse fate should he mess with Tom and Me anymore. Cane assured him that neither their group nor any other would so much as come near us, let alone bully us. We both felt liberated that day and became closest allies.
In August of 1944, we came across an article on the Philosopher's Stone and the Elixir of Immortality. We studied the rumored properties and analyzed their advantages for wizard kind. At that time, two such specimens reportedly existed. Professor Flamel was the best friend of Dumbledore and his security was tougher than an US President. It was pointless to think of even contacting him. On the other hand Professor Kyoto was also a reported owner of such a stone and Elixir. He had no qualms of wandering alone. He was humble and decidedly approachable. He was coming over for the Quidditch World Cup finals between England and Japan, a week before the Hogwarts Session began. We began to track his movements, friends and travel route. We had to talk to him in a remote place but not so deserted so as to scare him off with suspicion. We had to approach him gently and convince him that we were the brightest faces for the future of Magic. We had to be ready to face the toughest tests spanning knowledge, philosophy, humility and ethics to convince a man of this stature. Those 2 weeks we studied nearly all Muggle and Wizard books in Europe with the help of contacts of Professor Dumbledore and Sister Irene, after we convinced both of them of our endless thirst for universal knowledge. As we were underage to Apparate, we went sidealong with Wizards and Witches Dumbledore sent to monitor us.
Impressed by our dedication, we got the box VVIP tickets to the Quidditch World Cup finals, where we were in presence of Magical Royalty. Our target was two rows in front of us, engrossed in the match. The match was the best in recorded Quidditch History. It was a tie after the English seeker took the snitch and we needed a tie breaker. The first to score a goal would win. Chasers, Beaters and Goalies of both teams were in great form but their Goalie produced the best save in the history of the game and diverted the ball to the chasers. Our goalie was distracted for just a fraction of a second; his frustration crowding out his senses and despite his best effort, the ball flew in millimeters from his fingertips. Whole of England was in shock and the Japanese underdogs were over the moon. English royalty bunched together and Professor Kyoto walked out, alone and Jubilant. Our golden chance had arrived. We easily slipped past the morose English Contingent. We followed him beyond the stadium compound.
He was just about to Apparate when we called him. He turned and looked at us with kind but scrutinizing eye.
I spoke up, "Reverend Professor, I will come straight to the point. We have good reason to believe that you are holding on to one of two Philosopher's Stones on Planet Earth. We have researched all over the world and found out about you. We know that as per your Zen Philosophy, you do not seek personal glory but are willing to pass it on to an able student. We intend to prove it to you that we are your worthy successors, despite the apparent differences in our cultures. All we request you is that you test us."
He considered me and seemed to be involved in an internal debate. He finally smiled and invited us for a sidealong apparition. A second later we found ourselves at Stonehaven, eyes feasting on a stunning palate of Nature. We were atop a cliff and stared out at the frothy waves crashing below against the cliff's edge and the boats were looking like toys. The sight was stunning.
"Only those of pure nature deserve this stone and if I am to test you, where better can we start than here, under the lap of Nature herself. I will ask you each 100 questions and all must be correct and intelligent enough to satisfy me. If you do, I will decide when and if, I can hand over the Stone."
Tom and I both agreed that his conditions were fair. I, being a lady, was to go first. The English Northern Winds were caressing my face as I answered his complete range of questions concerning all 3 branches of Muggle Sciences and all branches of Magic followed by Ethics, Attitude, Religion and Philosophy. He said nothing after I finished my test but I knew that I answered all questions to the best of my knowledge and from the core of my heart. He then moved on to Tom and he was confident and elegant in all his answers. Only after hearing a marathon 200 answers did he show any reaction and his first was to smile.
"I must say that in you both, I have found gems. Many other learned students of mine could satisfactorily answer 90% of my questions but both of you score an unprecedented perfect score. I congratulate you both. You have also put me into great dilemma. This Stone is meant for just one person, it can't be shared, not can its' benefits. The owner of the stone can freely interact with Muggles and All Magical folks but can never reveal his/her secret and must move away if others begin to grow suspicious. It will guarantee perfect health, wealth, knowledge and power. I have decided to part ways with the stone today but both of you must decide within yourselves as to who gets this stone. For me, both of you are tied."
Tom took one look at me and immediately spoke up, "There is no question about this. My aim is always power. My mother was terribly treated by both her wizard father and her muggle husband. I want power to eliminate cruelty and injustice. Whatever my motive remains, my aim is less noble than hers. Athena has stood by me all these years without expecting anything and working only for the sake of knowledge. She is the one who deserves the stone. I can postpone my acquisition of power till I know how to use it and she is the one with highest regard for knowledge. Wherever we are, she is humble enough to share all her best knowledge with me. With her knowledge and friendship and my own intelligence, all my intended power will eventually be mine."
"It is nice to see two such Noble souls. However, once Athena takes the stone, the decision is irreversible. She can't hand it over to you at a later date and its allegiance would be forever to her. That is why I made the stone but never used it. Unless she makes a new stone, no one else gets its benefits. She might have infinite supply of knowledge but making another such stone would be completely her decision and no level of mental and emotional pressure must be put on her to make another one, even if she no longer remains your friend in the future. If you or anyone else pressurizes her against her will, the stone will literally burn you down."
"Even if you did not elaborate, I understood the nature of the stone. I still stand by my decision to let her have the stone. She is my best friend and she truly deserves it." Tom nodded to me and with tears glistening in my eyes, I stepped forward.
Professor Kyoto smiled, whispered a few words to a small red stone that immediately started glowing. He asked me to kiss it. The moment I did, I felt like I was reborn. The world around me came alive in colors that I could never define. It was like seeing the world around me in ultra-high definition. My energy levels zoomed and I felt completely happy. I also felt dizzying optimism and felt all the universe's miracles were now within my grasp.
Both Prof Kyoto and Tom stared at me with fascination. Prof Kyoto smiled, "I was merely the custodian of Nature's miracle. You are the deserving owner. Veda Vyas was once said to have sat of such a rock connected to the very roots of Nature as he meditated and gave the world the verses of the Holy Geeta. Nature sends her gifts to the deserving like the Apple that struck Newton, starry skies that inspired Galileo and so on. You are the new owner. Use your gift well and let the universe benefit from your intelligence."
So saying, he once again took us in a side along Apparition and we reached the office of Professor Dumbledore after Apparating to Hogsmeade. Our future teacher, Prof McGonagall, met us outside his office and all four of us went in.
Prof Kyoto and Dumbledore greeted each other like old allies and we both were fascinated by the treats on his side table. Without a word our palms were full with the tastiest Swiss chocolates that we only dreamed about after seeing them in magazines. His kind eyes always had an intelligent twinkle.
Prof Kyoto spoke up, "My lifetime mission is now over. The girl before you, Athena, is the deserving candidate to take humanity forward-both wizard and muggle. She has the sharpest intelligence and discipline of Marie Curie and also the focus of Morgan le Fay. To balance it, she is humble, eager and kind. She now holds the stone and understands all its properties."
Prof McGonagall and Dumbledore appraised me briefly and then broke out into kind smiles.
"Hogwarts is certainly the right place for you. We value people who are gifted and in terms of wizard education, you will get the best training here. I know that with your infinite thirst for knowledge this will not be enough. Hence, we will allow you tutoring in Muggle disciplines thrice each week that includes their latest research. A person with your responsibility would have no problem reading all our restricted section books as well so that you can discriminate between good and bad. No Avenue of Hogwarts knowledge will be held back from you. We will ensure that you attain NEWT level knowledge in ALL Magical disciplines. The pace of Magical education intake is entirely your discretion. Our teachers will freely pour out fountains of the elixir of knowledge in their reserves. As per you, young Man (looking at Tom), we value your selflessness. You are henceforth special in our eyes and while you would be a normal student, she can tell you all she knows."
I spoke up, "Professor, I have a request. I wish to study at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic under Professor Flamel. Tom and I could meet each Friday evening at either country and exchange notes. That way we can maintain a healthy friendship. Being constantly with him will make me protective of him and my interference can be taken as showmanship of superior knowledge from him, a gift he himself decided to give up because of his golden heart. Our friendship will always remain. All I request you are that we should meet every Saturday at Eiffel Tower, Paris."
"This request is rather unusual but we value your foresight and motivation. Every Saturday at 11 am, Minerva or I would bring Tom and you can both study for 10-12 hours till Sunday 4pm. Tom will take the guest room there. I can arrange that with Professor Flamel. Hogwarts would have been proud of your legacy, Athena, but it is also true that 2 sparks together can lead to a conflagration. We must avoid that risk if we can. I will also ensure that Beauxbatons will teach you under the same guidelines as we just spoke about and you will have unlimited access to both their teaching system and ours. It is quite late now, enjoy a good meal and go back to enjoy your last stretch of Muggle life in a while. Muggle France is occupied by Germany but Wizarding world is totally unaffected. Their representatives had an all European gala feast last Saturday. You will have a wonderful experience in Mainland Europe."
Thus saying, we got our plates filled magically with all our favorite dishes from soup to desserts, and both of us ravished the attention shown to us by the elders, love which we hardly received thus far in life. Tired but happy, we returned to the Orphanage to a knowing smile from Sister Irene, who waved happily at Prof Kyoto. As we were to part for our Dorms, I stopped Tom. This was our first moment alone since my life changing event.
I hugged him tightly and pulled him close to my body, feeling his warmth against me. I looked up and my eyes were blurred with tears. My voice was no better choking with tears, as I said, "I don't know what to say. You explained the reason for what you did but nothing stops the fact that you are my angel-protecting and encouraging me."
Tom looked at me directly in my eyes as he said, "We don't need words to express when we are with each other. We are Doppelgangers for each other. I did what felt right. Please do not degrade me with a formal display of gratitude."
I nodded with understanding as we parted. This is the background you needed to understand, Harry. This will help you put in correct perspective what transpired next and why and how the seed of devil was born in this angel of a young man to become Devil's Advocate. Once you understand that, you will know what I expect from You, Hermione and your band of trusted colleagues."
Harry, who was listening with rapt attention, all this while, smiled and asked her to continue.
A/N: My sincere thanks to all viewers. Kindly review and comment on my Story. Harry Potter as JK Rowling's creation may be over in books and films but in us fans, the beloved characters and their emotions live on forever. Bitty was the inspiration for a post Hogwarts Tale and I seek to throw new light in the lives of these immortal people. This chapter is the core material from which the rest of my story develops and it is the one deserving of the Title of my Fan fiction. I would love to have your reviews and comments.