Ch. 35 Failure

I really doubt Dumbledore will be able to tell me a great deal more than I already know. The whole point of this 'exchange' of information is to create a connection between the two of us.

I don't want to be his new B.F.F.!

I just want him to back off on watching me. Any additional compromises we agree to is just an added bonus. Plus, the old goat may share some of his knowledge one day.

I am a bit curious about what Dumbledore has to say about Tom Riddle. I'm sure his sister's death is his biggest regret, but why does he call Tom Riddle his biggest failure?

Only one way to find out!

I bluntly ask Dumbledore, "Why do you call him your biggest failure?"

"That is not an easy or quick story," Dumbledore said.

"I have time," I said as I shrug my shoulders.

Dumbledore gives a small chuckle at that. "Ah! Time, something the young have in abundance."

I give a pleasant smile as I await his story. It only takes a moment before Dumbledore begins his tale.

"I first met Tom in the summer of 1938, at Wool's Orphanage in London. He was actually born right there in the orphanage. I assumed I was delivering a Hogwarts' Acceptance Letter to a muggle-born, but what I found was so much more.

"By the age of eleven, Tom had trained himself to manipulate accidental magic to serve him. I ended up talking with him for over an hour! He is, without a doubt, the most brilliant child I have ever met, even to this day.

"He was so enthusiastic about learning and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge." Dumbledore's shoulders raised back up as he was recalling that first meeting.

Dumbledore's climbing excitement stalled. "But Tom's attitude gave me cause for concern.

"You have to understand, back then, I adhered to a much stricter condition for the use of Legilimency. I wanted to trust the good in people, but Tom's behavior gave me cause for worry. He exhibited several signs of abuse. So, fearing the worst, I looked into his memories.

"I was relieved when I found that Tom was well treated by the staff. His relationship with the older children was the source of his attitude. He harbored a great deal of anger and resentment, mostly at the children that bullied him.

"I was troubled when I learned of Tom using magic to seek revenge on those that caused him trouble, but he never harmed anyone that didn't provoke him. He never used his magic to bully, nor did he mistreat any that didn't offend him first.

"While I did not condone his use of magic against others, I could understand why such a young child did so. He had no other means of defense and simply didn't know any better.

"He needed someone to teach him to guide him. And I thought I would be the one to guide him."

"Once he learned of Hogwarts, he begged me to take him that very day." Dumbledore gives a short laugh at the remembered excitement. "I mistook his need to escape the orphanage as excitement for a school of magic. I was wrong to assume that. I know that now." Dumbledore finished with a sober tone.

"When Tom finally arrived at Hogwarts, he was sorted into Slytherin. He claimed the status of a half-blood. Tom was convinced his father was a wizard and was unable to raise him due to some tragic event. I'm not sure where he came up with that idea, but it was far from the truth.

"Now, do not mistake Tom's reception into the House of Cunning as a negative experience. Those were different times compared to today. A dark wizard is to thank for that.

"Gellert Grindelwald was in the height of his power, with a massive following behind him. You see, the Slytherin House, like many during that time, adopted Gellert's philosophy of a united magical world. This caused most to ignore blood-status entirely, but many also shunned all muggles.

"Plus, with the Slytherin Head of House, Horace Slughorn, taking an instant liking to the boy, Tom was accepted without question."

Dumbledore paused for a moment. He seemed to be putting a great deal of thought into his story. "During Tom's time at Hogwarts, I spent a great deal of time speaking with him. I saw Tom as untapped potential. Possibly even leading the witches and wizards of Britain down a road of recovery.

"I would often talk with Tom, mentor him, perhaps more than any student I have ever taught. I wouldn't just help him with his magic, but I helped introduce more of the magical world to him. We even discussed the traditions and beliefs of our society, even politics. He drank it all in.

"Tom's first year resulted in a complete change in his attitude. I believe, for the first time in his life, he was accepted for what he was. No longer was he an angry child, but truly happy. It was as if Tom had finally found a home.

"When the year ended, he appealed to myself and Headmaster Armando Dippet to allow him to live at Hogwarts for the summer, like the orphans of old. Armando would later deny Tom's request.

"What Tom didn't know was Armando delved into Tom's past and learned of his connection to the Gaunt family. When Armando reached out to Marvolo Gaunt, Tom's grandfather, it was not a pleasant conversation. Marvolo refused to recognize a half-blood as his family. Yet he would not surrender his rights as Tom's magical guardian.

"Without the approval of Tom's magical guardian, he could not legally stay the summer at Hogwarts." Dumbledore paused in reflection. Reliving memories from long ago.

I gave Dumbledore a moment before asking, "How did Tom take Marvolo's rejection?"

With an odd look, Dumbledore gave a slight shake of his head. "He didn't. I never told him."

Taking a deep breath, Dumbledore explained, "Tom was only twelve years old. His entire life, he believed he was alone after his mother's passing. To learn that he, in fact, had a magical family, but was forced to return to the orphanage because his family couldn't accept his blood-status... It would have been too cruel."

"We would later learn, Tom was more vicious to his bullies that summer and the following summers. He took deeply to Gellert's negative view of muggles. Tom now viewed himself as better than the other muggle children."

"I was unaware of this for many years. I had no cause to think otherwise. Tom's next few years at Hogwarts, was that of the perfect student. He was charming and hardworking. He was well-liked by students and staff alike.

"I looked at Tom, and I saw myself. I became his official mentor in his third-year. We met every week outside of class, and I would share my knowledge and many of my own spells with Tom. I taught him how to apply spells in unique ways, seldom thought of.

"I would often explain the benefits of the muggle society to curb Gellert's extreme ideals. I even started his training to become a duelist. I had plans to take him on as my official apprentice when he graduated." Dumbledore recalls with a fond smile on his aged face.

The joy he felt during that time was evident. I wonder if he focused on Tom, to prevent thinking about his lover, Gellert? Was he trying to bring good into the world after allowing so much evil to harm others?

With a sorrow-filled voice, Dumbledore said, "I had so many hopes for Tom. He had so much potential and the opportunities I could have given him...

"I was teaching him everything I thought he would need. I wanted to see him establish himself in the Wizarding world as a leader for good. I actually thought he was progressing towards becoming a champion for the Light Houses..."

Dumbledore let out a great sigh. "That all changed during his sixth-year. Tom returned to Hogwarts, much more guarded than I had ever seen him. No longer would he be seen laughing and joining in on the merriment. He was entirely dedicated to his studies.

"Fearing Tom suffered a tragedy over the summer, I attempted to use Legilimency for a second time on him. To my shock, he had become an Occlumens. His defenses were crude, but far enough along that he would have been made aware of a Legilimency attack. Fearing to lose his trust, I refrained.

"Tom moved further and further away from me over the course of the year. I continued our lessons, even adding additional time with Tom. I had hoped to get him to open up, to confide in me. But no matter what I tried, he just slipped further and further into darkness. It was at the end of the school year, when Myrtle Warren sadly lost her life, that I suspected what Tom was up to.

"Armando and I tried to convince the Ministry of a proper investigation for Hagrid, but they refused. Gellert and his followers were finally losing ground, and the Ministry feared to lose the momentum in the war.

"After a week of peace at Hogwarts, the Ministry declared the issue solved and closed the case." There was a great deal of annoyance in Dumbledore's voice at that.

Was he truly upset his most loyal follower would live the rest of his life without a wand or, was he giving me a show?

"I closely watched Tom for the rest of his time at Hogwarts. At the end of his seventh-year, he applied for the post of D.A.D.A. Professor. Suspecting Tom's role in Miss Warren's death, Armando refused Tom the post citing his lack of experience.

"I wouldn't see Tom again until 1971 when he applied for the D.A.D.A. post a second time." Dumbledore goes quiet as he reflects on the past.

With a defeated tone, Dumbledore continues, "He was lost to us by then. The whites of his eyes were blood red, and his skin was white and waxy. He must have subjected himself to numerous dark rituals for such a result."

Dropping his voice to a sad whisper, "He walked out of here that day as the physical evidence of my failure to create something good in this world."

Neither of us spoke for several minutes. After finally regathering himself, Dumbledore looked back into my eyes. "I have never told anyone that before."

Tilting my head, "So why tell me?"

Dumbledore looked at me with a sad and knowing smile. "Something tells me, you already knew."

I remain silent. I see no point in giving Dumbledore additional information about me.

I am a bit curious about what he will choose to ask. Will he ask about last night or the Deathly Hallows?

With renewed composure, Dumbledore straightens himself. "What happened last night?"

Guess he cares more for the school than personal gain. Point to you old man.

Taking a breath, I begin my story. "The events that lead to last night actually started three weeks ago. Miss Granger and Mr. Potter were snooping around the halls in search of a voice that Mr. Potter was hearing."

Dumbledore's brows knit together at that piece of information.

"After further questioning the boy, I determined there were only two possibilities. Either Mr. Potter was partially possessed, or a Parslemouth."

Dumbledore's face takes on a complicated look at that. I can't read a thing on his face.

"I didn't examine Harry for possession, but him being a Parslemouth seemed more logical, given Hogwarts' history. I ordered the pair to refrain from trying to find the source of the 'voice', and I began my search."

Looking at Dumbledore's blank face, I continued. "It took me several days before I was confident Miss Warren and her preferred bathroom played a key role in this.

"I began patrolling the halls each night, hoping to intercept the monster. I was actually late for my patrol when I left the feast last night. I wasn't able to prevent Mrs. Norris from being petrified. But I was able to follow a trail of water to the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets."

I finish my story with a shrug of my shoulders. I really don't see the point in giving Dumbledore a blow by blow version of my fight.

"How were you able to gain entry into the Chamber proper?" Dumbledore asked.

Looks like the old goat did take a peek down there!

I give a piece of information he already has. "I trained at Kamar-Taj for nearly a year."

Dumbledore slowly nodded his head. I could tell he didn't like that answer, but he accepted it regardless.

Taking the initiative to change the subject, I quickly speak up. "So, given the Horcrux, Tom Riddle left contingencies in the event of his death. Do you think he created more than one?"

Dumbledore actually looks startled at that question. He knows Voldemort would return, but I guess he hadn't thought of multiple Horcruxes yet.

"If you need, a bit of basilisk venom will destroy that Horcrux in short order." I cheerfully inform the Headmaster.

Pulled from his thoughts, Dumbledore blinks his eyes several times before focusing on me. After a moment, a slow smile spreads over his bearded face. "I'll take that into consideration, Professor Dovahkiin."

"Good." Standing from my chair, I look at Dumbledore from across his desk. "Perhaps you can have the house-elves stop watching me?"

As his smile turns into a smirk, "I'll take that into consideration as well."

I can't help rolling my eyes. What an arse!