5بخش

How did you do that?

You crush it. Don’t cut it.

No. The instructions specifically say to cut.

No, really.

Merlin’s beard! It is perfect.

So perfect I daresay one drop would kill us all.

So here we are, then, as promised.

One vial of Felix Felicis.

Congratulations.

Use it well.

Harry, you got my message. Come in.

How are you?

I’m fine, sir.

Enjoying your classes?

I know Professor Slughorn is most impressed with you.

I think he overestimates my abilities, sir.

Do you?

Definitely.

What about your activities outside the classroom?

Sir? Well, I notice you spend a great deal of time with Miss Granger.

I can’t help wondering…

Oh, no, no. I mean, she’s brilliant, and we’re friends, but, no.

Forgive me. I was merely being curious.

But enough chitchat.

You must be wondering why I summoned you here tonight.

The answer lies here.

What you are looking at are memories.

In this case, pertaining to one individual, Voldemort…

…or, as he was known then, Tom Riddle.

This vial contains the most particular memory…

…of the day I first met him.

I’d like you to see it, if you would.

I admit some confusion upon receiving your letter, Mr. Dumbledore.

In all the years Toms been here, hes never once had a family visitor.

There have been incidents with the other children. Nasty things.

Tom, you have a visitor.

How do you do, Tom?

Don’t.

You’re the doctor, aren’t you? No.

I am a professor.

I don’t believe you.

She wants me looked at.

They think I’m different.

Well, perhaps they’re right.

I’m not mad.

Hogwarts is not a place for mad people.

Hogwarts is a school.

A school of magic.

You can do things, cant you, Tom?

Things other children can’t.

I can make things move without touching them.

I can make animals do what I want without training them.

I can make bad things happen to people who are mean to me.

I can make them hurt…

…if I want.

Who are you?

Well, I’m like you, Tom.

I’m different.

Prove it.

I think there’s something in your wardrobe trying to get out, Tom.

Thievery is not tolerated at Hogwarts, Tom.

At Hogwarts, you’ll be taught not only how to use magic, but how to control it.

You understand me?

I can speak to snakes too.

They find me.

Whisper things.

Is that normal for someone like me?

Did you know, sir, Then?

Did I know Id just met the most dangerous dark wizard of all time? No.

If I had, I…

Over time, while here at Hogwarts Tom Riddle grew close to one particular teacher.

Can you guess who that teacher might be?

You didn’t bring Professor Slughorn back simply to teach Potions, did you?

No, I did not.

You see, Professor Slughorn possesses something I desire very dearly.

And he will not give it up easily.

You said Professor Slughorn would try to collect me.

I did.

Do you want me to let him?

Yes.