The Downfall - Tom Riddle

Chapter Three

"This a bad time?"

Malina Raised her hands, ready to strike but the figure in front of her raised his hand telling her to stop. She looked at the man in confusion. Who does this man think he is, waltzing into her home and ordering her to stop defending herself. She still kept her hands raised, not trusting the man.

"Put your hands down Malina, I am not here to harm you." The man said with a calm look on his face. She can see the twinge on amusement hidden behind his eyes and this made her more angry.

"Leave my home at once, or I will call the local police" She spat out, hoping to scare the man. But it had not worked, he chuckled at the small girl for her words and motioned for her to sit.

"Sit Malina, we have a lot to talk about." She stood still, debating on her choices. Malina was still a small child and like most, she was curious about things. She lowered her hands, but she kept them out of her pockets, still not trusting the strange man and sat down at the table across from him, not wanting to get too close.

"Who are you and what do you want from me." Her tone had calmed down but there was still a fleck of anger hidden.

"My name is Albus Dumbledore, but please just call me professor Dumbledore." He said and held out his hand to shake but Malina just stared, not wanting to touch is thick fingers. "I'm aware that you possess magical talents, and I am here to offer you a spot at our school."

"I'm already being taught" Malina interrupted the professor, not interested in attending a private school.

"I believe you don't understand, this school is meant for people like you. Students who share the same abilities. Hogwarts is a place to make friends and learn with people who encourage your magic" Dumbledore said in a calm manor.

"Why should I attend a school when I'm already being taught the things I know" Malina said, still being stubborn with the man and is confused as to why she would need to leave her tutor.

"it is come to our attention that your teacher, Mr. Ainsworth was involved with the Dark Arts and has been taken into custody of the Ministry Of Magic."

Malina sighed, for she knew this say would come. Her teacher that she now learned his name was Ainsworth, was involved in very dark magic and was greedy in dark artifacts. He would travel around in search for such items and would use dark spells to get what he wanted. He bargained with others and would give them something they thought was special in exchange for the dark object. There was always a thread behind his words, and would curse the people for the rest of their doomed life. Malina thought she would be well on her way before he was caught, and even though she wasn't close to the man, it still sparked a twinge of hurt in her heart, for he was her mentor and taught her everything she knew.

"What a shame." She said, collecting herself from her wandering thoughts of the teacher. "Where did you say this school is?"

"Hogwarts is in the fields of Scotland, and is very beautiful if I must add." He hummed at the last comment and awaited Malina's answer. Surely this man didn't think she can make a decision this quickly, even after telling her that her teacher has been captured. This mans skull was real thick and she wouldn't enjoy him teaching her.

"And you are the head teacher of this school?" Malina made sure to ask, for she did not want to deal with this man if she were to attend.

"Merlin no. That would be Headmaster Dippet. I am the Transfiguration teacher, and the deputy headmaster." Dumbledore said, adding the last part which did not impress Malina.

"How long do I have to decide?"

"Your decision must be made now, for school starts tomorrow."

Is this man daft? How come he hadn't showed up before to at least warn her. How would her aunt feel about this, like she would even care. But is sure she wouldn't be too pleased that she had left to an unknown school.

Looking around her, she realized she no longer had a teacher and she wouldn't go without her education. She must accept, she had nothing to do here besides read her books and practice spells. Her mind wandered to the fact that he showed up a day before school started. Something is terribly wrong with this man.

"I accept" Malina finally said after a moment of silence. She didn't know if she was making the right decision but she had nothing to lose.

"Excellent" Dumbledore said, getting up from the table. He made his way to the open door and Malina looked over her chair, watching the man leave. "Oh, and Malina. Dark arts isn't tolerated at Hogwarts" and with that he left.