Soon enough, the train had reached London and Tom's questions were going to be answered.

He picked up his luggage and exited the train, barely paying attention to his surroundings.

He looked for Dumbledore on the platform and soon spotted his tall form. He walked towards him and on reaching him, greeted him politely.

Dumbledore replied, 'Tom, my boy, how do you do?'

The mention of that disgustingly common name angered him. But he kept a smile on his face.

He replied,'Just fine, sir.'

Dumbledore glanced at him curiously. Then he smiled and his eyes twinkled.

'Well, then let us get going. Do you know what apparition is, Tom?' Dumbledore queried.

It seemed as though the curiosity was inexistent, but Tom knew better.

'Yes, Professor.' He replied. 'It is the ability to disappear from one place and reappear in another.'

'Correct, Tom.' Answered Dumbledore. 'Today, we shall be apparating to a place a few miles away from the orphanage so that we can discuss a few things. Grab my arm and hold on tight.'

Tom's curiosity flared, but he nodded. He gripped Dumbledore's arm tightly and they turned on the spot.

Tom felt as though he was being squeezed. He couldn't breathe but he didn't loosen his grip and soon, they arrived at a park within a few miles of the orphanage.

They started walking in silence. But Dumbledore glanced at him with wary eyes.

‘Tom, I know about everything you've been doing this year.’ said Dumbledore.

He was watching me?!?!?, thought Tom, that's the only way he would've known.

‘What are you talking about, sir?’ inquired Tom, with a confused expression.

Dumbledore looked at him and his eyes no longer held the signature twinkle.

‘You can deny it all you want, Tom.’ said Dumbledore. ‘Dippet will not believe me, but I will always know. I request that you learn to change your ways or I will have to take action somehow, for the safety of my students.’

The old man dared to threaten him! Oh, how he would show him one day..... He remained quiet and kept a confused expression.

They had now reached the orphanage. They were standing in front of the rusty gate.

‘Remember what I have said to you, Tom.’ said Dumbledore and then he apparated.

Tom walked to the familiar black door with the sheep carving, his mind spinning with thoughts.

Dumbledore knew. How he knew, Tom didn't know. What he did know was that they would have to be a lot more careful in the future.

He knocked on the black door and one of the caretakers opened it and recognizing Tom, inquired about his new school and let him in.

Tom politely answered her questions, giving away no extra information and excused himself to his room.

His room was the same. He placed his trunk in the corner and lay down on his bed.

He closed his eyes, thinking about Dumbledore's warning. What could Dumbledore do? After all, he wasn't the headmaster.

While he was thinking about all this, he realized how tired he was. Soon enough, he fell asleep.

*                 *                  *                *           *

Time at the orphanage passed fast. All the other kids made fun of him. How he itched to hex them. But he couldn't.

His anger was getting out of control day by day and the chances of accidental magic was high.

But he managed to keep his cool and get through the holidays. And he scared them with Nagini, whenever it was possible.

Nagini was the only one who he talked to at all. He spent all day reading or talking with her.

He had bought his new books and other requirements. The day to board the Hogwarts express finally came.

He sat in the usual compartment and didn't realize how much he had wished to see Bellatrix until he had. However, he disregarded the feeling.

He opened The standard book of spells, grade 2 and started reading.