Wit Beyond Measure
written by Lizzie Scamander
Will her Ravenclaw wit keep her where she belongs? It is the year 1962 at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Tom Riddle is back wanting to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts. Will Professor Dippet permit this future Lord Voldemort to have the place, or will Cecelia Blackwood convince him otherwise? Little does she know that this is not just a career argument, but the beginning of a dangerous and magical adventure.
Last Updated
05/31/21
Chapters
6
Reads
679
The Soundproofed Decision
Chapter 3
It was none other than Albus Dumbledore, the Transfiguration teacher. He was the one I liked the most of all the staff - he was so kind, and wise, and friendly. But now he looked angry. Professor Dippet looked up and licked his lips nervously. "Albus," he said. "Erm - what brings you here?"
"I just heard what was happening," Dumbledore said, and with a stately composure he walked over to the desk. "Armando - do you really intend to throw Cecelia here from her job to make room for Tom?"
Riddle stared up at Dumbledore with an icy look in his eyes. "It is Professor Dippet's choice, Dumbledore," he said. "Not yours."
Dumbledore peered through his half-moon spectacles down at Riddle. "Yes, I know," he said calmly. "But it does seem quite - well, ungracious. Cecelia has proved a good teacher so far, has she not? You did just say so this morning, Armando."
"Well, yes, I did," Professor Dippet said awkwardly, looking down at his lap, "But then Tom here came and I really couldn't - well - refuse him... He would do so well as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher..."
"I'm sure Cecelia is just as good as him," Dumbledore said. He spoke calmly, but his eyes were still angry. Pulling out his wand, he jabbed at thin air and a chair appeared before him. Sitting down in it, he faced Riddle. "Tom, you surely can't expect to come bursting in here expecting employment," he said. "After all, I thought you were interested in other things. Tell me, how has it been at Borgin & Burkes lately?"
Riddle flushed a light pink but he did not allow his pride to be broken. He lifted his chin. "I am no longer keen on pursuing that career," he said smoothly. "And I have trust in Professor Dippet here. He always encouraged me to consider a career at Hogwarts, and now I am back ready for one."
Professor Dippet nodded hastily before Dumbledore could reply. "Precisely!" He said. "Now, Albus, if you will please exit my office so we can move on to -"
But Dumbledore held up his hand. "Wait, Armando," he said. "Please allow me to have a private conversation with you first."
Professor Dippet opened his mouth then clamped it shut again. Swallowing, he said, "Albus, not now, I don't -"
But a look from Dumbledore silenced him. Sighing, he waved a hand to Riddle and I. "Tom, Cecelia, please leave us. It will only be for a little while."
Riddle looked furious, yet he stood up and strode to the door. I was about to follow him when Dumbledore shook his head. "No, Cecelia, you can remain," he said.
"I thought it was to be a private conversation," Riddle said icily.
Dumbledore, to my disbelief, chuckled. "Private from you let's say, Tom," he said. He waved his wand and the door opened. Riddle, with a look of intense fury, strode out, slamming the door behind him. Dumbledore jabbed at thin air again and conjured up a chair for me. I sank into it, glad to relax a little. Professor Dippet looked disapproving.
"Albus, was that really necessary?" He asked. "I trust Tom entirely."
"People's opinions differ," Dumbledore said calmly. Professor Dippet opened his mouth but Dumbledore shook his head. "No time to argue about things like that, Armando," he said. "No, we must proceed with what I want to talk to you about." Before continuing, Dumbledore pointed his wand at the door. It seemed to glow slightly before returning to its normal brown. Professor Dippet looked outraged.
"Soundproofing my door?" He said angrily. "Albus! What do you expect Tom to do, listen at the keyhole?"
Dumbledore laughed. "Something similar," he said casually. "But anyway." His expression turned serious again. "Armando, I will be pointblank. I do not trust Tom."
Professor Dippet folded his arms. "I see that," he said huffily.
"Are you not aware of what Tom has been doing?" Dumbledore said. "Yes, he worked in Borgin & Burkes, I know, but he has gathered together a group of followers called Death Eaters as well, and rechristened himself Voldemort."
Professor Dippet waved a hand dismissively. "Death Eaters - a joke! And he's allowed to rename himself if he wants."
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "You are certainly not taking it seriously," he said sternly. "And the last thing you want is him teaching here at Hogwarts! You will regret it, mark my words."
Professor Dippet looked sceptical. "I don't think so, Albus," he said irritably. "I know what I'm doing! And I insist upon -"
"Throwing Cecelia out?" Dumbledore's voice returned to its previous angry tone. "Think about this, Armando!"
Professor Dippet looked angry, but then his expression softened and he looked weary. "Albus, I do respect your opinion," he said. "But now it seems quite unreasonable. What's wrong with Tom?"
"You'll soon see," Dumbledore said quietly. "For now, I will excuse myself. Come with me, Cecelia."
I nodded. Standing up, I followed Dumbledore to the door. With a tap of his wand, Dumbledore removed the Soundproof Charm and opened it. Riddle stood outside. He looked icily calm. "Made your decision?" He said coldly.
"Armando will soon tell you," Dumbledore said lightly. "It's up to him, remember?"
And with that, he led the way down the spiral staircase, and I couldn't help smiling as I came along behind.
