Aww, this chapter really tugged on the heartstrings! I don’t think I could ever be disappointed with anything you write, you have such amazing talent! I’m always so excited to see a new chapter come up, it’s like opening a present! I was so happy to see that Tom is doing all right, I was really worried about him! Your description of him with the bruises under the eyes and the matted hair was so sad. Just what the hell did they do to them? And I’m very curious about Tom’s interaction with Castle Albus- It really had me wondering about what Albus saw in his mind and how Tom reacted to the invasion- since it’s Tom, I can imagine the reaction was violent and perhaps horrified, since he seemed pissed when the other Albus tried a peek. He doesn’t seem to like Castle Albus much, and finds it hard to believe that Castle Albus and the Albus he has known are one and the same. Which Albus also finds touching! I’m in love with your description of their reunion, how Albus held Tom to him like a precious book, and how even Tom allows the hug- another way they’re like each other, they’re both not usually fond of contact, but I think it’s sweet how they make an exception for each other. I think you’re writing is so good, because you pulled the scene off and made it believable without an ounce of cheese! I never thought I would read a story that had me rooting for Tom Riddle, but you really make me like his character without making him so good and perfect that it’s not realistic. And Tom’s apology had me laughing despite poor Ollivander’s condition (see, you’ve got me looking at it from Tom’s perspective- of course nearly burning someone to a crisp is a suitable reaction to someone killing a snake! Which in real life just don’t fly, but you write Tom so well that I see how from his perspective something usually twisted like that could make sense)an apology where the words “I’m sorry” were never used and which actually ended up sounding more like a threat! He doesn’t really apologize at all- he just kind of lists all the reasons why what he did wasn’t so bad and hints at how it’s Ollivander who deserves jail time! Classic Tommy Riddle! I also loved the ending where Albus gets scared because he realizes Tom finally trusts him, and even though he’s wanted that he’s a little scared of what it means. I really like how Tom sings a silly song (yay from Alice!) to cheer him up. I like that part of their dynamic where when Albus gets too worried in his thoughts, Tom knows what to do to lighten things. I don’t think Albus would have had a person in his timeline who could do that, so I think that’s another cool thing about their relationship. I’m so curious about how they’ll get along while Aberforth is away- he’s such an important part of the dynamic, but with all they’ve got in common, I hope Albus and Tom can develop their own connection more- they’re so interesting to read about and so smart, and I feel like this chapter is especially significant, because Tom trusting someone is such a rare thing, and I hope Albus doesn’t screw it up! With every chapter, you always leave me wondering what will come next for the characters- you’re truly a master of suspense!

Of course, the young Dumbledore has loyal friends, acquaintances and neutralists, whereas the young Voldemort had (will have?) frightened servants, dastardly goons and power-hungry followers. Well, that explains how he had all that privileged insight into the workings of the Death Eaters.

Nevertheless, both he and Castle Albus are still terribly entertaining. Perhaps all Dumbledore's 'second chances' ideology would be just as well applied to himself.

"holding the boy as close to me as if he was the original manuscript of Argo Pyrites's Alchemy, Ancient Art and Science" - Oh, Albus.

Tom's almost-apologising was priceless. Slytherin would be proud.

And poor Ollivander, now that I think of it, is kind of caught in a situation he cannot do or know quite as much about as he should, and - though not a particularly sympathetic one - very much a victim here.

Still enjoying the references. I think this is the part where I should confess that Through the Looking-Glass was my favourite book as a child. I wouldn't quite say that I am reading on because I want to find out whether you're going to keep referencing things I liked, but I am tickled that someone took that mention of Dumbledore's about the importance of children's tales and ran with it.

There is some sentimental!Dumbledore at the end of this chapter, which I like after seeing him callous to everyone for so long. And Voldemort *is* awfully superstitious, isn't he ? He probably thinks the whole time-travel plot is brilliant, and/or that now that magic comes with time-travel it can do virtually anything. (Which might not serve Dumbledore's plans all that well, although now that he's sort of his mentor he can hopefully give Tom tips as to how to use magic.) I like that time-travel causes more problems than it solves, ultimately, which is unfortunately not often explored in time-travel fic.

And of course still looking forward to things being not all that quiet on the Grindelwald front. This chapter just heightened my anticipation.

Well now, what a rambler I make. I did promise you a more detailed review eventually !

Once more I really enjoyed this chapter - of course, Castle Albus and his... detached wisdom, shall we say... It always really interested me, the idea that Dumbledore was this paragon of goodness because he'd undergone a lot of character development post-Grindelwald, and thus, that in his early years as a teacher he would have been much less, not just as a sorcerer but as an human being.

I liked that his first thought on meeting Castle Albus is basically "can I beat him up". Harder to believe in trust and second chances when one doesn't have all the power, I suppose.

And it's kind of sad that he ends up playing mind-games with himself. Maybe he'll miss it when he returns to his time. At least, in '34, he has an equal, even if a somewhat callous one.

On a related note, will we get to see Grindelwald ?

Tom's taste in literature is very good for someone his age too. I tend to hate it when fanfiction writers have people quoting left and right, but I have a fondness for classics, and Albus and Tom are probably the most likely characters to be doing it.

PS: I loved the depth and insight you lend to Slughorn. I've never seen any character spell things out that clearly. After all, Dumbledore was first hear of house for years and then headmaster for decades. To have his (as professor and member of the wizengamot!) bias and blind eye on very serious matters (especially if Charlus Potter and friends in the Slytherin girls' dormitory, a place where the girls should have been safe, hint at sexual harassment and/or rape) go on and on ...

Had it been in Dumbledore's hand, he'd probably tried to save one of his own AGAIN.

Frightening what Dumbledore apparently was like in 1934.

You really created an amazing Aberforth!

Well, bye again.

Moi

Great new story. Future Albus thinks Castle has the advantage of youth and therefore speed on him, while he himself has the advantage of experience. *snicker* He clearly hasn't REALLY realized that he currently has the very same body Castle Albus has, not his aged one. I'd so love to see if he moves like an old or young man (much like people after they got a hip implant).

Cheers,

Moi

Once again, you've managed to steal part of a good night's sleep!

I thought hmm, I should be getting to bed now, but I wonder if that wonderful story I came across has been updated? So I peeked, found that it was, and read it over from first chapter to last, impressed throughout. I wanted to refresh myself on the details, and your writing is so excellent that it invites second, third, and fourth readings.

A lot of fanfic I've read in the past is entertaining, but with very little substance. With your story, like a lot of the best literature, the more I read, the more layers I uncover. I discover things I didn't notice before. I love the references to classic works- it's not forced, and you've weaved it very well into the story, making it relevant to what’s going on in the lives and heads of the characters. It's a stroke of brilliance worthy of Dumbledore and Tom Riddle. I thought the confrontation between Albus and Albus was brilliant- tension so thick it came off the screen, and your version of Dumbledore gives me chills. I find it fascinating, because DH hinted at a lot of darkness in Dumbledore’s life, but it was never fully explored. I was also very relieved to see that Tom is still at his manipulative best, although the hints Malfoy left at the boy’s sadness and disorientation leave me concerned. And no mention of how poor Aberforth’s doing, which has me even more concerned! Albus is right about Tom being more cynical and less subject to disappointment, but Albus’ musings about how Aberforth had such high hopes for that Christmas were heartbreaking. I hope the fragile little family is able to come back together soon. Once again, I’ll be going to work groggy, but you’ve made it well worth it! I definitely have a lot to muse over during boring moments at work.

I can only hope to have more groggy mornings as a result of your excellent story!

I love this story.

It's serious, free of clichees and absolutly amazing. I have to admit that I haven't read most of the mentioned stories, only heard of them. This still doesn't stop me from antipicating the next chapter. I will look forward how you will protray Dumbledore, often he's an abused charakter in fanfictions, either completly evil or the grandfather guy. Here's actually human.

Aw thanks, I'm glad you like my reviews! Whenever I post a review for your story I feel guilty, because your chapters stun me with their amazingness every time and I don’t think they can compare to the awesome work you’re doing here! I could never write so well, even with reviews I always feel like I'm just blabbing. I can't imagine having talent where you can just take these characters and bring them to life so well...I really prefer your Tom and Albus to Rowling's, because even with the backstory she gave us I never really got into caring about what happens to the characters...I thought they were okay, but I always cared about the trio most, because I could sympathize with them more. Even when your Tom's being a baddie (setting someone on fire last chapter, getting a snobby Malfoy to be his errand boy!) I still love him and kind of get why he does what he does, because you showed how he had suffered before. So I really have my fingers crossed that he’ll turn out okay here- I mean, I don’t think Tom Riddle could ever be a little angel, but that would be boring anyway! But I think if Albus and Aberforth took care of him he could grow up to NOT be insanely batshit evil, and not go round murdering mommies and their babies. Group hug for Tommy! Your Tom has a sense of humor too, so I can see him being someone who could do good things someday if he’s just given a chance. I love the whole Gulliver’s Travels thing you’ve got going, even though I’ve got to admit I haven’t read the book and don’t 100% get it, but I can still make out the ideas behind what they’re saying. It makes me want to read it just so I can keep up with your Tom and Albus! They’re both so smart, it’s almost like they play games with each other. And Tom managing to send Albus his little message- it made me happy, cause I was afraid all that trauma might have driven him round the bend. So it’s good to see he’s a tough little boy who’s got his wits about him, enough to wrap people round his finger even in captivity! And it’s so interesting how your Dumbledore isn’t all perfect and light the way he seems in canon, but has flaws and makes mistakes. I love how he calls Tom a little imp and a wretched boy, but it sounds like he means it as a compliment! So even though he worries about him being Dark Lord 2.0, it seems like little Tommy’s growing on him. Maybe he reminds him of what a smart ass he must have been as a kid, since they’re both geniuses! Anyway, I love your story more with each chapter and you always leave me feeling like a druggie in need of another fix!

This story is amazing. Thank you for writing it, because it made my day. :-)

I just read your story in one go. And, of course, am eagerly waiting for the next update ;)

It's really something else. Albus Dumbledore travelling back and taking care of Tom? Nice idea.

I very much enjoyed Albus' thoughts. Sometimes he made me want to jump into the story and throttle him. With the way he was so suspicious of Tom's every doing. I mean, I can see where Albus' suspicion comes from but still Tom's just a child. Other times Albus is so narcissistic it almost hurts. and made me laugh. It definitely made me grin and maybe even cackle evilly as Albus met his younger counterpart. Finally he got a taste of his own medicine.

And Tom? I very much like how you portrayed him. I can definitely see the canon Tom behind your characterisation. But you managed to add more to him. At the very least an explanation for the evil.

The only thing I didn't like too much? Maybe your summary of the story. It made me almost not read it (which would have been my loss). But that's only my impression.

So, now I lean back and let you write the next chapter. By the way: Hurry! ;)

story!

great

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such

Hi.

Nice Chapter as usual. The plot is getting thicker and more intense/complicated. I wanna kill Castle Albus : He's such a jerk but it's nice to know that Albus himself, finally knows how stubborn and arrogant he was.

Thanks for updating on my birthday! ;)

LOL.