Loopholes

Disclaimer: I don't own HP

Summary: Voldemort feared only one thing in his life... Death. What happens when young Tom Riddle meets the Death one day... A reluctant friendship formed with Death itself... AU

Chapter 1

"He was different from the other children here. He hardly ever cried as a baby, you know. He was very... odd. In fact he is! " she emphasised.

"Odd in what way?" asked Dumbledore curiously.

"Well, he.. ", Mrs. Cole hesitated.

"Well... There were many little things but the most odd thing is his imaginary friend."

She squinted at him as though gauging his reaction.

"But isn't it normal thing in young children... especially in introvert children ?" asked Dumbledore.

Mrs. Cole frowned at him as if he missed the main point.

"Yes, I thought so too but Tom here still has that friend... at this age! He was always discreet but I had seen him. It was unsettling experience. We tried to speak with him. He was always loner... never befriended any children... so his behaviour was ignored... until now."

She seemed to consider something and then looked at Dumbledore.

"It's not like I'm implying he needed professional help. But as you are offering him place, the school authorities ought to know about this. It is my responsibility." She stated somberly.

"Indeed... " Dumbledore agreed. He was looking pensive.

Albus Dumbledore would never forget that day when he met an intriguing child who had imaginary friend named Harry.

R & R