HBP: Harry admires Tom’s handsomeness in the Memories. Albus observes and reflects

“Mayhaps it had been a mistake to bring Harry here,” Albus pondered as he saw Harry almost stumble and fall like a newborn foal as 16-year-old Tom Riddle came into view in the Pensieve. 

Green eyes widened with shock, awe and an emotion Albus didn’t really want to analyse too closely. He heard the boy draw in a sharp breath as if the vision had been an invisible blow to his solar plexus. 

The boy stared. And stared. And stared some more. 

Albus was pretty sure he was not even aware he was standing there transfixed at the teenaged version of his nemesis. 

If Tom Riddle was here in the flesh, he would probably have experienced goosebumps by now. Harry’s stare was relentless, piercing and without any shame. He was almost in a trance, his eyes glazed. 

“He has probably forgotten I am here, has he?” Dumbledore almost felt like snorting. 

“Harry, you need to pay attention,” he reminded his protege. He made sure to add a note of wry exasperation in his voice. 

Harry nodded faintly, his eyes not wavering from Riddle’s face. 

Albus sighed. 

It was going to be a long evening. 

He was briefly tempted to delve into Harry’s mind but thought better of it. 

Pandora’s boxes shouldn’t be opened, should they?