TOM'S BAD DAY

by Barbi Bee

The day started out much like any other with the staff at Hogwarts gathered together for the first staff meeting of the new school year. While they waited for the Headmaster to appear, they discussed such topics as the new intake of first years, the possible replacements for those quidditch team memebers who had just graduated and how much each of them was willing to wager on the outcome of this years House Cup. By mutual unspoken consent the rise of Voldemort was not mentioned. These things, with the knowledge that it was the Gryffindor Trio's final year made the discussion guite jovial.

When the Headmaster walked in the door, however, the atmosphere changed because the room's occupants had all noticed the ever present twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes was no longer there. He stood before them an old man, bent and wrinkled from years of stress and worry. No longer was he the vibrant man they all knew and loved, no longer the sweet-loving grandfather with a wicked sense of humour, now he was just a wizened old man with one foot in the gave.

Turning to face the staff he informed them the Cornelius Fudge, MOM, had that morning placed a new law on the books. Called the Marriage and Procreation Law, it stated that all witches and wizards over the age of sixteen, who had one or more muggle grandparents could be forced into marriage with Purebloods. This meant that many of the six and seventh years would be affected, being able to continue their schooling only with the permission of their new spouses. The law also forced them to have at least one child within two years of the marriage.

For the school, this meant that married quarters would need to be establised and child care facilities put in place. Madame Pomphrey was put in charge of the later and the four Heads of House the former.

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Later that same day, Severus was summoned by the Dark Lord. Clinching his teeth against the pain of the dark mark , he left the castle and apparated to Voldemort's side. Only the inner circle was present and Severus soon found out why, the new law was Lucius Malfoy's idea from start to finish and had only reqired the MOM to be Imperioed to be put into place.

Voldemort was extremely happy with Lucius as it meant that his death-eaters could petition for the mudbloods and once married dispose of them at their leisure. At least he was happy until a grey barn owl flew in the window and dropped a rolled up parchment on his head.

Voldemort opened the parchment and let out a scream, the like of which the death-eaters had never heard before (well not from their master anyway). He turned his attention to Lucius and said "Do you know what this is, Malfoy? CRUCIO!!" and while Lucius writhed on the ground in agony he continued "This is an official document from the Ministry of Magic stating that Tom Marvolo Riddle - Halfblood wizard, has been selected for marriage by Sibyl Trelawney - Pureblood witch. That said wizard is now bound to said witch and under her control for all time. So THANK YOU VERY MUCH LUCIUS - AVADA KEDAVRA"

As Lucius breathed his last, Severus marvelled how Sibyl had managed with one letter to do what Wizarding kind had been trying to do for decades. Unable to do anything without the express permission of his wife, Tom dismissed his followers and apparated to Hogwarts with Severus.

They were meet at the door by Sibyl who, after placing a collar and leash on her new husband, led him away to the Divination Tower. Severus, struggling to keep what little self-control he had left, barely managed to make it back to the Dungeons before bursting out in gales of laughter, for he was one of the very few people who knew that Sibyl Trelawney was a closet Dominatrix and well-suited to keeping Tom firmly in his place.