House: Gryffindor
Position: Year 7 (stand-in)
Category: Drabble
Prompt: Professor Herbert Beery
Word Count (excluding header and AN): 459
Beta: Tigger and Lumi
AN- Herbert Beery was the Herbology Professor at Hogwarts before Professor Sprout. While at Hogwarts, he adapted and staged at least one play. He left Hogwarts to teach at the Wizarding Academy of Dramatic Arts sometime between 1965 and 1971.
"Tom!" Herbert Beery called out to the Slytherin Prefect. "Just the student I was hoping to run into."
"Professor Beery," replied Tom. "How can I help you this evening?"
"As you might already know, Headmaster Dippet has given me permission to start a little drama troupe at Hogwarts." Herbert was thrilled that he was allowed to expand his role at Hogwarts beyond being the Herbology Professor. He loved magical plants, but theater was his true passion.
Tom nodded. "Yes, I had heard rumors of that."
Herbert smiled. "I thought you might. No one knows the ins and outs of what is going on at Hogwarts better than Tom Riddle. Anyway, I was hoping to ask you a favor."
"Yes?"
"You're one of the most well-liked students and I was hoping that if you audition for my play that other students may join in. I'll go as far as to guarantee you a role for your troubles."
Tom contemplated the request. "What play are you planning to stage?"
"It's a classic from The Tales of Beedle the Bard called The Warlock's Hairy Heart. Perhaps you've heard of it?" When Tom didn't respond, Herbert continued, "No? Well, I think you'd be perfect for the lead. The warlock is a handsome, young man who seeks to woo a fair maiden so that he will be envied by all of his subjects."
"Intriguing," Tom said. "And does this warlock succeed?"
"No!" Herbert exclaimed. "The warlock had been dabbling in the Dark Arts and had previously carved out his own heart so that he would not fall victim to love. The tale ends quite tragically with the warlock dying with both his and the maiden's hearts in his hands."
Tom asked, "And the warlock was able to live for a while without his heart beating in his chest?"
"It's just a fairytale, Tom. But I believe that there this some very dark magic that allows a wizard to live on indefinitely when he intentionally removes part of his own body. It's very dark magic."
"Do you have any idea where I might find out about that? As research for my character of course."
"The restricted section is your best bet," Herbert replied and pulled out a small bit of parchment. "I'll write you a permission note to poke around a bit. You might look into Secrets of the Darkest Art and Magick Moste Evile. Those will help you greatly when preparing for your audition."
Tom accepted the note. "Thank you, Professor. I'll be sure to pass the word around about the play."
"I knew I could count on you, Tom!"
Herbert parted ways with the young prefect, pleased with his efforts. With Tom's assistance, his first play was bound to be a smashing success.