Authors Note: Last one Beta'd by KITKAT and has been updated. But for those of you who have been with me a while, I should anounce. within probably the next week or so. I will have chapter Five up ;) Hang in there peeps!
I'm not the one whose so far away, when I feel the snake bite enter my veins. Never did I wanna be here again, and I don't remember why I came...September 2nd, 1938
As predicted it didn't take long before Dumbledore got his reply from Grindlewald. Fawkes returned with his reply early the next morning. Taking the letter, he unfurled it to see the very familiar handwriting of his old friend.
Dear Albus, I appreciate that you've written to me about what's going on with my daughter's whereabouts; and what has been done to her. I implore that my next actions will not offend you too much my old friend. I have already located Denis and I am in the process of dealing with him. Also, I'm sorry about what you'll be seeing in the prophet tomorrow. I will be arriving in Hogsmead later this evening under a disillusionment charm and I will be waiting at the front gates at nine pm. I want to see her, Albus. Yours truly, Gellert.
-
Tom was up early in order to get to the hospital wing. As he got dressed from his secondhand pajamas and into his secondhand robes his mind was racing. He was quite excited to start his lessons and was curious about what he'd be learning; though he vowed to reign in his emotions more because, he had already let Dumbledore see too much the day he was told he was a wizard and let the excitement get to him. He wouldn't be so careless again. Looking at his pocket watch, he found it was six thirty.
Grabbing his wand and books, he headed through the dark dungeon corridors and up the stairs and into the common room; where Orion Black and Abraxus Malfoy were waiting for him by the black sofas next to the fireplace.
"Thought you might try sneaking off." Abraxus smirked. "We thought we'd join you."
"My cousin said she would get our schedules and knick a daily prophet for us, so we won't be missing anything." Black added.
"I don't really need the company. I don't trust you, and you haven't told me your connection to her yet. And I won't willingly put her in any danger, so back off before I make you." Tom said coolly.
"Look, I told you I'd explain things when I had the chance. Now is not the time or place for this."
"Whatever, get any closer than two feet... Well, you'll find out what happens when or if you do so." Tom hissed, walking out of the common room and through the dungeons with both boys following behind him. Abraxus on his right and Orion on his left.
Tom moved with a confidence that intrigued the two other boys, he didn't question the moving and talking pictures, flinch at the ghosts, and easily dodged Peeves; shouting an insult right back at him, causing Peeves to grin broadly, give a whoop, and twirl around in the air and out of sight shouting.
"Peevsy is going to have fun with the wee ickle first years this year!"
As they walked Tom started to memorize the way the staircases changed and alternative roots, if one was inaccessible, fully memorizing would probably take a few weeks.
When they finally got to the infirmary it was already seven in the morning, classes started at eight, so they had an hour. He slid into the hospital wing first and had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing.
Madam Octavia was currently in a tizzy, soaking from head to foot and attempting to put a gown on Amaya; whose chestnut hair was damp and sticking to her skin with a towel partially covering her.
"Need help, Miss?" Tom said politely, putting on a smile that he perfected over the years to teachers and orphanage authority.
"I do not think that would be very appropriate, Tom." Madam Octavia said breathlessly, her white hair falling in wisps over her face.
Amaya giggled and dodged Madame Octavia's next attempt to put the clothing over her head. "Run, run, run as fast as you can! You can't catch me because... Well because I'm quicker! But that doesn't really rhyme, does it?"
"Don't worry. No one will see anything including me." He assured her.
"Well, alright then." She handed him the white gown.
"That's why she won't hold still. She doesn't like white." Tom said, looking over the garment in his hand and testing the fabric, making sure it was cotton and not polyester.
"Oh! I didn't think of that!" She muttered a spell and waved her want and it turned into an emerald green gown. With the next wave of her hand, she dried herself off.
Tom gave another smile that hurt his cheeks and resisted the urge to roll his eyes and went over to Amaya and held out the garment; waiting for her to retrieve it. She stared at it for a moment and tilted her head much like a cat and walked over to take it and took the gown behind some curtains to change.
"I see you brought some friends. What are your names?" Madam Octavia said, noticing them for the first time after fruitless attempts of getting Miss Waters dressed for the day.
"Orion Black."
"Abraxus Malfoy."
"Nice to meet you, boys. I think slowly being introduced to the rest of the school will be good for her. Anyway, can you boys do me a favor?"
"Anything, Ma'am." Orion said, giving her a shy smile.
"Could you boys get me some books from the library for her. As well as some art supplies from either the magic arts teacher or muggle arts teacher? This girl has so much energy and giving her something to do or read will certainly make my job a whole lot easier."
"No problem, we can get those and I'm sure one of the older students can tell us where the Library and Art classrooms are."
"Thank you. Anyway I got some paperwork to do. You better not be late for classes." She bustled into her office, leaving the first years to their own devices.
Amaya chose that time to push the curtains open. The dress hung loosely over her thin frame and it made Tom start to worry about her weight.
You should eat something, Kitten. You look horrible. Thanks for stating the obvious. You're welcome. Who are your friends? They aren't my friends, they're annoying people that say they know you and followed me here. What are their names? Were you not listening when, Octavia asked the same question? No, she annoys me. I like poppy better. She's nice and caring. Well Octavia is too but, she is so grouchy! What are their names? She repeated stubbornly.
Most older women are.
Abraxus Malfoy and Orion Black. Abraxus? Orion? I do know them! I don't remember Orion well but, I remember Abraxus. He was there when Mama died. He got me out and to safety. I never saw him again after that. Because Papa took me to that awful place.
"It's me, Kiddo."
Her rare amber eyes widen and she broke out in a huge grin. Before any of them could react she launched herself off of the bed and into Abraxus's arms and hugging him tight.
"It's good to see you again!"
"It's good to see you too. What happened?"
"I don't want to talk about that right now." Amaya said softly, looking at Tom. Who gave a warning glare to Abraxus, who had opened his mouth to push for more but quickly shut it.
Orion chose this time to decide to diffuse the tension. "We better go get our schedules and eat something for breakfast before our first classes start."
Tom and Abraxus nodded in agreement and got up to leave. Tom stopping to give a soft kiss to Amaya's temple. "We'll be back at lunch to give you a few books and art supplies."
Amaya clapped her hands and hopped up and down in excitement. "Ooh, I haven't read a book in years or been able to draw in months. I can't wait! It's soo boring here. I can't believe they're keeping me here for two more weeks. They act like I'm going to go psycho and start killing everyone, unless I'm 'slowly' introduced to everything."
Tom chuckled and messed up her hair. "Don't give them a hard time."
She stuck her tongue out at him as they left.
Tom and Abraxus refused to speak the whole way there to the Great Hall, where a tall, pale girl with the same dark eyes as Orion was waiting for them. She handed them their schedules as they entered the room.
"Tom, this is my cousin Walburga. Walburga, Tom."
"Hello." He greeted coolly as he took his schedule from Walburga and looked it over.
He had Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Potions, and Astronomy at Midnight on Friday nights. Including History of Magic, Magical Theory and Herbology listed and scattered throughout the week. For his schedule was identical to the other first year students at Hogwarts. Once he looked it over, he put it in his bag and took the out the Daily Prophet, Walburga had given him. What was on the front page made him pause.
Muggle Slayings! Has Grindlewald extended his reign of terror to Great Britain?Intrigued Tom read the article below and his breath caught in his throat. There in black and white and moving on the page was the Asylum up in flames with a description to describe more.
More than a hundred have been found dead in a muggle establishment, said to have been holding Amaya Waters. Elizabeth's daughter long thought to be missing since, her murder eleven years ago. Forty five of the victims were found with visible signs of torture from the cruciatus curse and killed with the killing curse. The others are reported to be patients at the center that died within the fire, which we can confirm was done by magical means. However the muggles believe it was a bomb sent from the Germans. War time is making it easier to hide these heinous crimes amongst the muggles. How many more attacks will happen in this manner? Page 15 for theories. Grindlewald's signature was found carved in the gate with the words. "
-
Dumbledore didn't pay much attention to his classes that day, though he went through with what he planned to do and wasn't drinking much of anything like he normally would. That day's morning news gave him a sick feeling. He knew it wasn't his fault since he told Gellert what happened. And he knew what he was capable of and what he would most likely do with that information.
He always blamed himself for every bad thing that happened. Everyone Gellert ever killed, he knew he was at fault for, he was too much of a coward to face him, face that night, and now tonight, he had no choice but to meet him or risk more deaths.
The only reprieve of the day had been his last class. A double with his Gryffindor house and the Slytherins.
He was teaching them the basics of turning straw into needles and Tom Riddle got it on the first try.
"Very good, Mr. Riddle. Ten points for Slytherin and another ten points for you, Abraxus for getting it on your third try. Keep trying everyone and remember, it's all in the wrist movements! Also pronunciation is very important now and repeat after me..."
After classes were over he was not surprised to see Tom go to the Hospital Wing. What was surprising was the two boys and two girls that followed after him. Abraxus being her rightful guardian was to be predicted, Orion followed Abraxus around everywhere. But Walburga and Dorea Black had no business. But perhaps, Riddle was hoping some female company would do her good but, somehow he didn't believe that at all.
Later that night at dinner, everyone but Riddle was at the Slytherin table. Though he had more important things to be worrying about. Once dinner was over Dumbledore stayed behind, pretending to make sure there were no stragglers to bed, when in reality he was going to the front gates to wait for Grindlewald; three hours ahead of schedule before the man himself was yet to arrive.
On his way to the front gates he ran into the bloody baron.
"Baron, may I ask you a favor?" He asked conversationally. He always had a great respect for the Hogwarts ghost who were always willing to lend a helpful hand.
"What is it you need of me, Professor?" Baron asked mournfully.
"There's a boy named Tom Riddle in your house. Around nine thirty, do you think you could bring him to the hospital wing for me?"
"Of course, I will have him there on time, I assure you." Baron replied, flying off with his chains rattling.
Dumbledore spent the rest of his time pacing as he waited in front of the gate with hands behind his back and deep in thought. Losing track of time, he didn't notice Gellert's arrival until he was taken out of his revere.
"You still have that bad habit of pacing when you think."
Dumbledore stopped in his tracks and looked around for the source of the voice. A moment later Gellert appeared having removed the disillusionment charm.
Dumbledore's mouth went dry and he had to swallow a couple of times. "Old habits die hard."
"Is she here?"
"She is here. Follow me." Dumbledore turned around and headed to the Hospital Wing. He had wanted to lecture Grindlewald for the slayings of those muggles but realized they were justifiable acts and lecturing him wouldn't help matters for the deed had already been done. Neither man spoke to the other as they quietly walked through the halls. Thankfully they didn't run into anyone. Gellert having an apprehensive look on his face, picked up his pace until they finally arrived in front of the door.
Albus took a deep breath before entering the infirmary and showing Gellert inside. There was no turning back now and he had the nagging suspicion he had just set the future of the girl down a dark unknown and unforeseen path, and he wouldn't be able to help her. He prayed he was wrong and just overthinking things.
"Amaya, you have a visitor." Dumbledore declared, as he walked the rest of the way inside and let Grindlewald come in after him. "Someone important has come to see you, and I think you'll be glad to meet him." Dumbledore stepped aside to allow his old friend to come into view. "This is your real father. Gellert Grindlewald. He wished to meet you. And as he is your rightful parent and guardian, I couldn't say no."
"Hey," Gellert said softly, as he went over and knelt in front of the bed that Amaya sat on. A few papers and books were scattered around her with drawings depicting characters from various Muggle and Magical fiction and non fiction books she had been reading. "I've been searching a very long time for you, Magyar Hercegno. I am so very sorry I didn't find you sooner. When your mama died, I searched everywhere but he had already hidden you away from me. Forgive me?"
Amaya smiled and wrapped her arms around her rightful owners arms and hugged him tight. "I believe that you searched as hard as could for me, and I forgive you. I also thank you for avenging me. You are the man who is responsible for the attack on the institute, are you not?"
"So smart, like your mother. Yes, I'm responsible."
"Will I be living with you during the holidays and the summer? I won't ever have to go near that place again?"
"I promise I won't let anything else bad happen to you ever again."
Dumbledore watched the exchange between father and daughter, a look of pure happiness on the face of his old friend that he hadn't seen personally since, before that terrible night.
Dumbledore shook his head trying to rid himself of the thoughts, feelings and memories threatening to take over his mind and send him spiraling back into the black pits of madness that was often times his own cerebrum; his own prison of sorts on the best days.
Once he came back to his senses, he noted Grindlewald was in the middle of adding additional, more ancient and complex spells to add to the protection spell he had already given Amaya as a baby. Strings of gold, silver, emerald and ruby shot out of the tip of his wand and in turn the strings wrapped around the girl's form and disappeared into her skin, once they touched her flesh.
These spells were also admittedly more efficient than the first one, though the first one had done its job well. It kept her untainted which, was something only hers to give and couldn't be returned.
A witches virginity wasn't something wizards or even other witches gave much thought about. Though in his opinion they should. For it was a key of sorts into a witches untapped power, and if the right wizard knew what he was doing, he could subsequently increase his own power with it.
As well as unlock the witches full potential, if there was a reason for it back in his day. They avoided married witches wraths at all cost. Besides the fact, in his opinion, females were insane anyway. Probably the estrogen. Dumbledore thought with a chuckle.
This train of thought led him to remember the enchantments around the girls dormitories. He thought the founders should have covered the boys dormitories as well for good measure; though admittedly, he knew teenagers would've eventually just figure a way around it to get to one another. So it really didn't matter.
"Albus?" A thick hungarian accent called out, jolting him out of his thoughts about magic and human nature.
"I'm sorry, what was that?" He asked unabashed, that the wizard had caught him unaware and lost in his own train of thought. It wouldn't be the first time Gellert had done so.
Albus spoke to Gellert while looking over his shoulder at Amaya who slept soundly, as if to avoid eye contact with him.
"I vas asking vhen I could see the boy that helped my daughter."
"I knew you would ask." Still avoiding Gellert's eyes as an attempt to evade the feelings he had long thought since buried and forgotten. Coming back stronger, fresher, and bleeding. And failing miserably at it despite his attempts to avoid all of these things and more, swelling up inside him and making it nearly unbearable to even be in the same room as him.
"On my way to greet you, I ran into the Bloody Baron. A school ghost." He added quickly, seeing the confused look on the dark wizard's face from his proverbial vision. "To fetch him and bring him here. They should be on their way here by now, I'm sure."
"Good."
The minutes ticked by in awkward silence. Both wizards avoiding the others gaze, both trying to avoid bringing up the past, fighting their own internal battles, and both having questions they refused to ask the other about last night. In fact about that whole summer.
Just when the silence was about to become intolerable, a ghostly figured covered in thick chains rattled inside of the room, covered head to toe in silver blood and floated through the door. A moment later the double oak doors opened up and a pale, eleven year old boy appeared in the door way, wearing his school uniform and robes. It looked like he didn't even have to change out of them for the night.
"You wanted to see me, Professor?"
"No Tom, Amaya's father wishes to have a few words. I can give you twenty minutes, Gellert, then I insist you leave and I'll see you on Saturday. I assume you'll want to accompany her when, she gets her wand?"
"Of course, I vould. I vill see you Saturady in thee Leaky Cauldron. I remember that place from when my auntie Bagshot took me to Florish and Blotts to get a few things, when I last visited her."
"Alright, see you Saturday. And Riddle, the Bloody Baron will take you back to your common room in twenty minutes." With a whirl of his cloak, he disappeared through the door of the Infirmary.
As he walked, his thoughts went out to the poor girl. He pitied her. Amaya had lived in darkness and had seen and experienced so much horror, only to be given to her father during the holidays and the summer. He knew what Gellert was capable of. However he knew if he didn't give her to him, Grindlewald would extend his reign of terror to the United Kingdom.
It seemed Amaya would be yet another casualty. "For the greater good." There was a small chance he may shield her from his activities in order to keep her from more pain but, she would eventually find out. He had no doubt that the girl was bright.
He concluded that she may never understand the light in her life, surrounded constantly by darkness. Or she may be the ray of light inside of the darkness that will light the way. Who knew? He was more inclined to think of the first option. He thought this because of his suspicions about Tom.
Dumbledore thought about the day he had gone to inform Riddle of his acceptance into Hogwarts and his magical abilities, something the head of the orphanage said, made him want to keep a closer eye on him.
He said he didn't do it. But the rabbit didn't hang itself from the rafters.Then there was his initial reaction to him. Dumbledore, who had walked to his room without realizing it. Froze in front of the room with his hand on the doorknob that lead into his room.
Riddles Initial Reaction!
"Professor, is that like Doctor? I'm not mad!"
Dumbledore entered his room swiftly and began to pace. Now that he thought back on it, a pure look of hatred had passed briefly over Tom's face.
"Had he thought I was one of the doctors that had experimented on Amaya?" He asked out loud. Fawkes opened one blurry eye, watching his master pace and speak to himself.
"And why didn't he tell me then, once I proved myself that she was there?"
Dumbledore spent the rest of the night questioning things and trying to figure out the answers.