Chapter Four: Lessons and Changes

On the following day, April 22nd, 1984, Rory awoke to a strange feeling. His whole body ached and was sore. Immediately, he touched his face. It felt different. He rushed to the mirror, opposite to his bed, and found that he now had wavy dark blonde hair and grey-blue eyes. Rory's features now somewhat resembled Daddie in facial features and expressions. Now, it was official that he was Daddie's son. He was interrupted by a voice that was slowly becoming quite familiar.

"Yes, I see you've noticed your new look? " His entrance was unexpected and surprised Rory, causing the boy to gasp.

"You don't look exactly like me since I needed another person for it to work. The identity of that person is, however, inconsequential. Today, you shall meet your instructor, Madame Lestrange. You shall treat her with the same respect that you have for me. Is that understood?" he asked in a stern voice.

Rory remembered two of the new words Daddie had taught him and said, "Yes, Daddie."

"Excellent! You remembered your lessons from yesterday. If you continue to behave and do well, we shall go on a trip. How does that sound? Hmm?" The child rushed to embrace his father, who laughed with mirth.

"I take that as your acceptance of the bargain?" an amused Daddie asked.

"Yes!" the boy yelled happily. With that, Voldemort made his exit. A peculiar suddenly appeared in the room with a popping sound. Alarmed, Rory screamed.

Before him was a scrawny creature with bat-like ears, a rather bulbous nose, and enormous eyes covered in a sack cloth.

"It's all right." The creature squeaked. "No need to be scared. I'm the Dark Lord's house elf." Despite the house elf's reassuring words, Rory continued to look upon it anxiously.

"I suppose I'm, er, to be yours too, Master Rory. Now, come here. You're to be properly clothed before going downstairs." Growing impatient, the house elf gave up and with a snap of its fingers, clothes materialized upon Rory's person.

"Next time, I won't do this for you. You'll have to learn how to dress yourself." The house elf said sternly, brandishing a finger at the boy.

"Oh! I almost forgot. My name is Parsley. If you need anything…" He stopped himself short, remembering the boy's current language predicament. "Well, if you need anything, just clap like this." Parsley proceeded to demonstrate clapping, which Rory understood easily and highly enjoyed. Whether the boy would remember it as a call for him, the elf did not know.

"Until later, Master Rory." With another pop, Parsley was gone.

Lessons with Madame Lestrange were somewhat pleasant. She was a no-nonsense type of person which aided Rory greatly. Today's lesson concentrating on language skills. On the first day they had encountered each other, Bellatrix swore that she was being punished. Too bad she wasn't allowed to physically harm the kid. She was sorely tempted. Somewhere, the Dark Lord was laughing his arse off. It was such a struggle for both of them that day...

Two Weeks into Lessons...

Bellatrix felt like she was about to cry. She had tortured hundreds but it was this little boy that had cracked her. Merlin!

"No! Try it again. 'Ahhhp-pul'."

"Ahhhp-pul."

"Finally! Good. Next, 'buh-nah-nuh'. 'Buh-nah-nuh.'"

Madame Lestrange had immediately realized who the maternal donor of the Glamoria Sanguia was. The woman was none other than her own sister, Narcissa Malfoy, nee Black. Although she was disturbed that she had not been chosen, she understood her master's reasoning. The boy had to look as far from his original appearance as possible. Narcissa was the perfect candidate. She wondered if Rorryk would ever know that her sister was technically his mother. Alas, that would be for another day, years in the future. Bellatrix Lestrange would simply have to wait for it to be revealed.

This was a special day. A year had passed and the Dark Lord had decided to keep April 22nd as the date of Rory's birthday. In truth, the Dark Lord wasn't entirely certain as to why he wanted Rory to celebrate a birthday. Perhaps, it was to make up for the ones he himself did not celebrate in his own life. Regardless, he knew the boy would be pleased.

Rory did as he was told and was promptly ready in his dress robes (with a little help from Parsley) by 5:30 PM. He could barely contain his excitement at what would be his first celebrated birthday party. At 6:55, Rory was called to come into the parlour. This time, there were three platinum blondes; a man with greasy hair and a hooked nose; Madame Lestrange; and three additional men. There was another little boy about his age hiding behind two platinum blondes. He had wanted to play, but a firm hand on his shoulder made it clear that it was not yet time. They had come so far. Merlin be damned if tonight wasn't a success.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you my son and heir, Rorryk Treyard Riddle." The others clapped for the young child as if he were a star. Rory was soaking the attention up. Daddie began the introductions of his guests.

"Rory, this is Lord and Lady Malfoy and their son, Draco, who is close to your age. Over here," he said as he turned to the greasy hair man," is Mr. Snape. On his left are Madame Lestrange, her husband, and her brother-in-law, Rodulphus and Rabastan. Finally, this is your godfather, Mr. Nott. They are all considered your extended family of sorts. And now, let us sojourn to dinner." The guest quickly followed father and son as they entered the dinning room.

Dinner was spectacular. It consisted of delicassies and the like. Afterwards, the group entered the drawing room for cake, ice cream, casual talk, and other desserts. It was then that Draco approached Rory.

"Hullo! Great party! I really liked the cake with the snitch on it. Mummy said that you don't talk much, but that's okay." This led Rory to ponder on what else Draco's mummy could have possibly said and if he would have one too. Sensing Rory's discomfort, Draco rectified what he had said.

"Don't worry, Mummy didn't say that much. She usually does, but she didn't this time." Draco began to think about the implications of her irregular behaviour when she came over to them.

"Darling, have you been saying things you shouldn't?" A guilty look etched itself upon the pale boy's face.

"We'll talk about it later, Draco. Anyway, it's wonderful to meet you! I've heard so much about you from your father! He talks a lot about you, you know." Rory's cheeks were reddening. "Oh, not bad things, it's all good things, I assure you." This certainly did reassure Rory. "You should come over sometime. Maybe you and Draco could have a play date! It'll be fun!"

"Making plans already?" Her husband had come behind her and gave her a hug.

"They'll be best mates before they enter Hogwarts!" Narcissa said excitedly.

"Let's not think on that yet, dear. They've only just met." By this point, Rory and Draco had slipped away and were ever close to narrowing in on the large pile of presents.

Rory gave a look that plainly asked, "For me?"

"Well, it is your birthday. I'd have a right fit if I didn't get anything for mine." Daddie had seen the looks of anticipation of the boys and began to call everyone's attention before Rory could rip open his gifts.

"Attention, everyone! It's gift-opening time!" Daddie had to laugh at his son's widening eyes that looked as if he had hit the jackpot. "Go ahead, Rory. Maybe Draco can help you?"

"You needn't have asked that. He would have anyway. The boy takes perverse pleasure in tearing gift wrap into bits!" said an amused Lucius.

In the background, rips, tears, "oohs", "ahs", and "ehs" could be heard. Most gifts were appreciated, except for the occasional robe and other necessities the boys couldn't be bothered with. Those items were thrown into a messy, unwanted pile. The birthday part turned out to be an unqualified success and the beginning of a long, beautiful friendship between Rory and Draco.

Author's Note: In this story, the Longbottoms were never tortured by the Lestranges.