And yet another chapter! I'm trying my best to update often guys. Some chapters might be shorter than what you're used to, but I'll try my best to make it lengthier, or update more. It can go either way.

Thank you for all the great comments and continuous support to my stories, guys! It means a lot!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter; it all belongs to J.K Rowling and Warner Brothers Inc. However, I do own Alex.

Pairings: Tom Riddle Jr./Alex Potter, mentions of Harry/Draco, Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione, Blaise/Daphne and Past!Alex/Theo

Warnings: Language, Character Death, Adult Scenes, False Twincest, Sadism

"Speaking"

'Thoughts'

"Parseltongue"

Alex was frozen on the spot, and avoided the Professor's eyes as much as possible. The last thing she wanted to do was give him free access to her mind. Behind her, she could practically feel Tom's hatred flowing in waves. The longer they stood there, the more suffocating the atmosphere became. There was that damned twinkle in the man's eyes, ans Alex knew he had found out something that could only get her, and probably Tom, in trouble. That, or something that could unknowingly put a further dent in her already sloppy plans.

"Have a seat, Miss Riddle." Dumbledore gestured to the seat in front of him.

Alex gritted her teeth, but forced her lips into a sweet smile. "Apologies, Professor, but I assumed that I had been called in by the Headmaster. It would only be proper to await his return before we begin." The four Slytherins saw Dumbledore's features harden slightly at Alex's subtle refusal.

"I'm afraid that Headmaster Dippet will not be able to join us due to a prior engagement." said Dumbledore, an authoritative edge to his 'grandfatherly' tone. Clearly, the old coot was used to getting his way. Unfortunately for him, Alex also possessed Harry and Tom's stubborn streaks. Her shoulders tensed, and her eyes hardened.

"Then I'm afraid that we would have to reschedule this meeting, Professor. Headmaster Dippet had been the one to ask for me, and what needs to be discussed will only be discussed in his presence." Alex reiterated, unwavering despite how terrified she felt. She had long acknowledged that Dumbledore was a powerful wizard, and knew she couldn't stand against him alone.

But I'm not alone, she thought when she felt Tom's hand grasp hers reassuringly. She could almost hear the pride in his voice as he spoke.

"Now if that is all, sir," he sneered, "We shall be taking our leave. It is almost curfew, after all, and it's a long way to the dungeons." He turned to leave with Blaise and Abraxas, pulling Alex with him, when Dumbledore spoke up again, stopping them in their tracks and made Alex's insides churn.

"Tell me, Miss Riddle, why you are requesting Gringgotts for an inheritance test to the Slytherin line?" he asked, no doubt feeling quite smug. Damn, that old bastard. "Surely, such power and prestige could not be handled by two fifteen year-olds, who have yet to finish schooling. But if you insist, you will need a magical guardian to keep track of everything until you are of age."

So this is what it's about. He wants to be our magical guardian to gain access to our possessions. Alex hissed, thoughts racing. She wondered: did he know that Tom, being the older sibling, would be considered an adult once the test had confirmed their lineage? Possibly. That must be why he inquired about a magical guardian. He didn't want either of the twins gaining full control to Slytherin's line, and overpowering him.

No, he wanted them malleable enough to be manipulated to his liking.

She wasn't going to let that happen again.

"Well, Miss Riddle?" Dumbledore inquired when she didn't answer, mistaking her silence as resignation. "I will be informing Gringgotts of my place as —"

"No."

The three Slytherin boys appeared almost as shocked as Dumbledore, taking in Alex's fierce demeanor. Tom looked almost thrilled at the sight of it. "With all due respect, Professor, my brother and I are perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves. I am also aware that magical guardianship is simply a formality, as the goblins themselves are able to restrict us from accessing what should not be touched. So," Her eyes narrowed in anger and mischief, green eyes glowing as bright as the killing curse, "Why should it affect you if we were to claim Lord and Ladyship? You have no relation to us whatsoever, and our lineage is none of your concern. Why are you so keen on keeping us in the dark?"

She should have asked him that years ago, back with Harry and the Order of the Phoenix. There had always been something amiss, but she and Harry were stupid enough not to address it. Maybe if they had, things would not have been like this. So many could lives would have been spared; one Dumbledore wasn't as bad as a whole Death Eater army and Voldemort.

Dumbledore cleared his throat, trying to temper the situation, "My dear girl, I'm only looking out for your well being —"

"That's a load of rubbish and you know it." Alex snapped, "If you truly cared, you wouldn't have simply left us at that stupid orphanage. You would have told us everything from the beginning."

Tom felt his chest begin to tighten, and what was odd was, it wasn't him. Anger and betrayal flooded him like a tidal wave, yet the feelings were foreign, and he didn't understand it. He clenched his hands to fists, trying to reign in his uncontrollable emotions.

Abraxas and Blaise glanced between the three apprehensively, but ready to defend their housemates if needed be.

The next thing they knew, the doorway to the office reopened, slicing through the tension.

Alex inhaled deeply to calm herself, schooling her features to an indifferent mask. Tom, who had finally recomposed himself, encased her in his arms, frowning when she slumped against him. Her weary gaze met his, and she tilted her head slightly in acknowledgement.

"Now, what is all this?" Headmaster Dippet had arrived. "Why are you four still out after curfew?" he asked the Slytherins.

"We were told that you called for Miss Riddle, Headmaster." said Abraxas, who was still trying to wrap his mind around what just occurred. "Professor Dumbledore then insisted we proceed without you."

"I did no such thing." exclaimed Dippet, and turned to his colleague, "Albus, what is the meaning of this? What is so urgent that you would you call these students out at the dead of night?"

"Nothing to be concerned about, Armando." Dumbledore replied easily, and turned to the four, "Now, off you four trot. I apologize for the inconvenience." Though the Slytherins could see it in his eyes; he was anything but sorry. That dreaded twinkle only promised more trouble in the future.

"Good night then, Professor, Headmaster." Tom nodded stiffly to each of them in turn, pulling Alex to his side as they walked out the office. All four had the same thing on their minds.

This is bad.

When they returned, the common room was empty.

Tom had carried a weak Alex to his dorm, refusing to let her go back to hers on her own. Too tired and disconcerted to protest, she agreed to it "Just this once." Ignoring the looks from Abraxas, Rosier, and Zabini, Tom set her down on his bed, and drew the curtains around them. He hastily cast a silencing spell around the bed, and removed his shoes and school robe, before laying down. Alex shrugged off her own robe and kicked her shoes off before she followed suit, and kept her gaze on the ceiling, trying to brush off the glare that seemed to burn holes into her.

"You didn't tell me about the letter to Gringgotts. Why?" Tom sounded deceptively calm, but Alex knew better. "You talk about how I could trust you — and I do — yet, you have the gall to keep secrets from me."

Alex turned to him blankly, internally wincing at how the tables had turned on her. This wan't how she had planned it at all. Damn Dumbledore. "I wanted it to be a surprise."

Really? That's the best you can come up with? The Harry voice snarked in her head.

Shut up, you stupid conscience! Alex mentally snarled.

She could have sworn she heard the inner voice snort in bitter amusement, Not exactly a conscience if you don't listen to me, dear.

"Well, I believe you've done a good job on that. I am surprised." ...And utterly furious. The last part was obvious, but remained unsaid.

"I'm sorry." was all Alex could say, trying not to set him off. The last thing she wanted to do right now was argue with him. "I... just wanted to do something for you." And for the rest of the Wizarding World.

Tom hummed, "I'm sure you are."

He cupped her cheek, tilting her head up so their eyes met. He searched for any signs of deceit and dishonesty, his lips curling upward when he found nothing but weariness in her green orbs. Alex was apprehensive, hoping he wouldn't attempt to intrude her mind. At this time, Tom had expertly learned Legilimency, but had promised that he wouldn't use it on her. She could only hope that he wouldn't break that promise; she didn't know if her Occlumency walls stood a chance.

Tom watched as his sister's eyes cloud in thought, and leaned closer until their lips were mere centimeters apart. Alex sighed when he finally closed the distance, brushing his lips against hers.

Their lips moved in harmony, in slow, seductive kisses. Alex was honestly surprised at how lenient Tom was being. She knew he was angry, and expected him to be aggressive. The gentleness of the kiss should have comforted her, but it only served to make her worry. It only proved and reminded her of how unpredictable Tom could be, and how her plans could shatter at any given moment if she wasn't careful.

Tom reached for the buttons of Alex's shirt, popping them open one by one, until they revealed the black lacy bra underneath, down to Alex's toned stomach.

Alex shivered as the rush of air suddenly hit her exposed skin — it was cold in the dungeons after all — and moaned slightly as she felt Tom's hands wander. With what willpower she could muster, Alex forced a chuckle, "Didn't I say that you needed to earn this?" she teased half-heartily.

Tom paused his assault on her neck, and lifted his head to look at her with a smirk, "After what just transpired, I believe I deserve some compensation." he said.

"Fine," Alex relented after a brief moment of hesitance, and smirked, "But I want to even the odds." And she reached up, prying Tom's shirt open.

The first thing Tom noticed as he awoke, was his sister's absence. He sat up abruptly, glancing around until his gaze landed on the lone piece of paper pinned beneath one of the pillows, and immediately recognized the neat script.

Tom,

I apologize for you having to wake up alone. I had to leave before your roommates awoke and and open their bloody mouths to say something that might get them hexed.

That, and I'm also quite cross with you for leaving a mark on my neck, you arse.

See you at breakfast,

Alex

Tom smirked proudly as he recalled their night. They hadn't gone all the way, only managing to remove each other's shirts; but between lingering touches, and simple pecks, this was the farthest they had gone, and he had managed to mark her while he was at it. No doubt that Alex would hide it with a concealment charm, but the fact remains.

Giving a small, amused chuckle, Tom slid out of bed and headed to the shower.

Alex sighed, running a hand down her face. She felt terrible. She felt tired, annoyed, and distressed beyond belief. She was getting careless; last night proved it. She shouldn't have sent that letter by owl. Yet, if she had waited for the next Hogsmeade trip, she wouldn't have gotten anything done as Tom refused to have her leave his side.

And Tom, he wasn't supposed to know. At least, not this soon. She really did plan on telling him everything once the inheritance test was set, but now... She had to watch out for Dumbledore trying to attain the position as their magical guardian. The last time that happened, nearly a million galleons, some precious heirlooms and tomes were lost from the Potters' trust vault.

Meddling poofter.

"Alex? Are you feeling all right? You look quite pale." Alex's eyes snapped up to see Ellaine Prince's concerned face.

"I'm fine." she exhaled deeply, "Just tired."

Druella smirked, "Ooh, is it a boy?"

Alex glared, "No, it isn't."

Not just a boy. I lost a couple of hours' sleep, snogging my twin brother. The Harry-like voice was back. Brilliant.

Bloody hell, get out of my head! Alex mentally snarled.

The voice laughed at her mockingly, You can deny it all you want, love, but we all know how it ends between you...

Shut it, you!

While you're here, playing in circles with a madman, everyone else has their lives on the line...

Rage filled her, I'm not — !

...you'll never be able to save them. You couldn't even hold your own in this timeline...

No, that's —! she tried to protest, a suffocating, bitter feeling rising in her chest as she realized that the voice was right. As much as she wanted to deny it, she couldn't.

... They'll all die, and it would be your fault...

"Shut up!" Alex hissed out loud, her eyes blazing. A couple of Slytherin girls who had been laughing with Amelia immediately quieted, looking at the female Riddle in fear. A few nearby Slytherins jolted in their seats, glancing at her cautiously.

Amelia scoffed, "My, my, Riddle. Couldn't take a joke?"

Alex didn't answer. She simply dragged her dark gaze along the small group around her, and stood from the table, heading towards the doors.

"Alex, where are you going? You haven't eaten breakfast yet!" she heard Ellaine call out in concern, but Alex didn't bother to turn.

"I'm not hungry. See you lot in class."

And so the madness begins. Bwahahaha!

Of course, Tom and Alex would have different symptoms indicating their insanity. Alex is already hearing voices in her head - well, more frequently at least. There would probably be a great deal of mood swing, magic lashings (only less frequent), and Blaise trying to keep the Riddles sane.

I don't know if I should let Alex have a Bellatrix moment (Tom's always mad in Voldemort mode, so he doesn't count XD. He'll have his moments either way.), but I'm considering it.

Also, many thanks to AvalonTheLadyKiller for the many great ideas, most of which inspired this chapter and the next. I salute you, my friend.

~Cassandra