A/N: Hello, people!

I don't own Harry Potter.

I have no beta.

ENJOY!

CHECK ME OUT ON TUMBLR. MISTER-TOM-A-DILDO-LOVER and HELLY-WATERMELONSMELLINFELLON.

-For everyone's benefit, Mortimer is Death. Death is
tagged as a character above. AO3 is so much better
because they have a detailed tag sections where you
could find things out without me having to waste any
fic space.

"Professor Potter has something to tell you all," Headmaster Dippet announced the morning the students were to leave for the Yule hols. The man had made sure the entire student body was gathered and hadn't even allowed breakfast to be served yet.

Tom sat up a little straighter. Whenever Professor Potter felt the need to make announcements, it was usually something one should pay attention to. Of course he could tell that it wasn't bad news at least, since the man was grinning widely at the student body. That was something.

He stood, drawing all attention to his slim frame that was garbed in a simple, white button down shirt, and a pair of black trousers. He'd forgone a tie that morning, or any sort of robes. Not that Professor Potter bothered with wizarding robes anyway.

"I simply wanted to inform everyone that I will be starting a Dueling Club when you return from your holiday."

Murmurs started up immediately as the students leaned toward one another. Tom's eyes never once strayed from the man however, as he was curious. Potter seemed genuinely excited over the prospect of such a club, and to be honest, Tom was also interested. Because if Potter was in charge of said club, then he knew that they would actually learn, and that the man would be fair to all students.

"The club will not be a requirement for anyone, however you will be learning things not necessarily taught in your classes. First years for example, will not only learn how to master their first year spell curriculum, but they, should they advance fast enough, will be taught some second year spells ahead of time."

Once again, the reaction was positive, with many bouncing in their seats with anticipation.

"I will be giving lectures at the beginning of each meeting and while you do not have to attend them, it would benefit you. Also, every student fourth year and up, who is a part of the club, will be receiving training on how to perform a Patronus. They have more uses than just repelling Dementors after all."

This time the clamour in the Hall had reached a decibel that was almost too loud for Tom's preferences. But Potter let the students have their moment. He was rather lenient in that regard.

"There will be a piece of parchment on your plate. It'll describe the Club and have a time schedule for each year. You may choose to sign up or not. I hope to see you there."

When Potter seated himself, the atmosphere returned to normal, not that the students had forgotten. Everyone was staring at the pieces of parchment that had indeed appeared on their plates.

DUELING CLUB
Administrator: Harry Potter

Objective:
1. To train the students in proper magical management.
2. To advance their understanding of practical magic.
3. To expand their knowledge on practical application.
4. To tutor them to the level they should be at for their Year.

Basically, this was the professor's plan to tutor the students in a way that wasn't obvious. So instead of focusing one on one, he would take groups at a time and handle them that way. Some students were too embarrassed to ask for tutoring and this was a way to avoid them having to do such.

It was cunning, and Tom approved.

Also, Professor Potter expected fourth years and up to start learning the Patronus Charm? The man had learned it when he was thirteen, so yes it was possible, but he had incredibly high standards for his students! It was no wonder that he thought Tom was average. That thought still bothered him, but not as much as it used to. After all, Tom was the only one who was level with Potter's expectations, which still made him better than his peers.

The Slytherin Seventh Years had their time scheduled with the Hufflepuff Seventh Years, strangely enough. As if Potter did not wish to mix the Gryffindors and the Slytherins. Not like Dumbledore preferred to do. The two Houses were set for Saturdays, nine to ten-thirty. All the Seventh Years had their club meetings on Saturdays. The day usually viewed as the day off for most students.

It probably had to do with expecting Seventh Years to manage their time better, since they basically were reviewing everything in their year. Tom would simply have to set aside other times to practice Occluding and his Patronus.

He found himself wishing the hols would come and go already, just so he could see how well Professor Potter handled tutoring mass groups of students.

"It is a pleasure to have you visit us, Mr. Riddle," Lord Malfoy said when he stepped foot inside Malfoy Manor. Abraxas was stood a few feet behind him, at his left, awaiting his father's acknowledgement.

Tom shook the man's hand and gave a charming smile. "It's a pleasure to be here. I appreciate your generosity and your invitation, Lord Malfoy."

It wasn't lost in him that he was given a room better than even Abraxas had. Lord Malfoy held him in rather high regard.

Tom Riddle stared up at the four green walls that would be his abode for the next two weeks, thinking about what had transpired before he stepped foot on the train.

Professor Potter had decided to chaperon the students back to London, and had spoken briefly to the Head Boy and Girl, as well as the Prefects, before taking his leave. As he passed Tom, a small piece of parchment slipped between their hands, and then the man was gone.

And what had been on the parchment?

Albus Dumbledore is watching you very closely. Do not act
out. Do not do anything deemed suspicious. He intends to
cause problems for the Malfoys during your stay. What you
choose to do with this information is up to you.

Have a good Yule.
Harry Potter

And so Tom was left to consider. Why would the professor warn him at all? And why him and not Lord Malfoy? If the Malfoy family were to be the most affected by whatever Dumbledore was cooking up, then the Lord of said family should be made aware, should he not?

Or…

He was giving Tom the chance to do it. If Tom revealed what he knew, then it could put the Malfoys in his debt. But having such a prominent family in one's debt was considered the most beneficial thing that could possibly happen. Why wouldn't Potter want that sort of boon for himself?

Why give Tom the chance to be the 'hero' so to speak?

He wasn't a fan of Dumbledore's, so Tom didn't have to worry much about it being a trap. But still…

Tom was not so foolish as to look a gift horse in the mouth however. He was just doing as expected of him. Maintaining his 'good boy' image and being as helpful as he could be.

And if he benefited from such actions in the long run, that was no one's business but his and Professor Potter's.

He would need to confront the man after the hols however.

A/N: Another is done!

How was it? Let me know!

Check out my Watermelonsmellinfellon Harrymort/Tomarry fics!

See ya! :D

CHECK ME OUT ON TUMBLR. MISTER-TOM-A-DILDO-LOVER and HELLY-WATERMELONSMELLINFELLON.