Chapter Twelve: Tom

It was a bright and sunny morning at Hogwarts. Tom yawned and woke up Scorpius.

"Mmm?" Scorpius mumbled.

"Get up quickly! Didn't you wanna see the Quidditch Team practice?"

"Oh, yeah!" Scorpius remembered. Scorpius scrambled out of bed and he got his school uniform on while Tom got his Slytherin Quidditch Robes on and his protective gear.

"Does Aria have the Lightning Retriever?" Scorpius asked Tom.

"Yeah, I haven't seen it yet. But Gryffindor's raging." Tom said.

"I bet your going to crush them when the season starts."

Tom nodded and they walked towards the Quidditch Pitch.

"Oh look!" Scorpius pointed towards a group of green an silver uniformed people, it was the Quidditch team.

"Hey, I remember, your cousin, did you tell him we were acting?"

"Yeah, he's really good at it, I can tell him to take it down a notch if you want."

"A bit. At least can we get along?" Tom asked. Scorpius nodded and ran towards his cousin and started to talk to him. Tom joined the rest of the team and Aria was talking about their positions, apparently, she had not noticed Tom was late.

"...Tom, you'll be doing your job by finding the Snitch and all that. So I think that's all. Oh, and I have to give you your broom." Everyone elese, except for Tom and Aria, mounted their brooms and kicked of into the air.

Aria ran over to the broom cupboard and got a wrapped package out. She rushed back over and handed the package to Tom. He gracefully excepted it and opened it carefully. Inside, was a shiny sky blue polished broom. There were think birch twigs that entwined with each other to make a tail.

"Wow." It was the first broom Tom had ever owned. The school brooms as he heard were very unstable, (a bit like Ingio) and no one ever used them. He stroked the handle, it felt so soft.

"Thanks. Thanks a bunch." Tom said to Aria. She smiled and mounted her own broom, flew in the air and started to play.

Tom was excited to use the Lightning Retreiver. He couldn't wait to get up in the air and fly. But what would he do? Let go of the Snitch, give it a head start and chase after it? That sounded good. He went over to the Quidditch chest witch held all the items needed to play Quidditch. The two Bludgers, a Quaffle and the Golden Snitch. Tom grabbed the Bludgers and secured them tightly around his arms. He looked up and saw Aria nodding. He let go of them and they sped up in the sky, flying towards the players while Aria and Mark Ross hit the Bludgers with their sticks. Tom snatched the Quaffle and the Golden Snitch, he held the Snitch in one hand and tried to hold the Quaffle with the other. He grabbed his broom and flew into the air. It was brilliant. He could feel the air passing through him, almost as if he was nothing. He passed the Quaffle to Rodmin and flew away. Rodmin who was a Chaser, had already scored two points by the time Tom had surveyed the area. They were all playing great, until Tom saw a group of red and gold specks coming towards the Pitch. Tom flew over to Aria.

"Aria, I think the Gryffindors are coming." Tom said, pointing to the specks.

"That's fine, we'll just keep on playing. Try to ignore them."Aria said, she zoomed around and passed the message onto everyone. When Aria was finished, they continued playing.

"Hey! I booked the pitch!" A voice yelled. Tom and many others turned around and saw Patrick Wood coming towards them. Tom could see the rest of the team including Albus and James. Lupin was tagging along, he looked quite sad. The Slytherin's turned back to their game and Rodmin passed to Adeline King who scored a point.

"Hey! Hello? Did you hear what I said?" Patrick boiled.

"Yes! We heard what you said!" Scorpius yelled from the stands. The Gryffindors shot nasty looks at him, all except for Lupin.

A Bludger came hurtling at Aria and she hit it with her stick at Mark Ross who hit it back to her.

"Well, your using one side, lets use the other. C'mon." Patrick said. The Gryffindors walked to the other half of the Pitch and were getting ready. Lupin joined Scorpius and they were both in deep discussion of something. Something whizzed past Tom's head and he saw a Bludger, except, Aria and Mark were passing a Bludger already. The Slytherins were only using one.

Tom turned around to the Gryffindor side, and so did Rodmin and Adeline who had both seen the Bludger. Michael Woodley, Gryffindor Beater, had his arms extended and was pointing directly towards Tom. Tom saw Albus look at him in disgust and turned away. Tom sighed and soared through the air as he saw Rodmin had scored again.

"Hey! Jones!" Patrick came flying over accompanied by James and Albus, while Aria beckoned Tom and Rodmin.

"What is it Wood?"Aria said, rolling her eyes.

"Where's the Snitch?" Patrick asked.

"Tom has it. Don't you Tom?" Aria said, turning to Tom.

"Yep, I'm releasing it, giving it a minute head start and then going after it." Tom lied, but it was a good idea, he was just a bit nervous.

"Well we need it for our Seeker, anyway, Riddle doesn't need that. None of you need any Quidditch practice, we're going to beat you." Patrick smirked.

"Why don't you challenge us right now then." Aria said firmly.

"Against the rules."

"Is it?"

"I-I don't know."

" 'Course you don't, wouldn't be surprised."Rodmin sneered, reaching for his wand. Tom held out his hand. Albus noticed this and spoke.

"Oh, but Tom knows what to do, doesn't he? Or is it Lord Voldemort Junior now?" Albus sneered.

Aria and Rodmin looked in confusion at Albus and Tom.

"Why don't we just carry on with what we're doing and let Tom and Albus chase after the Snitch?" James suggested.

"If it lets me have a moment to breathe away from him for a second." Aria said, obviously meaning Patrick. She turned around and started flying towards the Slytherin side, while James, Rodmin and Patrick went to their sides. It was only Albus and Tom left in the middle now.

"First one to catch gets the whole Pitch for practice when they want." Albus said quickly.

"Shake on it." Tom said. He really hated Albus now. Tom was trying to tell Albus that he wanted to be friends, but apparently Albus didn't understand. It wouldn't surprise Tom at all.

The boys took out their hands and shook. With the other hand, Tom held out the Snitch.

"Three." Tom said.

"Two."

"One!" They both yelled. Tom let go of the Snitch and they both dove down, following the Snitch. Albus ferociously bumped into Tom and he twirled on his broom. Albus was going as fast as his Firebolt would carry him. Tom knew he had a faster broom so he soared above Albus and positioned himself so he would fall directly in front of him. One, two and three! Tom thought, he dove down and almost knocked Albus of his broom.

"What's wrong Potter? Broom to slow?" Tom sneered, he surprisingly sounded like Scorpius. Tom shook the thought of and whooshed ahead of Albus, he was just groping the edge of the Snitch.

BAM! Tom was knocked off his broom and was just hanging of with one hand attached to the handle. He was hovering in midair when he watched Albus whisking ahead of him. Tom pushed himself up and swung his legs over the broom. He zoomed past Michael Woodley who was aiming a Bludger at him and Cassandra Bullock who was trying to bump into him while scoring. Tom saw Albus circling the pitch, probably searching for the Snitch. Tom darted into the Slytherin side and saw Aria passing a Bludger to Mark again. As Albus kept on circling the Pitch, he got slower, possibly so he could see the Snitch better. Tom raced ahead and whizzed past Albus, he had spotted the Snitch. Albus looked dazed as Tom almost knocked him of his broom. Tom wasn't that mean though.

Tom extended his hand and saw Albus coming up behind him. Tom moved to the left when he saw Albus's hand reach out. Tom touched the edge of the Snitch when he almost fell of his broom. Tom adjusted himself and breathed in and out, he was losing Albus quickly. He really loved his Lightning Retriever. The team payed ten thousand galleons for it, so they must've been determined to win. Albus raced back up next to Tom and elbowed him.

Tom whacked him on the arm but it wasn't that strong, he needed the power that hit Scorpius. Tom saw Rodmin go to the halfway line and grab Cassandra Bullock's head and slam her towards the ground, luckily, Cassandra kept her hands tight on the broom.

"Slytherins getting mean, aren't they." Albus said.

"Only because theres no referee." Tom said. But Albus veered of to the side and left Tom confused. On the side, he heard Lupin and Scorpius screaming.

"He's spotted the Snitch!" Scorpius roared.

"No he hasn't!"Lupin yelled. But who would he trust, Scorpius of course. Tom flew faster and found his head at the tail of Albus's Firebolt. He thought of grabbing the tail to show Albus he really hated him, but then knew it was against the rules. It was a foul. Stupid Lord Voldemort. How was he supposed to know that. He didn't even play Quidditch, or did he? Tom veered away from Albus, his plan was to smash into him. Tom as planned soared back in and crashed into Albus.

"Sorry! Didn't see you there!" He lied. Albus looked at him in disgust. Tom dashed ahead on his broom, his arm stretched out. C'mon, get it. He timed his moment perfectly. He caught the Snitch and whirled around to see Albus bash into him. Albus grabbed the Snitch, but Tom held it tight in his hands. Tom kicked Albus's leg and he stumbled. Tom wrenched the Snitch from Albus and flew down to the ground.

"So, you get the Pitch for practice." Albus said grumpily.

"Yeah, I guess. That was the deal, right?" Tom said.

"Well, we'll leave and you Slytherins can be on your merry way." Albus mumbled.

"Hey, Albus," Tom called as Albus moped over to Patrick. "Can, we please be friends again? I know my father killed your father's parents and many others, but I'm not like him. I've never met him and I never want to. Plus, he's not even alive anymore." Tom had to give it a shot.

"Sorry, Tom. It just won't work out, our fathers history, yours a evil Wizard. Mine, a-a..." Albus faltered, it was a different Albus that was speaking though. He had a bitter voice.

"Hero." Tom finished. Albus shrugged and walked away. Tom couldn't play Quidditch anymore. He saw Patrick fly over to Aria and say something to her. Then, he shot Tom a dirty look. He joined the rest of the Gryffindor team and they walked back to the castle. Aria informed the team about something and they spread out.

Tom walked up to the stands and saw Lupin leave, following the Gryffindors. Tom sighed and plopped himself next to Scorpius.

"Does everyone hate me now?" Tom said, looking at the disappearing figure of Lupin.

"No, I'm your friend, Davos and Bane are your friends. Lupin told me he didn't think you're that evil. Plus, you and Jenna are like peanut butter and jelly. Lupin told me about it, he's a halfblood." Scorpius whispered the last part.

"Right, peanut butter and jelly," Tom muttered. "Can we go?"

"Sure." Scorpius said. He stood up and helped Tom up.

"Is Quidditch that tiring?"

"No, I'm just feeling down about Albus."

"What do you mean?" Scorpius asked, confused. Tom held his breath, of course, he hadn't told Scorpius everything. He only told Jenna. Tom let go of his breath. He looked at Scorpius, thought about it. Then told him. Everything he had told Jenna and Albus. The graveyard and Ingio. Everything.

When Tom had finished, Scorpius looked at Tom. Scorpius's mouth was opening and closing. He didn't know what to say.

"So, you probably think I'm horrible now, don't you." Tom said.

"No! No! You're a great friend Tom. It's just very. . .surprising, that a boy like you could be The Dark Lords son." Scorpius said unconvincingly.

"Uh huh." Tom said, looking at the ground.

"No really Tom. It was good of you to tell Albus, but it's his loss now that he got mad at you, I mean you wouldn't hurt a fly!"

"That's what Jenna said, but Albus saw me cast a spell on you and punch you." Tom muttered. Scorpius patted him on the back.

"Don't worry, it's fine. You've still got us as friends." The two boys headed up back to the Boys Dormitories and Scorpius waited for Tom to change into his school robes. Tom grabbed his bag and stuffed some books into it.

"C'mon. Lets get breakfast." Scorpius said. The boys set of to the Great Hall, on the way, they saw Jenna and Rose talking about something. Tom pulled Scorpius behind a wall, it was odd for Jenna to be talking to Rose, especially since they were both smiling.

"So you got it?" Jenna asked. Rose nodded.

"Yep! I'm so excited for it to start!"

"That's great! Tom and Albus will be thrilled to hear!"

"I know right! Hey, what's going on between them?" Rose asked curiously.

Scorpius looked at Tom. Tom held his breath, surely Jenna wouldn't tell.

"Oh, you know. Boy stuff." Jenna said. Scorpius smiled and Tom breathed.

The girls both entered the Hall and parted their ways. Jenna sat at the Slytherin table, looking around. While Rose went and sat with Lorcan, Lysander and Lucy.

"Jenna's waiting for us." Scorpius said, the boys entered the Great Hall. Tom saw Albus slouched at the Gryffindor table with Lupin, James, Patrick and the rest of the Quidditch team sitting with him. Albus saw Tom and threw him a nasty look. Tom smiled and waved at him. It was the best thing to do, his face was priceless.

Tom sat on Jenna's left while Scorpius sat on her left. Davos and Bane sprinted over and sat next to Scorpius, they huddled together and talked in hushed whispers.

"Tom! Guess what Rose told me!" Jenna exclaimed.

"What? Your friends now?" Tom said with his head on the table.

"Uh, that to, I guess," Jenna shrugged. "But she's in the Quidditch team!"

Tom shot up and looked at Jenna.

"What!" He shouted. The Slytherin team looked at Tom in surprise. Aria scooted over to him and whispered, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Tom said, turning red.

"Yeah! She's-" Jenna started, but Scorpius interrupted, he removed himself from the huddle and said to him,

"Hey Tom! Do we have Herbology after this?"

"Uh, yeah, I think so." Tom said dimly. Scorpius leaned back to Davos and Bane.

"So, which position is she playing?" Tom asked.

"Chaser. So Ethan better be careful, and James." Ethan was Aria's older brother, he was the Slytherin keeper.

"Wait, what about the Hufflepuff Keeper?" Tom questioned.

"Oh I heard it was a second year or a first year."

"Wow, there are lots of First years on the teams."

"Yeah, I know right!" Suddenly, a voice boomed over the talking.

"Good Morning everyone! I hope you have had an amazing morning so far! Professor McGonagall said. "You have a long day of lessons ahead, so let us eat!"

As always, the empty plates turned into soup bowls and platters filled with fruits, toast and much more. Tom grabbed his goblet and it filled with hot chocolate. He sipped the warm, thick drink and sighed.

"Tom, have you tried this!" Scorpius said. Tom looked to see Scorpius holding two pieces of toast, and a sort of beige icing and finally some jam.

"It's peanut butter!" Scorpius said, waving the toast in his face. He turned around and started to eat it.

"Of course its peanut butter." Tom muttered.

"Hey, Tom?" Jenna asked, patting him on the back. Tom looked up into her eyes.

"Are you going away in Christmas, right?"

"Uh, yeah. I don't see a point of going anywhere. No where to go, right?"

"Yeah, I guess. You could always come over to my house!" Jenna exclaimed.

"Oh, yeah. But sorry Jenna, I might just stay here."

"Okay." Jenna said. She didn't seem that bothered. Jenna and him started to talk about Quidditch. Tom asked some questions about Jenna's father, Marcus LeFay.

"So, about you're father? What team is he on?" Tom asked.

"Puddlemore United." Jenna answered. Tom nodded.

"What position?"

"Seeker." Tom nodded once again.

"Do you know what Herbology is like?" Tom asked, changing the subject, as he knew Jenna didn't like talking about her father.

"Don't know. I heard Albus saying that Professor Longbottom cuts the lessons short and tells us stories of when he was at Hogwarts."

"That sounds fun." Tom said.

"Yeah. Wanna go early, I don't feel like eating anymore." Jenna said. Tom nodded and they gathered their bags, said goodbye to Scorpius, Davos and Bane. Then, made their way out of the castle and to the greenhouses.

They finally arrived at the greenhouses and saw some Lorcan and Lysander Scamander talking to Professor Longbottom.

"Oh, hello Jenna and Tom!" He said.

"Good morning, Professor." Jenna said happily.

"You can just set you're bags next to Lorcan and Lysander's." Professor Longbottom said, gesturing towards two bags. They dumped their bags next to the twins's.

"So, how's Hogwarts for you guys?" Lorcan (Or was it Lysander) asked.

"Good so far." Jenna answered.

"What about you Tom?" Lysander (Or was it Lorcan?) asked.

"It's been okay." Tom said unsure. Lorcan and Lysander looked at each other, then at Tom. They moved towards him and squeezed him tight around his shoulder.

"How can it be okay?" They said. Tom was about to speak but they started to speak again.

"Hogwarts is brilliant!" Lorcan (Or Lysander) said.

"Except for the dead snake that lies below in the sewers." Lysander (Or Lorcan) said.

"Or the haunting memory of the Triwizard Tournament?" The other said.

"Or the leftover pink paint from Professor Umbridge's office?" Lysander (Or Lorcan) said.

"Or Albus Dumbledore's tomb that lies at the lake?" Lorcan (Or Lysandera) said.

"Of course there's nothing to worry about!" The twins said, grinning.

"Stop it guys." Jenna said.

"Just trying to cheer him up." Lysander (Or Lorcan) said.

"And how does stating some old events that happened at Hogwarts cheer Tom up?" Jenna said, arms folded. The twins shrugged, looking at each other with amused faces.

"Hey, sorry if this offends you, but who's Lorcan, and who's Lysander?" Tom inquired, jerking away from the boys.

"I'm Lysander, with the weird hair." Lysander said, he had messy hair.

"And I'm Lorcan, with the beautifully combed hair, I'm sorry for my brothers appearance."

"Hey! I look just like you! We just have different hair styles!" Lysander cried.

"Okay, okay." Lorcan surrendered.

"Hey! Lorcan! Lysander!" The five students looked around and saw Lucy Chang bouncing on the tip of her toes.

"Hey Lucy!" Jenna yelled into Tom's ear.

"Ow! I'm not Lucy you know!" Tom screeched. Lorcan and Lysander howled with laughter.

"How was that funny?" Tom bickered. He brought a thick Herbology book and brought it down on the twins head's.

"Ow!" They wailed. Tom smirked.

"Boys, boys, calm down." Professor Longbottom joshed.

"But we can't Professor!" Lorcaan bantered. Longbottom chuckled.

"Well, while we wait for the rest of the class, lets get our lesson set out. Jenna and Lucy, could you please set out thoses plant pots. Lorcan and Lysander, please get thoses ear muffs out and set them at each place. Tom, I want you to come to me." Longbottom ordered.

"Yes sir." The girls and twins said. Tom watched as they did as they were told. Tom looked at Professor Longbottom and walked forward to him.

"Tom, I have to tell you something. The staff know that you found out about you're father." Tom sucked in his breath.

"Look, if you need any help coping with something, just come and visit me, okay?" Professor Longbottom whispered. Tom breathed again. He wasn't expecting Professor Longbottom to talk to Tom about coping with the situation.

"Yes, sir." Tom nodded.

"Good, now, go and help Jenna and Lucy please."

Tom walked away from Longbottom and rushed over to Jenna and Lucy.

"What did Professor Longbottom want to talk to you about?" Jenna asked.

"Nothing important." Tom answered quickly. Lucy turned away and took a flower pot and set it on a table. Jenna eyed Tom, but went over and grabbed another pot and rested it on another table.

Tom reached for a flower pot when someone suddenly lightly punched him on the arm.

"Ah!" Tom gasped. He whipped around and saw Scorpius, Davos and bane behind him. Scorpius was grinning in delight.

"Oh, it's you Scorpius." Tom said. At the sound of Scorpius's name, Professor Longbottom gave Scorpius a strange look. Tom looked confused at this and Scorpius saw the look of confusion on Tom's face and pulled him aside.

"Neville Longbottom and my father have a history. My father always teased him so I expect Longbottom's not pleased to see me." Scorpius murmured. Tom nodded, understanding. Draco Malfoy was the typical school bully back then.

"My fathers changed, Longbottom just doesn't know." Scorpius said.

Tom nodded. He lifted a flower pot and rested it on a table while Lorcan and Lysander were bewitching the ear muffs and laying them on the tables.

That's when they heard a blood-curdling scream.