Title: Inside My Mind

Pairing: TMR/FemHP, DM/CW, DM/LL, HG/BZ, SB/OC, RL/NT

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the quotes. I also kind of took the quote idea from another story. I don't own the language, Druhir. I also don't own the Ancient Language from Eragon nor do I own the language of Quenya from Lord of the Rings. I just need them for my story to work and I don't fancy making up a language. I'm dedicated but not that dedicated.

Most of this language will not be mine and will be taken from various sources. The list goes on and on so I will not list them but as previously stated and now reiterated, the Elvish language is not mine. See…that rhymed.

Note: I am so bored that I decided to write another chapter. Lalita will attend her first day of classes and Tom claims Bella (not in THAT way. Minds out of the gutter!). Lalita is a fun character to write. She's a textbook nerd. Hermione in canon was sort of like that but she had her moments. Here, Hermione is a studious psychotic. Lalita is going to give her a run for her money…

And…just for those who haven't figured it out: THIS IS AS MUCH BELLA'S ARC AS IT IS TOM'S ARC.

Inside My Mind

By: Sistersgrimmlover

Chapter L

Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain

Thursday the 2nd of September 1995

7:30 PM

Lalita sat on her bed, braiding her hair, carefully. She looked up as Bella came out of the washroom, dressed, her hair still wet. Her fringe didn't cover the lightening bolt scar that Grindelwald had given her on that Halloween night, fourteen years ago. Bella waved her wand and it dried, instantly. Lalita watched, amused as she tried to pull a brush through the curls and snarls.

"You're going to pull out your hair."

Lalita watched as Hermione walked over to her briskly. Her hair was already pulled into a tight braid. Lalita knew that the girl had worked hard to tame her curly hair. Bella nodded and looked over at Parvati and Lavender. They were gossiping behind their hands. Bella rolled her eyes as they spoke blatantly about her. Fay Dunbar was fixing her hair, though she looked rather tough.

"I don't care. I just want out of here," Bella said, sharply. Hermione sighed and patiently began pulling the brush through Bella's hair until it fell in waves and curls. Lalita couldn't tell if it was supposed to be either. The only word that could explain Bella's hair would be untamable.

"Are you done yet?" Bella whined. Hermione poked her sister in the back with the brush as she gathered Bella's hair back and took one of Bella's many bangles off the bed and secured her hair in a low ponytail.

"Patience is a virtue, Ana. A virtue that you don't have," Hermione said, sharply. Bella sighed and took a charm bracelet and placed it on one wrist. She slid her other bangles on her other wrist. Lalita could make out a key dangling from one of the bangles. Around her neck was a small silver locket.

But, the most prominent was a beautifully ornate locket that was about four times bigger than the silver locket around her neck. Parvati and Lavender seemed to be ogling the locket as well, though Lalita wondered why briefly.

"That's the locket that Professor Riddle carried around over the summer," Parvati said, sharply. Bella looked up and blinked. She was looking at Parvati in surprise and she brushed her fringe over her scar, self-consciously. Lalita wondered why she was self-conscious about such a show of strength.

"How do you knot that?" Hermione asked, curiously. Lavender cleared her throat.

"Well, in class, when he told us to sit there and read, he'd take it out and look at it. He used to wave his wand over it and it glowed sometimes. Why do you have it?" Lavender demanded. Bella stood and crossed her arms.

"It was a gift. I don't see why it's any of your business. He's my magical guardian and birthday just passed," Bella said, shortly. Lavender and Parvati gave her a jealous look. Bella clutched her locket, protectively. She reached her hand down to her bed and the black adder slithered up her arm and around her arm, like another bangle.

"Lalita, are you ready?" Hermione asked as she picked up her bag. Lalita nodded, slowly. She picked up the book she had been reading, a book written in Hindi that she had smuggled from her father's library. Lalita walked, quickly after the two girls.

Lalita was impressed with the blatant dismissal of Bella to the people that were looking at her strangely. She didn't look like she cared in the least.

"Does she not care?" Lalita whispered to Hermione. Bella was walking ahead of the two, her bag on her shoulder. Hermione looked at her sister's back.

"It's difficult to tell, exactly. Bella isn't one for expressing her grief or sadness. She thinks they are weak. But, honestly, in this instance, I don't think she gives a damn. In reality, few opinions truly matter to her," Hermione said, softly. Lalita nodded in understanding. Bella entered the Great Hall and turned to the Slytherin table. Draco and Blaise were already sitting there.

Lalita straightened as she remembered what Draco had told her the night before.

Lalita watched as Bella crooked her finger. The two boys looked at her in confusion and she sighed before rolling her eyes at the Gryffindors that were looking at her strangely. Draco was up in a second, Blaise following him. The two walked over to Bella and Hermione. Blaise wrapped his arm around Hermione's shoulders and the pair walked to the Gryffindor table. Bella, Lalita, and Draco followed.

Blaise, Hermione, and Lalita sat across from Draco and Bella. They seemed to be saving a seat. Lalita only had to wonder briefly at whom it was.

A girl with wide grey eyes and long straggly blonde hair sat down between them. Lalita recognized her for what she was almost immediately. Her pupils were too big to be from a normal human. And her ears were pointed.

"You are the Dēkhanā. The Seer," Lalita said, in surprise. The Seer's lips spread into a dreamy smile.

"I am. I Saw your arrival," the Seer said, softly. Lalita wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. The Seer's voice was too even for it to be anything but distant.

"This is Luna Lovegood. She's a fourth year Ravenclaw," Draco introduced. Lalita opened her mouth to ask why she sat with them when three Gryffindor boys sat down next to them. Draco sneered at the redheaded boy that Lalita had learned was Ron.

"It's the Weasel, the Leprechaun, and the Mudblood," Draco sneered. Blaise was glaring at his brother.

"Not everyone likes to be called 'mudblood'."

"I know. That's why I said it," Draco snapped. Ron was flushing, deeply. The Irish boy looked uncomfortable but equally angry. The black boy said nothing. But, he looked angry.

"Hey, Ron. Ignore Draco. He's a bastard in the morning. Hi Dean. Hi Seamus," Bella said, smiling. Dean gave her a nervous smile.

"Hi Bella. Good holiday?" Dean asked. Bella's lips curled into a slight smile. She began pouring sugar into her porridge.

"I had the pleasure of going to Barcelona. You?" Bella asked. Dean shrugged.

"Yeah, it was okay. Better than Seamus's anyway," Dean sighed. Bella blinked as Ron suddenly flushed, considerably.

"Why? What happened?" Hermione asked, curiously.

"Me mam didn't want me to come back."

The words had a profound effect on Lalita's four new friends. Draco had stiffened and his hand was twitching toward his sai swords every few seconds. Hermione was gripping the knife at an odd angle, as if she wanted to stab Seamus. Blaise was as still as a statue. Bella had a sardonic smile on her face and she pushed away her food. She turned fully to face Seamus and he flinched at the look on her face.

"Because of me. She thinks I'm a liar. And a slut."

"No, no…not a slut. Not after Rita Skeeter published her apology. And it's not only you…it's Dumbledore too," Seamus continued. Bella turned from him and began to eat her porridge, calmly once more. Seamus was bewildered by her silence.

"Look…what happened that night…we didn't know much. We only heard those three screaming 'Help me' with your voice. What happened?" Seamus asked.

The noise that sounded after silenced almost everyone in the entire room. The staff table had drawn their wands at the sound. Lalita cringed. The sound had sounded so wrong…

It was a terrible high and cold laugh that had scared everyone out of their wits. Lalita had heard the laugh before when he had visited India the past summer with Lucius Malfoy.

It was the laugh of Lord Voldemort. Yet, it wasn't. It was more feminine but it held the same terror in it that Lord Voldemort's voice possessed. Lalita saw the slight change in Bella's posture. She was holding herself in a more serpentine way, it seemed. She moved like a serpent as she moved her hand up and propped her elbows on the table. She placed her chin on her joined fingers.

"You think…that I owe you an explanation? Why don't you read the damn Prophet liked your damned mother?" Bella asked, her tone sibilant. Lalita was fascinated with the change in the girl.

"D-don't you have a go at my mother!" Seamus shouted. Professor Umbridge was standing now with Dumbledore.

"Bella!" Dumbledore commanded. Bella didn't even spare him a glance. Professor Umbridge cleared her throat with an "ahem, ahem".

"Miss Potter, you will watch your tone and stop your shenanigans this—" Umbridge started.

She was interrupted with a warning hiss from Bella. Bella turned, slightly. She fixed Umbridge with a look that silenced the toad woman. Bella tilted her head and turned back, slowly to face Seamus.

"I'll have a go at anyone…anyone who dares call me a liar. I wouldn't lie about something so important. I wouldn't lie about something that I was afraid of. I have my priorities in order. Do you?" Bella asked, carefully. Seamus seemed at a loss for words. A brave Ravenclaw seemed to pick up the mantle.

"How do we know you're telling the truth?" he called out. Bella gave another bone-chilling laugh.

"You don't. But, I do hope you're smart enough to realize that I wouldn't joke about something as serious as this. And after what you saw that night, does Grindelwald really returning seem so impossible. You all saw the redheaded woman I was with. My dead mother. If she could return, even temporarily, couldn't Grindelwald?" Bella asked, carefully. Bella stood and picked up a piece of toast off Blaise's plate and walked out of the silent Great Hall.

Lalita was sure that everyone was pondering her words.


Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain

Thursday the 2nd of September 1995

12:00 PM

"Professor Snape is so…rude. I can not believe that a teacher would treat a student like that," Lalita said, her voice depicting her surprise. Bella gave her a dark smile and she crossed her arms.

"Well, believe it. He's a right pain in the arse," Bella said, harshly. She stabbed at her fish and chips with her knife. She could feel the eyes on her and it was making her more and more paranoid.

"Are you okay, Ana?" asked Draco. Bella shook her head and she ran a hand through her hair, nervously. Lalita wondered, briefly it were a nervous habit. She seemed to do it a lot when she was irritated.

"Yes, yes. I'm fine. Just not in the mood for everyone to be staring at me," Bella said, sharply. Lalita saw several people looked down, ashamed at being caught. Hermione put a reassuring hand on Bella's arm.

"You knew they'd be staring at you. After your little announcement this morning, you have people thinking. This is what's going to happen," Hermione said, softly. Bella nodded, impatiently. Her lips twisted into a strange smile and she ran a hand through her hair.

"Do they have to be so damn obvious about it?" Bella asked. Draco snickered and shrugged.

"Yes. You, sit up straight," Draco said, not even looking at Lalita. Lalita sat up straighter and began to eat once more. Blaise looked around.

"Where's Lu?" he asked, curiously. Lalita was forced to think that they were talking about the girl from last night, Luna Lovegood. Draco shrugged though he began looking around as well.

"She might be meditating. She does it a lot now. Luna will be around soon enough," Draco sighed. Hermione nodded.

"I can't believe that I believed that she was a fool for believing in things like Crumpled Snorkacks or whatever," Hermione laughed. Draco raised his eyebrow. Bella looked at her sister and rolled her eyes.

"It's called a Crumple-Horned Snorkack, first of all. And second of all, I'm pretty sure that it's real. I read in the Quibbler…" Bella started. Hermione held up her hand and Bella stopped in confusion.

"There. Right there. 'I read in the Quibbler'. You do know most of that paper is filled with ludicrous theories, right?" Hermione asked with a grin. Bella nodded, slowly, before a grim smile spread across her face.

"Well, it has more truth than the Prophet, now doesn't it?"

"Touché."


Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain

Thursday the 2nd of September 1995

2:00 PM

"In. Now."

Lalita blinked at Professor Riddle's tone. His voice showed no nonsense and he seemed intensely annoyed by something. The Slytherins and the Gryffindors filed in after him. He walked briskly to his desk and a hiss came from the seat and table near the front. Lalita blinked at the large snake curled around one chair.

Professor Riddle leaned down and hissed something at it. The snake hissed back, annoyed and tried to bite at him.

"Now, now, Nagini."

Lalita spun at the Parseltongue. She gaped at Bella. Bella was a Parselmouth! Lalita was further surprised by the fact that Bella walked up to the seat where the snake was and held out her hand. The black adder unwrapped itself from around her arm and slithered onto the desk. Bella crooked her finger at the large snake that resembled a python.

It slithered up Bella's arm and around her waist. Finally, it draped itself across her shoulders and settled its head near her face. It licked her cheek and Bella kissed the top of the snake's head. She sat down and hissed at the black adder. The black adder slithered towards Professor Riddle. He extended his arm with disdain on his face. Lalita was thoroughly amused.

"Come on," Hermione said. Lalita flushed when she realized that she had been standing in the doorway, blocking other people from coming in. Hermione tugged her down the aisle and to the first row. Typically, Lalita wouldn't want to be the center of attention. She wouldn't be able to observe so well but perhaps…that was the best place to observe.

Lalita sat down in the seat next to Bella. Hermione sat on the other side. Draco was sitting next to Lalita and Blaise was on the other side of Hermione. Professor Riddle turned around and sat down on a table near the front. He crossed his legs and took out a book and lifted his wand. He began reading while he wrote words out on the board.

"Parchment out, quills out, wands out. Now."

Lalita watched as everyone scrambled to take out parchment and quills. The Indian girl had to admit that Bella was quite skilled at balancing a gigantic snake and taking out parchment and a quill.

"This year is your fifth year. This year you will have your OWLs. Ordinary Wizarding Levels. Write that down. Just like that," Professor Riddle said. He was still reading a book that looked like it was in Arabic. The words he said appeared on the blackboard.

"He wants us to write a transcript of what he's saying?" Lalita whispered. Hermione's lips curled into a slight smile ands he nodded.

"Yeah. Every little thing. Even the times when he pauses," Hermione whispered back.

"Do you have something to say, Miss Granger?" Riddle asked, sharply. Hermione looked up to find Professor Riddle's eyes staring at her, narrowed. Her amused smile didn't leave her face.

"No, sir."

"In your OWL year, we will be focusing on Defensive Magic Theory as well as practical work. This will be the groundwork for next year's unit in Dueling. This year and the consequent years will be grueling and I will not take it easy on you. Before this year ends, I will have you groveling on the ground begging for me to stop teaching you. By the end of the year, you will be on the ground crying blood. Because I won't take anything from you little shits, this year. You will not whine. You will not complain. You will learn!"

Lalita's mouth dropped open in shock. Even Professor Snape had not sworn at the children. The other students seemed shocked before different reasons it seems. Riddle had never openly threatened them like this.

"Ahem, ahem."

The entire class turned. Professor Riddle looked up, completely annoyed. Lalita looked at Professor Umbridge. She then looked to Bella. Bella looked annoyed at the moment.

"What is it?" Riddle asked, sharply. Professor Umbridge gave him a simper. Lalita watched as his eyes hardened and his sneer turned into a look of absolute disgust.

"Hello, Professor Riddle. I'm just here to observe," Umbridge said. Riddle nodded once and pointed at the corner.

"You may remain there. I tend to throw hexes at my students if they're being morons," Riddle snapped. Bella snorted and Riddle gave her a look.

"Shut up."

"I'm sorry, Professor. I had to sneeze," Bella said, innocently. Riddle glared at her.

"Bullshit. I can tell a difference between a snort of amusement and sneeze, Miss Potter," Riddle said. Umbridge frowned at his language but seemed to like his harsh teaching method.

Lalita was just scared by his teaching method.

"May I ask, why are their wands out?" Umbridge asked. Riddle looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"This is Defense Against the Dark Arts, if you're not clear. What do you think that they will defend with?" Riddle asked, carefully. Umbridge cleared her throat.

"It doesn't seem necessary, is all. There is nothing to be defended against, you see," Umbridge said. Riddle sighed and pointed his wand at Bella as she started to rise.

"You. Sit down. Now. Before I glue you to your seat. Now, Madame Umbridge, I am an intelligent man and I have an eidetic memory. I remember distinctly your speech last night. The Ministry means to interfere with Hogwarts. That is all good but there is one thing you cannot do. You will not. You can not interfere with my Defense classes. Or I will go to the Ministry and soundly beat sense into the Minister. I hope that's clear. Yes? Great…" Riddle drawled. Umbridge was shocked into silence and she was staring at him, as if she'd never someone quite like him.

Bella was snickering in her seat. Draco's shoulders were shaking though his head was on the table. Blaise's lips were curled into a smile. Lalita didn't think that he ever laughed. Hermione was giggling. The other students were snickering under their breaths as well. Lalita supposed that Bella's was prominent because it sounded like the voice of a devil in an angel's body. Her laughing sounded cruel somehow.

"Professor Riddle, no has ever dared speak to me like—" Umbridge said. Bella stopped laughing suddenly.

"Time somehow has."

Riddle groaned and Umbridge turned her anger onto Bella. She flinched when she saw the giant viper wrapped around Bella. Bella raised an eyebrow and Umbridge took a step forward.

"And you are?" she asked, as if she didn't know Bella's name. Bella rolled her eyes and raised her eyebrow.

"You shouted my name this morning, Professor. I'm sure you know my name."

"Bella…" hissed Draco, Blaise, and Hermione. Bella paid no attention to them. Lalita was sure that the girl wanted to test Umbridge's limits.

"Your insolence is not appreciated," Umbridge said. Bella seemed to annoyed at the woman to stop.

"Your ignorance isn't appreciated either."

"Detention!" Umbridge cried out. Bella smirked.

"I've got my fair amount of detentions, Professor. I think I can deal with one more."

Umbridge glared before storming out. Bella looked at the shocked students and she stood up. The snake slithered off of her and onto the table. Bella took a bow.

"You welcome. I got rid of the evil toad."

"You are impossible. Sit down," Riddle sighed. Bella glared.

"I was expecting a thank you maybe?"

Riddle flicked his wand and Bella fell into the chair. She tried to stand but she found herself glued to the chair. She gaped before muttering something under her breath. Riddle only smirked.

"As, I was saying, this year you will have to work your hardest. Any questions?" Riddle asked. A girl in Slytherin raised her hand, slowly.

"Yes, Miss Bulstrode?"

"What will the regiment include really?" asked Bulstrode. Hermione began jumping in her chair raising her hand. Riddle snorted and pointed at her.

"Answer her question, Miss Granger," he said. Hermione smiled, smugly.

"The training regiment is grueling. I have had three teeth knocked out by him. I've also been stabbed and cursed several times. He has successfully broken my wrist before and I've had to have a finger reattached. Bella has gotten much worst injuries. She's been burned, slashed, slapped, punched, kicked, stabbed, and she had to have her foot reattached once, though that one was mostly her fault," Hermione said, grinning. Bulstrode looked faint. Lalita cringed.

Lavender and Parvati were squealing in disgust. Bella glared at her sister.

"You cut my foot off. On purpose. That wasn't my fault."

"You baited her. And you got your foot cut off. At least you have it back. Though it took forever for Professor Riddle to reattach it," Blaise said, matter-of-factly. Professor Riddle nodded before giving a feral grin.

"I hope that answers that question. Any more questions?"

Ron's hand went up in the air bravely. Riddle nodded at him.

"Will you be allowed to do that to us?" he asked, softly. Riddle tilted his head.

"Probably not. Though, if I cannot physically harm, I will psychologically. We will be doing several simulations this year where you will be put into moments of pressure where you have to make a decision, like killing the target or saving your friend. Tell me, Miss Potter. If you were facing an enemy that was using your friend, not your siblings, but your friend as a human shield, what would you do?" Riddle asked.

Bella didn't even hesitate to answer.

"Kill both of them."

"With what spell?" Riddle asked, immediately.

"I'm skilled at lightning skills. Lightning can pierce the human body fairly easy."

"If you were without a wand?"

"It depends with what weapon. If it were a weapon with a point, I'd kill the human shield first. The enemy wouldn't have anyone to hide behind. Then, I'd slit his throat. If I were without a weapon, I'd kill the human shield and then I'd break the enemy's leg so he lose his mobility. I'd then break his neck. As bloodless as possible. I'm not a fan for blood," Bella said with a look of disgust.

The entire class was staring at her in horror. Except for her siblings. They looked completely at ease with her talk.

"That is how a cold-blooded killer thinks. Learn it. I don't give a damn about what the Ministry thinks. I believe that Grindelwald and Voldemort are back. And every last one of you in here will eventually choose a side. Soon, there will not be a Neutral. You will be divided. Your enemy might be your best friend. And you will have to think like that. It's my job to turn you into killers. If you do not have what it takes, please leave. There is a softer course available," Riddle said, sharply.

Lavender raised her hand, shakily.

"P-professor, may I leave?" she asked. Riddle nodded once. Lavender and Parvati stood but Riddle raised a hand.

"Patil. You're a harpy. You can kill a person. Brown, leave."

Parvati sat, looking shocked. Lavender left quickly. Riddle began walking up and down the aisle.

"Parkinson, get out. Dunbar, stay. Thomas, get out. Crabbe, out. Goyle, you stay. Finnigan, out. Singh…you stay. Weasley, you stay. Longbottom…stay," Riddle said, after deliberation. Seamus looked shocked and annoyed at being told to leave. Dean Thomas left with a look of relief on his face. Neville looked absolutely shocked.

"Davis, stay. Greengrass, you definitely stay. Nott…I suppose you can stay. For now. Moon…you may stay. Bulstrode, you're out," Riddle finished. Greengrass raised her hand. There were only thirteen kids in the class now.

"Sir?" Greengrass asked.

"Yes, Miss Greengrass?"

"Does this happen every year? Do you kick people out?" asked Greengrass. Riddle raised an eyebrow.

"Not as many as I did this year. You lot are a promising group. I hope you don't disappoint me. I require a waiver from your parents if you are to take this course. I'll send them out. I hope that's understood," Riddle said.

The students nodded. Ron looked proud that he had been chosen to stay in the class. Riddle sighed.

"Professor?"

Riddle turned to Blaise.

"Yes, Mr. Zabini?" he asked.

"And what happens to the other students?" he asked. Riddle smirked.

"I know you, Blaise. You don't care."

"I'm merely curious, is all, sir," Blaise answered back. He almost sounded like he was talking back but Riddle only took it in stride. Lalita supposed that there were perks to having your sister date your teacher.

"They will be taken a softer course. Typically, my assistant teaches them in a separate classroom. However, this year, I am without an assistant. I will enlist Professor Umbridge. She may teach them. I could care less. They aren't worth my time," Riddle said.

Fay Dunbar raised her hand, brushing her brown locks behind her ear. She was fairly pretty, Lalita noticed.

"Yes, Miss Dunbar?" asked Riddle. Fay bit her lip.

"What makes us worth your time?"

"You all have the highest grades in my class between the Gryffindors and Slytherins. You have the drive. You aren't soft-hearted. You all have the potential to be worth something. I'd be wasting my talents if I taught them instead of focusing exclusively on you," Riddle said, complimenting himself as if it were the most normal thing to do. Fay seemed surprised as well.

"Your ego is big enough for you to get off by complimenting yourself?"

Lalita looked at Bella. She looked bored and her feet were on the table since she wasn't yet able to stand.

"Shut up, brat. Let's move on. We have slightly different course aims. In addition to taking OWLs, you will also be taking an exam written by myself. If you wish to stay in this class, you will pass the Defense OWLs with flying colors. Nothing below an E in both theory and practical. For my exam, an A would be acceptable. I tend to make my exams harder than the Defense OWLs. In all honesty, I think they're a bit of a joke," Riddle snorted.

Lalita saw that he looked a lot more relaxed than he had before. She looked around and could see the others thought that same. Riddle sighed and stood.

"Do you have all of this written down?" Riddle asked. Many of the students groaned. With all the questions and shock of being split up, they had stopped writing. Lalita hadn't stopped, thank Ēka prakāra kā bāza. Hermione raised her long roll of parchment and waved it in the air. Blaise finished his and gave a smug smile.

"I have it! All of it!" Hermione grinned. Riddle nodded once.

"Five points to Gryffindor. Make copies for your classmates and for my archives. You know where my archives are, correct?" Riddle asked. Hermione gave him an annoyed look.

"You made us copy over the faded ink last year when you didn't feel like teaching us. I remember," Hermione snapped. The rest of the class groaned at the memory. Riddle smirked, smugly.

"Good. Now, let's see. All of you will have sparring partners. Boy, girl."

Linda Moon, a girl, raised her hand.

"Professor, there are seven girls and six boys. It's uneven," Linda said. Riddle nodded and looked at her, as if she were stupid.

"I can count, Moon."

"But, Professor—" Greengrass started. Bella cleared her throat.

"Professor is my sparring partner. I don't need a waiver. So, I have to deal with him," Bella sighed. Riddle smirked.

"Correct. Zabini spars with Granger. Malfoy spars with Patil. Weasley spars with Greengrass. Goyle spars with Dunbar. Singh spars with Longbottom. Nott spars with Davis. And, little Anya spars with me," Riddle smirked. Bella raised an eyebrow at the nickname 'Anya'. Her siblings gave him a strange stare. Blaise cleared his throat and Riddle looked over at him. Blaise hissed something under his breath. Riddle lunged forward and grabbed the boy by his hair. Blaise stayed relaxed.

"Don't do that, Blaise. You surprised me," Riddle said, softly. Blaise shrugged.

"Sorry. I was curious."

"You're too curious. Don't go inside of other people's mind. It's considered a great faux pas in some circles. Including my circles," Riddle snapped, stroking the black adder's head. Blaise hid his smile. Bella leaned back.

"So what now?" asked Bella. Riddle's lips curled into a smirk.

"We're going to check your endurance. Everyone get up," Riddle said. Everyone but Bella stood and waited.

"Pick up your wands. We're going outside."

"You might want to unglue me from the chair," Bella said, stiffly. Riddle smirked.

"I should leave you there."

"Bastard."

"Now, I definitely will leave you there," Riddle snapped. Bella made a whining noise and Riddle cringed. He flicked his wand and Bella jumped up, grinning.

"Anything to stop your whining."

Bella scowled.


Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain

Thursday the 2nd of September 1995

3:00 PM

Riddle was leading them down the halls and Bella was standing next to him. Lalita watched curiously as she looked up at him. The others were a bit behind so they wouldn't be able to hear their conversation. Lalita could see the kids in their classrooms. Some of the older kids were pointing.

"Look, it's the new recruits. Riddle's exclusive class," whispered one kid. Lalita wondered why the students didn't know about this exclusive class in the first place.

"Anya?" whispered Bella. Riddle smirked down at her. Lalita could see the softer look in his eyes.

"Mhmm. I called you Anastasia. They adopted that. I called you Ana. They adopted that. Only I can call you Anya," Riddle smirked. Bella rolled her eyes but she looked rather touched anyway.

"How do you get Anya from Anastasia?" Bella asked, curiously. Riddle tilted his head before answering.

"Anastasia is the Russian feminine form of the Greek name 'Anastasios'. It means 'ressurection'. Anya is a variant of the name that also means 'ressurection'."

"You looked up my name?" Bella asked in shocked. Riddle smirked down at her.

"Don't flatter yourself. I was looking up the Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia. I wanted to know what happened to her. She's dead. I discovered her body on one of my travels," Riddle said, smugly. Bella blinked in surprise.

"Did you tell anyone?"

"Uh. No."

"Why not?" Bella asked, curiously. Riddle gave her a sigh.

"For such a cold-blooded killer, you're a bit naive. The Muggles would have taken credit. Let them find it with their stupid technology," Riddle said, arrogantly. Bella rolled her eyes. They were almost to the Entrance Hall when Riddle suddenly stopped. He looked at the tall man in front of him whom was smiling.

"Dumbledore," Riddle said, as a greeting. Dumbledore gave a smile. He looked over at Bella.

"Hello, Tom. Bella, are you feeling better?" he asked. Bella stiffened at the question before giving a tight smile.

"Better is a relative term, sir. But, I suppose I am. Thank you for asking," she said, sharply. Suddenly, Draco was next to Bella and he was pulling her back towards him. Bella didn't protest. Lalita wasn't the only one that thought Bella's behavior was strange.

"So, this is your fifth year extensive course class? It's smaller than last year," Dumbledore said. Tom shrugged.

"A few weren't cut out for it. One, Miss Patil, didn't think she was cut out for it. I disagreed. I would have let her leave but I believe that she has the potential. For reasons known to you, these four are here. They're here for discipline mostly. They lack any. Greengrass, Dunbar, and Davis don't have much magic power though I suppose they probably have the agility for the course. Goyle has some potential. I just have to push out through the years of stupidness that he has suffered from his family of baboons," Riddle said. Draco laughed, quietly. Goyle stood there looking rather lost. The others began snickering as well.

"Moon has gotten detention from punching someone within her house. That person came out with a broken nose. She has strength. Nott has a strong magical core. He would do fine with long-range strikes. Singh is a textbook nerd. She probably has a large collection of Hindi spells that could cause mass destruction. Weasley, I here, is a strategist. He's an asset. Longbottom…I'm not sure yet but I think he'd be of some use. I do not have an assistant this year, so could you enlist Umbridge to teach them. I won't have much time this year," Riddle said, saying all of this very fast. Dumbledore seemed to take it all in and he nodded in understanding. Lalita wondered why Dumbledore allowed this to happen. What was the purpose of separating the classes?

"I see. I'll asked Professor Umbridge right away. Where are you taking your new class now?" Dumbledore asked. Riddle tilted his head.

"Outside. I am going to test their endurance and speed," Riddle said, sharply. Dumbledore nodded.

"Well, carry on."

Dumbledore wandered away and Lalita followed Riddle outside as he threw the doors open. They marched to the lake and Riddle pointed towards the Forbidden Forest.

"In March, you'll spend a night in there. I hope you're well prepared by then. Now, first, I wish for you to run around the lake two times. No stopping," Riddle said. The entire group groaned. Draco shrugged off his robes and dumped it on the ground. The entire group followed and Bella shrugged off her white shirt. She had on a black tank top underneath. She began taking off all the jewelry she had as well. She slid off the bangles and handed them Tom. She next took off her earrings.

Confusingly enough, she kept the heavy locket on. The light locket, she could see but why the heavy locket. And she kept on the charm bracelet. Hermione was taking off her Mary Jane heels and her socks. Bella was pulling off her heavy combat boots and socks. Draco and Blaise were doing the same.

Greengrass, Moon, and Davis sneered at them. Bella held out her hand and Draco grasped it. Hermione and Blaise did the same over their hands.

"We are Four."

"We are One," Draco, Blaise, and Hermione answered back. The others in the class gaped as a gold, black, silver, and crimson light glowed from their joined hands. Even Riddle seemed interested in what they were doing.

"What was that?" he asked, curiously. Bella stuck out her tongue.

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"Stick that tongue back in your mouth, Anya. Unless you're going to use it," Riddle said, sharply. Lalita wondered what he said to make Bella laugh. Riddle looked at all the students.

"Line up. I'll be timing you. And go," Riddle said. Lalita took off at an even pace but she gaped when she saw the four siblings running. She wasn't the only one staring. Fay was keeping pace with Lalita. They were both around the same height.

"Wow…they're fast," Fay said, conversationally. Lalita nodded. Bella was running. She was wearing trousers unlike Hermione. However, Hermione's skirt wasn't flying. Lalita wondered if there was a spell for that. The three Slytherin girls needed it. They were holding their skirts in place.

"They are."

Lalita looked to her other side. Parvati was running as well. She was wearing trousers. The only Gryffindor girl wearing a skirt was Hermione. Lalita bit her lip, wanting to contribute.

"Do you think they're going as fast as they can?" Lalita asked. Parvati tilted her head.

"Maybe not…"

Just to prove them right, Bella began running faster. Draco was keeping up. Blaise and Hermione were rolling their eyes at them. Soon, the two groups were on opposite sides of the lake.

"I can go faster!" laughed Bella. Suddenly, she went stumbling as she went around the lake once. She was tumbling and falling into a flips before she fell on her. Draco passed her, laughing and Hermione stopped to help her up.

"That was uncalled for Tom! You shouldn't around tripping your students. It doesn't matter if you can do it without getting in trouble. You shouldn't do it anyway! You should be ashamed of yourself!" Hermione admonished. Fay and Parvati exchanged disbelieving looks as Riddle shrugged. Bella was on the ground, glaring up at you.

"I hope you die. Fuck you," she snapped before jumping up and taking off running again. Hermione ran after with another severe look to Tom.

"Did she really just chastise Professor Riddle?" Lalita asked, curiously. Parvati nodded, slowly, her face showing her complete surprise.

"I can't believe she just did that. And he's just chuckling," Parvati said. Fay tilted her head.

"He's different…somehow. Last year, he had little patience with us. Now this year…with the other half of the class gone, he's a lot calmer. He looks like he's enjoying teaching us and we've only been his new class for about a half-hour now," Fay said. Parvati tilted his head.

"He looks…happier somehow. Maybe he has a girlfriend. Remember that woman in Spella Daily last year. He went to Club Piacere with her. I heard from Padma who heard from one of her friends that when she was in Spain, Madrid actually, some of her older sister's friends saw Professor Riddle with that woman again. They were snogging in an alleyway," Parvati said. Fay's eyes widened. Lalita wondered when they were going to realize that they were in Professor Riddle's earshot now.

"For real? Why wasn't it in Witch Weekly or Spella Daily?" asked Fay. Parvati tilted her head.

"They didn't have evidence."

"Er…you know…" Lalita said, quietly. The two girls didn't seem to hear her. Professor Riddle had a wicked grin on his face.

"But Professor Riddle is never happy. Do you think he got laid or something?" Fay asked with a leering grin. Parvati giggled.

"Ten points from Gryffindor. My sex life is none of your business."

Parvati and Fay jumped and both flushed a heavy red. Professor Riddle was giving them an annoyed look. Lalita bit her lip keep from giggling. She had tried her best to tell them.

"You don't have a sex life."

The three girls spun around to see Bella sitting on the grass. Apparently, she had finished her two laps first despite being tripped and being behind. She was smirking at them and they flushed even more.

"How would you know?" Riddle asked, smirking. Bella's lips curled into a grin.

"Because you refuse to have sex with me. That's how I know."

Fay shivered at the use of Parseltongue. Riddle snorted and he began to snicker. Bella grinned and tackled him around the knees. He feel back and grabbed her by the back of the neck, looking amused and annoyed.

"You little brat. And for good reason. You're much too insecure," Riddle said, annoyed. Bella glared.

"I am not insecure. Though, I did almost make you laugh…I must try harder!" Bella cheered.

"You're not going to give up on that?"

Lalita looked to Blaise and Hermione. Draco was on the ground, nursing his battle wounds. It looked like Bella had kicked him in the groin.

"Never. He's still not up?" Bella asked, looking at her brother. Fay turned to look and she frowned.

"What happened to him?" she asked, curiously. Bella's lips curled into a vicious grin.

"We were racing. Tom tripped me. I got pissed. He taunted me. He got kicked in the balls. His fault. He should know better. And that's why I won. Hurry up and come back around and we can talk," Bella said, smiling. The three girls nodded and continued running.

Lalita noticed that the three Slytherin girls ended up finishing the allotted laps at the same time. The only one still running was Goyle. Nott was sitting with the rest of the class on the grass. Ron and Neville were with them as well. Riddle was sitting cross legged and they were all in a circle. Bella was leaning over Riddle, bothering him while he stayed rather unaffected. He was actually having a conversation with Nott. Neville was interjecting somewhat. Ron was sitting there, unwilling to talk to the Slytherins.

Draco was wincing every time he shifted in his seat.

"Hermione when was the last time your practiced your katas?" Riddle asked. Hermione stiffened at the question and she pretended that she hadn't heard. Bella snickered. Draco was moaning from his seat next to Riddle about his 'bitchy, emotional sister'. Blaise only had that weird smile on his face.

Lalita and the five girls she was with walked towards the group.

"Uh…the day Bella came to Grimmauld Place."

"Hmm…you're in trouble. Goyle! Hurry up! We don't have all day!" shouted Riddle. Goyle lumbered faster and soon the entire group was sitting either kneeling or cross-legged on the grass in a circle. Riddle leaned forward.

"Now that we've finished that, I'm sure you're wondering why I did that," Riddle said. Bella snorted.

"No shit, Sherlock."

"Ana! Shut up!" Draco snapped. Bella stuck her tongue out at him. Riddle sighed.

"Anya, what did I tell you about sticking out your tongue?" Riddle demanded, as if he were chastising his child. Wow…that was a strange way of putting it especially when he was probably snogging her.

"Don't do it."

"Then why are you doing that?" Riddle snapped. Bella smirked.

"'Cause you said not to."

"You're impossible. Let's move on. Now, that we're all here, it's probably best to tell you that speed and endurance wasn't the point of the exercise. I told you to run because I wanted you to run," Riddle said, simply. Greengrass moaned in annoyance.

"That doesn't make any sense!" Linda cried out. Riddle smirked.

"Then why didn't you say that in the first place? If an enemy told you jump off a bridge, would you do it? Longbottom?" Riddle asked. Neville jumped at being called on.

"Uh…um…no?"

"Is that a question or answer?" Riddle asked, sharply. Neville jumped again at Riddle's harsh tone. Lalita sympathized with him but could also see Riddle's point. He was trying to toughen Neville up.

"No, I-I wouldn't jump off a bridge."

"Then why did you run? If the enemy happened to be someone with authority over you, would you do as they say? Lesson number 1, kids, your enemy is everyone that isn't on your side. Was I thinking of you when I told you to run two laps around a lake? No. I wasn't on your side. Thus, I was your enemy. Think about that. It seems that class is over. Homework…read Chapter 1 and 2 of Defensive Magical Theory and write two detailed summaries. And no, Miss Granger, that doesn't mean rephrasing those two chapters until they're just as long," Riddle said, looking at her with an amused look. Hermione blushed.

"It's all right, Hermione. You're just detailed," Lalita ensured. Hermione smiled at the girl.

"In addition to having Defensive Magical Theory, I suggest getting the NEWT-level textbook, Confronting the Faceless. By the time I'm done with you, you'll not only have passed your OWLs and NEWTs, you'll be able to receive your Mastery by the time you graduate. Get to your next class," Riddle said, sharply. Bella jumped up and looked up at him, curiously.

"Buy me a copy?" she asked, curiously. Riddle sighed.

"Fine."

"Yay!" she said. She hooked arms with Hermione, as Draco and Blaise got up. The unorthodox group began walking back to the castle, leaving Riddle near the lake.

"That was a strange first day…" Fay said. Parvati nodded in agreement.

"I have to agree Dunbar. I didn't expect this," Greengrass interjected. Fay and Parvati looked surprised that the pretty Slytherin girl was speaking to them.

"He made us run around that lake for no reason," Ron grumbled. Draco snorted.

"Yeah, that's what he told us. But, it's not truth. I don't know his thought process like Bella and Blaise—" Draco started. Blaise cleared his throat.

"Actually, he thinks in a jumbled mess to keep me from comprehending his thoughts. He also tends to think in Russian and Arabic now. I can't understand what he's thinking unless I'm looking at his topmost thoughts," Blaise interjected. Draco shrugged.

"Fine. Only Bella understands his thought process. I don't know his thought process but I know him. He always has an ulterior motive. I think this time it was…discipline. He would have been pissed if we didn't run but he still found fault in us for running," Draco said. Bella chuckled.

The entire group looked at her. Nott looked at her.

"What?" Nott asked.

"Draco's partially right. Partially wrong."

"Then tell us, Potter," snarled Tracey Davis. Bella's lips curled into a smirk. She turned.

"Look, Tom always has a plan. For everything. He's a control freak and he likes to manipulate. He wanted us to run around that lake but for several reasons. In truth, it was about discipline and the fact that everyone is our enemy. But, there was also one more thing. He was testing us. He wanted to weed out those that couldn't keep up. There are four things that he wants us to be," Bella said. Moon raised an eyebrow.

"And what is that?" the pureblooded Slytherin girl asked.

"Harder. Better. Faster. Stronger. All of us are better than the average students. He picked the best. He'll do the same to the Hufflepuff and the Ravenclaws. I'm sure by the end of the year, he'll weed the best out of all of us too. And then he'll only have one class. The best of the best."

"But what does all that mean?" Fay asked. Bella smirked.

"Ah, now you see. You see that even though he wants the best of the best, there's an ulterior motive. His ulterior motive is…he's just being lazy. He doesn't want to take the time and effort to educate…the below standard students. Oh, and he didn't mean to offend you when he called you a harpy, Parvati," Bella said, off-handedly. Parvati blinked.

"And you know that how?" she asked, still a bit annoyed by it.

"I just know these things. We're close."

Lalita hid her smile. Close was a bit of an understatement.

:::

A/N: There! Most of the chapter is the first DADA lesson but for good reason! I have found a way to have Dumbledore's Army! WITHOUT IT BEING CALLED DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY! YES! The incarnation of the DA but with it being a legitimate class! THE THINGS I COULD DO WITH ALL OF THIS! I'M SO FREAKING HAPPY!

This chapter was fun to write. I know Bella's logic is twisted. So is Tom's. But their logic works for them.

I wrote this entire chapter to the song 'I'll Make A Man Out Of You' from the movie Mulan. It will fit. A lot of OoTP will be of Defense classes since they'll be fun to write about.

Next Chapter: Umbridge, Gryffindors, and Slytherins, with a dash of DADA training. Stir until lumpy.