Chapter Two: Snappy Little Sorting Hat
"So, you are a time traveler from a universe somewhat farther in the future than this one, and you've been somehow brought here in order to accomplish some challenging task which will, in some way, prevent a horrible event from occurring in the future of this universe," Dumbledore concluded calmly, somehow managing to say all that without laughing and only pausing once. "Correct?"
"Er…yeah," she confirmed lamely. Dumbledore set his elbows on his desks, clasping his hands together and resting his chin on his fingertips. He looked thoughtful, staring at a space just above and to the left of her head.
He doesn't believe me…she thought, devastated. He isn't going to believe me. He'll call me crazy and throw me in St. Mungo's with all the other crazies…Because really, I sound crazy. Maybe I'm…what's it called? Paranoid schizophrenic? And this is all in my head…
Dumbledore folded his arms, apparently done thinking. "Does this task involve Mr. Riddle?"
She stared at him a good ten seconds, completely dumbfounded as to how he knew that. Then again… They didn't call Dumbledore a genius for nothing. "How did you…?"
"Never mind, you shouldn't answer that. I understand that you cannot tell me what this task you must accomplish is. Likewise, you cannot warn me of whatever event will happen in the future," Dumbledore said wisely. "I'll ask no more questions pertaining to those topics."
She nodded, still a bit shocked at how quickly he'd caught on. And did he actually believe her?
"I only assumed Mr. Riddle was somehow involved because of the incident on the train," Dumbledore explained. "What happened?"
"It was nothing," she answered, a bit too quickly.
"You weren't…hurt?" he surveyed her face, searching for the truth. And oh yeah, she definitely wasn't imagining the suspicion in his eyes.
"No. Why would Tom Riddle hurt me?" she asked. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows.
"I did not intend to imply that Mr. Riddle was responsible for your mishap," he said carefully. "However-"
"I just passed out. It's a bit of a shock, you know. Entering another universe," she shrugged, hoping he'd leave it alone. He did.
"Of course. Can I assume you'll be staying at Hogwarts for now?" Dumbledore asked briskly, standing up to get the sorting hat from where he had left it, sitting just by the door. He believes me!?
"Yeah, if that's okay…" she said uncertainly. He returned to the desk with the hat, taking his place opposite her.
"Indeed. You will have to stay here under the pretense of being a student, I'm afraid… I notice you have no belongings with you. Do you still have possession of your wand?" he glanced at her over the top of his spectacles.
She gulped. Now came the difficult part, she thought. Telling him she wasn't a witch at all and she didn't have a wand…She wondered just how to explain that, when something rather hard poked her in the lower back.
"Ouch!" she jumped up, a hand shooting to her back to investigate. Something long and thin was stuck into her back pocket. She pulled it out, surprised to see a dark red wand held in her hand.
This is just too much. Where the hell did that wand come from! And what good will it do me? I still can't do magic!
Dumbledore was watching her, looking thoroughly amused at her antics.
"Uh, yeah, looks like I've got it…" she mumbled, unsure, sitting back down.
"Excellent. You look like you'd be in sixth year…?" he guessed.
"No! Uh, no actually, I'm fifteen," she lied. She had to be in Riddle's year, even if that did mean adjusting her age a little bit. Besides, she was doomed to fail all of her classes, anyway. Not like that mattered.
"Ah, yes. I'll arrange a schedule for you personally, you'll receive it tomorrow morning. So, really the only matters left to take care of are what house you'll be staying in and what we shall call you," Dumbledore said.
"Oh," she scrunched her mouth to the side. What alias should she use? Dumbledore nodded, as if waiting for her to announce her grand mysterious code name.
"Jayna," she blurted out finally, then rolled her eyes at herself. Jayna? All of the names in the world and you have to pick your Star Wars video game name? He ain't Yoda, this ain't the Millennium Falcon! she harassed herself. Lay off, it was the only name I could think of under the pressure! Gah. Didn't someone once say you know you're crazy when you answer the voice in your head?
"Jayna…Miss Jayna Barrows," Dumbledore corrected her. "I know Madam Barrows personally, and while she has no grandchildren, I'm sure she'll be delighted to 'adopt' you as one."
"Okay," She nodded. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.
"Hmm, as for a cover story, we'll say… Your muggle father passed away while you were very young, and recently…" Dumbledore thought for a second. "Your witch mother was ruthlessly murdered by a pack of vampires and their bloodthirsty pet kneazles while vacationing in the Florida Keys. So now you've come to live with Grandmother Barrows and attend a new school."
She blinked at him. "Riiight. Muggle father, witch mother murdered by…" she strained to remember the whole bizarre story Dumbledore had cooked up. "Murdered by vampires and… bloodthirsty kneazles in Florida. Okay."
Dumbledore beamed at her. "Wonderful! Now for the sorting." Without much further ado, he reached across the table and plopped the large, possibly moldy, hat onto her head. It fell down to her nose, and she scrunched her eyes tight.
Slytherin! she demanded instantly of it, already knowing it heard her thoughts. She had to be in Riddle's house.
"Now, now," the hat chided quietly to her. "You really don't belong in there."
I have to be in there! I can be evil!…umm…Put me in Slytherin or I'll set you on fire! See, evil! she attempted to persuade it.
"That wasn't evil. Nice try, though," the hat cackled. She growled.
You don't understand! I have to be in Slytherin! she told it desperately.
"Why? That keen on getting his attention?" the hat asked. If it were possible for nasty old hats to smirk, this one certainly would have.
What? she asked stupidly before realizing that the hat didn't just hear her thoughts…it could see her thoughts. And she'd been imagining, quite clearly, Tom Riddle, heir of Slytherin.Grr. This is a total violation of privacy.
"You're telling me. I really don't want to imagine him in the nude, either," the hat said distastefully.
Hey! I wasn't imagining him in the nude, maybe just scantily clad- she attempted to defend herself, but the hat just sniggered.
"Please. The point is, you don't belong in Slytherin. You belong in any other house but that. You're very intelligent, brave, loyal, hardworking-" it listed off.
I don't care! I have to be in Slytherin! How else will I get his attention, get to be around him long enough to…um…she paused, not wanting to say 'save him'.
"Long enough to get him scantily clad?" the hat suggested. She huffed audibly, and it sighed into her ear. "My apologies. Allow me to explain: You do not need to be in his house to get his attention. You already have it."
Huh?
"If your memory serves me correctly, he's been watching you like a hawk since you met. Besides, opposites attract. RAVENCLAW!" the hat shouted without further consultation.
You…you…horrible old…patched up, broken down, pathetic…piece of clothing! She ranted. She felt the hat lift off her head, still laughing at her, and saw that Dumbledore had removed it.
He sat it down on the desk, smiling. "That took a great deal of time."
She frowned. "Sorry."
"Ah, don't be. It is an important decision, obviously well-made. Now, if we hurry, I do believe we can make the end of the feast," Dumbledore told her, opening his office door and gesturing her out.
She exited, and began following him down the hallway. "I'll instruct the Headmaster to introduce you to the school as a new student," he explained. "You can join the Ravenclaws at their table; I'm sure one of your classmates will show you to the Ravenclaw common room and dormitories."
She nodded, a bit nervous as they treaded down a staircase towards the Great Hall. She really didn't want to be introduced to the entire school. She got stage fright easily and the last thing she needed was another hyperventilating fiasco.
They arrived, Dumbledore swinging the doors wide open in front of her and beckoning her to follow him up to the staff table.
She gulped as they made their way. Most of the student body was beginning to notice her, and now about half of their curious faces were turned towards her, watching. Several were whispering, pointing, and she really wished she knew how to use her wand to make herself invisible…or at least more confident.
Dumbledore had reached Headmaster Dippet, and was bent over the staff table, whispering. After a few minutes, Dippet nodded and stood.
He pointed his wand at his own throat, amplifying his voice. "Attention?"
The hall fell quiet, all faces turned to the Headmaster. Distantly, she could make out the face of Tom Riddle at Slytherin's table, focused on the Headmaster, looking rather irritated at two chattering boys sitting nearby-
"We have one more new student to introduce," Dippet announced, his voice now returned to the normal volume and tone. "This is Jayna Barrows," he nodded over at her. She forced what she hoped came across as a I-could-care-less smirk on her face. "She'll be transferring into the fifth year and has already been sorted into Ravenclaw house. I do hope you'll all make her feel welcome." With that, the Headmaster resumed his seat at the staff table.
'Jayna' looked up at Dumbledore. He smiled and gestured her to the Ravenclaw table immediately to her right. Shrugging, she walked over, praying to whatever God exists she didn't trip or anything. The Ravenclaws began clapping, and a couple of girls slid apart to make room for her on the bench.
Eventually the other students returned to their desserts and conversations, and she relaxed now that she wasn't the school's center of attention.
One of the girls she had sat next to her turned towards her. She had murky brown eyes and dark red hair plaited down her back. "Muriel Weasley, welcome to Ravenclaw," she greeted her formally.
"Um, thanks," Jayna smiled. Muriel Weasley, like Great Auntie Muriel? Wow.
"I'm Victoria Johnson. Or just Tori," the girl to her right spoke up, grinning. "You missed most of supper, all the good food's been picked over," she joked.
Jayna laughed. "I'm so hungry right now, I could care less what I eat," she remarked, grabbing some sort of ginger snap type thing and scarfing it down.
"So why would you transfer here in your fifth year?" Muriel asked.
"Oh…My mom died recently… Kneazles…" Jayna mumbled through mouthfuls of food.
"Measles?"
"Kneazles," Jayna corrected.
"The cute little cat things killed your mum?" Muriel repeated, mouth open.
"Yes."
Muriel glared at her, evidently thinking she was being lied to. Which she was. "Fine, you don't have to tell! I was just making conversation."
"Well then make conversation about something less rude and invasive," Tori advised to Muriel before turning back to Jayna. "So are you the girl who fainted on Tom Riddle on the train ride?"
"Yes, that's really 'less rude and invasive', Tor," Muriel snapped. Tori shrugged.
"Just asking. I would faint on Riddle any day. Maybe then he'd actually look my way for something more than to ask if I'm done with a certain library book yet," Tori complained.
"I didn't faint on him, I fainted near him," Jayna corrected her.
Tore gave her a wink. "Smart girl."
"Why?" she asked.
"Well, you caught his attention, didn't you?" Tori asked, waving generally in back of her. Jayna twisted around in her seat, looking for whatever she was talking about.
Oooooh damn. Tori and the sorting hat are right: Riddle is watching me like a hawk. A hawk with rather chiseled facial features. Albeit a little thin facial features. He had a slight malnourished look to him, maybe from staying at the orphanage all summer, she supposed…
She snapped out of whatever thoughtful reverie she had been in, though, when he raised a single eyebrow in her direction. Had he just been watching her, watching him? Yep, he caught her staring.
Shit, she swore, turning back around. Well he started the staring!
Tori was laughing rather hysterically beside her. "Heh heh heh, very smooth, Barrows." She gave her a thumbs up.
Jayna grimaced, helping herself to some pudding, and tried to change the subject. "So, what classes are you taking?"
"Mm, the usual: charms, transfiguration, herbology, potions, defense, magical creatures, and ancient runes. Though I hate runes, my mom made me take it," Tori said, making a face. "You'll probably be in most of those with me, though I'm not sure what extra classes you're taking…"
Jayna shrugged, remembering Dumbledore's promise to make a schedule up for her.
The feast was drawing to a close at this point, as Jayna and Dumbledore had only arrived for the tail end of it. Prefects, Muriel and Tom included, were rounding up first years and taking them to the house common rooms. Tori finally managed to drag Jayna away from the cream puffs and up to the Ravenclaw Tower.
The Ravenclaw Tower was like a second library. The middle was filled with comfy furniture, but the perimeter was lined with tables and book case after book case. The only breaks in these were the two stairs cases, leading to the boy's and girl's dorms.
Jayna obediently tagged after Tori up the staircase, after sadly noting that the Head Boy was lounging in front of the fire with some girl (why does that annoying prat have to be in my house? Doesn't he have some special Head Dorm of his own?). There were three other girls in fifth year, named Charlene, Grace, and Rochelle…or Rachel…Or something else with an R…Jayna was rather tired and not really paying attention. She hadn't had a decent night's sleep in a long time, after all.
She collapsed onto her bed, not bothering to inspect the mysterious trunk that had appeared at the end of it, her 'name' written neatly on a tag. Within minutes she was asleep, and dreaming…
She was out on the Hogwarts grounds…Wearing nothing but the sorting hat… which for some strange reason was on fire… And Tori was attempting to put her out with a broomstick…meanwhile, Tom stood watching a short ways away, his eyes reflecting the fire…
His nose sunk back into his face, becoming nothing but two slits…his already too-thin face became scarily gaunt, the pale skin hanging from the refined bones… he came closer, perhaps to help her put the fire out… But he reached out a long, thin hand, and as soon as he touched her, it was like she was ice all over…freezing cold, like the child at King's Cross…
Jayna bolted up in bed, drenched in sweat. Her sheets were twisted about her, and she shook her head. I'm not going to get any decent sleep for a while, am I? she sighed and fell back onto the bed, kicking out and punching her pillow with frustration.
Needless to say, the night passed incredibly slowly for Jayna. Just when she'd fall asleep for any length of time, her mind would kick into overdrive and she'd dream of herself, in some dire, life threatening situation. Tom Riddle would always show up, always appear to help her, only to turn on her at the last second and…and…she wasn't sure what the word was.
Contaminate, she realized. He would always contaminate, taint her, with a dark, dead, cold feeling that would settle over her chest, and she'd drown, suffocate underneath it.
It was so bad she'd wake up coughing and sweating, certain she'd see a pair of dark blue eyes inches from her own.
Around six in the morning, Jayna gave up on sleep and shuffled, swearing and muttering furiously under her breathe, into the bathroom. It was a huge room divided into separate stalls, and she randomly wandered into one. Her eyes landed on the small tub, and she decided to take a bath. Heck, she had plenty of time to waste before breakfast.
Jayna jerked the faucet on, filling the bathtub up with warm water, still in a foul mood.
I don't operate well without sleep, she grumbled to herself. I always end up getting loony. This isn't good. I need to be completely sane if I'm going to attempt to befriend Riddle…The bath had filled up, and she relaxed down into the water, vaguely wondering how to befriend a psychopath.
He hadn't grown up with a family or any loving sort of relationships… He'd lived in an orphanage with no caring adult to look after him; consequently, he was completely self reliant. He did everything for himself, and saw no need for friends or companions. Just servants. He didn't know love or trust, and he was also the descendent of a fearless, hateful wizarding line.
Tom Riddle was, by any definition, an antisocial personality, with a bit of paranoia to boot.
Well, good thing I took psychology…Jayna thought sourly. I know what disorders he has, just not how to get past them…I suppose I already have his attention, so that's good… though I only have his attention because he knows I'm hiding something and is curious slash paranoid and wants to know what…Jayna decided the only real plan she had, so far, was to just keep Riddle interested in her secret long enough to…to what? Woo him?
She snorted out loud at that before sinking farther down in the soapy water. 'Woo him', that was hilarious. She didn't ever 'woo' men! She was by no means seductive, or enthralling, or beautiful, or charming, or any other thing that made men fall in love. It's hopeless, she admitted, pouting.
The water had long since turned cold, and all the bubbles had popped, by the time Jayna forced herself to get out of the tub and find something else to do with her time (besides sitting around feeling horribly sorry for herself). She pulled on the same pants and shirt she had worn the night before and reentered the girls' dormitory, deciding to search for some time-appropriate clothing.
The other fifth year girls were all still asleep as she kneeled on the floor in front of the huge trunk she had noticed the night before.
The lid creaked slightly as she opened it, and her eyebrows shot up as she realized it was ridiculously large in there…In fact, she was positive it was the size of a small room in there…
Jayna glanced around nervously to make sure all of her dorm mates were still fast asleep. Convinced, she leaned into the trunk, attempting to see the far walls of it.
"Eek!" Jayna cried out, surprised, as she tumbled head first through the opening and down into the trunk-room (for lack of a better word). She expected to crash head first onto the floor, but instead, she landed lightly on her feet. Immediately, she looked up.
A small spiral staircase led up to the small, rectangular opening in the ceiling. As she watched, it swung shut, closing the lid of the trunk and ensuring her privacy. Wild, she thought to herself. All I needed was some clothes, Dumbledore; you didn't have to give me a whole room!
The room had a large, golden rug, and a large sofa and comfy looking chair in it. Also, along the front wall was a wardrobe and dresser, she noted happily. There was also a small desk in the corner, and books. Lots and lots of books filled shelves that lined the dark blue walls. Curiously, she went up to them, reading some of the titles.
A Multiverse: Theories of Space And Time; Fiddling with the Future; A Recent History of the Wizarding World; etc. etc. There were space and time travel books, almanac-type books chronicling every year for the past three decades, and complicated spell books. There were even seemingly random books, like 100 Best Beaters of the Quidditch World Cup andMannerisms of the Twentieth Century.
Even more impressive and random than the books was a huge, ornate mirror hanging from one wall. It looked ancient. Curious, Jayna walked over, stopping just in front of it.
What the…?! The mirror showed Jayna her reflection…only…she was… golden. We're talking angelic rays of light practically shooting out from around her; all she was missing was the halo.
Jayna was shaking her head, slightly disturbed by the mirror, when she heard a small chiming sound.
Looking around, she spotted a little clock on the desk proclaiming it was seven thirty. Realizing she better leave her trunk before the other girls woke up, she hurriedly crossed the room to open the wardrobe.
It had the school robes and uniform in it, along with plenty of 'muggle' clothes: skirts, blouses, sweaters, shoes, boots, gloves, hats, scarves and the like. There was a traveling cloak, a heavier jacket, and a bag for holding books. She changed into the uniform, grabbing the bag and stuffing her school books into it. They had been sitting, prearranged, on her desk top with parchment and quills.
Jayna climbed the narrow, metal staircase to the top, pushing uncertainly up on the hinged lid of the trunk. It swung open, allowing her to exit. She stuck her head up cautiously, glancing around. Tori was just stirring in her bed, Muriel was furiously slamming her hand on her clock, evidently attempting to smash the time out of it.
Quickly as she could, Jayna climbed up out of the trunk, whirled around, and shut the lid.
"Ugh?" Muriel turned towards her, blinking sleepily. "Oh, you're up." She yawned.
"Yeah, I was up most of the night," Jayna told her, distracted, hoping no one had seen her appear.
"So was I. You kept waking everyone up crying and yelling," Muriel snapped back. Jayna just shrugged, noticing that a piece of paper had appeared on her bed.
Picking it up, she identified Dumbledore's elegant, slanted handwriting:
"Miss Jayna Barrows,
I hope the belongings I've procured for you are satisfactory. Be assured the trunk is a secure place; the lid will only open for you. Should you need anything more, do not hesitate to see me. As promised, I have arranged a schedule for you.
Sincerely,
Prof. Albus Dumbledore"
What followed was evidently her school schedule, but she was alarmed at how many classes she was taking. Dumbledore, she groaned. Why on earth would I want to take all these classes?
She was supposed to be taking Herbology, History of Magic, Potions, and Transfiguration today. Tomorrow was Divination, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. With a midnight Astronomy class thrown in for good measure.
"I'm going to fail," she whispered sadly to herself, eyeing her wand on her bedside table. She would look like a fool waving that thing around and having no idea how to use it.
"Huh?" Tori had finally risen from bed, rubbing her eyes, and leaned over Jayna's shoulder to read the piece of paper.
"Oh, it's not that bad," she told her soothingly. "Divination will be horrid, I can tell you that… Astronomy's a bit boring too… the other classes aren't horrible, though…Wow, you're really taking a full load," she observed.
"Yeah," Jayna said, flopping back onto her bed.
"Right, well, let me get dressed and we'll go down for breakfast, eh? I'm sure that'll cheer you up," Tori said happily, pulling a sweater over her head.
"Not if Riddle's there," Jayna grumbled.
Tori rolled her eyes. "That's so cute."
"What?"
"Pretending you're annoyed by him and you've only known him one day. Someone's crushing," Tori grinned mischievously, pointing her wand at her own head. Her hair was instantly tamed into short, sleek brown locks.
Jayna was reminded of her own hair, which had air dried into some bizarre sort of curly, brillo pad 'do. She sat up, pulling it up into a messy bun. "I'm not crushing. Riddle gives me the creeps, the way he stares, all creepily…" she explained eloquently.
Tori seemed to get what she was trying to say, though, and her face turned serious. "Yeah, he is a bit odd," she agreed. "A bit of a loner, too. Shame he's so cute, it's a waste."
Jayna frowned, thinking for the bazillionth time of the little boy caught at King's Cross. Yeah, it is a waste.
Tori shrugged after a minute. Nothing seemed to keep her attention for long. "Anyways, I'm starving. To breakfast?" she held out an arm, escort style. Jayna laughed and grabbed her wand and bag before standing up to slip her own arm through Tori's.
"Certainly, m'lady," she replied. The two headed out of the dormitory, leaving a disgruntled Muriel glaring at their annoyingly cheerful backs.
They made it all the way to the Great Hall without incidence, but then earth shook, hell's fires roared, and a great evil creature came looming out of the shadows at them.
"Degroughe," Jayna greeted the Head Boy, scowling. He really was freakishly tall, she decided.
"Miss…Oh, that's right, I don't know your name," he retorted, crossing his arms.
"Jayna," Tori supplied helpfully.
"Oh, is that your alias?" he snapped at Jayna, ignoring Tori.
"Yes, yes it is, idiot."
"I'm not a idiot, I just don't like you or your secrets," Degroughe said, smirking.
"You've already said that. Repeatedly," Jayna told him rolling her eyes. "Have a good day, idiot," she said fondly, and brushed past him.
"You really ought to start showing me respect, you know I am Head Boy, I deserve-" Degroughe started to rant from somewhere behind Jayna, but she ignored him and made for the Ravenclaw table, spotting pancakes and…ooh, bacon!
Tori was laughing as she sat down beside her. "You better not push him too far, he'll start handing you detentions," she warned.
Jayna shrugged. "He just pretends to hate me, we're really quite close," she lied, laughing. She buttered a piece of toast, glancing around the hall. It was only about half full. She noted that the Heir of Slytherin wasn't present at his table.
About twenty minutes later, after most of the school had arrived for breakfast and a couple hundred owls had come zooming in, Tom Riddle still hadn't arrived at Slytherin table.
Jayna stalled as long as she could before reluctantly leaving for her first class of the day, Herbology. She had it with her fellow Ravenclaws and quite a few Hufflepuffs, however, so it wasn't that bad. Additionally, it didn't seem to require much wand use, just following instructions and knowing material from the book. Heck, I might just pass this one, Jayna thought happily to herself.
Unfortunately, she wasn't so lucky with her second class, History of Magic. Jayna took a seat in the back between Muriel and Tori, noting that a certain dark-haired prefect had already seated himself in the front row of the classroom. She could practically tell just from his stiff posture and the way those students around him nervously glanced over that he was none other than Tom Riddle.
"We have this class with the Slytherins?" Jayna whispered to Tori.
"Yep."
Jayna made a face, not only at the gang of Slytherins currently strolling into the room, but also at Professor Binns, who glided through the wall, yawning. Since when do ghosts yawn? What is the purpose of yawning when you're a ghost? She mused. Not as if you're lacking sleep, like some, more alive-ish, people…She pictured her big comfy bed, wondering if she could con a sleep potion from the school nurse…
But then the transparent professor began his lecture, something about distinguishing between beings and beasts, and Jayna found herself zoning out… Desperately, she tried to pay attention to the teacher, but his voice was dull and monotone. Already, half of the class had fallen asleep. Beside her, Tori was doodling pictures of dragons on the cover of her book… Tom Riddle was also drawing or writing something in the front of the classroom…
Shocked, Jayna realized he was taking notes.
Taking notes. She stared at the back of his head. What sort of sick freak are you…? I'm trying not to fall asleep with my eyes open and your bloody note taking!? He's talking about…What was Binns talking about?
"…And so, werewolves were forced to be considered under the being classification during their human stage of the moon cycle. As well as the pygmy pojoa, which is often described as a small, orange creature capable of shape shifting into…."
He's talking about pojoa oompa loompas, Riddle, it's not important. Are you honestly that interested? Yes, judging by the hurried way he was scribbling and the slight tilt of his head, he really was interested.
You sick, sick boy. Riddle continued writing for a few minutes, and Jayna watched him, for lack of better entertainment.
Finally, the torturously long class ended. "…Dear me, is that the time?" Binns glanced up from his notes towards the clock. "Time does fly. We'll continue our discussion of merpeople's historical struggle for rights tomorrow. Class is dismissed."
Thank God! Jayna practically jumped from her seat, eager to leave.
All around her, students finally seemed to realize that they had been given permission to flee, and several made for the door. Then-
"AAAAAYYY!" Everyone froze, glancing wildly around to identify whoever had screamed. Grace, one of the Ravenclaw girls, was jumping up and down and pointing under a nearby book case.
"Eeek! Don't you see it?! There's a snake under there!" She screamed frantically, shaking and grabbing onto her best friend, Charlene.
"Ugh," Charlene made a face. "I hate snakes, they're so disgusting." Grace had her in a death grip, whimpering.
"Ouuuugh, please someone-Charlie, get rid of it!" She demanded of a boy next to her. He rolled his eyes.
"And how would you like me to do that?" he asked, annoyed.
"I don't know, just get rid of it, I don't care if you kill it-" Grace demanded in a whiny tone. Charlie shrugged, pulling out his wand as if to obey her.
"Wait!" Jayna snapped, walking over to the girls and the book case. "You don't have to kill it. If it's scaring you so much, just leave," she told Grace. The girl pursed her lips.
"It's not scaring me," she began, indignantly. "I just don't like snakes-"
"Whatever," Jayna interrupted, annoyed. She kneeled down beside the book case, glancing under. Indeed, there was a small, green snake curled up underneath it. She laughed. "It's just a little garden snake, Grace, it's not going to hurt anyone."
Jayna wasn't exactly a girly-girl, and snakes didn't freak her out. Actually, she thought they were quite cute, with their little flicky tongues and whatnot. So, she reached under and gently picked the snake up, pulling it out from under the lowest shelf. It wound itself around her hand.
"Uh," Grace shivered and backed up. "I can't believe your holding it! That's gross," she declared.
Jayna just shrugged, deciding to take the snake out onto the grounds to let it go. She grabbed her bag, ignoring a confused look from Tori, and headed for the door.
Which is about the time she felt an already-too-familiar burning on her neck that told her Tom Riddle was watching. And had been watching the entire time. She didn't look back to meet his gaze; instead, she stared straight forward as her heart began pounding somewhere in her throat.
Suddenly nervous, Jayna darted out the door and power walked down the hallway, refusing to look back even when she heard footsteps echoing.
Stupid, stupid stupid girl… she lectured herself. Tom Riddle, heir of Slytherin, and parsletongue, likes snakes! Drr! Why'd you have to go rescue one while he's watching!? As if he needs more reason to be suspicious of you! Though… on the other hand, now I've really got his attention. I suppose that's a good thing. Though… on the other other hand, I don't want his attention right now.
He scares me more than I thought he would.
Jayna had arrived at the grand staircase and jogged down the steps, still hearing the footsteps echoing behind her. She glanced down at the small snake still entwined around her fingers, and mentally cursed at it. This is all your fault, you little jerk! Now I've got the future Dark Lord following me! It's all your fault!
The snake flicked its tongue out at her, as if to say "Pssh- you like it" or something equally rude and annoying.
She reached the front doors, and shoved one open, hard, hoping it would shut faster than normal and bonk Riddle on his perfectly straight nose as punishment for following her.
She was already halfway down the stone steps leading to the grounds when he finally spoke up.
"Strange."
Jayna stopped. Riddle hadn't spoken very loud, but she had no doubt it was directed at her. He sounded rather bored.
She turned around on the stairs, glancing up at him. He had stopped just outside the doorway, and was now coolly looking down at her, as if waiting for her to make a move. His wand was out, and he lazily twirled it through his fingers, blue eyes focused on hers.
He's a control freak, Jayna decided. He carefully controlled his expression, his voice, all interactions with other people…He even knew how to control conversations, for crying out loud! For example, right now, he was expecting her to ask 'What's strange?' or something of the like.
Oh ho. I don't think so, Jayna thought before retorting, "It is strange. You've been following me all this time and just now decided to speak up."
Riddle raised an eyebrow, something Jayna was already beginning to think of as his signature expression. "I meant it is strange you are in Ravenclaw and have a pet snake."
"Oh." She shrugged. "Is it?"
Riddle descended the steps slowly, stopping three higher than her, so that she was forced to look almost straight up into his face.
"Yes. It is," he said softly. "What is your name?" His eyes were making hers burn and prickle uncomfortably.
Doesn't he ever blink? "What, you weren't at the assembly?" she asked after a moment, giving him just a bit of attitude.
"I was there. Headmaster Dippet said your name was Jayna Barrows. I want to know your real name." Riddle's voice was nothing less than demanding, and he stopped twirling his wand, holding it still at his side.
Honestly, I don't think he's blinked this entire time! Don't his eyes get dry? "Then perhaps you should ask nicely," Jayna advised him.
His eyes narrowed and she knew she was in dangerous territory. Time to change subjects! "Where d'you reckon I should let it go?" she asked suddenly, looking down at the snake and away from his icy glare.
Riddle smirked slightly, noticing her abrupt change of topics. He opened his mouth to say something snide, but shut it as the small serpent in Jayna's hands let out a long, raspy hiss. Riddle's eyes snapped down to it, and he watched it for a moment before saying, quietly, "The greenhouses."
"Huh?"
Riddle's eyes returned to hers and he repeated, annoyed, "Let it go near the greenhouses."
Jayna grinned, holding the snake up to her face to look at its huge, golden eyes. "What, did he say he'd like it better there?"
"Obviously," Riddle snapped sarcastically, though Jayna knew better. He did say that, didn't he, Riddle? How many people know about your little snake-whispering ability?
Jayna just shrugged again and turned around, starting down the stairs again. She only stopped once her feet hit the grass, and then she turned around to call back up to Riddle. "You coming?"
He was still standing where she left him, and he gave her a dirty look. "Why would I want to go anywhere with you?"
Jayna smacked a hand over her heart, faking a hurt look on her face. "Ow, that hurts! Seriously, ouch…" She rolled her eyes and left him on the front steps.
For a whole four seconds. "On second thought," he called after her, "maybe I will accompany you." She slowed down her pace and Riddle caught up to her easily.
They walked in the direction of the greenhouses, and Jayna gave Riddle a skeptical look. "Why the change of heart?"
Riddle glanced at her, then forced a small and rather fake smile onto his face. "No change of heart. I just realized there is no reason for me to be so rude to you. I apologize."
"Right," Jayna replied doubtfully.
"I assume you are feeling better?" he asked, again faking an expression, only this time of concern.
Ooh, I'm not gonna fall for that, Riddle. You may have perfectly sculpted facial features, but I know you're just a big fake. "Huh? Oh," she waved a hand. "I'm fine; I just had a little spaz attack on the train."
Riddle nodded. "What caused it?"
Jayna pursed her lips. "I'm claustrophobic," she lied.
Riddle's eyes flashed, but his face remained perfectly calm. "I see." They had arrived at the greenhouses, and started down a path between two. Jayna kneeled down, holding her hand to the ground. The snake unwound itself from her fingers, slithering across the dirt and between two bushes.
Jayna watched it go before standing up, turning around to come face to face with Riddle. She gulped, unable to conceal her surprise, and took a step back. Glancing around, she realized she was completely alone with him and hidden from the rest of the students by the forest on one side and greenhouse walls on the others. Gah, stupid!
"I do not appreciate you lying to me on the train," Riddle said quietly, taking a step forward. She matched it with another step back.
"I wasn't lying, my name's Jayn-"
"There are never transfer students at Hogwarts. I want to know who you really are and why you are here," he demanded, again stepping forward. She felt her back hit the wall of the greenhouse and knew she was trapped.
Angry and afraid, Jayna snorted. "You really think there's some grand story I'm hiding from you, huh?" His jaw was clenched so tight she could practically hear his teeth grinding. "There's no great secret I'm keeping, I'm just a kid who had to move and, obviously, had to change schools. That's it."
"Why did you move?" he persisted, unwilling to leave her alone until he knew it all. She realized that Riddle wasn't doing this just because he wanted to know her secret. It was also because he wanted to manipulate her, intimidate her, into telling.
He's used to getting his way. He needs to prove he's got the power. Jayna glared, her fear turning to righteous anger. "None of your damn business," she snarled at him, meeting his challenging eyes.
Riddle stared at her, eyes burning, jaw set in a fury. "You'll soon find I am not the kind of person you want to defy," he said softly.
"Yeah, and you'll soon find I could give a shit less. I understand you like bullying people, pushing them around! You're used to getting your own way! But that isn't going to work with me, you crazy ass," Jayna fumed.
Riddle stared at her, maybe a bit taken aback by her yelling and swearing. Jayna had a feeling girls didn't behave quite that rudely in this day and age, but she could care less. Riddle seemed almost too angry to speak, but toxic, psycho, pissed-off rays were radiating out from him.
Okay, I've said my piece. Time to retreat now, Jayna thought. She strode away from him, pausing only to glance over at the bushes where the snake had disappeared. Its yellow eyes were glowing underneath the leaves, and she frowned.
"I'm sorry you had to see that, Sorcio," she told the snake, sniffling tearfully, before stomping away. She didn't look back. But if she had, she would have seen Tom Riddle repeat, confused, "Sorcio?" before continuing to glare at her back and think furiously of the challenge she had just presented him.