Anything from the Harry Potter Universe belongs to JKR. Other than that, I made it all up. Angst/Anxiety/Drama. AU. Enjoy.

Previously on A Riddle With Another Name: Surveying The Landscape

Tom Riddle didn't listen to one word Dippet said. He had no respect for their weak Headmaster. Tom hadn't ever understood how the blighter had been installed as Headmaster at all, but Armando Dippet loved him so he had to act as though he had nothing but respect for the tosspot. Tom smiled to himself. I've just called our Headmaster a tosspot. In future, I'll have to be a bit more careful about the things I think. Tom shifted his eyes to stare at the Grover….no, the Glover boy. Staring intently, Tom decided he didn't recognize the boy, but felt sure he needed to keep an eye on him. Why? Tom did not know, but he had plans and wanted to be sure everything that needed to be under his control was under his control. He wouldn't allow some filthy little Gryffindor make him take his eyes from what he planned to do.

Finally, the Headmaster was dismissing everyone to their Houses. Following their self proclaimed leader, the wizards at the table stood when Tom stood. After a quick look around to ensure all his boys had fallen in line, Tom led his group of minions to the Slytherin common room where they would probably discuss and denigrate the latest group of Hogwarts arrivals including Zachary Glover.

On the way to the dungeons, Tom thought about having Mulciber, Lestrange or Rosier keep an eye on Zachary Glover, but thought better of it. His three toadies might be loyal to him but were too dim to be trusted with anything of importance, and it seemed the filthy Gryffindor would somehow be very important to his life. Tom decided he would keep surveillance of the idiot boy for himself. It would be his personal project.

/

/

A/N: This chapter is for AuntCori. Thank you.

A Riddle With Another Name: Chapter 3: I Won't Run

While Tom Marvolo Riddle was down in the Slytherin dungeons lording it over his group of toadies as well as the newest Slytherins, Zachary Glover and the other new Gryffindors were in the Gryffindor common room being inundated with friendly handshakes and claps on the back from the older Gryffindors who took the time to explain the rules and regulations not only of their common room, but the entirety of Hogwarts as well.

Zach listened intently as a good natured lad, with wide shoulders named Bert gave his take on the other three Houses, and was the only First Year to ask a question.

"Excuse me." Zach remarked, raising his hand. "Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff sound like top notch fellows, but Slytherin gives me the creeps. Will they try to interfere with First Years?"

The good natured lad peered over at Zach. "That's the spirit young Gryffindor. The only way you'll find out a lot of things is to ask a question. The answer to your question is yes. Slytherins will try to interfere with any student not in their House. However, we are Gryffindors and we don't back down."

By this time, the First Years were looking at each other all wide eyed wondering just what they'd gotten themselves into. They were there to learn, not to fight. Another First Year spoke up.

"Sir? My father doesn't allow me to fight. He told me as long as I'm at Hogwarts, I should conduct myself as a gentleman."

"And so you should," replied the wide shouldered student holding court. "Right up until some slimy Slytherin tries to take your books, robes, or shoes. At that time, you'll stand up for yourself then report it to one of us older Gryffindors. As was explained earlier, there is a Gryffindor Head Boy and Head Girl. However, it is less bothersome if we aren't running to them with every little detail. Housemates look out for each other. And don't call me sir. My name is Bert. My best mates call me Bertie."

The young Gryffindor who had asked the question grinned. "Thank you Bertie."

Staring at the young wizard, Bert asked a question. "Taking liberties already then?"

The smart, young wizard had a ready answer. "You are very big. I intend to become one of your best mates."

The entire common room broke out in laughter.

/*/

While the Gryffindors were laughing it up, another of the Fifth or Sixth Years spoke directly to Zach. "My name is Jackson. I'm a Fifth Year. I noticed Tom Riddle one of the Sixth Year Slytherins took quite the interest in you, staring and frowning. Do you know him?"

As far as anyone except Dumbledore was concerned, he'd never heard of Tom Riddle. Zach stuck with the rules he and his father had set answering in the negative. "No Jackson. Never saw him before in my life."

"That's good, even though he's never needed a reason to give a young Gryffindor problems. I urge you to be careful of that one and his gang of hoodlums. I may not be as big as Bertie, but you may come to me when Bertie's not around if Riddle or any of that group gives you a bad time. Older Gryffindors have their little ways of dealing with those nutters."

"For sure," added Bertie looking around the room. "That goes for all six of you."

Pulling himself up as straight as possible, Zach also replied. "I'll stay away from the Slytherins, but I won't run."

"That's right," echoed the rest of the first years. "We'll stay away, but we won't run."

Bertie winked at Jackson and raised a hand in the air. "Looks like we have a brave, new bunch. To Gryffindor."

Everyone in the room raised a hand in the air. "To Gryffindor. We'll stay away, but we won't run."

Bertie, Jackson and the other older Gryffindors nodded at each other. This was going to be an exciting year.

/*/

With the one thing settled, the housemates moved on to the next. It was time for obligatory introductions. Bertie asked that they go round the room and each First Year introduce himself to the rest of the group and explain a bit about themselves before being assigned rooms.

Zach was second to speak. "I'm Zacharias Glover a Half Blood. My mum is a witch and my father is a muggle."

While not the entire truth, the last part of the statement was true.

"I have one sibling, a ten year old sister named Zaria who is looking forward to attending Hogwarts next year. My mum's grandfather taught me and Zaria a few spells and such which I hope to use to become a top student."

Jackson laughed out loud. "Good man. At the rate you're going young Glover, you'll be a top student before Christmas break. I look forward to being introduced to your family if we run into each other at the station."

Zach blushed hoping he hadn't sounded too arrogant.

Then it was on to the next student.

/*/

After all six had spoken, they spent a bit more time listening to the older Gryffindors before being shown to their rooms. Zach was assigned to a room with two others, a sturdy Irish lad named Aiden Walsh and a thin British lad named Trevor Wood.

The three talked while they unpacked. By the time they were all in pajamas, they had become fast friends intent on standing tall against all enemies promising to always sit together at their House table.

Even though no one had made him feel uncomfortable or unwanted, Zach laid awake for an hour wondering what the next seven years would bring and if Tom Riddle would find out about him. Then, as clear as day, Tom Riddle's face was floating in front of his eyes and Zach thought he knew why the Slytherin was so interested in him. His brother, Tom Riddle was the man he and Zaria had seen walking down the road to their grandparent's home. More than likely he was the person who had killed the Riddles. The thought unnerved Zach, but he was sticking to his guns. No matter what came, he would not run from his brother or anyone else.

After finally closing his eyes, it seemed as though only minutes had passed before Aiden was nudging him to get up to get ready for his first day at Hogwarts.

/*/

Although the common room was buzzing all around him, Tom Riddle was ignoring Abraxas Malfoy, Dolohov, Orion Black and Mulciber while he spoke quietly to Nott and Avery.

Though none would dare dispute their fearless leader, Nott and Avery were passing puzzled looks between them as they listened to Tom's vicious rant about some First Year Gryffindor named Zachary Glover. Tom's rant made no sense. He had seen the boy for about five minutes. Nott had just rolled his eyes when Tom glanced up in time to see it.

Jumping up from his favored spot on the couch, startling everyone in the room including the rest of his gang, Tom drew his wand, pointed it at Nott and started screaming.

"You think yourself too good to listen to your leader Nott? You think you know better than me?"

Holding both hands in front of him as if it would ward off any spell Tom might cast, Nott began sputtering as he backed away. "My apologies if I've offended you Tom. I meant no harm. I am one of your staunchest supporters. You know I am with you in anything you want to do. If you want to kill some first…

Spittle now shooting from his mouth, Tom screamed even louder. "Shut your filthy mouth and get away from me Nott before I let my wand fly. Get away from me NOW."

Nott fell over himself getting away from Riddle while the others sat frozen in place wondering if they should make a run for it as well. Two seconds later, it was obvious they should all make themselves scarce. The only one who dared remain was Avery. He was used to Tom's fits of temper. One thing Avery knew for sure, if he wanted to remain in Tom's good books, he'd better nod his head and keep a blank face.

After the others had scattered, Tom remained tightly coiled when he addressed Avery. "That fucking Nott. Who does he think he is bandying my business about?"

Avery was surprised. What business? All Nott had said was….. It was like a wand turned to its brightest setting was shining in his face. Tom Riddle was serious about getting rid of some no name, skinny arsed, First Year Gryffindor for unknown reasons. Unknown reason or not, Avery realized he'd just have to go with it if he wanted to remain in the inner circle, which he did.

Tom Riddle was back speaking in low tones as if he hadn't just been a screaming maniac.

"The runt infuriates me."

Avery took a chance and asked a question. "Are his parents people who have wronged you?"

"No." Tom thundered. "Didn't I tell you I saw Glover for the first time at the Hogwarts tables? He just infuriates me. He had the audacity to look at me."

Avery remained puzzled. Even for his unhinged boss, this was ridiculous. Glover infuriated Tom because he looked at him. He could remain as puzzled as he liked, but was smart enough to remain silent not knowing the idiotic thoughts now running through Riddle's head.

/*/

Tom grew angrier as he sat there thinking about the creepy feeling that had run through him when Glover glanced at him. Knowing he had to get himself under control, Tom dismissed Avery.

"Leave me Avery. I want to be alone. Tell that arsehole Nott he'd better not repeat another word of what was said. You know Dumbledore doesn't trust me. All I need is that nosy arse telling Dippet I have made threats against one of the goody goody Gryffindors. GO. NOW."

Avery hurriedly left the common room going directly to his bed where he called out to Nott. "Lord Voldemort has ordered me to pass on a message which you might want to take very seriously."

A still shaken Nott turned in his bed. "What is the message Avery?"

"If you value your life, you won't repeat any part of his conversation regarding the Glover dolt to anyone. That's it. We are fast friends Nott, so I'll say this only once. It's up to us to make sure no one else in the common room understood any of what you said…."

"What I said? What did I say that would alert anyone to any part of our conversation?" Even before Avery could respond, Nott gasped as he realized just what it was he'd said. He'd said, if you want to kill some first year, I'm with you on all fronts.

Avery who was now undressed and lying in his bed replied to Nott's question. "I'd guess by that huge gasp you've remembered. Tomorrow we will ensure that anyone who heard anything will keep their mouths shut. If a word of the conversation gets back to Dippet or Dumbledore, it will be my arse and yours, and I for one like my arse right where it is."

Nott let out a loud sigh. "Understood."

/*/

Tom Riddle, known as Lord Voldemort to his innermost circle, was still in a foul mood when he retired to his own bedroom to rant in solitude. His was the only bedroom in the Slytherin dungeons with a single bed. There hadn't been a question when Riddle had ordered the other three beds removed from the room five years ago. His toadies simply moved the furniture out at double time and squeezed them into other rooms. Because they were Tom's minions, the rest of his circle shared a room with only one or two others. The less lucky Slytherins shared a room with at least three others. Riddle's rules.

After an hour of swearing, throwing things and generally being an arse, Tom fell across his bed and closed his eyes. As his eyes closed, a memory as vibrant and real as if it was happening at that moment flitted across his mind. Tom jumped up. He knew the little bastard. He knew him because he had passed him and some ugly, little girl walking on the road which led to…. which led to the Riddle house the very Sunday he had killed his disgusting family. Tom sat straight up in the bed. The little bastard and the girl had seen him and could possibly identify him.

Tom exhaled loudly. His world had shifted back onto its axis. He had made an issue where there wasn't one. The only thing that had happened was his mind had recognized a situation before he knew there was one, but he was Lord Voldemort. He would deal with the little tosser before he realized he might be able to identify a killer.

Now that he had recognized the situation, Lord Voldemort relaxed. Unlike earlier when he threatened the boy because he was annoyed. He had been talking out of his arse. He now had a reason, a real reason, and there was a very simple solution. One day in the near future, Zachary Glover was going to meet Godric Gryffindor in person.

Tom laughed as he turned on his side. Nothing got past Lord Voldemort.

/*/

The die had been cast. Tom Riddle alias Lord Voldemort may have been feeling smug in his reasoning that Zach had seen him headed towards the Riddle home this past summer and could possibly identify him as a killer. However, even in all his arrogance, he didn't know the whole of it. Tom Riddle alias Lord Voldemort, as brilliant as he thought himself to be, didn't know he had a brother and a sister…...

While Zachary Glover, an uninitiated First Year knew it all.

/**/

September second, the first full day as a Hogwarts student was a busy one for Zach and his mates. By the time the three mates were seated at the Gryffindor table for lunch, Trevor was holding his head.

Reaching out to fill his plate, Trevor spoke softly to Zach and Aiden. "Transfiguration, Charms, Potions and we've only reached lunch time. It's mad. And does every book have to weigh a stone? I'll need some of everything on this table to keep up my strength."

Both Zach and Aiden laughed at Trevor as they filled their plates.

With a mouthful of ham sandwich, Aiden good naturedly added to Trevor's misery. "Well eat up mate because we still have History of Magic, Defense Against The Dark Arts, Herbology, Astronomy and flying lessons to go."

Trevor pretended to swoon. "Thanks Aiden. Thank you very much. Like I haven't already looked over the schedule."

Zach, who was thrilled with the whole of Hogwarts added his two cents. "We're Gryffindors. We'll ace every class. I'm especially looking forward to The History of Magic class. I've read most of the book. It describes how Hogwarts was founded. I think I'll do well in the class. We won't have flying lessons until tomorrow. I'm looking forward to those lessons as well."

Giving Zach's arm a nudge, Aiden asked if there was any class he wasn't interested in.

"I don't think so, but we'll just have to wait and see." Zach replied.

"There'll be no flying for me. I'm keeping my feet firmly on the ground. I'll be your cheering squad." Aiden sheepishly admitted. "My mum likes me in one piece."

Zach started to say tish-tosh, but was interrupted by a blow across his back. Turning to see who had hit him, Zach came face to face with an older wizard with pock marks across his face. Instead of admitting that the blow had hurt, Zach looked the boy in the face and gave a cheeky response. "You must be a Slytherin. I've heard about the likes of you. Willing to hit a bloke from behind, but shite when it comes to face to face. Be gone."

Avery couldn't believe the words coming out of the mouth of the little tosspot. "Why you snot nosed little..."

Avery didn't get a chance to finish his sentence because Bert was at Zach's side as soon as he saw Avery standing over him. "Lost your way Avery? Your little minions are over at the Slytherin table waiting for you to serve them lunch. Go pick on someone other than the First Years. If you can't find your way, I'm willing to help you."

Avery glared at Bert whom he knew by reputation. "I don't need your help with anything Robbins. Tell your First Years to stay out of the way of my tray. Accidents happen. If you know what's good for you, you'll stay out of my way as well."

Bert stared Avery down until the Slytherin backed away.

Inserting himself between Trevor and Zach, Bert commented on the situation. "What was that all about Zach?"

Zach shrugged. "I honestly don't know Bert. I was sitting here talking to Trevor and Aiden then that Avery nutter hit me across the back with his tray."

Bert was at a loss as was Jackson who had walked up when he saw the commotion. Jackson added his piece. "First, all the glaring and frowning from Riddle, now a cheap trick from Avery. For some reason, it appears the Slytherins don't like you Mr. Glover. We'll have to keep an eye on you."

Zach let out a sigh. It wasn't possible Tom Riddle recognized him as his brother. The only thing it could be was he remembered him and Zaria from the summer.

Bert responded to Zach's sigh. "Like Jackson said, we'll keep our eyes on you. However, I want to stress the need for you to be careful when traveling the corridors alone. If Riddle and his gang try to corner you, get away from them as quickly as you can."

Zach wanted to dispute Bert, but knew that would be out of line. However, the look on his face must have spoken volumes because Bert got the attention of all six First Years to offer some advice. "We Gryffindors stand together, but there is no shame in saving yourself if the need arises. Don't be so brave that it costs you your health or life. Understand?"

All six of the young wizards nodded. They would be careful.

/*/

The First Year section of the Gryffindor table was very quiet after Bert and Jackson walked away with each student hoping he wouldn't have to endure seven years of Slytherin rubbish.

Zach was the only one wondering how fast he could get trained up, because if any Slytherin cornered him, he intended to stand his ground.