Next day morning, Great Hall.
"Hiya Harry, I was waiting for you in the common room, but Linda told me that you already left. So you're an early riser huh.." Harry looked up at the over-enthusiastic Hufflepuff Prefect - Marcus Barnes, who reminded her too much of Colin Creevey.
She smiled and said, "Actually I wanted to catch my brother before the classes start. But he is not here yet."
Marcus took seat next to her, and started telling her about upcoming classes, for which she only nodded.
She looked towards the doors again and found that Sirius finally showed up. She waived towards him, not paying any attention to any other Slytherins who entered before him. He smiled and joined her on Hufflepuff table.
"Siri, this is my housemate Marcus Barnes. And Marcus, this is my brother Sirius Evans. He is just few minutes older than me."
"So you two are twins huh." Marcus said looking from Harry to Sirius.
"Yeah we are. So Harry, how are Hufflepuffs treating you?" Sirius asked his goddaughter, picking up a sandwich from her plate.
"They are nice. You won't believe, there are these repelling devices for intruders, so basically no outsider can see our Common room." Harry told with raised eyebrows, trying to explain to Sirius the reason why even marauders couldn't locate it.
"Now now Harry, don't give away the location of our Common room to somebody from the other house." Marcus added.
Harry tried not to roll her eyes, and started asking Sirius about his experience with Slytherin. He told her about his housemates, and Harry felt sorry for her Godfather when he mentioned his father's name. It must be awkward for him to share dorm with his father, whom he used to hate.
As other Hufflepuffs started joining in, Sirius stood up and said, "Meet me in the Library today evening." And left to join Slytherins.
She looked towards Slytherin table and found Riddle looking at her again. But this time there was this frown present. She narrowed her eyes at him, then looked back at Marcus, who was telling her about something, she was not sure about.
Few minutes later, their house's head Herbert Beery came over to hand her timetable. She glanced at it and found that their first lesson was of Herbology with Revenclaw. Then looking through her timetable she found, that they would be sharing potions class with Slytherin tomorrow and also the History of magic class the day after.
That reminded her to check few books on potions today in the Library, as she did not want to perform badly in front of Riddle. It would give him another chance to laugh at her.
She stood up, looking once again towards Slytherin table. Riddle didn't look up this time, but another wizard who looked a lot like Malfoy was looking at her. Picking her bag, she left Great Hall for her first lesson.
Later that evening, Harry was browsing through Potions section. After selecting three books she made her way towards her table, when noticed somebody standing there.
"What are you doing on my table?" She hissed.
Tom looked up and smirked, then showed her a potions book, "Oh..I'm just here to take what is mine."
She looked at the potions book he was holding, then at the potions book lying on the table. It was that battered copy she left in Florish & Blotts, lying on her table. He'd switched his copy with hers.
"Hey..give that back..that's mine"
Tom just stared at her and said "Don't make a ruckus in the library."
He then turned and left.
Harry just stood there with her mouth wide open in shock. After few moments, she shut her mouth then picked up the potions book lying on the table, and ran after him.
She found him sitting on the secluded table hidden behind restricted section.
He was reading some book there.
With a huff she marched towards him, then stopped in front of him. He did not look up.
She then started tapping her left foot in annoyance, waiting for Riddle to look up.
He ignored her and kept on reading.
She cleared her throat.
He kept on reading his book.
She hit that battered potions book on the table, with a loud bang.
He turned page and continued to read.
Getting frustrated she growled and snatched away the book he was reading.
He looked up at her calmly.
"Return my potions book Riddle." She hissed.
He raised his eyebrows, then said, "What book? That was my potions book you snatched that day. I just returned the book you should have bought."
Harry gritted her teeth, then pointing her finger at him, she said, "You have no idea whom you are dealing with Riddle. I repeat.. return. my. copy. "
Tom started chuckling, then stood up, he tilted his head slightly and said, "Are you threatening me? Me? A stupid Hufflepuff like you ..dare to do so?"
Harry narrowed her eyes, then noticed her potions book lying underneath his parchment.
She tried to grab it, but he got hold of it first and held it above her head so she can't catch it.
Harry shook her head in irritation, then went for her last resort - the ultimate weapon.
She looked at him and smirked. "You asked for it".
Then started tickling under his arm.
" oh..aa..ha .. sto ..ha..ha..ha" He started laughing and brought his arms together to stop her onslaught.
Having the opening she was looking for, she snatched that book out of his hand and tried to make a run for it.
He grabbed her from behind, then held her waist with one arm, and tried to snatch that book by the other.
Harry was trying her best to keep that book away from his reach.
"No way.. I'll show you what a Hufflepuff like me can do.."
"Give that back you.."
Just then, somebody cleared their throat. Both Tom and Harry stopped, then straightened up and looked towards the place from where they heard that noise.
It was Marcus standing there, looking very nervous, "Hiya Harry...I was looking for you. Saw your bag. Sorry I didn't know you were busy. I'll leave huh.. "
"Wait Marcus... I'll join you." Harry straightened up her clothes, then glanced back at Tom and smiled while showing him the book she was holding, then left with Marcus.