One job.
That was all Harry had. Just one. Keep under Riddle's radar. Avoid the boy like he had dragon pox. That was it. They were going to focus on blending into the crowd. They were going to find a way back home without ever dealing with Riddle. And here Harry was, striking up conversation about the boy's accessories.
Brilliant Harry, just brilliant.
The quiet chatter around him faded into the background as he sat frozen. "Would you look at that, you do have your nose…" Harry's muffled voice called out as he stared at the confusion on Tom Riddles face.
Riddle dropped his hand, crimson eyes fixed on Harry, "I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that," he spoke softly, tilting his head as he moved his hand to and fro. The butterfly happily walking about, unaware that her keeper was currently fighting the urge to crush her in his hand. The only reason the monarch was alive, was because the odd student beside him seemed to like her. After all first impressions do mean for something…
Harry suddenly remembered exactly what he was dealing with as he straightened up and leaned forward, crossing his arms. He placed a cautious and hidden hand inside his robes, the wood of his wand calming him slightly. "Um, nothing-it doesn't really matter." Stated Harry, as he unconsciously shifted closer to Hermione, who was still playing the house game with Ron and Emily.
Harry glanced down the table noting the other students were more focused on the sorting then their interaction. Some of the younger students were playing a quiet game, creating odd magical creatures from parchment that would either play or fight one another. The older students were talking quietly amongst themselves or trying to discreetly play a game of 'snatch card' on the benches beside them, hoping a prefect wouldn't notice. Harry couldn't help but wonder where were the Riddle Sycophants? Surely they had noticed their cult leader was missing?
He registered the sound of light laughter beside him before turning his gaze to Dumbledore. His neon green robes a refreshing sight (as ironic as it sounded). The sorting ceremony felt as though it were taking longer than usual. Soon as the feast was over, he'd never have to speak with Riddle again or ruin the timeline any further than he probably had.
Sure, Harry was not about to turn to the teen dark wizard and tell him the news that in a few decades, a baby kills him. As cathartic as it would be to see the look on his face, one can never be too careful.
"Not one for many words I take it?" Riddle passed the butterfly to his other hand, "And yet you were the one to strike up conversation, were you not?" Riddle asked, lacing his words with kind curiosity. The light bouncing off the Marvolo ring, taunting Harry. "However, I'm sorry if I came across as rude." He dipped his head in mock shame, "I'm Head boy you see, meaning I had the honour of reminding the prefects to settle the students. I didn't mean for my presence here to offend you. There was nowhere else left to sit." He sent the boy a remorseful (lying) grin.
He slipped in his newly acquired title wondering if that (and the power that came with it) would get a reaction from this new student.
"It's your existence that's the problem…" muttered the boy, rubbing his eyes harshly.
Now that, Tom did hear.
He let out another soft laugh, turning his palm down, watching the butterfly clutch to his fingers, "I see I didn't make a good first impression?"
Lily's scream echoed through Harry's memory, "That's one way of putting it…"
He wondered how much longer he'd have to keep up this calm charade. He knew he'd have to face Riddle at some point, it was inevitable. Harry was certain he could come across Riddle curing the sick of St. Mungo and he would hex the snake.
For the sake of the timeline.
Dumbledore only had a quarter of students left to sort. After the feast, Harry would be free, sure they'd be stuck in a dungeon of snakes, but at least he wouldn't be forced to make small talk. He shuddered as he began tapping the wood of the table, wondering if the Hat was more careful when placing students and taking its time.
Riddle suddenly brought his hand forward.
Harry jolted, his hand immediately tightened on his wand, however he only spotted the blue butterfly now sitting in Riddle's palm. "'An owl, cat or a toad', I believe that is what the letter said, however I never thought I'd find a student with a butterfly as their familiar…" He hummed at the look on Harry's face.
Harry huffed, "It isn't mine." None the less he put his hand forward (keeping as far as possible from Riddle) curious if the arthropod would settle near him as the others did. He leaned forward, keeping his other arm tucked in his robes. He hid his surprise as the monarch gently flew from Riddle's palm to his.
"Could have fooled me…" murmured Riddle, leaning forward on his folded arms, "Well, I can't blame you, you never did receive a letter now did you?" He smiled as Harry narrowed his eyes. Guess the regular students could spot the war-students much quicker then he'd like to admit. However, coming from Riddle, Harry felt uneasy.
Did they really stick out that much?
The suspiciously quiet voice within his mind finally broke their silence with a bout of soft laughter at his thoughts. Harry chose to ignore the problem within his mind, deciding to focus on the one beside him.
"What makes you say that?" Harry stared at the butterfly in his palm, wondering how much longer this act would play out. Riddle's mask had chipped slightly, revealing his scales as the air tightened around Harry.
"Maybe it was that scar of yours?" Riddle chimed as he pointed up to Harry's forehead, noting the boy immediately tense, "Undoubtedly unique but it seems old, I am certain it has an interesting story." He hummed and rested his head on his palm, tapping a finger against his cheek. "I am curious as to how you earned it?"
The butterfly flittered over the white knuckles of Harry's clenched hand, "That's all then?" Even caught in the fragile threads of time magic, there was just some things Harry couldn't avoid.
Riddle sighed at his poor attempt to avoid answering him.
"Oh no," Riddle tilted his head, "Maybe, it was also the fact that ever since this conversation started," He leaned forward, amusement flickering in his eyes, "You never once let go of that wand this entire time, did you?" He smiled at the boy's attempt to remain unfazed. He leaned back and straightened his robes, "Or perhaps it is simply because I would remember seeing a boy with gold and green eyes, while here at Hogwarts. We shall never know."
"When you said Slytherin's aren't all bad, you could have mentioned how annoying you lot are." Harry muttered, before he focused on the butterfly wings. Pain beating behind his eyes. He knew how bad his luck ran and he knew the longer he talked to Riddle, the faster his restraint would drain. His eyes skimmed the intricate designs of the butterfly wings, his tiny companion's appearance meaning something.
He just couldn't figure them out.
Hermione deciphered their timing, however Harry didn't plan on revealing any-
"Well I cannot speak for all in Slytherin," Riddle clarified, cutting off Harry's inner monologue, taking silence as invitation to continue, "not all of us are saints." His mouth curved into an amused smile, annoying Harry further before he clapped politely for the newest Hatchling to join the house.
Harry had long phased out the sorting Hat's calls.
He decided he was done with the conversation, lifting his hand and propelling the butterfly gently into the air. He watched as the creature fluttered about before settling onto the table. He vaguely registered Dippet in the background, aware that the sorting was now over.
"Sixth year I take it?" Riddle asked, looking over the teachers table with an innocent smile. He had slipped back into the 'perfect and ever-helpful Riddle' mask.
Harry narrowed his eyes at the butterfly, wondering how bad the timeline would be effected if he cursed Voldemort fifty three years in the past. "Seventh," He muttered as he began tapping on the table again. He wondered how likely Riddle would leave to join his minions once the feast began.
Riddle hummed, his eyes resettling on Harry causing him to tense, "If you or your siblings require any assistance with the material, I would be more than happy to help." He offered as Harry straightened.
"Siblings?" His hand twitched on his wand, wondering if Riddle knew he was prepared to fight to the death that very moment if necessary. No one would touch Ron or Hermione so long as he could help it.
Red eyes flickered with amusement as he nodded past Harry, "I assumed the mismatching eyes were a familial trait. Apologies if I assumed wrong however. They've acquainted themselves with Selwyn I see." He turned back to the table just as the feast began. "She'll make you three feel at home, I'm certain of it."
Soon the table erupted into chatter with students bursting to tell their friends of their boring time apart. It was easy to spot the muggle-borns. They were the quiet ones, happy to be away from the muggle war. Harry wondered how they felt about their families remaining behind while they were safe in Hogwarts. His mind drifted to the war students seeking shelter from their war. Hogwarts as a safe haven, Harry wasn't surprised in the least. He let his eyes drift to the other four students spread across Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. He wondered what it was like for them. Were they relieved or plagued with guilt?
"Oh I missed this…"Ron rubbed his hands together as he began digging into his plate. "No Madam and a Hogwart's feast, you know maybe this time isn't so bad." Hermione shook her head amused before she leaned over and whispered to Harry.
"He didn't win a single student house," She smiled, leaning her head onto her hand, "I think he's happier now however." Even though she was aware of how dire the groups circumstances were, it was a small moment of peace for her to look up at the enchanted ceiling, Hermione sighed before she began plating her meal, as Harry nodded, "How are you feeling?" She noticed the strained smile on his face.
"Brilliant really," Harry mumbled ironically as his brain felt as though it was over a low flame. He wrung his hands, finally letting go of his wand. He had calmed slightly as he realized Hermione was watching over him. "She seems nice." Harry nodded towards Emily.
"Oh yes, she is wonderful really-"Hermione's brow furrowed as she caught the urgent look in Harry's eye as he gestured over his shoulder. Hermione immediately began to scan their surroundings. Students were either gushing about their holidays or silently eating while listening to their friends. A group of students caught her attention as their eyes narrowed on her, however they looked away when she refused to back down. Hermione huffed before she looked back to Harry with a frown, unable to see anything else out of place.
"She almost guessed every student house correctly" She pushed her hair away from her eyes as she leaned forward and looked to the quiet student beside Harry with a raised eyebrow, "I see you've made some new friends too?"
"That old hat doesn't like me." Ron announced, grabbing her attention, before taking a swing of his pumpkin juice, "I'm telling you lot, I was cheated." Ron shook his head as he passed the peas to an amused Emily.
Hermione hummed at his words before she looked to Harry who was massaging his temples, eyes focused on the monarch that was perched on a random students shoulder. The boy beside Harry turned to them with a pleasant smile.
"I fear I might have made a bad first impression with him." The boy laughed lightly as Harry sighed. "I don't think he considers us to be friends just yet."
The statement seemed to trigger something in Harry as his eyes widened, "We aren't going to be friends." He stated, "Thanks, but a swim with kelpies' sounds more enticing then a friendship with you." His patience finally snapped and he was impressed he held out this long.
Hermione watched the exchange with confusion as Ron and Emily conversed over their favourite stews, unaware.
The boy sighed at Harry's confession as he poured himself a glass, "Merlin forbid we become friendly. Imagine the travesty if I learned when is your birthday." He shook his head and leaned back to speak past Harry, "He isn't very fond of me as you noticed." He nodded to Hermione.
He raised a hand to his head, shaking it once more, "My apologies, we haven't even introduced ourselves." He stated as he inclined his head towards her, taking a sip from his glass.
"Oh," Hermione spotted Harry's grip on his fork tightening, "I'm Hermione Granger," She stated, quickly placing a hand over Harry's shaking one. "And you are?"
"Riddle." Her eyes widened, "Just Tom Riddle." Shock spread across Hermione's face as she took a sharp intake of breath, and she leaned back in her seat.
"Oh." She blinked, "I see." She tugged on Harry's shoulder pulling him closer, "You could have mentioned that much earlier…" She sharply whispered as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
Harry wanted to mention how bad his luck ran and that Hermione shouldn't be surprised at this point. He also wanted to mention that she was much stronger then she looked and was currently dislocating his shoulder due to her pure shock. The reason he did not wish to mention these facts was due to him valuing his arm remaining intact.
"Well I didn't exactly have a chance." He grumbled with discomfort as Hermione's grip tightened.
"Don't tell me I've ruined our first meeting by simply introducing myself," Riddle hummed as he turned back to the feast, "I swear I'm nothing like whatever image Slughorn has drawn in your mind."
Harry huffed, "An understatement…" as he pried Hermione's grip from his bruised shoulder.
"I can only imagine the forces it would take to have you be civil, even if it was just for appearances sake." Riddle commented as he traced the brim of his glass, "At least Miss Granger introduced herself, to which I must say, it was a pleasure to meet you." He tilted his head, noting her shoulders tensed.
"Likewise." She crossed her arms, watching Riddle's movements like a ruffled Thunderbird.
"I imagine I will not be learning my new friend's name any time soon." He sighed, setting down his glass with an amused grin as Harry turned to him with a feral sneer-
"Harry mate!" Ron chirped causing Riddle to laugh at the look of anger in Harry's eyes. "Emily here is a Selwyn! A Selwyn! Do you know what this means?"
Harry turned to Ron's beaming smile and felt his previous anger chip away slightly.
"That's brilliant Ron." Harry mumbled. He didn't know what that meant but if it made Ron happy, then it meant something good. He began searching for the monarch again, feeling his headache resurface.
"I believe my time here is up," Riddle announced as he moved to stand, "I also believe you two would be more comfortable with Selwyn showing you to the common room." He nodded towards Emily. "We have the rest of the year to speak again so I'll take my leave now. It was nice meeting you as well Ron." Riddle leaned down and softly said to the angered boy, "It was interesting to meet you as well Harry." Before he walked away with Harry's glare on his back.
Emily glanced over Harry as Hermione noted that he had made his way to the group that was previously watching them.
"He seemed like a nice bloke," Hermione and Harry turned to Ron with raised eyebrows, "Then again this is Slytherin, I imagine being nice is mental warfare to this lot."
Emily nodded, "That's half of it, the other is blood status, but you get the point at least." She nodded to Harry, "You didn't seem happy while making new friends, but you shouldn't let that keep you from eating. Trust me, we all know how he can be"
Harry only sighed as he rubbed his eyes.
"Did he say something mate?" Ron set his glass down, "I knew he was an arrogant prat the minute he sat down." Ron nodded to himself, unaware of Hermione massaging her temples. "Who was he anyways?"
Hermione smiled calmly, "Actually, that was Tom Riddle." She left Ron to choke on his soup for a minute before patting his back. Emily politely pretended to be unaware of their conversation as she chatted to her neighbours.
He gasped "No!" He leaned back to speak past Hermione, "Harry! We just got here mate!" Harry leaned his arm onto the table, resting his aching head on his palm, he sent Ron a tired and amused head shake. "And the snake bastards got hair?! Hermione, tell me you're joking, you never joke!"
Hermione looked affronted, "I do joke, this however isn't one." She turned to Harry and sighed, "One job Harry…"
Harry dropped his head into his arm, the pain beating behind his eyes became too much, "I know…"
She crossed her arms as she stared down at Harry. "What was that one job Harry?"
"Don't interact with Riddle…"
"And what did you do?"
"…Interacted with Riddle." He mumbled into his arm.
Ron looked to Riddle from the corner of his eye as he held court among his 'friends', "Maybe Bellatrix wasn't that mad after all…" Ron nodded sagely to himself before Hermione smacked his arm as Harry hid his laughter. "Who woulda thought that splitting your soul into inanimate objects would only cost your human features…"
"Honestly Ron," Hermione hid her amusement behind her hand.
"His fanatics haven't taken their eyes off of us either." Ron mumbled into his glass, "There's always one slightly facing us…"
Hermione turned to Harry suddenly and placed a hand on his head, "Are you feeling any better?" She asked kindly, confusing Harry further.
"I hope that was pumpkin juice in your cup 'Mione…" Harry mumbled before grinning at the exasperation on her face before she looked slightly over his hair.
"You're right Ron…" And that was the moment that Harry was certain Hermione had lost it. "They're trading shifts. One moves and another faces us. Harry…what did you say to Riddle?"
A plain grey moth fluttered behind Ron, "I hope he mentioned the enchanted snowballs." Ron laughed as he sat forward and sighed bitterly, "I miss Fred and George…."
Hermione placed a hand on Ron's shoulder, "We have to be careful at all times. We could have-" She paused before dropping her voice, "we could have ruined the future! We can't let any knowledge out around anyone, including Dumbledore, in anyway. I know Harry can be daft, but he wouldn't let anything slip."
Harry turned his head to his friends with a slight frown before silently nodding his head in agreement. "I didn't mention anything important." He glanced up at Ron's long hair, spotting the grey moth resting on his head.
"From now on we have to be on guard." Ron mumbled, "Constant vigilance!" He raised his glass to his friends whose sour mood slowly melted. "We'll be home before you know it. We've faced a Cerberus! We faced a Dragon! We faced an Umbridge for Merlin's sake! I am certain we could take on a teenager with a superiority issue." He downed his drink as Hermione slow-clapped, shaking her head in amusement before she turned to Harry.
"At the very least, you should eat something. It'll be no use trying to mend broken clocks on an empty stomach." She turned back to her plate, "No matter how lost our appetite."
Harry nodded, the pain still present behind his eyes, he decided to look around for the blue butterfly. He looked around the great hall hoping to find the tiny insect. He looked over the teachers table, Slughorn was merrily chirping away to Madam Anand who looked eager to return to the solitary of her office. Dumbledore was munching on a bowl of liquorice snakes as he spoke with Dippet. No butterflies were in sight. He sighed into his palm before looking up to the enchanted ceiling, wondering if he'd spot the blue monarch amongst the night stars. He found the sky empty before turning down the Slytherin table and found the Monarch resting on the Marvolo ring.
Crimson met gold and Harry spotted the fangs within Riddle's smile as he raised his glass to Harry.
Harry simply reached out towards beef stew,
"Something tells me our wonderful Slytherins would never let the new blood enter the pit so easily." For the moment, Harry only had to worry about desert.