Harry Potter: Otherworld
A House Divided
***No own no sue. ***
*Twitter for updates, Angelslayer135
I will keep a running list of male to female names as characters are introduced at the end of each chapter.
***HP:O ***
Despite Harry arriving early, the rest of the Potters were nearly late, meaning he had only managed a quick hug goodbye for James and Lily before the trio jumped onto the train. Luckily, Luna, Ginny, and Hermione had grabbed a carriage which all six were able to squeeze into, much like the train ride they had taken home just a week or so prior.
"So, how was everyone's break?" Hermione began, almost immediately starting the burst of excitement and information from Ginny, Amaryllis, and Luna.
Most already knew what the others had received for gifts, having met after Christmas day, but there was a period for all in which they hadn't been in contact, and that was where the differences had begun to emerge.
Luna had gone with her parents on an 'expedition', apparently the codename for a camping trip. Although they hadn't located any of the rare creatures, they were seeking it had still been a fun couple of days in northern Scandinavia.
The Weasley's had stayed home, as usual, but with all her older sisters in town it had been a week full of family festivities, merriment, sharing of stories, and simply catching up with each other's lives. The gifts had never been important in her family, just the time they spent together.
For the bookworm, her own Muggle family had met up for a small get together. Although she lacked cousins or siblings near her age she got along well enough with her aunts and uncles to have a good time regardless of their difference in upbringing. She did, however, mention that the highlight of her break had been seeing the Potters.
Harry knew, mostly, what the few days he had missed would contain for his own siblings. Not wanting him to feel excluded, they had given him a brief overview on what their family normally did during the latter part of the winter break. New Year's Eve would be spent with just them and their parents, a homecooked meal, staying up late talking into the evening before going to bed much later than they all should. On the following day Sirius would often come by with his own family, or they would journey to the Rosier household, for a much larger meal, often involving Andromeda and her family.
Finally, all eyes shifted towards him, and he gave slightly nervous smile, "Nothing exciting. Gra… Professor Riddle and I exchanged gifts, we went to an uptight, boring party, then we just sort relaxed for the last day, going over homework, training ideas, dueling practices, stuff like that."
While those unrelated nodded and began turning the conversation to the upcoming latter half of the year, Amy and Harriet looked rather unhappy with his answer. With as much discretion as he could muster, given the circumstances, he mouthed a 'later' before turning to the other occupants.
It was enough to dissuade any further conversation, though he already knew it would not be the end.
***HP:O ***
The moment Harry stepped back into the Slytherin common room he knew something was different. The atmosphere had changed, and even more apparent were the changes to the room itself.
It was as if a split had occurred down the middle, chairs and tables moved to one side or the other, groups of students eyeing each other with suspicion, hushed whispers and accusatory glares were everywhere.
He tried to ignore it, the foreboding deep in his chest, and went about his unpacking and resumption of classes as planned. The situation did not change, however, if anything it became worse as the week continued.
Finally, he began to identify the pattern. It looked as if a large group of Slytherins were beginning to favor Snape more than Riddle in terms of both scholarly assistance and even just physical proximity. Those who did weren't openly hostile, but they were certainly unfriendly towards both him, not a huge surprise, and those who continued to act as if nothing were wrong.
When he brought up the question, as subtly as possible, both Crabbe and Goyle shifted about in discomfort before making various excuses and departing the room.
It meant that the hostility wasn't just towards him, but also it seemed to include him as well. Was it something to do with the party over the break? It didn't make much sense that so much animosity had formed in such a short time, but it was the only thing he could think of.
***HP:O ***
"How was spending time with Riddle?"
Harriet flinched at her sister's accusation, along with the narrowing of Harry's eyes. This wasn't how the conversation was supposed to go, wasn't how they had discussed, wasn't a good idea.
"Fine" he bit back, earning a widening of the redhead's eyes in realization that maybe she should have phrased the question a bit differently. "How was spending time with your parents and family?"
Before she could reply, the calmest of the three interrupted, "I'm sorry Harry we didn't mean it like that, we are both just a bit upset that you had to go with Professor Riddle instead of spending the entire break with us. Isn't that right Amy?"
It was about as blunt as she could manage, but it was required and her sister quickly nodded, "Y-yeah, yeah of course… sorry I didn't mean to upset you."
The apologies had their desired effect, and their brother, other half, male equivalent, whatever he was and more, noticeably relaxed, "Yeah, no its okay, sorry I shouldn't have answered like that. I wish I had spent more time with you, but it was okay all considering."
"What all did you do?"
He shrugged, "Not much to be honest, mostly what I told you on the train. How was seeing everyone again for New Years?"
"Good, Uncle Sirius and Dad got into a bit of an argument over you not being there but otherwise it was fine."
Harry flinched slightly, "Sorry, I didn't mean for…"
Luckily, Amy had resumed her composure and interrupted, "It isn't your fault Harry, Mom and Dad were the ones who set it all up anyway so they should be the ones explaining it. The two got over it anyway and were laughing and drinking shortly after anyway."
The boy nodded, "Well, hopefully next year things will be different."
"Yeah," Harriet agreed, "hopefully."
***HP:O ***
The first time it happened he hadn't thought much about it. For a professor to skip a meal, or to eat elsewhere, wasn't uncommon at Hogwarts. It became strange when he noticed it happening again and again. When seeing her near the Great Hall at mealtime was rarer than her being absent.
It took only a week of this pattern before worry overcame any desire to eat with his House during dinner and without so much as a word he stood and made his way from the hall, ignoring the stares and whispers that so often came with his departure or arrival.
The problem was, he didn't know where to look for her. Sure, there were the obvious locations, but if those failed? For the time being he opted to check her private room first. Hearing no response when he knocked at the door, and seeing the rest of Slytherin empty, Harry began to check other places she might have a connection to.
The Defense classroom was empty, as was the chamber they used for club meetings. At that point he simply began checking random classrooms until he opened one and froze. There she was, Grace Riddle, dueling prodigy, Professor of Defense, one of the most powerful witches alive, sitting at a small table by herself, taking morose bites of her dinner.
A wave of not just guilt by sorrow washed over him. How often had he been forced to eat alone growing up? How often had he wished for just one person to want to spend time with him? And now? Now she was suffering in the same way, and he hadn't acted until a week had passed.
"Hey"
His greeting obviously startled the woman, who stood awkwardly while knocking around silverware. "Oh, hello Harry."
She was trying to save face, and he understood the reasoning. No one wanted to be seen as weak, especially if they were normally strong, more so if they were an adult. For once his brain worked faster than his mouth, and an excuse was ready by the time he was ready to speak. "I was wondering if I could eat here, with you? I'm getting a bit sick of dealing with all the drama in our house and Lockhart's typical creepiness."
While it wasn't untrue, it was certainly exaggerated a bit, and Riddle seemed to see through the excuse but smiled gratefully regardless. "I would be happy if you did. I'll have the House-elves bring you something to eat."
***HP:O ***
"How were your holidays?"
The question took her a bit off-guard. It wasn't as if they hadn't traded friendly conversation before, but after her week off it felt a bit strange, unfamiliar. Then again it had been similar her first year as well, coming back from a week with her family to classmates who weren't so uptight.
Daphne nodded in the usual fashion, "Well enough, and yours?"
Her tutor frowned a bit and she attempted to adjust herself. Her parents, grandparents, aunts, practically her entire family, had expectations for just about everything. Not meeting them would mean scolding or worse. She was an heiress, as her mother frequently reminded her, and as such she was expected to remain courteous and civilized.
"Fine, I guess. Lots of family stuff and such."
Harry was so casual, so easy to get along with, so easy to allow past one's guard. "Family is important," she responded, managing to keep her voice distant and aloof, as had been enforced in her home.
His frown was evident after her reply, "Is something wrong?"
"Of course not. My mother was very pleased with my performance, I am glad you agreed to continue lessons. I will of course ensure you are paid for…"
"Did something happen on break?" he interrupted, and she just stopped from wincing. Obviously, he could tell she was different, just like Tracey could.
Still, she shook her head because no nothing specific had occurred, just the normal grinding down of her accomplishments by those so old they probably couldn't even remember school. "No, why do you ask?"
Shit, wrong thing to say, she shouldn't have left the door open like that, she knew better. "Because you are acting… different, like something is wrong."
He was concerned, it was so obvious he was concerned, and her heart did some odd flips and trembles in her chest. She couldn't let him in, especially not like this.
"Just adjustments between home and school."
Her answer was clearly unsatisfying, but he didn't press any further, and instead the lessons began anew.
***HP:O ***
"Harry..." Hermione mumbled at her friend's confusion and concerns. "It's because of the attacks. If we figured it out others have too, your Head of House is the most likely suspect."
The boy scowled, though he wasn't quite sure why. For some reason the fact that everyone was so convinced it was Riddle bothered him. Hadn't he done the same thing just a year prior? Hadn't he been so sure of her guilt? "I know what it looks like, trust me I do, but… I don't know, I can't really explain it, I just know it isn't her."
Despite their talk previously, Hermione didn't look completely convinced, but she opted not to voice her opinion.
"It doesn't help that Snape is spreading the rumors too." Ginny muttered, earning his attention for the first time since she sat down.
"Wait, Snape is?"
"Professor Snape," Hermione easily corrected, before continuing, "but yes, even I've overheard her talking to other students about being careful around Riddle and all the 'evidence'."
Harry let out a huff of exasperation, "There is no evidence, just a lot of circumstantial crap and rumors spread by those who don't like her."
The girls all shared a look, "Harry, I know we talked about this, and I know you believe in her innocence, but it does look awfully suspicious." Harriet softly replied, clearly trying her best not to start an argument.
His irritation quickly faded, "Yeah, yeah, I know it does, but I've been there before. I've been accused of things that made me look just as guilty. I've had almost the entire school turned against me before based on being 'awfully suspicious'. It sucks, a lot, watching people you thought you could trust distance themselves, those who called themselves your friends glare at you in mistrust, having to eat by yourself, work by yourself, not having anyone who seemed to care."
Trailing off, he realized a moment later that the others sitting at the table with him were staring at him, not in disgust or anger but in sympathy mixed with outrage on his behalf.
"Harry…" his dark-haired twin almost growled, "if I ever do anything like that, I give you permission to slap me so hard I forget the previous year of school." Amy quickly nodded in agreement.
The others had similar expressions and responses, all save one, all save Hermione.
"Did I… she…"
It was a complicated question, and it had been a complicated time. "No, not really, I mean she was busy with other things at the time, I didn't expect her to drop everything and just…"
"She bloody well should have!" The response had him almost reeling backwards, shocked from how much anger there had been in the bookworm. The boy-who-lived had been startled enough to miss her choice in language. "Her best friend needed help and she was busy!? Was she saving the world? Curing cancer? Fixing poverty? What was so damn important that she couldn't stand by you?"
Ginny looked back and forth, the only one of their group not completely understanding the situation and what it all meant in context.
"It wasn't like that. She didn't do it out of anger or spite. She was… she found others who needed help, who needed saving. I was proud of her, am proud of her, for what she was fighting for. It just came at a bad time is all."
Although his own acceptance seemed to dim her rage, there was still more than a little annoyance in the bushy-haired witch's eyes and she continued muttering to herself for a bit longer, though what was being said he couldn't quite catch.
***HP:O ***
The boy noticed it during Potions class one day, them having paired up for one of the more complex brewing. A hesitation in his partners movements, a flinch when stirring with her left arm followed by a discrete rub before trying to get back to work.
"Daphne, is something wrong?"
She glanced over at him, before quickly looking away, almost guiltily, "No, no of course not."
But he would not be dissuaded so easily, especially when his gut told him to assume the worst. "Really, because it looks like you're hurt."
"Oh, no its nothing, just a bit of a bruise."
His suspicions rose, "When did that happen?" he inquired, before offering to take over for her actions, earning a nod of thanks.
"Sunday evening."
He nearly froze, "So after our study session?"
The Greengrass heiress' eyes widened, "N-no no I mean, well yes but it's nothing, I promise."
"Daphne," his voice was low, calm, and full of concern, "Did someone hurt you?"
The response was quick, far too quick for his liking, "No! No of course not I just… got hurt, that's all. It's nothing serious, I promise."
Harry nodded slowly and continued stirring. As he went to add another ingredient, while his partner read out instructions, he noticed the way Snape was looking back and forth between them.
***HP:O ***
Amaryllis watched in confusion as the opposing team began to tear itself apart. It was the first game back after the holiday break, Slytherin versus Gryffindor of course, and before it had even begun the arguments started on the other side.
She wasn't sure what the cause was. One moment Slytherin was floating into in the classic formation and the next one of the older girls was yelling at another over something about 'being in the wrong spot'.
Glancing over, she noticed the Weasley twins shrug in unison, apparently just as confused as she was, perhaps even more so. Harry had, naturally, told her about the situation at the party he had attended but to see it escalate in such a way was shocking to say the least.
Moments later a referee flew up to find out what the issue was, and several minutes after that the other team split into two groups before returning to the ground. The Gryffindors were even more confused until Madam Hooch flew over, disappointment clear on her face.
"The Slytherin team has refused to cooperate with each other due to 'irreconcilable differences.' The victory goes to Gryffindor on grounds of forfeit."
Amy frowned in almost disgust. Sure, she liked to win, really liked to win, but she liked playing Quidditch more. She didn't feel like they won anything if they didn't even get to play the game.
***HP:O ***
"May I sit?" Harry looked up from his book at his pseudo-cousin and gave her a quick nod, encouraging her to take a seat next to him. "Slytherins are starting to talk."
"Starting to?" he teased lightly but noticing her serious expression forced the same. "They have been talking all year, what's new?"
The girl glanced about before leaning in a bit closer, voice dropping in volume, "Before it was just about Riddle, now your name is coming up more frequently."
His eyes narrowed, "They think we are both attacking people?"
Marie quickly shook her head, "No, at least not from what I've heard it's just… the House is split, and the divide keeps widening. Right now, you are on Professor Riddle's side, which means to those who are on the other you are choosing her."
"I'm choosing" he seethed, "to not trust empty rumors and blind theories."
She didn't answer, merely watched him, stone faced and analytical eyes.
"And you? Where do you stand in all of this?"
Marie stared back for what felt like hours before giving her response. "I am a Slytherin, I wait until all the facts are revealed and the answer is obvious before making my choice." She stood, but then hesitated. "Although I am not sure the cause, I do know people are being hurt. Please be careful."
Harry nodded, "Yeah, you too Marie."
***HP:O ***
"Sorry Harry, it isn't anything you did I just… don't have time for lessons right now."
He nodded, watching as the girl quickly walked away, almost as if she were afraid he was infected with some disease. Such a belief wouldn't have surprised him though, at least not at this point. Every student who had asked for tutoring for had canceled in the past week.
All save for the Greengrass heiress.
He didn't blame them, with how things were going the boy-who-lived was almost convinced he had been cursed and didn't realize it. All the victims thus far had been connected to him in one way or another, it certainly put a feeling of dread over the second year.
Not everyone seemed to fall into that category, as his close friends and professors still greeted him the same as always, if a bit more concerned for his own wellbeing than usual.
When Amy had offered to walk him back to his dorms after Defense one day he had almost laughed, "I should be making that offer to you Amy, not the other way around." He argued before waving off her concerns. If there was anyone in their year, or the surrounding ones, that could take care of themselves it was him.
***HP:O ***
"Mister Potter, a word if you will."
The boy let out a sigh. He had just about made it out the door of Potions, during which the professor had been anything but subtle in her attention towards him. He quickly went through a list of possible excuses to not deal with the woman, but nothing seemed plausible. Thus, he waved goodbye to his sisters and waited until the last student departed.
"Yes Professor?" If his tone was a bit sickly sweet mixed with annoyed sarcasm, then who would blame him?
She didn't so much as quirk an eyebrow, "There is something I wish to discuss with you."
"And that would be?"
The woman turned and grabbed a piece of parchment from her desk before striding over to where he was standing and handing it to him. "Your participation."
He glanced it over, eyes widening before narrowing in mistrust. "You want to start a second dueling club?"
"It has already been formed. Attendance is quite high."
Harry switched his gaze between the woman and the paper in his hand before snorting with the shake of his head, "You must really be desperate if this is what you are resorting to."
"I'm not sure what you mean."
The boy-who-lived rolled his eyes, "A second dueling club? What's next, you're going to start a second Defense Class? Maybe ask Dumbledore to create a second Slytherin House so you can be the head of it instead of Grace?"
Snape stared for a moment, before giving her, calm and practical, response. "I believe it would be in your best interest to join."
"Pass, hard pass in fact."
"Your reasoning?"
He shook his head at how genuinely curious she sounded, like it wasn't obvious already. "Because I'm already in a dueling club. Because the current head of it is my Head of House, the same one who is also my mentor and giving me private lessons. Because I have no interest in being stuck in the middle of your…" he frowned before running his hand over his face in annoyance, "Bloody hell I don't know what you would call it, but your bragging contest, this whole 'I'm better than her and let me prove it' thing you two have going on. I don't know what she did to piss you off so badly, but don't you think this is more than a little ridiculous?"
Serena was silent for a moment, before shaking her head, "I do not find attacks on students to be ridiculous at all."
Harry stared as he processed what had been said. His own reply was low, almost whispered, "Do you honestly think Grace is behind the attacks, or are you just using it as an excuse?"
"You said it yourself did you not? It is a Basilisk, and the only way to control it, and gain access to the Chamber of Secrets is by being a Parselmouth. Since you two are the only possible explanations and you have been alibied during the periods surrounding the attacks it only leaves one possible explanation."
"Because no one else could manage to infiltrate Hogwarts and do something like that, right?"
Snape quirked an eyebrow, almost as if this were a challenge, "Someone who is both a Parselmouth and knows the location of the Chamber?"
"Those sort of go hand in hand, to find it you need to talk to snakes, and those most interested in finding it are the ones who usually have the trait."
"Such as Riddle. You are also ignoring the Wards around the school that prevent intrusion."
Another roll of his eyes, this one painfully obvious, "Yeah, because no one could ever get through those in one way or another. We had a literal thief as a professor last year if you recall."
He saw the flash of frustration in her eyes, not necessarily anger like he thought, from their argument, "You are choosing to ignore all of the facts in favor of blind theories."
"And you are relying on circumstantial evidence just because you dislike the accused." With that he turned and left, the woman watching him go without protest.
***HP:O ***
"Where do you stand?"
Pandora halted, eyebrow quirking before she turned to face her cousin. It had been a while since the two had a full confrontation. Even with their families meeting up during the break, as was customary, they had barely exchanged more than the formal nod and pleasantries.
"I'm surprised you bother to ask."
Delphini's eyes narrowed at the attempted misdirection, "We are family."
"Since when does that truly matter to a Slytherin?" She countered, earning the slightest of nods, likely more of a subconscious response than an actual reply. "Since you are so eager, where is it that you stand?"
The silence stretched on between the two heiresses before Bellatrix's daughter broke it, "Evidence is mounting against Riddle."
"And yet it is more coincidence than anything."
"You believe her innocence?"
Pandora smirked, "Harry believes her, which is good enough for me." Her answer had the desired effect, and an ugly sneer quickly formed on the opposing witch's face.
"You base your decision on some… boy!?"
The smug grin fell almost immediately. Pandora had been hoping for something different, maybe even some jealousy, but if that was going to be the other's reaction… "Considering he is close enough to know whether the woman is to be trusted, intelligent enough to know if he is being manipulated, and talented enough bring your ego crashing into the dirt where it belongs? Yes. The fact he is my future husband only reinforces this."
Her cousin stared in shock for a moment, before snorting, "If you want to lower yourself down to such low standards be my guest, some of us have greater aspirations than wasting time with some worthless male."
"Take care Delphini" the Malfoy heiress replied, an edge creeping into her tone, "by all accounts those who have taunted or ridiculed my future betrothed are often… dealt with rather harshly this year." With that she turned and left, leaving a paling witch behind.
***HP:O ***
It probably wasn't the best idea he'd ever had, although definitely not the worst. After a few days of internal debate Harry had opted to at least partially accept the invitation given to him by Snape. He wasn't joining the club, merely showing up to see what others were hoping to accomplish with a change in scenery as it were.
The room chosen was much the same as what Riddle used. Large and open, a dressing area in one corner and in the center a long, raised platform. Despite doing his best to sneak in and stay in the background Serena noticed his presence almost immediately and look as if she were going to approach him when someone beat her to it.
"Ah Harry there you are! I see you decided to attend the first meeting of my personal dueling club. Clearly, you've heard of my renowned skill in the art."
The boy-who-lived just managed not to roll his eyes at the fraud, but it took effort akin to resisting the Imperius Curse. "Just wondering what the difference in clubs would be." He responded, loud enough for the others to hear, loud enough for more than a few of them to squirm a bit.
Good
Still, Lockhart was their typical ridiculous self, including the 'costume' she had chosen to wear and an over-the-top grin. "I can guarantee you that anything taught in the other will be easily outshined by what you will learn here, under my tutelage."
Harry could almost guarantee that was a boldfaced lie, but other things were different so maybe it wouldn't hurt to give them the benefit of the doubt. He remembered that Snape was skilled in his own world, but also wasn't as awful deep down.
Before he could consider the benefits and drawbacks any further, the cheerful woman had made her way back towards the dueling platform. "Gather around children, don't be shy. I think a demonstration will be just the sort of thing to clear up any lingering concerns hm? Now normally I would not stoop to humbling a fellow instructor in such a public display but if you would be so kind as to have a bit of a spar with me, Professor Snape."
Said woman merely glared before giving a curt nod and taking her place on the opposing end. As in his own timeline Harry watched the two bow, before taking up their dueling stances. Now, however, things were different. The boy-who-lived wasn't some naïve second year anymore, he had dueled against trained wizards and witches, received proper instructions, lived through hell.
Lockhart's stance wasn't just untrained, it was bordering on foolish for the one using it. Her center of gravity was off, and a badly received spell could easily result in a sprain or worse. Snape's, naturally, was more efficient, but still lacked the edge that Grace had instructed him on.
How different two people who claimed the same skills could be.
The challenger struck first, as usual, and just as before the flash of light was dispersed without so much as a flicker of annoyance from the Potion's mistress. She retaliated brutally, and the spell earned winces from several of those in attendance as well as a resounding crack of at least the newest professor's pride, if not a few bones.
With her opponent obviously defeated, and currently sprawled out on the platform, Snape's posture straightened, a look of smug superiority mixed with pride appearing on her face as her gaze was cast out over the room and those watching.
Then, it lingered. Harry blinked in confusion as she stared straight at him, almost in expectation. Did she want something? Was she expecting applause?
In that moment the wizard made a startling realization. She thought her 'victory' would earn his favor or respect. When he took more than a moment to think about it such a thing made sense. Didn't men show off to 'prove themselves' to women where he had originated? Hadn't Dudley more than once gloated over beating up a small kid when there were cute girls nearby?
It made him frown in disgust before he turned and left the stunned silence behind.
***HP:O ***
A soft knock earned an automatic reply from the woman grading papers. The moment he entered the room Grace nearly froze in surprise. True, she had known that Harry did seem to support her, chose to eat with her, and at least openly claimed to be on her side, but with all the evidence pointing towards her guilt…
She wouldn't have blamed him in the slightest if he chose to distance himself. Yet here he was, entering her living quarters and closing the door behind him.
"How are you?"
Riddle stared for a moment, before letting out a slight chuckle, "I'm doing well, how has school been for you. I trust your classes are still as easy as you remember?"
This time it was Harry who stared back, eyes piercing through her in a way few others could manage. "You don't need to be fine you know. With all the crap going on I would understand if you were upset."
Letting out a sigh, the woman fully turned towards him. "I'm not upset Harry. Disappointed sure, but not angry. They are children in a situation they do not understand and that is terrifying to them. They are latching on to any information and hint of safety from whoever may offer it to them. Snape is that person, so if they feel safer with her then I certainly do not blame them."
"I thought Slytherin was supposed to be a house of unity, of cunning."
A smile tugged at her lips, "It is also a house of manipulation and rumors. If you think they will not abandon their own for the promise of safety or success you will be very disappointed."
He crossed his arms with a huff, "Sounds like another reason I shouldn't have been sorted into this House."
"Not everyone has chosen to switch sides," she noted with hint of mirth in her voice. "Just as many have chosen to think for themselves and believe in my innocence… just like you."
The last part was said with slight uncertainty, as if she still wasn't quite sure. Harry replied with a roll of his eyes, "Do you really think I would be here if I thought you were behind all this?"
She gave a very Muggle-like shrug. "You were intent on proving I was 'evil' last year, if you recall."
An odd look passed over his face, so many emotions contained within it was hard for her to count them all. "Let's just say I've learned a lot since then."
"And how much did you learn in Snape's club?"
He flinched, despite there being no anger or even disappointment in her voice. "You know about that huh?" The woman hummed in agreement, and he let out a sigh, "I'm not dropping out of yours you know. I was more curious about the differences and what the two thought they could teach that you couldn't."
"Two?"
This question earned a snort, "Lockhart thinks of herself as a dueling expert now. Well probably not anymore since Snape dropped her arse in front of the entire room, but up until then."
Riddle nodded in understanding, attention going back to shifting between her work and her guest. "I imagine that must have been quite the sight, having her stand up for you."
The room fell silent, and after any lack of response on his part the woman glanced back towards the boy, only to blink in confusion at his expression.
Disappointment
"Do you really think that's what it takes to get on my good side? Hurting someone who was a bit of a creep?" There was a certain vulnerability in his tone, one that left her prior activity forgotten as she stood in an instant.
"Harry…"
But he was already shaking his head and taking a step back, "After everything we've talked about, everything I've told you in confidence. All the secrets I've shared, my past… you still think I care more about someone looking tough and stupid posturing?"
Realization slapped her in the face and the woman's expression melted into that of remorse. "You're right, I'm sorry." She nearly whispered. "I shouldn't have said that. I can get a bit jealous at times and it has the bad habit of loosening my tongue to make thoughtless comments."
Another moment passed before he nodded, "I should have told you why I was there before I went. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, I didn't mean to do so."
His apology earned a soft laugh, "There is nothing to apologize for Harry. As your professor and mentor, it is my job to encourage your growth, even if it means seeking out others who can better aid you, others who I might not prefer the company of."
"Well, you have nothing to worry about in that regard." He replied, before taking a few steps and sitting down on the edge of her bed, oddly comfortable in her living quarters. "The differences between you three are obvious and you are without a doubt the better duelist."
That single statement earned the warmest smile he had seen from her in over a week.
***HP:O ***
He knew, he knew from the moment he entered the common room in the morning, knew based on the postures of those already awake, knew based on the angry, almost accusing glares on many of their faces.
There had been another attack, and it had been a Slytherin.
***HP:O ***
Previous Name**************New Name
Tom Riddle*****************Grace Riddle
Albus Dumbledore***********Augustina Dumbledore
Draco Malfoy***************Cleopatra (Cleo) Malfoy
-*************************Harriet Potter
-*************************Amaryllis (Amy) Potter
-*************************Pandora Malfoy
Blaise Zabini****************Bliss Zabini
Theodore Nott**************Theresa Nott
Severus Snape**************Serena Snape
-*************************Marie Rosier
Percy Weasley**************Paisley Weasley
Bill Weasley****************Billie Weasley
Charlie Weasley*************Charlene Weasley
Fred Weasley***************Frankie Weasley
George Weasley*************Georgie Weasley
Remus Lupin***************Remi Lupin
-************************Sylvie Rosier
Gilderoy Lockhart**********Gordana Lockhart
Oliver Wood***************Olivia Wood
Marcus Flint***************Marcia Flint