Previously on A Riddle With Another Name 15: Three Wizards Two Perspectives
Dumbledore couldn't believe what he was hearing. Dippet and Slughorn were laying all the blame on Malfoy. He began to protest but the Headmaster growled at him.
"Enough Albus enough. I want this finished."
/*/
Dumbledore could see the arrogant smirk which had suddenly appeared on Riddle's face. The bloody lout looked energized. His best champion had gone to bat for him and it looked like Riddle would be getting away with attempted murder by hexing.
Tom glanced over at Dumbledore as Dumbledore was glancing at him. The case wasn't closed yet, but it might as well be. Old Sluggy had done a magnificent job of turning the guilt away from him. Tom was just itching for this entire shite show to be over so he could send a very large packet of sugared pineapple to his most fervent supporter.
As he sat there listening to Malfoy verbally fall on his sword, Tom suddenly felt as though something was crawling around in his head. As he gave his head a twist back and forth, Tom noticed Dumbledore had his right hand pointed directly at him.
Dumbledore nodded in Riddle's direction offering a few softly spoken words. "Feeling vindicated Tom? Keep thinking you're ahead in the game. The finish may not be what you think."
Never one to pass up a chance to be arrogant and sarcastic, Tom replied to Dumbledore. "But, only one of us is guilty sir. Professor Slughorn said so."
Dumbledore gave Tom a wide smile before turning back to listen to Malfoy speak. "We'll see Tom. We'll see."
/
/
A Riddle With Another Name 16: Conflicts
Tom Riddle now felt completely at ease while Abraxas Malfoy sat trembling with visions of being shunted off to some forsaken place like Durmstrang running through his head. The two Slytherins sat there and sat there some more as the Headmaster, Dumbledore and Professor Slughorn continued discussing the situation among themselves. Although he and Malfoy were out of earshot of the three wizards, it was clear that Dumbledore appeared to be losing. Tom's well placed smirk showed he expected to come out of this mess with nothing more than a slap across the hand. He was confident enough to whisper to Abraxas.
"You stupid piece of shite. Can't do anything right. You've bollixed this all up and gotten me in trouble. However, unlike me, you will probably expelled. Say hello to Krum when you land at Durmstrang."
Tom continued whispering and threatening dire consequences in his ear. Abraxas lowered his eyes to his lap and kept them there. If, and it was a very weak if, he came out of this unscathed, he would be the outcast in the Slytherin Dorms. That's if Tom allowed him back in the dorms. His master was powerfully persuasive. Abraxas knew he was only tolerated by Tom and his squad because of his father's position and wealth. There wouldn't be even one Slytherin who would willingly stand with him or offer support. He sighed realizing Tom had probably chosen him to go after Glover in case anything went wrong. He was disposable. Not only was he disposable, he was doomed as well.
/*/
Although it seemed as though Dumbledore, Headmaster and Slughorn had been conversing for hours, in reality it had taken them only forty minutes to come to a meeting of the minds. At least, two meeting of the minds. Dumbledore was raging inside. Dippet and Slughorn felt since the event was over and done and Zachary Glover was in one piece, they could set reasonable punishments. He had wanted to argue facts, but the Headmaster shut him down with one whispered word. Hagrid.
Dumbledore went silent because the Headmaster was right about his interaction with their groundskeeper. He had gone to bat for the overly large wizard in his time of need and had been glad to do it.
Still!
Reasonable punishments? Reasonable punishments? The words swirled around Dumbledore's head. A First Year had almost lost his life. However, according to the Headmaster and Horace, almost was the key word. Zachary Glover was alive and well. There was nothing to be gained by expelling either Riddle or Malfoy. They did agree because it was Malfoy's hand he would receive the harshest punishment.
Dumbledore was still raging inside. The bloody, little bastard was getting away with another thing. Although thankful there would be punishment for both Riddle and Malfoy, he was thinking dangerous thoughts as he listened to Armando and Horace spout what he considered rubbish.
Because he was the attacker, Abraxas Malfoy:
would have meals and free time separate from his fellow Slytherins;
would take all classes with Second Years;
would make up normal Sixth year work before end of school year;
wouldn't have a free period for the next three months;
would have to spend Saturday mornings and afternoons in detentions with Dumbledore;
would not participate in any Hogsmeade trips:
Because he was accused instigator but not the attacker, Tom Riddle:
would have meals and free time separate from his fellow Slytherins;
wouldn't have a free period for the next three months;
would have to spend Saturday mornings and afternoons in detentions with Dumbledore;
would not participate in any Hogsmeade trips;
would lose his Prefect position for the year:
There was some discussion on whether Tom and Abraxas should apologize to Zach Glover in person. The idea was hastily discarded as Dippet and Slughorn decided the less said about the foul matter, the faster everyone could move on.
"RIDICULOUS," shouted Dumbledore, jumping out of his chair. "What message does this send for the next student who wants to attack a student? What does it say about the leadership at Hogwarts? What…..?"
Breathing hard, the Headmaster jumped up right along with Dumbledore and met raised voice with raised voice. "ENOUGH ALBUS! We are not trying to rid ourselves of some Boggart and I do not care for your insinuations. The leadership at Hogwarts does not have to explain itself to the Transfiguration Professor. You've brought your case forward and it has been dealt with. The only thing I care to hear at this point is yes Headmaster."
Dumbledore turned bright red but held his tongue.
Horace trembled at the tension in the room fearing his relationship with Albus might be in tatters.
Tom Riddle smirked. Dumbledore the Great had been taken down a peg or two. In addition, he could complete the piddling punishment standing on his head. The worst of it was losing his Prefect position. However, he would still be the master of Slytherin House. He would still have his minions. All Dumbledore's posturing had come to basically nothing. Additionally, Professor Slughorn hadn't failed him. There was definitely a large box of crystallized pineapple in the Potions Professor's future.
Abraxas Malfoy let out small sighs of relief. Although his punishment was rough, it was not intolerable. He hadn't been expelled. Best of all with all the bickering among the Headmaster, Professor Slughorn and Dumbledore, he hadn't had to turn on Tom. So he wouldn't be able to interact with his housemates; so he'd have to take all classes with Second Years; so he wouldn't have a free period for the next three months; so he'd have to spend Saturday mornings and afternoons in detentions with Dumbledore; so he'd lost the privilege of going to Hogsmeade. So, so, so. It all paled beside the fact he hadn't turned on Tom and would still be welcome in the Slytherin dorms and neither he nor Tom had been expelled. For a brief second, Abraxas allowed himself a small smile which disappeared as Headmaster Dippet had begun to sum up.
/*/
The summing up hadn't taken all that long. In fact, Headmaster Dippet made one of his shorter statements before having everything read into a memory record. After that was done, a wand transcript was generated and gone over line by line.
Under Dumbledore's withering stare, a somewhat flustered looking Armando Dippet cautioned Tom and Abraxas that the penalty for not following through on the stated edicts would be expulsion from Hogwarts.
"Do you understand what has transpired here and what is required of you?" Asked the Headmaster.
"Yes sir." Abraxas quickly replied. "Thank you sir."
With a smarmy manner and an insolent wave of his hand, Tom replied as well. "Although I am innocent of these charges Headmaster, I understand it is in my best interest to comply. Who will take over my Prefect duties?"
Even as Tom's staunchest supporter, Horace grimaced over his audacity. No one had asked for a soliloquy or a discussion on who would be Prefect. Sometimes Tom went too far.
Without realizing he and Horace were on the same page, the Headmaster couldn't help responding to what seemed like Tom Riddle's cheek.
"DO NOT OVERSTEP MR. RIDDLE! It is not up to you to comment on anything other than your punishments. It certainly isn't your business who will take over the Prefect duties. Everything has been sorted. The punishments for you and Mr. Malfoy begin as soon as you step out of this office. Any and all questions or inquiries in this matter should be directed to Professor Dumbledore. One more thing. If anything, and I do mean anything, happens to young mister Glover there will be a different conversation. Have I made myself clear?"
"Perfectly clear Headmaster." Tom answered, rising from the chair.
"It's clear sir." Abraxas softly replied as he too rose from the chair.
"Good. We are finished here. Get about your business."
As Tom and Abraxas moved towards the door, Horace stood very happy the matter had been resolved. He made a move towards Dumbledore but the look on the Transfiguration Professor's face caused him to turn on his heel and head to the door as well.
Dumbledore was beyond rage. He had been out maneuvered. The rage wasn't over being out maneuvered. He'd been out maneuvered before. The rage was over being out maneuvered for a cunning, little bastard like Riddle. The despicable wizard had instigated a heinous thing and received nothing more than what amounted to a slap on the wrist. He'd be back holding court in the Slytherin dorms within the hour.
Without a word to or a look at the Headmaster, Dumbledore stiffly strode toward the door.
"A word Albus. Let's not have this come between us."
Turning to glare at the Headmaster, Dumbledore growled out a reply. "Why would you want a word with me now after discarding the words I tried to put forth earlier? If you want words Armando, talk to yourself. I have punishments to see to."
Headmaster Dippet leaned back in his chair letting out a dispirited sigh wishing he could have handled the matter differently. However, for the sake of Hogwarts good name, he'd done what he had to do. Dumbledore would come around, but, for now, Dippet intended to give his Transfiguration Professor a wide berth.
/*/
Tom didn't say anything to Abraxas as he passed except he would see him in the dorms in five minutes. Abraxas didn't even have a chance to reply before his infuriated Master was out of sight. Knowing he was in for a tongue lashing or possibly a hexing, Abraxas hurried along not wanting to make Tom any angrier than what he was. Abraxas Malfoy still couldn't make sense of it all. He'd attacked a miserable Gryffindor that all of the top Slytherins hated. But why had he? It was all mumbo jumbo.
The worried Slytherin began mumbling. "I was so frightened over the entire matter I could only suss out Tom is being blamed as well."
Then it clicked. Whether it was some piece of memory sliding into place or he'd had an epiphany, Abraxas suddenly remembered Tom sending him to kill or seriously maim Glover. It was like a load had lifted from his shoulders. His Master had called on him for a favor which he'd done. However, he had somehow fouled up and his deed uncovered. Now he was really worried. Not only had he bollixed up the task he had gotten Tom involved as well. Abraxas now knew there was no saving himself. He would be lucky if Tom let him live. With as much as there was going on, a stupid remark fell from his lips.
"I'm going to miss lunch."
A resigned Abraxas hurried towards the Slytherin Dorms to take his punishment and probably not get to have lunch.
/*/
It was Friday afternoon. Lunch was winding down for the three compadres who were softly discussing what they should do until time for their punishment.
"Let's go back to the courtyard." Aiden suggested.
Glancing over at the Ravenclaw table, Trevor suggested they remain seated a few more minutes. Glancing in the same direction, Zach teased his mate.
"Yes Aiden. Let's sit here a few more minutes. Perhaps the rest of the Dominators will pass by and we can follow them out."
A small line of pink appeared across Trevor's nose as he stuffed a last piece of pie into his mouth. After he had thoroughly chewed and swallowed the piece of pie, he gave Zach a thump on the arm, and a cheeky response surrounded by air quotes. "If I were you Zach, I wouldn't worry about the Dominators I'd worry about Dominator Mary who seems to have taken a liking to the outlaw known as Zachary Glover."
Both Zach and Aiden burst out laughing which brought undue attention from their mentors. Before they even finished laughing, Jackson was standing over them.
"Going to make a day of sitting at the lunch table? All three of you have appointments this evening. If you don't want to get out in the fresh air, I suggest you go put your eyes in some books rather than sit here and act like fools. Do it now."
Dominators forgotten, Zach, Aiden and Trevor scrambled. Grabbing their belongings, they walked double time out of the Great Hall into the afternoon sunshine.
"You all laugh too loud," muttered Trevor once they reached the courtyard. "It wasn't that funny."
"Oh come on Trev. It was funny. You called her Dominator Mary."
All three mates looked at each other before breaking out in another bout of loud laughter. They laughed again although with a lot more restraint when they looked up to see Dominator Eileen and Dominator Mary coming across the courtyard.
Aiden got in one last whispered sentence. "Yup. Dominator Mary has found you interesting. The three young wizards sat on the courtyard wall with their best smiles in place as they waited for the club members to arrive.
/*/
Dumbledore sat mute as Horace continued knocking on his door.
"Albus. I'd like to speak to you."
Dumbledore sat staring at the door.
"Albus please." Horace entreated. "We must discuss this matter."
Dumbledore didn't even bother telling Horace to go away. He simply ignored the knocking. This wasn't a good time for Horace to try to fill his ears with excuses. He'd gotten his miserable, little miscreant off with a slap on the hand. For the moment, Albus didn't have anything to say to the Potions Master. Dumbledore knew he was being a petulant arse, but what of it? He wasn't under any mandate to hold a discussion if he chose not to.
Finally Horace stopped knocking and walked away.
"We'll talk when I'm ready Horace not before."
/*/
Although it was supposedly a closed subject, the decisions made regarding Tom Riddle and Abraxas Malfoy had set Dumbledore's teeth on edge. He hadn't been this worked up since Tom Riddle (again) accused Hagrid of letting a monster into the castle which resulted in the death of Moaning Myrtle. Dumbledore had failed then too. Hagrid had been expelled from Hogwarts. This thought enraged the already enraged wizard even more. As wise as he professed himself to be, the truth is he had been outdone by Riddle twice. Right then and there Dumbledore promised himself there wouldn't be a third time.
Dumbledore was in such a state even Fawkes was keeping his head safely ensconced in his feathers. When Dumbledore realized he was upsetting his most stalwart companion, he took two deep breaths in succession before calling out softly to his friend.
"My apologies Fawkes. I've had an extremely upsetting afternoon and you should not have to endure my bad mood." Approaching Fawkes, Dumbledore spoke in an even softer voice as he held his hands over his head. "Come friend. I'm free until 6:00 pm. Let's you and I have a quick getaway."
That was all Fawkes needed to hear. Extending his wings, he hovered over Dumbledore who simply raised his arms. Then they were off.
/*/
Jackson returned to his seat at the table to the sound of soft laughter.
"What did you say to the little outlaws? They lit out of here like their arses were on fire." Asked Butters with a smirk on his face.
"Nothing for you to worry about laddie. I too am going to excuse myself. The lovely Cecily has asked to have a walk around the Black Lake this afternoon and yours truly has acquiesced. I'll see you in the common room or back here for dinner depending on the length of our stroll."
"I'll see you whenever Mr. Lothario. I'm off to the Quidditch locker to check over the equipment."
With a wink in Jackson's direction, Butters offered a bit of sarcasm before walking away. "Today is Friday mate. Time for a bit of entertainment. Save your Quidditch check for tomorrow." With a dramatic sigh, Butters finished his thought. "Oh that's right. You'll be so busy tomorrow you won't have time for Quidditch. Funny how that works. See you later mates."
Bertie didn't do anything more than wave Butter off. "One of these days his mouth is going to get that boy in trouble."
Jackson laughed as he rose from the bench. "I'm going to have a bit of a lie in. I want to be fresh for my own walk around the Black Lake this evening." Leaning down, Jackson spoke in a soft whisper. "I know you have something on your mind. I'm hoping you aren't thinking about tracking down Malfoy alone. No good will come of it. We will get his bloody arse together. Understood?"
Bertie grinned at his mate. "Understood dad. I'm seriously going to the Quidditch office. I want a word with Madam Hooch. See you later."
"Later mate."
Bertie watched as Jackson left the Hall before gathering his belongings mumbling a private thought as he turned right instead of left. "What Jackson and Butters don't know won't hurt them. One quick turn through the Slytherin corridors won't hurt anyone."
/*/
Tom Riddle slammed his way into the Slytherin dorms and strode directly to his private quarters. He was fuming. The fucking dolt Malfoy had put him in the shite. It didn't matter he had instigated the attack against the Glover mutt. What mattered was the fact he had been dragged into the maelstrom at all. He was the Master, the heir yet he'd had to sit in front of a trio of fools for judgment. A-brax-as was going to pay dearly for his ineptitude. In another fit of fury, Tom drew his wand and swung it wide destroying several of his belongings. Then with a shake of his head, he shouted out the spell reversal so everything came back whole. Plopping down on the bed, the angry wizard fell back and closed his eyes imagining the punishment he would mete out to Malfoy.
/*/
In the common room, Avery and Nott were quietly discussing what they thought had upset their Master after watching him storm through the room. Since Malfoy was the only missing older Slytherin, they were sure he had something to do with Tom's mood. Just as Avery put forth another theory, Malfoy stepped through the door.
"Oi Malfoy." Nott called out. "You better not be the reason we're sitting here instead of the lunch table. I'm starving."
Malfoy glanced over at Avery, Nott and the others looking like some spooked Niffler caught with its paw in a purse. In an act of pure self defense, Malfoy chose not to respond. He was already in the shite with his Master. He wasn't about to bandy about any of his personal information.
Heading straight for Tom's quarters, Malfoy tried to steel himself for what was to come. Stepping up to the door, he raised his hand to knock but immediately found himself inside the room facing his still irate leader. Trying to be proactive, Malfoy began to apologize but Tom had other ideas.
"DO NOT PRESUME TO OPEN THAT FUCKING MOUTH!" He shouted before throwing up a Muffliato.
/*/
Avery and Nott glanced uneasily at each other having heard the shout before the Muffliato was engaged.
Avery sighed nodding at Nott. "Once again the dolt has done something which unfairly impacts the rest of us. If Tom doesn't kill him, I am going to hex the shite out of the mangy blighter."
Nott clapped his compadre on the back. "No need to worry Avery. As loudly as our Master was shouting, I think we've seen the last of Malfoy."
Avery rolled his eyes. "One can only hope. If Malfoy isn't out here in five minutes either alive or dead, I'm heading to the Great Hall for lunch. Consequences be damned. I didn't get to finish my breakfast and Malfoy is interfering with my lunch. One way or another I'll be teaching Malfoy the dolt not to interfere with my meals."
Nott wasn't impressed. "Pipe down Avery. We're all hungry. However, none of us is hungry enough to shout about it especially when Tom is in a foul mood. Have a cracker and shut that pie hole."
Avery didn't think twice. Raising his wand, he summoned several packets of crackers from his bedside table and just about stuffed them down his throat.
Across the room, Mulciber laughed out loud which elicited a hiss from Avery.
"Laugh it up Mulciber. You too Black. You'll be begging for some of these crackers when your backbone begins to meet your belly."
Mulciber and Black knew better than to irritate Tom's favorite wizard and immediately apologized. They were as hungry as Avery and wanted nothing more than to see their Master step out of his room to tell them they were released for lunch. At this particular point in time, hunger was overriding their fear of Tom's foul mood.