A/N: This chapter is gonna be sooo f*cking long.

Riddles

By: ME! Monsoon

Chapter 13: Drunken Days

"Get up! You'll be late!"

"Five more minutes mom," I mumbled into the pillow.

"I'm not your mother. I'm Nephiro, your roommate and you're going to be late!" She kicked my legs to wake me up. I cracked open one eyelid and glared up at her.

"How did you get so tall?" I asked groggily.

"Since you decided to sleep on the floor. I don't know how you managed it but you were sleeping on the floor for about half the night. Woke me up when you fell, but you didn't even get fazed by it." She nudged my shin again and headed out for the common room.

I pushed myself off the floor and looked around, dazed and confused. (A/N: hehe good movie) Gremlin and Killer looked own at me from the bed.

"Have a nice sleep?" Killer asked laughing.

"Shut up," and I threw the pillow at him.

I paid attention for all my morning classes. I even took good notes! Something was driving me, giving me energy. But by the end of lunch it was gone. I don't know why but it was. I tried to recall that source but that too had vanished.

Discouraged now, I went to back to the common room, skipping classes again. I amused myself with stealing people's alcohol practically everyone had some. I was unable to find Nephiro's stash though, that discouraged me even more.

I wound up back in the common room taking a swig from someone's Firewhiskey. I sat down on the couch and drank away all my depression and anger. It was a while before the outside world came into the Slytherin house. I was able to vaguely recognize the tall form as Professor Snape.

"Ell love. 'Ow are you?"

"RILEE!" I tried to stand up and fell over grinning. I was soo wasted.

The next day I woke up in the Hospital Wing with one truly fucked up hangover.
"You will have the day to get sober. Do NOT do this again Miss Riddle. For I do not like to take points from my own House! Your detention will take place next Friday." Snape left with a whirl of his cloak. I stuck my tongue out at him. "Idiot" I muttered.

'Man I really don't want detentions on Fridays. They end up making the weekends suck.'

For a week I attended all of my classes as planned. I wasn't planning on racking up another detention. On Wednesday of that week McGonagall, Snape, and Dumbledore showed me the new archery room. It was placed down in the dungeons and the only magic that could be used was for unlocking and locking the door. Over the summer break they said that they would try to soundproof the room, they were unable to do it now for certain reasons. I don't mind the wait, I still have the room to use.

I waited until Thursday to try it out. I felt like the day went too slow for me. I rushed through everything, homework, class, lunch. I barely breathed. On my way to Potions I passed the sealed room and couldn't wait any longer.

Making sure no one was watching me, I slipped into the room and beamed. It was perfect. The walls had two torches each and a target for archery was set up near the far end of the room. I dropped my bag and spun around. I could hide from anyone in here. No one knew I was here. Not a single soul. Well, Dumbledore and the other teachers don't count.

'I could start my archery now, every Slytherin has a class at the moment and no one will see me in the halls. I could grab my bow and practice! Hehehehe, I could practice right under Snape's nose. It's funny cause I'm supposed to be in his class right now. Hehehehe, oh yes . . .'

Smirking, I slipped out the door and tiptoed through the halls to the common room. I almost made it, I was just past the door to the Potions room when it opened and Snape walked into the hall.

"Miss Riddle, how nice of you to join us this afternoon. Please come in and take a seat," he said with false happiness. I growled and marched back to the class.

"Next Wednesday Rilee. Detention," he whispered in my ear before I headed to take my seat.

'Damn.'

My first detention was in Snape's dungeon, at eight o'clock, writing lines, on every chalkboard he owned.

"Can't I just write them on paper?" I complained, hand aching from too many words. "Or at least a different line to write? 'Snape is the greatest' is not very fun." He looked up from the papers he was grading and glared.

"No you can't write them on paper. As for a different line? What exactly did you have in mind?"

"I don't know, maybe something in parsletongue. It's harder to write that way."

He eyed me curiously, and got up. "Yes, your Parsletongue trait. I've been meaning to speak with you about that. It seems that you threatened Ms. Zabini and Ms. Parkins in parsletongue sometime last week." He leaned on a blank chalkboard surface and looked at me intently. "Did you?"

My blood rose to my face in anger. "I did no such thing! Yes I spoke in Parsletongue but no one but Potter would have understood what I said. I did not threaten either of them. What they said was a lie!" Okay, so I was the one lying, but I kept being blamed for things I didn't do. How could they have known I was threatening them? I could have been saying how horrid her hair was, or how much I didn't want to become their friend.

Severus sighed and rolled his eyes. "Alright Riddle, no more questions." He glanced at the time and waved his hand. "Just go, you are annoying me. Remember, next Wednesday you have another detention. And I don't want to here about you skipping classes until after that date! Understand?"

I rushed to the door yelling over my shoulder, "Sure thing Snape, will do."

When I walked into the dungeon on Wednesday, Snape was sitting at his desk writing. Potter, Sarah the dumb blonde Gryffindor, Nephiro, Draco and Emi were cleaning cauldrons. With Potter there I had to be on guard. I had to talk with Snape first then.
"Professor Snape?" I said quietly. He looked up and smirked.
"So you decided to show did you?"
I glared but held my snide comment. "Professor Dumbledore asked me to stay away from Potter sir. So could I have my detention some other night? Maybe writing lines or something?"
"Get working Rilee!" Grumbling I looked around the room. I couldn't believe I had to have detention with Harry and Sara. I could handle the rest but gods why those two? I began on a cauldron next to Draco and kept quiet. I hated cleaning and I hated Potter. Maybe I could kill him with cleaning products . . .
I was thinking of different ways to do it when Sarah's voice rang through my thoughts. "So, let's all exchange stories."
"Let's not," I whispered. Only Draco heard me and muffled a laugh.
Nephiro went first stating, "I got to push Potter into a lake." I laughed with the others and before I could stop myself I said,
"That's something that I've wanted to do since I was little." They glanced at me. "What? It's true." I glared at Potter before taking up the sponge again.
"Why are you here Rilee?" Draco asked.
"I got drunk."
He laughed. "Like the sorting night?"
"Better," I replied smiling at him. Snape yelled at us to start cleaning again and went back to work.
"How'd you get those streaks to stay so bright, Rilee?" the dumb blonde asked. I thought about giving the truth or lying. I decided on the truth with a bit of omission.
"Back at my old school, my two best friends Jenna and Karasu were playing . . . well experimenting and voila. When I went back home for the holidays the Malfoys had a fit." I smiled to myself. Half truth half lie.
"The Malfoys? You live with Draco?" Emi asked shocked.
"Unfortunately," we muttered at the same time. We laughed, thinking it was about her she spoke again. "What?"
"Yeah, I live with Draco." I smirked at her in a mocking way. Let her think what she wants. This was rather fun.
Draco of course went to save his ass. "Calm down Emi! She said she lives with me, not dating me!"
"Okay, ew," I said.
"That's nice Rilee. Now listen, Rilee's father left her in the care of my family. She's like a sister and nothing more!" My eyes formed slits and I glared at Draco. He had the nerve to mention my father. My moment of fun was over. Nothing could make it worse.
"Malfoy, Black, Riddle. Get back to work!" Snape called.
"Riddle?" Harry questioned.
"RIDDLE!" Emi yelled. 'How does she know?'
"FUCK!" I dropped the dead animal and stood up. I guess I was wrong, this could get worse.
Draco stood up, concern in his eyes. He knew what I could do when pissed. "Rilee, sit!" I crashed like my old computer.
"Sit!? You're telling me to sit!" I punched the closest thing, a desk. It broke the flesh around my knuckles and Sarah reached over to look at my hand. I pulled away and stepped back from the others. "Don't fucking touch me!"
Severus stepped up beside me and smirked. He placed a hand on my shoulder and I felt a jolt of excitement and anger. I could flip him over my shoulder if I felt like it and I was definitely feeling like it. He had Draco sit down and tried calming me down. "Now, we need to relax Miss Riddle. Killing people won't do any good."
"What do you know," I grumbled. I gave a half-hearted shrug knocking his hand from my shoulder. Closing my eyes I counted to ten both ways forward and backward. Opening and closing my fists, causing more blood to flow. When I opened my eyes again, I grabbed the cauldron and sponge and brought it to a corner where I wouldn't be disturbed.
Snape eyed me one last time then walked back to his desk. I heard Nephiro speak up.
"Are you three planning on explaining that to us?"
"Not exactly," Draco replied. Once more he brought my father into conversation. "Rilee's father is a . . . ah wanted criminal. He entrusted his daughter with my parents."
I growled.
"Not just any criminal Malfoy!" Potter said. I listened intently. "Riddle is Lor-" I yelled loudly. I had gotten careless and got soap in my wound. Wrapping my hand in my robes I rocked back and forth in pain.
"Miss Riddle. Go see Madame Pomfrey now. The rest of you detention is over." He sounded rather bored. 'Nice to know you care bastard.' I rushed out of the room and hurried to the hospital wing. Usually I didn't bother with minor wounds but this burned like hell.
"Madame Pomfrey," I called pushing open the door. She bustled over, looked at me and relaxed.
"What now Rilee?"
"Oh gee thanks," I said sarcastically. She smiled. I was here too often. "My knuckles have decided to bleed."
She shook her head and sighed. "What did you do? Hit young Mr. Malfoy?"
"I wish. I uh, got kinda angry in detention and hit a desk." I gave a half smile and sat down on a bed. She went to grab some salve and bandages. When she came back, the salve was cold and soothing, taking the sting out. Wrapping it in the white bandages she patted my hand. I looked up at her confused.
"What, no magic?"
"Not this time. It's such a minor wound and your body should learn to heal itself. I have a feeling that your body will undergo some very drastic injuries through your adolescence. Time to start healing now."
"What do you mean?" She only smiled and walked away placing things back in their rightful spots. "Come on, what -" I was cut off by the door opening. Emi walked in cuddling her hand to her chest. Pomfrey hurried over to her and took hold of her hand.
"What happened Miss Black?"
She looked away and softly replied, "A couple of my fingers are broke."
"What on Earth did you do?" the nurse cried looking over the broken fingers.
"I um . . . hit it against a wall."
'It's not nice to lie Black,' I thought evilly. That was a real convincing lie. I rolled my eyes in disgust.
"Children these days. Take a seat next to Rilee and I'll be right back." Emi sat down next to me silently.
"So what happened Emi?" It was a true question enough, I was actually showing some emotion toward another being with out it being hatred. Although, it was more curiosity than . . . um . . . that other feeling that I can't think of. I was pretty sure who had done it but I wanted to be sure.
"I . . . " when she trailed off I was positive. Now to show that I know.
Smirking I explained both to Emi, and myself even if she did know who did it. "Well, it couldn't have been Draco, he would touch his perfect little butterfly. Potter's too stupid. Let's see who's left? Nephiro? Nah, she wouldn't do that. Sweets? Too blonde. I wonder who would have that amount of power . . . Only people I can think of that would be down in the dungeons would be Slytherins."
"That's a no brainer."
"Shuddup. I was being sarcastic you dork. Now, the only other Slytherin that would be wandering the hallway is Mr. Prefect himself - Zandyr. And if I'm not mistaken, Nephiro said he was quite strong." I glanced over at her, a smirk permanently planted on my face.
After a pause she replied. "Are you hinting that my own brother did this?"
"Of course not - I'm telling you he did this. Why hint when I know?"
'I just don't know why he did it.'
"Well . . ." Pomfrey came back in cutting her off. She told me I could go back to my house and I got up. "Rilee -" Emi's voice rang in my ears. "Don't say anything." I nodded and left through the door.

I was now at a large problem. On the one hand, I had made a promise and I don't break promises. On the other, Emi isn't really my friend.
'But she could be. You are just too afraid. You're afraid that you'll loose another friend if you befriend her. She might not be like the rest. Maybe she wishes to live, not die. Maybe she takes life in good stride.
The others were afraid of life and afraid of death. Their lives were full of pain and suffering. Her's might not be. Even if her's is, she might not believe death is an answer. '
I shook my head. There were too many "ifs, maybes, and might's" in that. The voice had certainly nailed it though. I was afraid of really befriending some one new. Emi in particular. I knew she walked the razor edge too afraid to cut or commit but wishing it to happen. 'She's just as torn as I am.'
I took a deep breath and walked into the Slytherin common room. It was nearing ten now and not many were still up. I shocked me since usually many were still up. Draco sat in one of the couches, back to me.
I bit my lip and sighed. I suppose he needed an apology. I had been an ass to him since we arrived. And tonight I had yelled at him for no real reason. I was just being an all around ass to everyone.
I walked up behind him and climbed over the back, plopping down next to him. He looked at me startled.
"Rilee . . . I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have brought your father into he conversation. It was . . . uncalled for."
I paused, this was going to be hard. I never really apologized to anyone before. At least not recently. "Look, I have something to say and it's gonna be hard." I took a deep breath before continuing. "I know I've been an ass lately. Ever since we got here really. I just want to say, well . . . I'm sorry. I shouldn't take my anger for my father out on others and you in particular. We grew up together, you're more like a brother than anything else. We once had the strongest friendship possible. I . . . just want that back."
He stared at me. The heat was rising in my face, this was now awkward. I rubbed the back of my neck, blushing. The last time I had talked that way to anyone was back at Fyremoth. It was just before I had my first kiss stolen. Only then I was talking about how good a friend Mercutio was to him.
"Rilee . . . I wasn't allowed to write to you these past two years. Mother said you wouldn't write back so what was the point. I don't know why, but I believed her. I'm sorry." He was blushing too. We had never really talked this way toward each other.
"Oh . . . well, then I guess . . . I'll see you tomorrow then." Quickly I got up and headed off to my dorm. I passed Zandyr on the way and growled at him. Emi's problem was still in my mind so was what he had done.
That night I tossed and turned. Images of Emi, Draco, and myself flooded my mind. Emi was bleeding from a huge gash in her stomach, insides now falling to become outsides. Draco was being beaten continually, face pleading and bleeding. His attacker - his own father. Myself, well I don't want you to know. Let's just say it would make many blush, puke, or get very angered.
Several times I awoke to find myself soaked in sweat. I changed into different clothing at least three times. Gremlin wouldn't even sleep on my bed. His eyes were wide and staring. He was nervous, which made me nervous. Killer flew about above the bed apprehensive as well. After what seemed like the fifth time, I sat in bed and rocked back and forth. Too scared to go to bed, frightened of any remaining dreams.

Notes: Yes, more dreams. Nightmares are what fuel her into action later on in the story. The plot for this story is interesting since it deals with many social and emotional issues. Just wait, the story takes a drastic turn soon. Very drastic . . .

Rilee: "What the hell are you doing!?!?! Don't tell them that!!"

Monsoon: "Well, they need a reason to keep reading. Besides I'm tired of Smack and Neppy knowing everything in advance. They didn't know about this. It's the actual plot for the story. Go eat a toad if you don't like the way I'm taking your story."

Rilee: *grumbles and goes to room*

Jenna: "Are we gonna have dinner or what? It's like 10:05 and I'm hungry. You never fed us and the children in the neighborhood are no longer out. I need food Monsoon. Feed me."

Monsoon: *rolls eyes* Whatever Jenna.

Word count: 3306

Page count: 6