I have decided to revise these first few chapters that I have created in this story only because a few of the reviews that I have received seem to make me think it would be wise ... not sure what all to think about the Mary-Sue issue going on, because I don't understand the whole concept of the girl in the first place. Just to put all things out in the open (no anger involved, just thought I'd help out the people out there who can't decide much on their own) if you don't like a story---- don't read it. Unless of course you find pleasure in reading stories you don't like from the start, which I find a bit thick headed ... but if you do enjoy it, by all means, please do.
Anyway, I myself have found these first few chapters of mine haven't been as informative as I've wanted them to be, so therefore I make the decision to rewrite them in hopes of making it more ... gripping when other people as well as I read it...
So I present to you the newly rewritten first chapter (which I have also renamed) called First Glances. Anyone interested in the message behind the title will be happy to know that in the credits I will give you a reason to all of them (I'm a rambler, yes I know).
I hope that all of you that have followed this story along so far will accept my decision to rewrite it, as I only want to make it better.
Feel free to express your opinions by e-mailing or reviewing :)
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"Why do you push her so hard, Tom? She's just a little girl, she hasn't even started her first year at Hogwarts yet, and already your ripping her head off!" The woman yelled, her thin, weak body storming around the dark house, chocolate eyes burning with anger.
"She's weak to me, Rosa. You bore me only one child and yet you manage to bare me a useless girl with no backbone. I saw it in her eyes the day she was born, she'll turn out just like you did!" The man screamed back, his blue eyes so cold his wife could not bare to look at him, and felt the ice like gaze from across the room.
"You were never good to me, Tom Riddle, never once. You make me feel like I'm nothing, and I'm more then you'll ever be! At least I have a heart!" She fumed, hot tears of anger searing down her cheeks, and she pushed Tom's hand away when he reached out to her face in pity.
"You had heart when I met you, Tom ... but not anymore. I don't know who you are anymore," she whispered, letting her chestnut hair hide her face as she grabbed something that looked very much like a purse and slammed the door without another word. Tom stood there for a long time, only permitting one tear to flow down his left cheek, finally wiping it away when he heard tiny footsteps echoing down the hall.
"W-wheres mum?" A small voice asked innocently, stepping out of the shadows into a small patch of light that had slipped out from one of the curtains covering a window across the room, only casting a small sliver of sunlight onto a piece of her face. When her father didn't answer her, she stepped closer to him, reaching out one of her hands in comfort. Without a word she climbed up into his lap, and for once he did not object, letting her cling to him in pity, as if she knew what had happened. As if she knew everything was going to change, and not for the better.
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"You'll probably turn out to be a squib." Her father said, bringing her down from cloud nine. She glared at him,
"Shut up," The girl replied firmly, her looks looking strikingly like her mother's. She had the same chestnut hair, and chocolate brown eyes, but her stature was more like her father's, demeanor always hidden, her glare nearly as menacing as his. Whatever she tried, she could never get his approval. It was always just short of being good enough. She would never be good enough.
Before the feud could continue a scrawny, sharp-beaked owl with pointed ears flew in from who knows where, a large letter attached to one of his large, clawed feet. Smirking at Tom with the same look of triumph that he would've given her if he had been right, she waited tell the owl had seated itself before untying the string holding the letter.
"Ha!" She exclaimed in approval, looking over the letter again and again with a huge smile plastered on her face in spite of herself.
"Don't expect me to take you shopping." Tom growled, but she was too happy to care what he had to say.
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It was only when she had arrived in Diagon Alley by herself did she wish for a fleeting second that she had mum or maybe a kinder, gentler father who would help her shop for her things. Watching others with jealousy she erased the sadness from her eyes, the frown on her face wiping off with it.
She could do this, she could shop by herself. She had the list, she knew what she had to get, she didn't need anyone to help her. She'd show him-oh God, who was she kidding? She was terrified, so much for courage.
It felt like hours of just walking slowly around, not knowing what exactly she was supposed to do, scared out of her wits. Sitting down on a stool by what she supposed was some Wizarding bar, she started to doubt herself. Just as she began to believe everything that her father had said, that she wasn't good enough, that she was weak, that she was worthless trash, she heard footsteps coming towards her.
Not wanting to look behind her, only looking up from her fingers when the person sat on the stool next to her did she want to smile.
It was a boy sitting next to her, smooth blonde hair and a look of mischief dancing across his face, and eyes ... great blue ones. Before she could look away he noticed her glimpsing at him and smirked, handing out his hand in greeting,
"Lucius Malfoy," He said, as if expecting her to know who he was already. She smiled,
"Lesley Riddle, nice to meet you." She replied, a bit softly though her hand made up for her gentleness as she gripped it hard, causing his smirk to die down a bit. He tried not to make it apparent that she was literally crushing his hand and every bone inside of it.
Laughing a bit apprehensively he nodded her way, "First year, what about you?" . When he only got a nod in reply, he softened, "Alone too, then? I haven't gotten many of my supplies, C'mon, you look a bit lost. Unless of course you mind being around a stud..." He said, puffing out his small chest proudly.
She snorted, "Oh I don't mind all right, just wondering what stud your talking about." Lesley shot back, trying to keep a straight face as his face faltered.
"Yeah, yeah ... lets get a move on,"
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"Hey, that's not on the list," Lucius nodded towards the journal with what looked like dragon scales for a cover with a white feather quill tucked inside that she was holding.
"Stuff it, won't you?" She accused, stuffing it into one of her bags after purchasing it.
"Fine, fine, why not get me one while your at it?" He suggestively joked. He bit his tongue when she smiled expectantly at him,
"I already have," and tossed him a fluffy pink diary with (of course) a pink feathered quill to match. It took all her strength not to have a laughing fit in his face when he took it from her, rolling his eyes and pushing it to the very bottom of one of his own bags.
"Why do I get the diary?"
"Because it's manly,"
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Drinking a butterbeer, Lesley nearly cried out in shock when she realized the thing she was missing, "I don't have a wand!" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet and slamming the cup onto the table and grabbing her bags.
Lucius stared after her, "You've gotten everything else and it just happened to pass your mind that you needed a wand?" He asked, skeptically. She glared at him,
"Are you coming or not?"
"I think I'll stay-"
"Your coming." She snapped, grabbing his elbow and dragging him towards the rusty building that faintly read 'Wands' while the word before it was covered with so much dust it was impossible to distinguish what it said.
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"In need of a wand, I presume?" A slightly young man asked, seeming very out of place with the jumbled up boxes all over the place.
"Of course she does, are you that wrong in the head?" Lucius mocked, shutting up abruptly when Lesley hit him in the chest with one of her hands quite harshly, wearing a superficial smile.
"Yes, thank you," She said, overly softly, making Lucius want to gag.
"Follow me please." The man replied with an even larger smile, making Lucius wait outside of the room.
Defiantly he leaned against the corner of the wall, watching the two, rolling his eyes every few minutes.
"Here, try this, it's a Phoenix Holly, 9 inches." The man handed Lesley the wand, expectantly.
Lesley stared at him for a few minutes, holding the wand in her left hand, not knowing what she was supposed to do. Looking back at Lucius she nodded when he moved his hand in a motion, as if he were holding a wand. Doing so, she frowned a bit when nothing happened, but the man nodded as if knowingly, taking the wand and handing her another one.
After about fifthteen minutes, and going through who knows how many wands, the troubled young man clucked his tongue, finally handing her a random wand tiredly, "Unicorn Mahogany, 8 inches," His happy mood had long gone by then, and Lesley was frowning at herself, having more doubts. She could just imagine what her father would say if he found out she didn't have a wand- all thoughts washed away as she gaped at the wand in her hands, something was happening ... it tingled in her touch, it fit inside her hand like it had been made that way, it's silvery white color sparkling slightly, and she stared at it as white beads of sparks erupted from the tip of the wand. It caught Oliver by surprise, and she could see that he wanted to jump for joy in finally finding her a wand, to get her out of there. She was only too happy to comply.
"It's white," Lucius remarked as they walked out of the shop,
"better than pink-" Lesley shot back, stopping in place. Much as she wanted to, she could not permit her legs to work, they seemed rooted to the spot, wanting her to take a good look at something. There was a man, no, a boy that looked very ... handsome if you will, that was looking at her across the street.
He had magnificent great gray eyes, and raven black hair that sheltered full view of his face. If nothing else could be more surprising, he was looking right at her, right through her. All time had stopped, though only for a moment. She smiled a bit, looking away as Lucius tapped her on the shoulder, telling her to hurry up.
"What was that all about?" Lucius asked, though only mildly interested.
"I'm not sure," Lesley breathed, still smiling secretly to herself.
"Liar," Lucius insisted, only getting another punch in the chest, though this time it was softer, guiltier. My, my, my, this is going to be quite a year ... he thought to himself, and smiled slightly, knowing exactly why.
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"I'm not taking you," Tom Riddle said, acting thoroughly like a two year old.
"Just drop me off at the God damn station dad, that's all I'm asking you to do!" She said, furious that he was actually thinking of not sending her to Hogwarts. End of discussion.
"Don't even think of coming back for the holidays." Her father ordered, while she scoffed.
"I wouldn't dream of it." She reassured truthfully. He must really think I'm delusional, she thought to herself, why the hell would I even consider going home for the holidays? One of her infamous frowns overwhelmed her face, her brow furrowed, as if in deep thought, it was only expected when she bumped into someone, sending her bags everywhere, leaving her with the stupidest expression someone could make as she stood there, quite dumbfounded.
It took her a few moments to realize what had happened, and when she had, she bent down (in spite of her skirt, which didn't seem to like that very much and let it's end flip up, though she doubted anyone could see anything) to pick up her bags. Only looking up afterwards after she had muttered a quiet 'sorry' she ungracefully tucked two of her bags underneath her armpits, not liking the way the rough material rubbed against her skin but not daring to try and change it's position she stumbled off, muttering to herself.
When she looked back up at the boy walking away from her, she nearly dropped her luggage once more to reach a hand up and put over her mouth when she saw who he was. It had been him, there was no denying that, those gray eyes cast under that great hair was unmistakable. And she hadn't even bothered to say anything but a muffled sorry? Great, so now he thinks I'm a klutz, she frowned again, trying to put it further back in her mind. But she did look back a good dozen times before she decided that it had been him she had seen.
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Sitting in a deserted compartment Lesley threw her things into a seat, letting her thumb come up to her lips and unconsciously chewing on her fingernail. Lost in her own thoughts she didn't notice as the familiar blonde entered the compartment.
"Hey, haven't seen you in a while," Lucius said, finally nudging her reassuringly when he noticed that she hadn't been listening.
Without looking up she muttered "Hmm?" oblivious to the fact he was trying to get her attention. Finally ignoring that fact she was ignoring him he sat down right next to her.
That got her attention. Looking up with a snap, she glared for a whole second before she recognized his hair. "Oh!" She said, stupidly, pointing at him for a second and then shaking her head, "Sorry 'bout that."
"Huh," He said, not believing her but not pressing the issue. Reaching into his pocket he revealed a package of chocolates. "frog?" He asked, handing a few out to her.
Smirking she nodded, letting them fall into her hand. Popping one into her mouth she smiled to herself at the bubbly content feeling she felt when eating chocolate. Amazing how it could make someone feel so secure...
"So what house do you plan on getting into?" Lucius asked, making short talk.
"I don't know, really. I'm betting I'll get into Slytherin though, my parents were in there, so why shouldn't I?" Lesley questioned, her voice going dark at the remembrance of her mother.
"Same with me, though I'm more cheery at the thought." He said, trying not to notice her shadowed face.
"Been writing in your diary lately?" Lesley asked, suddenly, remembering it.
"Oh yes, it's been my pride and joy, been doing the whole 'dear diary' thing too. Livin' it up." He assured, clapping his hands together and batting his eyes.
"Glad to hear it,"
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"Now there's a wicked hat," Lesley remarked, listening intently as the Sorting hat began it's song.
Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong to Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!
Lesley's eyes widened a bit when the hat had finished it's song. That hat sure seemed to know what it was talking about, but she wasn't so sure about herself. Not letting her expression change into that of "I'm going to vomit all over you," she kept a stern, fearless stare and straightened her back, Lucius quick to follow suit.
Letting her mind wander a bit, she was brought back down to earth when she heard the woman announcing names (she thought her name was McGraniball or something like that) exclaim "Black, Sirius," and saw the boy she had seen only a few glimpses of stand forward, and she let a smile creep onto her face as she stared longingly at his face, which quickly vanished underneath the hat. Soon enough the hat had yelled, making Lesley a bit more jumpy, Gryffindor, and the house at question began to clap uproariously. Lesley had only paid attention to a few more of the names, watching the people go forth, finding it oddly ironic that she had only listened to those names of whom either were sorted into Slytherin or Gryffindor,
"Evans, Lily," a moment, a moment more, oh come on already, "GRYFFINDOR!" finally...
"Malfoy, Lucius," there was his que. She swore it hadn't even reached his head before "SLYTHERIN!" was yelled.
"Pettigrew, Peter," now there's a name. Lesley watched the fidgety boy curiously, frowning at him disapprovingly. But he himself turned out to be a Gryffindor, and she sighed.
"Potter, James," nice name, not as good as Sirius Black though, and that was for sure... "GRYFFINDOR!" well of course he is, I see where this is goin.'
Soon enough the last three students crunched together, including Lesley, who was fed up with all of the standing.
"Remus, Lupin," he smiled back at her for a moment before going up there, making her a bit curious, what's up with all the smiles? Was she the only one who was sinking in her shoes? Oh great, another Gryffindor, It's like it's contagious!
"Riddle, Lesley," Snapping to attention at the mention of her name, she stepped forward, finding her legs unreliable she flashed a fake smile and sat down into the three legged stool, slipping the hat on, pleased to find that it only went to just above her eyes, shadowing her face from view.
She was startled by the voice which seemed to be talking from all angles. "Nice line age, ah, friend of the Malfoy, impressive," she heard the voice comment. "Great heart, bravery too, you would excel in Slytherin and Gryffindor both. This is a rather tough decision, you don't seem to know either, do you?" there was a pause. "Well, I see great things from Gryffindor, but..." the hat went into silence for a moment, making Lesley think it was gone, but she was shaken up when the hat shouted "SLYTHERIN!" for the sound seemed to echo from all sides of her brain, making her dizzy.
Standing up without a word she smiled weakly, setting the Sorting Hat back onto the stool she dazedly walked over to the table cheering the most, supposing that was the right one. She found pity for the last kid up there, he had a long hooked nose and greasy black hair, and looked as though he was about to sprint for the door and run away. Lesley couldn't blame him.
"Snape, Severus," Professor WhatsHerName said, her pale face showing that she didn't enjoy reading those lists very much. It seemed like hours before the hat yelled out a house name, but it couldn't have been two minutes. Lesley smiled in approval and clapped along with the others as the boy almost ran to the table, happy to have it over with.
And then the hunger settled in.
"Do they intend to feed us, you think?" Lesley asked with a questioning eyebrow in quiet tones with Lucius, who seemed just as lost as she was.
"Well, they can't very much make us starve," Lucius said, a bit nervously, and she could only suppose that he was contemplating whether in fact they could, not feed them.
Both stomachs squirmed uneasily as they bit their own lips, waiting for the 'old guy' to get done talking so that they could ask someone if they planned on getting dinner tonight. Not paying much attention to the wizard talking nonstop, Lesley glanced at Lucius, who obviously was doing the same. Turning ever so slightly, she stared over across to the Gryffindor table, searching for the black hair and finding it easily. She could see his face, and it made her want to smile and blush like a little school girl, but she wouldn't permit it. No way was she falling for a student before she had even started her first year at Hogwarts. It wasn't going to happen.
Looking away and back to her own table, Lesley caught her breath when food (which had not been there before mind you) appeared on all of the dishes, silverware neatly put beside the dishes.
"I guess they don't like 'em bony," Lucius said, gulping down everything he could get his hands on. Smiling Lesley tried to enjoy herself, and wondering why it wasn't as easy as she thought it would be.
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Before retiring for the night Lesley found herself finally opening up her journal, she had never really expected to write in it, but now she felt herself compelled to write on the smooth, thin paper. It was itching for her to write down her thoughts and feelings, and she couldn't help herself.
Well, I have arrived at Hogwarts, of Witchcraft and Wizardry in fact...
No, that was too ... stupid.
My name is Lesley and I go to Hogwarts
Where the hell did that come from?
Dear, well, readers, I guess,
Who knows why I'm doing this, but it's happening so I might as well get used to it. If your reading this, well, I'm just praying you aren't because that'll mean I'm either dead or my clumsiness has laid it into your hands, both of which options I'm not too fond of. Anyway, I guess I'll have to get used to that too, now won't I?
Well, ... tonight I finally got sorted. The Sorting Hat contemplated whether I should be a Gryffindor or a Slytherin, said that I would excel in both houses. He got sorted into Gryffindor, and I didn't. I wonder what would've happened if the hat had put me into Gryffindor? I guess I'll never know.
From what I've learned the two houses aren't too fond of each other, making it ever more confusing. How could I have heart and bravery and cunning at the same time and despise one of the houses that contains the same thing inside of me? It's overly complicated, I'll most likely worry about it for days.
At least I know someone here. Lucius Malfoy. The hat said something about that too, though only God knows what the hell that damn hat was talking about. Amazing how one thing can put a monkey wrench into everything I've established in my mind, isn't it? The only thing that could top this is one of the house elves to walk in wearing Victoria Secret.
The fire in the common room is starting to burn out, and it's getting cold in here, so I'll stop for tonight.
Oh yeah, and if you do happen to be reading this, be so kind as to return this ... journal to me as soon as possible ... preferably discreetly.
Lesley Riddle
She looked it over, satisfied. Casting a glance over to Lucius, she swallowed a laugh. He had managed to transform the pink of the diary and quill to a deep blue, though he still couldn't manage to get rid of the 'fluffiness' which still made it laughable for him to be writing in it. She believed this is what Muggles would call a 'Kodak moment' though she would just settle for a camera.
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"I really thought that Riddle might actually get into Gryffindor," Remus admitted, scratching his head thoughtfully.
"Nah, she ain't got the spirit ... but have you seen that Lily Evans?" James asked, whistling.
"Mmm," Was all that Sirius commented, his brow strained in thought. Riddle, Lesley Riddle had been that girl's name. He had been tempted to say this, but thought better of it, that would only get him teased for days.
As Pettigrew, Potter, and Lupin retired to the boy's dormitories, Sirius sighed contentedly. Reaching into one of his bags he took out a journal that looked the same model as Lesley's, in fact, it looked exactly the same, and he cursed himself for owning such a thing. Convincing himself that it wasn't a diary, or a journal for that matter, he simply would call it the story of his life, he could pass as an author, right?
"Screw what everyone else thinks," He assured himself, propping open the journal (or whatever you want to call it) he didn't hesitate to begin writing.
Note: This is NOT a journal.
But for now I'll just say this is to the future readers, how about that?
I've seen her three times now, and each time I haven't said anything to her. Now she got sorted into Slytherin, so that makes it impossible for me to even attempt to say something to her. She's attractive, I'll give her that. She has nice eyes, and her hair falls nicely to her face ... anyway, it's mutual, it has to be. I don't even know who she is, only her name and her appearance.
Have to wonder what might've happened if she had been sorted into Gryffindor though, then it might've turned out differently. But no, it can't happen now, what can't happen? Nothing, nothing, nothing, forget I said anything.
Though you have to admit, it has a nice ring to it, Lesley Riddle... Riddle... Lesley... Les...
Sirius Black
Short, but it would do for now. He didn't dare read it over for fear of his conscious scribbling out the writing. Putting it back into his back he lugged his luggage upstairs to find his bed and have a longing to sleep for eternity.
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A/n: Wow, a bit long I would say. Mmm, give me your opinion, as I'm a bit concerned it may look like Lesley and Sirius are fallin' a bit too fast and my next chapter may not turn out to make as much sense as I want it to...
See, I told you I'd make it lengthy.
Anyway, I myself have found these first few chapters of mine haven't been as informative as I've wanted them to be, so therefore I make the decision to rewrite them in hopes of making it more ... gripping when other people as well as I read it...
So I present to you the newly rewritten first chapter (which I have also renamed) called First Glances. Anyone interested in the message behind the title will be happy to know that in the credits I will give you a reason to all of them (I'm a rambler, yes I know).
I hope that all of you that have followed this story along so far will accept my decision to rewrite it, as I only want to make it better.
Feel free to express your opinions by e-mailing or reviewing :)
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"Why do you push her so hard, Tom? She's just a little girl, she hasn't even started her first year at Hogwarts yet, and already your ripping her head off!" The woman yelled, her thin, weak body storming around the dark house, chocolate eyes burning with anger.
"She's weak to me, Rosa. You bore me only one child and yet you manage to bare me a useless girl with no backbone. I saw it in her eyes the day she was born, she'll turn out just like you did!" The man screamed back, his blue eyes so cold his wife could not bare to look at him, and felt the ice like gaze from across the room.
"You were never good to me, Tom Riddle, never once. You make me feel like I'm nothing, and I'm more then you'll ever be! At least I have a heart!" She fumed, hot tears of anger searing down her cheeks, and she pushed Tom's hand away when he reached out to her face in pity.
"You had heart when I met you, Tom ... but not anymore. I don't know who you are anymore," she whispered, letting her chestnut hair hide her face as she grabbed something that looked very much like a purse and slammed the door without another word. Tom stood there for a long time, only permitting one tear to flow down his left cheek, finally wiping it away when he heard tiny footsteps echoing down the hall.
"W-wheres mum?" A small voice asked innocently, stepping out of the shadows into a small patch of light that had slipped out from one of the curtains covering a window across the room, only casting a small sliver of sunlight onto a piece of her face. When her father didn't answer her, she stepped closer to him, reaching out one of her hands in comfort. Without a word she climbed up into his lap, and for once he did not object, letting her cling to him in pity, as if she knew what had happened. As if she knew everything was going to change, and not for the better.
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"You'll probably turn out to be a squib." Her father said, bringing her down from cloud nine. She glared at him,
"Shut up," The girl replied firmly, her looks looking strikingly like her mother's. She had the same chestnut hair, and chocolate brown eyes, but her stature was more like her father's, demeanor always hidden, her glare nearly as menacing as his. Whatever she tried, she could never get his approval. It was always just short of being good enough. She would never be good enough.
Before the feud could continue a scrawny, sharp-beaked owl with pointed ears flew in from who knows where, a large letter attached to one of his large, clawed feet. Smirking at Tom with the same look of triumph that he would've given her if he had been right, she waited tell the owl had seated itself before untying the string holding the letter.
"Ha!" She exclaimed in approval, looking over the letter again and again with a huge smile plastered on her face in spite of herself.
"Don't expect me to take you shopping." Tom growled, but she was too happy to care what he had to say.
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It was only when she had arrived in Diagon Alley by herself did she wish for a fleeting second that she had mum or maybe a kinder, gentler father who would help her shop for her things. Watching others with jealousy she erased the sadness from her eyes, the frown on her face wiping off with it.
She could do this, she could shop by herself. She had the list, she knew what she had to get, she didn't need anyone to help her. She'd show him-oh God, who was she kidding? She was terrified, so much for courage.
It felt like hours of just walking slowly around, not knowing what exactly she was supposed to do, scared out of her wits. Sitting down on a stool by what she supposed was some Wizarding bar, she started to doubt herself. Just as she began to believe everything that her father had said, that she wasn't good enough, that she was weak, that she was worthless trash, she heard footsteps coming towards her.
Not wanting to look behind her, only looking up from her fingers when the person sat on the stool next to her did she want to smile.
It was a boy sitting next to her, smooth blonde hair and a look of mischief dancing across his face, and eyes ... great blue ones. Before she could look away he noticed her glimpsing at him and smirked, handing out his hand in greeting,
"Lucius Malfoy," He said, as if expecting her to know who he was already. She smiled,
"Lesley Riddle, nice to meet you." She replied, a bit softly though her hand made up for her gentleness as she gripped it hard, causing his smirk to die down a bit. He tried not to make it apparent that she was literally crushing his hand and every bone inside of it.
Laughing a bit apprehensively he nodded her way, "First year, what about you?" . When he only got a nod in reply, he softened, "Alone too, then? I haven't gotten many of my supplies, C'mon, you look a bit lost. Unless of course you mind being around a stud..." He said, puffing out his small chest proudly.
She snorted, "Oh I don't mind all right, just wondering what stud your talking about." Lesley shot back, trying to keep a straight face as his face faltered.
"Yeah, yeah ... lets get a move on,"
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"Hey, that's not on the list," Lucius nodded towards the journal with what looked like dragon scales for a cover with a white feather quill tucked inside that she was holding.
"Stuff it, won't you?" She accused, stuffing it into one of her bags after purchasing it.
"Fine, fine, why not get me one while your at it?" He suggestively joked. He bit his tongue when she smiled expectantly at him,
"I already have," and tossed him a fluffy pink diary with (of course) a pink feathered quill to match. It took all her strength not to have a laughing fit in his face when he took it from her, rolling his eyes and pushing it to the very bottom of one of his own bags.
"Why do I get the diary?"
"Because it's manly,"
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Drinking a butterbeer, Lesley nearly cried out in shock when she realized the thing she was missing, "I don't have a wand!" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet and slamming the cup onto the table and grabbing her bags.
Lucius stared after her, "You've gotten everything else and it just happened to pass your mind that you needed a wand?" He asked, skeptically. She glared at him,
"Are you coming or not?"
"I think I'll stay-"
"Your coming." She snapped, grabbing his elbow and dragging him towards the rusty building that faintly read 'Wands' while the word before it was covered with so much dust it was impossible to distinguish what it said.
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"In need of a wand, I presume?" A slightly young man asked, seeming very out of place with the jumbled up boxes all over the place.
"Of course she does, are you that wrong in the head?" Lucius mocked, shutting up abruptly when Lesley hit him in the chest with one of her hands quite harshly, wearing a superficial smile.
"Yes, thank you," She said, overly softly, making Lucius want to gag.
"Follow me please." The man replied with an even larger smile, making Lucius wait outside of the room.
Defiantly he leaned against the corner of the wall, watching the two, rolling his eyes every few minutes.
"Here, try this, it's a Phoenix Holly, 9 inches." The man handed Lesley the wand, expectantly.
Lesley stared at him for a few minutes, holding the wand in her left hand, not knowing what she was supposed to do. Looking back at Lucius she nodded when he moved his hand in a motion, as if he were holding a wand. Doing so, she frowned a bit when nothing happened, but the man nodded as if knowingly, taking the wand and handing her another one.
After about fifthteen minutes, and going through who knows how many wands, the troubled young man clucked his tongue, finally handing her a random wand tiredly, "Unicorn Mahogany, 8 inches," His happy mood had long gone by then, and Lesley was frowning at herself, having more doubts. She could just imagine what her father would say if he found out she didn't have a wand- all thoughts washed away as she gaped at the wand in her hands, something was happening ... it tingled in her touch, it fit inside her hand like it had been made that way, it's silvery white color sparkling slightly, and she stared at it as white beads of sparks erupted from the tip of the wand. It caught Oliver by surprise, and she could see that he wanted to jump for joy in finally finding her a wand, to get her out of there. She was only too happy to comply.
"It's white," Lucius remarked as they walked out of the shop,
"better than pink-" Lesley shot back, stopping in place. Much as she wanted to, she could not permit her legs to work, they seemed rooted to the spot, wanting her to take a good look at something. There was a man, no, a boy that looked very ... handsome if you will, that was looking at her across the street.
He had magnificent great gray eyes, and raven black hair that sheltered full view of his face. If nothing else could be more surprising, he was looking right at her, right through her. All time had stopped, though only for a moment. She smiled a bit, looking away as Lucius tapped her on the shoulder, telling her to hurry up.
"What was that all about?" Lucius asked, though only mildly interested.
"I'm not sure," Lesley breathed, still smiling secretly to herself.
"Liar," Lucius insisted, only getting another punch in the chest, though this time it was softer, guiltier. My, my, my, this is going to be quite a year ... he thought to himself, and smiled slightly, knowing exactly why.
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"I'm not taking you," Tom Riddle said, acting thoroughly like a two year old.
"Just drop me off at the God damn station dad, that's all I'm asking you to do!" She said, furious that he was actually thinking of not sending her to Hogwarts. End of discussion.
"Don't even think of coming back for the holidays." Her father ordered, while she scoffed.
"I wouldn't dream of it." She reassured truthfully. He must really think I'm delusional, she thought to herself, why the hell would I even consider going home for the holidays? One of her infamous frowns overwhelmed her face, her brow furrowed, as if in deep thought, it was only expected when she bumped into someone, sending her bags everywhere, leaving her with the stupidest expression someone could make as she stood there, quite dumbfounded.
It took her a few moments to realize what had happened, and when she had, she bent down (in spite of her skirt, which didn't seem to like that very much and let it's end flip up, though she doubted anyone could see anything) to pick up her bags. Only looking up afterwards after she had muttered a quiet 'sorry' she ungracefully tucked two of her bags underneath her armpits, not liking the way the rough material rubbed against her skin but not daring to try and change it's position she stumbled off, muttering to herself.
When she looked back up at the boy walking away from her, she nearly dropped her luggage once more to reach a hand up and put over her mouth when she saw who he was. It had been him, there was no denying that, those gray eyes cast under that great hair was unmistakable. And she hadn't even bothered to say anything but a muffled sorry? Great, so now he thinks I'm a klutz, she frowned again, trying to put it further back in her mind. But she did look back a good dozen times before she decided that it had been him she had seen.
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Sitting in a deserted compartment Lesley threw her things into a seat, letting her thumb come up to her lips and unconsciously chewing on her fingernail. Lost in her own thoughts she didn't notice as the familiar blonde entered the compartment.
"Hey, haven't seen you in a while," Lucius said, finally nudging her reassuringly when he noticed that she hadn't been listening.
Without looking up she muttered "Hmm?" oblivious to the fact he was trying to get her attention. Finally ignoring that fact she was ignoring him he sat down right next to her.
That got her attention. Looking up with a snap, she glared for a whole second before she recognized his hair. "Oh!" She said, stupidly, pointing at him for a second and then shaking her head, "Sorry 'bout that."
"Huh," He said, not believing her but not pressing the issue. Reaching into his pocket he revealed a package of chocolates. "frog?" He asked, handing a few out to her.
Smirking she nodded, letting them fall into her hand. Popping one into her mouth she smiled to herself at the bubbly content feeling she felt when eating chocolate. Amazing how it could make someone feel so secure...
"So what house do you plan on getting into?" Lucius asked, making short talk.
"I don't know, really. I'm betting I'll get into Slytherin though, my parents were in there, so why shouldn't I?" Lesley questioned, her voice going dark at the remembrance of her mother.
"Same with me, though I'm more cheery at the thought." He said, trying not to notice her shadowed face.
"Been writing in your diary lately?" Lesley asked, suddenly, remembering it.
"Oh yes, it's been my pride and joy, been doing the whole 'dear diary' thing too. Livin' it up." He assured, clapping his hands together and batting his eyes.
"Glad to hear it,"
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"Now there's a wicked hat," Lesley remarked, listening intently as the Sorting hat began it's song.
Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong to Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!
Lesley's eyes widened a bit when the hat had finished it's song. That hat sure seemed to know what it was talking about, but she wasn't so sure about herself. Not letting her expression change into that of "I'm going to vomit all over you," she kept a stern, fearless stare and straightened her back, Lucius quick to follow suit.
Letting her mind wander a bit, she was brought back down to earth when she heard the woman announcing names (she thought her name was McGraniball or something like that) exclaim "Black, Sirius," and saw the boy she had seen only a few glimpses of stand forward, and she let a smile creep onto her face as she stared longingly at his face, which quickly vanished underneath the hat. Soon enough the hat had yelled, making Lesley a bit more jumpy, Gryffindor, and the house at question began to clap uproariously. Lesley had only paid attention to a few more of the names, watching the people go forth, finding it oddly ironic that she had only listened to those names of whom either were sorted into Slytherin or Gryffindor,
"Evans, Lily," a moment, a moment more, oh come on already, "GRYFFINDOR!" finally...
"Malfoy, Lucius," there was his que. She swore it hadn't even reached his head before "SLYTHERIN!" was yelled.
"Pettigrew, Peter," now there's a name. Lesley watched the fidgety boy curiously, frowning at him disapprovingly. But he himself turned out to be a Gryffindor, and she sighed.
"Potter, James," nice name, not as good as Sirius Black though, and that was for sure... "GRYFFINDOR!" well of course he is, I see where this is goin.'
Soon enough the last three students crunched together, including Lesley, who was fed up with all of the standing.
"Remus, Lupin," he smiled back at her for a moment before going up there, making her a bit curious, what's up with all the smiles? Was she the only one who was sinking in her shoes? Oh great, another Gryffindor, It's like it's contagious!
"Riddle, Lesley," Snapping to attention at the mention of her name, she stepped forward, finding her legs unreliable she flashed a fake smile and sat down into the three legged stool, slipping the hat on, pleased to find that it only went to just above her eyes, shadowing her face from view.
She was startled by the voice which seemed to be talking from all angles. "Nice line age, ah, friend of the Malfoy, impressive," she heard the voice comment. "Great heart, bravery too, you would excel in Slytherin and Gryffindor both. This is a rather tough decision, you don't seem to know either, do you?" there was a pause. "Well, I see great things from Gryffindor, but..." the hat went into silence for a moment, making Lesley think it was gone, but she was shaken up when the hat shouted "SLYTHERIN!" for the sound seemed to echo from all sides of her brain, making her dizzy.
Standing up without a word she smiled weakly, setting the Sorting Hat back onto the stool she dazedly walked over to the table cheering the most, supposing that was the right one. She found pity for the last kid up there, he had a long hooked nose and greasy black hair, and looked as though he was about to sprint for the door and run away. Lesley couldn't blame him.
"Snape, Severus," Professor WhatsHerName said, her pale face showing that she didn't enjoy reading those lists very much. It seemed like hours before the hat yelled out a house name, but it couldn't have been two minutes. Lesley smiled in approval and clapped along with the others as the boy almost ran to the table, happy to have it over with.
And then the hunger settled in.
"Do they intend to feed us, you think?" Lesley asked with a questioning eyebrow in quiet tones with Lucius, who seemed just as lost as she was.
"Well, they can't very much make us starve," Lucius said, a bit nervously, and she could only suppose that he was contemplating whether in fact they could, not feed them.
Both stomachs squirmed uneasily as they bit their own lips, waiting for the 'old guy' to get done talking so that they could ask someone if they planned on getting dinner tonight. Not paying much attention to the wizard talking nonstop, Lesley glanced at Lucius, who obviously was doing the same. Turning ever so slightly, she stared over across to the Gryffindor table, searching for the black hair and finding it easily. She could see his face, and it made her want to smile and blush like a little school girl, but she wouldn't permit it. No way was she falling for a student before she had even started her first year at Hogwarts. It wasn't going to happen.
Looking away and back to her own table, Lesley caught her breath when food (which had not been there before mind you) appeared on all of the dishes, silverware neatly put beside the dishes.
"I guess they don't like 'em bony," Lucius said, gulping down everything he could get his hands on. Smiling Lesley tried to enjoy herself, and wondering why it wasn't as easy as she thought it would be.
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Before retiring for the night Lesley found herself finally opening up her journal, she had never really expected to write in it, but now she felt herself compelled to write on the smooth, thin paper. It was itching for her to write down her thoughts and feelings, and she couldn't help herself.
Well, I have arrived at Hogwarts, of Witchcraft and Wizardry in fact...
No, that was too ... stupid.
My name is Lesley and I go to Hogwarts
Where the hell did that come from?
Dear, well, readers, I guess,
Who knows why I'm doing this, but it's happening so I might as well get used to it. If your reading this, well, I'm just praying you aren't because that'll mean I'm either dead or my clumsiness has laid it into your hands, both of which options I'm not too fond of. Anyway, I guess I'll have to get used to that too, now won't I?
Well, ... tonight I finally got sorted. The Sorting Hat contemplated whether I should be a Gryffindor or a Slytherin, said that I would excel in both houses. He got sorted into Gryffindor, and I didn't. I wonder what would've happened if the hat had put me into Gryffindor? I guess I'll never know.
From what I've learned the two houses aren't too fond of each other, making it ever more confusing. How could I have heart and bravery and cunning at the same time and despise one of the houses that contains the same thing inside of me? It's overly complicated, I'll most likely worry about it for days.
At least I know someone here. Lucius Malfoy. The hat said something about that too, though only God knows what the hell that damn hat was talking about. Amazing how one thing can put a monkey wrench into everything I've established in my mind, isn't it? The only thing that could top this is one of the house elves to walk in wearing Victoria Secret.
The fire in the common room is starting to burn out, and it's getting cold in here, so I'll stop for tonight.
Oh yeah, and if you do happen to be reading this, be so kind as to return this ... journal to me as soon as possible ... preferably discreetly.
Lesley Riddle
She looked it over, satisfied. Casting a glance over to Lucius, she swallowed a laugh. He had managed to transform the pink of the diary and quill to a deep blue, though he still couldn't manage to get rid of the 'fluffiness' which still made it laughable for him to be writing in it. She believed this is what Muggles would call a 'Kodak moment' though she would just settle for a camera.
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"I really thought that Riddle might actually get into Gryffindor," Remus admitted, scratching his head thoughtfully.
"Nah, she ain't got the spirit ... but have you seen that Lily Evans?" James asked, whistling.
"Mmm," Was all that Sirius commented, his brow strained in thought. Riddle, Lesley Riddle had been that girl's name. He had been tempted to say this, but thought better of it, that would only get him teased for days.
As Pettigrew, Potter, and Lupin retired to the boy's dormitories, Sirius sighed contentedly. Reaching into one of his bags he took out a journal that looked the same model as Lesley's, in fact, it looked exactly the same, and he cursed himself for owning such a thing. Convincing himself that it wasn't a diary, or a journal for that matter, he simply would call it the story of his life, he could pass as an author, right?
"Screw what everyone else thinks," He assured himself, propping open the journal (or whatever you want to call it) he didn't hesitate to begin writing.
Note: This is NOT a journal.
But for now I'll just say this is to the future readers, how about that?
I've seen her three times now, and each time I haven't said anything to her. Now she got sorted into Slytherin, so that makes it impossible for me to even attempt to say something to her. She's attractive, I'll give her that. She has nice eyes, and her hair falls nicely to her face ... anyway, it's mutual, it has to be. I don't even know who she is, only her name and her appearance.
Have to wonder what might've happened if she had been sorted into Gryffindor though, then it might've turned out differently. But no, it can't happen now, what can't happen? Nothing, nothing, nothing, forget I said anything.
Though you have to admit, it has a nice ring to it, Lesley Riddle... Riddle... Lesley... Les...
Sirius Black
Short, but it would do for now. He didn't dare read it over for fear of his conscious scribbling out the writing. Putting it back into his back he lugged his luggage upstairs to find his bed and have a longing to sleep for eternity.
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A/n: Wow, a bit long I would say. Mmm, give me your opinion, as I'm a bit concerned it may look like Lesley and Sirius are fallin' a bit too fast and my next chapter may not turn out to make as much sense as I want it to...
See, I told you I'd make it lengthy.