Unfortunate Future
Chapter 1
Diagon Alley was always busy, but especially so during the last two weeks of August. Narrelle Taylor fought her way towards Flourish and Blotts bookshop and paused at the window to peer in and cool down in the patch of shade provided by the small building.
"Good morning Narrelle" said a smooth voice to her left.
Narrelle turned flicking her elbow long brown hair as she did so. "Tom, hello. Um… it's good to see you again," she stuttered, suddenly aware of the blood rushing to her cheeks as she blushed. Now in her fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Narrelle had grown. She was tall and slim and had begun to take on the subtle shapes of a woman.
"You too," Tom replied blushing as much as Narrelle as he noticed these changes. "So are you dropping any subjects this year? It's going to be hard facing your OWLs if you don't," he continued hurriedly.
"Well I considered it but I really like Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Ancient Runes and Muggle Studies." She listed, counting them off on her slim delicate fingers.
"Muggle Studies still? How many times do I have to tell you it's a load of rubbish? What do you want to learn about them for? Load of filth if you ask me!" he stated sternly edging away from Narrelle with a look of disgust on his face.
Narrelle moved towards him and, feeling as always as though every nerve in her body was on fire, gently put her hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry Tom. I didn't mean to remind you of your past. Please don't be mad." The nagging and often reasonable part of her brain had awoken at her words and was clamoring in her head to know why she had apologized for doing nothing wrong. She pushed the thoughts away with a frown and pulled away from him. "I was just going to collect some books I ordered. Do you want to join me?"
At this suggestion Tom's sour look vanished and was replaced by the smile that made Narrelle's heart beat much faster than normal.
"Sure, I've got nothing better to do. After all, I got all my stuff weeks ago".
"Good". It was just like Tom to have everything together and sorted well before school started. She frowned slightly at the next thought that entered her mind. So why is he here then, if he has everything? "Oh shut up" she murmured.
"Sorry, did you say something?" Tom was looking at her with a puzzled look on his face.
"Nothing" She said, smiling to herself. It wasn't often you saw Tom looking puzzled or even remotely confused.
They headed into the dimly lit shop and paused for a second in the doorway, allowing their eyes to adjust from the bright light of the alley to what seemed like semi-darkness. The air seemed to be even stuffier inside than out. Glancing around Narrelle could see it was thick with dust nevertheless the temperature was a little cooler. Two brackets on the walls held heatless candles. Yellow-green flames issued out of these providing a dim glow without adding to the heat of the day. Hanging from the ceiling on a rusty chain was a chandelier but its holders were empty. It had clearly not been used for years as thick grey cobwebs hung from every inch of the metal structure. This was Narrelle's favourite shop in Diagon Alley. Every surface was piled high with books of all colours and sizes. Even the floor and counter had books placed one on top of the other in untidy towers. Narrelle was not what you'd describe as a 'bookish' person but she found them fascinating. So much could be learnt from a book. Even if you detested reading, she thought, you could not fail to miss their importance.
"I'm going to look around. You go and get what you need" Tom commanded, breaking her train of thought as he moved over to the far side of the shop.
Narrelle stood for a moment stunned by the tone of his voice. The nagging had started again. Why should you do what he says? He has no right to order you around! Shaking her head as though to throw the voice out of her mind she walked over the dusty floorboards carefully avoiding the odd half buried book as she moved towards the counter. Partially hidden by a large brown book called "1000 Charms for Everyday Use" was a bell that looked as though it had once been shiny bronze. It was now a dull yellow-brown colour, Narrelle picked it up and shook it gently. A muffled "ting-a-ling" sound filed the cluttered room. Narrelle waited for someone to come to her assistance, still taking in every detail of the shop. She was just about to ring it again impatiently when a small man swished through the bead curtain behind the counter.
"How can I help?" He said, irritable as though she had just interrupted something important.
"My name's Narrelle Taylor. I ordered a few books a couple of days ago and received an owl telling me they were ready to be collected." She spoke clearly. She was not about to let this little red-faced man intimidate her.
Dran Vertas looked up into the stern cold blue eyes of Narrelle Taylor. A brief smile flitted across his sour features. She's got a fire in her this one, he thought to himself. Mr Blotts and Mr Flourish would have liked to have met her. They would have found her most interesting. "Ah. Yes" he said after a pause in a calmer voice and hurried back through the curtain. A lot of shuffling and rustling could be heard coming from the room beyond. "Here we …go!" He promptly pushed his way back into the main shop, his arms filled with an assortment of books tied together with string. "There we are," he continued banging the books on the desk a little harder than necessary. "That's two galleons and five sickles".
Narrelle handed the man two large gold coins and five smaller silver ones. "Thank you" She said dryly as she lifted the books into her brown leather bag and headed back towards Tom.
"Ready?"
Tom slammed his book shut "Narrelle don't sneak up on me like that" he snapped, stuffing the book back onto the shelf.
"I…I'm sorry, I didn't mean to" she said quietly, close to tears. She could take that kind of attitude from strangers but not from Tom. She hated it when he got cross at her and today he seemed to be very irritable.
"Come on" He said gruffly, grabbing her arm and steering her out of the shop onto the crowded street.
"Let me go will you? Narrelle said angrily, struggling out of his grip. Her nagging side had finally won through, turning her hurt feelings into hot anger. "That hurt" her voice lowering in volume as she calmed down. Massaging her upper left arm she realized she could never stay mad at him for long.
Tom looked as though he was going to yell something right back at her but then, to her surprise, he relaxed and slumped against the wall of a neighboring shop. "I'm sorry," He said dejectedly, "I don't know what's got into me today" He looked up into her eyes, his dark hair sticking to his forehead in the heat.
"Its ok" she heard herself say. Something about those stormy grey-green eyes always made her back down. "Come on, let's go and get a cold drink from the café".
Tom smiled that smile that made her heart melt and they pushed through the crowds side by side towards Saffrine's Drink Bar. Placing their order at the desk they found an empty table outside and sat opposite each other. It wasn't long before a young man in his twenties came over with their drinks. Narrelle handed her money over to him. "There's a little extra there for you Florean" she smiled.
"Thank you Miss, I'll remember that when I own this place." Sighing Florean Fortescue retreated back inside to deliver the next order.
They had been sat for just over half an hour drinking cool lemonade and eating ice cream whilst deep in conversation when they were interrupted by a cold voice.
"Narrelle, I've been looking everywhere for you."
Narrelle turned in her seat to face the light brown haired boy who stood behind her. "Hello Dominus" She replied levelly.
"What do you think your doing hanging around with…"he paused turning to Tom with a sneer "teacher's pets?"
Tom stood up and opened his mouth to retort but Narrelle stopped him.
"Tom sit down for heavens sake" She stood up instead and moved to face Dominus. "I can sit and talk with whom I like Dominus. Tom is a good friend of mine, just as you are." She turned on the spot to address both of them, "Now, if you don't mind I need to get the rest of my school things." She gathered up her bags as Tom rose and moved around the circular table to her side.
"You don't have to go just because he showed up." He said irritably.
"I'm not Tom." She said glancing at him with her bright blue eyes ablaze. "I'm going because I have sat here long enough. I shall see you both on the train".
Tom watched her until she was lost in the crowd, then he rounded on Dominus Everton. "Don't you ever interrupt us again." He said in a strong steely voice, baring down at Dominus.
"I'll do what ever I like," He said calmly facing Tom with what could only be an attempt at a smile. His slick short wavy hair wet with sweat in the heat.
"You don't want to get on the wrong side of me Everton," said Tom, the anger that boiled under his skin showing in his shaking voice.
Everton, taking this as a sign of weakness or fear, despite being four years younger, laughed. It sounded unnatural and harsh, barely resembling a laugh at all. "Or you'll do what Riddle?" He sneered. In one fast and fluid movement Tom pulled his wand from his robes and cried "Accio Wand". Everton' wand flew into Tom's outstretched hand. "One day you will serve me Dominus because one day I will be strong," this time his words were almost a whisper and did not quiver at all.
Dominus shot him a venomous look. Snatching his wand from Tom's outstretched hand he muttered. "We shall see Riddle, we shall see." Turning his gaze away as if he was braking a spell he skulked off out of sight.
Tom smirked and walked in the opposite direction back towards Flourish and Blotts. Striding straight over to the book he had been pouring over before Narrelle had interrupted him, he snatched it from the shelf and threw five silver coins on the counter. Hastily he shoved it into his brown leather school bag and headed indirectly for Knockturn Alley.
On the first of September Narrelle pushed her trolley, piled high with bags and luggage as well as a large Tawny owl in a cage, towards platforms nine and ten of Kings Cross Railway Station.
"Narrelle! Narrelle!" shouted someone from somewhere behind her. Narrelle paused, looking around for the girl in a plaid grey skirt and pink cardigan who had called her. "Narrelle," she puffed, pulling mousy brown hair away from her rich hazel eyes as she emerged from a group of people. "How was your summer?"
"Hello Evey," chuckled Narrelle giving the girl a hug. Evelyn Wroxam was an enthusiastic person and was overjoyed to be going back to Hogwarts for her fourth year.
"Mine was alright, my Grandparents can be a little strict, but I'm so glad to be going back. I missed it all so much," she continued shuffling slightly from foot to foot in her excitement.
Narrelle laughed. She had found Evelyn alone in the common room last year and had immediately befriended her. She knew what it was like to be alone. She shook her head slightly at the antics of this small and hyperactive girl. Evelyn never failed to amaze and amuse Narrelle with her energy and spirit. "Mine was alright I suppose. I didn't do much, but I saw Tom and Dominus in Diagon Alley"
"Narrelle, I don't think it's wise to spend time with them." She said, her face creased with concern.
"I wasn't 'spending time with them'.'" She said defiantly, "We bumped into each other. Anyway why ever not?" Narrelle was no longer smiling.
"I just don't trust them. Tom's not just a good teacher's pet you know. He may look harmless but there's something creepy about him. The way he hates muggles so much, you know?" She looked away from Narrelle knowing she had hit a nerve.
"But that's understandable!" Narrelle blurted defensively, she looked down quickly and bit her lip.
"What do you mean understandable Narrelle! There's nothing understandable about the way he acts. He has no right". Evelyn had turned bright red and her eyes flashed with anger.
"He has his reasons Evelyn trust me, please?" Narrelle begged, lowering her voice and glancing around.
"He shouldn't take it out on muggles though. My parents don't have any magical talent and they're wonderful people" Evelyn argued, her temper rising further despite her efforts. A few people where starting to stare now, whispers of "Muggles?" and "Magic?" could be heard from the gathering crowd.
Narrelle's piercing gaze met and held the dark brown sparkling eyes of Evelyn. Then she wrenched her eyes away and turned. "Come on. We only have ten minutes now". Evelyn followed Narrelle to the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Just ahead of them two boys aged around twelve walked straight at the wall and disappeared. This did not surprise Narrelle and Evelyn. They stopped just by the barrier and waited for people to pass by so as not to draw attention to themselves. Calmly they walked through the solid brick wall. They emerged on the other side of the magical gateway on platform nine and three quarters. A shiny red steam engine had already arrived and was hissing quietly, still issuing steam. On the front were gold letters forming the words Hogwarts Express.
Narrelle smiled at the scene around her. Students aged from eleven to seventeen, were hustling and bustling about the platform saying hurried good-byes to their families and rushing about in general chaos. Together they pushed their loaded trolleys over to an old wizard who was packing luggage into the train by levitating it to avoid damaging his back. They distinctly heard him mutter to himself as they abandoned their stuff with him.
"More and more every year. Impractical to keep on expanding the compartment. Too much effort".
As they walked away they giggled, their argument forgotten. It was good to be back, Narrelle thought. She glanced at Evelyn who was now dancing around and trying to talk to all her old friends at the same time. That girl's going to explode one of these days.
"Evelyn, Narrelle? Could I have a word?"
Narrelle turned and came face to face with an elderly wizard with long auburn hair and an even longer beard, the eyes of Albus Dumbledore that where usually sparkling and cheerful were unusually stern. "Oh, yes Professor, of course". She beckoned to Evelyn and followed Dumbledore into a small office.
"Now we don't have long as the trains about to leave but I believe this should be mentioned now. I have to say that I thought you two would have known better." Narrelle gave a quizzical look at Evelyn who looked just as baffled. "Arguing in front of muggles and uttering words of which they know nothing about is against regulations. Such actions could give away information about our community, which we have always kept apart from theirs. Both of you know this. So why did you see fit to ignore it?"
"We're sorry Professor, we forgot." Said Narrelle hurriedly. Shifting uncomfortably under his disappointed gaze.
"Well that is understandable, however I hope you will remember from now on. Had the term already started, I would have had to have taken points from your houses. Now quick, the train's about to leave". A smile had returned to his face. Narrelle and Evelyn smiled guiltily in return.
Narrelle stepped onto the train and began looking for a compartment. Evelyn had run off with some of her other friends leaving Narrelle on her own. She had not moved far along the train when she came across Tom and four others seated in a compartment to themselves.
"Narrelle, come and join us, there's plenty of space", called a girl of sixteen who had shoulder length blonde hair. Tom looked up from his conversation with a pale boy and moved over on his seat to make space for her. Narrelle sat down beside him. She smiled at those who sat opposite her.
"You remember Elladora, Algernon, Valetta and Folgrum, don't you?" Tom asked. Pointing at each in turn.
"Of course" she said indignantly, hardly believing he had asked such a question. How could she not? Elladora Black, Algernon Rookwood, Valetta Hart and Folgrum Lestrange were four of Tom's closest friends. She had met Folgrum and Valetta on her first day at Hogwarts five years ago. It was how she had met Tom. Why was he treating her as if she were a small child? She thought irritably. "Did you all have a good summer?" She asked.
"Brilliant," answered Valetta. "Folgrum came to stay for a few weeks," she continued as if this clarified the matter. Turning to him she slipped her hand into his. The boy on her left smiled at her in return. His short spiky brown hair and rich brown eyes reminded Narrelle of a hedgehog. Valetta and Folgrum had been a couple for the last six years. Narrelle had never know them to be apart.
"Mine was adequate I suppose" Answered Elladora, playing with a strand of her mousy hair, "My house elf became so annoying though, I almost wanted to give him clothes but I think that would have been to easy for him."
Narrelle gave her a wan smile and turned to the last person in the compartment. "And how about yours Algernon?" She prompted.
"Fine" replied the pale, pock-marked boy on Valetta's right. Narrelle had never understood why Algernon disliked her so much. She always tried to be pleasant to him although on the odd occasion she found it hard to keep her temper. The only reason she did not just lash out at him and give as good as she got was Tom. Algernon and Tom were such good friends that, to get close to Tom, Narrelle had to accept Algernon's attitude and get along with him as best she could.
"You're still taking Divination this year, aren't you Narrelle?" Valetta asked.
"That's right" Narrelle replied.
"I don't understand why you'd want to, if you ask me it's a load of mumbo jumbo. I don't think anyone from Ravenclaw has taken that subject in years" Valetta continued sitting up straight as she mentioned her house group. She was extremely proud of being in Ravenclaw.
Narrelle rolled her eyes and smiled "Mumbo Jumbo indeed? Well I think knowing the future could be very useful. You Ravenclaws are just too cynical and clever for your own good"
"What? There's no such thing as TOO clever thank you very much" Valetta frowned as she spoke but couldn't hide her amusement. Narrelle began to giggle and Valetta could not suppress a smile.
"Really you two," Ella interrupted, rolling her eyes, "Act you're age."
"Lighten up Ella," Val giggled as Ella huffed and stared out the window. No one could suppress a smile now, not even Algernon.
Shortly Narrelle was engrossed in conversation with Tom, Valetta and Folgrum, doing her best to ignore the cold stares and comments from Algernon and occasionally trying to prompt Elladora to join in as the train sped through the countryside towards Hogwarts castle.
As darkness started to fall, the boys left so the girls could change into their black robes.
"So how's it going between you and Tom then?" Asked Valetta with an amused smile on her face.
"I beg you're pardon?" said Narrelle looking confused.
"Oh come on Narrelle, you can't fool me. You like him don't you?" She giggled.
Narrelle blushed. "Of course I like him, he's my friend".
"You know what I mean".
Luckily for Narrelle the train started to slow and a whistle from somewhere near the front blasted through the compartments. Thankful for the interruption she hurried into the corridor.
"Come on," she called, pausing in the doorway "We're here". She promptly exited the carriage onto the dark platform. Prefects were holding the doors open for their fellow students and she had soon spotted Tom three carriages along helping some first years off the train. She gave him a wave that he did not return. Shrugging she walked over to a tall wizard holding a lantern
"Come along, for heavens sake. Don't dawdle," he called sharply. "I don't have time to wait for stragglers, into the Stagecoaches now" Narrelle looked up at her potions teacher, Professor Marcus Lynch, catching his penetrating gaze as his green eyes caught hers. "Get moving Miss Taylor, don't stand and stare," he snapped.
"Sorry Sir," replied Narrelle with a smile. It was good to be back. She finally felt at home again. She liked being home and seeing her parents but nothing could beat Hogwarts. She had dreamed of coming here ever since she could remember. Her own mother and father had met here, as had their parents before them. They all had delighted in telling her stories of their years at Hogwarts from when she was very young.
"First years this way." Up ahead Narrelle spotted her Herbology teacher. The short witch was only just visible over the heads of a large group of eleven years olds who looked nervous and excited. Professor Bloomsberry's high voice could be heard all around, "Calm down, Calm down. Now is everyone here?"
What she lacked in height, Narrelle thought, she made up for in voice and personality. Feeling as though she could not stop smiling even if she tried, she followed the majority of students towards the magically drawn stagecoaches that awaited them. How she wished, though, that she could be among the first years again. Vividly she remembered her first arrival at school, not by these stagecoaches but with her fellow first years across the lake in magically drawn boats seating four students each. She sighed glancing up at the star filled sky. The lake would be lovely tonight. Absentmindedly she climbed into a Stagecoach and found herself seated next to Evelyn. As the Stagecoaches began to move she was once again absorbed in conversation.
Before long they drew up outside the massive front doors of the main entrance hall.
"Alright settle down," Barked Professor Lynch as they clambered down from the stagecoaches, his navy blue robes fluttering about him in a sudden light breeze. Silence fell almost immediately. No one wanted to be picked on by Lynch. "Well don't just stand there, get into your year groups. Move it, move it," he ordered. His fashion was almost military, thought Narrelle not for the hundredth time, but this was one of the aspects she admired about him. He was renowned for his strictness and for his unfairness. Narrelle didn't think he was unfair at all. He had always treated her and many of his other students with reason and good judgement. Immediately students ranging from twelve to seventeen started pushing this way and that trying to get themselves into six orderly groups.
"See you later," Narrelle muttered as Evelyn went in search of the fourth year group. Narrelle headed in roughly the same direction in search of fifth years and promptly lined up.
"Sloppy as ever," Lynch muttered. "Right in you go," he continued looking disgusted. They filed into the great stone hallway, second years in front and the seventh years at the back. They traipsed through and headed instinctively towards the great hall. One by one they entered through the huge arched doorway into the enormous hall filled with candles that hovered under the fascinating bewitched ceiling. Narrelle glanced up at the famous sight and was greeted not by lofty rafters but by the reflected night sky. The familiar feeling of coming home returned as she took note of her surroundings. Four long tables were set out stretching the length of the hall. At the far end was a table, at which the teachers sat and in the centre sat the headmaster himself; Armando Dippit.
Narrelle watched as the single line of second years in front of her split into four separate groups and sat at the appropriate table for their houses. The far right table was dedicated to the Ravenclaws and next to them was the Gryffindors. To the left of the center isle were the Hufflepuffs and to their left, the Slytherins. As the third years approached the tables she followed the others from her house and found her place at the Slytherin table.
When everyone had taken their places, all heads turned to the entrance. It wasn't long before footsteps could be heard coming up from the dungeons to the first floor. A pause told them that Dumbledore was explaining to the first years about the houses and the sorting. Narrelle went over in her head the speech that was made on her arrival to Hogwarts for the first time.
"In a moment you will pass through these doors into the great hall" Dumbledore had said, "There you will be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Whilst you are here your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you points whilst any disobedience to the rules will result in points being taken away. At the end of the year the house with the most points is presented with the house cup." Narrelle remembered the speech well, as she had with most of the finer details of her first day. For her they were something to be treasured. She had been absentmindedly staring up the table towards the great oak doors when suddenly noticed she that her gaze had been fixed on Tom Riddle, who was sat further up and on the opposite side of the table. Blushing furiously, she hoped that he had not noticed.
Just then the doors swung open magically and Dumbledore led the procession of students to the far end of the hall, his maroon robes standing out amongst the many black ones of the seated students and those following behind him. The children were looking exhilarated from their trip in the boats and were now staring around them mouths open as they noticed the bewitched ceiling. Nudging and poking each other and whispering nervously they approached the teachers table. Dumbledore turned to address them when they had all gathered around.
"Now when I call your name you will sit here on this stool" He gestured towards a small three-legged stool with a grubby torn old hat sat on top, "and I will place the sorting hat on your head. When it has decided where you belong you will join your class mates at the appropriate table" Unrolling a long piece of parchment he began "Chambers Florence."
A small red head girl stepped cautiously forward and sat on the now empty stool. She shut her eyes as Dumbledore lowered the hat by its tip onto her head. For a moment nothing seemed to happen but Narrelle knew better. Suddenly a rip just above the rim opened wide and the word "Ravenclaw" issued loudly from it making her jump. Removing the hat from her head Dumbledore smiled and pointed towards the Ravenclaw table. Finally, looking relaxed, the girl trotted over beaming and sat with the Ravenclaws who where clapping and cheering.
Narrelle clapped and cheered along with the others when each of the ten or so new Slytherins joined them and enjoyed the ceremony right to the last student who was placed in Gryffindor.
Armando Dippit stood up as the girl found her seat. "As usual," he announced sounding rather bored. "I am to remind you that the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds to all students and that only third years and above are permitted to visit Hogsmead on weekends as long as they provide a permission slip. Let the feast begin". Clapping his hands together the tables filled with plates pilled high with the most delicious food. Ooos and ahhhs filled the hall from the surprised first years. Smiling again Narrelle loaded her plate with all her favorites, chicken, baked beans, roast potatoes and a range of vegetables.
"So Narrelle, what subjects are you dropping?" Narrelle looked at the blonde girl sitting opposite her.
"Why does everyone keep asking that? I'm managing just fine, ok, so my results last year scraped average but this year I'll do better. How about you Ellouise?"
"Care of Magical creatures has got to go. I mean why do we need to learn to look after dumb animals anyway? I'm not up for loads of extra work".
Narrelle swallowed her mouthful of chicken before replying, "I don't think it'll be too much work. I mean I'm only taking four extra subjects, look at Myrtle, she's taking two more than me".
"Yeah, look at Myrtle" Giggled Ellouise swiveling in her seat to look at a girl with brown hair, freckles and large glasses sat at the Hufflepuff table. She was sat keeping herself to herself with her head bent low over her food. Narrelle heard the familiar chant begin further down the table and almost joined in.
"Moaning groaning Myrtle,
Looks like a fat old turtle".
It was a rhyme that Olive had come up with in their first year when they're rhyming skills were not sophisticated or brilliantly original. Now it was an old classic and never failed to bring a smile to Slytherin faces.
"Do us all a favour Myrtle and drown in your turtle soup," Ellouise called to her before falling about laughing. Narrelle laughed too. She couldn't feel sorry for Myrtle, the girl was never cheerful and it was fun to make jokes. It was what she expected of them anyway.
Narrelle ignored the sobs that could be heard coming from behind Ellouise. Finishing her meal she chatted to her and listened as she ranted about her holidays. She and Ellouise Lawson shared a room in the Slytherin dormitories with three other girls, Olive Hornbe, Heather Ferguson and Alianora Hamilton.
Climbing down the stairs to her room was hard to do. The excitement of the day and a full stomach had exhausted her. All her things had been brought down. Her owl Nightsong hooted from her cage to be let out.
"Good evening Nightsong." She opened the cage door and Nightsong flew onto her outstretched arm. Dragging herself back over to the door and into the common room she allowed her to fly free into the hall and off in the direction of the owlery. "Go on," she yawned. "Enjoy the night and I'll see you in the morning".
"Good night," Narrelle called out after clambering into her four poster bed.
"Good night," called the other four voices in unison as the candles all went out at once.