A/N: Disclaimer: the tarot information is from.
I think you might see a few more ...familiar places ;)
Enjoy! Review! I'd love to know what you think
Chosen to Rise; Destined to Fall
Part Two: The Beginning
Chapter Eleven-
- Discovery-
He was standing by Vincent in the shadows. He looked around, startled to discover that he was in a graveyard. He recognized it as a graveyard in Little Hangleton, the town near the nunnery. Cracked tombstones stuck haphazardly out of the rough ground, covering a rolling hill. In the distance was what looked like a dark fortress, but he couldn't make it out exactly. He went to ask Vincent what was going on, but Vincent was staring at something. Tom turned, following Vincent's gaze to a tall, hooded figure. He felt something sear through his body and he was screaming, but no sounds were coming out.
Then it was over and the graveyard was empty once again. He spun to face Vincent, but Vincent was gone. A strong gust swept through the graveyard, swirling fallen leaves into the air and chilling him to the bone. He shivered, rubbing his arms, looking around.
"Tom…"
Tom spun. "Who's there!" Nothing but the wind answered him, sending another icy gust his way.
"Tom…"
Tom spun, seeing Sister Mary. She looked sad and he didn't understand why. "Sister Mary?" He reached out but then she disappeared. Then Shawn and Vincent appeared to his left. "Why are you here? Tell me!" he demanded. They just shook their heads, disappointment on their faces. Then suddenly hooded black robes appeared over them. As Tom looked around, he was startled to see that there were many hooded black robed figures. He heard crackling and a blinding light filled his vision. Fire. The heat singed his hair and he could feel his skin blistering. Through the flames, as they turned a bright green, he watched in shock as the robed figures bowed to him.
"Tom…"
"Tom!"
"No, get off me!" he yelled, shoving at whatever was touching him. Then he bolted awake, breathing hard, sweat trickling down his forehead. As his vision cleared, he saw Mrs. Cole standing beside his bed. "What do you want?"
"Did you buy all your things for that school?"
Still trying to clear his head of the dream, he didn't answer for a few moments. Then he thought back to the list of school supplies. "Not yet."
"Well you better get a move on. You leave tomorrow." She turned, leaving the room.
Tom glared after her. Mad old cat. What's she doing waking me up? Bet she's glad to be rid of me. Can't wait until I'm off to that school, just so she doesn't have to put up with me. Well I'll show her. I'll show all of them. I'll become the most powerful wizard there ever was. And then I can make them all pay. He threw off his blankets, leaving them in a heap at the end of the bed. He swung his legs to the side, standing, and went to the washroom. After cleaning up, he dressed in his usual gray clothing, common to all the orphans, and ran his fingers through his hair. He glanced at his wardrobe where his box of trophies still lay. I suppose I should get rid of them, apologize so Dumbledore will leave me alone. He smirked. And I know just how I'll do it. He walked over to the wardrobe, opening it. On the door of the wardrobe hung a calendar, on which he had been marking down the days until he left for Hogwarts. He couldn't believe that July and August had passed so quickly and he had desperately wanted to return to Diagon Alley. However, they had gone on their longer summer trip to a camp, which meant that Tom was away from London. Not like he could do anything about it. They had arrived back in London the previous night, so now he had to go finish his school shopping.
He crossed out that day, smiling in excitement at seeing September 1st for the next day. I can't wait. He turned to his box of trophies, reaching up and pulling it down off its shelf. During the trip, he had continued to refine his powers, controlling objects, people, animals, the lot. However, he kept his wand hidden in an old trunk that he had found in the upstairs attic. It was nestled among his robes and other school things. He had read Hogwarts: A History at least a dozen times and had it memorized. There were a few things that interested him, such as the founder of Slytherin house: Salazar Slytherin. He had been left-handed and what they called a Parselmouth: someone that could speak to snakes. But that would have to wait until he got to school, where he'd have access to hundreds of books.
He walked over to his bed, dumping out the contents of his trophy box onto the sheets. Then he took each one and wrapped a bit of paper around it, writing "Sorry." Not, thought Tom with a smirk. Glancing outside, he saw that the sun was out, meaning that most of the children would be outdoors. Perfect.
It took him the better part of an hour to return all the objects, setting them in each owner's room. He was walking down the hall, having just left Rudolph's room (returning the mouth organ), when he heard a scream. Margaret had obviously found her shoelaces. Tom stepped back, keeping his face expressionless as she tore down the hall, her hands red and blistered. Once she was past, he snickered and returned to his room. The way he figured it, it wasn't exactly doing magic. He wasn't using his wand and he just wanted her to be hurt. He had done it in the past and if he was questioned, he'd just say it was an accident. How was he supposed to control it?
Smirking, he threw away the empty cardboard box and went to the trunk at the foot of his bed. Crouching down, he unlatched it and pulled out his supply list. Just my things for potions and my cauldron to get, he thought. He closed the trunk and stood. Without a backwards glance, he left the orphanage, heading to London.
However, even as he walked down Diagon Alley, his dream still plagued him. He hadn't had a dream like that for over three years and now suddenly it was back, and even more horrible. What does it all mean? He thought. Frowning, he entered the Apothecary. The disgusting smells overwhelmed him and he bought his supplies quickly, not wanting to be in there any longer than he had to. After buying his cauldron, he walked past the Emporium, where various owls sat perched in cages. He bit his lip, stopping. I want an owl…but I don't think I can afford one yet. He reached into his pocket, pulling out the remainder of his money. Only one Galleon and a few Sickles sat in his palm. He sighed and pocked the money.
He turned to walk away when someone ran into him. "Oh! I'm sorry!" said the person.
Tom looked down and his eyes widened. The boy was a good foot shorter than him, with straw-colored hair and blue eyes. He was dressed in a dark red sweater and a black cloak with silver fastenings. But it was Shawn. It was definitely Shawn.
Shawn was staring up at Tom as well, his mouth hanging open. "T- Tom!"
Tom shook the shock from his face and replaced it by a cool exterior. "Hello."
"I – it's so good to see you! But how – what – you're a wizard too!" he asked excitedly.
Tom's face remained expressionless. "Looks about right." So Shawn's a wizard too…I wonder if the McEriths were a wizarding family, I bet they were. Working for the "Ministry." Ministry of Magic, no doubt. Shawn had definitely changed from the lost boy he had known three years ago. He looked healthier, happy, and the most notable difference was the fact that Shawn was talking far more than before.
" – aunt and uncle! I actually have family! It's amazing. The McEriths…my family! My parents were Unspeakables, for the Department of Mysteries, which is why they died…but I have family! And Vincent –"
"Good for you. Bye." He glared slightly and turned, beginning to walk down the street.
"Tom! Wait!" Shawn ran after Tom, running in front of him. "I really missed you," he said quietly.
Tom looked down at him, fury bubbling inside him. "You could have wrote me."
"I – " Shawn looked crestfallen and guilty. "I'm sorry, Tom." Tom didn't answer, shoving past Shawn and walking down the street. Shawn looked sadly after him, his shoulders slightly slumped. I…I really did miss him, thought Shawn. He's changed so much…
"Shawn!"
Shawn turned to see a tall, dark-haired woman standing just outside the Emporium with a caged owl in her hands. Eloise McErith, Shawn's aunt. "Coming!" He glanced back at where Tom had disappeared into the crowed and then ran back to his aunt
So this is Knockturn Alley, thought Tom as he looked up and down the dark street. Men and women in hooded cloaks huddled in corners, whispering to each other. He drew several stares as he walked past but he ignored them. One man leered at him and Tom just gazed at him coldly, continuing to walk. He wasn't even remotely scared. Besides, I can make them hurt if I want to, he thought with a smirk.
"You seem troubled my dear," came a croaky voice from within the shadows.
Tom looked to see an old woman standing in the shadows, hunched over and clutching a black shawl around her bony shoulders. She wore vast amounts of jewelry and held tarot cards in her free hand. "I'm not interested, sorry," he said and went to walk away.
"Your dreams, Tom. They mean something."
He spun around, trying to hide his surprise. "What are you talking about?"
"You know…" She gave him a mysterious smile.
"How do you know my name? Tell me!"
"Come." She beckoned with one long finger and he followed her down a small alley to a corner shop. She sat down behind a table covered with a red tablecloth. She set down her deck of cards and took his hand in hers, turning it over. Her skin was rough and he frowned, watching her. She shook her head as she ran a single finger over his palm. "Curious."
"What's curious?"
"Your future is shadowed, but one thing is clear. It will be painful. You will suffer greatly at the hands of another. Your dreams mean something, Tom, don't forget them." She looked up at him, her eyes seeming to pierce his soul. "The robed men. The graveyard. The fire. It's all connected." She let go of his hand. "You have a long life ahead of you, if you play your cards correctly."
He eyed her warily. "How do you know all of this?"
She didn't answer. Instead, she picked up her tarot deck and set them out. "Choose."
He looked over the row of brightly colored cards and then selected a card. "That one." This is a waste of my time.
"It's not a waste. You'll see."
He looked up at her, startled. "How –"
She just gave him her mysterious smile again and looked at the card he had selected. "Ah, the King of Swords. Shows a mature leader of indisputable authority and unwavering ethics. Whether they be good or bad. Your devotion to carrying out law cannot by swayed by emotion or material concerns. Perfect clarity of thought, directness of action, and eloquence of speech. One who inspires trust and loyalty. Very curious choice, Tom." She pulled the cards into her deck. "Now ask a question."
Tom thought about it and then asked, "What's my future?" He knew what he wanted, but if this woman really knew what she was doing, perhaps she could give him some insight in how to achieve his goals.
"A common question. We'll see what happens." She set out the cards in a plus sign formation. She looked at the cards with obvious interest. "Well then…this is rather interesting. You see this card?" She pointed to the center card. "This is the Wheel of Fortune. The path of destiny; karma on a grand scale. You will have an unexpected turn of good fortune; a link in a chain of events. Success, luck, and happiness."
Tom arched an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. Good fortune, hm? Maybe I'll be able to find out about my family…
"The card on the top, the King of Cup, represents great maturity. One who intuitively knows the strengths of those around him and gently cultivates them. Remaining calm and relaxed in all situations and making artful use of diplomacy or a quiet word to resolve conflicts."
Well I don't know about patience, he thought. That card is nutters, not very spot on for me.
"The card on the left," she continued, "is your emotions. The Queen of Wands. It shows someone who is always at the center of attention, who reflects the desires and ambitions of others, and ignites them. A radiantly vital person, charismatic, who sees what they want and goes after it."
Now that's a little more like it, he thought.
"The bottom card represents your thoughts. The Ace of Cups. The seed of a new relationship or spiritual journey – perhaps as yet unseen. An opportunity for joy, contentment, or enlightenment. May represent an unexpected message, a chance meeting, or the start of a friendship. The card on the right shows what will happen in the end. The Seven of Cups, Temptation. It shows your daydreams and things seen in the glass of contemplation. The scattering of energies by strong desires and unrealistic goals. The pursuit of illusions and the dissipation of energy on false choices. Intoxication, delirium, and hallucination, leading to the negation of effort. Under rare and extreme circumstances, it may indicate the revelation of transcendental spiritual truth."
She looked up at him. "Your cards never lie. Even if this isn't what you are now, it is what you could become. There are many conflicts within you and it will be up to you to choose the right path."
He stood, his gaze narrowing. "It's rubbish. I don't believe any of it." However, inside, a few words still stayed with him, ringing their truth in his mind. He turned, walking away, trying to shake what the woman had told him. Seven…important magical number. I remember reading about that. But how – how could she know about my dreams? Some of that tarot stuff was right, but still – He shook his thoughts away, heading out of Knockturn Alley. He had had quite enough for the moment.
After checking to make sure he had bought all his supplies, he headed out of Diagon Alley and back to the orphanage.
Tom spent most of the night awake, too excited to sleep. He kept a candle lit by his bed so that he could continue to read his books. However, thoughts of his dreams, the tarot reader, and Shawn plagued his mind. So Shawn has a family…those two people were his aunt and uncle… He felt a surge of fury run through his body at the thought of it. They get to leave me and be so happy. It's not fair. So he said he tried to write me. That's codswallop. I hate them. I hate them both.
He clenched his fist so hard that his nails dug into the skin of his palm. He ignored the stinging pain that resulted and just glared into the darkness. As he sat there, he slowly calmed down and a new plan began to form in his mind. He'd bide his time. Hogwarts was going to be brand new, no one would know him and therefore no one could judge him. If he played his cards right, he'd be able to charm the professors, and thereby getting access to all the information he desired about his family. He would find his father and he would make him pay for leaving his mother, even if she was weak. After all, she died. Death was a human weakness and something that Tom would figure out how to avoid, somehow, if there was any way possible.
Eight a.m. didn't come soon enough, in Tom's opinion, and he was already out the door as soon as it came. He reached King's Cross Station, tugging the heavy trunk up the stairs. Once he was inside, he set his trunk onto a trolley and made his way onto the platforms.
"9 and ¾…" he muttered, checking to make sure his ticket was right. "There's only 9 and 10." He looked between the two stone columns, quite confused. He checked inside the envelope to see if there were more instructions on how to find the platform, but there wasn't.
"Minerva! Now! Stop dossing about and get to the platform!" called a sharp voice. Tom looked to see a dark-haired, portly, middle-aged woman with her hands on her hips, obviously frustrated. A young, teenage girl, with shoulder-length brown hair and dark eyes, crouched by her trolley, fixing a package.
"It came loose, mum, I didn't want to lose it," the girl said, standing and looking at her mother. Her eyes landed on Tom, who still hadn't moved. Then she looked back to her mother. "We still have an hour."
"If you want Prefect, you'll want to always be early," her mother chided. "Now come along. The train won't wait all day." The girl sighed and pushed her trolley towards one of the stone columns between Platform 9 and 10. She glanced around and then to his shock, walked right through the wall!
Tom stared after her and then looked at the woman, who was about to go through the wall. "Wait!"
The woman looked at him inquisitively. "Can I help you?"
No time like the present, he thought with an inward smirk. On the outside, however, he kept the look on his face innocent and confused. "I'm supposed to go to Platform 9 and ¾, but I don't know how. Do you just walk through that wall?"
The woman's face softened and she smiled. "Just walk right through, but don't think about it. It tends to be a bit easier that way."
He nodded. "Thanks." He forced a small smile on his face, looking every bit the appreciative youth. Then he pushed his trolley towards the wall, checking to make sure no one was watching, and closed his eyes just before he reached the wall.
The next thing he heard was a whistle blowing and the sounds of excited chatter. He opened his eyes and his mouth dropped open as he looked around. There, on the tracks, sat a scarlet train, with the words "Hogwarts Express" on the front. Standing on the platform were hundreds of people: parents saying goodbye to their children, friends reuniting and students boarding the train. He pushed his trolley forward slowly, taking in the sights. He felt a little out of place with his raggedy clothing, but perhaps he could use that to his advantage. He'd change into his robes as soon as he got a seat on the train, that way no one could judge him on his appearance.
He made his way into the queue for boarding the train and recognized the girl from the other side. She stood next to him, her hand on her trolley, a book in her other. She noticed him looking at her and looked up. "Hello."
"Hi," he responded, glancing at the book she was reading. "What are you reading?"
"Old and Forgotten Bewitchments and Charms," she answered. "It's a good read. I'm Minerva Mullhoney, by the way," she added with a smile. "This is my third year and I plan on making Prefect in two."
He nodded. "I'm Tom Riddle."
"Good to meet you." They slowly made their way closer to the train.
"What house are you in?" he asked curiously.
"Gryffindor. Are you just starting this year?"
"Yes." As they reached the train, a tall, thin man helped them remove their trunks from their trolleys. He pushed the trolleys off to one side and went to the next group of students.
Tom and Minerva made their way onto the train. "Well, this is me," she said, stopping in front of a compartment. "I'll see you at the Sorting." She smiled and went into her compartment.
He made his way down the corridor. The compartment door to his right opened and a boy stepped out. Tom recognized him as Rafe Lestrange, the boy he had met in Flourish and Blotts earlier that summer.
"Oi! Tom, how are you?" he asked with a smile. He smirked slightly. "Did you check out Knockturn Alley?"
"Yes. It was interesting."
"As it would be." He motioned to the compartment he had just exited. "Have a seat. Abraxas, Alphard and Procyon will be here shortly. Randolph is already in there."
"Thanks." He made his way into the compartment and saw a boy sitting in there, who looked very similar to Rafe. Randolph had short, black hair, dark eyes, and was slightly darker than his older brother. He wore a black sweater, trousers and a cloak with the Hogwarts Crest on it.
"Hi," Randolph said with a smile.
"Hi." Tom crouched down, opening his trunk. He pulled out black trousers, a gray sweater and one of his black robes.
"You're…Tom, right?"
"That's right." Tom closed the compartment door and quickly changed, feeling far more comfortable in the nicer clothing. He shut his trunk after packing his clothes away and shoved it under the seat. He sat down across from Randolph, leaning against the wall with the window. "You're a first year?"
"Yes. You?"
"Same."
"I'm going to be in Slytherin," Randolph said, folding his arms behind his head and propping his feet on the seat across from him.
"How do you know? You haven't been Sorted yet."
"My entire family's been in Slytherin, so I'll be in it. Best house." Randolph smirked. "What about you? What house has your family been in?"
"I don't think the house matters, so long as you're in the right house."
Randolph looked thoughtful, his gaze seeming to see right through Tom. "You're not a pureblood, are you." It was a statement.
Tom didn't see the point in lying. Besides, he had a gift for manipulation and he knew how to turn the situation to his favor. He had been doing it for years. "I'm an orphan, didn't know my parents."
"Oh." Randolph looked like he wanted to say something else but at that moment, the door opened. Four boys walked in. They were Rafe, Alphard, and two boys Tom didn't know. One was about two inches taller than Alphard, with wavy dark brown hair and hazel eyes. The other was the tallest out of all four, standing nearly at six feet in height. He had long, shoulder-length white-blond hair that had been bound back by a leather strap. His eyes were piercing silver and his angular features gave him an aristocratic look.
"Tom, this is Abraxas Malfoy," said Rafe, motioning to the white-haired boy. "He's a fifth year with me. And this," he said, motioning to the brown-haired boy, "is Procyon Black, Alphard's older brother, who's in his second year."
They all greeted each other and took their seats. Alphard and Procyon sat next to Tom and Abraxas and Rafe sat next to Randolph.
"So, Tom, what was your last name again?" asked Abraxas, arching an eyebrow.
"Riddle." Tom kept his voice calm and cool, his face expressionless.
"I see. Can't say I've heard of many Riddles."
"I didn't know my parents, but I plan on finding out has much as I can," said Tom.
"You're not a Mudblood, are you?" scowled Abraxas.
Tom wasn't sure exactly what that was but it sounded distasteful. "No," he responded.
"Good," said Abraxas, leaning back in his seat.
"Don't mind him," said Rafe, jabbing his thumb towards Abraxas. "He's harmless."
"Until you get him mad," smirked Procyon.
Tom smiled slightly and looked out the window as the boys fell into conversation. The scenery was passing by quickly and Tom had an urge to explore. He had never been on a train before so this was all interesting to him.
"I'm starved," came Alphard's voice, breaking Tom out of his thoughts. "Anyone want to track down the trolley with me?"
Tom looked over at him. "I'll go." He stood.
"I think I just might too," said Randolph, standing.
"Bring us back something," said Rafe.
"Get it yourself," retorted Randolph with a smirk. Tom followed the two boys out into the corridor. People were walking down the hall, entering and exiting compartments.
"So, Tom, did you live in the wizarding world?" asked Randolph.
Tom looked at Randolph, who was nearly a foot shorter than him. Seems he just has to know everything, thought Tom. "No, a Muggle orphanage."
Randolph looked disgusted. "A Muggle orphanage?" He sneered. "How quaint."
"I'm sure it had to have been horrible, right Tom?" asked Alphard and Tom felt a little more at ease. Randolph had the annoying habit, it seemed, of trying to put Tom on the defense. It was rather pathetic and Tom wouldn't fall pretty that easily.
"I'm just glad to be out of there," said Tom honestly. Someone bumped into him as they passed and Randolph rounded on them.
"Watch it," snapped Randolph.
"Sorry," the boy said and then looked at Tom. "I see you've made friends."
Tom looked at Vincent coolly. "You sound like you didn't expect it."
Vincent just looked at him for a few moments. Then he said, "See you at school," and pushed past them, heading down the corridor.
"Well that was awkward," said Alphard. He looked at Tom. "Who was that?"
"Former best friend," said Tom. "He chose the wrong path." But as he spoke, he was looking at Randolph, who had a curious expression on his face. "Randolph?"
"What's wrong, mate?" asked Alphard.
Randolph looked at them. "Didn't you notice it?" He directed the question to Alphard.
"Notice what?" asked Alphard.
"I could have sworn that bloke was a Malfoy, but I didn't think that Abraxas has a brother."
"He's an orphan," said Tom. "He was adopted a few years ago."
"Huh." Randolph shook his head. "Strange." He frowned, looking where Vincent had gone.
"Anything from the trolley, dears?" asked a voice from behind them. They turned to see an older woman pushing a trolley stocked with various sweets.
"Two chocolate frogs and a Pumpkin Pasty for me," said Alphard, handing the woman some money.
"A pack of licorice wands and cauldron cakes," said Randolph.
Once they had bought their sweets, the woman looked at Tom, who shook his head. "No thanks," he said. She continued on her way as they stepped aside to allow her to pass.
"Let's head back," said Randolph and they made their way back towards the compartment.
"Here," said Alphard, handing Tom a chocolate frog. "You'll like it." He smiled.
Tom managed a smile back. "Thanks." He waited until they took their seats in the compartment and then opened his treat. It tasted amazing and he finished it quickly, relishing the chocolate flavor.
"You wouldn't believe who we ran into," said Randolph. "Abraxas, I swear he could have been your brother."
Abraxas looked at him as Alphard handed him the Pumpkin Pasty. He opened the package and took a bite. "Is that so?"
"It's true," said Alphard. "He could have been your twin."
Rafe stole one of Abraxas' pumpkin pasties. Abraxas glared at him. "Another Malfoy?" he asked, interested.
"Thought you were an only child," said Procyon, looking at Abraxas.
Abraxas looked around at them. "No, I have a younger brother. His name is Vincent." Tom barely hid his shock. His brother? He thought in surprise. "He was taken away for certain reasons and my parents finally found him. Actually, it was a few years ago when they found him, but they didn't bring him back until this year. Talked to him quite a bit though, always visiting. Father said something about 'it's not time yet for him to come back' or something. I don't understand it, but I suppose he's still family, even if he was brought up in filthy Muggle surroundings," sneered Abraxas.
"You said you knew him, Tom?" asked Alphard.
"He was adopted by the McEriths," said Tom, not really wanting to talk about Vincent. It was bad enough that Vincent had left him, but the fact that Vincent had had a family and the Malfoys, of all families…that was more than enough. No wonder he was wearing nice clothes, thought Tom bitterly. Didn't even care to check up on his supposed best friend.
"The McEriths…my father works with them in the Ministry," said Procyon. "They're Unspeakables."
"Those are the secret Aurors, aren't they?" asked Randolph.
"Right," said Rafe. "No one knows what they do."
"Father is always gone," said Procyon.
"So what do you think of him. Your brother I mean?" asked Alphard.
Abraxas looked indifferent. "He's alright, I suppose. So long as he doesn't shame our family."
"You think he'll be a Slytherin?" asked Rafe.
"He better be." Abraxas' gaze narrowed. "Anything else is unacceptable."
As the sky darkened outside, the students moved to get dressed for their arrival. Abraxas, Rafe, and Procyon were all Slytherins, of course, and Alphard, Randolph and Tom just wore plain school robes with the Hogwarts crest embroidered upon them.
Tom was quiet for most of the time, just listening to the other boys talk. He had a book out, Magical Theory, the text required for Charms. It was something he had read countless times already, but though his eyes were on the pages, he was making observations about the compartment's inhabitants.
If there was one gift he had that wasn't magic related, it was his ability to observe and manipulate to his advantage. Just from the train ride, he had noted several facts. Rafe was pleasant so long as you shared the same ideals, same with Abraxas. However, Abraxas had the tendency to frown upon anything different, where as Rafe would at least give people a chance. Randolph was suspicious by nature and obviously trusted no one, which was something Tom agreed with. Trust was for the weak-minded. Alphard was a good person overall, but he was naïve in certain areas and tended to befriend too easily. Procyon was more of an observer, more thoughtful, but he knew what he was doing.
Tom had a plan for Hogwarts and if he played his cards right, he'd go far.
He felt the train come to a stop and everyone stood, collecting their things. "I can't wait!" said Alphard with a grin as they exited the train. Their things would be taken to the school and put in their dormitories. Tom was used to doing everything himself but he didn't mind having some things taken care of. That way he could focus on more important tasks. Hogwarts, he thought as they stood in the group of other first-years. You will know my name and remember it.