Ch. 16-
Harry knew he had messed up- but what came over him?
He was walking back down the corridor when he accidentally bumped into someone.
"Oh I'm sorry-"
He stopped suddenly; he had just run into Tom Riddle.
Anger and rage coursed through his veins and he was seething.
"Are you ok, Mr.?"
"Potts…Harry Potts."
"Well Harry, I'm sorry I wasn't focused, what year are you?"
"Oh I-"
Dumbledore appeared next to them and smiled.
"Sorry to interrupt," he didn't look very sorry, "but I need to speak with Mr. Potts if you don't mind, I'm sorry Tom."
"Perfectly fine headmaster, I'm just getting back and setting thing up for the lessons tomorrow."
Dumbledore nodded and motioned for Harry to follow him.
They reached the gargoyles in front of the entrance to the Headmaster's office and Dumbledore spoke.
"So, you finally met your enemy Harry," Dumbledore faced the door, "Droobles."
"Yeah, I guess I have sir."
They went up the stairs and into his office.
Harry stopped as his girlfriend was sitting in one of the chairs.
"Harry please have a seat."
Harry sat.
"I have been discussing things- more you- with Mrs. Weasley here, I called her in here to chat."
"What exactly is going on Professor?"
"Well, as I explained to her, you are now going to be facing Lord Voldermort, but as your Herbology teacher, Professor Riddle."
He just looked from Ginny to Dumbledore and nodded.
She looked up from the floor at him, she didn't look angry like she was before.
He gave her a curious face and looked back at the headmaster.
"Now, we have discussed, pardon the intrusion on your life, but your sudden mood swing."
Harry nodded concerned and spoke, "You think it was something to do with Professor Riddle being here?"
"Yes Harry, Ginny told me how you used to have mood swings or feel sudden anger or extreme happiness, and it was all related to Voldermort."
"True."
There was a knock at the door and Dumbledore excused himself, "I'm sorry, I forgot that I am needed at Hagrid's for just one moment, so if you don't mind wait here please."
They both nodded and he left.
Harry turned to her with an apologetic face.
"Don't even say anything Harry- I know it wasn't your emotions talking; I'm sorry for not trying to understand better."
"Don't apologize, it was all my fault, I wish I could control everything- but if I ever do anything again I want you to know that I love you, and that it's not always me being an arse hole."
"I love you too."
She came over and gave him a searing kiss on the mouth.
He wanted her more than anything, she was his life, his escape, his love and he never wanted to forget it.
The kiss seemed so short to them, but it in fact took so long, that a bit later Dumbledore coughed for their attention and the two came up for air with bashful and beet red faces.
"Its good to see the two of you have made up."
"Sorry Professor."
"You have done nothing wrong Harry, perhaps privacy would be more appropriate, but it was I after all that barged in."
Ginny giggled.
"So, yes, Harry, I would like for you to continue your classes as usual and if you need anything please don't hesitate to come to my office."
"Thank you Headmaster."
Harry and Ginny left the office holding hands.
Dark Forest
I hope you understand boy- it was I that saved you that night from them, and it was I that helped you back to health, I was like a father to you when your own turned his back on his son for being a traitor!
I WAS NEVER A TRAITOR! I WAS SET UP!
Regardless Lucius, you needed me, and I was there to help, and now I need you, and I expect the same courtesy, you join me and my rankings and you will become a great man.
I can't, I have a child to look after and a girlfriend whom I need to marry.
Marry the wench; I don't care, but your baby on the other hand…
Bellatrix? Wha-… what do you want with her; don't do anything to my child Tom…
So sweet it is Luke, to hear you defend your precious loved ones, and to try and defend your poor little daughter.
Tom, anything but her, just not my baby, please…
No excuses Lucius, I have to take her, I will send her back in time so that she grows up as your dear wife's sister, so you are not losing a daughter- but gaining a sister-in-law- charming really.
This isn't right Tom, why are you doing this?
I have to, don't you see what I have become, it will only get worse Lucius, after the Horcruxes are complete my plan will be unmatchable, and undeniably fool proof, and you will join my ring of death eaters.
What if I refuse?
Your precious ickle wife and baby Bella are both going to die a slow….painful…death.
He paused.
And then I will make you join me anyways… take your pick son.
Alright Tom, I will do whatever it takes, just don't hurt my family-ever.
I'll try to remember that son, now its time for you to get back, if you need me, you know what to do..
With that Luke went back to the grounds and inside the castle right before Professor Riddle walked back to his Greenhouses- poor mandrakes need to be watered.