I couldn't help but where my new badge with pride. After all, I had worked hard in school and I sort of felt like I deserved it. On the train ride to Hogwarts that September, I reported to the prefect car like always, only this time I would be running the meeting.

A bunch of 5th and 6th years were standing around, but the person that stood out to me most was Tom Riddle. The first thing I noticed about him was the shiny Head Boy badge on his chest. I gulped nervously. The thought that Tom could be Head Boy had never really crossed my mind, but I realized then that it meant I would have to spend the whole year working with him.

He looked at me the way he always did, and it still sent shivers down my spine. Who knows why, but he always had that sort of power over me. You'd think it'd get old, but it never did.

All the information about leading the prefect meeting had been sent along with the badge, and I was ready for it. "Ahem." I cleared my throat. "Listen up, everyone."

None of the younger students responded. "Come on guys," I pleaded.

"Attention, everyone," Tom Riddle said, barely raising his voice above its normal volume. Talking ceased immediately. I guess Tom Riddle had a sort of power over everyone that way.

He nodded at me, and I knew that was my cue to start the meeting. I was a bit nervous but tried not to show it as I proceeded. "Okay. Now I first wanted to say that all of you should be honored to be here. It's a privilege to be picked as a prefect, and this could be the way to becoming Head Boy or Girl. Now I'm going to read you a list of all your assigned duties that you'll have this year."

I then read them the list, and they looked bored as they listened to me. After I finished I told them, "Being a prefect also involves helping others and doing some volunteer work. We thought that this year we could try and set up a tutoring program to help out some of the other students that are struggling a bit."

Silence. I looked to Tom for help, but he didn't say anything. Finally I said, "What do you guys think?"

An annoying looking 5th year answered. "I don't like it. Why should I have to spend my time helping other people that don't take the time to study on their own like I do?"

I was astonished. Another girl chimed in. "He does sort of have a point. I've tutored a few people before, and they take advantage of it. They wait to do their homework till I can practically do it for them."

"You shouldn't do that," I told her. "There are ways to help people without doing the work for them."

"I still don't like it," said the boy, whose name was Chris. "I didn't think this was part of the prefect job."

"It wasn't always," I said, feeling a bit frazzled. "I just thought it would be nice to try something new." Finally I turned to Tom for help. "Tom? Do you have any input?"

Tom thought about it for a minute. "All of you shouldn't be complaining. If Phoebe or I tell you to do something, you should listen to us. Trust me, we know what we're talking about."

Chris looked a bit sulky but didn't say anything else. I wrapped up the meeting and dismissed all the prefects, telling them it was time to go get changed because we would be at Hogwarts soon. After they left, I collapsed in a chair.

"That was a disaster," I said out loud.

Tom just shook his head while watching me. "Don't worry about it," he said gruffly.

I kept talking. I just couldn't help myself. "I just don't understand it. Why are they so disrespectful? I thought they would want to try a tutoring program. I mean, they're prefects."

Tom sat down in the seat next to me. He looked me directly in the eyes and said, "They're not like you and me."

You and me. How many times had I thought about that phrase in relation to Tom and myself? And now he was using it, comparing himself to me. Saying we were alike. But was I really anything like the cold hearted boy who stole from other people and broke my heart?

ooooooooooooooooooooooo

About half an hour later Garrett and I sat together as the train pulled into the Hogsmeade station. "How was your meeting?" he asked me.

"Bad," I replied flatly. "No one listens to me and everyone hates me."

"I'm sure you're exaggerating," Garrett said, shaking his head.

"Well, the 5th years were practically jumping down my back! I'm just trying to be a good leader. But it's really a disaster."

"Who's Head Boy?" he inquired.

I hesitated. "Tom Riddle."

Garrett clenched his teeth. "He doesn't deserve it."

I shrugged. "Well, apparently Professor Dippet thinks he does. Besides," I continued, "He did stick up for me. Kind of. Well, he did at least seem to agree with me."

Garrett looked at me curiously. "Don't forget what a jerk he is."

"No, of course not." I felt nervous talking about Tom but I tried not to show it. "He's a bloody thief. I hate what he's done."

"Good." Garrett took me by the hand as we exited the train. "I hope you don't have to interact too much with him. For your sake."

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A/N: I'm so sorry this update is a day late- next week is midterm week and I've been crazy busy studying. Plus American Idol has just started, and my obsession begins again! My two favorite things- American Idol and Harry Potter.

But I shall never forget about you guys, don't worry! I love you all, and I appreciate your reviews so much. I was truly blown away by all the comments I received on that last chapter- it means a ton to me, and I thank you so much for it.