This is the last time I'll say this, but I just want to point out that Tom Riddle will be very out of character in many parts of this story, this chapter included. It's all part of the master plan, you need to remember Tom played the part of a likeable person in school as part of his manipulations. This will be a very dark story, and it will all eventually unfold. Just bear with me.

In response to the reviews:

KirikaAndo - I'm glad you were excited by the appearance of the grandfather! haha. I feel bad putting him in this chapter too because I don't want to force his involvement into the story too much, but as I wrote this at the end I found the perfect opportunity to put something in, and it only worked with him. You'll see at the end of this chapter.

Kavernista - You don't need to joke because I totally would faint too haha ;) only for Chamber of Secrets style Tom Riddle though!

I purposely made a point to avoid Tom Riddle for the rest of the train ride. It wasn't hard as he most likely spent the rest of the time in the prefect's carriage giving orders as Head Boy, but I made sure to steer clear of the carriage anyway. Instead I found a compartment filled with timid first year girls who left me alone and let me read my book. It wasn't even clear to me on why I wanted to avoid Tom. He didn't make me feel uncomfortable the same way Hartwell did. I didn't find him annoying or creepy. I did however find myself blushing madly when speaking to him and even found myself fighting to prove myself and finding ways to make him not think I'm a complete idiot.

Speaking of Hartwell however, at the end of the train ride I had to endure Andrew Hartwell once more. He stayed true to his word of annoying me only on a "quarterly " basis and didn't utter a word as he opened the train door for the students to get out (as this was a prefect's duty) however he did give my behind a quick pat as I exited the carriage.

I decided to not give him any acknowledgement and suppressed the urge to shoot him a filthy look as I continued on, not even glancing behind me as I made my way to the carriages that would take us to the school.

I uncomfortably stood around at the carriages as I waited for someone who would allow me to sit with them, whether that be someone I was on good terms with or with someone who wouldn't mind a strange seventh year girl riding with them.

After waiting for a while and watching many carriages leave, I eventually found three of my dorm mates who allowed me to ride with them. During the ride they weren't outwardly rude, as they made an effort to ask me about my summer. However even just ten minutes later the conversation was forced and strained by the time the carriages pulled up outside the castle. They weren't mean, but disinterested. I could see the girls eyeing each other each time I tried to talk about a mundane topic such as Quiddich or the weather. I wasn't sure whether it was a situation where they were being polite by ignoring the elephant in the room (that I didn't mesh well with them if forced to converse in a confined environment) or that they were being catty and would laugh about this behind my back later.

We all clambered out of the carriage. There was a silence between us, I think we all wanted to go into the castle separately (well, me separate from the other three) but didn't know how to bring this up. I decided to once again attempt to make interesting conversation. Once again it seemed to fall on deaf ears.

"They're not invisible horse drawn carriages, you know. They're pulled by a thing called Thestrals, only a few people can see them." I stated out loud.

My three dorm mates eyed each other and I could now tell they were trying hard not to burst out with laughter. I remained silent feeling incredibly embarrassed and a little rejected. I didn't feel it was a particularly weird thing to say, especially considering they weren't adding anything to the conversation to begin with.

"Alright Tori. Say, you should stay out here and play with the invisible horsies." Beatrice, one of the girls said in a thinly veiled sarcastic manner. For the first time this evening she was being rude towards me.

I nodded my head sadly. I was right, they clearly didn't want me around. I had attempted to make pleasant conversation the entire carriage ride but they either didn't reply or gave one worded answers. I almost wish they could have been outwardly catty to my face. As it was so passive aggressive it meant I could not hate them or be outwardly horrible back. Instead I ended up with these situations, where I tried really hard to fit in and be polite and instead they made a mockery of me.

"She's right, you know. They are pulled by Thestrals. They may not be the prettiest creatures but they're incredibly misunderstood as they're associated in such a macabre context." An anxious looking man spoke up, looking as though he was doubting whether he should have entered the conversation or not.

I was so busy attempting to connect with my dorm mates I didn't realise there was someone else nearby, aside from all the students climbing out of the carriages. It was dark, but the moon was out tonight so I could still see him.

I had never seen this person before. He definitely was not a student, but he didn't look too much older than one. I made sure to take in all of his features but it was his face that stood out. He was good looking, in an incredibly awkward looking way. He looked very innocent and his face looked almost welcoming.

It was very different to the handsome-style of Tom Riddle. This man's looks made you feel relaxed rather than Tom's striking attractiveness that made you feel uncomfortable and inadequate.

"Oh, okay." Beatrice suddenly stated. One of the girls quickly whispered to her and nodded her head towards the castle. Thinking I wasn't looking the group of girls quickly rushed away to sneakily depart from me, looking over their shoulders to see if I was following them. I certainly wasn't.

I looked back over at the man expecting him to have witnessed the cold treatment by my dorm mates and got ready to have to explain their rude behaviour. However when I turned back to him I noticed his attention had long ago turned back to the Thestrals as he was quietly speaking to them, and I assumed was patting one, although to me it looked like he was touching the air

"Can you see them?" the stranger asked, but then suddenly looked shocked and quickly added on "my apologies. That's an incredibly personal question."

"No, I can't. I've never witnessed death." I responded, knowing the reason why someone can see these creatures. I wanted to ask him if he could see them, but as he had said himself it was a personal question, I thought it may be inappropriate.

"I can. They're a little scary looking but have a very docile personality. I guess their attraction to blood doesn't help." The man answered for me, and it was only then when I realised he was holding a bucket. The colour of the insides were hidden as the darkness consumed the bucket as it was closer to the ground away from the light but I could see a thick textured liquid inside. I knew that Thestrals fed on blood so I guessed the mixture inside was something quite gruesome.

I only smiled at the man, unsure of what to say.

"Lots of students have passed by tonight but you're the first to actually stop and pay attention, even though you can't see them. Would you like to feed one? They'll eat it straight out of your hand, you can still feed them even though you can't see them." The stranger asked me, his innocent face broken into a big smile.

I wanted to say I had only stopped to pay attention due to the fact he had spoken to me first, but I stopped myself. I also briefly considered that a mess from the buckets would likely go all over hands should I attempt to feed the Thestrals. However I came to the realisation that this was an opportunity that didn't come around every day and I certainly wanted to take it. I would figure the rest out later.

But then something else dawned on me. I had no idea who this guy was. Finding myself curious, I decided to ask.

"Are you the new gamekeeper?" I asked him curiously.

"No." He responded politely.

I waited a few moments as I expected him to elaborate on his duties for the school. There was growing silence between us with no further explanation from the man on why he was there.

"Um, a new caretaker then?" I asked, running out of ideas in my mind.

"No." The man responded politely once more, not picking up on the hint that now was his cue to explain himself, as he passed me the bucket he was holding full of grotesque things for the Thestrals to feast upon.

I saw one of the last carriages arrive and a group of boys climbing out. Noticing Tom Riddle's striking form I shuddered a little, wanting to either scurry off before he noticed me and could strike up a conversation, or at least make myself hidden so he didn't notice me. The good news was that Tom didn't seem to see me. However someone else did, and this person was adamant on making a big scene.

"Black, are you serious? Firstly you act highly inappropriately on the train, now here you are holding a bucket of filth in the company of a strange man. I know your father married some filthy creature whore, but doesn't mean you need to act like one too," Rangvald Lestrange scoffed loudly towards me, spitting at my feet before adding on another threat "Do you need another kick to the ribs again?"

My hands were full so I was unable to defend myself. Luckily for me, both the stranger who was tending to the Thestrals swiftly got out his wand and jumped in front of me. Tom Riddle had noticed the scuffle and he too hurried over and pointed his wand at Lestrange.

"Wow, calm down. I'm just doing us all a favour, Black included. We need to keep these women in line, it'll lead to a much happier life for her as well." Lestrange stated as he started to back away slowly.

"You need to go." The stranger said in a low tone, very different to his happy-go-lucky demeanour he had a few moments ago. He failed to sound very threatening as he still looked too innocent and friendly, but his personality was certainly different from before.

Lestrange only laughed, not taking the man seriously. He had backed off from me as he clearly was taken off guard as he didn't anticipate somebody to defend me, but now he was laughing.

"Rangvald. I will not tolerate somebody in my inner circle of friends speaking to women in that manner. I think you should go as well. You can re-join us all when you feel you can apologise to Tori sincerely." Tom piped up, speaking for the first time and sounding annoyed at Lestrange, also using the nickname for me that I asked him to use on the train.

I could tell Lestrange was angry. He seemed too mad for words as he was left gaping and only making strange noises. I guess he was annoyed his sexist and bigoted attitudes backfired and he was angry Tom was siding with a "blood traitor woman" rather than himself - a powerful member of the inner Slytherin circle. His family held the strongest views of keeping magic pure (aside from the Black family) so it seemed he really had an issue that my father ended up with a Veela and not a witch, even though she wasn't affiliated with muggles at all.

Lestrange stormed off, making sure to bump shoulders with me in doing so. I cried out in pain and rubbed where he had brutally knocked me.

"Are you okay? If you need me to take you to the hospital wing I'll just be five more minutes tending to these Thestrals and then I can take you." The stranger offered kindly, the smile on his face making me feel better.

"Oh, no that's okay. His kick before didn't hurt and my shoulder will be fine. Thanks though." I smiled at him and quickly recoiled my hand from my shoulder.

"In that case I can escort you inside. The activities will be starting soon." Tom offered me quickly, extending his arm for me to take. I had momentarily forgotten that Tom was still there.

"I guess I better go inside then. Thank you for the opportunity though, I'd love to take it up again sometime." I smiled as I thanked the stranger who said goodbye to me as I accepted Tom's arm.

I was incapable of speech as we silently made our way into the Entrance Hall and then into the Great Hall. It would be a blatant lie to say I never received male attention but I had certainly never had anyone on the same calibre as Tom Riddle ever take a second look at me. I may not have swooned over him like the other girls in our school before tonight, but after seeing how much of a gentleman he had been tonight, I might be coming around.

I noticed that Tom and I attracted a lot of attention together as we made our way in-between the Slytherin and Ravenclaw tables as we walked down the Great Hall and eventually sat down at the Slytherin table. I noticed the three of my dorm mates who had run off on me before look shocked, as they started nudging each other and pointing in our direction.

Tom, who must have incorrectly assumed they were waving me over and that they were my friends, sat me down next to them. He even held the seat out for me. Not wanting to be rude or wanting to explain the inner dramas of the seventh year Slytherin girls I sat down, feeling incredibly awkward to be in the presence of the girls who were very rude to me a short while ago.

I started to feel a little better when Tom occupied the seat next to me. I didn't feel so uncomfortable being in their company now. I wasn't alone.

Although I was shocked at the appearance of the three girls once I finally took a good look at them.

"Oh my goodness, what happened to you three?" I asked the girls. They had been pelted with some kind of white powdery substance that they had attempted to remove from their uniforms but it was still prevalent.

"Peeves." Beatrice, the informal leader of their friendship circle stated with gritted teeth.

Not wanting to alienate myself from the girls further I hid my joy and shot her a sympathy look as I turned back to Tom. If I had gone in with them that would have been me also in Peeve's firing line. Or if they hadn't run off they would have been spared. Either way it was hilarious.

"So I feel we don't talk nearly as much as I'd like to, Miss Black. How was your summer?" Tom pleasantly asked me.

I blinked in confusion as I wasn't expecting him to make idle chit chat with me. I also didn't know what to say. I wasn't terribly exciting. In fact my life was fairly mundane, so I didn't know how to make good conversation.

"A little boring, I'm afraid. Plenty of Black weddings to attend of course, but other than that I was mostly cooped up in my room. Did you enjoy your summer?" I nervously asked Tom, deciding to stay truthful.

Tom opened his mouth to respond to my question but Headmaster Dippet stood up and began to address all the teachers and students and the entire hall fell silent.

I always tried to listen to the start of term speeches as closely as possible but it never worked to my favour and I always found my mind wandering off. Today was no exception. As Tom Riddle was seated beside me (and in my line of sight towards the teacher's table) I kept staring at him. I always knew he were good looking, but I had never really taken into consideration how much I found him attractive.

I used to find it amusing how girls always fawned over him – even some Gryffindor ones. All the teachers spoke so highly of him too, it was no shock to anyone when he was made Head Boy. Everyone seemed to adore Tom Riddle. But now I found my face growing hot in his presence. I had never really developed crushes on anyone at school before. My mother used to sigh and say I must not yet be "developed" and that it was odd that a girl of my age had not yet grown an interest for boys – no matter how many times family and friends told her how lucky she was that she need not worry about me yet. But something had changed inside me between the end of the previous school year and now. I wasn't entirely sure whether I had changed, or if Tom had done something that made me grow interested in him. As giddy as I felt, I was excited to find out.

Sometimes during Headmaster Dippet talking he would look over at me (as I was seated behind him) and send me a smile. I would smile back but try to pretend I had not been staring at him. I don't know how well it worked, but he didn't act strange towards me.

It was during one of his smiling moments when one of the doors to the hall loudly burst open behind us. Tom's smile disappeared and a frown appeared on his face as I noticed his eyes look towards the door. I spun around on my seat and saw the stranger from before with the Thestrals walk down the Great Hall. I could see him flash a nervous looking grin towards everyone as he uncomfortably made his way to the staff table.

"That strange man was at the carriages before! He was so queer!" Beatrice loudly whispered to anyone within earshot. I rolled my eyes – she was being ridiculous, she had barely even conversed with him.

I thought she may have stated this to grab attention and I was correct as she repeated herself until Tom acknowledged her, batting her eyes at him once she did.

He chose not to even acknowledge her and kept his attention on the man who entered and I could tell he was deep in thought.

I knew it was jealousy in me when I found my chest tightening at Beatrice's flirting and I certainly didn't like it. Even though I was sure that was the end of it, for the first time tonight I permanently kept my eyes off Tom. I didn't like that angry and bitter feeling rising inside me, especially considering it had grown so ugly over a few playful words and light touching. I decided now was as good time as any to pay attention to the start of term announcements.

"Sorry, the Thestrals started fighting each other. Then uh, they decided to mate there and then." The man I spoke to before stated, clearing his throat and I could tell he was embarrassed to be sharing that information with the entire school.

A few students laughed loudly at this information, myself included until I noticed a lot of people at our table stare me down rudely, Lestrange included. I nearly glanced towards Tom to see if he would protect me but I realised I'd hate to see Beatrice flirting with him again so I kept my eyes on the unknown man.

"A simple 'The Thestrals required my attention' would have sufficed." Dippet said towards the man in a disapproving tone after clearing his throat.

I saw the man stutter a little and bow his head out of shame. I almost felt a little sorry for him, but I wasn't going to pipe up and defend him in front of all the students and teachers.

"But let this be a perfect time to introduce you all to your new Care of the Magical Creatures teacher. I feel you all will find him perfect for the post. Please give Professor Newton Scamander a warm welcome." Dippet announced loudly with a big smile on his face.

I dropped the fork I had been playing with in shock. That was Newt Scamander I was speaking to? The most well-known Magizoolgist in recent history? This would be such a fantastic Care of the Magical Creatures class.

Before anyone could speak up, there was a loud voice heard from the Gryffindor table.

"You're JOKING." The voice of a very keen boy yelled out towards Dippet.

The entire hall burst out laughing at this comment, well aside from most Slytherins, myself included. In fact I crossed my arms as I was so unimpressed with the outburst.

"I am not joking Mr Hartwell," Dippet spoke up, clearly as unamused as I was "I can't tell you the last time I even came close to telling a joke."

I noticed Newt Scamander scrunch his face at Dippet's telling off at Andrew Hartwell. I also noticed a twinkle at the corner of my eye and saw Professor Dumbledore, the Transfiguration teacher send a small reassuring smile towards the Gryffindor table.

I looked back at Tom for the first time in a while and I couldn't read his expression this time. He was looking at Scamander with some kind of determination in his eyes. I couldn't tell whether it was an impressed look or one of disgust, or if it was something else entirely. Tom Riddle was a hard boy to read.

I could tell one thing though. Between Tom Riddle and Newt Scamander this would be one interesting year.