Chapter 4: The Slug-Club
Looking into the mirror, I made sure I'd look flawless. My long hair was glowing, my skin without any blemishes and most important of all, this ugly bruise on my cheek was gone. I healed it the same evening I received it, but still.
I was wearing my best dress. Also white and it reached my knees, made of a delicate fabric. It was sleeveless, since it was still summer. I turned slowly to a black box that sat on my bed. I took out the heavy long necklaces that once beonged to my mother. Beautiful jade pearls of a dark green, now completed my appearance.
On my way to the common room I met Walburga, she started to shake instantly. A smile on my lips, I entered the room, seeing that Tom Riddle was already waiting for me. He nodded politely and offered me his arm. I took it and we left without a word.
It appeared to me as if he was taking a longer way to Slughorn's rooms, why?
He didn't seem to be intersted in me, he had barely looked at me and his expression showed no emotions at all.
When we turned around a corner, he suddenly stopped and looked at me.
"I just wanted to ask you how settled in so far ?" He asked with his velvety voice.
"Just fantastic. Everybody is so nice and considerate, I already feel quiet at home."
"I am glad to hear this. If you have any trouble though, I would like to help you as good as I can. Anything." For others this might have sounded especially friendly, but I saw right though his little scheme. He had the suspicion that something might have happend between me and the others. And he did not seem to like not knowing.
Yes, that was it.
He was controling Slytherin, I figured as much in these couple of days.
Pretending that I was picking up a loose thread from his shoulder, I glanced up at him for a moment. He was suddenly holding his breath and stiffening. Oh, someone doesn't liked to be touched.
"Do not worry about me, that would be a waste of your time, I assure you." My smile gone, I gazed at him seriously.
His black eyes narrowed, his face turned grave for a moment. Putting on a mask again he spoke with faked kindness in his voice.
"Your confidence relieves me. However, as a Prefect I can't help myself, I worry about every student."
With played emotion I layed my hand on my chest regarding him with fondness.
"How sweet of you," I wanted to laugh out loud, a giggle building up in my throat. A spark of amusement showing in his eyes, though he kept a straight face.
"Well, we should get going, Professor Slughorn doesn't like to be kept waiting."
I took his arm again and we continued our way. After a few minutes we reached our destination and Riddle knocked. The old potions master opened the door beaming at us.
"There you are, I couldn't wait to see you two." He motioned us to come in and again Riddle let me enter first, always the perfect Gentleman.
Slughorn's romms seemed to be quiet comfortable, with a little fire crackling in the fireplace. To my left was a long table with several students already seated. All of them boys and most of them Slytherins.
I took a chair on the other end of the table, right across from the old Professor. Riddle was offered the place next to Slughorn.
"Now, we should have something to eat, I'm starving." At his words, plates full of delicious dishes appeared out of nowhere in front of us.
The dinner was rather quiet, with everybody busy with eating. The actual conversation started when we had dessert.
Our teacher turned to every student in turn and asked polite questions, showing off just how special the person was.
His gaze fell on me and explained to the rest of the table: "You should now that I taught Ms. Crane's father. He was such a talent. Working now for the Ministry, Magical Law Enforcement, wasn't it, my dear ?" I nodded while I took a sip off my pumpkin juice.
"Of course, no surprise to me, he was one of the best duellists I have ever seen. Worked as an Auror for a while, now as a Hit Wizard. What little boy doesn't want to become a Hit Wizard? The best of the best. He seems to have gained quiet a reputation. Miss Crane, I am most curious to hear why you went to Durmstrang ?" The idea obviously seemed ludicrous to him.
"He wanted me close by. And Durmstrang focuses heavy on duelling, as you just mentioned, he was always rather enthusiastic about it. They even have a big competition every year, it could be compared to the House Cup at Hogwarts."
"That sounds all quiet good, but it's not Hogwarts," a chuckle escaped him.
"I'm sure I can keep up, Sir."
"Oh , yes yes. Of course you can, my dear. I did not want to indicate any doubt of your skills. I am certain that you will exceed all expectations, at least that is what I've heard from every of your teachers so far. You see, our relationship with Durmstrang Institute was always a bit ...cold."
"I understand, Sir. And you are right to be slightly suspicious. After all, it used to be Gellert Grindelwald's school. Who knows if they won't join him, which is exactly the reason I sit here today."
"I have to admit that you are right, Miss Crane. But please tell us how probable this scenario is."
"Too high, for my taste. There are many supporters of him among the students and teachers. There is something he carved into a wall, back when he was attending the school. A symbol. Some students bow to it, which is quiet disturbing to witness."
The whole room was focused entirely on me and I caught a measuring look from Riddle. The Professor seemed rather sad, as if a hope had been crushed. The other boys mostly gazed at me for a different reason, I realised. As if I was the prey and they were wolves. They disgusted me with every breath they took.
"I cannot tell you how delighted I am to have you here at last. Especially under those circumstances," his eyes showing honesty.
"I am as well, Sir. Everybody I've met has been so caring."
Joy showed in his face and he changed the topic, talking about a Ravenclaw boy sitting next to me with a famous healer in his ancestry. I breathed deeply, thankful that the subject was no longer me. Taking another sip from my pumpkin juice I met Riddle's gaze, a satisfied expression on my face.
Later in the boys dormitories...
I noticed Nott glaring at the carpet and Mulciber, Dolohov and Avery looking grave in different directions. Pouting that they hadn't been interesting enough for Ms. Crane to start a conversation with. They had tried, of course. I had to smile to myself.
They were acting like hurt puppies, because of something this preposterous.
I had to admit that Crane was more interesting than she seemed at first. It was probably because of that moment when she looked at me, while her hand was resting on my shoulder. Her eyes were devoid of all emotion. She was a good actress, I had to give her that.
And yet I couldn't accept not knowing what happend between her and the sixth year girls. She must have intimidated them, of course. And the reason was also clear, the girls were jealous of all the attention she received. What has she done to them, though? This thought would appear again and again in my head. She might be a threat, even a blind man could see that she was definetly very talented. But most likely not as good as she needed to be to overtake me.
I came to the conclusion that I had to keep a close eye on her. The girls wouldn't talk to me, I have tried and failed to make them speak. They would just turn as white as a sheet and run away.
I would get behind it eventually. She couldn't hide anything for long.
