9Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or Harry Potter.
Special Credit and thanks: Thank you Nercia Genisis for the Hogwarts sorting songs. I appreciate your reviews reviewing and thanks for making those songs! The song at the end here she custom made for this story so please do not take it.
Note: Though the story is back up, I'm having trouble keeping up with it. I don't know why it's so hard to write stories in Tom's time…maybe it's because of the time-line thing, trying to figure out what happened where and who was around in his time. I'm skipping to year 5 so we can get to the "Chamber of Secrets" drama. I apologize if you wanted to see the Heirs go thru each year, but I'd never get the story finished if I do that! This story will go on until after they finish Hogwarts.
Heirs of the Founders
Chapter 6
Prefects
Three years have passed since Serena went to Hogwarts. Now she was facing her third year and Sammy was facing his first. Now that Serena and Sammy would both be in school, the Moons hired Arabella as a barmaid. Since Arabella sometimes helped Serena with her barmaid duties, Arabella caught on quickly. Keeping busy at the Rabbit and Moon pub helped Arabella with her not being able to go to Hogwarts. It gave her comfort that she didn't need to be a skilled witch to learn how to serve a drink. It gave her purpose.
Mrs. Moon went with Serena and Sammy to Diagon Alley to get their school supplies. They took money out of their vault and stepped out. "Mum, can we get my wand first?" asked Sammy. "Mr. Ollivander's is all the way at the end. It's faster if we start at one end and then work our way down"
"All right then," said Mrs. Moon.
The three of them went to Ollivander's. Serena remembered the first time she got her wand. It was just three years ago. She witnessed Tom Riddle get his wand. He was two galleons and two sickles too short and Serena had paid the rest for him.
"Hello, Miss Moon," said Mr. Ollivander. "Ten inches, unicorn hair, Willow…how is it treating you?"
"Treating me quite well, thank you," Serena replied.
Mr. Ollivander turned to Samuel. "And you're here for your first wand, my boy?"
"Yes sir," answered Sammy. "I start Hogwarts this year."
"Well, let's get started then.
After two tries and not getting his wand, Serena told her mother she'd be in Flourish and Blotts purchasing her books. Serena was getting bored watching her brother try find his. She wanted to give him privacy, just as she had done when she got hers.
"Yes, okay," said mrs. Moon. "We'll get Sammy's robes after this. Meet us there when you've got them. You might as well get Sammy's books too."
Mrs. Moon handed Serena more money and Serena wrote down the books her brother needed on her list.
Just as she was about to approach the bank, she saw a handsome tall boy about to enter Knocturn Alley. She recognized him at once.
"Tom!" she exclaimed, hurrying up to him. "Hi!"
Tom stopped, rather surprised that someone had spotted him. "Oh, hello."
"You just get here?" she asked.
"Yes," he answered, "I got my letter this morning."
"How's your summer going?" Serena inquired.
"Not too well," he said, "I'll be happier when school starts."
"Really?" Serena moaned. "I'm not looking forward to those extra classes and all that extra homework. I'm excited to see all my friends though. I'm also looking forward to the Hogsmeade Weekends."
Tom smiled. "Yes, I am too. What new subjects are you taking on? I've got Arithmancy and Runes."
"Artihmancy?" Serena asked, raising an eyebrow. "That's…that's math! That must be hard...but you're the best in our year. You should be able to do it."
Tom smiled and Serena suspected that his pale cheeks were turning slightly pink.
"Oh, I'll be doing Care of Magical Creatures and Muggle Studies," she added.
Tom's smile faltered. "Care of Magical Creatures sounds interesting…but…Muggle Studies? What can you learn from that?"
Serena shrugged. "I'm not sure. I don't know very much about Muggles, even if my father is muggleborn. My grandfather never saw my dad go to Hogwarts and my grandmother died sometime before my parents got married."
"Your grandfather, did he die?" said Tom.
"No, my grandfather just left," said Serena sadly. "Wasn't too interested in my father being a wizard, I guess."
"I'm sorry, Serena," said Tom, "Muggles just don't understand our world. I know plenty about them."
"Are you Muggleborn yourself?"
"No, I don't think I am," Tom answered.
"What do you mean?" Serena asked.
"It's…hard to explain," said Tom. He didn't want to get into his whole "I live in a Muggle orphanage" story with Serena, even though he thought she was friendly and he liked her. It was something very few people in his house knew.
"Oh, I'm here with my brother," Serena said quickly to change the subject. "He's getting his first wand now."
"Really, he's starting Hogwarts this year?" Tom questioned.
"Yeah," Serena answered, "he's real excited."
"I remember the first time I've seen Hogwarts," Tom said, "It was like coming home."
"Yes, time sure flies, doesn't it?" Serena asked. "Feels like only yesterday we were first years, getting our very first wands and everything…here we are, third years. We've got extra subjects now and before you know it, we'll be taking our NEWT's."
"Indeed," Tom sighed. "Well, I hope it won't go too fast. I'm still having plenty of fun at Hogwarts. Of course, I am anxious to be out on my own, having a career and all that."
"Any idea what you'd like to get into?" Serena asked.
Tom shrugged. "Not yet. I suppose I'll know after this year."
"Yes," said Serena, "oh, you want to shop together?" Serena inquired. "I was just on my way to get my books. We can do that and…get a sundae or something."
Tom smiled and shook his head. "Another time, maybe. I was on my way to Knockturn Alley and I don't think you'd like to accompany me down there."
"Knockturn Alley?" Serena peeked behind him. "You were really going there?"
"Yes," said Tom, "I know it's a little dodgy, but you can find a lot of things down there."
"I suppose that's true," said Serena with a shrug. "My aunt Hepizibah got most of her stuff there. I sometimes wish she wouldn't go though. I'm afraid she might buy something cursed…what do you plan to find there?"
"I'm looking for a book on ancient labyrinths. I didn't find anything I was looking for in Flourish and Blotts so I'm going to see what Mader and Kivenfoot has."
"Why are you looking for a book on labyrinths?" she inquired. "Was it a homework assignment?"
"No," Tom said, "not really, just a little extra credit for History of Magic. Binns talked about some ancient labyrinths and they interested me so I thought I'd check it out."
"Oh yes…like the Chamber of Secrets," Serena said. "I suppose that's a labyrinth too?"
Tom grinned. "Yeah, exactly like the Chamber of Secrets."
"I think it is pretty fascinating," Serena admitted, "the thought of some maze being under the school…but if it's really as dangerous as it's rumored to be, I don't want to go there."
"Yeah."
"That was an interesting lesson," said Serena, "I usually sleep in Binn's lessons."
Tom chuckled. "Yes, he does have that effect on some people. Well, I should get going now. I'll see you on the train then."
"Yes," Serena said, "I hope you find what you are looking for."
"Thanks Serena," Tom answered, waving as he walked away. He felt a strange feeling in him after talking to Serena. He didn't normally have such a long conversation with someone but it was easy for him, just like so many others, to get lost in a conversation with Serena Moon. The two of them were both in Slughorn's "The Slug Club" which is where they had many of their conversations. Serena was in the Slug Club because of her father's pub and also her Aunt Hepizabah had a vast collection of antiques. Tom was not related to anyone powerful, rich or influential, but Tom was on his way of being that himself. He was the top student in his year, always getting good marks and earning points. He was Slughorn's favorite. Many times Tom spoke to her during the meetings or parties instead of his small clique of Slytherin friends. He sometimes wished he was in Hufflepuff with her or that she'd be in Slytherin with him. Her sweet voice and smile took away his loneliness. Then he stopped himself from thinking such thoughts. He never cared about having friends before. Why should he care now? He had bigger things to think about now. He had to figure out how to find the Chamber of Secrets. Inside the Chamber of Secrets was his true destiny.
--
Serena found Raye and Amy in Flourish and Blotts buying their books. To her astonishment, both their little brothers were starting Hogwarts.
"I hope Harold doesn't cause a ruckuss," said Raye, "he's a bit of a jokester. Mum wants me to keep an eye on him. He'll be in trouble every other week."
"Sammy's really excited," said Serena said, "he'll do well. He started using magic before I did. He's really smart…he'll make a better student than I will."
"You'll do better if you just work harder," Raye said, poking Serena as she was hunting her books. "You sure you're supposed to be in Hard-Working-Hufflepuff?"
"Hey I work hard!" Serena snapped, pulling back and dropping a book on her foot. "Ouch!"
Raye and Amy laughed. Serena picked the book up and rubbed her foot.
"It's not funny," said Serena said, placing the book in her basket. She turned back to the shelves to browse. "Hey, Mazes and Labyrinths. Tom Riddle was looking for a book like this."
"Tom Riddle?" Raye asked.
"Yeah, I just saw him on my way up here," Serena said as she took the book out. "He said he was looking for information on labyrinths…he went to Knockturn Alley to see what they had."
"He went to Knockturn Alley?" Raye and Amy gasped.
"Yes, I know it's scary," Serena said with a shrug. "But he seemed to know where to go. I bet he goes there a lot."
"I wonder what he goes down there for," Raye said. "That guy…I get a strange feeling from him."
"He's all right," said Serena, "I just think he doesn't have many friends."
"Remember his behavior on the train?" Raye said.
"He got better," Serena insisted.
"I think he is alone," Ami said, "I don't notice anyone with him when comes to the train."
"He must live here in London then," said Raye.
"Wow, this stuff is pretty interesting," Serena said, turning a page in a book she just picked up. "You know there are over a hundred labyrinths in England alone?"
"Is that right?" Amy asked, looking over Serena's shoulder. "Wow."
"There are hardly any pictures in here though," said Serena with a frown.
"Why is Tom Riddle looking for information on labyrinths?" Raye questioned.
Serena shrugged. "I guess for some extra credit for Binns. I was worried it was some standard homework or something." Serena added the book to her basket of books and went to pay for them.
"You're buying it?" said Raye.
"Yeah," Serena said with a shrug. "Looks interesting and incase Tom didn't find anything in Knockturn Alley, I'll give it to him."
After paying for her books, Serena turned to her friends. "Say, I could use a sundae. What about you guys?"
"Yeah, sure," Raye answered. "Sounds good to me."
The three girls stepped out of the bookstore and went to Florclean's Ice Cream Parlor. Serena moaned under the weight of her books.
"Why did Mum make me get Sammy's too?" Serena questioned, stopping at the nearest empty table and setting down her bag.
Serena saw her brother and mother come out of the robe shop and she beckoned them over.
"Mum, I got our books," she stated, "and I saw my friends. We got some ice cream."
"Oh, hello girls," said Mrs. Moon, "I met you at the station. This is Sam. He'll be starting this year."
"My brother George will be starting this year too," said Amy.
"Mine too," Raye said after taking a bite of her ice cream. "He was jumping on the furniture when he got his letter."
"I was pretty calm," said Sammy.
"You were not," said Serena, turning her gaze to Sammy. "You were bussing a table when the post came and you dropped all the dishes. You shocked a customer to the point he started choking on his butterbeer."
"I did not!" Sammy muttered.
"Yes you did!" teased Serena. "I thought you were going to tap dance on a table."
"Sammy, Serena, enough," scolded Mrs. Moon.
"Sorry, Mum," said Serena, leaning back and taking a bite of ice cream.
"So your brothers are starting this year?" Mrs. Moon said. "You must be very proud."
"I'm more nervous than anything," Raye said, "my brother Harold is…too eager…and he's far too adventurous. He's going to get in so much trouble. My mom wants me to keep an eye on him."
"He'd better be in Gryffindor then," said Serena, "but he'll make things difficult for you and Rufus Scrimgeour!"
"Shh!" Raye hushed, turning slightly red.
"Rufus Scrimgeour?" said Sammy. "I saw him in the robe shop."
"You did?" Raye said, a bit too excitedly than she meant.
"Yeah, I was getting fitted next to his brother," said Sammy. "Brutus. Nice bloke."
"I'd…better go find my Mum and brother," said Raye, finishing up her sundae and hurrying over to the robe shop.
"We need to get Sammy's parchment," said Mrs. Moon.
"Yeah, I need some too," Serena groaned, "I reckon I'll be doing a lot of essays now."
"I'll go with you," said Amy, "I need more parchment too."
They went to the stationary store, met with Amy's family and parted.
"See you on the train, Serena," said Amy as Serena left with her mother and brother to the Leaky Cauldron."
"Yeah, see you."
--
Sammy come on!" Serena Moon called up the stairs. "We'll be late."
"Hey, you were the one who slept in," said her little brother, dragging his heavy trunk.
"Don't blame this on me!" Serena muttered.
They hurried out of the door, took the bus and made it Kings Cross just in time to make the train. Panting, they separated to find their compartments.
"You can sit with Raye and Amy's brothers," she said.
"Oh, George and Harold," said Sammy, "they're cool. I'll go look for them."
"Make sure to change into your robes before we get to school."
"I will," Sammy said.
"And don't fall in the lake."
Sammy grinned. "Did you fall in the lake on your first day, Serena?"
"No," Serena said, flushing. "I just mean…it could happen…and don't get seasick either."
"So you got seasick?"
"Oh just go sit!" Serena said, opening a random door and shoving her brother in.
"Hey, Serena, I was going to sit with Harold and George!" he snapped after her. He sighed and turned back around and blushed when he saw that the compartment wasn't empty. "Oh, sorry, my sister just put me here."
The person in the room, a fairly large boy shrugged. He had black hair and twinkling black eyes. "'S alright. My name's Rubeus Hagrid."
"I'm Sammy Moon," said Sammy, striding over with his hand out. "Nice to meet you."
When he shook hands with Rubeus, Rubeus' hand seemed to take up his whole hand.
"This is my first year at Hogwarts."
"Mine too," said Hagrid.
Sammy stared and then laughed. "No way, you have to be at least a third year."
"Um, no," said Hagrid, "this is my firs' time at Hogwarts. I just look big for my age, tha's all."
--
The second years and up went to the school on the carriages while the first years took the boats. The upperclassmen talked about the upcoming year and any siblings or cousins that would be starting Hogwarts. The doors opened and Professor Dumbledore walked into the Great Hall with the first years behind him. Raye gasped when she saw her brother walk by.
"Harold, tuck in your shirt!" she hissed. "And fix your hair!"
Harold groaned and tucked in his shirt, but didn't bother with his hair. They stopped at the sorting hat and the hat began to sing.
"Be you short or tall,
Large or small;
I am the hat
That is here to sort you all.
I am here to choose the table
Where you will be sat,
I am the Hogwarts Sorting Hat!
If you are academically able,
Hardworking, wise and smart,
Ravenclaw is where you fit the part.
If you are crafty and sly;
Always willing to reach for the sky:
Slytherin is where your loyalties lie.
If you are friendly, loyal and true;
Hufflepuff is the place for you.
If you are brave
And adventure is what you crave:
Gryffindor is the home of such a knave.
So put me on and meet your fate.
Make haste; don't be late.
Take care
And begin this adventure if you dare…"
Everyone erupted in applause. Professor Dumbledore took a scroll and began calling out the names.
"Anderson, Andy."
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Baxter, Jake."
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Black, Cygnus"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Black, Orion."
"SLYTHERIN!"
(AN: Cygnus is the father of Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa, uncle to Regulus and Sirius. Orion is Regulus and Sirius' father. Yeah—old—I know! They were born actually in 1929, a year later after Rubeus. Canonwise, they shouldn't be first years now but just for fun and drama and the fact I can't think of many names, I'm putting them in the same year as Rubeus Hagrid. I don't think 1 year will make much diffence.)
"Fawcett, George!"
Amy's short dark-haired brother went to sit on the stool.
"Hagrid, Rubeus."
Rubeus approached the stool. A couple people remarked, "he's really a first year?" When Rubeus sat on the stool, it creaked but didn't break, as some people had feared. The hat was on his head for ten seconds and it declared him as a Gryffindor.
The Gryffindor table cheered and the five people closest to the end moved so he could sit down.
"Jones, Paul."
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
The group thinned as the sorting went on.
"Longbottom, Algie!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Moon, Sammy."
Sammy strode over to the hat and Serena clapped for him. The hat took a little consideration and then declared him as a Hufflepuff.
"Hufflepuff?" Serena said in surprise, watching Sammy take a seat. "He's so smart…I thought for sure he'd get into Ravenclaw."
"Sometimes it just runs in families," stated Edward MacMillan.
"Potter, Harold."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Raye clapped hard. "I knew he'd get into Gryffindor!"
Harold handed the hat to the next person to be sorted and hurried to join the rest of the Gryffindors. Raye's supportive face changed again.
"Harold, the hat messed yor hair up!" she hissed. "Comb your hair!"
"You know that never works!" Harold hissed back.
"Quinn, Ursula!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Rackharrow, Augustus."
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Ratchet, Janna!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Robbins, Lars!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Scrimgeuor, Brutus!"
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Summers, Cole."
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Twonk, Kate."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Wilcox, Patrick."
"SLYTHERIN!"
Following the sorting, Professor Dippet welcomed the students and began his speech. Harold was speaking to his new friend, Rubeus Hagrid. Everyone was discussing about their summers and the third years spoke about the new workload.
"I hope we don't start off with double potions right off," Raye groaned. "I was hoping to start Divination."
"Now that kind of stuff I heard about," said Myrtle, nodding as she dug into her roast chicken. "I went to a fair with my parents when I was ten. There was a fortune teller there…she was rather odd though. I'm looking forward to Care of Magical Creatures. I hope we study unicorns or crups…I love dogs!"
Over at the Slytherin table, Olive Hornby moaned and complained about the upcoming year. I really can't believe we're taking on two new subjects. The only homework I'm willing to do is Divination."
"I still can't believe you've signed up for that," Tom Riddle said softly. "It sounds like a bunch of rubbish…what's it got to do with magic? Even Muggles pretend to tell the future."
--
Olive Hornby, Raye Potter, Myrtle Mason and a few other students of Gryffindor and Slytherin sat in on poufy chairs as Professor Augury sat on a winged armchair. Her black hair was long and silky and her fox-like eyes were green.
"Why do we need to have divination with them?" Raye muttered, looking at Olive Hornby. "I thought this was going to be a private house lesson."
"Well, if you prefer to have your lessons private with your house. You may have one in the future," said Professor Augury, walking around and handing a number tarot cards to each pair alng with a piece of parchment. "You are to work in pairs for most of the term. Now, let's get started with the tarot cards. I'm sure many of you are familiar with them. You are to use your book to explain the definitions of the cards in your hand. After which we will have a little activity."
"Quick to put us to work, isn't she?" Raye whispered to Myrtle after Professor Aguury gave them the assignment and their cards.
Myrtle looked at the assignment. The first question asked for the meanings of the several tarot cards they had in their hand. The second how tarot was used to tell a person's future and the third question asked about the history of tarot reading.
"Wow, she wants the key number…what's a key number anyway?" Myrtle asked.
"No idea," Raye said. "Well, if you scribe, I'll read everything off."
"Okay," said Myrtle.
Raye shuffled through the tarot cards. "All right, we have the High Priestess, the Wheel of Fortune…"
"Hey, Myrtle," said Olive Hornby, holding up The Fool card. "Look, it's you! You're Hogwart's greatest fool, always tripping over your own feet and…"
"Actually 'The Fool' isn't too bad," said Raye. "Says here it means beginnings and spiritual journeys. Oh, look, Olive, I found you!" Raye took a card from the deck and showed her the "The Hanged Man" card.
"That's what you'll look like if you won't shut your mouth!" Raye muttered.
Olive glared at Raye and went back to work.
"What does Hanged Man mean?" Myrtle asked.
"Well when it's upright, it means devotion to a worthwhile cause. Upside down it means Loss, lack of commitment and preoccupation of selfish or material things."
"Yeah, she really is selfish," Myrtle grumbled as she wrote the information down. "I'm glad you're taking this class too, Raye. I can't handle her on my own."
"Oh, just ignore her," said Raye. "She'll get hers one day."
"Hanged man," said Myrtle, looking at the "Hanged Man" card. "There's a pub called 'The Hanged Man' in Little Hangleton. I ate there with my parents when we were passing through once."
"Why'd they call it that?" Raye inquired.
"I'm not sure," Myrtle answered. "That is kind of strange, isn't it?"
Raye looked at their next card: "The High Priestess." "Let's see, the High Priestess represents intuition and secret knowledge."
"What happens if you draw it?" Myrtle asked as she wrote the information down.
"There will be a surprise in your future," Raye read.
"A surprise?" Myrtle grinned and leaned forward. "Maybe Rufus Scrimgeour will ask you out! I bet even at the first Hogsmeade weekend!"
Raye's eyes widened as she quickly drew the next card. "Um, 'The Wheel of Fortune…"
--
After the first week of school, Professor Slughorn had his first Slug Club party for his favorite students. That was how he's always done it. He planned a Slug Club party early in the year for his students to discuss their new year so far and to give them a break from the homework they've accumulated. Serena always brought a jug of drink from her pub, Rabbit and Moon to the parties. Slughorn gave her extra points just for bringing it. Sometimes she would bring a sample of new drink for him to taste test. He was known for testing their foods and drinks for years.
"Here you are, professor," Serena said, handing him a jug of ale. "This is new ale my father just made. He asked me to have you try it first before he puts it on the menu."
"I'm honored, Miss Moon," said Professor Slughorn with a smile. He poured himself a cup of the light green ale.
"Oh my, it's green?" he said before he took a taste.
"What do you think?" Serena asked.
"Why, it's delicious!" Slughorn answered, smacking his lips. "What is it called?"
"He hasn't come up with a name yet," Serena said sheepishly. "He asked me to see if you had any ideas."
"Hmm," professor Slughorn took another sip and held the ale in his mouth for a while to study the flavor. "It tastes a little fruity...I believe I taste some pineapple," said Professor. "I do love pineapple, crystallized pineapple to be precise," said Professor Slughorn. "Yet there is something else…"
"Pineapple mint," said Serena. "We're making a new line of herbal drinks. 'For your health', you know. We've been thinking of calling it Pineapple Mint Rum."
"True, but your family is so creative," said Professor Slughorn. "Let's see…you can call it Horace's Delight."
"Thank you, Professor," Serena said, "I'm sure it will become real famous!"
"Pretty soon you will make your own ales," Professor Slughorn said.
"Yes, that might make me better in Potions, won't it, Professor?" Serena asked, grinning as she rubbed the back of her head.
"Potion making is an art just as brewing your own ales and beer," Professor told her. "Of course, potions sometimes aren't as delicious as some ales are."
Serena nodded in agreement. Professor poured a few cups of the ale and invited the rest of his students to try 'Horace's Delight' for themselves. Spotting Tom at a table with his glass, Serena went to ask for his opinion.
"What do you think of the 'Horace's Delight?" Serena inquired.
"I can see why Professor Slughorn likes it so much," Tom said. "It's very good."
"You should come by Rabbit and Moon," Serena said, "we've got lots of different kinds of food and drinks."
"I probably will," Tom said with a smile.
"Oh, Tom," Serena said, reaching into her bag to bring out Mazes and Labyrinths. "I found this in Flourish and Blotts after we saw each other at Diagon Alley. You were doing research on it so I thought I'd get it."
"Serena, thank you," said Tom, reaching for the book. "You really didn't have to."
"I found the book interesting myself," Serena said with a smile. "You can have it if you'd like."
"Oh no," said Tom, "I'll return it after I read it through."
"Okay," said Serena.
"Oh, isn't there a bookstore in your village?" Tom inquired as he thumbed through the book.
"No, but there's a book publisher," Serena said with a sigh. "They do have a couple of books you can buy though…but nothing on labyrinths or anything like that. Most of them are like biographies and other boring stuff."
Serena put her chin into her hand. "So, have you started any of your new studies yet?"
"Yes, I had arithmancy first thing," Tom replied.
Serena cringed. "Ooh, I'd hate to start off with that!"
Tom laughed. "It's not too bad. I find it pretty interesting. You know that seven is the most powerful number?"
"Really?" Serena asked. "Wow! That is pretty interesting! What about Runes?"
"It is a little difficult to remember all the different runes," Tom admitted, "but I like it. How do you like Muggle Studies and Care of Magical Creatures?"
"Muggle Studies is all right so far," Serena said with a shrug. "We started with studying about muggles from the early years."
"Hmm, and Care of Magical Creatures?"
"Well, I haven't lost any fingers in Care of Magical Creatures yet," Serena said, holding up her hands. "We started off with flobberworms."
"What are those, I'm afraid to ask?" Tom questioned.
"They're these long slimy worms," Serena said, cringing again. "We fed them lettuce for our first lesson. I don't know how they can eat because they don't have any teeth. Then we had to collect their mucus. It was so gross."
Tom grinned. "Maybe it's not too late to switch to Artihmacy!"
"Well, now we've started learning about Bowtruckles," said Serena, "they're not too bad, just as long as you don't make them mad. But I can't wait until we study unicorns!"
"Yes, that would make things more interesting," Tom said.
"Professor Kettleburn is a good teacher too," said Serena, "he knows a lot about different creatures."
The clock chimed nine.
"Oh, my, is it that time already?" Professor Slughorn said. "Well, it's time for you all to return to your dormitories. I'll schedule a new party soon. Serena, thank you again for the ale."
"Not at all," Serena said, "I'm glad you liked it, Professor!"
After leaving the potions room, where they normally had their Slug Club parties, Serena and Tom moved down to the Slytherin Common room and Serena walked up to the Hufflepuff dormitories.
--
Tom finished reading the book Serena lent him in a couple of days. As informative as it was, it didn't help him any in his quest to find the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. He had hoped to find something when he went to Hogsmeade. Getting Mrs. Cole to sign his consent form was easier than he had thought. He didn't want to think that he'd have to use magic on her to make her do it—though he'd love to put a curse on her or two.
In the month of October, the third year students and up went to their first Hogsmeade weekend. Serena walked with a handful of Slug Club members and her friends Raye, Myrtle and Amy.
"I promised my brother I'll get him some sweets from Honeydukes," said Serena. "I wish I had an older brother or sister to bring me things from honeydukes…"
"You'd rot your teeth," Raye said as they made their way down the high street.
They came into Three Broomsticks to have a drink. They talked about their new studies and what they thought about them so far. Following which, Raye went to see if she could get anything to fix her brother's unruly hair. After Raye came out of Dervish and Bangs, she saw Tom Riddle exit Landers, the bookstore next to Dervish and Bangs with a book under his arm. Olive Hornby, who had just caught sight of him, squealed and grabbed his arm.
"Tom, let's go get a drink at that cute little teashop!" she said.
"But I…" Tom said and Olive Hornby pulled him into a small teashop at the end of the high street.
"What does she see in him?" Raye muttered under her breath. "Oh well, I think they deserve each other."
--
At each Hogsmeade weekend, Tom raided the town looking for any thing that could help him with his "quest." He even braved himself to talk to talk to the villagers in the Hogs Head and the other pubs. They were not much help, believing that Tom was trying to get them to do a homework assignment for him. But he did not give up. He looked at every nook and cranny of the school he could get to, while trying not to be too suspicious. He couldn't start skipping meals or Slug Club parties during his search. He had to play the model student act. Dumbledore always watched him closely.
Didn't Salazar Slytherin leave behind some type of instructions, some kind of sign for his heir to find? How was Tom supposed to finish Slytherin's noble work if he couldn't even find the chamber?
But he continued his search nonetheless. There were many secrets hidden in Hogwarts and Tom planned to learn them, all, beginning with the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. He would find it soon.
--
At the Slug club party of the year, Serena brought a new drink for everyone to sample. (White sparkly, glowing whine called Moonshine Wine). Everyone seemed to love it.
"What you think?" Serena asked Tom.
"I can see why you call it 'Moonshine wine,'" Tom answered. "How did you get it to glow?"
"That's a secret," Serena said with a grin.
"Well, I'll have to visit your pub to learn all your drink mixing secrets," he said. "I'm short on money, however."
"We can give you a job," said Serena. "My best friend's working there."
Tom smiled. "That's very kind of you, Serena…but I live in London."
"Would your parents let you work?" Serena inquired. "I'm sure they will."
Tom swirled his glass, gazing into it. "I don't know."
He couldn't be honest about his parentage with her. Very few people knew the truth of him. She would have pity on him and he didn't want to be pitied.
"I may just visit your pub and have a drink," Tom said, "I don't believe I've ever been to Wales. Thanks, Serena. I suppose your pub is connected to the floo network?"
"Yes," Serena said with a nod. "Come by any time."
--
A week after school let out, Tom walked to The Leaky Cauldron and flooed himself to The Rabbit and Moon pub. Of all the fireplaces to enter, he entered Serena's just as she was she was taking out the ashes. He slid out and landed on top of her.
"Ow…" she groaned.
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Tom. He pushed himself off of Serena and gasped when he realized who it was. "Serena!" he took her by the hand and helped her up. "Are you all right?"
"Think so," she said, rubbing her head and brushing herself off. She was wearing a midnight blue apron with a full moon on the front. Underneath her apron she wore a pink shirt and a black skirt. "Hi, Tom. It's nice to see you. Thanks for dropping by."
She motioned for him to follow her downstairs. "Here, I'll introduce you to my parents."
They walked downstairs, Tom commenting on the decorations of the pub.
"Mum, Dad," Serena called, "this is Tom from school."
"Well, hello, Tom," said Mr. Moon, who was making a meal for a customer. "Nice to meet you. Bunny's told me you two are in Horace's club."
"Bunny?" Tom mumbled.
Serena chuckled. "That's my nickname."
"Oh?"
"Serena was the one who named gave our pub its name: Rabbit and Moon," Mr. Moon explained. "I've called her Bunny ever since."
"I believe I met you before," Mrs. Moon said, smiling as she shook Tom's hand. "How do you do?"
"I'm fine, thank you," said Tom.
After serving a drink, Arabella approached Serena. "Hi Serena. Who's your friend?"
"I'm Tom Riddle," Tom answered as he shook hands with Arabella. "I know Serena from school."
"Yes," Arabella said, "how is that working for you?"
"It's great," said Tom.
"Tom's one of the best students in our year," Serena said.
"Is that right?" asked Arabella.
Tom smirked. "I suppose. Why haven't I seen you in Hogwarts?"
Arabella frowned. "Well, I couldn't go. I'm a squib, you see."
Tom forced a sympathetic frown. He read about squibs. They were rarer and perhaps even more of an abomination than muggleborns. To be the only one in a pure-blood wizarding family withouyt magical proess must've been like living with the plague. It reminded him of his mission as the heir of Slytherin to purge the schools of those unworthy to study magic.
"I'm so sorry," said Tom. "That must be difficult."
Arabella nodded. "Yes, it was hard at first but I've learned to accept it. Last year Serena's parents let me start working here. I enjoy it."
"You really want to continue serving drinks here?" Tom asked.
"Well, it's something I can do for now," Arabella said, "until I can start taking Kwikspell lessons. Then I can see just what I can do."
"I see," said Tom.
"Well, while you are here," Arabella said, handing him a menu. "How about a drink?'
"Sure," Tom replied. He ordered a Moonberry juice, something he hadn't tried before. It was a cheap drink so he didn't mind paying for it. He didn't want to allow charity from Serena, though she offered him a drink on the house. After which, she and Tom took a walk down the highstreet. It was a miniature Diagon Alley.
"These shops weren't always here, were they?" Tom asked, pointing at the apothecary.
"Nope, they were opened a little while after Dad opened the pub," Serena answered. "It's a nice little place. We don't have to go all the way to Diagon Alley if we need any potion suppies. They're going to open a robe store here this fall."
"That's great," said Tom.
"Yeah," Serena replied. "Horizon Alley is growing."
"Seems like a nice place to live," said Tom, checking his watch. "I should get back now."
"Oh, all right," Serena said, walking him back to the pub. "Come back anytime. If you're interested in working with us, I'm sure my father will hire you. We're busy these days."
"I'll keep that in mind," said Tom and he flooed himself back to the Leaky Cauldron. He thought about Serena's job offer. It would be nice to spend his time away from muggles. But there was still the problem with Mrs. Cole. Tom suspected that Professor Dumbledore had asked her to keep an eye on Tom when he in the orphanage during the summer. She seemed to keep an eye on him more than she used to. Tom didn't attack anyone again at the orphanage. He forced himself not to do magic, but how he wanted to just try some things on the muggles he lived with.
However, if he did his research in the orphanage, no one would know what he was doing. While working at The Rabbit and Moon, he doubted he'd have much time to learn all he could about the Dark Arts and the Chamber of Secrets…unless someone in Horizon Alley knew a lot about Hogwart's history.
Tom visited The Rabbit and Moon pub a few times over the summer and helped out. He used his charming ways to get any information from the customers, but they just told Tom old fond memories—which were useless to him.
--
In the summer before her fifth year, Serena got a surprise in her Hogwarts letter: a yellow badge with the Hufflepuff badger. This could only mean one thing; she was prefect for Hufflepuff House. Serena received praise from her parents. She was given a brand new quill as her present for making prefect, as well as new robes. When she boarded at the Hogwarts Express, she went to the prefects compartment to find Edward Macmillan as the other prefect for Hufflepuff House.
"I knew you'd make, prefect, Serena," Edward said with a smile.
"Thanks, congratulations to you, Eddie," Serena said.
Also in the prefect compartment were Amy Fawcett and Joseph Brocklehurst of Ravenclaw, Raye Potter and Rufus Scrimgeour of Gryffindor and Tom Riddle and Olive Hornby of Slytherin. Serena congratulated her friends and the other prefects on their achievements and they each picked up a list of rules of what to expect as prefect. After they spoke with the head boy and head girl, the prefects were given permission to sit in other compartments.
"I'm so glad you're a prefect, Tom," Olive said as they made their way to a private compartment. "I knew you would become prefect…you're the best in our year!"
Olive talked about their new year and how excited she was to be a prefect. Tom however was antsy. He was in his fifth year now and he still had not found the entrance to the Chamber. Where the devil was it?
The students came into the Great Hall, ready to begin the Welcoming Feast. Professor Dumbledore walked into the doors, leading the anxious first years. They all grouped around the stool where the Sorting Hat sat. Everyone became quiet and the Sorting Hat began to sing. Its songs always changed from year but this song was longer and it gave a warning.
"I've sorted many and a few,
Now is the time I sort you
In colors red, ochre green and blue.
Friendships of old we may renew:
And begin again like ages past,
To fix what was done, at last!
Think not of greed and not of caste
When choosing friends to man the mast;
To stand the course and turn the tide,
Within the houses you reside,
As well as those that you find beside.
Don't let it be said I haven't tried!
A tale of caution if you may
Unrelenting to this day
Godric played the hero well
But for a seer he could not tell
The strife that Salazar's flight befell
These hallowed halls and wooded dell.
Bitter enemies they became,
Because of Godric's quest for fame
That was their eternal shame
See their hearts and don't do the same!
Listen well and hear my call:
Unite your houses one and all,
Or this school shall surely fall.
Do not falter do not stall,
A monster in the chamber lies,
Now it's time to bind the ties.
Rowena's lot are very smart,
Learning is a work of art:
Now it's time to play your part;
True wisdom comes from the heart.
With healer's touch and eagle's eye,
Don't let this chance pass you by,
For house unity you must try:
Don't let sleeping dragons lie!
What you need is not in books,
All you have to do is look,
Those in the past that mistook:
Salazar was not a crook.
Use your logic to dictate,
Every wizard's and witch's fate.
Salazar was the parseltongue,
He left behind what was begun.
A tale of love that was unsung,
Another fight that wasn't won.
For his heir, there still is time,
But only if you heed this rhyme
And into the darkness do not climb;
Let loose the beast that's in its prime:"
The first years twisted to look at each other. "Beast?"
Tom squeezed his knees. The stupid piece of leather and cloth was trying to tell him what and what not to do? He wouldn't have it. He didn't care about the outcome. He was going to find the Chamber and let the beast out.
"Only death will follow,
Along with danger, pain and sorrow:
Unite today and not tomorrow!
There is a time to borrow
Qualities from other houses.
Are you men or are you mouses?
Helga was a friendly witch,
A gifted metamorphagus.
She loved each one like her own,
And Hogwarts fate she would bemoan.
She left her mark upon the stone,
She did not do this task alone.
Helga wished to end the fight,
And for Hogwarts to unite.
To prevent our current plight:
To all this there is a light.
Know those within and those without.
The walls and boundaries thrown out.
That is what I want to shout:
Unity's what we're all abuot!
For those here that start today,
Listen while I have my say:
Let not others show the way,
Do as you will, not as they may.
The years above may listen still,
But to new minds I talk until,
My message wades across the swill,
That as before, they will instil;
Danger lurks around the bend,
As upon this course you wend.
Friends to make and to defend,
Upon House pride do not depend;
Each one must amalgamate,
Combine, join, associate!"
"I never heard the hat give a song like that before," Raye said.
"Oh, I have," said Nearly Headless Neck, the ghost of Gryffindor. He bobbed up in the air and Raye looked at him. "It often says 'Stand together, be strong from within."
Some of the first years looked like they would take the heart's warning to heart, while others didn't care. They were just wondering where they were going to be placed. They had already made some friends on the train ride. What would the difference be if they were in the same house or not?
"Avis, Larry!"
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Barbary, Harvey!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Beamish, Paula!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Cadorac, Dearborn."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Coopey, Howland!"
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Cornfoot, Patrick."
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Filch, Jason."
"Greyback, Fenrir."
A tall boy with dark hair and dark blue eyes got onto the stool. He had an odd aura, and he was wearing a mischievous grin.
"SLYTHERIN!"
Still grinning, Fenrir sat down with the other Slytherins. The sorting went on, thining out the number of first years.
"Lestrange, Roland."
"Montgomery, Richard."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Prewett, Ken."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"SLYTHERIN!"
"Prince, Eileen!"
A short skinny girl with dark hair, heavy eyebrows a pallid face approached the stool. The hat was on her head for a few moments before declaring her a Slytherin.
"Thomas, Daryl."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Watkins, Fred."
"HUFFLEPUFF!"
"Wilcox, Maryilyn."
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Wimple, Gilbert."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
"Worple, Eldred."
"RAVENCLAW!"
"Zimmerman, Tony."
"RAVENCLAW!"
The sorting ended and Professor Dumbledore placed the hat back on the stool and set it aside. Serena looked around the new students sitting amongst the houses. Without knowing why, she suddenly felt a great desperation that they would heed the words of the Sorting Hat. She really wanted harmony amongst the four houses as much as Helga Hufflepuff did. When the food appeared on the plates, Raye was too confused at the hat's song to eat. She felt that something big and bad would happen this year and she didn't know what it was. She glanced over at the Slytherin table. The Heir of Slytherin may be sitting there right now and he could be planning to open the chamber of secrets. Could she find out who it was before he found it?
"Raye, aren't you hungry?" asked Rufus Scrimgeour. "You've got to try this roast."
Surprised that Rufus Scrimgeour was speaking to her, Raye blushed. "Oh, of course!"
After eating and Professor Dippet welcomed everyone back for a new year, the new prefects lead the first years to the dormitories.
"Hey, Rufus," Raye whispered as they led the first years all the way up to Gryffindor tower. "You don't think anything crazy is going to happen this year, do you?"
"What do you mean?" he inquired and he gasped. He looked back at one of the first years. "Did I just see you use a spell? No magic in the halls!" He looked back at Raye, who was blushing again and grin. "Sorry, what was that?"
"Well, just something about the hat said," Raye said with a shrug.
"Yeah, that was strange," he said thoughtfully, "but it's like Nearly Headless Nick said—the hat gives warnings sometimes. It knows more about this school than anyone else does. He belonged to one of the founders after all."
"What if the legend was true?" Raye inquired. "And the heir does open the Chamber of Secrets?"
"Then we'd better be careful," said Rufus, "and not underestimate the heir, whoever he is."
"I wonder if it's possible to learn who he is," Raye said.
"Hey, you're the divination expert," Rufus said with a grin as he patted her arm. "You shouldn't have any problems there."
"Ooh!" said a few first year girls and Rufus immediately took his arm down. Raye blushed madly.
"Uh, Gryffindor Tower this way!" she called. "And I expect you to remember where it is!"
After indicating the first years where the dormitories were, Raye went to bed. She briefly told her best friend Myrtle what it was like to be a prefect and she laid down. Raye wasn't able to fall asleep. There was something within the hat's song that seemed to call out to her.
Godric played the hero well
But for a seer he could not tell
The strife that Salazar's flight befell
These hallowed halls and wooded dell.
Bitter enemies they became,
Because of Godric's quest for fame
Was it really Godric's fault that the four founders fell? Did he push Salazar out? Or was it Salazar all the while? Why did the hat's words ring into her head? Raye laid in bed, pondering these questions. Was it because she was in Gryffindor house and that the Sorting Hat had once belonged to Godric Gryffindor? Or was she more than just someone in Gryffindor House? Could she possibly be the heir of Gryffindor?
Raye laughed mentally, shaking her head. Her? The heir of Gryffindor? It wasn't possible…was it?
"You're thinking too much, Raye," she told herself. "Just go to sleep…"
But the thoughts continued into Raye's dreams. She dreamed of dangerous things happening, very, very soon.
TO BE CONTINUED
Ugh…not completely proud with how this chapter turned out. But thanks again to Nercia Genisis for the song. If anyone has any suggestions for this story, please give them. But no flames! Come on, I'm sure everyone would like to know if it was possible for Tom Riddle to remain the handsome talented wizard he was when he was at Hogwarts.