Chapter 4: The Slug Club and Master Plans
I awoke in a tangle of dark sheets. I had a moment of panic before remembering where I was, and smirking to myself. This was going to be so much fun. Checking the time by muttering a quick "tempus", I saw that it was 7 O'clock. Time to get ready. With my dorm mates still asleep I could use the shower for as long as I wanted and not worry about any whining. Good thing because I didn't think I could ever deal with pixie this early in the morning, or without coffee, or at all. Getting up, I had a long, hot shower and dried my hair before getting changed into my Hogwarts uniform. It was different to what it was like in the future, more modest. After getting dressed, I did some simple beauty charms, lining my eyes, elongating my eyelashes, and highlighting my cheekbones. Then I stained my lips red and with a wave of my wand, transformed my raven locks into ocean waves.
Once I was done, it was only 7:45, so I sat on my bed with a book and waited for my dorm mates to wake up. Five minutes later, they did, and I realised I shouldn't have waited for them at all.
"Where is my skirt?!" Pixie screeched for the third time.
"None of us know Zabini so would you mind shutting your mouth?!" I snapped, finally losing it. You can only listen to her voice for so long before it gets to you.
"Nobody asked you New Girl", she sneered at the last part as if it were a disgusting phrase. "Who are you anyway? Probably a filthy mudblood!"
That did it.
"Actually Zabini", I spat "I happen to be a pureblood, and my blood is much purer than yours. I am Juniper Peverell, The last of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Peverell. I happen to hold a lot of sway over the Ministry, Zabini. Insult me again and it will be the end of you." I finished with a well-practised glare.
Stephanie and Avalon, now completely ready watched in amusement as I stood fuming over a cowering Zabini, who was attempting to stammer out apologies.
"Save it Zabini" I told her, rolling my eyes. And with a dramatic swoosh of my cloak; I left with my robes billowing out behind me in a way that would make Snape proud. Just as I exited the common room, Avalon and Stephanie caught up to me.
"That was quite impressive, what you did to Zabini. I don't think I've ever seen her that scared since... well ever!" chirped Avalon, bouncing along beside me. She was so bubbly and fun that I had no idea how she was related to Draco, apart from their love of their hair.
"Well she did deserve it! So, anything I should know about this place", that on seemingly harmless sentence sent Avalon into a gossip frenzy. God help me.
When we finally reached the Great Hall I knew all about the biggest breakups, exactly who was courting who and who were the most eligible guys in our year. As we walked through the huge floor - to - ceiling doors, everybody in the Great Hall turned to look at us - namely me. Mustering up my Gryffindor courage, I held my head high and walked to the Slytherin Table with confidence. Sitting down next to a boy with the same white blonde hair as Avalon - I was guessing that was Abraxas - I picked up my cutlery and began eating.
"Who may this beautiful young lady be?" I looked up to see Abraxas smiling at me. He had the same aristocratic facial features as his sister but unlike her ice blue eyes, his were a silver grey.
"Leave her alone Abraxas. The poor girl just arrived!" Avalon chided.
"Well then, would you care to accompany me on a tour around the castle later?" said Abraxas with a smug smirk, as if certain I would consent.
"I apologize but -"
"-as Head Boy I think that task falls in with my duties" Out popped Riddle out of nowhere.
"Miss Peverell here is your schedule. We have all the same classes so I will show you to each one. If you'll follow me" Without warning he left, probably expecting me to follow. Picking up my bag, I turned to my new found friends.
"Well, I will see you later" I told them and hurried off, wondering how I yet again ended up scampering after Riddle.
Recognizing that we were heading to the dungeons, I checked my schedule for confirmation. Yup. Potions with Slughorn. Yay! (Note the sarcasm) In my opinion, Slughorn was no better than Dumbledore, collecting those he deemed valuable and discarding the rest like old forgotten socks. As a Peverell, he was definitely going to try to collect me but as a Slytherin, I was going to use that to my advantage. At least I had a free period after dealing with him.
When we finally reached the Potions classroom Professor Slughorn was already inside, presumably setting up for his first lesson. When he noticed Riddle and I he immediately started beaming.
"Ah Riddle my boy how are you and who's this?" he asked, his eyes drifting to me.
"Sir, this is Juniper Peverell. She's the new student." Riddle replied.
"Ah yes. Professor Dumbledore told me what happened to your parents. I'm truly sorry" Slughorn said. I let my eyes well up with tears.
"Thank you for your consolations Professor" I said sniffling.
"Now why don't you two come in and take a seat. Class will begin soon."
He was right, because just as I had settled into a seat near the front, the rest of the class began filing in. Potions was one of the lessons we had with Gryffindors, so it was no surprise that most of us were glaring at each other.
"Well class, welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. I decided to start the year with a bit of a challenge. Today you will be brewing The Draught of Living Death. The person who brews the best draught will receive this!" He held up a tiny bottle full of a golden liquid I immediately recognized. "This is Felix Felicis more commonly known as Liquid luck" Slughorn carried on, knowing he had the class hooked "Extremely difficult potion to make, disastrous if it goes wrong, but if brewed correctly it will give the drinker, 24 hours of luck. Now get to it! You have an hour and a half."
Everyone hurried to get to the potions store, Riddle in particular was looking particularly determined. Probably needed some luck to come up with more plans for world domination. I waited until everyone else was gone so they wouldn't see me getting slightly more or less of certain ingredients. Once I got back to my table I got started, completely disregarding the instructions in front of me and focusing on what I had learned from the Half-Blood Prince.
At the end of the lesson, Professor Slughorn went around examining the draughts. To be honest nobody had managed to get theirs perfect, although Riddle came quite close. Well, better than Avalon's, which greatly resembled slime. When Slughorn came to mine his eyes were shining.
"A perfect potion!" he exclaimed, "You deserve this" and he handed me the Felix Felicis. At the end of the lesson, just as I was about to leave, Slughorn pulled me aside and told me "Miss Peverell I have a little club with a group of talented students just like you. Its nothing major, we just have dinner a few times a month and I would love it if you joined"
"Of course sir I'd love to" Turning around, I left so he wouldn't see my smirk. Typical Sluggy. I walked off from Sluggy's class and looked down at my feet, wondering how I ended up here, it still seemed surreal. To prevent another war, I told myself firmly. Not to mention it was interesting seeing people's ancestors and how similar they were. Except for Avalon and Draco; Avalon was full of life whereas Draco was rather... broody.
Deciding to spend my free period studying for a while, I walked slowly towards the Slytherin common room, lost in thought and never taking my eyes off the ground. As I was walking, all of a sudden I flew into something warm. "Argh!" I heard, and it took me a moment before I realized that the voice was mine.
How did I fall? I asked myself. The floor was flat. For the second time, I realised I had fallen on top of somebody.
"A bit clumsy there?" A deep, mischievous sounding male voice asks, from under me. I quickly get off of him and glance up at him embarrassedly.
"Sorry," I apologized, but at the same time, I noted down his appearance. Black, uncontrollably messy hair, hazel eyes, and bad eyesight, judging by his glasses. I think I just met another Potter.
He looked taken aback for a second; probably at the thought of a Slytherin apologizing and I realized he was wearing a red and golden scarf.
"It - it's okay," he said stuttering, still looking thoroughly confused. He wasn't being rude to me even though I was supposed to be his enemy. I help him up. "My name is Charlus," he said.
"I am Juniper," I said in reply.
"That is quite an odd name," he said tentatively, as if expecting me to strike at any second and looking at me with bright hazel eyes. The same colour as my father's eyes, before the light died out from them.
"What is your last name, Charlus," I asked, even though I was sure that he was my grandfather.
"I don't see why you need to know that" he told me rather coldly, and his smile faded. Great. Now he probably thinks I'm one of those "Pure blood" racists. I nodded my head, and descended down the stairway, proceeding on my journey towards the dungeons.
As I entered the Common Room, I could feel everybody's gaze on me. Word probably got around about my heritage. Holding my head high, I flounced up to my dormitory, with all the pure blood elegance expected of me. The dormitory was deserted so I picked up my books and headed back down. My eyes surveyed the room until a found a familiar head of white-blond hair.
"Abraxas," I said, coming up behind him. He, for reasons completely beyond me, was sitting with Pixie.
"Juniper!" Abraxas exclaimed, looking relieved. I realised it probably wasn't his choice to sit with Zabini. "Would you like your tour of the school now? Or maybe your bodyguard won't let that happen." Abraxas asked cheekily.
I rolled my eyes. "What bodyguard Abraxas?"
"Why your dear friend Riddle of course! Who else?" Abraxas replied, attempting to sound innocent, although he was betrayed by the devilish grin on his face. I was saved from answering as Pixie decided to but in.
"Abraxas and I were actually going to study together. Maybe somebody else can show you around?" she said in clear dismissal, narrowing her light green eyes. Abraxas looked at me pleadingly.
"Well if that's the case, I'm sure I can find another tour guide. Have fun Abraxas, Zabini"
That's what you get for teasing me Abraxas. I thought to myself finding another empty seat in the Common Room. I ended up on a seat in the corner where I could study without being disturbed. Except it was uncomfortably close to where Riddle was sitting, furiously scribbling on a piece of parchment, although I was sure if I looked at it the handwriting would still be infuriatingly neat. Oh well. It wasn't like there was anywhere else I could sit, so I sat down and delved into a book on astronomy.
Riddle P.O.V
I sighed in annoyance as some nameless first year told me the Headmaster needed to see me. Whilst he was easy to fool and even easier to manipulate, it annoyed me to no end that he constantly "needed" to see me. Especially when I had finally perfected my plan. Almost everything was in place and I was going to make them sorry. The first to go would be my stupid muggle father and then I would exterminate the rest of that filth from the earth. That's exactly what they were: filth. Forever growing and breeding, and when they were faced with something they didn't understand, attacking. They were savage and I would destroy them.
I gave the first year a deadly glare, seeing as he still hadn't left, and walked up to the Headmaster's office. Before I entered, I plastered an unemotional look on my face, leaving no trace of my earlier annoyance.
As I entered I noticed the girl standing in the middle of the room, the same girl who had fallen on top of me a few days ago. I surveyed her, having not had a good look at her when they first met. She was beautiful, definitely, with raven locks and the most peculiar jade green eyes. Her feature were aristocratic and regal, a pureblood perhaps? If so she would be a good ally to have, I could feel the magic in her; it was potent and enticingly dark. Whoever she was, she definitely had some practise in dark magic. Definitely a good ally.
"Mr Riddle I'd like to introduce you to Miss Juniper Peverell, she will be Slytherin House, please show her to the common room" Dippet told me, gently pushing the girl out of his office and closing the door behind her. I stared at her for a moment, assessing her and trying not to show my surprise at her surname. The Peverells were an extremely powerful family, dating back even to Merlin himself, he definitely needed to get this girl on his side.
"So, what it is like here at Hogwarts?" she asked at an obvious attempt to start a conversation.
"It's fine" I answered. With that, I started making my way to the Common Room, knowing that she would follow. After a while Juniper spoke.
"Mr Riddle, would you mind going a little slower, I don't want to overexert myself after just coming out of the Hospital Wing. I do apologize for falling on top of you by the way"
"It's quite alright Miss Peverell", I replied as we came to a stop in front of the entrance to the common room. "Salazar", I said clearly, before proceeding to walk through the wall, with Juniper in tow.
I could see the wonder and appreciation of the fine architecture in Juniper's eyes, but also something else, nostalgia? Why would she be feeling nostalgic about a place she's never seen before? It must remind her of somewhere, I decided. I gave her a moment before informing her of what she would need to know.
"This will be your common room; the girls' dormitories are located on the right and the boys on the left. Students of the opposite gender will not be permitted to go into each other's dormitories. Any questions?"
"Yes. Where will I get my school supplies?" Juniper asked, and I had to admire her detail to attention. Most people would have gone straight to bed
"Due to your... special circumstances your books have been provided for you by Professor Dumbledore. Now if that is all, I suggest you retire for the night. It will be a busy day tomorrow" I said
"Very well Mister Riddle. Good night"
Without another word, I gave her a sharp nod and quickly walked away to my dorm, where my dreams were plagued with images of the burning bodies of my fellow orphans as the bleak, grey orphanage burnt down. A high-pitched, cold laugh echoed throughout the street, which I suddenly realized was mine. A feral grin slid onto my face, for the first time in my life I felt truly happy.
The next morning passed by without anything out of the ordinary. As I entered the Great Hall, I spotted Juniper, sitting with the Malfoys. As I had to escort her to her lesson and give her a schedule, I made my way over to where they were sitting.
I arrived in time to hear Abraxas say to Juniper "Well then, would you care to accompany me on a tour around the castle later?" with a smug smirk, as if certain she would consent.
"I apologize but -"
"-as Head Boy I think that task falls in with my duties", I stated, making my presence known. "Miss Peverell here is your schedule. We have all the same classes so I will show you to each one. If you'll follow me"
I left and made my way to the Potions classroom with Juniper behind me. As we reached the Potions classroom Professor Slughorn was already inside, presumably setting up for his first lesson. When he noticed Juniper and I he immediately started beaming.
"Ah Riddle my boy how are you and who's this?" he asked me eagerly, his eyes drifting to Juniper, beside me.
"Sir, this is Juniper Peverell. She's the new student." I replied politely.
"Ah yes. Professor Dumbledore told me what happened to your parents. I'm truly sorry" Slughorn said, not looking sorry at all. In fact he looked rather excited. Juniper's eyes welled up with tears. But I could tell the tears were fake. I inwardly laughed to myself; no wonder she was a Slytherin.
"Thank you for your consolations Professor" she said sniffling.
"Now why don't you two come in and take a seat. Class will begin soon." Slughorn told us, and I took my usual seat in the back whilst Juniper opted for sitting in the middle of the classroom. Just at that moment, the class began to fill up. Unfortunately, Potions, along with Defence Against the Dark Arts, was one of the classes we shared with Gryffindors, and of course those self-righteous lions pranced in like they were superior. They called themselves brave and courageous when they were nothing but impulsive idiots with no self-preservation.
When everybody was here, Slughorn began the lesson.
"Well class, welcome back to another year at Hogwarts. I decided to start the year with a bit of a challenge. Today you will be brewing The Draught of Living Death. The person who brews the best draught will receive this!" He held up a tiny bottle full of a golden liquid I immediately recognized. "This is Felix Felicis more commonly known as Liquid luck" Slughorn carried on, knowing he had the class hooked "Extremely difficult potion to make, disastrous if it goes wrong, but if brewed correctly it will give the drinker, 24 hours of luck. Now get to it! You have an hour and a half."
Everyone hurried to get to the potions store, including me. I was determined to win that bottle. It would make my plan so much easier. I noticed that Juniper waited until everyone else was gone to collect her ingredients but I shrugged it off. Once I got back to my table I got started, following the instructions to every last detail.
At the end of the lesson, Professor Slughorn went around examining the draughts. I glanced around to see if anybody managed it and nobody did, in fact Avalon's resembled green slime. Mine was slightly off colour but hopefully it was enough to win the Felix Felicis. But my hopes shattered when Slughorn regarded Juniper's potion with shining eyes.
"A perfect potion!" he exclaimed, "You deserve this" and he handed her the Felix Felicis. Whilst my expression remained blank, I was fuming inside. How could a girl, who has barely been here for a day beat me and humiliate me like that?! Peverell might make a good ally but I would still see her as my enemy
At the end of the lesson, just as I exited the classroom and was about to leave, I saw Slughorn pull Juniper aside and tell her, "Miss Peverell I have a little club with a group of talented students just like you. It's nothing major, we just have dinner a few times a month and I would love it if you joined"
"Of course sir I'd love to" Juniper said and she turned around, and left presumably so he wouldn't see the smirk that was sliding onto her face. But I did. She seemed almost... satisfied. There was definitely more to her than I originally thought and I was going to find out everything, even if I had to torture the information out of someone.
Noticing Juniper walking further down the corridor, I followed her, making sure to keep a considerable distance between us. She seemed lost in thought and her eyes were downcast, she must have been thinking about something rather pressing a she didn't notice that she was about to walk into a Gryffindor boy. She fell into him and stood up quickly offering an apology, which left me disgusted. How dare she apologize to a Gryffindor?! When she was sorted into Slytherin, it became her duty to uphold our house's loyalty. By this time I was furious, so I left and took a shortcut to the Common Room.
About ten minutes later, Juniper finally came in and everyone turned to stare at her like gormless idiots, which was not befitting of Pureblood etiquette. She simply held her head high and walked in with all the regal elegance of a queen. She disappeared into the girls dorms and emerged again a few minutes later. I watched her exchange a few words with Abraxas and that irritating Zabini girl before glancing around, presumably for a place to sit. She settled on an armchair quite close to where I was sitting, so I could easily watch her from the corner of my eye. I would make her my ally and she would help me cleanse the world of muggle filth. It was all part of my master plan.