Verdicts of the Fates Chapter 7: A Welcome Change and Unwanted Attention, a harry potter fanfic

Tom's first few days at Hogwarts were definitely different from how his days usually went at the orphanage. For starters, he wasn't a complete loner. The other students didn't avoid him like the plague, unlike the children he was forced to cohabitate with at during the tenure of his life thus far. This in itself was something he wasn't used to. When things got a bit overwhelming, Tom always had Saroya with him to hiss anything and everything to him so that he never lost his cool in front of the other students. It's something that Tom learned at a young age, never let them see you sweat.

Getting used to the looks directed his way not being made up entirely of scorn, distrust and hate was something completely foreign to Tom. Being able to walk around the castle, and yes CASTLE, unencumbered was a type of freedom that Tom had always yearned for. Not having Dennis, Amy and Billy following his every move in the hopes of "catching" him up to something left this miraculous lightweight feeling settling over him that he had never known before. Having other students his age, such as Black, Avery, Nott, Mulciber and Lestrange to talk to and share a dorm with was very new to Tom. At the orphanage they each had their own small room that they had to sleep in but, it was beyond bare. It contained a rickety old cot coupled with threadbare sheets, something that resembled the shape of a pillow as well as a desk with a wobbly leg and a wardrobe that appeared as if acid had been flung on it at some point in the past. Whereas, here, at Hogwarts, everything looked both antique but brand new. Everything was taken care of as if they truly cared about how each student lived. It was a new Tom that walked up the stairwell from the dungeons to the Great Hall for breakfast and to receive his class schedule for the term.

*Issss that meat that I sssmell?* Saroya hissed as Tom and the rest of the first year Slytherins walked into the Great Hall.

*Yessss, Ssssaroya. Would you like ssssome ssssassauge, bacon or ham thissss morning?* Hissed a chuckling Tom.

This earned him an odd eyebrow raise from Orion. However, Tom just shook him off and Orion let it be, assuming he might have just thought he heard something. The Great Hall is fairly packed after all. Before long, all their year mates were sitting at the table talking animatedly about their first weekend away from home - What their first letters home included, what sortings they were shocked about and what they felt their first schedules would resemble.

"Ah-hem." Coughed Professor Slughorn. "I have here," he said as he waved a stack of parchment around "your class schedules for this term. They are sorted alphabetically and by year. So, first years first."

Tom spared a glance at Professor Slughorn at the beginning of his speech, then when back to his breakfast, hissing softly to Saroya in between bites.

"Riddle, Tom." Tom finally heard Professor Slughorn call out.

"Here you go, lad." Professor Slughorn said jovially then turned away to finish off the last couple of first year schedules before moving on down the table to the second years.

*Ssssso, what'ssss our sssschedule look like young sssspeaker?* Hissed Saroya while butting her head against Tom's wrist to get his attention.

*Let me finissssh perussssing it first, Ssssaroya* Hissed Tom. She could hear the affectionate chuckle under his breath.

Once Tom was done reading through the schedule he placed it down on the tabletop so that he could point out the specifics to Saroya:

First Year Slytherin Fall Term Schedule:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Early Morning

Herbology RS

Potions GS

Herbology RS

Potions GS

DADA SH

Late Morning

Herbology RS

Potions GS

Herbology RS

Potions GS

DADA SH

Lunch

Early Afternoon

Transfiguration SH

Charms RS

Late Afternoon

MIDNIGHT Astronomy GS

Flying GS

*I don't have classes with my Head until Tomorrow. Today we have Gardening after breakfast and then my changeling classss after lunch* Explained Tom in a quiet hiss.

*Oh, gardening class….I wonder if I'd be able to wander the groundssss around your class.* Inquired Saroya.

*You have a one track mind, Ssssaroya. Yessss, you can ssssearch for food during my classs. Now, let me join my peers and complete my meal.* Hissed Tom as he folded the parchment up and put it into his robe pocket.

"What do you guys think of the schedule?" Questioned Avery after he'd realized most of the other first years had put away their schedules and carried on with the morning meal.

Taking up the mantle of first year spokesperson, Black decided to answer first. "I'm a bit disappointed that we don't have our Head of House until tomorrow. But, at least our first class is with the Ravenclaws. They're bound to be able to hold a more interesting conversation than Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs, right?" Chuckling could be heard around the first years' end of the table after that little quip from Orion.

Before any of the other boys in Tom's year, the male seventh year Prefect approached their end if the table. "Listen up, you lot." Making sure that he had all of their attention he continued. "When I was a first year, our seventh year Prefect as also the Head Boy found a very helpful charm that we could place on the back of the first years term schedules. It enables us to imprint a map on the back end. All one needs to do is tap it and recite the class they need directions to and it will show you the quickest way to the classroom from wherever you are in the castle." Noticing that he had all of the first years completely captivated about learning something none of the other houses seemed to know he continued on. "Simply take out your map and tap it with the top of your wand whilst saying dirige me - and the name of the class. It will then show you how to get to the classroom. While I'm here, let's give it a try so that I know you're doing it right and we'll all be on our ways." Seeing that he was done with his speech, the rest of the first years grabbed their folded parchment out of their robe pockets and unfolded them.

"Dirige me Herbology" Recited Tom as he tapped the middle of the map with the tip of his wand. Instantly he could see a dotted line appear on the map leading out of the great hall, through the entry hall and outside.

Seeing that the first years have it well in hand, the Prefect nodded his head and turned away from the group of first years to head to his own lessons. Before he got to the door of the great hall he turned and said "Keep this to yourselves. This isn't for the rest of the school to know." At that, he turned on his heel and strode off to, presumably, his first class of the year.

Noticing that they had about fifteen minutes to get to class and that everybody was finished with breakfast, Tom felt it was time to head to Herbology. "If everybody is finished, shall we?" Tom asked his fellow first year Slytherins and gestured to the doorway of the great hall. Noticing their nods of assent, Tom picked up his bad and turned on his heel walking out of the great hall with Orion Black at his side, their fellow Slytherin first years right behind them.

Monday September 5th, in Northern Scotland was a bit chillier and less sunny than other parts of the island. However, with the handy help of drying spells; courtesy of Orion Black and a few of the other Pureblood Slytherins, the walk across the ground the to Greenhouse two wasn't as bad as it seemed to be to some of the Ravenclaws just a few steps behind them and to the right. Although Tom had seen parts of the grounds over the free weekend they just had, he never made it to this side of the castle. He could see that they were heading out in the direction of the Black Lake, away from where the Quidditch Pitch is; which is slightly more behind the castle walls nearing the back end of the castle walls.

"Welcome to Greenhouse two, First Years!" A Stocky built man in his 40's cheered. "I am Professor Beery, and I will be your Herbology Professor at this fine school. Let move into the greenhouse and get each of you sorted and partnered up at the tables." As the professor turned to open the greenhouse door, Tom got a better look at him. He seemed of average height and not necessarily heavily built, but strong. Probably from lifting things in the greenhouse other than using magic to do it. Tom suspected Professor Beery was most likely a Halfblood. Squaring his shoulders, Tom continued on into the greenhouse where he was then paired up with Orion, owing mainly to the fact that he had planted himself at Tom's side before anything else could be said.

"The plant in front of you is called Asphodel. It is extremely important that we learn about it whilst we are first years here at Hogwarts. Any idea as to why?" Began Professor Beery.

Seeing a young girl in Ravenclaw robes, he nodded his head "Yes, Miss…?"

"Miss Blishwick, Sir." Replied the aforementioned Ravenclaw girl. "Asphodel is a plant that can be used in various different potions. Weather we use it's stamen, petals or leaves. They can be either whole, ground or cut up in various different ways."

"That is quite correct, Ms. Blishwick. Take five points for Ravenclaw!" Beamed an excited Professor Beery. "Now, I want all of you to pick your partner and pick a pot on the tables before you. Don't forget to don your protective gloves." Professor Beery said before turning to his own table to put on his own gloves to continue walking the first years through their first Herbology class.

"With the Asphodel plant, as Ms. Blishwick so succinctly informed us, being so widely used in the magical world, we need to be very careful when we harvest the plant. Picking the plant at the base of the stamen, we are able to then get full use out of the plant. Therefore, I'd like all of you to grasp your plant on the stamen about two inches below the lowest yielding leaf." Instructed Professor Beery.

Seeing that it was time for the actual hands on aspect of this double period, Tom did as instructed and then placed the Asphodel on the tray to the right of the pot that the plant was originally placed in. Each of the pots that the students were given had a small bushel of the plant. Therefore, Tom continued on right alongside Orion in trimming down the asphodel plant and placing it on the tray that was between his and Orion's workstation. This continued on for the next thirty minutes or so, that is until Professor Beery felt that they had had enough practice and collected enough asphodel trimmings to continue onto the next part of the class.

"Pay attention class!" Professor Beery said a little louder as he clapped his hands together to bring everybody's attention to him. "Now that each of you have got an understanding of what the plant does and how to trim each individual flower from the plant, i can instruct you on how to now break down the different components of the plant to harvest them for different ceremonies, rituals or potions." With a wave of the Professors wand four different small trays and two sets of tools appeared in front of each workstation. "As you can see I've given each of you some new materials for today's lesson. I would like you to place the actual bulb of the flow into the first tray, the petals in second, followed by the leaves and lastly the stamen. Be careful of your hands with these sharp tools, and make sure that you aren't cross contaminating any of the different parts of the plant. For instance, when you place the bulb into your tray, make sure that there are no leftover remnants of the petals. A lot of different instructions for the bulb would either backfire or simply not work at all if it is contaminated with a petal of the flower." Seeing about two dozen nods in response to those instructions Professor Beery smiled and clapped his hands. "Then, get to it class, we've only got about forty minutes left before I must dismiss you to lunch!" At that, Professor Beery started to walk around the tables observing the students and correcting those that needed it.

As Professor Beery was walking around the greenhouse answering questions and just overseeing the assignment as a whole, Tom stood completing the assignment beside Orion. Although Tom didn't do much gardening growing up - what with the orphanage being on the outskirts of Downtown London and what with WWI going on at the time, it's not like they had the space to utilize for a large garden that the children were also allowed to attend to. However, It's not that difficult to follow the instructions and simply common sense. Therefore, before long Orion and Tom had completed their assignment and were cleaning up their station whilst giving minor help to their housemates that weren't quite yet done.

"And that's Time, Everyone!" Clapped Professor Beery. "Wednesday will be seeing you completing what we started today and going further into what other first year plants we will be tackling this term. Now, off you go, lunch awaits for no man!"

At that, the students started a mass exodus out of the greenhouses and towards the castle proper for the midday meal.

Before long the midday meal was complete and Tom found himself and the other Slytherin's pulling out their schedules and repeating "Dirige me Transfiguration." with a tap of his wand to the center of the parchment. Instantly, inky lines started to web out of the center of the page making a map, followed by a dotted line showing the fastest possible route to the Transfiguration classroom from the Great Hall. "Perfect," Stated Tom. "We should do this to show us how to get to Slytherin after class this afternoon. That way we won't be wandering around aimlessly like other firsties are bound to be doing this evening."

"That's a terrific idea, Riddle!" Cheered Orion as he slapped Tom on the back. "Let's get going, shall we?"

At that, all the first year Slytherin's slung their bags on their shoulders and marched out of the Great Hall towards their first Transfiguration class.

"Good Afternoon, First Years!" said the jovial face of a tall auburn-haired, blue-eyed man.

Albus bloody- Dumbledore, thought Tom with a sneer. Finding an empty table, at about the halfway point of the classroom, Tom pulled the chair out and set his bag down. He was shocked out of his internal diatribe when he realized he was sitting next to Philip Avery, shrugging his shoulders he took it in stride and sat down.

"What's with you, Riddle?" Asked Avery once Tom had finally seated himself at their workstation.

"Oh, it's nothing. I just don't trust Dumbledore. That's all." Tom replied. Keeping his tone quiet and clipped.

"When did you meet Dumbledore?" Inquired Avery

"He was the one that brought me my Hogwarts letter last year. Suffice it to say, it didn't go too well." Responded Tom. "We'll talk about it later if you'd please." With that, Tom turned away from Avery and opened his notebook showing that he was ready for the lesson to begin and that the conversation was over for the time being.

"Hello, Class! I am Albus Dumbledore and I will be your Transfiguration professor while you are students here at this fine establishment!" Greeted Dumbledore. "Now, can anybody tell me what Transfiguration is?"

Several hands shot up in the air the instant Dumbledore posed the question to the class. Therefore, Dumbledore took his time to glance over the young students assembled in his class before picking any of them to answer the question. His gaze stopped for just a millisecond on Tom before it continued its tour around the room. "Yes, young man, do you have an answer?" Dumbledore queried as he nodded at Mulciber.

Mulciber stood at Dumbledore's nod. "Transfiguration is when we are able to change the physical state of one thing to another. Most transfiguration isn't stable enough to be held long term, Professor." After he finished reciting his answer, he took his seat once more.

Dumbledore nodded his agreement to Mulciber's succinct answer. "That is correct, Mr. Mulciber. Take five points for Slytherin." Flicking his wand out from inside his robe, Dumbledore flicked it at his teacup and with a twist and a flick, turned it into a common everyday brown field mouse. Seeing the students each paying just that little bit more attention, he flicked his wand at said mouse and incanted "vera verto" turning it back into the simple tea cup that originally sat on his desk.

"That, Students is one of the first transfigurations that you will be attempting and then eventually perfecting this term in my class." Seeing the intrigue blooming behind the students eyes, Dumbledore knows that he's got them enraptured. All but one. He notices that young Tom, though he is intrigued, isn't hanging off his every word like the others. That is something that I should stay on top of, thought Dumbledore. "Ah, would you look at the time, students. That is all we have time for today. Hurry back to your common rooms so that you can put your things away before supper." Cheered Dumbledore as he flicked his wand at the classroom door, causing it to open wide for the students to file out.

As the Hufflepuffs all shoved their things in their bags and made a beeline for the exit of the classroom, talking excitedly about their first day of classes and what the best way back to the Hufflepuff Dormitory was. The Slytherins placed their things into their bags at a more sedate pace, while Orion grabbed his schedule, flipped it over and incanted "Dirige me Slytherin Dormitory". Slipping his wand back up his sleeve, he nodded to the assembled group of Slytherins and nodding to indicate that he knew the way and that they should follow.

Taking a right out of the classroom, the Slytherins started down the hallway on the third floor towards the stairwell to get back down to the Dungeons. Orion could hear the chattering of the Hufflepuffs behind them. They must've realized that out of all the new students the Slytherin's were the only ones that weren't aimlessly wandering around the castle. Getting to the main floor, Orion was able to cancel his spelled map and put his schedule away, considering that they all knew the way from the Great Hall to the dormitories. A few minutes later they were standing in front of the blank wall that acted as the doorway into the Slytherin Dormitory.

"Nightshade." As the door materialized at the end of the hallway the first year Slytherins sauntered into the common room.

"So, out with it, Riddle." Demanded Avery once they were safely ensconced in a corner of the Slytherin common room. "What is your deal with Dumbledore? I mean, don't get me wrong. I don't like the bloke either. But, I've never seen somebody with that sort of aversion towards his persons." At this point, all the others in their group stood quietly await Tom's response. Since Avery was the one sitting with Tom in Transfiguration, he was the only one that noticed Tom's reaction towards the flamboyant professor.

"Alright. Remember how I mentioned that I had grown up in the muggle world?" Tom asked the assembled group. Seeing their nods of assent, he continued on. "Well, Dumbledore was the professor that the school sent to bring my letter and inform me of my way, there was just something off about it. It's as if he expected me to automatically trust him or be in awe of him because he was the first Wizard I had met, or that because he was the one that essentially provided me with a way away from Muggle England that I should be thankful of him. I don't owe him anything. His assumption was infuriating. Not to mention, you wouldn't believe the way he proved to me that he was a wizard when I questioned him." At this point, Tom's eyes were ablaze with fury and frustration. His once deep blue eyes became so dark they almost molded into one color with is dilated pupils.

"That man decided the best way to show me that magic was real was to set my wardrobe ablaze, what I assumed was real." Tom took a deep breath to calm himself, he knows that he cannot let his guard down this fast, nor this easily. "How would you guys feel if the first wizard you ever met basically set all of your possessions on fire? He didn't even apologize for making me think that I had lost everything that I owned. Then, instead of learning about myself and my life growing up with the vile children, he decided to attempt to reprimand me for things that he shouldn't have had any concern of. Considering how it's none of his damned business. It hasn't stopped either. I've noticed since we got here Thursday night that he's keeping an abnormally close eye on me. As if just because I don't bow before him there's something wrong with me."

Noticing that Tom was finished with his tale, the other boys looked at Tom and then amongst each other. After a quick nod of the head from Orion to Avery, Avery spoke up. "We can understand why you feel that way about Dumbledore. As far as we understand he claims to be a "light" wizard. Which, it appears to be synonymous with believing himself above others. As if simply because we don't act in which the way he does that we're dark….or some such rot." Hearing this and noticing that nods of agreement from the other snakes calms Tom down.

"Nightshade." As the door materialized at the end of the hallway the first year Slytherins sauntered into the common room.

"That man decided the best way to show me that magic was real was to set my wardrobe ablaze, what I assumed was real." Tom took a deep breath to calm himself, he knows that he cannot let his guard down this fast, nor this easily. "How would you guys feel if the first wizard you ever met basically set all of your possessions on fire? He didn't even apologize for making me think that I had lost everything that I owned. Then, instead of learning about myself and my life growing up with the vile children he decided to attempt to reprimand me for things that he shouldn't have had any concern of. Considering how it's none of his damned business. It hasn't stopped either. I've noticed since we got here Thursday night that he's keeping an abnormally close eye on me. As if just because I don't bow before him there's something wrong with me."

Noticing that Tom was finished with his tale the other boys looked at Tom and then amongst each other. After a quick nod of the head from Orion to Avery, Avery spoke up. "We can understand why you feel that way about Dumbledore. As far as we understand he claims to be a "light" wizard. Which, it appears to be synonymous with believing himself above others. As if simply because we don't act in which the way he does that we're dark….or some such rot." Hearing this and noticing that nods of agreement from the other snakes calms Tom down.

"We should keep an eye on Dumbledore, guys." Speaks Orion after a few moments of silence. "Obviously, he doesn't trust us. So, why should we even attempt to trust him? We'll carry out Pure-blood masks, and comport ourselves as true Slytherins. But, I say we watch him carefully." Noticing that it was already getting close to five o'Clock, Orion then suggests that they get out their books from Herbology and finish the reading that'd due for Wednesday's class before they head out to dinner. Before long it the rest of the common room was starting to move around and put their things away, some of the older years even starting to make their way out of the common in search for sustenance from the Great Hall.

"Alright guys, are we ready to head to dinner? I think I've read as much as I can about Asphodel for the day." The others started to put their books in their bags and got up to place them in their dormitory before heading out to the dungeon corridor to make their way to dinner.

At dinner Tom had a lot on his mind, he was feeling pretty worn out from his unusual emotional outburst after lessons today. Therefore, he allowed most of the conversation at the table to simply wash over him. Nodding or replying with simple one or two-word answers and eating quickly. Once he had had his fill, Tom placed his napkin and cutlery upon his plate and stood up.

"You alright there, Riddle?" Inquired Orion. The other snakes noticed the interaction and glanced over at them covertly before getting back to their own side conversations and meals.

"Yes. I am fine. I just wish to return to the dormitory, bathe and just have a quiet night of it. I'll see the rest of you when you return to the dormitory. Good night." Replied Tom as he glanced at the assembled house-mates and nodded before turning and leaving the table. As he reached the doors to the great hall, Tom once again felt Dumbledore's eyes upon him. He turned and looked at Dumbledore for a moment and spun and stalked from the hall.

By the time Tom reached the Slytherin common room he had calmed down quite a bit. Although, not enough to his liking.

*Youngling, are you alright?* Hissed Saroya as she poked her head out from Tom's sleeve, tasting his feelings of unease and frustration.

*I will be, Ssssaroya* Tom hissed back as he gently stroked her *I jusssst can't believe that man. He isssss ssssso infuriating. Who doesssss he think he isss?*

*I don't know, youngling. But, I do know that obviousssssly he doessssn't trust you. And therefore, me. We need to find out why.* Saroya gave a content hiss of pleasure as Tom continued to stroke down her spine.

*Thank you for alwaysss knowing what to say, Ssssaroya* Tom hissed lovingly back to her. *I think I'll go bathe before the other's come back to the dormitory and then possssibly read from the Wizarding Genealogy book we got in the Alley.*

Tom walked to his four-poster and drew the hangings laying Saroya in the middle of his pillow to rest. He then opened his trunk, removing his bag of toiletries then shutting and locking it once more. After that, Tom went to his wardrobe and took his nightclothes out and headed for the showers. Ten minutes later, Tom walked out of the bathroom teeth brushed and hair combed. After putting his toiletries away and removing his Wizarding Genealogy book, Tom climbed upon his huge four-poster and drew the curtains.

*You ssssmell crisp, like the fall breeze, youngling.* Hissed a content Saroya.

*Thank you. I think….* Tom hissed back, trying but failing to hold back and amused chuckle at his best friend's statement.

Turning his attention back to the large tome, he cracked it open to where he last bookmarked it on the Express, Gamp. After a few minutes of sifting through the surname, Gamp, Tom turned the page and perused the following two names that were contained therein. It wasn't until about fifteen minutes later that Tom reached the surname Gaunt.

The House of Gaunt was a Pure-blood family descended from both the lines of Cadmus Peverell and Salazar Slytherin, and are one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. They were once a very well known and very formidable family within British Wizarding Society. Considering that the House of Gaunt is descended from Salazar Slytherin, it is a widely held belief that they themselves carry the talent of speaking Parseltongue - the ability to speak to snakes. However, that is neither here nor there at the present time..…...

Tom continued to skim through the text until a particular spot made him stop and take notice…

Owing to the fact that the Gaunts are the last known direct descendants of Salazar Slytherin, it can be surmised that they are aware of the infamous Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Corvinus Gaunt was instrumental in the updating of the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets, due to the mass remodel to the legendary castle's plumbing system. We, of course, have no true proof that the infamous chamber even exists. However, documentation from the 1700's plumbing remodel speaks highly of Mr. Corvinus Gaunt and his instrumental help constructing the plans for the plumbing…...

This is very interesting, thought Tom. Gaunt….why, My Mother's' surname was Gaunt! I need to keep reading! A Highly excited Tom Riddle blocked out any other noise that was happening in his dorm room as the rest of his year mates began to filter in from dinner and the common room for the evening.

Not much else is known about the Gaunt's. At around the turn of the century the last known descendant became somewhat of a recluse. There are ministerial records showing that a Mr. Marvolo Gaunt had two children, but, neither of which ever attended Hogwarts. A Morfin Gaunt was sent to prison in the 1920's for magic in the presence and upon muggles, upon his release he learned that his father, Marvolo, had passed in the interim. Not much is known of the daughter, Merope. She disappeared around the same time. Are the Gaunts still around? If they are, are they even in the British Isles? Only time will tell…..

Tom was excited and very intrigued. Dumbledore had informed him that his mother was named Merope Gaunt. His middle name was given to him because of his grandfather. Logically, it only made sense that Tom himself was the last living Gaunt….Ergo, that means I'm the Last Living descendant of Salazar Slytherin! That's why I can speak to snakes! I can speak Parseltongue! thought an excited and exuberant Tom.

Finally learning and starting to understand what it was that the bloody sorting hat was alluding to last week had Tom closing the large and heavy tome with a content sigh and smirk gracing his face.