Previously on A Riddle With Another Name 27: A Calendar And A Thwarting
Butters glanced over at Jackson. "Jackson is acting the fool. Summerlin didn't have anything to do with anything. We were too busy discussing your sudden interest in Beth to sort the sweets. We were very surprised you have a calendar. Well, we weren't surprised you have a calendar. We were surprised that Beth is on it. We thought it only had room for the bandits and Quidditch. Now we know better. How long has this been going on and does she have a friend?"
For several seconds, Bertie remained silent before breaking into gales of laughter. "Stay out of my business and give me my Chocoballs before you both land on my calendar."
Butters handed over two packs of Chocoballs as he headed to the bathroom. "Oh my. Bertie has a witch and suddenly he's all surly." Turning to Jackson, Butters muttered a mild threat. "Don't get me and Summerlin involved in your lies. Sorting sweets never came up."
Bertie smiled. "Are you two tossers finished talking? I'll take a shower in the morning. All that talking to the witch on my calendar has made me tired."
Five minutes later, Bertie was snoring while Jackson remained sitting on the side of his bed wondering how the least romantic of the three of them managed to get a witch. As he undressed, Jackson thought about Bertie. He has himself a witch. I want one. Then he too slid into bed and was asleep before Butters finished his shower.
/
/
A Riddle With Another Name 28: An Unpleasant Monday Morning
/**/
This was the beginning of the three amigos second full week at Hogwarts and they were chuffed. So much had gone on in the first week, and they had come out of it unscathed. Well mostly unscathed. They felt like old soldiers now that they had a full week done and over. Suddenly, a knock on the dorm door and Bertie's voice brought them all up short.
"Why aren't you three out there in the Common Room lined up to get to breakfast? Don't start this week off on the wrong foot or you'll regret it."
Aiden sighed hoping Bertie's mean tone wouldn't give them bad luck for the entire day.
Zach was on the same wavelength as Aiden. A pleasant morning meant a pleasant day. "Good morning Bertie. We're all ready for breakfast. I was just closing my bag. Aiden and Trevor were just waiting to walk out with me. Sorry."
Bertie scowled at all three in turn stopping at Zach. "You were just closing your bag? Is this the same bag you were closing last night before lights out. Your day will not go well if you lie to me Glover." Turning to Aiden and Trevor, he had remarks for them as well. "The day won't go well with you two dolts either if you stand there remaining mute in the face of a lie."
It was true Zach was his good mate, but Trevor wasn't about to get on Bertie's bad side. "Aiden and I aren't supporting a lie Bertie. We were all set with cases packed when Zach realized his History of Magic book was still on the bedside table. It had only taken Zach a minute to put it into his case but it was a minute too long because you came looking for us."
Bertie gave Trevor a direct stare thinking Zach's bad habits were rubbing off on Woods. "Thank you for that explanation Mr. Woods. Now get out to the Common Room so the entire dorm doesn't starve waiting for you three."
"Yes Bertie."
"Okay Bertie."
Zach didn't reply being upset Bertie thought he was lying.
Realizing Zach was in a little snit, Bertie got a grip on his shoulder as he walked by.
"Do you have a problem Glover?"
"No Bertie. I don't have a problem. I just want you to know I wasn't lying. You are too smart not to recognize a lie and my mates are also smart and would not support a lie. The line is waiting."
Bertie took a deep breath wondering how Zach almost always made it seem he was giving a telling off when he felt cornered. Shaking his head, Bertie nodded at Jackson who made the call.
"Get to breakfast lads and ladies. Mind yourselves, have a good day and represent Gryffindor well."
A chorus of voices sounded off. Each one giving a positive response.
Turning to face his mates, Jackson effusively reminded them the Sixth Year Dorms would be ready for occupants by the days end.
Glancing in Bertie's direction, Butters smartly or not so smartly replied that some wizards would be glad for the extra privacy. Jackson grinned but did nothing more than hurry out the door. It wasn't quite the moment to mess around with Bertie. He'd had to tell off his favorite trio and gotten a telling off in return. Butters realized something had gone on. He didn't know what, but rather than guess he hurried out the door after Jackson.
Nodding at The Fat Lady as he headed to the stairs, Bertie was about to stride after Jackson and Butters when Beth was suddenly by his side.
"Hi Bertie. I didn't get a chance to say good morning so I decided to walk to breakfast with you and say my good morning on the way."
Bertie automatically thanked Beth for waiting but in his head he was thinking she was becoming a bit pushy after only one kiss. However, the thought had come and gone by the time they had taken two steps forward.
/*/
Zach was still feeling a bit put out at breakfast and was grumbling about it. "I don't mind being told off if I'm caught in a lie, but…"
Trevor let out a loud sigh as he reached for another sausage. "Forget about it Zach. We didn't receive demerits and we didn't get detention. No harm, no foul."
Zach rolled his eyes at Trevor. "Bertie can't give demerits or order detention. However, if he could, I'm sure he would. I'm not a liar."
Aiden replied through a mouth full of egg. "No Zach. You aren't a liar but you've been known to stretch the truth."
For several seconds, all three mates were silent until Trevor spoke.
"You're not upset because Bertie thought you were lying. You're upset he now has a witch to focus his attention on instead of you. You've lost your place at the front of the line."
Zach gave Trevor a direct stare before bursting out in laughter. "You're a tosser Trevor."
"Perhaps I am but I'm a tosser who knows what's what. If you're through moaning and complaining, let's get to Herbology. We don't want to mess around with a professor who does have the authority to give demerits and detention." Trevor replied.
Zach, Trevor and Aiden stood right along with the other First and Second Years. As they filed out of The Great Hall, Zach kept his eyes straight ahead. He was still a bit annoyed with his mentor.
/*/
Jackson nudged Bertie as he watched Zach pass by with eyes straight ahead. "What, no deep looks of love and loyalty from Zach? Methinks your number one bandit is still upset with his mentor. Perhaps you should chase him down to apologize for calling him a liar."
Being a bit angry with himself over his harsh words to Zach, Bertie wasn't in the mood for banter. "Mind yourself Jackson or it's you who will be hearing the harsh words. Let's get going."
Butters chimed in. "Just a second Bertie. I have to close my case."
Jackson laughed but Bertie swore softly as he grabbed his books. "Save the rubbish. I won't be listening to anymore bloody bullshite."
Jackson glanced at Butters and Butters returned his glance. He had hit a sore spot with their mate.
"Calm down Bertie. It was a just a joke." Butters mumbled.
"Well, keep your jokes Butters. I'm not in the mood."
Jackson followed Butters away from the table as Bertie brought up the rear wondering why he had been such an arse to his two best mates. All things considered, his day hadn't started off very well.
As he walked away from the table, Beth waved or beckoned. Bertie wasn't sure. He threw up a hand in a wave and kept moving. Now wasn't the time to have a conversation with the witch on his calendar.
/*/
As he ushered the First and Second Years out the door to breakfast, Nott kept glancing over at Avery. Finally Avery growled in his face. "What is your fucking problem Nott? Isn't it bad enough Tom looks like something a Hippogriff tossed around. I don't need you acting like a nutter as well."
Nott nodded answering in a very low voice. "I guess we won't be getting that prize."
Avery grinned and let out a soft chuckle. "Our prize is to remain alive while living under an unpredictable, miserable tosser."
"AVERY!"
"Oh shit." Muttered Avery as he headed towards Tom wondering if he'd been overheard.
"Get to The Great Hall and get me some breakfast. Do it at all speed as my first class starts the same time as yours."
"Yes Master." Avery answered in a low tone realizing Tom's order wouldn't allow him any time for his own breakfast. "Fine arse. I'll get your breakfast. I'm not hungry in the least you….you." He hurried to The Great Hall mumbling and grumbling all the way.
As Avery put together a breakfast, Nott was suddenly beside him. "I overheard the conversation. I've wrapped a few sausages and biscuits in a napkin. If you get Tom his meal at double time, you can have your breakfast, such as it is, in the Transfiguration corridor."
"Thanks Nott. I'll meet you there." Avery replied as he hurried away to bring Tom his breakfast nearly bowling over several First Year Slytherins on the way.
/*/
Avery continued to grumble the entire way to the Transfiguration Corridor. "Per usual, there was no thanks Avery for getting my breakfast. Thanks Avery for missing your own breakfast. Thanks Avery that was extremely quick. Of course not. Tom, The Master, Lord Voldemort Riddle wouldn't think of showing appreciation to anyone."
Nott stepped out from a doorway and handed Avery his breakfast. I managed to snag a few strips of bacon as well. This will tide you over until lunch. The biscuits got a bit smashed. Sorry about that."
Avery clapped Nott on the back before taking the small sack. "Thanks mate. A bloke doesn't realize how hungry he is until he is denied breakfast." He remarked while wolfing down the food. "I'll see you in class. I need a quick stop in the men's."
"Right then. Hurry it up."
/*/
Avery did hurry not wanting to be late for class. He was hurrying so fast he ran right into Bertie who had taken a minute to have a pee and a face wash. Thinking he was under attack, Bertie drew his wand pointing at a startled Avery who immediately drew his own wand.
"Trying to knock me over Avery? Given up on First Years then? I'm a little harder to knock over than that lot."
Avery lifted his wand and shouted. "Stupefy!"
Bertie jumped out of the way and countered with an Expelliarmus. Avery's wand came sailing across the room landing in his hand.
"You think to stun me? That's not going to happen. Now what you filthy Slytherin. Now what?"
Bertie was about to go into a litany of things when the door opened and in stepped Dumbledore.
"P-P-Professor?" Bertie stuttered out.
Without saying a word, Dumbledore summoned both wands from Bertie's hand. "I'll see you both in my office at 1:00. For your brazen behavior, today you will share your lunch period with me. Let's see how you like staring into my face instead of having a lovely lunch. If I am so inclined, I may give your wands back at that time. Five points from Gryffindor and five points from Slytherin for waving a wand and conduct unbecoming. Now get to class."
Dumbledore gave a heavy roll of the eyes at Bertie before leaving the bathroom. Bertie left right behind him stressing over the fact he'd lost Gryffindor five points and disappointed his mentor as well.
Avery was behind them both allowing enough space to not bump into Robbins again.
Both he and Robbins were marked late to class and another five points was taken from both Houses.
/*/
Students from both Houses had turned to watch Bertie and Avery enter the room groaning when Professor Dumbledore who had preceded them into the room called out five points from Slytherin and five points from Gryffindor for not being in their seat when class started.
Even though he had just previously taken points, Dumbledore stared directly at Bertie as he took those next five points.
Bertie groaned along with the rest except he was groaning because Professor Dumbledore was taking the extra points to teach him a lesson. A lesson he would have to explain to the rest of Gryffindor House. Bertie hoped his day wouldn't get any worse.
/*/
While Butters and Jackson tried to speak to Bertie as they headed to Defense Against The Dark Arts, he wouldn't discuss anything. All he would say was he'd explain it all that evening. Jackson and Butters wondered what the hell was going on. Bertie late for class and getting the whole House penalized by the professor who doted on him. The shite was puzzling.
"Strange shite going on Butters. Our House Point Board is showing us ten points down. I wonder what the other five are about." Jackson whispered to his mate.
"We'll have to wait to find out tonight because I'm absolutely certain we won't be getting anything out of Bertie right now. Then again, perhaps he'll share a bit at lunch."
Jackson looked at Butters like he had two heads. "You've known Bertie as long as I have. When have you known him to go back on his word? That would be never. If he says he won't discuss anything until tonight, he won't discuss anything until tonight. He is in a beast of a mood. I hope he's alright."
Butters looked astounded. "How could he not be alright? Except for his earlier, little snit, we've been with him every minute except when he went to the men's. What could possibly have gone wrong in the men's? Come on. Let's catch up to Bertie. We don't want anymore points taken because we're late."
"Agreed. Let's go."
/*/
While Jackson and Butters were trying to figure out what was going on with Bertie, down the other end of the corridor a drooling, snorting Tom had Avery up against the wall with his wand pointed at Avery's face. Tom wasn't being loud but he was being deadly.
"You complete imbecile. What in Salizar Slytherin's good name do you think you're doing Avery? Ten points? Ten bloody points taken from Slytherin House, for what? FOR WHAT? Tell me now or I will curse you into oblivion right where you stand."
However, before Avery could open his mouth, Dumbledore appeared without having made a sound. "Is there a problem here Tom? I suggest you stow that wand right this second or I will be forced to take another ten points from Slytherin and add two nights of detention as well."
Tom lowered his wand and stepped back. He replied to Dumbledore in a soft, smarmy voice. "There's no problem here professor, right Avery?" He said, straightening Avery's collar and giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Just a few words between Slytherin House fellows."
"You have an answer for everything Tom. I suggest you and your fellows get to DADA unless you're looking to set a record for most points lost in one day. Get moving."
Avery walked around Tom making sure not to touch his irate master and hurried down the corridor knowing he would probably be hexed once Tom got him alone in the Slytherin Dorms. Nott tried to whisper something out the side of his mouth as he and Avery moved down the corridor but Avery brushed him off with a few softly spoken words.
"This is turning out to be one shite of a morning."
Nott didn't say anything else, but in his mind, he certainly concurred with his mate. How did things goes so wrong in such a short period of time? He sped up after a quick look back showed Tom hot on their heels.
/*/
The rest of the morning proceeded along as any other morning. However, when lunchtime came around, Jackson and Butters were surprised to find Bertie's seat at the table empty.
Jackson didn't like the things that had gone on that morning. "What's he playing at? He never misses lunch."
Butters grabbed a chicken sandwich. "With the morning he's having, he is probably sitting out in the courtyard trying to decompress. I'll take a quick look after I finish this sandwich. By a quick look, I really mean a quick look. I don't want to chance getting hexed by accident."
Jackson laughed out loud. "Hahaha. If Bertie hexes you, it won't be by accident. If he isn't in the courtyard, we'll just put together a lunch sack and check the Quidditch stands because once he comes out of his snit, his arse will be hungry."
"Good idea. Put together the sack. I'll be right back."
By the time Butters returned, the sack was ready. "I wrapped up a bit of everything. Let's go to the Quidditch Pitch. He'll thank us for this food."
"I hope so Jackson."
/*/
Butters and Jackson had stood and were about to leave the hall when Beth walked up. "Hello Jackson, Butters. I'm looking for Bertie. Have you seen him?"
The two wizards glanced at each other. Neither knew if Bertie had invited Beth to sit with him at lunch, so they deflected.
"Haven't seen him Beth."
"But…"
"Not to be rude but...we haven't seen him since Herbology. Butters and I were just going to run an errand. If we see Bertie, we'll tell him you are looking for him. Excuse us. We'll see you in class."
Beth turned to walk away giving Jackson and Butters a quick wave.
Butter was getting nervous. "Now it's officially odd. Why isn't Bertie at the table if he invited Beth to sit with him? I'm beginning to get a bad feeling about all this. Maybe….."
"If you're going to say he might have been jumped by the Slytherins, don't even go there. Let's get going. If Bertie isn't sitting the Quidditch stands, we are going to search every bloody corridor in Hogwarts. Come on. Bertie might need our help. Heaven help those bloody Slytherins if they've done something to Bertie."
/*/
The only sound in Dumbledore's office was Dumbledore's voice. He had set orders for Bertie and Avery to do nothing other than listen. Known for his long winded dissertations, Dumbledore didn't fail them. He started talking, warning, threatening the two students and continued speaking for the better part of an hour. At five to two, Dumbledore released Bertie and Avery with one last warning.
"I've allowed you five minutes to use the bathroom and have a face wash before you have to be in your next class. Use your time well. Since you can't be in the same space and act civil, I insist you use separate bathrooms. Do not let me have to approach you about things like this again or it won't be points taken and a lecture."
/*/
Bertie wasn't in the Quidditch Pitch seats nor was he on the Quidditch Pitch itself. Neither Jackson or Butters spoke as they headed for the closest corridor. In the short time they had before class, they searched as much as they could. It was two upset Gryffindors that hurried to class. However, as they came down the hill, Jackson and Butters let out a sigh of relief. Their mate was right where he was supposed to be on a Monday at 2:00 pm. In addition, Beth was right by his side. Although Bertie didn't seem to be thrilled with company, he was in one piece. He hadn't been jumped by anyone. Hurrying forward, Jackson and Butters approached Bertie with a simple nod because the middle of Care of Magical Creatures wasn't the place to ask questions.
Whether it was Beth's presence or something else, Bertie greeted them as though the morning hadn't happened. "Hello mates. Not really sure but I believe we are going to have an interesting class today."
Summerlin, who had walked up as Bertie was speaking added his thoughts. "If you say so mate. Personally, I can do without all the critters Professor Kettleburn brings out. He'll get us all killed or maimed."
No one disputed him or made the normal jokes about Professor Kettleburn being more of a menace than his creatures. Summerlin was surprised and he wasn't. With everything that had gone on earlier, he really didn't expect much light banter.
After Summerlin's few words, the silence was deafening among the small group. Jackson did notice the scowls Bertie was casting in the direction of the Slytherin group. However, by the time they were on their way to Charms class, Bertie seemed to have calmed down until Riddle sauntered by muttering some lowly spoken threat. At least to Jackson, Butters and Summerlin it sounded like a threat. All three noticed Bertie tense up and moved quickly to his side in case they had to hold their mate back. No such moves had been necessary as Bertie pretended he hadn't heard anything. But Beth had heard.
"Did Riddle just call you an arsehole? What's his problem?"
Bertie shrugged. "Riddle thinks because he can intimidate his bunch of mutts he can intimidate anyone. He's nothing."
Bertie's answer satisfied Beth but not his mates. All three decided they would have a discussion with Bertie as soon as separated himself from Beth.
/*/
After sixth period, students were on their own until dinner at 6:00 pm. Most students used the time to study, visit the library, sit in the courtyard or meet with mates. This particular Monday Bertie wasn't in the mood for any of it when Butters suggested they spend some time outside in the courtyard. Even though Bertie had declined to sit in the courtyard, Beth was all for it.
"Come on Bertie. We've been inside all day. Let's get some air."
Jackson, Butters and Summerlin held their collective breaths. To them Beth was and had been from the start overstepping. However, it wasn't for any of them to say. Bertie would do what Bertie would do. Bertie must have felt Beth was overstepping a bit as well.
Bertie replied to Beth's statement with a straight face. "You go have some air Beth. There are a few things I'd like to address in our new dorm rooms."
Jackson, Butters and Summerlin hadn't even thought about the Sixth Years dorms.
"There will be time to set up the new dorms after dinner. Come out with us." Beth insisted.
Us? To what us is she referring was the thought crossing the minds of the three wizards. Bertie had twice declined going into the courtyard. Thinking the conversation between Beth and Bertie could get brutal, Jackson suggested he, Butters and Summerlin make themselves scarce.
"Let's go see what needs to be done in our lovely new dorms. I imagine most of our things have been moved by magic but our personal stuff is waiting to be moved by us."
Butter nodded. "I agree."
"As do I. Lucky me. I get to room with the top lads this year." Added Summerlin.
Turning away from his conversation with Beth, Bertie added a comment. "Only if you're not going to be a tosser. Otherwise, you can spend the year in your current dorm room lost and lonely."
Everyone laughed except Beth. It wasn't their business so Jackson, Butters and Summerlin headed for the Sixth Year dorms.
/*/
For some reason, Beth wanted to make an issue out of Bertie not wanting to sit outside with her. Bertie listened while Beth made suggestions, assumptions and decisions. When she was finished, he repeated himself.
"You go have some air Beth. There are a few things I'd like to address in our new dorm rooms. I'll see you at dinner. Excuse me."
Beth stood in the middle of the common room with several of the lower years staring at her. She had pushed and it hadn't turned out well. As she walked the stairs to the girls dorms, Beth cautioned herself. She had finally gotten Bertie's attention. It was not the time to push herself on the wizard she wanted unless invited. With a loud sigh, she stepped into her dorm room figuring to read until dinner.
/*/
Aiden had leaned forward addressing both his mates. "Did you see that? We thought you were in a bad mood but Bertie has you beat. He was almost a beast to that witch."
Zach rolled his eyes. "First of all, I was not in a bad mood. I was a bit upset is all. Second, Bertie wasn't being a beast. He made a statement Beth obviously didn't agree with and acted accordingly. If I ever get a witch, I hope she isn't as pushy as Beth. Come outside Bertie. Let's get some air Bertie. When are we getting married Bertie?"
Trevor threw up both his hands. "Okay, okay Zach. We get it. Your King wasn't being a beast. He was just being a bit unfriendly much like this morning when he accused you of lying. Got it."
Aiden laughed out loud and after giving Trevor a severe roll of the eyes, Zach laughed out loud as well.
/*/
Nott was getting nervous. Avery had been in Tom's rooms for almost thirty minutes. He hoped the great Lord Voldemort hadn't killed his mate. There was no reason for Avery to be in there this long. Suddenly, the door opened and Avery stepped out with his face and neck covered with what looked like whip lashes. Avery knew they weren't whip lashes. The marks were the result of being hit with the Stinging Jinx. Hurrying towards his mate, Nott shouted to the room in general.
"Eyes on the ground the lot of you. If you glance up, I guarantee you won't need dinner because you won't have a mouth."
All eyes went to the floor while Nott guided Avery to their room. "Come on mate. I'll fix this as soon as we're out from under the gaze of these nosy bastards."
Avery, who was in great pain didn't say a word. He just went along. Once inside their room, Nott pulled out his wand…
"Episkey!"
Nott sighed as he moved his head from side to side. "Thanks mate."
"No thanks expected Avery. What brought all this about? We separate for all of five minutes for you to use the bathroom. When you come out, Robbins is striding down the hall looking like a nutter and Dumbledore has the worst frown I've ever seen."
Conjuring up a soothing lotion, Avery sat down on the side of the bed. "Simple really. I went banging into the men's and nearly knocked Robbins over. He obviously thought I was attacking him and drew his wand. I drew my wand to stun him. He ducked the spell and took my wand by Expelliarmus. I think he meant to do me some damage but suddenly, Dumbledore appeared and took both wands from Robbins. Dumbledore gave us both a stern telling off, took five points from Slytherin House, five points from Gryffindor then gave me and Robbins lunch time detention where he read us the riot act over and over for an hour.
Did I forget to mention Dumbledore being the miserable sot he is also took five more points because I was not in my seat when class started. The only good thing is Gryffindor got what we got. I don't have to tell you that. You were there for the last of it. You were also there when Dumbledore literally stopped Tom from cursing me in the middle of the Transfiguration Corridor. That's it except Tom called me into his rooms to finish what he started in the corridor."
"What a morning you've had mate. Dinner is in forty. Shrink down an extra plate so you'll have something for later on. On the off chance our Lord and Master doesn't allow you out to have dinner, I'll bring you a sack."
"Thanks mate. Always good to have someone I can count on. I'm going to close my eyes for a few."
Or so he thought. Just as he closed his irritated eyes, Avery heard his name being bellowed across the room.
"AVERY."
"Here we go. Master Voldemort must have needed to rest his wand arm a bit. I'll probably need your Healing Spell again. Bring a dinner, if you can manage." Avery whispered before opening the door to face his irate Master yet again.
Nott sympathized with Avery's plight but sat there thanking Salizar Slytherin it wasn't him.