Chapter 3: Voltemork
Unlike the other students, the grand hall didn't roar with cheer when my name was called or when I was sorted into my house. I could sense that the other Ravenclaws were not too pleased with me being a part of their schoolhouse.
The prefects led us to our "dormitory", and I watched as the Slytherins were hollered to head down to the dungeons, Hufflepuffs to the kitchen, Gryffindors to Gryffindor tower and the Ravenclaws to the astronomy tower.
As we approached the entrance to the Ravenclaw dorm, a large bird stood in our way. It was stone, the shape of an eagle. The prefect told us the password, then muttered to the statue. I would have thought everyone here was just about mad. Until the bird spun, revealing an opening. We followed behind, stepping inside the magical room. The walls were coated in elegant Victorian white—bookcases with several types of books from authors I have never seen before filled the shelves. The ceiling, which was the most fascinating of them all, was decorated as the night sky, a constellation. The floor was lined with carpet that depicted the constellations of the moon and sun. Blue drapes tied back from the decorous windows.
Overall, this was the most beautiful space I have ever seen yet, been in myself.
"Right this way, you lot. This will be your private dorm." Said one of the prefects. He guided us up a spiral staircase, away from the other groups. The entire Ravenclaw dormitory was a complete circular structure. Five beds, intended for five inhabitants, lined the arching wall. They were covered in blue bedding with white wooded furniture. Our trunks were set at the ends of our beds, and our new blue-coloured uniforms, scarfs, gloves, and hats were neatly folded and set on the bed.
"This?" I whipped around to face the prefect. "This is all for us?" I muttered shyly, looking around the dorm.
"What? Are you not happy with it, Riddle? Granite, it's not a manor or–" He stopped when I shot a look at him. I noticed that the boy was keeping his distance from me.
"No, no. I am delighted; it's just that it's beautiful."
He sneered before exiting the dorm.
"So. Let's pick our beds, eh?" I turned to face a brown-shabby-haired boy. He had freckles across his cheeks, and his eyes were green, like moss.
The other four boys looked at me, then darted for their items and claimed their beds, leaving me with the bed on the very far left of the room, farthest away from everyone. A pillar divided my space from the other four, which they seemed pleased with. I picked my belongings up off the floor after my new roommates tossed them off their new beds.
This was going to be my life for the next seven years.
It took only a week for me to memorise where each class was. However, I began to feel a strange sensation ease up in myself when I noticed the other students' side looks. During the course, people would whisper about me. They would turn their heads, smirk and sneer–as if I couldn't hear them. Anger began to build up in me, and I couldn't understand why.
Why did everyone hate me? I never did anything wrong. Nobody even knows who I am. Hogwarts was starting to become the same as Wool's.
I strode my way out of the grand hall.
"What's up V-man?" Said a Ravenclaw.
"Shut up, Pierce! You'll provoke him!" A Hufflepuff, who was his girlfriend, pulled at his arm.
I ignored the two like I did everyone else. I have only been at Hogwarts for nearly two months and felt more alone than ever. Greta has been too preoccupied with her advanced classes in a new school she has been studying at. Patrick has been out of reach despite the various letters I have sent through the owls. Strangely enough, the owls kept coming back. I always disliked birds.
My blue-spirited robes flung at my side. I was attempting to escape the hall before a group of Hufflepuffs decided they wanted to shove me into a knight statue. In my contrast, a group of Gryffindors were making their way towards the grand hall.
"Do you fancy a piece of chocolate?" Said one of the boys.
"Not right before practice. You are mad." Another boy chuckled.
I was keeping to myself, hugging against the wall before I slipped by them when it hit me.
I stopped, then turned around, quickly brushing aside my annoying black curly hair. My eyes scanned the four boys, and they caught the back of a dirty blonde head. He walked in a trance that was almost too familiar, with a laugh that was too similar.
They were about to walk into the large double doors when my ambition took over.
"Patty?" One of the four boys stopped. He turned around and met my gaze. I froze, not being able to see what I was looking at.
"Oi? Patt? You coming?" One of his group members said.
"Y-yeah. I will be with you in a moment. I'll catch up." Patty replied, waving his hand at them, not looking away.
"Atty-"
"Patrick! I can't believe you are here! This explains so much-" He dashed for my arm, gripping my robe and pulling me under the stairs of the marble staircase. "What are you-?"
"Atticus." He didn't seem surprised to see me. That's because the surprise of my presence was revealed on the first day I came to Hogwarts. It was revealed to everyone in the grand hall.
"Wait…you knew." I looked up at him. He shoved his hands into his pockets. He does it when he feels guilty or ashamed, like when the Director's at the orphanage would catch him past his curfew. I would know. I am his best friend. Or at least I thought I was.
"Atticus, will you listen to me, please."
"Why should I? You knew I was here and didn't say anything the entire time." I bolted my eyes away from him. I hid my face behind my curls, feeling the sting come into my eyes.
He put his hand on my shoulder, but I shrugged it away.
"Atticus, I tried. I wanted to. Y-you know it's a hectic school and all. Besides, I am a second year. And we are in different houses. It's almost understandable that we haven't crossed paths yet." I looked up at his warm smile. It's his way of trying to charm himself out of anything. He does it to Greta all the time. "We seriously need to catch up, eh?" I feel him attempt to meet my eyes.
I finally give in. "Right."
Snow coats the ancient grounds of Hogwarts, and it flickers by the Victorian windows. I am sitting at my desk in the Ravenclaw dormitory. Sketching a dragon. I have begun to read Newt Scamander's "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." It was a brilliant novel so far, and I figured I would be ahead if I read it now. I wouldn't be required to read it until my second year.
Patty and I were on good terms so far. We would say "hi" between classes if we passed each other in the hall. Sometimes, he would sneak away from his friends to have supper with me on the school grounds, underneath an inconvenient oak tree. We would talk about this sport he taught me about called "Quidditch". Apparently, it was the sport of the wizarding world. Patty loved football and was rather good at it in the muggle world. It was no surprise that he was also good at Quidditch. He would talk about him and how he tried out. He made the "chaser" position. Which I forgot what that was.
Unfortunately, Patty seemed to be my only friend. My shoulders were coated with bruises from the "trips" I took to the walls given by other students. No one wanted to be my partner in potions or charms class. And, when I went anywhere, people always had something to say about me. At one point, rumours started to spread about me owning a pet snake, which made no sense. I have come to the sad conclusion that everyone at Hogwarts was just immature.
One week until we are allowed to go back home for the holidays. Even though I had no natural "home". I gathered my things and headed out the grand hall, once more avoiding any group of anyone. Name-calling was added to the list of things the students at Hogwarts liked to do to me "behind my back." They would come up with things such as "Slytherin, Killer, Deadbeat, Deatheater, Voltemork, Voldemort." My curiosity about where they came up with these things began to stretch.
I decided to duke out into the library, where I feel safest. I don't think the librarian or any professor liked me. Professor McGonagall was the only person to seem to give me the benefit of the doubt. I cracked open a different book from the defensive spells section. I figured it would be helpful when anybody messed with me again.
Sitting alone in the library put me in a sense of dread. A shiver ran down my spine, and I eyed a group of students from various houses, laughing together. I overheard they were studying for a potion paper.
I never had to worry about having friends until now. Everyone at Hogwarts was always in groups or packs of each other. Patty and Greta were all I needed at Wool's, and I never needed to worry about sitting alone at lunch or reading by myself under our oak tree. Alone is all I am nowadays.
The group of students ate pumpkin pasties and chocolate frogs while studying, and I could see them hiding from the librarian. They all seemed to understand each other. If only other people would get to know me before they judged. They would like me. I am kind, quiet, good at drawing, and like reading. I am a chill and laid-back person. Why wouldn't you like me?
My zoning gaze was interrupted by a familiar peppy voice.
"Mr Riddle?" I jumped, turning my head. Professor McGonagall stood behind me with her hands in each other. She had a stern and annoyed look like the day she met me.
"Good day, Professor," I replied, closing the book and setting it back on the shelf. The librarian banned me from checking out any books.
"A word, if you will please. In my office. Suppose you could be so kind as to follow me." She fixed her large, black hat and walked out of the library.
"O-of course." I jumped up, fixing my area and snatching my bag.
She was much taller than me. However, she was fast for her age. I had to hop every step or so to remain an equal distance. We approached another bird statue down a long corridor. It was similar to Ravenclaws. However, it looked fancier. She murmured the secret password and stepped onto the steps that rose upward. I quickly followed, almost stumbling over myself.
Her office was large, and several portraits of old witches and wizards were hung on the wall. Her study desk was elevated and had brilliant gold details.
"So, do tell me, Mr Riddle." She stopped turning to face me. I stopped as well, standing in the middle of the neat office. "How has your school year been going so far." The professor continued to stand, stoned face and solemn as if my answer determined the world's fate.
"Great." I lied, keeping my body language steady. Her eyebrows moved. She most likely knew I was lying. "I am excited to go home-. Go to Wool's for the holidays." I corrected myself slowly. An old wizard who wore silver, silked robes with a long beard shifted in his seat in his frame. He hung towards the side of the room and looked in the best condition compared to the other portraits.
"About that." Professor McGonagall finally spoke. A hole drilled in my stomach, and I gripped my middle. "I am afraid you cannot return for the holidays."
I looked at her with intense dread. "W-what? But professor, I promised-"
"Mr Riddle. There are no more open spots for you at Wool's. It is best if you are to remain at Hogwarts anyway. Now that you are…out there, Mr Riddle." Her eyes tore away from mine, and she began to saunter up the stairs to her desk.
"Out there? What do you mean by that, Professor?"
"Nothing by it, Mr Riddle. I believe it is time for you to return to class now."
I turned, slowly stepping my way towards the door.
"Professor," I said, slowly moving to see her. She looked up as an indication of acknowledgement. "What exactly is a Voltemork?" Her face went cold, and she seemed uncomfortable.
"However, will I know Mr Riddle? Get to class now." She disappeared quickly behind purple curtains, and I was alone again. The portrait of the old wizard tilted his head. I did the same. And in the shared moment of exchanged looks, I decided it was time to leave.
