Anything from the Harry Potter Universe belongs to JKR. Other than that, I made it all up. Angst/Anxiety/Drama. AU. Enjoy.
Rated M for language and situations.
Previously on A Riddle With Another Name 29: Standing Behind Their Leader
Jackson, Butters, Summerlin and Beth all gathered around Bertie but Jackson spoke.
"I tease you about the hero worship Zach has for you, but tonight he said what everyone was thinking. Thanks for sharing mate. I'll see you all later. I'm going to the dorms."
Realizing Bertie might want a few minutes with Beth, Jackson headed for the new dorms gesturing for Butters and Summerlin to follow. After saying goodnight to Beth, that's exactly what they did.
/*/
Beth was ecstatic. She had chosen to get on the calendar of the most forthright and upstanding wizard in Gryffindor probably all of Hogwarts. He deserved a few discreet kisses. Even though the common room was empty, Beth guided Bertie to the private alcove below the stairway to the girls dorms to give Bertie the kisses he deserved.
Bertie welcomed them all.
/*/
In the First Year dorms, Trevor spoke earnestly to Zach. "That was a great statement you made about Bertie. Aiden and I might laugh and joke about certain things, but we agree with every word you said out there tonight. Bertie is the wizard."
"I agree." Aiden added.
Zach, who had expected to hear a ton of nonsense from his mates was overwhelmed. "I only said what I feel. Thanks for the support mates."
"That's how we feel Zach, but Jackson and Butters will probably take the Mickey out of you until the end of Seventh Year."
Zach laughed. "I'm sure they will."
/
/
A/N: *Wiggenweld Potion is from Hogwarts Legacy.
A Riddle With Another Name 30: Gifts
On his way to the new dorms, Bertie stopped to check on his three amigos. Popping his head in to scold anyone who wasn't in bed with lights out had been futile. Lights were out and all Bertie could hear was snoring. Bertie had a chuckle thinking those might be some small First Years, but they made sleep noises like Fifth Years.
When he stepped inside the new dorms, Bertie took a minute to appreciate his home for the next two years or until something better came along. The rooms were massive. Where the Fourth Year dorms were large, they didn't come close to the new Sixth Year dorms. He, Jackson, Butters and Summerlin had their own private room with a door. A door. He could now scratch his arse in private without Jackson or Butters commenting about how he should go to the bathroom to scratch his hairy butt. Bertie smiled. Not only that, but with a door that closed, he could invite the witch on his calendar in for a visit.
Speaking to no one but directing his words at his mates, Bertie mentioned the very thing he'd been thinking. "My gift to my mates is I will now scratch my lovely arse behind closed doors in the privacy of my room."
"Slow down Robbins you're barking." Remarked Butters.
Butters, who was standing in the doorway of his bedroom seemed ready for a conversation. "Ah! Finally, a bit of truth. You know, I know, Jackson and Summerlin know that you bark at the moon, but what are you barking at this precise moment?"
Bertie rolled his eyes at Butters, but didn't have a chance to reply before Jackson stepped into the middle of the room. "Hello lads. Are we out here talking about Bertie's rousing speech, the accolades he received from his mini me or how annoying he is when he scratches his arse in front of us?"
"Pipe down Cedric." Bertie growled.
Summerlin stepped out of his room wondering why the others weren't enjoying the privacy of their rooms.
Bertie had called him Cedric. Jackson replied with a gripe. "Now it's a party. Summerlin's here. And don't call me Cedric."
His three housemates laughed at Jackson with Butters throwing a nice taunt. "Now now Jackson don't fret. Cedric is a lovely name."
Jackson snapped at him. "Really Jeremy? Do you really want to discuss lovely names?"
It was their first night in the new dorms and instead of enjoying their space, the two dumbarses were having a go at each other. Bertie wasn't impressed. "Enough! If you two can manage to be civil, I'd like you to Summon your wands."
"Summon our wands Bertie? It's not that serious." Offered Summerlin.
Bertie sighed. "You aren't that dense Summerlin. Don't let this be your first and last night in the Sixth Year Kingdom. I want us to make a wand toast to protect, enjoy and cherish this dorm under the penalty of, I don't know, getting your arse kicked by me. Summon them boys."
"Accio."
"Accio."
"Accio."
The four mates raised their wands placing them tip to tip and toasted. "To our Sixth Year Kingdom."
"Sixth Year Kingdom. I like that, especially the two bathrooms with two stalls each. We can now shite with a mate." Offered Jackson.
Bertie, Butters and Summerlin laughed, but nodded in agreement. It was unanimous. It was three happy lads who entered their private space to spend their first night in the Sixth Year Kingdom.
/*/
Tom Riddle, Lord Voldemort, Master of all he surveyed had finished his dinner and was trying to brew the *Wiggenweld Potion and failing badly. He had tried three times and three times he ended up with something that looked like his Basilisk had spit up instead of the magnificent magenta color. Angry and raging over his own ineptness, Tom began blaming everyone except himself. Avery was going to feel his wrath. Nott was going to feel his wrath. Black was going to feel his wrath, but first and foremost, Malfoy was going to feel his wrath. They would all feel his wrath.
All the raging had done nothing more than exacerbate the pain in his head, the nausea in his stomach and the cotton feeling in his mouth. Tom sat on the side of the bed feeling frightened which made him angrier. Lord Voldemort did not frighten. He needed to get the potion right so he could get back to himself knowing, if he didn't, his minions would probably try to do away with him. That thought straightened Tom's back right up. Taking a deep breath, he walked into his bathroom where he had set up the cauldron.
"This had better work as I'm down to the last bit of Horklump Juice as well as the last bit of the Dittany Leaf."
Just before he began to grind the Dittany Leaf for what he hoped was the last time, Tom stopped. He dropped the pestle down on the counter. It had come to him out of the blue. He was not supposed to grind the Dittany Leaf. He was supposed to lay it in the cauldron then pour the Horklump Juice over it. The juice would dissolve the leaf and he would have the potion. He had been working by rote not thinking. Such an idiotic thing to do. Tom caught himself. Idiotic was not a word he should ever direct at himself. He was the invincible Lord Voldemort not some sissy wizard.
Twenty seconds later, Tom was looking at himself in the mirror as he drank the lovely, magenta potion. Less than a minute later, Tom could feel himself coming back to normal. No more cotton mouth. No more nauseous stomach. No more heaviness in his chest and no more pain in his head. Whatever had been ailing him was gone. Tom was back to his despicable, arrogant self as he spoke out loud.
"Tonight, the lot of you should thank me. You have been saved from the fury of my wrath by me."
In what sounded more like a growl than humor, Tom laughed out loud. "No one is more brilliant than Lord Voldemort."
/*/
Dinner was over. Following the lead of their Master's top wizards, the other members of Slytherin House approached the Dungeons in silence. No one other than Avery and Nott knew what had transpired earlier and they weren't sure what state Tom would be in so they were treading carefully. Once inside the Slytherin dorms, the smart students went directly to their rooms while Tom's cast of degenerates ambled around the common room waiting and hoping either Avery or Nott would assure them they weren't in trouble.
Avery acquiesced in a slightly loud voice. "What are you louts waiting for, an invitation? Get about your business before I give you some business to think about."
Immediately heading for other parts of the room or their dorm, Mulciber, LeStrange and Rosier rolled their eyes at Avery, but none dared challenge him outright. Most of the others went quietly about their business being well aware of Avery's authority. Most of the others except for Malfoy because he had news to share with Avery and Nott, but wasn't sure just how to share it.
/*/
Tired of being either bullied or ignored, Abraxas Malfoy had sent an Owl to his father over the weekend explaining how he was being treated as well as the state of things. He wanted to be back to being part of the group, a welcome part of Slytherin House. Seeing as his father was a wealthy, fearless and powerful wizard, Malfoy hoped Septimus would storm up to the school to give Headmaster a piece of his mind and help put things back right.
Malfoy had been mistaken about certain things. Yes, his father was a wealthy, powerful wizard. Fearless, not so much. Septimus Malfoy was only fearless when he had an army at his back as Abraxas came to realize once he received his father's reply.
Abraxas,
I have received your Owl and for the life of me can't believe Headmaster Dippet and Professors Dumbledore and Slughorn would stand for you being treated so poorly. I'm sure whatever misunderstanding that exists among you and your housemates can be easily rectified.
Rather than cause a commotion by coming to Hogwarts with accusations on my lips, I suggest we do something to impress Slytherin House. The idea that comes to mind is for me to outfit the entire Slytherin Quidditch Team with brand new equipment which I will have sent out immediately to your attention of course. I believe presenting your team with expensive equipment will go a long way to change their tone and temperament. Look for the package in the Monday evening post.
One last thing Abraxas. Your Owl seemed to reflect a whiny tone. Malfoys do not whine. Keep your back straight, but know your place. I believe that most of those who disparage you now will be begging for your attention once you've graduated Hogwarts and have attained an important position in Malfoy business.
Regards
Septimus Malfoy
Malfoy was a bit disappointed that his father wasn't coming to Hogwarts to curse them all, but he was extremely appreciative of his generosity.
The gifts had arrived and he needed Avery's guidance on what to do next.
/*/
Abraxas hadn't been sure how to proceed. Should he just step up to Avery? Should he call out? Should he pass him a note? However, for once, courage won out. Malfoy stood.
"May I have a quick word Garrett?"
Avery glanced at Nott before turning a stare on Malfoy. "What could you possibly want with me A-brax-as? So lonely you'll even try for my company?"
Nott chuckled softly knowing the last wizard Avery would want to hold a conversation with was Malfoy. However, Malfoy stood his ground.
"It's just a quick word Avery. I have news regarding the Quidditch team."
Both Avery and Nott's ears stood up. This blighter was not only trying to act familiar. He was sticking his nose in where it didn't belong. Avery didn't like it.
"YOU have news regarding the Quidditch team? Why? Aren't you too delicate to even take the stairs two at a time? What do you even know about the game besides sitting in the stands?"
Malfoy was quick to reply before he lost what little courage he had. "I didn't mean the game per se. I would like a conversation about Quidditch equipment."
Avery was getting annoyed feeling as though Malfoy was trying to play some game. "I don't know what you're on about Malfoy, but spit it out because in five more minutes I'm going to wring your neck."
/*/
It had only taken Malfoy a few minutes to explain what he and his father had done. At the end of his explanation, both Avery and Nott were dumbfounded. The piece of shite known as Abraxas Malfoy had come up in their eyes. He had been looking out for Slytherin House even as they were treating him like a pariah.
Avery thought about all he'd just heard. He might not care for Malfoy, but it was obvious Malfoy cared about Slytherins and Slytherin House. The one wrinkle in all this was it had to be run past Tom who might not be so accommodating. Oh Tom would want the equipment, but he might not be willing to lighten up on Malfoy.
"Excellent move Mr. Malfoy. However, before we go any further, I must advise our Master of the good fortune you and your father has bestowed upon us. Depending on certain things, he might be inclined to refuse the gifts. I will check. Remain where you are."
/*/
Avery knew he was taking his life in his hands knocking on Tom's door without invitation. However, the information he had to share should impress even his piece of shite Master. He had to try.
Tom's door flew open even before Avery knocked.
Fucking lovely was the thought foremost in Avery's mind.
Tom was not holding his head, stomach or arse. It was obvious the potion had worked. He was back to his normal, miserable mood.
"Why are you at my door Avery? Did I call for you?"
"No Master. You didn't call for me, but an important matter has come up. I'm in need of your guidance."
Tom's face took on a scowl. "You...need my guidance? You need Lord Voldemort? You need… How dare you? I'm the Master around here. I'll tell you what you need. You try my patience."
After glaring for several seconds, Tom made a hand gesture which Avery took to mean speak, so he spoke.
"Malfoy has…."
Tom cut across Avery. "Malfoy? You come to my rooms to bother me with some shite about that dolt Malfoy. You are supposed to be my right hand as if I need a right hand wizard. Handle it Gar-rett."
Avery didn't want to argue with his volatile master, but he had to get the explanation out. "For once, Malfoy is on the right side of things. If you'll allow Master, I'll start again."
Tom gave Avery a fierce, direct stare but made another gesture with his hand which Avery again took as a sign to continue.
This time, Avery didn't start with the word Malfoy. "We have been handed gifts Master. Excellent gifts, if I do say so myself."
Tom bristled. "Careful Avery. It sounds as though you think your opinion counts."
"Sorry Master. That was not my intention. Our Quidditch team has been gifted with new equipment for everyone on the team up to and including new brooms. Because you are the Master and make the decisions, I need your approval before accepting said gifts."
Tom went from semi-place to a raging beast in seconds screaming at Avery so fiercely spittle was flying from his mouth. "Are you a dolt? Of course you need my approval for most things, however, what imbecile would turn down gifts of that magnitude? Accept the damn gifts and see they are dispersed as intended. From whom did we receive such gifts?"
Here we go thought Avery. "The gifts were given on Malfoy's behalf through his father Septimus Malfoy."
Tom stared at Avery. He disliked Abraxas Malfoy intensely, however, Septimus Malfoy was another matter. The wizard was wealthy, powerful and had many connections. Connections Tom planned to exploit from him and other wizards of his ilk once he left Hogwarts. It was time for a bit of an attitude adjustment.
"Septimus Malfoy thinks enough of his former House to outfit our entire Quidditch team. Excellent example of a fine wizard. Why was there even a question of accepting or not accepting the gifts? The mistakes you've made over the last several days has me thinking about who I have standing at my side."
Avery had heard this same threat so many times he was almost inclined to shrug it off. Almost inclined not totally inclined because Tom was known to turn on a dime.
"Of course Master. I only had reservations because I know how you feel about certain wizards. It was Abraxas who put the word in his father's ear. It seems my degenerate housemate has been looking out for Slytherin House all along."
Then came the change. "How I feel about certain wizards? What does that mean?"
Avery didn't answer seeing the writing on the wall. Septimus Malfoy handed them a gift and suddenly Abraxas Malfoy was a top lad. Nothing to see here wizards.
Tom ruminated. "So, Malfoy the younger is looking out for his House? I expected no less. Someone who comes from the same outstanding stock as Septimus Malfoy, cannot be a dolt all the time. Most wizards will make a mistake from time to time. Nothing we can't forgive unless he makes another. Gather the Quidditch team, explain about the gifts, have them meet you and Malfoy in the Quidditch equipment room where they will put the equipment away until practice. This is bloody brilliant. I can't wait to see the look on Robbins face when our entire team shows up with brand new equipment. The piece of shite will be devastated. Go do it now Avery."
"Yes Master. Consider it done."
Tom had a bit more to say. "By the way. After the equipment is put away, have Malfoy come see me. I want to thank him properly for his and Septimus' generosity. And Avery, no more ostracizing Malfoy. Welcome him back to the table. That will be my gift to him."
No surprise there were the words circling through Avery's head as he left Tom's rooms. Nothing like a big gift to make Lord Voldemort see reason. Standing in the middle of the room, Avery called all Quidditch players and Malfoy to him. He explained where they were going and why, and for the first time in a long time, Malfoy received accolades.
/*/
Malfoy fell in step beside Avery which annoyed him to no end, but he just soldiered on. He might have to accept Malfoy back into the circle, but he still didn't like him. As they headed first to the Owlery then to where the Quidditch equipment was stored, Avery told Malfoy Tom wanted to see him when they got back.
For a fleeting second, Malfoy panicked then realized he was welcome once again. He proceeded down the corridor with a straight back and the words, I'll forgive, but I won't forget, bouncing around in his head. Just as his father had intimated, some of these dolts would probably be standing in front of him looking to get a position in Malfoy business. At that time, he would have his revenge.
/*/
Zaria laid awake thinking. Everything was quiet in the Glover household in Great Hangleton. Her mum and dad were probably sleeping or doing married people things. Quickly pushing that last thought out of her mind, Zaria cautioned herself. What married people got up to in their beds was no business of hers. She could almost hear the reprimand in her mum's voice if she knew Zaria was having such thoughts. She knew better. On to the next set of thoughts. Did Zach get her letter? If he did, would he write back right away? Would he explain why his letters had burned her hands? Thoughts of Zach and his well being kept circling her mind, and were the reason she could not fall asleep.
With a sigh, Zaria closed her eyes thinking about the bit of good fortune that had recently appeared in her life. In about two weeks, Papa Gibbons would be giving her a gift. Casper and Mazie were going to have baby Kneazles and mum had already agreed she could have one. Papa had assured her she could have the pick of the litter.
Thinking about the lovely, orange-y Kneazle she would soon own, helped soothe Zaria. Within five minutes, the restless young witch was fast asleep.
/*/
In their bedroom, Daniel and Samantha were long finished doing married things yet they lay awake thinking about their upcoming gift and when they should tell the children.
Daniel kissed Samantha on the shoulder. "I love you so much Sam. As much as I'm thrilled to be a father to Zach and Zaria, I'm exceptionally thrilled for us to be having a child together. Just think, by May of next year we'll be a family of five."
Grabbing Sam around the waist and pulling her close, Daniel whispered his near last words of the night.
"Can you possibly imagine Hogwarts having had three Glovers and a Riddle gracing their hallways? Headmaster Dippet and Professor Dumbledore will be old before their time."
Samantha turned so she was facing Daniel. "Merlin has smiled on us for sure. A word of caution though. We may have a conundrum on our hands if our child is born non-magical."
"Hahaha. My wife has humor. If our child is born non-magical, Zach and Zaria will change the world so he or she will fit in. In any case, with all the love and support you've given me, I believe magic is now infused in my genes. Our child will be a magical. The end."
Samantha snickered into Daniel's chest. "Says you. Goodnight love."
Leaving a kiss on the top of Samantha's head, Daniel wished her a good night as well.