Anything from the Harry Potter Universe belongs to JKR. Other than that, I made it all up. Angst/Anxiety/Drama. AU. Enjoy.
Previously on A Riddle With Another Name: I Won't Run
Bert was at a loss as was Jackson who had walked up when he saw the commotion. Jackson added his piece. "First, all the glaring and frowning from Riddle, now a cheap trick from Avery. For some reason, it appears the Slytherins don't like you Mr. Glover. We'll have to keep an eye on you."
Zach let out a sigh. It wasn't possible Tom Riddle recognized him as his brother. The only thing it could be was he remembered him and Zaria from the summer.
Bert responded to Zach's sigh. "Like Jackson said, we'll keep our eyes on you. However, I want to stress the need for you to be careful when traveling the corridors alone. If Riddle and his gang try to corner you, get away from them as quickly as you can."
Zach wanted to dispute Bert, but knew that would be out of line. However, the look on his face must have spoken volumes because Bert got the attention of all six First Years to offer some advice. "We Gryffindors stand together, but there is no shame in saving yourself if the need arises. Don't be so brave that it costs you your health or life. Understand?"
All six of the young wizards nodded. They would be careful.
/*/
The First Year section of the Gryffindor table was very quiet after Bert and Jackson walked away with each student hoping he wouldn't have to endure seven years of Slytherin rubbish.
Zach was the only one wondering how fast he could get trained up, because if any Slytherin cornered him, he intended to stand his ground.
/
/
A Riddle With Another Name: Chapter 4: An Exhausting Day
At the Slytherin table, Tom had Avery all but pinned to a corner growling at him in a low voice. "You bloody idiot. Your orders were to hit Glover hard enough to hurt him, but all you've done is get Robbins and Jackson in an uproar. Perhaps I should give Malfoy or Nott your position at my side. Either one could probably carry out my orders better than your sorry arse. Move away from me before I forget where I am and curse you for the fun of it. Go sit beside Rosier. You and he deserve each other."
Avery sat in silence listening to Tom berate him knowing if his leader got incensed enough, he would curse him in the middle of the Great Hall. He dared not speak. As he sat there cowering, he glanced over Tom's shoulder to see Robbins and Jackson grinning and making throat slashing gestures in his direction. He would have puffed himself up except Tom might get the idea he was puffing up at him and that wouldn't be good. Robbins and Jackson might be smiling and gesturing now, but they'd better watch their step if they wanted to be alive to graduate Hogwarts.
Malfoy, Mulciber, Lestrange and Rosier had their heads together more than likely laughing at Avery's fate. Because he was always at their leader's side, he thought himself better than the rest of the minions. Today they were chuffed to watch both Nott and Avery get their due. Their joy was short lived. As though he could read their minds or hear their conversation, Tom turned on them in a fury.
"Having your little joke over there? Move your arses." Tom growled in a low voice. "Get to your next class now. I'll deal with the lot of you in the Slytherin Common Room after last class. We'll see how funny it is to find yourself rolling around trying to evade the Crutiatus. I'm surrounded by nothing but fools." Tom added before walking away.
No one was laughing now. Even though they were all followers of the self proclaimed Lord Voldemort, there was a hierarchy within the group and they had made the mistake of denigrating the top two. This night might not serve them well.
/*/
Lunch was almost over when Zach looked towards the doors and saw Professor Dumbledore speaking to Bert and Jackson. Zach didn't have time to wonder if the conversation was about him because Aiden was nudging him to come on.
"Come on Zach. The class bell has rung. We don't want to be late for our first, History of Magic class."
Zach grinned at his mate. "Right in one Aiden. We should get to class so I can show you up."
"Bloody hell Aiden. I think we're hanging with a baby Slytherin." Cheeked Trevor before rushing for the doors.
Zach and Aiden followed Trevor into the hall chuckling all the way.
Zach was so intent on getting to his next class, he didn't have time to wonder where Bert, Jackson and Professor Dumbledore had gone.
/*/
Bert and Jackson had been surprised when Professor Dumbledore beckoned to them as they were leaving the Great Hall.
"Shite! This can't be good," remarked Bert as they walked towards their Transfiguration professor.
"Not good at all Bertie. I hope he didn't see us acting the fool. I have plans with a certain witch. I would rather not spend my time in detention."
Straightening their backs, the two wizards stopped in front of Albus Dumbledore.
"Good afternoon boys."
"Good afternoon professor. I just want to say, if something has gone wrong, it's Jackson's fault."
Dumbledore smiled over his glasses at two of his favorite students who, by chance, seemed to have taken Zach Glover under their wings. He wanted to be sure they continued to do so. In doing so, he might have to stretch the truth a bit. Lying was never the right thing to do except when it was for The Greater Good. Dumbledore felt the protection of one his students was definitely for the greater good.
Facing both wizards, Dumbledore spoke. "Forgive this old wizard for stepping into Gryffindor business, but I'm curious. I noticed a situation at the Gryffindor table that seemed to revolve around First Year Zachary Glover. I also noticed it was serious enough for you and Jackson to step in. Is it something that needs to be reported to Headmaster Dippet? Would I be nosing if I asked for an explanation?"
Bert and Jackson glanced at each other. Was their Transfiguration professor having them on? Even if they thought he was nosing, they'd be the last two wizards to admit it.
Jackson cleared his throat. "The situation has been resolved sir. Avery thought it would be funny to terrorize Zach..."
"But we set him straight. We don't think there will be any more problems." Bert added.
Albus nodded and had turned to walk away when Jackson spoke out of turn. "Avery was the enforcer professor, but Riddle has been acting strange towards Zach. I believe he is the instigator. For what reason, I do not know."
Bert gazed down at his feet. This bit of information was something he felt shouldn't have been shared with the professor. The older Gryffindors could handle Tom Riddle, no problem. Jackson's statement might have opened a whole new can of worms. However, he was caught by surprise when Dumbledore simply waved a hand before walking away leaving a short statement in his wake.
"You gentlemen seem to have everything well in hand. I'll leave it to you."
/*/
As soon as Dumbledore was out of earshot, Bert cautioned Jackson. "Make that the last mention of that tosser Riddle. Unless he does something completely ridiculous, we'll see to him ourselves."
Jackson huffed a bit, but in the end, he agreed. "I see your point Bertie. We are the first line of defense for our young Gryffindors. With that settled, let's get our arses to Potions. We'd look like prats if we were the first this year to get demerits for our House. The brilliant First Years wouldn't ever look at us the same.
A chuckling Bert followed Jackson out of the Great Hall.
/*/
Dumbledore had hurried away from Bert and Jackson with a purpose and had found his purpose growling in the face of a terrified looking young Slytherin in the Charms corridor. Tom Riddle saw the Transfiguration professor coming his way and immediately turned to walk away, but wasn't quick enough.
Dumbledore called out in a firm voice. "Still in the corridor Tom? Classes have started. You wouldn't want to earn demerits for your House, would you?"
Even though he couldn't stand Dumbledore, as with Dippet, Tom couldn't afford to get on his bad side. It was a ridiculous question Tom thought before responding to Dumbledore. I'm standing here as big as life. Of course I'm still in the corridor, and I know full well that classes have started. I'm not an idiot. As far as demerits go, no professor would dare. He was Lord Voldemort. They just wouldn't dare. However, Tom made sure his furrowed brow had completely disappeared by the time he turned to face Dumbledore. Still, the self proclaimed Lord Voldedmort leader of Slytherins replied with a tone bordering on insolence.
"Yes sir. I am still in the corridor, but well withing the five minute grace period allowed by professors. The young Slytherin lost his way. I was simply giving him directions."
Dumbledore chose his words carefully so as not to give himself away to the ever arrogant, despicable, so called master of his group of thugs. It was unkind and unprofessional for a Hogwarts professor to have such thoughts, but there you are. Dumbledore knew Tom Riddle could be dangerous and would do everything in his power to thwart his evil moves.
Giving Tom a direct stare, Dumbledore responded to his ridiculous answer. "I've been around students a very long time Tom. I can read body language quite well. Even though I didn't hear your words, I recognized the posture. It looked as though you were threatening the young man rather than sharing information. You are neither a professor nor a parent Tom. I suggest you refrain from acting as either. Now on your way to class before I'm forced to give you demerits or detention."
A frown that crossed Tom's face appeared then disappeared just as quickly. He didn't want to pick a fight with the great Albus Dumbledore, but someday…..
"I think you misread the situation professor." Tom replied with a smarmy smile covering his face. "If you'll excuse me, I must get to class as the five minute grace period has almost expired."
As Tom turned to walk away, Dumbledore called softly after him. "I'm aware Avery has been trying to intimidate First Year Gryffindors even going so far as trying to injure one. I will speak to him when I have a chance, but, as his leader, I'll tell you now. If I find out Avery is harming or trying to harm any younger student, I will have him expelled immediately. That goes for any other of your friends as well. This is a school Tom not an arena."
/*/
Tom wasn't daft. Dumbledore might be an insufferable know-it-all, but he held a lot of power at Hogwarts. He wasn't going to antagonize the tosser if he could help it.
Tom hurried away huffing as he went knowing Albus Dumbledore meant business. Leave it to fucking Avery to bollix up a simple task. He'll be answering to me. For the time being, I'll have to watch my step. That little Glover tosser is lucky. He has just caught a break, but like any other enemy, he'll be meeting his fate somewhere down the line.
/*/
All eyes turned to Tom when he swung the door to Potions class wide but just as quickly turned back to their books. No one wanted to be cornered in a corridor by Tom or his Slytherins for daring to look in his face. Tom Riddle ruled the Hogwarts corridors.
Professor Slughorn turned away from the blackboard for a quick second to see who was late entering his classroom, but turned right back when he saw Tom. "Good morning Tom. Take your seat. We are just starting on the Strengthening Solution. Take out your book and get set up. Ingredients are in the stores room."
Tom grinned as he pulled Salamander blood and powdered Griffin claw from Slughorn's stores. Dumbledore might not like him, but Horace Slughorn was firmly in his corner. And the truth be told, all he needed was Horace. To hell with the rest.
/*/
Classes and dinner were over. Students had dispersed to their Houses. Bert and Jackson had places to be but cautioned the First and Second Years to mind themselves if they planned to be out and about suggesting they keep to the common room to study their lessons.
"Okay Bert. We have loads of homework to keep us busy."
Zach kept his head down. He too had loads of homework but intended to visit the library to make sure he had his facts right.
Bert and Jackson glanced at each other noticing Zach hadn't acknowledged their suggestion.
"Heads up Zach. Your elders have made a suggestion. What do you have to say?" Asked Jackson.
Zach lifted his head answering truthfully. "I had thoughts of going to the library to look up protective spells."
Bert plopped down on a chair letting out a loud sigh. "And why would you be doing that Mr. Glover? Protective spells won't be taught until third year."
"Well, it was you who told us to be careful in the corridors. After this morning when that Slytherin banged me with his tray, I figure the best way to be careful is to know how to protect myself."
"Forget it Glover," huffed Jackson, glaring at Zach then putting the stare on all the other First Years. "This is your first full day here. We're telling you to keep your First Year arses in this common room and study what's in front of you. If any of you leave this common room, you won't have to worry about Avery because I'll wail on you. Got it?"
Aiden, Trevor and several others nodded their heads in agreement. Zach simply stared back at Jackson. He wasn't going to agree and he wasn't going to lie. If he had the chance to better his skills, he'd take it.
Jackson glanced at Bert shaking his head. Glover was going to be trouble.
/*/
After Bert and Jackson left the common room, Zach gathered a few things and started for the door.
Trevor and Aiden stood up. "What are you doing Zach? Didn't you hear what Jackson said?"
Zach snapped at his mate. "Yes. I heard what Jackson said. I have excellent hearing, but I need to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible. The Slytherins are after me not Jackson. Do you want me to die in some back corridor because I don't know how to defend myself?"
Neither Aiden nor Trevor wanted that.
"Then we'll go together." Trevor snapped back. "We are dorm mates, housemates and Gryffindors. We will learn together."
"And die together when Jackson finds out we left the common room," added Aiden.
Zach laughed as he clapped Aiden on the back. "Jackson won't do anything. He loves us. If you're coming, get your things so we can go. For starters, I'm only looking for three books. We can each look for one. We'll be there and back in no time."
"I've teamed myself up with a nutter," muttered Aiden as he followed Trevor and Zach out of the common room.
/*/
Getting out wasn't the problem. The problem was The Fat Lady.
"Where do you three think you're going?" She asked haughtily. "It's past curfew."
The Fat Lady had startled the three friends who froze at the sound of her voice.
"Answer me. Where do you think you're going? I'll give you to the count of five to get back in your common room or I'll take measures."
Taking a deep breath, Zach turned to the portrait. "We are going to the library."
"On whose authority? First Years are not allowed to wander the corridors. Who has authorized this?"
None of the three answered.
"Five, four, three…..."
Trevor, Zach and Aiden hurried back through the common room doors and dropped into chairs before breaking out in laughter.
"If that wasn't us being scared shiteless, I don't know what was." Trevor commented through a bout of laughter.
Zach laughed long and loud. "I'll bet five galleons that Bert and Jackson told her to do that. I guess there won't be any library for us."
"You think? I believe they have you pegged Zach." Added Aiden. "Let's just study what we've been given and learn the rest as we go along."
"You're right," said Zach while mentally trying to figure out a way to get past The Fat Lady. He'd heard she liked greenery. Perhaps he'd sneak a few things out of Herbology.
Throwing their backpacks to the side, Zach, Aiden and Trevor settled down to complete the work they'd been given.
/*/
Lord Voldemort was in a vicious snit. He had ordered his group of followers to meet him on the farther side of the Black Lake after curfew. What he wanted to say and do could not be done inside Hogwarts. Tonight his disciples were going to learn.
/*/
Even though they could be bringing the wrath of Headmaster Dippet down on their heads, not one of the band of Slytherins dared not appear. The punishment they could feasibly receive this night would pale beside what would happen if they defied their leader.
/*/
As fearful of what was to come as they were, the minions couldn't help but be impressed when Tom materialized out of seemingly thin air as he stepped out from under the Disillusionment Charm. As nervous as they were, Avery, Mulciber and Nott looked forward to learning top spells such as Disillusionment. Malfoy, Lestrange and Rosier might have been impressed by the charm but were too lazy to want to learn anything unless they were forced. However, they smartly joined in when Avery, Mulciber and Nott complimented Tom on his skills. Dolohov and Black thought they already knew as much as Tom but would never say it out loud.
/*/
Lord Voldemort aka Tom Riddle aka Master turned on the group with growl. "Compliments. Compliments. There's no need to compliment me. I'm not some insecure dolt whose ego needs massaging. I'm your Master who has powers you can only imagine." Looking around, Tom addressed them all as one. "Do you know why you are here instead of with some comely witch?"
No one spoke.
"So, not one of you knows why you are here?" Tom remarked in a low and deadly voice.
The eight Slytherins stood silent hoping someone would step forward before Tom cursed them all. Finally, Avery stepped out of the line.
"I believe we are here because of me."
Tom nodded as he paced back and forth glaring at the entire group. "That's a good start Avery. And just what have you done to earn the Crutiatus I might cast on the lot of you?"
There was a nervous shuffling of feet among the seven remaining wizards. None of whom wanted to receive a Crutiatus for something Avery did.
Avery took in a deep breath before speaking. "I spoke out of turn about your personal business."
Tom raised his wand. "Crucio, Finite Crucio."
Avery fell to the ground writhing in agony but wise enough not to scream.
Tom continued as though he hadn't just cursed one of his best men. "And…."
Remaining on his hands and knees, Avery opened his mouth to answer, but Tom screamed at him.
"I am your Master and Lord. On your feet when you speak to me."
Avery scrambled to his feet while the others kept their eyes on the ground so as not to look their Master in the face and perhaps bring the curse down on themselves.
"I was given a set of orders which I failed to complete."
"Correct. Crucio. Finite. Crucio. Now get up and get back in line." Screamed Tom.
Crippled by the second set of Crucios, Avery rolled around on the ground unable to get to his feet.
Infuriated, Tom turned to the nearest wizard, raised his wand once again and shouted. "Crucio."
Rosier crumpled to the ground screaming in pain. "Please Master no more."
An out of control Riddle screamed even louder. "You dare tell me what to do? STUPEFY! Lie there and think about why you're being cursed when you've done nothing. Get up Avery or I will curse everyone in this line."
Although in terrible pain, Avery stumbled to his feet. "Yes Master. I'm on my feet."
"Good. If he cares to hear it, you may apologize to Rosier for putting him in this predicament. Dolohov. You will take Avery's place at my side. He has been relegated back to an afterthought." Shouted Tom over his shoulder as he walked back towards the castle.
Nott and Malfoy gave their arm to Rosier for support while the others clapped Dolohov across the back. He had made it to their Master's side. Avery was left to limp back on his own.
/*/
Even as he entered his rooms, Dumbledore was removing the Disillusionment Charm surrounding him. Hurrying to his largest cabinet, he retrieved the biggest of his Pensieves along with a small bottle quietly mumbling as he went. He needed to save these particular memories not only for posterity, but for evidence as well.
As he reviewed the memories of Tom turning his fury on his most ardent followers, Dumbledore ran his hands through his short beard. "If I didn't feel the need to keep Tom close, I would have him expelled, but expelling him would open a whole different set of problems. Letting him run rampant among the general public wouldn't serve anyone well."
Albus Dumbledore knew there would come a time when he might have to present findings to the Headmaster. He felt it in his bones. Tom Riddle aka Lord Voldemort might one day take his tirades, anger and ego out on innocents. For now, if he only used his tactics against his little band of followers, Dumbledore felt Tom Riddle could do as he wished.
As he returned the bottle of memories to a top shelf and positioned the Pensieve back in place, Albus spoke out loud. "You'll have to do better than a sloppily applied Disillusionment Charm to get past me Tom. I'll watch you while Bert and Jackson watch over Zachary Glover. Stalemate."
After changing into a sleeping gown that nearly reached the floor, Dumbledore waved his hand to extinguish the lights speaking another thought out loud before slipping into bed. "Tom Riddle is such an exhausting wizard Fawkes. Goodnight my mighty friend."
Fawkes let out a series of squawks as if he was answering Albus.