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: An Exhausting Day

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."

/

/

A Riddle With Another Name: Chapter 5: A Bit Like His Brother

Zach, Aiden and Trevor were speaking about the lunch incident in hushed tones. Aiden and Trevor were awed at how Zach had stood up to a Slytherin.

"I wouldn't call it standing up to a Slytherin because, as far as I can see, they are a bunch of miserable sots who only hold power over weak minded wizards. I consider it standing up for myself." Zach Explained. "That stunt was the reason I wanted to get to the library. I need to learn some spells."

"I don't mean to be a dolt, but I don't understand why Riddle and Avery have it out for you. I didn't see them fiddling about with any other student. It just seems strange on your first day at Hogwarts." Trevor remarked with a puzzled look on his face.

Zach wasn't about to share any of his and his family's private business, even if it was with his new, best mates. Shrugging, he gave a vague reply. "For some reason, I must look wrong to them. I guess they've made me goat of the year."

"As hard as that blighter hit you with his tray, I thought for sure he had hurt you badly. I heard the crack." Added Aiden still speaking in low tones.

Zach smiled at Aiden. "He did hurt me. It felt like my back was on fire, but I wasn't going to let that piece of crap know that. Never let an enemy know he's gotten the better of you. Never."

Aiden and Trevor looked at each other with both thinking they were glad to be rooming with such a strong wizard. If it had been one of them, they were sure they would have been rolling around the Great Hall floor in pain.

Trevor thought about it for a second. "I understand you want to be tough Zach, but please remember what Bert said. We shouldn't act so strong our health or lives suffer. This is the first full day of our first year. We have six years, eight months and twenty eight days to go. Please don't get us or yourself killed trying to prove a point."

Zach pulled a smirk even as he stared directly at Trevor. "We are mates. The last thing I'd ever do is let you get hurt on my account. That's why I must learn as much as possible as quickly as possible. I need to protect the three of us."

Aiden wasn't convinced. "It's probably true we could do with learning a few advanced spells and charm, but I don't think it's up to you to protect us Zach. I'm not trying to be confrontational but we have Bert, Jackson and the other older Gryffindors. If all else fails, we have a Head Boy who holds almost as much power as a professor's assistant. We don't need you getting hexed on our account. We like you."

Trevor who laughed long and loud mimicked Aiden. "Yes Zach. Don't get killed. We like you."

Zach laughed right along with Aiden and Trevor nodding his head. However, his next words belied his actions. "No worries mates. I don't intend to die, but there might come a time when any of us might have to kill. If you'll excuse me, there's a few passages I need to reread to get them clear in my head."

Aiden and Trevor glanced at each other. It might only be their second day at Hogwarts, but they had a feeling that the Sorting Hat might have made too hasty of a decision. Perhaps it should have put their fierce dorm mate in with the Slytherins.

Blushing furiously over their unorthodox thoughts, the two young wizards hurried to the bathroom for a quick wash and a pee before heading to bed.

They both wished Zach good night before slipping under their covers.

/*/

Trevor and Aiden hadn't had time to close their eyes before the door to their room was pushed opened and Bert stepped in closing the door with a snap.

"Get over here." Shouted Bert, pulling the parchment pages away from Zach. "That means you two under the covers as well. I know you aren't asleep. I've walked by this room twice after lights out only to hear chattering from this room, so over here now."

All three dorm mates quickly went to stand in front of Bert.

Aiden began apologizing right off. "I'm sorry Bert. We…"

Bert cut him off. "I'm not interested in any apology offered after you've been caught. You've gotten on my bad side twice this evening and that's twice too many. What were my instructions to you three? Glover speak."

Zach started to puff up at Bert's tone but realized this wasn't the time to be impudent. "You instructed us to keep to the Common Room and study our lessons."

"What else?" Asked Bert, turning towards Trevor.

"I-I-I…."

Bert turned to Aiden repeating the question with a snap in his voice.

"When lights go out, it's time for bed. No reading, chatting or staying up. Go to bed and go to sleep."

"Thank you Aiden." Bert offered still with the snap in his voice. "Then why, after I told you what was expected, did you leave the Common Room? Before you give me any stories, the Fat Lady has spilled all. Do you three think rules are a joke?"

"No Bert. The rules aren't a joke.

"No Bert."

"No Bert."

"So, if you all realize the rules are there for a reason, why would you disregard them to put yourselves in danger. Didn't Jackson and I tell you it is dangerous for First Years to be wandering about the corridors at night?"

No one answered.

"I'VE ASKED YOU A QUESTION AND I WANT AN ANSWER."

Zach stepped closer to Bert. "It was my fault Bert."

Bert rolled his eyes. "I didn't doubt that for a minute."

Bert was angry but Zach knew, even though Aiden and Trevor had followed him willingly, he was to blame. "I thought I could get to the library and back without problems. I didn't plan to dawdle in the corridors. When Aiden and Trevor realized I was going to go regardless, they came along so I wouldn't be alone."

Bert let out a loud sigh. These little blighters had to learn he meant business, but before he could issue a punishment, Zach requested to speak.

"Speak Mr. Glover, speak."

"Thank you sir. As you have said it's dangerous being in the corridors at night, you've also said that we must look out for each other. It was my thinking that we'd be safe as long as we were looking out for each other. We bent one rule, but we followed another. It won't happen again sir."

In turn, Bert glared at the three mates while running a hand through his thick, chestnut hair. Zach had made a somewhat valid point. He had told them it was dangerous walking the corridors alone at night, but he had also told them to look after each other. The little smart arse had an answer for everything. "I'm glad to hear something like this won't happen again. I have a suggestion. If a visit to the library is warranted, forego lunch. Missing a sandwich and a tart won't kill you and you won't have to upset The Fat Lady. Are we clear?"

"Yes Bert."

"Crystal clear Bert."

"Okay Bert."

"Good. Because if you three dolts play follow the leader in the ensuing ten months, I'll have you cleaning the loo with a table napkin," replied Bert as he fixed all three wizards with a steely glare. Turning to Zach, Bert cautioned him. "You've explained yourself well enough Mr. Glover, but I suggest you refrain from trying to come across all cunning and clever as those traits are more suited to Slytherins. Every infraction or step out of line doesn't have to revolve around you."

When Bert mentioned the Slytherin traits, Trevor and Aiden gave each other a quick glance still wondering if The Sorting Hat could possibly have made an error. They had to snap to because Bert was still speaking.

"One last thing. Lights out means just that. Lights are out and it's time for a piss and a pillow. From here, do not try me. You know the rules, respect them. Now get to bed. Morning will be here before you know it."

"Alright Bert. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Bert."

"Thanks Bert."

"Goodnight fellows. Make it a better day tomorrow."

With those last words, Bert left the dorm room this time letting the door close softly behind him.

/*/

Trevor spoke very softly knowing Bert could be standing outside the door listening for any infraction, but he took the chance anyway because there was something that had to be said. "If we keep this up, we'll never get to call him Bertie."

Zach spoke very softly as he pulled the blanket up to his neck. "That's very true Trevor. I'm sorry I put you both in the middle. It won't happen again."

Zach laid there feeling triumphant. He had talked his way out of a punishment. As far as what he told Bert, Trevor and Aiden about it never happening again, that was talk. If the need arose, he would leave the common room without his mates. He'd have to be careful in the future not to let his Glover arrogance show. Bert Robbins was nobody's fool.

Just as his eyes began to close, a few thoughts crossed Zach's mind. He wanted to be strong, but he didn't want to upset Bert, Jackson or his father. He was a Glover not a Riddle. He wasn't anything like his brother. He'd have to do better.

/*/

Cedric Jackson was sitting in one of the larger Common Room chairs waiting to hear the outcome. "So Bertie, did you put the fear of Merlin into the little blighters?"

Bert flopped down onto the couch. "Not really. I may have put the fear of Merlin into Walsh and Wood, but the other one may grow up to be a nutter. Glover talked circles around me. He stood in front of me arrogantly splitting hairs. It gave me chills to listen to his explanation. He is whip smart and knows it. In the end, he apologized promising it would never happen again. However, I've seen my share of smartarses. I think he didn't mean a word of it. He'll probably become a smartarse Prefect down the line."

Jackson laughed out loud. "Hahaha. Talked circles around you. That will be the day. I have a solution if he keeps stepping out of bounds."

Bert glanced over at Jackson giving him the stink eye. "And what solution would that be Cedric?"

"Don't call me Cedric. Well. If he doesn't turn himself around, we can give him over to Riddle and Avery. They'll kill him and we'll be done with it."

Jumping up from the couch, Bert wished Jackson goodnight as he headed to the bedroom calling back over his shoulder. "Don't even joke about shite like that. You saw the way Professor Dumbledore interfered. I think the little blighter means something to him. What, I don't know. You say things like that and one of the very nosy portraits just might mention it to the professor. Then where would we be? Out on our arses, that's where."

Jackson stood to follow Bert to the bedroom taunting him. "Calm down mate. I was having my little joke. Besides, from what you say, Glover could probably best both Riddle and Avery. Hahaha. Talked circles around you. I'm glad you didn't challenge him to a duel."

Bert's aggravation was showing. In the bathroom washing his hands, he sniped out at Jackson. "It's going to be a long year. I jokingly told Zach I'd like to meet his father, but now I need to meet the muggle who instilled so much courage and confidence in a young wizard."

"I forgot his father was a muggle. I think I'd like to meet him as well. Goodnight Bertie."

"Goodnight Jackson. Old sluggy Slughorn tomorrow first period. I can't wait."

Jackson turned on his side chuckling. Sluggy Slughorn, Riddle's pet professor.

/*/

As he normally did when frustrated, Tom was pacing his bedroom floor and talking to himself. "They are in their rooms comforting each other. Who will comfort me? The last vestiges of my family line is now in Azkaban due to my interference. Fuck all. Morfin deserved it for being a lazy, lay about, drunken lout. Although, I could probably have whipped him into shape if I didn't need him to take blame for killing those despicable muggles. I'll say it now in the privacy of my rooms. I'm sorry Morfin but it was you or me.

Thinking of Morfin made Tom think of the ring he had hidden in the floorboards of the Gaunt hovel. Without a thought of what might happen if Dumbledore or Dippet discovered his plan, Tom called out the Disillusionment Charm and headed for the gates. He had to see one of the last things connecting him to Salazar Slytherin. He had to check on his ring.

/*/

It only took minutes for Tom to arrive at his destination. Turning his nose up at the smell of the hovel, Tom went directly to the loose floorboard hidden under the filthy piece of fabric that served as a rug. Lifting the floorboard, Tom held the magnificent gold ring with the black stone up to the light and began romancing his birthright.

"You are important as well as beautiful. We are one. No matter the state of this family you are the last remaining part of my ancestor which makes you a part of me. Thanks to old Sluggy I was able to make both you and I stronger. I would proudly wear you on my hand if I didn't think Dumbledore or Dippet would question where I acquired such a fine item. Especially that tosser Dumbledore. I wouldn't put it past him to confiscate you my lovely ring thinking I stole it. No my love. It is better you remain here until I've left Hogwarts behind. Then we will be formidable. No one will be able to stop us.

Kissing the black stone, Tom gently placed it back under the floorboard. "Never fear lovely. I'll be back for you."

/*/

Five minutes later, Tom was back in his rooms with no one the wiser. Fawkes had let out a few squawks to let his master know something had gone awry, but Albus Dumbledore slept on unaware that Tom Riddle had gotten up to something.

/*/

Not knowing that his master was off on his own business, Avery took the chance to sneak from room to room apologizing for what had gone on earlier. Most everyone was fine with the apology except Rosier who had been cursed for nothing.

"I don't give two shites for your apology Avery. You walked around with your head held high and your nose in the air like you're better than most. You're no better than me. The only thing you've done is lost your place. Get the hell away from me and try not to upset our master anymore."

Not knowing Tom wasn't somewhere in the Slytherin dorm, Avery hurried back to his room hoping his little visits hadn't been uncovered. Rosier had spoken in a raised voice. It was Avery's fervent hope his master hadn't heard anything. He didn't want to create another situation.

/**/

The first Wednesday of the new school year 1943 started off well. Bert had smiled and wished all the First Years a good day. Jackson just smirked at them all.

"I think Jackson has something up his sleeve." Aiden remarked in a low voice.

"Jackson? Did you notice that Bert smiled at us. If anyone has something up his sleeve it's Bert. I suggest we all be on our best behavior today."

Zach shook his head. "You both are balmy. The only thing Bert and Jackson have up their sleeves is their arms. Now come on. Let's get to breakfast. Quidditch practice this afternoon. Shall we turn up to show them what's what?"

Aiden cleared his throat. "As I have previously mentioned, I will be your cheering squad. There is no way I'm getting on a broom. I'll let you and Trevor have all the glory. "

Zach and Trevor grinned at each other. Their mate was falling apart.

Trevor shared a bit of news. "I was speaking to a Ravenclaw witch who has thoughts of trying out for Quidditch."

Leaning in, Aiden taunted his mate. "Trevor has a witch. Trevor has a witch. Who is she?"

Blushing from chest to hairline, Trevor also leaned in. "It's none of your business Aiden. I don't share information with the cheering squad. You'll see her at practice."

Intent on his sausages, Zach took a minute to school his mates. "Breakfast is almost over. You'd better eat something."

"I'm eating. I'm eating. But I'm also trying to find out about Trevor's witch," remarked Aiden.

"You're being an arse Aiden. She's not my witch. She's an interesting person who will be trying out for the Quidditch team along with me and Zach. That's all."

Aiden was being an arse. "Alright. If she's just trying out for the Quidditch team, there shouldn't be any problem with you telling us her name. Out with it."

Trevor was exasperated. He didn't need this shite from a mate. "If you must know, her name is Eileen Prince and I think she is dead smart."

"Eileen Prince. Third row, fourth seat back in Charms. You can't be serious. She's ugly with big teeth."

Grabbing his books and rising from the seat, Trevor said he'd meet them in class.

Aiden was having his little joke. He hadn't meant to upset Trevor. Although he did think Eileen was ugly. "Finish up Zach. We need to catch up with Trevor."

Zach rolled his eyes at Aiden. "Maybe you should keep your thoughts to yourself. If Eileen is Trevor's friend, she's our friend as well. Any questions?"

As he followed Zach out of the Great Hall, Aiden mumbled that he didn't have any questions.