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: A Bit Like His Brother
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.
/
/
A/N: Thank you for your comment James Birdsong
A Riddle With Another Name: Chapter 6: A Prince Among Gryffindors
Zach and Aiden caught up to Trevor in the corridor.
Aiden called out to his mate. "Trevor stop. I apologize if I've upset you."
Trevor turned back to stare at Aiden. "We are mates Aiden, but I believe some thoughts need to be kept to ourselves. Even though I'm only eleven, I am able to recognize a good person. Eileen may be ugly to you, but she is interesting to me. If you don't care to be around her, remain in the stands as a spectator and remember, unlike you, Eileen has the courage to try out. I'll see you in class."
Aiden turned to Zach, but his mate just shrugged. "You spoke out of turn Aiden. Deal with it. Personally, I'd like to see what the witch has to offer. If Trevor thinks she's worth watching, I think so too."
Before class started, Trevor approached his mates with a witch in tow. Eileen, these are my best mates. I'd like you to meet Zach Glover and Aiden Walsh. Eileen will be trying out for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. Since we both don't know shite about shite, she and I agreed to study Quidditch maneuvers during lunch."
Zach stepped forward. "Hello Eileen. I'll be trying out for Quidditch as well."
"Hi Zach. Nice to meet you. Even though we are in different Houses, Trevor has been more than welcoming."
Aiden nodded at Eileen. He still thought she was ugly, but needed to stay in his mates good graces. "Nice to meet you Eileen. I wish you well."
Eileen smiled at all three wizards. "Thank you so much for the welcome. I was afraid I'd have to spend my years at Hogwarts alone."
Trevor was quick to step up thinking Aiden might say something stupid. "There's no way we can resist a witch as brave as yourself who has the courage to try out for Quidditch. In addition, I applaud you for being a friend to someone who is not a Ravenclaw. I look forward to our studies."
Eileen grinned. "As do I. Now we should get to our seats before Professor Flitwick starts the lesson."
The four hurried to their seats.
/*/
It wasn't a good morning for Albus Dumbledore. Something had gotten past him. When he woke, Fawkes was in a near uproar. Checking the alarm he had set for Tom Riddle, Dumbledore was distressed to see that it had gone off during the night.
"So, Mr. Riddle saw fit to leave the castle. Sorry Fawkes. Sleep got the better of me. I'll have to do better. I will go check on the miscreant right this minute."
Cloaking himself, Dumbledore entered the Slytherin area to find everything as it should be. Tom was in his bed sound asleep looking nothing like the devil Albus knew him to be. Gazing at the innocent looking sleeper, Albus could understand why Armando had chosen to make him a Prefect. Even asleep, Tom seemed to ooze charm. No matter how charming, Albus knew how Tom treated students when he thought no one was looking.
Back in his own set of rooms, Albus mumbled as he removed the cloaking charm before going about his morning rituals. "Thank Merlin for small favors."
His day had officially started.
/*/
Because he had held his birthright in his hand, Tom woke in a decent frame of mind. His thoughts weren't on hexing, cursing or killing. For a maniac, he was in as normal frame of mind as could be expected. It was only after his shower he remembered what he'd done. He had positioned the neanderthal Dolohov by his side to replace Avery. He sighed. Sometimes he got ahead of himself. There was no way Dolohov could hold a candle to Avery. He would have to rectify his error as soon as possible. If he trusted anyone, it was the two wizards who were always by his side, Avery and Nott. Both had fucked up, but so had he in the past. Dumbarse Dolohov would never be half the wizard his most favored were.
As he showered and prepared for the day, Tom felt even better that his first class would be with Horace. Yes, he had been invited to call his professor Horace in private, but being on a first name basis wasn't as important as having his trust. To Tom, Horace was a poof who did nothing more than help feed his desires. A poof who couldn't refrain from giving his star pupil anything he requested. Feeling a tad bit disingenuous, Tom spoke out loud.
"Sorry Horace. Poof might not be the correct word, and that's all I'll say about that."
/*/
Gazing at himself in the mirror, Tom was pleased with knowing his handsome countenance would get him almost as far as his magic. His filthy father had used his dick to do one thing right. Giving his face one last wipe with a towel, an errant thought passed through his head. Perhaps he would steal away that evening to spend some time with the comely, red headed fifth year who was trying so hard for his attention. He wasn't partial to redheads, or any witch for that matter, but he was partial to anyone, witch or wizard, who would give him release. After a last adjustment, Tom stepped into the hall ready to bring the wrath of Salazar down on any Slytherin not ready for the day.
/*/
There wasn't any need to bring the wrath of Salazar down on anyone as his group of followers were sitting about in the common room waiting for their leader. The younger Slytherins were at the farthest end of the room sitting quietly waiting for Tom to appear signaling the start of their day. No one moved about unnecessarily unless told to move. Riddle's Rules. They had learned that lesson the morning a second year Slytherin thought to gad about before Tom had made his appearance and had his arse hexed good and proper in front of everyone.
Tom didn't even have to speak. When he entered the room, everyone except his band of followers headed for the door. When there wasn't anyone left except Tom and the eight, he made an announcement.
"I have decided Avery and Nott will be back by my side."
That was all Tom said, but everyone knew what it meant. Dolohov was out. Avery was back in. Dolohov looked a bit crestfallen but knew better than comment. For eight whole hours he had been one of the specially chosen. For him, it was back to the line.
Everyone excluding Nott knew what was coming. When they thought Tom had cast Avery aside, they had basically cast him aside as well. None had tried to help their wounded mate. They had left him to stumble back to the castle on his own. They were in for it.
Avery glanced at each wizard in turn without saying a word. He'd get them back. The lot of them. Nott had opened the door for his leader. Avery didn't have time for any other thoughts as he hurried to Tom's side. Lord Voldemort had already stepped out into the dungeons corridor. It was time to head to the Great Hall. Breakfast was waiting.
/*/
The first thing Tom had done after sitting in his usual seat at the Slytherin table was check the Gryffindor table. He would have to stay away from the little shite for now, but Glover was on his list. Although he and his band weren't late to breakfast, Glover, Walsh and Wood weren't at the table. Tom wondered if….. Tom didn't wonder anything. Those little toads weren't worth his thoughts. Remembering his run in with Dumbledore, Tom turned to Avery.
"Dumbledore will be looking to give you a telling off for the incident with Glover. If you want to remain at Hogwarts, act contrite. Put it down to an unfortunate accident which you didn't mean to happen. Explain it any way you like, but, as I said, act contrite. We will accept in stride any demerits he chooses to give. Someday we will get to put Dumbledore in his place, but now is not that time. For now, we pretend Dippet and Dumbledore are running this school."
Avery was and wasn't surprised that Dumbledore would be seeking him out. He was only aggravated that the incident was causing such a problem when he hadn't even hurt the little blighter. To be honest, that was the thing that bothered him most. As hard as he had hit Glover, the mutt should have been rolling around the floor in pain instead of challenging him and calling names. The First Year was much stronger than he looked. Avery was sure he was going to be the first to accrue demerits against the House. He sighed. The only thing in his favor was Tom knew the possibility in advance and seemed alright with it.
When Avery saw Dumbledore walking towards the door, he whispered to Tom that he was going to do his part without the Transfiguration professor seeking him out.
Tom nodded whispering back. "Good. Keep the old fool off balance."
The others simply glanced around wondering what Avery was getting up to now with each wizard hoping it wasn't something that would get them hexed.
/*/
Closing the distance between them, Avery called out to Dumbledore. "Professor. May I have a quick word?"
Dumbledore turned in Avery's direction with a distasteful look on his face. "What is it Mr. Avery? No available First Years to taunt or injure?"
Avery wanted to snap back but knew better. This particular professor had the ability to boot his arse out of Hogwarts. "That's what I'm here about sir. Prefect Riddle mentioned you want to speak to me. It was an accident. I'd like to explain myself."
Frowning, Dumbledore looked over his glasses at the upstart Slytherin "Is this not your sixth year Avery?"
"Yes sir." He replied, wondering what one thing had to do with the other.
Dumbledore soon made it clear. "In all your time here, have ever known me to take a meeting, discussion or consultation standing in the middle of the Great Hall?"
Trying to be a hero, Avery had mucked things up even more. Albus Dumbledore hadn't ever given a dressing down to any student in front of other professors or students if it could be helped. "My apologies sir. I've never known you to do that."
"No need to apologize Avery. I'll see you in the Transfiguration Office at 4:00 pm sharp. If there is to be a discussion, it will be then. Bring your sharpest quill. Breakfast is now over. You'd better get to class unless you're looking for an even longer stay in my office."
Backing away, Avery mumbled that he had to get his books.
"Get them and get to class. Surely Prefect Riddle has told you to be on time. 4:00 pm sharp Avery." Dumbledore remarked before walking away.
/*/
Avery hurried back to the Slytherin table to collect his books not looking Tom in the eye. He'd just got back into the good graces of his lord and master. The only thing about the conversation he would be reporting was he had to report to the Transfiguration Office at 4:00 pm sharp.
"Get on about your business," Tom growled, glaring at everyone except Nott and Avery. Mulciber, Malfoy, Lestrange, Black, Rosier and Dolohov grabbed their books and scrambled away. Turning back to Avery, Tom glared at him waiting for some explanation.
Nott had been told to remain behind, but like the others, he didn't want to be pulled into any of Avery's bullshite. He stood ramrod straight facing the doors.
Controlling the trembling that was swirling through his body, Avery simply said. "Even though I was contrite, Professor Dumbledore wants me in his class office at 4:00 pm sharp. He suggested I bring my sharpest quill."
Tom smiled. "Ah! Good old Albus. We expected that. Good job heading him off. I'm late to patrol the corridors. Get to class. I'll see you both there. Hahaha. Bring your sharpest quill. The old fool has jokes." He remarked in a low voice.
Avery and Nott hurried away with Nott offering his opinion. "For a minute, I thought you would be getting us in the shite again. Glad to know I was wrong. Come on. Sluggy is easy on Tom but will send our arse to detention for the hell of it."
"Too right. I'm right behind you."
/*/
Even though it was only the third day Zach had been gone, Zaria was suffering. She missed her mentor, her brother, her confidante. They had always done things together. It just didn't feel right with Zach being gone.
Her dad walked upon her so softly she didn't realize he was there until he spoke. "Hello love. Your bin is overflowing. Have you taken up the new hobby of wasting parchment?"
Zaria smiled at Daniel. He was making a joke hoping to make her feel better. "I miss Zach father."
"I know you do Zaria but we've spoken about this. Next year this time you'll be at Hogwarts with Zach. Until then, learn as much as you can so you can make your brother proud."
Pulling a pout, Zaria made a somewhat cheeky reply. "Zach is already proud of me."
"Alright, let me take another tack. Study up so you can outshine your brother."
Zaria, who was in a much better mood nodded at her father. "You're making jokes but I plan to outshine everyone. I'm going to shine so brightly you'll be able to see it from here."
Daniel was smiling but thinking as well. Taking a chair beside Zaria's desk, he offered his opinion. "I know we are joking around, but I'll give you the same caution I gave Zach. Do not let arrogance get the better of you."
Crinkling her pert, little nose, Zaria replied with a surprising answer. "Zach has already told me to mind myself. In fact, he said the very same thing only worded a bit differently. He said, I shouldn't let my arrogance show. I promised I wouldn't. So, I intend to be an arrogant, little First Year but won't let it show… too much."
Chuckling, Daniel called out to Samantha. "You might want to come here for a moment love. Our daughter is in here setting terms."
A grinning Samantha stood in the doorway wiping her hands on a towel. "My sweet little girl wouldn't be trying to set terms on her father, especially not before dinner. Get washed up love. After dinner, you and I will sit down to write our First Year wizard a letter and save ourselves some parchment in the bargain. Go on now. Get washed up."
"Okay mum. When we write Zach, we can't get mushy or anything. He won't like that one bit. And, we can't ask him if he is safe because you've already said he's being looked over by Albus Dumbledore." She sighed. "Looks like all we can ask about is his classes and the friends he's made, and maybe his professors."
Daniel stood to follow his wife into the kitchen leaving a sage comment in his wake. "Classes, friends and professors. I think that's a good start. There'll be time enough to ask about other things along the way. You might also remember, Zach will be home for holiday break which isn't all that far away. Dinner is waiting, so hurry."
Zaria put her parchment, quills and ink away in her drawer speaking quietly to herself. "To my way of thinking, Decembr is far away. I think I'll ask to visit grandfather this weekend. I need assurances."
/*/
During dinner, Zaria didn't mention one word about Zach, but did ask to visit the grandfather. She had a plan.
Samantha and Daniel glanced at each other without a remark passing between them. They knew their youngest better than she knew herself. She was going to do a scheme which probably included her grandfather.
As Samantha used her wand to clear away the dinner remains, she gave Zaria the answer she wanted to hear. "Before we sit down to write Zach, I'll Owl grandfather to ask if you may visit this Saturday. Don't be disappointed if he is busy. There'll be other times. Why don't you go read until I'm through in here."
"Okay mum. I'll read more from my copy of Hogwarts, A History Of Magic. Witch Bagshot explains the details very well. It's a very interesting book. Perhaps by this time next year, I'll know as much as, if not more, than Zach."
Samantha squinted her eyes in her daughter's direction. "Mind yourself young lady. Go. Read. I'll be there after I receive grandfather's answer."
Zaria scurried back to her bedroom not wanting to get on the wrong side of her mum, especially if her plan hinged on being allowed to visit grandfather.
/*/
Tom entered the Potions classroom with head high and headed directly for the stores room to pick out his ingredients. As usual, Professor Slughorn told Tom to set up his cauldron then get ingredients for the Wound Cleaning Potion.
A flash of irritation passed through Tom. How stupid did Slughorn think he was? He could read. The bloody potion of the day was always written on a blackboard. Instead of replying in the polite manner he normally used with Slughorn, Tom snapped back.
"I'm a Sixth Year Prefect professor. I know how to read the hardest of words."
Tom's gang recognized the mood and began shuffling around in their seats.
Slughorn turned away from the board to face Tom. "Out of sorts this morning Tom? I would think any student preparing for his NEWTs would gladly take assistance. Start your potion."
Tom, who had remained standing was now aggravated. He didn't expect Slughorn to spar with him. He was the favored son, the master and above all Lord Voldemort. How dare he? Tom gave another sharp reply. "No one needs to worry about my NEWT results except me. My potion is started professor."
Tom wasn't the only one seething. As he watched Slughorn coddle Riddle, Bert was beside himself. The Potions Professor wouldn't set the bloke straight even when he was being insulting. Bert took it on himself. "Sit down Riddle. You're disturbing the class."
Tom turned on a dime to face Bert. "Shut your mouth Robbins or….."
Bert stood. "Or what Riddle? Will you stare me to death or will you glare me to death? Either way, you're not wizard enough."
Before Tom could respond, Slughorn intervened. "Arguing in class, twenty five points from Gryffindor. Twenty five points from Slytherin. If you want to try for more, be my guest. Otherwise, get those cauldrons going."
"My apologies professor." Bert commented before turning back to his cauldron.
Tom offered no such apology. He turned back to his cauldron in absolute wonderment saying nothing. He had just received demerits from the only professor who championed him, Horace Slughorn. He couldn't and wouldn't let this stand. Someone was going to pay.
Tom continued to bang and slam for twenty five minutes, after which he faced Slughorn. "My perfectly executed Wound Cleaning potion is finished. May I be excused to do my Prefect rounds?"
Without waiting for an answer, Tom gathered his materials and left the room.
Slughorn, who looked crestfallen made a mental note to speak to his favorite student that evening to see what had him acting so churlish.
Bert Robbins didn't give two shites if Tom Riddle was out of sorts. The glares he fixed on Tom's band of thugs spoke volumes.
However, most of the band of thugs didn't notice. They were whispering among themselves how they could expect another visit to the Black Lake.
Malfoy, the most cowardly of the group leaned over to speak with Nott and Avery. In a low voice he requested they do something because if they didn't, they would all end up rolling around the ground.
"Mind yourself Malfoy or the things you say in a whisper might get back to Tom, and that wouldn't be good for anyone.
"No need for you to get all bent out of shape Avery. I was only stating the obvious. No need for it to go any further." Malfoy shakily replied.
/*/
When the bell rang, Bert remained behind allowing the other students to pass by him. When Avery and Nott got level with him, he spoke in a low voice. "Somebody needs to get that maniac under control. If he keeps it up, I might have to take it upon myself."
Avery stood face to face with Bert. "That's a load of shite Robbins. You got us demerits. When Lord… when Tom gets through with you, you'll be nothing more than a memory. You and Jackson both."
Laughing, Bert walked away calling out. "If your lord, I mean Tom, wants to step to me, he knows where to find me. Additionally, I suggest you not try Jackson. He doesn't take bullshite lightly.
Avery was kicking himself as he and Nott walked the corridor. He had almost said Lord Voldemort which was forbidden anywhere outside of the Slytherin dungeons. Riddles Rules.
/*/
Lunch for Zach and Aiden wasn't all that pleasant. The table just didn't feel right. First, neither Bert nor Jackson responded to their greeting preferring to keep their eyes on their plates. That was bad. In addition, Trevor was absent from the table preferring to be in the library studying Quidditch maneuvers with Eileen. Zach sat there remembering Bert's advice from the previous night. If you want to get to the library so badly, go at lunch time. It won't kill you to miss a sandwich and a tart. Thinking about it, Zach admitted Bert had made a fair point. Gathering his bag, he informed Aiden he was going to the library to look up a few books.
Watching as Zach walked away, Aiden hurriedly gathered his things. "Hold up Zach. I'll go with you in case you need help."
As the two First Years passed back by Bert and Jackson, Bert beckoned them. "Leaving lunch early to wander the corridors?"
Zach answered for himself and Aiden. "No Bertie. We're taking your advice. We're going to the library. It won't kill us to miss a sandwich and a tart."
Bert wanted to smile but held himself in check. The little smartarse. "I see you're taking liberties. Where's the other one?"
"He's already in the library."
Giving Zach a direct stare, Bert told him he was fine being called Bertie. He was also fine with at least one of the three had taken his advice without overthinking things.
Zach grinned at Aiden. He was now allowed to call Bert Bertie. From now on, he'd have to keep his mistakes to a minimum. In addition, things were beginning to feel a bit better as both Bertie and Jackson seemed pleased with his decision.
/*/
Jackson nudged his mate. "So, the little wanker gets to call you Bertie. I believe you've become a mate to a nutter in training."
Bert shrugged. "Not really Jackson. Someday that young wizard might be protecting me. I'm wondering when the other two will get up the nerve to address me as Bertie."
"Not long if Glover is their teacher." Jackson remarked with a laugh.
"That's true mate. Being the stout fellow that I am, I might just stop by the library to pick out the book I didn't know I needed."
Jackson clapped Bert on the back. "Stout fellow is it? Be careful or Glover will think you care. I have things to do, so I'll be taking a pass on going to the library. Anyway, we've discussed the three blighters enough. I know you've skipped over something from the Potions incident. Tell me everything word for word."
Bert shrugged letting out a resigned sigh. "Look at the House points board and you'll know exactly what I left out. Slughorn took twenty five points from Gryffindor. The only good thing about it is he took twenty five from Slytherin as well."
With raised eyebrows, Jackson made a non-committal reply. We'll live."
/*/
When Zach and Aiden entered the library, they immediately saw Trevor and Eileen poring over a large, blue book. Walking over, they greeted both.
"Hello mate. Hello Eileen. Aiden and I are taking Bertie's advice. Instead of leaving the common room after dinner to visit the library, we are doing it during lunch. Problem solved."
Eileen greeted them with a smile, Trevor with a wide grin.
Trevor was grinning for three reasons. The first of which was Zach calling Bert Bertie. He'd speak to him about that later. The second which was Zach suddenly taking the advice he had growled about the previous evening. And last, if Zach and Aiden were looking for books, why had they come to his and Eileen's table? They were nosing. "Well done. After you find the books you want, feel free to join us." Holding up the large, blue book so the title, Quidditch Made Simple was showing, Trevor added a caution. "The title belies the contents. It is not simple, therefore, I ask that you keep the chatter to a minimum."
Both Zach and Aiden were smiling as they went to search out the three books Zach required.
"Keep the chatter to a minimum. Our mate is being an arse," offered Aiden.
"I was just about to say the same thing. Let's hurry and find the books then get back to the table where we won't chatter," added Zach.
/*/
Lunch as well as their library visit was almost over when they looked up to see Bert approaching. He was approaching with a smile so none of the three panicked. After greeting the three but offering no explanation as to why he was there, Bert turned to Eileen.
"Hello there miss. I don't remember seeing you in the common room. Where have you been hiding?"
Blushing, Eileen started to answer but Trevor cut across her.
"Hi Bertie. This is Eileen Prince. Eileen, this is Bertie Robbins, Sixth Year Gryffindor. The reason you haven't seen Eileen about the common room is because she isn't a Gryffindor. She's a Ravenclaw who will be trying out for Quidditch alongside me and Zach."
Reaching out to shake Eileen's hand, Bert acknowledged the introduction with a wide grin. Bert was now grinning for three reasons. Trevor had called him Bertie. His three most vocal First Years had teamed up with another House, and he'd just met one of the first witches brave enough to consider Quidditch.
Because he really didn't have a purpose in the library other than run down Zach, Aiden and Trevor, Bert softly shared his thoughts before heading for the door. "Nice to have met you Eileen. Well done lads. Now get your arses up. It's almost time for your next class. I'll see you at dinner."
As they quietly gathered their belongings, Zach, Aiden and Trevor grinned at each other. Bertie had been nosing.
In the back of his mind, Trevor was wondering if Bertie would be as welcoming when he invited Eileen to the Gryffindor common room to study. After a few seconds thought, Trevor decided both Bertie and Jackson would be alright with it.
Eileen spoke up. "If everyone is packed up, we should get to Transfiguration. Professor Dumbledore has set clear parameters regarding being late to class. I for one do not care to be the first Ravenclaw to lose House points."
With Eileen preceding them out the door, Trevor held Zach and Aiden back several steps to make a few statements.
"Who is brave, brilliant and pushy?"
"Eileen," answered both his mates in unison.
"Correct. Still think someone has to be a beauty to be interesting Aiden?" Trevor remarked softly, quickening his pace to catch up with their brave, brilliant and pushy new friend.