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: Riddle's Rules

"Yes sir. Madam Hooch said she isn't a professor and should be addressed as Madam Hooch. She is our flying professor and will be the Quidditch referee then she introduced you as the Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. You introduced yourself and said Quidditch try outs will be Saturday morning at 9:00 am on the pitch. Then you said, hey you lot."

Bert laughed even louder before complimenting Aiden. "Well done Mr. Walsh. Perhaps you will relay it all to your mates." Addressing everyone in the stands, Bert told them he would see those trying out Saturday morning. "Good luck to you all. Now off to your common rooms."

Zach and Trevor remained sitting for several more minutes with their mouths hanging open before Zach made a comment. "You were actually listening. Perhaps you would do better as a manager. You're still going to get a good cuff upside the head for ratting us out."

All three took a second to wave to Eileen as she passed.

When Eileen had gone, Aiden smiled at his two mates. "Really, a cuff is it? Try it and I'll tell Bert."

The three Gryffindors smiled at each other then hurried away when Bert shouted for them to get going.

"He was shouting at you two," cheeked Aiden as he hurried away.

Zach and Trevor ran to catch up. They definitely didn't want the Quidditch Captain on their arses.

/

/

A Riddle With Another Name: Chapter 8: An Abundance Of Rules

The three mates came falling through the common room door only to be met by a scowling Jackson. "Howdy boys. How did you three make out?"

"Make out? We didn't make out," replied a startled Aiden. "We..."

Jackson raised his eyebrows at Aiden. "What?"

Zach cut across his git friend. "We did pretty good Jackson. All three of us have been invited to try out."

Still giving Aiden a skeptical eye, Jackson congratulated all three. "So, you've done the easy part. Now all you have to deal with is Bertie. Some of you might not come out alive."

Zach, Trevor and Aiden glanced uneasily at each other.

Before Aiden could say another dumb thing, Trevor spoke up. "Madam Hooch said, except for a Ravenclaw witch who flew extremely well, we are the best of the year. I think Bertie will be very happy with our performances."

All Jackson did before walking away was to point his first two fingers at his eyes then at the boys.

Laughing very softly, Zach made a cheeky remark. "I guess you got Jackson told. He couldn't even respond."

"Hahaha. You sure did," said Aiden, laughing softly.

Both Zach and Trevor turned to look at their mate with Trevor giving him a cuff on the arm. "Really Aiden, you're laughing? Mr. Dumbarse. Mr. Snitch. Mr. we didn't make out. Please don't speak out anymore. You'll only embarrass yourself and us as well."

Zach laughed. "We didn't make out. I'll bet Jackson was glad to hear that. I need some quiet. I'm going to study my spell book in the dorm room."

"I'm coming too," added Aiden.

Zach didn't bother looking back. "Wonderful Aiden. Just don't bring your nonsense with you. Zach's rule."

"Since when do you make the rules? You're a First Year the same as me."

"Really Aiden? Try me."

"That could be considered a threat you know. I'm telling Bert." Aiden muttered in a very low voice.

Trevor who felt he could get his studying done in the common room just shook his head as he opened the first of his books. His two mates weren't going to get him caught up in their bullshite. Trevor's rule.

/*/

Ten minutes after Zach and Aiden left the Common Room, Bert came striding through the door nodding at Trevor. "Where's the other two? If they are wandering the corridors, I have something for their arses."

"Hey Bertie. Zach and Aiden aren't wandering the corridors. They're in the dorms studying."

"They better be. I'm too tired to be chasing First Years. The three of you flew very well today. You made Gryffindor look good. I'm hoping you fly the maneuvers on Saturday just as well. In case you didn't know, there is equipment you will need for Saturday. Check with Madam Hooch. There is always left over equipment from prior years. Pass the information on to your mates. Leftover equipment is on a first come, first served basis."

"Thanks for the information Bertie. I'll let Zach and Aiden know."

Trevor put his eyes back on his book, but Bertie didn't leave. Something else was up. In fact, Bertie kept clearing his throat which was annoying. Trevor couldn't concentrate. Trevor looked up from the book.

"Is there something else Bertie? I can assure you Zach, Aiden and I are behaving as stalwart Gryffindors. No shenanigans whatsoever."

Bertie grinned. One more time a sly First Year had gotten there before him. After one last clearing of the throat, Bertie finally shared what was on his mind. "You need to keep your mind on your studies not witches."

"Witches!" Trevor exclaimed in surprise. "I'm eleven years old Bertie. I don't know shite about witches."

"Hey! Watch that mouth."

"Sorry Bertie, but I don't know anything about witches. Anyway, a Third Year already told me I'd learn about them in our third year because that's when witches want to…."

Bertie jumped up. "Whoa, whoa. Three days into your first year and you're entertaining thoughts about what you'll be doing your third year. Just slow down Mr. Wood. When I asked about witches, I was actually referring to Miss Prince. What's going on there?"

Trevor looked at Bertie like he had two heads. "Eileen? She's not a witch. I mean she is a witch, but I don't think she wants to try any third year stuff. She's our mate. She flies better than me, Zach or Aiden."

Smiling inside, Bertie thought it was probably time to leave this conversation alone. Trevor had gotten him sorted good and proper. "Well, just so you know. We Gryffindors are welcoming to anyone who welcomes us. If you, Zach and Aiden want to invite Eileen to study in the Common Room, she is welcome."

Although Trevor still had a skeptical look on his face, he nodded at Bert. "Okay thanks Bertie, but I think Eileen won't be studying anywhere except the library and the Ravenclaw Common Room. Houses keep to their Houses. Hogwarts Rules."

Bert raised his eyebrows. "Don't get too full of yourself Mr. Wood. The rules in this common area are what Me, Jackson and a few others make. Professor Dumbledore is chuffed when one House wants to make friends with another House. That my friend is a Dumbledore Rule."

Turning his eyes back to his book, Trevor thanked Bertie once again then held his breath hoping Bertie was through talking.

He was. Giving Trevor a soft cuff with his elbow, Bertie wished him goodnight.

/*/

Walking away, Bert had a wide grin on his face. He couldn't wait to tell Jackson what witches want in their third year.

/*/

Each older Slytherin was allowed time out of the Common Room as long as they didn't bring any problems down on Slytherin House. More of Riddle's Rules. Most of the senior students took full advantage of this time, because as much as they revered Tom, they would rather not be around in case he fell into some kind of funk and wanted to hex anyone in his vicinity. For the moment, it was nothing but First through Third years milling about.

/*/

Tom Riddle was now back in his private rooms waiting to hear from Avery how the detention had gone. Although he didn't expect there were any problems, Tom wanted to hear it from Avery's mouth. Additionally, he had a plan that needed to be shared with his best wizard. He had scores to settle and he and Avery would discuss the best way to settle them. First off, Tom wanted to get back at Horace Slughorn. He wanted to show him who was really in charge. The problem was he didn't want to kill or maim the professor. He was the one person who, to stroke his massive ego, would share every secret he knew even to the detriment of others. Horace would remain his favorite go to no matter what, after he'd been seen to.

The next scores that needed to be settled were those between him, Wallace, Jackson and Glover. Even if he couldn't find a way to get back at Horace, he would definitely get back at the foul Gryffindors.

Tom was idealizing when there was a knock on his door.

"Who?"

"It's Avery master. You asked me to see you after detention."

"Enter."

Avery entered the rooms then stood silently by the door. It wasn't healthy to start talking before his master gave him leave, but one could never tell.

Tom who had his back to the door let out a loud huff. "For fucks sake Avery. Don't just stand there. Tell me. What did Dumbledore get up to?"

Avery huffed to himself very softly. Lord Voldemort was still in a snit and would probably remain that way until he felt vindicated. "Things went as expected Tom."

Riddle spun around. "Tom? You have been allowed in my private quarters to discuss matters important to me. You will address me by one of my correct titles. You do know my correct titles Avery, do you not? You'll call me master or Lord Voldemort or suffer the consequences."

"Yes master I do know your correct titles. Forgive me for being lax."

Riddle waved a hand in Avery's direction. "No problem. Just don't make that mistake again, or I'll have you back on the line and have Nott by my side."

Many things ran through Avery's head at that moment. The most prominent was Nott wouldn't survive one day at the side of Tom, Lord Voldemort, master Riddle. Their master would eat him for lunch and laugh about it. However, this wasn't the time for his mind to be on other things, or he could end up being the one eaten for lunch. His master wanted details.

"Yes master. I assure you I like my place by your side."

Glaring at Avery, Riddle gestured for him to get on with it. "Speak now Avery or get out of my sight."

Avery started talking. "Detention with Dumbledore was as expected. After listening to him expound on Hogwarts rules and regulations for twenty minutes, he assigned me an asinine, two pronged punishment. For thirty minutes I had to write, I will not interfere with First Years then thirty minutes of I will not injure any student all while listening to Dumbledore prattle on about choosing better mates. I really wanted to injure him."

Even though he didn't care a whit for Albus Dumbledore, Riddle gave Avery a hard roll of his eyes. "You wanted to injure Dumbledore? How interesting knowing the wizard could wand whip you to death, vanish your body then have a snack. If anyone injures Dumbledore, it will be me. It may not be this year or next, but it will be me. Now to business. Here's what I need you to do. Take Nott if you need another hand."

/*/

For the next fifteen minutes, Riddle explained how Avery was to dose some crystallized pineapple with powder from the small sack on the top of his dresser. He was then to deliver it to Horace as a gift, stressing that Avery be sure to tell Slughorn it was an apology gift from Tom Riddle.

Avery did what he'd been told wondering if the powder was poison. He was firmly in his master's corner, but poisoning a Hogwarts professor was not something he wanted to do.

Avery was aggravating Riddle who noticed his trembling hands. "Snap to Avery and be sure not to get the powder on your hands or face."

"Yes master." He replied still trembling over the thought he would be killing a professor.

Riddle who was getting more aggravated by the minute made several sly remarks. "What's taking you so long? Would you like me to ask Nott to do it? You appear to be thinking I am sending you to kill old Sluggy. Even though I don't have to explain myself to anyone, I'll tell you this. It isn't poison, but it might as well be. Old Sluggy will be shitting himself for days and not know why. You now have more information than you need so get on with it. If possible, remain in Sluggy's rooms until he's eaten at least one piece which shouldn't be long because he's a glutton who cannot resist sugared pineapple. It will probably only take him ten minutes to devour the entire box. I'll expect a report. Wash your hands and face before leaving the dungeons. I don't want you spreading that powder among our lot."

"Alright master," replied Avery as he used his wand to move the box of pineapple from the dresser to his inside pocket. Now that he knew the powder was nothing more than a nuisance item, he was feeling better. Shitting oneself every five minutes was a lot better than being dead forever.

Hurrying out of his master's rooms, Avery headed directly to the toilets thinking, he didn't want any stray powder to find it's way into any of his orifices. Glancing in the mirror over the sink, he let out a grim laugh as he thought about being called to Dumbledore's office to write I will not shite myself in the corridors a hundred times.

/*/

One down thought Tom Riddle. It was going to be a bit harder to pull anything on Robbins, Jackson and Glover. Leaning his head back against the bed rail, Riddle let a few errant thoughts circle his mind. He knew how hard Avery had hit Glover. A blow like that would have brought a weaker wizard to his knees. And the insults the snot had thrown at Avery. Glover was strong and daring. Although the wanker might be privy to information that could implicate me in the murders of my family, Riddle thought much more of the little tosser than he was willing to let on. Speaking softly to himself, Tom said something he would never say to his followers.

"Strong, fierce and outspoken, Glover could have been a Slytherin. That bloody Sorting Hat is too fast making decisions. The old fool Dumbledore should set better rules regarding sorting. First Years should be given a full week before getting sorted."

Hearing rustling outside his rooms, Riddle sat straight up, grabbed his wand and shouted Alohomora.

Bang. The door opened so hard it banged against the wall. Startled, Avery and Nott greeted Riddle.

"Good evening master." Said Nott, quickly backing away.

"I have done as asked master." Replied Avery wondering if the little he'd just said was too much.

It was.

Flicking his wand at Avery, Riddle pulled him into the room with a spell before calling a Muffliato.

Standing face to face with his master, Avery didn't dare turn his face away from Riddle's stinking breath.

Then Riddle was screaming. "Why was Nott at my door?"

"He was just saying hello."

"To you? Are you now that important that one my followers has to chase you to my doors to give you a special greeting?"

"No master. I'm not important."

"Good. Remember that or I'll help you remember. That aside. What is one of my most important rules Avery?"

Avery shifted. The bloody maniac had so many fucking rules. Avery tried to be clever. "You have many important rules master. I'm not sure which one applies."

Riddle prodded Avery in the chest with his wand, growing more furious by the minute. "I'm speaking about my business you idiot." He screamed, spittle now forming at the sides of his mouth.

Avery took two steps back hoping what he said next wouldn't get him Stupefyed. "Your number one rule is, not to discuss your business in front of anyone not involved."

Still angry and with bits of fallen spittle down his front, Riddle lowered his wand then spoke in a low, deadly voice. "If that is the rule Avery, why would you mention a task I set you in front of others? If I wanted anyone to know my business, I would call a meeting."

Avery didn't have an answer. He had effed up. However, in the three seconds he stood looking at Riddle, an answer came. "No one other than myself knows the real task. It was suggested to me that Malfoy and the others are under the impression you ordered me to clean the bathroom without tools. I told them they could think what they liked. Nott was simply lending support."

Riddle gave him a long, hard stare before turning away. "Ah! Malfoy again. That miserable sot better watch his step or he'll be cleaning the bathroom without tools. Have a seat and tell me how your task went."

Riddle removed the Muffliato.

"Yes master," answered Avery taking a seat. "Professor Slughorn was pleased with his gift. He sends his thanks. I believe half the box was gone in the few seconds I stood there listening to him sing your praises."

Tom Riddle laughed out loud. "And he will continue to sing my praises because he'll never know why he is suddenly shitting himself every two hours. He'll never link his much loved student with the foul thing happening to him. If he ever speaks to me in that manner again, he'll get worse. Well done Mr. Avery. I suggest you get Mr. Malfoy sorted before he has a run in with my shitting powder. That's all."

As he stepped into the Common Room, Avery let out a sigh of relief. The punishment of dealing with Tom Marvolo Riddle was over for this night.

/*/

When he and Nott were standing at their master's door, Nott had shared the way Malfoy had spoken about him to his back. Glancing over at Malfoy, he thought about the master's last few words. He was right. If Mr. Malfoy wasn't careful, he would definitely be having a run in with the shitting powder. Guaranteed.

/*/

Samantha, Daniel and Zaria had been spending time together in the family room listening to the wireless until Samantha reminded Zaria it was time for her to get washed up and into bed. Giving Daniel a kiss on the cheek and wishing him goodnight, Zaria headed to her bedroom to pick up her bathroom essentials.

"I'll be there in a few minutes to say goodnight. Don't forget to wash behind those ears."

"Mum." Zaria called back plaintively. "I'm ten years old. I know to wash behind my ears."

"Alright love. Mum just wants to be sure her little girl is clean."

Daniel leaned over to kiss Samantha's cheek and whisper in her ear. "Zaria is very intelligent. I believe she understands the need to be clean all over."

Patting Daniel on the hand, Samantha rested her head on his shoulder. "I agree love, but what sort of mother would I be if I didn't set terms. We set terms for manners, education, studying, etc., etc. A healthy body is just as important. I'll stop the reminding after Zaria becomes well versed in spells.

Daniel squeezed his wife's hand. "I think both Zaria and I are hoping that will be before she is walking down the aisle to her betrothed."

Samantha laughed as she swatted Daniel on the arm. "Okay, okay. I'll stop commenting, but I won't stop watching. Happy now?"

Daniel gave a firm nod. "I am, and that's all I'll say about that."

/*/

Zaria knew washing behind her ears was her mum's code for washing her private area as well. Her favorite comment was, no one likes a smelly witch. Whenever Zaria balked, Samantha would remind her she was growing up and personal hygiene counted for a lot. Zaria had always grumbled when her mother mentioned washing behind her ears, but with her first year at Hogwarts approaching, she was more accepting of the advice. The last thing Zach would tolerate was a sister who left bad smells in her wake when she walked away.

Zaria left the bathroom to find her mum sitting on the side of her bed. "Hi mum. I'm finished. I've even scrubbed the bottom of my feet."

Samantha reached out to her daughter. "Come here and sit by mum."

Once they were seated side by side, Samantha wrapped her arms around her daughter and explained it was time she let her little girl make her own decisions. "Tonight is the last time you'll hear me shouting about washing behind your ears. You are becoming a young lady who knows by now what's what. I'll have to trust you with your own body. Down the road a bit we'll have another type of mother daughter talk, but that's a ways away."

Zaria squeezed her mum and offered a surprising reply. "I've been able to read since I was six mum. I already know about the next conversation. Some things I'll need you to explain, but I've gotten the gist of most of it."

Samantha made a loud chuckle. "And there was me thinking I'd be the one doing the explaining."

Zaria hugged Samantha even tighter. "You and father are very lucky to have such a smart daughter."

"Yes love we are. About your visit with grandfather, tomorrow I'll help you get your overnight bag ready. I believe grandfather will be here to pick up his favorite granddaughter at the crack of dawn on Friday."

"I think so too mum." Zaria replied covering a yawn with her hand. "I'm tired now mum. Can we talk about things tomorrow?"

"Of course love, and I assure you it won't be about washing behind your ears. Have a good sleep. I love you."

"I love you more mum. Goodnight."

/*/

Samantha went back to the family room where Daniel was still enjoying music from the wireless. Having discussed certain things about their daughter, Daniel inquired if everything was alright.

"Right as rain love. In fact, I believe our daughter is way ahead of us."

"How so?"

"To quote her; I've been reading since I was six. I know most of it. There are still some things I'll need explained but…. Well you get the gist of it. Zaria might know more than the both of us combined."

"Enlighten me love. Is that good or bad?" Asked Daniel.

Reaching over and slipping her hand inside Daniel's shirt, Samantha began rubbing his chest and replied in a throaty voice. "Zaria is an intelligent, young witch. For now, everything is good. I think we've had enough music for this evening. Let's retire to the bedroom where I'll show you something good."

Daniel shuddered not so much over the sexy statement his wife had just made, but because she had linked sex between themselves to what they were previously discussing. "Merciful Merlin Sam. Please don't equate what we do in the bedroom to what our daughter might do down the line."

Samantha laughed as she grabbed Daniel tightly around the waist. "Calm down dad. Our daughter is ten years old. It will be a long time before she begins to think about anything good. Nice magical reference there muggle. Someone might think you're almost a wizard."

"Don't get cheeky with me." Daniel teased as he nipped Samantha on the neck. "We've been together long enough for me to have become magical by insertion. I love you Mrs. Glover. Just so you know, I'll be keeping a close eye on our ten year old daughter who will be eleven in a few months."

Samantha gave one last chuckle before they closed their bedroom door for the night.

/*/

Jackson became a bit concerned when Bert entered their dorm room and plunked his arse down on the side of his bed without saying a word.

"What's up mate? No pearls of wisdom to share? Have the witches gotten you down?" Jackson added with a laugh.

"I just held a very reasonable conversation with Wood in which he got me sorted like I was the First Year."

Jackson turned in his chair so he was facing Bert. "Do tell. Personally, I think you're letting the little blighters make a home in your head."

"You know me better than that Jackson. Those boys haven't taken over my head, but they sure are giving my arse a run for its money."

Jackson laughed out loud. "Have they taken over Quidditch and booted you to the sidelines?"

Bert let out a huff while shaking his head. "No mate. Something like that would be easy to deal with. They out think and overthink me. You know what Trevor said to me?"

Jackson shrugged. "The way you're going on I wouldn't even hazard a guess."

Bert continued as though Jackson hadn't spoken. "I told him that studies should come before witches. The little mutt told me he was studying and didn't know shite about witches. He said shite to my face which I quickly corrected. He shared that some third year had already advised him he wouldn't be involved with witches until third year when they began to want… I didn't let him finish the sentence. I was afraid of what the answer would be. I then clarified myself by asking specifically about his new friend Eileen Prince. Trevor told me she wasn't a witch. Well she is a witch but she doesn't want any third year stuff. She's only a mate. Since Trevor classified Miss Prince as a mate, I told him he was authorized to invite her to the Gryffindor Common Room to study. Mr. Wood told me she would only be studying in the library or her own common room because students study in their own House. Hogwarts Rule. To save my dignity I told him that you, me and a few others make the rules for Gryffindor House and anyone friendly to us is welcome here, Dumbledore's rule. Jackson, if I wasn't as enlightened as I am, I would have fallen off the chair. Now you tell me. Did he sort me or what?"

Jackson started laughing and couldn't stop. "Hahaha. It would seem he did Bertie. I suggest any time you address those three, well Glover and Wood anyway. I suggest you bring your A game. Hahaha. Perhaps we should check the third years. Did we even have a dick at that age?"

Now that he had shared his sorry story, Bert let out a snort. "We did have dicks and knew how to use them. However, now that we are responsible for First Years, there won't be anyone sharing dick stories if I can help it."

Jackson was still laughing. "It's probably too late for Wood. He's probably already tried third year things on his mate Eileen."

Bert stood up and headed to the bathroom throwing back over his shoulder. "Nah, not Trevor. More than likely it will be Zach."

Sitting on the toilet, Bert could still hear Jackson laughing and laughed himself. He'd been sorted good and proper.

/**/

Thursday started bright and sunny for some, but in the Potion Master's quarters Horace Slughorn was back on the toilet shitting for the tenth time since the prior evening wondering if he should advise Headmaster Dippet of his predicament or just push through. The question was easily answered when he stood up and immediately had to sit right back down. A message to Dippet would be the way to go.

After all, there was the No Shitting In Your Trousers Rule.