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: An Abundance Of Rules
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.
/
/
A/N: For my own purposes, I have set this particular First Year Potions class on a Thursday when we all know the classes were really held Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Literary license.
A Riddle With Another Name: Confrontations
The Potions Class was buzzing. Of course the class wasn't buzzing, but the students were. Horace Slughorn, Potions Master had not turned up for class. However, the recipe for the Boil-Cure Potion and the necessaries was posted on the board with the notation students should work on their own and bottle the results when finished.
If any student found himself or herself in a problem, they should refer to Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger. If a student didn't have the required textbook yet, he or she could borrow one from the used books cabinet with a caution the book must be returned when the student acquired his or her own copy.
There was also a friendly notation below the recipe: A copy of Magical Drafts and Potions cost two Galleons at Flourish and Blotts and could be ordered through Owl Post.
Textbook: Magical Drafts and Potions
Potion: Boil-Cure
Requirements: Mortar, pestle, cauldron
Brewing Notes: When brewing the potion, the cauldron has to be taken off the fire before adding the porcupine quills, or, the cauldron will melt and create a horrid odor. In addition, if the wrongly brewed potion came into contact with the skin, it would cause the skin to erupt in vicious boils.
Ingredients: 6 Snake Fangs; 4 Horned Slugs; 2 Porcupine Quills
Part 1Add 6 snake fangs to the mortar.
Crush into a fine powder using the pestle.
Add 4 measures of the crushed fangs to your cauldron.
Heat the mixture to 250 for 10 seconds.
Point your wand at cauldron.
Leave to brew and return in 33-45 minutes.
Part 2Add 4 horned slugs to your cauldron.
Take the cauldron off the fire before adding the next ingredient.
Add 2 porcupine quills to your cauldron.
Stir 5 times, clockwise.
Point wand at cauldron using finishing spell.
If the potion is made correctly, there will be pink smoke raising from the cauldron.
Begin.
/*/
For the first few minutes it seemed even with instructions plainly written on the board the young wizards were unsure of what to do.
Glancing around the room, Zach was the first to speak what most were probably thinking. "Like you all, I don't know what's going on, but we're smart. At least I think we're smart. We've joked about about how much we know so let's make Professor Slughorn proud. What are you all waiting for? We have everything we need to get started."
"Thank you Professor Glover for that enlightening speech." Joked Trevor. "I'll just add my two cents. If anyone hasn't received their copy of Magical Drafts and Potions, I'll be glad to share."
Other voices piped up commenting they would be glad to share as well. Zach and Trevor nodded at each other while Aiden remained quiet. He had been late buying his supplies and Flourish and Blotts had been out of several things but had them on back order. One of the things had been Magical Drafts and Potions. However, like Zach and Trevor, he did have a cauldron and a mortar and pestle.
Trevor whispered to Aiden. "Wake up mate. Check the used items cupboard if you don't want to share our books. Just do something other than sit there. We're already ten minutes into class. If we muck this up and have to face Bertie and Jackson, it won't be pretty."
Trevor's words made Aiden snap to. "Thanks for offering the book, but everything is on the board. My potions kit has everything I need except porcupine quills which I will need to borrow from Professor Slughorn's stores. Otherwise, I'm okay. If I follow the instructions, I'll be fine."
"Right in one mate. That's all any of us has to do, follow the instructions. Let's get to it." Added Zach as he began crushing the snake fangs.
/*/
The First Years worked diligently helping each other out as needed. For the most part, everything seemed to be going as well as could be expected until…..
…...Someone unexpected turned up.
"You! Why aren't you at your own cauldron?"
Zach, Trevor and Aiden glanced at each other. This was not good. Tom Riddle had entered the room acting as though he was the professor.
"If you're speaking to me Tom, my name is Zachary. What I'm doing in case it isn't obvious is helping out a classmate."
Trevor surreptitiously pulled on Zach's robes to get him to pipe down, but Zach ignored him. Tom Riddle had sent Avery to hurt him. He meant what he'd told Trevor and Aiden. He wouldn't be backing down.
Tom strode over to Zach. "You miserable little miscreant. When you address me, address me as Prefect Riddle. I don't care about your name. What I care about is you being away from your cauldron. Get back there now. Ten points from Gryffindor. Would you like to try for twenty?"
Zach walked over to his cauldron. He didn't consider walking away from Riddle backing down. He called it biding his time. Zach stood straight backed at his cauldron as he listened to the hateful Slytherin call out orders.
"As you can see, Professor Slughorn is not here. Headmaster Dippet sent me to check on this class to ensure everyone was tending to their cauldron and following instructions." Turning to glare at Zach, Trevor and Aiden, Tom made additional remarks. "I will be making a report to the Headmaster about what I found. I think after today, certain First Years won't be so full of themselves."
Zach started mumbling, but Trevor told him to stop. Unfortunately, Tom couldn't distinguish what Zach had said, but he'd heard the mumbling.
"What's that Glover. Not satisfied with the points you've already lost your house? Do you want to lose more? If…."
"If what Tom?"
Albus Dumbledore had entered the potions classroom.
"I was under the impression you were sent here to guide the class through a brewing lesson yet I arrive to hear you attacking Mr. Glover which is unacceptable. If you didn't care to oversee the class, why didn't you voice your concerns to the Headmaster? I'm sure he could have found someone with a more suitable temperament to check a simple Boil Cure Potion. Beside arguing with eleven year olds, you've made another error which I will discuss with you in my office at the end of this class."
Professor Dumbledore took a walk around the room glancing into a cauldron here and there giving a final verdict of well done. "Do not forget to bottle and label your brews before setting them in the cabinet for review. I am reminding the class of this last step because I'm sure Mr. Riddle didn't have time to discuss the finish. I'll see you in my office in twenty minutes Tom."
Then Albus Dumbledore was gone as fast as he had appeared.
Tom Marvolo Riddle pushed past Zach, Trevor and Aiden threatening mayhem under his breath.
Even with Trevor, Aiden and several others shushing him, Zach spoke his piece. "Be as miserable as you like. I'm not afraid of you."
Tom stopped but did not turn around. "You will be you filthy..."
Tom didn't finish the sentence. There wasn't any need. He would deal with the nasty little shite on his own time and in his own way, and nobody would be the wiser.
/*/
Tom Riddle growled all the way to Dumbledore's office threatening any lower year that crossed his path. He was fuming. The Glover brat had gotten on his last nerve and would pay the price. Perhaps as soon as tomorrow the little shite would be confined to his dorm due to an unexplained need to sit on the toilet all day. And Dumbledore. How dare he speak to me in that manner. I'm a prefect with privileges given him by authority of Headmaster Dippet. Albus Dumbledore should mind himself.
As furious as he was, Tom had the good sense to adjust his attitude before stepping into Dumbledore's office.
Knock, knock.
Dumbledore called out. "Enter Mr. Riddle."
Tom stepped inside feigning innocence. "Good afternoon professor. You needed to see me?"
"Yes Tom. If I didn't need to see you, I wouldn't have invited you to my office. Please have a seat."
Tom bristled over Dumbledore's words even though the Transfiguration Professor was known for his brisk retorts. "Of course professor. I misspoke."
"No problem Tom. I've called you here to address the fact you took points from Gryffindor because you were angry with Mr. Glover. When has it ever been proper to deduct points from any First Year for explaining himself."
"That Glover boy seems to cause problems wherever he goes. I'm a Prefect. I wasn't going to stand by and let him speak to me any way he liked." Tom huffed.
Dumbledore was annoyed. Tapping his fingers on the desk, he disputed Tom's explanation. "I'm aware of what went on. If I understand correctly, you deducted points because a student responded to you the way you approached him. You are a Prefect Mr. Riddle. As you demand respect, respect should be given. Mr. Glover didn't refuse to do his work. He wasn't doing anything wrong by helping out a classmate and he wasn't out of order. As far as I can see, Mr. Glover did nothing wrong. That's not going to stand Tom. I've given the points back to Gryffindor. If you have a problem with my actions, feel free to address your concerns with Headmaster Dippet. One last thing. If you cannot perform the duties of a Prefect correctly, perhaps it's time you stepped down to give someone more even tempered a chance. That's all."
Tom stood to leave but had some last words. "Perhaps I was too hasty in taking points from Glover. My only excuse was I wasn't myself after finding out my favorite professor was under some kind of personal attack. I'm content with my assignment as Prefect. There isn't any need to get the headmaster involved. Good day Professor Dumbledore."
/*/
Albus watched as the door closed behind the devious Prefect. Of course Tom wouldn't be going to the Headmaster. The miscreant knew where the line was drawn. It wouldn't be in his best interest to have anyone delve too deeply into Horace's attack. His dirty deed might be uncovered if it was taken any farther. In actuality, Tom had given himself away by speaking on something he shouldn't know. Albus was now certain Tom had caused Horace's filthy problem because no one outside of him and Armando Dippet had been privy to what Horace had endured.
/*/
Albus had been surprised when Horace Owled him about his situation. Sensing Horace's predicament wasn't self inflicted, he immediately hurried to the Potion Professor's rooms to find the wizard in dire straits. After a quick bit of memory retrieval then examining the few left over pieces of sugared pineapple, Albus realized what had happened and who was responsible. He had put everything right without mentioning his suspicions. He had, however, put Tom Riddle under close scrutiny. As far as Horace's plight was concerned, he hadn't done anything more than advise Horace he might want to cut down on sugary sweets. Albus surmised Horace would be safe going forward because Tom didn't want to kill his most favored professor, he simply wanted to teach him a lesson.
It would have been easy to accuse Tom of the heinous act, but Albus knew the slippery wizard would have had some excuse. No. It was better to keep an eye on Lord Voldemort, which is what he did.
/*/
At the First through Third Year end of the lunch table, Zach was receiving all kinds of looks which he found annoying. After one of the First Years from the other dorm gave him a direct stare, Zach threw down his fork.
"What? If you have something to say, just say it. Otherwise, please leave me to my lunch."
The First Year rolled his eyes, and spoke in a slightly raised voice. "You lost us House Points. Why did you have to answer back?"
The student was right. Zach had lost them points, but he wasn't the villain in all this. "My apologies to all Gryffindors. I did lose us ten points but….."
"What's this I'm hearing? A First Year has lost us points?"
Bertie had heard all and was standing there waiting for an explanation. "Explain yourselves." He sat down shunting Aiden aside so he could sit between him and Zach. "I want the who and the when and I want it now."
Zach spoke up. "I made Prefect Riddle angry so he deducted ten points from Gryffindor."
Bertie sighed. "I suppose Mr. Walsh and Mr. Wood were right there with you. Why, when something happens, is it always you three?"
Zach spoke in a low voice. "No Bertie. Aiden and Trevor didn't have anything to do with it. Prefect Riddle was angry about something before entering the classroom. I made it worse by answering back when he sniped at me."
Bertie looked from Aiden to Trevor as if being able to suss out facts by looking in their faces. They were both nodding their heads.
Bertie took the floor. "Because there was a short muck up with points this morning, I'll tell you this. Gryffindor House points remain the same as they were yesterday. As I say, for about thirty minutes it appeared we had lost ten points, however, the board was back to normal shortly after. Whatever you did or said obviously wasn't reportable because the points were reinstated. Now that I've heard the story I think I understand what happened. The glorious Tom Riddle obviously overstepped his bounds and was corrected. I've said this before and I'll say it again, Tom Riddle may appear the stalwart Prefect but he's nothing more than a lump of bubotuber pus. Stay away from him and his gang."
"Thank you for telling us this Bertie. The other First Years were upset I had brought shame to our House. However…..."
Bertie snapped out a reply. "I know what you were going to say, but there's no however Glover. Stay away from Riddle. He's dangerous. With all that said, I'll be having a word with his honor before the day is over. He will not be intimidating my Gryffindors. Now finish your lunch and get to your next class. You Quidditch lot need to see Madam Hooch as soon as possible."
With that, Bertie walked to the senior end of the table and sat down.
/*/
Bertie had left the table in a decent mood but returned full of piss and vinegar.
Jackson was curious. "What's got your nose bent out of shape?"
"Bloody, fucking Riddle had a go at the First Years in Potions class. Of course, Mr. I'll never back down got into a back and forth with the idiot. In his infinite wisdom, Riddle took ten points from Gryffindor which accounts for the short fluctuation in House Points this morning. However, either Dumbledore or Dippet took offense and reinstated the points. I'm sick of Riddle's shite. If he wants to pick on someone, let him pick on someone his level or better. By that, I mean me. I'm going to get that miserable cunt sorted as soon as I can."
"Calm down Bertie. As you say, everything is back to normal. No need to go toe to toe with Riddle."
"Please." Huffed Bertie, throwing down his sandwich. "You know as well as I that if Riddle isn't corrected, he'll do the same thing over. I'm just the wizard to correct him."
Jackson stared at his mate. "Alright, alright. I've seen that look in your eye before. Nothing is going to stop you from confronting Riddle and his gang. If that's the case, you won't be confronting him alone. We'll confront his arse together."
"As will we." Added two other Fifth Years. "If he's menacing our First Years, we've got something for his arse."
Bertie shook his head. "I appreciate the support wizards, but I don't need any of you getting into trouble on my account. I'll do this alone."
"Bullshite," muttered Jackson and Butters another Fifth Year. "We stand together to protect our mini Gryffindors. Just tell us where and when."
Bertie didn't argue. Truth be told he didn't trust Riddle or any of his minions. If they could get him alone they could do him some damage. "Alright mates. We'll approach him together, but please, let me do the talking. To be safe, we'll approach the piece of shite away from the Slytherin dungeons."
"Done and done." Answered Jackson. Now please finish your lunch. Everyone knows what a bear you are when you're hungry."
Everyone in the tight, little circle laughed.
/*/
Afternoon classes passed without Zach, Trevor or Aiden running into Tom Riddle which Trevor and Aiden felt was a good thing because their mate didn't know when to keep his mouth closed. The two agreed that Riddle was a menace but their mate didn't have to be confrontational whenever the blighter appeared. They tried to discuss their feelings with Zach, but he set them straight by asking if Riddle had ever sent one of his thugs over to try to break their backs. The conversation usually ended there. Trevor and Aiden knew that at some point, Zach might get hurt, and they might get hurt trying to defend him. Only time would tell.
/*/
One thing Zach, Trevor and Aiden agreed on was they should speak to Madam Hooch before all the good Quidditch stuff was taken. They were on their way to Madam Hooch's set of rooms when Trevor stopped in his tracks.
Aiden and Zach who had continued walking stopped and turned back.
"What?" Asked Zach and Aiden at the same time.
"Eileen." Trevor replied in a low voice. "We should probably check to see if Eileen wants to come with us."
Zach and Aiden glanced at each other. When Trevor found something interesting, he just didn't let go. Zach started to say as much but caught himself. He was one to talk when he couldn't let go of his aversion to Tom Riddle, so he said nothing waiting for Trevor to continue.
Seeing the hesitation in his mates, Trevor suggested they go on and he'd catch up with them after checking with Eileen.
Aiden shrugged. "Alright mate. We'll see you in a bit."
Zach nodded before he and Aiden walked away.
Fifteen minutes later, Zach, Aiden, Trevor and Eileen were sorting through the Quidditch items. After sorting for several minutes, each of the four had come away with something. There was a surplus of red and gold Quidditch uniforms which allowed Zach, Trevor and Aiden to snap one up. There were only two pairs of gloves. Zach and Aiden had been slow so the gloves were taken by Trevor and Eileen. Eileen also had her pick of uniforms because most of the Ravenclaw Quidditch candidates hadn't heard about Madam Hooch's stores. For the most part, the four were satisfied with what they had scored. While they were there in Madam Hooch's storeroom, they had taken a look at the brooms.
Eileen took one look at the brooms and gauged them to be adequate before going into a long spiel about the latest brooms on sale at Quality Quidditch Supplies. Trevor was transfixed by all his interesting mate knew. Zach and Aiden, not so much. Since First Years weren't allowed their own personal broom, there wasn't any use in debating the age of the brooms they would be using or what could be purchased at the Quidditch shop.
/*/
Zach was getting anxious. He didn't want to be standing around discussing stuff. He had to get to the common room to Owl his father about getting a pair of Quidditch gloves. He excused himself from the conversation explaining what he was going to do.
"I'll see you all at the dinner table. I have to Owl my mum and dad about getting a pair of gloves. If I'm lucky, I might be able to get an Owl out before dinner. I don't want to be the only one on the pitch without gloves nor do I want to be late for dinner. I'll see you later."
Aiden who had missed out on gloves as well had thoughts of accompanying Zach to the common room to send his own Owl, but by the time he decided, Zach was gone. However, after ten minutes of standing there listening to nonsense about the best Quidditch players, the best Quidditch moves and the best Quidditch teams, Aiden left Trevor and Eileen standing there deep in conversation. He still had enough time to send a letter to his dad about his own pair of Quidditch gloves.
/*/
Tom Riddle was raging internally. His whole day had been shite starting with the Glover mutt, onto Dumbledore reinstating points and then the fucking piece of shite Gryffindor Robbins getting in his face about his treatment of Zachary Glover and the other little bastards.
Even though he'd been furious that anyone, especially a Gryffindor, would have the audacity to confront the heir of Slytherin about anything there had been a rush of excitement coursing through his body as they went toe to toe. Robbins didn't scare Lord Voldemort, but by the same token, Tom knew he didn't scare Robbins either, and that wouldn't do. Initially, Tom thought about doing something much worse to Robbins than he'd done to old Sluggy, but his thoughts had then turned another way. Hurting Robbins would only be a short term solution, but if he hurt the Glover snot, Robbins would hurt for a very long time knowing his bravado had cost a filthy Gryffindor First Year his life.
Speaking softly and irrationally to himself in the darkened hall, Tom hit on a plan. "Yes. That's what I'll do. What I would have done to Robbins will be done to Glover, and I won't need Avery. I'll do this myself."
Then the Master, the Heir of Slytherin, the Lord Voldemort adjusted his recently formed plan. He couldn't do it himself because he would be first to be blamed. He'd use one of his most useless followers to do the deed while he remained in full view of the entire Great Hall.
"Hahaha. Live with that Robbins."
With murder on his mind, Tom Riddle went in search of Abraxas Malfoy whom he found stretched out on a couch in the Slytherin common room entertaining two comely Fourth Year witches who seemed totally enthralled with the large bulge in Malfoy's trousers.
Malfoy sat straight up when Tom entered the common room. It was never good when the Master looked directly in your direction.
"If you can pull yourself away Malfoy, I'd like a word."
Malfoy jumped up. "I'm here Lord Voldemort."
Malfoy had said the wrong thing and received a withering stare in return. "Do you expect me to discuss my business in the middle of the room?"
"No Master. My mistake." Replied a quivering Malfoy.
"Follow me to my rooms."
Now frightened out of his wits, Malfoy followed behind Tom to a place he'd never been invited to visit until now. All he knew was it couldn't be good. In the few seconds it took to follow Tom, Malfoy's brain ran a kaleidoscope of things that could have warranted being called in front of his Master.
Once inside, Tom waved his wand to close the door and with a few extra flicks silenced the room. Abraxas Malfoy just about fell apart thinking he might not leave the room in one piece.
Tom turned toward him so quickly Malfoy automatically took two steps back which annoyed Tom.
"For fucks sake Malfoy. Get a grip on yourself. I have need of your assistance."
Knowing no one but Avery or Nott assisted the Master with his business, Malfoy straightened up. He was being called upon not for a hexing, but to assist. He could feel his back straightening of its own accord. "Of course Master. Anything I can do to help."
Tom smiled at the simpering wizard. If he had his way, Malfoy would be in the Black Lake swallowing water, but for now, he was here for a purpose.
"What I'm about to tell you is to be held in the strictest confidence. No one and I mean no one except you and I can know what is said in here."
Now excited that he had been called upon, Malfoy was ready for anything, or so he thought. Tom's next words reverberated throughout his body with the fierceness of a Goblin clanger.
"I need you to kill someone Malfoy."
Malfoy's knees tried to buckle from under him. His Master wanted him to kill someone. What in bloody hell could he do now?
Tom Riddle laughed out loud at the look on Malfoy's face. "Perhaps kill was too strong of a word. I think hexing him to an inch of his life will do. Have a seat and I'll explain."
All Abraxas could do was slide his arse into a chair as he'd been told and wait for details.