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: Executing An Attack
Fifteen minutes after dinner arrived, Bertie blew through the common room on his way out. Halfway to the door, he turned back to make a statement.
"Under no circumstances are you to leave this common room. The Fat Lady will be advised. Are we clear?"
"We're clear," replied Aiden in a tremulous voice.
"Clear Bertie," answered Trevor through trembling lips.
"Good. Eat your dinner. I'll be right back."
/*/
Bertie wasn't right back, but that didn't matter because neither Trevor nor Aiden wanted to move from where he had left them. When Bertie did get back, he sat down on the couch with Jackson and Butters who had left the dorms to sit in the common room.
"Listen carefully because I'm only going to say this once. Full details will be revealed when Professor Dumbledore is ready. Earlier today, someone attacked Zach. He was badly injured and left lying in his own blood in one of the rooms off the odd corridor. When we found Zach, Professor Dumbledore did all he could but there were still some issues. When I left here, I went to check on Zach. I'm telling you this because right now no one knows what's what. Try not to worry. Young Madam Pomfrey and Professor Dumbledore are brilliant. They are doing their best to bring your mate back to full health."
Without saying a word, Trevor gathered his belongings and left the common room. After gathering up his things, Aiden followed. Trevor was already in bed with the blanket pulled high on his shoulder. Aiden wanted to talk, but he didn't want to see a best mate cry so he too undressed, got in bed and pulled the blanket up to his ears. He didn't want a best mate to see him cry.
What would they do without Zach?
/
/
A Riddle With Another Name 11: Getting To The Bottom Of It
Armando Dippet had come and gone from the hospital wing vowing to get to the bottom of the heinous act. Dumbledore had soothed the Headmaster as best he could because if anyone would get to the bottom of it, it would be him. Although he was only the Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts, Dumbledore felt it was his duty to keep it and the students safe. In this instance, he had failed miserably.
/*/
After initially seeing to Zach and putting him in a spell induced sleep, Dumbledore had hurriedly written a letter to Richard Gibbons informing him there had been an accident, but Zach was recovering nicely and he would be by the house later to explain in detail. Then he had gone back to check on Zach.
Richard's response was immediate. He and Samantha would be waiting for him to arrive, but if he hadn't got there by early evening, they would be at Hogwarts door in the morning expecting to file a grievance with the Headmaster and possibly the Ministry as well.
Dumbledore sighed. Facing the family would not be easy, especially Zaria who doted on her brother. One thought begat another. Dumbledore made a mental note to investigate the theory that Zaria could connect to her brother through a simple letter. As dire as the situation was, Dumbledore's interest was peaked with the bit of magic that allowed a connection through parchment. Something had gotten past him.
/*
Albus sat staring down at Zach. The lad looked so small. Even as he stared at the injured student, Dumbledore wondered how this could have happened. He was at fault. He had promised Zach's family he would keep him safe and separated from his nefarious brother. He had even gone as far as casting small, protective spells over Zach to no avail. Someone had not only cast a Sectumsempra, but Obscuro, Silencio and Incarcerous as well. Dumbledore knew this wasn't the work of any First through Fourth Year. Even Fifth years hadn't learned the spells. This had been done by some devious malcontent or malcontents with knowledge above their grade.
Consciously or unconsciously, the first person who came to mind was Tom Riddle. For some unknown reason, Tom had taken an immediate dislike to Zach. For obvious reasons, Zach had taken an immediate dislike to his brother. Nothing like a so-called brother who sends one of his cohorts to try to break your back.
/*/
Before leaving to see Richard, Samantha and Daniel, Dumbledore headed to the Gryffindor Common Room speaking to the Fat Lady before entering.
Bertie, Jackson and Butters who were sitting in the common room jumped up when Dumbledore entered. All three greeted their Transfiguration Professor before sitting back down.
Dumbledore was there to share a bit of information, so he shared. "As you know, Zach was brutally attacked. I won't go into specifics but the spell used is beyond most students. I believe the culprit or culprits are students who are working above the grade levels for Hogwarts. The spell, while not one of the Unforgivables, is unauthorized. I'm explaining this because I suspect you three want to find the culprits on your own. Don't. That is a job for myself and Headmaster Dippet. What I need you and the rest of the Fifth and Sixth Years to do is keep a good eye on the First through Third Years until the culprit is apprehended. It will be up to you three to insure all of our younger Gryffindors travel in pairs or more. Nothing of this sort will happen again."
A sorrowful Bertie spoke up. "We have that plan in place Professor. However, we will instill in the younger students the importance of traveling together even if we have to beat it into their heads. Sorry Professor. I didn't mean the last. It's just that I'm sure Zach, Aiden and Trevor understood this, but here we are."
Dumbledore clapped Bertie on the back. "This was a hard lesson for anyone to learn. From here on out, I'm sure our First Years will abide by the rules. I have an appointment outside of Hogwarts, but before I go, one last thing. Only ourselves and the culprit know what has gone on. Let's keep it this way. The less people involved. The better it will be. If it comes up within this House, explain Zach had an accident and is recuperating in the Hospital Wing. Any inquiries outside of this House will go unanswered. Make excuses then move on. For the next bit of time, Zach will remain in a spell induced sleep. Because we don't know the reasoning behind this attack, I have used certain protective spells around Zach. It wouldn't be unwelcome if the three of you took turns sitting with Zach until I get back. If any known or unknown tries to approach Zach's room and you suspect danger, you have authorization to bind and stun that unknown. Please assure Mr. Wood and Mr. Walsh…. Never mind. I'll speak to them when I get back. Stay alert wizards. I'm off to see Zach's parents."
"Alright Professor. We will be vigilant. You have our word," remarked Bertie with Jackson and Butters chiming their agreement.
/*/
The three Fifth Years watched as the door closed behind Dumbledore.
"I'll sit with Zach for an hour. Jackson you will take the next hour. After that, Butters will step in. I have me thoughts on this entire thing but will hold my thoughts for now. With that said, we'll keep our ears open for any incriminating information."
Jackson shared some thoughts. "Remember when we were coming down the odd corridor and I stopped in place. Humorous as it seemed at the time I stopped because I thought someone passed us under Disillusionment. I brushed it off, but now I'm thinking what I saw was a blond head."
Both Bertie and Butters remembered the incident.
"Come on Jack. You said it was a Hogwarts ghost. Are you sure you're not projecting because of what happened to Zach?"
Jackson ran his hand through his hair. "I wasn't sure then because a Hogwarts ghost made sense. However, knowing now Zach was lying in his own blood in one of the rooms off that corridor, I believe I got a glimpse of Zach's attacker and the piece of shite had pale blond hair."
Both Bertie and Butters knew Jackson was a steadfast wizard who didn't make mindless statements. If he believed it, they believed it.
Butters jumped up. "While there are a few blonde wizards in the castle, there is only one who is in league with a bloody wizard who has already tried to hurt Zach."
"Are we thinking it was that twit Malfoy?" Asked Bertie.
"Although, in my opinion, I believe he doesn't have the balls, I think we are." Added Jackson. "And I believe his leader put him up to it."
Bertie began pacing. "Okay, okay. Let's slow down before going off half cocked. I believe Riddle could put Malfoy up to something like this, but would he knowing it might all come back on him. For now, let's just watch over Zach and save our thoughts for Professor Dumbledore when he gets back. I'm going to the Hospital Wing. I'll expect you in an hour Jack."
Jackson nodded. "I'll be there Bertie."
/*/
The door to the Glover household was thrown open before Dumbledore could knock. Daniel had made it home from work.
"Hello Professor Dumbledore. Please come in."
"Thank you Daniel. Good evening Samantha, Richard. How are you Zaria, feeling better?"
"Hello Professor Dumbledore. I'm feeling much better. Thank you for asking. Is my brother alright?"
Richard stepped forward. "Give Professor Dumbledore a minute to get inside Zaria. Come through to the living room Professor."
"Thank you Richard." Dumbledore remarked, taking a seat in a living room chair. "Today, Zaria introduced me to an amazing piece of magic I've never encountered, communication through parchment. Somehow Zaria did connect to Zach. Perhaps because of the situation. I have no way of knowing until I study the phenomenon. Suffice it to say, we are all thankful.
Samantha began to cry silently while Daniel held her in his arms. "Please tell us if our son is alright."
Richard remained sitting stiffly in the chair across from Daniel, Samantha and Zaria.
With a sigh, Dumbledore began. "Earlier today, Zach was injured. At this point we don't know how or why. He is recovering under the skillful hands of Poppy Pomfrey our very competent school Matron."
Zaria began to cry as she leaned her head against Daniel's arm. "I want to see Zach. I want him to come home. I think the brother hurt Zach. Hogwarts was supposed to be safe. I want my brother."
Daniel turned to hug Zaria. "Please love. Let Professor Dumbledore finish then we'll decide if Zach should come home."
Dumbledore knew Zach leaving Hogwarts wasn't an option but he wasn't going to dispute anything at the moment. It was his intention to explain in detail how he would protect Zach going forward.
/*/
For the next thirty minutes, Dumbledore used his powers of persuasion to assure the Glovers and Richard he had put measures in place to prevent accidents of this nature from ever happening again even though the only measure in place was the vigilance of three Fifth Years. Dumbledore felt a bit guilty over the small lie, but it was what must be said at this particular time.
Daniel, Samantha and Richard seemed somewhat mollified but Zaria who wasn't having any of it started sobbing hysterically.
"How can measures be in place if you are here? You're the one who said you would protect Zach. Little good that has done."
Samantha stood up. "We all understand how you are feeling Zaria but you're being rude. Please go to your room while dad, papa and I finish with Professor Dumbledore. Your brother is safe."
Zaria jumped up from the couch and strode from the room still sobbing loudly with one solitary thought in mind. If she had performed this amazing piece of magic, perhaps she could do it again. Perhaps she had a way to check on her brother.
/*/
While her parents and papa were in the living room conversing with Professor Dumbledore, Zaria picked up the letter she had been writing earlier, sat down at her desk and picked up where she had left off.
Nothing. No spells or curses. Nothing. She continued to write this time directly asking Zach if he was alright.
Nothing.
A frustrated Zaria threw the quill down on the desk and began rubbing her eyes. As she rubbed, Zaria had an epiphany. Perhaps the lack of response about her brother was a response. If Zach was still in trouble she probably would have felt his trauma. Jumping up, she hurried back to the living room to address her thoughts to Professor Dumbledore.
"Excuse me for interrupting Professor Dumbledore..."
Daniel gestured for his daughter to come sit down. Not one to dispute her father Zaria sat down but continued speaking.
..."I don't mean to interrupt sir, but I want to thank you for taking care of Zach."
The adults glanced quickly at each other wondering about the change in Zaria's stance. She had gone from inconsolable to fairly bubbling.
Dumbledore who was as surprised as the rest inquired about the change in Zaria's thought process. "You aren't interrupting Zaria. Have you come to terms with Zach being hurt?"
Zaria vigorously shook her head. "Zach is my only brother. I'll never come to terms with him being hurt, but I have come to a conclusion."
Samantha was annoyed with her outspoken daughter who didn't know how to hold her tongue. "Zaria! This is an adult conversation. Sit there and be quiet."
Dumbledore raised his hands as in supplication asking that Zaria be allowed to speak. He may have been unaware of her bit of magic, but now that he was, he wanted to hear more.
"Your insight is most welcome Zaria. Please share your conclusion."
With a small nod in Dumbledore's direction, Zaria shared her thoughts. "At first, I was upset and angry because I didn't know what state Zach was in. n my room I decided to finish my letter thinking if I connected to him once, I could do it again. I realized within a few lines the magical connection was not happening. At that point, I was more frustrated than anything, but… But I had an epiphany…."
Dumbledore was listening closely. As Zaria had had an epiphany, so had he.
…..An epiphany that led me to believe if I couldn't re-establish the connection, there might not be a reason for a connection. I believe Zach is in capable hands on his way to getting well. I don't know this for sure, but it's what I now believe. I'll still be glad when the holidays come around so I can see him in person."
Dumbledore clapped his hands in delight. This brilliant, young witch had come to the same conclusion he had recently come to. Turning, he spoke to the adults.
"I believe Zaria is quite correct. Initially, I couldn't see what was right in front of my face. However, with Zaria's help it became clear. A connection could be established if Zach was in distress. Since he is no longer in distress, there isn't any need for a connection. Daniel, Samantha. You have an amazing daughter who will undoubtedly mature into a strong, powerful witch. With that said, I'll leave you to yourselves. I'll check on Zach's progress and report back as soon as I get back to Hogwarts. In fact, I'll have Zach send a message of his own. Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to seeing Zaria next year."
Zaria smiled as she grabbed onto Daniel's arm chuffed by the compliment.
Samantha, Daniel and Richard all stood to bid Dumbledore goodbye with Daniel reminding him they would be looking for his and Zach's letters.
"I'll see to it as soon as I get back. Thank you all for having me in your home. You have my promise nothing like this will ever happen again. Have a good evening. Goodnight Zaria."
Then he was gone.
/*/
Samantha grabbed Zaria up in a hug, but it was Richard who spoke up. "Albus Dumbledore called my great granddaughter brilliant. How great is that?"
Her parents and papa seemed stoked but Zaria had her own thoughts. "I agree. I am great, but certain things must be taken with a grain of salt. If he hadn't allowed Zach to get injured, I would have been pleased. Right now, Professor Dumbledore is just a wizard who doesn't keep his word. I'll be in my room, but please call me when Zach's letter comes, if it comes."
Stepping back from her daughter, Samantha gave a curt reply. "Professor Dumbledore has left yet you continue to be rude for no reason. Stay in your room until I call you for dinner."
Zaria apologized before leaving the room. She had been rude, but it was only because someone had hurt her brother and the answers they'd received from Dumbledore sounded like bullshite. Quickly looking around, she hoped no one could hear her thoughts. Then she called herself a nutter before admitting stranger things had happened.
/*/
Contrary to what he'd told Samantha, Daniel, Richard and Zaria, his first stop would not be the Hospital Wing where he knew Zach was being looked after. He had business in the Gryffindor Common Room.
Waving a hand at the Fat Lady who had called out a greeting, Dumbledore waved his wand at the door which opened without a password. He entered the room to face Bertie and Butters with wand drawn.
"Wands down. The person who attacked Zach would not be foolish enough to show up at the Gryffindor Common Room. I'd like to speak to Mr. Walsh and Mr. Wood."
Aiden and Trevor were sleeping. Neither wizard moved.
"Do not think to irritate an already irritated wizard with a wand. Get them out here now."
Bertie scrambled from the room returning six minutes later with Aiden and Trevor in tow.
/*/
Trevor and Aiden entered the common room fearful of what their Transfiguration Professor had to say. Bertie had only explained that Professor Dumbledore wanted to speak to them nothing more. The two young wizards were petrified that they were about to be told their friend and partner in crime had died.
What they heard surprised them.
"Good evening. I apologize for getting you out of bed, however, the information I'm about to impart is important. Almost as important as the rules you neglected to follow being the reason we have to have this conversation at all. Zach was attacked which you know. He was seriously wounded as you also know. The part you don't know, Zach is well on his way to recovery. I haven't checked in on him yet as I've just returned from the Glover's home, but the information I'm passing on to you is on good authority. In fact, once I've spoken to Madam Pomfrey, I will allow you a short visit with your mate. Since Mr. Jackson is absent, I'll assume he is sitting with Zach. I'll send him back with instructions."
Aiden and Trevor grinned at each other. Zach was okay. However, the grins were short lived as Dumbledore glared in their direction.
"You two may grin if you like, but tomorrow before first class I expect you both in my office to discuss what part of never travel the corridors alone you don't understand." Pointing his fingers at Bertie and Butters, Dumbledore ordered them and Jackson to accompany Aiden and Trevor to his office. "Nothing like this will ever happen again. Not many within the school grounds know what happened to Zach. We will be keeping it that way. Nothing that has gone on will be discussed outside of this common room. In fact, keep the discussions inside the dorm rooms. You may not hear another thing about this matter, but rest assured I intend to get to the bottom of it. I see dinners still sitting on the table." He said, pointing at each plate in turn. "Your dinner is warm and waiting. Sit down and eat. You'll have my instructions within the half hour."
As Dumbledore headed for the door, Bertie and Butters followed behind asking to have a word out in the hall.
Dumbledore looked at them over his glasses gesturing for them to follow him, which they did.
Stepping away from the Fat Lady, Dumbledore stood silently waiting for someone to proceed. Someone did. Bertie stepped up to explain everything Jackson had relayed to him and Butters about what he'd seen. The more Bertie shared, the deeper the furrows became on Dumbledore's forehead.
When Bertie finished speaking, Dumbledore let out a vicious growl. "None of what you've just shared is to be repeated. Advise Mr. Jackson. I'll see you both in the morning."
Butters glanced at Bertie. "Except for the smoke coming out the top of Dumbledore's head, that went well. Let's go back inside to wait for instructions."
/*/
Dumbledore was as angry as he'd ever been when he entered Zach's room. Jackson saw the fire in Dumbledore's eyes and immediately stood up and stepped back. Dumbledore ignored him going directly to Zach's bed where the First Year was pale, but wide awake.
"I'm sorry Professor Dumbledore. I didn't follow the rules. I walked the corridors by myself."
Although he was still frowning and glaring, Dumbledore spoke softly but firmly to Zach.
"Your apology means little Mr. Glover as ignoring the rules almost got you killed. If not for your sister and Mr. Wood and Mr. Walsh the outcome could have been much different."
Zach knew Aiden and Trevor would never let him down, but what did Zaria have to do with anything? "My sister? What does that mean? Isn't Zaria home with my parents?"
Dumbledore held up a hand. "I'll get into that in a minute. Right now, I want you to tell me everything you remember about the attack. Mr. Jackson, you are excused. Please go back to the common room where you, Mr. Butters and Mr. Robbins will accompany Mr. Wood and Mr. Walsh back here. I promised them a short visit with Zach." Turning back to face Zach, Dumbledore repeated his request. "Tell me what you remember about the attack. Any statements you make regarding the attack will not be repeated… to anyone. Your Gryffindor mates who are involved in this have the same orders. Proceed."
Although still a bit weak and nervous, Zach was also in flux. It hadn't sunk in just how close he'd come to dying. All he was worried about was disobeying Bertie. He had caused all this fuss by not following rules. Bertie and Jackson were going to have his arse.
"Sounds silly sir, but there's basically nothing to remember. One minute I was hurrying down the odd Gryffindor corridor the next I couldn't move, see or speak and being dragged across the floor."
"You have shown yourself to be a bright student, think. Did you hear anything, anything at all?"
Zach pushed himself up in bed. He had heard his attacker mumbling and grumbling. "I couldn't believe what was happening, but I did hear the person speak. He said, excuse the language professor. "Now what? Now fucking what? I'm not Tom. I don't want to kill anyone." Then he shouted Sectumpra or something like it. I didn't hear anything else because my body began to burn all over. I think I fainted. Do you think the Tom he meant is Tom Riddle?"
Ignoring Zach's question, Dumbledore began to pace. Zach now had knowledge which could only make things worse. What should be done? Not since the duel which had killed Ariana had he been this undecided. Then he snapped back.
"I have to ask you to bring forward the memory of your attacker speaking. Just that memory. I need to collect it."
"Yes sir." Zach replied, straining to bring the memory forward.
Dumbledore moved so fast Zach almost didn't realize the memory had been collected. Neither did he realize Dumbledore had whispered Obliviate Tom's name from the attack. He sat there waiting expectantly for the next move.
There wasn't a next move. In fact, the furrows had disappeared from Dumbledore's forehead as he turned to Zach with a smile.
"There will be a meeting in my office tomorrow before class. Mr. Robbins, Mr. Jackson, and Mr. Butters are aware. I have authorized a visit from your housemates. However, you have made a speedy recovery. I believe you are able to spend the night in your own bed. If any problems arise, have Mr. Robbins or Mr. Jackson get you back to the Hospital Wing with all due speed. They should be along shortly. Rest well Zach."
As Dumbledore got ready to leave the room, Aiden, Trevor, Bertie, Jackson and Butters appeared in the doorway. Dumbledore raised his hand in greeting but kept going. He had things to do. Things that might not turn out well for certain Slytherins.
/*/
Lord Voldemort was in a good mood. Although he hadn't heard any direct reference to the little mutt's accident, there had been quite a bit of running about. Even Dumbledore seemed harried. Zachary Glover was probably lying somewhere half dead or maybe completely dead by now and he had the nitwit Malfoy to thank. What was even better the dolt had been Obliviated and had no memory of the deed. For a brief second a flash of anger passed over Tom's face as he thought about the bloody letter bursting into flames. He hadn't managed to suss out what that had been about, but no harm, no foul. His main purpose had been accomplished.
Tom was so pleased with himself he spoke out loud words that would have been better kept to himself. "I wonder when the funeral will be?"
Avery was up like a shot. "Is there something you need Master? I didn't quite hear what you said."
Tom was caught. He hadn't meant to voice his thoughts. Rising from the huge chair where he had been holding court, Tom snapped at his second in command.
"I said nothing Avery. What are you playing at? Seems you are trying to take someone's place in the line instead of at my side."
Avery was embarrassed as well as nervous. He'd done a stupid thing questioning the Master. If or when he was needed, he'd be the first to know. "My apologies Master. I overstepped."
Tom was falling into one of his foul moods. His right hand wizard was standing there in front of the followers going toe to toe with him. He responded as only Lord Voldemort could, in a loud rage with spittle shooting out of his mouth.
"YOU ARE DOING YOUR LEVEL BEST TO ANNOY ME AVERY. JUST STOP TALKING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN."
Everyone sitting, lying or standing around the dungeon froze in fear hoping not to be next to experience the sharp edge of their Master's tongue because no one ever knew what would come next.
Avery stood there frozen along with the rest knowing being a favorite didn't matter when the Master got in a rage.
The room remained silent as their Master finally calmed down and growled out a name. "Nott."
"Yes Master."
"That's better. Nott knows his master. Address me only when I address you."
Avery felt his cheeks redden. It appeared he was now on Lord Voldemort's shite list.
"I'm hungry. Go to the kitchens to get me some dinner. I'd like some of the bangers and mashed with onion gravy. I'd also like some pumpkin juice. On your way there and back, I'd like you to listen for any curious discussions. I believe there was some kind of accident in the castle today. I'd like to know what it entailed. If you have to take a circuitous path, so be it. Just be back within a half hour. Get going."
Nott replied wondering what accident would interest Lord Voldemort, especially if it happened outside of the Slytherin Dungeons. "Okay Master."
Nott was halfway to the door when Tom called out. "Nott"
Turning to look at his leader, Nott waited.
"Keep your ears open. If you hear anything interesting, forget the food and get back here. Have I made myself clear?"
"Perfectly clear Master."
Nott left the dungeons more confused than ever.