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 11: Getting To The Bottom Of It
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.
/
/
A Riddle With Another Name 12: Repercussions
Nott hurriedly made his way to the kitchens looking left and right to see if he saw anything out of order. But there was nothing. Not that he expected there to be. Tom was simply in a foul mood and acting the arse. Nott glanced around quickly as though he thought someone might hear his thoughts.
"Of course no one can hear your thoughts you tosser. Just get on with what you're supposed to be doing."
"NOTT! What are you doing wandering around the corridors at this time of night?"
Nott turned to look at the Hufflepuff Prefect. What a simpleton he thought. Tom would eat his arse for afters.
"If it matters to you, I'm on an errand."
"Stand right there." Called out the Prefect.
Nott did not take orders from anyone other than Tom, but he had sense enough to know a Prefect could report him to Dippet so he stopped. Just because he stopped didn't mean he had to take any bullshite.
"What Bradley? What?"
"Watch your tone Nott. What errand are you on?"
Nott let out a huff. "My House Leader missed dinner. He asked me to stop by the kitchens to get a plate."
Hufflepuff House didn't care for Tom Riddle or his sneaky Slytherins any more than the Gryffindors or Ravenclaws. They all thought Tom thought too highly of himself, but Tom being a Prefect made Bradley temper his remarks.
"The rule is, no wandering about after dinner. Get to the kitchens then get back to your House. The next time your House Leader should eat dinner with everyone else. Get going."
"Nasty snot." Nott mumbled as he slithered away deciding whether or not he should mention Bradley's cheek to Tom.
"Nah. Mentioning his interaction to Tom would only bring up problems. Tom would probably want me to break his back."
Nott glanced around again. He needed to stop talking to himself.
/*/
Nott finally made it to the kitchens. Knock and then wait.
Knock, knock.
He waited but no one came to the door.
"Bloody, stupid elves."
"Knock, knock.
This time the door was pulled open by the biggest house elf Nott had ever seen. He stepped back from the door. No one had ever mentioned house elves the size of a fifth year.
"Who be knocking on the kitchen doors at this time of night? We getting our breakfast ingredients ready."
Tom wanted food so Nott had to stay on the good side of this brute elf. "I am Thaddeus Nott proud member of Slytherin House. I'm here to request a dinner plate for my House Leader Tom Riddle."
"Dinner be over," grumbled the elf as he made to close the door in Nott's face. "I'll be getting your House Leader a plate but dinner be over. Wait here."
Nott shifted from foot to foot as he waited. Finally, after five minutes of waiting another elf, a regular sized one, came to the door, handed Nott the plate and quickly closed the door saying dinner be over.
Nott took the plate and turned on his heels mumbling. "Fucking beasts. I get it. Dinner be over."
/*/
Hurrying back to the dungeons, Nott got more apprehensive the closer he came to the common room. He did get Tom some dinner but he hadn't spotted anything out of order. It was worrisome. Would his master go bat shite crazy because he hadn't seen whatever he was supposed to have seen? Would the dinner be acceptable? Nott didn't know. All he could do was mentally prepare himself for the worst.
The first wizard in his line of sight when he opened the common room door was Malfoy which quickly brought to mind the earlier strange occurrence. Malfoy had been in Tom's room. The question then became, why. Why was the wizard Tom disliked above all in Tom's room. Nott's stopped. Nodding at Avery, he stepped over to his master's door lifting his hand to knock. However, before he could do that, the door opened and he was looking into the demon eyes of his master.
Nott handed Tom the plate but got nothing in return but a fierce, direct stare. Nott was at a loss for words. What else was he supposed to say? Tom helped him with that. With a quick swish of Tom's wand, Nott found himself in the room behind a closed door.
Throwing the plate down on a table, Tom growled at Nott. "Why are you standing there like some dolt? I want to hear the report."
Nott was flustered. There wasn't anything to report. He hadn't seen anything out of order. He hadn't met anyone except that arse Bradley. What was he supposed to report? If he wanted to come out of this meeting without being cursed, Nott knew he'd better say something.
"I kept a keen look out Master. All was quiet. There's nothing to report. Was there something speci…?"
Nott didn't get to finish his sentence.
Even though Tom knew this might be the case, he just felt like messing with Nott.
"Was I looking for something specific? Why does that matter to you? It was a simple task Thad-de-us." He growled, intentionally calling Nott by his given name and stretching out the syllables. "Get out of my sight."
Nott left the room in two steps.
Tom Riddle paced back and forth thinking there should have been some word about Glover by now unless the little mutt was still lying somewhere dying or dead.
Removing his clothing, Riddle headed to his private loo to masturbate and clear his head. Friday was another day. Maybe by then he would hear something.
/*/
After leaving Bert, Jackson and Butters with Zach, Trevor and Aiden in the hospital wing, Dumbledore hurried to his office to write an update to Richard, Samantha, Daniel and Zaria. After which, he intended to visit the Gryffindor Common Room so Zach could write a short note to his parents and sister as well.
Dumbledore had to embellish and gloss over several things but what was written should be enough to satisfy the family. Well satisfy Richard, Samantha and Daniel, Zaria, not so much. The young witch was very sharp and might never accept the facts as he had written them. Zach would have to be the one to allay any fears his sister might have. Of course he wouldn't be able to share the whole truth but he would have to share enough to satisfy Zaria.
As he sat there looking over the letter, Dumbledore thought about the strange piece of magic that had transpired between Zaria and Zach. Although it was a strong piece of magic, it almost seemed like the accidental magic performed by a child. Dumbledore let a smile play across his face because Zaria was a child. Be that as it may, he intended to study it further.
Dumbledore sighed. After he got everything settled with Zach, he intended to get to the bottom of the attack. Jackson was sure he'd seen a blonde head leading him, Bert and Butters to believe it was Malfoy. Although the blonde headed Voldemort follower fit the description, Dumbledore wasn't as sure. He found Abraxas Malfoy to be a weak willed, foolish wizard who didn't have the sense he was born with. The only reason he'd gotten as far as he had was because of his family money and connections. Otherwise, Tom Riddle wouldn't have taken any notice of him.
Dumbledore rose from his chair letting out a loud sigh and addressed his favored companion Fawkes. "We have a mystery on our hands Fawkes. But it is one we will solve with the least possible fanfare. I have my thoughts on this friend and I might need your assistance."
Fawkes let out a soft screech as though agreeing with his caretaker.
Placing the letter carefully in his inside pocket, Dumbledore headed for the door. It was time to face the music.
/*/
Bert, Jackson and Butters had orders. Zach was allowed to leave the hospital wing and they were charged with getting him, Aiden and Trevor back to the common room. Bert picked up the set of clothes laying across the chair and handed them to Zach.
"We need to get you three back to the common room. Put these on."
Zach looked Bert in the eyes. "I messed up Bertie but it wasn't intentional. I was in such a hurry to Owl my dad I didn't give Trevor or Aiden a chance to come with me. I'm sorry."
Bertie wanted to shout at Zach. Instead, he spoke in a level voice. "Dumbledore has given orders that this matter not be discussed, but I will say this. Sorry doesn't work for me Zach. Jackson, Butters and I have stressed the importance of not walking the corridors alone, especially you Zach. Yet, the first chance you got you dismissed our orders. All three of you are intelligent lads whom I had put my trust in. I was wrong to think so highly of you. For the next bit of time or until the three of you remember to follow directions, I would rather you call me Bert or Mr. Robbins. I will still be one of your advisers and protectors but I only allow familiarity with those I can trust. Get changed so we can get back to the dorms."
Neither Jackson nor Butters said a word. Even though Bertie was taking a hard line, they were in total agreement. Bertie's three favorites would have to learn the hard way.
Trevor and Aiden did their best to keep from tearing up. They had just lost their best and favorite champion due to negligence on their part. Zach didn't bother to wipe away the two tears that rolled down his face. He had disobeyed Bertie…. Bert and almost got killed in the bargain. He wasn't a favorite any longer. He was just another First Year to the wizard he'd come to admire.
/*/
Dumbledore entered the common room about ten minutes after the group had returned and was surprised to find it empty. Although it was a bit late, he expected Bert, Jackson or Butters waiting for next steps.
"Mr. Robbins, Mr. Jackson or Mr. Butters to the common room now." Dumbledore called out loudly.
Bert, Jackson and Butters scrambled over one and other to get to the common room. Dumbledore was calling and he didn't sound pleased. Bert made it out first.
"I'm here professor."
Jackson followed by Butters appeared together. "We're here as well sir.
"Mr. Robbins. I'd like you to get Zach. I promised his sister he would send a message."
"Yes sir." Bertie said, striding from the room coming back in minutes with Zach in tow.
Zach began trembling. Was this where Dumbledore chucked him out of Hogwarts? "Hello professor. Bertie… Bert said you want to see me."
"Good evening Mr. Glover. Mr. Robbins is quite correct. There is something I need you to do which I will preface by offering a short backstory. Mr. Butters. Please check the other dorms to insure the students are in their rooms. Tell them they are to remain in their dorm rooms until advised otherwise which might come to nothing if they don't follow orders."
Butters immediately headed to the dorms assuring Dumbledore he would leave orders.
Butters was back.
"I'll begin. Earlier today I received an Owl from Richard Gibbons, Zach's grandfather inquiring about Zach. In the letter, Richard explained that Zach's sister Zaria had come under some magical attack and in the aftermath hysterically claimed Zach was hurt. Zaria wouldn't or couldn't calm down so Richard Owled me which is why I came to the Great Hall to find Zach."
Nodding at Bert, Jackson and Butters in turn, Dumbledore remarked they knew the rest of the story, but continued with his recitation.
"The amazing part of the story is that Zaria was writing a letter to Zach when she was attacked. Well, attacked might not be the right word. Perhaps the correct word would be connected. Somehow Zaria connected to Zach through the letter she was writing and experienced what Zach was experiencing. This bit of magic is so rare not even the great Albus Dumbledore had heard of it. I believe Zaria will be formidable when she is trained up a bit. I digress. As you can imagine, Zaria has lost trust in the wizard who is supposed to keep her brother safe. She would like a personal letter from Zach so she'll know he's safe."
Zach swallowed the lump in his throat. He wasn't being chucked out of Hogwarts and his sister was his savior.
"This is where you come in Zach. I'll need you to get some parchment, quills and ink to write your sister. Explain how you met with an accident but are now fully recovered. Do not lie, but do not go into graphic detail as you don't really know what transpired. For all you know, it could have been one of the Hogwarts Ghosts irate over some imagined slight."
Bert, Butters and Jackson gave each other a hasty glance. Dumbledore was playing loose with the truth. However, none of the three said anything because whatever their Transfiguration Professor did was always for the greater good.
Zach remained standing in place pondering what Dumbledore had just shared until Jackson gave a command.
"Get to it Zach. Professor Dumbledore gave you an order. Go get some parchment, a quill and some ink. You have a letter to write. Do it now."
Zach snapped to. "Okay Jackson."
Zach didn't fail to recognize that Bertie… Bert who usually gave the orders hadn't opened his mouth. Zach was crestfallen and hoped Bert hadn't given up on him for all time.
He was back in minutes.
/*/
Since he already knew the parameters, Zach had the letter to Zaria finished in ten minutes including the request to his dad about purchasing Quidditch gloves. Regarding the attack, the letter was vague but reassuring just like Dumbledore asked. There were a few points Dumbledore had Zach reword but all in all, Dumbledore found the letter acceptable. As soon as the ink dried on the letter, Dumbledore added it to his own slipping it into an envelope addressed to Daniel and Samantha Glover. The Transfiguration Professor then excused himself to send off an Owl.
/*/
Once Dumbledore left the common room, Bertie stood. "Jackson. Please make sure Zach gets back to his dorm room. Keep a sharp eye out as I wouldn't put it past him to try to slip out. Good night. Early meeting in Dumbledore's office."
Jackson and Butters sighed. Zach had not only embarrassed Bertie but obviously hurt him as well. It would be a long time before the First Year got back into Bertie's good graces.
Zach returned to his dorm room with head down to find Aiden and Trevor wide awake waiting to find out what went on. Zach only spoke a few words before changing into pajamas and climbing into bed.
"Bertie hates me."
Trying to be positive, Aiden and Trevor took turns trying to reassure Zach that Bertie didn't hate him, but all their reassurances fell on deaf ears.
"I should have waited so you two could walk with me. In the bargain, Zaria suffered because of me. I've mucked it all up."
"Come on mate, buck up. Bertie and Dumbledore will forgive you when you become a star Quidditch player for Gryffindor House." Trevor remarked.
"Yes," agreed Aiden. "No one can be mad at a star Quidditch player."
Turning on his side, Zach let out a loud sigh. "Bertie probably doesn't want me on the Quidditch team now."
Trevor added his two cents. "Come on mate. Don't talk like that. Even if Bertie stays angry, you always have us. I'm thinking that from now on you'll stick to the rules no matter how much of a hurry you are in."
Zach shifted his position in bed so he was facing his two mates. "Professor Dumbledore thinks I might have annoyed one of the Hogwarts ghosts and got attacked for it. I promise to abide by all the rules from here on out, but the truth is I've mucked it up so badly even the Hogwarts ghosts are fed up. I'm going to sleep now. We have to be in Dumbledore's office first thing. Goodnight."
"Night Zach."
Trevor spoke. "Good night mate. We'll get through this if we stick together."He added softly.
Zach didn't reply.
/*/
Jackson and Butters weren't far behind Bertie. When they entered the dorm room their mate was sitting on the side of his bed staring at nothing.
Jackson addressed Bertie. "You were a bit hard on Zach mate. He didn't intentionally try to get murdered."
"I wasn't as hard as I should have been. The little mutt nearly had his back broken the second day of term yet he couldn't comprehend why it's necessary to follow the rules. He may understand a bit more now that he's had a near death experience. I've had it with the lot of them."
Butters sat down beside Bertie. "You've been my mate for years so I'll say this to you. I don't think you're truly angry at a First Year who nearly got himself killed. I think that famous ego of yours has taken a beating."
"You don't know shite Butters." Bertie growled. "Those three little tossers had the rules just about beat into them."
"And it was you who did the beating." Jackson replied. "You became fond of Zach, Trevor and Aiden and they let you down. They disrespected you as well as the rules. I think what Butters said is true. Those three bruised your ego and left you looking silly to Dumbledore. Get over it mate. Those three and the others are our responsibility. Do as you like or be as angry as you like but I intend to continue monitoring their safety."
Bertie dropped his head into his hands and replied plaintively. "I'm not some ego maniac who goes mad over nothing. Zach was nearly killed. I can't get the sight of his skinny, little body lying there all bloody. I should have…."
"For fucks sake mate, just stop. Stop blaming yourself. We did what we could to ensure they would be safe. It was them who messed up." Butters replied. "You've never given up on anything as long as I've known you. Don't give up now. Jackson and I will step up for now, but we expect you to be over this snit by the weekend. Besides, I believe you hurt those three bad enough by telling them to call you Mr. Robbins. If the matter hadn't been as dire as it was, I would have laughed out loud. I don't think they'll ever put another foot wrong if go back to allowing them to call you Bertie because as fond of them as you've become, they've become just as fond of you."
"Yes, there's that," chuckled Jackson. "When you said call me Bert or Mr. Robbins, you could almost see the three of them deflate. Take the night and sleep on it Bertie. Tomorrow the three of us will have a chat with Zach, Trevor and Aiden, after which, you'll tell them if they manage to stay out of trouble the rest of this month you'll revisit them being able to call you Bertie."
Bertie smiled. "I have become fond of those three. It just about killed me to see Zach in distress. I may not be able to change the fact Zach was attacked but I will find out who was responsible. When I do, only Merlin will be able to stop me from what I mean to do."
"Or Dumbledore," added Butters.
"What?"
"You said only Merlin will be able to….."
Bertie cut across Jackson replying with a snide remark. "Alright smart arse, I get it. However, if the truth be told, I think Dumbledore would stand beside me. It's late. Let's get to bed. One more thing. I was talking out my arse. I'll never give up on my overly arrogant, overly intelligent First Years. Talk to you in the morning."
"We knew that. Night mate."
"Good night Bertie."
/*/
Five minutes later, all that could be heard were the sleep noises coming from three different beds.
/**/
It was very late Thursday night or very early Friday morning depending how one looked at it. Dumbledore was sitting at his desk finishing up a one way conversation with Fawkes.
"Well my trusty friend. That is that. I think the Glover family is satisfied. Some a bit more than others."
Daniel and Samantha had received the two letters which they had shared with Zaria. Dumbledore had received a reply from Daniel thanking him for the update noting they were thrilled Zach was okay. Daniel also asked him to pass on a message to Zach that he would be ordering a pair of Quidditch gloves.
Dumbledore had also received a separate reply from Samantha which simply said:
Once is enough professor. Take care of my brother.
Even though it was a serious matter, Dumbledore smiled at Zaria's cheek. The young witch doted on her brother. If anything else untoward happened to Zach, he imagined there wasn't anything that would keep Zaria from the Hogwarts gates.
With the family matters settled, Dumbledore turned his attention to the attack itself and all the memories he had collected. He might have given the impression he was collecting only those memories from a specific spot in time, when in reality, he had culled all Zach's memories from the moment he stepped foot into the odd corridor. He had pulled Jackson aside to collect certain memories from him as well. Dumbledore had all he needed.
Pulling out his large Pensieve and two separate bottles of memories, Dumbledore took a deep breath. He was ready to catch a coward in action.