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 14: The Proof Is In The Memories

Samantha and Richard were enjoying a second cup of tea when Zaria came back through carrying a letter from Quality Quidditch Supplies. "Daddy has a letter. I think it must be about Zach's Quidditch stuff. Shall I open it?"

"Zaria!"

"Just kidding mum." She said, laying the letter on the table. "Zach will be so happy. My brother is going to be a huge Quidditch star. I've fetched the mail, cleaned my room and packed my bag. I'm ready to go papa."

"Slow down Zaria. Papa and I were chatting. Why don't you go read for a bit? He'll call you when he is ready to go."

Zaria wanted to pull a pout but like before, she realized bad behavior wouldn't work in her favor.

Forty five minutes later, Papa Gibbons called out he was ready to leave. He shrunk down Zaria's bag and stood by as she hugged her mum. Pulling out a brass cylinder, Richard said goodbye to Samantha and told Zaria to grab on.

Two seconds later, Samantha was alone in her living room already missing her daughter.

/*/

Morning classes were over and done. Professor Slughorn was in his office after clearing up the Potions classroom. Some of the younger students could definitely use more home training he thought as he placed classwork folders away.

Horace was procrastinating. He had been summoned to Dippet's office but was reluctant to go. He honestly hoped he wouldn't have to take points or issue demerits to some poor son on this lovely Friday. However, as he proceeded down the hall and up the stairs to the Headmaster's Office, Horace knew he was probably asking too much.

/

/

A Riddle With Another Name 15: Three Wizards Two Perspectives

For as much as he had procrastinated, Horace knew he only had a set amount of time before Albus came looking for him. Working with Albus was a tough assignment when something went wrong in Slytherin House. It was like the Transfiguration professor couldn't see anything good about Slytherins.

Horace shrugged as he hurried up the stairs. No matter what Albus thought about Slytherins, he was always respectful to him. Besides, if he had to be at odds with someone, he'd rather it be anyone except Albus and that included Armando.

Huffing and a bit out of breath, Horace raised his hand to knock, but as usual, Albus was one step ahead calling out for him to enter. Horace stepped into the Headmaster's office wondering who really ran the school, Armando or Albus.

As he stepped further into the office, Horace saw a sullen Tom and a frightened looking Abraxas sitting off to the side. Tom looked at him with a bold stare while Abraxas kept his eyes down. Closing his eyes for a brief second as if hoping the two Slytherins would have disappeared when he opened them, Horace moved his head from side to side in resignation thinking Abraxas had done something and Tom was there to support him.

Horace would shortly learn he was way off base with his supposition because Albus was on his feet shouting as soon as the door closed behind him. For once though, Armando didn't allow Albus to run over him. Holding up a hand to silence the Transfiguration professor, Armando addressed the situation himself. Albus sputtered for several seconds, but respectfully adhered to Armando's wishes even as he glared at Tom and Abraxas.

"Come in and have a seat Horace. We have an extreme situation that needs sorting."

/*/

It was a perfect September morning so Zach, Trevor and Aiden planned to spend their free period in the courtyard horsing around. The original plan was to study, but being three animated First Years who could possibly make the Quidditch Team the studying had been put aside in favor of discussing Quidditch and other things.

Aiden was whispering about a few things that had gone on that morning in Dumbledore's office but quickly hushed when Trevor nudged him in the side.

"Ow Trevor. What the…"

Aiden didn't finish his sentence because he had looked around to see Eileen and another witch approaching them.

Trevor stood up.

"Hello Trevor. Hi Zach, Hi Aiden. I see you're enjoying this lovely weather."

Aiden glanced quickly at Zach with both thinking the interesting witch must find Trevor equally as interesting because she certainly knew how to track him down.

"Hi Eileen. You're right. The weather is great."

Eileen smiled shyly at Trevor as a line of pink ran across her nose. Turning to her friend, Eileen introduced her to everyone. "Mary, this is Trevor Wood, Aiden Walsh and Zachary Glover. They are in Gryffindor House. Guys, this is Mary Jenkins my housemate."

All three wizards nodded as they greeted Mary who seemed taken aback that she and Eileen were consorting with students from a House other than their own. Zach, Aiden and Trevor noticed Mary's hesitation and basically looked to Eileen for direction. Eileen assured her friend that the three First Years were friends.

"Hello Zach, Trevor, Aiden. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm so silly. I didn't think we were allowed to interact with other Houses. However, when you look at it, we're all students after all."

Zach smiled at Mary. "Right in one Mary, except for Slytherins. I definitely wouldn't try to make friends with any of them. They're miserable."

Trevor was next to add his two knuts worth. "Hello Mary. Nice to meet you. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw are the best Houses. We won't worry about Slytherin House right now. Are you going to be trying out for Quidditch as well?"

Eileen laughed as she nudged Mary. "Heck no. Mary is a brilliant witch with a leaning towards more grounded things like Arithmancy, Alchemy, Transfiguration, Charms, etc. I think you'll never catch her on a broom. Be that as it may, she and I have become fast friends."

Aiden stepped up and held out a hand. "Hello Mary. I saw you in Potions. Nice to meet you. Any friend of Eileen's… Well you know the rest."

Mary smiled at the three friends. "Eileen said you all were friendly. Thanks for welcoming me to the club. I'll be one of your staunchest supporters."

All three wizards turned their gaze on Eileen who had turned the brightest red they had ever seen.

"Club?"

"What's this?"

"What club?"

Eileen hesitated but explained in full. "Well, I think it's a good idea if we call ourselves a club. We're friends. We have similar interests and, except for Mary who can be the cheerleader, we plan to dominate the Quidditch Pitch. We can call our club The Dominators. We'll look out for each other. We'll…."

"The Dominators?" Parroted Aiden with a laugh. "That sounds more like some sketchy.."

Taking a quick glance at Zach, Trevor smoothly cut off Aiden. "The Dominators? I like the sound of it. We do plan to dominate Quidditch and our studies as well. Besides, we don't have to shout about it. We can keep it among us five."

Seeing one of his best mates agreeing with something he thought stupid, Aiden stayed silent waiting to hear the outcome. He wasn't going to be the spoil sport. If Zach and Trevor wanted to form some bloody club with a name like The Dominators, he wouldn't be odd bloke out. He'd just go along.

After a bit more discussion, it was agreed they would move forward as a group called The Dominators. Aiden looked up to find four pairs of eyes staring at him until Eileen spoke.

"You've gone silent Aiden. What do you think?"

At that moment, Aiden was annoyed with Eileen. Who was she to step into his, Zach's and Trevor's friendship? If there was to be a club, it should be among the three Gryffindor dorm mates. Glancing quickly at Zach then Trevor, Aiden remained a bit annoyed that Eileen had put him on the spot, but replied with a smile and a shrug.

"If my mates want to form a club, I'm in. I just want to make it clear. I will not be shouting about it. Can you imagine how fast the Slytherins would beat the crap out of us just to prove they can dominate The Dominators?"

Zach shifted from one foot to the other. Aiden had a point. He hadn't done anything and one of the bloody lot had tried to kill him. On the other hand, he hadn't changed his mind. He wouldn't be backing down from his foul brother and his foul friends. He'd just be careful not to get himself killed. With a smile and a clap on the back, Zach assured Aiden of something he wasn't sure of himself.

"We'll be fine. Those Slytherins are too busy being arseholes to notice three Gryffindors and two Ravenclaws have formed a club, especially if they don't know about it. If we all agree, from today, we five are officially The Dominators."

Eileen, Trevor, Aiden and Zach all nodded in agreement while Mary stood there rubbing her hands up and down her arms trying to rid herself of the creepy feeling that had come over her. She didn't mind being friends with the Gryffindors, but she didn't want to get caught up in nonsense. Her father would give her a paddling. However, she had been a frightened, lonely First Year without friends until Eileen befriended her. The least she could do was be loyal. With only the slightest hesitation, she stepped into the loosely formed circle to pledge her allegiance.

"Alright you lot, I'm in. However, I'd prefer it if you didn't call me Dominator Mary. My mum and dad wouldn't understand."

Laughing loudly, the other four promised they would only call her Mary in company. Otherwise, she'd be Dominator Mary to them.

"It's all settled then," offered Aiden. "We are The Dominators. I'm starving. Let's go eat."

All five were laughing or chuckling as they made their way out of the courtyard and headed to the Great Hall for lunch.

/*/

Butters nudged Jackson and nodded in the direction of the Great Hall doors as he watched Zach, Aiden, Trevor, Eileen and another witch enter the hall and head to their House tables. "Hey Bertie. The miscreants have entered the dining hall and they aren't alone. Should we give them a pat down to be sure they aren't armed?"

Bertie smiled before shoving half a ham sandwich into his mouth. "Knock it off you two. No one has been killed and the miscreants haven't burned down the school today. We'll just go with that."

Placing a hand on Bertie's shoulder, Jackson brought it all into perspective. "Yes Butters, knock it off. Bertie doesn't give two shites what happens to the big three and their now plus two."

Butters laughed out loud. "Our boys are gathering a following. I'm guessing Bertie will be giving the Third Year sex talk fairly soon."

Waving his full glass of juice in the air, Bertie laughed along with his mates. "They won't be getting any Third Year sex talk from me. I deputize you Jackson. You're in charge of giving talks. One point I'd like to make though. You might want to wait until they realize their dicks are for more than pissing."

"Hahaha. Right in one." Butters replied with a chuckle. "Oh, oh! Look sharp everyone. The miscreants are headed this way probably to give absolution to their king."

"Shut it Butters. I don't want them to think I'm over being pissed off at them. Let them suffer a bit more."

Both Jackson and Butters who knew it was killing Bertie not to interact with Zach, Aiden and Trevor simply nodded as the three First Years walked by.

/*/

Zach was excited as he slipped onto the bench. "Did you see that?"

"See what?" Asked Trevor reaching for a sandwich even before putting his books down.

Zach elaborated as he too reached for a sandwich. "Bertie….Bert nodded at us. I think he's over being angry."

Trevor shrugged. "One can only hope Zach. One can only hope. Just to be safe. Let's not get all happy until Bert actually addresses us directly. That way we'll know for sure." Lowering his voice, Trevor added. "Maybe you should write Bert a letter of apology promising not to do stupid shite anymore."

Aiden chuckled but pulled on a blank face when Zach scowled in his direction. Zach didn't get the chance to reply because a large, brown owl flew in hovering over Zach for a few seconds before dropping a good sized packet in front of him. Zach didn't even look surprised knowing it was probably Quidditch gloves and accessories his father had promised to send. The packet hadn't landed all the way before Aiden was urging Zach to open it.

"Calm down Aiden. It's probably my Quidditch stuff."

"I know that Zach, but your father might have sent some sweets for me and Trevor."

Zach laughed as he unwrapped the package. "You're barking Aiden. My father doesn't even know you."

Aiden continued being a clown. "That's all well and good mate, but not knowing me and Trevor shouldn't stop your father from sending us sweets."

Giving Aiden a knock about the arm, Trevor also told him to pipe down and stop with the rubbish. Aiden rolled his eyes but closed his mouth and sat there waiting to see if Mr. Glover had sent any sweets.

/*/

Albus shouting and scowling. Extreme situation? Horace Slughorn began perspiring as he took a seat next to Albus in front of Armando's desk while silently entreating Merlin to make the extreme situation that had Albus all out of sorts something he could easily rectify. Without looking at either Tom or Abraxas, he inquired as to why he was there.

"I understand the words extreme situation. but what could be so extreme it couldn't be handled and rectified by either our Transfiguration professor or most certainly our Headmaster?"

Dumbledore rose from his chair so quickly he startled Horace who was already working on his last nerves. However, Headmaster Dippet stopped Dumbledore in his tracks.

"SIT DOWN ALBUS. You have given evidence which I have in front of me. If you can't control yourself, I'll have to ask you to step away."

Glancing over at Horace, Dumbledore mumbled an apology. "Sorry Horace, but this whole situation has me quite upset."

While Dumbledore was apologizing to Horace, Tom Riddle was smirking inside. Headmaster Dippet had shouted at the insufferable Albus Dumbledore putting him properly in his place. Hahaha, sorry Horace. That won't be the last sorry coming out of your mouth you idiot. I will see to that menace if it's the last thing I do.

Professor Slughorn was becoming increasingly apprehensive. Albus Dumbledore becoming unhinged and offering an apology. What in Merlin's good name is this all about? "Although I realize the issue must be one of great importance Albus, I don't see any need for you to apologize. Give me details so we can move forward."

Headmaster Dippet stood then came around his desk to stand in front of Dumbledore and Slughorn. "We have uncovered a conspiracy to injure one of our First Years."

Horace jumped up and turned to look at Tom and Abraxas. "A conspiracy? I hope you aren't telling me it has something to do with Mr. Riddle or Mr. Malfoy who are exceptional members of Slytherin House."

Tom Riddle smirked to himself yet again. His Head of House would always defend his own. The internal smirk disappeared quite quickly as the Headmaster elaborated.

"Unfortunately Horace, that's exactly what I'm telling you. Mr. Riddle and Mr. Malfoy appear to have conspired to injure or greatly harm Zachary Glover of Gryffindor House."

"Preposterous!" Horace shouted before taking a deep breath. "Tom and Abraxas are fine Hogwarts students who wouldn't…."

Tired of the rhetoric and bullshite, Dumbledore interjected in a level voice. "I have no doubt you could stand here for an eternity singing the praises of Mr. Riddle and Mr. Malfoy, however, the evidence speaks for itself. Please show Professor Slughorn our evidence."

With Professor Slughorn in the room, Tom felt protected. So protected he rose from the chair, glanced directly at old Sluggy then asked to be heard, but Dumbledore shot him down.

"Sit down Mr. Riddle. This isn't some competition on who can best stretch the truth. We don't have any use for your wiles today. There will be plenty to explain after Professor Slughorn views the evidence."

"But.."

Dumbledore stood to face Tom growling a reply. "But nothing Mr. Riddle. This is not the Slytherin dorms and you are not in charge. Now sit down."

Tom sat back down grumbling and rolling his eyes at Dumbledore.

Beside himself with anger, Horace also beckoned for Tom to sit before asking to see the evidence. Somewhere inside himself, Horace knew Tom was capable of dastardly things, but injury and murder, no way. He felt no matter what the Headmaster and Albus were implying, his students would be vindicated. There had to be some mistake.

Headmaster Dippet who was tired of the entire situation and the repercussions it could bring from the Malfoys told Albus to present the memories.

Even though he had been told to sit down, he hadn't been told to remain silent. Tom Riddle spoke out. "Please professor Slughorn. They have it all wrong. If something was done to Zachary Glover, it didn't have anything to do with me. I've done nothing."

This time it was Horace who stepped out of character addressing Tom with a growl. "You've been asked to sit there and be quiet Tom. I suggest you do just that. I'm sure Headmaster Dippet and Professor Dumbledore haven't called me here on a lark. If there has been a mistake, we will get it rectified. Please show me what you have to show me Albus. This entire meeting is getting me out of sorts."

"Out of sorts Horace? Imagine what it must have been like for young Mr. Glover. Step over to the desk please."

Horace stepped forward knowing Dumbledore didn't make specious accusations. No matter what top lad Tom Riddle spouted there had to be some basis of fact.

/*/

Horace Slughorn nearly lost his breath as he viewed the three sets of memories then asked to view them a second time. Like Dippet, he had almost missed the blonde head which appeared when the cloaking spell failed for that brief second. As damning as the memories were, Horace wanted to be sure he understood the whole of it. Actually, he understood the whole of it. He was simply preparing himself for what would come next.

Glancing from Armando to Albus, a defeated looking Horace held out both hands as if in supplication. They had all seen the memories and knew what was what. It was time for him to admit that Tom, Abraxas and maybe others had done the unthinkable. They had actually tried to kill a First Year. As much as he didn't want to bump heads with any of his Slytherins, he was first a Hogwarts professor charged with keeping all students safe. Their actions had left him no recourse other than to come down on the side of right. However, he was still Head of Slytherin House and would protect and support his boys. That was the way it was done.

/*/

Albus sat rigidly watching Horace view the memories waiting for the outrage. However, there wasn't any outrage. Instead, there was a look of sadness on Horace's face as he turned to stare at Tom and Abraxas as if waiting for either student to give an explanation which would clear up the entire foul matter.

A still seething Albus felt he had been silent long enough. Horace had been given his chance to see the evidence. He had been given the courtesy yet he was standing there as though harming and or injuring a student was everyday fare. As far as Albus was concerned, it was time for Horace to sit his arse down somewhere while he addressed the culprits.

"Nothing to say Horace? You've seen what transpired yet you have nothing to say. No matter. We intend to get to the bottom of it all. The Headmaster has asked that I question both Tom and Abraxas in depth, which I am glad to do, because things of this nature cannot be allowed to happen at Hogwarts. Parents send their children here expecting them to get an education not to be targeted by ill-intentioned students who think they have the blessings of their Head of House to do whatever they wish without consequence."

Horace immediately countered Dumbledore's severe comments.

"Sometimes you go too far Albus. And when has it become acceptable to make accusations against a member of Hogwarts staff in front of students? I resent your remarks and will address it with the headmaster at a future time."

"Get on with what you mean to do Albus. Enough posturing and blaming. This is not the time or place." Armando added.

Albus Dumbledore realized he was letting anger override good sense. Never ever was it acceptable to publicly disparage a Hogwarts professor, especially in front of students. There would definitely be a conversation among him, Horace and the Headmaster after the Zach matter was over. Nodding in their direction as if admitting fault, Albus then turned his attention to Tom Riddle and Abraxas Malfoy offering a brusque remark.

"We have seen the evidence. If either of you have something to say in your favor, say it now."

Riddle stood and turned his body so he was facing Professor Slughorn instead of Professor Dumbledore. Tom was directing his plea to the wizard who held him in high favor.

"I know you must be disappointed to see me here under such circumstances Professor Slughorn. I apologize for getting myself into this position. Although the evidence suggests I am complicit in a heinous act, I insist I am not. I believe Abraxas Malfoy decided to get even with Zachary Glover for some slight or insult."

Abraxas Malfoy who had been sitting scared silent since this whole debacle began let Malfoy's words sink in. His prince, his master, his wizard in charge was blaming him for everything that had happened to Zachary Glover even though it was clearly shown he had attacked Glover on Tom's orders. Malfoy was between a rock and hard place. If he disputed Tom, he was as good as dead to Tom. Actually, if he disputed Tom, he would be as good as dead to all Slytherins. If he didn't dispute Tom, it would all fall on him. It would be him and him alone chucked out of Hogwarts. Expelled! When it came time for him to speak, he would ask to speak with his father before giving a statement. Tom Riddle might have power in the Slytherin dorms, but he didn't have any family to support him.

Dumbledore spoke directly to Tom. "We've seen the memories Tom. For whatever reason, it was you who sent Mr. Malfoy to injure Mr. Glover. Perhaps it was also you who was slighted and wanted revenge on a First Year? So strange the things that keep happening to Mr. Glover at the hands of Slytherin students."

Tom didn't turn in Dumbledore's direction. He continued speaking while facing Horace. "I did no such thing sir. I am a Prefect and top boy in my dorms. What could a lowly First Year Gryffindor do to me? I understand Abraxas mentioned a Tom, but did he mention Tom Riddle? I think not. I believe I am being unfairly targeted."

Dumbledore realized the glib Tom who was in his glory on his soapbox playing to the audience might just get away with it all. He told Tom to sit down.

Malfoy's turn. Pointing in Malfoy's direction, Dumbledore barked out a short order.

"Stand and explain your part in this despicable deed Mr. Malfoy."

Abraxas stood. However as soon as he did, Tom turned in the chair to stare him straight in the face. No matter. Abraxas, who was damned either way had already made up his mind. His only recourse was to get his father involved so he made his wishes known.

Gathering a bit of courage, Abraxas stared back at Tom. "Headmaster, Professor Slughorn, Professor Dumbledore. Before I speak about innocence or guilt, I am requesting to speak to my father."

The surprise was clear on all faces. Everyone knew or knew of Septimus Malfoy and no one wanted to get on his bad side including Tom who hoped the Malfoys would one day support whatever endeavors he chose.

Shite thought Tom. He'll put his weight behind his son.

Shite thought Headmaster Dippet. Septimus is less than pleasant on his best day.

Shite thought Professor Slughorn. The Malfoy name carries a great deal of weight.

All Dumbledore did was turn to Dippet. "If it is agreeable to you, I will get an Owl out to Septimus straightaway. Until we hear back, Mr. Riddle and Mr. Malfoy will remain here under restraint. If Septimus cannot or will not come to Hogwarts in a timely manner, I suggest we move ahead with the evidence in front of us."

At this point, Horace who was usually nibbling on candied pineapple during this time on Friday just wanted it all to be done and over with. He was aggravated and hungry and let his feelings be known in a rather cranky tone.

"Hold on for a bit Albus." Turning, Horace addressed the Headmaster. "This is Hogwarts business Headmaster. Parents have no business making decisions for us. If Albus was in a calmer frame of mind, he'd be first to agree with me. We are throwing around the word justice and consequences. Septimus Malfoy should not be invited into the school. Why is Abraxas being allowed to have someone come support him? Tom doesn't have anyone to stand for him. Let's keep the playing field level."

Dumbledore glared at the Potions professor but held his thoughts until Horace finished saying his piece.

Horace was not finished. "I agree all Hogwarts students deserve to attend school without fear of being attacked, so please don't take what I'm about to say the wrong way. The Glover child has been healed up and from what I understand, is as good as new. Why are we belaboring a foolish act by a foolish student?"

Dumbledore corrected Horace in a tone that could have scorched the earth. "Belaboring a foolish act by a foolish student? And which student do you feel is guilty Horace? You rant about Mr. Malfoy having someone stand with him yet it seems you have come to the defense of your most favored student. Both students were more than foolish. They tried to hex a student dead. The full wrath of Hogwarts should come down on both their heads."

Horace snapped back immediately. "Really Albus, both students? As far as I can see, only one student attacked Mr. Glover. We should deal with them by severity of their behavior. Forget Owling Septimus Malfoy. Have Abraxas explain himself just as Tom has. We are intelligent wizards who can get this sorted among ourselves."

Much to Dumbledore's chagrin, Headmaster Dippet was nodding along with what Horace was saying. "Yes, yes Horace. Exactly my thoughts. We will deal with this by severity of behavior." Turning to face Abraxas, Headmaster Dippet gave his order. "Stand up Mr. Malfoy and explain your part in this nonsense."

Dumbledore tried to interject, but Dippet cast a severe eye roll in his direction along with a few withering comments. "You've turned this into a circus Dumbledore. Let this boy speak and admit his guilt so we can move on."

Dumbledore couldn't believe what he was hearing. Dippet and Slughorn were laying all the blame on Malfoy. He began to protest but the Headmaster growled at him.

"Enough Albus enough. I want this finished."

/*/

Dumbledore could see the arrogant smirk which had suddenly appeared on Riddle's face. The bloody lout looked energized. His best champion had gone to bat for him and it looked like Riddle would be getting away with attempted murder by hexing.

Tom glanced over at Dumbledore as Dumbledore was glancing at him. The case wasn't closed yet, but it might as well be. Old Sluggy had done a magnificent job of turning the guilt away from him. Tom was just itching for this entire shite show to be over so he could send a very large packet of sugared pineapple to his most fervent supporter.

As he sat there listening to Malfoy verbally fall on his sword, Tom suddenly felt as though something was crawling around in his head. As he gave his head a twist back and forth, Tom noticed Dumbledore had his right hand pointed directly at him.

Dumbledore nodded in Riddle's direction offering a few softly spoken words. "Feeling vindicated Tom? Keep thinking you're ahead in the game. The finish may not be what you think."

Never one to pass up a chance to be arrogant and sarcastic, Tom replied to Dumbledore. "But, only one of us is guilty sir. Professor Slughorn said so."

Dumbledore gave Tom a wide smile before turning back to listen to Malfoy speak. "We'll see Tom. We'll see."