Previously on A Riddle With Another Name 18: Bertie Is Back
Two hours later, the six Gryffindors were on their way back with sore hands. As they walked up the stairs, Bertie made a few remarks.
"Expelled is a big word. I hope you heathens listened to what Professor Dumbledore had to say. I know your hands are sore. When we get back to the common room, come to my dorm room. I'll set you right."
Even though their hands felt like they were falling off, the three First Years grinned at each other. Bertie was addressing them directly. Their punishment was over. All three replied in concert.
"Okay Bertie."
Jackson and Butters who were bringing up the rear had to strain to keep from laughing. Bertie and his boys were back on good terms.
/*/
As they entered the common room, Butters and Jackson drew their wands and immediately healed their hands before hurrying to the bathroom for a quick wash and pee. The only thing on their minds was their dates and a walk around the Black Lake.
Bertie could finish chastising Zach, Trevor and Aiden all by himself.
/
/
A Riddle With Another Name 19: Plans Scuttled And Not
Instead of chastising his band of followers, Bertie healed their hands while holding a perfectly acceptable discourse.
"Hold your hands up. Don't try my patience Zach. Hold them up palms up. Yes, like that. Episkey, Episkey, Episkey. Your hands should be as good as new. There are probably better spells to use for a simple hand healing spell, but I'm just a lad who only knows one healing spell at this time. I'll know much more by Seventh Year."
Zach, Trevor and Aiden glanced quickly at each other. Bertie was rambling. All three were smart enough not to say a word. There was something their mentor needed to get out but seemed to be taking the long way around.
Finally, Bertie got to it. "I want to tell you it was hard on me to be so hard on you three. However, you deserved it. I have faith in you three and you are highly favored. It aggravated my arse to see you treat Hogwarts rules so lightly. Now that you understand what happened and what could happen again if you're not careful, we will proceed as though this little episode never happened. You all may call me Bertie."
The three gave very high spirited responses with Aiden happiest of all. Before all this, he hadn't gotten to that level. He hadn't ever been invited to call Bert Bertie.
"Thank you Bertie." Zach replied.
"Yes, thank you Bertie." Added Trevor.
"This is my very best day." Aiden exclaimed, looking at Bertie.
Zach and Trevor both gave Aiden a cuff on the arm. They were back being Bertie's boys.
Bertie wasn't finished. "Calm down. I have one more thing to say, but before that, I want to remind you to treat Butters and Jackson exactly as you treat me, respectfully. If you don't, they'll tie your arses in knots and I won't be saving you. Got it?"
"Yes, yes and yes."
"You three have another detention with Professor Dumbledore tomorrow from 10-12. You will not be alone. Malfoy and Riddle have been given detention as well. Jackson, Butters or myself will not be there. Do not engage those mutts. If they sit on the right side of the room, you three sit on the left side and vice versa. Do not accept anything from them and I mean anything. Not a quill, ink, parchment or a sweet. They are not to be trusted. Dumbledore will be there so we needn't really worry about any overt shenanigans, but we know the Slytherins can be cunning. If something appears wrong, it probably is. A quiet word in the professor's ear will do wonders. Other than that, do your punishment then wait for Professor Dumbledore to release you for lunch. Jackson and Butters will be waiting in the corridor to escort you to lunch. I have business tomorrow. Are we all clear?"
Zach spoke for all. "We are clear Bertie."
"Alright. It's Friday evening. Since your mates wouldn't want to sit in the Gryffindor Common Room, why don't you spend some time in the safety of the courtyard or the library. The way Eileen and ... Mary is it, follow you around you must have plenty to talk about. I've tucked away some crackers. You may have them as a snack after you return to the common room. Now go do something productive and stay away from the Slytherins."
/*/
Zach, Trevor and Aiden put their heads together. It was decided they would go out to the courtyard for a bit then to the library to look over some Quidditch Manuals. They had been graced with an extra week so they wanted to make the most of the time. They wanted to impress not only Madam Hooch, but their mentor as well.
Bertie had watched the door close behind his three favorites. It was nice to have them back where he wanted them, safe.
Because he didn't have a witch to walk around the Black Lake, Bertie busied himself with other things. After a quick shower and a short chat with the Fat Lady, he decided to have a walk. The walk could possibly lead him to the Slytherin Dungeons, possibly.
/*/
The Slytherin Dorm was empty of all older students who had made or were making their way to the far side of the Black Lake. Tom had called a meeting. When they arrived, Tom was there waiting in his normal surly mood.
"It's about bloody time. I thought I'd have to track you down. Form a line. I have something to say."
As expected, they all fell in line waiting to hear what was up their master's nose this time.
Tom jumped right in. "For the next bit of time, Avery and Nott will be in charge of basics. That is not to say I've given all authorizations over to them. I'll always be your Master and leader, but, for now, you'll take direction from them. You all may be wondering why I've taken this track. Well wonder on. All I'll say is that Malfoy has been a busy wizard. Come over her Malfoy to get your accolades."
Avery, Nott, Black, Mulciber, Lestrange, Dolohov and Rosier all turned as one to look at Abraxas. This wasn't making any sense. Fuck up Malfoy was going to receive accolades. Then Tom resumed speaking.
Grasping Malfoy by the shoulder so hard he winced, Tom explained some of it. "While my business is not your business, I'll tell you why I've had to step back. It's all down to Mr. Malfoy here who saw fit to fuck up yet another thing. Yes, Abraxas has done it again. So, for those who are wondering why we are out here at the farthest end of the lake, you now know Malfoy is why."
Abraxas Malfoy was scared shiteless wondering what was in store for him. The way Tom was talking it sounded as though he was in for big trouble. Trouble he could not get around.
"So my minions. I want to know what you would do if you were in my place. Just how would you punish Abraxas Malfoy? Speak up. I want to hear your answers."
Suddenly every wizard in line jumped back two steps as Tom whipped his wand over their heads and pointed it towards some trees and bushes. Holding the wand steady, Tom moved it back and forth as though looking for a target. After a minute or so, he shrugged, lowered his wand then waited.
Knowing how much worse this meeting could get if no one spoke up, Avery stepped forward. Malfoy gave him a pitiful look as though asking him to be charitable, but Avery didn't give one shite. Abraxas Malfoy was a problem and would always be a problem.
"I suggest we throw him into Black Lake Master. Hand him over to the Merpeople who can let their Lobalugs do their worst."
Tom hadn't hesitated. Pointing his wand at Malfoy, he agreed "Excellent suggestion Avery. In you go Abraxas."
Malfoy flew through the air screaming. The Merpeople and their pet Lobalugs would tear him apart.
The rest of the group glanced at each other before fixing their gaze on the Black Lake. Their Master was way past out of control. He had actually sent a Slytherin to his death in front of witnesses.
Tom Riddle couldn't care less what his minions thought. He was well rid of dumbarse Malfoy.
As Riddle basked in his glory and his group of minions shuffled from foot to foot, an absolutely furious Merperson appeared in the water practically foaming at the mouth shouting in Mermish as he threw Malfoy back onto the ground. It was understood he or she, they couldn't tell, didn't want some foul wizard encroaching on their watery home. Everyone except Riddle, who found the situation extremely funny, froze in place.
"Even the bloody Merpeople don't want the imbecile."
Malfoy rose from the ground with head down. "Please Master forgive my mistake. I promise it won't happen again. Please do not throw me back into the lake. They tried to eat me."
Suddenly, Tom's laughter was gone. "Shut your mouth you imbecile. You, you bloody piece of shite. You aren't even educated enough to know Merpeople do not eat wizards. Get out of my sight and stay out until I tell you differently. The rest of you are excused. Go do whatever it is you do on Friday evenings. Avery, Nott, a word."
Now what thought both wizards.
"As I mentioned earlier, you two will see to the basics. I expect daily reports, especially about Malfoy. Do not let me down."
"Of course Master. We will not let you down." Replied Avery.
A fierce frown appeared on Tom's face. "Of course you won't let me down because if you do, I'll take measures the likes of which you've never seen. Now get away from me."
Backing away and practically bowing, Avery and Nott hurried back to the dorms.
/*/
Tom stood looking out at the Black Lake mumbling to himself. "You bloody, foul creatures couldn't even manage to do away with an arsehole. One day I just might rid the lake of all of you." Taking a deep breath, the Master, descendant and Heir of Slytherin decided he would visit the Chamber of Secrets to visit his most favored pet to take his mind off things.
/*/
Avery and Nott got back to their common room to find their group milling about.
"What the hell is this? Didn't our Master tell you to get about your business? If you don't want to feel the sting of mine or Nott's wand across your arses you'll do as you were told. Now." Avery shouted.
Second years and up scattered while the First Year Slytherins trembled over the shouting but remained talking and interacting among themselves. The Master never allowed them to wander about anywhere.
/*/
As fate would have it, Butters and Jackson's walk collided at the same place. The two wizards smiled at each other, but the witches weren't amused seeing their evening of groping and/or more evaporating before their eyes.
"Funny meeting you here mate." Butters remarked, grinning at Jackson.
The witch with Jackson turned to him with an angry retort. "I think this is a put up job. If you think I'll stand still for your nastiness, you have another think coming. I'm going back to the dorms. When you want a walk with me alone, come find me."
Cecily followed behind the first witch calling over her shoulder. "That goes for me as well. I'm not into extra partners. I thought better of you Butters."
Butters called after Cecily but she didn't look back.
The two mates looked at each other.
"You ruined my night Jackson. I expected at least a few feels."
Jackson shrugged. "How did I know you'd be at the shagging spot instead of the walking spot?"
Both wizards were in the midst of a laugh when Jackson shushed Butters.
"What mate?"
"Shush. Did you hear that?" Jackson replied.
"I didn't hear anything….. Wait a minute. Do I hear the dulcet tones of that bloody bastard Riddle?"
"Yes you do and it sounds like he's unhinged. Let's move closer."
"Let's not." Butters replied, pulling Jackson back in the direction of the school. "It won't set well with the Headmaster or Bertie if we're found skulking about the Black Lake like some bloody tossers."
"Alright mate. You go back to the dorm. I want to see what Riddle has going on."
"Fuck you Jackson. If you're not leaving, I'm not leaving. Let's see what this is all about."
Jackson and Butters settled behind some bushes to watch and listen to an irate Tom Riddle spit and growl. Jackson and Butters who were enjoying the show collectively let out loud gasps of air when Riddle used his wand to throw Malfoy into the Black Lake without a thought.
"Bloody hell. That mutt actually threw Malfoy into the lake," whispered Jackson.
Butters had a different take. "Personally, I'd like it better if Riddle dumped them all in the lake and jumped in after. I couldn't understand a bloody word that Merman was saying, but he damned sure was irate. Hahaha. Riddle almost met his match."
Jackson laughed softly as well. "Bertie will never believe this."
"No he won't. Let's go find him. He'll never believe a word of it."
Both wizards carefully and almost silently left their places in the bushes and hurried back to their common room to share with their mate.
/*/
Zach, Aiden and Trevor had had their fill of fresh air and were now on their way to the library to look over Quidditch books. However, halfway there they ran into Bertie who was going to the Quidditch offices.
"Stop right there. Just why are you three meandering through the corridors as though you don't have a destination?"
They were back in Bertie's good graces so none felt awkward responding to Bertie's question. None of the three felt awkward but it was Zach who answered.
"Hi Bertie. We do have a destination. We aren't meandering. We had enough fresh air so we're going to the library to study up on Quidditch."
Bertie didn't let it show, but he was proud of these three. "Study up on Quidditch is it? I am on my way to the Quidditch offices to look over some information. Why don't you lads come with me? You can review some real life Quidditch information relating to famous Seekers, Keepers, Beaters and Chasers. Madame Hooch is off for the weekend so we'll have the offices to ourselves. How about it?"
Zach was excited. They were going to learn about real life Hogwarts Quidditch players. He replied for all three. "We'd like that Bertie. We can study the moves that made them famous."
Bertie chuckled as he gestured for Zach, Aiden and Trevor to follow him. "Learn about moves is it? First you'll have to learn how to stay on a broom."
Trevor replied softly so only Zach and Aiden could hear. "We already know how to stay on a broom."
Aiden nudged Trevor. "Shut up Trevor unless you want to get on the wrong side of Bertie once again."
"Yes Trevor shut up." Added Zach.
"Snap to. It will be midnight before we get there." Bertie called over his shoulder.
None of the three had any additional remarks. They simply picked up their pace to catch up to Bertie.
/*/
Tom Riddle did what Tom Riddle wanted to do. After the Black Lake fiasco, he headed directly for the girls bathroom that led to the chamber where his basilisk lived. Still livid and still mumbling, he only stopped to whisper open in Parseltongue. Once in the chamber, Tom called out.
"Come out. It is me your master. Come let me shower you with love.
/*/
The basilisk although formidable was hesitant to leave his snug den until he recognized the sound and smell of his master. He slid out slowly heading towards the only wizard who truly loved him.
Tom Riddle walked towards the emerging monster. "There you are my pet. It's been an extremely upsetting last few hours. I want to be with someone who cares. Let me pet you. I've brought you treats. The rats of Hogwarts will not miss a few. In addition, I've brought you a delicacy. Wearen the lame, good for nothing elf has met his time. No one will miss him." Pulling out the unconscious elf, Riddle laughed loudly. "For you my pet."
The basilisk grabbed each rat as it was thrown then turned to wait for his dessert which he grabbed right out of the air as Riddle threw it.
"Enjoy your dinner and dessert. I have a few things I'd like to lay out in my diary."
For the next forty minutes, the only noises heard in the chamber were the scratching of a quill and the crunching of bones.
/*/
Jackson and Butters were disappointed to find Bertie wasn't in the common room.
Butters had a short think. "One place I'm sure he's not…"
Jackson good naturedly cut across Butters. "And where would that be outside of here in the common room?"
Butters gave him a serious eye roll in return. "Perhaps if you'd let a wizard finish his sentence, he'd share his thoughts."
"Fine. Share your thoughts even though I've never known you to let someone out talk you."He shot back finishing with a devilish grin.
Plopping down in a chair, Butters sighed. "I've lost out on my witch and my walk so I don't feel like playing word games. Bertie is where he is. How's that?"
"Alright, alright, alright mate. Calm down. If Bertie isn't here, he's probably somewhere talking or studying Quidditch. The news can wait until he gets back." Another thought passed through Jackson's head. "Unless he's decided to hunt down some Slytherins on his own."
"Why would he do that Jackson? We've discussed this. When or if we have to confront those bloody Slytherins, we'll do it together as a team. Beside, Riddle is on a tear arse. If he catches Bertie alone, no telling what he'd try to do."
Both wizards jumped out their respective chairs and began talking over each other.
"Come on Butters. Let's go find out where Bertie is….."
"Yes. Tonight might be the night Riddle and his gang get put right. We'll check the obvious place first like the courtyard, the library, the Quidditch offices and the Quidditch pitch. If he isn't any of those places, I foresee a duel in the near future."
Jackson and Butters left the common room only stopping to leave a short message with the Fat Lady before heading off to the courtyard.
/*/
Zach, Trevor and Aiden were enjoying themselves even though Bertie was treating their little meeting as though it was a class. The three First Years didn't mind. It was exciting to hear their mentor explain Quidditch tips and tricks while sharing information on the Quidditch players that had gone before them. It was even more fascinating because Bertie was telling them not only about Gryffindor champions but champions from other Houses as well. They were leaning a lot about a lot.
Pulling out his wand, Bertie gave it two taps at the head and numbers appeared. "It's coming on 9:00. It's long past time for all First Year Gryffindors to be safely in the common room. You are only out this late because you are with me. Do not try it on your own.
"Okay Bertie."
Even as they answered, Zach, Trevor and Aiden were glancing at each other. Did Bertie just use the head of his wand like a clock? They were certain he had. Zach wasn't going to let something this monumental get by him without speaking on it.
"Bertie?"
"I don't want to hear any argument from you Glover. All, and I mean all First Years are back in the Gryffindor Dorms before 8:00 pm."
Zach glanced quickly at his mates once again before pushing on. "I wasn't going to argue Bertie. I just want to ask about the clock in your wand. Is there a clock in our wands as well?"
"What? A clock in your wands? What nonsense is this?" Bertie suddenly realized what Zach meant. "Ah! You saw me find the time by tapping the head of my wand. Wands aren't made with clocks inside nor is there a clock in my wand. I sussed out a spell last year when I was working on some Quidditch stuff. After explaining it to Madam Hooch, she helped me interface it with my wand. Because the spell isn't something taught at Hogwarts, I had to get permission from Headmaster Dippet and Professor Dumbledore as well. It's of great use during Quidditch practice. To answer your unspoken question, neither you, nor you, or you will have the spell." He said, pointing to the three of them in turn.
Zach sighed. "Maybe when we're older you'll change your mind. Anyway, thank you for your lessons tonight. We definitely know more now about Quidditch than Eileen Prince. I can't wait…."
Trevor gave Zach's arm a nudge stopping him in the middle of his sentence. Zach got the hint and remained silent.
Bertie gave them both a look but didn't inquire any further. Instead, he pulled his wand making several small circles so everything they'd been studying went back to their rightful place.
"That's it. Let's get back to Gryffindor House."
However, before he could point his wand to open the door, Jackson and Butters opened it from the other side.
"Oi. Here you are Bertie. Good evening mates."
The frazzled looks of Jackson and Butters made Bertie wonder if something had gone wrong. Pushing Zach, Trevor and Aiden behind him, he inquired.
"Is there a problem?"
Jackson shook his head, pulling an explanation out of his arse. "A problem? No Bertie there's no problem. Butters and I noticed that those three were missing from the common room along with yourself. We are just following up to ensure everything was tidy."
Butters sighed. He didn't want to get caught up in Jackson's shite lies.
Bertie knew something was up but decided he would discuss it with Jackson and Butters in private. "Alright then. If everything is tidy with you and everything is tidy with us, let's get back to the dorms. You three walk behind Jackson. Butters and I will watch your rears."
Aiden laughed as he softly whispered to Zach and Trevor. "He's going to watch our rears."
"Knock it off Walsh. Save your nonsense until your are back in your dorm room. Get going." Bertie called out.
Zach and Trevor rolled their eyes at their mate. He was going to get such a thump when they got back to their dorm room.