Anything from the Harry Potter Universe belongs to JKR. Other than that, I made it all up. Angst/Anxiety/Drama. AU. Enjoy.
Rated M for language and situations.
Previously on A Riddle With Another Name 20: The Chamber The Bushes The Quidditch Office
"Yah, so funny. You won't think this next bit is so funny." Added Butters. "We came upon your favorite wizard and his motley gang."
The smile left Bertie's face. "Riddle?"
"Yes Riddle and he was on fire. In fact, he was so pissed he used his wand to throw Malfoy into the Black Lake." Butters continued.
"What? You're shitting me. Riddle threw Malfoy into the lake?"
"He did, and his entire entourage just stood there shaking in their briefs." Offered Jackson.
Bertie wasn't amused. "As funny as it might seem, this has to be reported mates. A student might be dead."
Jackson held up a hand. "Hold on. You haven't heard the rest."
"Do I really want to?" Bertie asked.
"Of course you do. This next part will clear everything up."
Leaning forward to get closer to both his mates, Butters continued where Jackson left off. "This is the best part. While we stood there peering through the bushes at the lot, a very irate Merperson rose out of the water screaming in Mermish and threw Malfoy back onto the ground. It was priceless. The last we saw was Malfoy on bended knee begging his master for forgiveness."
Bertie started laughing. "No fucking way did that happen. You two are so full of shite."
"We're not Bert. Why would we lie?" Butters replied earnestly. "Last part. You wanted to know why we came looking for you all frazzled and shite. We worried that with Riddle on the bloody warpath and you basically on the same warpath things might come to a duel. That's it. That's the whole thing. I think what little punishment that has been meted out to fuckface Riddle has driven him spare. I think I might even seen a bit of foam on the sides of his mouth."
For several seconds, the three of them looked at each other before bursting out in hysterical laughter.
For them, the Friday that had started out so shitty was ending quite nicely.
/
/
A Riddle With Another Name 21: Onto Something
The three remained sitting in the common room talking about this that and the other. Butters and Jackson continued talking, but Bertie had gone silent and was sitting leaned back with his hands behind his head.
Jackson was curious. "Why so quiet mate? What's on your mind?"
Remaining in his exact position, Bertie simply shifted his head to glance at his Gryffindor mates.
"Thinking."
Jackson glanced at Butters before inquiring. "About what?"
Still without changing position, Bertie sighed. "About my business is what. You blokes don't have anything to do other than question me? Why not go start working on your next walking witch. It's Friday evening. Must be lots of loose ones down by the kitchens waiting for some hungry lads they can waylay."
Butters offered a loud pfffttt while Jackson stared at Bertie.
"Like what you see Jackson? You're staring."
"You're up to something."
"I'm sitting here on my arse in my favorite chair with my hands behind my head. I'm up to nothing."
Jackson wouldn't be put off. Vigorously waving his hands around, He quickly replied. "That's just it. You're sitting there like a dolt dreaming about, oh I don't know. I'd say a witch, but we know your mind is far and away from witches. If anything, it would be the three miscreants or Quidditch. We know Zach, Trevor and Aiden are safely tucked away in their dorm and you've just come from the Quidditch Offices, so… What's left? I know you Bert. It's something."
Bertie sat up. "I'm not sure what you're implying when you say my mind is far and away from witches. Perhaps I have my eye on a witch. Perhaps this particular witch is being chased by a mate. Perhaps when she learns what a tosser he is, she'll fall into my arms. Happy now?"
Jackson laughed out loud while Butters sputtered out a response.
"You're joking."
Looking straight at Butters, Bertie stared for several seconds before letting out a loud laugh. "Of course I'm joking you moron. As you have so clearly stated, there's only room in my life for Quidditch and the trio."
Butters leaned back against the couch muttering. "Arse."
Jackson laughed along with Bertie and Butters, but he wasn't fooled. Bertie might have gotten Butters off the subject but not him. "I'd give ten points for your humorous answer Bertie but your little ploy didn't work. I still want to know why are acting out of character."
Bertie sighed. Jackson wasn't going to let up. "Alright mates, it's simple. After what you both shared about Riddle's meltdown, I'm thinking this is where he either gets more dangerous or more sloppy. Either way, I want to keep an eye on him." Lowering his voice, he added subsequent thoughts. "If he went as far as to send Malfoy the mutt to hurt Zach, he probably isn't finished. I'd also like to know why Riddle has such fanatical hatred for Zach."
Jackson didn't hesitate to answer. "Knowing Zach, I'd say your little prince mouthed off to him, and you know how Riddle hates disrespect, especially from someone he thinks is beneath him."
Bertie sighed. "Yes, there's that. Our boy does have a fast mouth." Anyway, that is what is on my mind."
The room was silent for several minutes until Butters spoke up. "Well, for now, everything is tight and tidy. Stop worrying. And tomorrow, Jackson and I will be front and center when detention lets out. Neither Riddle nor Malfoy will get another chance at any of the trio."
"Perfect. I'll take care of my business and be back to the common room as quickly as possible."
Jackson and Butters acknowledged Bertie's words with nods of the head.
/*/
Tom breathed a sigh of relief when he made it past the Hogwarts gates without Dumbledore accosting him. Obviously, the Transfiguration Professor wasn't as smart as he purported himself to be.
It had only taken minutes for Tom to apparate to Little Hangleton. He didn't land inside the house because he didn't want that nosy gardener Frank Bryce to realize someone was in the mansion. Everything he planned to do would be done by stealth and under wand light only. Noticing the light on in the gardener's cottage, Tom moved quickly to the side doors of Riddle House and stepped right in after a well placed Alohomora opened the door.
The smell of muggles was overwhelming. Tom let out an involuntary cough before steeling himself and moving further into the house to begin his look around.
"Old Sluggy is such a loose lipped wealth of information. I never would have thought to search this foul place." Tom whispered in a soft voice. Then he reversed himself still in a whispered voice. "Of course I would have thought about searching this house. Maybe not for some bloody information about Riddle Senior's love life but to possibly burn the place to the ground."
Tom was now in the grand room or what appeared to be a massive dining room. He began muttering vitriol about the filthy, rich bastards living in luxury while Merope died penniless and he himself had to live off charity.
"Filthy, stinking tossers. I've killed you all and I will kill every last muggle carrying your blood."
With his venting over for the moment, Tom slowly moved even further into the house. This time he found himself in the kitchens which aggravated him even more. Not even stupid muggles would keep their private papers in the kitchens.
It was slow going with only wand light, but Tom kept walking. Finally, after a short walk down a hall, Tom entered a room which seemed fit for a male. However, to his consternation, it was the bedroom Tom Riddle the elder probably laid his arse every night of his life. Tom couldn't remember. He had been in such a fury the last time he was there.
"Nothing of interest in here." Tom mumbled as he moved on.
After several more false starts, Tom entered what appeared to be the room of his sperm donor. Ripping down the fading curtains, he began looking around. His eyes settled on a large dresser with numerous drawers. Swinging his wand, Tom sent photos of several different women flying across the room.
"Filthy whores consorting with a filthy tosser. I'll find you out."
Tom pulled out drawer after drawer revealing nothing but foul smelling muggle clothes and accouterments. Turning in a circle, Tom began to burn with rage. Had sneaking out of Hogwarts, which would come down to expulsion if he was caught, come to nothing? Tom closed his eyes to center himself. Ranting and raving would not get him what he wanted. Those few seconds did what they were meant to do. They centered Tom. When he next looked around, he saw what was meant to remain hidden. Sticking out from under the bed was a large, storage box. Tom raised his wand once again to call out the Follow Me Spell guiding the box into a large room with nothing more than a huge table sitting in the middle.
The box settled on the table. With a slash from Tom's wand, the lid flew across the room. "Let's see what filthy, muggle secrets you hide."
Tom moved a few things around. As far as he could see, this was exactly what he was looking for. Replacing the lid, Tom shrunk down the box slipping the packet into his pocket deciding he wouldn't remain in the muggle house for one more minute. He would sort through the box back at Hogwarts preferably in his private rooms or the chamber. Gathering himself, Tom went back to the bedroom to ensure nothing remained under the bed. There was nothing else. Having found what he was looking for, Tom didn't give a shite about the old gardener now. He apparated directly out of the house onto the road. Feeling exhilarated, Tom walked half a mile before raising his wand and turning into apparition.
Next stop, the Hogwarts Gates.
/*/
Dumbledore was setting lesson plans and speaking softly to Fawkes when he felt the Hogwarts wards shake. Faster than one could blink an eye, Albus was under Disillusionment at the front doors watching Tom Riddle sneak back in. As easy as it would have been for him to reach out and grab Tom by the collar, he didn't. He let the Master of All He Surveyed sneak back down to the Slytherin Dungeons without interference. As hateful as it sounded, he would catch up with Tom Riddle in a much more secretive way. With a sigh, Albus apparated back to his quarters.
/*/
Tom entered the Slytherin common room and headed directly for his own private area but not without noticing only senior Slytherins were in the common room. Even though it was a quick glance, he did see Avery, Nott, Black and Mulciber seated around a table while Malfoy sat alone in the farthest corner of the room. Tom didn't greet anyone and no one expected him to. In fact, as soon as the minions realized Tom had entered, all eyes were centered on the table. After their master's earlier tirade, no one wanted or needed to look in his eyes. They didn't want to end up in the Black Lake even knowing the Merpeople would probably throw them back.
Young Lord Voldemort was as chuffed as a maniac could be. As soon as feasible, he planned another visit to the chamber. This time, he would be sorting through the private papers of his so-called father to find out about the other wife and possibly a sibling.
/*/
Zach, Trevor and Aiden laid in their beds rehashing their conversation about Saturday detention. Bertie had given them their orders. Stay away from the Slytherins: If the Slytherins sat on one side, they were to sit on the other: They weren't to interact with Malfoy or Riddle in any manner, for anything: They weren't to accept so much as a piece of parchment from the blighters. The three amigos had it all down pat. The last of the conversation was spent assuring each other the Slytherins couldn't hurt them with Dumbledore in the room and not afterwards either because Jackson and Butters would be waiting outside the office for them after detention. They were all set.
Zach was yawning as he rolled onto his side. "It's time for lights out. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Zach. Goodnight Trevor."
"Night all."
/*/
Bertie, Jackson and Butters spent another hour talking among themselves sharing tales and ragging on each other. Butters finally one upped both the others.
Laughing and gesturing, he shared how excited Zach had been earlier. Bertie didn't say anything thinking he had obviously missed something. Instead of feeding into Butter's nonsense, he just waited for him to share. Jackson was in the dark as well because Zach got excited over many things. However, instead of waiting for Butters to tell them, he offered his opinion.
"You're late mate. We are all aware that, not only Zach but Trevor and Aiden as well, are over the moon now their hero is speaking to them once again."
All three mates laughed, but Butters shook his head. "Wrong. The little manipulator is over the moon because he received the brand new Quidditch equipment his father purchased."
"No!" Bertie exclaimed, staring at Butters. "Zach didn't mention it to me."
Butters and Jackson glanced at each other. Bertie seemed a bit over wrought.
"Yes. He received the bundle just as breakfast was ending. Perhaps he was saving it for a surprise." Butters remarked, shaking his head vigorously.
"Well that certainly changes things." Bertie said with a shrug.
"What changes? What things?" Questioned Jackson.
A small patch of pink appeared across Bertie's nose as he explained. "It seems I'll be able to meet Zach, Trevor and Aiden after detention with you. My sole piece of business that would have kept me from meeting them has been resolved. I had planned to scour every inch of the Quidditch Equipment rooms to find Zach the equipment he needed. I didn't want him to be the only student to turn up without the proper equipment come next week. I can't believe the little demon didn't mention anything to me."
The room was quiet until Jackson spoke up. "Perhaps you should stop talking to Zach again. That will teach him not to keep his business to himself."
After a small glare at both his housemates, Bertie laughed out loud to be joined several seconds later by Butters and Jackson.
"All's well that ends well mate," said Jackson getting to his feet. "It's goodnight for me. I'll speak to you all in the morning."
"Right behind you Jackson."
Bertie didn't move.
"Are you coming Bert?"
Bertie waved his mates away. I'll be there in a few minutes."
/*/
Jackson and Butters waited until they were in their dorm room to chuckle.
"Hahaha. It would seem little Zach Glover has out-Glovered his king."
"Really Butters? You better not let Bertie hear you say that."
Butters yawned and stretched. "Joking mate. I'm just joking. Anyway, I'm through with this conversation. I'm taking a piss then going to sleep. I suggest you do the same."
"Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! I'm right behind you."
By the time Bertie entered the room, both his mates were fast asleep.
/*/
Tom Riddle was pacing wondering when the last of the morons would retire to their rooms. He was as antsy as a Hippogriff being approached by a stranger. Even though he was The Master, he didn't want any of his subjects to see him leave the dungeons, especially not Malfoy who would probably turn him in to Dippet. Tom laughed at his little joke. Malfoy didn't have the courage to turn him in to Dippet or anyone else. He was even too frightened to come out of the corner to sit at the table. Still, Tom wanted what he wanted. At that precise moment, he wanted the common room empty.
After several more minutes of pacing, Tom decided it was time for him to clear the common room if it wasn't already clear. With that in mind, he opened his door.
"Perfect." He remarked, glancing around the room before heading directly for the doors.
Avery, who Tom had put in charge of things for the moment had called himself on watch. However, he had been stretched out on the back couch and was unseen by the Master, for which he was thankful. The Master had left the dungeons. The common room was empty. It was time to call it a day. As he groggily headed to his bed, Garrett Avery wondered who would be feeling Tom's wand this night. Slipping quickly and quietly into bed, the sleepy Slytherin didn't give two shites who Tom cursed as long as it wasn't him.
/*/
Tom, Lord Voldemort, Riddle was moving quickly and quietly not wanting some nosy Prefect or Head Boy to catch him wandering the halls. He had pressing business. Tom didn't waste any time when he reached the second floor bathroom. Several seconds and a few Parseltongue mutterings and he was back in his place of peace.
The Basilisk raised its head to sniff the air, but immediately settled itself when it smelled the master.
"That's right my pet. No need to worry. It's just me here to straighten out some family matters. Pulling the packet from his pocket, Tim waved his wand bringing the box back to size.
"Well filthy muggles. You've met your match. Consider your time on this earth coming to an end."
Tom began by pulling papers from the box but was easily frustrated. To expedite his search he turned the box over dumping everything on the desk.
"Now, let's see what we have." He muttered softly, scattering the contents all about.
Initially, Tom found photos of women who would be considered beautiful if they weren't muggles. Janis, Cecilia, Geraldine, Samantha, Penelope and Joyce.
Tom was working himself into a frenzy of vast proportions so that even his pet backed deeper into his cave.
"Filthy, muggle whores. What did you get out of consorting with the despicable Tom Riddle, Sr.? Did he buy you lovely bracelets, rings and necklaces to show off while Merope Gaunt lie dying? Did he fuck you with his filthy dick while Merope rotted in the ground and I suffered the indignities of a pauper? DID HE?"
Tom was shouting as he sorted through the photos and documents. Suddenly, he went as calm as the Black Lake on a windless night. If he slowed down and took everything in order, he could find what he wanted to know. The photos and documents were slightly out of order, but he could fix that. Drawing his wand, Tom called out his first sort.
Janis Evers: Photos. Documentation.
Cecilia Wallace: Photos. Documentation.
Geraldine Dorset: Photos. Documentation.
Samantha Gibbons: Photos. Documentation.
Penelope Murray: Photos. Documentation.
Joyce Bellows: Photos. Documentation.
With everything sorted, all Tom had to do was go through one segment at a time. Janis had landed on top. He started with her.
Janis Evers, blonde, pretty, age 21 at the time. Tom noticed the large gold necklace on her neck and the gold earrings on her ears. Numerous articles about her and Riddle, Sr. keeping company. Evidently, nothing came of their relationship because she disappeared from the newspaper articles after three months on his arm.
Next, there was Cecilia Wallace, blonde, age 20 at the time. There was quite a bit about Cecilia who had been engaged to Riddle Sr. until he suddenly turned up married to an ugly troll of a woman (Merope Gaunt). The articles were full of photos of a red faced Cecilia with her father's arm wrapped protectively around her. There were subsequent articles and photos of a stern faced Cecilia disputing all rumors of her getting back with her former fiance. She'd had many choice, unladylike words for Riddle Sr. And that had been that for Cecilia.
Geraldine Dorset, dark blonde, age 20 at the time. This almost plain looking woman hadn't stayed around long enough to have many photos or articles written about her and Riddle Sr. By the information in front of him, Tom surmised this woman had only been on Riddle's arm for a month or less.
Samantha Gibbons, different. Although she had a very pretty face for a muggle, she, she, she….. Tom sat bolt upright. Samantha Gibbons had married Riddle Sr. on 10 September 1931. Tom began frantically searching through every document. He found a subsequent article explaining how Riddle Sr. had walked away from Samantha Riddle in 1935. The only other information to be found was she seemed to have evaporated into thin air after her husband deserted her. Nothing else was found about Samantha Riddle after 1935.
Tom swiped his arm across the desk sending all the carefully sorted materials flying across the room. He didn't want to study another muggle woman. He had found what he wanted. His so-called father had had another wife. Did they have children? Did she go mad after Riddle Sr. left and get sent to the madhouse? Had she been left to die like Merope? What happened to Samantha Riddle? And did she have any children?
Tom stood up screaming and slashing the air with his wand. "What good is bloody information if it isn't all there? Where is Samantha Gibbons?"
Swinging his wand in a less haphazard manner, Tom sent all information except Samantha's flying back into the box. He had an idea. If old Sluggy knew anything about Samantha Riddle, Tom was sure he could be cajoled into telling it. With a swear on his lips, Tom shrunk the box back down to pocket size. He was ready to get back to the Slytherin Dorms. As far as he was concerned, nothing was more important to him than finding out if there were filthy, muggle children out there with Tom Sr.'s blood. If there were, they were dead muggles walking.
/*/
Over at the grandfather's house, Zaria Glover sat up in bed while still in a deep sleep and spoke to the air.
"Be careful Zach. He's coming."
By the time Papa Gibbons reached the bedroom to check on Zaria, she was back in deep sleep and couldn't hear a thing.
Richard Gibbons wasn't sure but he thought Zaria had called out for Zach. He left the bedroom worried something else had happened at Hogwarts.