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 22: Tom Being Tom

Knock. Knock. Tom knocked more heavily than he intended. That bloody Robbins…. Never mind. He'll be dealt with at some point in time. Perhaps at the same time he dealt with Dumbledore.

Horace sighed. All these visitors were putting an already out of sorts professor more out of sorts. "Who is it? You may leave my door intact."

"It's Tom sir. I apologize for intruding on your private time but I'd like a word."

Horace sighed even louder. "Enter Tom. However, this will be a brief conversation as lunch is on the table."

"Careful Sluggy. You are coming dangerously close to disrespect." Tom mumbled softly as he turned to close the door. Thinking quickly, Tom thought of an idea that might put the good professor in a better frame of mind. "Yes lunch. If you'll extend an extra bit of your time, I'll go to the Great Hall, pick up lunch for the both of us so we can chat while we eat."

Horace couldn't find fault with Tom's suggestion. "Alright Tom. I'll have a full plate with dessert and tea. I'd also like some nuts to snack on later."

"Excellent choices sir. I'll be back before you know it."

"Tom?"

"Yes Professor?"

"What is it you want to chat about? Perhaps it's something for which I can prepare."

Tom smiled his brightest smile. "I'd like to discuss Samantha Gibbons Riddle Tom Sr.'s other wife. Back soon."

Rubbing his temples and leaning back in the chair, Horace closed his eyes. Suddenly, he felt a headache coming on.

/

/

A Riddle With Another Name 23: Emotions Bad And Good

Tom returned with the lunches to find Horace slumped back in the chair. Letting the lunches land loudly on the table, Tom rushed to the professor's side.

"Professor! Professor. Are you ill? Do you need the hospital wing?"

Even though Slughorn was his preferred professor, Tom wasn't being solicitous out of some sense of duty or respect. He didn't want Slughorn to drop dead before their conversation. This was the only wizard who could possibly answer the questions he needed answered.

Fortunately, Horace was only experiencing a case of the vapors. Weakly waving one hand, he assured Tom he wasn't ill or in need of the hospital wing. "Just a quick moment of weakness Tom. I hope you can forgive me, but I don't feel up to any long conversation at the moment. Perhaps we can discuss your request at another time. Leave the lunch. I'll need it to fortify myself."

This was not what Tom wanted to hear. He wanted information and he wanted it at that precise moment not another time. Because, to him all his wants or needs came first, Tom became irritated he wasn't going to get instant gratification and responded in a nasty tone. "This information is important to me. A quick moment of weakness won't stop you from speaking."

Horace snapped back. "You have your answer Tom. Your threatening and posturing won't change my mind. In fact, it gets tiresome telling you to watch your words and tone when speaking to a professor. Leave my rooms and have your lunch. I suggest when you approach me in the future, you come with a different disposition and manner. You are excused."

With a glare at Slughorn, Tom grabbed his lunch tray and left without so much as an apology muttering about the dire things he would do to those who disrespected him. Glowering and striding toward the dungeons, Tom didn't allow the door to close behind him before he was bellowing out an order.

"EVERYONE OUT! Clear this common room immediately or feel my wrath."

The few Slytherins who were about made mad dashes for anywhere other than the common room.

"AND STAY OUT UNTIL I AM FINISHED IN HERE!"

Still growling and raging, Tom sat down to have his lunch. However, as soon as he took the first bite, he spit it out. Food didn't hold any interest at the moment. Right now, he wanted to contemplate his revenge. No one talked to him like old Sluggy just had and come away unscathed. Dumping the entire tray of food into the rubbish bin, Tom strode to his private rooms. He needed time to think not only about Professor Slughorn but his quest to find out about Samantha Riddle. For several seconds, Tom questioned himself. Why in Salazar Slytherin's good name was he even worried about Samantha Riddle and the child/children she may or may not have birthed? Truthfully, the world wouldn't end if he never found the muggle. Then his anger returned.

"No foul muggle with Riddle blood deserves to live. I am the pinnacle. I am the first Lord Voldemort and last of the bloodline. I will not have any wizard walking around with that surname prolonging the muggle line with his filthy sperm."

At that moment, Tom decided to go through the papers more closely. Perhaps he had missed a clue. Grabbing his wand, he twisted and pointed it in the direction of the package in the corner. He would find additional information or he wouldn't.

/*/

Bertie excused himself telling Jackson and Butters he was going back to speak to Dumbledore about teaching Zach, Trevor and Aiden a few simple protection spells. He was sure Professor Dumbledore would deny the request but he had to ask. "This will probably be a quick meeting with me asking the question and the professor booting me out the door. After seeing Professor Dumbledore, I'm going to the Quidditch benches to flesh out some team plays for next week. I'll see you two later."

Both wizards laughed at Bertie's little joke with neither being convinced this was the way to go. However, it was the way Bertie wanted to try so that's how it would go.

"Alright mate. Butters and I will catch up later."

Bertie waved before turning back to knock on the classroom door.

/*/

When Zach, Trevor and Aiden entered the courtyard, they were still discussing what Bertie had said. They might get to learn some spells. They were about to have a discussion about what spells they might be taught but had to stop in mid-sentence because Eileen and Mary were heading directly toward them.

Speaking softly, Aiden made what he thought was a humorous remark. "Well, well, well. The Dominators Club is in full effect."

Neither Zach nor Trevor replied because first, the comment wasn't funny and second, Eileen and Mary were almost upon them.

Trevor stood. "Hello fellow Dominators."

Zach welcomed them as well. Aiden remained silent. He still wasn't completely sold on the Dominators thing.

Both Eileen and Mary greeted the boys, but it was Eileen who spoke. "Hello Trevor, Zach, Aiden. How's everything?"

A grinning Trevor replied. "Everything is just fine now that we are all here."

Eileen gave Trevor a skeptical look. "Really Trevor? Everything is just fine? After that muck up in the Great Hall, I'd think you three would be sitting in Professor Dumbledore's office. What was that all about?"

"Nothing that concerns you." Aiden replied without hesitating.

Eileen shrugged before lighting into Aiden. "Nothing that concerns me? I don't think so Aiden. Blatant muck ups in the Great Hall most certainly concern me and Mary. We are part of the Dominators after all. So spill. Why was Mr. Robbins so upset?"

Mr. Robbins?

Suddenly realizing Eileen was referring to Bertie, Trevor spoke up before Aiden could say something else stupid. "Nothing monumental Eileen. Bertie didn't like the way some Slytherins addressed us First Years. It was nothing. It all worked out."

Mary suddenly spoke up. "Those Slytherins are miserable and mean. That one called Mulciber blocked my path then tried to pull at my clothes. I gave him a good kick and ran. I reported him but I don't think anything came of it. He really scared me."

Zach, who had been sitting silent suddenly jumped up. "I'm sick of those Slytherins. Every day they try to intimidate, subjugate or hurt First Years. We cannot allow this to stand. What would have happened if you hadn't kicked him? I think this should be reported to Headmaster Dippet or at least Professor Dumbledore."

Giving Zach her brightest smile, Mary informed Zach she had already reported it to Professor Flitwick.

Zach wasn't satisfied. "Well Professor Flitwick doesn't seem to be doing his job. You could have been badly hurt."

Both Trevor and Mary jumped up at the same time with Mary in a seeming bit of fury. "Don't you dare disparage Professor Flitwick. If something needed to be done, he's done it. Perhaps the report is sitting somewhere on a desk waiting for review because witches don't mean as much as wizards at Hogwarts."

Rolling his eyes at Zach, Trevor growled that he should apologize to Mary.

Zach was a stalwart, young wizard who recognized he'd overstepped bounds apologized immediately. "Mary. I'm sorry. Professor Flitwick is an amazing professor. I know he has done what needed to be done. Please forgive me for being such an idiot."

With her head down, Mary nodded as she accepted Zach's apology. "No harm done Zach. It's just I will never sit still for anyone disparaging my Head o House. I think I'll excuse myself to go to the library. There are several books I'd like to read. Have a good afternoon."

All four of the remaining Dominators watched as Mary walked across the courtyard. Zach started to say something but Trevor interjected. "Merlin Zach. At what point will you realize that there are other people in the world beside you? You insulted her. Go see about her.

Zach jumped up. "Of course you're right Trevor. Let's all go. Remember Bertie's instructions. Never travel alone. Right now, one of The Dominators has gone off on her own. We can't have that. Come on."

Even though Trevor hadn't been the one to call out instructions, Eileen was enamored that he was first to follow Mary. At that moment, Eileen couldn't help wishing the Sorting Hat had placed her in Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw. Trevor was amazing.

/*/

Richard Gibbons had had a restless night of sleep. In fact, it was so restless he decided to Owl Dumbledore to ensure everything was alright with Zach. Richard knew he was probably acting barmy but he'd rather be safe than sorry. He had just raised his wand to summon a quill, ink and parchment when Zaria entered the room.

Zaria gave Richard a quick hug. "Good morning grandfather. I thought I'd be smelling the aroma of breakfast cooking but I imagine you are waiting for me to get the pots started."

Returning his wand to its place, Richard grinned at his granddaughter. "While your remarks are quite humorous, I'll remind you no one like an overstepping child. Mind your mouth or I'll leave reports with your mum."

Zaria smiled. "Sorry grandfather. There's no need to make a report to mum. I'll just sit here hungry. I noticed you had your wand raised. What were you going to summon? Did I interfere with something you were going to do?"

Richard gazed at his feisty granddaughter debating on whether he should explain his mindset. His mindset won. "Before I explain one thing, I will preface it with another thing. Last night while you were in deep sleep you shouted out to Zach."

Zaria was suddenly nervous. She didn't remember shouting anything about Zach but, if she did, it might mean she and Zach were connected once again. 'I shouted to Zach? What did I say grandfather? I don't remember. Is Zach hurt again? I don't feel like I did before. I don't feel as though I am connected to my brother…."

Richard reached out to pat Zaria's hand. "Slow down little one. What I heard was just a throwaway comment. Watch out Zach he's coming, or something along those lines. After you shouted, you fell right back into a deep sleep. Onto the next thing. I was about to summon some parchment, ink and a quill. It was my plan to send an Owl to Dumbledore to check on Zach just to be sure he hadn't been hurt yet again."

Zaria walked around the table to hug her grandfather. "I love you Grandfather Gibbons. Please summon the writing utensils. I'd like it if we Owled Professor Dumbledore. I'm beginning to wonder what my brother gets up to that causes so many problems. I also wonder what I meant by watch out Zach he's coming."

Richard laughed. "Let's send our Owl. Perhaps we'll find out nothing is happening and you were only having a bad dream."

Zaria let out a long sigh before replying. "I'll welcome bad dreams grandfather, as long as Zach is okay."

A subdued Richard Gibbons summoned the parchment, ink and quill after he set the breakfast cooking. He didn't want to worry his granddaughter on two fronts.

/*/

Bertie was disheartened. He had been quite correct in assuming Professor Dumbledore would deny his request to teach a few First Years some protective spells. His arse was still smarting from the reaming Dumbledore had given. He had to laugh though because as he was raking him over the coals, Dumbledore had smiled. Whether right or wrong, Bertie thought the smiles were Dumbledore's way of saying he was doing a good job looking out for his charges. He hadn't received permissions but he had just rolled with it. He, Jackson, Butters and Summerlin, if necessary, would just have to keep trying to knock some sense into his outlaws.

Having had his butt reamed, Bertie shrugged it off and headed to the Quidditch pitch. He had plays to write up. Once settled, he began doing what he needed to done. In this midst of writing up one play a stray thought passed through his head. Why hadn't Zach shared that his father had sent Quidditch equipment? It bothered him. Then he shrugged it off. Zachary Glover was an enigma. For the next hour, Bertie continued writing out probable plays.

/*/

Dumbledore was holding a lively conversation with Fawkes. He was in a lively mood due to his interaction with one of his favorite students. Bertie Robbins had asked for special dispensation for certain Gryffindor First Years which he had denied. The look on Mr. Robbins face was seared into his memory when he realized there wouldn't be any special dispensations. Dumbledore addressed Fawkes once again.

"That young wizard is going to be a force to be reckoned with. I admire his tenacity. If the First Years abide by his rules, there won't be any further problems."

Fawkes bobbed his head as he let out a loud singsong noise.

Dumbledore smiled once again. "It seems we are on the same page old friend."

Dumbledore was still basking in the warmth of his thoughts when a Hufflepuff Fourth Year appeared at the door.

"Hello Professor Dumbledore. It's me Keith sir. I have an Owl for you."

Taking the message, Dumbledore thanked Keith while noticing the return address. Richard Gibbons had sent a message.

Hello Professor Dumbledore:

I hope I'm not imposing but Zaria and I have a request. We'd like to know if everything is alright with Zach. As you might remember, it was Zaria's connection to her brother that made us aware he'd been injured. True or not, we believe Zaria has had another connection. Therefore, we'd like you to send us assurances that Zach is well and this is just a fluke. We hope to hear from you by way of return Owl. Zaria is spending time with me so Samantha is not aware of this. Please address your reply to my home address.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Richard Gibbons

Dumbledore read the letter over twice. As far as he knew, Zach was fine. He had been totally fine when he walked out after detention. However, a professor would be remiss if he didn't check before responding to the grandfather.

"There are things I must see to Fawkes. I'll be back shortly."

Fawkes just continued cleaning his feathers. His owner would see to it all.

/*/

Bertie jumped up when he saw Dumbledore coming across the field. Although Dumbledore was a common sight at Quidditch games, it was uncommon for him to be on the Quidditch Pitch when nothing was going on.

"Shite. This can't be good." Bertie mumbled to himself as he stood to greet the Transfiguration Professor.

"Good afternoon Mr. Robbins. I need to find Mr. Glover."

"Hello professor. Zach and his mates are either in the courtyard or the library. Is everything alright?" He asked, hastily gathering his things.

After getting his answer, Dumbledore didn't slow down. "I believe all is as it should be but I'd like to check to be sure. I'll check the courtyard. I'd like you to check the library. If you find him, please raise your wand and call my name. I'll hear you."

Bertie scurried away headed for the library. Raise my wand and call out his name and he'll hear me? That's impressive.

/*/

Luckily, Zach, Trevor, Aiden and the Ravenclaw witches were in the library. As soon as he saw Zach, Bertie raised his wand and called out as he'd been told. The Dominators glanced at each other wondering what this was all about. However, Bertie didn't share anything. He simply pulled out a chair then sat down.

Zach, Trevor and Aiden were puzzled not only by Bertie's presence but by the wand raising as well. "Everything alright Bertie? We have followed all the rules."

Bertie nodded. "I'm here per Dumbledore's orders. Continue what you're doing. I imagine the professor will be here shortly."

The three young Gryffindors squirmed in their seats. Whatever had happened, they hadn't done it and would be glad to tell Professor Dumbledore so. They didn't have to wait long. A few minutes later, the professor was striding across the room.

"Good afternoon. My apologies for interrupting your afternoon. Mr. Glover. I need a word."

Zach jumped up like his behind was on fire. It wasn't everyday that an important professor sought out a lowly First Year.

Zach and Dumbledore walked away from the group table. Before anything was said, Zach began talking. Because he was so surprised, he spoke out of turn.

"Whatever it is professor, I didn't do it. I've been with the rest of The Dominators since after lunch. We spent a few minutes in the courtyard but have been here ever since."

Dumbledore had learned something. Evidently Zach and his friends had formed a team they were calling The Dominators. Interesting. Raising a hand, Dumbledore told Zach to calm down.

"Calm yourself Mr. Glover. I was asked by your grandfather to check on you. Now that I see you are fine and in good company, I'll take my leave." As he turned to walk away, Dumbledore remarked how he hoped The Dominators weren't a trouble making group.

Zach stood there realizing he had let slip he was part of a secret group. Trevor and Aiden were going to kill him.

Heading back to the table, Zach was met with stares from five pairs of eyes. "No worries. The professor just wanted to check if I was behaving myself. I told him I was so that was that."

The others let out a collective sigh while Bertie pointed two fingers at his eyes then at Zach before leaving the room.

"That was weird." Eileen remarked before turning back to the book in front of her.

"No kidding. I think the lot of them are weird."

Silence ensued for several seconds before they all broke out in quiet laughter.

/*/

Dumbledore was quick to reply to Richard that all was well. He inquired if it was certain Zaria had experienced another connection hoping the answer would be no. They hadn't got past the first accident. They definitely didn't need another problem. Dumbledore was ready to send the answer by Owl when he decided to return the message in person.

Fifteen minutes later, Dumbledore was knocking on Richard Gibbons door.

"Who?"

"Good afternoon Richard. It's Albus Dumbledore."

Zaria, who was right on her grandfather's heels began to tremble. Albus Dumbledore was at the door. Something had happened to Zach. Although he was imagining the same thing as Zaria, Richard straightened his back before opening the door.

"Good afternoon Albus." He said, pulling Zaria into a one armed hug. "It is my most fervent hope you are not here bringing us bad news."

Dumbledore smiled as he greeted Richard and Zaria. "Not at all Richard. I bring good tidings. Zach is fine. I simply wanted to respond to your letter in person and hopefully get a bit more information on Zaria sleep talk. I hope I'm not intruding. Would you be amenable to offering a tired Transfiguration professor a cup of tea and a biscuit?"

Now that she knew Zach was okay, Zaria became very welcoming. "It's so nice to see you again Professor Dumbledore. Regarding my sleep talk, I believe it was just a fluke. Anyway, I look forward to starting Hogwarts next year. Please have a seat with grandfather while I get the tea and biscuits. I won't be long."

"Thank you Zaria. I really can't stay long but will make good use of a tea and biscuit. So Richard. How are things with you?"

Richard had taken on the same frame of mind as Zaria after finding out that all was well with his grandson. He was expansive when replying to Albus. "Things are fine. I couldn't ask for more, especially now that I know Zach is doing well and Zaria's outburst wasn't anything daunting."

Nodding, Dumbledore accepted the cup of tea and biscuit from Zaria as he continued speaking without remarking anything further about Zaria's chilling outburst. "Your grandson is a very intelligent, forthright, dependable student. I believe he will know more at the end of his first year than some Third Years."

Zaria was excited. "See grandfather. I told you Zach would excel at Hogwarts as will I."

"That's fine Zaria. However, I caution you to be be aware this conversation is between two grown wizards. Nothing to do with a ten year old witch. Why don't you go look in on the Kneazles to make sure they aren't getting up to mischief."

"Sorry Professor Dumbledore. Sorry grandfather. It's just that the thought of my brother doing so well and my admittance sometimes get me too excited. We won't have to mention my misstep to mother will we? Sometimes she just doesn't understand. If you'll excuse me, I'll go look in on the Kneazles now. Thank you for bringing us such good news."

Shaking his head, Richard extolled the virtues of his granddaughter but cautioned Albus to get ready to have two Glovers at Hogwarts at the same time. Albus nodded letting out a soft chuckle at the same time. "I assure you Richard. Hogwarts could do worse than having two brilliant siblings there at the same time. Thank you for the tea but I must get back. Saturday evening is usually the time I get most of my busy work done. I'll give Zach yours and Zaria's regards."

Richard stood when Dumbledore stood extending his hand. "Thank you for your visit Albus. Remind Zach to write his mother and sister. Stay well."

"You're very welcome and I will remind Zach to write home. Have a good evening."

For the next several minutes, Richard remained at the kitchen table mulling over all Dumbledore had said thinking Sam would be so pleased. After a quick wave of his wand, the kitchen was cleared and he was ready to go check on Zaria.

/*/

Avery and Nott who had been out of the dorms entered in a raucous manner until a Third Year stuck his head out of his dorm room to advise them that The Master didn't want anyone in the common room and had demanded complete quiet as well. Avery and Nott quieted right down quickly making their way into their own rooms. There was no way they wanted to feel Tom's wrath after such a pleasant afternoon.

They obviously hadn't been quick or quiet enough because Tom appeared in the door to his rooms.

"Get over here Avery."

Since his name wasn't called, Nott continued on to his room at double time. Once inside, he closed the door as softly as possible.

Garrett Avery went over to Tom almost at a run. "Yes Master."

Without mentioning the noise Avery and Nott had made entering the common room, Tom explained what he wanted. "My lunch was spoiled by an ignorant sot and I didn't get dinner. As you might imagine, I'm famished. Go to the kitchens and get me a full dinner plate with dessert and juice. As I mentioned, I'm famished so go and get back quickly. You have five minutes which start now."

Avery tore out of the Dungeons mumbling hateful things about Tom Riddle and the miserable kitchen elves he'd have to beg for food. However, Roly the most decent of the kitchen elves fixed the dinner without a whisper of defiance.

Avery grabbed the dinner and sprinted back to the Dungeons where Tom stood with his hand out and hateful words on his lips. "You had two more minutes before I came looking for you and that would have been bad."

Without another word, Tom went back into his room closing the door behind him with a snap.

Avery was swearing and mumbling sarcastically as he hurried to the safety of his room. "You're welcome Tom, Your Majesty, My Master, Lord Voldemort. I hope you choke on it."

Nott tried to talk to his mate, but Avery was in no mood. After several tries and getting no answer, Nott slid into bed and closed his eyes.