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 24: Unexpected Happenings

Bertie glanced at his three mates in turn. He wasn't one hundred per cent onboard with it, but had agreed to go so he would go. "Fine. I'll go see what this all about. If anything goes wrong and there are repercussions, I will take the three of you down with me."

Jackson clapped Bertie on the back. "We are mates. All for one and one for all. We wouldn't have it any other way. Anyway, you're the great healer. If we get detention, all you'll have to do is heal our hands."

Bertie smiled at his best mate. "You're an arse Jackson. I'm fairly certain if we are caught, it won't be as simple as detention."

"Well let's not get caught. We get to Honeydukes buy some supplies then get back here." Offered Summerlin. "Easy peasy."

"Alright, it's settled." Bertie agreed. "We leave at 1:20 pm today. Thirty minutes to get there. Fifteen to twenty minutes shopping then thirty minutes back. That's plenty of time to get back before dinner."

Summerlin again. "Only twenty minutes to shop? That's…"

Both Butters and Jackson shouted for Summerlin to shut up.

Bertie smiled at his mate. "Yes Summerlin please shut up. If you can't get what you want in twenty minutes, you don't need it. It's Sunday. Let's just hope we don't run into Madame Hooch loading up on her sweets."

Jackson and Butters got the joke. Summerlin not so much. "What?"

"Never mind Summerlin. It's an inside joke unless we run into Madame Hooch. Then it's a problem." Offered Bertie, rising from the chair and heading for the door. "I'll see you all later. I have to check something in the courtyard."

/

/

A Riddle With Another Name 25: Satisfaction Fury And Envy

"Just a thought Bertie." Jackson called out to his mate. "If we are leaving at 1:20, you have a scant ten minutes to check the courtyard."

Bertie threw up his hand in a wave. "No worries Jackson. In fact, why don't I meet you three on the third floor and we can go from there."

Jackson, Butters and Summerlin glanced at each other. It looked as though their mate might be backing out. If that was the case, there wasn't any reason for the three of them to make another hour long journey to go where they'd already been. The reason for going was to show Bertie the tunnel they had found.

Butters glanced at his mates before sharing his thoughts. "Bertie may not be all that chuffed to go. If he doesn't turn up, I'm not going back down the tunnel. I can find plenty to do around the school."

Summerlin sighed. "That's me as well Butters. If Bertie isn't going, I'm not going either.

Jackson snapped at them both. "For fucks sake, stop bitching. If Bertie said he'll meet us on the third floor, he'll be there. I suggest we get going. It won't be pretty if Bertie is there and we aren't. Let's go."

"Alright, alright Jackson. Keep your briefs on." Butters muttered softly. "This doesn't seem like it will be the fun time I visualized."

Jackson clapped Butters on the shoulder replying with a witty remark. "Don't let Bertie hear you say that."

"Yes," chuckled Butters. "It would be demerits for me."

All three wizards hurried out the common room doors heading for the stairs.

The gravelly voice of The Fat Lady called out. "Why are you three Gryffindors still in the common room? You must be up to something. Get out and enjoy this lovely weather before I report you."

Jackson, Butters and Summerlin all rolled their eyes but didn't dare dispute the Gryffindor House guard. They simply walked faster.

/*/

Tom Riddle had gone to sleep in a rage and woke up in the same mood. Bullshite was coming at him right, left and center. Dumbledore, Slughorn, stupid arse Malfoy, and Zach and Zaria Glover were all trying his patience. What little he had. However, today was another day. Tom planned a bit of solitary skulking. He was going to find out what he could about the mutt and his sister. All he would have to do was find out Zach's personal information and work from there. Tom growled to himself. He could want what he wanted, but student information was tightly held and closely watched.

All through his shower, Tom ran scenarios through his head which would allow him access to the Glover files. He ticked off each one:

Ask Dippet straight out…...no chance

Ask Slughorn to intervene with Dippet…..no chance

Sneak into Dippet's office…..definitely no chance

Corner Glover in a corridor…highly unlikely with Robbins and Jackson nosing around

Swearing loudly, Tom stepped out of the shower. As he toweled himself dry, he remembered an overheard snippet. Mulciber had been bragging about certain things regarding a Ravenclaw witch named Mary Jenkins. Although he didn't allow Slytherins to mix with other Houses, in this case, he would make an exception because the witch had become fast friends with his target. Tom needed information he couldn't get anywhere else, so he'd let Mulciber have his bit of fun with the Ravenclaw witch and get the information he needed as well.

Tom was as happy as a degenerate, megalomaniac could be as he strode across the room. Yanking open the door, he shouted for Mulciber.

Even though The Master, Lord Voldemort, Tom Riddle was shouting for Mulciber, Avery immediately went on alert knowing one wrong word out of Mulciber's mouth would mean punishment for all. Hurrying to Mulciber's dorm, Avery told him to move his arse because The Master was calling for him. As he and Mulciber hurried to the common room, Avery whispered instructions on how to respond and address their Master. In abject fear, Mulciber's head was bobbing and weaving as he listened to Avery.

Their Master was working himself into a fury. "GET OVER HERE MULCIBER AND I MEAN NOW."

Mulciber practically ran up to Tom. "I'm here Master." It had been on the tip of his tongue to ask how could he help, but Avery's words were ringing in his ears. Do not offer anything. Do not assume anything. Tom will tell you what he wants you to do or what he needs.

Mulciber let out a very soft sigh. He'd almost stepped out of line.

For several seconds, Tom huffed and puffed before shouting at Mulciber to follow him into his rooms. A resigned Mulciber cast a furtive glance over at Avery's rooms to see the top wizard gesturing for him to hurry up.

/*/

Mulciber heard and felt the door to Tom's room shut with a loud snap.

Shite thought Mulciber casting around in his head for an excuse to whatever Tom thought he had done. However, he was still smart enough not to speak until Tom spoke to him.

"I see you've learned your lesson well. My compliments to Avery. He can reach even the thickest dullard. Some of the dolts would have started chattering as soon as they were inside my door. No matter. You are here because I have need of your….."

Tom stopped in mid-sentence. He was Lord Voldemort. He didn't need anyone.

"Let me rephrase. "I overheard your conversation about consorting with that Ravenclaw witch. I want you to use your relationship, such as it is, with that witch to secure some information."

Mulciber was flabbergasted. Relationship? What relationship? He had bragged to the others about shite that really hadn't happened. It was just his bloody luck The Master had overheard his load of bullshite. He just wanted to look like a big, bad Slytherin to his housemates. All bullshite. True, he had tried to get a few feels but the blasted witch had kicked him in the balls and run. However, telling that to his master would not end well for him. He remained silent.

"Although I do not recognize any House other than Slytherin, in this instance, we'll just let that go. I want you to get Mary Jenkins alone and do what you need to do to make her pliable. Once she is pliable, I want you to pump her, no pun intended, for personal information on Zachary Glover. I want mother's name, father's name, where they live, any other family he has and floo address, if possible. It's very important I get that information. Don't let me down because you won't like the consequences."

Mulciber was holding himself together by a thread. He had been acting the arse when he had tried sexual shite on Mary Jenkins. She's a First Year who probably didn't know she had a vagina for fucks sake. Now, because he wanted to be thought a big man in the eyes of other Slytherins he was being charged to do things to the witch to get information on her scurvy mate Zachary Glover. A quick thought flashed through Mulciber's head. Why was The Master still going on about some unimportant First Year? It didn't make sense. Mulciber had obviously been silent too long because Tom began to growl.

"Why are you just standing there like some tosser? Give me a timetable of when I can expect my request will be done. Never mind. I'll give you mine. I want all the personal information you can gather and I want it by this evening."

"This evening Master?"

"Did I stutter you dolt? I want the information by 8:00 pm this evening. If you can get it sooner, so much the better. Now go and get it done. I give you permission to leave the table as soon as breakfast is over or whenever the Ravenclaw leaves the Great Hall."

Mulciber was in turmoil. He didn't move.

"WHY ARE YOU STILL STANDING THERE? Get out there and tell the rest of the dolts to get to breakfast. NOW!"

"Yes Master." Mulciber called over his shoulder as he rushed for the door. Before he could open the door, Tom snarled out a few last words. "Do not fail me or you'll be very sorry."

Mulciber didn't answer. He was too busy trying to get away from this maniac of a wizard.

/*/

Going directly to Avery's door, Mulciber knocked and was allowed to enter. He was in such a tizzy Avery knocked him on the arm with his wand. "Calm down you arse or you will get the business end of my wand."

"Sorry Avery sorry. The Master said everyone is to get to breakfast, now."

"Alright Mulciber, we'll get to breakfast. Where's the problem?"

"The problem. The problem is Tom has commanded me to…" From there, Mulciber explained certain things.

Avery turned to look at Nott before commenting. "First of all, you are a filthy idiot to try screwing with a First Year unless he or she has done something to you. With all the higher year witches salivating to be with a Slytherin boy, you have plenty of willing bodies. You are such an arse. Not only has this put you in the shite with Tom, if Dippet or Dumbledore gets wind of your actions, you will be on the Hogwarts Express going back home before you could say First Year pussy. Fuck! You do know because you can't fulfill Tom's request, we are all in the shite. He'll take it out on all of us. What is the information Tom needs? Perhaps Nott and I can save your arse."

Mulciber hesitated. Tom had always been adamant that his business was his business and if he personally addressed a Slytherin, there were consequences if private information was bandied about. Mulciber had explained the basics of what Tom had ordered but not the specifics. "I'm not allowed to share…."

"Bullshite Mulciber!" Snarled Avery. "Tom would never have approached an idiot like you if you hadn't been bragging about shite you really hadn't done or a situation that doesn't exist so don't stand there blubbering like some fool. Tell us what Tom wants."

A very shaky Mulciber weighed his options then explained what was needed. "Tom, The Master wants every bit of personal information on Glover including mother's name, father's name, address, floo address and other family members. He wants it by 8:00."

"Glover?" Avery and Nott both shouted at the same time. ""He's already under sanction for…." Avery clamped his mouth shut. He had been about to divulge Tom's private business. Pacing back and forth, Avery suggested they get everyone together and get to breakfast as Tom had ordered. "After breakfast Mulciber, meet us on the far end of the Quidditch field. We have to figure out a way to get Tom what he wants. Let's go."

Nott and Mulciber followed Avery into the common room where he shouted for everyone to get to breakfast. Dorm room doors opened and Slytherins headed for the doors. No one needed to be told twice when Avery spoke.

Walking side by side with Avery, Nott spoke softly. "This is going to be a shite show. How in the hell are we supposed to get information from some Ravenclaw First Year who has already suffered a sexual attack by Mulciber and probably reported it. He is such an effing piece of shite."

All Avery said as he sped up was, "I have thoughts. Forget this for now. We don't need any of the other dolts hearing Tom's private request."

"True." Offered Nott as he sped up as well.

/*/

Zaria and grandfather Richard had had a leisurely breakfast and were sitting in the living room discussing the small bits of magic he had tried to teach her.

"You do know when you leave here you aren't allowed to do magic, correct?"

"Correct papa. I know I didn't do too well with the spells and charms, but I still have a year to practice. I'm not worried."

"I'm glad you're not worried Zaria, but the same casual carelessness you are showing now will not do you any good when you are in a formal setting. My suggestion is for you to concentrate on building patience. The skill will come."

Zaria let out a huge sigh. This is not what she wanted to hear even though she knew it to be true. She wanted to be as good as, if not better than Zach but being over zealous and overconfident was not the way to go. "I'm sorry papa. I'll do better next time. I just don't want to turn up at Hogwarts and embarrass Zach. You know how he is."

Richard sat up to give Zaria a direct stare. "Stop talking nonsense. You could never embarrass your brother. He loves you whether you become a high achiever at Hogwarts or not."

"Papa!" Zaria exclaimed with mock exasperation. "There's no chance I won't become a high achiever. I am a Robbins/Glover after all."

Richard shrugged. "All I can do is ask you to keep that ego in check. Nothing good ever comes of an ego driven, overconfident witch or wizard. Most overplay their hand. I don't want that for you Zaria. Take your lessons as they come. In the future, you may visit but I won't be showing you any spells. Read your books and wait to learn from the Hogwarts professors."

Zaria was disappointed, but she understood. She had tried to rush her papa into showing her things because she wanted to be better than Zach. Unfortunately, as papa said, she had overplayed her hand. "Okay papa. I'll read and learn. There are things other than spells I can concentrate on. It's past noon. Why don't we have lunch before I go back home."

Richard shook his head. "We are going to have Sunday lunch with your mum and dad. As soon as you can get your things together, we'll go."

Zaria hesitated. "Are you angry with me papa?"

Richard beckoned to his great granddaughter. "Come here Zaria. I'd never get angry with you. I will be firm and truthful, but never angry. Just don't try any more bits of subterfuge."

Zaria grinned at her papa before giving him a kiss on the cheek. I'll just say goodbye to Mazie and Casper then get my overnight bag in order. I love you papa. Thank you for being you."

"I love you too sweetie and I'll always be me. I'll just have a quick wash up and I'll be ready."

/*/

True to his word Bertie was waiting at the designated spot patting his foot. "Five more minutes and I would have come looking for you three. If you make an appointment, keep it. I don't want to start this little adventure off on a bad foot, but there you are."

"You know you're being a ruddy bastard Bertie, right? We were only two minutes off." Offered Jackson. "We're here now so let's go. Push the chin Butters."

Bertie looked into the face of all three of his mates. "I'll push a chin and it won't be on that witch. Open the bloody entrance and let's go."

Butters pushed and the stairways to the tunnel appeared.

Seeing there was a real tunnel changed Bertie's entire mindset. He was first one in. "You lads are alright." He exclaimed as he called out Lumos followed by three additional calls of Lumos. They were on their way.

/*/

When they finally entered the cellar of Honeydukes, Bertie was grinning. "Fifteen points to Gryffindor for cleverness."

Jackson, Butters and Summerlin laughed out loud because Bertie didn't have the authority to give or take points, but the thought was well received. All four wizards were chuffed.

Bertie had a few last words. "Remember what we discussed, twenty minutes shopping then we'll meet straight back here. I may have mentioned Madam Hooch in a joking way, but keep your profile low because we don't want coach or any other staff member to catch us slipping." Bertie called out Nox then his time telling spell in quick succession. "It is now 1:52 pm. We will meet back here at 2:15. I'll allow three extra minutes. If anyone isn't back here at the proper time, that wizard will traverse the tunnel alone in the dark."

"Okay Bertie."

"We'll be on time."

Jackson smarted off to Bertie. "Just make sure you're here or we'll leave your arse."

Bertie smiled as he gestured for them to get going. "As if. If you remember, I'm partial to Chocoballs and wouldn't say no to receiving a few as a gift. Write that down. Let's go."

The four happy Gryffindors walked stealthily up the stairs to visit their favorite shop.

/*/

At 2:16 sharp, Bertie, Butters, Jackson and Summerlin had wands lighted, held high and were on their way back through the tunnel laughing and joking with each other.

Butters was in rare form. "Is this where our illustrious mate admits we weren't spouting rubbish. I don't hear anything," He said, turning around to walk backwards so he was facing Bertie."

A wide grin spread across Bertie's face. I was only able to buy one box of Chocoballs, so I'll ignore the bullshite you are spewing if you have scored me an extra box or two. Otherwise,…"

"Otherwise nothing Robbins. I'm one of your best mates. You'll do nothing which is fine because it just so happens I have two extra boxes of the delicious Chocoballs. What's that Bertie nothing to say?"

Everyone laughed at Bertie's silence, but their top mate did have a comment. "You'd better turn around and walk forward before you fall on that dumb arse."

"I only have one thing to say, yes Bertie. Yes master. Okay my king." Butters replied.

Jackson and Summerlin howled. They knew Butters was mimicking Zach.

Bertie gave them all the stink eye telling them they better get walking before he kicked all their arses.

The four Gryffindors walked the last ten minutes in silence.

/*/

Avery, Nott and Mulciber were sitting on benches on the farthest edge of the Quidditch Field trying to sort things out. Mulciber suggested they make a direct run at Glover, but Avery discarded that idea right off.

"Are you mental? Glover has become one of Dumbledore's favorites right behind that simpleton Robbins. It would be disaster to try anything on the little mutt."

Nott nodded. "Perhaps this can be as simple as we make it. It might not work out but then again it just might."

Avery was getting annoyed. They all were going to be in the shite if they get the information and he was dealing with a long winded dolt. "No long winded recitation necessary Nott. Just spit it out."

Spots of red appeared on Nott's cheeks. "Sorry Avery. Glover must write home to his family. Why don't we check the Owlery? Perhaps there are letters that haven't gone out yet. If there are letters, we'll have found out not only names but addresses as well."

Mulciber let out a sigh of relief while Avery clapped Nott on the back. "Thinking like a Slytherin. Good man. What are we waiting for? Let's get to the Owlery.

/*/

Avery, Nott and Mulciber entered the Owlery quietly not wanting to advertise their presence in case someone was there. They were in luck. It was empty. Then they got double lucky. Zachary Glover had written three letters. One to Samantha and Daniel Glover, one to Zaria Glover and one to Richard Gibbons. There were other letters in the outgoing box, but none from Glover. Chuffed wasn't a strong enough word. Avery and Nott were even more excited than Mulciber. They had found exactly what Tom wanted without having to take drastic measures.

As they headed out of the Owlery, Avery suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"What Avery? We have what Tom wants. Let's go."

"Shut it Nott. Let me have a think." Avery was quiet for several seconds before explaining himself. "We almost made another mistake."

"How so?"

Turning to his fellow Slytherins, Avery explained how it would be better to replicate the information and leave the originals. That way, Tom has his information, Glover's letters get Owled and no one is the wiser."

Taking the letters from Nott's hands, Mulciber didn't hesitate. "Geminio." He shouted causing all three envelopes to make a double.

"Excellent! Put Glover's letters back and get the information to Tom. He'll probably give you a gift for getting the information in such a timely manner. Best of all, that mutt Glover will never know."

/*/

At the bottom of the stairs, Mulciber turned towards the Slytherin dorms but Avery and Nott turned in another direction.

The smile left Mulciber's' face. "Aren't you two coming back with me?"

Avery didn't even turn around. "No Mulciber. We aren't coming with you. You have the information. Hand it to Tom then stand there mute until he tells you to speak. You may let Tom know Nott and I assisted you. Perhaps we'll get a gift as well."

Mulciber rolled his eyes. This wasn't the time for joking. Lord Voldemort might still hex him because he hadn't found floo addresses. With a sigh, he continued on his way to see his Master.

/*/

Initially, Tom growled at Mulciber thinking nothing could have been accomplished in such a short period of time, but as he was handed exactly what he had asked for his temperament changed. "I am amazed by your fortitude. I expected a much different outcome. Since you have served me so well this time, I might call on you in the future. You may leave."

Mulciber didn't spend an extra moment in Tom's rooms or the dungeons. The speed with which he left didn't stop him from mumbling hateful things about Tom Riddle. "My master needs to get some manners. He could have at least said thank you. What am I thinking? That miserable…."

Suddenly, Avery and Nott were at his side. "You are being awfully loud and disrespectful. Be careful of your words Mulciber. It's our Master you are disparaging. Should the wrong people hear you, you might find yourself standing in front of a very different Tom Riddle. You've done as asked. Come join Nott and myself in a bit of distraction. You'll thank us for it."

/*/

After studying the information in front of him, Tom Riddle began to strut about his rooms. Mulciber the idiot had come through. Tom memorized the names and addresses then called out a loud, Evanesco. Poof! All the evidence was vanished. Sitting there gloating, the magnitude of what had been found had escaped Tom's notice. Then he realized what he had. Samantha Gibbons had obviosly been Samantha Riddle at one time. He had found Samantha Gibbons Riddle Glover without effort.

Speaking exuberantly to the air around him, Tom elucidated. "I have found Tom Riddle Sr's second wife. If Samantha Gibbons and Tom Riddle, Sr. didn't separate until 1935, it is obvious Glover and his sister carry Riddle blood. But how? It quickly became obvious. Instead of marrying a filthy muggle, Tom Riddle Sr. had married a second witch. A witch who treasured her children. No filthy fucking orphanage for them." The last thoughts had thrown Tom into a fit of fury, but then he relented.

"I have found the Riddle spawn, but they aren't filthy muggles. They are magical. They are my siblings."

For the next hour, Tom vacillated between envy and fury. Once the fit of fury was over, Tom had made a decision. "Be they muggle or magical, they cannot be allowed to take a place beside me. I am the one and only Lord Voldemort last of the filthy Riddle line.

"For now, I'll watch and wait, but in the end, I'll do what I must."