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 30: Gifts
With a sigh, Zaria closed her eyes thinking about the bit of good fortune that had recently appeared in her life. In about two weeks, Papa Gibbons would be giving her a gift. Casper and Mazie were going to have baby Kneazles and mum had already agreed she could have one. Papa had assured her she could have the pick of the litter.
Thinking about the lovely, orange-y Kneazle she would soon own, helped soothe Zaria. Within five minutes, the restless young witch was fast asleep.
/*/
In their bedroom, Daniel and Samantha were long finished doing married things yet they lay awake thinking about their upcoming gift and when they should tell the children.
Daniel kissed Samantha on the shoulder. "I love you so much Sam. As much as I'm thrilled to be a father to Zach and Zaria, I'm exceptionally thrilled for us to be having a child together. Just think, by May of next year we'll be a family of five."
Grabbing Sam around the waist and pulling her close, Daniel whispered his near last words of the night.
"Can you possibly imagine Hogwarts having had three Glovers and a Riddle gracing their hallways? Headmaster Dippet and Professor Dumbledore will be old before their time."
Samantha turned so she was facing Daniel. "Merlin has smiled on us for sure. A word of caution though. We may have a conundrum on our hands if our child is born non-magical."
"Hahaha. My wife has humor. If our child is born non-magical, Zach and Zaria will change the world so he or she will fit in. In any case, with all the love and support you've given me, I believe magic is now infused in my genes. Our child will be a magical. The end."
Samantha snickered into Daniel's chest. "Says you. Goodnight love."
Leaving a kiss on the top of Samantha's head, Daniel wished her a good night as well.
/
/
A Riddle With Another Name 31: Tuesday Fuss
When Avery, Nott, Malfoy and the rest of Slytherin's Quidditch team returned to the Dungeons, Avery put a whisper into Malfoy's ear.
"Get over to the Master's rooms now or have you forgotten he wants to see you?"
Malfoy hadn't forgotten. He just needed a push to go face the wizard who'd had him ostracized and thought him to be some addle brained arse. Tom Riddle too would someday feel the wrath of the Malfoys. However, right now, this night, Tom was the Master, the Lord Voldemort and Abraxas Malfoy was the dullard who had to pay homage.
"I haven't forgotten Avery. It's just daunting to face the Master. I needed a few deep breaths to clear my head."
Although Avery wanted to agree, he said nothing. There would never be a time he'd malign Tom to a lowlife like Malfoy.
"Just get over there before our Master has to come looking for you."
Malfoy straightened his back and hurried over to Tom's door which opened before he put up a hand to knock.
"Well, as I live and breathe Abraxas Malfoy is at my door."
If Malfoy hadn't learned anything else, he'd learned not to speak before he was asked a direct question.
Tom was being expansive. Abraxas knew why. It was just another thing he would keep filed away in his head.
Gesturing for Malfoy to enter, Tom stood directly in front of him. "Avery has told me about the amazing gift your father has sent to Slytherin House. Avery also mentioned it was you who put the whisper in your father's ear. Well done Abraxas. Very well done. The Slytherin team will not only be hard to beat but best outfitted as well. I didn't realize you were this wily. Have your father send new equipment was sure to get you out of the shite with me. Your ploy, if it was a ploy, has worked. You are now back among my lot. Try to remain there. I imagine you'll be writing Septimus to advise him how happy, although it's a relative word, he has made Slytherin House. Please offer him my personal thanks. No more missteps Malfoy or I'll expect another big gift. I'm sure your father will not like that. You are excused."
Malfoy was thrilled to have been excused without suffering any misfortune. "Thank you Master. There won't be any more missteps. I will pass on your regards to my father."
/*/
After leaving Tom's rooms, Malfoy didn't know what to do. He had been accepted back into Tom's line of wizards, but had he really. Letting out a soft sigh, all he could do was try. Heading straight for the main table, he hesitated before taking a seat. However, hesitating hadn't been necessary as he was greeted by name by all. Only Black had the nerve to make a remark.
"So Malfoy. It's back to the main table for you. You'll need to be on your best…."
Avery cut across Black. "Has someone died and left you in charge Licorus? If not, I suggest you keep your mouth closed until asked for an opinion. Have I made myself clear?"
Licorus Black sat there looking stupid. He had tried to pull power over a wizard whose father had just sent a splendid gift. Such a stupid thing to do. "It wasn't my intention to…"
Avery cut across Black again. "Have I made myself clear?"
Mulciber gave Black a nudge with his foot meaning he should stop talking. Mulciber added one last remark. "You've made yourself perfectly clear Avery."
Garrett Avery took a look around the table. "All need be said is that our Master has welcomed Malfoy back to his most steadfast soldiers. The end. I suggest the lot of you get to your dorm rooms to wash those smelly arses so you won't have to do it in the morning unless someone pisses the bed during the night. Get going."
Sixth of the steadfast soldiers moved towards their rooms with Mulciber and Black mumbling softly to each other.
Nott grinned at Avery. "You have the boys all riled up."
Avery grinned right back. "Nah! If someone was upset, he or they would be stepping to me."
"As if. He or they like living. I'm knackered. I'm going to bed. Later mate."
"I'm right behind you. I just want to make sure the common room is tidy. I don't want Tom upset over a few crumbs left on the floor."
"True mate true." Nott whispered before striding off to their rooms.
/*/
With all the bullshite settled, Tom had time to ponder who could have hexed him. He kept going around and around in his head but going make it make sense. No one was fast enough or bright enough to have thrown any kind of hex at him. No one dared. As he undressed, Tom's thoughts landed on the likliest culprits, Dumbledore, Robbins and Jackson. Tom knew all three were capable of throwing a hex at him and none feared him. Tom was raising his wand to put out the lights when one last name crossed his mind, Zachary Glover. The little piss ant is only a scrawny first year, but he clearly isn't afraid of me. If he could manage it, he'd probably hex me every chance he got even though he is my…..bah. If someone hexed me, I will get to the bottom of it.
"Nox!"
/**/
Tuesday morning, the Gryffindors were lined up ready to walk out to breakfast when Jackson's lilting voice rang out. "Good Tuesday morning Gryffindors. Backs straight with heads held high is the way to approach the day. No nonsense. Get going."
The rush was on but it was a controlled rush. No First through Third Year wanted Bertie, Jackson, Butters or Summerlin to snatch them out of line for conduct unbecoming. When the last of the lower years were out the door, Jackson, Butters and Summerlin followed behind leaving Bertie to walk with Beth. For Bertie, Beth's company was something he'd have to get used to. He was used to walking to breakfast with his mates. Once again, Bertie had the quick thought that Beth had no problem overstepping, but like last time, he forgot about it two steps into the walk.
When Bertie and Beth entered the Great Hall, a great many faces turned to look at the couple. That was news. Bertie Robbins had finally found a witch that interested him. Several witches from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff looked annoyed. Blabbermouth Beth had done what she'd bragged about. She had caught the attention of the very handsome, very brilliant, very important Bertie Robbins.
One of the Ravenclaw witches mumbled to her best friend that it wouldn't last. Her friend told her she was acting jealous.
"Jealous maybe, but you and I have heard the same rumors. Miss Gryffindor doesn't know when to step back. I give it two months at the most. Since, we now know Bertie is interested in more than Quidditch, when it's over between him and Beth, I just might step up."
Handing her jealous friend a piece of toast, the other Ravenclaw put on a perfectly lovely smirk. "Really Trish, you're going to step up? That must be after Bertie's next Gryffindor witch gives you a hard poke with her wand."
Both witches giggled. Trish was talking like a nutter.
/*/
Perhaps a few eyes had turned in Bertie and Beth's direction. After a very quick glance, Zach, Aiden and Trevor put their eyes back on their food. Bertie would do what Bertie would do. Even so, Zach hoped Beth wouldn't be interfering with Quidditch time. If that happened, he would have to speak up. Unwilling to share what he'd been thinking, Zach pulled out The Standard Book of Spells by Miranda Goshawk.
"I've read through the first seven chapters. It is a very informative book.
"What?" Aiden, asked loudly. "We are only on chapter four and some in the class haven't mastered those charms yet.
Trevor glanced at Zach before making a comment. "Zach is just showing off."
"I'm not showing off Trevor. I'm here at Hogwarts the best magical school in the world. I intend to make the most of it. Besides, The Standard Book of Spells is an easy book to read even in addition to practicing the charms we've learned. Anyway, I'm not asking anyone else to read ahead so kiss my bottom."
Trevor gave Zach a nudge. "Calm down wizard who reads so fast. Professor Flitwick will appreciate your tenacity."
All three mates laughed softly but Aiden still gave Zach the side eyes.
Zach packed Standard Book of Spells into his case before standing. "Come on. It's 8:45. I want to have a quick pee before class."
Trevor and Aiden stood as well. Where one went, they all went. Besides, it was going to be a long day. They all needed a pee.
They waved as they passed the senior end of the table.
/*/
Giving Bertie a slight nudge, Jackson whispered that his mini me had just given him a wave. Bertie, who was talking to Beth ignored Jackson.
Jackson, Summerlin and Butters all stood at the same time. "We'll see you in class Bertie. Bye Beth."
Bertie waved Beth didn't. When his three mates were out of earshot, an irritated sounding Beth asked why Jackson was always whispering in his ear. This question took Bertie by surprise and he had to stop himself from answering crossly. He did however, answer.
"What's the reason for that question Beth? If you're thinking Jackson is making remarks about you, I can assure he's not. I can also assure you Cedric Jackson is a stand up wizard who wouldn't ever try nonsense like that. So I'll as again. What's the reason for that question?"
Beth was stuck. She didn't like Jackson always in Bertie's ear. She was sure he wasn't saying anything about her, but she needed her chosen wizard to know she didn't like it. However, her question hadn't sat right with Bertie. His voice had taken on a bit of a tone. Beth tried to backtrack, but with Bertie staring straight at her, all she could do was stutter out some nonsense.
"I-I-I didn't…."
Bertie stood up. "It's time we got to class. History of Magic won't wait for us."
Beth grabbed her case. "Yes it is and no it won't."
The two walked to HOM without a word between them.
/*/
Mary and Eileen both gave a little wave when Zach, Trevor and Aiden entered the room. Trevor waved back which put him dead in the headlights of the Professor Flitwick who normally wouldn't call anyone out. This particular Tuesday, whether it was because Trevor was waving at two of Flitwick's favorite Ravenclaw First Years or because he was having a bad day, the tiny wizard shouted at the three of them to get to their seats at double time.
Zach and Aiden glanced over at Trevor who was in full blush then very quickly put their noses in their book. They didn't want to embarrass their mate any more than the professor had. Mary and Eileen had put their noses deep into their books as well.
Tuesday wasn't starting off too well for some of The Dominators.
/*/
Over in History of Magic, the Slytherins were smirking and grinning so they could be seen by the Gryffindors but not by the professor. Tom had given them permission to do the dirty work. Not permission. Tom had given his special minions orders. They were to irritate Robbins and Jackson as much as possible by generally being arses and making it known the Slytherin Quidditch Team had a surprise in store for everyone come the weekend. Avery and Nott were glad to do it. Taking the Mickey out of Robbins and Jackson would be their pleasure.
Bertie, who was still smarting over losing Gryffindor House ten points could barely keep himself under control. Jackson noticed. He gave Bertie an inquisitive frown hoping his mate was going to abide by the rules he had established just as Professor Binns called the class to order.
On the way out of class, Tom led the line with his nose in the air, but his minions dawdled around the door nudging each other and smirking. Bertie, Jackson, Butters and Summerlin pushed past the Slytherins nearly taking the shoulder off several.
"Watch it you lot. Are you trying to take my shoulder out of the socket?" Growled Mulciber.
Bertie didn't bother to reply, but Butters said his piece. "Piss off Mulciber. If we were trying to take that scrawny shoulder out of its socket, it would be laying on the floor by now."
Avery remained silent but Nott who couldn't let the threat pass added his two cents at a much lower volume. "Think you're so smart, do you? Well it's us Slytherins who will be having the last laugh this weekend, we…."
"Mind your words Nott. You've said enough. Our business is our business. Nothing those simple Gryffindors say or do has any bearing on us."
"Yeah Nott. Your mini dictator has spoken. Mind your business and get along to lunch like a good wizard would. Oh sorry. There will never be a time when you will be considered a good wizard."
A rigid back Avery rolled his eyes at Butters before gesturing at the others who were still milling around to get going.
Seconds later, the area outside of History of Magic class was empty of Fifth and Sixth Year Slytherins and Gryffindors.
/*/
Outside Charms class, Trevor and Zach paired off with Mary and Eileen leaving an irritated Aiden to bring up the rear mumbling about The Dominators being in full effect. Trevor and Zach didn't hear but Mary did and softly directed a comment at Aiden.
"Why are you back there Aiden? Dominators walk together. Come walk on the other side of me."
Zach looked back at Aiden to tell him to get in step. The entire group chuckled when Aiden declared they needed at least one more Dominator. Mary and Eileen both blushed when Trevor made a cheeky reply.
"I agree Aiden. We need to find an extra witch just for you."
Aiden huffed but sped up to walk on the other side of Mary.
The Dominators separated at the door to the Great Hall promising to take only a half hour lunch so they could catch a bit of air and have a chat before next class.
Zach was actually glad they were going to cut lunch a bit short. He wanted to leave his letter to Zaria in the Owlery.
/*/
Down the senior end of the table, Jackson was trying to get Bertie's opinion on what he thought the Slytherins meant by a big surprise this weekend.
"Do you think they are planning to hurt one of us Bertie?"
"No."
"Nott's words did sound like a threat." Butters remarked.
Giving his mate a sharp look, Bertie sniped at Butters. "What did you expect after you ran off at the mouth Jeremy? Your remarks are the thing Slytherins live for. They like to know they are getting under our skin. Riddle probably told them them to start shite. Unfortunately, it was us who started shite. I am going to reiterate my thoughts. Leave the bloody buggers alone unless they come at us head on, especially with Quidditch and flying practice coming up this weekend."
Many things were running through Bertie's head as he said the word weekend. Perhaps Tom and his minions were planning something. Then he shrugged. They would need Salizar Slytherin to come back from the dead to save their arses if they tried anything.
Bertie took a breath then spoke to his mates in a more relaxed tone. "No worries about this weekend mates, really. If Slytherins want to act the arse, we Gryffindors will stand on the sidelines and watch the show. I'm certain Madame Hooch would be glad to give a few demerits to Slytherin house."
Summerlin was grinning. "Hahaha. You're right Bertie. Madame Hooch doesn't care much for Riddle and his gang either. I believe we should still be prepared. Riddle might not be trying to attack us, but he might be willing to attack the lower Years."
Three pairs of eyes looked over at Bertie when he dropped his fork down on the plate. "If, if, if….maybe, maybe, maybe. Leave the shite alone until the Slytherins try to pull something. If that happens, we will deal with it. Now may I finish this lovely piece of beef or shall we continue this argument?"
"No argument Bertie."
"Sounds good Bertie."
"No problem mate."
Beth didn't know if she was supposed to agree but added her voice anyway. "Okay Bertie."
Bertie glanced down at Beth gave her a smile and a slight nudge before giving Jackson, Butters and Summerlin a smirk. "The witch presently on my calendar is a keeper."
Beth, who was feeling warmth spread throughout her body over what Bertie had just said had her head down to hide a blush so she missed Bertie give his mates a sly wink. Jackson, Butters and Summerlin looked at each other. Their unromantic mate had just made a pretty romantic statement. Definitely a surprise, but a surprise that wasn't any of their business.
/*/
Professor Slughorn was annoyed. In fact, he was so annoyed he asked Dumbledore for a quick word after lunch. Someone had been messing about in his stores. Some Dittany leaves and some Horklump Juice were missing. Borrowing from his stores wasn't a problem. The problem was borrowing from his stores without permission. Stealing was a filthy habit. Right up there with lying. As he said the word lying, Horace reminded himself he had crossed Albus to protect a lying, sometimes irrational member of Slytherin House. Albus might not be pleased to speak with him about anything.
Dumbledore kept a straight back as well as a blank face when he replied to Horace. "Certainly Horace. Shall we leave the Hall a few minutes early or would you like to wait until end of day?"
Slughorn was so irritated he hadn't thought his request through. No, he didn't want to cut his lunch short and no he didn't want to be late to class, but Dumbledore knew that. The Transfiguration Professor was just being difficult, but Horace answered accordingly. "I'll see you in your office after my last class. Have a good lunch Albus."
Dumbledore watched as Horace took his seat at the table thinking how long should he allow his and Horace's conversation to go on before he just said no. Smiling, Dumbledore tucked into his kidney pie. He wasn't going to be vindictive, but he wasn't going to be pushed over for a second time.
/*/
Professor Slughorn wasn't the only one who was annoyed. Madame Hooch had returned from her little stay away to find her equipment office out of order. Madame Hooch had intentions of speaking with Bertie who was normally the only wizard who spent time in the Quidditch office or the Quidditch equipment offices. The problem was Bertie hadn't ever left anything out of order. After a second look, Madame Hooch noticed most of the disarray was centered around the Slytherin area where it appeared filled with brand new equipment. Bertie wouldn't touch the equipment of another House if someone were to pay him. House Quidditch equipment was too important to the owners. No House touched the equipment of another House without cause. Rearranging the thoughts in her head, Madame Hooch decided she would speak to Horace who could get it sorted within his own House.
On her way to lunch, Madame Hooch left a note on Horace's desk to see her sometime that evening regarding an important matter. With that done, she headed to the Great Hall for some lovely kidney pie.
/*/
The Dominators had been to the Owlery and were settled on the wall of the courtyard laughing over the Trevor and Aiden's humorous exchange earlier that morning.
Eileen glanced around the club members. "I think Aiden has a point. Five is such an uneven number."
"Merlin be. Uneven numbers are such a drag. Perhaps we can rope in some gullible Gryffindor witch to join us." Offered Trevor.
Mary's wrinkled brows spoke volumes. "I'm not gullible. I'm a Dominator because I want to be a Dominator not because some Gryffindor dolt thinks he's smarter than me."
"You're right Mary. Perhaps Gryffindor boys think they're better than Ravenclaws. Let me just clear this up Trevor, we're not." Added Eileen. "In fact, I think it's time to get to class because some of us might need to study up. Let's go Mary."
Mary stood, but didn't appear happy to do so. She had made her remarks and considered it done, but Eileen wanted to go all cranky. Surprising everyone, Trevor reached out to Eileen.
"My apologies to you and Mary for my poor choice of words. We still have twenty minutes before class. Let's discuss how lovely you and Mary look in those robes."
Everyone smiled over Trevor's comments including Eileen and Mary. Zach and Aiden were smiling because Trevor was using some Third Year nonsense on Mary and Eileen. Mary and Eileen were smiling because they had received an apology completely unaware their First Year mate was quickly learning Third Year tricks. The Dominators spent the next ten minutes discussing home, Quidditch and the letters they had received from family before gathering their things and heading to the Astronomy Tower.
Aiden was grumbling. "This Astronomy business makes me nervous. I hope I can get through the year without falling off the tower."
Eileen snipped at Aiden's obvious whining. "If you fall off the astronomy tower, our club will be back to even."
Grinning like two nutters, Zach and Trevor took turns clapping Aiden on his back with Zach whispering.
"Yes, there's that."
Aiden rolled his eyes at everyone before stepping onto the astronomy tower.
/*/
As soon as the last class ended, Tom made his way down to The Chamber. He had business. The Basilisk was glad to see its Master. It always looked forward to the scraps of meat and bones his Master threw out. Tom didn't fail his pet. After throwing out the scraps, Tom settled himself at the table where he planned to notate what had gone on with Malfoy and his father. Before Tom began to write his eyes fell on prior notes which were eye opening. Even the great Lord Voldemort was lost for a moment.
/*/
In his office, in the middle of a conversation with Horace, Dumbledore got a tickling sensation throughout his body the same time Fawkes began squawking.
"Yes, yes Fawkes. Something is amiss. Please excuse me for a moment Horace. There is an immediate need for me to be elsewhere in the castle. Please help yourself to tea or some delightful licorice snaps. I shall return."
"Is everything alright Albus?"
"I won't know until I get there Horace. I must go."
Horace sat there bewildered hoping Tom Riddle wasn't up to something else.
/*/
Hurrying out of his office, Dumbledore cloaked himself and apparated to the most logical place for trouble the Slytherin Dungeons. However, when he landed, all was quiet. Dumbledore was now frustrated. His mind was telling him he had missed something important. What that was, he didn't know. Cloaking himself very well, he walked through the common room straight to Tom's rooms. Entering so quickly not even the most astute student could see, he surveyed Tom's rooms. The room was empty. Realizing if Tom was up to mischief it was somewhere else, Dumbledore hurried out of Slytherin House.
"I've left something half done. I can feel it." Dumbledore mumbled as he checked each House in turn. Nothing was amiss anywhere. Heading back to his office, Dumbledore's powerful magic took over. He had overlooked something and he now knew it had something to do with Tom Riddle and the Glover family. Flicking his wand and softly calling out Illegibilus, Dumbledore considered his work done. He had obliterated all memories of the Glover family from Tom. However, Tom was in the habit of making notes, and notes about the Glover family would only stir things up again. Dumbledore knew he couldn't have that. Feeling that all had been put right, Dumbledore hurried back to his conversation.
When he entered his office, Horace stood. "If this is a bad time Albus, we can finish our discussion some other time."
"Sit down Horace. Where were we? Oh yes. Someone took Dittany and Horklump Juice from your stores. Not to make light of it, but I imagine the ingredients are gone for good. There's no need for my interference now. My suggestion would be for you to lock up your stores at the end of each school day and the weekends as well. Use Colloportus Maxima Firma Slughorn. No one will be able to open the doors except you. That should solve the problem. Perhaps you might also keep an eye out for anyone who has the smell of Wiggenweld Potion on or about his or her body or belongings."
Horace stood up. "Thank you Albus. The solution seems so simple I should have thought of it myself. Have a good evening. Madame Hooch wants a word. I hope it's something simple."
"Good evening Horace. Would you like some licorice snaps to take with you?"
Horace couldn't help the frown that appeared between his brows. It quickly flashed through his head that Albus was having him on. Those licorice snaps were a menace. He couldn't understand how anyone could call those blighters candy. However, Horace made himself reply in a pleasant manner.
"No thank you Albus. I don't care for licorice. My sweet tooth does well enough with my sugared pineapple."
Dumbledore leaned back in the chair as he watched his door close. Getting up from the chair, Dumbledore spoke to Fawkes.
"Horace seems stressed. No matter. It's time for us to close the office. I'll meet you back in our rooms."
Squawk! Squawk! Fawkes had disappeared.
/*/
Down in The Chamber Tom was in a fit of fury. He had begun to read pages he didn't remember writing when all of a sudden, the page he was on and five pages after went blank. They had writing on them then they had simply gone blank.
Tom threw the diary down on the desk. "What in Salizar's good name is this? Someone is obviously playing with Lord Voldemort and he will not have it. First a hex, now mucking around with my personal diary. I'll have someone's arse for this."
The Basilisk began backing into it's tunnel. Nothing good came of it when his Master began shouting and ranting. The Basilisk had to remain in the tunnel for the next hour.
When Tom left The Chamber, he was out for blood. It was fortunate Slytherin House had settled in for the night.