Hi guys! I know it's been a while since I've posted. My life it a bit upside down right now...and, by "a bit," I mean completely topsy-turvy! You all know about the medical shite that's going on. It seems that that's been fixed...if not permanently, then managed. Let's hope that's not temporary. Lol.

So, the other thing is that we're moving. It's not 100% because he keeps saying he doesn't want to go, but we've found an house and told the owner that we're taking it. I won't feel like it's a done deal until we get that lease and SIGN it. I've given notice at work, so...I have three weeks left, then NO JOB! The reason we're moving is because his work (here) is fading and there's a rink (two of them, actually) that wants him. He's a professional figure skater...I'm certain I've mentioned that. So...Washington, here we come! If nothing changes, moving day is July 1st...move in day is July 3rd. Should be a nice LONG drive from Southern California to the Seattle region. Both of us are a little stressed...trying to handle the logistics of moving out of state with three big dogs and six freaking cars! And, we don't have our house rented out yet! And then there will be all the "little" things once we get there...finding doctors, vets, setting up utilities, registering cars (I think we're only taking three), new drivers' licenses. OMG, sooo much! SIGH

Okay, I figured you all deserved a chapter. I mean, it's been a really long time since I posted. Boo me!
(And really, it was Sharie who cracked the whip and told me to post. You can thank her!)

Chapter Forty-seven
Letters, Personally Delivered

As it turned out, it was a tall, very stern-looking woman with black hair that was pulled back into a tight bun, and glasses covering shrewd green eyes. She appeared to be slightly less than middle aged, in Buffy's estimation, but one couldn't be too sure with witches and wizards she knew—they seemed to age differently. Whether it be their nature or due to anti-aging spells, Buffy did not know!

But the woman standing in front of her at the door was definitely a witch! Buffy could tell by what she was wearing—long flowing robes—which was not what you'd see a woman wearing in 1942 London!

Unless, of course, she was some sort of eccentric vampire who'd figured out that the Slayer was in town. Buffy decided she would start with that and not just invite her in.

"Can I help you?" Buffy asked, unsure who she was speaking to.

"Good evening, Miss Summers," the woman said.

"Um. Yes, that's me, but...how did you know?" Buffy asked.

The witch pursed her lips. "I have done my homework."

Buffy hmm'd. "Have you now."

The witch nodded. "I have indeed."

Tilting her head slightly, Buffy said, "And what sort of homework brings a stranger to a girl's front door on this pleasant summer evening?"

"I work at Hogwarts," said the witch. "I am Professor McGonagall."

Buffy looked her up and down, then nodded. "Oh. Okay. Did Dumbledore send you?"

The woman narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips again. "Professor Dumbledore knows I am here, but he did not send me."

Buffy hmm'd, then stepped back, satisfied enough to allow the woman inside. "Well, I suppose you can join the party," she said. "We were just...well, hanging out."

The witch hesitated for just a moment, then stepped over the threshold, then waited while Buffy shut the door—then waited a moment longer as Buffy bit her lip and cocked her head.

"Can I take your coat or...um...robes?" Buffy asked eyeing the woman's attire—suddenly wondering if asking that was the wrong thing to say. Was it wizarding etiquette to ask such a thing? Was it British etiquette to offer to take one's outerwear? She had no clue.

Professor McGonagall shook her head. "No, thank you."

"Oh. Um. Okay. They're pretty. Your robes, I mean," Buffy said. "I like the plaid. The ones I got for school are just plain black. I would have liked a little bit more color. Like yours."

Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, smiling just a bit as she ran a hand over her tartan robes. "Thank you, Miss Summers."

"Anyway, everyone's upstairs, so...we should go on up," said Buffy as she started down the hallway. "You probably know some of my...guests, but...you can meet my aunts. They're still here. I mean, they plan to go out, but they haven't left yet."

Nodding, Professor McGonagall followed the girl—and was surprised upon entering the lounge to find a trio of Slytherins. She was aware that Tom Riddle was there—that he often spent time Buffy Summers. Not only had Professor Dumbledore apprised her of the situation, but she had current correspondence for the boy. The other two were a surprise. She would have to take that information back to Professor Dumbledore.

And then there was another boy and the girl's aunts—whom she'd been informed here not truly her aunts. They were also witches, though not ones they were accustomed to. But who was this other boy?

"Hey everyone...look who's here," Buffy said—then went on for those who didn't know the witch. "This is Professor McGonagall."

Professor McGonagall nodded. "Good evening. I don't mean to barge in at an inconvenient time," she said, knowing it was dinnertime.

Vin stood up. "Oh nonsense!" she said, moving closer. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Lavinia Fairweather and this is my sister Sophronia."

Sophie nodded. "Yes. We are so pleased to make your acquaintance," she said politely. "And please, call us Vin and Sophie. Everyone else does."

Vin laughed. "Except Edna, even though she knows it's our preference."

"Edna is our sister and Edmund's mother," Sophie explained, gesturing at their nephew. Edmund nodded his greeting to the woman.

"I am Minerva McGonagall, one of the professors at Hogwarts," she said. "Miss Summers mentioned that there was a party going on and that the two of you would be going out for the evening, but I've come to deliver these important letters." She held up her hand, three letters materializing in it.

"Hey, that's nifty!" Buffy said. "I've been reading about wandless magic."

From his place in the room, Tom Riddle frowned. His eyes darkened as they went to the envelopes in the witch's hands. There were several, which meant that there was probably one there for him.

"I guess the party's over," Buffy went on, her gaze going to Abraxas and Kieran. "They were just leaving. Weren't you?"

Both boys nodded quickly. They wanted to get out of there before all the adults left, leaving them alone with Tom and his temper.

"Oh yes. As I told you earlier, my parents are expecting guests and...I'm afraid I'm already quite late," Abraxas said quickly.

Kieran nodded. "And I only returned for my glove, but seeing as I've found it, I'll be on my way as well."

Buffy smirked. "I'll walk you out," she said, gesturing that the two boys should follow her.

"What about Mr Riddle?" Professor McGonagall asked curiously.

At the question, Buffy halted and looked back at the witch. "Oh. Tom's definitely staying...aren't you, Tom?"

Blinking, Tom nodded. "Yes, I will need to remain here."

Buffy grinned, then led Abraxas and Kieran out, bidding them both farewell at he door. "See you at Hogwarts, guys," she said, closing the door as quickly as she could, so that she could get back upstairs.

~oOo~

"So, I hope we're not in any trouble," Buffy immediately said as she waltzed back into the lounge.

Professor McGonagall chuckled. "No, Miss Summers. You are not in any trouble. But why are you worried? You have yet to start Hogwarts."

Buffy's look was a bit sheepish. "Um. Well, I'm assuming Professor Dumbledore has told you about me, so..." She shrugged.

Professor McGonagall pursed her lips. "Indeed he has. But again, you are not in any trouble. Perhaps we can keep it that way?"

Smiling, Buffy nodded. "I will certainly try."

Professor McGonagall hmm'd—then held out a letter to Buffy. "This is your invitation to visit Hogwarts," she said. "We have arranged for the train to be at the station a week early. You can then be shown around and sorted into your House."

Buffy grinned and clapped her hands excitedly. "Really? Yay!" she exclaimed, taking the letter and unceremoniously ripping it open. After reading it, she handed it to Vin, then went to Tom and threw her arms around him. "It's happening!"

Embarrassed by Buffy's exuberance, Tom stood there stiffly, his dark eyes going from Professor McGonagall to Edmund Giles—Edmund looked somewhat amused by his discomfiture—then back to the professor. She was watching with interest—her lips pursed—and still holding letters.

"We have a lot to do before the twenty-fifth of August," Vin said, frowning as she examined the letter.

Sophie nodded. "And Buffy still needs to catch up on her studies," she said. "Where are you in your studies, Buffy?"

Rolling her eyes, Buffy stepped away from Tom. "Way to kill the mood, Soph," she grumbled.

"Well, it's a good question," Vin said, supporting her sister.

Buffy sighed. "I'm doing okay, I think. I mean, I'm going to be behind, but considering I'm attempting to cram each year of studies into a two week period of time..." She shrugged.

"Professor Dumbledore said that you're doing quite well, Miss Summers," said Professor McGonagall. "But we can find you a tutor if you require one."

"Oh. Tom's been helping me out a lot, Professor," Buffy said. "He's been super nice. And my friend Edmund has also offered to be a study buddy."

Professor McGonagall looked at the boy—who was a Muggle. "I see," she said, wondering what a Muggle could do to help—not that she had any issue with Muggles. "Well, we will see where you are just prior to start of term. In the meantime, I have two letters for Mr Riddle as well."

Nervously, Tom held out his hand, swallowing hard as the letters were placed in it. One was from Hogwarts and the other from the Ministry. Frowning, he opened the one from Hogwarts first.

"I've been made a Prefect," he stated, glancing up at Professor McGonagall.

"Congratulations, Mr Riddle," the witch said. "You have done well."

"Thank you, Professor," he said, dipping his head.

"What is a Prefect?" Buffy asked.

"A Prefect is a student who had been given extra authority and responsibilities by the Head of House and Headmaster," Professor McGonagall explained. "One boy and one girl are chosen from each House in their fifth year to act as Prefects. And they usually continue to be Prefects in their sixth and seventh years until they leave school.

"Oh. We don't have those at home," said Buffy. "Not at my school, at least."

"That's great, Tom," Edmund said. "Well done."

Tom glanced at Edmund and nodded. "Thank you," he said quietly—then looked at the letter from the Ministry. Sighing, he opened it, knowing this letter wasn't going to be good news.

"It's another warning about the use of underage magic," he said flatly, his eyes going to his professor. "Why did they send it with you and not by owl?"

"Not that it's any of your concern, but...I have several friends in the Ministry and I offered to bring it to you since I was coming here anyway," Professor McGonagall said. "They were going to send it tomorrow until they realized you were here tonight. I am supposed to confiscate your wand and hold it until term starts."

Frowning, Tom took a step backward. "I...don't have it," he admitted, feeling the panic rising within him.

Professor McGonagall stared at him in disbelief.

"It was that accidental thing, Professor," Buffy cut in. "I sent Tom an owl and the next thing we both knew, he was standing at our door."

The witch looked between them skeptically.

"Honest, Professor," Buffy said. "We spent the afternoon at Diagon and parted ways. I came home and Tom went back to his...place of residence. When I got home the Giles and the Travers were here and then Abraxas showed up. It was all a bit weird, because I was not expecting them, so I owled Tom to tell him who was here and... bam!" She clapped her hands loudly. "He was here! It was totally an accident."

Professor McGonagall looked from the girl to the boy and sighed. "That's highly unusual, but it happens occasionally. I will let the Ministry officials know. Please do be careful, Mr Riddle. You don't want to have your wand taken before the term begins. It could perhaps have your status as Prefect taken from you."

"Yes, Professor, of course," Tom said, nodding. "I wouldn't want that."

Professor McGonagall watched him. His relief was evident. "Well then, I've completed my business and, once more," she said, switching her gaze to the sisters, "I'm sorry to have disturbed your evening."

"Oh, no!" Sophie burst. "It was a pleasure to meet you."

Vin smiled and nodded. "We're happy you called," she said. "I'll show you out."

"Thank you," Professor McGonagall said, then glanced at Miss Summers and Mr Riddle and narrowed her eyes. "Do try to stay out of trouble, you two."

"Of course, Professor," Tom said obediently, nodding.

Looking at Tom, Buffy rolled her eyes. Suck up, she mouthed at him—causing him to glare at her. Then she grinned and faced those leaving. "See you in a few weeks," Buffy called out as the professor was leaving the room, waving at the witch.

Professor McGonagall paused in the doorway, nodded at them, then followed Vin downstairs.

~oOo~

"Well, that was interesting," said Buffy.

"I wouldn't call it interesting," Tom said as he lowered himself onto the sofa, then leaned forward and put is head in his hands. To him, this was disastrous.

Buffy glanced at Edmund, then sat down beside Tom and touched his shoulder. "Don't be so dramatic," she said—causing Tom to look at her sharply. Buffy rolled her eyes. "Come on, McGonagall understood and only gave you a warning. She's gone."

"For now!" he burst—then stood up and started pacing. "But what if it happens again?!"

Buffy shrugged. "It was an accident, Tom. You couldn't help it."

Standing there watching the pair, Edmund frowned a bit, then pushed at his glasses and spoke. "Buffy's right, Tom. If this accidental magic can happen...and clearly it can, because it just happened to you...then how can the Ministry hold you responsible? Surely you can't have your wand taken for that."

Sighing, Tom halted his pacing and looked at them—then nodded. "You're probably right."

"Of course I am!" Buffy said. "I'm always right!"

Tom snorted. "Let's not go that far."

Buffy pouted and Edmund chuckled—which caused her to glare at both boys.

~oOo~

After their cup of tea—which was mostly consumed in awkward silence—the three of them talked about the information that Edmund's parents had brought for Tom regarding his family. He'd read the note...

Tom Marvolo Riddle

Mother: Merope Riddle (née Gaunt) – deceased, survived by brother (Morfin)

Father: Tom Riddle – living (Little Hangleton), remarried (Cecelia), issue (unknown)

Maternal grandfather: Marvolo – deceased
Maternal grandmother – unknown

Paternal grandparents: Thomas and Mary – living (Little Hangleton)

...and frowned at it before looking up at Buffy and Edmund.

"This isn't much information," he said—clearly disappointed.

"But it's something," Buffy said. "A place to start. We can go to this..." She leaned in and looked at the missive. "Little Hangleton and do some recon. You know...just check it out. Check them out!"

Tom frowned—then nodded.

"Is this place far?" Buffy asked, looking up at Edmund.

Edmund frowned. "Yes," he said. "It's in Yorkshire." He paused there—then realizing that meant nothing to Buffy, he went on. "It's in the north and close to two hundred miles away."

This caused Buffy to frown. "Well crap! That is far." It was further than she'd hoped. She wondered if going there was even possible. "But we have names now," she pushed on, trying to look on the positive side as she pointed at the piece of paper in Tom's hand. "And we know where the name Marvolo comes from...your grandfather. And we know your mother's maiden name. Gaunt. That's something!"

"And your father is alive," Edmund added.

Tom nodded. He knew that. Edmund had given him that information a few weeks prior, but he hadn't truly believed it. The possibility of it had felt unreal when he'd first been told. The fact that he'd been forced to live in an orphanage when his father was still alive—that the man hadn't bothered to claim him—was infuriating! The man, this Tom Riddle Senior, had abandoned his wife and left his son in the hands of strangers! Part of him wanted to rip his father to pieces, but another part of him never wanted to set eyes on the man.

Buffy nodded at Edmund's words. "Alive and...possibly has no knowledge that you even exist," she said, somehow knowing what he was thinking.

"I'm not sure I want to meet him," Tom said quietly. "Or any of them."

"We don't have to knock on doors. We could just, you know...skulk about and see what's the what." She understood his reluctance though. He'd been left at an orphanage!

Tom nodded. "Perhaps."

"At least think about it, Tom," Edmund advised gently. "These people are...relatives you didn't know you had. It's...something. If you'd like me to I can go with you as support. Mother wouldn't like it, but..." He shrugged.

Tom looked up at Edmund and gave the other boy the barest glimmer of a smile. "I...appreciate the offer, Edmund," he said, amazed that this boy was so willing to accompany them to Salazar knew where.

Edmund nodded.

Buffy stood up and looked between the two boys. "So...what's the plan? How do we get to this Little Hangleton?

Edmund shrugged. "By train. It will be more difficult with there being a war on."

"What about that nifty Apparition thing?" Buffy asked. "Is that something we could do...or have someone help us with?"

Tom frowned. "Not without telling them where we were going and why? And we don't have the ability to Apparate...or licenses to do so, for that matter...so we're definitely not doing that."

Buffy frowned. "What about Vin and Sophie?

Tom shrugged. He'd seen their magical abilities in action, but he had no idea if they were capable of Apparition or something like it.

Edmund shook his head. "I'm afraid my parents have never spoken of them having that sort of ability. We could ask. You will have to tell them what you're planning on doing."

Tom frowned. He didn't like the idea of telling anyone what they'd be up to.

"Perhaps we could use the Floo at the Leaky Cauldron," he suggested. "We'd need to work out the nearest connection to Little Hangleton first, but...it may not be impossible to get there. There must be a pub there. Something like the Leaky Cauldron."

"What's...a Floo?" Buffy asked. "I remember Abraxas mentioning it, but I wasn't sure what he meant."

Tom glanced at Edmund. He wasn't used to discussing magic in front of Muggles—it was illegal to be doing so—but he wasn't really being given an option. Edmund was Buffy's friend and he'd offered to come along on this adventure. And, by the way they were sitting here discussing it, Tom didn't think Buffy would be agreeable to leaving her friend behind if he really wanted to go. Tom's only hope was that when the other boy's parents arrived, they didn't allow it.

Looking back at Buffy, Tom said, "The Floo Network is a magical linking of most fireplaces in the Wizarding world. It is used as a means of rapid transportation from one Wizarding building to another."

Buffy grinned. "Cool! So we should start there!" she said. "Maybe someone at the Leaky would know if there's a place in Little Hangleton."

Tom nodded. "Perhaps."

"Well then, we can start with that," said Edmund. "Tomorrow?"

Buffy looked from Edmund to Tom and smiled. "Sounds good to me. Tom?"

Still frowning a bit, Tom took a moment to think it over, then nodded. "Very well. Tomorrow," he said firmly.

~oOo~

Okay now...show me the love. You know, so I don't forget to keep writing. Haha.