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 33: The Beginning Of Day
An irritated Samantha cut across her daughter. "I know you're excited love, but please calm down. I'm going to use the bathroom then lie back down for a bit. We'll sort it all when your father gets home."
Zaria sighed. She had upset her mum going about things in the wrong way. She would just have to wait until her dad got home. However, she was still overcome with happiness. She had to share her news. Hurrying to her bedroom, Zaria pulled out ink and quill. She needed to write Zach.
The Glover day had begun.
/*/
Fawkes was in some sort of mood when Dumbledore stepped his stars and bars thick, woolen sock covered feet on the floor.
"What's the matter my friend? You seem out of sorts."
"Squawk! Squawk!
Dumbledore was puzzled. Very rarely did Fawkes get excited. Walking over to the perch, Dumbledore stroked his best mate.
"Calm yourself Fawkes. I cannot sense anything wrong at the moment, and anything that transpired during the night has resolved itself. We will not worry until it is time to worry.
As Dumbledore bathed and dressed, he wondered what he had missed. Fully dressed, he gave Fawkes one last stroke before heading to breakfast. If what had transpired during the night was important, it would surely show itself during the day. It was time for some ham, eggs, sausage, toast with a side of sherbet lemon if he was lucky.
The Transfiguration Professor's Day had begun.
/
/
A Riddle With Another Name 34: Tit For Tat This For That
Thursday morning was moving along with all three bandits receiving mail which they put in their bagsto read back in the dorms.With his letter from Zaria tucked into his bag, the ever observant Zach began whispering to Aiden and Trevor.
"Have a look at Avery and Nott. They look like they are about to fall over."
Aiden and Trevor gave a quick glance at the Slytherin table. Not only did Avery and Nott look like something a dragon had dragged so did several others.
"It's not our business." Trevor remarked.
Giving his mate a direct stare, Zach replied with a shrug of his shoulders. "Didn't say it was Trevor. I was simply commenting on something I found interesting."
Trevor snapped back. "That's your problem Zach. Things you find interesting are things Bertie has cautioned us about. Keep your mind on Gryffindor business."
Aiden cast a quick look up table checking to see if Bertie or Jackson had heard Zach or Trevor. It seemed they hadn't.
Dropping the piece of toast he had in his hand, Zach glared at Trevor. "Who died and made you the boss of me. I can say whatever I want whenever I want."
Without realizing it, both Trevor and Zach had allowed their voices to rise which did reach the ears of their senior Housemates and they all looked up into Jackson's scowling face.
"What's the problem? You three are so loud I'm surprised Dumbledore hasn't come to the table."
None of the three answered him.
Bending down, Jackson growled at them. "You three had so much to say but now you're mute? Whatever it was, get it settled right now. I'm being charitable. If Bertie has to come to this end of the table, you'll regret it."
Aiden watched Jackson until he was back in his seat. "Thanks for getting me told off when I didn't have shite to do with shite. Both of you act like someone elected you Head of something. Argue all you like, but don't get me involved."
Zach was in the middle of an apology when a grinning, gloating Tom Riddle passed by bumping him.
"Oh sorry Glover. Was that your shoulder? It should have been that loud mouth."
Without hesitation or thought, Zach snapped back. "Kill anyone lately or are you just cursing them?"
It was just an off hand, angry retort which caught Tom by surprise. The filthy mutt had spoken on his private business. Yes, he had killed his family and yes, he had just cursed his minions, but that was his business. It wasn't something he wanted bandied about. Anger made Tom forget himself and where he was. Turning, he came back to confront Zach. However, before he could get one word out of his mouth, Aiden and Trevor had stood as well. If Riddle had something to say to Zach, he had something to say to all three plus some. Before Tom realized the predicament he'd put himself in, Bertie, Jackson, Butters and Summerlin were surrounding him. Suddenly realizing this wasn't the time or place to confront Zach, Tom pulled on a smile.
"Robbins, Jackson. What a treat. I accidentally bumped Glover and he and his mates took offense. An accident I assure you. Perhaps you should teach your First Years the concept. If you'll excuse me, I have a class to get to."
Before Tom could walk away, Bertie had some advice. "It seems it is you and your thugs that should be taught the concept, but what can anyone expect from a piece of shite bully who has only enough power to pick on First Years. One more accident and I'll…"
An aggravated Dumbledore appeared out of nowhere. "Since when has it become common to form a scrum around the First Year end of the Gryffindor breakfast table? I suggest all of you get on your way before you upset my good nature. Get going now."
No one was going to dispute Dumbledore. The area was clear in less than five seconds. Zach, Aiden and Trevor grabbed their bags and headed to their first class as did Bertie, Jackson, Summerlin, and Butters who had to all but drag the pugnacious Fleamont Potter away with them. The Slytherins had disappeared as well.
/*/
If the three amigos thought it was over, they had to think again when Bertie pinned them to the wall in the Alchemy corridor.
"What was that all about?"
Not wanting to be dragged into another conflict, Aiden pointed at Zach. "Riddle intentionally bumped Zach's shoulder then smarted off."
Bertie turned to face Zach. "Are you just going to stand there and let your mate tell your story?"
Zach shook his head. "No. I don't plan to stand here and let Aiden tell my story. I wanted to be sure I framed it just right."
Bertie would have smiled at his mini me if he hadn't been so aggravated. "Really? Is that what you're going with? Let me tell you how I think it went. That arse Riddle bumped you and said something you didn't like so you fell into the trap and responded to his drivel."
Zach nodded.
Bertie continued. "Even though you have been told several times before to ignore Riddle and his Slytherins, you just had to get in a word. I'm not going to be late to class over bullshite and neither are you three. Get to class. See me in the dorms at lunch time Glover. Your smart mouth has lost you a lunch period. Now get on your way."
Aiden and Trevor hurried to class with a sullen and angry Zach following behind. Bertie had only called him by his surname once before. Zach hoped it wouldn't be back to Bert for him.
/*/
Zach figured if Bertie really wanted to hear a story, he'd tell him one and he probably wouldn't like what he heard. Zach had made a clear decision. Whenever Tom Riddle accosted him, he'd always have a response. Zach wasn't afraid of his so-called brother even if he was the biggest bully at Hogwarts. He intended to stand up to Tom Riddle any chance he got. Now that he had learned a few spells, Tom might find his arse floating in the air. Zach mentally slapped himself over such a foolish thought. Wingardium Leviosa couldn't move a person.
Aiden and Trevor knew Zach was angry but hoped he would stop all that moving around before Professor McGonagall called him out.
Too late.
"What's the problem Mr. Glover?"
"No problem Professor McGonagall.
"Wonderful. Since all is well, please explain to me and the class the Avifors Spell."
Aiden and Trevor cringed. They'd been set Transfiguration homework but weren't sure if Zach knew about this spell. They needn't have worried.
Zach stood and explained it all. "The Avifors Spell changes small objects into birds or a flock of birds while giving off a burst of blue light. Wand movement is a simple twirl above the object while speaking the spell."
"Very good Mr. Glover." Addressing the rest of the class, Professor McGonagall gave an order. "If you aren't familiar with this information, I suggest you write it down. Take out your wands. You may go first Miss Jenkins. A simple twirl over the object while calling out the spell.
Like Zach, Mary knew the spell and how to cast it. Professor McGonagall went down the rows giving everyone a turn. A few of the students had to have several tries but everyone mastered the spell by end of class.
/*/
When they had their break between classes, Zach finished the apology he had started before getting into the back and forth with Riddle.
Zach was their mate. Both Trevor and Aiden accepted the apology with Trevor offering some advice. "My father has a saying, "you don't have to accept every invitation sent your way" or something along those lines."
Aiden was puzzled, but Zach knew exactly what Trevor meant. "Your father is right Trevor. Along with being a filthy bully, Riddle just rubs me the wrong way. I just can't let him insult me or any Gryffindor without giving back. I'll just have to learn how to be a filthy sneak and get him back out of everyone's sight."
Trevor laughed but gave Zach a solemn reply. "Well, if that's what you're going to tell Bertie, it was nice knowing you. He'll boot you back home."
Both Aiden and Zach laughed but felt there might be some truth in those words. Bertie was highly pissed.
"We'll see. Let's make a quick stop in the bathroom. I need to pee."
"Me too." Added Aiden.
Trevor waved to Mary and Eileen as he followed his mates to the bathroom.
/*/
Albus Dumbledore was annoyed about two things. Fawkes had tried to convey a message but he'd just about ignored his pet. Now he had reason to rethink his position. Several of the older Slytherins had stunk of magic and he wanted to know why. He would have gotten to the bottom of it this morning but that would have meant detaining Gryffindors as well which he didn't want to do. Having his ways, Albus knew exactly why there had been a scrum at the Gryffindor table. Tom Riddle had acted out. He sighed. What else was new? However, this time Tom might have stepped so far outside of Hogwarts rules even Dippet and Horace would notice.
"As if." Albus snorted out loud. "Tom would have to set Armando and Horace on fire before they would admit he was a menace. I'll just have to see to him myself. First, I need to do a bit of checking." Albus noticed the time. "Merlin save me. I've idled away the entire break period. Back to class for me. Riddle nonsense will have to wait."
/*/
At 12:01:03, Zach knocked on the door of the Sixth Year Kingdom and waited for the invitation to enter. Several seconds passed without any acknowledgment. Zach began to get a bit antsy, but straightened up when Bertie swung the door open.
"I was beginning to think you weren't going to appear."
Zach frowned. Bertie knew he wouldn't dare ignore an order. "I was out here knocking Bertie. It would have been impolite to just open the door and walk in. I have manners."
Bertie sighed. Zachary Glover was tying to be too clever for his own good. "Get in here Glover. For the future, if I set an appointment in my dorm and no one answers your knock, step in. I'm probably in the bathroom or my private domicile with the door closed."
Zach was surprised. He knew Bertie, Jackson, Butters and Summerlin had moved to new rooms. He now also knew they each had a private room. "Wow Bertie. That's nice. A private room of your own. I'm going to get a private room when I'm a Sixth Year."
Bertie rolled his eyes. Was this little, eleven year old miscreant standing in front of him trying to be cunning? Bertie was ready to read Zach the riot act when….
Knock, knock.
Bertie was ready to take the skin off the back of whoever was at the door. He'd told all his mates he wouldn't be at the lunch table because he was going to sort Zach out. Swinging the door open one more time, Bertie came face to face with Beth.
"Hello Beth. What can I do for you?"
Beth moved to come through the door quickly taking a look around. "Summerlin said you were taking your lunch in your dorms. I thought I would join you."
Bertie struggled to keep his composure wondering if a few kisses and feels were worth basically being stalked. "Well Summerlin is wrong. I'm here because I have things to get straightened out with one of our First Years. I'll see you later."
Beth didn't move. "I imagine your meeting won't take the entire hour. Shall I wait and walk back down with you?"
Bertie was now struggling to stay hospitable. "I've given you an answer Beth. Let that be enough. I'll see you later."
Even with Bertie's direct statement, Beth was slow to back away from the door. Bertie just closed the door.
"Alright Glover. You know why you're here." He said, summoning two wrapped plates from his private room.
Zach smiled. Bertie was angry but not angry enough to deprive him of his lunchtime
"Don't smile Glover. Just because I got you lunch doesn't mean I'm not pissed beyond measure at you. Sit down. We'll eat while you listen."
"Okay Bertie but will you allow me to speak after?"
Bertie pounded his fist on the table so hard his plate moved. "I'm warning you right here and now Zach. Now is not the time to be cheeky. You'll speak if I ask you to speak.
Zach was a bit cowed, but a bit chuffed as well. Bertie was back to calling him Zach. Speaking up could wait for another day.
/*/
Since the interaction with Beth had taken time from their hour, Bertie spent the next thirty five minutes going up one side of Zach and down the other. When he finished, he told Zach if he had anything to say he should say it because they had to get to The Great Hall. It was at this point where Zach waffled. He didn't want to reveal any of his family business but he was thinking hard about sharing why he couldn't abide Tom Riddle. In the end, Zach kept his family secret to himself and had simply replied with his common refrain. Tom Riddle was filthy bully who didn't scare him at all. Bertie had sighed. If Zach was this fierce as an eleven year old First Year, he'd be a devil to deal with by fifth year which he would be glad to do as a professor at this very school. Even though he was a mentor and leader, Bertie was more than impressed with Zach's firm stand. He just hoped it wouldn't get him cursed or worse.
"Alright Zach. I hope we understand each other. I will not accept any insubordination even if it comes down to kicking you off the Quidditch team. Clear?"
"Yes Bertie. You've made yourself perfectly clear. Thank you for this talk. I'll get to Great Hall now."
Bertie grabbed Zach by the shoulder. "We'll get to the Great Hall now."
Zach smiled at the Gryffindor he admired the most. "Yes Bertie. We'll get the Great Hall now."
/*/
Surprisingly, there was still ten minutes left of lunch. Bertie stopped at the senior end where Beth slid over so he could sit down. Bertie slid in between Jackson and Butters before reaching for a pastry. For several seconds after that, all anyone could hear was Bertie chewing his pastry. At the end of lunch hour, even though it was a bit rude, Bertie left Beth sitting and walked away with his mates. He was giving rudeness for rudeness. He and Beth would sort it out or they wouldn't. Quidditch practice was this weekend. He didn't have time to contend with bullshite.
/*/
After Bertie, Jackson and the others left the table, a surprised Beth hurried to her next class wondering why the wizard on her calendar hadn't bothered to say a word before walking away. She would certainly find out later.
Across the room, two Ravenclaw witches were patting each other on the back. Beth hadn't even lasted a month with Bertie. As they headed to the next class, Trish whispered to her friend.
"I call next."
The two walked away grinning.
/*/
Both Aiden and Trevor knew why Zach had been missing from lunch and were dying to hear what Bertie had said. However, they were in for disappointment because Zach wasn't sharing anything except the tired refrain that he wasn't afraid of Riddle. Aiden and Trevor accepted that and moved on to other things. Five minutes later, the end of lunch bell rang and they were off to their next class where Eileen asked Zach why he hadn't been at lunch.
Zach gazed at the Dominator. "Why? What did I miss?"
A red faced Eileen hurried to take her place in the Herbology scrum. Mary smiled at the answer her nosy friend had received when Zach gave her a sly wink as he passed.
/*/
After classes, Bertie had been called to Madam Hooch's office to discuss something important. That's all Bertie would say. Both Jackson and Trevor had thoughts on what the discussion would be about but said nothing to the others. When it was time to share, Bertie would share.
Thirty five minutes later, an excited Bertie returned to the common room bursting with news. Calling every member and prospective member of the Quidditch team to the Sixth Year Kingdom, he eagerly shared the news that Wizard Brendan Joshua Wood had seen fit to outfit his son's entire team with the latest Quidditch equipment. For a short minute, the entire room went silent as they digested the news. Then it was bedlam as every Quidditch player tried to clap a magenta hued Trevor on the back.
Trevor took it all in stride giving props to his father. "My father doesn't do anything halfway."
A grinning Bertie stepped up to have a say. "Trevor hasn't said a wrong word. His father is an amazing wizard. We are thankful. I suggest all Quidditch players take a few minutes to drop Mr. Wood a word of thanks. In fact, I insist. Write them up and hand them to me. I'll see they get mailed. If you all can contain yourselves, I have permission from Madam Hooch to let you look over your new equipment. I'll tell you now. If any of you act out, I'll drop your arses from the team. Clear?"
Numerous voices replied that it was all clear.
"One more thing. For the moment, this is Gryffindor business only. Keep it to yourselves. Madam Hooch is kind enough to allow a cloaking spell over our new equipment until Saturday when we will proudly wear them onto the training field. Get yourselves together and meet me at the doors in five minutes. The Fat Lady has been advised.
/*/
The team was there and back in twenty minutes with all noticing the glare they received from the Fat Lady. "Students out and about. Someone will think you're up to no good."
No one answered because they had permissions.
Once back in the common room, Bertie reminded the team he would expect what they had discussed on the table in the Sixth Year Kingdom in fifteen minutes. Members of the Quidditch Team including Jackson, Butters and Summerlin hurried away to write their note. Bertie had them all within the allotted fifteen minutes. He was grinning like a maniac as he put the large envelope into his case to be mailed out in the morning. Kicking off his trainers, Bertie laid back, folded his arms behind his head and had a big laugh thinking about the look on Riddle's face come Saturday.
Even though it was early, Bertie's eyes were closing on their own. At least they were until Jackson came banging into the room.
"Bertie?"
"Go away mate I'm sleeping." Bertie replied without opening his eyes.
Jackson shook his head. "Holding a conversation while you're asleep is a neat trick. Will you teach it to me?"
Bertie sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed in one single movement. "What do you want Jackson? Has one of the miscreants burned down the common room? Merlin, you're getting as bad as Beth. What?"
Jackson smiled. He might have sifted out the answer as to why Bertie had left Beth sitting at the table. His job here was done. "I just wanted to mention how fortunate we are to have a sponsor such as Brendan Wood, but we can discuss that when you wake up."
Bertie didn't even bother to answer.
Jackson was smugly smiling as he headed back to the common room. Bertie had unintentionally let out a piece of information. He was irritated by Beth always being underfoot. All Jackson could think was, it's about time.
/*/
Tom had been called out not only by the mutt but by Robbins as well. He had been in a Riddle mood all day which really wasn't anything new. However, he had shouted at the common room in general.
"If you don't want another night of shitting and pissing yourselves you'll get out of my face and do something useful. Now!"
Everyone except Avery, Nott and Malfoy scurried here there and everywhere as long as it was out of Tom's sight even if they didn't know what he meant about shitting and pissing themselves. No one wanted to find out.
Tom strode right up to his room door before screaming another demand. "Avery and Nott, my rooms now."
"Shite. I hope he doesn't want me to kill anyone." Avery mumbled very softly.
"I hope not since he's pulling me into it." Nott replied even softer.
They were at Tom's door. The time for talking was over.
"Here Master."
"Here."
Tom turned to glare at them both. "I can see that. My eyesight is perfect. I want that dumbarse Robbins taken down a peg or two. It goes without saying it will be done out of the sight of others. Tomorrow will be soon enough. The mongrel thinks too much of himself. Do something that will prevent him from being at Quidditch training on Saturday. Report back to me when it is done."
Avery and Nott just stood there which drove Tom into another fit of fury. "Well! Why are you still standing there? You have your orders. Now get out of my sight. If you can manage, give Jackson a taste of Slytherin medicine as well."
"Yes Master."
"Of course Master."
Avery and Nott left the room as fast as they could heading straight for their dorm rooms.
"What the feck is he playing at? Why not do it yourself Tom? Take that mongrel Robbins down a peg or two? Mongrel? Robbins has purer blood than his lordship. Besides, I don't want to be anywhere in the dark with Robbins or Jackson." Remarked Nott.
Avery swore softly. "Relax mate. We have all day tomorrow to think up a plan that will surely get ourselves cursed. No problem."
Nott laughed softly. "Yah. Lucky us. I'm tired but I want to have a letter ready to send off tomorrow. Perhaps my loving father will read between the lines and come here and kill Robbins for us, or better yet kill our Lord and Master. Problem solved."
"Hahaha. Funny mate. If only it was that easy. I'm knackered. I'm going to have a shower then bed. What we should do is have one of our First Years pound on Glover. Tom will be so happy he'll forget all about Robbins."
"You're barking at the moon. Pounding on Glover will not absolve us from the task at hand. Next, he'll want us to pound on Dumbledore. I'm sick of this shit. I want a new Master. Sleep well Avery."
"And you think I'm the one barking at the moon? Night mate."
/*/
In his rooms, Tom was pacing. He wanted to hurt someone. He wanted to curse someone. Since there wasn't a chance he could do that at Hogwarts, he'd have to find somewhere else to wreak havoc. An idea jumped into his head. He would go to Wool's Orphanage and curse every muggle teacher who had worked against him while he was there. They deserved it.
As he shined up his wand, Tom was eager to get to that hateful place with its hateful staff. He hoped Cornelia Juggs was still in charge. She would be his first target.
/*/
Dumbledore was in his quarters having a lively discussion with Fawkes when he felt his front door secret wards shake. He let out a soft growl.
"If Riddle is off to do damage this night, I just might flay him like I would any other criminal. I have to go Fawkes, hopefully to return soon."
Dumbledore got to the front doors just as Tom turned himself into apparition. Without thought, Albus disillusioned himself before heading to the Slytherin Dungeons. Slipping in without so much as a whisper, he entered Tom's room and hastily picked up an undershirt laying on the bed.
"Avenseguim!"
Albus apparated right out of Hogwarts following the slightly soiled undershirt as it tracked the elusive Slytherin. Because of Tom's miserable, hateful mindset Albus was not surprised when the tracking spell came to a stop close to Wool's Orphanage.
"Here to do your worst then Tom? Not if I can help it. A head start means nothing if one has the right tools.
"Disillusion!"
In ten seconds, Albus Dumbledore was inside the orphanage where he had originally found Tom Riddle. However, this time was different. No longer an eleven year old misfit, it appeared Tom was there to serve a bit of payback for slights real and perceived.
Starting at Miss Juggs quarters, Albus began his search for Tom Riddle. He was there standing in the shadows with wand drawn. Instead of outright cursing the woman, Tom was enjoying a bit of wizard play. Miss Juggs was floating in the air face down. Albus sprung into action pointing his wand first at Tom then at Miss Juggs.
"Immobulus. Stupefy. Incarcerous."
Albus had Tom Riddle frozen, stunned and bound before turning to Miss Juggs.
"I'm sorry you had to go through this, but tomorrow you won't remember a thing. All will be as it should. Finite Incantatem."
Miss Juggs was back in her bed sleeping peacefully.
Waving his wand to cloak the magic he had used, Albus grabbed the immobile Tom by the back of his collar softly whispering a few things in his ear before turning into apparition. Back at Hogwarts, Dumbledore released Tom from all spells. Before dropping him at the doors to the Slytherin Dungeons he called out a nuisance spell that removed every bit of clothing except underwear.
"Goodnight Tom. You've been outdone. Sleep well."
/*/
Tom Riddle almost panicked. Here he was outside the doors of Slytherin House in nothing but underwear. The last thing he remembered was preparing himself for bed.
"How? Why? What sorcery is this?"
Tom didn't even take time to call out threats to some unknown entity. Instead, he scrambled to get to his bedroom so no one could see him in this state. Tom Riddle didn't walk around in his underwear.
/*/
In his rooms, Albus was having a laugh with Fawkes speaking his thoughts out loud.
"I will circumvent you at every turn Tom Riddle. Get used to it. Let's get some sleep Fawkes. Tomorrow is another day.
Squawk, squawk. Fawkes agreed.