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 34: Tit For Tat This For That
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.
/
/
A Riddle With Another Name 35: Insights
Albus was so delighted by his little trick on Tom, he spent another hour conversing with or conversing at Fawkes. The Phoenix seemed as delighted as Dumbledore. When Dumbledore finally settled down for the night, Fawkes immediately settled down as well. This night, all seemed well.
/
In his private rooms, Tom Riddle had also settled down for the night refusing to even think about the predicament he had found himself in. Outside the dungeons in a skimpy pair of briefs. Still unclear why he would do such an asinine thing, Tom had relegated the whole thing to the back of his mind never to be looked at again. However, one his last thoughts before falling asleep was the hope he wasn't going as barmy as his feckless mother.
/
Friday for Zach was an extremely early start. His purpose in getting up so early was to read Zaria's letter and hopefully write a reply before going to breakfast. After opening the letter, Zach smiled because his over exuberant sister had written four pages consisting of one page of greetings, salutations and family news and three pages of the lines, Mazie had her kittens: Papa is letting me choose my own: I'm choosing the Bluepoint. Zach had to cover his mouth to keep down a laugh loud enough to wake Aiden and Trevor. He made good time because the letter was written and securely placed in an envelope before either Aiden or Trevor opened his eyes. Zaria would be surprised because of the four pages he had written, three of them only consisted of four, huge words: I love Hogwarts.
Before they joined the line up going to breakfast, Zach mentioned needing to go to the Owlery after breakfast. Both Aiden and Trevor agreed because they also had letters to be mailed. The talk then turned to accomplishments. As Zach, Trevor and Aiden stood in line waiting to leave the common room, Aiden mentioned how they had almost completed their second full week.
Trevor was grinning. "Yes. We have almost completed our second week, have been chosen to be on the Gryffindor Quidditch team and have done top work in all our classes."
Aiden dropped his voice very low before commenting. "And, we are Bertie's favorites. We are the shite."
Zach and Trevor laughed softly at Aiden's nonsense while thinking along the same lines. They were the shite.
"Alright you lot. Get going." Bertie called out. "Remember to keep those Gryffindor noses in Gryffindor business. That goes for all of you." He added, quickly glancing from Jackson to Butters. "Let's go. I'm starving."
Jackson nudged Butters as they brought up the end of the line gesturing towards Bertie.
"What Jackson? I'm hungry. Please wait until after breakfast to start your shite."
Summerlin hurried to catch up with the front of the line mumbling as he passed by. "Not today lads. You won't be getting me involved in your foolishness. Try keeping those Gryffindor noses in Gryffindor business."
Jackson shrugged his shoulders. "Pfffft. Summerlin seems wound a bit tight this morning."
Butters wasn't having it. "Can you blame him Jackson? He got a telling off from Bertie yesterday although he didn't have a thing to do with our rubbish. He'll be fine. Perhaps he's just hungry. I also know what you were on about. You must be out of your mind if you're thinking of stepping into Bertie's business. If he wants to walk to breakfast without Beth, so be it. Don't comment on it and especially don't try to drag me and Summerlin into anything. We like our arses right where they are. Come on. Let's get some of that Friday bacon."
Jackson was close on Butters' heels as they filed out of the common room. "You're right mate. What was I thinking?"
/
Beth was wondering what she had done to alienate Bertie. She'd tried to pin him down a couple of times but he had put her off. He had put her off gently, but he had still put her off. He had mentioned certain things to her, but she didn't want stray too far away leaving him unattended so another witch could…. Then, there he was coming directly towards her. She held her breath hoping it meant he was coming to sit next to her which is exactly what happened. Beth didn't allow it to show but she was chuffed, especially after he gave her a big smile and a hearty good morning.
"Good morning to you Bertie. I hope you're hungry. Breakfast looks delicious."
"I am hungry Beth. I might have a bit of everything."
Beth smiled at the wizard she was trying to keep on her calendar. He was so cute.
Butters gave Jackson a quick glance as if to ask, aren't you glad you kept your nose out of Bertie's business? Jackson gave a smile and a wink in return.
/
While it was true Bertie had joined the table with a smile and a hearty greeting, he hadn't changed his mind about having another discussion with Beth. She was a smart, fit witch who, not to be indelicate, knew what was what. However, he had other priorities. She couldn't expect to be at his side every moment. He had spoken on this very thing twice. If she couldn't or wouldn't understand, he had a decision to make. Would they keep going, or would he have to give it up as a bad job? Bertie hoped it would be the former because he liked Beth. She was cute. To that end, he turned and whispered a few things to her.
When Bertie finished whispering, Beth was blushing and beaming. Her wizard wanted some time with her after classes. Absolutely fine with her. It was Friday the start of the weekend. Perhaps they could make a night of it.
Bertie had done his whispering and was now engaged in conversation with his mates. As far as he was concerned, he had spoken his piece. What came next would be up to Beth.
/
Even knowing Fleamont Potter's penchant for fisticuffs, Jackson took a chance and asked how he got the name Fleamont. For a few seconds, several of the senior Gryffindors shuffled nervously when it seemed Fleamont had taken offense. However, their housemate surprised everyone by letting out a well controlled laugh before launching into the story of how he'd gotten his name.
"Simple really. Short story. My father's mum had been born into the pureblood Fleamont family. My Granddad had predeceased my Nan, so when she was on her deathbed, she begged my father to preserve her maiden name so it wouldn't die out. To honor Nan's wishes he named me Fleamont. There you have it. Do you also want to know what size underwear I have on?"
Everyone laughed.
Jackson shook his head in an emphatic no. "Great story Mate. Your father sounds like a great wizard. As far as the underwear thing goes, some things are best kept to oneself."
Bertie laughed, but told everyone it was time to be on their way. "Make sure you use the loo before class. I don't want any of you prats pissing yourselves in class. I have standards."
The senior Gryffindors knew Bertie was joking. No response needed.
/
Between bites, Zach, Trevor and Aiden were having a good morning discussing the letters they were going to be mailing out, the day ahead, the other two Dominators but most importantly Quidditch training. Trevor and Zach were confident they would learn very quickly while Aiden was less confident. Both Trevor and Zach tried to assure Aiden he would be fine.
Aiden had thoughts of his own. "From your mouth to Merlin's ears. I just don't want to embarrass myself, the team or Bertie. If I mess up, I'm sure Dominator Eileen will be glad to tell me off."
Trevor nudged Zach. "Hahaha. You might be right about that. Eileen will not hesitate to give anyone a telling off."
Zach was nodding his head but thinking things at the same time. Trevor thought it was funny Eileen had a sharp mouth, but the truth was she often came across quite rough which wasn't funny at all if you were her target. Zach couldn't resist adding his two cents.
"It's fine to give someone a telling off if they deserve it but just because they annoy you, I don't think so. Anything else, fine but Quidditch is important and we'll be trying to build our skills as well as our confidence. We don't need a telling off about things we're trying to achieve."
Aiden didn't say anything else, but deep down he was chuffed Zach had said what he himself had been thinking. Don't undermine me with words just because you can.
Trevor shrugged. Perhaps Zach was correct. None of them needed to get a telling off because a witch was cranky. Instead of commenting, he grabbed his bag and stood up.
"Come on mates. If we're going to stop by the Owlery, we should go now."
"Right you are Trevor. Let's get going. All the juice I drank is telling me it's also time for a visit to the bathroom." Zach added.
Aiden grabbed his case and followed his mates out of the Great Hall without a word.
/
The day had started and time was getting short. Avery and Nott had their heads together trying to figure out a way to satisfy Tom but not get into any confrontation with Robbins and Jackson.
"It can't be done Avery. We are in the shite and there's no way out."
Avery looked around to see Malfoy staring at him and Nott. Avery wanted to lash out at the feckless wizard but didn't dare. Until he fucked up again, Malfoy was in Tom's good books. All he could do was give A-brax-as a glare.
Turning back to Nott, Avery spoke in very low tones. "Never say never. If we don't think of something, it will be our arses standing out at the Black Lake again or worse. In addition, if we can't do it during class hours, we'll have to do something after class which doesn't give us much time. The one promising thing is that it's Friday so the degenerate Jackson will probably be out and about chasing witches."
"Okay Avery. That part sounds like a plan. However…."
"However?"
"Yes Avery, however will we do any of it? It will be great finding our subject or subjects but what do we do once we spot him or them?"
Avery sighed as he grabbed his case. "And that's the question isn't it? I have a few thoughts. Let's talk on break."
"Whatever. I just hope your thoughts will keep us from being skinned alive."
/
Brendan Wood was sitting in his den smiling more than he had smiled in years over the batch of messages he held in his hands. Each and every one of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team had written him a note of thanks. Brendan, who was used to working with some of the most brilliant chemists and alchemists was throwing around all kinds of mental praise for the young wizards of Hogwarts. This astute businessman was thrilled over letters from wizards eleven to sixteen years old. For several minutes, Brendan sat there wondering if it made sense for him to make a note of each and every name for future reference. Whether it made sense or not, he made the notations. A wizard could do worse than have a list of possible up and coming candidates for his business. He had then Summoned quill, parchment and ink. He was going to let Headmaster Armando Dippet know how much he appreciated the mores and manners being taught at Hogwarts. It was the least he could do.
After finishing the message, Brendan called his Head Elf.
Pop. The tall elf stood before his Master. "I'm here sir. What do you need?"
"What I need Elvin is to hear that my table will be ready at 8:30 and for you to take this to our Owlery. There's no immediate need on the letter. It can be sent out tomorrow morning."
"Yes sir. Your table will be ready at 8:30. I have checked the spirits cabinet as well. Everything is in order for you and your guests. The letter will be sent out in the morning. Is there anything else sir?"
"Perhaps one more thing Elvin. I'd like my dark gray suit freshened and pressed."
"Yes sir. I'll be doing it all very quick."
Brendan nodded at his faithful elf before taking a sip of his very expensive brandy.
/
During morning break, Aiden, Zach and Trevor decided to take a quick walk down the Alchemy corridor to stretch their legs. They were a few steps into the corridor when Zach held a finger to his lips.
"Shh. I hear voices."
"I don't hear anything…" Trevor remarked.
Zach rolled his eyes and nodded his head towards the second alcove down. Gesturing for Aiden and Trevor to follow him, Zach put his back against the wall and began sliding towards the alcove.
"You're barking Zach. It's probably two people getting up to Third Year nonsense." Trevor commented in a very low voice which resulted in another harsh glare from Zach who continued to slide along the wall.
When they reached the first alcove, Zach stopped short to listen. He heard two voices. In fact, all three heard two voices. Aiden and Trevor were surprised, especially when they heard Bertie and Jackson's names.
Trevor was fastest and spoke in almost a whisper. "Do nothing but listen. I heard about this memory thing. If everything we hear goes into our memories, they can be retrieved."
Zach and Aiden each gave a silent nod.
/
Avery and Nott had slipped away from their classmates to have a quick discussion about their problem. Avery thought it was best if they went after Jackson as opposed to Robbins. Nott agreed.
"Robbins is a tough assignment. He is a strong wizard with a pretty powerful hand who would not take kindly to anyone approaching him the wrong way."
Avery glared at his fellow Slytherin. "You can't be that much of a dolt Nott. Why would we approach Robbins or Jackson head on when they would curse us at first sight. Anything we do will be done from behind. As I said, we will concentrate on Jackson. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I know the perfect way which just might fix Robbins and Jackson at the same time without us raising a wand to them.
Although Nott didn't like any part of accosting either Jackson or Robbins, it was something they had to do or face consequences. "I like the sound of perfect Avery, especially if it works. What are we going to do?"
"I'll make this fast. We've used up ten of our twenty minute break already. You know that Fifth Year witch who is going around with Robbins?"
"Beth?"
Giving Nott a direct stare, Avery cautioned him. "Be careful of the names you throw around mate. If Tom thought you had your eye on one of those foul Gryffindors, he'd lose what little is left of his mind and probably kill you as well. However, that's the one, Beth. I suggest we give her a little taste of the Compliant spell in which she will go after Jackson to give him some of her nasty hole then make sure Robbins gets a glimpse."
Suddenly Nott was grinning. "As you said, your idea is perfect, except we have to find a way to make it work."
"Oh ye of little faith. We make the Gryffindor witch compliant with strict orders to set a meet up with Robbins even as she sets up a rendezvous with Jackson. If it is timed right, Robbins will walk up on something nasty and a duel will ensue. Now we should be getting back to class. We will firm up details during lunch and after dinner."
/
"Move, move, move." Zach whispered pushing Aiden and Trevor back towards the mouth of the hall. "Go! Go! Go!"
The three mates scurried away to the nearest loo without making a sound but full of the knowledge there was a scheme against Bertie and Jackson in the making. It was against Beth too but they didn't care about that. They cared about their mentors.
"What shall we do? Should we go to the Headmaster or one of the professors?" Aiden asked nervously.
"Not the Headmaster. Our only chance to be believed is to go to the professor who knows about memories and is sympathetic to Gryffindors." Zach admonished.
"Professor Dumbledore."
"Yes, Professor Dumbledore. He knows things."
"Okay, we agree. We ask to see Professor Dumbledore as soon as we can. Let's get to class or instead of getting advice, we'll be getting demerits."
Checking to make sure the coast was clear before stepping out, the three made it to next class at double time.
/
Lunch was agony for Zach, Trevor and Aiden knowing what might happen to Bertie and Jackson if they didn't tell Dumbledore. For several minutes there was a three way argument about whether they should chance telling Bertie. They ultimately reasoned that it wouldn't be a good idea to spring the problem on Bertie during lunch. They then began whispering and glancing up at the Professor's table as though Professor Dumbledore could read their minds.
The problem. Jackson had noticed them acting weird and nudged Bertie. "I believe your three troublemakers are down table making trouble."
After a quick look down table, Bertie, who was enjoying his hot dogs and beans glared at Jackson. "Knock it off Cedric. I'm trying to eat."
"Yah Cedric. Knock it off." Added Fleamont.
Jackson had to laugh. Someone with a name worse than his was stepping into the conversation. It was time for him to eat his food and shut his mouth.
/
At the Professor's table, Dumbledore was becoming a bit uncomfortable. Several minutes prior, a distinct buzzing in his ears had alerted him to something. As he bit into his lovely lettuce and tomato sandwich, he was surreptitiously scanning the room for trouble. His first glance was at the Slytherin table thinking if there was mischief afoot, it would be there. However, except for Avery and Nott looking like they were sitting in each other's lap, it was quiet. The Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables were fine as well. Dumbledore checked the Gryffindor table last. At first glance, nothing seemed out of order. On second pass, Dumbledore straightened up. There was some kind of cloud or mist over three First Year Gryffindors. He sighed. One of the First Years was Zachary Glover. What is going on with him now? Just as the thought crossed his mind, Zach seemed to look him straight in the eyes before quickly turning back to the plate in front of him.
Dumbledore sighed. Whether it was a misconception or not, he'd better check on the young wizard who seemed to have trouble follow him wherever he went. His first step would be to find Tom Riddle to find out if he was plotting or had plotted against young Zachary and his mates.
/
As he had been since his run in with Albus Dumbledore and Headmaster Dippet, Tom spent the lunch and dinner hour in his rooms pouting, grousing and generally being his obnoxious self. Today was no different. He was in a fury because the lunch tray he'd been given was wrong. He wanted chicken and bacon sandwiches. Two of them with mayonnaise but had gotten a plate of disgusting beans and sausage. Beans and sausage the staple at Wool's Orphanage. He wouldn't eat the shite if it was the last food in Hogwarts. With another burst of fury, Tom drew his wand to send the plate flying across the room promising to have the imbecile who brought it to him clean it up.
Ranting and raving about anything and everything as he paced the floor, Tom decided he would get his own lunch. Striding across the common room, he threw open the door and headed to The Great Hall at a rapid pace. There was still thirty five minutes left of the lunch hour. He should be able to get a plate without a problem. However, once he was at the door, he hesitated. He didn't want the filthy Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs and disgusting Gryffindors smirking to his face. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction. Standing there, Tom caught the attention of the Third Year dumbarse Wilkins who had brought him his lunch. Wilkins immediately headed for his Master petrified that he'd done something wrong.
A newly confident Malfoy noticed their Master standing at the door beckoning Wilkins and commented on it.
"It seems Wilkins might be in a bit of trouble."
An annoyed Avery turned glared at Malfoy. Malfoy might be back in Tom's good graces but Avery still couldn't stand the blighter. "What are talking about A-brax-as?"
Avery wasn't the only wizard who got annoyed. When Avery called him not Abraxas but A-brax-as as some kind of slight, Malfoy became annoyed as well. However, now wasn't the time to go toe to toe with his Master's favorite lackey. He replied in a level, pleasant voice.
"I am referring to our Master standing at the door beckoning Wilkins."
Both Avery and Nott whipped around in time to see the back of Tom leaving the doorway and Wilkins back at the table hurriedly putting together a lunch plate.
"Shite! This doesn't bode well for any of us. If that arse Wilkins fucked up Tom's lunch, he'll hear from me after he hears from Tom of course. Let me go make sure he gets it right this time."
Wilkins saw Avery approaching and started trembling. Avery was just as bad as the Master. Holding up the plate he had just prepared, Wilkins softly answered Avery's unspoken question.
"I've fixed our Master the correct plate sir. I need to get it to him at all speed."
Feeling sorry for the idiot, Avery grabbed the plate.
"Go sit down. I'll handle this. Next time, if you don't know what your Master wants, ask someone."
Adding a bit of several more items to the plate and grabbing two drinks plus a dessert, Avery headed to the Dungeons at top speed.
"Enter. You better have it right this time."
Avery stepped in and handed Tom the plate.
"Well Avery. I hope this tray is better than the last. If it isn't, both you and Wilkins will hear from me. That's all. You may go."
Avery waited until he was halfway down the corridor to grumble. "Thank you Avery. Great job Avery. You always look out for me Avery. I'm not going to curse you today Avery. I just might take Nott up on his suggestion when I get out of Hogwarts. A dead Riddle is the best Riddle."
Avery walked back to the Slytherin table looking neither left nor right.
/
At the end of the lunch break, Dumbledore made it his business to be standing by the door of the Hall. Smiling and nodding at students as they went on their way to class, Dumbledore made a quick hand movement as Zach, Aiden and Trevor approached. When the three were level with Dumbledore, Zach's case slipped from his hand and the contents went everywhere. Aiden and Trevor bent down to help Zach as did Dumbledore who softly whispered to them.
"See me in my office after your last class."
The whisper was so soft it was as if Dumbledore hadn't spoken at all, but it was now ingrained in the heads of the three amigos.
As they hurried to their next class, Zach whispered. "I think we should see Professor Dumbledore after last class. Trevor and Aiden agreed.
/
Bertie had watched the entire interaction without realizing Dumbledore had just whispered instructions to Zach, Aiden and Trevor. All he could think there is nothing like being a clumsy arse in front of Professor Dumbledore.