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 37: After Effects Of Friday
Beth wasn't some shrinking flower. Yes she liked Bertie, but not to the extent he spoke crossly to her. As much as she didn't want to lose Bertie, she wasn't going to be his punching bag. She stood.
"Alright Bertie. You've made yourself perfectly clear. I'm a nuisance. Since your schedule is so tight, we don't have to do Wednesdays. In fact, you're right. We should go back to being housemates who wave at each other when we pass by. Thank you for the conversation. I'll see you when I see you. Goodnight."
Beth had said what she said, but left The Sixth Year Kingdom hoping Bertie would think about the rubs and tugs and follow to ask her back.
He didn't.
Bertie could have jumped up to stop Beth from leaving, but he didn't. In fact, he let out a huge breath feeling as though he'd been freed from a….. A what? He didn't have time to finish the thought because at that moment, all his mates came walking through the door.
"Hello mate. I hope we aren't intruding." Jackson said glancing around the room.
Butters followed suit. "Looking a bit lost mate. Has Madame Hooch canceled Quidditch try outs?"
Summerlin, who could read a room remained silent except to say goodnight as he headed to his private room.
At that particular moment, Bertie had no intention of getting into the whys and wherefores of his evening. He headed to the bathroom without saying a word.
After a quick glance at each other, Jackson and Butters headed to their own rooms. It was apparent their mate was in no mood to hold a conversation. Singularly and unknowingly in concert, Jackson, Butters and Summerlin had the same thought…. Beth.
/
/
A Riddle With Another Name 38: Quidditch And Other Things
Jackson had left the courtyard before getting a chance to notice his nonsense spell had Avery, Nott and several others scratching their lice. Fortunately for the Slytherins, an astute witch recognized someone had cast the Pediculous Corporis and quietly called Finite as she waved her wand. Avery glared at the witch not understanding all that wand waving had just saved his arse from being meat for the Merpeople if he had brought lice into the common room and Tom found out. Even with Avery glaring at her, the witch remained silent with a smug smile covering her face. The smile annoyed Avery. He was ready to call it a night.
"I've had enough fun for tonight Nott. I'm going back to the Dungeons. I'll see you later."
Nott, who thought the witch was smiling at him wasn't going anywhere for the moment. He was going to find out what that smile was all about. He gave his mate a quick wave before turning back to the witch who had suddenly stopped smiling. Shrugging, Nott realized the witch hadn't been smiling at him all. Nothing to keep him standing there. He called out to Avery who had gotten three quarters of the way across the courtyard.
"Slow down mate. I'm calling it a night as well." When he reached Avery, Nott suggested they make a quick stop at the kitchen to see what leftovers they could scrounge up.
"Good idea mate. I imagine we should get extra of whatever is available. Our Master will probably be very hungry. All that snarling and growling makes a wizard hungry."
Nott let out a snort. "I agree."
/
Tom had made good on his promise. He had visited the Gaunt hovel to lift the floorboards and visit with his lovely, family ring. For almost an hour, Tom snarled, growled and ranted about the wrong done to his family while holding the gold ring inset with the black stone up in the air. The day would come when he would be able to wear Marvolo Gaunt's ring out in public. Until then, his treasure would stay hidden from the miserable sots who meant him harm.
Tom's next stop had been the ruins of Riddle House. He entered stealthily and under Disillusionment so as not to catch the notice of that old, fool caretaker. The foul git didn't have sense enough to give up on a lost cause. Be that as it may, once inside, Tom destroyed most of what he hadn't previously destroyed. However, after fifteen minutes, he was ready to go. The smell was overpowering even for him. The house or what was left smelled too much like muggles. Too much like the filthy Riddles.
Tom was striding down the hall when a sudden glint caught his eye. Initially, he wasn't going to stop but curiosity got the better of him. Stepping into what might have been a sitting room, Tom bent down to pick up…..to pick up a delicate, gold chain with a broken clasp. Suddenly, the night he murdered his muggle father and his parents came flooding back. He was in such a frenzy that night he only just remembered how his so called grandmother had tried to fight him off and he had grabbed her by the chain, and it had broken. During those killing moments, Tom hadn't cared about some damned chain. His only intent had been to do away with the whole family which he had done. Holding the chain up in the air, Tom drew his wand and sent the piece of shite jewelry into nothingness.
To Tom, getting rid of another piece of the foul Riddles cheered him up. It was high time he got back to Hogwarts. It was past time for him to check on the morons wandering around the common room.
After walking a short way down the road still under Disillusionment, Tom turned into Apparition. Just as he turned, he had a vision of the mutt Glover and his sister walking down this very road staring at him. Other thoughts tried to form but Apparition had been quick and the thoughts had evaporated.
Tom landed at the back of Hogwarts on the Black Lake side and slid silently through the castle door.
/
At the same time Tom was sliding through the door, Horace was sitting quietly with his feet up and a box of crystallized pineapple by his arm trying to figure out how to get back into Albus' good books. He didn't like being at odds with his powerful colleague, especially not over something Tom and Abraxas had done. Horace sighed. Abraxas Malfoy, dumb as a box of rocks with a very wealthy father who would pay his way through life. Then there's Tom Riddle, the student most likely to succeed even if he had to murder someone to do it.
Horace grabbed a piece of pineapple before heading to the bathroom. Perhaps a hot bath would relieve his stress. He could only hope. After the bath, it would be immediately to bed. Quidditch positions would be filled Saturday morning and most professors turned up to show their support. Although he would like to remain in his bed, he would have to make an appearance.
/
Unknown to Tom, the wards Dumbledore had set on the doors trembled as they had when he left. Dumbledore addressed Fawkes.
"Well my friend, it seems Tom is back from his outing thinking he has put something over on The Headmaster and the professors. I know I shouldn't let the menace run around unchallenged, but I've had a long day and Tom wasn't giving off any foul vibrations." Smiling to himself, Dumbledore addressed Fawkes again. "Our prodigal son is now where he belongs. Let's rest our eyes."
Fawkes let out several soft squawks before burrowing his head under his feathers.
Hogwarts was sleeping.
//
The entire Gryffindor House woke in an excited mood. It was Saturday. Saturday breakfast was an offering of eggs, pancakes, bacon, bangers, fried potatoes, and, of course, juices, toast and cereals. In addition, it was the first Quidditch practice of the year. Everyone was happy. However, no one was happier than Zach and Trevor who through arrogance or confidence thought they would surpass the other candidates.
Bertie's voice called out. "Let's go. Saturday breakfast and Quidditch tryouts await. I know I don't have to tell Quidditch candidates to be sharp, but I will. Your arses better not embarrass me or Madame Hooch. A suggestion: Do not over eat at breakfast because if you need to be excused for a shite break, not only will you have lost your chance to become a superstar, I'll hex your butt hole closed with a hex."
Most of those lined up at the door let out chuckles of various levels. The witches, not so much.
"Alright! Alright! You've had your morning laugh. Let's get to breakfast. I'm starving." Bertie called out as he stepped into the corridor.
Zach, Trevor and Aiden let out deep breaths. It was their do or die day. Aiden was smiling even as his stomach was in full out revolt. He wasn't certain he would have any breakfast in case his stomach got worse and he became that First Year who had to excuse himself to shite.
As the three hurried down the stairs, Trevor gave Zach a look and Zach knew exactly what Trevor was thinking. They would have to give their shaky mate a pep talk before stepping in front of Madame Hooch and Bertie. Almost at the same time, Zach and Trevor gave Aiden a soft thump on the arm. Knowing his mates were just showing their support, Aiden smiled at them both.
"Thank you for the lovely thumps. They make me feel all warm inside."
Zach chuckled. "Just get yourself together mate because if you mess up, Bertie won't hesitate to warm that arse."
Both Trevor and Aiden laughed at Zach's nonsense before hurrying to their spots at the breakfast table.
/
Today was much too an important day to start any nonsense, but Jackson, Butters, and Summerlin all noticed that Beth was sitting three spaces down from Bertie instead of being stuck to his hip. All three remembered Bertie's disposition from the previous evening and thought…..Beth. Although Bertie wasn't showing any signs of being annoyed or aggravated, they hoped he wasn't holding something in that could possibly disrupt Quidditch tryouts.
Feeling his three mates staring at him, Bertie turned his attention from the conversation he was having with Fleamont to glance at each in turn with a smart remark.
"Do I have something hanging from my lip? If not, why don't you put your eyes on your plate before I do something I'll regret."
Flicking his fork in the air, Fleamont laughed out loud. "No boys keep staring. I'd like to see Robbins do something he might regret. It will be fun."
Glaring at Fleamont, Jackson told him to shove off before tucking into one of the many sausages on his plate. Neither Summerlin nor Butters said anything. The conversation was headed to dangerous waters. Changing the subject, Butters asked Bertie where he thought the three amigos would land on the Quidditch Team if anywhere. Bertie hesitated for the briefest second before answering. Finishing what was in his mouth, Bertie shared his thoughts.
"I believe Trevor would make a fantastic Keeper, big boy Aiden a decent Beater and nosy arsed Zach a brilliant Seeker, but it remains to be seen as the three will try out for all available positions. Anyway, it will down to Madame Hooch to assign positions. Now if you've finished interrogating me, I'll finish my breakfast."
Jackson, Fleamont, Butters and Summerlin were all nodding their heads in agreement. If anyone knew about Quidditch positions, it was Bertie. None were surprised he had his mini me in a top spot.
It was almost time to get to the pitch so everyone finished their breakfast without much more conversation.
/
Three seats down from Bertie, Beth had hardly touched her food. It was her thought Bertie would be over their conversation and invite her to sit next to him, but no. Bertie seemed pleased enough sitting next to the loud mouth Potter. She sighed wondering if she should give up on trying to keep Bertie on her calendar. Her face warmed a bit when she thought of the things they'd done together. Nothing monumental, but definitely personal. She was going to do whatever it took to hold onto Bertie before that insufferable Ravenclaw witch tried to get her hooks into him.
"That's not going to happen."
"What did you say Beth?" Asked the witch sitting beside her.
Pulling on a big smile, Beth shrugged. "Just wondering how tryouts will go. Are we ready to get to the stands?"
A few of the Gryffindor witches gave each other surreptitious looks. They all had noticed Beth wasn't in her usual place glued to Bertie's hip. Their housemate was stressing. Whatever. It was time to go look over the Quidditch meat.
/
Trish, the insufferable Ravenclaw witch hadn't missed any of it but kept her thoughts to herself.
/
Ten minutes before the end of breakfast, Tom appeared at the side door beckoning Avery who sighed as he hurried over to see what his miserable master wanted. Tom only had a few words. He wanted all Slytherins to get to the Quidditch field and those on the team to the equipment room. He wanted his team to be ready to show off the new uniforms. After making his wishes known, Tom stood back in the shadows to watch his orders being carried out.
"Nothing like embarrassing that filthy piece of shite Robbins." Tom mumbled as he stood there.
A few minutes later, Tom watched as his entire House left the Great Hall.
"This is going to be good." Tom remarked with a wide smirk. "Robbins and Jackson will be livid."
/
Zach, Trevor, and Aiden hurriedly finished their breakfast and hurried to the nearest bathroom. Bertie didn't have to tell them twice about having to crap. None of the three wanted to feel his wrath.
After a quick pee (a shite for Aiden), the three young wizards headed directly to their equipment room where they would put on the brand new Quidditch equipment. Once they were fully outfitted, their shoulders automatically straightened on their own.
Zach was first to state his thoughts. "Whether we make the team or not, these uniforms are stunning."
Aiden and Trevor laughed, but Trevor set Zach straight. "There's no whether or not. We are making the team. Today is just to sort out what position we train for."
Zach gave Trevor a thump. "Calm down mate. I was just taking the piss. We get trained up a bit and in a couple of years we dominate the field. Merlin's promise."
Aiden smiled at his mates. "Okay. If Merlin promises, I'll just go with that. Let's get going before Bertie or Jackson comes looking for us."
"Yup. Let's get going." Added Trevor.
The three First Years headed to their destiny.
/
The Quidditch class/tryouts were over and everyone was back at the table for lunch talking excitedly about what had gone on. The Gryffindor table was especially delighted by the rumbles and grumbles coming from the Slytherin team when they saw they weren't the only ones with new uniforms and equipment. Down the senior end of the table Jackson could barely contain himself while Bertie with a big grin on his face told his mate to pipe down. All Bertie would say was, lamb chops never tasted so good.
Down the First Year end of the table Zach, Trevor, Aiden and several others were saying just about the same thing. However, they all knew it wasn't about the food. It was about beating the Slytherins at their own game as well as the outcome of the class. The three First Years had been invited to the team with the stipulation they wouldn't have a permanent placement until they were trained up a bit which could possibly be by their first real game in November. Both Bertie and Madame Hooch had been pleased with their flying prowess ordering them to practice for the spots they found interesting. The only hiccup had been when Madame Hooch had to use the Horton-Keitch Braking Charm on a Third Year Hufflepuff whose broom had almost gotten away from him. Nothing monumental.
Directly after class, Bertie had taken a quick second to voice his thoughts to Zach, Trevor and Aiden. He suggested Trevor practice for Keeper, Aiden for Beater and Zach for Seeker quantifying his words that they should make up their own minds about positions and he was only stating his opinion.
The three amigos had glanced at each other in wonder. They should make up their own minds? No chance. Bertie had spoken, and his was the last word, and that was that. They were happy hoping they would get a spot in November. Even the slightly less confident Aiden was happy. His mentor believed in him. It was time he started believing in himself.
/
There was some serious mumbling going on down the senior end of the Slytherin table. Tom had not been pleased to see the Gryffindor team enter the pitch wearing new uniforms and carrying the latest equipment. In fact, he was so incensed he couldn't control himself and both Madame Hooch and Professor Dumbledore asked if he wanted to be excused which had made Tom worse. However, even the volatile Tom knew he wouldn't be confronting Dumbledore or Madame Hooch. His gang of thugs realized right away their master would be taking out his frustrations on them. Another lovely night in the Slytherin Dungeons or the Black Lake. Take your choice.
Nott was resigned. "We are in it now."
Avery sighed as he glanced around the table. "No need to tell me what I already know. It's just a matter of where. The only thing that does my heart good is that Malfoy probably isn't pet of the week anymore. Someone has outdone good old Septimus."
Nott nodded. "That is very true. I wonder what the next big gift will be."
Avery gave him a thump. "Stop with the jokes mate. I'm in no mood to laugh. I'm going to check if that imbecile Wilkins brought Tom the correct lunch. If he hasn't, this will be his last day alive. Back in a minute."
Nott watched as his best mate growled in Wilkins ear. The answer must have been satisfactory because Avery was back within minutes.
/
In the Slytherin Dungeons, Tom wasn't incensed any longer, but he was grumbling and growling. Too many people were disrespecting him. Old Sluggy, Robbins, Jackson, Glover and now Dumbledore and Madame Hooch. There was nothing he could do to Dumbledore or Madame Hooch, but he would definitely be bringing Slughorn, Robbins, Jackson and Glover to some kind of reckoning, and that was a promise.