His Equal [Tom Riddle]

seventeen

Tom and Kepi's newfound cordiality did not go unnoticed by those around them; their small head nods and knowing looks were whispered about by their friends when they weren't around. What had changed between the two?

It was the elephant in the room for their final week before the summer holiday. Cicely tried to bring it up a couple of times, but Kepi always acted oblivious. The boys didn't dare ask Tom anything.

It was even more of a shock to see Kepi at the Knights of Walpurgis meeting. She sat next to Tom, pouring over some old-looking book with him, shaking her head fervently at something he was saying. 

"Um ... should we come back?" Pontius questioned awkwardly. Tom didn't even spare him a glance as he gestured toward the couches, wordlessly demanding that they sit. 

Everyone was there. Abraxas, Dean, and Pontius assumed their regular seats, while Camien Nott, Jakob Avery, Alphonse Dolohov, and Cade Mulciber filled the space around them. They were forced to wait another two minutes as Tom and Kepi finished their hushed conversation before their leader finally cleared his throat and stood. 

"Everyone," he greeted, clasping his hands behind his back. "I would like to welcome a new member to our ranks: Miss Kepi Nassor."

She needed no introduction, but the formality was necessary to confirm the questions spinning in the Knights' minds. They now knew that Kepi was, in fact, there for the meeting. She knew their secrets; she was one of them. 

"Nassor has breathed new life into our campaign, and it is with her resources that we will be able to rise to power. She is completely aware of our accomplishments thus far, and has been told of what is to come."

"All of our accomplishments?" Jakob scoffed, glancing around. "You mean to tell me that you've kept some of us in the dark for years, testing us, never being completely upfront about anything, but the moment Nassor spreads her legs you -"

"I advise you choose your next words carefully, Avery," Tom narrowed his gaze menacingly. "Do not let me believe that your opinion of me is so low, lest you find yourself out of this organization and at the bottom of the social ladder, where you were once before."

Kepi remained quiet, facing the group of boys with a mischievous glint in her eye. Tom had warned her of such accusations, and told her to remain quiet as he addressed them. She was more than happy to sit back and observe.

"I think the sudden trust in Kepi is ... surprising." Cade nervously scratched his neck. "I mean, how can we trust her? How can she trust us? You, er, blackmailed her."

"We have come to an agreement that can serve us both." Tom vaguely answered. "More will be explained as time wears on - but tonight is the celebration of a new chapter. I will be spending my summer in Egypt instead of the Malfoy's. You all will be expected to join us for the third week of August. Dean, Abraxas, and Pontius: you will be expected to join us for the entire month."

Tom glanced back at Kepi, as if to ask her if she wanted to speak, but she shook her head 'no'. "That is all. I expect each of you to welcome Nassor and not say anything else to reveal your incompetence." He sent a pointed look toward Jakob. 

A moment of awkward silence ensued before people began to speak freely.

"Egypt!" Dean exclaimed. "Anything to get me out of going to Paris with the family."

"My mother will weep at Tom's absence." Abraxas joked. "Who will she swoon over now?"

"She always has me," Dean winked. "Abraxas Rosier has a nice ring to it. What d'you say, son?"

"Sod off," Abraxas scoffed. 

The three boys fell into their typical banter, suppressing any further questions once they realized that Tom was in no mood to explain anything at the moment. It was his style to leave them drowning in confusion, only to return to the topic long after their curiosity had piqued.