What a Riddle

The cowardly lion

The school fell into a routine after the troll incident. I was by Draco's side for the most part along with the rest of the Slytherins that hang around us. Earning us the name the Royals of Slytherin. It was ridiculous but hilarious to see how the school perceives us. 

Over the days I would send out Medusa to watch my father/Professor Quarrell. Not that I could do much but watch. Uncle Sev seemed to have it handled as he hovered behind Quarrell's every quaking move. The room on the third floor was a mystery besides Medusa saying she could smell a large dog behind the locked door.

As I was lost thought about my school work and what my father could possibly want with a dog that's on the third floor. It's most likely guarding something was my most reasonable" thought.

"Ri-ddle can I talk to you" A stuttering voice broke me out of my thoughts. I raised my head surprised to see Longbottom above me. 

"Longbottom" Draco sneered as he to looked up.

"Dray, play nice" I rested my hand delicately on his shoulder "I'll be back in a moment" I got up. Draco went to stand as well "I can handle myself" I sent a soft glare.

Longbottom hesitantly directed me to the back of the library. When he found a spot he was satisfied with he stopped and turned to me. "I wa-wanted" he took a deep breathe "I wanted to take you up on your offer"

I small smile formed on my lips. "That took courage to talk to me with Draco. I'd say your off to a good start"

"yes, well it did take me a while to build up the courage since I couldn't get you by yourself" He admits looking down.

"That's alright" I nod "it's a start to build the confidence" I pause a moment with a thought. "tell me something about yourself"

"I - I Ummm I don't know I'm just" I raise my hand to stop him.

"First step in confidence is being nice to yourself. Your biggest bully isn't the Slytherin's it's yourself" I point to his head and then moved my finger to his heart "take care of yourself, focus on the positive, spend time with people that make you feel good, and be assertive. That will start you on the right path." I nodded in confirmation. Longbottom nodded slowly in understanding. "Come find me when you're comfortable being assertive and not just a doormat." 

I left him to go back to Draco who was looking in the direction we left.

"What did he want" Draco sneered and I saw a hint of jealousy.

"A bit of help with astrology," I say as I sit back down "bit of favor since he helped with my Herbology a few weeks back" Draco I knew wouldn't be appreciative that I was helping him gain confidence. 

"Hmmm" Draco hummed deciding to trust my word. "Why not ask while we're together?" 

"Not sure but I'm not going to judge."

"your a little too much like Hufflepuff" Draco grumbles

"Blame that one on my mother," I said cheekily. Aunt Cissy would tell me all about my mother, a Hufflepuff. Cissy never told me how she died but how much she and my father loved me. Including some fun little stories.

"Damn you Helena Allen" Draco jokingly shook his fist in the air dramatically before bursting into laughter and me joining in before we got shushed by the Librarian. 

~~~

School days passed and the school year was coming to a close. Draco and I went home for Christmas and when we got back we were reenergized to finish strong. Crabbe and Goyle served detention with Hagrid and the 'golden trio' in the Forbidden forest after Draco sent them to see where the trio was sneaking off too after I convinced him not to go. Aunt Cissy was pleased that I have been keeping Draco in check and out of trouble. I still helped Longbottom get his confidence.

The end-of-year feast was upon us and Slytherin was convinced they had once again won the house cup. The Great Hall was decorated in green and silver and I could not help but beam in happiness. 

"Another year, gone! And now, as I understand it, the house cup needs awarded and the points stand thus. In fourth place: Gryffindor, with 312 points! In third place: Hufflepuff, with 352 points! Second: Ravenclaw, with 426 points! And in the first place, with 472 points: Slytherin house!" Dumbledore announces. Slytherin cheers the loudest as he announces us in first. "Yes, well done Slytherin, well done Slytherin. However, recent events must be taken into account and I have a few last-minute points to award." oh great I and Draco roll our eyes at this "To Miss Hermione Granger, for the cool use of intellect while others were in grave peril: fifty points! Second, to Mr. Ronald Weasley, for the best-played game of chess that Hogwarts has seen these many years: fifty points! And third, to Mr. Harry Potter, for pure love and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house: sixty points!"

"Damn your favorites" I mumble and Draco nods in agreement. "Now we're tied with the bloody Gryffindors"

"it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends. I award ten points to Neville Longbottom!" 

Longbottom looks surprised and then shoots me a thankful glance which I return with a small friendly smile and a slight nod of my head.

"Finally it takes a leader to put aside differences and help those around her. I award Florence Riddle fifteen points!" I open my mouth in shock. How... How did he know? Longbottom's smile widens as he looks at me. As I gap like a fish between Gryffindor and the Headmaster.

Dumbledore looked at me and his eye's glittered with something I couldn't pinpoint.

Draco smiled wildly and hugged me. While the rest smiled and cheered for me. I ensured the streak of Slytherin house winning the cup. They did not make comments on how I did it they were just happy they still won.