Blood in the Water- Professor Tom Riddle

Chapter 4- Riddle after hours

The rest of the day went by a great deal easier. With the class she was dreading over, she felt slightly more at ease.

While her doubts about Riddle were not necessarily gone, she found it easier to relax. She of course did not trust him- but he had a point, did he not? And why would Dumbledore allow him to teach if he thought there was any risk to the students?

She also knew that she did not necessarily have to like her teacher to do well in the class. How hard could it be to get through the year just keeping her head down?

It was difficult to convince herself of this.

She kept these thoughts buzzing around her brain, unable to get rid of them- except for a brief period in the common room.

Sitting with her new friends was a welcome retreat from her worries. Several false starts of getting distracted, chatting about anything but their assignment such as the Quidditch game the upcoming weekend, the party the Slytherins would be having that they were planning on crashing, even discussing what muggle snacks they brought with them into the castle. Finally, they managed to focus, planning out what they would need to write.

But as they left to go to bed, the worries came back. Elena paced around the room, trying to wear herself out to the point of exhaustion. It didn't work. No matter how tired she felt, her worries kept her from sleep.

Jumping up from bed, she grabbed a pair of warm leggings and a knitted jumper. Pulling on a pair of boots and grabbing her wand, she slipped out the door and down the stairs. A nighttime walk would also be a good way to see more of the castle that she was still unfamiliar with.

Reaching the grounds outside, she looked up for a while at the stars. They always interested her, and she found herself wishing she had carried on taking astronomy.

Continuing on, she walked alongside the lake. The stars perfectly reflected on its surface. She remembered Carine telling her the Slytherin dormitories were underground, and had windows that looked out into the lake. It was hard to imagine Carine staying any kind of underground quarters, but she had heard no complaints from the girl so far.

As she walked further along the river bank, she approached a forest- she had heard it referred to as the 'forbidden' forest. Mainly by first and second years, she thought, and continued her approach towards the trees.

She understood the fear some students may have; the trees stood dark and ominous towering over her, sounds of various creatures from all directions. Including some voices.

Many years ago, her mother had taught her an invisibility spell that only veelas could perform. Being half human, it was extremely difficult to learn, but it was worth it. She quickly cast the spell and silently followed the voices.

Several figures stood, black hoods covering their heads. Were they students?

Elena moved closer, risking the group hearing the rustle of leaves beneath her feet, or the snap of a twig. Getting a better look, she noticed some kind of tattoo on the insides of each of their arms. Her curiosity had gotten the best of her and she was determined to find out what was happening. She managed to pick up a few words.

"Enough is enough, letting mudbloods into the school has to be stopped."

"Many other schools have banned them from attending. They also teach dark magic."

"At this rate they're gonna let fucking squibs in."

"Probably. They've let that half breed girl in."

"What half breed girl?"

"The french one in Gryffindor- she's half veela."

Elena sucked in a breath at this, not knowing who these people were, but not liking that she came up in their conversation.

"She should fuck off back to France then."

"Have you not seen her? Can't say I'm complaining she's here" one voice laughs.

"Enough." A familiar voice calls out, making Elena's eyes widen.

So her Grandfather was right. Riddle was here recruiting 'death eaters'. She found herself leaning against a tree, one arm out to steady herself.

The rest of the group had instantly fallen silent at his command. "I do not wish for any of you to draw attention to yourselves. Whatever your thoughts are on the veela girl, you stay away from her."

The group all listen intently "Yes my lord." A few of them say.

Riddle continued, "I am aware of who her Grandfather was and he has no doubt been filling her head with his ramblings. It is best for me to handle her." The group all nod in obedience.

She freezes as he looks in her direction. Was she still invisible? She looked down- yes no one would be able to see her. But she swore Riddle looked right at her, as he raised an eyebrow before continuing to speak.

If by some miracle he did see her, she wasn't going to stick around and wait to be caught. She turned on her heel and ran back to the castle and into bed.

What could she do now? The obvious answer would be going to the Headmaster. But with what proof? And if he didn't believe her Grandfather, why would he believe her?

How would she show up to classes with this man knowing what he was doing? She couldn't just drop the class, but actually attending seemed impossible in her mind.

Giving up, she casts a spell to knock herself out to finally get some sleep.

Last edited- 13/08/24 (Not completely happy with this chapter so may edit it again)