Riddle Me This

Chapter 13

Catherine's POV

I was getting tired of hearing the whispers now. Because I knew that every time it started, something happened to someone. And it was proven true later as another student had been petrified. I was in the library, looking through books to see if I could find a way to find Salazar's family tapestry. I was getting sick of it, and Draco was beginning to get sick of being the only one that was really willing to walk with me everywhere. The other's would as well, but they always dropped me in his or Hermione's lap as soon as they could. It really made me upset, but I hoped they would get used to the fact I could talk to snakes soon.

And they did, though it took until the Christmas holiday, which I decided to stay at Hogwarts for, for them to approach me first so we could talk like normal. They even helped me with my research, saying that it would be cool if I really was the heir to Slytherin, though I made sure they knew that I didn't open the chamber, nor knew where it was.

I had been sitting in my room with a book, a Salazar Linage book that Pansy found that magically updated when someone new in the line was born. I flipped through the pages before I stopped, freezing. In neat script, below Tom Marvolo Riddle, was Catherine Alice Riddle-Smith. I dropped the book on my bed, getting up to go to the common room to breath for a minute.

I was the heir to Slytherin. Salazar was my ancestor. But I didn't open the chamber. I didn't know where it was. If I did, I'd tell the teachers immediately and try to close it. I heard talking, and stopped to listen in. Looked like Draco was talking with Crabbe and Goyle again, and by the looks of things, they were the only ones in the common room.

"-a mudblood died. So it's only a matter of time before one's killed this time. As for this time, I'm hoping it's Granger." Were the last things Draco said before I saw Crabbe and Goyle run off. But covering their heads, and Crabbe seemed to have red hair as he was leaving, which made me suspect something was up. But that wasn't the problem. Draco shook his head and turned, probably to head to bed or something. When he saw me, he froze.

"Smith." I shivered.

"You bastard!" I shrieked. Causing him to flinch. "I know you don't like her. But how dare you wish death upon Hermione." My legs gave way as I collapsed onto my self, crying loudly as I shook at the bottom of the stairs.

"Smith. Smith calm down I-"

"I'm the heir to Slytherin." I finally said, causing Draco to freeze. "B-But I don't know where it is. I never opened it. I don't know how to control the monster." And then I looked up to Draco, glaring harsh enough to cause him to freeze. "And you should hope I never do, Malfoy." That seemed to cut Draco deep, and I didn't care at the moment.

"A-Are you threatening to kill me?" He asked, face as white as the marble under our feet. My jaw dropped open before I closed it as even more tears fell from my face.

"How could you even think that Draco!? I wouldn't kill anybody! You maybe a horrible prat that definitely needs someone to take you off your bloody high horse, but you're my friend. I would never hurt you unless you bloody well deserved it. Also meaning I would never send a monster after you that could potentially KILL you." I curled in on myself as I balled into my knees. I heard movement and then a hand gently placed on my shoulder.

"Smith..." Draco said softly, obviously confused on what he was doing or what he should do anyways. "Let's get you to Snape." I nodded and we headed out.

Once in Snape's office, Snape sat in his seat as I stood in front of him with Salazar's Linage book tucked under my arm.

"What is it?" He snapped slightly. I took a deep breath as I opened the book and placed it in front of Snape.

"I... I'm the heir to Slytherin." I whispered, a fresh batch of tears rolling down my face. Snape's eyes moved to meet mine and I cried. "I didn't open the chamber. I swear I didn't. I don't even know where it is." I wiped at my face and Draco seemed very uncomfortable. Snape took a deep breath closing the book and setting it aside.

"Malfoy, will you step outside for a moment." Draco did as told and once the door shut, Snape was up and pulled me into his arms. "I know you aren't Catherine." He said as I cried into his robes. "You aren't as heartless as the rest of the Slytherins. But make sure you're careful with what you say. If word gets out, everyone will view you as the evil one."

"I know Papa. But they already do, ever since the snake incident it the dueling club." Snape sighed and rubbed at my back.

"I'll be contacting Morgana. I hope you are aware of that." I nodded and pulled away. "Now, go back to your dormitory, and be careful." I nodded and left, Draco and I heading back to the dorm.

"What did he say?" Draco asked as we went. I wiped the tears still on my face.

"That he knows I'm not the one to open the chamber, and not to say anything. So please Draco, if anyone asks, don't tell them." Draco shook his head.

"You're still going to tell Granger." I slapped my hand against his chest.

"Of course I am. She's my best friend. She also doesn't wish death upon you." Draco rolled his eyes.

"You're still on about that."

"It just happened Draco." I snapped. "And by the way, you sad mudblood." My wand was out before Draco could flinch. "Eat Slugs." And I took Draco to the Hospital Wing and slept in there for the night. Later, I saw them bring Hermione in, covered in fur and looking very cat-like.

"What the bloody hell happened to you?" I asked. Hermione didn't look at me. I sighed. Once the teachers were gone I sat next to her.

"Why are you here?" Hermione asked. I motioned over to Draco as he threw up another slug.

"I also have to tell you something, but I'm scared of how you'll respond." Hermione nodded. I took a deep breath, but it hitched as I began to cry again. "I-I'm the heir to Slytherin." I cried, covering my face. "But I don't know where the chamber is. I never opened it, I swear. Why would I want to unleash a monster that could hurt my best friend?"

"Cat... d-do you know who did?" I shook my head.

"None of the other students showed up in the book. Only my birth father did." Hermione nodded slowly, before grabbing a bucket to cough up a hairball. I couldn't help the small giggle. "I'm staying here tonight, considering Draco was supposed to be my guide and I sort of cursed him... again." Hermione nodded and I went to the cot I had claimed next to Draco and went to sleep.

Though the nightmare from before returned, the snake faucet, the giant snake, only now there was a chamber, a walkway lined with snake statues and a giant head at the end, surrounded by water where the snake seemed to swim. When I woke up, Draco was next to me, holding onto my shoulders as Hermione stood on the other side.

"Merlin's Beard, you gave us a scare, Cat." Hermione said, still looking very feline like, but less so.

"Is... is it morning?" I asked. Draco nodded.

"So come on. We need to head to breakfast so we aren't late for class." Draco said as I got up, but turned to Hermione.

"Did he say anything before I got up?" Hermione quickly shook his head.

"No, he didn't even look my direction." I nodded as I hugged her.

"I hope whatever happened to you is over with soon. See you later." Hermione nodded and Draco and I headed to breakfast.