Not Broken, Not Yet | Tom Riddle

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

The classroom was surprisingly spacious compared to the narrow corridor outside. Inside the classroom we were greeted by Professor Slughorn, a rather short and stout wizard that looked a great deal like a walrus. Yet he had a friendly jovial presence that lit up the entire room. Upon seeing Riddle and his gang he greeted them cheerily, even chatting happily for a while before letting them find their seats. I tried my best to get in unnoticed but suddenly Slughorn's voice boomed out.

"Wait a moment, dear!" He said as I walked past him.

"Yes, sir?" I asked, trying not to look at Aiden who walked past me with a mocking grin on his face.

"I don't believe I recognise you and I'm quite positive I detect an accent, you must be the Ilvermorny transfer!" He said happily, watching me closely.

"Correct, sir."

He sighed. "America... I've always wanted to go there myself, but I really don't have time for it, and how would people contact me? Hmm... Well I'll have to wait until I retire, I suppose." He sounded rather thoughtful as he pondered his retirement.

I smiled quickly and tried to go into the classroom but was stopped by yet another question.

"Who's the potions teacher at Ilvermorny, now again? It might be someone I know, I believe I know every teacher there." He said proudly. I didn't believe him for a moment but didn't let my voice betray it.

"Josabell Jenkins." I answered. Professor Jenkins had been my favourite teacher while I was at Ilvermorny. I almost considered her a friend. Or at the very least someone I could confide in. She alone had made potions my favourite subject.

"Hmm... I don't think I know her, she is new, isn't she?" He asked and scratched his chin.

"Ehm.... No not really." I said, trying not to smirk.

Slughorn almost started to look annoyed that I didn't let him get away with his little lie."How long have she been teaching, then?" he asked pointedly.

"40 years or so." I said and circled past him quickly and sat down next to Aiden and Tyler in the back of the classroom. Also at our table where Kate and Ashley, side by side like always. All of them had heard my little interaction with Slughorn and to say they were amused was an understatement.

"That's Slughorn for you." Aiden mumbled under his breath, eyeing the man as he took his place at the front of the class. I was about to say something when I suddenly noticed a small bottle sitting on Slughorn's desk. I squinted. Then suddenly I recognised it. Felix Felicis. The small bottle glinted in the gloomy room. A beacon in the dark. My eyes were fixed on it. I wanted that bottle.

"So here we are again." Slughorn said as he looked out over the gathered students. "Are you excited for the new term, class?" Only a couple of people answered, one of them was of course Riddle. Ever the teacher's pet."Since this is your sixth year and everyone here is capable of brewing pretty advanced potions I thought it would be fun to have a little competition to start this term off properly." He looked quite proud of his little idea, even squinting as he looked at his students.

Their reactions were mixed. Ashley groaned and looked at Kate with a grimace. Aiden simply sighed and leaned back in his chair while a few of the Ravenclaws whispered amongst themselves. Riddle, who sat in the front of the class, actually sat up straighter, listening attentively to every word coming out of Slughorn's mouth. It didn't matter what the competition was. Riddle wanted to win, and badly so.

"See this potion next to me?" Slughorn said and picked up the bottle of Felix Felicis. "Can anyone tell me what this is?" He asked. I put up my hand but Riddle was miles faster. Slughorn looked absolutely delighted and gestured to Riddle. "Tom m'boy!" Slughorn said with a smile. "What do you have to say?"