RIDDLES PROPERTY

chapter 26

Tom was scared. He knew he shouldn't have went back to the hotel. He knew he should've covered it up better. His hair was disheveled and he'd stayed up for most of the night worrying. Tom had to do something about the Myrtle situation. He realized something.

One day on his prefect duties, he'd found Hagrid and a large spider which looked threatening. He hadn't told anyone which used to eat him up, but now it was coming in handy. He walked to the teachers house and knocked on his door.

"Hagrid, I need to speak with you."

Hagrid welcomed him in, nervously.

"What's the problem? I didn't do nothing, alright?" he said.

Tom replied, "You see, Hagrid, there's been a death at Hogwarts recently. I believe you may be aware as to what caused it."

Hagrid shifted on his feet, looking uneasy.

"No idea, Tom. Go back to yer classes, okay?" he said. Tom cursed in his head. He'd need to take this officially to someone, but that may risk his cover.

"Goodbye, Hagrid. I'd advise you to stay out of trouble." he said.

Tom walked away to his Potions class. Upon entering, Slughorn stared at him.

"I will need to speak to you after class, privately, Tom." the teacher said sounding scared. Tom nodded and sat next to Emelia.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"Just perfect." she said. Her hair was somewhat disheveled and eyes puffy, as if she'd been crying all night.

"I didn't do this to you, did I?"

She shook her head.

"Nothing. Yesterday was just...rough. That's all."

Draco walked in and greeted her with a hug. He asked her if she was okay and something in Tom's head made him angry. It just didn't feel right. He was touching Emelia.

Emelia was his.

"It'll be alright." he said comforting her. She whispered something into her ear and she nodded. Tom wondered what it could be.

Class began and they were learning about Felix Felicis.

"Who can tell me what this is?" Slughorn asked.

Hermione Grangers hand shot up, of course, and she replied, "Felix Felicis, also known as liquid luck. It is said to make the drinker lucky for a certain amount of time."

"Well said, Granger! Ten points to Gryffindor! Now. open your textbooks to page 37 and follow the recipe. Whoever can brew it successfully will get this vial of liquid luck. You may begin."

He looked over at her. She was with Draco, laughing, as they collected ingredients. Tom grimaced. Emelia walked over and set the ingredients down.

"Malfoy and you?" he questioned.

She looked at him with an inquisitive face and asked, "Why do you care?"

He shrugged and took the ingredients, making the potion. Tom did all the work meanwhile Emelia sulked in her seat. She had her airpods in her ears, but Slughorn failed to notice.

"Done, Professor." Tom said.

Slughorn walked over and bit his lip, worried.

"You did just fine m'boy, but Miss Granger already finished." he tried explaining.

Tom looked over at Hermione and made a sour face. Slughorn looked back at everyone.

"Everyone! I'd like to announce Miss Hermione Granger has successfully completed the potion!" he handed her the Felix Felicis. She grinned and thanked him.

As everyone left, Tom stayed back. Emelia shot him a questioning look. He stared her down, blankly. She shrugged and walked outside with Draco.

Slughorn approached Tom, "Tom, I hope you understand the use of-" his voice lowered, "horcruxes....are illegal and quite frankly disgusting."

Tom straightened up and looked at Slughorn.

"Professor, I assure you this wasn't me. I would never do such a dreadful thing. In fact, I believe I know who was the cause of this. I was going to go and report them immediately," he courtly replied.

"I'm just concerned for you, m'boy. You're quite talented and far too inquiring for your own good. I do wish you well. You are dismissed." he said.

Tom walked out and let out his breath. He saw Emelia waiting for him outside.

"What happened to your good friend, Malfoy?" he asked bitterly.

"Are you alright, Tom?" she replied with her soft voice. She tried holding his arm, but he pulled away.

"Just fine. Excuse me." he walked away and she picked at the scab on her lip.

She shouted at him before he disappeared out of her sight, "Quidditch game this Wednesday, Riddle?"

He stopped and looked back at her.

"Be ready by 6."

She smiled a bit and nodded. He walked away to Dumbledore's room.

"Sir?" Tom said as he came in.

Dumbledore looked at him and pointed to the seat next to him. Tom didn't want to stay for too long, as he loathed Dumbledore, but he still sat down.

"I know who committed the murder."

Dumbledore raised and eyebrow.

"Of course you do..." Dumbledore replied.

"It was Hagrid. Hagrid has been holding this large acromantula captive. I first saw him with it in the Forbidden Forest a little while ago. I understand I should have come forward, but Hagrid is...intimidating. After this tragic death I realized how much more he could do and I knew it needed to be stopped." Tom said describing his story.

"You may go now, Tom. Matters will be taken into our own hands. Thank you for this."

Tom was about to speak, but stopped. He left the room and Dumbledore rested his hand on his temple.