"Because that's what Hermione does. When in doubt, go to the library."

_Ron, Chamber of Secrets_

In the library, early Saturday night...

Ginevra enjoyed research, especially in Hogwarts' extensive library. However, she wasn't pleased to find herself working alone on a group project. Tom was supposed to be here, reading away beside her. And the fact that he wasn't made her slightly nervous.

In the Slytherin common room...

Tom lazed on the emerald sofa, admiring the soft furnishings with an appreciative eye. He'd never stopped wondering how Hogwarts could make him happy like nothing else could.

His thoughts drifted to a certain bushy-haired Ravenclaw. He had puzzled briefly earlier whether he would bother turning up to their 'first meeting' to discuss Animagi. He had decided, disgruntled, that it would be in his better interests to sit and wait to listen to what Nott had to say about their current plans. Nott upset him in a way nobody could. Perhaps he could give him a bit of the ol' Cruciatus, just to relieve some stress.

Nott entered the common room, looking dishevelled.

"My Lord," he said, bowing hastily, "I was thinking that it would be more successful if we tried to get the Ravenclaws on our side, you know, regarding our plans. They will obviously be able to see that our side is better than Dumbledore's." 

The boy spat on the floor. This was why the house elves feared having to clean the Slytherin common room. God knew what had been spat onto the green carpet over time.

"But, Nott," Tom said slowly, and succinctly, just to make sure the other Slytherin understood, "that is the house of Ginevra Granger, and she is very clearly anti-supremacism. We can't have word reaching her ears, now, can we?" 

Mainly, Tom just didn't want the overly-curious Ravenclaw finding out about his backstreet enterprises.

"But we can tell someone other than Granger," whined Nott. 

This why Tom hated him. All he ever did was whine.

"Moan to someone else, Nott," Tom snapped, standing up. 

Nott's eyes widened slightly; having Tom, who was a good three inches above everybody else, standing near to you, was not a good sign. 

"If you ever think of a marginally brilliant idea, speak to Abraxas." Abraxas was the only person that Tom called by their first name. That was just how it was. "He will pass it on to me if it is anything worth my time."

"Yes," Nott replied nervously, biting his lip.

"Yes, what?" Tom teased, fingering his wand.

"Yes, my Lord," said Nott very quickly.

"Very well," Tom stated, apparently appeased.

Nott made for the staircases to the dormitories.

"Crucio!"

Nott's screams followed Tom all the way out of the common room.

Back in the library...

It had been half an hour. Tom clearly wasn't going to show up. Ginevra began clearing away her books, shutting them with more force than she intended. Just as she was about to start slotting the library books she'd borrowed back onto the shelves, Abraxas Malfoy appeared.

"Hello, Granger," he said jovially. 

His resemblance to Draco was heart-breaking. She had a sudden pang of loss for the '90s.

"Hello, Malfoy," she replied, warily.

"Tom is going to turn up, rest assured Granger," Abraxas answered, seemingly reading her mind. "However, he encountered a tiny problem and had to iron it out."

"Okay," Ginevra blinked. "What are you, Riddle's messenger boy?"

"Of course," drawled Abraxas. "What did you expect? I take care of all his private affairs."

"This," said Ginevra pointedly, "is private?" 

She gestured round at the other occupied tables.

Abraxas did not cease smiling. 

"Yes, compared to the Slytherin common room."

"How did you meet Riddle?" Ginevra asked suddenly, amazed by her own daring.

The Slytherin's expression did not change. "I met him here, at Hogwarts."

"How did you first meet him?" She insisted.

Abraxas seemed to struggle internally for a moment, then he sat down opposite her.

"I met him in the line to be Sorted," he said.

"The first time I saw him was under the Great Hall's shining stars. His face was unreadable, expressionless; he looked the least excited of all the first years gathered there. However, for some reason, I could tell that he was the most excited, but he was covering it all, with the mask of Occlumency. We were the two tallest, and also complete opposites of each other. Tom was dark-haired; I was an albino. Tom was confident and assured; I was insecure and rather afraid, despite any appearances I put on. We bonded in those first moments, I think.

"I was in front of him but, because he'd earned my interest, I turned round and offered him my hand. He refused it, giving me a look of disdain.

'So you're Riddle,' I said coolly. 'Tom Riddle.' He gave a shudder at his first name. I ignored it. 'You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort,' I continued, indicating Crabbe and Goyle, who stood at his back, totally gormless. 'I can help you there,' I added.

"So much was insinuated in that one sentence. I have status, I have power. I will help you on the way to greatness. The funny thing is, Tom ignored me. He looked over my head and focused on the Sorting Hat, although his brow was furrowed in concentration. When we were both sat at Slytherin's table, I offered him my hand for the second time. He took it.

"'You can join me on the way to greatness,' Tom said coldly. 'But I'm afraid, I don't need any help. Those two might, though.' 

He indicated Crabbe and Goyle like I had done. The two grabbed at any edible-looking substance they could and stuffed it in their faces, chewing with their overlarge mouths wide open.

"'They can be your minions,' I joked, trying to diffuse the tension.

'Yes,' Tom replied, tilting his head to one side as though he were evaluating something, 'yes, they can.'

I don't think he was joking."

Ginevra was almost imitating the aforementioned Crabbe and Goyle, mouth wide open.

"Really?"

"Yes," replied Abraxas. "Fine aperio. That was the boy I met. And he hasn't changed, underneath it all. He's still there. So don't think he won't turn up to your research meetings, Granger," Abraxas smirked and left.

Ginevra simply sat there, stunned. Could that boy read her mind?

*****

A.N. A nice long chapter this time. Some Tabraxas there (cue Jenny!) and an insight into Tom Riddle's character.

'Fine aperio' is meant to translate to 'I open at the close' - any better Latin translators can correct me if I'm wrong (or Google Translate is). 

This chapter has a lot of Harry Potter quotes jumbled in together so... hope you enjoyed!

Thank you for reading!