Kalon
Kalon (Car-Lon);
Possessing a beauty that is more than skin deep.
Dippet was babbling on about Hogwarts, handing Harry’s schedule to Lucretia. Harry’s eyes followed the movement, frozen in place at the entrance of the floo.
“I know when I went to Hogwarts I got lost easily, Ms. Black here would be more than happy to show you around, give you a tour then get you settled with the Slytherins.”
Lucretia stood, beckoning Harry.
“If you have any problems, Mr. Potter, don’t hesitate to talk to me.” Dippet chuckled. Harry fought the urge to gulp.
Black’s hair was in a long slick ponytail. It swished behind her back as she led him away.
Harry opened his mouth to speak but she beat him to it.
“Potter,” She hummed, “Pureblood, no?”
Harry frowned, realizing he was going to spend his time with blood supremacists.
“I am, yes.”
He knew the Potters had originally all been a pure-blood line, yet labeled blood traitors for their views. Harry would have to suck it up and play along. He would never, ever outwardly discriminate against someone. He couldn’t if he wanted. He would just agree. That couldn’t be too hard, could it?
“And you?” Harry asked stupidly.
Black scoffed, yet there was satisfaction swimming in her eyes.
“I am a part of The Noble House of Black, Potter. It would be best to remember that.”
Harry hummed, not knowing how to reply.
“The headmaster will announce your presence at dinner tonight. I do hope you aren’t shy of attention, everyone I’m sure will want to be your friend,” Black says with an eye roll, “It is not often we get new students.”
She was leading him around the castle, sneering at specific people who sent them questioning glances.
Lucretia held her head high, badge shining proudly on her chest. She had an air of superiority, a beauty uncompared. Harry was in awe.
“For the week I will show you around, point you to classes and get you situated comfortably.”
It was silent for a brief period, the sounds of groups quietining when they neared then erupting when they walked past. Harry prepared himself to see Riddle.
“You will be in the sixth-year dorms, shared with five other boys.” She glanced at him, “Most are pureblood, I assure you.”
“I was worried for a few seconds,” Harry said, trying very hard to sound relieved. Lucretia muttered a few things under her breath, her face stretching into a smile.
Harry couldn’t help comparing her to Sirius.
He felt ill.
“Here is your timetable, I will not be able to accompany you but if you have that much trouble I am sure you can ask someone. I hope you are aware of the different houses,” She paused, awaiting his nod before talking, “Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, of course. If I were you I would stay away from Gryffindors, the ones with red ties.”
“Why?” He couldn’t help but ask, curious about the Slytherin’s opinion.
“Why?” She snorted, an action Harry didn’t expect her to do, “All of them are reckless and imprudent. They have no awareness, and almost all of them are mud-blood lovers,” She spat with so much disgust and hostility that Harry almost stopped walking.
They were passing the courtyard now, a couple of Hufflepuffs playing gobstones noisily.
“Hufflepuffs are too kind for their good. Don’t associate with them either, bring up your opinions and suddenly everything is wrong with you.” Black rolled her eyes again. Harry shut his mouth, about to tell her she would attack anyone with different views.
“Ravenclaws are alright, I suppose. Mostly know-it-alls. Make sure you know if they’re purebloods or not before you talk to them, otherwise you’ll be shamed,” She laughed, reminiscing on something.
“Then who should I hang out with?” Harry asked, watching her lips twitch.
“Me, if you’d like. But mostly Slytheirns. No one in our house is a mudblood, so you don’t need to worry.”
“You will be sharing a dorm with Malfoy, Avery, Lestrange, Nott, and a half-blood boy.”
“A half-blood?” Harry asks, surprised. He knew she must be talking about Riddle, yet she didn’t say his name.
“Yes. Tom Riddle.”
Her tongue rolled around in her mouth, his eyes following the movement.
“He’s brilliant, I’ll give him that. Also good friends with everyone in Slytherin, my brother is about ready to bend to his whims. But still, deep down he is still a filthy half-blood,” Harry was too surprised to be mad. He thought everyone was keen to Riddle.
“As long as you stick close to Malfoy,” Harry stopped himself from fake gagging, “You will be fine.”
“Speak of the devil and he shall appear.” Lucretia huffed, looking over at a group calling her over.
Harry shriveled his nose when he saw the combed platinum hair. If he had to deal with another Draco, he wasn’t sure he could make it.
“Lucretia ‘O Lucretia,” They sung.
She started walking toward them, suddenly linking her arm with Harry. He tried to pull back but she squished harder.
There were three boys and two girls.
Malfoy seemed to be the center of the chatter, the other two boys looking down at their books. The two girls didn’t ring a bell.
“Who’s this?” Malfoy asked.
Now they were closer Harry tried to suppress a gasp.
The boy in front of him wasn’t similar looking to Draco at all.
He had a sharp nose, slightly turned up. He shared the same deep, blue eyes but they were more round than Draco’s narrow ones. He had a bigger frame, unlike Draco’s small and agile one. Even at 16, this Malfoy here was taller than Draco.
The blond hair was impeccable, not combed but perfectly in place. He was pale but in a pretty way. His shoes were polished and neat, uniform in place.
“The new student I’m supposed to show around,” Lucretia said, inching closer to Harry like she owned him.
The other two boys’ heads snapped up, eyeing their closeness. He got a better look at their faces.
The one on the left had a lanky frame, brown hair, and brown eyes. He was mousy-looking, with pink lips and long eyelashes. He had high cheekbones, but most purebloods did. He looked elegant and shady at the same time.
The other boy had more sandy hair, and dark green eyes that could be mistaken as hazel. He was pale and freckly, with long legs and a long torso. He had a big nose that turned down slightly, a bump in the middle.
Malfoy watched him intensely.
“This is Avery and Nott,” Harry felt the weirdest wave of Deja vu. “And I am Malfoy, Abraxas Malfoy,”
Harry didn’t hesitate to shake his hand.
“Harry Potter.”
“Potter?” Avery asked stiffly, wrinkling his nose.
“Thought they were all blood traitors,” Nott sneered lightly, putting his book down. The sun was slightly in his face or he didn’t like Harry, but his eyes were narrowed. He looked like Theodore Nott in his time. Nott said this to Lucretia, looking at their closeness in distaste.
“Not this one,” She said icily.
Harry felt ignored even when the conversation was about him.
“I do not associate myself with them,” Harry said calmly, looking Malfoy in the eye. Abraxas was looking at the vibrant greenness, instead of in his eye. “My parents were killed, you see,” Bite the bullet, Harry, “For their views on muggles. By Grindelwald themselves, I was spared simply for my views on them.”
Lucretia smiled brightly at him, unlike the two girls who were staring at him with something akin to pity. Malfoy had relaxed a bit, shoulders not as tense. He smiled instead, something Draco didn’t do unless he was mocking someone. Nott still wasn’t convinced and Avery was trying to catch his eye.
“I see,” Malfoy hummed, licking his bottom lip. Lucretia was getting bored and started dragging her finger up and down Harry’s arm.
“What did you need Malfoy?” She asked, sending a hateful look towards the other two girls.
“Nothing,” He scrunched his eyebrows up, “Just wanted to see if you’ve gotten yourselves another boyfriend.” He said with emphasis.
Lucretia stiffened lightly, the two girls snickering again.
“And if she has?” Harry asked before he could stop himself.
Black looked at him, surprised. Malfoy had a smirk twisting his lips. The two girls were looking at him differently now, shifting their feet.
“Come, Potter,” Lucretia said, tugging him away.
“You know whose bed you need to be in tonight!” Malfoy yelled, crowing with laughter after.
Harry almost turned around and pulled a third-year Hermione, instead sticking his finger up. Black pulled it down immediately, but it had already done its deal. Malfoy was yelling at him again.
He didn’t know why he felt like apologizing to Lucretia, but he almost did.
“Shouldn’t have done that. Malfoy has more influence than you think. If he wants to make your life hard, he will,” Lucretia didn’t look at him when they spoke. Her voice was quiet.
“I can handle whatever he throws at me,” Harry replied, catching her eye. She smiled again, just like before. Harry noticed they both weren’t genuine, more like she needed something to react with. A reflex.
“Come, I’ll take you to the Slytherin common room.”
The walk there was silent except for her momentarily directions. Harry knew all of them, of course. But he still paid avid attention. Harry noted that Lucretia didn’t have many friends.
Acquaintances, yes. But there were no friendly smiles, no kind waves. No one sought her out personally on their walk. At Hogwarts before Harry always had someone wanting to talk to him. Whether it was because of his status or because he was the boy who lived, he didn’t care. It was nice for one person to genuinely want to spend time with you.
Lucretia didn’t. Most sent her dirty looks when she passed. It didn’t deter her, however. She talked with a quiet and light tone. Blood status wasn’t brought up again. She talked about her disdain for her younger brother, and how he was easily led. She talked about Malfoy, and how most in Slytherin knew each other.
She talked about Riddle.
She spoke about how intelligent he was, how powerful in duels, especially how good-looking. Yet, she couldn’t get passed the odd feeling about him. The uncomfortable buzzing whenever he was near.
It reminded Harry that Riddle would be a murderer.
That he would have already made a horcrux, split his soul.
“I heard someone died last year,” Harry spoke nonchalantly.
Lucretia smiled.
“Myrtle Warren,” She said, delight tainting her tone, “A mud blood-” Harry fought a wince “-murdered. Couldnt have dreamed of anything better. It was strange, how many people got petrified and eventually a murder, and then eventually it stopped suddenly. Some believed it was a teacher, and Gryffindors thought it was a Slytherin. It caused uproar,”
She sighed, sounding dreamily.
“Of course, no one wanted to beleive that a murderer was roaming the halls. Friends turned on friends and enemies antagonized enemies, it was crazy.”
Her eyes flashed, “Then Riddle came forth. Said he found the half-giant, Rubues Haggy or something, with a creature. Dippet took it, of course, he did. He was desperate, and almost thought he would quit from the stress. Haggy was expelled and Riddle got an honor trophy.”
Harry flinched at the use of Hagrid’s name. Lucretia caught it and looked him dead in the eye.
“Don’t worry, Potter. Haggy’s wand was snapped. Murderer dealt with. Done and dusted.”
Harry forced himself to nod, throat dry.
“To enter the Slytherin common room you must say a password and it will open.”
The portrait was of an old man, with a grey beard and glaring green eyes.
“Serpens.” A cool voice said.
Like lightning, Harry’s back snapped straight. His body felt a wave of cold rush over him. He didn’t want to look at Lucretia greeting him. Didnt want to see him.
Their conversation seemed underwater. Harry turned and their eyes met.
Harry’s lungs seized, and his heart throbbed. His throat cracked and burned.
Tom Riddle was just like he was in the diary.
Except now, Harry could see him up close.
The dark brown of his eyes, like the wood in a burning fire, like the brownness of a tatty bag, like-
Harry’s eyes darted to his jaw and his palms went sweaty. The clean and sharpness of his jawline was immaculate, looking as though it would cut grass. He was pale, a creamy kind of color.
His hair was a dark chestnut, combed, shiny, and slightly curled.
Riddle was tall and intimidating, his figure dominating and attention-demanding.
He was beautiful.
Not in a kalon kind of way, more ethereal in the way he moved, stared, talked.
Like magnets their eyes met, Lucretia was talking but Riddle’s eyes were on Harry.
Harry felt a spike of fire inside of him. His temper sparked to life, rage pulsed through his veins. His hands curled at his sides, forcing his face to maintain neutral. He was digging his nails in so tight they were close to breaking skin.
Riddle quirked a brow, gaze interested.
Harry grits his teeth and the boy’s tongue lolled in his mouth.
That’s all Tom Riddle was now, a boy.
A schoolboy. A defeatable, silly boy.
Harry didn’t notice the other boy decking Riddle’s side until he talked.
“I know you did it, Lucy!” The man said, astonished. Lestrange was a tall man, yet not taller than Riddle behind him. Riddle was the tallest man there. Harry had never been tall, always slightly under or average height, depending on who you asked. Riddle had broad shoulders, and robes that draped over him. He was clutching a stack of books.
The man next to him gave Riddle two books so he could put his hands on his hips.
Harry’s eyes slowly drew to him and Harry wanted to cringe.
In the ministry was the only time Harry had seen Rabastan and Rodolphus Lestrange in person. He was more focused on Rodolphus stabbing his wand into Ron’s neck than checking his appearance.
This man had to be his father. It had to be.
It was the same cruel look in the eye, the same dark and high cheekbones.
Harry’s breathing turned haggard.
“I told you not to call me that Lestrange!” Lucretia spat.
“Oh, give me the credit Black! Admit you set my robes on fire!”
“I. Did. Not.” Lucretia said through gritted teeth.
Lestrange’s lips kissed his teeth.
Riddle was still staring at Harry.
“And who’s this then?” Lestrange demanded, gesturing to Harry.
Immediately Lucretia latched herself to Harry’s arm. Their eyes followed the movement but Harry didn’t care.
He was grinding his teeth so tight to restrain from doing anything to Riddle.
“Harry Potter. The boy I said I had to show around.”
Like the other boys, Lestrange’s lip curled.
“Harry Potter,” Riddle said smoothly. His voice was like silk, smooth and velvety. Harry was enraptured for a moment, cheeks flaring when he realized Riddle had his hand out.
Harry’s stomach was churning. It felt like there were salty waves in his gut, crashing viciously against him, again and again. His face felt numb. Standing in front of him was Lord Voldemort, destroyer of the wizarding world. Killer of his parents. Murderer of thousands. He ruined Harry’s life with two words. Damn you, Dumbledore.
Harry shook his hand.
“Tom Riddle. Slytherin prefect.” He smiled warmly, but Harry knew it was fake. It’s why he didn’t smile back.
“Pleasure to meet you,” Harry said, making it as sarcastic as possible.
The smallest, tiniest suck on Riddle’s cheek told Harry he caught it.
“These will be your roommates, Harry.”
“We are, Please tell me when you are sorting your items out, and I can settle you in our dorm.”
‘Harry’. ‘Our dorm’.
“I’ll be waiting,” Harry replied flatly.
“Are you going to go in or not?” Harry flinched slightly at the voice. It was the portrait and it looked irritated.
“Of course. If you like you can sit with us at supper, Potter. Get acquainted.”
Riddle didn’t leave until Harry gave a small nod. Lestrange had a blank expression, following Riddle closely. The portrait closed after them, leaving Harry and Lucretia alone.
Her face was flushed an angry red.
“Oh, how I hate that man!”
She calmed down after a few seconds, “Invite you to dinner.” She scoffed.
“Do you sit with them? At dinner?”
“Merlin no,” She looked at him calculatedly, “I sit by myself, can’t stand them.”
Harry shouldn’t have but he felt pity for her. Lucretia sniffed.
“Come,” She put her chin back in the air, keeping their arms linked, “I’ll show you around the common room.”
They walked through the portrait hole, Lucretia making Harry say it so he got the hang of it. Harry didn’t have to crouch to walk through, instead looking at all the silver snakes embedded in the wall. Green was everywhere.
On the walls, couches, desks, books. Silves was embedded more secretly, with little linings or words written. There was a large glass window near the far end in which Harry could see the lake from underwater. There was a roaring fireplace, but the air was cold. Wet, almost. There were three separate chairs and one large, black sofa.
The walls were high and a beaming chandelier was all the way at the top.
The stairs to the dormitories were on the other side of the room.
Harry noted, with a small pout, that the Slytheirns had their mini library. Biscuit tins and sweets bowls were littering the room. It was neat. The carpet was black, with patches of green now and then. There were not many people in the room. Those who were were watching him, sizing him up. Harry felt his shoulders stiffen when he noticed the poisoned-laced stares.
However, thankfully Riddle had disappeared.
Most likely in their dorm. Harry swallowed thickly when he thought of having to go up there eventually.
There was a swish and the air tightened. Harry’s head shot towards the glass window, mouth dropped. Lucretia laughed softly, watching his expression.
The window outlooking under the lake was wooshing. The giant squid (Or perhaps not the one in his time) flew past the window. Its tentacles latched on momentarily. Some Slytherins glanced before going back to their work or looking at Harry. This must have been a normal occurrence.
The Gryffindor common room could never be replaced. It was his first home, the first real place he felt accepted.
Yet, he couldn’t help but think the Slytherin common room looked a hell lot cooler.