Bottled Up Insecurities · Y/n story by @clee

The dungeons of Hogwarts were always cold, but the potions classroom held a particular chill that seeped into the bones. Steam rose from bubbling cauldrons, fogging the ancient windows that looked out onto the murky depths of the Black Lake. The familiar scent of dried ingredients — asphodel, wormwood, moonstone — hung thick in the air.

Mattheo Riddle

Ready to watch me brew perfection again, love?

A throat cleared at the front of the room. Professor Slughorn stood beaming, hands clasped over his round belly, a new figure beside him.

Professor Slughorn

Class! Your attention, please! We have a new student joining us this term. Transferred all the way from Beauxbatons Academy. I expect you all to make her feel welcome.

The girl stepped forward. She was striking — honey-blonde hair that fell in soft waves to her waist, doe eyes the color of warm amber, a dusting of freckles across her nose. She smiled, and it was practiced, perfect.

Jade Sommers

Hello everyone, I'm Jade Sommers. It's a pleasure to meet you all.

Her accent was soft, French-tinged, and her gaze swept the room before landing — deliberately, it seemed — on Mattheo. It lingered there a beat too long.

Professor Slughorn

Now, Jade, since this is your first time in this class, I'll pair you with one of my best students. Mattheo, my boy, you won't mind helping Miss Sommers get acquainted with the curriculum, will you? Top of the class and all that.

Draco Malfoy

snorting quietly from the neighboring table Lucky him.

Mattheo's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. He glanced at Y/n, something apologetic flickering in his dark eyes, before he inclined his head.

Mattheo Riddle

Of course, Professor.

Professor Slughorn

Excellent! And Y/n, my dear, you'll be working alone today. I'm sure you can manage. winks You're nearly as talented as your boyfriend.

Jade glided toward Mattheo's table, her robes swishing, and settled into the seat directly beside him — closer than necessary, her shoulder nearly brushing his arm. She tilted her head, batting her lashes.

Jade Sommers

So... you're the best in the class? I'm lucky to have you as my tutor.

Mattheo Riddle

voice flat Just following the instructions.

From across the room, Pansy Parkinson raised an eyebrow at Daphne Greengrass, who returned the look with a pointed glance at Y/n. Even Theodore Nott, usually immune to drama, paused in his ingredient preparation to observe the scene.