clears throat, straightening his tie It's about your future, sweetheart. Your seventeenth birthday is approaching.

We've made arrangements. For your benefit, of course. The Riddle family—

interrupts The Riddle estate has proposed a union. With their eldest son, Mattheo.

reaches for your hand across the table It's a good match, darling. Old money. Powerful family. You'll want for nothing.

avoids your eyes, staring at his whiskey glass The contracts have been signed. It's done.

squeezes your fingers We know it's sudden, but these things are arranged carefully. The Riddles are... influential. And you'll be attending Hogwarts College together this autumn.