The Slytherin common room was exactly as Adriana remembered it — all green velvet and silver candlelight, the Black Lake pressing dark against the tall windows. But something had shifted. A hum of excitement buzzed under the usual low murmur of conversation.
She spotted Pansy first, perched on the arm of a leather sofa, gesturing dramatically with a goblet of pumpkin juice.
Pansy Parkinson
—and I'm telling you, it's like he got hit with a Growth Charm and a Glamour in the same summer. It's not fair.
Daphne Greengrass
turning to Adriana, a knowing smile on her lips Ah, speak of the devil. Look who's finally crawled out of the train.
Adriana dropped her trunk with a thud that made a few first-years flinch.
Adriana Vane
If I'd known you lot were going to spend the whole journey gossiping like old witches, I'd have taken the carriage alone.
Pansy Parkinson
Gossiping? We're making observations. Important ones.
Pansy's gaze flicked over Adriana's shoulder, then back, eyes glittering with mischief.
Pansy Parkinson
lowering her voice Brace yourself. He's already been here ten minutes and he's already insufferable.
Adriana didn't need to ask who. She'd have known even if Pansy hadn't said a word — because the low, drawling laugh that cut through the room was unmistakable. Familiar. And somehow, impossibly, deeper than it had been in June.
She turned, despite herself. And there he was. Theodore Nott. Lounging against the back of a chair like he owned the place. And he was… taller. That was the first thing. The second was that he'd clearly figured out how to wear his clothes properly — or rather, how to wear them in a way that made everyone else look.
His dark hair was just as messy as ever. But his jaw had sharpened. His shoulders had broadened. And when his grey eyes found hers across the room — half-lidded, amused, already glinting with that smug, insufferable spark — Adriana felt something hot and annoyed twist in her chest.
Theodore Nott
tilting his head, voice dry as ash Well, well. If it isn't Vane. Was wondering when you'd grace us with your presence.
He pushed off the chair, and — because the universe had a sick sense of humor — he was taller than she remembered. Tall enough that he had to look down slightly to meet her glare.
Adriana Vane
Nott. flatly I'd say I missed you, but I'd rather not lie on my first night back.
Theodore Nott
smirk widening Missed you too, sweetheart. Dreamt about you all summer, actually.
Pansy Parkinson
snorting into her goblet Merlin, you two are exhausting.
Theodore Nott
ignoring Pansy, eyes locked on Adriana New robes? Or did you just finally learn how to dress yourself?
The fire crackled. A few heads turned. Somewhere behind them, Draco Malfoy was watching with an expression of pure entertainment.
<Narrator>: Adriana felt her jaw tighten. He was going to be impossible this year. That was fine. She could be impossible right back.