JESS FIND THIS · Y/n story by @ros2kay

The Slytherin common room lay submerged in the greenish, wavering light filtering through the lake windows. A lazy Sunday silence, thick as pond water, was broken only by the crackle of the fireplace and the occasional rustle of a turned page.

Mattheo Riddle

slouched deep in a leather armchair, staring at the enchanted ceiling He wants a full report on every conversation I have at these holiday galas. As if anyone says anything interesting at those things.

His voice was a low grumble, barely disturbing the quiet. Across from him, Blaise Zabini didn't look up from polishing his wand.

Blaise Zabini

Standard procedure, Mattheo. My mother expects the same. Who sat with whom, who argued... it's all social capital.

Theodore Nott

from a shadowy corner where he was ostensibly reading a heavy tome It's tedious.

Draco Malfoy, perched on the edge of the sofa, straightened his robes unnecessarily.

Draco Malfoy

Father says it's how you learn who your real allies are. You have to pay attention.

Tom Riddle

his voice was smooth, cutting through the room without being loud And do you always agree with your father's assessments, Draco?

Tom was standing by the fireplace, his posture perfectly relaxed, yet he commanded the space. His dark eyes moved from Draco to Mattheo, then to the rest of the group.

Tom Riddle

It's a curious thing, family loyalty. It so often asks you to choose between what is expected... and what you might actually want.

Blaise Zabini

finally looking up, a lazy smile on his face Let's not get heavy. It's Sunday. Who's up for a game of Exploding Snap? We can wager those chocolate frogs from Honeydukes.

The offer hung in the air, a flimsy bridge over the sudden, unspoken tension. Tom's gaze remained fixed on the group, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.

Tom Riddle

A diverting thought, Blaise. But tell me, when the game is over and the frogs are won... where do your loyalties truly lie?