Love and Other Dark Arts · Y/n story by @kat12

The Hogwarts Express shuddered to its final stop at Hogsmeade station, steam billowing across the platform in great, white clouds. The familiar scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, a nostalgic punch to the gut.

First Year

tugging on Y/n's sleeve Excuse me, which way to the boats?

Before Y/n could answer, a tall, broad-shouldered figure stepped smoothly between them. Mattheo Riddle’s presence was like a sudden drop in temperature.

Mattheo Riddle

The boats are for the first years, you'll find them down there. He didn't look at the child, his dark eyes fixed on Y/n. My brother, on the other hand... he prefers the carriages. He'll be so pleasantly surprised to see who's riding in them this year.

He didn't smile. He simply held her gaze for a moment too long before melting back into the crowd of Slytherin green.

Kat Nott

Welcome home, Professor.

The horseless carriages stood waiting. And at the staff table in the Great Hall, one seat remained conspicuously empty.