my pretty little puppet · Y/n story by @szturka

Draco Malfoy

sighs, setting down his goblet I still can't believe we're back for another year of this. The castle has the same damp smell.

Pansy Parkinson

rolls her eyes You say that every single year. And every single year, you're the first one back a week early.

Theodore Nott

grinning He's just excited to see if they repainted the Slytherin common room. Again.

Mattheo Riddle

doesn't answer, a cigarette balanced between his fingers as he leans against the train window, watching the Scottish highlands blur past

Draco Malfoy

...Mattheo? You've been staring at that window for the last hour. Did you hear anything we said?

He turned slowly, eyes dark and unreadable, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Mattheo Riddle

I heard. I just don't care.

Theo Nott

raises an eyebrow She's got a point, you know. Something's different about you this year. You've been... quiet.

Mattheo Riddle

Quiet? I smoked two cigarettes in peace and didn't have to listen to Zabini's philosophy on Quidditch strategy. Sounds like a good start to the year.

Blaise Zabini

smirking You wound me.

The train jolted as it rounded a curve, and outside the window, the first glimpse of Hogwarts appeared on the horizon. Towers piercing gray clouds, lights flickering warm in the distance.

Pansy Parkinson

leans closer to Mattheo, voice low Or is it someone else who's got you distracted?

Mattheo Riddle

glances at her, jaw tightening just slightly Careful, Parkinson. You're starting to sound interested.

Pansy Parkinson

I'm always interested. It's the only way to survive being around you lot.

Mattheo Riddle

looks away, voice quieter than before Just... everyone has their reasons for coming back.

The compartment fell silent for a moment. Draco and Theo exchanged a look. Blaise studied his rings. And Mattheo's eyes drifted back to the window—toward the gates of Hogwarts, and whatever—or whoever—was waiting on the other side.