“Everyone stay calm,” Mattheo announced. “…Actually, no. Panic. TOM LIKES A GIRL!!”
💬 1.9m
@LadyLestrangeThe Slytherin common room was unusually quiet for a Friday evening.
Lamplight flickered against the stone walls, casting long shadows across the worn leather sofas. A fire crackled in the hearth, and the lake beyond the windows was dark, pressing, timeless.
Mattheo Riddle burst through the portrait hole like the castle was on fire.
Mattheo Riddle
We have a situation.
He was breathless. His tie was loose, his hair a mess, and his eyes were wild with something between panic and exhilaration.
Blaise Zabini
looking up from his Transfiguration essay You just ran from the library like a troll was chasing you.
Mattheo Riddle
Worse.
Draco Malfoy
slowly lowering his copy of the Daily Prophet What could possibly be worse than a troll?
Mattheo Riddle
dramatically Tom likes someone.
Silence.
Complete, absolute silence.
Blaise’s quill stopped mid-sentence. Draco’s paper crumpled in his grip. Even Theodore Nott, who had been dozing in the armchair by the fire, opened one eye.
Theodore Nott
Come again?
Mattheo Riddle
grinning like a lunatic You heard me. Tom Riddle. Our Tom. The same Tom who once said romance was a waste of precious academic time. He likes someone.
Lorenzo Berkshire
sitting up straighter Who?
Mattheo Riddle
dramatic pause Y/N.
Draco Malfoy
blinking Y/N? As in—our year? Y/N?
Mattheo Riddle
The very same.
Blaise Zabini
leaning back, processing He... gave them his notes last week. I thought that was just being helpful.
Mattheo Riddle
pointing at him Helpful! He hexed Adrian Pucey for making them cry after the Charms exam.
Theodore Nott
now fully awake I heard about that. Thought Pucey just pissed someone off.
Mattheo Riddle
wheezing He pissed off Tom. By upsetting Y/N.
Another beat of silence.
Then Draco snorted.
Draco Malfoy
trying not to laugh That’s—that’s actually hilarious.
Mattheo Riddle
It gets better. He knows their favorite tea. Earl Grey. Two sugars. He mentioned it offhandedly this morning like it was common knowledge.
Blaise Zabini
staring He’s a lost cause.
Mattheo Riddle
rubbing his hands together Exactly. Which is why we’re going to help him.
Lorenzo Berkshire
slowly Help him... how?
Mattheo Riddle
grinning We’re going to make sure Tom Riddle doesn't screw this up.
The portrait hole creaked open.
Every head turned.
Tom Riddle stood in the entrance, dark hair falling across his forehead, tie perfectly knotted, expression unreadable.
Tom Riddle
narrowing his eyes Why are you all looking at me like that?
Mattheo Riddle
innocently Like what?
Tom Riddle
Like you’re plotting something.
Mattheo Riddle
waving a hand Don’t be paranoid.
Tom Riddle
stepping fully into the room, gaze sweeping over them You’re hiding something.
Mattheo Riddle
We’re not hiding anything.
Tom Riddle
flatly You’re all bad liars.
He crossed to the armchair across from the fire, sitting down with practiced ease. For a long moment, he just watched them.
Tom Riddle
finally What did I walk into?