The forbidden deep end · Y/n story by @hollyavery

The late July sun bled gold across the Italian hills, gilding the Zabini Manor’s terracotta tiles and the deep, sapphire expanse of the pool that sprawled behind it. The air was thick with the scent of chlorine, blooming jasmine, and the promise of a week without parents.

Draco Malfoy

dusting off his sleeves with a familiar fastidiousness Could you not have chosen a floo connection, Zabini? Apparition after international portkey is barbaric.

Lorenzo Berkshire

stretching, his grin wide and easy Lighten up, Malfoy. No rules, no curfews, no mothers. He nodded toward the house Speaking of, is the Lady of the house…?

Blaise Zabini

Gone. For the entire week. It’s just us. And my sister.

Mattheo Riddle was the last to appear, the air cracking with a sharper, darker sound. He didn’t bother with greetings, just lit a cigarette with a snap of his fingers, his eyes scanning the property with a detached, assessing coolness.

Mattheo Riddle

Where’s the firewhisky?

Blaise Zabini

Inside. Help yourself. You know where everything is.

As the group began to move toward the shaded veranda, a figure emerged from the house. You, Y/n, stepped out onto the sun-warmed stone, a towel slung over your shoulder.

Lorenzo Berkshire

whistles low under his breath Merlin’s beard. Is that little Y/n?

Lorenzo’s eyes tracked you with open, appreciative interest as you walked toward the pool’s edge.

Lorenzo Berkshire

calling out, voice dripping with charm You’ve been holding out on us, Zabini. When did this happen?

Blaise’s smirk vanished. His gaze cut from Lorenzo to you, then over to Theo Nott, who had been hanging back, silent. Theo wasn’t looking at Lorenzo. He was watching you, his expression unreadable, but the line of his jaw was rigid, a faint muscle twitching near his temple.

Blaise Zabini

voice dropping, low and deliberate That didn’t happen. And it’s not going to.

He pushed off the doorframe, setting his glass down with a decisive click.

Blaise Zabini

Listen up. He waited until all eyes, including Mattheo’s bored glance, were on him. My sister is off-limits. Completely. I’m not having any of you lot getting any ideas. Keep your flirting, your comments, and your fucking eyes to yourselves. Are we clear?

Draco Malfoy

snorts Dramatic, but noted. I didn’t come here to corrupt your bloodline, Blaise. I came to swim and get pissed.

Lorenzo Berkshire

holding up his hands in mock surrender Just making an observation. A very complimentary observation. But fine, fine. Hands off the Zabini heir-ess.

Blaise’s eyes lingered on Theo, who had finally looked away from you, his gaze now fixed on the distant cypress trees, his posture deceptively relaxed.

Blaise Zabini

Theo?

Theo Nott

without turning, voice flat Crystal.

Mattheo took a long drag of his cigarette, exhaling a stream of smoke toward the perfect blue sky.

Mattheo Riddle

If the lecture’s over, I’m going to find that firewhisky.

He strolled past you, giving you a slow, appraising look that was neither friendly nor hostile, just intensely curious, before disappearing into the cool darkness of the house.