𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐳

It started, as most things did with Tom Riddle, with absolute confidence and zero willingness to be corrected.

“You’re late, Mrs Riddle.”

Y/N stopped in her tracks, slowly turned around, and then sighed. “It’s Y/L/N.”

Tom didn’t even look up from the book in his hands. “No.”

“It is.”

“It isn’t.”

“It literally is my name.”

That earned her a brief glance. Calm, patient and infuriatingly certain. “Not for long.”

Y/N folded her arms. “We are not married.”

“Not yet.”

She stared at him while he turned a page.

Y/N walked closer, stopping right in front of him. “Do you ever get tired of deciding my future without telling me?”

“No,” Tom said simply.

“That’s alarming.”

“It’s efficient.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Say it.”

He paused.“…Say what.”

“My last name.”

Tom looked at her like she’d just asked him to solve something beneath him. Then, slowly, “Riddle.”

Y/N blinked. “That’s your last name.”

“Yes.”

“It’s not mine.”

“It will be.”

She pointed at him. “You didn’t even hesitate.”

“I don’t see the issue.”

“The issue is I have a surname.”

“You have potential.”

“That is not a surname.”

Tom finally closed his book, leaning back slightly as he studied her like she was the only subject worth revising. “You’ve been that long enough.”

“I’ve been Y/L/N my entire life.”

“Exactly.”

“That’s not—what does that even mean?”

“It means it’s outdated.”

Y/N scoffed. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet,” he said, completely unbothered, “you’re still here.”

She opened her mouth then closed it again because unfortunately, that part was true.

Tom reached out then, catching her wrist lightly and tugging her closer, like it was the most natural thing in the world. “My wife,” he said again, almost thoughtfully.

Y/N groaned. “Stop calling me that.”

“Why.”

“Because I’m not.”

“You are in practice.”

“In practice?”

“Yes.”

“That’s not how marriage works.”

“It is how mine will.”

Y/N stared at him. “You’ve called me every nickname in the book—love, darling, wife, Mrs Riddle but you’ve never once acknowledged my actual last name.”

Tom paused just slightly. “…I call Lily by your surname.”

Y/N squinted. “You call her Y/L/N?”

“Yes.”

“Then you do know it exists.”

Tom looked at her like she had missed the point entirely then, very slowly, he opened his mouth. “Y/—”

He stopped, frowned and tried again. “Y/…”

Silence.

Then he shook his head once, like the very concept was incorrect. “No.”

Y/N blinked. “No?”

Tom’s expression smoothed instantly. “Riddle.”

“That’s not how names work.”

“It will be.”

She stepped back slightly, rubbing her temple. “I’m just your girlfriend, Tom.”

He didn’t hesitate. “For now.”

Y/N groaned loudly. “There it is again.”

Tom watched her with mild satisfaction, like he enjoyed the sound of her frustration far too much.

“You act like it’s inevitable,” she muttered.

“It is.”

“You don’t even give me a choice.”

“I did,” he said calmly.

“When?”

“You stayed.”

That shut her up, just for a second. Then she frowned again. “That’s not a choice, that’s emotional manipulation.”

“It worked.”

She pointed at him. “That’s worse!”

Tom leaned forward slightly, voice softer now. “Say my name.”

“I am saying your name.”

“No,” he corrected.

Y/N hesitated, then, quietly, “Tom.”

He leaned back again, completely satisfied. “…Riddle,” he added anyway, almost absently.

Y/N threw her hands up. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And yet,” he repeated, watching her carefully now, “you’re still here.”

She huffed then, despite herself, stepped closer again.

Tom’s hand automatically found her wrist. Like it always did, like it always would.

“…I don’t like your obsession with calling me that,” she muttered.

“I like accuracy.”

“I like my identity.”

He tilted his head slightly. “You’re still arguing with me.”

“Because you’re wrong.”

Tom hummed softly. “You’ll adjust.”

Y/N narrowed her eyes. “I will not become Mrs Riddle just because you’ve decided it.”

He paused, then, almost gently. “I decided on the train.”

“…When we first met?” And Y/N, unfortunately, couldn’t tell if that was the most romantic or most terrifying thing she’d ever heard.

Probably both.

Tom leaned in slightly, voice low now, calmer. “Mrs Riddle,” he said again, quieter this time, like it belonged there.

Y/N sighed but didn’t correct him, not immediately. “…You’re insufferable.”

“I know.”

“And delusional.”

“Also known.”

“And I still haven’t agreed to your last name.”

Tom’s mouth twitched. “…Yet,” he said again.

Y/N groaned, but this time she was smiling because the worst part was, he never said it like a question.

Only like a promise.

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The Slytherin common room was unusually quiet. Which normally meant one thing.

Everyone was studying.

Unfortunately for Tom, it also meant Y/N had enough free time to become a menace.

Tom sat in his usual armchair near the fire with a book open in his lap. At least, he was trying to read.

Across from him, Y/N was staring, not subtly, not secretly. Just openly staring at him.

Tom ignored it for nearly three minutes, then five, then eight.

Finally he looked up and Y/N was still staring. More specifically at his lips.

Tom slowly lowered his book. "My eyes are up here, love."

Y/N blinked then immediately looked at his eyes. "Oh."

Tom smirked while Y/N rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself."

"You've been staring at my mouth for ten minutes."

"I have not."

"You absolutely have."

"I was thinking."

"About my lips."

Y/N pointed at him. "See? That confidence is alarming."

Tom looked entirely pleased with himself then she did something dangerous. She leaned closer.

Tom immediately paused because she was close now. Very close. Close enough that her hair brushed his shoulder.

Close enough that most people would've assumed she was about to kiss him and honestly?

Tom assumed that too.

His gaze flickered briefly to her lips and Y/N noticed immediately. A smile appeared. The dangerous kind.

Tom narrowed his eyes. "No, my love."

"What?"

"I know that look."

"What look?"

"The one that means you're about to be annoying."

Y/N gasped dramatically. "Me?"

"Yes."

"Never."

Tom didn't believe that for a second and neither did anyone who knew her.

She leaned even closer.

Tom's attention was no longer on his book, or the common room. or anything else. Just her.

Y/N smiled sweetly then leaned back.

Tom stared.

Y/N burst out laughing. "You really thought I was going to kiss you."

Tom looked offended, deeply offended. "I did not."

"You did."

"I did not."

"You absolutely did."

Tom returned his attention to his book, very deliberately.

Y/N snorted. "Oh, you're sulking."

"I am reading."

"You are pouting."

"I do not pout."

"You do when I deny you affection."

Tom flipped a page violently making Y/N laughed harder. Now it was a game because they both knew the rules.

Tom always got the last kiss. Always.

Y/N could start them. But somehow, through determination, stubbornness, and occasionally magic, Tom always ended up getting the final one.

And now?

Now he wanted her to kiss him first. Which meant she wasn't going to.

Tom sighed, a long suffering sigh.

Y/N looked delighted. "I can hear your disappointment."

"Good."

"Oh?"

"Perhaps you'll develop guilt."

"I won't."

Tom finally closed his book, slowly and carefully. Like a man accepting defeat.

Then he leaned forward and kissed her, soft, brief and perfect.

Y/N smiled immediately. "There he is."

Tom rolled his eyes then she kissed him back, a quick kiss. A sweet one and the moment she pulled away.

Tom's eyes narrowed because Y/N was smiling. The mischievous smile.

The running-away smile.

"Do not, my love."

Y/N immediately stood so of course, Tom stood too. "You wouldn't."

She backed away. "I absolutely would."

"Y/N."

She grinned then turned and bolted.

Tom was faster he caught her before she'd taken three steps.

Y/N shrieked as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her back against him. "Thomas!"

"You were running."

"You were chasing."

"You started it."

"You kissed me first."

Tom smirked. "And now I get the last one."

Y/N groaned then he kissed her again. Victorious, satisfied and entirely too pleased with himself.

Unfortunately, that was the exact moment the common room door opened.

Mattheo walked in, stopped and looked at them. Then immediately backed out again.

The door closed.

Silence.

The door reopened Mattheo returned with Draco and Blaise. "Everyone," Mattheo announced loudly, "I've found them."

Draco looked disgusted, Blaise looked tired and Tom looked murderous so of course Y/N started laughing.

Mattheo pointed dramatically. "They're doing the thing again."

"What thing?" asked a younger student.

"The kissing thing."

"We don't have a thing."

"You absolutely have a thing."

Draco folded his arms. "It genuinely makes me ill."

"Then leave."

"I live here."

Blaise nodded. "Unfortunately, we've all been forced to witness this relationship."

Mattheo pointed at Tom. "He was smiling."

The common room gasped because Tom looked horrified. "I was not."

"You were."

"He was," Draco confirmed.

"It was awful," Blaise added.

"Like seeing a niffler pay taxes."

Tom closed his eyes briefly. Y/N was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes.

Mattheo pointed again. "And then she ran."

"Because he's annoying."

"And then he chased her."

"Because she's annoying."

"True," Mattheo admitted.

Y/N looked offended.

Tom looked smug.

Then Mattheo pointed dramatically at them both. "You deserve each other."

And Tom simply pulled Y/N closer because regardless of the audience. Regardless of the teasing, regardless of his brother's suffering.

He'd gotten the last kiss and judging by Y/N's exasperated smile he would continue making sure he always did.

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The Ravenclaw corridor was quiet again, but not for long.

Tom stood at the foot of the bronze eagle door like he had every right to be there which, in his mind, he did.

Y/N stood beside him, still half-amused, half-confused, tugging her coat tighter around herself.

“This is unnecessary,” she said.

“You solved it instantly,” Tom replied.

“That doesn’t mean I need to prove anything.”

“It does to me.”

Y/N looked up at him. “You’re competitive with a door.”

“I am not competitive,” he said calmly. “I am thorough.”

The eagle above them shifted slightly, its metallic gaze sweeping over them, then came the riddle. “What cannot be seen, but makes all things clearer?”

Y/N barely paused. “Truth,” she said immediately.

Silence.

The eagle’s eyes glinted.

Tom went still for half a second.

“…Correct,” the door confirmed.

The bronze mechanism clicked but it didn’t open, instead, it remained firmly shut.

Y/N blinked. “Oh.”

Tom exhaled slowly through his nose. “Ravenclaw logic.”

Y/N turned her head to him, trying very hard not to laugh. “So I got it right.”

“You did.”

“And it still won’t open.”

“Yes.”

She tilted her head. “Because I’m not a Ravenclaw.”

“Correct.”

A beat.

Then Y/N burst out laughing.

Tom did not.

He just stared at the door like it had personally offended him. “I don’t understand the purpose of a correct answer that leads to nothing,” he said flatly.

“To teach patience,” Y/N said, still laughing.

“That is inefficient.”

“It’s charming.”

“It’s irritating.”

She nudged him lightly. “You’re taking this very personally.”

“I don’t like unanswered systems,” he replied.

“You mean you don’t like being wrong.”

“I was not wrong.”

Y/N grinned. “You were wrong-adjacent.”

Tom’s expression darkened slightly. “That is not a term.”

“It is now.”

Before he could respond, a voice behind them cut through the corridor. “…Mum?”

Y/N froze.

Tom turned his head slowly.

Aurelia stood a few steps away in her Ravenclaw robes, hair slightly messy like she’d clearly been ready for bed, holding the door open just enough to peek out.

Her expression said everything. “You’re outside my common room,” she said slowly.

Y/N immediately straightened. “Hi, sweetheart.”

Tom said nothing.

Aurelia’s gaze shifted between them. “Are you trying to get into Ravenclaw tower?”

Y/N opened her mouth.

Tom answered first. “We were testing logic.”

Aurelia blinked. “You’re testing logic against the door.”

“Yes.”

She sighed, deeply unimpressed. “Dad.”

Tom didn’t look away from the eagle. “It was incorrect.”

“It was correct,” Y/N corrected, still smiling.

“It was insufficient,” Tom amended.

Aurelia crossed her arms. “So Mum solved it and the door said no anyway?”

“Yes,” Y/N said.

Aurelia nodded slowly. “That’s actually kind of rude.”

“That was my point,” Tom said immediately.

Y/N laughed again, reaching for Aurelia’s hand. “We were just saying good night properly.”

Aurelia softened slightly at that, then she glanced at her father. “You weren’t putting charms on the door, were you?”

“No.”

Y/N narrowed her eyes. “He already put them on me.”

Tom ignored that entirely.

Aurelia looked between them again, then sighed like she’d accepted her fate.“…You’re both weird,” she said.

“Correct,” Tom replied.

Y/N smiled and kissed Aurelia’s forehead gently. “Sleep well, darling.”

Aurelia leaned into it briefly, then stepped back.

Tom followed suit, pressing a brief kiss to the top of her head as well. “Good night,” he said quietly.

Aurelia gave him a look. “You’re still annoyed about the riddle, aren’t you?”

Tom paused.“…No.”

Y/N laughed.

Aurelia shook her head, already retreating into the tower. “Goodnight, Mum. Goodnight, Dad.”

The door clicked shut behind her.

Silence returned.

Y/N turned to Tom, still smiling. “You lost to a door.”

“I did not lose,” he said immediately.

“You absolutely lost."

“I learned.”

“That’s worse.”

Tom exhaled, then finally allowed himself a faint smirk as he glanced at her. “At least you solved it,” he admitted.

Y/N bumped his shoulder lightly. “Of course I did.”

And for once, Tom didn’t argue.

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It was Aurelia’s first night at Hogwarts, and the castle felt too big in a way she hadn’t quite admitted out loud yet.

The Ravenclaw corridor was quieter than she expected—less eerie, more like the whole tower was simply holding its breath around her.

She was just about to change into her night robe when there was a knock at the door.

Not loud, not urgent. Just… familiar.

Aurelia opened it immediately.

And there he was.

Tom Riddle, standing in the Ravenclaw entrance like it was the most normal thing in the world for the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor to be waiting outside his daughter’s dormitory.

His gaze softened the moment he saw her. “You’re still awake,” he noted.

“I live here now,” she replied, as if that explained everything.

“I am aware.”

Then Tom reached out and gently brushed a hand over her hair, smoothing it back in that absent, precise way he always did when checking she was real and intact.

“I came to say good night,” he said quietly.

Aurelia narrowed her eyes immediately. “You’re not putting another protective charm on me, are you?”

“No.”

She squinted harder. “You already did.”

A faint smirk tugged at his mouth. “Accurate.”

“Dad.”

He leaned down slightly and kissed the top of her head anyway, unbothered. “It is precautionary.”

“It is excessive.”

“It is efficient.”

Aurelia sighed dramatically. “You’re supposed to be the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.”

“And?” he asked.

“And you’re acting like a paranoid parent.”

Tom didn’t even pretend to be offended. “I am your father.”

Aurelia paused. “…True.”

She stepped back slightly, leaning against the doorframe as if suddenly remembering something important. “Did you solve the riddle?” she asked.

That made him stop, just for a second.

Then Tom’s expression tightened ever so slightly. “Our name is literally Riddle.”

“Yes.”

“And I cannot solve that one.”

Aurelia grinned immediately. “So you got it wrong.”

“I did not get it wrong,” he said calmly.

“You did.”

“I answered logically.”

“That’s not the same thing.”

A beat.

Then Aurelia added lightly, “The answer was silver.”

Tom went very still. “…Of course it was.”

Aurelia’s grin widened. “You didn’t know.”

“I knew,” he said immediately.

“You didn’t.”

“I did.”

“You hesitated.”

“I was assessing the logic of the question.”

Aurelia laughed softly. “Mum got it instantly.”

That finally made him exhale, a small, resigned sound. “Of course she did,” he muttered.

Aurelia smiled at that softer now. “You’re not actually annoyed, are you?”

Tom looked at her for a long moment, then reached out again, brushing his thumb lightly over her cheek. “No,” he said quietly. “I am pleased you are here.”

That made something in her expression soften immediately. “I’m not far,” she said.

“I know,” he replied.

But he still looked at her like he was memorising the distance anyway. Then he stepped closer, and kissed her head again slower this time, lingering just a second longer.

“Good night,” he said softly.

Aurelia smiled. “Good night, Dad.”

And as he turned to leave, she called after him lightly, “Try not to think about the riddle all night.”

Tom paused just enough to be guilty, then continued walking. “…No promises.”

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The entire school knew Tom Riddle was obsessed with Y/N. At this point, it wasn't even gossip anymore. It was a documented fact.

The professors knew, the students knew and the ghosts probably knew.

Tom followed her everywhere, he waited for her outside classes. He walked her to meals and he somehow always appeared wherever she was.

There was the unfortunate incident where he'd hexed Harry after Harry had attempted to ask Y/N to Hogsmeade.

Tom still claimed it was unrelated, nobody believed him.

Especially not Y/N.

Which was why she was currently marching directly toward him with the expression of someone who had finally reached their limit.

Across the courtyard, Mattheo, Draco, and Blaise immediately noticed.

"Oh, this should be good," Blaise said.

Mattheo sat up straighter while Draco looked delighted.

Tom looked up from where he was sitting beneath a tree. The moment he saw Y/N approaching, his expression softened. "There you are, love."

Y/N stopped and pointed at him. "That."

Tom blinked."...Pardon?"

"That."

Tom looked genuinely confused. "You're going to need more words, love."

"That!" she repeated.

Tom glanced down at himself, then back up. Still confused.

Y/N sighed dramatically. "How many girls do you call 'love'?"

Tom frowned. "It's a nickname."

"You only use it on me."

Tom didn't answer, which was answer enough.

Y/N folded her arms. "In fact, most of the time you call me your wife."

A slow smirk appeared, noticeably and he did not deny it.

Y/N stared at him and Tom stared back.

Then she sighed "Why haven't you asked me out?"

Tom froze. "Pardon?"

"Why. Haven't. You. Asked. Me. Out?"

Tom blinked, once, then twice. "What?"

Y/N threw her hands into the air. "You call me love."

Silence.

"You call me your wife."

More silence.

"We spend all our time together."

He just watches her.

"You obviously like me."

Tom looked away, which was suspicious. Then his eyes narrowed because he'd suddenly noticed something.

Mattheo, Draco, and Blaise were watching the entire thing. Not even trying to hide it. Mattheo actually had the audacity to wave. Tom's glare immediately sharpened.

Mattheo only laughed harder.

Y/N pointed dramatically. "See? You don't normally deny it."

Tom sighed. "I wasn't denying it."

"You've literally told me you like me."

"Several times."

"Exactly!"

From across the courtyard Mattheo shouted, "It's pretty obvious, brother!"

Tom looked ready to commit a crime.

Y/N continued anyway. "You look at me like I hung the stars."

Tom immediately looked back at her. "Hung the stars?"

"Yes."

His expression softened instantly. "Oh."

Y/N blinked. "Oh?"

"That's nice."

She stared. "That's the part you're responding to?"

"Yes."

She groaned. "You follow me around."

"I walk with you."

"You wait outside the girls' bathroom."

"For safety."

"You hexed Harry."

"He annoyed me."

"He asked me out."

"He annoyed me."

Mattheo was crying laughing now.

Y/N pointed at Tom. "See?"

Tom remained completely calm. "You have a point?"

"Yes!" She stepped closer, very close. Close enough that Tom stopped smiling because now he looked nervous.

And that almost never happened.

Y/N took a breath. "I like you."

Tom swallowed.

Across the courtyard three boys collectively lost their minds.

Draco nearly fell off the bench. Blaise made a noise somewhere between a gasp and a wheeze and Mattheo looked like Christmas had arrived early.

Tom ignored them, mostly.

Y/N stepped even closer. "So I'm asking again."

Tom stared at her then slowly said, "That's a problem."

"A problem?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

His mouth twitched. "Because you're asking me."

Y/N blinked."...What?"

Tom straightened. "Only a gentleman asks."

"when?"

Tom stood. "Fine."

And before Y/N could stop him—He dropped onto one knee.

The entire courtyard exploded, students screamed.

Mattheo fell off the bench. Draco yelled something incoherent and Blaise physically sat down.

Y/N stared. "What are you doing?"

Tom casually brushed invisible dust off his trousers. Then charmed the ground beneath him spotless. "What does it look like?"

"It looks like you're proposing!"

Tom looked confused. "Yes."

"No."

He frowned. "You said you liked me."

"I asked you to ask me out"

"You already are my wife."

Y/N stared. "No, I'm not."

"You accepted the title years ago."

"I did not"

"You never corrected me."

"That doesn't count."

"It absolutely counts."

She looked horrified. "You skipped an entire relationship."

"I streamlined the process."

Mattheo was dying, actually dying holding his heart laughing.

Tom pointed at Y/N. "So you're rejecting me?"

"No."

"Excellent."

"I'm rejecting the proposal."

Tom looked wounded. "So you don't want to be my wife?"

"Not yet."

The entire courtyard heard that.

Y/N immediately covered her face. "Oh my God."

Tom looked delighted. "Interesting."

"Stop it."

"So not never."

"Tom."

"Just not yet."

"Tom."

His smirk widened and Y/N wanted to throw herself into the lake.

Tom looked entirely too pleased, then he said, "We've known each other six years."

"I've known your brother six years too."

Tom immediately turned, Mattheo stopped laughing and immediately put his hands up in an instant surrender. "Brother, let's not do anything rash."

Tom kept staring while Mattheo looked genuinely concerned.

Y/N pointed at Tom. "See? That's weird."

"He deserved it."

"I didn't even say anything!"

"You implied it."

Mattheo looked outraged. "I absolutely did."

Tom nodded. "Exactly."

Y/N pinched the bridge of her nose. "I wanted you to ask me out."

Tom finally sighed, then stood up. "Fine."

"Thank you."

"As a gentleman."

She snorted.

Tom ignored that then took her hand, looked directly at her and asked, "Will you go out with me?"

There was a pause, a long pause then she closed her eyes. "Oh merlin, finally."

The entire courtyard erupted.

Tom looked offended.

Y/N grabbed his face and kissed his cheek.

Tom froze. Completely, utterly, frozen.

Mattheo immediately pointed. "Look!"

Draco was laughing so hard he couldn't breathe and Blaise looked emotional.

Y/N smiled.

Tom was still frozen.

"...Tom?"

Nothing.

"...Tom?"

Still nothing.

Then slowly, very slowly a smile appeared. Small, rare but real.

And Mattheo immediately groaned."Oh no."

"What?" Draco asked.

Mattheo pointed. "He's happy."

The three boys looked horrified.

Meanwhile Tom never took his eyes off Y/N. "Good."

Y/N blinked. "Good?"

"You said yes."

She laughed. "I did."

Tom nodded. "Excellent."

Then after a pause. "Can I start planning the proposal again?"

"No."

"Just considering options."

"No."

"How about in a years time?"

"Tom."

"Fine."

A beat.

"...But eventually."

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@ahhhhh23455564hhh566233

@meowlinsbeard

@oceaneyesofeywa

@@kimsrie

The house was quiet in a way that didn’t belong to war. Not yet, anyway.

Mattheo, Delphini, and Marvolo tumbled through the portal like it had spat them out mid-breath.

Three small, disoriented silhouettes in the hallway of a place none of them recognised.

A muggle house that felt warm and light. A softness that felt almost… impossible in their world.

They ducked instantly. Hidden behind the hallway corner just as voices carried from deeper inside.

Mattheo peeked first and froze.

Because there she was, their mother. Y/N.

Heavily pregnant, one hand resting at her lower back as she walked ahead, opening doors one by one like she was guiding someone through something sacred rather than just a building.

The kitchen, the sitting room and a small garden out back.

And behind her their uncle Mattheo, who looked confused and cautious, watching her like he didn’t know what she was doing but trusted her anyway.

Hidden in the hallway, the children watched in silence. Mattheo swallowed tightly, not taking his eyes off the scene.

Delphini shifted a little closer behind him, curiosity getting the better of her despite herself.

Marvolo didn’t move at all just stared at their mother like she might vanish the moment he blinked.

Inside the room, their mother finally stopped in the hallway and turned back.

“Why are you showing me this place?” their uncle asked, arms folded.

Y/N didn’t hesitate. “Because this is yours.”

Mattheo blinked. “…What?”

Y/N stepped closer to him, softer now. Familiar in a way that made something in the watching boy’s chest ache. “You’re my brother,” she said simply.

He scoffed on instinct. “Brother-in-law. You married my brother.”

She rolled her eyes fondly. “My best friend.”

That made him pause, just for a second. “…That’s better, darling girl.”

Y/N laughed softly inside the memory. “Don’t get sentimental on me.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“I’m calculating how much this house is worth.”

“That’s worse.”

Mattheo finally looked around properly then. Not just at her but at the house.

The wards woven into the structure like invisible thread. The careful placement of protections. The quiet intention behind every room.

His expression shifted. “Why me?” he asked more seriously now. “Why give me this?”

Y/N didn’t hesitate with one hand rested over her stomach as she leaned against the doorframe. “Because you need somewhere they won’t find you,” she said quietly.

Silence settled between them.

Then, softer but certain she added, “Somewhere I know you’ll be safe.”

Mattheo let out a faint, humourless huff. “Are you saying you care about me, darling girl?”

Y/N didn’t even hesitate. She just looked at him like the answer should’ve always been obvious. “I do,” she said simply.

Mattheo didn’t answer immediately but because he couldn’t help himself, he muttered, “I’m telling Pans.”

Y/N didn’t even blink. “What?”

“I’m telling her you called me your best friend.”

She stared, then burst out laughing. “Oh my God.”

“I heard it,” he insisted, pointing at her like it was evidence in a trial.

“Besides, you did name your firstborn after me,” he said casually.

“There’s still time for me to change my mind,” she replied without missing a beat.

“You better not.”

From behind them, hidden just out of sight, the kids immediately scoffed.

Delphini leaned slightly toward the others. “You should’ve.”

Mattheo shot her a look. “Hey—don’t encourage that. They’re talking about me.”

Marvolo tilted his head thoughtfully. “I could make it so she actually does change her mind.”

Both Delphini and Mattheo turned slowly to glare at him.

“…Focus,” Delphini muttered.

And all three of them went very still again, listening in harder than before.

And for the first time in what felt like forever their uncle looked lighter. “You’re ridiculous,” he said quietly.

“You’re welcome,” she replied.

Behind them the children stayed perfectly still. Watching, understanding without fully understanding. That this wasn’t just a conversation.

It was a lifeline being handed over.

Mattheo swallowed hard, looking away like it hurt to look too long. “…Mum’s going to make me emotional,” he muttered.

Delphini glanced at him. “You're just like him.”

Marvolo didn’t say anything, but he didn’t look away.

Then suddenly the air changed.

A pressure at the edges of the wards, sharp, familiar and unmistakable.

Mattheo stiffened. “That’s—”

“Tom,” Y/N said softly.

He immediately softened, stepping in close and pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. “I’ll be alright,” he murmured. “Go on, I can handle it.”

Y/N smiled at him like she always did. “You always say that,” she replied softly.

“And I always mean it,” he said.

He gave a small nod, as if sealing the moment into place. “Thank you.”

Then she turned.

And the children barely had time to move further back into shadow as she walked out of the house.

Delphini grabbed Marvolo’s sleeve instinctively while Mattheo didn’t move at all.

Outside, Tom was already there calm, controlled and entirely focused on Y/N.

His eyes went straight to her the moment she appeared like she was the only thing in the world that mattered enough to track.

“You’re not where you were supposed to be,” he said evenly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her surroundings.

A moment passed before his voice deepened, more protective now. “…Why are you in the Muggle world?”

“There were things I needed to take care of,” she replied.

Tom stepped closer, hand brushing her cheek in that familiar grounding way like he was confirming she was okay. “Come on,” he murmured. “Let’s go back to the cabin.”

Y/N hesitated, just for a second. Her gaze flicked back through the window.

To the house, where Mattheo was finally safe again after so long.

Y/N let out a soft breath. “…Yeah,” she said quietly. “I’m coming.”

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@oceaneyesofeywa

@kimsrie

The bathroom door clicked, then very faintly unlocked.

Y/N barely had time to blink before the door swung open and a very determined Aurelia appeared in the doorway like she belonged there.

Which, in her mind, she absolutely did. “Mummy,” Aurelia announced seriously.

Y/N blinked from where she was mid-shower. “Aurelia—how did you even?”

The child lifted a wand: Y/N’s wand.

“…Tom,” Y/N said instantly, already knowing.

From outside the bathroom, Tom’s voice drifted in calmly. “I did not give it to her.”

“You taught her unlocking spells.”

“I taught her observation.”

“That is not better.”

Aurelia, completely unbothered, climbed one step into the bathroom like she was entering a royal court. “Mummy, come out.”

“I’m literally in the shower.”

Aurelia considered this for a second then tried to step further in.

Y/N sighed. “Oh my god.”

At that exact moment, Tom appeared in the doorway.

He took one look at the situation, one look at his wife mid-shower, one look at their daughter attempting to fully invade the bathroom. And exhaled. “She’s too clingy,” he said flatly.

Y/N laughed. “She gets it from you.”

Tom ignored that completely and stepped forward, gently scooping Aurelia up like it was the most normal thing in the world.

The moment she was lifted, Aurelia immediately wriggled. “I want mummy.”

“You had her all morning.”

“That was not enough.”

Tom glanced over at Y/N, and despite himself, his mouth curved into a smirk.

Y/N narrowed her eyes instantly. “Don’t you start.”

His gaze flicked over her briefly then away again, entirely too composed. “It’s not like I haven’t seen you like this before.”

Y/N froze.“Aurelia is here.”

“She is your daughter,” Tom said calmly.

“That is not the point.”

Aurelia, blissfully unaware of anything other than her mission, reached out toward Y/N again. “Mummy!”

Tom adjusted his grip on her. “Give her five minutes.”

Y/N huffed. “Longer.”

Tom narrowed his eyes slightly. “Longer?”

“She’s been attached to me all day.”

“She is attached to you every day.”

“That’s because she’s your daughter.”

Tom looked mildly offended. “And yours.”

“Clearly yours more right now.”

Tom’s expression shifted mildly displeased, like she’d just proposed something offensive. “Two more minutes love.”

Y/N scoffed. “No. Ten.”

His eyes narrowed properly now. “That is unreasonable.”

“You started this,” she said, gesturing vaguely with a wet hand.

“I started nothing,” he replied smoothly. “I retrieved our daughter from breaking into the bathroom.”

Aurelia, still in his arms, chimed in proudly, “Mummy!”

Tom adjusted his grip on her. “See?”

Y/N sighed, leaning back under the water. “Five more minutes.”

Tom shook his head immediately. “Two.”

“Tom.”

“Two.”

Y/N pointed a soapy finger at him. “No. Ten.”

His gaze dropped briefly to the shower again, then back to her. “I can turn off the water.”

Y/N went very still. “…You wouldn’t dare.”

Tom’s mouth twitched and Aurelia copied him immediately, like this was a game.

Tom looked entirely too pleased with himself as he leaned against the doorframe. “Try me.”

Y/N narrowed her eyes through the steam. “You are insane.”

And Aurelia immediately tried to wiggle free again. “Mummy!”

Tom sighed again, completely defeated now, and adjusted her against his chest. “We’ll be waiting.”

Y/N pointed a wet hand toward the door. “And keep my wand away from her.”

Tom glanced down at the wand in Aurelia’s grip then chuckled softly. “I should thank her.”

Y/N narrowed her eyes. “Did you teach her that spell?”

“Of course.”

“Tom.” He looked completely unbothered as he stepped back into the hallway with a squirming Aurelia in his arms. “She’s efficient.”

Y/N shook her head, laughing despite herself as the door closed again. “And I married this man,” she muttered under her breath.

Outside, Aurelia was already demanding, “Mummy again.”

Tom sighed then, softer, almost fond despite everything. “Same.”

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@sweetbutapsycho95

@tmrs-basilisk

@tommystoe

@ahhhhh23455564hhh566233

@meowlinsbeard

@oceaneyesofeywa

@@kimsrie

Tom first noticed something was wrong when a fifth-year physically turned around and walked the other way.

He hadn't said anything. Hadn't even looked at her.

One second she'd been heading toward him, the next she'd frozen, stared at his chest, and immediately retreated.

Tom frowned slightly.

Odd.

The answer arrived ten minutes later.

A Ravenclaw girl approached him outside the library, clearly intending to ask a question.

She got within arm's reach and his prefect badge flashed.

Bright silver words appeared across the front: PROPERTY OF Y/N.

The girl blinked.

Tom blinked.

The girl muttered, "Right," before promptly leaving.

Tom looked down at his badge.

Then chuckled. Because there was only one person in Hogwarts ridiculous enough to do that.

He found Y/N exactly where he expected her to be.

Curled up in an armchair in the library, one hand resting absentmindedly on the small curve of her stomach while she read.

Tom walked over and sat beside her.

Y/N glanced up immediately.

A smile spread across her face. "Hello, handsome."

Tom studied her for a moment. "Love."

"Hm?"

"You charmed my prefect badge."

"Of course I did." without a shred of guilt.

Tom's mouth twitched. "You aren't even denying it."

"I'm not going to change it if you're asking."

"I'm not."

Y/N returned to her book while Tom continued looking at her.

Mostly because she was impossible.

Eventually she noticed. "What?"

"Every girl that gets too close to me is now greeted by a sign."

"Good."

Tom raised an eyebrow. "Good?"

"Good."

He shook his head slowly. "Everyone already knows we're together."

Y/N looked up. Then immediately spotted the much larger charm she'd cast floating invisibly above his head: MARRIED TO Y/N. BACK OFF.

She smiled to herself. "Good."

Tom completely misunderstood why she'd said it. "You are aware everyone knows we're together?"

"Mhm."

"You are also pregnant."

She nodded.

"With my son."

"Also true."

Tom waited.

Y/N simply looked at him. "...Your point?"

A laugh escaped him despite himself. "You don't need to keep marking territory."

Y/N closed her book. "Tom."

"Yes?"

"I'm being thorough."

His mouth twitched again. "You are remarkably determined."

She sat up slightly. "I'm a Slytherin."

Tom stared at her for a second before leaning down and pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"Unfortunately," he said, "that's a valid defence."

Y/N looked unbearably pleased with herself. "As I thought."

Tom rolled his eyes, then offered her his hand.She took it immediately.

As they started walking through the corridor together, his hand settled automatically against her lower back.

Guiding her, protecting her and holding her close.

Y/N leaned into his side slightly. "Besides," she added casually, "you're incredibly handsome."

Tom smirked. "I know."

She scoffed. "There he is."

"I've always been here."

"Arrogant."

"Correct."

Y/N laughed softly.

Behind them, three girls stared openly as they passed.

Not at Y/N but at the enormous floating sign above Tom's head: MARRIED TO Y/N. BACK OFF.

One girl sighed, while another nodded solemnly and a third whispered, "Honestly? Fair."

Meanwhile, Tom remained blissfully unaware.

Entirely convinced the prefect badge was the only thing his wife had charmed. Y/N, naturally, saw absolutely no reason to correct him.

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@goldenharrysworld

@academicloser69420

@midnightalbatross

@cherimimi

@draculesti-tepes

@queen-aria-things

@emberswither

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@jo1818

@seriousaliysa

@marvel-potter-1d-korea

@wordsgodeep

@littlepippilongstocking

@melanin90sbaby

@joyfulyouthlover

@garfi3ldrulz

@lyssa08-19

@football1921

@sarcastic-wit

@lightbluestar6713

@wdwxherronxlover

@coryoslut

@amayahstyles 

@superlegend216

@peanutbutterslothsstuff

@amayahstyles 

@keithrys

@princessak

@sweetbutapsycho95

@tmrs-basilisk

@tommystoe

@ahhhhh23455564hhh566233

@meowlinsbeard

@oceaneyesofeywa

@@kimsrie