betty

The light went through the huge window of the room despite the blue and thick curtains that tried to stop it. A small ray of sun hit your face, making you moan tiredly. You heard a few steps around your bed and then they walked away.

—Good morning— a soft and feminine voice finished waking you up. Luna opened the curtains completely and you twisted in bed as if you had been shot and you were dying in pain.

—A little more time— you begged, turning around and settling on your stomach.

—No, you're going to miss breakfast and you're going to be late for class— she argued, sitting on the edge of the bed.

—Where is Betty?— you asked about your other roommate while you made an effort to join.

—She's already down for breakfast. I told you, we're late.

You yawned and got out of bed reluctantly. If there was something you liked more than cheesecake, it was sleeping.

You put on the Ravenclaw uniform cluelessly, having to put on your skirt in two attempts, since the first time you had put it on backwards. You took your books from the desk and went down the stairs with Luna until you reached Ravenclaw's common room, which was crowded with first-year students eager to attend their first classes.

You arrived at the large dining room almost empty. Only a few Hufflepuffs and a few Gryffindors were left. There were barely any buns left on the trays, the milk in the bowls had begun to cool down and the cereals were somewhat out of the past. You took some pancakes with bacon and syrup, while Luna heated the bacon with a spell.

—Thank you— you smiled at her.

—You're welcome— she replied.

—What classes do we have on the first day?— you asked while cutting a pancake into small pieces.

—Let's see…— Luna said looking for a brochure in her robe, —here. Transformations, Potions with the new teacher, Divination, Herbology with Mrs. Sprout... I really want this one.

You smiled at her enthusiasm.

—And well, the last one is Defense Against the Dark Arts, with the also new Professor Riddle.

And there they were again: the butterflies in your stomach, stirring again.

—Don't you think Professor Hemmings is a bun? He would be like a cinnamon bun— the blonde asked, making you laugh slightly.

—Well, you're right. Yesterday, when I was standing there— you pointed to the teachers' table— he seemed very sweet.

You finished your breakfast and both of you stood up to attend the first classes.

The first class with McGonagall was rather boring. He began the lesson with a soporific theory about the transformation of inanimate objects into animals. Later you released the new potions teacher, Mr. Hemmings. He was much kinder than Snape; however, he was also quite clumsy and his hands trembled nervously. The Slytherin students didn't take long to make fun of him.

Divination wasn't much better either. Luna and you were good at it; you read the ethereal crystal ball with talent, although your results were not too encouraging.

—It says that death... will come closer to you— Luna read in her book with worried eyes.

You rolled your eyes.

—Nonsense. It's impossible for a ball to know my future.

Luna continued with her prediction, turning the pages of the textbook with concentration.

—He also mentions something about lies and... poison?

—Wow, you got the jackpot— Betty said while gathering her brown hair in a ponytail.

You both laughed.

Herbology greatly improved the situation. Professor Sprout guided you to the greenhouse, where you studied the sweet malve, a magical herb used by the centaurs in their reading of the stars. The woman drew the plant on the dark slate with white chalk and marked its parts one by one while you took notes. Then he gave you some seeds that each student planted in a pot. He assured that in a week they would have already grown and you could make a more exhaustive analysis of their properties. Luna spent the whole class with a smile on her face while writing things down in her little pink notebook that you had given her for her birthday.

At the end of the class you headed to Defense Against the Dark Arts with trembling legs and a racing heart. Besides, you were late.

When you entered, all the students were already sitting at their desks. Their heads turned towards you two.

The teacher was with his back to his desk, leaning on it with his arms crossed over his chest and his sleeves rolled up. Riddle looked at you with a serious face.

—We're sorry for the delay, we stayed talking to Professor Sprout after class— Luna explained in a soft voice.

You walked after her. However, those green eyes that you were beginning to know so well were not on your friend.

They were nailed to you.

He held your gaze for a few seconds of silence.

—It's okay. Sit down.

Luna and you went to the seats at the end of the classroom. The girls occupied the desks in the front rows.

—We were talking about a somewhat difficult topic after a question of... What was your name?— he asked a student.

—Jake Quinn, sir— replied Hufflepuff's student.

—Of course. Mr. Quinn was asking about the unforgivable curses— Riddle said as he walked in circles in front of the tables. —Does anyone know any of them?

You raised your hand almost unconsciously.

He looked at you with that indecipherable glow in his eyes and vaguely pointed at you to answer.

—The Imperius curse— you answered in a low voice, but enough for me to hear you.

The teacher walked slowly down the corridor that led to your desk.

—And what exactly is that curse... Miss Prewett?

He stopped in front of your table, maintaining eye contact.

You bit your lip nervously and tried to ignore his gaze.

—The Imperius curse is a tool of the dark arts and one of the three unforgivable curses. It is one of the most powerful and sinister spells in the magical world. When it is launched correctly, the victim is completely under the control of the magician or witch who has cast the spell, although a person with exceptional willpower can resist its effects— you answered without blinking, looking forward.

Then you looked at it.

On his lips hung a small arrogant smile.

—Exceptional. Ten points for Ravenclaw.

Riddle walked back to the front of the classroom.

—As Miss Prewett has said, there are three curses in total. Does anyone know any of the remaining two?

The classroom remained silent.

—Nobody?

—The Crucio curse— A Ravenclaw girl replied.

—Cruciatus— he corrected. —And what does it do?

—It tortures you... or something like that— she replied while playing with a lock of her long hair.

The teacher turned to her.

—Name?

—Amanda Ruby, sir— she replied with a flirtatious smile and sweet voice, unlike the teacher, whose tone was icy as snow.

—Someone who can develop Miss Ruby's answer with more property?

You held back from raising your hand again and pressed your hand against the desk.

He seemed to notice and approached your line again with cautious steps.

—You know it.

He fixed his eyes on yours.

You nodded.

—The curse Crucio or Cruciatus generates an intense and agonizing pain in the victim— you replied, trying not to stumble upon the words.

—What's the last one missing?

—The murderous curse— Luna concluded.

His gaze took a few seconds to turn away from you to look at your friend.

—Or Avada Kedavra. It causes an instant and painless death, leaving no signs of violence in the body. Its effect is irreversible.

The teacher nodded slowly.

—Twenty more points for Ravenclaw. I want for Monday on my table a detailed scroll about the unforgivable curses, with their stories included.

The whole class groaned in disgust.

—The class is over.

The students began to put their things away immediately.

When Amanda and her friends went through the classroom to leave it, she passed in front of the teacher's desk.

—Goodbye, Professor Riddle— she said goodbye with a big smile.

He muttered a farewell without taking his eyes off the paper he was qualifying. The girls left with giggles.

Luna and you also went out.

—How did you know your last name? You hadn't told him— your friend asked, confused.

—It's a long story.

It was already half past five in the afternoon. The sun was beginning to set and the sky acquired an orange-pink tone that could be seen through the windows. But you didn't know that. The atmosphere was humid: the Slytherin common room was located underground.

Your legs hung from the dark green wool sofa. Theo was sitting at the other end with a tired expression, holding his head with his hand. Pansy was lying on the floor with a cushion under her head looking at the ceiling while Blaise sat next to her, although in an armchair. Draco and Lorenzo were playing a game of ping-pong while Gale narrated the play.

I had been talking non-stop for more than five minutes and you felt like your head was going to explode.

—Can you shut up now?— you interrupted your brother in the middle of his speech.

He looked at you funny.

—No.

You glared at him.

Theo took his wand out of a pocket and, with an irritated movement, burst the ball.

—Hey!— Draco exclaimed.

The gray-eyed man shrugged his shoulders carelessly.

The three boys sat on the floor next to Pansy. You were alone in the room.

—How did your classes go?— you asked.

—They've been shit— Theodore said.

—Yes, History of Magic becomes a worse year after year— Gale complained, taking both hands to the back of his neck.

Everyone nodded.

—Have you seen Potter's face when Professor Hemmings' idiot almost killed the carrot?— Draco said with a smile.

—What?— you asked surprised.

—I swear to you. His hands are shaking so much that he dropped a bottle of Living Dead Filters on Weasley's feet.

A smile appeared on Pansy's lips when she remembered it.

—It almost burned those poor shoes he wears— Blaise added.

Everyone laughed.

—And how are your classes?— Enzo asked kindly.

—Nothing special.

—Have you had class with the hot man?— Pansy asked with her flirtatious smile.

You rolled your eyes.

—Yes— you admitted reluctantly.

—That man gives bad vibes— Blaise commented frowning.

—I'm telling you, he has a disturbing look— Enzo added.

—Have you talked to him?— Pansy asked, getting up.

—No— you lied, biting your lower lip.

There was silence although not uncomfortable, everyone was simply too tired to have a conversation.

—The quidditch league starts soon— Theo suddenly changed the subject. He did seem uncomfortable. —We would have to start training.

—There's still a month left for the first game— Draco said. —And relax, we just started classes…

—But the tests for the team are in two weeks— Gale said.

—The tests are thrown away. We've been on the team since the first year.

Pansy looked at you with big eyes and pursed lips. You returned the same expression.

—Time is everything. If we want to win the cup this year —said your brother — and, more importantly, crush the Gryffindors, we should start now.

Pansy articulated with her lips: «bathroom»

You both got up.

—Where are you going?— Lorenzo asked confused.

—To the bathroom. We got bored of so much quidditch— she replied.

You climbed the narrow stone spiral stairs until you reached his room.

—Ugh, finally— said your friend, throwing herself on the bed still not done. —Peace.

Pansy took a box of cigarettes out of her robe and took one between her lips to light it.

The room had a very ethereal air: vintage carpets on the floor, minerals and precious stones on any surface, colored bottles in the corners, stacked books forming towers...

You observed everything carefully, trying not to touch anything, although every object seemed to invite you to take it.

—We should do something tonight.

You turned to her, who was now sitting on the bed.

—What do you mean?

—Let's get out of the castle. Do something forbidden for once.

—And where would we go?

—I know you like going to the lake. Maybe we can go there... and talk to the sea creatures.

You frowned.

—What if they catch us? The teachers are on duty at night.

—If they catch us, you say you were going to the bathroom, you go back to your room... and then we try again.

—But-

Your paced steps advanced almost in a choreography to platform 9¾. You knew the way by heart; you had traveled it so many times that you could go from your house to there with your eyes closed. The reddish bricks stacked on top of each other formed arches that separated the different boarding platforms.

The atmosphere was, ironically, magical. Wizards and muggles mixed as they walked each other, dodging to reach their respective destinations. Everyone carried luggage and wore different expressions: emotion, frustration, sadness, happiness. Some couples said goodbye with kisses and hugs full of feeling, accompanied by the odd tear.

—Hey, don't get distracted— Gale exclaimed dryly when you almost collided with a Muggle lady who was carrying her little son asleep in her arms.

—I'm sorry— you apologized, trying to concentrate.

You walked several more meters until you reached that characteristic mural.

—You first— your brother said, making a gesture for you to pass in front.

You placed the cart in front of the wall, a few meters away. You clung tightly to the metal railing, closed your eyes and ran towards the bricks.

Suddenly you felt that euphoria that ran through you every year over and over again.

You stopped, somewhat stunned. When you looked around you were surrounded by magicians with chests and pet cages. Gale appeared abruptly next to you. You both looked at the train in front of you and then looked at each other with a defiant expression before running towards it.

After almost running over several half-goblins, first-year students and the odd adult magician, you managed to get there earlier. One of the wheels of Gale's cart had been trapped in a crack in the floor.

You looked at him with a mocking smile. He answered you with a murderous look that only managed to make you laugh.

—You've lost— you said when he arrived to help you put your trunk on the train.

—The first and last time— he replied, leaving the heavy briefcase in the hallway.

A reviewer in an elegant black uniform took both luggage and stored them in a luggage compartment that barely had free space.

Gale and you walked the train looking for your friends. On a table in the last wagon your eyes met some gray ones.

There was your brother's group of Slytherin friends.

Theodore was the only one who noticed your presence at first; he watched you with a neutral expression.

—Hey, Prewetts!— Lorenzo shouted from his seat next to Theo.

Three heads turned to you.

—My girl!— Pansy exclaimed with a smile, getting up to run towards you.

You hugged each other tightly.

—I'm glad to see you too, Pansy— said Gale, who was still standing next to you, rolling his eyes.

You and your friend separated and she opened her arms to hug him too, although with much less enthusiasm.

—Fuck off— she replied.

When you noticed that Theo kept looking at you, you decided to excuse yourself to look for Luna.

—I'll be back later, I promise— you said to the black-haired girl.

—But don't be late. I can't stand being alone with so many useless boys anymore— she added, looking at the table.

Gale had already approached and they were starting their usual handshake session.

—Hey, we can hear you— Blaise complained, turning in his seat.

You both laughed.

The rattling of the train made the ground shake and you almost fell on the gray carpet when the vehicle started. The driver blew the whistle, saying goodbye to the parents who were waiting on the platform.

You turned around and began to walk through the corridors while looking through the windows of the compartments in search of your friend.

On the way you met the Weasley twins along with Robert Dallahaw, Lavender Brown and Dean Thomas. Fred was the first to notice you and greeted you waving his hand behind the glass. You copied the gesture.

Then you gestured: «Have you seen Luna?»

He seemed to understand you. He shook his head.

You kept advancing to the last compartment. Through the glass you dress Ron, Harry and Hermione with their Gryffindor robes.

You opened the door and put your hands on the frame.

—Hi guy-

—Close the door!— Ron exclaimed abruptly.

When you noticed the despair in his voice, you obeyed instantly.

—How rude, Ron— Hermione scolded him with her arms crossed. She hit his head with a newspaper.

—I'm sorry— he murmured.

The redhead was lying on the floor looking under the seats. Harry looked at you with some shame.

—Is everything okay?— you asked.

—Ron has lost his rat— Hermione replied.

—I was here a second ago— Ron protested from the floor.

—Maybe you forgot her at home— Harry suggested.

—No, I brought the cage, do you see?— he said pointing at it.

—Ron, did you check that Scabbers was inside when you were at home?— you asked.

There was a brief silence.

Ron got up and let himself fall on the old blue velvet sofa.

—I hadn't thought about it.

Harry smiled amused and Hermione rolled her eyes.

—Idiot— he told him.

—Anyway, have you seen Luna? I can't find her anywhere.

—She got on the train with Ginny— Ron replied.

—Yes, she was wearing those weird colored glasses and distributing The Quibbler all over the train— Hermione added.

—Okay, thank you guys—. You opened the door. —Have a good trip.

—Likewise!— Hermione replied.

When you failed in your search for Luna, you returned to the Slytherin wagon.

Pansy moved to one side to make room next to her on the edge of the table. In front of you was Theo, who looked at you with something that you could only define as nostalgia.

—Have you found Loony Lovegood?— your brother asked.

You glared at him.

—Don't call her that.

They immediately updated you on the conversation. You settled on the dark leather sofa and relaxed almost instantly.

—Blaise has spent the whole summer doing internships at the Ministry— Pansy told you.

—And yes, it's as boring as it sounds— he admitted.

You let out a laugh.

—I helped my father in the bank— Pansy said proudly.

—Boring— Lorenzo added, lengthening the word. —Theo and I went to muggle pools.

Draco made a noise of disgust.

—Hey, it's not as bad as it sounds. At first we were just going to do some graffiti or something like that... maybe throw blood into the water— Enzo began with an arrogant smile. —But it turns out that some girl-muggles are fine as fuck.

—That's still disgusting— Draco said.

—But the one who triumphed was this one— Enzo added, patting Theo on the back.

Theo remained silent.

—Really?— Blaise exclaimed.

—You and a muggle? Impossible— Pansy added.

—What can I say... it wasn't that terrible— Theo finally replied.

He looked at you with those grey dead eyes, and for a moment you holded your breath.

—Well, what about the Prewetts?— Draco asked.

—The most boring summer in history— Gale said, looking into the void. You nodded—. Our parents punish us to the minimum.

—We think they’re susceptible because of Grace, but…

—How is she?— Theo asked, looking at you with concern. The silence felt heavy.

—Good— you replied. —She’s getting better.

—But well, now we're here— Gale said, changing the subject.

You knew how much he hated that people felt sorry for him.

—Yes, now we are here and better— you added with a smile.

The conversation drifted towards lighter topics: jokes, revenge, parties, quidditch. The hours passed with laughter as the sun descended behind the mountains.

The temperature dropped and the tunic, which used to make you sweat, was now comforting.

—Do you know who the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is this year?— Draco asked with a malicious smile.

—Tom Riddle?— Pansy exclaimed. —The mysterious Tom Riddle?

Draco nodded.

—He came to my house for dinner a month ago.

—And how is him?— Gale asked. —I really need to pass DADA, last year my grades were fucked up.

—Well, ask your little sister.

Everyone looked at you curiously.

You stood still. You didn't expect that.

—What is he talking about?— Gale asked.

You bit your lip, a nervous old tic.

—It was the day they punished me and I had to deliver the mail. When I had dinner with the Malfoys— you explained quickly while fiddling with your fingers under the table.

—Why does he say to ask you?— he insisted.

—I don't know.

You glared at Draco.

The rest seemed intrigued. Except Theo. His jaw was tense.

—Professor Riddle spent the whole dinner devouring your little sister with his eyes— Draco added, talking slowly to remark every word. —Even though she was wearing the ugliest work uniform I've ever seen.

All mouths opened.

—It's a lie!— you exclaimed. —Don’t believe him!

—What?— Gale said, incredulous.

—And your sister enjoyed every second.

—He’s lying!

Your cheeks were burning.

—You’re blushing. It's true!— Gale roared.

—How old is that man?— Theo asked in his usual low voice.

—Almost forty— Draco replied. He dropped that information as it was nothing.

Pansy turned to you dramatically.

—And you haven't told me!

—There's nothing to tell.

—Is he fine?

—Pansy!

—Eh, eh, eh— Gale intervened by hitting the table. —No one here is going to fuck an old man.

—Talk by you— The black-haired girl said.

—I don't want to fuck anyone!

Draco smiled maliciously.

—Better— your brother growled. —Because that's not going to happen.

Theo sketched a small smile looking at the wall.

—Besides— Draco continued, —He had barely said a word in the whole dinner... until you arrived.

—I'm not surprised. The only interesting one in that house is Cissy— you replied.

Everyone laughed but Draco, who snorted and stopped talking until the train stopped.

When you got off the train you felt a strange satisfaction when stepping on dry land.

Enzo, Draco and Blaise got ahead.

You and Pansy walked more slowly dragging your trunks.

—Ladies— Gale said, taking Pansy's luggage.

Theo took yours, brushing your hand in the process.

—Thank you— you murmured.

He nodded but didn’t look at you.

Pansy intertwined her arm with yours as you walked towards the carriages.

—So you and Professor Riddle...

—Pansy!

—I'm not your brother. You can tell me things.

You sighed.

—Nothing happened. He's a handsome man, but nothing more.

—You could use an adventure like that. You're Blair Prewett. You've never broken a plate.

He pushed a lock of your hair behind your ear.

Your mind went back to that afternoon at the Malfoy mansion. His gaze following you around the room. His slight smile. His soft flattery.

—Maybe he looked at me too much... as if he couldn't take his eyes off me. And there was something in his eyes...

You stopped.

—Something weird?— Pansy asked.

—No. Indecipherable.

The huge oak doors of the castle opened before you.

Pansy and you watched them in amazement.

The students entered en masse despite Professor McGonagall's attempts to keep an orderly line.

The corridors of Hogwarts, previously silent, resounded with voices full of emotion.

Candles floated throughout the Great Dining Room, illuminating it with a warm light.

The students were taking a seat at the tables of their houses. That's where you had to separate from Pansy to sit in Ravenclaw.

You immediately recognized the bank where you had spent so many years.

Suddenly a long platinum hair appeared in the crowd.

—Luna!— you shouted.

She stopped, looked for the origin of the voice and when she found you she walked faster towards you.

You got up and she threw herself to hug you.

—Where were you? I've been looking for you all over the train.

—I was with Ginny handing out The Quibbler— she explained. I also looked for you, but I only found your brother

—We should have crossed paths.

The candlelights were dimmed and all the students were silent.

Director Dumbledore stood up.

His white beard seemed longer every year.

—Dear students— he began, —it is an honor to welcome you to this new course at Hogwarts...

After a few initial words, his expression became more serious.

—I regret to inform you that Professor Snape will not be attending this course due to a serious illness.

—I didn't like him a lot anyway— Luna whispered.

—However, this year we have two new teachers...

Your heart stopped.

—Professor Bob Hemmings will replace Professor Snape in Potions.

A short, chubby man with an orange vest got up. The applause was warm.

—And Professor Riddle will teach Defense Against the Dark Arts and will be the new head of the Slytherin house.

There it was.

Impeccable suit. Shirt rolled up. Black hair perfectly combed. Green eyes.

He looked at the dining room while the applause resounded.

Some girls held their breath.

You too.

You looked at Slytherin's table and met Pansy. She obscenely simulated a gesture with her tongue and hand.

You laughed.

When you turned your gaze to the front, his eyes were on you.

Unknown butterflies fluttered in your stomach.

You greeted him with a small wave of your hand.

He replied with a slight.

Stupid, why did you do that? Your heart sank into your chest and your breath was short.

Riddle sat down again.

—Professor Snape is feeling better and sends you greetings— Dumbledore continued.

—A lie— murmured a boy in front of you.

Luna and you laughed.

—And now a more joyful news: this year the much-loved winter dance returns.

The Great Dining Room eroped in cheers.

The selection ceremony continued and some new Ravenclaw joined your table.

Finally the banquet appeared.

You ate and talked to Luna about summer.

But you felt it.

Green eyes.

Cold.

Watching you.

Studying you.

Drilling your neck.

Your skin was burning.

The hairs on your arms stand on end.

You pulled the cart harder, forcing your arms to stay strong. The heat invaded your entire body, as if a flame of fire constantly pursued you. You ran your hand over your forehead to wipe away the sweat.

A few more houses, hold on.

You clenched your teeth and kept walking. The only thing that brought you comfort was the view: September had arrived, and with it the beginning of autumn. The leaves on the trees turned yellow and some were already falling to the ground, brown. The sky was overcast and didn't let the sun peek out anywhere, typical of London.

A few more blocks down, you finally arrived at your destination: "Malfoy Manor". You admired the façade before you rang the doorbell.A path flanked by neatly trimmed hedges on the left and short, wild shrubs on the right led to a wide path, interrupted by a pair of impressive wrought-iron gates that marked the boundaries of the mansion's grounds.

You softly pressed the small white bell hanging from the fence. It emitted a high-pitched ring.

—Yes? —exclaimed a male voice that you immediately recognized. It sounded irritated.

—Mail —you replied, more tired than you intended to be.

Nobody answered again, but the bars parted, allowing you to pass.You moved slowly; dragging the metal cart across the gravel floor took twice as long.

If there were only a few houses left to be distributed, how could it weigh so much?

Finally, you reached the entrance. A friendly-looking house elf opened the door and let you pass into the foyer right away. The scent of expensive air freshener, mint, and oak filled your nostrils.

—Leave it here— Draco said without looking at you, walking away with a cup in his hand. —Ad be careful with it, it costs more than a month of your salary.

—You're very demanding, Malfoy— I replied in a teasing tone.

Draco stopped. He turned around with his eyes open and a mocking smile.

—Wow, wow... working as a mail woman. I didn't expect that. I didn't even realize it was you.

—You're not exactly the brightest, Malfoy— you said with a smile as you pulled the enormous box with his name off the hellish device.

—How's that son of a bitch Gale? He doesn't respond to any of our letters, he asked, leaning against the wall.

He was wearing a dark green wool sweater, black suit pants, and matching loafers. His hair, almost as white as his skin, was perfectly groomed. That made you look at your own clothes and feel a bit embarrassed.You probably didn't look very attractive then.

—He's grounded. But if you really want to talk to your boyfriend, I'll take you with me— I replied mockingly.

—Fuck off.

You both laughed. You left the package on the floor and sighed in relief.

—Nice uniform.

—I don't appreciate your sarcasm, Draco.

—Okay, okay. Come on, have a drink, you must be tired.

You weren't going to refuse. After dealing with some pretty nasty wizards and Muggles all morning, you deserved a little reward. Besides, if you didn't rest a bit, you'd probably get cramps or something.

You followed him through the halls of the mansion. As you entered the house, a chill ran down your spine due to the change in temperature.

Finally, you arrived at the living room. There you could identify Lucius, in his classic black tunic, sitting in a brown leather armchair across from another who was facing away from you. Lucius seemed tense, although he always was.His gaze turned toward you.

—Miss Prewett, said he, unusually friendly, standing up from his seat. It's a pleasure to see you again.

He came over and gave you a gentle handshake, but a look of disgust escaped him when the smell of sweat from your clothes reached him. Your cheeks flushed.

—Similarly, Mr. Malfoy— you replied timidly. That man intimidated you greatly.

Draco sat near the fireplace.

—Come on, sit down— Lucius exclaimed, guiding you to the chair that had previously been occupied. —I present to you this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Mr. Tom Riddle.

That was exactly the moment you knew it.

Eyes like emeralds that could freeze with a single glance. Jet-black hair perfectly styled. Skin as pale as snow. Long legs, veiny arms. A black vest over a rolled-up white shirt.

Everything about him screamed danger from the start.

But you ignored every sign because of that fleeting fantasy. If only you had listened...

Your stomach tightened as he looked at you with his dull, almost dead eyes. You shuddered in the chair.

—A pleasure, Miss Prewett, he said with a serious expression.

You opened your mouth, but the words got stuck in your throat.

Don't be ridiculous. Speak up.

Speak, speak, speak.

—Similarly.

Professor Riddle took your hand and brought it to his lips without breaking eye contact. His gaze burned on you.

Then reality hit like a bucket of cold water.

Your mind went back to the horrible navy blue and yellow uniform you were wearing, the smell of sweat and gasoline after having to stop to refuel. Not to mention your hair, which was tied up in two braids—if they could even be called braids anymore.

—Do you work as a post woman? —he asked in a monotone tone.

—E… well —you said nervously—. Not really. It's just a punishment. For a day.

—Punishment?

—Yes.

Your cheeks were now burning with embarrassment. That seemed to amuse him.

—Wow. I can't imagine she did anything bad enough to deserve punishment— he commented with a slight smile.

Draco looked at you with a furrowed brow.

—What year are you in, Miss Prewett? —asked Professor Riddle.

—Sixth year, sir.

—One less than you, right, Malfoy?

—Yes, sir— the blond man replied, looking bored, staring at his cup as if it were the most interesting thing in the world.

—I'm sorry to interrupt... oh, dear, hello.

Narcissa Malfoy appeared at the door of the room and quickly assessed the scene. She wore a beautiful charcoal black dress and her usual bun with white and black streaks. You stood up to greet her. She opened her arms and wrapped you in a sweet hug.

Cissy was like a second mother to you.

—I came to tell you that dinner is ready. Oh my, stay for dinner.

—I'd love to, Cissy, but I still have packages to deliver— you apologized, feeling terrible for having to turn down the offer.

—That's easy to fix— Professor Riddle said, standing up.

He went to the foyer and everyone followed him. There was the squeaky cart with the remaining mail. He took out his wand and, with a gentle motion, the cart disappeared.

—Done— he said with an air of sufficiency.

—I'll tell Dobby to set the table for one more— Narcissa announced as she headed to the dining room.

The dinner was delicious, as you'd expect from the Malfoy cooks. Your family was wealthy, like all the families of the Sacred 28, but you never had a chef because your mother liked to cook. Still, objectively, it didn't compare to the cuisine of the most sought-after chefs in the magical world.

They served a delicious meat and vegetable pie first, and mashed peas. You didn't like it, but you ate it out of courtesy.

Then Professor Riddle and Mr. Malfoy continued discussing important matters: the Ministry of Magic and the recent crisis over the loss of werewolf records.

Draco would sit across from you at dinner and make faces that would force you to smile and laugh silently.

Professor Riddle would occasionally look at Draco with disapproval, then at Lucius with boredom while speaking, and finally at you in a way that you couldn't decipher.

—They should raid them. Lock them all up!— Lucius said with disdain.

—I don't think they're that bad— you said.

Silence fell over the table.

—Excuse me?— Lucius asked, confused.

—In the magical world, less than 20% are werewolves, at least of those registered.Within that 20%, only 7.3% have committed some type of crime, including minor offenses. Mano people commit crimes because their circumstances force them to do so, for survival and because of a society that systematically oppresses them. If they were given more rights, were not socially isolated, and their transformations were monitored to ensure they were safe for everyone, the percentage would be reduced by more than half...

The information flowed from your mouth almost automatically.

Draco watched you open-mouthed. Cissy tried to hold back her laughter as she looked at her husband's indignant face. And Professor Riddle kept his green eyes fixed on you, with a small smile.

—...so, comparing all the data, wizards commit more crimes than werewolves. And that's why we shouldn't imprison or murder them all, you concluded.

Rowena Ravenclaw would be proud.

The dark oak chair creaked under your weight.

—Ah, well— Mr. Riddle finally said. —It's been impressive, hasn't it, Lucius?

Lucius didn't open his mouth again. He just nodded slightly.

—Well, a splendid dinner, Mrs. Malfoy— the green-eyed man added as he stood up. —But, if you'll allow me, I must leave. I'm afraid I still have a lot to prepare for the start of the school year at Hogwarts.

—Could you accompain Mr. Riddle to the door?— Lucius said with that cold demanding tone.

You could feel him looking at you, expectant. And you finally nodded with a knot in the stomach.

He politely said goodbye to the Malfoys, and together you went to the foyer.

—I must say that it was spectacular how you handled the situation in the dining hall, Miss Prewett— he said as he put on his long black coat and grabbed an umbrella.

—Thank you, sir— you tried to sound calm, but you couldn't.

—I hope to see you soon. Maybe under better circumstances.

His low voice pierced your ears, and you wished that moment would last longer.

—Likewise.

You extended your hand, expecting a handshake, but he took it again and gently kissed the back of your hand. The door opened and he stepped outside.

The sky was black, with no stars. The night had arrived and it was pouring rain. He walked away down the gravel path.