Don't Save Me

Chapter 64: Surprise

When we reached a large dining room, Lucius led the way, leading the rest of us inside. I felt Severus's grip on my hand tighten as we entered the dining room.

"Surprise!" several voices shouted as we entered. Narcissa was beaming as I stood there shocked. Bellatrix and Tom were standing across the room, sparks shooting out of their wands as several faces I didn't recognize stood around the room, beaming at me. A banner hung from the ceiling, reading "congratulations!" in dark black and green letters. I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle at the fact that one of the darkest wizards was throwing me a surprise party.

"Bella!" I yelled, running toward her and she pulled me into her arms.

"Oh, my darling girl! I'm so happy for you! That scumbag is going to rot where he belongs!" She pulled away from the hug, smirking as she laughed maniacally. I couldn't help the laughter that slipped from my lips, almost mimicking her own maniacal laughter.

"Bella, don't hog the child," a smooth voice spoke from behind Bella. "Let me look at this gorgeous, powerful child everyone keeps talking about," Tom Riddle said as he walked toward us. He took my hand in his, bringing it to his lips and placing a soft kiss on the back of my hand.

"Lovely to see you again, child," he said as he released my hand. Severus moved next to me, his arm wrapping around my waist and pulling me next to him. Tom chuckled at this, his eyes flicking back and forth between Severus and I.

"What's the story with you two?" he asked me. I felt my cheeks grow warm as I looked down. Severus cleared his throat before speaking.

"Y/n and I are good friends," he said as his hand rested on my waist, rubbing small circles into my side.

"Then why can't either of you look me in the eyes?"

I looked up, locking eyes with Tom and a smile spread across his face.

"He's right, you know?" Bella said, laughing as I glared at her. "What?! You two would make a cute couple!"

"Bella, you are so dead!" Our laughter filled the room as I turned to look at Severus. His face had turned bright red and he couldn't meet my eyes. I moved in front of him, lifting his face, his eyes locking with mine.

"Aww, you're cute when you blush, Sev," I chuckled.

"You be quiet, young lady," he said, pulling my body closer to him. Our chests were pressed together, his hands roaming my back. He lifted one hand to my chin, lightly caressing it as his eyes bored into mine. I could feel my heart racing as heat rose to my cheeks once again. I wanted him to kiss me more than anything. I wanted him to kiss me because he wanted to, not just because my friends were watching. The moment didn't last long before Rodolphus spoke up from the corner of the room.

"Damn, Lovebirds! Get a room! Making all of us jealous out here!" 

I chuckled as Severus's face turned bright red before he pulled away, though his hand still rested on my back as I stood next to him.

"Maybe we should," I replied, giving Rodolphus a smirk.

"Y/n!" Severus yelped. I punched his shoulder before breaking into laughter.

"Don't worry, we can't figure them out either," Lucius said as Tom Riddle gave us a confused look.

"That's part of our mystique," I replied. Once again the room filled with laughter and I turned toward Severus. He was glaring at me, though I could see a faint smile on his lips that he was trying hard to fight.

"Alright, lovebirds. Can we have some cake now or what?" Rodolphus asked, making his way toward Severus and I.

"Sure, we can have cake," I replied, winking at Severus before taking a seat at the table and allowing a house elf to place a bit of cake in front of me.

Small talk and congratulations filled the room as we finished eating our cake. People I had never met before were congratulating me and a strange sense of unity filled the room.

"So, Y/n..." Tom began and Severus placed a hand on my leg, his grip tightening as Tom continued. "I assume, by now, people are warning you to stay away from our little... group?" I chuckled at this, remembering all the people who had said those very words to me.

"Yes, though I'm not sure why. Besides, no one tells me who I can and can't spend time with... not anymore," I hissed, remembering how my uncle had beaten me, simply for spending time with Slytherins.

"Right you are, child," Tom responded, chuckling as the eyes in the room fell on me, small smirks on their faces. "You weren't kidding when you said she had the makings of a Slytherin, Rodolphus."

"Correct, my Lord. The hat took ten minutes to sort her and couldn't decide between Slytherin and Gryffindor for the last five minutes. These days she seems to be becoming more and more like a Slytherin."