All Over Her

Chapter 16: Spin the Bottle

I actually didn't mind going to potions for once. With Mattheo leaning in to being slightly tolerable, I didn't carry the same level of dread I always do. He was already at the desk when I walked in, reading a book I was unfamiliar with.
"Reading?" I asked.
"Am I so transparent?" He said in his tone.
I gave him a nasty face, putting down my things.
"Have you read this?" He asked.
"No I have not."
"Surprising, it's a very famous book."
"How is it surprising? Is my knowledge not to your level?" I said unamused.
"No actually. I meant to be genuine. It's the Picture of Dorian Gray."
"Hm. Nope, never read it." I was a bit embarrassed about my hostility but I hoped I could play it off.
"Don't tell me you can't help but talk to me like that now can you Cas?" He put the book down, now filling his face with a toothy smile.
"Focus on class, I see there's a reason you need me."
"Oh and I do need you so dearly." He teased me.
I rolled my eyes as Professor Slughorn walked in.
"Good Morning class, today there will be no lecture for any of your classes. There will be announcements for upcoming events happening at school tonight in the dining hall. Next class comes prepared to work. Dismissed."
Murmurs of excitement washed over the students.
"I guess I'm heading to your dorm sooner that we expected." Mattheo said.
Harry walked up to me, "Are you going back to the dorms J? Ron and I are going into the town for some snacks so we can have a little party at the Gryffindor common room with some of the other houses."
He looked at Mattheo. Harry was good at separating people and who they were associated with. He did not blame Mattheo for his father's actions. He did not blame Mattheo for his best friend's actions against Ziggy. While Mattheo was close to those that caused those in Harry's life pain, he did not blame him. What he did blame him for was being an ass to me.
"I guess my invitation will be lost in the mail then Potter?" Mattheo said.
Harry looked at me, signaling to ask for my permission. I just shrugged.
"Uh actually Riddle, you're welcome to come." Harry said slightly sheepishly.
I saw Ron's face being a bit puzzled, mixed with the urge to ask a question.
"Well then save space for me and four more." Mattheo said, he grabbed his things, walking to his friends.
I assumed he'd tell them all about our event.
"Are you sure you're okay with it Cas?" Ron asked me.
"I'm fine, I'm just worried about Zig because she hasn't been that close to Enzo in a very long time.. Maybe we should uninvite them."
Harry started, "No that's petty. And Lorenzo knows not to mess with Ziggy, especially when everyone's there."
"Yeah and George knows all about what happened between Lorenzo and Belle. He won't let him talk to her." Ron added.
I gave them a passing look, walking to the common room with them. When we got there all the curtains were drawn to make the room darker. Candles were lit with some food and drinks set up. The worst thing on there was beer so it shouldn't be as bad as the Slytherin party, but I find it rather dumb to be drinking this early in the day. George and Ziggy were lighting the fireplace, mostly Ziggy.
"George you don't start a fire like that.. Just here, let me show you." Ziggy said slightly annoyed.
Fred was sat on the couch watching them. As Harry and Ron diverged off to see if everything looked prepped I decided to sit with Fred.
"Hi Freddie." I said, throwing my legs onto his lap. He rested his arms on my leg, one hand laying on my thigh.
"Hello Cas, you excited for the party?"
"I should get changed out of my robes but other than that yes."
"I think you look just fine right now actually."
"Freddie you really don't get girls do you?"
"What?"
I got up, grabbing Ziggy away and taking her to the dorm so we could get ready together.
"Jamie, why'd you drag me so hard that hurt my wrist." She said, rubbing where my hand was.
"Enzo's gonna be coming." I said outright.
She paused, "What? Why?"
"Mattheo's bringing his friends."
"Woah woah when did Riddle become Mattheo?"
"Huh?"
"You never call him just Mattheo, are you good with him?"
"Sort of? We agreed to be tolerable to each other, I agreed to tutor him in potions."
"Jamie, I trust your judgment fully but I am telling you right now to be careful. Those boys might seem like good friends but they are not good boyfriends."
"Ziggy, I appreciate the concern honey but I'm just tutoring him, it's not like we're gonna fall madly in love."
She pressed her finger into the skin of her thumb, "I suppose so.."
"Let's get dressed Zig" I dug into her chest, "Here, wear this. Very cute and casual for this type of party." I handed her her blue plaid dress, directing her to go change.