Heaven's Riddle: Unveiling Secrets of Love and Magic || T.M.R x OC x D.M

Familial Riddles

"Draco?" I asked, feeling puzzled.

But as I turned around to see Romeo in the room, everything suddenly grew dark around me. A woman's scream pierced the air, sending a shiver down my spine. I sensed something unearthly, a creature resembling a dark reptile, slithering out from the shadows. The crawling sound and a musty odor filled the air.

"Aaaahhh!" I tried to scream, but my voice wouldn't come out. It felt like a heavy weight was pressing on my chest, then a sudden jolt, and everything fell silent. Birds chirped outside, and warm sunlight gently touched my face. Slowly, I opened my eyes to find Romeo's worried face hovering over mine. "Darling, what happened? Are you okay? You were shouting in your sleep," he said, his words failing to reach me. Trembling with fear, I reached out and touched his cheek, questioning if I was still dreaming.

He paused, looking at me with a softened expression. Tenderly, he kissed my palm and ran his fingers through my hair. "Kitty, everything's alright now. You're awake. See? I can kiss you. Muaaaah!" His voice, sweet as honey, warmed my ears, and I couldn't help but laugh at his goofiness. Nodding in assurance, I managed a smile at him.

All of a sudden, I remembered being in Hogwarts' garden with him yesterday, but now I found myself in a room that clearly wasn't part of the teachers' quarters. Confusion brewed within me. Where were we? Then, something unexpected caught my eye. Through the window, I glimpsed a stunning garden. The same bush of white roses, the familiar angel fountain! I turned to Romeo, a question forming on my lips. "Where are we, Romeo?"

He smiled gently and replied, "My house."

"Your house?" I questioned, knowing he wasn't telling the truth. I know it couldn't be his house.
But before I could protest, he explained, "Not exactly my house, but my maternal uncle's house. The Christmas holiday just started today, and you fell asleep on my lap last night at midnight. I thought it'd be better for you to rest in a peaceful place because the weird sisters are blasting there, so I apparated us here. I'm staying here for the holidays, so don't worry if you want you can stay with us. This mansion has many rooms so it's not gonna create any problem."

Still perplexed, I asked, "Your maternal uncle's house?"

"Yes. And don't worry, we didn't sleep in the same room, and I didn't even touch your dress to change, so don't overthink about any clichés," he reassured me. Glancing down, I noticed my party gown was still on, damp from the nightmare. "Oh...thanks, but you didn't have to go through all this trouble for me," I murmured.Feeling utterly baffled and overwhelmed, I couldn't make sense of anything.

"Come on, don't say that. Taking care of you is my duty. You don't bother me, kitty. Let's go downstairs for breakfast. Everyone is waiting for us there," he urged.

"Everyone?" I inquired.

"Yes, I'll introduce you to my uncle. You probably already know him, but after all I'm a gentleman," he winked.

His words lingered in my mind. Did I know his uncle? Determined to find answers to the doubts clouding my thoughts, I followed Romeo, seeking clarification.

As I strolled alongside Romeo, I couldn't help but notice his effortless charm in a simple black cotton shirt and trousers. Despite freshening up and attempting to fix my makeup mishaps, I felt like a mess. Men and their unfair ability to always look put together! I grumbled inwardly.

"Pfft!" He chuckled.

I glanced at him with a raised eyebrow. "Why are you laughing?"

"Whenever you're irritated, you look adorable, kitty! Like a feisty little kitten," he teased.

"Ugh, stop it, Romeo! Your teasing isn't helping my mood," I grumbled.

"And I love doing that!" He flashed a mischievous grin.

Finally reaching the dining hall downstairs, I was taken aback. It felt like my head was spinning. Sitting before us were none other than the owner of the mansion, Romeo's uncle Lucius Malfoy! And beside him sat Draco Malfoy. Everything feels so tangled right now. I can't wrap my head around what's happening. I was certain we were at Malfoy Manor when I glimpsed the garden, but I couldn't comprehend how. Why didn't either of them mention they're cousins? Oh, now it's coming back to me—yesterday evening, when I accidentally bumped into Draco and Romeo stepped in, he referred to Draco as "brother." But there's always been an unspoken tension between them. And neither of them disclosed their relation to each other! But why?

Glancing at the dining table, I noticed Lucius sporting a sly, mocking smile on his lips. Draco, on the other hand... his expression was inscrutable. No smile; lips in a thin line, clenched jaws, and his eyes—those eyes held a familiar, unspoken sadness, reminiscent of the first time I met him at King's Cross Station. I need to speak with him, but how can I do that in front of everyone?

Suddenly, Lucius spoke up.
"Oh, what a delightful couple I see. Young love, young love! I miss those days. Romeo, your choice is excellent, and Miss Scamander, I did mention we'd meet again! See? Here we are, under the same roof! Though circumstances have changed. Did you sleep well, Miss Scamander? Or do you both need more time to rest?" He glanced teasingly at Romeo, his words carrying a hint of mockery, arrogance, and something darker that I sensed. Romeo blushed, smiling at his uncle. "Oh, uncle, please stop! Let me introduce her properly. This is Celia..."

"Romeo, there's no need to introduce me to your uncle!" I interrupted, my jaw clenched as I stared directly at Lucius Malfoy. "He knows me, and I'm well acquainted with him. And to set things straight, Mr. Malfoy, I'm not that desperate to 'rest' anywhere and under any conditions! I apologize deeply for any inconvenience caused to you and your family during these holidays."

"You're not causing any trouble, Celia. Trust me, I'm the one who brought you here," Romeo said gently, standing by my side. His touch was reassuring as he softly held my hand, urging me to regain my composure. I closed my eyes, trying to shake off the unnecessary drama I was creating. Taking a deep breath, I nodded and slowly opened my eyes. "I... I apologize, everyone. I didn't mean to overreact."

Lucius Malfoy chuckled. "Young lady, it's alright! We're not bothered by it, truly. Isn't that right, Draco?" He glanced at his son, who remained absorbed in reading the newspaper and sipping his coffee.

"Young blood always tends to act rashly, thinking they're infallible," Lucius continued with a hint of wisdom. "But heed this old man's advice and beware of accidents. Now, please, take a seat, children. Let the house elves serve you. I trust you already know Zeka?"

I nodded affirmatively. Romeo then pulled out a chair for me, and we both took our seats.