Crimson || Tom Riddle [1]

𝖙𝖜𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖞 𝖙𝖜𝖔

The crisp, autumn air embraced the Hogwarts grounds as Professor Kettleburn led the sixth-year Care of Magical Creatures students just outside the Forbidden Forest. The leaves painted a tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, crunching beneath their feet with each step. A gentle breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves and the distant promise of rain.

Arabella walked alongside the group, her eyes scanning the area with a hint of boredom, until she spotted who she was looking for. Amber was intently observing a Bowtruckle perched on a nearby tree branch when Arabella approached. The tiny creature's irridescent wings glimmered in the sunlight, its delicate legs grasping the bark.

"Amber," she called out happily. "I've talked to the Hufflepuff Captain. You're trying out during lunch today."

Amber looked up from the Bowtruckle, her eyes sparkling with excitement, her face lighting up. "Really? Oh, thank you, Arabella! I owe you one!" she squealed, pulling Arabella into a tight embrace.

Arabella stood awkwardly, her arms limp at her sides before Amber released her. "You don't owe me anything, dear. I just like to get what I want, and I want to see you on that team. Show those boys how it's done. Please. I'll be watching from the stands, so don't think about disappointing me."

•••

Lunchtime had just begun and the Great Hall was buzzing with students eagerly devouring their meals. Arabella navigated through the crowds with ease, her eyes fixed on Edmund, who was sitting at the Slytherin table engrossed in conversation with the other Death Eaters. That also reminded Arabella about her job in recruiting the Black girl in the year below them and Valerie Lestrange which she planned to do soon.

"Edmund, darling," Arabella said as she approached him. "Follow me. You're needed,"

Edmund cocked his head to the side, a small smile on his face with his eyebrows scrunched together. "This is the second time in two days you're making me follow you. What is going on?"

She smirked. "Patience. You'll see."

Edmund excused himself from his friends and trailed behind Arabella, who led him out of the Great Hall and onto the quidditch grounds. Confusion was evident on Edmund's face as they approached Amber with her back turned to them who was talking to the Hufflepuff captain with a few members of the Hufflepuff team behind them.

She heard them approaching and quickly turned around while saying, "Oh, thank Merlin you're here—" she stopped short when she noticed Edmund. Edmund stopped walking when he noticed who it was.

Arabella also stopped, looking between them with a hopeful smile.

"Arabella," Edmund whisper-shouted, tearing his wide eyes away from Amber. "Why am I here?"

"I just thought you would want to watch Amber play, maybe cheer her on. She's a great quidditch player, you know?"

Amber looked at Arabella, panic in her eyes. "Arabella, what are you doing?"