ONE WEEK BEFORE
The dungeon classroom was dimly lit, the flickering torchlight casting eerie shadows on the ancient stone walls. The air was thick with the scent of potion ingredients, a mix of herbs, roots, and something metallic that hung heavy in the air. The cauldrons simmered gently on the wooden desks, their contents bubbling softly as Professor Slughorn's voice droned on about the properties of moonstone in elixirs of longevity.
"What are you doing?" A rough, yet soft voice was heard next to the dark-haired girl, snapping her attention toward the two friends beside her.
Enzo and Avery were bickering, as usual, it was almost as if they were siblings. Lola wanted to roll her eyes at the sight, as Enzo looked irritated underneath his stoic and sharp expression. The blonde girl's head was leaned up against Enzo's shoulder.
"Sleeping," Avery mumbled, a small snort escaping her throat as her eyes fluttered open and winked over at Lola.
"When did I become your fucking pillow?" Enzo bit back, his words holding a light tone as if he didn't care. Yet, of course, he wouldn't admit that.
"Shhh, pillows don't speak or move," Avery whispered, holding back a laugh that threatened to escape her lips.
Enzo's cold eyes darted toward the dark-haired girl beside him, his eyes full of irritation as he jokingly mouthed 'Help me.' Lola rolled her eyes as she slumped back in her seat, her eyes darting back over in a bored manner over at the professor, who continued to ramble on about nonsense things.
Next to Lola sat one of her brothers, Tom Riddle, whose dark eyes as calculating as ever washed over the room, taking in every detail of the classroom with a silent intensity that made even the bravest students uneasy.
Lola noticed how her brother had been glaring daggers into the back of the new addition to their class, Regulus Black. His presence had been a point of contention since his arrival. Even though he was a Slytherin, his cold demeanor had done little to endear him to the others.
He was almost like Tom Riddle in a way, and that was what set the Riddle brother off. It was honestly pathetic of him, and Lola couldn't help but roll her eyes. It wasn't a surprise though, he hated everyone.
But, instead of teasing him like she normally did, her eyes roamed over the Gryffindor girl that sat a few seats away from Regulus Black, Hermione Granger. The sight of the brunette girl ticked the dark-haired girl off tremendously. Between the two of them, they always were the best in their class.
Lola wanted to be the best. Obviously.
"Alright, I'll be handing out your previous test scores." Professor Slughorn lazily announced, not seeming enthused about the results of the exam. "Maybe one day you all will learn to actually pay attention in class."
Professor Slughorn begun passing out the scores at the front of the classroom. The quiet murmurs from students begun as more and more people got the results.
Lola could hear Avery and Enzo both muttering 'fuck' under their breaths at the same time, making the dark haired girl snort slightly as she shook her head. She appeared calm, her eyes fixed on Slughorn as he moved from desk to desk. A storm of anticipation brewed underneath her composed exterior.
Finally, Slughorn reached their table. He placed the parchment papers before Tom and Lola with a slight nod, a rare gesture of acknowledgment. Lola's eyes scanned the paper, and a small, satisfied smirk played on her lips. Perfect marks, as expected.
