The Blood From A Star: Dibolica | Mattheo Riddle

Chapter 5 - Speak your truth

The crisp morning air greets me and the weight of the week's classes and the burden of Mattheo momentarily slip away as I make my way down the sloping path towards Hogsmeade. The village came into view, nestled between rolling hills and kissed by the warm hues of autumn.

I stroll down the cobblestone street, crooked buildings line the way as I stop in front of Gladrags Wizardwear. I push open the creaking door, a tinkling bell announces my arrival and the warm embrace of colourful fabrics enveloped me.

A voice, filled with excitement, cuts through the air. "Finally, you're here." I follow the sound of the voice and find Daphne in the changing room, donned in a vibrant top, the emerald green fabric complementing her blonde hair. Pansy is to the left of me, browsing through the many racks of clothes and Blaise is sitting on a worn, leather couch in front of the changing rooms.

I walk over to sit with Blaise as Daphne twirls in the changing room. "What do you think of this top?" she asks, her eyes sparkling

"It's cute Daph, suits you." I nod in approval.

"Thank you" She beams, a smile forming on her lips. "See Blaise, Aurora thinks it's cute" Daphne declared, spinning to face him.

Blaise leans back on the couch, eyeing her critically "She's lying, you look like a fucking christmas tree." He states bluntly.

Daphne raises her eyebrow and looks Blaise up and down. "Coming from someone dressed like that, I don't even know why I asked you in the first place."

"You asked for my opinion, I'm just speaking my truth." He shrugs, putting his hands up defensively.

"No one gives a shit about your truth Zabini. Get it Daph." Pansy interjects, making her presence known.

Daphne gives Pansy a warm smile, but her attention quickly shifts as she spots a pretty purple dress hanging on a nearby rack. She hurries over to investigate, leaving Blaise and me in conversation.

I turn to Blaise curious. "I know you love shopping, but I didn't expect to see you here. Don't you have Quidditch practice?" I inquire, raising an eyebrow.

"Nah, got moved to later. Just looking for a gift," he replies casually, his eyes scanning the array of clothing.

"Ooooh, for who?" I prod.

Daphne interrupts with a dramatic sigh. "Ugh, don't get me started. I've been trying to get him to fess up all day, but he won't tell me who the poor girl is." She shoots Blaise a mockingly exasperated look.

I chuckle as I lean back on the couch. "Well you're not trying very hard to find her a gift."

Blaise shrugs a smirk playing on his lips "I've got ideas, I'm just contemplating."

Daphne lets out a little gasp and spins to Blaise with a red, lacy, v-cut top "What about this? She'll love it."

Blaise eyes the top briefly before shaking his head. "Nah, not her style."

I look around and notice a cute bag hanging from the shelf. "Ooooh, surely she'd like this." I say as I walk up from the couch to try it on myself.

"Nope." undeterred all 3 of us continue pulling out various clothes and accessories. However, every suggestion is met with a firm 'no'.

Daphne, growing frustrated, finally cracks it. "You're being impossible. Just tell us who this gift is for so we can help you pick something out."

Jokingly, I reach for an abominable bright yellow sweater with strange-looking flowers. "How about this?" I playfully suggest, holding it up.