Bound By Blood.

ch.11~ Take it off.

"That fucking crossed every line and you know it. What the fuck is actually wrong with you?! Wait."

Recovered translated correspondents between Death Eater Mattheo Riddle, to Order Member Alexandra Brooks, 2004.

Hogwarts, 1997.

Alexandra.

I cannot believe I agreed to go on a date with Theodore Nott.

In the moment, it felt right to say yes.

I knew after my confrontation with Lorenzo, and then Riddles random outburst about me speaking to his friends, this is exactly what I needed to throw them over the edge.

I truly don't even know why I wanted to so badly, I just did.

But now, on my walk to the Three Broom Sticks, I couldn't help but regret this whole thing.

As I approached the familiar tavern, the cozy warmth spilling from the open door and the sound of laughter and chatter inside only added to my unease. It was always buzzing with life, a refuge where Hogwarts students gathered for a butterbeer or a quick snack, but today, it felt like a spotlight was shining down on me, exposing every ounce of self-doubt I harbored.

I could have easily grabbed a drink with a friend or studied in the library.

I had a million reasons to back out, yet here I was, the consequences of my impulsive decision blooming in my chest like an unwelcome weed.

There was something undeniably charismatic about Theodore Nott—his brooding demeanor and clever wit had always drawn me in, even when I was keenly aware of the warnings surrounding his name.

He wasn't the absolute worst person to be on a date with.

I just knew I wasn't here for an actual date.

He was merely a play thing, to get the other two rilled up.

I was here first, and something in me wasn't shocked about that.

I made my way to an empty table, on the side nearest the windows, and sat.

As I settled into my chair, the warm glow from the enchanted lamps flickered softly, casting a golden hue around me. I rested my elbows on the table, fiddling with the hem of my sweater.

Despite knowing I wasn't here for anything serious, the shadow of Theodore's impending arrival loomed in my mind.

Looking out the window, I could see the rain begin to fall gently outside.

I loved it here, the beauty never failed to amaze me.

But this wasn't a moment for daydreaming.

I had thrown myself into a web of emotions and motives, and I needed to keep it all under control.

"Hey, sorry I'm late!"

The sound of Theodore's voice pulled me back to reality.

I turned to find him standing there, slightly winded, his cheeks flushed from the cold.

He looked... good? His hair was tousled, but in away that looked intentional. In a dark green sweater that accentuated his frame.

Like I said, not the worst person to be on a date with.

"It's fine," I replied, forcing a smile despite the whirlwind of nerves swirling in my stomach. "I've only been here a few minutes."

He slid into the chair across from me, shaking off the rain drops that had settled on his coat. "Good, I was worried I kept you waiting." His eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "So, is this where we pretend to enjoy a casual date?"