Bound By Blood.

ch.18~ discarded.

"That was not only dangerous, but extremely stupid.

It doesn't matter how many moments we steal, they'll never be ours."

Recovered Translated Correspondents between Order Member Alexandra Brooks, to Death Eater Mattheo Riddle, 2005.

Hogwarts, 1997.

Mattheo.

I started my morning like another quidditch morning.

Early, and light breakfast, then straight to the pitch.

Everything was going perfectly fine.

Until Enzo came storming onto the pitch, and I could almost see the steam coming out of his ears.

I was intrigued on what the fuck could've possibly got him worked up this early, but I kept my head down and continued to stretch.

I didn't have the time, or the headspace this morning.

I just wanted to win this game, and get completely obliterated at the after parties.

"What the fuck is up your ass, Berkshire?" Theo laughed, as he continued his stretches next to me, "That not attitude to go into a game with."

"Its you!" Enzo quickly jerked his head towards Theo, "What do you hand your jerseys out to all your whores?!"

"What?" Theo let out a scoff, and I couldn't help my ears from tuning in, raising my head to listen.

"Brooks!" Enzo snapped, and I couldn't stop my head from completely raising to attention, "She's parading around in the fucking thing! Have you lost your mind, Nott?!"

Brooks was in Theo's jersey?

White. Hot. Rage fueled my veins.

I felt my blood run cold as Enzo's words sank in.

Brooks in Theo's jersey?

That was the last thing I needed to hear this morning.

I clenched my fists at my sides, simmering in a mixture of fury and confusion.

Part of me wanted to confront Theo right there, demanding answers, but another part knew that focusing on the game had to be my priority.

I couldn't show I cared about her.

I had to keep my anger in, without saying a word.

"Relax, mate," Theo said, waving a dismissive hand. "It's just a jersey. Plus, she looks damn good in green." He patted his own chest in a show of smugness, clearly pleased with himself.

I couldn't hit him before a game.

Fuck.

"Just a jersey?" Enzo snapped, disbelief coating his words. "Why the fuck would you give her, a jersey?!"

The moral high ground was a dangerous place, and I felt myself teetering on the edge as Theo shrugged.

"What can I say? She loves the team, and I'm a generous guy." He smirked, clearly enjoying my irritation.

I pressed my lips into a thin line, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. I had to keep my cool, not here.

Not now.

"Why don't you look at it this way: she's showing support for her favorite player," Theo continued, glancing at me with a challenging grin. "And by my count, that's me."