𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒, ᵗᵒᵐ ʳⁱᵈᵈˡᵉ. ✓

006.

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The Slytherin common room was buzzing with energy, low conversations, and the occasional burst of laughter filling the dimly lit, dungeon-like space. The green and silver banners lining the walls seemed to shimmer in the flickering candlelight, casting long shadows that danced across the cold stone floors. It wasn't often that Slytherin house held parties like this, but tonight was special—end of exams, a momentary break from the pressures of ambition and bloodlines.

___

Daphne Rose sat in one of the plush armchairs by the fireplace, watching the crowd. She wasn't really in the mood for a party, but Bridget Hamilton, her best friend, had practically dragged her here. Tom Riddle stood nearby, his usual aloofness keeping a clear space around him despite the festivities. His eyes scanned the room, sharp and calculating, though he didn't seem particularly interested in the revelry. Bridget appeared by Daphne's side, her bright, mischievous eyes sparkling with excitement. Her chestnut hair was pinned back elegantly, and she looked effortlessly radiant, as always.

___

"Finally!" Bridget exclaimed, nudging Daphne with her elbow. "You're here. I thought you were going to hide in the library all night." Daphne rolled her eyes but smiled at her friend. "I'm here, aren't I?" "Barely." Bridget glanced over at Tom, who was still watching the room, though his gaze flickered toward them for a moment. "And I see you brought Mr. Dark and Mysterious with you. Did you have to bribe him to come?" Daphne smirked. "He came of his own accord."

___

"Shocking," Bridget said with a playful grin. She leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "Is it weird that he's... hovering? Like, what's the deal with you two?" Daphne shifted in her seat, glancing at Tom. He hadn't come with her exactly, but they had bumped into each other on the way to the party, and somehow, they had ended up standing side by side. It wasn't the first time he had hovered near her at a social gathering, though he rarely seemed to participate.

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"I don't know," Daphne admitted quietly. "But he's not as bad as everyone thinks. There's more to him." Bridget raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical, but before she could say anything more, a group of older Slytherins gathered in the center of the room caught her attention. They were setting up cushions in a circle, and someone had just pulled out a bottle of Firewhisky. "Oh, this looks interesting." Bridget grinned, grabbing Daphne's hand. "Come on. Let's join them!"

___

Daphne hesitated, glancing at the growing group. She wasn't sure if she was in the mood for whatever they were planning, but Bridget was already pulling her out of the chair. "Wait—" "Too late!" Bridget dragged her to the circle, and, to Daphne's surprise, Tom followed, his cool expression betraying no interest, but his presence speaks volumes.