𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐓 - Mattheo Riddle

3) 𝙇𝙞𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠

"As it's early on in the year," Mcgonogall spoke sternly, "I only have one assignment I want you all to complete by Friday. If it's not done by then; expect to see yourself in detention with the Weasleys."

It's the second day and we already have homework? I thought to myself, fighting the urge say it aloud. Unfortunately, I liked Mcgonogall, so of course I wouldn't actually say it out loud, but that doesn't mean I didn't want to.

Our class began to scramble from their seats and taking their wands off of their desks. I followed, sending Hermione a nod and heading toward the Libary as we had discussed earlier.

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Silence echoed the libary. The only audible sound was the writing of quills and small, dainty footsteps creaking onto the floorboards and the turning of book pages.

Did I promise myself i'd try my best to avoid libraries and start socialising? Maybe.

Did I commit to it? Nope.

Whatever. I hadn't had many opportunities to make friends or talk to anyone yet. I'd only really spoken to Harry, Ron and Hermione. And Mattheo, but he doesn't exactly count. I couldn't just expect an opportunity to land in my lap.

And as if on cue; an owl plummeted itself directly into the window behind me; forcing me to jump slightly and take notice of the letter that had fallen on the floor.

I tried to ignore the pit in my stomach that struck me in my abdomen over the stares I received as I stood up from my chair and held the piece of parchment in my hands.

'To Aurora' It read, making me delicately open the envelope and tilt my head slightly.

'I know your most likely going to say no, so I don't know why i'm even bothering to send you this letter, but please take it into consideration.

There is this exclusive Slytherin party coming up this Saturday and although it's only really meant for Slytherins, the host of the party has agreed to allow a select few members of other houses to join if the host approves of said person. I brought up you and they agreed to give you this invitation.

I know you hate parties but I know you said in our letters over the summer that you plan on trying to branch out more and meet new people and honestly I think this is the best way to start.

Please, just think about it.

Yours truly,
- Chloe Sallow'

Chloe. Possibly the only tolerable Slytherin.

I hated Slytherins, they were all stuck-up wealthy assholes who have grown up practically in a palace with everything handed to them on a silver platter. Chloe was different though. She was the only Slytherin that was genuinely down to earth and didn't give a shit about money. So despite my hatred for Slytherins; she was the only exception.

Me and her had become friends in second year in potions when Harry had taken a bludger to the head in Quidditch which meant I couldn't use him as my go-to Potions partner. Snape had partnered me up with Chloe and I was initially extremely shy until she cracked a joke about Snapes greasy hair which made us click pretty much straight afterward.

She was also just really cool. I sometimes catch myself almost fangirling over her. She doesn't care what anybody else thinks, she's funny if not damn right hilarious, she's smart, outgoing, the only girl on the Slytherin Quidditch team and not to mention her sick ancestry. Being a descendant of the legend Sebastian Sallow? Pretty cool to me.

"Hermione." I whispered, still holding the letter in my hand and walking back over to where we were studying.

"Hm?" Hermione looked up, her frizzy curls falling into place like dominoes.

"Chloe invited me to go to a party." I gulped, still speaking at a relevant volume.

Hermione furrowed an eyebrow, "Really? Which house is hosting it? I don't think Gryffindor is hosting any parties anytime soon-"

"Slytherin." I cleared my throat.

She shook her head, slamming her book shut. "You seriously are considering going to a Slytherin party?"

"Yes..."

I noticed Hermione lips tilt upward into a small smile in attempt to bite back a laugh. "You do realise their parties are all about alcohol and drugs, right? They're doing more than just chugging butterbeer in there."

I nodded, "Yes..."

"Okay." She pursed her lips, "When is this 'said' party?"

"Saturday." I spoke, still only being able to respond in one word answers as I expected a lecture from Hermione any second now.

"Saturday?!" She raised her voice slightly, "But that's when we are meant to be helping the house-elves out in the kitchen!"

I lowered my head, a sense of guilt entering my stomach again.

"It's fine. You should go." Hermione sighed, "It will be good for you... I think? I hope."

"Wait, seriously?" I could almost feel my face light up.

"Yes, fine." She laughed, holding a finger up. "But i'm not coming with you, your going alone."

"Got it." I laughed awkwardly, "I'll have Chloe as company, so i'll be fine."

"Good." Hermione reopened her book, "But please for the love of Godric do not try the alcohol or any drinks for that matter...who knows what they put in there."

I nodded. "Noted."

"What are you going to wear?" She diverted her eyes away from her book and back up at me.

"Oh uhm..." I hummed, "I hadn't thought about it."

"There's that trip to Hogsmeade tommorow, how about you go with Chloe and pick out a dress or something to wear?" Hermione added.

"Hm." I bit my lip, "I'll check my wardrobe first, I'm sure I brought something worthwhile."

I don't know why, but for a split second, even if it was just for a literal second. I was excited. Like actually excited.