𝒲𝒾𝓃𝓉ℯ𝓇 𝒲ℴ𝓃𝒹ℯ𝓇𝓁𝒶𝓃𝒹： 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓌 ℴ𝒻 𝓉𝒽ℯ ℱ𝓇ℴ𝓏ℯ𝓃 ℋℯ𝒶𝓇𝓉

𝐴 𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑅𝑒𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡： 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 1

*
"You want to go outside? Why, Rapunzel? Look at you, as fragile as a flower. Still a little sapling, just a sprout. You know why we stay up in this tower. I know but... That's right, to keep you safe and sound, dear."

**
Library - Entrance Hall

"That takes care of most of my required reading for class." Riddle murmured as he snapped his textbook shut. He rose from his seat at one of the library's long tables, tucking the book neatly under his arm. "With that out of the way... Maybe I'll check out some judicial texts while I'm here,"

He made his way toward the shelves, scanning titles with his usual precision. "I'm done with the books on this shelf, so these two should be next. I just need to check them out, and... Hm?" Riddle halted mid-thought as two familiar voices drifted across the quiet hall.

Jack Howl and Deuce Spade.

"You're looking for a book for a History of Magic assignment, right? Why are you checking the Health and Fitness section?" Jack asked, brows furrowing.

Deuce scratched his cheek with a sheepish grin. "Oh, sorry. Just got sidetracked. Let's see, where would books about magical history books be...?"

Riddle stepped closer, interjecting smoothly, "You'll find most of them in the History and Humanities section, though it depends on what you're looking for."

"Housewarden Riddle! Hello!" Deuce blurted, far too loudly for the setting.

"Don't speak so loudly, Deuce." Riddle scolded at once, his expression sharp. "You need to keep your voice down in the library."

"Yes, sir! Sorry, sir!" Deuce shouted back, stiff as a soldier at attention.

Jack muttered under his breath, "In one ear and out the other..."

With a small groan, Riddle pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're both looking for books to check out, I take it. If the two of you came together, I suppose that means the Track and Field Club's morning practice must be over."

"It is, but we didn't come together," Jack explained, rubbing at his neck. "I mentioned I was going to the library before class, and he invited himself along."

"It just worked out that way." Deuce protested. "We just both happened to have business at the library. That's all."

"Wrap up your bickering and pick out your books, you two. Class is about to start." Riddle ordered, eyes narrowing at the pair.

"Oh, you're right." Deuce straightened, glancing around in a mild panic. "Gotta find mine quick. Let's see, where's the history section again...? Ah, over here," He darted off toward the correct shelves, scanning quickly.

"I've got my pick in mind already..." Jack reached for a thick volume, sliding it neatly from its place. "And here it is. Better get this checked out quick."

"I was about to do the same..." Riddle said, turning toward the counter—only to pause, frown creasing his brow. "But I don't see anyone at the counter."

"Man, really?" Jack blinked, taken aback. "I thought they were supposed to have someone stationed there while the library's open to handle this sort of thing. You can't just put out a 'be back soon' sign and call it good. Who does that?"