𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 ✔︎ ━ 𝖱𝖨𝖣𝖣𝖫𝖤

𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄: 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐔𝐋

I tried not to pay much attention to what they were saying, but the constant snickering and side eyes I had been receiving was too much to handle.

Pretty soon we started the flying lessons. I was given a broomstick and I slipped off my robe and put on the quidditch uniform.

We were directed to hop on our broomsticks and I followed the instructions as my fellow Ravenclaw students hopped onto their rides.

We flew around the courtyard, but considering my lack of experience I was at the back trying my best to stay on the broomstick while also worrying about not making it back last.

As we raced back to the courtyard I looked over to see Zachary staring me down with a winning look- as if he knew he would make it to the finish line before I could.

I pushed my body forward and tightened my fingers around the broomstick, trying to make it to the finish life before Zachary, but considering his skill and my inexperience, it was only formidable that he arrived first.

I crossed over the imaginary finish line moments after he did. My whole body had gone immediately sore after I used every ounce of my weight to push the broomstick faster.

The moment I crossed over the finish line, I let my body relax and I allowed myself to jump off the broomstick and watch as the final players zoomed across the line.

I was heaving from exhaustion, but I was glad to not be the last one to cross over. Zachary, Nicholas, and the Slytherins were all congratulating one another for being the first full team to finish.

As I was changing from my quidditch uniform back into my robe, Nicholas waltzed over with a prideful smirk plastered onto his face.

The moment I saw him my expression went from even and subtle to inconvenced and bleak. His hand pressed onto my shoulder and his dark blue eyes stared into mine.

"You're not as bad as I thought you'd be." He said with a menacing grin. His jaw clenched after he spoke, like he was pushing himself not to say more.

"And you're just as much of a prick as I thought you'd be." I replied. Finally I had lost my temper. He was no longer just ticking me off, now he was tipping me over the edge.

"Someone sounds rather cocky today." He said, expression unreadable. I hadn't the slightest clue why exactly he was so prideful, so temperamental, but all I knew is that I wanted nothing to do with him.

"Come with me." He turned around, walking toward one of the entrances into the school. I looked around to see everyone else heading in. It was myself and Nicholas left in the courtyard, though he was making his way inside.

But I would absolutely refuse to follow Nicholas, even if we were the last two people on earth.

I turned and headed the opposite direction, into one of the entryways. The school was cold, but tolerable. It was refreshing to go from dreadfully warm to a medium, even temperature.

I headed toward the Ravenclaw common room, ignoring every since look I got, whether they had been good or bad looks.

Ever since I arrived, or maybe ever since the Riddle brothers had taken a liking to me, everyone, except for a decent few people had turned a confused, or perhaps conceded eye toward me.

I guess being even in close proximity of the Riddle twins has given me a bad word to all of the other students.

Just as I was making it down the hallway, the end of the hall in sight where the Ravenclaw entry was, a freezing cold hand slid onto my wrist, pulling me into the shadows.

The figure- person- placed me in front of them, then poked their wand on my lower back, as if saying I could only go forward.

I kept the silence, the overwhelming silence as the wand inched into my back as I walked, to wherever I was being led.

Within a few moments I was being led down a staircase that was hidden in one of the back hallways. In fact, it was so hidden that not even Dumbledore had found it.

It was cold, damp, and water trickled down the edges of the mossy stone which formed a wall. My arms were lined with goosebumps, but not because of the coolness, but because of the person that turned around.

I turned my body to face them- the person- the creature that had led me down to this place with a wand poking into my back.

Curly brownish black hair, the same that Zachary and Nicholas had sitting on their heads. Shimmering blue eyes, with an obvious outline of black. An arrow like nose, medium lips, and gracious cheekbones.

Tom Riddle is his name. I've seen him in the papers, even drawings of him because he's been wanted throughout the Wizarding World for many, many years.

"Someone told me you've been very naughty." He said with a low voice, lips pulling into a marveling grin. His eyes, though full of evil, sparkled with a small ounce of satisfaction.

"Let me guess, that someone is Nicholas." I asked with a tilt of my head. His expression didn't chance, but he did nod with agreement. Of course it was Nicholas.

"Indeed it was. He told me that you're not scared of him. Even Zachary and his gift can confirm that you are not scared of us- The Riddle Brothers," He stated with a firm tone. "Which confuses me, Anastasia. Everyone is scared of us." He finished.

I whisped in a long breath of air as he finished his sentence, thinking of something decently humane to say. "I guess I'm not everyone then, hm?" I answered with a piercing gaze into his eyes.

"Which brings me to my next point- that you should be kinder to my brothers. They are deadly, and tend to kill those who defy them." He said evenly, nothing but blankness in his tone.

I knew he was right. I knew Tom Riddle- out of all people was right. He was correct that Zachary and Nicholas are evil, ruthless, that I sincerely shouldn't be so defying to them, even if they are killers. I could be next if I wasn't careful.

"I'm not afraid of death, not of them either, and most certainly I'm not afraid of you." I said firmly, flexing my feet beneath my shoe as if standing my ground.

I've never really been scared of much. As a child I liked the dark, I liked the shadows on the wall. I liked leaving my closet open, even despite the other children saying monsters hid behind the closed doors.

I've always been an odd person, especially an old child. My fears have never been deadly, or even hurtful.

"Choose your words carefully Greendale, they could be your last." He said with a sly grin. I furrowed my brows together for a moment, then decided not to let his statement reckon me.

"Have a fantastic evening, Tom." I said as I turned, sarcasm spiking in my voice. I walked up the steel stairs heavily, allowing his eyes to follow me as I walked. Though, I didn't look at him.

I emerged back into the dark hallway, which was still quiet. I wrapped around a few corners then arrived back inside the safety of the Ravenclaw common room.